bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reining in the Behemoths for the Common Good? An Analysis of State Control of State-Owned Enterprises and the Pathway to Better Governance in China
Authors: Xun Sarah Xiao , Weng Charlie Xiao-chuan
Published: July 2024

The state-owned enterprise (SOE) is the most significant business form in China. In the planned economy era, the state employed SOEs to implement economic policy and to provide employment opportunities. After entering the marketization era, the state still expects SOEs to preserve the state assets and fulfill political goals, notwithstanding the governance issues facing SOEs. SOEs do not generally perform as well as private corporations worldwide and the existing literature attempts to explain the reasons for poor governance problems from many different perspectives. SOEs in China have many distinctive characteristics compared to their counterparts overseas. The ways in which the state exercises its control over SOEs are the primary reasons for creating the vital distinctive characteristics that invite SOEs’ poor governance problems in China. The three most significant problems are discussed here. First, over-politicization and bureaucracy lower SOEs’ operational efficiency. Second, the board of directors (BOD) fails to perform its traditional role in corporate governance in serving the corporate interests. Third, the comprehensive involvement of the Communist Party in China (CPC) needs to be regulated and the accountability of internal organs should be extended to the party committees within the companies. We submit that the existing SOE supervision and control methods need to be changed to clarify the for-profit purpose of SOEs. The BOD needs uninterrupted business management power and the party activities should follow party rules and company law to make party cadres accountable for their business decisions.
Geospatial assessment of built environment on land surface temperature in district Sheikhupura, Punjab Pakistan
Authors: Ashraf Taimoor , Aslam Jazeela , Mehmood Muhammad Sajid , Ahamad Muhammad Irfan , Rehman Adnanul
Published: July 2024

The built environment is associated with higher air and surface temperatures in urban areas compared to rural counterparts. This study focuses on the Sheikhupura district in Punjab, Pakistan, where rapid urbanization and deforestation have significantly impacted land surface temperature (LST) from 2000 to 2020. Utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) techniques, four Landsat images from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) were analyzed to assess spatiotemporal variations in LULC and LST. The single infrared channel approach was employed to calculate LST, and LULC maps were created using supervised classification for the years 2000, 2010, and 2020. The results indicate a substantial increase in built-up areas from 66.9708 square kilometers in 2000 to 259.8147 square kilometers in 2020, accompanied by a significant reduction in vegetation and agricultural land. Correspondingly, the maximum LST rose from 28.9354 °C in 2000 to 31.5173 °C in 2020, highlighting the urban heat island effect. Zonal statistics revealed a decrease in mean high temperatures from 24.45 to 20.3 °C over the same period, suggesting variability in temperature distribution due to changes in land cover types. These findings underscore the need for sustainable urban planning to mitigate the adverse effects of urbanization on local climates. Future work should focus on developing strategies to increase green spaces and reforestation efforts to counteract rising temperatures. Additionally, further research is recommended to explore the long-term impacts of these changes on local biodiversity and ecosystem services, providing a holistic approach to urban sustainability.
Association of endothelial function and lower extremity perfusion in	peripheral artery disease
Authors: Li Kangbo , Dai Mengjun , Sacirovic Mesud , Pagonas Nikolaos , Ritter Oliver , Kah Janine , Lauxmann Martin A. , Bramlage Peter , Bondke Persson Anja , Buschmann Ivo , Hillmeister Philipp
Published: July 2024

Summary: Background: The current study aims to investigate the association between endothelial function and lower extremity perfusion in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Patients and methods: In total 229 patients with PAD (Rutherford stage 0–3) were enrolled in the current study. Endothelial function was assessed by measuring flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and endothelial cell proliferation capacity (ECPC). Lower extremity perfusion was assessed by measuring oscillometry-based ankle brachial index (oABI) and pulse wave index (PWI). In addition, carotid intima-media-thickness (cIMT) was also measured as a surrogate marker for atherosclerosis. Correlations between FMD, ECPC, oABI, PWI, and cIMT were analysed using Pearson correlation coefficient. The relationship between the above variables and the severity of PAD was investigated using ordinal logistic regression analysis. Results: Correlation analysis showed that FMD negatively associated with PWI (r = –0.183, p = 0.005), ECPC positively associated with oABI (r = 0.162, p = 0.014), and oABI negatively associated with PWI (r = –0.264, p < 0.001). Ordinal logistic regression analysis showed that ECPC ( β = –0.009, p = 0.048), oABI ( β = -5.290, p < 0.001), and age ( β = −0.058, p = 0.002) negatively associated with the PAD Rutherford stages. In addition, PWI ( β = 0.006, p < 0.001), cIMT ( β = 18.363, p = 0.043) positively associated with the PAD Rutherford stages. Conclusions: Endothelial function significantly associates with lower extremity perfusion in patients with PAD, and both are related to the severity of PAD.
Prior Attitude, Individualism and Perceived Scientists’ Expertise
Authors: Zhu Yicheng , Xu Jinghong , Zhang Rukun , Lan Duo , Jiang Yulou
Published: July 2024

Abstract: On Chinese social media, the stigmatization of homosexuals is tightly connected to the belief that they have a higher risk of contraction than others. However, scientists’ estimation of such risks is selectively framed on media outlets, and could cause confusion about and even polarization around the topic. In the theoretical framework of motivated reasoning, the current study showcases a cognition-intention link in the processing of scientific information regarding homosexuals’ high HIV/AIDS prevalence in China. An online survey experiment ( N = 695) using different emphasis frames of the findings from a scientific report shows that ad hoc identification with homosexuals’ rights, and individualism, strongly moderates the direct effect of exposure to different messages on intention of message forwarding, and also the indirect effect mediated by the perception of scientists’ expertise.
Vertical Structure and Energetic Constraints for a Backscatter Parameterization of Ocean Mesoscale Eddies
Authors: Yankovsky Elizabeth , Bachman Scott , Smith K. Shafer , Zanna Laure
Published: July 2024

Mesoscale eddies modulate the stratification, mixing, tracer transport, and dissipation pathways of oceanic flows over a wide range of spatiotemporal scales. The parameterization of buoyancy and momentum fluxes associated with mesoscale eddies thus presents an evolving challenge for ocean modelers, particularly as modern climate models approach eddy‐permitting resolutions. Here we present a parameterization targeting such resolutions through the use of a subgrid mesoscale eddy kinetic energy budget (MEKE) framework. Our study presents two novel insights: (a) both the potential and kinetic energy effects of eddies may be parameterized via a kinetic energy backscatter, with no Gent‐McWilliams along‐isopycnal transport; (b) a dominant factor in ensuring a physically‐accurate backscatter is the vertical structure of the parameterized momentum fluxes. We present simulations of 1/2° and 1/4° resolution idealized models with backscatter applied to the equivalent barotropic mode. Remarkably, the global kinetic and potential energies, isopycnal structure, and vertical energy partitioning show significantly improved agreement with a 1/32° reference solution. Our work provides guidance on how to parameterize mesoscale eddy effects in the challenging eddy‐permitting regime.
Automated River Substrate Mapping From Sonar Imagery With Machine Learning
Authors: Bodine C. S. , Buscombe D. , Hocking T. D.
Published: July 2024

Knowledge of the variation and distribution of substrates at large spatial extents in aquatic systems, particularly rivers, is severely lacking, impeding species conservation and ecosystem restoration efforts. Recreation‐grade side‐scan sonar (SSS) instruments have demonstrated their unparalleled value as a low‐cost scientific instrument capable of efficient and rapid imaging of the benthic environment. However, existing methods for generating georeferenced data sets from these instruments, especially substrate maps, remain a barrier of adoption for scientific inquiry due to the high degree of human intervention and required expertise. To address this shortcoming, we introduced PING‐Mapper, an open‐source and freely available Python‐based software for automatically generating geospatial benthic data sets from popular Humminbird® instruments reproducibly. The previously released Version 1.0 of the software provided automated workflows for exporting georeferenced sonar imagery. This study extends functionality with version 2.0 by incorporating semantic segmentation with deep neural networks to reproducibly map substrates at large spatial extents. We present a novel approach for generating label‐ready sonar data sets, creating label‐image training sets, and model training with transfer learning; all with open‐source tools. The six‐class substrate model achieves an overall accuracy of 78% and the best performing class achieves 91%. Grouping substrates into three classes further improves the overall accuracy (87%) and best performing class accuracy (94%). Additional workflows enable masking sonar shadows, calculating independent bed picks and correcting attenuation effects in the imagery to improve interpretability. This software provides an improved mechanism for automatically mapping substrate distribution from recreation‐grade SSS systems, thereby lowering the barrier for inclusion in wider aquatic research.
Skin carotenoid scores and metabolic syndrome in a general Japanese population: the Hisayama study
Authors: Kimura Yasumi , Hata Jun , Shibata Mao , Honda Takanori , Sakata Satoko , Furuta Yoshihiko , Oishi Emi , Kitazono Takanari , Ninomiya Toshiharu
Published: July 2024

Background

Higher vegetable intake is being promoted as an initiative to prevent lifestyle-related diseases. Carotenoids are yellow or red pigment components and are widely present in vegetables. Since ingested carotenoids accumulate in the skin, skin carotenoid levels are a quantitative indicator of vegetable intake. Recently, noninvasive optical sensors for assessing skin carotenoid levels were developed. We here examined the association between skin carotenoid scores measured using optical sensors and the presence of metabolic syndrome.

Methods

A total of 1618 individuals (604 men and 1014 women) aged ≥ 40 years (mean age 63.1 years) participated in the study. Skin carotenoid scores were determined using a noninvasive optical sensor based on multiple spatially resolved reflectance spectroscopy. Metabolic syndrome was defined based on the Joint Scientific Statement criteria developed by six international scientific societies. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models were used.

Results

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 31.3% (n = 506). A remarkably strong association was found between higher skin carotenoid scores and lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome after adjusting for confounders. The multivariable-adjusted odds ratio for the presence of metabolic syndrome in individuals with the highest quartile of skin carotenoid scores was 0.39 (95% confidence interval, 0.28–0.55) compared to those with the lowest quartile.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that higher skin carotenoid scores measured by non-invasive optimal sensors are significantly associated with a lower likelihood of having metabolic syndrome in the general Japanese population.
Clinical assessment of breastfeeding in preterm infants
Authors: Kinoshita Meredith , White Martin J. , Doolan Anne
Published: July 2024

Breastmilk confers empirical benefits for preterm infants, however direct breastfeeding rates in this population remain low. For preterm infants, it may be useful to assess the volume of breastmilk transferred from mother to baby when breastfeeding, particularly during transition to oral feeding when breastfeeding attrition is high. Establishing breastfeeding in preterm infants is complex and without knowledge of milk intake during breastfeeds there is risk of inaccurate feed supplementation with subsequent effects on growth and nutrition. Here we review the evidence for clinical assessments of breastfeeding in preterm infants including test weighing, use of isotope labelled water and clinical observation tools designed to estimate adequacy of breastfeeds. Test weighing is a validated measurement, however requires rigorous protocols and further investigation in small infants. Use of isotope labelled water is a validated technique but, due to sampling requirements, reflects intake over days and weeks instead of individual feeds. Clinical observation tools assessed in preterm infants, have not been shown to reflect volumes of breastmilk intake. While current methods have limitations, the goal is to identify measurement tools to be used as temporary aids to facilitate transition to direct breastfeeding while minimising risk of inaccurate supplementation.
A complete chromosome substitution mapping panel reveals genome-wide epistasis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wijnen Cris L. , Botet Ramon , van de Belt José , Deurhof Laurens , de Jong Hans , de Snoo C. Bastiaan , Dirks Rob , Boer Martin P. , van Eeuwijk Fred A. , Wijnker Erik , Keurentjes Joost J. B.
Published: July 2024

Chromosome substitution lines (CSLs) are tentatively supreme resources to investigate non-allelic genetic interactions. However, the difficulty of generating such lines in most species largely yielded imperfect CSL panels, prohibiting a systematic dissection of epistasis. Here, we present the development and use of a unique and complete panel of CSLs in Arabidopsis thaliana, allowing the full factorial analysis of epistatic interactions. A first comparison of reciprocal single chromosome substitutions revealed a dependency of QTL detection on different genetic backgrounds. The subsequent analysis of the complete panel of CSLs enabled the mapping of the genetic interactors and identified multiple two- and three-way interactions for different traits. Some of the detected epistatic effects were as large as any observed main effect, illustrating the impact of epistasis on quantitative trait variation. We, therefore, have demonstrated the high power of detection and mapping of genome-wide epistasis, confirming the assumed supremacy of comprehensive CSL sets.
GEB-YOLO: a novel algorithm for enhanced and efficient detection of foreign objects in power transmission lines
Authors: Zheng Jiangpeng , Liu Hao , He Qiuting , Hu Jinfu
Published: July 2024

Detecting foreign objects in power transmission lines is essential for mitigating safety risks and maintaining line stability. Practical detection, however, presents challenges including varied target sizes, intricate backgrounds, and large model weights. To address these issues, this study introduces an innovative GEB-YOLO model, which balances detection performance and quantification. Firstly, the algorithm features a lightweight architecture, achieved by merging the GhostConv network with the advanced YOLOv8 model. This integration considerably lowers computational demands and parameters through streamlined linear operations. Secondly, this paper proposes a novel EC2f mechanism, a groundbreaking feature that bolsters the model’s information extraction capabilities. It enhances the relationship between weights and channels via one-dimensional convolution. Lastly, the BiFPN mechanism is employed to improve the model’s processing efficiency for targets of different sizes, utilizing bidirectional connections and swift feature fusion for normalization. Experimental results indicate the model’s superiority over existing models in precision and mAP, showing improvements of 3.7 and 6.8%, respectively. Crucially, the model’s parameters and FLOPs have been reduced by 10.0 and 7.4%, leading to a model that is both lighter and more efficient. These advancements offer invaluable insights for applying laser technology in detecting foreign objects, contributing significantly to both theory and practice.
Design, synthesis, in vitro, and in silico anti-α-glucosidase assays of N-phenylacetamide-1,2,3-triazole-indole-2-carboxamide derivatives as new anti-diabetic agents
Authors: Sayahi Mohammad Hossein , Zareei Samira , Halimi Mohammad , Alikhani Majid , Moazzam Ali , Mohammadi-Khanaposhtani Maryam , Mojtabavi Somayeh , Faramarzi Mohammad Ali , Rastegar Hossein , Taslimi Parham , Ibrahim Essam H. , Ghramh Hamed A. , Larijani Bagher , Mahdavi Mohammad
Published: July 2024

In this work, a novel series of N-phenylacetamide-1,2,3-triazole-indole-2-carboxamide derivatives 5a–n were designed by consideration of the potent α-glucosidase inhibitors containing indole and carboxamide-1,2,3-triazole-N-phenylacetamide moieties. These compounds were synthesized by click reaction and evaluated against yeast α-glucosidase. All the newly title compounds demonstrated superior potency when compared with acarbose as a standard inhibitor. Particularly, compound 5k possessed the best inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase with around a 28-fold improvement in the inhibition effect in comparison standard inhibitor. This compound showed a competitive type of inhibition in the kinetics. The molecular docking and dynamics demonstrated that compound 5k with a favorable binding energy well occupied the active site of α-glucosidase.
Analytical quaternion-based bias estimation algorithm for fast and accurate stationary gyro-compassing
Authors: Mohammadkarimi H. , Mozafari S. , Alizadeh M. H.
Published: July 2024

This work introduces a novel approach to Strapdown Inertial Navigation System (SINS) alignment, distinct from recursive methods like Kalman filtering. The proposed methodology expedites bias error calculations by utilizing quaternion-based analytical relationships, which bypasses the slow convergence behavior associated with recursive algorithms, particularly in azimuth angle error estimation. In addition, the proposed approach demonstrates comparable accuracy to traditional fine alignment methods. Simulations and experiments validate that in contrast to the 10-min time requirement of traditional fine alignment methods (for azimuth angle estimation in stationary conditions), the proposed approach achieves the same accuracy within 20 s. However, limitations exist as the algorithm is applicable only in stationary conditions, and necessitating a high-grade IMU capable of measuring the earth’s rotation rate.
Adaptive fixed-time fuzzy containment control for uncertain nonlinear multiagent systems with unmeasurable states
Authors: Liu Ruixia , Xing Lei , Zhong Yongjian , Deng Hong , Zhong Weichao
Published: July 2024

This paper addresses the adaptive fixed-time fuzzy containment control for uncertain nonlinear multiagent systems, where the states and nonlinear functions are not feasible for the controller design. To address the issue of unmeasurable states, a state observer is developed, and fuzzy logic systems are utilized to approximate unknown nonlinear functions. Under the framework of fixed-time Lyapunov function theory and cooperative control, an adaptive fixed-time fuzzy containment control protocol is derived via the adaptive backstepping and adding one power integrator method. The derived fixed-time containment controller can confirm that the closed-loop systems are practical fixed-time stable, which implies that all signals in the systems are bounded and all follower agents can converge to the convex hull formed by the leader agents within fixed-time in the presence of unmeasurable states and unknown nonlinear functions . Simulation examples are conducted to test the validity of the present control algorithm.
Jahn-Teller effect and features of divalent copper ion behavior in multicomponent borate crystals
Authors: Minikayev Roman , Prokhorov Aleksandr , Lančok Jan , Prokhorov Andrey
Published: July 2024

Crystals of YGa3(BO3)4, YAl3(BO3)4, EuGa3(BO3)4 and EuAl3(BO3)4 with copper alloy were studied by electron paramagnetic resonance and X-ray diffraction analysis. The lattice parameters and coordinates of copper-doped boron atoms were determined. The study of EPR spectra showed that copper is in the divalent state and replaces aluminum ions with C2 node symmetry. In YAl3(BO3)4:Cu crystals, a ligand structure exists due to the interaction of copper electrons with yttrium nuclei. The parameters of the spin Hamiltonian describing the behavior of the Cu2+ spectrum have been determined. The deviation of the Z-axis spectra from the C3 axis by 54(1)° is due to Jahn-Teller vibronic interaction and monoclinic distortion. In the EuGa3(BO3)4 crystal, a new spectrum 2 was found, which also belongs to divalent copper but is observed at an excited state 31 cm−1 away from the ground state. Above 70 K, an isotropic EPR line with a width of 450 Gs, g = 2.1, appears and exists up to room temperature.
Restoring private autism dataset from sanitized database using an optimized key produced from enhanced combined PSO-GWO framework
Authors: Rahman Md. Mokhlesur , Muniyandi Ravie Chandren , Sahran Shahnorbanun , Usman Opeyemi Lateef , Moniruzzaman Md.
Published: July 2024

The timely identification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children is imperative to prevent potential challenges as they grow. When sharing data related to autism for an accurate diagnosis, safeguarding its security and privacy is a paramount concern to fend off unauthorized access, modification, or theft during transmission. Researchers have devised diverse security and privacy models or frameworks, most of which often leverage proprietary algorithms or adapt existing ones to address data leakage. However, conventional anonymization methods, although effective in the sanitization process, proved inadequate for the restoration process. Furthermore, despite numerous scholarly contributions aimed at refining the restoration process, the accuracy of restoration remains notably deficient. Based on the problems identified above, this paper presents a novel approach to data restoration for sanitized sensitive autism datasets with improved performance. In the prior study, we constructed an optimal key for the sanitization process utilizing the proposed Enhanced Combined PSO-GWO framework. This key was implemented to conceal sensitive autism data in the database, thus avoiding information leakage. In this research, the same key was employed during the data restoration process to enhance the accuracy of the original data recovery. Therefore, the study enhanced the restoration process for ASD data's security and privacy by utilizing an optimal key produced via the Enhanced Combined PSO-GWO framework. When compared to existing meta-heuristic algorithms, the simulation results from the autism data restoration experiments demonstrated highly competitive accuracies with 99.90%, 99.60%, 99.50%, 99.25%, and 99.70%, respectively. Among the four types of datasets used, this method outperforms other existing methods on the 30-month autism children dataset, mostly.
Clustering of methamphetamine users based on personality characteristics and self-efficacy in the west of Iran
Authors: Ahmadi Jouybari Touraj , Zakiei Ali , Salemi Safora , Lak Zahra , Mohebian Mahsa , Castaldelli-Maia João Maurício , Bajoghli Hafez , Hookari Sara , Kamani Mehran
Published: July 2024

With the substantial increase in the use of stimulants, especially methamphetamine, in recent years, the present study aimed to cluster methamphetamine users based on personality traits and self-efficacy, and compare their mental health, sleep quality, and the risk of relapse in the identified clusters. This cross-sectional study was conducted through convenience sampling on 501 methamphetamine users in addiction treatment centers in Kermanshah, western Iran. The data were collected using the Schwarzer General Self-Efficacy Scale, Zuckerman–Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire, Goldberg and Hiller General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), Zuckerman–Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire, and Stimulant Relapse Risk Scale (SRRS). A total of 501 methamphetamine users were distinguished into three clusters with frequencies of 111 (22.2%), 298 (59.5%), and 92 (18.4%) members through hierarchical cluster analysis. The participants in the first cluster were characterized by low self-efficacy, high neuroticism, sensation seeking, and aggressiveness, along with low extroversion and activity, low positive health, high negative health, low sleep quality, and high risk of drug relapse. The participants in the second cluster reported moderate levels of self-efficacy, neuroticism, sensation seeking, activity, and aggressiveness, high extroversion, and moderate levels of mental health, sleep quality, and the risk of relapse. Moreover, the participants in the third cluster reported the highest level of self-efficacy, the lowest level of neuroticism, sensation seeking, and aggressiveness, moderate extroversion and high activity, low relapse risk, high sleep quality, as well as high positive and low negative health symptoms. The third cluster was significantly different from the other two clusters in terms of the mentioned factors. The findings of this study suggest that low self-efficacy and the presence of neuroticism, sensation seeking, and high aggressiveness contribute to reduced mental health and sleep quality, as well as an increased risk of relapse in methamphetamine users.
Analysis of size effect and its influencing factors of brittle red sandstone with different heights
Authors: Chen Feng , Du Jinyang , Tang Chun’an , Du Yanhong , Pan Yishan
Published: July 2024

We carried out uniaxial compression tests on brittle red sandstone with different heights. The test results show that the uniaxial compressive strength of rock sample increases first and then tends to be stable with the increase of the size, which is approximately stable between 75 and 81 MPa. Both elastic energy and dissipated energy increase with the increase of rock sample size. In order to further analyze the mechanism behind these phenomena, we combined advanced numerical simulation and theoretical analysis to explain these phenomena, and systematically analyzed the end face effect as one of the key factors affecting the uniaxial compression characteristics of brittle red sandstone for the first time. Small sized rock samples are very sensitive to end effect. The middle of the large sized rock samples is in a uniform compression state, and the effect of end effect is weakend. When there are rigid pads at both ends of the rock sample, there is an obvious elastic vertebral body during the loading process of the rock sample. The bearing capacity of rock samples with rigid pads is greater than that of rock samples without rigid pads, and the energy released during instantaneous failure of rock samples without rigid pads is greater than that of rock samples with rigid pads. The findings of this paper make a valuable contribution to establishing optimal study sample sizes and advancing the utilization of laboratory test mechanics parameters in engineering applications.
Characteristics of emergency department visits among older adults with hearing difficultly during the COVID19 pandemic in the US
Authors: Yu Juebo
Published: July 2024

Hearing difficulty (HD) may be associated with an increased frequency of emergency department (ED) visits among older adults. The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected the health of older adults. However, less is known about the characteristics of ED visits by older adults with HD during the pandemic. This study examines the association between self-reported HD severity and ED visits during the pandemic. This population-based cross-sectional study used self-reported data on HD and the characteristics of respondents aged 65 years or older from three cycles of the National Health Interview Survey from 2020 to 2022. Data were analysed from February 23, 2023, to March 22, 2023. The primary outcome was self-reported ED visits in the past 12 months. This study employed generalised linear models to examine the relationship between ED visits (dependent variable) and HD in older adults, and the effect sizes were expressed as rate ratios. Key independent variables included the reasons for ED visit. Covariates such as demographic characteristics and socio-economic status were controlled for to account for potential confounding effects. During the pandemic, older adults with HD commonly visited the ED because of chronic pain (82.8%), frailty (77.9%), trouble falling/staying asleep (73.2%), hypertension (67.4%), and arthritis (60.1%), all of which were 1.5-times more likely in these adults than in those with normal hearing (chronic pain: adjusted rate ratio [ARR], 1.64 [95% CI 1.44–1.93]; frailty: ARR, 1.57 [95% CI 1.16–1.87]; trouble falling/staying asleep: ARR, 1.51 [95% CI 1.21–1.82]; hypertension: ARR, 1.01 [95% CI 0.92–1.23]; arthritis: ARR, 1.39 [95% CI 1.31–1.57]. Older adults with HD were more likely to visit the ED for chronic pain, frailty, trouble falling/staying asleep, hypertension, and arthritis than those with normal hearing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings will be help for healthcare providers to be aware of these potential barriers and to implement strategies to ensure that patients with hearing difficulties can access necessary emergency care effectively.
Projecting the impact of climate change on honey bee plant habitat distribution in Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Gebremedhn Haftom , Gebrewahid Yikunoamlak , Haile Gebremedhin Gebremeskel , Hadgu Gebre , Atsbha Tesfay , Hailu Teweldemedhn Gebretinsae , Bezabih Gebreamlak
Published: July 2024

Climate change significantly affects the diversity, growth, and survival of indigenous plant species thereby influencing the nutrition, health and productivity of honey bees (Apis mellifera). Hypoestes forskaolii (Vahl) is one of the major honey bee plant species in Ethiopia’s Tigray region. It is rich in pollen and nectar that typically provides white honey, which fetches a premium price in both local and inter-national markets. Despite its socio-economic and apicultural significance, the distribution of H. forskaolii has been declining, raising concerns regarding its conservation efforts. However, there is limited knowledge on how environmental and climatic factors affect its current distribution and response to future climate change. The study investigates the current and projected (the 2030s, 2050s, 2070s, and 2090s) habitat distributions of H. forskaolii under three future climate change scenarios (ssp126, ssp245, and ssp585) using the Maximum Entropy Model (MaxEnt). The results show that land use (50.1%), agro-ecology (28%), precipitation during the Driest Quarter (11.2%) and soil texture (6.1%) predominantly influence the distribution of H. forskaolii, collectively explaining 95.4% of the model's predictive power. Habitats rich in evergreen trees and mosaic herbaceous with good vegetation cover are identified as the most suitable for H. forskaolii. The spatial distribution of H. forskaolii is concentrated in the highlands and mid-highlands of the eastern and southern parts of Tigray, characterized by a colder temperature. Across the three climate change scenarios, the size of suitable habitat for H. forskaolii is projected to decrease over the four time periods studied. Predictions under the ssp585 scenario reveal alarming results, indicating a substantial decrease in the suitable habitat for H. forskaolii from 4.26% in the 2030s to 19.09% in the 2090s. Therefore, given the challenges posed by climate change, research efforts should focus on identifying and evaluating new technologies that can help the H. forskaolii species in adapting and mitigating the effects of climate change.
Capillary force-driven reverse-Tesla valve structure for microfluidic bioassays
Authors: Nie Cheng , Jeong Hyorim , Hyun Kyung-A. , Park Sunyoung , Jung Hyo-Il
Published: July 2024

The chip can efficiently mix biological reagents and improve reaction efficiency, which can be used in various biological assays.
Strategies for assessing the limit of detection in voltammetric methods: comparison and evaluation of approaches
Authors: Ott Colby E.
Published: July 2024

LOD methods were compared and assessed for detection of a common redox probe, gunshot residues, and drugs. Recommendation for voltammetric LOD determination in forensic disciplines, along with challenges, cautions, and future directions is provided.
Transmission X-ray microscopy-based three-dimensional XANES imaging
Authors: Gao Ruoyang , Zhang Ling , Tao Fen , Wang Jun , Du Guohao , Xiao Tiqiao , Deng Biao
Published: July 2024

We propose a study to analyze the 3D oxidation state distribution using 3D TXM with XANES.
Nitrate electroreduction to ammonia catalysed by atomically precise Au28Cu12 clusters
Authors: Tang Shisi , Song Tongxin , Cai Xiao , Ding Weiping , Zhu Yan
Published: July 2024

A bimetal nanocluster [Au28Cu12(C6H4Cl2S)24](PPh4)4 has been successfully synthesized and exhibits higher catalytic efficiency for nitrate electroreduction to ammonia compared to monometallic clusters.
Ferroptosis-inducing photosensitizers alleviate hypoxia tumor microenvironment for enhanced fluorescence imaging-guided photodynamic therapy
Authors: Zhang Linhao , He Maomao , Xia Xiang , Ma Zhiyuan , Lv Chengyuan , Wang Ran , Liu Wenkai , Fan Jiangli , Peng Xiaojun , Sun Wen
Published: July 2024

A photosensitizer exhibits enhanced photodynamic therapy effect via inducing ferroptosis, which increases O2 levels and thus reduces the intracellular hypoxia.
Urchin-like covalent organic frameworks templated Au@Ag composites for SERS detection of emerging contaminants
Authors: Yuan Xiaoya , Wang Weihua , Chen Mantang , Huang Lijin , Shuai Qin , Ouyang Lei
Published: July 2024

A urchin-like covalent organic frameworks templated Au@Ag composites were developed with extremely large specific surface area and strong adsorption capacity for the enrichment and sensitive SERS detection of two types of emerging pollutants.
Metal–ligand bond in group-11 complexes and nanoclusters
Authors: Hazer Maryam Sabooni Asre , Malola Sami , Häkkinen Hannu
Published: July 2024

Density functional theory is used to study geometric, energetic, and electronic properties of metal–ligand bonds in a series of group-11 metal complexes and ligand-protected metal clusters.
First-principles investigations of Fe-based A3BX ceramics with high stiffness and damage tolerance
Authors: Tang Tianyu , Tang Yanlin
Published: July 2024

Fe-based anti-perovskites simultaneously possess high stiffness and tunable ductility comparable with other transition metals for damage tolerant application.
Coordination of dissolved transition metals in pristine battery electrolyte solutions determined by NMR and EPR spectroscopy
Authors: Allen Jennifer P. , Szczuka Conrad , Smith Holly E. , Jónsson Erlendur , Eichel Rüdiger-A. , Granwehr Josef , Grey Clare P.
Published: July 2024

An NMR and EPR study of the solvation shells of typical transition metal ions dissolved from lithium-ion battery cathode materials.
Theoretical study on the H-atom abstraction reactions of pentanol + HȮ2, part I: five branched pentanol isomers
Authors: Chen Jin-Tao , Liang Yueying , Lang Haoyuan , Lu Xingcai , Yang Lijun , Zhou Chong-Wen
Published: July 2024

The chemical kinetic studies of hydrogen atom abstraction reactions by hydroperoxyl radicals from five branched pentanol isomers were investigated systematically through high-level ab initio calculations.
Non-adiabatic molecular dynamics simulations provide new insights into the exciton transfer in the Fenna–Matthews–Olson complex
Authors: Sokolov Monja , Hoffmann David S. , Dohmen Philipp M. , Krämer Mila , Höfener Sebastian , Kleinekathöfer Ulrich , Elstner Marcus
Published: July 2024

A trajectory surface hopping approach, which uses machine learning to speed up the most time-consuming steps, has been adopted to investigate the exciton transfer in light-harvesting systems.
SnO2/Sn with core–shell structure Schottky heterojunctions loaded in graphene to promote electrochemical reaction kinetics and enable efficient lithium-ion storage
Authors: Yin Shujuan , Zhang Xueqian , Liu Dongdong , Zhou Lijuan , Wen Guangwu , Wang Yishan , Huang Xiaoxiao
Published: July 2024

Herein, to better construct homogeneous heterostructures, we synthesize Schottky heterojunction composites in situ, which utilize a three-dimensional porous graphene carbon material to form more SnO2/Sn/G heterointerfaces and oxygen vacancies.
Crystallization and electrochemical properties of KxV2O5 nano-ribbons obtained via a solvothermal process as a promising cathode for PIBs
Authors: Ding Zhiwei , Huang Junyuan , Xie Yuan , Wang Xiping , Jiang Rong , Wen Jia , Li Xinyu , Zhang Wenli , Ren Yang , Liu Zhu , Chen Xu , Zhou Xiaowei
Published: July 2024

A series of KxV2O5 NRs were prepared by solvothermal method. Impact of solvation and reducing effect on their formation was discussed. The relationships between morphology, crystallinity, working voltage and K+ storage properties were explored.
Size-dependent d0 room temperature ferromagnetism in undoped In2S3 nanoparticles
Authors: Liu Yi , Du Liyong
Published: July 2024

Undoped In2S3 nanoparticles with varying sizes exhibit distinct room temperature d0 ferromagnetism.
“On–off” fluorescence detection of exposed phosgene via pyrazine ring formation on a triphenyl amine backbone supplemented with a theoretical approach and practical environmental applications
Authors: Kumar Malavika S. , Das Avijit Kumar
Published: July 2024

A fluorescent probe ADM has been developed for the selective detection of phosgene through a unique cyclization pathway producing a substituted pyrazine derivative attached to a triphenyl amine backbone.
Synthesis and catalytic applications of NHC–metal complexes supported on p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene frameworks
Authors: Ruiz-Mendoza Francisco J. , Campos-Dominguez Emmanuel , Álvarez-Hernández Alejandro , Mendoza-Espinosa Daniel
Published: July 2024

We report the synthesis, characterization, and catalytic performance of group 8–11 metal complexes supported by hybrid NHC-calix[4]arene ligands.
Tailoring the pore structure of iron oxide core@stellate mesoporous silica shell nanocomposites: effects on MRI and magnetic hyperthermia properties and applicability to anti-cancer therapies
Authors: Bizeau Joëlle , Journaux-Duclos Justine , Kiefer Céline , Freis Barbara , Ihiawakrim Dris , Ramirez Maria de los Angeles , Lucante Théo , Parkhomenko Ksenia , Vichery Charlotte , Carrey Julian , Sandre Olivier , Bertagnolli Caroline , Ersen Ovidiu , Bégin-Colin Sylvie , Gigoux Véronique , Mertz Damien
Published: July 2024

The controlled growth of stellate silica shells around iron oxide nanoparticles allows the design of novel efficient theranostics for MRI, magnetic hyperthermia and photothermia.
Roles for PMP22 in Schwann cell cholesterol homeostasis in health and disease
Authors: Stefanski Katherine M. , Wilkinson Mason C. , Sanders Charles R.
Published: July 2024

Underexpression, overexpression, and point mutations in peripheral myelin protein 22 (PMP22) cause most cases of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMTD). While its exact functions remain unclear, PMP22 is clearly essential for formation and maintenance of healthy myelin in the peripheral nervous system. This review explores emerging evidence for roles of PMP22 in cholesterol homeostasis. First, we highlight dysregulation of lipid metabolism in PMP22-based forms of CMTD and recently-discovered interactions between PMP22 and cholesterol biosynthesis machinery. We then examine data that demonstrates PMP22 and cholesterol co-traffic in cells and co-localize in lipid rafts, including how disease-causing PMP22 mutations result in aberrations in cholesterol localization. Finally, we examine roles for interactions between PMP22 and ABCA1 in cholesterol efflux. Together, this emerging body of evidence suggests that PMP22 plays a role in facilitating enhanced cholesterol synthesis and trafficking necessary for production and maintenance of healthy myelin.
A fast-switching low-loss field-stop IGBT with dual control gate of SIPOS material
Authors: Tang Chunping , Duan Baoxing , Yang Yintang
Published: July 2024

A fast-switching low-loss field-stop insulated gate bipolar transistor with a dual control gate (DIGBT) of a semi-insulating polycrytalline silicon (SIPOS) material is proposed in this paper. Because the SIPOS has uniform high resistance, it has an approximate linear electric potential distribution. When DIGBT conducts, the higher electric potential on SIPOS causes the P-type drift region (P-drift) to generate an inversion layer of electrons, adjusting the number of carriers and making the generation of non-equilibrium carriers no longer dependent on the doping concentration in P-drift (Nd) but on the electric potential distribution on SIPOS. Therefore, it can solve the contradiction among the breakdown voltage, forward voltage drop [VCE(sat)], turn-off time (toff), and turn-off loss (Eoff) caused by the Nd. Through Technology Computer Aided Design (TCAD) simulation, the VCE(sat) of DIGBT is 30.6% lower than that of SJFS IGBT. Meanwhile, DIGBT reduces the toff by 62.8% while reducing the Eoff by 83.0% compared to SJFS IGBT. In addition, the static latch-up I–V and the forward biased safe operating area of the DIGBT have been significantly improved. This paper adjusts the number of carriers through the characteristics of SIPOS material, enabling the above-mentioned physical phenomena to be applied in insulated gate bipolar transistor power devices and achieving device performance breakthroughs.
Control of ecological networks: Abundance control or ecological regulation?
Authors: Liu Xiaoting , Liu Maoxing , Zhao Donghua , Xiao Rui , Sun Yongzheng
Published: July 2024

Complex ecosystems often exhibit a tipping point around which a small perturbation can lead to the loss of the basic functionality of ecosystems. It is challenging to develop a control strategy to bring ecosystems to the desired stable states. Typically, two methods are employed to restore the functionality of ecosystems: abundance control and ecological regulation. Abundance control involves directly managing species abundance through methods such as trapping, shooting, or poisoning. On the other hand, ecological regulation is a strategy for ecosystems to self-regulate through environment improvement. To enhance the effectiveness of ecosystem recovery, we propose adaptive regulation by combining the two control strategies from mathematical and network science perspectives. Criteria for controlling ecosystems to reach equilibrium with or without noise perturbation are established. The time and energy costs of restoring an ecosystem to equilibrium often determine the choice of control strategy, thus, we estimate the control costs. Furthermore, we observe that the regulation parameter in adaptive regulation affects both time and energy costs, with a trade-off existing between them. By optimizing the regulation parameter based on a performance index with fixed weights for time and energy costs, we can minimize the total cost. Moreover, we discuss the impact of the complexity of ecological networks on control costs, where the more complex the networks, the higher the costs. We provide corresponding theoretical analyses for random networks, predator–prey networks, and mixture networks.
Ultra-low stress-hysteresis and huge superelasticity in NiMn-based shape memory microwire
Authors: Chen Zhen , Zhang Yin , Wang Li , Cong Daoyong , Sun Xiaoming
Published: July 2024

Hysteresis related to first-order phase transformation in shape memory alloys, which is the macroscopic manifestation of energy dissipation, is detrimental to the precise control of actuation and causes structural and functional fatigue of components. It is of vital importance to explore high-performance shape memory alloys with low stress-hysteresis, large superelasticity, and wide temperature range operation in practical applications. Here, we have developed a Ni-Mn-Fe-In shape memory microwire, exhibiting an ultra-low stress-hysteresis and huge tensile superelasticity in a wide temperature range. The microwire shows a smooth surface and a single crystal structure (with ⟨001⟩A-oriented along the axial direction of microwire), and the microstructure of the microwire contains austenite matrix and sparsely distributed precipitates with an average size of 20–80 nm, all of which may be beneficial to obtain low hysteresis and large strains in the microwire. As a result, the microwire exhibits a minimum stress-hysteresis of as low as 8.5 MPa (with overall strain of 15.3%) and corresponding energy dissipation as low as 1.44 MJ/m3. The microwire always shows a low stress-hysteresis (less than 24 MPa) and low energy dissipation (less than 2.86 MJ/m3) above room temperature. The microwire shows a huge superelasticity with recoverable strains higher than 15% in the wide temperature range from 218 to 418 K. Together with the advantages of easy fabrication and no post-processing required, this microwire shows a tremendous potential for cyclic actuators and energy conversion devices under multi-field coupling.
Design, modeling, and control of a long stroke compliant tip-tilt-piston micropositioning stage driven by voice coil motors
Authors: Li Peixing , Chen Yunzhuang , Xie Chao , Xu Zhihao , Lai Leijie , Zhu Limin
Published: July 2024

In this paper, a long-stroke parallel compliant tip-tilt-piston micropositioning stage driven by voice coil motors (VCMs) is proposed. The stage is equipped with three sets of driving arms, which include a spherical hinge, VCM, and parallelogram guide mechanism, evenly spaced at 120° intervals. The spherical hinge is composed of orthogonal leaf-spring beams, and the VCM is embedded into the parallelogram mechanism to form a compact design. The compliance matrix method and the geometric method facilitated the determination of compliance in all six degree-of-freedom directions of the spherical hinge and the derivation of kinematic equations for decoupling the motion of the stage. In addition, finite element analysis was utilized to determine the maximum stroke and stress of the stage. To validate the proposed design, a stage prototype was constructed and subjected to experimental testing. Furthermore, a feedback controller was designed, integrating proportional integral controller, notch filter, and sliding mode controller feedforward. The experimental results indicate that the stage can achieve a long stroke of ±50.75 mrad × ±44.2 mrad × ±4.425 mm, with the natural frequencies in the three-axis direction of 22.3 × 25.5 × 25.5 Hz3. In addition, the maximum relative tracking error was maintained below 5.25%, highlighting the effectiveness of the control technique in achieving a high tracking performance.