bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Shared Anode Flow Field for Direct Methanol Fuel Cell with Enhanced Performance and Decreased Volume
Authors: Liu Yang , Gan Haibo , Qin Bin , Sun Hai , Sun Gongquan
Published: August 2024

Low‐volume power density remains a significant barrier to the portable application of direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). Herein, a shared anode flow field (SAFF) structure is introduced in an active DMFC to reduce stack volume and improve discharge performance. The differences in discharge performance between the bi‐cell with SAFF and the bi‐cell with traditional anode flow field (TAFF), coupled with the effect of operating conditions on performance, are investigated by polarization curve, electrochemical impedance spectra, and voltage versus time curves. The results show that the SAFF structure enhances anode mass transfer, resulting in an improvement in peak power density and voltage stability of the bi‐cell compared to the TAFF structure. In addition, the bi‐cell with SAFF achieves its highest peak power density at a lower methanol concentration, alleviating the methanol crossover caused by high concentration. The SAFF structure is an attractive choice for DMFC portable applications.
A review of the use of rice husk silica as a sustainable alternative to traditional silica sources in various applications
Authors: Taiye Mustapha Abdullateef , Hafida Wahia , Kong Fangong , Zhou Cunshan
Published: August 2024

Rice husk silica (RHS) has emerged as a sustainable alternative to traditional sources of silica in various applications, offering eco‐friendly attributes, cost‐effectiveness, and versatility. This review explores the potential of RHS as a substitute for conventional silica sources, highlighting its alignment with sustainable development objectives and its appeal to industries seeking environmental responsibility. Among the extraction methods, acid leaching is identified as yielding higher purity silica. In contrast, among the novel techniques, the hydrothermobaric process stands out for producing high purity and yielding nanosilica. Despite challenges like limited access to high‐quality rice husks and variations in silica content, RHS extraction methods show promising avenues for sustainable silica production, addressing waste management, and environmental concerns. Further development and optimization of extraction techniques are essential for widespread acceptance, with future research focusing on nanoparticle synthesis and incorporating green chemistry principles. This comprehensive review of RHS provides a valuable resource for researchers seeking to explore sustainable alternatives in their respective fields, aiming to foster adopting more sustainable practices and materials across various industries.
Sublethal Effects Induced by a Cyflumetofen Formulation on Honeybee Apis mellifera L. Workers: Assessment of Midgut, Hypopharyngeal Glands, and Fat Body Integrity
Authors: Reis Aline Beatriz , Martínez Luis Carlos , de Oliveira Mateus Soares , Souza Diego dos Santos , Gomes Davy Soares , Silva Laryssa Lemos da , Serrão José Eduardo
Published: August 2024

Worldwide, both cultivated and wild plants are pollinated by the honey bee, Apis mellifera. Bee numbers are declining as a result of a variety of factors, including increased pesticide use. Cyflumetofen controls pest mites in some plantations pollinated by bees, which may be contaminated with residual sublethal concentrations of this pesticide, in nectar and pollen. We evaluated the effects of a sublethal concentration of a cyflumetofen formulation on the midgut, hypopharyngeal gland, and fat body of A. mellifera workers orally exposed for 72 h or 10 days. The midgut epithelium of treated bees presented digestive cells with cytoplasm vacuoles and some cell fragmentation, indicating autophagy and cell death. After being exposed to the cyflumetofen formulation for 72 h, the midgut showed a higher injury rate than the control bees, but after 10 days, the organs had recovered. In the hypopharyngeal gland of treated bees, the end apparatus was filled with secretion, suggesting that the acaricide interferes with the secretory regulation of this gland. Histochemical tests revealed differences in the treated bees in both exposure periods in the midgut and hypopharyngeal glands. The acaricide caused cytotoxic effects on the midgut digestive cells, with apical protrusions, plasma membrane rupture, and several vacuoles in the cytoplasm, features of cell degeneration. In the hypopharyngeal glands of the treated bees, the secretory cells presented small electron-dense and large electron-lucent secretory granules. The fat body cells had no changes in comparison with the control bees. In conclusion, the cyflumetofen formulation at sublethal concentrations causes damage to the midgut and the hypopharyngeal glands of honey bee, which may compromise the functions of these organs and colony fitness. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:2455–2465. © 2024 SETAC
Construction of switch information security protection system based on software‐defined networking
Authors: Huang Xueda , Zheng Kuanlei , Chen Sisi , He Zhaoren
Published: August 2024

The communications industry has a new, forward‐thinking architecture: software‐defined networks (SDN). The inflexible structure of conventional networks severely hinders their ability to service modern organizations. The increased adaptability and transparency of SDN‐powered networks makes them more vulnerable to security hazards like Distributed denial of service (DDoS) assaults. The switch information system introduces protection at the cost of some degree of adaptability. The information and software layers are potential entry points for DDoS assaults. The flow‐based policies frequently collide at the application layer, giving rise to safety issues. The central nervous system of the network's components is the SDN controller located at the control layer. The centrally located controller interacts with networking hardware via switches. Attacks on control devices, switches, and communication channels can cause vulnerabilities in SDN networks. The study proposes Blockchain‐SDN‐based switch information security (BC‐SDN‐SIS) to address the information security problems. SDN applications operate at the highest level of SDN controllers, facilitating the easy rollout of new network services. The suggested design uses a distributed BC approach to guarantee confidentiality, anonymity, privacy, and scalability. The proposed BC‐SDN‐SIS model increases the accuracy ratio of 97.45%, precision ratio of 98.43, recall ratio of 97.34, effectiveness ratio of 97.6%, bandwidth of 2.5 Mbps, latency rate of .04 ms and F1‐score ratio of 98.28% compared to other existing models.
Social anxiety, voice confrontation and voice recognition: A bilingual exploration
Authors: Jogia Jigar , Thomas Justin , Barbato Mariapaola , Bentall Richard
Published: August 2024

Many people dislike the sound of their voices, especially when listening back to audio recordings (voice confrontation). Previous research reports that disliking the sound of one's voice is associated with elevated levels of social anxiety. The present study investigated the relationship between social anxiety and voice dislike and voice misrecognition among a bilingual population: Arabic (L1) and English (L2). Participants (N = 176) completed self‐report measures of social anxiety and own voice liking. Additionally, they performed a novel own voice recognition task, assessing their ability to recognise a recording of their voice, differentiating it from digitally altered versions of the same recording. Social anxiety symptomatology was associated with disliking the sound of one's voice, with a larger effect for L1 than L2. Social anxiety was also associated with own voice misrecognition, but only for L1. Highly negative evaluations about the sound of one's voice may represent a vulnerability for social anxiety disorder.
A thin‐layer chromatographic study of some chemical leaf constituents in Sideritis L. sect. Empedoclia (Rafin.) Bentham (Labiatae) in Greece
Authors: Papanicolaou Kostas , Kokkini Stella
Published: August 2024

The genus Sideritis L. sect. Empedoclia (Rafin.) Bentham has been the subject of a thin‐layer chromatographic investigation. Leaf extracts in HCl/methanol from 54 populations of the eleven Greek taxa and from three populations of the Asiatic species S. perfoliata L. were examined. The section Empedoclia taxa may be divided chromatographically in 3 groups: 1. S. raeseri Boiss. & Heldr. – S. scardica Griseb. – S. clandestina (Chaub. & Bory) Hayek, 2. S. euboea Heldr. – S. syriaca L., 3. S. athoa Papanic. & Kokkini – S. perfoliata L. – S. sipylea Boiss. An overlapping variation occurs in the chromatographic pattern of the following pairs of taxa: 1. S. raeseri Boiss. & Heldr. ssp. raeseri – S. raeseri Boiss. & Heldr. ssp. attica (Heldr.) Papanic. & Kokkini, 2. S. raeseri Boiss & Heldr. ssp. florida (Boiss. & Heldr.) Papanic. & Kokkini – S. raeseri Boiss. & Heldr. ssp. attica (Heldr.) Papanic. & Kokkini, 3. S. scardica Griseb. ssp. scardica – S. raeseri Boiss. & Heldr. ssp. raeseri, 4. S. raeseri Boiss. & Heldr. ssp. florigda (Boiss. & Heldr.) Papanic. & Kokkini – S. scardica Griseb. ssp. longibracteata Papanic. & Kokkini, 5. S. scardica Griseb. ssp. longibracteata Papanic. & Kokkini – S. clandestina (Chaub. & Bory) Hayek ssp. clandestina.
Neue Ergebnisse und kritische Betrachtungen zur Flora Griechenlands
Authors: Voliotis Dimitrios
Published: August 2024

Ein Beitrag zur Kenntnis einiger neuer, endemischer, ± seltener oder sonstig interessanter kritischer Taxa wird vorgelegt. Eine für die Wissenschaft neue Sippe (Saxifraga taygetea (Boiss. & Heldr.) Maire & Petitmengin ssp. chelmea ssp. nov.) und zwei in Griechenland sehr seltene Arten (Melampyrum heracleoticum Boiss. & Orph. in Boiss. und Odontites lutea (L.) Clairv.), eine relativ seltene Unterart (Trachelium jacquinii (Sieber) Boiss. ssp. rumelianum (Hampe) Tutin), sowie von 4 Arten sechs neue Standorte (Circaea lutetiana L., Parnassia palustris L., Ranunculus ophioglossifolius Vill. und R. psilostachys Griseb.) und ein neuer Fundort der Art Geum coccineum Sibth. & Sm. werden beschrieben. Die Verbreitung der Sippen wird diskutiert. Die Vorkommen von Saxifraga taygetea ssp. chelmea, Melampyrum heracleoticum, Odontites lutea, Trachelium jacquinii ssp. rumelianum und Geum coccineum in Griechenland werden in einer Punktkarte dargestellt; damit sind die súdlichsten Arealgrenzen dieser Sippen auf der Balkanhalbinsel bzw. in SO‐Europa genauer erfaßt als dies bisher der Fall war.
Application of the names Cardamine acris, C. dentata. C. scutata and C. trifida
Authors: Khatri K. S.
Published: August 2024

Nomenclatural history of four species of the genus Cardamine L. of the family Cruciferae Juss. (= Brassicaceae Brunett.) has been reviewed. Out of these, C. acris Griskb., C. dentata Schult., C. scutata Thunb, are from Sect. Cardamine and C. trifida (Lam. ex Poir.) B. M. G. Jones is from Sect. Sphaerotorrhiza O. E. Schulz. For each species, possible synonyms are included to clarify the nomenclatural problems. Thus, on the basis of taxonomic history and the “International Code of Botanical Nomenclature” for each the species the first valid legitimate bionom, has been reinstated and two comb, nov. have been suggested for two distinct infra‐specific taxa of C. dentata Schult.
Numerical chemotaxonomy of Amherstieae (Caesalpinioideae)
Authors: Nageshwar G. , Radhakrishnaiah M. , Narayana L. L.
Published: August 2024

The distribution pattern of different secondary metabolites in ten taxa of Amherstieae (Caesalpinioideae) is studied. The synthetic numerical quantification of the chemical data provide a circumstantial evidence for the heterogenity of the tribe and the accompanying polygons depict the poor affinity at a glance. Of all the taxa, Intsia seems to be an uneasy tribe‐male. A key is provided for the identification of the taxa studied, on the basis of some chemical characters.
Ontogeny of normal and traumatic gum‐resin ducts in Ailanthus excelsa Roxb.
Authors: Venkaiah K.
Published: August 2024

Ontogeny of normal and traumatic gum‐resin ducts was studied in Ailanthus excelsa Roxb. Normal gum‐resin ducts develop schizogenously in the pith of the stem. Mechanical injury to the vascular cambium induced formation of traumatic gum‐resin ducts schizo‐lysigenously in the inner secondary phloem and sapwood. The duct system is discontinuous in the pith but it is continuous tangentially in inner secondary phloem and sapwood of stem.
First‐in‐Human Study of the Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics, Immunogenicity, and Pharmacodynamics of DS‐7011a, an Anti‐TLR7 Antagonistic Monoclonal Antibody for the Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Senaldi Giorgio , Mohan Aparna , Zhang Li , Tanaka Jun , Lin Yong , Pandya Grishma , Grossman Sindee , Urbina Sarah , Reynolds Steven H. , Hand Alan H.
Published: August 2024

Toll‐like receptor (TLR)7 is a pattern recognition receptor that critically contributes to the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). DS‐7011a is an anti‐TLR7 monoclonal antibody that prevents TLR7 from signaling. The aim of this first‐in‐human, double‐blind, randomized, and placebo‐controlled study was to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics, immunogenicity, and pharmacodynamics of single ascending intravenous (IV) and subcutaneous (SC) doses of DS‐7011a in healthy subjects (HS) (NCT05203692). On day 1, 80 HS received DS‐7011a or placebo 6:2 in 10 cohorts (7 treated IV and 3 SC) of 8 each and were followed for 8 weeks until day 57. Safety was evaluated by recording treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs), pharmacokinetics by measuring plasma DS‐7011a, immunogenicity by measuring plasma anti‐drug antibodies (ADAs), and pharmacodynamics by evaluating the suppression of interleukin‐6 production ex vivo in whole blood. DS‐7011a was safe and well tolerated across all cohorts. TEAEs were mostly mild in severity and not drug‐related. DS‐7011a exposure increased with the dose but was not dose proportional, as the elimination of lower doses was accelerated by target‐mediated drug disposition. Terminal half‐life was about 15‐17 days and Tmax upon SC administration was about 5 days. DS‐7011a induced ADAs in about half of HS but with no impact on clinical findings and pharmacokinetics. Pharmacodynamic (PD) response also increased with the dose and at the higher doses was of large extent (>90%), early onset, and lasting duration. DS‐7011a showed favorable safety, pharmacokinetics, immunogenicity, and PD properties that support its development for the treatment of SLE.
Disparities in postdischarge follow‐up and risk of readmission between Medicaid and privately insured patients
Authors: Boggs Elizabeth , Misky Gregory , Scarbro Sharon , Gritz Mark , Tipirneni Renuka , Lindrooth Richard
Published: August 2024

Background

Studies have identified higher risk of readmission for patients with Medicaid compared to those with private insurance. Postdischarge follow‐up is utilized as an intervention to reduce readmissions in the Medicare population, but it is unclear whether follow‐up reduces risk of readmission for patients with Medicaid.

Objective

To assess whether follow‐up within 30 days of discharge reduces risk of readmission and mitigates readmission disparities based upon insurance status.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study used Cox proportional hazard and competing risk models to estimate associations between sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, follow‐up, and readmission.

We analyzed data from 4281 patients aged 21–64 years with Medicaid or private insurance who were hospitalized from January 2017 to December 2019 for one of five conditions associated with high risk of readmission.

Outpatient follow‐up within 30 days of discharge and 30‐day all‐cause readmission were outcomes.

Results

Overall risk of readmission was similar for Medicaid and privately insured patients in this cohort (13.7% and 14.5%, respectively). Patients with Medicaid were 23% points less likely to complete outpatient follow‐up within 30 days compared to patients with private insurance (p < .001). However, outpatient follow‐up before readmission within 30 days of discharge was not associated with a significant difference in readmission rate (hazard ratio: 1.10, 95% confidence interval: 0.91–1.32) in the overall sample or in analysis stratified by payer.

Conclusions

We found similar rates of readmission for Medicaid and privately insured patients despite significant disparities in postdischarge follow‐up. Timely follow‐up care alone may not be sufficient as an intervention to reduce readmissions.
Good 5‐year results and a low redislocation rate using an à la carte treatment algorithm for patellofemoral instability in patients with severe trochlea dysplasia
Authors: Dippmann Christian , Lavard Peter , Kourakis Anette Holm , Siersma Volkert , Hansen Philip , Talibi Monica , Krogsgaard Michael Rindom
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Trochlear dysplasia is a major risk factor for recurrent patellar instability, reduced quality of life and osteoarthritis of the patellofemoral joint. Patellar instability in patients with trochlear dysplasia can be treated by trochleoplasty, usually in combination with medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFL‐R). An à la carte treatment algorithm, which also addresses patella alta, lateralisation of the tibial tuberosity and valgus or torsional malalignment when present has been standard in one clinic for treatment of patellar instability patients since 2009, based on the hypothesis that it results in optimal subjective and clinical outcome, normalisation of the lateral trochlea inclination (LTI) angle and a low rate of patellar redislocation.

Methods

This prospective study reports the 5‐year results for consecutive patients with high‐grade trochlea dysplasia operated according to the algorithm 2010–2017, evaluated preoperatively and 1, 2 and 5 years postoperatively. Clinical information on previous surgery and postoperative patellar stability, range‐of‐motion (ROM) and subsequent surgery were registered. Subjective outcome was evaluated by four patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs): Kujala, Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. The LTI angle was measured pre‐ and postoperatively on magnetic resonance imaging scans.

Results

There were 131 patients (87 females) with a median age of 22 years (range: 14–38). All had a trochleoplasty and an MPFL‐R. Additional procedures (tibial tuberosity medialisation/distalisation and/or femoral/tibial osteotomy) were performed in 52%. All PROM scores improved from preoperatively to 1‐year follow‐up with further improvement at 2 and 5 years after surgery (p < 0.05). Three patients (2%) had a traumatic patellar dislocation 9, 12 and 24 months postoperatively and 38% underwent subsequent surgery (hardware removal, arthroscopically assisted brisement force, knee arthroscopy). A normalisation of the LTI angle (≥11°) was achieved in 76%.

Conclusions

Treatment according to the à la carte algorithm for patients with patellar instability and high‐grade trochlear dysplasia resulted in significant clinical and subjective improvement in all PROM scores and a very low redislocation rate (2%) 5 years after surgery.

Level of Evidence

Level II.
Influence of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms on CRS Outcomes: A Preliminary Observational Study
Authors: Maniaci Antonino , Bonacci Paolo , Stefani Stefania , Cocuzza Salvatore , Merlino Federico , Saibene Alberto Maria , Sangiorgio Giuseppe , Maza‐Solano Juan , Lechien Jerome R. , La Mantia Ignazio , Musso Nicolo'
Published: August 2024

Objective(s)

To conduct a preliminary investigation into the relationship between specific SNP variants, type II inflammation, and the effectiveness of dupilumab therapy and surgery in patients with CRS.

Methods

In this prospective study, 48 subjects were enrolled, comprising 32 CRS patients and 16 healthy controls. The CRS patients were subjected to either dupilumab therapy or endoscopic surgery according to EPOS guidelines. SNP variants were identified using the TaqMan SNP genotyping technique. The identified SNP profiles were compared between the control group and CRS patients, and their potential influence on treatment outcomes was evaluated. Treatment responses were assessed based on symptom scores, such as SS‐I, SNOT‐22, disease progression using the NPS findings, and SNP profiles at a 6‐month follow‐up. The primary measures included the Nasal Polyp Score, Smell Identification Test (SIT) score, and SNOT‐22 outcomes.

Results

Dupilumab therapy and surgery significantly decreased NPS, with the last showing superior results. However, dupilumab therapy resulted in a significantly improved SIT score. Significant differences were observed in SNP profiles, particularly with rs1800629 (TNFA), rs2856838 (IL1a), rs17561 (IL1a), and rs1805011 (IL4R). In particular, the expression of rs2856838 and rs1805011 variants in the dupilumab group was associated with significantly better SIT and SNOT‐22 outcomes than non‐expressors. Also, the surgery group patients expressing the rs2856838 variant reported significant improvements in SNOT‐22 scores.

Conclusion

These preliminary findings suggest that SNP genotypes may guide personalized treatment strategies for CRS. Further larger prospective studies are required to confirm these initial observations.

Level of Evidence

2 Laryngoscope, 135:570–578, 2025
Head and neck cancer: pathogenesis and targeted therapy
Authors: Liu Yan , Zhang Nannan , Wen Yi , Wen Jiaolin
Published: August 2024

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a highly aggressive type of tumor characterized by delayed diagnosis, recurrence, metastasis, relapse, and drug resistance. The occurrence of HNC were associated with smoking, alcohol abuse (or both), human papillomavirus infection, and complex genetic and epigenetic predisposition. Currently, surgery and radiotherapy are the standard treatments for most patients with early‐stage HNC. For recurrent or metastatic (R/M) HNC, the first‐line treatment is platinum‐based chemotherapy combined with the antiepidermal growth factor receptor drug cetuximab, when resurgery and radiation therapy are not an option. However, curing HNC remains challenging, especially in cases with metastasis. In this review, we summarize the pathogenesis of HNC, including genetic and epigenetic changes, abnormal signaling pathways, and immune regulation mechanisms, along with all potential therapeutic strategies such as molecular targeted therapy, immunotherapy, gene therapy, epigenetic modifications, and combination therapies. Recent preclinical and clinical studies that may offer therapeutic strategies for future research on HNC are also discussed. Additionally, new targets and treatment methods, including antibody–drug conjugates, photodynamic therapy, radionuclide therapy, and mRNA vaccines, have shown promising results in clinical trials, offering new prospects for the treatment of HNC.
Utilizing the Caputo fractional derivative for the flux tube close to the neutral points
Authors: Durmaz Hasan , Ceyhan Hazal , Özdemir Zehra , Ndiaye Ameth
Published: August 2024

This study examines how fractional derivatives affect the theory of curves and related surfaces, an application area that is expanding daily. There has been limited research on the geometric interpretation of fractional calculus. The present study applied the Caputo fractional calculation method, which has the most suitable structure for geometric computations, to examine the effect of fractional calculus on differential geometry. The Caputo fractional derivative of a constant is zero, enabling the geometric solution and understanding of many fractional physical problems. We examined flux tubes, which are magnetic surfaces that incorporate these lines of magnetic fields as parameter curves. Examples are visualized using mathematical programs for various values of Caputo fractional analysis, employing theory‐related examples. Fractional derivatives and integrals are widely utilized in various disciplines, including mathematics, physics, engineering, biology, and fluid dynamics, as they yield more numerical results than classical solutions. Also, many problems outside the scope of classical analysis methods can be solved using the Caputo fractional calculation approach. In this context, applying the Caputo fractional analytic calculation method in differential geometry yields physically and mathematically relevant findings, particularly in the theory of curves and surfaces.
Association between transitions in metabolic health and colorectal cancer across categories of body size phenotype: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Liu Qian , Si Fei , Wu Yuntao , Yu Jing
Published: August 2024

Objective

We aimed to investigate the associations of changes in metabolic health across categories of body size phenotype with the risk of colorectal cancer in a community‐based prospective cohort.

Methods

In the current study, a total of 70,987 participants were included. Changes in metabolic health across categories of body size phenotype were assessed between the health examination for the first time in the years 2006 through 2009 and a 2010/2011 health examination. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the associations of changes in metabolic health across body size phenotype categories with risk of colorectal cancer.

Results

During the median follow‐up time of 11.04 years, 428 (0.60%) participants developed colorectal cancer. Compared with metabolically healthy normal‐weight (MHNW) participants who remained MH, the risk of colorectal cancer was increased by 144% (95% CI: 1.21–4.95) for participants with metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) who converted to a metabolically unhealthy (MU) phenotype. Participants who were MU at baseline were still at increased risk of colorectal cancer, regardless of obesity status.

Conclusions

The MHO phenotype was a dynamic status over time, and converting to MU during follow‐up and being initially MU were associated with having an increased risk of colorectal cancer, regardless of degree of obesity and body size phenotype.
GLP‐1 therapy increases visceral adipose tissue metabolic activity: lessons from a randomized controlled trial in obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: O'Donnell Cliona , Ryan Odhrán , Hogan Andrew E. , Killick Desmond , Crilly Shane , Dodd Jonathan D. , Murphy David J. , Ryan Silke , O'Shea Donal
Published: August 2024

Objective

Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) analogues are currently the most widely used pharmacotherapies for weight loss. Their primary mechanism of action is attributed to reduction in energy intake. Data from murine studies also support an additional impact of those agents on energy homeostasis through upregulation of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) metabolic activity, but this remains uncertain in humans.

Methods

Here, we present data from a proof‐of‐concept study on 30 individuals with obstructive sleep apnea and obesity who were randomized to a GLP‐1 therapy‐based weight loss regimen, continuous positive airway pressure, or a combination of both for 24 weeks. At baseline and study completion, 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (18F‐FDG) positron emission tomography‐computed tomography (PET‐CT) was performed to evaluate VAT metabolic activity, expressed as VAT target to background ratio.

Results

Treatment with GLP‐1, but not with continuous positive airway pressure, was associated with a significant increase in VAT target to background ratio. There was a strong correlation between the increase in VAT metabolic activity and the degree of weight loss.

Conclusions

These data support the hypothesis that upregulation of VAT metabolic activity by GLP‐1 contributes to its weight loss action in humans, and this subject warrants further detailed investigation.
Dyadic coping experiences of parents of children with vascular anomalies
Authors: Kerr Anna M. , Wehrli Jacqueline , Contente Clarice , D. Prathana , Sisk Bryan A.
Published: August 2024

Background

Vascular anomalies (VAs) are a spectrum of rare pediatric disorders that require coordinated care from multiple subspecialists. Parents often struggle to coordinate care for their child's complex rare disorder. Even when they do access expert care, parents of children with VAs report high levels of stress and uncertainty. While previous research has explored parents’ experiences navigating care for VAs, we know very little about how parents cope with stress together. Given the effect that dyadic coping can have on individual, couple, family, and child outcomes, we aimed to gain a better understanding of dyadic coping in the context of VAs.

Procedures

We collected data using semi‐structured interviews with 27 parents (13 dyads and one individual parent). Data were analyzed using dyadic thematic analysis.

Results

Parents experienced stress related to medical, personal, logistical, and financial aspects of their child's healthcare. They relied on eight coping strategies: active coping, seeking emotional support, seeking informational support, cognitive avoidance, distraction, cognitive reframing, acceptance, and internalization. When analyzed together, we found evidence of five dyadic coping dynamics: collaborative, supportive, delegated, separate, and negative.

Conclusion

Dyadic coping is complex and multilayered for parents of children with VAs. While the child's diagnosis is considered a shared stressor, both parents may not share preferred coping strategies. Parents of the same child may also be coping with different medical, relational/social, personal, or logistical stressors altogether. Psychosocial interventions designed to facilitate parental coping should address these complex coping dynamics.
Enhancement of joint flanker effect in intergroup competition
Authors: Zhao Yang , Hu Xucong , Zhou Jifan , Shen Mowei , Xu Haokui
Published: August 2024

Representing the mental state of the partner lays the foundation for successful social interaction. While the representation of group members has been extensively studied, it is unclear how intergroup interactions affect it. In three experiments utilizing the joint flanker task, we found that competition between groups brought about a greater joint flanker effect (Experiment 1). Such phenomenon was not due to competition per se, as competition that occurred between individuals from different groups did not enhance the joint flanker effect (Experiment 2). Using the minimal grouping method to directly manipulate group entitativity, we found that the joint flanker effect was larger when participants perceived the group as being more closely connected; conversely, when they perceived the group as less close, the joint flanker effect was attenuated (Experiment 3). These results suggested that beliefs about the group may be key to how group competition enhanced the joint flanker effect. The potential cognitive mechanisms producing this phenomenon are fully discussed. Overall, our study is the first to explore the impact of intergroup interactions on the joint flanker effect and provides a new perspective on understanding the relationship between within‐group representations and intergroup interactions.
Effectiveness of spawning substrate enhancement for adfluvial fish in a regulated sub‐Arctic river
Authors: Miller M. , Stevens C. , Poesch M. S.
Published: August 2024

Initial observations of egg mortality downstream of a hydroelectric facility on the Yellowknife River in the Northwest Territories prompted the investigation of habitat use by adfluvial lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush), lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis), and cisco (Coregonus artedi). It was conducted to meet regulatory requirements under the Fisheries Act (1985) for the facility and was focused on results from annual snorkel surveys completed from 2016 to 2019. The design principles of the installed habitat were based on habitat rehabilitation projects for anadromous salmonids in rivers, artificial spawning reefs constructed in lakes for lacustrine populations of lake trout, and lake whitefish and the 2016 study results. The evaluation of the installed habitat was based on results from snorkel surveys that collected data on egg density and survival using 1 m2 plots on both natural and artificially enhanced substrates. Three years of postenhancement monitoring indicated higher egg densities and a greater proportion of live eggs in the artificially enhanced habitat compared to the natural habitat, with more pronounced trends observed for coregonids (lake whitefish and cisco) compared to lake trout. These findings suggest that habitat enhancement has the potential to enhance juvenile recruitment for adfluvial fish. A critical factor in the design was ensuring the substrate composition provided adequate interstitial spaces for egg development and protection. This study represents the first documented attempt at habitat improvement in a regulated sub‐Arctic river in Canada. The results and design principles for the installed habitat offer a valuable framework for new or existing development projects in Northern Canada that require conservation actions to maintain fisheries productivity.
Highly Sensitive, Degradable, and Rapid Self‐Healing Hydrogel Sensor with Semi‐Interpenetrating Network for Recognition of Micro‐Expressions
Authors: Di Xiang , Li Liqi , Jin Qi , Yang Ran , Li Yuan , Wang Xiaoliang , Wu Guolin , Yuan Chungang
Published: August 2024

Flexible conductive hydrogels have revolutionized the lives and are widely applied in health monitoring and wearable electronics as a new generation of sensing materials. However, the inherent low mechanical strength, sensitivity, and lack of rapid self‐healing capacity results in their short life, poor detection accuracy, and environmental pollution. Inspired by the molecular structure of bone and its chemical characteristics, a novel fully physically cross‐linked conductive hydrogel is fabricated by the introduction of nanohydroxyapatite (HAp) as the dynamic junction points. In detail, the dynamically cross‐linked network, including multiple physical interactions, provides it with rapid self‐healing ability and excellent mechanical properties (elongation at break (>1200%), tensile strength (174kPa), and resilience (92.61%)). Besides, the ions (Cl−, Li+, Ca2+) that move freely within the system impart outstanding electrical conductivity (2.46 ± 0.15 S m−1), high sensitivity (gauge factor, GF>8), good antifreeze (−40.2 °C), and humidity properties. The assembled sensor can be employed to sensitively detect various large human motions and subtle changes in behavior (facial expressions, speech recognition). Meanwhile, the hydrogel sensor can also degrade in phosphate‐buffered saline solution without causing any environmental pollution. Therefore, the designed hydrogels may become a promising candidate material in the future potential applications for smart wearable sensors and electronic skin.
From Natural Fibers to High‐Performance Anodes: Sisal Hemp Derived Hard Carbon for Na‐/K‐Ion Batteries and Mechanism Exploration
Authors: Ou Huihuang , Pei Bingying , Zhou Yifan , Yang Mei , Pan Junan , Liang Shuquan , Cao Xinxin
Published: August 2024

Hard carbon (HC) is a promising anode material in alkali metal ion batteries owing to its cost‐effectiveness, abundant sources, and low working voltage. However, challenges persist in achiving prolonged cycling stability and consistent capacity, and the sodium storage mechanism in HC is still debated. Herein, an unreported biomass precursor, “sisal,” for deriving hard carbon is developed. A series of sisal hemp‐derived hard carbon with natural 3D porous channels are prepared. Through phase characterization and electrochemical testing, the relationship between microstructure and sodium storage capacity is elucidated, further confirming the suitability of the “adsorption‐insertion‐filling” mechanism for sodium storage properties in hard carbon materials. Without the need for any additional modification strategies, this biomass‐derived hard carbon demonstrates excellent electrochemical performance in both sodium‐ion and potassium‐ion batteries (SIBs and PIBs). The as‐prepared HC‐1300 demonstrates excellent ion storage capability, delivering a high reversible capacity of 345.2 mAh g−1 in SIBs and 310 mAh g−1 in PIBs at 0.1 C. Moreover, it maintains a specific capacity of 237.3 mAh g−1 over 1200 cycles at 1 C when used in SIBs. The excellent cycling stability and superior rate performance are also presented in full cells, highlighting its potential for practical applications.
Milton Friedman and nominal income targeting
Authors: Horan Patrick
Published: August 2024

For much of his career, Milton Friedman advocated a constant monetary growth rule to limit central bank discretion and to achieve long‐term price stability. By contrast, Friedman wrote little on nominal income stabilization as an alternative goal for monetary policy. Nevertheless, a careful examination of Friedman's work shows that in his view the desirability of a constant monetary growth rule depended on its ability to stabilize nominal income. Friedman's preference for simple rules, requiring minimal knowledge on the part of central banks, would have given him strong reason to support nominal income targeting over central banks' standard practice of inflation targeting. Several strategies for achieving a nominal income target are considered, including a modified Taylor rule and several monetary base rules.
Exceptionally preserved radiodont arthropods from the lower Cambrian (Stage 3) Qingjiang Lagerstätte of Hubei, South China and the biogeographic and diversification patterns of radiodonts
Authors: Wu Yu , Pates Stephen , Zhang Mingjing , Lin Weiliang , Ma Jiaxin , Liu Cong , Wu Yuheng , Zhang Xingliang , Fu Dongjing
Published: August 2024

The Cambrian (Series 2, Stage 3) Qingjiang Lagerstätte of South China is one of the most diverse Burgess Shale‐type deposits around the world, yielding abundant non‐biomineralized fossils. Radiodonta, a taxonomically and ecologically diverse stem‐euarthropod group, has been generally thought to represent the largest consumers in early Palaeozoic marine ecosystems. Here we describe several new radiodont specimens from the Qingjiang Lagerstätte assigned to various groups, including Stanleycaris qingjiangensis sp. nov., a new type of hurdiid head carapace, one possible Hurdia carapace, and two partial appendages with uncertain affinities. These specimens not only extend the geographic and stratigraphic range of these taxa, they also illuminate the diversity of radiodonts (in particular hurdiids) in their early evolutionary history. Radiodont palaeobiogeographic patterns are visualized using network analysis. Laurentia and South China share many members at the genus level, Anomalocaris is the most cosmopolitan taxon, but most genera are endemic. Radiodonts show a high initial diversity that declines through the early Palaeozoic, enabling three diversification phases of radiodonts to be recognized: the thriving phase (Cambrian Series 2), declining phase (Cambrian Miaolingian) and terminal phase (Cambrian Furongian to Ordovician Floian).
Applications and challenge of digital twin in life cycle of municipal pipe networks
Authors: An Yingjian
Published: August 2024

Digital twin is the key technology to promote the life cycle digitalization and intelligent management of municipal pipe networks. To achieve intelligent closed‐loop management for the life cycle of municipal pipe networks, this paper first analyzed the meanings of “process‐oriented” and “object‐oriented” of digital twin and gave the connotation for the life cycle management of the digital‐twin‐driven municipal pipe networks. Second, on the basis of the application paradigms in typical scenarios of design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the life cycle management of the municipal pipe networks, this paper proposed the technical framework of digital twin‐driven municipal pipe networks. Finally, the existing challenges were discussed for the digital twin in the life cycle management of municipal pipe networks. The research shows that digital twin is the technical guarantee for the life cycle management of municipal pipe networks, and high‐fidelity digital “twinning” is an important prerequisite for realizing the function of digital twin.
Survey of the husbandry and biosecurity practices of backyard chicken keepers in the UK
Authors: Baldrey Vicki , Ragoonanan Keiran , Bacon Heather
Published: August 2024

Background

This survey investigated the housing, feeding, health and welfare of backyard chickens kept in the UK.

Methods

Information was collected via an online questionnaire active from May to July 2021. The survey asked about flock demographics, housing, diet, enrichment provision, if the flock was registered with the Animal Plant and Health Agency (APHA) and the reason, preventative health care and biosecurity, and the incidence and methods of euthanasia.

Results

The majority of flocks (48.8%) consisted of one to five birds, were located in rural areas (58%) and were kept as pets (77%) and/or for eggs (71.6%). Enrichment was provided by 78.4% of keepers. Most respondents (69%) were aware of the Animal Plant and Health Agency poultry registration scheme, with 32.8% being registered with the scheme. Kitchen scraps were fed by 29% of keepers. Veterinary services were used by 63.6% of keepers, although 4% said they struggled to find a veterinarian willing to treat backyard poultry. New additions to the flock were isolated by 70.2% of keepers.

Limitations

The survey was distributed through poultry‐specific Facebook groups and via chicken rescue centres, so it is not a truly random sample of backyard chicken keepers. All survey‐based studies have an inherent element of subjectivity.

Conclusions

The survey identified biosecurity, humane euthanasia training, veterinary training in backyard poultry medicine, and enrichment provision as areas where improvements can be made to improve poultry health and welfare and reduce the risks of infectious disease transmission.
Use of modifiers ZSM‐5 and bentonite enhancing the hydrolytic and thermal stability of urea‐formaldehyde composites
Authors: Ristić Mirjana , Samaržija‐Jovanović Suzana , Krstić Marija , Jovanović Tijana , Jovanović Vojislav , Marković Gordana , Marinović‐Cincović Milena
Published: August 2024

This research introduces a new approach using zeolite ZSM‐5 (Z) as formaldehyde (FA) scavenger in urea‐formaldehyde (UF) resins, while simultaneously investigating and comparing the structural influence of Z and bentonite (B) on different properties of UF composite. ZSM‐5 and bentonite were used to modify the in situ synthesized UF resin with a low formaldehyde/urea (FA/U) molar ratio (0.8), to reduce the free FA content in the UF resin. The fillers and modified UF composites were characterized using XRD, FTIR, TGA, DTG, and DTA. The surface of fillers and modified UF resins was observed using SEM. The content of free FA, determined by the sulfite method, for the sample UF/Z composite, was 0.06%, while for the sample UF/B composite was 0.18%. After acid hydrolysis, the content of released FA was similar for both modified resins (4.08% for UF/Z and 4.80% for UF/B). This slight difference indicates a better hydrolytic stability of UF/Z. Analysis of thermal stability showed that UF/Z starts to degrade at a higher temperature, which, together with the values of released FA, indicates that UF resin modified with ZSM‐5 is thermally and hydrolytically more stable compared to the UF/B composite. The obtained results suggest that ZSM‐5 with its microporous structure contributes better to improving the properties of UF resins than bentonite with its layered structure.

Highlights

Synthesis of UF resins modified with ZSM‐5 and bentonite.

New approach using ZSM‐5 as a formaldehyde scavenger.

Comprehensive characterization of the fillers and modified UF resins.

UF/Z resin has superior hydrolytic and thermal stability over UF/B resin.

The microporous structure of ZSM‐5 enhances the properties of UF.
The Fight Against Hailstorms in Italy, 1950–70: A Long History of Confirmation Bias
Authors: Eccel Emanuele , Scolozzi Rocco , Zardi Dino , Beltrano Maria Carmen
Published: August 2024

This article analyzes the experiments for hail suppression by means of exploding rockets in Italy, where a remarkable national program of active defense was undertaken in the period 1950–70. The history of the trials of this technique is reconstructed in view of highlighting the methodological flaws of the entire experimental approach. A supplementary source of information is offered by about 1,600 “storm postcards”: reports sent back by farmers after single weather events. An archive of these postcards, recently collected, digitized, and analyzed for the Trentino region (northern Italy), offers an interesting glimpse into the scientific and pseudoscientific approaches to a difficult to predict and volatile phenomenon, both for farmers and for appointed experts.
Cleansing efficacy of the electric toothbrush Oral-B® iO™ compared to conventional oscillating-rotating technology: a randomized-controlled study
Authors: Polak Anna-Lena , Wiesmüller Vera , Sigwart Lukas , Nemec Nina , Niederegger Lisa , Kapferer-Seebacher Ines
Published: August 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to compare the cleansing efficacy of the Oral-B® iO™ electric toothbrush incorporating oscillating-rotating technology with microvibrations - with a traditional oscillating-rotating toothbrush.

Materials and methods

Thirty adult participants were randomly assigned to use the iO™ electric toothbrush with the brush head iO™ Ultimate Clean or the traditional oscillating-rotating toothbrush Oral-B® Genius® with the Cross-Action brush head. Oral hygiene indices (Rustogi Modified Navy Plaque Index and Gingival Bleeding Index) were assessed before and after 28 days of home use of the assigned product. Participants were instructed to refrain from interdental hygiene during the study period. After a 2-week washout period, the clinical investigation was repeated in a crossover design.

Results

All 30 participants completed the study with no dropouts. After 28 days of use, the iO™ showed statistically significantly lower plaque levels than the conventional oscillating-rotating toothbrush (25.09% vs. 30.60%, p = 0.029). This difference was particularly noticeable in marginal and approximal areas. There were no significant distinctions in gingival bleeding indices.

Conclusions

The Oral-B® iO™ electric toothbrush displayed enhanced plaque removal efficiency compared to a conventional oscillating-rotating technology.

Clinical relevance

This study highlights the potential benefits of advanced toothbrush technologies for plaque reduction and encourages further research.
Stabilization of river dredged sediments by means of alkali activation technology
Authors: Bizjak Karmen Fifer , Žibret Lea , Božič Mojca , Gregorc Boštjan , Ducman Vilma
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Alkali activation process has been applied to fresh river clay-rich sediments in order to increase their mechanical properties and make them suitable for soil stabilization.

Materials and methods

Dredged sediments were mixed with up to 30 mass percent (ma%) of fly ash (FA) or ladle slag (LS) and after curing for 3 days at 60 °C, the bending and compressive strength have been determined. The mixtures which exhibited the highest strengths were further optimized for being used in soil stabilization. For this purpose, the sediment was stabilized with 4 ma% of quicklime (QL) and after 1 h 30 ma% of FA with alkali activator was added and cured for 1, 7 and 28 days.

Results

The stabilized sediment has a significantely better geomechanical performance in comparison with the sediment alone. Stabilizing the dredged sediment using alkali activation technology provides high enough strengths to eventually make it suitable for anti-flood embankments.

Conclusions

The results confirmed the suitability of the investigated technology for soil stabilization.