bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of interlaminar toughening properties in carbon fiber composites using wet veil formation of short‐cut aramid fibers
Authors: Shao Kai , Zhang Xin , Lin Lecheng , Shen Si , Zheng Ting , Wang Xiaodong , Zhang Lili
Published: January 2025

The application of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) in aerospace, automotive and other fields is expanding rapidly due to its high strength‐to‐weight ratio and excellent mechanical properties. However, the susceptibility to delamination damage in the thickness direction still needs to be addressed urgently. In this study, carbon fiber prepregs were combined with short‐cut aramid fiber (SAFs) veils through hot compression molding to produce SAFs‐interlaminar‐toughened carbon fiber reinforced polymer (SAFs‐CFRP). The effect of the areal density of the SAFs on mechanical properties and model II interlaminar fracture toughness (IFT) was investigated. The results demonstrate that at a fiber areal density of 15 g/m2, tensile and flexural strengths increased by 33.96% and 34.39%, respectively, compared to the untoughened specimens. Additionally, model II IFT improved by 108.05%, reaching 9.05 KJ/m2, a significant enhancement over the untoughened specimens. Cross‐sectional fracture analysis revealed that the toughening mechanism involved fiber bridging, fiber pull‐out, fiber breakage, and fiber debonding of the SAFs within the resin‐rich layers. These processes effectively hinder crack propagation and absorb energy, contributing to the enhancements in toughness and mechanical strength. This study provides a comprehensive framework for interlaminar toughening using SAFs, addressing the critical challenge of delamination and paving the way for CFRP materials with enhanced performance and reliability in advanced engineering applications.

Highlights

Effective CFRP interlayer toughening was achieved using wet veil‐formed SAFs.

The model II IFT of CFRP was significantly increased by 108.05%.

The tensile and flexural properties of CFRP were also enhanced.
Non‐destructive modification of cellulose‐based fabrics in aqueous phase for flame‐retardant epoxy composite
Authors: Zhang Liyue , Liu Jingkai , Liu Xiaoling , Dai Jinyue , Liu Xiaoqing , Yi Xiaosu
Published: January 2025

The flame‐retardant modification of plant fiber‐reinforced composites (PFRCs) is a fundamental requirement for achieving broader industrial applications. However, commonly used modification methods often compromise the fiber mechanical properties or surface reactivity due to structural damage. In this paper, a water‐soluble system consisting of phytic acid imidazole salt and biobased benzoxazine was devised to modify a regenerated cellulose fabric through water‐phase immersion. Benefiting from the neutral solution and self‐assembly coating, the modified fabric (F‐RCF) exhibited a typical self‐extinguishing behavior while maintaining good structural integrity and mechanical properties. By further combining F‐RCF with a DOPO‐containing epoxy resin blend (FEB) to prepare a fiber‐reinforced green composite (F‐RCF/FEB), the results indicated that the co‐curing reaction between the modifier and resin matrix contributed to improved interfacial adhesion. This enabled the simultaneous enhancement of tensile modulus (from 9.82 to 11.29 MPa), impact strength (from 6.58 to 7.26 kJ m−2) and interlaminar shear strength (from 11.41 to 13.89 MPa). More importantly, F‐RCF/FEB exhibited excellent anti‐flammability in terms of a high limiting oxygen index value of 34.3% and a UL‐94 V‐0 rating, and the peak heat release and total heat release were also markedly reduced by 44.9% and 36.9%, respectively. Mechanism analysis revealed that the modified system effectively prevented the wick effect and provided an inhibitory effect in the gaseous phase, as well as a barrier effect in the condensed phase. This study presents a non‐destructive modification strategy for plant fibers, which may also inspire the synchronous enhancement of interfacial compatibility and fire‐proof performance of PFRCs. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Families Addressing Cancer Together for Parents With Cancer: Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Effects
Authors: Nakamura Zev M. , Deal Allison M. , Yopp Justin M. , Wardell Alexis C. , Manning Michelle , Pak Phoebe , Cassidy Anna , Hanson Laura C. , Jung Ahrang , Song Mi‐Kyung , Valle Carmina G. , Walker Cole , Won Hannah , Park Eliza M. , Rosenstein Donald L.
Published: January 2025

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of Families Addressing Cancer Together (FACT), a web‐based, individually tailored, psychoeducational intervention for parents with cancer to improve illness‐related communication with their minor children.

Methods

Parents with stage I‐IV solid tumors who had children ages 3–17 were randomized to 6 weeks of FACT versus waitlist control. Feasibility was assessed by rates of recruitment and retention. Acceptability (primary outcome) was defined a priori as ≥ 75% of FACT participants rating FACT ≥ 12 (on an 18‐point study‐specific scale), and semi‐structured interviews provided additional qualitative acceptability information. Generalized estimating equation methods were used to assess preliminary efficacy for communication self‐efficacy, depression, and anxiety; Fisher's exact tests explored differences in individual communication beliefs and behaviors.

Results

Forty‐eight approached patients enrolled (recruitment rate: 73%), 85% were retained through the post‐intervention assessment, and 78% rated FACT as acceptable. In the FACT group compared to control, the modeled improvement in CSES scores from baseline to post‐intervention was 9.5 versus 0 points (p = 0.004). FACT participants were more likely to have told their children that they have cancer (83.3% vs. 52.2%, p = 0.03) and felt more prepared to answer their children's questions about cancer (p = 0.02). Groups did not differ in depression or anxiety.

Conclusions

FACT was feasible, acceptable, and demonstrated potential to improve parents' communication self‐efficacy, beliefs, and behaviors. A large scale randomized controlled trial of FACT is needed to confirm these benefits and evaluate longer‐term effects on psychological outcomes for parents with cancer and their children.
Knockout of a testis‐specific gene cluster impairs male fertility in the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda
Authors: Wang Pei , Zhao Yuchen , Cheng Yalan , Tian Siyu , Bai Yuxuan , Zuo Junfeng , Palli Subba Reddy , Chen Xien
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

The function of some testis‐specific genes (TSGs) in model insects have been studied, but their function in non‐model insects remains largely unexplored. In the present study, we identified several TSGs in the fall armyworm (FAW), a significant agricultural pest, through comparative transcriptomic analysis. A testis‐specific gene cluster (TSGC) comprising multiple functional genes and long non‐coding RNAs was found.

RESULTS

Quantitative PCR analysis validated the testis‐specific expression of genes within this cluster across different developmental stages. Interspecies collinearity analysis indicated that this TSGC is conserved among lepidopterans. To elucidate the function of this TSGC, we employed the CRISPR/Cas9 gene‐editing technique to generate loss‐of‐function mutants. Notably, the hatching rate of eggs produced by wild‐type females mated with mutant males (approximately 30%) was substantially lower than that of eggs from wild‐type females mated with wild‐type males (approximately 80%). Additionally, a significant reduction in the size and number of sperm was observed in the testis of mutant males compared to wild‐type males.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, this study not only elucidates the role of the TSGC in supporting male fertility in the FAW, which provides valuable information for understanding the mechanism of male reproduction in insects, but also identifies potential target genes for the development of genetic control strategies against lepidopteran pests. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
PepFuNN: Novo Nordisk Open‐Source Toolkit to Enable Peptide in Silico Analysis
Authors: Ochoa Rodrigo , Deibler Kristine
Published: January 2025

We present PepFuNN, a new open‐source version of the PepFun package with functions to study the chemical space of peptide libraries and perform structure–activity relationship analyses. PepFuNN is a Python package comprising five modules to study peptides with natural amino acids and, in some cases, sequences with non‐natural amino acids based on the availability of a public monomer dictionary. The modules allow calculating physicochemical properties, performing similarity analysis using different peptide representations, clustering peptides using molecular fingerprints or calculated descriptors, designing peptide libraries based on specific requirements, and a module dedicated to extracting matched pairs from experimental campaigns to guide the selection of the most relevant mutations in design new rounds. The code and tutorials are available at https://github.com/novonordisk‐research/pepfunn.
Innovative Integration of Robotic‐Assisted Laparoscopic Telesurgery and Quantum Cryptography Communication in Urology: Clinical Application and Initial Experience
Authors: Chu Guangdi , Yang Xuecheng , Zhang Xin , Guan Bo , Zhao Jianchang , Gao Yuan , Yuan Yi , Cao Yuxuan , Wang Shuxin , Li Jianmin , Niu Haitao
Published: January 2025

Background

The emergence of telesurgery has received global interest, with secure network transmission identified as a crucial determinant of its success. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and viability of employing quantum cryptography communication in remote partial nephrectomy.

Methods

The surgeon operated on the patient from a distance of over 260 km using remote control of a surgical robot. Key evaluation metrics for the telesurgery procedure included success rate, incidence of complications, network latency, and packet loss.

Results

The average BMI of these patients was 29.4 kg/m2, the average warm ischaemia time was 26 min, and the packet loss rate was 0%. Postoperative patient recovery, as indicated by follow‐up results, was favourable.

Conclusions

We introduced a novel telesurgical paradigm for partial nephrectomy based on quantum cryptography communication. The application of pioneering technology provides patients with a safer choice for telemedical treatment and promotes the application of telesurgery.
“Everyone's Struggling:” Coping With Institutionalized Hierarchies of Competence Through Emotional Resonance
Authors: Zhang Muxin , Kuo Eric
Published: January 2025

In instructional settings involving social interactions, emotions such as discomfort, embarrassment, and shame can be induced by social comparison of competence, judgment from peers, and conflict with other students. As part of the special issue Centering Affect and Emotion Toward Justice and Dignity in Science Education, this paper presents a case study of how four university engineering students in an introductory physics course addressed the emotional discomfort that arose when a hierarchy of competence emerged among group members, to demonstrate two points. First, local hierarchical positionings of who is more or less competent can create vulnerabilities and discomfort, which students can cope with by sharing and relating to each other's negative emotional experiences as engineering majors. This “emotional resonance” can be a resource for helping students locally reposition to find common ground and resist hierarchical positionings. Second, the local construction of hierarchical positioning among students, and the resulting emotional discomfort, can be supported by larger institutional structures and hierarchies within STEM culture. Although emotional resonance can locally alleviate discomfort and help students avoid hierarchical positionings, the legitimacy of positioning some students as “smarter” than others based on institutional labels and other markers of success can be left unchallenged. Therefore, efforts to support student emotions in STEM education should look beyond local interventions and critically examine pathways through which institutional structures and STEM culture can create hierarchical and competitive relations between students, generate feelings of not being “smart” enough, and increase the socioemotional risks of learning.
Long‐Lasting and High‐Power‐Density Yarn‐Based Moisture‐Enabled Electric Generator for Self‐powered Electronic Textiles
Authors: Gao Wenhu , Liu Feng , Zheng Yanling , Wang Chenyu , Jian Yihao , Ju Jun , Wang Wei , Lu Zhisong , Qiao Yan
Published: January 2025

1D moisture‐enabled electric generators (MEGs) hold great promise for powering electronic textiles, but their current limitations in power output and operational duration restrict their application in wearable technology. This study introduces a high‐performance yarn‐based moisture‐enabled electric generator (YMEG), which comprises a carbon‐fiber core, a cotton yarn active layer with a radial gradient of poly(4‐styrensulfonic acid) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PSSA/PVA), and an aluminum wire as the outer electrode. The unique design maintains a persistent moisture gradient between the interior and exterior electrodes, enhancing performance through the continuous proton diffusion from PSSA and Al3⁺ ions from the aluminum wire. The optimized 5‐cm‐long YMEG delivers an open‐circuit voltage of 1.35 V and a short‐circuit current density of 460 µA cm−2, sustaining over 300 µA cm−2 for more than 5 h. When woven into a 1 m long yarn containing 95 YMEGs, it generates 101.0 V at 60% relative humidity. Additionally, a configuration of 420 YMEGs connected in series and parallel can power a 1 W LED and a 40 mW motor. This innovative YMEG design paves the way for self‐powered electronic textiles such as warning vests and headbands, capable of harnessing insensible sweat for energy.
Differentiated Modulating the Electronic Structure of NiFe@Ni/Fe‐MnOx via Phase Transformation Engineering to Synergy Promote Bifunctional Water Splitting Reactions
Authors: Feng Min , Tang Yu , Li Zhimin , Zhang Zhengfu , Li Chengping , Bao Rui , Yi Jianhong , Chen Jiangzhao , Wang Jinsong
Published: January 2025

Modulating electronic structure to balance the requirement of both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is crucial for developing bifunctional catalysts. Herein, phase transformation engineering is utilized to separately regulate catalyst structure, and the designed NiFe@Ni/Fe‐MnOOH schottky heterojunction exhibits remarkable bifunctional electrocatalytic activity with low overpotentials of 19 and 230 mV at 10 mA cm−2 for HER and OER in 1M KOH, respectively. Meanwhile, an anion‐exchange membrane water electrolyzer employing NiFe@Ni/Fe‐MnOOH as electrodes shows low voltages of 1.487/1.953 V at 10/1000 mA cm−2, and operating over 200 h at 1000 mA cm−2. Combining theoretical calculations and experiments reveal that phase transformation engineering can differentially regulate the active phases of HER/OER. In the HER, Ni/Fe‐MnOOH and metallic NiFe act as the *OH and *H acceptors respectively to accelerates the water dissociation and subsequent Heyrovsky/Tafel step. While in the OER, the significant Jahn‐Teller effect of Mn3+ induces the surface reconstruction from Ni/Fe‐MnOOH to Ni/Fe‐MnO2. The formative high value Mn4+ can modify the M‐O hybridization and activate the lattice oxygen mechanism, which is pivotal for breaking the restriction of volcanic relationship and reducing OER overpotential. These findings provide valuable design guidelines for high‐performance multi‐functional electrocatalysts via phase transformation engineering.
Using High‐Entropy Configuration Strategy to Design Spinel Lithium Manganate Cathodes with Remarkable Electrochemical Performance
Authors: Huang Yixue , Zhang Bao , zhang Jian , Wang Yongqi , Xia Ling , Xiang Mingwu , Han Wenchang , Li Jie , Feng Ziliang , Liu Yongkang , Zhang Enfeng , Duan Jianguo , Dong Peng , Zhang Yingjie , Zhang Yannan
Published: January 2025

Owing to its abundant manganese source, high operating voltage, and good ionic diffusivity attributed to its 3D Li‐ion diffusion channels. Spinel LiMn2O4 is considered a promising low‐cost positive electrode material in the context of reducing scarce elements such as cobalt and nickel from advanced lithium‐ion batteries. However, the rapid capacity degradation and inadequate rate capabilities induced by the Jahn–Teller distortion and the manganese dissolution have limited the large‐scale adoption of spinel LiMn2O4 for decades. In this study, LiMn1.98Mg0.005Ti0.005Sb0.005Ce0.005O4 spinel positive electrode material (HE‐LMO) with remarkable interfacial structural and cycling stability is developed based on a complex concentrated doping strategy. The initial discharge capacity and capacity retention of the electrode of HE‐LMO are 111.51 mAh g−1 and 90.55% after 500 cycles at 1 C. The as‐prepared HE‐LMO displays favorable cycling stability, significantly surpassing the pristine sample. Furthermore, theoretical calculations strongly support the above finding. HE‐LMO has a higher and more continuous density of states at the Fermi energy level and more robust bonded states of the electrons among the Mn─O atom pairs. This research contributes to the field of high‐entropy doping modification and establishes a facile strategy for designing advanced spinel manganese‐based lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs).
Cascading Bagging and Boosting Ensemble Methods for Intrusion Detection in Cyber‐Physical Systems
Authors: Ji Ram , Selwal Arvind , Kumar Neerendra , Padha Devanand
Published: January 2025

An ensemble‐inspired intrusion detection approach for cyber‐physical systems (CPSs) has been proposed. CPSs are susceptible to different cyber‐attacks. Attacks on CPSs result in the hindrance of critical services made available by them. To protect CPSs various intrusion detection systems (IDSs) exist. However, present IDSs have limitations of constrained detection accuracy, high false alarm rate, and latency. A hybrid intrusion detection approach for CPSs that integrates the pros of bagging and boosting methods has been proposed to minimize the mentioned limitations. The proposed approach uses AdaBoost and random forest (RF) algorithms as base models. Optimal features most indicative of attack behavior are selected based on the aggregated significant scores of each feature calculated using the base models. The base models are retrained using the selected features. The final selection of features is predicted by adopting the majority vote technique. The proposed method is implemented on the CIC‐IoT‐2023 dataset for multiclassification of intrusions. Thereby selecting only the best‐exclusive number of features for intrusion detection, the proposed approach gives better results like accuracy (98.27%), precision (0.98), recall (0.98), F1‐score (0.98), average false positive rate (FPR) (0.0006), and testing time (0.1563s). By conducting extensive experiments, it has been observed that selecting the best 21 out of 46 features aids in minimizing the space and time complexities of the proposed approach. The proposed approach performs better than the existing state‐of‐the‐art approaches available in the literature regarding FPR and testing time.
Adult Self‐Change from a Radical Interactionist Perspective: The Case of “Ray Charles”
Authors: Athens Lonnie
Published: January 2025

I propose a theory for explaining both major and minor adult self‐change from a radical interactionist perspective. According to our new proposed theory, adult self‐change takes place over a five‐stage, multi‐directional process, which in the order of their occurrence are: (1) fragmentation, (2) provisional unity, (3) praxis, (4) consolidation, and (5) social segregation. The basic dynamic underlying both major and minor adult self‐change is the loss or gain of status in the dominance hierarchy of people's grand primary groups which, in turn, can significantly affect, for better or worse, the ranks that they hold in their petite primary and secondary groups. What makes this theory relatively unique is, first and foremost, its basis on the master principle of domination. Second, it explains both minor and major self‐change, not just one or the other. This distinction is important because the stages undergone during these two different degrees of self‐change not only overlap, but as people pass through them, minor self‐change can often mutate into major self‐change, making the formulation of separate explanations untenable. The main conclusion this article draws is that the proposed explanation of adult self‐change from a radical interactionist perspective is superior to explanations proposed by conventional interactionists which are based on sociality. This is because the model I introduce here can explain both major and minor adult self‐change and explicitly takes into account, instead of ignores, the integral part that super‐ordination plays in both forms of self‐change, and thereby, breaks new theoretical ground. Snippets from the autobiography of American blues and jazz legend, Ray Charles, are used to illustrate the theory.
Listen, act and support: An investigation into individual and organisational incivility management in veterinary practice
Authors: Irwin Amy , Santos Luiz , Silver‐MacMahon Helen , Mossop Liz
Published: January 2025

Background

This study investigates the impact of workplace and client incivility on veterinary staff wellbeing and job satisfaction, examining both individual responses and organisational support mechanisms to identify best practices for managing incivility.

Method

A mixed‐methods approach was employed, involving a survey of 192 veterinary professionals from various roles and practice types. The survey measured experiences of incivility, individual factors (anxiety, stress, burnout, job satisfaction and turnover intention) and organisational factors (perceived organisational support, social support and civility climate).

Results

Client incivility was a significant predictor of increased anxiety, burnout and stress, while co‐worker incivility was a significant predictor of increased anxiety. Organisational support and team civility were found to be significant predictors of job satisfaction and turnover intention, with organisational support mediating the impact of co‐worker incivility on anxiety. Qualitative analysis highlighted the importance of listening to staff concerns and taking proactive measures to address incivility.

Limitations

The data are cross‐sectional and subjective, and the sample is predominantly female.

Conclusion

Effective management of incivility in veterinary practices requires robust organisational support and clear policies. Practices should prioritise listening to staff, fostering a supportive environment and implementing training programs to mitigate the adverse effects of incivility on staff wellbeing and job satisfaction.
N3LL + $$ \mathcal{O}\left({\alpha}_s^2\right) $$ predictions of lepton-jet azimuthal angular distribution in deep-inelastic scattering
Authors: Fang Shen , Gao Mei-Sen , Li Hai Tao , Shao Ding Yu
Published: January 2025

Abstract

We present an analysis of lepton-jet azimuthal decorrelation in deep-inelastic scattering (DIS) at next-to-next-to-next-to-leading logarithmic (N3LL) accuracy, combined with fixed-order corrections at

$$ \mathcal{O}\left({\alpha}_s^2\right) $$

O

α
s
2

. In this study, jets are defined in the lab frame using the anti-k

T
clustering algorithm and the winner-take-all recombination scheme. The N3LL resummation results are derived from the transverse-momentum dependent factorization formula within the soft-collinear effective theory, while the

$$ \mathcal{O}\left({\alpha}_s^2\right) $$

O

α
s
2

fixed-order matching distribution is calculated using the NLOJET++ event generator. The azimuthal decorrelation between the jet and electron serves as a critical probe of the three-dimensional structure of the nucleon. Our numerical predictions provide a robust framework for precision studies of QCD and the nucleon’s internal structure through jet observables in DIS. These results are particularly significant for analyses involving jets in HERA data and the forthcoming electron-ion collider experiments.
Identification and validation of two quantitative trait loci for dwarf bunt in the resistant cultivar ‘UI Silver’
Authors: Joshi Pabitra , Dhillon Guriqbal Singh , Gao Yaotian , Kaur Amandeep , Wheeler Justin , Chen Xianming , Krause William , Krause Margaret R. , Chen Jianli
Published: January 2025

Key message

Two dwarf bunt resistance QTLs were mapped to chromosome 6D, and KASP markers associated with the loci were developed and validated in a panel of regionally adapted winter wheats. UI Silver is an invaluable adapted resistant cultivar possessing the two identified QTL potentially associated with genes Bt9 and Bt10 and will be useful in future cultivar development to improve dwarf bunt resistance.

Dwarf bunt, caused by Tilletia controversa, is a fungal disease of wheat that can cause complete loss of grain yield and quality during epidemics. Traditional breeding for dwarf bunt resistance requires many years of field screening under stringent conditions with disease assessment possible only near or after plant maturity. Molecular marker-assisted selection (MAS) offers a more efficient alternative. This study identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) and associated molecular markers for dwarf bunt resistance in wheat. A doubled haploid (DH) mapping population of 135 lines, derived from bunt-resistant cultivar ‘UI Silver’ and susceptible line ‘Shaan89150’, was evaluated in field nursery in Logan, Utah in 2017, 2018, and 2023. The population was genotyped using Illumina 90 K SNP iSelect marker platform. Using inclusive composite interval mapping (ICIM), the major QTL Qdb.ssdhui-6DL was consistently identified on chromosome arm 6DL across all environments, explaining phenotypic variations ranging from 15.29% to 35.40%. Another QTL, Qdb.ssdhui-6DS, was detected on chromosome arm 6DS, explaining approximately 11% of the phenotypic variation. These two QTLs exhibit additive-by-additive effects for increased resistance within the DH population. Kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) markers were developed within QTL intervals and used in a validation panel of regionally adapted winter wheat lines to confirm the association between the two QTL and dwarf bunt resistance. Thus, ‘UI Silver’ and additional resistant cultivars with these two QTLs are valuable parental lines for improving dwarf bunt resistance through marker-assisted selection. These genetic resources are essential for understanding gene function via map-based gene cloning.
Feasibility of a clouds and edge computing scheme for internal due date assignment in advanced manufacturing systems
Authors: Chen Tin-Chih Toly , Lin Chi-Wei
Published: January 2025

Most of the existing edge computing applications in manufacturing systems are used for machine status detection, material transportation tracking, resource management, process control, and production planning, but are rarely used to support management activities. To fill this gap, this study designs a cloud and edge computing scheme for internal due date assignment, in which a sales representative visits a customer and negotiates with him/her the due date of a possible order. In the past, such tasks were accomplished by querying a deep learning system on the backend or cloud server, which was affected by difficulties such as cloud computing application licensing, network speed, and bandwidth. To overcome these difficulties, in the cloud and edge computing scheme, a possible order is broken down into lots that are released based on daily quotas. A deep neural network (DNN) is then constructed on the cloud server to estimate the output time of each lot, thereby obtaining the completion time of the possible order for internal due date assignment. A random forest (RF) is also built to approximate the trained DNN for internal due date assignment using edge computing. The cloud and edge computing scheme for internal due date assignment has been experimentally applied to a wafer fabrication case. According to the experimental results, the cloud and edge computing scheme provided a portable, self-contained, and instant solution for internal due date assignment that the common practice and cloud computing counterparts could not achieve. The cloud and edge computing scheme also avoided the potential leakage of confidential production condition data.
Was alle über Künstliche Intelligenz wissen sollen und wie KI-bezogene Kompetenzen in der Schule entwickelt werden können
Authors: Losch Daniel , Jaschke Steffen , Michaeli Tilman , Opel Simone , Schmid Ute , Seegerer Stefan , Stechert Peer
Published: January 2025

Aufbauend auf dem Positionspapier der Gesellschaft für Informatik zur Bedeutung von Künstlicher Intelligenz (KI) in der Bildung wird im Beitrag die Notwendigkeit diskutiert, Schüler*innen sowie Lehrkräfte auf die Chancen und Herausforderungen von KI vorzubereiten. Es werden verschiedene Ansätze zum Lehren und Lernen über und mit KI vorgestellt, darunter die Integration von KI in den Informatikunterricht, die Verwendung von Unplugged-Ansätzen und die Entwicklung von KI-bezogenen Kompetenzen in der beruflichen Bildung. Der Beitrag betont die Bedeutung von Informatik als Pflichtfach im allgemeinbildenden Unterricht. Abschließend werden die Konsequenzen von KI für die Bildung und die Notwendigkeit eines interdisziplinären Diskurses über die Gestaltung von Bildung in einer digital geprägten Welt diskutiert.
ENSO-induced Latitudinal Variation of the Subtropical Jet Modulates Extreme Winter Precipitation over the Western Himalaya
Authors: Bharati Priya , Deb Pranab , Hunt Kieran M. R. , Orr Andrew , Dash Mihir Kumar
Published: January 2025

In this study, we investigate the complex relationship between western disturbances (WDs), the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), and extreme precipitation events (EPEs) in the western Himalaya (WH) during the extended winter season (November–March). WDs west of WH coincide with 97% of recorded EPEs, contributing substantially (32% in winter, 11% annually) to total precipitation within WH. WDs are 6% less frequent and 4% more intense during El Niño than La Niña to the west of WH. During El Niño (compared to La Niña) years, WDs co-occurring with EPEs are significantly more intense and associated with 17% higher moisture transport over “WH box” (the selected region where most of the winter precipitation over WH occurs). This results in twice the EPE frequency during El Niño periods than La Niña periods. A substantial southward shift (∼180 km) of the subtropical jet (STJ) axis during El Niño brings WD tracks further south towards their primary moisture sources, especially the Arabian Sea. We have shown that WDs that are both more intense and pass to the south of their typical latitudes have higher levels of vertically integrated moisture flux (VIMF) within them. VIMF convergence in the most intense pentile of WDs is 5.7 times higher than in the weakest, and is 3.4 times higher in the second lowest latitude pentile than in the highest. Overall, this study demonstrates a direct link between changes in the latitudinal position and intensity of WDs associated with the winter STJ, and moisture convergence, which leads to the occurrence of EPEs over WH during ENSO phases.
Communication lower bounds for cryptographic broadcast protocols
Authors: Blum Erica , Boyle Elette , Cohen Ran , Liu-Zhang Chen-Da
Published: January 2025

Broadcast protocols enable a set of n parties to agree on the input of a designated sender, even facing attacks by malicious parties. In the honest-majority setting, randomization and cryptography were harnessed to achieve low-communication broadcast with sub-quadratic total communication and balanced sub-linear cost per party. However, comparatively little is known in the dishonest-majority setting. Here, the most communication-efficient constructions are based on Dolev and Strong (SICOMP ’83), and sub-quadratic broadcast has not been achieved. On the other hand, the only nontrivial

$$\omega (n)$$

ω
(
n
)

communication lower bounds are restricted to deterministic protocols, or against strong adaptive adversaries that can perform “after the fact” removal of messages. We provide new communication lower bounds in this space, which hold against arbitrary cryptography and setup assumptions, as well as a simple sub-quadratic broadcast protocol showing near tightness of our first bound.
Caregiving responsibility and psychological distress among community-dwelling cancer survivors in the United States
Authors: Mahmood Asos , Kim Hyunmin , Kedia Satish , Boykins Alexandria , Goldsmith Joy V.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

There are over 18 million cancer survivors in the U.S., with a projected increase of 24.4% over the next decade. Currently, little is known about the relationship between a cancer survivor’s caregiving responsibility and their psychological distress. This study examines whether cancer survivors who assume the role of informal caregivers (surviving caregivers) experience greater psychological distress than cancer survivors without caregiving responsibilities.

Methods

Data were drawn from the National Cancer Institute’s Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS5, Cycles 1 through 4, 2017–2020). The analytical sample included 2,579 U.S. cancer survivors. Caregiving responsibility was self-reported, and psychological distress was assessed through the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4). Accounting for the complex design features of HINTS and jackknife replicate weights, a multivariable multinomial logistic regression model was fit to compute adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and their associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Overall, 19.3% of cancer survivors had mild psychological distress, and 10.9% had moderate to severe psychological distress. Approximately 19.1% of the cancer survivors self-reported caregiving responsibilities. Compared to cancer survivors with no caregiving responsibilities, surviving caregivers had more than twofold greater odds of experiencing mild (aOR = 2.25; 95% CI: 1.17, 4.29) and moderate to severe (aOR = 2.18; 95% CI: 1.07, 4.46) psychological distress. Other factors associated with greater psychological distress among cancer survivors included female sex, lower perceived health status, and having one or more chronic diseases.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that caregiving among cancer survivors has a substantial adverse impact on their mental and emotional well-being. Cancer surviving caregivers are a distinct subgroup that navigates both survivorship and caregiving burdens at the same time. There is a need to identify and develop tailored interventions, programs, and resources for this vulnerable group of cancer survivors.
Labile Soil Carbon Heterogeneity Driven by Consumer Engineering of Aboveground Structure in a Kenyan Savanna
Authors: Forbes Elizabeth S. , Moore Dana D. , Mantas John Naisikie , Schimel Joshua , Young Truman P. , Young Hillary S.
Published: January 2025

Aboveground ecosystem structure moderates and even confers essential ecosystem functions. This includes an ecosystem’s carbon dynamics, which are strongly influenced by its structure: for example, tropical savannas like those in central Kenya store substantial amounts of carbon in soil. Savannas’ belowground allocation of carbon makes them important for global carbon sequestration, but difficult to monitor. However, the labile soil carbon pool is responsive to changes in ecosystem structure and is thus a good indicator of overall soil organic carbon dynamics. Kenya’s savanna structure is controlled by belowground ecosystem engineers (termites), ambient weather conditions, and the aboveground engineering influences of large-bodied, mammalian consumers. As a result, climate change and biodiversity loss are likely to change savannas’ aboveground structure. To predict likely outcomes of these threats on savanna soil carbon, it is critical to explore the relationships between labile soil carbon and ecosystem structure, local climate, and mammalian consumer community composition. In a large-scale, long-term herbivore exclosure experiment in central Kenya, we sampled labile carbon from surface soils at three distinct savanna structural elements: termite mounds, beneath tree canopies, and the grassland matrix. In one sampling year, we measured total extractable organic carbon (TEOC), total extractable nitrogen (TEN), and extractable microbial biomass for each sample. Across three sampling years with varying weather conditions, we measured rate of labile soil carbon mineralization. We quantified areal coverage of each structural element across herbivore community treatments to estimate pool sizes and mineralization dynamics at the plot scale. Concentrations and stocks of soil TEOC, TEN, and microbial biomass were driven by the structural element from which they were sampled (soils collected under tree canopies generally had the highest of each). Large-bodied herbivore community composition interacted variably with concentrations, stocks, and carbon mineralization, resulting in apparently compensatory effects of herbivore treatment and structural element with no net effects of large herbivore community composition on plot-scale labile carbon dynamics. We confirmed engineering of structural heterogeneity by consumers and identified distinct labile carbon dynamics in each structural element. However, carbon and nitrogen were also influenced by consumer community composition, indicating potentially compensatory interacting effects of herbivore treatment and structural element. These results suggest that one pathway by which consumers influence savanna carbon is by altering its structural heterogeneity and thus the heterogeneity of its plot-scale labile carbon.
Heterogeneous and scale-dependent behaviour of an initially dense sand specimen in triaxial compression
Authors: Schmidt Selma , Herle Ivo
Published: January 2025

The heterogeneity of a dense sand specimen in triaxial compression has been revealed in many different studies using tools such as x-ray computed tomography. It has been shown that a significant variation of the soil variables already exists at the initial state and that, if shear banding occurs, all variables localise inside the specimen. To resolve the discrepancy between such observations and the assumption of a homogeneous specimen, which is commonly made in the interpretation of triaxial tests, one could either extract the local soil behaviour rather than the global one or use the initial distribution of the variables as the initial state of a boundary value problem. For both purposes, the size of a representative elementary volume (REV) is determined regarding the void ratio, two contact fabric descriptors, the volumetric and deviatoric strain. The size of the REV is either determined for individual loading states or by considering the evolution of deforming elements throughout the triaxial test. At the final loading state, a REV size of 3.6 
$$d_{50}$$
is identified, which is also the size where the statistical distribution of the variables becomes independent of the element size. The same size is determined for the deforming elements and is therefore used to extract the soil behaviour from the evolving shear band. The local soil behaviour is found to be much simpler than the global one, which suggests that the complexity of the global behaviour mainly results from homogenising the highly different zones inside the specimen.

Graphical Abstract

Extraction of the soil behaviour inside the evolving shear band with the help of deforming representativeelementary volumes. The volumetric behaviour is represented by the evolution of the void ratio and the evolution ofthe contact fabric anisotropy is closely connected to the stress-strain behaviour. The soil behaviour on the REVscale might form the basis for an alternative approach for the development and calibration of constitutive modelsconsidering the heterogeneity of a soil specimen.
A nomogram for predicting prognostic risk factors in individuals with poor grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a retrospective study
Authors: Song Li , Oppong Marvin Darkwah , Dammann Philipp , Wrede Karsten H. , Ahmadipour Yahya , Gümüs Meltem , Dinger Thiemo Florin , Rauschenbach Laurèl , Li Yan , Frank Benedikt , Sure Ulrich , Jabbarli Ramazan
Published: January 2025

Poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (PGASAH) is associated with high mortality and morbidity despite advanced treatments. Accurate prediction of prognosis remains a clinical challenge. This study aimed to identify independent risk factors and develop a predictive nomogram for unfavorable outcomes in PGASAH patients. This retrospective study included 348 PGASAH patients treated between 2003 and 2016. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association of premorbid conditions, admission aSAH clinical parameters, admission laboratory parameters, and clinical complications with unfavorable outcomes, defined as mRS > 2 at 6 months. Independent predictors were identified, and a nomogram was constructed to assess predictive accuracy and clinical utility. The median age of PGASAH patients was 55.1 years, 64.9% were females. Independent predictors of unfavorable outcomes (mRS > 2) at 6 months included age > 55 years (aOR = 2.44), cardiac valve disease (aOR = 6.50), dilated pupils at admission (aOR = 2.64), early infarction (aOR = 5.56), and delayed cerebral ischemia (aOR = 5.09). The nomogram demonstrated good predictive performance with an AUC of 0.807. Decision curve analysis affirmed its clinical applicability. The intuitive nomogram helps physicians predict PGASAH prognosis at discharge, improving long-term management, optimizing resource allocation, and enhancing patient and family awareness and psychological preparedness. External validation is required for broader clinical use.
The i-FSC proxy for predicting inter-event and spatial variation of topographic site effects
Authors: Bou Nassif Aline , Maufroy Emeline , Lacroix Pascal , Chaljub Emmanuel , Causse Mathieu , Bard Pierre-Yves
Published: January 2025

Our study focuses on predicting topographic amplification of ground motion in the near-source region, where seismic rays reach the free-surface at varying incidence angles. We rely on data from previous 3D numerical simulations conducted on a topographic relief with a homogeneous medium. First, using neural networks, we identify which key parameters, describing the geometric characteristics of the relief relative to the seismic source position, control ground motion amplification. Then, we determine the functional form that relates these parameters to the simulated amplifications. Subsequently, we conduct a regression study to develop a model of topographic amplification, referred to as the i-FSC proxy (Illuminated Frequency-Scaled Curvature). Our estimator depends on the frequency-scaled (1) curvature, a parameter that accounts for the occurrence of amplifications over convex topographies and de-amplification over concave ones; (2) normalized illumination angle, a newly defined parameter that quantifies the slope exposure to the incoming wavefield, accounting for high amplification on slopes oriented opposite to the seismic source. The illumination parameter reduces the uncertainties of the proxy by a factor of 2 compared to estimators that rely solely on curvature. The proxy does not require high computational resources. It uses a digital elevation map and a seismic source position to predict amplification factors (without lithological effects) for an S-wave at any site on the surface topography. It allows exploration of variations in topographic amplification near seismic sources, representing a significant breakthrough as areas closest to the fault typically sustain the highest damages. A MATLAB script performing the i-FSC calculations is provided.
The Effects of Criminalisation on Activists: The Case of the NoTAP Environmental Movement
Authors: Di Ronco Anna
Published: January 2025

Does criminalisation have “chilling effects” on activists? If so, which are the criminalisation phases or strategies that discourage activists to act freely and in exercise of their human rights? This article investigates the chilling effects of criminalisation beyond the phases or strategies of police repression, labelling/stigmatisation, and surveillance, which have been addressed in the relevant multi-disciplinary literature thus far. Using the case study of the criminalised NoTAP environmental movement opposing a pipeline megaproject in the Italian southeastern Puglia region, this article shows the importance of investigating chilling effects on activists who have had experiences with the criminal justice system and with punitive measures outside the criminal law, such as administrative fines. It ends with an invitation for activist criminologists to contribute more substantially to this area of research, and to support activists throughout the “criminalisation cycle” - and through the most daunting phases of criminalisation, in particular.
Teacher-child talk in Shared-book Reading with Preschoolers: Linkages between Teacher Questioning and Child Responsiveness
Authors: Wu Yanpeng , Chen Si , Wang Xuerong , Qiao Peijing , Jiang Yinan
Published: January 2025

Teacher-child shared-book reading is an everyday activity that promotes preschoolers’ oral language and reading development. Previous studies have investigated various facets of teachers’ questioning techniques. Little research, however, has focused on text-based questions (TQ) and life-experience-based questions (LQ) and how they are associated with children’s responsiveness. Furthermore, teachers’ questioning in the Mandarin Chinese context remains underexplored. This study examines how text-based questions and life-experience based questions influenced teacher-child talk during two shared-book reading activities. The participants included 88 children and 15 teachers who were randomly paired with 5 to 7 children for one-on-one shared book reading sessions on different themes, totaling 88 dyads. All the sessions were videotaped and transcribed. We coded teachers’ questions by type and content based on level of cognitive demand, and the form of response elicited from the children. The results indicate that life-experience based questions significantly, positively predicted children’s verbal response, when controlling for the variables of children’s Expressive Vocabulary Test scores, age, quantity of teachers’ questions, and book themes. Conversely, text-based questions negatively predicted children’s verbal responses. Open questions (rather than closed questions) were associated with increased verbal response from the children. These findings suggest that teachers could increase the effectiveness of shared-book reading and preschoolers’ engagement in discussions by incorporating more open-ended, life-experience based questions.
Continual Learning in Medicine: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Bruno Pierangela , Quarta Alessandro , Calimeri Francesco
Published: January 2025

Continual Learning (CL) is a novel AI paradigm in which tasks and data are made available over time; thus, the trained model is computed on the basis of a stream of data. CL-based approaches are able to learn new skills and knowledge without forgetting the previous ones, with no guaranteed access to previously encountered data, and mitigating the so-called “catastrophic forgetting” phenomenon. Interestingly, by making AI systems able to learn and improve over time without the need for large amounts of new data or computational resources, CL can help at reducing the impact of computationally-expensive and energy-intensive activities; hence, CL can play a key role in the path towards more green AIs, enabling more efficient and sustainable uses of resources. In this work, we describe different methods proposed in the literature to solve CL tasks; we survey different applications, highlighting strengths and weaknesses, with a particular focus on the biomedical context. Furthermore, we discuss how to make the methods more robust and suitable for a wider range of applications.