bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Major Determinants of Well‐Being in Patients With Axial Spondyloarthritis: 2 Year Follow‐Up
Authors: Ediboglu Elif Durak , Erpek Esra , Bayraktar Deniz , Özmen Mustafa , Solmaz Dilek , Akar Servet
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Patient Global Score (BAS‐G) is a uni‐dimensional scale that enables patients to evaluate the effects of their illness on their health. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of disease related outcomes on the BAS‐G scores in patients with axSpA.

Methods

A total of 309 patients (56.6% of whom were male, mean age 44 ± 11) were included in the study. Socio‐demographic characteristics (age, sex and education level) and clinical characteristics such as disease activity (BASDAI and CRP), spinal mobility (BASMI), functional status (BASFI), radiographic structural damage (mSASS, mNY, and BASRI‐hip), and health related quality of life (SF‐36 and ASQoL) of the patients were recorded at baseline. In addition, BASDAI total and each item score, BASFI, BAS‐G, and CRP levels were collected at 6, 12, and 24 months.

Results

Female patients had significantly higher BAS‐G scores (p = 0.037). Baseline BASDAI total score (p < 0.001) and all BASDAI item scores (p < 0.001 for each item), BASFI total score (p < 0.001), ASQoL total score (p < 0.001), and SF‐36 PCS sum‐score (p < 0.001) were moderately/highly correlated with BAS‐G. Multivariate analysis revealed that back pain (BASDAI Q2) (p < 0.001) and the severity of morning stiffness (BASDAI Q5) (p < 0.001) were the main determinants of BAS‐G in patients with axSpA. In 2‐year follow‐up, BASDAI Q1, BASDAI Q5, and BASFI scores were independent determinants of BAS‐G in patients with axSpA.

Conclusion

According to the results of the present study, patients with axSpA mainly rely on morning stiffness and back pain to determine their global health status. Moreover, fatigue, severity of morning stiffness and function are the determinants of BAS‐G during follow‐up.
A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Rehabilitation Programmes or Strategies to Treat People With Persistent Knee Pain Following a Total Knee Replacement
Authors: Johns Nathan , Naylor Justine M. , McKenzie Dean , Brady Bernadette , Thirugnanam Brinda , Olver John
Published: September 2024

Background

Persistent high levels of knee pain after a total knee replacement have been estimated to affect 5%–10% of people and this is related to dissatisfaction with surgery, reduced function and reduced quality of life. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs or strategies to reduce persistent pain and improve function and quality of life in people following a total knee replacement.

Methods

The systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines with a search of relevant online databases up to 17 July 2024. The search criteria included English language randomised controlled trials of rehabilitation programs or strategies in any setting to treat people with persistent knee pain more than 3 months after a total knee replacement. Rehabilitation could include exercise, education, cognitive strategies and self‐management programs and excluded medication trials, procedural techniques and complementary therapies.

Results

After removal of duplicates, there were 468 abstracts screened for eligibility with 23 remaining for full‐text screening and finally, one study meeting the eligibility criteria. This study's interventions were pain neuroscience education alone and pain neuroscience education plus neuromuscular exercise. There were no statistically significant between‐group differences for pain reduction or functional improvement.

Conclusion

The evidence examining the value of rehabilitation programs or strategies for pain reduction and functional improvement in people with persistent pain following total knee replacement is deficient. Given the high number of people affected annually, further research concerning both prevention and management of persistent pain after knee replacement is warranted.
Test–retest and inter‐rater reliability of two devices measuring tactile mechanical detection thresholds in healthy adults: Semmes–Weinstein monofilaments and the cutaneous mechanical stimulator
Authors: Mamino Elisa , Lithfous Ségolène , Pebayle Thierry , Dufour André , Després Olivier
Published: September 2024

Introduction/Aims

Limitations exist in evaluating mechanical detection thresholds (MDTs) due to a lack of dependable electronic instruments designed to assess Aβ fibers and measure MDTs across different body areas. This study aims to evaluate the test–retest and inter‐rater reliability of the cutaneous mechanical stimulator (CMS), an electronic tactile stimulator, in quantifying MDTs.

Methods

Using a test–retest design, participants underwent assessments of MDTs using Semmes–Weinstein monofilaments (SWM) and the CMS. This study included 27 healthy volunteers (mean age 24.07 ± 3.76 years). Two raters assessed MDTs using SWM and the CMS at two stimulation sites (the left hand and foot) in two experimental sessions approximately 2 weeks apart.

Results

MDTs using SWM and the CMS showed excellent reliability on the hand (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = .84) and foot (ICC = .90). A comparison of results obtained at the two sessions showed that MDTs on the hand displayed good reliability for both SWM (ICC = .63) and the CMS (ICC = .73), whereas MDTs on the foot displayed fair reliability for SWM (ICC = .50) and the CMS (ICC = .42). MDTs exhibited good inter‐rater reliability with SWM (ICC = .66) and excellent inter‐rater reliability with the CMS (ICC = .82) on the hand, as well as showing fair inter‐rater reliability with SWM (ICC = .53) and good inter‐rater reliability with the CMS (ICC = .60) on the foot.

Discussion

The CMS showed superior inter‐rater reliability, indicating its potential as a valuable tool for assessing tactile sensitivity in research and clinical settings.
An optimal demand side management for microgrid cost minimization considering renewables
Authors: Pinninti Swarupa , Sura Srinivasa Rao
Published: September 2024

In an ordinary microgrid configuration, the required load changes from hour to hour. The power system firms determine the cost of energy at different times of day by considering the highest and lowest points of the consumption curve. This is referred to as time‐of‐use (TOU) pricing for power. The hourly basis load demand is divided into flexible and inflexible categories. Demand side management (DSM) lowers peak demand while rewarding customers for their participation based on load lowering. His rebuilds the whole load model on the pillars of demand cost movement. The research recommends a DSM methodology based on a combined intellect method to lower the total cost of employing loads in a microgrid (MG) structure while considering carbon tax as an unavoidable constraint to lower the emission of pollutants. This is because 40% of microgrid customers are willing to participate in the DSM scheme. The results obtained in each illustration demonstrate that the suggested DSM technique is suitable in terms of cost reduction. The generating cost was decreased from $15,488 to $15,354 when 0%–40% of clients engaged in the DSM programme. With just a 3% compromised increase in generation costs, a carbon price combined with economic emission dispatch reduced the pollutants emitted by up to 78%, from 70 to 15 tons.
Experimental analysis of a beam with a 2D triangular substructure
Authors: Poursangari Narges , Müller Wolfgang H. , Völlmecke Christina
Published: September 2024

The aim of this study is to determine experimentally the higher material parameter of a metamaterial with a triangular substructure and to verify a higher‐gradient elasticity model for beams with internal substructures or microstructures. The investigations of the higher‐gradient elasticity models of Bernoulli‐Euler and Timoshenko beams with a periodic triangular substructure in Khakalo et al. show that the bending stiffness strongly depends on the geometrical parameters of the lattice structure. To achieve this goal, beams with triangular substructures were additively manufactured using fused deposition modeling and stereolithography. They were experimentally investigated in tensile and bending tests. Three different types of beams with triangular substructures were produced, consisting of one, two and four layers of triangular beams, using two different materials: Polylactide and epoxy resin. The higher material parameter g was quantitatively determined based on the experimental results using inverse analysis. The results are valid for these specific variations of the substructure and can adequately represent the elastic size effects. In addition, this study investigates the relationship between the bending stiffness and the geometric parameters of the lattice structure as well as the influence of the curing time on the elastic properties of epoxy resin. The experiments involved testing the triangular beams under tensile and bending loads. The numerical and experimental results were compared using digital image correlation. Based on the experimental data, a higher gradient material parameter representing the geometric structure of the lattice was determined.
Recent advances in conductive materials for printed electronics and printed technology
Authors: Ke Shenghai , Liu Yinan , Chen Feng , Ni Xiaohui , Ma Yaxi
Published: September 2024

The growing interest in flexible conductive materials and printed electronic components has spawned a series of new commercial applications, including smart devices, functional clothing, and intelligent packaging. This review summarizes the main preparation techniques for conductive ink fillers, while considering the influence of the source materials (metals, carbon nanoparticles and polymers) that affect the performance of the conductive inks. The preparation methods and related research advances in electronic components (flexible electrodes and sensors) based on inkjet printing and screen‐printing technology are summarized. In addition, the literature review reveals that the current research content rarely considers the influence of printing conditions on the quality of the printed electronic devices, thus indicating that numerous specific engineering challenges need to be overcome for the commercial application of printed electronics.
Porous structural battery composite for coordinated integration of mechanical and electrical functionalities
Authors: He Yongxi , Zhang Jiacheng , Zhang Yiqun , Duan Xuechao , Zhou Jinzhu , Gao Wenjie , Li Xun , Fan Guanheng , Li Peng
Published: September 2024

Structural battery composites (SBCs) represent an emerging multifunctional technology in which materials functionalized with energy storage capabilities are used to build load‐bearing structural components. However, due to the liquid electrolyte contamination in structural battery electrolyte (SBE) and the large volume expansion of active battery materials, the poor interlayer interfacial in multilayer SBCs often causes difficulties in practical use. In this study, a new porous LiFePO4‐graphite SBC is designed and fabricated by independently distributing battery materials and resin matrix on carbon fiber fabric in pattern lattice form to prepare electrodes prepreg. The cured porous composite framework supports the load‐bearing function while limiting the electrochemical reaction in liquid electrolyte within lattices. The electrodes show reversible electric resistance after 3000 bending cycles with radius as small as 10 mm. The mechanical properties enhance significantly with tensile strength of 486.1 MPa and Young's modulus of 9.1 GPa compared to that with a liquid–solid biphasic mixed SBE structure. The SBC also exhibits a favorable capacity of 27.8 mAh/g at 0.1C. This straightforward integration path of mechanical and electrical functionalities is compatible with the manufacturing process of aerospace composite structures, which will provide an efficient and convenient energy supply solution for distributed electronics.

Highlights

A porous full‐cell structural battery composite (SBC) was designed and fabricated with prepregs.

A suspension deposition and volatilization method was developed for robust battery material coating.

Electrodes layer exhibited reversible electric resistance after 3000 tensile/bending cycles.

The tensile strength and modulus increased significantly compared to the SBC with liquid–solid biphasic mixed structural battery electrolyte.

Coordinated integration path was completely compatible with the manufacturing process of aerospace composite structures.
Enhancement of mechanical and structural characteristics through the hybridization of carbon fiber with Cordia‐dichotoma/polyester composite
Authors: Madhusudhan Reddy B. , Harisankar P. , Suresh Kumar G. , Meenakshi Reddy R. , Ananthakrishna N. , Mohan Reddy Y. V.
Published: September 2024

Single fiber polymer composites containing either natural or artificial fibers may not deliver the desired characteristics. The current study used the hand‐layup technique to make a hybrid composite by incorporating the natural fiber, Cordia‐dichotoma (CD) and artificial fiber, carbon fibers (CF) in a polyester matrix and compressing the mixture for the desired size. The current study investigates the influence of carbon fiber loading (0, 5, 10, and 15 wt%) on the mechanical, structural, and crystalline properties of CD/polyester composites keeping the total fiber loading at 20 wt%. Mechanical properties are investigated with a universal testing machine, and impact strength using Izod impact apparatus. Better mechanical properties (tensile strength‐457.38 MPa; flexural strength‐290.09 MPa and impact strength‐346.46 J/m) were obtained for the pure carbon fiber composite arranged in four layers (CF/CF/CF/CF), followed by hybrid composite (CF/CD/CD/CF) (tensile strength‐319.24 MPa; flexural strength‐253.03 MPa and impact strength‐291.34 J/m) whereas pure CD fiber (CD/CD/CD/CD) composite yielded the lowest values (tensile strength‐117.96 MPa; flexural strength‐164.99 MPa and impact strength‐118.11 J/m). Composites undergo hybridization, which improves their mechanical properties, lowers their cost, and makes them more environmentally friendly. The characteristics of the specimens were examined using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray Diffraction Analysis (XRD), Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). According to findings, crystallinity index is increased from 77.94% for CD/CD/CD/CD composite and increased to 78.21% for CF/CD/CD/CF composite. Highest crystallinity index of 82.46% was obtained for CF/CF/CF/CF composite. These hybrid composites may be used for applications involving medium loads.

Highlights

In this study, Cordia‐dichotoma natural fibers are extracted and treated with alkali (NaOH) to reduce the biodegradability.

To lower the cost and enhance mechanical and biodegradable properties Carbon and cordia‐dichotoma fibers have been hybridized.

Mechanical Properties such as tensile, flexural and impact properties are evaluated for the prepared hybrid composites.

Hybrid composites were analyzed using FTIR, AFM, XRD, and SEM to assess their suitability to various applications.
Experimental investigation of the compressive behavior of epoxy nanocomposites reinforced with straight and helical carbon nanotubes
Authors: Saririan Soroush , Borynski Michael , Londono Thomas , Arango Jose , Kirane Kedar
Published: September 2024

This paper is aimed at an experimental investigation of the effect of straight and helical carbon nanotubes on the compressive behavior of epoxy nanocomposites. The epoxy nanocomposites are fabricated with varying levels of SCNT and HCNT, each with two different fabrication techniques viz. high shear mixing and ultrasonication. In samples made using high shear mixing, the compressive strength is found to actually decrease, due to poor dispersion of the CNTs, resulting in voids and clumps, which can adversely affect the strength. Ultrasonic homogenization is found to better disperse the CNTs within the epoxy resin with nearly a 10‐fold decrease in the heterogeneity size. Compression tests conducted on the ultrasonically homogenized CNT‐epoxy nanocomposites indicate a modest increase in the compressive strength. The best increase of 5% is obtained with 1% SCNT. On the other hand, the HCNT samples show a higher post‐peak residual stress suggesting an improved mode II/III fracture toughness. The high shear mixed samples exhibit a bulging deformation with no clear evidence of shear localization. On the other hand, the ultrasonic homogenization (UH) samples bulge and eventually show a clear localized shear band, likely due to a smaller heterogeneity size. Some samples with relatively poor dispersion exhibit an axial splitting failure and a comparatively low compressive strength. In addition, it is demonstrated that using acetone as a solvent during dispersion can affect the curing kinetics, which results in a nanocomposite with a rubbery consistency with low stiffness and strength, but high deformability.

Highlights

Straight and helical CNTs impact the compressive behavior of epoxy nanocomposites

High shear mixing reduces compressive strength due to poor CNT dispersion

Ultrasonication improves CNT dispersion but modest rise in compressive strength

HCNTs cause higher post‐peak residual stress suggesting higher toughness

Using acetone affects curing, leading to rubbery, deformable nanocomposites.
Child gender and challenging behavior influences early childhood teachers' use of behavior specific praise
Authors: Granger Kristen L. , Washington‐Nortey Melissa , Chow Jason C. , Broda Michael D. , Montesion Alexandra , Sutherland Kevin S. , Conroy Maureen A.
Published: September 2024

This study used data from 435 teacher‐child dyads in early childhood classrooms to examine the extent to which teachers' use of behavior specific praise (BSP) with children screened for elevated rates of externalizing behaviors was influenced by the intensity of child challenging behavior and gender. Observational assessments indicated that teachers used BSP infrequently. A multiple regression model revealed a significant association between the interaction of child challenging behavior and gender and teachers' delivery of BSP. An examination of the simple slopes revealed a disordinal interaction where the relation between challenging behavior and teachers' delivery of BSP differed as a function of child gender. These findings point to an increased need for training to support teachers' use of BSP and understanding of the influence of child gender and behavior on the use of BSP.
Preparation of novel fluorinated highly branched (A3 + B3)‐type hyperbranched poly(amide‐imides) for electrochromism and iodine adsorption
Authors: Yang Wen , Sun ZeBang , Zhang XiaoSa , Zhu XiaoYu , Luan Jian , Li ZhengKai , Li WenZe , Liu Yu
Published: September 2024

In this study, a series of (A3 + B3)‐type fluorinated hyperbranched poly(amide‐imides) were successfully synthesized with carbazole and fluorene units as end‐capping moieties. All synthesized end‐capping hyperbranched PAIs showed over 70% branching as determined by 1H NMR, demonstrating good solubility and thermal stability (Tgs: 242–263°C, T10%: 576–629°C). The HOMO and LUMO energy levels of hyperbranched PAI films were measured at 4.65–4.73 and 1.51–1.66 eV, respectively, suggesting favorable reoxidation and reduction characteristics. PAI‐2 demonstrates a 46.6% transmittance variation (∆T, 418 nm), along with a coloring/bleaching process time of 2.3 s/1.6 s, a coloring efficiency (CE) of 310 cm2/C, and exceptional redox stability over 100 cycles. Furthermore, the synthesized PAIs containing electron‐withdrawing groups exhibited a high iodine adsorption capacity as determined by iodine adsorption tests (PAI‐1: 534 mg/g, PAI‐2: 579 mg/g, PAI‐3: 490 mg/g).
High‐performance self‐healing epoxy by microencapsulated epoxy‐amine chemistry II: Performance of the system
Authors: Zhu Mengzhang , Xiao Kaibin , Zhang He
Published: September 2024

The self‐healing epoxy based on microencapsulated epoxy‐amine chemistry is a system with great potential for practical applications. Herein, microcapsules respectively containing epoxy and polyetheramine were fabricated using a microencapsulation technique via integrating electrospraying and interfacial polymerization (ES‐IP) and self‐healing epoxy based on the dual microcapsules were systematically investigated regarding the microcapsule dispersion, healing performance, failure mode, and mechanical properties. Microcapsules with different sizes were conveniently prepared by adjusting the injection rate. The microcapsules, regardless of the size, can be well dispersed in the epoxy matrix. The effects of the microcapsule size and concentration on the healing performance were studied. While full healing can be obtained for microcapsule >100 μm, high healing efficiency of about 90% and 70% can be achieved for microcapsules in 50 ~ 100 μm and ~ 50 μm, respectively. The healing performance decreases with the decreased microcapsule concentration. However, healing efficiency >70% can still be obtained when 5.0 wt% microcapsule of 50 ~ 100 μm were adopted. Mixed failure modes including adhesive failure, cohesive failure, and matrix failure, were observed, due to the good performance of the selected healant system. While the incorporated microcapsules, especially the small ones, evidently toughens the matrix, they deteriorate the tensile properties of the formulated self‐healing material.
High‐performance self‐healing epoxy by microencapsulated epoxy‐amine chemistry I: Properties of the adopted healant system
Authors: Zhu Mengzhang , Xiao Kaibin , Zhang He
Published: September 2024

The adopted healant has a significant impact on the final healing performance of self‐healing materials. Herein, the healant system, bisphenol‐F diglycidyl ether (BFDGE) and polytheramine JEFFAMINE T403, which possesses the capability of fully healing at room temperature (RT) for epoxy, was investigated in depth. The healing potential of this healant system and its healing benchmark after microencapsulation were systematically studied using a manual injecting method. It shows that the maximum and benchmark healing efficiencies respectively reach about 210% and 170% at RT for 48 h. The robustness of the cured healant was checked by studying the mechanical properties of BFDGE/T403. It verified that the tensile properties of the healant are stable after RT curing for 48 h. The curing degree of the healant was further characterized using differential scanning calorimetry by measuring the residual exotherm. It reaches 90% when the maximum healing performance is achieved and stabilizes at 95% thereafter. The results from the manually healing test, the tensile test, and the DSC test, are consistent with each other, which validate the robustness of BFDGE/T403 as healant for self‐healing epoxies.
Peak inspiratory pressure lacks accuracy to estimate plateau pressure in infants with severe obstructive lower airway disease
Authors: Buratti Cecília R. , Andreolio Cinara , Bruno Francisco , Andrade Lívia B. , Marcon Mônica , Navarro Nádia F. , Piva Jefferson P. , Jouvet Philippe
Published: September 2024

Purpose

In children with acute respiratory distress syndrome receiving mechanical ventilation, the peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) is close to plateau pressure (PPLAT) when inspiratory flow approaches zero. We aimed to evaluate the reliability of PIP to estimate PPLAT in infants with severe respiratory viral infection (SRVI), characterized by increased airway resistance, and the accuracy of an equational model to estimates PPLAT (ePPLAT) based on PIP.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational study including mechanically ventilated children (1 to 24 month old) with SRVI, whose respiratory mechanics measurements were performed to evaluate PIP and PPLAT. The measured PPLAT was compared with the result of the equation: ePPLAT = PIP – [5.067 – (0.858 × static compliance) – (0.018 × inspiratory resistance) – (0.390 × pressure above positive‐end expiratory pressure) + (4.989 × inspiratory time)].

Results

Thirty‐seven patients were included, with a median age of 3 (2–5) months. They presented a high inspiratory and expiratory resistance (136 ± 43 and 168 ± 66 cmH2O/L/s, respectively) and a moderate reduction in static compliance: 0.75 ± 0.3 mL/kg/cmH2O. PIP overestimated PPLAT (33 ± 3 and 26 ± 5 cmH2O, p = 0.01), with a mean difference of 7.3 ± 4 cmH2O. Moreover, the Bland‐Altman analysis demonstrated a mean difference between PPLAT and ePPLAT of 1.0 ± 4.0 cmH2O, with 95% limits of agreement of –6.9 and 8.8.

Conclusions

A significant difference between PIP and PPLAT was observed in infants with SRVI. The equation model was inaccurate for estimating PPLAT based on PIP. Any estimation of PPLAT from PIP needs to consider the resistance component of the respiratory system.
Efficacy of combined exercise training during different menstrual phases in young students with primary dysmenorrhoea
Authors: Yadav Sudha , Joshi Shabnam , Punia Sonu
Published: September 2024

Objectives

The objective of the study was to compare the effectiveness of combined exercise training during different menstrual phases on pain, quality of life and menstrual symptoms.

Methods

A total of 72 participants for the study were randomly assigned into three groups: Group 1 (N = 24), Group 2 (N = 24) and Group 3 (N = 24) which had undergone combined exercise training during the follicular, luteal and bleeding phases of their menstrual cycle, respectively. The treatment programme included combined exercise training involving deep breathing exercises, Kegel exercises, core strengthening exercises and stretching exercises. Exercises were repeated 5 times with hold duration of 15 s with total of 30–40 min session with 5–10 min of warm‐up and cooldown sessions. Demographic data and outcome measures (Visual Analogue Scale [VAS], Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire [MSQ], and Working ability, Location, Intensity, Days, Duration [WaLIDD]) were assessed at baseline and assessed again during the first menstrual cycle after the completion of the treatment programme. One‐way ANOVA was used for between‐group comparisons of the normally distributed data.

Results

Within‐group comparison of the outcome variables except VAS in group 3 showed a statistically significant difference in all groups. Comparison of post‐intervention results of the outcome measures of all the groups revealed a statistically significant difference for the VAS, while there was no statistically significant difference for in between the comparison of the WaLIDD and MSQ scoring.

Conclusion

Combined exercise training is effective in reducing pain only when performed during follicular and luteal phases and significantly improve quality of life and menstrual symptoms in all phases of the menstrual cycle.
Mathematical model of the relationship between pH holding time and erosive esophagitis healing rates
Authors: Howden Colin W. , Scarpignato Carmelo , Leifke Eckhard , Mulford Darcy J. , Lahu Gezim , Facius Axel , Yuan Yuhong , Hunt Richard
Published: September 2024

Effective suppression of gastric acid secretion promotes healing of erosive esophagitis. Treatment guidelines recommend proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine H2–receptor antagonists (H2RAs). Emerging evidence also supports potassium‐competitive acid blockers (P‐CABs). The aim was to construct a mathematical model to examine the relationship between pH holding time ratios (HTRs) and erosive esophagitis healing rates with H2RAs, PPIs and P‐CABs. By literature search, we identified studies of H2RAs, PPIs or P‐CABs that reported mean pH >4 HTRs at steady state (days 5–8) and erosive esophagitis healing rates after 4 and/or 8 weeks. We aggregated treatments by drug class and developed a non‐linear, mixed‐effects model to explore the relationship between pH >4 HTRs and healing rates. The pH dataset included 82 studies (4297 participants; 201 dosage arms); healing rate data came from 103 studies (43,417 patients; 196 treatment arms). P‐CABs achieved the longest periods with intragastric pH >4, and the highest healing rates after 4 and 8 weeks. The predicted probabilities of achieving ≥90% healing rates at 8 weeks were 74.1% for P‐CABs, 17.3% for PPIs and 0% for H2RAs. P‐CABs provide the longest duration with intragastric pH >4 and, accordingly, the highest healing rates of erosive esophagitis.
Multivariate post‐processing of probabilistic sub‐seasonal weather regime forecasts
Authors: Mockert Fabian , Grams Christian M. , Lerch Sebastian , Osman Marisol , Quinting Julian
Published: September 2024

Reliable forecasts of quasi‐stationary, recurrent, and persistent large‐scale atmospheric circulation patterns—so‐called weather regimes—are crucial for various socio‐economic sectors, including energy, health, and agriculture. Despite steady progress, probabilistic weather regime predictions still exhibit biases in the exact timing and amplitude of weather regimes. This study thus aims at advancing probabilistic weather regime predictions in the North Atlantic–European region through ensemble post‐processing. Here, we focus on the representation of seven year‐round weather regimes in sub‐seasonal to seasonal reforecasts of the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). The manifestation of each of the seven regimes can be expressed by a continuous weather regime index, representing the projection of the instantaneous 500‐hPa geopotential height anomalies (A) onto the respective mean regime pattern. We apply a two‐step ensemble post‐processing involving first univariate ensemble model output statistics and second ensemble copula coupling, which restores the multivariate dependence structure. Compared with current forecast calibration practices, which rely on correcting the field by the lead‐time‐dependent mean bias, our approach extends the forecast skill horizon for daily/instantaneous regime forecasts moderately by 1 day (from 13.5 to 14.5 days). Additionally, to our knowledge our study is the first to evaluate the multivariate aspects of forecast quality systematically for weather regime forecasts. Our method outperforms current practices in the multivariate aspect, as measured by the energy and variogram score. Still, our study shows that, even with advanced post‐processing, weather regime prediction becomes difficult beyond 14 days, which likely points towards intrinsic limits of predictability for daily/instantaneous regime forecasts. The proposed method can easily be applied to operational weather regime forecasts, offering a neat alternative for cost‐ and time‐efficient post‐processing of real‐time weather regime forecasts.
Frontal effects on the rapid formation of a deep layer of marine fog and cloud in the NW Atlantic
Authors: Koračin Darko , Dorman Clive E. , Fernando H. J. S.
Published: September 2024

Rapid formation of a deep layer of fog and clouds extending to a height of 2 km was observed over Sable Island off Nova Scotia on 13–14 July 2019. This fog and cloud event was dominantly caused by the rapid intrusion of a trough from a cyclone over NE Canada. The trough quickly moved from SW–W to E–NE and encroached on the coastal waters of Nova Scotia. Due to the warm front in the trough, the air temperature increased up to 4 km in height with increased stability, while the sea‐level pressure at Sable Island dropped by 11 hPa within 12 hours. The moderate to strong winds turned counterclockwise from the N to the SE, converging with the SE winds maintained by the ridge located to the east. There was no indication of an advection‐type fog mechanism because the surface air temperature was not adjusted to the colder sea‐surface temperature that could have resulted in saturation of the surface air. The leading portion of a massive cloud band in the trough passing over Sable Island included precipitation before fog formation. The rain that evaporated in the unsaturated and warm subcloud layer effectively reduced the air temperature and significantly increased the wet‐bulb temperature in this layer. The cloud extended into the moist subcloud layer, while fog formed at 1400 UTC 13 July and lasted until 2327 UTC 13 July (with two brief periods of mist lasting less than two hours). The development of this deep layer of fog and cloud in the NW Atlantic was caused by evolving synoptic conditions through the simultaneous effects of a rapid trough intrusion over coastal waters with a massive cloud band, induced precipitation causing cloud deepening into the subcloud layer, and surface wind convergence forcing vertical mixing in a stable marine boundary layer.
Implementing circular economy through bricolage, frugal innovation and technological turbulence
Authors: Dost Mir , Lee Minhye , Umrani Waheed Ali
Published: September 2024

Scholars, practitioners, and policymakers are considering a circular economy (CE) to optimise resource utilisation and tackle issues linked to economic and environmental growth. This research investigates the association between entrepreneurial bricolage, frugal innovation (FI), technological turbulence, and the implementation of CE in Malaysia, an emerging market. The authors tested the hypothesised relationships using legged multi‐source data and analysed them using the Smart‐PLS‐SEM technique. Data revealed that entrepreneurial bricolage is important in encouraging FI and CE. Meanwhile, the mediating role of FI amplified the link between entrepreneurial bricolage and CE. Furthermore, the moderation of technological turbulence amplified the link between entrepreneurial bricolage, FI, and CE. The findings indicate that firms employing a bricolage approach, characterised by accessing, storing, combining, and utilising readily available resources, exhibit enhanced performance during periods of technological turbulence through the implementation of CE and FI.
Anomalous Raman Response in 2D Magnetic FeTe Under Uniaxial Strain: Tetragonal and Hexagonal Polymorphs
Authors: Han Wuxiao , Zhang Tiansong , Zhao Pengcheng , Yang Longfei , Cheng Mo , Yang Lina , Shi Jianping , Chen Yabin
Published: September 2024

2D Fe‐chalcogenides emerge with rich structures, magnetisms, and superconductivities, which spark the growing research interests in the torturous transition mechanism and tunable properties for their potential applications in nanoelectronics. Uniaxial strain can produce a lattice distortion to study symmetry breaking induced exotic properties in 2D magnets. Herein, the anomalous Raman spectrum of 2D tetragonal (t−) and hexagonal (h−) FeTe is systematically investigated via uniaxial strain engineering strategy. It is found that both t‐ and h‐FeTe keep the structural stability under different uniaxial tensile or compressive strain up to ± 0.4%. Intriguingly, the lattice vibrations along both in‐plane and out‐of‐plane directions exceptionally harden (softened) under tensile (compressive) strain, distinguished from the behaviors of many conventional 2D systems. Further, the difference in thickness‐dependent strain effect can be well explained by their structural discrepancy between two polymorphs of FeTe. These results can supply a unique platform to explore the vibrational properties of many novel 2D materials.
Conducting LixPOy Interface Generated From Insulating Residual Lithium Compounds on LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 Surface Improves Cycle Life and Assists in Fast Cycling
Authors: Dutta Jyotirekha , Ghosh Shuvajit , Garlapati Kiran Kumar , Martha Surendra K.
Published: September 2024

LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811) is the most promising cathode material for future Li‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, the bulk and surface structural instabilities retard its commercial success. Surface chemical instability toward exposure to moisture (H2O and CO2) leads to the formation of residual lithium compounds (RLCs: Li2CO3, LiOH) on the surface. The alkaline RLCs form a resistive layer on the surface of NMC811 by undergoing parasitic side reactions with electrolytes. Herein, an “Adverse‐to‐Beneficial” approach is proposed to eliminate RLCs by chemically transforming them into a LixPOy (Li3PO4 and LiPO3) interface. The interface protects the NMC811 surface from moisture attack and unwanted side reactions with electrolytes. It enhances the cycle life by retaining 70% of the initial capacity after 300 cycles at a 0.5C rate and 60% after 500 cycles, even at a 5C rate in a voltage window of 3.0–4.3 V versus Li+/Li. The coexistence of two Li‐conducting phases lowers the voltage polarization of the kinetically sluggish H1 → M phase transition to unlock fast cycling, reduces cationic disorder, improves coulombic efficiency, enhances ion diffusion kinetics, and minimizes particle crack formation after long‐term cycling. Hence, the LixPOy interface yields multifaceted benefits in the storage, processing, and electrochemistry of NMC811.
Computed tomographic findings of a medically managed canine renal cortical abscess
Authors: Taylor Mica , Serrani Daniele , Miguel‐Garces Maria , Travail Victoria , Balusikova Tereza
Published: September 2024

A 10‐year‐old, neutered, male labrador retriever was referred for acute history of abdominal pain and distention, pyrexia and pelvic limb ataxia. Peritoneal free fluid with intracellular bacteria was confirmed, and subsequent abdominal computed tomography revealed a hypoattenuating and rim‐enhancing focal lesion in the cortex of the left kidney, with associated regional inflammation. The dog underwent fine‐needle aspiration of the lesion with ultrasound guidance confirming the presence of a renal abscess with growth of Escherichia coli on culture of the acquired purulent intralesional fluid. Medical management was commenced, and on repeat clinical examination and computed tomography imaging, the clinical signs and renal lesion had resolved. To the authors’ best knowledge, this is the first report of confirmation of complete resolution of a cortical renal abscess, treated with only medical management, using computed tomography examination.
Political entrepreneurs and interest groups in the CPTPP ratification process in Chile: A case of politicization?
Authors: López Dorotea , Dockendorff Andrés , Lodato Simón
Published: September 2024

This study examines the strategies employed by Chilean political parties and interest groups to politicize the Trans‐Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). To achieve this goal, political entrepreneurs and anti‐trade lobbies opposed the CPTPP are using a distinct strategy to shape the debate. The idea of trade politicization helps understand how these key actors expanded the scope of topics, mobilizing political action from various groups such as environmentalists, unions, indigenous activists, and advocates for gender equality. Furthermore, this strategy involves shifting the discourse away from the traditional dichotomy of free trade versus protectionism and redirecting the debate toward ideological and cultural dimensions such as legitimacy and sovereignty.
Enhancing Well-Being Education Through Innovative Management
Authors: Todorut Amalia Venera
Published: September 2024

Educational well-being is an innovative, multidimensional, complex, inspirational, and fluid concept, which generates performance at the individual and the institutional level, with direct effects on the quality of life. It is also a challenge and a responsibility for the management and leadership of any organization since innovative techniques, tools, and practices have to be developed and applied in order for educational well-being to be successful in the increasingly hostile, turbulent, volatile, and ambiguous environments the modern world is facing with profound and rapid transformations on all levels of social life. For these reasons, well-being has become an important field of scientific research in education. It requires a social and emotional remodeling of all actors involved, so that learning is sustainable and effective, based on achieving motivation, satisfaction of one’s work and life. Thus, in the context of creating a culture of well-being in schools or universities, it is necessary to design the mechanisms, relationships, rules, resources, and managerial processes through which the activities generating well-being are well thought out and monitored, aiming for an optimal allocation of all categories of resources in order to achieve the objectives. The paper aims to develop an innovative management and leadership process, based on human values that favor the creation of an optimal social and psychological climate for the development of well-being in any school or university, as a premise that generates value, efficient learning, and sustainable development. Thus, during the work I highlighted the need to identify the objectives, priorities, and key stakeholders, leading to the development of a strategy and an implementation plan, as well as monitoring the progress regarding the improvement areas. In this respect, I developed a well-being model based on four pillars, i.e., learning, support, work, and life. The research methodology is based on scientific investigation of specialized literature, indexed in international databases, through the analysis of numerous articles, studies, and indexes related to this field, published between the years 2019 and 2022. The on-going, empirical investigation involved applying a questionnaire addressed to teachers from schools and universities in the South-West Oltenia region and analyzing the response data.
Take No Shortcuts! Stick to the Rubric: A Method for Building Trustworthy Short Answer Scoring Models
Authors: Asazuma Yuya , Funayama Hiroaki , Matsubayashi Yuichiroh , Mizumoto Tomoya , Reisert Paul , Inui Kentaro
Published: September 2024

This paper introduces a new strategy to enhance the trustworthiness of Short Answer Scoring (SAS) systems used in educational settings. Although the development of scoring models with high accuracy has become feasible due to advancements in machine learning methods, particularly recent Transformers, there is a risk of shortcut learning using superficial cues present in training data, leading to behaviors that contradict rubric standards and thus raising issues of model trustworthiness. To address this issue, we introduce an efficient strategy that aligns the features of responses with rubric criteria, mitigating shortcut learning and enhancing model trustworthiness. Our approach includes a detection method that employs a feature attribution method to identify superficial cues and a correction method that re-trains the model to align with annotations related to the rubric, thereby suppressing these superficial cues. Our quantitative experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of our method in consistently suppressing superficial cues, contributing to more trustworthy automated scoring of descriptive questions.
Self-dualities and Galois symmetries in Feynman integrals
Authors: Pögel Sebastian , Wang Xing , Weinzierl Stefan , Wu Konglong , Xu Xiaofeng
Published: September 2024

Abstract

It is well-known that all Feynman integrals within a given family can be expressed as a finite linear combination of master integrals. The master integrals naturally group into sectors. Starting from two loops, there can exist sectors made up of more than one master integral. In this paper we show that such sectors may have additional symmetries. First of all, self-duality, which was first observed in Feynman integrals related to Calabi-Yau geometries, often carries over to non-Calabi-Yau Feynman integrals. Secondly, we show that in addition there can exist Galois symmetries relating integrals. In the simplest case of two master integrals within a sector, whose definition involves a square root r, we may choose a basis (I1, I2) such that I2 is obtained from I1 by the substitution r → −r. This pattern also persists in sectors, which a priori are not related to any square root with dependence on the kinematic variables. We show in several examples that in such cases a suitable redefinition of the integrals introduces constant square roots like $$ \sqrt{3} $$

3

. The new master integrals are then again related by a Galois symmetry, for example the substitution $$ \sqrt{3} $$

3

→ $$ -\sqrt{3} $$
−

3

. To handle the case where the argument of a square root would be a perfect square we introduce a limit Galois symmetry. Both self-duality and Galois symmetries constrain the differential equation.
Non-relativistic expansion of open strings and D-branes
Authors: Hartong Jelle , Have Emil
Published: September 2024

Abstract

We expand the relativistic open bosonic string in powers of 1/c2 where c is the speed of light. We perform this expansion to next-to-leading order in 1/c2 and relate our results to known descriptions of non-relativistic open strings obtained by taking limits. Just as for closed strings the non-relativistic expansion is well-defined if the open string winds a circle in the target space. This direction must satisfy Dirichlet boundary conditions. It is shown that the endpoints of the open string behave as Bargmann particles in the non-relativistic regime. These open strings end on nrDp-branes with p ≤ 24. When these nrDp-branes do not fluctuate they correspond to (p + 1)-dimensional Newton-Cartan submanifolds of the target space. When we include fluctuations and worldvolume gauge fields their dynamics is described by a non-relativistic version of the DBI action whose form we derive from symmetry considerations. The worldvolume gauge field and scalar field of a nrD24-brane make up the field content of Galilean electrodynamics (GED), and the effective theory on the nrD24-brane is precisely a non-linear version of GED. We generalise these results to actions for any nrDp-brane by demanding that they have the same target space gauge symmetries that the non-relativistic open and closed string actions have. Finally, we show that the nrDp-brane action is transverse T-duality covariant. Our results agree with the findings of Gomis, Yan and Yu in [1].
Top-quark pair production as a probe of light top-philic scalars and anomalous Higgs interactions
Authors: Maltoni Fabio , Pagani Davide , Tentori Simone
Published: September 2024

Abstract

We compute the effects due to the virtual exchange (or the soft emission) of a scalar particle with generic couplings to the top quark in $$ t\overline{t} $$
t

t
¯

pair production at the LHC. We apply the results to two cases of interest, extending and completing previous studies. First, we consider the indirect search for light (mS < 2mt) top-philic scalars with CP-even and/or CP-odd interactions. Second, we investigate how to set constraints on anomalous Yukawa couplings of the Higgs boson to the top quark. Our results show that the current precision of experimental data together with the accuracy of the SM predictions make such indirect determinations a powerful probe for new physics.
Existence, uniqueness and regularity of solutions to the stochastic Landau–Lifshitz–Slonczewski equation
Authors: Goldys Beniamin , Jiao Chunxi , Le Kim Ngan
Published: September 2024

In this paper we are concerned with the stochastic Landau–Lifshitz–Slonczewski (LLS) equation that describes magnetisation of an infinite nanowire evolving under current-driven spin torque. The current brings into the system a multiplicative gradient noise that appears as a transport term in the equation. We prove the existence, uniqueness and regularity of pathwise solutions to the equation.
Information design for weighted voting
Authors: Kerman Toygar T. , Tenev Anastas P.
Published: September 2024

We consider a sender who wishes to persuade multiple receivers to vote in favor of a proposal and sends them private correlated messages that are conditional on the true state of the world. The receivers share a common prior, wish to implement the outcome that matches the true state, and have homogeneous preferences. However, they are heterogeneous in their voting weights. We consider both behavioral and sophisticated voters. When voters are behavioral, public communication is optimal if and only if there is a veto player. For sophisticated voters, we establish lower bounds on the sender’s gain from persuasion for general voting quotas and show that the sender can often improve upon public communication. Finally, in an extension, we show that even when behavioral voters have heterogeneous prior beliefs, public communication is optimal if and only if there is a veto player.