bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing drug solubility through competitive adsorption on silica nanosurfaces with ultrahigh silanol densities
Authors: Xu Zhuo , Zhu Changliang , Shen Hongchuan , Liu Yuan , Tang Jiashen , Weitz David A. , Xu Lei
Published: January 2025

We develop a technology based on competitive adsorption between drug molecules and water, specifically designed to address the critical issue of poor drug solubility. By specially engineering silica nanosurfaces with ultrahigh densities of silanol, we significantly enhance their affinity for both drug molecules and water, with a notably greater increase in water affinity. Such surfaces can effectively adsorb a variety of drug molecules under dry conditions. Upon exposure to water, these surfaces preferentially bind to water molecules, initiating a competitive adsorption process with the drug molecules. This competitive process turns water molecules from obstacles into catalysts for drug dissolution by actively displacing drug molecules from the surface, causing their rapid desorption and potentially enhancing their solubility by two to three orders of magnitude. The method is general, applicable to a wide array of drugs, stable for long-time storage, cost-effective, and scalable for mass production. Consequently, it has the potential to emerge as a next-generation platform for drug formulation and delivery.
Gap Inc. and House of Hermès
Authors: Cacchiani Silvia
Published: January 2025

This paper concentrates on relative communicative transparency
and effective corporate communication about sustainability — primarily, the
planet — on Gap Inc. (https://www.gapinc.com/en-us/) and
House of Hermès
(https://www.hermes.com/us/en/). Integrating the lenses of usability
research (NN/g), multimodal analysis (Bateman 2014; Kress and Van
Leuween 2020) and models of interaction in writing (Hyland 2005a, 2005b), the study suggests that Gap Inc. makes more
effective decisions in the direction of communicative transparency. While
adhering more strictly to principles of layout and user interface design, it
offers more comprehensive and more readable content. Regarding user involvement
and engagement, only Gap Inc. combines subjective naturalist images, also
dynamic images that make a strong impression, with a preference for
interactional metadiscourse and 1st-person pronouns in the written text.
Quasi-linear transport analysis of impurity mode in tokamak plasmas
Authors: Han M.K. , Dong J.Q. , Horton W. , Wang Z.X. , Duan X.R. , Zhong W.L. , Zou X.L. , Sun A.P. , Li J. , Shen Y. , Wang L.F.
Published: January 2025

The quasilinear turbulent particle and heat transports induced by the impurity mode (IM), driven by the opposite gradients of the core hydrogen and outer

C

6
+

,

O

6
+

,

O

8
+

and

Ne

8
+

ions, are shown to be crucial for plasma confinement in toroidal magnetic configurations. Full gyrokinetic effects of both the main and impurity ions, derived from the kinetic theory, are taken into account. Even in the absence of ion temperature gradient or trapped electron (TE) effects, IM turbulence induces significant particle and heat transports, when the impurity fraction remains at the low levels typically measured in plasma experiment. The small mass mz
and large charge number Z ions enhance the turbulent transport induced by the IM turbulence and reduce the excitation threshold. The investigation of the temperature ratio

τ
s

=

T
e

/

T
s

effect shows that the inward impurity and outward main ion particle and heat fluxes as well as the growth rate of IM increase when τ

z
increases. In contrast, the growth rate increases first and then decreases while the fluxes are all increase when τ

i
increases. It is also found that the TEs mainly impact the particle transport, while the impurity ion fraction dominates the particle and thermal transports. Most importantly, the IMs are shown to produce significant outward heat transport and inward impurity transport even in regimes with relatively flat ion temperature profiles.
An analysis of the solar flare event and space weather at the peak of solar cycle 23–25
Authors: Khumlumlert T , Aiemsa-ad N , Peldon D
Published: January 2025

The potential impact of space weather violence on Earth was forecasted following a solar flare on March 23, 2024, with an X-ray class of X1.1, which occurred on the peak of the 25th solar cycle. Although a resulting geomagnetic storm with an 8 Kp index was expected to disrupt Earth on March 24, 2024, it proved to be short-lived, resulting in no significant disturbances or reported impacts. This causes people to be interested and observe the effects of space conditions. Our study focused on analyzing solar flares and X-ray class intensity across the 23rd to 25th solar cycles, aiming to compare their distribution of solar energetic particles affecting Earth’s space weather during peak solar activity. We observed the highest X-ray classes recorded as X40+, X9.96, and X6.3 for the 23rd, 24th, and 25th solar cycles, respectively. The 23rd solar cycle had five solar flares exceeding X20 and five exceeding X10, while the 24th cycle had only two flares exceeding X10, and occurred at the end of the cycle. We conducted an analysis of solar energetic particle propagation for specific events within each solar cycle, along with space weather using the diffusion transport equation. We resolved these problems using the numerical technique of the finite difference method. Our investigation showed that solar cycle 23 showed greater severity and strength compared to cycles 24 and 25.
Physical properties of globular clusters NGC 288 and NGC 362 from the ACS survey of the Hubble Space Telescope
Authors: Chehlaeh N , Keda N , Rassamesard A
Published: January 2025

This research aims to study the physical properties of two interesting globular clusters NGC 288 and NGC 362, considering photometric data in the visible (V) and infrared (I) bands. The study utilizes archival data collected from the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS). The data for these two globular clusters (GCs) were collected by using F606W (V) and F814W (I) bands. Data reduction and calibration were performed using the ACS pipeline, and photometry was conducted using the DOLPHOT software package. New theoretical isochrone fitting to the color-magnitude diagram (CMD) of both globular clusters were analysed using PAdova and the TRieste Stellar Evolution Code (PARSEC) in version 1.2S, which is an appropriate tool for estimating age, metallicity, and distance of stellar clusters and modeling the evolutionary stage of stellar clusters. The total exposure times were 4×130s in F606W, 4×150s in F814W for NGC 288, and 4×150s in F606W, 4×170s in F814W for NGC 362. We used photometric data from the ACS survey to construct a CMD and fitted isochrone lines to determine the physical properties of these globular cluster samples. We obtained the following characteristics for NGC 288 and NGC 362, respectively; metallicities [Fe/H] = -1.30 ±0.05 dex for both clusters; ages 13.0 ±0.5 Gyr and 11.0 ±0.5 Gyr; distance modulus (m - M) = 14.91 ± 0.01 and 14.90 ± 0.01; reddening E(V - I) = 0.01 mag and 0.02 mag. This study focuses on up-to-date theoretical stellar evolution models for these two globular clusters. The new stellar evolutionary model provides a more accurate value of distance, age, metallicity, extinction, and evolutionary stage of cluster members.
Real Time Vector Magnetometry with Quantum Diamond Sensor
Authors: Thooppanom Napoom , Yodsungnoen Rapeephat , Sapermsap Natakorn , Sangtawesin Sorawis
Published: January 2025

The magnetic field is fundamental to numerous applications including medical diagnostic, chemical detection, and navigation. Nitrogen vacancy (NV) center in diamond has emerged as a promising quantum system for nanoscale magnetic field sensing, facilitated by a simple optical setup at ambient temperature. Despite advancements, real-time monitoring of the change in local magnetic field and precise determination of field directions remain challenging. Here, we present an approach to real-time vector magnetometry using NV center ensembles. Our system integrates an optical light guide, microwave control, and a graphical user interface (GUI) for controlling the pulse sequence and performing rapid optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) measurements. We observe zero-field splitting at 2.87 GHz and the Zeeman effect under external magnetic fields. Additionally, when the magnetic field orientation changes, we can observe multiple transitions from the different NV center axes, from which we can combine with a simulation to determine the vector magnetic field. Our system can be used as a basic quantum phenomena demonstration kit or in applications such as navigation or magnetic field imaging.
Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) simulation of neutron flux at a vertical port in the Suranaree University of Technology Research Reactor (SUT-RR) building
Authors: Pitaktrakul Atirat , Saenpoowa Jittinun , Laojamnongwong Natthawut , Kobdaj Chinorat
Published: January 2025

Before establishing any nuclear facility, it is important to conduct a thorough simulation and calculation to ensure radiation safety and evaluate anticipated radiation levels within the facility. In this work, we employed Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) to simulate neutron flux at a vertical port in the Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) treatment room. For the preliminary results, the released neutron flux in the vertical port was (1.52 ± 0.02) x 109 n · cm–2 · s–1, which was later used for neutron dose calculation. The simulation results will be rigorously compared with radiation safety standards and guidelines established by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This comparative analysis will provide insights into the quality of the nuclear facility design and protection against potential radiation risks.
PID controller optimization of underwater autonomous vehicle based on dung beetle optimization algorithm
Authors: Li Hongna , Xie Jiaqi , Fan Yiqun
Published: January 2025

Due to the complexity of the marine environment, the stability of underwater vehicles has gradually become a top priority. However, a single traditional PID control cannot accurately calculate the complex environment. Therefore, the present study utilizes a technique that combines the dung beetle optimization approach with traditional PID control methods. The simulation is compared with the gray wolf algorithm optimized PID and the traditional PID. The outcomes reveal that it is feasible, good, and extensible to optimize the PID parameters by using the optimization algorithm of the worm, and this technique contributes to both improved stability and heightened control precision for the system.
Research on trajectory reconstruction method for high-speed spinning aircraft with short-term satellite loss
Authors: Hu Kejun , Liu Ning , Li Haorui , Chen Shuaiyin
Published: January 2025

To solve the problem of rapid divergence of inertial navigation errors and deviation from the original trajectory when the satellite navigation signal of high-speed spinning aircraft is lost for a short period of time, this paper proposes a trajectory reconstruction method based on prefabricated trajectories. The Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF) is used to fuse the inertial device information of the carrier and the carrier set trajectory, and the prefabricated trajectory is used as a substitute observation information during the satellite loss period. This effectively suppresses the error divergence of the inertial navigation system, enhances the trajectory tracking stability of high-speed spinning aircraft, and obtains a state estimation value closer to the true value of physical quantities. The simulation results show that in the case of short-term loss of satellite signals, the deviation error of the spacecraft’s space trajectory is reduced by 78%. Compared with traditional GNSS/SINS trajectory tracking methods, the trajectory deviation error is significantly reduced, and this method does not require additional sensors, has a small computational cost, and effectively ensures the trajectory tracking accuracy of high-speed spinning aircraft under high dynamics.
Optimized design of solid state power controller (SSPC) operating circuit for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) DC power distribution systems
Authors: Yang Jingyu , Luo Wentian
Published: January 2025

Currently, most UAV power distribution systems use conventional methods such as relays, circuit breakers, contactors, and fuses to control loads. However, with the diversification and complexity of the UAV electrical system, it is difficult to meet the needs of intelligence and reliability with such a conventional control method. This paper addresses the characteristics of low-voltage DC power distribution in UAVs by optimizing the SSPC operating circuit and validating its feasibility through modeling and simulation in MATLAB/Simulink, providing a theoretical basis for using SSPC to protect and control various loads in UAVs.
A high-reliability voltage balancing circuit using MOV for series-connected HV-IGBT
Authors: Wang Kaiyuan , Jia Chen
Published: January 2025

The active clamping circuit can effectively suppress overvoltage and is often used for the series protection of IGBTs. However, when active clamping is in operation, it will increase the turn-off time of the IGBT. If it remains in an unbalanced voltage state for a prolonged period, this can lead to a significant increase in IGBT losses, particularly in high-voltage applications. This paper first analyzes the issue of turn-off losses under overvoltage conditions through theoretical derivation and then proposes a novel voltage-limiting circuit—Metal Oxide Varistor (MOV)—capable of absorbing overvoltage energy and suitable for series HV-IGBTs. Finally, the superiority of the voltage balancing circuit is demonstrated.
Research on high-precision positioning technology for equipment management based on bluetooth AOA
Authors: Liu Xinyu , Dai Chunhui , Chen Xiaoyu , Liu Tianci , Li Cheng , Shuai Chenyin , Xie Fei
Published: January 2025

In this paper, an equipment management system based on Bluetooth Angle of Arrival (AoA) technology is proposed, aiming at realizing high-precision localization and real-time monitoring of materials in military warehouses. By designing an improved antenna switching strategy, optimizing the antenna array layout, and introducing e-map and e-fence technologies, this study is dedicated to solving the problem of insufficient positioning accuracy in the existing system and improving the practicality and military value of the system. In addition, corresponding algorithms are developed to enhance the positioning accuracy and reduce the delay. The experimental results show that the system can effectively achieve sub-meter positioning accuracy and has good application prospects.
Research on intelligent guide robots based on LiDAR
Authors: Meng Zhaojun , Ma Zirong , Han Zhao , An Hui , Han Xingyi
Published: January 2025

Traditionally, the unavoidable interaction between tour guides and tourists during extraordinary circumstances, particularly COVID-19, significantly increases the risk of disease transmission. To address this concern, this research, grounded in real-world scenarios, developed an intelligent guide robot utilizing an autonomous mobile platform. The robot’s modules were encapsulated as Robot Operating System (ROS) nodes, facilitating seamless communication through ROS’s distributed messaging framework. The research group designed a LiDAR-based intelligent guide robot, carefully analyzing its hardware configuration, path planning algorithms, and simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) techniques, integrating these components through ROS’s distributed communication system. A comprehensive system platform was then established, rigorously tested through simulations, and validated with physical demonstrations. Experimental results conclusively demonstrate that the designed robot effectively achieves its intended objectives.
Research on optimizing microgrid operation considering the uncertainties of new energy generation
Authors: Wang Yubo , Hou Zhen , Yu Qian
Published: January 2025

Against the backdrop of rapid development in new energy, an increasing number of new energy output devices have been integrated into the power system, and the uncertainty in the output of these devices has affected the stable operation of the power system. This paper establishes an overall microgrid objective model based on economic considerations to achieve economically efficient and environmentally friendly microgrid operation. Assuming the microgrid operates in island mode, we design an economically optimized mathematical model that meets demand requirements. Focusing on the optimal energy distribution in the island mode of microgrids, we construct an optimal energy distribution model based on a multivariate particle swarm algorithm, considering factors such as economic efficiency, environmental protection, and reliability. This model realizes the optimal energy distribution for microgrids.
The Ethics of Advising
Authors: Jonas Monique
Published: January 2025

We give and receive advice daily, to good and bad effect and across a wide range of relational contexts, yet philosophers have devoted little attention to the ethics of advising. This book fills that gap. It offers a new theory of advising as an act of help with practical reasoning and explores its implications across a range of personal and professional contexts. At its heart is a ground-breaking account of the norms of advice, rooted in advice’s defining purpose: to help an advisee see how to proceed. Our ethical expectations of advice, advisors, and the advice relationship are drawn out through a series of cases that evoke reactive attitudes such as resentment and gratitude. This book addresses common concerns about advising, relating to manipulative techniques, conflicts of interest, the disruptive effects of power upon advice relationships, how responsibility for advised acts should be apportioned, and how the norms of advice apply in professional and personal settings. It explains what is ethically problematic about certain strategic invocations of an advice relationship and offers guidance about how to balance role responsibilities and responsiveness to advisees across professional contexts including policy advice, law, and medical practice. It explains how advice from strangers can be received well or badly, and develops rules of practice for advice within close relationships.
The Norms of Advice
Authors: Jonas Monique
Published: January 2025

We have ethical expectations of advisors, but it is not easy to say what they are. This chapter offers the first contemporary account of the norms of advice. The ethical dimensions of advising, and its susceptibility to resentment, cannot be fully appreciated unless one sees advice as an act of help, with all the implications for dignity that brings. The chapter begins with an exploration of dignity, before presenting five norms of advice: that advice should address the advisee as a practical reasoner; be discretionary; other-regarding; sincere; and based upon the advisor’s best knowledge and reasoning. The ways in which each norm upholds advice’s illocutionary point (to help an advisee see how to proceed) and preserves its distinctive illocutionary force (which allows us to recognize speech as advice) are explained via a series of cases.
The Advice Relationship
Authors: Jonas Monique
Published: January 2025

Advice can be used for purposes other than help with practical reasoning, some of which strain trust within an advice relationship. This chapter examines ethical expectations of advisors and advisees that go beyond the norms of advice. Two cases are presented in which advice is sought for strategic purposes, to reduce the advisee’s exposure to blame or criticism. Next, a case of strategic advising is examined, in which advice serves as a poor substitute for the practical help that an advisor owes. The implications of strategic deployments of advising for trust within advice relationships are drawn out, and then a different threat is introduced: advisor over-identification with an advisee’s practical project. Eric Wiland’s reading of a controversial legal case serves as a basis for exploring the limits of advice as a form of help. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the relational dynamics of helping relationships.
On Pictorial Representation (1998)
Authors: Wollheim Richard
Published: January 2025

Wollheim delivers his well-known theory of pictorial representation, and defends it briefly against both Semiotic and Resemblance views. His criticisms of semiotic approaches are here handled at a very general level: Wollheim finds this in violation of the ‘fundamental requirement’ that ‘pictorial representation is a perceptual, more narrowly a visual, phenomenon’. Resemblance Theory, on the other hand, passes the ‘minimal requirement’, but does not pass the ‘amplified requirement’ that representational seeing ‘will be, or include, a visual awareness of the thing represented’. According to Wollheim, his theory—founded on childlike experiences of seeing animals in clouds and the like—straightforwardly passes the test, and he defends the theory against the often-posed criticism that his use of seeing-in is phenomenologically too thin. He stresses the ‘permeability to thought’ of his theory, and closes with his finding ‘place for imagination in my account of representational meaning, but it is a place that is ancillary to seeing-in and is relevant only to certain paintings.’
Review of Problems of Art, by Susanne K. Langer (1957)
Authors: Wollheim Richard
Published: January 2025

This short review is included because it expresses why Susanne Langer (1895–1985), such a seminal figure in Anglo-American aesthetics, was largely discounted by Wollheim in subsequent writings. As in her Philosophy in a New Key (1941) and Feeling and Form (1953), works of art are presentational symbols of ‘non-discursive’ communication that are not apprehended as the sums of individual, largely conventional elements, as in the grammatical and logical functions of language. Non-discursive symbolic artefacts have natural, non-conventional meanings, ones that manifest the ‘life of feelings’. The big problem is that to consider artworks as symbols consigns their makers to the role of mere discoverers of symbols, as if they had their meaning independent of the activity; whereas artworks are things newly composed, their meanings made. The lesser problem highlights Langer’s eagerness to accommodate criticism of her theory by verbal reformulation, which is a sign, as Wollheim sees it, of the blithe attitude that ‘deep down inside [she] possesses the truth, if only [she] could bring it to the surface’.
Professor Gombrich [Review of Meditations on a Hobby Horse] (1964)
Authors: Wollheim Richard
Published: January 2025

Ernst Gombrich (1909–2001) was perhaps more than any other thinker the main inspiration, or rather the main point of departure, for Wollheim’s theories of pictorial expression, representation, and style. For style, aside from its many miscellaneous appearances in his work as well as ‘Pictorial Style: Two Views’, we have the three pieces in Part II of this volume. This essay concentrates on expression as described in Gombrich’s essays in his Meditations on a Hobby Horse (1963). For all the praise Wollheim grants him, he finds Gombrich struggling when it comes to that crucially important concept of expression. Gombrich’s maxim is that artistic expression depends on the ‘spectator’s capacity to anticipate to some extent the alternatives between which he has to choose’; this ‘completely disregard[s] the existence of those elements which are charged by nature with physiognomic significance and which can be safely used by the artist in the certainty that they will effect a resonance in the spectator’, and equally it ignores the ‘structure of the personality or ego’.
The Core of Aesthetics (1991)
Authors: Wollheim Richard
Published: January 2025

Wollheim’s is a less-than-laudatory account of the ‘three or four dismal decades analytic aesthetics’ running to the 1960s: ‘The problem was that [ ... ] [because of the Kantian focus on beauty] the phenomena of art were invisible’, that ‘for it the distinctive character of art was irrelevant’. The culprit was the Kant-related idea that we all possess aesthetic judgement placed on the individual, the viewer. Among the first texts to redirect the nature of aesthetic questions was Goodman’s Languages of Art (1968), which attempted to create ‘a general theory of symbols’—artefacts with symbolic meaning, thereby focusing aesthetics squarely on works of art rather than the spectator’s experience. Wollheim concentrates on the question of whether ‘allographic’ arts, such as poetry and music, are really identified as Goodman thinks by their being inscribed sequences of words or notes; or whether by contrast they are identified by involving their circumstances of production. Wollheim thinks that common sense strongly favours the latter, and gives the example of a young man in Southern Californian who happens to write a poem word-for-word the same as a well-known (though not to him of course) medieval quatrain.
Why Is Drawing Interesting? (2005)
Authors: Wollheim Richard
Published: January 2025

Wollheim first defends essentialism, not of art per se but of the individual arts: ‘Mere designation, designation of some practice and its materials as art’, he says, ‘settles nothing, whatever certain thinkers say.’ We must rather advert to ‘a corpus of serious work, issuing from some recognizable and repeatable process, and expressing some worthwhile human meaning in an accessible form’. In the case of each art, art materials are turned into media that resonate with human psychology. In the case of drawing in particular—after a quick explanation of the role of seeing-in—comes a surprising and deeply compelling link with style, in the bodily sense discussed in other essays in this volume. Aside from strict ‘delineation’—the rendering only of outline shape—drawing must be ‘understood through the co-operation between artist and spectator [which crucially includes the artist himself], and, in both cases, it is ultimately the hand of the artist that has to respond to the eye of the spectator.’ The substance of this can only be learned ‘patiently looking at drawings’; here we see the ‘triumphs [ ... ] of the embodied mind.’
The Goals (If Any) of Landscape Evolution
Authors: Phillips Jonathan D
Published: January 2025

Earth surface systems (ESS) often exhibit trends of development and self-organization that increase their efficiency, productivity, and stability. This has generated theories, hypotheses, and speculations that ESS develop to achieve better adapted or optimal states, denoted by the umbrella term goal functions. Proposed goal functions in a broad range of ecological, geophysical, hydrological, pedological, and geomorphological processes and entities are reviewed. While in many cases it is quite clear why the system states associated with the goals are advantageous, ESS are supra-organisms, not super-organisms, and have no intentionality or purpose. This chapter argues that the apparent goal-seeking is better explained as emergent behavior arising from selection.
Introduction
Authors: Dijkstra Hylke , von Allwörden Laura , Schütte Leonard , Zaccaria Giuseppe
Published: January 2025

This chapter introduces the rationale of the book. It notes that international organizations (IOs) are regularly challenged in ways that put their ability to perform core functions at risk. While the literature has focused on the various existential challenges, scholars rarely look at the responses by IOs. This chapter introduces the argument that IO institutional actors can be surprisingly proactive when their own organizations get challenged. The chapter notes that they can use behavioural and discursive strategies, through either adaptation or resistance, to cope with existential challenges. While institutional actors try to tailor their responses to the specific types of existential challenges, their ability to do so depends on the quality of their leadership, organizational structure, and external networks. The chapter concludes by clarifying the methodology which includes six case studies of IOs facing existential challenges informed by more than hundred interviews with relevant diplomats, IO officials, and other stakeholders.
Producing language
Authors: Ferreira Fernanda
Published: January 2025

This chapter details the process of producing language. A two-stage model of language production separates into two discrete stages the processes related to generating the meaning and structure of the utterance and those involved in generating its sound pattern. However, although speech error analyses are informative, psycholinguists realized it was important to test the core assumptions of speech error models using experimental investigations. The chapter also considers the key concept of Easy-First and structural priming as per Kathryn Bock’s studies. It explains that language production includes a stage during which people verify that what they are about to say conforms to the rules of the language and the norms of the situation.
Individual differences in language processing
Authors: Ferreira Fernanda
Published: January 2025

This chapter examines individual differences in language processing. It explains that the study of language processing is the study of how people understand sentences or some other chunk of language since people vary in how well they comprehend a sentence, paragraph, story, or essay. The most widely studied individual differences characteristic is working memory, which refers to the cognitive system used for maintaining information in an active form so that the information can be retrieved and processed. The chapter explains that some of the important individual differences characteristics are divided into the categories of domain-general and domain-specific abilities. It also looks into the role of psychometrics and Event-Related Potentials.
Before and beyond the Reformation
Authors: Murphy Andrew R.
Published: January 2025

Although the modern roots of toleration lie in religious controversies during the Reformation era, efforts to achieve peaceful coexistence are not restricted to those contexts. This chapter explores toleration in the Roman empire, the Achaemenid empire, and under the Indian emperors Ashoka and Akbar. It also considers the medieval era, when Jews, Muslims, and Christians lived together under Muslim rulers; the Ottoman millet system, which provided ethnic and religious communities with limited self-government authority; and the important role played by early Christianity in articulating ideas about religious liberty. Rulers seeking political obedience and smooth administration frequently saw the value of permitting distinctive cultural and religious practices.
The Beautiful Voice in Opera: The Injustice of Vocal Discrimination
Authors: Gracyk Theodore
Published: January 2025

This essay focuses on certain norms of Western opera, most notably the long-standing practice of excluding those who possess unattractive voices from leading roles in opera productions. Aging voices are sometimes accepted, but otherwise the institution of Western opera reflects and reinforces the common social bias against people with unattractive voices. Resistance to casting ugly voices in leading opera roles is an overlooked category of the marginalization and silencing of a whole class of voices in the performing arts. I consider arguments that might be given in support of continuing this practice, but I argue that they fail. Current practice merits ethical censure, both for the selection process that is part of the means of production and, especially, for the attitude that the audience is prompted to deploy in engaging with the drama.
TargetCLP: clathrin proteins prediction combining transformed and evolutionary scale modeling-based multi-view features via weighted feature integration approach
Authors: Ullah Matee , Akbar Shahid , Raza Ali , Khan Kashif Ahmad , Zou Quan
Published: January 2025

Clathrin proteins, key elements of the vesicle coat, play a crucial role in various cellular processes, including neural function, signal transduction, and endocytosis. Disruptions in clathrin protein functions have been associated with a wide range of diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, neurodegeneration, viral infection, and cancer. Therefore, correctly identifying clathrin protein functions is critical to unravel the mechanism of these fatal diseases and designing drug targets. This paper presents a novel computational method, named TargetCLP, to precisely identify clathrin proteins. TargetCLP leverages four single-view feature representation methods, including two transformed feature sets (PSSM-CLBP and RECM-CLBP), one qualitative characteristics feature, and one deep-learned-based embedding using ESM. The single-view features are integrated based on their weights using differential evolution, and the BTG feature selection algorithm is utilized to generate a more optimal and reduced subset. The model is trained using various classifiers, among which the proposed SnBiLSTM achieved remarkable performance. Experimental and comparative results on both training and independent datasets show that the proposed TargetCLP offers significant improvements in terms of both prediction accuracy and generalization to unseen data, furthering advancements in the research field.
BHSo2 The lived experience of parastomal hernia: a qualitative study exploring the lived experience of patients with a parastomal hernia
Authors: Blackwell Sue
Published: January 2025

Aim

This study aimed to understand the lived experience of patients with a parastomal hernia, including their perceptions, priorities and experiences of living with and having treatment for a parastomal hernia.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with patients living with an intestinal stoma who have either had surgical treatment or conservative management for a parastomal hernia. Interviews were audio recorded and professionally transcribed prior to framework analysis via NVivo. Patients were recruited via patient support charities and social media.

Results

Currently 21 participants have been interviewed (11 female, 10 male) age range 24–87. Indication for index surgery were: 7 colorectal cancer, 9 IBD, 2 incontinence, 3 other. 8 have had a PSH repair, 7 have had a recurrence. 4 have had more than one repair. Two have a bulge but have not had a PSH diagnosed by a healthcare professional. Median time from index surgery to developing a PSH was 2 years.

Analysis of the transcript is currently ongoing, however initial themes include a lack of preparedness for development of a PSH, and for recurrence after surgical repair, as well as a sense of personal blame for development of a PSH.

Conclusion

This qualitative study has explored patients lived experience of parastomal hernia, and the impact that this may have on their quality of life. It has highlighted a number of areas that patients feel are important when discussing parastomal hernia and parastomal hernia treatment. This understanding can help healthcare professionals have better conversations with their patients.
BHSo6 A systematic review and meta-regression of factors affecting incisional hernia rates in midline incisions over a 10 year period
Authors: Smith Laurie , Coxon-Meggy Alexandra , Gwilym Brenig , Lukaszewicz Alex , Mckenna Matthew , Osinkolu Ife , Amro Chris , Fischer John , Torkington Jared , Bosanquet Dave
Published: January 2025

Aims

Incisional hernia (IH) rates in midline incisions have been reported to be 12.8% in a systematic review of literature published in 2015. With updated guidance on abdominal wall closure techniques, the landscape of abdominal wall closure has changed. We aimed to update this literature to assess changes in both rates and risk factors for IH in midline incisions.

Methods

We undertook a systematic review of literature according to PRISMA guidelines and registered on PROSPERO. All papers reporting IH rates in midline incisions with primary suture closure between April 2013-October 2022 were included. Papers with two or more arms suitable for inclusion were extracted independently.

Results

Sixty three papers (21 RCTs, 36 cohort studies and 6 case-control studies), comprising 18 126 patients were included. The mean IH rate was 16.8% at a weighted mean follow up of 31.3 months. There was no significant increase in IH rates over time. Meta-regression identified two study level variables that correlated with an increase in IH rates (Use of radiology for diagnosis of IH and inclusion of patients undergoing a contaminated procedure) and one operative variable that corresponded with a decrease in rates (Small bites closure technique).

Conclusions

Incisional hernia rates have increased in midline incisions. Study level characteristics account for the majority of risk, suggesting standardisation of trial technique is aiding in IH detection. Small bites technique is associated with a significant reduction in IH rates, and future work should focus on strengthening the evidence base around this technique.
BHSeP4 Recurrent omphalitis after open mesh repair ofumbilical hernia: misdiagnosis or complication?
Authors: Wilkinson Danielle , Ibrahim Rashid , Hyder Zargham
Published: January 2025

The use of prosthetic mesh has become the standard practice for repairing all types of hernia due to its low recurrence rate. However, there is a small risk of mesh migration and erosion into the bowel, which can result in major morbidities. One treatment option for this condition is a surgical resection of the affected segment of the bowel, along with the removal of the mesh. We report on a 62-year-old male who had a mesh that migrated through his small bowel 16 years after his hernia repair. This patient developed recurrent umbilical discharge, pain and was treated in the community for recurrent omphalitis by GP. Delayed diagnosis led to chronic enterocutaneous fistula, which was treated with laparotomy, en bloc resection of small bowel/umbilicus/old hernia mesh, along with retrorectus mesh reconstruction of abdominal wall.
BHSeP7 Patient case study: rebuilding a patient’s life not just their abdominal wall—experience from a tertiary hernia centre on the impact of abdominal wall reconstruction on quality of life
Authors: Birch Alice , Cocciolo Federica
Published: January 2025

Large hernias with loss of domain are challenging to manage surgically and can be debilitating for patients. Pre-operative botulinum toxin injections into the abdominal wall can help chemically relax abdominal muscles to aid fascial closure.

The patient presented with a complex incisional hernia following a laparotomy, Hartmann’s procedure and splenectomy for perforated diverticular disease. Their CT scan showed a 16.5 × 17.5 cm defect, with a separate component involving their colostomy and lateral displacement of their muscle complexes. This significantly impacted the patient's quality of life, manifesting as moderate pain that hindered activities. They required dressings and antibiotics due to skin changes over the hernia. Furthermore, dissatisfaction with the cosmetic appearance of the hernia contributed to the overall burden on the patient.

The patient underwent pre-operative botulinum toxin injections prior to their abdominal wall reconstruction. They received 200 units divided equally between internal and external obliques. During their surgery they required a left sided transversus abdominus release and an >5 cm mesh overlap was achieved in all directions. A post-operative CT scan conducted ten days after the surgery revealed no complications. The patient's recovery progressed well, leading to their discharge 12 days post-surgery.

The patient was reviewed post-surgery. Expressing high satisfaction with the surgical outcome, they conveyed a profound positive impact on their quality of life. The patient's newfound confidence in the improved cosmesis of their hernia was evident. Overall, the surgery proved transformative, liberating the patient from the burdens of frequent medical appointments and instilling a renewed sense of self-assurance.
BHSeP14 A UK centre experience of day case robotic hernia surgery
Authors: Robinson Paul , Glaysher Michael , Pucher Philip
Published: January 2025

We present our series of 82 robotic hernia repairs in a busy district general hospital over a two year period. Follow-up ranged from 5 to 24 months.

Between 01 January 2022 and 31 December 2023 we performed 35 robotic ventral hernia repairs (19 incisional midline, 3 spigelian and 13 umbilical). All hernias were repaired with closure of the defect and mesh reinforcement in either a retro-rectus or sublay plane. Mean operating time from knife to skin to final suture was 123 min (range 58–310 min). Mean length of stay was under 24 h with 60% (21/35) of cases being done as day case procedures. Mean width of defect was 4 cm (range 1–8 cm). Complications occurred in 14% (5/35) of patients with 2 recurrences, 2 haematomas and 1 seroma. One mesh was explanted during haematoma evacuation in the immediate postoperative period. There were no cases of surgical site infection.

Over the same time period we performed 47 robotic inguinal hernia repairs (35 unilateral, 12 bilateral). All were done via TAPP approach. Mean operating time was 73 min (range 49–113) for unilateral hernias and 111 min (range 67–146) for bilateral hernias. 75% (39/46) of cases were done as day surgery. Of the 7 patients admitted overnight 3 were planned admissions for social reasons. No patient stayed more than one night. Complications occurred in 4 patients; 3 patients went into urinary retention requiring catheterisation and 1 patient developed a seroma which was managed conservatively.
BHSeP16 Robotic groin hernia—a single centre experience on the learning curve
Authors: Hughes Niamh , Hughes Rebecca , Gilmore Katie , Pawlak Maciej
Published: January 2025

Background

Robotic transabdominal preperitoneal (rTAPP) repair is an advanced technique for managing groin hernias, offering enhanced surgical visualization and precision. Golden Jubilee National Hospital initiated a robotic hernia service in September 2023. This study reports outcomes and follow-up data for the first 43 patients undergoing rTAPP repair, focusing on the learning curve for a laparoscopically trained AWR consultant.

Methods

Data from the first 43 rTAPP repairs performed by a laparoscopically trained AWR consultant were analysed. This included demographics, operative and postoperative outcomes.

Results

The cohort included 43 male patients treated from October 2023 to May 2024, with a mean age of 44 years. Unilateral hernias accounted for 30%, while 70% were bilateral, with a mean BMI of 27.1; 16% were classified as obese and 14% were smokers. There were 42 primary repairs and one recurrent hernia. Hernia sizes, using EHS Inguino-Femoral Classification, were <1.5 cm in 36%, 1.5–3 cm in 36%, and >3 cm in 28%. The learning curve analysis showed a reduction in median surgery length by 9% for bilateral and 22% for unilateral repairs. Thirty-five procedures were day cases, four patients were discharged on the first postoperative day, and one required extended hospitalisation due to intraoperative bowel injury. One procedure was converted to open surgery, and one patient experienced a complication that resolved.

Conclusions

Robotic-assisted inguinal hernia surgery is a safe and effective alternative to traditional laparoscopic methods, offering improved visualization and precise dissection. The learning curve is notable, facilitating the transition to more complex procedures once mastered.
BHSeP38 Hernia assessment & management pathway
Authors: Bhagtani Priyanka , Momin Erbaz
Published: January 2025

The new millennium has brought in so much rapid advancements to the field of hernia that not just surgeons in practice but even training institutes are struggling to keep pace. General Surgeons who primarily have been managing this condition would find it difficult to negotiate the maze of newer terminologies, techniques or complex situations & may end up with less favourable outcomes.

In the current state of chaos a training program is acutely needed to empower young surgeons to make better decisions for best outcomes. With these objectives; targeting trainees to surgeons in practice; We have designed a course to streamline the thought process in approaching a hernia patient.

It is a comprehensive course encompassing classifications to complications and special scenarios as well. Specific learning objectives defined for each of the topics are in the knowledge and communication domain. Hence the course has been designed around faculty led small group discussions enabling personalised attention to each participant to modulate and enhance their decision making.

Unlike other courses it does not restrict to one specific approach or technique but focusses on the entire speciality. The participants are shared reference material to prepare for the course. A pre-test & a post test is conducted to assess the impact of the course.

We intend to bring about a positive change by empowering young surgeons to make better decisions which may improve hernia outcomes in the future. We would like to share our experience based on training 50 delegates in multiple sessions.
BHSeP39 Incidence of additional defects identified during minimally invasive complex abdominal wall reconstruction not demonstrated on pre-operative CT imaging
Authors: Ward Thomas , Al-Amiedy Zaid , Sharma Amit , Walsh Ciaran , Simpson Gregory
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Hernia recurrence after repair remains a significant issue after all types of abdominal wall hernia operations. Some reports suggest recti diastasis is a risk factor for hernia recurrence unless concomitantly repaired. With the use of minimally invasive techniques (MIS) (laparoscopic or robotic), both ventral hernias and recti diastasis can be surgically repaired simultaneously. We audited the rate of incidental intra-operative ventral defects related to diastatic linea alba in patients with ventral hernias and pre-operative evidence of recti diastasis.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed of a prospectively maintained database of all cases of MIS abdominal wall reconstructions. We analysed the rate of additional ventral hernia defects that were undetected on pre- operative CT imaging.

Results

36 patients who underwent eTEP Rives-Stoppas repair were included (30 robotic, 6 laparoscopic). Male to female ratio was 27:9. Median age 58 years, median BMI 29.9. Of 36 cases 44.4% (16) had extra defects identified at the time of surgery, compared to the pre-operative imaging.

Conclusion

Minimally invasive abdominal wall reconstruction provides a unique view of the bare underside of the linea alba, allowing all defects to be seen accurately. Extra defects, not seen on pre-op imaging are common. The presence of such occult defects could be a mechanism for recurrence in local hernia repairs. This finding could strengthen the case for a more extensive repair, eg: rives stoppa, in patients with ventral hernias within diastasis recti.