bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth, Body Composition, and Nutritional Status in Children and Adolescents With Crohn's Disease
Authors: Sentongo Timothy A , Semeao Edisio J , Piccoli David A , Stallings Virginia A , Zemel Babette S
Published: February 2024

Objective

: To examine growth, body composition, and nutritional status in a large sample of children, adolescents, and young adults with Crohn's disease (CD).

Methods:

One hundred thirty‐two subjects (48 females) with CD, aged 5 to 25 years, and 66 healthy control subjects (37 females) of similar age. Growth, nutritional status, and body composition were measured by anthropometry and dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry. Genetic potential of linear growth was predicted using the adjusted heights of Himes et al. Pubertal status and skeletal age were assessed. Average Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index (PCDAI) and lifetime steroid exposure (in milligrams per day) were obtained from medical charts. The variables were examined in relation to gender and measures of disease activity.

Results:

Males and females with CD did not differ by age, disease duration, or PCDAI. Males with CD had significantly lower values for growth and nutritional status than control subjects (z‐ scores for weight: ‐0.66 ± 1.18 vs. 0.26 ± 0.95, P = 0.00002; height ‐0.81 ± 1.14 vs. 0.28 ± 0.93, P = 0.00001; adjusted height ‐1.05 ± 1.03 vs. 0.40 ± 1.03, P = 0.00001) and delayed skeletal age of 0.9 ± 1.6 years. Impaired linear growth in the males was present regardless of pubertal stage. Associations between disease severity indicators and growth parameters were more consistent for females.

Conclusions:

Crohn's disease is associated with impaired growth. Despite similarities in disease duration, activity, and lifetime steroid exposure, growth in males was more impaired. Gender may confer risk for impaired growth in CD.
The existence of 23 ${2}^{3}$‐decomposable super‐simple (v,4,6) $(v,4,6)$‐BIBDs
Authors: Yu Huangsheng , Chen Jingyuan , Abel R. Julian R. , Wu Dianhua
Published: February 2024

A design is said to be super‐simple if the intersection of any two blocks has at most two elements. A design with index is said to be ‐decomposable, if its blocks can be partitioned into nonempty collections , , such that each with the point set forms a design with index . In this paper, it is proved that there exists a ‐decomposable super‐simple ‐BIBD (balanced incomplete block design) if and only if and .
Prospective study on planned biliary stent placement to treat small common bile duct stones
Authors: Terada Shuzo , Kawaguchi Shinya , Nakatani Eiji , Inagawa Atsuko , Hikichi Tomoki , Takeda Shodai , Ishiguro Yuya , Kashima Hirotaka , Hirata Taiyo , Ikeda Shinya , Asahara Kazuhisa , Satoh Tatsunori , Masui Yuichi , Matsuda Masanori , Itai Ryosuke , Kawai Asami , Endo Shinya , Kurokami Takafumi , Shirane Naofumi , Ohno Kazuya
Published: February 2024

Aims

Small common bile duct stones are known to occasionally clear spontaneously. This study aimed to prospectively assess the role of biliary stent placement in promoting the spontaneous clearance of small common bile duct stones.

Methods and Results

We analyzed patients presenting with common bile duct stones of ≤5 mm diameter between June 2020 and May 2022. The exclusion criteria included asymptomatic patients, biliary pancreatitis, altered gastrointestinal anatomy, bile duct strictures (malignant or benign), and a history of EST. The biliary stents were inserted without stone removal. Stone clearance was assessed using endoscopic ultrasonography or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography after 3 months. Our primary endpoint was the clearance rate of common bile duct stones over 6 months, targeting a lower limit for the 95% confidence interval (CI) exceeding 25%. Of the 32 enrolled patients, 18 (56.3%; 95% CI: 37.7–73.6%) exhibited stone clearance. Early complications occurred in 11 patients (34.4%), totaling 12 incidents: acute cholecystitis in four, acute pancreatitis in three, biliary pain in three, and cholangitis in two patients. No severe complications occurred. Six (18.8%) patients experienced asymptomatic stent migration. Following stone clearance, four (12.5%) patients experienced stone recurrence, with an average duration of 256 ± 164 days.

Conclusion

Biliary stenting appeared to effectively promote the clearance of small common bile duct stones in approximately half of the patients. However, the potential complications and risks of stone recurrence warrant close monitoring.

This trial was registered in the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCT1042200020).
Raman spectroscopy of phonon states in NbTe4 and TaTe4 quasi‐one‐dimensional van der Waals crystals
Authors: Nataj Zahra Ebrahim , Kargar Fariborz , Krylyuk Sergiy , Debnath Topojit , Taheri Maedeh , Ghosh Subhajit , Zhang Huairuo , Davydov Albert V. , Lake Roger K. , Balandin Alexander A.
Published: February 2024

We report the results of polarization‐dependent Raman spectroscopy of phonon states in single‐crystalline quasi‐one‐dimensional NbTe4 and TaTe4 van der Waals materials. The measurements were conducted in the wide temperature range from 80 to 560 K. Our results show that although both materials have identical crystal structures and symmetries, there is a drastic difference in the intensity of their Raman spectra. While TaTe4 exhibits well‐defined peaks through the examined wavenumber and temperature ranges, NbTe4 reveals extremely weak Raman signatures. The measured spectral positions of the phonon peaks agree with the phonon band structure calculated using the density‐functional theory. We offer possible reasons for the intensity differences between the two van der Waals materials. Our results provide insights into the phonon properties of NbTe4 and TaTe4 van der Waals materials and indicate the potential of Raman spectroscopy for studying charge‐density‐wave quantum condensate phases.
Study of the effect of calcium signal participating in the antioxidant mechanism of yeast under high‐sugar environment
Authors: Xie Dongdong , Sun Yingqi , Li Xing , Zheng Jiaxin , Ren Shuncheng
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is susceptible to high‐sugar stress in the production of bioethanol, wine and bread. Calcium signal is widely involved in various physiological and metabolic activities of cells. The present study aimed to explore the effects of Ca2+ signal on the antioxidant mechanism of yeast during high‐sugar fermentation.

RESULTS

Compared to yeast without available Ca2+, yeast in the high glucose with Ca2+ group had higher dry weight, higher ethanol output at 12 and 24 h and higher glycerol output at 24 and 36 h. During the whole growth process, the trehalose synthesis capacity of yeast in the high glucose with Ca2+ group was lower and intracellular reactive oxygen species content was higher compared to yeast without available Ca2+. Intracellular malondialdehyde content of yeast under high glucose with Ca2+ was significantly lower than yeast under high glucose without available Ca2+ except for 6 h. The superoxide dismutase and catalase activities of yeast and glutathione content were higher in the high glucose with Ca2+ group compared to yeast in high glucose without available Ca2+. The expression levels of SOD1, GSH1, GPX2 genes were higher for high glucose without available Ca2+ at 6 h, while yeast in the high glucose with Ca2+ group had a higher expression of antioxidant‐related genes except SOD1 and CTT1 at 12 h. The expression levels of antioxidant‐related genes of yeast for high glucose with Ca2+ were higher at 24 h, and those of genes except SOD1 of yeast in the high glucose with Ca2+ group were higher at 36 h.

CONCLUSION

High‐glucose stress limited the growth of yeast, while a moderate extracellular Ca2+ signal could improve the antioxidant capacity of yeast in a high‐glucose environment by regulating protectant metabolism and enhancing the antioxidant enzyme activity and expression of antioxidant genes in a high‐sugar environment. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Resonantly Enhanced Optical Birefringence in Ultrathin High‐Index WS2 Metasurfaces
Authors: Wang Yuefeng , Xia Meng , Zhou Jiaxin , Huang Di , Chen Yuhua , Zhang Xingwang
Published: February 2024

Optical birefringence plays an important role in the manipulation of polarization states of light. However, the weak birefringence in common birefringent materials restricts the device thickness to tens of microns for desired phase retardation. Although recent advances in dielectric metasurfaces have enabled remarkable birefringence using structurally anisotropic nanostructures, the refractive index contrast between the dielectric and the air cladding fundamentally limits the thickness of metasurfaces to a fraction of a micron to obtain the required phase retardation. Here, birefringent resonances in high‐index tungsten disulfide (WS2) metasurfaces are utilized to push the thickness limit down to the deep subwavelength scale. The inherent high‐index property of WS2 enables birefringent resonances in WS2 metasurfaces which consist of anisotropic nanostructures with a thickness of only 50 nm. Such birefringent resonances enhance the light‐matter interaction and produce an unprecedented birefringence (Δneff) about 4. As a result, it is experimentally realized that circular‐to‐linear polarization conversion with a normalized efficiency of ≈90% within an incident angle range up to ±10°. The results break the fundamental limit of birefringent devices and provide strategies for creating ultimate thin polarization optical devices.
Effect of Tulbaghia violacea‐Derived Devulcanized Rubber on the Properties of Natural Rubber/Styrene‐Butadiene Rubber Blends
Authors: Mnyango Jabulani I. , Hlangothi Buyiswa G. , Mabuto Briswell , Woolard Christopher D. , Hlangothi Shanganyane P.
Published: February 2024

The current study serves to demonstrate the potential utilization of devulcanized rubber produced using Tulbaghia violacea Harv. in a supercritical media. The devulcanized rubber, ranging from 5 to 35 wt% is incorporated into virgin natural rubber (NR)/styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR) blends. The effect of devulcanized rubber addition is assessed by evaluating variations in the curing characteristics, physical attributes, morphologies, mechanical properties, and dynamic mechanical analysis of several vulcanized blends. The findings indicate a reduction in the blends' curing characteristics with an increase in devulcanized rubber proportion, except for minimum torque. Furthermore, the ultimate tensile strength, elongation at break, tear strength, and rebound resilience decrease, while the tensile moduli and stiffness exhibit an increase with an increase in devulcanized rubber proportion. The observed decline in mechanical property is associated with failure points identified through surface fracture imaging. Additionally, an increase in crosslink density and hardness aligned with the alterations in dynamic mechanical properties as the proportion of devulcanized rubber is increased. The study suggests that the rubber devulcanized with T. violacea Harv.—when blended with virgin NR/SBR blends—could be tailored for specific applications.
A High‐Stretchability, Wide Detection Range, and Wide Temperature Range Ti3C2Tx MXene/Graphene Strain Sensor Based on a Buckling Structure
Authors: Wang Yanli , Qin Wenjing , Zhou Xiang , Liu Enzhao , Zhu Yutian , Yin Shougen , Guo Wenjin , Liu Zunfeng
Published: February 2024

Flexible wearable sensors have the characteristics of flexibility, comfort, and wearability, and have shown great potential in future electronic products. Despite significant efforts in developing stretchable electronic materials and structures, the development of flexible strain sensors with a wide temperature range, high sensitivity, broad detection range, and good interface stability remains challenging. Here, strain sensors with buckled structures are fabricated using high and low‐temperature resistant material Ti3C2Tx MXene/graphene, PDMS 184. The conductive material Ti3C2Tx MXene/graphene exhibits excellent interface interaction with PDMS 184, addressing not only the poor compatibility issue between the conductive material and the flexible substrate, but also demonstrating good stability and cycling performance. Buckled structure improves the stretchability and linearity of strain sensors. The fabricated strain sensor is suitable for a wide temperature range (−40 to 120 °C) and exhibits high stretchability (120% strain). The strain sensor demonstrates rapid response times at different temperatures: −40 (72.6 ms), 0 (62.7 ms), and 120 °C (52.7 ms). The strain sensor exhibits high sensitivity at different temperatures: −40 (GF = 0.38), 0 (GF = 0.24), 40 (GF = 0.66), and 120 °C (GF = 1.47). The strain sensor has a wide detection range (0.1% to 120%) and excellent cycling stability. In addition, Ti3C2Tx MXene/graphene strain sensors can accurately capture various human activities, such as blinking, speaking, finger bending, and wrist bending.
Microstructure and properties of copper coating by using plasma‐assisted low‐pressure cold spray
Authors: Wang M. T. , Chen W. C. , Chang D. X. , Yu B. Y. , Zheng L.
Published: February 2024

Plasma‐assisted low‐pressure cold spraying and conventional cold spraying methods are used to prepare copper coatings on copper substrates. The thickness, porosity micromorphology, and mechanical and corrosion properties of the copper coating prepared by high‐pressure cold spraying and plasma‐assisted low‐pressure cold spraying are studied. The results indicated that in single‐pass deposition, the copper coating prepared by plasma‐assisted low‐pressure cold spraying has a small porosity and a thick coating under the spraying conditions with the same powder feeding rate, which has a better deposition effect. The coating grains prepared by the plasma‐assisted method undergo a recrystallization process, and the grains are refined. Plasma‐assisted low‐pressure cold spray technology can achieve a good repair effect on parts.
Analysis of the spatial influences on innovation efficiency of enterprises with different ownership in China: high‐tech industry as an example
Authors: Shao Suyuan , Chen Xiao , Hu Xijian
Published: February 2024

Enterprises have different behavioral characteristics depending on their ownership structure and their nature and play different roles in promoting economic development. In order to explore the innovation behavior characteristics of private enterprises, state‐owned enterprises, Hong Kong‐, Macao‐, and Taiwan‐funded enterprises, and foreign‐funded enterprises in China's high‐tech industry, this paper constructs spatial lag models and varying coefficient spatial lag models within the framework of knowledge production functions. It not only evaluates the technological innovation performance of various types of enterprises in high‐tech industries but also comprehensively explores the differences in the impact of external environments such as spatial dependence and business environment on the innovation efficiency of various types of enterprises. The results of the study provide a reference for enterprise managers and investors to efficiently allocate the scarce resources for innovation investment.
A multiagent collaborative development strategy for environmental pollution liability insurance based on an evolutionary game
Authors: Zhao Yan , Cheng Ruyan
Published: February 2024

To improve the problem of environmental pollution liability insurance, this paper constructs an evolutionary game model based on the government, insurance companies, and polluting enterprises. The findings indicate that in an imperfect market, penalty and subsidy mechanisms boost insurance rates. Reinsurance facilitates insurer underwriting, prompting gradual government withdrawal. Effective pricing mechanisms by insurance companies enhance environmental liability insurance operations amid evolving market mechanisms, offering theoretical guidance for addressing challenges in implementing such insurance.
Auto parts quality certification and manufacturer regulation: An evolutionary game theory perspective
Authors: Cai Xin , Li Dongdong , Wang Chaofa
Published: February 2024

This paper explores a two‐population evolutionary game that models the role of manufacturer regulation as a motivation to auto parts quality certification. In particular, we assume that auto parts suppliers can choose whether or not to obtain the certification, ensuring a relatively high quality of the products, and manufactures can choose whether or not to engage in regulation for certification facilitation, influencing the suppliers' incentive to avoid punishment of uncertificated products. We study the Nash equilibria of this game and conduct static and dynamic evolutionary analyses. The research shows that reducing the auto parts suppliers' certification cost, increasing the penalty cost of the supplier who provides the auto parts that are not certified, and distributing the risk‐loss proportion of manufacturer and supplier properly can encourage auto parts suppliers to obtain the quality certification.
Timing and green decisions for competitive manufacturers under demand uncertainty and risk aversion
Authors: Li Hongmei , Tan Yingshuang
Published: February 2024

Leveraging real options theory, we have constructed a utility‐based model to examine the influence of uncertainty, risk aversion, and competition on the optimal entry timing for green manufacturers and traditional manufacturers, as well as the degree of greenness for follower products. Our analysis reveals that increased uncertainty and risk aversion enhance the value of investment opportunities for manufacturers, thereby raising their investment thresholds. Even though competition reduces the value of market entry for the leader compared to monopoly, its investment thresholds are unaffected by competition. More interestingly, consumer green preferences exhibit a non‐monotonic impact on green enterprise's entry timing.
A Gently Processed Skim Milk‐Derived Whey Protein Concentrate for Infant Formula: Effects on Gut Development and Immunity in Preterm Pigs
Authors: Aasmul‐Olsen Karoline , Akıllıoğlu Halise Gül , Christiansen Line Iadsatian , Engholm‐Keller Kasper , Brunse Anders , Stefanova Denitsa Vladimirova , Bjørnshave Ann , Bechshøft Mie Rostved , Skovgaard Kerstin , Thymann Thomas , Sangild Per Torp , Lund Marianne Nissen , Bering Stine Brandt
Published: February 2024

Scope

Processing of whey protein concentrate (WPC) for infant formulas may induce protein modifications with severe consequences for preterm newborn development. The study investigates how conventional WPC and a gently processed skim milk‐derived WPC (SPC) affect gut and immune development after birth.

Methods and results

Newborn, preterm pigs used as a model of preterm infants were fed formula containing WPC, SPC, extra heat‐treated SPC (HT‐SPC), or stored HT‐SPC (HTS‐SPC) for 5 days. SPC contained no protein aggregates and more native lactoferrin, and despite higher Maillard reaction product (MRP) formation, the clinical response and most gut and immune parameters are similar to WPC pigs. SPC feeding negatively impacts intestinal MRP accumulation, mucosa, and bacterial diversity. In contrast, circulating T‐cells are decreased and oxidative stress‐ and inflammation‐related genes are upregulated in WPC pigs. Protein aggregation and MRP formation increase in HTS‐SPC, leading to reduced antibacterial activity, lactase/maltase ratio, circulating neutrophils, and cytotoxic T‐cells besides increased gut MRP accumulation and expression of TNFAIP3.

Conclusion

The gently processed SPC has more native protein, but higher MRP levels than WPC, resulting in similar tolerability but subclinical adverse gut effects in preterm pigs. Additional heat treatment and storage further induce MRP formation, gut inflammation, and intestinal mucosal damage.
Interventional device tracking under MRI via alternating current controlled inhomogeneities
Authors: Uzun Dogangun , Yildirim Dursun Korel , Bruce Christopher G. , Halaby Rim N. , Jaimes Andrea E. , Potersnak Amanda , Ramasawmy Rajiv , Campbell‐Washburn Adrienne E. , Lederman Robert J. , Kocaturk Ozgur
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To introduce alternating current‐controlled, conductive ink‐printed marker that could be implemented with both custom and commercial interventional devices for device tracking under MRI using gradient echo, balanced SSFP, and turbo spin‐echo sequences.

Methods

Tracking markers were designed as solenoid coils and printed on heat shrink tubes using conductive ink. These markers were then placed on three MR‐compatible test samples that are typically challenging to visualize during MRI scans. MRI visibility of markers was tested by applying alternating and direct current to the markers, and the effects of applied current parameters (amplitude, frequency) on marker artifacts were tested for three sequences (gradient echo, turbo spin echo, and balanced SSFP) in a gel phantom, using 0.55T and 1.5T MRI scanners. Furthermore, an MR‐compatible current supply circuit was designed, and the performance of the current‐controlled markers was tested in one postmortem animal experiment using the current supply circuit.

Results

Direction and parameters of the applied current were determined to provide the highest conspicuity for all three sequences. Marker artifact size was controlled by adjusting the current amplitude, successfully. Visibility of a custom‐designed, 20‐gauge nitinol needle was increased in both in vitro and postmortem animal experiments using the current supply circuit.

Conclusion

Current‐controlled conductive ink‐printed markers can be placed on custom or commercial MR‐compatible interventional tools and can provide an easy and effective solution to device tracking under MRI for three sequences by adjusting the applied current parameters with respect to pulse sequence parameters using the current supply circuit.
Some preconditioning techniques for a class of double saddle point problems
Authors: Balani Bakrani Fariba , Bergamaschi Luca , Martínez Ángeles , Hajarian Masoud
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we describe and analyze the spectral properties of several exact block preconditioners for a class of double saddle point problems. Among all these, we consider an inexact version of a block triangular preconditioner providing extremely fast convergence of the (F)GMRES method. We develop a spectral analysis of the preconditioned matrix showing that the complex eigenvalues lie in a circle of center and radius 1, while the real eigenvalues are described in terms of the roots of a third order polynomial with real coefficients. Numerical examples are reported to illustrate the efficiency of inexact versions of the proposed preconditioners, and to verify the theoretical bounds.
A case study in leveraging strategic partnerships through trust‐based philanthropy
Authors: Jones Nora L. , Epstein Andrew , Bair‐Merritt Megan , Drury Stacy , Farrington Lindsay , Fernández Anabel , Fleckman Julia M. , Francois Samantha , Gilbert Hannah , Howard Carey , Morris Anita , Pierce Joanna Elkes , Rankin Mazvita , Reeves Kathleen , Steenhoff Andrew P. , James‐Vance Deborah , Scott Danielle Y.
Published: February 2024

This practice note highlights a case study of leveraging strategic partnerships through trust‐based philanthropy, a set of practices rooted in values, relationship building, mutual learning, and equity. It describes the motivations, planning, and execution of a symposium organized by, and held for, a Foundation and four of its grantees. The symposium led to the development of sustained pathways between and among the partners, resulting in productive collaborations and shared projects. This case study is shared to illustrate the argument that it is the responsibility of funders, and certainly in their self‐interest, to eliminate competition between organizations to whom they provide financial resources and support. By facilitating trust and collaboration, funders are uniquely positioned to foster collective, higher‐impact work.
Solid polymer nanocomposite electrolytes based on poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐based waterborne polyurethane–polyethylene oxide and fluorine‐doped carbon quantum dot‐MXene
Authors: Naderkhani Neda , Rostami Sasan , Mokhtari Zahra , Mollavali Majid , Nourany Mohammad
Published: February 2024

The need for higher energy storage capability has encouraged researchers to move toward lithium‐metal batteries (LMBs). Due to the safety issue associated with liquid electrolytes, solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) the main focus on polyethylene oxide (PEO) were at the center of the research. However, high crystallization, fast decomposition, and low thermomechanical stability has limited its application. Low lithium‐ion transference number () is another issue leading to polarization of the SPEs and consequently, triggering dendrite nucleation and growth. Here, we developed a series of SPEs based on PEO‐waterborne polyurethane (WPU) and nanoparticles of fluorine‐doped carbon quantum dot (fCQD) and MXene. The host polymer matrix was a blend of poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL)‐based WPU and PEO. The use of WPU and the nanoparticles increased the thermomechanical stability and suppressed PEO crystallinity through disrupting the spherulites growth and reducing the thermal stability of the crystallites. Using the WPU led to significant increase in () compared with previous reports. The prepared SPEs showed high‐electrochemical stability and ionic conductivity at and based on the results of cycling performance, a discharge capacity of 120.58 mAh/g and coulombic efficiency of 99.1% was achieved after 200 cycles.
Tribological performance of WS2/PAI composite coating reinforced with carbon nanotubes‐carbon fiber at high temperatures
Authors: Zhao Dingyuan , Liu Sisi , He Jun , Zhao Ziheng , Yin Shuohui
Published: February 2024

The carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were chemically grafted onto carbon fibers (CFs) to prepare a CNTs‐CF multiscale reinforcement. The tungsten disulfide/polyamide‐imide (WS2/PAI) composite coating, with PAI as the binder and WS2 as the lubricant filler, was prepared. The enhancement mechanism of CNTs‐CF on the high‐temperature tribological performance of WS2/PAI composite coating was analyzed. The addition of CNTs‐CF was found to increase the temperature of the 10% mass loss of PAI by 14.2°C, indicating its ability to improve the thermal stability of the coating. The hardness of the CNTs‐CF‐modified WS2/PAI composite coating was measured to be 17.9% higher than that of the WS2/PAI substrate. The incorporation of CNTs‐CF significantly improved the tribological performance of the WS2/PAI composite coating. Particularly at 200°C, the friction coefficient and wear rate of CNTs‐CF modified WS2/PAI composite coating were only 0.095 and 8.92 × 10−5 mm3/(N·m), respectively, which decreased by about 70.3% and 62.2% compared to the WS2/PAI substrate. Further analysis revealed that CNTs‐CF is firmly embedded within the WS2/PAI composite coating through the synergistic mechanism of mechanical interlocking and molecular adsorption. Furthermore, CNTs‐CF formed a stable lubricating film, ensuring the excellent friction and wear performance of the coating.

Highlights

The CNTs‐CF can mitigate the thermal degradation of PAI.

The high‐temperature wear resistance of the coating was noticeably improved.

The problem of CF easily detaching from the coating was resolved.

The main components of the transfer film were analyzed.
The unjust burden of digital inclusion for low‐income migrant parents
Authors: Notley Tanya , Aziz Abdul
Published: February 2024

There are significant digital inclusion disparities between low‐ and high‐income households across countries. Yet, there is a lack of in‐depth research about the relationship between digital and social participation in low‐income family households, especially in households facing multiple forms of disadvantage and discrimination due to language, cultural or literacy barriers. This article is based on long‐term ethnographic research with low‐income, migrant family households in the most culturally diverse region of Australia—Western Sydney. We find that household digital inclusion is perceived as necessary and important by parents—but also as a burden that has social, financial and emotional dimensions. We also find that a lack of targeted and culturally informed digital and social inclusion services constrain what digital connection can achieve for families. We argue that under these conditions, equitable digital inclusion cannot be achieved.
An unusual case of metastatic trophoblastic neoplasm presenting with diffuse cystic lung disease and pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysms in a teenager
Authors: Guler Sevim , Hull Nathan C. , Arteta Manuel , Allen‐Rhoades Wendy , Shahi Maryam , Ishitani Michael B. , Demirel Nadir
Published: February 2024

Diffuse cystic lung diseases (DCLDs) are a diverse group of lung disorders characterized by the presence of multiple air filled cysts within the lung tissue. These cysts are thin walled and surrounded by normal lung tissue. In adults, DCLD can be associated with various conditions such as lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), Langerhans cell histiocytosis, cancers, and more. In children, DCLD is often linked to lung developmental abnormalities, with bronchopulmonary dysplasia being a common cause. Patients with pulmonary cysts are typically asymptomatic, but some may experience mild symptoms or pneumothorax. While DCLD in children is rarely due to malignancy, metastatic lung disease can be a cause. It is important for clinicians to be aware of the possibility of metastatic lung disease when encountering DCLD.
Stratified substrates enhance water storage and distribution between irrigation events
Authors: Criscione Kristopher S. , Fields Jeb S. , Owen James S. , Gentimis Athanasios
Published: February 2024

The specialty crop industry requires copious amounts of water to meet production needs; however, current substrates are highly porous to mitigate risks and are subsequently inefficient with regard to water use. Therefore, more sustainable soilless substrates are needed to ensure the future success/profitability of the horticultural industry, especially as finite fresh water sources become limiting. Substrate stratification (i.e., vertically layering unique substrates atop one another) provides opportunities to augment an existing system by maintaining substrate porosity, while strategically redistributing the air‐ and water‐filled pores, retaining more water when applied, and controlling vertical water distribution. The aim of this research was to further understand the complex stratified systems of hydraulics. Herein, the hydraulic properties of individual substrate components were measured and modeled using HYDRUS 1 d. Furthermore, matric tensions and volumetric water content (VWC) were measured continuously under two different irrigation schedules (single [1×] and cyclic applications [3×]) for 15 days with a fully established Dianthus barbatus ‘Amazon Neon Purple’ crop. The results showed that screened bark particles have more pore homogeneity assessed by steep declines in VWC with small changes in water potential. Moreover, HYDRUS 1 d modeling demonstrated that stratified substrates have more uniform hydraulic gradients (difference in moisture content from the top to the bottom of the substrate profile; 21%) present in the container profile when compared to non‐stratified systems (45%). Non‐stratified upper layers experienced greater diurnal tension fluctuations under single irrigation than in cyclic applications. Stratifying substrates resulted in a significant reduction in these fluctuations in the top layer when compared to non‐stratified systems. Additionally, when both substrate (stratifying) and irrigation (cyclic) management strategies are implemented, tension fluctuations can be even further reduced, and hydraulic gradients become more uniform due to improved moisture infiltration and distribution.
Participatory modeling for high complexity, multi‐system issues: challenges and recommendations for balancing qualitative understanding and quantitative questions
Authors: Deutsch Arielle R. , Frerichs Leah , Perry Madeleine , Jalali Mohammad S.
Published: February 2024

Community stakeholder participation can be incredibly valuable for the qualitative model development process. However, modelers often encounter challenges for participatory modeling projects focusing on high‐complexity, synergistic interactions between multiple issues, systems, and granularity. The diverse stakeholder perspectives and volumes of information necessary for developing such models can yield qualitative models that are difficult to translate into quantitative simulation or clear insight for informed decision‐making. There are few recommended best practices for developing high‐complexity, participatory models. We use an ongoing project as a case study to highlight three practical challenges for tackling high‐complexity, multi‐system issues with system dynamics tools. These challenges include balanced and respectful stakeholder engagement, defining boundaries and levels of variable aggregation, and timing and processes for qualitative/quantitative model integration. Our five recommendations to address these challenges serve as a foundation for further research on methods for developing translatable qualitative multi‐system models for informing actions for systemic change. © 2024 System Dynamics Society.
History of the Beer Game
Authors: Martinez‐Moyano Ignacio J.
Published: February 2024

This article describes the history of the Beer Game. By triangulating information from literature, archival analysis, and interviews with experts in the field, the main changes in the game over its almost 70‐year history are identified. The article discusses three aspects of the game: 1) its structure (phases of its history, stocks and flows, parameters, etc.); 2) the process for playing the game; and 3) the game debrief. The structure of the Beer Game, and the process for running it, have stabilized over the years into what is now a de facto standard approach. Additional work is needed in the game debrief, specifically in the clarification of key insights and messages (depending on the context of the use of the game), in how to communicate such messages to different audiences, and in the development of support materials for its delivery. © 2024 UChicago Argonne, LLC. System Dynamics Review published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of System Dynamics Society.
In situ Activation of Molecular Oxygen at Intermetallic Spacing‐Optimized Iron Network‐Like Sites for Boosting Electrocatalytic Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Jiang Jingjing , Zhou Wanlin , Jiang Yaling , Zhang Xu , An Qizheng , Hu Fengchun , Wang Huijuan , Zheng Kun , Soldatov Mikhail A. , Wei Shiqiang , Liu Qinghua
Published: February 2024

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyzed by transition‐metal single‐atom catalysts (SACs) is promising for practical applications in energy‐conversion devices, but great challenges still remain due to the sluggish kinetics of O═O cleavage. Herein, a kind of high‐density iron network‐like sites catalysts are constructed with optimized intermetallic distances on an amino‐functionalized carbon matrix (Fe‐HDNSs). Quasi‐in situ soft X‐ray absorption spectroscopy and in situ synchrotron infrared characterizations demonstrate that the optimized intermetallic distances in Fe‐HDNSs can in situ activate the molecular oxygen by fast electron compensation through the hybridized Fe 3d‒O 2p, which efficiently facilitates the cleavage of the O═O bond to *O species and highly suppresses the side reactions for an accelerated kinetics of the 4e− ORR. As a result, the well‐designed Fe‐HDNSs catalysts exhibit superior performances with a half‐wave potential of 0.89 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and a kinetic current density of 72 mA cm−2@0.80 V versus RHE, exceeding most of the noble‐metal‐free ORR catalysts. This work offers some new insights into the understanding of 4e− ORR kinetics and reaction pathways to boost electrochemical performances of SACs.
Inducing Directional Charge Delocalization in 3D‐Printable Micro‐Supercapacitors Based on Strongly Coupled Black Phosphorus and ReS2 Nanocomposites
Authors: Ge Jiale , Meng Jian , Zhang Leiqian , Qin Jingjing , Yang Guozheng , Wu Yunchen , Zhu Haiyan , Huang Yunpeng , Debroye Elke , Dong Hongliang , Ren Jianguo , He Peng , Hofkens Johan , Lai Feili , Liu Tianxi
Published: February 2024

The growing interest in so‐called interface coupling strategies arises from their potential to enhance the performance of active electrode materials. Nevertheless, designing a robust coupled interface in nanocomposites for stable electrochemical processes remains a challenge. In this study, an epitaxial growth strategy is proposed by synthesizing sulfide rhenium (ReS2) on exfoliated black phosphorus (E‐BP) nanosheets, creating an abundance of robust interfacial linkages. Through spectroscopic analysis using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, the authors investigate the interfacial environment. The well‐developed coupled interface and structural stability contribute to the impressive performance of the 3D‐printed E‐BP@ReS2‐based micro‐supercapacitor, achieving a specific capacitance of 47.3 mF cm−2 at 0.1 mA cm−2 and demonstrating excellent long‐term cyclability (89.2% over 2000 cycles). Furthermore, density functional theory calculations unveil the positive impact of the strongly coupled interface in the E‐BP@ReS2 nanocomposite on the adsorption of H+ ions, showcasing a significantly reduced adsorption energy of −2.17 eV. The strong coupling effect facilitates directional charge delocalization at the interface, enhancing the electrochemical performance of electrodes and resulting in the successful construction of advanced micro‐supercapacitors.
Zwitterion Dual‐Modification Strategy for High‐Quality NiOx and Perovskite Films for Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Xianzhao , Jiang Jun , Liu Ziyan , Li Aijun , Miyasaka Tsutomu , Wang Xiao‐Feng
Published: February 2024

Nickel oxide (NiOx) has been limited in use as a hole transport layer for its low conduction, surface defects, and redox reactions with the perovskite layer. To address these issues, the incorporation of zwitterion L‐tryptophan (Trp) is proposed at the NiOx/Trp interface. The carboxyl group of Trp effectively passivates the surface positive defects of NiOx, thereby improving its optical and electrical properties. The ammonium group of Trp not only passivates negative defects but modulates the growth of the perovskite layer, resulting in an improved perovskite film quality. Furthermore, the Trp layer acts as a buffer layer, suppressing adverse interfacial reactions between the perovskite and NiOx. Consequently, perovskite solar cells with 1.56 and 1.68 eV absorbers achieve the champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 23.79% and 20.41%, respectively. Moreover, the unencapsulated devices demonstrate excellent long‐term stability, retaining above 80% of the initial PCE value after 1600 h of storage in the air with a humidity of 50–60%.
Robust Synthesis of Targeting Glyco‐Nanoparticles for Surface Enhanced Resonance Raman Based Image‐Guided Tumor Surgery
Authors: Liu Kunli , Ullah A. K. M. Atique , Juhong Aniwat , Yang Chia‐Wei , Yao Cheng‐You , Li Xiaoyan , Bumpers Harvey L. , Qiu Zhen , Huang Xuefei
Published: February 2024

Surface enhanced resonance Raman (SERS) is a powerful optical technique, which can help enhance the sensitivity of Raman spectroscopy aided by noble metal nanoparticles (NPs). However, current SERS‐NPs are often suboptimal, which can aggregate under physiological conditions with much reduced SERS enhancement. Herein, a robust one‐pot method has been developed to synthesize SERS‐NPs with more uniform core diameters of 50 nm, which is applicable to both non‐resonant and resonant Raman dyes. The resulting SERS‐NPs are colloidally stable and bright, enabling NP detection with low‐femtomolar sensitivity. An algorithm has been established, which can accurately unmix multiple types of SERS‐NPs enabling potential multiplex detection. Furthermore, a new liposome‐based approach has been developed to install a targeting carbohydrate ligand, i.e., hyaluronan, onto the SERS‐NPs bestowing significantly enhanced binding affinity to its biological receptor CD44 overexpressed on tumor cell surface. The liposomal hyaluronan (HA)‐SERS‐NPs enabled visualization of spontaneously developed breast cancer in mice in real time guiding complete surgical removal of the tumor, highlighting the translational potential of these new glyco‐SERS‐NPs.
Flexural behavior of beams strengthened with GFRP bars and high‐performance fiber‐reinforced concrete
Authors: Su Yan‐li , Shang Jia‐qi , Zhang Pu , Xu Shi‐zhan , Sheikh Shamim Ahmed
Published: February 2024

The flexural behavior of beams strengthened with GFRP bars and high‐performance fiber‐reinforced concrete (HPFRC) was investigated in this paper. The four‐point flexural response of one reference beam and four beams strengthened with high‐performance fiber‐reinforced concrete was investigated by experimental research and theoretical calculation. The experimental and theoretical data (strain, load, etc.) are discussed. Parameters varied included the strengthening scheme (bottom‐side strengthening and three‐side strengthening) and the type of high‐performance fiber‐reinforced concrete (engineered cementitious composite [ECC] and ultra‐high‐performance concrete [UHPC]). The results showed that the cracking load and ultimate load of beams strengthened with UPFRC material were 31.3%–170% and 9.6%–20.7% higher, respectively, relative to the reference beam. Beams with three‐side strengthening (without interfacial debonding) had higher ultimate load, smaller crack width, and better durability relative to beams with bottom‐side strengthening. The UHPC layer was more effective in increasing the ultimate bearing capacity, and ECC strengthening layer was more effective in inhibiting cracking development of beams. Based on the experimental results, a model was proposed to predict the ultimate bearing capacity of beams strengthened with high‐performance fiber‐reinforced concrete, which could provide good agreement between the experimental and predicted results.
Error Analysis of XY Model Equivalent Circuit Based on Finite Element Simulation
Authors: Tu Yalong , Xu Qingchuan , Jiang Bo , Wang Shengkang , Lin Fuchang , Lu Yangze , Qiu Yunhao
Published: February 2024

The XY model is a simplified insulation model for transformers that aims to connect the frequency spectrum of major insulation, insulation paper, and oil. It enables the calculation of the paper's frequency spectrum, facilitating a quantitative evaluation of the transformer's insulation status. Given the scarcity of research addressing the accuracy of the XY model and its corresponding equivalent circuit, this paper investigates the accuracy of the XY model and conducts an in‐depth analysis of the error associated with its equivalent circuit. Firstly, the frequency spectrum of oil‐paper insulations based on the XY model with varying moisture content and structure configurations were measured, followed by the simulation of both the corresponding 2D‐coaxial and XY models. By comparing the results obtained from these simulations with experimental data on oil‐paper insulation, the accuracy of XY model is verified. Subsequently, two variants of the equivalent circuit of the XY model are derived by combining the oil, spacer, and paper differently, which denoted as Type I and II circuits. Finally, we analyzed and explained the errors present in these equivalent circuits compared with the XY model. Our findings show that the width‐thickness ratio of oil‐paper insulation is the most critical influencing factor, while moisture content and insulation structure have a less decisive impact. Notably, for general transformers, as the width‐thickness ratio is between 30 and 70, the relative error of the Type I circuit remains consistently below 0.3% across different frequencies. Consequently, the Type I circuit proves to be a more suitable representation of the equivalent circuit for the XY model in the context of general transformers. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Combining Fourier Fractional GM(1,1|sin) Model with Rat Swarm Optimizer for Employment Rate Prediction
Authors: Cai Lulu , Lei Dongge , Wu Fei , Guo Aihua
Published: February 2024

Accurate prediction of employment rate of graduated students can greatly help education authorities to make informed decisions as well as for universities to adjust their teaching plans. Unfortunately, prediction of the employment rate of graduated students is still a difficult problem because the historical employment rate data exhibits fluctuations. In this paper, a new method is proposed for employment rate prediction using fractional gray GM(1,1sin) model, which aims to alleviate the effect of data fluctuation on prediction accuracy and increase the contribution of new data in the prediction procedure. To further decrease prediction error, a Fourier series is adopted to model the residual series. The proposed model, called Fourier Fractional GM(1,1sin) Model (FFGMsin), is used to predict the employment rate of graduated students of Yanshan University from 2010 to 2019. Results show that the proposed method can obtain more accurate prediction results than GM(1,1) model and its variants. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Fate and distribution of microplastics in water and sediment collected from Samiran ditch irrigation
Authors: Garfansa Marchel Putra , Zalizar Lili , Husen Syarif , Triwanto Joko , Iswahyudi Iswahyudi , Ekalaturrahmah Yenni Arista Cipta
Published: February 2024

Ditch irrigation is an important route that potentially discharges microplastics (MPs) into environment. Samiran ditch irrigation is the largest urban irrigation in Pamekasan City, Indonesia. Water and sediment samples were collected in Samiran ditch irrigation to identify MPs including their color, shape, size, and number of MPs. From all sampling locations, MPs were found in both the water and sediments of the Samiran ditch irrigation with sizes ranging from 0.1 mm to 2.9 mm. The abundance of MPs in water ranged from 0.5 to 0.9 items/L, while MPs in sediments 0.14 to 0.23 items/g with colors of black, blue, and yellow. The polymer types of polyethyleneimine (PEI) and polypropylene (PP) were found both in surface water and sediment sample. MPs such as fragments, filament, fiber, and pellet were found in Samiran ditch irrigation with fiber was dominant found in the surface water (40%) and fragment was dominant in sediment (25%).