bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of polymorphism on the lattice thermal conductivity of Ga2O3
Authors: Sun Haoran , Yang Gang
Published: November 2024

In this paper, the lattice thermal conductivity of Ga2O3 in its β, α, ɛ(κ), and γ phase is systematically investigated based on the first principles calculation and iterative approaches to solve the phonon Boltzmann equation. The results indicate that the crystal microstructure of Ga2O3 has a significant effect on the lattice thermal conductivity. In addition, the results also find that γ-Ga2O3 has an ultralow lattice thermal conductivity within the temperature range from 50 to 700 K. As for γ-Ga2O3, the obtained lattice thermal conductivity at room temperature (300 K) is 0.1189 W/(m K) along the [100] and [010] directions, and 0.1159 W/(m K) along the [001] direction. The lattice thermal conductivity exhibits the following order: γ-Ga2O3 ≪ ɛ(κ)-Ga2O3 < α-Ga2O3 < β-Ga2O3. The disruptive effect of Ga3+ cation vacancies on the spinel structure's symmetry is responsible for the ultralow lattice thermal conductivity observed in γ-Ga2O3. This disruption increases the complexity of the lattice and hampers the propagation and scattering of phonons. Another contributing factor is the presence of weak chemical bonding, which intensifies the oscillation of Ga atoms. The results of this study have significant implications for further investigating the factors influencing the thermal conductivity of Ga2O3 and developing thermoelectric materials.
Comparing Multiple Approaches to Estimate Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Sleep in Pregnancy
Authors: Gallagher Jacob B. , Boonstra Daniel E. , Borrowman Jaclyn D. , Unke McKenzie , Jones Melissa A. , Kline Christopher E. , Barone Gibbs Bethany , Whitaker Kara M.
Published: November 2024

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to compare estimates of 24-hr activity using the best practice of a thigh accelerometer (activPAL), wrist actigraphy (Actiwatch), and a sleep diary (PAL + watch + diary) with estimates from simpler procedures, such as the thigh accelerometer and diary (PAL + diary) or thigh monitor alone (PAL only) during pregnancy. Methods: Data collected during the second trimester from 40 randomly selected participants in the Pregnancy 24/7 cohort study were included. activPAL data were integrated with sleep time determined by wrist actigraphy (PAL + watch + diary) or diary-determined sleep (PAL + diary). In the PAL only analysis, average estimates were exported directly from the PAL software. Repeated-measures analysis of variance and intraclass correlations coefficients compared moderate–vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light physical activity, sedentary time, sleep, and wear time across measurement approaches. Pairwise comparisons using a Bonferroni correction explored significant differences identified from the omnibus analysis of variance. Results: The three approaches arrived at consistent durations of physical activity (intraclass correlations coefficients > .95) but not for estimating sedentary behavior and sleep durations (intraclass correlations coefficients: .73–.82). PAL + diary overestimated MVPA by 2.3 min/day (p < .01) compared with PAL + diary + watch. PAL only overestimated sleep (25.3–29.0 min/day, p < .01) while underestimating MVPA (11.7–14.0 min/day, p < .01) compared with the other approaches. Conclusions: Since the inclusion of the wrist actigraphy provided only slight differences in MVPA estimates, PAL + diary may provide acceptable estimates of 24-hr activity during pregnancy in future research. PAL only may be acceptable when exclusively interested in physical activity.
Late Cretaceous glaciations in a hyper-arid plateau desert of the South China Coastal Mountains
Authors: Yu Xiaocan , Wang Chunlian , Bertolini Gabriel , Mountney Nigel P. , You Chao
Published: November 2024

Increasing evidence indicates the existence of a cryosphere during the Cretaceous supergreenhouse. However, current understanding of a potential link between lithosphere dynamics and cryospheric processes in the Cretaceous plateau desert successions of China remains limited. We report the occurrence of ice-rafted dropstones and diamictites from the Upper Cretaceous Chishan Formation of the Subei Basin at the East Asian continental margin. Our provenance results indicate that fluvial deposits of the Lower Chishan Formation were mainly derived from the Sulu Orogen to the north and the Zhangbaling Uplift to the west, whereas aeolian deposits of the Upper Chishan Formation were largely recycled from the two sources with an additionally notable contribution from the post-Cretaceous basement of the Yangtze Block. Combined with previous evidence, provenance analysis indicates that Late Cretaceous collision between the Okhotomorsk Block and the East Asian continent led to the growth of the South China Coastal Mountains via crustal thickening, which generated an arid, high-altitude basin region that experienced desertification and paleohydrological variability, and that was supplied with additional clastic sediment sources from the basement of the South China Block. Our results provide evidence of Late Cretaceous cryospheric processes in a continental mid-latitude plateau desert linked to the northwestward subduction and collision of the paleo-Pacific realm. Global cooling from the late Turonian to Maastrichtian drove the establishment of glaciers in high-altitude mountains leading to the development of ice-related deposits in the plateau deserts, as recorded in the Subei desert basin of the South China Coastal Mountains. The record of ice-rafted debris and the provenance signature reveal an active Cretaceous plateau cryosphere linked to lithosphere dynamics.
Work-related impacts on doctors’ mental health: a qualitative study exploring organisational and systems-level risk factors
Authors: Lunnay Belinda , Foley Kristen , Lawn Sharon , Baigent Michael , Weightman Alison , Lawrence Diana , Drummond Virginia , Baker Mandi , Ward Paul R
Published: November 2024

Background

Protecting doctors’ mental health has typically focused on individuals, rather than addressing organisational and structural-level factors in the work environment.

Objectives

This study uses the socioecological model (SEM) to illuminate and explore how these broader factors inform the mental health of individual doctors.

Design

Semi-structured interviews (20–25 hours) and ethnographic observations (90 hours) involving work shadowing doctors (n=14).

Participants

Doctors representing various career stages, specialty areas, genders and cultural backgrounds.

Setting

Three specialties in a public South Australian hospital. Thematic analysis revealed work-related risk factors for poor mental health.

Results

The SEM framework was used to analyse the work environment’s impact on doctors’ mental health. The analysis identified how the layers interconnect to influence risk factors for individual doctors.Microsystem: lack of control over career advancement, disenfranchisement due to understaffing and concerns about handling complex cases relative to experience.Mesosystem: negative impacts of shift work and fragmented teams, leading doctors to absorb pressure despite exhaustion to maintain professional credibility.Exosystem: high patient loads with time constraints and geographical limitations hindering care delivery, compounded by administrative burdens.Macrosystem: the commercialisation of medicine emphasising corporatisation and bureaucratic processes, which devalues professional autonomy.

Conclusions

This study highlights how doctors experience layers of interconnected factors that compromise their mental health but over which they have very little control. Interventions must therefore address these issues at organisational and systemic levels, for which starting points evident within our data are identified.
Emergence of cosmic space and horizon thermodynamics in the context of the quantum-deformed entropy
Authors: Chen Jianming , Chen Gerui
Published: November 2024

According to the quantum deformation approach to quantum gravity, the thermodynamical entropy of a quantum-deformed (q-deformed) black hole with horizon area A established by Jalalzadeh is expressed as $$S = \pi \sin \left( \frac{A}{8G\mathcal {N}} \right) /\sin \left( \frac{\pi }{2\mathcal {N}}\right) $$

S
=
π
sin

A

8
G
N

/
sin

π

2
N

, where $$\mathcal {N}=L_q^2/L_{p}^2$$

N
=

L
q
2

/

L

p

2

is the q-deformation parameter, $$L_{p}$$

L
p

denotes the Planck length, and $$L_q$$

L
q

denotes the quantum-deformed cosmic apparent horizon distance. In this paper, assuming that the q-deformed entropy is associated with the apparent horizon of the Friedmann–Robertson–Walker (FRW) universe, we derive the modified Friedmann equation from the unified first law of thermodynamics, $$ dE = TdS + WdV $$

d
E
=
T
d
S
+
W
d
V

. And this one obtained is in line with the modified Friedmann equation derived from the law of emergence proposed by Padmanabhan. It clearly shows the connection between the law of emergence and thermodynamics. We further investigate the constraints of entropy maximization in the framework of the q-deformed horizon entropy, and the results demonstrate the consistency of the law of emergence with the maximization of the q-deformed horizon entropy.
Detecting a gravitational wave background from inflation with null energy condition violation: prospects for Taiji
Authors: Chen Zu-Cheng , Liu Lang
Published: November 2024

The null energy condition (NEC) is a fundamental principle in general relativity, and its violation could leave discernible signatures in gravitational waves (GWs). A violation of the NEC during the primordial era would imprint a blue-tilted spectrum on the stochastic gravitational wave background (SGWB) at nanohertz frequencies, potentially accounting for the recently detected signal by pulsar timing arrays. Remarkably, models of NEC violation during inflation also predict a nearly scale-invariant GW spectrum in the millihertz frequency range, which could be detectable by upcoming space-based GW detectors such as Taiji. The observation of this distinctive spectrum would provide compelling evidence for new physics beyond the standard cosmological paradigm. In this study, we explore Taiji’s ability to detect an SGWB arising from NEC violation during inflation, considering various foregrounds and noise sources, including an extragalactic foreground from binary black hole mergers throughout the Universe, a galactic foreground from white dwarf binaries, and the intrinsic noise of the Taiji detector. Employing comprehensive Bayesian parameter estimation techniques to analyze simulated Taiji data, we demonstrate a remarkable improvement in precision of three orders of magnitude compared to the NANOGrav 15-year data set for measuring the tensor power spectrum amplitude, $$P_{T,2}$$

P

T
,
2

, during the second inflationary stage. This substantial enhancement in measurement capabilities underscores Taiji’s potential as a powerful probe for investigating the NEC violation in the early Universe.
Chapter 5. Albertine Rift Basin Lakes
Authors: Nicholas Christopher J.
Published: November 2024

The Albertine Rift is dominated by Lakes Albert and Edward, which together represent two of the great rift lakes of East Africa. Rift basin lakes form one of the most obvious geomorphological features in an early continental rift basin, as crustal extension proceeds, causing the rift valley floor to subside and diverting the regional drainage pattern into the depocentre. Modern day open lacustrine sedimentation in Albertine rift lakes is dominated by deposition of organic rich clays and diatomites, with fan deltas and turbidites delivering clastics from the flanks and long-axes of the rift basins, respectively. Oxidation colours in the clays can be used to indicate bottom water anoxia and seasonal mixing. Field evidence from Plio-Pleistocene rift-fill sediments demonstrates that diatomite horizons mark lacustrine transgressions, with deeper clay intervals recording elevated U and Th concentrations. Alkaline lake marly limestones, with algal mats, were discovered in two areas of onshore Lake Edward and preserve exceptionally high U and Th signatures. Similar values were identified in lacustrine clays of northern Lake Albert and suggest the development of restricted alkaline lake conditions within the Albertine Rift during its geological evolution were more common than previously acknowledged.
Exact and Efficient Intersection Resolution for Mesh Arrangements
Authors: Guo Jia-Peng , Fu Xiao-Ming
Published: November 2024

We propose a novel method to exactly and efficiently resolve intersections and self-intersections in triangle meshes. Our method contains two key components. First, we present a new concept of geometric predicates, called
indirect offset predicates
, to represent all intersection points through a new formulation and establish all necessary geometric predicates. Consequently, we reduce numerical errors in floating-point evaluations and improve the success rate of early stages of arithmetic filtering. Second, we develop localization and dimension reduction techniques for sorting, deduplicating, and locating the intersection points, thereby boosting efficiency and parallelism while maintaining accuracy. Rigorous testing confirms the robustness of our algorithm and consistency with previous methods. Comprehensive testing across diverse datasets further highlights the speed improvement achieved by our method, which is one order of magnitude faster than the state-of-the-art methods.
Approximation by Meshes with Spherical Faces
Authors: Ramos-Cisneros Anthony , Kilian Martin , Aikyn Alisher , Pottmann Helmut , Müller Christian
Published: November 2024

Meshes with spherical faces and circular edges are an attractive alternative to polyhedral meshes for applications in architecture and design. Approximation of a given surface by such a mesh needs to consider the visual appearance, approximation quality, the position and orientation of circular intersections of neighboring faces and the existence of a torsion free support structure that is formed by the planes of circular edges. The latter requirement implies that the mesh simultaneously defines a second mesh whose faces lie on the same spheres as the faces of the first mesh. It is a discretization of the two envelopes of a sphere congruence, i.e., a two-parameter family of spheres. We relate such sphere congruences to torsal parameterizations of associated line congruences. Turning practical requirements into properties of such a line congruence, we optimize line and sphere congruence as a basis for computing a mesh with spherical triangular or quadrilateral faces that approximates a given reference surface.
Solving Inverse PDE Problems using Grid-Free Monte Carlo Estimators
Authors: Yilmazer Ekrem Fatih , Vicini Delio , Jakob Wenzel
Published: November 2024

Partial differential equations can model diverse physical phenomena including heat diffusion, incompressible flows, and electrostatic potentials. Given a description of an object's boundary and interior, traditional methods solve such PDEs by densely meshing the interior and then solving a large and sparse linear system derived from this mesh. Recent grid-free solvers take an alternative approach and avoid this complexity in exchange for randomness: they compute stochastic solution estimates and generally bear a striking resemblance to physically-based rendering algorithms.

In this article, we develop algorithms targeting the inverse form of this problem: given an already existing solution of a PDE, we infer parameters characterizing the boundary and interior. In the grid-free setting, there are again significant connections to rendering, and we show how insights from both fields can be combined to compute unbiased derivative estimates that enable gradient-based optimization. In this process, we encounter new challenges that must be addressed to obtain practical solutions. We introduce acceleration and variance reduction strategies and show how to differentiate branching random walks in reverse mode.

We finally demonstrate our approach on both simulated data and a real-world electrical impedance tomography experiment, where we reconstruct the position of a conducting object from voltage measurements taken in a saline-filled tank.
Model-checking Strategic Abilities in Information-sharing Systems
Authors: Belardinelli Francesco , Boureanu Ioana , Dima Catalin , Malvone Vadim
Published: November 2024

We introduce a subclass of concurrent game structures (CGS) with imperfect information in which agents are endowed with private data-sharing capabilities. Importantly, our CGSs are such that it is still decidable to model-check these CGSs against a relevant fragment of ATL. These systems can be thought as a generalization of architectures allowing information forks, that is, cases where strategic abilities lead to certain agents outside a coalition privately sharing information with selected agents inside that coalition. Moreover, in our case, in the initial states of the system, we allow information forks from agents outside a given set

\(A\)

to agents inside this group

\(A\)

. For this reason, together with the fact that the communication in our models underpins a specialized form of broadcast, we call our formalism

\(A\)

-cast systems
. To underline, the fragment of ATL for which we show the model-checking problem to be decidable over

\(A\)

-cast is a large and significant one; it expresses coalitions over agents in any subset of the set

\(A\)

. Indeed, as we show, our systems and this ATL fragments can encode security problems that are notoriously hard to express faithfully: terrorist-fraud attacks in identity schemes.
The Zone of Proximal Flow in K-12 Creative Collaborative eLearning: A synthesis of the zone of proximal development and creative flow
Authors: Lambropoulos Niki
Published: November 2024

Student groups coexist on individual and team levels toward learning symmetry within two zones: the zone of proximal development (ZPD) for new knowledge co-construction and the zone of proximal flow (ZPF), which occurs once a balance between the learner's skill and challenge of the task emerges. Thus, each group functions within the ZPF, especially for K-12 students engaging in social behavior and collaborative learning activities. eLearning must support the dual persona of learners as users engage and remain within the ZPF via diverse pedagogical methodologies and tools, such as multimodal learning analytics, to support and enrich students' learning curves in self-organized as well as collaborative eLearning.
Design and Experimental Research of a New Shaped Charge Liner for Enhanced Armor Piercing and Lateral Damage
Authors: Zhou Peng , Li Rujiang , Zhou Dan , Liu Tiansheng , Wang Mengfei , Wang Zhenyu
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the enhancement of lateral damage effects after armor penetration by utilizing grooved shaped‐charge liners. Traditional methods often fail to achieve penetration and damage comparable to copper warheads when engaging distant targets or targets with interlayer materials. By modifying the liner structure, the jet can be redirected off‐axis after penetrating the target, improving the overall damage effectiveness. Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) simulations were employed to model the fragment cloud damage effects of high‐velocity metal jets from internally grooved liners, and comparisons were made with nongrooved liners. The results show that the fragment clouds generated by grooved liners exhibit greater dispersion angles and velocities than those from nongrooved liners, with groove spacing positively correlated with the divergence angle. SPH simulations align with experimental data, demonstrating that groove spacing and depth significantly influence the primary and secondary perforation areas. Overall, the grooved liner design significantly enhances lateral damage effects, and the consistency between experimental and simulation data further validates its effectiveness. The findings provide new insights and references for improving the postpenetration damage design of shaped‐charge warheads.
Evaluating Transit‐Oriented Development Performance: An Integrated Approach Using Multisource Big Data and Interpretable Machine Learning
Authors: Chen Huadong , Zhao Kai , Zhang Zhan , Zhang Haodong , Lu Linjun
Published: November 2024

Transit‐oriented development (TOD) strategies on subway stations have been implemented in many high‐density cities globally to enhance public transportation system efficiency and promote public transportation mobility. Focusing on the developments of intricate metropolitan systems, researchers attempted to elicit “latent rules” by proposing a generic TOD performance evaluation system. This study suggests a multi‐indicator TOD performance evaluation method based on a multi‐indicator approach grounded in the analysis of multisource urban big data, revealing the role of rail transit TOD station characteristics on critical indicators of station operation through an interpretable machine learning approach. Using Shanghai, China, as a case study, the methodology employed 26 widely used indicators related to TOD development and utilized a BP neural network model trained in a sample space of 77 rail transit TOD stations, aiming to predict the four critical station performance indicators. The robustness of the explanatory variables in the model has been verified by various methods, affirming their consistencies with the development characteristics of the city and the stations. The performance assessment methodology achieves significant predictive results and is computationally feasible, with potential values in applications in other high‐density cities worldwide.
Development and Validation of a Prediction Model for Co‐Occurring Moderate‐to‐Severe Anxiety Symptoms in First‐Episode and Drug Naïve Patients With Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Huang Xiao , Zhang Xiang-Yang
Published: November 2024

Background: Moderate‐to‐severe anxiety symptoms are severe and common in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and have a significant impact on MDD patients and their families. The main objective of this study was to develop a risk prediction model for moderate‐to‐severe anxiety in MDD patients to make the detection more accurate and effective.

Methods: We conducted a cross‐sectional survey and tested biochemical indicators in 1718 first‐episode and drug naïve (FEDN) patients with MDD. Using machine learning, we developed a risk prediction model for moderate‐to‐severe anxiety in these FEDN patients with MDD.

Results: Four predictors were identified from a total of 21 variables studied by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis, namely psychotic symptoms, suicide attempts, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) total score. The model built from the four predictors showed good predictive power, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.903 for the training set and 0.896 for the validation set. The decision curve analysis (DCA) curve indicated that the nomogram could be applied to clinical practice if the risk thresholds were between 13% and 40%. In the external validation, the risk threshold was between 14% and 40%.

Conclusion: The inclusion of psychotic symptoms, suicide attempts, TSH, and HAMD in the risk nomogram may improve its utility in identifying patients with MDD at risk of moderate‐to‐severe anxiety. It may be helpful in clinical decision‐making or for conferring with patients, especially in risk‐based interventions.
3D Laser Scanning‐Based Tension Assessment for Bridge Cables Considering Point Cloud Density
Authors: Liu Chengyin , Yan Cheng , Yu Sheng , Ou Jinping , Chen Jiaming
Published: November 2024

To address the limitations in accuracy, reliability, and efficiency of traditional cable tension measurement methods, this paper proposes a cable tension assessment method based on 3D laser scanning technology that considers point cloud density. This study first employed a point cloud plane projection algorithm to reduce a 3D point cloud model to a 2D plane, fitting the actual cable shape by considering point cloud density. Subsequently, the parabolic and catenary cable mechanics models were derived to characterize the relationship between cable tension and shape based on force analysis of cable segments and differential segments. The Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno (BFGS) algorithm was applied to calculate cable tensions using the measured cable shape and the mechanic’s models, and the proposed cable tension assessment method was validated using practical cable point cloud models. Finally, the cable tension assessment method was applied to a specific sea‐crossing bridge and compared with the traditional frequency method. The results indicated that the 3D laser scanning cable tension assessment method, considering point cloud density, could quickly and accurately identify cable tensions, offering greater accuracy, reliability, and efficiency compared to the traditional frequency method.
Analysis of Shared Variants between Cancer Biospecimens
Authors: Foote Michael B. , White James Robert , Chatila Walid K. , Argilés Guillem , Lu Steve , Rousseau Benoit , Artz Oliver , Johannet Paul , Walch Henry , Patel Mitesh , Lamendola-Essel Michelle F. , Casadevall David , Abdelfattah Somer , Patel Shrey , Yaeger Rona , Cercek Andrea , Montagut Clara , Berger Michael , Schultz Nikolaus , Diaz Luis A.
Published: November 2024

Purpose:

Mutational data from multiple solid and liquid biospecimens of a single patient are often integrated to track cancer evolution. However, there is no accepted framework to resolve if individual samples from the same individual share variants due to common identity versus coincidence.

Experimental Design:

Utilizing 8,000 patient tumors from The Cancer Genome Atlas across 33 cancer types, we estimated the background rates of co-occurrence of mutations between discrete pairs of samples across cancers and by cancer type. We developed a mutational profile similarity (MPS) score that uses a large background database to produce confidence estimates that two tumors share a unique, related molecular profile. The MPS algorithm was applied to randomly paired tumor profiles, including patients who underwent repeat solid tumor biopsies sequenced with Memorial Sloan Kettering-IMPACT (n = 53,113). We also evaluated the MPS in sample pairs from single patients with multiple cancers (n = 2,012), as well as patients with plasma and solid tumor variant profiles (n = 884 patients).

Results:

In unrelated tumors, nucleotide-specific variants are shared in 1.3% (cancer-type agnostic) and in 10% to 13% (cancer-type specific) of cases. The MPS method contextualized shared variants to specify whether patients had a single cancer versus multiple distinct cancers. When multiple tumors were compared from the same patient and an initial clinicopathologic diagnosis was discordant with molecular findings, the MPS anticipated future diagnosis changes in 28% of examined cases.

Conclusions:

The use of a novel shared variant framework can provide information to clarify the molecular relationship between compared biospecimens with minimal required input.
PKN2 Is a Dependency of the Mesenchymal-like Cancer Cell State
Authors: Killarney Shane T. , Mesa Gabriel , Washart Rachel , Mayro Benjamin , Dillon Kerry , Wardell Suzanne E. , Newlin Madeline , Lu Min , Abu Rmaileh Areej , Liu Nicky , McDonnell Donald P. , Pendergast Ann Marie , Wood Kris C.
Published: November 2024

Cancer cells exploit a mesenchymal-like transcriptional state (MLS) to survive drug treatments. Although the MLS is well characterized, few therapeutic vulnerabilities targeting this program have been identified. In this study, we systematically identify the dependency network of mesenchymal-like cancers through an analysis of gene essentiality scores in ∼800 cancer cell lines, nominating a poorly studied kinase, PKN2, as a top therapeutic target of the MLS. Coessentiality relationships, biochemical experiments, and genomic analyses of patient tumors revealed that PKN2 promotes mesenchymal-like cancer growth through a PKN2−SAV1−TAZ signaling mechanism. Notably, pairing genetic PKN2 inhibition with clinically relevant targeted therapies against EGFR, KRAS, and BRAF suppresses drug resistance by depleting mesenchymal-like drug-tolerant persister cells. These findings provide evidence that PKN2 is a core regulator of the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway and highlight the potential of PKN2 inhibition as a generalizable therapeutic strategy to overcome drug resistance driven by the MLS across cancer contexts.

Significance:

This work identifies PKN2 as a core member of the Hippo signaling pathway, and its inhibition blocks YAP/TAZ-driven tumorigenesis. Furthermore, this study discovers PKN2−TAZ as arguably the most selective dependency of mesenchymal-like cancers and supports specific inhibition of PKN2 as a provocative strategy to overcome drug resistance in diverse cancer contexts.
Machine Learning Approaches to Predict No-Shows in Saudi Arabian Primary and General Healthcare Settings
Authors: Alshehri Abdulrahman , Saeed Abdullah , AlShafea Abdullah , Althubiany Sabah , Alshehri Mohammed , Alzahrani Amer , Hakami Khalid , Ibrahim Lamia , Alshehri Abdulrahim , Alamri Rana
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Frequent no-shows in healthcare appointments pose significant challenges, leading to wasted resources and suboptimal patient outcomes. Traditional mitigation methods, such as reminder messages and phone calls, often fall short, particularly in regions with less robust healthcare infrastructures. This study leverages machine learning techniques to develop a predictive model that identifies patients at high risk of missing appointments using data from the Mawid scheduling system in Southern Saudi Arabia. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional design was employed, focusing on visits to primary healthcare centers (PHCCs) and general hospitals. Data spanning 10 months from June 2023 to March 2024 were collected from Mawid, encompassing over one million observations and 18 features, including appointment details, patient demographics, and weather conditions. Machine learning models, such as decision trees, random forests, Naive Bayes, logistic regression, and artificial neural networks (ANN), have been developed and evaluated based on accuracy, precision, recall, F1 score, and area under the curve (AUC). Results: The findings revealed that 55.07% of appointments were not attended. The Random Forest model exhibited superior performance with an accuracy of 0.765 and an AUC of 0.852, particularly when weather-related features were included. The ANN models also performed robustly with an AUC value of approximately 0.836. This study identified significant regional, seasonal, and environmental factors affecting no-show rates, with higher no-show rates occurring during certain months and under specific weather conditions. Regular appointments and PHCCs showed different attendance patterns than hospitals, while walk-in appointments did. Conclusion: Machine learning models, particularly random forests and ANNs, can effectively predict healthcare appointment no-shows, thereby allowing for better resource allocation and patient care. Recognizing the influence of regional and environmental factors is crucial for developing targeted interventions to reduce the no-show rates. Future research should explore integrating more contextual data to further refine these predictive models and to enhance healthcare delivery and operational efficiency.
Priestly Warfare and the Battle of Jericho
Authors: Feldman Liane
Published: November 2024

While the identification of priestly materials in the book of Joshua is a common part of scholarship at this point, the battle of Jericho in Josh 6 is one text that has not typically been identified as containing priestly elements. In the first part of this article, I argue that the representation of warfare in Josh 6 is constructed around three distinctly priestly elements: its ideology of ḥērem, use of trumpets, and description of the Israelite battle order. In the second part of this article, I explore the implications of this identification across three different compositional models: the Neo-documentary hypothesis, the DtrL hypothesis, and the model of a late priestly (or post-priestly) redaction of the Deuteronomistic History.
Hemicycliophora potteri n. sp. (Tylenchida: Hemicycliophoridae) infesting highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Yu Qing , Akanwari Jerry , Rashedul Islam Md , Sultana Tahera
Published: November 2024

Highbush blueberry is a blueberry species native to North America and is a food crop of significant economic importance for Canada. Plant-parasitic nematodes are known to infest this crop. Species of Hemicycliophora, commonly known as sheath nematodes, are obligatory plant-parasites, and some cause diseases on a wide range of crops. A population of Hemicycliophora of high number was found in highbush blueberry fields in Norfolk and Middlesex counties of southwestern Ontario. Following through morphological and molecular studies, this population was determined a new species as Hemicycliophora potteri n. sp. This species is characterised by its outer sheath adpressed fitting to the body, lateral fields with diagonal connections of transverse striae, amphid apertures covered by lateral plates, lip region slightly set-off with four annuli; excretory pore anterior to the base of the pharynx, stylet knob cavity moderate, vulva lips modified, tail tapering gradually and more abruptly towards the last one-third, and no males were found. Molecularly, the 18S, and 28S ribosomal DNA sequences are most similar to those of H. thienemanni, H. similis, H. gracilis, and a few unidentified species. A dichotomous key for the diagnostic of the species of Hemicycliophora in Canada was presented. To the best of our knowledge, Hemicycliophora potteri n. sp. is the first recorded species of the genus to be named and fully described from highbush blueberry.
Making Military Interventions Obsolete: Crafting r2p’s Peaceful Future through Principled Negotiation Strategies
Authors: Tauchnitz Evelyne A.
Published: November 2024

There is a growing literature about the international community’s ‘Responsibility to Protect’ (r2p) vulnerable populations against mass atrocities, but more is needed to demonstrate the potential of principled negotiation strategies to improve the quality of r2p outcomes. Proponents of the r2p principle base their arguments on the primacy of protecting human life against mass atrocities. Opponents claim national state sovereignty and non-intervention norms must be upheld. This norm contestation often leads to a situation where r2p is either not implemented or military interventions are conducted as a last resort. From an ethical and human rights perspective, both extremes are suboptimal to prevent and reduce human suffering. This article argues that to avoid both extremes, more effective negotiation strategies are needed. An analytical framework is offered that can guide policymakers in their quest to protect human life with peaceful and humanitarian means focusing on prevention under already existing r2p mechanisms.
Al-Ḥāʾik’s Notebook, Part II
Authors: Dávila Carl
Published: November 2024

The manuscript anthologies associated with the Andalusian music tradition of Morocco offer extensive data that can shed light upon the history of the repertoire, and upon the tradition as a whole. Beginning with a fundamental distinction between the “Modern Repertoire” of songs performed today and the “Historical Repertoire” found only in manuscripts, the article develops a “medley” of insights derived from six analytical “themes”—modern vs. historical repertoire, the structure of the repertoire, content and variants within the manuscripts, outlier manuscripts, connections to the modern print anthologies, and the material characteristics of the manuscripts. Together these themes provide a schema that can be used to shed light upon the history of the tradition to be laid out in Part iii of this series.
Sīra and Exegesis, Qur’ān 30:1-5
Authors: Jarrar Maher
Published: November 2024

Drawing upon the methodology sanad-cum-matn analyses of early source criticism, this study explores and traces the history of the first five āyas of Sūrat al-Rūm (Q 30:1–5) aiming to recover the historicity of the material, probe a philological enquiry, and discern a possible Ur-matn that was in circulation in the first half of the second/eighth century.

These first five verses (āyas) posed a number of problems for early Muslim scholars, and have likewise intrigued modern students of Islam. The difficulties originated from a variety of questions pertaining to interlaced issues of dating (chronology), the occasion of its revelation, a “legal-ethical” perspective, and specifying the locality alluded to in the verses, as well as language. For early Muslim scholars these verses offered a juncture for an exercise in finding a link between Qurʾānic exegesis and maghāzī-sīra traditions.
Contribution to the knowledge of Chinese Gryllacrididae (Orthoptera: Ensifera: Stenopelmatoidea) XXVI: New additions based on the specimens from Southern China
Authors: LUO TING , ZHANG HUI , BIAN XUN
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we describe four new species based on the specimens from southern China: Glolarnaca flata sp. nov., Larnaca (Larnaca) nigrimargis sp. nov., Phryganogryllacris guangxiensis sp. nov. and Tenuigryllacris hainanensis sp. nov. In addition, the female sexes of four known species are described for the first time, namely: Apterolarnaca nigrifrontis Bian & Shi, 2016, Apterolarnaca quadrimaculata Bian & Shi, 2016, Dracogryllacris zhoui (Pang, Zhang & Bian, 2023) and Glolarnaca nigrimacula Yang, Lu & Bian, 2021. Also, two new synonyms (Apterolarnaca truncatoloba (Li & Liu, 2015) = Apterolarnaca spiculoproceris Zhang, Lu & Bian, 2022 syn. nov. and Marthogryllacris erythrocephala maculatis (Liu, Lu & Bian, 2022) = Marthogryllacris jinpingensis (Zhang & Bian, 2023) syn. nov.) are proposed based on molecular data. All the specimens are deposited in Guangxi Normal University.
The genus Lecithocera (Lepidoptera: Lecithoceridae: Lecithocerinae) in Kenya and Tanzania, with descriptions of six new species
Authors: PARK KYU-TEK , YU TAE-UK , JEONG SU-YEON
Published: November 2024

Six new species of the genus Lecithocera Herrich-Schäffer, 1853 (Lecithocerinae) are described from Kenya and Tanzania: five new species from Tanzania (L. kitulangaroensis Park, sp. nov., L. grisella Park, sp. nov., L. soniana Park, sp. nov., L. triasgonia Park, sp. nov., and L. majorella Park, sp. nov.) and one new species from Kenya (L. naromoruensis Park, sp. nov.). In addition, Lecithocera namizimuensis Park & Heppner, 2023 and L. isomitra Meyrick, 1914, which were described from Malawi, are reported for the first time from Tanzania and Kenya respectively; the male genitalia of L. isomitra are newly described; and the male genitalia of L. sceptrarcha Meyrick, 1920 are illustrated and described for the first time, based on those of the lectotype. Adults and the genitalia of the new species and the first known species are illustrated.
A new species of Hemerobiidae (Neuroptera) from the late Eocene Rovno amber
Authors: MAKARKIN VLADIMIR N. , WEDMANN SONJA
Published: November 2024

Proneuronema damzeni sp. nov. (Neuroptera: Hemerobiidae) is described from late Eocene Ukrainian Rovno amber. It differs from the two other species of this Eocene genus by a combination of the following character states: forewing larger (7.3 mm long in the new species; 6.3–6.9 mm in P. minor Makarkin et al., 2016; 5.9 mm in P. sydorchukae Makarkin & Perkovsky, 2020) and broader (length to width ratio is 2.14 in the new species; 2.46 in P. sydorchukae; 2.17–2.30 in P. minor), and different forewing maculation (one spot at the third (‘inner’) gradate series in the new species; two in P. sydorchukae; none in P. minor). The Fur Formation Megalomus densistriatus Henriksen, 1922 and the Baltic amber Proneuronema gradatum Makarkin et al., 2016 are preliminary assigned to Archibaldia Makarkin, 2023 as Archibaldia densistriata, comb. nov. and A. gradata, comb. nov., respectively. The species composition and distribution of Proneuronema and Archibaldia are briefly discussed.
Exploring pre-service teachers’ professional experiences through the lens of boundary crossing: An Australian case study
Authors: Chaaban Youmen , Nguyen Hoa Thi Mai
Published: November 2024

This qualitative case study uses a boundary crossing lens to explore pre-service teachers’ professional experience through their own perspectives and those of their mentor teachers. A constant comparative method was used to analyse multiple sources of data, including in-depth interviews, field observations, feedback sessions, and reflection meetings. Data analysis revealed three major themes and nine subthemes. These themes illustrated the way the pre-service teachers experienced boundary crossing throughout the professional experience, including (1) navigating collaborative and hierarchical relationships, (2) integrating converging and diverging epistemologies, and (3) engaging in identity work. The study details the subthemes by giving voice to converging and opposing perspectives and reveals the complexities inherent in boundary crossing. Implications for leveraging the professional learning of pre-service teachers echo previous studies and herald the need for considering multiplicity and hybridity in any bridge-construction endeavours across universities, schools and the spaces in between.
Anatomy Learning Outcomes in Occupational Therapy: Impact of Prior Coursework
Authors: Ho Emily S. , Dove Erica , Aitkens Lorna , Duncan Andrea , Agur Anne M.R.
Published: November 2024

Background: To address the learning needs of student Occupational Therapists with diverse academic backgrounds, educators must understand the factors that influence anatomy academic outcomes. Purpose: To compare anatomy learning outcomes of students with and without previous anatomy coursework over time and on higher- versus lower-order thinking skills. Method: An observational cohort study was conducted with entry-level occupational therapy students. Anatomy quizzes, were designed using the Blooming Anatomy Tool, were administered progressively throughout the term. Grades and thinking skills were compared between groups. Findings: At the start of term, students with anatomy coursework fared better than those without; the difference between groups was no longer present in the last four quizzes of the term. In general, students had lower grades on higher-order assessments; this did not differ between groups. Conclusion: Students without anatomy coursework achieved similar assessment outcomes as their peers; however, lower grades at the start of the term indicate that there was an adjustment period to anatomy learning.
Examining Use of Force Outcomes in Police Calls for Service: Evidence From Cincinnati
Authors: Miller Joel , Guthrie Sam , Piza Eric L.
Published: November 2024

This study explores the correlates of use of force (UOF) in police responses to calls for service (CFS), drawing on situational, community, and organizational perspectives. Linear probability models were used to analyze CFS and UOF records for Cincinnati Police Department (CPD) from October 2014 to July 2021, along with sociodemographic and crime data aggregated to census tracts. The type of CFS, as well as quicker response times and police-initiated actions, were associated with UOF. Broader situational variables (including nighttime, alcohol consumption, and high activity periods), tract-level crime and sociodemographic characteristics, and year showed little statistical association. The study finds modest evidence of organizational influences on UOF outcomes, in the form of variation by police district.
The Liability of Informality and De-internationalisation During the COVID-19: International Evidence
Authors: Doan Ngoc Thang , Tran Ngoc Mai , Doan Van Ha , Mai Huong Giang
Published: November 2024

This author investigates the effect of the liability of informality on a firm’s de-internationalisation using cross-country firm-level data. De-internationalisation reflects an export reduction in which firms decrease their overseas sales. Firms that start operating in the informal sector but then switch to the formal sector tend to de-internationalise more than those established as registered businesses. The effect becomes pronounced for small and medium-sized enterprises and firms that do not adopt digital transformation. Our findings indicate that informality imposed a liability on firms, especially during the COVID-19 period, and this is likely to persist over time.

JEL Codes: G32, O17, F23, M16
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine (mRNA)
Authors: Levien Terri L. , Baker Danial E.
Published: November 2024

Each month, subscribers to The Formulary Monograph Service receive 5 to 6 well-documented monographs on drugs that are newly released or are in late phase 3 trials. The monographs are targeted to Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committees. Subscribers also receive monthly 1-page summary monographs on agents that are useful for agendas and pharmacy/nursing in-services. A comprehensive target drug utilization evaluation/medication use evaluation (DUE/MUE) is also provided each month. With a subscription, the monographs are available online to subscribers. Monographs can be customized to meet the needs of a facility. Through the cooperation of The Formulary, Hospital Pharmacy publishes selected reviews in this column. For more information about The Formulary Monograph Service, contact Wolters Kluwer customer service at 866-397-3433.
Tackling the Geopolitics of Standardization: Lessons from Canada's Strategic Foresight-to-Standards Pilot Project
Authors: Marcovitch Inbal , Wilner Alex
Published: November 2024

Strategic foresight is the systematic exploration of emerging and future developments. Standardization is the process by which a common technical language is created and applied to new concepts and evolving technologies. Both strategic foresight and standardization address long-term technological change across industries, societies, and economies. And yet rarely are the two used in tandem to anticipate emerging standardization priorities that are critical to national interests. Against the backdrop of a global “technological race,” the foresight-to-standards process provides a novel approach to anticipate the nature of emerging technologies and their plausible influence on national, military, and economic interests, and to direct standardization efforts to align with strategic objectives. Our article provides an in-depth exploration of the Standards Council of Canada's experimentation with foresight between 2018 and 2021, informed by first-hand experience and observation. We describe and assess the SCC's use of strategic foresight in standardization, providing insights on capacity building, collaboration, leadership, decision making, and action.
Reframing Powerlessness in the Addiction Recovery Process
Authors: Shavidze Sofia , Ronel Natti , Gueta Keren
Published: November 2024

Traditionally, addiction has been seen as a loss-of-control issue, marked by a subjective sense of powerlessness. However, a paradoxically positive perception of powerlessness exists, partly rooted in the 12-step program, though its scientific exploration and practical implications remain limited. This phenomenological study examined perceptions and experiences of powerlessness among individuals recovering from substance and behavioral addictions ( n = 31), family members ( n = 9), and therapists ( n = 9). The findings revealed a dialectical process leading to a reframing of powerlessness, with two main themes: (a) negative attributions of powerlessness and (b) the powerlessness reframing process. This study enriches the addiction recovery literature by emphasizing the importance of understanding and leveraging the positive aspects of powerlessness through a Positive Criminology lens. It addresses criticisms of narrow understandings and a lack of awareness of the foundational role of powerlessness in recovery and recommends tailored therapeutic interventions.