bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adhesive Properties of Eco‐Friendly Hot Melt Adhesive Based on Poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) and Rosin Maleic Resin
Authors: Cho Ji‐Hyun , Ryu Kwang‐Hyun , Kim Hyun‐Joong
Published: October 2024

As environmental problems increase, disposable products are being replaced and recommended with materials with a low environmental load when it discarded. So the demand for bioplastics for building a sustainable society is increasing. This study focuses mainly on the applicability of biodegradable plastics and rosin maleic resin (RMR, DX‐250) blends with potential use in eco‐friendly hot‐melt adhesives (HMA). Poly (butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT), which has high dimensional stability owing to low crystallinity, is used as the main polymer of the HMA. And rosin maleic resin, which is effective for increasing adhesive properties and compatibility as a tackifier. The HMA based on PBAT and RMR blends are prepared via melt‐blend extrusion. Compatibility and wettability are increased under the influence of RMR, and adhesion properties are improved, compared to that of PBAT. In addition, as confirmed polarizing microscope (POM), the addition of RMR leads to a decrease in crystallinity, which can be expected to be effective for biodegradation. This result PBAT/RMR 7/3 blend significantly enhances the adhesion strength of PBAT from 1.8 to 7.3 MPa. Therefore, PBAT with the blends containing 30 wt.% of RMR has considerable potential application in the HMA field.
Review on Biodegradable Aliphatic Polyesters: Development and Challenges
Authors: Asri Nur Asnani , Sezali Nur Atirah Afifah , Ong Hui Lin , Mohd Pisal Mohd Hanif , Lim Ye Heng , Fang Jian
Published: October 2024

Biodegradable polymers are gaining attention as alternatives to non‐biodegradable plastics to address environmental issues. With the rising global demand for plastic products, the development of non‐toxic, biodegradable plastics is a significant topic of research. Aliphatic polyester, the most common biodegradable polyester, is notable for its semi‐crystalline structure and can be synthesized from fossil fuels, microbial fermentation, and plants. Due to great properties like being lightweight, biodegradable, biocompatible, and non‐toxic, aliphatic polyesters are used in packaging, medical, agricultural, wearable devices, sensors, and textile applications. The biodegradation rate, crucial for biodegradable polymers, is discussed in this review as it is influenced by their structural properties and environmental conditions. This review discusses currently available biodegradable polyesters, their emerging applications, and the challenges in their commercialization. As research in this area grows, this review emphasizes the innovation in biodegradable aliphatic polyesters and their role in advancing environmental sustainability.
Two‐step GLIM approach using NRS‐2002 screening tool vs direct GLIM criteria application in hospital malnutrition diagnosis: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Jazinaki Mostafa Shahraki , Norouzy Abdolreza , Arabi Seyyed Mostafa , Moghadam Mohammad Reza Shadmand Foumani , Esfahani Ali Jafarzadeh , Safarian Mohammad
Published: October 2024

Background

The two‐step Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) approach was recently introduced to malnutrition diagnosis in a hospital setting. This study compares the diagnostic performance of this approach that uses the Nutritional Risk Screening‐2002 (NRS‐2002) as a screening tool and the direct application of GLIM malnutrition diagnostic criteria in hospitalized patients.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study involved 290 adult and older adult patients who were hospitalized. A trained nutritionist implemented the two‐step GLIM approach, including NRS‐2002 (in the first step) and GLIM criteria (in the second step) for each patient. Then, the accuracy, kappa index, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC ROC), sensitivity, and specificity of malnutrition diagnostic performance of the two‐step GLIM approach and NRS‐2002 were evaluated compared to the direct use of GLIM criteria.

Results

The NRS‐2002 identified 145 (50.0%) patients as at risk of malnutrition. The prevalence of malnutrition using the two‐step GLIM approach and GLIM malnutrition diagnosis criteria were 120 (41.4%) and 141 (48.6%), respectively. The kappa index showed substantial and almost perfect agreement for NRS‐2002 (κ = 68%) and the two‐step GLIM approach (κ = 85%) with GLIM malnutrition diagnostic criteria, respectively. Furthermore, the AUC ROC (0.926; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.89–0.96) and accuracy (92.8%) of the two‐step GLIM approach compared to the GLIM criteria indicated an acepptable ability to distinguish between malnourished and well‐nourished patients.

Conclusion

The two‐step GLIM approach using NRS‐2002 as a screening tool (in step one) had acceptable malnutrition diagnostic performance compared to the direct application of GLIM criteria in hospitalized patients.
The Role of Network Centralization in Shaping Digital Sovereignty: An Analysis Under the DNS Lens
Authors: Azevedo Andrei C. , Scheid Eder J. , Franco Muriel F. , Boeira Demétrio F. F. , Zembruzki Luciano , Granville Lisandro Z.
Published: October 2024

Centralization of Internet‐based services in a few key players has been a topic of study in recent years. One of such services, the domain name system (DNS), is one of the pillars of the Internet, which allows users to access websites on the Internet through easy‐to‐remember domain names rather than complex numeric IP addresses. In this DNS context, the reliance on a small number of large DNS providers can lead to (a) risks of data breaches and disruption of service in the event of failures and (b) concerns about the digital sovereignty of countries regarding DNS hosting. As several essential services are provided through electronic government (E‐Gov), it is highly important to be able to measure the digital sovereignty of a nation and the impacts that the lack of such feature can bring to its citizens. This work approaches the issue of DNS concentration on the Internet by presenting a solution to measure DNS hosting centralization and digital sovereignty in different countries, such as Brazil, India, China, Russia, and South Africa. With the data obtained through these measurements, relevant questions are answered, such as which are the top‐10 DNS providers, if there is DNS centralization, and how dependent countries are on such providers to manage domains using their country code top‐level domains (ccTLD). Future opportunities could investigate the impacts on sovereignty under the lens of other layers of the open systems interconnection (OSI) Network Sovereignty representation model presented in this work.
The effect of mass migration on disease transmission: Evidence from the Venezuelan refugee crisis
Authors: Barriga Alicia , Dunn Richard A.
Published: October 2024

Since 2014, millions of Venezuelans have fled to neighboring countries. There is only one accessible land crossing along the Brazil–Venezuela border (Pacaraima) and the Brazilian highway system limits migrants to one route through the Amazon for almost 1000 km. Using this event as a quasi‐random treatment, we find that refugee migration increased malaria incidence in Pacaraima, but this was limited to individuals of Venezuelan nationality. We find no effect on Brazilians in Pacaraima or in other municipalities along the main refugee migration route. We therefore reject the hypothesis that Venezuelan refugees increased the risk of malaria among native residents.
3D reinforcement synergistic effect of embedded nickel‐foam skeleton of polyurethane based on x‐ray CT images: Experimental and finite element analysis
Authors: Su Yi , Tian Jiacheng
Published: October 2024

Monotonic shear tests were performed on Nickel Foam (NF)/Polyurethane (PU) and the results indicated that NF/PU was much greater than the sum of the individual phases in terms of strength and stiffness. Cyclic shear tests were carried out and it was found that shear evolution processes and failure modes of the composite were completely different from the individual phases and the damping properties were greatly improved. Revealing the synergistic mechanism of the 3D continuous metal skeleton on the PU is the key issue to explain the above phenomena. The geometric topology of NF was reproduced using CT technology and a fine‐scale finite element model was established. The mechanical behavior between NF and PU was investigated at the meso‐mechanical scale. The results show that the NF skeleton significantly improves the strength and damping properties of the PU. During cyclic shear, the effects of displacement and temperature on the mechanical and damping properties of the PU are significant. In comparison, the NF skeleton reduces the temperature sensitivity. Based on the analysis of experimental and FEA results, the monotonic and cyclic constitutive models of NF/PU were established. The shear constitutive model under the new loading/unloading criterion has good fitting accuracy and high reliability.

Highlights

NF/PU properties were investigated by experimental and finite element methods.

NF skeleton improves PU performance through the synergistic effect.

Synergistic effects were revealed by CT and finite element methods.

The R‐O model can fit the shear constitutive model of NF/PU.
The conformational statistics of amphiphilic polymers with distinct topological structures at the interface between two phases
Authors: Li Hui , Zhao Haitao , Gao Kaiming , Xue Zijian , Chen Zhenbin , Liu Hong
Published: October 2024

The distribution and conformational state of compatibilizer polymers at the interface between two phases are challenging to obtain in detail through experimental research due to spatial scale limitations. This paper employs dissipative particle dynamics simulation to statistically analyze the size variations of compatibilizer copolymers at the interface of a binary blend system. The study examines the impact of factors such as the chain length of blended homopolymers, the topological structure of the compatibilizer and component interactions on the size distribution of compatibilizer copolymers at the interface. The scaling exponent between the size of the compatibilizer copolymers and their chain length is determined and compared with theoretical values under melt conditions. The reasons for the variation in the scaling exponent are analyzed, providing theoretical supplementation for the distribution, size changes and compatibilization effects of compatibilizers during the blend modification process. The results reveal discrepancies between the scaling exponent of chain size and chain length at the interface and theoretical values, analyze the significant impact of compatibilizer copolymer topological structure on the scaling exponent and present the influence of the component interaction parameter α on the scaling exponent's variation pattern. The simulation outcomes offer theoretical support for the design and selection of compatibilizers in a blend system. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Engineering Hybrid Transition Metal Dichalcogenide as Highly Active Electrode for Water Electrolysis
Authors: Kamaraj Jeffrey Joseph John Jeya , Thamotharan Keerthivasan , Pandian Muthu Senthil , Rajaji Umamaheswari , Perumalsamy Ramasamy , Liu Ting‐Yu
Published: October 2024

Water electrolysis plays a vital role in green energy systems and there is an absolute need for abundant, affordable, and effective catalysts for both the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Despite existing challenges, the exploration of transition metal‐based electrocatalysts with superior performance in alkaline water splitting is critical for advancing the hydrogen economy. This study focuses on the electrocatalytic potentials of FeS2, CoSe2, and FeS2@CoSe2 hybrid nanocomposites in response to the increasing demand for sustainable energy production. The prepared materials were synthesized hydrothermally and characterized using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to examine their structural properties, elemental composition, and morphological features. Notably, the F@C−B nanocomposite exhibited outstanding HER performance, requiring only 97 mV of overpotential to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2. Similarly, the F@C−C nanocomposite demonstrated impressive OER efficiency with an overpotential of merely 302 mV at the same current density. The involvement of the Volmer–Heyrovsky mechanism was confirmed through Tafel slope analysis, revealing the improved surface‐active sites and reduced charge transfer resistance of the nanocomposite. The FeS2@CoSe2 nanocomposite with synergistic effects, displayed exceptional electrocatalytic properties, positioning it as a promising candidate for overall water splitting. This work introduces a novel approach to developing highly efficient and cost‐effective electrocatalysts, offering a viable alternative to precious metal‐based counterparts.
Synthesis and Characterization of Chitosan/Sericin Composite Blend Membranes Containing Silver Nanoparticles for Effective Antibacterial Applications
Authors: Niyaz Zeynep , Gök Zehra Gün
Published: October 2024

Due to drug‐resistant bacteria, antimicrobial composite materials that will replace antibiotics are among the current research topics. In this study, environmentally‐friendly, low‐cost, easy‐to‐synthesize chitosan/silk sericin/silver nanoparticles (Cht/SS/AgNPs) membranes were obtained for use in antibacterial applications. For material synthesis, firstly, AgNPs were obtained by mixing solution of 2 % sericin (at pH 11)‐10 mM AgNO3 at 100 °C with hydrothermal method and AgNPs formation was confirmed by UV‐Vis measurements. Then, sericin/AgNPs solution was added to chitosan solutions at different ratios and Cht/SS/AgNPs composites were obtained by solvent casting method. The final forms of the membranes were characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM)‐energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Water retention capacities and mechanical properties of the membranes were also determined. Finally, antibacterial and biocompatibility properties were evaluated by disc diffusion test method on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and MTT on L929 fibroblast cell line, respectively. The obtained membranes had homogeneous appearance, high swelling ratios, good mechanical properties. The composites also showed excellent antibacterial activity, especially on S. aureus and good biocompatibility. In summary, Cht/SS/AgNPs composites can be used as an alternative polymeric antibacterial materials especially as the wound‐dressing materials or functional packaging materials.
Efficient Synthesis of Hydrobenzoin through NHC Catalysis: A Sustainable Approach for C−C Bond Formation
Authors: Sharma Deepika , Mahantesh G  , Pradeep Kumar Marappan , Chatterjee Rana , Dandela Rambabu , Dhayalan Vasudevan
Published: October 2024

A facile and practical one‐pot synthesis of hydrobenzoin has been developed from the readily available aromatic aldehydes, under NHC catalysis. Basically, the present research elucidates a novel, sustainable approach for the synthesis of hydrobenzoin, capitalizing on the catalytic prowess of N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) and utilizing sodium borohydride (NaBH4) as an effective reducing partner in this one‐pot conversion. By harnessing the unique reactivity of NHCs, this methodology enables the efficient formation of C−C bonds, leading to the streamlined synthesis of hydrobenzoin with high yields while tolerating various functional groups. Furthermore, this catalytic system offers notable advantages in terms of atom economy, mild reaction conditions, and operational simplicity, making it a promising strategy for sustainable chemical synthesis. The detailed mechanistic insights provided herein shed light on the underlying catalytic pathways, facilitating a deeper understanding of the reaction mechanism. Overall, this study underscores the significant potential of NHC catalysis as a versatile tool for the sustainable synthesis of valuable organic compounds, thereby contributing to the advancement of green chemistry principles and the pursuit of environmentally benign chemical processes.
Reactivity of (3‐(4‐Fluorophenyl)oxyran‐2‐yl)(naphthalene‐2‐yl)methanone Toward Some Nucleophiles for Preparing Promising Agents with Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities
Authors: Khalaf Hemat S. , Kotb Eman R. , Abdelwahed Nayera A. M. , Abdelrahman Mohamad T. , Shamroukh Ahmed H.
Published: October 2024

(3‐(4‐Fluorophenyl)oxyran‐2‐yl)(naphthalene‐2‐yl)methanone 2 was prepared from the reaction of 3‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐1‐(naphthalen‐2‐yl)prop‐2‐en‐1‐one (1) with hydrogen peroxide and reacted with different nucleophiles such as hydrazine hydrate, phenyl hydrazine, thiosemicarbazide to give 4‐hydroxy‐1H‐pyrazole derivatives 3a,b‐4. Also, compound 2 was treated with hydroxylamine hydrochloride to give the substituted 2,3‐dihydroisoxazole 5. Similarly, compound 2 was treated with carbon disulfide, phenyl isothiocyanate, and phenyl isocyanate to give the corresponding compounds 6–8. Various spectroscopic techniques and elemental analysis were used to determine the molecular structures of the new derivatives. All the new analogs were screened against five human pathogenic microbial strains: Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as Gram‐negative bacteria, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus as Gram‐positive bacteria and the yeast Candida albicans using agar diffusion method. Compound 4 exhibited moderate antimicrobial activity against all the tested microorganisms compared to positive control ciprofloxacin and fluconazole. On the other hand, the free radical scavenging activity of the new compounds using DPPH assay protocol revealed that most of the compounds have a weak reducing activity. Moreover, compounds 4 and 8 were docked against 1KZN protein (DNA gyrase), 3FYV and 5V5Z showing the ability to interact with key amino acid residues and the potential to act as inhibitors.
Plasmonic Observation of High‐Density Nanoclustering in Low‐Temperature H2O
Authors: Park Nu‐Ri , Lee Yedam , Lee Sang Yup , Kim Han‐Na , Kim Myung‐Ki , Ahn Dong June
Published: October 2024

There has been considerable scientific interest in comprehending the behavior and phase transitions of H2O at the nanoscale in low temperatures. Herein, a highly sensitive and nondestructive surface plasmonic detection system operated at low temperatures to investigate the real‐time nanoscale variation in H2O density from a rapidly cooled thin ice layer formed at 77 K is employed. The nanoslit device exhibits a distinct plasmonic response at 180–250 K, correlated to an increase in the local density of H2O at the nanometer scale. Along with theoretical analyses, it is revealed that high‐density H2O clusters form by vigorous aggregation of H2O molecules within the interphase liquid region between polymorphic ice crystals. The utilization of ice‐active materials, known to inhibit ice growth, suppresses the initiation of such high‐density nanoclustering at 180 K. These results contribute to the comprehension of the interplay between polymorphic crystals and density‐variant interphases in low‐temperature H2O systems.
A new cockroach (Blattodea, Rhipidoblattinidae) from the Toarcian (Lower Jurassic) of Alderton Hill, Gloucestershire, UK, and the earliest likely occurrence of aposematic colouration in cockroaches
Authors: Swaby Emily J. , Coe Angela L. , Ross Andrew J.
Published: October 2024

We describe the seventh valid species of cockroach, Alderblattina simmsi gen. et sp. nov., from insect‐rich strata recording the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event (T‐OAE). The T‐OAE represents a period of extreme global warming and environmental change that drove palaeoecological pressures and evolutionary changes in marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Here, for the first time, we present evidence that this event may also be the driver for the evolution of aposematic colouration, a predator deterrent, in cockroaches. The specimen, an isolated compressed tegmen, was collected at Alderton Hill, Gloucestershire, UK, and is assigned to a new genus and species, based on the following unique combination of characteristics: small forewing; 15 branches of R and 11 branches of M + CuA; strong cross‐vein between R and M; intercalaries; and two well‐defined subspherical maculae (spots) and colouration at the wing tip. Alderblattina simmsi is assigned to the family Rhipidoblattinidae Rohdendorf, primarily based on its small size and the presence of branched anal veins in the clavus. The colouration present on A. simmsi represents the first recorded likely occurrence of aposematism in cockroaches, and provides evidence for the evolution of colour patterning in Blattodea.
The Role of Carbon Content on the Microstructure of Rapidly Solidified Fe–Cr–Ni Duplex Steels
Authors: Amaral Emanuelle Machado , Fonseca Daniela Passarelo Moura da , Candioto Katia Cristiane Gandolpho , Padilha Angelo Fernando
Published: October 2024

In this research, the microstructure of three melt‐spinning ribbons with a weight‐based composition of Fe–25Cr–5Ni and varying carbon contents (0.02, 0.10, and 0.38 wt%) is evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are used for microstructural characterization. SEM analyses consist of image acquisition and electron backscatter diffraction. TEM analyses consist of bright‐field image acquisition, selected area electron diffraction, high‐resolution TEM, and local chemical composition measurements by energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometry. According to the results, the ribbons show different microstructures resulting from different solidification paths. The ribbon containing 0.02%C presents a predominantly ferritic microstructure, and austenite solid‐state precipitation is not suppressed. It occurs as grain‐boundaries allotriomorphs and secondary Widmanstätten side plates. As a result of carbon additions, the ribbon containing 0.10%C shows a microstructure composed of nearly equal parts ferrite and austenite, along with M23C6 (M = Cr15.6Fe7.4) nanometric carbides. The cube‐on‐cube orientation relationship is found between M23C6 and austenite. Lastly, the ribbon containing 0.38%C exhibits austenitic microstructure with islands of ferrite surrounded by M7C3 (M = Cr4.14Fe2.86) carbides.
Сultural Conceptualization of Restoration Libertine Identity
Authors: Marina Olena , Shevchenko Iryna
Published: October 2024

This chapter examines cultural conceptualization of libertine identities in the dramatic discourse of the English Restoration. It was a period of social, cultural, and ideological transition, when theatrical production conceptualized new identities and served royal ambitions. We argue that cultural conceptualizations depend upon the prevailing social-cultural values and change historically. During the Restoration period, cultural conceptualization of new libertine identities went along with the reconceptualization of old Puritan ones: the former embodied hedonism, neglect of social and moral values, and sexual adventurism; the latter shifted from Puritan moral values to new Restoration ethics. This research applies the methods of Cultural Linguistics, discourse analysis, and cognitive pragmatics to the study of Restoration comedies. The findings suggest that the Restoration produced brand new identities that reassessed the social roles of man and woman who in turn developed new social role models and epitomized new cultural values. The English Restoration conceptualized libertine identities as champions of a new social and moral order and spokesmen for the new political elite.
General quartic β-function at three loops
Authors: Steudtner Tom , Thomsen Anders Eller
Published: October 2024

Abstract

We determine the three-loop $$ \overline{\textrm{MS}} $$

MS
¯

quartic β-function for the most general renormalisable four-dimensional theories. A general parametrisation of the β-function is compared to known β-functions for specific theories to fix all coefficients. Three-loop β-functions for the cubic coupling and scalar mass terms also follow from the result, which is made available in software packages.
Replica Rényi wormholes and generalised modular entropy in JT gravity
Authors: Hollowood Timothy J. , Kumar S. Prem , Piper Luke C.
Published: October 2024

Abstract

We consider the problem of computing semi-classical Rényi entropies of CFT on AdS2 backgrounds in JT gravity with nongravitating baths, for general replica number n. Away from the n → 1 limit, the backreaction of the CFT twist fields on the geometry is nontrivial. For one twist field insertion and general n, we show that the quantum extremal surface (QES) condition involves extremisation of the generalised modular entropy, consistent with Dong’s generalisation of the Ryu-Takayanagi formula for general n. For multiple QES we describe replica wormhole geometries using the theory of Fuchsian uniformisation, explicitly working out the analytically tractable case of the n = 2 double trumpet wormhole geometry. We determine the off-shell dependence of the gravitational action on the QES locations and boundary map. In a factorisation limit, corresponding to late times, we are able to relate this action functional to area terms given by the value of the JT dilaton at the (off-shell) QES locations, with computable corrections. Applied to the two-sided eternal black hole, we find the n-dependent Page times for Rényi enropies in the high temperature limit.
Finite modular symmetries and the strong CP problem
Authors: Penedo J. T. , Petcov S. T.
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Recently, it was shown that modular symmetry may solve the strong CP problem without axions, by producing a vanishing QCD angle while generating a large quark CP violation phase. We extend this framework to finite modular groups, systematically identifying the allowed mass textures. We find quark fields must furnish 1D representations and scan the minimal model landscape.
Influence of new states in searches for negative gauge-Higgs couplings
Authors: de Lima Carlos Henrique , Stolarski Daniel
Published: October 2024

Abstract

In this work, we explore how constraints based on interference effects for the negative gauge-Higgs coupling scenario are affected by new physics. Models that achieve this wrong-sign gauge-Higgs coupling inevitably have new charged Higgs states. These states affect the interpretation of interference effects. We recast the ATLAS analysis for VBF Wh, showing that the previously excluded negative gauge-Higgs coupling scenario is still experimentally viable for charged Higgs masses below 370 GeV. We show that it is possible to weaken this bound further with mild tuning in the parameter space. We discuss how to further constrain the wrong-sign gauge-Higgs coupling hypothesis and point out the potential of VBF Zh to exclude this scenario in a model-independent way.
Tooth segmentation by low-dose CBCT for orthodontic treatment planning
Authors: Ruetters Maurice , Gehrig Holger , Awounvo Sinclair , Kim Ti-Sun , Doll Sara , Alexandrou Korallia , Felten Anna , Lux Christopher , Sen Sinan
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Three-dimensional imaging has become an increasingly important component of orthodontics. Associated with this, however, is a higher radiation exposure for patients. New cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) devices have been developed that can provide low-dose CBCT (LD-CBCT). We hypothesized that LD-CBCT is as precise and reproducible as standard high-dose CBCT (HD-CBCT) in segmenting roots and crowns as well as measuring tooth length.

Methods

HD-CBCT and LD-CBCT scans were taken of four human cadaveric heads. Thirty single-rooted teeth were segmented twice by one investigator. The length of each tooth was also measured. Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) was calculated to assess the agreement of HD-CBCT and LD-CBCT measurements and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to assess intrarater reliability. Analyses were supported by Bland–Altman plots.

Results

Volume measurements obtained using HD-CBCT were significantly higher than those obtained using LD-CBCT (p < 0.001). CCC was 0.975 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.956–0.986) indicating excellent agreement between the two modalities. Intrarater reliability between the two sets of LD-CBCT and HD-CBCT volume measurements was excellent (ICC = 0.998, 95%CI = 0.995–0.999 [HD-CBCT], ICC = 0.997, 95%CI = 0.992–0.998 [LD-CBCT]). CCC for tooth length measurements was 0.991 (95% CI = 0.983–0.995), indicating excellent agreement between HD-CBCT and LD-CBCT. Intrarater reliabilities between the two sets of tooth length measurements were also excellent for both methods (ICC = 0.998, 95%CI = 0.995–0.999 [HD-CBCT], ICC = 0.997, 95%CI = 0.992–0.998 [LD-CBCT]).

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this experimental setting, LD-CBCT is as valid as HD-CBCT for measuring tooth length. Regarding the volume differences, in vivo studies are required to determine their clinical relevance.
Humoral and cellular response to the third COVID-19 vaccination in patients with inborn errors of immunity or mannose-binding lectin deficiency
Authors: Vossen Matthias G. , Kartnig Felix , Mrak Daniel , Simader Elisabeth , Stiasny Karin , Kain Renate , Perkmann Thomas , Haslacher Helmuth , Aberle Judith H. , Heinz Leonhard X. , Sieghart Daniela , Burgmann Heinz , Aletaha Daniel , Scheinecker Clemens , Bonelli Michael , Göschl Lisa
Published: October 2024

Impaired immune response to COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) vaccination has been reported in patients with inborn errors of immunity (IEI). Repetitive vaccinations are recommended for this vulnerable group. Due to the high diversity within IEI patients, additional safety and immunogenicity data are needed to better understand these aspects especially in less common immunodeficiency syndromes. In this prospective open-label clinical trial, we assessed the humoral immune response and the T‑cell response in patients with IEI or severe MBL (mannose-binding lectin) deficiency (IEI/MBLdef) after three vaccinations. A total of 16 patients and 16 matched healthy controls (HC) with suboptimal humoral response defined by anti-SARS-CoV‑2 RBD (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 receptor binding domain) antibodies below 1500 BAU/ml (binding antibody units per ml) after the second COVID-19 vaccination were enrolled in this study and qualified for a third mRNA vaccine dose. After 4 weeks following vaccination, 100% of HC and 75% of IEI/MBLdef patients exhibited anti-SARS-CoV‑2 RBD antibodies > 1500 BAU/ml, although the difference was not statistically significant (75% vs. 100%; p = 0.109). Although post-vaccination IEI/MBLdef patients demonstrated significantly increased anti-SARS-CoV‑2 RBD antibodies and neutralizing antibodies compared to baseline, these responses were significantly lower in IEI/MBLdef patients compared to HCs. Notably, the third vaccination augmented the cellular immune response to both wild-type and omicron peptide stimulation. No serious adverse events were reported within the 4‑week follow-up period and, importantly, vaccination had little to no effect on the long-term disease activity and fatigue. This trial strongly supports the recommendation of repeated COVID-19 vaccinations for patients suffering from immunodeficiencies, especially when they exhibit an initially limited response to the vaccine.
Bergman projection induced by radial weight acting on growth spaces
Authors: Moreno Álvaro Miguel , Peláez José Ángel , Taskinen Jari
Published: October 2024

Let

$$\omega $$

ω

be a radial weight on the unit disc of the complex plane

$$\mathbb {D}$$

D

and denote by

$$\widehat{\omega }(r)=\int _r^1 \omega (s)\,ds$$

ω
^

(
r
)

=

∫
r
1

ω

(
s
)

d
s

the tail integrals. A radial weight

$$\omega $$

ω

belongs to the class

$$\widehat{\mathcal {D}}$$

D
^

if satisfies the upper doubling condition

$$\begin{aligned} \sup _{0<r<1}\frac{\widehat{\omega }(r)}{\widehat{\omega }\left( \frac{1+r}{2}\right) }<\infty . \end{aligned}$$

sup

0
<
r
<
1

ω
^

(
r
)

ω
^

1
+
r

2

<
∞
.

If

$$\nu $$

ν

or

$$\omega $$

ω

belongs to

$$\widehat{\mathcal {D}}$$

D
^

, we describe the boundedness of the Bergman projection

$$P_\omega $$

P
ω

induced by

$$\omega $$

ω

on the growth space

$$L^\infty _{\widehat{\nu }} =\{ f: \Vert f\Vert _{\infty ,v}=\text {ess sup}_{z\in \mathbb {D}} |f(z)|\widehat{\nu }(z)<\infty \}$$

L

ν
^

∞

=

{
f
:
‖
f
‖

∞
,
v

=
ess

sup

z
∈
D

|
f

(
z
)

|

ν
^

(
z
)

<
∞
}

in terms of neat conditions on the moments and/or the tail integrals of

$$\omega $$

ω

and

$$\nu $$

ν

. Moreover, we solve the analogous problem for

$$P_\omega $$

P
ω

from

$$L^\infty _{\widehat{\nu }}$$

L

ν
^

∞

to the Bloch type space

$$\mathcal {B}^\infty _{\widehat{\nu }} = \{f\, \text {analytic in} \mathbb {D}: \Vert f\Vert _{\mathcal {B}^\infty _{\widehat{\nu }}} $$

B

ν
^

∞

=

{
f

analytic in
D
:
‖
f
‖

B

ν
^

∞

$$= \sup _{z\in \mathbb {D}}(1-|z|)\widehat{\nu }(z)|f'(z)|<\infty \}.$$

=

sup

z
∈
D

(
1
-
|
z
|
)

ν
^

(
z
)

|

f
′

(
z
)

|
<
∞
}

.

Similar questions for exponentially decreasing radial weights will also be studied.
Divorce law reforms and house prices in Europe
Authors: González-Val Rafael , Marcén Miriam
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the static and dynamic effects of legal reforms facilitating divorce on housing prices. Multiple mechanisms, such as variations in housing demand and supply, can be influenced by these law reforms. On the one hand, divorced individuals often require separate dwellings, thus increasing housing demand. On the other hand, an increase in supply is often precipitated by the divorcées needing to sell their married home. Detailed information was collected regarding the historical changes in divorce laws across ten European countries from 1960 to 2008. This data was combined with information from the annual Real House Price Index developed by Knoll et al. (Am Econ Rev 107:331–353, 2017). The study regards the divorce law reforms as providing a quasi-experimental setting. This is primarily because the entry timings of these reforms differ across countries and their target is not regulation of the housing market, but rather to simplify the dissolution of marriages. The study finds that divorce law reforms accounted for a substantial 22% of the average interannual increment in the Real House Price Index, particularly 3–6 years post reforms. Such a short-term, yet significant, impact was found to be consistent even after performing identification checks and including time-variant and invariant controls.
Facile Preparation of Cross-Linked Moringa oleifera Seed Hulls Powder/Hydroxyapatite Framework Composite for Efficient Removal of Toluidine Blue and Methyl Violet 2B from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Mandjewil Albert , Ngueagni Patrick T. , Fotsing Patrick N. , Vieillard Julien , Fadimatou Ngoungoure M. , Oyewo Opeyemi A. , Makgato Seshibe S. , Onwudiwe Damian C. , Mawire Ashmore , Woumfo Emmanuel D.
Published: October 2024

In this study, adsorption of two cationic dyes, Toluidine Blue (TB) and Methyl violet 2B (MV 2B) from an aqueous solution was achieved by using multifunctional composite material. The formulation of the composite (MO@HA) was obtained by using Moringa oleifera seed hull powder, calcium chloride (CaCl2), and ammonium hydrogenophosphate (NH4)2HPO4 salts. Surface morphology, functional groups, specific surface area, and surface charge of the composite were explored using Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), BET analysis, and point of zero charge (PZC), respectively. The composite material resulted in a structural change in the surface of the adsorbents, increased oxygen vacancies, enhancement of active sites, and a specific surface area of 735.55 m2 g−1. Different adsorption parameters such as pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage, and initial concentration were evaluated. The adsorption study showed that equilibrium was reached after 60 min, and the optimum adsorption pH for both dyes (TB and MV 2B) was 6. Langmuir, Freundlich, Liu, and Temkin were fitted to describe the adsorption isotherm, both TB and MV 2B had best correlation with Liu isotherm. The maximum adsorption capacity of TB and MV 2B were 341.488 and 182.453 mg g−1, respectively. Adsorption-desorption cycling studies on the adsorbent confirmed its regeneration and reusability after 5 cycles. A possible adsorption mechanism involving electrostatic interactions, n-π bonding, and hydrogen bonding was suggested. These findings highlight a new direction in the development of efficient and sustainable adsorbent in environmental remediation, specifically in the removal of dyes from aqueous solution.
Throughput improvement in ACO-OFDM-based VLC systems using noise cancellation and precoding techniques
Authors: Zenhom Yasser A. , Hamad Ehab K. I. , Elnabawy Mohamed M.
Published: October 2024

One of the primary challenges faced by visible light communication (VLC) systems employing optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing is the peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR). This study is dedicated to designing, simulating, and evaluating bit error rate (BER) and PAPR reduction methods tailored for the VLC broadcasting system. The asymmetric clipped optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (ACO-OFDM) scheme is highlighted in this work for its impressive performance. Therefore, the proposed PAPR mitigation methodologies applied to ACO-OFDM. The proposed PAPR reduction strategy involves 5 distinct precoding methodologies. The PAPR was mitigated by 3.485 dB after applying the DST precoding methodology. Still, the WHT precoding methodology can achieve PAPR reduction by 1.131 dB, without BER performance degradation, with respect to the conventional ACO-OFDM system. Furthermore, the work addresses another challenge in VLC systems: the bit error rate (BER). This is accomplished by introducing approaches to Time Domain Noise Cancelation and Frequency Domain Noise Cancelation (FDNC). The BER performance of these 2 receiver models is nearly the same. The simulation results indicate the system performance enhancement after applying noise cancellation approaches by 1.65 dB at the 4-QAM modulation scheme and 2.97 dB at the 1024-QAM modulation scheme. The 16-QAM modulation scheme, after applying DST and WHT methodologies alongside noise cancellation approaches, can enhance both PAPR by 20.83% and 6.76%, but the Eb/N0 performance enhancement by 10.10% and 14.64%, respectively. Additionally, the effectiveness and validity of the proposed schemes are verified by comparing them with relevant literature reviews on PAPR reduction techniques and selecting an optimal choice among them.
What Makes a Liveable Neighborhood? Role of Socio-Demographic, Dwelling, and Environmental Factors and Participation in Finnish Urban and Suburban Areas
Authors: Pasanen Tytti P. , Lanki Timo , Siponen Taina , Turunen Anu W. , Tiittanen Pekka , Heikinheimo Vuokko , Tiitu Maija , Viinikka Arto , Halonen Jaana I.
Published: October 2024

Quality of residential area, or neighborhood, is one determinant of overall quality of life and associated with health and health behavior. Ensuring that urban and suburban neighborhoods remain liveable and comfortable to reside in is a challenge amidst growing urbanization. Neighborhood quality has been associated with socio-demographic, dwelling-related, and subjective and objective neighborhood factors. However, only a few studies have additionally included participation in neighborhood decision-making and examined whether these associations are stronger among residents who are more settled in the neighborhood. We examined whether subjectively and objectively measured environmental factors and participation are associated with perception of neighborhood liveability and possible effect moderators. We analyzed survey data collected in 2021 among adults (aged 18–97) living in suburbs and urban centers in five Finnish cities (n = 2057; response rate 34%) with logistic regression models. Almost 80% of the respondents perceived their neighborhood as liveable or very liveable. The following factors were most strongly associated with perceiving the neighborhood as liveable: low area-level socioeconomic deprivation; central urban zone; green view from home; satisfaction with neighborhood safety, green areas, blue areas, and maintenance of traffic routes; and good or very good possibilities to influence decisions regarding the neighborhood. Only a few interactions between indicators of being more settled in the neighborhood (e.g., age group and dwelling ownership) modified these associations. In all, our study suggests that to maintain liveability, urban or community planning should consider local residents’ favorable perceptions of safety, recreational areas, and engagement in decision-making.
The cultural underpinnings of transnegativity: Understanding the role of traditionality and modernity in the contemporary Chinese context
Authors: Wang Iris Yili , Chan Randolph C. H.
Published: October 2024

Prejudice and discrimination against transgender and gender diverse individuals are pervasive in contemporary Chinese societies. However, there remains a limited understanding of the factors and processes contributing to transnegativity in this context. Building upon theoretical and empirical literature suggesting that traditional beliefs in Chinese culture may fuel transnegativity, the present study aimed to investigate the influence of traditionality and modernity on transnegativity. Employing a two-wave longitudinal design, the study explored the mechanisms underlying the relationships between traditionality, modernity, and transnegativity. A total of 373 participants were included in this study. More than 40% expressed skepticism toward individuals who identify outside the traditional binary categories of woman or man. The results indicated that traditionality was indirectly associated with higher levels of transnegativity over time, mediated by a stronger endorsement of traditional gender role beliefs and the internalization of gender norms, after controlling for baseline levels of transnegativity. Similarly, the negative association between modernity and transnegativity was mediated by traditional gender role beliefs and the internalization of gender norms. These findings offer valuable insights for researchers and practitioners working to eradicate transnegativity in China. The study underscores the importance of considering the influences of traditionality and modernity within Chinese culture when designing educational programs and awareness campaigns to address transnegativity effectively.
Next generation of drugs in breast cancer
Authors: Bartsch Rupert
Published: October 2024

In hormone receptor (HR)-positive/HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer, first-line therapy consisting of endocrine treatment and a CDK4/6-inhibitor is the standard-of-care. Despite prolonged disease control, patients will eventually progress and require further lines of treatment. Elacestrant is the only oral selective estrogen receptor degrader currently approved, with several other drugs of this class under clinical development alone or in combination with targeted agents. Other approaches of HR-targeting include novel selective estrogen-receptor modulators such as lasofoxifene. While drugs targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway combined with endocrine therapy have been proven active, their broad clinical use has been hampered by relevant toxicity. This may change with inavolisib, a selective PIK3CA inhibitor with improved safety profile. In HER2-positive metastatic disease, identifying the optimal treatment approach for patients progressing on prior trastuzumab deruxtecan is currently the most relevant clinical challenge. Novel approaches under clinical investigation include biparatopic antibodies such as zanidatamab or next-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as ZN-1041 or zongertinib. Next-generation PARP1-specific PARP inhibitors may have a broader therapeutic margin and improved clinical activity. Finally, a plethora of novel antibody–drugs conjugates is under clinical development, including the TROP2-directed sacituzumab tirumotecan and HER3-targeting patritumab deruxtecan. This short review summarizes results of promising drugs for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer with a focus on compounds in later clinical development.
Mitigating social bias in sentiment classification via ethnicity-aware algorithmic design
Authors: Corizzo Roberto , Hafner Franziska Sofia
Published: October 2024

Sentiment analysis tools are frequently employed to analyze large amounts of natural language data gathered from social networks and generate valuable insights on public opinion. Research has discovered that these tools tend to be biased against some demographic groups, based on social attributes such as gender, age, and ethnicity. Sentiment classification works dealt with this issue by means of data balancing and algorithmic approaches. However, one crucial limitation of existing methods is the inability to tackle social bias while maintaining satisfactory model performance. In this paper, we aim to fill this gap by proposing a sentiment classification method that entails ethnicity-aware algorithmic design. Specifically, our method involves balanced training and a custom ethnicity-aware loss function that leverages ethnicity group information to foster a fair model optimization process. The proposed loss incentivizes the model to iteratively improve accuracy for currently underperforming demographic or social groups, therefore simultaneously decreasing social bias and boosting overall performance. Our extensive qualitative and quantitative experimental evaluation involving a large corpus of user reviews demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed method, also when compared to popular baselines for sentiment classification.
Computergestütztes Curriculumsmonitoring an Hochschulen
Authors: Marti Stephan
Published: October 2024

In diesem Beitrag wird der Frage nachgegangen, ob an Hochschulen und Universitäten unter Rückgriff auf frameanalytische Verfahrensweisen und unter Verwendung von formalisierten Dokumenten aus dem Ausbildungskontext ein computergestütztes Curriculumsmonitoring etabliert werden kann. Dazu wird in einem ersten Teil die Verbindung erläutert, wie unter frameanalytischer Perspektive die Aspekte ‚Qualitätsmanagement‘, ‚Curriculumsentwicklung‘, ‚Lehrentwicklung‘, ‚Ausbildungsframework‘ und ‚Ausbildungsframing‘ zusammenhängen. In einem zweiten Teil des Beitrags wird exemplarisch am Bildungs- und Sozialwissenschaftlichen Curriculum der Pädagogischen Hochschule Luzern verdeutlicht, welchen Beitrag eine solche ‚Erziehungswissenschaftliche Frameanalyse‘ für ein computergestütztes Curriculumsmonitoring leisten möchte.
Discovering operational decisions from data—a framework supporting decision discovery from data
Authors: Leewis Sam , Smit Koen , Versendaal Johan
Published: October 2024

Analyzing historical decision-related data can help support actual operational decision-making processes. Decision mining can be employed for such analysis. This paper proposes the Decision Discovery Framework (DDF) designed to develop, adapt, or select a decision discovery algorithm by outlining specific guidelines for input data usage, classifier handling, and decision model representation. This framework incorporates the use of Decision Model and Notation (DMN) for enhanced comprehensibility and normalization to simplify decision tables. The framework's efficacy was tested by adapting the C4.5 algorithm to the DM45 algorithm. The proposed adaptations include (1) the utilization of a decision log, (2) ensure an unpruned decision tree, (3) the generation DMN, and (4) normalize decision table. Future research can focus on supporting on practitioners in modeling decisions, ensuring their decision-making is compliant, and suggesting improvements to the modeled decisions. Another future research direction is to explore the ability to process unstructured data as input for the discovery of decisions.