bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of pH on the Self‐Assembly Properties of Heterofunctional POEGMA‐Based Block Copolymers During RAFT‐PISA
Authors: Isselin Floriane , Fontaine Laurent , Piogé Sandie , Pascual Sagrario
Published: October 2024

POEGMA‐based block copolymers self‐assemblies with surface‐functionalized carboxylic acid or propargyl groups were synthesized by successive reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (OEGMA) and RAFT‐mediated polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (RAFT‐PISA) in dispersion of 2‐(methacryloyloxy)‐N,N,N‐trimethylethanaminium hexafluorophosphate (METAPF6). The temperature responsive properties of the carboxylic acid–terminated POEGMA (POEGMACDP) and propargyl‐terminated POEGMA (POEGMACDPy) were studied in aqueous buffer solutions at pH 2.3 and 9.2. At pH 2.3, POEGMACDP aqueous solution exhibits a cloud point while no cloud point was observed at pH 9.2. POEGMACDPy shows a cloud point at both pH levels. The RAFT‐PISA in dispersion of METAPF6 at 75°C in either pH 2.3 or 9.2 buffer solution using POEGMACDP or POEGMACDPy as macro‐RAFT agents led to block copolymers, as confirmed by DOSY analysis. For POEGMACDP (DP
n
 = 9), DP
n,NMR,PMETAPF6 was 47 at pH 2.3 and 27 at pH 9.2 and for POEGMACDPy (DP
n
 = 10), DP
n,NMR,PMETAPF6 was 36 at pH 2.3 and 22 at pH 9.2, as shown by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Both in situ POEGMACDP‐b‐PMETAPF6 and POEGMACDPy‐b‐PMETAPF6 self‐assemblies in aqueous solutions exhibited an increase in D
h and PDI when the pH increased from 2.3 to 9.2, as measured by DLS at 20°C. TEM analyses revealed almost spherical self‐assemblies, unaffected by pH or chain‐end functionality.
Temperature‐Responsive Injectable Hydrogels Containing Gelatin and Cell Adhesion Peptides for Adipose‐Derived Stem Cell Delivery
Authors: Murase Nobuo , Hirano Yoshiaki , Ohya Yuichi
Published: October 2024

Research on injectable polymers (IPs) has been actively conducted in recent decades for biomedical applications. Temperature‐responsive IPs are especially effective because they can be gelled by injecting them into a living organism without external contamination. Adipose‐derived stem cells (AdSCs) can be easily harvested in a minimally invasive manner and differentiated into various cell lineages. Versatile therapeutic applications have been developed through the secretion of various cytokines from AdSCs. In this study, we prepared IP hydrogels comprising a temperature‐responsive polymer with reactive succinimide groups (tri‐PCG‐OSu), a biomacromolecule (gelatin) as a crosslinker, and Pluronic with RGDS peptide (PL‐RGDS) as a cell adhesion factor to extend the duration of the gel state and improve cell engraftment in the IP hydrogels for AdSC delivery. The combined use of gelatin and cell adhesion peptides in the polymer matrix improved the fraction of living cells encapsulated in the IP hydrogels and increased the expression levels of angiogenic factors in AdSCs cultured within them. We also presume that a certain number of cells in the IP hydrogels could be differentiated into adipocytes using the differentiation‐inducing medium. These results suggest that our temperature‐responsive IP system could be used as a cell delivery material for regenerative medicine.
Evaluation of reliability and characteristics measure using exponential decay distribution of non‐series parallel network
Authors: Bisht Soni , Kumar Akshay , Singh Suraj Bhan , Ram Mangey
Published: October 2024

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the reliability and characteristics of the non‐series‐parallel network. The illustrative non‐series parallel networks, that is, the Twin T‐Network and the network with six components of resistor and capacitor, have been converted into a series of parallel network combinations by use of the minimal path technique. The stochastic variables related to component failure rate have been demonstrated using exponential decay distribution. We obtain the reliability, mean time to failure, and sensitivity with the use of the exponential decay distribution. The reliability and its attributes are examined by assuming different values of scale and shape parameters at different points of time. Using Owen's methodology, we obtained minimal signature, tail signature, expected time, expected cost, and Barlow‐Proschan index were determined. The performance of all reliability characteristics has been observed graphically for arbitrary values of parameters. A real‐world example is used to introduce the point.
Mechanisms promoting biodiversity in ecosystems
Authors: Kang Ju , Niu Yiyuan , Wang Xin
Published: October 2024

Explaining biodiversity is the central focus in theoretical ecology. A significant obstacle arises from the competitive exclusion principle (CEP), which states that two species competing for the same type of resources cannot coexist at constant population densities, or more generally, the number of consumer species cannot exceed that of resource species at steady states. The conflict between CEP and biodiversity is exemplified by the paradox of the plankton, where a few types of limiting resources support a plethora of plankton species. In this review, we introduce mechanisms proposed over the years for promoting biodiversity in ecosystems, with a special focus on those that alleviate the constraints imposed by the CEP, including mechanisms that challenge the CEP in well‐mixed systems at a steady state or those that circumvent its limitations through contextual differences.
Regenerative businesses' role in industrial symbiosis realisation
Authors: Nyström Kristina , Mirata Murat
Published: October 2024

Industrial symbiosis (IS) provides a strategy for more resource‐efficient economies, potentially contributing to several SDGs. However, many potentials remain unrealised as realisation is given low priority in companies. This paper explores the role of companies that incorporate IS in their core business strategy, termed regenerative businesses (RBs). Five cases were followed for four years using a contextualistic approach. Results suggest that RBs are crucial in IS realisations that go beyond low‐hanging fruit, as they engage in ‘pre‐realisation development’, motivate others, work persistently to overcome barriers, and, in some cases, mobilise support from public champions. The paper also proposes that RBs not only engage in local realisations but can diffuse and scale up solutions. As RBs are found to be dependent on contextual conditions and, in some cases, collaboration with public actors, support for RBs can be a strategy for the promotion of IS.
Toward High‐Performance Li‐Rich Mn‐Based Layered Cathodes: A Review on Surface Modifications
Authors: Wang Guangren , Xu Ming , Fei Linfeng , Wu Changzheng
Published: October 2024

Lithium‐rich manganese‐based layered oxides (LRMOs) have received attention from both the academic and the industrial communities in recent years due to their high specific capacity (theoretical capacity ≥250 mAh g−1), low cost, and excellent processability. However, the large‐scale applications of these materials still face unstable surface/interface structures, unsatisfactory cycling/rate performance, severe voltage decay, etc. Recently, solid evidence has shown that lattice oxygen in LRMOs easily moves and escapes from the particle surface, which inspires significant efforts on stabilizing the surface/interfacial structures of LRMOs. In this review, the main issues associated with the surface of LRMOs together with the recent advances in surface modifications are outlined. The critical role of outside‐in surface decoration at both atomic and mesoscopic scales with an emphasis on surface coating, surface doping, surface structural reconstructions, and multiple‐strategy co‐modifications is discussed. Finally, the future development and commercialization of LRMOs are prospected. Looking forward, the optimal surface modifications of LRMOs may lead to a low‐cost and sustainable next‐generation high‐performance battery technology.
Self‐Powered Infrared‐Detectable BP/Ta2NiS5 Heterojunction and Its Application in Energy‐Efficient Optoelectronic Synapses
Authors: Shen Ya , Hou Pengfei
Published: October 2024

The development of energy‐efficient and high‐performance optoelectronic devices is crucial for the advancement of modern optoelectronic and microelectronic systems. Although the self‐powered devices and optoelectronic synapses based on 2D heterojunction show great application prospects, the high energy consumption and infrared band detection of self‐powered optoelectronic synapses are still an urgent problem to be solved. In this report, a BP/Ta2NiS5 heterojunction is constructed to achieve infrared detection by leveraging differences in Fermi energy levels. This heterojunction exhibits a high specific detectivity of 6.57 × 1010, 2.6 × 1010, and 1.12 × 1010 Jones and responsivity of 20, 10.6, and 5.9 mA W−1 for 1064, 1550, and 2200 nm infrared light at 0 bias voltage, respectively. In addition, under the 2200 nm light, by applying an ultra‐low bias voltage of 800 µV, the heterojunction exhibits ultra‐low power and energy consumption of 28.8 pW and 0.64 pJ, successfully simulates a variety of synaptic behaviors under infrared light, and demonstrates its image perception and image memory capabilities. These findings position the BP/Ta2NiS5 heterojunction as an ideal candidate for a multifunctional optoelectronic device crucial for advanced photodetection, neuromorphic computing, and artificial intelligence.
MoS2 Decorated on 1D MoS2@Co/NC@CF Hierarchical Fibrous Membranes for Enhanced Microwave Absorption
Authors: Xing Linlong , Cheng Haoran , Li Yang , Chen Qiang , Liu Chuntai , Shen Changyu , Liu Xianhu
Published: October 2024

The design and development of high‐quality electromagnetic waves (EMW) absorbing materials play a vital role in combating the escalating negative effects of microwave radiation and interference. Herein, MoS2@Co/NC@CF fibrous membranes are successfully fabricated by electrospinning technology and carbonization, and a molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) layer is synthesized on the surface of these fibers via hydrothermal method. The seed‐assisted growth method not only effectively avoids the accumulation and improves the loading of ZIF‐67 particles, so as to ensure that the magnetic components in the fibers are evenly distributed in a wider range, rather than only intermittently present in some sites. Meanwhile, the introduction of semiconductor MoS2 as the shell further optimizes the impedance matching and improves the EMW absorption performance of the carbon fibrous membranes: the minimum reflection loss (RLmin) is −67.56 dB, and the maximum effective absorption bandwidth (EABmax) is further expanded to 6.56 GHz (2.1 mm, 11.44–18 GHz). This work provides a feasible method for developing high‐efficient EMW‐absorbing materials.
A Durable Textile With Advanced Thermal Functions and Electromagnetic Shielding
Authors: Gao Dangge , Jia Zhangting , Lyu Bin , Tang Litao , Fu Yatong , Ma Jianzhong
Published: October 2024

In the face of increasingly variable cold climates and diverse individual temperature regulation demands, personal thermal management (PTM) textiles with electromagnetic shielding have obtained significant attention. However, the PTM textiles face several challenges, including single heating mode, insufficient durability, and complex preparation processes. Herein, an all‐day PTM textile Cotton@PDA/AgNPs (CPANS) with energy‐free PRH, energy‐saving solar heating, compensatory electrical heating, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, and outstanding durability is fabricated by sequentially growing polydopamine (PDA) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the cotton fabric (CF). The CPANS exhibits low mid‐infrared emissivity (36.6%) and high absorptivity (70.8%), which guarantees the energy‐saving heating capability. Moreover, the conductivity of the CPANS is ≈11109 S m−1, enabling an electrical heating temperature of ≈177 °C under a low voltage of 1.1 V and superb EMI shielding effectiveness (≈60 dB). The remarkable adhesive properties of the PDA ensure that the desired durability of the CPANS remains high even after rigorous physical treatments. This innovation shows enormous potential for wearable integrated garments in the future and offers a new ideal for PTM fabrics in the cold.
The Development and Prospect of Stable Polyanion Compound Cathodes in LIBs and Promising Complementers
Authors: Guo Dongfang , Chu Siyu , Zhang Bin , Li Zijiong
Published: October 2024

Cathode materials are usually the key to determining battery capacity, suitable cathode materials are an important prerequisite to meet the needs of large‐scale energy storage systems in the future. Polyanionic compounds have significant advantages in metal ion storage, such as high operating voltage, excellent structural stability, safety, low cost, and environmental friendliness, and can be excellent cathode options for rechargeable metal‐ion batteries. Although some polyanionic compounds have been commercialized, there are still some shortcomings in electronic conductivity, reversible specific capacity, and rate performance, which obviously limits the development of polyanionic compound cathodes in large‐scale energy storage systems. Up to now, many strategies including structural design, ion doping, surface coating, and electrolyte optimization have been explored to improve the above defects. Based on the above contents, this paper briefly reviews the research progress and optimization strategies of typical polyanionic compound cathodes in the fields of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) and other promising metal ion batteries (sodium ion batteries (SIBs), potassium ion batteries (PIBs), magnesium ion batteries (MIBs), calcium ion batteries (CIBs), zinc ion batteries (ZIBs), aluminum ion batteries (AIBs), etc.), aiming to provide a valuable reference for accelerating the commercial application of polyanionic compound cathodes in rechargeable battery systems.
Recent Advances in Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence‐Based Organic Afterglow Materials
Authors: Sun Yuyu , Wu Leiying , Zhu Liangliang , Baryshnikov Glib V. , Zhang Fan , Li Xuping
Published: October 2024

Thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF)‐based materials are attracting widespread attention for different applications owing to their ability of harvesting both singlet and triplet excitons without noble metals in their structures. As compared to the conventional fluorescence and room‐temperature phosphorescence pathways, TADF originates from the reverse intersystem crossing process from the excited triplet state (T1) to the singlet state (S1). Therefore, TADF emitters enabling activated and long lifetime T1 excitons are potential candidates for generating long‐lived afterglow emission, an effect that can still be observed for a while by the naked eye after the removal of the excitation light source. Recently, TADF‐based organic afterglow materials featuring high photoluminescence quantum yields and long lifetimes above 100 ms under ambient conditions, have emerged for advanced information security, high‐contrast biological imaging, optoelectronic devices, and intelligent sensors, whereas the related systematic review is still lacking. Herein, the recent progress in TADF‐based organic afterglow materials is summarized and an overview of the photophysical mechanism, design strategies, and the performances for relevant applications is given. In addition, the challenge and perspective of this area are given at the end of the review.
Sonographic anatomy of surgically acquired abdominal pseudohernia—A guide to the documentation of anterolateral integument denervation with ultrasound
Authors: Napier Donna
Published: October 2024

Incisional hernia is a common clinical diagnosis when a patient presents with a post‐surgical abdominal wall bulge. Herniation is a complication that can result from a disruption to the anterior abdominal wall, however other differentials need to be considered to account for a localized prominence of the abdominal integument. One such differential is a pseudohernia; a bulging of an intact abdominal integument without protrusion of abdominal contents. This can occur as a direct consequence of operative trauma and subsequent denervation injury to abdominal wall musculature. Although surgical techniques have been refined to reduce the potential of segmental neuropathy, atrophy of the abdominal wall can be a long term sequalae that clinically mimics that of a hernia. Such an outcome can result from surgical approaches with a particular location and orientation leaving little option to avoid damage to nerves inherent to the area. Damage to these nerves can not only result in abdominal wall laxity but also to the development of further complications that can affect a patient's quality of life. The aim of this article is to increase sonographer awareness of postsurgical pseudohernia of the anterolateral abdominal wall as a differential to incisional hernia, and as such provide guidance on how to demonstrate this anomaly. Considering that pseudohernia and incisional hernia have differing management techniques, the sonographer can play a pivotal role in influencing patient management, negating the need for surgical hernia repair and advocate for a conservative management pathway.
Decomposition Behavior of Limestone Powder in Converter Flue Gas: Effect of Fe‐Oxide Dust on Calcium Ferrite Formation
Authors: Chen Xiaoqing , Wang Nan , Zhou Jianan , Wang Yi
Published: October 2024

To improve the utilization level and energy conversion efficiency of converter flue gas, a novel technology is proposed for the online production of slagging and dephosphorization agent by utilizing the waste heat of converter flue gas. Herein, the effects of Fe‐oxide dust in converter flue gas on the phase composition and microstructure of decomposed product and decomposition degree are investigated by high‐temperature drop tube furnace experiment and thermogravimetric experiment to clarify the influencing mechanism of Fe‐oxide dust on limestone powder decomposition. The results show that Ca2Fe2O5 is formed during limestone decomposition in the flue gas with Fe‐oxide dust, and the increase of Fe‐oxide dust content promotes the decomposition reaction of limestone powder and formation of calcium ferrite. With the Fe‐oxide dust content increasing from 10% to 30%, the decomposition degree increases from 80.1% to 96.2% and the proportion of Ca2Fe2O5 increases from 6.35% to 35.90%. Moreover, FeO in the dust reacts with both CaCO3 and CaO completely to form calcium ferrite with the presence of external oxygen gas in converter flue gas, whereas FeO has no significant effect on the decomposition of CaCO3 in an inert atmosphere and no Ca2Fe2O5 is formed.
Windinduzierte Schwingungen an den Hängern der ÖBB‐Rheinbrücke
Authors: Castillo Ruano Pablo , Dallinger Sonja , Bruschetini‐Ambro Zoran , Bartl Thomas
Published: October 2024

Die ÖBB‐Rheinbrücke bei Lustenau ist ein in ihrer Art neuartiges Stahl‐Betonverbund‐Bogentragwerk mit einer Spannweite von 102 m. Das Haupttragwerk ist ein Langerscher Balken mit zwölf Rundstahlhängern je Brückenseite zu je 100 mm Durchmesser mit einer maximalen Hängerlänge von 18,9 m. Bei derartigen Bogenbrücken mit Stahlhängern können vom Wind angeregte Hängerschwingungen hochfrequente Spannungsschwankungen mit großer Amplitude in den Hängern und deren Anschlüssen hervorrufen. Dies kann sich aus ermüdungstechnischer Sicht als problematisch erweisen. Nach der Fertigstellung der Brücke wurde planmäßig ein umfangreiches Monitoring durchgeführt, welches das Ziel verfolgte, Informationen über die auftretenden Hängerschwingungen und die daraus entstehenden Schädigungen des Materials zu erhalten, sodass festgestellt werden kann, ob schwingungsreduzierende Maßnahmen getroffen werden müssen. Im Zuge des Monitorings und der Auswertung wurde festgestellt, dass vom Wind angeregte Hängerschwingungen bewirken können, dass ermüdungsrelevante Spannungsschwingbreiten auftreten. In diesem Beitrag werden die Auswirkungen von zwei verschiedenen physikalischen Phänomenen – wirbelerregte Querschwingungen und Regen‐Wind‐induzierte Schwingungen – auf die Lebensdauer des Bauwerks diskutiert sowie schwingungsreduzierende Maßnahmen vorgestellt, die zur Abschwächung dieser Effekte beitragen.
Zur Sanierung von Stahl‐Kassettenwänden
Authors: Kuhnhenne Markus , Pauli Gesa , Pyschny Dominik
Published: October 2024

Die Sanierung von Stahl‐Kassettenwänden in Bestandsgebäuden bietet ein erhebliches Potenzial zur Energieeinsparung. Die insbesondere bei Nichtwohngebäuden häufig genutzte mehrschalige Konstruktionsweise, bestehend aus raumabschließenden, ausgedämmten Kassettenprofilen und einer Außenschale, entspricht ohne Zusatzdämmung nicht den heutigen Anforderungen an die thermische Qualität von Gebäudehüllen. Im vorliegenden Aufsatz werden neben dem vollständigen Austausch des gesamten Wandaufbaus zwei Möglichkeiten zur Sanierung vorgestellt, bei denen die vorhandenen Kassettenprofile bestehen bleiben und somit der laufende Betrieb im Gebäude aufrechterhalten werden kann. Zum einen ist eine Sanierung mit Stahl‐Sandwichelementen möglich, zum anderen können mehrteilige Distanzkonstruktionen mit einer zusätzlichen Dämmebene genutzt werden. Die vorgestellten Untersuchungen zeigen, dass beide Varianten eine erhebliche Reduktion der Wärmedurchgangskoeffizienten des Wandaufbaus und somit eine Verbesserung der thermischen Qualität ermöglichen. Bei der Sanierung sind außerdem statische Anforderungen gemäß den aktuellen technischen Baubestimmungen einzuhalten. Neben veränderten Windlastannahmen sind eine ausreichende Stabilisierung der Kassettenprofile und der Abtrag der vertikalen Lasten aus dem Eigengewicht der Zusatzkonstruktion zu berücksichtigen.
A model for predicting flexural capacity of PVC‐CFRP tube confined reinforced concrete beams
Authors: Yu Feng , Zhang Yuxuan , Song Zekang , Fang Yuan , Xu Bo , Chen Zongping , Zhang Yufen
Published: October 2024

This paper presents an experimental study on 18 specimens, including 15 polyvinyl chloride (PVC)‐carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer (CFRP) tube confined reinforced concrete beams with longitudinal CFRP sheets (PCT‐RCBs‐LCS) and 3 PVC‐CFRP tube confined reinforced concrete beams (PCT‐RCBs). The effects of five studied parameters, such as longitudinal reinforcement rate (), concrete strength grade (), width () and number () of longitudinal CFRP sheet, and specimen dimensions (), on the failure mode and flexural capacity are investigated. The PCT‐RCBs‐LCS with lower and fail by the breakage of the PVC tube and the fracture of longitudinal CFRP sheets. Conversely, the cracking of PVC tube dominates the damage of the PCT‐RCBs‐LCS with higher and , while the longitudinal CFRP sheets are not broken. The introduction of longitudinal CFRP sheets can significantly improve the flexural capacity. The ultimate flexural capacity of the PCT‐RCBs‐LCS increases as the , , , or increases. In addition. considering the influence of RC beam section shape, a model for predicting the ultimate flexural capacity of the PCT‐RCBs‐LCS is proposed based on the limit equilibrium theory and cross‐sectional strain relationship. The predicted results of the proposed model agree well with test data.
Robustness of Dry‐Assembled Precast Wall and Coupled Wall‐Frame High‐Rise Structures With Voided Prestressed Slabs
Authors: Dal Lago Bruno , Gajera Krunal , Martinelli Paolo
Published: October 2024

Precast concrete structures are recognized among the structural typologies that may mostly suffer from progressive collapse as a consequence of local unpredicted damage, also due to past accidents occurred in buildings employing old precast technologies neglecting the basic robustness criteria and characterized by poorly detailed and/or executed joints and connections. Although vertical ties may relatively easily be provided in both frame and wall panel structures by employing ductile connection devices, dry‐assembled precast systems avoiding concrete pouring in the whole superstructure typically struggle to provide horizontal ties as strong as required by the current standards concerning progressive collapse, in which they are not fully framed yet. Nevertheless, these systems may exploit alternative sources of robustness to stop collapse progression arising from their structural arrangement, the shape of the slab elements employed, and the slab mechanical connections. This article presents the results of a numerical investigation focused on the structural behavior of a dry‐assembled precast floor system consisting of prestressed box‐section slab elements employed in either wall panel or coupled wall‐frame structural systems following the loss of one or multiple primary load‐bearing vertical elements. Nonlinear static simulations of different loss scenarios occurring in prototypes of 100‐m‐tall high‐rise buildings were carried out based upon spread plasticity modeling of the structural elements and experimentally calibrated nonlinear behavior of mechanical connections.
Justice‐centered STEM education with multilingual learners to address societal challenges: A conceptual framework
Authors: Lee Okhee , Grapin Scott
Published: October 2024

We propose a conceptual framework for STEM education that is centered around justice for minoritized groups. Justice‐centered STEM education engages all students in multiple STEM subjects, including data science and computer science, to explain and design solutions to societal challenges disproportionately impacting minoritized groups. We articulate the affordances of justice‐centered STEM education for one minoritized student group that has been traditionally denied meaningful STEM learning: multilingual learners (MLs). Justice‐centered STEM education with MLs leverages the assets they bring to STEM learning, including their transnational experiences and knowledge as well as their rich repertoire of meaning‐making resources. In this position paper, we propose our conceptual framework to chart a new research agenda on justice‐centered STEM education to address societal challenges with all students, especially MLs. Our conceptual framework incorporates four interrelated components by leveraging the convergence of multiple STEM disciplines to promote justice‐centered STEM education with MLs: (a) societal challenges in science education, (b) justice‐centered data science education, (c) justice‐centered computer science education, and (d) justice‐centered engineering education. The article illustrates our conceptual framework using the case of the COVID‐19 pandemic, which has presented an unprecedented societal challenge but also an unprecedented opportunity to cultivate MLs' assets toward promoting justice in STEM education. Finally, we describe how our conceptual framework establishes the foundation for a new research agenda that addresses increasingly complex, prevalent, and intractable societal challenges disproportionately impacting minoritized groups. We also consider broader issues pertinent to our conceptual framework, including the social and emotional impacts of societal challenges; the growth of science denial and misinformation; and factors associated with politics, ideology, and religion. Justice‐centered STEM education contributes to solving societal challenges that K‐12 students currently face while preparing them to shape a more just society.
Complexity, Features, and Comparisons in Forensic Handwriting Examination
Authors: Jones Kylie , Bird Carolyne
Published: October 2024

This article describes the approach and methodology utilized by forensic handwriting examiners (FHEs) in analyzing and comparing handwriting and signatures, with a focus on assessing complexity and characterizing features. This is one part of the handwriting examination process where the ultimate goal is to express an authorship opinion. The perceived complexity of handwriting by FHEs is a critical element in the examination process. It relates to the examiner's judgment of both the ease with which a handwriting sample might be simulated, and the possibility of a chance correspondence of features between two and more samples of writing written by different individuals. This assessment is relevant as part of both the pre‐analysis and evaluation stages of an examination. A broader set of features is also defined, comprising construction, spatial, and line quality features. Both habits and variations are noted. These are used to determine whether there are similarities or dissimilarities between two and more samples being compared.
Introduction
Authors: Born Marius
Published: October 2024

“Trust is the glue of life,” wrote the American author Stephen R. Covey about what he considered to be the most essential ingredient in effective communication. “It’s the foundational principle that holds all relationships—marriages, families, and organizations of every kind—together” (Covey et al., 1994, p. 203). This insight captures the essence of what this book is all about—an exploration into the critical role of trust. In our daily lives, trust is not only necessary when someone opens the door early in the morning and leaves the house to start the day; it forms the basis of our most routine actions and interactions. Without this fundamental trust, even the simplest tasks become daunting, underscoring the pervasive influence of trust in shaping our experiences. Trust dependence becomes even more pronounced in situations where individuals commit long-term resources, manifesting in forms such as marriage, pursuing higher education, purchasing a home, starting a business, or investing in one. Probably the most difficult investment decisions are those where past results cannot be used to make future predictions, either because circumstances have changed or because there are no available results upon which to project the future. The latter is especially true for startups; these companies lack reliable facts and figures as they are, by definition, still young. With the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and increasingly perfect deepfakes, contributions to a better understanding of the mechanism of trust formation are poised to grow in importance. This book provides a language-related contribution to these efforts in a context where factual evidence on which to base trust is scarce.
The Crisis Episode
Authors: Born Marius
Published: October 2024

Nikola’s surge in valuation was short-lived due to accusations from a short seller that triggered a trust crisis, casting doubt on the company’s technology claims and the founder’s integrity. This chapter argumentatively reconstructs the factors leading to Nikola’s decline, identifying the central points of attack against the backdrop of Nikola’s strategic investor communication framework. The chapter then examines Nikola’s response to the crisis and explores the transformative dynamics of the startup’s strategic communication during the crisis episode.
Findings and Evaluation
Authors: Born Marius
Published: October 2024

This chapter summarizes and discusses the findings of the Nikola Corporation case study, focusing on the intricate interplay of arguments and narratives in the startup’s strategic communication. The rapid rise and subsequent fall in valuation serve as a cautionary tale, offering broader insights into the challenges faced by emerging tech ventures. The discussion highlights the critical importance of effective and transparent strategic communication, emphasizing the risks associated with blind faith in charismatic founders and the necessity for robust internal checks and balances to guard against deception. By identifying red flags that should have alerted investors, this chapter provides valuable lessons on detecting early signs of overpromise and potential fraud in a startup’s strategic persuasion efforts.
Limitations and Recommendations for Future Studies
Authors: Born Marius
Published: October 2024

This chapter outlines the limitations inherent in the investigation and research strategy employed. Recognizing these limitations is crucial, as they not only contextualize the current study but also highlight viable research directions. These insights could significantly advance our understanding of startup communication and the dynamics of trust formation.
Concluding Remarks: Toward a New Research Agenda
Authors: Rohne Till Emelie , Andersson Martin , Tsakok Isabelle
Published: October 2024

This chapter summarizes the book’s main findings and claims. Based on the analysis of the agricultural transformation of Taiwan, China (1950–1980); Ethiopia (1994–2020); the Philippines (1946–2020); and Malawi (1964–2020), the hypothesis that effective political leadership is necessary for successful agricultural transformation still stands. With this, this chapter aims to initiate a new research agenda, where the political economy of leaders is included as one important factor impacting agricultural transformation. The chapter proposes that integrating the role of leadership and its interaction with the socio-political system is a fruitful—indeed crucial—addition to the hitherto more common approach of focusing only on the sectoral structure of the economy in the process of an agricultural transformation.
Erkenntnisse aus der Studie
Authors: Staub Sabina
Published: October 2024

In diesem Kapitel erfolgt eine Darstellung der Untersuchungsergebnisse in Form von Fallbeschreibungen. Im Rahmen der vorliegenden Untersuchung wurden zwei Kindergartenlehrerinnen, Sandra Sommer und Dora Dünki, für die Analyse ausgewählt. Es werden zunächst soziodemografische und statistische Informationen zu den Lehrerinnen und ihren Klassen dargelegt. Im Anschluss erfolgt eine detaillierte Beschreibung beider Fälle. Bei beiden Lehrerinnen wird jeweils ein Kurzporträt ihrer Person und ihrer Klasse vorgestellt, gefolgt von der Rekonstruktion zentraler Sequenzen aus den videogestützten Unterrichtsbeobachtungen. Darauf aufbauend werden die Erkenntnisse aus den Interviews mit den Lehrerinnen präsentiert und interpretiert. Am Ende jeder Fallanalyse werden die Ergebnisse der Video- und Interviewinterpretationen zusammengeführt.
Theoretical Considerations on National Spatial Planning
Authors: Wang Kai
Published: October 2024

There have been different views on the significance and role of spatial planning at the national level. In 1921, the former Soviet Union initiated national economic regionalization, advocating organized and systematic regional development of the country under the guidance of national plans.
Rényi second laws for black holes
Authors: Bernamonti Alice , Galli Federico , Myers Robert C. , Reyes Ignacio A.
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Hawking’s black hole area theorem provides a geometric realization of the second law of thermodynamics and constrains gravitational processes. In this work we explore a one-parameter extension of this constraint formulated in terms of the monotonicity properties of Rényi entropies. We focus on black hole mergers in asymptotically AdS space and determine new restrictions which these Rényi second laws impose on the final state. We evaluate the entropic inequalities starting from the thermodynamic ensembles description of black hole geometries, and find that for many situations they set more stringent bounds than those imposed by the area increase theorem.
Fragmented perspective of self-organized criticality and disorder in log gravity
Authors: Mvondo-She Yannick
Published: October 2024

Abstract

We use a statistical model to discuss nonequilibrium fragmentation phenomena taking place in the stochastic dynamics of the log sector in log gravity. From the canonical Gibbs model, a combinatorial analysis reveals an important aspect of the n-particle evolution previously shown to generate a collection of random partitions according to the Ewens distribution realized in a disconnected double Hurwitz number in genus zero. By treating each possible partition as a member of an ensemble of fragmentations, and ensemble averaging over all partitions with the Hurwitz number as a special case of the Gibbs distribution, a resulting distribution of cluster sizes appears to fall as a power of the size of the cluster. Dynamical systems that exhibit a distribution of sizes giving rise to a scale-invariant power-law behavior at a critical point possess an important property called self-organized criticality. As a corollary, the log sector of log gravity is a self-organized critical system at the critical point μl = 1. A similarity between self-organized critical systems, spin glass models and the dynamics of the log sector which exhibits aging behavior reminiscent of glassy systems is pointed out by means of the Pòlya distribution, also known to classify various models of (randomly fragmented) disordered systems, and by presenting the cluster distribution in the log sector of log gravity as a distinguished member of this probability distribution. We bring arguments from a probabilistic perspective to discuss the disorder in log gravity, largely anticipated through the conjectured AdS3/LCFT2 correspondence.
The effect of environmental and anthropogenic factors on the microbiome of the sponge, Halichondria panicea, at three coastal sites with different bathing water quality in North east England
Authors: Al-Haddad Sakinah , Caldwell Gary S. , Clare Anthony S.
Published: October 2024

The breadcrumb sponge, Halichondria panicea, is a cosmopolitan marine species. Life functions, such as feeding, metabolism and defence, are maintained through microbial symbiosis. As such, perturbations to the symbiotic balance can be expected to affect the health and survival of the sponge. Although generally tolerant of environmental variables, such as temperature, pH and salinity, responses to anthropogenic factors are poorly understood. In this study, the microbial community of the H. panicea was examined over the course of 1 year. Sponge and seawater samples were collected in January, April, July and October 2022, from three locations with different levels of bathing water quality, according to the UK’s Environment Agency. Samples were sequenced using the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene, and amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were inferred from the generated data. Differences in bacterial diversity and abundance among sponge samples from the three locations were examined. A correlation test was used to study the effect of physical and chemical environmental factors along with faecal indicator bacteria on the abundance of the top ten most abundant bacterial phyla. Environmental factors (determined from seawater physicochemical properties) and pollution (determined from trace metals, nutrients and faecal bacteria levels) were found to play an important role in shaping the microbial community of this sponge. The sponge microbiome showed a noticeable seasonal shift, with some species flourishing in January and others emerging in April, notably the faecal and coliform bacteria. Sponge microbiomes from sites with poor-quality bathing water were generally less diverse and had lower microbial abundance, resulting in a greater range of intra-species dispersion than those of sponges living in excellent–good quality waters.
Intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring compared with blood glucose monitoring is associated with lower HbA1c and a reduced risk of hospitalisation for diabetes-related complications in adults with type 2 diabetes on insulin therapies
Authors: Nathanson David , Eeg-Olofsson Katarina , Spelman Tim , Bülow Erik , Kyhlstedt Mattias , Levrat-Guillen Fleur , Bolinder Jan
Published: October 2024

Aims/hypothesis

We assessed the impact of initiating intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM) compared with capillary blood glucose monitoring (BGM) on HbA1c levels and hospitalisations for diabetes-related complications in adults with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes in Sweden.

Methods

This retrospective comparative cohort study included adults with type 2 diabetes who had a National Diabetes Register initiation date for isCGM after 1 June 2017. Prescribed Drug Register records identified subgroups treated with multiple daily insulin injections (T2D-MDI) or basal insulin (T2D-B), with or without other glucose-lowering drugs. The National Patient Register provided data on hospitalisation rates.

Results

We identified 2876 adults in the T2D-MDI group and 2292 in the T2D-B group with an isCGM index date after 1 June 2017, matched with 33,584 and 43,424 BGM control participants, respectively. The baseline-adjusted difference in the change in mean HbA1c for isCGM users vs BGM control participants in the T2D-MDI cohort was −3.7 mmol/mol (−0.34%) at 6 months, and this was maintained at 24 months. The baseline-adjusted difference in the change in HbA1c for isCGM users vs BGM control participants in the T2D-B cohort was −3.5 mmol/mol (−0.32%) at 6 months, and this was also maintained at 24 months. Compared with BGM control participants, isCGM users in the T2D-MDI cohort had a significantly lower RR of admission for severe hypoglycaemia (0.51; 95% CI 0.27, 0.95), stroke (0.54; 95% CI 0.39, 0.73), acute non-fatal myocardial infarction (0.75; 95% CI 0.57, 0.99) or hospitalisation for any reason (0.84; 95% CI 0.77, 0.90). isCGM users in the T2D-B cohort had a lower RR of admission for heart failure (0.63; 95% CI 0.46, 0.87) or hospitalisation for any reason (0.76; 95% CI 0.69, 0.84).

Conclusions/interpretation

This study shows that Swedish adults with type 2 diabetes on insulin who are using isCGM have a significantly reduced HbA1c and fewer hospital admissions for diabetes-related complications compared with BGM control participants.

Graphical Abstract
Concentration of ground state solutions for supercritical zero-mass (N, q)-equations of Choquard reaction
Authors: Shen Liejun , Rădulescu Vicenţiu D.
Published: October 2024

We study the following singularly perturbed (N, q)-equation of Choquard type $$\begin{aligned} -\varepsilon ^N\Delta _Nu-\varepsilon ^q\Delta _qu=\varepsilon ^{\mu -N} \bigg (\int _{\mathbb {R}^N}\frac{K(y)F(u(y))}{|x-y|^{\mu }}dy\bigg )K(x)f(u),~x\in \mathbb {R}^N, \end{aligned}$$

-

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∫

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)

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(
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where $$\Delta _ru = \text {div}(|\nabla u|^{r-2}\nabla u)$$

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and $$1<q<N$$

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satisfies some technical assumptions, $$0<\mu <N$$

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and F is the primitive of f that fulfills a supercritical exponential growth in the Trudinger–Moser sense. Due to the new version of Trudinger–Moser type inequality introduced in Shen and Rădulescu (Zero-mass (N, q)-Laplacian equation with Stein-Weiss convolution part in $$\mathbb {R}^N$$

R

N

: supercritical exponential case. submitted), we aim to derive the existence and concentration of ground state solutions for the given equation using variational method, where the concentrating phenomenon appears at the maximum point set of K as $$\varepsilon \rightarrow 0^+$$

ε
→

0
+

.
Prediction of hepatocellular carcinoma response to radiation segmentectomy using an MRI-based machine learning approach
Authors: Stocker Daniel , Hectors Stefanie , Marinelli Brett , Carbonell Guillermo , Bane Octavia , Hulkower Miriam , Kennedy Paul , Ma Weiping , Lewis Sara , Kim Edward , Wang Pei , Taouli Bachir
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the value of pre-treatment MRI-based radiomics in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for the prediction of response to Yttrium 90 radiation segmentectomy.

Methods

This retrospective study included 154 patients (38 female; mean age 66.8 years) who underwent contrast-enhanced MRI prior to radiation segmentectomy. Radiomics features were manually extracted on volumes of interest on post-contrast T1-weighted images at the portal venous phase (PVP). Tumor-based response assessment was evaluated 6 months post-treatment using mRECIST. A logistic regression model was used to predict binary response outcome [complete response at 6 months with no-re-treatment (response group) against the rest (non-response group, including partial response, progressive disease, stable disease and complete response after re-treatment within 6 months after radiation segmentectomy) using baseline clinical parameters and radiomics features. We accessed the value of different sets of predictors using cross-validation technique. AUCs were compared using DeLong tests.

Results

A total 168 HCCs (mean size 2.9 ± 1.7 cm) were analyzed in 154 patients. The response group consisted of 113 HCCs and the non-response group of 55 HCCs. Baseline clinical parameters (AUC 0.531; sensitivity, 0.781; specificity, 0.279; positive predictive value (PPV), 0.345; negative predictive value (NPV), 0.724) and AFP (AUC 0.632; sensitivity, 0.833; specificity, 0.466; PPV, 0.432; NPV, 0.851) showed poor performance for response prediction. The model using a combination of radiomics features and clinical parameters/AFP showed the best performance (AUC 0.736; sensitivity, 0.706; specificity, 0.662; PPV 0.504; NPV, 0.822), significantly better than the clinical model (p < 0.001) or AFP alone (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The combination of radiomics features from pre-treatment MRI with clinical parameters and AFP showed fair performance for predicting HCC response to radiation segmentectomy, better than that of AFP. These results need further validation.
Teaching Strategies in Interventional Radiology: A Narrative Review of the Literature
Authors: Srinivasan Divya , Kilic Yakup , Weston-Petrides Gina K. , Patel Rakesh , Yazdabadi Anosha , Asadi Hamed , Cazzato Roberto Luigi , Shaygi Behnam
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Interventional radiology (IR) is a rapidly developing speciality where innovation—especially in teaching practices—is vital. With workforce and capacity shortages, synthesis of classical educational theories and novel strategies utilising virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) provide opportunities to make teaching as efficient and effective as possible. The aim of this review is to examine the literature on different approaches in IR teaching and learning in undergraduates and postgraduates.

Methods

Literature was reviewed using a comprehensive search strategy with relevant keywords. Articles were limited to 2013–2023. Databases searched included MEDLINE, Embase, British Education Index and ERIC, in addition to a manual review of references.

Results

Of the 2903 unique abstracts reviewed by the authors, 43 were relevant to the purpose of this study. The major pedagogical approaches identified were categorised into the following—traditional master-apprentice mentoring, virtual reality/simulation, physical models, and remote teaching. VR simulations enable practise free from the limits of time and risk to patients, as well as potential for standardised formal curricula. AI has the capability to enhance training simulations and assessment of trainees. With recent events necessitating innovation in online remote teaching, programs that are accessible whilst arguably imparting just as much clinical knowledge as in-person education have now been developed.

Conclusion

Mentoring has conventionally been the standard for radiology teaching, however there are now several alternative pedagogical approaches available to the IR community. A combination of the most effective ideas within each is the optimal method by which IR should be taught.