bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the Impact of Ag Nanoparticles on N and S Co‐Doped TiO2 for Battery‐Type Supercapacitor Application
Authors: Hussain Muhammad Nasir , Naveed Abdul , Inayat Abid , Bilal Muhammad , Haider Ali , Shah Syed Mujtaba
Published: December 2023

In this work, we demonstrate a successful synthesis of heteroatom co‐doped TiO2 decorated with Ag nanoparticles using a direct combustion approach. These materials serve as a high‐performance active layer for advanced battery‐type supercapacitors. Among all the investigated materials, N,S co‐doped TiO2 nanoparticles and Ag/N,S co‐doped TiO2 nanocomposite exhibited impressive specific capacitances of 360 and 480 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1. Moreover, we employed Ag/N,S co‐doped TiO2 nanocomposite as symmetric supercapacitor in a wide potential window of −1 to 1 V. The symmetric device demonstrated a specific capacitance of 183 F g−1 at 3 A g−1 with an energy density of 105 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 6 kW kg−1. One of the most promising aspects of this study was the high cyclic stability of the device, with capacity retention of 80 % when tested for 3000 discharge cycles at 3 A g−1.The improved electrochemical performance of Ag nanoparticle decorated N,S co‐doped TiO2 structure confirms the synergistic behavior of each component in the nanocomposite. These results indicate the remarkable durability of the device. Additionally, the materials used in this work are environmentally friendly, making them attractive candidates for battery‐type supercapacitors.
Synthesis of Pyrano[2,3‐d]pyrimidine Derivatives Catalyzed by Trimetallic Multi‐walled Carbon Nanotubes under Ultrasound Irradiation Conditions
Authors: Harooni Nasrin Saberi , Naeimi Hossein , Ghasemi Amir Hossein
Published: December 2023

This study involves the synthesis of pyrano]2,3‐d[pyrimidine derivatives using the multi‐component reactions (MCRs) under ultrasonic, and nanocatalysis conditions. The reaction efficiency was increased and the reaction time was reduced by using a prepared catalyst accomplished with sonication synergetic effect. Furthermore, the increase in product yield can be due to the synergistic property between metals on the surface of the catalyst. This catalyst was found to be recoverable and highly stable under ultrasonic conditions. The use of trimetallic multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) proved to be highly effective in synthesis of the pyrano[2,3‐d]pyrimidine derivatives. This is due to their active site, economical catalyst loading, easy workup, reusability, and green reaction conditions. Also, the synthesized products were achieved in excellent yields and short reaction times. Different methods were utilized to characterize the nanocatalyst such as; Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE‐SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and the hot filtration method. The synthesized organic compounds were identified through analyses using the melting point, FT‐IR method, and hydrogen‐1 nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR).
Unraveling Halochromism of Azo‐Based Sulphonamide and Its Real‐World Applications: A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Approach
Authors: Joshi Supriya , Joshi Ritika , Ganorkar Kapil , Jadhao Manojkumar
Published: December 2023

Halochromic azo dyes have versatile applications, including sensing and anti‐counterfeiting, due to their reversible color‐changing properties. In this work we investigated the structure‐dependent halochromism of azo compound (E)‐4‐((2‐hydroxynaphthalen‐1‐yl)diazenyl)benzenesulfonamide (HDBS) and explore its potential applications using experimental and theoretical approaches. Different spectroscopic techniques confirm the structural change in the dye as a consequence of tautomerism reaction upon changing pH (7 to 13). The stable form of hydrazone is isolated and characterized. Based on the spectroscopic characterization, it is concluded that the azo form exists at pH ≤ 9, whereas the hydrazone form at highly alkaline pH. To understand the origin of the absorption peaks, the stability, and tautomerism in water, DFT and TD‐DFT calculations are performed. A reasonable agreement between the theoretical and experimental observations enabled us to unravel the structure‐dependent halochromism. Further, we have shown that HDBS‐coated paper can be a real‐time visual sensor to monitor fish freshness and for anti‐counterfeiting ink. It changes colors with pH shifts, alerts consumers about the status of food. Additionally, erasable paper strip reduces paper waste and chemical pollution. The findings presented in this work provide a promising avenue for the development of halochromic azo compounds with potential applications in sensing and anti‐counterfeiting.
NiZr/N‐doped TiO2/Ti3C2 catalyst for the selective hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde: effect of N‐doping of TiO2
Authors: Li Ms. Menghan , Luo Xuan , Su Tongming , Xie Xinling , Ji Hongbing , Qin Zuzeng
Published: December 2023

An NiZr/N‐doped TiO2/Ti3C2 catalyst was prepared by KBH4 reduction for cinnamaldehyde hydrogenation. Characterization results showed that the synthesis of N‐doped TiO2 on Ti3C2 and the uniform dispersion of TiO2 on the Ti3C2 surface increased the specific surface area of NiZr/Ti3C2 by 164.4 m2/g. N‐doping at a level of 19.03 % was used to replace O in the TiO2 lattice; the Ti−O−Ti peak in the XPS spectrum of the undoped catalyst was shifted by 0.3 eV in the spectrum of the doped catalyst; as a result, there was a 15.40 % increase in the number of surface oxygen vacancies of the NiZr/Ti3C2 catalyst. The synthesis of N‐doped TiO2 on Ti3C2 converted the moderately acidic sites of NiZr/Ti3C2 to strong Lewis acid sites and increased the total number of acid sites by approximately 0.8‐fold. The active Lewis acid sites on the surface of NiZr/N‐doped TiO2/Ti3C2 adsorbed only C=O bonds and inhibited the adsorption of C=C bonds, resulting in a high cinnamaldehyde conversion of 90.69 % and a cinnamyl alcohol selectivity of 91.87 %.
Polyhydroxy Ionic Polymer Catalysts for Highly Selective Cycloaddition of Carbon Dioxide and Epoxides
Authors: Sun Liwei , Zhao Jiaojiao , Liang Lixin , Gao Xiaolong , Sun Yuxia , Hou Guangjin , Li Yuehui
Published: December 2023

New polyhydroxy ionic polymers were designed and prepared to heterogeneously catalyze CO2 cycloaddition reaction with complete chemoselectivity and up to 99 % yields. Using copolymer of 1‐(2‐hydroxyl‐ethyl)‐3‐vinyl‐imidazolium bromide ([HeVim][Br]) and styrene, the highest yield of propylene carbonate was obtained. And, it is significantly higher than that obtained with the same amount of hydroxy monomer [HeVim][Br] (only 24 % yield), thus showing the concerted promotion effect of polyhydoxyl groups during ring opening of epoxides. The catalyst presented excellent recycling performance (10 cycles). Various terminal cyclic carbonates were synthesized with above 95 % yields. A synergistic function of hydroxyl group as efficient hydrogen bonding donor and bromide anion as nucleophilic agent was put forward.
Molecular Mechanics with Generalized Born Surface Area (MMGBSA) Calculations and Docking Studies Unravel some Antimalarial Compounds Using Heme O Synthase as Therapeutic Target
Authors: Adelusi Temitope Isaac , Bolaji Olawale Quadri , Ojo Taiwo Ooreoluwa , Adegun Iyanu Paul , Adebodun Seun
Published: December 2023

The enzyme Heme O Synthase (HOS) is essential for producing heme A and heme O, which are critical for defense against reactive oxygen species, drug detoxification, gas synthesis, transport, and electron transport in Plasmodium species. It has become vital to discover inhibitory molecules/compounds/medicines that target the synthesis of heme due to the emergence of drug‐resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum. Therefore, in this study, we employed molecular mechanics with Generalized Born surface area (MMGBSA) calculations and docking studies to investigate potential antimalarial compounds targeting HOS from antimalarial botanicals. Screening these compounds, we have identified 2 compounds; Meliantrol and Tamarixetin with better binding affinities (−8.4 Kcal/mol and −8.3 Kcal/mol respectively) than the current standard inhibitor(Inabenfide) of HOS (−8.0 Kcal/mol). The MMGBSA calculations provided insight into the thermodynamics of the binding process and helped identify key interactions responsible for the stability of the HOS‐ligand complex. In addition, the 2 compounds were further screened comparatively with the standard HOS inhibitor considering their protein‐ligand interaction profile and ADMET profile and these 2 selected compounds outperformed Inabenfide. Our results predict that these compounds are potential drug candidates with domiciled therapeutic functions against Malaria therefore, open doors for more experimental validations for drug development.
Nitro Compounds Inhibit Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Colony Formation: Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamics Simulations and Pharmacological Properties
Authors: Comert Onder Ferah , Sahin Nebahat , Davutlar Gulce , Onder Alper , Ay Mehmet
Published: December 2023

In this study, the concept of combined in vitro and in silico studies were utilized by using some synthesized nitro bearing compounds. The anticancer activities of the studied compounds were performed by using colony formation analysis, cell cytotoxicity, and migration. Nitro group containing two compounds were analyzed using Hoechst staining to indicate the morphological changes on the nuclei of cancer cells under fluorescence microscopy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis was performed with N,N‐dibutyl‐nitro‐substituted compound. Nitro containing anticancer agents were shown the inhibition at 1.5 μM and 2 μM concentrations, and nuclear apoptosis was detected. In addition, cell‐to‐cell interaction on MDA‐MB‐231 cells was broken and observed morphologic changes following the treatment with N,N‐dibutyl‐nitro‐substituted compound at the effective doses. In general, the other nitro compounds showed cell cytotoxicity at 5 μM, 10 μM, and 20 μM. Two hits as anticancer agents were determined as potential interleukin‐1 receptor‐associated kinase 1 (IRAK1) and interleukin‐1 receptor‐associated kinase 4 (IRAK4) inhibitor candidates. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations studies will provide that the binding patterns with specific residues such as Met265, Tyr284 of the IRAK family members, and these will contribute to further in vitro and in vivo studies for targeted breast cancer therapy.
Phosphorus‐Doped Nickel Oxide Micro‐Supercapacitor: Unleashing the Power of Energy Storage for Miniaturized Electronic Devices
Authors: Siddiqui Shumile Ahmed , Das Subhabrata , Rani Seema , Afshan Mohd , Pahuja Mansi , Jain Ayushi , Rani Daya , Chaudhary Nikita , Jyoti  , Ghosh Rishita , Riyajuddin Sk , Bera Chandan , Ghosh Kaushik
Published: December 2023

For an uninterrupted self‐powered network, the requirement of miniaturized energy storage device is of utmost importance. This study explores the potential utilization of phosphorus‐doped nickel oxide (P‐NiO) to design highly efficient durable micro‐supercapacitors. The introduction of P as a dopant serves to enhance the electrical conductivity of bare NiO, leading to 11‐fold augmentation in volumetric capacitance to 841.92 Fcm−3 followed by significant enhancement of energy and power density from 6.71 to 42.096 mWhcm−3 and 0.47 to 1.046 Wcm−3, respectively. Theoretical calculations used to determine the adsorption energy of OH‐ ions, revealing higher in case of bare NiO (1.52 eV) as compared to phosphorus‐doped NiO (0.64 eV) leading to high electrochemical energy storage performance. The as‐designed micro‐supercapacitor (MSC) device demonstrates a facile integration with the photovoltaic system for renewable energy storage and smooth transfer to external loads for enlightening the blue LED for ≈1 min. The choice of P‐NiO/Ni not only contributes to cost reduction but also ensures minimal lattice mismatch at the interface facilitating high durability up to 15 K cycles along with capacitive retention of ≈100% and coulombic efficiency of 93%. Thus, the heterostructure unveils the possibilities of exploring miniaturized energy storage devices for portable electronics.
Novel Thermoelectric Fabric Structure with Switched Thermal Gradient Direction toward Wearable In‐Plane Thermoelectric Generators
Authors: Ding Ding , Wu Qian , Li Qian , Chen Yixun , Zhi Chao , Wei Xia , Wang Jinmei
Published: December 2023

Wearable thermoelectric generators (TEGs) have exhibited great potential to convert the temperature gradient between the human body and the environment into electrical energy for maintenance‐free wearable applications. A 2D planar device structure is widely employed for fabricating flexible TEGs due to its simple structure and facile fabrication properties. However, this device configuration is more appropriate for utilizing in‐plane temperature differences than the out‐of‐plane direction, which limits their application in wearable cases since the temperature difference between the human body and the environment is in the out‐of‐plane direction. To solve this problem, a novel fabric‐based TEG structure that can utilize the out‐of‐plane temperature gradient is proposed in this work. By introducing thermally conductive components in the generator, the out‐of‐plane temperature difference can be switched to the in‐plane direction, which can be further utilized for 2D planar devices in wearable applications. The prepared thermoelectric fabric prototype with only 12 p‐type TE legs exhibits a maximum open‐circuit voltage of 4.69 mV and an output power of 39.7 nW at a temperature difference of 30 K. This strategy exhibits a high degree of versatility and can be readily applied to other 2D planar TEGs, thus expanding their potential application in wearable technology.
Platinum‐Grafted Twenty‐Five Atom Gold Nanoclusters for Robust Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Mymoona Paloli , Rival Jose V. , Nonappa  , Shibu Edakkattuparambil Sidharth , Jeyabharathi Chinnaiah
Published: December 2023

A robust hydrogen evolution is demonstrated from Au25(PET)18]− nanoclusters (PET = 2‐phenylethanethiol) grafted with minimal platinum atoms. The fabrication involves an electrochemical activation of nanoclusters by partial removal of thiols, without affecting the metallic core, which exposes Au‐sites adsorbed with hydrogen and enables an electroless grafting of platinum. The exposed Au‐sites feature the (111)‐facet of the fcc‐Au25 nanoclusters as assessed through lead underpotential deposition. The electrochemically activated nanoclusters (without Pt loading) show better electrocatalytic reactivity toward hydrogen evolution reaction than the pristine nanoclusters in an acidic medium. The platinum‐grafted nanocluster outperformed with a lower overpotential of 0.117 V vs RHE (RHE = Reversible Hydrogen Electrode) compared to electrochemically activated nanoclusters (0.353 V vs RHE ) at 10 mA cm−2 and is comparable with commercial Pt/C. The electrochemically activated nanoclusters show better reactivity at higher current density owing to the ease of hydrogen release from the active sites. The modified nanoclusters show unique supramolecular self‐assembly characteristics as observed in electron microscopy and tomography due to the possible metallophilic interactions. These results suggest that the post‐surface modification of nanoclusters will be an ideal tool to address the sustainable production of green hydrogen.
Covalent Organic Framework/Graphene Hybrids: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications
Authors: Wang Boya , Shen Liguo , He Yabing , Chen Cheng , Yang Zhi , Fei Lingya , Xu Jiujing , Li Bisheng , Lin Hongjun
Published: December 2023

To address current energy crises and environmental concerns, it is imperative to develop and design versatile porous materials ideal for water purification and energy storage. The advent of covalent organic frameworks (COFs), a revolutionary terrain of porous materials, is underscored by their superlative features such as divinable structure, adjustable aperture, and high specific surface area. However, issues like inferior electric conductivity, inaccessible active sites impede mass transfer and poor processability of bulky COFs restrict their wider application. As a herculean stride forward, COF/graphene hybrids amalgamate the strengths of their constituent components and have in consequence, enticed significant scientific intrigue. Herein, the current progress on the structure and properties of graphene‐based materials and COFs are systematically outlined. Then, synthetic strategies for preparing COF/graphene hybrids, including one‐pot synthesis, ex situ synthesis, and in situ growth, are comprehensively reviewed. Afterward, the pivotal attributes of COF/graphene hybrids are dissected in conjunction with their multifaceted applications spanning adsorption, separation, catalysis, sensing, and energy storage. Finally, this review is concluded by elucidating prevailing challenges and gesturing toward prospective strides within the realm of COF/graphene hybrids research.
Genetic mapping of dynamic control of leaf angle across multiple canopy levels in maize
Authors: Dzievit Matthew J. , Li Xianran , Yu Jianming
Published: December 2023

Optimizing leaf angle and other canopy architecture traits has helped modern maize (Zea mays L.) become adapted to higher planting densities over the last 60 years. Traditional investigations into genetic control of leaf angle have focused on one leaf or the average of multiple leaves; as a result, our understanding of genetic control across multiple canopy levels is still limited. To address this, genetic mapping across four canopy levels was conducted in the present study to investigate the genetic control of leaf angle across the canopy. We developed two populations of doubled haploid lines derived from three inbreds with distinct leaf angle phenotypes. These populations were genotyped with genotyping‐by‐sequencing and phenotyped for leaf angle at four different canopy levels over multiple years. To understand how leaf angle changes across the canopy, the four measurements were used to derive three additional traits. Composite interval mapping was conducted with the leaf‐specific measurements and the derived traits. A set of 59 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were uncovered for seven traits, and two genomic regions were consistently detected across multiple canopy levels. Additionally, seven genomic regions were found to contain consistent QTLs with either relatively stable or dynamic effects at different canopy levels. Prioritizing the selection of QTLs with dynamic effects across the canopy will aid breeders in selecting maize hybrids with the ideal canopy architecture that continues to maximize yield on a per area basis under increasing planting densities.
Drugs, Alcohol and Medicine in Sweden
Authors: Eleonorasdotter Emma
Published: December 2023

This background chapter sets the scene for the ethnographic study of Swedish women who use drugs (Part II of this book). It reviews historical and contemporary research on, and cultural representations of, drugs, paying specific attention to class and gender. How drugs first came into use in the Western world is examined under the heading Drug Laws and Drug Culture, and from there how they spread and how different substances and preparations came to be regarded from a legal and moral perspective. Why is alcohol not obviously perceived as a drug, and what roles do class and gender play in the laws and moral positions related to intoxication? Drugs and Women focuses on the legal market for controlled medicines and its connection to women. Why do women use more medicines but fewer illicit drugs than men? This is related to how women’s drug use has been constructed historically, and how the effects of different substances can be related to gender and class. In 1968, the Narcotics Penalty Act came into force in Sweden, and from then onwards, certain drugs became more strictly regulated. The fourth section, Sweden’s Drug Problem from the 1960s Onwards, examines how this happened and explains that illness and social deviation have been two influential perspectives on how drug use is viewed, with roots extending far back in history. This is reflected in the remarkable gap between drug policy and drug research in Sweden since the 1980s, during which period repressive policies have been fiercely debated. The last section, Qualitative Research on People who Use Drugs, looks into studies based on fieldwork and interviews with people who use drugs, especially women. The majority of such studies, and drug research in general, focus on men and on socially marginalised people who use drugs. In this book, I argue that such a focus helps to shape the understanding of drugs and drug use in Sweden. When linked to marginalised people only, moral condemnation of drugs and drug use that builds on that research will be directed towards a specific group of people, rather than particular substances and their use.
Avoiding the Knarkare
Authors: Eleonorasdotter Emma
Published: December 2023

This chapter delves into the most threatening images associated with people who use drugs. The Swedish concept of a knarkare—a person who uses drugs—symbolises dirt and danger and is very similar to the most negative images of the working class. But the knarkare has its own symbols, such as the hypodermic syringe that once signified purity, the opposite of dirt. Feminine representations of the knarkare are linked to perceptions of the sex trade and the whore. I have examined how the participants relate to these cultural perceptions of knarkare and how they move close to it and keep their distance from it during and after using drugs. The problem with the knarkare is that they are commonly portrayed as engaging in harmful and problematic behaviours. The material shows that, in some contexts, it is enough to talk about drug use for someone to transform from a person who uses  drugs into a knarkare, in front of the listener’s eyes.
Regularization in Probabilistic Inductive Logic Programming
Authors: Gentili Elisabetta , Bizzarri Alice , Azzolini Damiano , Zese Riccardo , Riguzzi Fabrizio
Published: December 2023

Probabilistic Logic Programming combines uncertainty and logic-based languages. Liftable Probabilistic Logic Programs have been recently proposed to perform inference in a lifted way. LIFTCOVER is an algorithm used to perform parameter and structure learning of liftable probabilistic logic programs. In particular, it performs parameter learning via Expectation Maximization and LBFGS. In this paper, we present an updated version of LIFTCOVER, called LIFTCOVER+, in which regularization was added to improve the quality of the solutions and LBFGS was replaced by gradient descent. We tested LIFTCOVER+ on the same 12 datasets on which LIFTCOVER was tested and compared the performances in terms of AUC-ROC, AUC-PR, and execution times. Results show that in most cases Expectation Maximization with regularization improves the quality of the solutions.
The Therapeutic Landscape in Chronic Cough
Authors: Smith Jaclyn A.
Published: December 2023

In recent years, there has been a substantial increase in the development of antitussive therapies and the first new therapy, gefapixant has been licenced in Europe. This review describes current unlicenced treatments for chronic cough and details treatments currently in development for refractory chronic cough and cough in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, as well as compounds previously explored.
Effect of Binder Activation on in-Plane Capillary Flow in Multilayer Stacks of Carbon Fiber Fabrics
Authors: Neunkirchen Stefan , Bender Marcel , Schledjewski Ralf
Published: December 2023

Binder/tackifier materials are commonly used in preforming processes to preserve the structural integrity of the preform during processing. In the following resin infusion or injection process, this additional material will influence the resin flow. While the influence on fabric permeability is thoroughly examined in scientific literature, only few studies investigate the capillary behavior. By thermal activation of the binder, the material melts and spreads across the layer’s surface or is imbibed by the rovings.

In this study, capillary rise experiments in planar direction with four different carbon fiber fabrics were performed. The tested stacks were activated at different temperature levels and compressed in a vacuum bag, one of them with additional external pressure in an autoclave. In case of no external pressure, the processing and testing conditions showed a larger influence than binder activation temperature, while autoclave-conditioned specimens showed a decreased capillary rise velocity for all levels of activation temperature. Digital microscopy images of the specimens show that molten binder can create a thin film between the layers, which prevents peripheral flow and thus forces the fluid to rise in the (angulated) capillary tubes inside the rovings.
Effects of a medication adherence app among medically underserved adults with chronic illness: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hartch Christa E. , Dietrich Mary S. , Lancaster B. Jeanette , Stolldorf Deonni P. , Mulvaney Shelagh A.
Published: December 2023

For individuals living with a chronic illness who require use of long-term medications, adherence is a vital aspect of successful symptom management and outcomes. This study investigated the effect of a smartphone app on adherence, self-efficacy, knowledge, and medication social support in a medically underserved adult population with various chronic illnesses. Participants were randomized to a group who used the app for one month or a control group provided with a printed medication list. Compared to the control group, participants receiving the intervention had significantly greater medication adherence (Cohen’s d = -0.52, p = .014) and medication self-efficacy (Cohen’s d = 0.43, p = .035). No significant effects were observed related to knowledge or social support. The findings suggest use of the app could positively impact chronic disease management in a medically underserved population in the United States.
Broad, subjective, relative: the surprising folk concept of basic needs
Authors: Pölzler Thomas , Tomabechi Tobu , Hannikainen Ivar R.
Published: December 2023

Some normative theorists appeal to the concept of basic needs. They argue that when it comes to issues such as global justice, intergenerational justice, human rights or sustainable development our first priority should be that everybody is able to meet these needs. But what are basic needs? We attempt to inform discussions about this question by gathering evidence of ordinary English speakers’ intuitions on the concept of basic needs. First, we defend our empirical approach to analyzing this concept and identify a number of its potential features. Then we present three preregistered empirical studies that were conducted to investigate the extent to which ordinary speakers endorse these features. The studies yield convergent evidence for the following three claims: (1) ordinary speakers sometimes apply the concept of basic needs to necessities for a flourishing (not just a minimally decent) life, (2) most ordinary speakers attribute at least some degree of subjectivity to the concept, and (3) most ordinary speakers attribute at least some degree of relativity to the concept. We discuss the implications of these findings for philosophical analyses of basic needs.
Realizing impossibilities
Authors: Mai Jonathan
Published: December 2023

It is common in epistemic modal logic to model the epistemic states of agents via box operators in the normal logic S5. However, this approach treats agents as logically omniscient by requiring their knowledge to be closed under classical logical consequence. A promising way of avoiding logical omniscience consists in extending epistemic models with impossible states, that is states, where complex formulas are not evaluated recursively. However, this approach faces the dual problem of logical ignorance by modeling agents as not even minimally logically competent. In this paper I will outline an epistemic logic that combines impossible states with dynamic realization modalities akin to the dynamic announcement operators from public announcement logic (PAL). I will show that this epistemic logic avoids both the problem of logical omniscience and the problem of logical ignorance. Furthermore, I prove that so-called successful updates in my logic can be characterized in the same way as in PAL and that a similar logic due to Johan van Benthem can be simulated in my logic. Finally, I will compare my epistemic logic with a similar one, which has recently been advanced by JC Bjerring and Mattias Skipper.
The prevalence of frailty and its effect on the outcome in cardiac resynchronization therapy patients
Authors: Kuthi Luca Katalin , Schwertner Walter Richard , Veres Boglárka , Merkel Eperke Dóra , Masszi Richard , Behon Anett , Kovács Attila , Osztheimer István , Zima Endre , Molnár Levente , Gellér László , Kosztin Annamária , Merkely Béla
Published: December 2023

Frailty is a complex clinical syndrome associated with aging and comorbidities, which correlates with unfavorable outcomes. However, in heart failure patients, frailty is very common, data is scarce about those, who are eligible for Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) implantation. We investigated the incidence of frailty and the association of Frailty Index (FI) with the outcome. Thirty baseline clinical parameters were used by the Rockwood cumulative deficit method to determine patients' FI in our single-center cohort. Based on previous studies, patients with FI ≤ 0.210 were considered as non-frail, those with FI 0.10–0.210 were classified in Frail-1, with FI > 0.10 in Frail-2 groups, respectively. Echocardiographic response after 12 months and all-cause mortality were investigated by frailty groups. Among 1004 included patients, 75 (7%) were considered Non-frail, 271 (27%) grouped in Frail-1, and 658 (66%) in Frail-2 with a median FI of 0.36 (0.28–0.43). Patients in Frail-2 group were older, with more comorbidities compared with non-frail patients or those in Group Frail-1. During the median follow-up time of 4.8 years, 29 (39%) patients died in the Non-frail, 140 (52%) in Frail-1, and 471 (72%) in the Frail-2 groups (log-rank p < 0.001). Group Frail-2 showed an unfavorable outcome compared to the non-frail (HR 2.49, 95%CI 1.92–3.22; p < 0.001) and the Frail-1 group (1.83, 95%CI 1.55–2.16; p < 0.001). In our HFrEF patients eligible for CRT implantation, patients were exceedingly vulnerable with a high prevalence of frailty. The calculated frailty index was associated with outcome and proved to be prevalent in individual risk stratification.
Short repetition time diffusion-weighted imaging improves visualization of prostate cancer
Authors: Higaki Atsushi , Tamada Tsutomu , Kido Ayumu , Takeuchi Mitsuru , Ono Kentaro , Miyaji Yoshiyuki , Yoshida Koji , Sanai Hiroyasu , Moriya Kazunori , Yamamoto Akira
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to assess whether short repetition time (TR) diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) could improve diffusion contrast in patients with prostate cancer (PCa) compared with long TR (conventional) reference standard DWI.

Materials and methods

Our Institutional Review Board approved this retrospective study and waived the need for informed consent. Twenty-five patients with suspected PCa underwent multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mp-MRI) using a 3.0-T system. DWI was performed with TR of 1850 ms (short) and 6000 ms (long) with b-values of 0, 1000, and 2000s/mm2. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), visual score, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and diagnostic performance were compared between short and long TR DWI for both b-values. The statistical tests included paired t-test for SNR and CNR; Wilcoxon signed-rank test for VA; Pearson's correlation and Bland–Altman plot analysis for ADC; and McNemar test and receiver operating characteristic analysis and Delong test for diagnostic performance.

Results

Regarding b1000, CNR and visual score were significantly higher in short TR compared with long TR (P = .003 and P = .002, respectively), without significant difference in SNR (P = .21). Considering b2000, there was no significant difference in visual score between short and long TR (P = .07). However, SNR and CNR in long TR were higher (P = .01 and P = .04, respectively). ADC showed significant correlations, without apparent bias for ADC between short and long TR for both b-values. For diagnostic performance of DWI between short and long TR for both b-values, one out of five readers noted a significant difference, with the short TR for both b-values demonstrating superior performance.

Conclusions

Our data showed that the short TR DWI1000 may provide better image quality than did the long TR DWI1000 and may improve visualization and diagnostic performance of PCa for readers.
Estimation reference crop evapotranspiration (ET0) using artificial intelligence model in an arid climate with external data
Authors: Bidabadi Mohaddeseh , Babazadeh Hossein , Shiri Jalal , Saremi Ali
Published: December 2023

Water resource management and crop growth control require the calculation of reference evapotranspiration (ET0), but meteorological data can often be incomplete, necessitating models with minimal inputs. This study was conducted in Iran’s arid synoptic stations of Sirjan and Kerman, where data scarcity is severe. Penman–Monteith FAO-56 was selected as the target data for modeling artificial neural network (ANN), fuzzy neural adaptive inference system (ANFIS), and ANN-gray wolf optimization (ANN-GWO). The performance of these models was evaluated using an input dataset consisting of the current station’s minimum and maximum temperatures, ET0, and the wind speed of the nearby station (external data) in three different combinations. The models’ accuracy was assessed using two widely used criteria: root mean square error (RMSE) and coefficient of determination (R2), as well as the empirical Hargreaves equation. In the absence of climatic data, the ANFIS, ANN, and ANN-GWO methods using minimum and maximum temperatures, which are relatively easier to estimate, outperformed the empirical Hargreaves equation method in both stations. The results demonstrate that the ANFIS method performed better than ANN and ANN-GWO in all three input combinations. All three methods showed improvement when external data (wind speed and ET0 of the adjacent station) were used. Ultimately, the ANFIS method using minimum and maximum temperatures and the adjacent station’s ET0 in Kerman and Sirjan yielded the best results, with an RMSE of 0.33 and 0.36, respectively.
Economic evaluation for anoxic biological system integrated with external membrane for pharmaceutical wastewater treatment
Authors: Al Bazedi Ghada , Abdallah Heba , Ali Sahar S. , Shalaby Marwa , Sabry Rania M. , Ali Hanaa M. , Gadallah Hanaa
Published: December 2023

The integrated system of biological treatment (anoxic /activated sludge ) and ultrafiltration membrane economic study was investigated. The biological treatment results indicate that the performance of pharmaceutical industrial wastewater treatment using  activated sludge with an anoxic zone was enhanced by increasing the ability of the pre-acclimatized activated sludge to degrade organic compounds in the industrial wastewater. The residues compounds from biologically treated water were treated by UF membrane and gave a separation efficiency of 99.4%. The results indicate that using the (anoxic /activated sludge) biological treatment step as a pretreatment step before the membrane can provide high-efficiency removal of the contamination of all drug compounds in the wastewater. An economic evaluation of the system was investigated and the calculations indicate that the unit capital cost of the estimated system per cubic meter was 1.27 $/m3, which was lower than the estimated traditional cost.
On the Filippov-Ważewski relaxation theorem for a certain class of fractional differential inclusions
Authors: Sadowski Jacek
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this text is to propose an attempt of an extension of the Filippov-Ważewski Relaxation Theorem for a certain class of fractional differential inclusions. The classical result devoted to ordinary differential inclusions is a part of the qualitative theory: a description of the relationship between the solutions to the differential inclusion and the convexified differential inclusion was given. There exist several generalizations of that result and in this note a method is proposed so that the range of some parameters is extended. An example of a possible application may arise in control theory and the question is whether it is possible to have the same reachable set economizing the set of controls.
Influence of agriculture on surface water quality in three lentic environments in a conservation unit of Brazil
Authors: de Jesus Santos M. J. , de Paula Laranja R. E.
Published: December 2023

The use of agricultural inputs (AIs) without technical criteria can affect the quality of water sources and impact the biota present in these environments. This research sought to verify whether there was contamination in the surface water bodies of three lentic environments in a fully protected conservation unit in Brazil, called Estação Ecológica de Águas Emendadas (ESECAE), originating from agricultural activity near its perimeter. The ESECAE is the source of water bodies that flow into important hydrographic basins in Brazil and South America. Water quality parameters (WQPs) related to the use of AIs were selected and evaluated to assess compliance with regulatory provisions regarding the priority use of water at the study site. The analysis of the results revealed that in some situations, these parameters exceeded the normative limit in some samples and that, in general, the transport of contaminants originating from rainfall occurred. Total phosphorus (TP) values were high, exceeding regulatory concentration limits in multiple analyses. Consequently, eutrophication processes were verified in these environments. The eutrophic environments favored the proliferation of aquatic macrophytes, such as the invasive species Hyparrhenia rufa. TP concentrations increased during the dry season in these environments. In this context, a process related to the dynamics of phosphorus in aquatic lentic environments under certain conditions was observed. In conclusion, this research highlights the importance of monitoring WQPs in different periods to better assess water quality and to understand contaminant dynamics.
Rationalization of Ring Fragmentation Data via Simple Kinetic Energy Analysis
Authors: Robson J. D.
Published: December 2023

The available data on fragmentation of alloy rings at high strain rate has been reviewed and analysed with reference to a classical statistical and energetic model. The data have also been compared to a simple calculation based on the specific kinetic energy of the ring. It is shown that fragmentation data for alloys with over a 20 times difference in strength and 7 times difference in density scatter around a single curve when plotted as a function of specific kinetic energy over a wide range of strain rates. A fit to this curve therefore provides an approximate estimate of the expected fragment number for any ductile metal without requiring any detailed knowledge about the constitutive behaviour or defect population. This fit is better than a prediction based on the classical statistical model, and similar to that for the energetic model, which also requires a knowledge of the fragmentation fracture energy. The observation that specific kinetic energy alone can explain much of the difference observed between alloys suggest that the energy in the system is more important that details of the alloy microstructure or properties in controlling the number of fragments for a material that fails by ductile fracture. The fit does not work for a case where one alloy was heat treated to a condition where brittle failure occurred.
The Influence of Boron (B), Tin (Sn), Copper (Cu), and Manganese (Mn) on the Microstructure of Spheroidal Graphite Irons
Authors: Bugten A. V. , Sanders P. , Hartung C. , Logan R. , Di Sabatino M. , Michels L.
Published: December 2023

Most spheroidal graphite irons (SGIs) have a matrix consisting of ferrite, pearlite, or a mix of the two. To achieve the desired matrix composition, pearlite promoters such as Mn, Cu, or Sn, are added to the molten metal. Among these elements, Sn is the most potent pearlite promoter. However, each has a different impact on the solidification, graphite precipitation, eutectoid transformation, and ultimately the final structure of the material. Research has shown that B promotes ferrite in fully pearlitic grades where Cu and Mn were used to promote pearlite. The present work investigates the effect of B in SGI with additions of Sn, Cu, and Mn, and the effects of varying amounts of the different pearlite promoters on the matrix composition. The results show that Mn alone at levels of approximately 0.9 wt% is not enough to promote a fully pearlitic matrix, while 0.5 wt% Cu combined with 0.67 wt% Mn is sufficient. Likewise, a fully pearlitic microstructure can be obtained by alloying with 0.06 wt% Sn and 0.67 wt% Mn. B was found to promote ferrite in fully pearlitic SGI alloyed with Sn or Cu. However, in the absence of those elements, B promoted pearlite when alloyed with just Mn. Graphite protrusions were observed on the graphite nodule surface only for B-added alloys with Sn and Cu. In these cases, it is believed B promotes ferrite by changing the growth mechanism of graphite after solidification from spherical to lamellar. However, a different graphite morphology is observed when B is added with just Mn. Thermal analysis data is in agreement with the microstructural observations regarding the ferrite promoting effect of B.
Automorphic products that are singular modulo primes
Authors: Wang Haowu , Williams Brandon
Published: December 2023

We use Rankin–Cohen brackets on $$\textrm{O}(n, 2)$$

O
(
n
,
2
)

to prove that the Fourier coefficients of reflective Borcherds products often satisfy congruences modulo certain primes.
Diabetes mellitus increases risk of adverse drug reactions and death in hospitalised older people: the SENATOR trial
Authors: Chinmayee Anagha , Subbarayan Selvarani , Myint Phyo Kyaw , Cherubini Antonio , Cruz-Jentoft Alfonso J. , Petrovic Mirko , Gudmundsson Adalsteinn , Byrne Stephen , O’Mahony Denis , Soiza Roy L.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in older people. Older people with diabetes mellitus may be at especially high risk of ADRs but this risk has not been well studied. This study aimed to compare severity and type of ADRs in hospitalised, multimorbid older people with and without diabetes and secondly to assess the impact of ADRs on mortality, rehospitalisation and length of stay.

Methods

Participants in the SENATOR (Software Engine for the Assessment and optimization of drug and non-drug Therapy in Older peRsons) trial were assessed for 12 common and ‘other’ prevalent and incident adverse drug reactions using a blinded end-point adjudication process. Descriptive analyses, logistic regression and mediation analyses were undertaken.

Results

Of 1537 people in the SENATOR trial, 540 (35.1%) had diabetes mellitus (mean age 77.4 ± 7.3 years, 58.5% male). In the total population, 773 prevalent and 828 incident ADRs were reported. Both prevalent and incident symptomatic hypoglycaemia and incident acute kidney injury (AKI) were significantly more common in people with diabetes (p < 0.05). Patients with diabetes had higher all-cause mortality at 12 weeks than those without (9.1% vs 6.3%, p = 0.04). Mediation analysis revealed that mortality was significantly higher (OR = 1.43, Sobel test p = 0.048) in people with diabetes and ADRs causing AKI.

Conclusions

Older multimorbid people with diabetes presenting to hospital with acute illness have significantly more ADRs than those without, and a significantly higher mortality that is mediated by medication-associated AKI and poorer renal function.
Cooperation dynamics in public goods games with evolving cognitive bias
Authors: Quan Ji , Li Haoze , Wang Xianjia
Published: December 2023

It has been proved that cognitive biases widely exist in various social realities and lead to unprecedented consequences by affecting individual judgment and decision-making processes in distinct ways. To further explore the influence of changeable cognitive bias, we introduce a heterogeneous population and learning process that can be influenced by cognitive bias into the threshold public goods game (TPGG). Specifically, additional parameters describing the heterogeneity and updating speed of bias are employed. The combined effects of bias and the inherent parameters in the TPGG model on the evolution of cooperation are explored. Numerical simulation results show that the heterogeneity of cognitive bias exhibits diametrically opposite effects when the threshold is relatively low and high, and the effect of incentives based on fixed reward and adjustable punishment are distorted by heterogeneous cognitive biases as well. In addition, the process of social learning forces individuals to update their beliefs toward the direction of obtaining a higher payoff. Different learning rates eventually lead to distinct levels of cooperation by changing the distribution of cognitive bias when the population reaches the evolutionary steady state. Our work extends the research framework on cognitive bias from the perspective of population heterogeneity and explores the impact of individuals' learning ability on personal bias and cooperative behavior.
Attachment insecurity and dysfunctional identity as contributors to pathological narcissism, and mediators of adverse parenting
Authors: Kealy David , Ogrodniczuk John S.
Published: December 2023

Identifying personality features underlying pathological narcissism is important for informing treatment of pathological narcissism. The present study investigated both attachment insecurity and dysfunctional identity in relation to pathological narcissism, beyond five-factor personality traits, among 392 online responders. A proposed mediation model was also examined regarding indirect effects of perceived adverse parenting on pathological narcissism through attachment insecurity and dysfunctional identity. Attachment anxiety and dysfunctional identity were significant predictors of pathological narcissism after controlling for the effects of five-factor traits and age. Attachment anxiety and dysfunctional identity also mediated the association between perceived adverse parenting and pathological narcissism. These findings contribute to the conceptualization of pathological narcissism as involving an insecure, anxious attachment style and an impaired self-concept.