bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of a Two‐Strain Model With Vaccination, General Incidence Rate, and Nonlocal Diffusion
Authors: Nic‐May Arturo J. , Avila‐Vales Eric J.
Published: January 2025

In this paper, we studied a two‐strain model with vaccination, general incidence rate, and nonlocal diffusion. In this model, it is considered that those vaccinated can become infected with either strain and that those removed individuals with respect to strain 1 can become infected with strain 2 (partial cross‐immunity). We prove that solution exists and is unique, bounded, and positive, and there exists a disease‐free steady state. The basic reproduction number is defined, and the existence of principal eigenvalue is studied. For , we prove the disease‐free steady state is globally asymptotically stable, and when , the disease‐free steady state is unstable. We also prove the uniform persistence of the system. Four steady states were obtained, and it was shown that the existence of each of the steady state depends on 4 threshold quantities and we used a Lyapunov approach to prove the global stability of the steady state under certain assumptions. The results are confirmed using some graphical representations.
Excess Risk Bound for Deep Learning Under Weak Dependence
Authors: Kengne William
Published: January 2025

This paper considers deep neural networks for learning weakly dependent processes in a general framework that includes, for instance, regression estimation, time series prediction, time series classification. The ‐weak dependence structure considered is quite large and covers other conditions such as mixing, association, and so on. Firstly, the approximation of smooth functions by deep neural networks with a broad class of activation functions is considered. We derive the required depth, width and sparsity of a deep neural network to approximate any Hölder smooth function, defined on any compact set . Secondly, we establish a bound of the excess risk for the learning of weakly dependent observations by deep neural networks. When the target function is sufficiently smooth, this bound is close to the usual .
Preparation and characterization of jute cellulose nanocrystals using tetrabutylammonium fluoride and dimethyl sulfoxide solutions
Authors: Sheikh Shamsuzzaman , Hirogaki Kazumasa , Irie Satoshi , Nakane Koji
Published: January 2025

This study reports the efficient extraction of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and preparation of self‐reinforced CNC films from scoured and bleached jute fibers using a unique solvent system combining tetrabutylammonium fluoride and dimethyl sulfoxide and compare the outcomes with commercial nanocellulose. The dissolution time of jute fiber was only 1.5 h at 90°C, which is the shortest time compared to all other methods. Morphological examinations revealed compact agglomeration structures of CNCs under SEM observation. TEM analysis determined an average diameter of 12–45 nm and 8–43 nm for scoured and bleached jute CNCs, respectively. The crystallinity was measured at 79.14% for scoured and 73.59% for bleached jute CNCs. TGA results indicated suitable thermal stability of the produced jute CNCs, demonstrating stability up to 210°C before starting cellulose decomposition. The prepared scoured and bleached jute CNC films exhibited a higher ultimate tensile strength of 18.89 and 42.07 MPa, with elongation at break 27.62% and 56.07%, respectively, making it a suitable solution and eco‐friendly film for packaging applications. Compared to commercial nanocellulose, extracted jute CNCs show identical properties. They are expected to be used as reinforcement with other polymers in nanocomposite films for packaging, coating, pharmaceutical, and biomedical applications.

Highlights

Jute CNCs and self‐reinforced CNC films are attained using the TBAF/DMSO solvent system.

The jute fiber completes rapid dissolution in 1.5 h at 90°C, the shortest time compared to all other methods.

The scoured and bleached jute CNCs exhibit average diameters of 12–45 nm and 8–43 nm, with crystallinity of 79.14% and 73.59%, respectively.

The fabricated scoured and bleached jute CNC films display ultimate tensile strength of 18.89 and 42.07 MPa and elongation at break 27.62% and 56.07%.
Copolymer Synthesis of N‐Vinylacetamide and 2‐Methylene‐1,3‐Dioxepane Provides a New Degradable Polymer
Authors: Pamungkas Mukmin Sapto , Ando Tsuyoshi , Ajiro Hiroharu
Published: January 2025

N‐vinylamides, especially noncyclic N‐vinylacetamide (NVA), have been used in various applications such as biomaterials, surfactants, and hydrogels. However, their potential to copolymerize with cyclic ketene acetal (CKA) to create degradable polymers is underexplored. Much research has been done on 2‐methylene‐1,3‐dioxepane (MDO), a seven‐membered CKA, and its ability to introduce ester groups into copolymers. It also demonstrates a higher propensity for ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) than its six‐ and five‐membered analogs. This research employs radical ring‐opening polymerization to synthesize poly(NVA‐co‐MDO) copolymers, which incorporate ester units in their backbone. We have successfully synthesized a degradable copolymer of poly(NVA‐co‐MDO) with 9.5% MDO incorporated into the copolymer using a free radical initiator, 2,2′‐azobis(isobutyronitrile) at 60°C for 15 min in bulk polymerization. The resulting copolymers exhibit degradation under alkaline conditions, making them a promising candidate for environmentally friendly materials. This work represents a step forward in developing degradable polymers with potential in biomedical and industrial applications.
Probing the Active Nitrogen Species in Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanozymes for Enhanced Oxidase‐Like Activity
Authors: Liu Yang , Pan Yue , Zhang Yunhang , Han Site , Ni Shou‐Qing , Wang Yifeng , Boczkaj Grzegorz , Kong Lingshuai , Zhan Jinhua
Published: January 2025

Nitrogen doping emerges as a potent approach to enhance the oxidase‐like activity of carbon nanozymes. However, the unclear knowledge of the active nitrogen species within nitrogen‐doped carbon nanozymes hinders the advancement of high‐performance carbon nanozymes. Herein, a group of nitrogen‐doped carbon (N/C) nanozymes with controllable nitrogen dopants are successfully synthesized via a dicyandiamide‐assisted pyrolysis method. The intrinsic connection between different nitrogen configurations (pyridinic N, pyrrolic N, and graphitic N) in N/C nanozymes and the oxidase‐like performance are experimentally investigated. The results confirm pyridinic N is the active nitrogen species in N/C nanozymes for enhanced oxidase‐like activity. Theoretical calculations further reveal the potential regulatory mechanism is pyridinic N can increase the local charge density of neighboring carbon atoms and accelerate the adsorption and activation of molecular oxygen. Notably, the optimized N/C nanozyme with the highest pyridinic N ratio presents impressive oxidase‐like performance, surpassing most of the previously reported oxidase‐like materials. Moreover, the optimized N/C nanozyme exhibits excellent antibacterial properties and can be easily incorporated into common medical and hygiene products to give them spontaneous antibacterial properties. The work will facilitate the rational design of carbon nanozymes with high‐performance oxidase‐like activity for applications in the antibacterial field.
Efficiently Re‐Utilizing the High‐Value Metals in the Spent LiNi1−x−yMnxCoyO2 for the Trifunctional Electrocatalysts by a Novel One‐Pot Method
Authors: Chen Genman , Zhang Xin , Gu Yaozong , Jian Jiafang , Zhang Qiuju , Wang Qin , Zheng Da , Xia Lan , Wang Jianxin , Miao He , Yuan Jinliang
Published: January 2025

Traditional hydrometallurgy methods for recycling the spent lithium‐ion battery materials face some challenges, including the complex processes, and difficulties in separating Ni/Co/Mn. To address these issues, this work proposes a simple one‐pot method to achieve a high Li leaching efficiency (99.2%) and simultaneously transform the majority of Ni (99.5%) and Co (99.9%) into a high‐performance multifunctional electrocatalyst (LNMCO‐HS‐180). LNMCO‐HS‐180 with single‐phase structure shows a hollow microsphere morphology. LNMCO‐HS‐180 can efficiently catalyze the oxygen reduction (ORR), oxygen evolution (OER), and methanol oxidation reactions (MOR), with the ORR half‐wave potential of 0.732 V and, OER potential of 1.469 V at 10 mA cm−2. This is mainly attributed to the unique hollow microsphere morphology, suitable Ni/Co/Mn oxidation states, and reduction in the free energy barriers for OER and ORR. Additionally, LNMCO‐HS‐180 exhibits an MOR potential of only 1.43 V at 100 mA cm−2 and excellent formate selectivity (>99%).
Computational Efficient General Convolutional Layer Selection for Transfer Learning
Authors: Di Xiao , Li Bingnan , Song Wenzhan , Ke Yuan
Published: January 2025

This paper studies the transfer learning problem for convolutional neural network models. A phase transition phenomenon has been empirically validated: The convolutional layer shifts from general to specific with respect to the target task as its depth increases. The paper suggests measuring the generality of convolutional layers through an easy‐to‐compute and tuning‐free statistic named projection correlation. The non‐asymptotic upper bounds for the estimation error of the proposed generality measure have been provided. Based on this generality measure, the paper proposes a forward‐adding‐layer‐selection algorithm to select general layers. The algorithm aims to find a cut‐off in the pre‐trained model according to where the phase transition from general to specific happens. Then, we propose to transfer only the general layers as specific layers can cause overfitting issues and hence hurt the prediction performance. The proposed algorithm is computationally efficient and can consistently estimate the true beginning of phase transition under mild conditions. Its superior empirical performance has been justified by various numerical experiments.
A Policy Framework to Mainstream the Water–Food–Energy–Environment Nexus Into Water Resources Management
Authors: EL‐Gafy Inas , Mohamady Sherif , Grigg Neil , Al Zayed Islam Sabry
Published: January 2025

Intertwined forces such as climate change, population growth, and economic development are increasingly straining the global supply of water, energy, and food. This issue necessitates integrated, sustainable solutions harmonizing environmental stewardship, economic progress, and human well‐being. The challenging task of developing policies for resource management that avoid conflicting goals and foster security in different sectors requires an inclusive policy that considers views of all sectors in an integrated manner. The water–food–energy–environment nexus (WFEEN) provides the needed integrated framework to support multi‐level strategies to face challenges such as population growth, climate change, and socio‐economic changes. This integrated framework must be mainstreamed into water resources management at different levels, including the farm, national, and regional levels, to ensure effectiveness and a positive impact on the economy, society, and the environment. This paper explains the development of the framework for policy development to enable the needed mainstreaming. The concept adopts four principles to balance social, economic, and environmental dimensions: the optimal use of resources, environment preservation, community development, and mitigation and adaptation of climate change. This paper illustrates how promoting integration between the four sectors maximizes the benefits, improves the use of resources, and achieves environmental, economic, and social sustainability at the different levels.
Basalt grid reinforcement of lightweight plywood
Authors: Cordier Marcus , Mai Carsten
Published: January 2025

By using basalt fibre grids as a reinforcing material, lightweight plywood with improved bending properties could be produced by using low density hardwood veneers and phenol-formaldehyde (PF) adhesives. The improvement in flexural strength would allow it to be used in a wider range of load-bearing applications. In this study, acrylate-coated basalt fibre grids with a grammage of 200g m

$$^{-2}$$

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2

and uncoated basalt fibre grids with a grammage of 116g m

$$^{-2}$$

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2

were inserted into the outer glue joints of five-layer lime (Tilia cordata) plywood as reinforcement. The plywood was bonded with two formulations of PF adhesive. The evaluation of the mechanical properties showed increases for the modulus of rupture (MOR) and the modulus of elasticity (MOE). The increase in MOR was up to 25% in the parallel direction of the top layers and up to 49% in the perpendicular direction of the top layers for plywood reinforced with the acrylate-coated basalt fibre grid compared to the unreinforced reference in a raw density-adjusted comparison. After treatment to evaluate moisture resistance under cyclic test conditions (MR), the reinforced plywoods exhibited similar bending strength to the unreinforced reference after standardised climate conditioning. At the same time, the addition of coated basalt fibre grid had no effect on surface soundness (SS). Therefore, the use of coated basalt grid as a reinforcing material could be a good way to produce high-strength plywood using low-density hardwood veneers.
Can PSMA PET detect intratumour heterogeneity in histological PSMA expression of primary prostate cancer? Analysis of [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 and [18F]PSMA-1007
Authors: Waibel Philipp Moritz Adrian , Glavynskyi Ievgen , Fechter Tobias , Mix Michael , Kind Felix , Sigle August , Jilg Cordula Annette , Gratzke Christian , Werner Martin , Schilling Oliver , Bronsert Peter , Freitag Martin Thomas , Zamboglou Constantinos , Grosu Anca-Ligia , Spohn Simon Konrad Benedikt
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Prostate-specific membrane-antigen positron emission tomography (PSMA PET) is a promising candidate for non-invasive characterization of prostate cancer (PCa). This study evaluated whether PET with tracers [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 or [18F]PSMA-1007 is capable to depict intratumour heterogeneity of histological PSMA expression.

Methods

Thirty-five patients with biopsy-proven primary PCa without evidence of metastatic disease nor prior interventions were prospectively enrolled. All patients underwent PSMA PET combined with computer tomography (CT) with either [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 (cohort I, 20 patients) or [18F]PSMA-1007 (cohort II, 15 patients) followed by radical prostatectomy. Specimens were scanned by ex-vivo CT and histologically prepared. On digitized whole-mount prostate sections, PCa areas with different morphologies were manually defined and H-Score of immunohistochemical PSMA expression was calculated with assistance by artificial intelligence (AI). PCa areas with similar H-Score were unified in segmentation on ex-vivo CT. After co-registration on PSMA PET-CT, Spearman’s coefficients of PSMA expression to mean and maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmean and SUVmax) were calculated. Furthermore, the agreement of the co-registered tumour areas to gross tumour volume (GTV) in PSMA PET was analysed.

Results

Thirty-two patients were included in the final analysis. For histological PCa areas, immunohistochemical PSMA expression correlated significantly to SUVmean and SUVmax (p < 0.001, p = 0.001). An approximate linear correlation between H-Score and SUVmean / SUVmax was found for tumour areas larger than 400 μm² in histology (p < 0.001). Tumour areas with strong PSMA expression showed a significantly larger overlap to GTV in PSMA PET after co-registration than tumour areas with very low PSMA expression (p < 0.01). No significant differences were found between the two tracer cohorts (p = 0.72).

Conclusion

PSMA PET with both [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 or [18F]PSMA-1007 is able to detect changes in histological PSMA expression within PCa lesions allowing biologically targeted radiotherapy.
Collaborating with mathematicians to use active learning in university mathematics courses: the importance of attending to mathematicians’ obligations
Authors: Johnson Estrella , Weber Keith , Fukawa-Connelly Timothy Patrick , Mahmoudian Hamidreza , Carbone Lisa
Published: January 2025

In this paper, we discuss our experience in collaborating with mathematicians to increase their use of active learning pedagogy in a proof-based linear algebra course. The mathematicians we worked with valued using active learning pedagogy to increase student engagement but were reluctant to use active learning pedagogy due to time constraints. Our mathematicians perceived obligations in their teaching that increased the time it would take to implement some of the active learning pedagogy that we suggested, leading them to view this pedagogy as inviable. By attending to mathematicians’ obligations, we were able to design active learning strategies that met the interests and needs of the mathematics educators and mathematicians collaborating on this project.
Receiver design for the REACH global 21-cm signal experiment
Authors: Roque Ian L. V. , Razavi-Ghods Nima , Carey Steven H. , Ely John A. , Handley Will , Magro Alessio , Chiello Riccardo , Huang Tian , Alexander P. , Anstey D. , Bernardi G. , Bevins H. T. J. , Cavillot J. , Croukamp W. , Cumner J. , de Lera Acedo E. , de Villiers D. I. L. , Fialkov A. , Gessey-Jones T. , Gueuning Q. , Josaitis A. T. , Kulkarni G. , Leeney S. A. K. , Maiolino R. , Meerburg P. D. , Mittal S. , Pagano M. , Pegwal S. , Pieterse C. , Pritchard J. R. , Saxena A. , Scheutwinkel K. H. , Scott P. , Shen E. , Sims P. H. , Smirnov O. , Spinelli M. , Zarb-Adami K.
Published: January 2025

We detail the REACH radiometric system designed to enable measurements of the 21-cm neutral hydrogen line. Included is the radiometer architecture and end-to-end system simulations as well as a discussion of the challenges intrinsic to highly-calibratable system development. Following this, we share laboratory results based on the calculation of noise wave parameters utilising an over-constrained least squares approach. For five hours of integration on a custom-made source with comparable impedance to that of the antenna used in the field, we demonstrate a calibration RMSE of 80 mK. This paper therefore documents the state of the calibrator and data analysis in December 2022 in Cambridge before shipping to South Africa.
A Concurrent Validity Study of the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL) and the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Developmental Inventory (CDI) in Infants with an Elevated Likelihood or Diagnosis of Autism
Authors: Belteki Z. , Ward E. K. , Begum-Ali J. , van den Boomen C. , Bölte S. , Buitelaar J. , Charman T. , Demurie E. , Falck-Ytter T. , Hunnius S. , Johnson M. H. , Jones E. J. H. , Oosterling I. , Pasco G. , Pijl M. K. J. , Radkowska A. , Rudling M. , Tomalski P. , Warreyn P. , Junge C. , Haman E.
Published: January 2025

Infants at elevated likelihood for or later diagnosed with autism typically have smaller vocabularies than their peers, as shown by the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL) and the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Developmental Inventory (CDI). However, the extent to which MSEL and CDI scores align remains unclear, especially across clinical and non-clinical populations. This study examined whether the concurrent validity of the MSEL and CDI differs based on autism likelihood and diagnosis. Data from 720 14-month-old infants were analysed, grouped by likelihood (elevated vs. typical) and diagnosis at 36 months (diagnosed vs. not diagnosed). Vocabulary scores were compared across both likelihood and diagnostic groups. Moderate correlations were observed between the MSEL and CDI in most groups (rs range = [.34–.58]). One exception was that the expressive scores of elevated likelihood infants on the MSEL and CDI were more closely associated than the expressive scores of typical likelihood infants. Diagnosed infants had lower vocabulary scores than non-diagnosed peers on both the MSEL and CDI. The elevated likelihood group showed lower scores on the MSEL but not the CDI compared to typical likelihood infants. The moderate correlations suggest that the MSEL and CDI assess different aspects of language in infancy. These associations were weaker than previously reported in autistic children. Differences in vocabulary scores across likelihood and diagnostic groups highlight the need for further research to understand the association between these measures.
Universal Mental Health Screening in Schools: How Acceptable is this to Key Stakeholders? A Systematic Review
Authors: Palmer Colin , Kane Julie , Patterson Paul , Tuomainen Helena
Published: January 2025

Universal mental health screening (UMHS) in schools has strong potential to support early identification of mental health problems in young people. Despite likely benefits implementation remains low, with the lack of evidence regarding acceptability of screening to key stakeholders a contributing factor. We systematically assessed the current evidence base for acceptability of UMHS in schools and its status within key stakeholder groups. MEDLINE, Embase, PyschINFO, Education Research Complete, ASSIA, and Web of Knowledge were searched for relevant articles. All study types collecting acceptability UMHS in schools were included spanning three key stakeholder groups as informants. Articles were assessed for quality using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool with outcome data assessed via narrative synthesis and standardised scoring employing the Theoretical Framework for Acceptability Questionnaire. Our review identified 28 studies representing 11,854 informants providing acceptability data on universal mental health screening in schools. Quality of studies varied and designs heterogenous, with wide variation in how acceptability was defined and measured resulting in a weak evidence base. Only 8 studies employed validated acceptability measures. We found some evidence of moderate to high acceptability for all stakeholders, especially school staff, however overall data on acceptability is limited. Of particular concern is a paucity of acceptability data for young people, especially primary school pupils. Schools should consider assessing pupil perspectives on acceptability outside of screening to further understand drivers of non-participation and mitigate any risks of exacerbating health inequalities.
Fair prediction sets through multi-objective hyperparameter optimization
Authors: García-Galindo Alberto , López-De-Castro Marcos , Armañanzas Rubén
Published: January 2025

The widespread implementation of machine learning in safety-critical domains has raised ethical concerns regarding algorithmic discrimination. In such settings, the integration of fairness-aware algorithms with uncertainty quantification tools enables the development of reliable and safe decision-making. In this paper, we introduce a novel methodology that combines conformal prediction, offering rigorous prediction sets, with multi-objective optimization via evolutionary learning. The proposed meta-algorithm optimizes the hyperparameter configuration of classifiers to produce confidence predictors that balance efficiency and equalized coverage guarantees, addressing fairness concerns related to sensitive attributes. We empirically evaluate our methodology with four real-world problems and demonstrate its efficacy in exploring this trade-off and producing a repertoire of Pareto optimal conformal predictors. In this way, our contribution offers different modeling alternatives from which to choose depending on the policy adopted by stakeholders, thus illustrating its capability to enhance equitable decision-making.
Approximations that matter: virtual particles as carriers of interactions
Authors: Cangiotti Nicolò , Arioli Gianni , Valente Giovanni
Published: January 2025

In this paper we aim to develop an indispensability argument in support of the existence of virtual particles in scattering processes. In order to avoid the Paradox of Infinite Limits, which allegedly poses a challenge to scientific realism, one needs to de-idealize the fictitious systems introduced by the two limiting procedures employed in the perturbation scheme, namely the infinite expansion in Dyson series and the limits for negative and positive infinite times associated with the assumption of free particles. We show that these limits do not introduce essential idealizations, in agreement with scientific realism. What is more, according to our argument, unobservable virtual particles arise as essential approximations and they should be interpreted as propagators of the interaction responsible for subatomic scattering. As such, their existence is based on the use of approximations that matter.
Automatic positioning of cutting planes for bone tumor resection surgery
Authors: Romanelli Alessio , Servi Michaela , Buonamici Francesco , Volpe Yary
Published: January 2025

In bone tumor resection surgery, patient-specific cutting guides aid the surgeon in the resection of a precise part of the bone. Despite the use of automation methodologies in surgical guide modeling, to date, the placement of cutting planes is a manual task. This work presents an algorithm for the automatic positioning of cutting planes to reduce healthy bone resected and thus improve post-operative outcomes. The algorithm uses particle swarm optimization to search for the optimal positioning of points defining a cutting surface composed of planes parallel to a surgical approach direction. The quality of a cutting surface is evaluated by an objective function that considers two key variables: the volumes of healthy bone resected and tumor removed. The algorithm was tested on three tumor cases in long bone epiphyses (two tibial, one humeral) with varying plane numbers. Optimal optimization parameters were determined, with varying parameters through iterations providing lower mean and standard deviation of the objective function. Initializing particle swarm optimization with a plausible cutting surface configuration further improved stability and minimized healthy bone resection. Future work is required to reach 3D optimization of the planes positioning, further improving the solution.

Graphical Abstract
Grinding Performance Evaluation of Additively Manufactured Vitrified Bond Grinding Wheel: Tool Wear, Grinding Force, Surface Roughness, and Surface Topography Analysis
Authors: Barmouz Mohsen , Azarhoushang Bahman
Published: January 2025

Additive manufacturing processes have revolutionized the tool fabrication process by offering unique advantages, including rapid prototyping, reduced material waste, easy customization, and a wide range of materials. This study leverages vat photopolymerization (VPP) technology to fabricate a high-porosity (53%) vitrified grinding wheel with a high abrasive concentration (C200). The high porosity of the material benefits coolant flow, chip clearance, and thermal management, which are essential for reducing grinding forces, extending the tool's lifespan, and enhancing the surface quality of the material being processed. A series of comprehensive experiments have been conducted to evaluate the performance of printed grinding wheels. The results from the grinding experiments showed that the fabricated grinding wheel exhibited excellent performance, achieving ground parts with smooth surfaces (Ra = 0.45 µm for a material removal volume of 62.5 mm3), high accuracy (tool wear of up to 40 µm for the same volume), and stable grinding conditions (grinding force of 5 N). Additionally, the grinding wheel demonstrated reduced loading and extended tool life, particularly at lower material removal volumes. A comparison of various grinding parameters revealed that utilizing a depth of cut of 25µm caused more advantages for grinding performance than a lower depth of cut at the same material removal rate. This combination resulted in higher surface quality (25% less Ra value), reduced tool wear (18–50% less wear), decreased wheel loading, and a more uniform surface.
Lumping and Splitting, Hierarchies and Ceilings
Authors: Conroy-Krutz Emily
Published: January 2025

I have been eagerly awaiting the publication of Heathen: Religion and Race in American History ever since I first heard that Kathryn Gin Lum was working on a long history of “heathens” in US history. I had, at the time, just finished my first book, Christian Imperialism: Converting the World in the Early American Republic (Cornell, 2015), and I had been doing a lot of thinking about “heathens” in nineteenth-century American culture. Specifically, I had trying to understand how white Protestant missionaries understood the concepts of heathenism, civilization, and conversion, and how these ideas shaped their decision-making about where they should focus their evangelistic attention. In Christian Imperialism, I argued that missionaries understood “the heathen world” to be a big place, but they did not understand all heathens to be equally heathenish. Some were more civilized than others, and thus made better candidates for conversion – and, as I found, those who were more “civilized” tended to be in or on the margins of Anglo-American empire. I called the rubric that missionaries used to judge the relative heathenism of different populations the “hierarchy of heathenism.” But I still had a lot of questions, and I hoped that Lum's work would answer them. I have not been disappointed.
Minding the gap: Similarity-based interference in L1 and L2 processing of long-distance Wh-dependencies
Authors: Solaimani Ehsan
Published: January 2025

A central question in the second language (L2) processing literature has been whether and under what conditions readers reactivate copies of syntactic movement operations at structurally defined gap sites. The present study contributes to the debate by examining the role of similarity-based interference in processing intermediate copies in long-distance dependencies with either three similar description noun phrases (NPs) (the nurse, the doctor, the patient) or two similar (the nurse, the doctor) and one dissimilar NP (John). Sixty-nine advanced L2 readers of English with either French (+ wh-movement) or Persian (− wh-movement) as their L1 and 33 native English readers (+ wh-movement) participated in a self-paced reading task involving long-distance dependencies. The results indicate that L2 readers process wh-dependencies in the same way as native readers, both in structures with similar and dissimilar NPs. This suggests that highly advanced L2 readers reactivate moved elements at inter-causal boundaries and process long-distance wh-dependencies in the same way as native readers, especially when the NPs involved in a dependency relation are sufficiently distinguishable.
A minimum dataset for destination therapy with left ventricular assist device: the evidence that matters to decision makers
Authors: Puñal-Riobóo Janet , Faraldo Vallés Maria José , Nogueira Uzal Natalia , Patrick Hannah , Varela-Lema Leonor
Published: January 2025

Background

Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) are a therapeutic option in patients with advanced heart failure (HF) not a candidate for cardiac transplant as destination therapy (DT). However, important uncertainties remain regarding the use of LVAD in the long-term in real practice settings. When planning registries, it is important to choose the appropriate outcomes that ensure comparability and reduce the possibility of bias.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to establish a minimum dataset (MDS) that should be collected in all LVAD for DT registries to meet the needs and demands of Health Technology Assessment (HTA) doers and health professionals.

Methods

To design the MDS for LVAD, a preliminary list of outcome domains and data items were developed attending to the gaps and research needs derived from existing evidence coming from HTA carried out at the European Network of Health Technology Assessment (EUnetHTA) level. The list of data items and domains was agreed upon by all involved HTA organizations and a three-round Delphi was conducted among an experienced panel of cardiologists to rate the importance of the items for measuring uncertainty gaps.

Results

After the three-round Delphi process, the expert panel reached a consensus regarding eighteen outcomes and forty-seven variables divided into seven main domains (safety, effectiveness, patient acceptability, satisfaction, healthcare system impact, pharmaceutical management, and technique-related factors).

Conclusions

The MDS of outcomes and measures, developed based on research gaps and needs, can allow for standardizing data collection and improving the quality of data for decision making and practice.
Subauroral Polarization Streams Effects on the Low‐Latitude Ionosphere During the Geomagnetic Storm on 17 March 2015
Authors: Cao Tianyu , Liu Jing , Li Shuhan , Zhang Kedeng
Published: January 2025

The equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) is the salient feature of the low‐latitude ionosphere, characterized by two crests around magnetic latitudes ±15° and one trough around the dip equator. The effects of the subauroral polarization streams (SAPS) on EIA are rarely studied, impairing our understanding of high‐ and low‐latitude ionospheric coupling during geomagnetic storms. In this work, we deploy the Thermosphere Ionosphere Electrodynamic General Circulation Model (TIEGCM) with an empirical SAPS model and GPS observed total electron content (TEC) to identify the SAPS effects on the EIA during the geomagnetic storm on 17 March 2015. Our results show that the low‐latitude TEC (∼±20° magnetic latitudes and 12–16 LT) is enhanced by 5 TECU (∼5%) due to SAPS effects. This enhancement is found at both the crests and trough of EIA. A term‐by‐term analysis of the ion continuity equation is performed in TIEGCM. The SAPS‐induced equatorward winds (∼30 m/s) are the most important in producing electron density enhancement at the topside ionosphere. The ionosphere is lifted to higher altitudes where the chemical recombination is slower, causing the TEC and electron density enhancement. However, at the bottomside F‐layer ionosphere, the electron density enhancement is dominated by the downward E × B drifts (∼5 m/s) driven by SAPS.
Simulated deep space exposure on seeds utilizing the MISSE flight facility
Authors: Richards Jeffrey T. , Mortenson Todd E. , Spern Cory J. , Mousseau Timothy A. , Gooden Jennifer L. , Spencer Lashelle E. , Khodadad Christina L. , Fischer Jason A. , Meyers Alexander D. , Papenfuhs Chad K. , Buell Jeffrey G. , Levine Howard G. , Dimapilis Dinah I. , Zhang Ye
Published: January 2025

The MISSE-Seed project was designed to investigate the effects of space exposure on seed quality and storage. The project tested the Multipurpose Materials International Space Station Experiment—Flight Facility (MISSE-FF) hardware as a platform for exposing biological samples to the space environment outside the International Space Station (ISS). Furthermore, it evaluated the capability of a newly designed passive sample containment canister as a suitable exposure unit for biological samples for preserving their vigor while exposing to the space environment to study multi-stressor effects. The experiment was launched to the ISS on Northrup Grumman (NG)-15. The exposure lasted eight months outside the ISS in the MISSE-FF at the Zenith position. The specimens consisted of eleven seed varieties. Temperature dataloggers and thermoluminescent dosimeters were included in each container to record environmental data. We presented here the hardware and experimental design, environmental profiles, and seed survival from post-flight germination tests.
Biochemical failure-free survival of 18F-rhPSMA-7 and 18F-flotufolastat PET-guided salvage radiotherapy for patients with recurrent prostate cancer
Authors: Vogel Marco M. E. , Rauscher Isabel , Gschwend Jürgen E. , Hekimsoy Türkay , Gabler Nicola , Olufs Charlotte , D’Alessandria Calogero , Peeken Jan C. , Combs Stephanie E. , Eiber Matthias
Published: January 2025

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeted positron emission tomography (PET) has improved localization of prostate cancer (PC) lesions in biochemical recurrence (BCR) for salvage radiotherapy (SRT). We conducted a retrospective review of patients undergoing 18F-rhPSMA-7 or 18F-flotufolastat (18F-rhPSMA-7.3)-PET-guided SRT compared with conventional-SRT (C-SRT) without PET. We evaluated biochemical failure-free survival (bFS) and overall rates of bFS in 110 evaluable patients with recurrent PC after radical prostatectomy who received SRT. 82 patients received 18F-rhPSMA-7/18F-flotufolastat-PET-guided SRT and 28 received C-SRT. Median bFS for patients with 18F-rhPSMA-7/18F-flotufolastat-PET-guided SRT was not reached while median bFS was 45.6 months for patients with C-SRT (p = 0.101). %bFS were 95% (52/55) vs 87% (20/23), 90% (27/30) vs 75% (15/20), 89% (16/18) vs 68% (13/19) and 100% (3/3) vs 57% (8/14) for PET-guided vs C-SRT at 12, 24, 36, and 48 months, respectively. Among patients treated in the prostate bed only, median bFS was not reached for PSMA-PET-guided SRT (n = 52) vs 55.1 months in the C-SRT group (n = 25; p = 0.063). %bFS was greater for PSMA-PET-guided SRT than C-SRT at all evaluated timepoints. 18F-rhPSMA-7/18F-flotufolastat-guided SRT yielded favorable disease outcomes. Although statistical significance was not reached, likely due to the limited sample size in this preliminary analysis, our data illustrate potential for 18F-flotufolastat-PET-guided SRT.
Deep eutectic solvent-assisted recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries into electrocatalysts for polyethylene terephthalate upcycling
Authors: Zhao Xinhui , Kuang Cheng , Zhou Rujin , Yang Nina , An Chaopeng , Xu Jing , Wang Mingyan
Published: January 2025

Electrocatalysts derived from spent LiNixCoyMn1−x−yO2 materials are prepared and used for the electrochemical conversion of PET to formic acid.
Human gut microbiota-fermented asparagus powder protects human epithelial cells from injury and inflammation
Authors: Rajakaruna Sumudu , Bandow Brant , Pérez-Burillo Sergio , Navajas-Porras Beatriz , Rufián-Henares José Ángel , Cool David R. , Cho Kwang-Jin , Paliy Oleg
Published: January 2025

We used the in vitro Human Gut Simulator system to assess the fermentation of oro-gastro-intestinally digested asparagus powder by the human gut microbiota.
Electrochemically co-deposited Pd-CoOx coating for efficient synergistic electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate to ammonia
Authors: Wang Yan , Zeng Yujia , Xie Jiawei , Wang Chao , Zhou Changan , Song Lei , Ma Kui , Yue Hairong
Published: January 2025

The incorporation of CoOx enhances nitrite reduction to promote the efficiency and low-toxicity of electrocatalytic nitrate reduction to ammonia.
Pyrazolo[3,4-b]hydroquinoline-5-ones: photochemical and DFT computational studies
Authors: Ebrahimi Fatemeh , Memarian Hamid Reza
Published: January 2025

Steric and electronic effects of the heterocyclic ring substitutions of a series of penta/hexahydropyrazolo[3,4-b]quinoline-5-ones were studied photochemically and computationally.
Detection and distinction of amino acids and post-translational modifications with gold nanojunctions
Authors: Amorim Rodrigo G. , Lima Filipe C. D. A. , Leão de Souza Fábio Arthur , Scopel Wanderlã L. , Prasongkit Jariyanee , Scheicher Ralph H.
Published: January 2025

For single amino acid detection, we have investigated two different nano-devices based on gold electrodes.
Nanostructure engineering for ferroelectric photovoltaics
Authors: Ji Wenzhong , Lu Teng , Liu Yun
Published: January 2025

Nanostructure design has been demonstrated to be an effective strategy for enhancing bulk photovoltaic performance.
Monoterpenoid selenophenes derived from (−)-carvone with GPx-like activity
Authors: Telo João P. , Veiros Luis F. , André Vânia , da Silva João Ferreira , Justino Gonçalo C. , Antunes Alexandra M. M.
Published: January 2025

Mentoselenophenone 1 was prepared by a one-step reaction of the natural product (−)-carvone with SeBr2. Several derivatives of 1 were also prepared. All but lactam 8 showed GPx-like activity, increasing in the order 3 < 1 < 7 < 2 < 6.
Synthesis of anion M-doped NiCoP (M = S, Se and N) as bifunctional catalysts for alkaline seawater and urea splitting
Authors: Zhao Han , Liu Min , Du Xiaoqiang , Zhang Xiaoshuang
Published: January 2025

NiCoP-S catalyst were in situ grown on nickel foam by hydrothermal methods, which showed not only excellent HER performance but also excellent UOR performance.
A sensitivity study of hydrogen mixing with cushion gases for effective storage in porous media
Authors: Lu Junhan , Muhammed Nasiru Salahu , Okolie Jude A. , Epelle Emmanuel I.
Published: January 2025

CH4 enhances hydrogen recovery but has a higher mixing tendency compared to N2 and CO2. H2 purity and recovery are more sensitive to changes in permeability than porosity. The mixing zone is more sensitive to changes in porosity than permeability.
Economical 550 V energy harvesting from plastic and electronic waste using human motions
Authors: Singh Man , Kumar Sameer , Kafle Alankar , Garg Kalpana , Sharma Parimal , Reddy C. C. , Nagaiah Tharamani C.
Published: January 2025

An economical triboelectric nanogenerator was developed using waste plastic, paper, and damaged UPS cables. It harvests energy from human motions like pressing, tapping, and running to power electronic devices and LED panels for advertisements.
Ultralow voltage operation and microwatt power consumption of MXene-based pressure sensors with excellent sensing performance
Authors: Chen Jiangtao , Zhou Yarong , Song Tiancheng , Wang Xinyi , Wang Ting , Zhao Yun , Yang Bingjun , Chen Jianbiao , Zhang Yi , Li Yan
Published: January 2025

A three-dimensional contact interface MXene-based pressure sensor displays an ultralow working voltage of 0.01 V and can be operated successfully by being powered by a thermoelectric generator.
Correction: Ab initio study of temperature-dependent piezoelectric and electronic properties of thermally stable GaPO4
Authors: Yang Xiaoqing , Guo Pan , Hu Shunbo , Gao Zhibin , Yao Wenliang , Cheng Jinrong , Poncé Samuel , Wang Baigeng , Ren Wei
Published: January 2025

Correction for ‘Ab initio study of temperature-dependent piezoelectric and electronic properties of thermally stable GaPO4’ by Xiaoqing Yang et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2024, 26, 21530–21537, https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CP02270J.
Circumstellar emission of Cepheids across the instability strip: Mid-infrared observations with VLTI/MATISSE
Authors: Hocdé V. , Matter A. , Nardetto N. , Gallenne A. , Kervella P. , Mérand A. , Pietrzyński G. , Gieren W. , Leftley J. , Robbe-Dubois S. , Lopez B. , Bailleul M. C. , Bras G. , Smolec R. , Wielgórski P. , Hajdu G. , Afanasiev A.
Published: January 2025

Context. The circumstellar envelopes (CSE) of Cepheids are still only poorly characterized despite their potential impact on the distance determination via both the period-luminosity relation and the parallax-of-pulsation method.

Aims. This paper aims to investigate Galactic Cepheids across the instability strip in the mid-infrared with MATISSE/VLTI in order to constrain the geometry and physical nature (gas and/or dust) of their CSEs.

Methods. We secured observations of eight Galactic Cepheids with short- and up to long-period pulsations with MATISSE/VLTI in the L, M, and N bands. For each star, we calibrated the flux measurements to potentially detect the spectral dust signature in the spectral energy distribution (SED). We then analyzed the closure phase and the visibilities in L, M, and N bands. The parallax-of-pulsation code SPIPS was used in order to derive the infrared excess and the expected angular stellar diameter at the date of the MATISSE observations. We also computed test cases of a radiative transfer model of dusty envelopes with DUSTY to compare them with the visibilities in the N band.

Results. The SED analysis in the mid-IR confirmed the absence of a spectral dust signature for the entire star sample. For each star, we observed closure phases in the L, M, and N bands that are consistent with a centro-symmetric geometry for the different targets. Finally, the visibilities in the L, M, and N bands agree with the expected angular stellar diameter. Although we did not resolve any circumstellar emission, the observations are compatible with the presence of compact CSEs within the uncertainties. We provide 2 σ upper limits on the CSE flux contribution based on model residuals for several CSE radii, which exclude models that are simultaneously large and bright (RCSE ≈ 10 R⋆ and fCSE ≈ 10%) for all the stars of the sample. Last, the visibilities in the N band rule out CSE models with optical depth τV ≳ 0.001 for different types of dust.

Conclusions. The MATISSE observations of eight Cepheids with different pulsation periods (from 7 to 38 days) and evolution stages provide a comprehensive picture of Cepheids from mid-infrared interferometry for the first time. We present additional evidence that circumstellar dust emission is negligible or absent around Cepheids for a wide range of stellar parameters in the instability strip. Further interferometric observations in the visible and near-infrared are required to separate the star and CSE, which is crucial for constraining the CSE contribution and its possible gaseous nature.
Green supply chain management: Exploring research, challenges, and opportunities through bibliometrics
Authors: Fahlevi Mochammad , Dandi Mochamad , Dahlan Sahara Putri , Dahlan Olivia Putri , Asetya Dimvy Rusefani
Published: January 2025

Increasing global pollution and resources scarcity problems in marketplaces have resulted in Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) being placed as one of the most important themes of corporate strategies. This study explores GSCM and its relationship with sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) in the context of further directing a stream of future research on such dynamic and vital topic. We employ a bibliometric analysis to trace the dynamics of knowledge production in GSCM, specifically looking at its most salient research themes, trends and thought leaders within the field. The information used was obtained from the Scopus database, with a total of 234 documents coming out in years comprising 2020–2024. The analysis finds interesting themes like green practices integration, supply chain resilience and technology role in GSCM’s global application. The results underscore a critical need for further study and implementation of GSCM initiatives to both tackle key planetary challenges and safeguard supply chain resilience and sustainability.
Alternative locations feasibility for development of final disposal site (TPA) in Semarang Regency
Authors: Anggraini Pratamanintyas , Nur Fadilah Hasna , Astuti Kristiana Dwi , Yesiana Reny , Septiarani Bintang
Published: January 2025

Semarang Regency consists of 19 sub-districts, 27 sub-districts, and 208 villages with a population of 1,068,492 people according to BPS Semarang Regency. Semarang Regency has a final disposal site (TPA), namely the TPA Blondo, with an existing land area of 5 hectares in Blondo Village, which is currently experiencing overcapacity. The TPA Blondo facility was built in 2009 and should only be used for a period of 10 years by processing 523 tons of waste per day. This study aims to provide alternative final disposal site in accordance with SNI 03-3241-1994 standards concerning Procedures for Selecting Final Disposal Site. This study uses Geographic Information Systems with buffering and overlay analysis techniques to determine the feasibility of final disposal site in Semarang Regency. The results obtained were in the form of 8 (eight) alternative locations feasibility final disposal site in Semarang Regency in Sumowono District, Tuntang District, Bringin District, Pringapus District, and East Ungaran District.