bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What does it mean to be “prepared for work”? Perceptions of new engineers
Authors: Deters Jessica R. , Paretti Marie C. , Perry Logan A. , Ott Robin
Published: December 2023

Background

Engineering education seeks to prepare students for engineering practice, but the concept of preparedness is often ill‐defined. Moreover, findings from studies of different populations or in different contexts vary regarding how well new graduates are prepared. These variations, coupled with the lack of clarity, suggest the need to better understand what it means to be prepared for engineering work.

Purpose

This study contributes to research on workplace preparation by exploring how new graduates describe being prepared for engineering work.

Method

Applying secondary analysis to data from the multi‐institution Capstone To Work (C2W) project, we used thematic analysis to explore new engineers' descriptions of preparedness. We analyzed written responses to structured questions about the school‐to‐work transition collected weekly during participants' first 12 weeks of work; 105 graduates drawn from four universities provided 956 responses, with a mean of 9 (out of 12 possible) responses per participant.

Results

Participants' descriptions of preparedness included applying concrete skills, recognizing familiar situations, and having strategies for approaching challenging tasks even when they lacked relevant knowledge or skill.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that although many discussions about workplace preparation implicitly focus narrowly on mastery of skills and knowledge, that focus may not fully capture new graduates' experiences, and may limit discussions about the ways in which school can (and cannot) prepare students for work. A more expansive understanding may better support both student learning and workplace onboarding, though more research is needed across stakeholders to establish shared understanding.
An innovative charge‐based extracellular vesicle isolation method for highly efficient extraction of EV‐miRNAs from liquid samples: miRQuick
Authors: Park Junsoo , Bae Minju , Seong Hyeonah , Hong Jin hwa , Kang Su Jin , Park Kyung hwa , Shin Sehyun
Published: December 2023

Extracellular vesicle‐derived microRNAs (EV‐miRNAs) are promising biomarkers for early cancer diagnosis. However, existing EV‐miRNA extraction technologies have a complex two‐step process that results in low extraction efficiency and inconsistent results. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a new single‐step extraction method, called miRQuick, for efficient and high‐recovery extraction of EV‐miRNAs from samples. The miRQuick method involves adding positively charged substances to the sample, causing negatively charged EVs to quickly aggregate and precipitate. A membrane lysate is then added to extract only miRNA. The entire process can be completed within an hour using standard laboratory equipment. We validated the miRQuick method using various analytical techniques and compared its performance to other methods for plasma, urine and saliva samples. The miRQuick method demonstrated significantly higher performance than other methods, not only for blood plasma but also for urine and saliva samples. Furthermore, we successfully extracted and detected nine biomarker candidate miRNAs in the plasma of breast cancer patients using miRQuick. Our results demonstrate that miRQuick is a rapid and efficient method for EV‐miRNA extraction with excellent repeatability, making it suitable for various applications including cancer diagnosis.
Transmembrane helix 6 of ABCD4 is indispensable for cobalamin transport
Authors: Imai Momoka , Kawaguchi Kosuke , Morita Masashi , Imanaka Tsuneo , So Takanori
Published: December 2023

ABCD4, which belongs to the ABC protein subfamily D, plays a role in the transport of cobalamin from lysosomes to the cytosol by cooperating with ATP‐binding and ATP‐hydrolysis. Pathogenic variants in the ABCD4 gene lead to an inherited metabolic disorder characterized by cobalamin deficiency. However, the structural requirements for cobalamin transport in ABCD4 remain unclear. In this study, six proteoliposomes were prepared, each containing a different chimeric ABCD4 protein, wherein each of the six transmembrane (TM) helices was replaced with the corresponding ABCD1. We analyzed the cobalamin transport activities of the ABCD mutants. In the proteoliposome with chimeric ABCD4 replacing TM helix 6, the cobalamin transport activity disappeared without a reduction in ATPase activity, indicating that TM helix 6 contributes to substrate recognition. Furthermore, the substitution of aspartic acid at position 329 or threonine at position 332 in TM helix 6 with the basic amino acid lysine led to a decrease in cobalamin‐transport activity without causing a reduction in ATPase activity. The amino acids in TM helix 6 may be critically involved in substrate recognition; the charged state in the C‐terminal half of TM helix 6 of ABCD4 is responsible for cobalamin transport activity.
14C‐radiolabeling of a new steroidal antiandrogen with a C‐18 angular methyl extension
Authors: Sancéau Jean‐Yves
Published: December 2023

The synthesis of a 14C‐labeled C‐18 functionalized steroid (as referred as EM‐6798) that will serve as a probe for the research of novel antiandrogens has been accomplished. This radioactive steroid was obtained in nine steps by coupling racemic N‐cyclohexyl‐1‐(3′‐hydroxy[U‐14C]phenyl)propylamine with protected 18‐bromomethyl‐3,17‐androstenedione. Incorporation of the radiolabel on the C‐18 side chain was achieved using commercially available 3‐bromo[U‐14C]phenol. Alkylation of N‐cyclohexyl‐1‐(3′‐hydroxy[U‐14C]phenyl)propylamine with 3‐ethylenedioxy‐18‐bromomethyl‐3,17‐androstenedione furnished after reduction and deprotection, [phenyl‐U‐14C]EM‐6798 in a 20% overall yield from 3‐bromo[U‐14C]phenol at a specific activity of 156 μCi/mg with 97.9% radiochemical purity as determined by HPLC.
Practical identification of cobalt‐based blue pigments detecting the induced photoluminescence by a He‐Ne laser using a Raman spectrometer
Authors: Ruiz‐Moreno Sergio , Soneira MaJosé , Perez‐Pueyo Rosanna
Published: December 2023

Since the early 19th century, the pigment historically known as cobalt blue has been one of the most widely used in artistic painting. Its many and excellent properties led to the rapid development of different synthesis processes for the pigments known today under the generic name of cobalt‐based pigments. The differentiation and characterization of these pigments is often difficult, because many of them are made of the same raw materials, mainly cobalt oxides (or salts) and alumina (aluminum oxide), even when Raman spectroscopy is used. In this research, six cobalt‐based trademark pigments and two chemically pure compounds, cobalt aluminate and calcined alumina, have been analyzed using a Raman spectrometer with a red He‐Ne laser (632 nm) as the excitation source. It should be noted that only the Raman band around 517 cm−1 associated with the cobalt aluminate has been detected by the authors in cobalt based pigments with this configuration. In order to obtain additional information, a fundamental aim of this work has been to detect the photoluminescence (PL) emitted by the leftover of calcined alumina (α‐alumina) in these compounds, particularly in the form of a strong doublet located at 1367 and 1396 cm−1. From an experimental point of view, it is remarkable that both Raman and PL information can be acquired within the same spectral range of the spectrometer. Additionally, the relationship between the intensities of the Raman band around 517 cm−1 and those of the doublet can be used as an indicator to estimate the quality of each pigment.
Methods for using Bing's AI‐powered search engine for data extraction for a systematic review
Authors: Hill James Edward , Harris Catherine , Clegg Andrew
Published: December 2023

Data extraction is a time‐consuming and resource‐intensive task in the systematic review process. Natural language processing (NLP) artificial intelligence (AI) techniques have the potential to automate data extraction saving time and resources, accelerating the review process, and enhancing the quality and reliability of extracted data. In this paper, we propose a method for using Bing AI and Microsoft Edge as a second reviewer to verify and enhance data items first extracted by a single human reviewer. We describe a worked example of the steps involved in instructing the Bing AI Chat tool to extract study characteristics as data items from a PDF document into a table so that they can be compared with data extracted manually. We show that this technique may provide an additional verification process for data extraction where there are limited resources available or for novice reviewers. However, it should not be seen as a replacement to already established and validated double independent data extraction methods without further evaluation and verification. Use of AI techniques for data extraction in systematic reviews should be transparently and accurately described in reports. Future research should focus on the accuracy, efficiency, completeness, and user experience of using Bing AI for data extraction compared with traditional methods using two or more reviewers independently.
Anomalous, dielectrophoretic transport of molecules in non‐electrolytes
Authors: Anand Gaurav , Safaripour Samira , Snoeyink Craig
Published: December 2023

The electric field (E‐field) dielectric polarization‐based separations mechanism represents a novel method for separating solutions at small length scales. An E‐field gradient with a maximum strength of 0.4 MV/m applied across a 10 μm deep channel is shown to increase the concentration inside the low E‐field region by ≈ 40% relative to the high E‐field region. This concentration change is two orders of magnitude higher than the estimated change predicted using the classical equilibrium thermodynamics for the same E‐field. The deviation between the predicted and the experimental results suggests that the change in volumetric E‐field energy with solute concentration is insufficient to explain this phenomenon. The study also explores the effect of varying strength of E‐field and frequency of supplied voltage on the dielectric polarization‐based separation efficiency. While the increase in the former increases the separation efficiency, the increase in the latter reduces the degree of concentration change due to ineffective charging of the electrodes.
Ultrasound Radiomics Features to Identify Patients With Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Cai Lie , Sidey‐Gibbons Chris , Nees Juliane , Riedel Fabian , Schaefgen Benedikt , Togawa Riku , Killinger Kristina , Heil Joerg , Pfob André , Golatta Michael
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Patients with triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) exhibit a fast tumor growth rate and poor survival outcomes. In this study, we aimed to develop and compare intelligent algorithms using ultrasound radiomics features in addition to clinical variables to identify patients with TNBC prior to histopathologic diagnosis.

Methods

We used single‐center, retrospective data of patients who underwent ultrasound before histopathologic verification and subsequent neoadjuvant systemic treatment (NAST). We developed a logistic regression with an elastic net penalty algorithm using pretreatment ultrasound radiomics features in addition to patient and tumor variables to identify patients with TNBC. Findings were compared to the histopathologic evaluation of the biopsy specimen. The main outcome measure was the area under the curve (AUC).

Results

We included 1161 patients, 813 in the development set and 348 in the validation set. Median age was 50.1 years and 24.4% (283 of 1161) had TNBC. The integrative model using radiomics and clinical information showed significantly better performance in identifying TNBC compared to the radiomics model (AUC: 0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.65–0.76 versus 0.64, 95% CI: 0.57–0.71, P = .004). The five most important variables were cN status, shape surface volume ratio (SA:V), gray level co‐occurrence matrix (GLCM) correlation, gray level dependence matrix (GLDM) dependence nonuniformity normalized, and age. Patients with TNBC were more often categorized as BI‐RADS 4 than BI‐RADS 5 compared to non‐TNBC patients (P = .002).

Conclusion

A machine learning algorithm showed promising potential to identify patients with TNBC using ultrasound radiomics features and clinical information prior to histopathologic evaluation.
An automated modular heating solution for experimental flow‐through stream mesocosm systems
Authors: Madge Pimentel Iris , Rehsen Philipp M. , Beermann Arne J. , Leese Florian , Piggott Jeremy J. , Schmuck Sebastian
Published: December 2023

Water temperature is a key environmental variable in stream ecosystems determining species distribution ranges, community composition, and ecological processes. In addition to global warming, direct anthropogenic impacts, for example through the influx of power plant cooling water or due to sun exposure after the removal of riparian vegetation, result in elevated water temperatures. However, temperature effects in stream ecosystems have mostly been tested in recirculating experimental systems, which can neither capture diurnal and seasonal variability in other environmental variables nor allow for entrainment of stream organisms. In contrast, open flow‐through systems, which are constantly supplied with stream water, offer a more realistic setting for stream ecological experiments, yet are difficult to implement. Here, we outline a heating module for the purpose of differential temperature regulation in a flow‐through mesocosm system by automatic control of warm water supply. We validated the functionality of the module in indoor trials as well as in an outdoor ExStream experimental mesocosm system. Furthermore, we tested the implications of different warm water temperatures for the survival of invertebrates drifting through the heating module to derive recommendations for the maximum warm water temperature for mixing with the natural water inflow. The module allows for controlled open flow‐through experiments in the field and the key components are flexible and scalable. Therefore, the module can be easily integrated into existing experimental flow‐through setups.
Programming Dual‐Color Circularly Polarized Luminescence with Self‐Organized Soft Photonic Helix
Authors: Liu Xuan , Yuan Conglong , Sun Peizhi , Na Zesheng , Hu Honglong , Zheng Zhi‐Gang
Published: December 2023

Circularly polarized light has the potential to significantly impact light–matter interactions and offers new opportunities and progresses for breakthroughs in various fields. Programming circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) with both multiple colors and high luminescence dissymmetry factor (glum) is a fantastic technique for photonic applications, such as information coding, high‐dimensional transmission, and CPL display. However, it is still a formidable challenge to balance the coupling between photonic bandgap (PBG) and material‐induced luminescence for achieving multi‐color CPL with high glum. Here a unique microcavity technology is reported that simultaneously allows for high glum and dual‐color when the broad PBG entirely overlaps the fluorescence peak and the bandedge is maintained within the fluorescent range. Benefitting from the programmable dual‐color CPL with tunable glum, an electric field‐responsive CPL display with contrast ratios up to 34:1 is successfully implemented. Furthermore, a multichannel switchable encoder prototype integrated with CPL is established to analogize an information encoding and multichannel transmission in a more convenient and less costly way. This work presents a novel platform for investigating chiral photonics and facilitates a deeper comprehension of light‐matter interactions in microcavity.
Characterization of novel MSX1 variants causally associated with non‐syndromic oligodontia in Chinese families
Authors: Zhao Ya , Ren Jiabao , Meng Lingqiang , Hou Yan , Liu Chunyan , Zhang Guozhong , Shen Wenjing
Published: December 2023

Background

MSX1 (OMIM #142983) is crucial to normal dental development, and variants in MSX1 are associated with dental anomalies. The objective of this study was to characterize the pathogenicity of novel MSX1 variants in Chinese families with non‐syndromic oligodontia (NSO).

Methods

Genomic DNA was extracted from individuals representing 35 families with non‐syndromic oligodontia and was analyzed by Sanger sequencing and whole‐exome sequencing. Pathogenic variants were screened via analyses involving PolyPhen‐2, Sorting‐Intolerant from Tolerant, and MutationTaster, and conservative analysis of variants. Patterns of MSX1‐related NSO were analyzed. MSX1 structural changes suggested functional consequences in vitro.

Results

Three previously unreported MSX1 heterozygous variants were identified: one insertion variant (c.576_577insTAG; p.Gln193*) and two missense variants (c. 871T>C; p.Tyr291His and c. 644A>C; p.Gln215Pro). Immunofluorescence analysis revealed abnormal subcellular localization of the p.Gln193* MSX1 variant. In addition, we found that these MSX1 variants likely lead to the loss of second premolars.

Conclusion

Three novel MSX1 variants were identified in Chinese Han families with NSO, expanding the MSX1 variant spectrum and presenting a genetic origin for the pathogenesis detected in patients and their families.
Backfire dipole antenna with nearly equal E‐/H‐plane patterns enabled by hyperbola‐intersected elliptical reflector under triple‐mode resonance
Authors: Tian Zhen , Zong Jia‐Peng , Lu Wen‐Jun , Zhu Lei
Published: December 2023

A design approach to multimode resonant, backfire dipole antenna with nearly equal E‐/H‐plane patterns is proposed in this letter. The antenna is comprised by a 1.5‐wavelength sectorial dipole, a hyperbola‐intersected elliptical primary reflector, and an elliptical subreflector. By adjusting the size and shape of the intersected‐hyperbola elliptical reflector and the position of the tangentially loaded stubs, the nearly equal E‐/H‐plane bandwidth (i.e., equal‐beamwidth bandwidth) of the antenna can be manipulated to coincide with its impedance bandwidth. As has been validated, the antenna exhibits an octave impedance bandwidth from 1.61 to 3.26 GHz (67.8% for |S11| < −10 dB), which is identical to its equal‐beamwidth bandwidth. The average half‐power beam width is around 63°/65° in E‐/H‐plane, and the average backfire gain is 8.8 dBi.
Nutrition care for the adult post–intestinal transplant patient
Authors: Dowhan Lindsay , Moccia Lisa , Fujiki Masato
Published: December 2023

Intestinal transplantation has emerged as an accepted treatment choice for individuals experiencing irreversible intestinal failure. This treatment is particularly relevant for those who are not candidates or have poor response to autologous gut reconstruction or trophic hormone therapy, and who can no longer be sustained on parenteral nutrition. One of the main goals of transplant is to eliminate the need for parenteral support and its associated complications, while safely restoring complete nutrition autonomy. An intestinal transplant is a complex process that goes beyond merely replacing the intestines to provide nourishment and ceasing parenteral support. It requires an integrated management approach in the pretransplant and posttransplant setting, and high‐quality nutrition treatment is one of the cornerstones leading to favorable outcomes and long‐term management. Since the outset of intestinal transplant in the early 2000s, there is observed improvement of achieving nutrition autonomy sooner in the initial posttransplant phase; however, the development of nutrition complications in the chronic posttransplant period remains a long‐term risk. This review delineates the decision‐making process and clinical protocols used to nutritionally manage and monitor pre– and post–intestine transplant patients.
Associations between relapse and drinking behaviors in patients with alcohol use disorders: A 6‐month prospective study
Authors: Kurihara Kazuhiro , Shinzato Hotaka , Takaesu Yoshikazu , Kondo Tsuyoshi
Published: December 2023

Background

Habitual behaviors, rather than goal‐oriented behaviors, mainly characterize drinking patterns in patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, few studies have focused on the influence of drinking behavior on AUD relapse. This prospective study examined associations between drinking behavior patterns and alcohol‐use relapse using the 20‐item questionnaire for drinking behavior patterns (DBP‐20).

Methods

We enrolled patients with AUD and compared the cohort's demographic data and 6‐month outcomes based on the DBP‐20 and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test between two groups (alcohol use relapse vs. abstinence). We also assessed the results for significant factors related to relapse.

Results

We included 105 patients with AUD. More patients in the relapse group (n = 63) were active smokers and lived alone, while fewer took medication with cyanamide or disulfiram than those in the abstinence group (n = 42). The DBP‐20 automaticity subscale score was higher in the relapse group than that in the abstinence group. Current smoker, living alone, and automatic drinking habits were significantly associated with AUD relapse.

Conclusions

Automaticity may be a risky drinking behavior that leads to future relapse in patients with AUD, justifying behavioral strategies to combat automatic drinking for relapse prevention.
Feasibility, usability, and acceptability of psychoeducational videoconferencing interventions for informal caregivers: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Sang Elaine , Hirschman Karen B. , Bowles Kathryn H.
Published: December 2023

Psychoeducational videoconferencing interventions bypass traditional in‐person barriers to attendance and are effective in improving caregiving skills, self‐care, and wellness among informal caregivers. Information on their feasibility, usability, and acceptability from the caregivers' perspective is needed to inform future designs and developments. This systematic review follows PRISMA 2020 guidelines to integrate this information. Five databases were systematically searched for relevant randomized control trials published between January 2012 and December 2022. Reference lists were cross‐checked for additional studies. Relevant studies were appraised and had their data extracted. This review contains 14 randomized controlled trials. Retention rates ranged from 55.56% to 100%, and major reasons for withdrawing include deteriorating patient health, lack of interest, and technical difficulties (feasibility). Caregivers found the videoconference technology usable, although participants in one intervention experienced poor connectivity and persistent technical issues (usability). Most caregivers were satisfied with videoconferencing interventions, found their content applicable to their situation, and appreciated their structure (acceptability). Those in videoconferencing group interventions were satisfied with small caregiver group sizes (acceptability). Adding respite care to interventions and incorporating short and regular videoconferencing sessions may improve feasibility. Ensuring small group sizes in videoconferencing group interventions and using participatory design may enhance acceptability. Advocacy is needed for employees identifying as informal caregivers to receive employer support and for quality connectivity within underserved areas. This may improve the feasibility and usability of interventions, allowing caregivers to receive the support they need. In future studies, power analyses and recruiting more caregivers may better assess feasibility.
Precarious hope: Ethical considerations for offering experimental fetal therapies outside of research after initial studies in humans
Authors: Hendriks Saskia , Althaus Janyne , Atkinson Meredith A. , Baschat Ahmet A. , Berkman Benjamin E. , Grady Christine , Wasserman David , Wendler David , Miller Jena L.
Published: December 2023

Objective

Risks and benefits of experimental fetal therapies can remain uncertain after initial clinical studies, especially long‐term effects. Nevertheless, pregnant individuals may request them, hoping to benefit their future child. Guidance about offering experimental fetal therapies outside research (as “innovative therapy”) is limited, despite their ethical complexity. We propose points for clinicians and reviewers to consider when deciding whether and how to offer experimental fetal therapies as innovative therapies after initial clinical studies.

Method

We used conceptual analysis and a current case to develop points for consideration, grounded in broader debates on innovative therapy and the unique challenges associated with experimental fetal therapies.

Results

Clinicians should evaluate whether offering experimental fetal therapies as innovative therapy is appropriate for a pregnant individual and their fetus. The anticipated risk‐benefit ratio for the fetus should be favorable. For the pregnant individual, risks may outweigh benefits, within reasonable limits. Medical resources should be sufficient to ensure appropriate care. Clinicians should support pregnant individuals in making informed choices. Clinicians offering innovative therapies with more than minimal risk should collect and report data on outcomes. Independent review should take place.

Conclusion

Considering these points may advance the interests of fetuses, future children, and their families.
Mechanical behavior analysis of polypropylene composites with waste PET felt fibers
Authors: Orkhonbaatar Zolbayar , Lee Dong Woo , M.N. Prabhakar , Song Jung‐il
Published: December 2023

The utilization of plastic waste is another way to protect the ecology and reduce plastic pollution, which researchers and industries have been effectively focusing on for the last decade. Polyethylene terephthalate felt (PETf) is a packaging material abundantly utilized in the automotive sector and is released as waste, and its popularity as an industrial waste necessitates attention to proper disposal. Therefore, the current study utilized waste PETf as a reinforcement (5–15 wt%) for a polypropylene (PP) matrix using various molding approaches, in light of the higher aspect ratio of the fibers. In the first approach, the fibers were extracted from PETf through a mechanical process, and various percentages of PET felt fibers (PETff) were extruded with PP pellets, followed by injection molding. Second, PETf was directly laid on a PP sheet and processed by compression molding. The tensile strength, tensile modulus, and morphological and spectral properties of the fabricated composites were evaluated. Morphological and spectral analyses explain the distribution and interaction of the fibers in the PP matrix. The 10%PETff enhanced the tensile strength and modulus of PP by 37.3% and 52.15%, respectively. Conversely, the 1.5% malic anhydride‐g‐PP (MAPP)‐PP/PETf composites showed similar tensile behavior, with values of approximately 41.53 MPa and 1.6 GPa. In addition, the tensile strength significantly increased by 35.75% with the addition of MAPP. Overall, the current study demonstrates a well‐structured research design that effectively employs waste PETf as reinforcement for PP composites. The mechanical strength of these composites makes them highly versatile and renders them suitable for a wide range of applications, from automotive packaging to the manufacturing of high‐performance automotive components.

Highlights

Utilized waste PET as reinforcement for manufacturing of PP composite.

PET and PP interacted in a self‐reinforcing manner.

Injection and compression molding techniques used for PET/PP composites.

Repurposing waste PET by compression molding is eco‐friendly practices.

PET fibers significantly improved mechanical properties of PP composites.
Exotic, traditional and hybrid landscapes: The subtle history of the Iberian Peninsula maize between ‘tradition’ and ‘modernity’
Authors: Gomes Inês , González Remuiñán Alberto , Freire Dulce
Published: December 2023

Societal Impact Statement

Maize is the world's second most important agricultural crop. The cereal was unknown to Europeans before the end of the 15th century, but since its arrival in Europe, it has changed agriculture, food and landscapes. Terraces where maize was cultivated in the Northwest of the Iberian Peninsula contributed to the formation of local cultures and identities. The history of maize and maize landscape are mementos that help to recover traditional practices, fostering identities, and are crucial for the successful implementation of sustainable policies to provide prosperous futures.

Maize (Zea mays L.) in the Iberian Peninsula embodies a history of landscape changes where the concepts of ‘exotic’, ‘traditional’ and ‘hybrid’ help to understand the engagements between landscape, farmers, agronomists (since the 19th and 20th centuries) and seeds. Today, landscapes reveal biophysical and ecological changes that reflect a panoply of intentions. A multitude of agents, and their interactions, acted upon those territories over time.

Using historical sources from the leading institutions dedicated to agricultural research in the Iberian Peninsula, this paper aims to (1) contribute to a better understanding of the maize landscape and culture in the Iberian Peninsula and (2) interrogate how landscape changes (and the landscape history of maize) can frame local or regional heritage and identities reflecting customs or ways of life.

The analysis unveils networks of knowledge, agricultural technologies and seed exchange. Politicians, economists, engineers, agronomists, farmers, governmental officials and agricultural industries planned and transformed traditional rural practices into modern and industrialised ones. Experts and politicians, willing to improve agricultural practices and seeds, using hybrid seeds or building new irrigation systems, led to deep social and landscape changes, allowing maize to cover territories far away from its traditional domains. Moreover, despite farmers' resistance, hybrid maize substituted landraces, eroding agrobiodiversity. Nowadays, the south and east regions of the Iberian Peninsula are the main producers of maize (hybrid), whereas in the Northwest maize is an occasional crop, being replaced by vineyards for economic reasons.
Refugees from Ukraine in Poland—Differentiation of spatial distribution and impact on demographic structures
Authors: Wiśniewski Rafał , Szejgiec‐Kolenda Barbara , Duma Patryk , Maruniak Eugenia , Komornicki Tomasz
Published: December 2023

In late February 2022, the Russian invasion of Ukraine set‐off a tide of refugees heading west. The paper discusses the scale of the refugee flow into Poland, its distribution patterns and its influence on existing demographic structures (both captured at a local LAU 1 scale). By studying refugee flows at three time‐points, the study, on the one hand, offers a dynamic analysis and, on the other, identifies the spatial patterns behind the movements of the successive waves of refugees. Unexpected wave of recent immigration is likely to strengthen the demographic and settlement processes observable in Poland. The above pertains to both the overall concentration in major metropolitan areas, as well as to suburbanisation processes. The areas with the highest depopulation (eastern Poland) have recorded a relatively low influx of refugees. This implies that it cannot be expected that the immigration may be of a compensatory nature and that it will be helpful in making up for structural population losses in such areas.
Microwave Hydrothermal Preparation of VO2
Authors: Lu Di , Li Dehu , Wang Yue , Zhang Yuxin , Yu Zhisong , Xi Xuekui
Published: December 2023

As a thermal phase transition material, VO2 is famous for its phase transition performance. When the temperature is lower than the phase transition temperature, VO2 behaves as a semiconductor with high infrared transmittance. When the temperature exceeds the phase transition temperature, VO2 exhibits a metallic state and has a high refractive index for infrared. Regulation of phase transition temperature is key to the application of VO2. In this article, microwave hydrothermal is used to prepare VO2. H+ concentration, microwave power, annealing temperature, and annealing time are used as variable conditions to find the best preparation conditions. The preparation of samples is studied by X‐ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, and differential scanning calorimeter. After comparative research, the optimum preparation process of vanadium dioxide by microwave hydrothermal method is found. In addition, by varying the acidic conditions and microwave power during the preparation process, the phase transition temperature of VO2 can be regulated.
Oceanic Rossby wave predictability in ECMWF's subseasonal‐to‐seasonal reforecasts
Authors: Christophersen Jonathan A. , Rydbeck Adam , Flatau Maria , Janiga Matt , Reynolds Carolyn A. , Jensen Tommy , Smith Travis
Published: December 2023

In recent years, studies have put forth various theories on the role of oceanic equatorial Rossby waves (OERW) in the subseasonal‐to‐seasonal (S2S) predictability of the Indian Ocean (IO). While much of the scientific literature uses data from in‐situ, satellite, and/or reanalysis datasets, this study focuses on reforecast fields from the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasting's (ECMWF) S2S dataset. Evaluation of the model's predictive skill in representing OERWs and the associated variations in subsurface‐to‐surface interaction and air–sea coupling are discussed. This work provides a unique methodology to calculate and evaluate the predictability of OERWs from model forecast data. Our results indicate that the model forecasts OERWs with high skill (anomaly correlation > 0.8 out to 40 days), indicating they are a key source of oceanic subseasonal predictability at extended lead times. Analysis of the wavenumber–frequency spectra for the IO indicates a strong reduction in power throughout the model forecast time period in the oceanic equatorial Kelvin wave (OEKW) regime and modest reduction of the OERW power. Both Kelvin and Rossby waves are modulated by the subseasonal zonal wind stress anomalies and the reduction of power is impacted by biases in winds at longer forecast leads. The erroneous weakening of the OEKWs contributes to the weakening of the reflected OERWs. Previous studies have documented that ocean heat content (OHC), particularly associated with downwelling OERWs, is important to maintaining and amplifying subseasonal precipitation in the IO. The reduced OERW power results in weaker advection of enhanced OHC anomalies by the OERWs, which has numerous implications for air–sea and subsurface‐to‐surface coupling, as discussed. The atmospheric response to the waning westward transport of OHC anomalies in the western IO by OERWs is associated with a weakening of intraseasonal precipitation anomalies associated with the intraseasonal oscillation.
A prospective observational study comparing intrauterine pressure during the second stage of labor: Does body mass index affect pressure generated during pushing?
Authors: Bui Tina M. , Witcik Kayla M. , Roloff Kristina A. , Ghayuri Mohammadreza , Valenzuela Guillermo J.
Published: December 2023

Objective

To compare intrauterine pressure generated during pushing as measured by an intrauterine pressure catheter in the first and second stages of labor in obese patients (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 35 kg/m2) and nonobese (BMI < 35 kg/m2).

Methods

This was a prospective observational study of patients in labor at term. Peak intrauterine pressure was measured during a Valsalva maneuver in the first and second stages of labor, both during a contraction and at rest and compared between obese and nonobese patients. Pushing pressure, defined as the mean of the highest three out of five peak pressures attained minus the intrauterine resting pressure were also compared for the two groups.

Results

A total of 115 patients were enrolled: 50 (43.5%) obese and 65 (56.5%) nonobese. We found pushing pressures were significantly less in obese patients both with risk difference (RD) = 13.71 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.53, 21.90) and without RD = 12.19 (95% CI: 4.46, 19.91) a uterine contraction compared to the nonobese patients in the second stage of labor. This effect persisted after controlling for confounding variables.

Conclusion

Obese patients with BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 generated lower intrauterine pressures during pushing than compared to nonobese (BMI < 35 kg/m2). This suggests that obese patients may need a longer second stage of labor or a longer duration of pushing to achieve vaginal birth.
Distributed robust fault‐tolerant control of networked Euler–Lagrange systems with time delays
Authors: Dong Jie , Tan Jingjing , Jing Guoxu , Li Yuling , Wang Haijuan
Published: December 2023

This article addresses the distributed robust fault‐tolerant control design problem for networked Euler–Lagrange (EL) systems with time‐varying delays under directed communication topologies. The leaderless and leader‐follower consensus is established. In order to eliminate the influence of actuator faults and external disturbances on the system performance, some designer‐specified performance constraints are imposed on the sliding variables rather than the tracking errors. Based on the variable transformation, two kinds of fault‐tolerant control schemes are proposed under the prescribed constraints. The stability of the closed‐loop systems with time delays is analyzed, and it is shown that the sliding variables eventually converge within an arbitrarily small boundary range. Simulation studies are presented to exhibit the effectiveness of the proposed control schemes.
Nitrogen source affects in‐season nitrogen availability more than nitrification inhibitor and herbicide in a fine‐textured soil
Authors: Neels William , Jhala Amit , Maharjan Bijesh , Patel Swetabh , Slator Glen , Iqbal Javed
Published: December 2023

Nitrogen (N) fertilizer management continues to be challenging due to potential nitrogen losses under variable weather conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of nitrification inhibitors, nitrogen sources, and herbicides on in‐season nitrogen availability and agronomic indicators. A 2 site‐year field experiment was conducted in silty‐clay loam soil in the maize (Zea mays L.) phase of a maize–soybean rotation in Central Nebraska. The study included two herbicide treatments (Acuron and Resicore) and four nitrogen treatments: (1) anhydrous ammonia with a nitrification inhibitor, (2) anhydrous ammonia without a nitrification inhibitor, (3) urea with a nitrification inhibitor, and (4) urea without a nitrification inhibitor. Nitrogen sources had a more significant effect on NH4+‐N retention (300%–340% higher in anhydrous ammonia vs. urea) than nitrification inhibitors (14%–50% higher with inhibitor vs. without inhibitor) and herbicides. Similarly, nitrogen sources significantly affected NO3−‐N formation (58%–64% lower in anhydrous ammonia vs. urea) compared with nitrification inhibitors (7%–27% lower with inhibitor vs. without inhibitor) and herbicides. Nitrification inhibitors did not affect agronomic indicators. However, anhydrous ammonia increased grain yield by 1.1 Mg ha−1, partial factor productivity by 6 kg grain kg−1 N, agronomic efficiency by 5.5 kg grain kg−1 N, aboveground biomass N‐uptake by 34 kg N ha−1, grain N‐uptake by 15 kg N ha−1, nitrogen recovery efficiency by 33%, and residual total inorganic N by 6–40 kg N ha−1 compared to urea. These findings suggest that using the right fertilizer source, followed by nitrification inhibitor and herbicide, can be an effective strategy for conserving nitrogen and improving nitrogen use efficiency in maize.
A machine learning oracle for parameter estimation
Authors: Koepke Lucas , Gregg Mary , Frey Michael
Published: December 2023

Competing procedures, involving data smoothing, weighting, imputation, outlier removal, etc., may be available to prepare data for parametric model estimation. Often, however, little is known about the best choice of preparatory procedure for the planned estimation and the observed data. A machine learning‐based decision rule, an “oracle,” can be constructed in such cases to decide the best procedure from a set of available preparatory procedures. The oracle learns the decision regions associated with based on training data synthesized solely from the given data using model parameters with high posterior probability. An estimator in combination with an oracle to guide data preparation is called an oracle estimator. Oracle estimator performance is studied in two estimation problems: slope estimation in simple linear regression (SLR) and changepoint estimation in continuous two‐linear‐segments regression (CTLSR). In both examples, the regression response is given to be increasing, and the oracle must decide whether to isotonically smooth the response data preparatory to fitting the regression model. A measure of performance called headroom is proposed to assess the oracle's potential for reducing estimation error. Experiments with SLR and CTLSR find for important ranges of problem configurations that the headroom is high, the oracle's empirical performance is near the headroom, and the oracle estimator offers clear benefit.
Investigating the relationship between energy‐consuming rights trading and urban innovation quality
Authors: Guo Bingnan , Hu Peiji
Published: December 2023

The Energy‐consuming rights trading policy (ECRTP) is an important environmental regulatory policy in China. The study's goal is to determine how trading in energy‐consuming rights and urban innovation status effects also promote ecological civilization and high‐quality development. The purpose of the study examines the relationship between ECRTP and urban innovation quality (UIQ). Using data from 271 Chinese cities between 2011 and 2020, a difference‐in‐difference (DID) model is used to theoretically and empirically analyze the effects of ECRTP on UIQ. The findings of the study are as follows: First, ECRTP showed a significant improvement in UIQ, although a lagged effect. This outcome offers fresh proof that the “Porter hypothesis” holds water in China. Second, mechanism analysis indicated that ECRTP could improve UIQ with industrial structure upgrading (ISU) and capital deepening. Third, analysis of spillover effects indicates that ECRTP has a key spillover impact on UIQ. Analysis of spillover effects indicates a positive influence of ECRTP on UIQ in surrounding cities. Fourth, heteroggeneity analysis further reveals the impact of ECRTP on UIQ is particularly pronounced in resource‐based and large‐scale cities. These findings are significant and also provide a valuable supplement to the existing study.
Asserting and transcending ethnic homophily: How entrepreneurs develop social ties to access resources and opportunities in socially contested environments
Authors: Busch Christian , Mudida Robert
Published: December 2023

Research Summary

In socially contested settings, it is often difficult to connect with (diverse) others, and it is unclear how entrepreneurs in these contexts may develop the social ties that previous research has shown to be valuable. We studied this subject matter in Kenya, an ethnically fractionalized society that recently experienced the decentralization of government, which required entrepreneurs to deal with both in‐group and out‐group ethnicities. We conducted an inductive case study of four Nairobi‐based companies and captured the creative tactics that they used to transcend ethnic homophily (by defocusing from ethnicity and reframing the in‐group) while also asserting ethnic homophily (by signaling tribal affiliation and leveraging others' ethnicity). We contribute to a deeper understanding of how and why entrepreneurs in socially contested settings develop social ties.

Managerial Summary

Entrepreneurs in socially contested settings rely on social networks to access resources and opportunities. However, it is unclear how entrepreneurs in these settings develop and use these networks. We studied this question in an ethnically fractionalized setting that recently experienced the decentralization of government: Kenya. Entrepreneurs who previously provided information technology (IT) services to the central government had to deal with both own‐tribe and other‐tribe contacts to receive new contracts. We studied four Nairobi‐based IT firms that operated across a variety of counties and analyzed the creative tactics that entrepreneurs in this context use to cross ethnic divides while also working with own‐tribe contacts. This contributes to our collective understanding of how and why entrepreneurs in socially contested settings develop diverse social ties to access resources and opportunities.
Charged Hole‐Transporting Materials Based on Imidazolium for Defect Passivation in Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Tingare Yogesh S. , Li Meng‐Che , Teng Sheng‐Hung , Lin Ja‐Hon , Su Chaochin , Lin Shan‐Jung , Lew Xin‐Rui , Tsai Hsinhan , Ghosh Dibyajyoti , Nie Wanyi , Yeh Bao‐Lin , Li Wen‐Ren
Published: December 2023

The hole‐transporting material (HTM) in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) provides an ideal interface with the perovskite layer for hole collection while influencing the perovskite crystalline structure and morphology. This article presents SIM and DIM, two new dopant‐free imidazolium‐based HTMs with charged units accompanied by counter ions that show the potential to function as ionic HTMs and ionic liquid additives and help improve the efficiency and stability of inverted PSCs. DIM‐based PSCs demonstrates exceptional performance with a high‐power conversion efficiency of 19.15%, attributed to improved passivation of perovskite interface defects. Furthermore, these new imidazolium salt‐based HTMs can be manufactured economically, making them a viable option for mass production and PSC commercialization.
Efficient Carbon‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells Passivated by Alkylammonium Chloride
Authors: Tang Shaowen , Zong Peng‐an , Zhong Jun , He Fawang , Cheng Nian , Hang Fengling , Feng Xiaodong , Liu Zhenguo , Huang Wei
Published: December 2023

Hole‐transport layer (HTL)‐free carbon‐based perovskite solar cells (C‐PSCs) have garnered significant attention in the research community due to their cost‐effectiveness and high stability. However, the absence of a traditional HTL can lead to substantial nonradiative recombination of charge carriers between the perovskite layer and the carbon electrode, significantly impacting efficiency. Herein, the performance effects of different alkylammonium chlorides, including butylammonium chloride, octylammonium chloride, and dodecylammonium chloride (DACl), on perovskite (FA0.1MA0.9PbI3) are investigated to produce high‐performance HTL‐free C‐PSCs. Following passivation, the film exhibits a more uniform grain size distribution and fewer grain boundary defects. Furthermore, with an increase in the alkyl chain length, enhanced interactions with the perovskite film result in reduced trap state density and increased carrier lifetime. After DACl passivation, the C‐PSC achieves a remarkable power conversion efficiency of 16.56% and a high open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of 1.074 V. The Voc enhancement is primarily attributed to the better energy‐level alignment, effectively improving hole transport and electron‐blocking capabilities while suppressing nonradiative recombination. Additionally, they demonstrate exceptional hydrophobic characteristics and robust stability in the presence of humidity, making them particularly promising for future practical applications in the field of photovoltaics.