bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulating Excess Electrons in Reducible Metal Oxides for Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Reaction Activity: A Mini‐Review
Authors: Huang Xiang , Xu Hu
Published: February 2024

Identifying a universal activity descriptor for metal oxides, akin to the d‐band center for transition metals, remains a significant challenge in catalyst design, largely due to the intricate electronic structures of metal oxides. This review highlights a major advancement in formulating the number of excess electrons (NEE) as an activity descriptor for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) on reducible metal oxide surfaces. We elaborate on the quantitative relationship between NEE and the adsorption properties of OER intermediates, and unveil the decisive role of the octet rule on the OER performance of these oxides. This insight provides a robust theoretical basis for designing effective OER catalysts. Moreover, we discuss critical experimental evidence supporting this theory and summarize recent advances in employing NEE as a guiding principle for developing highly efficient OER catalysts experimentally.
Pathogenicity of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici and quantitative traits on bread wheat landraces in Ethiopia
Authors: Dawana Damene , Dessie Birtukan , Kebede Mesfin , Shimelash Daniel
Published: February 2024

Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is severely affected by stripe rust caused by Puccinia striiformis Westend. f. sp. tritici (Pst). This study was conducted to investigate pathogenicity of Pst isolates to bread wheat landraces grown in Ethiopia, establish stripe rust yield loss models and estimate variability in bread wheat quantitative traits. A greenhouse pot experiment was setup to assess seedling stage responses of landraces to Pst and a field study was conducted for adult plant stage evaluation. Among dominant isolates of Pst, Kubsa was the most virulent. Apart from the detection of resistance at the seedling stage study, a broad range of adult‐stage resistance was also observed which can confer durable resistance. Among single‐point models, the onset of severe infection at the development of heading stage causes significant yield loss by stripe rust. The integral yield loss model predicted a strong negative linear relationship between agronomic traits and stripe rust. Hierarchical analysis revealed the presence of three distinct clusters of bread wheat landraces, each forming different stripe rust resistance groups. With the exception of the harvest index and the growth stage parameter of days to heading, all agronomic traits were significantly different for the various landraces. This suggests the presence of diverse genetic resources, which might have also led to different responses to the stripe rust in these materials. This work clarifies the many ways in which landraces of bread wheat react to Pst infection, revealing a range of resistance mechanisms that can be used for efficient disease management.
Blanket bogs exhibit significant alterations to physical properties as a result of temporary track removal or abandonment
Authors: Williams‐Mounsey Jessica , Crowle Alistair , Grayson Richard , Lindsay Richard , Holden Joseph
Published: February 2024

Temporarily consented tracks made from high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) mesh have been used to mitigate both the physical and ecological impacts on peatlands from low‐frequency vehicle usage. However, the impacts of mesh track removal or abandonment at the end of the consented period remain poorly understood. Over a 2‐year period, we studied replicate sections of abandoned mesh track which, at the start of the experiment, had been unused for approximately 5 years, on a UK blanket bog. Some sections were removed (using two treatment methods – vegetation mown and unprepared), whereas others were left in situ. Metrics were compared both between treatments and to undisturbed reference areas. Significant differences in surface soil moisture were found between abandoned and removed tracks depending on season. Control areas had higher volumetric soil moisture than track locations. Compaction was significantly higher across all track locations in comparison to controls (p < 0.001), but rarefaction was not recorded post‐removal, suggesting long‐term deformation. Overland flow events were recorded in rut sections for a mean of 16% of the time, compared to <1% in control areas. Sediment traps on the tracks collected 0.406 kg compared to 0.0048 kg from the control traps, equating to a per trap value of 7.3 g from track samplers and 0.17 g from control samplers. Erosion and desiccation features occurred on both removed and abandoned track sections. Both abandonment and removal of mesh tracks have a wide range of impacts on the physical properties of peatlands, suggesting that only where access is a necessity should such a track be installed.
Does hypoleptinemia trigger entrapment in anorexia nervosa? Etiological and clinical considerations
Authors: Hebebrand Johannes , Plieger Moritz , Milos Gabriella , Peters Triinu , Hinney Anke , Antel Jochen
Published: February 2024

Based on the recent observation that human recombinant leptin (r‐Met‐hu‐leptin; metreleptin) may induce a profound alleviation of the complex symptomatology of patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), we examine the implications for our conceptualisation of this eating disorder. Hypoleptinemia as a core endocrine feature of AN serves as a central and peripheral trigger of tissue‐specific adaptations to starvation. In this narrative review, we argue that leptin deficiency may explain many of the puzzling features of this eating disorder. Weight loss can be viewed as a two‐step process, with only the second step entailing hypoleptinemia and thereby the entrapment characteristic of AN. We discuss the central and peripheral distribution of leptin receptors and consider possible functional implications of hypoleptinemia. We contrast the slow psychological recovery of patients with AN and of people who experienced starvation upon weight recovery with the rapid onset of improvements upon off‐label metreleptin treatment. Characteristics of the sex and age dependent secretion of leptin may contribute to the elevated vulnerability of young females to develop AN.
Semantic representations in inferior frontal and lateral temporal cortex during picture naming, reading, and repetition
Authors: Liuzzi Antonietta Gabriella , Meersmans Karen , Peeters Ronald , De Deyne Simon , Dupont Patrick , Vandenberghe Rik
Published: February 2024

Reading, naming, and repetition are classical neuropsychological tasks widely used in the clinic and psycholinguistic research. While reading and repetition can be accomplished by following a direct or an indirect route, pictures can be named only by means of semantic mediation. By means of fMRI multivariate pattern analysis, we evaluated whether this well‐established fundamental difference at the cognitive level is associated at the brain level with a difference in the degree to which semantic representations are activated during these tasks. Semantic similarity between words was estimated based on a word association model. Twenty subjects participated in an event‐related fMRI study where the three tasks were presented in pseudo‐random order. Linear discriminant analysis of fMRI patterns identified a set of regions that allow to discriminate between words at a high level of word‐specificity across tasks. Representational similarity analysis was used to determine whether semantic similarity was represented in these regions and whether this depended on the task performed. The similarity between neural patterns of the left Brodmann area 45 (BA45) and of the superior portion of the left supramarginal gyrus correlated with the similarity in meaning between entities during picture naming. In both regions, no significant effects were seen for repetition or reading. The semantic similarity effect during picture naming was significantly larger than the similarity effect during the two other tasks. In contrast, several regions including left anterior superior temporal gyrus and left ventral BA44/frontal operculum, among others, coded for semantic similarity in a task‐independent manner. These findings provide new evidence for the dynamic, task‐dependent nature of semantic representations in the left BA45 and a more task‐independent nature of the representational activation in the lateral temporal cortex and ventral BA44/frontal operculum.
Re Simplicity & Vogue Retailing (HK) Co Ltd [2023] HKCFI 1443 (HCCW 457/2022, 30 May 2023) (coram Linda Chan J) [case comment]
Authors: Tsui Kenneth Zealot
Published: February 2024

The impact of an exclusive jurisdiction clause on a winding‐up petition is settled in the English and Singaporean common law jurisdictions. In Hong Kong, the matter has recently been decided in the case of Re Guy Kwok Hung Lam (2023) 26 HKCFAR 119. Nonetheless, a similar issue has been brought up again in the cases of Re Simplicity & Vogue Retailing (HK) Co Ltd [2023] HKCFI 1443 (HCCW 457/2022, 30 May 2023) (per Linda Chan J) and Re Shandong Chenming Paper Holdings Ltd [2023] HKCFI 2731 (HCCW 175/2017, 25 October 2023) (per Harris J). The different approaches adopted in the two cases have sparked on the correct appraoch to be adopted. This article briefly introduces the different appraoches and suggest that the correct approach is to stay a winding‐up petition in favour of an arbitration proceeedings launched purusant to an arbitration agreement.
Mechanistic Framework to Predict Maternal‐Placental‐Fetal Pharmacokinetics of Nifedipine Employing Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling Approach
Authors: Werdan Romão Marya Antônya , Pinto Leonardo , Cavalli Ricardo Carvalho , Duarte Geraldo , de Moraes Natália Valadares , Abduljalil Khaled , Moreira Fernanda de Lima
Published: February 2024

Nifedipine is used for treating mild to severe hypertension and preventing preterm labor in pregnant women. Nevertheless, concerns about nifedipine fetal exposure and safety are always raised. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a maternal‐placental‐fetal nifedipine physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model and apply the model to predict maternal, placental, and fetal exposure to nifedipine at different pregnancy stages. A nifedipine PBPK model was verified with nonpregnant data and extended to the pregnant population after the inclusion of the fetoplacental multicompartment model that accounts for the placental tissue and different fetal organs within the Simcyp Simulator version 22. Model parametrization involved scaling nifedipine transplacental clearance based on Caco‐2 permeability, and fetal hepatic clearance was obtained from in vitro to in vivo extrapolation encompassing cytochrome P450 3A7 and 3A4 activities. Predicted concentration profiles were compared with in vivo observations and the transplacental transfer results were evaluated using 2‐fold criteria. The PBPK model predicted a mean cord‐to‐maternal plasma ratio of 0.98 (range, 0.86‐1.06) at term, which agrees with experimental observations of 0.78 (range, 0.59‐0.93). Predicted nifedipine exposure was 1.4‐, 2.0‐, and 3.0‐fold lower at 15, 27, and 39 weeks of gestation when compared with nonpregnant exposure, respectively. This innovative PBPK model can be applied to support maternal and fetal safety assessment for nifedipine at various stages of pregnancy.
Efficient and selective separation of Re(VII), an analogue of Tc(VII), by a defective biochar with honeycomb‐like porous structure
Authors: Hu Hui , Yu Sizhuo , Wang Tian , Lv Chenguang
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

In this study, a defective biochar with honeycomb‐like porous structure (BC‐PH) was successfully prepared by the activation of pristine biochar derived from bamboo shoot shell with the chemical reagent KOH, and was applied to selectively separate ReO4− (a chemical analogue for radioactive TcO4−) from acidic solutions.

RESULTS

The diffusion, mass transfer and recovery for ReO4− could be significantly improved by the large specific surface area (SBET, 2412 m2 g−1) and high total volume (Vtot, 1.26 cm3 g−1) of BC‐PH. The influence of adsorbent dosage, system pH and coexisting ions with different valence states on the adsorption capability and selectivity of BC‐PH toward ReO4− was systematically investigated. BC‐PH exhibited high adsorption capacity and selectivity for ReO4− with a maximal sorption capacity (qm) of 73.11 mg g−1 at initial pH 2. By applying an analysis of kinetics and isotherm adsorption studies, the liquid film diffusion was verified to be the primary rate‐controlling step for the sorption of ReO4− and the multilayer adsorption process occurred on the heterogeneous surface of BC‐PH. Besides, the recovery of ReO4− using BC‐PH occurred in an exothermic and spontaneous manner according to thermodynamic analysis. Furthermore, an investigation of the adsorption mechanism suggested that pore filling and electron donor–acceptor interaction were mainly related to the removal of ReO4−.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that BC‐PH has great potential for the application of TcO4− separation in consideration of its high adsorption capacity and selectivity. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Detection of peach soluble solids based on near‐infrared spectroscopy with High Order Spatial Interaction network
Authors: Qi Hengnian , Luo Jiahao , Chen Gang , Zhang Jianyi , Chen Fengnong , Li Hongyang , Shen Cong , Zhang Chu
Published: February 2024

Background

Due to the scalability of deep learning technology, researchers have applied it to the non‐destructive testing of peach internal quality. In addition, the soluble solids content (SSC) is an important internal quality indicator that determines the quality of peaches. Peaches with high SSC have a sweeter taste and better texture, making them popular in the market. Therefore, SSC is an important indicator for measuring peach internal quality and making harvesting decisions.

Results

This article presents the High Order Spatial Interaction Network (HOSINet), which combines the Position Attention Module (PAM) and Channel Attention Module (CAM). Additionally, a feature wavelength selection algorithm similar to the Group‐based Clustering Subspace Representation (GCSR‐C) is used to establish the Position and Channel Attention Module‐High Order Spatial Interaction (PC‐HOSI) model for peach SSC prediction. The accuracy of this model is compared with traditional machine learning and traditional deep learning models. Finally, the permutation algorithm is combined with deep learning models to visually evaluate the importance of feature wavelengths. Increasing the order of the PC‐HOSI model enhances its ability to learn spatial correlations in the dataset, thus improving its predictive performance.

Conclusion

The optimal model, PC‐HOSI model, performed well with an order of 3 (PC‐HOSI‐3), with a root mean square error of 0.421 °Brix and a coefficient of determination of 0.864. Compared with traditional machine learning and deep learning algorithms, the coefficient of determination for the prediction set was improved by 0.07 and 0.39, respectively. The permutation algorithm also provided interpretability analysis for the predictions of the deep learning model, offering insights into the importance of spectral bands. These results contribute to the accurate prediction of SSC in peaches and support research on interpretability of neural network models for prediction. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
HOW TO IMPROVE THE PATHWAY BETWEEN INTENTIONS AND RESULTS
Authors: Hunter Jeremy , Powell Lili
Published: February 2024

The pathway between leadership intentions and results does not always unfold according to what you want, desire, or expect. As authors Hunter and Powell explain, “unconscious autopilot, blind spots, reactive emotions, or outworn mental models can divert your aim and set in motion a domino effect of inadequate choices, actions, and results.” As a remedy, they introduce the “Intention‐Results Map,” which defines interim steps that include Attention, Perception, Choices, and Actions. Applications of the map are illustrated through the story of “George,” a high‐profile financial advisor who struggles with a difficult client. Figures with questions for each step in the Intention‐Results Map provide practical guidance for readers. Together, the authors, Jeremy Hunter, a professor at the Peter F. Drucker Graduate School of Management, Claremont Graduate University, and Lili Powell, a professor at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business and School of Nursing, regularly share the Intention‐Results Map in their courses and programs to help participants breakdown and implement mindful leadership.
Evaluating the dissolution corrosion resistance of Hastelloy exposed to liquid lead‐bismuth eutectic at 500°C
Authors: Shi Jiajian , Huang Yuji , Chen Yingxue , Yuan Rui , Zhang Lijun , Zhang Feifei , Meng Fanqiang
Published: February 2024

The present study investigated the dissolution and oxidation corrosion behaviors of Hastelloy exposed to static liquid lead‐bismuth eutectic (LBE) at 500°C with an oxygen concentration of 1 × 10−6 mass%. Hastelloy exhibited better LBE corrosion resistance than the Monel alloy. Both dissolution and oxidation corrosion were observed in Hastelloy, and the maximum LBE penetration depth and spinel layer thickness in the corroded sample after 4000 h of exposure reached 120 ± 36 and 21 ± 12 µm, respectively. Annealing twin boundaries provided favorable paths of accelerated LBE penetration into the matrix, resulting in selective leaching of Ni. Microstructural characterization revealed that the spinel layer formed between penetrated LBE and base metal slowed down the elemental interdiffusion, thereby retarding the dissolution rate. Volumetric changes induced by LBE penetration promoted the formation of stacking faults and dislocations, which could provide more channels for elemental diffusion, leading to the propagation of dissolution attack.
Pre‐pregnancy BMI, rate of gestational weight gain, and preterm birth among US Pacific Islander individuals
Authors: Wu Bohao , Shabanova Veronika , Taylor Sarah , Hawley Nicola L.
Published: February 2024

Objective

The objective of this study was to examine the association between rate of gestational weight gain (GWG) and preterm birth (PTB) classified by pre‐pregnancy BMI among Pacific Islander individuals in the United States.

Methods

Pacific Islander mothers (n = 55,975) and singleton infants (22–41 gestational weeks) without congenital anomalies were included using data from the National Center for Health Statistics (2014–2018). PTB was compared by pre‐pregnancy BMI among women in each stratum of rate of GWG using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

Compared with mothers with a rate of GWG within the guidelines, mothers with a rate of GWG below the guidelines and either pre‐pregnancy underweight (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.10–3.06), healthy weight (aHR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.15–1.65), obesity class I (aHR = 1.22, 95% CI: 0.97–1.52), or obesity class II (aHR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.05–1.96) had an increased risk of PTB; mothers with a rate of GWG above the guidelines and either pre‐pregnancy underweight (aHR = 1.57, 95% CI: 0.92–2.69) or obesity class II (aHR = 1.31, 95% CI: 0.98–1.76) had an increased risk of PTB.

Conclusions

The association between rate of GWG below or above the guidelines and PTB differs by pre‐pregnancy BMI among Pacific Islander individuals.
Preparation of flame retardant and thermal insulation polystyrene foams via high internal phase emulsion template
Authors: Chang Le , Lu Zhen , Hou Xu , Zheng Chenxuan , Liu Huarong
Published: February 2024

Expanded polystyrene foam (EPSF), valued for its excellent insulation properties, faces a significant flammability challenge due to its cellular structure. Traditional flame retardant methods such as physical blending and layer‐by‐layer assembly have poor applicability to EPSF. Therefore, it is necessary to find other more effective methods for synthesizing flame‐retardant EPSF. The high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) template is one of the simplest and most commonly used methods for synthesizing porous materials, which have features such as adjustable pore structures and high porosity. In this work, ammonium polyphosphate (APP)/starch was added to the dispersed phase of the HIPE to prepare the flame‐retardant EPSF by one‐pot method. The morphology, thermal stability and flame retardancy of the foams were investigated. When the addition of APP/starch (the weight ratio is 1:1) reached 30 wt.%, the peak heat release rate (PHRR), total heat release (THR), and total smoke release (TSR) of the composite foam decreased by 74.7%, 65.9%, and 24.7%, respectively, compared to the pure PS foam. Meanwhile, its limiting oxygen index (LOI) value reached 25.8%, and the UL‐94 rating reached V‐1 level, indicating significant improvement in flame retardancy. This study provides an effective strategy for synthesizing flame‐retardant porous materials.
Complications of atypical pneumonia: A case of Legionella longbeachae empyema
Authors: Samson Amy , Maze Michael J.
Published: February 2024

Legionella longbeachae is the most common cause of Legionnaires' disease in Australasia. Legionella species are considered a rare cause of pleural infection, and empyema and lung abscess due to L. longbeachae has not previously been reported. Our patient presented with a 2–3 week history of breathlessness, lethargy, dry cough and headaches. Initial chest radiograph showed extensive left sided consolidation with an associated pleural effusion. An area of necrotising pneumonia evident on computed tomography scan evolved into a multiloculated intrapulmonary abscess. Sputum culture isolated L. longbeachae, which prompted culture of pleural fluid on buffered charcoal yeast extract agar and isolation of the organism. This case provides evidence that L. longbeachae can cause both empyema and lung abscess, and in areas where it is prevalent, increased use of Legionella specific agar for pleural fluid culture should be considered.
Opportunities and challenges for the application of artificial intelligence paradigms into the management of endemic viral infections: The example of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus
Authors: Farrag Ahmed N. , Kamel Ahmed M. , El‐Baraky Iman A.
Published: February 2024

Despite the advent of direct‐acting antiviral agents (DAAs) as a definitive therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, the burden of the disease remains globally elevated. The emerging big data on different HCV paradigms fostered the introduction of artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) applications to help decrease that burden by providing more optimised strategies for early diagnosis and treatment prioritisation. The current review provides descriptive and analytical insight into the recently published AI/ML applications in five medical aspects of HCV infection. In addition, it highlights the opportunities these powerful tools offer in designing national health policies that prioritise HCV patients for the costly DAAs and developing broadly neutralising HCV antibodies. Finally, this paper highlights the challenges encountered in developing and applying these AI/ML models to clinical practice and suggests schemes to overcome some of them. The presented models were primarily evaluated using the Matthews correlation coefficient and the F1‐score to make a more reliable inference about their predictive power under imbalanced datasets. Many published AI/ML applications offered great utilities for predicting novel HCV treatments and prioritising patients for DAAs receipt, especially in settings of limited resources and high HCV burden. Some outperformed the classical diagnostic tools, such as third‐generation serological tests, alpha‐fetoprotein, and ultrasound, in detecting HCV infections and early HCV‐associated hepatocellular carcinoma, respectively. However, further statistical and clinical validation of AI/ML models is highly advocated before incorporating these applications into clinical practice.
Modeling variation in mixture effects over space with a Bayesian spatially varying mixture model
Authors: Boyle Joseph , Ward Mary H. , Cerhan James R. , Rothman Nat , Wheeler David C.
Published: February 2024

Mixture analysis is an emerging statistical tool in epidemiological research that seeks to estimate the health effects associated with mixtures of several exposures. This approach acknowledges that individuals experience many simultaneous exposures and it can estimate the relative importance of components in the mixture. Health effects due to mixtures may vary over space driven by to political, demographic, environmental, or other differences. In such cases, estimating a global mixture effect without accounting for spatial variation would induce bias in effect estimates and potentially lower statistical power. To date, no methods have been developed to estimate spatially varying chemical mixture effects. We developed a Bayesian spatially varying mixture model that estimates spatially varying mixture effects and the importance weights of components in the mixture, while adjusting for covariates. We demonstrate the efficacy of the model through a simulation study that varies the number of mixtures (one and two) and spatial pattern (global, one‐dimensional, radial) and magnitude of mixture effects, showing that the model is able to accurately reproduce the spatial pattern of mixture effects across a diverse set of scenarios. Finally, we apply our model to a multi‐center case‐control study of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in Detroit, Iowa, Los Angeles, and Seattle. We identify significant spatially varying positive and inverse associations with NHL for two mixtures of pesticides in Iowa and do not find strong spatial effects at the other three centers. In conclusion, the Bayesian spatially varying mixture model represents a novel method for modeling spatial variation in mixture effects.
Integrated Microfluidics for Single‐Cell Separation and On‐Chip Analysis: Novel Applications and Recent Advances
Authors: Kutluk Hazal , Viefhues Martina , Constantinou Iordania
Published: February 2024

From deciphering infection and disease mechanisms to identifying novel biomarkers and personalizing treatments, the characteristics of individual cells can provide significant insights into a variety of biological processes and facilitate decision‐making in biomedical environments. Conventional single‐cell analysis methods are limited in terms of cost, contamination risks, sample volumes, analysis times, throughput, sensitivity, and selectivity. Although microfluidic approaches have been suggested as a low‐cost, information‐rich, and high‐throughput alternative to conventional single‐cell isolation and analysis methods, limitations such as necessary off‐chip sample pre‐ and post‐processing as well as systems designed for individual workflows have restricted their applications. In this review, a comprehensive overview of recent advances in integrated microfluidics for single‐cell isolation and on‐chip analysis in three prominent application domains are provided: investigation of somatic cells (particularly cancer and immune cells), stem cells, and microorganisms. Also, the use of conventional cell separation methods (e.g., dielectrophoresis) in unconventional or novel ways, which can advance the integration of multiple workflows in microfluidic systems, is discussed. Finally, a critical discussion related to current limitations of integrated microfluidic single‐cell workflows and how they could be overcome is provided.
Electrochemical Metallization Memristive Devices with Al Active Electrode Using Engineered Mixed Hexagonal/Orthorhombic Polycrystalline YMnO3
Authors: Wu Rong , Schmitt Sebastian W. , Maudet Florian , Kim Dong Jik , Deshpande Veeresh , Dubourdieu Catherine
Published: February 2024

We report electrochemical metallization (ECM) resistive switching in polycrystalline YMnO3 memristive devices using Al as an active electrode. Al/YMnO3/Pt devices exhibit bipolar resistive switching with a high ROFF/RON ratio of 104, low operational voltages of VSet ≈ 1.7 V and VReset ≈ −0.36 V and good retention properties. The resistive switching is intimately linked to the coexistence of the orthorhombic and hexagonal YMnO3 phases. The characterization of these two nanocrystalline phases is realized not only by X‐ray diffraction – which is shown to be unable to reveal the presence of the orthorhombic phase – but also by a set of correlative microscopy and spectroscopy methods (scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and conductive atomic force microscopy). The origin of resistive switching is ascribed to an Al filament‐based electrochemical metallization mechanism that likely occurs along an oxygen‐deficient grain boundary between the hexagonal and orthorhombic nanocrystalline YMnO3 phases. The unique microstructure provided by the mixed polycrystalline phase films allows to use Al as an active electrode in YMnO3‐based ECM cells, and gives perspective for further miniaturization of the devices.
What can TV viewing tell us about dogs' vision?
Authors: Mills Georgina
Published: February 2024

Georgina Mills reports on new research that looks at how dogs react to video content around the home, and how this might help vets assess eyesight.
Deep Learning-Based Localization Approach for Autonomous Robots in the RobotAtFactory 4.0 Competition
Authors: Klein Luan C. , Mendes João , Braun João , Martins Felipe N. , de Oliveira Andre Schneider , Costa Paulo , Wörtche Heinrich , Lima José
Published: February 2024

Accurate localization in autonomous robots enables effective decision-making within their operating environment. Various methods have been developed to address this challenge, encompassing traditional techniques, fiducial marker utilization, and machine learning approaches. This work proposes a deep-learning solution employing Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) to tackle the localization problem, specifically in the context of the RobotAtFactory 4.0 competition. The proposed approach leverages transfer learning from the pre-trained VGG16 model to capitalize on its existing knowledge. To validate the effectiveness of the approach, a simulated scenario was employed. The experimental results demonstrated an error within the millimeter scale and rapid response times in milliseconds. Notably, the presented approach offers several advantages, including a consistent model size regardless of the number of training images utilized and the elimination of the need to know the absolute positions of the fiducial markers.
Equivariant localization for AdS/CFT
Authors: Genolini Pietro Benetti , Gauntlett Jerome P. , Sparks James
Published: February 2024

Abstract

We explain how equivariant localization may be applied to AdS/CFT to compute various BPS observables in gravity, such as central charges and conformal dimensions of chiral primary operators, without solving the supergravity equations. The key ingredient is that supersymmetric AdS solutions with an R-symmetry are equipped with a set of equivariantly closed forms. These may in turn be used to impose flux quantization and compute observables for supergravity solutions, using only topological information and the Berline-Vergne-Atiyah-Bott fixed point formula. We illustrate the formalism by considering AdS5 × M6 and AdS3 × M8 solutions of D = 11 supergravity. As well as recovering results for many classes of well-known supergravity solutions, without using any knowledge of their explicit form, we also compute central charges for which explicit supergravity solutions have not been constructed.
Möglichkeit von Prüfungsszenarien unter Pandemiebedingungen
Authors: Jakob T. F. , Maier P. , Knopf A. , Rauch A. K. , Offergeld C. , Hildenbrand T.
Published: February 2024

Hintergrund

Die COVID-19-Pandemie verursachte weltweit Kontaktbeschränkungen, mit Auswirkungen auch auf das Medizinstudium. Da keine Präsenzveranstaltungen möglich waren, musste innerhalb kürzester Zeit ein digitales Curriculum erstellt werden. Die Rahmenbedingungen für ein Assessment stellten ein noch bedeutenderes Problem dar. Für Prüfungen wie die „objective structured clinical examinations“ (OSCE) mussten Lösungen gefunden werden, da die Durchführung in manchen Bundesländern sogar explizit verboten war. Ziel dieser Arbeit war die Prüfung der Durchführbarkeit einer OSCE unter Pandemiebedingungen.

Material und Methoden

Am Ende des Sommersemesters 2020 absolvierten 170 Studierende eine kombinierte HNO- und augenheilkundliche OSCE. Die Prüfung fand unter strenger Beachtung der Hygieneauflagen über 5 Tage statt. Während das HNO-Konzept virtuell ausgerichtet war, fand die augenheilkundliche Prüfung als Präsenzprüfung statt. Im Anschluss erfolgte die Bewertung der OSCE durch die Studierenden.

Ergebnisse

Zwischen 106 und 118 der Studierenden antworteten auf die jeweiligen Fragen. Im Vergleich der Präsenz- mit der virtuellen OSCE bevorzugten etwa 49 % die Präsenz-OSCE und etwa 17 % die virtuelle OSCE, etwa 34 % fanden beide Varianten gleich gut. Insgesamt wurde die Kombination aus HNO- und augenheilkundlicher OSCE als positiv gewertet.

Schlussfolgerung

Auch unter Pandemiebedingungen ist das Abhalten einer OSCE möglich. Für eine optimale Vorbereitung der Studierenden bedarf es u. a. einer Umstellung der Lehre auf ein digitales Curriculum. Die Kombination aus HNO- und augenheilkundlicher OSCE wurde von den Studierenden positiv bewertet, wobei die Präsenz-OSCE bevorzugt wurde. Bei insgesamt hoher Zufriedenheit auf studentischer Seite zeigt sich die Machbarkeit einer virtuellen Prüfung bei detaillierter und gut geplanter Vorbereitung.
Dissimilar material joining of densified superwood to aluminum by adhesive bonding
Authors: Hartsfield Matt , Chen Bo , Liu Yu , He Shuaiming , Leiste Ulrich H. , Fourney William L. , Li Teng , Hu Liangbing , Luo Alan A.
Published: February 2024

Superwood is a densified wood product that shows promise as a lightweight and renewable alternative for metallic materials. In order for this high-performance new material to be used in multi-material products, it must be able to be joined with other major materials. For example, joining superwood to aluminum would provide a key enabling technology for its use in automotive components since aluminum is presently a major lightweight material for such applications. In this paper, a methacrylate-based adhesive has been identified to provide high lap shear strength (7.5 MPa) for aluminum-to-superwood joints. The aluminum-to-superwood samples were prepared with different amounts of pre-polishing to create openings to the pores in the superwood so adhesive could penetrate into them and create a mechanical interlock, in addition to the hydrogen/chemical bonding at the surface between the methyl methacrylate (MMA) in methacrylate-based adhesive and the cellulose in superwood. For aluminum samples, a thin layer (typically a few nanometers) of oxide film on the surfaces provides hydrogen/chemical bond to MMA structure in the adhesive layer. The failure strength of the superwood-to-aluminum joint sample is about 50% higher than that of natural wood to natural wood joint sample and comparable to that of aluminum-to-aluminum joint sample.
Role of prior intratympanic gentamicin and corticosteroids therapy on speech understanding in patients with Menière's disease after cochlear implantation
Authors: Thangavelu Kruthika , Gillhausen Frederic , Weiß Rainer M. , Mueller-Mazzotta Jochen , Stuck Boris A. , Reimann Katrin
Published: February 2024

Aim

Intratympanic injection of corticosteroids (ITC) and gentamicin therapy (ITG) are widely used treatments for vertigo in Meniere’s disease (MD). Even though studies show good results after cochlea implantation (CI) in MD patients when compared to non-MD groups, there is no indication on the effect of ITC and ITG prior to CI on hearing after CI. This study compares the post-operative hearing of CI patients with and without MD and patients who have received ITG or ITC prior to CI.

Methods

In a retrospective case control study, adult patients with MD who received CI from 2002 till 2021 were compared to a matched control group of CI patients without MD. Patients with prior ITC/ITG were extracted from MD group. Pre-operative audiological results were measured and trends across post-operative monosyllabic word recognition score at 65 decibels (WRS65CI) at switch-on, 3–6 months, 1 year and last yearly value were analyzed across all groups.

Results

28 MD ears were compared with 33 control ears. From MD ears 9 had received ITG and 6 ITC prior to CI. WRS65CI increased significantly with time within MD and control groups, but no difference in WRS65CI was found between these 2 groups. ITG ears showed fluctuating WRS65CI after CI with no change across time, while ITC ears showed significant increase in trend of WRS65CI values across time.

Conclusion

MD and non-MD patients showed comparable hearing results after CI. Prior ITC might positively influence hearing preservation after CI in MD patients whereas ITG group showed fluctuating hearing.
Influence of at-risk family interactions on the course of psychiatric care in adolescence
Authors: Robin M. , Surjous L. , Belbèze J. , Bonnardel L. , Varlet M. , Silva J. , Lamothe J. , Essadek A. , Falissard B. , Cohen D. , Corcos M.
Published: February 2024

Dysparenting, referring to inappropriate parental attitudes, is a vulnerability factor for mental disorders during adolescence and a therapeutic leverage, yet clinicians lack reliable tools to assess it in daily clinical practice. Moreover, the effect of this dysparenting on the amount of psychiatric care remains unclear. The Family and Care study aims to develop the at-risk family interactions and levers (ARFIL) scale, a comprehensive 30-item clinical scale, and to assess in a cross-sectional design, the impact of these at-risk family interactions on the care of adolescents (n = 425) hospitalized in psychiatry and aged 13–19 years old. Factorial analysis shows that the ARFIL scale consists of three main dimensions associated with cohesion/conflicts, love/hostility, and autonomy/control with good psychometric properties. Multivariate regressions show that the ARFIL intensity score predicts the duration of hospital care, regardless of age, gender, medical severity on admission, assessed by the Global Assessment of Functioning scale, the presence of maltreatment and psychiatric diagnoses. Moreover, the ARFIL diversity score (number of items present regardless of their severity) predicts both the number and duration of hospitalizations. At-risk family interactions are a determining dimension of psychiatric adolescent care, and the ARFIL scale could constitute a valuable tool, not only for holistic evaluation and treatment, but also for prevention.
Sponsored search advertising and inventory replenishment: a decision support framework for an online retailer
Authors: Tunuguntla Vaishnavi , Basu Preetam , Rakshit Krishanu , Papadopoulos Thanos
Published: February 2024

Sponsored search advertising has steadily emerged as one of the most popular advertising tools in online retail. Customers prefer search results that appear on the top to those that appear lower and are willing to pay more for products/brands that appear higher on the search. Sponsored search has a higher conversion efficiency and impacts demand more endogenously through the ranking on the search page than traditional advertising. Online retailers (e-tailers) invest aggressively in bidding to ensure they are ranked high on the search pages. The dynamic nature of sponsored search entails a higher degree of inventory readiness, and e-tailers must dovetail their sponsored search advertising strategy to drive traffic with the level of inventory to avoid consumer disappointments due to stockouts. Extant research has not delved into this critical aspect of sponsored search advertising. We endeavor to solve this business problem for an e-tailer in a dynamic stochastic setting and provide a multi-threshold decision support framework based on different inventory levels. The policy identifies inventory levels: (i) at which a retailer should not place an order, (ii) her desired level of inventory, and (iii) a ceiling up to which no bids are placed. The e-tailer can use our proposed framework to derive an inventory based sponsored search advertising campaign that ensures synchronization between bids and inventory and increases profits. Our results show that customers’ sensitivity to the website’s search rank and variation in reservation price impact the e-tailer's inventory and sponsored search bidding decisions.
Drivers of undergraduate students’ learning perceptions in the blended learning environment: The mediation role of metacognitive self-regulation
Authors: ElSayad Ghada
Published: February 2024

In student-centric learning environments, such as blended learning, students’ metacognitive self-regulation is required to plan, monitor, and control their learning processes and achieve positive learning outcomes. The lack of metacognitive self-regulation may lead students to encounter difficulties that, eventually, affect their learning perceptions. Therefore, understanding how to drive students' metacognitive self-regulation is essential to delivering an effective blended learning process that supports students' learning perceptions. This study examines the structural relationships between academic self-efficacy, student–student interaction, student–lecturer interaction, metacognitive self-regulation (including planning, monitoring, and regulating), and perceived learning using structural equation modeling. The data were collected from 1675 undergraduate students who experienced blended learning at Egyptian universities. The findings revealed that academic self-efficacy, student–student interaction, and student–lecturer interaction have significant direct effects on the planning, monitoring, and regulating dimensions of metacognitive self-regulation. Furthermore, metacognitive self-regulation dimensions not only influence perceived learning but also mediate the effects of academic self-efficacy, student–student interaction, and student–lecturer interaction on perceived learning, except for monitoring, which has an insignificant mediation effect on the relationship between student–student interaction and perceived learning. The findings of this study may help researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders gain deep insights regarding how to promote tertiary students’ metacognitive self-regulation and learning perceptions during the blended learning experience.
Broadening the Climate Movement: The Marcha das Margaridas’ Agenda for the Climate (and Other) Crises
Authors: Teixeira Marco Antonio , Motta Renata
Published: February 2024

Climate movements led by students and the youth worldwide (and in particular, those in richer economies) have been recognized as having a formidable voice and making important contributions towards a more radical societal transformation to face the climate crisis. However, little is said about the contribution of popular sectors, who have been mobilizing for decades and demanding broader structural transformations—with proposals that tackle environmental issues more broadly and the climate crisis in particular—but who are not directly involved in climate politics arenas, such as the United Nations Climate Change conferences. Usually portrayed as vulnerable, as those most affected by climate events, as victims and receivers of adaptation strategies, or, as resilient, rarely do popular sectors appear as agents of transformation. Critical scholars have advocated for understanding the climate crisis as part of multiple crises, including the biodiversity crisis, a crisis of care, and a crisis of democracy. Situating our article within this scholarship, we argue that the scholarly and societal debate on climate change will further benefit from broadening the scope of which social subjects are considered as part of the climate movement. Based on our research with rural popular feminist movements in Brazil, and in particular, the coalition Marcha das Margaridas, we address the following questions: how are their diagnostics of, and proposals to, overcome the climate crisis embedded in their broader project of transformation? Additionally, how does their political identity within class, gender, and rural categories of inequality inform their positions?
Numerical investigation of thermo-hydraulic performance of perforated rectangular and sinusoidal vortex generators in a double-pipe heat exchanger
Authors: Wang Yanru , Foo Ji-Jinn , Tran Manh-Vu , Nair Sayshar Ram , Oon Cheen Sean
Published: February 2024

Vortex generators (VGs) are utilized in heating and cooling systems to enhance heat transfer efficiency for energy savings. This study investigates the thermo-hydraulic performance of using the rectangular vortex generators (RVG) and the sinusoidal vortex generator (SVG) with and without holes on the annular side of a double-pipe heat exchanger (DPHE) for turbulent regimes. The numerical analysis is conducted for different angles of attack (α) (15°, 45°, and 75°) and spacings between VGs (60, 100, and 300 mm). By comparing the heat transfer behavior for a given α, the RVG cases present a higher heat transfer when compared to the SVG cases, with an exception for the 15° case. The configuration with a low α and slight curvature augments flow velocities and vortex strength, thereby enhancing heat transfer efficiency. Moreover, the 15° SVGs-hole case demonstrates a higher Nusselt number compared to the no-hole case. Adding holes in the VG significantly reduces the pressure drop for the 45° and 75° cases, while it remains the same at the 15° case. Additionally, the 75° RVG case yields the highest Nusselt number among the studied cases, with an enhancement of 42.4% when compared to the smooth pipe at the Reynolds number of 5,711. The best performance evaluation criterion (PEC) is achieved by the 15° SVGs-hole case. When the effect of different spacings is examined, the spacing of 60 mm provides the highest PEC of 1.22. In short, the present study provides valuable insights for optimizing VG design and enhancing overall system performance in DPHEs.
An improved methodology to restrict the range of motion of mechanical joints
Authors: Rodrigues da Silva Mariana , Marques Filipe , Tavares da Silva Miguel , Flores Paulo
Published: February 2024

Joints with rotational degrees of freedom, for instance, revolute, spherical, or universal joints, are commonly utilized in real-world scenarios. In the multibody systems methodology, mechanical joints usually are formulated as classical kinematic constraints such that there is no restriction of the range of motion (RoM) of the joint. Thus, the formulation must include additional restrictions to prevent the joints from performing unacceptable movements and to avoid unrealistic configurations of the connected bodies. Therefore, the aim of this work is to propose a methodology to restrict the RoM of mechanical joints. Joint resistance moments are applied to the bodies connected by the joint to mimic the dissipative behavior of the materials constituent of joints and to prevent unacceptable configurations of those bodies. The proposed methodology aims to extend and improve a previously published study, specifically in the definition of the RoM limits, calculation of the penalty moments, and establishment of their direction of application. Enhanced methods to deal with the detection of unacceptable joint configurations, namely the elliptical and polynomial approaches, are proposed. A parametrization procedure is described to correctly calculate the direction of the penalty moments to apply to the connected bodies. The methodology is investigated in the dynamic modeling and simulation of one demonstrative example of application, namely a simple pendulum. A parametric analysis is performed to assess the influence of the methodology parameters in the response of the model. The methodology allows the correct restriction of the RoM of joints, while preserving the mechanical energy of the system.