bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New risk factors and molecular landscapes of hepatic angiosarcoma in the Taiwanese population†
Authors: Chung Felicia , Zavadil Jiri
Published: November 2023

Hepatic angiosarcoma is a rare, highly aggressive malignancy of the liver. The tumorigenesis of hepatic angiosarcoma has been relatively understudied in terms of aetiology and molecular properties. A recent study published in The Journal of Pathology revealed a strong association between hepatic angiosarcoma incidence and chronic kidney disease, particularly in end‐stage renal disease using population‐based data from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan and an institutional cohort. The study also revealed enrichment in the mutational signature of aristolochic acid exposure and is the first reported observation of this mutational signature in human sarcomas. © 2023 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Efficacy and safety of factor Xa inhibitors in low body weight patients
Authors: Tan Yingcong , Hubbard Cynthia , Owens Holly , Pitt James , Giuliano Christopher , Haan Bradley , Breeden Thomas , Sirbu Dumitru , Pena Kelsey , Haddox Trevlyn , Edwin Stephanie B.
Published: November 2023

Study Objective

The purpose of this study is to provide evidence for the safety and efficacy of factor Xa inhibitors in patients with a weight ≤60 kg or BMI < 18.5 kg/m2.

Design

Multicenter, retrospective, cohort study.

Setting

Twenty‐two Ascension Health hospitals.

Patients

Low‐body‐weight adult patients (weight ≤ 60 kg or BMI < 18.5 kg/m2) receiving treatment for atrial fibrillation or venous thromboembolism.

Intervention

Factor Xa inhibitors (apixaban or rivaroxaban) or warfarin.

Measurements and Main Results

This study included 2538 patients between the factor Xa inhibitors (n = 1695) and warfarin (n = 843) groups with a mean weight of 53.5 ± 5.5 kg and BMI of 20.7 ± 3.1 kg/m2. No significant difference in time to major bleeding was noted after controlling for potential confounders (HR 1.03, 95% CI 0.70–1.53, p = 0.87); similar results were seen following propensity score matching. Thromboembolism (5.3% vs. 6.2%, p = 0.38), composite major + clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding (9.8% vs. 11.5%, p = 0.18), and all‐cause mortality (10.7% vs. 12.8%, p = 0.12) were similar between patients receiving factor Xa inhibitors versus warfarin.

Conclusion

No differences in safety or effectiveness were noted between factor Xa inhibitors versus warfarin. These findings provide encouraging evidence to support the use of factor Xa inhibitors in low‐body‐weight patients.
Impact of medication intensification on 30‐day hospital readmissions in a geriatric trauma population: A multicenter cohort study
Authors: Kanis Emily , Gallegos Patrick , Christman Kailey , Vazquez Daniel , Mullen Chanda , Cucci Michaelia D.
Published: November 2023

Background

Fall‐related injuries are a significant health issue that occur in 25% of older adults and account for a significant number of trauma‐related hospitalizations. Although medication intensification may increase the risk of hospital readmissions in non‐trauma patients, data on a geriatric trauma population are lacking.

Objective

The primary objective was to evaluate the effect of medication intensification on 30‐day hospital readmissions in geriatric patients hospitalized for fall‐related injuries.

Methods

This multicenter, retrospective cohort study included patients with geriatric who presented to one of three trauma centers within a large, health‐system between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2020. Patients at least 65 years old admitted with a fall‐related injury were eligible for inclusion. Patients were grouped according to medication changes at discharge, which included intensified and non‐intensified groups. Medication intensification included increased dose(s) or initiation of new agents. The primary outcome was the 30‐day hospital readmission rate.

Results

Of the 870 patients included (median [interquartile range, IQR] age, 82 [74–89] years, 522 (60%) female, and 220 (25%) with a previous fall), there were 471 (54%) and 399 (46%) patients in the intensified and non‐intensified groups, respectively. The intensified group had a higher 30‐day hospital readmission rate (21% intensified vs. 16% non‐intensified, p = 0.043; number needed to harm 20) based on an unweighted analysis. According to a weighted propensity score logistic regression, medication intensification was associated with higher 30‐day hospital readmissions (24% [95% confidence interval [CI] 19–31%] intensified vs. 15% [95% CI 11–20%] non‐intensified, p = 0.018). These results were consistent within competing risk models accounting for death (cause‐specific model: hazard ratio [HR] 1.63 [95% CI 1.07–2.49], p = 0.023; Fine‐Gray model: HR 1.64 [95% CI 1.07–2.50], p = 0.022).

Conclusions

In a geriatric trauma population hospitalized after a fall, intensification of medications may pose an increased risk of 30‐day hospital readmission.
Association between household opioid prescriptions and risk for overdose among family members not prescribed opioids
Authors: Arakkal Alan T. , Polgreen Linnea A. , Chapman Cole G. , Simmering Jacob E. , Cavanaugh Joseph E. , Polgreen Philip M. , Miller Aaron C.
Published: November 2023

Background

Prescription opioids have contributed to the rise in opioid‐related overdoses and deaths. The presence of opioids within households may increase the risk of overdose among family members who were not prescribed an opioid themselves. Larger quantities of opioids may further increase risk.

Objectives

To determine the risk of opioid overdose among individuals who were not prescribed an opioid but were exposed to opioids prescribed to other family members in the household, and evaluate the risk in relation to the total morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) present in the household.

Methods

We conducted a cohort study using a large database of commercial insurance claims from 2001 to 2021. For inclusion in the cohort, we identified individuals not prescribed an opioid in the prior 90 days from households with two or more family members, and determined the total MMEs prescribed to other family members. Individuals were stratified into monthly enrollment strata defined by household opioid exposure and other confounders. A generalized linear model was used to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for overdose.

Results

Overall, the incidence of overdose among enrollees in households where a family member was prescribed an opioid was 1.73 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.67–1.78) times greater than households without opioid prescriptions. The risk of overdose increased continuously with the level of potential MMEs in the household from an IRR of 1.23 (95% CI: 1.16–1.32) for 1–100 MMEs to 4.67 (95% CI: 4.18–5.22) for >12,000 MMEs. The risk of overdose associated with household opioid exposure was greatest for ages 1–2 years (IRR: 3.46 [95% CI: 2.98–4.01]) and 3–5 years (IRR: 3.31 [95% CI: 2.75–3.99]).

Conclusions

The presence of opioids in a household significantly increases the risk of overdose among other family members who were not prescribed an opioid. Higher levels of MMEs, either in terms of opioid strength or quantity, were associated with increased levels of risk. Risk estimates may reflect accidental poisonings among younger family members.
Synthesis and properties of highly thermally stable ultrathin films of fluorine‐containing hyperbranched polybenzoxazoles
Authors: Maekawa Hiroyuki , Nakamura Kosyu , Kudo Hiroto
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we aimed to develop ultrathin films of hyperbranched polybenzoxazole with a thickness in the range between 1 and 100 nm. They are expected to have great potential for various applications as functional materials due to their high thermal stability, good chemical resistance and mechanical strength. The synthesis of various hyperbranched poly(o‐hydroxyamide)s as precursors of polybenzoxazole was examined by the polycondensation of 2,2‐bis(3‐amino‐4‐hydroxyphenyl)propane (AHP) and 2,2‐bis(3‐amino‐4‐hydroxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane (AHFP) with 1,3,5‐benzenetricarbonyl trichloride (BCC), yielding the corresponding hyperbranched poly(o‐hydroxyamide), poly(AHFPm‐co‐AHPn‐co‐BCC2.0), with Mn in the range between 12,870 and 22,210 in satisfactory yields. Poly(AHFP3.0‐co‐BCC2.0), poly(AHFP2.25‐co‐AHP0.75‐co‐BCC2.0), and poly(AHFP1.50‐co‐AHP1.50‐co‐BCC2.0) showed good solubility and film‐forming ability, and ultrathin films 8.9–88.6 nm thick were prepared on silicon wafers. Heating of the ultrathin films of poly(AHFPm‐co‐AHPn‐co‐BCC2.0) on a hot plate at 350 °C for 1 h afforded the corresponding ultrathin films of hyperbranched polybenzoxazole, poly(AHFPm‐cyclo‐AHPn‐cyclo‐BCC2.0), with a thickness of 5.3–82.4 nm. Double‐layer thin films consisting of resist materials on top of hyperbranched polybenzoxazole were also prepared.
Theoretical occurrence of quantized chemistry of conduction mechanism in layered perovskite for the application of Resistive Random Access Memory devices
Authors: Sajid Muhammad , Ishaque Maria , Imran Muhammad , Niaz Niaz Ahmad , Hussain Fayyaz , Rasheed Umbreen , Khalil R. M. Arif , Ali Syed Mansoor , Hayat Sardar Sikandar , Shoaib Muhammad
Published: November 2023

The Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations interpreted the electronic and optical alteration of Ruddlesden–Popper layered perovskite (Sr3Zr2O7) with substitutional doping of Ti‐, Hf‐, and Ti+Hf‐ atoms in place of Zr‐atoms by generating the oxygen vacancies (Vos) defect. Formation energy and phonon calculations confirmed that the studied composites are dynamically stable, and the lattice parameters of the considered RP perovskite with and without vacancy defects did not change by introducing a small concentration of doped elements. The doped Sr3Zr2O7 composites show band gap tuning in the presence and absence of Vos, which was 3.31 eV in pristine form, and localized states near the Fermi line due to dopant and Vos, which confirmed the quantized conductance in all composites and may be beneficial for overcoming uniformity issues in nonvolatile memory devices. Isosurface charge density calculations also verified this result by depicting the physical mechanism of charge accumulation and depletion in the layers of RP perovskite in the vicinity of defects, resulting in residual conducting filaments guiding its growth and leading it to a low resistance state. The photosensitive response of this layered perovskite also confirmed its use for memory storage applications. The valuable outcomes of this study predicted that Sr3Zr2O7+Ti+Hf is the most stable and, hence, the best composite for nonvolatile RRAM device applications.
Consensus control of nonlinear multi‐agent systems with semi‐Markov switching topology and incremental quadratic constraints
Authors: Huang Jun , Li Qingyuan , Zhao Xudong , Zhang Min , Zhang Yueyuan
Published: November 2023

The consensus problem of nonlinear multi‐agent systems with incremental quadratic constraints and semi‐Markov switching topology is discussed in this article. In order to simulate the delay of the communication network in the actual system, the nonlinear function, which contains the delay term is considered in this article. The control protocol is designed based on the dynamics of the adjacent agent states and the desired agent states. Through the use of the characteristics of the Kronecker product, the distributed system is converted to a centralized system. It is worth mentioning that for saving computational resources, the slack variable method is used to deal with the time‐varying transition rate, and the sufficient condition is expressed by the standard linear matrix inequality. Finally, the effectiveness of the control protocol is demonstrated by numerical simulations.
Combined finite‐time state feedback for high‐speed train systems with time‐varying delays and disturbances
Authors: Tong Yinghao , Ren Zhengyun , Tong Dongbing , Fan Zhiping , Feng Xue
Published: November 2023

In this paper, finite‐time state estimation and control problems are considered for high‐speed train systems. First of all, dynamic error systems of the high‐speed trains are modeled as nonlinear systems with time‐varying delays and disturbances. Secondly, finite‐time state estimators and finite‐time controllers are designed for dynamic error systems, a combined finite‐time state feedback structure is obtained. Then based on the Lyapunov stability theory and the finite‐time stability theory, finite‐time bounded conditions of high‐speed train dynamic error systems and estimation error systems are obtained. Finally, the feasibility of designed control method is proved by a example.
Interfacial Engineering and Coupling of MXene/Reduced Graphene Oxide/C3N4 Aerogel with Optimized d‐Band Center as a Free‐Standing Sulfur Carrier for High‐Performance Li‐S Batteries
Authors: Yang Botao , Xu Mengyao , Gao Yuan , Zhu Qizhen , Xu Bin
Published: November 2023

To overcome the shuttle effect and improve the energy density of Li–S batteries, developing free‐standing sulfur carriers with high capture and catalytic effect towards polysulfides is an effective strategy. Herein, a MXene/reduced graphene oxide/C3N4 aerogel (MG/C3N4) with three‐dimensional architecture prepared through low‐temperature hydrothermal approach followed by thermal treatment is used as sulfur carrier for free‐standing cathode of Li‐S batteries. In the MG/C3N4, MXene and rGO construct a highly conductive framework, and the MXene nanosheets offer chemical capture and catalytic activity towards lithium polysulfides, in favor of good cycling stability. The introduction of g‐C3N4 further enhances the reactivity of C‐Ti‐N at the hetero‐interface by engineering the electronic state of Ti atoms, leading to the optimized metal d‐band for expediting the multistep conversion of sulfur electrochemistry. Therefore, the free‐standing sulfur cathode with MG/C3N4 carrier achieves excellent performance with a capacity of 1315.6 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C and a capacity retention of 97.5% after 100 cycles as well as superior rate capability with 1167.4 mAh g−1 at 2 C. Even at a high sulfur loading of 4.92 mg cm−2, the cathode remains 940.3 mAh g−1 (4.62 mAh cm−2) after 200 cycles, indicating its promising potential for achieving high‐performance Li‐S batteries.
Electromechanical Origin of Phonon Dynamics Exhibiting Tunable Anisotropic Heat Transport in Layered Nanostructures
Authors: Kim Youngoh , Choi Joonmyung
Published: November 2023

Owing to the structural characteristics of 2D layered nanomaterials, anisotropic thermal conductivity is considered an attractive design factor for constructing efficient heat‐transfer pathways. In this study, the electromechanical origin of anisotropic thermal conduction in Ti3C2O2M (M = Li, Na, K) is investigated at the atomic scale using theoretical multiscale analysis. The results demonstrate that the acoustic and optical phonon modes drive interlayer and intralayer heat conduction, respectively. Further, the lower the atomic number of the alkali ions intercalated in the Ti3C2O2 layer, the more immediately it responds to externally applied oscillations owing to its low inertia and high electrostatic force. The Li‐ion layer exhibits an instantaneous response to vibrational excitations from an external source, making it transparent to higher phonon modes under interlayer and intralayer thermal conduction. The electromechanical modulation properties of the ion layer are further elucidated, providing practical insights into the design of anisotropic thermal paths.
Generalized Parking Function Polytopes
Authors: Hanada Mitsuki , Lentfer John , Vindas-Meléndez Andrés R.
Published: November 2023

A classical parking function of length n is a list of positive integers $$(a_1, a_2, \ldots , a_n)$$

(

a
1

,

a
2

,
…
,

a
n

)

whose nondecreasing rearrangement $$b_1 \le b_2 \le \cdots \le b_n$$

b
1

≤

b
2

≤
⋯
≤

b
n

satisfies $$b_i \le i$$

b
i

≤
i

. The convex hull of all parking functions of length n is an n-dimensional polytope in $${\mathbb {R}}^n$$

R

n

, which we refer to as the classical parking function polytope. Its geometric properties have been explored in Amanbayeva and Wang (Enumer Combin Appl 2(2):Paper No. S2R10, 10, 2022) in response to a question posed by Stanley (Amer Math Mon 127(6):563–571, 2020). We generalize this family of polytopes by studying the geometric properties of the convex hull of $${\textbf{x}}$$
x
-parking functions for $${\textbf{x}}=(a,b,\dots ,b)$$

x
=
(
a
,
b
,
⋯
,
b
)

, which we refer to as $${\textbf{x}}$$
x
-parking function polytopes. We explore connections between these $${\textbf{x}}$$
x
-parking function polytopes, the Pitman–Stanley polytope, and the partial permutahedra of Heuer and Striker (SIAM J Discrete Math 36(4):2863–2888, 2022). In particular, we establish a closed-form expression for the volume of $${\textbf{x}}$$
x
-parking function polytopes. This allows us to answer a conjecture of Behrend et al. (2022) and also obtain a new closed-form expression for the volume of the convex hull of classical parking functions as a corollary.
A close look at sociality in DSM criteria
Authors: Zagaria Andrea , Zennaro Alessandro
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The importance of sociality in psychology and psychotherapy is quite undisputed; however, this construct risks being underestimated in psychiatric nosography. The aim of the review was to assess the relevance of sociality in DSM 5 criteria.

Method

Sociality-laden criteria of 192 selected DSM categories have been identified through a textual grid. Second, the criteria have been classified into 6 categories, i.e., (1) Affiliation and Attachment (AA), (2) Social Communication (SC), (3) Perception and Understanding of Others (PUO), (4) Culture, (5) Clinical Significance Criterion (CSC) (6), and No Specific Construct (NSC).

Results

13% of all mental disorders mention AA in their criteria. 8.8% of all mental disorders mention SC; 8.8% of all mental disorders mention PUO in their criteria. 15% of all mental disorders mention culture in their criteria (exclusively ex negativo though). 40% of mental disorders mention non-specific sociality (NSC) in their criteria. CSC is mentioned in 85% of mental disorders. Personality disorders have the highest “concentration” of sociality mentions throughout the DSM categories.

Conclusions

The overall results suggest that DSM criteria offer a confused account of sociality. We believe that the descriptive approach is the underlying reason. We suggest that in the long run a theory-laden approach to sociality, informed by evolutionary insights about motivations, could be of help.
Post-processing feature-mapping topology optimisation designs towards feature-based CAD processing
Authors: Shannon T. , Robinson T. T. , Murphy A. , Armstrong C. G.
Published: November 2023

Feature-mapping (FM) optimisation frameworks have received much attention for structural topology optimisation with explicit geometric parameters. This paper presents a methodology for constructing parametric feature-based CAD models from designs generated using Moving Morphable Components (MMC). Emphasis is placed on constructing feature-based CAD models that conform to conventional modelling practices, where individual parameterised features are modelled using feature templates and united through Boolean union operations. This involves the use of algorithms to facilitate feature clean-up and identify connexions between features. The progression through several examples demonstrates how the developed algorithms can realise a feature-based CAD model from the results of an FM optimisation. Integration with a commercial CAD system provides a wide range of modelling capabilities to the designer for downstream design tasks.
Optimal allocations in growth models with private information
Authors: Krebs Tom , Scheffel Martin
Published: November 2023

This paper considers a class of growth models with idiosyncratic human capital risk and private information about individual effort choices (moral hazard). Households are infinitely-lived and have preferences that allow for a time-additive expected utility representation with a one-period utility function that is additive over consumption and effort as well as logarithmic over consumption. Human capital investment is risky due to idiosyncratic shocks that follow a Markov process with transition probabilities that depend on effort choices. The production process is represented by an aggregate production function that uses physical capital and human capital as input factors. We show that constrained optimal allocations are simple in the sense that individual effort levels and individual consumption growth rates are history-independent. Further, constrained optimal allocations are the solutions to a recursive social planner problem that is simple in the sense that exogenous shocks are the only state variables. We also show that constrained optimal allocations can be decentralized as competitive equilibrium allocations of a market economy with a simple tax- and transfer scheme. Finally, it is always optimal to subsidize human capital investment in the market economy.
Hodge similarities, algebraic classes, and Kuga–Satake varieties
Authors: Varesco Mauro
Published: November 2023

We introduce in this paper the notion of Hodge similarities of transcendental lattices of hyperkähler manifolds and investigate the Hodge conjecture for these Hodge morphisms. Studying K3 surfaces with a symplectic automorphism, we prove the Hodge conjecture for the square of the general member of the first four-dimensional families of K3 surfaces with totally real multiplication of degree two. We then show the functoriality of the Kuga–Satake construction with respect to Hodge similarities. This implies that, if the Kuga–Satake Hodge conjecture holds for two hyperkähler manifolds, then every Hodge similarity between their transcendental lattices is algebraic after composing it with the Lefschetz isomorphism. In particular, we deduce that Hodge similarities of transcendental lattices of hyperkähler manifolds of generalized Kummer deformation type are algebraic.
Hodge cohomology with a ramification filtration, I
Authors: Kelly Shane , Miyazaki Hiroyasu
Published: November 2023

We consider a filtration on the cohomology of the structure sheaf indexed by (not necessarily reduced) divisors “at infinity”. We show that the filtered pieces are functorial with respect to transfers, have fpqc descent, and are so called cube invariant. In the presence of resolution of singularities and weak factorisation they are invariant under blowup “at infinity”. As such, they lead to a realisation functor from Kahn, Miyazaki, Saito and Yamazaki’s category of motives with modulus over a characteristic zero base field.
On the rationality of certain Fano threefolds
Authors: Ciliberto Ciro
Published: November 2023

In this paper we study the rationality problem for Fano threefolds $$X\subset {\mathbb P}^{p+1}$$

X
⊂

P

p
+
1

of genus p, that are Gorenstein, with at most canonical singularities. The main results are: (1) a trigonal Fano threefold of genus p is rational as soon as $$p\geqslant 8$$

p
⩾
8

(this result has already been obtained in Przyjalkowski et al. (Izv Math 69(2):365–421, 2005), but we give here an independent proof); (2) a non-trigonal Fano threefold of genus $$p\geqslant 7$$

p
⩾
7

containing a plane is rational; (3) any Fano threefold of genus $$p\geqslant 17$$

p
⩾
17

is rational; (4) a Fano threefold of genus $$p\geqslant 12$$

p
⩾
12

containing an ordinary line $$\ell $$
ℓ
in its smooth locus is rational.
Thin-Film Equations with Singular Potentials: An Alternative Solution to the Contact-Line Paradox
Authors: Durastanti Riccardo , Giacomelli Lorenzo
Published: November 2023

In the regime of lubrication approximation, we look at spreading phenomena under the action of singular potentials of the form $$P(h)\approx h^{1-m}$$

P

(
h
)

≈

h

1
-
m

as $$h\rightarrow 0^+$$

h
→

0
+

with $$m>1$$

m
>
1

, modeling repulsion between the liquid–gas interface and the substrate. We assume zero slippage at the contact line. Based on formal analysis arguments, we report that for any $$m>1$$

m
>
1

and any value of the speed (both positive and negative) there exists a three-parameter, hence generic, family of fronts (i.e., traveling-wave solutions with a contact line). A two-parameter family of advancing “linear-log” fronts also exists, having a logarithmically corrected linear behavior in the liquid bulk. All these fronts have finite rate of dissipation, indicating that singular potentials stand as an alternative solution to the contact-line paradox. In agreement with steady states, fronts have microscopic contact angle equal to $$\pi /2$$

π
/
2

for all $$m>1$$

m
>
1

and finite energy for all $$m<3$$

m
<
3

. We also propose a selection criterion for the fronts, based on thermodynamically consistent contact-line conditions modeling friction at the contact line. So as contact-angle conditions do in the case of slippage models, this criterion selects a unique (up to translation) linear-log front for each positive speed. Numerical evidence suggests that, fixed the speed and the frictional coefficient, its shape depends on the spreading coefficient, with steeper fronts in partial wetting and a more prominent precursor region in dry complete wetting.
Deep fusible skinning of animation sequences
Authors: Moutafidou Anastasia , Toulatzis Vasileios , Fudos Ioannis
Published: November 2023

Animation compression is a key process in replicating and streaming animated 3D models. Linear Blend Skinning (LBS) facilitates the compression of an animated sequence while maintaining the capability of real-time streaming by deriving vertex to proxy bone assignments and per frame bone transformations. We introduce a innovative deep learning approach that learns how to assign vertices to proxy bones with persistent labeling. This is accomplished by learning how to correlate vertex trajectories to bones of fully rigged animated 3D models. Our method uses these pretrained networks on dynamic characteristics (vertex trajectories) of an unseen animation sequence (a sequence of meshes without skeleton or rigging information) to derive an LBS scheme that outperforms most previous competent approaches by offering better approximation of the original animation sequence with fewer bones, therefore offering better compression and smaller bandwidth requirements for streaming. This is substantiated by a thorough comparative performance evaluation using several error metrics, and compression/bandwidth measurements. In this paper, we have also introduced a persistent bone labeling scheme that (i) improves the efficiency of our method in terms of lower error values and better visual outcome and (ii) facilitates the fusion of two (or more) LBS schemes by an innovative algorithm that combines two arbitrary LBS schemes. To demonstrate the usefulness and potential of this fusion process, we have combined the outcome of our deep skinning method with that of Rignet—which is a state-of-the-art method that performs rigging on static meshes—with impressive results.
Relative corneal refractive power shift and inter-eye differential axial growth in children with myopic anisometropia treated with bilateral orthokeratology
Authors: Lin Weiping , Li Na , Liu Jiahe , Zhang Bin , Wei Ruihua
Published: November 2023

Purpose

To investigate the relationship between relative corneal refractive power shift (RCRPS) and axial length growth (ALG) in bilateral myopic anisometropes treated with orthokeratology.

Methods

A total of 102 children with myopic anisometropia in this prospective interventional study were randomly assigned to the spectacle group and orthokeratology group. Axial length (AL) and corneal topography was measured at baseline and the 12-month follow-up visit. ALG was defined as the difference between the two measurements, and RCRPS profiles were calculated from two axial maps obtained.

Results

In the orthokeratology group, the ALG in the more myopic eye (0.06 ± 0.15 mm) was significantly smaller than that in the less myopic eye (0.15 ± 0.15 mm, p < 0.001), and the interocular difference in AL significantly decreased following 1-year treatment, from 0.47 ± 0.32 to 0.38 ± 0.28 mm (p < 0.001). However, in the spectacle group, the ALG was similar between the two eyes, and the interocular difference in AL did not change significantly over one year (all p > 0.05). The interocular difference in ALG in the orthokeratology group was significantly correlated with the interocular difference in RCRPS (dRCRPS, β=−0.003, p < 0.001) and the interocular difference in baseline AL (β=−0.1179, p < 0.001), with R2 being 0.6197.

Conclusion

Orthokeratology was effective in decreasing the magnitude of anisometropia. The interocular variation in RCRPS is an important factor accounting for the reduction of interocular ALG difference in anisomyopic children post-orthokeratology. These results provide insight into establishing eye-specific myopia control guidelines during orthokeratology treatment for myopic anisometropes.
The application of objective clinical human reliability analysis (OCHRA) in the assessment of basic robotic surgical skills
Authors: Gorard Jack , Boal Matthew , Swamynathan Vishaal , Ghamrawi Walaa , Francis Nader
Published: November 2023

Background

Using a validated, objective, and standardised assessment tool to assess progression and competency is essential for basic robotic surgical training programmes. Objective clinical human reliability analysis (OCHRA) is an error-based assessment tool that provides in-depth analysis of individual technical errors. We conducted a feasibility study to assess the concurrent validity and reliability of OCHRA when applied to basic, generic robotic technical skills assessment.

Methods

Selected basic robotic surgical skill tasks, in virtual reality (VR) and dry lab equivalent, were performed by novice robotic surgeons during an intensive 5-day robotic surgical skills course on da Vinci® X and Xi surgical systems. For each task, we described a hierarchical task analysis. Our developed robotic surgical-specific OCHRA methodology was applied to error events in recorded videos with a standardised definition. Statistical analysis to assess concurrent validity with existing tools and inter-rater reliability were performed.

Results

OCHRA methodology was applied to 272 basic robotic surgical skills tasks performed by 20 novice robotic surgeons. Performance scores improved from the start of the course to the end using all three assessment tools; Global Evaluative Assessment of Robotic Skills (GEARS) [VR: t(19) = − 9.33, p < 0.001] [dry lab: t(19) = − 10.17, p < 0.001], OCHRA [VR: t(19) = 6.33, p < 0.001] [dry lab: t(19) = 10.69, p < 0.001] and automated VR [VR: t(19) = − 8.26, p < 0.001]. Correlation analysis, for OCHRA compared to GEARS and automated VR scores, shows a significant and strong inverse correlation in every VR and dry lab task; OCHRA vs GEARS [VR: mean r = − 0.78, p < 0.001] [dry lab: mean r = − 0.82, p < 0.001] and OCHRA vs automated VR [VR: mean r = − 0.77, p < 0.001]. There is very strong and significant inter-rater reliability between two independent reviewers (r = 0.926, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

OCHRA methodology provides a detailed error analysis tool in basic robotic surgical skills with high reliability and concurrent validity with existing tools. OCHRA requires further evaluation in more advanced robotic surgical procedures.
Probability-Based Design of Reinforced Rock Slopes Using Coupled FORM and Monte Carlo Methods
Authors: Low Bak Kong , Boon Chia Weng
Published: November 2023

The efficiency of the first-order reliability method (FORM) and the accuracy of Monte Carlo simulations (MCS) are coupled in probability-based designs of reinforced rock slopes, including a Hong Kong slope with exfoliation joints. Load–resistance duality is demonstrated and resolved automatically in a foundation on rock with a discontinuity plane. Other examples include the lengthy Hoek and Bray deterministic vectorial procedure for comprehensive pentahedral blocks with external load and bolt force, which is made efficient and more succinct before extending it to probability-based design via MCS-enhanced FORM. The FORM–MCS–FORM design procedure is proposed for cases with multiple failure modes. For cases with a dominant single failure mode, the time-saving importance sampling (IS) and the fast second-order reliability method (SORM) can be used in lieu of MCS. Two cases of 3D reinforced blocks (pentahedral and tetrahedral, respectively) with the possibility of multiple sliding modes are investigated. In the case of the reinforced pentahedral block, direct MCS shows that there is only one dominant failure mode, for which the efficient method of importance sampling at the FORM design point provides fast verification of the revised design. In the case of the reinforced tetrahedral block, there are multiple failure modes contributing to the total failure probability, for which the proposed MCS-enhanced FORM procedure is demonstrated to be essential. Comparisons are made between Excel MCS and MATLAB MCS.
Intermolecular interactions and the weakly bound precursor states of elementary physicochemical processes
Authors: Pirani Fernando , Falcinelli Stefano , Vecchiocattivi Franco , Aquilanti Vincenzo , Laricchiuta Annarita , Colonna Gianpiero , Capitelli Mario
Published: November 2023

This study concerns the importance of the precursor (or pre-reactive) state of elementary physicochemical processes whose basic features, as structure, stability, and trapping effect of reagents, are controlled by the balance of intermolecular forces that arise at long range and operate at intermediate and short separation distances. The detailed formulation of such forces, determining formation probability and dynamical evolution of the precursor state, is of relevance in molecular science and difficult to be treated by quantum chemistry. Such a problem has been tackled by us exploiting the phenomenological approach, which employs semi-empirical and empirical formulas to represent strength, range and angular dependence of the leading interaction components involved. In addition to the study of transport phenomena, part of the attention is addressed to chemi-ionization (or Penning ionization) reactions for which neutral reagents lead to atomic and/or molecular ions plus electrons as products. Chemi-ionizations are bimolecular processes occurring in several environments of interest, where a reagent is a species, formed in excited-metastable electronic states by collisions with energetic electrons or cosmic rays. For such reactions all crucial electronic rearrangements, affecting stability and evolution of the weakly bound precursor state, here coincident with the reaction transition state, are characterized with a high detail. The results of the present study are of interest for many other processes, whose precursor states and their relevant features are difficult to characterize, often masked by several other effects.

Graphical abstract
TiO2-functionalized biochar from pistachio nutshells: adsorptive removal and photocatalytic decolorization of methyl orange
Authors: El-Shafie Ahmed S. , Abouseada Maha , El-Azazy Marwa
Published: November 2023

Pistachio nutshells-derived biochar (PNS-BC) was utilized as a cost-effective adsorbent for competently removing a model dye, methyl orange (MO) from wastewater. Three concentrations of TiO2; 1%, 2%, and 3% were used to decorate the biochar. Analysis of morphology, stability, and structure of the three adsorbents (PNS, PNS-BC, and the TiO2 functionalized biochar; TiO2@PNS-BC) was extensively explored using various characterization techniques. The synergistic photocatalytic-adsorptive efficiency of the three adsorbents was compared. In this regard, a Box-Behnken (BB) design-based multivariate scheme was inaugurated with the target of maximizing MO removal (%R) while using the minimum possible of chemicals and resources. The impact of five variables; %TiO2, dose of TiO2-PNS, reaction time, dye concentration, and pH on the magnitude of %R was investigated. Results show that 97.69% removal of MO could be recognized over 120 min using adsorption compared to 99.47% removal over 30 min using 3% TiO2@PNS-BC as a photocatalyst. A 3% TiO2@PNS-BC was the best catalyst (compared to 1% and 2%) with a decolorization rate constant of 0.12741 min−1, ~ 1.5 × faster compared to the decolorization of MO using adsorption alone. Adsorption of MO conformed well to Langmuir isotherm. A maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of 142.38 mg/g was achieved. Adsorption kinetics fitted well with the pseudo-second order (PSO) model. Results obtained indicated that biochar of PNS is a promising, cost-effective, and economical adsorbent.
Adsorptive performance of bentonite-chitosan nanocomposite as a dual antibacterial and reusable adsorbent for Reactive Red 195 and crystal violet removal: kinetic and thermodynamic studies
Authors: Elashery Sally E. A. , El-Bouraie Mohamed M. , Abdelgawad Eman A. , Attia Nour F. , Mohamed Gehad G.
Published: November 2023

Herein, bentonite-chitosan nanocomposite (BT-CS nanocomposite) has been synthesized and exploited, for the first time, as a dual adsorbent for the removal of both of an anionic (Reactive Red 195 (RR)) and a cationic (Crystal Violet (CV)) dyes from aqueous solution. The adsorption behavior of the exploited nano-adsorbent towards the dyes under investigation were scrutinized in batch experiments as a function of several factors such as contact time, pH value, adsorbent dose, initial dye concentration, stirring rate, and temperature. The prepared nano-adsorbent achieved superior removal efficiency of 99.4 and 99.8% within 20 min at optimum pH value of 3 and 5 using adsorbent dose of 0.1 g and 0.08 g at room temperature for RR and CV dyes, respectively. Also, the developed nano-adsorbent affords higher removal efficiency of CV dye against broad pH range of 2–9. Moreover, the developed nano-adsorbent achieved significant antibacterial behavior against various pathogenic bacterial and record clear inhibition zone of 21 mm against Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739). Langmuir adsorption model and pseudo-second order adsorption can fully depict the BT-CS nanocomposite adsorption properties for both of RR and CV dyes. Furthermore, thermodynamic studies showed that the process was spontaneous and endothermic with increased in randomness. The prepared dual adsorbent in this study exhibited reversible dyes adsorption with an excellent regeneration efficiency. Whereas, after 5 successive adsorption–desorption cycles, the adsorption efficiency of the synthesized adsorbent was 99% and 98% for RR and CV dyes, respectively, affirming its capability to economically decontaminate the industrial wastewater comprising RR and CV dyes.

Graphical Abstract
Oxygen-Coordinated Single Mn Sites for Efficient Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia
Authors: Zhang Shengbo , Zha Yuankang , Ye Yixing , Li Ke , Lin Yue , Zheng Lirong , Wang Guozhong , Zhang Yunxia , Yin Huajie , Shi Tongfei , Zhang Haimin
Published: November 2023

Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction has attracted increasing attention due to its goal of low carbon emission and environmental protection. Here, we report an efficient NitRR catalyst composed of single Mn sites with atomically dispersed oxygen (O) coordination on bacterial cellulose-converted graphitic carbon (Mn–O–C). Evidence of the atomically dispersed Mn–(O–C2)4 moieties embedding in the exposed basal plane of carbon surface is confirmed by X-ray absorption spectroscopy. As a result, the as-synthesized Mn–O–C catalyst exhibits superior NitRR activity with an NH3 yield rate (RNH3) of 1476.9 ± 62.6 μg h−1 cm−2 at − 0.7 V (vs. reversible hydrogen electrode, RHE) and a faradaic efficiency (FE) of 89.0 ± 3.8% at − 0.5 V (vs. RHE) under ambient conditions. Further, when evaluated with a practical flow cell, Mn–O–C shows a high RNH3 of 3706.7 ± 552.0 μg h−1 cm−2 at a current density of 100 mA cm−2, 2.5 times of that in the H cell. The in situ FT-IR and Raman spectroscopic studies combined with theoretical calculations indicate that the Mn–(O–C2)4 sites not only effectively inhibit the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction, but also greatly promote the adsorption and activation of nitrate (NO3−), thus boosting both the FE and selectivity of NH3 over Mn–(O–C2)4 sites.
Trends, forecasting and adaptation strategies of climate change in the middle and west regions of Iraq
Authors: Hassan Waqed H. , Nile Basim K. , Kadhim Zahraa K. , Mahdi Karrar , Riksen Michel , Thiab Rifqa F.
Published: November 2023

Climate change has placed considerable pressure on the residential environment, agricultural, and water supplies in different areas of the world, especially arid places such as Iraq. Iraq is one of the five most vulnerable countries in the world to climate change, where it has been encountering extremes heat waves during the most recent decades resulted in drought, desertification, and rivers dried up, which led to thousands of hectares to turn dry and yellow. This study aims to investigate the trends of climate change in the middle and western regions of Iraq and future expectations. The daily maximum temperature, minimum temperature, and precipitation are downscaled using the Long Ashton Research Station Weather Generator (LARS-WG) model. Five General Circulation Models (GCMs) from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) are employed for three future periods: the near future (2021–2040), medium future (2051–2070), and far future (2081–2100), based on two scenarios of the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) for four selected meteorological stations representing the study area. The outcomes of the calibration and validation of the model supported its skill and reliability to downscale precipitation and temperature time series for statistical indices (R2, RMSE and MBE) ranging between (0.894–0.998), (0.1270–1.9274) and (− 0.6158 to 0.0008), respectively. The results showed that the average minimum and maximum annual temperatures will increase at all selected stations across the three future periods by between 0.94 and 4.98 °C by the end of the twenty-first century. Annual changes in precipitation tend generally towards increase for the study area by average (6.09–14.31%) for RCP4.5 and (11.25–20.97%) for RCP8.5 Compared to the historical data (1990–2020). These findings can contribute to become more acquainted with the effects of climate change on the environment and encourage managers and planners to come up with plans for mitigating and adapting to these effects. They can also serve as a guide for future management of water and agricultural resources in the study region.
Blockage slope and ratio effects on box culvert hydraulics
Authors: Zayed Mahmoud
Published: November 2023

Culvert blockage at the inlet can dramatically alter the local hydraulic characteristics that often increase backwater rise, change the flow patterns, and thereby increase the risk of upstream flooding. The impact of culvert blockage is not usually included in the initial hydraulic design, although it can cause significant losses once the culvert becomes blocked. Culvert hydraulics including backwater rise with respect to blockage slope and ratio has been neglected in the studies conducted so far. In this study, we conducted a series of narrow flume tests to investigate the effects of four bottom blockage slope angles and five blockage ratios on the hydraulic characteristics of box culverts, including backwater rise, and upstream mean velocity at various Froude numbers. The results showed that Froude number, blockage ratio, and slope angle were regarded as the controlling variables for culvert backwater rise. Backwater rise increased dramatically with increasing blockage ratio and Froude number. Compared to blockage ratio B = 0.20, ΔH/hu increased by 2, 5, 9, and 13 times for B = 0.40, 0.60, 0.80, and 1, respectively. However, when the blockage slope angle decreased, the backwater rise reduced and upstream mean velocity increased in compared with vertical blockage. The relative backwater rise reduced from 0.32 to 0.29, when blockage slope angle decreased from 90° to 18.44° at B = 1 and Fo = 0.10. In addition, the length and maximum depth of water surface depression inside the culvert itself were larger with increasing blockage ratio and Froude number. For Fo = 0.10, d/ho = 0.13 and L/ho = 0.94 for B = 0.20 compared to d/ho = 0.32 and L/ho = 4.34 for B = 1. The results were also combined to develop an equation to predict backwater rise in the range 0.10 ≤ Fo ≤ 0.25, 0 ≤ B ≤ 1, and 18.44° ≤ α ≤ 90°. To enhance the accuracy, it is recommended to apply the equation for ΔH/hu ˃ 0.10. It is useful and practical in applications to add the probability of backwater rise or losses owing to culvert blockage within accounting of losses during the hydraulic design of culverts, especially in channels exposed to debris.
Demythologising Park Hill, Sheffield: The Hawksmoor Prize Essay 2022
Authors: Smith Holly
Published: November 2023

The Park Hill estate in Sheffield was one of the most monumental and experimental projects in twentieth-century British housing. Designed by two young architects, Jack Lynn and Ivor Smith, it was constructed between 1957 and 1961 under the city’s Labour-led council, one of the country’s most visionary post-war local authorities. The estate has been celebrated for its ’streets in the sky’ design, an architectural approach associated with Alison and Peter Smithson which sought to salvage and recreate patterns of working-class community and social life from the slums that were razed during the rebuilding of Britain’s cities. This article deconstructs mythologies that have come to dominate narratives about Park Hill and its approach to community. It shows that the design of the estate did not recreate the pattern of nineteenth-century housing which formerly stood on the site, nor was it conceived to recreate the working-class community which had existed there. In doing so, this article reassesses the supposed political radicalism of the British welfare state in the early post-war period. While Park Hill has been acclaimed as architecturally innovative, its politics were not straightforwardly progressive. Like much post-war reconstruction, it sprang from a dialogue with older liberal frameworks of welfare delivery.
Vale of Leven: Britain’s First National Health Service Hospital, 1951–55
Authors: Blakeman Harriet Richardson
Published: November 2023

While some of the major hospitals built in Britain following the creation of the National Health Service have attracted scholarly attention, Vale of Leven — the first NHS hospital — has been largely overlooked. Erected in 1952–55 at Alexandria, to the northwest of Glasgow, it was built with funds provided by the civil defence budget and was designed as both a potential emergency hospital during wartime and a peacetime general hospital to meet the needs of the local population. The architect, Joseph L. Gleave (1907–65), regarded the project as an opportunity to design a hospital based on the principles of the modern movement and, when it opened, it was applauded as the first ’modern’ hospital built by the NHS. As with the emergency hospitals built at the outset of the second world war, the design was based on a separation between circulation (the ’spine’) and accommodation, which comprised standardised but expandable modular units plugged into the spine, allowing flexibility for future change. Although Vale of Leven Hospital was not replicated, aspects of its planning and design were influential in the short term, and its legacy can be seen in the more compact standardised model of the nucleus hospitals developed in the 1970s.