bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Introducing Degradable Cationic Nanogels Carrying TLR9 Stimulating Oligonucleotides
Authors: Fuchs Alexander , Czysch Christian , Maxeiner Konrad , Winterwerber Pia , Schmitt Sascha , Stickdorn Judith , Zhong Zifu , Medina‐Montano Carolina , Räder Hans‐Joachim , Bros Matthias , De Geest Bruno G. , Koynov Kaloian , Grabbe Stephan , Nuhn Lutz
Published: December 2024

Cationic, core‐crosslinked nanogel particles are prepared from synthetic biodegradable materials. These fully hydrophilic nanogels offer superior customizability compared to common lipid nanoparticles, thereby circumventing intrinsic immune stimulatory properties. Electrostatic loading allows for complexation of nucleic acids including the immune stimulatory Toll‐like receptor 9 (TLR9) agonistCpG‐ODN (cytidine‐phosphate‐guanosine oligodeoxynucleotide). Only when complexed inside nanogels, one can control CpG‐ODN's biodistribution, prevent systemic toxicity, and increase bioavailability at target locations. Nanogels are prepared from cyclic aliphatic carbonate monomers with reactive pentafluorophenyl (PFP) esters. First, block copolymers are acquired via cationic ring opening polymerization (CROP) onto polyethylene glycol (PEG). Upon self‐assembly in ethanol, the micelles’ core is cationically core‐crosslinked, and the resulting fully hydrophilic particles exhibit sizes of ≈20 nm, also upon loading with CpG‐ODN. In vitro, they promote intracellular delivery devoid of carrier‐related toxicities, while retaining the immune stimulatory properties of the TLR agonist cargo. In vivo, the nanogels reduce systemic liver immune responses and remain near the injection site. Additionally, delivery into cDC1 (conventional dentritic cells type 1) antigen‐presenting cells, which are highly relevant for antitumoral T‐cell immune responses, is confirmed. Altogether, cationic, core‐crosslinked polycarbonate nanogels show promise for nucleic acid delivery, showcasing controlled immunostimulatory cargo delivery and an enhanced hydrolytic biodegradability profile, highly valuable for cancer immunotherapy.
Uprising Unconventional Nanobiomaterials: Peptoid Nanosheets as a Multi‐Modular Platform for Advanced Biological Studies
Authors: Carretero Gustavo , Samarasekara Hettikankanamge Kalani , Battigelli Alessia , Mojsoska Biljana
Published: December 2024

Peptoids are bio‐inspired peptidomimetic polymers that can be designed to self‐assemble into a variety of nanostructures. Among these different assemblies, peptoid nanosheets are the most studied. Peptoid nanosheets are 2D highly ordered nanostructures, able to free float in aqueous solutions while featuring versatile chemical displays that can be tuned to incorporate a plethora of functional units. In this review, the synthetic approach used to prepare sequence‐defined oligomers and highlight their main characteristics is introduced. The ability of peptoids to fold into nanostructures is then reviewed with an extensive emphasis on peptoid nanosheets, and their physico–chemical characteristics, assembly mechanism, and stability. A particular focus is also placed on the variety of functionalization incorporated into the peptoid nanosheets to tune their properties toward specific applications, especially within the fields of biology and medicine. Finally, the comparison between peptoid nanosheets and other 2D nanomaterials is discussed to address the challenges in the current nanomaterials and underline the future development of peptoid nanosheets in the field of biology.
Encage the Carcinogens: A Metal–“Organic Cage” Framework for Efficient Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Removal From Water
Authors: Paul Bhaswati , Ghorai Sandipan , Samanta Jayanta , Natarajan Ramalingam
Published: December 2024

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are carcinogenic and persistent organic pollutants in water. Their removal is highly challenging for existing generic and nonspecific adsorbents, creating an urgent need for tailored solutions. Herein, a metal‐“organic cage” framework, MOF‐CC‐1, designed for the effective scavenging of PAHs from water is is introduced. This framework is constructed using a propeller‐shaped cofacial organic cage (CC‐1), equipped with three triazole pillars that coordinate with Ag(I) ions. The cationic MOF‐CC‐1 adopts a chiral (10,3)‐a srs net structure, spontaneously resolving into homochiral crystals. Additionally, bulk homochirality is achieved through chirality induction using chiral counteranions. MOF‐CC‐1 uniquely encapsulates diverse PAH molecules within the cavities of CC‐1, as confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, marking it as the first metal–“organic cage” framework with structural evidence of guest inclusion inside the organic cage linker. Further, MOF‐CC‐1 exhibits soft porosity, remaining nonporous to N₂ gas when compressed but expanding to encapsulate PAHs in solution. Moreover, MOF‐CC‐1 exhibits exceptional efficacy in scavenging ppb levels of PAHs from water. This work represents a significant advancement in utilizing organic cages as ligands toward MOF construction, paving the way for tailored adsorbents for PAH removal, and addressing a critical need for selective and efficient materials in environmental remediation.
Enhancing mechanical properties of PLA‐based bio composite filament reinforced with horse gram filler for 3D printing applications
Authors: Nataraj Ganesh , Ramesh Babu S.
Published: December 2024

Green composites for 3D printing have gained significant attention due to the potential of incorporating natural fillers to reduce costs and enhance performance while maintaining environmental benefits. The use of agricultural by‐products, such as horse gram (Hg), not only promotes waste utilization but also seeks to improve the mechanical properties of biopolymers like PLA. In this study, Hg powder was utilized as a natural filler to enhance the mechanical properties of PLA‐based composites. The composites were fabricated with 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% Hg powder filler content, and the filament was processed through a single screw extruder machine. Their mechanical properties were systematically evaluated to determine the optimal filler ratio. The results indicate that the incorporation of 1% Hg filler into PLA provided superior mechanical performance compared to Neat PLA. Specifically, tensile strength increased by 11.19%, flexural strength improved by 5.32%, and compression strength increased by 5.94%. In contrast, composites with 2% and 3% Hg filler showed a reduction in these mechanical properties, highlighting that the 1% Hg/PLA composite achieves the best balance between strength and filler content. The findings suggest that the 1% Hg/PLA composite offers an optimized combination of tensile, flexural, and compression properties, making it a strong candidate for environmentally sustainable engineering applications such as lightweight structural components, automotive interior parts, and consumer product casings.

Highlights

One percent Hg filler improved tensile, flexural strength, and hardness through uniform dispersion.

Higher filler content (3%–4%) led to agglomeration, reducing composite performance.

XRD and SEM analyses revealed reduced PLA crystallinity and structural defects at higher filler levels.
First molecular report of the Chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5 (ChHV5 Scutavirus chelonidalpha5) in a green turtle (Chelonia mydas) with fibropapillomatosis in the southwest Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Espinoza Joelly , Gazol Eduardo , Rojas Maurilia , Reyes-López Miguel Angel , Alfaro-Núñez Alonzo , Reséndiz Eduardo
Published: December 2024

Fibropapillomatosis (FP) is an emerging neoplastic disease associated with chelonid herpesvirus 5 (ChHV5; Scutavirus chelonidalpha 5) that affects all species of marine turtles worldwide, mainly green turtles (Chelonia mydas) at coastal feeding sites. This report describes the case of a juvenile green turtle stranded alive on the coast of Veracruz, Mexico that presented 41 lesions suggestive of FP distributed on the eyes, neck, front flippers, axillary/inguinal regions and plastron. Morphologically, the lesions varied in size, shape and appearance of the surface. A tumour was collected and analysed by histopathology revealing a benign neoplasm with fibropapilloma characteristics (dermal and epidermal proliferation) and cytopathic effects consistent with herpesvirus infection, such as ballooning, reticular, and vacuolar degeneration, cell necrosis, eosinophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies, and inflammatory cell infiltration. The tumour tested positive for ChHV5 through conventional PCR targeting the UL30, UL18, UL22, and UL27 genes. Phylogenetic analysis of the DNA Polymerase (UL30) placed the Veracruz variant in the Western Atlantic/Eastern Caribbean cluster along with sequences from Florida, Colombia, Barbados, and Brazil. Additional identification of the CMA1.1 DNA mitochondrial haplotype for this individual supports the connectivity between green turtles from the northern and southern regions of the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) and the Caribbean. It also suggests a potential risk route for ChHV5 infection. This report details the first case of FP linked to ChHV5 in Veracruz and the southwestern GoM. Further research on FP and ChHV5 in these areas is crucial due to their role as habitats for five sea turtle species across various life stages.
Study on mitogenic activity of serum from patients with total coronary occlusions: relation to duration of occlusion
Authors: Tchaikovski V. , Werner G. S. , Fritzenwanger M. , Jandt E. , Waltenberger Johannes
Published: December 2024

In contrast to the extensive evidence from animal studies, only few human data are available on the relation of vascular growth factors and collateral function as well as on the conditions which may modify their release or function. In 31 patients with total coronary occlusion (TCOs) blood was collected from distal to the occlusion site (collateral circulation) and from the aortic root (systemic circulation). Serum was used to assess its mitogenic potential in [3H]-thymidine incorporation assay on human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Serum from patients with the duration of occlusion between 1 and 3 months was significantly more mitogenic as compared to either shorter or longer duration of occlusion. None of the demographic or clinical factors correlated with the mitogenic activity of serum. Serum from patients with TCOs shows a particular time-dependent mitogenic profile with a maximal activity between 1 and 3 months following the occlusion. This profile corresponds to the experimentally described time-line of strongest collateral development and indicates the time-window for possible modification.
Data augmentation in predictive maintenance applicable to hydrogen combustion engines: a review
Authors: Schwarz Alexander , Rahal Jhonny Rodriguez , Sahelices Benjamín , Barroso-García Verónica , Weis Ronny , Duque Antón Simon
Published: December 2024

Machine-learning-based predictive maintenance models, i.e. models that predict breakdowns of machines based on condition information, have a high potential to minimize maintenance costs in industrial applications by determining the best possible time to perform maintenance. Modern machines have sensors that can collect all relevant data of the operating condition and for legacy machines which are still widely used in the industry, retrofit sensors are readily, easily and inexpensively available. With the help of this data it is possible to train such a predictive maintenance model. The main problem is that most data is obtained from normal operating conditions, whereas only limited data are from failures. This leads to highly unbalanced data sets, which makes it very difficult, if not impossible, to train a predictive maintenance model that can detect faults reliably and timely. Another issue is the lack of available real data due to privacy concerns. To address these problems, a suitable data generation strategy is needed. In this work, a literature review is conducted to identify a solution approach for a suitable data augmentation strategy that can be applied to our specific use case of hydrogen combustion engines in the automotive field. This literature review shows that, among the different state-of-the-art proposals, the most promising for the generation of reliable synthetic data are the ones based on generative models. The analysis of the different metrics used in the state of the art allows to identify the most suitable ones to evaluate the quality of generated signals. Finally, an open problem in research in this area is identified and it is the need to validate the plausibility of the data generated. The generation of results in this area will contribute decisively to the development of predictive maintenance models.
Further Evidence for the Dark-Ego-Vehicle Principle: Higher Pathological Narcissistic Grandiosity and Virtue Signaling Are Related to Greater Involvement in LGBQ and Gender Identity Activism
Authors: Krispenz Ann , Bertrams Alex
Published: December 2024

The dark-ego-vehicle principle (DEVP) suggests that individuals with so-called dark personalities (e.g., high narcissistic traits) are attracted to political and social activism that they can repurpose to satisfy their specific ego-focused needs (e.g., signaling moral superiority and manipulating others) instead of achieving prosocial goals. Currently, research on the DEVP is still rare. With two pre-registered studies, we sought further evidence for the DEVP by examining the associations of pathological narcissistic grandiosity with involvement in LGBQ activism (Study 1) and gender identity activism (Study 2). Socioeconomically diverse samples from the USA (Study 1; N = 446) and the UK (Study 2; N = 837) were recruited online via the research-oriented crowdsourcing platform Prolific. Individuals completed the Pathological Narcissism Inventory as well as measures of involvement in activism. Moreover, we assessed different covariates (e.g., altruism), and potential correlates within the narcissism–activism relationship (i.e., virtue signaling, dominance, and aggression). In addition, we examined potential relationships between other dark personality variables (e.g., psychopathy) and activism. In both samples, higher pathological narcissistic grandiosity was related to greater involvement in activism. As expected, virtue signaling was consistently involved in the relationship between pathological narcissistic grandiosity and activism. However, neither dominance nor aggression was related to individuals’ involvement in activism. The results did also not consistently support a relationship between higher psychopathy and greater involvement in activism. Overall, the findings help to further specify the DEVP.
Optimization schemes on manifolds for structured matrices with fixed eigenvalues
Authors: Chehab Jean-Paul , Oviedo Harry , Raydan Marcos
Published: December 2024

Several manifold optimization schemes are presented and analyzed for solving a specialized inverse structured symmetric matrix problem with prescribed spectrum. Some entries in the desired matrix are assigned in advance and cannot be altered. The rest of the entries are free, some of them preferably away from zero. The reconstructed matrix must satisfy these requirements and its eigenvalues must be the given ones. This inverse eigenvalue problem is related to the problem of determining the graph, with weights on the undirected edges, of the matrix associated with its sparse pattern. Our optimization schemes are based on considering the eigenvector matrix as the only unknown and iteratively moving on the manifold of orthogonal matrices, forcing the additional structural requirements through a change of variables and a convenient differentiable objective function in the space of square matrices. We propose Riemannian gradient-type methods combined with two different well-known retractions, and with two well-known constrained optimization strategies: penalization and augmented Lagrangian. We also present a block alternating technique that takes advantage of a proper separation of variables. Convergence properties of the penalty alternating approach are established. Finally, we present initial numerical results to demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposals.
The exploration of continuous teaching intention in emerging-technology environments through perceived cognitive load, usability, and teacher’s attitudes
Authors: Maričić Mirjana , Anđić Branko , Soeharto Soeharto , Mumcu Filiz , Cvjetićanin Stanko , Lavicza Zsolt
Published: December 2024

According to the theoretical frameworks and teaching practice, the constructs of the Technology acceptance model - TAM and the Cognitive load theory - CLT are in a close cause-and-effect relationship, and gaining insights into this issue is essential for educators. Our study aimed to examine continuous teaching intention (CTI) with emerging technologies (ET) through perceived usability (PUS), attitudes towards teaching (ATT) and perceived cognitive load (PCL) from the aspect of teachers’ perceptions. A survey research design using a cross-sectional survey technique was applied. The research involved 801 primary and lower secondary school teachers. Results showed that the TAM-CLT scale model is aligned and fits the overall sample well. In addition, teachers’ PUS can be a crucial factor in shaping ATT and CTI of ET because this construct positively influences these variables underlining the importance of designing user-friendly ET. However, our study reveals the lack of a significant negative relationship between teachers’ PCL and PUS, and the absence of mediation between PCL and CTI through PUS. These unexpected findings highlight the complexity of users’ experiences with ET and the need for a more nuanced understanding of the interplay between these constructs. One of the implications of our study refers to further investigation of the underlying mechanisms between PCL, PUS, and CTI. Other recommendations are stated in the discussion.
Effect of appropriate extenders to maintain sperm functionality during short-term storage of sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus) sperm with fertilization assay under hatchery conditions
Authors: Shazada Nururshopa Eskander , Siddique Mohammad Abdul Momin , Zhang Songpei , Ma Zhijun , Rodina Marek , Linhart Otomar
Published: December 2024

Short-term storage and management of sperm in vitro is an easy and economical process in which suitable extenders can be utilized to extend the storage period and prevent sperm function impairment. Therefore, the current study aimed to evaluate the effect of suitable extenders during the short-term storage of sterlet sperm and determine their fertilizing capacity and hatching success. Three extenders containing a composition of 16, 20, and 24 mM NaCl, 1 mM KCl, 0.1 mM CaCl2, 10 mM Tris, pH 8.0 with osmolarity of 46, 55, and 62 mOsm/kg, were used to dilute the sperm of four sexually mature sterlet males (n = 4). Using a CASA system, the motility and velocity of undiluted and diluted sperm with extenders (E1 – E3) were assessed over 6 days at 0–2 °C. The short-term stored diluted sperm was then used in the fertilization and hatching assay, and undiluted fresh and stored sperm was used as a control. A two-way factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) model confirmed significant effects on sperm motility, curvilinear velocity (VCL), and straight-line velocity (VSL) (P < 0.001), as well as their interaction with the extender. The model was decomposed into a one-way ANOVA to examine the impacts of extenders and storage time. With increasing storage periods, the sperm motility and velocity gradually decreased for diluted sperm with three extenders (E1–E3) but sharply decreased for undiluted sperm (Control). The motility of undiluted sperm was found 3.77 ± 4.09% at 4 days, whereas sperm diluted with extenders showed 57.57 ± 12.33% (E1), 64.34 ± 11.86% (E2), and 61.40 ± 12.41% (E3) motility at 6 days. This study explored extenders optimized with higher osmolarity (39–62 mOsm/kg) and lower K+ (1 mmol/L) as the most suitable medium for storing sterlet sperm for 6 days. After 6 days post storage, sperm diluted with extenders E1–E3 achieved a fertilization rate of 31.29 ± 14.2%, 31.66 ± 8.84%, and 30.67 ± 10.02%, respectively, and hatching success of 29.58 ± 13.4%, 30.50 ± 7.89%, and 27.95 ± 9.62%, respectively with freshly ovulated eggs.
Decolonising the curriculum: common sense, threshold concepts, and epistemic injustice
Authors: Stopford Richard
Published: December 2024

In Onthe Affective Threshold of Power and Privilege (2023), Julie Rattray reflects on the impact of decolonising the curriculum (DtC) on threshold concept (TC) theory. In this paper, I focus on student troublesomeness in the context of DtC—troublesomeness being a key dimension in TC. I argue that such difficulty requires a bespoke analysis as it involves complex entanglements of politics, existential experiences, and epistemic difficulties. The result is twofold. First, these difficulties cannot be overcome using standard epistemic and pedagogical methods precisely because they arise out of tensions between decolonial, material, and hegemonic culture and pedagogical practices. Indeed, even where conceptual material is involved, students’ difficulty with that material cannot be properly characterised in terms of “acquisition”—the dominant model in educational theory, and TC specifically. Second, I argue that hegemonic student troublesomeness is necessary, desirable, and ongoing in these contexts. Again, this puts pressure on pedagogical commitments in TC. I mobilise my analysis through my teaching of Oyèrónkẹ́ Oyěwùmí’s decolonial gender theory. I then draw upon Wittgenstein and Gramsci to elaborate the existential and political vectors of the problematics of students’ difficulty. I then draw specifically on Kristie Dotson’s work to think through these dynamics in the context of epistemic injustice. The paper concludes with practical strategies for educators to manage and embrace student troublesomeness, advocating for an approach that prioritises cultural understanding and existential reflection over traditional epistemic methods.
“Killing in the Name of 3R?” The Ethics of Death in Animal Research
Authors: Persson Kirsten , Rodriguez Perez Christian , Louis-Maerten Edwin , Müller Nico , Shaw David
Published: December 2024

Changing relationships with nonhuman animals have led to important modifications in animal welfare legislations, including the protection of animal life. However, animal research regulations are largely based on welfarist assumptions, neglecting the idea that death can constitute a harm to animals. In this article, four different cases of killing animals in research contexts are identified and discussed against the background of philosophical, societal, and scientific-practical discourses: 1. Animals killed during experimentation, 2. Animals killed before research, 3. “Surplus” animals and 4. “Leftover” animals. The scientific community and, accordingly, animal research regulations such as the internationally acknowledged framework 3R (“Replace”, “Reduce”, “Refine”) tend to aim at the reduction of “surplus” and, to some extent, “leftover” animals, whereas the first two classes are rather neglected. However, the perspective that animal death matters morally is supported by both societal moral intuitions and certain theoretical accounts in animal ethics. Therefore, we suggest the implementation of the 3Rs in regulations, so that they: 1. Make their underlying philosophical position transparent; 2. Are based on a weighing account of animal death; 3. Are applicable to procedures on living and dead animals; 4. Apply the “reduction” principle to procedures on dead animals; 5. Entail that methods using (parts of) dead animals need to be replaced by animal free methods, if possible; 6. Do not suggest replacing research on living animals by research on killed animals; 7. Include all kinds of animals, depending on the respective harm of death; 8. Are applied to the broader context of experimentation, including breeding and the fate of the animals after the experiment.
Feasibility of pulsed field ablation for atrial fibrillation under mild conscious sedation
Authors: Calvert Peter , Mills Mark T. , Murray Ben , Kendall Jonathan , Ratnasingham Justin , Luther Vishal , Gupta Dhiraj
Published: December 2024

Background

Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a new modality for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for atrial fibrillation (AF). PFA is performed under general anaesthetic (GA) or deep sedation with propofol, but this requires anaesthetic support in many countries, restricting use. No study has tested the feasibility of PFA under mild conscious sedation (MCS).

Methods

We prospectively recruited patients undergoing PFA PVI, offered the option of MCS delivered by electrophysiologists, and compared these with patients who opted for GA. MCS comprised intravenous midazolam and fentanyl. All procedures were performed under anaesthetic supervision in case of requirement to convert to GA, which formed the primary outcome.

Results

Twenty-three patients were recruited (8 MCS, 15 GA). One patient (1/8 [12.5%]) required conversion from MCS to GA. Total procedural times were similar between groups (MCS 92 ± 12.4 min vs. GA 101 ± 17.3 min; p = 0.199). High mean sedative doses were required in the MCS group (5.12 ± 0.83 mg midazolam and 209 ± 40 mcg fentanyl). Median intraprocedural pain perception by the patient, rated from 0 to 100 was 45 (IQR 22.5–72.5) in the MCS group. Post-procedural groin pain (0 [0–0] vs. 5 [0–35]; p = 0.027) and throat pain (0 [0–0] vs. 10 [5–40]; p = 0.001) were lower in the MCS group.

Conclusion

PFA under MCS is feasible in selected patients but pain and tolerance may be suboptimal, and high sedative doses are required.

Graphical abstract
Sparse Recovery: The Square of $$\ell _1/\ell _2$$ Norms
Authors: Jia Jianqing , Prater-Bennette Ashley , Shen Lixin , Tripp Erin E.
Published: December 2024

This paper introduces a nonconvex approach for sparse signal recovery, proposing a novel model termed the

$$\tau _2$$

τ
2

-model, which utilizes the squared

$$\ell _1/\ell _2$$

ℓ
1

/

ℓ
2

norms for this purpose. Our model offers an advancement over the

$$\ell _0$$

ℓ
0

norm, which is often computationally intractable and less effective in practical scenarios. Grounded in the concept of effective sparsity, our approach robustly measures the number of significant coordinates in a signal, making it a powerful alternative for sparse signal estimation. The

$$\tau _2$$

τ
2

-model is particularly advantageous due to its computational efficiency and practical applicability. We detail two accompanying algorithms based on Dinkelbach’s procedure and a difference of convex functions strategy. The first algorithm views the model as a linear-constrained quadratic programming problem in noiseless scenarios and as a quadratic-constrained quadratic programming problem in noisy scenarios. The second algorithm, capable of handling both noiseless and noisy cases, is based on the alternating direction linearized proximal method of multipliers. We also explore the model’s properties, including the existence of solutions under certain conditions, and discuss the convergence properties of the algorithms. Numerical experiments with various sensing matrices validate the effectiveness of our proposed model.
Boosting Carry with Equilibrium Exchange Rate Estimates
Authors: Rubaszek Michał , Beckmann Joscha , Ca’ Zorzi Michele , Kwas Marek
Published: December 2024

We construct currency portfolios based on the premise that exchange rates gradually converge toward their equilibrium levels, yielding three key findings. First, this convergence can be leveraged to build profitable portfolios. Second, the slow rate of convergence over shorter horizons aligns with the sustained profitability of carry trade strategies, where investors borrow in low-yield currencies and invest in high-yield ones. Third, incorporating the predictive insights of equilibrium exchange rates can boost the performance of carry trade strategies.
Alethic modalities
Authors: Salmón Nathan
Published: December 2024

It is widely held that metaphysical modality is the broadest non-epistemic, alethic modality, and that a posteriori modal essentialist truths, like that gold has atomic number 79, enjoy the necessity of the broadest alethic modality. One prominent argument for these conclusions—given by Cian Dorr, John Hawthorne, and Juhani Yli-Vakkuri—rests upon an extremely dubious premise: that certain pairs of properties—e.g., being gold and being made of atoms containing 79 protons—are one and the very same property. The two properties are seen to be distinct on independent philosophical grounds. Metaphysical modality is in fact a restricted alethic modality. In particular, mathematical modality is broader than metaphysical modality. Arguably, the broadest alethic modality is logical modality, which is distinct from metaphysical modality. Even if it is metaphysically necessary that gold have atomic number 79, there is no logical/analytical inconsistency in the supposition that it does not.
Modeling industrial scale washing machine process using artificial neural networks
Authors: Dybinski Olaf , Milewski Jaroslaw , Szczesniak Arkadiusz , Szablowski Lukasz , Martsinchyk Aliaxandr , Rusowicz Artur , Grzebielec Andrzej , Romaszkiewicz-Kotkowska Roza
Published: December 2024

The paper presents a dynamic model of a typical industrial washing machine fed with hot water, cold water and steam. Since industrial scale washing machines are not expressly designed to be energy efficient, there is scope to reduce energy consumption and wastewater discharge through dynamic model analysis of washing programs and washing machine units as regards heating medium parameters and prices. The paper presents a construction of the dynamic model using Aspen Hysys software that provides data to determine optimized parameters of water and steam delivered to the washing unit. The model has been validated with real data delivered by the dedicated measuring software from the washing machine manufacturer. Finally, the paper presents an economic analysis and sensitivity analysis regarding energy prices with various media parameters. Results show that the price of the washing process can be reduced by 64% depending on the parameters of the heating medium.
Strategizing in an Inter-organizational Setting—The Case of a German Healthcare Partnership
Authors: Schmidt Henrike , Wild Eva-Maria , Jacobs Claus Dietrich , Blankart Carl Rudolf
Published: December 2024

Solving complex societal problems requires collaboration across organizational boundaries. Such collaboration inherently involves strategizing across these boundaries, which is linked to a high degree of complexity and ambiguity. Despite its critical relevance, there is a paucity of empirical studies on the practices of inter-organizational strategizing. To address this research gap, we conducted a longitudinal case study of a healthcare partnership in a major metropolitan city of Germany involving eleven different organizations. Operating in a socially deprived area, the healthcare partnership aimed at tackling the problem of poor health outcomes arising from a lack of alignment among providers and payers of healthcare. Drawing on a rich data set of our single case study, we analysed the different phases of a strategizing process from 2012 to 2019. We identify and propose three core practices of inter-organizational strategizing that influence strategic alignment: structuring conflicts, gaining commitment, and agreeing on objectives. Our results also suggest the presence of two distinct modes of strategizing that relate to these practices, one characterized by exclusiveness and the other by inclusiveness. Further theorizing from these findings leads us to propose that these practices and the modes of strategizing interrelate and ultimately result in either strategic alignment or strategic disorder. Our findings are particularly relevant to strategy and policy-makers who are faced with the challenge to solve wicked problems.
Fatigue and Rutting Life Design of Layered Flexible Pavements Via Advanced MultiSmart3D
Authors: Po Yin-Ming , Tsai Kun-Lin , Pan Ernian , Lin Chih-Ping , Nirwal Sonal
Published: December 2024

This paper introduces a graphical user interface (GUI) built on the foundation of MultiSmart3D_Dynamics (or simply MultiSmart3D) code. Through this GUI, we calculate the pavement design parameters associated with fatigue cracking and rutting deformation. Besides the time-harmonic loading case, the moving loading case is further analyzed based on a simple relation between the moving velocity and frequency. Several numerical examples pertaining to static and dynamic (time-harmonic and moving) responses are studied for two typical pavement structures in Taiwan. The efficiency and accuracy of MultiSmart3D GUI are validated by comparing the present results with those from experimental loading frequency and real-world frequency. Our results reveal that the thickness of the asphalt concrete and base layers have a significant impact on fatigue and rutting lives. In addition, we have found that incorporating dynamic load into the structure may offer potential benefits in terms of cost reduction for optimizing the lifespan of the pavement.
An improved prediction of high-performance concrete compressive strength using ensemble models and neural networks
Authors: Muhammad Umar Jibrin , Aminu Ismail I. , Mahmoud Ismail A. , Aliyu U. U. , Usman A. G. , Jibril Mahmud M. , Malami Salim Idris , Abba Sani I.
Published: December 2024

Traditional methods for proportioning of high-performance concrete (HPC) have certain shortcomings, such as high costs, usage constraints, and nonlinear relationships. Implementing a strategy to optimize the mixtures of HPC can minimize design expenses, time spent, and material wastage in the construction sector. Due to HPC's exceptional qualities, such as high strength (HS), fluidity and resilience, it has been broadly used in construction projects. In this study, we employed Generalized Regression Neural Network (GRNN), Nonlinear AutoRegressive with exogenous inputs (NARX neural network), and Random Forest (RF) models to estimate the Compressive Strength (CS) of HPC in the first scenario. In contrast, the second scenario involved the development of an ensemble model using the Radial Basis Function Neural Network (RBFNN) to detect inferior performance of standalone model combinations. The output variable was the 28 Days CS in MPa, while the input variables included slump (S), water-binder ratio (W/B) %, water content (W) kg/m3, fine aggregate ratio (S/a) %, silica fume (SF)%, and superplasticizer (SP) kg/m3. An RF model was developed by using R Studio; GRNN and NARX-NN models were developed by using the MATLAB 2019a toolkit; and the pre- and post-processing of data was carried out by using E-Views 12.0. The results indicate that in the first scenario, the Combination M1 of the RF model outperformed other models, with greater prediction accuracy, yielding a PCC of 0.854 and MAPE of 4.349 during the calibration phase. In the second scenario, the ensemble of RF models surpassed all other models, achieving a PCC of 0.961 and MAPE of 0.952 during the calibration phase. Overall, the proposed models demonstrate significant value in predicting the CS of HPC.
The development and challenges of Investigator-Initiated Trials (IITs) in China
Authors: Hong Minghuang , Yan Zhao
Published: December 2024

Investigator-Initiated Trials (IITs) have seen substantial growth in China, particularly in drug and medical device research. IITs are initiated by investigators addressing clinical needs without focus on product registration or marketing, thereby offering flexibility for advancing clinical practices. Despite their potential, IITs in China face challenges, including regulatory ambiguities, funding limitations, quality control issues, and inconsistencies in ethical review processes. This paper examines the current IIT landscape, identifies major obstacles, and proposes solutions, including regulatory reforms, funding increases, ethical review standardization, and international collaboration, to enhance IITs' effectiveness and impact on Chinese clinical research.
Fear and Impact of COVID-19 Among Post-Infected Adults: Types and Associations with Quality of Life and Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms
Authors: Do Tinh X. , Quach Ha-Linh , Hoang Thi Ngoc Anh , Nguyen Thao T. P. , Le Lan T. H. , Nguyen Tan T. , Do Binh N. , Pham Khue M. , Vu Vinh H. , Pham Linh V. , Nguyen Lien T. H. , Nguyen Hoang C. , Tran Tuan V. , Nguyen Trung H. , Nguyen Anh T. , Nguyen Hoan V. , Nguyen Phuoc B. , Nguyen Hoai T. T. , Pham Thu T. M. , Le Thuy T. , Tran Cuong Q. , Nguyen Kien T. , Vo Han T. , Van Duong Tuyen
Published: December 2024

Survivors of COVID-19 are susceptible to diminished health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and adverse psychological health, which may be exacerbated by their experiences of fear and the impact of the pandemic itself. This study aims to identify distinct fear and impact patterns related to the COVID-19 pandemic among survivors through latent profile analysis (LPA) and examine the associations of fear and impact patterns with post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and HRQoL. A total of 5,890 Vietnamese COVID-19 survivors completed the COVID-19 Impact Battery– Disability Scale (CIB-D), the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCoV-19 S), the Impact of Event Scale-Revised for PTSS, and the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) for HRQoL. Four distinct groups of fear and impact were identified: “Fearful and highly impacted” (26.8%), “moderately impacted yet not fearful” (22.9%), “less impacted and less fearful” (18.6%), and “mildly impacted and neutral” (31.7%). Survivors who were “less impacted and less fearful” exhibited significantly higher HRQoL scores (regression coefficient, B: 10.9; 95% confidence interval (CI): 10.0 − 11.7), both in terms of physical (B: 12.0; 95%CI: 11.1 − 12.9) and mental health (B: 19.4; 95%CI: 9.6 − 11.1), and lower PTSS levels (B: -24.5; 95%CI: -25.8 − -23.3) compared to those who were “highly impacted and fearful”. It is imperative to acknowledge the intricate association between fear, impact, and mental health to comprehensively address the diverse needs of this distinct population post-COVID-19. These findings provide insights for designing interventions and support mechanisms for COVID-19 survivors.
Research on the design of prefabricated curved structure production capacity residential energy system: a case study of an entry of 2022 China International Solar Decathlon Competition- 'Solar Ark 3.0'
Authors: Zhou Chao , Zhang Hong , Chai Xini , Ye Hongyu , Hei Shanggang , Zhang Junjun , Luo Shen , Xu Haochen
Published: December 2024

Under the severe situation of global warming, the problem of high energy consumption and carbon emissions in the construction industry need to be addressed urgently, and the method to promote the development of the construction industry in the direction of low-carbon sustainability has become a problem to be solved. Taking ‘Solar Ark 3.0’, the entry of Southeast University United Team in the Third China International Solar Decathlon Competition (SDC2022), as an example. This study proposes the wind and solar complementary capacity design, multi-mode energy storage design, intelligent energy use design and production, storage and use of multi-energy complementary intelligent energy management methods through the exploration of the integrated design and construction of curved structure housing and energy system. These designs of ‘Solar Ark 3.0’ improve the utilization efficiency of renewable energy in buildings and also provide methods for the integrated design of curved structural housing and energy systems.
Adult Patient with Intraventricular, Paraventricular and Pineal Region Lesions
Authors: Dablouk Mohamed , Kamel Mahmoud
Published: December 2024

Intraventricular lesions are uncommon, and they can arise from numerous structures around the ventricular system, including the ependyma, septum pellucidum and choroid plexus. Pineal region lesions may arise from the pineal gland parenchymal/supporting cells or glial cells of the midbrain/medial thalamus. Many of these lesions are either found incidentally or present with symptoms of hydrocephalus. Careful assessment of the clinical and radiological features of each case can help to narrow the differential diagnosis in this heterogenous group of tumours.
Funding a Just Transition Away from Coal in the U.S. Considering Avoided Damage from Air Pollution
Authors: Dennin Luke R. , Muller Nicholas Z.
Published: December 2024

Coal is declining in the U.S. as part of the clean energy transition, resulting in remarkable air pollution benefits for the American public and significant costs for the industry. Using the AP3 integrated assessment model, we estimate that fewer emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and primary fine particulate matter driven by coal’s decline led to $300 billion in benefits from 2014 to 2019. Conversely, we find that job losses driven by less coal plant and mining activity resulted in $7.84 billion in foregone wages over the same timeframe. While the benefits were greatly distributed (mostly throughout the East), costs were highly concentrated in coal communities. Transferring a small fraction of the benefits to workers could cover these costs while maintaining societal net benefits. Forecasting coal fleet damages from 2020 to 2035, we find that buying out or replacing these plants would result in $589 billion in air quality benefits, which considerably outweigh the costs. The return on investment increases when policy targets the most damaging capacity, and net benefits are maximized when removing just facilities where marginal benefits exceed marginal costs. Evaluating competitive reverse auction policy designs akin to Germany’s Coal Exit Act, we find that adjusting bids based on monetary damages rather than based only on carbon dioxide emissions – the German design – provides a welfare advantage. Our benefit–cost analyses clearly support policies that drive a swift and just transition away from coal, thereby clearing the air while supporting communities needing assistance.
Quasidiagonals in strata of translation surfaces
Authors: ZHANG CHRISTOPHER
Published: December 2024

We classify quasidiagonals of the

$SL(2, R)$

action on products of strata or hyperelliptic loci. We use the technique of diamonds developed by Apisa and Wright in order to use induction on this problem.
Two-dimensionally stable self-organisation arises in simple schooling swimmers through hydrodynamic interactions
Authors: Ormonde Pedro C. , Kurt Melike , Mivehchi Amin , Moored Keith W.
Published: December 2024

We present new constrained and free-swimming experiments and simulations in the inertial regime, with Reynolds number

$\mbox{Re} = O(10^4)$

, of a pair of two-dimensional and three-dimensional pitching hydrofoils interacting in a minimal school. The hydrofoils have an out-of-phase synchronisation, and they are varied through in-line, staggered and side-by-side formations within the two-dimensional interaction plane. It is discovered that there is a two-dimensionally stable equilibrium point for a side-by-side formation. This formation is super-stable, meaning that hydrodynamic forces will passively maintain this formation even under external perturbations, and the school as a whole has no net forces acting on it that cause it to drift to one side or the other. Previously discovered one-dimensionally stable equilibria driven by wake vortex interactions are shown to be, in fact, two-dimensionally unstable, at least for an out-of-phase synchronisation. Additionally, it is discovered that a trailing-edge vortex mechanism provides the restorative force to stabilise a side-by-side formation. The stable equilibrium is further verified by experiments and simulations for freely swimming foils where dynamic recoil motions are present. When constrained, swimmers in compact side-by-side formations experience collective efficiency and thrust increases up to 40 % and 100 %, respectively, whereas slightly staggered formations output an even higher efficiency improvement of 84 %, with an 87 % increase in thrust. Freely swimming foils in a stable side-by-side formation show efficiency and speed enhancements of up to 9 % and 15 %, respectively. These newfound schooling performance and stability characteristics suggest that fluid-mediated equilibria may play a role in the control strategies of schooling fish and fish-inspired robots.
χ2 from redundant calibration as a tool in the detection of faint radio-frequency interference
Authors: Kunicki Theodora , Pober Jonathan C.
Published: December 2024

Radio-frequency interference detection and flagging is one of the most difficult and urgent problems in 21 cm Epoch of Reionisation research. In this work, we present

$\chi^2$

from redundant calibration as a novel method for RFI detection and flagging, demonstrating it to be complementary to current state-of-the-art flagging algorithms. Beginning with a brief overview of redundant calibration and the meaning of the

$\chi^2$

metric, we demonstrate a two-step RFI flagging algorithm which uses the values of this metric to detect faint RFI. We find that roughly 27.4% of observations have RFI from digital television channel 7 detected by at least one algorithm of the three tested: 18.0% of observations are flagged by the novel

$\chi^2$

algorithm, 16.5% are flagged by SSINS, and 6.8% are flagged by AOFlagger (there is significant overlap in these percentages). Of the 27.4% of observations with detected DTV channel 7 RFI, 37.1% (10.2% of the total observations) are detected by

$\chi^2$

alone, and not by either SSINS or AOFlagger, demonstrating a significant population of as-yet undetected RFI. We find that

$\chi^2$

is able to detect RFI events which remain undetectable to SSINS and AOFlagger, especially in the domain of long-duration, weak RFI from digital television. We also discuss the shortcomings of this approach and discuss examples of RFI which seems undetectable using

$\chi^2$

while being successfully flagged by SSINS and/or AOFlagger.
Childhood trauma is associated with developmental trajectories of EEG coherence, alcohol-related outcomes, and PTSD symptoms
Authors: Neale Zoe E. , Bountress Kaitlin , Sheerin Christina , Saenz de Viteri Stacey , Cusack Shannon , Chorlian David , Barr Peter B. , Kaplan Isabelle , Pandey Gayathri , Osipenko Kristina A. , McCutcheon Vivia , Kuo Sally I-Chun , Cooke Megan E. , Brislin Sarah J. , Salvatore Jessica E. , Kamarajan Chella ,   COGA Investigators, Porjesz Bernice , Amstadter Ananda B. , Meyers Jacquelyn L.
Published: December 2024

Background

Associations between childhood trauma, neurodevelopment, alcohol use disorder (AUD), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are understudied during adolescence.

Methods

Using 1652 participants (51.75% female, baseline Mage = 14.3) from the Collaborative Study of the Genetics of Alcoholism, we employed latent growth curve models to (1) examine associations of childhood physical, sexual, and non-assaultive trauma (CPAT, CSAT, and CNAT) with repeated measures of alpha band EEG coherence (EEGc), and (2) assess whether EEGc trajectories were associated with AUD and PTSD symptoms. Sex-specific models accommodated sex differences in trauma exposure, AUD prevalence, and neural development.

Results

In females, CSAT was associated with higher mean levels of EEGc in left frontocentral (LFC, ß = 0.13, p = 0.01) and interhemispheric prefrontal (PFI, ß = 0.16, p < 0.01) regions, but diminished growth in LFC (ß = −0.07, p = 0.02) and PFI (ß = −0.07, p = 0.02). In males, CPAT was associated with lower mean levels (ß = −0.17, p = 0.01) and increased growth (ß = 0.11, p = 0.01) of LFC EEGc. Slope of LFC EEGc was inversely associated with AUD symptoms in females (ß = −1.81, p = 0.01). Intercept of right frontocentral and PFI EEGc were associated with AUD symptoms in males, but in opposite directions. Significant associations between EEGc and PTSD symptoms were also observed in trauma-exposed individuals.

Conclusions

Childhood assaultive trauma is associated with changes in frontal alpha EEGc and subsequent AUD and PTSD symptoms, though patterns differ by sex and trauma type. EEGc findings may inform emerging treatments for PTSD and AUD.