bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A two‐way coupling approach for simulating bouncing droplets
Authors: Wang Hui , Xiao Yuwei , Mao Yankai , Xiong Shiying , Yang Xubo , Zhu Bo
Published: October 2024

This article presents a two‐way coupling approach to simulate bouncing droplet phenomena by incorporating the lubricated thin aerodynamic gap between fluid volumes. At the heart of our framework lies a cut‐cell representation of the thin air film between colliding liquid fluid volumes. The air pressures within the thin film, modeled using a reduced fluid model based on the lubrication theory, are coupled with the volumetric liquid pressures by the gradient across the liquid–air interfaces and solved in a monolithic two‐way coupling system. Our method can accurately solve liquid–liquid interaction with air films without adaptive grid refinements, enabling accurate simulation of many novel surface‐tension‐driven phenomena such as droplet collisions, bouncing droplets, and promenading pairs.
Current Management of Head and Neck Paragangliomas: A Multicenter Series With Long‐Term Follow‐Up
Authors: Lamas Cristina , Febrero Beatriz , Casteràs Anna , Romero‐Lluch Ana , Recio‐Córdova José María , Ros Inmaculada , Iglesias Pedro , Hanzu Felicia A. , Araujo‐Castro Marta , Guerrero‐Pérez Fernando , Ares Jessica , Menéndez Edelmiro , Paja Miguel , Álvarez‐Escolá Cristina , Librizzi Soledad , Sánchez‐Sobrino Paula , Andres‐Pretel Fernando , Calatayud María
Published: October 2024

Objective, Study Design, Setting, Methods

To improve our knowledge about head and neck paragangliomas (HN‐PGL), the clinical characteristics of all the patients with HN‐PGL included in the Spanish Registry were analyzed, as well as the treatment modalities and their outcomes.

Results

A total of 202 patients, 67.8% women, aged 53.1 ± 17.4, with 264 HN‐PGL, from 16 Spanish hospitals, were included. Tumors were located in the carotid body in 61%, jugular bulb in 20.5%, tympanic area in 10.2%, and along the vagal nerve in 6.4%. Multiple tumors developed in 20.8% and metastatic disease in 4%. A genetic study was done in 64.4% and showed a pathogenic variant in SDHx in 50%. These patients were younger, with no sex predominance, and had more multiple and metastatic tumors. Tumors were treated by surgery in 134 patients, radiotherapy in 33, and other treatments in 20, and were observed without active treatment in 41 patients, who were older, more often asymptomatic, and had smaller tumors. Tumors treated with radiotherapy were larger and more often in locations other than the carotid body. After a median follow‐up of 80 months (interquartile range: 41‐136), 6.9% had died; among the survivors, 48.4% were disease‐free, 42.1% stable, and 9.4% had progressed. The rate of sequelae was similar among patients submitted to surgery, radiotherapy, or observation. We could not identify any prognostic factor for progression.

Conclusion

Most HN‐PGL are localized slow‐growing tumors. Long‐term survival is high, even in case of metastasis. Although surgery is the most common treatment, radiotherapy and active surveillance are safe approaches.
In Situ Carbon Thermal Reduction to Enrich Sulfur‐Vacancy in Nickel Disulfide Cathode for Efficient Synthesizing Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Liu Sijia , Ren Hao , Tian Fayou , Geng Lina , Cui Wangyang , Chen Jinhui , Lin Yan , Wu Mingbo , Li Zhongtao
Published: October 2024

Transition metal catalysts are widely used in the 2e− ORR due to their cost‐effectiveness. However, they often encounter issues related to low activity. Defect engineering are used on developing highly active catalysts, which can effectively modify active sites and promote electron transfer. Here, carbon‐coated Ni3S2 (Ni3S2@C), where the additional sulfur vacancies (VS) is prepared induced by the carbon layer is coupled with active nickel sites. Through in situ and ex situ experiments combined with DFT calculations, it is demonstrated that the carbon layer can regulate the quantity of VS in Ni3S2. Materials with a higher concentration of VS exhibit enhanced 2e− ORR activity and higher H2O2 selectivity. In situ Raman spectroscopy confirms that Ni serves as the key active site in this catalyst. DFT calculations indicate that the OOH binding energy (ΔG) decreases with an increase in the number of VS, favoring the protonation of *OOH to generate H2O2. Upon performance testing, the average H2O2 selectivity is 92.3%, with the highest yield reaching up to 3860 mmol gcat−1 h−1. It is noteworthy that Ni3S2@C exhibits high stability, with only a slight decrease in 2e− pathway selectivity after 5000 cycles of ADT.
Drop‐Cast Hybrid Poly(styrene)‐b‐Poly(ethylene oxide) Metal Salt Films: Solvent Evaporation and Crystallinity‐Dependent Evolution of Film Morphology
Authors: Li Yanan , Li Nian , Tu Suo , Alon Yamit , Li Zerui , Betker Marie , Sun Danzhong , Kurmanbay Alisher , Chen Wei , Liang Suzhe , Shi Shaowei , Roth Stephan V. , Müller‐Buschbaum Peter
Published: October 2024

Morphology templates of solution–based diblock copolymer (DBC) films with loading metal salts are widely applied in photocatalysts, photovoltaics, and sensors due to their adjustable characteristics based on surface (de–)wetting and microphase separation. The present work investigates the morphologies of drop–cast hybrid films based on poly(styrene)–b–poly(ethylene oxide) (PS–b–PEO) and the metal salts titanium isopropoxide (TTIP) and zinc acetate dehydrate (ZAD) in comparison to the pure DBC. By utilizing scanning electron microscopy, grazing–incidence small– and wide–angle X‐ray scattering, and differential scanning calorimetry, we find that the resulting film morphologies depend not only on the presence of metal salts but also on solvent evaporation and crystalline formation. At 20 °C, additional TTIP and ZAD in the polymer template cause the morphology to change from packed globular structures to separated wormlike structures attributed to the changed polymer environment. Furthermore, additional tetrahydrofuran causes irregular structures at the precursor film part and the overlapped wormlike structures to transition into close–packed globular structures at the cap film parts of the pure DBC. In contrast, at 50 °C, the globular structures transit to fingerprint patterns due to the thermal behavior of the crystallizable PEO blocks, and the metal salt additives suppress crystalline structure formation in the PEO domains.
Layered MXene Films via Self‐Assembly
Authors: Song Jiafeng , Chen Hongwu , Sun Yilin , Liu Zhifang
Published: October 2024

MXene has attracted significant attention as a 2D material family due to its metallic conductivity and abundant surface functional groups and has been extensively studied and applied as bulk materials and microscale thin films. MXene possesses ionizable surfaces and edges, as well as high surface area. Its customizable dispersibility demonstrates unique advantages in self‐assembly solution processing. Recent studies have demonstrated the application value of layered MXene films at the nanoscale thickness and the reliance of processing on self‐assembly techniques. However, this field currently lacks sufficient attention. Here, the regulatory mechanisms are summarized for the preparation of layered MXene films through self‐assembly techniques, as well as introduce their applications. Moreover, the future challenges of large‐scale applications of MXene self‐assembly techniques are proposed. It is believed that this review would provide a dynamic and promising path for the development of layered MXene self‐assembly techniques.
Local sub‐population dynamics of a central European grey partridge meta‐population support large‐scale conservation approach to halt its ongoing decline
Authors: Laux Amelie , Gottschalk Eckhard
Published: October 2024

Many farmland birds such as the grey partridge Perdix perdix are experiencing sharp declines across Europe, which can lead to fragmentation and increasing isolation of local populations. Understanding the population dynamics of these local populations is becoming increasingly important for effective conservation efforts. In this study, we used data from grey partridge transect counts with call playback from 2006 to 2023 to investigate the population dynamics of a grey partridge population in central Germany. We employed generalized linear mixed models to model the long‐term meta‐population trend and assessed synchrony between local sub‐populations by calculating the cross‐correlation and the Loreau and de Mazancourt community‐wide synchrony. Additionally, we assessed stability by comparing the extent of yearly fluctuations between sub‐populations and the regional meta‐population by analysing variances. Our analysis revealed that the studied meta‐population remained stable over the course of the study period, despite ongoing declines observed in other regions of Germany. Furthermore, we found that the population dynamics of the sub‐populations were largely asynchronous, and the extent of variance in the sub‐populations was significantly greater than in the meta‐population. The low synchrony between sub‐populations indicates a prevalence of local factors affecting population dynamics, but further research is needed to identify these factors. Our results suggest that asynchrony between sub‐populations may play a role in stabilizing meta‐populations at the landscape level. Based on our results, we argue that large‐scale conservation projects that are able to encompass these population dynamics may help ensure the long‐term persistence of the grey partridge.
Blockchain for building trust in genomic initiatives
Authors: Zahid Arnob , Sharma Ravishankar , Ahmed Rezwan
Published: October 2024

This commentary aims to share the current patient engagement context in genome initiatives within universal healthcare systems worldwide, focusing on the inclusivity of diverse population segments rather than just numerical metrics. It explores the relevance and potential replicability of these initiatives globally, questioning their efficacy in ensuring widespread citizen participation. Empirical evidence shows that hesitancy to opt into genome initiatives goes beyond demographic factors, with a significant portion of the population abstaining due to prevailing mistrust. Given the global aspiration for delivering precision healthcare and promoting a healthy lifestyle for all citizens, this paper investigates the multifaceted reasons behind this distrust. It underscores the need for policymakers to understand these reasons comprehensively and proposes a Blockchain‐based framework centered on trust‐building as a potential solution to enhance citizen engagement. The analysis of distrust factors and their impact on participation leads to the conclusion that decisive measures are necessary to improve the participatory landscape of genomic initiatives. The paper advocates for actions to enhance trust, thereby improving the current operational milieu of precision healthcare. The broader conclusion emphasizes the importance of trust‐building strategies in achieving the goal of fostering a healthy lifestyle for all citizens and provides a foundation for further development in this pioneering healthcare domain.
Regional per capita income inequality and fiscal policy in Mexico, 1989–2021
Authors: Mendoza-González Miguel Ángel , Quintana-Romero Luis , Guerrero-Jiménez Andrea
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we use trends in GDP gaps per capita or relative GDP per capita indicator as an aggregate alternative measure to show regional per capita income inequality between the states of Mexico. The indicator compares each state's gross domestic product per capita (GDPpc) with the annual average of each year and 2019; this allows for evaluating growth performance before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The econometric method is a spatial dynamic panel, and the convergence–divergence model is conditioned to the behavior of the fiscal policy followed in each state: The fiscal policy indicators are current expenditure and public investment. In general, it is concluded that the amounts of current spending and public investment, in an active fiscal policy context, tend to favor states with higher relative per capita income, which is why an increase in regional inequality is observed. However, it tends to affect low-income regions more, with higher ratios of current spending and investment to GDP, which reduces regional inequality. Therefore, the short-term effects of active fiscal policy to reduce regional disparities can be neutralized.
Emissions effect of financial development in the GCC: is the effect asymmetric?
Authors: Hasanov Fakhri J. , Shannak Sa’d , Mukhtarov Shahriyar , Suleymanov Elchin
Published: October 2024

Obviously, financial development is one of the factors to consider in designing climate policies. We investigated the effects of financial development on co2 emissions alongside income, total factor productivity, and international trade in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Ignoring common factors can lead to erroneous findings and misleading policy recommendations. The same consequences occur if the nature of a factor’s effects is incorrectly considered. Hence, the Asymmetric Pooled Mean Group augmented with common unobserved factors—a cutting-edge method allowing for the discovery of not only the features of the pooled panel but also the characteristics of each country—was applied to data from 1992 to 2021. Additionally, we accounted for key properties of the panel time series data—cross-sectional dependence, non-stationarity and heterogeneity. To our knowledge, there is no such application for GCC countries, and only one internationally. In designing climate policy measures, a few key findings of our research are worth considering. (i) policies should account for factors common to GCC countries, as ignoring them makes co2 effects of financial development misleading. (ii) an upturn in financial development leads to less emissions than a downturn in it. This asymmetric effect implies that policies should boost financial development. (iii) co2 in GCC countries may converge to an identical relationship in the long run implying that there are common climate initiatives and projects that GCC authorities should work on jointly.
Online Parenting Programs for Children’s Behavioral and Emotional Problems: a Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Canário Ana Catarina , Pinto Rita , Silva-Martins Marco , Rienks Karen , Akik Burcu Kömürcü , Stanke Koraljka Modić , David Oana , Kızıltepe Rukiye , Melendez-Torres G. J. , Thongseiratch Therdpong , Leijten Patty
Published: October 2024

Online parenting programs to support parents of children with behavioral problems and emotional problems have become widely available in recent years. Research has consistently shown their positive effects on child development, parents’ adaptive parenting practices, and parents’ mental health. However, knowledge is lacking on which type of content is more suitable to be delivered online. Our work addresses this knowledge gap by conducting traditional and network meta-analyses to improve our understanding of (1) how effective online parenting programs are to improve children’s behavior and emotional problems, and (2) what clusters of components are most likely to yield the strongest effects. Following the PROSPERO preregistration, we systematically searched PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane. Of the 8292 records retrieved, 28 records on 27 randomized controlled trials (N = 5,312) met the inclusion criteria. Results show moderate effect sizes of online parenting programs on reduced child behavioral and emotional problems, parents’ ineffective parenting practices, and parents’ mental health problems. Online programs adopting a learning theory perspective, either with or without additional parental self-care and parents as therapist approaches, are most likely to yield the strongest effects on child behavioral problems. Online programs adopting a learning theory perspective, parental self-care and parents as therapist approaches, with or without additional relationship perspectives, are most likely to yield the strongest effects on child emotional problems. Online parenting programs seem promising tools for improving child behavioral and emotional problems. Future research should identify the circumstances that allow parents and children to benefit more from specific components in these programs.
Ultra-High Sensitivity Anisotropic Piezoelectric Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring and Robotic Perception
Authors: Yin Hao , Li Yanting , Tian Zhiying , Li Qichao , Jiang Chenhui , Liang Enfu , Guo Yiping
Published: October 2024

Monitoring minuscule mechanical signals, both in magnitude and direction, is imperative in many application scenarios, e.g., structural health monitoring and robotic sensing systems. However, the piezoelectric sensor struggles to satisfy the requirements for directional recognition due to the limited piezoelectric coefficient matrix, and achieving sensitivity for detecting micrometer-scale deformations is also challenging. Herein, we develop a vector sensor composed of lead zirconate titanate-electronic grade glass fiber composite filaments with oriented arrangement, capable of detecting minute anisotropic deformations. The as-prepared vector sensor can identify the deformation directions even when subjected to an unprecedented nominal strain of 0.06%, thereby enabling its utility in accurately discerning the 5 μm-height wrinkles in thin films and in monitoring human pulse waves. The ultra-high sensitivity is attributed to the formation of porous ferroelectret and the efficient load transfer efficiency of continuous lead zirconate titanate phase. Additionally, when integrated with machine learning techniques, the sensor’s capability to recognize multi-signals enables it to differentiate between 10 types of fine textures with 100% accuracy. The structural design in piezoelectric devices enables a more comprehensive perception of mechanical stimuli, offering a novel perspective for enhancing recognition accuracy.
The Impact of Combined Within- and Across-Activity Choice on the Indices of Happiness and Unhappiness of Autistic Children
Authors: Ramey Devon , Healy Olive , McEnaney Emma
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Autistic children often have fewer opportunities to develop autonomy and demonstrate self-determined behavior, which are key to quality of life. Including opportunities for making choices during discrete trial training (DTT) may promote self-determination. Studies have shown that embedding choice opportunities into DTT can reduce problem behaviors and increase academic engagement, but the effects of choice on quality of life indicators such as signs of happiness have rarely been examined. The purpose of this study was to measure changes in operationally defined individualized indices of happiness and unhappiness of three autistic children during DTT sessions with embedded choice-making opportunities. 

Methods

Three preschool boys on the autism spectrum participated in the study. Their indices of happiness and unhappiness were measured using 15-s partial interval recording, while their task engagement was measured using 15-s whole interval recording. A concurrent multiple baseline across participants design was used to examine the effects of the choice intervention package.

Results

The additional choice-making opportunities moderately improved the behavioral indicators of happiness and unhappiness of all three children. Small improvements in task engagement were also observed for two of the three children.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that various types of choice can be embedded into DTT programs for autistic children and provided preliminary evidence that additional opportunities for choice within DTT can improve the behavioral indicators of mood of autistic children.
The (Il)legitimacy of Constitutional Amendments in Africa and Democratic Backsliding
Authors: Abebe Adem Kassie
Published: October 2024

In many African countries with hegemonic-party or de facto one-party systems, political leaders have historically exploited ostensibly proper constitutional amendments to undermine constitutionalism, a practice raising questions about the legitimacy, or lack thereof, of such amendments. This article argues that amendment legitimacy is contingent on achieving ‘broad consensus’, a concept endorsed by the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. Traditional amendment procedures, such as supermajorities and referendums, while crucial, have proven to be imperfect proxies for ensuring such broad consensus. To more effectively safeguard the core constitutional rules of democratic governance, this article contends that political parties must be recognised as key sites of power division and checks and balances. Accordingly, constitutional amendment procedures should require some level of cross-party approval for key amendments, thus preventing individual political groups, regardless of their dominance, from unilaterally altering fundamental rules of the game. This approach would not only enhance the legitimacy of amendments but also serve as a safeguard against contemporary forms of democratic backsliding, where incumbents exploit formal processes to undermine democratic competition. While this process might make constitutional changes more difficult, it would apply only to a narrow set of fundamental aspects of constitutional democracy. Moreover, it does not necessarily conflict with popular self-governance (and its majoritarian expression), but instead calls for an inclusive re-imagining of majoritarianism.
Middle spacepowers’ integration with the global supply chain for the space industry: Taiwan and Thailand
Authors: Lin Kun-Chin , Matthews William , Olsen Sam
Published: October 2024

Space as a domain of economic and security competition between great powers has risen to become an arena of active statecraft for middle powers in the twenty-first century. It has set a high-stake stage for not only continuing struggles for catch-up industrialization of late developers but also offering opportunities to capture commercial gains of technological breakthroughs and globalization of markets. We examine these challenges for Taiwan and Thailand, surveying major trends in the emerging space industry and exploring four analytical perspectives on how government-business relations shape adaptive national industrial policies in high-technology sectors with proliferating end-users. We argue that the Asian developmental state model is evolving in response to specific challenges of a global supply chain for commercial space activities dominated by leading space firms and government regulatory actions in the United States. Significant differences in Taiwan’s and Thailand’s space and industrial policy approaches will likely create divergent technological trajectories and reinforce current constraints on improving national security. The longer-term prospect for middle spacepowers remains contingent on the space race between the United States and the People’s Republic of China.
Use of restrictive practices in approved mental health centres in Ireland: consideration of five years of national data
Authors: Lucey James V. , Kiernan Gary , Farrelly John , Downey Aisling , Stepala Pawel
Published: October 2024

Objective:

To evaluate the rates of use of restrictive practices (RPs), such as seclusion and physical restraint, in approved mental health centres (ACs) in Ireland.

Methods:

Examination of data reported to the regulator of mental health in Ireland, the Mental Health Commission (MHC), and the Health Research Board (HRB).

Results:

There has been a substantial reduction in RP use in Irish ACs between 2018 and 2022.

Conclusions:

The MHC welcomes this reduction in RP use and considers several possible reasons for this data.
HIGH-DIMENSIONAL FORECASTING WITH KNOWN KNOWNS AND KNOWN UNKNOWNS
Authors: Pesaran M. Hashem , Smith Ron P.
Published: October 2024

Forecasts play a central role in decision-making under uncertainty. After a brief review of the general issues, this article considers ways of using high-dimensional data in forecasting. We consider selecting variables from a known active set, known knowns, using Lasso and One Covariate at a time Multiple Testing, and approximating unobserved latent factors, known unknowns, by various means. This combines both sparse and dense approaches to forecasting. We demonstrate the various issues involved in variable selection in a high-dimensional setting with an application to forecasting UK inflation at different horizons over the period 2020q1–2023q1. This application shows both the power of parsimonious models and the importance of allowing for global variables.
Secular Resonances and Terrestrial Planet Formation in Planetary Systems with Multiple Stars
Authors: Andrews Michael , Haghighipour Nader
Published: October 2024

We present the results of a study of secular resonances in a binary star system and their effects on the formation of terrestrial planets. The systems of our interest are binaries with moderate separations (i.e., smaller than 40 AU) where planets revolve around one of the stars. Using numerical simulations, we demonstrate the appearance and evolution of secular resonances in systems with two giant planets. Results indicate that the perturbation of the binary companion suppresses secular resonances and they do not play a significant role on the formation and orbital architecture of terrestrial planets. Unlike in our solar system where the secular resonance of Saturn confines the formation of terrestrial planets to regions interior to its location, in a binary star, terrestrial planets can form interior and exterior to this resonance. We present details of our simulations and discuss the implications of their results.
Precision-induced localized molten liquid metal stamps for damage-free transfer printing of ultrathin membranes and 3D objects
Authors: Shi Chuanqian , Jiang Jing , Li Chenglong , Chen Chenhong , Jian Wei , Song Jizhou
Published: October 2024

Transfer printing, a crucial technique for heterogeneous integration, has gained attention for enabling unconventional layouts and high-performance electronic systems. Elastomer stamps are typically used for transfer printing, where localized heating for elastomer stamp can effectively control the transfer process. A key challenge is the potential damage to ultrathin membranes from the contact force of elastic stamps, especially with fragile inorganic nanomembranes. Herein, we present a precision-induced localized molten technique that employs either laser-induced transient heating or hotplate-induced directional heating to precisely melt solid gallium (Ga). By leveraging the fluidity of localized molten Ga, which provides gentle contact force and exceptional conformal adaptability, this technique avoids damage to fragile thin films and improves operational reliability compared to fully liquefied Ga stamps. Furthermore, the phase transition of Ga provides a reversible adhesion with high adhesion switchability. Once solidified, the Ga stamp hardens and securely adheres to the micro/nano-membrane during the pick-up process. The solidified stamp also exhibits the capability to maneuver arbitrarily shaped objects by generating a substantial grip force through the interlocking effects. Such a robust, damage-free, simply operable protocol illustrates its promising capabilities in transfer printing diverse ultrathin membranes and objects on complex surfaces for developing high-performance unconventional electronics.
Water volumes and mulches affect plant growth, leaf nutrient status and orchard soil mineral content of sweet orange cv. Mosambi
Authors: Choudhary Kalpana , Singh J. , Meena N. K. , Al-Ansari Nadhir , Choudhary Sonali , Tiwari Ravindra Kumar , Choudhary Mahendra , Vishwakarma Dinesh Kumar , El-Hendawy Salah , Mattar Mohamed A.
Published: October 2024

Day-by-day increasing irrigation water scarcity requires the application of water-saving irrigation techniques to sustain agriculture production. A two-year field investigation was conducted during 2018 to 2020 to determine the effects of various mulches and irrigation volumes on the growth, leaf chemicals and soil properties of one-year-old sweet oranges (Citrus sinensis) cv. Mosambi. The study included three irrigation schedules, viz.100% ETc (I1), 80% ETc (I2), and 60% ETc (I3), and five different mulches were used, viz. without mulch, white polythene, coriander straw, dry grass and black polythene mulches, replicated thrice. Results demonstrated that drip irrigation with 100% ETc and mulching with black polythene mulch significantly increase the plant growth attributes like height of the plant (28.64%) (30.31%), rootstock girth (36.61%) (37.90%), plant canopy spread (E-W and N-S) (EW- 63.82%, NS- 63.87%) (EW- 67.56%, NS- 67.90%) and leaf area (2.4%) (2.34%). Furthermore, plant leaf chlorophyll content (2.41 mg g-1) (2.41 mg g-1) and leaf mineral content such as N (2.39%) (2.40%), P (0.16%) (0.165%), K (1.57%) (1.59%), Ca (47.34 g kg-1) (47.80 g kg-1), Mg (4.54 g kg-1) (4.57 g kg-1), Fe (120.51 g kg-1) (123.15 g kg-1) and Zn (39.00 g kg-1) (37.84 g kg-1) were noted to be significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher in plants that received 100% (were ETc (I1) and mulching with black polythene mulch (M1) treatment. Taken together, the results suggested that treatments I1 and M1 have the potential to maximize plant growth, leaf chemicals and soil nutrients of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) cv. Mosambi plants.
Alloying effects on deformation induced microstructure evolution in copper
Authors: Pokharel Reeju , Niu Tongjun , Ricci Sara , Clausen Bjørn , Balogh Levente , Ravkov Lucas , Martinez Ramon , Lee Chanho , Vogel Sven , Cady Carl M. , Torrez Michael A. , Derby Benjamin K. , Gigax Jonathan G. , Bonora Nicola , Li Nan , Fensin Saryu J.
Published: October 2024

In this work, we investigated the effects of alloying elements on plastic deformation and microstructure evolution in polycrystalline copper (Cu) and Cu alloyed with 1 wt.$$\%$$
%
lead (Cu-1$$\%$$
%
Pb). These materials were selected due to the size mismatch between Cu and Pb, with the latter forming precipitates at grain boundaries. Multi-modal characterization techniques, including neutron diffraction, electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), along with finite element simulations were employed to study the deformation behavior across multiple length scales. While both Cu and Cu-1$$\%$$
%
Pb exhibited similar macroscale response and final deformation textures, both dislocation line profile analysis and TEM revealed increased dislocation density in deformed Cu-1$$\%$$
%
Pb specimens. The presence of lead precipitates also significantly affected local plastic deformation during compression, with their influence diminishing with increasing strain. These results demonstrate the complex relationships between alloying elements, plastic deformation, microstructural evolution, and material behavior under load. The insights gained from this multi-scale and multi-technique approach contribute to the fundamental understanding of microstructural evolution in immiscible alloys and are valuable for tailoring the properties of structural materials for specific engineering applications.
A novel 8-connected Pixel Identity GAN with Neutrosophic (ECP-IGANN) for missing imputation
Authors: Mahmoud Gamal M. , Elbaz Mostafa , Alqahtani Fayez , Alginahi Yasser , Said Wael
Published: October 2024

Missing pixel imputation presents a critical challenge in image processing and computer vision, particularly in applications such as image restoration and inpainting. The primary objective of this paper is to accurately estimate and reconstruct missing pixel values to restore complete visual information. This paper introduces a novel model called the Enhanced Connected Pixel Identity GAN with Neutrosophic (ECP-IGANN), which is designed to address two fundamental issues inherent in existing GAN architectures for missing pixel generation: (1) mode collapse, which leads to a lack of diversity in generated pixels, and (2) the preservation of pixel integrity within the reconstructed images. ECP-IGANN incorporates two key innovations to improve missing pixel imputation. First, an identity block is integrated into the generation process to facilitate the retention of existing pixel values and ensure consistency. Second, the model calculates the values of the 8-connected neighbouring pixels around each missing pixel, thereby enhancing the coherence and integrity of the imputed pixels. The efficacy of ECP-IGANN was rigorously evaluated through extensive experimentation across five diverse datasets: BigGAN-ImageNet, the 2024 Medical Imaging Challenge Dataset, the Autonomous Vehicles Dataset, the 2024 Satellite Imagery Dataset, and the Fashion and Apparel Dataset 2024. These experiments assessed the model’s performance in terms of diversity, pixel imputation accuracy, and mode collapse mitigation, with results demonstrating significant improvements in the Inception Score (IS) and Fréchet Inception Distance (FID). ECP-IGANN markedly enhanced image segmentation performance in the validation phase across all datasets. Key metrics, such as Dice Score, Accuracy, Precision, and Recall, were improved substantially for various segmentation models, including Spatial Attention U-Net, Dense U-Net, and Residual Attention U-Net. For example, in the 2024 Medical Imaging Challenge Dataset, the Residual Attention U-Net’s Dice Score increased from 0.84 to 0.90, while accuracy improved from 0.88 to 0.93 following the application of ECP-IGANN. Similar performance enhancements were observed with the other datasets, highlighting the model’s robust generalizability across diverse imaging domains.
Characterizing temporal stability of supercontinuum generation in higher-order modes supported by liquid-core fibers
Authors: Hofmann Johannes , Scheibinger Ramona , Schmidt Markus A.
Published: October 2024

The generation of tailored supercontinua is essential for studying ultrafast light-matter interactions and for a variety of practical applications requiring broadband light. Liquid-core fibers (LCFs) have emerged as an innovative nonlinear photonic platform, demonstrating high efficiency in nonlinear frequency conversion. In this study, we showcase that LCFs provide a stable platform for ultrafast supercontinuum generation in a selected higher-order vector mode at $$1.55\;\upmu \hbox {m}$$

1.55

μ
m

. Specifically, we demonstrate soliton fission and double-dispersive wave generation using a radially polarized mode in a $$\hbox {CS}_{2}$$

CS
2

-silica liquid-core fiber. The experiments were performed in a temperature-controlled laboratory, showing excellent stability with no evidence of fiber degradation, material degradation, or drift-induced changes in mode excitation over extended periods under standard environmental conditions. Our results confirm that liquid-core fibers are a reliable platform for nonlinear photonics, suitable for applications such as computationally tailored supercontinuum generation, single pulse spxectroscopy, and tailored light sources, all of which rely on consistent and stable nonlinear frequency conversion.
Reconsidering inequalities in COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Germany: a spatiotemporal analysis combining individual educational level and area-level socioeconomic deprivation
Authors: Reis Marvin , Michalski Niels , Bartig Susanne , Wulkotte Elisa , Poethko-Müller Christina , Graeber Daniel , Rosario Angelika Schaffrath , Hövener Claudia , Hoebel Jens
Published: October 2024

Combining the frameworks of fundamental causes theory and diffusion of innovation, scholars had anticipated a delayed COVID-19 vaccination uptake for people in lower socioeconomic position depending on the socioeconomic context. We qualify these propositions and analyze educational differences in COVID-19 vaccination status over the first ten months of Germany’s vaccination campaign in 2021. Data from the study “Corona Monitoring Nationwide” (RKI-SOEP-2), collected between November 2021 and February 2022, is linked with district-level data of the German Index of Socioeconomic Deprivation (GISD). We estimated the proportion of people with at least one vaccination dose stratified by educational groups and within different settings of regional socioeconomic deprivation at three time points. Logistic multilevel regression models were applied to adjust for multiple covariates and to test cross-level-interactions between educational levels and levels of area-level socioeconomic deprivation. Vaccination rates were lower among respondents with lower education. With increasing area-level socioeconomic deprivation, educational differences were larger due to particularly low vaccination rates in groups with low education levels. The analysis of vaccination timing reveals that educational gaps and gaps by area-level socioeconomic deprivation had appeared early in the vaccination campaign and did not close completely before the 4th wave of COVID-19 infections
Exploring the unfolding pathways of protein families using Elastic Network Model
Authors: Kumar Ranjan , Dutta Sandipan
Published: October 2024

We explore how a protein’s native structure determines its unfolding process. We examine how the local structural features, like shear, and the global structural properties, like the number of soft modes, change during unfolding. Simulations are performed using a Gaussian Network Model (GNM) with bond breaking for both thermal and force-induced unfolding scenarios. We find that unfolding starts in areas of high shear in the native structure and progressively spreads to the low shear regions. Interestingly, analysis of single domain protein families (Chymotrypsin inhibitor and Barnase) reveal that proteins with distinct unfolding pathways exhibit divergent behavior of the number of soft modes during unfolding. This suggests that the number of soft modes might be a valuable tool for understanding thermal unfolding pathways. Additionally, we found a strong link between a protein’s overall structural similarity (TM-score) and its unfolding pathways, highlighting the importance of the native structure in determining how a protein unfolds.
Chiral active systems near a substrate: Emergent damping length controlled by fluid friction
Authors: Mecke Joscha , Gao Yongxiang , Gompper Gerhard , Ripoll Marisol
Published: October 2024

Chiral active fluids show the emergence of a turbulent behaviour characterised by multiple dynamic vortices whose maximum size varies for each experimental system, depending on conditions not yet identified. We propose and develop an approach to model the effect of friction close to a surface in a particle based hydrodynamic simulation method in two dimensions, in which the friction coefficient can be related to the system parameters and to the emergence of a damping length. This length is system dependent, limits the size of the emergent vortices, and influences other relevant system properties such as the actuated velocity, rotational diffusion, or the cutoff of the energy spectra. Comparison of simulation and experimental results of a large ensemble of rotating colloids sedimented on a surface shows a good agreement, which demonstrates the predictive capabilities of the approach, which can be applied to a wider class of quasi-two-dimensional systems with friction.
High-resolution Imaging of Glycans by Scanning Tunnelling Microscopy Enabled by Electrospray Ion Beam Deposition (ESIBD)
Authors: Rauschenbach Stephan , Grabarics Marko , Delbianco Martina , Cortes Juan , Schön Christian , Tarrat Nathalie , Wu Xu , Anggara Kelvin
Published: October 2024

Electrospray ion beam deposition (ESIBD) has recently been developed as a universal vacuum deposition method, capable of transferring fragile, non-volatile molecules to surfaces in a vacuum. This enables the chemically selective preparation of surfaces for investigation by scanning probe microscopy (SPM). This chapter introduces the methods and summarizes the recent achievements in applying high-resolution SPM imaging to glycans.
ACT‐GAN: Radio map construction based on generative adversarial networks with ACT blocks
Authors: Chen Qi , Yang Jingjing , Huang Ming , Zhou Qiang
Published: October 2024

The radio map serves as a vital tool in assessing wireless communication networks and monitoring radio coverage, providing a visual representation of electromagnetic spatial characteristics. To address the limitation of low accuracy in current radio map construction method, this article presents a novel method based on Generative Adversarial Network (GAN), called ACT‐GAN. This method incorporates the aggregated contextual‐transformation block, the convolutional block attention module, and the transposed convolutional block into the generator, significantly enhancing the construction accuracy of radio map. The performance of ACT‐GAN is validated in three distinct scenarios. The results indicate that, in scenario 1, where the transmitter locations are known, the average reduction in Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) is 14.6%. In scenario 2, where the transmitter locations are known and supplemented with sparse measurement maps, the average reduction in RMSE is 13.3%. Finally, in scenario 3, where the transmitter locations are unknown, the average reduction in RMSE is 7.1%. Moreover, the proposed model exhibits clearer predictive results and can accurately capture multi‐scale shadow fading.
Maximizing wind farm production through pitch control using graph neural networks and hybrid learning methods
Authors: Huo Yuchong , Xu Chang , Li Qun , Li Qiang , Yin Minghui
Published: October 2024

This article presents a novel methodology to maximize wind farm power generation by integrating graph neural networks (GNN), supervised learning, and reinforcement learning techniques. First, the article introduces a graph‐based representation of the wind farm, capturing wind turbines as vertices and the inter‐turbine wake interactions as edges. The construction of this graph representation integrates the Jensen wake model, which includes insights derived from prior knowledge of wind farm aerodynamics. Subsequently, a detailed description of the GNN model's architecture, incorporating a message passing mechanism, is outlined. This GNN model is trained initially with supervised learning using a dataset of optimal pitch angles generated from the analytical results derived from Jensen wake model. Moreover, to improve the GNN model's accuracy and adaptability, reinforcement learning techniques are employed. The GNN model interacts with a high‐fidelity wind farm simulation environment, receiving feedback in the form of rewards derived from the wind farm's actual power output. Through a policy gradient approach, the GNN parameters undergo iterative updates, enabling the model to learn and adapt to dynamic wind conditions and intricate turbine interactions. The effectiveness and advantages of the proposed methodology are demonstrated through comprehensive case studies across various wind farm layouts.
Dynamic of mode transition in air surface micro-discharge plasma: reactive species in confined space
Authors: ZHANG 张 Jingyun 敬芸 , ZHU 朱 Min 珉 , ZHANG 张 Chaohai 潮海
Published: October 2024

Flexible surface micro-discharge plasma is a non-thermal plasma technique used for treating wounds in a painless way, with significant efficacy for chronic or hard-to-heal wounds. In this study, a confined space was designed to simulate wound conditions, with gelatin used to simulate wound tissue. The distinction between open and confined spaces was explored, and the effects of temperature, humidity, discharge power and the gap size within the confined space on the plasma characteristics were analyzed. It was found that temperature, humidity and discharge power are important factors that affect the concentration distribution of active components and the mode transition between ozone and nitrogen oxides. Compared to open space, the concentration of ozone in confined space was relatively lower, which facilitated the formation of nitrogen oxides. In open space, the discharge was dominated by ozone initially. As the temperature, humidity and discharge power increased, nitrogen oxides in the gas-phase products were gradually detected. In confined space, nitrogen oxides can be detected at an early stage and at much higher concentrations than ozone concentration. Furthermore, as the gap of the confined space decreased, the concentration of ozone was observed to decrease while that of nitrate increased, and the rate of this concentration change was further accelerated at higher temperature and higher power. It was shown that ozone concentration decreased from 0.11 to 0.03 μmol and the nitrate concentration increased from 20.5 to 24.5 μmol when the spacing in the confined space was reduced from 5 to 1 mm, the temperature of the external discharge was controlled at 40 °C, and the discharge power was 12 W. In summary, this study reveals the formation and transformation mechanisms of active substances in air surface micro-discharge plasma within confined space, providing foundational data for its medical applications.
Hegselmann–Krause model with environmental noise
Authors: Chen Li , Nikolaev Paul , Prömel David
Published: October 2024

We study a continuous-time version of the Hegselmann–Krause model describing the opinion dynamics of interacting agents subject to random perturbations. Mathematically speaking, the opinion of agents is modelled by an interacting particle system with a non-Lipschitz continuous interaction force, perturbed by idiosyncratic and environmental noises. Sending the number of agents to infinity, we derive a McKean–Vlasov stochastic differential equation as the limiting dynamic, by establishing propagation of chaos for regularized versions of the noisy opinion dynamics. To that end, we prove the existence of a unique strong solution to the McKean–Vlasov stochastic differential equation as well as well-posedness of the associated non-local, non-linear stochastic Fokker–Planck equation.
Reducing readmissions with pharmacist-integrated care in Medicare value-based programs
Authors: Partosh Dor , Ricabal Lazara Cabrera , Beltran Diana C , Simmons Sade , Sherbeny Fatimah , Lazaridis Dovena
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Pharmacy transitions of care (ToC) programs have been shown to decrease 30-day hospital readmissions and improve patient outcomes, but there is limited published data on the impact of pharmacist-integrated ToC services beyond 30 days. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of pharmacist-integrated ToC and population health services on 30-, 60-, and 90-day all-cause readmissions in a Medicare value-based program (MV-BP) population and to compare mean times to first readmission with and without pharmacist care.

Methods

A retrospective observational chart review was conducted to identify eligible hospital discharge encounters (DEs). Patients 18 years of age or older enrolled in an MV-BP were assigned to 4 study groups (a control group or one of 3 intervention arms) based on the pharmacy ToC services they received from either an inpatient ToC pharmacist or a dedicated population health pharmacist (PHP).

Results

Among 1,065 eligible DEs, 90-day follow-up was completed in 1,039 cases. The control group (n = 213) had a 90-day readmission rate of 34.74%. Intervention arm 1 (n = 201) had no significant reduction in 90-day readmissions, with a rate of 29.85% (odds ratio [OR], 0.94; 95% CI, 0.61-1.47; P = 0.80), while intervention arms 2 (n = 209), and 3 (n = 416) had significantly lower rates of readmission: 9.57% (OR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.15-0.46; P < 0.01), and 17.07% (OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.27-0.61; P < 0.01), respectively.

Conclusion

A combination of ToC and PHP services reduced 30-, 60-, and 90-day readmission rates in an MV-BP population. These results support the expansion of pharmacy-based ToC to minimize readmissions within 90 days for this Medicare population.