bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Polarizable Forcefields for Glyoxal Acetals as Electrolyte Components for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Pierini Adriano , Piacentini Vanessa , Gómez‐Urbano Juan Luis , Balducci Andrea , Brutti Sergio , Bodo Enrico
Published: August 2024

In this work we have derived the parameters of an AMOEBA‐like polarizable forcefield for electrolytes based on tetramethoxy and tetraethoxy‐glyoxal acetals, and propylene carbonate. The resulting forcefield has been validated using both ab‐initio data and the experimental properties of the fluids. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we have investigated the structural features and the solvation properties of both the neat liquids and of the corresponding 1 M LiTFSI electrolytes at the molecular level. We present a detailed analysis of the Li ion solvation shells, of their structure and highlight the different behavior of the solvents in terms of their molecular structure and coordinating features.
Benchmarking the Match of Porous Carbon Substrate Pore Volume on Silicon Anode Materials for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Xiao Yiming , Yi Si , Yan Zhilin , Qiu Xiaoyu , Ning Pengpeng , Yang Deren , Du Ning
Published: August 2024

Silicon (Si) is one of the most promising anode materials for high‐energy‐density lithium‐ion batteries. However, the huge volume expansion hinders its commercial application. Embedding amorphous Si nanoparticles in a porous carbon framework is an effective way to alleviate Si volume expansion, with the pore volume of the carbon substrates playing a pivotal role. This work demonstrates the impact of pore volume on the electrochemical performance of the silicon/carbon porous composites from two perspectives: 1) pore volume affects the loadings of Si particles; 2) pore volume affects the structural stability and mechanical properties. The smaller pore volume of the carbon substrate cannot support the high Si loadings, which results in forming a thick Si shell on the surface, thereby being detrimental to cycling stability and the diffusion of electrons and ions. On top of that, the carbon substrate with a larger pore volume has poor structural stability due to its fragility, which is also not conducive to realizing long cycle life and high rate performance. Achieving excellent electrochemical performances should match the proper pore volume with Si content. This study will provide important insights into the rational design of the silicon/carbon porous composites based on the pore volume of the carbon substrates.
Quality TV Drama: Fields of Research and Practitioners’ Perspectives
Authors: Krauß Florian
Published: August 2024

This chapter goes into more detail about the term “quality TV drama” and the related field of research, dealing with the connection between television and quality. In addition to discussing the well-known quality TV criteria according to Robert J. Thompson (1996), to which a number of analyses link, this chapter identifies gaps in quality TV research as well as other contexts, which have mostly arisen through the single-minded attention on US series. German and public-service television fiction represent different contexts through which these gaps can be addressed. The chapter then explains that the aesthetic evaluations that discussions on quality TV and its storytelling and screenwriting inevitably lead to take place in specific contexts. This then opens up into an explanation of the book’s approach of considering quality TV drama as both a construction and an evaluation discourse by the television industry. Quality judgements, as becomes clear, shape different phases of television production, especially the screenwriting process, and consistently take place in project networks and screen idea work groups. The third and final part of this chapter explains what the analysed television professionals understood “quality TV” to mean and what textual aspects they attributed to it. With reference to well-known TV series, especially from the US and also Denmark, the practitioners particularly emphasised storylines across several episodes and the associated character development as (desirable) attributes of quality drama.
Quality Drama as Transnational Expansion: Exports and Local Specifics
Authors: Krauß Florian
Published: August 2024

This chapter analyses how practitioners are negotiating the transnational expansion of German television fiction and its industry in their discussions on quality TV. In doing so, this chapter takes into account local aspects and particularities that accompany processes of globalisation and transnationalisation in the sense of “glocalisation”. The chapter’s second part specifically deals with negotiations on series exports, which historically have taken place sporadically in the German context but for which, today, a larger number of licensees in different countries and territories are available, through transnational streaming services. English-speaking markets in particular are now showing greater openness to non-English (i.e. also German-language) series, although these remain niche programmes in the Anglo-American distribution context. The third and final part of Chapter 5 demonstrates how individual project networks and screen idea work groups and their practitioners are transnationalising in the context of export ambitions and the expanded television industry. The transnationality of individual screenwriters and other players, working groups and production companies, as becomes clear, can become a decisive criterion for evaluating, selecting and finally greenlighting television dramas, alongside the transnational potential of the content, narrative style and aesthetic at the textual level.
Analysis of Expansion Stress Evolution of Concrete Erosion Products for Ocean Engineering
Authors: Huang Haihan , Zhu Shengdong , You Xianhui , Song Qiming
Published: August 2024

With the deployment of China's “Maritime Power” strategy and the continuous development of ocean engineering, the safety and sustainability of concrete materials in ocean engineering need to be resolved urgently. In this paper, aiming at the concrete erosion caused by sulfate in marine environment, the evolution analysis of the expansion stress of the erosion products is carried out based on the principles of thermodynamics and crystallography. The results show that there is a liquid film between the ettringite and the pore wall during sulfate erosion in marine environment. The interfacial energy between reactants of different phases should not be neglected, and the liquid film thickness is negatively correlated with the expansion stress. The radial stress on concrete microstructure is composed of expansion stress, seawater pressure and interfacial energy between the concrete pore wall and the seawater. The trends of radial stresses in micro-voids and micro-cracks are basically similarly, both of which are negatively correlated with pore size and positively correlated with erosion time. In addition, the radial stresses in micro-cracks are generally greater than those in micro-voids. During the erosion process, the radial stress is positively correlated with the expansion extend of ettringite.
Numerical Study of the Long-Term Settlement of Deep Drainage Tunnels in Soft Stratum
Authors: Zhu Qixuan , Cao Zhijie , Xu Zhen , Sui Tao , Lü Xilin
Published: August 2024

The deep tunnel drainage system has been used to solve urban flooding issues recently. However, inadequate research was conducted on the long-term settlement of deep drainage tunnels in soft soils. In this paper, a quasi-static finite element simulation was conducted based on a pipeline model in submerged soft soils. The pipeline suffered from long-term water filling-discharge cycles, which led to the settlement of the underlying soils below the pipeline. Settlements induced by cumulative plastic strain and pore pressure dissipation are isolated. The results reveal that the dissipation-induced settlement is negligible, and a recently proposed cumulative deformation formulation can reasonably predict the settlement. During the whole cycle stages, soil settlements mainly occurred within a certain depth below the pipeline. These findings can provide useful references for designing and safely operating deep tunnel drainage systems in soft soil areas.
Fatigue Response Analysis of Wind Power Pile Foundation Under Full Cycle Action of Typhoon
Authors: Zhang Bo , Su Shiding , Wu Jiaqi , Lv Shuhui
Published: August 2024

As an important component of offshore wind turbine foundation, steel pipe piles are subject to cyclic loads in the marine environment for a long time, especially the waves caused by typhoon, which are easy to cause fatigue damage of steel pipe piles. Based on a project example, a load pile soil ternary fatigue analysis model is proposed by combining relevant specifications, structural mechanics and finite element method, and the important factors that affect the fatigue damage of pile foundation structures in the whole cycle of typhoon are pointed out. The method of fatigue response analysis of wind power pile foundation structure in this paper has certain guiding significance for practical engineering application.
Experimental Study on the Factors Influencing the Arch Height of Overlying Soil in Karst Area
Authors: Wu Di , Li Aiwen , You Yongli , Wu Jianjian
Published: August 2024

On the evolution of collapsed soil caves, it is important to consider the soil arching effect and the factors that influence arch height. This study examines the impact of collapse width and filling height on load distribution and soil displacement to uncover the stability mechanisms of soil cavities. The findings reveal that: (1) Explaining the formation of soil sinkholes in terms of load sharing, it is evident that the soil arching effect enables transfer of pressure exerted above the soil arch to the nearby stable region that results in stress deflection within the stable area. (2) Interpretation of soil cave evolution based on displacement angle, indicating that the process of collapsing the soil cave triggers the soil arch effect due to the uneven force of soil particles, leading to soil settlement. (3) Arch height is the primary factor for measuring the soil cave stability from the perspective of soil displacement. Compared to the factor of filling height, the collapse width has more influence on the arch height. Thus, engineers working in karst areas should prioritize understanding the stability mechanism of soil holes to enhance the safety and reliability of construction projects.
Experimental Study on Frost Heave Characteristics of Silty Clay Beneath Operating Stations in Twin Tunnel Freezing
Authors: Wang Lei
Published: August 2024

Artificial ground freezing method construction is widely applied in the subway construction in Shanghai. In the project of the twin tunnel freezing method crossing the operating Line 10 station at No.18 Guoquan Road in Shanghai, the tunnel is located in the silty clay with a water content of 38.5%. The frost heave pressure of the silty clay will cause uplift and even cracking of the already operating station. Taking the Shanghai silty clay as the research object, this study investigates the influence of the cold end temperature and conductive temperature on the frost heave pressure of the soil through laboratory frost heave experiments and similar simulation experiments. The results show that under closed freezing conditions, there is a good linear relationship between the frost heave pressure of the silty clay and the cold end temperature, while under open freezing conditions, the frost heave pressure of the soil has a quadratic relationship with the temperature difference of the soil under the structure’s base plate. The research findings will provide valuable references for projects such as the freezing method for crossing operating stations and existing lines in Shanghai subway construction.
Study on the Engineering Characteristics of Deep Soft Soil in South China
Authors: Zhou Xudong , Chen Meijuan , Shi Peiyun
Published: August 2024

By testing the physical and mechanical properties of soft soil samples in Liuxi River Basin and analyzing them in comparison with the properties of soft soil in other areas of Guangdong, it is found that they are different from the properties of soft soil in other areas, which can provide a reference and guidance for the construction of soft soil foundation in Liuxi River Basin. It can provide reference and guidance for the construction on soft soil foundation in Liuxi River Basin.
Study on the Rationality of Tunnel Plane Strain Model Based on Stress Release Principle
Authors: Zhao Haijun , Liu Heyi , Chen Tiannan , Pei Jiangrong
Published: August 2024

Based on the finite element difference software FLAC3D, a three-dimensional refined simulation model for tunnel excavation and a plane strain model based on the stress release principle were established. By comparing the deformation characteristics of surrounding rock and the stress distribution of support structures, it is concluded that, apart from slight differences in the stress distribution of the steel arch, the results of the plane strain model and the three-dimensional refined model show high consistency in the deformation characteristics of surrounding rock and the stress distribution of anchor bolts. The calculated results for the maximum load on a single anchor bolt differ by 13.25%, and the differences in surrounding rock deformation and the maximum load on the steel arch are both less than 8%. The plane strain model based on the stress release method can well match the three-dimensional refined model, indicating its feasibility for practical engineering analysis.
Hybrid inflation, reheating and dark radiation in a IIB perturbative moduli stabilization scenario
Authors: Ahmed Waqas , Karozas Athanasios , Leontaris George K. , Tavellaris Ilias
Published: August 2024

Abstract

We study the cosmological implications of an effective field theory model derived within a configuration of D7 brane stacks in the framework of type-IIB string theory. We consider a suitable geometric setup where the Kähler moduli fields are stabilized and the parametric space is constrained so that a de Sitter vacuum is ensured. In addition to the moduli fields we also take into account the usual Higgs and matter fields included in the effective field theory. In this background, we implement the standard hybrid inflation scenario with a singlet scalar field acting as the inflaton and the Higgs states serving as waterfall fields. Radiative corrections and soft supersymmetry breaking terms play an essential role in the realization of a successful inflationary scenario consistent with the present cosmological data. Small tensor-to-scalar ratio values are predicted, which can be probed in future planned experiments. Further constraints on the model’s parameters are derived from bounds on dark radiation which is measured as a contribution to the effective number of neutrino species Neff. In particular, we find an excess of ∆Neff ≤ 0.95 at 2σ confidence level with natural values of the involved couplings.
The semi-classical saddles in three-dimensional gravity via holography and mini-superspace approach
Authors: Chen Heng-Yu , Hikida Yasuaki , Taki Yusuke , Uetoko Takahiro
Published: August 2024

Abstract

We determine the complex geometries dual to the semi-classical saddles in three-dimensional gravity with positive or negative cosmological constant. We examine the semi-classical saddles in Liouville field theory and interpret them in terms of gravity theory. For this, we describe the gravity theory by Chern-Simons theory and classify the possible saddles based on the homotopy group argument. We further realize the semi-classical saddles using the mini-superspace model of quantum gravity and explicitly determine the integral contour. In the case of positive cosmological constant, we recovered the geometry used for no-boundary proposal of Hartle and Hawking. In the case of negative cosmological constant, the geometry can be identified with Euclidean anti-de Sitter space attached with imaginary radius spheres. The geometry should be unphysical and several arguments on this issue are provided. Partial results were already presented in our earlier letter, and more detailed derivations and explanations on the results are given along with additional results. In particular, we reproduce the classical Liouville action from the Chern-Simons formulation of dual gravity theory.
Non-relativistic limits of bosonic and heterotic Double Field Theory
Authors: Lescano Eric , Osten David
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The known stringy non-relativistic (NR) limit of the universal NS-NS sector of supergravity has a finite Lagrangian due to non-trivial cancellations of divergent parts coming from the metric and the B-field. We demonstrate that in Double Field Theory (DFT) and generalised geometry these cancellations already happen at the level of the generalised metric, which is convergent in the limit c → ∞, implying that the NR limit can be imposed before solving the strong constraint. We present the c-expansion of the generalised metric, which reproduces the Non-Riemannian formulation of DFT at the (finite) leading order, and the c-expansion of the generalised frame, which contains divergences. We also extend this approach to the non-Abelian gauge field of Heterotic DFT assuming a convergent expansion for the O(D, D + n) generalised metric. From this proposal, we derive a novel c-expansion for the bosonic part of the heterotic supergravity which is, by construction, compatible with O(D, D)-symmetry.
Heavy states in 3d gravity and 2d CFT
Authors: Grabovsky David
Published: August 2024

Abstract

We discuss correlators of light fields in heavy states in AdS3 gravity and holographic 2d CFTs. In the bulk, the propagator of free fields in AdS backgrounds containing a conical defect or a BTZ black hole can be obtained by solving a wave equation, as well as by the method of images. On the boundary, these geometries are sourced by heavy operator insertions, and the propagator is dual to a heavy-light (HHLL) correlator. By matching its expansion in Virasoro blocks to our bulk results, we determine the OPE coefficients of all contributing states in both the s and t channels. In the s channel, these states are excitations of the light field on top of the heavy state, and their OPE coefficients are the amplitudes to create them. The t-channel OPE is dominated by the Virasoro vacuum block, but there is also an infinite family of light two-particle states that contribute to the correlator. The OPE coefficients that couple these states to heavy operators represent their expectation values in heavy backgrounds. We determine them exactly, derive their asymptotic form at large twist, and discuss their behavior near and above the BTZ threshold, where they become thermal one-point functions.
Spin-(s, j) projectors and gauge-invariant spin-s actions in maximally symmetric backgrounds
Authors: Hutchings Daniel , Ponds Michael
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Given a maximally symmetric d-dimensional background with isometry algebra $$ \mathfrak{g} $$
g
, a symmetric and traceless rank-s field ϕa(s) satisfying the massive Klein-Gordon equation furnishes a collection of massive $$ \mathfrak{g} $$
g
-representations with spins j ∈ {0, 1, · · · , s}. In this paper we construct the spin-(s, j) projectors, which are operators that isolate the part of ϕa(s) that furnishes the representation from this collection carrying spin j. In the case of an (anti-)de Sitter ((A)dSd) background, we find that the poles of the projectors encode information about (partially-)massless representations, in agreement with observations made earlier in d = 3, 4. We then use these projectors to facilitate a systematic derivation of two-derivative actions with a propagating massless spin-s mode. In addition to reproducing the massless spin-s Fronsdal action, this analysis generates new actions possessing higher-depth gauge symmetry. In (A)dSd we also derive the action for a partially-massless spin-s depth-t field with 1 ≤ t ≤ s. The latter utilises the minimum number of auxiliary fields, and corresponds to the action originally proposed by Zinoviev after gauging away all Stückelberg fields. Some higher-derivative actions are also presented, and in d = 3 are used to construct (i) generalised higher-spin Cotton tensors in (A)dS3; and (ii) topologically-massive actions with higher-depth gauge symmetry. Finally, in four-dimensional $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 Minkowski superspace, we provide closed-form expressions for the analogous superprojectors.
The effect of wood particles polyesterification with sorbitol and citric acid on the properties of particleboard produced with the use of PF/pMDI adhesive
Authors: Kawalerczyk Jakub , Kuliński Marcin , Majlingová Andrea , Dukarska Dorota , Mirski Radosław
Published: August 2024

This study investigated the effect of pine particle polyesterification with the mixture of sorbitol and citric acid (SCA) on the properties of particleboard bonded with the PF/pMDI hybrid resin. The use of SCA with a concentration of 35% contributed to improvement in the internal bond of the particleboards, their water resistance and dimensional stability. However, lowering the concentration to 25% resulted in a deterioration of the properties of produced materials. The effect of different loadings of pMDI in the PF/pMDI resin (0%, 5%, 15%, 25%) was also investigated and the outcomes showed a positive effect of the share of 15% and 25%. Furthermore, boards made of treated particles were characterized by slightly better flammable properties (lower mass loss, flashing point temperature and delayed ignition), and the visibility of the effect increased with the increase in the concentration of the impregnate. The results also indicate that the introduction of pMDI may also influence the ignition of the board.
Import shock and local labour market outcomes: A Sino-Indian case study
Authors: Shi Feiyang
Published: August 2024

Focusing on Sino-Indian trade, this paper uses detailed district-level data, exploits India’s drastic increase in imports from China since 2001, and uses the instrumental variables approach to examine the impact of trade shock on the local labour market outcomes. Through a matching procedure, the geographical coverage of the paper is significantly improved compared with prior studies. The range of labour market outcome variables examined is also much broader, including wage, residual wage fluctuation, employment, unemployment and underemployment as shares of the working-age population. The paper finds that the import competition from China had a negative impact on the districts’ average wages but a positive impact on districts’ shares of employment. Moreover, the paper allows heterogeneous effects across consumption, age, gender, occupation and industrial groups. The results confirm that the effect of import shock is not uniformly distributed within the districts. Rather, it varies with respect to specific socio-economic characteristics. The wage effect, for example, is positive for those from the lower consumption basket.
Exploring the Influence of Date Palm Cultivars on Soil Microbiota
Authors: Ferreira Pedro , Benabderrahim Mohamed Ali , Hamza Hammadi , Marchesini Alexis , Rejili Mokhtar , Castro Joana , Tavares Rui M. , Costa Daniela , Sebastiani Federico , Lino-Neto Teresa
Published: August 2024

Plants thrive in diverse environments, where root-microbe interactions play a pivotal role. Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.), with its genetic diversity and resilience, is an ideal model for studying microbial adaptation to different genotypes and stresses. This study aimed to analyze the bacterial and fungal communities associated with traditional date palm cultivars and the widely cultivated “Deglet Nour” were explored using metabarcoding approaches. The microbial diversity analysis identified a rich community with 13,189 bacterial and 6442 fungal Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs). Actinobacteriota, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidota dominated bacterial communities, while Ascomycota dominated fungal communities. Analysis of the microbial community revealed the emergence of two distinct clusters correlating with specific date palm cultivars, but fungal communities showed higher sensitivity to date palm genotype variations compared to bacterial communities. The commercial cultivar “Deglet Nour” exhibited a unique microbial composition enriched in pathogenic fungal taxa, which was correlated with its genetic distance. Overall, our study contributes to understanding the complex interactions between date palm genotypes and soil microbiota, highlighting the genotype role in microbial community structure, particularly among fungi. These findings suggest correlations between date palm genotype, stress tolerance, and microbial assembly, with implications for plant health and resilience. Further research is needed to elucidate genotype-specific microbial interactions and their role in enhancing plant resilience to environmental stresses.
Modelling Alternative Economic Incentive Schemes for Semi-Natural Grassland Conservation in Estonia
Authors: Nishizawa Takamasa , Schuler Johannes , Bethwell Claudia , Glemnitz Michael , Semm Maaria , Suškevičs Monika , Hämäläinen Laura , Sepp Kalev , Värnik Rando , Uthes Sandra , Aurbacher Joachim , Zander Peter
Published: August 2024

Semi-natural grasslands (SNGLs) in Estonia are threatened by abandonment. This threat is leading to concerns about the degradation of biodiversity within grassland communities. Despite the high relevance of economic incentives in this context, how such incentives influence land managers’ decision-making regarding the agricultural use of SNGLs has not been investigated. To obtain its socio-ecological implications for policy-making, we developed regionally specific agricultural scenarios (compensation payments, livestock capacity, hey export, and bioenergy production) and an interdisciplinary modelling approach that made it possible to simulate agricultural land use changes through land managers' responses to varied economic conditions. Through this approach, we found that some economic factors hampered the use of SNGLs: the moderate profitability of beef production, labour shortages, and the relatively high profitability of mulching. We observed a positive relationship between SNGLs and habitat suitability for breeding and feeding birds. However, due to the high maintenance costs of SNGLs, the modelling results indicated that increasing the use of SNGLs through public budgets caused crowding-out effects, i.e., the deteriorating market integration of regional agriculture. This study emphasises the need for policy measures aimed at cost-effective, labour-efficient management practices for SNGLs.
Pre-hospital heparin is not associated with infarct vessel patency and mortality in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
Authors: Scholz Phillip , Friede Tim , Scholz Karl Heinrich , Grabmaier Ulrich , Meyer Thomas , Seidler Tim
Published: August 2024

Background

Pre-hospital heparin administration has been reported to improve prognosis in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). This beneficial effect may be limited to the subgroup of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients.

Methods

To assess the impact of pre-hospital heparin loading on TIMI (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction) flow grade and mortality in STEMI patients with OHCA, we analyzed data from 2,566 consecutive patients from two hospitals participating in the prospective Feedback Intervention and Treatment Times in ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (FITT-STEMI) trial.

Results

In 394 participants with OHCA, 272 (69%) received heparin from the emergency medical service (EMS). Collapse witnessed by EMS (odds ratio (OR) = 3.53, 95%-confidence interval (CI) = 1.54–8.09; p = 0.003) and pre-hospital ECG recording (OR = 3.32, 95% CI = 1.06–10.35; p = 0.039) were identified as parameters significantly associated with pre-hospital heparin use. In univariate analysis, in-hospital mortality was lower in the group receiving heparin in the pre-hospital setting (26.8% vs. 42.6%, p = 0.002). However, in a regression model, pre-hospital heparin use was no longer a significant predictor of mortality (OR = 0.992; p = 0.981). Patency of the infarct artery prior to coronary revascularization, as measured by TIMI flow grade, was not associated with pre-hospital administration of heparin in OHCA patients (OR = 0.840; p = 0.724).

Conclusions

In STEMI patients with OHCA, pre-hospital use of heparin is neither associated with improved early patency of the infarct artery nor with a better prognosis. Our results do not support the assumption of a positive effect of heparin administration in the pre-hospital treatment phase in STEMI patients with OHCA.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00794001.

Graphic abstract
Discrepancies in dynamic yield stress measurements of cement pastes
Authors: Dhar Subhransu , Liberto Teresa , Barentin Catherine , Divoux Thibaut , Robisson Agathe
Published: August 2024

The dynamic yield stress associated with the flow cessation of cement pastes is measured using a rheometer equipped with various shear geometries such as vane, helical, sandblasted co-axial cylinders, and serrated parallel plates, as well as with the mini-cone spread test. Discrepancies in yield stress values are observed for cement pastes at various volume fractions, with one to two orders of magnitude difference between vane, helical and mini-cone spread measurements on the one hand, and co-axial cylinder and parallel plate measurements on the other hand. To understand this discrepancy, the flow profile of a cement paste in the parallel-plate geometry is investigated with a high-speed camera, revealing the rapid formation of an un-sheared band near the static bottom plate. The width of this band depends upon the rotational velocity of the top plate, and upon the shear time. Recalculation of shear stress shows that the reduced sheared gap alone cannot explain the low measured yield stress. Further exploration suggests the formation of zones with lower particle content, possibly linked to cement particle sedimentation. Here, we argue that the complex nature of cement pastes, composed of negatively buoyant non-Brownian particles with attractive interactions due to highly charged nano-size hydration products, accounts for their complex rheological behavior.

Graphical abstract
The association of cognitive coping style with patient preferences in a patient-led follow-up study among colorectal cancer survivors
Authors: Voigt Kelly R. , Wullaert Lissa , van Driel M. H. Elise , Goudberg Max , Doornebosch Pascal G. , Schreinemakers Jennifer M. J. , Verseveld Maria , Peeters Koen C. M. J. , Verhoef Cornelis , Husson Olga , Grünhagen Dirk J.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Amidst the rising number of cancer survivors and personnel shortages, optimisation of follow-up strategies is imperative, especially since intensive follow-up does not lead to survival benefits. Understanding patient preferences and identifying the associated patient profiles is crucial. Coping style may be a key determinant in achieving this. Our study aims to evaluate preferences, identify coping styles and their associated factors, and explore the association between coping style and patients’ preferences in colorectal cancer (CRC) follow-up.

Methods

In a prospective multicentre implementation study, patients completed the Threatening Medical Situations Inventory (TMSI) to determine their coping style. Simultaneously patients choose their follow-up preferences for the CRC trajectory regarding frequency of tumour marker determination, location of blood sampling, and manner of contact.

Results

A total of 188 patients completed the TMSI questionnaire after inclusion. A more intensive follow-up was preferred by 71.5% of patients. Of all patients, 52.0% had a coping style classified as ‘blunting’ and 34.0% as ‘monitoring’. Variables such as a younger age, female gender, higher educational level, and lower ASA scores were associated with having higher monitoring scores. However, there were no significant associations between follow-up preferences and patients’ coping styles.

Conclusion

This study suggests that none of the provided options in a patient-led follow-up are unsuitable for patients who underwent curative surgery for primary CRC, based on coping style determined at baseline. Low-intensity surveillance after curative resection of CRC may, therefore, be suitable for a wide range of patients independent of coping styles.
Development of a capillary electrophoresis method with laser-induced fluorescence detection for the characterization of oligosaccharides in human milk
Authors: Rusin Marcelina , Woźniakiewicz Aneta , Gołąb Małgorzata , Dobrowolska-Iwanek Justyna , Huras Hubert , Staśkiewicz Magdalena , Lauterbach Ryszard , Woźniakiewicz Michał
Published: August 2024

Breast milk is the most appropriate food for an infant in the first months of life - it provides the essential nutrients required for proper growth, with breast milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) being the third most abundant component. HMO concentrations vary based on factors like lactation stage and maternal health. They play crucial roles in infant health, acting as prebiotics, antimicrobials, and immune modulators. Analytical methods like capillary electrophoresis and liquid chromatography are the most often used in HMOs qualitative and quantitative analysis. Continuing research aims to enhance analytical techniques for comprehensive HMOs analysis, this work presents the development of a capillary electrophoresis method with laser-induced fluorescence detection along with derivatization and solid-phase extraction steps for the characterisation of major oligosaccharides in colostrum samples. Validation parameters, such as linearity (0.9949–0.9989), limits of detection (5.49–16.40 ng cm−3) and quantification (18.30–54.67 ng cm−3), intra- and inter-day precision (2.41–9.78% and 1.27—14.5%, respectively), trueness (− 8.4 to − 2.0%), and recovery (70.02–113.5%) and repeatability (2.22–10.58%) for solid-phase extraction stage were assessed. The method was evaluated using RGB additive colour model regarding the analytical and practical effectiveness and greenness of the method (achieving a brilliance score of 67.1%). Moreover, the developed method was successfully applied to determine three oligosaccharides (DSLNT, 3’SL, and 6’SL) in colostrum samples. Considering its effectiveness, the method has promise for this type of application.

Graphical abstract
An experimental and numerical study of the influence of the additive manufacturing process in packing properties of particles: the printed shape matters
Authors: Friedrich Tiaan , Tan Yuan , Briesen Heiko , Schiochet Nasato Daniel
Published: August 2024

Investigations into the various properties of granular matter composed of particles with defined shapes have gained increasing attention. Additive manufacturing, with its freedom of shape and rapid prototyping capabilities, has significantly contributed to these studies. However, this technique may introduce defects in the manufactured particles, which can significantly affect the properties of granular materials. The extent of these defects on particles of different shapes is investigated here. Particles of various shapes (cube, octahedron, quatropod, stellated octahedron, tetrahedron, and tetrapod) were manufactured and subsequently imaged using micro-Computed Tomography. The surface roughness, solidity, and convexity of the particles were quantified. Discrete element simulations of granular bed porosity, utilizing both idealized and real particle shapes, were conducted with different surface mesh resolutions and frictional parameters. A clear influence of the manufacturing process on the packing properties of 3D printed particles was identified. This influence is not uniform across all shapes and is directly correlated with the particle convexity. For numerical simulations, a shape-dependent correction of particle density and surface characteristics are imperative for each shape under consideration, despite the fact that the particles were manufactured using the same technique and material.

Graphic abstract
Constructing bacterial cellulose and its composites: regulating treatments towards applications
Authors: Wang Jing , Li Caiyun , Tang Youhong
Published: August 2024

The production and advanced treatments of bacterial cellulose (BC) and its composites have garnered increased attention in the past decades. As a biodegradable polymer, BC possesses remarkable purity, super-fine nanonetwork structure, biocompatibility, and excellent mechanical properties, which could satisfy the most needs of application areas. The comprehensive knowledge of different BC treatment methods is critical to property modification through composite formation towards multifunctional applications. In this review, we summarised three BC treatment methods and relevant functional composite construction processes, especially the emerging breaking-refactoring methods. It is known that the structure-property-application relationship of BC composites is tightly linked. The successful development of multifunctional BC-based composites will rely on good sustainability and exploration of BC-based composite preparation technology. Applications of BC and its composites based on those treatment methods are reviewed. The properties and characteristics underlying these approaches to BC and its composite applications are also discussed here.
Effects of Texas State Agency Integration on Mental Health Service Use Among Individuals with Co-occurring Cognitive Disabilities and Mental Health Conditions
Authors: Stone Elizabeth M. , Jopson Andrew D. , Seewald Nicholas J. , Stuart Elizabeth A. , Wise Elizabeth , McCourt Alexander D. , German Danielle , McGinty Emma E.
Published: August 2024

This study uses Texas’s 2017 integration of the state disability and mental health agencies as a case study, combining interviews with Texas agency and advocacy organization leaders to examine perceptions of agency integration and augmented synthetic control analyses of 2014–2020 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey to examine impacts on mental health service use among individuals with co-occurring cognitive disabilities (including intellectual and developmental disabilities) and mental health conditions. Interviewees described the intensive process of agency integration and identified primarily positive (e.g., decreased administrative burden) impacts of integration. Quantitative analyses indicated no effects of integration on receipt of mental health-related services among people with co-occurring conditions. While leaders identified some potentially beneficial impacts of state agency integration, the limited impact of integration beyond the agency suggests that interventions at multiple levels of the service system, including those targeting providers, are needed to better meet the mental health service needs for this population.
The accessibility of digital technologies for people with visual impairment and blindness: a scoping review
Authors: Hamideh Kerdar Sara , Bächler Liane , Kirchhoff Britta Marleen
Published: August 2024

This scoping review aimed to improve the understanding of important factors in digital accessibility for people with visual impairment and blindness, focusing on the first-hand experiences and challenges faced by this target group while using digital technologies. Keywords related to ‘digital technologies,’ ‘accessibility,’ ‘visual impairment,’ and ‘blindness’ were used in searching two databases (n = 683), with additional articles identified by means of manual searches (n = 60). Two reviewers independently screened the titles and abstracts to select 97 articles for full-text screening, of which 49 articles met the inclusion criteria and were selected for review based on the WCAG guidelines, highlighting details for consideration and improvement of the guidelines. The analysis revealed that users suffered from inaccessibility in several ways. For example, many applications or websites are developed for sighted users, where information is communicated through visual content without providing alternatives for assistive technology users. In addition, the lack of keyboard accessibility, shortcuts, or compatibility with different assistive technologies remains a consistent challenge. Furthermore, it was highlighted that simple accessibility measures are not followed adequately or consistently, such as providing alternative text for images or labels for links and buttons. This review highlighted the challenges and consequences of the inaccessibility of digital technologies, providing a detailed explanation regarding the elements that should be considered in the development of digital technologies. It is recommended that people with disabilities should be involved in the design of technology and its accessibility assessment.
25 years of SUITMAs: Urban soils - a new research field in soil science. What makes these soils and the interest in these soils so special?
Authors: Burghardt Wolfgang
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Since the occurrence of humans, soil has been affected by them. Thus, rural areas have been modified. Currently, urban areas are increasing extensively. They are locations with a high population density that are impacted by settlements and industrial technologies. This paper shows how soils are further discriminated by urbanization.

Material and methods

A collection of observations and conclusions about the characteristics of natural and urban soils and the discrimination by interpretation of the particularities of discovered soils are presented. This view is enlarged by the specific features of the mode of human action and their effects on soil formation.

Results and discussion

The effects of humans on soils in rural areas are numerous. They concern effects from soil use, evolving soil fertility and raw material supply by mining. Changes in soil formation occur due to natural factors in the landscapes. Discussions about the nature of soils in urban areas stress the situation of a low soil age, that they become relicts, are highly disturbed, contain artifacts, and are mostly byproducts of human decisions. Based on the specific urban climate, there are zonal soils. Perceptions about what qualifies these soils to be separately designated as urban soils are presented. The new view of the differentiation of artifacts by their origin from heat-treated products allows a more precise definition of soils in urban areas. Soil formation can occur quickly.

Conclusion

Urban soil research is a wide field for discovering new modes of soil formation and the relationship between humans and soils.
Unravelling stakeholder narratives on nature-based solutions for hydro-meteorological risk reduction
Authors: Han Sungju , Luo Anran
Published: August 2024

Despite growing scholarly consensus on the need for nature-based solutions (NBS) as holistic and sustainable alternatives to traditional engineering solutions, stakeholder acceptance and implementation of NBS remain low. This study investigates stakeholder narratives on implementing nature-based solutions (NBS) for mitigating hydro-meteorological risks across five European river basin sites in Eastern and Central Europe. Utilising the Q-methodology and narrative analysis, we identified three ideal–typical narratives: idealist, reformist, and sceptic—each providing distinct perspectives on evidence-based policy formation and NBS integration. Our results demonstrate that: (1) idealists’ optimistic outlook risks overlooking critical engagement with implementation challenges; (2) neglecting sceptic concerns may impede NBS adoption and invite accusations of green-washing, and (3) reformists promote evidence-based approaches and transparent stakeholder engagement to bridge narrative divides. The study underscores the importance of identifying shared values, stakeholder collaboration, and a nuanced understanding of contextual factors in fostering NBS implementation. The study contributes to a practical framework aligning NBS projects with prevailing narratives, offering guidance for navigating the complex landscape of NBS implementation. Future research should prioritize in-depth analysis of agent perspectives, place-specific influences on narratives, and the application of narrative analysis to other emerging technologies and environmental topics (e.g. circular economy), deepening our understanding of the socio-political dynamics shaping the acceptance and implementation of sustainable solutions.
Interpretation of acid–base metabolism on arterial blood gas samples via machine learning algorithms
Authors: Ozdemir Habib , Sasmaz Muhammed Ikbal , Guven Ramazan , Avci Akkan
Published: August 2024

Background

Arterial blood gas evaluation is crucial for critically ill patients, as it provides essential information about acid–base metabolism and respiratory balance, but evaluation can be complex and time-consuming. Artificial intelligence can perform tasks that require human intelligence, and it is revolutionizing healthcare through technological advancements.

Aim

This study aims to assess arterial blood gas evaluation using artificial intelligence algorithms.

Methods

The study included 21.541 retrospective arterial blood gas samples, categorized into 15 different classes by experts for evaluating acid–base metabolism status. Six machine learning algorithms were utilized; accuracy, balanced accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, precision, and F1 values of the models were determined; and ROC curves were drawn to assess areas under the curve for each class. Evaluation of which sample was estimated in which class was conducted using the confusion matrices of the models.

Results

The bagging classifier (BC) model achieved the highest balanced accuracy with 99.24%, whereas the XGBoost model reached the highest accuracy with 99.66%. The BC model shows 100% sensitivity for nine classes and 100% specificity for 10 classes, and the model correctly predicted 6438 of 6463 test samples and achieved an accuracy of 99.61%, with an area under the curve > 0.9 in all classes on a class basis.

Conclusion

The machine learning models developed exhibited remarkable accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity in predicting the status of acid–base metabolism. However, implementing these models can aid clinicians, freeing up their time for more intricate tasks.