bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A flowing liquid phase induces the crystallization processes of cesium lead triiodide for 21.85%-efficiency solar cells and low-energy loss
Authors: Yang Fei , Ruan Yuyao , Li Shuo , Wei Xingpei , Zai Shuwan , Gao Fei , Liu Shengzhong (Frank) , Zhao Wangen
Published: December 2024

The PCE of AFMS passivated CsPbI3 PSCs reached 21.85%, which is the highest for this type of pure cesium lead triiodide solar cell.
Breaking the symmetry of interfacial molecules with push–pull substituents enables 19.67% efficiency organic solar cells featuring enhanced charge extraction
Authors: Liu Lei , Yu Fengyi , Hu Dingqin , Jiang Xue , Huang Peihao , Li Yulu , Tian Gengsui , Lei Hongliang , Wu Shiwen , Tu Kaihuai , Chen Chen , Gu Teng , Chen Yao , Duan Tainan , Xiao Zeyun
Published: December 2024

The unsymmetrical push–pull strategy in the interfacial layer enables fast charge extraction and suppresses surface and trap-assisted recombination, achieving a 19.67% efficiency in binary single junction organic solar cells.
Stretchable and adhesive bilayers for electrical interfacing
Authors: Song Yuli , Chen Kai , Chen Shimeng , Zhang Linyuan , Wang Yaqiang , Wu Kai , Xu Canhua , Li Bo , Zhang Jinyu , Liu Gang , Sun Jun
Published: December 2024

A bilayer interface, featuring a nanoscale SEBS layer, and a SEBS–liquid metal composite layer, is designed to simultaneously achieve the strain-insensitive high conductivity over a broad strain range and strong adhesion with dissimilar modules.
Strain-tunable optoelectronic and photocatalytic properties of 2D GaN/MoSi2P4 heterobilayers: potential optoelectronic/photocatalytic materials
Authors: Shu Huabing , Wang Feifan , Ren Kai , Guo Jiyuan
Published: December 2024

Biaxial tensile strain can induce type-II band alignment with the Z-scheme in a GaN/MoSi2P4 heterobilayer, indicating potential applications in optoelectronic and photocatalytic devices.
Introduction to trends in thermoresponsive polymers: from chemistry to applications
Authors: Georgiou Theoni K. , Hoogenboom Richard , Kikuchi Akihiko
Published: December 2024

Theoni K. Georgiou, Richard Hoogenboom and Akihiko Kikuchi introduce the Polymer Chemistry themed collection on trends in thermoresponsive polymers: from chemistry to applications.
Recent advances in the application of calcium(ii) triflimide in organic synthesis
Authors: Li Haoran , Kuang Minyao , Liu Yuwei , Yi Wei , Wang Shengdong
Published: December 2024

This feature article offers a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in the application of calcium(ii) triflimide as a catalyst for organic synthesis, emphasizing both methodological innovations and in-depth mechanistic studies.
Inverse design of copolymers including stoichiometry and chain architecture
Authors: Vogel Gabriel , Weber Jana M.
Published: December 2024

Our generative AI model designs copolymers taking their complex hierarchical structure into account. We design the monomer chemistries, stoichiometric ratios, and chain architecture together, and optimise towards a desired property portfolio.
Rare earth benzene tetraanion-bridged amidinate complexes
Authors: Jin Peng-Bo , Luo Qian-Cheng , Gransbury Gemma K. , Winpenny Richard E. P. , Mills David P. , Zheng Yan-Zhen
Published: December 2024

Arene capped inverse-sandwich rare earth complexes stabilized by Ln–[C6H6]4− covalent δ-bonding.
pH-Responsive nanotubes from asymmetric cyclic peptide–polymer conjugates
Authors: Cheng Zihe , Song Qiao , Hall Stephen C. L. , Perrier Sébastien
Published: December 2024

We report a novel supramolecular system based on asymmetric cyclic peptide–polymer cyclic peptides. Varying protonation degrees of pH-responsive polymers can switch the assembly/non-assembly states of these nanotubes in aqueous solutions.
Structural regulation of sulfone-decorated conjugated polymers for boosting photocatalysis
Authors: Zhang Weijie , Luo Xinye , Tang Huijing , Tang Zhiyi , Huang Fuhua , Wan Quan , Yu Guipeng , Yang Hai
Published: December 2024

The multifarious aromatic sulfone-decorated conjugated polymers (CPs) have recently been developed to enable them to be employed in artificial photocatalysis with encouraging achievements.
Mathematical sizing and design analysis of permanent magnet vernier machine for contra‐rotating wind power applications
Authors: Fatima Mehroz , Khan Faisal , Ullah Wasiq , Akuru Udochukwu Bola
Published: December 2024

Over the years, wind energy technology has vividly made progress, as it is economical and cleaner against fossil‐fuel alternatives. With the rapid upsurge in turbine ratings up to the MW‐power generation level, an unceasing effort is crucial to increase the torque/power density and power factor of the wind‐powered machines. Amongst wind‐powered machines, the permanent magnet vernier machine (PMVM) is renowned for its high torque density. This paper discusses the detailed design flow of a novel contra‐rotating PMVM including sizing equation, geometric relationships, and FEA‐based electromagnetic performance analysis compared to the conventional PMVM. The proposed contra‐rotating PMVM is analysed with two different winding configurations that is, first with crossed‐toroidal and later with concentrated winding configuration, and a comprehensive comparative analysis is made between proposed and conventional PMVM topologies. The contra‐rotation of rotors provides more torque/power than the co‐rotation within the given machine's size. This comparative analysis provides noteworthy insights into the superior performance of the proposed contra‐rotating PMVM topologies regarding torque/power, power factor, and efficiency. A superior torque/power of value 538.23 Nm/1.6 kW is achieved in the case of the design with crossed‐toroidal winding configuration with an efficiency of 97.82% whereas, a high‐power factor of 0.98 with an efficiency of 91.36% is achieved in the case of the design with concentrated winding configuration.
Augmented reality for rhinoplasty: 3D scanning and projected AR for intraoperative planning validation
Authors: Autelitano Martina , Cattari Nadia , Carbone Marina , Cutolo Fabrizio , Montemurro Nicola , Cigna Emanuele , Ferrari Vincenzo
Published: December 2024

Rhinoplasty is one of the major surgical procedures most popular and it is generally performed modelling the internal bones and cartilage using a closed approach to reduce the damage of soft tissue, whose final shape is determined by means of their new settlement over the internal remodelled rigid structures. An optimal planning, achievable thanks to advanced acquisition of 3D images and thanks to the virtual simulation of the intervention via specific software. Anyway, the final result depends also on factors that cannot be totally predicted regarding the settlement of soft tissues on the rigid structures, and a final objective check would be useful to eventually perform some adjustments before to conclude the intervention. The main idea of the present work is the using of 3D scan to acquire directly in the surgical room the final shape of the nose and to show the surgeon the differences respect to the planning in an intuitive way using augmented reality (AR) to show false colours directly over the patient face. This work motivates the selection of the devices integrated in our system, both from a technical and an ergonomic point of view, whose global error, evaluated on an anthropomorphic phantom, is lower than ± 1.2 mm with a confidence interval of 95%, while the mean error in detecting depth thickness variations is 0.182 mm.
Space charge characteristics and dielectric properties of PANI/PP‐g‐MAH/PP ternary composite
Authors: Li Guochang , Liu Tianzhen , Gu Zhenlu , Chen Xiaolong , Sun Beibei , Zhu Yuanwei , Li Shengtao , Wei Yanhui
Published: December 2024

Space charge accumulation in polypropylene materials for direct current capacitor will accelerate the ageing of the materials, resulting in the degradation of their insulation properties. Besides, it will also affect the dielectric properties of the capacitor in a long term. In this paper, a ternary composite of polyaniline (PANI)/maleic anhydride functionalised PP (PP‐g‐MAH)/polypropylene (PP) based on the PANI@ dopamine (PDA) coating structure is constructed from two perspectives of PP matrix grafting and PANI nano particle. This method takes advantage of the high permittivity and good compatibility of PANI to improve the relative dielectric constant of the composite while introducing deep traps inside the composite to inhibit space charge accumulation coating. The experimental results show that with the increase in PANI content, the maximum relative permittivity can be increased by 62%. The addition of the appropriate amount of PANI can effectively inhibit the space charge accumulation. The relative dielectric constant of the composite decreases significantly due to the heteropolar space charge. The relative dielectric constant of the modified polyaniline composites decreased significantly. The reduction rate decreased from 38% before modification to 12% after modification. This work has certain guiding significance for solving space charge problem of direct current capacitor.
Discharge image reconstruction and frequency domain analysis based on event data
Authors: Yuan Quan , Deng Lei , Guo Hao , Lyu Qishen , Zhang Xin , Wu Jibin , Deng Yu , Zhou Hongyang , Wang Xilin , Jia Zhidong
Published: December 2024

Optical image method has been the earliest and most used direct method for observing gas discharge. Currently, research on gas discharge monitoring based on visible light mainly relies on high‐speed cameras, but the large size, significant data storage requirements, and susceptibility to interference from complex backgrounds and lighting conditions limit their further application. Dynamic vision sensing (DVS) technology is a neuromorphic sensing technology that asynchronously measures the luminance changes at each pixel. It offers advantages such as a large dynamic range (>120 dB), high temporal resolution (up to 1 µs), and small data volume (MB level). In this study, dynamic vision sensing technology was employed to monitor both 30 mm short‐gaps and 1080 mm long‐gaps discharge processes simultaneously. This study developed the CountImage encoding method for event data and conducted image reconstruction, time‐domain analysis, and frequency‐domain characteristic analysis based on the event data. The results show that the event‐reconstructed images are highly consistent with the high‐speed camera images, and the arc development process and its path can also be clearly observed. Additionally, this study discovered a correlation between the electrical characteristics and event information during the discharge process. In the time domain, the duration of the maximum DVS event count closely matches the duration during which the voltage drops to zero during flashover. In the frequency domain, the Pearson correlation coefficient between the event stream spectrum and the voltage signal spectrum is greater than 0.95. Both the maximum number of brightening events (ONmax) and the maximum number of darkening events (OFFmax) are positively correlated with the voltage applied between the electrodes. This study demonstrates that, compared to the GB/s data rate of high‐speed cameras, this approach can record the discharge process and accurately reconstruct the discharge process, arc morphology, and discharge path at MB/s data rates, while also adapting to changes in brightness without the need for exposure adjustment. Additionally, there is a positive correlation between the frequency‐domain characteristics of the event data and the voltage characteristics. These results indicate that dynamic vision sensing holds promise as a replacement for high‐speed cameras in laboratory discharge observations and could be even effectively applied to discharge monitoring in electrical equipment in real grid.
Comparison of Water-Equivalent and Effective Diameter-Based Size-Specific Dose Estimates in Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography: Implications for Radiation Dose Optimization
Authors: Khallouqi A. , Sekkat H. , Halimi A. , El rhazouani O.
Published: December 2024

This retrospective study investigates dose estimation in computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) by analyzing 200 examinations from 96 male and 104 female patients. Two size-specific dose estimation (SSDE) methods were evaluated: one based on effective diameter (SSDEDeff) and the other on water-equivalent diameter (SSDEDw). The effective diameter (Deff) was manually measured using the lateral (LAT) and anteroposterior (AP) dimensions, while the water-equivalent diameter (Dw) was calculated from the region of interest (ROI) using mean Hounsfield Unit (HU) values and cross-sectional area. SSDE calculations were compared to the conventional CT dose metric, CTDIvol, to assess its underestimation relative to SSDEDw. The findings revealed a dose underestimation of up to 18% for CTDIvol compared to SSDEDw, particularly for patients with larger body habitus. SSDEDeff consistently overestimated the dose by 7.73% compared to SSDEDw, as Deff relied only on external dimensions while Dw considered tissue attenuation for a more individualized dose assessment. High correlations were observed between lateral diameter (dLAT) and both Deff (R2 = 0.9175) and Dw (R2 = 0.7578). However, the systematic overestimation by SSDEDeff emphasizes the importance of clearly specifying the metric used for SSDE, as differences can influence reported doses by 5-10%, affecting clinical dose monitoring and adherence to diagnostic reference levels. This study highlights the limitations of CTDIvol and SSDEDeff compared to SSDEDw, especially in regions with heterogeneous tissue. The results support the use of individualized radiation dose assessments to improve radiation safety, particularly in CTPA, which has seen increased application during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Investigating the drivers of long-term trends in the upper atmosphere over Rome across four decades
Authors: Spogli Luca , Sabbagh Dario , Perrone Loredana , Scotto Carlo , Cesaroni Claudio
Published: December 2024

The nature of the long-term changes in the upper atmosphere morphology at mid-latitude remains a subject of debate, particularly regarding whether these changes are purely driven by geomagnetic and solar activities or whether forcing from the lower atmosphere, such as CO2 variations, may play a role. To contribute to this debate, we investigate the nature of the long-term trends of the ionospheric and thermospheric parameters by leveraging on ionosonde data digitally recorded at the Rome Observatory since 1976. The following parameters have been investigated under sunlit conditions (12:00 Local Time): critical frequency of the F1 layer (foF1); critical frequency of the F2 layer (foF2), atomic oxygen concentration at 300 km ([O]); ratio between atomic oxygen and molecular nitrogen concentrations at 300 km altitude ([O]/[N2]); exospheric temperature (Tex); thermospheric density at 300 km (ρ). The ionospheric parameters are manually scaled from digital ionograms, whereas thermospheric parameters are retrieved using the THERmospheric parameters from IONosonde observations (THERION) method, which utilises ionosonde observations and a physical model of the ionospheric F region. To investigate the influence of the solar and geomagnetic activity on long term variations, we consider the solar radio flux at 10.7 cm (F10.7) and the geomagnetic disturbance index Ap. To identify the various frequency/period components of the time series under consideration and identify the trends, we leverage the high scale/time resolution offered by the Fast Iterative Filtering (FIF) algorithm. A regression analysis of thermosphere/ionosphere parameters against geomagnetic/solar activity indices has then been conducted to investigate the drivers of long-term variability. Our findings reveal that the identified trends are predominantly controlled by external drivers, particularly long-term solar and geomagnetic activity variations.. The adopted methodology, based on regression modelling, demonstrates that variability in F10.7 and Ap accounts for nearly all of the observed changes, with the exception of atomic oxygen ([O]), which displays a slightly higher unexplained variability (~7%). The inclusion of CO2 concentration as an additional driver improves the regression model for [O]. However, the effect remains statistically limited, indicating that the impact of CO2 on thermospheric cooling might be of little significance. Further studies with extended time series are necessary to better quantify this relationship and evaluate its importance. These results highlight the predominant influence of solar and geomagnetic activity in determining upper atmosphere long-term trends at mid-latitudes.
Lip Reconstruction
Authors: Owens Winston R. , Quirarte Diego M. , Gillipelli Srinithya R. , Layon Sarah A. , Bovill John D. , Dvoracek Lucas A.
Published: December 2024

Lip reconstruction is challenging for plastic surgeons due to the unique functionality and aesthetic complexity of the lips within the lower third of the face. The etiology of lip defects varies from congenital to acquired causes of origin. The most common acquired cause of lip defects is resection of malignancy. Defects can present as various shapes and sizes and may affect any location on the lip. Each defect requires a full workup, and algorithms such as the rule of thirds, are commonly used to swiftly identify optimal reconstructive options. The goal of lip reconstruction is to ensure oral competence while restoring intricate, cutaneous landmarks. The approach to lip reconstruction makes use of many rungs of the reconstructive ladder. This article primarily focuses on repairing lip defects secondary to Mohs surgery; however, the reconstructive methods discussed are useful for lip defects of all causes. This article will review lip defect evaluation, reconstructive methods, common complications, and adjuvant therapies to ensure optimal lip function and cosmesis.
Judging Surgical Quality in Facial Reconstruction
Authors: McAllister Lauren , Yim Nicholas , Thornton James F.
Published: December 2024

Judging surgical quality within facial reconstruction is challenging for many reasons. Factors beyond the completion of surgery influence the quality of the result, demanding the surgeon to predict and mitigate potential confounders of quality. This skill is honed over years of experience and practice. Patient satisfaction, risk profile, and the ideals within the field are central to understanding the quality of the outcome.
Magnetic soliton-based LIF neurons for spiking neural networks (SNNs) in multilayer spintronic devices
Authors: Mishra Kishan K.
Published: December 2024

Neuromorphic computing, inspired by biological nervous systems, is gaining traction due to its advantages in latency, energy efficiency, and algorithmic complexity compared to traditional artificial neural networks. This has spurred research into artificial synapses and neurons that replicate brain functions. Spintronic-based technologies, particularly domain walls (DWs) and skyrmions (SKs), have shown remarkable potential for brain-inspired computing, facilitating energy-efficient data storage and advancing beyond CMOS computing architectures. Researchers have proposed various DWs- and Sks-based neuromorphic architectures for neurons and synapses. Leveraging magnetic multilayer structures, we propose a magnetic soliton that incorporates both DWs- and Sks-based magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) device structures to emulate leaky integrate-and-fire (LIF) characteristics. These characteristics are controlled by spin–orbit torque (SOT)-driven motion within ferromagnetic thin films. By strategically placing the reading block and utilizing a combination of SOT and varying demagnetization energy, we achieve modified LIF neuron characteristics in both DW and Sks MTJ devices. The co-action of soliton dynamics across the nanotrack during the application of the current pulse, along with edge repulsion and variations in demagnetization energy, exploits LIF spiking behavior. Theoretical and micromagnetic analyses reveal that the transitory tunable positions of Sks and the total magnetization of the free layer for DWs mimic the membrane potential of biological neurons. Initial studies on multilayer DW-based LIF characteristics showed promise; however, maintaining leaky behavior required a constant negative current, which is energy inefficient. By incorporating the non-volatile properties of skyrmions and adding a chiral Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction term, we further explored LIF dynamics, yielding encouraging results. Our proposed neuron model, implemented in fully connected and convolutional layers, achieves over 95% classification accuracy on the MNIST and Fashion MNIST datasets using a modified spike-based backpropagation method. With nanosecond latency, these spiking neuron devices, when integrated with CMOS, pave the way for high-density, energy-efficient neuromorphic computing hardware.
The energy consumption characteristics of a new type of energy dissipating vibration-damping fastener
Authors: Liu Yan , Zhu Jiansen , Yuan Xianpu , Fan Runhua , Yuan Yuan
Published: December 2024

To address the issue of inadequate energy dissipation capacity in current vibration-damping fasteners, this study examined the impact of stiffness and damping factor of vibration-damping fasteners on the vibration attenuation rate of rails, based on the theoretical model of a periodic double-layer support system. An intrinsic manganese–copper (Mn–Cu) damping alloy model was established, and the parameters for the Prony analysis and PRF model were determined to accurately define the hyperelastic and linear viscoelastic properties of the damping alloy in the finite element simulation software. A new type of energy dissipating vibration-damping fastener (NEDF) was designed based on these criteria and practical operational conditions. Static and dynamic stiffness simulation calculations were performed to examine the vibration isolation ability of NEDF, which was then installed in a rail system to conduct hammering tests, aiming to investigate its energy dissipation characteristics. The results indicated that NEDF exhibited a high damping factor and maintained significant vibration isolation capacity, notably enhancing the vibration attenuation rate of the rails and improving energy dissipation capacity.
Discourse theory and the turn to practice
Authors: De Cleen Benjamin , Glynos Jason , Goyvaerts Jana , Stavrakakis Yannis
Published: December 2024

This introductory article to the special issue on Discourse Theory and the Turn to Practice, takes the questions
and tensions identified through the intensive study of populism as starting point for reflections on Discourse Theory as a
framework for the study of political practice more broadly. Its aims are partly organizational and partly agenda-setting.
Organizationally, it draws together major discussions and developments in Discourse Theory over the last ten years or so,
especially those produced through an engagement with populism. Building on this, it points toward new frontiers for the
development of Discourse Theory, organized around three dimensions of what could be called a ‘turn to practice’: (i) beyond
ontology, (ii) beyond language, and (iii) beyond populism and (antagonistic) politics. After discussing how each of them play out
in the study of populism, the article reflects on what taking seriously such a ‘turn to practice’ would mean for DT.
Optimal design of experiments in the context of machine-learning inter-atomic potentials: improving the efficiency and transferability of kernel based methods
Authors: Barzdajn Bartosz , P Race Christopher
Published: December 2024

Data-driven machine learning (ML) models of atomistic interactions are often based on flexible and non-physical functions that can relate nuanced aspects of atomic arrangements to predictions of energies and forces. As a result, these potentials are only as good as the training data (usually the results of so-called ab initio simulations), and we need to ensure that we have enough information to make a model sufficiently accurate, reliable and transferable. The main challenge stems from the fact that descriptors of chemical environments are often sparse, high-dimensional objects without a well-defined continuous metric. Therefore, it is rather unlikely that any ad hoc method for selecting training examples will be indiscriminate, and it is easy to fall into the trap of confirmation bias, where the same narrow and biased sampling is used to generate training and test sets. We will show that an approach derived from classical concepts of statistical planning of experiments and optimal design can help to mitigate such problems at a relatively low computational cost. The key feature of the method we will investigate is that it allows us to assess the quality of the data without obtaining reference energies and forces—a so-called offline approach. In other words, we are focusing on an approach that is easy to implement and does not require sophisticated frameworks that involve automated access to high performance computing.
Customized calibration sources in the JUNO experiment
Authors: Takenaka A. , Hui J. , Li R. , Hao S. , Huang J. , Lai H. , Li Y. , Liu J. , Meng Y. , Qian Z. , Wang H. , Xiang Z. , Yuan Z. , Yun Y. , Zhang F. , Zhang T. , Zhang Y.
Published: December 2024

We customized a laser calibration system and four
radioactive γ-ray calibration sources for the Jiangmen
Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO), a 20-kton liquid
scintillator-based neutrino detector. The laser source system was
updated to realize the isotropic light emission timing within
±0.25 nsec level and to allow the tuning of the laser intensity
covering more than four orders of magnitude. In addition, methods
to prepare four different radioactive sources (18F,
40K, 226Ra, and 241Am), covering
energies from 0 (10) keV to
0 (1) MeV, for the JUNO
detector were established in this study. The radioactivity of each
source and the risk of radioactive substance leaking into the
detector from the source were confirmed to meet the experimental
requirements.
Rethinking the impact of water-saving technologies and market incentives: lessons from Mercy Corps’ water innovation technologies program
Authors: Savelli Elisa , Hess Meredith , Rossell Emma Lucia Méndez , Osorio-Cortes Luis Ernesto
Published: December 2024

In the face of unrelenting water crises, water-saving technologies (WSTs) are increasingly relied upon as a paradigm for managing scarce water resources in the agricultural sector. This approach is gaining momentum in international forums and among development practitioners focused on improving the sustainability and efficiency of their water security interventions. Following this trend, the integration of market incentives to foster the uptake of WSTs is not surprising. However, recent literature on WSTs and related incentives paints an ambiguous picture of the impact these technologies can have. On one hand, there is evidence that supports the efficacy of market incentives in promoting water-saving practices and the adoption of WSTs. On the other hand, there are also concerns about the potential adverse consequences of introducing WSTs, including promoting unsustainable water consumption and exacerbating inequalities. This study focuses on Mercy Corps’ water innovation technologies program in Jordan, a country grappling with severe water scarcity. It specifically examines how market mechanisms played a crucial role in saving approximately 24 million cubic meters of water, equivalent to around 9500 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Driven by this significant achievement, the study delves deeper into the efficacy of market-based approaches, while also considering their potential limitations. The conclusion offers a critical perspective on how the promotion of WSTs through market-based approaches can ensure that water savings contribute to both environmental sustainability and human well-being. In particular, Mercy Corps’ practitioner perspective advocates for governance reforms that limit and prevent unsustainable consumption, facilitate and ensure equitable access to WSTs, and promote the fair redistribution of water savings across different users.
A note on energy minimization in dimension 2
Authors: Faulhuber Markus , Shafkulovska Irina , Zlotnikov Ilia
Published: December 2024

Proving the universal optimality of the hexagonal lattice is one of the challenging endeavors of nowadays mathematics. In this note, we show that the hexagonal lattice outperforms certain “simple” classes of periodic configurations, including a natural nonlattice configuration—the honeycomb.
Unveiling the Shadows: Interconnection of client violence and turnover intention in Chinese social work chain-mediated effects of fear and affective commitment
Authors: Zhao Yanyan , Li Yukun , Qin Haibo
Published: December 2024

The client violence faced by social workers has been widely acknowledged, but research on the impact of client violence on turnover intention is scarce. Therefore, this study constructed a chain mediation model by incorporating two variables, fear and emotional commitment, from social workers’ psychological profiles. A questionnaire survey involving 602 social workers in central China yielded the following findings: (1) Client violence significantly and positively predicted turnover intention. (2) Fear and affective commitment serve as mediators between client violence and turnover intention. (3) Fear and affective commitment operated as chain mediators in the association between client violence and turnover intention. Specifically, client violence increases turnover intention by elevating the level of fear and decreasing affective commitment. The findings highlight the mechanism of the negative impact of client violence on turnover intention. Future practice should focus more on the psychological well-being of social workers and develop appropriate support to address the impact of client violence more effectively.
Coevolution and Adaptation of Transition Nuclear Proteins and Protamines in Naturally Ascrotal Mammals Support the Black Queen Hypothesis
Authors: Chai Simin , Kang Jieqiong , Wu Tianzhen , Zheng Yu , Zhou Xu , Xu Shixia , Ren Wenhua , Yang Guang
Published: December 2024

Protamines (PRMs) and transition nuclear proteins (TNPs) are two key classes of sperm nuclear basic proteins that regulate chromatin reorganization and condensation in the spermatozoon head, playing crucial roles in mammalian spermatogenesis. In scrotal mammals, such as humans, cryptorchidism, the failure of the testes to descend into the scrotal sac is generally associated with higher rates of defective spermatozoon quality and function. However, ascrotal mammals, such as cetaceans, with naturally undescended testes, produce normal spermatozoa similar to their scrotal counterparts. This study investigates the evolutionary pattern and functional changes in PRMs and TNPs to explore the potential molecular mechanisms underlying spermatogenesis in naturally ascrotal mammals. Although we found a conserved genomic arrangement for PRM and TNP genes across mammals, the coevolutionary loss of intact PRM2 and TNP2 was observed in several species, correlating significantly with diverse testicular positions. Notably, in cetaceans, which lack intact PRM2 and TNP2, we detected enhanced thermostability and DNA binding in PRM1, along with superior DNA repair capability in TNP1. These findings suggest that gene loss of PRM2 and TNP2, combined with functional enhancements in PRM1 and TNP1 proteins, evolved in response to physiological challenges posed by natural cryptorchidism in most ascrotal lineages. This evolutionary strategy enhances chromatin condensation efficiency and promotes DNA repair during spermatogenesis in natural cryptorchid mammals, supporting the Black Queen Hypothesis.
Maternal and perinatal mortality: geospatial analysis of inequality in pregnancy related and perinatal mortality in Ethiopia
Authors: Alemu Sisay Mulugeta , Weitkamp Gerd , Tura Abera Kenay , Wong Kerry Lm , Stekelenburg Jelle , Biesma Regien
Published: December 2024

While there is ample evidence of the overall reduction in perinatal and pregnancy-related mortality in Ethiopia, it remains uncertain if geographic disparities have diminished. This study aimed to investigate perinatal and pregnancy-related mortality spatial distributions, trends over time, and factors associated with the distribution in Ethiopia. We used data from Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in 2000, 2005, 2011, and 2016. In each survey, around 15 500 women aged 15–49 years were interviewed from about 550 neighborhoods randomly sampled from across the country. Perinatal and pregnancy-related mortality were used as outcome variables. We carried out an optimized hotspot analysis using the Getis-Ord Gi* statistic in ArcGIS Pro to identify the time trend of geographical clusters with high (hot spot) and low (cold spot) perinatal and pregnancy-related mortality. In addition, we conducted a geographically weighted Poisson regression in R to examine the factors associated with the spatial distribution of perinatal and pregnancy-related mortality. Perinatal and pregnancy-related mortality exhibited a clustering pattern, indicating the presence of geographic inequality, with a decreasing pattern from 2000 to 2016. We detected hotspot areas in developed administrative regions of Amhara, Oromia, and Southern Nations, indicating inequality within large regions. Inequality in perinatal mortality was associated with rural residence, younger age of women, and high birth rate, whereas pregnancy-related mortality was associated with low autonomy, younger age, and anemia. We found that anemia (P-value = .01) has a geographically varying relationship with perinatal mortality, while education (P-value = .03) and wealth (P-value = 0.01) are associated with pregnancy-related mortality. While there has been a reduction during the study period, geographical disparities in perinatal and pregnancy-related mortality still persist. Therefore, targeting intervention programs in areas where spatial inequalities still persist is essential for effectively utilizing scarce resources.
Partially replacing dietary starch with soybean oil improved production performance of weaned Rex rabbits
Authors: Gong Ruiguang , Chen Yuan , Li Zhen , Zhang Rui , Song Bing , Wang Shuhui , Dong Xianggui , Ren Zhanjun
Published: December 2024

The differences between the high-starch diet commonly used in rabbit farming and the natural feeding habits of rabbits may pose certain health risks. In our study, we replaced part of the starch in the feed with soybean oil and conducted a four-week feeding trial with weaned Rex rabbits. The results indicated that rabbits fed the oil-supplemented diet had a lower incidence of diarrhea, improved growth performance, and higher feed conversion efficiency, along with increased absorptive capacity of small intestine. Additionally, the composition of the cecal contents and fermentation patterns were altered; the concentration of ammonia in the cecum and the proportion of acetate among volatile fatty acids decreased, while the proportion of butyrate increased. Furthermore, the concentration of ammonia nitrogen in the cecum decreased, along with reductions in hepatic urea synthesis activity and urinary nitrogen excretion. These findings suggest that replacing part of the dietary starch with oil can enhance the production efficiency of Rex rabbits.
Radionuclide physics
Authors: DiFilippo Frank P.
Published: December 2024

Atoms are the smallest building blocks of everyday matter and consist of a central nucleus containing tightly bound protons and neutrons, surrounded by a cloud of electrons. The nucleus and electrons both are arranged in shells having distinct energy levels. A lower energy configuration can be reached through a nuclear or atomic transformation, often involving the emission of a photon. A nuclide has a specified number of protons and neutrons in its nucleus. The number of protons specifies a nuclide’s chemical element, and an element may have multiple isotopes with different numbers of neutrons. Although many isotopes are stable, others are unstable, decaying spontaneously, with a characteristic half-life, into a more stable nuclide and emitting particles and/or photons. Single photons arising from radionuclide decay, or paired photons arising from positron emission, may be imaged by single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) or positron emission tomography (PET), respectively.
Radionuclide imaging in clinical cardiology
Authors: Jaber Wael A. , Buechel Ronny R.
Published: December 2024

The sensitivity and specificity of myocardial perfusion imaging or any diagnostic testing is, in general, dependent on the pretest likelihood of disease in the patient population, as well as on the diagnostic performance of the test. Myocardial perfusion imaging is used to diagnose and predict the presence of coronary artery disease in patients without known coronary disease, or to assess the extent and severity of perfusion defects in patients with established or known coronary disease. Furthermore, this non-invasive test can be used in symptomatic and asymptomatic, as well as in low, intermediate, or high likelihood of, coronary disease. The implications of referring patients for myocardial perfusion imaging testing, without understanding the performance characteristics of the test in various populations, can result in compromised sensitivity and specificity of the test and in unnecessary downstream invasive testing. This chapter will cover Bayesian probabilities, appropriate use criteria, and comparative performance to other tests of myocardial perfusion imaging.
Radionuclide imaging in ischaemic heart disease
Authors: Buechel Ronny R.
Published: December 2024

This chapter provides an overview of the rationale for performing diagnostic imaging in suspected chronic coronary syndromes and the importance of pretest probability in this setting. Furthermore, evidence is presented on the diagnostic and prognostic performance of single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) myocardial perfusion imaging and how these modalities allow for tailored patient management to improve outcomes. Furthermore, tips are provided on how to perform clinically meaningful reporting from imaging studies, and finally the role of ischaemia testing in the setting of unstable coronary artery disease is briefly presented.
Radionuclide imaging in congenital heart disease
Authors: Cremer Paul C.
Published: December 2024

Anomalous coronary arteries and myocardial bridging of coronary arteries are best assessed anatomically with coronary computed tomography angiography. Anomalous coronary arteries are categorized according to their origin, course, size, and termination. Myocardial bridging typically involves the left anterior descending artery and is often benign. Functional consequences of myocardial bridging and anomalous coronary arteries can be assessed with radionuclide imaging. Functional testing should result in haemodynamic stress, either with exercise or dobutamine, and vasodilator testing should be avoided. Radionuclide imaging may also be useful to assess for residual ischaemia in symptomatic patients after repair.
Important findings on tomographic and CT images for attenuation correction
Authors: Cremer Paul C. , Harb Serge C. , Saeedan Mnahi Bin , Buechel Ronny R.
Published: December 2024

Non-contrast-enhanced computed tomography acquired as an adjunct to single-photon emission computed tomography or positron emission tomography imaging for attenuation correction provides useful additional information with clinical value such as the coronary artery calcium score. It may also help to unveil clinically relevant non-cardiac information. This chapter provides an overview of incidental findings, what to look for, and what to report.
Advancing translational research in digital cardiac rehabilitation: The preparation phase of the Multiphase Optimization Strategy
Authors: Kenny Eanna , McEvoy John W , McSharry Jenny , Taylor Rod S , Byrne Molly
Published: December 2024

While digital cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is an effective alternative to center-based CR, its components and mechanisms of change remain poorly understood. The Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) provides a framework that allows the effects of individual components of complex interventions to be studied. There is limited guidance within MOST on how to develop a conceptual model. This article describes the development of a conceptual model of digital CR. The conceptual model was developed based on several strands of evidence: (i) a systematic review of 25 randomized controlled trials to identify the behavior change techniques in digital CR interventions, (ii) a qualitative study of patients’ (n = 11) perceptions of the mechanisms of digital CR, and (iii) a review of international guidelines. Tools and frameworks from behavioral science, including the Behaviour Change Wheel, Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behavior model, and Theoretical Domains Framework were used to integrate the findings. An initial conceptual model of digital CR was developed and then refined through discussion. The conceptual model outlines the causal process through which digital CR can enhance outcomes for patients with cardiovascular disease. The model illustrates the key intervention components (e.g. goal setting and self-monitoring, education, exercise training), targeted outcomes (e.g. physical activity, healthy eating, medication adherence), and theorized mediating variables (e.g. knowledge, beliefs about capability). The article provides an example of how behavioral science frameworks and tools can inform the preparation phase of MOST. The developed conceptual model of digital CR will inform guide decision-making in a future optimization trial.
Machine Learning-Based Prediction Model for ICU Mortality After Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy Initiation in Children
Authors: Thadani Sameer , Wu Tzu-Chun , Wu Danny T. Y. , Kakajiwala Aadil , Soranno Danielle E. , Cortina Gerard , Srivastava Rachana , Gist Katja M. , Menon Shina ,   on behalf of the Worldwide Exploration of Renal Replacement Outcomes Collaborative in Kidney Diseases (WE-ROCK) Collaborators
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND:

Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is the favored renal replacement therapy in critically ill patients. Predicting clinical outcomes for CRRT patients is difficult due to population heterogeneity, varying clinical practices, and limited sample sizes.

OBJECTIVE:

We aimed to predict survival to ICUs and hospital discharge in children and young adults receiving CRRT using machine learning (ML) techniques.

DERIVATION COHORT:

Patients less than 25 years of age receiving CRRT for acute kidney injury and/or volume overload from 2015 to 2021 (80%).

VALIDATION COHORT:

Internal validation occurred in a testing group of patients from the dataset (20%).

PREDICTION MODEL:

Retrospective international multicenter study utilizing an 80/20 training and testing cohort split, and logistic regression with L2 regularization (LR), decision tree, random forest (RF), gradient boosting machine, and support vector machine with linear kernel to predict ICU and hospital survival. Model performance was determined by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and the area under the precision-recall curve (AUPRC) due to the imbalance in the dataset.

RESULTS:

Of the 933 patients included in this study, 538 (54%) were male with a median age of 8.97 years and interquartile range (1.81–15.0 yr). The ICU mortality was 35% and hospital mortality was 37%. The RF had the best performance for predicting ICU mortality (AUROC, 0.791 and AUPRC, 0.878) and LR for hospital mortality (AUROC, 0.777 and AUPRC, 0.859). The top two predictors of ICU survival were Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction-2 score at CRRT initiation and admission diagnosis of respiratory failure.

CONCLUSIONS:

These are the first ML models to predict survival at ICU and hospital discharge in children and young adults receiving CRRT. RF outperformed other models for predicting ICU mortality. Future studies should expand the input variables, conduct a more sophisticated feature selection, and use deep learning algorithms to generate more precise models.
Investigating Risk Factors for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and Loss Among Young Medical Trainees
Authors: Farid Marjan , Kim Christine K. , Spina Aidin , Chen Katherine G.
Published: December 2024

Purpose:

To determine risk factors for meibomian gland disease and associated structural abnormalities in meibography among young medical trainees.

Methods:

This study included 84 medical students and residents younger than 45 years. All participants completed an ocular history and lifestyle questionnaire and the standardized patient evaluation of eye dryness (SPEED) II questionnaire. Meibomian gland (MG) dropout and structural changes were evaluated using meibography and scored by 2 graders using meiboscores. Statistical analysis aimed to identify MG loss risk factors.

Results:

Eighty-four individuals participated, and 168 meibography images were reviewed. Previous contact lens (CL) use (n = 88) demonstrated increased MG loss (P = 0.007). Correlation analysis revealed positive associations between MG loss and both frequency (Spearman r = 0.212, P = 0.003) and duration (Spearman r = 0.271, P <0.001) of CL use. Eye makeup users (n = 112) showed greater MG loss than nonusers (n = 56, P = 0.030), particularly eyeliner (n = 102) and eyeshadow (n = 100) users showing increased meiboscores (P = 0.020 and P = 0.040, respectively). Self-reported screen time and SPEED II scores did not correlate with meiboscores (P >0.05).

Conclusions:

In a young trainee population, where age-related factors are reduced, previous CL use and eye makeup use are significant risk factors for MG loss. Frequency and length of CL wear affect MG dropout severity. Eye makeup usage also affected MG loss. Highlighting the incongruence of symptoms to signs, SPEED II scores showed no relationship with MG structural integrity.
Online Continuous Monitoring of Time Domain Parameters of Heart Rate Variability Using MATLAB and Its Implementation on Human and Rat Electrocardiogram Data
Authors: Pallav Pratyush , Keshri Anup Kumar , Aggarwal Yogendra , Sinha Rakesh Kumar
Published: December 2024

The project calculates the heart rate variability using the variation in the consecutive R peaks in the electrocardiogram signals. The code can calculate various dependent factors based on the calculated R peak orientation. Meanrespiratory rate (RR), SD of NN (normal-to-normal)intervals (SDNN), mean heart rate, SD of heart rate, root mean square of successive differences between adjacent RR intervals (RMSSD), number of pairs of successive NN intervals that differ by more than 50 milliseconds (NN50), percentage of NN50 (pNN50), RR triangular index, and triangular interpolation of NN interval histogram (TINN) are the respective outputs of the project. Apart from the calculated parameters (mentioned above), several graphs are plotted at continuous time intervals. These graphs include the continuous plotting of the electrocardiogram signal with detected R peaks over time. Second, a tachogram of the time difference between consecutive R peaks and time is calculated. A separate graph for magnitude and frequency is also plotted. These data are used to govern fundamental as well as complex analogies about the signal source. The tachogram is fundamentally used to observe the behavioral change in the source. Observing the tachogram in the time domain can also help study intense emotions and calmness.