bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Progress of Potassium Metal Anodes: How to Regulate the Growth of Dendrite
Authors: Baek Seunghwi , Jung Taeksoo , Jie Sunghyun , Kim Myeongjin , Lee Byeongyong
Published: December 2023

Potassium- (K-) based batteries with K metal anodes have been regarded as a substitute for lithium- (Li-) and sodium- (Na-) based batteries. In this review, motivations for K metal anodes with various advantages over Li and Na metals are presented at the beginning. Nevertheless, the practical applications of K metal anodes are still impeded by various challenges originating from their highly reactive nature. Then, major challenges of K metal are introduced in comparison with those of Li and Na metals, including unstable SEI, dendrite growth, low melting point, and gas generation. These issues become more severe in K metal due to its different physical and chemical properties compared with Li and Na metals. Consequently, this leads to varying electrochemical behaviors. In particular, the mechanism of K dendrite growths is different from that of Li and Na. Subsequently, approaches with an emphasis on the suppression of dendrites are described, falling into two categories: direct and indirect engineering on electrodes. Direct engineering is K metallic electrode designs by utilizing a host framework, alloy electrode, and interface modification. Notably, the most crucial aspect considered in direct engineering is the potassiophilicity of the host and interface, which contributes to the uniform deposition of K. The section on indirect engineering addresses the suppression of dendrite growth through separators and liquid/solid electrolytes. Finally, future perspectives and research directions toward the suppression of K dendrites are provided.
Supplementary Table 8 from Polygenic Risk Score Modifies Prostate Cancer Risk of Pathogenic Variants in Men of African Ancestry
Authors: Hughley Raymond W. , Matejcic Marco , Song Ziwei , Sheng Xin , Wan Peggy , Xia Lucy , Hart Steven N. , Hu Chunling , Yadav Siddhartha , Lubmawa Alexander , Kiddu Vicky , Asiimwe Frank , Amanya Colline , Mutema George , Job Kuteesa , Ssebakumba Mbaaga K. , Ingles Sue A. , Hamilton Ann S. , Couch Fergus J. , Watya Stephen , Conti David V. , Darst Burcu F. , Haiman Christopher A.
Published: December 2023

Carrier frequency of P/LP/D variants in BRCA2, ATM, NBN, and PALB2 by family history in African ancestry men.
Supplementary Table 4 from Polygenic Risk Score Modifies Prostate Cancer Risk of Pathogenic Variants in Men of African Ancestry
Authors: Hughley Raymond W. , Matejcic Marco , Song Ziwei , Sheng Xin , Wan Peggy , Xia Lucy , Hart Steven N. , Hu Chunling , Yadav Siddhartha , Lubmawa Alexander , Kiddu Vicky , Asiimwe Frank , Amanya Colline , Mutema George , Job Kuteesa , Ssebakumba Mbaaga K. , Ingles Sue A. , Hamilton Ann S. , Couch Fergus J. , Watya Stephen , Conti David V. , Darst Burcu F. , Haiman Christopher A.
Published: December 2023

Aggregate effect of P/LP/D carrier status across BRCA2, ATM, NBN, and PALB2 genes on PCa risk in African ancestry men.
Supplementary Table 3 from Polygenic Risk Score Modifies Prostate Cancer Risk of Pathogenic Variants in Men of African Ancestry
Authors: Hughley Raymond W. , Matejcic Marco , Song Ziwei , Sheng Xin , Wan Peggy , Xia Lucy , Hart Steven N. , Hu Chunling , Yadav Siddhartha , Lubmawa Alexander , Kiddu Vicky , Asiimwe Frank , Amanya Colline , Mutema George , Job Kuteesa , Ssebakumba Mbaaga K. , Ingles Sue A. , Hamilton Ann S. , Couch Fergus J. , Watya Stephen , Conti David V. , Darst Burcu F. , Haiman Christopher A.
Published: December 2023

Weighted aggregate effects of PRS and P/LP/D variants in BRCA2, ATM, NBN, and PALB2 on PCa risk in African ancestry men.
Supplementary Table 14 from Polygenic Risk Score Modifies Prostate Cancer Risk of Pathogenic Variants in Men of African Ancestry
Authors: Hughley Raymond W. , Matejcic Marco , Song Ziwei , Sheng Xin , Wan Peggy , Xia Lucy , Hart Steven N. , Hu Chunling , Yadav Siddhartha , Lubmawa Alexander , Kiddu Vicky , Asiimwe Frank , Amanya Colline , Mutema George , Job Kuteesa , Ssebakumba Mbaaga K. , Ingles Sue A. , Hamilton Ann S. , Couch Fergus J. , Watya Stephen , Conti David V. , Darst Burcu F. , Haiman Christopher A.
Published: December 2023

Association of PRS and PCa risk in Ugandan men.
Supplementary Table 13 from Polygenic Risk Score Modifies Prostate Cancer Risk of Pathogenic Variants in Men of African Ancestry
Authors: Hughley Raymond W. , Matejcic Marco , Song Ziwei , Sheng Xin , Wan Peggy , Xia Lucy , Hart Steven N. , Hu Chunling , Yadav Siddhartha , Lubmawa Alexander , Kiddu Vicky , Asiimwe Frank , Amanya Colline , Mutema George , Job Kuteesa , Ssebakumba Mbaaga K. , Ingles Sue A. , Hamilton Ann S. , Couch Fergus J. , Watya Stephen , Conti David V. , Darst Burcu F. , Haiman Christopher A.
Published: December 2023

Aggregate effect of P/LP/D carrier status across BRCA2, ATM, NBN, and PALB2 genes on PCa risk in Ugandan men.
Supplementary Table 11 from Polygenic Risk Score Modifies Prostate Cancer Risk of Pathogenic Variants in Men of African Ancestry
Authors: Hughley Raymond W. , Matejcic Marco , Song Ziwei , Sheng Xin , Wan Peggy , Xia Lucy , Hart Steven N. , Hu Chunling , Yadav Siddhartha , Lubmawa Alexander , Kiddu Vicky , Asiimwe Frank , Amanya Colline , Mutema George , Job Kuteesa , Ssebakumba Mbaaga K. , Ingles Sue A. , Hamilton Ann S. , Couch Fergus J. , Watya Stephen , Conti David V. , Darst Burcu F. , Haiman Christopher A.
Published: December 2023

Association of PRS and PCa risk in African American men.
Supplementary Table 10 from Polygenic Risk Score Modifies Prostate Cancer Risk of Pathogenic Variants in Men of African Ancestry
Authors: Hughley Raymond W. , Matejcic Marco , Song Ziwei , Sheng Xin , Wan Peggy , Xia Lucy , Hart Steven N. , Hu Chunling , Yadav Siddhartha , Lubmawa Alexander , Kiddu Vicky , Asiimwe Frank , Amanya Colline , Mutema George , Job Kuteesa , Ssebakumba Mbaaga K. , Ingles Sue A. , Hamilton Ann S. , Couch Fergus J. , Watya Stephen , Conti David V. , Darst Burcu F. , Haiman Christopher A.
Published: December 2023

Aggregate effect of P/LP/D carrier status across BRCA2, ATM, NBN, and PALB2 genes on PCa risk in African American men.
Supplementary Figure 1 from Polygenic Risk Score Modifies Prostate Cancer Risk of Pathogenic Variants in Men of African Ancestry
Authors: Hughley Raymond W. , Matejcic Marco , Song Ziwei , Sheng Xin , Wan Peggy , Xia Lucy , Hart Steven N. , Hu Chunling , Yadav Siddhartha , Lubmawa Alexander , Kiddu Vicky , Asiimwe Frank , Amanya Colline , Mutema George , Job Kuteesa , Ssebakumba Mbaaga K. , Ingles Sue A. , Hamilton Ann S. , Couch Fergus J. , Watya Stephen , Conti David V. , Darst Burcu F. , Haiman Christopher A.
Published: December 2023

PRS distribution by carrier status of P/LP/D variants in BRCA2, ATM, PALB2, and NBN and prostate cancer status.
Scoping Review: Integration of the Major Mechanisms Underlying the Regulation of Arteriolar Tone
Authors: Halvorson Brayden D. , Ahmed Moeiz , Huang Sophie J. , Frisbee Jefferson C.
Published: December 2023

Background: Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Arteriolar tone regulation plays a critical role in maintaining appropriate organ blood flow and perfusion distribution, which is vital for both vascular and overall health. Summary: This scoping review aimed to explore the interplay between five major regulators of arteriolar tone: metabolism (adenosine), adrenergic control (norepinephrine), myogenic activation (intravascular pressure), perivascular oxygen tension, and intraluminal flow rates. Specifically, the aim was to address how arteriolar reactivity changes in the presence of other vasoactive stimuli and by what mechanisms. The review focused on animal studies that investigated the impact of combining two or more of these stimuli on arteriolar diameter. Overall, 848 articles were identified through MEDLINE and EMBASE database searches, and 38 studies were included in the final review. Key Messages: The results indicate that arteriolar reactivity is influenced by multiple factors, including competitive processes, structural limitations, and indirect interactions among stimuli. Additionally, the review identified a lack of research involving female animal models and limited insight into the interaction of molecular signaling pathways, which represent gaps in the literature.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease: From Conventional Immunosuppression to Biologic Therapy
Authors: Sokic-Milutinovic Aleksandra , Milosavljevic Tomica
Published: December 2023

Background: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic, recurrent inflammatory diseases with partly understood etiology and pathogenesis. The course of IBD, both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, is characterized by periods of relapse and remission with the possible occurrence of extraintestinal manifestations. Summary: During the last decades, therapeutic goals in IBD evolved toward endoscopic remission and mucosal healing creating the need for early administration of disease-modifying agents (DMAs). DMAs include conventional immunosuppressants (thiopurines, methotrexate), biologic drugs (anti-TNF, anti-integrin, and anti-IL-12/23 monoclonal antibodies), and small molecules (JAK inhibitors, S1P receptor modulators). Patients with aggressive course of disease and risk factors for poor prognosis should be treated with biologic therapy early, while conventional immunomodulators should be used in those with milder course of disease in the absence of risk factors. Key Messages: Challenges in the treatment of IBD patients include the choice of effective yet safe drug and prevention or overcoming loss of response.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Diagnostic Accuracy of the Sydney System for Reporting Lymph Node Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy in Diagnosing Malignancy
Authors: Ahuja Sana , Aziz Khan Adil , Ahuja Rhea , Ahuja Pragun , Zaheer Sufian
Published: December 2023

Introduction: The aim of the study was to perform the first meta-analysis for assessment of the pooled risk of malignancy of each category of the Sydney system for reporting of lymph nodal aspirates along with the evaluation of diagnostic accuracy. Methods: PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase were searched with the following keywords: “(Lymph node) AND (fine needle aspiration biopsy) OR (International system OR Sydney system)” in the timeframe 2020 to August 4, 2023. The selected articles were assessed for the risk of bias by the QUADAS-2 tool. The meta-analysis for sensitivity (SN) and specificity for each cut-off, that is, “atypical considered positive,” “suspicious of malignancy considered positive,” and “malignant considered positive” for the lesions, was carried out after excluding the inadequate samples in each study. To assess the diagnostic accuracy, summary receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed, and the diagnostic odds ratio was pooled in both scenarios. Results: Nine studies, all of which were retrospective cross-sectional studies, were evaluated with a total of 13,205 cases. The SN and specificity for the “atypical and higher risk categories” considered positive for malignancy were 97% (95% CI, 95–99%) and 96% (95% CI, 91–98%), respectively. The SN and specificity for the “suspicious of malignancy and higher risk categories” considered positive for malignancy were 91% (95% CI, 85–95%) and 99% (95% CI, 97–100%), respectively. The SN and specificity for the “malignant” considered positive for malignancy were 75% (95% CI, 65–84%) and 100% (95% CI, 99–100%), respectively. The pooled area under the curve was 99–100% for each of the cut-offs. Conclusion: This meta-analysis highlights the accuracy of the Sydney system in reporting lymph node aspirates. It exhibits the significance of the “suspicious” and “malignant” categories in diagnosing malignancy and of the “benign” category in excluding malignancy.
Zootecnia sustentável: desde os primórdios até os dias atuais
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Titto Cristiane Gonçalves , Brandi Roberta Ariboni ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos
Published: December 2023

Novos temas foram desenvolvidos por alunos das turmas 2022 e 2023 do curso de graduação em zootecnia da Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos da Universidade de São Paulo, com revisões de literatura atuais que trazem uma visão de temáticas zootécnicas dos primórdios até hoje em dia e com enfoque na sustentabilidade. Nesta coletânea temos revisões das principais espécies de interesse zootécnico, com foco em produção e melhoramento genético, nutrição, bem-estar, tecnologia e biotecnologia, entre outras áreas.
Mortality associated factors in patients with acute pulmonary edema
Authors: Araujo Victor Arrais , Vella Julia Pitombo , Sinigaglia Mariana , Silva Alex França da , Jardim Yuri Justi , Soeiro Alexandre de Matos
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Risk factors related to acute pulmonary edema are still poorly described. However, they are determinant in the perspective of treatment.
Revisão do Gênero Xanthocleis Boisd, 1870 (Lep. Mechanitididae =Ithomiidae)
Authors: D'Almeida R. Ferreira
Published: December 2023

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Esotericism between Europe and East Asia: How the “Esoteric Distinction” Became a Structure in Cross-Cultural Interpretation
Authors: Strube Julian
Published: December 2023

Different understandings of “esoteric” are the main subject and the demarcation line of several fields of study. However, the history of this term is either neglected or distorted by specific historiographical paradigms. Tracing European writings on China and Japan from the sixteenth to the eighteenth centuries, this article demonstrates that “esoteric” language was central to scholarship on Asia, shaping common terms that remain in use today. By showing how the emergence and development of an “esoteric distinction” between teachings and practices was linked to cross-cultural interpretation and translingual practices, the article argues that this distinction was not a mere projection of European concepts, but rather the result of cultural exchanges that need to be carefully studied on a case-by-case basis within their concrete historical contexts. To better understand the negotiations of what many today would call “esotericism,” a decentered historiography is needed that considers the global history of general terms.
The Ascended Confucius: Images of the Chinese Master in the Euro-American Esoteric Discourse
Authors: Pokorny Lukas K.
Published: December 2023

This article provides a diachronic panorama of the nineteenth- and twentieth-century Euro-American esoteric images of Confucius. After selected appraisals capturing the polyphony of nineteenth-century notions of Confucius, emphasis is given to spiritualist and Theosophical appropriations. Next, his soteriological elevation and the introduction of fellow Chinese Masters within the Ascended Masters context are explored in relation to the I AM Activity and, specifically, the post-Second World War groups The Bridge to Freedom (present-day The Bridge to Spiritual Freedom) and The Church Universal and Triumphant. Overall, this article traces the transformation of the esoteric Confucius trope, which substantially contributed to the wider public perception of Confucius and Confucianism.
Introducing “the Heavenly Empire of China” (le Céleste Empire de la Chine)
Authors: Winter Franz
Published: December 2023

Joseph Alexandre Saint-Yves d’Alveydre (1842–1909) is an eminent figure in the history of French esotericism who introduced a specific view on the history of humankind that evolves around various cycles of civilizations and their supposed remains in important cultural and religious traditions of the world. Although India obviously plays the most important role, a thorough study of his interest in China and its heritage clearly shows that in some points he even favors the latter. The present study aims at contextualizing his take on China in the longer reception history of East Asia in the European context.
Albert de Pouvourville’s Occultisme Colonial
Authors: Marino Davide
Published: December 2023

Albert de Pouvourville (1862–1939), better known by his nom de plume Matgioi, was one of the most noticeable characters of the nineteenth-century French occult milieu. In addition to his prominence in fin-de-siècle occult Paris, de Pouvourville also served as a soldier in Indochina, and after the end of his military career he continued to play an important role in French colonialism. This article aims to describe both de Pouvourville’s occultist and colonialist production and argues that they should be understood as two parts of a coherent intellectual trajectory, characterized by two fundamental elements of de Pouvourville’s worldview: “elitism” and “colonial Darwinism.” From gender and race to initiation and opium consumption, de Pouvourville’s “discourse on the Far East” is a form of “colonial occultism”: a peculiar mix of imperialist hegemonic aspirations and spiritual thirst for “the wisdom of the East.”
Green Bond Financing and Corporate Environmental Performance
Authors: Prokop Jörg , Müller Rika Kristin
Published: December 2023

We investigate whether a green bond issue constitutes a reliable indicator to capital market participants that the issuing firm will be able to improve its environmental footprint in the near future. Based on a propensity-score-matched sample of green bond and conventional bond issues within the EU, we compare firms’ environmental performances with respect to three measures, namely greenhouse gas emissions, energy intensity, and water intensity. We find that there is no evidence of green bond issues being a good indicator of a firm’s ability to improve its environmental performance in the near term. Overall, while we observe certain improvements in environmental performance in the years following corporate bond issuances in general, green issuers and conventional issuers do not differ significantly with respect to these changes. Hence, we conclude that a green bond issue in itself is not a useful indicator of a firm’s commitment to a more sustainable business model.
Is Rana pullus Smith, 1921 a junior homonym of Rana gracilis var. pulla Stoliczka, 1870: a nomenclatural analysis of nouns in apposition created by Malcolm A. Smith
Authors: OHLER ANNEMARIE
Published: December 2023

The amphibian nomina created as nouns in apposition by Malcolm A. Smith are discussed and the etymology and correct names confirmed. The nomen Rana pullus Smith, 1921 is not a homonym of the nomen Rana gracilis var. pulla Stoliczka, 1870, as the first one is a noun in apposition and the second an adjective, and they show more than a one-letter difference as required by the International Code of zoological Nomenclature. The valid name of the species currently known as Alcalus tasanae is therefore Alcalus pullus. Furthermore, the epithets of the following nomina are based on nouns in apposition and should be used accordingly: Megalophrys hasseltii var. pullus Smith, 1921, valid as Leptobrachium pullus; Megalophrys intermedius Smith, 1921, valid as Brachytarsophrys intermedius; Philautus gryllus Smith, 1924, valid as Kurixalus gryllus; Rana cancrivora raja Smith, 1930, invalid synonym of Fejervarya cancrivora; and Rana cataracta Smith, 1922, invalid synonym of Odorrana hosii. The importance to follow the Point 5 of the General Recommendations of the Appendix B of the Code, to state clearly the etymology of names, is highlighted.
Electrochemical Micro-Reaction and Failure Mechanism of New Materials Used at Low Temperature in Coastal Environment
Authors: Zhang Dongjiu , Wang Haiwang , Song Shengju , Wang Yuchao , Yang Hua , Sun Yilong , Zhong Wen’an , Zhong Sheng , Wang Honglun , Mao Feixiong , Cheng Congqian
Published: December 2023

The research on the preparation and performance of new materials used at low-temperature fuels in coastal environments, which has very important academic value. This article explores the failure mechanism of the type of new materials through a flow microreactor in electrosynthetic processes.
The results show that the introduction of ferric chloride (FeCl3), ferrous carbonate (FeCO3), iron oxide (FeO), ferric oxide (Fe3O4) and alumina (Al2O3) can increase the probability of electrochemical processes to accelerate
local corrosion. The damaged passivation film on the surface of the material is not protective over time, and the corrosion cell formed with the substrate accelerates the corrosion process.
Ultrawideband Tunable Polarization Converter Based on Metamaterials
Authors: Zhu Zhenyuan , Cao Xiaolong , Yuan Jiaqi , Du Yuchen , Zhang Tongchang
Published: December 2023

In order to overcome the shortcomings of the traditional polarization conversion device, a symmetric “E” type metamaterial resonance cell structure is proposed in the paper for the design of polarization conversion devices. Two kinds of polarization converter models
are designed in this paper, and their polarization coefficient, phase and polarization conversion ratio (PCR) are simulated and analyzed. The polarization coefficients at different incident angles and different phase transitions of VO2 are simulated and analyzed. The study indicates
that the polarization conversion efficiency of the polarization converter reaches 90% in the 0–2.0 THz frequency band, and the performance can be maintained within the incident angle of 45 degrees, covering the whole X band, realizing the broadband line polarization conversion
with extremely high polarization conversion rate. Moreover, the polarization performance is tunable with the phase transition of VO2, and the research results provide new ideas for the realization of ultrawideband tunable polarization conversion devices and the application of metamaterials.
Characterization of ZnO/rGO Nanocomposite and Its Application for Photocatalytic Degradation
Authors: Raub Aini Ayunni Mohd , Ridwan Jaenudin , Kazmi Jamal , Mohammad Hanif Muhammad Aniq Shazni , Buyong Muhamad Ramdzan , Mohamed Mohd Ambri , Yunas Jumril
Published: December 2023

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods (NRs) with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) were successfully synthesized using a hydrothermal method with an additional spray coating. This paper focuses on the effect of rGO coating on charge transfer and interaction between ZnO and rGO that remarkably contributes
to the enhancement of the electrical and optical properties of ZnO-based NRs. The synthesized ZnO/rGO nanocomposite was characterized using FESEM, PL spectroscopy and XPS. FESEM analysis results showed that the surface morphology of the synthesized NRs had a hexagonal rod structure covered
with rGO layers on the tip of the rod. The Tauc Plot analysis revealed that the rGO layers reduced the bandgap of ZnO NRs from 3.25 eV to 3.17 eV, where the light absorption increased. The chemical composition, electronic state, and interactions between the elements in the ZnO NRs/rGO nanocomposites
were investigated using XPS. The presence of oxygen species due to the rGO deposition layers is indicated by the shift of the peak position toward a greater binding energy. The hybridization of this semiconductor and graphene material reduced the bandgap and lowered the PL emission. Finally,
the photocatalytic activity of ZnO NRs/rGO has been studied for methylene blue degradation via oxidation. The results showed that the photocatalytic reaction rate constant of ZnO NRs/rGO > pristine ZnO NRs.
Wafer Image Preprocessing Based on Density Based Spatial Clustering of Application with Noise
Authors: Wei Zhang , Shu-rui Hao
Published: December 2023

With the development of microelectronic manufacturing technology, semiconductor manufacturing presents the trend of maximization of scale and miniaturization of process size. Even if the wafer production now has a high automation of the production process, high-precision production
equipment and advanced production technology, wafer abnormal situation is still inevitable. Abnormal conditions in semiconductor manufacturing process will reduce the yield of wafer products and increase production costs. The later analysis becomes the necessary means to improve the wafer
yield. With the rapid development of modern computing power, the application of machine learning-based automatic detection method in semiconductor production is irresistible. In addition to its spatial pattern, there are many noises that can affect the classification of defects, so it is necessary
to preprocess the wafer diagram. The traditional density based spatial clustering of application with noise (DBSCAN) algorithm needs to determine two clustering parameters artificially, and the choice of parameters can affect the clustering effect easily, the parameter list was obtained by
K-mean nearest neighbor algorithm and mathematical expectation method, and the integrated parameters of intra-cluster density and inter-cluster density after DBSCAN clustering were selected as evaluation indexes to select the optimal parameters. Finally, a self-adaptive (SA)-DBSCAN
map is obtained by retaining the largest cluster, adding feature points and feature clusters, thus improving the yield of wafer.
Predicting Tropical Cyclone Formation with Deep Learning
Authors: Nguyen Quan , Kieu Chanh
Published: December 2023

Exploring new techniques to improve the prediction of tropical cyclone (TC) formation is essential for operational practice. Using convolutional neural networks, this study shows that deep learning can provide a promising capability for predicting TC formation from a given set of large-scale environments at certain forecast lead times. Specifically, two common deep-learning architectures including the residual net (ResNet) and UNet are used to examine TC formation in the Pacific Ocean. With a set of large-scale environments extracted from the NCEP–NCAR reanalysis during 2008–21 as input and the TC labels obtained from the best track data, we show that both ResNet and UNet reach their maximum forecast skill at the 12–18-h forecast lead time. Moreover, both architectures perform best when using a large domain covering most of the Pacific Ocean for input data, as compared to a smaller subdomain in the western Pacific. Given its ability to provide additional information about TC formation location, UNet performs generally worse than ResNet across the accuracy metrics. The deep learning approach in this study presents an alternative way to predict TC formation beyond the traditional vortex-tracking methods in the current numerical weather prediction.

Significance Statement

This study presents a new approach for predicting tropical cyclone (TC) formation based on deep learning (DL). Using two common DL architectures in visualization research and a set of large-scale environments in the Pacific Ocean extracted from the reanalysis data, we show that DL has an optimal capability of predicting TC formation at the 12–18-h lead time. Examining the DL performance for different domain sizes shows that the use of a large domain size for input data can help capture some far-field information needed for predicting TCG. The DL approach in this study demonstrates an alternative way to predict or detect TC formation beyond the traditional vortex-tracking methods used in the current numerical weather prediction.
Age-specific differences in cervical cancer screening rates in women using mental health services in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Impelido Michael Louis , Brewer Kate , Burgess Philip , Curtis Jackie , Currow David , Sara Grant
Published: December 2023

Objective:

Women living with mental health conditions have lower cervical cancer screening rates and higher mortality. More evidence is needed to target health system improvement efforts. We describe overall and age-specific cervical cancer screening rates in mental health service users in New South Wales.

Methods:

Cervical cancer screening registers were linked to New South Wales hospital and community mental health service data. Two-year cervical screening rates were calculated for New South Wales mental health service users aged 20–69 years ( n = 114,022) and other New South Wales women ( n = 2,110,127). Rate ratios were compared for strata of age, socio-economic disadvantage and rural location, and overall rates compared after direct standardisation.

Results:

Only 40.3% of mental health service users participated in screening, compared with 54.3% of other New South Wales women (incidence rate ratio = 0.74, 95% confidence interval = [0.74, 0.75]). Differences in age, social disadvantage or rural location did not explain screening gaps. Screening rates were highest in mental health service users aged <35 years (incidence rate ratios between 0.90 and 0.95), but only 15% of mental health service users aged >65 years participated in screening (incidence rate ratio = 0.27, 95% confidence interval = [0.24, 0.29]).

Conclusion:

Women who use mental health services are less likely to participate in cervical cancer screening. Rates diverged from population rates in service users aged ⩾35 years and were very low for women aged >65 years. Intervention is needed to bridge these gaps. New screening approaches such as self-testing may assist.
Role of LL-37 in Oral Bacterial DNA Accumulation in Dental Plaque
Authors: Tanabe G. , Mori T. , Araki M. , Kataoka H. , Into T.
Published: December 2023

Dental plaque, a highly structured polymicrobial biofilm, persistently forms in the oral cavity and is a common problem affecting oral health. The role of oral defense factors in either collaborating or disrupting host–microbiome interactions remains insufficiently elucidated. This study aims to explore the role of LL-37, a critical antimicrobial peptide in the oral cavity, in dental plaque formation. Through immunostaining dental plaque specimens, we observed that LL-37 and DNA colocalized in the samples, appearing as condensed clusters. In vitro experiments revealed that LL-37 binds rapidly to oral bacterial DNA, forming high molecular weight, DNase-resistant complexes. This interaction results in LL-37 losing its inherent antibacterial activity. Further, upon the addition of LL-37, we observed a visible increase in the precipitation of bacterial DNA. We also discovered a significant correlation between the levels of the DNA–LL-37 complex and LL-37 within dental plaque specimens, demonstrating the ubiquity of the complex within the biofilm. By using immunostaining on dental plaque specimens, we could determine that the DNA–LL-37 complex was present as condensed clusters and small bacterial cell-like structures. This suggests that LL-37 immediately associates with the released bacterial DNA to form complexes that subsequently diffuse. We also demonstrated that the complexes exhibited similar Toll-like receptor 9–stimulating activities across different bacterial species, including Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella intermedia, and Streptococcus salivarius. However, these complexes prompted dissimilar activities, such as the production of IL-1β in monocytic cells via both NLRP3 pathway-dependent and pathway-independent mechanisms. This study, therefore, reveals the adverse role of LL-37 in dental plaque, where it binds bacterial DNA to form complexes that may precipitate to behave like an extracellular matrix. Furthermore, the unveiled stimulating properties and species-dependent activities of the oral bacterial DNA–LL-37 complexes enrich our understanding of dental plaque pathogenicity and periodontal innate immune responses.
Multidimensional Measures of Militarization (M3): A Global Dataset
Authors: Bayer Markus , Croissant Aurel , Izadi Roya , Scheeder Nikitas
Published: December 2023

In this article, we present the novel M3-dataset. This global dataset brings together 30 existing and newly developed indicators and a total of 140,000 observations on three dimensions of material, political, and societal militarization from 1990 to 2020. We introduce a novel, multidimensional concept of militarization, explain the construction of the dataset, data-collection process, and the measures taken to ensure the validity and reliability of the data. We illustrate the usefulness of the dataset for researchers by analyzing for the first time the impact of military policing as one aspect of societal militarization on violence and human rights violations at the global level. We conclude by discussing the significance of the M3 dataset and outlining how scholars in different fields and with various research interests, including (de-)democratization, armed conflict, and human development, can benefit from incorporating this dataset into their studies.
Productivity characteristics and controlling factors of coalbed methane vertical well in a coal block of Qinshui Basin
Authors: Chen Fengjie , Wu Caifang , Huo Zhanbo , Zhao Qingzhen
Published: December 2023

Although a coal block in the Qinshui Basin is a key location for coalbed methane (CBM) exploration and development, the productivity of various vertical wells varies significantly. The productivity characteristics of 636 vertical wells were analyzed better to understand the effects of different variables on CBM productivity. Grey correlation analysis was used to identify the key determinants of CBM well productivity. The findings indicate that vertical well production is below average, with more than 50% serving as water wells. The production of the central well area is high in the west and south. Highly productive wells are significantly influenced by geological conditions, primarily located in areas with high gas content, moderate cover depth, high permeability, and elevated water head. The engineering factor that exerts the most significant influence on productivity is the rate of liquid level drop. Based on grey correlation analysis, the primary determinants of CBM vertical well production are permeability and cover depth.
When Who Matters: Interviewer Effects and Survey Modality
Authors: Walcott Rebecca , Cohen Isabelle , Ferris Denise
Published: December 2023

When and how to survey potential respondents is often determined by budgetary and external constraints, but choice of survey modality may have enormous implications for data quality. Different survey modalities may be differentially susceptible to measurement error attributable to interviewer assignment, known as interviewer effects. In this paper, we leverage highly similar surveys, one conducted face-to-face (FTF) and the other via phone, to examine variation in interviewer effects across survey modality and question type. We find that while there are no cross-modality differences for simple questions, interviewer effects are markedly higher for sensitive questions asked over the phone. These findings are likely explained by the enhanced ability of in-person interviewers to foster rapport and engagement with respondents. We conclude with a thought experiment that illustrates the potential implications for power calculations, namely, that using FTF data to inform phone surveys may substantially underestimate the necessary sample size for sensitive questions.
Effect of School Closure During COVID-19 Lockdown on ADHD Symptoms Among Students
Authors: Saurav Kumar , Kundu Partha Sarathi
Published: December 2023

Background:

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common neurobehavioral disorder among children, with an estimated prevalence of 1.3 per 1000 in India. The nationwide lockdown imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the closure of schools for an indefinite period. After the reopening of schools, the lockdown period was feared to have caused a deterioration in symptoms of existing mental health conditions among school-going children. This field study aimed to probe the association of school closures due to lockdown with any change in symptoms of ADHD in aged 6–15 years in the largest tertiary care hospital in Kolkata.

Methods:

A longitudinal observational study was conducted involving 34 prediagnosed ADHD patients attending the Clinical Psychology outpatient department (OPD) of a tertiary hospital for follow-up. Data was collected by face-to-face interviews with the patients’ parents using a predesigned, pretested structured study schedule. Conners’ Parent Rating Scale (CPRS) was used to assess the ADHD symptoms.

Results:

Twenty-three (67.65%) patients were observed to have worsened ADHD symptoms after lockdown. Significant worsening was observed in the ADHD indicator and the mood disorder indicator. Significant contributing factors were rural residence, nuclear family, non-attendance at school, and knowledge inadequacy among parents.

Conclusion:

There was a significant worsening of symptoms of ADHD owing to the school closure due to the lockdown.
Design and implementation of an underactuated gripper with enhanced shape adaptability and lateral stiffness through semi-active multi-degree-of-freedom endoskeletons
Authors: Cui Yafeng , An Xin , Lin Zhonghan , Guo Zhibin , Liu Xin-Jun , Zhao Huichan
Published: December 2023

Grasping is a key task for robots to interact with humans and the environment. Soft grippers have been widely studied and some have been applied in industry and daily life. Typical soft grippers face two challenges: lack of stiffness and insufficient adaptability to various objects. Inspired by the human hand, this paper proposes a soft-rigid hybrid pneumatic gripper composed of fingers with soft skin and rigid endoskeletons, and an active palm. Through different combinations of the four joints’ locking states within the rigid endoskeleton, each finger obtains 9 different postures in its inflating state and 13 different postures in its deflating state, endowing the gripper with the capability of adapting to a wider variety of objects. Simultaneously, due to the endoskeletons, the lateral stiffness of the gripper is significantly enhanced (load-to-weight ratio∼7.5 for lateral grasping). We also propose a series of grasping strategies for grasping objects with different sizes and shapes to utilize the versatile configurations of the gripper. Experiments demonstrated that the gripper conformed well to the surfaces of cylindrical and prismatic objects and successfully grasped all tool items and shape items in the Yale–CMU–Berkeley object set.
Application of Drones in Humanitarian Relief: A Review of State of Art and Recent Advances and Recommendations
Authors: Emad Alfaris Ruqaya , Vafakhah Zahra , Jalayer Mohammad
Published: December 2023

With the advent of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), known as drones, their deployment in various sectors, especially in humanitarian relief, has witnessed considerable attention. Despite the growing number of studies highlighting the potential of drones, there remains a discernible research gap in consolidating the lessons learned, challenges faced, and regulations governing their usage, particularly in the United States. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive examination of drone deployment in humanitarian relief through a systematic literature review. By outlining the state of the art of studies and practices of the application of drones for humanitarian relief and healthcare support, and analyzing case studies and regulations, this paper presents a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis and offers a clear picture of the current state of drone application in relief efforts. Results indicate that while drones offer unique advantages, such as accessibility to hard-to-reach areas and rapid response, they also face challenges relating to regulatory restrictions, privacy concerns, and logistical limitations. Based on the analysis, this paper concludes with a set of recommendations for the effective employment of drones, including fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships and streamlining the approval process for emergency drone flights. This study emphasizes the need for collaborative regulatory frameworks and best practices to maximize the potential of drone technology in aiding those in distress.
Early Childhood Caries and Nutritional Status of Children: A Review
Authors: Nadeeshani Harshani , Kudagammana Sanath Thushara , Herath Chandra , Jayasinghe Ruwan , Liyanage Ruvini
Published: December 2023

Background:

Early childhood caries (ECC) is a serious public health issue affecting children around the world. Severe symptoms and complications commonly found with ECC are adverse effects on health and growth retardation triggered by sensitivity, pain, and abscesses associated with decayed teeth, premature tooth loss, and insufficient food intake due to difficulty in chewing and keeping food in the mouth.

Objective:

This article aims to provide an overview of the most recent and current evidence on the association between ECC and nutritional status with an aim to stimulate further research and to identify the impact of nutritional status on ECC and vice versa.

Methods:

PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were used to search the studies conducted between 2016 and 2022. The included studies were searched using some keyword combinations and saved in Mendeley Desktop for review and referencing. All books, policy briefs, thesis/dissertations, and non-peer-reviewed articles were excluded, and 47 studies were selected for this narrative review.

Results:

Many studies have identified long-term, frequent, and nocturnal bottle-feeding and breastfeeding as well as frequent consumption of sugary food and beverages as high-risk factors for ECC. Adverse nutritional status assessed by anthropometric measures, vitamin D status, and iron-deficiency anemia have been studied as risk factors for ECC.

Conclusions:

Most of the prevailing studies are either case-control or cross-sectional studies, which are unable to provide strong evidence to prove the direction of causality. Thus, further prospective studies are needed to clarify the association between ECC and the nutritional status of children.
Preoperative Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced and Diffusion-Weighted Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings for Prediction of Lymphovascular Invasion of the Lesions in Node-Negative Invasive Breast Cancer
Authors: Coşkun Bilge Almıla , Yaltırık Bilgin Ezel , Bulut Zarife Melda , Esen Bostancı Işıl , Bilgin Erkan
Published: December 2023

Purpose: Our single-centre retrospective study aimed to investigate the relationship between preoperative dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) findings and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values and lymphovascular invasion (LVI) status of the lesions in patients with clinically-radiologically lymph node-negative invasive breast cancer. Methods: A total of 250 breast lesions diagnosed in preoperative magnetic resonance imaging were identified. All patients were divided into 2 subgroups: LVI-negative and LVI-positive according to the pathological findings of surgical specimens. The 2 groups’ DCE-MRI findings, ADC values, and histopathological results of lesions were compared. Results: LVI was detected in 100 of 250 lesions. Younger age than 45 years and larger lesion size than 20 mm were found to be associated with the presence of LVI ( P < .001). High histological and nuclear grade ( P = .001), HER2-enriched molecular subtype ( P = .001), and Ki-67 positivity ( P = .016) were significantly associated with LVI. The LVI positivity rate was significantly higher in the lesions with medium-rapid initial phase kinetic curve and washout delayed phase kinetic curve ( P = .001). The presence of LVI was significantly associated with the presence of peritumoural edema, sentinel lymph node metastasis, adjacent vessel sign, and increased whole breast vascularity ( P < .001). When diffusion-weighted imaging findings were evaluated, it was determined that tumoural ADC values lower than 1068 × 10−6 mm2/second ( P = .002) and peritumoural-tumoural ADC ratios higher than 1.5 ( P = .001) statistically increased the probability of LVI. Conclusion: The patient’s age, various histopathological and DCE-MRI findings, tumoural ADC value, and peritumoural-tumoural ADC ratio may be useful in the preoperative prediction of LVI status in breast cancer lesions.
Seal vibrissa-based three-fourths open-jet wind tunnel nozzle optimization
Authors: Wang Yikun , Jia Qing , Xia Chao , Wei Huanxia , Jia Chundong , Yang Zhigang
Published: December 2023

This study investigated the effects of using bionics in reducing the low-frequency fluctuation phenomenon in three-fourths open-jet automobile wind tunnels. Low-frequency fluctuation in these wind tunnels can cause pulsations of velocity and pressure in the test section, leading to measurement accuracy reduction. The unique shape of the seal vibrissa had been demonstrated to effectively suppress vortex-induced vibrations. Here the wind tunnel nozzle was optimized with seal-vibrissa-shaped protrusions. The effects and corresponding mechanism of seal-vibrissa-shaped nozzle toward jet shear layer vortex structures and low-frequency fluctuation phenomenon were analyzed. A 1:15 scaled three-fourths open-jet wind tunnel was used in the study. The results indicated that after the implementation of the seal-vibrissa-shaped nozzle, the turbulence intensity was decreased at the bottom of the test section and the pressure and velocity fluctuations were effectively suppressed. The three-dimensional vortex structures separating from the surface of vibrissa destroyed the original two-dimensional vortex structures produced by the original nozzle. Many small vortex structures with dispersed frequencies and energies were formed, which decreased the low-frequency fluctuations. The study showed that the seal-vibrissa-shaped nozzle had the potential of inhibiting the large-scale vortex separation in the jet shear layer, which could effectively reduce the low-frequency fluctuations.
Proposed optimized energy plan for the largest island of South Korea based on full renewable energy resources
Authors: Anwar Bilal , Ali Sajid , Shah Imran , Aslam Noon Muhammad Adnan , Tipu Javed Ahmed Khan , Arif Muhammad
Published: December 2023

The current study's objective is to evaluate wind and solar energy and select the finest kind of energy systems having minimum levelized of energy systems by using Home Pro software for Jeju Island, the largest island in South Korea. Using Weibull and mean wind speed diagrams, the wind conditions in the initial section of this study are explained. To assess the wind potential of every area, size and form criteria are offered. It was found that two main wind directions were southeast or southwest, with southwest being more common. Finally, based on the wind conditions at each site and IEC recommendations, a set of five wind turbines that were best suited for each location were shortlisted. Each wind turbine's performance was assessed using technical criteria, that is, monthly energy production, annual energy production, and capacity factors. Similar to this, economic considerations such as the levelized cost of electricity, internal rate of return, payback period, and net present value were also made. A Hanjin model HJWT 87/2000 is best suitable for Jeju Island in the event of an off-shore wind farm, according to the findings. To explore the implications of modifying the hub height of the turbines on the economics of wind generating, a thorough economic sensitivity analysis is also included. The second section explains the solar potential of the Island. The average solar energy potential of Jeju Island is estimated to be 13.775 Mj·m2·day−1. To cover the energy demand and supply gap for Jaju Island, various types of local electricity generators and batteries have been studied for finding the optimal energy system for the island.