bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Solar Water Heater Performance Using Phase Change Materials and Modified Encapsulation Geometry
Authors: Patel Smit R. , Rathod Manish K.
Published: October 2024

Solar energy's abundant availability in India makes it a potential solution to meet increasing energy needs without harming environment. Solar water heating (SWH) systems are effective in converting solar radiation into heat for domestic and industrial applications. However, their inability to provide hot water during nighttime or off‐sunshine hours due to the intermittent nature of solar energy presents a challenge. Thermal energy storage, particularly using phase change materials (PCMs), has emerged as a solution. In this study, spherical ball‐type encapsulated PCM, specifically RT60, was incorporated into a solar water heater tank under variable atmospheric conditions. The PCM stores excess energy during daylight and releases it when the water temperature drops below the PCM's melting point. The results reveal a significant reduction in the temperature drop of water from 4.5°C to 1.4°C when utilizing PCM compared to conventional storage water tanks without PCM. Additionally, energy storage capacity is enhanced by 5.13% with PCM incorporation. Furthermore, modifying the encapsulation geometry to a rectangular shape enhances heat transfer and reduces temperature drop even further to 0.9°C, making it a promising approach to improving SWH system performance. This study highlights the possibility of enhancing encapsulation shape and applying PCM to enhance SWH system performance. The results highlight the possibility of increasing solar thermal systems' energy efficiency and usefulness, which will support sustainable energy sources.
Optimal Capacitance Design for IRS Aided Wireless Power Transfer for Sustainable IoT Communication
Authors: Sharma Bhupendra , Agarwal Anirudh , Mishra Deepak , Debnath Soumitra , Shah Santosh
Published: October 2024

Intelligent reflecting surface (IRS) is a cutting‐edge technique that can significantly improve wireless propagation. It can efficiently utilize wireless power transfer to enable sustainable Internet‐of‐Things (IoT) transmission by reconfiguring the incident signal from the active transmitter. However, the flexibility of capacitance tuning in the IRS system, which controls underlying reflections, is often overlooked. The effective capacitance design in the IRS system can provide a new degree of freedom in the IoT communication system, which can enable additional performance gain in the received power. To achieve this, a novel IRS circuital optimization model is proposed in this work. It incorporates various electrical parameters of the meta‐surface unit cell for improved IoT‐enabled communication. The proposed optimization model provides an optimal capacitance as a function of phase shift (PS), which is controlled by IRS, incident frequency, and other IRS electrical parameters. This optimal capacitance is then used to define the received power. The convexity of the optimization problem is proved, and the global optimal capacitance is obtained for received power maximization. Our simulations show that the proposed optimization model outperforms the existing constructive interference‐based optimal PS method, for which the capacitance is first calculated. Finally, the analytical results are numerically validated with several optimal design insights.
Vinegar postbiotic solutions obtained from five red fruits processed using traditional methods exhibit different biochemical properties and antimicrobial and antioxidant effects
Authors: Özdemir Oğuzhan
Published: October 2024

Pomegranate, hawthorn, gilaburu, blackberry, and rosehip vinegar postbiotic solutions (VPS) were produced by traditional methods. The bioactive components of VPS, antioxidant capacity, antimicrobial activities, minimum inhibition concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays were determined. While rosehip VPS has the highest amount of lactic acid, phenolic and flavonoids, gilaburu VPS has the highest butyric acid. The highest antimicrobial activities were observed for hawthorn VPS on C. albicans and S. aureus, for gilaburu VPS on S. poona and S. aureus, for blackberry VPS on C. albicans mold and S. agalactiae, for pomegranate VPS on E. coli and S. agalactiae and for rosehip VPS on C. albicans and S. agalactiae. Moreover, the mortality values were reported as MBCs: hawthorn for S. aureus (94.6% at 0.03 mg mL−1) and S. paratyphii A (94.1% at 0.03 mg mL−1), gilaburu for S. aureus (93.4% at 0.06 mg mL−1) and P. aeruginosa (93.2% at 0.13 mg mL−1), rosehip for S. agalactiace and E. coli (93.7–91.7% at 0.06 mg mL−1), pomegranate for methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (96.0% at 0.5 mg mL−1), and blackberry for S. aureus (91.3% at 0.25 mg mL−1) and P. aeruginosa (92.1% at 0.13 mg mL−1), in addition to an equal mixture of the five VPSs for S. aureus and P. aeruginosa (85.6% at 0.06 mg mL−1). The MICs for VPS were generally found in a 0.5 mg mL−1dilution of each vinegar. Remarkably, common and local fruits can be rich sources of bioactive components without the need for imported products or expensive processing methods or equipment. This study demonstrated that rosehip VPS has the greatest potential as both a nutrient and a natural disinfectant.
Uncertain multi‐objective programming approach for planning supplementary irrigation areas in rainfed agricultural regions
Authors: Shi Rongchao , Han Xiaobei , Guo Wenzhong
Published: October 2024

Rainfed agriculture is crucial for ensuring global food and water security, and supplementary irrigation is an effective means of improving the economic benefits in rainfed agricultural regions. This study proposes a novel uncertain optimization approach to optimize supplementary irrigation areas in rainfed agricultural regions. The approach incorporates multi‐objective linear programming, interval linear programming, fuzzy goal programming and stochastic expected value programming. In the proposed interval multi‐fuzzy goal stochastic expected‐value programming, uncertainties are expressed in the form of discrete intervals, probability distributions and fuzzy goals. This approach, which considers the randomness of precipitation during the optimization process and allocates limited irrigation water resources to different subareas and crops, was applied to a case study of crop irrigation area planning in Guyuan City, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, northwestern China. The maximum economic benefits and the minimum sum of the Gini coefficients among the different subareas and crops were regarded as the planning objectives, and a series of optimal irrigation areas with different crops and subareas under different water levels were obtained. The optimization results revealed that vegetables and fruits consumed large amounts of irrigation water to increase their economic benefits. In addition, allocating a large amount of irrigation water to wheat is essential to decrease the Gini coefficient and meet food security constraints, particularly at extremely low water levels. Compared with current management, the optimized irrigation area decreased by 30%, the crop water deficit index increased by 9%, the economic benefits increased by 3% and the total Gini coefficient of crops decreased by 17%, indicating that the optimization approach could fairly and reasonably allocate irrigation water resources. Our research provides a mathematical approach for decision‐makers to plan supplementary irrigation areas in rainfed agricultural regions.
Prognostic Impact and Prevalence of Cachexia in Patients With Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Prokopidis Konstantinos , Irlik Krzysztof , Hendel Mirela , Piaśnik Julia , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Nabrdalik Katarzyna
Published: October 2024

Background

Cachexia, defined as the combination of weight loss, weakness, fatigue, anorexia and abnormal biochemical markers based on Evans' criteria, is known to exacerbate the prognosis of heart failure (HF) patients. This systematic review and meta‐analysis investigates the prognostic impact and prevalence of cachexia, as defined by Evans' criteria, in patients with HF.

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus and Web of Science were searched from inception until December 2023, including HF patients for whom the Evans' criteria were applied to explore the prevalence and prognostic impact of cachexia. This study employed a meta‐analyses using the random‐effects model and inverse‐variance method that was adhered to the revised 2020 PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses (CRD42023446443).

Results

Six prospective or retrospective studies of 2252 patients with HF were included, whereby all‐cause mortality was significantly greater in patients with cachexia with low heterogeneity among studies (HR: 1.60, 95% CI 1.31–1.95, p < 0.001; I2 = 0%). For the studies that used full, uniformly defined Evans' criteria, among 1844 patients, mortality remained greater in patients with cachexia (HR: 1.58, 95% CI 1.27–1.97, p < 0.001; I2 = 0%). In a subgroup analysis among 1714 of HF with reduced ejection fraction, the results were consistent (HR: 1.57, 95% CI 1.28–1.92, p < 0.001; I2 = 0%). Additionally, 10 studies comprising 2862 patients indicated a 31% risk of cachexia in HF (95% CI 21–43%, I2 = 94%).

Conclusions

Cachexia is an independent predictor for increased all‐cause mortality among patients with HF with a notable prevalence of 31%. Interventions aiding in improving fatigue, anorexia and exercise capacity could help improve the quality of life of this clinical population.
Global existence of weak solutions for 2D chemotaxis‐Navier–Stokes system with fractional diffusion
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Lv Yanxi , Zhang Qian
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we consider the following 2D incompressible chemotaxis‐Navier–Stokes equations with the fractional diffusion

where
and
. The gravitational potential
is generally supposed to be sufficiently smooth given functions. By establishing the new priori estimates, we get the global well‐posedness for the above system with large initial data.
Parallel‐transmission spatial spectral pulse design with local specific absorption rate control: Demonstration for robust uniform water‐selective excitation in the human brain at 7 T
Authors: Shao Xin , Zhang Zhe , Ma Xiaodong , Liu Fan , Guo Hua , Ugurbil Kamil , Wu Xiaoping
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To propose a novel method for parallel‐transmission (pTx) spatial‐spectral pulse design and demonstrate its utility for robust uniform water‐selective excitation (water excitation) across the entire brain.

Theory and Methods

Our design problem is formulated as a magnitude‐least‐squares minimization with joint RF and k‐space optimization under explicit specific‐absorption‐rate constraints. For improved robustness against off‐resonance effects, the spectral component of the excitation target is prescribed to have a water passband and a fat stopband. A two‐step algorithm was devised to solve our design problem, with Step 1 aiming to solve a reduced problem to find a sensible start point for Step 2 to solve the original problem. The efficacy of our pulse design was evaluated in simulation, phantom, and human experiments using the commercial Nova head coil. Universal pulses were also designed based on a 10‐subject training data set to demonstrate the utility of our method for plug‐and‐play pTx.

Results

For kT‐points and spiral nonselective parameterizations, our design method outperformed the pTx interleaved binomial approach, reducing RMS error by up to about 35% for water excitation and about 97% for fat suppression (over a 200‐Hz bandwidth) while decreasing local specific absorption rate by about 30%. Both our subject‐specific and universal pulses improved water excitation, restoring signal loss in the cerebellum while suppressing fat signal even in regions of large susceptibility‐induced off‐resonances.

Conclusion

Demonstrated useful for 4D (3D spatial, one‐dimensional spectral) pTx spatial‐spectral pulse design, our proposed method provides an effective solution for robust volumetric uniform water excitation, holding a promise to many ultrahigh‐field applications.
129Xe Image Processing Pipeline: An open‐source, graphical user interface application for the analysis of hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI
Authors: Bdaiwi Abdullah S. , Willmering Matthew M. , Plummer Joseph W. , Hussain Riaz , Roach David J. , Parra‐Robles Juan , Niedbalski Peter J. , Woods Jason C. , Walkup Laura L. , Cleveland Zackary I.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI presents opportunities to assess regional pulmonary microstructure and function. Ongoing advancements in hardware, sequences, and image processing have helped it become increasingly adopted for both research and clinical use. As the number of applications and users increase, standardization becomes crucial. To that end, this study developed an executable, open‐source 129Xe image processing pipeline (XIPline) to provide a user‐friendly, graphical user interface‐based analysis pipeline to analyze and visualize 129Xe MR data, including scanner calibration, ventilation, diffusion‐weighted, and gas exchange images.

Methods

The customizable XIPline is designed in MATLAB to analyze data from all three major scanner platforms. Calibration data is processed to calculate optimal flip angle and determine129Xe frequency offset. Data processing includes loading, reconstructing, registering, segmenting, and post‐processing images. Ventilation analysis incorporates three common algorithms to calculate ventilation defect percentage and novel techniques to assess defect distribution and ventilation texture. Diffusion analysis features ADC mapping, modified linear binning to account for ADC age‐dependence, and common diffusion morphometry methods. Gas exchange processing uses a generalized linear binning for data acquired using 1‐point Dixon imaging.

Results

The XIPline workflow is demonstrated using analysis from representative calibration, ventilation, diffusion, and gas exchange data.

Conclusion

The application will reduce redundant effort when implementing new techniques across research sites by providing an open‐source framework for developers. In its current form, it offers a robust and adaptable platform for 129Xe MRI analysis to ensure methodological consistency, transparency, and support for collaborative research across multiple sites and MRI manufacturers.
A Validated Algorithm to Identify Hepatic Decompensation in the Veterans Health Administration Electronic Health Record System
Authors: Haque Lamia Y. , Tate Janet P. , Chew Michael , Caniglia Ellen C. , Taddei Tamar H. , Re Vincent Lo
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Accurate identification of hepatic decompensation is essential for pharmacoepidemiologic research among patients with chronic liver disease.

Methods

An algorithm using ≥ 1 inpatient or ≥ 2 outpatient International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision (ICD‐10) codes for hepatic decompensation was developed in Veterans Health Administration data from October 2015 through July 2019. Medical records were reviewed by hepatologists to confirm cases. The positive predictive value (PPV) of the coding algorithm for confirmed hepatic decompensation was calculated.

Results

Hepatic decompensation was confirmed in 149/185 records meeting the algorithm (PPV 81%; 95% CI, 70%, 90%). The most common hepatic decompensation diagnosis was ascites. Only 56% of confirmed cases had an accompanying diagnosis code for cirrhosis.

Conclusions

Our ICD‐10‐based coding algorithm identified hepatic decompensation with high PPV in Veterans Health Administration data.
Curcumin on Human Health: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of 103 Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Jafari Ali , Abbastabar Maryam , Alaghi Alireza , Heshmati Javad , Crowe Francesca L. , Sepidarkish Mahdi
Published: October 2024

The aim of this meta‐analysis was to determine the effect of curcumin on a range of health outcomes. PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from inception until September 2023. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that compared the effect of Curcuma longa L. with placebo were considered eligible. The risk of bias and overall certainty of evidence were assessed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE), respectively. We meta‐analyzed the effect sizes across eligible studies using the random‐effects model. In total, 103 RCTs on 42 outcomes were included, incorporating a total population of 7216 participants. Overall, 23 out of 42 (55%) outcomes reported statistically significant effect sizes. The credibility of the evidence was rated as high for fasting blood sugar (FBS), C‐reactive protein (CRP), high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), and weight. The remaining outcomes presented moderate (waist circumference [WC], hip circumference [HC], body mass index [BMI], insulin, Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance [HOMA‐IR], quantitative insulin‐sensitivity check index [QUICKI], leptin, gamma‐glutamyl transferase [GGT], glutathione [GSH], and superoxide dismutase [SOD]), low (14 outcomes), or very low (14 outcomes) evidence. In conclusion, curcumin supplementation can modify FBS and some glycemic indices, lipid parameters, as well as inflammatory and oxidative parameters. This updated summary of the accumulated evidence may help inform clinicians and future guidelines regarding medical and scientific interest in curcumin. However, due to limitations in the methodological quality of the included studies, well‐designed and long‐term RCTs with large sample sizes are needed.

Trial registration: PROSPERO: CRD42021251969
Multilevel Stimuli–Responsive Smart “Sandwich” Label with Physical Unclonable Functions Bionic Wrinkles and Space‐Selective Fluorescence Patterns
Authors: Li Yan , Li Yang , Zhao Zejia , Li Yanyan , Song Feng , Huang Wei
Published: October 2024

With the increasing popularity of the internet, it brings convenience to lives while also increases security risks. Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs) can generate random, unclonable, and unique identifiers using their inherent physical characteristics, which have broad prospects in anti‐counterfeiting. Herein, inspired by the irregular tree bark fissures and random skin wrinkles found in nature, a method for creating complex micro‐wrinkles with unclonable random patterns is proposed by simply stretching hydrogels. The random texture information contained in the micro‐wrinkles is digitized into binary codes using an adaptive threshold algorithm. Additionally, a novel “sandwich” label with a multilevel intelligent anti‐counterfeiting system is proposed. The first‐level involves photoluminescence encryption with adjustable luminescence within visible light range and modulated luminescence at different excitation wavelengths; the second‐level includes strain‐related mechanical encryption, and the third‐level consists of highly random and unclonable micro‐wrinkles. The certification difficulty increases as the anti‐counterfeiting grade increases, thereby enhancing label security. Furthermore, space‐selective doping of rare earth metal–organic framework (RE‐MOF) fluorescent materials in hydrogels is achieved through the use of screen‐printing technology. The concept of novel multilevel smart anti‐counterfeiting PUF labels will further enhance current levels of counterfeiting prevention.
Screening Surface‐Defective Graphene Quantum Dots: Promoting Plant Growth and Combating Phytovirus
Authors: Guo Shengxin , Xu Ying , Wang Ya , Guo Renjiang , Tang Yao , Chen Moxian , Lv Menglan , Wu Jian
Published: October 2024

Reduced graphene quantum dots (r‐GQD), graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQD), and carboxylated graphene quantum dots (C‐GQD) are screened to promote tobacco growth and combat tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). First, a 21‐day foliar exposure is employed to explore GQDs’ impacts on N. benthamiana. Surface‐defective GOQD and C‐GQD are screened out to facilitate N. benthamiana uptake through leaf stomata, and to promote seedlings of differently leaf ages to various degrees at different concentrations after different durations of foliar exposure. Specially, compared to the ddH2O treatment, GOQD/C‐GQD at 400 mg L−1 increase biomass by 44%/68%, increase chlorophyll content by 43%/54% and up‐regulate the expression of growth‐related genes NtLRX1, CycB, and NtPIP1 by more than two‐fold. Second, different from the transient inhibition shown by r‐GQD and the TMV enhancement shown by GOQD, C‐GQD can directly inactivate TMV infection by inducing TMV aggregation and attachment outside TMV, significantly decreasing TMV replication and hindering TMV spread over 21‐day. Specially, C‐GQD decreases the transcript abundance of TMV RdRp and TMV CP to 0.11‐fold and 0.29‐fold, and down‐regulates the host defensive response pathways. This work provides a comparative analysis of GQDs with different surface‐functionalizations, highlighting C‐GQD as a promising nanotechnology tool for promoting plant growth and inactivating phytovirus.
Iron‐Free Anode Boosting High Energy Efficiency Aqueous Full Iron‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Chang , Guo Xinyu , Deng Wenjun , Shen Na , Zhou Yi , Chen Yan , Li Rui
Published: October 2024

Aqueous iron‐ion batteries with reversible storage of Fe2+ have undergone rapid development in recent years. Consistently throughout these studies, metallic iron is selected as the anode material. However, the large overpotential (250 mV) associated with the plating/stripping process of iron in aqueous solutions leads to unsatisfactory energy efficiency of the battery, although high capacity and Coulomb efficiency can be achieved. Herein, an iron‐free anode material, 9,10‐anthraquinone (AQ) is proposed in aqueous iron‐ion batteries, which shows a low reaction potential and minimal polarization during storing iron ions. The organic anode exhibits favorable specific capacity of 106 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 and excellent cycling stability (92.6% retention after 500 cycles). In addition, an aqueous full iron‐ion battery is constructed using AQ as the anode and 9,10‐phenanthraquinone (PQ) as the cathode. The full battery demonstrates an enhanced energy efficiency of 72%, which is 206% higher than that of metal iron anode, and shows excellent cycling stability and Coulombic efficiency. This work provides a viable route to overcome the high polarization of metallic iron anode and promote the development of aqueous iron‐ion batteries.
High‐Temperature Oxidation Response of 444 Ferritic Stainless Steel in a Synthetic Automotive Exhaust Gas
Authors: Sun Bin , Yao Yu‐Chen , Lan Qing
Published: October 2024

The high‐temperature oxidation behavior of 444 ferritic stainless steel has been studied in cyclic oxidation experiments using synthetic automotive exhaust gas atmospheres at 950 and 1050 °C. The weight gain per unit area of the 444 ferritic stainless steel following oxidation at 950 °C for 100 h iss 85.7% lower than recorded at 1050 °C. The oxide scale at both temperatures consisted of Fe–Cr and Mn–Cr spinels in the outer layer and Cr2O3 in the inner layer. Nodule formation and spallation of the oxide scale are identified as the main causes of breakaway oxidation. The depth of the internal oxides gradually increases with the oxidation time. The nucleation and growth of internal SiO2 result in the formation of metal protrusions, which are eventually consumed in the formation of a SiO2 layer. The SiO2 layer is formed at the interface between the oxide scale and the substrate at 1050 °C. The nucleation and growth of internal SiO2, in combination with lateral growth of SiO2 at the Cr2O3 layer/substrate interface contributed to the formation of the SiO2 layer.
Empfehlungen zur Bemessung von Sandwichkonstruktionen
Authors: Naujoks Bernd , Ardelmann Niklas
Published: October 2024

Parallel zur Überarbeitung und Neuerscheinung der Produktnorm für Sandwichelemente EN 14509 soll als Teil der Normenreihe des Eurocode 3 demnächst die EN 1993‐7 für die Bemessung und Konstruktion von Sandwichelementen erscheinen. Nachfolgend werden anhand von Berechnungsbeispielen die Neuerungen in dieser Norm gegenüber dem Anhang E – Bemessungsverfahren der DIN EN 14509:2013‐12 vorgestellt und erläutert. In einem zusätzlichen Beispiel wird der Einfluss der seitlichen Stützung von Sandwichwandelementen auf Wandriegel untersucht.
A Terbium‐Based MOF as Fluorescent Probe for Selective Sensing of Nitrobenzene and Fe3+
Authors: Zhang Shiman , Li Jiahui , Feng Songjiang , Fan Liming , Liu Yanlian , Wen Rongmei
Published: October 2024

A three‐dimensional metal‐organic framework named as [TbL(OH)2](COOH)3 ⋅ (solvent)x (Tb‐MOF), was successfully obtained by using Tb(NO3)3 ⋅ 6H2O and 1,1′,1′′‐(2,4,6‐trimethylbenzene‐1,3,5‐triyl)tris(methylene)‐tris(4‐carboxy‐pyridinium)tribromide (H3LBr3) as raw materials. A series of fluorescence detection experiments demonstrate that Tb‐MOF shows a fluorescence quenching effect on NB. Moreover, Tb‐MOF also exhibits a very fast fluorescence quenching response to trace Fe3+ ions, which is unaffected by the existence of other competitive metal cations. The linear curve between the fluorescence intensity of Tb‐MOF and the concentration of Fe3+ was plotted by the fluorescence titration experiments data. The calculated LOD for Fe3+ ions is 2.86×10−6 M. Therefore, based on the characteristics of Tb‐MOF, it can be regarded as a luminescent sensor for detecting NB and Fe3+. We have also explored the quenching mechanism of Tb‐MOF as a fluorescent sensing material.
How Permacrisis Has Redefined EU–LAC Trade Governance
Authors: Zelicovich Julieta
Published: October 2024

This chapter examines how the repercussions of an era of permacrisis have shaped the dynamics of trade governance between the European Union and Latin America. This study delves into the evolution of interregional trade governance, scrutinizing data and documents to identify trends and changes during the last decade. The chapter analyzes the limitations of the “old” governance mechanism built by a series of free trade agreements and identifies three new key mechanisms that are shaping interregional trade governance: the modernization of existing free trade agreements and conclusion of pending negotiations, the establishment of a new type of trade-related cooperation sectoral agreements, and unilateral reforms. Our findings highlight the continued relevance of trade for interregional integration. They offer valuable insights into the changing dynamics of trade governance in the permacrisis context and, at the same time, highlight the asymmetries and vulnerabilities in the EU–Latin America relationship.
Stabilizing Asset Prices Through Transition from Continuous Trading to Electronic Auctions
Authors: Schulmeister Stephan
Published: October 2024

This chapter analyzes a core component of what is defined in this volume as Permacrisis, namely, the pattern of asset price dynamics as a sequence of “bull markets” and “bear markets.” Based on this analysis, a new concept for stabilizing the “long swings” of asset prices is elaborated, namely, replacing continuous asset trading with electronic auctions. First, I sketch the channels through which the “overshooting” of exchange rates, commodities prices, and stock prices but also of EU carbon prices dampens the real economy and hampers fighting global heating. Second, a theoretical alternative to the still dominating “efficient market hypothesis” is presented, the “bull-bear-hypothesis.” Third, I discuss the role of “technical” or “algorithmic” trading strategies in exploiting short-term asset price trends and strengthening them at the same time. Fourth, it is shown that bulls (bear) markets result from (very) short-term trends (“runs”) in line with the prevailing (bullish or bearish) market sentiment lasting longer than counter-movements. Fifth, to mitigate the extent of the “long swings” of asset prices one needs to restrict (super) fast speculation unrelated to market fundamentals, thereby dampening the short-term trending of asset prices. Instead of implementing a financial transactions tax, one could achieve this objective also by replacing continuous trading with electronic auctions, for example, every 3 h. This approach is theoretically more appealing, technically easy to implement, and has so far not seriously been discussed.
Hydrogen Around the World
Authors: Nuttall William J. , Powell Joseph B. , Anaya-Stucchi Karim L. , Bakenne Adetokunboh T. , Wilson Andy
Published: October 2024

Hydrogen is emerging as an important energy option simultaneously in many regions of the world. This chapter briefly summarises diverse global perspectives and policies, particularly those in North America and Europe (the United Kingdom and the European Union). It is suggested that hydrogen for heavy duty road transport might emerge first in North America. Hydrogen for use in industrial processes (possibly linking to domestic heating) might emerge first in the UK.
Circularity Criteria and Indicators at the Building Component and System Level
Authors: Tleuken Aidana , Karaca Ferhat , Askar Rand , Leindecker Gerald , Kahraman Ilker , Giarma Christina , Cervantes Puma Genesis Camila , Pineda-Martos Rocío , Bolatkhanov Iskander , Palermo Michele , Arrè Lidiana , Syed Ali Akbar Shah , Ahad Inam Ul , Sofronievska Liljana Dimevska , Cvetkovska Meri , Tavares Vanessa , Bragança Luís
Published: October 2024

The implementation of circular economy principles in building activities holds the potential for substantial environmental, economic, and social benefits. Although extensive research has examined the impact of circularity strategies on various aspects of buildings, there is a significant gap in the literature focusing specifically on building components and systems (BC&S). Most existing studies develop indicators applicable to buildings as a whole or solely at the materials level. This study aims to address this gap by identifying and emphasising specific circularity criteria for BC&S, including structure, infill, and services. The primary objective is to elucidate the contribution of each system to the overall circularity of buildings, thereby prioritising the most impactful circularity aspects. At the component level, it is essential to consider the specific attributes of component assemblies that constitute a system. To enhance the practical application of these findings, the study is supplemented with relevant case studies demonstrating best practices for circularity in BC&S. These case studies provide empirical evidence and practical examples of how targeted circularity strategies can improve the sustainability and efficiency of building practices, thereby advancing the goals of the circular economy.
Circularity Criteria and Indicators at the Whole Building Design Level
Authors: Feizollahbeigi Bahar , Mateus Ricardo , Güemez Elena Goicolea , Gómez-Gil Marta
Published: October 2024

The built environment accounts for approximately 50% of total raw material extraction and 25% of all waste in the European Union, much of which comprises materials with significant potential for reuse and recycling. Given the finite nature of the planet’s resources, transitioning to a circular economy (CE) approach within the built environment, particularly at the building design level, is essential for sustainability. Indicators serve as vital tools for assessing circularity and guiding the implementation of CE principles in the design, construction and management of buildings and infrastructure. This chapter examines international, European, and national policies and standards, highlighting the most pertinent circularity indicators at the whole building design level. It provides a categorised list of the most widely used indicators for measuring circularity. A bibliographic-analytical approach is employed to evaluate the prevalence and alignment of various sustainability and circularity indicators within international and European policies and standards at the building level. The efforts of European countries, with particular reference to Portugal and Spain, in developing circularity frameworks for the construction sector, are also explored. The identified indicators are classified into seven categories based on their impact areas: Material and Resources, Energy, Water, Waste Management, Ecosystem, Social, and Economic. Each category and its subset indicators are analysed in detail. Finally, the chapter provides recommendations for further research to enhance the integration of CE principles into the design processes of the construction sector, thereby contributing to a more sustainable built environment.
Circularity Tools and Frameworks for Existing Buildings
Authors: Abu-Ghaida Haitham , Rosado Leonardo
Published: October 2024

As the world embraces sustainable practices, the concept of circularity has become increasingly important, especially in the context of existing buildings. This chapter comprehensively analyses circularity tools and methods, focusing on their application in the built environment. By examining a variety of tools—both quantitative and qualitative—we explore their methodologies, information requirements, and levels of detail. This structured approach systematically evaluates products, materials, and systems in terms of their potential to support a closed-loop materials flow. Our analysis highlights the necessity of continuously updating and refining these tools to incorporate the latest data, trends, and technologies, guiding the construction and urban development sectors toward a more sustainable future. The chapter is a valuable resource for practitioners, researchers, and policymakers seeking to enhance the sustainability of existing buildings.
Analysis of Africa’s Business to Consumer E-commerce Development and Outlook on China’s Investment in Africa
Authors: Wang Zhan , Liu Ruoyun , Wang Siqian
Published: October 2024

The development of Africa’s economy and trade and China's investment in Africa have become the focus of scholars’ research in recent years. Taking Africa's Business to Consumer e-commerce as the research object, this chapter analyses the development of e-commerce in typical African countries from four aspects: information technology, economic development, logistics facilities and e-commerce-related laws and regulations and analyses the characteristics and trends of e-commerce development in Africa. We use literature analysis in this chapter. Based on our analysis, it is recommended that Chinese enterprises invest in Africa mainly in the infrastructure, logistics industry, e-commerce platforms and third-party payment platforms.
Riding the Dragon: A Framework for Productive Collaboration
Authors: E Little Stephen
Published: October 2024

This chapter explores the prospect for effective STI collaboration between Africa and China by examining the comparative and competitive advantages they have made that country a key contributor to a globalised economy and by identifying the obstacles and opportunities for effective African engagement with the current stage of globalisation. It evaluates the context of China’s recent engagement with Africa, sets out the challenges presented by postcolonial relationships across the continent and identifies the material, institutional and human resources with which African countries can contribute to the challenges and opportunities presented by the threat of climate change and the potential of a Fourth Industrial Revolution.
A nomogram to predict “pure” vs. “mixed” uric acid urinary stones
Authors: Zieber Liran , Creiderman Gherman , Krenawi Muhammad , Rothenstein Daniel , Enikeev Dmitry , Ehrlich Yaron , Lifshitz David
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Uric acid stones (UAS) can be treated non-invasively by oral chemolysis. However, it is crucial to identify individuals who are most likely to benefit from this approach, specifically, patients with pure UAS. The aim of this study was to develop a nomogram that can differentiate between pure and mixed UAS.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of demographic, clinical and stone composition data of patients with a predominant UAS composition (≥ 50%) treated between 2014 and 2022.

Results

A total of 135 patients were included in the analysis, 37.8% had mixed UAS (50–90% UA) and 62.2% had pure UAS (≥ 95% UA). The mean stone density and the percentage of radiopaque stones in the pure UAS group were significantly lower than those in the mixed UAS group (450 Hounsfield Units [HU] vs. 600 HU, and 24% vs. 58%, respectively). A stepwise multivariate logistic regression revealed that lower stone density, bigger size, decreased stone opacity and older age are predictive variables for pure UAS. Accordingly, a nomogram was generated with a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve that showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.78. A patient with a total score of 156 has a probability of > 95% for pure UAS.

Conclusion

Imaging and demographic data can be used to identify patients with pure UAS. The nomogram may be useful for counseling patients regarding oral chemolysis. Future validation of the nomogram with a different data set is required to assess its efficacy.
Talking About Incarceration History: Engaging Patients and Healthcare Providers in Communication
Authors: Patil Ankita , Hutchins GeorgePatrick J. , Dabbara Harika , Handunge Veronica L. , Lewis-O’Connor Annie , Vanjani Rahul , Botero Monik C.
Published: October 2024

Background

Incarcerated individuals in carceral facilities demonstrate an elevated prevalence of chronic disease conditions which are likely to persist post-release. Healthcare providers may not be trained on how exposure to incarceration may influence patient health outcomes and patient-provider communication.

Objective

To examine the self-perceived preparedness of healthcare providers to interview patients regarding history of incarceration and the potential related health consequences.

Design

This cross-sectional study consisted of a web-based self-administered questionnaire distributed via email to a random sample of healthcare providers in the Department of Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Participants

In total, 400 healthcare providers were invited to participate; 114 respondents completed the survey, of which 26% were medical doctors (n=30), 41% were physician assistants (n=47), and 32% were nurse practitioners (n=37).

Main Measures

Understanding healthcare provider training in caring for formerly incarcerated patients, current treatment practices and confidence caring for patients who have experienced incarceration, and implications for clinical care.

Key Results

Of 114 respondents, 73% reported that they currently care for formerly incarcerated patients. However, only 8% received specialized training for the care of formerly incarcerated patients. While most respondents did not ask their patients about prior history of incarceration (81%), when asked about comfortability in doing so, 60% reported low levels of comfort. Most providers (77%) reported high agreement that incarceration impacted health, with 54% reporting that it led to significant healthcare access barriers, but 64% reported low confidence levels in addressing the needs of formerly incarcerated patients.

Conclusions

Healthcare workers recognized incarceration as a detrimental health exposure. However, providers reported low levels of confidence in understanding and addressing the unique needs of patients who experienced incarceration. Findings support the need for further training regarding how to address the needs of formerly incarcerated patients, which would support efforts towards achieving equitable healthcare.
Multifunctional Nacre-Like Nanocomposite Papers for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding via Heterocyclic Aramid/MXene Template-Assisted In-Situ Polypyrrole Assembly
Authors: Xiong Jinhua , Zhao Xu , Liu Zonglin , Chen He , Yan Qian , Lian Huanxin , Chen Yunxiang , Peng Qingyu , He Xiaodong
Published: October 2024

Robust, ultra-flexible, and multifunctional MXene-based electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding nanocomposite films exhibit enormous potential for applications in artificial intelligence, wireless telecommunication, and portable/wearable electronic equipment. In this work, a nacre-inspired multifunctional heterocyclic aramid (HA)/MXene@polypyrrole (PPy) (HMP) nanocomposite paper with large-scale, high strength, super toughness, and excellent tolerance to complex conditions is fabricated through the strategy of HA/MXene hydrogel template-assisted in-situ assembly of PPy. Benefiting from the "brick-and-mortar" layered structure and the strong hydrogen-bonding interactions among MXene, HA, and PPy, the paper exhibits remarkable mechanical performances, including high tensile strength (309.7 MPa), outstanding toughness (57.6 MJ m−3), exceptional foldability, and structural stability against ultrasonication. By using the template effect of HA/MXene to guide the assembly of conductive polymers, the synthesized paper obtains excellent electronic conductivity. More importantly, the highly continuous conductive path enables the nanocomposite paper to achieve a splendid EMI shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) of 54.1 dB at an ultra-thin thickness (25.4 μm) and a high specific EMI SE of 17,204.7 dB cm2 g−1. In addition, the papers also have excellent applications in electromagnetic protection, electro-/photothermal de-icing, thermal therapy, and fire safety. These findings broaden the ideas for developing high-performance and multifunctional MXene-based films with enormous application potential in EMI shielding and thermal management.
CAR-T cell therapy shines as a beam of hope in the fight against acute leukemia
Authors: Sun Wei , Huang Xiao-Jun
Published: October 2024

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy presents a promising approach for treating certain types of hematological malignancies. In this article, we have conducted a thorough review of the history and development of CAR-T cell therapy and outlined its high efficacy in the field of acute leukemia. It is believed that the combination of CAR-T cell therapy with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) has led to improved outcomes in patients with relapsed or refractory acute leukemia, based on the available data. Furthermore, we have brought to light the challenges that are associated with CAR-T cell therapy.
Effects of changing veterinary handling techniques on canine behaviour and physiology Part 2: Behavioural measurements
Authors: Squair Camille , Proudfoot Kathryn , Montelpare William , Doucette Tracy , Overall Karen L
Published: October 2024

Signs of distress in dogs during veterinary visits are often normalised rather than viewed as welfare concerns. Interventions designed to reduce fear during veterinary visits were evaluated to see if they affected dogs’ behaviours compared to dogs without interventions. Twenty-eight dogs were examined at four visits across eight weeks. Dogs were randomised into intervention (distress reduction/adaptive care) and control groups (standard care) and evaluated via the Working Dog Questionnaire – Pet Dog Version (WDQ-Pet). At visit 1 (baseline) all dogs received the control protocol. Homework was assigned following visit 1 to practice collaborative examination (intervention) or to pet the dog (control) for the same allotted time. At each visit, behaviours were scored (clinical stress score) via video and in-person observations when dogs entered the hospital, stepped onto a scale to be weighed, entered the exam room, at the beginning and end of examination, and after venipuncture. There were no differences between groups at visit 1, or across visits entering the hospital or exam room. At visit 4, intervention scores either decreased or remained low when weighed, and at the beginning and end of the physical exam. Control scores were significantly higher than the intervention scores during these periods. Reduced clinical stress scores indicate intervention dogs had improved care experience compared to the control. The study results highlight the value of applying simple and adaptable interventions, ultimately leading to improved animal care and welfare.
Opportunity Costs and Resource Allocation Problems: Epistemology for Finite Minds
Authors: Begby Endre
Published: October 2024

Overwhelmingly, philosophers tend to work on the assumption that epistemic justification is a normative status that supervenes on the relation between a cognitive subject, some body of evidence, and a particular proposition (or “hypothesis”). This article will explore some motivations for moving in the direction of a rather different view. On this view, we are invited to think of the relevant epistemic norm(s) as applying more widely to the competent exercise of epistemic agency, where it is understood that cognitive subjects are simultaneously engaged in a number of different epistemic pursuits (distinct “lines of inquiry”), each placing irreconcilable demands on our limited cognitive resources. In effect, adopting this view would require shifting our normative epistemic concern away from the question of how a subject stands with respect to the evidence bearing on the hypothesis at stake in any one line of inquiry, and over onto the question of how well they cope with the inherent risks of epistemic resource management across several lines of inquiry. While this conclusion brings to light important connections between practical and epistemic rationality, it does not collapse the distinction between them. It does, however, constitute a step in the direction of a more systematically developed account of “non-ideal epistemology.”
Desired Clinical Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Emergency Medicine: An International e-Delphi Study
Authors: Li Henry , Hayward Jake , Solis Aguilar Leandro , Franc Jeffrey Michael
Published: October 2024

Objective

Artificial intelligence (AI) in emergency medicine has been increasingly studied over the past decade. However, the implementation of AI requires significant buy-in from end-users. This study explored desired clinical applications of AI by emergency physicians.

Methods

A 3-round Delphi process was undertaken using STAT59 software. An international expert panel was assembled through purposeful sampling to reflect a diversity in geography, age, time in practice, practice setting, role, and expertise. Items generated in Round 1 were collated by the study team and ranked in Rounds 2 and 3 on a 7-point linear numeric scale of importance. Consensus was defined as a standard deviation of 1.0 or less.

Results

Of 66 invited experts, 29 completed Round 1, 25 completed Round 2, and 23 completed Round 3. Three statements reached consensus in Round 2 and four statements reached consensus in Round 3, including safe prescribing, guiding choice of drug, adjusting drug doses, identifying risk or prognosis, and reporting/interpreting investigation results.

Conclusions

Many desired clinical applications of AI in emergency medicine have not yet been explored. Clinical and technological experts should co-create new applications to ensure buy-in from all stakeholders. Specialty organizations can lead the way by establishing local clinical priorities.