bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation Between Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings and Advanced Practice Physiotherapists' Assessment Findings in Diagnosing Lumbosacral Radiculopathy, and the Impact of Imaging Findings on Treatment Plans: A Retrospective Clinical Audit
Authors: Tunney Áine , Chakradeo Prasad , Jones Matt , Krouwel Oliver , Zasada Matt , Cuff Andrew
Published: October 2024

Background

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is increasingly used by Advanced Practice Physiotherapists (APPs) to confirm the diagnosis of lumbosacral radiculopathy (LSR) and to exclude other spinal pathologies. There is evidence of correlation between Advanced Practice Physiotherapists' diagnosis of lumbosacral radiculopathy and positive MRI findings, but there is limited evidence regarding the correlation between the full physiotherapy assessment and MRI findings. There are also conflicting evidence regarding the effect of MRI findings on treatment planning post‐imaging.

Aims

This study aims to examine the extent to which Advanced Practice Physiotherapists' diagnoses of lumbosacral radiculopathy correlate with those made after MRI, and to examine Advanced Practice Physiotherapists use of the local MRI referral pathway with respect to treatment plans, including testing correlation between pre‐and post‐MRI treatment plans.

Methods

A cross‐sectional, multi‐centre, retrospective audit was conducted on 482 patients (276 female, 206 male) referred for lumbosacral MRI between January 2018 and December 2019. Non‐linear regression analysis was performed to examine the relationships between diagnosis and treatment plans in LSR before and after MRI.

Results

The results show a significant positive correlation (p < 0.001; R = 0.196) between pre‐ and post‐MRI diagnoses of lumbosacral radiculopathy. There was a significant positive correlation between pre‐ and post‐MRI treatment plans for LSR (p = 0.001; R = 0.159). On comparison of pre‐ and post‐MRI diagnoses of LSR, there is a weak positive correlation with high statistical significance (p < 0.001; R = 0.196). Reliability, tested using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) across the four categories, was (p = 0.041; R = 0.033). This shows a weak positive correlation with statistical significance.

Conclusions

Advanced Practice Physiotherapists can confidently diagnose and treat lumbosacral radiculopathy following initial assessment, although a minority of referrals lack a clear or appropriate treatment plan.
Phenotyping Men With Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: Results From the Symptoms of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network
Authors: Helmuth Margaret E. , Smith Abigail R. , Glaser Alexander P. , Yang Claire C. , Cameron Anne P. , Henry Lai H. , Griffith James W. , Eric Jelovsek J. , Quentin Clemens J. , Helfand Brian T. , Merion Robert M. , Andreev Victor P. ,   and the LURN Study Group
Published: October 2024

Aims

Men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) represent a heterogeneous group, and treatment decisions are often based on severity of symptoms and physical examination findings. Identification of clinically meaningful subtypes could allow for more personalized care. This study advances phenotyping efforts from the Symptoms of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network (LURN) by adding data domains to previous phenotyping using urologic symptoms alone.

Methods

Two‐hundred‐seventeen LUTS, demographics, medical history, and physical examination datapoints from the LURN Observational Cohort study were assessed among 519 men with at least one bothersome LUTS, using weighted Tanimoto indices, semi‐supervised learning, and resampling‐based consensus clustering to identify distinct clusters of participants. Differentially abundant serum proteins of 220 men were compared across identified clusters.

Results

Five refined male clusters (RM1–RM5) were identified. Two clusters reported mild LUTS (RM1: n = 66; RM2: n = 84). RM1 was older than RM2 (70.3 vs. 56.1 years), had more comorbidities (functional comorbidity index 2.4 vs. 1.5) and erectile dysfunction. Two benign prostatic hyperplasia‐like symptom clusters were identified (RM3: n = 64; RM4: n = 188). RM3 has the largest postvoid residual volume (275 mL); RM4 reported more urinary frequency, urgency, urinary incontinence, pain, and psychosocial symptoms. RM5 (n = 119) was characterized by urgency urinary incontinence, frequency, and significant comorbidities and psychosocial symptoms. Fifteen (RM2) to 87 (RM1) differentially abundant proteins were identified within each cluster. Minimal overlap was observed between affected proteins and pathways across clusters.

Conclusions

Protein signatures across newly discovered subgroups suggest identified subtypes are biochemically distinct. Findings should be validated, but may represent populations with separate pathophysiology and therapeutic needs.

Clinical Trial Registration

The LURN ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier is NCT02485808.
A Blockchain‐Based Proxy Re‐Encryption Scheme With Cryptographic Reverse Firewall for IoV
Authors: Jin Chunhua , Chen Zhiwei , Qin Wenyu , Sun Kaijun , Chen Guanhua , Chen Liqing
Published: October 2024

As the internet of vehicles (IoV) technology develops, it promotes the intelligent interaction among vehicles, roadside units, and the environment. Nevertheless, it also brings vehicle information security challenges. In recent years, vehicle data sharing is suffering to algorithm substitution attacks (ASA), which means backdoor adversaries can carry out filtering attacks through data sharing. Therefore, this paper designs a blockchain‐based proxy re‐encryption (PRE) scheme with cryptographic reverse firewall (BIBPR‐CRF) for IoV. In our proposal, CRF can promise the internal safety of vehicle units. More specifically, it can prevent ASA attacks while ensuring chosen plaintext attack (CPA)‐security. Meanwhile, the PRE algorithm can provide the confidential sharing and secure operation of data. Moreover, we use a consortium blockchain service center (CBSC) to store the first ciphertext and re‐encrypt it with smart contracts on the blockchain, which can avoid single point of failure and achieve higher efficiency compared to proxy servers. Finally, we evaluate the performance of BIBPR‐CRF with regard to communication cost, computational cost, and energy consumption. Our proposal is the most fitting for IoV application, in contrast with the other three schemes.
Agriculture students’ weed collections: Choices of plants and errors in identification
Authors: Wees David
Published: October 2024

Requiring students to create weed collections is a common technique for teaching weed identification. Data compiled over 18 years from students’ weed collections in a college‐level course included over 350 species of plants. Almost half of the specimens belonged to the Asteraceae or Poaceae. The 30 most frequently collected species accounted for almost two‐thirds of the specimens but Chenopodium album L., the most frequently collected species, accounted for only 4.8% of the total. Overall, 73.1% of specimens were correctly identified to species. Five species (Abutilon theophrasti Medik., Vicia cracca L., Portulaca oleracea L., Plantago major L., and Asclepias syriaca L.) were correctly identified at least 97% of the time. Misidentification was highest with Scorzoneroides autumnalis (L.) Moench [synonym (syn.) Leontodon autumnalis L.], Malva neglecta Wallroth, Erysiumum cheiranthoides L., Echinochloa crus‐galli (L.) Beauv., and Erigeron canadensis L. (syn. Conyza canadensis) and within the genera Sonchus L., Setaria P. Beauv., and Digitaria Haller. Misidentification was the lowest in the Equisetaceae, Apocynaceae, Oxalidaceae, and Plantaginaceae and highest in the Lamiaceae, Poaceae, Brassicaceae, and Asteraceae. Variability in individual species’ morphology may have contributed to misidentification.
Culturally appropriate options for diabetes self‐management: Results from a patient‐centered comparative effectiveness study
Authors: Page‐Reeves Janet , Murray‐Krezan Cristina , Burge Mark R. , Mishra Shiraz I. , Regino Lidia , Bleecker Molly , Rodriguez Daniel Perez , McGrew Hannah Cole , Bearer Elaine L. , Erhardt Erik
Published: October 2024

This project compared the effectiveness of two evidence‐based models of culturally competent diabetes health promotion: the diabetes self‐management support empowerment model (DSMS) and the chronic care model (CCM). Our primary outcome was improvement in patient capacity for diabetes self‐management as measured by the diabetes knowledge questionnaire (DKQ) and the patient activation measure (PAM). Our secondary outcome was patient success at diabetes self‐management as measured by improvement in A1c, depression scores using the PHQ‐9, and body mass index (BMI). We also gathered data on the cultural competence of the program using the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Cultural Competence Set. We compared patient outcomes in two existing sites in Albuquerque, New Mexico that serve a large population of Latinx diabetes patients from low‐income households. Participants were enrolled as dyads—a patient participant (n = 226) and a social support participant (n = 226). Outcomes over time and by program were analyzed using longitudinal linear mixed modeling, adjusted for patient participant demographic characteristics and other potential confounding covariates. Secondary outcomes were also adjusted for potential confounders. Interactions with both time and program helped to assess outcomes. This study did not find a difference between the two sites with respect to the primary outcome measures and only one of the three secondary outcomes showed differential results. The main difference between programs was that depression decreased more for CCM than for DSMS. An exploratory, subgroup analysis revealed that at CCM, patient participants with a very high A1c (>10) demonstrated a clinically meaningful decrease. However, given the higher cultural competence rating for the CCM, statistically significant improvement in depression, and the importance of social support to the patients, results suggest that a culturally and contextually situated diabetes self‐management and education program design may deliver benefit for patients, especially for patients with higher A1c levels.

Key Points

The team was interdisciplinary.

The information presented describes results of both qualitative and quantitative data and involves interpretations that are interdisciplinary in nature.

The study design used methods from multiple disciplines.
Impact of eating behavior on 24‐month weight change after treatment of severe obesity—A clinical prospective cohort study
Authors: Björkman Sofia , Höskuldsdóttir Gudrún , Mossberg Karin , Laurenius Anna , Engström My , Fändriks Lars , Eliasson Björn , Wallengren Ola , Larsson Ingrid
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of self‐reported baseline eating behaviors on 24‐month weight change in adults with severe obesity.

Methods

A prospective, nonrandomized clinical cohort study on surgical and medical obesity treatment included 971 adults (75% women) with a mean BMI of 42.0 (SD 4.9) kg/m2. To assess baseline eating behaviors and binge eating disorder, the Questionnaire on Eating and Weight Patterns‐Revised and the Three‐Factor Eating Questionnaire were used.

Results

In analyses adjusted for treatment, age, sex, baseline weight, and BMI, those with nocturnal eating lost less weight (3.5 kg [95% CI: 0.02–6.9]; p < 0.05) at 24 months compared to those without nocturnal eating. Binge eating disorder was not significantly associated with weight loss over 24 months. Emotional eating was associated with less weight loss at 12 months: 1.16 kg per z score (95% CI: 0.37–1.95; p < 0.05). Compared with completers, dropout from medical obesity treatment was associated with emotional and uncontrolled eating at baseline (both p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The association between pretreatment eating behaviors and weight change was found to be generalizable and not restricted to any specific treatment. Certain eating behaviors may affect weight loss as well as attrition. Identifying eating behaviors that may impair treatment efficacy are suggested in the treatment of severe obesity.
Investigation of mixed matrix membranes of graphene and acid‐treated graphene fillers in cellulose acetate and polyetherimide polymers for CO2 separation from biogas
Authors: Nayak Bharat , Kuncharam Bhanu Vardhan Reddy
Published: October 2024

Gas separation membranes are crucial for upgrading biogas by separating carbon dioxide (CO2) from biogas, thereby enhancing its calorific value and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This study aims to improve CO2/CH4 separation using mixed‐matrix membranes (MMMs) by incorporating graphene (Gr) and acid‐treated graphene (AGr) fillers in a cellulose acetate (CA) polymer matrix. Similarly, polyetherimide (PEI) MMMs were also prepared with Gr and AGr fillers to draw a comparison. Various characterization techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, field emission scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction, were employed to investigate the structural and morphological properties of the membranes and fillers. Gas permeation tests using a model biogas mixture (40% CO2 and 60% CH4) revealed that the 0.1%AGr/CA membrane achieved the highest CO2 permeability of 43 Barrers, which is approximately 307% more than that of the pure CA membrane, and showed a CO2/CH4 selectivity of 14.80. The 0.5%Gr/PEI membrane demonstrated the best performance among PEI‐based MMMs, with a CO2 permeability of 17.48 Barrers and a CO2/CH4 selectivity of 8.96. These results indicate that the incorporation of Gr and AGr significantly enhances the gas separation performance over pure CA and PEI membranes.

Highlights

Graphene (G) and acid‐treated Gr‐based cellulose acetate (CA) and polyetherimide (PEI) mixed‐matrix membranes (MMMs) were fabricated.

Model biogas was used for testing CO2 and CH4 gas permeation.

The 0.1% AGr/CA MMM showed 307% higher CO2 permeability than pure CA.

The 0.5% Gr/PEI MMM showed 435% higher CO2 permeabilit than pure PEI.

Structural properties were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, field emission scanning electron microscopy, Raman, and X‐ray diffraction.
Experimental validation of effective glass transition temperature‐based model for predicting skin thickness in solid‐state microcellular foams
Authors: Sridhar Santhosh , Kumar Vipin , Meza Lucas , Salviato Marco
Published: October 2024

The solid‐state foaming process produces microcellular foams with an outer layer of solid skin that encapsulates the cellular core. In this article, we implement a 1D model to predict the thickness of the solid skin based on the effective Tg of the polymer‐gas system for a given foaming temperature. The model is based on the understanding that bubbles nucleate when the foaming temperature exceeds the effective Tg during the foaming process. The model was validated with experimental results on the PC‐CO2 system, which showed that skin thickness decreases with increased foaming temperature. We also developed a linear correlation to accurately predict effective Tg at different CO2 concentrations. The article also explores the model sensitivity to the key input parameters related to gas diffusion.

Highlights

Linear correlation to accurately predict effective Tg profiles in PC‐CO2 system.

Increasing foaming temperature decreases skin thickness.

Model is sensitive to the input parameters related to gas diffusion.
Antibacterial Peptide Nisin Activates p53 Gene Expression and Triggers Apoptosis in Human Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Mohan Latha Kumari Adithya , Biju Latha Chempakam , Padmanabhan Renjini Ambika , Vijayakumar Nithin , Ramachandran Rajesh
Published: October 2024

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are renowned for their broad‐spectrum efficacy against viruses, bacteria, and fungi, thereby holding promise for medicinal applications. Nisin, a bacteriocin synthesized by gram‐positive bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Streptococcus, has been used as a food preservative owing to its antimicrobial characteristics for decades. However, recent developments prompt further research on its application as therapeutic interventions, mainly focusing on anticancer activity. In line with this, the present study portrays the effects of nisin on human colorectal cancer cells and the underlying molecular mechanisms. A dose‐dependent decrease in cell viability with increasing concentrations of nisin was determined by the Alamar blue viability assay, which was supported by significant morphological changes in cells. Subsequently, we probed the apoptotic effects of nisin using EtBr/AO staining, confirming the induction of apoptosis upon nisin treatment, which was further confirmed by ELISA analysis. Elevated levels of Caspase 7 indicated increased apoptosis in nisin‐treated cells. As pharmaceutical p53 reactivation is considered as an attractive strategy to combat chemoresistance and adverse effects, the effect of nisin on p53 expression was determined by mRNA analysis. An upregulation in p53 expression in nisin‐treated cells compared to untreated controls suggests that bacterial nisin reactivates mutated p53. To assess cell cycle dynamics, we utilized PI flow cytometry, unveiling a G0/G1 phase arrest in nisin‐treated cells in contrast to untreated controls. In summary, our results strongly advocate the potential of nisin as a compelling candidate for drug development against colorectal cancer.
Fabrication of In2S3 and In–Ga–S Thin Films via Atmosphere‐Controlled Fine‐Channel Mist Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Funaki Akihiro , Araki Yohei , Nishimura Takahito , Yamada Akira
Published: October 2024

In the field of thin‐film solar cells, there is a growing need for cadmium‐free buffer layers and fabrication techniques that are both cost‐effective and environmentally friendly. In this study, the deposition of In2S3 and In–Ga–S thin films as alternative buffer layer materials in thin‐film solar cells, using mist chemical vapor deposition (CVD) at atmospheric pressure, is focused on. Indium diethyldithiocarbamate (DTC) and gallium DTC dissolved in dehydrated tetrahydrofuran are used as precursors. The deposited In2S3 demonstrates a wider direct bandgap (Eg‐dir ≈ 2.7 eV) than CdS, showing a potential for reducing parasitic absorption. Introducing a certain amount of gallium into In2S3 induces structural changes, resulting in a wider bandgap material. This bandgap widening primarily lowers electron affinity, making it beneficial for absorber materials with wider bandgap energies. Overall, the In2S3 and In–Ga–S thin films deposited via mist CVD exhibit preferable properties as alternatives to the CdS buffer layer. Moreover, the deposition technique proposed in this study can be adapted for the nonvacuum and cost‐effective deposition of other sulfide materials.
Testing a spaceborne passive‐microwave severe hail retrieval over Argentina using ground‐based dual‐polarization radar data
Authors: Galligani Vito S. , Bang Sarah D. , Cancelada Maite , Salio Paola , Bechis Hernan , Mezher Romina , Granato Agustin
Published: October 2024

Passive‐microwave hail detection methods rely on the scattering signal produced by large ice hydrometeors. Recently, passive‐microwave hail retrieval methods have been trained by pairing Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Microwave Imager (TMI) and Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Microwave Imager (GMI) data with United States surface hail reports to present a global hail climatology. In particular, Southeastern South America (SESA) stands out as a hotspot for hail occurrence, more specifically northeastern Argentina. However, the analysis performed with the available ground hail reports in Argentina shows some differences from the available ground hail reports in Argentina, as it locates the most frequent hail storms in the southwestern (Mendoza and Córdoba) and northeastern (Misiones) regions of SESA. To assess the retrieval from a regional perspective, we take a case study approach and focus on polarization‐corrected temperature features (PCTFs) with a detected . We mainly rely on polarimetric weather radars and a hydrometeor identification algorithm (HID) as a proxy for ground truth. Results indicate that the hail retrieval responds mainly to low 37‐GHz polarized corrected (brightness) temperatures (PCTs) and large PCTF area, while HID outputs show that high probabilities of hail also correspond to abundantly suspended graupel. The observed passive‐microwave hail detection hotspot could be influenced by mesoscale convective systems with deep columns of graupel‐sized frozen hydrometeors, common in northeastern Argentina.
Growth pattern and turnover of carbon and nitrogen measured by stable isotope ratios in the hair of sika deer (Cervus nippon)
Authors: Hata Ayaka , Inoue Anna , Nakajima Yasuhiro , Uno Hikaru , Naganuma Tomoko , Shimamoto Tatsuki
Published: October 2024

Rationale

Hair is known to preserve diet history and other physiological information during its growth period and is often used in chemical analyses. However, the growth patterns and turnover of hair vary according to the animal species or habitat, so understanding these patterns in the target animal is necessary for interpreting the results of hair analyses. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the growth pattern and dietary information of winter coat hair in captive sika deer (Cervus nippon).

Methods

Experiments involving hair‐staining and shaving were conducted to elucidate the growth pattern of sika deer hair. A diet‐switching experiment was conducted to ascertain what dietary information is reflected in the carbon and nitrogen stable isotope values of the deer winter coat. Hair samples collected from each body site (head, shoulder, back, and hip) were analyzed using an elemental analyser interfaced with an isotope‐ratio mass spectrometer.

Results

The winter coat grows from early September to early November, and then stops after that. During the growth period of the winter coat, the hair of the shoulder and back grew at a constant rate. The carbon and nitrogen stable isotope values of hair reflected the deer's feeding history during hair growth, but there seemed to be a time lag in the hip hair.

Conclusions

The results suggest that the guard hair of the shoulder is suitable for hair analysis in sika deer. The obtained information on growth patterns and isotopic change of hair from captive sika deer according to diet be useful for interpreting the results of future analyses using hair samples of wild deer.
Infective endocarditis due to nasal septal perforation during home oxygen therapy
Authors: Shinfuku Kyota , Takasaka Naoki , Ohashi Ryutaro , Fukuda Taiki , Takatsuka Makiko , Sato Ryo , Mita Mitsuyoshi , Hasegawa Tsukasa , Yamada Masami , Yamanaka Yumie , Hosaka Yusuke , Ryu Kai , Hoshina Tokio , Takeda Hiroshi , Ishikawa Takeo , Araya Jun
Published: October 2024

We report a case of infective endocarditis (IE) due to nasal septal perforation during Home oxygen therapy (HOT). A 64‐year‐old man with a history of interstitial pneumonia (IP) and on HOT was hospitalized for dyspnea. Methicillin‐sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) was repeatedly detected in blood cultures. Echocardiography revealed tricuspid valve vegetation and regurgitation. The patient was diagnosed with IE, according to the modified Duke criteria. A full‐body examination revealed nasal septal perforation and MSSA was isolated from the nasal cavity. The patient was treated with cefazolin and clindamycin. However, he developed aspiration pneumonia and subsequently died. The portal of entry of MSSA was damaged nasal mucosa, caused by dryness and curettage of the dried nasal mucus during HOT. Nasal septal perforation, a potential complication of HOT, may cause severe bacterial infections. Consequently, diligent nasal care is crucial during HOT.
Extended 73‐month survival in an elderly patient with BRAF V600E‐mutated lung adenocarcinoma: A case report
Authors: Namba Kensuke , Isobe Kazutoshi , Wakabayashi Hiroki , Ohashi Ryogo , Sakurai Hiromasa , Sakai Daiki , Irie Yusuke , Takashima Kenta , Murakami Yu , Kaneko Kaichi , Hiruta Nobuyuki , Matsuzawa Yasuo
Published: October 2024

BRAF is a mediator that activates the mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway. A mutation in BRAF can cause abnormal pathway activation, leading to cell proliferation. In a Phase II study, the combination therapy of the BRAF inhibitor dabrafenib and the MEK inhibitor trametinib was found to be effective in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with the BRAF mutation. However, this study has limited efficacy and safety data for elderly patients. We present a case of a patient who started treatment at 87 years old and showed a good prognosis, remaining alive 73 months from the start of treatment with no significant adverse events. The patient also maintained a partial response (PR) according to RECIST 1.1 at the last follow‐up. This case suggests that the dabrafenib and trametinib combination therapy is safe and effective for elderly NSCLC patients with the BRAF mutation.
Intelligent Hydrogel with Physiologically Dependent Capacities of Photothermal Conversion and Nanocatalytic Medicine to Integratively Inhibit Bacteria and Inflammation for On‐Demand Treatment of Infected Wound
Authors: Mu Wenyun , Liu Jie , Zhang Handan , Weng Lin , Liu Tao , Chen Xin
Published: October 2024

Although chemodynamic therapy (CDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) based on a variety of nanoparticles have been developed to achieve effective anti‐bacterial therapy, the limited therapeutic efficiency of CDT alone, as well as the undifferentiated damage of PTT to both bacteria and surrounding healthy tissue are still challenges for their clinical application of infected wounds treatments. In addition, during the CDT and PTT‐mediated antimicrobial processes, the endogenous macrophages would be easily converted to pro‐inflammatory macrophages (M1 phenotype) under local ROS and hyperthermia to promote inflammation, resulting in unexpected suppression of tissue regeneration and possible wound deterioration. To address these problems, a biodegradable sodium alginate/hyaluronic acid hydrogel loaded with functional CeO2‐Au nano‐alloy (AO@ACP) is fabricated to not only achieve precise and efficient antibacterial activity through infection‐environment dependent photothermal‐chemodynamic therapy but also rapidly eliminate the excess reactive oxygens (ROS) in the M1 type macrophage at the infected area to induce their polarization to M2 type for significant inhibition of inflammation and remarkable enhancement of tissue regeneration, hopefully developing an effective strategy to treat infected wound.
The Rise of Tandem Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diode
Authors: Lim Eng Liang , Chen Xi , Wei Zhanhua
Published: October 2024

In 2024, tandem perovskite light‐emitting diodes (tandem‐PLEDs) achieved a breakthrough external quantum efficiency of 43.42%, with an organic electroluminescence (EL) unit stacked atop a perovskite EL unit, surpassing the previous single‐junction perovskite LEDs. This innovative design enables a higher brightness at lower currents, enhancing the longevity and efficiency of the tandem‐PLEDs. Additionally, the tandem‐PLEDs can also be fabricated by combining a perovskite EL unit with a perovskite quantum dot unit. In this perspective, the key advancements in tandem‐PLEDs are highlighted, focusing on the development of perovskite‐organic materials, perovskite‐perovskite quantum dots, and the design principles for obtaining efficient and stable charge generation layers. But more importantly, the challenges and solutions are discussed in fabricating all‐perovskite tandem LEDs using strongly polar solvents that have yet to be reported nowadays. This comprehensive guide aims to support researchers in advancing the practical deployment of tandem‐PLED technology.
Modification dx2−y2${{d}_{{{x}^2} - {{y}^2}}}$ Orbital Electronic States in Nickel‐Based Hydroxides Via Cobalt/Iron Co‐Doping for High‐Efficiency Methanol Electrooxidation
Authors: Li Junhua , Wu Chao , Wang Zhen , Meng Haoyan , Zhang Qi , Tang Ying , Zou Anqi , Zhang Yiming , Xi Shibo , Xue Junmin , Wang Xiaopeng , Wu Jiagang
Published: October 2024

The nickel hydroxide‐based (Ni(OH)2) methanol‐to‐formate electrooxidation reaction (MOR) performance is greatly related to the orbital electronic states. Hence, optimizing the orbital electronic states to achieve enhanced MOR activities are highly desired. Here, cobalt (Co) and iron (Fe) doping are used to modify the orbital electronic states. Although both dopants can broaden the orbital; however, Co doping leads to an elevation in the energy level of highest occupied crystal orbital (HOCO), whereas Fe doping results in its reduction. Such a discrepancy in the regulation of orbital electronic states stems from the disparate partial electron transfer mechanisms amongst these transition metal ions, which possess distinct energy level and occupancy of d orbitals. Motivated by this finding, the NiCoFe hydroxide is prepared and exhibited an excellent MOR performance. The results showed that the Co dopants effectively suppress the partial electron transfer from Ni to Fe, combined with the orbital broadening induced by NiO6 octahedra distortion, endowing NiCoFe hydroxide with high HOCO and broad orbital. It is believed that the work gives an in‐depth understanding on orbital electronic states regulation in Ni(OH)2, which is beneficial for designing Ni(OH)2‐based catalysts with high MOR performance.
Multi‐objective based container placement strategy in CaaS
Authors: Khan Md. Akram , Sahoo Bibhudatta , Mishra Sambit Kumar , Shankar Achyut
Published: October 2024

In contrast to a conventional virtual machine (VM), a container is a lightweight virtualization technology. Containers are becoming a prominent technology for cloud services because of their portable, scalable, and flexible deployments, especially in the Internet of Things (IoT), smart devices, and fog and edge computing. It is a type of operating system‐level virtualization in which the kernel allows multiple isolated containers to run independently. Container placement (CP) is a nontrivial problem in Container‐as‐a‐Service (CaaS). CP is mapping to a container over virtual machines (VMs) to execute an application. Designing an efficient CP strategy is complex due to several intertwined challenges. These challenges arise from a diverse spectrum of computing resources, like on‐demand and unpredictable fluctuations of IT resources by multiple tenants. In this article, we propose a modified sum‐based container placement algorithm called a multi‐objective optimization‐based container placement algorithm (MSBCPA). In the proposed algorithm, we have considered two metrics: makespan and monetary costs for optimizing available IT resources. We have conducted comprehensive simulation experiments to validate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm over the CloudSim 4.0 simulator. The proposed optimization algorithm (MSBCPA) aims to minimize the makespan and the execution monetary costs simultaneously. In the simulation, we found that the execution cost and energy consumption cost reduce by 20% to 30% and achieve the best possible cost‐makespan trade‐offs compared to competing algorithms.
Enhancing DC Microgrids Stability by Integrating DAB Converters with Consensus Algorithms for Bus Voltage Drop Mitigation
Authors: Pham Minh Duc , Tran Nguyen Dang Khoa , Truong Phuoc Hoa , Nguyen Duc Hung
Published: October 2024

Renewable energy sources (RESs) have become a prominent trend in the development of energy systems in many countries. To manage RESs, microgrids have emerged as an efficient and optimal solution. However, a microgrid might occasionally have problems like overloading and voltage sag. To address this problem, this paper proposes a technique that combines a consensus algorithm and a dual active bridge (DAB) to transfer energy between two different microgrids. A detection technique for overloading and voltage sag is part of the proposed control approach. In these circumstances, the DAB facilitates consensus adjustments to the stable microgrid current to bring it into balance with the overloaded current. By applying this proposed control method, voltage drops are significantly reduced, leading to an improvement in the power system quality. The simulation results of the microgrid and a scaled‐down laboratory system are conducted to verify the feasibility of the proposed control scheme. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
An Efficient Time‐Sensitive Networking Traffic Scheduling Method for Train Communication Network
Authors: Zhu Guangchao , Nie Xiaobo , Li Yangtao , Ma Ke , Yang Yueyi
Published: October 2024

As a critical system of rail train, the train communication network (TCN) is an integrated central platform that is used to realize the train operation control, condition monitoring, and data transmission. With the development of train intelligence, the scale of data flow in TCN continues to expand, and the control data and monitoring data must be real‐time transmitted to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the train. Time‐sensitive network (TSN) can be applied as the next‐generation TCN solution, which provides end‐to‐end data transmission with extremely low delay and high reliability based on Ethernet. For the application of TSN technology in TCN, a single frame simple scheduling method is proposed to effectively reduce the worst end‐to‐end delay of the entire network, which improve the real‐time performance of TSN‐based TCN. The network topology and data flow characteristics in TCN are analyzed, a series of scheduling constraints are constructed, and the satisfiability modulo theories (SMT) is used to obtain a gate control list (GCL) to ensure the real‐time performance of time‐trigger streams. Finally, the TCN simulation model is established using OMnet++ software, the experiment results show that the proposed method can effectively reduce the overall delay and jitter, and meet the real‐time requirement of TCN. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Small cyst size and lack of growth as negative predictors of malignant transformation in low‐risk intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Meziani Jihane , Sprij Marloes L. J. A. , Fuhler Gwenny M. , Bruno Marco J. , Marchegiani Giovanni , Cahen Djuna L.
Published: October 2024

Background and Aim

For branch‐duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (BD‐IPMNs) without worrisome features (WFs) or high‐risk stigmata (HRS), current guidelines recommend surveillance. However, these intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMNs), especially the small and stable‐sized ones, carry a low risk of malignant transformation. Our aim was to assess whether small cyst size and absence of rapid growth provide reassurance against the development of WFs/HRS and malignancy (high‐grade dysplasia (HGD) or pancreatic cancer (PC)).

Methods

PubMed/Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library and the Web of Science Core Collection were systematically searched from inception to May 2023 to identify studies investigating surveillance outcomes of low‐risk BD‐IPMNs. Studies assessing baseline cyst size and/or growth in relation to WFs/HRS and/or HGD/PC were included. The Newcastle‐Ottawa scale tool was used to assess study quality.

Results

Of the 1937 identified manuscripts, 21 studies were eligible for inclusion. The quality of these studies was considered reasonable. A negative association between cyst size and WFs/HRS development was found in 11 out of 13 relevant studies, but only one out of nine studies reported a negative association between size and malignancy. Regarding cyst growth, four out of six studies described a negative association with the development of WFs/HRS, and all six reported a negative association with malignancy. The pooled relative risk (RR) of developing WFs/HRS or malignancy for cysts ≤15 mm was 0.37 (95% CI 0.25–0.57) and the RR of developing malignancy for cyst growth <2–2.5 mm/year was 0.04 (95% CI 0.02–0.09)).

Conclusion

This systematic review and meta‐analysis shows that small and stable‐sized low‐risk BD‐IPMNs are associated with a markedly low progression rate, with stable cyst size being the most reassuring feature. Because of substantial heterogeneity in definitions and reported outcome measures, prospective studies are needed to confirm that surveillance of small and stable sized cyst can be de‐intensified or even discontinued.
Introduction: The Politics of Gender and Agriculture
Authors: Njuki Jemimah , Tufan Hale Ann , Polar Vivian , Campos Hugo , Morgan-Bell Monifa , Wilde Vicki
Published: October 2024

As researchers and practitioners at various stages of our careers and from diverse disciplines, with many decades of collective experience, we have witnessed an evolution in the theory and practice of gender and agriculture. What compelled us to put this book together was a growing sense of frustration from the global community of gender and agriculture researchers with the pervasive co-option of the “gender agenda”, along with a de-politization of its critical theories and interventions with roots in radical change. We recognize this book is a synopsis of only some possible perspectives, but in reaching out to authors to contribute, it was our aim to create an opportunity to publish the things they felt are urgent today, but perhaps felt were too disruptive, challenging or without enough space in the mainstream body of literature. In what follows, we question some of the assumptions that underpin agricultural research and development, make clear our support for the nascent rise of more feminist and rights-based development models, and set the scene for this book. We call for a reset.
Feminist Research in Agriculture: Moving Beyond Gender-Transformative Approaches
Authors: Cole Steven , Rajaratnam Surendran , Liani Millicent , Joshi Deepa , Basnet Sahara , Bisht Meera , Shijagurumayum Meghajit Sharma , Jain Mayank , Kumar Prabhat , Fischer Kaitlin , Puozaa Doris , Reyes Alfredo , Velasco Hazel
Published: October 2024

Feminist research approaches in agriculture are considerably underutilized. In this chapter, we suggest a few key reasons to help explain their lack of use in agriculture. We also provide background on what constitutes feminist research in agriculture through a review of the literature. Using a case study approach, we highlight the important and unique characteristics that define feminist research approaches in agriculture. The case studies provide examples of how researchers working in agriculture can gradually adopt key feminist research principles. We argue that to transform agrifood systems to be more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable, feminist approaches must be used in all research in agriculture. The chapter concludes by discussing what is needed to increase the use of feminist research approaches in agriculture, recognizing that resistance to change is inevitable and requires commitment at the top to spearhead efforts to institutionalize feminist approaches within agricultural research organizations.
Critical Reflections Towards Re-politicizing Gender in Agriculture
Authors: Njuki Jemimah , Tufan Hale Ann , Polar Vivian , Campos Hugo
Published: October 2024

Advancing gender equality in agriculture is an inherently political process. In providing a conclusion to an excellent set of chapters that provide critical reflections on how to navigate this political process, we call for a paradigm shift- from fixing women to fixing systems that are inequitable, unjust and undemocratic. We propose four critical steps for doing this. First is to acknowldege the gendered hierarchies and power dynamics built into the agriculture sector. Second, recognize the interconnectedness of women’s lives. Third, bring women’s rights to the fore. And fourth, re-engineer patriarchal organizations and systems to address gender-based discrimination.
Visualizing the Gendering of Agricultural Mechanization in the Global South: A Review of the Underlying Drivers
Authors: Kansanga Moses , Dinko Dinko Hannan
Published: October 2024

While mechanization has emerged as a key pathway for improving agriculture in the Global South, the materialization of its perceived benefits has been hindered by gender inequalities in technology use. Deeply connected to this gendering of technology are debates about the drivers of women’s low access to and control of mechanized agricultural technologies. Drawing on the gender mechanization literature and based on insights from mechanization research in sub-Saharan Africa, we explore the multi-scalar factors that explain the gendering of mechanized technologies in the Global South and provide policy recommendations. Overall, our analysis contributes to the gender-mechanization literature by demonstrating that the masculinization of agricultural technologies is not just a product of the widely discussed role of structural factors in local agrarian spaces, but an element of the very design and engineering of mechanized technologies that attribute masculine traits to them, and the consistent deployment of gender (in)sensitive agricultural programs by governments and development partners. Given that masculinization of technology is endemic in agriculture and transcends mechanization, we identify governments and development partners as viable intermediaries who are well positioned to channel feedback on the needs of women to the agricultural machinery industry upstream, while ensuring a gender-sensitive deployment of mechanization services downstream.
Navigating the Patriarchal Politics of Institutions: Positioning Women and Gender Equality at the Center of Agricultural Development Institutions
Authors: Njuki Jemimah , Kaaria Susan , Kangogo Ednah , Macharia Kenneth , Malapit Hazel , Mboo-Tchouawou Michèle , Tanaka Sonja
Published: October 2024

While the lens of patriarchy has been used to understand the gendered power dynamics at different levels of society, research and development organizations have not been subjected to the same analysis. This chapter explores the gendered nature of organizations, using four key elements of patriarchal organizations (i) a gendered division of labor and tasks, (ii) gendered hierarchies, (ii) rigid rules governing performance, and (iv) privileging male dominated content and processes. We discuss the implications of these characteristics on women’s engagement in research, as well as on the positioning of gender research in organizations. Using two case studies, we discuss the key ways in which organizations can be more transformative. Although different organizations are implementing strategies to address gender inequalities in organizations, including through workplace policies and mentoring and leadership programs, we conclude that these initiatives fall short of addressing the structures within organizations and that perpetuate gender-based discrimination.
From Power to Women’s Empowerment: The Missing Links
Authors: Polar Vivian , Poole Nigel
Published: October 2024

This chapter explores the instrumentalization of women’s empowerment in agricultural research for development, with particular attention on critically examining how the concept of empowerment has become understood as an externalized process that can be bestowed on women through production-oriented interventions. The chapter explores multiple manifestations of power and depicts their occurrence through experiences of women and men farmers in the Andean region. It analyzes how the use of empowerment has deviated from building agency and disrupting power dynamics, highlighting the need for a feminist and transformative conceptualization and operationalization of empowerment in the agricultural sector.
Introduction. Between Protection and Harm. Negotiated Vulnerabilities in Asylum Laws and Bureaucracies
Authors: Leboeuf Luc , Brun Cathrine , Marchetti Sabrina
Published: October 2024

This book started from a common observation: ‘Vulnerability’ is increasingly playing a role in institutional discourses and practices, when developing and implementing policies and measures towards migrants seeking protection (such as refugees and asylum seekers)—and this in a wide array of contexts, which range from organizing asylum processes in countries in the global north and evaluating asylum claims, to selecting refugees for resettlement, and to developing and implementing aid programmes for refugees in first countries of asylum that are also countries in the global south. ‘Vulnerability’ can be a criterion that asylum seekers and refugees should meet in view of accessing certain advantages—such as resettlement, specific services in reception facilities and camps (specialised healthcare, housing, etc), or procedural accommodations as part of the asylum process (additional support and delays in preparing the asylum interview, interview by a specially trained public servant, etc) (UNHCR, 2011; Dir 2013/33/EU; Dir 2013/32/EU). ‘Vulnerability’ can also be an overall consideration, to be integrated in transversal ways while designing asylum and migration policies, as well as the norms and guidelines that accompany their operationalisation (UNGA Res 73/195, Objective 7; Council of Europe, 2021). Yet, while attention to the vulnerabilities of migrants seeking protection reflects humanitarian concerns, its concrete effects still need to be considered from a critical perspective. As it plays an increasingly key role in the legal and bureaucratic processes that seek to identify migrants eligible for protection (such as the refugee status) and/or protection services (such as access to housing, food, healthcare, etc), ‘vulnerability’ turns into a selection-tool with implied exclusionary effects that may also cause harms.
Interdependencies of Vulnerability and Asylum Law Within the German Federal System
Authors: Junghans Jakob , Kluth Winfried
Published: October 2024

There are no concrete legal provisions for vulnerable asylum seekers, thus no binding regulations from the federal state. Instead, the concept of vulnerability is largely referred to informally in administrative regulations regarding certain groups, for instance those in receptions centres. Thus, there are no unified practices, which consequently produces inequal treatment of individuals depending on the localities they are assigned to or they arrived at. Comparing the various state practices and highlighting the experiences of asylum seekers, the chapter will question which approach is best suited to reduce the vulnerability of asylum seekers in Germany. It will utilize data collected through interviews with asylum seekers, public servants, social workers, and other relevant experts. As will be shown, the legal ambiguities—both at the federal and municipal level—have led to increasing differences in the municipalities and German states, which was also reflected in our interviewees’ experiences. These differences and the attempts of federal and state authorities to collaborate in matters of accommodation and return procedures will be discussed throughout this chapter, and what this all means for the vulnerability of asylum seekers.