bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Equivalences of Nonlinear Higher Order Fractional Differential Equations With Integral Equations
Authors: Lan Kunquan
Published: January 2025

Equivalences of initial value problems (IVPs) of both nonlinear higher order (Riemann–Liouville type) fractional differential equations (FDEs) and Caputo FDEs with the corresponding integral equations are studied in this paper. It is proved that the nonlinearities in the FDEs can be ‐Carathéodory with suitable conditions. The new results generalize the previous results which assumed that the nonlinearities are continuous. For the Caputo FDEs, it is shown in this paper that the continuity assumptions on the nonlinearities used in the literature before are not sufficient for the obtained equivalences. A counterexample is provided to exhibit this. The previous equivalence results with the continuity assumptions alone in the literature have been widely used to study the existence of solutions and numerical solutions of the Caputo FDEs up to now, so according to the new results obtained in this paper, there are no guarantees that the solutions of the integral equations obtained in the literature are the solutions of the Caputo FDEs. New conditions which are stronger than continuity are provided to ensure the equivalences. Sufficient conditions for solutions of the integral equations to be solutions of the Caputo FDEs are obtained. The new equivalence results and the sufficient conditions will be useful for further studying the existence of solutions and numerical solutions of the nonlinear Caputo FDEs via the corresponding integral equations.
Classification and Pixel Change Detection of Brain Tumor Using Adam Kookaburra Optimization–Based Shepard Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Abirami S. , Ramesh K. , Lalitha VaniSree K.
Published: January 2025

The uncommon growth of cells in the brain is termed as brain tumor. To identify chronic nerve problems, like strokes, brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, and dementia, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is normally utilized. Identifying the tumor on early stage can improve the patient's survival rate. However, it is difficult to identify the exact tumor region with less computational complexity. Also, the tumors can vary significantly in shape, size, and appearance, which complicates the task of correctly classifying tumor types and detecting subtle pixel changes over time. Hence, an Adam kookaburra optimization–based Shepard convolutional neural network (AKO‐based Shepard CNN) is established in this study for the classification and pixel change detection of brain tumor. The Adam kookaburra optimization (AKO) is established by integrating the kookaburra optimization algorithm (KOA) and Adam. Here, the pre‐ and post‐operative MRIs are pre‐processed and then segmented by U‐Net++. The tuning of U‐Net++ is done by the bald Border collie firefly optimization algorithm (BBCFO). The bald eagle search (BES), firefly algorithm (FA), and Border collie optimization (BCO) are combined to form the BBCFO. The next operation is the feature extraction and the classification is conducted at last using ShCNN. The AKO is utilized to tune the ShCNN for obtaining effective classification results. Unlike conventional optimization algorithms, AKO offers faster convergence and higher accuracy in classification. The highest negative predictive value (NPV), true negative rate (TNR), true positive rate (TPR), positive predictive value (PPV), and accuracy produced by the AKO‐based ShCNN are 89.91%, 92.26%, 93.78%, and 93.60%, respectively, using Brain Images of Tumors for Evaluation database (BITE).
Guar Gum: Superabsorbent Hydrogels for Dye Remediation
Authors: Pal Ishika , Chopra Lalita , Ganesan Subbulakshmi , Sharma Girish Chandra , Bhowmik Abhijit , Santhosh A. Johnson
Published: January 2025

Hydrogels are 3‐dimensional polymeric network structures that can absorb a large amount of water. The hydrogels possess remarkable hydrophilic characteristics, biocompatibility, and a high swelling ratio making them versatile in various applications. Guar gum biopolymer derived from guar beans showed hydrogel characteristics and can be modified by derivatization, copolymerization, crosslinking, and composite formation. Superabsorbent hydrogels made from guar gum have numerous applications across various industries such as agriculture for water retention in soil, drug delivery carriers, metal ion removal sorbents, dye adsorbents, environmental applications, and wastewater treatment. Dye plays an important role in water pollution. Various methods reported to remove dyes from waste water but among all the method adsorption is the best method. The use of guar gum‐based superabsorbent hydrogels not only reduces waste but also promotes the development of ecofriendly and resource‐efficient materials. This review mainly focuses on the properties of guar gum biopolymer, its modifications and its employability in various separation and enrichment techniques.
Designing Bouligand‐inspired reinforcement for creating wood fiber‐reinforced composites with excellent bending properties
Authors: He Jianmin , Cao Zhiguo , Zhang Yuhui , Hu Yingcheng
Published: January 2025

Fiber‐reinforced composites with a bionic Bouligand structure are known for their excellent mechanical properties. Currently, most of the research in this field focuses on man‐made fibers, and research on natural unidirectional fiber materials is still limited. This paper designing Bouligand‐inspired reinforcement for creating wood fiber‐reinforced composites. We investigate the effects of the helix angle on the bending properties, impact resistance and extreme environments of the material through a combination of experimental methods, finite element analysis, and theoretical modeling. Morphological analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to further explore fracture mechanisms. The findings reveal that the load–displacement curves predicted by the finite element method closely align with the experimental results. The bionic composites demonstrate not only strong bending properties but also significant impact resistance. Notably, the highest bending strength, bending modulus, and impact strength were achieved at a small helix angle of 12.8°, reaching values of 184.66 MPa, 10.21 GPa and 28.03 kJ/m2. The bouligand structure is designed to withstand extreme environments. This research significantly expands the potential applications of the bionic Bouligand structure within the realm of wood fiber‐reinforced composites.

Highlights

Preparation of Bouloigand‐like composites utilizing wood.

Helix stacking angle affects the performance of WFRCs.

Finite element analysis was employed to predict the mechanical properties.

“Green” composites exhibit exceptional mechanical properties.

Expanding the application areas of wood fiber‐reinforced composites.
Nanofibers based on MEH‐PPV‐P3HT: Elaboration and characterization
Authors: Mbarek M. , Ltayef M. , Almoneef M. , Alimi K.
Published: January 2025

One‐dimensional polymer‐based nano‐structures such as nanofibers and nanotubes are intensively investigated since they show improved properties, as well as new paradigms for optical, optoelectronic, and photonic devices. The main objective of this work is oriented to synthesize of nanofibers based on a new conjugated copolymer MEHPPV‐P3HT. In this direction, the synthesis procedure of MEHPPV‐P3HT nanofibers and nanotubes is presented in detail. Interestingly, the morphological, structural, and vibrational studies of the elaborated nanofibers are achieved. They show that MEHPPV‐P3HT impregnated nanofibers begin as solid cylinders and end up as nanotubes with a nominal diameter of nearly 200 nm. The confinement effect or nanostructuration effect seems to be signed and appears in the large changes in photophysical properties. Stationary and transient photoluminescence reveal a new molecular arrangement and an enhancement of exciton average life time that is doubled in nanofibers with respect to the film.

Highlights

Nanostructuring of MEHPPV‐P3HT nanofibers by template method

Morphological and spectroscopic characterization of confined nanofibers

Effects of nanometric confinement on photophysical properties

Enhancing exciton lifetimes in MEHPPV‐P3HT nanofibers
Cross‐titration from risperidone to clozapine utilizing clozapine serum concentrations: A case report
Authors: Centanni Nicolette , Garvey Kayla , Mullany Elizabeth , Nichols Stephanie
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Clozapine and risperidone are second‐generation antipsychotics used in the treatment of schizophrenia. There are no guidelines on cross‐titration of antipsychotics and, additionally, there is a paucity of published data to support the potential utility of using serum drug levels to guide dosing in these situations.

Case Report

A 68‐year‐old female patient with a history of schizophrenia, taking risperidone and fluoxetine, and a recent diagnosis of Parkinson's disease was admitted to the hospital after a fall at home. During the patient's hospital stay, utilizing serum clozapine levels as guidance, the patient was cross‐titrated from risperidone 12 mg daily to a final dose of clozapine 75 mg daily over the span of 17 days, in the setting of multiple possible drug–drug interactions.

Discussion

There is no evidence‐based guidance on transitioning patients from one antipsychotic to another especially in the setting of drug–drug interactions. In this case, the patient was successfully transitioned from risperidone to clozapine using serum clozapine levels and clinical status to guide decision‐making.

Conclusions

Utilizing serum clozapine levels may be helpful in guiding dose changes during antipsychotic cross‐titration, especially when multiple drug interactions are involved.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi increase aleurone layer zinc concentration but reduce overall zinc bioavailability in rice grain
Authors: Nguyen Thi Diem , Sai Na , Johnson Alexander A. T. , Lombi Enzo , Smith Euan , Doolette Casey L. , Cavagnaro Timothy R. , Watts‐Williams Stephanie J.
Published: January 2025

Societal Impact Statement

Rice is a critical crop for the delivery of calories and essential micronutrients to the human diet. Biofortification of rice with zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) aims to combat the health issues associated with “hidden hunger”. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi have been explored for their potential to enhance Zn and Fe uptake in rice products. However, phytate, an anti‐nutritional compound rich in phosphorus (P), reduces the bioavailability of Zn and Fe in cereals. We investigated how AM fungal uptake of Zn, Fe and P interacts to affect bioavailability in rice and found mycorrhizal rice tends to have lower micronutrient bioavailability than non‐mycorrhizal.

Micronutrients such as zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) play a crucial role in human health. In humans, the ability for micronutrients to be absorbed in the human digestive system (i.e., bioavailability) is hindered by phytate. Accumulation of phytate in the aleurone layer of cereal grains is affected by soil characteristics, particularly the availability of phosphorus (P). Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi take up great amounts of P, but also some Zn and Fe into the host plant.

In this study, we explored how AM fungi and soil P impact grain gene expression and bioavailability of Zn and Fe in rice under aerobic, controlled‐environment growing conditions. Five rice varieties were grown with or without AM fungal inoculation (Rhizophagus irregularis), under two soil P availabilities. Samples of developing grain were taken for RNAseq analysis. At plant maturity, grain nutrition was examined on a total concentration basis, and specifically in the aleurone layer by Synchrotron x‐ray fluorescence microscopy.

The effect of AM fungi on Zn and Fe concentration was positive when only the aleurone layer was considered, but negative for whole grain concentrations. The AM‐colonised plants also accumulated more phytate in their grain compared to the non‐AM plants, leading to lower overall Zn bioavailability. Indirect effects of AM fungi on grain gene expression were small.

The impact of AM colonisation on the bioavailability of Zn and Fe in rice was dependent on whether the whole grain, or specifically the aleurone layer, were quantified. This has implications for the consumption of whole vs milled rice products for humans.
Accelerated Degradation Data Analysis Based on Gamma Process With Random Effects
Authors: Zheng Huiling , Yang Jun , Kang Wenda , Zhao Yu
Published: January 2025

The Gamma constant‐stress accelerated degradation model is a natural model for monotonous degradation processes. However, unit heterogeneity often exists in practice, necessitating a more realistic model. This study develops a Gamma process with random effects to accurately capture accelerated degradation data for reliability analysis, encompassing both point and interval estimation. First, the Expectation‐Maximization (EM) algorithm is developed to obtain point estimates of the proposed model. Since these estimates are sensitive to initial values, potentially impacting the outcomes, an improved EM algorithm is proposed, which iteratively refines the estimation quality by executing two different M‐steps, thereby enhancing overall estimation accuracy. Secondly, given the complexity of the model and the constraint of small sample sizes and limited stress levels, a three‐step interval estimation method is devised. This method segregates the parameters into three distinct parts and addresses them individually using the generalized pivotal quantity method, which simplifies the parameter interval estimation process and enhances the estimation accuracy. Finally, simulation studies and a real example of O‐rings are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
The Impact of Learning Curve on Robotic Living Donor Nephrectomy Outcomes: Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Papa Sarah , Popovic Aleksandar , Hod Dvorai Reut , Shahbazov Rauf
Published: January 2025

Background

We aimed to investigate the outcome of patients after RDN at different time points.

Methods

We studied the outcomes of 77 living robotic living donor nephrectomies (RDN). Donors were separated into three groups: learning curve period (LCP), stabilisation period (SP), and teaching period (TP).

Results

There were significant differences in blood loss and hospitalisation times between the three groups. Operative time was significantly shorter in the LCP group compared with the SP and TP groups (282 ± 51.6 min vs. 308 ± 38.7 min vs. 314 ± 28.7, p = 0.02). However, warm ischaemia time was shorter in the TP group compared with the LCP and SP groups (5.0 ± 3.6 min vs. 3.4 ± 3.2 min vs. 1.5 ± 1.3 min, p < 0.01). Complication rates were higher in the LCP group compared with the SP and TP groups (p = 0.04).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that RDN outcomes improve after the learning period.
Coloring Graphs From Random Lists
Authors: Hefetz Dan , Krivelevich Michael
Published: January 2025

Given positive integers and a graph , a family of lists is said to be a random
‐list‐assignment if for every the list is a subset of of size , chosen uniformly at random and independently of the choices of all other vertices. An ‐vertex graph is said to be a.a.s.
‐colorable if , where is a random ‐list‐assignment. We prove that if and , where is the maximum degree of and is an integer, then is a.a.s. ‐colorable. This is not far from being the best possible, forms a continuation of the so‐called palette sparsification results, and proves in a strong sense a conjecture of Casselgren. Furthermore, we consider this problem under the additional assumption that is ‐free for some graph . For various graphs , we estimate the smallest for which any ‐free ‐vertex graph is a.a.s. ‐colorable for every . This extends and improves several results of Casselgren.
Construction of Ag2S/Ag3VO4 Heterojunction by Partial Sulfidation Technology for Visible‐light‐driven Photocatalytic RhB Degradation
Authors: Pan Yusong , He Shuhuan , Ou Linjie , Zang Shihui , Huang Run
Published: January 2025

Photocatalytic technology is one of the most promising technologies for wastewater treatment. In this study, an Ag2S/Ag3VO4 heterojunction was prepared by combination of in‐situ partial sulfidation and hydrothermal technologies. The photodegradation results demonstrated that the highest removal efficiency for RhB was 96% for 40%‐Ag2S/Ag3VO4 heterojunction in 6 min under visible light irradiation, which was obviously superior to that of pure Ag3VO4 (∼46% in 6 min) and Ag2S (∼1.8% in 6 min) photocatalysts. As manifested by the DSR experiment, the improved photodegradation ability of the 40%‐Ag2S/Ag3VO4 heterojunction was attributed to enhanced light absorption and excellent electron‐hole pairs separation induced by the formation of a Z‐scheme heterojunction between Ag2S and Ag3VO4. The active species capture experiments confirmed that h+ plays the important role for degradation of RhB. Furthermore, the results of photodegradation cyclic test revealed that the 40%‐Ag2S/Ag3VO4 heterojunction owned an excellent photocatalytic stability.
Dynamic neurocognitive adaptation in aging: Development and validation of a new scale
Authors: Cieri Filippo , Di Francesco Giulia , Cross Chad Lee , Bender Andrew , Caldwell Jessica Zoe Kirkland
Published: January 2025

INTRODUCTION

Forty‐five percent of Alzheimer's disease (AD) cases may have been preventable through protective factors. Reserve, resilience, and resistance share common neurocognitive adaptive processes, acting through protective mechanisms. In this article we propose the development and validation of a new scale, called dynamic Neurocognitive Adaptation, developed in this direction.

METHODS

We included 815 participants (50% women; 65+ years inclusive of age), divided into two subsamples for exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Our initial scale was composed of 30 items, investigating seven dimensions, explored by a 5‐point Likert scale reflecting the frequency of activities, for seven time windows.

RESULTS

Our final scale had 20 items divided among four dimensions: physical, cognitive, creative, and social. There were no issues related to multi‐collinearity or non‐collinearity. Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) = 0.80 and Bartlett's test of sphericity indicated all values ≤0.01; Cronbach's alpha = 0.83.

DISCUSSION

We have validated a reliable, novel, easy to complete, and comprehensive scale to assess lifetime behaviors, which can be applied in research on AD risk reduction, mild cognitive impairment, and in clinical practice.

Highlights

Reserve, resistance, and resilience share similar adaptive mechanisms.

Dynamic Neurocognitive Adaptation is a new scale to assess lifetime protective factors.

Dynamic Neurocognitive Adaptation is a reliable, novel, and easy to complete scale.

This approach can characterize specific life stages that are ripe for risk‐reduction interventions.

Our scale can be used to personalize health recommendations in aging.
A Review on Medical Image Segmentation: Datasets, Technical Models, Challenges and Solutions
Authors: Gan Hong‐Seng , Ramlee Muhammad Hanif , Wang Zimu , Shimizu Akinobu
Published: January 2025

Medical image segmentation is prerequisite in computer‐aided diagnosis. As the field experiences tremendous paradigm changes since the introduction of foundation models, technicality of deep medical segmentation model is no longer a privilege limited to computer science researchers. A comprehensive educational resource suitable for researchers of broad, different backgrounds such as biomedical and medicine, is needed. This review strategically covers the evolving trends that happens to different fundamental components of medical image segmentation such as the emerging of multimodal medical image datasets, updates on deep learning libraries, classical‐to‐contemporary development in deep segmentation models and latest challenges with focus on enhancing the interpretability and generalizability of model. Last, the conclusion section highlights on future trends in deep medical segmentation that worth further attention and investigations.
Promoting human–carnivore coexistence through outreach in Namibia's eastern communal conservancies
Authors: Marker Laurie L. , Shipingana David , Fleury Gabriela , Pfeiffer Lauren , Pöntinen Annetjie , Cristescu Bogdan , Nghikembua Matti T.
Published: January 2025

Education and community outreach are fundamental to raising conservation awareness in rural communities for alleviating human–wildlife conflict (HWC). Evaluating the impacts of programs aimed at reducing HWC is necessary to justify the effectiveness of mitigation strategies, and to provide feedback for designing sustainable conservation initiatives at the community level. We examined the impacts of an outreach program in four eastern communal conservancies in Namibia using questionnaire surveys administered to outreach workshop participants. Most participants experienced livestock losses (91.7%), which were caused primarily by predators and droughts. Following workshop attendance, significant declines in livestock losses were observed and perceptions regarding the abundances of predators in the area reflected the reality on the ground more accurately. These results suggest that workshops can be effective in teaching communities about predator ecology and mitigating depredation losses of livestock. Therefore, workshops can be used as an important strategy to promote conservation and sustainable livelihoods.
NGS-basierte („next generation sequencing“) molekulare Panelanalyse des metastasierten Prostatakarzinoms: Wie häufig finden wir therapierbare Mutationen?
Authors: Steenbock Olivia , Paffenholz Pia , Rieger Constantin , Heidenreich Julian , Pfister David , von Brandenstein Melanie , Heidenreich Axel
Published: January 2025

Einleitung

Die Leitlinien fordern nach Versagen der systemischen Ersttherapie des metastasierten hormonsensitiven Prostatakarzinoms (mHSPC) eine molekulare Analyse zur Identifikation therapierbarer Mutationen. Wir berichten über unsere Ergebnisse der molekularen Diagnostik bei Patienten mit metastasiertem kastrationsresistenten PCA (mCRPC).

Patienten und Methodik

311 Patienten mit mCRPC erhielten eine molekulare Panelanalyse von archivierten Prostatektomiepräparaten oder Computertomografie(CT)-gestützten Biopsien progredienter Metastasen mittels standardisiertem NGS-Verfahren eines Panels von 18 spezifischen Mutationen bzw. dem TSO500-Panel.

Ergebnisse

Unabhängig vom Entnahmeort hatten 299/311 (96 %) der Biopsien einen ausreichenden DNA-Gehalt für das NGS. NGS erfolgte aus Prostata (31 %), Lymphknoten (26 %), viszeralen (17 %) und ossären (18 %) Metastasen. Bei 223 (75 %) bzw. 76 (25 %) Patienten wurden aktivierende/inhibierende bzw. keine Mutationen identifiziert. Am häufigsten fanden sich Mutationen der HRD-Gene (BRCA 1/2, ATM, CDK12, CHEK2, FANCA, Rad51C) sowie des p53 mit jeweils 22 %. Die Mehrzahl der p53Mutationen waren inaktivierend, in 3 Fällen wurde eine Gain-of-function-Mutation identifiziert. Mutationen der HRD-Gene inklusive eines positiven HRD-Scores waren in > 50 % pathogen, so dass PARP-Inhibitoren eingesetzt werden konnten. Aktivierende Androgenrezeptor – sowie inaktivierende PTEN/aktivierende PIC3Ca-Mutationen fanden sich bei 42 (14 %) bzw. 24 (8 %) Patienten. Aufgrund der spezifischen AR-Mutationen wurde eine Therapieumstellung bei 14 Patienten vorgenommen. Mutationen der Mismatch-repair-deficiency-Gene/MSI-high lagen in 3 Fällen vor, so dass Pembrolizumab appliziert werden konnte. Die Addition des TSO500-Panels identifizierte nur bei 4,5 % der Patienten zusätzliche Mutationen, bei nur 2 % der Patienten hätte diese eine therapeutische Implikation gehabt.

Schlussfolgerungen

Eine NGS-Analyse beim mCRPC zeigt bei einem Drittel der Patienten Mutationen auf, die bereits jetzt zielgerichtet therapierbar sind. Eine fundierte Analyse der HRD-Gene sowie von AR-Mutationen sollte nach Versagen der Erstlinientherapie erfolgen. Eine ausgedehnte molekulare Analyse empfiehlt sich nach Versagen der sequentiellen Standardtherapie. Die molekulare Analyse mittels des TSO500-Panels ist nur in wenigen Fällen zielführend.

Graphic abstract
Oral supplementation of curcumin-encapsulated chitosan nanoconjugates as an innovative strategy for mitigating nickel-mediated hepatorenal toxicity in rats
Authors: Hassanen Eman I. , Hassan Neven H. , Mehanna Sally , Hussien Ahmed M. , Ibrahim Marwa A. , Mohammed Faten F. , Farroh Khaled Y.
Published: January 2025

Nickel pollution adversely affects human health and causes various disorders, mainly hepatic and renal dysfunction. The present work focused on a comparative evaluation of the pure form of curcumin (CU) with curcumin-encapsulated chitosan nanoconjugates (CS/CU NCs), on mitigation of the delirious effects of Ni on hepatorenal tissue. Forty-two male rats were allocated into 6 groups (n = 7 for each) as follows: (1) control, (2) CU, (3) CS/CU NCs, (4) Ni, (5) Ni + CU, (6) Ni + CS/CU NCs. After 30 days, blood and tissue (liver and kidneys) were collected to measure hepatorenal biomarkers, oxidant/antioxidant balance, inflammatory gene expression, liver and kidney histopathology, and immunohistochemistry. Results revealed disruption of hepatorenal functions, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers at biochemical and molecular levels associated with severe hepatorenal histopathological alterations and abnormal immunohistochemical tissue expression for caspase-3 and cyclooxygenase-2. On the contrary, the treatment of Ni-intoxicated rats with CS/CU NCs markedly mitigated the adverse effect of Ni on hepatorenal tissue via regulation of oxidative stress, inflammatory, and apoptotic markers. The present study provides a novel nanoformulation for curcumin using CS NPs encapsulation that selectively targets the injured cells and improves the beneficial effect of CU via enhancing the antioxidant activity and regulating both inflammatory and apoptotic markers.
Danish translation and linguistic validation of the GENDER-Q, a patient-reported outcome measure for use in gender-affirming care
Authors: Igbokwe Michelle Mistry , Poulsen Lotte , Taulbjerg Kristensen Tine , Klassen Anne F , Kaur Manraj N , Breitkopf Trisia , Graesser Jack , Holmgaard Rikke , Sørensen Jens Ahm
Published: January 2025

Background

Globally, the number of individuals identifying as transgender and gender-diverse [TGD] has grown in the last decade. This study aimed to perform a Danish linguistic translation and cultural adaptation of the GENDER-Q, a new patient-reported outcome measure [PROM] designed to evaluate outcomes of gender-affirming care.

Methods

The field test version of the GENDER-Q (959 items) was translated into Danish using guidelines from the International Society of Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research and the World Health Organization to ensure accuracy, cultural relevance, and validity. This included two forward translations, a backward translation, an expert panel meeting, and two rounds of patient cognitive interviews.

Results

The forward translations resulted in revisions of 142 items, which were then harmonized to form the backward translation version. A comparison of the back translation to the original questionnaire led to a total of 43 changes to items and response options. The revised version was reviewed in an expert panel meeting and minor changes were made with 28 patient participants using cognitive debriefing interviews. The translated version was proofread, resulting in the Danish translation of the GENDER-Q.

Conclusions

The GENDER-Q was translated and culturally adapted for use in the Danish TGD adult population. The GENDER-Q has the potential to enhance the understanding and improvement of treatment and health-related quality-of-life outcomes for adults seeking gender-affirming care.

Level of Evidence:

Not gradable.
Thorough investigation of exact wave solutions in nonlinear thermoelasticity theory under the influence of gravity using advanced analytical methods
Authors: Rabie Wafaa B. , Ahmed Hamdy M. , Marin Marin , Syied Abdallah A. , Abd-Elmonem Assmaa , Abdalla Nesreen Sirelkhtam Elmki , Ismail Mohamed F.
Published: January 2025

This work aims to develop a deeper understanding of wave propagation in thermoelastic materials by deriving exact wave solutions for governing equations that account for gravity and temperature-dependent material properties. The study employs the improved modified extended tanh-function method (IMETFM) to address the coupled thermal and mechanical behaviorsin these materials, enabling the formulation of analytical solutions that capture complex wave phenomena. By extending the traditional tanh-function approach, the IMETFM allows for the derivation of diverse wave structures, including hyperbolic, polynomial, exponential, combo dark soliton, bright soliton, singular soliton, rational, and Jacobi elliptic solutions. These solutions are characterized by free parameters, offering thermoelastic in analyzing various physical scenarios. The study provides detailed graphical representations of key results, including stress tensors, displacement fields, and temperature distributions, offering visual insights into the intricate interactions within thermoelastic systems. The study’s findings emphasize the critical role of gravity and temperature dependence in shaping wave propagation and aim to advance theoretical understanding while offering potential applications in material science and engineering.
Vertebral osteomyelitis in patients with infective endocarditis: prevalence, risk factors and mortality
Authors: Douiyeb S. , Sigaloff K. C. E. , Ulas E. G. , Duffels M. G. J. , Drexhage O. , Germans T. , Wagenaar J.F.P. , Buis D. T. P. , van der Vaart T. W. , van Werkhoven C. H. , Prins J. M. , Umans V. A. W. M.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Infective endocarditis (IE) can be complicated by vertebral osteomyelitis (VO). This study investigates risk factors associated with VO in patients with infective endocarditis, and 6-month mortality and relapse rates in patients with IE and concomitant VO.

Methods

We performed a observational study in two hospitals between September 2016 and October 2022. Patients with possible or definite IE according European Society of Cardiology (2015) modified criteria were retrieved from the local endocarditis team registries. The VO diagnosis was based on radiological signs, irrespective of clinical symptoms. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for vertebral osteomyelitis.

Results

We included 633 consecutive patients with IE. A total of 229 (36.2%) patients had prosthetic valves and 127 (20.1%) had cardiac implantable electronic devices. The most frequent causative micro-organism was Streptococcus species (217, 34.3%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (167, 26.4%). VO was diagnosed in 73 patients (11.5%, 95% CI 9.0%-14.0%). Enterococcus spp.(OR 2.48, 95% CI 1.31–4.52) and age (OR 1.04 per year, 95% CI 1.02–1.06) were independently associated with concomitant VO. The 6-month mortality risk did not differ between patients with (16/73, 21.9%) or without (110/560, 19.6%) VO (HR 1.13, 95% CI 0.67–1.91). Relapse rate was higher in patients with VO but the difference was not statistically significant (16.1 vs. 7.5%, OR 3.62, 95% CI 0.94–13.34).

Conclusions

Twelve percent of patients with IE also had VO. Among older patients and patients with IE caused by enterococci, there should be a higher index of suspicion for vertebral infection.
Efficacy and safety of laser interstitial thermal therapy versus radiofrequency ablation and stereotactic radiosurgery in the treatment of intractable mesial temporal lobe epilepsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mohsen Youstina , Sarhan Khalid , Alawadi Ibrahim Saleh , Elmahdi Reem Reda , Kozaa Yasmeena Abdelall , Gomaa Menna A. , Serag Ibrahim , Shahein Mostafa
Published: January 2025

Epilepsy is a common neurological disease that is treated with medications; however, patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, commonly intractable temporal lobe epilepsy, tend to have better control with surgical treatment. While the mainstay of surgical treatment is anterior temporal lobectomy, it carries risk of potential adverse effects hence minimally invasive techniques are now being used as an alternative to open surgery. This systematic review and meta-analysis compare the efficacy and safety of three of the most used techniques: laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT), radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Multiple databases were searched and PRISMA guidelines were followed to make an indirect meta-analysis using the currently available studies for the three techniques in terms of seizure freedom, risk of major complications and reoperations. Further subgroup analyses were carried out for LITT in terms of follow up periods and seizure freedom in patients with or without hippocampal sclerosis. A total of 42 papers were included in this study with a total of 1675 patients (1303 treated by LITT, 188 treated by RFA and 184 treated by SRS). LITT had the highest rate of seizure freedom (55.0%, CI 51.5 − 58.5%, P = 0.148), and the lowest rates of major complications (2.3%, CI 1.2 − 3.5%, P = 0.070), and reoperations (14.3%, CI 10.4 − 18.3%, P = 0.042) compared to RFA and SRS which had seizure freedom of 46.3% (CI 18.8 − 73.7%, P = 0.000) and 53.8% (CI 44.4 − 63.3%; I^2 = 40.4%, P = 0.098), major complication rate of 3.9% (CI 0.7 − 7.0%; I^2 = 0%, P = 0.458) and 14.3% (CI 3.1 − 25.5%, P = 0.000) and reoperation rate of 28.6% (CI -4.3 − 61.5%, P = 0.000) and 15.4% (CI 6.1 − 24.8%; I^2 = 0%, P = 0.392) respectively. In conclusion, LITT showed the highest rate of seizure freedom and the lowest rate of major complications and reoperations compared to RFA and SRS in single-arm studies of intractable mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. However, the lack of direct comparisons between treatment modalities limits definitive conclusions. Despite this, LITT appears to offer a favorable safety profile, warranting further prospective, comparative studies to validate these findings.
Development of a Neutral Mine Drainage Prediction Method Using Modified Kinetics Tests and Assessment of Sorption Capacities
Authors: Marmier Vincent , Plante Benoît , Demers Isabelle , Benzaazoua Mostafa
Published: January 2025

Prediction of neutral mine drainage (NMD) chemistry is difficult with the predictive tools developed for acid mine drainage (AMD). To address this problem, a methodology to assess NMD risk was developed using Lac Tio Mine waste rock as a positive control. The methodology compares the maximum potential for contaminant release (in this case, nickel) using the waste rock’s total metal content and the sorption capacity of the material (qmax) combined with a mineralogical assessment and modified kinetic leaching experiments that use a chelating agent to prevent immobilization processes from occurring. The results indicate that the potential NMD risk associated with Lac Tio waste rock would be assessed as probable with the proposed methodology. Indeed, the total nickel concentrations in the Lac Tio waste rock range from 270 to 590 mg/kg. The nickel is found in Ni-rich pyrites, which proved to effectively leach when no immobilization occurred (using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, or EDTA, leaching). The material’s sorption capacities were between 127 and 197 mg/kg of Ni. The sorption capacity to total Ni content ratio of the material was < 1, indicating that the material has fewer sorption sites for Ni than Ni contained within the material, thereby underscoring the potential risk of Ni leaching over time. The approach proposed in this work provides an additional tool for the assessment water quality risk associated with NMD.
Digital Blackface and Its Argumentative Implications
Authors: Henning Tempest M.
Published: January 2025

While much has been written regarding the harms of Digital Blackface, within this paper I argue that Digital Blackface is harmful on an argumentative level, as opposed to merely socio-political. My position is that the usage of Black GIFs/memes should be curtailed by non-Black and non-users of African American Argumentation (AAA). Rather than offering socio-political reasons members of these groups ought not to use Digital Blackface, I utilize the Pragma-Dialectical model of argumentation. My argument hinges on Black GIFs/memes utilized by non-Blacks and non-AAA users violating two Pragma-Dialectical rules: 1 – the starting point rule and 2 – the usage rule.
Wheat Bread Supplemented with Egg Albumin: Structural Features, and In Vitro Starch and Protein Digestibility
Authors: Rosas-Rivas J. , Rodríguez-Huezo M. E. , Vernon-Carter E. J. , Alvarez-Ramirez J.
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to explore the effects of egg albumin protein addition (5, 15 and 20 g/100 g db) on the textural characteristics, as well as in the in vitro digestibility of protein and starch of wheat bread. Egg albumin addition resulted in smoother bread loaves as compared to traditional wheat bread. Reduced hardness and increased cohesiveness were correlated to the protein secondary structure, mainly with the content of β-sheets. The in vitro protein digestibility decreased with the albumin addition, suggesting the mediation of protein-starch interactions. The in vitro starch digestibility was also decreased, reflected in a huge decrease of the slowly digestible starch fraction, but with non-significant changes in the rapidly digestible starch fraction. The supplemented albumin can form a physical barrier around the starch granules, which hampers the access of the amylolytic enzymes to the starch chains. Overall, the results of this study suggest that the addition of egg albumin is a viable alternative for producing wheat bread with reduced glycemic index and improved nutritional properties.
Effect of different carbon sources and concentrations on in vitro propagation of chestnut
Authors: Akyüz Burak
Published: January 2025

The in vitro propagation of chestnut is a crucial approach to address the limitations of traditional propagation methods. It encounters issues like insufficient rooting and multiplication. This research investigated the impact of sucrose, glucose, maltose and concentrations (20 g/L and 30 g/L) on the growth and biochemical profiles of the hybrid chestnut cultivar ‘Marsol’ (C. sativa × C. crenata). Essential parameters encompassed plant height, leaf area, callus size, chlorophyll content, enzymatic activity, and secondary metabolite composition determined using GC-MS analysis. For each carbon source and concentration, thirty-six biological replicates were analyzed. The findings underlined the essential function of sucrose, especially at 30 g/L, in enhancing plant height (5.30 ± 0.04 cm), shoot multiplication (4.50 ± 0.50 shoots per explant), and the coloration of leaves (minimum L value of 35.78 ± 0.27, maximum SPAD value of 13.21 ± 1.27). Glucose similarly promoted growth but to a slightly lower degree, whereas maltose continuously exhibited inferior performance. The callus’s diameters, a crucial indicator of regeneration potential, were greatest with 30 g/L sucrose (1.664 ± 0.26 cm width), highlighting its effectiveness in cellular differentiation. GC-MS analysis demonstrated various biochemical profiles affected by the carbon source. Sucrose treatments showed elevated concentrations of pyrogallol and hexadecanoic acid derivatives associated with stress tolerance and metabolic control. Furthermore, enzymatic tests revealed that the carbon source and concentration influenced phenol oxidase (PO) and catalase (CAT) activity, with sucrose producing ideal equilibria between oxidative stress and antioxidant responses. The findings provide critical insights for optimizing the nutritional medium to improve propagation efficiency for important chestnut cultivars/genotypes.
A Study on Structural Changes During the Thermal Stabilization Stage of Hemp Fibers Impregnated with Phosphoric Acid Before Carbonization and Activation
Authors: Gül Abdullah
Published: January 2025

After being wet treated with 4% phosphoric acid (H3PO4) aqueous solution, industrial hemp fiber was subjected to thermal stabilization processes at temperatures of 160, 180, 200, 220, 240 and finally 250 °C and holding times of 30 min. Some basic analyses were used to determine the structural and characteristic changes of all samples for the thermal stabilization of hemp fibers in an oxygen environment before the carbonization and activation processes. These included linear density, fiber thickness, flame testing, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), infrared spectroscopy (IR), X-ray diffraction, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) measurements. DSC analysis showed that impregnation of the phosphoric acid (PA) mixture increased thermal stabilization and prevented the formation of volatile products by blocking the hydroxyl groups in the cellulose structure. TGA thermograms showed an increase in carbon yield at increasing stabilization temperature values. The results from XRD indicated that the cellulose II crystal structure disappears with the increase of the stabilization temperature and an amorphous structure appears. IR spectra show that the partial loss of intramolecular and intermolecular hydrogen bonds continues as a result of the simultaneous removal of hydroxyl groups and water removal reactions. After a 250 °C stabilization, the carbon yield at 900 °C was 42%. These findings highlight the importance of H3PO4 in accelerating the formation of an aromatic structure, which is critical for withstanding the high temperatures of subsequent carbonization and activation stages.

Graphical abstract
A hybrid decision-making conceptual framework based on generalized information quality under neutrosophic evidence theory: a comparative analysis
Authors: Paraskevas Antonios , Madas Michael
Published: January 2025

Simulating uncertainty for dealing with actual events is one of Artificial Intelligence's key difficulties and challenges. The ultimate objective for decision-makers is to manage uncertainty, particularly in indeterminate scenarios when it is not the case that the solution of the problem can be expressed with true or false values. As a result, new techniques to facilitate the interpretation of indeterminacy are currently under development. Neutrosophic logic (NL), which addresses the concept of neutralities, extends classic logic, fuzzy logic, paraconsistent logic, intuitionistic logic, and so on. The single-valued neutrosophic set (SVN) is a subclass of neutrosophic sets that has recently been presented. Solving multicriteria decision-making problems is an essential use case for SVNs to be applied. The research objectives of the article are twofold. First, we examine the potential of utilizing single-valued neutrophilic sets in a more efficient manner to address the issue of multicriteria decision-making. Within this framework, our aim is to explore and extend the concept of information quality as an uncertainty measure by comparing it to neutrosophic Dempster–Shafer (D–S) evidence theory in the context of decision-making. As a proposed solution to the aforementioned research objectives, this manuscript suggests and implements a novel conceptual framework for determining and quantifying the similarity measure between SVNSs in a multicriteria decision-making context under the principles of D–S evidence theory. Finally, illustrative case studies are given to support the logic and practicality of the suggested methodology compared to current methodologies.
How an Agile Software Process Increases Developers’ Job Satisfaction: A Stress Perspective Based on the Effort-Reward-Imbalance Model
Authors: Riedl René , Oettl Christian , Stangl Fabian J. , Hevner Alan R.
Published: January 2025

Human resource factors such as job stress and job satisfaction are important topics in both the science and practice of software development. However, existing studies use different conceptualizations of stress. In this paper, a new theoretical perspective on stress, the effort-reward imbalance framework, is presented and empirically investigated. According to this framework, stress results from an imbalance between perceived effort and reward. A moderated mediation model is proposed that conceptualizes stress as a mediator in explaining the relationship between agility (measured by eight agile practices) (independent variable) and developers' job satisfaction (dependent variable). In addition, the theoretical model proposes that overcommitment, a personality trait, moderates the relationship between agility and stress. Based on a sample of N = 178 software developers in Austria, the data confirm the model. The results show that agility indirectly increases job satisfaction via reduced stress perceptions. There was no significant direct effect of agility on job satisfaction. However, looking specifically at the effort and reward components, a stress-reducing effect of agility and a consequent satisfaction-enhancing effect were observed, primarily because the use of an agile approach increases developers' reward perceptions. Furthermore, it was found that the agile practices of requirements change and customer relation have a stress-increasing effect, while the other six practices (pair programming, continuous integration, refactoring, unit testing, collective ownership, coding standards) have a stress-reducing effect. However, since the results show that agility has an overall stress-reducing effect, this means that the unfavorable influence of requirements change and customer relationship on stress is overcompensated by the other six practices, predominantly via their positive influence on reward perceptions. Finally, the results show that developers with high levels of overcommitment experience a reduced benefit from agility.
Humidity Sensor Based on a Hollow Core Fiber Anti-Resonant Reflection Optical Waveguide
Authors: Cheng Ao , Wang Chaoqi , Xu Jiadong , Zhang Peiqing , Zheng Yu , Dai Shixun
Published: January 2025

In this paper, a graphene oxide (GO) composite film-coated humidity sensor is proposed based on the hollow core fiber (HCF). A segment of the HCF is spliced between two segments of the single-mode fiber (SMF). The relative humidity (RH) sensing characteristics of the sensor are experimentally investigated by observing the intensity shift of resonant dips in the transmission spectrum, which shows the GO composite film-coated HCF has the good stability in the measurement of humidity. The maximum humidity sensitivity of 0.12 dB/%RH is obtained in the RH range of 30%–78%. The proposed sensor has the advantages of the simple structure, easy fabrication, good stability, and high performance, which can be applied to marine climate detection, tunnel air humidity detection, agricultural testing, and other fields.
Triple-junction tandem solar cells: structural and spectral optimization for improved current matching and efficiency
Authors: Quispe Hugo Rolando Sánchez , Kanjariya Prakash , Ballal Suhas , Devi Anita , Sharma Girish Chandra , Kareem Radhwan Abdul , Naidu K. Satyam , Al-hedrewy Marwea , Kumar Ashish , Perumal Asaithambi
Published: January 2025

In this work, a triple-junction tandem solar cell (TSC) has been designed in order to increase the photovoltaic (PV) performance through utilizing maximum light photons. To create three junctions in this work three subcells have been designed and optimized at its best PV performance. The optimization of all the three subcells have been done through the various variations in the absorber layer like thickness and bulk defect density (BDD). It has been seen that best PV parameters in the top middle and bottom cell are maximum at high thickness and low BDD. For the designing of triple junction tandem configuration, two filtered spectrums (FS1 and FS2) have been calculated for the proper current matching in the three subcells. The optimized triple-junction TSC demonstrates significantly enhanced PV parameters, including high open-circuit voltage (VOC- 2.750), short-circuit current density (JSC- 16.45 mA/cm2), fill factor (FF- 83.40%), and power conversion efficiency (PCE- 37.74%). The strategy of using filtered spectrums and exact design optimization provides a potential road to the next generation of high-efficiency tandem solar cells, furthering the field of renewable energy solutions.