bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication of amorphous lamellar freestanding poly(N‐dodecyl acrylamide) films and their mechanical properties
Authors: Koizumi Yuki , Matsuo Yoshimasa , Masuhara Akito , Ebe Hinako , Ishizaki‐Betchaku Yuya , Nagano Shusaku , Matsui Jun
Published: November 2024

An amorphous lamellar freestanding film composed of poly(N‐dodecyl acrylamide) (pDDA) was prepared by annealing a micrometer‐thick film under humid conditions (humid‐annealing). pDDA was blade‐coated onto a glass substrate, and its lamellar formation was studied by XRD and polarized optical microscopy (POM). The XRD pattern indicates that pDDA formed a highly oriented lamellar structure by humid‐annealing at 80 °C for 6 h. Moreover, the POM image of the cross‐section of the film indicates that lamellar formation started at the polymer–substrate interface, and the amorphous lamella covered the entire film area without randomly oriented regions. In contrast, the open Nicol microscopic image exhibited large cracks in the highly oriented film owing to shrinkage of the film. A crack‐free film was prepared using water‐saturated chloroform as the solvent for blade coating. Water is thought to adsorb to an amide moiety to induce a ‘pre‐lamellar’ structure in the solution. The formation of pre‐lamellae and the decrease in the humid‐annealing temperature reduced the shrinkage of the film by lamellar formation to form a crack‐free film. The mechanical properties of the crack‐free, freestanding pDDA films were studied using a simple tensile test. The film became increasingly stronger with the formation of an amorphous lamellar structure. These results indicate that the mechanical properties of polymer films can be improved without crystallization. © 2024 The Author(s). Polymer International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Development and validation of a rapid HPLC‐MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of cyclosporine A and tacrolimus in whole blood for routine therapeutic drug monitoring in organ transplantation
Authors: Han Fei‐fei , Liu Hong‐chuan , Hu Ting , Li Peng‐fei , Zhao Rui , An Zhuo‐ling
Published: November 2024

Background

Therapeutic drug monitoring is an integral part of organ transplantation. A rapid, simple, economical, and robust high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS/MS) method for simultaneously determining the immunosuppressants cyclosporine A and tacrolimus might increase detection efficiency.

Methods

In this study, we developed and validated a rapid HPLC‐MS/MS method. Whole blood samples of 100 μL were prepared by protein precipitation with acetonitrile and 0.5 mol. L−1 ZnSO4. Chromatography was performed on a pre‐column using a gradient elution with 20 mmol. L−1 ammonium formate and 0.1% (v/v) formic acid in water (mobile phase A) and 0.1% (v/v) formic acid in methanol (mobile phase B) at a flow rate of 1.5 mL.min−1. The analysis time was 2.2 min. Electrospray ionization and multiple reaction monitoring were performed. The lower limit of quantification was set at 1 ng. L−1 for tacrolimus and 50 ng. L−1 for cyclosporine A.

Results

The method showed adequate accuracy and precision with a sufficient linear range. The calibration curve range of tacrolimus and cyclosporine A was 1–30 and 50–1500 ng·mL‐1, respectively. All correlation coefficients were >0.99.

Conclusions

The developed HPLC‐MS/MS is rapid and can be used for simultaneous monitoring of tacrolimus and cyclosporine A.
Cascaded Integral Minus Tilt Integral Derivative With Filter for Frequency Stabilization of V2G/G2V Enabled Hybrid Microgrid
Authors: Santra Swapan , De Mala
Published: November 2024

Renewable generation plays an important part in today's power system. With the inclusion of the inverter interfaced renewable energy sources (RESs) into a microgrid, the total system inertia decreases and it leads to increased frequency deviation in presence of a disturbance. This paper proposes a cascaded Integral Minus Tilt Integral Derivative with Filter (I–TDN)‐Proportional‐Integral (PI), [(I‐TDN)‐PI] controller for frequency stabilization of a hybrid microgrid in presence of electric vehicles (EV). The microgrid model includes reheated thermal power plant with high degree of non‐linear system such as inverter based RESs like photovoltaic and wind generation systems. A diesel engine generator is incorporated for load frequency control during perturbation in the system frequency. Virtual inertia controller (VIC) with inverter based energy storage system (ESS) is commonly used to improve system inertia and frequency stability of the microgrid. In addition to the ESS, this paper proposes inclusion of the EVs in this VIC. The optimal gains of the proposed cascaded I‐TDN‐PI controller are determined using Mountain Gazelle Optimizer (MGO), a modern metaheuristic optimization algorithm. Sensitivity of the proposed controller is investigated in presence of system nonlinearities, load perturbations, time delay, system parameter variation and RES power fluctuations. The simulation results justify the robustness of the proposed control structure for frequency stabilization of the microgrid.
Engineering MXene Surface via Oxygen Functionalization and Au Nanoparticle Deposition for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Li Mengrui , Dong Xiaoxiao , Li Qinzhu , Liu Yaru , Cao Shuang , Hou Chun‐Chao , Sun Tong
Published: November 2024

MXene, a family of 2D transition metal carbides and nitrides, presents promising applications in electrocatalysis. Maximizing its large surface area is key to developing efficient non‐noble‐metal catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In this study, oxygen‐functionalized Ti3C2Tx MXene (Ti3C2Ox) is synthesized and deposited gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) onto it, forming a novel composite material, Au‐Ti3C2Ox. By selectively removing other functional groups, mainly ‐O functional groups are retained on the surface, directing electron transfer from Au NPs to MXene due to electronic metal‐support interaction (EMSI), thereby improving the catalytic activity of the MXene surface. Additionally, the interaction between Au NPs and ‐O functional groups further enhanced the overall catalytic activity, achieving an overpotential of 62 mV and a Tafel slope of 40.1 mV dec−1 at a current density of −10 mA cm−2 in 0.5 m H2SO4 solution. Density functional theory calculations and scanning electrochemical microscopy with ≤150 nm resolution confirmed the enhanced catalytic efficiency due to the specific interaction between Au NPs and Ti3C2Ox. This work provides a surface modification strategy to fully utilize the MXene surface and enhance the overall catalytic activity of MXene‐based catalysts.
Advancing Electrical Engineering with Biomass‐derived Carbon Materials: Applications, Innovations, and Future Directions
Authors: Afridi Al Mojahid , Aktary Mahbuba , Shaheen Shah Syed , Mitu Sheikh Sharif Iqbal , Jahirul Islam Gazi , Nasiruzzaman Shaikh M. , Abdul Aziz Md.
Published: November 2024

The ongoing global shift towards sustainability in electrical engineering necessitates novel materials that offer both ecological and technical benefits. Biomass‐derived carbon materials (BCMs) are emerging as cornerstones in this transition due to their sustainability, cost‐effectiveness, and versatile properties. This review explores the expansive role of BCMs across various electrical engineering applications, emphasizing their transformative impact and potential in fostering a sustainable technological ecosystem. The fundamentals of BCMs are investigated, including their unique structures, diverse synthesis procedures, and significant electrical and electrochemical properties. A detailed examination of recent innovations in BCM applications for energy storage, such as batteries and supercapacitors, and their pivotal role in developing advanced electronic components like sensors, detectors, and electromagnetic interference shielding composites has been covered. BCMs offer superior electrical conductivities, tunable surface chemistries, and mechanical properties compared to traditional carbon sources. These can be further enhanced through innovative doping and functionalization techniques. Moreover, this review identifies challenges related to scalability and uniformity in properties and proposes future research directions to overcome these hurdles. By integrating insights from recent studies with a forward‐looking perspective, this paper sets the stage for the next generation of electrical engineering solutions powered by biomass‐derived materials, aligning technological advancement with environmental stewardship.
Integral Sliding Mode‐Composite Nonlinear Feedback Control Strategy for Microgrid Inverter Systems
Authors: Zhang Ye , Xiu Chunbo , Xu Guowei
Published: November 2024

To enhance the dynamic performance and robustness of the voltage control system of islanded microgrid inverters, a new control strategy combining integral sliding mode (ISM) control and composite nonlinear feedback (CNF) control is proposed. In ISM control, firstly, a new reaching law is designed to improve movement quality in the reaching phase by improving the power term and introducing the inverse tangent function. Then, to improve disturbance observation accuracy, a variable gain extended state observer is designed by improving the regulation mechanism of the state variables according to deviation control. Using the idea of variable damping, linear and nonlinear feedback are combined into CNF control. Specifically, linear feedback provides a small damping ratio for faster system response, while nonlinear feedback increases the damping ratio to improve steady‐state performance. Simulation results show that the integral sliding mode‐composite nonlinear feedback (ISM‐CNF) control strategy cam balances convergence speed and chattering better and achieves higher steady‐state accuracy than conventional strategies. Moreover, ISM‐CNF control has better robustness to reference voltage variations and disturbances caused by sudden load changes. Therefore, the ISM‐CNF control strategy can accomplish voltage control of islanded microgrid inverters quickly and steadily, effectively suppressing system disturbances and enhancing stability and power quality. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
The importance of livestock in the diet of Mexican wolf Canis lupus baileyi in northwestern Mexico
Authors: Reyes‐Díaz Jorge L. , Lara‐Díaz Nalleli E. , Camargo‐Aguilera María Gabriela , Saldívar‐Burrola Laura L. , López González Carlos A.
Published: November 2024

The reintroduction of the Mexican wolf in the wilds of northwestern Mexico has allowed us to address its trophic ecology and elucidate conflicts with livestock producers: their main mortality factor. Our objective was to determine the feeding habits of wolves in Mexico, as well as the quantity and frequency of livestock predation in relation to seasonal and individual variables, through the analysis of genetically identified scats. During 2012–2022 we collected 1171 Mexican wolf scats. We extracted and sequenced DNAm and identified individuals and their sex using microsatellite analysis. We washed the scat and separated the undigested components for taxonomic identification. We estimated the frequency of prey items, the biomass it contributed to the diet, and compared prey consumption between sexes and between the birth and dispersal seasons. We constructed generalized linear models to identify the relationship between livestock presence in the diet and dietary prey richness with respect to environmental and individual variables. We identified 68 wolves that had consumed 30 species of vertebrates. Of these, white‐tailed deer (36.12%), diversionary feeding (22.79%), and cattle (25.56%) had the highest contribution to biomass. The ingestion of items was independent of the sex of the wolves but was dependent on the season. The presence of deer and diversionary feeding decreased the likelihood of cattle being ingested but also decreased the richness of items of wild species in the wolf diet. Wolves in northwestern Mexico fed mainly on large prey available in the reintroduction area, including livestock. As wolves consume livestock, it increases the risk of retaliatory actions from ranchers. Our results serve as a basis for the implementation of strategies to reduce human–wolf conflicts and set a baseline for coexistence in northwestern Mexico.
Making the Rule of Law Great Again: The Building of the Digital Rule of Law in the European Union
Authors: Engel Annegret , Groussot Xavier
Published: November 2024

This chapter examines the legislative and judicial dimensions of the digital rule of law in the EU and its current and future building. We argue that adjudication in EU law related to the digital rule of law is destined to grow as it is fostered by the new legislation in digitalisation and a proactive Court of Justice eager to interpret the rights enshrined under the Charter. The building of the digital rule of law takes the form of an increased reliance on the Charter in horizontal situations and an increasing application of the principle of proportionality before the courts, including a balancing of fundamental rights. In this chapter, we will examine the reasons for this growth in EU litigation within the digital field and whether this constitutes a positive development for the protection of the rule of law in the EU, thus making the rule of law great again in a time of ‘rule-of-law anxiety’.
The Objectives of Regulating the Digital Economy Indicate That There Is a Right to Data in the Digital Markets Act with Direct Effect and Applicability
Authors: Lundqvist Björn
Published: November 2024

The chapter discusses the objectives for regulating the digital economy and why we should view the new regulations and acts being derived from the legislative work of the EU as the emergence of a new legal discipline, the market law for the digital economy, or, short, digital market law. The energy and speed with which EU institutions are developing these diverse (and sometimes dysfunctional) sector-specific regulations for the digital economy certainly call for a more holistic approach. A general approach to the legal system now being developed in a piecemeal fashion to protect a number of freedoms and objectives for the digital economy, ensuring that a sturdy legal platform for the new paradigm is put in place without over-regulating the data-driven economy. Foremost, the new legal discipline needs its own property rights regime. As will be argued in the chapter, the general objectives for establishing a market law for the digital economy calls for a sui generis property regime for data, and the author argues that an access and transfer right to data based on the obligations stipulated in the Digital Markets Act should be developed and acknowledged as a proper property right.
The Interaction Between Free Movement Law and Fundamental Rights in the (Digital) Internal Market
Authors: Neergaard Ulla , de Vries Sybe
Published: November 2024

Considering that after about 30 years of the Internet’s existence and continuing appraisals thereof and other technological advances such as new business models, artificial intelligence, etc., the chapter takes as its point of departure that it has little by little having become time to embrace the darker realities of digitalisation. Therefore, in particular, it analyses the interaction between free movement law and fundamental rights by taking Case C-78/18 about the Hungarian NGO Transparency Law as a stepping-stone to assess how the law stands today, both in general terms and with regard to the (digital) internal market in particular, thereby enabling insights into how an old regime embraces new realities. The case is of interest because the Court of Justice of the European Union had to clarify if the Charter should apply to national laws that are not directly implementing EU Law, but are restricting the EU’s fundamental freedoms, and because it constitutes a very important step in upholding the rule of law and democracy in the EU’s Member States.
Enhancing Autonomy of Online Users in the Digital Markets Act
Authors: Mäihäniemi Beata
Published: November 2024

An increased movement towards developing digital fundamental rights can be observed. This includes a call for amplified autonomy of online users. This chapter defines the right to autonomy in the digital environment and assesses different dimensions of autonomy as a concept. This is done by identifying these dimensions in the Digital Markets Act (hereinafter DMA) the sectoral regulation of large online platforms that has recently entered the EU scene. The chapter identifies two dimensions of autonomy in the DMA: self-empowering as to data gathering and autonomy as being free from manipulation. The chapter also offers some recommendations as to how to tackle autonomy in a digital environment.
Reconstruction and Preparation for Ukraine’s Accession to the EU
Authors: Ciot Melania-Gabriela
Published: November 2024

The evolution of the international arena indicates clearly that the state actors are competing for a better position on the New International Order. This perspective will bring political, social, economic, but also cultural and sustainable dimensions to the prospective analysis of evolutions. The invasion of Ukraine accelerated the reconfiguration of the Contemporary International System, with impact on the foresight developments of EU. The support of the European Member States to Ukraine manifested through different instruments, policies, and institutions, in several key areas: infrastructure, economic diversification, education and skill development, governance and policy, social development and inclusion, international collaboration, and resilience building. The present study will investigate the challenges for the EU’s enlargement policy in the context of the war from Ukraine, focusing on the accession process, its preparation, negotiations, and management of the process. The study ends with some recommendations regarding the building of the administrative and resilience capacity to better support the complex process of reconstruction of Ukraine.
Formation of Competencies for Managers of Sustainable Development in Ukraine
Authors: Humenna Oleksandra , Dyachenko Yuriy , Vasylets Mariia
Published: November 2024

The relevance of training management specialists in sustainable development and the formation of “tomorrow’s” competencies in them is determined by the need to be included in the world’s global space. After all, there is no alternative to the Millennium Goals (Sustainable Development Goals) today. The need to develop policies embodied in best practices, particularly at the local level, determines the necessity of creating new educational programs and components focusing on sustainable development management, which should be based on a balance of economic, social, and environmental dimensions, as well as the measurement of management efficiency. Therefore, it is imperative to consider all stakeholders’ interests in achieving progress in the country’s sustainable development.

This chapter examines and substantiates the methodology and algorithm for forming a set of competencies of a modern manager of sustainable development based on the balance of interests and considering the challenges/risks that managers of this new type face. Additionally, it was determined that the understanding of people of different generations regarding the concept of sustainable development is a crucial aspect in the formation of educational programs. Attitudes towards sustainable development differ between generations due to their distinct life experiences, socio-cultural influences, and perceptions of global issues.

The methods of comparative analysis were employed in the literature review and the evaluation of existing educational programs on sustainable development management worldwide and the competencies they provide.
War-Related Moral Damage: Ukrainian and International Practice
Authors: Karnaukh Bohdan
Published: November 2024

Moral damage is a negative psychological experience endured by a person, consisting of mental pain and anguish. War brings with it an inconceivable amount of such experience. However, not all such experience can be compensated through legal mechanisms. There is a certain threshold of severity of moral damage below which compensation is not provided. Such a ‘threshold’ of compensability is often dependent on the functioning and purpose of a particular compensation mechanism. The chapter aims to explore the practice of Ukrainian courts, the UN Compensation Commission, and the ECtHR in matters concerning compensation for war-related moral damage. The chapter addresses evidentiary matters (burden of proof, standard of proof and presumptions) and provides some guidance on the calculation of monetary compensation for mental pain and anguish. The author concludes that the awarded sum should not be viewed as a precise monetary representation of the ordeal. Rather, it serves as a relative indication of the severity and duration of the pain and suffering endured. Determining the monetary unit of measurement hinges on various political, economic, and practical factors, such as the nature and responsibilities of the adjudicating body, the socioeconomic conditions in the applicant’s country, and the resources available to the responsible entity.
The Consequences of Paying to Publish
Authors: van Leeuwen Thed , Brasil André
Published: November 2024

Open access publishing has been the most prolific aspect of the transition towards open science. In this transition, increasingly national governments, national and international funding agencies, and institutional leadership have initiated policies to promote and stimulate the development to open access as the norm in scholarly publishing. However, this has not always led to the best outcomes.
Evaluating Transdisciplinary Research Quality
Authors: Borlaug Siri B. , Svartefoss Silje Marie
Published: November 2024

Transdisciplinary research (TDR) addresses societal issues and involves non-academic partners. To meet today’s societal challenges TDR is often seen as part of the solution. But TDR projects differ considerably from regular and disciplinary projects and therefore require other conceptions of quality and evaluative approaches.
Evaluating and Improving the Societal Impact of Research
Authors: Sivertsen Gunnar , Meijer Ingeborg
Published: November 2024

Societal impact of research does not occur primarily as unexpected, extraordinary incidents of particularly useful breakthroughs in science. Is it more often a result of normal everyday interactions between organisations that need to create, exchange, and make use of new knowledge to further their goals. This chapter discusses how to assess and improve the cocreation and use of research in normal research–society relations.
The Many Dilemmas of Grant Peer Review
Authors: Langfeldt Liv
Published: November 2024

Peer review is the prime basis for allocating research grants. The systems and principles of grant review were formed in a time with reasonable high success rates and available expert reviewers. Today, in a situation with lower success rates and reviewer fatigue, grant peer review is often heavily criticised. How should distrust, reviewer fatigue, and low success rates be dealt with? This chapter summarises the aims and dilemmas of grant peer review and some advice on how to handle them.
How Citations Relate to Research Quality
Authors: Aksnes Dag W. , Langfeldt Liv
Published: November 2024

Citations are often used as performance metrics in research policy and within the academic community. Usually, citations are assumed to reflect the impact of the research or its quality. What is the justification for these assumptions and how do citations relate to research quality? These and similar issues have been addressed through several decades of scientometric research. This chapter provides an overview of some of the main issues at stake.
The Use of Metrics in Academic Recruitment
Authors: Reymert Ingvild
Published: November 2024

Concerns about the use of metrics in assessments of individual researchers have been raised by influential initiatives such as the DORA declaration (2012), the Leiden Manifesto (2016), and CoARA’s Agreement on reform of research assessment. Even though metrics are applied in the evaluation of candidates for academic positions, there is evidence that metrics primarily serve as supplementary screening tools for panels reviewing applications for academic positions and not as replacements for peer reviews which still serves as the core evaluation practice in academic recruitment.
Early dFLC response by C1D7 predicts complete hematologic response in systemic AL amyloidosis
Authors: Liu Yang , Bi Jingyi , Dou Xuelin , Peng Nan , Wen Lei , Zhao Yanqiu , Huang Xiaojun , Lu Jin
Published: November 2024

Daratumumab and bortezomib, the first-line drugs for AL amyloidosis, typically yield a complete hematologic response (CHR) rate of nearly 60% when used in combinations. An early achievement of CHR is crucial in amyloidosis. We retrospectively evaluated the relationship between dFLC (the difference between free light chain) reduction by Day 7 in Cycle 1 (C1D7) and CHR, organ response, and survival in 48 newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis patients receiving daratumumab, bortezomib, and dexamethasone. The CHR rate within six months was 66.7%. Using Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve curve analysis, we predicted CHR based on a dFLC reduction in C1D7 (67.0% change, optimal sensitivity 87.5%, specificity 81.3%). We introduce the novel concept of “rapid hematologic dFLC response”, defined as a reduction in dFLC levels ≥ 67% in C1D7. The CHR rate in rapid responders’ groups was higher than that in slow responders’ group (90.3% vs. 23.5%, P<0.01). After a median follow-up of 19 months (range: 0.3–57), the renal response rate in rapid responders was higher than that in slow responders (72.0% vs. 27.5%, P = 0.025). The median major organ deterioration event-free survival in the rapid responders’ group (not reached) was significantly superior to that in the slow responders’ group (19 m, 95% CI: 1.79–23.14 m, P = 0.048). In conclusion, early dFLC reduction in C1D7 indicates a high possibility of CHR and organ response and may allow for early modification of therapy in selected patients.
Patient-related characteristics or local tradition: what predicts the admission to a locked ward or the use of coercive measures in psychiatric inpatient treatment?
Authors: Hochstrasser Lisa , Fröhlich Daniela , Moeller Julian , Schneeberger Andres R. , Borgwardt Stefan , Lang Undine E. , Huber Christian G.
Published: November 2024

Prior research shows that locked doors and coercive measures are not only applied due to safety concerns, but also due to the specific local tradition of an institution. We examined the association of the use of coercive measures and the admission to a locked ward with person-related characteristics compared to the admission to a specific clinic. In this 15-year, naturalistic observational study, we examined 230,684 admissions to 14 German psychiatric inpatient clinics from Jan 1, 1998, to Dec 31, 2012. To analyze the degree to which admission to a locked ward and coercive measures (received vs. not received) were connected with person- and clinic-specific factors, two-step logistic regression analyses were applied. 27% of the variance of the admission to a locked ward were explained by person-related characteristics (Nagelkerke r2 = 0.269). By adding the clinic the person was admitted to, the explained variance increased by 15% (Nagelkerke r2 = 0.418). 36% of the variance of the use of coercive measures were explained by person-related characteristics (Nagelkerke r2 = 0.364). By adding the clinic the person was admitted to, the explained variance increased by 4% (Nagelkerke r2 = 0.400). The local tradition of a psychiatric clinic seems to play a more prominent role for the decision to admit a person to a locked ward than for the decision to use coercive measures. Clinicians should be made aware of the connection of local traditions with clinical pathways in acute psychiatry to avoid unnecessary admissions to locked wards.
A roadmap to reduce the incidence and mortality of breast cancer by rethinking our approach to women’s health
Authors: Leggat-Barr Katherine , Yee Douglas , Duralde Erin , Hodge Caroline , Borges Virginia , Baxter Molly , Valdez Jessica , Morgan Tamandra , Garber Judy , Esserman Laura
Published: November 2024

Despite progress, breast cancer remains the most feared disease among women. In the USA alone, the incidence is now almost 300,000 new cancers per year, a rate that has nearly doubled in the last 30 years. Most women survive, but over 40,000 women a year still die of their disease [99]. It is the most diagnosed cancer among women and the second leading cause of cancer death. Important disparities exist in breast cancer outcomes among African American women, where women die of breast cancer at higher rates, are diagnosed younger, and at a more advanced stage. We are proposing a radical shift in our thinking about breast cancer prevention with an aspiration to dramatically lower breast cancer incidence. Most breast cancers are driven by steroid hormones. Throughout the life course, women are offered an array of hormonal treatments for menstrual cycle control, family planning, in vitro fertilization, postpartum weaning, and menopausal symptom management. There are mixed data on the extent to which each of these may contribute to increased or decreased risk for breast cancer. These endocrine manipulations could represent a great opportunity to potentially reduce breast cancer incidence and improve quality of life for survivors. To date, they have not been designed to explicitly reduce breast cancer risk. A new holistic approach will require scientists, drug developers, breast oncologists, obstetricians, gynecologists, endocrinologists, radiologists, and family medicine/internists to work together toward the common goal of reducing breast cancer risk while addressing other critical issues in women’s health.
Automatic detection of Android crypto ransomware using supervisor reduction
Authors: Chew Christopher Jun Wen , Malik Robi , Kumar Vimal , Patros Panos
Published: November 2024

This paper proposes a finite-state machine based approach to recognise crypto ransomware based on their behaviour. Malicious and benign Android applications are executed to capture the system calls they generate, which are then filtered and tokenised and converted to finite-state machines. The finite-state machines are simplified using supervisor reduction, which generalises the behavioural patterns and produces compact classification models. The classification models can be implemented in a lightweight monitoring system to detect malicious behaviour of running applications quickly. An extensive set of cross validation experiments is carried out to demonstrate the viability of the approach, which show that ransomware can be classified accurately with an F1 score of up to 93.8%.
Secondary school students’ strategies when interpreting histograms and case-value plots: an eye-tracking study
Authors: Boels Lonneke , Bakker Arthur , Van Dooren Wim , Drijvers Paul
Published: November 2024

Many students persistently misinterpret histograms. This calls for closer inspection of students’ strategies when interpreting histograms and case-value plots (which look similar but are different). Using students’ gaze data, we ask: How and how well do upper secondary pre-university school students estimate and compare arithmetic means of histograms and case-value plots? We designed four item types: two requiring mean estimation and two requiring means comparison. Analysis of gaze data of 50 students (15–19 years old) solving these items was triangulated with data from cued recall. We found five strategies. Two hypothesized most common strategies for estimating means were confirmed: a strategy associated with horizontal gazes and a strategy associated with vertical gazes. A third, new, count-and-compute strategy was found. Two more strategies emerged for comparing means that take specific features of the distribution into account. In about half of the histogram tasks, students used correct strategies. Surprisingly, when comparing two case-value plots, some students used distribution features that are only relevant for histograms, such as symmetry. As several incorrect strategies related to how and where the data and the distribution of these data are depicted in histograms, future interventions should aim at supporting students in understanding these concepts in histograms. A methodological advantage of eye-tracking data collection is that it reveals more details about students’ problem-solving processes than thinking-aloud protocols. We speculate that spatial gaze data can be re-used to substantiate ideas about the sensorimotor origin of learning mathematics.
Enhancement of heat tolerance by salt stress in Tetraselmis striata CTP4: impacts on HSP gene expression, pigments, and proximal composition
Authors: Santos Tamára F. , Pereira Hugo , Schüler Lisa , Maia Inês B. , Jacinto Rita , Bombo Gabriel , Pinheiro Filipa , Barreira Luísa , Varela João
Published: November 2024

As the world average temperature is on the rise and heat waves are becoming more prevalent, microalgal producers have been facing significant challenges regarding the time periods during which they are able to grow less thermotolerant microalgae in outdoor production facilities. Therefore, it is urgent to explore how microalgae cope with thermal stress and under which growth conditions tolerance to temperatures close to or higher than their maximum thermal threshold is induced. For this purpose, Tetraselmis striata CTP4, a euryhaline microalga known for its thermotolerance, was selected. Tetraselmis striata belongs to the Chlorodendrophyceae, a clade that branched off early from other "core chlorophyte" clades, usually comprised of microalgae able to colonise freshwater habitats. Here, we present compelling evidence that the ability of this microalga to withstand otherwise lethal thermal upshifts to 40 °C is induced by exposure to higher salinity (35 ppt). In contrast, this response is abrogated at lower salinities. Concomitantly, the expression of genes encoding HSP70 and HSP100, two heat shock proteins known to mediate thermotolerance and tolerance to other stresses (e.g., salt stress) in fungi, animals and plants, was enhanced when exposed to both heat stress and higher salinities. This suggests that cross-protective mechanisms against abiotic stress appeared early during the evolution of the core chlorophytes and of Archaeplastida in general. This knowledge can be used to select novel strains and growth conditions that promote thermotolerance in microalgae that are grown in outdoor industrial production facilities in environments where heat waves are expected.
On the logical substantiveness of compositionality
Authors: Wehmeier Kai F.
Published: November 2024

Given any set E of expressions freely generated from a set of atoms by syntactic operations, there exist trivially compositional functions on E (to wit, the injective and the constant functions), but also plenty of non-trivially compositional functions. Here we show that within the space of non-injective functions (and so a fortiori within the space of non-injective and non-constant functions), compositional functions are not sufficiently abundant in order to generate the consequence relation of every propositional logic. Logical consequence relations thus impose substantive constraints on the existence of compositional functions when coupled with the condition of non-injectivity (though not without it). We ask how the apriori exclusion of injective functions from the search space might be justified, and we discuss the prospects of claims to the effect that any function can be “encoded” in a compositional one.
Organic Metalogue Across Spaces and Places to Rethink Species Relationships in a Community of Practice
Authors: McIntyre-Mills Janet Judy
Published: November 2024

How can we work with diverse cultures and diverse ways of knowing whilst enabling space for diversity? Metalogues can help to avoid (or remedy) misunderstanding, leaving ideas out, speaking for or over others. It provides breathing space between the stimulus of engagement and the process of coming up with an agreed upon output or outcome. This postcolonial and non-anthropocentric approach is rooted in collegiality and a recognition of our hybridity and interconnectedness with many species; as such it celebrates ‘entangled life’ (Sheldrake 2021) with Indigenous and non Indigenous academics, leaders and community practitioners, including farmers. The paper discusses the dynamic process. Could this process be considered multispecies neuroscience in action?
Gastric Pouch Resizing for Recurrent Weight Gain After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass—Does It Have Its Rational?
Authors: Hehl Stefanie Josefine , Birrer Dominique Lisa , Hauser Renward , Gero Daniel , Thalheimer Andreas , Bueter Marco , Widmer Jeannette
Published: November 2024

Introduction

The most effective treatment for obesity and associated comorbidities is metabolic-bariatric surgery (MBS). Nevertheless, recurrent weight gain is reported in up to 40% of patients after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), eventually with a recurrence of obesity-associated comorbidities. Gastric pouch resizing (GPR) is performed as a low-risk secondary surgery to cease weight regain. We herewith analyzed the effect of GPR after primary RYGB on long-term weight loss, course of comorbidities, safety, and patient satisfaction.

Methods

Forty-eight patients undergoing GPR between 2016 and 2020 at the University Hospital of Zurich were included. Data were collected from a prospective database. GPR was performed laparoscopically and included a resection of the enlarged gastric pouch and a redo of the gastrojejunostomy. Additionally, 37 patients participated in a survey to evaluate PROMs (patient-reported outcome measures).

Results

GPR followed RYGB after a mean time of 106.2 ± 45.5 months at a mean BMI of 39 ± 5.4 kg/m2. Mean follow-up was 55.9 ± 18.5 months with a mean BMI 1- and 5-years postoperative of 37 ± 5.5 kg/m2 and 35 ± 7.5 kg/m2, respectively. Obesity-associated comorbidities were resolved in 53% of patients at follow-up (p < 0.05). Minor postoperative complications occurred in 12.5% while major complications occurred in 10.4% of patients. The PROMs showed high levels of satisfaction after GPR.

Conclusion

GPR for recurrent weight gain after primary RYGB is a safe procedure resulting in weight stabilization and resolution of obesity-associated comorbidities. It is thus a valuable surgical option in well-selected patients.

Graphical Abstract
Mental constructions for the learning of the concept of vector space
Authors: Trigueros María , Cabrera Angel Can , Aguilar Mario Sánchez
Published: November 2024

This study contributes to the literature on linear algebra instruction by designing and researching a teaching sequence based on APOS Theory to introduce engineering students to vector spaces. The sequence offers students multiple opportunities to understand the concept. Another contribution is the evidence that introducing prerequisite concepts—such as equality, sets, and binary operations—before tackling vector space was crucial for grasping the role of proof in determining whether a set is a vector space. The findings confirm that, as other studies have shown, vector space is challenging for students. However, the results demonstrate that students were able to face this challenge. All students showed evidence of developing an understanding of the concept, with nine achieving a clear grasp of vector space and the role of proof by the end of the experience. Additionally, the progress observed—from having difficulties with symbols to successfully proving statements involving unconventional operations—underscores the effectiveness of the teaching approach.
Surface Functionalized Plasmonic Sensors for Uric Acid Detection With Gold-Graphene Stacked Nanocomposites
Authors: Onifade Olabisi Abdullahi , Mohamad Azri Dinie Dayana , Abu Bakar Muhammad Hafiz , Alresheedi Mohammed Thamer , Ng Eng Khoon , Mahdi Mohd Adzir , Muhammad Noor Ahmad Shukri
Published: November 2024

This study presented a surface-functionalized sensor probe using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) self-assembled monolayers on a Kretschmann-configured plasmonic platform. The probe featured stacked nanocomposites of gold (via sputtering) and graphene quantum dots (GQD, via spin-coating) for highly sensitive and accurate uric acid (UA) detection within the physiological ranges. Characterization encompassed the field emission scanning electron microscopy for detailed imaging, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy for elemental analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for molecular identification. Surface functionalization increased sensor sensitivity by 60.64%, achieving 0.0221 °/(mg/dL) for the gold-GQD probe and 0.035 5 °/(mg/dL) for the gold-APTES-GQD probe, with linear correlation coefficients of 0.8249 and 0.8509, respectively. The highest sensitivity was 0.070 6 °/(mg/dL), with a linear correlation coefficient of 0.993 and a low limit of detection of 0.2 mg/dL. Furthermore, binding affinity increased dramatically, with the Langmuir constants of 14.29 µM−1 for the gold-GQD probe and 0.000 1 µM−1 for the gold-APTES-GQD probe, representing a 142 900-fold increase. The probe demonstrated notable reproducibility and repeatability with relative standard deviations of 0.166% and 0.013%, respectively, and exceptional temporal stability of 99.66%. These findings represented a transformative leap in plasmonic UA sensors, characterized by enhanced precision, reliability, sensitivity, and increased surface binding capacity, synergistically fostering unprecedented practicality.
Techno-Economic Analysis of Grid-Connected Highway Solar EV Charging Station
Authors: Eom Dongguen , Choi Jihwan , Song Junseok , Park Byunghwa , Kim Sung Jae , Park Sangwook
Published: November 2024

Solar electric vehicle (EV) charging stations offer a promising solution to an environmental issue related to EVs by supplying eco-friendly electricity. Herein, we designed and analyzed a grid-connected highway solar EV charging station for 2022, 2030, and 2050 under two scenarios: Current policy scenario with restricted grid sales and policy mitigation scenario allowing grid sale. Future systems consider changes in EV charging station, grid CO2 emissions, carbon prices, and renewable costs. In 2022, high PV and battery costs led to a grid-only system. By 2030 and 2050, significant reductions in PV costs enabled systems with substantial PV capacity, especially under the policy mitigation scenario. Economic analysis showed that enabling grid sales reduces net present cost (NPC) by 40% in 2030 and 35% in 2050 compared to the current policy scenario, with significantly lower levelized cost of energy. CO2 emissions from EV operation are projected to be 44% and 3% of 2022 levels by 2030 and 2050, respectively. The policy mitigation scenario further reduces CO2 emissions by 22% in 2030 and 25% in 2050 compared to the current policy scenario. Sensitivity analyses reveal that increased grid sale capacity leads to higher renewable penetration and lower NPC but also increased grid congestion, highlighting the need for efficient grid management. Policymakers should consider revising regulations to support higher PV penetration and manage grid congestion. This study supports the transition to renewable systems and underscores the importance of policy measures in achieving sustainable energy goals.
The paramodular Hecke algebra
Authors: Johnson-Leung Jennifer , Parker Joshua , Roberts Brooks
Published: November 2024

We give a presentation via generators and relations of the local graded paramodular Hecke algebra of prime level. In particular, we prove that the paramodular Hecke algebra is isomorphic to the quotient of the free $${{\mathbb {Z}}}$$
Z
-algebra generated by four non-commuting variables by an ideal generated by seven relations. Using this description, we derive rationality results at the level of characters and give a characterization of the center of the Hecke algebra. Underlying our results are explicit formulas for the product of any generator with any double coset.
Matrices with hyperbolical Krein space numerical range
Authors: Bebiano N. , Lemos R. , Soares G.
Published: November 2024

This paper is devoted to matrices with hyperbolical Krein space numerical range. This shape characterizes the 2-by-2 case and persists for certain classes of matrices, independently of their size. Necessary and sufficient conditions for low dimensional tridiagonal matrices to have this shape are obtained involving only the matrix entries.
An End-to-End Brain Computer Interface System for Mental Workload Estimation through Hybrid Deep Learning Model
Authors: Sharma Vipul , Ahirwal Mitul Kumar
Published: November 2024

In this paper, a new cascade one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1DCNN) and bidirectional long short-term memory (BLSTM) model has been developed for binary and ternary classification of mental workload (MWL). MWL assessment is important to increase the safety and efficiency in brain–computer interface (BCI) systems and professions, where multi-tasking is required. Keeping in mind the necessity of MWL assessment, a two-fold study is presented, firstly binary classification is done to classify MWL into low and high classes. Secondly, ternary classification is applied to classify MWL into low, moderate, and high classes. The cascaded1DCNN-BLSTM deep learning architecture has been developed and tested over the Simultaneous task EEG workload (STEW) dataset. Unlike recent research in MWL, handcrafted feature extraction and engineering are not done, rather end-to-end deep learning is used over 14 channel EEG signals for classification. Accuracies exceeding the previous state-of-the-art studies have been obtained. In binary and ternary classification accuracies of 96.77% and 95.36%have been achieved with sevenfold cross-validation, respectively.
Coal structure evaluation and morphological properties that affect the coal usage in industries
Authors: Gaesenngwe Gaesenngwe , Danha Gwiranai , Mamvura Tirivaviri Augustine , Raghupatruni Prasad Ventaka Satya
Published: November 2024

The contemporary research article is central to understanding coal structure evaluation and the morphological development impacting its utilization in different applications. Through Mineral Liberation Analysis (MLA) designs high content phyllosilicates minerals and swelling clay minerals were rationalized to provides a novel insight into enhanced coal beneficiation and the benefits of coal by-product re-utilization progressions that encourage safer environments and economic sustainability. This work commences with collection of five (5) different coal samples from the central district region in Botswana, sample characterization deploying Thermogravimetric coal analysis (TGA), x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the Hardgrove Grindability Index (HGI) test that was directed to quantification of the coal hardness and fracture toughness during milling. The cumulative objective was to understand the correlation that exists between the natural composition of the coal sample and their adaptation and application in various carbonaceous products. A solid connection was thus identified in the sulfur and phosphorus weight percentage inclusions in all the coal materials hence higher significance in sphalerite mineral phases (Zn, Fe) S critically increased the fracture toughness and hardness properties. Moreover, mineral amalgams intrinsic to the coal maceral such as aluminum oxides (Al2O3), silicate (SiO2), calcites (CaO), Iron oxide (Fe2O3), potassium feldspars (K − AlSi3O8), albite (Na − AlSi3O8), and anorthite (Ca − Al2Si2O8) compounds in alkali feldspars were detected in larger quantities. The coal industry has attracted much industrial attention to manufacturing foundations producing cement, ceramic tiles, paving bricks, and material synthesis and will continue to supply other economic sectors in the conceivable future.

Graphical Abstract