bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of differential pricing subject on consumer behavior
Authors: Chen Jinsong , Zhang Yuexin , Wu Yumin
Published: August 2024

The escalating use of artificial intelligence in marketing significantly impacts all aspects of consumer life. This research, grounded in attribution theory and S–O-R theory, employs scenario-based experimental methods to simulate two distinct purchasing contexts. The aim is to investigate consumers' psychological and behavioral responses to AI-initiated pricing. Through SPSS analysis of variance and Bootstrap analysis, the mechanisms of influence of AI-initiated pricing on consumer behavior are tested, revealing the mediating variables of mind perception and consumer perceived ethicality, as well as the mediating variables of perceived enterprise control. Data were collected from Chinese customers to test the model of this study. A total of 841 valid questionnaires were analyzed using ANOVA and Bootstrap analysis with SPSS. The results show that: (1) Consumers exhibit higher repurchase and word-of-mouth recommendation behaviors and lower complaint and switching behaviors for AI-initiated pricing compared to marketers; (2) AI-initiated pricing leads to diminished mind perceptions and augmented ethical perceptions among consumers. Ethical perceptions serve as a complete mediator, while mind perceptions play a less significant mediating role; (3) Perceived enterprise control plays a moderating role in the impact of AI-initiated pricing on consumer behavior. That is, when consumers know that the enterprise can control pricing agents, AI-initiated pricing leads to lower repurchase and word-of-mouth recommendation behaviors, and higher instances of complaining and switching behaviors than humans.
Development and printing of three-dimensional electrodes for the high body adhesion of smart wear
Authors: Lee Okkyung , Lee Heeran
Published: August 2024

Herein, we investigate the effects of 3D printed electrodes on electrophysiological signals and identify the important design elements required for manufacturing better electrodes for high body adhesion for smart wear. Ten electrodes of different shapes (plain, check, stripe, circular, radial cut-out) and thicknesses (0.5 mm and 1.0 mm) were manufactured. The electrodes were evaluated by testing on 20 healthy individuals (10 men and 10 women). To measure the electroencephalogram (EEG) of the participants, we used BIOS-S8 (BioBrain Inc., Korea), an 8-channel polygraph for multibody signal measurement. Data were analyzed using the SPSS 26.0 statistical program. The EEG values were significantly activated according to gender. For the male participants, relative alpha (RA), relative slow theta (RST), relative mid theta (RMT), and the ratio of SMR-mid beta to theta (RSMT) values were highly activated and for the female participants, RA, relative fast alpha (RFA), and relative slow theta (RSA) values were highly activated. There were no significant gendifferences in the EEG of both genders for the 10 types of electrodes. However, for the female participants, the ‘RA’ indices showed a significant difference based on electrode shape on the right temporal lobe (T4), but there was no significant difference based on the thickness. There was a significant difference in the subjective preference of the electrodes also. In the subjective evaluation, it was found that the differences based on the shape and thickness of the electrodes were sensitively recognized.
Patterns and sociodemographic characteristics of substance abuse among hepatitis C virus-infected patients in Iraq: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hasan Noor Ali , Al-Hemiary Nesif
Published: August 2024

Background

Substance use disorders are a widely recognized problem among hepatitis C-infected patients; moreover, substance abuse by intravenous injection is a common mode of transmission of the hepatitis C virus worldwide. The frequency of substance use disorders and their relation to hepatitis C infection are still unknown in Iraq. This cross-sectional study, conducted among a sample of hepatitis C- infected patients attending the Gastrointestinal Tract Center in Baghdad Medical City, aimed to examine the prevalence of substance use disorders, the sociodemographic characteristics of the abusers, and the relation between intravenous drug abuse and hepatitis C virus infection. All participants were subjected to an Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) questionnaire and a data form to determine sociodemographic characteristics and hepatitis C virus-related risk factors.

Results

In a total of 300 hepatitis C virus-infected patients, the prevalence of substance use disorders was 53.6%. Among these patients, 43.6% abused nicotine, 6% abused licit drugs, and 4% abused alcohol. No one reported illicit drug abuse. Intravenous drug abuse was rare, and there was no relationship found between intravenous drug abuse and hepatitis C infection. Cupping (23%) and blood transfusion (20.3%) were both significantly associated with hepatitis C transmission in this study (p > 0.001).

Conclusion

This study revealed a high prevalence (53.6%) of substance abuse in this sample of hepatitis C-infected patients, with nicotine being the most commonly abused substance. However, there was no relationship between hepatitis C infection and intravenous drug abuse. Common risk factors that might contribute to hepatitis C transmission among this population include cupping and blood transfusion.
Mismatch repair deficiency in bilateral breast cancer
Authors: Kozonoe Milena Massumi , Nabhen Jacqueline Justino , Batista Bruno Ribeiro , Novello Lucas , Palmero Edenir Inêz , Ioshii Sérgio Ossamu , Linhares Júlia Costa
Published: August 2024

Background

Since the FDA approved immune-enhancing therapies for patients with high microsatellite instability (MSI-H) and/or mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR), recognizing these biomarkers in solid tumors has gained clinical importance. Although MSI-H and dMMR are considered uncommon in breast cancer, previous studies on bilateral breast cancer (biBC) identified a surprisingly high frequency of MSI.

Methods

In this study, we aimed to describe the prevalence of dMMR and its association with clinicopathologic parameters in biBC. We performed immunohistochemistry with anti-MMR proteins on tissue microarrays (TMAs) with 58 bilateral breast cancer cases. The biomarkers used were MLH1, PMS2, MSH2, MSH6, ER, PR, HER2 and Ki67. SPSS was used for data analysis.

Results

Four (6.9%) cases showed dMMR on TMAs. Three (75%) of the dMMR cases were luminal and one (25%) was triple negative. Two biBC cases presented unilateral dMMR. No association between dMMR status and clinicopathologic parameters was found.

Conclusions

This work highlights a noticeable frequency of dMMR in bilateral breast cancer and builds upon previous research in this area, suggesting routine MMR protein testing as part of the immunohistochemical panel for biBC to identify candidates for immune-enhancing therapies.
Effect of silver nanochitosan on control of seed-borne pathogens and maintaining seed quality of wheat
Authors: Chouhan Divya , Dutta Poulami , Dutta Debojit , Dutta Ankita , Kumar Anoop , Mandal Palash , Choudhuri Chandrani , Mathur Piyush
Published: August 2024

Seeds, considered as the foundation of agriculture, are invaded by a broad spectrum of seed-borne pathogens. The current study aimed to control seed-borne fungal pathogens of wheat, Aspergillus flavus and A. niger, by using Ag+ nanochitosan (Ag-NC) for nano-priming of seeds and enhancing seed quality. Nanochitosan (NC) and Ag-NC were synthesized using the gelation method and characterized by UV–vis spectrophotometry, FESEM, EDXS, and HRTEM. NC and Ag-NC showed irregular surface topography with an average particle size of 275 and 325 nm, respectively. Antifungal activity of both the nanoparticles at 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 mg/mL revealed that Ag-NC at 0.5 mg/mL has completely terminated the mycelial growth of both pathogens. Malonaldehyde content increased to 77.77% in A. flavus and 82.66% in A. niger when exposed to 0.5 mg/mL Ag-NC. High-intensity fluorescence due to oxidative stress was observed in Ag-NC-treated pathogens. Ultra-structural changes in Ag-NC treated pathogenic spores under SEM displayed pronounced membrane damages. Wheat seeds were nano-primed with NC and Ag-NC at 0.5 mg/mL, and fungal load was examined to evaluate the mitigation of pathogenic stress and its effect on seedling growth promotion activity. Ag-NC priming reduced the fungal load and allowed successful seed germination. Ag-NC priming increased the albumin, gliadin, gluten, and glutenin content along with total phenol, reducing sugar and starch levels. Ag-NC priming increased the overall protein levels traced through SDS-PAGE. Seed priming with Ag-NC promotes seed germination, mean germination time, stress tolerance index, vigour, etc. NC and Ag-NC at 0.5 mg/mL showed no cytotoxic effect on the Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK293) cell line that ensures the nanoparticles are non-toxic. Thus, the synthesized nanoparticles exhibit a dual role in antifungal activity and plant growth promotion.
Comparison between non-vitamin K oral antagonist versus warfarin in atrial fibrillation with and without valvular heart disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Adji Arga Setyo , de Liyis Bryan Gervais
Published: August 2024

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) poses a significant stroke risk in heart disease patients. This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of non-vitamin K oral antagonists (NOACs) versus vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in AF patients with and without any valvular heart disease (VHD/N-VHD).

Methods

A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar up to March 3, 2022. Efficacy and safety parameters were analyzed.

Results

A total of 85,423 subjects from 10 studies were included in this meta-analysis. NOACs and VKAs showed similar effects on ischemic stroke in AF patients with VHD/N-VHD (RR 0.97; 95% CI 0.72–1.30; p = 0.83) and also on systemic embolic events (RR 1.02; 95% CI 0.83–1.25; p = 0.86). Similar effects were seen in VHD and N-VHD subgroups. Both treatments had similar effects on myocardial infarction in AF patients with VHD/N-VHD (RR 0.79; 95% CI 0.49–1.26; p = 0.32), VHD (RR 0.78; 95% CI 0.59–1.02; p = 0.07), and N-VHD subgroups (RR 0.82; 95% CI 0.30–2.21; p = 0.69). NOACs reduced the risk of intracranial bleeding in AF VHD/N-VHD (RR 0.64; 95% CI 0.54–0.77; p < 0.0001), VHD (RR 0.59; 95% CI 0.42–0.82; p = 0.002), and N-VHD subgroups (RR 0.70; 95% CI 0.57–0.85; p = 0.0003). Additionally, NOACs reduced the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding in AF VHD/N-VHD (RR 0.80; 95% CI 0.66–0.96; p = 0.02), specifically in the VHD subgroup (RR 0.69; 95% CI 0.54–0.89; p = 0.004). Moreover, NOACs were associated with a decreased risk for minor and non-fatal bleeding in AF patients with VHD/N-VHD (RR 0.86; 95% CI 0.75–0.99; p = 0.04).

Conclusion

NOACs are effective and safe for ischemic stroke, systemic embolic events, myocardial infarction, intracranial bleeding, and gastrointestinal bleeding in AF patients with VHD/N-VHD.
Left ventricular apical aneurysm in Takayasu arteritis and chronic active Epstein–Barr virus infection
Authors: Raghuram Karthik , Gopalakrishnan Arun , Nair Krishna Kumar Mohanan , Namboodiri Narayanan , Valaparambil Ajitkumar
Published: August 2024

Background

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology characterized by a large vessel vasculitis involving the aorta and its branches. Myocardial involvement is extremely unusual in TA and is mostly in the form of myocarditis, ventricular hypertrophy, and ventricular dysfunction secondary to coronary ischemia. Submitral aneurysms have been reported in TA and has been attributed to the chronic inflammatory process in TA.

Case presentation

We report a novel instance of left ventricular apical aneurysm in a 37-year-old lady with TA and normal epicardial coronaries. She was diagnosed with a left ventricular apical aneurysm, moderate aortic regurgitation, and moderate pericardial effusion. The coronary arteries were normal. The patient had concomitant chronic active Epstein–Barr virus infection complicating patient outcome.

Conclusions

Left ventricular apical aneurysm with normal epicardial coronaries is a rare cause of heart failure in Takayasu arteritis. Concomitant chronic active Epstein–Barr virus infection can potentially accentuate the inflammatory process in Takayasu arteritis and complicate management and patient outcomes.
Esophagitis dissecans superficialis: a rare cause of upper GI bleeding
Authors: Wifi Mohamed-Naguib , Abdellatef Abeer , El-Kareem Dalia Abd , Hassan Mohamed , Lasheen Amr Maged
Published: August 2024

Background

Esophagitis dissecans superficialis (EDS) is a rare desquamative esophageal condition with a wide range of presentations, from asymptomatic cases to those with severe, life-threatening symptoms. EDS has a strong association with several conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, smoking, and certain medications, although it can also occur without any apparent cause (idiopathic). Diagnosis involves a comprehensive approach, including clinical assessment (history and examination), endoscopic examination, histopathological analysis, and the exclusion of other potential causes. There is still no established standard treatment for EDS, as many cases resolve spontaneously without long-term complications.

Case presentation.

We present a case of a 73-year-old female with an episode of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) due to Esophagitis dissecans superficialis, which had a favorable outcome after therapy with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI).

Conclusion

Although EDS is a rare condition, it should be considered a cause of UGIB in patients with risk factors.
Childhood trauma and differential response to long-term psychoanalytic versus cognitive–behavioural therapy for chronic depression in adults
Authors: Krakau Lina , Ernst Mareike , Hautzinger Martin , Beutel Manfred E. , Leuzinger-Bohleber Marianne
Published: August 2024

Background

Childhood trauma is a major risk factor for chronic depression. It has been suggested that adults with chronic depression who have experienced childhood trauma may require long-term treatment owing to a breakdown of basic trust and related difficulties in developing a productive therapeutic relationship.

Aims

As empirical studies have been preliminary and scarce, we studied the effects of psychoanalytic therapy (PAT) versus cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) for chronic depression in adults with a history of childhood trauma. In this subgroup, we expected a greater symptom reduction in PAT compared with CBT.

Method

In a large trial of long-term psychotherapies for chronic depression (LAC-Study; Clinical Trial Register ISRCTN91956346), 210 adults received open-ended CBT or PAT in an out-patient setting and were examined yearly over 5 years on the Beck Depression Inventory – II (BDI-II). Based on a linear mixed model approach, we tested participant-reported childhood trauma based on the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) as a predictor and moderator of treatment outcome. CTQ subscales were examined exploratively.

Results

Depressive symptoms decreased over time (b = −4.55, s.e. = 0.90, 95% CI −6.32 to −2.81, T = −5.08; P < 0.001). A significant three-way interaction between childhood trauma, time and therapy group (b = −0.05, s.e. = 0.02, 95% CI −0.09 to −0.01, T = −2.42; P = 0.016) indicated that participants with childhood trauma profited especially well from PATs.

Conclusions

Our results indicate differential benefits from PAT compared with CBT among adults with chronic depression and a history of childhood trauma. The results have important implications for differential indication and policy.
Molecular and Clinicopathologic Impact of GNAS Variants Across Solid Tumors
Authors: Johannet Paul , Abdelfattah Somer , Wilde Callahan , Patel Shrey , Walch Henry , Rousseau Benoit , Argiles Guillem , Artz Oliver , Patel Miteshkumar , Arfe Andrea , Cercek Andrea , Yaeger Rona , Ganesh Karuna , Schultz Nikolaus , Diaz Luis A. , Foote Michael B.
Published: August 2024

PURPOSE

The molecular drivers underlying mucinous tumor pathogenicity are poorly understood.
GNAS
mutations predict metastatic burden and treatment resistance in mucinous appendiceal adenocarcinoma. We investigated the pan-cancer clinicopathologic relevance of
GNAS
variants.

METHODS

We assessed 58,043 patients with Memorial Sloan Kettering-Integrated Mutation Profiling of Actionable Cancer Targets (IMPACT)–sequenced solid tumors to identify oncogenic variants, including
GNAS
, associated with mucinous tumor phenotype. We then performed comprehensive molecular analyses to compare
GNAS-
mutant (mut) and wild-type tumors across cancers. Gene expression patterns associated with
GNAS-
mut tumors were assessed in a The Cancer Genome Atlas cohort. Associations between
GNAS
variant status and peritoneal metastasis, first-line systemic therapy response, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were determined using a propensity-matched subcohort of patients with metastatic disease.

RESULTS

Mucinous tumors were enriched for oncogenic
GNAS
variants.
GNAS
was mutated in >1% of small bowel, cervical, colorectal, pancreatic, esophagogastric, hepatobiliary, and GI neuroendocrine cancers. Across these cancers,
GNAS-
mut tumors exhibited a generally conserved C-to-T mutation-high, aneuploidy-low molecular profile with co-occurring prevalent
KRAS
variants (65% of GNAS-mut tumors) and fewer
TP53
alterations.
GNAS-
mut tumors exhibited recurrently comutated alternative tumor suppressors (
RBM10
,
INPPL1
) and upregulation of MAPK and cell surface modulators.
GNAS-
mut tumors demonstrate an increased prevalence of peritoneal metastases (odds ratio [OR], 1.7 [95% CI, 1.1 to 2.5];
P =
.006), worse response to first-line systemic therapy (OR, 2.2 [95% CI, 1.3 to 3.8];
P =
.003), and shorter PFS (median, 5.6
v
7.0 months;
P =
.047). In a multivariable analysis,
GNAS
mutated status was independently prognostic of worse OS (hazard ratio, 1.25 [95% CI, 1.01 to 1.56]; adjusted
P =
.04).

CONCLUSION

Across the assessed cancers,
GNAS-
mut tumors exhibit a conserved molecular and clinical phenotype defined by mucinous tumor status, increased peritoneal metastasis, poor response to first-line systemic therapy, and worse survival.
Therapeutic Potential of Blocking Nephrin Phosphorylation to Improve Pancreatic β-cell Function
Authors: Joseph Jamie W
Published: August 2024

The phosphorylation of the transmembrane protein nephrin has been shown to play an important role in signaling in kidney podocytes, and it has now been shown to also play a key role in regulating pancreatic β-cell function. Williamson et al have recently shown that the loss of nephrin tyrosine phosphorylation on its 3 cytoplasmic YDxV motifs can enhance insulin release in aged female mice. These studies suggest that blocking nephrin phosphorylation may be an effective treatment option for improving β-cell function.
The Limits to Food and Beverage Industry Influence over Fiscal and Regulatory Policy in Latin America
Authors: Gómez Eduardo J.
Published: August 2024

Context: Little is known about the political, institutional, and social contexts contributing to a decline in food and beverage industry power and influence over fiscal policy (soda taxes) and regulatory policy (sales/advertising restrictions and food labels). This article addresses this issue by exploring why Mexico and Chile eventually saw such a decline in the food and beverage industry's influence, whereas a similar decline did not occur in Brazil. The article argues that in Mexico and Chile, these outcomes are explained by presidential, congressional, and bureaucratic interests shifting to pursue policies that went against industry preferences.

Methods: This article took a qualitative methodological approach to comparative historical research.

Findings: Policy makers’ interest in pursuing stronger food and beverage regulations were shaped by economic and public health concerns, new electoral contexts, epidemiological information, and normative beliefs. In Mexico, the infiltration of nutrition researchers within government facilitated this process. By contrast, Brazil's government was divided about pursuing regulatory policies, with presidents favoring partnerships with industry to implement a popular antihunger program; industry's power endured there with limited progress in policy reforms.

Conclusion: Governments can eventually overcome industry power and policy influence, but it depends on a whole-government commitment to reform.
Actin network evolution as a key driver of eukaryotic diversification
Authors: Velle Katrina B. , Swafford Andrew J. M. , Garner Ethan , Fritz-Laylin Lillian K.
Published: August 2024

Eukaryotic cells have been evolving for billions of years, giving rise to wildly diverse cell forms and functions. Despite their variability, all eukaryotic cells share key hallmarks, including membrane-bound organelles, heavily regulated cytoskeletal networks and complex signaling cascades. Because the actin cytoskeleton interfaces with each of these features, understanding how it evolved and diversified across eukaryotic phyla is essential to understanding the evolution and diversification of eukaryotic cells themselves. Here, we discuss what we know about the origin and diversity of actin networks in terms of their compositions, structures and regulation, and how actin evolution contributes to the diversity of eukaryotic form and function.
Force re-development after shortening reveals a role for titin in stretch–shortening performance enhancement in skinned muscle fibres
Authors: Tomalka André , Weidner Sven , Hahn Daniel , Seiberl Wolfgang , Siebert Tobias
Published: August 2024

Stretch–shortening cycles (SSCs) involve muscle lengthening (eccentric contractions) instantly followed by shortening (concentric contractions). This combination enhances force, work and power output compared with pure shortening contractions, which is known as the SSC effect. Recent evidence indicates both cross-bridge (XB)-based and non-XB-based (e.g. titin) structures contribute to this effect. This study analysed force re-development following SSCs and pure shortening contractions to gain further insight into the roles of XB and non-XB structures regarding the SSC effect. Experiments were conducted on rat soleus muscle fibres (n=16) with different SSC velocities (30%, 60% and 85% of maximum shortening velocity) and constant stretch–shortening magnitudes (18% of optimum length). The XB inhibitor blebbistatin was used to distinguish between XB and non-XB contributions to force generation. The results showed SSCs led to significantly greater [mean±s.d. 1.02±0.15 versus 0.68±0.09 (ΔF/Δt); t62=8.61, P<0.001, d=2.79) and faster (75 ms versus 205 ms; t62=−6.37, P<0.001, d=−1.48) force re-development compared with pure shortening contractions in the control treatment. In the blebbistatin treatment, SSCs still resulted in greater [0.11±0.03 versus 0.06±0.01 (ΔF/Δt); t62=8.00, P<0.001, d=2.24) and faster (3010±1631 versus 7916±3230 ms; t62=−8.00, P<0.001, d=−1.92) force re-development compared with pure shortening contractions. These findings deepen our understanding of the SSC effect, underscoring the involvement of non-XB structures such as titin in modulating force production. This modulation is likely to involve complex mechanosensory coupling from stretch to signal transmission during muscle contraction.
Surgical Outcome After Distal Pancreatectomy With and Without Portomesenteric Venous Resection in Patients with Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: A Transatlantic Evaluation of Patients in North America, Germany, Sweden, and The Netherlands (GAPASURG)
Authors: Stoop Thomas F. , Augustinus Simone , Björnsson Bergthor , Tingstedt Bobby , Andersson Bodil , Wolfgang Christopher L. , Werner Jens , Johansen Karin , Stommel Martijn W. J. , Katz Matthew H. G. , Ghadimi Michael , House Michael G. , Ghorbani Poya , Molenaar I. Quintus , de Wilde Roeland F. , Mieog J. Sven D. , Keck Tobias , Wellner Ulrich F. , Uhl Waldemar , Besselink Marc G. , Pitt Henry A. , Del Chiaro Marco ,   for the Global Audits on Pancreatic Surgery Group (GAPASURG), Mackay Tara M. , Rodriguez Franco Salvador , Dierenvan Dieren Susan
Published: August 2024

Background

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma located in the pancreatic body might require a portomesenteric venous resection (PVR), but data regarding surgical risks after distal pancreatectomy (DP) with PVR are sparse. Insight into additional surgical risks of DP-PVR could support preoperative counseling and intraoperative decision making. This study aimed to provide insight into the surgical outcome of DP-PVR, including its potential risk elevation over standard DP.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, multicenter study including all patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma who underwent DP ± PVR (2018–2020), registered in four audits for pancreatic surgery from North America, Germany, Sweden, and The Netherlands. Patients who underwent concomitant arterial and/or multivisceral resection(s) were excluded. Predictors for in-hospital/30-day major morbidity and mortality were investigated by logistic regression, correcting for each audit.

Results

Overall, 2924 patients after DP were included, of whom 241 patients (8.2%) underwent DP-PVR. Rates of major morbidity (24% vs. 18%; p = 0.024) and post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage grade B/C (10% vs. 3%; p = 0.041) were higher after DP-PVR compared with standard DP. Mortality after DP-PVR and standard DP did not differ significantly (2% vs. 1%; p = 0.542). Predictors for major morbidity were PVR (odds ratio [OR] 1.500, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.086–2.071) and conversion from minimally invasive to open surgery (OR 1.420, 95% CI 1.032–1.970). Predictors for mortality were higher age (OR 1.087, 95% CI 1.045–1.132), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 4.167, 95% CI 1.852–9.374), and conversion from minimally invasive to open surgery (OR 2.919, 95% CI 1.197–7.118), whereas concomitant PVR was not associated with mortality.

Conclusions

PVR during DP for pancreatic adenocarcinoma in the pancreatic body is associated with increased morbidity, but can be performed safely in terms of mortality.
Comparative evaluation of the effect of 2% graphene oxide and 5% hydroxyapatite nanoparticles in isolation and in combination on micro tensile bond strength of 5th generation adhesive
Authors: Kriplani Simran , Sedani Shweta
Published: August 2024

Background Graphene is the thinnest, strongest, and stiffest imaginable material. The biocompatible property of graphene oxide can initiate and facilitate cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of periodontal ligament, osteogenic, and oral epithelial cells. Furthermore, the antibiofilm and anti-adhesion properties of graphene oxide in the prevention of dental biofilm infections, dental caries, and dental erosion as well as for implant surface modification and as an anti-quorum sensing agent. Composites are the most often utilized materials for restoration in the field of dentistry due to adhesive resins' improved mechanical and cosmetic properties. To safeguard the dentin and prevent dental cavities, dentin adhesives are utilized to affix hydrophobic resin composites to hydrophilic dentin tissue. Materials and Method Dental adhesives have a harder time adhering to dentin because it contains more water and is less mineralized than enamel. This makes the method more sensitive. Result As a result, it was chosen to assess and contrast the impact of 5% Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles and 2% Graphene oxide nanoparticles, both separately and together, on the Micro tensile bond strength of 5th generation adhesive. Conclusion Graphene oxide is the most versatile form of Graphite in structural and functional configuration. Graphene oxide possesses extraordinary physical, chemical, optical, electrical and mechanical properties. Among the graphene family nanomaterials, the reduced form of Graphite adding the oxygenated functional group to the structure increases the surface area and therefore exhibits enviable excellent interaction ability with metal and ions as well as organic species. Graphene oxide in dentistry has provided outstanding results in antimicrobial action, regenerative dentistry, bone tissue engineering, drug delivery, physicochemical properties, enhancement of dental biomaterials and oral cancer treatment.
The Nexus of Climate Change, Food Insecurity, and Conflict in Somalia: A Comprehensive Analysis of Multifaceted Challenges and Resilience Strategies
Authors: Ahmed Mohamed Mustaf , Asowe Hodo Aideed , Dirie Najib Isse , Mohamud Abdirahman Khalif , Lucero-Prisno III Don Eliseo , Okesanya Olalekan John , Ogaya Jerico B. , Musa Shuaibu Saidu , Musa Muhammad Kabir , Othman Zhinya Kawa , Shomuyiwa Deborah , Abdulsalam Abdullateef
Published: August 2024

Climate change poses a significant threat to Somalia’s food security and stability. This review examines the complex interplay between climate change impacts, food insecurity, and conflict in Somalia. Recent climate data and forecasts paint a concerning picture: the rainfall probabilistic forecast for April- June 2024 indicates a high likelihood of above-normal rainfall across much of Somalia, thus increasing the flood risks. Concurrently, temperature forecasts project above-normal temperatures, potentially exacerbating drought conditions between the rainy seasons. Historical climatology data reveal Somalia’s vulnerability, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C and significant seasonal variations affecting agriculture and water resources. These climate trends, combined with ongoing political instability and weak governance, have created a storm of challenges. This perspective explores how recurrent droughts and floods disrupt agricultural production, decimate livestock, and displace vulnerable populations, particularly those affecting rural and nomadic communities. It also examines how environmental stress exacerbates poverty and conflict, thereby creating a vicious cycle of vulnerability. This analysis draws on recent data on poverty rates, food expenditure patterns, and climate-related displacement, to illustrate the multifaceted nature of the crisis. Finally, this perspective proposed recommendations for building climate resilience, enhancing food security, and promoting sustainable development in Somalia, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches that combine immediate humanitarian assistance with long-term adaptation strategies.
Information Design and Sharing in Supply Chains
Authors: Caldentey René , Giloni Avi , Hurvich Clifford , Zhang Yichen
Published: August 2024

We study the interplay between inventory replenishment policies and information sharing in the context of a two-tier supply chain with a single supplier and a single retailer serving an independent and identically distributed Gaussian market demand. We investigate how the retailer’s inventory policy impacts the supply chain’s cumulative expected long-term average inventory costs [Formula: see text] in two extreme information-sharing cases: (a) full information sharing and (b) no information sharing. To find the retailer’s inventory policy that minimizes [Formula: see text], we formulate an infinite-dimensional optimization problem whose decision variables are the MA([Formula: see text]) coefficients that characterize a stationary ordering policy. Under full information sharing, the optimization problem admits a simple solution and the optimal policy is given by an MA(1) process. On the other hand, to solve the optimization problem under no information sharing, we reformulate the optimization from its time domain formulation to an equivalent z-transform formulation in which the decision variables correspond to elements of the Hardy space H2. This alternative representation allows us to use a number of results from H2 theory to compute the optimal value of [Formula: see text] and characterize a sequence of ϵ-optimal inventory policies under some mild technical conditions. By comparing the optimal solution under full information sharing and no information sharing, we derive a number of important practical takeaways. For instance, we show that there is value in information sharing if and only if the retailer’s optimal policy under full information sharing is not invertible with respect to the sequence of demand shocks. Furthermore, we derive a fundamental mathematical identity that reveals the value of information sharing by exploiting the canonical Smirnov–Beurling inner–outer factorization of the retailer’s orders when viewed as an element of H2. We also show that the value of information sharing can grow unboundedly when the cumulative supply chain costs are dominated by the supplier’s inventory costs.

Funding: R. Caldentey acknowledges the University of Chicago Booth School of Business for financial support.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/moor.2023.008 .
Energy Deficiency
Authors: Wade Andrew
Published: August 2024

Decarbonising the UK’s building stock is a huge engineering task.
Transmission Network Innovation can Accelerate Net Zero
Authors: Boulton Matthew
Published: August 2024

Decarbonising heat and transport requires a rethink of the grid, writes Matthew Boulton, Director of Storage and Private Wire at EDF Renewables UK
Rupture of Pectoralis Major Muscle: A Case Report
Authors:   Department of Orthopaedics, K. B BHABHA Municipal General Hospital, Mumbai Maharashtra, India., Upadhyay Avinashdev Devmani , Nawale Shashikant ,   Department of Orthopaedics, K. B BHABHA Municipal General Hospital, Mumbai Maharashtra, India., Jaroli Abhishek ,   Department of Orthopaedics, K. B BHABHA Municipal General Hospital, Mumbai Maharashtra, India., Keny Swapnil ,   Department of Orthopaedics, K. B BHABHA Municipal General Hospital, Mumbai Maharashtra, India., Gokhale Nikhil ,   Department of Orthopaedics, K. B BHABHA Municipal General Hospital, Mumbai Maharashtra, India.
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Pectoralis major (PM) muscle ruptures are uncommon injuries. 365 cases of PM injury have been reported, with 75% occurring in the past 20 years; of these, 83% were a result of indirect trauma, with 48% occurring during weight-training activities. We report a case of PM rupture in a 35-year-old gym trainer who presented to our hospital with pain and weakness in his right shoulder after injury while doing bench press treated with Primary repair using Ethibond 5–0 and endobuttons who had excellent function outcome and no evidence of complication at 2 years follow-up. Case Report: A 35-year-old gentleman presented to the emergency department after experiencing sudden pain in his right chest and a tearing sensation while bench pressing (approximately 100 kg). He is a gym trainer who exercised with a lot of weight and denied any steroid use. Upon clinical examination, he had ecchymosis and loss of shoulder contour, bulking over the right chest. The shoulder range of movement was preserved, with weakness of adduction and internal rotation. Plain radiographs of the right shoulder were obtained which was normal. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan revealed a PM rupture at the insertion site with retraction and the patient was treated with primary repair of the PM. The patient exhibited satisfactory shoulder range of movement by 3 months follow-up and achieved his pre-injury strength by 6 months follow-up. Conclusion: PM ruptures are uncommon injuries that commonly occur in young men between 20 and 40 years old. Patients usually present with shoulder pain and weakness after a strenuous activity and a diagnosis can be made with MRI. Hence, surgical treatment should be offered to all young patients with PM tear irrespective of level of activity and conservative management should be reserved for geriatric patients with low activity levels and medically unfit patients. Keywords: Pectoralis major, muscle rupture, surgical treatment, bench press, primary repair.
The Chinese Immigration [Exclusion] Act, 1923 and the Structure of Anti-Chinese Racism in Canada
Authors: Stanley Timothy J.
Published: August 2024

Abstract: The Chinese Immigration Act, 1923 , also known as the Chinese Exclusion Act, banned the entry of Chinese people to Canada and required all Chinese in Canada, including the Canadian born, to register with the government. The act devastated Chinese Canadian lives and communities. This paper applies two of Hannah Arendt's insights into the social organization of totalitarianism to understand how anti-Chinese racism has been structured. Focusing on the discourse of Asian/Chinese exclusion in the Canadian House of Commons and Senate in 1922 and 1923, the paper shows that the idea of Chinese exclusion was closely linked to the white supremacist vision of Canada that its land and resources were and should be the monopoly of people of European origins. As such, anti-Chinese racism was not just an ideology, or individual prejudices or ignorance, but it was a social structure that was integral to the making of the country, and whose invention can be traced historically. The historical activity of the Chinese in trying to stop the passing of the act brings the functioning of this social structure into sharp relief. The consequences of this structure continue today. Résumé: La loi sur l'immigration chinoise, 1923 , également connue sous le nom de Loi sur l'exclusion des Chinois, a interdit l'entrée des Chinois au Canada et a exigé que tous les Chinois au Canada, y compris les personnes nées au Canada, s'inscrivent auprès du gouvernement. Cette loi a dévasté les vies et les communautés des Canadiens d'origine chinoise. Cet article applique deux des idées d'Hannah Arendt sur l'organisation sociale du totalitarisme pour comprendre comment le racisme antichinois a été structuré. En se concentrant sur le discours de l'exclusion des Asiatiques et des Chinois à la Chambre des communes et au Sénat canadiens en 1922 et 1923, l'article montre que l'idée de l'exclusion des Chinois était étroitement liée à la vision suprémaciste blanche du Canada, selon laquelle ses terres et ses ressources étaient et devaient être le monopole des personnes d'origine européenne. Ainsi, le racisme antichinois n'était pas seulement une idéologie, des préjugés individuels ou de l'ignorance, c'était une structure sociale qui faisait partie intégrante de la construction du pays et dont l'invention peut être retracée historiquement. L'activité historique des Chinois qui ont tenté d'empêcher l'adoption de la loi met en évidence le fonctionnement de cette structure sociale. Les conséquences de cette structure se font encore sentir aujourd'hui.
The Aesthetic Turn in Degeneration and Disability
Authors: Hernandez Rafael
Published: August 2024

Abstract: As degeneration theory proliferated at the turn of the century, its social, medical, and carceral projects became more explicit attacks on disability aesthetics. Purportedly a strict science, retrospectives clearly show the ways degeneration was always an aesthetic project—one meant to villainize and exclude undesirable communities based on class, race, gender, disability, and social location. This essay shows how degeneration theory hinged increasingly on carefully crafted dichotomies of fitness and disability, culminating in an expressly aesthetic rehearsal of health as metric for political exclusion.
Through-focus performance and off-axis effects in aspheric monofocal intraocular lenses
Authors: Łabuz Grzegorz , Yan Weijia , Khoramnia Ramin , Auffarth Gerd U.
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to determine the through-focus performance and the effect of misalignment on the optical quality of different aspheric monofocal intraocular lenses (IOLs). To this end, optical quality was assessed in three IOL models with different optic surfaces: standard aberration neutral model and two spherical aberration (SA) correcting, one of which utilizes higher-order aspheric terms. The optical quality was measured by means of the modulation transfer function at 3- and 4.5-mm pupils and under monochromatic and polychromatic light with different corneal SA. The optically derived range of vision and tolerance to misalignment were also tested. The study demonstrated that the type of IOL surface affects the monofocal implant's performance. Although a standard primary-SA correction may improve scotopic image quality, misalignment may diminish this advantage. The higher-order aspheric surface used to correct SA provided an improved performance against decentration and offered a higher optical quality than the aberration-neutral design when tested in a model eye. The latter, however, demonstrated a high tolerance to misalignment, offering a slight extension of the range of vision, potentially resulting from uncorrected optical aberrations.
On the optimum far-field irradiance distribution using Laguerre-Gaussian beams for intersatellite free-space optical communications
Authors: Badás Mario , Piron Pierre , Bouwmeester Jasper , Loicq Jérôme
Published: August 2024

This paper proposes a novel approach to improve the performance of free-space optical communication intersatellite links by combining fundamental Gaussian and higher-order Laguerre-Gaussian beams. We present a comprehensive mathematical model to analyze the system’s performance, including received power statistics, average bit error probability, and outage probability. To generate the desired beam profiles, we propose an optical system capable of creating a superposition of orthogonally polarized Laguerre-Gaussian beams that yield the far-field irradiance distributions that optimize the communication performance. Our theoretical analysis demonstrates that the combination of fundamental Gaussian and higher-order modes can significantly enhance system performance compared to conventional fundamental Gaussian beams. In some scenarios, the proposed approach offers savings on the order of 20% to 40% of the required transmitted power.
High-precision, real-time wavefront sensing via sparse diffractive deep neural networks
Authors: Long Jiaxin , Xiong Yibin , Zhou Zeyu , Xu Yufan , Tian Dongdong , Yang Xuanbing , Zhou Feng
Published: August 2024

As a key component of adaptive optics systems, wavefront sensing technology is an important way to effectively obtain aberrant phases in optical systems for high-capacity optical communications and high-quality imaging in relevant applications ranging from biological imaging to astronomical observation. To enhance the time efficiency of detection, the wavefront sensing with diffraction deep neural network (D2NN) directly calculates the wavefront information in the optical field. However, the compactness of the D2NN structure and the accuracy of wavefront prediction are important bottlenecks, restricting its practical application. Here, we design a multi-layer compact D2NN based on Bayesian optimization, called sparse D2NN (SD2NN), to achieve high-precision, real-time direct wavefront sensing. The experimental results demonstrated a reduction in the root-mean-square error (RMSE) of the SD2NN wavefront sensing of approximately 45.4%, along with a reduction in the axial length of approximately 82% in comparison to the unoptimized fully connected D2NN. This resulted in the attainment of a minimum layer distance of 8.77 mm. In addition, we additionally explored the effects of network depth and neuron size on the wavefront sensing performance of SD2NN and further summarized the general law of diffraction layer distance and neuron size. The proposed method will provide a reliable means of designing miniaturized integrated wavefront sensing chips.
Nonreciprocity in transmission mode with planar structures for arbitrarily polarized light [Invited]
Authors: Picardi Michela F. , Moerbeek Vera I. , Pascale Mariano , Papadakis Georgia T.
Published: August 2024

Approaching thermodynamic limits in light harvesting requires enabling nonreciprocal thermal emission. The majority of previously reported nonreciprocal thermal emitters operate in reflection mode, following original proposals by M. Green [Nano Lett. 12, 5985 (2012)10.1021/nl3034784] and others. In these proposals, cascaded nonreciprocal junctions that re-direct each junction’s emission towards a subsequent one are employed for efficient light-harvesting. Recently, simplified concepts have been proposed in solar photovoltaics and thermophotovoltaics, respectively, that leverage the concept of tandem junctions to approach thermodynamic limits. In these simplified scenarios, polarization-independent nonreciprocal response in transmission mode is required. We propose a pattern-free heterostructure that enables such functionality, using a magneto-optical material embedded between two dissimilar dielectric layers.
Origami multifunctional metagrating for a mechanically controlled electromagnetic wavefront
Authors: Zhu Zhibiao , Li Yongfeng , Qin Ze , Jiang Lixin , Wang Wenjie , Chen Hongya , Wang Jiafu , Zheng Lin , Qu Shaobo
Published: August 2024

Metasurface or artificial electromagnetic (EM) structures offer viable options for manipulating EM waves with compact periodic structures. Tunable metasurfaces are ideal for many engineering and scientific applications because they can manipulate EM wavefronts. However, it is challenging to implement tunable metasurfaces that can achieve multiple functions for integration. In addition, integrated multifunctional metasurfaces are often structurally complicated and bulky. This paper proposes a simple spatial modulation mechanism that uses Miura origami reconfigurable one-dimensional metagrating to achieve multiple control of EM wavefront. Theoretical predictions, numerical simulations, and experiments confirm and validate the basic concepts. In particular, the continuous geometric deformation of the Miura-ori lattice is a promising method for compensating the dispersion of characters in gradient metasurfaces. Considering origami structures’ outstanding mechanical properties and strong deformation abilities, this discovery opens up another avenue for lightweight and deployable meta-devices.
Compact Nd: YVO₄ laser system based on Vapor chamber passive cooling techniques
Authors: Li Zhuoran , Jun Yu , Zhan Ke , Gu Jinwei , Cui Qingyue , Kong Han , Xu HanLin , Zhang Zhe , Wang Famei , Lin Qingdian , Liang Jialin , Zhou Cangtao , Ruan Shuangchen , Guo Xiaoyang
Published: August 2024

A compact Nd: YVO₄ laser system based on vapor chamber passive cooling technique has been developed and explored for the first time to our best knowledge. An average power of 8.84 W with beam quality of M² < 2.2 and slope efficiency of 44% are experimentally demonstrated, which is better than using the pure copper plate colling and is similar to using water cooling under the same experimental conditions. This work demonstrates the advantages and promising applications of vapor chamber cooling technique in solid-state lasers.