bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Double vaccinated, 5G boosted!”: Learning Attitudes towards COVID-19 Vaccination from Social Media
Authors: Chen Ninghan , Chen Xihui , Zhong Zhiqiang , Pang Jun
Published: December 2024

The sudden onset of the recently concluded COVID-19 pandemic has driven substantial progress in various scientific fields. One notable example is the comprehension of public vaccination attitudes and the timely monitoring of their fluctuations through social media platforms. This approach can serve as a cost-effective means to supplement surveys in gathering public vaccine hesitancy levels. In this article, we propose a deep learning framework leveraging textual posts on social media to extract and track users’ vaccination stances in near real time. Compared to previous works, we integrate into the framework the recent posts of a user’s social network friends to collaboratively detect the user’s genuine attitude towards vaccination. Based on our annotated dataset from X (formerly known as Twitter), the models instantiated from our framework can increase the performance of attitude extraction by up to 23% compared to the state-of-the-art text-only models. Using this framework, we successfully confirm the feasibility of using social media to track the evolution of vaccination attitudes in real life. In addition, we illustrate the generality of our framework in extracting other public opinions such as political ideology. We further show one practical use of our framework by validating the possibility of forecasting a user’s vaccine hesitancy changes with information perceived from social media.
Evolving the Cloud Block Store with Performance, Elasticity, Availability, and Hardware Offloading
Authors: Xu Erci , Zhang Weidong , Wang Qiuping , Zhang Xiaolu , Gu Yuesheng , Lu Zhenwei , Ouyang Tao , Dong Guanqun , Peng Wenwen , Xu Zhe , Zhang Shuo , Wu Dong , Peng Yilei , Wang Tianyun , Zhang Haoran , Wang Jiasheng , Yan Wenyuan , Dong Yuanyuan , Yao Wenhui , Wu Zhongjie , Zhu Lingjun , Shi Chao , Wang Yinhu , Liu Rong , Wu Junping , Zhu Jiaji , Wu Jiesheng
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we qualitatively and quantitatively discuss the design choices, production experience, and lessons in building the Elastic Block Storage (
EBS
) at
Alibaba Cloud
over the past decade. To cope with hardware advancement and users’ demands, we shift our focus from design simplicity in
EBS1
to high performance and space efficiency in
EBS2
, and finally reducing network traffic amplification in
EBS3
. In addition to the architectural evolutions, we also summarize development lessons and experiences as four topics, including: (i) achieving high elasticity in latency, throughput, IOPS, and capacity; (ii) improving availability by minimizing the blast radius of individual, regional, and global failure events; (iii) identifying the motivations and key tradeoffs in various hardware offloading solutions; and (iv) identifying the pros/cons of alternative solutions and explaining why seemingly promising ideas would not work in practice.
Lessons from the Use of Monoclonal Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Casadevall Arturo , Focosi Daniele
Published: December 2024

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein were deployed during the COVID-19 pandemic. While all of the clinically authorized mAbs were eventually defeated by SARS-CoV-2 variants, they were highly effective in preventing disease progression when given early in the course of the disease. The experience with mAbs to SARS-CoV-2 offers important lessons for the use of mAbs in future infectious disease emergencies, such as choosing mAbs that target conserved epitopes and designing cocktails to reduce the emergence of escape variants. Planning for future use must include the creation of infusion centers and the development of strategies to minimize the emergence of escape variants.
Communication—Effect of Fluorine on Formation of Hillock Defect in Copper Metallization and Methods to Remove Them
Authors: Baek Song Yi , Noh Youngsu , Ha Jungsik , Kim Dohyung , Lee Changsoo , Choi Chulhwan
Published: December 2024

We have reduced the occurrence of copper hillock defects in dynamic random access memory devices by 94% through silane and nitrogen purge, allowing fluorine adsorbed on surfaces of chambers from in situ NF3 plasma cleaning to react and be removed as gaseous SiFx. We have discovered these defects were more pronounced at grain boundaries, where concentration of fluorine built up due to ion migration causing oxidation of metallic copper forming CuFx. COMSOL solid mechanics simulation confirmed that hillock formation is due to larger thermal expansion coefficient and molecular volume of CuFx causing inelastic deformation to relieve thermal stress.
Effects of Karst Cave on the Stability of Diaphragm Walls During Ultra‐Deep Excavation
Authors: Mai Jiaer , Lin Zongtao , Wang Yanhong , Tang Ren , Li Muyu , Lin Benhai , Luo Wuzhang
Published: December 2024

Ultra‐deep excavations in karst areas pose a substantial risk due to the presence of unknown karst caves. However, the literatures on deep excavations in karst regions remain limited and lack comprehensive discussion. This study investigates the effects of karst caves on the stability of the diaphragm walls (D‐walls) during an ultra‐deep excavation. A statistical analysis was conducted to examine the distribution of various parameters related to karst caves, including height, embedded depth, and roof thickness. It is revealed that these parameters follow a log‐normal distribution. There is a strong probability (99.8%) that the embedded depth will exceed 10 m, a high likelihood (82.6%) of the height being under 6 m, and similarly, an 82.2% chance that the roof thickness will be less than 5 m. A three‐dimensional finite element analysis was conducted to investigate the effects of the karst cave height, roof thickness, and location on the horizontal displacement of the D‐walls. The results show that the karst cave have significant effects on the horizontal displacement of the D‐wall, particularly at the bottom of the D‐wall. Specifically, when the karst cave has a height of 6 m, a roof thickness of 1 m, and is located at a distance of 1 m from the wall, the horizontal displacement at the bottom of the D‐wall can increase by 59 times compared with the condition without the presence of the karst cave. This severe increase in displacement results in a pronounced kick‐in failure of the D‐wall. The reason lies in the presence of the karst cave greatly reduces the bearing capacity of the bedrock within the foundation pit, thereby, rending it incapable of resisting the active earth pressure. The findings in this study can provide valuable references for formulating principles and treatment planes of the karst caves.
Meconium Influences Pulmonary Short-Chain Fatty Acid Concentration in Porcine Meconium Aspiration Model
Authors: Ramcharran Harry , Ghosh Auyon , Meng Qinghe , Li Guanqun , Chernov Evan Skakel , Lutz Mark , Mansour Heidi M. , Satalin Joshua , Satalin Sarah , Gaver Donald P. , Bates Jason H.T. , Nieman Gary , Kollisch-Singule Michaela
Published: December 2024

Introduction: The factors influencing meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) severity remain poorly understood. In a piglet model of MAS, we hypothesized the respiratory microbiome would reflect the bacterial signature of meconium with short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) accumulation as a byproduct of bacterial fermentation. Methods: Cesarean section at approximately 115-day term was performed on two sows. Male (9) and female (3) piglets were delivered, instrumented, anesthetized, and randomized into a Control (n = 6) or MAS group (n = 6). MAS received a meconium slurry (3 mL/kg) aspiration injury. Experimental animals were monitored continuously, ventilated, and resuscitated for 24 h. BALF was collected for 16S microbiome sequencing and SCFA analysis by gas chromatography. Effects of SCFAs on A549 alveolar pulmonary epithelial in vitro cell viability and inflammation were assessed. Results: The MAS group had significantly higher fluid and vasopressor requirements than the Control group (p < 0.05) though both groups developed lung injury. The meconium microbiome demonstrated a difference in genus proportions as compared with the BALF of the Control and MAS groups. The MAS group had a relative increase in propionic acid-forming bacteria and higher BALF concentrations of propionic acid (0.6 ± 0.2 mmol/kg) than the Control group (0.2 ± 0.2 mmol/kg; p > 0.05). Propionic acid was associated with decreased pulmonary epithelial cell viability and an upregulated pro-inflammatory response. Conclusions: Meconium may host a microbiome with byproducts that interact with the pulmonary epithelium and influence lung injury severity in MAS.
Biotin-Thiamine-Responsive Basal Ganglia Disease: A Case Report
Authors: Tse Jonathan , Abu-Qamar Asem , Youssef Omar , Pejka Sherry L.
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Biotin-thiamine responsive basal ganglia disease (BTBGD) is a rare autosomal recessive neurometabolic disorder characterized by diverse and variable phenotypic features, which can make diagnosis challenging. However, prompt treatment with thiamine and biotin can effectively manage the condition. Diagnosis relies on the identification of biallelic pathogenic variants in the SLC19A3 gene. This case report describes two novel variants of uncertain significance in the SLC19A3 gene, which may be correlated with the phenotypic manifestations of BTBGD. Case Presentation: Our case is a 7-month-old female infant who presented with a 3-week history of irritability, altered behavior, and refusal of newly introduced solid foods. Symptoms started with an upper respiratory tract infection, followed by lethargy, floppiness, and abnormal movements. The patient was admitted to the pediatric ward with a broad differential diagnosis. Extensive laboratory evaluations revealed lactic acidosis. MRI brain showed symmetric restricted diffusion affecting the bilateral basal ganglia, thalami, and cortical regions. Whole genome sequencing identified biallelic variants of the SLC19A3: a c.1364T>G p.Met455Arg missense variant in the maternal allele and a 2.3 kb deletion of intron 3 of the paternal allele. Both variants were identified as variants of uncertain significance. However, given the clinical picture, MRI brain findings, resolution of symptoms with empiric biotin and thiamine supplementation, and biallelic SLC19A3 variants of unknown significance, the patient most likely suffers from BTBGD. Patient continues to show sustained developmental progress on biotin and thiamine supplementation. Conclusion: This case highlights the fact that genetic testing remains a vital but improvable tool for the diagnosis of BTBGD. As of yet, genetic testing and diagnosis of BTBGD continues to be limited by the knowledge of which SLC19A3 variants are established to be pathogenic variants. Thus, further research is required to study other SCL19A3 variants of unknown significance to further improve genetic testing and diagnosis of BTBGD in the future.
Transcription Factor 21 Regulates Cardiac Myofibroblast Formation and Fibrosis
Authors: Johansen Anne Katrine Z. , Kasam Rajesh K. , Vagnozzi Ronald J. , Lin Suh-Chin J. , Gomez-Arroyo Jose , Shittu Adenike , Bowers Stephanie L.K. , Kuwabara Yasuhide , Grimes Kelly M. , Warrick Kathrynne , Sargent Michelle A. , Baldwin Tanya A. , Quaggin Susan E. , Barski Artem , Molkentin Jeffery D.
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND:

TCF21 (transcription factor 21) is a bHLH (basic helix-loop-helix) protein required for the developmental specification of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) from epicardial progenitor cells that surround the embryonic heart. In the adult heart, TCF21 is expressed in tissue-resident fibroblasts and is downregulated in response to injury or stimuli leading to myofibroblast differentiation. These findings led to the hypothesis that TCF21 regulates fibroblast differentiation in the adult mammalian heart to affect fibrosis.

METHODS:

Tamoxifen-inducible Cre genetic mouse models were used to permit either
Tcf21
gene deletion or its enforced expression in adult CFs. Histological and echocardiographic analyses were used, as well as transcriptomic analysis to determine the consequences of TCF21 gain-of-function and loss-of-function in vivo. Genomic
Tcf21
occupancy was identified by chromatin immunoprecipitation and sequencing in CFs. Myocardial infarction and AngII (angiotensin II)/phenylephrine served as models of cardiac fibrosis.

RESULTS:

Acute and long-term deletion of
Tcf21
in CFs of the adult mouse heart does not alter fibroblast numbers, myofibroblast differentiation, or fibrosis. Fibroblast-specific
Tcf21
gene–deleted mice demonstrate no significant alterations in cardiac function or scar formation in response to cardiac injury compared with control mice. In contrast, enforced expression of TCF21 in CFs inhibits myofibroblast differentiation and significantly reduces cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy in response to 1 week of Ang II/phenylephrine infusion. Mechanistically, sustained TCF21 expression prevents the induction of genes associated with fibrosis and ECM (extracellular matrix) organization.

CONCLUSIONS:

TCF21 expression is not required to maintain the cell state of CFs in the adult heart. However, preventing the normal downregulation of TCF21 expression with injury reduces myofibroblast formation, cardiac fibrosis, and the acute cardiac hypertrophic response following 1 week of Ang II/phenylephrine stimulation.
Sex Differences in Nonadherence to Secondary Stroke Prevention Medications Among Patients With First‐Ever Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Chen Chen , Reeves Mathew J. , Farris Karen B. , Morgenstern Lewis B. , Lisabeth Lynda D.
Published: December 2024

Background

More women than men experience recurrent strokes. Medication adherence is critical to prevent recurrence; however, studies investigating sex differences are limited. We examined sex differences in poststroke medication adherence, overall and by drug class, and identified influencing factors.

Methods and Results

Patients with first‐ever ischemic stroke were identified from a population‐based study (2008–2019). At 90 days after a stroke, self‐reported medication adherence was defined as never or rarely missing a dose in a typical week for each secondary stroke prevention medication (antihypertensives, cholesterol‐lowering drugs, antiplatelets, anticoagulants). We generated prevalence ratios (PRs) using modified Poisson models to assess sex differences with and without adjustment for potential confounding factors, including demographics, social factors, health system–related, lifestyle‐related, health condition–related, prestrokehealth–related, and stroke‐related factors. Among 1324 participants (48.4% women, 58.0% Mexican American individuals), women were more likely to report nonadherence to cholesterol‐lowering drugs (PR, 1.80 [95% CI, 1.14–2.84]) and antiplatelets (PR, 1.53 [95% CI, 1.003–2.34]). Adjusting for obesity attenuated while adjusting for age, marital status, access to care, smoking, and alcohol consumption accentuated sex differences. Race and ethnicity modified the sex difference in nonadherence to cholesterol‐lowering drugs (
P
interaction
=0.054) such that the sex difference was larger in Mexican American individuals (PR, 3.00 [95% CI, 1.65–5.48]) than in non‐Hispanic White individuals (PR, 1.30 [95% CI, 0.52–3.27). No significant sex differences were found for nonadherence to antihypertensives and overall nonadherence.

Conclusions

Poststroke medication nonadherence was more prevalent among women than men. This was partially due to the confounding effects of lifestyle, marital status, and access to care, suggesting potential subgroups for interventions to improve adherence.
“Let Our Camp Be Pure”: The Views and Personality of Mordechai Narkiss, “The First Hebrew Curator,” Through His Critiques of Writers on Jewish Art in the 1920s–1950s
Authors: Sabar Shalom
Published: December 2024

Mordechai Narkiss (1897–1957), the first and long-serving curator of the Bezalel Museum in Jerusalem, was a pioneering scholar in Jewish art history. His significant contributions to the field are epitomized by his insightful critiques, written in Hebrew, of the leading scholars in his era. Narkiss’s rigorous reviews, reinforced by his deep immersion in Jewish tradition and extensive knowledge of the visual arts across various cultures, adeptly identified errors, unfounded assumptions, and methodological shortcomings. He underscored the importance of a solid foundation in both Judaism and art history. This article explores six of Narkiss’s critical reviews of seminal works in the field: Karl Schwarz, Die Juden in der Kunst (1928), Cecil Roth, The Casale Pilgrim (1929), Ernst Cohn-Wiener, Die jüdische Kunst (1929), Rachel Wischnitzer, Symbole und Gestalten der Jüdischen Kunst (1935), Franz Landsberger, Einführung in die Jüdische Kunst (1935), and Jacob Pinkerfeld, Synagogues of Italy (1954). It elucidates the complexities and debates within Jewish art historiography, highlighting Narkiss’s pivotal role in both critiquing and shaping scholarly discourse and emphasizing the ongoing relevance of meticulous research in Jewish art history.
Engaging with Social Media to Spread the Gospel in Pandemic Times
Authors: Montañés Jiménez Antonio
Published: December 2024

This article engages with sociological and anthropological conversations about the digital experiences of cultural and religious minorities during the COVID-19 pandemic by investigating how some Pentecostal Gitanos seized the online world to spread the Gospel in Spain. The article features two ethnographic studies of my Pentecostal Gitano interlocutors. Modalities of digital religious engagement analyzed include testimonies, WhatsApp broadcast lists, praise songs, and praying. The article’s main argument is that the pandemic created a social media-enabled window of opportunity for some Gitano believers to reach out to new potential converts and claim online spaces for God. Extensive involvement in social media activities by Pentecostal Gitanos may also be understood as a tool to challenge and question an increasingly secular Spanish society that, during the pandemic, was perceived as dismissive of the spiritual aspects shaping the development of the global health crisis.
Rosary Unites
Authors: Zasanska Nadia
Published: December 2024

The article addresses the project “Rosary Unites” of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) to understand recent changes in religious practices, religious identity, and communication policy of the minority church during the war in Ukraine. The UGCC attempts to reproduce the communication policies of the Catholic Church, so it inevitably enacts its religious practices into Greek Catholic tradition. During the war, the UGCC, as a minority church, uses digital media to be more visible in the public realm: to address and bind all people of Ukraine regardless of their religious self-identification. As a result, online rosary prayer serves as the expression of Ukrainian identity, solidarity, national unity, and resilience in a time of war.
Description of the male Gonatopus pinhalensis (Dryinidae, Gonatopodinae) supported by DNA barcoding and new host records
Authors: Martins André Luis , Barros Muniz David , Domahovski Alexandre Cruz
Published: December 2024

Gonatopus Ljungh, 1810, third most diverse genus within the Dryinidae, exhibits marked sexual dimorphism, posing challenges in associating sexes. This study focuses on Gonatopus pinhalensis Martins, 2020, a species with limited sexual association records. Through DNA barcoding, we establish the first sexual association for this species, utilizing specimens obtained from different hosts. The male and female specimens exhibited a 1.92% pairwise difference in their mitochondrial COI sequences, confirming their conspecificity. Morphological description for the male and additional material are provided, emphasizing external features due to limited information on male genitalia. Host associations with Amplicephalus sp., Copidinomus vittulatus, Stirellus picinus, Graminella striatella, and Metadelphax argentinesis were documented. The study highlights the significance of DNA barcoding in overcoming challenges posed by the sexual dimorphism of Gonatopus species. This research contributes to the understanding of Dryinidae fauna, not only in Brazil but also in the Neotropic, emphasizing the need for further breeding studies and continued molecular techniques application.
Evaluation, Calibration, and Application of Probabilistic 100-m Wind Speed Forecasts Produced by the WRF Ensemble Prediction System in Taiwan
Authors: Chou Shih-Chun , Chang Hui-Ling , Toth Zoltan , Lin Pay-Liam , Hong Jing-Shan , Wu Yuan-Kang , Chen Guan-Ru , Lu Kuo-Chen , Cheng Chia-Ping
Published: December 2024

The use of renewable energy is on the rise; however, it brings more challenges for grid operations and unit scheduling due to the intermittent nature and limitations in predicting renewable power generation. High-quality meteorological forecasts play a critical role in the effective application and management of renewable energy resources. This study evaluates the quality and economic benefits of probabilistic forecasts for 100-m wind speeds from the Weather Research and Forecasting Model ensemble prediction system (WEPS). A multiple linear regression (MLR) method for calibration is also used to improve forecast quality. Additionally, this study explores the application of probabilistic hub-height wind speed forecasts in conjunction with an economic value analysis to determine whether wind turbines should be shut down during typhoon periods. The findings reveal that the forecast in the central offshore region of Taiwan exhibits the highest reliability and discrimination ability compared to those in the northern and southern regions. Additionally, employing the MLR calibration method significantly improved the reliability and discrimination ability of the probabilistic forecasts compared to the raw forecasts. Furthermore, during the typhoon seasons, almost all users, regardless of their cost–loss ratio, can benefit from basing their decisions on WEPS forecasts compared to using a single deterministic forecast. Importantly, decision-makers can benefit more from probabilistic forecasts than the ensemble mean forecasts when both are derived from the same ensemble prediction system, since the former incorporates forecast uncertainty.

Significance Statement

High-quality meteorological forecasts significantly influence the efficient utilization and management of renewable energy resources. Therefore, this study uses a simple yet effective approach to correct systematic bias in probabilistic wind speed forecasts over Taiwan, aiming to provide decision-makers with more reliable forecasts for hub-height wind speeds. Given that strong winds during typhoon periods pose safety concerns for wind turbine operation, we use an economic value analysis to assist turbine operators in deciding whether to shut down wind turbines. Furthermore, our research demonstrates that ensemble probabilistic forecasts can yield greater economic benefits for decision-makers when compared to the commonly used ensemble mean forecasts.
The Importance of Eddy Stirring in Wind-Driven Coastal Upwelling
Authors: Li Dou , Wei Huaiyu , Ruan Xiaozhou
Published: December 2024

Coastal upwelling systems play a key role in sustaining productive coastal ecosystems in the global ocean by transporting nutrients to surface waters. However, the fundamental mechanisms and pathways responsible for nutrient upwelling are not fully understood, largely due to the historically employed two-dimensional frameworks in which coastal upwelling systems have long been studied. Using both observations and idealized numerical simulations, we identify and quantify two primary routes of nutrient upwelling: the residual circulation, resulting from a significant cancellation between Eulerian-mean and eddy-induced circulations, and along-isopycnal eddy stirring. Our analysis demonstrates that their relative contributions depend on two distinct parameters: 1) the slope Burger number S, defined here as S = αN/f, where α is the topographic slope angle and N and f are the buoyancy and Coriolis frequencies, and 2) the surface nutrient uptake rate by biological activities. Specifically, we propose that wind forcing induces isopycnal tilting and surface outcropping, which creates favorable conditions for along-isopycnal nutrient gradients to develop in regions of strong biological activity at the surface. The magnitude of these gradients depends on both the slope Burger number S, which influences the strength of the residual circulation bringing nutrients from depths, and the surface biological uptake rate, which consumes nutrients. Our diagnostics provide insights into the intricate pathways for nutrient upwelling and underscore the significance of eddy stirring in coastal upwelling systems.
Partners in Crime: Comparative Advantage and Kidnapping Cooperation
Authors: Gilbert Danielle
Published: December 2024

What explains cooperation between armed groups? Challenging existing literature that assumes armed groups must be similar or not cooperate at all, I argue that explicit differences are key to some cooperation. Comparative advantage explains why rebels and criminals—organizations that typically eschew collaboration—cooperate to produce violence. This article introduces “black market white labeling”—cooperation that emerges when one actor buys an illicit good or service from another and re-brands it as their own. To demonstrate this phenomenon and the conditions under which it occurs, I focus on kidnapping, an underexplored but common form of armed group violence. Drawing on 113 interviews with Colombian kidnappers and hostage recovery personnel from Colombia and the United States, I theorize the conditions under which rebels “outsource” violence to criminal gangs or produce it “in house.” This article explains the organizational dynamics of rebel-criminal cooperation that perpetuate violence against civilians.
Democratic Reforms in Dictatorships: Elite Divisions, Party Origins, and the Prospects of Political Liberalization
Authors: del Río Adrián , Higashijima Masaaki
Published: December 2024

Divisions among regime elites in autocracies are often an important step toward political liberalization. However, we know little about when such divisions contribute to initiating democratic reforms. We argue that whether elite divisions lead to liberalization depends on the historical origins of ruling parties. Using panel matching analyses, we show that the positive effects of elite divisions on political liberalization are significantly reduced when ruling parties originate from national struggles such as revolutions, insurgencies, and independence movements. Specifically, dictators arising from such origins can prevent elite divisions from sparking democratic reforms by providing “carrots” to the military and applying “sticks” to citizens and political opponents. These results hold after multiple robustness tests and additional analyses for causal mechanisms. Our findings suggest that party origins are critical junctures that significantly shape regime prospects more than regime origins suggested by the literature.
Ablation and mechanical properties of carbon/high silica/phenolic composites: Using experimental analysis and five machine learning models for correlating and generalizing to diverse compositional ratios
Authors: Karimi S. , Kamel Tousi Mohammad
Published: December 2024

This paper investigates the thermal and mechanical properties of carbon/high silica/phenolic composites with varying reinforcement ratios. Five hybrid samples were fabricated: 100% carbon, 75% carbon/25% silica, 50% carbon/50% silica, 25% carbon/75% silica, and 100% silica. A three-point bending test evaluated their strength, while an ablation test at 3000°C for 1 minute measured backside temperature, linear ablation rate, and mass ablation rate. Results indicated that the 100% carbon sample had the highest bending strength, while the 50% carbon/50% silica sample achieved the lowest linear and mass ablation rates, demonstrating an effective balance between fire retardancy and insulation, resulting in minimal backside temperature during ablation.

Additionally, five machine learning models (Linear Regression, Decision Trees, Random Forests, Gradient Boosting Machines, and Neural Networks) were utilized to predict mass ablation rate, linear ablation rate, and strength. Decision Trees and Gradient Boosting Machines exhibited the highest prediction accuracy, while Linear Regression struggled with non-linear data, resulting in lower accuracy for ablation rate predictions. Notably, these models were also able to generalize to other percentages, showcasing their robustness and versatility in optimizing material compositions beyond the tested scenarios. This study highlights the potential of machine learning in predicting the properties of advanced composites, contributing to the development of high-temperature resistant materials.
H2S-Scavenging Hydrogel Alleviating Mitochondria Damage to Control Periodontitis
Authors: Xie C. , Zhang Q. , Bianco A. , Ge S. , Ma B.
Published: December 2024

H2S, as a typical metabolite of periodontal pathogens, exhibits a clear positive correlation with the occurrence and development of periodontitis. H2S at physiological concentrations can regulate many biological processes. However, excess H2S in the periodontal pocket can trigger secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, cause oxidative stress, and result in mitochondrial damage and cell death in human gingival fibroblasts, exacerbating periodontitis development and periodontal tissue destruction. Worse, H2S facilitates bacteria survival and proliferation by maintaining bacterial redox balance and enhancing antibiotic resistance. Unfortunately, scavenging H2S during periodontitis treatment is usually ignored. Herein, a kind of hyaluronic acid methacryloyl/ZnO (HMZ) composite hydrogel with an H2S-scavenging ability was prepared to enhance periodontitis treatment. The HMZ hydrogel possessed good injectability and cytocompatibility and was able to remove H2S by a reaction with ZnO. As a result, the HMZ hydrogel was able to increase cell viability from 13% to 120% for human gingival fibroblasts and 22% to 94% for human periodontal ligament fibroblasts at 48 h, restore mitochondrial homeostasis, and alleviate cGAS-STING signaling pathway–mediated inflammation. Meanwhile, the HMZ hydrogel showed satisfactory antibacterial properties and efficiency of plaque biofilm removal. The in vivo results further confirmed that HMZ hydrogel decreased the concentration of H2S within the periodontal pocket from 0.7 to 0.8 mM to the normal level (0.3 to 0.4 mM), killed the bacteria in the periodontal tissues, inhibited osteoclast activity, relieved excess inflammation, and decreased the vertical distance between the cementoenamel junction and the alveolar bone crest from 1,175 µm to 798 µm on the 7th day and from 1,075 µm to 693 µm on the 14th day, achieving efficient periodontal bone regeneration. In brief, an H2S scavenging-based promising strategy was developed to enhance the therapeutic efficiency of periodontitis.
The Investigation of the Relationship Between Mortality Awareness and Spiritual Care Competencies of Nurses Working in Intensive Care and Palliative Care Units
Authors: Kocatepe Vildan , Yöyler Filiz , Coşğun Müge , Güler Begüm , Ediboğlu Özlem
Published: December 2024

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between mortality awareness and spiritual care competence among nurses working in intensive care and palliative care units. This cross-sectional, descriptive and correlational study included a sample of 163 nurses who had worked for at least one month in intensive care and palliative care units in two hospitals. Data were collected between 02/01/2024 and 28/06/2024. The mean total score of the nurses on the Multidimensional Mortality Awareness Scale was 122.59 ± 15.59 and the Spiritual Care Competence Scale was 105.85 ± 11.90. A positive significant relationship was found between mortality awareness and spiritual care competence ( p < .05). It was observed that as the mortality awareness of ICU and palliative care nurses increased, their spiritual care competence also increased.
A robust distributed interaction multiple model filter for jump Markov systems with heavy-tailed measurement noise
Authors: Tong Shun , Zhou Weidong
Published: December 2024

When heavy-tailed measurement noises (HTMNs) are introduced by outliers, the estimation accuracy of traditional distributed interaction multiple model (IMM) algorithms will be severely reduced in some target tracking scenarios. To solve the problem, a new distributed robust filter algorithm using cubature information filtering and weighted average consensus approach in the framework of IMM filtering is proposed. Firstly, the HTMNs are modeled as Student’s t-distributions, and as conjugate prior distributions for the degree of freedom parameters and the scale matrices, the Gamma distributions and the inverse-Wishart distributions have been chosen. Secondly, the system state vectors, noise corresponding parameters, and model probabilities are inferred utilizing the variational Bayesian method. What’s more, in order to increase the stability of sensor networks and improve the estimation accuracy of the proposed filtering algorithm, the weighted average consensus approach is used to update information pairs and model probabilities. Finally, a target tracking simulation experiment is used to verify that the proposed algorithm has higher estimation accuracy and robustness than existing advanced filtering algorithms in dealing with HTMN.
Robust finite-time H2/H∞ control for stochastic Markovian jump systems via state feedback
Authors: Xikui Liu , Long Gao , Yan Li
Published: December 2024

The robust finite-time [Formula: see text] control problems for linear discrete-time stochastic Markovian jump systems (MJSs) with external disturbance are investigated. Firstly, the definitions of robust finite-time boundedness, and robust finite-time [Formula: see text] boundedness are presented. Subsequently, by using the stochastic Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional method and linear matrix inequality technique, sufficient conditions for the existence of a robust finite-time [Formula: see text] controller are provided for stochastic MJSs. A state feedback controller is designed. Furthermore, the finite-time guaranteed cost bounds are given. More specifically, the designed controller not only ensures the finite-time [Formula: see text] bounded but also makes the [Formula: see text] cost function less than the bound given by the performance index of the systems. Finally, two examples are given to illustrate the validity of the proposed approach.
The relationship between comfort, personal control and productivity in UK offices
Authors: Marsh Ant , Leech Arthur , van Someren Kate
Published: December 2024

Occupier experience surveys conducted in UK offices between the years 2012-2022 have been analysed to examine the relationship between (1) satisfaction with indoor conditions (thermal comfort, indoor air quality, lighting, noise), (2) personal control over the conditions and (3) perceived productivity as result of the conditions. The data set contains 111 surveyed buildings and 10,870 individual responses. The findings show that many respondents are both satisfied with the indoor conditions whilst perceiving that they had little to no personal control over them. Six indoor environmental parameters were examined as part of this study. The proportion of respondents that were in the category of ‘satisfied overall’ while having ‘low control’ ranged from 21 to 46%, constituting the largest proportion of respondents for three of the six variables examined. The results also showed that perceptions of productivity in the surveyed buildings were highly correlated with satisfaction with the internal conditions (regardless of perceived personal control over them). Therefore our research indicates that designers should focus on providing satisfactory conditions for the majority of occupants, and not be overly concerned with the provision of greater personal control for office workers.

Practical Application

The level of personal control provided to occupants in office buildings is an important component of their overall design and manageability. This research helps modern professionals to understand the degree to which personal control over different variables is important to occupants themselves, in terms of their comfort and self-reported productivity. In turn this can help professionals to better understand and therefore assess whether the provision of greater personal control is required or not.
Platysma Myocutaneous Flap for Skull Base Reconstruction: A Cadaveric Feasibility Study
Authors: Alrasheed Abdulaziz S. , Alsayed Ahmed , Alqurashi Ashwag , Ajlan Abdulrazag
Published: December 2024

Objective: As skull base defects become increasingly complex, necessitating more extensive repairs, alternative strategies are needed to address challenging reconstructions and rescue cases of failed primary reconstruction. In this study, we aimed to validate the surgical technique and assess the feasibility of using the platysma myocutaneous flap for skull base reconstruction, using cadaveric specimens in a preclinical setting. Materials and Methods: This descriptive anatomical study was conducted on 2 fresh human cadavers (4 sides). The study assessed the flap’s size, range of rotation, suitability for covering the skull base, and the corridor technique for transferring the flap to the skull base. Results: The technique was applied to 2 cadavers, with 4 flaps raised. The average flap length was approximately 15 cm, providing adequate coverage of the ipsilateral carotid artery and anterior skull base, extending from the planum sphenoidale to the cribriform plate and frontal recess. Conclusion: Harvesting a platysma myocutaneous flap is a feasible option for skull base reconstruction, providing adequate coverage for the ipsilateral carotid artery and anterior skull base.
The Color of COVID: Historicizing the Structural Disparities That Drive Disproportionate Mortality Rates Among African American Communities
Authors: Pyles Micah A. , Iacobucci Asa , Downey Liam , Modile Adenife
Published: December 2024

The visibility of Black-White disparities in overall rates of COVID-19 infection and mortality have become central to the national conversation of COVID-19. In explaining these inequalities, medical science underscores the heightened prevalence of pre-existing health conditions or “comorbidities” among disproportionately impacted groups, often employing the language of genetics and biologic predisposition while ignoring the role of allostatic load and the social determinants of health. In response, we historicize the confluence of structural forces that strongly shape where many African-Americans live, learn, work, and play (i.e., the disinvested urban center). We then identify how the structured conditions of hyper-segregated, urban life result in the elevated prevalence of underlying COVID-19 comorbidities in Black urban communities. In doing this we: (i) challenge the usefulness of biogenetic explanations for the COVID-19 racial death gap, (ii) counter racialized stereotypes that blame the victims of structurally induced health disparities, and (iii) contribute to the health disparities and racial legacies literatures.
A Transforming Ontology of Boundaries? What Is and What Is Not in the Early Middle Kingdom
Authors: Mourad Anna-Latifa
Published: December 2024

Ancient Egyptian ontologies have been commonly approached as related to order and chaos. Associated with the latter are the concepts of existence and non-existence, which may be expressed by the verb wn ‘to be’ and its derivatives, as well as the substantive n.tyt ‘what is’ and its negation iw.tyt ‘what is not’. The earliest attestations of n.tyt and iw.tyt are found in the Pyramid Texts, reflecting the importance of (non)existence in cosmic and funerary beliefs. By the Middle Kingdom, n.tyt and iw.tyt occur in titles and epithets of officials, some of whom were involved in boundary formation and traversal. This paper provides an overview of these developments and their insights on Middle Kingdom conceptions of the world. Exploring the role of transregional activities, it questions whether ‘what is’ and ‘what is not’ may reflect an ontology of boundaries connected with socio-political shifts of the early second millennium BCE.

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An ABCX model of family adjustment in adoption and permanent fostering of children with intellectual disability
Authors: García-Sanjuán Noemí , Berástegui Ana , Mota Rosalía
Published: December 2024

Children with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) represent a growing proportion of children who are adopted or in foster care. This study aims to explore family adjustment in foster and adoptive families of children with IDD using the ABCX model of family adjustment. Sixty-two families with adopted and foster children with IDD between two and 36 years old in Spain participated in the study. Parents completed a self-reported questionnaire including measures of child demands, family strengths, adjustment of expectations and family adjustment to adoption. The combination of child demands, family strengths and family expectations predicted 55% of the variance of family adjustment (R2 = .55, F (3,56) = 25.571, p < .001), with C Factor being the most relevant (b = .458, p < .001). No differences were found in the adaptation process depending on the severity of the disability, the age of placement, or the adoption versus fostering process. Significant differences were found in the adaptation process dimensions depending on the special versus ordinary process. Differences were also found in some family dimensions depending on the diagnosis of the disability or the family stage. These findings highlight the importance of previous expectations and special processes in adopting children and young people with IDD.
The Transformative Power of Digital Breast Tomosynthesis and Artificial Intelligence in Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Freitas Vivianne , Ghai Sandeep , Au Frederick , Muradali Derek , Kulkarni Supriya
Published: December 2024

The integration of Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) represents a significant advance in breast cancer screening. This combination aims to address several challenges inherent in traditional screening while promising an improvement in healthcare delivery across multiple dimensions. For patients, this technological synergy has the potential to lower the number of unnecessary recalls and associated procedures such as biopsies, thereby reducing patient anxiety and improving overall experience without compromising diagnostic accuracy. For radiologists, the use of combined AI and DBT could significantly decrease workload and reduce fatigue by effectively highlighting breast imaging abnormalities, which is especially beneficial in high-volume clinical settings. Health systems stand to gain from streamlined workflows and the facilitated deployment of DBT, which is particularly valuable in areas with a scarcity of specialized breast radiologists. However, despite these potential benefits, substantial challenges remain. Bridging the gap between the development of complex AI algorithms and implementation into clinical practice requires ongoing research and development. This is essential to optimize the reliability of these systems and ensure they are accessible to healthcare providers and patients, who are the ultimate beneficiaries of this technological advancement. This article reviews the benefits of combined AI-DBT imaging, particularly the ability of AI to enhance the benefits of DBT and reduce its existing limitations.
Deep learning-driven multi-omics sequential diagnosis with Hybrid-OmniSeq: Unraveling breast cancer complexity
Authors: Banupriya N. , Sethukarasi T.
Published: December 2024

Breast cancer results from an uncontrolled growth of breast tissue. Many methods of diagnosis are using multi-omics data to better understand the complexity of breast cancer. The new strategy laid out in this work, called “Hybrid-OmniSeq,” is a deep learning-based multi-omics data analysis technology that uses molecular subtypes of breast cancer gene to increase the precision and effectiveness of breast cancer diagnosis. For preprocessing, the BC-VM procedure is utilized, and for molecular subtype analysis, the BC-MSA procedure is utilized. The implementation of Deep Neural Network (DNN) technology in conjunction with Sequential Forward Floating Selection (SFFS) and Truncated Singular Value Decomposition (TSVD) entropy enable adaptive learning from multi-omics gene data. Five machine learning classifiers are used for classification purpose. Hybrid-OmniSeq uses a variety of machine learning classifiers in a thorough analytical process to achieve remarkable diagnostic accuracy. Deep Learning-based multi-omics sequential approach was evaluated using METABRIC RNA-seq data sets of intrinsic subtypes of breast cancer. According to test results, Logistic Regression (LR) had ER (Estrogen Receptor) status values of 94.51%, ER status values of 96.33%, and HER2 (Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor) status values of 92.3%; Random Forest (RF) had ER status values of 93.77%, ER status values of 95.23%, and HER2 status values of 93.4%. LR and RF increase the cancer detection accuracy for all subtypes when compared to alternative machine learning classifiers or the majority voting method, providing a comprehensive understanding of the underlying causes of breast cancer.
Evaluation of the unsprung mass effect on ride comfort of in-wheel motor driving vehicles
Authors: Wu Peibao , Luo Rongkang , Yu Zhihao , Hou Zhichao
Published: December 2024

As an innovative powertrain configuration for electric vehicles, in-wheel motor drive has tremendous potentials. However, the influence of excessive unsprung mass related to the in-wheel motor drive on vehicle performance remains ambiguous or even controversial. This paper tries to address the issue based on a full-vehicle model, taking into consideration different road profiles, body positions and vehicle speeds. A full-vehicle model is established for an in-wheel motor driving vehicle, and a centralized driving vehicle with lighter unsprung mass is taken as the baseline vehicle. Simulation studies are carried out for both vehicle configurations at various speeds on random and bumpy road profiles, respectively. Various observations about the effects of the increased unsprung mass are obtained and clarified, including those mentioned in the literature and some new ones. The results indicate that, for random roads, the increased unsprung mass enlarges the wheel dynamic load and suspension travel, and thus deteriorates the road holding and suspension performances. Interestingly, the effects of the increased unsprung mass on body vertical acceleration vary with body position due to the wheelbase filtering property. Front and rear body accelerations are magnified with the increased unsprung mass at all speeds, whereas the body centroid acceleration exhibits an alternating pattern of increase and decrease throughout the speed range. Moreover, the increased unsprung mass reduces the body roll acceleration at all speeds. For bump roads on the other hand, the increased unsprung mass deteriorates all metrics at low speeds, but improves them at high speeds.