bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temperature‐Dependent Operando Raman Analysis of a WO3‐Based Metal‐Oxide Gas Sensor Detecting Triacetone Triperoxide
Authors: Warmer Johannes , Breuch Rene , Schöning Michael J. , Wagner Patrick , Kaul Peter
Published: March 2024

In this work, the surface reactions of the homemade explosive triacetone triperoxide on tungsten oxide (WO3) sensor surfaces are studied to obtain detailed information about the chemical reactions taking place. Semiconductor gas sensors based on WO3 nanopowders are therefore produced and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy. To analyze the reaction mechanisms at the sensor surface, the sensor is monitored online under operation conditions using Raman spectroscopy, which allows to identify the temperature‐dependent sensor reactions. By combining information from the Raman spectra with data on the changing resistivity of the underlying semiconductor, it is possible to establish a correlation between the adsorbed gas species and the physical properties of the WO3 layer. In the results, it is indicated that a Lewis acid–base reaction is the most likely mechanism for the increase in resistance observed at temperatures below 150 °C. In the results, at higher temperatures, the assumption of a radical mechanism that causes a decrease in resistance is supported.
Effects of Storage Temperatures and Times on Drying Chicken Breasts Using Film‐Drying: A New Application of Polymeric Film for Food Preservation
Authors: Alnadari Fawze , Al‐Dalali Sam , Sallam Abubakr , Nasiru Mustapha Muhammad , Korma Sameh A. , Abdin Mohamed , Baiome Baiome Abdelmaguid , Abdalmegeed Dyaaaldin , Chen Chao , Zeng Xiaoxiong
Published: March 2024

This present study reports the effect of different storage temperatures on the film‐dried chicken breast (FDCB) by film‐drying technique for 15 days, including FDCB‐(−18), FDCB‐4, FDCB‐18, FDCB‐28 and FDCB‐38 (°C). Both storage time and temperature negatively affected the water‐holding capacity and moisture ratio, except for FDCB‐(−18). To ensure the quality of film‐dried chicken meats, they were rehydrated and evaluated in terms of colour values, tissue microstructure and hardness. The results showed that the rehydrated samples FDCB‐28 and FDCB‐38 promoted redness loss and increased the hardness values compared with other samples at low temperatures. Moreover, the storage temperature below 28°C was the most effective strategy for best maintaining the physicochemical, antioxidative, microbiological and sensory quality of film‐dried chicken samples, similar to those of raw meat. Interestingly, the FDCB‐(−18), FDCB‐4 and FDCB‐18 samples showed a significant (p < 0.05) inhibitory effect on microbial growth and lipid oxidation for 15 days.
Failure prediction of mechanical system based on meta‐action
Authors: Ran Yan , Chen Jingjie , Sagor Nafis Jawyad , Zhang Genbao
Published: March 2024

Highly reliable mechanical systems can lead to significant losses in the event of failure, and the lack of comprehensive failure data presents challenges for developing techniques such as critical part identification and failure prediction. In light of this, this paper proposes a meta‐action‐based fault prediction method that effectively addresses the issue of limited fault data. Initially, the mechanical system is decomposed utilizing the “Function‐Motion‐Action” (FMA) methodology to derive individual meta‐action units (MAUs). Subsequently, the limited sample of fault data from the mechanical system is combined with processed expert knowledge to construct the corresponding fault propagation‐directed graph. Furthermore, the key MAUs are determined by applying the Decision–Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method. Last, the degradation data of the key MAUs is acquired by monitoring them, and a non‐homogeneous discrete grey model (DNGM) integrated with an improved BP neural network is proposed to facilitate the fault prediction of MAUs. Using an industrial robot as a case study, the prediction results demonstrate the superiority of the method proposed in this paper over a single gray model and neural network, thereby providing a reliable prediction approach for anticipating the future trends of data‐deficient mechanical systems.
Universal Intercalation/Alloying Hybrid Mechanism with ‐ICOHP Criterion in MAX Toward Steadily Ascending Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Guo Xin , Zhou Quan , Wang Changda , Cao Yuyang , Yang Xiya , Wei Shiqiang , Xu Wenjie , Chen Shuangming , Zhu Kefu , Zhang Pengjun , Shou Hongwei , Wang Yixiu , Chimtali Peter Joseph , Wu Xiaojun , Song Li , Liu Xiaosong
Published: March 2024

Profiting from the unique atomic laminated structure, metallic conductivity, and superior mechanical properties, transition metal carbides and nitrides named MAX phases have shown great potential as anodes in lithium‐ion batteries. However, the complexity of MAX configurations poses a challenge. To accelerate such application, a minus integrated crystal orbital Hamilton populations descriptor is innovatively proposed to rapidly evaluate the lithium storage potential of various MAX, along with density functional theory computations. It confirms that surface A‐element atoms bound to lithium ions have odds of escaping from MAX. Interestingly, the activated A‐element atoms enhance the reversible uptake of lithium ions by MAX anodes through an efficient alloying reaction. As an experimental verification, the charge compensation and SnxLiy phase evolution of designed Zr2SnC MAX with optimized structure is visualized via in situ synchrotron radiation XRD and XAFS technique, which further clarifies the theoretically expected intercalation/alloying hybrid storage mechanism. Notably, Zr2SnC electrodes achieve remarkably 219.8% negative capacity attenuation over 3200 cycles at 1 A g−1. In principle, this work provides a reference for the design and development of advanced MAX electrodes, which is essential to explore diversified applications of the MAX family in specific energy fields.
Mechanically Active Supramolecular Systems
Authors: Shi Ke , Lv Xintao , Liu Jiawei , Lin Yiyang , Li Jianwei
Published: March 2024

Mechanical sensing and transduction are integral to biological systems and have inspired research into the regulation of supramolecular self‐assembly via mechanical forces. This review presents an inaugural discussion on mechanically active supramolecular systems. It focuses on two primary mechanisms for modulating these systems: the incorporation of mechanophores and the application of mechanical forces to modulate non‐covalent interactions. Challenging the traditional view of mechanical forces as solely destructive, their constructive potential when harnessed through sophisticated design is showcased. Investigation is done on how external forces like ultrasound, stirring, vortex, tension, and compression can induce fluorescence in π‐conjugated systems, initiate hydrogelation, propel non‐equilibrium self‐assembly, and affect the structure of vesicles. The review also casts light on the prospective uses of mechanically active supramolecular systems in areas such as protein activation, drug delivery, and stress sensing, illustrating the nuanced role of mechanical forces as both disruptors and enablers in the creation of functional materials.
The influence of network transitions within the life cycle stages of born global companies
Authors: da Rosa Angelica Patel , Floriani Dinorá Eliete , Andersson Svante
Published: March 2024

This research had the objective to analyze the influence of network transitions within the life cycle stages of Born Globals (BGs). By developing a framework that consisted of a pre‐inception phase, start‐up phase, and growth phase, the study proposed to identify which networks were used and which knowledge was acquired within the development of the BGs, in order to analyze the network transitions that influenced its international expansion. By conducting in‐depth interviews, the data was collected for the analysis of a comparative case study. Our empirical findings indicate that in the pre‐inception phase, technological knowledge from institutional and business networks was pivotal to acquiring internal development making it possible for the companies to progress to the inception phase. Furthermore, international marketing knowledge acquired through business networks contributed to the transition from the inception phase to the growth phase as well as its internationalization. The results imply that high‐tech entrepreneurs should consider developing business and institutional networks as an efficient mean for firm development and rapid internationalization.
A non‐similar solution to dissipative Eyring‐Powell nanofluid flow over a nonlinear stretching surface with an inclined magnetic field and active/passive nanoparticles flux
Authors: Liu Chunyan , Shahmir Nazia , Ramzan Muhammad , Alhuthali Abdullah M. S. , Saleel Chanduveetil Ahamed , Kadry Seifedine
Published: March 2024

Amongst numerous non‐Newtonian fluid models, Eyring‐Powell fluid is prominent owing to its shear thinning, pseudoplastic, and yield stress unique characteristics. It has varied industrial applications including the modeling of polymer melts, food products, and blood flow. This study discusses the Darcy Forchheimer flow of Eyring‐Powell nanoliquid along a nonlinear stretched surface influenced by an inclined magnetic flux. The mass and heat transmissions are supported by active and passive control of nanoparticles respectively. The unique effect of viscous dissipation is introduced to influence the liquid velocity and temperature. Unlike the majority of the research being published that espouses similar solutions, we adopted the non‐similar analysis of the proposed problem to eradicate the chance of the variable in the parameters. This was a challenging task and was taken as a mathematical art rather than a science. The established Buongiorno model is followed to compute the thermophoretic and Brownian motion effects. The numerical computation of this mathematical system is performed using the bvp4c algorithm. The results are described through graphs and in numerically calculated tabulated values. It is determined that wall drag is stronger when the magnetic field is inclined at an angle of than at . Additionally, it is observed that passive control of nanoparticles results in better rates of heat and mass transmissions, against varied values of the fluid parameter with . The validation of the envisioned model is also a part of this exploration.
A comparative study of mono-exponential and advanced diffusion-weighted imaging in differentiating stage IA endometrial carcinoma from benign endometrial lesions
Authors: Li Hai-Jiao , Cao Kun , Li Xiao-Ting , Zhu Hai-Tao , Zhao Bo , Gao Min , Song Xiang , Sun Ying-Shi
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the current investigation is to compare the efficacy of different diffusion models and diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) in differentiating stage IA endometrial carcinoma (IAEC) from benign endometrial lesions (BELs).

Methods

Patients with IAEC, endometrial hyperplasia (EH), or a thickened endometrium confirmed between May 2016 and August 2022 were retrospectively enrolled. All of the patients underwent a preoperative pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) from the mono-exponential model, pure diffusion coefficient (D), pseudo-diffusion coefficient (D*), perfusion fraction (f) from the bi-exponential model, distributed diffusion coefficient (DDC), water molecular diffusion heterogeneity index from the stretched-exponential model, diffusion coefficient (Dk) and diffusion kurtosis (K) from the DKI model were calculated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency.

Results

A total of 90 patients with IAEC and 91 patients with BELs were enrolled. The values of ADC, D, DDC and Dk were significantly lower and D* and K were significantly higher in cases of IAEC (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that K was the only predictor. The area under the ROC curve of K was 0.864, significantly higher compared with the ADC (0.601), D (0.811), D* (0.638), DDC (0.743) and Dk (0.675). The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of K were 78.89%, 85.71% and 80.66%, respectively.

Conclusion

Advanced diffusion-weighted imaging models have good performance for differentiating IAEC from EH and endometrial thickening. Among all of the diffusion parameters, K showed the best performance and was the only independent predictor. Diffusion kurtosis imaging was defined as the most valuable model in the current context.
Identifying postoperative complications after inguinal hernia repair with a smartphone application: a comparative cohort study
Authors: van Hout L. , Harker M. J. R. , Vriens P. W. H. E. , Bökkerink W. J. V.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The Q1.6 Inguinal Hernia application continuously measures patient-reported outcomes (PROs) by sampling experiences through brief, digital and condition-specific questions, utilising micro-moments. This can overcome the limitations of current paper questionnaires and give real-time insight into patient recovery. This exploratory study compares data from the application with retrospective data from electronic medical records (EMRs) to provide information on its accuracy in detecting postoperative complications after inguinal hernia repair.

Methods

Patients were asked to use the application in addition to their usual care. The application employs twitch crowdsourcing to gather PROs. Questions from validated and frequently used questionnaires were integrated. A retrospective assessment of EMRs was combined with an additional telephone interview. The primary endpoints were the sensitivity and specificity of the application in detecting chronic postoperative inguinal pain, recurrence and surgical-site infection (SSI).

Results

A total of 215 patients were analysed. The sensitivity and specificity for detecting chronic postoperative inguinal pain were 100% (95% CI [47.8%, 100%]) and 93.7% (95% CI [88.3%, 97.1%]), respectively. For recurrence, the sensitivity was 77.8% (95% CI [40.0%, 97.2%]), and the specificity was 81.3% (95% CI [75.0%, 86.5%]). For SSI, the sensitivity and specificity were 75.0% (95% CI [19.4%, 99.4%]) and 89.8% (95% CI [84.8%, 93.6%]), respectively.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates satisfactory measurement capabilities of the Q1.6 Inguinal Hernia application for identifying postoperative complications following inguinal hernia repair. However, certain aspects require further improvement, such as addressing error-prone questions, enhancing long-term compliance, and validating (pain) measurements through prospective control data.

Trail registration number

NL7813 (Dutch Trial Registry), 19 May 2019.
Metabolic profiling, antimicrobial, anticancer, and in vitro and in silico immunomodulatory investigation of Aspergillus niger OR730979 isolated from the Western Desert, Egypt
Authors: Baz Amira M. , Elwy Esmat , Ahmed Wafaa A. , El-Sayed Heba
Published: March 2024

Ten fungal species were isolated from soil in the Western Desert and Wadi El-Natron in Egypt. All fungal isolates were morphologically recognized down to the species level. Methanol extracts of fungal mycelia and ethyl acetate extracts of culture filtrate from the isolated fungi were evaluated for antimicrobial activity against six pathogenic bacteria and one pathogenic yeast (Candida albicans ATCC20231). Only ethyl acetate extracts of Fusarium circinatum, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus terreus culture filtrates showed significant antimicrobial activity against the majority of the investigated pathogens. The culture filtrate extract of Aspergillus niger exhibited notable cytotoxicity towards the breast cancer (MCF-7) cell line, with the lowest detected IC50 recorded at 8 μg/μl. Whereas Fusarium circinatum and Aspergillus terreus had IC50s of 15.91 μg/μl and 18 μg/μl, respectively. A gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC–MS) investigation of A. niger’s potent extract revealed 23 compounds with different biological activities. Glycidyleoleate was found to be the main extract component. Aspergillus niger extract was chosen to study its possible cytotoxic mechanism. The extract was found to induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at the < 2n stage. Despite a significant increase in caspases 8 and 9, the production levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) have shown a significant decrease. The high interaction of glycidyleoleate against the studied cytokines’ binding receptors was demonstrated via docking studies. In conclusion, the available data revealed that the culture filtrate extract of A. niger possesses promising antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and immunomodulatory properties.
Palliative care for in-patient malignant glioma patients in Germany
Authors: Fink Larissa , van Oorschot Birgitt , von Saß Christiane , Dibué Maxine , Foster Marie-Therese , Golla Heidrun , Goldbrunner Ronald , Senft Christian , Lawson McLean Aaron , Hellmich Martin , Dinc Nazife , Voltz Raymond , Melching Heiner , Jungk Christine , Kamp Marcel A.
Published: March 2024

Objective

Malignant gliomas impose a significant symptomatic burden on patients and their families. Current guidelines recommend palliative care for patients with advanced tumors within eight weeks of diagnosis, emphasizing early integration for malignant glioma cases. However, the utilization rate of palliative care for these patients in Germany remains unquantified. This study investigates the proportion of malignant glioma patients who either died in a hospital or were transferred to hospice care from 2019 to 2022, and the prevalence of in-patient specialized palliative care interventions.

Methods

In this cross-sectional, retrospective study, we analyzed data from the Institute for the Hospital Remuneration System (InEK GmbH, Siegburg, Germany), covering 2019 to 2022. We included patients with a primary or secondary diagnosis of C71 (malignant glioma) in our analysis. To refine our dataset, we identified cases with dual-coded primary and secondary diagnoses and excluded these to avoid duplication in our final tally. The data extraction process involved detailed scrutiny of hospital records to ascertain the frequency of hospital deaths, hospice transfers, and the provision of complex or specialized palliative care for patients with C71-coded diagnoses. Descriptive statistics and inferential analyses were employed to evaluate the trends and significance of the findings.

Results

From 2019 to 2022, of the 101,192 hospital cases involving malignant glioma patients, 6,129 (6% of all cases) resulted in in-hospital mortality, while 2,798 (2.8%) led to hospice transfers. Among these, 10,592 cases (10.5% of total) involved the administration of complex or specialized palliative medical care. This provision rate remained unchanged throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, significantly lower frequencies of complex or specialized palliative care implementation were observed in patients below 65 years (p < 0.0001) and in male patients (padjusted = 0.016). In cases of in-hospital mortality due to malignant gliomas, 2,479 out of 6,129 cases (40.4%) received specialized palliative care.

Conclusion

Despite the poor prognosis and complex symptomatology associated with malignant gliomas, only a small proportion of affected patients received advanced palliative care. Specifically, only about 10% of hospitalized patients with malignant gliomas, and approximately 40% of those who succumb to the disease in hospital settings, were afforded complex or specialized palliative care. This discrepancy underscores an urgent need to expand palliative care access for this patient demographic. Additionally, it highlights the importance of further research to identify and address the barriers preventing wider implementation of palliative care in this context.
An Exploration of Grain-Averaged Stress Measurement Using Partial Unloads with In situ Microscopic Image Correlation
Authors: Türkoğlu O. , Aydıner C.C.
Published: March 2024

Background

In polycrystal mechanics, determination of stress is associated with diffraction methods that measure (the inherently-related) elastic strain. Microscopic digital image correlation (DIC), while commanding much higher intragranular resolution, measures total strain, and its local accuracy is typically insufficient to evaluate elastic strain magnitudes.

Objective

In situ DIC measurements over a partial unload of the polycrystal, where strains are virtually elastic, are explored for grain-averaged elastic strains and then, through a posed formalism, the stresses at the point of unload. Grain averaging is functionally employed to improve the DIC accuracy. The large objective is to emulate in situ complementary diffraction.

Methods

Nickel with high elastic anisotropy is chosen. The utilized highly-automated instrument offers maximal resolution for DIC with optical microscopy over a gross grain field. Orientations are predetermined for the same grain layer via electron backscatter diffraction. High-accuracy grain masks are produced to isolate the strain fields of individual grains.

Results

Very promising results are shown over a number of grains with sensible apparent compliance and stress values as well as linear unload behavior. Grains with sane results are largely predicted by a posed objectivity test that relies on DIC repeated with multiple reference loads.

Conclusion

Though it will require extremely careful implementations of microscopic DIC with high intragranular resolution, the premise of measuring intergranular stress fields via partial unloads seems to be viable and worthy of further exploration and verification. This capability that is superposed over strain measurement offers a more stringent validation of high-fidelity crystal plasticity models.
Sequential composite BIMA grafting for 3v-CAD: factors that predict successful outcome of the one-inflow and two-inflow revascularization techniques
Authors: Andrási Terézia B. , Glück Alannah C. , Talipov Ildar , Volevski Lachezar , Vasiloi Ion
Published: March 2024

Objective

The effect of one-inflow and two-inflow coronary surgical revascularization techniques inclosing skeletonized double mammary artery (BIMA) as T-graft on outcome is studied.

Methods

Early ad mid-term outcome of complete BIMA revascularization (C-T-BIMA) versus left-sided BIMA with right-sided aorto-coronary bypass (L-T-BIMA + R-CABG) is quantified and analyzed by multivariate logistic regression, Cox-regression, and Kaplan–Meier analysis in a series of 204 consecutive patients treated for triple-vessel coronary disease (3v-CAD).

Results

The L-T-BIMA + R-CABG technique (n = 104) enables higher number of total (4.02 ± 0.87 vs. 3.71 ± 0.69, p = 0.015) and right-sided (1.21 ± 0.43 vs. 1.02 ± 0.32, p = 0.001) coronary anastomoses, improves total bypass flow (125.88 ± 92.41 vs. 82.50 ± 49.26 ml, p < 0.0001) and bypass flow/anastomosis (31.83 ± 23.9 vs.22.77 ± 14.23, p = 0.001), and enhances completeness of revascularization (84% vs.69%, p = 0.014) compared to C-T-BIMA strategy (n = 100), respectively.

Although the incidence of MACCE was comparable in the two groups (8% vs.1.2%, p = 0.055), the progression of functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) was significantly lower after L-T-BIMA + R-CABG, then after C-T-BIMA (47% vs.64%, p = 0.017).

The use of C-T-BIMA-technique (HR = 4.2, p = 0.01) and preoperative RCA occlusion (HR = 3.006, p = 0.023) predicted FMR progression, whereas L-T-Graft + R-CABG technique protected against it (X2 = 14.04, p < 0.0001) independent of the anatomic and clinical complexity (Syntax score I: HR = 16.2, p = 0.156, Syntax score II: HR = 1.901, p = 0.751), of early- (0.96% vs.2%, p = 0.617) and mid-term mortality (5.8% vs.4%, p = 0.748) when compared to C-T-BIMA, respectively.

Conclusions

The two-inflow coronary revascularization by L-T-BIMA + R-CABG better protects against FMR progression without increasing MACCE and mortality. Older patients with RCA occlusion and reduced LV-EF benefit most from the two-inflow L-T-BIMA + R-CABG technique. Younger 3v-CAD patients with normal LV-EF can preferentially be managed with the one-inflow C-T-BIMA; however, long-term outcome remains to be revealed.
A comparison of available guidelines for the detection of cauda equina syndrome and assessing the need for further clinical guidance in Ireland
Authors: Gavin Lorcan , Curran Michael G. , McCabe John P.
Published: March 2024

The cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a rare but critical disorder, which can result in devastating motor weakness and sensory deficit, alongside often irreversible bladder, bowel and sexual dysfunction. In addition to the clinical burden of disease, this syndrome results in a disproportionately high medicolegal strain due to missed or delayed diagnoses. Despite being an emergency diagnosis, often necessitating urgent surgical decompression to treat, we believe there is a lack of clarity for clinicians in the current literature, with no published Irish guideline concerning screening or detection. The current study aims to identify and analyse appropriate guidelines in relation to CES screening which are available to clinicians in Ireland. The study design included a comprehensive literature review and comparison of existing guidelines. The review identified 13 sources of appropriate guidance for clinicians working in Ireland. These resources included textbooks, websites and guidelines developed in the UK. No Irish guidelines or advice were available on CES screening/treatment at the time of review. This review demonstrated the lack of consensus and guidance for clinicians in Ireland on how to effectively screen for CES, judge who requires further imaging and investigations and how to rule out the condition. A national consensus on thorough screening and prompt investigation for CES is necessary, and the formulation of new CES guidelines would be a welcome addition to what is available to clinicians currently.
What Do We Know So Far About Ventricular Arrhythmias and Sudden Cardiac Death Prediction in the Mitral Valve Prolapse Population? Could Biomarkers Help Us Predict Their Occurrence?
Authors: Dziadosz D. , Daniłowicz-Szymanowicz L. , Wejner-Mik P. , Budnik M. , Brzezińska B. , Duchnowski P. , Golińska-Grzybała K. , Jaworski K. , Jedliński I. , Kamela M. , Kasprzak J. , Kowalczyk-Domagała M. , Kurnicka K. , Kustrzycka-Kratochwil D. , Mickiewicz K. , Możeńska O. , Oko-Sarnowska Z. , Plewka M. , Polewczyk A. , Uziębło-Życzkowska B. , Wierzbowska-Drabik K. , Wachnicka-Truty R. , Wołoszyn-Horák E. , Szymański P. , Gackowski A. , Mizia-Stec K.
Published: March 2024

Purpose of the Review

To summarize currently available data on the topic of mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and its correlation to the occurrence of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. To assess the prognostic value of several diagnostic methods such as transthoracic echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, cardiac computed tomography, electrocardiography, and electrophysiology concerning arrhythmic episodes. To explore intra and extracellular biochemistry of the cardiovascular system and its biomarkers as diagnostic tools to predict rhythm disturbances in the MVP population.

Recent Findings

MVP is a common and mainly benign valvular disorder. It affects 2–3% of the general population. MVP is a heterogeneous and highly variable phenomenon with three structural phenotypes: myxomatous degeneration, fibroelastic deficiency, and forme fruste. Exercise intolerance, supraventricular tachycardia, and chest discomfort are the symptoms that are often paired with psychosomatic components. Though MVP is thought to be benign, the association between isolated MVP without mitral regurgitation (MR) or left ventricle dysfunction, with ventricular arrhythmia (VA) and sudden cardiac death (SCD) has been observed. The incidence of SCD in the MVP population is around 0.6% per year, which is 6 times higher than the occurrence of SCD in the general population.

Often asymptomatic MVP population poses a challenge to screen for VA and prevent SCD. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully assess the risk of VA and SCD in patients with MVP with the use of various tools such as diagnostic imaging and biochemical and genetic screening.
A phenomenological study on psychological resilience of aircraft rescue and fire fighting professionals
Authors: Eryılmaz İnan , Dirik Deniz , Öney Tugay
Published: March 2024

The primary objective of this study is to investigate the specific aspects of psychological resilience among ARFF professionals. Utilizing a qualitative approach and collecting data from 11 ARFF professionals using semi-structured interviews, this study delves into an exploration of factors that contribute to psychological resilience among Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) personnel stationed at State Airports, a group operating under emergency circumstances within the aviation industry. The investigation reveals three overarching themes: micro-level personal factors, meso-level organizational factors, and macro-level environmental/societal factors. Key findings reveal that micro-level personal factors, including personality traits and individual coping mechanisms, significantly influence ARFF professionals’ psychological resilience. Encompassing leadership quality and team dynamics, meso-level organizational factors have emerged as crucial contributors to resilience. Finally, macro-level environmental/societal factors, such as social support networks and the broader emergency preparedness context, have been identified as integral elements shaping psychological resilience. This qualitative approach, designed to capture the nuanced experiences and perceptions of ARFF professionals through a multi-level exploration of psychological resilience, extends its implications to the realms of aviation and emergency response. Micro-level considerations illuminate the significance of human resources-related decisions, such as recruitment and training, in fortifying ARFF professionals’ resilience. Meso-level considerations provide evidence for the impactful role of leadership and effective safety measures in promoting resilience. Macro-level considerations underscore the importance of environmental design and spillover effects, such as family support, in shaping resilience. An understanding of the factors that contribute to psychological resilience may be directly transferable to the creation of support mechanisms and targeted interventions and may also be directly transferable to assist emergency response teams in the aviation sector.
Knowledge distillation based on projector integration and classifier sharing
Authors: Zuo Guanpeng , Zhang Chenlu , Zheng Zhe , Zhang Wu , Wang Ruiqing , Lu Jingqi , Jin Xiu , Jiang Zhaohui , Rao Yuan
Published: March 2024

Knowledge distillation can transfer the knowledge from the pre-trained teacher model to the student model, thus effectively accomplishing model compression. Previous studies have carefully crafted knowledge representation, targeting loss function design, and distillation location selection, but there have been few studies on the role of classifiers in distillation. Previous experiences have shown that the final classifier of the model has an essential role in making inferences, so this paper attempts to narrow the gap in performance between models by having the student model directly use the classifier of the teacher model for the final inference, which requires an additional projector to help match features of the student encoder with the teacher's classifier. However, a single projector cannot fully align the features, and integrating multiple projectors may result in better performance. Considering the balance between projector size and performance, through experiments, we obtain the size of projectors for different network combinations and propose a simple method for projector integration. In this way, the student model undergoes feature projection and then uses the classifiers of the teacher model for inference, obtaining a similar performance to the teacher model. Through extensive experiments on the CIFAR-100 and Tiny-ImageNet datasets, we show that our approach applies to various teacher–student frameworks simply and effectively.
A modified model for calculating crack tip opening displacement (CTOD) considering fracture process zone (FPZ) in rock
Authors: Qiao Yang , Zhang Zong-Xian , Zhou Jun
Published: March 2024

A new CTOD calculation method is investigated in this study, considering the FPZ and the effective Young’s modulus. The calculated CTOD values from four theoretical models are compared with the measured CTOD values from the three-point beam experiments, and the differences between them are analyzed. The measured CTOD consists of two parts: (1) the displacement generated by the elastic–plastic deformation in the crack tip region, and (2) the displacement generated by micro-damage in the FPZ. CTOD value caused by micro-damage in the FPZ accounts for 81–92% of the overall CTOD. Thus, the FPZ and the effective Young’s modulus are introduced to modify the models for calculating CTOD. The result indicates that the modified plastic zone model is better than the strip-yield model, the plastic zone model and the modified strip-yield model in calculating CTOD, and CTOD error is reduced from 81 to 90% between the plastic zone model and the experiment to 4–34% between the modified plastic zone model and the experiment, with nearly half of the specimens having an error of less than 10%.
Towards a democratic curriculum: the narrative paradigm to achieve a state of viscosity
Authors: Estrela Elsa , Lima Louise
Published: March 2024

The article proposes that the goal of education should be to promote democracy in education, which can be achieved through a viscous curriculum based on narrative learning to enhance communication and inclusivity. The discussion considers different teaching and learning paradigms, including instruction, learning, and communication, to explore the conceptual relationship between curriculum, teaching, and learning. The viscosity of the curriculum ensures resistance to fluidity while allowing for some movement, also considering the dialogical relationship between its critical internal elements — knowledge, pedagogy, and assessment. It is not a prescriptive or liquid framework, but a collaborative and cooperative construction that emphasises the paradigm of communication (Trindade & Cosme, 2010) and the narrative learning approach (Goodson, 2013). These elements enable contextual adaptation and resistance to support a more democratic education. To design a curriculum that goes beyond a prescription, it is essential to recognize that learning involves cultural heritage, guided by school curricula, which must be shared, used, and recreated. Schools and educators must focus on knowledge acquisition and knowledge sharing as part of the common heritage of humanity, which is, therefore, based on the collective creation of new knowledge and new worlds (UNESCO, 2021). Such knowledge is communicated through the affirmation of the personal and social worlds of students. The challenge is to rethink the social mission of the school by collectively committing to culturally significant and humanly empowering learning. This can lead to the co-creation of a more just, humanitarian, and democratic society, especially in times of great uncertainty intensified by war.
The Tomb and treasury of Hülegü Khan
Authors: Moradi Amin
Published: March 2024

The Il-Khan ruler Hülegü (1215–1265 CE) was a grandson of Genghis Khan (the founder of the Mongol Empire), a son of Tolui, and a brother of both Möngke Khan and Kublai Khan. He died on February 8, 1265, CE, at an estimated age of 48 years. Unlike our knowledge about the death and burial of Genghis Khan (d. 1227 CE), which is recorded in one of the oldest of the autochthonous chronicles, The Secret History of the Mongols, with no reference to time or place, the approximate location of Hülegü’s final resting place is referenced in several documents. Contemporary Persian resources unanimously suggest that the treasury and royal tomb of Hülegü Khan lie somewhere in Lake Urmia on Shahi Island (Jazīreh-ye-Shāhī), Northwest Iran. Rashīd al-Dīn posited that the Hülegü’s treasury is filled with pillow-size gold ingots and treasures gathered from across the Ilkhanid Empire. The exact location and discovery of this hidden treasure and the burial place of Hülegü remain one of the most persistent unsolved mysteries and none of the later archaeological studies challenged this attribution. This paper will discuss the idea that Shahi Island contains the fabled tomb of the legendary ruler of Ilkhanid Iran (1256–1335 CE) Hülegü, his sons Abaqa Khan (1234–1282 CE), as well as Mongol queens, high priests, and other elites. The findings of this research are important because they could launch a new era for Mongol studies and the archaeology of hidden treasures.
How to incorporate chronic health conditions in oncologic decision-making and care for older patients with cancer? A survey among healthcare professionals
Authors: Seghers P. A. L. , Rostoft Siri , O’Hanlon Shane , O’Donovan Anita , Schulkes Karlijn , Montroni Isacco , Portielje Johanneke E. A. , Wildiers Hans , Soubeyran Pierre , Hamaker Marije E.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

A substantial proportion of patients with cancer are older and experience multimorbidity. As the population is ageing, the management of older patients with multimorbidity including cancer will represent a significant challenge to current clinical practice.

Methods

This study aimed to (1) identify which chronic health conditions may cause change in oncologic decision-making and care in older patients and (2) provide guidance on how to incorporate these in decision-making and care provision of older patients with cancer. Based on a scoping literature review, an initial list of prevalent morbidities was developed. A subsequent survey among healthcare providers involved in the care for older patients with cancer assessed which chronic health conditions were relevant and why.

Results

A list of 53 chronic health conditions was developed, of which 34 were considered likely or very likely to influence decision-making or care according to the 39 healthcare professionals who responded. These conditions were further categorized into five patient profiles. From these conditions, five patient profiles were developed, namely, (1) a somatic profile consisting of cardiovascular, metabolic, and pulmonary disease, (2) a functional profile, including conditions that cause disability, dependency or a high caregiver burden, (3) a psychosocial profile, including cognitive impairment, (4) a nutritional profile also including digestive system diseases, and finally, (5) a concurrent cancer profile. All profiles were considered likely to impact decision-making with differences between treatment modalities. The impact on the care trajectory was generally considered less significant, except for patients with care dependency and psychosocial health problems.

Conclusions

Chronic health conditions have various ways of influencing oncologic decision-making and the care trajectory in older adults with cancer. Understanding why specific chronic health conditions may impact the oncologic care trajectory can aid clinicians in the management of older patients with multimorbidity, including cancer.
Variations in redox properties of biochar and humic acid induced by interactive molecular exchange
Authors: Li Shasha , He Pinjing , Zhang Hua , Shao Liming , Lü Fan
Published: March 2024

Biochar and humic  substances are prevalent redox pools in the environment, which is critical to electron transfer in geochemical cycles and pollution control processes. The dissolution of biochar and the sorption of humic substances on biochar have the potential to redistribute redox substances, consequently altering the redox properties of solid and liquid phases. However, studies have often focused on either sorption or dissolution separately, overlooking the mutual effects and not involving redox properties. Herein, molecular interactions between biochar and humic acid (HA) and variations in their redox properties were elucidated using UPLC Orbitrap MS and mediated electrochemical measurement. The dissolution of biochar was far greater than the sorption of HA constituents, and HA enhanced the dissolution of biochar through molecular exchange. But preferential sorption of oxygenated aromatics to pine char (pi500) mainly by hydrogen bonding and higher saturated molecules to starch char (st700) mainly by hydrophobic interactions caused the oxygenated functional groups on biochar to increase (1 ~ 1.5 times). Thus the Electron exchange capacities (EEC) of pi500 and st700 turned to 1 ~ 3 times, and the EEC of HA decreased ca. 50%. Absorption (partition) caused more sorption of HA constituents to pi500 than to st700, while larger surface area resulted in higher EEC of st700 with sorbed HA. The enrichment of redox constituents on biochar is promising for its long-term use in waste reclamation and pollution control. The findings can aid in the understanding of variations in redox properties under interactions between pyrolytic and natural organic matter.

Graphical Abstract
Region-specific establishment of bacterial communities in the small intestine of neonatal calves from birth
Authors: Malmuthuge Nilusha , Chen Yanhong , Liang Guanxiang , Widenmann Anna , Guan Le Luo
Published: March 2024

Initial microbial colonization plays an important role in neonatal gut health. However, studies on gut microbial composition at birth are challenging, due to the limited access to accurate sampling. Here, we characterized the jejunal and ileal bacterial composition (epimural and luminal) of neonatal calves within 30 minutes after birth, and compared it with maternal (birth canal and rectum) and birth environments. RNA-based quantification along with amplicon sequencing revealed the colonization of active, dense (1.1–9.4 × 108 16S rRNA copy/g of sample), and diverse bacteria in the calf small intestine at birth. Pseudomonadaceae and Propionibacteriaceae dominated epimural communities, while Propionibacteriaceae, Prevotellaceae, Ruminococcaceae, and Lachnospiraceae dominated luminal communities. The composition of calf gut bacteria at birth was significantly different from maternal bacteria, especially for beneficial bifidobacteria. The bacterial communities of calf body habitats were similar to those of the birth environment, which was again divergent from gut microbiota. This study suggests an establishment of small intestinal-specific microbiota from birth, which is considerably deviated from maternal microbiota. In corollary, we further propose that small intestinal microbiota colonization could be mainly modulated by host selection.
On optimal reinsurance in the presence of premium budget constraint and reinsurer’s risk limit
Authors: Liu Wei , Hu Yijun
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we propose two new optimal reinsurance models in which both premium budget constraints and the reinsurer’s risk limits are taken into account. To be precise, we assume that the reinsurance premium has an upper bound, and that the admissible ceded loss functions have a pre-specified upper limit. Moreover, we assume that the reinsurance premium principle is calculated by the expected value premium principle. Under the optimality criteria of minimizing the value at risk and conditional value at risk of the insurer’s total risk exposure, we derive the explicit optimal reinsurance treaties, which are layer reinsurance treaties. A new approach is developed to construct the optimal reinsurance treaties. Comparisons with existing studies are also made. Finally, we provide a numerical study based on real data and an example to illustrate the proposed models and results. Our work provides a novel generalization of several known achievements in the literature.
Crises and the history of science: a materialist rehabilitation
Authors: Giovannetti-Singh Gianamar , Kent Rory
Published: March 2024

Over the past four decades, historians of science have come to discard crisis as a guiding heuristic in ‘big-picture’ narratives of scientific change. In this article, we argue that it can be rehabilitated without reintroducing the conceptual drawbacks of earlier historiographies. We suggest that analysing material crises as distinct episodes of knowledge-in-the-making focuses attention on the mangling of science and social order. We distinguish material crises from Kuhnian intellectual crises; the analysis of material crises begins with the interactive dynamics of actor practices and performances, emergent within concrete social orders, rather than from technical breakdowns within isolable theoretical paradigms. Drawing on Reinhart Koselleck's account of crisis, we characterize such events as patterned shifts in the tempo of actor behaviours, which are brought about by real-time processes of realization. In addition to the familiar, contemporary cases of climate change and COVID-19, we sketch out how three historical crises transformed knowledge production in disparate ways: the Ming–Qing transition in late imperial China, crises of labour precarity in seventeenth-century Istanbul and the 1960 Sharpeville massacre in South Africa.
Comparative epidemiology of hospital-onset bloodstream infections (HOBSIs) and central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) across a three-hospital health system
Authors: Krishnan Jay , Gettler Erin B. , Campbell Melissa , Kalu Ibukunoluwa C. , Seidelman Jessica , Smith Becky , Lewis Sarah
Published: March 2024

Objective:

To evaluate the comparative epidemiology of hospital-onset bloodstream infection (HOBSI) and central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI)

Design and Setting:

Retrospective observational study of HOBSI and CLABSI across a three-hospital healthcare system from 01/01/2017 to 12/31/2021

Methods:

HOBSIs were identified as any non-commensal positive blood culture event on or after hospital day 3. CLABSIs were identified based on National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) criteria. We performed a time-series analysis to assess comparative temporal trends among HOBSI and CLABSI incidence. Using univariable and multivariable regression analyses, we compared demographics, risk factors, and outcomes between non-CLABSI HOBSI and CLABSI, as HOBSI and CLABSI are not exclusive entities.

Results:

HOBSI incidence increased over the study period (IRR 1.006 HOBSI/1,000 patient days; 95% CI 1.001–1.012; P = .03), while no change in CLABSI incidence was observed (IRR .997 CLABSIs/1,000 central line days, 95% CI .992–1.002, P = .22). Differing demographic, microbiologic, and risk factor profiles were observed between CLABSIs and non-CLABSI HOBSIs. Multivariable analysis found lower odds of mortality among patients with CLABSIs when adjusted for covariates that approximate severity of illness (OR .27; 95% CI .11–.64; P < .01).

Conclusions:

HOBSI incidence increased over the study period without a concurrent increase in CLABSI in our study population. Furthermore, risk factor and outcome profiles varied between CLABSI and non-CLABSI HOBSI, which suggest that these metrics differ in important ways worth considering if HOBSI is adopted as a quality metric.