bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photocatalytic Oxidization Based on TiO2/Au Nanocomposite Film for Total-Phosphorus (TP) Pretreatment
Authors: Wang Jiajie , Kim Seung Deok , Lee Jae Yong , Kim June Soo , Jang Noah , Kim Hyunjun , Kim Da Ye , Nam Yujin , Han Maeum , Kong Seong Ho
Published: January 2024

Phosphorus, an essential rare element in aquatic ecosystems, plays a key role in maintaining ecosystem balance. However, an excess of phosphorus will lead to eutrophication and algal pro-liferation. To prevent eutrophication, it is crucial to pretreat and measure the concentration of total phosphorus (TP). Compared with conventional TP pretreatment equipment (autoclave), a lab-on-a-chip detection device fabricated through micro-electromechanical system technology using titania (TiO2) as a photocatalyst is more convenient, efficient, and cost-effective. However, the wide bandgap of TiO2 (3.2 eV) limits the photocatalytic activity. To address this problem, this paper describes the preparation of a TiO2/Au nanocomposite film by electron-beam evaporation and atomic layer deposition, based on the introduction of a gold film and TiO2 on a quartz substrate. The photocatalytic degradation properties of TiO2/Au nanocomposite films with thicknesses of 1, 2, 3, and 4 nm are assessed using rhodamine B as a pollutant. Experimental results demonstrate that the deposition of a gold film with different thicknesses can enhance the photocatalytic degradation efficiency through synergetic reactions in the charge separation process on the surface. The optimal photocatalytic efficiency is achieved when the deposition thickness is 2 nm, and it decreases with further increase in the thickness. When the photocatalytic reaction time is 15 min, the LOC device with a 2-nm-thick gold layer and autoclave exhibit similar TP pretreatment performance. Therefore, the proposed LOC device based on photocatalysis technology can address the limitation of conventional autoclave equipment, such as large volume, long processing time, and high cost, thereby satisfying the growing demand for on-site evaluation.
Implicit and Explicit Preferences for Golden Ratio
Authors: Salera Claudia , Vallebella Camilla , Iosa Marco , Pecchinenda Anna
Published: January 2024

The golden ratio, also known as Phi (ϕ ≈ 1.618034), attracted the interest of mathematicians, artists, and intellectuals for many centuries, probably from when it was discovered in human anthropometry. Even in recent times, researchers found the presence of golden ratio in Renaissance paintings and aesthetic preferences. The reasons behind the fascination with the golden ratio remain unclear, but it has been suggested that stimuli containing this proportion are often perceived as beautiful. However, evidence is conflicting, and the literature struggles to establish the existence of individual preferences for golden ratio. To gain new insights into the nature of these preferences, one hundred participants completed an implicit association task, with either golden ratio or random stimuli presented with positive or negative words. Participants initially categorized the stimuli based on their assigned categories. Then, we assessed their explicit preferences by asking to rate the stimuli in terms of pleasantness and by completing a line bisection task and the Ultimate Game. The results revealed the typical effects observed in implicit association tasks, with improved response times and accuracy when golden ratio stimuli were associated with positive word categories. In contrast, explicit ratings yielded mixed results. We discuss our findings in relation to previous studies that have explored this issue, highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding preferences for the golden ratio.
Pedestrian Detection in Aerial Image Based on Convolutional Neural Network with Attention Mechanism and Multi-scale Prediction
Authors: Yang Jiaxi , Zhang Qian , Chen Yuhang , Luan Sitao
Published: January 2024

Pedestrian object detection plays a significant role in intelligent systems such as intelligent traffic and monitoring. Traditional machine learning methods on pedestrian detection have shown various drawbacks, \eg{} low accuracy, slow speed, \etc The Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) based object detection algorithms have demonstrated remarkable advantages in the field of pedestrian detection. However, the mainstream CNNs still face the problems of slow speed and low detection accuracy, especially on small and occluded targets from aerial perspective. In this paper, we propose Multi-Scale Attention YOLO (MSA-YOLO) detection algorithm to address the above issues. MSA-YOLO includes a Squeeze, Excitation and Cross Stage Partial (SECSP) channel attention module for CNNs to extract richer pedestrian features with a small number of extra parameters. It also contains a multi-scale prediction module to capture the information among different pedestrian scales, which can recognize the small objects with higher accuracy and significantly reduce the missed detection. To sufficiently evaluate our proposed model, we manually collect and annotate a new benchmark dataset, Luoyang Pedestrian Dataset \footnote{The dataset can be downloaded through this anonymous link: \url{https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13po1FX7Qk5RDgb60-dzOi74cq_kqDJtM?usp=sharing} }, which has much more sample annotations, features, scenes and image view angles than the existing benchmark datasets. In addition, the images in our dataset have higher resolution than most of benchmark pedestrian detection datasets, which can provide more detailed features of pedestrians and thus improve the model performance. When tested on Luoyang Pedestrian Dataset, our proposed MSA-YOLO algorithm significantly outperform the most commonly used baseline models with almost the same model size. This shows the efficiency of our proposed model. (The code and new dataset will be released to the public later.)
False Liver Metastasis by PET/CT Scan After Chemoradiotherapy for Esophageal Cancer- A Potential Overstaged Pitfalls of Treatment
Authors: Shai Sen-Ei , Lai Yi-Ling , Chang Chen-I , Hsieh Chi-Wei
Published: January 2024

For esophageal cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT), restaging using F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography computed tomography (PET-CT) following nCRT can detect interval metastases, including liver metastases, in almost 10% of patients. However, in clinical practice, focal FDG liver uptake, unrelated to liver metastases, is observed after chemoradiotherapy. This radiation-induced liver injury (RILI) can potentially lead to overstaging. Liver radiation damage is also a concern during distal esophageal cancer radiotherapy due to proximity to the left liver lobe, typically included in the radiation field. Post-CRT, if FDG activity appears in the left or caudate liver lobes, thorough investigation is needed to confirm or rule out distant metastases. The increased FDG uptake in liver lobes post-CRT often presents a diagnostic dilemma. Distinguishing between radiation-induced liver disease and metastasis is vital for appropriate patient management, necessitating a combination of imaging techniques and an understanding of the factors influencing radiation response. Diagnosis involves identifying new foci of hepatic FDG avidity on PET/CT scans. Geographic regions of hypoattenuation on CT and well-demarcated regions with specific enhancement patterns on contrast-enhanced CT scan and MRI are characteristic of radiation-induced liver disease (RILD). Lack of mass effect on all three modalities (CT, MRI, PET) indicates RILD. Resolution of abnormalities on subsequent examinations also helps in diagnosing RILD. Moreover, it can also help to rule out occult metastases, thereby excluding those patients from further surgery who will not benefit from esophagectomy with curative intent.
Vaccination-Associated Pathogenesis
Authors: Chang Chih-Peng , Chi Chia Yu , Yang Chih-Chiang , Hsu Shiou-Chih
Published: January 2024

Vaccination represents the historical milestone in medical sciences, which has been saving millions of lives. Nonetheless, continued outbreaks of emergent infectious diseases are swamping from every coast to every border all over the world. Modern vaccines are our most powerful arsenals to defend the public health of a global population ever since 1796. As unexpected, modern vaccination approaches have brought out all sorts of unwelcome pathogenic disorders to varying extents. Pathogenic viruses have also continued to evolve to defeat elaborate arsenals devised by human intelligence. In this review, we have covered a variety of vaccination approaches along with their sophisticated materials from the past to the most recent development. Furthermore, we discuss varied serious pathogenic outcomes elicited by contemporary vaccination programmes involving novel materials in real clinical trials. The complex immune mediators will be discussed in the context to tackle the complication of vaccine-induced pathogenesis. We will offer the insight into the intractable discrepancy of vaccine-associated pathology. The precision approach bestowed with evolutionary concepts will be considered as a feasible option to confront various issues of pathogenic complicacy.
Generalization of Drainage Capacity in Data-Scarce Urban Areas: An Improved Equivalent Infiltration Method
Authors: Liu Junbing , Zheng Maohui , Gao Jinwei , Wang Xinshu , Zhang Hu , Jiang Simin
Published: January 2024

This article addresses the challenge of simulating rainstorm waterlogging in urban-scale areas where reliable drainage pipe network data is often lacking. Despite existing methods attempting to tackle this issue, there remains a gap in effectiveness. We present a novel approach, the Modified Equivalent Infiltration (MEI) method, building upon the foundation of the Equivalent Infiltration (EI) method. The study focuses on the outer ring area of Shanghai, utilizing data from the "In-Fa" typhoon period for simulation and comparison. Our findings reveal that the MEI method, requiring the same data inputs as the EI method, surpasses its predecessor in both principle and simulation results. Additionally, the MEI method demonstrates robustness in handling rainstorm waterlogging scenarios.
The Cephalometric Relationship between the Facial Height Ratio and the Growth Pattern in a Group of Patients from Timis County, Romania
Authors: Stancioiu Andra Alexandra , Vasica Floare , Riham Nagib , Adelina Popa , Alexandrina Szuhanek Camelia
Published: January 2024

Any malocclusion can be associated with various face development patterns, including hyper, neutral and hypodivergent growth patterns. We measured face height ratios, angle formed by Y axis to SN and growth patterns in various malocclusions in a group of patients from Timis county. The pretreatment digital cephalograms of 350 participants were split into three groups based on Angle's classification of dentoalveolar malocclusion. Every cephalogram was digitally traced and analyzed using a composite cephalometric method analysis utilizing the WebCeph imaging cephalometric program, which included two linear and one angular. In general, patients from Timis county have a hypodivergent development pattern. Hypodivergent development pattern predominated in group I, II, and III. Group I hyperdivergent 5.14%, normodivergent 16.01%, hypodivergent 78.85%. Group II hyperdivergent 2.78%, normodivergent 14.44%, hypodivergent 82.78%. Group III hyperdivergent 10.53%, normodivergent 10.53%, hypodivergent 78.94%. In all three groups, the value of the angle formed by Y axis to SN is within normal limits group I 65.4 ±4.34°, group II 63.87± 3.86° and group III 64.66 ±5.28°. A strong negative correlation was found between angle: Y axis to SN and facial height ratio (r= -0,766; p <0.001). In all kinds of malocclusion, patients from Timis county show primarily a hypodivergent development pattern.
Online Information Provision on Meals on Wheels: A Review of Local Authority Websites in the United Kingdom
Authors: Roberts Rayne , Paul Caitlin , Alonge Ann , Gutteridge Callum , Bain Holly , Papadaki Angeliki
Published: January 2024

Meals on Wheels (MoWs) are critical in enabling adults with care and support needs to live independently. However, many individuals are unaware that the service exists. The aim of this study was to review the websites of local authorities in the UK, and those of 3rd-party providers they signpost to, to establish the quality of online information available on MoWs services, and the websites’ overall quality. Two data capture forms were used to extract information from local authority and 3rd-party providers, consisting of 35 items across five domains, and 36 items across five domains, respectively. Items were awarded a score based on whether certain criteria were met or not, resulting in a maximum total score of 50 and 43 points for each local authority, and 3rd-party provider, website, respectively. A total of 271 websites (223 local authority and 48 3rd-party provider) were reviewed. The mean total score was 14.9 (SD 10.6, range: 1-40 points) for local authority websites, and 21.4 (SD 5.3, range: 10-35 points) for 3rd-party provider websites. For all websites combined, online provision of MoWs information was generally poor, with the vast majority of websites (69.4%, n=188) assessed as requiring improvement, whereas only 4.4% of websites (n=12) were assessed as very good. These findings suggest that local authorities and 3rd-party providers in the UK should seek to improve their online information provision on MoWs to enhance awareness of the service, and ensure that potential service users, and individuals who refer them to the service, can access high-quality information on MoWs.
Retrospective Review of Positive Newborn Screening Results for Isovaleric Acidemia and Development of a Strategy to Improve the Efficacy of Newborn Screening in the UK.
Authors: Carling Rachel S , Hedgethorne Katy , Chakrapani Anupam , Hall Patricia L , Flynn Nick , Greenfield Toby , Moat Stuart J. , Ssali Joshua , Shakespeare Lynette , Taj Nazia , Anderson Mark , Wu Teresa H.Y. , Ghosh Arunabha , Lemonde Hugh , Pierre Germaine , Sharrard Mark , Sreekantam Sreevidya , Bonham James R
Published: January 2024

Since the UK commenced newborn screening for isovaleric acidemia in 2015, changes in prescribing have increased the incidence of false positive (FP) results due to pivaloylcarnitine. A review of screening results between 2015-22 identified 24 true positive (TP) and 84 FP cases, with pivalate interference confirmed in 76/84. Initial C5 carnitine (C5C) did not discriminate between FP and TP with median (range) C5C of 2.9 (2.0 - 9.6) and 4.0 (1.8 - >70) µmol/L respectively and neither did Precision Newborn Screening via Collaborative Laboratory Integrated Reports (CLIR), which identified only 1/47 FP cases. However, among the TP cases, disease severity showed a correlation with initial C5C, in ‘asymptomatic’ individuals (n=17), demonstrating a median (range) C5C of 3.0 (1.8 – 7.1) whilst ‘clinically affected’ patients (n=7), showed a median (range) C5C of 13.9 (7.7 - > 70) µmol/L. These findings allowed the introduction of dual cut-off values into the screening algorithm to reduce the incidence of FPs, with initial C5C results ≥ 5 µmol/L triggering urgent referral, and those > 2.0 and < 5.0 µmol/L prompting 2nd tier C5-isobar testing. This will avoid delayed referral in babies at particular risk whilst reducing the FP rate for the remainder.
COVID-19 Variants and Vaccine Development
Authors: Zhao Ziyao , Bashiri Sahra , Ziora Zyta M. , Toth Istvan , Skwarczynski Mariusz
Published: January 2024

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the global pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 virus (SARS-CoV-2) infection, has caused millions of infections and fatalities worldwide. Extensive SARS-CoV-2 research has been conducted to develop therapeutic drugs and prophylactic vaccines, and even though some drugs have been approved to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection, treatment efficacy remains limited. Therefore, preventive vaccination has been implemented on a global scale and represents the primary approach to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Approved vaccines vary in composition, although vaccine design has been based on either the key viral structural (spike) protein or viral components carrying this protein. Therefore, mutations of the virus, particularly mutations in the S protein, severely compromise effectiveness of current vaccines and the ability to control COVID-19 infection. This review begins by describing the SARS-CoV-2 viral composition, mechanism of infection, role of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, host defense responses against infection and the most common vaccine designs. Next, this review summarizes the common mutations of SARS-CoV-2 and how these mutations change viral properties, confer immune escape and influence vaccine efficacy. Finally, this review discusses global strategies that have been employed to mitigate the decreases in vaccine efficacy encountered against new variants.
Documentales sobre realidades delictivas. Aplicación en la formación jurídica y criminalística.
Authors: Sánchez Diez Ingrid Estíbaliz
Published: January 2024

Los artefactos culturales audiovisuales son utilizados como herramientas de apoyo a la docencia en la formación universitaria. En particular, los documentales tienen la capacidad de traer al aula retazos de realidad sobre los que aplicar los conocimientos académicos. Con la ejemplificación del uso de dos series documentales basadas en hechos constitutivos de delito en la impartición de las asignaturas propias del ámbito de las ciencias penales defendemos su utilización en la formación de juristas y criminalistas. Las producciones «Muerte en León» y «800 metros», emitidas en la actualidad a través de plataformas dirigidas a un público generalista, constituyen recursos fácilmente accesibles que son muy útiles para ilustrar, aplicar y asimilar adecuadamente los temarios de las asignaturas de Derecho penal, Derecho probatorio y criminología. A su vez, estas series documentales centradas en el análisis de sendos fenómenos delictivos, demuestran su adecuación para la introducción en el aula de las problemáticas, intereses y realidades del desempeño de las actividades laborales del ámbito jurídico y del trabajo propio de los investigadores criminalistas.
El testimonio en el documental español dirigido por mujeres sobre violencia contra las mujeres (2010–2022)
Authors: Ferrer Rizo Esther
Published: January 2024

Este artículo examina cinco documentales españoles creados por mujeres que abordan distintos casos de violencia machista basándose en los testimonios de las propias víctimas -o de sus familiares-: Nagore (Helena Taberna, 2010), Empieza en ti (Comença en tu, Marta Vergonyós, 2015), Volar (Bertha Gaztelumendi, 2017), Todas las mujeres que conozco (Tódalas mulleres que coñezo, Xiana do Teixeiro, 2018) y El techo amarillo (El sostre groc, Isabel Coixet, 2022). A partir de una clasificación de los documentales en base a la categorización propuesta por Bill Nichols (2013) y a través del empleo del Análisis Crítico del Discurso desde la Perspectiva Feminista (ACDF), se analizan los testimonios para reflexionar sobre su contenido y significado en el escenario coyuntural del movimiento feminista en España. Los resultados confirman que estos documentales se erigen como medios eficaces para responder a las demandas y objetivos del feminismo a través de la denuncia del carácter estructural de la violencia machista, el refuerzo de la credibilidad de las mujeres y su representación claramente alejada de la revictimización.
Encuadrar la representación: discursos sobre mujeres árabes musulmanas en documentales diásporicos en España
Authors: Ventura Kessel Ivyliet
Published: January 2024

Este artículo evalúa la manera en que se representan a mujeres árabes musulmanas en documentales de cineastas diaspóricos y productoras implicadas en la transformación social y en dar visibilidad a individuos/as habitualmente excluidos/as de las narrativas tradicionales.  A partir de los casos de estudio Entre dos orillas, voces de mujeres marroquíes (Hicham Malayo, 2014) y Vidas invisibles: mujeres migrantes bajo el plástico (La Cosecha Producción Audiovisual, 2020) se realizó un análisis de contenido cualitativo que examinó los mensajes sobre estas mujeres y su vida en España, y los dispositivos de encuadre utilizados en los documentales. Aunque estos audiovisuales intentan retratar la diversidad de experiencias de las mujeres inmigrantes árabes musulmanas en lugar de presentar una imagen homogénea y universal, siguen la narrativa común que retrata a inmigrantes como una adición externa a la sociedad española, más que como miembros plenos de la misma. Esto sugiere que, aunque estas obras provengan de márgenes dentro de la producción industrial, no necesariamente ofrecen una alternativa discursiva rompedora respecto a estos colectivos. Tampoco proporcionan una representación de estas mujeres que contribuya a (re)definir su identidad colectiva como parte de la sociedad española, ni permiten comprender a España como un lugar de diversidad étnica y social.
El tratamiento narrativo de la magia en The Witcher. Sincronicidad y acausalidad en un universo de ficción junguiano
Authors: Álvarez Gómez Raúl
Published: January 2024

Este artículo propone un análisis narrativo de la representación de la magia en la serie de Netflix The Witcher (2019), basada en la saga literaria de Geralt de Rivia creada por el escritor Andrzej Sapkowski. Interesa de manera particular el tipo de montaje empleado en las escenas en las cuales uno, dos o los tres personajes principales de la serie (Geralt de Rivia, Yennefer y Ciri) convocan sus poderes mágicos. La hipótesis de partida sostiene que estos personajes manifiestan sus dones según unas pautas temporales que parecen coincidir con las de las tres categorías del concepto de sincronicidad según Jung. De tal manera que se darían los siguientes pares narrativo-temporales: Geralt de Rivia­–sincronicidad inmediata, Yennefer–sincronicidad a distancia y Ciri–sincronicidad desfasada. Lo significativo de esta correspondencia radicaría en que el montaje de las escenas que muestran fenómenos mágicos trataría de recrear estas tres temporalidades, bien por separado, bien a la vez. Este tratamiento narrativo daría lugar a un tipo de montaje específico que distinguiría The Witcher de otras series de fantasía contemporáneas como Juego de Tronos (2011-2019), La Casa del Dragón (2022) o La Rueda del Tiempo (2021).
Development and validation of a GMAW arc model
Authors: Weigelt Felix , Trautmann Marcus , Ungethüm Tim , Manzke Sebastian , Schmale Hans-Christian , Füssel Uwe
Published: January 2024

Gas metal arc welding has become a widely used process in industrial applications. Numerical simulations can be used to investigate and optimize this process. Due to the multi-component plasma in GMAW and the associated physical properties, the modelling of the arc plays a central role.
Therefore, in the context of this publication, Hertel's existing arc model has been further developed. In order to increase the self-consistency and thus the versatility of the model, the assumptions used were reduced. To this end, experiments were first conducted with varying experimental parameters. The data obtained from these experiments were used to further validate the model. The model was then developed for a spray arc.
Finally, the experimental data were compared with the numerical simulation results of the developed model. Very good agreement was found with respect to the arc power and the voltage drop across the arc.
Cambrian Relative Sea-Level Fluctuations Using Different Approaches; a) Excel Spreadsheet b) FischerLab and c) Phyton code “PyFISCHERPLOT”
Authors: Rahman Aqillah Abdul , Teoh Ying Jia , Abir Ismail Ahmad , Elanggovan Thivineshvaren , Jaya Ramadhansyah Putra , Ulfa Yuniarti
Published: January 2024

Fischer plots find extensive applications in paleoenvironmental studies as visual depictions of sea and lake-level fluctuations. They graphically represent the linearly adjusted alterations in the cumulative thickness of sedimentary cycles in a specific geographical region over time, with respect to either the cycle number or the depth of the sedimentary strata. The observed cycles represent successive intervals of sediment deposition and erosion, that are driven by fluctuations in the rates of subsidence of the sea level. Previous researchers have introduced various applications for constructing Fischer plots. However, this study focuses on comparing Fischer plot analyses performed in the Cambrian Machinchang Formation, Langkawi, using three different approaches: 1) the Excel platform, 2) the Fischerlab application, and 3) the Python code "PyFISCHERPLOT". The Excel platform offers a convenient and accessible approach to generating Fisher plots using spreadsheet software. On the other hand, the Python code "PyFISCHERPLOT" provides a computational solution for creating Fisher plots using Python programming. In this study, the results obtained from all platforms are compared, and the comparison includes evaluating the accuracy, efficiency, and flexibility of the two approaches. By assessing the strengths and limitations of each platform, this research aims to provide researchers with insights into selecting the appropriate tool for their Fisher plot analysis needs. The results indicate that Cambrian relative sea-level fluctuations display third-order patterns, featuring prolonged sea-level rise and fall intervals spanning around 0.5 to 3 million years. The sea fluctuation trends of the Machinchang Formation are then correlated with existing sea-level curves from the global Cambrian record. The comparison demonstrates a notable synchronicity, thereby successfully contributing to our understanding of the broader-scale processes that influenced sea level changes during the Cambrian period. Additionally, these findings shed light on the paleoenvironmental evolution of the Machinchang Formation within a global context.
The PFT gene in the Fhb1 QTL is not required for wheat Fusarium head blight resistance
Authors: Ma Zhengqiang , Shi Jinxin , Kong Zhongxin , Zhong Jinkun , Zhang Xiaoqiu , Luo Xianmin , Wang Heyu , Xu Boyang , Wang XIn , Cheng Rui , Yuan Yang , Li Na , Xie Quan , Li Guoqiang , Jia Haiyan
Published: January 2024

The ambiguity about whether the histidine-rich calcium-binding protein-coding gene (HisR) or the pore-forming toxin-like gene (PFT) or both are responsible for wheat Fusarium head blight (FHB) resistance conferred by Fhb1 QTL hinders wheat improvement and resistance mechanism elucidation. Here, with a series of developed lines possessing HisR but varying in PFT presence and five HisR-carrying PFT mutant lines created via gene editing, we show that PFT does not confer FHB resistance and the HisR resistance effect does not require PFT. We also show that PFT is not associated with morphological and phenological characters that often affect FHB severity.
Regional Bias in Monolingual English Language Models
Authors: Lyu Jiachen , Dost Katharina , Koh Yun Sing , Wicker Jörg
Published: January 2024

In Natural Language Processing (NLP), pre-trained language models (LLMs) are widely employed and refined for various tasks. These models have shown considerable social and geographic biases creating skewed or even unfair representations of certain groups.Research focuses on biases toward L2 (English as a second language) regions but neglects bias within L1 (first language) regions.In this work, we ask if there is regional bias within L1 regions already inherent in pre-trained LLMs and, if so, what the consequences are in terms of downstream model performance.We contribute an investigation framework specifically tailored for low-resource regions, offering a method to identify bias without imposing strict requirements for labeled datasets. Our research reveals subtle geographic variations in the word embeddings of BERT, even in cultures traditionally perceived as similar. These nuanced features, once captured, have the potential to significantly impact downstream tasks. Generally, models exhibit comparable performance on datasets that share similarities, and conversely, performance may diverge when datasets differ in their nuanced features embedded within the language. It is crucial to note that estimating model performance solely based on standard benchmark datasets may not necessarily apply to the datasets with distinct features from the benchmark datasets. Our proposed framework plays a pivotal role in identifying and addressing biases detected in word embeddings, particularly evident in low-resource regions such as New Zealand.
Phonon collapse and anharmonic melting of the 3D charge-density wave in kagome metals
Authors: Gutierrez-Amigo Martin , Dangić Ðorđe , Guo Chunyu , Felser Claudia , Moll Philip , Vergniory Maia , Errea Ion
Published: January 2024

The charge-density wave (CDW) mechanism and resulting structure of the AV3Sb5 family of kagome metals has posed a puzzling challenge since their discovery four years ago. In fact, the lack of consensus on the origin and structure of the CDW hinders the understanding of the emerging phenomena. Here, by employing a non-perturbative treatment of anharmonicity from first-principles calculations, we reveal that the charge-density transition in CsV3Sb5 is driven by the large electron-phonon coupling of the material and that the melting of the CDW state is attributed to ionic entropy and lattice anharmonicity. The calculated transition temperature is in very good agreement with experiments, implying that soft mode physics are at the core of the charge-density wave transition. Contrary to the standard assumption associated with a pure kagome lattice, the CDW is essentially three-dimensional as it is triggered by an unstable phonon at the L point. The absence of involvement of phonons at the M point enables us to constrain the resulting symmetries to six possible space groups. The unusually large electron-phonon linewidth of the soft mode explains why inelastic scattering experiments did not observe any softened phonon. We foresee that large anharmonic effects are ubiquitous and could be fundamental to understand the observed phenomena also in other kagome families.
The feasibility of integrating an alcohol screening clinical decision support tool into primary care clinical software: A review and Australian key stakeholder study
Authors: Canaway Rachel , Dai Libby , Hallinan Christine Mary , Caddy Cassandra , Hegarty Kelsey , Boyle Douglas IR
Published: January 2024

Background: This study explored the feasibility of integrating a clinical decision support tool into general practice clinical management software in Australia to prompt for alcohol screening among patients who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. The study aimed to increase understanding of what is an appropriate and acceptable clinical decision support tool, the circumstances when a prompt to use such a screening tool should occur, and the barriers and enablers of successful implementation.
Methods: This research study employed a mixed methods approach and purposive sampling to identify key stakeholders to interview. Participants included vendors of clinical software used in Australian general practice, clinicians in general practice, and relevant others. Data from a literature review and 23 interviews were analysed leading to recommendations which were ‘sense-tested’ by an additional 22 stakeholders.
Results: Although there are at least 18 clinical software packages used in Australian general practice, it is feasible to integrate an alcohol screening tool for pregnancy into software for the majority of general practices in Australia. The AUDIT-C alcohol screening tool for pregnancy was widely accepted as suitable for such a purpose. Clinicians suggested the greatest barriers to screening were lack of time within antenatal consultations and insufficient remuneration for longer consultations. Many clinicians saw opportunity for introducing a multifunctional antenatal tool that could incorporate screening and clinical decision support for alcohol, tobacco and other substance use, mental health, domestic and family violence and potentially other areas informing healthy pregnancy. It could also be used opportunistically for preconception screening and counselling. Deployment of the tool could be supported by an education campaign from professional associations.
Conclusion: The integration of a tool for screening for alcohol use among women who are pregnant or planning pregnancy into general practice clinical software is feasible; however, a multifunctional antenatal screening tool, incorporating other psychosocial elements, was considered more useful than a stand-alone alcohol screening tool. Further work is needed with vendors and end-users to develop an acceptable tool that can be widely implemented. Issues with GP renumeration need also to be addressed to encourage alcohol screening pre-pregnancy and in the early months of pregnancy.
Exploring Decentralized Data Management: A Case Study of Changing Energy Suppliers in Germany
Authors: Rülicke Linda , Fehrle Florian , Martin Arne , Monti Antonello , Berkhout Volker , Warweg Oliver , Möller Sven
Published: January 2024

This paper presents an innovative approach to decentralized data management in the German energy market, focusing on the use of decentralized data management with the help of Data Spaces to facilitate the automated change of energy suppliers within 24 hours. The central focus of this research is the MakoMaker Space, a demonstrator project that employs the Connector from the Eclipse Data Space Components. The MakoMaker project demonstrates the successful automation of energy supplier changes, emphasizing the preservation of customer data sovereignty. It shows an alternative approach to the process, putting the customer into the center. Customers retain control of their data, which is accessible to providers as needed. While the paper discusses the potential for further enhancements, such as the integration of an identity provider and the development of a sustainable business model for service coordination, the primary focus is on the demonstrator’s successful application in a pilot setting.
Clinical characteristics and risk factors of severe COVID-19 in hospitalized neonates with Omicron variant infection: a retrospective study
Authors: Wei Huijing , Wei Fu , Peng Xiaokang , Liu Pan , Tang Li , Liu Yishan , Liao Shan , Bo Yajing , Zhao Yuzhen , Li Ruina , Liu Xiaoguai , Ji Fanpu
Published: January 2024

Background
Previous study on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in neonates was limited, especially in patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) Omicron variant. This study aims to analyze the clinical characteristics and identify risk factors associated with severe COVID-19 in neonates infected with Omicron variant.
Methods
The study population was neonates with COVID-19 who were admitted to The Affiliated Children’s Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University in northwest China, from December 10, 2022 to January 20, 2023. Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that all local COVID-19 cases were infected with Omicron variant during the study period. Clinical and laboratory data was collected retrospectively. We used logistic regression analysis to investigate the risk factors for severe COVID-19, and derived odds ratios (ORs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from it.
Results
A total of 108 neonates have a median age of 18.1 days (interquartile range 9.4–23.0) for diagnosis of COVID-19 including 84 in mild group and 24 in severe group. Of them, 6.5% were premature and 22.2% had severe infection. There were no deaths. The most common clinical manifestations were fever (88.9%) and cough (55.6%), with 5 cases (4.6%) complicated by pneumonia. 4 cases (3.7%) received respiratory support, including 2 cases of high-flow oxygen and 2 cases of non-invasive ventilation. Gestational age at birth (OR: 0.615; 95% CI: 0.393–0.961), neutrophil count (NEU) (OR:0.576; 95% CI : 0.344–0.962) and lymphocyte count (LYM) (OR: 0.159; 95% CI: 0.063–0.401) were independent risk factors for severe COVID-19. The combination of NEU and LYM had the largest receiver operating characteristic area under the curve [0.912 (95% CI:0.830–0.993)] for identifying severe COVID-19, with a sensitivity of 0.833 and a specificity of 0.917.
Conclusions
The general presentations and outcomes of neonatal COVID-19 caused by Omicron variant were not severe and very few patients required respiratory support. The simultaneous decrease in NEU and LYM can be used to identify severe infection.
The Relationship between Proactive Personality, Individual Innovation, and Mental Health among University Students
Authors: KILIC Mahmut , USLUKILIC Güllü , OCAL Nursel USTUNDAG
Published: January 2024

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of proactive personality and individual innovation characteristics of university students on their mental health.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among students of Yozgat Bozok University in 2022. Data was collected using a sociodemographic information form, Individual Innovation Scale (IIS), Proactive Personality Scale (PPS), and the Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale (DASS-21). The questionnaire forms were presented to students online through Google Forms.
Results: The proportion of students who rated their overall health as very good, moderate, or poor was 34.0%, 28.6%, and 37.4%, respectively. The mean scores for the anxiety, depression, and stress subscales of the DASS were 6.0±3.7, 6.8±4.4, and 7.4±3.8, respectively. The proportion of students with advanced or very advanced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress was 31.5%, 17.0%, and 9.8%, respectively. The PPS and IIS scores of the students, their age, and their parents' educational levels did not have a significant effect on the level of anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms.
Conclusion:Anxiety was found to be the most common mental health problem among university students, followed by depression and stress. There was no relationship between the students' proactive personality, individual innovation characteristics, and their mental health.
Strategy to achieve low-dielectric-constant for benzoxazine-phthalonitriles: introduction of 2,2'-bis[4-(4-Maleimidephen-oxy)phenyl)]propane by in-situ polymerization
Authors: Pu Zejun , Wu Fang , Wang Xu , Zhong Jiachun , Liu Xiaobo , Pan Yongke , Wang Yulu , Jiang Diyong , Ning ZhongPei
Published: January 2024

With the upgrading demand of high-frequency and high-speed communication field, it is imperative to develop low dielectric constant (Low-k) materials with higher temperature resistance. In the study, the thermosetting bi-functional benzoxazine-phthalonitrile bearing pendant allyl groups (Boz-ph) was modified with the 2,2'-bis[4-(4-Maleimidephen-oxy)phenyl)]propane (BMI-80). Specifically, the BMI-80 was reacted with the pendant allyl groups of Boz-ph by in-situ polymerization, and a series of high-performance Boz-ph/BMI-80 resins were synthesized. The effect of different proportions of Boz-ph/BMI-80 resins on the curing behavior, thermal stability, mechanical and dielectric properties was investigated. With the introduction of BMI-80, the microstructure of cured Boz-ph/BMI-80 resins was changed from brittle fracture to ductile fracture. Compared with pure Boz-ph (70.1 MPa), the flexural strength of Boz-ph/BMI-80-100% is up to their maximums of 102.8 MPa. Moreover, the Boz-ph/BMI-80 resins showed high glass transition temperature (Tg=325~333℃), low water absorption (less than 2.5%) and good dielectric properties. The dielectric properties improved with the increase of BMI-80 content, and the dielectric constant and dielectric loss of Boz-ph/BMI-80-100% were 3.51 and 0.008 (at 10 MHz). This work suggested that the Boz-ph/BMI-80 resins had great potential to be used as the matrix of the high-temperature and high-frequency copper-clad laminates.
Production Chain Modeling based on Learning Flow Stochastic Petri Nets
Authors: Mesmia Walid Ben , Barkaoui Kamel
Published: January 2024

In this study, we propose a model called LFSPN, which serves as an extension of stochastic Petri nets dedicated to the multi-agent systems paradigm. The main objective is to specify, verify, validate, and evaluate the flow of materials within an automated production chain. We illustrate the practicality of our model by engaging in a systematic process of modeling and simulating a production chain involving material flow. To evaluate the performance, we employ a mobile learning agent, which has distinct characteristics, namely mobility and learning. The distinctive characteristics of the learning agent are manifested in two key behaviors: mobility and learning. Notably, the learning agent is equipped with a flexible learning algorithm that integrates stochastic elements based on transitions. We validate the effectiveness of our model by performing a comparative analysis with similar existing works. The advantages of our LFSPN model are twofold. Firstly, it offers a representation with two levels of abstraction: a graph representing the classic components of an SPN, and an additional layer encompassing the learning and migration aspects inherent to a mobile learning agent. Secondly, our model stands out for its flexibility and simulation simplicity.
Clinical utility of pegfilgrastim on day 3 of preoperative docetaxel, cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy in elderly patients with resectable esophageal cancer
Authors: Ikeda Go , Yamamoto Shun , Azuma Ikuko , Kadono Toru , Ohara Akihiro , Itoyama Mai , Hirose Toshiharu , Yokoyama Kazuki , Honma Yoshitaka , Hashimoto Taiki , Sekine Shigeki , Ishiyama Koshiro , Oguma Junya , Daiko Hiroyuki , Iwakiri Katsuhiko , Kato Ken
Published: January 2024

Background
Preoperative docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (DCF) has become the standard treatment for resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) based on the results of the JCOG1109 trial. However, preoperative DCF is associated with a high frequency of febrile neutropenia (FN), especially in elderly patients with risk factors for FN. The utility of primary prophylactic pegfilgrastim (PPP) on day 3 of preoperative DCF for preventing FN was demonstrated in a Phase II study, but it did report comparison data in elderly ESCC patients. We aimed to evaluate the utility of PPP in these patients.
Methods
We retrospectively evaluated the clinical utility of PPP on day 3 of preoperative DCF in elderly patients with resectable ESCC. The patients were divided into a day 3 pegfilgrastim group (D3PG) and a no pegfilgrastim group (NPG). The incidence of FN and grade ≥ 3 neutropenia, histopathological effects, and relapse-free survival (RFS) were compared between the groups.
Results
Thirty patients were enrolled in each group. FN was observed in 3.3% of patients in the D3PG and 26.6% of those in the NPG (p = 0.026), and grade ≥ 3 neutropenia was observed in 10% and 70%, respectively (p < 0.001). The pathological complete response rate was 24.1% in the D3PG and 33.3% in the NPG (p = 0.436); the respective 3-year RFS rates were 70.1% and 57.1% (p = 0.304).
Conclusion
PPP on day 3 of preoperative DCF significantly reduced the risks of FN and grade ≥ 3 neutropenia in elderly patients with ESCC. There was no significant difference between the groups in histological effects or RFS.
A Robust Network-based Spatiotemporal Analysis of Filamentous Structures
Authors: Nikoloski Zoran , Østerlund Isabella , Ma Zhiming , Miao Yansong , Persson Staffan
Published: January 2024

The actin cytoskeleton forms a dynamic network composed of filaments that remain flexible when bundled up, leading to complex filamentous structures in plant cells. Understanding the properties of these filamentous structures under different conditions and in different cell types can provide insight into their function. Yet, despite developments in the study of the plant actin cytoskeleton, it remains challenging to segment and identify actin filamentous structures, preventing quantification of their spatiotemporal properties. To address this problem, we devised a network-based approach termed Graph of Filaments over Time (GraFT) to trace and track filamentous structures in cytoskeleton networks extracted from imaging data. Our comparative analyses using both synthetic and real-world actin cytoskeleton networks of Arabidopsis thaliana hypocotyls exposed to different treatments demonstrated that GraFT accurately traces and tracks actin filamentous structures. Moreover, GraFT facilitates automated quantification of properties for filamentous structures, providing fine-grained insights of effects of different treatments on the level of individual structures. Therefore, GraFT offers a substantial step towards an automated framework facilitating robust spatiotemporal studies of the plant actin cytoskeleton.
Relationship between metabolically healthy overweight/obesity and risk of type 2 diabetes in different ethnicity: A prospective cohort study in southwest China
Authors: Wang Xin , Wu Yanli , Wang Yiying , Zhou Jie , Liu Tao
Published: January 2024

Background To estimate and compare the association between metabolically healthy overweight/obesity (MHO) and the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) among different ethnic groups in southwest China, while also exploring possible ethnic differences.
Methods This is a prospective cohort study of 6,820 participants in Southwest China. MHO was defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥24 kg/m2 and the presence of ≤1 component of metabolic syndrome. Cox proportional risk models were utilized to analyze the association between MHO and the risk of T2DM.
Results The median follow-up time was 6.58 years,during which 708 new cases of T2DM were diagnosed. In the total population, after adjusting for confounding factors, MHO was found to increase the risk of T2DM compared to metabolically healthy normal weight (MHNW) individuals (HR=1.49, 95% CI: 1.15-1.93). Subgroup analysis by ethnicity revealed that, MHO increased the risk of T2DM in the Han population (HR=1.64, 95% CI: 1.21-2.23), however, the difference was not statistically significant in the ethnic minority population.The results of sensitivity analysis further supported the robustness of these findings. Among the subgroups, the association between MHO and T2DM was not statistically significant in the total population and the Han population subgroup aged ≥45 years (p>0.05), but it was associated with an increased risk of diabetes in all other subgroups (p<0.05).
Conclusion In the Han population of Guizhou Province, MHO was associated with an increased risk of T2DM compared to MHNW, whereas no such association was found in ethnic minorities.