bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Editorial: New perspectives on curriculum: Rethinking collaborative enquiry and teachers' professional learning
Authors: Pountney Richard , Baumfield Vivienne , Czerniawski Gerry , Seleznyov Sarah
Published: July 2024

In BERA's 50th anniversary, this special issue of the Curriculum Journal recognises the debt to the work of Lawrence Stenhouse, former BERA President, and founder of the British Curriculum Forum (BCF), and his influence on teachers' work in researching and developing the curriculum. Papers in this issue address what Stenhouse called the central problem of evidence‐informed practice: ‘the gap between our ideas and our aspirations and our attempts to operationalise them’ (Stenhouse, 1975, 2–3). Stenhouse's legacy for curriculum models and thinking, both within the four home countries and internationally, highlights the methodologies and theoretical perspectives that inform teachers as researchers and how we understand and evaluate such frames of reference. Approaches to involving teachers as researchers examined in this collection resonate with BERA's strategic plan to build on its links with practitioners, set in the context of BCF and its work to support teachers' curriculum research.
Dynamic and efficient resource allocation for 5G end‐to‐end network slicing: A multi‐agent deep reinforcement learning approach
Authors: Asim Ejaz Muhammad , Wu Guowei , Iqbal Tahir
Published: July 2024

The rapid evolution of user equipment (UE) and 5G networks drives significant transformations, bringing technology closer to end‐users. Managing resources in densely crowded areas such as airports, train stations, and bus terminals poses challenges due to diverse user demands. Integrating mobile edge computing (MEC) and network function virtualization (NFV) becomes vital when the service provider's (SP) primary goal is maximizing profitability while maintaining service level agreement (SLA). Considering these challenges, our study addresses an online resource allocation problem in an MEC network where computing resources are limited, and the SP aims to boost profit by securely admitting more UE requests at each time slot. Each UE request arrival rate is unknown, and the requirement is specific resources with minimum cost and delay. The optimization problem objective is achieved by allocating resources to requests at the MEC network in appropriate cloudlets, utilizing abandoned instances, reutilizing idle and soft slice instances to shorten delay and reduce costs, and immediately scaling inappropriate instances, thus minimizing the instantiation of new instances. This paper proposes a deep reinforcement learning (DRL) method for request prediction and resource allocation to mitigate unnecessary resource waste. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed approach effectively accepts network slice requests to maximize profit by leveraging resource availability, reutilizing instantiated resources, and upholding goodwill and SLA. Through extensive simulations, we show that our proposed DRL‐based approach outperforms other state‐of‐the‐art techniques, namely, MaxSR, DQN, and DDPG, by 76%, 33%, and 23%, respectively.
Metabolism study of 3‐chloromethcathinone (3‐CMC) by dried blood spot (DBS) sampling after controlled administration using a murine model
Authors: Mestria Serena , Odoardi Sara , Valentini Valeria , Corli Giorgia , Bassi Marta , Marti Matteo , Strano‐Rossi Sabina
Published: July 2024

The metabolism of 3‐chloromethcathinone (3‐CMC) was studied after controlled administration in a murine model using the dried blood spot (DBS) technique for the sampling, storage and purification of blood samples. Liquid chromatography–high‐resolution mass spectrometry (LC‐HRMS) was used for the identification of metabolites and investigation of their fragmentation pattern. Subsequently, a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) method was developed for their identification and 3‐CMC quantification in routine workload. The main metabolites identified were two stereoisomers of dihydro‐CMC, N‐demethyl‐CMC, and dihydro‐N‐demethyl‐CMC. The stability of 3‐CMC and of its metabolites deposited on DBS was evaluated by replicate analyses after 30, 50, and 90 days, demonstrating a decrease in concentration. It was more pronounced for 3‐CMC, with −67% and −82% percentage deviation from the initial concentrations, and for N‐demethyl 3‐CMC (decrease comprised between −48% and −88%) than for the di‐hydro metabolites, ranging from −5% to −37%. Regardless, all of them were detectable till 90 days after deposition as DBS. The possibility of identifying 3‐CMC and its metabolites with high sensitivity is an invaluable tool for the diagnosis of exposure to the substance, also in low doses or after some hours, and for various applications in clinical and forensic toxicology, such as driving under the influence, drug‐facilitated crimes, and addiction to intoxications. DBS demonstrated to be a reliable technique for the sampling, storage, and purification of the blood specimen for 3‐CMC and metabolite detection.
Prolinol‐Derived Phenoxy‐Amidine Titanium Complexes in Asymmetric Silylcyanation of Aldehydes
Authors: Vaillant‐Coindard Valentin , Bayardon Jérôme , Rousselin Yoann , Malacea‐Kabbara Raluca , Pouzens Jean‐Thomas , Fleurat‐Lessard Paul , Le Gendre Pierre
Published: July 2024

Three new tridentate phenoxy‐amidine ligands (FA) have been prepared via the ring‐opening of benzoxazole by 2‐(methylamino)ethanol, L‐prolinol and L‐diphenylprolinol. Coordination studies of these FA ligands with Ti have led to the synthesis of the complexes (L1–L3)Ti(OiPr)2 (1 a–3 a) and (L1–L3)TiCl2(thf) (1 b–3 b). The solid state structures of the dichlorido FA−Ti complexes revealed a distorted octahedral geometry around the metallic centre provided by the FA ligand in mer‐fashion, the two residual chloro ligands in cis arrangement and a THF molecule. The chiral Ti‐FA complexes were shown to promote the asymmetric silylcyanation reaction. With benzaldehyde as substrate, the best catalyst was the dichlorido Ti complex 3 b with a diphenylprolinol in the ligand backbone. It afforded the cyanhydrine with 68 % conversion and 74 % ee after 24 h in DCM at –20 °C. The diisopropoxy Ti complex 3 a was remarkably active with pivalaldehyde as substrate, yielding the cyanosilylated product with 99 % conversion and 61 % ee after only 30 min at −60 °C.
Synthesis, Structure, and Reactivity of Ruthenium‐Indane Complexes with Diphosphine Ligand
Authors: Itazaki Masumi , Kitani Natsumi , Dobashi Yukako , Okabayashi Kento , Nakazawa Hiroshi , Moriuchi Toshiyuki
Published: July 2024

Ruthenium‐indane complex, fac‐[Ru(NCMe)3(CO)2(InCl3)] 1Cl reacted with 0.5 equiv. of dppe/dppp to afford dinuclear ruthenium‐indane complexes linked by diphosphine ligand, [{Ru(NCMe)2(CO)2(InCl3)}2{μ2‐Ph2P(CH2)nPPh2}] (n=2: 3, 3: 4). On the other hand, the reaction of fac‐[Ru(NCMe)3(CO)2(InCl3)] 1Cl with 1 equiv. of dppp afforded the corresponding chelate ruthenium(0) indane complex, [Ru(NCMe)(CO)2(InCl3)(dppp)] 5. In the case of dppm, a chelate complex [Ru(NCMe)(CO)2(InCl3)(dppm)] 6 was formed via the dinuclear Ru complex [{Ru(NCMe)2(CO)2(InCl3)}2(μ2‐dppm)]. Complexes 1Cl, 5, and 6 showed a catalytic activity for double‐hydrosilylation of MeCN. Complexes 3–6 were fully characterized using NMR measurements, elemental analyses, and the structures of 1Cl, 3, 5, and 6 were determined by X‐ray crystallography.
Exploring Interrupted Nazarov Cyclizations Using Tethered Sulfonamide Nucleophiles: Insights into Capture Pathways
Authors: Milosavljevic Aleksa , Hernandez Jackson J. , Zybura Patrycia K. , Frontier Alison J.
Published: July 2024

This manuscript describes a study of diverse reaction outcomes that stem from the ionization of aza‐alkynyl‐Prins adducts. Experimental results have demonstrated unexpected behavior in the nitrogen‐containing systems compared to the analogous oxygen derivatives derived from oxa‐Prins/halo‐Nazarov sequences. In‐depth experimental studies and computational analysis revealed an intricate mechanism involving competing halo‐Nazarov and imino‐Nazarov pathways. These findings further elucidate the reaction chemistry of 3‐halo‐pentadienyl cation intermediates, and expand their utility in synthetic transformations.
Regioselective Decarboxylative Aromatization of Benzonorcaradienes to Substituted 1‐Acylmethyl‐4‐Arylnaphthalenes
Authors: Gong Xinchi , Bu Shixuan , Lei Siling , Bi Hongyan , Huang Jianfeng , Wang Sunewang R.
Published: July 2024

Tf2NH‐mediated decarboxylative dearomatization reaction of benzonorcaradiene γ‐ketoacids, in situ generated by intramolecular alkenylation of alkynylcyclopropane γ‐ketoacids or their tert‐butyl esters, has been described for regioselective synthesis of polyfunctionalized 1‐acylmethyl‐4‐arylnaphthalenes.
Does (dis)agreement reflect beliefs? An analysis of advocacy coalitions in Swiss pesticide policy
Authors: Wiget Milena
Published: July 2024

Agricultural pesticide use is a wicked sustainability challenge: Trade‐offs exist between health, environmental, agro‐economic, and socio‐political objectives. Various actors involved have diverse beliefs regarding these trade‐offs and policies to address the challenge. But to what extent does the agreement or disagreement between actors reflect belief similarities or differences, and thus, the formation of advocacy coalitions? To answer this question, the study draws on the advocacy coalition framework and investigates data from 54 key actors in the case of Swiss pesticide policy. The study explores the relationship between the actors' (dis)agreement relations and their beliefs using Random Forests. Coalitions are identified through block modeling and beliefs based on multi‐attribute value theory. The study shows that the two relations are a good proxy for identifying coalitions with conflict lines concerning beliefs and presents an approach to exploring ideological reasons behind (dis)agreement relations that supports identifying conflicting beliefs relevant to future policy solutions.
Study on the influence of vertical stress difference coefficient on fracture characteristics of shale under high stress
Authors: Chang Xin , Qiu Guozhou , Li Jing , Guo Yintong , Hu Zhiwen , Yang Hanzhi , Zhang Xinao , Liu Yongjiang
Published: July 2024

To study the effect of vertical stress difference coefficient on fracture characteristics of shale fracturing, high stress true triaxial hydraulic fracturing test was carried out. By analyzing the profile after fracturing, it was found that the area of hydraulic fracture increased with the increase of vertical stress difference coefficient, and the probability of shear fracture will increase when the stress difference coefficient was high. A high vertical stress differential coefficient exerts a strong control over the direction of crack propagation, while a low vertical stress difference coefficient is beneficial to improve the roughness of hydraulic fracture surface and promote the formation of complex fracture network. By analyzing the pump pressure curves of different tests, it was found that with the increase of vertical stress difference coefficient, the formation and expansion of hydraulic fractures were more difficult. The surface characteristics of hydraulic fractures were quantified based on three‐dimensional topography scanning technology, combined with fractal dimension and fracture area calculation method, the results showed that with the increase of vertical stress difference coefficient, the fractal dimension and fracture area decreased. Since shale is stratified, and the transformation of reservoir is mainly reflected in the enhancement of fracture complexity through tensile failure, Xsite discrete grid method was used to study the influence of fracture propagation behavior with different bedding strengths. The results showed that when the bedding tensile strength was high, hydraulic fractures were easy to pass through the bedding, and when the bedding tensile strength was low, hydraulic fractures were easy to be captured by natural fractures. In addition, tensile cracks were easy to form when the tensile strength of bedding was low, shear cracks were easy to form when the strength of bedding was high, and the fracture volume was larger when the strength of bedding was low. This study provides a theoretical basis for hydraulic fracturing in engineering.
Nitrogen and phosphorus interactions at a 21 nitrogen:1 phosphorus Redfield‐like ratio impact growth and seed yield in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Marques da Silva S. S. , Faizullah L. , Guignard M. S. , Orcen N. , Ruban A. V. , Rudall P. J. , Trimmer M. , Nichols R. A. , Leitch I. J. , Leitch A. R.
Published: July 2024

Efficient use of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) is essential to reduce fertilizer costs and nutrient pollution and to lower the carbon footprint of agriculture. This requires a better understanding of N and P limitations on photosynthesis and biomass generation in one of the world's most important crops, wheat (Triticum aestivum). In a fully factorial nutrient experiment, we find that the limiting nutrient, N or P, at a Redfield‐like N:P ratio (21N:1P molar) produces the ‘effective dose of fertilizer’ for the generation of above‐ground biomass (seed or vegetative). Best‐fit structural equation models showed that neither N nor P applied in excess of 21N:1P led to any increase in biomass. The light (qP, NPQ) and dark (Amax, Vcmax, Jmax) reactions of photosynthesis are also constrained by the limiting nutrient at the 21N:1P Redfield‐like ratio. Beyond this ratio, ‘excess N’ or ‘excess P’ had no effects. The direct effects of the ‘effective dose of fertilizer’ on the accumulation of biomass were stronger than its indirect effects via photosynthesis, likely driven by the N and P costs in building nucleic acids needed for cell division, cell maintenance and RNA transcription. Modern composite fertilizers are typically provided at a much higher P content than a 21N:1P ratio, potentially resulting in a huge global wastage of P, a finite resource, with all the concomitant costs to the farmer, consumer and the environment.
Natural active products in fruit postharvest preservation: A review
Authors: Sun Yufeng , Tao Ran , Ju Yang , Duan Jiajing , Xie Qinfei , Fan Bei , Wang Fengzhong
Published: July 2024

Abundantly available plants, animals, and microbes are excellent source of active substance to be used as fruit preservatives to delay postharvest fruit from decay, maintain good quality, and increase the shelf life. Although they are effective and free from toxicological risks, the use of the natural active products in agriculture is still limited due to the high cost of producing, complexity interaction in food matrix, and unacceptance of odor. This review focuses on employing naturally occurring bioactive compounds as an alternative to the synthetic preservatives used in fruit. For this purpose, natural compounds from abundantly available source, such as plants, animals, and microbes, are systematically described for their properties, mechanism of action, and applicability. Different postharvest handling of bioactive compounds and mechanism of their triggered/controlled release properties are discussed, especially with regard to challenge and future directions of these new strategy to preserve fruit in industry. This review offers a fundamental theory and technologies to develop the efficient and safe alternative strategies to synthetic fruits preservatives. Overall, the utilization of natural preservative techniques offers promising opportunities to maintain quality and extend shelf life of fruit, with potential applications in various industries such as vegetables, meat, and processed food.
An efficient direct‐forcing immersed boundary method for flow around a pair of spheres
Authors: Lo Der Chang , Lee Katherine , Shen Pao‐Lan
Published: July 2024

The numerical study of flow around a pair of spheres and a square array of spheres is investigated by using a direct‐forcing immersed boundary method. Using high resolution three‐dimensional computations, we analyzed the flow around several configurations: a sphere, a pair of spheres in a tandem arrangement with center‐to‐center streamwise ratio L/D ranging from 1 to 6, and a square array with 9 spheres in a uniform arrangement. In the latter case, we explore the ratio of array diameter (DG) to sphere diameter (D) at 4, 5, 6 and 7. The center‐to‐center streamwise and transverse pitch is the same, varied from L/D = 1.5, 2, 2.5 to 3, and they were arranged in a square periodic array to allow uniform distribution within the array. Based on the effective direct‐forcing immersed boundary projection method, the fractional time marching methodology is applied for solving four field variables involving three velocities and one pressure component. The pressure Poisson equation is advanced in space by using the fast Fourier transform (FFT) and a tridiagonal matrix algorithm (TDMA), effectively solving for the diagonally dominant tridiagonal matrix equations. A direct‐forcing immersed boundary method is involved to treat the interfacial terms by adding the appropriate sources as force function at the boundary, separating the phases. Geometries featuring the stationary solid obstacles in the flow are embedded in the Cartesian grid with special discretizations near the embedded boundary using a discrete Dirac delta function to ensure the accuracy of the solution in the cut cells. An important characteristic of flow over the multiple spheres is devised by comparing with the drag and lift coefficients, as well as vortex shedding.
Bone marrow niches for hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Pereira Ana Luísa , Galli Serena , Nombela‐Arrieta César
Published: July 2024

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are the cornerstone of the hematopoietic system. HSCs sustain the continuous generation of mature blood derivatives while self‐renewing to preserve a relatively constant pool of progenitors throughout life. Yet, long‐term maintenance of functional HSCs exclusively takes place in association with their native tissue microenvironment of the bone marrow (BM). HSCs have been long proposed to reside in fixed and identifiable anatomical units found in the complex BM tissue landscape, which control their identity and fate in a deterministic manner. In the last decades, tremendous progress has been made in the dissection of the cellular and molecular fabric of the BM, the structural organization governing tissue function, and the plethora of interactions established by HSCs. Nonetheless, a holistic model of the mechanisms controlling HSC regulation in their niche is lacking to date. Here, we provide an overview of our current understanding of BM anatomy, HSC localization, and crosstalk within local cellular neighborhoods in murine and human tissues, and highlight fundamental open questions on how HSCs functionally integrate in the BM microenvironment.
Angiogenesis‐elicited spectral responses of early invasive skin melanoma: Implications for the evaluation of lesion progression
Authors: Baranoski Gladimir V. G. , Varsa Petri M.
Published: July 2024

Early invasive skin melanoma (EISM) associated with partial tumor invasion to the thin and optically complex papillary dermis (PD) represents a critical stage before the onset of metastasis. EISM lesions may be accompanied by angiogenesis, which can alter the PD's blood and fibril contents. A comprehensive understanding about these interconnected processes is essential for enhancing the efficacy of EISM optical evaluation methodologies. Employing a first‐principles computational approach supported by measured data, we systematically assess the impact that angiogenesis can have on the EISM's spectral responses. Our findings indicate that these responses are discernibly affected by angiogenesis under distinct physiological conditions, with more substantial tissue alterations leading to accentuated spectral changes in the 550–600 nm region. Accordingly, we propose the use of a customized low‐cost spectral index to monitor these processes. Furthermore, our investigation provides a high‐fidelity in silico platform for interdisciplinary research on the photobiology of evolving skin melanomas.
Novel method for assessing sinusoidal obstruction syndrome using four‐dimensional computed tomography
Authors: Shimoyama‐Ibuki Saori , Iyama Satoshi , Ohashi Yoshiya , Ono Kento , Sugama Yusuke , Fujita Chisa , Goto Akari , Horiguchi Hiroto , Fujimi Akihito , Tanaka Takeo , Takada Kohichi , Sakata Koh‐Ichi , Kobune Masayoshi
Published: July 2024

Introduction

To diagnose sinusoidal obstruction syndrome/veno‐occlusive disease (SOS/VOD), transabdominal ultrasonography is usually used to detect hemodynamic changes, but we tried to detect the changes using four‐dimensional computed tomography (4D‐CT). A 42‐year‐old Japanese woman was diagnosed with late‐onset SOS/VOD with transabdominal ultrasonography and was also assessed using 4D‐CT. Method We analyzed the portal vein (PV) contrast effect every 1.5 seconds and plotted the values of the contrast effect. With this graph, we analyzed three hemodynamic parameters.

Result

We found that these parameters correlated with the patient's status and indicated stasis due to sinusoid constriction.

Conclusion

4D‐CT may become a helpful tool to diagnose and follow up with SOS/VOD.
Risk factors for the failure of re‐implanted dental implants: A 20‐year retrospective study
Authors: Kim Cheol‐Min , Lee Jong‐Bin , Um Heung‐Sik , Lee Jae‐Kwan
Published: July 2024

Background

Re‐implantation of failed implants is common to maintain the original prosthetic plan; however, it may not always be ideal due to various factors. Few studies have thoroughly investigated the outcomes of re‐implanted implants, while considering factors that can enhance their survival rates. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the risk factors that may contribute to the refailure of implants placed the second time by analyzing previously failed implants and evaluating their survival.

Methods

Of 10,666 dental implants placed in 4063 patients at the Department of Periodontics of the Gangneung–Wonju National University Dental Hospital between December 1999 and March 2021, 259 failed implants in 170 patients were evaluated through clinical and radiographic records for patient‐, surgical‐, implant‐, and prosthesis‐related factors; survival analysis was conducted for implants that met the inclusion criteria.

Results

Of the 259 failed implants, 80 second‐time–placed implants met the inclusion criteria. Survival analysis showed that the 1‐year survival rate of second‐time–placed implants was 88.1%. Smoking (hazard ratio [HR] = 5.066, p = 0.081), implant surface (HR = 18.776, p < 0.01), and timing of reimplantation (HR = 0.086, p < 0.01) were identified as risk factors influencing the refailure of second‐time–placed implants.

Conclusions

The survival rate of second‐time–placed implants was lower than that of first‐time–placed implants. The risk factors for second‐time–placed implant failure were smoking, implant surface, and timing of reimplantation. To prevent further failure, previous failure factors should be analyzed and modifiable risk factors must be controlled before reimplantation.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for resectable gastric cancer is associated with better outcomes than neoadjuvant chemoradiation
Authors: Takahashi Hideo , Nakauchi Masaya , Hiotis Spiros , Datta Rajiv
Published: July 2024

Introduction

National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines recommend neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CTx) or chemoradiation (CRTx) for advanced resectable gastric cancer, irrespective of the tumor location. The aim of this study is to compare survival benefits between neoadjuvant CTx and CRTx using the National Cancer Database (NCDB).

Methods

Using the NCDB, we retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent gastrectomy after neoadjuvant CRTx or CTx between 2004 and 2018.

Results

The cohort included 14 266 patients, with 6458 (45.3%) receiving neoadjuvant CTx and 7808 (54.7%) receiving neoadjuvant CRTx. Both treatment groups exhibited significant differences in various demographic and clinical factors, including sex, age, race, tumor locations, stages, and adjuvant treatment (all p < 0.001). While the complete pathological response was more prevalent in the CRTx group (p < 0.001), overall survival (OS) was significantly extended in the CTx group (p < 0.001). Subgroup survival analyses, accounting for tumor location and clinical/pathological stage, consistently revealed longer OS in the CTx group (p < 0.001). The direct comparison showed an approximately 20%−30% improved 5‐year OS in the CTx group across the majority of American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) T/N category tables. Multivariate analysis confirmed neoadjuvant CTx was an independent protective factor (hazard ratio = 0.811; p < 0.001). A nomogram for OS based on multivariate analysis was also proposed, revealing a significant improvement in the c‐index compared to the current AJCC staging (0.654 vs. 0.596).

Conclusions

Patients undergoing neoadjuvant CRTx demonstrated significantly shorter survival compared to patients undergoing CTx at the same stage. The current AJCC staging may lead to an overestimation of survival in patients with neoadjuvant CRTx.
Identification of risk factors for postoperative persistent hypertension in patients with pheochromocytoma
Authors: Lu Shiyang , Wang Chao , Tian Xueyan , Zhang Tong
Published: July 2024

Background

Surgical resection is the primary management for pheochromocytoma. However, some patients with pheochromocytoma still suffer from hypertension after successful adrenalectomy. The risk factors for postoperative persistent hypertension remain unclear. Thus the aim of the present study was to identify the risk factors of postoperative persistent hypertension in patients with pheochromocytoma concomitant with hypertension.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 259 patients with pheochromocytoma who underwent adrenalectomy in our hospital between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2018. Patients' demographics, comorbidities, and perioperative data were recorded. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval were measured through binary logistic regression. The cutoff values and the area under the curve (AUC) for continuous risk factors of persistent hypertension after adrenalectomy were calculated through receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

Results

Of the 259 patients, 40.9% (106/259) patients experienced postoperative persistent hypertension. Three independent risk factors of persistent hypertension in patients with pheochromocytoma after adrenalectomy were found to be older age (OR = 1.16, p = 0.037), longer duration of hypertension (OR = 3.10, p = 0.01), and concomitance with cardiovascular events (yes vs. no, OR = 17.17, p = 0.049). The cutoff value of age and duration of hypertension was 66 years (AUC = 0.741, p < 0.0001) and 27 months (AUC = 0.991, p < 0.0001), respectively.

Conclusions

Collectively, older age, a longer duration of hypertension, and concomitance with cardiovascular events were independent risk factors of persistent hypertension in patients with pheochromocytoma after adrenalectomy. These findings may help in improving perioperative management and follow‐up strategies.
Pandemic‐induced uncertainty and tourism demand: Evidence on the moderator effect of democratic institutions
Authors: Kizilkaya Oktay , Kocak Emrah , Ulug Eyup Emre , Yucel Ali G.
Published: July 2024

This paper explores the mitigating effect of democratic institutions in the nexus of tourism and pandemic‐induced uncertainty in 24 Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) countries. Utilizing dynamic panel data analysis in the modeling process, the findings reveal that increased pandemic‐related uncertainty in the target market negatively affects the tourism demand. However, the presence of democratic institutions in the destination country positively affects the tourism demand. Finally, democratic institutions help mitigate the negative effects of pandemic uncertainty on tourism demand. The research highlights that a democratic destination can provide a more favorable environment for tourism development amid pandemic uncertainty.
Examining the association between posttraumatic stress disorder and sexual risk‐taking in dually diagnosed adolescents
Authors: Lahoti Aakanksha , Berny Lauren M. , Tanner‐Smith Emily E.
Published: July 2024

Prior research has identified traumatic experiences and substance use as risk factors for adolescent engagement in sexual risk‐taking; however, these studies have relied upon subthreshold or non–dually diagnosed samples. The present study examined differences in sexual risk behaviors between adolescents with a substance use disorder (SUD) and co‐occurring posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) versus those with an SUD and another co‐occurring psychiatric disorder. Participants were 269 adolescents who met the clinical screening criteria for an SUD and at least one psychiatric disorder. Bivariate comparisons and generalized linear models were used to compare sexual risk behaviors in participants with co‐occurring PTSD (30.0%) and those with a different psychiatric disorder (70.0%). Participants with co‐occurring PTSD were twice as likely to have multiple sex partners during the same period compared to those without PTSD, odds ratio (OR) = 2.35, p = .012. They also reported, on average, over twice the incidence rate of unprotected sexual encounters, incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 2.06, p = .034, and a 51.0% higher incidence of sexual risk behaviors, IRR = 1.51, p = .008, than participants without co‐occurring PTSD. The results suggest dually diagnosed adolescents with co‐occurring PTSD are more likely to engage in sexual risk behaviors than those with a different co‐occurring disorder, placing them at higher risk for adverse health effects, such as sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies. As such, this population is likely to benefit from targeted trauma‐informed sexual health education programs focused on sexual risk reduction.
Design and study of hybrid BI insurance contracts with interruption compensation, reward, and penalty under adverse selection
Authors: Ma Benjiang , Jian Kang
Published: July 2024

Aiming at the adverse selection problem in the BI insurance market under asymmetric information, this paper designs a hybrid BI insurance contract with interruption compensation, reward, and penalty based on the principal‐agent theory. It is found that regardless of the existence of two or more risk types in the BI insurance market, the hybrid BI insurance contract will be a strict Pareto improvement of the traditional partial insurance contract that is replicated twice. Meanwhile, we validate and extend the above conclusions through an arithmetic example, which provides more comprehensive theoretical support for insurance companies to design new BI insurance.
Predicting the yield envelope of sandstones from mechanical and microstructural properties
Authors: Khoury Julien , Boutareaud Sébastien , Pijaudier‐Cabot Gilles
Published: July 2024

The aim of this study is to investigate the possibility of predicting the yield curves of sandstones considering only a few key mechanical parameters, and more importantly microstructural properties. Porous rocks are modeled as a set of 2D circular grains subjected to radial and axial stresses that reflect the external forces applied on the material. The contact between individual grains define local planes. The sample is assumed to yield at the inception of nonlinear response on one of these planes, when local stresses reach either shear, tensile, or compressive limit values. A Mohr–Coulomb criterion is considered, with a tensile cutoff and a limitation on the maximum allowable shear stress. The parameters of the developed yield equations are then divided into two groups. The first category relates to the microstructure of the material: porosity, grain radius, intergranular contacts radius, and intensification factor. The second category contains a set of four mechanical properties: the cohesion, the friction angle, the maximum shear, and the compressive limit. While the first set differs from one sandstone to another, the second one is assumed to be the same for all sandstones showing similar mineral compositions. The experimental data for five sandstones, Berea, Boise, Darley Dale, Diemelstadt, and Rothbach, are gathered from the literature. The mechanical parameters are calculated based on Rothbach sandstone experimental data. Satisfactory predictions of the yield limits for the remaining sandstones are obtained from their microstructural characteristics.
‘Life Will Be Very Different after the War’: Administrative, Political and Academic Tensions in the Development of Papua New Guinea after the Second World War
Authors: Gray Geoffrey
Published: July 2024

At the end of the Pacific War (1941–1945) in Papua and New Guinea and the restoration of Australian rule, the Australian Labor government anticipated a self‐governing colony. It was not an act of decolonisation per se. Rather it was a step toward a self‐governing colony under the umbrella of Australia. Independence was for the future. The change of government at the end of 1949, and the replacement of the administrator J.K. Murray in 1952 by Donald Cleland, further weakened the momentum for reform as envisaged by the previous Labor government. Percy Spender, the new Minister for External Affairs and Territories, said that the ‘indigenous inhabitants … will be unable, for many years to come, to play any part in the executive government of the country’. The abandonment of the Ward policy and what it explicitly and implicitly offered was a betrayal of the promises made during and shortly after the Pacifc War, that is, that there would be change for the better and New Guineans would be able to control their destiny.
Population‐level 5‐year event‐free survival for children with cancer in Australia
Authors: Youlden Danny R. , Baade Peter D. , Gottardo Nicolas G. , Moore Andrew S. , Valery Patricia C. , Pole Jason D.
Published: July 2024

Background

Event‐free survival (EFS) considers other adverse events in addition to mortality. It therefore provides a more complete understanding of the effectiveness and consequences of treatment than standard survival measures, but is rarely reported at the population level for childhood cancer.

Procedure

Our study cohort (n = 7067) was obtained from the Australian Childhood Cancer Registry, including children aged under 15 diagnosed with cancer between 2006 and 2015, with follow‐up potentially available to 31 December 2020. The events of interest were relapse following remission, progressive disease, diagnosis of a second primary cancer or death from any cause. Five‐year EFS and all‐cause observed survival were both calculated, stratified by type of childhood cancer, remoteness of residence and stage at diagnosis. Differences in EFS were assessed using multivariable flexible parametric models.

Results

Approximately one quarter of patients (n = 1605 of 7067, 23%) experienced at least one of the events of interest within 5 years of diagnosis. Relapse was twice as common for children with metastatic/advanced disease (22%) versus children with localised/limited cancers (11%). Overall 5‐year EFS was 75.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 73.9%–76.0%), compared to 85.8% observed survival (95% CI: 85.0%–86.6%). Patients with other gliomas had the lowest EFS (35.4%, 95% CI: 27.8%–43.1%). EFS was significantly lower among children with acute myeloid leukaemia in outer regional/remote areas compared to major cities (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.20–3.00).

Conclusions

Reporting EFS at a population level provides further insight on a wider range of impacts apart from mortality alone, contributing towards efforts to improve the management and outcomes of childhood cancer.
Flexible hexagonal boron nitride@liquid metal/polydimethylsiloxane composites with excellent thermal conductivity and superior mechanical properties
Authors: Chen Yu , Yao Fei , Niu Hongrang , Liu Chuanqi , Yang Zhou , Jiang Yue , Luo Zhou , Xu Zhiguang
Published: July 2024

Hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) has a layered lattice structure, high intrinsic thermal conductivity, and good chemical stability, and it has a promising applications in thermal management materials. However, poor interfacial compatibility and dispersion of BN flakes in the polymer matrix cause thermal contact resistance and gaps, directly impairing the performance of the composites and limiting their thermal conduction applications. Herein, the P‐BN@LM/PDMS thermally conductive composites with superior mechanical properties were fabricated by incorporating dopamine and liquid metal (LM) into BN flakes. The dopamine self‐polymerizes to form polydopamine (PDA) on the BN surface, denoted as P‐BN, which effectively improves interface compatibility and dispersion. The LM attaches to the functionalized P‐BN surface by mechanical grinding, acting as a bridge between adjacent BN flakes to enhance the integrity of the thermal conductive network within the composites. The coordination between P‐BN and LM increases interface strength, effectively improving mechanical performance. Hence, the P‐BN@LM/PDMS composites exhibit excellent thermal conductivity (4.0 W/mK) and an enhancement factor of 1373%, which is 2.22 times that of BN/PDMS composites with the same 30 wt% loading. Additionally, the composite shows superior tensile strength (2.11 MPa) and elongation at break (121%), representing 441% and 203% improvements compared with pure polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The P‐BN@LM/PDMS composites, with significant advantages in thermal conductivity and mechanical properties, are promising for future applications as flexible thermal interface materials in thermal management.

Highlights

The P‐BN@LM/PDMS composites exhibit excellent thermal conductivity (4.0 W/mK) and an enhancement factor of 1373%, making them promising for future applications as flexible thermal interface materials in thermal management.

The P‐BN@LM/PDMS composites present a superior tensile strength (2.11 MPa) and elongation at break (121%).

PDA formed by the self‐polymerization of dopamine on the BN surface effectively enhances interfacial compatibility and dispersion.

LM attaches to the functionalized BN surface through mechanical grinding, acting as a bridge between adjacent BN flakes, thus enhancing the integrity of the thermal conductive network within the composites.
Implementation of compound optimal design in progressive first‐failure censored data
Authors: Dhameliya Vaibhav N. , Maurya Raj Kamal , Bhattacharya Ritwik
Published: July 2024

In many research studies, multiple objectives need to be considered simultaneously to ensure an effective and efficient investigation. A compound optimal design provides a viable solution to this problem, allowing for the maximization of overall benefits through the integration of several factors. The paper addresses the application of compound optimal designs in the context of progressive first‐failure censoring, with a particular focus on the Generalized Exponential distribution with two parameters. The paper provides an illustrative example of compound designs by considering the cost function along with trace, variance, and determinant of inverse Fisher information. The best design is determined using a graphical solution technique that is both comprehensible and precise. Using a simple example, we demonstrate the advantage of compound optimal designs over constraint optimal designs. Furthermore, the paper examines real‐world data collection to demonstrate the practical utility of compound optimal designs.
Pharmacoinformatics and quantum chemicals‐based analysis of aromatic molecule decanal as a potent drug against breast cancer
Authors: Arumugam Karthick , Chandran Kaliraj , Zochedh Azar , Ansar Sabah , Sultan Asath Bahadur , Kumar Yedluri Anil , Kathiresan Thandavarayan
Published: July 2024

This study's primary goal is to perform density functional theory and molecular docking simulation to determine decanal's structural stability and biological activity against proteins allied to breast cancer in order to validate its anti‐cancer potential. Initially, the drug‐likeness features of decanal was predicted and the outcomes confirmed that it is non‐toxic and follows Lipinski's rule. Through basis set 6‐311++G (d, p), the structural optimization was performed and molecular geometry was investigated. The FT‐IR and UV–Visible spectroscopic analysis was theoretically performed and validated via experimental analysis. The reactive surface of decanal was further investigated using a calculated molecular electrostatic potential surface. The molecular structural stability and bio‐reactivity of decanal was determined by using the HOMO‐LUMO energies and energy gap calculated is 6.215 eV. The charge distribution among the atoms of decanal was ascertained through the analysis of Mulliken and natural population distribution. To look at the decanal molecule's topological properties, electron localization function and localized orbital locator were used. The decanal's weak interactions were investigated via reduced density gradient assessment. The docking evaluation was performed against the proteins involved in breast cancer and the highest binding ability was calculated against the protein Bcl‐2 with the score of −6.5 kcal/mol. These theoretical findings will pave a way to understand the decanal's structural stability, reactivity and breast cancer inhibitory property and can be used as a drug candidate against tumor after in vitro and clinical evaluation.
The weakly bound states in Gaussian wells: From the binding energy of deuteron to the electronic structure of quantum dots
Authors: Rodriguez‐Espejo G. , Nader D. J. , Segura‐Landa J. A. , Ortiz‐Monfil J.
Published: July 2024

Gaussian potentials serve as a valuable tool for the comprehensive modeling of short‐range interactions, spanning applications from Nuclear Physics to the artificial confinement of electrons within quantum dots. This study focuses on examining the lowest states within Gaussian wells, with particular emphasis on the weakly bound regime. The analysis delves into the asymptotic behavior of the exact wave function at both small and large distances, motivating the development of a few parametric Ansatz which is locally accurate and yields to a fast convergent basis set. To validate its efficacy, we assess its convergence rate using a toy model of Nuclear Physics, specifically for Deuteron. Furthermore, we employ the expansion of the energy close to the threshold to derive an analytical formula for the binding energy of the Deuteron whose accuracy improves as the effective parameter approaches the critical. To conclude our study, we test the ability of our Ansatz to describe relativistic corrections into a quantum dot and its performance as an orbital in the exploration of the electronic structure of a two‐electron quantum dot.
Selective bronchial occlusion for acquired bronchobiliary fistula caused by treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: A case series
Authors: Zhao Bi , Huang Rui Chen , Xia Yang , Dong Yuchao , Huang Haidong , Zhao Lijun , Zhang Wei
Published: July 2024

Acquired bronchobiliary fistula (ABBF) is very rare among the complications that occur in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after treatment. Although surgery and drainage have been the main methods for treating ABBF for a long time, they are not entirely suitable for patients with refractory ABBF resulting from HCC therapy. In this study, we present four cases of ABBF caused by HCC treatment, who were treated using selective bronchial occlusion (SBO). Among the 4 patients with ABBF treated with SBO, 3 cases successfully blocked ABBF with SBO, and the treatment success rate was 75%. All successfully treated patients reported disappearance of symptoms of bilioptysis and cough was alleviated. No life‐threatening adverse reactions were reported following SBO intervention, and no deaths occurred. We believe that the use of video bronchoscopy to place a self‐made silicone plug in the bronchus to treat refractory ABBF is a feasible palliative treatment, which can significantly improve the condition of ABBF patients.
Evaluation and comparison of covariate balance metrics in studies with time‐dependent confounding
Authors: Adenyo David , Guertin Jason R. , Candas Bernard , Sirois Caroline , Talbot Denis
Published: July 2024

Marginal structural models have been increasingly used by analysts in recent years to account for confounding bias in studies with time‐varying treatments. The parameters of these models are often estimated using inverse probability of treatment weighting. To ensure that the estimated weights adequately control confounding, it is possible to check for residual imbalance between treatment groups in the weighted data. Several balance metrics have been developed and compared in the cross‐sectional case but have not yet been evaluated and compared in longitudinal studies with time‐varying treatment. We have first extended the definition of several balance metrics to the case of a time‐varying treatment, with or without censoring. We then compared the performance of these balance metrics in a simulation study by assessing the strength of the association between their estimated level of imbalance and bias. We found that the Mahalanobis balance performed best. Finally, the method was illustrated for estimating the cumulative effect of statins exposure over one year on the risk of cardiovascular disease or death in people aged 65 and over in population‐wide administrative data. This illustration confirms the feasibility of employing our proposed metrics in large databases with multiple time‐points.
Self‐blame, posttraumatic stress, and cardiovascular reactivity among sexual trauma survivors
Authors: Sinnott Sinead M. , Park Crystal L. , Pescatello Linda S. , Sharda Kriti
Published: July 2024

Although trauma is closely linked with hyperarousal and cardiovascular health, little research has examined the effects of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) on cardiovascular reactivity to trauma reminders among sexual trauma survivors. One type of negative appraisal after trauma, self‐blame, is common after sexual trauma, but its relation to cardiovascular reactivity is unknown. The present study aimed to examine the influence of both PTSS and self‐blame on blood pressure and heart rate (HR) reactivity to a trauma reminder. Cardiovascular reactivity was measured before, during, and after a laboratory‐based sexual trauma reminder among 72 young adult women who have experienced sexual trauma. Higher PTSS predicted lower diastolic blood pressure (DBP) reactivity during the trauma reminder. Higher levels of self‐blame predicted higher HR and systolic blood pressure (SBP) reactivity during and after the trauma reminder. Overall, these findings suggest that survivors of sexual trauma with higher levels of PTSS experience a blunting reaction of DBP when exposed to trauma reminders, as opposed to a more typical cardiovascular stress reaction that may elevate and then extinguish to baseline levels. Meanwhile, individuals with higher levels of self‐blame have heightened cardiovascular SBP and HR responses during trauma reminders that do not return to baseline levels, perhaps due to self‐blame leading individuals to be more ‘on guard’ to prevent future threats. Longitudinal studies are needed to explore the potential long‐term cardiovascular impacts of heightened self‐blame and PTSS and their associated cardiovascular reactivity patterns.