bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Passivation Mechanism in Highly Luminescent Nanocomposite‐Based CH3NH3PbBr3 Perovskite Nanocrystals
Authors: Noguera‐Gómez Jaume , Sagra‐Rodríguez Víctor , Chirvony Vladimir S. , Minguez‐Avellan Miriam , Eledath‐Changarath Mahesh , Sánchez‐Royo Juan F. , Martínez‐Pastor Juan P. , Boix Pablo P. , Abargues Rafael
Published: January 2025

Water exposure significantly impacts the structure and photoluminescence (PL) of metal halide perovskites. However, humid conditions can enable the in situ synthesis of methylammonium lead bromide (MAPbBr3) perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) within a nickel acetate matrix, achieving PL quantum yields (PLQY) of up to 80%. The water‐driven formation and transformation of MAPbBr3 is presented, highlighting the crucial role of acetate. Comprehensive optical and structural analyses reveal that low relative humidity (RH < 20%) favors the formation of non‐emissive MA4PbBr6 (0D) and hydroxide species (PbBrOH, OH−) . Exposure to higher RH induces a structural reorganization from 0D MA4PbBr6 to 3D MAPbBr3 via a MABr‐stripping mechanism, forming NCs with enhanced PLQY. Removing ambient humidity quenches PL, a process that is reversible due to hydroxide‐mediated reactions controlled by dual acid‐base nature of the acetic acid/acetate system. Unlike previous reports, the findings reveal that hydroxide ions reversibly bind to NCs, passivating traps and improving stability. Acetate's basicity plays a critical role in generating OH−, promoting the passivation, stability, and enhanced optical properties of the perovskite nanocomposites.
Testing a new approach to teaching introductory economics: Effects on subsequent learning
Authors: Cardak Buly A. , O'Keefe Sue , Tong Yen Dan , Walker David
Published: January 2025

The academic performance of students who take an introductory economics subject taught from CORE's The Economy is compared to the performance of students taught using the Australian adaptation of Mankiw's principles text. All students attended the same university, completing the relevant subject during the same semester. Using a difference in differences approach, it is found that the average mark for all subjects taken after the introductory economics semester is 0.26 standard deviations higher for students who took CORE Economics. The benefit extends beyond economics subjects, with students who have taken CORE Economics performing better in many business school discipline areas.
Symposium introduction: Reviewing the Federal Reserve's framework
Authors: Cutsinger Bryan P. , Luther William J.
Published: January 2025

The Federal Reserve introduced a new monetary policy framework in August 2020. Shortly after, inflation picked up, reaching a 40‐year high of 7.0% in June 2022. We explain why prices have risen so high over the last few years, why they remain elevated, and how the Fed's monetary policy framework might be revised in light of this experience.
Continuous Casting Soft Reduction Control of Macro‐/Semimacro Synergistic Homogeneity of Bloom and Rod for CF53 Camshaft Steel
Authors: Wang Pu , Wang Haijie , Chen Liang , Zhang Ze , Chen Gang , Fan Deguo , Zhang Jiaquan
Published: January 2025

The cross wedge rolling process exposes the camshaft center to complex alternating shear and tensile stresses, which require exceptionally high homogeneity in the steel. This study investigates the macro/semimacro segregation and mechanical properties of bloom and rod for CF53 camshaft steel. Based on the findings, the study proposes a mechanism and strategy for controlling the macroscopic and semimacroscopic homogeneity of CF53 camshaft through soft reduction. The results indicate that applying a 7–10 mm reduction when the center solid fraction is 0.1–1.0 can promote the flow of liquid steel at the solidification end, reduce the size of the equiaxed crystals, significantly decrease the central segregation and the carbon range on transverse cross sections, and considerably reduce the size and number and solutes enrichment of semimacroscopic spot segregations in the blooms. Correspondingly, the central segregation and banded defects in the rods improve. The plasticity and toughness in the radial direction of the rods are enhanced. This demonstrates that SR can synergistically regulate the macro/semimacro homogeneity of camshaft steel blooms and rods, providing high‐quality materials for subsequent processing and improving the competitiveness of camshaft products.
Reinforced concrete dapped‐end beams for existing bridges: Reliability of finite element models
Authors: Flores Ferreira Katherina , Rampini Marco Carlo , Belletti Beatrice , Calcavecchia Biagio , Camata Guido , D'Angela Danilo , Di Salvatore Chiara , Di Stefano Nico , Faccin Enrico , Ferretti Daniele , Granata Michele Fabio , Iavarone Fabiola , La Mendola Lidia , Magliulo Gennaro , Martinelli Paolo , Menichini Giovanni , Messina Davide , Minelli Fausto , Orlando Maurizio , Plizzari Giovanni , Ravasini Simone , Recupero Antonino , Spacone Enrico , Spinella Nino , Tuozzo Federico , Zani Giulio , di Prisco Marco
Published: January 2025

Half‐joints in reinforced concrete girder bridges are generally considered critical elements, susceptible to degradation and potentially impacting the overall structural behavior. An Italian project carried out by ReLUIS interuniversity consortium addresses theoretical, numerical, and experimental studies on critical aspects of existing road bridges. One task is aimed at investigating existing half‐joints. The paper offers a comprehensive assessment of finite element numerical simulations applied to a reinforced concrete dapped‐end beam through an Italian benchmark study. Leveraging recent experimental campaign data as a reference, the study conducts partially blind numerical simulations. The benchmark procedure follows a systematic approach across three subsequent phases. Emphasizing the comparison between experimental data and numerical simulations, the paper introduces discrete and continuous error indicators to gauge numerical prediction efficacy across phases. Global synthetic indices are proposed to measure performance at serviceability and ultimate limit states. The discussion section integrates insights from eight research units, presenting a comprehensive analysis of simulation outcomes. Conclusive remarks outline implications and potential research directions in the realm of reinforced concrete dapped‐end girder bridges.
MxKernel: A Bare-Metal Runtime System for Database Operations on Heterogeneous Many-Core Hardware
Authors: Dreimann Marcel Lütke , Mühlig Jan , Müller Michael , Spinczyk Olaf , Teubner Jens
Published: January 2025

Large-scale data processing forms the core of modern online services, such as social media and e-commerce, calling for an ever-increasing performance with predictable service quality. Even though emerging hardware platforms can deliver the required performance, actually harnessing it and guaranteeing a certain service quality is still a challenge for application and system software developers. We argue that the major hindrance for applications and system software alike lies in the design of today’s system software architecture. The thread abstraction, for example, hides hardware characteristics, such as the memory topology or accelerators from applications and application behavior from the system software, forcing the latter to base resource management on assumptions while preventing the former from leveraging the potential of modern hardware. We present the as a novel system software architecture with the requirements of modern data-intensive applications in mind. Instead of threads, the provides s as control flows, short, closed units of work that can easily be annotated with application-specific hints giving a glimpse into an application’s future behavior. These hints are used by the to provide automatic synchronization and prefetching, as well as efficient dynamic resource partitioning to ensure performance isolation and the observance of quality of service requirements.
Structural Design and Kinematic Analysis of a Three-Servo-Wheel Omnidirectional Mobile Platform
Authors: Chen Junyi , Chen Hongbiao , Wang Siqi , Liu Na
Published: January 2025

In response to the current situation that traditional drive units in robotics competition are weak in the face of increasing technical requirements of the competition, we propose a solution to build a mobile robot based on a three-servo-wheel omnidirectional mobile platform. The mechanical mechanism and control algorithm of the solution are optimized, and the feasibility of the design is verified by motion simulation, and the physical prototype is developed and tested with excellent performance based on the simulation results. The kinematic analysis of the robot's omnidirectional movement by means of coordinate transformation is proposed, and innovation is achieved in the research method. It reduces the negative impact of the difficult knowledge system related to higher mathematics and linear algebra on the participant group who mostly rely on self-learning to complete the robot production, and enables the participant group to study the motion control related to the robot using an easy-to-understand method to improve their comprehensive application of knowledge, which has a certain promotion effect on attracting more people to participate in robotics competitions.
Operational Effectiveness Evaluation of Stratospheric Airship Anti-stealth Penetration
Authors: Chen Zhibing , Miao Minchang , Wu Heng
Published: January 2025

Stratospheric airships have emerged as ideal platforms for persistent reconnaissance, surveillance, air defense, missile defense, electronic warfare, and communication relays in military applications, garnering significant attention both domestically and internationally. Addressing the efficacy evaluation requirements of the stratospheric airship, this study begins by analyzing scenarios involving anti-stealth penetration operations, meticulously delineating the interaction processes of various equipment, and distilling the key capabilities of the stratospheric airship. Subsequently, employing the ABMS (Agent-Based Modeling and Simulation) method, stealth aircraft, anti-aircraft missile, ground radar, and other equipment are abstracted as intelligent agents to construct a simulation platform for stealth aircraft penetration and counteraction. Finally, interception rate and average distance of first lock-on are selected as evaluation metrics to investigate the changes in evaluation criteria with and without the presence of stratospheric airships, thereby achieving the goal of assessing the operational effectiveness of stratospheric airships.
Fuzzy Backpropagation Neural Network PID Control of a 6-DOF Parallel Robot
Authors: Chen Liugang , Zhu Pengcheng , Qiang Wang , Zhang Xingbin , Wang Shufen
Published: January 2025

To investigate the motion of a ship in the ocean, a six-degree-of-freedom hydraulically driven parallel mechanism is designed, the inverse solution algorithm of parallel robot is derived, and the control algorithm of parallel robot is established. The control performance of the parallel robot is developed and improved through co-simulation employing mechanical, hydraulic, and control software. PID control, Fuzzy PID control, and Fuzzy BPNN (Backpropagation Neural Network) PID control are developed for the parallel mechanism with multiple inputs and outputs, high nonlinearity, and strong coupling. The results indicate that the displacement error of the parallel platform have good tracking performance when under Fuzzy BPNN PID control.
Simulation and Experimental Study of Single Abrasive Grain Grinding of Carbon Steel
Authors: Zhang Shengfang , Duan Qiang , Leng Zhiyi , Yin Jian , Wang Ziguang , Liu Yu
Published: January 2025

Carbon steel is a commonly used metal material in machining, which has high surface quality requirements during its usage. The randomness of the shape, size and distribution of abrasive grains on the surface grinding wheel makes the analysis of the grinding process complex. To analyze the grinding process of abrasive grains effectively, a single abrasive grain force-heat coupling model is built using ABAQUS finite element calculation software. The built simulation model is uesd to analyze the influence of grinding temperature and residual stress depth under different processing conditions, and the experiments are conducted to validate the validity of the model. The results show that both the grinding temperature and residual stress depth of show an upward trend with the increase of grinding speed and grinding depth during the grinding process. In the grinding experiment, both the grinding temperature and surface roughness show an upward trend with the increase of grinding depth, the grinding temperature shows an upward trend with the increase of grinding speed, and the surface roughness of the workpiece shows a downward trend. The variation trend is consistent with the simulation results, and the simulation model could effectively simulate the grinding process.
2-UPS/RRR Ankle Rehabilitation Robot Design and Kinematic Analysis
Authors: Wang Feiyang , Zheng Yi , Wang Youqiang
Published: January 2025

Based on the structural characteristics of the ankle joint and the great demand for ankle rehabilitation robots in the current market, a simple and practical 3-degree-of-freedom 2-UPS/RRR parallel mechanism is proposed based on the analysis of the existing ankle rehabilitation robot mechanism for traditional ankle rehabilitation and other problems. The design of the constrained support chain and moving platform ensures that the rotational centers of the mechanism coincide with the rotational centers of the ankle joints of different patients; firstly, a degree of freedom analysis is carried out using the Kutzbach-Grubler degree of freedom formula, which leads to the conclusion that the robot has 3 rotational degrees of freedom; secondly, the closed-loop vector method is used to obtain the inverse equation of the robot's position; and finally, the boundary search method is used to solve the workspace, which shows that the robot has three rotational degrees of freedom. Finally, the boundary search method is used to solve the workspace, which shows that the robot meets the requirements of ankle rehabilitation range of motion. The results show that the range of motion of the designed ankle rehabilitation mechanism can meet the demand of human ankle rehabilitation.
System Engineering-Based Flight Simulation Device Design Technology and Application Research
Authors: Wang Huanyu , Zhang Chao , Chen Yong
Published: January 2025

The development of modern aviation industry urgently needs a large number of high-level flight simulation device (FSD) for multiple applications such as technologies research, aircraft test and pilot training. Traditionally, these FSD are manufactured by different TDM to meet individual requirement, which may encounter difficulty in correctness, integrity or fidelity. How to develop the FSD and its simulation packages for research, engineering and training scenarios with a more coordinated and efficient methodology is the key to the development of high-level FSD for one particular aircraft project. This paper proposes that FSD shall be classified, according to development process and control requirements into three categories, which are Flight Simulation Training Device (FSTD), Flight Simulation Engineering Device (FSED) and Flight Simulation Research Device (FSRD). In particular, the simulation package provide the basis for the evolution of the multiple applications of the FSD. In this paper, the key design of FSD and simulation packages is given by proposing a technical strategy, which is based on system engineering (SE), with the development of FSED simulation packages as the central objective, and evolving and applying them to more mission such as research and training by validation and verification (V&V) of the requirement. This technical strategy shows major value (1) in optimizing correctness, integrity, and fidelity through process assurance, (2) in shortening the development cycle and reducing the cost by reducing duplication of efforts, (3) in reducing the technical risk of the simulation package, which is accompanied by aircraft and system design and development, and (4) in standardizing and eliminating of inconsistencies of the simulation modeling data, which is oriented from FSED with rigor configuration management. This research intends to promote the development of the domestic aircraft and the growth of the FSD-connected technology.
Design and Simulation of EMU Traction Control System Based on Simulink
Authors: Xu Donglin , Zhang Chunguang , Song Qingbo , Zhang Lifang
Published: January 2025

In view of the high harmonic content of AC–DC–AC locomotive, which will sometimes damage the important equipment of locomotive and even cause accidents such as circuit tripping, this paper first takes CRH2 EMU train as the research object, analyzes the working principle of its traction drive system and four-quadrant pulse rectifier with three-level topology, and designs and simulates the main rectifier circuit of this EMU with Simulink simulation software. Then, the simulation models of the main rectifier circuit of the EMU, including main circuit, transient current control module, neutral point potential balance control module, SPWM modulation module and PWM pulse distribution module, are designed and established in detail. Finally, by changing the values of the main parameters in the simulation model, the influence of different parameter values on the simulation results is compared and analyzed, and the difference between the main rectifier circuit working in traction mode and regenerative braking mode is studied through simulation. The simulation results show that the rectifier of CRH2 EMU can achieve the control goal of bidirectional energy flow.
Evaluation Method for Multi-element Design of Civil Aircraft Cabin
Authors: Zhao Wen , Tang Xiaoliang
Published: January 2025

The passengers’ working and resting space during their journey is crucial. Beyond the aircraft’s inherent performance, the cabin environment is a focal point. The aim is to employ a multi-factor design and assessment approach within the aircraft cabin, comprehensively analyzing value opportunities. This involves researching and establishing a product-service system model for the cabin, encompassing user touchpoints in the cabin experience. The goal is to formulate a systematic methodology guiding multi-sensory interaction design and evaluation throughout the entire lifecycle of the cabin. This approach is anticipated to yield substantial guiding value for the design and assessment methods of commercial aircraft cabins.
Machining Efficiency Optimization in Flank Milling of Curved Thin-walled Workpieces with Target Machining Accuracy
Authors: Yuan Xing , Fan Yuqi , Ma Tao , Wang Shuting , Mao Xinyong , Zhang Lei
Published: January 2025

Curved aluminium alloy thin-walled workpieces are an integral part of essential components in aerospace. Aggressive machining parameters can reduce the machined surface roughness and dimensional accuracy during flank milling for the thin-walled workpiece. However, conservative machining parameters can constrain the machining efficiency. To solve this issue, this article develops a machining parameter optimization method for curved thin-walled workpieces during flank milling. The method comprehensively considers the impact of time-varying deflection and material removal of curved thin-walled workpieces during the flank milling and further analyses the influence of machining parameters on machining surface roughness and dimensional accuracy. The optimized processing parameters can maximize the processing efficiency for curved thin-walled workpiece to satisfy the processing dimensional precision and surface roughness.
Design of Electromagnetic Environment Analysis and Simulation Deduction System for Equipment Testing
Authors: Yin Yunxia , Liu Jiaxun , Wei Zhanji , Mu Yao , Yuan Lihuan
Published: January 2025

The electromagnetic environment on the battlefield is an important factor affecting the combat effectiveness of equipment, and using electromagnetic environment software for equipment testing and training has become one of the current mainstream methods. In response to the problem that the original simulation training system can only set initial conditions and be automatically executed by computers according to the model, and cannot be combined with equipment for electromagnetic countermeasure support training, an equipment testing electromagnetic environment analysis and simulation deduction system is constructed. It has the characteristics of combining equipment strike, “man in the loop” simulation exercise method, flexible and dynamic combat deduction, etc., and compensates for the single content of simulation exercises and the disadvantage of fixed processes.
An Analysis of Material Movement Trajectory in Eccentric Vibration Transport Equipment
Authors: Wei Li , Liu Xiaogang
Published: January 2025

A vibration transport device with an eccentricity of 3 mm was designed for an automated detection machine of condoms. The composition and principle of the device were introduced, and the kinematics of the vibration groove and condoms were analyzed, and corresponding mathematical expressions were derived. Finally, the accuracy of the theoretical results of the kinematics of the vibration groove and condoms was verified through simulation using Adams and MATLAB software.
Dynamics Analysis of Marine Gas Turbine Modelled Rotor
Authors: Zou Minxuan , Zhang Gang , Bian Shiji , He Yuliang , Li Xu
Published: January 2025

Since the beginning of the 21st century, more and more countries have taken the gas turbine as the preferred power for the main battle ships at sea. The gas turbine has high reliability and long service life, which meets the requirements of high-intensity and long-term offshore operations. This paper takes the physical model of the rotor of the dynamic vortex section of the marine gas turbine as the basis, combines the relevant theories, and ensures that the static characteristics of the rotor are basically unchanged in the case of modelling treatment. ANSYS software is used to carry out finite element simulation of the modelled rotor and analyse the dynamic parameters of the rotor system. At the same time, the strength of the modelled rotor is checked and calculated to verify that it meets the strength requirements.
Dynamics Study of Mechanism with Clearance Based on Adams
Authors: Li Ru , Li Na , Chen Fei , Zhao Xin
Published: January 2025

In view of the influence of the motion pair gap on the dynamic characteristics of the mechanism, considering the gap size and the driving load, an improved nonlinear contact collision model is proposed, the friction with the modified Kulun force friction model. Movement pair gap with mass vector rod equivalent, using discrete analysis method for collision between the motion, the crank slider mechanism as an example, the clearance mechanism model in Adams, using the algorithm of unilateral impact function to calculate the collision force, quantitative analysis of the dynamic characteristics of the mechanism, verify the consistency of the simulation results and theoretical value, provides a theoretical basis for the design and analysis of the clearance mechanism.
Dynamic Characteristics Analysis of Prosthetic Knee Joint Based on MR Damper
Authors: Ren Xiaoyong , Zhen Liang , Li Yujun , Liu Yanfeng
Published: January 2025

In order to solve the needs of the disabled for limb rehabilitation, the prosthetic knee joint can swing freely with the intention of the stump user. According to the driving principle of the prosthetic knee joint of MR Damper, the prosthetic limb is designed. By making full use of the magnetization characteristics of magnetorheological fluid, the magnitude of current is related to the magnitude of damping force, and the torque of the knee joint is changed by changing the input current to control the swing of the prosthetic knee joint and improve the movement flexibility of the prosthetic knee joint. The results show that the proposed prosthetic based on MR Damper can be passively bent and actively extended during horizontal walking swing, and has good stability and flexibility.
Data Exchange for SysML: A Review
Authors: Zhou Chen , An Baoran , Yu Bin , Li Suicheng
Published: January 2025

In the practice of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), where SysML models serve as the foundation for system integration frameworks, the maintenance of consistency of shared information across system models and other models requires the use of data exchange methods. A range of data exchange methods are proposed to address different exchange scenarios. This study surveyed literature related to these methods and elaborated on the three accomplished forms of data exchange and the concept of transformation based on the survey results. Subsequently, from the perspective of exchange characteristics, the literature concerning data exchange was categorized into five typical scenarios: model exchange, model transformation, model generation, code generation, and document generation. For each scenario, the research findings on relevant exchange methods were presented, and detailed descriptions of the advantages and disadvantages of some methods were provided. The results of this review can be used to guide the selection and improvement of data exchange methods.
Numerical Simulation Analysis of the Flow Control Effect of Harbor Seal Whisker Model Under Different Angles of Attack
Authors: Wu Yaer , Li Dongfeng , Chen Nan , Rong Qinhuan , Mo Kui , Bai Fai , Hu Jianyong , Zhang Heshun , Wei Ziyang , Xuan Zhentao
Published: January 2025

This article takes the wake field of the spotted seal whisker model as the main research object, and constructs a viscosity model through Fluent and performs simulation calculations. In order to reveal the control effect of its complex structure on the flow around a bluff body, a comparison is made between the spotted seal whisker model and the model under different angles of attack. The flow fields of the cylinder and elliptical cylinder models were analyzed around the flow characteristics, and it was found that the seal whisker model suppressed the generation of vortices in the wake field, and as the angle of attack increased, the bluff body flow overcomes the flow caused by the shape of the seal whisker.
Study of Health Degree Assessment and Prediction for Axle Counter Equipment in Urban Rail Transit
Authors: Yuan Jianjun , Chu Pengzi , Huang Chunye , Shen Zhe , Yu Yi
Published: January 2025

Axle counter equipment is a key component in urban rail transit signal systems, and its stability has a great impact on safety and operation efficiency. In this paper, we pay attention to the assessment and prediction methods of the health degree for axle counter equipment in urban rail transit and the corresponding maintenance suggestions. Mainly, two prediction methods, the GM (1, 1) algorithm and the long short-term memory (LSTM) network, are used to compare the prediction effect of health degree for axle counter equipment. Based on enough historical information, the LSTM network can obtain more accurate prediction results with less data input.
Simulation Analysis of Energy Absorption Characteristics of Corrugated Beams in Civil Aircrafts
Authors: Chen Chen
Published: January 2025

Corrugated beams are widely used in the structural design of cargo floor supports in civil aircraft due to their good load carrying capacity and impact resistance characteristics. In this paper, based on the explicit integral algorithm of transient dynamics and the finite element analysis method, the nonlinear process of corrugated beam structure in crash is calculated and analysed. The results show that the energy-absorbing performance of corrugated beams can be greatly improved after increasing the wavelength and reducing the amplitude and thickness, making them lightweight and efficient energy-absorbing components.
What machines shouldn’t do
Authors: Robbins Scott
Published: January 2025

Meaningful human control (MHC) is increasingly becoming an important topic in AI ethics beyond the domain of autonomous weapons systems. MHC has been conceptualized, analyzed, and applied. However, in this article, I show how all the current attempts at realizing MHC have fallen short because we have not taken the important first step of deciding what machines should and should not be doing in the first place. We must first ensure that the output we have delegated to the machine is appropriate – only then do we have to do the work required to ensure that MHC is realized. Here, I argue that machines should not be evaluating – that is, we should not be delegating evaluative outputs to machines. This is practically important because machines that have evaluative outputs cannot be evaluated for efficacy. We can’t say how effective they are. This is ethically important because machines don’t have the moral agency required to make evaluations. Furthermore, machines should not be in a position to change our values – which they would be if they were evaluating. Finally, evaluations are judged based on the considerations used to reach a particular judgment. Contemporary AI cannot provide these justifying considerations – so we have no way of evaluating their evaluative outputs.
Staged thoracoscopic internal traction approach for early repair of long-gap esophageal atresia (LGEA) with distal tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF)
Authors: Sajankila Nitin , Gigena Cecilia , Zamorano Darling , Santos Marcela , Gómez Alicia , Lavado Isidora , DeRoss Anthony L. , Lopez Manuel , Maricic Maximiliano , Guelfand Miguel
Published: January 2025

Background

Long-gap esophageal atresia (LGEA) can complicate the management of esophageal atresia (EA) with or without a tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF). This series describes a short interval, staged, thoracoscopic internal traction approach for LGEA with distal TEF to manage complex anastomotic tension or an anatomically impossible esophageal anastomosis.

Methods

A retrospective review (2018–2024) was performed across four tertiary centers to identify patients with LGEA and distal TEF, managed with a staged, thoracoscopic internal traction approach. In the first stage, the TEF was ligated and internal traction sutures were placed between esophageal pouches. In the second stage, patients underwent primary anastomosis. Short and long-term complications and outcomes were measured.

Results

In total, seven patients were treated with this approach. Gestational ages ranged from 33 to 39 weeks. The average age at the initial surgery was 2.3 days, and the average age at definitive anastomosis was 15.9 days. There were no cases of leak or esophageal dehiscence. Gastroesophageal reflux was a common post-operative complication, occurring in 85.7% of patients.

Conclusions

Temporary internal traction sutures allow for a minimally invasive, safe repair of LGEA with distal TEF, under decreased tension. This technique reduces operative time, and potential complications associated with other long-gap anastomotic techniques.

Level of evidence

IV.
Predicting surgical site infections after open reduction and internal fixation for ankle fractures
Authors: Tausendfreund Jasper , Penning Diederick , Naryapragi M. Azad , Reisinger Kostan W. , Tanis E. , Joosse P. , Schepers T.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Surgical site infections (SSI) are one of the more severe complications following ankle surgery. It is associated with worse outcomes and re-admissions. Therefore, identification of risk factors is essential. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for SSI in patients undergoing surgery for ankle fractures.

Materials and methods

A retrospective study was performed in a large cohort (n = 929) of patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of ankle fractures between 2015 and 2020 in the Netherlands. The primary outcome variables included rate of SSI (superficial or deep) and deep SSI. Prediction factors were categorized as patient-related, injury-related and treatment-related.

Results

The incidence rate was 9.36% for SSI and 3.55% for deep SSI. Univariate analysis showed significant associations for higher age (p < 0.001), DM (p = 0.018), ASA 2 and 3 (p = 0.013 and p < 0.001), bi- and trimalleolar fractures (p = 0.021 and p = 0.013), open fractures (p = 0.004) and small size plate compared to screw fixation (p = 0.027). The only independent significant risk factor for SSI in multivariate analysis was open fracture. For deep SSI the significant risk factors were DM (p = 0.039), ASA 3 and 4 (p = 0.001 and p = 0.005) and open fracture (p = 0.002). After multivariate analysis, the independent significant risk factors were open fracture and ASA 3 and 4.

Conclusions

Higher age, DM, ASA 2 and 3, bi- and trimalleolar fractures, open fractures and standard plate-size implant placement were identified as significant risk factors for SSI. Open fracture was the only significant independent risk factor for SSI after ORIF of ankle fractures. In deep SSI, there were different risk factors. DM, ASA 3 and 4, and open fractures were significantly associated. Although, open fracture and ASA 3 and 4 were the significant independent risk factors.
Pediatric cancer predisposition syndromes involving non-central nervous system solid pediatric tumors: a review on their manifestations with a focus on histopathology
Authors: Schurink B. , Reyes-Múgica M. , de Krijger R. R.
Published: January 2025

Germline genetic alterations and their associated cancer predisposition syndromes (CPS) are an important cause of pediatric cancer. Early recognition is of great importance for targeted surveillance, early detection, and prompt (personalized) therapeutic interventions. This review provides an overview of non-central nervous system solid pediatric tumor types, in relation to their associated CPS, with an emphasis on their histology. It serves as a guide for (pediatric) pathologists to increase their awareness of histological clues that suggest a CPS and warrant referral to the clinical geneticist.
A literature-based cost-effectiveness analysis of device-assisted suturing versus needle-driven suturing during laparotomy closure
Authors: Lwin Zin Min Thet , Börner Gabriel , Verheij-Engqvist Sophia , Keel George
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Small-bites suturing technique for laparotomy closure is now recommended as the standard of care. However, uptake of the practice remains slow. A medical technology called the SutureTOOL has been developed which can facilitate implementation of small-bites. The aim of the study was to compare the economic and clinical outcomes of laparotomy closure for patients using manual needle-driver suturing versus device-assisted suturing (SutureTOOL) following open abdominal surgery.

Methods

This cost-effectiveness analysis comparing device-assisted suturing to needle-driver suturing was performed from a healthcare perspective within Sweden, France, the UK, and the US. A decision tree model was developed to implement the analysis.

Results

The SutureTOOL was found to be cost-effective, reducing costs between 22% and 40% across country contexts. Savings were associated with reduced post-operative complications and reductions in operating room time. Improvements in quality of life were minimal and not clinically significant, likely because of the short time horizon.

Conclusion

Cost-effectiveness was largely due to cost savings. Prior to procurement, hospitals should test the device to ensure that small-bite rates and reductions in operation time are replicable within their clinical context. If so, the device will improve quality of care for laparotomy wound closure.
Challenges when Combining Expertise to Provide Integrated Care for Youth At-Risk and Their Family: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Veerman Laura C.M. , Mulder Eva A. , Vermeiren Robert R.J.M. , van Domburgh Lieke , van der Maas Anne , Nooteboom Laura A.
Published: January 2025

The needs of youth at-risk and their families, facing multiple problems and serious mental health issues, exceed the expertise and possibilities of a single stakeholder (professional, organization, municipality). These youngsters require care in which the expertise of different professionals and organizations is integrated. However, combining various types of expertise to provide integrated care to youth at-risk is challenging. Therefore, this qualitative study aims to describe how stakeholders approach these challenges when combining different types of expertise to provide integrated care for youth at-risk. In total, 28 in-depth interviews were conducted with stakeholders working in various organizations or municipalities for youth at-risk in The Netherlands. Transcripts were analyzed through reflexive thematic analysis. Reflections from a youth representative were also incorporated. Results reveal challenges at four levels: youth and family, professional, organization, and system. At each level, challenges arise in addressing the exceptional needs and problems of youth at-risk, collaborating with multiple stakeholders, reluctance to apply or involve expertise, and finding sufficient resources to combine expertise. Professionals, organizations, and municipalities approach these challenges with a backward or forward approach: either they accept the situation, focus on their own expertise, leave responsibility to others; or they force their expertise on others, or seek collaboration to combine expertise. Overall, combining different types of expertise to provide integrated care to youth at-risk can be seen as an expertise in itself, and necessitates reflection, awareness, and careful consideration from all stakeholders.
SERCA2a dysfunction in the pathophysiology of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a direct role is yet to be established
Authors: Shooshtarian Adam Kia , O’Gallagher Kevin , Shah Ajay M. , Zhang Min
Published: January 2025

With rising incidence, mortality and limited therapeutic options, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains one of the most important topics in cardiovascular medicine today. Characterised by left ventricular diastolic dysfunction partially due to impaired Ca2+ homeostasis, one ion channel in particular, SarcoEndoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA2a), may play a significant role in its pathophysiology. A better understanding of the complex mechanisms interplaying to contribute to SERCA2a dysfunction will help develop treatments targeting it and thus address the growing clinical challenge HFpEF poses. This review examines the conflicting evidence present for changes in SERCA2a expression and activity in HFpEF, explores potential underlying mechanisms, and finally evaluates the drug and gene therapy trials targeting SERCA2a in heart failure. Recent positive results from trials involving widely used anti-diabetic agents such as sodium-glucose co-transporter protein 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists offer advancement in HFpEF management. The potential interplay between these agents and SERCA2a regulation presents a novel angle that could open new avenues for modulating diastolic function; however, the mechanistic research in this emerging field is limited. Overall, the direct role of SERCA2a dysfunction in HFpEF remains undetermined, highlighting the need for well-designed pre-clinical studies and robust clinical trials.
Values of the entrepreneur as a driver of sustainable tourism entrepreneurship
Authors: Teruel-Sanchez Ricardo , Briones-Peñalver Antonio Juan , Bernal-Conesa Juan Andrés , de Nieves-Nieto Carmen
Published: January 2025

The aim of this research is to understand the relationship between sustainability and entrepreneurship of small tourism enterprises in an area of high environmental value (tourist environment) which has been threatened in different ways (e.g., COVID-19, tourist pressure, natural phenomena, pollution, etc.), considering the mediating effect of the values of the entrepreneur and the tourist environment. This is a quantitative study, using a multivariate second-order hierarchical component model. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used for the analysis. The results indicate that sustainability alone is not sufficient for entrepreneurship. However, if sustainability is mediated by the values of the entrepreneur and the tourism environment, it does have a positive impact on entrepreneurship. Furthermore, these variables have a positive effect on entrepreneurship, therefore these values of the entrepreneur are revealed as a driver of a sustainable economic model. This work has significant implications for decision-making regarding the importance of sustainable entrepreneurship in an environmentally threatened coastal area. It is recommended that tourism companies invest in sustainable tourism actions to preserve the local environment because of its positive influence on stakeholders. This research fills a gap in the literature on the relationship between sustainability, entrepreneur values, environment and entrepreneurship. It highlights the importance of context-specific contingencies for sustainability and the impact of entrepreneurship. The study provides a novel framework for understanding the process of social change towards sustainable tourism led by the entrepreneur and his or her values. The study is limited to a very specific area of high ecological value, so we consider that it can be extrapolated to similar areas.
Thickness dependent sensitivity of GAGG:Ce scintillation detectors for thermal neutrons: GEANT4 simulations and experimental measurements
Authors: Karmakar Annesha , Kumar G. Anil , Tyagi Mohit , Pal Anikesh
Published: January 2025

In the present work, we report extensive GEANT4 simulations in order to study the dependence of sensitivity of Gd3Ga3Al2O12:Ce (GAGG:Ce) scintillation crystal based detector on thickness of the crystal. All the simulations are made considering a thermalised Am-Be neutron source. The simulations are validated, qualitatively and quantitatively, by comparing the simulated energy spectra and sensitivity values with those obtained from experimental measurements carried out using two different thicknesses of the crystal from our own experiment (0.5 mm and 3 mm) and validated with three other thicknesses (0.01 mm, 0.1 mm and 1 mm) from literature (Taggart et al. in IEEE Trans Nucl Sci 67:603–608, 2020). In this study, we define sensitivity of GAGG:Ce as the ratio of area under 77 keV sum peak to 45 keV peak. The present studies clearly confirm that, while it requires about 0.1 mm thickness for the GAGG:Ce crystal to fully absorb thermal neutrons, it requires about 3 mm to fully absorb the thermal neutron induced events. Further, we propose an equation, that can be used to estimate the thickness of the GAGG:Ce crystal directly from the observed sensitivity of the GAGG:Ce crystal. This equation could be very useful for the neutron imaging community for medical and space applications, as well as for manufactures of cameras meant for nuclear security purposes.
Concept for generic agile, reactive optical link planning
Authors: Fürbacher A. , Fruth T. , Wiebigke A. , Wörle M. T. , Mrowka F. , Saucke K. , Martín Pimentel P. , Knopp M.
Published: January 2025

The paper presents our concept of a generic, flexible, highly responsive, evolvable end-to-end link planning system, which enables its users to modify the planning and corresponding operational products even on late notice. The main challenges of optical communication, the orbit and pointing accuracy, and the influence of atmospheric weather conditions result in the need for having an automatically triggered reactive incremental planning immediately upon reception of new input (e.g., orbit or cloud prediction updates) instead of planning runs at fixed points in time following a predefined pattern. For direct-to-Earth communication, the local weather conditions are a major challenge which may lead to ground station link outages. This is where ground station clusters with a high site diversity come into play. To address the risk of data loss as well as increase the availability and resilience, the automated ingestion of information from the ground terminals with an ad-hoc, reactive re-planning is one possible solution. In this sense, cloud forecasts and statistics can be considered and integrated into the planning model and processes. We outline how we aim to integrate atmospheric condition monitoring concepts, that we already have implemented for Earth observation acquisition planning purposes, into our generic link planning tool suite. Our tool can be used for different types of missions. It shall evolve to an automated link planning system based on the Reactive Planning Framework combined with PintaOnWeb, a frontend for visual support, modifications, and analysis.
Re-using co-design in initial teacher education: A scoping study to inform school-university partnerships
Authors: Fitzgerald Ange , Kardaris Emilio , Nash Melanie , Byth Allison , White Simone
Published: January 2025

Co-design as an effective tool in supporting partnerships is experiencing a renaissance in contemporary Initial Teacher Education (ITE) policy reform. While not a new construct, the current re-use of co-design represents a contemporary shift in collaboration, emphasising inclusivity and adaptability by integrating critical thinking and problem-solving with content and pedagogy. Despite its growing popularity, co-design's potential in supporting diverse partnerships remains largely unexplored. This study delves into the complexities, opportunities, and challenges of co-design as a tool in reshaping ITE. The scoping study follows a five-stage process: identifying the research question, identifying relevant studies, study selection, data charting, and summarising results. The process culminated by highlighting five papers that illustrate co-design's importance, including collaboration, trust, shared values, dialogue, power dynamics, and open communication, in ITE. The discussion highlights key considerations in co-design within ITE. These include the scarcity of literature on co-design, the necessity for terminology consensus, the importance of genuine collaboration, and the learner-focused improvement potential of co-design. This research has implications for partnership policy and proposes that significant changes are needed to accommodate innovations in ITE co-design.