bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Highly Efficient and Durable Water Electrolysis at High KOH Concentration Enabled by Cationic Group‐Free Ion Solvating Membranes in Free‐standing Gel Form
Authors: Huang Zequan , Zhu Danyi , Ma Mingjie , Zhao Bing , Liang Jiazhen , Zhang Liang , Chen Chao , Liu Mengjiao , Gao Congjie , Huang Fei , Xue Lixin 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe degradation of fixed cationic groups in most anion exchange membranes (AEMs) under alkaline environments limits their durability for alkaline water electrolysis (AWE). Ion‐solvating membranes (ISMs) have emerged as a promising alternative to address this issue. Herein, a cationic group‐free ion solvating membrane in a free‐standing gel form (ISM‐PBI‐FG) is presented, created through a sol‐to‐gel transformation process followed by KOH imbibing. This approach yields a 3D porous microstructure composed of entangled polybenzimidazole (PBI) nanofibrils, achieving 89% porosity, which enables ultrahigh alkali uptake (346% in 6 M KOH) and exceptional ionic conductivity (763 mS cm−1 at 80 °C). The absence of cationic groups avoids the attack by OH−, thus ensures good alkaline stability with a conductivity retention rate of 91.6% over a 3120 h ex situ test in 6 M KOH. The resulting membrane delivered outstanding AWE performance with current densities of 5.5 A cm−2 using platinum‐group‐metal (PGM) catalysts and 2.2 A cm−2 using PGM‐free catalysts at 2.0 V. Notably, the in situ electrolyzer device based on ISM‐PBI‐FG offers extensive operational flexibility ranging from 40–100 °C and demonstrates record durability in concentrated alkaline conditions, with a voltage decay rate of only 23.5µV h−1, outperforming most reported AEMs and ISMs.
Systematics of the fleshy‐fruited Sonerileae (Melastomataceae)
Authors: Quakenbush J. Peter , Chen Luo , Penneys Darin S. , Barkman Todd J. , Liu Ying , Yakandawala Deepthi , Veranso‐Libalah Marie Claire , Kadereit Gudrun 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWith approximately 1080 species, Sonerileae is the second‐largest tribe in the Melastomataceae. Approximately 40% of the Sonerileae species belong to fleshy‐fruited genera (Catanthera, Heteroblemma, Kendrickia, Medinilla, Pachycentria, Plethiandra). Relatively few species, especially of the fleshy‐fruited taxa, have been sampled for phylogenetic study. Consequently, there is huge uncertainty resulting in many unanswered questions about their evolutionary history, including the monophyly of the largest genus, Medinilla. In this study, the phylogeny of the fleshy‐fruited Sonerileae was reconstructed using 385 nuclear and 81 plastid protein‐coding loci recovered from newly generated target capture and off‐target reads data, and previous studies. Our study revealed that the fleshy fruited Sonerileae belong to three lineages. Kendrickia is sister to an Afrotropical endemic clade. Heteroblemma and Catanthera belong to a second clade and are most closely related to some Phyllagathis and Driessenia species. Medinilla forms a third clade that also includes Pachycentria and Plethiandra. Within Medinilla, 15 clades are identified and characterized. To make Medinilla monophyletic, the genus is redefined to include Pachycentria and Plethiandra. Major lineages identified within Medinilla lay the groundwork for an infrageneric classification system. Areas of the phylogenetic tree with high conflict or weak sampling are identified to aid further studies in the tribe.
Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal Practices in Volta Regional Pharmacies
Authors: Essilfie‐Essel Gabriel K. N. , Wiafe Ebenezer , Mensah Kofi Boamah , Korbuvi John K. A. , Nyoagbe Joseph K. N. , Bangalee Varsha 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTAppropriate disposal of pharmaceutical waste (PCW) is necessary to avoid potential risks and harm to the environment. Globally, there is extensive literature on the disposal practices of households and hospitals. However, literature on the disposal practices by pharmacies in Ghana is scanty, particularly in the study setting, the Volta Region of Ghana. This study (i) investigated the methods of PCW disposal, (ii) assessed the awareness and compliance of pharmacies with the disposal guidelines of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), and (iii) evaluated the impact of the years of existence and category of community pharmacies on compliance with FDA guidelines. A prospective cross‐sectional study design was used. Trained data collectors sampled all 81 registered pharmacies in the Volta Region. Questionnaires used were adapted from tools used in previous published studies. Descriptive data were presented in tables, and associations were measured with chi‐square tests. Statistical tests were set at 95% confidence intervals and p values set at 5% significance. Seventy‐four pharmacists responded to the questionnaire. Disposal through the FDA was the commonest method for all categories of dosage forms surveyed. The second most common method of disposal for all categories of dosage forms was by returning to parent companies. The majority of pharmacists (93.2%) were aware of the FDA (Ghana) disposal guidelines. However, 35.1% of pharmacies complied, 45.9% did not comply, and 2.7% were partially compliant. The type or category of pharmacy was not associated with compliance with disposal guidelines (p value = 0.889). However, the years of existence of pharmacies were associated with compliance with disposal guidelines (p value = 0.008). Although pharmacists in the Volta Region are aware of the PCW disposal guidelines of the FDA (Ghana), regardless of their years of experience and the type/category of community pharmacy they operate, they do not comply with these guidelines.
Impacts of informant replacement in two industry‐sponsored Alzheimer's disease clinical trials
Authors: Nishida Mikaela K. , Nuño Michelle M. , Grill Joshua D. , Gillen Daniel L. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractINTRODUCTIONIn Alzheimer's disease (AD) clinical trials, participants must enroll with a study partner informant who completes validated study instruments. We hypothesized that mid‐trial informant replacement impacts study data in industry‐sponsored trials.METHODSWe conducted a retrospective analysis of two industry‐sponsored AD clinical trials testing semagacestat in mild‐to‐moderate AD dementia. We assessed the relationships between informant replacement and Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study Activities of Daily Living (ADCS‐ADL) scores. Using generalized estimating equations, we assessed bias and variability using mean (bias) and mean absolute (variance) change in ADCS‐ADL between successive visits as outcomes. Both models adjusted for a priori–specified potential confounding variables including participant sex, age, informant type, trial, time, previous ADCS‐ADL score, and region. To analyze the impact on end‐of‐study change‐from‐baseline results, we used an analysis of covariance model to estimate the association between replacement and end‐of‐study change‐from‐baseline in ADCS‐ADL, in which we adjusted for participant sex, age, informant type, trial, baseline measurement, and region. We conducted an F‐test to compare the variances of this change.RESULTSAmong N = 2637 randomized participants, 69 participants (2.6%) experienced 78 occurrences of replacement. For visits standardized to be 3 months apart, the difference in mean between‐visit change in ADCS‐ADL was approximately −1.61 points (95% confidence interval [CI]: −3.79, 0.57; P = 0.147), comparing participants who experienced replacement to similar participants who had stable informants. The difference in the mean between‐visit absolute change was approximately 2.02 points (95% CI: 0.34, 3.70; P = 0.019). We did not estimate a statistically significant difference in end‐of‐study change‐from‐baseline (Est. = −0.70 points; 95% CI: −5.88, 4.48; P = 0.790) or a significant ratio of variances (Est. = 1.13; 95% CI: 0.67, 2.28; P = 0.600) for participants with replacement compared to those with stable informants.DISCUSSIONInformant replacement was associated with increased between‐visit variability but had limited impact on overall trial outcomes.Highlights
Informant replacement occurred in 2.6% of participants in these industry trials.
Informant replacement was associated with increased variance in acute Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study Activities of Daily Living reporting.
Informant replacement had a limited impact on overall change‐from‐baseline outcomes.
An environmental scan of equity‐related measures for the certified nursing assistant dementia care workforce
Authors: Travers Jasmine L. , Shenoy Shivani , Tague‐LaCrone Julia , Leger Hillary 
Published: November 2024

AbstractINTRODUCTIONCertified nursing assistants (CNAs) constitute the largest segment of the nursing home workforce, with over 50% of the dementia care workforce comprised of racial and ethnic minoritized individuals. Despite their critical role in dementia care, CNAs face significant inequities in terms of salary, treatment, and working conditions. To enhance equity and improve working conditions, valid and reliable measures are essential for nursing homes to assess their current environment, track progress, and refine strategies. This paper synthesizes existing measures and tools that assess equity‐related constructs among CNAs.METHODSWe conducted an environmental scan to identify existing measures, tools, and instruments assessing equity‐related constructs among CNAs in nursing homes. Our search focused on nine key equity‐related constructs: training, job satisfaction, compensation, staffing/workload, burnout, working conditions/environment, role, leadership, and turnover.RESULTSOur environmental scan resulted in 15 measures, tools, or instruments relevant to CNA equity. These instruments focused on job satisfaction, retention and turnover, job commitment, leadership experiences, and work environment. Sixty percent of these tools lacked reported validity or reliability data. While the remaining 40% demonstrated strong psychometric properties, overall, the methodological rigor of available measures is inconsistent. A critical gap in the existing literature is the absence of tools measuring burnout or workload, among CNAs.DISCUSSIONThe identified measures/tools offer potential for evaluating the effectiveness of interventions addressing CNA equity. However, it is imperative to establish the validity and reliability of these instruments across diverse populations, particularly among racial and ethnic minoritized groups, and develop or adapt tools that measure burnout and workload for CNAs. Furthermore, a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms driving these inequities through qualitative data is crucial for developing targeted and impactful interventions.Highlights
Measuring equity among CNAs is important to evaluate strategies intended to improve equity.
The identified tools enable assessment of how CNAs feel about important constructs that are related to equity.
We found no tools that comprehensively measured workload or burnout experienced by CNAs.
Adaptive measurement of cognitive function based on multidimensional item response theory
Authors: Gibbons Robert D. , Lauderdale Diane S. , Wilson Robert S. , Bennett David A. , Arar Tesnim , Gallo David A. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractINTRODUCTIONUp to 20% of older adults in the United States have mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and about one‐third of people with MCI are predicted to transition to Alzheimer's disease (AD) within 5 years. Standard cognitive assessments are long and require a trained technician to administer. We developed the first computerized adaptive test (CAT) based on multidimensional item response theory (MIRT) to more precisely, rapidly, and repeatedly assesses cognitive abilities across the adult lifespan. We present results for a prototype CAT (pCAT‐COG) for assessment of global cognitive function.METHODSWe sampled items across five cognitive domains central to neuropsychological testing (episodic memory [EM], semantic memory/language [SM], working memory [WM], executive function/flexible thinking, and processing speed [PS]). The item bank consists of 54 items, with 9 items of varying difficulty drawn from six different cognitive tasks. Each of the 54 items has 3 response trials, yielding an ordinal score (0–3 trials correct). We also include three long‐term memory items not designed for adaptive administration, for a total bank of 57 items. Calibration data were collected in‐person and online, calibrated using a bifactor MIRT model, and pCAT‐COG scores validated against a technician‐administered neuropsychological battery.RESULTSThe bifactor MIRT model improved fit over a unidimensional IRT model (p < 0.0001). The global pCAT‐COG scores were inversely correlated with age (r = –0.44, p < 0.0001). Simulated adaptive administration of 11 items maintained a correlation of r = 0.94 with the total item bank scores. Significant differences between mild and no cognitive impairment (NCI) were found (effect size of 1.08 SD units). The pCAT‐COG correlated with clinician‐based global measure (r = 0.64).DISCUSSIONMIRT‐based CAT is feasible and valid for the assessment of global cognitive impairment, laying the foundation for the development of a full CAT‐COG that will draw from a much larger item bank with both global and domain specific measures of cognitive impairment.Highlights
As Americans age, numbers at risk for developing cognitive impairment are increasing.
Aging‐related declines in cognition begins decades prior to the onset of obvious cognitive impairment.
Traditional assessment is burdensome and requires trained clinicians.
We developed an adaptive testing framework using multidimensional item response theory.
It is comparable to lengthier in‐person assessments that require trained psychometrists.
The cumulative risk and severity of postoperative complications in patients with frailty undergoing major emergency abdominal surgery—A prospective cohort study
Authors: Snitkjær Christian , Jensen Thomas K. , Kokotovic Dunja , Burcharth Jakob 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundMajor emergency abdominal surgery (MEAS) has high morbidity and mortality rates. With an aging and frail population, understanding the impact of frailty on postoperative complications is crucial.MethodsThis prospective cohort study was conducted at a major university hospital in Denmark from October 1, 2020, to January 1, 2024. A total of 733 patients undergoing MEAS were assessed for frailty using the clinical frailty scale (CFS) at admission and grouped into low (CFS 1–3), moderate (CFS 4–6), and high (CFS 7–9) frailty categories. Postoperative complications were classified by the Clavien–Dindo score and comprehensive complication index (CCI) until discharge.ResultsPatients with CFS one to three had 140 complications per 100 patients, CFS four to six had 267 complications per 100 patients, and CFS seven to nine had 297 complications per 100 patients (p < 0.001). Increased frailty was associated with higher severity of complications (Clavien–Dindo score). Median CCI scores were 8.7 (CFS 1–3), 29.6 (CFS 4–6), and 38.2 (CFS 7–9) (p < 0.001). The cumulative risk of complications was higher in patients with CFS four to six and seven to nine.ConclusionHigher frailty scores correlate with an increased number and severity of complications as well as a greater overall burden of postoperative complications. The clinical frailty scale is effective for preoperative identification of high‐risk patients.Trial registration: The study was approved by the Capital Region of Denmark (P‐2020‐1166 and R‐21038079) and the Danish Data Protection Agency (P‐2021‐431).
Freytag's dramatic structure: Reflections on designing and delivering impactful trainings
Authors: Kelly‐Quattrocchi DJ , Kutten Sarah , Kroll Jonathan , Salinas Miguel 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWhile many student leadership educators facilitate trainings, research has shown most never actually learn how to design and deliver impactful experiences. This article provides a proven framework for consistently designing and delivering high‐impact, high‐engagement, and high‐enjoyment trainings that leverage experiential learning and reflective dialogue. The “Training Story” method is based on the dramatic structure introduced by German playwright Gustav Freytag (1895). In this article, we share the “Training Story” approach while illuminating promising practices for leadership educators that encourage infusing this model into their training and facilitation regimen.
Foundations of reflection in leadership training
Authors: Burns Joshua , Volpe‐White Jillian , Watkins Sally R. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractExperiential learning and reflective dialogue are essential components of leadership learning. When leadership educators incorporate these practices into leadership training, they provide opportunities for leadership learners to develop foundational knowledge and skills for engaging in the leadership process. To effectively facilitate leadership trainings, educators should practice approaches to reflection, consider their identities, become comfortable with holding space, and engage in metacognitive reflection.
The Atheist ‘Converts’
Authors: Laws Ben 
Published: November 2024

AbstractChapter 3 delves into the assimilation between religious conversion cases and nonreligion cases, where nonbelievers are often referred to as ‘converts’ despite not converting to any religion. It explores how nonreligious cases are awkwardly processed using templates meant for religious conversions, revealing the underlying cultural assumptions and biases. The chapter questions the legitimacy of such practices and examines the hierarchy of religion and belief in the asylum process. By critiquing the existing framework, it points towards the need for a more nuanced understanding and treatment of nonreligious claims.
Fusing photons into nothing, a new search for invisible ALPs and Dark Matter at Belle II
Authors: Acanfora Francesca , Franceschini Roberto , Mastroddi Alessio , Redigolo Diego 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
We consider an axion-like particle coupled to the Standard Model photons and decaying invisibly at Belle II. We propose a new search in the e+e− + invisible channel that we compare against the standard γ + invisible channel. We find that the e+e− + invisible channel has the potential to ameliorate the reach for the whole ALP mass range. This search leverages dedicated kinematic variables which significantly suppress the Standard Model background. We explore the implications of our expected reach for Dark Matter freeze-out through ALP-mediated annihilations.
Rage against the authority machines: how to design artificial moral advisors for moral enhancement
Authors: Landes Ethan , Voinea Cristina , Uszkai Radu 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis paper aims to clear up the epistemology of learning morality from artificial moral advisors (AMAs). We start with a brief consideration of what counts as moral enhancement and consider the risk of deskilling raised by machines that offer moral advice. We then shift focus to the epistemology of moral advice and show when and under what conditions moral advice can lead to enhancement. We argue that people’s motivational dispositions are enhanced by inspiring people to act morally, instead of merely telling them how to act. Drawing upon these insights, we claim that if AMAs are to genuinely enhance people morally, they should be designed as inspiration and not authority machines. In the final section, we evaluate existing AMA models to shed light on which holds the most promise for helping to make users better moral agents.
Investigation of flow characteristics of various-aspect-ratio rectangular nozzles with an aft deck
Authors: Chen W.-L. , Huang W.-H. , Lai W.-H. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis study presents an experimental and numerical investigation to characterize the plume pattern of a high-aspect-ratio rectangular convergent/divergent nozzle with an aft deck in under-expanded conditions. The function of an aft deck is to shield the infrared signal of an exhaust plume at its strongest intensity located at the immediate downstream region of the nozzle exit. However, this practice may cause undesirable plume deflection, which needs to be reduced as much as possible. The nozzle pressure ratios ranged from 2 to 4, and the effect of the nozzle exit aspect ratio was examined using wall static pressure measurements and schlieren visualization for cold flows. The experimental setup involved a 3D-printed aft deck nozzle made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene material, which underwent surface smoothing using acetone vapor. Numerical simulations were conducted using the commercial STARCCM$$^{\mathrm {+}}$$

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software to analyze static pressure ratio variations at the aft deck. The investigation revealed that a nozzle pressure ratio of 3 induced a downward plume deflection at aspect ratio values of 6.77 and 7.54, while an increased aspect ratio of 8.35 resulted in the horizontal ejection of the plume. Moreover, at an aspect ratio of 8.35, the plume was ejected horizontally for nozzle pressure ratios ranging from 2 to 4. At a nozzle pressure ratio of 4, the flow separated from the deck without reattaching, and the plume moved horizontally with minimal deflection. The findings suggest that a combination of a high aspect ratio and sufficiently high nozzle pressure ratio can effectively reduce plume deflection.
Finite diffeomorphism theorem for manifolds with lower Ricci curvature and bounded energy
Authors: Jiang Wenshuai , Wei Guofang 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIn this paper we prove that the space $$\mathcal {M}(n,\textrm{v},D,\Lambda ):=\{(M^n,g) \text { closed }: ~~\textrm{Ric}\ge -(n-1),~\textrm{Vol}(M)\ge \textrm{v}>0, \text {diam}(M)\le D \text { and } \int _{M}|\textrm{Rm}|^{n/2}\le \Lambda \}$$

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