bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analyzing problem framing in design teams: a systems mapping approach
Authors: Litster Gregory , Cardoso Carlos , Hurst Ada 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Early phases of the design process require designers to select into view elements of the problem that they deem important. This exploration process is commonly referred to as problem framing and is essential to solution generation. There have recently been calls in the literature for more precise representations of framing activity and how individual designers come to negotiate shared frames in team settings. This paper presents a novel research approach to understand design framing activity using a system thinking lens. Systems thinking is the way that we understand a system’s components and the interrelations to create interventions, which can be used to move the system outcomes in a more favorable direction. The proposed approach is based on the observation that systems as mental representations of the problem bear some similarity to frames as collections of concepts implicit in the designer’s cognition. Systems mapping – a common visualization tool used to facilitate systems thinking – could then be used to model external representations of framing, made explicit through speech, and sketches. We thus adapt systems mapping to develop a coding scheme to analyze verbal protocols of design activity to retrospectively represent framing activity. The coding scheme is applied on two distinct datasets. The resulting system maps are analyzed to highlight team problem frames, individual contributions, and how the framing activity evolves over time. This approach is well suited to visualize the framing activity that occurs in open-ended problem contexts, where designers are more focused on problem finding and analysis rather than concept generation and detailed design. Several future research avenues for which this approach could be used or extended, including using new computational methods, are presented.
Oro-faecal transmission of SARS-CoV-2: A systematic review of studies employing viral culture from gastrointestinal and other potential oro-faecal sources and evidence for transmission to humans
Authors: Gandini Sara , Conly John , Spencer Elizabeth A. , Evans David , Rosca Elena C , Brassey Jon , Maltoni Susanna , Onakpoya Igho , Plüddemann Annette , Jefferson Tom , Heneghan Carl 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The extent to which the oro-faecal route contributes to the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is not established.
We systematically reviewed the evidence on the presence of infectious SARS-CoV-2 in faeces and other gastrointestinal sources by examining studies that used viral culture to investigate the presence of replication-competent virus in these samples. We conducted searches in the WHO COVID-19 Database, LitCovid, medRxiv, and Google Scholar for SARS-CoV-2 using keywords and associated synonyms, with a search date up to 28 November 2023.
We included 13 studies involving 229 COVID-19 subjects – providing 308 faecal or rectal swab SARS-CoV2 reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-positive samples tested with viral culture. The methods used for viral culture across the studies were heterogeneous. Three studies (two cohorts and one case series) reported observing replication-competent SARS-CoV-2 confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR (qPCR) and whole-genome sequencing, and qPCR including appropriate cycle threshold changes. Overall, six (1.9%) of 308 faecal samples subjected to cell culture showed replication-competent virus. One study found replication-competent samples from one immunocompromised patient. No studies were identified demonstrating direct evidence of oro-faecal transmission to humans.
Our review found a relatively low frequency of replication-competent SARS-CoV-2 in faecal and other gastrointestinal sources. Although it is biologically plausible, more research is needed using standardized cell culture methods, control groups, adequate follow-up, and robust epidemiologic methods, including whether secondary infections occurred, to determine the role of the oro-faecal route in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2.
Knowledge and perception of older adults toward end of life and advanced directive in Nigeria
Authors: Cadmus Eniola Olubukola , Oyinlola Oluwagbemiga , Obadare Abiola , Adebusoye Lawrence Adekunle , Mahmoud Kafayat 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Older adults often have a heightened awareness of death due to personal losses. In many low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria, conversation about end-of-life issues and advanced care planning (ACP) among older adults is gradually emerging. Our study explored older adults’ knowledge and perceptions towards advanced directives and end-of-life issues in a geriatric care setting in Nigeria.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among older adults (aged ≥60 years) in a geriatric outpatient clinic. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered, semi-structured questionnaire, tested at a significance level set at alpha 0.05.

Results
The study included 204 participants with a mean age of 71.3 ± 7.2 years, predominantly female (67.2%). Few of the participants have heard about end of life (20.1%), living will (19.1%), power of attorney (19.6%), and ACP (25.9%). About 29.9% of the respondents considered having a living will, of which about 34.4% have written one. Only 23 (11.3%) would consider discussing ACP in the future, 32 (15.7%) would discuss place of care, and 30 (14.7%) place of death. Preparedness for end of life and knowledge of ACP was higher among males, those with formal education, and those with good self-rated health (p < 0.05).

Significance of results
The study highlighted gap in awareness and engagement in ACP among older adults in a country like Nigeria. This lack of knowledge can lead to inadequate end-of-life care and unpreparedness for critical health decisions for older adults in Africa. Thus, improving awareness and understanding of ACP can empower older adults, ensuring their end-of-life preferences are respected, enhancing the quality of care, and reducing the emotional and financial burden on families.
The Roots of Direct Democracy in the United States: South Dakota’s 1898 Referendum Creating the First Statewide Initiative Process
Authors: Dinan John , Heckelman Jac C. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWe investigate voter preferences for changes in voting rules, focusing specifically on the creation of citizen-initiative processes that were originally adopted in South Dakota in 1898 and eventually enacted by half of the states. Various claims have been advanced about why the process was adopted and who supported or opposed it, but without presenting evidence from referenda where voters approved the creation of the process. We test these claims by examining county-level election returns from South Dakota’s 1898 referendum that created the first statewide initiative process in the United States. We find that support for the initiative process was generally higher among groups that are disadvantaged in various ways by existing representative institutions and perceive advantages in creating direct democratic institutions capable of bypassing representative processes. These findings stand in contrast to the notion that the adoption of constitutional rules will be relatively free from calculations rooted in self-interest and perceived advantage from the rules changes.
From Congress to the States: Explaining the Emergence and Membership of Freedom Caucuses in State Legislatures
Authors: Green Matthew N. , Gawehns Florian 
Published: November 2024

AbstractSince 2017, Republican lawmakers in a growing number of US states have formed ideological intraparty organizations, modeled after the US House Freedom Caucus, that seek to move state policy further rightward. What explains the appearance of these state freedom caucuses, and what kinds of lawmakers are more likely to join them? We show that the creation of these caucuses was initially motivated by concerns that state-level legislative Republican parties are too ideologically heterogeneous but has since been driven by conservative entrepreneurs seeking to spread freedom caucuses nationally. We also provide evidence that conservative legislators are more likely to join a new state freedom caucus, as one would expect, but also that, in a few states, lawmakers who are more electorally vulnerable lawmakers or lack internal influence have also been more likely to join. These findings underscore how state-level ideological caucuses can appeal to members’ multiple goals and serve as instruments of vertical polarization in a federal system.
Quantitative Decoupling Analysis for Assessing the Meteorological, Emission, and Chemical Influences on Fine Particle Pollution
Authors: Wang Junhua , Ge Baozhu , Kong Lei , Chen Xueshun , Li Jie , Lu Keding , Dong Yayuan , Su Hang , Wang Zifa , Zhang Yuanhang 
Published: November 2024

AbstractA comprehensive understanding of meteorological, emission and chemical influences on severe haze is essential for air pollution mitigation. However, the nonlinearity of the atmospheric system greatly hinders this understanding. In this study, we developed the quantitative decoupling analysis (QDA) method by applying the Factor Separation (FS) method into the model processes to quantify the effects of emissions (E), meteorology (M), chemical reactions (C), and their nonlinear interactions and impact on fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution. Taking a heavy‐haze episode in Beijing as an example, we show that different from the integrated process rate (IPR) and the scenario analysis approach (SAA) in previous studies, the QDA method explicitly demonstrate the nonlinear effects by decomposing the variation of PM2.5 concentration into individual contributions of E, M and C terms as well as the contributions from interactions among these processes. Results showed that M dominated the hourly fluctuation of the PM2.5 concentration. The C terms increase with increasing the level of haze, reaching maximum (0.37 μg m−3 h−1) at the maintenance stage. Moreover, our method reveals that there are non‐negligible non‐linear effects of meteorological, emission, and chemical processes during pollution stage, with the mean accounting for 50% of the increase in PM2.5 concentrations, which is often ignored in the current air pollution control strategies. This study highlights that the QDA approach can be used to gain insight into the formation of heavy pollution, and to identify uncertainty in numerical models.
Distinct causes underlie double-peaked trilobite morphological disparity in cephalic shape
Authors: Drage Harriet B. , Pates Stephen 
Published: November 2024

AbstractTrilobite cephalic shape disparity varied through geological time and was integral to their ecological niche diversity, and so is widely used for taxonomic assignments. To fully appreciate trilobite cephalic evolution, we must understand how this disparity varies and the factors responsible. We explore trilobite cephalic disparity using a dataset of 983 cephalon outlines of c. 520 species, analysing the associations between cephalic morphometry and taxonomic assignment and geological Period. Elliptical Fourier transformation visualised as a Principal Components Analysis suggests significant differences in morphospace occupation and in disparity measures between the groups. Cephalic shape disparity peaks in the Ordovician and Devonian. The Cambrian–Ordovician expansion of morphospace occupation reflects radiations to new niches, with all trilobite orders established by the late Ordovician. In comparison, the Silurian–Devonian expansion seems solely a result of within-niche diversification. Linear Discriminant Analyses cross-validation, average cephalon shapes, and centroid distances demonstrate that, except for Harpida and the Cambrian and Ordovician Periods, order and geological Period cannot be robustly predicted for an unknown trilobite. Further, k-means clustering analyses suggest the total dataset naturally subdivides into only seven groups that do not correspond with taxonomy, though k-means clusters do decrease in number through the Palaeozoic, aligning with findings of decreasing disparity.
Liquid-liquid crystalline phase separation of spider silk proteins
Authors: Landreh Michael , Osterholz Hannah , Chen Gefei , Knight Stefan D. , Rising Anna , Leppert Axel 
Published: November 2024

AbstractLiquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of proteins can be considered an intermediate solubility regime between disperse solutions and solid fibers. While LLPS has been described for several pathogenic amyloids, recent evidence suggests that it is similarly relevant for functional amyloids. Here, we review the evidence that links spider silk proteins (spidroins) and LLPS and its role in the spinning process. Major ampullate spidroins undergo LLPS mediated by stickers and spacers in their repeat regions. During spinning, the spidroins droplets shift from liquid to crystalline states. Shear force, altered ion composition, and pH changes cause micelle-like spidroin assemblies to form an increasingly ordered liquid-crystalline phase. Interactions between polyalanine regions in the repeat regions ultimately yield the characteristic β-crystalline structure of mature dragline silk fibers. Based on these findings, we hypothesize that liquid-liquid crystalline phase separation (LLCPS) can describe the molecular and macroscopic features of the phase transitions of major ampullate spidroins during spinning and speculate whether other silk types may use a similar mechanism to convert from liquid dope to solid fiber.
Indocyanine Green Marking of Axillary Sentinel Lymph Nodes in Early Breast Cancer
Authors: Hartmann Steffi , Plonus Meri-Liis , Schultek Gesche , Stubert Johannes , Gerber Bernd , Reimer Toralf 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAxillary sentinel lymph node excision (SLNE) in breast cancer patients with clinically node-negative disease may be carried out using different tracers. The standard tracer is technetium colloid (99mTc). Indocyanine green (ICG) can be used as an alternative. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical usefulness of this fluorescent dye in a standardized setting.A prospective, single-center cohort study carried out at the University Gynecological Hospital of Rostock from September 2023 to May 2024 carried out sentinel lymph node marking using only ICG in patients with breast malignancies. The ICG injection was administered immediately after the induction of anesthesia. Detection of the sentinel lymph node (SLN) was done using a laparoscopy system suitable for ICG. The aim was to determine the detection rate (DR) for SLNs marked exclusively using ICG and to record any complications. The costs of using ICG to mark SLNs were compared with those for 99mTc marking.During the study period, contraindications against marking with ICG were ascertained for five (3.8%) of 132 patients with planned SLNE. A total of 100 SLNEs were carried out after ICG marking in patients who met the inclusion criteria in the context of the study. A median of two SLNs were resected. The detection rate (DR) for SLNs was 98.0%. SLNs were identified in all obese patients. No serious systemic side effects occurred following ICG injection. Transient skin discoloration in the area around the injection site were observed in eight patients. The direct cost of ICG marking was 62.73 Euros, which was 170.36 Euros lower than the cost of 99mTc marking.The detection rate of axillary SLNs marked using ICG is high and the method is cost-effective, has few side effects and can also be used in obese patients. Contraindications against the administration of ICG are rare. Marking with ICG is a good alternative to the 99mTc method and offers advantages in terms of costs, logistics, no exposure to radiation, and patient comfort.
Pulmonary Vascular Disease in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Kay Dana , Bernardo Roberto , Elwing Jean 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPulmonary hypertension (PH) is a vascular disease characterized by pulmonary artery remodeling and right heart failure. PH related to COPD is a precapillary form of the disease, with hemodynamic measurements including a mean pulmonary artery pressure of greater than 20 mm Hg, a wedge pressure of less than 15 mm Hg, and a pulmonary vascular resistance of greater than 3 WU (Woods units), categorized under the World Health Organization classification as group 3. The presence of PH in COPD has been known to increase morbidity and mortality. Limited studies have evaluated treatment options for PH related to COPD.
Empagliflozin Raises Sodium in SIADH Patient, Enabling Timely Surgery
Authors: Abouglila Kamal , Gatnash Mouad 
Published: November 2024

AbstractEmpagliflozin, a selective sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, induces osmotic diuresis via glucosuria and may represent a novel therapeutic approach for managing syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH). This case report details the successful use of empagliflozin to correct persistent hyponatremia in a 78-year-old man with SIADH, awaiting elective abdominal surgery for hernia repair over several months. The patient, who had a history of hypertension and multinodular thyroid goiter with normal thyroid function tests, continued to experience low serum sodium levels despite discontinuing enalapril, previously used for hypertension management. An extensive evaluation confirmed a diagnosis of SIADH, with sodium levels initially ranging between 124 and 128 mmol/L. Traditional management, including fluid restriction, failed to normalize his sodium levels, leading to repeated cancellations of his scheduled surgery due to persistent hyponatremia. In October 2023, treatment with empagliflozin was initiated, leading to a gradual increase in sodium levels. Within 3 weeks, his serum sodium had normalized to 134 mmol/L, accompanied by a rise in serum osmolality. As a result, the elective surgery was successfully performed without complications. These findings suggest that empagliflozin, in combination with fluid restriction, offers a promising treatment option for improving sodium levels in patients with SIADH, helping avoid unnecessary delays in elective surgical interventions.
Navigating COPD in Aging Populations: Insights Into Pathophysiology and Comprehensive Care
Authors: Atchley William T. , Montgomery Amy , Seth Rohan , Gandhi Tanmay , Brewer Shannon 
Published: November 2024

AbstractChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) poses a significant and growing health burden among aging populations, marked by increasing prevalence and complex management challenges specific to elderly patients. This review explores the multifaceted interplay between COPD and aging, highlighting overlapping pathophysiological processes and comorbidities that complicate diagnosis and treatment. We examine age-specific management strategies, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches that account for the unique physical, cognitive, and health-related quality of life impacts on older adults. Additionally, we discuss preventive treatments and the critical roles of mental health, end-of-life care, and caregiver support in comprehensive disease management. The importance of integrative approaches to enhancing health care delivery is also underscored. Finally, we outline future directions, focusing on novel treatment pathways and the identification of biomarkers for early detection. Addressing these elements is essential for optimizing care in this vulnerable population and alleviating the significant societal and economic impacts of COPD among aging patients.
Orthogonally polarized dual-wavelength Nd:LiYF4 laser at 1777 and 1789 nm with 1:1 output power ratio
Authors: Wang Shuang , Li Changli 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
A diode-pumped continuous-wave orthogonally polarized dual-wavelength Nd:LiYF4 (Nd:YLF) laser on 4F3/2 → 4I15/2 transition is studied. The output power ratio can be adjusted using two intracavity uncoated glass plates. At an incident pump power of 20 W, a dual-wavelength laser operating at 1777 nm in π-polarization and 1789 nm in σ-polarization was realized. The total output power of the dual-wavelength laser was more than 1.16 W with a 1:1 output power ratio. The total slope efficiency and total optical conversion efficiency with respect to the incident pump power were 4.6% and 2.9%, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work realizing mid-infrared wavelength operation in Nd:YLF lasers on 4F3/2 → 4I15/2 transition.
Study on the Effect of Nitrogen Bubble Foam Flooding in Deep Heavy Oil Reservoirs with Edge And Bottom Water
Authors: Ma Qian , Ma Jun-jie , Zhao Ju-ju , Wei Wen-zong , Zhao Xiao 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The oil recovery rate is low, the degree of recovery is low and the water content rises fast after water flooding in deep edge and bottom water heavy oil reservoir in Lukeqin oilfield. In order to explore the method to improve the production effect, the integrated foam system of high temperature and high pressure resistant viscosity reduction and oil displacement is optimized. On the basis of clarifying the mechanism of improving the production effect of nitrogen foam flooding for deep heavy oil, taking the west area of Lukeqin oilfield as the research object, the parameter optimization design of nitrogen foam flooding for deep edge and bottom water heavy oil is carried out, such as injection section plug, gas-liquid ratio and injection-recovery ratio. The optimization results are as follows: the injected nitrogen foam slug is 0.2pv, the gas-liquid ratio is 1-1.2, and the injection production ratio is 1:1. The pilot test of 4 well groups was carried out on the site. After foam flooding, the injection pressure was increased by 5.2mpa, the daily oil production of the oil well was increased by 43T / D, the water cut was decreased by 45%, the accumulated oil production was increased by 32000 tons, and the oil recovery was expected to be increased by more than 10%. The purpose of improving the development efficiency of this type of oil reservoir was achieved. Using this optimization technology for scheme design and field implementation, the oil enhancement effect is remarkable and improves the benefit of deep thick oil development, which can provide technical support for the development of similar domestic reservoirs.
Research on Characteristics and Centrifuge Treating Chemical of Floccules Generated by ASP Flooding Produced Water Treatment
Authors: Ai Guang-zhi , Wu Di , Xue Qiang , Zhang Hui-ping 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The addition of composite water clear agents (acid, inorganic coagulant and organic flocculant) was an effective method for the treatment of the high ASP contents produced water about strong alkali system. However, it formed a large amount of flocs, which poses significant environmental pressure. In order to reduce the production of flocs, chemical analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and other methods were used to study the composition and structure of flocs generated in the treatment of produced water. It was found that the reason for the difficulty in flocs dewatering was that the gel generated by the action of polyacrylamide in produced water and water cleaning agent contained strong hydrophilic groups and formed a three-dimensional network structure. In view of this feature of flocs, concentrated treatment agent research was carried out from the ideas of degradation, coagulation, density regulation, etc. Field trials have shown that adding 1% of the treatment agent, the water content of the flocs after centrifugal treatment was reduced from 97% to 73% and its volume was reduced by 89%. The flocs concentration treatment agent solved the problem of large flocs production in the application process of composite water clear agents, and was of great significance in the oilfield environment protecting and green production.