bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hygroscopicity promotes condensation
Authors: Wang Zhan-Long , Hu Jun 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Many substances in nature and human society exhibit hygroscopicity. Nowadays, these hygroscopic substances have been broadly used in various domains, e.g., suppressing condensation and icing, collecting water vapor, electric power generation, indoor dehumidification, vapor-fed photocatalytic water splitting and hydrogen production. Due to its hygroscopicity, it has been believed for hundreds of years that hygroscopic substances reduce surrounding humidity and inhibit condensation. Here, we report a distinct phenomenon where hygroscopic liquids, particularly ethylene glycol, a typical hygroscopic solution, induce spontaneous condensation of surrounding water vapor in confined spaces, forming pure condensed droplet patterns. On hydrophobic surfaces, ethylene glycol droplets spontaneously generate a ring of condensed microdroplets around them, presenting a typical structure of Saturn-ring droplets. On smooth surfaces, a filter paper strip soaked in ethylene glycol can cause obvious condensation on the surface when it approaches the surface and within a certain distance, through the confined hygroscopic condensation effect. By utilizing this phenomenon, we achieve water vapor condensation screen-printing of specific shapes on a fixed surface, which we define as Screen Printing of Condensation Patterns (SPCP). This provides an important approach for controlling water vapor condensation and preparing microstructure of moisture sensitive materials. Additionally, this phenomenon can be used for moisture harvesting without the need for specially designed structured surfaces or complex adsorption and desorption processes, achieving a maximum theoretical condensation rate of 20.7 g/m²·min at 80% relative humidity. This unusual phenomenon not only challenge the traditional understanding of hygroscopic substances, but also introduce a new strategy for precisely controlling water vapor condensation, and exploring various novel applications based on controllable condensation patterns.
Predictive Design of Ultrastretchable Electrodes with Strain-Insensitive Performance via Machine Intelligence
Authors: Chen Po-Yen , Yang Haochen , Chen Qiongyu , Chen Tianle , Li Yang , Norris Elizabeth , Little Joshua , Sun Jiayue , Shrestha Snehi , Ren Shenqiang , Li Teng 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Innovations in wearable electronics and soft robotics hinge significantly on the development of stretchable electrodes. However, a persistent challenge lies in balancing high stretchability, functional performance, and strain insensitivity. Traditional methods rely on time-consuming and labor-intensive iterative experiments to navigate a vast parameter space. To overcome this, we establish an integrated workflow merging collaborative robotics, machine learning, and finite element simulations to enable the predictive design of ultrastretchable electrodes with strain-insensitive performance. Initially, an automated pipetting robot generates 286 nanocomposites, and their electrical conductance is assessed to train a support-vector machine regressor. Through 7 active learning loops, we fabricate 146 conductive interlayers to construct an ensemble model of artificial neural networks. Leveraging the prediction model and two-scale simulations, we discover a microtextured conductive interlayer as a strain-stable platform. By evaporating a thin gold layer, we develop an ultrastretchable gold conductor with metal-like conductivity, surpassing 1,000% resistance-insensitive stretchability, and robust durability. Furthermore, electrodepositing Zn and MnO2 on gold conductors enables fabrication of a Zn//MnO2 battery showcasing >300% stretchability and strain-insensitive performance. This machine intelligence-driven approach expedites the multi-parameter optimization of stretchable electrodes, achieving strain-invariant functionalities.
Predicting categorical and continuous outcomes of subjects on the Alzheimer's Disease spectrum using a single MRI without PET, cognitive or fluid biomarkers
Authors: Ma Daren , Pabalan Christabelle , Rajagopal Abhejit , Akanksha Akanksha , Interian Yannet , Yang Yang , Raj Ashish 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Modern artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning (DL) techniques have been remarkably successful in predicting Alzheimer's Disease diagnosis and conversion to dementia. However, more continuous outcome measures such as cognitive assessment are needed for richer diagnosis, prognosis, disease trajectory tracking and cohort enrichment in clinical trials. Currently, subjective, time-consuming and operator-sensitive neurocognitive batteries remain the only viable methods of assessing cognition. Very few successful DL studies exist for predicting continuous measures like cognition; those rare ones typically require multiple expensive molecular neuroimaging modalities, fluid biomarkers and multiple visits. Given that MRI is the most prevalent and clinically available imaging modality, its use for quantifying progression and predicting cognition is of great interest. Yet, MRI alone does not capture clinical heterogeneity effectively and has not proven useful in modern DL models of AD progression.

Here we propose a novel multitask DL strategy leveraging both domain knowledge and large pretrained models. We experiment with transfer learning using pretrained models in imaging like ResNet50; and customizing domain knowledge-informed loss functions and image-derived latent representations. Our objective is to predict cognitive scores using only baseline MRI and demographics, bypassing the need for longitudinal or multimodal data, neurocognitive assessment or specialized neuroimaging analysis skills -- a more practical goal that can be accomplished in most community clinic settings. Specifically, we show that the latent representations of the patient's MRI tuned to the tissue segmentation task are powerful regularization attributes and excellent input features for the cognition prediction task. This knowledge-based multitask implementation of DL vastly outperforms all existing methods including straightforward transfer learning on large pre-trained models, producing high-quality segmentation maps, accurate diagnosis, and both current and future cognitive scores, using a single MRI and demographic data readily available at baseline. This study has deep implications in early diagnosis, prognosis, and clinical trial design.
Assessing the Quality of Care for Knee Osteoarthritis in Singapore: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Tan Ren Hao Linus , Goff Anthony J , Lim Chien Joo , Tan Yijia Bryan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introduction
The aim of this study was to assess the self-reported quality of care for people with knee osteoarthritis in Singapore and to explore the associations between participant characteristics and functional outcomes at 1 year in relation to the reported quality of care.
Methods
Patients with knee osteoarthritis completed the osteoarthritis quality indicator (OA-QI) questionnaire between June 2021 and February 2022. The OA-QI includes 17 indicators, with "achievement" defined as a 'Yes' response for each. We calculated individual per-item, overall per-item mean, and per-person achievement rates (%) and explored associations between participant characteristics, achievement rates, and function at 1 year.
Results
A total of 314 participants completed the OA-QI. Referral for physical activity (87.5%) and referral for daily activity aid assessment (15.7%) had the highest and lowest per-item achievement rates, respectively. The overall mean per-item and per-person achievement rates were both 62.2%. Participants educated about steroid injections (adjusted coefficient [95% CI]: 7.23 [1.42–13.04]; p= 0.015) or surgery (adjusted coefficient [95% CI]: 12.65 [5.89–19.40]; p< 0.001) had worse functional outcomes at one year than those who were eligible but not informed. Those not assessed for walking aids and indicating walking issues had poorer outcomes one year later (adjusted coefficient [95% CI]: -9.89 (-19.63, -0.15); p= 0.0470). However, no significant associations were found between per-person achievement rates and 1-year functional outcomes.
Conclusions
The quality of care in Singapore for people with knee osteoarthritis is suboptimal, especially for those needing walking aids and weight loss assistance. However, the quality of care alone does not fully account for long-term outcomes, suggesting that other factors need to be considered.
Clinical Trial Number: clinicaltrials.gov registry (Identifier: NCT04942236)
Trial registration date: 25th June 2021
Prevalence of bovine paratuberculosis in Chinese cattle populations: A meta-analysis
Authors: Huiying Zhang , Shuiyun Chen , Mingfeng Chu , Wei Cheng , Honghai Wang , Xuelong Chen , Yanping Qi , Liang Yuchen 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Bovine paratuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease of ruminants primarily caused by Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis. It is essentially a chronic granulomatous enteritis characterized by intractable diarrhea, progressive lethargy, and thickening of the intestinal mucosa with the formation of crumpled pouches that might be related to Crohn's disease in humans. Bovine paratuberculosis not only adversely affects milk production and the quality of dairy products but also poses a significant threat to the economic development of dairy farming and human food security. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to assess the prevalence of Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis infection among cattle herds in mainland China.
Results
In China, the overall estimated prevalence of Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis infection in cattle was 9% (7728/ 102340). Interestingly, the Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis infection rate in cattle in southern China was estimated to be 2% (6/281), which was significantly lower compared with other regions of China, and the highest infection rate was 12% (1914/16008) in eastern China. Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis infection rates were related to age, average herd size, type of use, season, detection method, and sample type.
Conclusion
Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis infection in cattle was common in China. Therefore, further studies and monitoring of the prevalence of Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis infection are necessary to develop novel intervention strategies. The analysis identified age, average herd size, type of use, and season as significant potential risk factors associated with paratuberculosis pool positivity. In addition, the detection method and sample type can also potentially affect the incidence of detected paratuberculosis.
Voices from the Field: A Qualitative Study of Humanitarian Practitioners’ Experiences in Delivering Sexual and Reproductive Health Services to the Rohingya in Cox’s Bazar
Authors: Banerjee Deeplina 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services for the Rohingya in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar focus on critical interventions like maternal and newborn care, access to family planning and modern contraceptives, and community-based programming. This study explores the experiences of humanitarian practitioners in delivering SRH care during protracted humanitarian crises. This study uses qualitative research methods, including 23 semi-structured interviews with international and local humanitarian practitioners who were or are involved with the delivery of SRH care to the Rohingya in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar. Although SRH services are available free of cost, religious and cultural beliefs, myths, and misinformation lead to low uptake among the Rohingya, particularly women and girls. Operational, infrastructural, and resource constraints also exacerbate the existing barriers in service delivery. Nevertheless, humanitarian and aid organizations have developed strategic interventions to continue the delivery of emergency and critical SRH services. Adopting cultural sensitivity and involving faith-based leaders in SRH-related communication has led to promising developments in Cox’s Bazar. The introduction of community-based transportation and volunteers has enhanced access to SRH services for women and girls. Capacity-building initiatives for local community health volunteers have also resulted in a greater sense of empowerment within the Rohingya community. The findings and discussion in this study reinforce the need for humanitarian practitioners to adopt community-involved and innovative strategies to increase SRH service utilization and build trust among conflict-affected populations.
Comparative Analysis of Land-Based vs. Water-Based Balance Training on Quality of Life and Physical and Psychological Deficits in Athletes with Chronic Ankle Instability: A Randomized Controlled Trial Assessing the Influence of Exercise Environment
Authors: Naderi Aynollah , Ahi Khadije 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background Aquatic training is recognized for its effective and gentle rehabilitation benefits, yet its effects on athletes with chronic ankle instability (CAI) is not well-studied. This research aims to compare the effects of water-based (WBBE) and land-based (LBBE) balance training on functional performance, dynamic balance, fear of reinjury, and quality of life in athletes with CAI, hypothesizing that aquatic training will lead to greater improvements.Methods Forty-one athletes with CAI were randomly assigned to either the WBBE group (n = 21) or the LBBE group (n = 20). Both groups participated in an identical balance training program consisting of 24 sessions over 8 weeks, each lasting 30–45 minutes. Functional ankle instability was assessed using the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT), kinesiophobia with the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK-17), and quality of life with the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36). Dynamic postural control was measured with the Y Balance Test (YBT), and functional performance was evaluated through the Figure-8 hop (F8H) and the single-limb side-hop (SLSH) tests. Perceived treatment effects were assessed using the Global Rating of Change (GROC). Data were analyzed using mixed-design ANOVA (P ≤ 0.05).Results The statistical analysis of the study revealed no significant time × group interaction effects for CAIT scores, kinesiophobia scores, the Psychological Quality of Life (QoL) Component, or SEBT scores (p > 0.05). The LBBE group showed significant improvements in functional tasks, specifically in F8H and SLSH scores, compared to the WBBE group (p < 0.05), while the WBBE group had better outcomes in overall Quality of Life and the Physical QoL Component than the LBBE group (p < 0.05).Conclusion Both land-based and water-based balance exercises offer unique benefits for rehabilitating athletes with CAI, with land-based exercises improving functional performance and water-based exercises enhancing overall and physical Quality of Life. A flexible, individualized rehabilitation program that incorporates both modalities can optimize recovery and address specific needs like Quality of Life and functional performance, despite no significant differences in ankle stability, kinesiophobia, psychological QoL, and dynamic balance between the two approaches.Trial registration Clinical Trials: UMIN000051746
Kato-Katz versus Urine Circulating Cathodic Antigen for the Diagnosis of Schistosoma mansoni in Preschool- aged children in Homabay County- Kenya
Authors: Isaiah Phyllis Munyiva , Nyawanda Bryan , Okoyo Collins , Steinmann Peter 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The diagnosis of schistosomiasis in preschool-aged children (PSAC) is challenging. Point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) assays offer potential improvements in diagnostic access in hard-to-reach areas over the conventional Kato-Katz (KK) test.
This study compared the diagnostic accuracy of KK versus POC-CCA in urine and stool samples from PSAC in a S. mansoni endemic hard-to-reach area in Kenya.
Using combined positive results of both KK and POC-CCA tests as the ‘gold standard’, the overall sensitivity of KK (57.6%, 95%CI: 49.1-65.8) was significantly lower than that of POC-CCA (73.2%, 95%CI: 65.0-80.4); ꭕ2m = 5.88, p = 0.015. There was moderate agreement between KK and the combined results (k = 0.599, p < 0.001, concordance 80.9%) and a substantial agreement between POC-CCA and the combined results (k = 0.753, p < 0.001, concordance 88.1%).
POC-CCA is a more sensitive diagnostic tool for schistosomiasis surveillance in PSAC compared to KK, particularly in hard-to-reach endemic areas and PSAC.
Examining Use of Telehealth in Jails: Linking Women to Community OUD Services
Authors: Staton Michele , Levi Mary , Winston Erin , Oser Carrie B. , Fallin-Bennett Amanda , Dickson Megan , Webster J. Matthew , Leukefeld Carl , Tillson Martha 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Opioid use disorder (OUD) remains a significant health care need for women, particularly those involved in the criminal legal system (CLS). There are no studies to date that focus on the utilization of telehealth as a platform for assessment and linkage to medications to treat opioid use disorder (MOUD) at community re-entry for women, despite the fact that women have unique risk factors that may contribute to opioid relapse in the community. The purpose of this mixed-methods study is to provide an overview of the innovative use of telehealth for linking incarcerated women to community MOUD treatment in the Kentucky-hub of the Justice Community Opioid Innovation Network (JCOIN).
Methods
Participants included women incarcerated in five Kentucky jails (N = 600) who were randomly selected, endorsed criteria consistent with OUD, provided informed consent, and participated in a telehealth intervention prior to jail release.
Results
Findings from this study suggest overall support for the use of telehealth between community MOUD treatment providers and women who are incarcerated using videoconferencing technology. On average, there was very little variation in provider favorable feedback related to clinical engagement or in face-to-face comparability, as well as how telehealth allowed the participant to discuss personal and sensitive issues during the clinical assessment.
Conclusions
Study findings suggest benefits associated with the use of telehealth in increasing access to treatment for women with OUD. Jails are critical venues for telehealth interventions because they provide the opportunity to reach women who have been actively using illicit substances, often have advanced-stage substance use disorders which have compromised their health and mental health, and often have not been previously identified as needing treatment. Trial registration: This study was originally registered on 8/23/19, ClinicalTrials.gov, #NCT04069624.
Trial registration: This study was originally registered on 8/23/19, ClinicalTrials.gov, #NCT04069624.
Separation of plasma species for investigating the impact of hydrogen plasmas on the work function of caesiated surfaces
Authors: Heiler Adrian , Friedl Roland , Fantz Ursel 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

In negative hydrogen ion sources in situ adsorption of Cs is typically used to generate low work function converter surfaces. The achievement of a temporally stable low work function coating is, however, challenging due to the hydrogen plasma interaction with the surface. Particularly in ion sources for neutral beam injection systems for fusion with pulse lengths of minutes to hours temporal instabilities are a major issue and limit the source performance. To clarify the influence of the hydrogen plasma on the converter surface, investigations are performed at an experiment equipped with an absolute work function diagnostic based on the photoelectric effect. Caesiated surfaces are exposed to the full plasma impact by the generation of plasmas in front of the surface as well as to selected plasma species (H atoms, positive ions and VUV/UV photons) from an external plasma source to identify driving mechanisms that lead to surface changes. Depending on the exposure time and initial surface condition, the plasma strongly affects the surface in terms of work function and quantum efficiency (QE). For degraded Cs layers (work function >3 eV) a favorable increase in QE and reduction in work function can be achieved, while for Cs layers with an ultra-low work function of 1.2-1.3 eV the opposite is true. It is found that each plasma species can influence the Cs layers and that VUV photons lead to a work function increase of ultra-low work function layers. For sufficiently high VUV fluences a severe work function increase by 0.5 eV is given, highlighting the relevance of photochemical processes in the plasma-surface interaction and demonstrating that ultra-low work function layers are not stable in a hydrogen plasma environment.
Numerical study of a three-dimensional ramp flow field for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC)
Authors: Wang Y. , Hou J. , Li Y. C. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) are regarded as a key technology for alleviating resource constraints and addressing environmental challenges. To enhance the output power and mass transfer characteristics of PEMFC, this study developed a 3D model of a PEMFC featuring a wedge-shaped flow field plate using CFD methods. The study focused on analyzing the flow behavior and hydrothermal management of reactants, as well as examining the water removal capacity and mass transfer characteristics across various angular channel configurations. The results indicated that different inlet methods combined with ramped flow channels affected the mass transfer within the fuel cell. The polarization curves showed greater consistency for reacting gases flowing both downstream and countercurrent. When the reacting gas flowed countercurrent, it did not favor the uniform distribution of the gas, despite its strong water removal capacity and mass transfer characteristics. The greatest impact on the performance of PEMFC was observed when the reaction gases flowed convectively. At a tilt angle of 18° and a voltage of 0.25 V, the maximum current density reached to 19,547 A/m², representing a 24.7% increase over the conventional parallel flow channel. Under these conditions, the reactive gases were more uniformly distributed within the PEMFC, and the water removal capability was significantly enhanced. The results demonstrated that the new wedge-shaped flow field plate of PEMFC can generate high current densities at larger angles and lower voltages, enhancing oxygen distribution and facilitating the efficient removal of liquid water.
Off-highway truck setup influence on vehicle dynamics and frame durability
Authors: Dantas A. E. , Faria M. T.C. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The unpaved roads of mining sites can not only lead to health problems on haul truck’s driver but also reduce its frame useful life and provide worse handling performance. This study investigates the influence of different suspension-tire setups on the behaviour of a 64-ton mining haul truck, focusing on the initial gas volume of the hydropneumatic suspension (HPS) and tire inflation pressure. Using a multibody model, typical manoeuvres were simulated to assess handling, comfort, and frame durability. Results suggested that softer suspension and tire setups could enhance ride comfort and frame durability without substantially affecting handling.