bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Luminance-based methodology for assessment of low level haze in glazing
Authors: Luna-Navarro Alessandra , Brembilla Eleonora , de la Barra Pedro , Moreau Louis , Overend Mauro 
Published: October 2024

AbstractVisual defects, in particular haze, in glass and façade technologies can significantly impact the aesthetic quality and human experience of daylight and views in buildings. The glass and façade industry increasingly requires methods that can objectively predict and measure the subjective user experience of haze. This is required to appropriately inform the manufacturing process, ensuring optimal functionality and performance, and avoiding material waste and economic losses due to the replacement of defective glazing. Existing methods for measuring haze are not appropriate for assessing large samples, either at manufacturing sites or in-situ. However, haze defects are often only exhibited and visible when glazing is produced in large samples or installed under real luminous conditions. This paper introduces a novel luminance-based method that measures haze by evaluating the halo around a light source that is observed through the glazing. This method is initially tested in a controlled laboratory setting on small glazing samples with varying level of haze. The halo serves as a proxy for haze severity and it is quantified by using luminance-based measurements. In this work, the newly-proposed method is verified by comparing the ranking in haze severity of different samples as performed by means of a standard haze meter and the newly proposed method. Additionally, the paper examines the dependence of this ranking on factors such as camera setup distance and light intensity. It was found that the proposed method was able to effectively ranks samples differing in haze intensity by more than 0.1 orders of magnitude. Positioning the camera closer to the glazing and using higher light intensity yielded more accurate results. However, for haze levels below 1% and differences smaller than 0.1 orders of magnitude, the accuracy is insufficient. To define the expected level of accuracy of methods for haze characterisation in-situ, the sensitivity of the human eye to haze under varying luminous environments and view content needs to be quantified.
A q-theorem of Pólya using Hurwitz partial fraction method
Authors: Annaby M. H. , Elsayed-Abdullah S. R. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractWe establish a q-counterpart of the method of partial fraction developed by Hurwitz-Pólya to investigate the zeros of q-cosine and q-sine transforms, where $$q \in (0,1)$$

q
∈
(
0
,
1
)

is a fixed number. We prove reality and simplicity of the zeros and give a precise description of their distribution. The conditions imposed on both q and the integrand are less restrictive than previously assumed in the literature. A direct infinite partial fraction expansion is obtained via q-sampling theory.
The mercurial rise in research of halide perovskites: what´s next
Authors: Khan Mohd Taukeer , Ahmad Shahzada 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPerovskites are of high potential in the ongoing academic research, due to their distinctive electrical properties and crystalline structures. Halide perovskites show high light emissive properties and panchromatic light absorption across the visible spectrum. The exceptional electrical characteristics, such as their long carrier lifespan, high diffusion length, and charge carrier mobility, allow the electric charges to be transported and collected effectively. Furthermore, by tuning the cations and anions composition, perovskite’s opto-electrical properties can be altered. Moreover, dimension reduction affects their band gap and intrinsic features to induce higher structural stability but at the cost of the quantum confinement effect. Owing to their exceptional properties, halide perovskites are being researched in energy-related and semiconducting applications, hold high promise and the future looks bright. But challenges remain, and the larger question is what needs to be done to make them more stable.
A narrative review on vital criteria of fungal dyes as dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC)
Authors: Pirdaus Nur Alfarina , Ahmad Nurfadzilah , Muhammad-Sukki Firdaus , Wan-Mohtar Wan Abd Al Qadr Imad 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe main two reasons for the shift to renewable energy are the depletion and the harmful effects of non-renewable energy, such as burning coal and fossil fuels. As a result, the use of solar cells as renewable energy resources, that prioritise high efficiency while lowering production costs, can provide a promising future for sustaining energy resources. Solar cells have been developed starting with the monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar cells (first generation), non-crystalline and thin film solar cells (second generation) and organic solar cells (third generation). The dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is a new type of solar cell that has gained popularity due to its ability to convert energy at a low cost, ease of fabrication, and non-toxic nature. This paper explores the use of fungal colours as natural dyes for DSSC due to their wide range of colours, large yields, sustainable supply and non-toxic. Natural fungal colours can be extracted using proper extraction conditions and methods. Although fungal dyes have several limitations like instability, non-resistance to harsh conditions, colour loss during processing or storage and limited profitable yield, they still have promising future prospects to overcome the poor interaction of natural sensitizer with semiconductor together with other advantages of fungal colour. DSSC with dye from crude extracts from Cortinarius fungi exhibited the highest efficiency of 0.64% among reported DSSC with fungal dye.
Cytosine Methylation and Demethylation Model: Equilibrium Point and the Influence of Enzymes on Cytosine Forms Levels
Authors: Fujarewicz Krzysztof , Kurasz Karolina 
Published: October 2024

AbstractEpigenetic changes, apart from changes in the DNA sequence, are one of the most important factors determining the fate of cells in living organisms. The main epigenetic change is cytosine methylation in relevant regions of DNA. Recently, we published an article in which we proposed a mathematical model of cytosine methylation and demethylation. In present work, we present an equilibrium analysis of this model. We present the conditions for its stability and aperiodic nature of the system’s free response. In particular, we focus on the influence of the levels of enzymes involved in cytosine methylation and demethylation on the equilibrium coordinates. The conclusions from this analysis are important in understanding the biological basis of the behavior of cells in living organisms.
Genetic overlap between idiopathic scoliosis and schizophrenia in the general population
Authors: de Reuver Steven , Engchuan Worrawat , Safarian Nickie , Zarrei Mehdi , Vorstman Jacob A. S. , Castelein René M. , Breetvelt Elemi J. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and schizophrenia (SCZ) are two distinct conditions with poorly understood aetiologies that both emerge in otherwise healthy young adolescents. One rare genetic condition associated with both phenotypic outcomes is the 22q11.2 deletion (22q11DS). This microdeletion, encompassing 47 genes, occurs in approximately 1 in 2,148 live births and confers a 20-fold higher risk for both AIS and schizophrenia compared to the general population. In the general population (non-22q11DS carriers), AIS and SCZ have also been reported to be related and genetic studies suggest the involvement of genetic variants implicated in the central nervous functioning. In this study, our objective was to further investigate genetic overlaps between these conditions in the general population. Specifically, we aimed to explore the role of genes within the 22q11.2 region, not only in terms of common variants but also their potential impact on gene networks and biopathways.

Methods
We used summary statistics from three genome-wide association studies (GWAS): two focused on AIS (n = 11,210), and one on schizophrenia (n = 36,989). To explore potential overlaps between the two conditions, we conducted a comparative analysis on the significance-based ranked single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are associated with both AIS and SCZ. Next, we employed in silico analyses to assess gene-networks enrichment for the most significant SNPs and investigate the contribution of genes within the 22q11.2 region. Post-hoc analysis was conducted to explore the biological pathways correlated with SNPs significantly associated with both AIS and SCZ.

Results
The in silico analyses revealed a significant (adjusted-p < 0.05) genetic overlap between SCZ and both AIS cohorts. The top 3% of the most significant SNPs associated with both conditions exhibited a distinct enrichment cluster which is unlikely to be a result of chance (p < 3e-04). The gene-networks analyses showed a significant overlap of 26–41% with the ones involving genes in the 22q11DS region. However, there was no overlap between SNPs in this region and the most significant SNPs identified in the GWAS.

Conclusion
This study revealed compelling evidence that beyond the shared association with 22q11DS as a rare genetic variant, AIS and SCZ exhibit common genetic risk variants and an overlap of important genes. The gene networks enriched by the most significant SNPs for both conditions also intersect with the ones involving genes in the 22q11DS region. However, SNPs within this region were not overrepresented among the most significant SNPs from GWAS for both conditions. Notably, gene networks linked to the risk for both conditions suggest an involvement of biopathways related to cellular signaling and neuronal development.
Quantifying global warming potential variations from greenhouse gas emission sources in forest ecosystems
Authors: Rabbi Mohammad Fazle , Kovács Sándor 
Published: October 2024

AbstractForest ecosystems play a crucial role in regulating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and mitigating climate change. This research aimed to evaluate the GHG emissions of various sources within forested ecosystems and assess their respective contributions to global warming potential (GWP), vital for developing more targeted strategies to mitigate climate change, shaping climate policies, carbon accounting, sustainable forest management, and advancing scientific comprehension of ecosystem-climate dynamics. The study comprehensively analysed carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions EDGAR data of deforestation, fires, and natural processes such as organic soil decomposition within forested ecosystems. The assessment quantified the CO2 equivalent emissions for each category from 1990 to 2022 and forecasted till 2030. Our forecast shows that CO2 emissions from deforestation could reach between 3,990 and 4,529 metric ton (Mt) by 2030, with forest fires contributing an additional 750 Mt. Forestland CO2 absorption is expected to decline to -5134.80 Mt by 2030. There is uncertainty surrounding the forecasts for Organic soil CO2 (829.78 Mt) and Other land CO2 (-764.53 Mt). In addition, deforestation was a significant contributor to CO2 emissions, with a GWP ranging from 4000 to 4500, highlighting the complex interplay between natural processes and human activities in shaping atmospheric warming patterns. Additionally, forest fires emit a complex mix of GHGs. The potency of these gases in warming the planet varies considerably, with CH4 exhibiting a GWP range of 500 to 700 Mt CO2 equivalent, and CO2 ranging from 900 and 1350 Mt. These variations depend on fire intensity and its overall impact on the climate system. Forestland acts as powerful carbon sink, capturing atmospheric CO2 with negative GWP values between -7000 and -6000. Researchers suggest a multifaceted strategy such as stricter enforcement of sustainable forestry regulations, investing in projects that promote carbon sequestration, and reforestation. Additionally, advancements in drone technology, satellite imagery, remote sensing and advanced data analytics can aid in detecting and mitigating climate change impacts, ultimately paving the way for carbon neutrality.
Graphical Abstract
Buyer Valuation of Angus Bull Attributes in Wisconsin
Authors: Joseph Kishore , Sanders Dwight R. , Nair Jayakrishnan , Prill-Adams Alicia L. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractHedonic analysis of Wisconsin Beef Improvement Association Bull Sale and Development Program data revealed buyer preferences for calving ease, growth, production weight, and carcass merit traits. Attributes like calving ease direct Expected Progeny Differences (EPD), average daily gain, birth to yearling gain EPD, and rib-eye area consistently ranked higher and significantly influenced the bull’s sale price. Further analysis using a 2-Class Finite Mixture Model indicated distinct groups of buyers in the region who prioritized measured bull attributes and others who did not, confirming heterogeneity in buyer preferences.
Who says what to whom through what channel? Formative communication research on antibiotic resistance messaging for urgent care patients
Authors: Wade Rachel B. , Turner Monique M. , Hamdy Rana F. , Jang Youjin , Heo Ruth J. , Liu Cindy M. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objective:
To explore the source, message, channel, and receiver effects on patient concern for antibiotic resistance, willingness to reduce antibiotic use, and expectations for an antibiotic prescription in a prepandemic sample.

Methods:
We used data reported from a national cross-sectional survey of adults who had visited an urgent care center within the last year. Data were collected from April 4 to April 9, 2017. The survey included an embedded experimental design to test changing effects before versus after message exposure.

Participants:
A national sample of adult participants (n = 610) who had used urgent care at least once in the past year were recruited through GfK’s KnowledgePanelTM. KnowledgePanel survey response rates are typically about 65%. Respondents ranged in age from 18 to 85 and were more likely to be female (377/610; 62%), White (408/610; 67%), and covered by private insurance (414/610; 68%).

Results:
Outcome variables were measured on 4-point scales 1–4 scale, and t-tests were conducted for measures that were collected pre and postmessaging. The majority of participants trusted their doctor and desired them as the source for information regarding antibiotic resistance, followed by field experts (eg, CDC). Direct messaging (eg, email) and targeted advertisements were least preferred.

Conclusions:
This study provides foundational data on patient communication preferences in terms of source, message content, and channel when receiving information on antibiotics and antibiotic resistance, as well as how these factors affect patient concern, willingness, and expectations. Follow-up work is needed to replicate these findings in a postpandemic sample.
Advance Consent for Participation in Acute Stroke Trials: A Focus Group Study with People with Lived Experience of Stroke
Authors: Udoh Ubong , Seeger Rena , Cummings Emma , Dewar Brian , Nicholls Stuart , Fedyk Mark , Gocan Sophia , Shepherd Victoria , Dowlatshahi Dar , Shamy Michel 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT:
Advance consent could address many of the limitations traditional consenting methods pose to participation in acute stroke trials. We conducted a series of five focus groups with people with lived experience of stroke. Using an inductive thematic approach, two themes were developed: factors in favour of, and against, advance consent. Participants supported the idea of advance consent and highlighted trust, transparent communication and sufficient time as major factors that would positively affect their decision to provide advance consent. The results will be used to finalise a model of advance consent suitable for testing the feasibility in stroke prevention clinics.
Overview of ACTIV trial-specific lessons learned
Authors: Draghia-Akli Ruxandra , Read Sarah W. , Hughes Eric A. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Accelerating COVID-19 Therapeutic Interventions and Vaccines (ACTIV) was an extraordinary example of a public-private partnership (PPP) that brought together over thirty organizations and hundreds of individuals to address one of the most pressing global health needs in recent decades. In particular, ACTIV provided a key avenue for testing numerous therapeutics for their potential benefit in treating the SARS-CoV-2 virus or the resulting symptoms of acute COVID-19 infection. Given the speed and scale at which ACTIV designed and implemented master protocols across global networks that it was simultaneously working to create, the PPP can provide valuable lessons for best practices and avoiding pitfalls the next time the world is faced with a global pandemic of a novel pathogen. This report provides a general overview of the ACTIV partnership to set the stage and context for the subsequent articles in this issue that will relay these lessons learned.
ACTIV trials: Lessons learned in trial design in the setting of an emergent pandemic
Authors: Keshtkar-Jahromi Maryam , Anstrom Kevin J. , Barkauskas Christina , Brown Samuel M. , Daar Eric S. , Fischer William , Gibbs Kevin W. , Higgs Elizabeth S. , Hughes Michael D. , Jagannathan Prasanna , LaVange Lisa , Lindsell Christopher J. , Nayak Seema U. , Paredes Roger , Parmar Mahesh , Peltan Ithan D. , Proschan Michael , Shotwell Matthew S. , Vock David M. , Yokum Tammy , Adam Stacey J. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Accelerating COVID-19 Treatment Interventions and Vaccines (ACTIV) was initiated by the US government to rapidly develop and test vaccines and therapeutics against COVID-19 in 2020. The ACTIV Therapeutics-Clinical Working Group selected ACTIV trial teams and clinical networks to expeditiously develop and launch master protocols based on therapeutic targets and patient populations. The suite of clinical trials was designed to collectively inform therapeutic care for COVID-19 outpatient, inpatient, and intensive care populations globally. In this report, we highlight challenges, strategies, and solutions around clinical protocol development and regulatory approval to document our experience and propose plans for future similar healthcare emergencies.
The statistical design and analysis of pandemic platform trials: Implications for the future
Authors: Lindsell Christopher J. , Shotwell Matthew , Anstrom Kevin J. , Berry Scott , Brittain Erica , Harrell Frank E. , Geller Nancy , Grund Birgit , Hughes Michael D. , Jagannathan Prasanna , Leifer Eric , Moser Carlee B. , Price Karen L. , Proschan Michael , Stewart Thomas , Thomas Sonia , Touloumi Giota , LaVange Lisa 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The Accelerating COVID-19 Therapeutic Interventions and Vaccines (ACTIV) Cross-Trial Statistics Group gathered lessons learned from statisticians responsible for the design and analysis of the 11 ACTIV therapeutic master protocols to inform contemporary trial design as well as preparation for a future pandemic. The ACTIV master protocols were designed to rapidly assess what treatments might save lives, keep people out of the hospital, and help them feel better faster. Study teams initially worked without knowledge of the natural history of disease and thus without key information for design decisions. Moreover, the science of platform trial design was in its infancy. Here, we discuss the statistical design choices made and the adaptations forced by the changing pandemic context. Lessons around critical aspects of trial design are summarized, and recommendations are made for the organization of master protocols in the future.
AI for peace: mitigating the risks and enhancing opportunities
Authors: Giovanardi Michele 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
This article focuses on measuring the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the peace and security agenda, taking stock of recent initiatives and progress in this area. While there is a keen awareness of the fact that AI can be weaponized to become a tool of power politics and military competition, there is comparatively less systematic attention paid to what technology can do for peace. While it is important to address risk mitigation, equal space should be given to thinking about how to harness the peace potential of AI on a large scale. This study follows a series of publications that aim to assess the impact of technological innovation on peace, also referred to as PeaceTech, Global PeaceTech, peace innovation, or digital peacebuilding. The first section provides an overview of the debate on the impact of AI on peace and conflict. The second section examines conceptual frameworks and measures of the impact of AI on peace and conflict. The third section looks at the risks to peace and conflict posed by the use of AI and possible governance measures to mitigate them. The fourth section provides examples of AI-enabled initiatives that are having a positive impact on peace, providing a compass for public and private investment. The conclusion offers policy recommendations to advance the AI for peace agenda.
How Do People Perceive Immigrants? Relating Perceptions to Numbers
Authors: Sidler Petra , Knotz Carlo , Ruedin Didier 
Published: October 2024

AbstractHow does the general public perceive immigrants, whom do they think of when thinking about “immigrants,” and to what extent are these perceptions related to the actual composition of immigrant populations? We use three representative online surveys in the United States, South Africa, and Switzerland (total N = 2,778) to extend existing work on the perception of immigrants in terms of geographic coverage and individual characteristics. We also relate these responses to official statistics on immigration and integration patterns. In all three countries, there are significant discrepancies between perceptions of immigrants and their real proportion in the population and characteristics. Although we observe clear country differences, there is a striking pattern of people associating “immigrants” with “asylum seekers” in all three countries. We consider two possible explanations for the differences between perceptions and facts: the representativeness heuristic and the affect heuristic. In contrast to previous research, we find only partial support for the representativeness heuristic, whereas the results are consistent with the affect heuristic. We conclude that images of “immigrants” are largely shaped by pre-existing attitudes.
Conservation status of newly discovered subpopulations of two globally threatened tree species in the East Usambara Mountains, Tanzania
Authors: Ndangalasi Henry J. , Cordeiro Norbert J. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractTwo globally threatened tree species, the Critically Endangered Cola porphyrantha (Malvaceae) and the Endangered Gigasiphon macrosiphon (Fabaceae) are narrowly distributed in Kenya and Tanzania. In Tanzania, both species were first located in an isolated, unprotected forest fragment in the East Usambara Mountains in the early 2000s. As no assessment of these subpopulations had been made since then, we surveyed the forest fragment as well as nearby unprotected forest fragments. In contrast to the early 2000s when only five and two mature trees of C. porphyrantha and G. macrosiphon, respectively, were located, we found 18 and five mature trees of these species. We did not find either species in intensive surveys of seven neighbouring unprotected forest fragments but we located a single G. macrosiphon beside a river close to one of the unprotected fragments. Gigasiphon macrosiphon was also previously known from two sites in Amani Nature Reserve in the East Usambara Mountains, but recent surveys, including our own, failed to relocate these subpopulations. Because of heavy anthropogenic disturbance in the one site where the two species still occur and their general absence from adjacent forest, we are working with the local community to protect the isolated fragment. Additionally, in situ planting of locally grown seedlings of both species is being supported by Amani Nature Reserve.