bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chaotic-Based Mountain Gazelle Optimizer for Solving Optimization Problems
Authors: Sarangi Priteesha , Mohapatra Prabhujit 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe Mountain Gazelle Optimizer (MGO) algorithm has become one of the most prominent swarm-inspired meta-heuristic algorithms because of its outstanding rapid convergence and excellent accuracy. However, the MGO still faces premature convergence, making it challenging to leave the local optima if early-best solutions neglect the relevant search domain. Therefore, in this study, a newly developed Chaotic-based Mountain Gazelle Optimizer (CMGO) is proposed with numerous chaotic maps to overcome the above-mentioned flaws. Moreover, the ten distinct chaotic maps were simultaneously incorporated into MGO to determine the optimal values and enhance the exploitation of the most promising solutions. The performance of CMGO has been evaluated using CEC2005 and CEC2019 benchmark functions, along with four engineering problems. Statistical tests like the t-test and Wilcoxon rank-sum test provide further evidence that the proposed CMGO outperforms the existing eminent algorithms. Hence, the experimental outcomes demonstrate that the CMGO produces successful and auspicious results.
Using Improved Hybrid Grey Wolf Algorithm Based on Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm Onlooker and Scout Bee Operators for Solving Optimization Problems
Authors: Ahmad Ishaq , Qayum Fawad , Rahman Sami Ur , Srivastava Gautam 
Published: May 2024

AbstractGrey Wolf optimization (GWO) is a newly developed stochastic meta-heuristic technique motivated by nature. It shows potential in diverse optimization challenges. It replicates grey wolf hunting behaviour and social hierarchy, exploring the solution space similar to their natural process. The algorithm efficiently explores and converges to the optimal solution. However, a drawback of the standard GWO is its limited exploitation capability due to its exploration-focused iterations. This may hinder finding the optimal solution nearby, leading to lower local convergence rates and degraded solution quality. To address this, the GWO-Employed-Onlooker model suggests incorporating the onlooker and scout bee operators from the artificial bee colony algorithm (ABC) during the position-changing stage of the grey wolves. This enhances exploitation capability, resulting in improved local convergence rates and better solution quality. The proposed method’s performance is evaluated on various optimization functions and compared their convergence rate to standard GWO, Genetic Algorithm (GA), Firefly Algorithm (FA), ABC, and Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) techniques. The results demonstrate that the proposed strategy GWO-Employed-Onlooker is better, indicating that it is valuable in solving optimization problems.
Numerical investigations of the extensive entanglement Hamiltonian in quantum spin ladders
Authors: Li Chengshu , Li Xingyu , Zhou Yi-Neng 
Published: May 2024

AbstractEntanglement constitutes one of the key concepts in quantum mechanics and serves as an indispensable tool in the understanding of quantum many-body systems. In this work, we perform extensive numerical investigations of extensive entanglement properties of coupled quantum spin chains. This setup has proven useful for e.g. extending the Lieb–Schultz–Mattis theorem to open systems, and contrasts the majority of previous research where the entanglement cut has one lower dimension than the system. We focus on the cases where the entanglement Hamiltonian is either gapless or exhibits spontaneous symmetry breaking behavior. We further employ conformal field theoretical formulae to identify the universal behavior in the former case. The results in our work can serve as a paradigmatic starting point for more systematic exploration of the largely uncharted physics of extensive entanglement, both analytical and numerical.
Anthropogenic soil as an environmental material, as exemplified with improved growth of rice seedlings
Authors: Yang Fan , Lan Yibo , Li Ronghui , Fu Qiang , Cheng Kui , Liu Zhuqing , Antonietti Markus 
Published: May 2024

AbstractHerein, the feasibility of artificial black soil (ABS) derived from hydrothermal humification-hydrothermal carbonization (HTH-HTC) for restructuration of weak soil was verified. This study breaks through the long history of soil formation and evolution, and obtains reconstructed anthropogenic soil (AS) system which only takes one month, for the further application of rice seedlings. HTH-HTC derived by-products are slightly acidic, which facilitates the effective nutrient uptake and prevention of wilt diseases for acid-loving rice seedlings. AS mainly consists of the inherent components retained from weak soil such as SiO2 and minerals, and exogenous components such as artificial humic substances and hydrochar, as introduced by hydrothermal humification processes. Results exhibit that AS has high contents of ammonium nitrogen, organic matter, organic carbon, and abundant porous structure for nutrient transport and water holding, especially, the community diversity and richness of microbial system gets the expected recovery and new beneficial bacteria (such as Caballeronia calidae) or fungi (such as Humicola) appear. Positive effects of AS on agronomic traits in rice seedlings are quantified. As a general result, this study supports the application of AS in sustainable agriculture, and provides a novel strategy to tackle the already-omnipresent land degradation by anthropogenic misuse and larger scale accidents.
Carbon/C3N4 heterostructures constructed from lignin toward enhanced lithium-ion storage
Authors: Yang Shunsheng , Zhong Lei , Lin Zehua , Zhang Zejie , Liu Qiyu , Zhang Wenli , Qiu Xueqing 
Published: May 2024

AbstractLithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are widely used in portable energy storage. The capacity of commercial graphite is difficult to improve due to the stoichiometry limit of LiC6 of graphite, thus new anodes need to be developed to meet the demand of high-energy–density LIB. The growing interest in graphitized carbon nitride (g-C3N4) stems from its structural resemblance to graphite and its capacity to offer abundant adsorption and intercalation sites. However, g-C3N4, as a semiconductor, has a low lithium transfer rate due to its poor conductivity and high diffusion resistance. Improving the electron transport rate of g-C3N4 and reducing the adsorption energy barrier of Li+ in g-C3N4 are the keys to improving the electrochemical performances of g-C3N4. In this study, lignin and melamine were homogeneously mixed using the spray drying method, followed by the preparation of covalently bonded C3N4/LC material through a one-step carbonization process. The uniform dispersion of g-C3N4 in amorphous carbon can improve the conductivity and reduce the diffusion energy barrier of Li+. As a result, the C3N4/LC-x anode has better electrochemical behavior, including higher reversible capacity, better rate performance, and cycle stability.
Biochar as a green solution to drive the soil carbon pump
Authors: Chen Yalan , Van Zwieten Lukas , Xiao Keqing , Liang Chao , Ren Jiaqi , Zhang Anqi , Li Yang , Dong Hailiang , Sun Ke 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBiochar is a nature-based green solution to lift soil carbon storage and mitigate carbon release. Here, we propose a novel concept of biochar carbon pump (BCP) that bridges microbial carbon pump (MCP) and mineral carbon pump (MnCP), facilitating effective carbon sequestration. The BCP functions to promote carbon storage by introducing biochar-derived persistent C into soil, enhancing negative priming effects, altering soil microbial communities, and reinforcing organo-organic and organo-mineral interactions. Recognizing the value of BCP in bridging MCP and MnCP to facilitate diverse natural reactions for soil carbon sequestration is particularly significant in addressing climate change.
Feasibility of teaching and assessing medical students in the metaverse: design and features for its learning efficiency
Authors: Rodriguez-Florido Miguel Ángel , Reyes-Cabrera José Juan , Melián Aday , Hernández-Flores Carmen Nieves , Ruiz-Azola Juan , Maynar Manuel 
Published: May 2024

Abstract The metaverse is known as the hypothetical iteration of the Internet as a single, connected, universal and immersive virtual world that can be accessed via immersive technology devices. One approach to this concept can be achieved through the use of multi-user immersive virtual reality applications.
Immersive virtual reality (IVR), which uses gadgets that allow the user to visualize and interact in an enveloping way, is a very attractive technology for teaching purposes. There are many references in the scientific literature about its use for this purpose, including encouraging results in the field of medicine. However, there have not been enough studies assessing how much this type of technology really contributes to learning medicine.
This work investigates the feasibility of using the metaverse as an educational tool in medicine. We propose a multi-user immersive virtual reality application for implementing a scene of the metaverse in which medical students are taught. Our work considers that in order to ensure this type of technology is useful in the education of medical students, the technology itself (multi-user IVR) must be designed and implemented for a medical student profile. They usually spend too much time for adapting themselves to use and manage this kind of technology when they are exposed to it for learning. The technology should not be a barrier to acquiring, or disseminating the academic contents themselves. It should act as a catalyst that enhances the speed and capacity for learning medical educational topics. Thus, we present design and user experience specifications that we implemented in an anatomical dissection room in the metaverse, and with which we conducted experiments with 114 sixth-grade medical students. Our results indicate that, based on the design and user experience characteristics that we propose in this paper, the metaverse can indeed serve as a useful and effective educational resource whose technological complexity is no barrier to medical teaching.
A global pilot comparative, cross-sectional study of clinical research nurses/research midwives: Definition, knowledge base, and communication skills related to the conduct of decentralized clinical trials
Authors: Johnson Elizabeth A. , Hill Gordon , Smith Hazel Ann , Marsh Lisa , Beer Kelly 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:
A gap in the literature exists pertaining to a global research nurse/research midwife resources and communication skill set necessary to engage with participants of diverse populations and geographic regions in the community or home-based conduct of decentralized clinical trials.

Aims:
An embedded mixed methods study was conducted to examine research nurse/research midwife knowledge base, experiences, and communication skill sets pertaining to decentralized trials across global regions engaged in remote research: the USA, Republic of Ireland, United Kingdom, and Australia.

Methods:
An online survey was deployed across international research nurse/research midwife stakeholder groups, collecting demographics, decentralized trial experience, barriers and facilitators to optimal trial conduct, and the self-perceived communication competence (SPCC) and interpersonal communication competence (IPCC) instruments.

Results:
86 research nurses and research midwives completed the survey across all countries: The SPCC and IPCC results indicated increased clinical research experience significantly correlated with increased SPCC score (p < 0.05). Qualitative content analysis revealed five themes: (1) Implications for Role, (2) Safety and Wellbeing, (3) Training and Education, (4) Implications for Participants, and (5) Barriers and Facilitators.

Conclusions:
Common trends and observations across the global sample can inform decentralized trial resource allocation and policy pertaining to the research nurse/research midwife workforce. This study demonstrates shared cultural norms of research nursing and midwifery across varied regional clinical trial ecosystems.
Oxidative Stress: An Intersection Between Radiation and Sulfur Mustard Lung Injury
Authors: Day Brian J. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Nuclear and chemical weapons of mass destruction share both a tragic and beneficial legacy in mankind’s history and health. The horrific health effects of ionizing radiation and mustard gas exposures unleashed during disasters, wars, and conflicts have been harnessed to treat human health maladies. Both agents of destruction have been transformed into therapies to treat a wide range of cancers. The discovery of therapeutic uses of radiation and sulfur mustard was largely due to observations by clinicians treating victims of radiation and sulfur mustard gas exposures. Clinicians identified vulnerability of leukocytes to these agents and repurposed their use in the treatment of leukemias and lymphomas. Given the overlap in therapeutic modalities, it goes to reason that there may be common mechanisms to target as protective strategies against their damaging effects. This commentary will highlight oxidative stress as a common mechanism shared by both radiation and sulfur mustard gas exposures and discuss potential therapies targeting oxidative stress as medical countermeasures against the devastating lung diseases wrought by these agents.
Clinical outcomes of female external urine wicking devices as alternatives to indwelling catheters: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Pryor Nicholas , Wang JiCi , Young Jordan , Townsend Whitney , Ameling Jessica , Henderson James , Meddings Jennifer 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackground:Female patients using indwelling urinary catheters (IUCs) are disproportionately at risk for developing catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) compared to males. Female external urine wicking devices (FEUWDs) have emerged as potential alternatives to IUCs for incontinence management.Objectives:To assess the clinical risks and benefits of FEUWDs as alternatives to IUCs.Methods:Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, CINAHL Complete, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from inception to July 10, 2023. Included studies used FEUWDs as an intervention and reported measures of urinary tract infections and secondary outcomes related to incontinence management.Results:Of 2,580 returned records, 50 were systematically reviewed. Meta-analyses assessed rates of indwelling CAUTIs and IUC utilization. Following FEUWD implementation, IUC utilization rates decreased 14% (RR = 0.86, 95% CI = [0.76, 0.97]) and indwelling CAUTI rates nonsignificantly decreased up to 32% (IRR = 0.68, 95% CI = [0.39, 1.17]). Limited only to studies that described protocols for implementation, the incidence rate of indwelling CAUTIs decreased significantly up to 54% (IRR = 0.46, 95% CI = [0.32, 0.66]). Secondary outcomes were reported less routinely.Conclusions:Overall, FEUWDs nonsignificantly reduced indwelling CAUTI rates, though reductions were significant among studies describing FEUWD implementation protocols. We recommend developing standard definitions for consistent reporting of non-indwelling CAUTI complications such as FEUWD-associated UTIs, skin injuries, and mobility-related complications.
Early identification of a ward-based outbreak of Clostridioides difficile using prospective multilocus sequence type-based Oxford Nanopore genomic surveillance
Authors: Bloomfield Max , Hutton Samantha , Burton Megan , Tarring Claire , Velasco Charles , Clissold Carolyn , Balm Michelle , Kelly Matthew , Macartney-Coxson Donia , White Rhys 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjective:To describe an outbreak of sequence type (ST)2 Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) detected by a recently implemented multilocus sequence type (MLST)-based prospective genomic surveillance system using Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) sequencing.Setting:Hemato-oncology ward of a public tertiary referral centre.Methods:From February 2022, we began prospectively sequencing all C. difficile isolated from inpatients at our institution on the ONT MinION device, with the output being an MLST. Bed-movement data are used to construct real-time ST-specific incidence charts based on ward exposures over the preceding three months.Results:Between February and October 2022, 76 of 118 (64.4%) CDI cases were successfully sequenced. There was wide ST variation across cases and the hospital, with only four different STs being seen in >4 patients. A clear predominance of ST2 CDI cases emerged among patients with exposure to our hemato-oncology ward between May and October 2022, which totalled ten patients. There was no detectable rise in overall CDI incidence for the ward or hospital due to the outbreak. Following a change in cleaning product to an accelerated hydrogen peroxide wipe and several other interventions, no further outbreak-associated ST2 cases were detected. A retrospective phylogenetic analysis using original sequence data showed clustering of the suspected outbreak cases, with the exception of two cases that were retrospectively excluded from the outbreak.Conclusions:Prospective genomic surveillance of C. difficile using ONT sequencing permitted the identification of an outbreak of ST2 CDI that would have otherwise gone undetected.
A bacteriophage-based validation of a personal protective equipment doffing procedure to be used with high-consequence pathogens
Authors: Berryhill Brandon A. , Burke Kylie B. , Smith Andrew P. , Morgan Jill S. , Tarabay Jessica , Mamora Josia , Varkey Jay B. , Mumma Joel M. , Kraft Colleen S. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjective:To determine if the high-level personal protective equipment used in the treatment of high-consequence infectious diseases is effective at stopping the spread of pathogens to healthcare personnel (HCP) while doffing.Background:Personal protective equipment (PPE) is fundamental to the safety of HCPs. HCPs treating patients with high-consequence infectious diseases use several layers of PPE, forming complex protective ensembles. With high-containment PPE, step-by-step procedures are often used for donning and doffing to minimize contamination risk to the HCP, but these procedures are rarely empirically validated and instead rely on following infection prevention best practices.Methods:A doffing protocol video for a high-containment PPE ensemble was evaluated to determine potential contamination pathways. These potential pathways were tested using fluorescence and genetically marked bacteriophages.Results:The experiments revealed existing protocols permit contamination pathways allowing for transmission of bacteriophages to HCPs. Updates to the doffing protocols were generated based on the discovered contamination pathways. This updated doffing protocol eliminated the movement of viable bacteriophages from the outside of the PPE to the skin of the HCP.Conclusions:Our results illustrate the need for quantitative, scientific investigations of infection prevention practices, such as doffing PPE.
Inclusive leadership as a valid assessment center dimension
Authors: Hoover Anna N. , Rupp Deborah E. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAs organizations are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of selecting inclusive leaders, this paper proposes measuring inclusive leadership proficiency as an assessment center (AC) dimension. We propose that ACs present a novel way to effectively assess inclusive leadership using interpersonal behavioral simulation exercises, such as role plays. It is argued that AC-measured inclusive leadership can provide incremental prediction of leader performance beyond commonly assessed AC dimensions; and that it positively predicts follower performance and follower demographic diversity. We conclude by suggesting ways future research might empirically investigate the validity and reliability of AC-measured inclusive leadership in organizational settings.
Citizen awakening? Exploring legal consciousness in a context of mass political mobilization
Authors: Hilbink Lisa , Salas Ramos Valentina 
Published: May 2024

AbstractUnder what conditions will people be inclined to seek remedy when facing rights violations? While some socio-legal scholars have found structural position and/or the ideological macro-context to be the key factors shaping individuals’ legal consciousness, often inhibiting their pursuit of remedies, others contend that social experiences and political interventions, including participation in social movements, affect people’s willingness to demand redress. What happens, then, when a diffuse popular mobilization challenges a state’s fundamental normative framework and demands justice and rights for long-excluded sectors of the population? This article offers empirical and theoretical insights to these debates based on results from a nationally representative survey conducted in Chile at the height of such a mass political mobilization. In this context of widespread citizen engagement and collective claim-making, we find that participation in the protests and self-perceived knowledge of where to turn are statistically related to individuals’ professed willingness to pursue a formal remedy across two hypothetical rights violation scenarios. These findings suggest that participation in protests might have an empowerment effect on those who take part, even among disadvantaged groups, opening new avenues for research at the intersection of socio-legal and political participation studies.
Votes Can Be Confidently Bought in Some Ranked Ballot Elections, and What to Do about It
Authors: Williams Jack R. , Baltz Samuel , Stewart Charles 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWe show that, in some ranked ballot elections, it may be possible to violate the secret vote. There are so many ways to rank even a handful of candidates that many possible rankings might not be cast by any voter. So, a vote buyer could pay someone to rank the candidates a certain way and then use the announced election results to verify that the voter followed through. We examine the feasibility of this attack both theoretically and empirically, focusing on instant runoff voting (IRV). Although many IRV elections have few enough candidates that this scheme is not feasible, we use data from San Francisco and a proposed election rule change in Oakland to show that some important IRV elections can have large numbers of unused rankings. There is no evidence that this vote-buying scheme has ever been used. However, its existence has implications for the administration and security of IRV elections. This scheme is more feasible when more candidates can be ranked in the election and when the election results report all the ways that candidates were ranked.