bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Online learning for DBC segmentation of new IGBT samples based on computed laminography imaging
Authors: Li Yan , Luo Man , Fei Xuan , Liu Shuangquan , Wei Cunfeng 
Published: March 2024

AbstractInsulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) is a power semiconductor module .Voids may arise in its solder process when a contaminant or gas is absorbed into the solder joint. They heavily influence the heat exchange efficiency of IGBT, so void inspection is very important. The segmentation of solder region is a crucial step for automated defect detection of IGBT based on x-ray computed laminography (CL) system. In recent years, deep learning has made remarkable process in semantic segmentation and has been used for the segmentation of solder joint between the direct bonded copper (DBC) substrate and baseplate, which has been proved to be accurate and efficient. However, deep learning architectures exhibit a critical drop of performance due to catastrophic forgetting when new IGBT samples encountered. Hence, this paper proposes to use online learning techniques to continuously improve the learned model by feeding new IGBT samples without losing previously learned knowledge.
A compact circuit-based metasurface for enhancing magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Xu Yang , Guo Zhiwei , Chen Hong 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Herein, we propose a compact 0.36 T MRI-enhancing circuit-based metasurface working at its third order mode. Different from most MRI-enhancing metasurface designs which exploit the fundamental mode with the highest enhancement, our choice is a trade-off between the enhancement and homogeneity. The metasurface is organized with capacitively-loaded metal wires where the capacitors decrease the electric length of the wires thus enabling a deep subwavelength scale. The working frequency of metasurface is tuned to the Larmor frequency, contributing to the redistribution of transmitted field. Full-wave simulations based on CST Microwave Studio compare the magnetic field in a mimicked MRI environment with and without the metasurface. The utilization of metasurface leads to a field enhancement ratio of 9.36-fold over a 28 × 28 cm2 area at 2 cm height while exceeding unity till almost 12 cm. Meanwhile, the variation of the quasi-homogenous magnetic field is less than 1/3 over a relatively large area. The impact of metasurface is further demonstrated by simulations with a head bio-model to evaluate the transmitted field strength and electromagnetic energy absorption. A preliminary measuring experiment is also conducted to validate the special mode pattern. The proposed metasurface effectively enhances the transmitted efficiency thus can be employed in clinical MRI to enhance imaging quality or reduce the input power. Moreover, this design paradigm is compatible with other enhancing approaches due to the nonmagnetic inclusions and frequency-dependent response and can be adapted for higher-field MRI systems by adjusting the length of metal wires and the value of loaded capacitors.
Exploring hydrogen binding and activation on transition metal-modified circumcoronene
Authors: Müllerová Simona , Malček Michal , Bucinsky Lukas , Cordeiro Maria Natália Dias Soeiro 
Published: March 2024

AbstractGraphene-based materials modified with transition metals, and their potential utilization as hydrogen storage devices, are extensively studied in the last decades. Despite this widespread interest, a comprehensive understanding of the intricate interplay between graphene-based transition metal systems and H2 molecules remains incomplete. Beyond fundamental H2 adsorption, the activation of H2 molecule, crucial for catalytic reactions and hydrogenation processes, may occur on the transition metal center. In this study, binding modes of H2 molecules on the circumcoronene (CC) decorated with Cr or Fe atoms are investigated using the DFT methods. Side-on (η2-dihydrogen bond), end-on and dissociation modes of H2 binding are explored for high (HS) and low (LS) spin states. Spin state energetics, reaction energies, QTAIM and DOS analysis are considered. Our findings revealed that CC decorated with Cr (CC-Cr) emerges as a promising material for H2 storage, with the capacity to store up to three H2 molecules on a single Cr atom. End-on interaction in HS is preferred for the first two H2 molecules bound to CC-Cr, while the side-on LS is favored for three H2 molecules. In contrast, CC decorated with Fe (CC-Fe) demonstrates the capability to activate H2 through H–H bond cleavage, a process unaffected by the presence of other H2 molecules in the vicinity of the Fe atom, exclusively favoring the HS state. In summary, our study sheds light on the intriguing binding and activation properties of H2 molecules on graphene-based transition metal systems, offering valuable insights into their potential applications in hydrogen storage and catalysis.
Graphical abstract
Client and provider experiences with, and approaches to sustain HIV care during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions at two public hospitals in southwestern Uganda
Authors: Akatukwasa Cecilia , Beesiga Brian , Owaraganise Asiphas , Nangendo Joan , Kakande Elijah , Mwangwa Florence , Nayiga Susan , Semitala Fred C. , Kamya Moses R. , Kabami Jane 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic had far-reaching consequences on global health systems, disrupting the delivery of routine healthcare services, and posing new challenges to ongoing disease control efforts. In Uganda, where HIV is endemic, the pandemic threatened to reverse the gains in the country’s HIV response over the past decade. In this study, we explored the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the HIV cascade, focusing on the impact of pandemic-related disruptions on retention in HIV care among Persons with HIV (PWH). We further highlighted the key challenges and opportunities for mitigating the adverse effects.

Methods
Qualitative data were collected from January 2022 to March 2022 using in-depth interviews with PWH (n = 20) and healthcare workers (n = 4) and key informant interviews (n = 6) with healthcare managers. The interviews explored current and previous experiences with HIV care services, including experiences of healthcare providers and managers delivering and PWH receiving HIV care amidst the COVID-19 restrictions and recovery period, strategies implemented to ensure continuity of services and barriers to implementing these strategies. We coded data in Dedoose software and analyzed using the thematic analysis.

Results
The qualitative findings highlight the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including restricted access to HIV care points, sub-optimal clinical management of persons with HIV, loss of livelihoods, and interruptions in adherence. Adaptations to ensure continuity of care included leveraging community-based drug delivery strategies, phone call consultations, modification of clinic workspaces, and linkages to nearby health facilities. Barriers to these adaptations included the increased cost of services, psychological challenges, fear and anxiety surrounding COVID infection, access to treatment, survival, loss to follow-up with no information on patient referral, COVID infection among health workers, depletion of drug stocks due to multi-month scripting, shortage of Personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies and other drugs.

Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on HIV care in Uganda, including reduced access to HIV care and support services, interruptions to ART adherence, and changes in HIV care delivery. Our findings highlight the barriers and enablers to HIV care delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown and provide valuable lessons on efforts to mitigate interruptions in the future during periods of pandemics/lockdowns.
Maternal decentering and child maladjustment: a mediated maternal psychological distress and parenting model
Authors: Murayama Yasuo , Uemiya Ai , Ohya Aiko 
Published: March 2024

AbstractNegative parenting, which exacerbates children’s maladjustment, could result from poor mental health in parents. Therefore, factors that improve parental mental health may also facilitate positive parenting. One such factor is decentering (i.e., the capacity to observe internal experiences as passing mental phenomena that do not reflect self or reality). However, little research has examined the indirect association between parental decentering and children’s maladjustment. This cross-sectional study investigated whether parental decentering was associated with child maladjustment through the mediation of parental psychological distress and parenting quality. Japanese mothers (N = 2522) participated in an online survey assessing parenting quality, maternal decentering levels, maternal psychological distress, and the oldest child’s maladjustment level as reported by the mothers. A parallel mediation analysis revealed a significant indirect effect. Mothers with greater decentering demonstrated lower psychological distress and more positive and less negative parenting. These characteristics were related to lower maladjustment in their children as reported by the mothers. This is the first study to demonstrate the link between decentering and positive maternal parenting. Therefore, decentering may be a possible factor to promote better parenting.
Failure-mode scale transitions in RC and PC beams
Authors: Cafarelli Renato , Accornero Federico , Carpinteri Alberto 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCurrent design Standards for reinforced concrete beams prescribe to respect a minimum, ρmin, and a maximum, ρmax, reinforcement ratio in the design of structures. Below ρmin a brittle failure due to unstable crack propagation is expected. On the other hand, for ρ > ρmax a brittle failure due to concrete crushing is obtained. In this framework, a reinforced concrete element with ρmin < ρ < ρmax presents yielded steel at Ultimate Limite State (ULS) with a stable behaviour and no catastrophic loss of bearing capacity. Design Standards define ρmin and ρmax limits on the basis of the Bernoulli’s hypothesis of plane sections, and completely disregard size-scale effects. Within the present paper, Dimensional Analysis is used to determine the Brittleness Numbers that govern the behaviour of reinforced concrete (RC) as well as of prestressed reinforced concrete (PC) beams. Therefore, parametric analyses carried out by means of the Cohesive/Overlapping Crack Model (COCM) are used to study the ductile-to-brittle transitions in RC and PC beams, and to highlight the size-scale dependency of the two above-mentioned reinforcement limits.
Microplastics in indoor deposition samples in university classrooms
Authors: Bhat Mansoor Ahmad 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe pollution caused by microplastics (MPs) is a growing concern on a global scale, especially considering the significant proportion of time that individuals spend indoors. The contamination in question has the potential to directly impact the human population through exposure to indoor dust and air. This research undertook a comprehensive analysis of the indoor deposition of MPs in university classrooms, employing various investigative tools. The present study aimed to comprehensively analyze the physical and chemical properties of MPs found in university classrooms. Analyzing samples under a stereomicroscope, the predominant MPs were identified as fibers of varied colors, mainly attributed to clothing. Sizes of these MPs varied significantly across different classrooms, with a general average size range of 120–2222 µm. The observed morphological changes in MPs, including cracks and grooves, hint at potential degradation into nanosized plastics over time. This observation raises concerns about increased concentrations of nanoplastics in indoor environments. Using µRaman analysis, eleven types of MPs were identified, potentially originating from clothing, shoes, and stationery. The majority of MPs were polyamide 6, polypropylene, and polyamide 12. The scanning electron microscope and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDX) technique unveiled the elemental composition of the MPs, with carbon, fluorine, and oxygen being dominant. The findings align with past studies but highlight the need to understand MPs' structural components and any possible contaminants. Compared to existing literature, this study adopts a comprehensive methodological approach combining optical microscopy, µRaman, and SEM–EDX, enriching the knowledge on indoor MP deposition and aiding future research directions.
Geochemical signature and prediction of mechanical characteristics of bituminous sand
Authors: Okewale Ismail Adeniyi , Grobler Hendrik 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe worldwide interest in bituminous materials can be linked to being a strategic minerals of significant economic value and numerous engineering, industrial and infrastructural applications. Hence, detailed characterization in terms of geochemical, geological and geotechnical properties is very crucial. In this work, bituminous sands were characterized using geochemical signatures and attempts were made to determine the usefulness of chemical, physical and mineralogical indices for predicting the mechanical parameters needed by engineering practitioners using bituminous sand. This is very important particularly at the beginning of the project where data availability may pose a problem. This was achieved by conducting several laboratory tests and statistical analyses on bituminous sands obtained from different locations and depths. The bituminous sand is heterogeneous and the STI, Lc, SA, Kr and WIP are the geochemical signatures that could be used for characterization of the samples. The chemical indices (STI, Lc, SOC, SA, S/SAF, Kr and WIP) are the best for predicting the yield stress and compressibility. The fines content (Fc) can successfully predict the compressibility, yield stress and uniaxial compressive strength. Depending on the parameter needed, the relationships could be used by practicing engineers working on these materials.
Elimination of Decapod iridovirus 1 (DIV1) infection at high water temperature: a new environmental control strategy
Authors: Wang Yue , Dai Linxin , Liang Zuluan , Hu Naijie , Hou Danqing , Zhou Yinhuan , Sun Chengbo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDecapod iridovirus 1 (DIV1) poses a major challenge to sustainable shrimp farming and poses a serious hazard to aquaculture industry. This study investigated the complex interaction between DIV1 infection and water temperature, focusing on the effect of high temperature on DIV1 infection due to Penaeus monodon. Using models of latent and acute infection, the study revealed the response of P. monodon to DIV1 under different conditions. In the experimental set-up, the effect of high water temperature (34 ± 1 °C) compared with room temperature (26 ± 1 °C) was investigated. DIV1 replication was significantly inhibited in the high-temperature group (H), resulting in complete viral elimination within 15 days. DIV1 did not resurface even after return to room temperature (26 ± 1 °C), indicating sustained antiviral effects. Compared with the room temperature (26 ± 1 °C) group (N), the H group showed a 100% reduction in the incidence of latent and acute infection. Exposure to high water temperature directly impaired the viability of DIV1, enhancing the immune system of P. monodon, and expediting metabolic processes for efficient DIV1 clearance. The study highlights the significant inhibitory effects of high water temperature (34 ± 1 °C) on DIV1 infection in P. monodon, resulting in viral eradication. This discovery offers a potential strategy for mitigating DIV1 infections in shrimp aquaculture, prompting further investigation into underlying mechanisms. Optimising parameters and protocols for high-temperature treatment is crucial for viral control. Exploring the broader implications of the findings on other viral infections in crustacean aquaculture could provide valuable insights for comprehensive disease prevention and control.
Leveraging national security: private equity and bankruptcy in the United States defense industry
Authors: Mahoney Charles W. , Tkach Benjamin K. , Rethmeyer Craig J. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDefense contractors play an essential role in US security operations. Among other responsibilities, contractors manufacture arms, manage logistics, analyze intelligence, and carry out cybersecurity operations. Historically, defense contractors were either publicly traded corporations or privately owned companies. The past two decades, however, have seen a major shift in the ownership structure of the US defense industry. Private equity firms—once niche actors in the US national security marketplace—have carried out over 1,500 deals involving defense contractors since 2000. This study employs a mixed-methods research design to assess the effects of private equity investment on the financial stability of the US defense industry. Using data on over 8,000 defense contractors, the inquiry finds that contractors with private equity backing experience bankruptcy at higher rates than contractors with no prior private equity investment. In addition, the study evaluates private equity activity in the military satellite services market—a field of growing importance in the strategically important domain of outer space. The inquiry’s findings have notable international security implications. Given the US’ role as a lynchpin in numerous alliances around the world, higher rates of bankruptcy among defense contractors have the potential to affect the security of the United States and its allies.
The Paradox of Algorithms and Blame on Public Decision-makers
Authors: Ozer Adam L. , Waggoner Philip D. , Kennedy Ryan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPublic decision-makers incorporate algorithm decision aids, often developed by private businesses, into the policy process, in part, as a method for justifying difficult decisions. Ethicists have worried that over-trust in algorithm advice and concerns about punishment if departing from an algorithm’s recommendation will result in over-reliance and harm democratic accountability. We test these concerns in a set of two pre-registered survey experiments in the judicial context conducted on three representative U.S. samples. The results show no support for the hypothesized blame dynamics, regardless of whether the judge agrees or disagrees with the algorithm. Algorithms, moreover, do not have a significant impact relative to other sources of advice. Respondents who are generally more trusting of elites assign greater blame to the decision-maker when they disagree with the algorithm, and they assign more blame when they think the decision-maker is abdicating their responsibility by agreeing with an algorithm.
Use of whole genomic sequencing to detect New Delhi metallo-B-lactamase (NDM)-producing Escherichia coli outbreak associated with endoscopic procedures
Authors: Suleyman Geehan , Shallal Anita , Ruby Abigail , Chami Eman , Gubler Jenny , McNamara Sara , Miles-Jay Arianna , Tibbetts Robert , Alangaden George 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackground:Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) has emerged as an alternative genotyping tool for outbreak investigations in the healthcare setting. We describe the investigation and control of a New Delhi metallo-B-lactamase (NDM)-producing Escherichia coli cluster in Southeast Michigan.Methods:Michigan Bureau of Laboratories identified several closely related NDM-producing E. coli isolates with WGS. An epidemiologic investigation, including case-control study, assessment of infection control practices, and endoscope culturing, was performed to identify source of transmission. Targeted screening of potentially exposed patients was performed following identification of probable source.Results:Between July 2021 and February 2023, nine patients were identified. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the isolates were closely related with less than 26 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) differences between isolates, suggesting an epidemiological link. Eight (89%) patients had a duodenoscope and/or gastroscope exposure. Cases were compared with 23 controls. Cases had significantly higher odds of exposure to duodenoscopes (odds ratio 15.0; 95% CI, 1.8–142.2; P = .015). The mean incubation period, estimated as date of procedure to positive index culture, was 86 days (range, 1–320 days). No lapses in endoscope reprocessing were identified; NDM-producing E. coli was not recovered from reprocessed endoscopes or during targeted screening. No additional cases were identified after removal of implicated gastroscopes and replacement of duodenoscope with disposable end caps.Conclusions:In this investigation, WGS was utilized to identify transmission of an NDM-producing E. coli outbreak associated with endoscope exposure. Coupled with epidemiologic data, WGS can facilitate outbreak investigations by rapidly identifying linked cases and potential sources to prevent further transmission.
Any slice is predictive? On the consistency of impressions from the beginning, middle, and end of assessment center exercises and their relation to performance
Authors: Ingold Pia V. , Heimann Anna Luca , Breil Simon M. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study generates new insights on the role of initial impressions in assessment centers. Drawing from the “thin slices” of behavior paradigm in personality and social psychology, we investigate to what extent initial impressions of assessees—based on different slices of assessment center exercises (i.e., two minutes at the beginning, middle, and end of AC exercises)—are consistent across and within AC exercises, and are relevant for predicting assessment center performance and job performance. Employed individuals (N = 223) participated in three interactive assessment center exercises, while being observed and evaluated by trained assessors. Based upon video-recordings of all assessment center exercises, a different, untrained group of raters subsequently provided ratings of their general initial impressions of assessees for the beginning, middle, and end of each exercise. As criterion measure, supervisors rated assessees’ job performance. Results show that initial impressions in assessment centers are (a) relatively stable, (b) consistently predict assessment center performance across different slices of behavior (i.e., across the three time points and exercises), and (c) mostly relate to job performance.
Models and integral differentials of hyperelliptic curves
Authors: Muselli Simone 
Published: March 2024

AbstractLet
$C\; : \;y^2=f(x)$
be a hyperelliptic curve of genus
$g\geq 1$
, defined over a complete discretely valued field
$K$
, with ring of integers
$O_K$
. Under certain conditions on
$C$
, mild when residue characteristic is not
$2$
, we explicitly construct the minimal regular model with normal crossings
$\mathcal{C}/O_K$
of
$C$
. In the same setting we determine a basis of integral differentials of
$C$
, that is an
$O_K$
-basis for the global sections of the relative dualising sheaf
$\omega _{\mathcal{C}/O_K}$
.