bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tilt-related alignment issues in miniature micromechanical on-wafer electrical probes composed of multiple flexible microcantilevers
Authors: Arscott Steve 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Some new issues concerning the contacting and positioning of small electrical microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) probes based on multiple, flexible microcantilevers are presented here. A tilt error, associated with the lateral probe roll, means that contact touchdown occurs sequentially in different cantilevers upon increasing probe overtravel. To understand the relationship between probe overtravel, tip skate, tip planarity, tip tangency, and contact force in the different contacts, the relationship between mechanical bending and torsion of the flexible cantilevers needs to be accounted for. The study reveals the conditions for achieving contact planarity and desired contact force, as well as the identification of a new ‘differential skate error’ contact misalignment associated with such MEMS probes based on multiple, flexible microcantilevers. This misalignment leads to a ‘differential contact force error’ which has implications for electrical contact quality. An experimental scale model probe based on three cantilevers is used to test the modelling—the results agree well with the predictions of the model. Interestingly, the experiments revealed an effect not accounted for in the modelling; this ‘twist error’ resulted in the cantilever lead edge not being parallel to the touchdown plane. The findings may be useful for engineers involved with the automatic control positioning of such emerging miniature probes, especially in terms of the impact of probe positioning errors.
Studies on CRDI diesel engine performance and emissions using waste plastic oil and fly ash catalyst
Authors: Abdul munaf A , Velmurugan A , Loganathan M , Bakkiyaraj M , Premkumar P 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Fossil fuels are quickly draining on a daily basis, causing fuel product prices to increase throughout the world. There is a crucial need to develop new alternate fuels from various sources that meet our daily requirements, like industries, mining, building construction, transportation, electric power generation from rural areas, etc. In the present study, mono-use low density polyethylene (LDPE) was successfully transformed into a liquid form of hydrocarbon fuel with fly ash-supported catalytic pyrolysis. The ratio of 0.1 with reference to catalyst-to-feedstock was fixed for the preparation of waste plastic oil (WPO) using batch-type pyrolysis reactors. About 180 °C was the temperature at which the extracted crude oil was segregated. The diesel fuel’s properties and those of the WPO fuel were compared and evaluated. Experiments were carried out using diesel-WPO mixed fuel (10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%) in a multi-cylinder, water-cooled Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI) diesel engine. Additionally, the impact of the compression and mixing ratios on performance, emission characteristics, and combustion was studied. We observed significant improvement in the results of BTE and BSFC for the tested fuel blend, D80WPO20, compared to other blends. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that the emissions of CO, HC, and NOx rise with an increasing fuel mixing ratio. Based on the analysis carried out on performance and emissions, it was determined that D80WPO20 was the best combination.
Effects of topological structure and destination selection strategies on agent dynamics in complex networks
Authors: Tsuzuki Satori , Yanagisawa Daichi , Itoh Eri , Nishinari Katsuhiro 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
We analyzed agent behavior in complex networks: Barabási–Albert, Erdos–Rényi, and Watts–Strogatz models under the following rules: agents (a) randomly select a destination among adjacent nodes; (b) exclude the most congested adjacent node as a potential destination and randomly select a destination among the remaining nodes; or (c) select the sparsest adjacent node as a destination. We focused on small complex networks with node degrees ranging from zero to a maximum of approximately 20 to study agent behavior in traffic and transportation networks. We measured the hunting rate, that is, the rate of change of agent amounts in each node per unit of time, and the imbalance of agent distribution among nodes. Our simulation study reveals that the topological structure of a network precisely determines agent distribution when agents perform full random walks; however, their destination selections alter the agent distribution. Notably, rule (c) makes hunting and imbalance rates significantly high compared with random walk cases (a) and (b), irrespective of network types, when the network has a high degree and high activity rate. Compared with the full random walk in (a) and (b) increases the hunting rate while decreasing the imbalance rate when activity is low; however, both increase when activity is high. These characteristics exhibit slight periodic undulations over time. Furthermore, our analysis shows that in the BA, ER, and WS network models, the hunting rate decreases and the imbalance rate increases when the system disconnects randomly selected nodes in simulations where agents follow rules (a)–(c) and the network has the ability to disconnect nodes within a certain time of all time steps. Our findings can be applied to various applications related to agent dynamics in complex networks.
Synthesis of graphene oxide and nitrogen-doped graphene oxide by nanosecond pulsed laser ablation of graphene in liquid for fiber optic gas sensing application
Authors: Puliyasseri Rohini , Yeptho Kiyekali H , Sastikumar Dillibabu 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Heteroatom-doped graphene oxide has a wide range of applications in bio-imaging and sensing. In this work, Graphene Oxide (GO) and Nitrogen-doped GO (NG) were synthesized by laser ablation of Graphene in ethanol. The dopant Diethylenetriamine (DETA) is used in different amounts for different nitrogen concentrations. Optical, morphological, structural, and elemental composition studies were done by UV–vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, FE-SEM, XRD, Raman, and EDAX analysis, respectively. The nitrogen doping on the surface of GO was confirmed by FT-IR and EDAX studies. Upon laser ablation with fundamental wavelength, the graphene is converted to spherical GO nanoparticles, and nitrogen doping is done to produce porous nano coral structured NG nanoparticles. The sensitivity and selectivity of GO and NG for ammonia, ethanol, and acetone target gaseous were investigated and compared. NG sample shows excellent sensitivity and selectivity towards acetone gas. And the Nitrogen-doped graphene oxide can be considered an ideal material for gas-sensing applications.
How far can low emission retrofit of terraced housing in Northern Ireland go?
Authors: James Ben , Mondol Jayanta , Hyde Trevor , Houlihan Wiberg Aoife 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
With both global and national targets to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions the improvement of existing buildings will be key to realising these ambitions. How this can be achieved, and the impact of whole-life emissions from retrofit remains a key question. This paper investigates the potential of retrofit to reduce and limit lifecycle GHG emissions resulting from an existing house, typical of one of the predominant housing typologies in Northern Ireland. Through the use of lifecycle assessment a range of retrofit scenarios are considered for an early 20th century, solid wall, terraced house, to understand the impacts of retrofit on lifecycle emissions. A range of retrofit scenarios were modelled and simulated, considering both embodied and operational emissions over the building’s lifetime, to understand how net emissions can be reduced. The results show that although fabric and some technological measures can reduce emissions by over 60% when applied in isolation, a holistic approach is required to achieve the greatest reductions. Although operation remains the largest single source of emissions, the results also show the importance of taking a holistic approach to the assessment of retrofit with varying lifecycle stages responsible for considerable emissions. It is seen that emissions reductions of up to 99% may be possible when taking a holistic approach to retrofit and its assessment, considering whole-life emissions. This study highlights the potential benefits of retrofit and how it could be effectively applied to the existing housing stock in Northern Ireland creating low-emission or net-zero emission buildings.
Evaluating Deterrence
Authors: Edelman R David 
Published: February 2024

AbstractChapter 3 asks whether cyberattack capabilities, as tools of deterrence, might play a role in keeping the peace, even without featuring into war. It is oriented around three key questions. In seeking to restrain state use of cyberattacks, will states: self-restrain if cyberattacks are of limited deterrent value; be deterred from acquiring or using cyberattack capabilities by other states doing the same; and deterred from acquiring or using them by other states’ more traditional (noncyber) capabilities? An introductory section defines the notion of deterrence and situates it within the theories of international relations into which it features prominently. The chapter then argues four key points to address these questions. First, it outlines the general criteria required for states to make rational deterrence calculations. Second, laid against those criteria, it argues that cyberattack capabilities meet very few of them given the complex aspects of observing and attributing them, making them poor instruments of deterrence. Third, it argues that there are substantial difficulties in deterring cyberattacks with other cyberattack capabilities (in-kind deterrence), but that—like any other unfriendly acts—states can be effectively deterred from using them in other ways (most obviously threat of military reprisal). The credibility of that threat of military reprisal is, however, presently contested, leaving states unable to amass the information necessary to make full, rationalist deterrence calculations. Those engaged in the project of restraint thus find little to practically bind states—but also a paradox in explaining their present behavior accumulating cyberattack capabilities. This enigma demands a reconceptualization of how deterrence activities are taking place with respect to cyberattacks.
Constructing Self-Defense
Authors: Edelman R David 
Published: February 2024

AbstractChapter 6 begins with the question of whether and how cyberattacks would invoke the remedial jus ad bellum, and specifically, the lawful rights of self-defense under the UN Charter. If they are available to defending states, the combination of presumptive illegality and lawful repellent force would provide a powerful disincentive for a would-be attacker. If instead a would-be attacker is bound to suffer little beyond reproach by the legal community—knowing the victim had no substantial and lawful means to repel—cyberattacks may be even more attractive than other means of coercion. After considering a range of relevant criteria under existing law, it evaluates whether they are adequate, both from the standpoint of law and states’ ability to activate that regime. It finds that as with deterrence, major gaps remain, and argues that states are seizing upon these gaps and racing to fill them through a process called structural remediation—a kind of operational preparation of the environment (OPE) for the legal battlefield—that aims to create the customary conditions for their preferred outcome of law. The balance of the chapter documents this structural remediation dynamic, where in the absence of certainty about the law’s operation, states are at once testing whether the international legal environment will sustain more robust acts of self-defense against legally dubious uses of force or armed attacks, as well as creating a customary record of reaction that would habituate other states to a sizable response.
Efficacy and Safety of LetibotulinumtoxinA in the Treatment of Moderate and Severe Glabellar Lines in Females 35 to 50 Years of Age: Post Hoc Analyses of the Phase 3 Clinical Study Data
Authors: Gold Michael , Taylor Susan , Mueller Daniel S , Adelglass Jeffrey , Kaufman-Janette Joely , Cox Sue E , Cecerle Michael , Frank Konstantin , Nestor Mark 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) injections continue to be widely used as a common treatment for both males and females. According to a recent survey conducted by the International Society of Plastic Aesthetic Surgeons, the majority of patients receiving these injections are females between the ages 35 and 50.

Objectives
A post hoc analysis was conducted to examine whether there were variances in the effectiveness and safety of letibotulinumtoxinA for treating vertical glabellar lines between the broader female study population and a particularly defined group of female participants aged 35 to 50.

Methods
For this post hoc analysis, data from females aged 35 to 50 were extracted and analyzed from the BLESS III study. In this Phase 3 clinical trial, 355 participants with moderate-to-severe glabella frown lines received either 20 U of letibotulinumtoxinA or a placebo. The study evaluated Glabella Line Severity (GLS) score, treatment onset, duration of effects, time to retreatment, and adverse events. A positive response was determined by achieving a GLS score of 0 or 1, as assessed by both patients and investigators, along with at least a 2-point improvement in GLS score relative to baseline at Week 4 after the injections.

Results
Composite responder rates for patients aged 35 to 50 receiving active treatment were significantly higher than for the remaining female population receiving active treatment at Weeks 1, 2, and 4. Females aged 35 to 50 showed higher rates of GLS improvement of ≥1 at Weeks 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 compared with the remaining female population receiving active treatment. At Week 4, a higher percentage of females aged 35 to 50 achieved a GLS score of 0 upon maximum frowning compared with the remaining females. Females aged 35 to 50 had a shorter median time to onset of GLS improvement compared with the remaining female population. Safety assessments showed a low incidence of treatment-related adverse events in females aged 35 to 50.

Conclusions
LetibotulinumtoxinA showed significantly higher response rates in females aged 35 to 50 compared with other female patients at Weeks 1, 2, and 4. Response rates remained higher up to Week 16. The treatment demonstrated efficacy and safety in treating vertical glabellar lines in this patient group.

Level of Evidence: 2
Chromosome structure modeling tools and their evaluation in bacteria
Authors: Liu Tong , Qiu Qin-Tian , Hua Kang-Jian , Ma Bin-Guang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The three-dimensional (3D) structure of bacterial chromosomes is crucial for understanding chromosome function. With the growing availability of high-throughput chromosome conformation capture (3C/Hi-C) data, the 3D structure reconstruction algorithms have become powerful tools to study bacterial chromosome structure and function. It is highly desired to have a recommendation on the chromosome structure reconstruction tools to facilitate the prokaryotic 3D genomics. In this work, we review existing chromosome 3D structure reconstruction algorithms and classify them based on their underlying computational models into two categories: constraint-based modeling and thermodynamics-based modeling. We briefly compare these algorithms utilizing 3C/Hi-C datasets and fluorescence microscopy data obtained from Escherichia coli and Caulobacter crescentus, as well as simulated datasets. We discuss current challenges in the 3D reconstruction algorithms for bacterial chromosomes, primarily focusing on software usability. Finally, we briefly prospect future research directions for bacterial chromosome structure reconstruction algorithms.
Multiply robust estimators in longitudinal studies with missing data under control-based imputation
Authors: Liu Siyi , Yang Shu , Zhang Yilong , Liu Guanghan (Frank) 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT
Longitudinal studies are often subject to missing data. The recent guidance from regulatory agencies, such as the ICH E9(R1) addendum addresses the importance of defining a treatment effect estimand with the consideration of intercurrent events. Jump-to-reference (J2R) is one classical control-based scenario for the treatment effect evaluation, where the participants in the treatment group after intercurrent events are assumed to have the same disease progress as those with identical covariates in the control group. We establish new estimators to assess the average treatment effect based on a proposed potential outcomes framework under J2R. Various identification formulas are constructed, motivating estimators that rely on different parts of the observed data distribution. Moreover, we obtain a novel estimator inspired by the efficient influence function, with multiple robustness in the sense that it achieves n1/2-consistency if any pairs of multiple nuisance functions are correctly specified, or if the nuisance functions converge at a rate not slower than n−1/4 when using flexible modeling approaches. The finite-sample performance of the proposed estimators is validated in simulation studies and an antidepressant clinical trial.
Family Group Conference Provision in UK Local Authorities and Associations with Children Looked after Rates
Authors: Wood Sophie , Scourfield Jonathan , Meindl Melissa , Au Kar Man , Evans Rhiannon , Jones-Willams Delyth , Lugg-Widger Fiona , Pallmann Philip , Robling Michael , Schroeder Elizabeth-Ann , Petrou Stavros , Wilkins David 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Family group conferences (FGCs) in child welfare share decision-making with family members by bringing the immediate and wider family together to make a plan to meet a child’s needs. This paper reports survey findings on FGC provision in the UK in 2022 and explores whether in England the presence of an FGC service and the rate of FGC provision is associated with the rate of children in care, entering care, in kinship foster care and leaving care. Seventy-nine per cent (n = 167) of local authorities in the UK provided FGCs to families, and 14 per cent (n = 29) did not. Services that were more established offered a more diverse range of FGCs. The introduction of FGCs in English local authorities was associated with a higher rate of children in care, but also higher rates of kinship foster care, a key goal of FGCs where it is not possible for children to stay with their parents. Higher rates of FGCs were associated with more children leaving care, possibly due to reunification with birth families. To understand in more detail, the circumstances of children in and leaving care in local authorities with FGCs, individual data linkage studies are needed.
Brain pathology and symptoms linked to concussion history: beyond chronic traumatic encephalopathy
Authors: Taskina Daria , Zhu Cherrie , Schwab Nicole , Hazrati Lili-Naz 
Published: February 2024

AbstractRepeated head trauma acquired through sports injuries has been associated with the development of long-term disabling symptoms that negatively impact the quality of life. In this retrospective case series, 52 male former professional athletes involved in contact sports and with a history of multiple concussions were evaluated for chronic clinical symptoms and post-mortem neuropathological diagnoses. The clinical symptoms of 19 cases were examined in greater detail for symptom type, severity and duration. Information on neurological, psychiatric and physical symptoms, substance use profiles and concussion histories was obtained from the athletes’ next of kin and assessed in relation to post-mortem neuropathological diagnoses. Cases were categorized into three different neuropathological groups: no major neuropathological findings, the presence of only chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and the diagnosis(es) of other neurodegenerative diseases. Age at death and the presence of DNA damage in the post-mortem brains were analysed for correlation with the clinical symptoms. In this case series, 14/52 (26.9%) cases (mean age 48.2 ± 11.4) had neuropathological evidence of low-stage/low-burden CTE. A total of 11/52 (21.2%) cases (mean age 38.7 ± 12.7) presented a similar profile and severity of behavioural symptoms to those with CTE, despite the lack of significant post-mortem neuropathological findings. A total of 27/52 (51.9%) cases (mean age 75.5 ± 8.7) presented with complex post-mortem neurodegenerative diagnoses, including Alzheimer’s disease and other mixed pathologies, and clinical symptoms associated with language, memory and sensory dysfunction. The presence of DNA damage in the brain was found in all neuropathological groups, predominantly in the ependymal lining of ventricles, and phosphorylated histone H2AX staining was correlated with higher age at death (r = 0.59) and symptoms of language dysfunction (r = 0.56). Findings from our case series suggest that post-concussive symptoms are not driven by CTE. Our findings show that proteinopathies alone may not account for the complexity of the clinical manifestations and suggest the possibility of other drivers, such as DNA damage, as potentially useful markers of brain trauma. Broadening the search for biological markers that reflect the effects of brain injury, even when proteinopathy is not observed, and taking a symptom-driven approach are therefore advised.
Ionic nanosphere as a novel sensitizer for luminescence from terbium(III) ion hybridized by facile ion-exchange process
Authors: Madhukar Nikita , Misato Taizo , Ito Akitaka 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Luminescence from terbium(III) species is typically weak due to its low absorption coefficient and slow radiative process despite its advantageous color purity. Hybridizing with a photosensitizer(s) is one of the most popular strategies to obtain intense luminescence from terbium(III) species. We have developed a novel photosensitizing system in which terbium(III) ion is hybridized with the ionic nanosphere, a class of spherical ion-exchange resins with a diameter of &lt;300 nm. Terbium(III)-doped ionic nanospheres successfully exhibited obvious green luminescence upon the photoexcitation of the nanosphere at 260 nm. The terbium(III)–nanosphere hybrids can be prepared by a simple methodology, and sample conditions are controllable facilely.
Do Regional Investment Preferences Affect Corporate Stock Price Crash Risk? Evidence from Chinese Listed Companies
Authors: Wang Junkai , Qi Baolei , Hossain Muhammad Istiaque , Geng Haipeng , Muhammad Jameel Hussain 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This article investigates the influence of regional investment preferences on corporate stock price crash risk. Using a sample of Chinese listed companies from 2006 to 2020, we find that companies located in regions with stronger investment preferences experience a lower risk of stock price crash. The analysis shows that regional investment preferences can reduce companies’ excessive investment behavior and speculative accounting practices, eventually reducing the stock price crash risk. Subsequent research reveals that stringent internal controls and external supervision can mitigate the impact of regional investment preferences on the likelihood of a company experiencing a stock price crash.