bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Navigating the assessment landscape: Dental students' perceptions of extended‐matching questions versus single‐correct answers
Authors: Lin Galvin Sim Siang , Hashim Hasnah 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPurposeThe present study aims to evaluate students' perceptions of different types of written assessment within the context of dental materials science and to identify how various learning styles exhibited by dental students, as well as gender and ethnicity, may influence their perceptions of these assessment methods.MethodsThe study was conducted among second‐year dental students in a dental materials science class, during which students participated in a mock assessment that included extended matching questions (EMQs) and single correct answer (SCA) questions. An online questionnaire comprising three sections: demographic information, Honey and Mumford's Learning Styles Questionnaire, and 15 closed‐ended questionnaire items employing a 5‐point Likert scale were administered to assess students' perceptions of the assessment methods. Statistical analyses were conducted using the Kruskal‐Wallis test, Mann‐Whitney U test, and a post‐hoc Bonferroni test.ResultsAll 70 students participated in the study with the majority being female, Chinese, and activist learners. Median total scores among various learning styles, gender, and ethnicity did not exhibit significant differences. Analysis of individual questionnaire items revealed mixed perceptions regarding EMQs. Reflectors generally held more positive perceptions of EMQs, while theorists showed the lowest total median scores toward EMQs. Most students did not prefer EMQs over SCAs, and some students expressed confusion about EMQs, especially those with a theorist learning style.ConclusionAlthough students generally showed good perceptions towards these assessment methods, further research is needed to better understand the interplay of learning styles, assessment preferences, and educational outcomes in dental education.
Heat waves in Poland: The relations to atmospheric circulation and Arctic warming
Authors: Jędruszkiewicz Joanna , Wibig Joanna , Piotrowski Piotr 
Published: March 2024

AbstractFrom the beginning of the 21st century, the heat waves in Europe have become more frequent, severe and longer lasting, especially in the southern region. The longer duration of heat waves may be partly attributed to wave‐amplification, high‐amplitude waves in the mid‐latitudes, favouring the longer‐lasting blocking systems. The primary objective of the paper was to examine the long‐term changes of hot days and heat wave events and to identify the atmospheric circulation condition that prevails its occurrence. The other object was to investigate the correlations between hot days' occurrence in Poland and sea‐ice cover and sea surface temperature changes in the Arctic and its surroundings. Over the past few decades, Central and Southern Poland have experienced a considerable rise in maximum temperatures, which has led to an increase in the number of hot days. This increase is particularly prominent during the summer months (June, July and August) but also in May and September, which extends the hot season. Although heat waves have become more frequent and persistent since 2006, their mean intensity has remained unchanged. During all heat waves in Poland, the high‐pressure centre was located over the country or its close neighbourhood, mainly in the eastern sector but also in the south, southwest or over Scandinavia. The blocking systems were mainly related to the extended ridge of the Azores High, but also to strong blocking over the North Pole and Greenland reaching Scandinavia or anomalous high pressure in the East Arctic. The longest‐lasting heat waves were usually preceded by air masses advection from the Atlantic, but the highest potential temperature along the trajectories was observed for the southern direction of inflow. The growing number of hot days is statistically significantly related to the decreasing sea‐ice cover and increasing sea surface temperature in Arctic and Subarctic regions.
Randomized controlled trial of linaclotide in children aged 6−17 years with functional constipation
Authors: Di Lorenzo Carlo , Nurko Samuel , Hyams Jeffrey S. , Rodriguez‐Araujo Gerardo , Almansa Cristina , Shakhnovich Valentina , Saps Miguel , Simon Michael 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectivesLinaclotide, a guanylate cyclase‐C agonist, was recently approved in the United States for treatment of children 6−17 years old with functional constipation (FC). This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of several linaclotide doses in children 6−17 years old with FC.MethodsIn this multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled phase 2 study, 173 children with FC (based on Rome III criteria) were randomized to once‐daily linaclotide (A: 9 or 18 μg, B: 18 or 36 μg, or C: 36 or 72 μg) or placebo in a 1:1:1:1 ratio for 6‐ to 11‐year‐olds (dosage determined by weight: 18 to <35 or ≥35 kg) and linaclotide (18, 36, 72, or 145 μg) or placebo in a 1:1:1:1:1 ratio for 12‐ to 17‐year‐olds. The primary efficacy endpoint was change from baseline in weekly spontaneous bowel movement (SBM) frequency throughout the 4‐week treatment period. Adverse events (AE), clinical laboratory values, and electrocardiograms were monitored.ResultsEfficacy and safety were assessed in 173 patients (52.0% aged 6−11 years; 48.0% aged 12−17 years); 162 (93.6%) completed the treatment period. A numerical improvement in mean SBM frequency was observed with increasing linaclotide doses (1.90 in 6‐ to 11‐year‐olds [36 or 72 μg] and 2.86 in 12‐ to 17‐year‐olds [72 μg]). The most reported treatment‐emergent AE was diarrhea, with most cases being mild; none were severe.ConclusionsLinaclotide was well tolerated in this pediatric population, with a trend toward efficacy in the higher doses, warranting further evaluation.
Organoids as an in vitro model to study human tumors and bacteria
Authors: Liu Naiyu , Liu Shuxi , Xu Xiaoyue , Nong XianXian , Chen Hong 
Published: March 2024

AbstractOrganoids faithfully replicate the morphological structure, physiological functions, stable phenotype of the source tissue. Recent research indicates that bacteria can significantly influence the initiation, advancement, and treatment of tumors. This article provides a comprehensive review of the applications of organoid technology in tumor research, the relationship between bacteria and the genesis and development of tumors, and the exploration of the impact of bacteria on tumors and their applications in research.
Sound the Alarm: The Sonographer Shortage Is Echoing Across Healthcare
Authors: Won Daniel , Walker James , Horowitz Russ , Bharadwaj Sandeep , Carlton Edward , Gabriel Helena 
Published: March 2024

ObjectivesThe growth in ultrasound usage necessitates concurrent growth in the number of sonographers. Despite the increasing importance of ultrasound, there is a shortage of sonographers in the United States that has never been specifically quantified. This study examines recent trends in the number of ultrasound exams, sonography graduates, open sonographer positions, and wages.MethodsThis retrospective study uses public databases and surveys including the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and Zippia, a human resources platform to determine metrics. These metrics include the number of ultrasound exams conducted in the United States (excluding inpatient setting), number of sonographers and sonographer wages, sonography graduates, and open sonographer positions.ResultsUltrasound exams in the United States from 2011 to 2021 increased from 38.6 million to 59.8 million (+55.1%,) while the number of sonographers (2011–2021) increased from 54,760 to 78,640 (+43.6%). There was a significant difference between supply and demand of sonographers with the number of sonography graduates (2011–2021) increasing from 4,386 to 5,393 (+23.0%) while the number of open sonographer positions (2012–2021) increased from 18,462 to 25,162 (+36.3%).ConclusionsFrom 2011 to 2021, the increase in the number of ultrasound exams has significantly outpaced the increase in the number of sonographers. Furthermore, the increase in demand for sonographers has grown significantly faster than the supply, leading to a shortage and consequent strain on the healthcare system. To address the shortage, the number of sonography school openings should be increased, and the attendant challenges addressed.
On‐Chip Multimode WGM Microresonator with Cross‐Correlation Algorithm for Enhanced Sensing
Authors: Mao Wenbo , Li Fu , Jia Di , Zhang Qian , Yang Lan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractOptical whispering‐gallery‐mode (WGM) microresonators emerge as a frontrunner for precision measurement due to their high sensitivity and compact footprint. They have demonstrated superior capabilities in detecting a wide range of objects, spanning from variations in temperature, humidity, and magnetic field, to local perturbations caused by viruses or nanoparticles. Traditional methods often rely on monitoring spectral changes in a single WGM resonance to extract the relevant information of sensing targets. However, in scenarios involving multiple sensing targets of interest (e.g., molecule detection in a temperature‐fluctuating environment), analyzing only one resonant mode may be insufficient, leading to inaccuracies or misinterpretations in deriving target information. To address this issue, a multimode‐based cross‐correlation algorithm is proposed to distinguish local perturbations from global environmental fluctuations. For validation, on‐chip silicon microresonators and pulley bus waveguides are integrated for robust multimode excitation. A proof‐of‐concept experiment demonstrates the effectiveness of this method in detecting nanoparticles in an environment with temperature changes. This approach showcases versatility and applicability in various optical sensors, introducing new prospects for achieving high‐sensitivity sensing through scalable integrated photonic platforms.
Failure investigation of an elbow pipe used in sewage water treatment facility
Authors: Garg Siddharth , Bansal Sourabh , Murtaza Qasim 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn this research work, a real case of failed ASTM A860 WPHY 65 long elbow pipe coated with inorganic zinc ethyl silicate primer is collected from a treatment facility to investigate the root causes of its failure, which was reported after approximately 28 months of use. The failure was investigated using visual observations, metallurgical analysis using optical emission spectroscopy, mechanical testing, X‐ray diffraction of corrosion product, chemical analysis of sewage and corrosion rate test of the elbow using a three‐electrode potential technique, fractographic analysis using scanning electron microscope along with computational analysis to confirm the results. Through the testing, it was observed that severe depletion in the strength can be attributed to erosion–corrosion caused by various impurities present in the sewage, leading to the generation of corrosion pits and turbulent eddies and stresses generated due to sudden changes in fluid flow direction along with gases present in sewage reacting with a base metal. Various failure mechanisms that have led to pipe failure are discussed in this paper, along with a listing of preventive measures to delay it.
Research on the influence mechanism of digital innovation in high‐tech enterprises — An inter‐organizational perspective
Authors: Wang Hongyang , Li Baizhou 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCarrying out digital innovation is the main channel for enterprises to stimulate internal vitality and enhance core competitiveness in the digital economy era. Based on the Panel data of A‐share listed high‐tech enterprises from 2011 to 2020, this paper integrates digital strategy, executive incentive, and financial flexibility into the same analytical framework from an inter‐organizational perspective and uses the random effect Tobit model to study their direct or indirect effects on digital innovation. The research results indicate that digital strategy has a significant positive impact on digital innovation, while the indirect effect of diversified management weakens the positive impact of digital strategy, specifically manifested as the masking effect; executive incentives have a significant positive impact on digital innovation, while equity concentration negatively moderates the impact of executive incentives on digital innovation; financial flexibility has an inverted U‐shaped impact on digital innovation. The research results provide a theoretical basis and practical inspiration for the implementation of digital innovation within enterprises.
Athena: Smart order routing on centralized crypto exchanges using a unified order book
Authors: Henker Robert , Atzberger Daniel , Vollmer Jan Ole , Scheibel Willy , Döllner Jürgen , Bick Markus 
Published: March 2024

SummaryMost cryptocurrency spot trading occurs on centralized crypto exchanges, where offers for buying and selling are organized via an order book. In liquid markets, the price achieved for buying and selling deviates only slightly from the assumed reference price, that is, trading is associated with low implicit costs. However, compared to traditional finance, crypto markets are still illiquid, and consequently, the reduction of implicit costs is crucial for any trading strategy and of high interest, especially for institutional investors. This paper describes the design and implementation of Athena, a system that automatically splits orders across multiple exchanges to minimize implicit costs. For this purpose, order books are collected from several centralized crypto exchanges and merged into an internal unified order book. In addition to price and quantity, the entries in the unified order book are enriched with information about the exchange. This enables a smart order routing algorithm to split an order into several slices and execute these on several exchanges to reduce implicit costs and achieve a better price. An extensive evaluation shows the savings of using the smart order routing algorithm.
“Death or conversion”: From welfare to famine in the Jewish quarter of Lleida, Spain (12th–14th century)
Authors: Nieto‐Espinet Ariadna , Valenzuela‐Lamas Sílvia , Moran Marta , Payà Xavier , Gil Isabel 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe urban planning work carried out in the old seminary district of Lleida, over an area of more than 6,000 m2, uncovered important remains of the old Cuirassa quarter. This quarter was inhabited by the Jewish aljama between the 12th century and the end of the 15th century CE. Archeological excavations have documented streets, squares, and private spaces corresponding to several houses, one of which was destroyed by the Christian assault and fire of the Jewish quarter on 13 August 1391. The study of the important archeozoological assemblages from this area has made it possible to characterize, for the first time, the dietary practices of the Jewish communities in different periods of occupation of this neighborhood. In addition, the consumption of certain non‐kosher species in the late 14th century assemblages could be related with a situation of crisis or famine (which could correspond to the period after the attack of 1391), providing relevant data on the status and situation of the Jewish community in the city at that time. The results are consistent with the context defined by the historical sources, which describe an important period of decline after the attack.
Effect of modified graphene nanosheets on the properties of 222Rn and gamma ray multifunctional shielding polymer composite materials
Authors: Tan Songbo , Wang Guohui , Liu Jun , Chen Xiaoli , Tao Zui , Chen Jinlu , Yang Xuan , Peng Guowen 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDevelopment of shielding materials for 222Rn and γ radiation has crucial implications for ensuring the safety of individuals. This paper reports the synthesis of modified graphene nanosheets (MGNPs) via the reaction of KH560 with graphene nanosheets (GNPs), while melt blending and hot‐press molding technique were used to fabricate a multifunctional polymer composite shielding material, MGNP/WB/PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate). Successful synthesis of MGNP was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis was utilized to assess the distribution of functional fillers within the cross‐section of the polymer composite. Additionally, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated that MGNP and WB particles enhance the thermal stability of the polymer composite materials. Compared to pure PMMA, 98.7% decrease in the radon diffusion coefficient was observed for MGNP1.5 wt%/PMMA composite material. In addition to enhance the radon‐blocking characteristics of the polymer composites, inclusion of WB particles also boosts their shielding capacity against gamma radiation. The 222Rn diffusion coefficient of MGNP1.5 wt%/WB25wt%/PMMA polymer composite material decreased by 99.6% and at energies of 60 KeV, 80 KeV, 122 KeV, 365 KeV, the mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) for the composite material increased by 0.79, 1.97, 0.57, and 0.05 cm2/g, respectively, compared to pure PMMA.Highlights
The PMMA composite materials doped with graphene nanosheets demonstrate outstanding resistance to 222Rn.
Graphene nanosheets modified by KH560 exhibit favorable dispersion within PMMA.
WB can further enhance the radon resistance of MGNP/WB/PMMA composite materials.
The polymer composites exhibit excellent 222Rn and gamma ray shielding properties.
Particle Properties of Air Nanobubbles and Their Inhibition Mechanism on Brass Corrosion in Recirculating Cooling Water: Effects of Concentration Ratio and Flow Velocity
Authors: Zhang Yuling , Duan Haiyang , Lu Shaolei , Yang Shaoxia , Qiu Yaqin , Liu Songtao , Wu Yinwei 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe corrosion inhibition performance of air nanobubbles (A‐NBs) is expected to address the environmental problems arising from chemical corrosion. In order to regulate the corrosion inhibition performance of A‐NBs, the particle characteristics of A‐NBs in flowing composite salt solutions are investigated, and the corrosion inhibition effect of A‐NBs under different concentration ratios and rotational speed of simulated circulating cooling water is studied. High salt concentrations significantly reduced the particle size, concentration, and zeta‐potential value of A‐NBs, thus reducing the stability of A‐NBs. The flow velocity has a slight effect on A‐NBs. The results of the weight loss and electrochemical method showed that A‐NBs achieved the highest corrosion inhibition rate of 55% under a concentration ratio of 1.5 and a rotational speed of 100 r min−1. The surface characterization of brass specimens revealed that A‐NBs facilitated the formation of Cu2(OH)2CO3 passivation film, calcium carbonate scale film, and a layer of bubbles on the surface of brass, which subsequently mitigated the erosive impact of the fluid. A‐NBs can adsorb cations and thus reduce the concentration of corrosive ions. However, the increase in concentration ratio and rotational speed impeded the formation of the bubble layer and passivation film.
Protein structure–function continuum model: Emerging nexuses between specificity, evolution, and structure
Authors: Gupta Munishwar Nath , Uversky Vladimir N. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe rationale for replacing the old binary of structure–function with the trinity of structure, disorder, and function has gained considerable ground in recent years. A continuum model based on the expanded form of the existing paradigm can now subsume importance of both conformational flexibility and intrinsic disorder in protein function. The disorder is actually critical for understanding the protein–protein interactions in many regulatory processes, formation of membrane‐less organelles, and our revised notions of specificity as amply illustrated by moonlighting proteins. While its importance in formation of amyloids and function of prions is often discussed, the roles of intrinsic disorder in infectious diseases and protein function under extreme conditions are also becoming clear. This review is an attempt to discuss how our current understanding of protein function, specificity, and evolution fit better with the continuum model. This integration of structure and disorder under a single model may bring greater clarity in our continuing quest for understanding proteins and molecular mechanisms of their functionality.
Wearable sampling of proteins from human exhaled aerosols for nano‐liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analysis: A pilot study
Authors: Cai Shen‐hui , Wang Baixue , Zhang Jianfeng , Guo Jiubiao , Hu Bin 
Published: March 2024

RationaleHuman exhaled breath usually contains unique proteins that may provide clues to characterize individual physiological activities and many diseases. However, the concentration of exhaled proteins in exhaled breath is extremely low and usually does not reach the detection limits of all online breath mass spectrometry instruments. Therefore, developing a new breath sampler for collecting and characterizing exhaled proteins is important.MethodsIn this study, a new mask‐based wearable sampler was developed by fixing metal materials into the inner surface of the KN95 mask. Human exhaled proteins could be directly adsorbed onto the metal material while wearing the mask. After sampling, the collected proteins were eluted, digested, and identified using nano‐liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (nano‐LC–MS/MS).ResultsThe adsorption of exhaled proteins was evaluated, showing that modified gold foil is an effective material for collecting exhaled proteins. Various endogenous proteins were successfully identified from exhaled breath, many of which can be potential biomarkers for disease diagnosis.ConclusionsBy coupling the newly developed mask sampler with nano‐LC–MS/MS, human exhaled proteins were successfully collected and identified. Our results show that the mask sampler is wearable, simple, and convenient, and the method is noninvasive for investigating disease diagnosis and human health.
Development of a High‐Frequency Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)‐Based Laminate With An Ultra‐Low Dielectric Constant by Combination of Ceramic Hollow Spheres and PTFE Resin
Authors: Wu Cong , Li Qiang , Hong Ying , Feng Beibei , Hu Wencheng , Sun Liangkui 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCeramic hollow spheres and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) resin are essential for the fabrication of ultra‐low dielectric constant laminates for high‐frequency printed circuit boards. The poor bonding between ceramic hollow spheres and PTFE is the fundamental obstacle to the homogeneity of the composite. In this work, the broken ceramic hollow spheres were first removed by flotation, and then the surface of the floated hollow spheres was modified using different silane coupling agents at various concentrations. By comprehensively considering the results of the orthogonal experiment, the optimal coupling agent is determined to be 3‐(methacryloyloxy) propyltrimethoxysilane (KH560). The effect of KH560 content, ethanol/water volume ratio, and pH value on the dielectric constant, dielectric layer density, water absorption, and Z‐axis thermal expansion coefficient of the parallel samples was investigated in detail. The optimum surface modification parameters are found to be 6 wt % KH560, an ethanol/water volume ratio of 9 : 1 and a pH of 4. Under optimum technological conditions, the fabricated composites exhibit superior properties with dielectric constant less than 2, indicating a potential application in high performance high frequency copper clad laminates.