bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Water resources in Saudi Arabia: trends in rainfall, water consumption, and analysis of agricultural water footprint
Authors: Odnoletkova Natalia , Patzek Tadeusz W. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSaudi Arabia is one of the most arid countries in the world. Thus, freshwater availability and consumption are of crucial importance for the fast-growing population subjected to an escalating heat stress from climate change. We provide an overarching view of water resources in Saudi Arabia, in terms of supply, demand, vulnerabilities, and the associated implications on food supply and security. To estimate the effects of climate change on natural water supply, we use ERA5 for the reliable and complete statistics of the long term-precipitation (1950-2021) trends across the Kingdom’s territory. ERA5 is the latest generation of the reanalysis of global climate from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. The average annual precipitation is about 50 mm/year and does not satisfy the freshwater needs of the country. Energy-intensive desalination, driven by fossil fuels, meets two thirds of municipal freshwater requirements, while non-renewable “fossil” groundwater addresses most of agricultural consumption needs. Total freshwater use has decreased in recent years due to a significant reduction of water use by agricultural sector. Nevertheless, this sector still accounts for 67% of the total freshwater consumption and provides a third of the country’s food supply. To understand efficiency of freshwater use in the agricultural sector, we have developed a novel methodology that allowed us to estimate the country-scale water consumption associated with crop production. Results indicate that water requirements for crop cultivation in Saudi Arabia are up to three times the global average. Date and cereal production consumes almost two thirds of the total freshwater supply, while mass production is dominated by forage crops.
Revisiting Dysarthria Treatment Across Languages: The Hybrid Approach
Authors: Levy Erika S. , Moya-Galé Gemma 
Published: December 2023

Purpose:
Ten years after Miller and Lowit's (2014) groundbreaking book providing a cross-linguistic perspective on motor speech disorders, we ask where we are regarding dysarthria treatment across languages in two specific populations: adults with Parkinson's disease (PD) and children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Method:
In this commentary, we consider preliminary evidence for both language-independent and language-specific approaches to treatment and propose a hybrid approach to speech treatment across languages, centered on the individual with dysarthria who speaks any given language.

Conclusions:
Treatment research on individuals with dysarthria secondary to PD and CP is advancing, but several areas remain to be explored. Next steps are suggested for addressing the paucity and complexity of cross-linguistic speech treatment research.
Risk analysis of autonomous vehicle test scenarios using a novel analytic hierarchy process method
Authors: Zhang Shengpeng , Tak Taeoh 
Published: December 2023

AbstractScenario‐based test methods are employed to assess the safety and performance of autonomous vehicles. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method is a common assessment method for determining the criticality of test scenarios. However, the AHP method is subjective and less reproducible when performed by different persons, as the elements of pairwise comparison values that are directly linked to the outcome must be assigned by the person involved. This paper proposes a novel AHP method that automatically generates pairwise comparison values by optimizing the correlation between performance metrics and risk of test scenarios by simulation. Performance metrics are defined as the minimum relative distances and corresponding relative velocities between vehicles, and the risk of the test scenario is determined by the pairwise comparison values of AHP. The novel AHP method was evaluated using a cut‐in scenario. The results showed that the minimum relative distance and the risk determined by the novel AHP method achieved a better correlation coefficient of −0.96, which is better than the conventional AHP of −0.828 and Fuzzy AHP of −0.824. These results suggest that the criticality of the test scenarios determined by the novel AHP method can more accurately reflect real‐world driving environments.
Enhanced electrocaloric effect over a broad temperature range in lead‐free Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3‐based relaxor ferroelectrics via doping with Bi(Mg0.5Zr0.5)O3
Authors: Niu Xiang , Jiang Yuleng , Lai Junying , Liang Wei , Liu Huanwei , Jian Xiaodong , Zhao Xiaobo , Yao Yingbang , Liang Bo , Tao Tao , Lu Sheng‐Guo 
Published: December 2023

AbstractWith an increasing demand for environmentally friendly refrigeration, the solid‐state refrigeration based on the electrocaloric effect (ECE) has been drawn extensive attention. It is a challenge to maintain a large adiabatic temperature change (∆T) over a broad temperature span. Herein, the authors designed and synthesised (0.74‐x) Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3‐0.06BaTiO3‐0.2SrTiO3‐xBi(Mg0.5Zr0.5)O3 (abbreviated as NBT‐xBMZ) (x = 0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06 and 0.08) lead‐free relaxor ferroelectrics. Their microstructures, dielectric properties, ferroelectric properties, ECEs and the structure‐property relationships were investigated. Via doping with BMZ, an enhanced relaxor feature and a wider temperature range where multi‐phases coexist were achieved. The relaxor ferroelectric characteristics were illustrated using the Vogel‐Fulcher relation. The indirectly calculated ECE results showed that the optimal ΔT of 1.11 K was obtained for the x = 0.02 sample at 90°C and 70 kV/cm over a wide Tspan of 120°C, providing a potential ECE material. The direct ECE results procured using thermocouple indicated that the maximal ∆T of 2.14 K and ∆T/∆E of 0.31 K m/MV were achieved in the same sample at 70°C and 7 MV/m and the variation trend of ECE results was consistent with the indirect results. Moreover, the multi‐phases coexistent strategy can be extended to other materials system to generate a large ΔT over a wide temperature range.
Association Between VEGF-460C/T Gene Polymorphism and Risk of
Diabetic Retinopathy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A
Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cheng Bo , Wu Aimin , Zhou Xuewei 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between
VEGF-460C/T polymorphism and susceptibility to diabetic retinopathy (DR)
in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by meta-analysis. A comprehensive search was
conducted across six databases until September 2023 to identify studies
examining the association between VEGF-460C/T polymorphism and
susceptibility to DR. Data process was performed by Stata 15.0 software. Eight
studies were included, involving 1463 patients with DR. In the overall analysis,
the difference was statistically significant only in the homozygous model (CC
vs. TT: OR=1.86, p=0.048). A subgroup analysis of 6 papers with
genotype frequency satisfying HWE in the control group indicated significant
differences among the allele (C vs. T: OR=1.34, p=0.037),
recessive (CC vs. CT+TT: OR=1.96, p=0.022) and
homozygous (CC vs. TT: OR=2.28, p=0.015) models. However, in the
dominant and heterozygous models, the difference was not statistically
significant. The sensitivity of the HWE-based subgroup analysis showed that the
conclusions in other gene models except the heterozygote model were not robust.
This meta-analysis indicated that VEGF-460C/T gene polymorphism is
associated with susceptibility to DR in T2DM. Allele C and genotype CC at the
VEGF-460C/T locus are associated with an increased risk of DR in T2DM.
However, considering that the results are not robust, more trials involving more
rigorous design are needed to verify the findings of this review in the
future.
Tratamento cirúrgico do joanete do alfaiate por técnica percutânea: Um estudo comparativo
Authors: Lara Luiz Carlos Ribeiro , Lancia Lara Furtado , Santos Diego Vitor Braga , Carvalho Matheus Maciel Dornelles de , Lima Frederico Pinheiro de , Arruda João Lucas Gonçalves 
Published: December 2023

Resumo
Objetivos Analisar e comparar os resultados clínicos e radiográficos da correção do joanete do alfaiate, utilizando-se duas técnicas cirúrgicas percutâneas, técnica de osteotomia oblíqua de Sponsel e osteotomia em cunha medial da metáfise distal. Os resultados foram avaliados individualmente e comparativamente através do Lesser Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal Scale da American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), Escala Visual Analógica de Dor (VAS) e radiograficamente, analisando-se os ângulos: ângulo intermetatársico IV-V (AIM4–5) e ângulo metatarsofalangico do 5° raio (AMF-5).
Métodos Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo no período de maio de 2011 a fevereiro de 2022. Foram operados 32 pés, destes, em 12 pés foram utilizadas a técnica de Sponsel e em 20 pés a osteotomia em cunha medial da metáfise distal do 5° metatársico.
Resultados Ambas as técnicas cirúrgicas empregadas mostraram melhora significativa na correção dos ângulos AIM4–5 e AMF-5 (p < 0,001), todavia, não observamos significância estatística comparando-se as técnicas. Já em relação ao AOFAS e VAS, ambas as técnicas apresentaram resultados satisfatórios. Porém, a osteotomia em cunha apresentou resultados significativamente melhores quando comparados a técnica de Sponsel (p < 0,001).
Conclusões Ambas as técnicas percutâneas utilizadas para correção do joanete do alfaiate conferiram melhora significativa das angulações radiográficas e dos scores avaliados, com baixo índice de complicações, mostrando-se boas opções para tratamento desta patologia. Quando comparadas, a osteotomia em cunha medial parece conferir melhores resultados dos parâmetros clínicos analisados.
Bridging the Information Gap in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Narrative Review with Systematic Approach
Authors: Tay Chau Thien , Williams Fleur , Mousa Aya , Teede Helena , Burgert Tania S. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrinopathy with wide-ranging implications for affected individuals. Literature has shown that patients with PCOS are dissatisfied with the health information provided to them and that healthcare professionals lack adequate knowledge. In this narrative review with systematic approach, we explored the unmet information needs in PCOS care for both patients and healthcare professionals. A comprehensive search of databases yielded 41 relevant studies, predominantly of observational and qualitative design. Adults and adolescents with PCOS desire wide ranging health information and express a keen desire for weight management guidance. Importantly, discussions surrounding weight should be addressed knowledgeably and without weight bias. Therefore, healthcare professionals should facilitate access to comprehensive evidence-based resources. Lack of information drives PCOS-related online searches. Referral to support groups that promote individual agency in the self-management aspects of PCOS can furthermore guide patient resource acquisition. Patients prefer guidance from professionals that understand the psychosocial complexity of PCOS and can empathize with experiences of stigmatization or even marginalization depending on the cultural context of the individual. The findings informed the 2023 International Evidence-Based PCOS Guideline, recommending patient-centered communication, evidence-based information resources, and culturally sensitive approaches to optimize PCOS care.
Yugoslav science during the Cold War (1945–1960): socio-economic and ideological impacts of a geopolitical shift
Authors: Korolija Maja 
Published: December 2023

AbstractTwo ideological views on science dominated the Cold War era: one of a free and apolitical science, and the other emphasizing partisanship in science, associated with the Western and Eastern Blocs, respectively. This study offers a specific perspective of important elements belonging to these scientific positions, as it reveals their entanglement with geopolitical and socio-economic processes of the (semi)peripheral Yugoslav socialist system during the Cold War period. After the Second World War, and before its break with the USSR in 1948, Yugoslavia tended to emulate Soviet ideology in all aspects of society, including science. In the period following this break, the Yugoslav socialist regime, at least initially, leaned heavily toward the Western Bloc. By comparing Yugoslav science before and after the break with the USSR, this study provides insight into the consequences of the geopolitical shift and socio-economic transition of the Yugoslav socialist system, primarily in terms of the model of scientific organization, financing, and scientific discourse. Exposed to the dynamics of decentralization and, to a larger extent than before, market forces, Yugoslav socialism after the break with the USSR adopted a specific form, namely Socialist Self-Management. Herein, I show that this led to the emergence of novel organizational and discursive tendencies in Yugoslav science, which were compatible with certain aspects of the perspective of science as ‘pure’, autonomous, and apolitical.
Chiral organic molecular structures supported by planar surfaces
Authors: Savin Alexander V. , Kivshar Yuri S. 
Published: December 2023

We employ the molecular dynamics simulations to study the dynamics of acetanilide (ACN) molecules placed on a flat surface of planar multilayer hexagonal boron nitride. We demonstrate that the ACN molecules, known to be achiral in the three-dimensional space, become chiral after being placed on the substrate. Homochirality of the ACN molecules leads to stable secondary structures stabilized by hydrogen bonds between peptide groups of the molecules. By employing molecular dynamics simulations, we reveal that the structure of the resulting hydrogen-bond chains depends on the isomeric composition of the molecules. If all molecules are homochiral (i.e., with only one isomer being present), they form secondary structures (chains of hydrogen bonds in the shapes of arcs, circles, and spirals). If the molecules at the substrate form a racemic mixture, then no regular secondary structures appear, and only curvilinear chains of hydrogen bonds of random shapes emerge. A hydrogen-bond chain can form a zigzag array only if it has an alternation of isomers. Such chains can create two-dimensional (2D) regular lattices or 2D crystals. The melting scenarios of such 2D crystals depend on density of its coverage of the substrate. At 25% coverage, melting occurs continuously in the temperature interval 295–365 K. For a complete coverage, melting occurs at 415–470 K due to a shift of 11% of all molecules into the second layer of the substrate.
Low temperature reaction kinetics inside an extended Laval nozzle: REMPI characterization and detection by broadband rotational spectroscopy
Authors: Thawoos Shameemah , Suas-David Nicolas , Gurusinghe Ranil M. , Edlin Matthew , Behzadfar Abbas , Lang Jinxin , Suits Arthur G. 
Published: December 2023

Chirped-Pulse Fourier-Transform millimeter wave (CP-FTmmW) spectroscopy is a powerful method that enables detection of quantum state specific reactants and products in mixtures. We have successfully coupled this technique with a pulsed uniform Laval flow system to study photodissociation and reactions at low temperature, which we refer to as CPUF (“Chirped-Pulse/Uniform flow”). Detection by CPUF requires monitoring the free induction decay (FID) of the rotational coherence. However, the high collision frequency in high-density uniform supersonic flows can interfere with the FID and attenuate the signal. One way to overcome this is to sample the flow, but this can cause interference from shocks in the sampling region. This led us to develop an extended Laval nozzle that creates a uniform flow within the nozzle itself, after which the gas undergoes a shock-free secondary expansion to cold, low pressure conditions ideal for CP-FTmmW detection. Impact pressure measurements, commonly used to characterize Laval flows, cannot be used to monitor the flow within the nozzle. Therefore, we implemented a REMPI (resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization) detection scheme that allows the interrogation of the conditions of the flow directly inside the extended nozzle, confirming the fluid dynamics simulations of the flow environment. We describe the development of the new 20 K extended flow, along with its characterization using REMPI and computational fluid dynamics. Finally, we demonstrate its application to the first low temperature measurement of the reaction kinetics of HCO with O2 and obtain a rate coefficient at 20 K of 6.66 ± 0.47 × 10−11 cm3 molec−1 s−1.
Externally Heated Diamond ANvil Cell Experimentation (EH-DANCE) for studying materials and processes under extreme conditions
Authors: Wang Siheng , Berrada Meryem , Chao Keng-Hsien , Lai Xiaojing , Zhu Feng , Zhang Dongzhou , Chariton Stella , Prakapenka Vitali B. , Sinogeikin Stanislav , Chen Bin 
Published: December 2023

Externally heated diamond anvil cells provide a stable and uniform thermal environment, making them a versatile device to simultaneously generate high-pressure and high-temperature conditions in various fields of research, such as condensed matter physics, materials science, chemistry, and geosciences. The present study features the Externally Heated Diamond ANvil Cell Experimentation (EH-DANCE) system, a versatile configuration consisting of a diamond anvil cell with a customized microheater for stable resistive heating, bidirectional pressure control facilitated by compression and decompression membranes, and a water-cooled enclosure suitable for vacuum and controlled atmospheres. This integrated system excels with its precise control of both pressure and temperature for mineral and materials science research under extreme conditions. We showcase the capabilities of the system through its successful application in the investigation of the melting temperature and thermal equation of state of high-pressure ice-VII at temperatures up to 1400 K. The system was also used to measure the elastic properties of solid ice-VII and liquid H2O using Brillouin scattering and Raman spectra of carbonates using Raman spectroscopy, highlighting the potential of the EH-DANCE system in high-pressure research.
Resource nationalism and energy transitions in lower-income countries: the case of Tanzania
Authors: Poncian Japhace , Pedersen Rasmus Hundsbaek 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT
As the world approaches the 2030 year marker for the implementation of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as defined by the United Nations, the global urgency for sustainable and energy sources grows. Lower-income countries, however, confront a choice between cleaner energy and ensuring cheap and reliable energy. This raises the question of how some countries can find a balance between meeting their global climate change commitments and meeting urgent energy generation needs. This article uses resource nationalism as a lens to examine Tanzania’s energy transition dynamics. It seeks to understand why renewable sources such as wind and solar have been promoted in government policy but have not attracted much developmental support and investment. The authors argue that resource nationalism provides context within which to understand why the state has been quick to promote energy projects (notably geothermal, coal, natural gas and hydroelectric) where it has direct investment interests, as opposed to large wind and solar projects where private – often foreign – investors are dominant.
Development of new formulation for soft material in paste extrusion-based 3D Printer
Authors: Khan S F , Baharudin M M , Tajul L 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Fused Deposition Modelling is a form of additive manufacturing where solid filament is heated into molten state and deposited onto a heating platform to create three-dimensional objects layer-by-layer. Since heating and cooling processes are involved in Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM), this restricts the use of thermoplastic polymers such Room Temperature Vulcanizing (RTV) silicones and gels. Others concern are with the right rheological properties for extrusion and the ability to provide desired mechanical qualities upon quick solidification. To develop a suitable silicone printing technology, it is crucial to understand the silicone polymerization mechanism in terms of its rheological and mechanical characteristics. Due to the numerous factors that can influence silicone paste mixtures, this study utilized the Taguchi method to design experiments, optimize factors, and predict properties, thereby avoiding extensive and resource-intensive experimental work. The study specifically considered the factors of curing method, mass ratio of silicone thinner, and fumed-silica in the silicone paste formulation. Among the 9 samples generated through the Taguchi method, only one sample demonstrated favourable results in terms of mechanical properties and the curing process, with a mixture ratio of base silicone, silicone thinner, and fumed-silica at 15g, <1g, 0.1g; respectively. However, further investigation into the fixed amount of silicone and fumed silica in the selected mixture ratio indicate that the amount of silicone thinner must be less than 1g or can be omitted as the silicone paste can be used as printing ink for the extruder. The shore hardness testing for the silicone samples revealed with zero percent silicone thinner exhibited a hardness value of 21.5 HA (Shore A) while the sample obtained less than 1g displayed a significantly lower hardness value of 10.5 HA. These findings indicate that the addition of silicone thinner in the silicone paste formulation, as optimized through the Taguchi method, contributed to a reduction in the hardness of the material for shore A scale. This suggests that the presence of silicone thinner affects the elasticity and flexibility of the silicone paste, resulting in a lower Shore hardness value. The discrepancy in hardness values between the samples further highlights the significance of formulation optimization to achieve desired material properties for silicone paste-based applications in 3D printing.
Lightweight design of Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthotic Devices using Voronoi patterns for Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Khan S F , Zaidan M A , Tajul L 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Traditionally fabricated knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO) device that is used to aid in the mobility user is uncomfortable. Problems such as weight and enclosure in almost all the part of the leg make it strenuous and humid for the user to wear for a long time. Furthermore, in the traditional production method, it can take up to a week to fabricate. The aim of this study is to redesign the knee-ankle-foot-orthosis by using the application of topology optimization in order to reduce the material used on the product and to make it lightweight. The parameters of the KAFO were determined by using indirect method; similar to traditional method. The modelling and analysis of the KAFO is completed by using CAD and CAE software. Optimization of the product is performed by redesigning the shape and applying topology optimization function. It is able to reduce the maximum stress of the product by 22.56% and the volume by 4.33%. Application of the Voronoi pattern further reduces the mass of the KAFO and produces more organic looks to the product. SLS Lisa Pro 3D printer is used to produce the KAFO in a period of less than a week. This prove to be a viable alternative for producing customized KAFO.