bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increasing hospitalisation of patients with herpes zoster ophthalmicus—an interdisciplinary retrospective analysis
Authors: Diehl Rebecca , Wiedenmann Cornelius , Reinhard Thomas , Böhringer Daniel , Schauer Franziska 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
The occurrence of herpes zoster is rising globally. Future trends will be influenced by changes in population demographics and the growing number of patients at risk. Overall this poses a challenge for healthcare systems.

Methods
In our interdisciplinary, single-centre retrospective analysis, we aimed to assess the burden of the disease within the Department of Dermatology and the Eye Centre from the Medical Centre, University of Freiburg from 2009—2022. We obtained data from 3034 cases coded using the ICD-10 B02.x. Patients were characterised by sex, age, year of treatment, and type of treatment (inpatient vs. outpatient).

Results
Overall we observed a 200% increase in the number of herpes zoster patients over the 13-year period. Upon closer analysis, this was mainly due to a rise in inpatient treatment for herpes zoster ophthalmicus.

Conclusions
If the incidence of herpes zoster ophthalmicus continues to increase at the current rate the number of hospitalisations of zoster ophthalmicus would double by 2040, assuming guideline-appropriate treatment. Overall, the results show a growing need for inpatient ophthalmological care.
On the link between shadow economy and carbon dioxide emissions: an analysis of homogeneous groups of countries
Authors: Silva Nuno , Fuinhas José Alberto , Shirazi Masoud 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn the framework of an environmental Kuznets curve, the linkage between shadow economy and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions was evaluated for 145 countries from 1991 to 2017. In assessing the effect of the shadow economy on CO2 emissions, we used panel quantile regression, panel fixed effects, and panel smooth transition regression as estimation methods. In addition, to deal with parameter heterogeneity, we resorted to the procedure of Lin and Ng (2012). We found two country groups that share homogeneous parameters. No environmental Kuznets curve was found for the set of all countries. Nevertheless, one was found for each of the homogeneous parameter country groups. This result supports different turning points for different groups of countries. Shadow economy contributed to reducing CO2 emissions in group 1 and aggravated it in group 2. Manufacturing was revealed to be statistically significant for the countries of group 1. Fossil fuel rents increased the CO2 emissions, mainly in group 2. Urbanization contributed to the hike of CO2 emissions in both country groups but much more intensely for group 1. Evidence of a tendency for decreasing CO2 emissions was also found, reflecting the efficiency gains over time.
Ethnic minority multilingual young learners’ longitudinal development of metacognitive knowledge and breadth of vocabulary knowledge
Authors: Teng Mark Feng , Zhang Lawrence Jun 
Published: October 2023

AbstractEthnolinguistic minority students may have lower levels of metacognitive knowledge and English vocabulary knowledge than non-minority students. Nevertheless, few longitudinal studies have examined their growth trajectories of metacognitive knowledge and English vocabulary knowledge over time. Drawing upon a latent growth curve model, the present study aims to contrast two groups of students’ growth trajectories in metacognitive knowledge and breadth of English vocabulary knowledge: with a sample of 115 ethnolinguistic Yao minority and 108 ethnolinguistic majority Han students. The results showed that both groups improved their metacognitive knowledge and breadth of English vocabulary knowledge from third grade to sixth grade in a cumulative trend. Metacognitive knowledge predicted the breadth of English vocabulary knowledge throughout the examined school years. The results also highlighted differences in the students’ development of metacognitive knowledge and breadth of English vocabulary knowledge. The ethnolinguistic Yao minority students lagged behind their ethnolinguistic majority Han counterparts. The findings suggest a need for pedagogical interventions to enhance ethnolinguistic minority students’ metacognitive knowledge and English vocabulary knowledge.
Electrodeposition of SnSe thin film using an organophosphorus [(Me2)3N3PSe] precursor for photovoltaic application
Authors: Ben Hjal Amira , Pezzato Luca , Colusso Elena , Alouani Khaled , Dabalà Manuele 
Published: October 2023

AbstractOne prevalent class of thin films concerns SnSe (tin selenide), which is the primary focus of this research, with the aim of discovering cost-effective coatings for photovoltaic applications. The electrodeposition method was employed to successfully synthesize tin selenide thin films on glass substrates (ITO and FTO) utilizing the novel organophosphorus precursor [(Me2)3N3PSe]. Notably, this precursor has not been utilized in prior literature. Initial cyclic voltammetry (CV) analyses were performed to thoroughly investigate the electrochemical behavior of the tin and selenium redox systems within the electrolyte. The CV outcomes yielded crucial insights, guiding the establishment of a defined potential range (− 1.1 to − 1.2 V vs. SCE) for effective SnSe film electrodeposition. Films deposited within this potential range exhibited characteristic needle-shaped polycrystalline SnSe structures. Comprehensive analyses of the thin films’ structural, microstructural, and morphological characteristics were conducted, employing X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). The crystallites’ size was determined using the Debye–Scherrer formula. Moreover, a systematic exploration of the impact of deposition potential and substrate type on various film properties was undertaken. The results from XRD and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the formation of an orthorhombic single-phase SnSe under different deposition potentials. SEM/EDS analysis revealed uniform element distribution for deposition potentials of − 1.1 V and − 1 V on ITO and FTO substrates, respectively. The investigation further extended to the optical properties of films on glass substrates (ITO and FTO). Optical data showed a direct optical band gap (Eg) ranging from 1.25 to 2.24 eV for ITO and 1.46 to 2.87 eV for FTO across a wide spectra range. These optical traits, significantly influenced by deposition potential and substrate type, hold promise. Particularly, SnSe thin films deposited on ITO substrates at − 1.1 V displayed distinct advantages for potential photovoltaic applications compared to samples on FTO substrates.
Graphical Abstract
Instrumenten Gezonde Leefomgeving in Nederland
Authors: Dortmans Koen , Melis Korrie , Van Loon-Van der Logt Moniek 
Published: October 2023

SamenvattingDe leefomgeving is een van de factoren in een complex samenspel die gezondheidsverschillen veroorzaken. Beleid ten behoeve van gezondheidsbevordering is gebaat bij inzicht in de wijze waarop de leefomgeving gezondheid beïnvloedt. Daartoe zijn in Nederland diverse Instrumenten Gezonde Leefomgeving (IGL) ontwikkeld. In dit artikel beschrijven we in Nederland ontwikkelde IGL. De gevonden IGL verschillen met betrekking tot a) de doelstelling, b) het type data dat ze genereren, structureren of weergeven (kwalitatief/kwantitatief; objectief/subjectief), c) het inhoudelijk bereik (‘scope’; welk aandeel van de leefomgeving op gezondheid het instrument inzichtelijk maakt, en wat niet), d) het type output (beschrijvend/normerend), e) het schaalniveau (buurt, wijk, stad, regionaal, nationaal) en f) de beoogde gebruikers. IGL hanteren daarnaast verschillende indicatoren om aspecten van de leefomgeving inzichtelijk te maken (bijvoorbeeld ‘het percentage groen in de buurt’ en ‘Kan ik voldoende genieten van natuur?’). Deze verschillen in kenmerken en indicatoren zijn toe te schrijven aan verschillen in conceptuele onderbouwing. Dat betekent dat gebruikers – beleidsmakers, onderzoekers, burgers – alvorens een IGL te kiezen kritische vragen moeten stellen, zoals: wat wil ik precies weten, welk doel heb ik met het inzichtelijk maken van de relatie tussen leefomgeving en gezondheid, welke indicatoren passen daarbij, wat brengt het IGL in kaart en wat niet, hoe solide moet het zijn in termen van conceptuele onderbouwing, validiteit en betrouwbaarheid?
The global techno-economic potential of floating, closed-cycle ocean thermal energy conversion
Authors: Langer Jannis , Blok Kornelis 
Published: October 2023

AbstractOcean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) is an emerging renewable energy technology using the ocean’s heat to produce electricity. Given its early development stage, OTEC’s economics are still uncertain and there is no global assessment of its economic potential, yet. Here, we present the model pyOTEC that designs OTEC plants for best economic performance considering the spatiotemporally specific availability and seasonality of ocean thermal energy resources. We apply pyOTEC to more than 100 regions with technically feasible sites to obtain an order-of-magnitude estimation of OTEC’s global technical and economic potential. We find that OTEC’s global technical potential of 107 PWh/year could cover 11 PWh of 2019 electricity demand. At ≥ 120 MWgross, there are OTEC plants with Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE) below 15 US¢(2021)/kWh in 15 regions, including China, Brazil, and Indonesia. In the short-to-medium term, however, small island developing states are OTEC’s most relevant niche. Systems below 10 MWgross could fully and cost-effectively substitute Diesel generators on islands where that is more challenging with other renewables. With the global analysis, we also corroborate that most OTEC plants return the best economic performance if designed for worst-case surface and deep-sea water temperatures, which we further back up with a sensitivity analysis. We lay out pyOTEC’s limitations and fields for development to expand and refine our findings. The model as well as key data per region are publically accessible online.
Rhizobium radiobacter pseudo-outbreak linked to tissue-processing contamination
Authors: Stern Rebecca A. , Byrge Kelly C. , Talbot Thomas R. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
A cluster of Rhizobium radiobacter isolates isolated from six unique surgical tissue cultures prompted an investigation ultimately identifying a pseudo-outbreak linked to errant laboratory tissue processing with contaminated, nonsterile saline. Timely response and multidisciplinary collaboration led to tangible system-level interventions and avoidance of unnecessary antibiotic exposures.
Organizations and Values in Science and Technology
Authors: Biddle Justin B. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis paper articulates a conceptual framework for examining philosophical issues such as the role of values in science at an organizational level. It distinguishes between three dimensions of organizations – organizational aims, organizational structure, and organizational culture – and it examines how these dimensions relate to values in research and development, with a focus on machine learning systems for predictive policing. This framework can be fruitful in identifying interesting and understudied philosophical problems – including those involving inter-organizational divisions of labor – that might otherwise be difficult to conceptualize.
Incoherent? No, Just Decoherent: How Quantum Many Worlds Emerge
Authors: Franklin Alexander 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe modern Everett interpretation of quantum mechanics describes an emergent multiverse. The goal of this paper is to provide a perspicuous characterisation of how the multiverse emerges making use of a recent account of (weak) ontological emergence. This will be cashed out with a case study that identifies decoherence as the mechanism for emergence. The greater metaphysical clarity enables the rebuttal of critiques due to Baker (2007) and Dawid and Thébault (2015) that cast the emergent multiverse ontology as incoherent; responses are also offered to challenges to the Everettian approach from Maudlin (2010) and Monton (2013).
Sociodemographic differences in dietary trends among Iranian adults: findings from the 2005–2016 Iran-WHO STEPS survey
Authors: Ebrahimi Sara , Leech Rebecca M , McNaughton Sarah A , Farzadfar Farshad , Ghasemi Erfan , Saeedi Moghaddam Sahar , Livingstone Katherine M 
Published: October 2023

AbstractObjective:To examine trends in the intake of key food groups among Iranian adults between 2005 and 2016, overall, and according to sociodemographic characteristics.Design:Repeat cross-sectional data from the Iran-STEPwise approach to risk factor surveillance (Iran-WHO STEPS) 2005–2016 were analysed. Regression analyses were used to evaluate trends in the frequency of fruits, vegetables and fish intake and type of oil used over time. Interactions by sex, age and area of residence were examined.Setting:Iran.Participants:225 221 Iranian adults.Results:The frequency of vegetables (β: −0·03; 95 % CI (−0·06, −0·00); P-trend = 0·030) and fish (β: −0·09; 95 % CI (−0·10, −0·08); P-trend < 0·001) intake and use of solid fat (OR: 0·70; 95 % CI (0·70, 0·72); P-trend < 0·001) declined, whilst the frequency of fruit intake (β-Coeff: 0·03, 95 % CI (0·01, 0·05); P-trend = 0·014) and liquid oil use (OR: 1·40; 95 % CI (1·3, 1·4); P-trend<0·001) rose. Rising trends in fruit intake were larger in mid-aged (40–60 years) and older (>60 years) adults (P-interaction < 0·001), whilst declines in vegetable (P-interaction < 0·001) and fish intake (P-interaction = 0·001) were larger in older adults. The declining use of solid fat was strongest in middle-aged and older adults (P-interaction = 0·035), while the increasing use of liquid oil was strongest in rural areas (P-interaction = 0·011).Conclusions:During the nutrition transition, liquid oil use and the frequency of fruit intake rose, while the frequency of vegetables and fish intake declined. Nonetheless, the fatty acid composition and cooking methods are important considerations. The changes observed are concerning from a public health perspective and demonstrate the need for interventions and possible targets for tailored strategies.
Potential advantages of gEUD optimisation as compared with conventional physical optimisation for stereotactic treatment planning
Authors: Sait A Aziz , Jones Glenn W. , Rastogi Nikhil , Mathew Rebecca , Mani Sunil , Berilgen Jason 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Introduction:
A small number of studies have confirmed the advantage of generalised equivalent uniform dose (gEUD) optimisation for some standard clinical scenarios; however, its performance with complicated stereotactic treatments is yet to be explored. Therefore, this study compared two planning optimisation methods, gEUD and Physical dose, in stereotactic treatments for several complex anatomical locations.

Methods:
Thirty patients were selected, ten each for sites of brain, lung and spine. Two stereotactic plans were generated for each case using the gEUD objective and Physical objective cost functions. Within each of the three sites, dosimetric indices for conformity, gradient and homogeneity, along with parameters of monitor units and dose–volume histograms (DVHs), were compared for statistical significance. Additionally, patient-specific quality assurance was conducted using portal dosimetry, and the gamma passing rate between the two plans was evaluated.

Results:
Optimisation was better with a gEUD objective as compared with Physical objective, notably sparing critical organs. Overall, the differences in mean values for six critical organs at risk favoured gEUD-based over Physical-based plans (all six 2-tailed p-values were < 0·0002). Furthermore, all differences in mean values for DVH parameters favoured gEUD-based plans: GTVmean, GTVmax, PTVD100V, homogeneity index, gradient index and monitor unit (treatment time) (each 2-tailed p < 0·05).

Conclusions:
gEUD optimisation in stereotactic treatment plans has a clear and general statistical advantage over Physical dose optimisation.
Acute Health Effects of Wildfire Smoke Exposure During a Compound Event: A Case‐Crossover Study of the 2016 Great Smoky Mountain Wildfires
Authors: Duncan Sara , Reed Charlie , Spurlock Taylin , Sugg Margaret M. , Runkle Jennifer D. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn 2016, unprecedented intense wildfires burned over 150,000 acres in the southern Appalachian Mountains in the United States. Smoke from these fires greatly impacted the region and exposure to this smoke was significant. A bidirectional case‐crossover design was applied to assess the relationship between PM2.5 (a surrogate for wildfire smoke) exposure and respiratory‐ and cardiovascular‐related emergency department (ED) visits in Western North Carolina during these events. For 0‐, 3‐, and 7‐day lags, findings indicated a significant increase in the odds of being admitted to the ED for a respiratory (ORs: 1.055, 95% CI: 1.048–1.063; 1.083, 1.074–1.092; 1.066, 1.058–1.074; respectively) or cardiovascular event (ORs: 1.052, 95% CI: 1.045–1.060; 1.074, 1.066–1.081; 1.067, 1.060–1.075; respectively) for every 5 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 over a chosen cutpoint of 20.4 μg/m3. For all endpoints assessed except for emphysema, there were statistically significant increases in odds from 5.1% to 8.3%. In general, this increase was most pronounced 3 days after exposure. Additionally, individuals aged 55+ generally experience higher odds of heart disease at the 3‐ and 7‐day lag points, and Black/African Americans generally experience higher odds of asthma at the 3‐day lag point. In general, larger fires and increased numbers of fires within counties resulted in higher health burden at same day exposure. In a secondary analysis, the odds of an ED visit increased by over 40% in several cases among people exposed to days above the Environmental Protection Agency 24‐hr PM2.5 standard of 35 μg/m3. Our findings provide new understanding on the health impacts of wildfires on rural populations in the southeastern US.
Majority of Southern Ocean Seasonal Sea Ice Zone Bloom Net Community Production Precedes Total Ice Retreat
Authors: McClish S. , Bushinsky S. M. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe Southern Ocean seasonal sea ice zone (SIZ) spring is characterized by sea ice retreat and the development of phytoplankton blooms. Until recently, assessing SIZ blooms and associated net community production (bNCP) has been limited by a lack of under‐ice observations. We relate the timing of phytoplankton growth to the drawdown of surface nitrate and sea ice cover and estimate bNCP from biogeochemical profiling float observations. The onset of biological production closely follows initial sea ice breakup and, on average, 64% of bNCP occurs before total sea ice retreat. This indicates that satellite‐derived estimates largely miss under‐ice production and underestimate SIZ bNCP. Float bNCP estimates range from <1 to >4 mol C m−2 bloom−1, with higher bNCP when sea ice breakup occurs early in the year, and the highest bNCP near topographic features that may increase micronutrient supply. Our results suggest changes in Southern Ocean sea ice will influence future bNCP.
Improving Phenology Representation of Deciduous Forests in the Community Land Model: Evaluation and Modification Using Long‐Term Observations in China
Authors: Lv Yan , Zhang Li , Li Pan , He Honglin , Ren Xiaoli , Xie Zongqiang , Wang Yang , Wang Anzhi , Shi FuSun , Chang Ruiying , Xiao Jingfeng , Wang Xufeng 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPhenology is an important factor indicating environmental changes and regulates the variations of carbon, water, and energy exchange. However, phenology models exhibit large uncertainties due to limited understanding of its mechanisms. In this study, we modified deciduous phenology scheme based on the evaluation of different phenological models using long‐term observations at Chinese Ecosystem Research Network with CLM4.5. The alternating leaf unfolding model and summer‐influenced autumn leaf falling model that we proposed, performed best in simulating leaf‐unfolding and leaf‐falling. Compared with the observed and remote‐sensed phenology, the modified model could better simulate the phenological dates at the site and regional scale. Moreover, the modified model improved the simulation of gross primary productivity (GPP) by decreasing the errors of modeled carbon uptake duration and amplitude. Furthermore, the advance in leaf‐unfolding slowed down from 0.20 days/year during 1981–2015 to 0.11 days/year during 2016–2100 under RCP4.5 because of the slowdown of climate warming, but the delay in leaf‐falling changed little. By the last decade of the twenty‐first century, the leaf‐unfolding would advance (8 days) and leaf‐falling would delay (16 days). The subtropical region had large interannual variation (IAV) in leaf‐unfolding because of the high sensitivity to temperature. The phenological dates IAV in the cold temperate region increased due to enhanced temperature IAV. We suggest that the deciduous phenology models, especially the leaf‐falling process, used in Community Land Model need to be improved to reduce the errors in predicting phenology and carbon flux in the future.
Implanting HxYO2−x sites into Ru-doped graphene and oxygen vacancies for low-overpotential alkaline hydrogen evolution
Authors: Li Xiang , Deng Wei , Weng Yun , Zhang Jingjing , Mao Haifang , Lu Tiandong , Zhang Wenqian , Yang Renqiang , Jiang Fei 
Published: October 2023

AbstractHighly efficient electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are essential for sustainable hydrogen energy. The controllable production of hydrogen energy by water decomposition depends heavily on the catalyst, and it is extremely important to seek sustainable and highly efficient water-splitting electrocatalysts for energy applications. Herein, bimetallic RuYO2−x nanoparticles (Ru: 8.84 at.% and Y: 13 at.%) with high densities and low loadings were synthesized and anchored on graphene through a simple solvothermal strategy by synthesizing hydrogen yttrium ketone (HxYO2−x) serving as an inserted medium. Electron microscopy demonstrated that the RuYO2−x/C was composed of densely arranged particles and graphene flakes. Electrochemical results showed that the RuYO2−x/C had a remarkably low overpotential of η10 = 56 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in alkaline media, a Tafel slope of 63.18 mV dec−1, and 24 h of stability. The oxygen vacancies of RuYO2−x/C provided a large proton storage capacity and a strong tendency to bind hydrogen atoms. DFT calculations showed that RuYO2−x/C catalysts with more Ru-O-Y bonds and VO dramatically decreased the energy barrier for breaking H-OH bonds. Moreover, the robust metal-support interactions provided optimized energies for hydrogen adsorption and desorption, which explained the high activity and favorable kinetics for RuYO2−x/C catalytic hydrogen precipitation in alkaline electrolyte reactions. This work presents a hydrogen insertion method for the preparation of low-loading, high-density, high-performance and stable water decomposition catalysts for hydrogen production.