bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interdigital flexible tactile sensor based on Velostat
Authors: Fang Haifeng , Wei Yangyang , Dong Shuo 
Published: July 2023

Purpose
Tactile sensation is an important sensory function for robots in contact with the external environment. To better acquire tactile information about objects, this paper aims to propose a three-layer structure of the interdigital flexible tactile sensor.

Design/methodology/approach
The sensor consists of a bottom electrode layer, a middle pressure-sensitive layer and a top indenter layer. First, the pressure sensitive material, structure design, fabrication process and circuit design of the sensor are introduced. Then, the calibration and performance test of the designed sensor is carried out. Four functions are used to fit and calibrate the relationship between the output voltage of the sensor and the contact force. Finally, the contact force sensing test of different weight objects and the flexible test of the sensor are carried out.

Findings
The performance test results show that the sensitivity of the sensor is 0.93 V/N when it is loaded with 0–3 N and 0.23 V/N when it is loaded with 3–5 N. It shows good repeatability, and the cross-interference between the sensing units is generally low. The contact force sensing test results of different weight objects show that the proposed sensor performs well in contact force. Each part of the sensor is a flexible material, allowing the sensor to achieve bending deformation, so that the sensor can better perceive the contact signs of the grasped object.

Practical implications
The sensor can paste the surface of the paper robot’s gripper to measure the contact force of the grasping object and estimate the contour of the object.

Originality/value
In this paper, a three-layer interdigital flexible tactile sensor is proposed, and the structural parameters of the interdigital electrode are designed to improve the sensitivity and response speed of the sensor. The indenter with three shapes of the prism, square cylinder and hemisphere is preliminarily designed and the prism indenter with better conduction force is selected through finite element analysis, which can concentrate the external force in the sensing area to improve the sensitivity. The sensor designed in this paper can realize the measurement of contact force, which provides a certain reference for the field of robot tactile.
Data-driven electronic packaging structure inverse design with an adaptive surrogate model
Authors: Liu Shaoyi , Xue Song , Lian Peiyuan , Huang Jianlun , Wang Zhihai , Ping Lihao , Wang Congsi 
Published: July 2023

Purpose
The conventional design method relies on a priori knowledge, which limits the rapid and efficient development of electronic packaging structures. The purpose of this study is to propose a hybrid method of data-driven inverse design, which couples adaptive surrogate model technology with optimization algorithm to to enable an efficient and accurate inverse design of electronic packaging structures.

Design/methodology/approach
The multisurrogate accumulative local error-based ensemble forward prediction model is proposed to predict the performance properties of the packaging structure. As the forward prediction model is adaptive, it can identify respond to sensitive regions of design space and sample more design points in those regions, getting the trade-off between accuracy and computation resources. In addition, the forward prediction model uses the average ensemble method to mitigate the accuracy degradation caused by poor individual surrogate performance. The Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm is then coupled with the forward prediction model for the inverse design of the electronic packaging structure.

Findings
Benchmark testing demonstrated the superior approximate performance of the proposed ensemble model. Two engineering cases have shown that using the proposed method for inverse design has significant computational savings while ensuring design accuracy. In addition, the proposed method is capable of outputting multiple structure parameters according to the expected performance and can design the packaging structure based on its extreme performance.

Originality/value
Because of its data-driven nature, the inverse design method proposed also has potential applications in other scientific fields related to optimization and inverse design.
Plant traits modulate grassland stability during drought and post‐drought periods
Authors: Luo Wentao , Shi Yuan , Wilkins Kate , Song Lin , Te Niwu , Chen Jiaqi , Zhang Hongxiang , Yu Qiang , Wang Zhengwen , Han Xingguo , Collins Scott L. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Grasslands are subject to climate change, such as severe drought, and an important aspect of their functioning is temporal stability in response to extreme climate events. Previous research has explored the impacts of extreme drought and post‐drought periods on grassland stability, yet the mechanistic pathways behind these changes have rarely been studied.

Here, we implemented an experiment with 4 years of drought and 3 years of recovery to assess the effects of drought and post‐drought on the temporal stability of above‐ground net primary productivity (ANPP) and its underlying mechanisms. To do so, we measured community‐weighted mean (CWM) of six plant growth and nine seed traits, functional diversity, population stability and species asynchrony across two cold, semiarid grasslands in northern China. We also performed piecewise structural equation models (SEMs) to assess the relationships between ANPP stability and its underlying mechanisms and how drought and post‐drought periods alter the relative contribution of these mechanisms to ANPP stability.

We found that temporal stability of ANPP was not reduced during drought due to grasses maintaining productivity, which compensated for increased variation of forb productivity. Moreover, ANPP recovered rapidly after drought, and both grasses and forbs contributed to community stability during the post‐drought period. Overall, ANPP stability decreased during the combined drought and post‐drought periods because of rapid changes in ANPP from drought to post‐drought. SEMs revealed that the temporal stability of ANPP during drought and post‐drought periods was modulated by functional diversity and community‐weighted mean traits directly and indirectly by altering species asynchrony and population stability. Specifically, the temporal stability of ANPP was positively correlated with functional divergence of plant communities. CWMs of seed traits (e.g. seed width and thickness), rather than plant growth traits (e.g. specific leaf area and leaf nutrient content), stabilized grassland ANPP. Productivity of plant communities with large and thick seeds was less sensitive to precipitation changes over time.

These results emphasize the importance of considering both the functional trait distribution among species and seed traits of dominant species since their combined effects can stabilize ecosystem functions under global climate change scenarios.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Low‐ and high‐intensity fire in the riparian savanna: Demographic impacts in an avian model species and implications for ecological fire management
Authors: Teunissen Niki , McAlpine Hamish , Cameron Skye F. , Murphy Brett P. , Peters Anne 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Climate change is driving changes in fire frequency and intensity, making it more urgent for conservation managers to understand how species and ecosystems respond. In tropical monsoonal savannas—Earth's most fire‐prone landscapes—ecological fire management aims to prevent intense wildfires late in the dry season through prescribed low‐intensity burns early in the dry season. Riparian habitats embedded within tropical savannas represent critical refuges for biodiversity, yet are particularly fire‐sensitive. Better understanding of the impact of fire—including prescribed burns—on riparian habitats is therefore key but requires long‐term detailed post‐fire monitoring of species' demographic rates, as effects may persist and/or be delayed.

We analyse impacts of (prescribed) low‐intensity and (prescribed but escaped) high‐intensity fire in northern Australian riparian and adjacent savanna habitat. We quantify multi‐year impacts on density, survival, reproduction and dispersal of an endangered riparian bird, the western purple‐crowned fairy‐wren (Malurus coronatus coronatus), in a well‐studied individually marked population.

Following low‐intensity fire, bird density was reduced by >20% in burnt compared to adjacent unburnt riparian habitat for ≥2.5 years. This was a result of reduced breeding success and recruitment for 2 years immediately following fire, rather than mortality or dispersal of adults.

In contrast, high‐intensity fire (in a dry year) resulted in a sharp decline in population density by 50% 2–8 months after fire, with no signs of recovery after 2.5 years. The decline in density was due to post‐fire adult mortality, rather than dispersal. Breeding success of the (few) remaining individuals was low but not detectably lower than in unburnt areas, likely because breeding success was poor overall due to prevailing dry conditions.

Synthesis and applications. Even if there is no or very low mortality during fire, and no movement of birds away from burnt areas, both low‐ and high‐intensity fire in the riparian zone reduce population density. However, the mechanism by which this occurs, and recovery time, differs with fire intensity. To minimise impacts of fire on riparian zones in tropical savannas, we suggest employing low‐intensity prescribed burns under optimal conditions shortly after the breeding season.
Pericardial irradiation dose may be strongly associated with grade 4 lymphopenia and affect prognosis in patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer receiving definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Chen Xianyan , Tian Xiaoman , Zhang Xuanwei , Deng Qianyue , Wang Min , Zhou Xiaojuan , Xu Yong , Zhou Lin , Zou Bingwen , Liu Yongmei , Ao Rui , Lu You , Gong Youling 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe immune system may influence prognosis, and lymphopenia is a frequent side effect of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). Radical irradiation for locally advanced esophageal cancer (LA‐EC) exposes significant vascular and heart volumes. In this study, we hypothesized that lymphopenia is linked to cardiac and pericardial doses and affects patient prognosis.Methods and MaterialsWe identified 190 LA‐EC patients who received radical CCRT. Multivariate analysis (MVA) was performed to correlate clinical factors and dosimetric parameters with overall survival (OS). We collected lymphocyte‐related variables and ratios before and during CCRT. MVA was performed to correlate hematologic toxicity with OS. The relationship between dosimetric parameters and G4 lymphopenia was determined using logistic stepwise regression. Finally, a nomogram of G4 lymphopenia was developed and validated externally.ResultsMedian follow‐up time for all patients was 27.5 months. On MVA for OS, higher pericardial V30 (PV30) was linked to worse survival (HR: 1.013, 95% CI: 1.001–1.026, p = 0.039). The median OS stratified by PV30 > 55.3% and PV30 ≤ 55.3% was 24.0 months and 54.0 months, respectively (p = 0.004). G4 lymphopenia was shown to be linked with worse OS in the MVA of hematological toxicity with OS (HR: 2.042, 95% CI: 1.335–3.126, p = 0.001). Thirty of the 100 patients in the training set had G4 lymphopenia. Logistic stepwise regression was used to identify variables associated with G4 lymphopenia, and the final model consisted of stage‐IVA (p = 0.017), platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio during CCRT (p = 0.008), Heart V50 (p = 0.046), and PV30 (p = 0.048). Finally, a nomogram predicting G4 lymphocytopenia were constructed and externally validated. The ROC curve showed an AUC for internal validation of 0.775 and external validation of 0.843.ConclusionHigher doses of pericardial radiation might affect LA‐EC patients' prognosis by inducing G4 lymphopenia during CCRT. Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings, especially in the era of immune‐checkpoint inhibitor treatment.
Strategies that support cultural safety for First Nations people in aged care in Australia: An integrative literature review
Authors: Deravin Linda Michelle , Bramble Marguerite , Anderson Judith , Mahara Nicole 
Published: July 2023

AbstractObjectiveThe 2019 Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety highlighted the need for First Nations peoples to have improved, culturally safe care. This paper is a call to action for First Nations peoples to be involved in developing culturally safe care and services to be embedded within Australian aged care services.MethodsThe first screening examined the Australian literature (peer‐reviewed articles published since 2010 in English) detailing key aspects relevant to Cultural Safety for First Nations peoples supported by aged care services in Australia. The second screening assessed whether the findings of these studies aligned with the key aspects of Cultural Safety of First Nations peoples in aged care.ResultsThe initial literature search yielded 198 papers, of which 13 met the inclusion criteria for the final review. Topics that required further interrogation included barriers to communication, racism and discrimination, impacts on health outcomes, health‐care workforce education needs and the importance of cultural connections to Country and kin. These topics influenced the perception of First Nations peoples feeling culturally safe when supported by aged care services.ConclusionsThe literature identified a need to recruit more First Nations peoples into the aged care workforce, involve more First Nations family and community members in aged care and retain a consistent workforce overall. Together these strategies were seen to address the barriers that continue to affect aged care provision for First Nations peoples.
Pandemic preparedness and the road to international fascism
Authors: Bell David 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe World Health Organization's broad definition of health embraces physical, mental and social well‐being. Expressed in its 1946 constitution alongside concepts of community participation and national sovereignty, it reflected an understanding of a world emerging from centuries of colonialist oppression and the public health industry's shameful facilitation of fascism. Health policy would be people‐centered, closely tied to human rights and self‐determination. The COVID‐19 response has demonstrated how these ideals have been undone. Decades of increasing funding within public‐private partnerships have corroded the basis of global public health. The COVID‐19 response, intended for a virus that overwhelmingly targeted the elderly, ignored norms of epidemic management and human rights to institute a regime of suppression, censorship, and coercion reminiscent of the power systems and governance that were previously condemned. Without pausing to examine the costs, the public health industry is developing international instruments and processes that will entrench these destructive practices in international law. Public health, presented as a series of health emergencies, is being used once again to facilitate a fascist approach to societal management. The beneficiaries will be the corporations and investors whom the COVID‐19 response served well. Human rights and individual freedom, as under previous fascist regimes, will lose. The public health industry must urgently awaken to the changing world in which it works, if it is to adopt a role in saving public health rather than contributing to its degradation.
Beyond the Grid: The Micropolitics of Off‐Grid Energy in Qandu‐Qandu, South Africa
Authors: Bobbins Kerry , Caprotti Federico , de Groot Jiska , Pailman Whitney , Moorlach Mascha , Schloemann Hendrik , Densmore Alex , Finlay Kimenthrie , Fischat Ellen , Siwali Siseko 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn this paper, we argue using smart technologies beyond the grid disrupts the access and use of existing energy sources, with profound impacts on everyday social life. We show how off‐grid smart energy solutions constitute their own politics when considering existing conceptualisations of urban infrastructures in geography and the social sciences. To expose its politics, or “micropolitics”, we consider how tensions occur at the interface between infrastructures, where there are additions and modifications. We draw on an empirical example of Qandu‐Qandu, an informal settlement in South Africa, to highlight how the placement, technical capabilities, and flexible financing options associated with off‐grid solar energy create micropolitics with profound implications for everyday life. To conclude, we reflect on the value of using disruptions for understanding and enhancing equity in off‐grid settings, contributing to the broader sustainability transitions narrative, and its “liveliness”.
Major congenital heart defects are rarely diagnosed after newborns' hospital discharge with modern screening
Authors: Papunen I. , Poutanen T. , Ylänen K. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAimOur aim was to assess undiagnosed congenital heart defects (CHD) after newborns' hospital discharge in patients with a murmur or CHD suspicion, to find out the signs that predict CHDs and to estimate the costs of the examinations.MethodsWe reviewed retrospective medical records of patients (n = 490) referred for the evaluation of CHD suspicion during 2017–2018.ResultsThe median age of the patients was 2.5 (IQR 0.5–7.4) years. Sixty‐three (13%) patients had an abnormal echocardiography. Neither ductal‐dependent nor cyanotic CHDs were found. Cardiac interventions were performed for 14 out of 63 (22%) patients. Clinical signs indicating CHDs were murmur grade ≥3 (10/11 [91%] vs. 53/479 [11%], p < 0.001) and harsh murmur (15/44 [34%] vs. 48/446 [11%], p < 0.001). Abnormal electrocardiography did not indicate CHD (8/40 [20%] vs. 55/447 [12%], p = 0.165). The total cost of the examinations was 259 700€. The share of the cost of studies assessed as benign was 59%.ConclusionOnly a few CHDs were found after newborn hospital discharge among patients who received foetal and newborn screening and were examined due to CHD suspicion. The high number of benign murmurs in children leads to many referrals, resulting in unnecessary healthcare costs.
Evaluation of effects of indoxyl sulfate and parathyroid hormone on CYP3A activity considering the influence of CYP3A5 gene polymorphisms
Authors: Oda Ayako , Suzuki Yosuke , Yoshijima Chisato , Sato Haruki , Tanaka Ryota , Ono Hiroyuki , Tatsuta Ryosuke , Ando Tadasuke , Shin Toshitaka , Itoh Hiroki , Ohno Keiko 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAimsIndoxyl sulfate and parathyroid hormone (PTH), which accumulate in chronic kidney disease (CKD), have been reported to reduce cytochrome P450(CYP)3A activity. Homozygotes of the CYP3A5*3 allele have reduced CYP3A5 activity compared to carriers of at least one CYP3A5*1 allele. 4β‐Hydroxycholesterol (4β‐OHC) has been established as an endogenous substrate reflecting CYP3A activity. 4β‐OHC is produced through hydroxylation by CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 and by autoxidation of cholesterol, whereas 4α‐hydroxycholesterol (4α‐OHC) is produced solely by autoxidation of cholesterol. This study focused on CKD patients and evaluated the effects of plasma indoxyl sulfate and intact‐PTH concentrations on plasma 4β‐OHC concentration, 4β‐OHC/total cholesterol ratio and 4β‐OHC–4α‐OHC, with consideration of the influence of CYP3A5 polymorphism.MethodsSixty‐three CKD patients were analysed and divided into CYP3A5 carrier group (n = 26) and non‐carrier group (n = 37).ResultsPlasma indoxyl sulfate significantly correlated inversely with 4β‐OHC concentration and with 4β‐OHC–4α‐OHC in both the CYP3A5*1 carrier group (r = −0.42, P = .034; r = −0.39, P = .050, respectively) and the non‐carrier group (r = −0.45, P = .0054; r = −0.39, P = .019, respectively). However, multiple regression analysis did not identify plasma indoxyl sulfate concentration as a significant independent factor associated with any of the CYP3A activity indices. There was no significant correlation between plasma intact‐PTH concentration and any of the CYP3A activity indices.ConclusionsThe present results suggest that plasma indoxyl sulfate and intact‐PTH concentrations do not have clinically significant effects on CYP3A activity in patients with CKD.
Case report: Rare case of donor cell‐derived T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in a female patient after receiving an allo‐transplant from her male sibling
Authors: Eadie Laura N. , Rehn Jacqueline A. , Schutz Caitlin E. , Heatley Susan L. , Kutyna Monika M. , Hiwase Devendra K. , White Deborah L. , Yeung David T. 
Published: July 2023

SummaryDonor‐derived haematological neoplasms, in which recipients present with haematological malignancies that have evolved from transplant donor stem cells, have previously been described for myelodysplastic syndrome, myeloproliferative neoplasms, acute myeloid leukaemia and less often, leukaemias of lymphoid origin. Here we describe a rare and complex case of donor‐derived T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia with a relatively short disease latency of less than 4 years. Through genomic and in vitro analyses, we identified novel mutations in NOTCH1 as well as a novel activating mutation in STAT5B; the latter targetable with the clinically available drugs, venetoclax and ruxolitinib.
Persons with profound and multiple learning disabilities as subjects of knowledge: Exploring the possibilities of empathy
Authors: Skarsaune Synne Nese 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundPersons with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) risk exclusion, both in research and as members of society. Because of their embodied communication, they face the challenges in being understood. Oftentimes, others speak on their behalf making inferences on what their perspective might be.MethodsEmpathy is suggested as an approach to grasp the perspective of a person with profound and multiple learning disabilities through engaging with embodied communication. The account of empathy suggested by Stein will be unfolded through an ethnographic study including persons with profound and multiple learning disabilities and their professional supporters. Given this background, the intent is to discuss the potential empathy can have in recognising persons with these disabilities as subjects of knowledge.Findings and ConclusionsThe characteristics of persons with profound and multiple learning disabilities provide energy to empathic situations in ways that advocate for the possibility of being recognised as subjects of knowledge. This is related to the competencies of the individual, ambiguous communication and the dependency relations in which they are involved. It is of utmost importance to respect the alterity of the other.