• Ultrahigh power factor boosts maximum power under a fixed temperature difference (Δ T ). • Manifold microchannel (MMC) heat sink enables a large Δ T in power generation mode. • Mg 3 Sb 2 and SnSe are potential alternatives to Bi 2 Te 3 . • Micro devices with MMC heat sinks offer promising energy harvesting. Micro thermoelectric devices (micro-TEDs) have emerged as promising candidates for energy harvesting applications. Despite the development of numerous high-performance thermoelectric materials over the past decades, most micro-TEDs still rely heavily on conventional Bi 2 Te 3 -based materials. Effectively integrating advanced thermoelectric materials into micro-TEDs remains a significant challenge. In this work, we theoretically match several recently developed high-performance near-room-temperature thermoelectric materials with micro-TEDs and explore the integration of a manifold microchannel (MMC) heat sink on the cold side to significantly enhance the effective temperature difference across the devices. Upon incorporating the MMC heat sink, the maximum power densities of Bi 2 Te 3 -, Mg 3 Sb 2 -, and SnSe-based micro-TEDs reach 50.32, 29.68, and 31.07 µW mm −2 , respectively, representing increases of 60.63-fold, 56.52-fold, and 57.69-fold compared to devices without heat sinks. These results highlight that coupling micro-TEDs with emerging near-room-temperature thermoelectric materials and a well-engineered MMC heat sink offers a promising route for efficient energy harvesting applications.

The venerable Secretary Problem asks how a decision maker (DM) should select one of n candidates, who come up randomly, when the only information available is each candidate’s strict rank within the set of previous applicants. Moreover, DM may select only the current candidate. Our illustrative case has n = 9 candidates, for which the Standard Method is to reject outright the first 3 candidates and then choose the first of the 4th through 8th candidates who is better than all of the first three, or the 9th candidate if none of them is. We compare the Standard Method with two other selection methods that change the conditions under which DM decides: Reserve Method. Same as the Standard Method, except that the best of the first 3 candidates is held in reserve and chosen if none of the 4th through 8th candidates (Version A) or none of the 4th through 9th candidates (Version B) is better. Score Method. Each candidate receives a score between 0 and 1; scores are known to be uniformly distributed. In each round, DM decides on a numerical threshold and selects the candidate if she exceeds the threshold. If none does, candidate 9 is selected. We assume that DM chooses thresholds so as to maximize the expected score of the selected candidate. The Standard Method gives DM a probability of 41% of selecting the best candidate, whereas the Reserve Methods substantially raise this probability to 70% or 74%—depending on whether Version A or B is used—while the Score Method raises it to 55%. Thus, the other methods, especially the Reserve Methods, outperform the Standard Method in selecting the best candidate. But the Score Method requires seeing significantly fewer candidates—an average of 4.3, compared with an average of 6.3 for the Standard Method and 6.3 and 6.7 for the two versions of the Reserve Method. We also discuss a third criterion, the average rank of the candidate selected, which is about 1.5 for the Reserve Methods and the Score Method but 2.9 for the Standard Method. In sum, the superiority of the alternative methods over the Standard Method reflects the severity of the restrictions placed on the original Secretary Problem, suggesting it is time to revisit the assumptions of this method and consider realistic alternatives.

Synthetic Data Generation (SDG) is expanding rapidly, yet existing surveys differ widely in scope and methodological quality. This tertiary study systematically searched four major scholarly databases (2015-2025) and, after PRISMA screening and DARE-4 appraisal,1 identified 17 eligible secondary studies. The evidence reveals a strong concentration in healthcare (58.8% of surveys), limited coverage of non-health domains, and inconsistent reporting of evaluation protocols (e.g., incomplete specification of metrics, data splits, baselines, or evaluation scripts). Fidelity and downstream utility dominate assessment practices, whereas privacy and diversity remain under-examined. Only 4 of 17 surveys provide any reproducibility artefacts. By consolidating these findings, we propose a compact, domain-agnostic evaluation baseline and highlight structural gaps in transparency, domain breadth, and methodological consistency. The study offers actionable guidance for strengthening reproducibility and broadening the evidential foundations of SDG research.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) frequently requires extensive resections and microvascular free flap reconstruction, procedures associated with relevant perioperative blood loss. This study aimed to quantify transfusion rates in OSCC patients and identify procedure- and patient-specific predictors of transfusion to guide evidence-based patient blood management (PBM). In this retrospective cohort study, 566 OSCC patients undergoing free flap reconstruction over five years were analyzed. Transfusion rates were determined, and predictors were assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. The overall transfusion rate was 59.7%. Fibula free flaps showed a high rate (82.7%), while radial forearm flaps required transfusion in 37.3% of patients. In reconstruction of mandible a transfusion rate of 83.7% was observed. Univariate analyses identified fibula (OR 4.95), anterolateral thigh (4.83), scapula (4.09), osseous free flaps (OR 4.34) and T4 tumor-stage (OR 6.45) as significant predictors. In multivariate analyses preoperative anemia (OR 3.98), antiplatelet therapy (OR 2.16), previous free flap surgery (OR 10.06), reconstruction of mandible (OR 6.27), floor of mouth (OR 4.02) and maxilla (OR 3.03) area, more than one reconstruction area (OR 5.20), N3 (OR 5.26) and T3 tumor-stage (OR 2.40) showed significant influence on transfusion. Mean perioperative requirements were 1.7 red blood cell (RBC) and 1.3 fresh frozen plasma (FFP) units. Free flap surgery for OSCC is associated with substantial transfusion needs. Preoperative anemia emerged as the most relevant modifiable factor. Evidence-based correction of anemia and transfusion-oriented preoperative planning - including provision of at least two RBC - may enhance perioperative PBM.