bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microstructural Parameters for Modelling of Superconducting Foams
Authors: Koblischka Michael Rudolf , Koblischka-Veneva Anjela , Nouailhetas Quentin , Hajiri Ghazi , Berger Kévin , Douine Bruno , Gokhfeld Denis
Published: March 2022

Superconducting YBa2Cu3Oy (YBCO) foams were prepared using commercial open-cell, polyurethane foams as starting material to form ceramic Y2BaCuO5 (Y-211) foams which are then converted into superconducting YBCO by using the infiltration growth process. For modelling the superconducting and mechanical properties of the foam samples, a Kelvin-type cell may be employed as a first approach like done in the literature for pure polyurethane foams. However, for a refined model of a superconducting foam sample, the real sample structure must be considered. Thus, a proper description of the specific microstructure of the superconducting YBCO foams is required. A variety of parameters including the cell size and shape, the window size and shape, the length and shape of the foam struts or ligaments and the respective angles of intersection are used to describe the real foam structure. To obtain a set of reliable data, YBCO foam samples were investigated using optical microscopy, SEM and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The detailed investigation of the foam microstructure reveals not only the differences to the polymeric foams used as base material, but also gives insight to details of the infiltration growth process via the increased surface amount in a foam sample.
Teacher Oriented Factors Affecting Effectiveness of Online Learning in the Covid-19 Pandemic Environment in Kenya
Authors: Kerai Khushali , Shah Tilak
Published: March 2022

Majority of published articles have talked about the challenges faced by students in learning online however, little has been talked about what the teachers have gone through especially during these times of the pandemic. This paper discusses the factors university teachers face when teaching online. These factors include accessibility to the internet, level of interaction between teachers and students, costs incurred, availability of training and academic policies kept in place to enhance effectiveness of teaching online. These are further divided into personal, social and economic factors where the teachers’ age, gender, remuneration, availability of resources, location and the economic status of the country is discussed in relation to the effectiveness of online learning. Upon carrying out a literature review on articles written on the effectiveness of online learning with the main focus being teachers, it was noted that the main factors affecting the effectiveness of online learning was the availability of internet connection and training provided to teachers. In Kenya, majority of the rural areas lack access to the internet and devices to learn online which makes it difficult for a teacher to teach effectively given the pandemic constraints. This study sheds light on the need for institutions and governments to take input from their teachers and train them on how to make online learning more effective. It also shows the status of universities in Kenya which had to shift to learning online due to the pandemic. Majority of them took time to adapt to this new change due to the discussed factors. Therefore it is recommended that the Government should train teachers and address the issue of lack of internet and electricity in Kenya.
Low-Power, Flexible Sensor Arrays with Solderless Board-to-Board Connectors for Monitoring Soil Deformation and Temperature
Authors: Wielandt Stijn , Uhlemann Sebastian , Fiolleau Sylvain , Dafflon Baptiste
Published: March 2022

Landslides are a global and frequent natural hazard, affecting many communities and infrastructure networks. Technological solutions are needed for long-term, large-scale condition monitoring of infrastructure earthworks, or natural slopes. However, current instruments for slope stability monitoring are often costly, require a complex installation process and/or data processing schemes, or have poor resolution. Wireless sensor networks comprising low-power, low-cost sensors have been shown to be a crucial part of landslide early warning systems. Here, we present the development of a novel sensing approach that uses linear arrays of three-axis accelerometers, used for monitoring soil deformation. By combining these deformation measurements with depth-resolved temperature measurements, we can link our data to subsurface thermal-hydrological regimes where relevant. In this research, we present a configuration of cascaded I2C sensors that (i) have ultra-low power consumption and (ii) enable an adjustable probe length. From an electromechanical perspective, we developed a novel board-to-board connection method that enables narrow, semi-flexible sensor arrays and a streamlined assembly process. The low-cost connection method relies on a specific FR4 printed circuit board design that allows board-to-board press-fitting without using electromechanical components or solder connections. The sensor assembly is placed in a thin, semi-flexible tube (inner diameter 6.35 mm) that is filled with an epoxy compound. The resulting sensor probe is connected to a AA battery powered data logger with wireless connectivity. We characterize the system's electromechanical properties and investigate the accuracy of deformation measurements. Our experiments performed with probes up to 1.8 m long demonstrate long-term connector stability, as well as probe mechanical flexibility. Furthermore, our accuracy analysis indicates that deformation measurements can be performed with a 0.390 mm resolution and a 95% confidence interval of ±0.73 mm per meter of probe length. This research shows the suitability of low-cost accelerometer arrays for distributed soil stability monitoring. In comparison to emerging low-cost measurements of surface displacement, our approach provides depth-resolved deformation, which can inform about shallow sliding surfaces.
A Comprehensive Assessment of Human Factors in Relation to Cyber Security Compliance of Healthcare Staff in a Paperless Hospital
Authors: Yeng Prosper Kandabongee , Fauzi Muhammad Ali , Yang Bian
Published: March 2022

Recent reports have it that over 85\% of data breaches are still caused by the human element, of which healthcare is one of the suitable organizations mostly targeted by cybercriminals. The work of healthcare staff is often associated with high workloads, high emergency cases, and a broad range of psychological, social, and cultural factors. The significance of these factors could undermine conscious care information security (IS) practice leading to serious violations. This study comprehensively examined the correlation between the psycho-social-cultural factors, work factors with IS and privacy behaviour in a hospital that has fully adopted electronic health records (EHR) management system. The findings are to facilitate the decision-making process towards improving the cyber-security practice in healthcare. A quantitative approach was adopted where we collected responses from 212 healthcare staff through an online questionnaire survey. A broad range of constructs was selected from psychological, social, cultural perception and work factors based on earlier review work. These were therefore related to some security practices, to assess the IS knowledge, attitude and behaviour gaps among healthcare staff in a comprehensive way. From the study, IS self-reported conscious care behaviour (ISCCB) risk was relatively higher as compared to information security knowledge (ISK) risks and information security attitude (ISA) risk. Furthermore, the study revealed that work emergency has a positive correlation with ISCCB (r=1.95, p-value =0.001) risk. Conscientiousness also had positive correlation with ISCCB risk (r=0.157, p-value=0.05) however agreeableness negatively correlated with ISK risk (r=-0.166, p-value =0.05), and ISA risk (r=-0.140, p-value =0.05). Based on these findings, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation methods combined with cutting-edge technologies can be explored to discourage IS risks behaviours while enhancing conscious care security practice.
Detection and Classification of Artifact Distortions in Optical Motion Capture Sequences
Authors: Skurowski Przemysław , Pawlyta Magdalena
Published: March 2022

Optical motion capture systems are prone to the errors connected with markers recognition – occlusion, leaving the scene or mislabelling – all these errors are then corrected in the software, but still, the process is not perfect, resulting in artifact distortions. In the article, we examine four existing types of artifacts, then propose the method for detection and classification of the distortions. The algorithm is based on the derivative analysis, low-pass filtering, mathematical morphology and loose predictor. The tests involved multiple simulations using synthetically distorted sequences, comparison of performance to the human operators on real life data and applicability analysis for the distortion removal.
Flood Peak discharge and Volume runoff envelop curves for 100 year return period for the arid region: Saudi Arabia
Authors: Sefry Saleh A. , Youssef Ahmed , AbuAlfadael Emad Y. , AbuAbdullah Mazen M.
Published: March 2022

The Saudi Geological Survey (SGS) conducted a nationwide flood hazard assessment study for the entire country. Detailed precipitation data until 2020 are collected and flood discharges of 5216 basins ranging from small basins (< 1 km2) to very large basins (> 10000 km2) are calculated using a precipitation-based hydrological model with a return period of. 100-year. This study aims to understand the relationships between peak flood discharges, volumes and catchment areas for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to extract flood peak discharge envelopes over a 100-year return period. The results show that an envelope for peak flow and flow volume versus catchment area is not suitable for all of Saudi Arabia, due to many uncertainties such as precipitation and geological variability. For this reason, the study area is divided into seven regions according to the main basin boundaries and different physiographic features. Seven envelopes are then removed, which are justified on the basis of different geological units and precipitation distributions in each region. They are also validated based on several studies that showed good agreement. These envelopes can help engineers and planners to predict peak flows and flow volumes for watersheds with great accuracy.
Epidemic Status and Control Strategies of Kashin-beck Disease in China: a Census of Adult Patients in Endemic Areas.
Authors: Jiao Zhe , Sun Hong-Na , Lu Chun-Qing , Pei Jun-Rui , Cui Si-Lu , Liu Hui , Li Yang , Cao Yan-Hong , Liu Ning , Zhang Xu-Feng , Deng Qing , Yu Jun
Published: March 2022

Background: Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) can seriously affect labor capacity. In recent years, KBD is mainly a disease of poor farming families, which are primarily distributed in China. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of control strategies implemented in China, and provide the basis for formulating relevant strategies to eliminate KBD in the future. Method: This study collected demographic information of adult KBD cases by census.Result: KBD is particularly serious in the Tibetan region with a high prevalence and a high proportion of young patients. Most patients were ethnically Han and Tibetan, farmers and herdsmen. Low-income patients showed higher disability rates, long-term medication ratios and operative intention than higher-income patients. Conclusion: The age composition of KBD patients demonstrates that comprehensive prevention and treatment measures implemented in China since the 1990s have achieved remarkable results. The treatment of adult KBD patients, especially those with a lower income, is currently an important part of the effort to eliminate KBD.
Design of a broadband dispersion compensated ultra-high nonlinear photonic crystal fiber
Authors: Pandey Sanat Kumar , Singh Shivam , Maurya J.B. , Verma R.N. , Prajapati Yogendra Kumar
Published: March 2022

A photonic crystal fiber (PCF) with four circular rings of air holes expanded toward the cladding region is proposed. Four circular tiny air hole rings have been used between the air holes in a regular circular PCF to achieve low dispersion (D) and confinement loss (CL). Additionally, the core region is perforated with a rectangular-shaped hole filled with an extremely nonlinear material, gallium phosphide (GaP), to achieve the desired level of nonlinearity. We achieved extremely high nonlinearity and birefringence values of 4.6104 W-1km-1 and 0.078 at the 1.55µm telecommunication window by doing so. Further, we observed the structure with varying pitch (Ʌ) values and found a significant reduction in dispersion and confinement loss, as well as a decrease in effective material loss (EML). Thus, at 1.55 µm, an ultra-high negative dispersion of -8000 ps/nm.km is achieved, particularly with Ʌ=1.8µm, along with extremely low confinement and material losses of 10–9 dB/km and 0.017 cm-1, respectively. Similarly, other critical parameters such as the power fraction, numerical aperture, and effective area have been examined. Hence, owing to these enhanced optical properties, the proposed PCF is capable of effectively compensating for dispersion, generating supercontinuum, and maintaining polarization.
Management of a low malignant solitary fibrous tumor of lung by pneumonectomy : a case report
Authors: Li Ranhua , Zhou Yong , Yang Yanlong , Bao Yanan , Zhao Yunping , Chen Xiaobo , Xiong Guosheng , Yu Qinghe , Kong Fanming , Zhang Yukai , Cai Fangqi , Bi Tao , Yin Xiaochuan
Published: March 2022

Background: Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a rare condition, first described by Klemperer and Robin in 1931. Few reports have described managing malignant SFTs using pneumonectomy.Case presentation: A 35-year-old man with tumor in the left pulmonary was assessed by preoperative 3D-computed tomography (3D-CT) reconstruction and treated by pneumonectomy. Conclusions: The 3D-CT reconstruction could help to provide an appropriate operative programme for surgeons. It is necessary to control the main pulmonary arterial trunk to avoid hemorrhage. The choice of surgery area is affected by size and location of SFT.
The November 2021 Fin (SE Zagros, Iran) doublet earthquakes of reverse faults in a transpressional tectonic regime
Authors: Nemati Majid
Published: March 2022

Doublet earthquakes with magnitudes of 6.2 (12:07) and 6.3 (12:08 GMT) on December 14, 2021 struck the SE Zagros in the range of the Mountain Frontal Fault (MFF) in south of Iran. By combining and processing the records of the seismic networks, mechanism of some of background seismicity and the aftershocks were solved and Coulomb stress maps of epicentral area were drawn. Reverse mechanism with a small strike slip component in some earthquakes were dominant, if north dipping E-W oriented plane is the active plane. Statistical investigation of the earthquakes parameters demonstrated that no considerable seismic gap was seen before the first mainshock. The 12:08 Fin earthquake, like other Mountain Frontal Fault dependent earthquakes, is associated with the probable development of anticlines in its vicinity, which is accompanied by a faulting process in and around the core. A small area of fractures with a maximum length of hundred meters and few centimeters opening were seen in the nearest main road. No coseismic mature fault related to this magnitude was observed in prospecting in high quality satellite images. The coulomb stress field revealed that the second shock and majority of aftershocks happened in area of increased stress produced by the first mainshock and second earthquake, respectively. Dimension and strike of coseismic rupture of the second event are estimated ~50 km and near ENE-WSW, respectively using both aftershocks elongation and special-temporal diagram of micro earthquakes. Northward directivity was seen for both shocks in their accelerograms of northeast and south of the epicenters. If MFF fault is supposed as causative fault for the second shock, second rupture was probability propagated from the south to the north, unilaterally. Based on northward dipping of the MFF, the rupture of second event could propagate from shallow depth (10 km, hypocenter) toward deep area (12 km, centroid) of the fault along N-S direction. If causative faults of the shocks are back thrusts, the first rupture should be south dipping, and propagate from depth (20 km, hypocenter) toward surface (13 km, centroid) in N-S direction.
Elucidating Treatment Targets and Mediators within a Confirmatory Efficacy Trial: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy vs. Light Therapy for Winter Depression
Authors: Rohan Kelly J. , Franzen Peter L. , Roecklein Kathryn A. , Siegle Greg J. , Kolko David J. , Postolache Teodor T. , Vacek Pamela M.
Published: March 2022

Background: This study is a confirmatory efficacy trial of two treatments for winter seasonal affective disorder (SAD): SAD-tailored group cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT-SAD) and light therapy (LT). In our previous efficacy trial, post-treatment outcomes for CBT-SAD and LT were very similar, but CBT-SAD was associated with fewer depression recurrences two winters later than LT (27.3% in CBT-SAD vs. 45.6% in LT). CBT-SAD engaged and altered a specific mechanism of action, seasonal beliefs, which mediated CBT-SAD’s acute antidepressant effects and CBT-SAD’s enduring benefit over LT. Seasonal beliefs are theoretically distinct from LT’s assumed target and mechanism: correction of circadian phase. This study applies the experimental therapeutics approach to determine how each treatment works when it is effective and to identify the best candidates for each. Biomarkers of LT’s target and effect include circadian phase angle difference and the post-illumination pupil response. Biomarkers of CBT-SAD’s target and effect include decreased pupillary and sustained frontal gamma-band EEG responses to seasonal words, which are hypothesized as biomarkers of seasonal beliefs, reflecting less engagement with seasonal stimuli following CBT-SAD. In addition to determining change mechanisms, this study tests the efficacy of a “switch” decision rule upon recurrence to inform clinical decision-making in practice. Methods: Adults with SAD (target N =160) will be randomzied to 6-weeks of CBT-SAD or LT in Winter 1; followed in Winter 2; and, if a depression recurrence occurs, offered cross-over into the alternate treatment (i.e., switch from LT->CBT-SAD or CBT-SAD->LT). All subjects will be followed in Winter 3. Biomarker assessments occur at pre-, mid-, and post-treatment in Winter 1, at Winter 2 followup (and again at mid-/post-treatment for those crossed-over), and at Winter 3 followup. Primary efficacy analyses will test superiority of CBT-SAD over LT on depression recurrence status (the primary outcome). Mediation analyses will use parallel process latent growth curve modeling. Discussion: Consistent with the National Institute of Mental Health’s priorities for demonstrating target engagement at the level of Research Domain Criteria-relevant biomarkers, this work aims to confirm the targets and mechanisms of LT and CBT-SAD to maximize the impact of future dissemination efforts.Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT03691792. Registered on October 2, 2018.
Disruption of biological processes in the Anthropocene: the case of phenological mismatch
Authors: Montévil Maël
Published: March 2022

Biologists increasingly report anthropogenic disruptions of both organisms and ecosystems, suggesting that these processes are a fundamental, qualitative component of the Anthropocene. Nonetheless, the notion of disruption has not yet been theorized in biology. To progress in that regard, we work on a special case. Relatively minor temperature changes impact plant-pollinator synchrony, disrupting mutualistic interaction networks. Understanding this phenomenon requires a specific rationale since models describing them use both historical and systemic reasoning. Specifically, history justifies that the system is initially in a very narrow part of the possibility space where it is viable, and the disruption randomizes this configuration. Building on this rationale, we develop a formal framework inspired by Boltzmann's entropy. With empirical networks, we show historical trends depending on latitude. Then we propose an initial definition of disruption in ecology. When a specific historical outcome contributes to a system's viability, disruption randomizes this outcome, decreasing viability.
Super-low-dose functional and molecular photoacoustic microscopy
Authors: ZHANG YACHAO , CHEN JIANGBO , ZHANG JIE , ZHU JINGYI , LIU CHAO , Sun Hongyan , Wang Lidai
Published: March 2022

Photoacoustic microscopy can image various biological molecules and nano-agents in vivo via low-scattering ultrasonic sensing. Insufficient sensitivity has been a long-standing obstacle for imaging of many low-absorbing chromophores with less photobleaching or toxicity, reduced perturbation to delicate organs, and more choices of lasers. Here, we present a multi-spectral super-low-dose photoacoustic microscopy (SLD-PAM) that is up to ~ 33-times more sensitive than the state of the art. We collaboratively innovate the photoacoustic probe design and implement a spectral-spatial filter. The new probe collects 300% more acoustic signals, and the filter further improves the signal-to-noise ratio by 200%~1100% across all optical wavelengths. SLD-PAM can visualize microvessels and quantify oxygen saturation (sO2) in vivo with ~ 1% of the maximum permissible exposure, dramatically reducing any possible phototoxicity or perturbation, especially in imaging of the eye and the brain. Capitalizing on the high sensitivity, we, for the first time, implement direct imaging of deoxyhemoglobin (Deoxy-Hb) concentration without spectral unmixing, avoiding wavelength-dependent and computational noises. We show that super-low-dose molecular imaging can reduce photobleaching by at least 85%. We also demonstrate SLD-PAM achieves similar molecular imaging quality using 80% fewer contrast agents, which greatly reduces potential biotoxicity. SLD-PAM enables the use of more low-absorbing nano-agents, small molecules, and genetically-encoded biomarkers, as well as more low-power light sources at wider spectra. We believe SLD-PAM offers a powerful tool for anatomical, functional, and molecular imaging.
Comprehensive Analysis of the MYB Transcription Factor Gene Family in Morus Alba
Authors: Liu Li , Chao Nan , Yidilisi Keermula , Kang Xiaoru , Cao Xu
Published: March 2022

The V-myb myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog (MYB) family of proteins is large, containing functionally diverse transcription factors. In the present study, a genome-wide identification of MYBs in Morus alba was performed. In total 166 MaMYBs were identified, including 103 R2R3-MYBs and four 3R-MaMYBs. Comprehensive analyses, including the phylogenetic analysis with putative functional annotation, motif and structure analysis, gene structure organization, promoter analysis, chromosomal localization, and syntenic relationships of R2R3-MaMYBs and 3R-MaMYBs, provided primary characterization for these MaMYBs. R2R3-MaMYBs covered the subgroups reported for R2R3-MYBs in Arabidopsis and Populus, and had two Morus-specific subgroups, indicating the high retention of MYBs in Morus. Motif analysis revealed high conservative residues at the start and end of each helix and residues consisting of the third helix in R2 and R3 repeats. Thirteen intron/exon patterns (a–m) were summarized, and the intron/exon pattern of two introns with phase numbers of 0 and 2 was the prevalent pattern for R2R3-MaMYBs. Various cis-elements in promoter regions were identified, and were mainly related to light response, development, phytohormone response, and abiotic and biotic stress response and secondary metabolite production. Expression patterns of R2R3-MaMYBs in different organs showed that MaMYBs involved in secondary cell wall components and stress responsiveness were preferentially expressed in roots or stems. R2R3-MaMYBs involved in flavonoid biosynthesis and anthocyanin accumulation were identified and characterized based on functional annotation and correlation of their expression levels with anthocyanin contents. Overall, this work provides an informative reference for further functional dissection of MYBs in Morus.
Dust pollution hazard and harmful airborne dust exposure assessment for remote LHD operator in underground lead-zinc ore mine open stope
Authors: Paluchamy B , Mishra Devi Prasad
Published: March 2022

Underground mines have several occupational hazards, including airborne dust generated from various mining operations. Line-of-sight remote LHD mucking is adopted to draw the blasted muck from unsupported stopes in underground metalliferous mines. Investigation on particulate matter (PM) at remote operator location is crucial for assessing the operator exposure and devising appropriate dust control measures. This paper identifies the potential dust pollution hazard for remote LHD operator by simulating different mucking scenarios in open stope. PM generated due to mucking in a long-hole open stope by line-of-sight remote LHD during downcast airflow are measured using real-time aerosol spectrometers. The particulates concentration at upstream and downstream of dust source are analysed for various particle sizes including occupational dust types, such as alveolic and thoracic. The study revealed that the airborne dust concentrations of ≤10 μm, ≤5 μm, and ≤1 μm sizes in downstream, near the operator location, are measured 71.3%, 28.5%, and 3.0%, respectively. Moreover, the alveoli and thoracic dust fractions, respectively are determined 25.1% and 74.2%, in downstream and 48.9%, and 84.6%, in upstream total airborne dust concentration (311±246 μg/m3). The differential concentrations of 15.0-20.0 µm, 10.0-15.0 µm 5.0-10.0 µm, and 0.23.0-5.0 µm are analysed, and empirical relations of these sizes in total airborne dust are established. Moreover, dilution of airborne dust at remote LHD operator location is studied. This study enhanced the understanding on exposure potential of harmful dust during remote LHD mucking in open stopes. Moreover, it emphasised adoption of tele-remote-operated LHD and automated mucking operation in open stopes.
Discovery and functional interrogation of SARS-CoV-2 protein-RNA interactions
Authors: Yeo Gene , Xiang Joy , Mueller Jasmine , Luo En-Ching , Yee Brian , Schafer Danielle , Schmok Jonathan , Tan Frederick , Rothamel Katherine , McVicar Rachael , Kwong Elizabeth , Croker Ben , Jones Krysten , Her Hsuan-Lin , Chen Chun-Yuan , Vu Anthony , Jin Wenhao , Park Samuel , Le Phuong , Brennan Kristopher , Kofman Eric , Li Yanhua , Tankka Alexandra , Dong Kevin , Song Yan , Clark Alex , Carlin Aaron , Nostrand Eric Van , Leibel Sandra
Published: March 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The betacoronvirus has a positive sense RNA genome which encodes for several RNA binding proteins. Here, we use enhanced crosslinking and immunoprecipitation to investigate SARS-CoV-2 protein interactions with viral and host RNAs in authentic virus-infected cells. SARS-CoV-2 proteins, NSP8, NSP12, and nucleocapsid display distinct preferences to specific regions in the RNA viral genome, providing evidence for their shared and separate roles in replication, transcription, and viral packaging. SARS-CoV-2 proteins expressed in human lung epithelial cells bind to 4773 unique host coding RNAs. Nine SARS-CoV-2 proteins upregulate target gene expression, including NSP12 and ORF9c, whose RNA substrates are associated with pathways in protein N-linked glycosylation ER processing and mitochondrial processes. Furthermore, siRNA knockdown of host genes targeted by viral proteins in human lung organoid cells identify potential antiviral host targets across different SARS-CoV-2 variants. Conversely, NSP9 inhibits host gene expression by blocking mRNA export and dampens cytokine productions, including interleukin-1α/β. Our viral protein-RNA interactome provides a catalog of potential therapeutic targets and offers insight into the etiology of COVID-19 as a safeguard against future pandemics.
Application of Geographical Information System-Based Analytical Hierarchy Process Modeling for Flood Susceptibility Mapping of Krishna District in Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Penki Ramu , Basina Sai Santosh , Tanniru Srinivasa Rao
Published: March 2022

Flooding is one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in terms of provoking socioeconomic losses. The current study is to foster a flood susceptibility map of Krishna District in Andhra Pradesh (AP) through integrating remote sensing data, geographical information system (GIS), and the Analytical hierarchy process (AHP). Eleven factors including elevation, slope, aspect, land-use/land-cover (LULC), drainage density, topographic wetness index, stream power index, lithology, soil, precipitation, distance from the streams, are considered for identifying and evaluating the spatial distribution of critical flood susceptible regions. Thematic maps of different factors were derived in GIS using remote sensing data obtained from Sentinel-2A (satellite sensor), shuttle radar topography mission digital elevation model (SRTM DEM – v3), and other scientific data products. An analytical hierarchy process is a mathematical approach for decision support, primarily based on the weight and rank of different causative factors. AHP technique is implemented for flood hazard modeling and ascertaining the Flood Hazard Index (FHI) to produce a flood susceptibility map. Different thematic maps weighed with the AHP framework are combined using overlay analysis to produce the Flood Susceptibility map of the study region. The outcomes of the study demonstrate the potential of GIS and AHP in providing a premise to recognize the vulnerable areas that are susceptible to flood. According to the findings, the Flood Hazard Index is 42% and the study region is classified into high, moderate, and low susceptible respectively.
Examination of risk exposure models during COVID-19 in relation to youth life satisfaction and internalizing symptoms
Authors: Snetselaar Romy , Liber Juliette , Geurts Suzanne , Koning Ina
Published: March 2022

This study examined mediation of a negative COVID-impact on the relationship between risk exposure, and life satisfaction and internalizing symptoms in youth (aged 9–18). Four operationalizations of risk exposure were applied; an Additive versus a Cumulative Risk Model (ARM and CRM), risk clusters and the most salient risk factors. Results showed that a stronger negative COVID-impact is related to lower life satisfaction, more internalizing symptoms and higher additive and cumulative risk. ARM and CRM’s effect on lower life satisfaction is mediated through negative COVID-impact, though not for internalizing symptoms. Clusters of risk factors and risk factors within clusters significantly related to a stronger negative COVID-impact are the clusters ‘Individual factors’ (low self-control), ‘Parenting’ (negative mother-child interaction and low parental responsiveness), ‘Maternal mental health’ and ‘Demographic factors’ (low SES and high paternal education). From all significant risk factors, low self-control, low parental responsiveness, negative mother-child interaction and low SES were most salient.
Artificially tailored relaxor ferroelectrics for high energy density capacitors
Authors: Ryu Jungho , Peddigari Mahesh , Wang Bo , Wang Rui , Yoon Woon-Ha , Jang Jongmoon , Lee Hyunjong , Song Kyung , Hwang Geon-Tae , Wang Kai , Hou Yuchen , Palneedi Haribabu , Yan Yongke , Choi Han Seung , Wang Jianjun , Chen Long-Qing , Priya Shashank , Jeong Dae-Yong
Published: March 2022

Relaxor ferroelectrics (RFEs) are being actively investigated for energy storage applications due to their large electric-field-induced polarization with slim hysteresis and fast energy charging-discharging capability. Here, we report a nanograin engineering approach based upon high kinetic energy deposition for artificially inducing the RFE behavior in a normal ferroelectric Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 (PZT) and simultaneously enhancing the dielectric breakdown strength (EDBS) and polarization. Artificially engineered polycrystalline relaxor PZT films with 4 µm thickness exhibited an exceptional EDBS of 540 MV/m and reduced hysteresis with large unsaturated polarization (103.6 µC/cm2), resulting in an ultrahigh energy storage density of 124 J/cm3 and a power density of 64.5 MW/cm3. This fundamental microstructure-based design approach overcomes the limitations imposed by composition and provides a feasible pathway for designing high-performance energy storage materials, where high EDBS, reduced hysteretic behavior, and enhanced polarization are required.
WASP-193b: An extremely low-density super-Neptune
Authors: Barkaoui Khalid , Pozuelos Francisco , Hellier Coel , Smalley Barry , Nielsen Louise D. , Dorn Caroline , Gillon Michaël , Helled Ravit , Müller Simon , Jehin Emmanuel , Demory Brice-Olivier , Niraula Prajwal , Soubkiou Abderahmane , Ghachoui Mourad , Anderson David. R. , Benkhaldoun Zouhair , Bouchy Francois , Burdanov Artem , de Wit Julien , Delrez Laetitia , Ducrot Elsa , Garcia Lionel , Jabiri Abdelhadi , Lendl Monika , Maxted Pierre , Murray Catriona , Pedersen Peter , Queloz Didier , Sebastian Daniel , Turner Oliver , Udry Stéphane , Timmermans Mathilde , Triaud Amaury , West Richard
Published: March 2022

Gas giants transiting bright nearby stars are key objects for our understanding of planetary system formation and evolution mechanisms. This paper presents a new transiting exoplanet discovered by the WASP-South transit survey, WASP-193b. WASP-193b orbits its Vmag = 12.0 F9 main-sequence host star every 6.25d. Our analyses found that WASP-193b has a mass of Mp = 0.146 ± 0.033 M_Jup, a radius of R_p = 1.58 ± 0.14R_Jup, translating into an extremely low density of rho_p = 0.049 ± 0.015g/cm3. The planet was confirmed photometrically by the 0.6-m TRAPPIST-South and 1.0-m SPECULOOS-South telescopes and spectroscopically by the ESO-3.6-m/HARPS and Euler-1.2-m/CORALIE spectrographs. The combination of its large transit depth (dF≈1.4%), its super-low density, its high-equilibrium temperature (T_eq = 1275 ± 40K), and the infrared brightness of its host star (magnitude Kmag=10.7) makes WASP-193b an exquisite target for a detailed atmospheric characterization by transmission spectroscopy.
Evaluation and projections of the East Asian summer monsoon in a perturbed parameter ensemble
Authors: Rostron John W. , Sexton David M. H. , Furtado Kalli , Carvalho Maria João , Milton Sean F. , Rodríguez José M. , Zhang Wenxia
Published: March 2022

The East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) is a dominant driver of East Asian climate, with variations in its strength potentially impacting the livelihoods of millions of people. Understanding, predicting and assessing uncertainties in these variations is therefore an important area of research. Here, we present a study of the projected 21st Century changes in the EASM using a ‘perturbed parameter ensemble’ (PPE) of HadGEM3-GC3.05 coupled climate models, which samples uncertainties arising from differences in model parameter values. We show that while the present-day performance of PPE members for leading order EASM metrics is comparable to CMIP5 models in many respects, the PPE also exposes model biases which exist for most, if not all, parameter combinations. These ‘structural’ model biases are found mainly in the low-level circulation over the South China Sea and west Pacific. We also show that future changes in regional circulation and precipitation are projected consistently across the PPE members. A more detailed moisture budget analysis of the precipitation changes in a region covering the Yangtze River valley shows that both dynamic and thermodynamic changes contribute to an increase in precipitation over the 21st century, but that the spread in this response across the PPE is mainly due to spread in the dynamic responses. We also discuss how the information provided by the PPE may be used in practice, considering the plausibility of the models, and giving examples of ways to sub-select ensemble members to capture the diversity in the moisture budget changes.
Cardiovascular Particularities in Pega Breed Donkeys (Equus asinus)
Authors: Aleixo Amanda Sarita Cruz , de Oliveira Karina Cristina , Ferreira Lucas Vinícius de Oliveira , Quevedo Dario Alejandro Cedeño , Tsunemi Miriam Harumi , Chiacchio Simone Biagio , Lourenço Maria Lucia Gomes
Published: March 2022

Clinical, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic parameters in Pega donkeys are scarce in literature, hence this study was performed to evaluate the effect of sex and age on echocardiographic and electrocardiographic measurements in the Pega breed donkeys. The objectives of this study were to describe and illustrate the clinical, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic parameters in Pega donkeys. Fifty Pega breed donkeys were evaluated, with an average age of 3.4 years, 20 males and 30 females. Based on their age (younger or older than 6 years), animals were separated into two groups. In each animal the electrocardiographic examination was performed using the TEB® computerized system and the echocardiographic examination was performed using an ultrasound device with a doppler function multifrequency sectorial transducer, in 2D mode. Male echocardiographic measurements were significantly higher than females, except the velocity and pressure gradient of the pulmonary flow, where females had higher values than males. For the electrocardiographic parameters, females presented values of P wave amplitude, R wave amplitude, S wave amplitude and T wave amplitude higher than those found in males. Males had higher values for P wave duration, QRS complex and RR interval. Standardizing the electrocardiographic and echocardiographic parameters for the Pega breed donkey can contribute to future assessments regarding possible changes that excessive effort can promote in these parameters, to a management engrossed on animal welfare. Furthermore, as well as in other species, gender in donkeys should be considered as a factor that influences echocardiographic and electrocardiographic parameters.
The Factors and Outcomes of Stigma Toward Mental Disorders in Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Meng Na , Huang Xia , Wang Jingjun , Wang Mengmeng , Wang Ya
Published: March 2022

Background
Medical students’ attitudes toward mental disorders have a large impact on patients’ health outcomes. However, there are few studies about stigma toward mental disorders in medical students in China.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, 838 medical students completed questionnaires on their sociodemographic characteristics and familiarity with people diagnosed with mental disorders as well as the Community Attitudes toward Mental Illness Scale (CAMI). A multiple logistic regression model was built to explore the relationships among sociodemographic characteristics, familiarity with mental disorders and stigma.
Results
The total mean score of the CAMI was 137.61 (SD = 15.63). The score for authoritarianism (M = 33.33, SD = 3.62) was the lowest score of the four subscales. Stigma was significantly associated with students’ education, area of residence, marital status, economic status, history of mental disorders and contact with people diagnosed with mental disorders.
Conclusions
Medical students show a negative attitude toward mental illness to a certain degree, especially regarding the view that people with mental disorders are inferior. Higher education level, residence in urban areas, single marital status, better economic status, and better familiarity with mental disorders may be related to less stigma in medical students.
Control of Line Complications With KiteLock (CLiCK) in the Critical Care Unit: Study Protocol for a Multi-center, Cluster-randomized, Double-blinded, Crossover Trial Investigating the Effect of a Novel Locking Fluid on Central Line Complications in the Critical Care Population.
Authors: Ornowska Marlena , Wong Hubert , Ouyang Yongdong , Mitra Anish , White Aaron , Willems Sue , Wittmann Jessica , Reynolds Steven
Published: March 2022

• Background: Insertion of a central venous access device (CVAD) allows clinicians to easily access the circulation of a patient to administer life-saving interventions. Due to their invasive nature, CVADs are prone to complications such as bacterial biofilm production and colonization, catheter-related bloodstream infection, occlusion, and catheter-related venous thrombosis. A CVAD is among the most common interventions for patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), exposing this vulnerable population to risk of nosocomial infection and catheter occlusion. Current standard of care involves use of normal saline as a catheter locking solution for central venous catheters (CVCs) and peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) lines, and a citrate lock for hemodialysis catheters. Saline offers little prophylactic measures against catheter complications. 4% tetrasodium Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) fluid (marketed as KiteLock Sterile Locking Solution™) is non-antibiotic, and possesses antimicrobial, anti-biofilm, and anti-coagulant properties and is approved by Health Canada as a catheter locking solution. As such, it may be a superior CVAD locking solution than the present standard of care lock in the ICU patient population. • Methods: Our team proposes to fill this knowledge gap by performing a multi-center, cluster-randomized, crossover trial evaluating the impact of 4% tetrasodium EDTA on a primary composite outcome of incidence rate of central-line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI), catheter occlusion leading to removal, and use of alteplase to resolve catheter occlusion compared to the standard of care. The study will be performed at six critical care units.• Discussion:If successful, results of this study can serve as evidence for a shift of standard of care practices to include EDTA locking fluid in routine CVAD locking procedures. Completion of this study has the potential to improve CVAD standard of care to become safer for patients, as well as provides an opportunity to decrease strain on healthcare budgets related to treating preventable CVAD complications. Success and subsequent implementation of this intervention in the ICU may also be extrapolated to other patient populations with heavy CVAD use including hemodialysis, oncology, parenteral nutrition, and pediatric patient populations. On a global scale, eradicating biofilm produced by antibiotic-resistant bacteria may serve to lessen the threat of ‘superbugs’ and contribute to international initiatives supporting termination of antibiotic overuse.• Trial registration: This trial is registered with the ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Registration and Results System as NCT04548713.
A comparative analysis of experienced uncertainties in relation to Risk Communication during COVID19. A four-country study
Authors: Cristea Florin , Weishaar Heide , Geurts Brogan , Delamou Alexandre , Tan Melisa Mei Jin , Legido-Quigley Helena , Aminu Kafayat , Mari-Sáez Almudena , Rocha Carlos , Camara Bienvenu , Barry Lansana , Thea Paul , Boucsein Johannes , Bahr Thurid , Al-Awlaqi Sameh , Pozo-Martin Francisco , Boklage Evgeniya , Jegede Ayodele Samuel , Bcheraoui Charbel El
Published: March 2022

Background
During outbreaks, uncertainties experienced by affected communities can influence their compliance to government guidance on public health. Communicators and authorities are, hence, encouraged to acknowledge and address such uncertainties. However, in the midst of public health crises, it can become difficult to define and identify uncertainties that are most relevant to address. We analyzed data on COVID-19-related uncertainties from four socio-economic contexts to explore how uncertainties can influence people’s perception of, and response to Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) strategies.
Results
This qualitative study, which adopts an interpretative approach, is based on data from a documentary review, key informant interviews (KII), and focus group discussions (FGD) with members of the general public and people with barriers to information from Germany, Guinea, Nigeria, and Singapore. Transcripts from the KII and FGD were coded and analyzed thematically. We interviewed a total of 155 KIs and conducted 73 FGD. Our analysis uncovered a divergence between uncertainties deemed relevant by stakeholders involved in policy making and uncertainties that people reportedly had to navigate in their everyday lives and which they considered relevant during the pandemic. We identified four types of uncertainties that seemed to have influenced people’s assessment of the disease risk and their trust in the pandemic control strategies including RCCE efforts: epidemiological uncertainties (related to the nature and severity of the virus), information uncertainties (related to access to reliable information), social uncertainties (related to social behavior in times of heightened risk), and economic uncertainties (related to financial insecurities).
Conclusion
We suggest that in future outbreaks, communicators and policy makers could improve the way in which affected communities assess their risk, and increase the trust of these communities in response efforts by addressing non-epidemiological uncertainties in RCCE strategies.
Response of nonconforming RC shear walls with smooth bars under quasi-static cyclic loading
Authors: Olabi M. Nadir , Çaglar Naci , Arslan Mehmet Emin , Ozturk Hakan , Demir Aydin , Dok Gokhan , Aykanat Batuhan
Published: March 2022

In this study, an experimental investigation is conducted to determine the behavior of RC shear walls found in old and existing buildings that do not comply with the design rules in modern earthquake standards. Scaled reinforced concrete shear wall specimens are built with smooth bars and low concrete quality. The dimensions of the shear wall specimens were selected with an aspect ratio bigger than two as 2500, 1050, and 150 mm for the height, length, and thickness, respectively. Four specimens are representative of nonconforming shear walls, and one wall used as a reference specimen which was designed in accordance with recent building codes using deformed bars. The behavior of the shear walls is determined experimentally by displacement-lateral load relationship under lateral cyclic loading. The study used measurable parameters to investigate the behavior of the test specimens in terms of lateral force capacity, rigidity, ductility, dissipated energy, and displacement components contribution to the total lateral response of the walls. The results showed a substantial loss of stiffness, ductility and energy dissipation capabilities for the tested nonconforming shear walls. Moreover, it is proven in this study that these specimens are governed by the bar slip phenomena which demonstrated more than 80% contribution to the total lateral displacement capacity. In contrast, the reference shear wall exhibited a notable flexural behavior and plastic hinge formation. Additionally, the shear walls built with smooth reinforcement bars lost about 44% of their theoretical potential flexural capacity due to the observed bar slip failure.