bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
XYO3 (X = K, Na; Y = Nb, Ta) based superlattices for photocatalysis
Authors: Wang Guang‐Zhao , Chen Xiao‐Rui , Yuan Hong‐Kuan , Kuang An‐Long , Chen Hong
Published: April 2022

The photocatalytic activities of XYO3 (X = K, Na; Y = Ta, Nb) and XYO3/X1Y1O3 (X, X1 = K, Na; Y, Y1 = Ta, Nb) systems are investigated by using hybrid density functional. All the XYO3 and XYO3/X1Y1O3 systems are indirect band gap semiconductors, and the band gap of KNbO3/KTaO3 is smaller than those of KNbO3 and KTaO3, while the band gaps of KNbO3/NaNbO3, KNbO3/NaTaO3, KTaO3/NaNbO3, KTaO3/NaTaO3, and NaNbO3/NaTaO3 are respectively between the band gaps of these two crystals which make up these superlattices. The electronic structure of KNbO3/NaTaO3 is the same as that of KTaO3/NaNbO3 since both have the same component and similar crystal structure. The band edges of all the considered superlattices are thermodynamically allowed for the water reduction and oxidation processes, and therefore, they could be used for photocatalytic water splitting.

Band structures for (i) KNbO3/KTaO3, (ii) KNbO3/NaNbO3, (iii) KNbO3/NaTaO3, (iv) KTaO3/NaNbO3, (v) KTaO3/NaTaO3, and (vi) NaNbO3/NaTaO3 superlattices. The horizontal dashed lines represent the Fermi levels.
Spectroscopic planar diffraction ellipsometry of Si‐based multilayer structure with subwavelength grating
Authors: Mamedov N. , Tavkhelidze A. , Bayramov A. , Akhmedova K. , Aliyeva Y. , Eyyubov G. , Jangidze L. , Skhiladze G.
Published: April 2022

Spectroscopic ellipsometry has been applied at room temperature to a multilayer device structure with plain and nanograting‐embedded Si layer on the top. In both cases, the real and imaginary parts of the complex dielectric function of the top layer have been retrieved. In nanograting case, ellipsometric data were collected in planar diffraction geometry. A profound change in dielectric function in the photon energy region between 1.5 and 3.5 eV is established for nanograting‐embedded Si layer compared to plain Si layer. Both real and imaginary parts of the former are no longer Si‐like and resemble more those for metals. The maximum of interband density‐of‐states for optical transitions is positioned at 2.1 eV and coincides with the energy of optical transitions from the main irradiative eigenstate. The obtained results are discussed in terms of geometry‐induced doping changes in interband density of states.
Optical and electronic properties of periodic Si nanostructures
Authors: Tavkhelidze A. , Bayramov A. , Aliyeva Y. , Jangidze L. , Skhiladze G. , Asadullayeva S. , Alekperov O. , Mamedov N.
Published: April 2022

Nanogratings (NGs) on the surface of the top Si layer of a Si/SiO2/ substrate device structure were prepared using laser interference lithography. Electron transport, photoluminescence, and Raman scattering were then studied on the plain Si and NG Si structures to see the effect of NG introduction. As a result of NG‐introduction and very likely G‐doping maintenance, all samples studied in this work displayed a 2 to 3 order of magnitude reduction in resistivity for NG Si. The Hall coefficient indicated that electrons are main charge carriers that is also expected for exactly G‐doping. Plain Si layer did not show any photoluminescence either for 532 nm (2.38 eV) or 325 nm (3.81 eV) laser excitation. A broad photoluminescence band, composed of a number of almost equidistant peaks was observed on NG Si layer between the photon energies 1.5 and 3.5 eV. Both Stocks and anti‐Stocks components for 522.65 cm−1 phonons at room temperature were observed in the Raman spectra of NG Si layer. Estimated from the ratio between the intensities of Stocks and anti‐Stocks components, the drop (if any) in phonon gas temperature below ambient (295 K) does not exceed 3 K.
Cathodoluminescnece study of pn‐junctions in widegap materials using cross sectional polishing
Authors: Yoshimura Kenichi , Cho Yujin , Luo Xianjia , Kimura Takashi , Sekiguchi Takashi
Published: April 2022

Precise doping control is of critical importance in power device fabrication using widegap materials. In this study, we characterize pn‐junctions in GaN and SiC by cathodoluminescence. To improve spatial resolution, the specimens were polished using cross‐sectional polisher. GaN specimens were successfully characterized with line profile of CL spectra across the cross‐section. On the other hand, CL data could not be used straightforwardly for characterization of pn‐junctions in the case of SiC.
Factors Determining the Resistive Switching Behavior of Transparent InGaZnO‐Based Memristors
Authors: Qin Fei , Zhang Yuxuan , Park Honghwi , Kim Chung Soo , Lee Dong Hun , Jiang Zhong-Tao , Park Jeongmin , No Kwangsoo , Park Hongsik , Song Han Wook , Lee Sunghwan
Published: April 2022

The overarching goal herein is to identify the factors dominating the performance of a‐IGZO‐based memristors. Despite the highest on/off ratio, greater than 104 with a preferred minimal set/reset bias achieved from a‐IGZO‐based memristors, it is observed that the switching performance and stability/reliability of the devices is significantly dominated by the VO·· density and metallization material, depending on their reactivity with IGZO. As the first governing factor, ensuring optimal VO·· concentration in the switching layer IGZO (VO··/OOx ratio 24.3% in this study) is crucial to obtain the tractable formation and rupture of conduction filament. Neither higher nor lower VO·· density than the optimized results in detrimental reliability issues, which may be ascribed to an uncontrollable filament in an abundant vacancy environment or a weak conducting path, respectively. As the second governing mechanism determining the memristor performance and reliability, it is suggested that metallization materials need to be carefully selected based on the thermodynamic redox potential and interfacial stability of the metallization material with IGZO. Metallization materials with larger reduction potential and interfacial stability are found to yield higher switching on/off ratio and greater device performance reliability.
Effects of crocin supplementation on inflammatory markers, lipid profiles, insulin and cardioprotective indices in women with PCOS: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Rahimi Giti , Shams Saeideh , Aslani Mohammad Reza
Published: April 2022

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifactorial reproductive condition common in women of reproductive age. Hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance, obesity, and chronic low‐grade inflammation are associated with PCOS. In a clinical trial study, women with PCOS were divided into two groups (n = 25 each): the intervention group receiving crocin (15 mg, twice daily) and the control group receiving a placebo. The duration of intervention in both groups was 12 weeks. Pre‐ and postintervention, demographic information, lipid profile, fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin, and inflammatory markers (interleukin‐6 [IL‐6] and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha [TNF‐α]) were measured. Intervention with crocin significantly increased the mean high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol postintervention compared to the placebo group, while exerting a suppressive effect on the increase in mean low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels. Intervention with crocin also exerted inhibitory effects on changes in FBG and insulin, so that crocin improved insulin and cardioprotective indices. Finally, despite the increased inflammatory markers (IL‐6 and TNF‐α) in the placebo group, crocin treatment had protective effects on their increased changes. Thus, crocin supplementation could be considered in the therapeutic targets of women with PCOS.
Two‐phase multivariate supplier selection for symmetric specification region and correlated quality characteristics
Authors: Chatterjee Moutushi
Published: April 2022

Among different yardsticks of assessing a supplier's performance and comparing the same with other competing suppliers, quality is often considered as one of the most important criteria. The problem becomes even more complicated for multivariate processes having more than one correlated quality characteristics. Unfortunately, very few research work has been carried out in literature, to compare performances of two suppliers having multivariate processes with correlated quality characteristics and symmetric specification region. In the present article, a two‐phase hypothesis testing‐based supplier selection process using multivariate process capability indices (MPCIs) called and is proposed to address this issue. While measures potential capability of a multivariate process, measures its actual capability. The proposed method is easy to implement in practice and hence is suitable for practical applications. A real‐life example and a simulated example are discussed to supplement the theory developed in this article.
Using EMG signals to assess proximity of instruments to nerve roots during robot‐assisted spinal surgery
Authors: Li Qianqian , Gu Guanghui , Wang Liang , Song Rui , Qi Lei
Published: April 2022

Background

Detecting neural threats using electromyography (EMG) has gained recognition in the field of spinal surgery. To provide an efficient approach to detect neural threats during the operation of the spinal surgery robot, an automated method based the internal connection between EMG signal and neural proximity (NP) was explored by experiments.

Methods

A NP classifier was designed to distinguish the pattern of the threats. Then, it was evaluated in rabbit models in vivo. The experiments were conducted using 20 rabbits. In each rabbit, two puncture paths were created using a surgical robot. For each path, EMG signals were recorded at series of path‐points with different neural proximities, and were constructed as datasets after data cleaning and processing. The proposed NP classifier was trained and tested on the datasets.

Results

Classification accuracy of Path 1 and Path 2 were 99.1% and 94.0%, respectively.

Conclusion

This feasibility study proved that EMG can be used to detect the proximity of surgical instruments to nerve roots during robot‐assisted spinal surgery. As the methods of detecting neural threats for surgical robots are still scarce, we believe this work will improve the clinical performance of spinal surgery robots and help the doctors to perform surgery safely.
Flexible robotic transanal resection of rectal polyps – A case series
Authors: Fok Kar Yin , Arabaci Ferhat , Barto Walid
Published: April 2022

Background

Flexible systems in robotic transanal surgery (RTA) are a proposed solution to the challenges of transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS). RTA was performed with the Medrobotics Flex® Robotics System to determine its safety and feasibility.

Methods

Medrobotics Flex® Robotics System was used for transanal resection of benign rectal polyps by a single surgeon in a tertiary centre, and cases retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Five patients underwent flexible RTA, average age was 67 years. Polyps were between 5 and 12 o'clock, mean distance of 8.3 cm from the anal verge. Average operating time was 143 min. There was no peri‐operative or 30‐day morbidity or mortality. Histopathology included tubulovillous adenoma (TVA), and one hyperplastic polyp, all were clear of the surgical margin.

Conclusion

This is the first case series using Medrobotics Flex® Robotics System for RTA in a tertiary Australian public hospital. Flexible RTA is safe and feasible for the resection of benign rectal polyps.
The mechanical properties of LDPE composite filled with CF coated by dimethylamine treated TiO2
Authors: Jian Li
Published: April 2022

In order to improve the surface wettability of carbon fiber and enhance its composite interface performance, dimethylamine treated TiO2 was coated on carbon fiber (CF). The surface morphology, surface chemical state, and surface wettability of CF were characterized by SEM, XPS, and TEM tests, and the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and cross‐sectional morphology tests were used to test the performance of CF/Low density polyethylene (LDPE) composites. The interface bonding status was analyzed and characterized. The results show that after the surface treatment of CF by dimethylamine treated TiO2, the O/C (atomic ratio) of the surface of CF is increased, and a certain amount of nano‐scale small convex micro‐mechanical structure is given, which improves the surface wetting of CF. The surface of the CF modified by the TiO2 is rough; the contact area between modified CF and LDPE increases.
Electrical resistivity measurements to determine the steel fiber content of concrete
Authors: Cleven Simon , Raupach Michael , Matschei Thomas
Published: April 2022

Although steel fiber reinforced concrete is becoming increasingly popular in the construction industry, its application is currently limited to certain areas. One reason is the lack of an economical non‐destructive testing method to determine the content, distribution, and orientation of steel fibers in fresh and hardened concrete. However, these parameters are decisive for the assessment of the static performance of a building component. In this article a new test method is proposed, which is based on the electrical conductivity of concrete. Using a two‐electrode experimental set‐up, measurements of the electrical conductivity were done on hardened concrete cubes with defined fiber content and a correlation between electrical conductivity and fiber content could be identified. Within the scope of extensive test series, the fiber content and the age of specimens were varied, and several identical series were produced and observed to ensure statistically verified results. At this stage of research the test method based on electrical conductivity measurement provides reliable results on the fiber content of preconditioned concrete cubes. Based on the results a new model was developed to quantify the fiber content of the examined cubes. This model is based on the estimation of the relative conductivity, the so‐called increase of conductivity. Undesired influences caused by aging, respectively hydration in the young concrete age were eliminated, by relating the conductivity of fiber reinforced concrete to an unreinforced concrete. Further investigations with focus on the influence of concrete composition and other specimen sizes are going to be conducted as next steps for the development of an in situ test setup for the diagnosis of concrete structures.
Embryonic exposure to butylparaben and propylparaben induced developmental toxicity and triggered anxiety‐like neurobehavioral response associated with oxidative stress and apoptosis in the head of zebrafish larvae
Authors: Lite Christy , Guru Ajay , Juliet Melita , Arockiaraj Jesu
Published: April 2022

Parabens are synthetic antimicrobial compounds used as a preservative for extending the shelf life of food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. The alkyl chain length of the paraben esters positively correlates with their antimicrobial property. Hence, long‐chain paraben esters, namely butylparaben and propylparaben, are used in combination as they have better solubility and antimicrobial efficacy. Extensive use of parabens has now resulted in the ubiquitous presence of these compounds in various human and environmental matrices. During early life, exposure to environmental contaminants is known to cause oxidative‐stress mediated apoptosis in developing organs. The brain being one of the high oxygen‐consuming, metabolically active and lipid‐rich organ, it is primarily susceptible to reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation (LP) induced neuronal cell death. The primary cause for the impairment in cognitive and emotional neurobehvioural outcomes in neurodegenerative disease was found to be associated with neuronal apoptosis. The present study aimed to study butylparaben and propylparaben's effect on zebrafish during early embryonic stages. Besides this, the association between alteration in anxiety‐like neurobehavioral response with oxidative stress and antioxidant status in head region was also studied. The study results showed variation in the toxic signature left by butylparaben and propylparaben on developmental parameters such as hatching rate, survival and non‐lethal malformations in a time‐dependent manner. Data from the light–dark preference test showed embryonic exposure to butylparaben and propylparaben to trigger anxiety‐like behavior in zebrafish larvae. In addition, a significant increase in intracellular ROS and LP levels correlated with suppressed antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutases (SOD), catalases (CAT), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S‐transferase (GST), and Glutathione (GSH) activity in the head region of the zebrafish larvae. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was also suppressed in the exposed groups, along with increased nitric oxide production. The overall observations show increased oxidative stress indices correlating with upregulated expression of apoptotic cells in a dose‐dependent manner. Collectively, our findings reveal butylparaben and propylparaben as an anxiogenic neuroactive compound capable of inducing anxiety‐like behavior through a mechanism involving oxidative‐stress‐induced apoptosis in the head of zebrafish larvae, which suggests a potential hazard to the early life of zebrafish and this can be extrapolated to human health as well.
Ultrasonographic, gastroscopic and histologic report of a mass‐like lesion in the stomach of a dog: Chronic lymphoplasmacytic and hyperplastic gastritis
Authors: Bruining‐Staal Karin , Verburgh‐Hoffmann Gaby , Ploeg Margreet
Published: April 2022

A 7‐year‐old Boomer dog was presented with chronic vomiting over the past 6 months. Ultrasonography showed a severely thickened gastric wall with the aspect of a nodular mass. Gastroscopy confirmed a nodular mass. Histopathology of gastroscopically taken biopsies revealed chronic lymphoplasmacytic gastritis. The mass‐like lesion was surgically resected and full‐thickness histopathology confirmed chronic hyperplastic gastritis. The mucous cells of the foveolae were proliferated. The dog recovered after chronic lymphoplasmacytic and hyperplastic gastritis treatment. Chronic lymphoplasmacytic and hyperplastic gastritis should be included as a differential diagnosis for gastric nodular masses.
Verhütung in der deutschsprachigen Wikipedia: Eine Inhalts- und Qualitätsanalyse
Authors: Döring Nicola , Lehmann Stephan , Schumann-Doermer Claudia
Published: April 2022

Hintergrund

Jugendliche und Erwachsene beziehen Informationen über Verhütung heute oft per Internet, vor allem über die Online-Enzyklopädie Wikipedia, da Google-Suchen meist Wikipedia-Einträge als Toptreffer liefern.

Ziel der Arbeit

Vor diesem Hintergrund ist es Ziel des vorliegenden Beitrags, erstmals Inhalte und Qualität von Wikipedia-Artikeln über Verhütungsmethoden systematisch zu analysieren. Geprüft werden dabei 5 zentrale Qualitätsdimensionen: die Ausprägung der Korrektheit (Forschungsfrage F1), der Vollständigkeit (F2), der Neutralität (F3), der Verständlichkeit (F4) und der Aktualität (F5) der Verhütungsinformationen sowie auf dieser Basis auch ihre Gesamtqualität (F6).

Material und Methoden

Es wurde eine Stichprobe aller deutschsprachigen Wikipedia-Artikel zu allen Verhütungsmethoden gebildet (N = 25). Diese Artikel wurden mittels eines auf der Basis des Forschungsstandes entwickelten und reliabilitätsgeprüften Codebuchs von 3 unabhängigen, geschulten Codierenden analysiert. Die Datenanalyse erfolgte mit SPSS. Die Studie ist präregistriert und alle Daten, Materialien und Analyseskripte sind öffentlich verfügbar.

Ergebnisse

Es zeigte sich, dass die 25 Wikipedia-Artikel zu Verhütungsmethoden in ihrer inhaltlichen Qualität stark variierten. Während sie hinsichtlich Korrektheit (F1) und Neutralität (F3) im Mittel gute Qualität aufwiesen, erreichten sie hinsichtlich Vollständigkeit (F2), Verständlichkeit (F4) und Aktualität (F5) nur mittelmäßige Werte, woraus sich dann auch eine moderate Gesamtqualität ergab (F6).

Diskussion

Weitere Forschung sowie Praxismaßnahmen sind notwendig, um die Qualität von Verhütungsinformationen in der Wikipedia und in anderen sozialen Medien noch besser einschätzen und zielgerichteter verbessern zu können.
ASK1 is a novel molecular target for preventing aminoglycoside-induced hair cell death
Authors: Ogier Jacqueline M. , Gao Yujing , Dunne Eileen M. , Wilson Michael A. , Ranganathan Sarath C. , Tesch Gregory H. , Nikolic Paterson David J. , Dabdoub Alain , Burt Rachel A. , Nayagam Bryony A. , Lockhart Paul J.
Published: April 2022

Aminoglycoside antibiotics are lifesaving medicines, crucial for the treatment of chronic or drug resistant infections. However, aminoglycosides are toxic to the sensory hair cells in the inner ear. As a result, aminoglycoside-treated individuals can develop permanent hearing loss and vestibular impairment. There is considerable evidence that reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the subsequent phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (P38) drives apoptosis in aminoglycoside-treated hair cells. However, treatment strategies that directly inhibit ROS, JNK, or P38 are limited by the importance of these molecules for normal cellular function. Alternatively, the upstream regulator apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1/MAP3K5) is a key mediator of ROS-induced JNK and P38 activation under pathologic but not homeostatic conditions. We investigated ASK1 as a mediator of drug-induced hair cell death using cochlear explants from Ask1 knockout mice, demonstrating that Ask1 deficiency attenuates neomycin-induced hair cell death. We then evaluated pharmacological inhibition of ASK1 with GS-444217 as a potential otoprotective therapy. GS-444217 significantly attenuated hair cell death in neomycin-treated explants but did not impact aminoglycoside efficacy against P. aeruginosa in the broth dilution test. Overall, we provide significant pre-clinical evidence that ASK1 inhibition represents a novel strategy for preventing aminoglycoside ototoxicity.

Key messages

ASK1 is an upstream, redox-sensitive regulator of P38 and JNK, which are known mediators of hair cell death.

Ask1 knockout does not affect hair cell development in vivo, but significantly reduces aminoglycoside-induced hair cell death in vitro.

A small-molecule inhibitor of ASK1 attenuates neomycin-induced hair cell death, and does not impact antibiotic efficacy in vitro.

ASK1 may be a novel molecular target for preventing aminoglycoside-induced hearing loss.
Interdigitation-Induced Order and Disorder in Asymmetric Membranes
Authors: Frewein Moritz P. K. , Piller Paulina , Semeraro Enrico F. , Batchu Krishna C. , Heberle Frederick A. , Scott Haden L. , Gerelli Yuri , Porcar Lionel , Pabst Georg
Published: April 2022

We studied the transleaflet coupling of compositionally asymmetric liposomes in the fluid phase. The vesicles were produced by cyclodextrin-mediated lipid exchange and contained dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) in the inner leaflet and different mixed-chain phosphatidylcholines (PCs) as well as milk sphingomyelin (MSM) in the outer leaflet. In order to jointly analyze the obtained small-angle neutron and X-ray scattering data, we adapted existing models of trans-bilayer structures to measure the overlap of the hydrocarbon chain termini by exploiting the contrast of the terminal methyl ends in X-ray scattering. In all studied systems, the bilayer-asymmetry has large effects on the lipid packing density. Fully saturated mixed-chain PCs interdigitate into the DPPC-containing leaflet and evoke disorder in one or both leaflets. The long saturated acyl chains of MSM penetrate even deeper into the opposing leaflet, which in turn has an ordering effect on the whole bilayer. These results are qualitatively understood in terms of a balance of entropic repulsion of fluctuating hydrocarbon chain termini and van der Waals forces, which is modulated by the interdigitation depth. Monounsaturated PCs in the outer leaflet also induce disorder in DPPC despite vestigial or even absent interdigitation. Instead, the transleaflet coupling appears to emerge here from a matching of the inner leaflet lipids to the larger lateral lipid area of the outer leaflet lipids.

Graphical abstract
Film. Geography: stirring still remains
Authors: Doel Marcus A.
Published: April 2022

Inspired by the distinction that Gilles Deleuze drew between the ‘movement-image’ and the ‘time-image,’ the paper considers the ‘film’—the ‘skin’—of ‘film geography,’ not in terms of the customary geography of film, the geography in film, or the geography from film, but rather in terms of geography as film, a literal ‘film’ geography or ‘filmic’ geography. To get under the skin of film geography, the paper proceeds in three parts. The first part shatters the conception of film as a re-presentation. The second touches a raw nerve by channelling the power of the false. The third splits open and unfolds the two faces of film, namely the ‘movement-image’ and the ‘time-image.’ By way of conclusion, the paper ends its flaying of film geography with a ‘stirring still’ taken from Michael Madsen’s (2010) Into Eternity: A Film for the Future, which documents the construction of Onkalo, the world’s first deep-geological nuclear-waste disposal facility that must remain undisturbed for at least 100,000 years once the tomb is sealed in the early twenty-second century.
Learning Dynamics by Reservoir Computing (In Memory of Prof. Pavol Brunovský)
Authors: Hara Masato , Kokubu Hiroshi
Published: April 2022

We study reservoir computing, a machine learning method, from the viewpoint of learning dynamics. We present numerical results of learning the dynamics of the logistic map, one of the typical examples of chaotic dynamical systems, using a 30-node reservoir and a three-node reservoir. When the learning is successful, an attractor that is smoothly conjugate to the logistic map to be learned is observed in the phase space of the reservoir. Inspired by this numerical result, we introduce a degenerate reservoir system and use it to mathematically confirm this observation. We also show that reservoir computing can learn information about dynamics not included in the training data, which we believe is a remarkable feature of reservoir computing compared to other machine learning methods. We discuss this feature in connection with the above observation that there is a smooth conjugacy between the attractor in the reservoir and the dynamics to be learned.
Genetic variability, combining ability and molecular diversity-based parental line selection for heterosis breeding in field corn (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Mukri Ganapati , Patil Meghashri S , Motagi Babu N , Bhat Jayant S , Singh Chandu , Jeevan Kumar S. P. , Gadag R. N , Gupta Navin C , Simal-Gandara Jesus
Published: April 2022

Background

The demand of maize crop is increasing day by day, hence to reduce the production and demand gap, there is a need to extract the high yielding parental lines to improve per se yield of the hybrids, which could help to enhance the productivity in maize crops.

Methods and results

The present investigation was carried out to select the best medium maturing inbred lines, among a set of 118 inbred lines. Based on the Duncan multiple range test, out of 118 lines, 16 inbred lines were selected on the basis of its high yield per se and flowering time. The molecular diversity was carried out using SSR markers linked to heterotic QTL and up on diversity analysis it classified selected genotypes in to three distinct groups. Among the selected inbred lines, a wider genetic variability and molecular diversity were observed. A total of 39 test crosses were generated after classifying 16 inbred lines in to three testers and thirteen lines (based on per se grain yield and molecular diversity) and crossing them in line × tester manner.

Conclusion

Combining ability analysis of these parental lines showed that female parents, PML 109, PML 110, PML 111, PML 114 and PML 116 showed additive effect for KRN and grain yield, whereas male parents, PML 46, and PML 93 showed epistatic effect for KRN and PML 102 showed epistatic effect for grain yield. The generated information in the present investigation may be exploited for heterosis breeding in filed corn.

Key messages

To tackle the balanced dietary requirement of Indian population; we focused to enhance the productivity of maize hybrids using genetically broad based, elite, diverse inbred lines. Combination of selection criterion, not only augment the productivity but also improves the quality of hybrid/s.
Expert system design for vacant parking space location using automatic learning and artificial vision
Authors: Carrera García Juan Manuel , Recas Piorno Joaquín , Guijarro Mata-García María
Published: April 2022

Finding a free parking space nowadays is a recurring problem in increasingly crowded public parking lots. The present study offers a solution that is based on the analysis of zenith images using artificial vision and is capable of automatically analyzing both the available spaces in the parking lot and their real-time occupancy. In an initial phase, the presented system semi-automatically detects the available parking spaces by filtering, thresholding, and carrying out a process of extracting the contour and approximating to a polygon the parking spaces of an empty parking lot. Once the size and location of the parking spaces have been mapped, the system is capable of detecting not only the presence of a vehicle in a parking space, but also the area of the parking space occupied by it with an accuracy of 98.21% using Region-based Convolutional Neural Networks. This feature allows the system to specify the appropriate parking space for a new vehicle entering the parking lot based on its specific dimensions and the correct location of the cars parked in the spaces adjacent to the free space.
On the implementation of large period piece-wise linear Arnold cat map
Authors: Hermann Djeugoue , Gildas Gnyamsi Gaetan , Fouda Jean Sire Armand Eyebe , Koepf Wolfram
Published: April 2022

This paper presents a piece-wise linear cat map (PWLCM) obtained by perturbing the conventional quantized Arnold cat map (QACM) with a nonlinear term. The effect of the nonlinear term on the dynamics of the QACM is investigated. We show that the eigenvalues, hence the Lyapunov exponents of the PWLCM depend on the initial conditions, which is not the case for the QACM. As a result, the proposed PWLCM is a generalized form of the QACM, whose the period exponentially increases with respect to the precision, thus taking as value 1.09 × 10513 for only 10-bit precision; while that of the corresponding QACM is only 768. The nonlinear term increases the sensitivity of the system to the initial conditions, which contributes to increase its period, hence to enhance its complexity. An electronic implementation of both the QACM and the PWLCM in the case of 4-bit precision using Multisim is presented. The proposed architecture of both the QACM and the PWLCM are implemented using Verilog and prototyped on the Zynq 7020 FPGA board. For 4-bit precision, the FPGA implementation performs 1.072 Gbps throughput at 134 MHz maximum frequency. We verified that experimental and simulation behaviors of the proposed system perfectly match, thus confirming the effectiveness of the proposed electronic circuit for exhibiting the expected dynamics in real-time.
A qualitative investigation of the relevance of skin irritation and self-confidence bolt-ons and their conceptual overlap with the EQ-5D in patients with psoriasis
Authors: Rencz Fanni , Mukuria Clara , Bató Alex , Poór Adrienn Katalin , Finch Aureliano Paolo
Published: April 2022

Objectives

A number of bolt-ons have been proposed for the EQ-5D, including two psoriasis-specific bolt-ons, skin irritation and self-confidence. The study investigates and compares the relevance and comprehensiveness of these psoriasis-specific bolt-ons and the EQ-5D-5L and explores the potential conceptual overlaps between the existing five dimensions and the two bolt-ons.

Methods

Psoriasis patients were purposively sampled according to age and gender. Semi-structured interviews, where participants were asked to complete the EQ-5D-5L and the bolt-ons while thinking aloud, were conducted. Probes were used to investigate the thought processes of patients regarding the dimensions, wording, recall period and relevant concepts not captured by the EQ-5D-5L and bolt-ons. Data were analysed thematically. A focus group was used to confirm the findings.

Results

Overall, 16 patients completed the interviews. Sixteen and fifteen patients considered skin irritation and self-confidence relevant areas to describe psoriasis problems. Three patients considered itching a form of discomfort, and thus, pointed out a potential overlap between pain/discomfort and skin irritation. Twelve patients reported overall 10 general health- or psoriasis-related concepts that are not captured by the EQ-5D-5L, including itching, social relationships and sex life. Eleven patients reported that the recall period of the EQ-5D-5L might be subject to bias because of the daily or within-day fluctuations of their symptoms.

Conclusions

The skin irritation and self-confidence bolt-ons contribute to improve content validity of the EQ-5D-5L in patients with psoriasis. The qualitative approach taken in this study expands the existing methodological framework for the development and testing validity of bolt-ons for the EQ-5D.
Die Fridays for Future-Bewegung Deutschland – Skizzierung eines ethnographischen Forschungsprogramms
Authors: Posmek Jana
Published: April 2022

Die Fridays for Future-Bewegung konstituiert zwar ein der Öffentlichkeit bekanntes und zunehmend auch wissenschaftlich beforschtes Phänomen, allerdings liegt bislang noch wenig feldbezogene ethnographische Forschung vor, die zentrale Praktiken, Orte und Themen der Aktivist*innen in den Bilck nimmt. Das hier in seinen methodischen und methodologischen Grundzügen skizzierte, laufende Dissertationsprojekt hat die Fridays for Future-Bewegung Deutschland und ihre jungen Aktivist*innen zum Gegenstand. Einem praxistheoretischen Zugang folgend besteht das Ziel darin zu verstehen, was in diesem vermeintlich vertrauten Feld eigentlich vor sich geht. Für diesen Zweck ist bereits ein breiter Datenkorpus entstanden, der teilnehmende Beobachtungen, qualitative Interviews und Artefakte umfasst. Der vorliegende Beitrag stellt – hergeleitet aus dem Erkenntnisinteresse und aktuellen Forschungsstand – das Forschungsprogramm vor, welches von Bruno Latours und Adele E. Clarkes relationalen Theorie-Methoden-Zusammenhängen inspiriert ist.
Measurement of the social construction of knowledge: validation and reliability of the K-Social-C instrument
Authors: Yañez-Figueroa José-Antonio , Ramírez-Montoya María-Soledad , García-Peñalvo Francisco-José
Published: April 2022

The social construction of knowledge developed in social innovation laboratories occurs through the open innovation approach, which is the focus of the present study. The study variables were measured with the K-Social-C questionnaire. It was necessary to consider the indicators of each of these variables reported in the literature and the characteristics of construct, content, and criterion validity and reliability to demonstrate solidly that the instrument measures what it is intended to measure. This document confirms the conceptualization and measurement of three variables: social construction of knowledge (SCK), open innovation (OI), and social innovation laboratories (SIL). The K-Social-C questionnaire is a self-administered instrument that can measure the three variables and their indicators. The questionnaire's validity and reliability were demonstrated through statistical procedures; the content validation and expert agreement were through Kendall's concordance coefficient and the content validity coefficient. We also calculated the internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha as the reliability coefficient. We extended the calculation with exploratory factor analysis and convergent and discriminant validity. However, to study the SCK, OI and SIL variables, we still had to consider the needs and social implications of innovation in each context.
Extreme moulting site fidelity of the Saimaa ringed seal
Authors: Biard Vincent , Nykänen Milaja , Niemi Marja , Kunnasranta Mervi
Published: April 2022

Site fidelity is commonly observed in pinnipeds and has direct consequences for individual space use and population dynamics. Here, we used photo-identification recapture data to quantify site fidelity of the endangered Saimaa ringed seal (Pusa hispida saimensis) over four successive moulting seasons. We identified 337 seals based on their permanent fur patterns, and 192 of them were observed during at least 2 years. Over the study period, the median number of terrestrial haul-out sites used by an individual seal was four, and nearly 50% of the seals reused them over the years. Although eight seals performed movements (up to 48 km) between the different water basins of Lake Saimaa, most of the studied seals remained in the same water basin over the years. The median distance between successive moulting sites used by an individual seal was 643 m. While these distances were similar within years in both sexes, the distances between years were longer in females, suggesting post-nursing related behaviour. The extreme site fidelity of the Saimaa ringed seal has important implications for its conservation, especially in the land use management of the Lake Saimaa shoreline.
Cultivation of gut microorganisms of the marine ascidian Halocynthia roretzi reveals their potential roles in the environmental adaptation of their host
Authors: Yang Yang , Zhu Yuting , Liu Haiming , Wei Jiankai , Yu Haiyan , Dong Bo
Published: April 2022

It has long been known that abundant symbiotic bacteria exist in the tunic and gut of marine ascidians, and that these play crucial roles in host development, physiological metabolism, and environmental adaptation. However, the identity, roles and functions of these symbiotic bacteria are known for only a few strains. In this study, we isolated and cultivated 263 strains of microorganisms from the intestine of the marine ascidian Halocynthia roretzi through a combination of aerobic and anaerobic culture approaches. Most cultivated species, both aerobic and anaerobic, from ascidian stool samples belonged to the genus Bacillus based on 16S rDNA sequencing identification and phylogenetic assays. The distribution of cultured bacteria varied with seasonal changes in environmental conditions. To explore the functions of cultured bacteria, we screened out a strain of Serratia sp. whose extracts showed high antibacterial activity against aquatic pathogens. These findings revealed the potential roles of gut microorganisms in ascidian defense and environmental adaptation, thus providing insights into the interaction and co-evolution between gut bacteria and their hosts.
Current dilemma in photocatalytic CO2 reduction: real solar fuel production or false positive outcomings?
Authors: Zhang Kai , Gao Qi , Xu Cuiping , Zhao Dawei , Zhu Qibin , Zhu Zhonghui , Wang Jin , Liu Cong , Yu Haitao , Sun Chen , Liu Xianglei , Xuan Yimin
Published: April 2022

Solar driven carbon dioxide (CO2) recycling into hydrocarbon fuels using semiconductor photocatalysts offers an ideal energy conversion pathway to solve both the energy crisis and environmental degradation problems. However, the ubiquitous presence of carbonaceous contaminants in photocatalytic CO2 reduction system and the inferior yields of hydrocarbon fuels raise serious concerns about the reliability of the reported experimental results. Here in this perspective, we focus on the accurate assessment of the CO2 reduction products, systemically discuss the possible sources of errors in the product quantification, elaborate the common mistakes spread in the analysis of reaction products obtained in 13CO2 labelling experiments, and further propose reliable protocols for reporting the results of these isotopic tracing experiments. Moreover, the challenges and cautions in the precise measurement of O2 evolution rate are also depicted, and the amplification of the concentration of O2 in photoreactors well above the limit of detection is still demonstrated to be the most effective solution to this troublesome issue. We hope the viewpoints raised in this paper will help to assessment the reliability of the reported data in future, and also benefit the beginners that intend to dive in the photocatalytic CO2 reduction area.

Graphical abstract
24 The Urethral Microbiome During Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Placement
Authors: Williams J , Hill H , Wendel E , Laborde E
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Foley catheter placement prior to inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) implantation permits drainage of the bladder to ensure safe retropubic reservoir placement and allows for palpation of the urethra to prevent inadvertent injury. The urethra is often colonized with commensal organisms mostly concentrated at the meatus and fossa navicularis to which the Foley catheter is exposed during placement. Following placement, the catheter remains on the sterile field during surgery.

Objective

We sought to investigate if the microbiome of the urethra could contaminate the Foley catheter during IPP placement.

Methods

Data was retrospectively reviewed on all patients who underwent three-piece IPP placement at a single institution from 2/2020 to 6/2021. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and comorbidities were recorded. Culture swabs from the fossa navicularis and exposed Foley catheter were collected intra-operatively after Foley catheter placement. Growth of aerobic, anaerobic, and fungal organisms was assessed. Univariate analyses with chi-square tests were performed to compare baseline demographic and clinical data with isolation of organisms from culture swabs.

Results

A total of 50 patients were included in this study. All surgeries were performed via penoscrotal approach by a single surgeon. 22% (n = 11) were revision procedures, all of which were due to mechanical device malfunction. The median age of our cohort was 66.5 years (range: 42-78 years) and 30% (n = 15) had a BMI of 30 kg/m² or greater. Three patients (6%) were current smokers and 46% (n = 23) were diabetic. Two patients (4%) had isolation of aerobic organisms and five patients (10%) had isolation of anaerobic organisms. No patients had isolation of fungal organisms. There was no statistically significant relationship between obese BMI, diabetes diagnosis, or current smoking and the isolation of organisms. Three patients (6%) ultimately developed a device infection; notably, none of these patients had isolation of organisms from their culture swabs at initial implant.

Conclusions

A number of patients had isolation of aerobic and anaerobic organisms from their intra-operatively collected urethral swabs, but none of these patients have currently shown evidence of a device infection. This is the first study to examine the urethral microbiome and its potential effect on Foley catheter contamination at the time of IPP placement. Further study is needed to determine if this could be a significant source of device infection.

Disclosure

No
27 Cost Analysis of Online Telehealth Platforms Offering Testosterone Therapy
Authors: Jesse E , Sellke N , Muncey W , Ghayda RA , Loeb A , Thirumavalavan N
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Online telehealth platforms are becoming increasingly common across several areas of medicine, including those related to men's health conditions. These ventures now offer virtual services for the evaluation of testosterone deficiency and treatment via the online sale of testosterone therapy (TTh).

Objective

We sought to compare the cost of undergoing virtual evaluation and treatment with TTh via online telehealth platforms, as compared to what may be offered by a board-certified urologist following the American Urologic Association (AUA) guidelines at a tertiary care center.

Methods

Google was queried to identify platforms that offer an online consultation and prescription service for TTh. Platforms that did not provide transparency of services including details of the initial consultation, laboratory work, type of medication offered, and associated fees on the company website were excluded. Information regarding the type of providers used, services and laboratory work included in the initial consultation, and price for the evaluation and three months of treatment with TTh were gathered. These were compared to the services and prices that a board-certified urologist at a tertiary care center may offer while following the AUA guidelines for the evaluation and management of testosterone deficiency. Costs for services at the tertiary care center were estimated using a single institution's online cost estimator1 for a patient with no insurance, a patient with basic employee insurance, and a patient with Medicare.

Results

A total of three online platforms met inclusion criteria: Hone, Regenex Health, and TRT Nation. The services provided for the initial evaluation and for follow up of patients on TTh were similar between the online platforms and those suggested by AUA guidelines (Table 1). The cost of the initial consultation including laboratory services were lowest for the patient with Medicare at a tertiary center ($0) and via the online platform, Hone ($45.00) (Table 2). The estimated cost for three months of treatment with TRT including follow up was lowest among the patient with Medicare ($32.79) and the patient with basic employee insurance ($192.58) at the tertiary center (Table 3). The cost of three months of treatment and follow up was highest via the online platform Regenex Health ($1,059.00).

Conclusions

While online telehealth platforms may offer a cost benefit in the initial consultation and evaluation for TRT for some patients, the cost of ongoing treatment greatly exceeds that which may be obtained at a tertiary care center for patients with basic insurance plans or Medicare. Patients without insurance may encounter a high cost of initial evaluation at a tertiary center, however, ongoing follow up and medication costs for these patients is likely similar between select online platforms and a tertiary center.

Disclosure

No