bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanization of Litchi (Litchi chinensis S.) Cultivation: Current Scenario and Future Needs of India
Authors: Sahni Ramesh K. , Kumari Sweeti , Kumar Manish , Kumar Amrendra , Singh Sanjay K. , Kumar Manoj
Published: December 2024

India stands as the world's second-largest producer of litchi (Litchi chinensis S.), with a majority of its cultivation concentrated in the eastern regions. Litchi cultivation involves diverse unit operations such as land preparation, pit digging, circular fertilizer pit creation, pruning, pest control, girdling, plant safeguarding, and harvesting. These operations predominantly rely on conventional, manual tools, resulting in time-consuming and labour-intensive tasks that reduce net profits for farmers. Despite the potential of mechanization to enhance production efficiency, its application in litchi cultivation remains limited to specific tasks such as land preparation and intercultural operations. Challenges like small land holdings, fragmented agricultural spaces, inadequate road access, and a lack of awareness among farmers hinder widespread mechanization. Urgent intervention is needed to introduce advanced technologies that reduce operational costs and labour intensity to increase litchi production and productivity. This paper examines the current status of mechanization in litchi cultivation in India, highlighting the potential for mechanization in various aspects. The adoption of improved mechanization technology is crucial for enhancing orchard productivity, increasing farmer income, and promoting environmental sustainability. This study outlines present requirements and proposes future research directions for litchi mechanization. Recommendations are made to encourage mechanized production, emphasizing the need for matching and efficient power equipment to ease labour-intensive tasks such as pit digging, circular fertilizer pitting, pruning, girdling, caterpillar killing, and harvesting operations. Developing advanced equipment to streamline these critical tasks is essential for the sustainable growth of litchi cultivation in India.
Estimation of the Input Height of Irregular Waves Generated at a Wave Maker by Using Gaussian Process Regression and Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Oh Jung-Eun , Oh Sang-Ho
Published: December 2024

A neural network (NN) and Gaussian process regression (GPR) model for predicting the input wave height of the wave generator were established, and their performance was evaluated and compared using irregular wave data acquired in a two-dimensional wave flume. Both models were able to predict the input wave height that can produce the target wave height of irregular waves with a very high accuracy. Among the two models, the GPR model showed better performance than the NN model. Based on the results of this study, it is expected to reduce the time required for experiments by shortening trial and error in setting the input wave height of the wave generator when conducting physical experiments in a wave flume.
Horizontal Wave Pressures Acting on the Crown Wall of Rubble Mound Structure under Monochromatic Wave Conditions: Case for the Same Level as the Freeboard and Armour Height
Authors: Lee Jong-In
Published: December 2024

In Korea, there are no guidelines for estimating the wave pressure acting on the crown wall of rubble-mound structure, so indirect methods are used. The current design method calculates the horizontal wave pressure by Goda’s formula and the reduction factor of Takahashi et al. This method of estimating horizontal wave pressure has not been clearly established. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a method to directly estimating the horizontal wave pressure acting on the crown wall of rubble-mound structure. In this study, a two-dimensional physical model test under monochromatic wave conditions was performed to examine the horizontal wave pressure acting on the crown wall. Using the experimental results, an empirical formula was derived to calculate the horizontal wave pressure under monochromatic wave conditions.
Road traffic delays in commuting workplace and musculoskeletal health among sedentary workers: A cross-sectional study in Dhaka city
Authors: Ali Mohammad , Ahsan Gias U , Uddin Zakir , Hossain Ahmed
Published: November 2021

Objectives

Despite previous research aimed at identifying factors linked to musculoskeletal health issues, there was no evidence about the relationship between road traffic delays (RTDs) and musculoskeletal health in sedentary employees. As a result, the aim of our research was to understand such a correlation among bank employees in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Methods

A cross-sectional analysis was conducted with bank employees who worked in sedentary settings. The Eriksen subjective health complaints scale was used to measure the eight items of musculoskeletal health complaints (MHCs), and RTDs were measured using principal component analysis using variables commute time, distance, and traffic congestion experience to work. The association between RTDs and MHCs was identified using a multilevel model after adjusting potential confounders.

Results

A total of 628 employees (mean[SD] age, 36.1[7.0] years; 254[40.5%] women) participated in the study. Among the employees, the one-month prevalence of MHCs was 57.2%. The highest prevalence of MHCs was low-back pain (36.6%), followed by neck pain (22.9%) and upper-back pain (21.2%). Also, 136(21.7%) employees reported long-RTDs in commuting workplace and 81% of them had MHCs. The multilevel analysis identified that long-RTDs had a significant relationship with MHCs (adjusted odds ratio, AOR = 10.20, 95%CI = 5.41–16.91). Private transportation commuters reported 70% reduced odds of MHCs (AOR = 0.30, 95%CI = 0.15–0.59) and walking or bicycling commuters had 84% fewer MHCs (AOR = 0.16, 95%CI = 0.10–0.28) compared to public bus commuters.

Conclusions

Sedentary employees with long-RTDs reported increased MHCs, emphasizing the importance of including musculoskeletal exercise in office facilities. Findings of this study also highlight the need for a sound public transportation system in Dhaka city.
Copper‐Free Click Chemistry: Applications in Drug Delivery, Cell Tracking, and Tissue Engineering
Authors: Yoon Hong Yeol , Lee Donghyun , Lim Dong‐Kwon , Koo Heebeom , Kim Kwangmeyung
Published: November 2021

Traditionally, organic chemical reactions require organic solvents, toxic catalysts, heat, or high pressure. However, copper‐free click chemistry has been shown to have favorable reaction rates and orthogonality in water, buffer solutions, and physiological conditions without toxic catalysts. Strain‐promoted azide‐alkyne cycloaddition and inverse electron‐demand Diels–Alder reactions are representative of copper‐free click chemistry. Artificial chemical reactions via click chemistry can also be used outside of the laboratory in a controllable manner on live cell surfaces, in the cytosol, and in living bodies. Consequently, copper‐free click chemistry has many features that are of interest in biomedical research, and various new materials and strategies for its use have been proposed. Herein, recent remarkable trials that have used copper‐free click chemistry are described, focusing on their applications in molecular imaging and therapy. The research is categorized as nanoparticles for drug delivery, imaging agents for cell tracking, and hydrogels for tissue engineering, which are rapidly advancing fields based on click chemistry. The content is based primarily on the experience with click chemistry‐based biomaterials over the last 10 years.
Decoupling Complex Multi‐Length‐Scale Morphology in Non‐Fullerene Photovoltaics with Nitrogen K‐Edge Resonant Soft X‐ray Scattering
Authors: Zhong Wenkai , Zhang Ming , Freychet Guillaume , Su Gregory M. , Ying Lei , Huang Fei , Cao Yong , Zhang Yongming , Wang Cheng , Liu Feng
Published: November 2021

Complex morphology in organic photovoltaics (OPVs) and other functional soft materials commonly dictates performance. Such complexity in OPVs originates from the mesoscale kinetically trapped non‐equilibrium state, which governs device charge generation and transport. Resonant soft X‐ray scattering (RSoXS) has been revolutionary in the exploration of OPV morphology in the past decade due to its chemical and orientation sensitivity. However, for non‐fullerene OPVs, RSoXS analysis near the carbon K‐edge is challenging, due to the chemical similarity of the materials used in active layers. An innovative approach is provided by nitrogen K‐edge RSoXS (NK‐RSoXS), utilizing the spatial and orientational contrasts from the cyano groups in the acceptor materials, which allows for determination of phase separation. NK‐RSoXS clearly visualizes the combined feature sizes in PM6:Y6 blends from crystallization and liquid–liquid demixing, while PM6:Y6:Y6‐BO ternary blends with reduced phase‐separation size and enhanced material crystallization can lead to current amplification in devices. Nitrogen is common in organic semiconductors and other soft materials, and the strong and directional N 1s → π* resonances make NK‐RSoXS a powerful tool to uncover the mesoscale complexity and open opportunities to understand heterogeneous systems.
Highly Efficient Bifacial Color‐Tunable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Heo Jihyeon , Jung Incheol , Park Hyunwoo , Han Ju Hwan , Kim Hyeonwoo , Park Hansol , Park Jin‐Seong , Jeon Hyeongtag , Lee Kyu‐Tae , Park Hui Joon
Published: November 2021

Solar cells with a visually aesthetic functionality are of great importance for their smooth integration with indoor and outdoor spaces in buildings and automobiles, and portable electronic devices. Here bidirectional, colorful perovskite solar cells with high efficiency based on optical interference effects within the multilayer solar cell structure are presented. Tunable reflective colors across the whole visible region can be achieved by simply tuning the thickness of a transparent electrode of the solar cell. Same or different colors from top‐ and bottom‐sides can be easily attained by properly selecting the thickness of the transparent electrode. Absorbing a substantial fraction of the visible region of solar radiation allows the colored perovskite solar cells to accomplish high power conversion efficiencies of 16.01% and 17.68% when illuminated from the top‐ and bottom‐sides, respectively, while the reflective colors are produced by using a small proportion of the visible solar spectrum. The described scheme opens a variety of potential applications, such as power‐generating surfaces for buildings and automobiles, energy‐efficient display systems, and self‐powered wearable electronics.
A new case of Turnpenny‐Fry syndrome
Authors: Ercoskun Pelin , Yuce Kahraman Cigdem , Adanur Saglam Kübra , Kanjee Momen , Tatar Abdulgani
Published: November 2021

Turnpenny‐Fry syndrome is a very rare genetic disorder characterized by intellectual disability, developmental delay, facial dysmorphism, and skeletal abnormalities. Mutations of the PCGF2 gene are responsible for Turnpenny‐Fry syndrome. This gene encodes the polycomb group ring finger 2 protein that is broadly expressed in various human tissues. To date, only 13 patients with Turnpenny‐Fry syndrome have been reported. Our patient was referred to our clinic for neuromotor retardation and dysmorphic features. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed from the peripheral blood sample of the patient. WES revealed a heterozygous mutation in the PCGF2 gene. To the best of our knowledge, we reported the 14th patient with Turnpenny‐Fry syndrome and the first from Turkey, who had new findings.
An osteometric and 3D analysis of the atlanto‐occipital joint: An initial screening method to exclude crania and atlases in commingled remains
Authors: Cappella Annalisa , Affatato Luciana , Gibelli Daniele , Mazzarelli Debora , Zago Matteo , Dolci Claudia , Sforza Chiarella , Cattaneo Cristina
Published: November 2021

Objectives

The anatomical features of the atlanto‐occipital joint can be potentially useful in re‐associating or excluding crania to atlases in commingled remains. This study investigated whether linear measurements and the 3‐dimensional (3D) surface of occipital condyles and articular facets of atlases can represent valid insights for this purpose.

Methods

The variations among eight corresponding linear distances were analyzed in a sample of 150 individuals through six supervised machine learning techniques attempting to develop classifiers able to identify elements belonging to the same individual. Furthermore, a 3D analysis was conducted on the articular surfaces through superimpositions of 3D models of corresponding and non‐corresponding crania and atlases obtained by using respectively stereophotogrammetry and laser scanning. This analysis investigated differences in terms of point‐to‐point distances (Root Mean Square, RMS) of superimposed 3D surfaces.

Results

None of the six machine learning techniques were able to correctly detect a satisfying percentage of correspondent pairs in the overall sample by using the linear variables. The 3D analysis of the articular surfaces found RMS values over 0.53 mm only for superimposed non‐corresponding surfaces, which sets a threshold value to identify 32% of incorrect pairs.

Discussion

The re‐association of cranium to atlas proved to be challenging and hardly possible when considering only metric variables. However, the 3D geometry of the articular surfaces represents a valid variable for this purpose and 3D analyses pave the way for an initial exclusion of incorrect re‐associations, thus should not be considered as a re‐association method per se, but as an exclusionary screening technique.
Mineral nutrition of Samburu adolescents: A comparative study of pastoralist communities in Kenya
Authors: Iannotti Lora , Lesorogol Carolyn , Hilton Charles , Olungah Charles Owuor , Zava Theodore , Needham Belinda , Cui Yuhan , Brindle Eleanor , Straight Bilinda
Published: November 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to characterize mineral nutrition (copper, magnesium, selenium, and zinc) in Samburu pastoralist youth, in the context of differential cultural transitions due to uneven changes in educational access, herding intensity, polygyny, and access to wild, domesticated, and market‐sourced foods.

Materials and methods

Whole dried blood spots were collected in a total of 161 youth (highlands,n = 97; lowlands,n = 64) to assess concentrations of cadmium, copper, lead, magnesium, mercury, selenium, and zinc. Concentrations were determined through inductively coupled mass spectrometry. Dietary intakes were assessed by 24‐h recall method and calculation of the probability of inadequate intakes. WHO protocols were applied to collect anthropometric measures in the youth.

Results

Nearly half of the adolescents (47.8%) fell below the reference range for zinc status, and 88.2% had low zinc‐to‐copper ratios. High probability of nutrient inadequacies was evident for protein, fat, vitamins A, B12, C, and E. In generalized linear modeling, lowland residence was negatively associated with zinc status and the zinc‐to‐copper ratio, and positively correlated with selenium and copper status. Other significant correlates were dairy livestock ownership; wife number of the youth's mother; meat consumption; vegetable consumption; protein intake; infectious disease morbidities; BMI; and hemoglobin concentrations.

Discussion

In recent decades, Samburu pastoralists of northern Kenya have experienced marked dietary changes in the context of market integration, extreme drought, diminishing pasture availability, and violent civil conflict. Some children (particularly boys) successfully supplement their diets by foraging for wild foods, while others (particularly actively herding girls) may be more vulnerable.
Terpolymerization of Ethylene and Two Different Methoxyaryl‐Substituted Propylenes by Scandium Catalyst Makes Tough and Fast Self‐Healing Elastomers
Authors: Yang Yang , Wang Haobing , Huang Lin , Nishiura Masayoshi , Higaki Yuji , Hou Zhaomin
Published: November 2021

The terpolymerization of a non‐polar olefin (such as ethylene) and two different polar functional olefins in a controlled fashion is of great interest and importance but has hardly been explored to date. We report for the first time the terpolymerization of ethylene (E) and two different methoxyaryl‐substituted propylenes (AR1P=hexylanisyl propylene; AR2P=methoxynaphthyl propylene or methoxypyrenyl propylene) by a half‐sandwich scandium catalyst. The terpolymerization took place in a sequence‐controlled fashion, affording unique multi‐block copolymers composed of two different ethylene‐alt‐methoxyarylpropylene sequences E‐alt‐AR1P (soft segments) and E‐alt‐AR2P (hard segments) and relatively short ethylene–ethylene (EE) blocks (crystalline segments). The terpolymers exhibited excellent elasticity and unprecedented self‐healing as a result of microphase separation of nanodomains of the crystalline EE segments and the hard amorphous E‐alt‐AR2P segments from a very flexible E‐alt‐AR1P matrix, demonstrating unique synergy of the three different components.
Fully Condensed Poly (Triazine Imide) Crystals: Extended π‐Conjugation and Structural Defects for Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Liu Minghui , Wei Changgeng , Zhuzhang Hangyu , Zhou Jingmin , Pan Zhiming , Lin Wei , Yu Zhiyang , Zhang Guigang , Wang Xinchen
Published: November 2021

Conventional polymerization for the synthesis of carbon nitride usually generates amorphous heptazine‐based melon with an abundance of undesired structural defects, which function as charge carrier recombination centers to decrease the photocatalytic efficiency. Herein, a fully condensed poly (triazine imide) crystal with extended π‐conjugation and deficient structure defects was obtained by conducting the polycondensation in a mild molten salt of LiCl/NaCl. The melting point of the binary LiCl/NaCl system is around 550 °C, which substantially restrain the depolymerization of triazine units and extend the π‐conjugation. The optimized polymeric carbon nitride crystal exhibits a high apparent quantum efficiency of 12 % (λ=365 nm) for hydrogen production by one‐step excitation overall water splitting, owing to the efficient exciton dissociation and the subsequent fast transfer of charge carriers.
Ammonium Pertechnetate in Mixtures of Trifluoromethanesulfonic Acid and Trifluoromethanesulfonic Anhydride
Authors: Zegke Markus , Grödler Dennis , Roca Jungfer Maximilian , Haseloer Alexander , Kreuter Meike , Neudörfl Jörg M. , Sittel Thomas , James Christopher M. , Rothe Jörg , Altmaier Marcus , Klein Axel , Breugst Martin , Abram Ulrich , Strub Erik , Wickleder Mathias S.
Published: November 2021

Ammonium pertechnetate reacts in mixtures of trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride and trifluoromethanesulfonic acid under final formation of ammonium pentakis(trifluoromethanesulfonato)oxidotechnetate(V), (NH4)2[TcO(OTf)5]. The reaction proceeds only at exact concentrations and under the exclusion of air and moisture via pertechnetyl trifluoromethanesulfonate, [TcO3(OTf)], and intermediate TcVI species. 99Tc nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) has been used to study the TcVII compound and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), 99Tc NMR and X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (XANES) experiments indicate the presence of the reduced technetium species. In moist air, (NH4)2[TcO(OTf)5] slowly hydrolyses under formation of the tetrameric oxidotechnetate(V) (NH4)4[{TcO(TcO4)4}4] ⋅10 H2O. Single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography was used to determine the solid‐state structures. Additionally, UV/Vis absorption and IR spectra as well as quantum chemical calculations confirm the identity of the species.
Synthesis and characterization of a new polyoxometalate nanocluster containing Mo and V as an environmentally green catalyst for oxidative degradation of organic pollutants from aquatic environments
Authors: Naslhajian Hadi , Amini Mojtaba , Hosseinifard Mojtaba , Farnia S. Morteza F. , Janczak Jan
Published: November 2021

A water‐insoluble Keggin‐type polyoxomolybdovanadate nanocluster, (Et4N)4[VMo12O40]·MeCN (1) was synthesized and crystallized in acetonitrile. The catalyst was characterized by X‐ray crystallography, UV–Vis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and FT‐IR techniques. Degradation of organic dyes, Amido black 10B (AB10B) and Methylene blue (MB) was investigated by 1/H2O2 system at room temperature and the influence of different conditions on the decomposition of AB10B and MB dyes such as catalyst dosage, oxidant concentration, pH, radical scavengers, and reusability of 1 were studied.
Heterogeneous esterification of ricinoleic acid with polyol for the synthesis of polyol ricinoleates as biomass‐based lubricant base oil
Authors: Gao Song , Ren Fang‐Yu , Xie Wei‐Hang , He Liang‐Nian , Li Hong‐Ru
Published: November 2021

Bio‐derived lubricants, especially those derived from vegetable oils, are considered to be promising alternatives to mineral oil‐based lubricants due to the features of sustainability and environmental friendliness. In this work, the polyol ricinoleates were prepared by esterification of ricinoleic acid with trimethylolpropane (TMP), neopentyl glycol (NPG) and pentaerythritol (PE) respectively using Lewis acidic stannous oxide as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst, affording the polyol ricinoleates up to 99.7% yield. Remarkably, the solid catalyst was readily recovered and reused at least for five cycles without significant loss of activity. The resulting polyol ricinoleates products were structurally characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), 1H NMR, 13C NMR, electrospray ionization mass spectra (ESI‐MS); and were stable below 300°C through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Furthermore, the physicochemical and lubricating properties of as‐synthesized polyol esters were also evaluated including viscosity at 40 and 100°C, viscosity index (VI), pour point and flash point, thermal stability and wear scar diameter. To our delight, the performance indicators of the target products were comparable or better than the commercial lubricants, showing their potential as lubricant base oil. This work represents an alternative access to useful lubricant products via effective and selective conversion of non‐edible vegetable oil.
Theoretical analysis and numerical modeling of the evolution mechanism of polymer melt unstable flow in two‐dimensional ultrasonic‐assisted micro‐injection molding
Authors: Qiu Zhongjun , Wang Lei
Published: November 2021

Micro polymer parts are usually fabricated by ultrasonic‐assisted micro‐injection molding which is an effective and low‐cost method. This method solves some injection molding defects such as short shot by reducing the melt viscosity, and the clarification of its mechanism is a challenge. This article is aimed at studying the evolution mechanism of two‐dimensional ultrasonic vibration on the polymer melt unstable flow. A two‐dimensional ultrasonic vibration, whose displacements components in the‐ and‐directions are large, is applied to the polymer melt. The unstable flow is a flow field with perturbations. The formulas of perturbation stream function and velocity perturbations are established based on the theories of absolute instability and convective instability. The established formulas are verified by numerical analysis. The results show that the flow of polymer melt is convectively unstable and the vortices are formed under the combined actions of shear stress and transverse pressure. The distribution of vortices is bound to affect the mold filling quality. Accordingly, a two‐dimensional ultrasonic vibration with the phase difference of 90° is adopted to make strong vortices occur symmetrically, to improve the uniformity of viscosity field, and to obtain a better melt filling capability during injection molding.
Chitosan‐hydroxycinnamic acid conjugates: Synthesis, photostability and phytotoxicity to seed germination of barley
Authors: Nikalaichuk Viktoryia , Hileuskaya Kseniya , Kraskouski Aliaksandr , Kulikouskaya Viktoryia , Nedved Helen , Kalatskaja Joanna , Rybinskaya Ekaterina , Herasimovich Kanstantsin , Laman Nikolai , Agabekov Vladimir
Published: November 2021

Chitosan‐caffeic and chitosan‐ferulic acid conjugates are synthesized by carbodiimide method and characterized by UV, FTIR, and NMR spectroscopy. There are two obtained forms of conjugates: freshly synthesized and reconstituted freeze‐dried. A comparative study of the stability of various conjugate forms over time and under UV irradiation has been carried out. It has been shown that the absorption intensity of an aqueous solution of the freshly synthesized chitosan‐caffeic acid conjugate decrease in ~2 times during 20 weeks of storage, while the maximum rate of intensity decrease is observed during the first 40 days. The absorption intensity of the chitosan‐ferulic acid conjugate decrease by 6–7% during the entire storage period. It has been found that freeze‐dried powders of chitosan‐caffeic and chitosan‐ferulic acid conjugates are stable for at least 1 year. It has been established that freeze‐dried chitosan‐caffeic and chitosan‐ferulic acid conjugates are more stable under UV irradiation (in 4–8 and 1.4–1.9 times, respectively) compared to freshly synthesized ones. A comparative study of the influence of conjugates on barley seedlings (Hordeum vulgare L.) growth has been carried out.
Selection of patients for nerve sparing surgery in robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: Vis André N. , van den Bergh Roderick C. N. , van der Poel Henk G. , Mottrie Alexander , Stricker Philip D. , Graefen Marcus , Patel Vipul , Rocco Bernardo , Lissenberg‐Witte Birgit , van Leeuwen Pim J.
Published: November 2021

Context

Robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) has become the standard surgical procedure for localized prostate‐cancer (PCa). Nerve‐sparing surgery (NSS) during RARP has been associated with improved erectile function and continence rates after surgery. However, it remains unclear what are the most appropriate indications for NSS.

Objective

The objective of this study is to systematically review the available parameters for selection of patients for NSS. The weight of different clinical variables, multiparametric magnetic‐resonance‐imaging (mpMRI) findings, and the impact of multiparametric‐nomograms in the decision‐making process on (side‐specific) NSS were assessed.

Evidence acquisition

This systematic review searched relevant databases and included studies performed from January 2000 until December 2020 and recruited a total of 15 840 PCa patients. Studies were assessed that defined criteria for (side‐specific) NSS and associated them with oncological safety and/or functional outcomes. Risk of bias assessment was performed.

Evidence synthesis

Nineteen articles were eligible for full‐text review. NSS is primarily recommended in men with adequate erectile function, and with low‐risk of extracapsular extension (ECE) on the side‐of NSS. Separate clinical and radiological variables have low accuracy for predicting ECE, whereas nomograms optimize the risk‐stratification and decision‐making process to perform or to refrain from NSS when oncological safety (organ‐confined disease, PSM rates) and functional outcomes (erectile function and continence rates) were assessed.

Conclusions

Consensus exists that patients who are at high risk of ECE should refrain from NSS. Several multiparametric preoperative nomograms were developed to predict ECE with increased accuracy compared with single clinical, pathological, or radiological variables, but controversy exists on risk thresholds and decision rules on a conservative versus a less‐conservative surgical approach. An individual clinical judgment on the possibilities of NSS set against the risks of ECE is warranted.

Patient summary

NSS is aimed at sparing the nerves responsible for erection. NSS may lead to unfavorable tumor control if the risk of capsule penetration is high. Nomograms predicting extraprostatic tumor‐growth are probably most helpful.
A novel fluorescent probe with aggregation induced emission (AIE) effect based on 1,4‐dihydropyridine and its applications
Authors: Xue Longqi , Wu Liangqiang , Li Yapeng , Yang Qingbiao , Sun Dazhi , Zhang Hao , Xu Hai , Li Yaoxian
Published: November 2021

A fluorescent hydrazine hydrate probe (DMA) based on 1,4‐dihydropyridine derivatives was designed and synthesized. The fluorescence emission peak of this probe is in the near‐infrared region (667 nm), which has good selectivity to hydrazine hydrate and low detection limit (11 nM). Importantly, the probe exhibits aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) characteristics. In addition, the probe is prepared with a portable test paper to realize the identification of hydrazine hydrate in the solution and the quantitative detection of hydrazine hydrate gas.
Identification and classification of host cell proteins during biopharmaceutical process development
Authors: Wilson Louisa J. , Lewis Will , Kucia‐Tran Richard , Bracewell Daniel G.
Published: November 2021

As significant improvements in volumetric antibody productivity have been achieved by advances in upstream processing over the last decade, and harvest material has become progressively more difficult to recover with these intensified upstream operations, the segregation of upstream and downstream processing has remained largely unchanged. By integrating upstream and downstream process development, product purification issues are given consideration during the optimization of upstream operating conditions, which mitigates the need for extensive and expensive clearance strategies downstream. To investigate the impact of cell culture duration on critical quality attributes, CHO‐expressed IgG1 was cultivated in two 2 L bioreactors with samples taken on days 8, 10, 13, 15, and 17. The material was centrifuged, filtered and protein A purified on a 1 ml HiTrap column. Host cell protein (HCP) identification by mass spectrometry (MS) was applied to this system to provide insights into cellular behavior and HCP carryover during protein A purification. It was shown that as cultivation progressed from day 8 to 17 and antibody titer increased, product quality declined due to an increase in post‐protein A HCPs (from 72 to 475 peptides detected by MS) and a decrease in product monomer percentage (from 98% to 95.5%). Additionally, the MS data revealed an increase in the abundance of several classes of post‐protein A HCPs (e.g., stress response proteins and indicators of cell age), particularly on days 15 and 17 of culture, which were associated with significant increases in total overall HCP levels. This provides new insight into the specific types of HCPs that are retained during mAb purification and may be used to aid process development strategies.
Iatrogenic tibial arteriovenous fistula after Fogarty balloon catheter graft thrombectomy
Authors: Papadoulas Spyros , Moulakakis Konstantinos , Kouri Natasa , Mulita Francesk , Tsimpoukis Andreas , Seretis Charalampos , Kitrou Panagiotis , Katsanos Konstantinos , Kakkos Stavros K.
Published: November 2021

A 75‐year‐old male presented with an immediately threatened grade IIb acute ischemia of the left leg due to thrombosis of a femoro‐infrapopliteal prosthetic bypass graft. After an urgent Computed Tomography Angiography, an urgent graft thrombectomy was performed using a 5 Fr Fogarty catheter, which had a troublesome distal passage, causing a tibial A‐V fistula.
N,N‐Dimethylformamide‐protected Fe2O3 Combined with Pt Nanoparticles: Characterization and Catalysis in Alkene Hydrosilylation
Authors: Nagata Tatsuki , Tanaka Tatsuya , Lin Xianjin , Kondo Ryota , Suzuki Takeyuki , Kanda Yasuharu , Toyao Takashi , Shimizu Ken‐ichi , Obora Yasushi
Published: November 2021

We report a combination of N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF)‐protected Fe2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) and Pt NPs for the hydrosilylation of various industrially relevant alkenes and tertiary silanes. The DMF‐protected Fe2O3 and Pt NPs catalysts were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The catalyst of DMF‐protected Fe2O3 NPs combined with Pt NPs can be recycled for five cycles by a simple extraction using hexane/DMF. The developed combination Fe2O3/Pt NPs catalyst is effective up to the 1‐kilogram scale.
Digitales Datenmanagement in der Instandhaltung
Authors: Dittmar Patricia
Published: November 2021

Die Instandhaltung in der Produktion steht unter einem enormen Kostendruck und sieht sich ständig mit neuen Herausforderungen wie immer mehr Auflagen und Nachweispflichten, Personalmangel sowie dem Wissensmanagement von Mitarbeitern konfrontiert. Durch die Digitalisierung der Einsatzplanung und Auftragsabwicklung könnten Unternehmen viele der Herausforderungen meistern, doch gibt es immer noch hartnäckige Vorurteile und Einwände, bestehende Prozesse in der Instandhaltung zu digitalisieren und zu optimieren. Die mobileX AG hat sieben Mythen über Instandhaltungssoftware identifiziert und enttarnt:
Unscheinbar und unverzichtbar
Authors: Grüninger Adrian
Published: November 2021

Die Klopfer von Findeva sind konzipiert für harte Umgebung, hohe Leistung und lange Lebensdauer. Sie sind überall im Einsatz, wo Schüttgüter zur Agglomeration neigen und bewegt werden müssen.
QoE‐aware traffic monitoring based on user behavior in video streaming services
Authors: Laiche Fatima , Ben Letaifa Asma , Aguili Taoufik
Published: November 2021

In recent years, online video content has gained a lot of popularity and the exponential growth of video traffic continues in every area of the connected world. Thus, understanding the quality of experience (QoE) perceived by end‐users of video streaming services is important for both network operators and over the top providers since estimating end user's QoE has become one of the main points to meet user expectations. However, it is not trivial to ensure an adequate QoE since user experience is affected by various influencing factors (e.g., context factors, human factors, and system factors), and it is still challenging to identify the QoE key influencing factors. To address these challenges, we focused on improving QoE estimation and management strategies by exploiting valuable human and context information because the influence of social contextual information and user behavior on the perceptual quality is often neglected. In this article, we first proposed a classification of influence factors into four categories which are: system factors, human factors, context factors, and social‐behavioral factors. We developed a monitoring web application where video content is played to end‐users so that subjective and objective video metrics are collected. We built a new machine learning (ML) based model for QoE prediction. We used well‐known supervised ML algorithms like decision tree, k‐nearest neighbors, and support vector machine. Finally, we proposed a QoE management approach in the context of software defined network/multi‐access edge computing that implements the proposed QoE prediction model to optimize the video delivery transmission chain.
Research on cross‐hierarchical graph network recommendation algorithm based on random walk and convolutional neural network
Authors: Huang Meng , Sun Guohui
Published: November 2021

Convolutional network (CNN) has been widely used in processing various graphics and network data analysis tasks. Therefore, facing the recommendation problem of large‐scale heterogeneous interaction, some studies have raised the problem of whether graph convolution neural network (GCN) can optimize the integration of node features and topology in complex graphs with rich information, but GCN may not be able to adaptively learn some deep related information between topology and node features, Therefore, the ability of GCN in some classification tasks may be seriously hindered. Therefore, this article proposes a heterogeneous network recommendation algorithm based on random walk and convolutional neural network (RW‐CNN), which can not only obtain the deep information of network structure but also aggregate the node representation. The core idea is to use the rule items based on meta‐path similarity to constrain the implicit representation of users and goods and make full use of the rich structural and semantic information of heterogeneous information networks. Then, combined with convolution neural network, the cross‐correlation information between project and user nodes is processed, so as to fully mine the semantic features of nodes. Finally, through the attention mechanism and fully connected network, the global user feature vector and project feature vector of path fusion at different levels are obtained. Finally, the two characteristic matrices are multiplied to obtain the prediction score.
Structural Engineering of Covalent Organic Frameworks Comprising Two Electron Acceptors Improves Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Zhang Jin , Cao Yuping , Liu Wei , Cao Ting , Qian Jing , Wang Jiemin , Yao Xiaojun , Iqbal Anam , Qin Wenwu
Published: November 2021

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have recently attracted much attention as potential photocatalysts for hydrogen production. The effective separation of photogenerated charges is a key objective to improve the photocatalytic activity of COFs. Here, four COFs were synthesized through the Schiff‐base reaction to investigate whether the presence (simultaneous or not) of triazine and ketone as acceptors in COFs improved electron‐hole separation efficiency. Evidence indicated that charge separation was more efficient when triazine and ketone were simultaneously present in the COF. The COF comprising two acceptors displayed the highest photocatalytic hydrogen production rate (31.43 μmol h−1; 41.2 and 3.4 times as large as those of the COFs containing only triazine or ketone, respectively). Moreover, the effect of the distance between the two acceptors on the electron‐hole separation was investigated by changing the length of a bridging biphenyl ring. It turned out that the transport distance of a single phenyl group was more favorable for the catalytic reaction. This work affords insight and support for the design of efficient COF photocatalysts.
Secure energy efficient power allocation in massive multiple‐input multiple‐output systems with an eavesdropper using cell division technique
Authors: Gharagezlou Abdolrasoul Sakhaei , Pourrostam Jafar , Nangir Mahdi
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we study energy‐efficient power allocation (PA) to secure the confidential information of massive multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) systems in the presence of an eavesdropper. First a training scheme is presented in the uplink using the MMSE method. Based on the estimated channel state information (CSI), the base station (BS) encrypts the confidential information. Next, the ergodic secret rate is obtained at the downlink. In this paper, in order to maximize the ergodic secrecy rate, the allocation of common power in the uplink and downlink is proposed by considering the constraints such as the transmit power constraint in the uplink, the transmit power constraint in the downlink, and the minimum ergodic secret rate constraint. The objective function in the proposed scenario is a nonconvex problem, which first becomes a convex problem and then, by using the Lagrange dual function method, the problem becomes an unconstraint problem. We also divide the cell into two areas using the cell division method. A practical energy‐efficient PA algorithm is presented which deals with the adverse effect of the eavesdropper. Simulations are carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Fine‐scale coexistence between Mediterranean mesocarnivores is mediated by spatial, temporal, and trophic resource partitioning
Authors: Ferreiro‐Arias Iago , Isla Jorge , Jordano Pedro , Benítez‐López Ana
Published: November 2021

The partition of the ecological niche can enhance the coexistence of predators due to differences in how they exploit three main resources: food, space, and time, the latter being an axis that often remains unexplored.

We studied niche segregation in a Mediterranean mesocarnivore community composed by Vulpes vulpes, Genetta genetta, Meles meles, and Herpestes ichneumon, addressing simultaneously different niche axes: the temporal, trophic, and spatial axes.

We assessed temporal segregation between mesopredators and prey and between potential competitors, using camera trap data between 2018 and 2020 in a Mediterranean landscape in Southern Spain. We deployed camera traps in 35 stations in three sites with varying vegetation cover within Doñana National Park. We further examined the spatial overlap in activity centers and trophic preferences between potential competitors using diet information from studies performed in the study area.

We found an overall temporal segregation between trophic generalist species, with species showing higher temporal overlap differing in their trophic preferences and/or showing limited spatial overlap. Furthermore, we observed an overall high overlap between the activity patterns of predators and their major prey in the area (the common genet vs. small mammals and the red fox vs. European rabbit).

Our study suggests that coexistence of the different species that compose the mesocarnivore assemblage in Mediterranean landscapes can be facilitated by subtle differences along the three main niche axes, with temporal segregation being a most pronounced mechanism. Our findings reinforce the idea that the coexistence mechanisms underlying community structure are multidimensional.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Intermolecular Dicarbofunctionalization of Unactivated Alkenes: Synthesis of Fluoroalkylated Heterocycles with All‐Carbon Quaternary Centers
Authors: Cheng Jiajia , Zhang Huali , Lv Jinliang , Zheng Jinhua
Published: November 2021

The redox‐neutral palladium‐catalyzed dicarbofunctionalization of unactivated alkenes with a variety of functionalized difluoromethyl and perfluoroalkyl halide is presented here. This transformation proceeds smoothly at low temperatures and enables the assembly of diversified fluoroalkylated pyrrolo[1,2‐a]indole derivatives with one all‐carbon quaternary center in high regioselectivity. Mechanistic studies suggested an operative radical mechanism and the initiation of the inner‐sphere single electron transfer between a dual phosphine ligand‐coordinated palladium(0) species and perfluoroalkyl halides.
On the Integration of Dielectrometry into Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy to Obtain Characteristic Properties of a Dielectric Thin Film
Authors: Sapotta Benedikt , Schwotzer Matthias , Wöll Christof , Franzreb Matthias
Published: November 2021

We demonstrate a novel impedimetric approach providing unprecedented insight into characteristic properties of dielectric thin films covering electrode surfaces. The concept is based on the joint interpretation of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) together with dielectrometry (DEM) whose informative value is mutually interconnected. The advantage lies in the synergistic compensation of individual shortcomings adversely affecting conventional impedimetric analysis strategies relying exclusively on either DEM or the traditional EIS approach, which in turn allows a reliable determination of thickness and permittivity values. The versatility of the method proposed is showcased by an in‐situ growth‐monitoring of a nanoporous, crystalline thin film (HKUST‐1) on an interdigitated electrode geometry.
Development of a capillary electrophoresis method for the separation of flavonolignans in silymarin complex
Authors: Riasová Petra , Jenčo Jaroslav , Moreno‐González David , Vander Heyden Yvan , Mangelings Debby , Polášek Miroslav , Jáč Pavel
Published: November 2021

CE method for the baseline separation of structurally similar flavonolignans silybin A, silybin B, isosilybin A, isosilybin B, silychristin, silydianin, and their precursor taxifolin in silymarin complex has been developed and validated. The optimized background electrolyte was 100 mmol/L boric acid (pH 9.0) containing 5 mmol/L heptakis(2,3,6‐tri‐O‐methyl)‐β‐CD and 10% (v/v) of methanol. The separation was carried out in an 80.5/72 cm (50 μm id) fused silica capillary at +25 kV with UV detection at 200 nm. Genistein (10 μg/mL) was used as internal standard. The resolution between the diastereomers of silybin and isosilybin was 1.73 and 2.59, respectively. The method was validated for each analyte in a concentration range of 2.5–50 μg/mL. The calibration curves were rectilinear with correlation coefficients ≥0.9972. The method was applied to determine flavonolignans in two dietary supplements containing Silybum marianum extract. The accuracy was evaluated by comparing the results of the CE analyses of the dietary supplements with those of the reference United States Pharmacopeial HPLC method. The unpaired t‐test did not show a statistically significant difference between the results of both the proposed CE and the reference method (p > 0.05, n = 3).
Effect of the Fabrication Method of Chlorophyll‐Ti3C2Tx‐Based Photocatalysts on Noble Metal‐Free Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Zheng Tianfang , Li Yuanlin , Sun Yuliang , Dall’Agnese Yohan , Dall’Agnese Chunxiang , Sasaki Shin-ichi , Tamiaki Hitoshi , Wang Xiao-Feng
Published: November 2021

Composites composed of a chlorophyll‐a derivative and Ti3C2T
x
MXene recently showed promising results as photocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction. Herein, this type of composites is prepared by using a layered Ti3C2T
x
material via an HCl@LiF etching technique, instead of the previously adopted HF etching technique. The performance of H2 evolution, therefore, showed a fourfold increase in this photocatalytic system, compared with the reported data in our previous works. The underlying reason for such a large improvement of the chlorophyll‐MXene photocatalyst performance would be attributed to a more suitable surface chemistry, higher conductivity, fewer defects, higher surface area, and larger interlayer space of Ti3C2T
x
introduced by the Li+ ions from LiF in the etching process. Herein, it is revealed that the preparation method of MXenes used as the cocatalysts is key to improve the H2 evolution efficiency in photocatalytic water splitting.
The MCP‐1 rs1024611 and MTHFR rs1801133 gene variations and expressions in alopecia areata: A pilot study
Authors: Tabatabaei‐Panah Pardis‐Sadat , Moravvej Hamideh , Hajihasani Mahsa , Mousavi Mahsa , Ludwig Ralf J. , Akbarzadeh Reza
Published: November 2021

Background

Monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) is highly expressed by lymphocytes at skin sites affected by alopecia areata (AA). Variations in MCP‐1 as well as in methylene‐tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), a key enzyme related to many inflammatory pathologies, have been associated with several autoimmune disorders. This study was designed to test a possible association between MCP‐1 and MTHFR variations and altered expression of their genes and the risk of AA.

Methods

Blood samples of patients (60) suffering from AA as well as healthy subjects (60) were collected. Gene expression levels of MCP‐1 and MTHFR were evaluated by real‐time reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis. Moreover, MCP‐1 rs1024611 (A‐2518G) and MTHFR rs1801133 (C677T) polymorphisms were genotyped by using polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism assays.

Results

In contrast to MCP‐1, the MTHFR gene expression was found to be significantly higher in patients than in controls. Further stratification of the patients revealed that polymorphic genotypes in MCP‐1 (AG + GG) and MTHFR (CT + TT) could significantly alter gene expression levels. Elevation of MCP‐1 expression was significantly associated with the total number of variant MCP‐1 and MTHFR alleles. However, no statistically significant difference was noticed in the genotypic distribution of MCP‐1 and MTHFR variations between patients and controls.

Conclusion

In summary, despite MCP‐1 rs1024611 and MTHFR rs1801133 variations are not associated with AA risk, they may implicate the disease pathogenesis by influencing MCP‐1 activity.