bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent progress on flutter‐based wind energy harvesting
Authors: Li Zhiyuan , Zhou Shengxi , Yang Zhichun
Published: April 2022

Wind energy harvesting technology can convert wind energy into electric energy to supply power for microelectronic devices. It has great potential in many specific applications and environments, such as remote areas, sea surfaces, mountains, and so on. Over the past few years, flutter‐based wind energy harvesting, which generates electric energy based on the limit cycle oscillation created by structural aeroelastic instability, has received increasing attention, and as a consequence, different energy harvesting structures, theories, and methods have been proposed. In this paper, three types of flutter‐based energy harvesters (FEHs) including airfoil‐based, flat plate‐based, and flexible body‐based FEHs are reviewed, and related concepts and theoretical models are introduced. The recent progress in FEH performance enhancement methods is classified into structural improvement and optimization, the introduction of nonlinearity, and hybrid structures and mechanisms. Finally, the main FEH challenges are summarized, and future research directions are discussed.
The impacts of marketization on international aid: Transforming relationships among USAID vendors
Authors: Brunt Carol , Casey John
Published: April 2022

The article outlines changing US government strategies in response to growing marketization of international aid and development. As private sector US government vendors, the active, purposive role of for‐profit firms in aid distribution is difficult to appreciate from only an exploration of funding awards. The literature identifies multiple influences on vendor relationships between NGOs and for‐profit firms including new government policies and donor priorities as well as the arrival of new stakeholders. Our review of US official development assistance funding distribution juxtaposes funding awards to NGOs and for‐profit firms between 2011 and 2020, uncovering new patterns that alter our previous understanding of government aid as a public good. The article concludes that marketization of international aid and development reflected in US policy not only alters the composition of stakeholder engagement but has fundamentally transformed aid delivery models, introducing opportunities for flexibility and potential interchangeability among vendors.
Progressive damage behavior of composite L‐stiffened structures with initial delamination defects under uniaxial compression: Experimental and numerical investigations
Authors: Hu Chunxing , Bai Yujiao , Xu Zhonghai , Qiu Jiezheng , Wang Rongguo , He Xiaodong
Published: April 2022

L‐shaped stiffened composite panels inevitably produce delamination defects during manufacturing and service, which seriously affect the load‐bearing performance of the structure. In the present work, a combination of experimental and numerical simulations was used to investigate the effect of initial delamination defects with three different shapes (lossless, elliptical, and circular) in the skin on the axial compression properties of carbon fiber L‐shaped stiffened composite panels. Furthermore, to predict the damage initiation and evolution process of carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer (CFRP) L‐stiffened plates under compression loading, a progressive damage model (PDM) that combines the Hashin failure criterion and the cohesive zone model (CZM) is proposed. Also, a user‐defined field variable (USDFLD) subroutine based on the Hashin failure criteria is developed in Abaqus software to study the initiation and progression of intra‐laminar damages L‐stiffened panels. Damage initiation and evolution process of skin delamination defects are predicted based on CZM. Finally, the finite element simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental measurements, which confirms the reliability of the finite element models (FEMs).
Development and characterization of composites produced from recycled polyethylene terephthalate and waste marble dust
Authors: Lendvai László , Ronkay Ferenc , Wang Guangming , Zhang Sicong , Guo Shaofeng , Ahlawat Vishal , Singh Tej
Published: April 2022

The current paper presents the results of a study on the processing and characterization of waste marble powder‐reinforced recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) composites. Samples with up to 20 wt% marble dust (MD) content were produced with twin‐screw extrusion followed by injection molding. Subsequently, the morphological and mechanical features and the wear resistance of the developed composites were studied. In terms of mechanical properties, the incorporation of MD steadily improved both the tensile and flexural modulus of rPET, while the strength values showed an optimum at 2.5–5.0 wt%, depending on the mode of loading. Above the optimal MD concentration, the strength values deteriorated, however, even at maximum (20 wt%) marble content they were still similar to that of neat rPET, which proves the potential of utilizing waste MD in this specific polymer as filler material. The surface hardness of the fabricated samples also gradually improved with higher marble content, yet it came at the cost of impact toughness. The analysis of wear performance revealed an increasing resistance against wear up to 5.0 wt% filler loading, above which the dust particles got easily peeled off from the matrix, decreasing its efficiency.
Cold atmospheric plasma for addressing the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Chen Zhitong , Bai Fan , Jonas Steven J. , Wirz Richard E.
Published: April 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has greatly stressed the global community, exposing vulnerabilities in the supply chains for disinfection materials, personal protective equipment, and medical resources worldwide. Disinfection methods based on cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) technologies offer an intriguing solution to many of these challenges because they are easily deployable and do not require resource‐constrained consumables or reagents needed for conventional decontamination practices. CAP technologies have shown great promise for a wide range of medical applications from wound healing and cancer treatment to sterilization methods to mitigate airborne and fomite transfer of viruses. This review engages the broader community of scientists and engineers that wish to help the medical community with the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic by establishing methods to utilize broadly applicable CAP technologies.
A novel EPSPS Pro‐106‐His mutation confers the first case of glyphosate resistance in Digitaria sanguinalis
Authors: Yanniccari Marcos , Vázquez‐García José Guadalupe , Gigón Ramón , Palma‐Bautista Candelario , Vila‐Aiub Martin , De Prado Rafael
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

Digitaria sanguinalis has been identified as a species at high risk of evolving herbicide resistance, but thus far, there are no records of resistance to glyphosate. This weed is one of the most common weeds of summer crops in extensive cropping areas in Argentina. It shows an extended period of seedling emergence with several overlapping cohorts during spring and summer, and is commonly controlled with glyphosate. However, a D. sanguinalis population was implicated as a putative glyphosate‐resistant biotype based on poor control at recommended glyphosate doses.

RESULTS

The field‐collected D. sanguinalis population (Dgs R) from the Rolling Pampas has evolved glyphosate resistance. Differences in plant survival and shikimate levels after field‐recommended and higher glyphosate doses were evident between Dgs R and the known susceptible (Dgs S) population; the resistance index was 5.1. No evidence of differential glyphosate absorption, translocation, metabolism or basal EPSPS activity was found between Dgs S and Dgs R populations; however, a novel EPSPS Pro‐106‐His point substitution is probably the primary glyphosate resistance‐endowing mechanism. EPSPS in vitro enzymatic activity demonstrated that an 80‐fold higher concentration of glyphosate is required in Dgs R to achieve similar EPSPS activity inhibition to that in the Dgs S population.

CONCLUSION

This study reports the first global case of glyphosate resistance in D. sanguinalis. This unlikely yet novel transversion at the second position of the EPSPS 106 codon demonstrates the intensity of glyphosate pressure in selecting unexpected glyphosate resistance alleles if they retain EPSPS functionality. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Adaptive CUSUM chart with cautious parameter learning
Authors: Li Jun
Published: April 2022

The classic CUSUM chart assumes that the in‐control (IC) mean and variance are known. In practice, these parameters are usually estimated from an IC Phase I sample. Recently, Capizzi and Masarotto proposed a cautious parameter learning scheme to incorporate Phase II IC observations in the estimation of the IC mean and variance to reduce the variation of conditional average run lengths (ARLs). In this paper, we develop a new cautious parameter learning scheme that can distinguish IC observations from out‐of‐control (OC) observations in the Phase II sample more effectively than Capizzi and Masarotto's scheme. As a result, our cautious parameter learning scheme can provide better estimation of the IC mean and variance. Combining the new cautious parameter learning scheme with an adaptive CUSUM chart, our proposed monitoring procedure is easy to implement, and is shown to have less variability in conditional ARLs and better overall performance for detecting different mean shifts than existing methods.
Instructional Psychology and Teaching Reading: An analysis of the evidence underpinning government policy and practice
Authors: Solity Jonathan
Published: April 2022

There have been few areas in England over the last 50 years where government has drawn more heavily on research to inform policy and practice than in the area of teaching reading. The focus of this article is an analysis of the research and evidence on early reading, in particular the role of phonics, on which government policy in England and the practice it promotes, are based. The article has three parts. The first examines the major policy initiatives in teaching reading from the Plowden Report in 1967 to the present day and provides an overview of their implications for practice. It highlights the tensions between opposing sides in the ‘reading wars’ between those prioritising phonics first, fast and only, versus those promoting a whole language approach to teaching reading. The second examines the evidence on which the government has drawn and the way in which teaching reading has become increasingly politicised in England to promote specific practices, some of which, but not all, are underpinned by research. Part 3 introduces instructional psychology that provides an alternative perspective on teaching phonics, whole language and the reading wars. The approaches to teaching reading generated by instructional psychology will be summarised and research presented to demonstrate how, despite the rhetoric surrounding the positive impact of current government policy on teaching reading, it is potentially a major cause of reading difficulties. Part 3 ends by highlighting the implications of instructional psychology for future policy and practice.
Nanoampere‐Level Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting Performance of Lithography‐Free Centimeter‐Scale MoS2 Monolayer Film Generators
Authors: Jung Ye Seul , Choi Hong Je , Park Sung Hyun , Kim Daeyeon , Park Seung‐Han , Cho Yong Soo
Published: April 2022

2D transition‐metal dichalcogenides have been reported to possess piezoelectricity due to their lack of inversion symmetry; thus, they are potentially applicable as electromechanical energy harvesters. Herein, the authors propose a lithography‐free piezoelectric energy harvester composed of centimeter‐scale MoS2 monolayer films with an interdigitated electrode pattern that is enabled only by the large scale of the film. High‐quality large‐scale synthesis of the monolayer films is conducted by low‐pressure chemical vapor deposition with the assistance of an unprecedented Na2S promoter. The extra sulfur supplied by Na2S critically passivates the sulfur vacancies. The energy harvester having a large active area of ≈18.3 mm2 demonstrates an unexpectedly high piezoelectric energy harvesting performance of ≈400.4 mV and ≈40.7 nA under a bending strain of 0.57%, with the careful adjustment of side electrodes along the zigzag atomic arrays in the two dominant domain structure. Nanoampere‐level harvesting has not yet been reported with any 2D material‐based harvester.
Building 2D/2D CdS/MOLs Heterojunctions for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Yang Wei , Xu Meng , Tao Ke‐Ying , Zhang Ji‐Hong , Zhong Di‐Chang , Lu Tong‐Bu
Published: April 2022

2D lamellar materials can offer high surface area and abundant reactive sites, thus showing an appealing prospect in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. However, it is still difficult to build cost‐efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution systems based on 2D materials. Herein, an in situ growth method is employed to build 2D/2D heterojunctions, with which 2D Ni‐based metal–organic layers (Ni‐MOLs) are closely grown on 2D porous CdS (P‐CdS) nanosheets, affording traditional P‐CdS/Ni‐MOL heterojunction materials. Impressively, the optimized P‐CdS/Ni‐MOL catalyst exhibits superior photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance, with an H2 yield of 29.81 mmol g−1 h−1. This value is 7 and 2981 times higher than that of P‐CdS and Ni‐MOLs, respectively, and comparable to those of reported state of the art catalysts. Photocatalytic mechanism studies reveal that the enhanced photocatalytic performance can be attributed to the 2D/2D intimate interface between P‐CdS and Ni‐MOLs, which facilitates the fast charge carriers’ separation and transfer. This work provides a strategy to develop 2D MOL‐based photocatalysts for sustainable energy conversion.
“I was right there”: Explicating the relationship between trauma, history, and the body
Authors: Okello Wilson Kwamogi
Published: April 2022

If trauma is always “right there” for Black people, educators and practitioners must wrestle with the compounding nature of history, the body, and trauma that manifests in students’ nuanced and analogous experiences. In the wake of increasing access to public acts of terror and violence, this article explicates the trauma‐body‐history relationship in relation to anti‐Blackness and offers some implications in the service of Black student's healing and survival.
Functionally Guided Precise Synthesis of Manganous Oxide‐Polyoxometalate 2D Hybrid Sub‐1 nm Nanosheet Superstructures
Authors: Liu Junli , Shi Wenxiong , Nie Siyang , Wang Xun
Published: April 2022

The 2D hybrid sub‐1 nm nanomaterials (HSNMs) hold great promise in catalysis due to the large surface areas giving rise to more catalytic centers exposed and the possible synergetic effect of multiple components. It is a useful strategy to fabricate the highly active and selective 2D HSNMs catalysts by combining inorganic compound with polyoxometalates (POMs) at the sub‐1 nm scale, since POMs are usually easier to accept or lose electrons, which possibly regulate the valence state of inorganic component leading to the enhanced catalytic properties. Inspired by this, from a function‐oriented perspective, three sorts of MnO‐POMs 2D hybrid sub‐1 nm nanosheets (HSNSs) are successfully prepared, which perform outstanding catalytic activity and selectivity in the chemoselective C–H oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes. Molecular dynamic (MD) simulations study the formation mechanism of the 2D HSNSs, and density‐functional theory (DFT) calculations prove the introduced POMs slightly oxidize Mn2+, thus improving the oxidizability of MnO in the oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes. Herein, a new idea for the functionally guided inorganic precise synthesis of 2D sub‐1 nm nanomaterials is provided.
Assisting and Mediating Interaction during Synchronous Online Language Lessons: Teachers' Professional Practices
Authors: Moorhouse Benjamin Luke , Walsh Steve , Li Yanna , Wong Lillian L. C.
Published: April 2022

Synchronous online language lessons (SOLLs) are distinctly different from in‐person lessons. Although digital tools, specifically, videoconferencing software, make doing SOLLs possible, these tools have specific affordances and constraints pertaining to how we engage, interact, and relate – creating new literacy practices. This study reports on a project which explored how five Hong Kong university English language teachers engaged in teaching SOLLs over a 13‐week semester. The aim of the project was to understand and conceptualize the professional practices of synchronous online language teachers; specifically, our goal was to explore the relationship between identified practices and the competences needed to use digital tools during SOLLs to facilitate classroom interaction and therefore create appropriate conditions for language learning. The study expands our understanding of the professional practices teachers are engaged in when doing SOLLs. Furthermore, our data exemplify the context‐specific teaching strategies and related competences needed to assist and mediate interaction in SOLLs. We propose that by improving synchronous online language teachers' interactional competence, they will be well‐placed to help language learners achieve their learning goals. The findings have implications for the preparation and professional learning of online English language teachers.
Ultrasound process‐enhanced removal of the toxic disinfection by‐product bromate from water by aluminum: A comparative study
Authors: Chen Hsing‐Hua , Park Young‐Kwon , Kwon Eilhann , Thanh Bui Xuan , Tuan Duong Dinh , Lisak Grzegorz , Khiem Ta Cong , Huang Chih‐Feng , Lin Kun‐Yi Andrew
Published: April 2022

As bromate removal and reduction can be also achieved using metals, aluminum (Al) appears as the most promising one for reduction of bromate because Al is abundant element and exhibits a high reduction power. Reactions between bromate and Al shall be even enhanced through ultrasound (US) process because US can facilitate mass transfer on liquid/solid interfaces and clean surfaces via generating microscale turbulence to facilitate reactions. Therefore, the aim of this study is for the first time to investigate the effect of US on bromate removal by Al metal. Specifically, Al particle would be treated by HCl to afford HCl‐treated Al (HCTAL), which is capable of removing bromate and even reducing it to bromide. Such a mechanism is also validated by density function theory calculation through determining adsorption energy as −152.8 kJ/mole, and oxygen atoms of bromate would be extracted and reacted with Al atoms, releasing bromide ion. US not only facilitated bromate removal by further increasing removal capacity under the acidic condition but also suppressed the inhibitive effect from basicity at relatively high pH. The spent HCTAL could still remove bromate and convert it to bromide after regeneration. These features indicate that US considerably enhances bromate removal by Al.

Practitioner points

Bromate removed by Al is elucidated by DFT calculation with Eabsorption = −152.8 kJ/mole.

Oxygen atoms of bromate are extracted and reacted with Al atoms, releasing bromide ion.

A higher power of ultrasound would substantially enhance bromate removal efficiency.

Ultrasound also suppresses the inhibitive effect from basicity at relatively high pH.

With ultrasound, the interference of co‐existing anions on bromate removal is lessened.
The relationship between state Medicaid and CHIP options and child health outcomes
Authors: Reinbold Gary W.
Published: April 2022

Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) both combine federal mandates to cover certain services and groups with state options in providing that coverage and in covering other services and groups. Using state‐level panel data, we investigated the relationships of 83 state Medicaid and CHIP options with six child health outcomes from 2001 to 2018 using structural equation modeling, controlling for 10 possible demographic and economic variables, state fixed effects, and a quadratic year count variable. Our results suggest that reducing copayments and providing express eligibility may be especially important in improving child health outcomes; eliminating or reducing waiting periods, eliminating face‐to‐face interview requirements, and eliminating documentation requirements may also be helpful. Other state options that have been found to be important in improving child insurance outcomes, such as eliminating asset tests and providing continuous eligibility, were not as helpful for improving child health outcomes in our results.
Remotely triggered door and real‐time monitoring for bear cage traps
Authors: Seward August T. , Facchini Jesse , Reynolds‐Hogland Melissa J. , Vieira Mark , Ramsey Alan B. , Franczyk Nicholas , Muench Carly , Mchugh Daniel , Ramsey Philip W.
Published: April 2022

We modified the bear cage trap with a low‐cost remotely triggered trap door and fitted the trap with a motion activated camera that relayed bear captures to researchers in real time. We built 4 modified bear cage traps and used them to capture free‐ranging American black bears (Ursus americanus) during summer 2020 on MPG Ranch in western Montana, USA. Lacking data on bear confinement time in traps from previous studies, we compared the amount of time that bears were confined in our modified traps with estimated confinement time had the same bears in our study been captured in traditional traps that were physically checked once daily at 0900, once daily at 1200, or twice daily at 0900 and 1600. We captured bears 30 times during 195 trap nights. The camera system relayed photos of all captures in real time and the remotely triggered door release was 100% successful. When we evaluated all bear captures and recaptures (n = 30), mean bear confinement time in our modified traps (4.92 hrs) was significantly lower than estimated mean confinement time had the same bears been captured in traditional traps that were checked once daily at 0900 (14.95 hrs), once daily at 1200 (10.73 hrs), or twice daily at 0900 and 1600 (7.01 hrs). For bears that were recaptured during regular trap monitoring hours (0700–1800) and remotely released without immobilization (n = 12), mean confinement time in our modified traps was <1 hr. By remotely monitoring traps, we saved an estimated US $6,580 or $13,624 in gas and staff hours during 3 months of trapping, had we physically checked traps once or twice daily, respectively. Our modified traps minimized animal confinement time, eliminated unnecessary animal immobilizations, and helped us maximize time and resource efficiencies. Our findings are relevant to bear research and management, and the technology we used can be adapted for trapping other wildlife species.
The Natural History of Caterpillar-Ant Associations
Authors: Pierce Naomi E. , Dankowicz Even
Published: April 2022

The caterpillars of many Lepidoptera are neither attacked nor tended by ants but nevertheless appear to be obligately ant-associated and benefit from the enemy-free space created by ants. Obligate myrmecophiles that do not attract ants through stridulatory or chemical signaling are limited to habitats where ants are reliably present for other reasons, either among ant-attended hemipterans, on ant-plants, or around ant nests. Particularly in the tropics, obligate ant associates that passively coexist with ants are more diverse than previously recognized, including, for example, hundreds of African species in the lycaenid subfamily Poritiinae. Mutualists and parasites of ants have been reported in eleven families: Tineidae, Tortricidae, Cyclotornidae, Coleophoridae, Crambidae, Erebidae, Notodontidae, Hesperiidae, Pieridae, Lycaenidae, and Riodinidae. Altogether, myrmecophily has originated at least 30 times in Lepidoptera, and many groups may remain undiscovered. The butterfly families Lycaenidae and Riodinidae contain the vast majority of ant-associated species: larvae of at least 3841 (71%) of the ~5390 described Lycaenidae and 308 (20%) of the ~1562 described Riodinidae are known or inferred to be ant-associated, and both families possess specialized, convergently developed exocrine glands and stridulatory devices to communicate with ants. Many caterpillar-ant relationships previously characterized as mutualisms may actually be parasitic, as caterpillars can manipulate ants and ultimately exert a fitness cost. In the family Lycaenidae, highly specialized and obligate ant associations are found largely in the Old World tropics, Australia, and Southern Africa, where the stoichiometry of soil micronutrients, particularly sodium and phosphorus, climate, host plants, and geography may all selectively shape caterpillar-ant associations.
EnKF with the Lorenz Equations
Authors: Evensen Geir , Vossepoel Femke C. , van Leeuwen Peter Jan
Published: April 2022

The chaotic Lorenz’63 model is a much-used testbed used to examine the capabilities of data-assimilation methods to handle nonlinear, unstable, and chaotic dynamics. This chapter will repeat some experiments that demonstrate the strengths of ensemble methods for highly nonlinear dynamics.
Fully Nonlinear Data Assimilation
Authors: Evensen Geir , Vossepoel Femke C. , van Leeuwen Peter Jan
Published: April 2022

This chapter provides an introduction to methods that, in theory, samples precisely the posterior pdf. Commonly-used ensemble data-assimilation methods, like the EnKF and EnRML, only sample the posterior pdf correctly in the Gauss-linear case and typically fail in cases with strong nonlinearity.
Whole-body MRI in children aged 6–18 years. Reliability of identifying and grading high signal intensity changes within bone marrow
Authors: Zadig Pia , von Brandis Elisabeth , d’Angelo Paola , de Horatio Laura Tanturri , Ording-Müller Lil-Sofie , Rosendahl Karen , Avenarius Derk
Published: April 2022

Background

Whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly being used in children, however, to date there are no studies addressing the reliability of the findings.

Objective

To examine intra- and interobserver reliability of a scoring system for assessment of high signal areas within the bone marrow, as visualized on T2-weighted, fat-saturated images.

Materials and methods

Ninety-six whole-body MRIs (1.5 T) in 78 healthy volunteers (mean age: 11.5 years) and 18 children with chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (mean age: 12.4 years) were included. Coronal water-only Dixon T2-weighted images were used to score the left lower extremity/pelvis for high signal intensity areas, intensity (0–2 scale), extension (0–4 scale) and shape and contour in a blinded fashion by two pairs of radiologists.

Results

For the pelvis, grading of bone marrow signal showed moderate to good intra- and interobserver agreement with kappa values of 0.51–0.94 and 0.41–0.87, respectively. Corresponding figures for the femur were 0.61–0.68 within and 0.32–0.61 between observers, and for the tibia 0.60–0.72 and 0.51–0.73. Agreement for assessing extension was moderate to good both within and between observers for the pelvis (k = 0.52–0.85 and 0.35–0.80), for the femur (0.52–0.67 and 0.51–0.60) and for the tibia (k = 0.59–0.69 and 0.47–0.63) except for the femur metaphysis/diaphysis, with interobserver kappa values of 0.29–0.30. Scoring of shape was moderate to good within observers, but in general poorer between observers, with kappa values of 0.40–0.73 and 0.18–0.69, respectively. For contour, the corresponding figures were 0.35–0.62 and 0.09–0.54, respectively.

Conclusion

MRI grading of intensity and extension of high signal intensity areas within the bone marrow of pelvis and lower limb performs well and thus can be used interchangeably by different observers, while assessment of shape and contour is reliable for the same observer but is less reliable between observers. This should be considered when performing clinical trials.
Delayed Surgery for Perforated Appendicitis is Feasible in Children Without Compromising the Outcome in Selected Cases
Authors: Frongia G. , Dostal F. , Ziebell L. , Vuille‐dit‐Bille N. R. , Müller T. , Schenk J. P. , Mehrabi A. , Günther P.
Published: April 2022

Background and aim

The relationship between time to surgery and risk of postoperative complications and re‐intervention has not been conclusively investigated in pediatric perforated appendicitis (PA). The aim of this study was to determine whether time to appendectomy (TTA) is a risk factor for postoperative complications and re‐intervention in a cohort of children undergoing appendectomy for PA.

Methods

A total of 254 children (age: 8.7 ± 3.7 years) undergoing appendectomy for PA were retrospectively evaluated and stratified into Group I–III according to the Clavien‐Dindo classification for postoperative complications (Group I n = 218, 86%; Group II n = 7, 3%; Group III n = 29, 11%).

Results

The TTA was comparable between all groups (group I: 8.8 ± 9.2 h; group II: 7.8 ± 5.3 h; group III: 9.5 ± 9.6 h; overall: 8.8 ± 9.1 h; p = 0.885). A C‐reactive protein (CRP) value at admission of  ≥128.6 mg/l indicated a higher risk for developing Grade II complications with no need for re‐intervention (OR: 3.963; 95% CI: 1.810–8.678; p = 0.001) and Grade III complications with the need for re‐intervention (OR: 3.346; 95% CI: 1.456–7.690; p = 0.004). This risk was independent of the TTA (OR: 1.007; 95% CI: 0.980–1.035; p = 0.613).

Conclusions

Appendectomy can be delayed by an average time delay of about 9 h in children with PA without increasing the risk of postoperative complications and re‐intervention, also in patients at high risk defined by the initial CRP level ≥ 128.6 mg/l. This data may support the correct risk‐adjusted scheduling of surgical interventions in times of limited capacity.
Detection of Ablation Boundaries Using Different MR Sequences in a Swine Liver Model
Authors: Hensen Bennet , Drenkmann Urte , Frericks Bernd , Rothgang Eva , Gutberlet Marcel , Länger Florian , Gilson Wesley , Valdeig Steffi , Weiss Clifford R. , Wacker Frank
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To determine the magnetic resonance (MR) sequences best suited for the assessment of ablation zones after radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

Methods

Three percutaneous MR-guided RFA of the liver were performed on three swine. Four pre-contrast and two hepatobiliary post-contrast sequences were obtained after ablation. Tissue samples were extracted and stained for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide diaphorase hydride (NADH) and with hematoxylin and eosin. Post-ablation MR images and NADH slides were segmented to determine the total ablation zone, their Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the visible ablation boundary to normal liver tissue.

Results

Two distinct layers were combined to determine the ablation zone: an inner layer of coagulation necrosis and an outer layer defined as the peripheral transition zone. Corresponding zones could be found in the MR images as well. Compared to histology, the total area of the MR ablation zone was significantly smaller on the pre-contrast T1 images (p < 0.01) and significantly larger with T2 turbo spin-echo (p = 0.025). No significant difference in size of the ablation zone depiction could be found between histology, post-contrast T1 volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination (VIBE), and post-contrast T1 3D Turboflash (TFL) as well as T2 SPACE images. All sequences but the pre-contrast T1 VIBE sequence showed a DSC above 80% and a high CNR.

Conclusions

Post-contrast T1 3DTFL performs best when assessing ablation zones after RFA. Since the sequence requires a long acquisition time, T1 VIBE post-contrast offers the best compromise between acquisition time and estimation accuracy.
Efficacy and safety of catheter ablation for Brugada syndrome: an updated systematic review
Authors: Kotake Yasuhito , Barua Sumita , Kazi Samia , Virk Sohaib , Bhaskaran Ashwin , Campbell Timothy , Bennett Richard G. , Kumar Saurabh
Published: April 2022

Background

Patients with Brugada syndrome (BrS) may experience recurrent ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). Catheter ablation is becoming an emerging paradigm for treatment of BrS.

Objective

To assess the efficacy and safety of catheter ablation in BrS in an updated systematic review.

Methods

We comprehensively searched the databases of Pubmed/Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to 11th of August 2021.

Results

Fifty-six studies involving 388 patients were included. A substrate-based strategy was used in 338 cases (87%), and a strategy of targeting premature ventricular complex (PVCs)/ventricular tachycardias (VTs) that triggered ventricular fibrillation (VF) in 47 cases (12%), with combined abnormal electrogram and PVC/VT ablation in 3 cases (1%). Sodium channel blocker was frequently used to augment the arrhythmogenic substrate in 309/388 cases (80%), which included a variety of agents, of which ajmaline was most commonly used. After ablation procedure, the pooled incidence of non-inducibility of VA was 87.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 73.4–94.3; I2 = 51%), and acute resolution of type I ECG was seen in 74.5% (95% CI [52.3–88.6]; I2 = 75%). Over a weighted mean follow up of 28 months, 7.6% (95% CI [2.1–24]; I2 = 67%) had recurrence of type I ECG either spontaneously or with drug challenge and 17.6% (95% CI [10.2–28.6]; I2 = 60%) had recurrence of VA.

Conclusion

Catheter ablation appears to be an efficacious strategy for elimination of arrhythmias or substrate associated with BrS. Further study is needed to identify which patients stand to benefit, and optimal provocation protocol for identifying ablation targets.

Graphical abstract
Modelling groundwater flow in the Plaine du Nord–Massacre shallow aquifer, Haiti
Authors: Arnaud Luc , Gutierrez Alexis , Zegoulli Inès , Gonomy Nyankona
Published: April 2022

To assist in the sustainable management of water resources, a groundwater model of the shallow groundwater in the Plaine du Nord–Massacre transboundary aquifer system was developed. The Plaine du Nord–Massacre Aquifer is one of the largest aquifer systems of Haiti, supposedly bearing a high potential for water supply and irrigation. The shallower part is already tapped by hundreds of domestic wells and hand-pumped public and private boreholes. In the framework of the AVANSE project (Appui à la Valorisation du Potentiel Agricole du Nord, pour la Sécurité Économique et Environnementale), a USAID funded project aiming at developing sustainable agriculture in the region, a groundwater model was built to assist in decision making. The finite-difference-based MARTHE software was used for the model. Due to the lack of monitoring data, the calibration of the model could only be carried out under steady-state hydraulic conditions. It should thus be considered as a first step towards a better characterisation of the aquifer’s potential. However, the model computed a groundwater balance at the scale of the aquifer showing that significant water resources can be easily mobilized if one carefully manages to rule out local operational difficulties. The simulated groundwater drawdowns using transient simulation of irrigation scenarios are pluri-metric, reaching 6–7 m. New irrigation wells must be deeper than the current average depth of wells to support agricultural development projects.
Machine translation in society: insights from UK users
Authors: Vieira Lucas Nunes , O’Sullivan Carol , Zhang Xiaochun , O’Hagan Minako
Published: April 2022

Machine translation (MT) tools like Google Translate can overcome language barriers and increase access to information. These tools also carry risks, and their societal role remains understudied. This article investigates typical uses and perceptions of MT based on a survey of 1200 United Kingdom residents who were representative of the national population in terms of age, sex, and ethnicity. We highlight three main findings from our analysis. First, participants often used MT for non-essential purposes that rarely justified professional human translations. Second, while they were highly satisfied with MT they also expressed desires for higher MT quality. These desires were usually motivated by expectations of perfection rather than fitness for purpose. Third, participants’ future vision for MT involved increasingly blurred boundaries between text and speech. The article calls for more MT research on the interface between written and spoken communication and on the ethical implications of rare but significant high-risk uses of the technology.
Study on water resources carrying capacity in Zhuanglang River Basin
Authors: Xu Wen , Zhou Chang , Liu Bingrui , Wang Dongxue , Zhao Xingzhu , Yang Xiaojing , Zhu Xiaotao , Lin Zimu
Published: April 2022

With the rapid development of China’s social economy, the phenomenon of unbalanced regional economic development is increasingly obvious. The shortage of water resources in northwest China is an important constraint to local development. The study on the water resources carrying capacity of the Zhuanglang River Basin plays an important role in the development of local economy; thus, we evaluate the water resources situation of Zhuanglang River Basin by using hydrology-related calculation method, combining with field investigation, visiting relevant departments, and referring to relevant data. Meanwhile, the water resources carrying capacity of 3 counties and 12 townships in the Zhuanglang River Basin in the current year are studied and analyzed based on methods such as fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model and quantitative calculation. Results indicate that the carrying capacity of water resources in Zhuanglang river basin can mostly meet the needs of township, but it is necessary to further optimize the water resources carrying capacity of the Zhuanglang River Basin from the four systems of water resources, society, economy, and ecology in the future. Besides, the results of quantitative calculation show that the maximum economic scale that water resources can withstand in most areas of the Zhuanglang River Basin is the overall well-off level, that is, the per capita domestic water is 80L/(d· person), and the per capita GDP is 10000 yuan/person. But there is still a certain gap to achieve the level, when the people are well-off in an all-round way, the two indexes are correspondently raised to 120L/(d· person), and the per capita GDP is 30,000 yuan/person.
Threshold-dependent tax enforcement and the size distribution of firms: evidence from Germany
Authors: Klimsa Drahomir , Ullmann Robert
Published: April 2022

This paper investigates firms’ responses to threshold-dependent intensity of tax enforcement. We use administrative tax return data over the entire population of German firms and exploit industry variation in firm size thresholds applied by the tax administration. In our setting, each threshold marks a considerable spike in audit intensity and hence should create strong incentives to bunch below the threshold. However, we find no such effect in our large sample analysis. We attribute this empirical observation to optimization costs, particularly to the costs associated with the operational implementation of size management and to information costs. Our paper adds to the emerging field of studies on potential distortions created by threshold-dependent firm regulation. The findings are also relevant for policymakers, as they suggest that the specific design of threshold-dependent policies might allow governments to increase the efficiency of tax audits without distorting the firm size distribution.
Dye decomposition and air de-pollution performance of TiO2/SiO2 and N-TiO2/SiO2 photocatalysts coated on Portland cement mortar substates
Authors: Khannyra Souad , Gil Maria Luisa Almoraima , Addou Mohammed , Mosquera Maria Jesus
Published: April 2022

In this study, the newly synthesized TiO2 and N doped TiO2 clusters were added to silica sol to synthesize N-TiO2/SiO2 composites via the sol–gel method. Afterwards, the prepared sols were applied by brushing on portland cement. Doping with nitrogen significantly increased the absorption of TiO2 towards the visible region, thus, increasing the photocatalytic activity. SEM characterization of the treated samples showed that the clusters were distributed in form of aggregates on the samples’ surface. The self-cleaning and air de-polluting performances were assessed through methylene blue degradation and the oxidation of nitrogen oxide, resulting in methylene blue (MB) removal of 85% and 78% after 60 min of irradiation for SN10TiO2 and STiO2, respectively. Regarding air de-pollution performance, the newly synthesized photocatalysts showed the ability of NOx reduction. However, their efficiency was somewhat lower, in which 23.81% of NO has been oxidized by the sample SN10TiO2, while SP25 showed a total NO conversion of 38.98%. The powdered xerogels of the newly synthesized nanoparticles revealed high photocatalytic efficiency concerning NO oxidation, resulting in a higher performance compared to those obtained by the xerogel containing P25.

Graphical abstract
Radon exposure and risk of cerebrovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis in occupational and general population studies
Authors: Lu Liping , Zhang Yijia , Chen Cheng , Field Robert William , Kahe Ka
Published: April 2022

Although it is biologically plausible, findings relating radon exposure to the risk of cerebrovascular disease (CeVD) are inconsistent and inconclusive. To investigate whether radon exposure was associated with the risk of CeVD, we qualitatively and quantitatively summarized the literature on radon and CeVD in both occupational and general populations. A search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science was performed for peer-reviewed articles published through March 2022. Studies were excluded if radon exposure was not assessed separately from other ionizing radiation. In the meta-analysis, excess relative risks (ERRs) were converted to relative risks (RRs), and the pooled RRs and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined using the random-effects model (DerSimonian and Laird). In the systematic review, nine eligible studies were summarized. Six occupational studies indicated inconsistent associations between cumulative radon exposure and CeVD mortality among mine workers. With available data from four updated occupational studies (99,730 mine workers and 2745 deaths), the pooled RR of radon exposure with CeVD mortality showed a non-significant association (1.10, 95% CI 0.92, 1.31). Three studies (841,270 individuals and 24,288 events) conducted in general populations consistently demonstrated a significant inverse relationship between residential radon exposure and risk of CeVD. The existing literature suggested a potential link between radon exposure and CeVD risk in general population. The inconsistent association in occupationally exposed populations may be explained by different methods of radon assessment and other methodological issues. Since radon exposure is a common public health issue, more rigorously designed epidemiologic studies, especially in the general population are warranted.
Magnetic particle monitoring on leaves in winter: a pilot study on a highly polluted location in the Po plain (Northern Italy)
Authors: Tribaudino Mario , Solzi Massimo , Mantovani Luciana , Zaccara Patrizia , Groppi Elisa
Published: April 2022

Environmental monitoring in Northern Italy, one of the most polluted areas in Europe, is of paramount importance. Leaf monitoring throughout magnetic and scanning electron microscopy (SEM–EDS) analysis could be considered a good complementary analysis to sampling stations, but the lack of evergreen plants in the northern Italy towns may hinder magnetic leaf analysis in the winter season. Therefore, we tested three species of urban vegetation, which are evergreen and commonly found in urban environment, namely Hedera helix L., Parietaria officinalis L. and Rubus caesius L. Magnetic susceptibility, chosen as a simple parameter suitable for monitoring, was measured in seven stations, during the period 25 January 2019 to 8 March 2019 at a weekly step, in the cities of Torino and Parma in the same days. P. officinalis and R. caesius showed the best response, but also H. helix was suitable to detect highly polluted areas. In Torino, the magnetic susceptibility decreased in the last sampling, together with PM10, whereas in Parma it increased, likely for the beginning of the academic period in the University Campus. SEM–EDS analysis was done comparing leaves from the same plant sampled in February 2019, in highly polluted conditions, and in May 2020, after 2 months of very limited traffic, due to national lockdown. Silicate grains of natural minerals, sized between 10 and 20 µm, are present in both samples, whereas Fe oxides, about one micron size, possibly coming from car brake consumption, are prominent in the February 2019 sample. Magnetic susceptibility of leaves form the examined species looks promising to spot urban sites with high metal pollution.
Functional and transcriptional profiling of microglial activation during the chronic phase of TBI identifies an age-related driver of poor outcome in old mice
Authors: Ritzel Rodney M. , Li Yun , Lei Zhuofan , Carter Jordan , He Junyun , Choi Harry M. C. , Khan Niaz , Li Hui , Allen Samantha , Lipinski Marta M. , Faden Alan I. , Wu Junfang
Published: April 2022

Elderly patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) have greater mortality and poorer outcomes than younger individuals. The extent to which old age alters long-term recovery and chronic microglial activation after TBI is unknown, and evidence for therapeutic efficacy in aged mice is sorely lacking. The present study sought to identify potential inflammatory mechanisms underlying age-related outcomes late after TBI. Controlled cortical impact was used to induce moderate TBI in young and old male C57BL/6 mice. At 12 weeks post-injury, aged mice exhibited higher mortality, poorer functional outcomes, larger lesion volumes, and increased microglial activation. Transcriptomic analysis identified age- and TBI-specific gene changes consistent with a disease-associated microglial signature in the chronically injured brain, including those involved with complement, phagocytosis, and autophagy pathways. Dysregulation of phagocytic and autophagic function in microglia was accompanied by increased neuroinflammation in old mice. As proof-of-principle that these pathways have functional importance, we administered an autophagic enhancer, trehalose, in drinking water continuously for 8 weeks after TBI. Old mice treated with trehalose showed enhanced functional recovery and reduced microglial activation late after TBI compared to the sucrose control group. Our data indicate that microglia undergo chronic changes in autophagic regulation with both normal aging and TBI that are associated with poorer functional outcome. Enhancing autophagy may therefore be a promising clinical therapeutic strategy for TBI, especially in older patients.