bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strengthening supply chain resilience during COVID‐19: A case study of JD.com
Authors: Shen Zuojun Max , Sun Yiqi
Published: October 2021

The coronavirus/SARS‐CoV‐2 (COVID‐19) outbreak has caused severe supply chain disruptions in practically all industries worldwide. Online e‐commerce platforms, which interact directly with various industries and service numerous consumers, have become remarkable interfaces to observe the impacts of the pandemic on supply chains. Using quantitative operational data obtained from JD.com https://www.jd.com., this study analyzes the impact of the pandemic on supply chain resilience, summarizes the challenging scenarios that retailing supply chains experienced in China, and presents the practical response of JD.com throughout the pandemic. To summarize, the pandemic caused exceptional demand and severe logistical disruptions in China, and JD.com has handled well its supply chain management in response based on its integrated supply chain structure and comprehensive intelligent platforms. In particular, the existing intelligent platforms and the delivery procedures were modified slightly but promptly to deal with specific disruptions. Moreover, the entire market scenario in China was effectively controlled through the joint efforts of multiple firms, the government, and the entire Chinese society. Our study provides an example of using practical operational indicators to analyze supply chain resilience, and suggests firms pay attention to operational flexibility and collaboration beyond supply chains to deal with a large‐scale supply chain disruption, such as the COVID‐19 outbreak.
Investigation of multiple populations highlight VEGFA polymorphisms to modulate anterior cruciate ligament injury
Authors: Feldmann Daneil C. , Rahim Masouda , Suijkerbuijk Mathijs A. M. , Laguette Mary‐Jessica N. , Cieszczyk Paweł , Ficek Krzysztof , Huminska‐Lisowska Kinga , Häger Charlotte K. , Stattin Evalena , Nilsson Kjell G. , Alvarez‐Rumero Javier , Eynon Nir , Feller Julian , Tirosh Oren , Posthumus Michael , Chimusa Emile R. , Collins Malcolm , September Alison V.
Published: October 2021

Polymorphisms in VEGFA and KDR encoding proteins have been associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk. We leveraged a collective sample from Sweden, Poland, and Australia to investigate the association of functional polymorphisms in VEGFA and KDR with susceptibility to ACL injury risk. Using a case–control genetic association approach, polymorphisms in VEGFA and KDR were genotyped and haplotypes inferred from 765 controls, and 912 cases clinically diagnosed with ACL rupture. For VEGFA, there was a significant overrepresentation of the rs2010963 CC genotype (p = 0.0001, false discovery rate [FDR]: p = 0.001, odds ratio [OR]: 2.16, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.47–3.19) in the combined ACL group (18%) compared to the combined control group (11%). The VEGFA (rs699947 C/A, rs1570360 G/A, rs2010963 G/C) A‐A‐G haplotype was significantly (p = 0.010, OR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.69–1.05) underrepresented in the combined ACL group (23%) compared to the combined control group (28%). In addition, the A‐G‐G construct was significantly (p = 0.036, OR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.64–1.02) underrepresented in the combined ACL group (12%) compared to the combined CON group (16%). Our findings support the association of the VEGFA rs2010963 CC genotype with increased risk and (ii) the VEGFA A‐A‐G haplotype with a reduced risk, and are in alignment with the a priori hypothesis. Collectively identifying a genetic interval within VEGFA to be implicated in ACL risk modulation and highlight further the importance of vascular regulation in ligament biology.
Establishing a recommended duration of blood glucose monitoring in nondiabetic patients following orthopaedic surgery
Authors: O'Brien Todd M. , Hosseinzadeh Shayan , Chen Antonia F. , Verrier Kimberly I. , Melnic Christopher M. , Humphrey Tyler J. , Bedair Hany S.
Published: October 2021

Previous studies have demonstrated that blood glucose (BG) levels should be monitored for at least 1 week after orthopaedic surgery in diabetic patients, but no study has determined how long nondiabetic patients should be monitored. As postoperative elevations in BG have deleterious effects, determining a duration for monitoring the BG of nondiabetic patients after major orthopaedic surgery is needed to detect hyperglycemic events, create comprehensive protocols for nondiabetic orthopaedic patients, and reduce adverse outcomes. A retrospective study was conducted including consecutive patients who underwent a major orthopaedic surgery at a community hospital. A BG level of 150 mg/dl was the cutoff used to define hyperglycemia according to our institutional guidelines. A χ2, analysis of variance, and subgroup analysis were performed separately. Greater than 67% of nondiabetic patients experienced a high BG level (>150 mg/dl) after surgery. We found that nondiabetic patients reached their postoperative maximum BG level at 20 h, which was sooner compared to diabetic patients. We discovered more than 92% of nondiabetic patients reached a maximum BG levels within the first 72 h of hospitalization, while the BG levels after this period were found to be within normal limits in greater than 87% of cases. We propose that BG management be instituted in nondiabetics from the preoperative period to 72 h after surgery, including patients who are same‐day discharges. There may not be a need to continue inpatient BG monitoring beyond the first 72 h for nondiabetic hospitalized patients with extended hospitalizations.
Horashim East: a newly discovered Middle Palaeolithic site in central Israel
Authors: Assaf Ella , Slon Viviane , Romagnoli Francesca
Published: October 2021

Horashim East is a newly discovered Middle Palaeolithic open‐air occurrence in central Israel, revealed during a thematic prehistoric survey. Hundreds of lithic items were found, including an early‐stage biface, Levallois cores and products. As only a few open‐air settlements are known from the Middle Palaeolithic Levant, the discovery of Horashim East sheds new light on human land‐use patterns during this period and reinforces the notion that central‐eastern Israel was favourable for human settlement throughout the Palaeolithic.
The past in dust: current trends and future directions in Pleistocene geoarcheology of European loess
Authors: Chu Wei , Nett Janina J.
Published: October 2021

Loess is a main archive of Pleistocene landscapes and environments and therefore has an important connection to the preservation and interpretation of Paleolithic sites. In Europe, anthropogenic sites have been found in loess because of past local occupation. At one extreme, sites are well preserved with minimal disturbance often accompanied by embedded proxies to estimate ecological parameters. On the other hand, loess deposits have undergone post‐depositional alterations such as weathering, pedogenesis or bioturbation due to changing environmental conditions or other disturbances that obscure anthropogenic sites. We outline the current state of research and connections between Paleolithic archeology and loess research while introducing a series of subsequent regional case studies as part of a special issue. We also make recommendations for future work to incorporate a wider variety of methods to create more robust inferences on hominin and environmental evolution and their connections.
More sentinel lymph node biopsies for thin melanomas after transition to AJCC 8th edition do not increase positivity rate: A Danish population‐based study of 7148 patients
Authors: Weitemeyer Marie B. , Helvind Neel M. , Brinck Anne M. , Hölmich Lisbet R. , Chakera Annette H.
Published: October 2021

Background

We evaluated the outcome of sentinel lymph node biopsies (SLNB) in patients with thin melanoma before and after the implementation of AJCC 8th edition (AJCC8) and identified predictors of positive sentinel lymph nodes (+SLN).

Methods

Patients diagnosed with T1 melanomas (Breslow thickness ≤1 mm) during 2016–2017 as per AJCC 7th edition (AJCC7) (n = 3414) and 2018–2019 as per AJCC8 (n = 3734) were identified in the Danish Melanoma Database.

Results

More SLNBs were performed in the AJCC8 cohort compared to the AJCC7 (22.2% vs. 16.2%, p < 0.001), with no significant difference in +SLN rates (4.7% vs. 6.7%, p = 0.118). In the AJCC7 + SLN subgroup, no melanomas were ulcerated, 94.6% had mitotic rate (MR) ≥ 1, 67.6% were ≥0.8 mm and 32.4% would be T1a according to AJCC8. In the AJCC8 + SLN subgroup, 10.3% were ulcerated, 74.4% had MR≥ 1, 97.4% were ≥0.8 mm and 23.1% would be T1a according to AJCC7. On multivariable analysis younger age and MR ≥ 1 were significant predictors of +SLN.

Conclusion

More SLNBs were performed in T1 melanomas after transition to AJCC8 without an increase in +SLN rate. None of the AJCC8 T1b criteria were significant predictors of +SLN. We suggest that mitosis and younger age should be considered as indications for SLNB in thin melanoma.
Diverse but uncertain responses of picophytoplankton lineages to future climate change
Authors: Flombaum Pedro , Martiny Adam C.
Published: October 2021

Climate change is projected to modify the physical and chemical environment of the ocean, but the quantitative impact on the distribution of phytoplankton groups is unclear. Most Earth System Models (ESMs) predict future declines of phytoplankton in low latitude waters, contradicting observations showing that picophytoplankton can reach high abundance in warm waters. Here, we used a historic and three climate scenarios along with quantitative niche models to project Prochlorococcus, Synechococcus, and picoeukaryotic phytoplankton distributions for the year 2100. First, we found global responses with up to 50% and 9% increase for Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus abundances, respectively, and 8% decrease for picoeukaryotic phytoplankton. All groups increased in abundance at low latitude, and Synechococcus and picoeukaryotic phytoplankton showed bands of decreases and increases in mid‐ and high‐latitudes, respectively. Prochlorococcus temporal trends were consistent among ESMs and increased with the strength of the scenario, while Synechococcus and picoeukaryotic phytoplankton showed mixed results. Second, we evaluated sources of uncertainty associated to future projections. The anthropogenic uncertainty, associated to climate scenarios, increased with time and was relevant for Prochlorococcus. The environmental and biological uncertainty, associated to ESMs and niche models, respectively, represented the largest fraction but differed among lineages. Quantifying uncertainties is key because the predicted differences in the future distribution and abundance can have large‐scale consequences on ocean ecosystem functioning.
Light‐activated photosealing with human amniotic membrane strengthens bowel anastomosis in a hypotensive, trauma‐relevant swine model
Authors: Scott Benjamin B. , Wang Ying , Wu Ruby C. , Randolph Mark A. , Redmond Robert W.
Published: October 2021

Background

Gastrointestinal anastomotic leakage is a dreaded complication despite advancements in surgical technique. Photochemical tissue bonding (PTB) is a method of sealing tissue surfaces utilizing photoactive dye. We evaluated if crosslinked human amniotic membrane (xHAM) photosealed over the enteroenterostomy would augment anastomotic strength in a trauma‐relevant swine hemorrhagic shock model.

Methods

Yorkshire swine (40–45 kg, n = 14) underwent midline laparotomy and sharp transection of the small intestine 120 cm proximal to the ileocecal fold. Immediately following intestinal transection, a controlled arterial bleed was performed to reach hemorrhagic shock. Intestinal repair was performed after 60 minutes and autotransfusion of the withdrawn blood was performed for resuscitation. Animals were randomized to small intestinal anastomosis by one of the following methods (seven per group): suture repair (SR), or SR with PTB augmentation. Animals were euthanized at postoperative Day 28 and burst pressure (BP) strength testing was performed on all excised specimens.

Results

Mean BP for SR, PTB, and native tissue groups were 229 ± 40, 282 ± 21, and 282 ± 47 mmHg, respectively, with the SR group statistically significantly different on analysis of variance (p = 0.02). Post‐hoc Tukey all‐pairs comparison demonstrated a statistically significant difference in burst pressure strength between the SR only and the PTB group (p = 0.04). All specimens in SR group ruptured at the anastomosis upon burst pressure testing, while all specimens in the PTB group ruptured at least 2.5 cm from the anastomosis.

Conclusion

Photosealing with xHAM significantly augments the strength of small intestinal anastomosis performed in a trauma porcine model.
Study of Adsorption Uptake via Spillover Mechanism for CNT/Cobalt Composites
Authors: Dixit Shalini , Patodia Tarun , Verma Reena , Lavania Anju , Malhotra Anu , Sharma K.B. , Jain Ankur , Tripathi Balram
Published: October 2021

CNT/Co composites are successfully synthesized through ultra‐sonication method. Adsorption uptake up to 1.8wt% for CNT5%Co95% composite is observed at 60 psi pressure by Sieverts type spectrometer. The enhancement of adsorption in the CNT‐Co composite is attributed to hydrogen spillover effect. The defective structure of the CNTs after sonication may be the factor to promote hydrogen spillover.
The multiple‐criteria decision analysis of the financial and business models for the construction of new nuclear unit in the Czech Republic
Authors: Stašáková Tereza , Vlček Tomáš
Published: October 2021

When discussing their future energy mix, many countries are reconsidering the position of the nuclear energy. One of the main arguments against new nuclear plants is the extremely high investment cost. Nevertheless, some countries still perceive nuclear energy as a strategic sector and are willing to invest in it, using different financial strategies. The Czech Republic has initiated the decision‐making process for building and financing a new nuclear unit. This article introduces readers to the general issues of nuclear financing in a liberalised European market and, using multiple‐criteria decision analysis, identifies the most suitable model for financing the construction of the new unit in the Czech Republic. The three models under consideration are introduced using the examples of three European nuclear power plant projects: Hinkley Point C, Hanhikivi and Paks II. The article compares the three new nuclear power plant projects, each representing a various financial model, with the 2015 National Action Plan for the Development of the Nuclear Energy Sector in the Czech Republic and evaluates them to choose the best model for the new nuclear power plant in the Czech Republic. Thus, it provides a comprehensive overview of the link between theoretical models, their application, and the transferability of the models.
APA applauds changes proposed by loan forgiveness program
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: October 2021

The American Psychological Association (APA) applauded the U.S. Department of Education for making administrative fixes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program that will affect hundreds of thousands of borrowers, including many psychologists with federal student loan debt, APA officials stated in a news release.
Global analysis on an age‐space structured vaccination model with Neumann boundary condition
Authors: Wang Chunyue , Wang Jinliang , Zhang Ran
Published: October 2021

This paper investigates an infection age‐space structured susceptible‐vaccinate‐infectious‐recovered (SVIR) epidemic model. The model is described by reaction‐diffusion models involving the spatial dispersal of human populations in the same domain
. We first give the well‐posedness of the model by converting the model to a reaction‐diffusion model and two Volterra integral equations and obtain two constant equilibria. Our result suggests that the basic reproduction number determines the dichotomy of disease persistence and extinction, which is achieved by studying the local stability, disease persistence and global attractivity of equilibria.
Chaotic state of matter search with elite opposition based learning: A new hybrid metaheuristic algorithm
Authors: Khanduja Neha , Bhushan Bharat
Published: October 2021

In this article, the exploration and stochastic property of elite opposition‐based learning and chaotic maps are utilized to introduce a hybridized metaheuristic optimization technique. Both the techniques are combined with state of matter search optimization to enhance its capability of locating global minima. The proposed hybrid algorithm is tested on various benchmark functions and compared with the state of mater search optimization to verify its efficiency. The results show that the proposed hybrid algorithm gives better convergence for various benchmark functions.
Preparation and mechanical properties of water‐dispersible hyperbranched polymer grafted carbon black/natural rubber composites by latex blending method
Authors: Han Fei , Zhang Zhiliang , Ma Teng , Shou Chongqi
Published: October 2021

In order to improve the mechanical properties of rubber‐matrix composites, carboxyl‐terminated hyperbranched poly (2‐hydroxypropane‐1,2,3‐tricarboxylic acid) grafted carbon black (CB‐g‐CTHBP) was prepared, and it could be stably dispersed in water for up to 90 days. CB‐g‐CTHBP dispersion and natural rubber latex were blended to obtain NR/CB‐g‐CTHBP, and the effect of CB‐g‐CTHBP content on the mechanical properties of composites was discussed. The results show that the dispersibility and wettability of CB‐g‐CTHBP to composites are significantly improved after grafting hyperbranched polymer onto the surface. Compared with the composite filled with NR/CB, when the amount of filler is 30 phr, tensile strength, tear strength, and shore A hardness of NR/CB‐g‐CTHBP increase by 54.78%, 55.13%, and 20.96%, respectively. Moreover, CB‐g‐CTHBP could disperse more evenly in the natural rubber‐matrix, and the interaction between CB‐g‐CTHBP and rubber‐matrix could further enhance in the composite.
Successful perioperative management using prothrombin complex concentrates in patients with severe congenital protein C deficiency
Authors: Inoue Kyohei , Arakawa Yuki , Noguchi Jun , Irikura Tomoya , Watakabe Mai , Hiraki Takamasa , Honda Mamoru , Mitani Yuichi , Mori Makiko , Fukuoka Kohei , Oshima Koichi , Kawashima Hiroshi , Kurihara Jun , Koh Katsuyoshi
Published: October 2021

Perioperative management of severe congenital protein C deficiency remains unestablished. This deficiency is often treated with anticoagulants, such as warfarin. Although anticoagulants need to be perioperatively discontinued, there are few methods for the management of such patients. We adopted a method for administering prothrombin complex concentrates (PCC), which includes intermittent administration of inactive protein C (PPSB‐HT), and examined its outcome as a perioperative management approach for severe congenital protein C deficiency. Three patients underwent our perioperative management six times. We monitored activity levels of protein C, factor IX, and so forth. These patients could be perioperatively managed with PCC treatment.
Fetal and neonatal brain lesions following laser ablation for twin‐to‐twin‐transfusion‐syndrome as detected by pre‐ and post‐natal brain imaging
Authors: Hochberg Alyssa , Silber Ronit , Avnet Hagai , Rosen Hadar , Katorza Eldad , Hoffmann Chen , Mazkereth Ram , Lipitz Shlomo , Weisz Boaz , Yinon Yoav
Published: October 2021

Objective

To determine the rate of and risk factors for fetal and neonatal brain lesions following laser ablation for twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of 83 women with monochorionic twin pregnancies who underwent ablation for TTTS at a single tertiary hospital. Post‐laser survivors were followed‐up with fetal neurosonogram every 2 weeks and fetal brain MRI at 28–32 weeks of gestation; post‐natal brain imaging included neurosonogram. Cases with pre‐ and post‐natal brain lesions were compared to those without.

Results

153 fetuses survived the immediate post‐laser period and underwent brain imaging. Of these, 17 (11.11%) exhibited brain lesions on prenatal imaging studies, and 36 (32.4%) on post‐natal ultrasound. Later gestational age (GA) at the time of ablation (23.0 vs. 21.4 weeks, p = 0.0244), post‐laser twin‐anemia‐polycythemia‐sequence (TAPS) (29.41% vs. 9.56%, p = 0.035) and birthweight discordancy (30% vs. 9%, p = 0.0025) were associated with prenatal brain lesions. Earlier GA at delivery (31.0 weeks vs. 32.2, p = 0.0002) and post‐laser TAPS (25% vs. 9.33%, p = 0.038) were associated with post‐natal brain lesions.

Conclusions

Survivors of ablation for TTTS are at risk for brain lesions, which can be detected prenatally. Incorporation of neurosonogram and fetal brain MRI into the routine surveillance of such pregnancies should be considered.
Increasing life expectancy in cystic fibrosis: Advances and challenges
Authors: McBennett Kimberly A. , Davis Pamela B. , Konstan Michael W.
Published: October 2021

Since the first description of cystic fibrosis in 1938, there have been significant advances in both quality of life and longevity for people living with this disease. In this article we describe the milestones of the last 80 years and what we perceive to be the remaining barriers to normalcy for this population.
Airway clearance and exercise for people with cystic fibrosis: Balancing longevity with life
Authors: Rowbotham Nicola J. , Daniels Tracey E.
Published: October 2021

Airway clearance has been an integral part of cystic fibrosis (CF) care for almost as long as CF has been identified as a condition. From diagnosis as a neonate through to end‐of‐life care, airway clearance is an everyday aspect of life, adding a considerable treatment burden to the lives of people with CF. There are many different techniques used for airway clearance which have evolved over time with an aim to improve effectiveness, support adherence and, more recently, to consider the impact of burden. A popular thought is whether airway clearance could be replaced by exercise. With new precision therapies in the form of CFTR modulators available, the CF landscape is rapidly changing, raising the question of whether certain treatments are needed at all. Depending on factors such as CFTR mutation, age, and pre‐existing lung damage before starting a CFTR modulator, individuals with CF may need different levels of intensity and type of maintenance treatment. Precision medicine is likely to lead to the need for increased precision and individualized management around other maintenance therapies such as airway clearance.
Shrinking Particle Reaction Model for a Waste Double‐Base Propellant During Alkaline Hydrolysis
Authors: Li Jin , Liang Xinxin , Zhang Guan , Cao Sijie , Liu Zongkuan , Gu Zhaolin , Liu Pu
Published: October 2021

Double‐base propellants are widely used in missiles and rocket engines. Waste double‐base propellants must be safely disposed of because their safety and reliability greatly deteriorate during storage and use. Alkaline hydrolysis is a promising alternative to the open burning and open detonation disposal methods of waste propellants. To promote the industrialization of the alkaline hydrolysis treatment of waste double‐base propellants, a reaction model of the alkaline hydrolysis of SC double‐base propellants was studied. First, the relationship between the concentration of nitrite‐nitrogen and nitrate‐nitrogen in the alkaline hydrolysate was studied. The results revealed that a good linear relationship between the concentration of nitrite‐nitrogen and nitrate‐nitrogen (slope is 1.771, R2 is 0.9925). The waste SC granules produce fewer nitrite ions than fresh nitrocellulose and nitroglycerin. Secondly, based on the analysis results of scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and the thickness of SC granules before and after alkaline hydrolysis, it was assumed that the reaction model was a shrinking particle reaction model, and the limiting step was the alkaline hydrolysis rate on the surface of granules. Then, the relationship between the alkaline hydrolysis degree xSC of SC granules and reaction time t was xSC=((α+2)/(2te))t‐(α/(2te2))t2 by theoretical reaction model derivation. Additionally, the reaction model and limiting step were experimentally validated. Thus, this study provides theoretical and technical support for the safe industrial deposal and resource utilization of waste SC and other double‐base propellants with nitrocellulose and nitroglycerin as basic energetic components, as well as a basis for its fundamental research.
Studies on CYP3A activity during the menstrual cycle as measured by urinary 6β‐hydroxycortisol/cortisol
Authors: Bergström Helena , Lindahl Anna , Warnqvist Anna , Diczfalusy Ulf , Ekström Lena , Björkhem‐Bergman Linda
Published: October 2021

The 6β‐OH‐cortisol/cortisol ratio (6β‐OHC/C) in urine is an endogenous marker of drug‐metabolizing enzyme cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A). The primary aim of this single center, prospective, non‐interventional cohort study, was to investigate the variability of 6β‐OHC/C during the menstrual cycle. In addition, possible associations between the CYP3A activity and sex hormones, gut microbiota metabolite trimethylamine‐N‐Oxide (TMAO) and microRNA‐27b, respectively, were investigated. Serum and urinary samples from healthy, regularly menstruating women followed for two menstrual cycles were analyzed. Twenty‐six complete menstrual cycles including follicular, ovulatory, and luteal phase were defined based on hormone analyses in serum. 6β‐OHC/C were analyzed in urine and sex hormones, TMAO and miRNA‐27b were analyzed in serum at the same time points. 6β‐OHC/C did not vary between the follicular, ovulatory, or luteal phases. There was a difference in the relative miRNA‐27b expression between the follicular and ovulatory phase (p = .03). A significant association was found between 6β‐OHC/C and progesterone during the follicular (p = .005) and ovulatory (p = .01) phases (n = 26 for each phase). In addition, a significant association was found between the ratio and TMAO during the ovulatory (p = .02) and luteal (p = .002) phases. 6β‐OHC/C and gut microbiota TMAO were significantly associated (p = .003) when evaluating all values, for all phases (n = 78). Interestingly, the finding of an association between 6β‐OHC/C in urine and levels of TMAO in serum suggest that gut microbiota may affect CYP3A activity.
Diagnosis and management of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Weddell Jake , Hider Samantha
Published: October 2021

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is commonly encountered in primary care, and prompt identification and referral is vital to ensure timely treatment with disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and better long‐term outcomes. This article discusses identification, referral, diagnosis and current management options for RA.
The role of RNA interference in modern pharmacotherapy
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: October 2021

After more than 30 years of research, drugs known as small interfering RNA (siRNA), which work by selectively targeting and silencing the mRNA products of genes, are now reaching the market. This article discusses the current and future role of siRNA and other therapies that use RNA interference to manage a wide range of diseases.
A less conservative robust control method for a class of nonpassive uncertain systems
Authors: Akiba Junpei , Liu Kang‐Zhi , Qiu Li , Yu Pan , Koiwa Kenta , Zanma Tadanao
Published: October 2021

In robust control problems, how to elicit and utilize the uncertainty information is the key in achieving a good robust performance. For passive uncertainties, the phase bound plays a fundamental role. For nonpassive uncertainties, the gain bound is used up to date. The former leads to the passivity approach and the later to the small‐gain approach. A recently developed bounded positive real model succeeded in extracting both the phase and the gain information from passive uncertainties. However, it is still not known how to model the phase bound of a nonpassive uncertainty. Aiming at achieving an even higher performance for nonpassive uncertain systems, this article proposes a new model together with a modeling procedure for a class of nonpassive uncertainties. This model well captures both the gain and the phase features of the nonpassive uncertainty. Further, a numerically tractable design method is developed by extending the passivity method. The advantage of the proposed method is demonstrated through a real‐world case study.
Exclusion zone minimization and optimal operational mode selection for co‐existent geostationary and non‐geostationary satellites
Authors: Öztürk Faik , Kara Ali
Published: October 2021

The number of satellites has been increasing in both geostationary (GEO) and non‐geostationary (NGEO) earth orbits. Due to the limited availability of spectrum resources, the interference risk among these satellite networks has been increasing consequently. In such a scenario, the protection of existent GEO transmissions is crucial. In this paper, the co‐existence downlink interference from a typical low earth orbit (LEO) constellation to earth stations of GEO satellites is examined for minimization of exclusion zone on the equatorial region. Two different operational scenario based on modulation and coding (MODCOD) with/without spread spectrum for the LEO system are considered. A multiobjective optimization problem (MOP) is formulated for nondominant solutions set based on exclusive angle minimization and bandwidth utilization of the LEO link. It is shown that the exclusive angle can be reduced up to 21.3% and 19.6%, compared with the initial anchor point at the transmission bit rates of 100 and 200 Mbps, respectively. The proposed optimal operational setting minimizes the interference risk to the GEO satellite network as well as maintains quality of service (QoS) for the LEO communication network. The results provide optimal operational mode selection for LEO satellite operators and/or decision makers.
Shore‐up veterans support services in these turbulent times
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: October 2021

In these times, student‐veterans and other students with connections to the military need support now more than ever. Recent worldwide events, especially the withdrawal from Afghanistan, have triggered a range of reactions among veterans and military families.
Does Section 504 require single‐room accommodations?
Authors: Masinter Michael R.
Published: October 2021

Even before COVID‐19, higher education institutions had seen a rise in requests for single‐room accommodations for anxiety, observing that, given the choice, most students, with or without a disability, would prefer a room of their own to a double room with a roommate, particularly when offered at a reduced rate. But now, spurred by fear of COVID‐19 as well as by emotional and psychiatric disorders, even more students appear to be seeking single‐room accommodations, supported by letters from health care providers that diagnose various emotional or psychiatric disabilities and identify some therapeutic or privacy‐based benefit that a single room may provide. In considering these no‐roommate accommodation requests, institutions should review whether and, if so, when Section 504 regulations require single rooms as a disability accommodation. Surprisingly, Office for Civil Rights letters don't answer that question.
Adopting sustainability competence‐based education in academic disciplines: Insights from 13 higher education institutions
Authors: Lozano Rodrigo , Barreiro‐Gen Maria , Pietikäinen Janna , Gago‐Cortes Carmen , Favi Claudio , Jimenez Munguia Maria Teresa , Monus Ferenc , Simão João , Benayas Javier , Desha Cheryl , Bostanci Sevket , Djekic Ilija , Moneva Jose Mariano , Sáenz Orlando , Awuzie Bankole , Gladysz Bartlomiej
Published: October 2021

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have been incorporating sustainability into education and curricula, where recent research has focussed on sustainability competences, pedagogical approaches, and how to connect them, generally on a single HEI. The process of integrating sustainability into education based on curricula assessment has been explained using adoption of innovations; and has the potential to explain the process of developing competences through pedagogical approaches. The aim of this paper is to investigate this process at academic discipline level. An online survey was developed to investigate teaching sustainability competences in 13 HEIs, from which 678 responses from educators were obtained. The competences and pedagogical approaches from the responses were ranked, and then the connections between the competences and pedagogical approaches per discipline were analysed using a correlations‐based framework, from which three disciplines groups were created. The groups were categorised using diffusion of innovations theory, which indicated that some disciplines are more innovative than others in adopting sustainability competence‐based teaching. The results are used to propose two frameworks to better understand the adoption of sustainability competence‐based teaching: (a) the D‐RAPID framework; and (b) the Disciplinary Multi‐dimensional Sustainability Influence Change for Academia (D‐MuSICA) memework. The adoption of sustainability competence‐base education must expand from a single HEI perspective to a disciplinary collaborative one spanning many HEIs, where academic disciplines should learn from each other's insights and mistakes and provide students with more transdisciplinary skillsets to make societies more sustainable.
Cutaneous Sarcoidosis Due to Immune-Checkpoint Inhibition and Exacerbated by a Novel BRAF Dimerization Inhibitor
Authors: Pham J. P. , Star P. , Wong S. , Damian D. L. , Saw R. P. M. , Whitfeld M. J. , Menzies A. M. , Joshua A. M. , Smith A.
Published: October 2021

Sarcoidosis is a non-infective granulomatous disorder of unknown aetiology, with cutaneous involvement affecting up to 30% of patients. Drug-induced sarcoidosis has been reported secondary to modern melanoma therapies including immune-checkpoint inhibitors and first generation BRAF inhibitors such as vemurafenib and dabrafenib. Herein, we report a case of cutaneous micropapular sarcoidosis that first developed on immune-checkpoint inhibition with ipilimumab and nivolumab for metastatic melanoma, which was exacerbated and further complicated by pityriasis rubra pilaris-like palmar plaques upon transition to a next-generation BRAF-dimerisation inhibitor. Both the micropapular eruption and palmar plaques rapidly resolved after cessation of the novel BRAF-inhibitor and concurrent commencement of hydroxychloroquine. It is unclear how inhibition of BRAF-dimerisation results in granuloma formation, though upregulation of TH1/TH17 T-cells and impairment of T-reg cells may be responsible. Clinicians should be aware of the potential for exacerbation of sarcoidosis when transitioning from immune-checkpoint inhibitors to these novel BRAF-dimerisation inhibitors, particularly as their uptake in treating cancers increases beyond clinical trials. Further studies are required to assess whether these next-generation agents can trigger sarcoidosis de-novo, or simply exacerbate pre-existing sarcoidosis.
Systematic Investigation of a Potential Epidemiological and Genetic Association Between Male Androgenetic Alopecia and COVID-19
Authors: Henne S. K. , Hochfeld L. M. , Maj C. , Nöthen M. M. , Heilmann-Heimbach S.
Published: October 2021

Background

Male androgenetic alopecia (AGA) has been implicated as a putative risk factor in severe COVID-19 based on high incidences of advanced AGA in male hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Research further suggests that androgen signalling, which plays a central role in AGA aetiology, promotes SARS-CoV-2 infection and is associated with severe COVID-19 symptoms in men.

Objectives

We aimed to systematically investigate a potential association between AGA and COVID-19 both on an epidemiological and a genetic level in a large single-population cohort.

Methods

We performed regression, genetic correlation and polygenic risk score (PRS) analyses using data from the UK Biobank and published GWAS data on AGA and COVID-19.

Results

Our analyses did not reveal any significant epidemiological or genome-wide genetic association between AGA and severe COVID-19. Pathway-based PRS analyses however revealed a significant association in specific pathways, namely vitamin metabolism, natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity, WNT signalling and aryl hydrocarbon receptor signalling.

Limitations

We restricted our analyses to the white British population and used self-reported AGA status. Sample size may be a limitation in our regression and PRS analyses.

Conclusions

Our data yield no evidence for an epidemiological association between AGA and COVID-19 but suggest that a shared genetic basis for both traits exists in specific pathways.
3D Printed Embedded Metamaterials
Authors: Zhang Kun Peng , Liao Yan Fei , Qiu Bin , Zheng Yue Kun , Yu Ling Ke , He Gong Han , Chen Qin Nan , Sun Dao Heng
Published: October 2021

The manufacturing of 3D and conformal metamaterials remains a major challenge. The projection micro‐stereolithography 3D printing technology combined with the liquid metal filling method is employed here to fabricate the metamaterials, which are characterized with embedded features that can effectively protect the metal resonance layer from external influence, and integrated molding of macro–micro structures and function‐structure. To demonstrate the robustness and flexibility of the proposed method, three types of metamaterials are fabricated: 3D orthogonal split‐ring resonator metamaterial, bionic compound eye conformal metamaterial, and a five‐layer broadband conformal metamaterial in the form of hemispherical moth‐eye, which are costly, tedious, and time consuming in conventional fabrication methods. And the layout of the filling channel is optimized and the polydimethylsiloxane coating post‐treatment process is applied to smooth the surface roughness caused by the staircase effect of 3D printing to improve the transmission performance of metamaterial devices. The transmission properties are measured using terahertz time‐domain spectroscopy system and the experimental results show that the method proposed in this paper makes metamaterial manufacture no longer limited to complex structures, which effectively expands the application range of metamaterials.
Acoustofluidic Droplet Sorter Based on Single Phase Focused Transducers
Authors: Zhong Ruoyu , Yang Shujie , Ugolini Giovanni Stefano , Naquin Ty , Zhang Jinxin , Yang Kaichun , Xia Jianping , Konry Tania , Huang Tony Jun
Published: October 2021

Droplet microfluidics has revolutionized the biomedical and drug development fields by allowing for independent microenvironments to conduct drug screening at the single cell level. However, current microfluidic sorting devices suffer from drawbacks such as high voltage requirements (e.g., >200 Vpp), low biocompatibility, and/or low throughput. In this article, a single‐phase focused transducer (SPFT)‐based acoustofluidic chip is introduced, which outperforms many microfluidic droplet sorting devices through high energy transmission efficiency, high accuracy, and high biocompatibility. The SPFT‐based sorter can be driven with an input power lower than 20 Vpp and maintain a postsorting cell viability of 93.5%. The SPFT sorter can achieve a throughput over 1000 events per second and a sorting purity up to 99.2%. The SPFT sorter is utilized here for the screening of doxorubicin cytotoxicity on cancer and noncancer cells, proving its drug screening capability. Overall, the SPFT droplet sorting device shows great potential for fast, precise, and biocompatible drug screening.
Ion‐Conductive Hydrogel‐Based Stretchable, Self‐Healing, and Transparent NO2 Sensor with High Sensitivity and Selectivity at Room Temperature
Authors: Wu Zixuan , Rong Limin , Yang Jinglan , Wei Yaoming , Tao Kai , Zhou Yubin , Yang Bo‐Ru , Xie Xi , Wu Jin
Published: October 2021

Here stretchable, self‐healable, and transparent gas sensors based on salt‐infiltrated hydrogels for high‐performance NO2 sensing in both anaerobic environment and air at room temperature, are reported. The salt‐infiltrated hydrogel displays high sensitivity to NO2 (119.9%/ppm), short response and recovery time (29.8 and 41.0 s, respectively), good linearity, low theoretical limit of detection (LOD) of 86 ppt, high selectivity, stability, and conductivity. A new gas sensing mechanism based on redox reactions occurring at the electrode–hydrogel interface is proposed to understand the sensing behaviors. The gas sensing performance of hydrogel is greatly improved by incorporating calcium chloride (CaCl2) in the hydrogel via a facile salt‐infiltration strategy, leading to a higher sensitivity (2.32 times) and much lower LOD (0.06 times). Notably, both the gas sensing ability, conductivity, and mechanical deformability of hydrogels are readily self‐healable after cutting off and reconnection. Such large deformations as 100% strain do not deprive the gas sensing capability, but rather shorten the response and recovery time significantly. The CaCl2‐infiltrated hydrogel shows excellent selectivity of NO2, with good immunity to the interference gases. These results indicate that the salt‐infiltrated hydrogel has great potential for wearable electronics equipped with gas sensing capability in both anaerobic and aerobic environments.
Model inspections in the engineering of collaborative cyber‐physical systems with instance‐level review diagrams
Authors: Daun Marian , Brings Jennifer , Weyer Thorsten
Published: October 2021

Model inspections are important to ensure high‐quality software and to satisfy legal obligations in model‐based engineering processes. As model‐based specifications are typically documented on type‐level, errors concerning the interactions between multiple system instances can go unnoticed. For collaborative cyber‐physical systems (CPS), a plethora of possible instance‐level configurations need to be taken into account. Therefore, we propose the definition of instance‐level review diagrams that show representative interactions of instance‐level configurations that help detect defects in the system specification. To evaluate the approach, we conducted a controlled experiment whose results indicate that instance‐level review diagrams have—compared with type‐level diagrams—important positive effects on reviewing processes for behavioral specifications of CPS. Specifically, the experiment provides empirical evidence that instance‐level review diagrams are significantly more expressive and effective than type‐level diagrams.
Sustainable business intelligence systems: Modelling for the future
Authors: Goede Roelien
Published: October 2021

Business intelligence systems are used in support of strategic decision‐making in organisations. Strategic decisions in support of the sustainable development goals require accurate and accessible data. Of equal importance is the sustainability of the business information systems themselves. Not only should they be sensitive to resource consumption but they should also be designed for the future needs of the organisation. We argue that sustainable business intelligence systems should represent as many perspectives in the organisation as possible supported by the available data. In order to achieve this, a critical (Kantian) systems perspective is suggested that foster appreciation of different perspectives in the organisation. Prevailing belief in the business intelligence system industry is that a key business problem should drive development of the system. Our position is more future oriented in that we argue that inclusion of all available perspectives on business problems will prolong the life of the system, thereby making it more sustainable. This is not an idealistic requirement when a data vault is used for the data model of the system. Contrary to the more common dimensional modelling, data vault modelling does not require restrictive decisions to be made on the scope of the system. In fact, the worst‐case scenario is addressed in the initial model. The paper provides a conceptual discussion of how a business intelligence system should be designed and developed to ensure that it is sustainable. Since the right system should be developed in the right way, we incorporate known success factors into our discussion. We argue that the critical (Kantian) systems perspective can lead to the right system and that data vault modelling in context of lessons from identified success factors is the right way to develop the business intelligence system.
Untersuchung der lokalen Spannungsfelder in Kranbahnträgerstegen infolge Radlast
Authors: Kettler Markus , Unterweger Harald
Published: October 2021

Dieser Beitrag fasst die Berechnungsgrundlagen und aktuelle Weiterentwicklungen für die lokalen Spannungen in Kranbahnträgern zusammen. Darüber hinaus werden drei Testserien zu dieser Thematik an Kranbahnträgern im Labor präsentiert, die in jüngster Vergangenheit an der Technischen Universität Graz durchgeführt worden sind. Dabei handelt es sich um ein Walzprofil mit aufgeschweißter Blockschiene für leichten Kranbetrieb, einen geschweißten Kastenträger für mittleren Kranbetrieb und einen geschweißten I‐Träger mit A‐120‐Schiene für schweren Kranbetrieb. Es werden jeweils die wesentlichsten Ergebnisse zusammengefasst und mit ergänzenden Finite‐Elementen‐Berechnungen bzw. mit den entsprechenden Normenregeln verglichen. Auf diese Weise wird dem Leser ermöglicht, die Treffsicherheit der Formeln für die lokalen Spannungen in Kranbahnträgern zu beurteilen. Die dargestellten neuesten Erkenntnisse sollen auch in die derzeit in Ausarbeitung befindliche Neuauflage der EN 1993‐6 einfließen.
Molecular‐based phylogenetic placement and revision of Micrasepalum (Spermacoceae‐Rubiaceae)
Authors: Nuñez Florentin Mariela , Salas Roberto M. , Janssens Steven B. , Dessein Steven , Cardoso Domingos
Published: October 2021

Micrasepalum is a taxonomically and phylogenetically poorly understood genus of Rubiaceae endemic to the global biodiversity hotspot of the Caribbean islands. It has traditionally been associated with species in the Spermacoce clade, but never properly evaluated in a phylogenetic context. Also, little information about seed and fruit morphology of Micrasepalum species was provided in their original descriptions and the few subsequent taxonomic treatments. We performed a molecular phylogenetic study based on nuclear (ITS, ETS) and plastid (atpB‐rbcL, petD, rps16, trnL‐trnF) DNA sequence data to resolve the enigmatic taxonomic identity of Micrasepalum. Our analyses show a largely unresolved or poorly supported backbone in both the nuclear and plastid phylogenies of the Spermacoce clade, so that the sister relationship of Micrasepalum is still uncertain. Merging Micrasepalum with any lineage of the polyphyletic Borreria and Spermacoce or the phylogenetically well‐defined Hexasepalum, Mitracarpus or Richardia would result in a morphologically heterogeneous collection of genera difficult to recognize within the Spermacoce clade. The unresolved relationships within the species‐rich Spermacoce clade are suggestive of a rapid radiation in which Micrasepalum is one of several phylogenetically recalcitrant lineages, but that can be clearly defined morphologically. The genus is distinctive in having a caducous, 2‐lobed calyx and indehiscent, one‐seeded fruit. An updated identification key for all Caribbean genera of the Spermacoce clade and a full taxonomic revision of Micrasepalum are presented, including descriptions focused on reproductive characters, palynological analysis, a distribution map and new lectotypifications, as well as a new synonym for M. eritrichoides.