bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Audibility of Emergency Broadcasting Sounds in Mechanical and Electrical Rooms in Office Facilities
Authors: Jeong Jeong-ho
Published: February 2022

For the clear presentation of fire warning and emergency broadcasting sounds to occupants of buildings, certain guidelines and requirements have been established. However, the parameters to evaluate the speech intelligibility of the generated sound have not been established. In the NFPA 72 and BS standards, a specific warning sound level for warning sounds in residential facilities is proposed and the speech transmission index (STI) for emergency broadcasting systems is regulated. Mechanical and electrical systems need to be maintained to supply water and electricity in fire and disaster situations. To maintain these functions in buildings, emergency broadcasting sounds need to be clearly delivered to workers in the facilities. For the clear understanding of emergency broadcasting sounds, the background noise in the facilities should be lower than the broadcasting sounds. In addition, broadcasting sounds should not reverberate. In this study, the noise characteristics in the mechanical rooms and electricity facilities of office buildings that were more than 40 years old were measured and used for the acoustic prediction of emergency broadcasting sounds. Audibility and room acoustic properties, such as the reverberation time and STI in the facilities, were simulated by using the room acoustic simulation method. The audibility and STI of emergency broadcasting sounds were evaluated as “bad” or “poor” under the basic conditions. For the clear delivery of emergency broadcast sounds in mechanical and electrical rooms, it is necessary to apply a sound-absorbing material on the walls and ceilings in the facilities to reduce the reverberation. At the same time, an increase in the volume of emergency broadcast sounds and the introduction of additional speakers should be considered.
Development of Fire Safety Guidelines (Draft) on Finishing Materials for Nuclear Power Plants
Authors: Kwon Inkyu
Published: February 2022

In general, finishing materials used in nuclear power plants and auxiliary buildings are designed in accordance with NRC documents, in terms of their design, construction, and fire safety. However, only a few finishing materials produced in Korea have been certified relative to their fire-retardant performance, based on fire laboratory testing in the USA. In this study, to establish fire safety guidelines on finishing materials, designed in Korea, for nuclear power plants, related building regulations have been compared with codes, fire testing has been performed in Korea and the USA on the same specimens, and the fire safety guidelines have been established for the finishing materials.
Performance Evaluation of Horizontal Movement Support Devices for the Vulnerable in Fire Incidents
Authors: Yang Min-hyeok , Chae Seung-un , Kim Jong-hoon
Published: February 2022

In the event of a fire in nursing homes and hospitals, those unable to move by themselves should seek the help of an assistant. However, there are not enough staff to help evacuate everyone at the hospital, making it difficult to depend on the help of assistants to evacuate everyone. Therefore, an autonomous movement that does not require an assistant can be a very effective means of evacuation in such cases. In this study, an evaluation of the accuracy, required time, obstacle avoidance, and passing performance of the aid device to arrive at the set target point were presented. The test results show that it is necessary to position the parking area considering safety factors such as the error range of the designated arrival point of the horizontal evacuation assistance device and the waiting point for vertical movement.
Optimal Location Identification for Emergency Evacuation Shelters using the Voronoi Diagram
Authors: Lee Soyeong , Kim Dohyeon , Joo Heesun
Published: February 2022

Recently, the frequency of earthquakes in Korea has increased; thus it is very important to select the location of an emergency shelter. Therefore, this study proposed a method for selecting an emergency shelter location using the Voronoi diagram, which is usefully used to identify the shortest route or divide jurisdictions. First, Yangsan-si, where the earthquake zone is located, was selected as the target site for the study area, and the evacuation facility area was analyzed using the Voronoi polygon considering an evacuation to nearby emergency shelters regardless of administrative districts. Next, examining the vulnerable portions of the study area based on the existing earthquake outdoor evacuation facility data and floating population data, it was confirmed that there was a large regional variation. Finally, the location of a new shelter in Yangsan-si was selected by quantifying the location data of the building where supply was insufficient and the distance between emergency evacuation facilities as weights. The analysis result showed that installing a total of 7 shelters was the most efficient. The results of this study are expected to contribute to selecting the location of a new evacuation facility and establishing an efficient evacuation plan in the future.
Observational Characteristics of Dual-Polarization Radar for Heavy Rainfall Events in Capital Area
Authors: Ro Yonghun , Chang Ki-Ho , Cha Joo-Wan , Lee Chulkyu , Ryu Geun-Hyeok
Published: February 2022

In this study, the observational characteristics of dual-polarization radar for studying the heavy rainfall in the capital area were evaluated. To this end, three rainfall events that had caused significant flood damage due to the heavy rainfall from June to August 2020 were selected. The application of dual-polarization radar data revealed a significant change in precipitation during the analysis of observation characteristics of the affected capital area’s heavy rainfall. Moreover, the physical characteristics of reflectivity, differential reflectivity, specific differential phase, and copolar-correlation coefficient and their temporal dynamics in radar rainfall were compared to rain gauge rainfall. The radar reflectivity has been identified at the frequency of ≥ 40 dBZ due to the effects of heavy rainfall in the capital area, while the differential reflectivity has confirmed that the particle size was larger. The specific differential phase seemingly exhibited the most similar distribution to rain gauge rainfall, while exhibiting local characteristics of heavy rainfall in the capital area, according to the differential reflectivity result. The copolar-correlation coefficient confirmed the consistent observational performance of the dual-polarization radar for evaluation of heavy rainfall. Overall, the radar rainfall demonstrated good performance in simulating the peak time, and CSU-HIDRO estimated the rainfall with up to 32.4% more accuracy than JPOLE.
Analysis of the Risk Management Strategy for Future Flood-Related Property Damage Due to Climate Change
Authors: Kim Gwangseob , Kim Myojeong
Published: February 2022

In this study, we analyzed countermeasure strategies such as the pump system capacity, detention basin storage capacity, drainage system supply capacity, and river restoration ratio to cope with the flood damage increase due to climate change. To establish countermeasure strategies against future property damage from flooding, we collected 19 GCM outputs, extreme hydrological characteristic data, basin characteristic data, and several observation data including four countermeasures for 113 mid-size basins. The relationships between the property damage by flooding other variables were analyzed using a constrained multiple linear regression model. The future property damage was estimated to be the largest in the Namhangang river basin and the Yangyang Namdaecheon basin and was larger in the RCP 8.5 scenario than in the RCP 4.5 scenario. To prepare for this, when the four countermeasures were improved within the available room, the magnitude of the property damage was reduced to below the average or current property damage. However, there were limitations in the cost and manpower of improving all the countermeasures. For this purpose, it is necessary to establish an optimal plan by using multi-criteria decision-making methods.
Analysis of the Relationship between Vulnerable Social Groups and Civil Defense Training Facilities to Improve Crisis Management Responsiveness
Authors: Park Kiyong , Cho Sungbae , Won Jeong-hun , Oh Hoo
Published: February 2022

This paper aims to minimize damage and protect people through efficient response in the event of a disaster in urban areas, focusing on civil defense training facilities with an urban disaster prevention function and on vulnerable social groups, who can suffer more damage in the event of disaster. The influential factors in the relationship between civil defense training facilities and the vulnerable social group were verified by multiple regression. As a result, a significant influence relationship was found targeting the group with physically vulnerable characteristics such as the elderly, disabled, and children. Therefore, it is necessary to expand defense training facilities by region, giving priority to the physically vulnerable group in order to minimize disaster damage and facilitate appropriate crisis management.
Application of Neural Networks to Predict Daecheong Dam Water Levels
Authors: Ryu Yong Min , Lee Eui Hoon
Published: February 2022

The accurate prediction of water levels is essential for the efficient operation of hydraulic structures such as dams. However, such predictions are impossible when considering all factors affecting water level changes. Recently, with the development of artificial neural networks, there has been research on water level prediction using deep learning models. In this study, the deep learning technique of Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) was combined with Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) techniques, which afford advantages in time series data processing to predict the water level of Daecheong Dam. Three data preprocessing processes were applied to improve accuracy in water level predictions by taking travel time into account, adding the outflow data of the dam, and normalizing the data. Eight cases were created with the three data preprocessing processes. When normalization was performed for the data that took travel time into account and the data were then used as input data for LSTM, the best prediction result was found for the peak water level of the dam. If various other data preprocessing techniques are applied in addition to those applied in this study, RNN and LSTM will show improved prediction results.
Analysis of Changes in R&D Projects in Disasters and Safety after Sewolho Disaster: Focusing on Changes in Investment by Disaster Type and Administrative Agency between 2005 and 2019
Authors: Lee Dalbyul
Published: February 2022

This study aims to examine the status of national research and development (R&D) projects in disaster and safety fields and to empirically analyze how investment in these R&D projects has changed by disaster type and administrative agency after a large disaster, focusing on the Sewolho disaster using data from NTIS. For the past 15 years, the R&D projects have focused on short-term prevention-oriented investments led by specific administrative agencies. In the aftermath of the Sewolho disaster, which destabilized our society, the number and budget of the R&D projects tended to increase sharply. The empirical analysis showed that the number and budget of the projects by disaster type in 2015 increased sharply right after the Sewolho disaster, but had decreased or remained unchanged over time. A similar trend was observed in investment by administrative agency. Therefore, it is important to expand support for R&D projects in the field of disaster and safety and to establish a system to identify and evaluate long-term support trends and systematically reflect them.
End‐To‐End Data Analytics for Product Development
Authors: Giancristofaro Rosa Arboretti , Ceccato Riccardo , Salmaso Luigi
Published: February 2022

End‐to‐end data analytics refers to the process of collection and analysis of high‐quality, in‐scope data intended to drive decision‐making in the development of a new product. This article describes the typical steps of such a process and uses a case study to better illustrate them. It also shows how end‐to‐end data analytics can in fact provide decision‐makers with useful information about the design of a new product provided that data quality is ensured and accurate model selection is performed.
Lipid levels and the risk of dementia: A dose–response meta‐analysis of prospective cohort studies
Authors: Zhu Ying , Liu Xu , Zhu Ruixia , Zhao Jingjing , Wang Qianwen
Published: February 2022

Objectives

We performed a dose–response meta‐analysis to estimate the association between lipid profiles with the risk of dementia and the potential differences according to the subtype of dementia based on prospective studies.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase and Web of Science for relevant articles and performed a meta‐analysis. We applied fixed or random‐effects models to calculate pooled relative risk (RR) with their 95% confidence intervals (CI). The dose–response relationship was assessed by restricted cubic spline.

Results

Twenty‐five prospective studies comprising 362,443 participants and 20,121 cases were included in the final analysis. We found that increased risk of all‐cause dementia could be predicted by elevated total cholesterol (TC) (RR = 1.13, 95% CI 1.04–1.22). When looking at dementia subtypes, we also observed high TC and triglycerides (TG) may increase the future risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD), with a pooled RR of 1.13 (95% CI: 1.06–1.21) and 1.10 (95% CI: 1.04–1.15) respectively. Moreover, a dose–response analysis revealed a linear association between TC or TG and the risk of AD, with a pooled RR of 1.09 (95% CI: 1.02–1.16) and 1.12 (95% CI: 1.05–1.21) for per 3‐mmol/L increment in TC and TG, respectively.

Conclusions

Current evidence suggest that every 3‐mmol/L increase in blood TC or TG is linearly associated with a 9% or 12% increase in RR of AD, supporting the notion that high TC and TG levels appear to play a causal role in the development of AD.
Advanced Nanoparticle Coatings for Stabilizing Layered Ni‐Rich Oxide Cathodes in Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Ma Yuan , Teo Jun Hao , Walther Felix , Ma Yanjiao , Zhang Ruizhuo , Mazilkin Andrey , Tang Yushu , Goonetilleke Damian , Janek Jürgen , Bianchini Matteo , Brezesinski Torsten
Published: February 2022

Improving the interfacial stability between cathode active material (CAM) and solid electrolyte (SE) is a vital step toward the development of high‐performance solid‐state batteries (SSBs). One of the challenges plaguing this field is an economical and scalable approach to fabricate high‐quality protective coatings on the CAM particles. A new wet‐coating strategy based on preformed nanoparticles is presented herein. Nonagglomerated nanoparticles of the coating material (≤5 nm, exemplified for ZrO2) are prepared by solvothermal synthesis, and after surface functionalization, applied to a layered Ni‐rich oxide CAM, LiNi0.85Co0.10Mn0.05O2 (NCM85), producing a uniform surface layer with a unique structure. Remarkably, when used in pelletized SSBs with argyrodite Li6PS5Cl as SE, the coated NCM85 is found to exhibit superior lithium‐storage properties (qdis ≈ 204 mAh gNCM85−1 at 0.1 C rate and 45 °C) and good rate capability. The key to the observed improvement lies in the homogeneity of coating, suppressing interfacial side reactions while simultaneously limiting gas evolution during operation. Moreover, this strategy is proven to have a similar effect in liquid electrolyte‐based Li‐ion batteries and can potentially be used for the application of other, even more favorable, nanoparticle coatings.
Bioadaptive Porous 3D Scaffolds Comprising Cellulose and Chitosan Nanofibers Constructed by Pickering Emulsion Templating
Authors: Li Qi , Hatakeyama Mayumi , Kitaoka Takuya
Published: February 2022

Highly porous three‐dimensional (3D) scaffolds can mimic the lobular structure of a human liver where hepatocytes are organized. However, 3D scaffolds with uniformly porous and oriented structures are challenging to fabricate without cross‐linking agents. Herein, this work presents a Pickering emulsion‐induced interface approach to construct aligned porous scaffolds for 3D cell cultures through the combined use of surface‐carboxylated cellulose nanofibers and chitosan nanofibers as stabilizers, and freezing/lyophilization to remove the oil phase. The obtained Pickering emulsions exhibit long‐term stability and their droplet sizes are tunable from 2.7 to 10.2 µm. Assembly at the oil–water interface can be modulated by controlling the NaCl dosage and oil phase proportion, resulting in porous foams with tunable porosity and versatile architectures as an in vitro alternative to the native liver microenvironment. The foams are noncytotoxic, confirmed using mouse fibroblast NIH/3T3 cells, and the cells grow both on the surface and in the internal structure of the foam. Notably, the 3D porous scaffolds are favorable microenvironments for the formation of human liver carcinoma HepG2 spheroidal cells, which exhibit liver‐like activity. This strategy based on Pickering emulsion templating provides a new avenue for constructing bioadaptive 3D scaffolds, specifically all‐biomass porous foams, for tissue engineering.
Design and In Situ Growth of Cu2O‐Blended Heterojunction Directed by Energy‐Band Engineering: Toward High Photoelectrochemical Performance
Authors: Zheng Lingcheng , Diao Lingxue , Zhang Rui , Sun Xingjun , Lv Qiaoya , Chen Feifei , Li Yan , Liu Hui , Zhang Xinghua , Lu Zunming , Wang Weihua , Lu Feng , Dong Hong , Liu Hui , Li Luyan , Zheng Rongkun , Cheng Yahui
Published: February 2022

In the field of photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting, cuprous oxide (Cu2O) is one of the most promising photocathode materials, but its performance is restricted by poor carrier separation ability and low photovoltage. In order to overcome these limitations, a new kind of Cu2O‐ZnO blended heterojunction photocathode is designed and prepared by novel one‐step thermal oxidation method. ZnO granules are uniformly distributed in Cu2O film matrix, forming a granular structure, which enhances the band bending of Cu2O in the electrolyte and improves the photovoltage. In addition, the formed ladder type band alignment of Cu2O‐ZnO facilitates the spatial separation of photoexcited carriers. Different from the conventional layered heterojunction, the granular structured heterojunction proposed in this work extends the built‐in electric field region and further promotes the transmission of photoexcited carriers from the photoelectrode to the electrolyte. At 0 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), the photocurrent density of Cu2O‐ZnO film is as high as −8.7 mA cm−2, which is over 6 times that of bare Cu2O (−1.3 mA cm−2). The onset potential positively shifts from 0.57 V vs RHE to 0.78 V vs RHE. This work provides an effective strategy for improving the PEC performance from the perspective of band alignment and material structure.
Deep ocean bubble transport model coupled with multiple hydrate behavior characteristics
Authors: Liu Zheng , Sun Baojiang , Wang Zhiyuan , Chen Litao , Sun Xiaohui
Published: February 2022

Submarine gas seepage is a widely observed process. In this study, a unified mechanistic model of bubble transport both inside and outside the gas hydrate stability zone (GHSZ) was developed. Multiple hydrate‐related behaviors were considered, including hydrate nucleation, hydrate film lateral spread, hydrate shell dynamic growth, hydrate dissolution and decomposition, and collapse and fracture deformation of hydrate‐coated bubbles. Using the proposed model, a series of simulation studies about bubble dissolution and rising fate were conducted. The results indicate that the formation of solid hydrates in the deep‐sea environment can provide a fairly effective barrier for the dissolution and shrinkage of bubbles, and the deeper the initial release water depth, the smaller the critical size of the bubble required for arriving at the water surface. Furthermore, the majority of gases released from the seafloor would be absorbed by the shallow oceanic layer, but larger bubbles could still pass through the water column to the atmosphere.
Separation of methane and nitrogen using ionic liquidic zeolites by pressure vacuum swing adsorption
Authors: Hu Guoping , Xiao Gongkui , Guo Yalou , Manning Mitch , Chen Li , Yu Lanjin , Li Kevin Gang , May Eric F.
Published: February 2022

The separation of methane (CH4) and nitrogen (N2) is a significant challenge to the enrichment and utilization of low concentration CH4 due to the similarity in the physical and chemical properties of the two molecules. In this work, we investigated the separation of CH4 from N2 using 100 kg of a new ionic liquidic zeolite (ILZ) material in a 6‐bed pilot‐scale pressure swing adsorption process. Feed gases with CH4 concentrations of 5.0% and 16.1% were upgraded to 11.5% and 34.6%, respectively, with CH4 recoveries higher than 80%. The pilot test results were used to anchor a numerical model that then allowed the efficient investigation of multiple operational parameters including desorption pressure and feed gas flow rates. The numerical model produced CH4 concentrations for both product streams consistent with those measured in the pilot experiments, with root mean square deviations below 2%. The modeling results revealed that sufficiently low desorption pressures can unexpectedly lead to lower heavy product purities under limited feed gas flow conditions. Furthermore, the optimum feed gas flow rate under which maximum heavy product purity is achieved increases with lower desorption pressure. The maximum CH4 concentrations increased from 31.8% to 41.5%, as desorption pressures decreased from 22.8 to 12.2 kPa for optimum feed flow rates between 78.2 and 105.5 mol/h. We also demonstrate a method of process optimization based on the bed capacity ratio, ℂ, which provides a scale‐independent measure of the degree to which the column is being used effectively. By varying feed flow rate and/or desorption pressure, ℂ values between 0.2 and 0.8 were explored, with maxima in the combined separation performance metric (methane recovery) × (methane purity) occurring for values of ℂ in the range 0.29–0.36. This separation performance optimization by adjusting ℂ provides an effective strategy for integrating and understanding the impact of multiple operating parameters.
Error Detection and Correction Method Toward Fully Memristive Stateful Logic Design
Authors: Li Zhiwei , Long Hongchang , Zhu Xi , Wang Yinan , Liu Haijun , Li Qingjiang , Xu Nuo , Xu Hui
Published: February 2022

Implementing stateful logic based on memristors is a promising approach for the development of a highly efficient in‐memory computing paradigm, wherein the data transmission between the controller and memory is largely alleviated. However, the deviation of the electrical behavior of memristors causes errors in the execution process of the stateful logic. Consequently, a reliability issue arises that must be carefully addressed. Here, a method of error detection and correction (EDC) based on memristor‐based stateful logic operation is proposed for the IMP stateful logic gate (PMR‐two‐2IMP). Leveraging the concept of redundancy, error detection is achieved with the assistance of a stateful NOR logic gate, while a composite stateful OR logic gate is used for error correction. In the simulated validation, the concept of redundancy is employed to improve the accuracy of EDC. Finally, the feasibility of the proposed method for practical devices (TiN/TaO
x
/HfO
x
/TiN) is demonstrated using a circuit platform equipped with a 1T1R crossbar array.
Nintedanib in Patients With Autoimmune Disease–Related Progressive Fibrosing Interstitial Lung Diseases: Subgroup Analysis of the INBUILD Trial
Authors: Matteson Eric L. , Kelly Clive , Distler Jörg H. W. , Hoffmann‐Vold Anna‐Maria , Seibold James R. , Mittoo Shikha , Dellaripa Paul F. , Aringer Martin , Pope Janet , Distler Oliver , James Alexandra , Schlenker‐Herceg Rozsa , Stowasser Susanne , Quaresma Manuel , Flaherty Kevin R. ,   the INBUILD Trial Investigators
Published: February 2022

Objective

To analyze the efficacy and safety of nintedanib in patients with fibrosing autoimmune disease–related interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) with a progressive phenotype.

Methods

The INBUILD trial enrolled patients with a fibrosing ILD other than idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, with diffuse fibrosing lung disease of >10% extent on high‐resolution computed tomography, forced vital capacity percent predicted (FVC%) ≥45%, and diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide percent predicted ≥30% to <80%. Patients fulfilled protocol‐defined criteria for progression of ILD within the 24 months before screening, despite management deemed appropriate in clinical practice. Subjects were randomized to receive nintedanib or placebo. We assessed the rate of decline in FVC (ml/year) and adverse events (AEs) over 52 weeks in the subgroup with autoimmune disease–related ILDs.

Results

Among 170 patients with autoimmune disease–related ILDs, the rate of decline in FVC over 52 weeks was −75.9 ml/year with nintedanib versus −178.6 ml/year with placebo (difference 102.7 ml/year [95% confidence interval 23.2, 182.2]; nominal P = 0.012). No heterogeneity was detected in the effect of nintedanib versus placebo across subgroups based on ILD diagnosis (P = 0.91). The most frequent AE was diarrhea, reported in 63.4% and 27.3% of subjects in the nintedanib and placebo groups, respectively. AEs led to permanent discontinuation of trial drug in 17.1% and 10.2% of subjects in the nintedanib and placebo groups, respectively.

Conclusion

In the INBUILD trial, nintedanib slowed the rate of decline in FVC in patients with progressive fibrosing autoimmune disease–related ILDs, with AEs that were manageable for most patients.
Conversational adaptation in children and teens with autism: Differences in talkativeness across contexts
Authors: Cola Meredith , Zampella Casey J. , Yankowitz Lisa D. , Plate Samantha , Petrulla Victoria , Tena Kimberly , Russell Alison , Pandey Juhi , Schultz Robert T. , Parish‐Morris Julia
Published: February 2022

Successful social communication is complex; it relies on effectively deploying and continuously revising one's behavior to fit the needs of a given conversation, partner, and context. For example, a skilled conversationalist may instinctively become less talkative with a quiet partner and more talkative with a chattier one. Prior research suggests that behavioral flexibility across social contexts can be a particular challenge for individuals with autism spectrum condition (ASC), and that difficulty adapting to the changing needs of a conversation contributes to communicative breakdowns and poor social outcomes. In this study, we examine whether reduced conversational adaptation, as measured by talkativeness, differentiates 48 verbally fluent children and teens with ASC from 50 neurotypical (NT) peers matched on age, intelligence quotient, and sex ratio. Participants completed the Contextual Assessment of Social Skills with two novel conversation partners. The first acted interested in the conversation and talked more (Interested condition), while the second acted bored and talked less (Bored condition). Results revealed that NT participants emulated their conversation partner's behavior by being more talkative in the Interested condition as compared to the Bored condition (z = 9.92, p < 0.001). In contrast, the ASC group did not differentially adapt their behavior to the Bored versus Interested context, instead remaining consistently talkative in both (p = 0.88). The results of this study have implications for understanding social communication and behavioral adaptation in ASC, and may be valuable for clinicians interested in improving conversational competence in verbally fluent individuals with autism.

Lay Summary

Social communication—including everyday conversations—can be challenging for individuals on the autism spectrum. In successful conversations, people tend to adjust aspects of their language to be more similar to their partners'. In this study, we found that children and teens with autism did not change their own talkativeness in response to a social partner who was more or less talkative, whereas neurotypical peers did. These findings have clinical implications for improving conversational competence in verbally fluent individuals with autism.
Strategic sustainable development of Industry 4.0 through the lens of social responsibility: The role of human resource practices
Authors: Mukhuty Sumona , Upadhyay Arvind , Rothwell Holly
Published: February 2022

Research on sustainable development is significantly influenced by the trade‐off between the economic, social and environmental performance of businesses. Industry 4.0 development is a key business priority due to the promise of exponential increase in productivity, time efficiencies and cost reduction. However, Industry 4.0 development has been slow. Notably, human actors remain central to Industry 4.0, while the social responsibility component of sustainable development is a key prerogative for industry, championed through the UN sustainable development goals and European Commission. Therefore, we evaluate human‐related impediments for Industry 4.0 and critically explore how human resource management (HRM) can overcome these barriers using a socially responsible orientation. First, we analyse the human‐related challenges to Industry 4.0 through a thematic literature review. Thereafter, through an integrative literature review of different research streams (Industry 4.0, HRM and social responsibility), we critically argue novel perspectives on how human resource practices can enable sustainable development of Industry 4.0 in a socially responsible manner. Herein, we address a crucial literature gap. Our findings reveal numerous people‐related barriers, including change resistance, digital skills gap, employment threats widening socio‐economic inequalities, lack of industry‐wide collaboration, leadership and organisational culture challenges. We show that HRM can be a crucial enabler for sustainable Industry 4.0 development through socially responsible human resource practices. These include strategic multistakeholder collaborations, holistic talent management, change leadership, inclusive knowledge sharing, sponsoring education research and codesigning curricula, smart technology for upskilling and retention and rewarding inclusive Industry 4.0 ideas. We conclude with future research directions.
PROTOCOL: Exploring the effect of case management in homelessness per components: A systematic review of effectiveness and implementation, with meta‐analysis and thematic synthesis
Authors: Weightman Alison L. , Kelson Mark J. , Thomas Ian , Mann Mala K. , Searchfield Lydia , Hannigan Ben , Smith Robin J. , Willis Simone , Cordiner Rhiannon
Published: February 2022

This is the protocol for a Campbell review. The objectives are as follows: To carry out a mixed methods review to summarise current evidence relating to the components of case‐management interventions for people experiencing homelessness.
Sex‐based disparities in outcome in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a Children’s Oncology Group report
Authors: Gupta Sumit , Teachey David T. , Chen Zhiguo , Rabin Karen R. , Dunsmore Kimberly P. , Larsen Eric C. , Maloney Kelly W. , Mattano Leonard A. , Winter Stuart S. , Carroll Andrew J. , Heerema Nyla A. , Borowitz Michael J. , Wood Brent L. , Carroll William L. , Raetz Elizabeth A. , Winick Naomi J. , Loh Mignon L. , Hunger Stephen P. , Devidas Meenakshi
Published: February 2022

Background

Boys with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have historically experienced inferior survival compared to girls. This study determined whether sex‐based disparities persist with contemporary therapy and whether patterns of treatment failure vary by sex.

Methods

Patients 1 to 30.99 years old were enrolled on frontline Children’s Oncology Group trials between 2004 and 2014. Boys received an additional year of maintenance therapy. Sex‐based differences in the distribution of various prognosticators, event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS), and subcategories of relapse by site were explored.

Results

A total of 8202 (54.4% male) B‐cell ALL (B‐ALL) and 1562 (74.3% male) T‐cell ALL (T‐ALL) patients were included. There was no sex‐based difference in central nervous system (CNS) status. Boys experienced inferior 5‐year EFS and OS (EFS, 84.6% ± 0.5% vs 86.0% ± 0.6%, P = .009; OS, 91.3% ± 0.4% vs 92.5% ± 0.4%, P = .02). This was attributable to boys with B‐ALL, who experienced inferior EFS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.2; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.1‐1.3; P = .004) and OS (HR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.0‐1.4; P = .046) after adjustment for prognosticators. Inferior B‐ALL outcomes in boys were attributable to more relapses (5‐year cumulative incidence 11.2% ± 0.5% vs 9.6% ± 0.5%; P = .001), particularly involving the CNS (4.2% ± 0.3% vs 2.5% ± 0.3%; P < .0001). There was no difference in isolated bone marrow relapses (5.4% ± 0.4% vs 6.2% ± 0.4%; P = .49). There were no sex‐based differences in EFS or OS in T‐ALL.

Conclusions

Sex‐based disparities in ALL persist, attributable to increased CNS relapses in boys with B‐ALL. Studies of potential mechanisms are warranted. Improved strategies to identify and modify treatment for patients at highest risk of CNS relapse may have particular benefit for boys.
PharmVar GeneFocus: CYP3A5
Authors: Rodriguez‐Antona Cristina , Savieo Jessica L. , Lauschke Volker M. , Sangkuhl Katrin , Drögemöller Britt I. , Wang Danxin , van Schaik Ron H. N. , Gilep Andrei A. , Peter Arul P. , Boone Erin C. , Ramey Bronwyn E. , Klein Teri E. , Whirl‐Carrillo Michelle , Pratt Victoria M. , Gaedigk Andrea
Published: February 2022

The Pharmacogene Variation Consortium (PharmVar) catalogs star (*) allele nomenclature for the polymorphic human CYP3A5 gene. Genetic variation within the CYP3A5 gene locus impacts the metabolism of several clinically important drugs, including the immunosuppressants tacrolimus, sirolimus, cyclosporine, and the benzodiazepine midazolam. Variable CYP3A5 activity is of clinical importance regarding tacrolimus metabolism. This GeneFocus provides a CYP3A5 gene summary with a focus on aspects regarding standardized nomenclature. In addition, this review also summarizes recent changes and updates, including the retirement of several allelic variants and provides an overview of how PharmVar CYP3A5 star allele nomenclature is utilized by the Pharmacogenomics Knowledgebase (PharmGKB) and the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC).
Clinical and Molecular Profiling to Develop a Potential Prediction Model for the Response to Alemtuzumab Therapy for Acute Kidney Transplant Rejection
Authors: Hullegie‐Peelen Daphne M. , van der Zwan Marieke , Clahsen‐van Groningen Marian C. , Mustafa Dana A.M. , Baart Sara J. , Reinders Marlies E.J. , Baan Carla C. , Hesselink Dennis A.
Published: February 2022

Alemtuzumab, a monoclonal antibody that depletes CD52‐bearing immune cells, is an effective drug for the treatment of severe or glucocorticoid‐resistant acute kidney transplant rejection (AR). Patient‐specific predictions on treatment response are, however, urgently needed, given the severe side effects of alemtuzumab. This study developed a multidimensional prediction model with the aim of generating clinically useful prognostic scores for the response to alemtuzumab. Clinical and histological characteristics were collected retrospectively from patients who were treated with alemtuzumab for AR. In addition, targeted gene expression profiling of AR biopsy tissues was performed. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression modeling was used to construct the ALEMtuzumab for Acute Rejection (ALEMAR) prognostic score. Response to alemtuzumab was defined as patient and allograft survival and at least once an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) > 30 mL/min/1.73 m2during the first 6 months after treatment. One hundred fifteen patients were included, of which 84 (73%) had a response to alemtuzumab. The ALEMAR‐score accurately predicted the chance of response. Gene expression analysis identified 13 differentially expressed genes between responders and nonresponders. The combination of the ALEMAR‐score and selected genes resulted in improved predictions of treatment response. The present preliminary prediction model is potentially helpful for the development of stratified alemtuzumab treatment for acute kidney transplant rejection but requires validation.
Rational Guidelines for the Two‐Step Scalability of Enzymatic Polycondensation: Experimental and Computational Optimization of the Enzymatic Synthesis of Poly(glycerolazelate)
Authors: Todea Anamaria , Fortuna Sara , Ebert Cynthia , Asaro Fioretta , Tomada Stefano , Cespugli Marco , Hollan Fabio , Gardossi Lucia
Published: February 2022

The lipase‐catalyzed polycondensation of azelaic acid and glycerol is investigated according to a Design‐of‐Experiment approach that helps to elucidate the effect of experimental variables on monomer conversion, Mn and regioselectivity of acylation of glycerol. Chemometric analysis shows that after 24 h the reaction proceeds regardless of the presence of the enzyme. Accordingly, the biocatalyst was removed after a first step of synthesis and the chain elongation continued at 80 °C. That allowed the removal of the biocatalyst and the preservation of its activity: pre‐requites for efficient applicability at industrial scale. The experimental study, combined with docking‐based computational analysis, provides rational guidelines for the optimization of the regioselective acylation of glycerol. The process is scaled up to 73.5 g of monomer. The novelty of the present study is the rigorous control of the reaction conditions and of the integrity of the immobilized biocatalyst, which serve to avoiding any interference of free enzyme or fines released in the reaction mixture. The quantitative analysis of the effect of experimental conditions and the overcoming of some major technical bottlenecks for the scalability of enzymatic polycondensation opens new scenarios for industrial exploitation.
Examining the role of repeated test exposure over 12 months across ADNI protocols
Authors: Hammers Dustin B. , Duff Kevin , Apostolova Liana G. ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: February 2022

Objective: Changes to study protocols during longitudinal research may alter cognitive testing schedules over time. Unlike in prior Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) protocols, where testing occurred twice annually, participants enrolled in the ADNI‐3 are no longer exposed to cognitive materials at 6 months. This may affect their 12‐month performance relative to earlier ADNI cohorts, and potentially confounds data harmonization attempts between earlier and later ADNI protocols. Method: Using data from participants enrolled across multiple ADNI protocols, this study investigated whether test exposure during 6‐month cognitive evaluation influenced scores on subsequent 12‐month evaluation. Results: No interaction effects were observed between test exposure group and time at 12 months on cognitive performance. No improvements, and limited declines, were seen between baseline and 12‐month follow‐up scores on most measures. Conclusions: The 6‐month testing session had minimal impact on 12‐month performance in ADNI. Collapsing longitudinal data across ADNI protocols in future research appears appropriate.
Hidradenitis suppurativa: Topical and intralesional treatment options
Authors: Ajayi Ayodeji , Sokumbi Olayemi
Published: February 2022

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a debilitating chronic dermatologic condition characterized by inflammation of the pilosebaceous glands in skin complicated by the formation of abscesses, sinus tracts, and scarring. HS is associated with long‐term psychosocial and physical consequences. The elucidation of the pathophysiology of HS is evolving leading to the discovery of possible therapeutic options. The relapsing nature of HS and a lack of definitive curative therapy makes the need for timely treatment important to slow down disease progression. Treatment modalities vary and include local antiseptics, intralesional corticosteroids, topical antibiotics, oral antibiotics, oral retinoids, antiandrogens, biologics, and surgical interventions, among others. The purpose of this review is to discuss topical and intralesional therapies for the management of HS.
N‐terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide reference values in community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Braisch Ulrike , Koenig Wolfgang , Rothenbacher Dietrich , Denkinger Michael , Friedrich Nele , Felix Stephan B. , Ittermann Till , Dörr Marcus , Dallmeier Dhayana
Published: February 2022

Aims

Available upper reference levels (URLs) in older adults for N‐terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP), an established biomarker for heart failure, are mainly based on small samples. We aimed to identify NT‐proBNP URL in a population‐based reference sample of individuals aged ≥65 years.

Methods and results

We analysed established NT‐proBNP predictors using quantile regression among 2459 participants of two‐independent population‐based cohorts located in Germany, the Activity and Function in the Elderly Study (ActiFE, n = 1450) and the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP‐TREND‐0, n = 1009). Based on predictors a reference population of 441 subjects (ActiFE, n = 227; SHIP‐TREND‐0, n = 214) without history of diabetes, cardiovascular, or pulmonary diseases and with systolic blood pressure (BP) <140 mmHg, diastolic BP ≥60 and ≤90 mmHg, haemoglobin in men ≥14 and ≤18 g/dL and in women ≥12 and ≤16 g/dL, GFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2, CRP <5 mg/L, BMI ≥18 and ≤33 kg/m2, and hs‐cTnI <40 ng/L were built with NT‐proBNP median levels and 97.5% quantiles reported stratified by sex and age. In a secondary analysis the URL among 97 SHIP‐TREND‐0 participants with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥50 and no diastolic dysfunction were estimated. The median age in the identified reference sample was 70 years, with 41.9% and 40.2% male participants in ActiFE and SHIP‐TREND‐0, respectively. We observed an age‐dependent increment of NT‐proBNP levels with higher values in women compared to men. Notably, NT‐proBNP levels were >125 ng/L in 165 participants (37.4%), with NT‐proBNP URL (97.5% quantiles) equal to 663, 824, 592, and 697 ng/L in men, and 343, 463, 2641, 1276 ng/L in women for ages 65–69, 70–74, 75–79, and 80+ years, respectively. In the secondary analysis with a LVEF ≥50 and no diastolic dysfunction (35 men and 62 women) NT‐proBNP levels >125 ng/L were still observed in 38 (39.2%) participants.

Conclusions

This reference sample of apparently healthy asymptomatic older adults showed an age‐related increment of NT‐proBNP levels with URL markedly higher than the European Society of Cardiology recommended cut‐off of 125 ng/L for the diagnosis of heart failure in ambulatory settings. Identifying URL in those ≥80 years remains complex. Our results attempt to provide a frame for the further investigation of age‐specific NT‐proBNP cut‐offs in older adults. Considering the demographic changes, further evaluation of NT‐proBNP URL in larger samples of older adults followed by the validation of age‐specific cut‐off values for the identification of heart failure in those 65 years or older are urgently needed.
Impact of hybrid nanofluids (Ag‐TiO2/H2O) on improving the performance of a heat exchanger with turbulent induction elements
Authors: Bisheh Mohammad Mehdi , Pourfallah Mohsen , Gholinia Mosayeb
Published: February 2022

In this article, the optimization of a twisted strip heat exchanger was explored aiming at enhancing heat transfer. To this end, governing equations using ANSYS‐FLUENT software and nanofluid flow using the k‐ε RNG turbulence model were simulated in the heat exchanger, respectively. The investigated parameters included temperature, pressure, velocity, turbulence kinetic energy (TKE), nanofluid concentration, nanofluid shape factor, Reynolds number, and the diameter of the spherical obstacle on the twisted tape. In addition, the applied nanoparticles were Ag and TiO2, which were combined as a hybrid with a ratio of 50%–50%. Investigations on the surface of the twisted tape with a spherical obstacle revealed a reduction in the temperature while an increase in pressure changes, velocity, and TKE. Moreover, it was specified that the application of lamina‐shaped (non‐spherical) nanofluid has the maximum convection heat transfer coefficient relative to platelets and spherical shapes. The highest heat transfer rate was achieved at a nanofluid concentration of . Based on the findings, the heat transfer rate upgraded by increasing the Reynolds number such that the highest heat transfer rate was gained at Reynolds number 18,000. Finally, the heat transfer coefficient was enhanced by approximately 52% by increasing the diameter of the obstacles from 3 to 12 mm.
Selection of the ultimate perovskite solar cell materials and fabrication processes towards its industrialization: A review
Authors: Teixeira Cristina O. , Castro Diogo , Andrade Luísa , Mendes Adélio
Published: February 2022

Hybrid organic–inorganic perovskite materials have become one of the most studied classes of light‐harvesting materials due to their exceptional properties such as high light absorption, long carrier diffusion lengths, bandgap tuning and defect tolerance. Since 2009 that the scientific community has been working on improving the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cell devices, reaching now an impressive value of 25.5%. Moreover, efficiencies over 18% are often reported by several authors. Since the efficiency goal is almost fulfilled, the scientific community is currently addressing five challenges, with the ultimate objective to make this technology competitive and turn it commercial; these challenges are cost, stability, upscaling, safety and environmental impact. Given the astonishing progresses reached during the past decade and the numerous research groups working to the same goal, it is a matter of time until commercial perovskite solar devices become a reality. In this review work, the most recent achievements regarding this purpose are put together and compared, so as to suggest the most suitable perovskite solar fabrication processes and materials to produce commercial devices.
Assessment of the impact of battery selection on the feasibility of hybrid renewable energy systems
Authors: Chaurasia Ravi , Gairola Sanjay , Pal Yash
Published: February 2022

This paper assesses the technical, economic, and environmental feasibility of photovoltaic (PV)/wind turbines (WT)/diesel generator (DG)/battery‐based hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) using lead acid (LA), lithium‐ion (LI), and iron Edison nickel‐iron (IE) battery technologies (BTs). The energy cost is optimized, and the obtained results are compared to select the best hybrid system. The LI battery employed in the PV/DG/battery system (206.43 kW PV, 50 kW DG, 53.04 kWh LI batteries, and 61.1 kW converter) performed comparatively much better, as levelized cost of energy (LCOE) was reduced by around 28% and 20%, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were reduced by 31% and 6% as compared to the LA and IE batteries employed in HRES, respectively. In addition, sensitivity analysis reveals that the capital cost of PV and the discount rate are more critical to determining the LCOE and renewable penetration. In contrast, the effect of the battery cost and inflation rate is relatively small. Finally, comparing the optimal resource configuration has confirmed that PV/DG/LI has significantly reduced LCOE (58% less than DG/LI) and GHG emissions (87% less than DG/LI).