bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
α‐Carotene: a valuable carotenoid in biological and medical research
Authors: Zhao Zilong , Chen Jing , Ci FangFang , Pang He , Cheng Ning , Xing Aijia
Published: April 2022

α‐Carotene, one of the C40 carotenes, is a natural lipid‐soluble terpene. The chemical structure of α‐carotene is based on the unsaturated polyene chain skeleton, with an ε‐ring and a β‐ring on each side of the skeleton. α‐Carotene is widely found in dietary fruits and vegetables, and the concentration depends on the plant species. In addition, processing methods and storage conditions used in the food and medical industries can alter the concentration of α‐carotene in raw materials. This review of α‐carotene summarizes the major studies on chemical structure, source, extraction, detection, biosynthesis, processing effect, bioactivity, medicine, and biotechnology. Whether α‐carotene supplementation or a diet rich in fruits and vegetables has a positive effect on the prevention of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other diseases is the focus of this study. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
All inkjet‐printed 6.95″ 217 ppi active matrix QD‐LED display with RGB Cd‐free QDs in the top‐emission device structure
Authors: Park Myoungjin , Kim Young Il , Jung Yun Ku , Kang Jin‐goo , Kim Sehun , Ha Jaekook , Yoon Yeo‐geon , Lee Changhee
Published: April 2022

Electroluminescence quantum dot devices (QD‐LEDs) show the promise in the development of future displays. For commercialization, the top emission device structure is more advantageous than the bottom emission device structure to realize the high aperture ratio full color displays. Moreover, it is essential to understand not only the device structure and characteristics of QD‐LEDs but also the challenging issues in inkjet‐printed devices. Here, we demonstrated the world first all inkjet‐printed Cd‐free active matrix QD‐LEDs based on getting over the hurdles of all inkjet printing process. Especially, we have fabricated QD‐LED devices by stacking 4‐soluble layers without intermixing and studied the factors affecting QD efficiency and QD printing and the influence of ETL solvent on QD. Inkjet‐printed QD‐LED devices have achieved 8 cd/A, 70 cd/A, and 8 cd/A current efficiency of red, green, and blue, respectively, on the basis of 250 nits of full white RGB panels. We believe that our work clarifies an encouraging step toward the practical application of Cd‐free based QD‐LED displays.
Molecular pathogenesis and emerging targets of gastric adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ivey Abby , Pratt Hillary , Boone  Brian A.
Published: April 2022

Gastric adenocarcinoma (GC) is a devastating disease and is the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. This heterogeneous disease has several different classification systems that consider histological appearance and genomic alterations. Understanding the etiology of GC, including infection, hereditary conditions, and environmental factors, is of particular importance and is discussed in this review. To improve survival in GC, we also must improve our therapeutic strategies. Here, we discuss new targets that warrant further exploration.
Current and future imaging modalities in gastric cancer
Authors: Tham Elwin , Sestito Michael , Markovich Brian , Garland‐Kledzik Mary
Published: April 2022

Gastric adenocarcinoma treatment can include endoscopic mucosal resection, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and palliative measures depending on staging. Both invasive and noninvasive staging techniques have been used to dictate the best treatment pathway. Here, we review the current imaging modalities used in gastric cancer as well as novel techniques to accurately stage and screen these patients.
Is increasing nodal count associated with improved recurrence‐free and overall survival following standard right hemicolectomy for colon cancer?
Authors: Hayes Ian P. , Milanzi Elasma , Gibbs Peter , Faragher Ian , Reece Jeanette C.
Published: April 2022

Background and Objectives

Increasing lymph node harvest for right‐sided colon cancer is associated with improved overall survival (OS), but most relevant studies failed to report the extent of resection. We examined the association between increasing lymph node count with standard right hemicolectomy according to nodal status and prognostic outcomes in right‐sided tumors.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected clinical data from patients with proximal colonic adenocarcinomas (n = 1390) following right hemicolectomy. Associations between lymph node counts (0–12 vs. 13–15, 16–20, and >20) and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and OS were examined using multivariate Cox modeling adjusted for confounders.

Results

We found no association between increasing nodal count and RFS, regardless of nodal status. In the absence of nodal metastases, increasing nodal count (16–20 and >20 vs. 0–12 nodes) was associated with 57% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.21–0.89) and 52% (95% CI: 0.24–0.95) improved OS, respectively. In the presence of nodal metastases, increasing nodal count was not associated with OS. Adjuvant chemotherapy did not modify this effect.

Conclusion

Increasing nodal count (>15 nodes) with right hemicolectomy was not associated with improved RFS. Improved OS was only found for node‐negative tumors, casting some doubt on the benefits of resecting more lymph nodes in the presence of nodal metastases.
The Value of IOTA Simple Rules Combined With CEUS Scoring System in the Diagnosis of Benign and Malignant Ovarian Masses and Its Correlation With MVD and VEGF: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Liu Chun , Li Yuan , Zhu Yi , Lu Man
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To investigate the diagnostic value of International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) simple rules combined with contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) scoring system in the differential diagnosis of ovarian tumors, and the correlations of the scoring system with microvessel density (MVD) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

Methods

One hundred eighty‐nine patients with ovarian tumors were examined by routine ultrasound and CEUS. The enhanced characteristics of CEUS were observed, and the masses were classified by IOTA simple rules. To compare the diagnostic value of IOTA simple rules combined with CEUS scoring system and IOTA simple rules in the diagnosis of ovarian tumors. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of MVD and VEGF in postoperative tissue samples. The correlations between the new scoring system with MVD and VEGF were analyzed.

Results

The sensitivity (93.98%), specificity (94.34%), positive predictive value (92.86%), negative predictive value (95.24%), and accuracy (94.18%) of IOTA simple rules combined with CEUS scoring system in the diagnosis of ovarian tumors were higher than those of IOTA simple rules alone (all P < .05). The score system was significantly positively correlated with MVD and VEGF, and the r values were 0.77 and 0.63, respectively (P < .001).

Conclusions

IOTA simple rules combined with CEUS scoring system was helpful to improve the accuracy of ultrasound diagnosis of ovarian tumors, which was significantly correlated with MVD and VEGF. It could provide important reference information for treatment scheme formulation and prognosis evaluation.
Preparation of AIE Functional Single‐Chain Polymer Nanoparticles and Their Application in H2O2 Detection through Intermolecular Heavy‐Atom Effect
Authors: Lu Zhimin , Zhang Junyong , Yin Wang , Guo Changfa , Lang Meidong
Published: April 2022

Single‐chain polymer nanoparticles (SCNPs) are soft matter constructed by intrachain crosslinks, with promising prospects in detection and catalysis. Herein, a fluorescent core (SCNPs) with aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) is prepared, applying for H2O2 detection through intermolecular heavy‐atom effect. In detail, the SCNPs precursors are synthesized by ring‐opening copolymerization. Then the SCNPs are prepared by intramolecularly cross‐linking via olefin metathesis. Imitating the structure of AIE dots, SCNPs are encapsulated by H2O2‐responsive polymers. Probably due to the stable secondary structure of SCNPs, the obtained micelles show stable fluorescence performance. Furthermore, as the heavy‐atom, tellurium is introduced into the carriers to construct the heavy‐atom effect. In this micelle‐based system, the SCNPs act as the fluorescent core, and the stimuli‐responsive polymer acts as the carrier and the fluorescent switch. The hydrophilicity of the tellurium‐containing segment is affected by the concentration of H2O2, resulting in a change in the distance from the SCNPs, which ultimately leads to a change in the fluorescence intensity. Furthermore, tellurium is particularly sensitive to H2O2, which can detect low concentrations of H2O2. The SCNPs are merged with AIE materials, with the hope of exploring new probe designs.
Antenna characterization based on backscattered electromagnetic waves
Authors: Sekhri Yacine , Grassin Patricia , Gaoua Malik , Gadot Frederique , Ouslimani Habiba Hafdallah
Published: April 2022

This paper proposes a Radar technique to reconstruct the intrinsic properties of antennas. The study presents the measurements and CST MWS simulations of the backscattered wave and Radar Cross Section (RCS) of two target‐antennas over a wide frequency range (1−8 GHz). A calibration process based on standard metal targets with well‐known RCS values, combined to a gating–time filter is used to extract the reradiate antenna mode with good accuracy. Based on a linear quadrupole model, the antenna transmission parameters are connected to the reradiate antenna mode and the system of equations is solved with several sets of measurements or simulations using multiple terminal load impedances. The antenna, gain and reflection coefficient both measured and simulated are reconstructed with the Radar technique and are compared to the results of conventional measurements and CST MWS simulations. The method is simple in its implementation and has proven to be effective.
Free‐breathing self‐gated continuous‐IR spiral T1 mapping: Comparison of dual flip‐angle and Bloch‐Siegert B1‐corrected techniques
Authors: Zhou Ruixi , Wang Junyu , Weller Daniel S. , Yang Yang , Mugler John P. , Salerno Michael
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To develop a B1‐corrrected single flip‐angle continuous acquisition strategy with free‐breathing and cardiac self‐gating for spiral T1 mapping, and compare it to a previous dual flip‐angle technique.

Methods

Data were continuously acquired using a spiral‐out trajectory, rotated by the golden angle in time. During the first 2 s, off‐resonance Fermi RF pulses were applied to generate a Bloch‐Siegert shift B1 map, and the subsequent data were acquired with an inversion RF pulse applied every 4 s to create a T1* map. The final T1 map was generated from the B1 and the T1* maps by using a look‐up table that accounted for slice profile effects, yielding more accurate T1 values. T1 values were compared to those from inversion recovery (IR) spin echo (phantom only), MOLLI, SAturation‐recovery single‐SHot Acquisition (SASHA), and previously proposed dual flip‐angle results. This strategy was evaluated in a phantom and 25 human subjects.

Results

The proposed technique showed good agreement with IR spin‐echo results in the phantom experiment. For in‐vivo studies, the proposed technique and the previously proposed dual flip‐angle method were more similar to SASHA results than to MOLLI results.

Conclusions

B1‐corrected single flip‐angle T1 mapping successfully acquired B1 and T1 maps in a free‐breathing, continuous‐IR spiral acquisition, providing a method with improved accuracy to measure T1 using a continuous Look‐Locker acquisition, as compared to the previously proposed dual excitation flip‐angle technique.
On quantification errors of R2*$$ {R}_2^{\ast } $$ and proton density fat fraction mapping in trabecularized bone marrow in the static dephasing regime
Authors: Kronthaler Sophia , Diefenbach Maximilian N. , Boehm Christof , Zamskiy Mark , Makowski Marcus R. , Baum Thomas , Sollmann Nico , Karampinos Dimitrios C.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To study the effect of field inhomogeneity distributions in trabecularized bone regions on the gradient echo (GRE) signal with short TEs and to characterize quantification errors on and proton density fat fraction (PDFF) maps when using a water‐fat model with an exponential decay model at short TEs.

Methods

Field distortions were simulated based on a trabecular bone micro CT dataset. Simulations were performed for different bone volume fractions (BV/TV) and for different bone‐fat composition values. A multi‐TE UTE acquisition was developed to acquire multiple UTEs with random order to minimize eddy currents. The acquisition was validated in phantoms and applied in vivo in a volunteer's ankle and knee. Chemical shift encoded MRI (CSE‐MRI) based on a Cartesian multi‐TE GRE scan was acquired in the spine of patients with metastatic bone disease.

Results

Simulations showed that signal deviations from the exponential signal decay at short TEs were more prominent for a higher BV/TV. UTE multi‐TE measurements reproduced in vivo the simulation‐based predicted behavior. In regions with high BV/TV, the presence of field inhomogeneities induced an underestimation in trabecularized bone marrow when using CSE‐MRI at 3T with a short TE.

Conclusion

can be underestimated when using short TEs (<2 ms at 3 T) and a water‐fat model with an exponential decay model in multi‐echo GRE acquisitions of trabecularized bone marrow.
Blinatumomab overcomes poor prognostic impact of measurable residual disease in pediatric high‐risk first relapse B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Locatelli Franco , Eckert Cornelia , Hrusak Ondrej , Buldini Barbara , Sartor Mary , Zugmaier Gerhard , Zeng Yi , Pilankar Deepali , Morris Joan , von Stackelberg Arend
Published: April 2022

Background

Blinatumomab, a CD3/CD19 BiTE® (bispecific T cell engager) molecule, was superior to high‐risk third course consolidation chemotherapy (HC3) in prolonging event‐free survival (EFS) in children with high‐risk first relapse B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B‐ALL). Here, we report results from a post hoc measurable residual disease (MRD) analysis of this phase 3 study (NCT02393859).

Procedure

Children >28 days and <18 years with high‐risk first‐relapse B‐ALL in cytomorphological complete remission (M1 marrow, <5% blasts) or with M2 marrow (≥5% and <25% blasts) after induction and two cycles of high‐risk consolidation chemotherapy (baseline) were enrolled in this trial. Patients received one cycle of blinatumomab (15 μg/m2/day, 4 weeks, continuous intravenous infusion) or HC3. The primary endpoint was EFS. In this post hoc analysis, patients with MRD <10–4 by PCR were grouped as having positive but not quantifiable (pbnq) or undetectable disease.

Results

A higher proportion of patients with MRD <10–4 had undetectable versus pbnq disease after blinatumomab (day 29) than after HC3 (p = 0.0367). Of the 22 patients with MRD ≥10–4 at baseline who achieved MRD remission after blinatumomab, 20 (91%) achieved MRD <10–4 remission by day 15. Patients treated with blinatumomab had improved EFS and overall survival compared with those treated with HC3 independent of end‐of‐induction or baseline (end‐of‐second consolidation) MRD levels.

Conclusions

Blinatumomab was more efficacious than HC3 regardless of MRD status before treatment. These data support the role of blinatumomab in inducing deep MRD remission, negating the poor prognostic value of MRD.
High‐Temperature Investigation of TeO2–Na2O–ZnO Glasses
Authors: de Clermont-Gallerande Jonathan , Taniguchi Daiki , Colas Maggy , Thomas Philippe , Hayakawa Tomokatsu
Published: April 2022

Herein, a ternary system of TeO2–ZnO–Na2O (TZN) with competitive roles of covalent Zn–O and ionic Na–O bonds in tellurite glassy network is examined for high‐temperature in situ X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. TZN glasses are doped with Nd2O3 and the effects of Nd doping on the crystallization of glasses are also written. In situ high‐temperature XRD permits the assignment of each of the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) crystallization peaks (the first crystallization peak (T
c1) is related to sodium‐based crystalline phases, while the second crystallization peak (T
c2) is correlated with tellurium‐/zinc‐based crystalline phases). The study of in situ high‐temperature Raman spectroscopy shows that T
c1 shows γ‐TeO2 crystallized phase‐like peaks while T
c2 crystallization has more α‐TeO2‐crystallized phase‐like peaks. Comparison at the same temperature (430 °C) permits a first understanding of the structural changes of the glasses in terms of the evolution first to α‐TeO2, ZnO, ZnTeO3, and Zn2Te3O8 crystalline phases compared with Na10Zn4O9 phase. The ZnTeO3 and Zn2Te3O8 crystallization evolution is also compared between the Nd‐doped and nondoped glasses, which gives more insight into the tellurite glass structures.
PeakTrace: Routing of hydropeaking waves using multiple hydrographs—A novel approach
Authors: Greimel Franz , Grün Bettina , Hayes Daniel S. , Höller Norbert , Haider Julia , Zeiringer Bernhard , Holzapfel Patrick , Hauer Christoph , Schmutz Stefan
Published: April 2022

Hydropeaking is known for its adverse impacts on river ecosystems. However, the implementation of mitigation measures is still largely pending due to conflicting priorities of ecology and economics, which require scenario building to assess trade‐offs. Therefore, widely applicable and standardized tools are needed to analyze hydropeaking hydrology in affected rivers to expedite mitigation efforts. Here, we present a novel empirical approach—PeakTrace—that can (a) detect and follow source‐specific hydropeaking waves in the downstream direction by using multiple hydrographs and (b) describe how to flow metrics of hydropeaking waves change along a river's course. In detail, PeakTrace first identifies associated flow events and then models translation and retention processes between neighboring hydrographs. Finally, the models can be combined to establish a non‐linear hydropower plant‐specific model. We demonstrate the PeakTrace method's usability in 16 Austrian case studies. The results underline the high performance of PeakTrace, describing the longitudinal development of flow metrics with high model accuracy up to 25 km or more. Ecologically‐relevant metrics, such as rate of change or amplitude, decrease with distance from the hydropower outlet regarding down‐ramping events; the same pattern can be observed for up‐ramping events too, except for the rate of change for which an intensity increase may be observed, probably due to slope and the roughness difference between base flow and peak flow. Overall, this paper underlines the usability of PeakTrace as a basis to assess hydropower plant‐specific hydro‐ecological impacts and evaluate hydropeaking mitigation measures, especially by incorporating critical flow thresholds of river biota and life stages.
Controllable Acceleration and Deceleration of Charge Carrier Transport in Metal‐Halide Perovskite Single‐Crystal by Cs‐Cation Induced Bandgap Engineering
Authors: Ghasemi Mehri , Zhang Yurou , Zhou Chunhua , Tan Cheng , Choi Eunyoung , Yun Jae Sung , Du Aijun , Yun Jung‐Ho , Jia Baohua , Wen Xiaoming
Published: April 2022

Charge carrier transport in materials is of essential importance for photovoltaic and photonic applications. Here, the authors demonstrate a controllable acceleration or deceleration of charge carrier transport in specially structured metal‐alloy perovskite (MACs)PbI3 (MA= CH3NH3) single‐crystals with a gradient composition of CsPbI3/(MA1−xCsx)PbI3/MAPbI3. Depending on the Cs‐cation distribution in the structure and therefore the energy band alignment, two different effects are demonstrated: i) significant acceleration of electron transport across the depth driven by the gradient band alignment and suppression of electron–hole recombination, benefiting for photovoltaic and detector applications; and ii) decelerated electron transport and thus improved radiative carrier recombination and emission efficiency, highly beneficial for light and display applications. At the same time, the top Cs‐layer results in hole localization in the top layer and surface passivation. This controllable acceleration and deceleration of electron transport is critical for various applications in which efficient electron–hole separation and suppressed nonradiative electron–hole recombination is demanded.
Numerical Investigation on Motion and Removal of Inclusions in Continuous Casting Tundish with Multiorifice Filter
Authors: Liu Chang , Xiao Aida , He Zhu , Yan Wen , Li Guangqiang , Wang Qiang
Published: April 2022

A fluid–solid‐coupled numerical model is established on the motion and removal of inclusions in the continuous casting tundish with a multichannel filter. The flow field, heat transfer, and motion of inclusions in continuous casting tundish are simulated. The erosion of the lower part of the weir and filter is the most serious; at the casting speed of 2.2 m min−1, the maximum displacements in the upstream and downstream directions are 4.25 and −3.81 mm, respectively. The casting speed effect on the flow pattern and removal of inclusions is investigated. The weir and filter erosion increases with increased casting speed, the total removal efficiency is raised, and the dead zone fraction is reduced. After the casting speed exceeds 2.2 m min−1, the total removal efficiency of inclusions starts to decline. When the casting speed is raised from 1.4 to 3.0 m min−1, the share of inclusions removed by the filter drops from 8.2 to 2.5%, which is nearly 70%.
A Deep Learning–Based Diagnosis Model Driven by Tuyere Images Big Data for Iron‐Making Blast Furnaces
Authors: Li Qiang , Wang Zijia , Wang Shuai , Li Mingming , Lei Hong , Zou Zongshu
Published: April 2022

Deep learning, applied to traditional industries, makes many challenges and previously impossible tasks turn practicable. However, progress is still limited in the steelmaking industry. This study aims to establish a deep convolutional neural network–based diagnosis model for blast furnaces (BF) driven by tuyere image big data, which is not effectively exploited but contains valuable information. The model is characterized by having the ability to learn value features of abnormal events hidden in images and acts as a high‐dimensional complex function of abnormal events correlated to image features. The implementation framework of the model includes two stages: offline training based on the labeled historical database and online real‐time diagnosis. Specifically, the image data are first de‐noised and enhanced via the median filter and Gamma transformation algorithms. Then, when the model is offline trained, a preferable clustering algorithm combined with the manual determination is applied to labeling image data. Finally, the built model is examined for accuracy and performance. It is shown in the results that the model has an accuracy of 98% and 88.58% for diagnosing results in training and validating datasets, respectively. Thereby, the established model may be applied to the online diagnosis of an industrial BF using real‐time images.
Big Data Handling in Process Surveillance and Quality Control of Secondary Metallurgical Processes
Authors: Gruber Christine , Bückner Birgit , Schatzl Magdalena , Thumfart Maria , Eßbichl Ramona , Rössler Roman
Published: April 2022

The Ruhrstahl–Heraeus (RH) degassing plant is essential for producing ultraclean steel, but its vacuum‐based nature is hiding the process from scrutiny. Despite recording the many inputs and outputs of process control and measurements surrounding the plant, the utilization of produced data is comparatively low. Data handling is a challenge, especially considering correlations of process control data with indicators such as actual steel homogeneity and cleanliness after casting. Here in this study, approaches to improving sensor data quality and maximizing the utilization of the abundance of data obtained during the RH process are presented. Time series data from process control measurements like off‐gas composition or chamber pressure, even though highly connected to specific domain knowledge, can be tackled with machine‐learning methods, such as recognition of characteristic curve sections or categorization of curves with clustering algorithms. Visual surveillance offers the possibility of image analyses of the surface flow observation inside the vacuum chamber with different approaches such as image classification or feature detection algorithms. Herein, a digitalization and data analysis strategy developed for an improved understanding of the RH process, considering linear as well as integral data from the plant, are presented.
Research on optimal design of mechanical properties of hybrid fiber‐reinforced concrete
Authors: Li Jiangchuan , Chang Jun , Qiao Hongxia
Published: April 2022

In this study, the influence of the dosage optimization of steel fibers (SFs), basalt fibers (BFs), and polypropylene fibers (PPFs) on the mechanical properties of hybrid fiber‐reinforced concrete (HFRC) is investigated, including cube compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and prism compressive strength. The orthogonal method was used to design the fiber mixtures to optimize the performance of the specimens. IBM SPSS Statistics software was used to analyze the significance sequence of the influencing factors of SFs, BFs, and PPFs through range and variance. The influence degree and significant affecting factors of the three fiber types were obtained, and the failure states of the HFRC specimens were analyzed. Finally, a strength prediction model for HFRC was established based on the test results. The results show that for the degree of influence on the strength of HFRC, the degree of influence of SFs was greater compared to BFs, and the degree of influence of PPFs was the smallest. In addition, for the factors that affect the strength of HFRC, the content of SFs was the primary factor, the fiber content of BFs was less important, and the content was not an important factor for PPFs. The strength prediction model established based on the orthogonal test data can well reflect the influence of three fibers types and contents on the strength of HFRC. In order to verify the validity of the present model, experimental results reported in the literature were compared with the values calculated with the present model.
Site suitability analysis for the construction of water reservoirs in drought‐prone areas of Bangladesh using geospatial techniques
Authors: Hoque Muhammad Al‐amin , Sohel Md. Shawkat Islam , Rahman Mohammed Moshiur , Ahmed Naser
Published: April 2022

Drought is becoming a common phenomenon in the northwestern (NW) region of Bangladesh. To address this problem, the government has taken multiple initiatives such as the construction of deep tube wells, re‐activation of abandoned deep tube wells, re‐excavation of canals, construction of cross dams, and digging wells to hold water during monsoon. However, the construction of medium‐ to large‐sized water reservoirs is somewhat overlooked or missed, which can hold large quantities of surface water and, at the same time, can recharge groundwater. Finding suitable sites for water reservoirs is a challenge. The present study aims to fulfill these gaps. We have applied a spatial multi‐criteria technique called the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to identify suitable sites for water reservoir construction in the drought‐prone NW region of Bangladesh. A total of 12 criteria such as settlement, land use, slope, soil, groundwater depth, road network, river network, vegetation cover, rainfall, geology, protected areas, and aquifer depth were selected. The study shows that 17 percent of the area is highly suitable for reservoir construction, followed by 24 percent moderately suitable and 25 percent marginally suitable. In contrast, approximately 30 percent of the area is unsuitable for reservoir construction. Among 16 districts of northwest region, areas of Rangpur district are mostly suitable (30 percent), followed by Gaibandha district (16 percent). Construction of water reservoir in the identified areas will lower irrigation water pumping costs and will raise groundwater levels in land adjacent to the reservoir in dry season.
Motivating the need for an engineering‐specific approach to student leadership development
Authors: Kendall Meagan R. , Chachra Debbie , Gipson Kyle , Roach Kate
Published: April 2022

This article illustrates the need for an engineering‐specific approach to student leadership development by exploring two contrasting case studies and the unique issues inherent to leading as engineers.
Diversity of engineering leadership program design
Authors: Donald John R. , Jamieson Marnie V.
Published: April 2022

This article outlines the diversity of engineering leadership programs by comparing origin stories, definitions, program structure, instructional strategies, research, and program evaluation approaches of seven North American engineering leadership programs.
Towards Cognitive Ports of the Future
Authors: Cáceres Santiago , Valverde Francisco , Palau Carlos E. , Pellicer Andreu Belsa , Gizelis Christos A. , Krassas Dimosthenes , Becha Hanane , Khouani Réda , Metzger Andreas , Tzagkarakis Nikos , Karkoglou Anthousa , Nikolakopoulos Anastasios , Marinakis Achilleas , Moulos Vrettos , Litke Antonios , Ahmadian Amir Shayan , Jürjens Jan
Published: April 2022

In modern societies, the rampant growth of data management technologies—that have access to data sources from a plethora of heterogeneous systems—enables data analysts to leverage their advantages to new areas and critical infrastructures. However, there is no global reference standard for data platform technology. Data platforms scenarios are characterized by a high degree of heterogeneity at all levels (middleware, application service, data/semantics, scalability, and governance), preventing deployment, federation, and interoperability of existing solutions. Although many initiatives are dealing with developing data platform architectures in diversified application domains, not many projects have addressed integration in port environments with the possibility of including cognitive services. Unlike other cases, port environment is a complex system that consists of multiple heterogeneous critical infrastructures, which are connected and dependent on each other. The key pillar is to define the design of a secure interoperable system facilitating the exchange of data through standardized data models, based on common semantics, and offering advanced interconnection capabilities leading to cooperation between different IT/IoT/Objects platforms. This contribution deals with scalability, interoperability, and standardization features of data platforms from a business point of view in a smart and cognitive port case study. The main goal is to design an innovative platform, named DataPorts, which will overcome these obstacles and provide an ecosystem where port authorities, external data platforms, transportation, and logistics companies can cooperate and create the basis to offer cognitive services. The chapter relates to knowledge and learning as well as to systems, methodologies, hardware, and tools cross-sectorial technology enablers of the AI, Data and Robotics Strategic Research, Innovation & Deployment Agenda (Milano et al., Strategic research, innovation and deployment agenda - AI, data and robotics partnership. Third release. Big Data Value Association, 2020).
Knowledge Modeling and Incident Analysis for Special Cargo
Authors: Reshadat Vahideh , Kolkman Tess , Zervanou Kalliopi , Zhang Yingqian , Akçay Alp , Snijder Carlijn , McDonnell Ryan , Schorer Karel , Wichers Casper , Koch Thomas , Dugundji Elenna , de Jong Eelco
Published: April 2022

The airfreight industry of shipping goods with special handling needs, also known as special cargo, suffers from nontransparent shipping processes, resulting in inefficiency. The LARA project (Lane Analysis and Route Advisor) aims at addressing these limitations and bringing innovation in special cargo route planning so as to improve operational deficiencies and customer services. In this chapter, we discuss the special cargo domain knowledge elicitation and modeling into an ontology. We also present research into cargo incidents, namely, automatic classification of incidents in free-text reports and experiments in detecting significant features associated with specific cargo incident types. Our work mainly addresses two of the main technical priority areas defined by the European Big Data Value (BDV) Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda, namely, the application of data analytics to improve data understanding and providing optimized architectures for analytics of data-at-rest and data-in-motion, the overall goal is to develop technologies contributing to the data value chain in the logistics sector. It addresses the horizontal concerns Data Analytics, Data Processing Architectures, and Data Management of the BDV Reference Model. It also addresses the vertical dimension Big Data Types and Semantics.
An Elastic Software Architecture for Extreme-Scale Big Data Analytics
Authors: Serrano Maria A. , Marín César A. , Queralt Anna , Cordeiro Cristovao , Gonzalez Marco , Pinho Luis Miguel , Quiñones Eduardo
Published: April 2022

This chapter describes a software architecture for processing big-data analytics considering the complete compute continuum, from the edge to the cloud. The new generation of smart systems requires processing a vast amount of diverse information from distributed data sources. The software architecture presented in this chapter addresses two main challenges. On the one hand, a new elasticity concept enables smart systems to satisfy the performance requirements of extreme-scale analytics workloads. By extending the elasticity concept (known at cloud side) across the compute continuum in a fog computing environment, combined with the usage of advanced heterogeneous hardware architectures at the edge side, the capabilities of the extreme-scale analytics can significantly increase, integrating both responsive data-in-motion and latent data-at-rest analytics into a single solution. On the other hand, the software architecture also focuses on the fulfilment of the non-functional properties inherited from smart systems, such as real-time, energy-efficiency, communication quality and security, that are of paramount importance for many application domains such as smart cities, smart mobility and smart manufacturing.
Leveraging High-Performance Computing and Cloud Computing with Unified Big-Data Workflows: The LEXIS Project
Authors: Hachinger Stephan , Golasowski Martin , Martinovič Jan , Hayek Mohamad , García-Hernández Rubén Jesús , Slaninová Kateřina , Levrier Marc , Scionti Alberto , Donnat Frédéric , Vitali Giacomo , Magarielli Donato , Goubier Thierry , Parodi Antonio , Parodi Andrea , Harsh Piyush , Dees Aaron , Terzo Olivier
Published: April 2022

Traditional usage models of Supercomputing centres have been extended by High-Throughput Computing (HTC), High-Performance Data Analytics (HPDA) and Cloud Computing. The complexity of current compute platforms calls for solutions to simplify usage and conveniently orchestrate computing tasks. These enable also non-expert users to efficiently execute Big Data workflows. In this context, the LEXIS project (‘Large-scale EXecution for Industry and Society’, H2020 GA 825532, https://lexis-project.eu) sets up an orchestration platform for compute- and data-intensive workflows. Its main objective is to implement a front-end and interfaces/APIs for distributed data management and workflow orchestration. The platform uses an open-source Identity and Access Management solution and a custom billing system. The data management API allows data ingestion and staging between various infrastructures. The orchestration API allows execution of workflows specified in extended TOSCA. LEXIS uses innovative technologies like YORC and Alien4Cloud for orchestration or iRODS/EUDAT-B2SAFE for data management, accelerated by Burst Buffers. Three pilot use cases from Aeronautics Engineering, Earthquake/Tsunami Analysis, and Weather and Climate Prediction are used to test the services. On the road towards longer-term sustainability, we are expanding this user base and aiming at the immersion of more Supercomputing centres within the platform.
Einleitung
Authors: Kumkar Nils C. , Holubek-Schaum Stefan , Gottschall Karin , Hollstein Betina , Schimank Uwe
Published: April 2022

Debatten über eine „Krise“ der Mittelschichten gibt es seit inzwischen mehr als dreißig Jahren in verschiedenen Ländern. Es wird immer wieder behauptet, dass die Mittelschichten schrumpfen und Abstiegsängste zunehmen; und diesbezüglich wird auf verschiedenste Irritationen der Mittelschichten infolge gesellschaftlicher Veränderungsdynamiken wie „Neoliberalismus“, Globalisierung und Digitalisierung hingewiesen. Wie alle sozialwissenschaftlichen Zeitdiagnosen sind solche Krisenszenarien mit Vorsicht zu genießen. Dem Genre wohnt ja als Aufmerksamkeit verschaffendes Stilmerkmal Dramatisierung bis hin zum Alarmismus inne. Dennoch gibt die Häufung entsprechender Diagnosen nicht nur für Deutschland, sondern für entwickelte westliche Gesellschaften generell Anlass, etwas genauer hinzuschauen, wie es um die Mittelschichten bestellt ist – nicht zuletzt deshalb, weil sie für den Zusammenhalt dieser Gesellschaften so wichtig sind.
Generating functions for Higgs/Coulomb branch operators from 1d–3d cohomological equivalence
Authors: Guerrini Luigi , Penati Silvia , Yaakov Itamar
Published: April 2022

Abstract

We provide a proof for the conjectured equality of the generating function of integrated Higgs and Coulomb branch topological operators in 3d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
≥ 4 gauge theories and the three sphere partition function deformed by mass or FI parameters. The equality is the result of cohomological equivalence and applies to all theories in this class, including ABJM and other generalized Gaiotto-Witten models, and those without an explicit supersymmetric Lagrangian.
Calpains as novel players in the molecular pathogenesis of spinocerebellar ataxia type 17
Authors: Weber Jonasz Jeremiasz , Anger Stefanie Cari , Pereira Sena Priscila , Incebacak Eltemur Rana Dilara , Huridou Chrisovalantou , Fath Florian , Gross Caspar , Casadei Nicolas , Riess Olaf , Nguyen Huu Phuc
Published: April 2022

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 17 (SCA17) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by a polyglutamine-encoding trinucleotide repeat expansion in the gene of transcription factor TATA box-binding protein (TBP). While its underlying pathomechanism is elusive, polyglutamine-expanded TBP fragments of unknown origin mediate the mutant protein’s toxicity. Calcium-dependent calpain proteases are protagonists in neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we demonstrate that calpains cleave TBP, and emerging C-terminal fragments mislocalize to the cytoplasm. SCA17 cell and rat models exhibited calpain overactivation, leading to excessive fragmentation and depletion of neuronal proteins in vivo. Transcriptome analysis of SCA17 cells revealed synaptogenesis and calcium signaling perturbations, indicating the potential cause of elevated calpain activity. Pharmacological or genetic calpain inhibition reduced TBP cleavage and aggregation, consequently improving cell viability. Our work underlines the general significance of calpains and their activating pathways in neurodegenerative disorders and presents these proteases as novel players in the molecular pathogenesis of SCA17.
The Flag Curvature of a Submanifold of a Randers–Minkowski Space in Terms of Zermelo Data
Authors: Huber Matthieu , Javaloyes Miguel Angel
Published: April 2022

The main result of this paper is an expression of the flag curvature of a submanifold of a Randers–Minkowski space $$({\mathscr {V}},F)$$

(
V
,
F
)

in terms of invariants related to its Zermelo data (h, W). More precisely, these invariants are the sectional curvature and the second fundamental form of the positive definite scalar product h and some projections of the wind W. This expression allows for a promising characterization of submanifolds with scalar flag curvature in terms of Riemannian quantities, which, when a hypersurface is considered, seems quite approachable. As a consequence, we prove that any h-flat hypersurface S has scalar F-flag curvature and the metric of its Zermelo data is conformally flat. As a tool for making the computation, we previously reobtain the Gauss–Codazzi equations of a pseudo-Finsler submanifold using anisotropic calculus.
Exact controllability to eigensolutions for evolution equations of parabolic type via bilinear control
Authors: Alabau-Boussouira Fatiha , Cannarsa Piermarco , Urbani Cristina
Published: April 2022

In a separable Hilbert spaceX, we study the controlled evolution equation$$\begin{aligned} u'(t)+Au(t)+p(t)Bu(t)=0, \end{aligned}$$u′(t)+Au(t)+p(t)Bu(t)=0,where$$A\ge -\sigma I$$A≥-σI($$\sigma \ge 0$$σ≥0) is a self-adjoint linear operator,Bis a bounded linear operator onX, and$$p\in L^2_{loc}(0,+\infty )$$p∈Lloc2(0,+∞)is a bilinear control. We give sufficient conditions in order for the above nonlinear control system to be locally controllable to thejth eigensolution for any$$j\ge 1$$j≥1. We also derive semi-global controllability results in large time and discuss applications to parabolic equations in low space dimension. Our method is constructive and all the constants involved in the main results can be explicitly computed.
Analysis of Ti- and Pb-based particles in the aqueous environment of Melbourne (Australia) via single particle ICP-MS
Authors: Gonzalez de Vega Raquel , Lockwood Thomas E. , Xu Xiaoxue , Gonzalez de Vega Claudia , Scholz Johannes , Horstmann Maximilian , Doble Philip A. , Clases David
Published: April 2022

The analysis of natural and anthropogenic nanomaterials (NMs) in the environment is challenging and requires methods capable to identify and characterise structures on the nanoscale regarding particle number concentrations (PNCs), elemental composition, size, and mass distributions. In this study, we employed single particle inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (SP ICP-MS) to investigate the occurrence of NMs in the Melbourne area (Australia) across 63 locations. Poisson statistics were used to discriminate between signals from nanoparticulate matter and ionic background. TiO2-based NMs were frequently detected and corresponding NM signals were calibated with an automated data processing platform. Additionally, a method utilising a larger mass bandpass was developed to screen for particulate high-mass elements. This procedure identified Pb-based NMs in various samples. The effects of different environmental matrices consisting of fresh, brackish, or seawater were mitigated with an aerosol dilution method reducing the introduction of salt into the plasma and avoiding signal drift. Signals from TiO2- and Pb-based NMs were counted, integrated, and subsequently calibrated to determine PNCs as well as mass and size distributions. PNCs, mean sizes, particulate masses, and ionic background levels were compared across different locations and environments.

Graphical abstract
Faecal Microbiota Divergence in Allopatric Populations of Podarcis lilfordi and P. pityusensis, Two Lizard Species Endemic to the Balearic Islands
Authors: Alemany Iris , Pérez-Cembranos Ana , Pérez-Mellado Valentín , Castro José A. , Picornell Antonia , Ramon Cori , Jurado-Rivera José A.
Published: April 2022

Gut microbial communities provide essential functions to their hosts and are known to influence both their ecology and evolution. However, our knowledge of these complex associations is still very limited in reptiles. Here we report the 16S rRNA gene faecal microbiota profiles of two lizard species endemic to the Balearic archipelago (Podarcis lilfordi and P. pityusensis), encompassing their allopatric range of distribution through a noninvasive sampling, as an alternative to previous studies that implied killing specimens of these IUCN endangered and near-threatened species, respectively. Both lizard species showed a faecal microbiome composition consistent with their omnivorous trophic ecology, with a high representation of cellulolytic bacteria taxa. We also identified species-specific core microbiota signatures and retrieved lizard species, islet ascription, and seasonality as the main factors in explaining bacterial community composition. The different Balearic Podarcis populations are characterised by harbouring a high proportion of unique bacterial taxa, thus reinforcing their view as unique and divergent evolutionary entities.
Incidence of heterotopic ossification following hip arthroscopy is low: considerations for routine prophylaxis
Authors: Arshad Zaki , Maughan Henry David , Garner Malgorzata , Ali Erden , Khanduja Vikas
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This scoping review aims to map and summarise the available literature on heterotopic ossification (HO) following hip arthroscopy, with particular focus on incidence, distribution as per Brooker classification, efficacy of prophylactic measures and factors that may influence the likelihood of production of HO.

Methods

A computer-based search was performed on PubMed, Embase, Emcare, Cinahl, ISI web of science and Scopus using the terms ‘heterotopic ossification’ and ‘hip arthroscopy’. Articles reporting heterotopic ossification following hip arthroscopy for any condition were included after two-stage title/abstract and full-text screening.

Results

Of the 663 articles retrieved, 45 studies were included. The proportion of patients with HO ranged from 0 to 44%. The majority of the cases were either Brooker grade I or II. Of the six studies investigating the effect of NSAID prophylaxis, five reported a significantly lower incidence of heterotopic ossification associated with its use. Weak evidence suggests that an outside-in arthroscopic approach, no capsular closure, male sex and mixed cam and pincer resection may be associated with an increased risk of HO.

Conclusion

Although there is a large variation in rates of HO following hip arthroscopy in the current literature, the majority of studies report a low incidence. Evidence exists advocating the administration of post-operative NSAIDs to reduce the incidence of HO following hip arthroscopy. This, combined with the low risk of complications, means there is a favourable risk–benefit ratio for prophylactic NSAID used in HA. Future research should work to identify patient clinical and demographic factors which may increase the risk of development of HO, allowing clinicians to risk stratify and select only specific patients who would benefit from receiving NSAID prophylaxis.
A Case of Surgical Treatment of a Gunshot Wound to the Left Scapular Region With Damage to the Distal Axillary and Proximal Brachial Arteries
Authors: Rogovskyi Volodymyr M. , Gybalo Rostislav V. , Lurin Igor A. , Sivash Yuriy Y. , Oklei Denys V. , Taraban Igor A.
Published: April 2022

Introduction

The incidence of vascular damage in modern combat conflicts is 5 times higher than in previous military conflicts, with one in five wounded having uncontrolled severe blood loss. Treatment of gunshot wounds of the main arteries is a complex multi‐level process, which can be done only in the case of close cooperation of related surgical specialties.

Case report

This case report details treatment of a 40‐year‐old man who was admitted with a gunshot wound to the left shoulder with injury of the distal axillary and proximal brachial arteries. Primary surgical treatment consisted of venous interposition graft of the injured artery and debridement of the scapular wounds in a peripheral hospital. He was transferred to Main Military Medical Clinical Center in Kyiv with acute thrombosis of the vascular repair graft. Urgent reoperation was performed, with removal of the previously placed vascular graft and revascularization of the distal axillary and proximal brachial artery with reverse venous graft, with accompanying fasciotomy.

Conclusion

This case demonstrates the crucial role of rapid evacuation of wounded to a specialized level of care for complex cases such as arterial reconstruction.