bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New heterodont odontocetes from the Oligocene Pysht Formation in Washington State, U.S.A., and a reevaluation of Simocetidae (Cetacea, Odontoceti)
Authors: Velez-Juarbe Jorge
Published: June 2023

Odontocetes first appeared in the fossil record by the early Oligocene, and their early evolutionary history can provide clues as to how some of their unique adaptations, such as echolocation, evolved. Here, three new specimens from the early to late Oligocene Pysht Formation are described further increasing our understanding of the richness and diversity of early odontocetes, particularly for the North Pacific. Phylogenetic analysis shows that the new specimens are part of a more inclusive, redefined Simocetidae, which now includesSimocetus rayi,Olympicetussp. 1,Olympicetus avitus,O. thalassodonsp. nov., and a large unnamed taxon (Simocetidae gen. et sp. A), all part of a North Pacific clade that represents one of the earliest diverging groups of odontocetes. Amongst these,Olympicetus thalassodonsp. nov. represents one of the best known simocetids, offering new information on the cranial and dental morphology of early odontocetes. Furthermore, the inclusion of CCNHM 1000, here considered to represent a neonate ofOlympicetussp., as part of the Simocetidae, suggests that members of this group may not have had the capability of ultrasonic hearing, at least during their early ontogenetic stages. Based on the new specimens, the dentition of simocetids is interpreted as being plesiomorphic, with a tooth count more akin to that of basilosaurids and early toothed mysticetes, while other features of the skull and hyoid suggest various forms of prey acquisition, including raptorial or combined feeding inOlympicetusspp., and suction feeding inSimocetus. Finally, body size estimates show that small to moderately large taxa are present in Simocetidae, with the largest taxon represented by Simocetidae gen. et sp. A with an estimated body length of 3 m, which places it as the largest known simocetid, and amongst the largest Oligocene odontocetes. The new specimens described here add to a growing list of Oligocene marine tetrapods from the North Pacific, further promoting faunistic comparisons across other contemporaneous and younger assemblages, that will allow for an improved understanding of the evolution of marine faunas in the region.
Reação dos profissionais de TI frente à resistência do usuário
Authors: Bonacina Gustavo Yamamoto , Watanabe Carolina Yukari Veludo
Published: June 2023

O objetivo desse trabalho é identificar a relação entre o comportamento dos profissionais de TI frente à resistência dos usuários ao uso de um novo sistema de informação. Para a elaboração do instrumento de coleta de dados foi desenvolvida uma revisão sistemática da literatura a fim de elencar as reações já estudadas e propor um novo modelo. Quanto ao método, foi utilizado o survey como estratégia de pesquisa, aplicando um questionário online como instrumento de coleta de dados. O questionário obteve 151 respostas válidas. Para a análise dos dados, foram aplicadas técnicas de lógica paraconsistente e algoritmos de mineração de dados (regras de associação e agrupamento de dados). Os resultados permitem observar que, em relação à percepção sobre a resistência do usuário, os profissionais de TI acreditam que a mudança no fluxo de trabalho é o principal motivo para resistência a novos sistemas. Quanto à reação dos profissionais de TI, os dados permitiram verificar que a maioria dos respondentes procura tomar ações relacionadas à dissuasão, em sua subcategoria persuasão de apoio e também ações relacionadas à retificação, em suas duas subcategorias: congruente e não-congruente. Essa pesquisa trouxe um olhar diferente ao fenômeno de resistência do usuário: a percepção do profissional de TI.  Isso contribui com o desenvolvimento da pesquisa na área de resistência do usuário, especialmente ao trazer a categorização das reações dos profissionais encontradas na literatura, agregando-as e explicando-as de forma conceitual, fornecendo embasamento tanto para novas pesquisas quanto para a adoção de novas medidas em organizações.
The influence of spirituality in the workplace on the satisfaction of private sector employees
Authors: Albuquerque Marcio Roberto Branco , Oriol Ettore de Carvalho , Brauer Marcus , Pinheiro Junior Luiz Pereira
Published: June 2023

Work plays a fundamental role in human life, as it is not only a means of survival, but also a lever for social, organizational and spiritual experiences, producing meaning, joy and purpose in life. Based on this view, we proposed the following research question: What is the influence of spirituality on the various constructs that form Satisfaction with the workplace in the Brazilian oil and gas industry?” To answer this question, we applied a questionnaire that gathers the scales of Spirituality by Liu and Robert (2011) and Satisfaction with the Workplace by Siqueira (2008). We collected and analyzed using the SEM-PLS 514 complete questionnaires. This technique was applied using SmartPLS 2.0 software. The results indicate that spirituality positively influenced Satisfaction with Wage, Boss, Promotions and Tasks. The only relationship that was not statistically supported was Satisfaction with Coworkers. This result is very interesting as it goes against the literature and points to a peculiarity of great competition between coworkers, which can make the environment quite difficult for management. The theoretical contribution of this study lies in the presentation and testing of the SJS scale in an environment different from its first application, which was in the public sector. The practical contribution is to point out issues that can be worked on by managers, bringing short and long-term gains to satisfaction with the workplace and, consequently, greater employee engagement and commitment.
A Case Report On Aquagenic Urticaria
Authors: Jaabouti Ghizlane , Benchidmi Sara , Hafidi Naima El , Bencchakroun Soumia , Mahraoui Chafiq
Published: June 2023

Aquagenic urticaria (AU) is a rare form of physical urticaria that is triggered by exposure to water. Despite its rarity, it can significantly impact patients' quality of life. The underlying pathophysiology of AU is not well-understood, but diagnosis is typically based on clinical history and confirmed by skin tests. Unfortunately, avoidance of the trigger is often impossible, making symptom control the primary approach to treatment.

The lack of awareness and understanding of AU can make diagnosis and management challenging. Therefore, this case report highlights the clinical and etiological features of AU and emphasizes the need for improved management strategies.

The patient in this case is a 15-year-old with a well-controlled asthma background treatment of fluticasone. Since age 7, the patient has experienced urticaria when exposed to both sea and fresh water. A diagnosis of aquagenic urticaria was confirmed through skin tests and patient history. Symptomatic treatment with antihistamines and barrier creams before swimming has been effective, with a limitation on the time spent in the water to manage symptom.
Detection of Bright Band Heights from Vertical Profile of Radar Reflectivity in Akure, South Western Nigeria
Authors: Lawal Y. B. , Omotoso E. T.
Published: June 2023

Bright band is an important phenomenon that occurs in radar observations of precipitation. It is a layer of intense reflectivity caused by the melting of the snowflakes in the atmosphere. Accurate detection of bright band and its associated properties are essential for the estimation of precipitation rates and characterization of precipitation types as required in Agriculture, Aviation, Navigation, Telecommunication sectors etc. Bright Band Height (BBH) is a vital parameter in the determination of rain height, rain-induced radio signal attenuation and mitigation techniques. This paper presents an empirical study on the measurement of BBH and Zero Degree Isotherm Height (ZDIH) from Micro Rain Radar (MRR) data obtained in Akure, Nigeria.  Vertical profile of radar obtained during stratiform rainy events were examined to detect bright bands and its features. Analysis of the result showed that the ZDIH varies between 4.48 and 4.60 km while the BBH also vary from 4.16 to 4.48 km during intense rainy events in September and October 2010. The derived propagation data would be needed for the optimization and improvement of quality of service (QoS) offered by earth-space links during rainy events in Akure and its environs.
Fibulin7 Mediated Pathological Cardiac Remodeling through EGFR Binding and EGFR‐Dependent FAK/AKT Signaling Activation
Authors: Zheng Xuehui , Liu Lingxin , Liu Jing , Zhang Chen , Zhang Jie , Qi Yan , Xie Lin , Zhang Chunmei , Yao Guoqing , Bu Peili
Published: June 2023

Adverse remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI) result in heart failure and sudden cardiac death. Fibulin7 (FBLN7) is an adhesion protein excreted into the extracellular matrix that functions in multiple biological processes. However, whether and how FBLN7 affects post‐MI cardiac remodeling remains unclear. Here, the authors identify FBLN7 as a critical profibrotic regulator of adverse cardiac remodeling. They observe significantly upregulated serum FBLN7 levels in MI patients with left ventricular remodeling compared to those without MI. Microarray dataset analysis reveal FBLN7 is upregulated in human heart samples from patients with dilated and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy compared with non‐failing hearts. The authors demonstrate that FBLN7 deletion attenuated post‐MI cardiac remodeling, leading to better cardiac function and reduced myocardial fibrosis, whereas overexpression of FBLN7 results in the opposite effects. Mechanistically, FBLN7 binds to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) through its EGF‐like domain, together with the EGF‐like calcium‐binding domain, and induces EGFR autophosphorylation at tyrosine (Y) 1068 and Y1173, which activates downstream focal adhesion kinase/AKT signaling, thereby leading to fibroblast‐to‐myofibroblast transdifferentiation. In addition, FBLN7‐EGFR mediates this signal transduction, and the fibrotic response is effectively suppressed by the inhibition of EGFR activity. Taken together, FBLN7 plays an important role in cardiac remodeling and fibrosis after MI.
Ice Formation during PEM Fuel Cell Cold Start: Acceptable or Not?
Authors: Liang Jinqiao , Fan Linhao , Du Qing , Yin Yan , Jiao Kui
Published: June 2023

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell faces the inevitable challenge of the cold start at a sub‐freezing temperature. Understanding the underlying degradation mechanisms in the cold start and developing a better starting strategy to achieve a quick startup with no degradation are essential for the wide application of PEM fuel cells. In this study, the comprehensive in situ non‐accelerated segmented techniques are developed to analyze the icing processes and obtain the degradation mechanisms under the conditions of freeze–thaw cycle, voltage reversal, and ice formation in different components of PEM fuel cells for different freezing time. A detailed degradation mechanism map in the cold start of PEM fuel cells is proposed to demonstrate how much degradation occurs under different conditions, whether the ice formation is acceptable under the actual operating conditions, and how to suppress the ice formation. Moreover, an ideal starting strategy is developed to achieve the cold start of PEM fuel cells without degradation. This map is highly valuable and useful for researchers to understand the underlying degradation mechanisms and develop the cold start strategy, thereby promoting the commercialization of PEM fuel cells.
Multicomponent Metal‐Organic Frameworks
Authors: Lee Seok J. , Telfer Shane G.
Published: June 2023

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) are constructed from metal ions or clusters and organic linkers. Typical MOFs are rather simple, comprising just one type of joint and linker. An additional degree of structural complexity can be introduced by using multiple different components that are assembled into the same framework In the early days of MOF chemistry, conventional wisdom held that attempting to prepare frameworks starting from such a broad set of components would lead to multiple different phases. However, this review highlights how this view was mistaken and frameworks comprising multiple different components can be deliberately designed and synthesized. When coupled to structural order and periodicity, the presence of multiple components leads to exceptional functional properties that can be understood at the atomic level.
Blockchain entrepreneurship roles for circular supply chain transition
Authors: Kayikci Yasanur , Gozacan‐Chase Nazlican , Rejeb Abderahman
Published: June 2023

The transition to a circular supply chain (CSC) is a prerequisite to establish sustainability in the supply chain. Blockchain‐based CSC enables stakeholders to effectively manage their decision‐making processes, increase revenue, reduce time and costs and ensure information synchronisation. Blockchain start‐ups play an essential role in facilitating the transition from a linear to a circular economy while supporting the development of CSCs. This research aims to explore the role of blockchain entrepreneurship in the transition to CSC by evaluating circular blockchain start‐ups. This research contributes to the literature by providing verified roles of blockchain entrepreneurship in the transition to CSC by evaluating the literature and blockchain start‐ups. Another contribution is that the causal relationships between these roles are analysed. In this study, an integrated three‐step methodology including Systematic Literature Review (SLR), Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA), and Fuzzy Decision‐Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (Fuzzy‐DEMATEL) methods on the base of the theory of change is proposed. An SLR is performed to determine the roles of blockchain entrepreneurship. Then, a QCA is conducted after identifying the roles for verification by evaluations of use cases of blockchain start‐ups. Finally, the causal relationships between these roles are interpreted by using Fuzzy‐DEMATEL. Findings indicate that blockchain entrepreneurship has 12 fundamental roles in facilitating the transition from a linear to a circular economy while supporting the development of CSCs.
Pelliolatifolias A‐D, Four Undescribed Compounds from Pellionia latifolia Boerl. and Their Nitric Oxide Production Inhibitory Activity
Authors: Thi Thu Ha Tran , Thi Cuc Nguyen , Tai Bui Huu , Trung Khuat Huu , Dang Khanh Tran , Van Kiem Phan
Published: June 2023

Four undescribed compounds (1–4) named pelliolatifolias A−D together with seven known compounds trans‐clovamide (5), N‐trans‐caffeoyl‐4‐hydroxyphenylalanine methyl ester (6), N‐trans‐caffeoyl‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine methyl ester (7), luteolin 4’‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyrannoside (8), cis‐syringin (9), trans‐syringin (10), and citroside A (11) have been isolated from the methanol extract of the Pellionia latifolia leaves. Their chemical structures were elucidated based on extensive analyses of HR‐ESI‐MS, 1D and 2D NMR, and CD spectra. Compounds 1–7, 9 and 10 showed moderate inhibition of NO production in LPS‐activated RAW264.7 cells with their IC50 values ranging from 39.27 to 75.42 μM, compared to that of the positive control compound, dexamethasone, IC50 value of 14.20 μM.
Enhanced Sewage Sludge Gasification by Bauxite‐Modified Carbide Slag for Hydrogen‐Rich Syngas Production with In Situ CO2 Capture
Authors: Han Long , Xin Changjian , Wu Yuelun , Ma Kaili , Rong Nai , Qi Zhifu , Ding Haoran , Xu Guoqiang , Zhao Jianglin , Yu Heng
Published: June 2023

Calcium‐looping gasification is attractive to dispose massive sewage sludge for hydrogen‐rich syngas with in situ CO2 capture but still challenged by apparent drop of CO2 sorbent reactivity, sorbent attrition, and uncertainty of sorbent performance during multi‐cycle gasification. Herein, bauxite‐modified carbide slag is prepared as a cheap CaO‐based CO2 sorbent by a simple mechanical mixing method. Based on physical and chemical characterization as well as thermogravimetric analyses, it is found that the bauxite‐modified carbide slag (CS) contained the inert component of mayenite, which is beneficial to improve pore characteristic and promote stability and mechanical strength of sorbent during multi‐cycle CO2 capture. Fluidized bed gasification tests verify that adding carbide slag increases H2 yield and efficiency of sewage sludge gasification. Moreover, appropriate increase in reaction temperature and steam flow rate enhances sewage sludge gasification with bauxite‐modified carbide slag. During multi‐cycle fluidized bed gasification, modified carbide slag CS‐5 (with 5 wt% bauxite) presents more stable performance and better anti‐attrition characteristic in comparison to carbide slag without modification. After five cycles of fluidized bed gasification, the yield and concentration of H2 are increased while the fraction of fine particles produced by attrition is largely decreased for CS‐5 in comparison to ordinary carbide slag.
Estimation‐Based Event‐Triggered Adaptive Terminal Sliding Mode Control without Pressure Sensors for a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell Air Feeding System
Authors: Zhang Chunlei , Zhang Zhijin , Li He , Dong Hao
Published: June 2023

Appropriate control for a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell air feeding system is vulnerable to load current disturbance, parameter uncertainties, measurement noise, faulty sensors, and limited communication resources. Considering these practical issues, this study presents a novel estimation‐based event‐triggered nonlinear control scheme without pressure sensors to regulate the oxygen excess ratio (OER) at its optimal reference. First, to exactly reconstruct the unmeasured OER, a uniform robust exact differentiator and an adaptive high gain observer are developed to estimate the supply manifold pressure and the cathode pressure, respectively, thus redundant sensors and development cost can be saved. Then, a reduced‐order high gain observer is constructed to approximate the unmodeled lumped disturbance consisting of external disturbances and system uncertainties, which helps to decrease the control gain and improve the robustness. Further, an event‐triggered adaptive terminal sliding mode controller with disturbance compensation is proposed to guarantee accurate and fast OER tracking control with integral absolute error (IAE) of 0.447 and average settling time of 0.9 s while avoiding chattering effect and unnecessary communication in the controller‐to‐actuator channel. The comparison results illustrate that the proposed approach achieves superior estimation and control of OER with satisfactory robustness to parameter perturbations (less than 4% deviation in IAE).
EVA/PZT‐Composite‐Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Energy Harvesting
Authors: Behera Swayam Aryam , Panda Swati , Hajra Sugato , Panigrahi Basanta Kumar , Kim Hoe Joon , Achary P. Ganga Raju
Published: June 2023

The development of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) has experienced rapid advancement in the past decade. In the present study, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) polymer and lead zirconium titanate (PZT) are taken as the host materials. The EVA–PZT elastomer composites are fabricated using different weight percentages (2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5%, and 10.0%) of PZT in EVA by solvent casting. The X‐ray diffraction investigation of these films reveals the presence of the PZT material and the formation of composites. TENGs have the potential to revolutionize energy harvesting and provide a sustainable energy source for a variety of applications. The electrical output performance of the single‐electrode‐mode‐based TENG is examined. The maximum output of 60 V and 165 nA is produced by the EVA–PZT 7.5 wt%/Al‐based TENG device. Further, TENG is used to power devices and gather biomechanical energy.
Forecasting global solar radiation using a robust regularization approach with mixture kernels
Authors: Jiang He
Published: June 2023

Accurately forecasting global solar radiation plays a key role in photovoltaic evaluations. To quantify and control the uncertainties in global solar radiation forecasting, this study developed a robust and accurate forecasting model. This was constructed in the reproducing kernel Hilbert space with a novel regularization. Global solar radiation datasets were collected from the autonomous region of Tibet in China. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model can quantify uncertainties and obtain more accurate forecasting compared with machine learning models.
Cropping system shifts enhanced nutrient yields under changing daily hydrological processes in a coastal watershed of Eastern China
Authors: Li Yanqiang , Zhang Peipei , Yan Weijin , Wang Fang , Wang Jianing
Published: June 2023

Agricultural cropping systems in coastal areas of China have experienced significant shifts, and nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) losses via surface runoff from fields have considerably increased. However, it is unclear how changes in cropping systems coupled with rainfall‐runoff affect nutrient losses in coastal areas. In this study, in‐situ daily rainfall‐runoff events in agricultural fields in the Dagu River watershed (a coastal area of Shandong Province, Southeastern China) were observed and the dissolved nutrient losses measured. The fields comprised three cropping systems—wheat‐maize rotation (W‐M), vegetable‐maize rotation (V‐M) and vegetable‐vegetable rotation (V‐V). The runoff yields of total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) and total dissolved phosphorus (TDP) in V‐V (10.4 ± 0.8 kg N ha−1 year−1 and 3.90 ± 0.1 kg P ha−1 year−1) and V‐M (6.52 ± 0.31 kg N ha−1 yr−1 and 2.12 ± 0.08 kg P ha−1 year−1) were significantly higher than those in W‐M (1.51 ± 0.15 kg N ha−1 year−1 and 0.84 ± 0.08 kg P ha−1 year−1), and the nutrient export coefficients were 291–1271 and 146–489 kg ha−1 year−1 m runoff−1 for TDN and TDP, respectively. Remarkable shifts in cropping systems coupled with varied rainfall‐runoff are dominant factors responsible for agricultural nutrient losses. TDN and TDP losses would increase by 70.0% and 59.8%, respectively, if the watershed traditional cropping system of W‐M is completely replaced by V‐V. The TDN and TDP losses would increase by 36.36%–46.97% under the SSP2‐4.5 and SSP5‐8.5 climate scenarios until 2100 with a 50% of the watershed area of traditional agricultural plantation converted to modern plantation. This study can enhance our understanding of the effects of cropping system changes coupled with varied rainfall‐runoff on nutrient losses in coastal areas of China.
The Natural History of Symptomatic Fractures in Children and Adolescents with Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type 1: A Cohort Study from Western Australia
Authors: Joshi Kiranjit K , Siafarikas Aris , Prince Richard
Published: June 2023

The fracture experience of children and adolescents with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) type 1 is not well described in the literature. We present data on symptomatic long bones and axial skeleton fractures of all patients aged 0 to 18 years with OI type 1 seen at a specialized bone clinic in Western Australia in the period 2008 to 2020 using a retrospective chart review method. The cohort consisted of 44 patients (21 males, 23 females). Median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 11.3 (6.2 to 17) years, giving a total of 520 patient‐years in the study during which 197 fractures were experienced. The mean fracture rate was 379 fractures per 1000 patient‐years (95% confidence interval [CI]: 310 to 440); however, the experience for fractures varied from ≤1 fracture in 23% (n = 10) to two to 20 in 77% (n = 34) of the cohort. Twenty‐one patients (48.5%) received bisphosphonates during the study period. In logistic regression, age, but not sex or family history of OI, was a significant predictor of fracture risk. The highest total fracture rate was observed in the age group 0 to <3 years at 469 fractures/1000 patient‐years, which declined to 140 fractures/1000 patient‐years in the age group 15 to 18 years. The lower limbs were the site of 49.7% of all fractures. The highest rate for lower limb fracture was in the age group 0 to <3 years at 331 fractures/1000 patient‐years, decreasing to 0 fractures/1000 patient‐years in the age group 15 to 18 years. Upper limb fracture rates increased from 100 fractures/1000 patient‐years in the 0 to <3 years age group to 307 fractures/1000 patient‐years in the 9 to <12 years age group and then declining to 70 fractures/1000 years in the 15 to 18 years age group. In pediatric patients with OI type 1, fracture risk is highest in early life, especially in the lower limbs. Multidisciplinary care of children with OI should have a particular focus on strategies to prevent these fractures. © 2023 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Putting down roots: Afforestation and bank cohesion of Icelandic Rivers
Authors: Rathburn Sara L. , Eysteinsson Þröstur , Sæmundsson Þorsteinn , Kemper John T. , Wieting Celeste D. , Friedman Jonathan M.
Published: June 2023

Riparian vegetation is widely recognized as a critical component of functioning fluvial systems. Human pressures on woody vegetation including riparian areas have had lasting effects, especially at high latitude. In Iceland, prior to human settlement, native downy birch woodlands covered approximately 15%–40% of the land area compared to 1%–2% today. Afforestation efforts include planting seedlings, protecting native forest remnants, and acquiring land areas as national forests. The planted and protected nature of vegetation along rivers within forests provides a unique opportunity to evaluate the various taxa within riparian zones and the channel stabilizing characteristics of the vegetation used in afforestation. We investigated bank properties, sediment textures, and root characteristics within riparian zones along four rivers in forests in Iceland. Bank sediment textures are dominantly sandy loam overlying coarser textures. Undercut banks are common because of erosion of the less cohesive subsurface layer. Quantitative root data indicate that the woody taxa have greater root densities, rooting depths, and more complex root structures than forbs or graminoids. The native downy birch has the highest root densities, with <1 mm roots most abundant. Modeling of added bank cohesion indicates that willow provides up to six times and birch up to four times more added cohesion to the coarse sediment textures comprising stream banks compared to no vegetation. We conclude that planting and protecting the native birch and willow helps to reduce bank erosion, especially where long‐term grazing exclusion can be maintained.
Perspectives for Thermochemical Conversions of Lignocellulosic Biomass
Authors: Stöcker Michael
Published: June 2023

The biorefinery concept of lignocellulosic biomass with focus on thermochemical conversions will be presented and discussed with respect to the advantages, impacts, and methods. Analytics regarding the reaction mechanisms for the decomposition of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin, respectively, will be presented along with new trends and perspectives within plasma and catalytic pyrolysis of lignin‐fractions, artificial neural networks, hydrothermal liquefaction, torrefaction, gasification and combustion, pyrolysis and hydro pyrolysis as well as supercritical fluids for the catalytic thermochemical conversion of biomass and co‐processing of upgraded bio‐oil in fluidized catalytic cracking (FCC). A few examples are mentioned at this point; however, more details are given in the respective chapters. Concerning the catalytic conversion of lignin fractions the concept of the “catalyst philosophy” has been adapted from crude oil refining by using the hierarchical pore structure of the catalyst to arrive at the desired final products, like fuelcomponents or phenols. As a consequence, the same hierarchical catalysts can be applied in the co‐processing of bio‐oil with crude oil refined fractions. As a preliminary conclusion, the thermochemical conversion of lignocellulosic biomass has already reached a certain level of insight and understanding, however, there is still room for improvement and even a better understanding, and, last but not least, an upscaling to an industrial scale remains.
Enhancing Sulfur Redox Conversion of Active Iron Sites by Modulation of Electronic Density for Advanced Lithium‐Sulfur Battery
Authors: Zhang Fanchao , Tang Zihuan , Zhang Tengfei , Xiao Hong , Zhuang Huifeng , Liang Xiao , Zheng Lirong , Gao Qiuming
Published: June 2023

Despite lithium‐sulfur (Li‐S) batteries possessing ultrahigh energy density as great promising energy storage devices, the suppressing shuttle effect and improving sulfur redox reaction (SROR) are vital for their practical application. Developing high‐activity electrocatalysts for enhancing the SROR kinetics is a major challenge for the application of Li‐S batteries. Herein, single‐molecule iron phthalocyanine species are anchored on the N and P dual‐doped porous carbon nanosheets (Fe‐NPPC) via axial Fe‐N coordination to optimize the electronic structure of active centers. The Fe‐NPPC can promote the catalytic conversion of polysulfides by modulation of the electronic density in active moieties, endowing the Li‐S battery with a high reversible capacity of 1023 mAh g−1 at 1 C as well as an ultralow capacity decay of 0.035% per cycle over 1500 cycles. Even with a high sulfur loading of 7.1 mg cm−2, the Li‐S battery delivers a high areal capacity of 4.8 mAh cm−2 after 150 cycles at 0.2 C. With further increasing the sulfur loading to 9.2 mg cm−2, an excellent areal capacity of up to 9.3 mAh cm−2 is obtained at 0.1 C.
Advances in estimation and inference for historical functional linear models
Authors: Meyer Mark J.
Published: June 2023

Historical functional linear models or HFLMs are a class of function‐on‐function regression models that seek to restrict the relationship between two or more time‐dependent functions, or curves, of data where one function is a natural outcome and the others are natural predictors. A natural predictor is a predictor that occurs in time before, or at most concurrently with, an outcome. The primary challenge in developing methods for HFLMs is ensuring that the time‐dependent relationship between the outcome and predictors is enforced and that no “unnatural” relationships are allowed, for example, where estimation, inference, or prediction are conducted on or using coefficients such that the outcome occurs before the predictor. A number of authors consider a variety of modeling frameworks for HFLMs. This work seeks to introduce the basic HFLM, explore the various approaches for its estimation, and discuss recent advances.

This article is categorized under:

Statistical Models > Linear Models

Data: Types and Structure > Time Series, Stochastic Processes, and Functional Data

Statistical Models > Model Selection
Auctions for Trading Queueing Positions
Authors: Cui Shiliang , Wang Zhongbin , Yang Luyi
Published: June 2023

The first-in, first-out (FIFO) queue discipline respects the order of arrivals but is not efficient when customers have heterogeneous waiting costs. Priority queues, in which customers with higher waiting costs are served first, are more efficient but usually involve undesirable queue-jumping behaviors that violate bumped customers’ property rights over their waiting spots. To have the best of both worlds, this chapter introduces time trading mechanisms, in which customers who are privately informed about their waiting costs mutually agree on the ordering in the queue by trading positions. If a customer ever moves back in the queue, she will receive an appropriate monetary compensation. Customers can always decide not to participate in trading and retain their positions as if they are being served FIFO. We design the optimal mechanisms for the social planner, the service provider, and an intermediary who might mediate the trading platform. Both the social planner’s and the service provider’s optimal mechanisms involve a flat admission fee and an auction that implements strict priority. If a revenue-maximizing intermediary operates the trading platform, it should charge a trade participation fee and implement an auction with some trade restrictions. Therefore, customers are not strictly prioritized. However, relative to a FIFO system, the intermediary delivers value to the social planner by improving efficiency, and to the service provider by increasing its revenue. This chapter is primarily based on Yang et al. (Manag Sci 63(7):2377–2395, 2017) where interested readers can find proofs of the results shown in this chapter.
Line-Sitting Services
Authors: Cui Shiliang , Wang Zhongbin , Yang Luyi
Published: June 2023

Waiting in line is a common yet disagreeable experience for customers seeking service, and the desire to bypass a long line has spawned the innovative practice of line-sitting—instead of joining the queue themselves, customers can hire surrogates to stand in line on behalf of them. These surrogates are referred to as line-sitters. They enter queues upon customer requests, and unlike true customers they sit in line not for the underlying service that customers are waiting for but for monetary gains from those who are willing to pay to avoid waiting. The line-sitters can notify customers through text messaging or a mobile app when they move close to the front of the line. As a result, the hiring customer can simply show up to take the line-sitter’s spot when the service is about to start. In this chapter, we present a model of line-sitting and show that it can increase the social welfare or revenue of the service provider over a first-in-first-out (FIFO) policy. This chapter is primarily based on Cui et al. (Manag Sci 66(1):227–242, 2020) and Wang and Wang (Oper Res Lett 47(5):447–451, 2019) where interested readers can find proofs of the findings shown in this chapter.
Queue Scalping
Authors: Cui Shiliang , Wang Zhongbin , Yang Luyi
Published: June 2023

In addition to line-sitting, queue-scalping is also widely witnessed in congestion-prone service systems. Unlike true customers, queue-scalpers have no interest in the service being offered and enter the queue with the pure intent to sell their spots. Different from the line-sitting whereby customers pay someone to stand in line on their behalf (Chap. 3), queue-scalping takes a make-to-stock (MTS) approach in that queue-scalpers perpetually circulate in the queue before the arrival of a client, so by the time a buying customer arrives, she can readily take a scalper’s spot and shorten her wait. Thus, its value proposition is waiting-time reduction. In contrast, line-sitting takes a make-to-order (MTO) approach in that a line-sitter joins the queue only after a client requests so, and therefore (unlike queue-scalping), line-sitting does not decrease clients’ wait time but alleviates their waiting costs by diverting them from an on-site queue to an off-site queue. We present a queue scalping model in this chapter. This chapter is based on Yang et al. (Manag Sci 67:6803–6821, 2021) and Wang and Wang (Oper Res Lett 49:485–491, 2021) where interested readers can find proofs of the findings shown in this chapter.
Distance-Based Service Priority
Authors: Cui Shiliang , Wang Zhongbin , Yang Luyi
Published: June 2023

Obtaining a service usually comes with both rewards and costs. For example, dining at a popular restaurant provides customers with a pleasant dining experience, but also incurs costs to them. The costs include the direct service charge that customers have to pay to receive the service (the meal cost) and indirect hassle costs such as going to the restaurant and waiting in line for the service. When the service reward is too low or the service fee is too high, customers will be less likely interested in the service. The same happens when the hassle cost of seeking service is too high, which is especially true when customers must travel a long distance to obtain a service that tends to have cumbersome wait times. It is without question that increasing the number of customers being served (i.e. system throughput) is critical for service providers, as it translates directly into service revenue in the case of a for-profit company and service provision in the case of a non-profit organization. Therefore, how may service providers incentivize customers located far away from the service location to seek service? In this chapter, we introduce an innovative but natural distance-based service priority mechanism to help service providers increase their system throughput. The idea is to assign higher service priority to customers who have to travel farther for the service, thus giving them with new incentives to consider using the service. We shall demonstrate, among other results, that such a mechanism can significantly increase system throughput by attracting more customers to use the service, and the increase can be up to 50% compared to the ordinary first-come-first-served service discipline. This chapter is primarily based on Wang et al. (Manuf Serv Oper Manag, 25(1), 353–369, 2023) where interested readers can find proofs of the findings shown in this chapter.
In-Queue Priority Purchase
Authors: Cui Shiliang , Wang Zhongbin , Yang Luyi
Published: June 2023

The extant priority-purchasing literature has restricted attention to the case where the only epoch for customers to purchase priority is upon arrival, and if customers choose not to upgrade when they arrive, they cannot do so later during their wait. A natural alternative is to let customers pay and upgrade to priority at any time during their stay in the queue, even if they choose not to do so initially. For instance, visitors to the London Eye could purchase a fast-track ticket at any point in their waiting process. Likewise, USCIS could allow a petitioner to file a request of expedited processing at any time after submission, not just at the moment of submission. If in-queue priority purchase is enabled, an immediate follow-up design question is whether to let customers in the regular line upgrade all at once (i.e., simultaneously) or one at a time (i.e., sequentially). In light of these considerations, this chapter examines the following two questions regarding in-queue priority purchase: (1) how will customers behave if they can upgrade to priority at any time during their wait in the queue? (2) how will rules on the specific timing of priority upgrade (i.e., simultaneous vs. sequential) impact customer behavior? This chapter is primarily based on Wang et al. (Queueing Syst 97:343–381, 2021) where interested readers can find proofs of the findings shown in this chapter.
Provably Unforgeable Threshold EdDSA with an Offline Participant and Trustless Setup
Authors: Battagliola Michele , Longo Riccardo , Meneghetti Alessio , Sala Massimiliano
Published: June 2023

We present an EdDSA-compatible multi-party digital signature scheme that supports an offline participant during the key-generation phase, without relying on a trusted third party. Under standard assumptions, we prove our scheme secure against adaptive malicious adversaries. Using a classical game-based argument, we prove that if there is an adversary capable of forging the scheme with non-negligible probability, then we can build a forger for the original EdDSA scheme with non-negligible probability. The scheme requires only two communication rounds in the signature generation phase and avoids expensive multi-party evaluation of cryptographic hash functions. We present our solution in a setting where two parties generate the keys and compute signatures, with a third party which can be brought online after the key generation when one of the other parties becomes unavailable. This setting is a perfect fit for custodial solutions where partially trusted services are employed by a user to increase resiliency. We provide also a possible solution to retain the resiliency of the recovery in the presence of a malicious party.
Modulation of tumor-associated macrophage activity with radiation therapy: a systematic review
Authors: Becherini Carlotta , Lancia Andrea , Detti Beatrice , Lucidi Sara , Scartoni Daniele , Ingrosso Gianluca , Carnevale Maria Grazia , Roghi Manuele , Bertini Niccolò , Orsatti Carolina , Mangoni Monica , Francolini Giulio , Marani Simona , Giacomelli Irene , Loi Mauro , Pergolizzi Stefano , Bonzano Elisabetta , Aristei Cynthia , Livi Lorenzo
Published: June 2023

Objective

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most represented cells of the immune system in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Besides its effects on cancer cells, radiation therapy (RT) can alter TME composition. With this systematic review, we provide a better understanding on how RT can regulate macrophage characterization, namely the M1 antitumor and the M2 protumor polarization, with the aim of describing new effective RT models and exploration of the possibility of integrating radiation with other available therapies.

Methods

A systematic search in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was carried out in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. Articles from January 2000 to April 2020 which focus on the role of M1 and M2 macrophages in the response to RT were identified.

Results

Of the 304 selected articles, 29 qualitative summary papers were included in our analysis (16 focusing on administration of RT and concomitant systemic molecules, and 13 reporting on RT alone). Based on dose intensity, irradiation was classified into low (low-dose irradiation, LDI; corresponding to less than 1 Gy), moderate (moderate-dose irradiation, MDI; between 1 and 10 Gy), and high (high-dose irradiation, HDI; greater than 10 Gy). While HDI seems to be responsible for induced angiogenesis and accelerated tumor growth through early M2-polarized TAM infiltration, MDI stimulates phagocytosis and local LDI may represent a valid treatment option for possible combination with cancer immunotherapeutic agents.

Conclusion

TAMs seem to have an ambivalent role on the efficacy of cancer treatment. Radiation therapy, which exerts its main antitumor activity via cell killing, can in turn interfere with TAM characterization through different modalities. The plasticity of TAMs makes them an attractive target for anticancer therapies and more research should be conducted to explore this potential therapeutic strategy.
Graft impingement increases anterior cruciate ligament graft signal more than acute graft bending angle: magnetic resonance imaging‐based study in outside‐in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Park Seong Yun , Cho Joon Hee , Ho Jade Pei Yuik , Tu Nguyen Thanh , Kim Yong Beom , Lee Yong Seuk
Published: June 2023

Purpose

In this study, the relationship between patient‐specific geometric factors and tunnel placement in graft impingement was identified by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal intensity of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) grafts.

Methods

Ninety‐two patients, who were treated between 2014 and 2020, were included retrospectively. These patients underwent primary remnant‐preserving outside‐in ACL reconstruction (ACLR) and were followed up with postoperative MRI at least one year after surgery. Plain radiographs and computed tomography (CT) were used to analyze tibial and femoral tunnel positions. Postoperative MRI was performed, at 32.8 ± 17.5 months after surgery, to evaluate the graft signal intensity, the ACL/posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) ratio (APR), ACL/muscle ratio (AMR), tunnel positions, and graft impingement. Clinical and stability outcomes were analyzed using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective and objective scores, Lysholm scores, and side‐to‐side differences (SS‐D).

Results

The mean APR and AMR of the proximal third of the grafts were significantly lower than those of the middle third of the grafts (p = 0.017 and p = 0.045, respectively). Multivariate regression analysis showed that there was a negative association between the mean APR and AMR of entire intra‐articular ACL graft and the distance from the anterior end of the intercondylar roof to the center of the tibial tunnel in the sagittal plane (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively) and the notch width index (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). No significant correlations were found between tunneling and geometric factors, and clinical scores or SS‐D.

Conclusions

Graft impingement on the anterior tibial tunnel relative to the end of the intercondylar roof and narrow notch was a more significant contributing factor on increased signal intensities of the ACL graft, compared with the acute femoral bending angle in remnant‐preserving outside‐in ACLR. Therefore, surgeons should focus on intercondylar notch anatomy during tibial tunnel placement to avoid roof impingement.

Level of evidence

Level III.
Judd–Ofelt and photoluminescence analysis of Nd2O3-doped within host fluoroborate glass from the system B2O3–NaF–La2O3
Authors: Marzouk M. A. , ElBatal F. H. , Hamdy Y. M. , ElBatal H. A.
Published: June 2023

Undoped glass of chemical composition 70B2O3–25NaF–5La2O3together with Nd2O3-doped samples were prepared via conventional melt and annealing procedure. The prepared glasses were investigated through photoluminescence measurements to find out their extent for the lasing application. The undoped sample reveals two UV absorption peaks while Nd2O3-doped samples show 10 well-characterized peaks in the UV–Visible range that are correlated to different transition states of Nd3+ions. Three different bands are detected in the emission spectra at 875 nm (4F3/2 → 4I9/2), 1056 nm (4F3/2 → 4I11/2), and 1326 nm (4F3/2 → 4I13/2). The Judd–Ofelt parameters (Ω2, Ω4, Ω6) and radiative properties were estimated using the Judd–Ofelt theory. The represented data indicated that the transition line4F3/2 → 4I11/2is the sharpest and lowest bandwidth value than other detected transitions. The structural analysis by FTIR vibrational modes suggested that the IR absorption bands within the range 800–1200 cm−1originate from both combined vibrations of tetrahedral (BO4) and (BO3F) groups together with (NaF4) groups beside triangular BO3groups which are vibrating within the range 1200–1600 cm−1. The addition of Nd2O3is assumed to cause the possible transformation of some structural B–O bonds within the range of triangular borate units referring to the possible formation of pyroborate units or similar structural groups.