bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why Be Rational?
Authors: Waghorn Nicholas
Published: September 2022

The question ‘Why be rational?’ could be calling into question a commitment to respond to the requirements of subjective rationality, or could be calling into question a commitment to respond to objective reasons. I examine the question in this second sense, placing it in the mouth of the arationalist — an individual who has not ruled out the possibility of not acting or believing on the basis of objective reasons. In evaluating responses to the arationalist’s question, I consider the replies of three philosophers, where these exemplify a shared conceptual strategy: to claim that reasons-responsiveness is self-justifying. I argue that each reply fails, and that the overall strategy is not only dialectically ineffective against the arationalist but is also ineffective even for the goal of reassuring those already committed to reasons-responsiveness. The question ‘Why be rational?’ is yet to be answered, and so a commitment to respond to objective reasons is ungrounded.
Structural validity and classification performance of the Italian Short Negative Acts Questionnaire: A Structural Equation Modeling approach for building ROC curves
Authors: Perinelli Enrico , Balducci Cristian , Fraccaroli Franco
Published: September 2022

We investigated the structural (internal) validity and classification performance of the Italian Short Negative Acts Questionnaire (SNAQ), a 9-item self-report instrument assessing bullying at work. Consistent with recent attention of researchers to control measurement error in predictive models (Jacobucci & Grimm, Perspectives on Psychological Science, 15(3), 809–816 2020), classification performance was investigated through a proposed novel procedure that uses Structural Equation Modeling for building ROC curves. Participants included 357 workers (females = 50.4%) from various sectors. Our results showed that (a) the Italian SNAQ demonstrates adequate levels of structural validity; (b) its classification performance (in terms of self-labeled bullying) is outstanding; and (c) the ROC curves estimated by means of Structural Equation Modeling outperform those estimated with classical observed-variable approaches. In conclusion, we provided further evidence regarding the good psychometric properties of the Italian SNAQ and we also offered a novel approach for estimating ROC curves that does not neglect the issue of measurement quality.
Neuronal Response to Reward and Luminance in Macaque LIP During Saccadic Choice
Authors: Wu Ziqi , Chen Aihua , Cai Xinying
Published: September 2022

Recent work in decision neuroscience suggests that visual saliency can interact with reward-based choice, and the lateral intraparietal cortex (LIP) is implicated in this process. In this study, we recorded from LIP neurons while monkeys performed a two alternative choice task in which the reward and luminance associated with each offer were varied independently. We discovered that the animal’s choice was dictated by the reward amount while the luminance had a marginal effect. In the LIP, neuronal activity corresponded well with the animal’s choice pattern, in that a majority of reward-modulated neurons encoded the reward amount in the neuron’s preferred hemifield with a positive slope. In contrast, compared to their responses to low luminance, an approximately equal proportion of luminance-sensitive neurons responded to high luminance with increased or decreased activity, leading to a much weaker population-level response. Meanwhile, in the non-preferred hemifield, the strength of encoding for reward amount and luminance was positively correlated, suggesting the integration of these two factors in the LIP. Moreover, neurons encoding reward and luminance were homogeneously distributed along the anterior-posterior axis of the LIP. Overall, our study provides further evidence supporting the neural instantiation of a priority map in the LIP in reward-based decisions.
Bathymetry from satellite images: a proposal for adapting the band ratio approach to IKONOS data
Authors: Figliomeni Francesco Giuseppe , Parente Claudio
Published: September 2022

The acquisition of bathymetric data in shallower waters is difficult to attain using traditional survey methods because the areas to investigate may not be accessible to hydrographic vessels, due to the risk of grounding. For this reason, the use of satellite detection of depth data (satellite-derived bathymetry, SDB) constitutes a particularly useful and also economically advantageous alternative. In fact, this approach based on analytical modelling of light penetration through the water column in different multispectral bands allows to cover a big area against relatively low investment in time and resources. Particularly, the empirical method named band ratio method (BRM) is based on the degrees of absorption at different bands. The accuracy of the SDB is not comparable with that of traditional surveys, but we can certainly improve it by choosing satellite images with high geometric resolution. This article aims to investigate BRM applied to high geometric resolution images, IKONOS-2, concerning the Bay of Pozzuoli (Italy), and improve the accuracy of results performing the determination of the relation between band ratio and depth. Two non-linear functions such as the exponential function and the 3rd degree polynomial (3DP) are proposed, instead of regression line, to approximate the relationship between the values of the reflectance ratios and the true depth values collected in measured points. Those are derived from an Electronic Navigational Chart produced by the Italian Hydrographic Office. The results demonstrate that the adopted approach allows to enhance the accuracy of the SDB, specifically, 3DP supplies the most performing bathymetric model derived by multispectral IKONOS-2 images.
Performance enhancements for a generic conic interior point algorithm
Authors: Coey Chris , Kapelevich Lea , Vielma Juan Pablo
Published: September 2022

In recent work, we provide computational arguments for expanding the class of proper cones recognized by conic optimization solvers, to permit simpler, smaller, more natural conic formulations. We define an exotic cone as a proper cone for which we can implement a small set of tractable (i.e. fast, numerically stable, analytic) oracles for a logarithmically homogeneous self-concordant barrier for the cone or for its dual cone. Our extensible, open-source conic interior point solver, Hypatia, allows modeling and solving any conic problem over a Cartesian product of exotic cones. In this paper, we introduce Hypatia’s interior point algorithm, which generalizes that of Skajaa and Ye (Math. Program. 150(2):391–422, 2015) by handling exotic cones without tractable primal oracles. To improve iteration count and solve time in practice, we propose four enhancements to the interior point stepping procedure of Skajaa and Ye: (1) loosening the central path proximity conditions, (2) adjusting the directions using a third order directional derivative barrier oracle, (3) performing a backtracking search on a curve, and (4) combining the prediction and centering directions. We implement 23 useful exotic cones in Hypatia. We summarize the complexity of computing oracles for these cones and show that our new third order oracle is not a bottleneck. From 37 applied examples, we generate a diverse benchmark set of 379 problems. Our computational testing shows that each stepping enhancement improves Hypatia’s iteration count and solve time. Altogether, the enhancements reduce the geometric means of iteration count and solve time by over 80% and 70% respectively.
Oil-palm and Rainforest Phytoliths Dissolve at Different Rates - with Implications for Silicon Cycling After Transformation of Rainforest Into Oil-palm Plantation
Authors: von der Lühe Barbara , Bezler Karin , Hughes Harold J. , Greenshields Britta , Tjoa Aiyen , Sauer Daniela
Published: September 2022

Phytoliths make up the predominant fraction of biogenic silica in plant litter and soils. Thus, they represent a major source of dissolved silicon (Si) in soil-plant systems. Dissolution of phytoliths from Si-accumulating crops such as rice has been well studied in recent years. However, phytolith dissolution in oil-palm plantations remains largely understudied. In this study, we compared dissolution rates of phytoliths isolated from oil-palm fronds, oil-palm litter, and rainforest litter. Our results showed that phytoliths from oil-palm fronds represent an important reservoir of easily dissolvable Si with high dissolution rates (0.44 - 0.69 mg g$$^{-1}$$

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1

d$$^{-1}$$

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). Compared to fresh phytoliths from oil-palm fronds, phytoliths isolated from litter showed up to 18 times lower dissolution rates, reflecting silica aging over time. The dissolution rate of phytoliths isolated from rainforest litter (0.067 mg g$$^{-1}$$

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1

d$$^{-1}$$

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) was significantly higher than that of phytoliths from oil-palm litter (0.038 mg g$$^{-1}$$

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d$$^{-1}$$

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). These results demonstrate that transformation of rainforest into oil-palm plantation involves a major change in phytolith production and Si release from litter, considerably altering Si cycling in the soil-plant system. We identified cut-off palm fronds that are usually piled up between the palm rows as most important Si sources maintaining biogeochemical Si cycling in oil-palm plantations.
The Effects of an Online Mindfulness Intervention on Emotion Regulation upon Autobiographical Memory Retrieval in Depression Remission: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Isham Aleksandra E. , del Palacio-Gonzalez Adriana , Dritschel Barbara
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Maladaptive emotional processing of autobiographical memories is a key feature of depression that may persist during depressive remission. The primary objective of the present study was to assess the effects of an online mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) intervention on emotion regulation upon everyday autobiographical memory retrieval in individuals with remitted depression.

Methods

We conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial in which students (76.4% female; mean age 22.26) with remitted depression were allocated to an 8-week online MBSR program (n = 28) or a waitlist-control condition (n = 27). The primary outcome was self-reported employment of five emotion regulation strategies and non-reactivity upon everyday retrieval of involuntary and voluntary autobiographical memories recorded in a memory diary and was measured at baseline and approximately 11 weeks postrandomization. Intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analyses were performed.

Results

Participants in the MBSR condition showed increases in non-reactivity irrespective of memory retrieval mode (ITT: d = 1.04, p = .010; PP: d = 1.58, p = .015), and increased use of cognitive reappraisal in response to involuntary memories (ITT: d = 0.41, p = .051; PP: d =  − 0.62, p = .032) compared to the waitlist-control condition. Analyses of secondary outcomes showed additional effects for trait mindfulness and trait cognitive reappraisal, as well as depression symptoms and trait thought suppression.

Conclusion

These results provide preliminary evidence for the utility of using an online mindfulness program for improving emotion regulation upon autobiographical memory retrieval during depression remission.

Retrospective Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05121116.
Camera-Based System for the Automatic Detection of Vehicle Axle Count and Speed Using Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Miles Victoria , Gurr Francis , Giani Stefano
Published: September 2022

This paper outlines the development of a non-intrusive alternative to current intelligent transportation systems using road-side video cameras. The use of video to determine the axle count and speed of vehicles traveling on major roads was investigated. Two instances of a convolutional neural network, YOLOv3, were trained to perform object detection for the purposes of axle detection and speed measurement, achieving accuracies of 95% and 98% mAP respectively. Outputs from the axle detection were processed to produce axle counts for each vehicle with 93% accuracy across all vehicles where all axles are visible. A simple Kalman filter was used to track the vehicles across the video frame, which worked well but struggled with longer periods of occlusion. The camera was calibrated for speed measurement using road markings in place of a reference object. The calibration method proved to be accurate, however, a constant error was introduced if the road markings were not consistent with the government specifications. The average vehicle speeds calculated were within the expected range. Both models achieved real-time speed performance.
Identifying rainwater harvesting sites using integrated GIS and a multi-criteria evaluation approach in semi-arid areas of Ethiopia
Authors: Alene Abaynew , Yibeltal Mesenbet , Abera Abebech , Andualem Tesfa Gebrie , Lee Sang Soo
Published: September 2022

In recent years, East Africa has been suffering from severe droughts. The availability of water is crucial to socioeconomic development and ecosystem services in the region. In order to address the pressing issue of water scarcity in the Wag Himra zone, a study will identify viable rainwater harvesting (RWH) sites. Geographical Information System with a multi-criteria evaluation system was used to identify suitable RWH sites based on land use and cover, soil texture, runoff depth, slope, drainage density, and considering road and town constraints. The runoff depth was estimated using the soil conservation service curve number model, and the land use/cover image classification was undertaken using ArcGIS. By using weighted overlay analysis, sites that are potentially suitable for RWH were identified. Based on the hydrological and socioeconomic characteristics of the study area and available literature, the weight of the criteria was determined using the Analytical Hierarchical Process. The findings of the study indicate that only 0.02% of the study area is considered highly suitable, 2.59, 12.26, 61.76, and 21.1% are rated as moderately suitable, marginally suitable, less suitable, and not suitable for RWH, respectively, and 2.29% is labeled a constraint for RWH. It is possible to harvest and store rainwater in the study area to meet increasing water demand. These findings aim to assist decision-makers, planners, and managers to find sites, invest in water resources, and use RWH as an alternative water source.
Comparison of HEC-HMS hydrologic model for estimation of runoff computation techniques as a design input: case of Middle Awash multi-purpose dam, Ethiopia
Authors: Belay Yeshmebet Yitbarek , Gouday Yetnayet Almaw , Alemnew Habtamu Nega
Published: September 2022

Rainfall-runoff modeling requires a selection of a suitable hydrologic model for the determination of an accurate quantity from a given process. For this study, the HEC-HMS event-based hydrologic model of the Initial and constant, the Green and Ampt, and the SCS CN loss methods were selected as a modeling tool for estimation of the amount of runoff at the middle awash multi-purpose dam on the Awash River basin. The HEC-HMS model calibration of this study was done by using the meteorological and hydrological data for the years from 2004 to 2008. The model was validated by using the daily data for the years from 2009 to 2013. The results with the comparison of the observed and simulated hydrographs and the model performance showed that the initial and constant (Nash-Sutcliff NSE = 0.73, Correlation coefficientR2 = 0.75, and RMSE = 0.5) model is appropriate for hydrological simulations in the Middle Awash Catchment.
Assessment of hydrogen transport aircraft
Authors: Onorato G. , Proesmans P. , Hoogreef M. F. M.
Published: September 2022

Zero-carbon-dioxide-emitting hydrogen-powered aircraft have, in recent decades, come back on the stage as promising protagonists in the fight against global warming. The main cause for the reduced performance of liquid hydrogen aircraft lays in the fuel storage, which demands the use of voluminous and heavy tanks. Literature on the topic shows that the optimal fuel storage solution depends on the aircraft range category, but most studies disagree on which solution is optimal for each category. The objective of this research was to identify and compare possible solutions to the integration of the hydrogen fuel containment system on regional, short/medium- and large passenger aircraft, and to understand why and how the optimal tank integration strategy depends on the aircraft category. This objective was pursued by creating a design and analysis framework for CS-25 aircraft capable of appreciating the effects that different combinations of tank structure, fuselage diameter, tank layout, shape, venting pressure and pressure control generate at aircraft level. Despite that no large differences among categories were found, the following main observations were made: (1) using an integral tank structure was found to be increasingly more beneficial with increasing aircraft range/size. (2) The use of a forward tank in combination with the aft one appeared to be always beneficial in terms of energy consumption. (3) The increase in fuselage diameter is detrimental, especially when an extra aisle is not required and a double-deck cabin is not feasible. (4) Direct venting has, when done efficiently, a small positive effect. (5) The optimal venting pressure varies with the aircraft configuration, performance, and mission. The impact on performance from sizing the tank for missions longer than the harmonic one was also quantified.
Inverter prototype development for HLFC compressor applications
Authors: Bismark Alexander Heinz , Juchmann Patrick , Bertram Oliver
Published: September 2022

A key component in Hybrid Laminar Flow Control (HLFC) is a turbo-compressor, which requires an inverter. However, a harsh environment in combination with restrictive boundary conditions make the inverter design very challenging. Moreover, aviation certification standards have to be considered. By reason of its growing significance, a Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approach is described to break the HLFC system requirements down to the lower level of the inverter. Using the acquired set of requirements, the design of an inverter prototype was initiated. For this, the compressor motor, a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) running up to 150,000 $$\text {min}^{\text {-1}}$$

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at a power of more than 5 kW, was characterized by measurements. Thereafter, a control concept was elaborated and implemented on a preliminary electronics. In the end, feasibility tests were conducted on a testbed, whose results match well with the theory.
Exploring frame conflicts in the development of a new mineral resource policy in Austria using Q-methodology
Authors: Kügerl Marie-Theres , Endl Andreas , Tost Michael , Ammerer Gloria , Hartlieb Philipp , Gugerell Katharina
Published: September 2022

Mineral resource policy deals not only with industrial and trade aspects but is nowadays also increasingly concerned with topics such as environmental protection and social development. The tensions associated with strongly divergent opinions among various stakeholder groups cast it as a ‘wicked problem’. The process of redeveloping the ‘Austrian Mineral Resources Strategy’ allows for examination of the different frames and identification of potential frame conflicts in consultation processes at the national level. Using Q-methodology, this paper reveals four frames represented in the Austrian policy design process and unravels conflicts between economy-focused and integrated policy framings. The predominance of the first frame indicates a narrow sectoral approach favouring domestic mineral extraction and economic growth over other means (e.g. international distributional conflicts of benefits and burdens). The article also demonstrates the suitability of Q-methodology as a tool to investigate frames and to improve their understanding in policy design processes.
PBW filtration and monomial bases for Demazure modules in types A and C
Authors: Balla George , Fourier Ghislain , Kambaso Kunda
Published: September 2022

We characterise the symplectic Weyl group elements such that the FFLV basis is compatible with the PBW filtration on symplectic Demazure modules, extending type results by the second author. Surprisingly, the number of such elements depends not on the type or of the Lie algebra but on the rank only.
Heat Generation and Thermal Radiation Impacts on Flow of Magnetic Eyring–Powell Hybrid Nanofluid in a Porous Medium
Authors: Rashad Ahmed M. , Nafe Mohamed A. , Eisa Dalia A.
Published: September 2022

The paper presents the flow of mixed convection boundary layer for Eyring–Powell hybrid nanofluid over a perpendicular plate with changeable temperature and velocity profile. The nondimensional modified controlling equations in non-similar kind are resolved by utilizing hybrid mechanism: local non-similarity procedure in synchronism with RKF45 with the mechanism of shooting. The gained outcomes are offered properly by plots and discussed for different values of governing parameters. It is found that the transport of heat is diminished by increasing the magnetic field and permeability of porous medium. Furthermore, as a thermal radiation and heat generation improved, the heat transfer increased. This study gets enormous applications in industries of glass and polymer, in the field of heat exchangers styling, cooling operations of metallic plates, plastic sheets ejaculation, etc.
Homomorphic encryption for stochastic computing
Authors: Koseki Ryusuke , Ito Akira , Ueno Rei , Tibouchi Mehdi , Homma Naofumi
Published: September 2022

Homomorphic encryption (HE) method can be used to realize arithmetic operations on encrypted data. This method, however, is limited owing to its low efficiency in performing certain functions, especially those involving several multiplications. As a solution, this paper proposes a new HE-based secure computation scheme, termed as the HE for stochastic computing (HESC); this scheme can homomorphically evaluate both the stochastic addition and multiplication operations, without any bootstrapping. This HESC scheme is constructed based on additive/multiplicative HE, which only supports homomorphic addition/multiplication, and realizes the homomorphic evaluation of stochastic multiplication. The HESC employs the features of stochastic computing (SC) for homomorphic stochastic operations, where stochastic additions and multiplications are performed using random multiplexing and bit-parallel logic operations, respectively. This paper first presents a basic HESC scheme based on additive/multiplicative HE. It then presents an efficient HESC scheme that utilizes the parallelism of lattice-based cryptography (i.e., plaintext packing and vectorized homomorphic evaluation). A new stochastic addition operation is also introduced in this study, which can be used for the HESC instantiated by lattice-based cryptography. This new stochastic addition operation significantly improves the accuracy of the HESC, albeit with the trade-off of increased ciphertext size. Accordingly, this paper also proposes a technique that can reduce the size of ciphertexts, while maintaining the accuracy of the scheme. The basic performance of the HESC implemented with various HEs is demonstrated, along with its applications in polynomial functions and an oblivious inference with a neural network. Lastly, the results thus obtained indicate that the proposed scheme is more advantageous than the conventional schemes. This paper is concluded with some implications/research directions for HESC from perspectives of cryptography and HE implementations.
Apricot seed shell: an agro-waste biosorbent for acid blue193 dye adsorption
Authors: Hashem A. , Aniagor Chukwunonso O. , Morsy Osama M. , Abou-Okeil A. , Aly A. A.
Published: September 2022

Locally available apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) seed shell wastes were utilized for the preparation of an efficient dye biosorbent. The as-prepared apricot seed shell powder (ASP) was thoroughly characterized using FTIR, SEM-EDX, XRD, BET surface area, and pHPZC measurements to elucidate its functional groups, as well as its surface texture morphology and charge. The effect of several process variables (such as contact time, biosorbent dosage, pH, temperature, and initial concentration) on the dye uptake capacity was also investigated. Based on the experimental finding, the following optimum process conditions were established in the study: pH 2.0, 0.2 g/L adsorbent mass, 30 °C, and time of 120 min. The BET surface area, pore volume, and average pore size of the ASP were estimated as 97.493 m2/g, 0.0691 cm3/g, and 1.922 nm, respectively. The experimental equilibrium and kinetic data were properly described by the Temkin isotherm and pseudo-first-order kinetics model, respectively. Therefore, the effectiveness of ASP as an acid blue 193 dye biosorbent was established in the study.
Low Cardiorespiratory Fitness Post-COVID-19: A Narrative Review
Authors: Schwendinger Fabian , Knaier Raphael , Radtke Thomas , Schmidt-Trucksäss Arno
Published: September 2022

Patients recovering from COVID-19 often report symptoms of exhaustion, fatigue and dyspnoea and present with exercise intolerance persisting for months post-infection. Numerous studies investigated these sequelae and their possible underlying mechanisms using cardiopulmonary exercise testing. We aimed to provide an in-depth discussion as well as an overview of the contribution of selected organ systems to exercise intolerance based on the Wasserman gears. The gears represent the pulmonary system, cardiovascular system, and periphery/musculature and mitochondria. Thirty-two studies that examined adult patients post-COVID-19 via cardiopulmonary exercise testing were included. In 22 of 26 studies reporting cardiorespiratory fitness (herein defined as peak oxygen uptake—VO2peak), VO2peak was < 90% of predicted value in patients. VO2peak was notably below normal even in the long-term. Given the available evidence, the contribution of respiratory function to low VO2peak seems to be only minor except for lung diffusion capacity. The prevalence of low lung diffusion capacity was high in the included studies. The cardiovascular system might contribute to low VO2peak via subnormal cardiac output due to chronotropic incompetence and reduced stroke volume, especially in the first months post-infection. Chronotropic incompetence was similarly present in the moderate- and long-term follow-up. However, contrary findings exist. Peripheral factors such as muscle mass, strength and perfusion, mitochondrial function, or arteriovenous oxygen difference may also contribute to low VO2peak. More data are required, however. The findings of this review do not support deconditioning as the primary mechanism of low VO2peak post-COVID-19. Post-COVID-19 sequelae are multifaceted and require individual diagnosis and treatment.
The Courage to Care: Teacher Compassion Predicts More Positive Attitudes Toward Trauma-Informed Practice
Authors: O’Toole Catriona , Dobutowitsch Mira
Published: September 2022

Purpose

With greater awareness of the prevalence and impact of childhood trauma and adversity, teachers are now assuming a more active role in creating emotionally healthy environments and responding to student distress. However, supporting trauma-affected students can be a source of amplified teacher stress. Compassion has been identified as a promising construct for frontline professionals in terms of promoting psychological wellbeing, and increasing the sensitivity to detect, tolerate and respond to distress in others. It has also been identified as an important aspect of trauma-informed practice. Nevertheless, the role of compassion in teachers’ attitudes towards, and readiness for implementing trauma-informed practices has not yet been explored. This study aimed to address this gap.

Methods

A sample of 377 primary and post-primary teachers in Ireland completed the Attitudes Related to Trauma-Informed Care Scale, the Professional Quality of Life Scale, the Self-Compassion Scale, and a socio-demographic survey.

Results

Teachers were found to hold generally positive attitudes toward trauma-informed care. They exhibited low to moderate levels of secondary traumatic stress and burnout, and notably high levels of compassion satisfaction, indicating that they tend to embrace their caring role and find meaning and purpose in their work. Regression analyses showed that compassion satisfaction was the strongest predictor of positive attitudes toward trauma-informed care, followed by self-compassion. Older teachers were more likely to display positive attitudes toward trauma-informed care, whilst teachers in single-sex boys’ schools held attitudes that were less favorable.

Conclusion

This study suggests potential benefits for both teachers and students of positioning compassion at the center of educational policy and practice. The results are contextualized within the Irish and international educational landscape.
Highly Flexible Fabrics/Epoxy Composites with Hybrid Carbon Nanofillers for Absorption-Dominated Electromagnetic Interference Shielding
Authors: Lee Jong-Hoon , Kim Yoon-Sub , Ru Hea-Jin , Lee Seul-Yi , Park Soo-Jin
Published: September 2022

Epoxy-based nanocomposites can be ideal electromagnetic interference (EMI)-shielding materials owing to their lightness, chemical inertness, and mechanical durability. However, poor conductivity and brittleness of the epoxy resin are challenges for fast-growing portable and flexible EMI-shielding applications, such as smart wristband, medical cloth, aerospace, and military equipment. In this study, we explored hybrid nanofillers of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT)/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as conductive inks and polyester fabrics (PFs) as a substrate for flexible EMI-shielding composites. The highest electrical conductivity and fracture toughness of the SWCNT/rGO/PF/epoxy composites were 30.2 S m−1 and 38.5 MPa m1/2, which are ~ 270 and 65% enhancement over those of the composites without SWCNTs, respectively. Excellent mechanical durability was demonstrated by stable electrical conductivity retention during 1000 cycles of bending test. An EMI-shielding effectiveness of ~ 41 dB in the X-band frequency of 8.2–12.4 GHz with a thickness of 0.6 mm was obtained with an EM absorption-dominant behavior over a 0.7 absorption coefficient. These results are attributed to the hierarchical architecture of the macroscale PF skeleton and nanoscale SWCNT/rGO networks, leading to superior EMI-shielding performance. We believe that this approach provides highly flexible and robust EMI-shielding composites for next-generation wearable electronic devices.
Supramolecular Polymer Intertwined Free-Standing Bifunctional Membrane Catalysts for All-Temperature Flexible Zn–Air Batteries
Authors: Wagh Nayantara K. , Shinde Sambhaji S. , Lee Chi Ho , Kim Sung-Hae , Kim Dong-Hyung , Um Han-Don , Lee Sang Uck , Lee Jung-Ho
Published: September 2022

Rational construction of flexible free-standing electrocatalysts featuring long-lasting durability, high efficiency, and wide temperature tolerance under harsh practical operations are fundamentally significant for commercial zinc–air batteries. Here, 3D flexible free-standing bifunctional membrane electrocatalysts composed of covalently cross-linked supramolecular polymer networks with nitrogen-deficient carbon nitride nanotubes are fabricated (referred to as PEMAC@NDCN) by a facile self-templated approach. PEMAC@NDCN demonstrates the lowest reversible oxygen bifunctional activity of 0.61 V with exceptional long-lasting durability, which outperforms those of commercial Pt/C and RuO2. Theoretical calculations and control experiments reveal the boosted electron transfer, electrolyte mass/ion transports, and abundant active surface site preferences. Moreover, the constructed alkaline Zn–air battery with PEMAC@NDCN air–cathode reveals superb power density, capacity, and discharge–charge cycling stability (over 2160 cycles) compared to the reference Pt/C + RuO2. Solid-state Zn–air batteries enable a high power density of 211 mW cm−2, energy density of 1056 Wh kg−1, stable charge–discharge cycling of 2580 cycles for 50 mA cm−2, and wide temperature tolerance from − 40 to 70 °C with retention of 86% capacity compared to room-temperature counterparts, illustrating prospects over harsh operations.
Construction of Ultrathin Layered MXene-TiN Heterostructure Enabling Favorable Catalytic Ability for High-Areal-Capacity Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Wang Hao , Cui Zhe , He Shu-Ang , Zhu Jinqi , Luo Wei , Liu Qian , Zou Rujia
Published: September 2022

Catalysis has been regarded as an effective strategy to mitigate sluggish reaction kinetics and serious shuttle effect of Li–S batteries. Herein, a spherical structure consists of ultrathin layered Ti3C2Tx-TiN heterostructures (MX-TiN) through in-situ nitridation method is reported. Through controllable nitridation, highly conductive TiN layer grew on the surface and close coupled with interior MXene to form unique 2D heterostructures. The ultrathin heterostructure with only several nanometers in thickness enables outstanding ability to shorten electrons diffusion distance during electrochemical reactions and enlarge active surface with abundant adsorptive and catalytic sites. Moreover, the (001) surface of TiN is dominated by metallic Ti–3d states, which ensures fast transmitting electrons from high conductive MX-TiN matrix and thus guarantees efficient catalytic performance. Calculations and experiments demonstrate that polysulfides are strongly immobilized on MX-TiN, meanwhile the bidirectional reaction kinetics are catalytically enhanced by reducing the conversion barrier between liquid LiPSs and solid Li2S2/Li2S. As a result, the S/MX-TiN cathode achieves excellent long-term cyclability with extremely low-capacity fading rate of 0.022% over 1000 cycles and remarkable areal capacity of 8.27 mAh cm−2 at high sulfur loading and lean electrolytes.

Graphical abstract
Examining Nonlinear Effects of Crafting Social Resources on Work Engagement – the Moderating Role of Exhaustion
Authors: Lopper Elisa , Dettmers Jan , Hoppe Annekatrin
Published: September 2022

Crafting social resources is a job crafting strategy that implies changing one’s social job resources to improve person-job fit and work-related well-being. Previous research has mostly assumed a resource-generating nature of crafting social resources and investigated the linear positive effects of this job crafting strategy on, for example, work engagement. Considering that crafting social resources can also be resource-consuming, in this paper, we referred to conservation of resources theory and resource allocation theory and proposed a curvilinear, U-shaped relationship between crafting social resources and work engagement. We further predicted that exhaustion would moderate this curvilinear relationship. To test our hypotheses, a two-wave study with 233 employees was conducted. Consistent with our assumptions, compared with a low or high level, a moderate (i.e., occasional) level of crafting social job resources was associated with a lower level of work engagement three months later. Furthermore, exhaustion acted as a moderator insomuch that a low level of exhaustion mitigated the detrimental effect of crafting social resources at a moderate level on work engagement. Accordingly, the findings showed that crafting social resources is not always beneficial and can impair employees’ work engagement, especially for exhausted employees.
Iliac Artery Tortuosity, Calcification and Abnormal Shape Augment Aortic Aneurysm Anatomy in Predicting Complications After Endovascular Aneurysm Repair
Authors: Pagnozzi Alex M. , Dowson Nicholas , Cowled Prue , Thurston Benjamin , Fitridge Robert
Published: September 2022

Post-surgical complications following endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) remain a risk, arising from technical difficulties imposed by highly calcified or tortuous iliac arteries. Automated methods enable segmentation of the iliac artery to potentially better define perioperative risk prediction. This study uses imaging software to characterise segmental iliac artery anatomy and aims to establish if iliac artery abnormalities can predict adverse outcomes following EVAR. Pre-operative clinical information and CT angiograms were obtained from 189 patients who underwent elective EVAR. Patients were followed for up to 3 years to detect stent-related complications and mortality. Aneurysm morphology was manually measured on CT scans. Automated measurements of vessel shape, curvature and calcification were taken for multiple subdivisions of the common and external iliac arteries. Logistic regression models were trained to assess the influence of iliac artery and aneurysm morphology on outcomes. Combining iliac and aortic features improved predictions of both stent-related complications and morbidity over using either alone. Models predicting death and both early and late stent complications had respective areas under the curve (AUCs) of 0.761, 0.935 and 0.833. Iliac artery calcification and curvature were significant predictors of poor outcomes. Automated morphological assessment of the common and external iliac artery improves the prediction of complications following EVAR. The improved power of iliac morphology to predict late complications and death implies that regional abnormalities of the iliac arteries are important when assessing surgical risk. This allows further rationalisation of the selection of individuals for treatment and may improve patient outcomes.
Computer-assisted management training for emergency response professionals in challenging environments
Authors: Sætren Gunhild B. , Stenhammer Hege C. , Andreassen Natalia , Borch Odd-Jarl
Published: September 2022

Coordinating complex crisis responses generally requires comprehensive skills. When operating in the High Arctic, extreme environments make this task even more challenging. Training for these situations is thus of utmost importance, but such training requires extensive resources for full-scale exercises. Simulation is an alternative that can yield an effective learning process and learning outcomes. In this study, we explored how simulator-based accident training in high-risk, highly sensitive environments can be optimised. To do this, Exercise Isfjord was designed for students in the master’s Preparedness and Emergency Management programme at NORDLAB at Nord University. This exercise involved a grounded cruise ship from which passengers needed to be evacuated, in addition to a severe oil spill. Interviews with students, mentors, facilitators, and academic staff were conducted, and thematic analysis was used for analysing the data. Our findings indicate that a pedagogical wheel consisting of the six factors preparations, psychological safety, mentors, learning objectives, context realism, and evaluations promotes an optimal learning process in simulated-accident exercises in high-risk and highly sensitive environments. Thus, we recommend tailor-made simulated exercises for crisis management and emergency preparedness.
Analysis of the Factors Associated with ED in Type 2 Diabetics at the University Hospital of Libreville
Authors: Ndang Ngou Milama Steevy , Mougougou Adrien , Olagui Smith Giscard , Mbethe Dimitri , Nsame Daniella , Boundama Herman Gael , Ngoungou Brice Edgard
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is very common in diabetic males, especially type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Many factors and complications of diabetes such as macro- and micro-angiopathy are associated with risks leading to ED in male patients.

Aim

Analysis of factors associated with ED in T2DM. The purpose of this study is to shed light on potential associations between ED, type 2 diabetes, and some risks factors.

Material and methods

This was a prospective analytic study of T2DM over 18. The study population consisted of diabetic patients seen at the endocrinology and urology departments of the University Hospital during the study period. Evaluation of ED was made by IIEF 5 score.

Outcomes

A total of 333 patients were selected for the study. The mean age was 56.6 ± 9.8 and the prevalence of ED was 82.6% (n = 275).

Results

In univariate analysis, several associated factors were identified such as micro-angiopathic type complications including diabetic retinopathy (OR 4.88 [2.31–10.33], P < .001), diabetic nephropathy (OR 12.67 [1.71–93.66], P = .002) and macro-angiopathic type including arterial hypertension (OR 3.12 [1.69–5.75], P < .001). In multivariate analysis, duration of diabetes, micro and macroangiopathic complications, and hyperuricemia were independent risk factors for the occurrence of ED (P < .05).

Clinical Implications

The presence of certain complications of diabetes such as micro or macro angiopathy or hyperuricemia should lead to a search for a ED. The presence of these associated factors identified in type 2 diabetic patients should systematically prompt an ED diagnosis which is often moderate or severe. That diagnosis would help design a protocol for the management and improvement of the life quality of these patients.

Strengths and Limitations

The strength of this work is that it was conducted in the biggest hospital in the country which gives us a good idea of the trend of this ailment in the country. But the limitation of the study is that it only included patients who visited the hospital. This is monocentric hospital study was also transversal which does allow to establish a causal link.

Conclusion

ED has a significant prevalence in T2DM. Several associated factors identified in uni and multivariate analyses, including duration of diabetes, micro and macro angiopathic complications, and hyperuricemia, increase ED risk. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the existence of these factors to improve the management of ED, which may allow the patient to regain a better overall health status.
Lateral retroperitoneal adrenalectomy: Comparison of introduction and education periods of a new surgical procedure in a teaching hospital. A retrospective case series study
Authors: Endo Kazuhiro , Morishima Kazue , Koizumi Masaru , Sasanuma Hideki , Sakuma Yasunaru , Lefor Alan Kawarai , Sata Naohiro
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Introduction

Lateral retroperitoneal adrenalectomy (LRPA) was introduced to a teaching hospital. A fixed operating team of experienced surgeons and a step-by-step educational approach were employed. Surgical outcomes during the study period are analyzed. The safety of this process was evaluated.

Methods

In this case series study, data for all patients who underwent LRPA from 2006 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups according to when surgery was performed, the introduction period, and the subsequent education period. All data were compared between the two groups. Three surgeons were certified as independent surgeons during the education period. The outcomes of procedures performed by these three surgeons as trainees were compared.

Results

A total of 179 patients underwent LRPA with 53 patients during the introduction period and 126 patients during the education period. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding operating time (129min vs 134min, p = 0.63) or estimated blood loss (63 ml vs 43 ml, p = 0.36). There were no significant differences in conversion to other procedures or perioperative complications. Among the three surgeons certified as independent surgeons during the education period, there were no significant differences in operating time (140min vs 120min vs 149min, p = 0.056), estimated blood loss (31 ml vs 28 ml vs 42 ml, p = 0.874), conversion to other procedures, perioperative complication rate, or postoperative length of stay. There was no evidence of a learning curve effect.

Conclusion

LRPA as a new procedure was safely introduced to a teaching hospital and safely promulgated to trainees.

Graphical abstract

Highlights
Prophylactic antibiotics and Postoperative Surgical Site Infections in cutaneous surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lalla Soogan C. , Bonadurer George F. , Murad Hassan M. , Brewer Jerry D.
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Introduction

The risks and benefits of antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) in the setting of dermatologic surgery are unclear. This meta-analysis evaluated the effect of AP on the risk of SSIs and adverse events (AE) of AP in clean and clean/contaminated cutaneous surgical procedures.

Methods

Embase, MEDLINE, and Scopus databases were searched from inception through August 16, 2021. Two reviewers independently selected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which participants undergoing elective clean and clean/contaminated surgical procedures received either an identified course of AP, or no AP or a placebo.

Data extracted were surgery type, antibiotic and control interventions, occurrence of SSIs and adverse events (AEs). SSI risk was pooled across trials by using a random-effects model. Certainty of evidence was assessed with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach.

Results

Twenty-eight RCTs (12,958 surgical wounds in 12,698 participants) were included. Postoperative SSIs were reduced in the AP group compared with controls (3.4% vs 7.4%; incidence rate ratio [IRR], 0.48 [95% CI, 0.37–0.62]; high certainty of evidence). Subgroup analysis showed a reduction in SSI risk for Mohs micrographic surgery (IRR, 0.22 [95% CI, 0.09–0.51]), dermatologic surgery (IRR, 0.29 [95% CI, 0.14–0.60]), and plastic or breast surgery (IRR, 0.60 [95% CI, 0.45–0.80]). Risk of AEs was not different between AP and control groups.

Conclusion

AP reduces SSI risk in clean and clean/contaminated cutaneous surgical procedures. The benefits of AP should be balanced against costs, drug interactions, antibiotic resistance, and surgical sites or procedures that are associated with a lower likelihood of infection.

Highlights
Short-term outcomes of an imageless robot-assisted total knee arthroplasty compared with a conventional method: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Masarwa Rawan , Yonai Yaniv , Ben Natan Merav , Steinfeld Yaniv , Berkovich Yaron
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Introduction

The purpose of robot-assisted TKA is to improve implant positioning and soft tissue management, and thus improve the clinical results and implant survivorship. This study compared short-term outcomes of an imageless robot-assisted TKA versus conventional TKA. Imageless robot-assisted TKA would demonstrate improved short-term outcomes, in comparison with conventional TKA.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, we compared demographic, intraoperative, and postoperative data of 150 imageless robot-assisted TKA patients and 150 conventional TKA patients.

Results

Imageless robot-assisted TKA patients had reduced pain scores on day one following the surgery and had shorter postoperative length of stay (LOS). In contrast, there was no difference between the groups in the frequency of post-surgical infection or revision TKA. In addition, no difference was found in the duration of surgery.

Conclusion

It seems that the imageless robot-assisted TKA leads to similar short-term outcomes, compared with conventional TKA, with a few advantages over the latter, such as reduced pain scores on day one following the surgery and shorter LOS, without prolonging the surgery duration. Further investigation is needed to explore whether these findings have long-term clinical significance.

Level of evidence

III, retrospective cohort study.

Highlights