bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of thermal and optical properties in porcine pancreas tissue
Authors: Akhter Forhad , Manrique‐Bedoya Santiago , Moreau Chris , Smith Andrea Lynn , Feng Yusheng , Mayer Kathryn M. , Hood R. Lyle
Published: February 2022

Background

Photothermal therapies have shown promise for treating pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma when they can be applied selectively, but off‐target heating can frustrate treatment outcomes. Improved strategies leveraging selective binding and localized heating are possible with precision medical approaches such as functionalized gold nanoparticles, but careful control of optical dosage and thermal generation would be imperative. However, the literature review revealed many groups assume liver properties for pancreas tissue or rely on insufficiently rigorous characterization studies.

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine the thermal conductivity and optical properties at 808/1064 nm wavelengths in healthy samples of fresh and frozen porcine pancreas ex vivo.

Methods

Thermal conductivity of the porcine pancreas tissue was measured by utilizing a hot plate and two K‐type thermocouples. Experimental variables such as tissue sample thickness, hot plate temperature, and heat convection coefficient were estimated through the control experiments utilizing specimens with known thermal conductivity. Optical evaluations assessed light attenuation at the 808 and 1064 nm wavelengths (continuous wave, collimated beam) by measuring the light transmittance and reflectance of different tissue thicknesses. In turn, these measurements were input into an inverse adding‐doubling program to estimate the optical absorption and reduced scattering coefficients.

Results

Interestingly, pancreas tissue thermal conductivity was demonstrated to have no significant difference (p > 0.5) between samples that were fresh, frozen for 7 days, or frozen for 14 days. Conversely, optical property assessment exhibited a significant difference (p < 0.001) between fresh and frozen tissue samples, with increased absorbance and reflectance within the frozen group. However, the optical attenuation values measured were substantially less than that of the liver or reported in previous pancreas studies, suggesting a wide overestimation of these properties.

Conclusions

These thermal and optical properties are critical to the development of novel therapeutic strategies like plasmonic photothermal therapy, but perhaps more importantly, are invaluable towards informing better surgical planning and operative technique among the existing thermal approaches for treating pancreas tissue.
Brush‐Like Interface on Surface‐Attached Hydrogels Repels Proteins and Bacteria
Authors: Witzdam Lena , Meurer Yannick L. , Garay‐Sarmiento Manuela , Vorobii Mariia , Söder Dominik , Quandt Jonas , Haraszti Tamás , Rodriguez‐Emmenegger Cesar
Published: February 2022

Interfacing artificial materials with biological tissues remains a challenge. The direct contact of their surface with the biological milieu results in multiscale interactions, in which biomacromolecules adsorb and act as transducers mediating the interactions with cells and tissues. So far, only antifouling polymer brushes have been able to conceal the surface of synthetic materials. However, their complex synthesis has precluded their translation to applications. Here, it is shown that ultrathin surface‐attached hydrogel coatings of N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide (HPMA) and carboxybetaine methacrylamide (CBMAA) provide the same level of protection as brushes. In spite of being readily applicable, these coatings prevent the fouling from whole blood plasma and provide a barrier to the adhesion of Gram positive and negative bacteria. The analysis of the components of the surface free energy and nanoindentation experiments reveals that the excellent antifouling properties stem from the strong surface hydrophilicity and the presence of a brush‐like structure at the water interface. Moreover, these coatings can be functionalized to achieve antimicrobial activity while remaining stealth and non‐cytotoxic to eukaryotic cells. Such level of performance is previously only achieved with brushes. Thus, it is anticipated that this readily applicable strategy is a promising route to enhance the biocompatibility of real biomedical devices.
Molecular Optimization on Polymer Acceptor Enables Efficient All‐Polymer Solar Cell with High Open‐Circuit Voltage of 1.10 V
Authors: Yang Hang , Bao Sunan , Fan Hongyu , Fan Chenling , Zhu Xianming , Cui Chaohua , Li Yongfang
Published: February 2022

Currently, rational design of polymer acceptors is desirable but there is still a challenge to develop high‐performance all‐polymer solar cells (all‐PSCs). In this work, brominated thienyl‐fused malononitrile‐based monomer is employed to copolymerize with indacenodithiophene (IDT) and benzodithiophene (BDT)‐based linking units to develop two polymerized small molecule acceptors (PSMAs) PIDT and PBDT, respectively, for all‐PSCs. The two PSMAs show similar absorption edges, while PBDT shows a slightly higher lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy level than PIDT. Benefitted from the relatively high LUMO levels of the two polymer acceptors, notable open‐circuit voltage (Voc) values over 1.0 V are achieved when using them as acceptor to blend with PTQ10 as polymer donor. Particularly, the all‐PSC based on PTQ10:PIDT demonstrates a power conversion efficiency of 10.19%, with an outstanding Voc of 1.10 V benefitted from the higher LUMO energy level of PIDT acceptor. The results demonstrate a feasible strategy to design PSMAs by selecting appropriate linking units for increasing the Voc and improving the efficiency of all‐PSCs.
Origins of the Photocurrent Multiplication Effect in the Polythiophene‐Based Photodetectors
Authors: Cao Yu , Xu Xinjian , Shen Lening , Zhang Dong , Zheng Jie , Gong Xiong
Published: February 2022

The photocurrent multiplication (PM) effect has been used to boost the device performance of polymer‐based photodetectors (PDs), but its origin is rarely addressed. In this study, the origins of the PM effect in polymer PDs based on the P3HT:PC71BM bulk heterojunction (BHJ) composite thin film, where P3HT is poly(3‐hexylthiophene), and PC71BM is [6,6]phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester, through both computational simulation and experimental investigation are reported. Systematic studies indicate that two key factors play an important role in the realization of the PM effect in polymer PDs. One factor is the work function of the metal electrode, and the other is the PC71BM aggregations at the interface between the P3HT:PC71BM BHJ composite thin film and the metal electrode. Moreover, the results from both experimental and computational simulation indicate that the values of the current density under light illumination minus the current density in the dark of polymer PDs are increased simultaneously along with the reduction of the thickness of the P3HT:PC71BM BHJ composite thin film. The results provide an understanding of the PM effect in polymer PDs and guidance for the development of high‐performance polymer PDs based on BHJ composite thin film.
Asymptotic behavior of the solutions of a transmission problem for the Helmholtz equation: A functional analytic approach
Authors: Akyel Tuğba , Lanza de Cristoforis Massimo
Published: February 2022

Let Ωi,  Ωo be bounded open connected subsets of
that contain the origin. Let
for small ϵ > 0. Then, we consider a linear transmission problem for the Helmholtz equation in the pair of domains ϵΩi and Ω(ϵ) with Neumann boundary conditions on ∂Ωo. Under appropriate conditions on the wave numbers in ϵΩi and Ω(ϵ) and on the parameters involved in the transmission conditions on ϵ∂Ωi, the transmission problem has a unique solution (ui(ϵ, ·), uo(ϵ, ·)) for small values of ϵ > 0. Here, ui(ϵ, ·) and uo(ϵ, ·) solve the Helmholtz equation in ϵΩi and Ω(ϵ), respectively. Then, we prove that if x ∈ Ωo \ {0}, then uo(ϵ, x) can be expanded into a convergent power expansion of ϵ,
for ϵ small enough. Here,
if n is even and
if n is odd, and δ2, 2 ≡ 1 and δ2, n ≡ 0 if n ≥ 3.
Improved structure for the dissipative soliton generation based on nonlinear polarization rotation effect
Authors: Ban Xiaoqiang , Li Xiaohui , Zhong Ming , Little Brent E. , Zhao Wei
Published: February 2022

Nonlinear polarization rotation (NPR) technique has been studied for several decades to investigate the ultrafast pulse in both scientific and industrial fields. However, some drawbacks such as sensitive to the environment, noncompact, difficult to reach all the polarization states limit the real applications of this methods. In this work, an improved NPR technique, with polarizar‐polarization controlar‐polarizar structure, has been proposed for the first time. The new structure is relatively more simple to reach all the polarization states and remains much more stable states than traditional NPR technique. We proposed all‐normal‐dispersion Yb‐doped fiber laser and rectangular‐shaped spectrum is obtained both experimentally and theoretically by improved NPR technique. The achieved stable pulse duration and pulse period are 11.69 ps and 37.2 ns, respectively. Signal‐to‐noise ratio is 64 dB at 26.9 MHz, thus the proposed fiber laser has very high stability. Besides, we investigate the output spectrum and pulse shape based on dispersive Fourier transformation, getting the right triangle and ordinary triangle spectrums that are symmetric with the corresponding pulse shapes.
Transfer learning for data‐efficient abdominal muscle segmentation with convolutional neural networks
Authors: McSweeney Dónal M. , Henderson Edward G. , van Herk Marcel , Weaver Jamie , Bromiley Paul A. , Green Andrew , McWilliam Alan
Published: February 2022

Background

Skeletal muscle segmentation is an important procedure for assessing sarcopenia, an emerging imaging biomarker of patient frailty. Data annotation remains the bottleneck for training deep learning auto‐segmentation models.

Purpose

There is a need to define methodologies for applying models to different domains (e.g., anatomical regions or imaging modalities) without dramatically increasing data annotation.

Methods

To address this problem, we empirically evaluate the generalizability of various source tasks for transfer learning: natural image classification, natural image segmentation, unsupervised image reconstruction, and self‐supervised jigsaw solving. Axial CT slices at L3 were extracted from PET‐CT scans for 204 oesophago‐gastric cancer patients and the skeletal muscle manually delineated by an expert. Features were transferred and segmentation models trained on subsets () of the manually annotated training set. Four‐fold cross‐validation was performed to evaluate model generalizability. Human‐level performance was established by performing an inter‐observer study consisting of ten trained radiographers.

Results

We find that accurate segmentation models can be trained on a fraction of the data required by current approaches. The Dice similarity coefficient and root mean square distance‐to‐agreement were calculated for each prediction and used to assess model performance. Models pre‐trained on a segmentation task and fine‐tuned on 10 images produce delineations that are comparable to those from trained observers and extract reliable measures of muscle health.

Conclusions

Appropriate transfer learning can generate convolutional neural networks for abdominal muscle segmentation that achieve human‐level performance while decreasing the required data by an order of magnitude, compared to previous methods (). This work enables the development of future models for assessing skeletal muscle at other anatomical sites where large annotated data sets are scarce and clinical needs are yet to be addressed.
Understand the new generation of student veterans
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: February 2022

Monteigne Long's journey to working with student veterans began as a military spouse. Today, Long is the Assistant Director at the Office of Veteran Services at Texas A&M University. At TAMU, Long helps oversee the programming for more than 400 student veterans across 11 institutions, along with more than 7,000 military dependents.
Clinical significance of pancreatic ductal metaplasia
Authors: Jiang Tingting , Wei Fang , Xie Keping
Published: February 2022

Pancreatic ductal metaplasia (PDM) is the stepwise replacement of differentiated somatic cells with ductal or ductal‐like cells in the pancreas. PDM is usually triggered by cellular and environmental insults. PDM development may involve all cell lineages of the pancreas, and acinar cells with the highest plasticity are the major source of PDM. Pancreatic progenitor cells are also involved as cells of origin or transitional intermediates. PDM is heterogeneous at the histological, cellular, and molecular levels and only certain subsets of PDM develop further into pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) and then pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The formation and evolution of PDM is regulated at the cellular and molecular levels through a complex network of signaling pathways. The key molecular mechanisms that drive PDM formation and its progression into PanIN/PDAC remain unclear, but represent key targets for reversing or inhibiting PDM. Alternatively, PDM could be a source of pancreas regeneration, including both exocrine and endocrine components. Cellular aging and apoptosis are obstacles to PDM‐to‐PanIN progression or pancreas regeneration. Functional identification of the cellular and molecular events driving senescence and apoptosis in PDM and its progression would help not only to restrict the development of PDM into PanIN/PDAC, but may also facilitate pancreatic regeneration. This review systematically assesses recent advances in the understanding of PDM physiology and pathology, with a focus on its implications for enhancing regeneration and prevention of cancer. © 2022 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Hybrid nanocellulose/carbon nanotube/natural rubber nanocomposites with a continuous three‐dimensional conductive network
Authors: Kazemi Hossein , Mighri Frej , Park Keun Wan , Frikha Slim , Rodrigue Denis
Published: February 2022

In this study, the hybrid effect of nanocellulose/carbon nanotube (NCC/CNT) reinforcement on natural rubber (NR) nanocomposites was investigated. To this end, three series of NR nanocomposites were prepared: NCC/NR, CNT/NR and NCC/CNT/NR. First, the nanocomposites morphology and the filler–rubber interactions were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the swelling behavior in toluene, respectively. The results showed that the presence of NCC improved the NCC/CNT hybrid filler dispersion forming a 3D network, while the presence of CNT increased the filler–matrix interaction. The curing results also confirmed that the degree of crosslinking increased when hybrid fillers were used, but the curing time was not modified. In addition, it was observed that using a NCC/CNT hybrid system led to superior mechanical properties, dynamic mechanical properties and thermal conductivity than each material used separately. When 10 phr hybrid filler (with a filler ratio of 1) was added to NR, the tensile strength, modulus at 300% elongation (M300), storage modulus at 10% strain and thermal conductivity were all increased by 57%, 137%, 120%, and 30%, respectively. The results also showed that the NR nanocomposites properties can be controlled by tuning the NCC/CNT filler ratio.
Diagnostic yield of exome sequencing for prenatal diagnosis of fetal structural anomalies: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Mellis Rhiannon , Oprych Kathryn , Scotchman Elizabeth , Hill Melissa , Chitty Lyn S
Published: February 2022

Objectives

We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to determine the diagnostic yield of exome sequencing (ES) for prenatal diagnosis of fetal structural anomalies, where karyotype/chromosomal microarray (CMA) is normal.

Methods

Following electronic searches of four databases, we included studies with ≥10 structurally abnormal fetuses undergoing ES or whole genome sequencing. The incremental diagnostic yield of ES over CMA/karyotype was calculated and pooled in a meta‐analysis. Sub‐group analyses investigated effects of case selection and fetal phenotype on diagnostic yield.

Results

We identified 72 reports from 66 studies, representing 4350 fetuses. The pooled incremental yield of ES was 31% (95% confidence interval (CI) 26%–36%,p < 0.0001). Diagnostic yield was significantly higher for cases pre‐selected for likelihood of monogenic aetiology compared to unselected cases (42% vs. 15%,p < 0.0001). Diagnostic yield differed significantly between phenotypic sub‐groups, ranging from 53% (95% CI 42%–63%,p < 0.0001) for isolated skeletal abnormalities, to 2% (95% CI 0%–5%,p = 0.04) for isolated increased nuchal translucency.

Conclusion

Prenatal ES provides a diagnosis in an additional 31% of structurally abnormal fetuses when CMA/karyotype is non‐diagnostic. The expected diagnostic yield depends on the body system(s) affected and can be optimised by pre‐selection of cases following multi‐disciplinary review to determine that a monogenic cause is likely.
A survey: Understanding the health and perspectives of people with CF not benefiting from CFTR modulators
Authors: Kramer‐Golinkoff Emily , Camacho Amanda , Kramer Liza , Taylor‐Cousar Jennifer L.
Published: February 2022

Background

While the advent of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator use has improved daily life and long‐term prognosis of CF for many with approved CFTR mutations, approximately 10% of people with CF (pwCF) have only symptomatic treatments available.

Methods

Between June 10 and July 1, 2021, Emily's Entourage distributed a 38‐question anonymous survey targeted at pwCF not benefitting from approved modulators via social media and email to pwCF and CF advocacy groups in and outside the United States regarding health status, impact of CF, unmet needs, and clinical research interest.

Results

There were 431 survey respondents representing pwCF on five continents. The majority of pwCF had moderate lung disease (50.3%). Ineligibility based on CFTR mutation (64.1%) was the most frequently reported reason pwCF were not on modulators. PwCF reported the most impacted aspects of life were mental (66.7%) and physical (40.7%) health. Financial concerns and feelings of isolation were commonly reported. Witnessing improvements for peers with access to modulators was both uplifting and disheartening. The majority of pwCF would be interested in participating in future clinical research (77.6%), although some living outside of the United States cited lack of opportunity to participate in clinical trials as a barrier.

Conclusions

PwCF who are ineligible, intolerant, or lack access to modulators have a high burden of disease impacting their physical and mental health. Although most are happy for those who are benefiting from modulators, they are eager for the opportunity to experience similar improvements for themselves, and willing to participate in clinical trials of new therapies.
Expression and immobilization of trypsin‐like domain of serine protease from Pseudomonas aeruginosa for improved stability and catalytic activity
Authors: Mahmood Malik Siddique , Asghar Hunza , Riaz Sheeba , Shaukat Iqra , Zeeshan Nadia , Gul Roquyya , Ashraf Naeem Mahmood , Saleem Mahjabeen
Published: February 2022

Protein engineering and enzyme immobilization strategies have produced numerous biocatalysts for modern industrial applications. In this study, we have also used these two strategies for improving the operational stability and catalytic efficiency of serine protease from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The enzyme serine protease was truncated to separate its trypsin‐like domain from the PDZ1 and PDZ2 domains. The truncated trypsin‐like domain was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21, and its catalytic activity and thermostability were estimated. Later this trypsin‐like domain was immobilized with 2% Na‐alginate. The immobilized domain showed 10°C increase in optimum temperature compared to its free counterpart. Kinetic studies showed two‐folds increased Vmax of the immobilized domain. Likewise, the Km value of this domain was 11.5 folds lower compared to the free trypsin‐like domain. The catalytic efficiency (Kcat/Km) of the immobilized enzyme also elevated to 311 folds. Additionally, the immobilized trypsin‐like domain remained active in the presence of surfactants (Triton‐X 100, SDS, and Tween‐40) and metal ions (Mg2+, Ca2+, Na+, and Zn2+). It also efficiently removes gelatin layer from X‐ray film and hair from sheepskin. Thus, the immobilized trypsin‐like domain of serine protease, with increased thermostability and catalytic efficiency, is operationally more stable than the soluble truncated trypsin‐like domain.
Tamsulosin and risk of priapism: A causality assessment using Austin Bradford Hill Criteria
Authors: Russom Mulugeta , Fitsum Yodit , Debesai Merhawi , Russom Natnael , Bahta Merhawi
Published: February 2022

Tamsulosin hydrochloride, a selective alpha‐adrenergic blocking agent has been previously associated with priapism. Priapism is a medically serious condition that, if not intervened, can cause permanent erectile dysfunction. This study was conducted to investigate whether the association of tamsulosin and priapism is causal. All currently available evidence such as experimental, biological, toxicological, published studies, and safety data mined from the WHO global pharmacovigilance database was systematically organized into the Austin Bradford Hill causality assessment framework. In the international pharmacovigilance database, a strong association between tamsulosin and priapism (IC025 = 4.1; PRR025 = 19.9; ROR025 = 20) was observed. There were 122 cases of priapism associated with tamsulosin submitted to the database from 23 countries. In 87.7% of the cases, tamsulosin was reported as a ‘sole suspect,’ and in 50.8%, it was the only drug administered. In several patients, priapism resolved following discontinuation of tamsulosin and recurred after its reintroduction. Both in the published and unpublished data, for majority of the cases, the time to onset of priapism was within few days following the first intake of tamsulosin. Cases of priapism, particularly those published, were consistent in their clinical features with patients experiencing prolonged painful erection that required aspiration of cavernosal blood, irrigation of the corpora cavernosa, and treatment with vasopressors. Other alpha‐adrenergic blocking agents that are structurally analogous with tamsulosin have also been associated with priapism. In several cases, tamsulosin was used off‐label, for the treatment of ureteral calculi expulsion. Eight patients experienced priapism that ended up with serious complications such as ejaculation disorders and erectile dysfunction. The currently available totality of evidence suggests that the association of tamsulosin and priapism is causal. Healthcare professionals are therefore recommended to cautiously prescribe tamsulosin and ensure that consumers are aware of the potential risk of priapism.
Utility of roller wiper applications of dicamba for Palmer amaranth control in soybean
Authors: Farr Rodger , Norsworthy Jason K. , Barber L. Tom , Butts Thomas R. , Roberts Trent
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

The commercialization of dicamba‐resistant soybean has resulted in increased concern for off‐target movement of dicamba onto sensitive vegetation. To mitigate the off‐target movement through physical drift, one might consider use of rope wicks and other wiper applicators. Although wiper‐type application methods have been efficacious in pasture settings, the utility of dicamba using wiper applicators in agronomic crops is not available in scientific literature. To determine the utility of roller wipers for dicamba applications in dicamba‐resistant soybean, two separate experiments were conducted in the summer of 2020 and replicated in both Keiser and Fayetteville, AR, USA.

RESULTS

Utilizing opposing application directions and a 2:1:1 ratio of water: formulated glyphosate: formulated dicamba were the most efficacious practices for controlling Palmer amaranth. The high herbicide concentrations and wiping in opposing directions increased dicamba‐resistant soybean injury when the wiper contacted the crop, but no yield loss was observed because of this injury. Broadcast applications resulted in greater Palmer amaranth mortality than roller wiper applications, and the most effective roller wiper treatments were when two sequential applications were made inside the crop canopy.

CONCLUSIONS

Dicamba applications require adequate coverage for optimum weed control. While efforts can be made to increase roller wiper efficacy by optimizing coverage and timing of applications, broadcast applications are superior to roller wiper applicators for weed control. Roller wiper applications did not reduce soybean yield, thus wiper‐type applications may be safely used in dicamba‐resistant soybean, albeit the likelihood for off‐target damage caused by volatilization of these treatments would need to be investigated. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Polarization Control of Quantum‐Dot Spin‐VCSELs
Authors: Tselios Christos , Georgiou Panagiotis , Politi Christina (Tanya) , Alexandropoulos Dimitris
Published: February 2022

Quantum‐dot spin vertical‐cavity surface‐emitting lasers (VCSELs) are a relatively new addition to the spin‐VCSELs literature. The quantum‐dot active region, apart from the usual advantages carried by the quantum confinement in all three directions, offers additional degrees of freedom for the manipulation of the polarization of the emitted light. In, the present contribution, a detailed analysis on the key parameter optimization of optically pumped quantum‐dot spin‐VCSELs is presented. The influence of the spin polarization of the carriers on the polarization control is investigated over a large range of birefringence rate and spin‐relaxation rate values. Precise polarization control is shown in the results, as represented on maps in the plane of pump ellipticity versus birefringence rate. The trajectories on Poincaré sphere reveal a rich polarization behavior ranging from spin amplification to polarization chaos.
Multicolor Invisible Patterns Encrypted in Double‐Inverse‐Opal Films Based on Thermally Induced Structural Deformation
Authors: Zhou Changtong , Qi Yong , Zhang Shufen , Niu Wenbin , Wu Suli , Ma Wei , Tang Bingtao
Published: February 2022

The integration of invisible photonic patterns into specific micro/nanostructures provides a new way to construct stimuli‐responsive optical anti‐counterfeiting devices. Herein, an innovative strategy for constructing highly invisible patterns in the solvent‐responsive double‐inverse‐opal (DIO) films by the thermal treatment is proposed. The masked area retains the responsive DIO structure, but the exposed area loses the periodic ordered array, which results in different optical responses of the pattern and background to the solvent. Due to the special structure, the scattering effect derived from the randomly distributed polystyrene microspheres within the pores of the inverse‐opal backbone in both the masked area and the exposed area makes the resultant film sample present a pale color, and the encrypted pattern is highly invisible in normal conditions. Interestingly, the hidden pattern can be quickly revealed by ethanol response, showing a large color contrast. Furthermore, reversible bilayer DIO films with multiple hidden patterns for advanced anti‐counterfeiting materials are prepared. Importantly, the as‐prepared film sample can reveal different patterns on the front and back sides in decryption, and simultaneously the overlapping part of the patterns can achieve color mixing based on the bilayer structure, thereby showing great potential in information encryption and anti‐counterfeiting fields.
Continuous interval type‐2 fuzzy Q‐learning algorithm for trajectory tracking tasks for vehicles
Authors: Xuan Chengbin , Lam Hak‐Keung , Shi Qian , Chen Ming
Published: February 2022

Trajectory tracking is a fundamental but challenging task for vehicle automation. In addition to the system nonlinearity, the main difficulties in the trajectory tracking task are due to the environmental noise and the model uncertainties under different driving scenarios. Considering the uncertainties in the environment, the reinforcement learning method with continuous action and noise‐resistance capability could be a promising way to overcome these issues. In this article, a novel continuous interval type‐2 fuzzy Q‐learning (CIT2FQL) algorithm is proposed to deal with the trajectory tracking task. By introducing then‐dimensional interval type‐2 fuzzy inference system (n‐D IT2FIS) in fuzzy Q‐learning, our proposed method achieves the continuous Q‐learning by combining the action interpolation with IT2FIS for the first time. We also proposed a simplified type‐reduction method forn‐D IT2FIS to improve the computing efficiency of the proposed method. Moreover, a radial basis function (RBF) layer is chosen as the basis function to achieve theq‐value interpolation. Finally, a trajectory tracking task in a simulation environment is conducted to verify the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method under different scenarios. The results demonstrate that the proposed method has better robustness and noise‐resistance capability while maintaining good tracking performance compared with the state‐of‐the‐art baseline algorithms including double deep Q network (DDQN), proximal policy optimization (PPO), and interval type‐2 dynamic fuzzy Q‐learning (IT2DFQL).
In situ water infiltration: Influence of cover crops after growth termination
Authors: Haruna Samuel I. , Eichas Robert C. , Peters Olivia M. , Farmer Alaina C. , Lackey Devin Q. , Nichols Julia E. , Peterson Wyatt H. , Slone Neil A.
Published: February 2022

Cover crops (CCs) are known to influence water infiltration just prior to termination, but their effects on water infiltration over time are less known. This study investigated the influence of CCs on in situ water infiltration just prior to CC termination (during April) and again 2 mo after CC termination (during June). The multi‐species mixture of CCs used included hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.), crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.), winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), winter peas (Lathyrus hirsutus L.), oats (Avena sativa L.), triticale (Triticale hexaploide Lart.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), and flax (Linum usitatissimum L.). Infiltration rates were measured using double‐ring infiltrometers during April and June. The physically based Parlange and Green‐Ampt models were fitted to measured infiltration data. Cumulative infiltration was 52% higher in April and 68% higher in June under CC compared with no cover crop (NC) management. During April, the Parlange model–estimated saturated hydraulic conductivity parameter (Kdr) was 245% higher under CC compared with NC management. During the same sample period, the Green‐Ampt–estimated Kdr parameter was 383% higher under CC compared with NC management. The higher sorptivity parameter and lower antecedent water content under CC compared with NC management during both measurement periods suggest that CCs can significantly improve water infiltration into the soil, and this effect can last for up to 2 mo after CC termination.
Convergence model of “cloud + VR” technology on account of mobile Internet of Things and exhibition industry
Authors: Wang Ruijun
Published: February 2022

The convention and exhibition industry is called “smoke‐free industry” and “new economic industry” because of its high efficiency, high rate of return, and no pollution. The article selects the industry driving effect of the convention and exhibition industry in H city as the research object, and selects the added value of the convention and exhibition industry in H city as the dependent variable. According to the relevant theories of industrial development and the current development of the exhibition industry in City H, the statistical data collected at different time points using time series data is used to construct a regression model to test the stationarity of the residual series. The results show that under the 10% significant level given in the tourism industry, the retail industry and the hotel industry, the concomitant probability is less than 0.1, and the convention and exhibition industry increases by 1% every time. It will drive the tourism industry to increase by 0.98%, the retail industry to increase by 1.87%, and the hotel industry to increase by 1.43%. There is a long‐term co‐integration relationship between the exhibition industry and it.
Qualitätsmanagement und -entwicklung in der Primärprävention und Gesundheitsförderung: Stand, Herausforderungen und Perspektiven
Authors: Walter Ulla
Published: February 2022

In den vergangenen 3 Jahrzehnten nahm die Qualitätsentwicklung in der Primärprävention und Gesundheitsförderung eine deutliche Entwicklung. Wesentlich dazu beigetragen hat ihre gesetzliche Verankerung. Einen Schub gaben die Wiedereinführung der Prävention und Gesundheitsförderung in der gesetzlichen Krankenversicherung und das Präventionsgesetz. Die damit bereits im Vorfeld begonnenen Diskurse unter Einbindung zahlreicher Forschender, Träger und Akteure unterschiedlicher Felder der Prävention und Gesundheitsförderung trugen zu einem vermehrten Verständnis zentraler Aspekte der Qualitätsentwicklung bei. Inzwischen liegen für die Prävention und Gesundheitsförderung umfassende Verfahren zur Qualitätssicherung und -entwicklung vor. Zudem sind für alle 4 Qualitätsdimensionen – Planungs‑, Struktur‑, Prozess- und Ergebnisqualität – Handlungsempfehlungen, Checklisten, Instrumente etc. aufbereitet und leicht zugänglich. Zertifizierungen und Qualitätssiegel für Interventionen und gesundheitsförderliche Einrichtungen sind verfügbar.

Allerdings wird keines der genannten Verfahren flächendeckend und kontinuierlich eingesetzt. Die Bereiche in der Prävention und Gesundheitsförderung unterscheiden sich deutlich hinsichtlich der Umsetzung der Qualitätssicherung. Hindernisse sind u. a. unzureichende personelle und finanzielle Ressourcen bei gleichzeitiger Diskontinuität sowie einrichtungsinterne Qualitätsmanagementsysteme. Handlungsbedarf besteht bei der Weiterentwicklung der Umsetzung von Qualität vor Ort, insbesondere im Setting Kommune, und der Integration der Qualitätssicherung in die bestehenden Strukturen. Qualifizierung, ein intensiver Austausch sowie eine kleinräumige Präventionsberichterstattung sollten die Qualitätsentwicklung fördern.
Todesfälle in Sachsen-Anhalts Justizvollzugsanstalten von 1992 bis 2015
Authors: Krell K.-M. , Heide S. , Lessig R. , Stiller D.
Published: February 2022

Hintergrund

Todesfälle in Justizvollzugsanstalten erregen häufig ein breites Interesse der Öffentlichkeit; oft wird über die genauen Todesumstände spekuliert. Bislang existierte hierzu keine wissenschaftliche Aufarbeitung.

Ziel der Arbeit

Es erfolgten eine systematische stufenweise Aufarbeitung solcher Todesfälle sowie eine rechtsmedizinische Analyse der Todesarten und -ursachen. Schwerpunkte wurden auf eine standardisierte Fallbearbeitung, die Identifikation von Risikoprofilen sowie Schlussfolgerungen bezüglich der gesundheitlichen Versorgung und Suizidprävention gelegt.

Material und Methoden

Alle Sektionen im Zeitraum von 1992 bis 2015 aus den Instituten für Rechtsmedizin des Universitätsklinikums Halle und der heutigen Zweigstelle Magdeburg wurden einbezogen. Es wurden 85 Todesfälle in Justizvollzugsanstalten identifiziert; hierzu wurden die Ermittlungsakten hinzugezogen. In Anlehnung an die nationale und internationale Fachliteratur wurden die erhobenen Daten in eine Microsoft-Access-2010-Datenbank eingespeist. Datenschutzrechtliche Bedenken verhinderten die Erhebung von Vergleichsdaten zur Gesamtpopulation in den Justizvollzugsanstalten.

Ergebnisse und Diskussion

In allen Fällen konnten in der abschließenden Betrachtung die Todesart und -ursache geklärt werden. Auch wurden erhebliche Defizite bei der ersten Leichenschau (insbesondere unzulängliche Beurteilungsgrundlagen zu Auffindesituation und Todeszeitschätzung) festgestellt, sodass diese künftig durch einen Facharzt für Rechtsmedizin durchgeführt werden sollte. Mit zwei Dritteln überwogen nichtnatürliche Sterbefälle mit unterschiedlichsten Todesursachen; zumeist lag ein Suizid durch Erhängen vor. Bei dem restlichen Drittel handelte es sich um natürliche Todesfälle mit zumeist kardiovaskulären Todesursachen.
Medical economic vulnerability: a next step in expanding the farm resilience scholarship
Authors: Becot Florence A. , Inwood Shoshanah M.
Published: February 2022

In recent years, the long-standing questions of why, how, and which farm families continue farming in the face of ongoing changes have increasingly been studied through the resilience lens. While this body of work is providing updated and novel insights, two limitations, a focus on macro-level challenges faced by the farm operation and a mismatch between the scale of challenges and resilience measures, likely limit our understanding of the factors at play. We use the example of medical economic vulnerability, a micro-level challenge traditionally confined to the household sphere of the agri-family system, as a way to call attention to these limitations. Focusing on United States (U.S.) farm households, we assess: (1) To what extent are they experiencing medical economic vulnerability when using objective and subjective outcome measures? (2) Which demographic and farm characteristics are associated with experiencing medical economic vulnerability? (3) What is the association between institutional arrangements and medical economic vulnerability? Our analysis of over 900 surveys coupled with a conceptual framework merging complementary insights from three bodies of literature revealed seemingly large differences in the prevalence of medical economic vulnerability across the objective and subjective measures with the subjective measure indicating a general sentiment of medical economic vulnerability in a majority of respondents. Conversely, limited variations were noted in who experiences medical vulnerability on the basis of demographic and farm characteristics, with stronger associations being connected to the households’ health insurance arrangements. We conclude with three implications of our findings for the farm resilience literature.
Herding stochastic autonomous agents via local control rules and online target selection strategies
Authors: Auletta Fabrizia , Fiore Davide , Richardson Michael J. , di Bernardo Mario
Published: February 2022

We propose a simple yet effective set of local control rules to make a small group of “herder agents” collect and contain in a desired region a large ensemble of non-cooperative, non-flocking stochastic “target agents” in the plane. We investigate the robustness of the proposed strategies to variations of the number of target agents and the strength of the repulsive force they feel when in proximity of the herders. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is confirmed in both simulations in ROS and experiments on real robots.
Optimization of the structural coupling between RC frames, CLT shear walls and asymmetric friction connections
Authors: Aloisio Angelo , Pelliciari Matteo , Sirotti Stefano , Boggian Francesco , Tomasi Roberto
Published: February 2022

This paper focuses on the optimum design of the e-CLT technology. The e-CLT technology consists in adding cross laminated timber (CLT) walls to an existing reinforced concrete (RC) infilled frame via asymmetric friction connection (AFC). The authors carried out quasi-static and nonlinear dynamic analyses. The RC frame is modeled in OpenSees by fiber-section-based elements with force-based formulation. The contribution of the infill is simulated using a degrading data-driven Bouc–Wen model with a slip-lock element while the AFC is modelled with a modified Coulomb model. Different types of infill, aspect ratio, scaling, and member size are considered. The benefits of using e-CLT technology are discussed and the ranges of optimum performance of the AFC are estimated. A comparison of the performance of traditional infills with the e-CLT system is presented. The authors provide optimum intervals of the ratio between slip force and in-plane stiffness of the CLT panel, following energy and displacement-based criteria. The seismic displacement demand under various seismic scenario is investigated. Correlations between the RC characteristics and the optimum design ratios bestow possible criteria for the design of the AFC.
Large fire initially reduces bird diversity in Poland’s largest wetland biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Walesiak Michał , Mikusiński Grzegorz , Borowski Zbigniew , Żmihorski Michał
Published: February 2022

Freshwater wetlands are widely recognized as biodiversity hotspots for many organisms, including birds. Climate change and the projected increased risk of wetland fires may pose a major threat to wetland biodiversity in the future. There is urgent need to assess short- and long-term effect of fires on avian biodiversity and to establish relevant management implications. We analysed the short-term (first 3 months after fire) effect of a large (5 500 ha) spring wildfire on the community of breeding marshland birds in the best-preserved Polish local wetland biodiversity hotspot: Biebrza Valley. We compared the avian community structure and abundance of certain species before and after the fire on the 18 permanent transects located in both burned and unburned habitats. Within first breeding season post fire, fire significantly reduced pooled abundance and species richness of the whole bird community. Three bird species of special conservation concern (including aquatic warbler) temporarily disappeared from burned areas, and the numbers of 11 other species declined. In contrast, only 3 species benefited from the fire, none of which depended on marshes as their primary habitat. Although the reported strong initial fire effect is likely to fade away in subsequent years, its immediate detrimental effects on marshland birds should not be underestimated. We conclude that it is essential to temporarily provide the unburned adjacent refuge areas with additional protection and bird-friendly management and to focus on preventing further degradation of marshes to increase their resilience to fire.
Spatial- and size-related shifts in feeding habits of the common dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) in the Southeast Pacific Ocean
Authors: Pincay-Espinoza Jonathan E. , Varela José L.
Published: February 2022

Feeding habits of common dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) were investigated in the Southeast Pacific Ocean using stomach content analysis. Stomachs were collected from 1506 individuals ranging between 18 and 187 cm in fork length. The fish were caught by longliner boats in 2009–2017. Based on percentage of wet weight (%Wi), percentage of number (%Ni), and frequency of occurrence (%Oi), flyingfishes were the predominant prey, followed by the cephalopods jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) and argonaut (Argonauta spp.). Permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) detected significant differences between zones (p < 0.001). PERMANOVA also revealed two size-related shifts in feeding habits to occur at FL ~ 80 cm and FL ~ 110 cm (p < 0.001). Cumulative prey curves did not reach an asymptote in any of the zones and size classes, which may be attributed to the fine taxonomic resolution used. Spatial variations in daily meal ranged between 296.3 and 438.9 g day−1, corresponding to daily ration of 6.1–8.2% body mass BM day−1. Otherwise, size-related variations in both DM and DR were observed. Thus, while daily food intake increased with size from 177.3 for the smallest fish (LF < 80 cm) to 496.7 g day−1 for the largest ones (LF ≥ 110 cm), DR decreased from 13.0 ± 22.1 to 3.7 ± 0.7 BM day−1. The present results contribute to improve the understanding of dolphinfish feeding habits in the Southeast Pacific Ocean.
Building the MCH Public Health Workforce of the Future: A Call to Action from the MCHB Strategic Plan
Authors: Ramos Lauren Raskin , Tissue Michelle Menser , Johnson Ayanna , Kavanagh Laura , Warren Michael
Published: February 2022

Introduction

In 2021, the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) released a new strategic plan to guide its work over the next 10–15 years. The plan highlights four goals—access, equity, workforce capacity, and impact—that are essential to achieving MCHB’s vision.

Methods

We present 13 recommendations to highlight opportunities for ongoing and new activities aligned with Goal 3 of the plan—“Strengthen Public Health Capacity and Workforce for MCH.”

Results

Recommendations 1–3 highlight the need to support pathways into state and local MCH public health (PH) positions, to offer accessible and high-quality training for the practicing workforce, and to build capacity to address health and social inequities. Recommendations 4–7 discuss the need to build a racially and ethnically diverse workforce, ensure equity and anti-racism are foundational concepts in training, and strengthen engagement of community members and those with lived experience as part of the MCH PH workforce. Recommendations 8–10 outline opportunities to enhance MCH workforce data and measurement frameworks, and support practice-based research. Recommendations 11–12 discuss the importance of academic-practice partnerships and the need to spur innovation. Recommendation 13 highlights the need to define and amplify the unique skillset of the MCH PH workforce.

Conclusions

The release of the MCHB strategic plan comes at a time of critical need to build and sustain a MCH PH workforce to achieve equity for MCH populations. We encourage the field to engage in dialogue around the recommendations presented in this paper, and to offer additional actions to build and support the MCH PH workforce.
Energy-efficient design of a presbyopia correction wearable powered by mobile GPUs and FPGAs
Authors: Mompeán Juan , Aragón Juan L. , Artal Pablo
Published: February 2022

This paper presents an energy-efficient design and evaluation of a novel portable device for the automatic correction of presbyopia in human eyes driven by the use of opto-electronic lenses and based on the dynamic pupil response of the subject. Due to the wearable nature of the proposed Dynamic Auto–Accommodation Glasses, in addition to the real-time requirement, an energy-efficient implementation is critical for the success of the device. In this work, the binocular pupil tracking of a subject, followed by the calculation of the eyes’ vergence, and the control of a pair of opto-electronic lenses are implemented and evaluated on several hardware platforms, including two mobile GPU/SoCs, a high-end FPGA, a low-cost FPGA, and a desktop GPU (as a reference point). The pupil tracking algorithm has been parallelized, applying different platform-specific optimizations for each case, to design a fast yet energy-efficient wearable. The hardware platforms have been evaluated to determine which one is the most appropriate for the presbyopia correction task. The experimental results show that the most energy-efficient platform is a mobile GPU (Samsung Exynos 8890) capable of processing frames at 0.016 Joules/frame, still allowing real-time processing (24 frames/sec).