bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface Reconstruction of Ni‐Rich Layered Cathodes: In Situ Doping versus Ex Situ Doping
Authors: Wang Linzhe , Qin Jian , Bai Zhimin , Qian Huaming , Cao Yanyan , Sari Hirbod Maleki Kheimeh , Xi Yukun , Shan Hui , Wang Shuai , Zuo Jiaxuan , Pu Xiaohua , Li Wenbin , Wang Jingjing , Li Xifei
Published: April 2022

The structural instability and sluggish Li+ diffusion kinetic of the nickel‐rich LiNixCoyMn1−x−yO2 (NCM) cathode still hinder its further commercialization for lithium‐ion batteries. Doping heteroatoms are widely studied as an effective strategy to maintain structural and thermal stability for improving the capacity retention of NCM during cycling. Herein this work, in situ Zn2+‐doped NCM (in situ Zn‐NCM) is successfully designed by atomic layer deposition (ALD) combined with annealing. In comparison to ex situ Zn2+‐doped NCM (ex situ Zn‐NCM), in situ Zn‐NCM can better enhance the layered structure stability and reduce the generation of surface defects due to that it has lower migration energy barrier and more uniform distribution of heteroatoms. As a result, at a high cutoff voltage of 4.5 V, in situ Zn‐NCM with the obvious advantages of lower cation mixing, better phase transition stability, as well as more efficient charge transfer displays higher reversible capacity (i.e., 203.2 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1) and initial Coulombic efficiency (85%) compared to ex situ Zn‐NCM and the pristine NCM. Therefore, in situ doping is a novel and universal strategy to enhance battery performance of high‐energy‐density NCM cathodes for lithium‐ion batteries.
Prediction of spontaneous preterm birth and preterm prelabor rupture of membranes using maternal factors, obstetric history and biomarkers of placental function at 11–13 weeks
Authors: Chiu C. P. H. , Feng Q. , Chaemsaithong P. , Sahota D. S. , Lau Y. Y. , Yeung Y. K. , Yim L. W. , Chung J. P. W. , Poon L. C.
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To determine whether first‐trimester biomarkers of placental function can be used to screen for spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB), and to develop prediction models using maternal factors, obstetric history and biomarkers of placental function at 11–13 weeks for the calculation of patient‐specific risk for sPTB.

Methods

This was a retrospective secondary analysis of data derived from a prospective cohort study on first‐trimester screening for pre‐eclampsia in singleton pregnancies attending for routine Down syndrome screening at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks' gestation at a tertiary obstetric unit between December 2016 and September 2019. A split‐sample internal validation method was used to explore and develop prediction models for all sPTB at < 37 weeks and for PTB at < 37 weeks after preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) using maternal risk factors, uterine artery Doppler indices, serum placental growth factor (PlGF), pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A) and β‐human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐hCG). Screening performance was assessed using receiver‐operating‐characteristics (ROC)‐curve analysis, with calculation of the areas under the ROC curves (AUCs).

Results

A total of 9298 singleton pregnancies were included in this study. sPTB at < 37 weeks occurred in 362 (3.89%) cases, including 231 (2.48%) cases of PPROM. sPTB at < 34 weeks occurred in 87 (0.94%) cases, including 39 (0.42%) cases of PPROM. Identified maternal risk factors for sPTB at < 37 weeks included chronic hypertension, conception using in‐vitro fertilization and history of PTB. Maternal risk factors for PPROM at < 37 weeks included conception using in‐vitro fertilization and history of PTB. Median PlGF multiples of the median (MoM) and PAPP‐A MoM were significantly reduced in women with sPTB at < 37 weeks, as well as in those who had PPROM, compared to those who delivered at term. Screening by a combination of maternal risk factors, PAPP‐A and PlGF achieved better performance in predicting sPTB at < 37 weeks (AUC, 0.630 vs 0.555; detection rate (DR), 24.8% vs 16.6% at a false‐positive rate (FPR) of 10%; P ≤ 0.0001) and PPROM at < 37 weeks (AUC, 0.643 vs 0.558; DR, 28.1% vs 17.0% at a FPR of 10%; P ≤ 0.0001) than using maternal risk factors alone. Both models were successfully applied to the internal validation dataset, with AUCs of 0.628 and 0.650, respectively.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that low levels of maternal serum PAPP‐A and PlGF in the first trimester are associated with increased risks of sPTB and PPROM at < 37 weeks. However, further research is needed to identify additional biomarkers to improve the screening performance of the combined model that includes maternal risk factors, PAPP‐A and PlGF before clinical application. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Advances of functional nanomaterials for magnetic resonance imaging and biomedical engineering applications
Authors: Huang Ruijie , Zhou Xingyu , Chen Guiyuan , Su Lanhong , Liu Zhaoji , Zhou Peijie , Weng Jianping , Min Yuanzeng
Published: April 2022

Functional nanomaterials have been widely used in biomedical fields due to their good biocompatibility, excellent physicochemical properties, easy surface modification, and easy regulation of size and morphology. Functional nanomaterials for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can target specific sites in vivo and more easily detect disease‐related specific biomarkers at the molecular and cellular levels than traditional contrast agents, achieving a broad application prospect in MRI. This review focuses on the basic principles of MRI, the classification, synthesis and surface modification methods of contrast agents, and their clinical applications to provide guidance for designing novel contrast agents and optimizing the contrast effect. Furthermore, the latest biomedical advances of functional nanomaterials in medical diagnosis and disease detection, disease treatment, the combination of diagnosis and treatment (theranostics), multi‐model imaging and nanozyme are also summarized and discussed. Finally, the bright application prospects of functional nanomaterials in biomedicine are emphasized and the urgent need to achieve significant breakthroughs in the industrial transformation and the clinical translation is proposed.

This article is categorized under:

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology

Diagnostic Tools > Diagnostic Nanodevices

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease
Socio-Technical Innovation Bundles for Agri-Food Systems Transformation
Authors: Barrett Christopher B. , Benton Tim , Fanzo Jessica , Herrero Mario , Nelson Rebecca J. , Bageant Elizabeth , Buckler Edward , Cooper Karen , Culotta Isabella , Fan Shenggen , Gandhi Rikin , James Steven , Kahn Mark , Lawson-Lartego Laté , Liu Jiali , Marshall Quinn , Mason-D’Croz Daniel , Mathys Alexander , Mathys Cynthia , Mazariegos-Anastassiou Veronica , Miller Alesha , Misra Kamakhya , Mude Andrew , Shen Jianbo , Sibanda Lindiwe Majele , Song Claire , Steiner Roy , Thornton Philip , Wood Stephen
Published: April 2022

Technological and institutional innovationsin agri-food systems (AFSs) over the past century have brought dramatic advances in human well-being worldwide.
Key External Drivers of Change to 2070
Authors: Barrett Christopher B. , Benton Tim , Fanzo Jessica , Herrero Mario , Nelson Rebecca J. , Bageant Elizabeth , Buckler Edward , Cooper Karen , Culotta Isabella , Fan Shenggen , Gandhi Rikin , James Steven , Kahn Mark , Lawson-Lartego Laté , Liu Jiali , Marshall Quinn , Mason-D’Croz Daniel , Mathys Alexander , Mathys Cynthia , Mazariegos-Anastassiou Veronica , Miller Alesha , Misra Kamakhya , Mude Andrew , Shen Jianbo , Sibanda Lindiwe Majele , Song Claire , Steiner Roy , Thornton Philip , Wood Stephen
Published: April 2022

As we look 25–50 years, or more, into the future, we must also keep in mind how very different tomorrow’s world will inevitably look. Three big, inevitable changes stand out, with serious implications for AFS and AVC innovations.
Getting from Here to There
Authors: Barrett Christopher B. , Benton Tim , Fanzo Jessica , Herrero Mario , Nelson Rebecca J. , Bageant Elizabeth , Buckler Edward , Cooper Karen , Culotta Isabella , Fan Shenggen , Gandhi Rikin , James Steven , Kahn Mark , Lawson-Lartego Laté , Liu Jiali , Marshall Quinn , Mason-D’Croz Daniel , Mathys Alexander , Mathys Cynthia , Mazariegos-Anastassiou Veronica , Miller Alesha , Misra Kamakhya , Mude Andrew , Shen Jianbo , Sibanda Lindiwe Majele , Song Claire , Steiner Roy , Thornton Philip , Wood Stephen
Published: April 2022

So how do we reverse the growing carbon, land, and toxic chemical footprint of contemporary AVCs; expand the nutrient-rich food supply; and induce more equitable, inclusive, healthier food environments—and thus consumption patterns—so as to navigate from today’s unsustainable and precarious AVCs to a warmer, more urban, more African, and shock-prone world in which wealthier consumers place an ever-growing premium on the non-nutritive attributes of the foods they buy? Given the climate change, population and income growth, and urbanization baked into AFSs already, beneficial innovation is the only feasible pathway. And because innovation takes time, typically measurable in decades, we urgently need to accelerate innovative activity.
Towards Co-Creation of AFS Innovations by AVC Actors
Authors: Barrett Christopher B. , Benton Tim , Fanzo Jessica , Herrero Mario , Nelson Rebecca J. , Bageant Elizabeth , Buckler Edward , Cooper Karen , Culotta Isabella , Fan Shenggen , Gandhi Rikin , James Steven , Kahn Mark , Lawson-Lartego Laté , Liu Jiali , Marshall Quinn , Mason-D’Croz Daniel , Mathys Alexander , Mathys Cynthia , Mazariegos-Anastassiou Veronica , Miller Alesha , Misra Kamakhya , Mude Andrew , Shen Jianbo , Sibanda Lindiwe Majele , Song Claire , Steiner Roy , Thornton Philip , Wood Stephen
Published: April 2022

A key implication of the abundance of promising technologies in various stages of development is that AFS transformation is less likely to be limited by science-based discovery than by human agency. What key players do in response to the wealth of options they face will ultimately determine the path(s) we follow.
Introduction
Authors: Weller Paul
Published: April 2022

This introduction highlights the book’s focus on transitions in Hizmet in Europe following the events of July 2016 in Turkey, rather than on the person and teaching of Fethullah Gülen. That is the focus of the complementary volume by the same author (2021), also published by Palgrave Macmillan, on Fethullah Gülen’s Teaching and Practice: Inheritance, Context and Interactive Development. The chapter discusses the book’s disciplinary and methodological approach that is situated within Religious Studies, and therefore takes seriously Hizmet’s understanding of itself in relation to religion. Nevertheless, given the controversies that exist around this phenomenon, the politics of naming is acknowledged and critically discussed. Weller further situates this within the widely diverse literature, disciplinary perspectives and positionalities relating to Hizmet, including those of the author himself. Finally, the importance and distinctiveness for this book of the primary interview material with Fethullah Gülen and Hizmet participants are underlined.
Continuing Values, Different Expressions and Future Trajectories
Authors: Weller Paul
Published: April 2022

The concluding chapter traces the emerging recognition within Hizmet in Europe that, while Hizmet’s values to do with education, dialogue and the relief of poverty may continue into the future, they should not be replicated in a “copy-paste” manner. Rather, in Hizmet’s future trajectories, these values will need always to be contextually reconsidered and reinvented, taking account of national differences and changing human needs. Indeed, Weller argues that, alongside its “de-centring” from Turkey, Hizmet in Europe (and internationally) is becoming more of a networking of diverse experience than a common but differentiated programme. And this is all happening in a period during which Hizmet in Europe will increasingly need to prepare for a future without the person of Fethullah Gülen in which it will need itself to find ways of appropriately building upon his heritage of a properly confident Islamic engagement, informed by self-criticism, with a focus on the human.
Implementation of angularly ordered electroweak parton shower in Herwig 7
Authors: Masouminia M. R. , Richardson P.
Published: April 2022

Abstract

We discuss the necessary steps for implementing an angularly ordered (AO) electroweak (EW) parton shower in Herwig 7 multi-purpose event generator. This includes calculating the helicity-dependent quasi-collinear EW branching functions that correspond to the full range of final-state EW parton shower, in addition to the initial-state EW gauge vector boson radiations. The results are successfully embedded in the AO Herwig 7 shower algorithm and have undergone a set of comprehensive and conclusive performance tests. Furthermore, we have used this EW parton shower algorithm, alongside the existing QCD + QED AO shower, to predict the angular distributions of W± bosons in LHC events with high transverse momentum jets. These results are compared against the explicitly generated underlying events as well as the existing ATLAS data to show the effectiveness of the newly implemented QCD + QED + EW AO parton shower scheme.
Exploring the holographic Swampland
Authors: Conlon Joseph P. , Ning Sirui , Revello Filippo
Published: April 2022

Abstract

We extend studies of holographic aspects of moduli stabilisation scenarios to both fibred versions of LVS and the type IIA DGKT flux vacua. We study the holographic properties of the low-energy moduli Lagrangian that describes both the AdS vacuum and also small perturbations about it. For type IIA vacua in the large-volume regime, the CFT data (operator dimensions and higher-point interactions) take a universal form independent of the many arbitrary flux choices, as was previously found for LVS stabilisation. For these IIA vacua the conformal dimensions of the dual operators are also, surprisingly, all integers, although we do not understand a deeper reason why this is so. In contrast to behaviour previously found for LVS and KKLT, the fibred models also admit cases of mixed double-trace operators (for two different axion fields) where the anomalous dimension is positive.
Erwartungsfokussierte psychotherapeutische Interventionen bei Depression: ein Behandlungsmanual
Authors: Wilhelm Marcel , Bleichhardt Gaby , Ewen Anne-Catherine , Rief Winfried
Published: April 2022

Hintergrund

Kognitive Verhaltenstherapie (KVT) ist bei Depression langfristig wirksam, jedoch besteht Verbesserungsbedarf. In der Forschung zum Placeboeffekt und der Neurowissenschaft wird die zentrale Bedeutung von Erwartungen immer deutlicher. Neue Therapieansätze zur Modifikation dysfunktionaler Erwartungen (erwartungsfokussierte psychotherapeutische Interventionen, EFPI) scheinen ein vielversprechender Baustein zur Verbesserung der klassischen KVT zu sein.

Ziel der Arbeit

Die wesentlichen Bausteine eines EFPI-Behandlungsmanuals bei Depression werden vorgestellt.

Material und Methoden

Das Manual ist auf 24 Sitzungen (Kurzzeittherapie) ausgelegt. Es umfasst 5 Sitzungen Psychoedukation zu Erwartungsformulierung, -überprüfung und -verletzung sowie zur kognitiven Immunisierung (nachträgliche Umbewertung erwartungsverletzender Erfahrungen). Nach der Psychoedukation folgt eine Phase, in der in jeder Sitzung ein Verhaltensexperiment durchgeführt oder geplant wird. Die Verhaltensexperimente sollen zentrale krankheitsaufrechterhaltende Erwartungen herausfordern („Erwartungsverletzung“). Zusätzlich werden kognitive Immunisierungsstrategien besprochen und nach Möglichkeit verhindert. In der letzten Sitzung erfolgen eine Zusammenfassung und Konsolidierung des Erarbeiteten im Sinne einer Rückfallprophylaxe. Das Manual wurde in einer kleinen Pilotstudie (n = 5) erprobt.

Ergebnisse

Die EFPI-Therapie wurde von allen Beteiligten gut angenommen. Eine umfassende Evaluation erfolgt derzeit.

Diskussion

Das EFPI-Manual stellt die Fokussierung einer KVT auf möglichst viele, deutliche Erwartungsüberprüfungen bei zusätzlicher Adressierung kognitiver Immunisierung dar. Gezielt können persistierende, dysfunktionale Erwartungen von Personen mit Depression behandelt werden.
High-resolution wind speed forecast system coupling numerical weather prediction and machine learning for agricultural studies — a case study from South Korea
Authors: Shin Ju-Young , Min Byunghoon , Kim Kyu Rang
Published: April 2022

Forecasting wind speed near the surface with high-spatial resolution is beneficial in agricultural management. There is a discrepancy between the wind speed information required for agricultural management and that produced by weather agencies. To improve crop yield and increase farmers’ incomes, wind speed prediction systems must be developed that are customized for agricultural needs. The current study developed a high-resolution wind speed forecast system for agricultural purposes in South Korea. The system produces a wind speed forecast at 3 m aboveground with 100-m spatial resolution across South Korea. Logarithmic wind profile, power law, random forests, support vector regression, and extreme learning machine were tested as candidate methods for the downscaling wind speed data. The wind speed forecast system developed in this study provides good performance, particularly in inland areas. The machine learning–based methods give the better performance than traditional methods for downscaling wind speed data. Overall, the random forests are considered the best downscaling method in this study. Root mean square error and mean absolute error of wind speed prediction for 48 h using random forests are approximately 0.8 m/s and 0.5 m/s, respectively.
Dynamic scheduling of heterogeneous resources across mobile edge-cloud continuum using fruit fly-based simulated annealing optimization scheme
Authors: Gabi Danlami , Dankolo Nasiru Muhammad , Muslim Abubakar Atiku , Abraham Ajith , Joda Muhammad Usman , Zainal Anazida , Zakaria Zalmiyah
Published: April 2022

Achieving sustainable profit advantage, cost reduction and resource utilization are always a bottleneck for resource providers, especially when trying to meet the computing needs of resource hungry applications in mobile edge-cloud (MEC) continuum. Recent research uses metaheuristic techniques to allocate resources to large-scale applications in MECs. However, some challenges attributed to the metaheuristic techniques include entrapment at the local optima caused by premature convergence and imbalance between the local and global searches. These may affect resource allocation in MECs if continually implemented. To address these concerns and ensure efficient resource allocation in MECs, we propose a fruit fly-based simulated annealing optimization scheme (FSAOS) to serve as a potential solution. In the proposed scheme, the simulated annealing is incorporated to balance between the global and local search and to overcome its premature convergence. We also introduce a trade-off factor to allow application owners to select the best service quality that will minimize their execution cost. Implementation of the FSAOS is carried out on EdgeCloudSim Simulator tool. Simulation results show that the FSAOS can schedule resources effectively based on tasks requirement by returning minimum makespan and execution costs, and achieve better resource utilization compared to the conventional fruit fly optimization algorithm and particle swarm optimization. To further unveil how efficient the FSAOSs, a statistical analysis based on 95% confidential interval is carried out. Numerical results show that FSAOS outperforms the benchmark schemes by achieving higher confidence level. This is an indication that the proposed FSAOS can provide efficient resource allocation in MECs while meeting customers’ aspirations as well as that of the resource providers.
On the Mechanism Responsible for Extreme Turbulence Intensity Generation in the Hi-Pilot Burner
Authors: Boxx Isaac G. , Skiba Aaron W. , Carter Campbell D. , Ceschin Alberto , Pérez Francisco E. Hernández , Im Hong G.
Published: April 2022

In this study, we apply particle image velocimetry (PIV), hot-wire anemometry (HWA), and large-eddy simulation (LES) to identify and characterize a key mechanism by which high-intensity turbulence measured in the “Hi-Pilot” burner is generated. Large-scale oscillation of the high-velocity jet core about its own mean axial centerline is identified as a dominant feature of the turbulent flow field produced by this piloted Bunsen burner. This oscillation is linked to unsteady flow separation along the expanding section of the reactant nozzle and appears stochastic in nature. It occurs over a range of frequencies (100–300 Hz) well below where the turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) spectrum begins to follow a – 5/3 power law and results in a flow with significant scale separation in the TKE spectrum. Although scale separation and intermittency are not unusual in turbulent flows, this insight should inform analysis and interpretation of previous, and future studies of this unique test case.
Interaction between sex and left ventricular reverse remodeling and its association with outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Kuneman Jurrien H. , Butcher Steele C. , Stassen Jan , Singh Gurpreet K. , Pio Stephan M. , van der Kley Frank , Ajmone Marsan Nina , Knuuti Juhani , Bax Jeroen J. , Delgado Victoria
Published: April 2022

Women with severe aortic stenosis (AS) have better long-term prognosis after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) compared to men. Whether this is caused by sex-related differences in left ventricular (LV) reverse remodeling after TAVI is unknown. Patients with severe AS who underwent transfemoral TAVI between 2007 and 2018 were selected. LV dimensions, volumes, and ejection fraction (LVEF) were assessed by transthoracic echocardiography before TAVI and at 6 and 12 months follow-up after TAVI. LV reverse remodeling was defined as the percentual LV mass index (LVMi) reduction compared to baseline. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. A total of 459 patients (80 ± 8 years; 52% male) were included. At 6 and 12 months follow-up, both sexes showed significant reductions in LV volumes and LVMi accompanied by improvement in LVEF, without significant differences between the sexes over time. During a median follow-up of 2.8 [IQR 1.9–4.3] years, 181 (39%) patients died. Women showed better outcomes compared to men (log-rank p = 0.024). In addition, male sex was independently associated with all-cause mortality in multivariable Cox regression (HR 1.423, 95% CI 1.039–1.951, p = 0.028). No association was observed between the interaction of percentual LVMi reduction and sex with outcomes (p = 0.64). Men and women with severe AS had similar improvement in LVEF, and similar reductions in LV volumes and LVMi at 6 and 12 months after TAVI. Women showed better survival after TAVI as compared to men. The superior outcomes noted in women after TAVI are not associated with sex differences in LV reverse remodeling.

Graphical abstract
A reassessment of the potential for loss-framed incentive contracts to increase productivity: a meta-analysis and a real-effort experiment
Authors: Ferraro Paul J. , Tracy J. Dustin
Published: April 2022

Substantial productivity increases have been reported when incentives are framed as losses rather than gains. Loss-framed contracts have also been reported to be preferred by workers. The results from our meta-analysis and real-effort experiment challenge these claims. The meta-analysis’ summary effect size of loss framing is a 0.16 SD increase in productivity. Whereas the summary effect size in laboratory experiments is a 0.33 SD, the summary effect size from field experiments is 0.02 SD. We detect evidence of publication biases among laboratory experiments. In a new laboratory experiment that addresses prior design weaknesses, we estimate an effect size of 0.12 SD. This result, in combination with the meta-analysis, suggests that the difference between the effect size estimates in laboratory and field experiments does not stem from the limited external validity of laboratory experiments, but may instead stem from a mix of underpowered laboratory designs and publication biases. Moreover, in our experiment, most workers preferred the gain-framed contract and the increase in average productivity is only detectable in the subgroup of workers (~ 20%) who preferred the loss-framed contracts. Based on the results from our experiment and meta-analysis, we believe that behavioral scientists should better assess preferences for loss-framed contracts and the magnitude of their effects on productivity before advocating for greater use of such contracts among private and public sector actors.
Statistical Inference of Prehistoric Demography from Frequency Distributions of Radiocarbon Dates: A Review and a Guide for the Perplexed
Authors: Crema E. R.
Published: April 2022

The last decade saw a rapid increase in the number of studies where time–frequency changes of radiocarbon dates have been used as a proxy for inferring past population dynamics. Although its universal and straightforward premise is appealing and undoubtedly offers some unique opportunities for research on long-term comparative demography, practical applications are far from trivial and riddled with issues pertaining to the very nature of the proxy under examination. Here I review the most common criticisms concerning the nature of radiocarbon time–frequency data as a demographic proxy, focusing on key statistical and inferential challenges. I then examine and compare recent methodological advances in the field by grouping them into three approaches: reconstructive, null-hypothesis significance testing, and model fitting. I will then conclude with some general recommendations for applying these techniques in archaeological and paleo-demographic research.
Absolute intragenerational mobility in the United States, 1962–2014
Authors: Berman Yonatan
Published: April 2022

This paper combines historical cross-sectional and longitudinal data in the United States to study the evolution of absolute intragenerational mobility over periods of four years. Absolute intragenerational mobility over such periods is procyclical and is largely confined within 45%–55%. We also find that absolute mobility decreases with income. Individuals and families occupying the lower ranks of the income distribution have a higher probability of increasing their income over short time periods than those occupying higher ranks. This also occurs during periods of increasing inequality. Our findings stem from the importance of the changes in the composition of income ranks. These changes are over and above mechanical labor market dynamics, such as entering and exiting the labor force, and life cycle effects. We offer a simplified model to mathematically describe these findings.
Blow-up of waves on singular spacetimes with generic spatial metrics
Authors: Fajman David , Urban Liam
Published: April 2022

We study the asymptotic behaviour of solutions to the linear wave equation on cosmological spacetimes with Big Bang singularities and show that appropriately rescaled waves converge against a blow-up profile. Our class of spacetimes includes Friedman–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker (FLRW) spacetimes with negative sectional curvature that solve the Einstein equations in the presence of a perfect irrotational fluid with $$p=(\gamma -1)\rho $$

p
=
(
γ
-
1
)
ρ

. As such, these results are closely related to the still open problem of past nonlinear stability of such FLRW spacetimes within the Einstein scalar field equations. In contrast to earlier works, our results hold for spatial metrics of arbitrary geometry, hence indicating that the matter blow-up in the aforementioned problem is not dependent on spatial geometry. Additionally, we use the energy estimates derived in the proof in order to formulate open conditions on the initial data that ensure a non-trivial blow-up profile, for initial data sufficiently close to the Big Bang singularity and with less harsh assumptions for $$\gamma <2$$

γ
<
2

.
Investigating the multimedia pointing techniques in the tabletop-centric cross-device interaction
Authors: Huang Zheng , Li Yi-Na , Kong Jun
Published: April 2022

Group collaboration needs the support of a digital interaction system composed of a tabletop-centric shared display and individual operational physical cursors and mobile devices. We examine the usability of a fundamental function of the system, i.e., the pointing techniques. Direct pointing refers to the selection with a cursor placed on the target object, and proximity pointing requires the cursor nearby the target object. The empirical evidence from sixty-two participants shows that the direct pointing technique, although proved as the best choice in single device interaction, is inferior to proximity pointing in cross-device interaction in completion time and operation correctness. We also examine how the display for confirmation on mobile devices fits for pointing technique, discuss how users habituated to single device interaction adapt to cross-device interaction, and suggest guidelines for the design practice.
Soil moisture level and substrate type determine long-term seed lifespan in a soil seed bank
Authors: Mašková Tereza , Phartyal Shyam S. , Abedi Mehdi , Bartelheimer Maik , Poschlod Peter
Published: April 2022

Aims

Seeds are usually classified as short- or long-term persistent. It is still hardly understood how environmental conditions influence seed persistence. The study aimed to monitor the long-term effects of different moisture and substrate on seed persistence.

Methods

Seeds of three Rumex species buried in autumn 2009 in combinations of moisture and substrate were exhumed in spring 2015 and 2021 to test their persistence in the soil after 5.5 and 11.5 years, respectively. Long-term persistence data were compared with data from previous short-term experiment for the same species and environmental conditions reported in Abedi et al. (Plant Soil 374:485-495, 2014).

Results

No seeds of R. acetosa were found viable after 1.5 years. Seeds of R. acetosella retained viability after 11.5 years mostly in dry-loam (~ 60%) and moist-sand (~ 25%) test conditions and moisture levels were identified as the main driver. R. maritimus retained ≥ 80% viability in moist and wet test conditions and > 40% in the dry test conditions.

Conclusions

For one (R. acetosella) of the three investigated species, the classification of soil seed bank type depended on environmental conditions, emphasizing the need to introduce a more detailed classification scheme for soil seed persistence and to include the information about extrinsic parameters in databases. However, in the other two species with transient (R. acetosa) and long-term persistent (R. maritimus) seed banks, there are rather intrinsic parameters that affect seed viability. Hence, both site-specific environmental factors as well as seed germination traits need full consideration in the classification of future soil seed bank studies.
A First Class Measure: Evidence for a Comprehensive Social Class Scale in Higher Education Populations
Authors: Evans Olivia , McGuffog Romany , Gendi Monica , Rubin Mark
Published: April 2022

Despite social class being a burgeoning area of research in the higher education literature, there is no single comprehensive measure of social class in university student populations. Most previous research has included objective single-item measures (e.g., parent education or occupation) to assess social class and then sorted students into distinct social class categories using these items. Such approaches do not adequately capture the complexity and nuance of class, and they ignore the subjective and social components involved. The present paper reports the development and validation of an 11-item Comprehensive Social Class Scale (CSCS) that uses a mix of objective and subjective items to assess multiple aspects of social class, including education level, occupational prestige, family affluence, social class identity and subjective social status. Across 12 samples (N = 4926), we provide evidence for a single factor structure of the CSCS and demonstrate aspects of its reliability and validity. We conclude by discussing some limitations and suggestions for use of the CSCS in higher education populations.
Softwood-derived Biochar as a Green Material for the Recovery of Environmental Media Contaminated with Potentially Toxic Elements
Authors: Pinna Maria Vittoria , Lauro Gian Paolo , Diquattro Stefania , Garau Matteo , Senette Caterina , Castaldi Paola , Garau Giovanni
Published: April 2022

In this study, the effectiveness of softwood-derived biochar (BC) in the retention of potentially toxic elements (PTE, i.e., Cu(II), Pb(II), As(V), and Sb(V)) was evaluated at different pH values (4.5, 6.0, and 7.0), along with its capacity to alleviate PTE phytotoxicity. At all pH values, sorption and kinetic isotherms followed the trend: Pb(II) (e.g., ~ 0.56 mmol g−1at pH 6.0) > Cu(II) (e.g., ~ 0.33 mmol g−1at pH 6.0) > As(V) (e.g., ~ 0.29 mmol g−1at pH 6.0) > Sb(V) (e.g. ~ 0.24 mmol g−1at pH 6.0). Kinetic data strongly correlated with the pseudo-second-order kinetic equation; Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models suggested monolayer sorption of Cu(II), Pb(II), and As(V) onto the BC surface and the interaction of Sb(V) with BC sites characterized by distinct sorption energy (i.e., multilayer sorption). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis of PTE-saturated BC showed that Pb(II) was mainly associated with O, Sb(V) with Ca and Fe, while Cu(II) and As(V) with Fe and O. This suggested that hydroxyl and carboxyl functional groups, amorphous Fe oxy-hydroxides, as well as PTE precipitation with BC components were likely responsible for BC sorption capacity. Treatment of PTE-saturated BC with Ca(NO3)2and a range of environmentally relevant organic acids indicated that 6–11% of PTE were loosely bound and easily exchangeable, while up to 60% could be mobilized by the organic acids. Hydroponic plant-growth experiments using triticale plants showed that BC stimulated plant growth in the presence of PTE and reduced their phytotoxicity.
Process Improvement of Continuous Induction Welding of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites
Authors: Becker S. , Mitschang P.
Published: April 2022

Continuous induction welding is particularly suitable for joining carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites (CFRPC) with thermoplastic matrix, as the energy required for melting the thermoplastic matrix is introduced without contact and leads to intrinsic volumetric heating of the adherends. However, the great potential of fast heating cannot be fully exploited. Therefore, a process improvement of continuous induction welding was carried out, which follows three complementary approaches. The first approach provides for the development of an adapted laminate structure. Compared to a conventional CFRPC laminate, the adapted laminate shows a heating in the joining zone that is approx. 16 K/s faster. The second approach intends to improve the currently used cooling system to cool the induction coil faced laminate surface. Spray cooling proved to be the most suitable method. Compared to pressurized air cooling, it was possible to achieve a temperature difference between the joining zone and the inductor faced laminate surface that was approximately twice as large. The third approach aims at the simulation-based improvement of the consolidation phase. This model can be used to determine the joining pressure and pressure time required to achieve intimate contact.
The Modal-Epistemic Argument Defended: Reply to Wintein
Authors: Rutten Emanuel
Published: April 2022

Recently, Stefan Wintein published an article in which he presents four objections to my modal-epistemic argument for the existence of God. His first objection is an alleged counterexample to the argument’s first premise, and the second objection is an alleged counterexample to the argument’s second premise. Wintein’s third objection attempts to show that the modal-epistemic argument is circular. Finally, the fourth objection is a parody objection. In this paper, I show that Wintein’s four objections all fail.
Gastric herpes simplex virus type 1 infection is associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders in the presence and absence of comorbid fibromyalgia: a pilot case–control study
Authors: Duffy Carol , Pridgen William L. , Whitley Richard J.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Animal studies have linked gastric herpesvirus infections to symptoms associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). Herpesviruses have also been hypothesized to contribute to fibromyalgia (FM), a chronic pain syndrome frequently comorbid with FGIDs. The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of gastric herpesvirus infection in patients with FGIDs, with and without comorbid FM, to that of controls.

Methods

For this pilot case–control study, we enrolled 30 patients who met both the Rome IV diagnostic criteria for one or more FGIDs and the American College of Rheumatology 2010 criteria for FM, 15 patients with one or more FGIDs without comorbid FM, and 15 control patients. Following endoscopic examination, gastric biopsies were analyzed for herpesvirus DNA and protein, Helicobacter pylori infection, and histological evidence of gastritis. Importantly, the viral nonstructural protein ICP8 was used as a marker to differentiate cell-associated actively replicating virus from latent infection and/or free virus passing through the GI tract.

Results

Gastric herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection, as indicated by ICP8 presence, was significantly associated with FGIDs in the presence (OR 70.00, 95% CI 7.42–660.50; P < .001) and absence (OR 38.50, 95% CI 3.75–395.40; P < .001) of comorbid FM. Neither histological gastritis nor H. pylori infection were found to be associated with FGIDs or FM.

Conclusions

HSV-1 infection was identified in gastric mucosal biopsies from patients with diverse FGIDs, with and without comorbid FM. Larger, multi-center studies investigating the prevalence of this association are warranted.
Accurate sectional and differential acidizing technique to highly deviated and horizontal wells for low permeable Sinian Dengying formation in Sichuan Basin of China
Authors: Li Song , Fan Yu , Yang Jian , Zhao Liqiang , Ye Jiexiao , Chen Weihua
Published: April 2022

The Sinian Dengying formation reservoirs in Sichuan Basin of China have characteristics of high temperature, high pressure, deep buried depth, strong heterogeneity, low porosity and permeability, rich pore, natural fractures, vugs and high concentration H2S, CO2, which limit the reconstruction technologies about the gas reservoir. The formation poroperm of Tainei block Dengying unit is worse than that of Taiyuan block’s, and the difference of gas well productions in Tainei block is enormous. The technique of retarded acidizing with segmented by mechanical system was developed and applied in Dengying unit of Taiyuan block, which significantly raised the gas well production. It is difficult for the retarded acidizing technique to applied to gas wells in Tainei block, for the lower formation quality and immature fractures/vugs. The keys to formation reconstruction for highly deviated and horizontal wells are acid homogeneous placement and deep penetrating in order to connecting natural fracture and vugs system. With exploration and practice over several years, a set of segment acid fracturing comprehensive technologies for highly deviated and horizontal wells were formed, including accurate fragmenting based on quantizing evaluation of formation quality, differential acidizing of retarded acid and self-generation acid. The slow acid fracturing technology is used for the formation which the RES is over 1.0. Then, the multistage alternating injection acid fracturing technology is used for the formation which the RES is lower 1.0. The acid fracturing process parameters, such as displacement and acid strength, were optimized by experiments. The precision acidizing technique was applied for gas well of Tainei block Dengying unit, which the testing production of gas well is over 1 million cubic meter per day after aciding stimulated. The precision acidizing technique significantly raised gas well production of Tainei block Dengying unit and is helpful for exploratory development of Tainei block Dengying unit with low formation quality.
Intercultural Learning through Study Abroad
Authors: Goldstein Susan B.
Published: April 2022

Over the past three decades, the population of international students throughout the world has steadily increased. Although university students choose to study in locations other than their home country for a variety of reasons, including professional development and disciplinary training, nearly all education abroad programs have intercultural learning as a central goal. In this Element, perspectives derived from cross-cultural psychological research are applied to an investigation of the effectiveness of study abroad as a mechanism for intercultural learning. Effectiveness is broadly defined and includes not only overall favorable program outcomes, such as gains in intercultural skills, knowledge, attitudes, and awareness, but also a recognition that study abroad experiences and outcomes may vary depending upon participants' diverse and intersectional identities. Best practices for facilitating intercultural learning through study abroad are identified and strategies are outlined for addressing the methodological challenges of research in this area.
The Balanced Life
Authors: Sirgy M. Joseph
Published: April 2022

The balanced life is a state of equally moderate-to-high levels of satisfaction in important and multiple life domains that contribute to overall life satisfaction. This book strives to improve the reader's understanding of what the balanced life is, and how it can be both achieved and maintained. Its primary goal is therefore to identify the major principles of life balance, and to introduce a comprehensive construct of the balanced life reflective of these principles. It discusses how life balance substantially contributes to subjective well-being – defined as life satisfaction, a preponderance of positive over negative feelings, and absence of ill-being – and explores strategies to attain life balance. It argues that achieving life balance, through manipulating one's thoughts and taking concrete action, will lead to increased personal happiness. Aimed at professional, academic, and lay audiences, this book is grounded in scientific studies related to work-life balance and the balanced life.
Smart Grid Sensors
Authors: Mohsenian-Rad Hamed
Published: April 2022

Discover the ever-growing field of smart grid sensors, covering traditional and state-of-the-art sensor technologies, as well as data-driven and intelligent methods for using sensor measurements in support of innovative smart grid applications. Covers recent and emerging topics, such as smart meters, synchronized phasor measurements, and synchronized waveform measurements. Additional advanced topics and future trends are also discussed, such as situational awareness, probing, and working with off-domain measurements. Including real-world examples, exercise questions, and sample data sets, this is an essential text for students, researchers, and scientists, as well as field engineers and practitioners in the areas of smart grid and power systems.
The Measurement and Communication of Effect Sizes in Management Research
Authors: Fey Carl F. , Hu Tianyou , Delios Andrew
Published: April 2022

The measurement and communication of the effect size of an independent variable on a dependent variable is critical to effective statistical analysis in the Social Sciences. We develop ideas about how to extend traditional methods of evaluating relationships in multivariate models to explain and illustrate the statistical power of a focal independent variable. Even with a growing acceptance of the need to report effect sizes, scholars in the management community have few well-established protocols or guidelines for reporting effect sizes. In this editorial essay, we: (1) review the necessity of reporting effect sizes; (2) discuss commonly used measures of effect size and accepted cut-offs for large, medium, and small effect sizes; (3) recommend standards for reporting effect sizes via verbal descriptions and graphical presentations; and (4) present best practice examples of reporting and discussing effect size. In summary, we provide guidance for authors on how to report and interpret effect sizes, advocating for rigor and completeness in statistical analysis.
Egg and cholesterol intake, apoE4 phenotype and risk of venous thromboembolism: findings from a prospective cohort study
Authors: Kunutsor Setor K. , Laukkanen Jari A. , Virtanen Jyrki K.
Published: April 2022

The impact of egg consumption, a major source of dietary cholesterol, on the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD) is controversial. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a CVD which shares common risk factors and mechanistic pathways with ASCVD. However, there is no data on the relationship between egg or cholesterol intake and VTE risk. Therefore, we evaluated the prospective associations of egg and cholesterol intakes with VTE risk and whether the apoE4 phenotype, which influences cholesterol metabolism, could modify the associations. Data involving 1852 men aged 42–61 years at baseline without a history of VTE or CHD in the population-based Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study were analysed. Dietary intakes were assessed with 4-d food records. Incident VTE events were identified by record linkage to hospital discharge registries. Hazard ratios (95 % CI) for incident VTE were estimated using Cox regression. During a median follow-up of 28·8 years, 132 VTE events occurred. Comparing the top (> 38 g/d) v. bottom (< 20 g/d) tertiles of egg consumption, the hazard ratio (95 % CI) for VTE was 0·99 (0·64, 1·53) in analysis adjusted for several established risk factors and other dietary factors. There was also no evidence of an association between cholesterol intake and VTE risk. Imputed results were consistent with the observed results. The apoE4 phenotype did not modify the associations. In middle-aged and older Finnish men, egg or cholesterol intakes were not associated with future VTE risk. Other large-scale prospective studies are needed to confirm or refute these findings.
Application of haemoglobin absorption spectral imaging in laryngeal papilloma surgery
Authors: Li Tao , Dong Yuke , Han Wei , Shen Xiao , Gong Wendan , Xu Lianfang , Li Yujie
Published: April 2022

Objective

This study compares the detection rates of haemoglobin absorption spectral imaging and white light imaging in laryngeal papilloma surgery.

Methods

Seventeen patients with laryngeal papilloma who underwent surgery in our department from September 2019 to September 2021 were selected. All patients underwent carbon dioxide laser surgery under a microscope. The lesion sites were explored in white light mode and haemoglobin absorption spectral imaging mode. The pharynx and larynx anatomical sites were evaluated using Derkay's all-position scoring system. The numbers and scores for lesions observed in the two modes were compared.

Results

In 17 cases, there were statistically significant differences in the numbers of laryngeal papillomas (Derkay score) detected by white light mode and haemoglobin absorption spectral imaging mode. In 9 of 17 patients (52.94 per cent), the haemoglobin absorption spectral imaging mode showed additional diseased tissues.

Conclusion

The haemoglobin absorption spectral imaging mode can dynamically identify diseased tissues in carbon dioxide laser surgery under a microscope and improve the laryngeal papilloma detection rate.