bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous quantification of (E) and (Z) isomers of rilpivirine and four degradation products in bulk and tablets by reversed‐phase ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography and confirmation of all by molecular weight
Authors: Mhaske Deepak Krishna , Kumbhar Arjun Shankar
Published: April 2023

The (E)‐isomer of rilpivirine is an approved antiretroviral drug used to treat human immunodeficiency virus. A simple, fast, accurate, and precise analytical method is required to confirm the quality, purity, efficacy, and safety of drug substances and drug products containing rilpivirine. This research article offers a comprehensive ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography method for the simultaneous separation and quantification of (E) and (Z) isomers of rilpivirine, including two amide impurities, one nitrile impurity, and one dimer impurity, in both bulk and tablet forms. After complete validation, the proposed reversed‐phase ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography method has proven to be simple, fast, linear, accurate, and precise, with a lower limit of quantification and detection of 0.05 and 0.03 μg/ml, respectively, for all six analytes. Separation was achieved on a Waters Acquity ethylene bridged hybrid Shield RP18 (150 × 2.1 mm, 1.7 μm) column maintained at 35.0°C using a gradient elution of acetonitrile and 0.05% formic acid in 10 mM ammonium formate at a flow rate of 0.30 ml/min. A systematic forced degradation study on the undissolved rilpivirine revealed the formation of acid‐base hydrolyzed amide impurities (Impurity‐A and Impurity‐B), oxidative nitrile impurities (Impurity‐C), and Z‐isomer and dimer impurities of rilpivirine (Impurity‐D and Impurity‐E) due to alkaline hydrolysis and photodegradation. The proposed method is primarily appropriate for applications requiring the precise determination of desired and undesired isomers of rilpivirine and its degradation products, such as those involving the safety, efficacy, and quality roles of rilpivirine in bulk and tablet forms. Additionally, the proposed ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography method in combination with a mass spectrometer and photo‐diode array detector is helpful for the confirmation and correct identification of all analytes.
OH reaction rate coefficients, infrared spectra, and climate metrics for (E)‐ and (Z)‐ 2‐perfluoroheptene (2‐C7F14) and 3‐perfluoroheptene (3‐C7F14)
Authors: Chattopadhyay Aparajeo , Papadimitriou Vassileios C. , Burkholder James B.
Published: April 2023

In this work, perfluoroheptene 2‐ and 3‐C7F14 stereoisomer specific gas‐phase OH reaction rate coefficients, k, were measured at 296 K in ∼600 Torr (He bath gas) using a relative rate (RR) method. Gas‐chromatography (GC) with electron capture detection (ECD) was used for the separation and detection of the stereoisomers. Rate coefficients for (E)‐2‐C7F14, (Z)‐2‐C7F14, (E)‐3‐C7F14, and (Z)‐3‐C7F14 were measured to be (in units of 10−13 cm3 molecule−1 s−1) (3.60 ± 0.51), (2.22 ± 0.21), (3.43 ± 0.47), and (1.48 ± 0.19), respectively, where the uncertainties include estimated systematic errors. Rate coefficients for the (E)‐ stereoisomers were found to be systematically greater than the (Z)‐ stereoisomers by a factor of 1.6 and 2.3 for 2‐C7F14 and 3‐C7F14, respectively. Atmospheric lifetimes with respect to OH radical reaction for (E)‐2‐C7F14, (Z)‐2‐C7F14, (E)‐3‐C7F14, (Z)‐3‐C7F14 were estimated to be ∼33, ∼56, ∼36, and ∼86 days, respectively, for an average OH radical concentration of 1 × 106 molecule cm−3. Quantitative infrared absorption spectra were measured as part of this work. Complimentary theoretically calculated infrared absorption spectra using density functional theory (DFT) are included in this work. The theoretical spectra were used to evaluate stereoisomer climate metrics. Radiative efficiencies (adjusted) and global warming potentials (GWPs, 100‐year time‐horizon), were estimated to be 0.12, 0.19, 0.12, and 0.23 W m−2 ppb−1 and 1.9, 5.1, 2.1, 9.3 for (E)‐2‐C7F14, (Z)‐2‐C7F14, (E)‐3‐C7F14, (Z)‐3‐C7F14, respectively. Atmospheric degradation mechanisms are discussed.
Emergent Phenomena of Vector Solitons Induced by the Linear Coupling
Authors: Du Yueqing , He Zhiwen , Gao Qun , Zhang Heze , Zeng Chao , Mao Dong , Zhao Jianlin
Published: April 2023

Coupling between modes is crucial for generating coherent structures and spatiotemporal chaos in optical systems. In an ultrafast fiber laser with birefringence, the stable pulse is viewed as a vector soliton (VS) with two orthogonal modes nonlinearly coupled through the Kerr effect and gain/loss. However, the dynamics of a VS in the presence of linear coupling is unperceived despite linear coupling playing a significant role in various optical systems. Here, it is shown that a local linear coupling between polarization modes in lasers facilitates brand‐new nonlinear states, including stationary, breathing, and chaotic VSs. The observed solitary states can be regarded as emergent phenomena when two particles (polarization modes) in a system have a simple interaction (linear coupling), which are ubiquitous in biology, chemistry, and complex systems. It is found that linear coupling is essential for sustaining the internal balance between two modes within the VS. Chaotic dynamics of VS emerge under weak linear coupling, while the two modes lose trapping due to the birefringence in the absence of linear coupling. This work can offer new insight into the two‐mode nonlinear system and inspire research interests in the intelligent manipulation of ultrashort pulse lasers.
Ring‐Opening Polymerization of Cyclic Acetals: Strategy for both Recyclable and Degradable Materials
Authors: Shen Ting , Chen Kaihao , Chen Yougen , Ling Jun
Published: April 2023

To cope with the severe plastic waste crisis, massive efforts are made to develop sustainable polymer materials whose degradation involves a disposing and decomposing to small molecule (DDM) and/or a chemical recycling to monomer (CRM) process. Polyacetals, a type of pH‐responsive polymers, are degradable under acidic conditions, while highly stable under neutral and basic circumstances. As for their synthesis, the cationic ring‐opening polymerization (CROP) of cyclic acetals is an elegant and promising approach, though suffering from fatal side reactions and polymerization‐depolymerization equilibrium. Recent development in CRM restimulates the interest in the long‐forgotten CROP method due to its inherent depolymerization characteristics. In terms of the end‐of‐life options, polyacetals are recyclable materials with both DDM and CRM potentials. They not only expand the scope of materials for closed‐loop recycling but also help to tune the degradation properties of traditional polyesters and polyolefins. This review aims to discuss the synthesis of various polyacetals by CROP and their degradation properties from the perspectives of 1) polymerization of cyclic acetals, dioxepins, and hemiacetal esters, 2) copolymerization of cyclic acetals with heterocyclic or vinyl monomers, and 3) degradation and recycling properties of the related polymers.
Targeted therapy for cisplatin‐resistant lung cancer via aptamer‐guided nano‐zinc carriers containing USP14 siRNA
Authors: Zhao Xinmin , Wu Xianghua , Wang Huijie , Lai Songtao , Wang Jialei
Published: April 2023

Cisplatin (DDP) is a common therapeutic option for non‐small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). However, some patients fail to respond to the DDP chemotherapy. Therefore, identifying novel biomarkers to improve the diagnosis and treatment of NSCLC is important. Ubiquitin‐specific protease (USP14) is involved in various pathological conditions including cancer; however, the role of USP14 in NSCLC remains elusive. The SELEX technology was used to identify aptamers that specifically recognize DDP‐resistant lung cancer cells and couple them with nano‐zinc (zinc hydroxide, Zn(OH)2) carriers. USP14 levels were higher in DDP‐resistant lung cancer compared to DDP‐sensitive lung cancer. The survival rate of lung cancer patients with increased USP14 expression was significantly lower than the survival rate of patients with low USP14 expression. Silencing USP14 increased the tumor antagonistic action of DDP in A549 cisplatin‐resistant (A549/DDP) cells, while USP14 overexpression decreased the antagonist effects. Aptamer‐targeted nano‐zinc carriers were loaded with USP14 siRNA to target DDP‐resistant lung cancer cells. Aptamer‐targeted nano‐zinc carriers containing USP14 siRNA increased the antitumor effects of DDP in A549/DDP cells and mice bearing A549/DDP cells. These results indicate that aptamer‐guided nano‐zinc carriers may be a potent carrier for the precise treatment of drug‐resistant tumors.
Safety and Utility of Transnasal Humidified Rapid‐Insufflation Ventilatory Exchange (THRIVE) for Laser Laryngeal Surgery
Authors: Khan Nergis C. , Vukkadala Neelaysh , Saxena Amit , Damrose Edward J. , Nekhendzy Vladimir , Sung C. Kwang
Published: April 2023

Objective

Transnasal humidified rapid‐insufflation ventilatory exchange (THRIVE) is gaining acceptance as a safe method for apneic ventilation and oxygenation during laryngeal procedures, but remains controversial during laser laryngeal surgery (LLS) due to the theoretical risk of airway fire. This study describes our experience with THRIVE during LLS.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Stanford University Hospital, October 15, 2015 to June 1, 2021.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of patients ≥18 years who underwent LLS involving the CO2 or KTP laser with THRIVE as the primary mode of oxygenation.

Results

A total of 172 cases were identified. 20.9% were obese (BMI ≥ 30). Most common operative indication was subglottic stenosis. The CO2 laser was used in 79.1% of cases. Median lowest intraoperative SpO2 was 96%. 44.7% cases were solely under THRIVE while 16.3% required a single intubation and 19.2% required multiple intubations. Mean apnea time for THRIVE only cases was 32.1 minutes and in cases requiring at least one intubation 24.0 minutes (p < .001). Mean apnea time was significantly lower for patients who were obese (p < .001) or had a diagnosis of hypertension (p = .016). Obese patients and patients with hypertension were 2.03 and 1.43 times more likely to require intraoperative intubation, respectively. There were no intraoperative complications or fires since the institution of our LLS safety protocol.

Conclusion

By eliminating the fuel component of the fire triangle, THRIVE can be safely used for continuous delivery of high FiO2 during LLS, provided adherence to institutional THRIVE‐LLS protocols.
Thermal conduction network constructed by boron nitride core–shell structure with loading on silver particles
Authors: Qin Sijie , Weng Ling , Sun Xiaohang , Yu Xin , Guan Lizhu , Wu Zijian
Published: April 2023

With the performance improvement and size reduction of electronic equipment, the internal circuit power consumption increases and heat is generated too much. The accumulation of heat will affect the stability, durability, and service life of electronic equipment. Therefore, efficient heat dissipation is the mainstream thinking direction to solve this problem. This experiment uses the synergetic effect of two particles. With epoxy (EP) resin as the matrix, boron nitride nanoparticles are coated with polydopamine (PDA), and the hydroxyl group on the surface of PDA is modified with coupling agent. The sulfhydryl group on the coupling agent is combined with silver (Ag) nanoparticles, and finally the epoxy resin composite containing boron nitride‐polydopamine‐silver (BPA) core–shell structure is obtained. With 15 wt%. BPA filler, the thermal conductivity of this material is 0.275 W/mK, 1.54 times that of pure epoxy resin 0.179 W/mK. The breakdown strength is 8.931 kV/m, 1.05 times that of pure epoxy resin 8.493 kV/m. The impact strength is 4.06 kJ/m2, 1.37 times that of pure epoxy resin 2.97 kJ/m2. At the same time, the shape of this material has good customization and is expected to be applied in the field of thermal management materials.
Signal detection of COVID‐19 vaccines adverse events using spontaneous reports from South Korea
Authors: Jeong Hye Su , Chun Byung Chul
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Studies on the detection of COVID‐19 vaccine signals in South Korea are insufficient. Therefore, to investigate adverse events (AEs) that might be associated with COVID‐19 vaccines, signals were detected using spontaneous reports from South Korea. We compared the signals with the vaccine insert lists of the regulators in the four countries.

Methods

Spontaneous reports from 62 sites were collected by the National Medical Center between January 2013 and May 2022. A descriptive analysis of AEs associated with COVID‐19 vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Janssen) was performed, and the proportional reporting ratio, reporting odds ratio, and information component were calculated. We performed five analyses, with five cases and one control group.

Results

During the study period, 68 355 cases were reported, of which 12 485 were COVID‐19 vaccine AEs. Injection site pain (2198 cases, 17.6%), myalgia (1552 cases, 12.4%), headache (1145 cases, 9.2%), pyrexia (1003 cases, 8.0%), and fatigue (735 cases, 5.9%) were frequently reported. When comparing all COVID‐19 vaccines with other viral vaccines, 20 signals were detected, of which cachexia, dyspepsia, abdominal discomfort, and mood swings were not listed on the vaccine inserts in all four countries. Overall, 20, 17, 29, and 9 signals were detected in vaccines developed by Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Janssen, respectively.

Conclusions

Based on a disproportionate analysis of COVID‐19 vaccine AEs using spontaneous reports from South Korea, different signals were detected for each vaccine manufacturer.
A comprehensive revisit of the machine‐learning tools developed for the identification of enhancers in the human genome
Authors: Phan Le Thi , Oh Changmin , He Tao , Manavalan Balachandran
Published: April 2023

Enhancers are non‐coding DNA elements that play a crucial role in enhancing the transcription rate of a specific gene in the genome. Experiments for identifying enhancers can be restricted by their conditions and involve complicated, time‐consuming, laborious, and costly steps. To overcome these challenges, computational platforms have been developed to complement experimental methods that enable high‐throughput identification of enhancers. Over the last few years, the development of various enhancer computational tools has resulted in significant progress in predicting putative enhancers. Thus, researchers are now able to use a variety of strategies to enhance and advance enhancer study. In this review, an overview of machine learning (ML)‐based prediction methods for enhancer identification and related databases has been provided. The existing enhancer‐prediction methods have also been reviewed regarding their algorithms, feature selection processes, validation techniques, and software utility. In addition, the advantages and drawbacks of these ML approaches and guidelines for developing bioinformatic tools have been highlighted for a more efficient enhancer prediction. This review will serve as a useful resource for experimentalists in selecting the appropriate ML tool for their study, and for bioinformaticians in developing more accurate and advanced ML‐based predictors.
Study of Decoupled Cosmological Solutions in f(R,T)$f(\mathbb {R},\mathbb {T})$ Theory
Authors: Naseer Tayyab , Sharif M.
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we consider a non‐static spherical geometry and formulate its extension for the case of anisotropic matter configuration through minimal gravitational decoupling in theory. We apply a particular transformation only on the radial metric function that divides the modified field equations into two distinct sectors corresponding to their parent (original and additional) sources. The unknowns in the first (isotropic) set are reduced by taking the Friedmann‐Lemaitre‐Robertson‐Walker cosmic model. We then obtain the isotropic solution by employing a linear equation of state and power‐law form of the scale factor. The other set involves the decoupling function and components of an extra source, therefore we adopt a density‐like constraint to close it. Finally, we analyze the role of this modified gravity and the decoupling parameter on three different eras of the cosmos by graphically observing the developed extended solution. It is concluded that the resulting solutions fulfill all the physical requirements only for the matter and radiation‐dominated eras.
Lethal and sublethal effects of orally delivered double‐stranded RNA on the cabbage stem flea beetle, Psylliodes chrysocephala
Authors: Cedden Doga , Güney Gözde , Scholten Stefan , Rostás Michael
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

The cabbage stem flea beetle (Psylliodes chrysocephala) is one of the most important insect pests of oilseed rape (Brassica napus) in northern Europe. The emergence of insecticide‐resistant populations and the ban on neonicotinoid seed treatments have made the management of this pest challenging and research is needed to develop alternative strategies such as RNA interference (RNAi). We investigated lethal and sublethal effects of orally delivered double‐stranded (ds)RNAs targeting P. chrysocephala orthologs of Sec23 and vacuolar adenosine triphosphatase subunit G (VatpG), which are involved in endoplasmic reticulum‐Golgi transport and organelle acidification, respectively.

RESULTS

Feeding bioassays on P. chrysocephala adults showed that the highest concentration (200 ng/leaf disk) of dsSec23 caused mortalities of 76% and 56% in pre‐aestivating and post‐aestivating beetles, respectively, while the same concentration of dsVatpG led to mortality rates of ~34% in both stages. Moreover, sublethal effects, such as decreased feeding rates and attenuated locomotion were observed. Small RNA sequencing and gene expression measurements following the delivery of dsRNAs demonstrated the generation of ~21 nucleotide‐long small interfering RNAs and a systemic RNAi response in P. chrysocephala.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrate that P. chrysocephala is a promising candidate for developing RNAi‐based pest management strategies. Further research is necessary to identify more effective target genes and to assess potential non‐target effects. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Exploration of model misspecification in latent class methods for longitudinal data: Correlation structure matters
Authors: Neely Megan L. , Pieper Carl F. , Gu Bida , Dmitrieva Natalia O. , Pendergast Jane F.
Published: April 2023

Modeling longitudinal trajectories and identifying latent classes of trajectories is of great interest in biomedical research, and software to identify latent classes of such is readily available for latent class trajectory analysis (LCTA), growth mixture modeling (GMM) and covariance pattern mixture models (CPMM). In biomedical applications, the level of within‐person correlation is often non‐negligible, which can impact the model choice and interpretation. LCTA does not incorporate this correlation. GMM does so through random effects, while CPMM specifies a model for within‐class marginal covariance matrix. Previous work has investigated the impact of constraining covariance structures, both within and across classes, in GMMs—an approach often used to solve convergence problems. Using simulation, we focused specifically on how misspecification of the temporal correlation structure and strength, but correct variances, impacts class enumeration and parameter estimation under LCTA and CPMM. We found (1) even in the presence of weak correlation, LCTA often does not reproduce original classes, (2) CPMM performs well in class enumeration when the correct correlation structure is selected, and (3) regardless of misspecification of the correlation structure, both LCTA and CPMM give unbiased estimates of the class trajectory parameters when the within‐individual correlation is weak and the number of classes is correctly specified. However, the bias increases markedly when the correlation is moderate for LCTA and when the incorrect correlation structure is used for CPMM. This work highlights the importance of correlation alone in obtaining appropriate model interpretations and provides insight into model choice.
Self‐Assembly of Selenium‐Doped Carbon Quantum Dots as Antioxidants for Hepatic Ischemia‐Reperfusion Injury Management
Authors: Bai Bing , Qi Shaolong , Yang Kai , Yu Xinyang , Jian Ruijun , Zhang Tianfang , Wang Daming , Meng Hongbo , Zhao Yifan , Xia Yu , Xu Huaping , Yu Guocan , Chen Zuobing
Published: April 2023

Hepatic ischemia‐reperfusion injury (HIRI) is a critical complication after liver surgery that negatively affects surgical outcomes of patients with the end‐stage liver‐related disease. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are responsible for the development of ischemia‐reperfusion injury and eventually lead to hepatic dysfunction. Selenium‐doped carbon quantum dots (Se‐CQDs) with an excellent redox‐responsive property can effectively scavenge ROS and protect cells from oxidation. However, the accumulation of Se‐CQDs in the liver is extremely low. To address this concern, the fabrication of Se‐CQDs‐lecithin nanoparticles (Se‐LEC NPs) is developed through self‐assembly mainly driven by the noncovalent interactions. Lecithin acting as the self‐assembly building block also makes a pivotal contribution to the therapeutic performance of Se‐LEC NPs due to its capability to react with ROS. The fabricated Se‐LEC NPs largely accumulate in the liver, effectively scavenge ROS and inhibit the release of inflammatory cytokines, thus exerting beneficial therapeutic efficacy on HIRI. This work may open a new avenue for the design of self‐assembled Se‐CQDs NPs for the treatment of HIRI and other ROS‐related diseases.
A Honeycomb‐Structured CoF2‐Modified Separator Enabling High‐Performance Lithium−Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Liu Wenxin , Chu Yuhang , Zhou Jinwei , Chen Xuanfeng , Wang Yujie , Li Jinhui , Wu Feixiang
Published: April 2023

Sulfur cathode materials in lithium–sulfur chemistry suffer from poor electronic conductivity and shuttle of lithium polysulfides during charging and discharging. Serious shuttle effects and the sluggish redox reaction kinetics of polysulfides severely limit the development of lithium–sulfur batteries with high sulfur loading, impeding the practical process of lithium–sulfur batteries. Herein, a honeycomb73x02010;structured CoF2@C is introduced as a functional layer adhered to the separator, achieving rapid lithium‐ion transport, high catalytic activity, and suppressed shuttle effect simultaneously. As a result, the cell with CoF2‐modified separator presents satisfactory cycle stability with a capacity decay of 0.076% per cycle within 300 cycles at 1 C rate with the sulfur loading of 2.0 mg cm−2. A low‐capacity decay of 0.088% per cycle for 200 cycles at 0.2 C is also achieved with sulfur loading of 3.0 mg cm−2. In addition, a high‐capacity retention of 697.5 mA g−1 is achieved with sulfur loading of 4.0 mg cm−2 and the electrolyte volume/sulfur mass (E/S) ratio of 8 μL mg−1.
Brief Outlook on Top Cell Absorber of Silicon‐Based Tandem Solar Cells
Authors: Sharif Muhammad N. , Yang Jingshu , Zhang Xiaokun , Tang Yehua , Wang Ke-Fan
Published: April 2023

Silicon (Si) is a low‐cost, stable photovoltaic market contributor which is approaching its single‐junction theoretical efficiency limit. To further elevate the efficiency of crystalline Si (c‐Si) afterward, Si solar cells (SCs) need a proper top cell absorber in Si tandem SCs. Herein, the top cell absorber is studied by evaluating their current state of the art, the existing challenges, and possible future solutions which can enhance their efficiency. The progress of perovskite/Si tandem SC both for monolithic and four terminals is exceptional but still many challenges limit their commercialization. In view of these challenges, the relative's solutions are prescribed in detail to make possible their realization. III–V semiconductors being mature candidates still face a growth/fabrication problem, which makes them a costly option for III–V/Si tandem SCs. Effective growth strategies along with technical solutions are discussed in detail. Emerging chalcogenides are considered the future of tandem technology. Recent developments in the chalcogenides/Si tandem SC are highlighted and the possible options are presented. In the end, a short note is given on the near future tandem materials for Si tandem SCs.
Structural Basis for the Action Mechanism of Legionella Glycosyltransferase
Authors: Chen Tao-Tao , Zheng Si-Ru , Tian Li , Lv Sunliang , Zhong Wenhong , Li Xiangliang , Zhang Dandan , Zheng Xuexing , Ouyang Songying
Published: April 2023

Pathogenic bacterium Legionella pneumophila, the causative agent of Legionnaires’ disease, secretes hundreds of effectors into host cells that subvert cell pathways during pathogenesis. The Lgt family effectors, containing Lgt1, Lgt2, and Lgt3, from L. pneumophila are glycosyltransferase that shut down protein synthesis in human cells by specific glycosylation of a serine residue in the eukaryotic elongation factor 1 A (eEF1A), but the action mechanism remains poorly understood. Herein, the structural basis of the action mechanism is unveiled. Lgt family effectors catalyze the transfer of glucose moiety of UDP‐glucose in a conserved retaining mechanism, but exhibit different substrate recognition mechanisms. Lgt2 bears the positive‐charged catalytic cleft to interact with the negatively charged patches in helices α2 and α3 of eEF1A; instead, Lgt1 employs a negatively charged surface of E445 and E446, which are proposed to interact with residue Lys51 in eEF1A. And Lgt family effectors inhibit host unfolded protein response by shutting down host protein synthesis. These results provide a structural basis of action mechanism of glycosyltransferase and highlight the role of glycosyltransferase in Legionella's lifecycle.
Component‐based specification, design and verification of adaptive systems
Authors: Graics Bence , Molnár Vince , Majzik István
Published: April 2023

Control systems are typically tightly embedded into their environment to enable adaptation to environmental effects. As the complexity of such adaptive systems is rapidly increasing, there is a strong need for coherent tool‐centric approaches to aid their systematic development. This paper proposes an end‐to‐end component‐based specification, design and verification approach for adaptive systems based on the integration of a high‐level scenario language (sequence chart variant) and an adaptation definition language (statechart extension) in the open source Gamma tool. The scenario language supports high‐level constructs for specifying contracts and the adaptation definition language supports the flexible activation and deactivation of static contracts and managed elements (state‐based components) based on internal changes (e.g., faults), environmental changes (e.g., varying context) or interactions. The approach supports linking managed elements to static contracts to formally verify their adherence to the specified behavior at design time using integrated model checkers. Implementation can be derived from the adaptation model automatically, which can be tested using automated test generation and verified at runtime by contract‐based monitors.
Incremental IoT for industrial maintenance using the legacy culture
Authors: Duque Flavio Augusto R. S. , Goulart Lucas F. , Silva Adelti Assis , Cesar Cecilia A. Castro
Published: April 2023

Currently, the Internet of Things (IoT) technology offers a portfolio of solutions for predictive maintenance and promises problem‐solving. However, there is no systematic strategy for legacy systems capable of taking advantage of the knowledge of the company's culture and simultaneously enabling the incremental deployment of IoT. This article proposes an expansion of the Ignite Systems Development Methodology introduced by Bosch. The proposed methodology is focused on the Maintenance task and incorporates concepts rooted in the industry, such as OEE, FMEA, and CBM. We tested the Methodology through a case study, and the result was a significant reduction in downtime.
Modelica‐AeroDyn: Development, benchmark, and application of a comprehensive object‐oriented tool for dynamic analysis of non‐conventional horizontal‐axis floating wind turbines
Authors: El Beshbichi Omar , Xing Yihan , Chen Ong Muk
Published: April 2023

The exploitation of offshore wind energy by means of floating wind turbines is gaining traction as a suitable option to produce sustainable energy. Multi‐rotor floating wind turbines have been proposed as an appealing option to reduce the costs associated with manufacturing, logistics, offshore installations, and operation and maintenance of large wind turbine components. The development of such systems is forestalled by the lack of a dedicated tool for dynamics and load analysis. Standard codes, such as FAST by NREL, offer the desired fidelity level but are not able to accommodate multi‐rotor configurations. A few experimental codes have been also proposed, which may accommodate multi‐rotor systems, but low flexibility makes them impractical to study a vast range of innovative multi‐rotor FWTs concepts. To close the gap, this work presents the development and comprehensive benchmark of a fully coupled aero‐hydro‐servo‐elastic tool able to easily accommodate arbitrary platform and tower geometries and the number of wind turbines employed. Development is carried out in Modelica, which allows for the employment of the same code functionality in a virtually unlimited number of physical configurations. Full blade‐element momentum capabilities are achieved by integrating into Modelica the well‐established NREL aerodynamic module AeroDyn v15 within FAST v8. Structural dynamics of tower and blades are implemented through a lumped‐element approach. Hydrodynamic loads are computed by employing the DNV software SESAM WADAM. Thorough benchmark is performed against FAST, and positive results are obtained. The dynamic performance of a two‐rotor floating wind turbine is finally assessed considering different turbulence spectrums.
Stability of thermoelastic diffusion problem of type III in spaces of different dimensions
Authors: Aouadi Moncef , Passarella Francesca , Tibullo Vincenzo
Published: April 2023

In this article, we study the stability issues of a thermoelastic diffusion problem of type III in spaces of different dimensions. First we prove that the one‐dimensional problem is exponentially stable without adding damping terms. Then we prove the lack of exponential stability in the two‐dimensional space. Moreover, a frictional damping for the elastic component leads to the exponential stability in three‐dimensional space. As the form of the damping term depends on the nature of the material, we will distinguish the case of isotropic materials and the case of anisotropic materials.
Nuclear Waste Governance in Italy: Between Participation Rhetoric and Regionalism
Authors: Di Nucci Maria Rosaria , Prontera Andrea
Published: April 2023

Italy has abandoned its nuclear power ambitions in the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster and following the decision of the popular referendum held on 8 November 1987. However, nuclear waste from four permanently shut down nuclear plants, various research reactors, reprocessing and fuel fabrication facilities represents a pressing problem. The nuclear waste governance in Italy is characterised by a complex, intertwined relationship and interaction between the different political-territorial levels from the national, the regional to the local. Recently, after a long period of incoherent stop and go nuclear research and industrial policies, local opposition and a subsequent deadlock, the mandatory search for a national site has started taking shape. The national map of potentially suitable area released in 2021 was followed by a series of consultations to which several institutional and civil society actors participated. In January 2022, the public consultation was concluded and in March 2022 the proposed National Map of Suitable Areas (NACI) was submitted to the Ministry of Ecological Transition for approval. The final site search process should lead to the location of a site, which should initially house 78,000 cubic metres of intermediate and low-level waste as well as 17,000 cubic metres of HLW. The latter should be stored for a maximum of 50 years to be then placed in a deep geological repository about which nothing has been revealed at the moment. This challenges institutional actors, like the Ministry of Ecological Transition, the regulator and the operator to adopt inclusive and decentralised forms of decision making. The process is therefore expected to be slow and cumbersome and will require more democratic approaches to nuclear waste management.
Do You Care About High-Level Radioactive Waste and Spent Nuclear Fuel? Opportunities for Co-Constructing an Appropriate Governance-Ecosystem in Belgium
Authors: Bergmans Anne , Fallon Catherine , Cörvers Ron , Parotte Céline
Published: April 2023

This chapter discusses key dimensions for the future of high-level radioactive waste governance (HLW) in Belgium. It highlights elements that a diverse set of stakeholders considered to be of importance for a national public debate, and puts them in the context of the theoretical notion of ‘matter of care’, as developed by Maria Puig De La Bellacassa (2017). Rather than highlight what perspective every type of actor develops, these perspectives are considered as an interrelated collective in which each has its own merits and reasons for existence.

Our results show that it will be very difficult to define a one-sided governance approach that covers virtually all dimensions and expectations from all stakeholders in a satisfactory way. Multiple efforts and a mix of initiatives and responsive actions towards new developments will be needed. Approaching this from a perspective of care allows an empathic attitude towards the needs and expectations of all current and future stakeholders in this debate. Caring means assuming that sociotechnical uncertainties will remain, regardless of the preferred long-term option for radioactive waste. Caring is also about allowing real spaces for others who care to express what they care about and how they desire to do so. Caring is not about providing one pre-fixed initial programme, but is about ensuring the waste is being taken care of by means of a collective and open decision-making and governance process.
The Melancholic Lock: High-Level Radioactive Waste Governance in Spain
Authors: Espluga-Trenc Josep , Prades Ana
Published: April 2023

The attempts to find a consistent solution for high-level radioactive waste in Spain illustrates the challenges entailed by inclusive nuclear waste governance in a country with a multi-level governance system, characterised by a complex and intertwined political decision-making process, where the nuclear issue is used instrumentally by political parties, in a social context with highly sceptical public opinion towards nuclear energy. Nuclear waste management in Spain has been influenced by environmental legislation that increasingly requires public transparency and openness to citizen participation, mainly due to the internalisation of European Directives. This has been reflected in the approach to managing the location of the repository for high-level nuclear waste, so far without success due to the structure of the nuclear conflict in Spain, which relegates the role of science and technology to marginal positions in the debate. Instead of a “politicization of nuclear issues”, in Spain, opening the nuclear issue from the closed circles of experts and their organisations to a broad public debate has created a “nuclearization of politics”, leaving limited room for counter-expertise, as nuclear-related arguments are employed opportunistically to serve broader political aims. Since the actors respond to a logic based on the mobilisation of emotions and feelings of grievance in the public sphere, generating trust between actors becomes quite difficult.
Who Decides What is Safe? Experiences from Radioactive Waste Governance in Switzerland
Authors: Kuppler Sophie , Eckhardt Anne , Hocke Peter
Published: April 2023

In Switzerland, the selection procedure for a nuclear waste repository site is characterized by deliberation and debate between different governmental levels, and lay persons and experts. The Swiss democratic model has been adapted in order to allow for direct interaction between the federal authorities and the affected communities. In addition, the rather pragmatic approach to finding solutions to emerging conflicts has contributed to the good progress the site selection procedure has made so far. In this chapter, the authors discuss the basic characteristics of the Swiss approach that have proven helpful so far as well as possible critical issues. They conclude with a discussion on potentials and pitfalls of the future governance ecosystem.
Youth Religiosity and Social Media in Brunei Darussalam
Authors: Mohamad Siti Mazidah
Published: April 2023

The development of digital technology has led to transformations in our everyday lives and, as a result, produced new practices and new spatialities. Young people at the heart of these transformations display unique forms of religiosity that are somewhat different from that of their parents’ generation. This chapter examines young Malay Muslim Bruneians’ lived religiosities in the context of their everyday engagements on social media. They question markers of religiosities, are cautious about self-disclosures, and negotiate and challenge intergenerational and intragenerational pressures. Their lived religiosities offer up microgeographies of young people’s religiosities, and throw new light on contemporary youth religious culture and the broader sociocultural and religious development facilitated by digital technology.
Learning Gender in Malay Muslim Society in Brunei Darussalam
Authors: Shahrin Shariza Wahyuna
Published: April 2023

This chapter explores how Malay primary schoolchildren in Brunei Darussalam understand gender and become gendered. Through ethnographic accounts and data collected from pupils aged from five to 12 years old in a suburban state school, the study demonstrates that children have strict ideas and expectations of what it means to be masculine and feminine, which they inadvertently reinforce and are regulated in their interactions with others. The discussion also deals with children’s associations and dissociations with certain objects in order to understand how they navigate the social world. Besides children, interviews with adults reveal the extent to which masculine and feminine traits are reinforced according to religious and social expectations. The analysis provides insights into children’s understanding of gender, highlights their ideas of what a Brunei Malay person should be, and offers a glimpse of the importance of children as valid informants for anthropological research.
Domestic Maids (Amah) in Malay Households in Brunei Darussalam
Authors: Razak Nurul Umillah , Anuar Adira Rehafizzan , Sahar Siti Nurul Islam , Matsuni Nur Hidayah
Published: April 2023

This chapter is a case study of the everyday lives of Indonesian domestic maids (amah) working in Brunei Darussalam. It gives an account of the lives, hardships and dreams of five Javanese women employed in Malay households. The chapter also reveals the ways in which their roles as domestic maids abroad have altered the dynamics of gender and power relations in their own traditionally patriarchal households back home in Java, albeit by degrees.
Generalized quotients and holographic duals for 5d S-fold SCFTs
Authors: Apruzzi Fabio , Bergman Oren , Kim Hee-Cheol , Uhlemann Christoph F.
Published: April 2023

Abstract

ℤn S-folds of 5d SCFTs, including TN, which lead to brane webs with E6,7,8 7-branes were discussed recently in [1, 2]. We generalize the construction to ‘fractional quotients’, which are based on ℤn actions linking multiple copies of the seed theory and lead to H0,1,2 7-branes. We provide the holographic duals for both classes. This expands the space of explicitly known Type IIB AdS6 solutions by incorporating F-theory 7-branes of type E6,7,8 and H0,1,2, extending previous constructions for O7-planes. We discuss observables including the free energies and link the results to matrix model descriptions.
Fate mapping RNA-sequencing reveal Malat1 regulates Sca1+ progenitor cells to vascular smooth muscle cells transition in vascular remodeling
Authors: Lyu Lingxia , Li Zhoubin , Wen Zuoshi , He Yongchun , Wang Xuliang , Jiang Liujun , Zhou Xuhao , Huang Chengchen , Wu Yutao , Chen Ting , Guo Xiaogang
Published: April 2023

Regeneration of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) is vital in vascular remodeling. Sca1+ stem/progenitor cells (SPCs) can generate de novo smooth muscle cells after severe vascular injury during vessel repair and regeneration. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been conclusively determined. Here, we reported that lncRNA Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (Malat1) was down-regulated in various vascular diseases including arteriovenous fistula, artery injury and atherosclerosis. Using genetic lineage tracing mice and veingraft mice surgery model, we found that suppression of lncRNA Malat1 promoted Sca1+ cells to differentiate into SMCs in vivo, resulting in excess SMC accumulation in neointima and vessel stenosis. Genetic ablation of Sca1+ cells attenuated venous arterialization and impaired vascular structure normalization, and thus, resulting in less Malat1 down-regulation. Single cell sequencing further revealed a fibroblast-like phenotype of Sca1+ SPCs-derived SMCs. Protein array sequencing and in vitro assays revealed that SMC regeneration from Sca1+ SPCs was regulated by Malat1 through miR125a-5p/Stat3 signaling pathway. These findings delineate the critical role of Sca1+ SPCs in vascular remodeling and reveal that lncRNA Malat1 is a key regulator and might serve as a novel biomarker or potential therapeutic target for vascular diseases.
Dumping behaviour of Australian desert ants (Melophorus bagoti) (Hymenoptera:Formicidae)
Authors: Deeti S. , Freas C. , Murray T. , Cheng K.
Published: April 2023

The Central Australian desert antMelophorus bagotimaintains ground-nesting colonies in the semi-desert habitat. These ants manage waste by dumping items outside the nest. To examine this process, we placed organic and non-organic materials that are associated with either low or high pathogenic risk around or into the nest and observed the nest’s response. We found that generally, ants dumped high-pathogenic-risk materials (dead larvae, dead ants of the colony, foraged food, moth, and non-nest cicada exoskeleton) further from the nest than low-pathogenic-risk ones (sand, buffel grass, cookies), with the exception of (organic) larval shells from their own nest, which were also dumped close to the nest. This pattern of dumping suggests that these ants choose their dumping distance based on how spoilable the experimental materials are.
Foreclosures and housing prices: does neighborhood configuration matter?
Authors: Turnbull Geoffrey K. , van der Vlist Arno J.
Published: April 2023

This paper measures the extent to which effects of foreclosures vary across neighborhoods. It offers a simple empirical framework for decomposing the spillover effects on neighboring property prices. Data from Orange County, Florida, reveal that the effects systematically vary across neighborhoods by morphology. The results indicate that older, homogeneous age structure, and non-gated neighborhoods with high vacancy rates are most in jeopardy when foreclosures are present, as these neighborhoods show the greatest neighborhood house price effects.
An investigation into the layer thickness effect on the mechanical properties of additively manufactured polymers: PLA and ABS
Authors: Shergill Kietan , Chen Yao , Bull Steve
Published: April 2023

3D-printed artefacts are becoming more common, and the effect of printing parameters on their properties is key to their performance in applications. Although parameters like build orientation and raster direction are well-studied the effect of layer thickness is less well-known. This study determines the influence of layer thickness on the mechanical properties of polylactic acid (PLA) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) 3D printed specimens made with fused filament fabrication (FFF). Samples were printed with differing layer thicknesses and tensile tested according to ASTM D638. The study also found that when increasing the layer thickness the mechanical properties of the specimens for both ABS and PLA decreased. When it came to ultimate tensile strength, the effect of layer thickness on PLA was more significant than on ABS. Considering the mechanical properties as well as aspects such as printing time and simplicity of printing, an optimum print setting could be determined. The study found that PLA was more significantly affected by the change in layer thickness compared to ABS.
Identification and estimation of categorical random coefficient models
Authors: Gao Zhan , Pesaran M. Hashem
Published: April 2023

This paper proposes a linear categorical random coefficient model, in which the random coefficients follow parametric categorical distributions. The distributional parameters are identified based on a linear recurrence structure of moments of the random coefficients. A generalized method of moments estimation procedure is proposed, also employed by Peter Schmidt and his coauthors to address heterogeneity in time effects in panel data models. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we find that moments of the random coefficients can be estimated reasonably accurately, but large samples are required for the estimation of the parameters of the underlying categorical distribution. The utility of the proposed estimator is illustrated by estimating the distribution of returns to education in the USA by gender and educational levels. We find that rising heterogeneity between educational groups is mainly due to the increasing returns to education for those with postsecondary education, whereas within-group heterogeneity has been rising mostly in the case of individuals with high school or less education.
DS-HECK: double-lasso estimation of Heckman selection model
Authors: Hirukawa Masayuki , Liu Di , Murtazashvili Irina , Prokhorov Artem
Published: April 2023

We extend the Heckman (1979) sample selection model by allowing for a large number of controls that are selected using lasso under a sparsity scenario. The standard lasso estimation is known to under-select causing an omitted variable bias in addition to the sample selection bias. We outline the required adjustments needed to restore consistency of lasso-based estimation and inference for vector-valued parameters of interest in such models. The adjustments include double lasso for both the selection equation and main equation and a correction of the variance matrix. We also connect the estimator with results on redundancy of moment conditions. We demonstrate the effect of the adjustments using simulations and we investigate the determinants of female labor market participation and earnings in the US using the new approach. The paper comes with , a dedicated Stata command for estimating double-selection Heckman models.