bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clustering and parallel indexing of big IoT data in the fog‐cloud computing level
Authors: Khettabi Karima , Kouahla Zineddine , Farou Brahim , Seridi Hamid , Ferrag Mohamed Amine
Published: March 2022

In recent years, the large amount of heterogeneous data generated by the Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and devices made recording and research tasks much more difficult, and most of the state‐of‐the‐art methods have failed to deal with the new IoT requirements. This article proposes a new efficient method that simplifies data indexing and enhances the quality and velocity of the similarity query search in the IoT environment. In this method, the fog layer was divided into two levels. In the clustering fog level, the incremental density‐based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN) algorithm was used to separate collected data into clusters in order to minimize data overlap during in parallel indexes construction. Parallelism was also used, in the indexing fog level to speed up the similarity‐based search process and speed up the similarity‐based search process. The data in each cluster were indexed using our proposed structure called B3CF‐tree (binary tree based on containers at the cloud‐clusters fog computing level). The objects in the leaf nodes of the B3CF‐trees are, finally, stored in the cloud. Using this approach for computing multiple datasets, the retrieve time of the similarity search is significantly reduced. The experimental results showed that the combination of DBSCAN clustering and parallel indexing make the B3CF‐trees outperform the latest real data indexing methods. For example, in terms of quality, the B3CF‐tree has the smallest number of nodes and leaf nodes. In addition, the use of parallelism during kNN search reduced, significantly, the retrieve time of the similarity query search.
A review for Japanese auroral records on the three extreme space weather events around the International Geophysical Year (1957–1958)
Authors: Hayakawa Hisashi , Ebihara Yusuke , Hata Hidetoshi
Published: March 2022

Solar Cycle 19 was probably the greatest solar cycle over the last four centuries and significantly disrupted the solar‐terrestrial environments with a number of solar eruptions and resultant geomagnetic storms. At its peak, the International Geophysical Year (IGY: 1957–1958) was organised under international collaborations and benefitted scientific developments, capturing multiple unique extreme space weather events including the third and fourth greatest geomagnetic storms in the space age. In this article, we review and analyse original records of Japanese auroral observations around the IGY. These observations were organised by Masaaki Huruhata in collaboration with professional observatories and citizen contributors. We have digitised and documented these source documents, which comprise significant auroral displays in March 1957 (minimum Dst = −255 nT), September 1957 (minimum Dst = −427 nT), and February 1958 (minimum Dst = −426 nT). These records allow us to visualise temporal and spatial evolutions of these auroral displays, reconstruct their equatorward auroral boundaries down to 41.5°, 38.3°, and 33.3° in invariant latitudes, and contextualise their occurrences following contemporary geomagnetic disturbances. Our results have been compared with significant auroral displays during other extreme space weather events. These aurorae generally showed reddish colourations occasionally with yellowish rays. Their colourations are attributed to reddish oxygen emission and its mixture with greenish oxygen emission. Overall, these archival records provide the references for future discussions on the auroral activities during the uniquely intense and extreme space weather events.
Pet ownership supports quality of life in home‐dwelling people with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Välimäki Tarja , Koivisto Anne , Kärkkäinen Virve , Selander Tuomas , Hongisto Kristiina , Rusanen Minna
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Human‐animal interactions have beneficial psychosocial and psychophysiological effects on individuals in both the presence and absence of medical health conditions. No previous prospective studies with long follow‐up have investigated the effects of domestic pets on individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD) who live at home. We examined the effects of pets on quality of life (QoL) and general well‐being during a 5‐year follow‐up of home‐dwelling persons with AD.

Methods

In a prospective study including 223 patients with very mild (Clinical Dementia Rating Scale [CDR] 0.5) or mild (CDR 1) AD at baseline who participated in the ALSOVA study, 40 (18%) had a pet. Self‐ and proxy‐rated QoL in AD quality of life‐AD (QoL‐AD), 15D, and self‐rated visual analogic scale (VAS) were assessed annually for 3 years and after 5 years. The Mini‐Mental State Examination, Neuropsychiatric Inventory, and CDR sum of boxes (CDR sum of boxes) were measured at the same visits.

Results

A significant positive effect of pet ownership (p = 0.003, proxy‐rated QoL‐AD) on QoL was found over the entire follow‐up. However, self‐rated QoL‐AD, 15D, and VAS did not significantly differ between pet owners and non‐pet owners.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that having a pet may support QoL in home‐dwelling persons with AD. Self‐rated or general QoL or well‐being measurements are not an accurate method for studying QoL in individuals with dementia over time due to a lack of insight. Adding proxy‐rated evaluations to this kind of study is recommended.
Extending the vadose zone: Characterizing the role of snow for liquid water storage and transmission in streamflow generation
Authors: Webb Ryan W. , Musselman Keith N. , Ciafone Siobhan , Hale Katherine E. , Molotch Noah P.
Published: March 2022

Streamflow response in headwater catchments is highly sensitive to the hydrologic connectivity of hillslopes to streams during spring snowmelt. Despite strong evidence at point‐ to plot‐scales of flow paths creating lateral connectivity within an alpine snowpack, meltwater is commonly assumed to infiltrate vertically through the snowpack. Hydrologic models only treat the horizontal (downstream) routing of water once released from the snowpack and/or soil column. This assumption limits our ability to represent the full dynamic nature of hydrologic connections in snow‐dominated mountainous headwaters. Thus, the goal of this study is to assess the mechanisms that control the spatiotemporal distribution of liquid water in an alpine snowpack during the spring snowmelt season. We utilize terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), ground penetrating radar (GPR), and manual observations to map the seasonal dynamics of snow depth, snow water equivalent (SWE), and within‐snow liquid water content (LWC). We compare these observations to point‐scale parameter sensitivity analyses with a modular snow model (SUMMA). The results show high spatial variability of LWC in an alpine snowpack during snowmelt. Statistical analyses show LWC is most highly correlated to snow depth (r2 = 0.62). However, including the distance to bare soil and topographical slope slightly improved the coefficient of determination (r2 = 0.67). While hydrologic models have the flexibility to simulate many of the observed dynamics in snowpack liquid water storage, model simulations using previously published parameter ranges always underestimated the high liquid water storage at one of the three sites. This is likely a result of current model structures that lack capabilities for surface ponding of water within a snowpack or surface runoff laterally through a snowpack. Our slope‐scale characterization of the spatiotemporal distribution of in‐snow LWC, together with a model‐based sensitivity assessment, will inform future efforts in hydrologic model development and catchment observations.
Zika virus infection and pregnancy outcomes in the United States, 2017–2019
Authors: Youssefzadeh Ariane C. , Mandelbaum Rachel S. , Donovan Kelly M. , Klar Maximilian , Ouzounian Joseph G. , Matsuo Koji
Published: March 2022

Despite a significant decrease in antepartum Zika virus infection from 2017 to 2018, Zika infection during pregnancy remains a risk factor of fetal growth restriction.
Personality predictors of 6‐month readmission in adult psychiatric inpatients
Authors: Cruess Dean G. , Sullivan Matthew C. , Strainge Lauren , Blackmon Jaime E. , Laumann Laura , Wheeler David , Cruess Stacy E.
Published: March 2022

Readmission of psychiatric inpatients is highly prevalent and places a significant financial burden on the healthcare system. Rehospitalisation is often used as a metric of quality of care in psychiatric settings, but little is known about how specific personality traits impact readmission in adult psychiatric inpatients. A convenience sample of 94 adults (mean age = 36.8 years; female = 54.3%; European American = 76.6%) at an inpatient psychiatric hospital completed the Personality Inventory for DSM‐5‐Brief Form (PID‐5‐BF; American Psychiatric Association, 2013); demographic and medical information and readmission data were extracted via chart review. Poisson regression was used to predict number of readmissions at 6 months after discharge from PID‐5‐BF domain scores of Negative Affectivity, Detachment, Antagonism, Disinhibition and Psychoticism. Twenty‐three patients (24.5%) were readmitted at least once by 6‐month follow‐up. Higher PID‐5‐BF Negative Affectivity domain scores predicted greater number of readmissions at 6 months (incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 1.14, robust standard error (RSE) = 0.05, p < .01, 95% confidence interval [1.04, 1.25]). The other PID‐5‐BF domain scores were not significantly related to number of readmissions. Thus, greater negative affect, indicative of higher trait neuroticism, heightened experience of negative emotions and poor self‐concept, was a significant personality predictor of readmission in the study. These results suggest that assessing this trait domain might help to identify psychiatric inpatients at greater risk for readmission and determine those most in need of enhanced services to reduce rehospitalisation.
Lung cancer classification using exponential mean saturation linear unit activation function in various generative adversarial network models
Authors: Thirumagal Egambaram , Saruladha Krishnamurthy
Published: March 2022

Nowadays, the mortality rate due to lung cancer increases rapidly worldwide as it can be classified only at the later stages. Early classification of lung cancer will help patients to take treatment and decrease the death rate. The limited dataset and diversity of data samples are the bottlenecks for early classification. In this paper, robust deep learning generative adversarial network (GAN) models are employed to enhance the dataset and to increase classification accuracy. The activation function plays an important feature‐learning role in neural networks. Since the existing activation functions suffer from various drawbacks such as vanishing gradient, dead neurons, output offset, etc., this paper proposes a novel activation function exponential mean saturation linear unit (EMSLU), which aims to speed up training, reduce network running time, and improve classification accuracy. The experiments were conducted using vanilla GAN, Wasserstein generative adversarial network, Wasserstein generative adversarial network with gradient penalty, conditional generative adversarial network, and deep convolutional generative adversarial network. Each GAN is tested with rectified linear unit, exponential linear unit, and proposed EMSLU activation functions. The results show that all the GAN's with EMSLU yields improved precision, recall, F1‐score, and accuracy.
Discrimination, social support, and health‐related quality of life among individuals with criminal records
Authors: McWilliams Elaina R. , Stidham Jennifer L. , Hunter Bronwyn A.
Published: March 2022

Several studies have found an association between social identity‐based discrimination and reduced physical health. Research also indicates that social support may sometimes protectively moderate this relationship. This study addresses the lack of sufficient research regarding these connections among individuals facing criminal record discrimination. The authors analyzed the responses of 168 people with felony records who completed a nationwide, online survey. While controlling for several other potentially impactful variables, the authors used regression analyses to explore the relationship between criminal record discrimination and reported healthy days per month and whether social support protectively moderated this relationship. There was a significant negative association between criminal record discrimination and healthy days among those with notably low social support. Meanwhile, moderate levels of social support appeared to protectively extinguish this relationship. This study suggests that social support may influence whether criminal record discrimination negatively impacts health.
Transfer of photothermal nanoparticles using stem cell derived small extracellular vesicles for in vivo treatment of primary and multinodular tumours
Authors: Sancho‐Albero María , Encinas‐Giménez Miguel , Sebastián Victor , Pérez Estela , Luján Lluís , Santamaría Jesús , Martin‐Duque Pilar
Published: March 2022

The main current challenges in oncology are (1) avoiding systemic side effects in therapy, and (2) developing alternative treatment strategies for metastatic tumours. Nanomedicine was assumed to provide answers to these issues, but delivering enough therapeutic nanoparticles (NPs) to tumours still remains a huge challenge in nanomaterials‐based treatments. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a key role in cell communication processes and can be combined with nanomaterials to improve their targeting capabilities. In this work, we leverage the ability of EVs derived from stem cells to reach tumour areas successfully, being used as delivery vehicles for nanoparticles acting as hyperthermia agents. Once small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) loaded with NIR‐sensitive hollow gold NPs reached primary subcutaneous solid tumours, they were irradiated with a NIR laser and almost complete tumour remission was obtained. More interestingly, those sEV vehicles were also able to reach multinodular areas similar to those on advanced metastatic phases, eradicating most tumour growth regions in multiple cancerous nodules located in the pancreas region.
Characterization of memory T cell subsets and common γ−chain cytokines in convalescent COVID-19 individuals
Authors: Rajamanickam Anuradha , Pavan Kumar Nathella , Pandiaraj Arul Nancy , Selvaraj Nandhini , Munisankar Saravanan , Renji Rachel Mariam , Venkataramani Vijayalakshmi , Murhekar Manoj , Thangaraj Jeromie Wesley Vivian , Muthusamy Santhosh Kumar , Chethrapilly Purushothaman Girish Kumar , Bhatnagar Tarun , Ponnaiah Manickam , Ramasamy Sabarinathan , Velusamy Saravanakumar , Babu Subash
Published: March 2022

T cells are thought to be an important correlates of protection against SARS-CoV2 infection. However, the composition of T cell subsets in convalescent individuals of SARS-CoV2 infection has not been well studied. The authors determined the lymphocyte absolute counts, the frequency of memory T cell subsets, and the plasma levels of common γ−chain in 7 groups of COVID-19 individuals, based on days since RT-PCR confirmation of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The data show that both absolute counts and frequencies of lymphocytes as well as, the frequencies of CD4+ central and effector memory cells increased, and the frequencies of CD4+ naïve T cells, transitional memory, stem cell memory T cells, and regulatory cells decreased from Days 15–30 to Days 61–90 and plateaued thereafter. In addition, the frequencies of CD8+ central memory, effector, and terminal effector memory T cells increased, and the frequencies of CD8+ naïve cells, transitional memory, and stem cell memory T cells decreased from Days 15–30 to Days 61–90 and plateaued thereafter. The plasma levels of IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, and IL-21—common γc cytokines started decreasing from Days 15–30 till Days 151–180. Severe COVID-19 patients exhibit decreased levels of lymphocyte counts and frequencies, higher frequencies of naïve cells, regulatory T cells, lower frequencies of central memory, effector memory, and stem cell memory, and elevated plasma levels of IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, and IL-21. Finally, there was a significant correlation between memory T cell subsets and common γc cytokines. Thus, the study provides evidence of alterations in lymphocyte counts, memory T cell subset frequencies, and common γ−chain cytokines in convalescent COVID-19 individuals.
Load frequency stabilization of stand‐alone hybrid distributed generation system using QOHS algorithm
Authors: Shiva Chandan Kumar , Vedik Basetti , Mahapatra Sheila , Nandi Mahendra , Raj Saurav , Mukherjee Vivekananda
Published: March 2022

The proposed work studies the frequency stability of the identified hybrid power network (HPS) model with the integration of RESs and ESDs. The research work depicted here includes load frequency issue pertaining to isolated mode of operations with uncertainties in power oscillations of wind and solar energy. The studied HPS model is constitute of three wind turbine generators, two solar thermal generators, three diesel engine generators, an aqua electrolyzer and two fuel‐cells as generating units while battery energy storage system, flywheel energy storage system and ultra‐capacitor as back‐up energy sources. A centralized control scheme using PID controller is employed for the controller design problem and its parameters are tuned by a nature inspired Quasi‐oppositional Harmony Search (QOHS) algorithm. The three scenarios as step change, step change with stochastic effects and firm model of wind velocity, solar radiation and load demand are studied for the load frequency control dynamic performance. The execution of suggested QOHS based PID controller is contrasted with the studied optimization techniques. It may be inferred that the RESs and ESDs feeding isolated loads are properly operated to attain the coveted level of system frequency by using the QOHS technique.
Efficient Synthesis and Wetting Characteristics of Amphiphilic Galactose–PLA Block Copolymers: A Potential Additive for the Accelerated Biodegradation of Micro‐ and Nanoplastics
Authors: Leitner Lisa‐Cathrin , Schneider Rika , Steiner Thomas , Stenzel Martina H. , Freitag Ruth , Greiner Andreas
Published: March 2022

The contamination of wastewater by microplastic particles (MPs) is an unresolved environmental problem. In order to resolve this problem, a concept is developed for the microbial remediation of MPs. To realize this concept, degradable block copolymers are required, which adhere on MP surfaces and contain segments of carbohydrate moieties (here galactose) for the attraction of degrading microbes and accelerated biofilm formation. Therefore, in this study, a versatile synthesis route for amphiphilic carbohydrate block copolymers from poly(d,l‐lactic acid) (PLA) and galactose moieties is presented. The properties of the block copolymers are investigated by thermal analysis, as well as regarding their colloidal properties, their adhesion behavior on MP surfaces, and their potential for support of microbial growth (using Lacticaseibacillus zeae).
Lignin‐Inspired Polybenzylethersulfone Synthesis via SNAr Reaction
Authors: Nikitin Sergei , Lie Yann , Diness Frederik
Published: March 2022

A new type of lignin‐inspired polybenzylethersulfone (PBES) is synthesized by SNAr reaction in 75% yield. Success of the polymerization is confirmed by ATR‐IR, 1H, 13C NMR spectroscopy and MALDI‐TOF MS. The obtained polysulfone is solvent casted into a film which displays high thermal and chemical stability. Treatment with 33% HBr in acetic acid leads to degradation of the material. The isolated degradation products are identified and repolymerized back into PBES demonstrating the opportunity for chemical recycling of this new polymer.
A π‐Conjugated Polyimide‐Based High‐Performance Aqueous Potassium‐Ion Asymmetric Supercapacitor
Authors: Zhao Yaoyao , Zhang Shicong , Xu Shumao , Li Xiao , Zhang Yifan , Xu Yang , Zhou Jian , Bi Hui , Huang Fuqiang , Lin Tianquan
Published: March 2022

Aqueous asymmetric supercapacitor has captured widespread attention as a sustainable high‐power energy resource. Organic electrode materials are appealing owing to their sustainability and high redox reactivity, but suffer from structural instability and low power density. Here the π‐conjugated polyimide‐based organic electrodes with different lengths of alkyl chains are explored to achieve high rate capability and long lifespan in an aqueous K+‐ion electrolyte. The fabricated asymmetric supercapacitor exhibits high capacities of 107 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1 and 67 mAh g−1 at 90 A g−1. A specific capacity of 65 mAh g−1 over 70% of the initial performance is obtained after 65 000 cycles. Molecular engineering of long alkyl chains in polyimide can reduce the degree of π‐conjugation and spatially block the π‐conjugated imide bond with limited redox activity but improved stability against chemical degradation. Further electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance, ex‐situ Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterizations reveal the pseudocapacitance behavior originating from the π‐conjugated polyimide‐based redox reaction with potassium ions and hydrated potassium ions. A promising polyimide‐based polymer with extended π‐conjugated system for high‐performance asymmetric supercapacitor is showcased.
Use and perception of weather forecast information across Europe
Authors: Sivle Anders Doksæter , Agersten Solfrid , Schmid Franziska , Simon André
Published: March 2022

Although European studies have become more common in recent years, published research on perception and use of weather information has been dominated by studies from the United States with some scattered contributions across Europe. The present study gives a broad European context, by providing perspectives from 18 countries and several user professions as well as from 14 National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs), and by combining new insights from probabilistic forecasting, warning and interaction between NMHSs and their users. These insights are based on two surveys undertaken in the framework of the EUMETNET Nowcasting (E‐NWC) Programme, where EUMETNET represents the European Meteorological Services' Network: one survey for the participating NMHSs in the E‐NWC Programme, and the other one for their respective users. Both surveys were distributed in autumn 2019, and open for responses until spring 2020. Several findings from the surveys support conclusions of previous research, for example, concerning the perception of probabilities or taking measures in case of severe weather (many users would start their preliminary measures at a probability level of 60%). Although most of the NMHSs and their users are in regular contact, there is room for increasing the frequency of face‐to‐face meetings between them. Nearly one‐third of NMHSs never meet face‐to‐face with users from the public. The two surveys indicate that there might be benefits of increased collaboration and sharing of data between European NMHSs to be able to offer their users more training, and to learn from each other in areas where insight already exists.
Complex regional pain syndrome patient treated with a below knee amputation, implanting nerves directly into muscle: A case report
Authors: Dellon A. Lee , Ibrahim Zuhaib , Williams Eric H.
Published: March 2022

Persistent, disabling lower extremity pain, outside the distribution of a single nerve, is termed chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS), but, in reality, this chronic pain is often due to multiple peripheral nerve injuries. It is the purpose of this report to describe the first application of the “traditional,” nerve implantation into muscle, usually used in the treatment of a painful neuroma, as a pre‐emptive surgical technique in doing a below knee amputation (BKA). In 2011, a 51‐year‐old woman developed severe, disabling CRPS, after a series of operations to treat an enchondroma of the left fifth metatarsal. When appropriate peripheral nerve surgeries failed to relieve distal pain, a BKA was elected. The approach to the BKA included implantation of each transected peripheral nerve directly into an adjacent muscle. At 5.0 years after the patient's BKA, the woman reported full use of this extremity, using the prosthesis, and was free of phantom limb and residual limb pain. This anecdotal experience gives insight that long‐term relief of lower extremity CRPS can be achieved by a traditional BKA utilizing the approach of implanting each transected nerve into an adjacent muscle.
INSIDEnet: Interpretable NonexpanSIve Data‐Efficient network for denoising in grating interferometry breast CT
Authors: van Gogh Stefano , Wang Zhentian , Rawlik Michał , Etmann Christian , Mukherjee Subhadip , Schönlieb Carola‐Bibiane , Angst Florian , Boss Andreas , Stampanoni Marco
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women. Unfortunately, current breast imaging techniques all suffer from certain limitations: they are either not fully three dimensional, have an insufficient resolution or low soft‐tissue contrast. Grating interferometry breast computed tomography (GI‐BCT) is a promising X‐ray phase contrast modality that could overcome these limitations by offering high soft‐tissue contrast and excellent three‐dimensional resolution. To enable the transition of this technology to clinical practice, dedicated data‐processing algorithms must be developed in order to effectively retrieve the signals of interest from the measured raw data.

Methods

This article proposes a novel denoising algorithm that can cope with the high‐noise amplitudes and heteroscedasticity which arise in GI‐BCT when operated in a low‐dose regime to effectively regularize the ill‐conditioned GI‐BCT inverse problem. We present a data‐driven algorithm called INSIDEnet, which combines different ideas such as multiscale image processing, transform‐domain filtering, transform learning, and explicit orthogonality to build an Interpretable NonexpanSIve Data‐Efficient network (INSIDEnet).

Results

We apply the method to simulated breast phantom datasets and to real data acquired on a GI‐BCT prototype and show that the proposed algorithm outperforms traditional state‐of‐the‐art filters and is competitive with deep neural networks. The strong inductive bias given by the proposed model's architecture allows to reliably train the algorithm with very limited data while providing high model interpretability, thus offering a great advantage over classical convolutional neural networks (CNNs).

Conclusions

The proposed INSIDEnet is highly data‐efficient, interpretable, and outperforms state‐of‐the‐art CNNs when trained on very limited training data. We expect the proposed method to become an important tool as part of a dedicated plug‐and‐play GI‐BCT reconstruction framework, needed to translate this promising technology to the clinics.
These are the people in your neighborhood: Community logics and board gender composition in United Ways
Authors: Dula Lauren
Published: March 2022

Nonprofits that serve particular communities are in essence products of those communities. Community logics are localized norms, beliefs, and attitudes that may impact local organizational behavior. Gender status beliefs, which are also normative assumptions about the abilities of women, may be transmitted into nonprofit organizations through community logics and may color recruitment choices for board members. This paper attempts to understand the relationship between these gendered community logics and the presence of women on United Way boards of directors over a period of 15 years. This paper uses a nationally representative sample of United Ways across 23 states to identify community characteristics that may change attitudes and receptiveness to women as members of boards of directors, an area of board selection that has been little studied. There is some evidence for community logics such as having more female local business leaders or advanced degree holders in the community being related to an increased presence of women on these prestigious boards, perhaps indicating new status beliefs and community logics around the abilities of women in leadership roles.
Turnover intention and job tenure of US fundraisers
Authors: Shaker Genevieve G. , Rooney Patrick M. , Nathan Sarah K. , Bergdoll Jonathan J. , Tempel Eugene R.
Published: March 2022

Fundraisers secure financial resources that organizations need to achieve their missions. Raising money, particularly large gifts, can follow years of relationship building with individual donors. When fundraisers leave these efforts can be set back substantially, making fundraiser turnover particularly worrisome and worthy of exploration. This analysis addressed the issue with US survey data (n = 1663) and examinination of three research questions. What are the job tenure and intent to leave of fundraisers? How is fundraiser job tenure affected by intent to leave? What relationships do job tenure and intent to leave have with fundraisers' individual demographics, position attributes, and organizational characteristics? We found that the study participants had current mean job tenures of 3.6 years (median = 2 years) and mean tenures across their fundraising jobs of 3.9 years (median = 3 years). Twenty percent intended to leave their organization and 7% intended to leave fundraising within the next year. Of the tested variables, salary consistently had the largest effects and was the most significant. Older and more experienced fundraisers had longer tenures. The study provides nuanced information about fundraisers' job‐related behaviors, includes careful attention to theory and related research, and presents specific ideas for organizational interventions for increasing fundraiser tenure.
Meta‐heuristics algorithms for optimization of gains for dynamic voltage restorers to improve power quality and dynamics
Authors: Veramalla Rajagopal , Arya Sabha Raj , Gundeboina Vishwas , Jampana Bangarraju , Chilipi Rajasekharareddy , Madasthu Santhosh
Published: March 2022

This article discusses metaheuristic algorithms for optimizing controller gains for dynamic voltage restorers (DVRs) that use an impedance control strategy to compensate for unbalance in source voltages, voltage harmonics, and sag/swell in source voltages. The gains of the proportional‐integral (PI) controllers become critical for proper DVR load voltage extraction. Various techniques for optimization, such as whale optimization technique, gray wolf optimization technique, particle swarm optimization technique, and ant lion optimization technique, are used to obtain DC and AC PI controller gains for DVR. The impedance control strategy employs simple calculations to determine the resistance and reactance of a polluted source voltage, without the use of frame conversions as in synchronous reference theory, instantaneous reference power theory, and so on. The quick calculations of the impedance control scheme improve the power quality and dynamics. The Metaheuristic algorithms are used to calculate the number of iterations required to achieve the best possible controller gains, which further helps to improve power quality and dynamics. Among these optimization techniques, the antlion optimization technique provides fast convergence and the best possible controller gain values to improve the dynamics of the dc‐link voltage of voltage source converter and terminal voltage, thereby improving power quality. The proposed antlion optimization technique‐based DVR model is simulated in MATLAB R2019, and the results are validated with RT‐LAB.
Preparation and characterization of a high heat resistant phthalonitrile resin modified by polyborosilazane ceramic precursor
Authors: Wang Zi‐long , Han Yue , Guo Ying , Ye Li , Han Wei‐jian , Zhou Heng , Wang Jun , Liu Wen‐bin , Zhao Tong
Published: March 2022

Phthalonitrile resins were an important kind of matrix with high thermal stability. Novel organic–inorganic hybrid composites were prepared by employing 4,4′‐(1,3‐phenylenebis[oxy]) diphthalonitrile (DPN) modified with polyborosilazane ceramic precursor (PBSN) in this work to explore the methods for synthesis of phthalonitrile resin with good processability as well as high heat‐resistance. The maximal glass transition temperature (Tg) and 10% weight loss temperatures were about 615.0 and 608.1°C (N2), respectively. The detailed thermal oxygen decomposition processes and mechanisms were studied and Avrami‐Erofeev models were used for decomposition kinetic analysis of the hybrid matrix. According to the result of the scanning electron microscope, the PBSN was completely integrated into the phthalonitrile resin, and the heat‐resistant structure (SiO, BN and BO) could improve the heat resistance of DPN. The hybrid matrix could be used for heat‐resistant materials.
In‐situ plasma treatment of tomato and rice seeds in‐liquid to promote seed germination and seedling growth
Authors: Mekarun Jiramet , Watthanaphanit Anyarat
Published: March 2022

We propose an in‐liquid plasma technique—Solution Plasma (SP)—to help enhance seed germination. Tomato and rice seeds are selected as representatives for dicot and monocot plant seeds, respectively. The effect of SP treatment time on the seed surface's chemical morphology and wettability is investigated. Compared to the untreated seeds, surface erosion of both seeds is observed. The surface wettability is also enhanced. The SP helps improve the seed germination rate and seedling growth of both seeds. We present the effect of plasma on seed germination in the aspect that SP can degrade polysaccharides—the main constituent of the seed coat. The formation of reactive oxygen species during treatment is supposed to be another reason for better seed germination.
Hepatoma‐derived growth factor is associated with pulmonary vascular remodeling and PAH disease severity and survival
Authors: Yang Jun , Ambade Anjira S. , Nies Melanie , Griffiths Megan , Damico Rachel , Vaidya Dhananjay , Brandal Stephanie , Pauciulo Michael W. , Lutz Katie A. , Coleman Anna W. , Nichols William C. , Austin Eric D. , Ivy Dunbar , Hassoun Paul M. , Everett Allen D.
Published: March 2022

Hepatoma‐derived growth factor (HDGF) was previously shown to be associated with increased mortality in a small study of idiopathic and connective tissue disease‐associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). In this study, we measured serum HDGF levels in a large multicenter cohort (total 2017 adult PAH‐Biobank enrollees), we analyzed the associations between HDGF levels and various clinical measures using linear or logistic regression models. Higher HDGF levels were found to be significantly associated with worse pulmonary hemodynamics, prostacyclin treatment; among PAH subtypes, higher HDGF levels were most associated with portopulmonary hypertension (beta = 0.469, p < 0.0001). Both Kaplan–Meier curve and Cox proportional hazard regression demonstrated that higher HDGF levels are associated with a higher risk of mortality (COX hazard ratio 1.31, p < 0.0001). Further, in the Sugen hypoxia (SuHx) rat model, the highest HDGF levels were post‐pulmonary circulation, and HDGF levels significantly increased with the development of PAH. In pulmonary arteries, immunohistochemistry staining showed that HDGF was highly expressed in pulmonary smooth muscle cells in both PAH patients and SuHx rats. In conclusion, we found that higher serum HDGF was linked with increased mortality, and associated with disease severity in a large multi‐center adult PAH cohort (n = 2017). In the SuHX PAH models, circulating HDGF levels are pulmonary in origin and increase with PAH progression. HDGF may be actively involved in vascular remodeling in PAH.
Full coverage path planning algorithm for MRgFUS therapy
Authors: Antoniou Anastasia , Georgiou Andreas , Evripidou Nikolas , Damianou Christakis
Published: March 2022

Background

High‐quality methods for Magnetic Resonance guided Focussed Ultrasound (MRgFUS) therapy planning are needed for safe and efficient clinical practices. Herein, an algorithm for full coverage path planning based on preoperative MR images is presented.

Methods

The software functionalities of an MRgFUS robotic system were enhanced by implementing the developed algorithm. The algorithm's performance in accurate path planning following a Zig‐Zag pathway was assessed on MR images. The planned sonication paths were performed on acrylic films using the robotic system carrying a 2.75 MHz single element transducer.

Results

Ablation patterns were successfully planned on MR images and produced on acrylic films by overlapping lesions with excellent match between the planned and experimental lesion shapes.

Conclusions

The advanced software was proven efficient in planning and executing full ablation of any segmented target. The reliability of the algorithm could be enhanced through the development of a fully automated segmentation procedure.
A zonotopic characterization of cyber‐physical system vulnerabilities
Authors: Li Jitao , Wang Zhenhua , Shen Yi , Xie Lihua
Published: March 2022

This article is concerned with the security of a cyber‐physical system (CPS) against stealthy attacks. Stealthy attacks are malicious injections into sensor measurements without triggering detectors. We quantify the potential impact of stealthy attacks on system states using zonotopic reachable set. Then, a zonotopic framework is established to characterize the CPS vulnerabilities. Conditions for the existence of vulnerabilities are provided. Moreover, the level of such vulnerabilities is measured via one‐sided Hausdorff distance. Finally, numerical simulations are conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Novel Fe3O4‐Modified Biochar Derived from Citrus Bergamia Peel: A Green Synthesis Approach for Adsorptive Removal of Methylene Blue
Authors: Tripathy Swagatika , Sahu Sumanta , Patel Raj Kishore , Panda Rahas Bihari , Kar Pravin Kumar
Published: March 2022

The present study reveals the enhanced bio‐sorption of methylene blue (MB) from an aqueous solution using iron oxide immobilized citrus bergamia biochar (Fe3O4CBC). The adsorption efficiency was increased dramatically from 64 % to 98 % after the magnetic iron oxide modification to citrus bergamia biochar (CBC) due to electrostatic interaction. Physico‐chemical alterations of CBC surface prior and post‐modification and after dye adsorption were evaluated using the following surface techniques such as FTIR, XRD, SEM, BET, Raman, TGA‐DTA, Zeta potential analysis. The retention of C−OH, C=O, C−O, C−H, and Fe3O4 groups were confirmed from FTIR spectra. BET analysis revealed that Fe3O4CBC showed an elevated surface area of 136.72 m2 g−1 with a reduced pore diameter of 3.73 nm than CBC. The Pseudo second order and Langmuir isotherm model was best fitted with R2=0.99 and adsorption capacity of 31 mg/g. The thermodynamic data (ΔS=0.1455 kJ mol−1 K−1, ΔH=33.87 kJ mol−1) revealed the spontaneity, endothermic nature, and feasibility of adsorption process. Regeneration studies revealed that the material has excellent sorption‐based performance over five consecutive cycles. The current work demonstrates that Fe3O4CBC can serve as a highly efficient, cost‐effective, bio adsorbent for the removal of MB with easy magnetic separation from aqueous medium.
Gold and Cobalt Nanoparticles Dispersed on N‐Doped Carbon Matrix as a Catalyst for 4‐Nitrophenol Reduction
Authors: Li Caifeng , Su Yan , Cheng Mengmeng , Liu Jinglei , Hou Shifeng
Published: March 2022

In this work, gold, cobalt nanoparticles dispersed on a porous N doped Carbon matrix (Au/Co@N−C), which were prepared by replacement reaction to anchor Au nanoparticles (NPs) on the surface of the carbonized ZIF‐67 (Co@N−C). The Au/Co@N−C composites display excellent catalytic activity for the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) due to the highly ordered carbon frameworks, which offered porous structure and space to improve the capability of electronic transmission. Moreover, the method of replacement reaction avoided the aggregation of gold nanoparticles effectively, which enhanced the catalytic activity of the Au/Co@N−C composites. The catalytic properties of nanocomposites were assessed through the reduction reaction of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) translate 4‐NP into 4‐aminophenol (4‐AP) with excessive NaBH4, the K app was up to 37.46×10−3 s−1 and the conversion rate of 4‐NP remained at 89 % after five consecutive cycles. Thus, this work has excellent promising preparation of noble metal catalysts and application in the catalysis of phenols.
Silk‐Derived N‐Doped Fe@NPC as Efficient Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC)
Authors: Yisilamu Zuerguli , Maimaitiyiming Xieraili , Liu Anjie
Published: March 2022

The development of economic and efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts, which can boost both the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) is quite necessary for the evolution of direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). Herein, a novelty of precious metal‐free, iron, nitrogen and phosphorus‐doped porous carbon (Fe@NPC) was prepared by using cheap and renewable biomass silk as basic nitrogen sources, as an efficient ORR and MOR electrocatalyst with its high nitrogen content (8.16 wt%). The Fe@NPC catalyst exhibits extremely high onset potential (1.125 V vs RHE), current density (−6.089 mA cm−2) and methanol tolerance for ORR, even exceeds the corresponding values of Pt/C (1.007 V vs RHE, 5.068 mA cm−2). Furthermore, it also served as a good carrier for Pt nanoparticles (NPs). Pt/Fe@NPC shows high catalytic activity and stability for MOR in acidic condition.
Synthesis, Characterization, Antibacterial and Antifungal Activities Evaluation of Metal Complexes With Benzaldehyde‐4‐methylthiosemicarbazone Derivatives
Authors: Jaafar Amani , Mansour Najwa , Fix‐Tailler Adeline , Allain Magali , Faour Wissam H. , Shebaby Wassim N. , Tokajian Sima , El‐Ghayoury Abdelkrim , Naoufal Daoud , Larcher Gérald , Ibrahim Ghassan
Published: March 2022

Herein, to develop the comprehension of the microbiological activity of metal complexes based on benzaldehyde‐N4‐thiosemicarbazone derivatives, we described the synthesis, characterization of copper(II), zinc(II) and cadmium(II) complexes with vanillin‐4‐methylthiosemicarbazone (MTSVN) and 3,4‐dihydroxybenzaldehyde‐4‐methylthiosemicarbazone (MTSDHB). The crystal structures of the [ZnCl2(MTSVN)2] (L1 C1) and [CdBr2(MTSDHB)2.H2O]2 (L2C5) complexes were determined by the single X‐Ray diffraction method, the central ion is coordinated through the sulphur. For the other complexes, the ion is coordinated through the sulfur as well as azomethine nitrogen atom of the thiosemicarbazone. All these compounds, the two ligands and the new nine complexes were screened in vitro for their antifungal activity against human pathogenic fungi: Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus, and for their antibacterial activity against Gram (+) bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis and Enterococcus faecalis as well as against Gram (−) bacteria such as Paracoccus yeei and Acinetobacter baumanii. By investigating the structure‐activity relationships, we found that the two ligands MTSVN (L1) exhibited significant effect against E. faecalis and A. baumanii and the MTSDHB (L2) acted only against E. faecalis. Furthermore, all the complexes (L1C1–L1C4 and L2C1–L2C5) showed significant antifungal and antibacterial activities against gram‐positive, gram‐negative bacteria, and two fungal human pathogens.
Ag3PO4 Nanoparticles Decorated Carbon Nitride Nanotube to Boost Visible‐Light Photocatalytic Activity for the Degradation of Azo Dyes
Authors: Wang Liyan , He Tingting , Li Xinyi , Cong Hongjin , Wang Shiyu , Zhao Yang , Wang Huan
Published: March 2022

An efficient and stable photocatalyst consisting of Ag3PO4 nanoparticles coupled with carbon nitride nanotubes (G‐C3N4) for the degradation of azo dyes was firstly prepared by in‐situ deposition method. The Ag3PO4 decoration significantly improved the photocatalytic activity of G‐C3N4, in which Ag3PO4/G‐C3N4 with mass ratio of 15 % could achieve the degradation efficiency of 95 % within 20 min. And the kinetic constant of degradation reaction was up to 0.14 min−1, which has around 22.5 times enhancement compared with that of G‐C3N4. The heterojunction between Ag3PO4 and G‐C3N4 accelerates the efficient separation and transfer of photogenerated charge carriers, and the Ag nanoparticles verified to be generated by the photoreduction of Ag3PO4 can also act as an internal channel to promote the charge transport. In addition, the effect of the concentration of both catalyst and dye on the photocatalytic activity was further investigated. The proposed Z‐scheme catalytic mechanism of the composite photocatalyst was also proved.
Observation of Remote Electroconvection and Inert‐Cation Concentration Valley within Supporting Electrolytes in a Microfluidic‐Based Electrochemical Device
Authors: Huo Peng , Xu Bingrui , Gu Zhibo , Su Mingzhuo , Rubinstein Shmuel. M. , Deng Daosheng
Published: March 2022

The electrochemical system is playing an increasingly important role in the advanced technology development for drinkable water and energy storage. While the binary electrolyte has been widely studied, such as the associated intriguing interfacial instabilities, multi‐component electrolyte is by far less known. Here, based on the classic Cu|CuSO4|Cu electrochemical system, the effect of supporting electrolyte is systematically investigated by highlighting the inert cations. In an annulus microfluidic device, the suppression of a previously known electro‐osmotic instability and the emergence of an array of the remote electroconvection along the azimuthal direction is found. A distinctive inert‐cation concentration valley propagates radially outward at a speed limited by the electromigration velocity. Remarkably, the simultaneous visualization of spatiotemporal evolution demonstrates the correlation of the concentration valley and electroconvection at a microscopic level. The underlying physical mechanism of their correlation is discussed, and the scaling analysis agrees with experiments. This work might inspire more future work on the multi‐component electrolyte, such as for the suppression of interfacial hydrodynamic instability and mitigation of dendrite growth, with the technological implications for water treatment and energy storage in batteries.
Vertical Orientation Probability Matters for Enhancing Nanoparticle‐Macrophage Interaction and Efficient Phagocytosis
Authors: Hu Wenli , Gu Zhengying , Zhao Liang , Zhang Ye , Yu Chengzhong
Published: March 2022

The geometry of nanoparticles has a profound effect on their interactions with macrophages. For an elongated geometry, the well‐known curvature‐dependent phagocytosis mechanism is still under debate, presumably because another important parameter, the probability of orientation, is overlooked. To verify this hypothesis, it is demonstrated that increasing the probability of the preferred vertical orientation is an efficient strategy to significantly enhance macrophage phagocytosis and uptake. This is achieved via a well‐designed hexapod nanoparticle in comparison with a monopod counterpart. The hexapod nanoparticle can achieve ≈100% close‐to‐vertical orientation, thereby favoring phagocytosis. This discovery provides a new insight into the design of nanomaterials for macrophage‐oriented bioapplications.