bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Viruses of the oral cavity: Prevalence, pathobiology and association with oral diseases
Authors: Thakkar Pari , Banks Jonathan M. , Rahat Rani , Brandini Daniela A. , Naqvi Afsar R.
Published: December 2021

The human oral cavity contains a plethora of habitats and tissue environments, such as teeth, tongue, and gingiva, which are home to a rich microbial flora including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Given the exposed nature of the mouth, oral tissues constantly encounter infectious agents, forming a complex ecological community. In the past, the discussion of microbiological aspects of oral disease has traditionally focused on bacteria and fungi, but viruses are attracting increasing attention as pathogens in oral inflammatory diseases. Therefore, understanding viral prevalence, pathogenicity, and preference regarding oral tissues is critical to understanding the holistic effects of viruses on oral infections. Recent investigations have demonstrated the abundance of certain viruses in oral inflammatory diseases, suggesting an association between viruses and disease. Human herpesviruses are the most extensively studied viruses in different oral inflammatory diseases. However, challenges in viral detection and the lack of reproducible in vitro and in vivo infection models have limited our progress in understanding viruses and their contribution to oral diseases. This review presents a summary of major mammalian viruses and associated diseases in the human oral cavity. The emergence of a recent pathogen SARS‐CoV‐2 and its tropism for salivary and periodontal tissues further highlights the relevance of the oral cavity in host‐pathogen interaction. Understanding how these different viruses present clinically and influence oral health will advance our understanding of multifactorial oral diseases and their association with viruses.
Comparison of software accuracy to estimate the bed grain size distribution from digital images: A test performed along the Rhine River
Authors: Chardon Valentin , Piasny Guillaume , Schmitt Laurent
Published: December 2021

The quantification of the bed grain size distribution (GSD) of river surfaces is primarily conducted through manual approaches in the field. These methods are time consuming and not able to accurately represent the spatial diversity of the grain size distribution of rivers. Recently, several software programs and procedures have been developed using semi‐automatic and automatic methods to estimate bed GSD from digital imagery. The purpose of this study is to compare softwares accuracy between reference GSDs and estimated GSDs using geometric approaches (Basegrain software and a procedure developed on ImageJ), statistical approaches (digital grain size [DGS] and PebbleCounts softwares), and a machine learning framework (SediNet). This study evaluates ten digital images recorded along the Rhine River downstream of the city of Basel. The results showed that all software programs considerably underestimated the manually measured GSDs. Nevertheless, it is possible to significantly improve the estimation of bed GSD by applying calibration laws. Both DGS and Basegrain softwares are reliable to estimate the GSD, while the three others softwares are accurate for percentiles equal and higher than the D50. After linear regression correction, the mean normalized root mean square error of percentile errors did not exceed 13% for DGS and Basegrain software, while the others did not exceed 22% for percentiles coarser than the D50.
Cumulative downstream turbine‐induced mortality and thresholds for facilitating upstream passage of American eel
Authors: Haxton Tim
Published: December 2021

American eels (Anguilla rostrata) are vulnerable to turbine‐induced mortality during outmigration along regulated rivers. Turbine‐induced mortality is cumulative when multiple facilities are encountered along the route. This level of mortality may be unsustainable such that facilitating upstream movement ostensibly for recovery purposes, may in fact be detrimental to the population or an ecological trap. The objectives of this study were to estimate a theoretical threshold for facilitating upstream movement passed hydroelectric facilities and estimating cumulative turbine mortality within waterbodies across American eel's historical range within Ontario, Canada. A stage‐structured model was used to estimate mortality thresholds parameterized by published life stage survival probabilities using a maternal effect and altering silver eel survival to mimic turbine mortality. The threshold was exceeded when population growth (λ) declined below 1.0. Site mortality was estimated based on the generating station characteristics including turbine type, size, proportion of flow through turbines, and sluice gate height. Cumulative mortality within a waterbody was projected using a Bayesian network (i.e., conditional probability) and the calculated site‐specific mortality. The survival required for a stable population using the stage‐structured model was 0.75; (0.65–0.85) therefore, annual mortality greater than 0.25 (0.15–0.35) would result in population decline (λ < 1). The effects of turbine mortality increased with additional hydroelectric facilities encountered along the route. Across Ontario, there was no eel habitat deemed to be safe in terms of levels of cumulative turbine mortality during outmigration. Moreover, 89.1% of eel habitat was considered to be within the cautionary range of turbine mortality, whereas 10.9% of eel habitat was considered to be above the threshold for sustainable passage during outmigration. Lake Ontario accounted for 98.2% of the area within the cautionary range, whereas most of the tributaries and watersheds associated with the Ottawa River and Lake Ontario were above the threshold.
Regulating the Interlayer Spacings of Hard Carbon Nanofibers Enables Enhanced Pore Filling Sodium Storage
Authors: Cai Congcong , Chen Yongan , Hu Ping , Zhu Ting , Li Xinyuan , Yu Qiang , Zhou Liang , Yang Xiaoyu , Mai Liqiang
Published: December 2021

Hard carbon (HC) represents an attractive anode material for sodium‐ion batteries. However, most HC materials deliver limited capacity and the sodium storage mechanisms in the slope and plateau regions are controversial. Herein, a series of hard carbon nanofibers (HCNFs) with tunable interlayer spacings are designed to understand the sodium storage manners in HC. The optimized HCNFs featuring short‐range graphitic layers with sufficient interlayer spacings (0.37–0.40 nm) for Na+ intercalation deliver a high reversible capacity (388 mAh g–1 at 30 mA g–1) and good rate capability. In‐situ X‐ray diffraction and Raman characterizations reveal a revised adsorption/insertion–filling sodium storage mechanism. Combined with the density functional theory (DFT) calculation, the detailed relationship between pore‐filling plateau capacity and interlayer spacing is disclosed. It is found that sufficient interlayer spacings (>0.37 nm) provide diffusion channels for Na+ to reach the pores for further filling. Additionally, the reason for plateau‐region capacity degradation of the HCNFs is completely demonstrated. This contribution provides insights into the sodium storage mechanism and rational construction of high‐performance HC anode materials.
Ultrafast and Ultrastable Heteroarchitectured Porous Nanocube Anode Composed of CuS/FeS2 Embedded in Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon for Use in Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Je Junhwan , Lim Hyojun , Jung Hyun Wook , Kim Sang‐Ok
Published: December 2021

The enhancement of the structural stability of conversion‐based metal sulfides at high current densities remains a major challenge in realizing the practical application of sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). The instability of metal sulfides is caused by the large volume variation and sluggish reaction kinetics upon sodiation/desodiation. To overcome this, herein, a heterostructured nanocube anode composed of CuS/FeS2 embedded in nitrogen‐doped carbon (CuS/FeS2@NC) is synthesized. Size‐ and shape‐controlled porous carbon nanocubes containing metallic nanoparticles are synthesized by the two‐step pyrolysis of a bimetallic Prussian blue analog (PBA) precursor. The simple sulfurization‐induced formation of highly conductive CuS along with FeS2 facilitates sodium‐ion diffusion and enhances the redox reversibility upon cycling. The mesoporous carbon structure provides excellent electrolyte impregnation, efficient charge transport pathways, and good volume expansion buffering. The CuS/FeS2@NC nanocube anode exhibits excellent sodium storage characteristics including high desodiation capacity (608 mAh g–1 at 0.2 A g–1), remarkable long‐term cycle life (99.1% capacity retention after 300 cycles at 5 A g–1), and good rate capability up to 5 A g–1. The simple, facile synthetic route combined with the rational design of bimetallic PBA nanostructures can be widely utilized in the development of conversion‐based metal sulfides and other high‐capacity anode materials for high‐performance SIBs.
Manipulating the Conversion Kinetics of Polysulfides by Engineering Oxygen p‐Band of Halloysite for Improved Li‐S Batteries
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Gao Ruijie , Li Zixiong , Zhou Binghui , Tang Aidong , Wang Jian , Zou Ji‐Jun , Yang Huaming
Published: December 2021

Polar oxides are widely used as the cathodes to impede the shuttle effect in lithium‐sulfur batteries, but suffer from the sluggish desorption and conversion of polysulfides due to too strong affinity of polysulfides on oxygen sites. Herein, employing halloysite as a model, an approach to overcome these shortcomings is proposed via engineering oxygen p‐band center by loading titanium dioxide nanoparticles onto Si‐O surface of halloysite. Using density functional theory calculations, it is predicted that electron transfer from titanium dioxide nanoparticles to interfacial O sites results in downshift of p‐band center of O sites that promote desorption of polysulfides and the cleavage of Li‐S and S‐S, accelerating the conversion kinetics of polysulfides. The designed composite cathode material delivers outstanding electrochemical performance in Li‐S batteries, outperforming the recently reported similar cathodes. The concept could provide valuable insight into the design of other catalysts for Li‐S batteries and beyond.
Achieving High‐Performance Ge0.92Bi0.08Te Thermoelectrics via LaB6‐Alloying‐Induced Band Engineering and Multi‐Scale Structure Manipulation
Authors: Sun Qiang , Shi Xiao‐Lei , Hong Min , Yin Yu , Xu Sheng‐Duo , Chen Jie , Yang Lei , Zou Jin , Chen Zhi‐Gang
Published: December 2021

In this work, a LaB6‐alloying strategy is reported to effectively boost the figure‐of‐merit (ZT) of Ge0.92Bi0.08Te‐based alloys up to ≈2.2 at 723 K, attributed to a synergy of La‐dopant induced band structuring and structural manipulation. Density‐function‐theory calculations reveal that La dopant enlarges the bandgap and converges the energy offset between the sub‐valence bands in cubic‐structured GeTe, leading to a significantly increased effective mass, which gives rise to a high Seebeck coefficient of ≈263 µV K−1 and in turn a superior power factor of ≈43 µW cm−1 K−2 at 723 K. Besides, comprehensive electron microscopy characterizations reveal that the multi‐scale phonon scattering centers, including a high density of planar defects, Boron nanoparticles in tandem with enhanced boundaries, dispersive Ge nanoprecipitates in the matrix, and massive point defects, contribute to a low lattice thermal conductivity of ≈0.67 W m−1 K−1 at 723 K. Furthermore, a high microhardness of ≈194 Hv is witnessed in the as‐designed Ge0.92Bi0.08Te(LaB6)0.04 alloy, derived from the multi‐defect‐induced strengthening. This work provides a strategy for developing high‐performance and mechanical robust middle‐temperature thermoelectric materials for practical thermoelectric applications.
Integrated Porous Cu Host Induced High‐Stable Bidirectional Li Plating/Stripping Behavior for Practical Li Metal Batteries
Authors: Chen Jianyu , Li Sijia , Qiao Xin , Wang Yizhou , Lei Linna , Lyu Zhiyang , Zhao Jin , Zhang Yu , Liu Ruiqing , Liang Qinghua , Ma Yanwen
Published: December 2021

The double‐sided electrodes with active materials are widely used for commercial lithium (Li) ion batteries with a higher energy density. Accordingly, developing an anode current collector that can accommodate the stable and homogeneous Li plating/stripping on both sides will be highly desired for practical Li metal batteries (LMBs). Herein, an integrated bidirectional porous Cu (IBP‐Cu) film with a through‐pore structure is fabricated as Li metal hosts using the powder sintering method. The resultant IBP‐Cu current collector with tunable pore volume and size exhibits high mechanical flexibility and stability. The bidirectional and through‐pore structure enables the IBP‐Cu host to achieve homogeneous Li deposition and effectively suppresses the dendritic Li growth. Impressively, the as‐fabricated Li/IBP‐Cu anode exhibits a remarkable capacity of up to 7.0 mAh cm−2 for deep plating/stripping, outstanding rate performance, and ultralong cycling ability with high Coulombic efficiency of ≈100% for 1000 cycles. More practicably, a designed pouch cell coupled with one Li/IBP‐Cu anode and two LiFePO4 cathodes exhibits a highly elevated energy density (≈187.5%) compared with a pouch cell with one anode and one cathode. Such design of a bidirectional porous Cu current collector with stable Li plating/stripping behaviors suggests its promising practical applications for next‐generation Li metal batteries.
Shedding Light on DNA‐Based Nanoprobes for Live‐Cell MicroRNA Imaging
Authors: Yang Fan , Lu Huiting , Meng Xiangdan , Dong Haifeng , Zhang Xueji
Published: December 2021

DNA‐based nanoprobes integrated with various imaging signals have been employed for fabricating versatile biosensor platforms for the study of intracellular biological process and biomarker detection. The nanoprobes developments also provide opportunities for endogenous microRNA (miRNA) in situ analysis. In this review, the authors are primarily interested in various DNA‐based nanoprobes for miRNA biosensors and declare strategies to reveal how to customize the desired nanoplatforms. Initially, various delivery vehicles for nanoprobe architectures transmembrane transport are delineated, and their biosecurity and ability for resisting the complex cellular environment are evaluated. Then, the novel strategies for designing DNA sequences as target miRNA specific recognition and signal amplification modules for miRNA detection are presented. Afterward, recent advances in imaging technologies to accurately respond and produce significant signal output are summarized. Finally, the challenges and future directions in the field are discussed.
Monitoring Retinoblastoma by Machine Learning of Aqueous Humor Metabolic Fingerprinting
Authors: Liu Wanshan , Luo Yingxiu , Dai Jingjing , Yang Ludi , Huang Lin , Wang Ruimin , Chen Wei , Huang Yida , Sun Shiyu , Cao Jing , Wu Jiao , Han Minglei , Fan Jiayan , He Mengjia , Qian Kun , Fan Xianqun , Jia Renbing
Published: December 2021

The most common intraocular pediatric malignancy, retinoblastoma (RB), accounts for ≈10% of cancer in children. Efficient monitoring can enhance living quality of patients and 5‐year survival ratio of RB up to 95%. However, RB monitoring is still insufficient in regions with limited resources and the mortality may even reach over 70% in such areas. Here, an RB monitoring platform by machine learning of aqueous humor metabolic fingerprinting (AH‐MF) is developed, using nanoparticle enhanced laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (LDI MS). The direct AH‐MF of RB free of sample pre‐treatment is recorded, with both high reproducibility (coefficient of variation < 10%) and sensitivity (low to 0.3 pmol) at sample volume down to 40 nL only. Further, early and advanced RB patients with area‐under‐the‐curve over 0.9 and accuracy over 80% are differentiated, through machine learning of AH‐MF. Finally, a metabolic biomarker panel of 7 metabolites through accurate MS and tandem MS (MS/MS) with pathway analysis to monitor RB is identified. This work can contribute to advanced metabolic analysis of eye diseases including but not limited to RB and screening of new potential metabolic targets toward therapeutic intervention.
Extraction of cellulose from rice straw for regeneration of hydrogels
Authors: Lai Victor Wei Xiang , Jamaluddin Jamarosliza , Mat Nasir Nur Aina Farhana , Baharulrazi Norfhairna , Majid Rohah A. , Lai Jau Choy , Mohd Bohari Siti Pauliena , Chua Lee Suan , Hasham Rosnani , Rahmat Zaidah , Adrus Nadia
Published: December 2021

The aim of this study is to evaluate the optimum sodium hydroxide (NaOH) concentrations (2 to 12 wt%) for extraction of cellulose from agricultural waste – rice straw fiber towards preparation of cellulose‐based hydrogel. The increase in weight loss with increasing alkaline concentration, suggested that delignification took place progressively up to 6 wt% NaOH as supported by reduction in color intensity of the fiber and chemical analysis using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). After extraction, the cellulose was firstly dissolved in N,N’‐dimethylacetamide/lithium chloride solution. Then, hydrogel was regenerated via phase inversion in ethanol. Remarkably, the highest swelling, gel fraction, tensile strength, and elongation at break (EB) were also found for hydrogels when regenerated from cellulose treated with 6 wt% NaOH. This study verifies that 6 wt% of NaOH is the optimum concentration for cellulose extraction that enhances the key aspects of good properties of cellulose hydrogels. The uniqueness findings of the study is, the swelling ratio and EB increase although gel fraction and tensile strength also increases which has never been reported. Ultimately, extraction of cellulose from waste to produce hydrogels may have novel impact for solving under‐utilized biomass as well as good prospects as biomaterials.
Finite element formulation for nano‐scaled beam elements
Authors: Civalek Ömer , Uzun Büşra , Yaylı Mustafa Özgür
Published: December 2021

In the present study, size‐dependent buckling and free vibration behaviors of single‐walled boron nitride nanotube (SWBNNT) are performed in conjunction with various size‐dependent elasticity theories. Modified couple stress theory (MCST) and Eringen's nonlocal elasticity theory are used for size‐dependent models of SWBNNT. Also, the buckling loads and frequencies are obtained by using local theory to emphasize the effects and differences of these size‐dependent theories. Consequently, three different elasticity theories (two non‐classical and one classical) are utilized to achieve the detailed buckling and vibration analyses of SWBNNT. In this study, the buckling loads and frequencies of SWBNNTs are obtained via presented finite element formulation. In the finite element procedures based on two different size‐dependent elasticity theories, matrices containing the small size parameter are derived. With these matrices containing the small size parameters, eigenvalue problems for buckling and free vibration analyses are formed. The buckling loads and frequency values of the SWBNNTs under the size effect are obtained. The influences of the dimensionless nonlocal parameter, dimensionless material length scale parameter, length‐to‐diameter ratio and boundary conditions on nanotube's buckling and vibration characteristics are investigated. In addition to these influences, the rotary inertia effect neglected in many other studies is also examined.
Cervical Cancer Detection and Classification in Cytology Images Using a Hybrid Approach
Authors: Silva Eduardo L. , Sampaio Ana Filipa , Teixeira Luís F. , Vasconcelos Maria João M.
Published: December 2021

The high incidence of cervical cancer in women has prompted the research of automatic screening methods. This work focuses on two of the steps present in such systems, more precisely, the identification of cervical lesions and their respective classification. The development of automatic methods for these tasks is associated with some shortcomings, such as acquiring sufficient and representative clinical data. These limitations are addressed through a hybrid pipeline based on a deep learning model (RetinaNet) for the detection of abnormal regions, combined with random forest and SVM classifiers for their categorization, and complemented by the use of domain knowledge in its design. Additionally, the nuclei in each detected region are segmented, providing a set of nuclei-specific features whose impact on the classification result is also studied. Each module is individually assessed in addition to the complete system, with the latter achieving a precision, recall and F1 score of 0.04, 0.20 and 0.07, respectively. Despite the low precision, the system demonstrates potential as an analysis support tool with the capability of increasing the overall sensitivity of the human examination process.
Crowdsourcing historical photographs: autonomy and control at the Copenhagen City Archives
Authors: Hansson Karin , Dahlgren Anna Näslund
Published: December 2021

This study of crowdsourcing practices at Kbhbilleder.dk at the Copenhagen City Archives provides a rich description of how motivation and work relations are situated in a wider infrastructure of different tools and social settings. Approximately, 94% of the work is here done by 7 of the 2,433 participants. The article contributes insights into how these super-taggers carry out their work, describing and placing images on a map, through an extensive discursive effort that takes place outside the institution’s more limited interface in private discussion forums with over 60 000 participants. The more exploratory qualitative work that is going on in different discussion groups does not fit within the archive’s technical framework. Instead, alternative archives are growing within privately owned networks, where participants’ own collections merge with images from public archives. Rather than focusing on the nature of participants’ motivation, the article suggests a relational perspective on participation that is useful for analyzing a systems’ support for participation. Pointing out how people’s motivation in citizen science correspond with relational and intra-relational aspects enables an approach to system design that potentially supports or counteracts these aspects.
Global policymakers and catastrophic risk
Authors: Nathan Christopher , Hyams Keith
Published: December 2021

There is a rapidly developing literature on risks that threaten the whole of humanity, or a large part of it. Discussion is increasingly turning to how such risks can be governed. This paper arises from a study of those involved the governance of risks from emerging technologies, examining the perceptions of global catastrophic risk within the relevant global policymaking community. Those who took part were either civil servants working for the UK government, U.S. Congress, the United Nations, and the European Commission, or cognate members of civil society groups and the private sector. Analysis of interviews identified four major themes: Scepticism; Realism; Influence; and Governance outside of Government. These themes provide evidence for the value of conceptualising the governance of global catastrophic risk as a unified challenge. Furthermore, they highlight the range of agents involved in governance of emerging technology and give reason to value reforms carried out sub-nationally.
Root traits with team benefits: understanding belowground interactions in intercropping systems
Authors: Homulle Z. , George T. S. , Karley A. J.
Published: December 2021

Background

The potential benefits of intercropping are manifold and have been repeatedly demonstrated. Intercropping has the potential to create more productive and resilient agroecosystems, by improving land utilisation, yield and yield stability, soil quality, and pest, disease and weed suppression. Despite these potential benefits, significant gaps remain in the understanding of ecological mechanisms that govern the outcomes when crop species are grown together. A major part of plant-plant interactions takes place belowground and these are often overlooked.

Scope

This review synthesises current evidence for belowground plant-plant interactions of competition, niche differentiation and facilitation, with the aim of identifying root traits that influence the processes contributing to enhanced performance of intercrops compared with monocultures. We identify a suite of potentially complementary root traits for maximising the benefits of intercropping. These traits underpin improved soil exploration, more efficient resource use, and suppression of soil-borne pathogens and pests in intercrops.

Conclusion

This review brings together understanding of the mechanisms underpinning interactions between intercropped roots, and how root traits and their plasticity can promote positive outcomes. Root trait ‘ideotypes’ for intercropped partners are identified that could be selected for crop improvement. We highlight the importance of examining belowground interactions and consider both spatial and temporal distribution of roots and rhizosphere mechanisms that aid complementarity through niche differentiation and facilitation. Breeding of crop ideotypes with specific beneficial root traits, combined with considerations for optimal spatio-temporal arrangement and ratios of component crops, are essential next steps to promote the adoption of intercropping as a sustainable farming practice.
Modelling diffusion in computer-supported collaborative learning: a large scale learning analytics study
Authors: Saqr Mohammed , López-Pernas Sonsoles
Published: December 2021

This study empirically investigates diffusion-based centralities as depictions of student role-based behavior in information exchange, uptake and argumentation, and as consistent indicators of student success in computer-supported collaborative learning. The analysis is based on a large dataset of 69 courses (n = 3,277 students) with 97,173 total interactions (of which 8,818 were manually coded). We examined the relationship between students’ diffusion-based centralities and a coded representation of their interactions in order to investigate the extent to which diffusion-based centralities are able to adequately capture information exchange and uptake processes. We performed a meta-analysis to pool the correlation coefficients between centralities and measures of academic achievement across all courses while considering the sample size of each course. Lastly, from a cluster analysis using students’ diffusion-based centralities aimed at discovering student role-taking within interactions, we investigated the validity of the discovered roles using the coded data. There was a statistically significant positive correlation that ranged from moderate to strong between diffusion-based centralities and the frequency of information sharing and argumentation utterances, confirming that diffusion-based centralities capture important aspects of information exchange and uptake. The results of the meta-analysis showed that diffusion-based centralities had the highest and most consistent combined correlation coefficients with academic achievement as well as the highest predictive intervals, thus demonstrating their advantage over traditional centrality measures. Characterizations of student roles based on diffusion centralities were validated using qualitative methods and were found to meaningfully relate to academic performance. Diffusion-based centralities are feasible to calculate, implement and interpret, while offering a viable solution that can be deployed at any scale to monitor students’ productive discussions and academic success.
Meaningful work, work and life satisfaction: Spanish adaptation of Work and Meaning Inventory Scale
Authors: Duarte-Lores Isabel , Rolo-González Gladys , Suárez Ernesto , Chinea-Montesdeoca Cristina
Published: December 2021

Meaningful work is the subjective experience that work has meaning and is understood as an avenue for personal development, from a eudaimonic point of view. The aim of this study is to adapt the WAMI scale of meaningful work to Spanish, as well as to explore its relationship with job and life satisfaction. Two independent studies were developed. A first study analyzed the consistency of the original factorial model using a sample of Spanish varied workers (N = 350) through a confirmatory factor analysis. Results show an adequate replication of the original model and the validity of the Spanish version. A second study addressed the predictive capacity of the scale in relation to two satisfaction measures in a sample of Spanish health workers (N=312), through a mediation analysis. The relationship between meaningful work and job satisfaction is mediated by life satisfaction. The idea of meaningful work as a eudaimonic construct discards it as a variable resulting from or consequence of work, as it is an inherent part of occupational activity itself.
When the Family Occupies the Future – Self-Processes and Well-Being of Kyrgyz Children and Young People
Authors: Bühler-Niederberger Doris , Schwittek Jessica
Published: December 2021

The paper focuses on the question of how young people in the post-Soviet country of Kyrgyzstan deal with the structural and cultural demands of a society characterized by strong obligations of intergenerational solidarity and the normative pattern of submission under the authority of elders. Based on three preponderantly qualitative empirical studies on kindergarten children, teenagers and young adults, young people’s commitment to that order is mapped out, defining their reasons for acceptance on the one hand and the limits of their acceptance on the other hand. Concerning the latter, a special focus is laid on processes of the “self” as well as notions of a “generation gap”. We can then deduce what the hierarchical age order means for the well-being of young people.
Positive Turn in Elder-Care Workers’ Views Toward Telecare Robots
Authors: Turja Tuuli , Taipale Sakari , Niemelä Marketta , Oinas Tomi
Published: December 2021

Robots have been slowly but steadily introduced to welfare sectors. Our previous observations based on a large-scale survey study on Finnish elder-care workers in 2016 showed that while robots were perceived to be useful in certain telecare tasks, using robots may also prove to be incompatible with the care workers’ personal values. The current study presents the second wave of the survey data from 2020, with the same respondents (N = 190), and shows how these views have changed for the positive, including higher expectations of telecare robotization and decreased concerns over care robots’ compatibility with personal values. In a longitudinal analysis (Phase 1), the positive change in views toward telecare robots was found to be influenced by the care robots’ higher value compatibility. In an additional cross-sectional analysis (Phase 2), focusing on the factors underlying personal values, care robots’ value compatibility was associated with social norms toward care robots, the threat of technological unemployment, and COVID-19 stress. The significance of social norms in robot acceptance came down to more universal ethical standards of care work rather than shared norms in the workplace. COVID-19 stress did not explain the temporal changes in views about robot use in care but had a role in assessments of the compatibility between personal values and care robot use. In conclusion, for care workers to see potential in care robots, the new technology must support ethical standards of care work, such as respectfulness, compassion, and trustworthiness of the nurse–patient interaction. In robotizing care work, personal values are significant predictors of the task values.
Prediction and analysis of penetration rate in drilling operation using deterministic and metaheuristic optimization methods
Authors: Sobhi Ibrahim , Dobbi Abdelmadjid , Hachana Oussama
Published: December 2021

The rate of penetration (ROP) optimization is one of the most important factors in improving drilling efficiency, especially in the downturn time of oil prices. This process is crucial in the well planning and exploration phases, where the selection of the drilling bits and parameters has a significant impact on the total cost and time of the drilling operation. Thus, the optimization and best selection of the drilling parameters are critical. Optimization of ROP is difficult due to the complexity of the relationship between the drilling variables and the ROP. For this reason, the development of high-performance computer systems, predictive models, and algorithms will be the best solution. In this study, a new investigation approach for ROP optimization has been done regarding different ROP models (Maurer, Bingham, Bourgoyne and Young models), algorithms (Multiple regression, ant colony optimization (ACO), fminunc, fminsearch, fsolve, lsqcurvefit, lsqnonlin), and different objective functions. The well-known data from the Louisiana field in an offshore well have been used to compare the used parameter estimation approach with other techniques. Indeed, datasets from an onshore well in the Hassi Messaoud Algerian field are explored. The results confirmed the superiority and the effectiveness of B&Y models compared to Bingham and Maurer models. Fminsearch, lsqcurvefit, ACO, and Excel (GRG) algorithms give the best results in ROP prediction while the application of the MNLR approach. Using the mean squared error (MSE) and the determination coefficient (R$$^{2}$$2) as objective functions significantly increases the accuracy prediction where the results given are ($$R=0.9522$$R=0.9522,$$RMSE=2.85$$RMSE=2.85) and ($$R= 0.9811$$R=0.9811,$$RMSE=4.08$$RMSE=4.08) for Wells 1 and 2, respectively. This study validates the application of B&Y model in both onshore and offshore wells. The findings reveal to deal with data limitation problems in ROP prediction. Simple and effective optimization techniques that require less memory space and computational time have been provided.
Shrub richness is primarily driven by climate conditions in Southwestern European woodlands
Authors: Moreno-Fernández Daniel , Cañellas Isabel , Alberdi Iciar
Published: December 2021

• Key message

The shrub species richness in Spanish forests is mainly linked to climatic variables and the importance of the groups of variables scarcely differs among forest types. Forest surrounding the Mediterranean Basin exhibit the highest levels of shrub richness.

• Context

Shrub species account for a high proportion of the plant diversity in Spanish forests and are a determinant factor in forest dynamics and ecosystem functionality.

• Aims

To investigate the relative importance of climatic, forest stand features, soil and topographic variables in explaining shrub richness in Spanish forests and if the relative importance of these four groups of variables reflects variations among forest types.

• Methods

We used the Spanish National Forest Inventory and a boosted regression trees approach to identify which climatic, soil, stand and topographic variables (N = 19 variables) are related to the richness of shrub species in Spanish woodlands.

• Results

The shrub species richness is mainly related to climatic variables followed by soil variables whereas stand and topographic variables play a minor role. The importance of the groups of variables scarcely differs among forest types although forests located around the Mediterranean Sea display the highest levels of shrub richness.

• Conclusion

Shrub richness in Spain is primarily driven by climatic and soil variables, both at country and forest-type scales. Forests surrounding the Mediterranean Basin account for the highest richness of shrub species but are also those most threatened by global change. Therefore, special attention must be paid to the monitoring and assessment of these forest ecosystems.
IoT-assisted physical education training network virtualization and resource management using a deep reinforcement learning system
Authors: Li Qiang , Kumar PriyanMalarvizhi , Alazab Mamoun
Published: December 2021

The Internet of Things (IoT) development made it possible for technology to communicate physical education by connecting cost-effective heterogeneous devices and digital applications to uncontrolled and accessible environments. The traditional physical education monitoring environment creates crucial manual efforts on athletes' activity observations and tracking consistently. Similarly, remote monitoring and assessment of athletes in sports training seem to be barriers to physical education monitoring and training. It creates various chances to improve training and education through technology advancements like IoT and deep learning. Students can efficiently monitor their physical behavior to increase their physical and psychological benefits. The IoT-assisted physical activity monitoring device is proposed to track students' physical activity and enhance outcomes. The management ability allows students to organize and increase speed their physical activity in a wellness manner. In addition, this study examines the connections between monitoring ability which is an essential component for sports activities and physical activity. This system collects essential information from IoT-based wearable devices that interact with the data in real time by virtualizing the device. The IoT network includes several device activities and monitors the heartbeat and physical body temperature of a person. The analysis of specific studies and student feedback shows that the designed virtual system of physical educations is effective in its application and implementation and provides a reliable guide for developing student physical educational systems. The experimental analysis is evaluated; the solution offered is developing and supporting physical education and training approaches in reality and creates healthy environment systems to solve the health monitoring challenges posed by IoT devices. The proposed method has achieved extraordinary physical activity monitoring compared to the conventional systems, as shown by experimental findings. The simulation analysis of physical education can help students and improve the associated aspects of physical abilities with high accuracy ratio (98.3), prediction ratio (96.5%), interaction ratio (94.4%), performance ratio (95.1%), the efficiency ratio (93.2),F-score (92.2%), and reduce error rate (17.5%) and physical activity patterns.
3D bioprinting: current status and trends—a guide to the literature and industrial practice
Authors: Santoni Silvia , Gugliandolo Simone G. , Sponchioni Mattia , Moscatelli Davide , Colosimo Bianca M.
Published: December 2021

The multidisciplinary research field of bioprinting combines additive manufacturing, biology and material sciences to create bioconstructs with three-dimensional architectures mimicking natural living tissues. The high interest in the possibility of reproducing biological tissues and organs is further boosted by the ever-increasing need for personalized medicine, thus allowing bioprinting to establish itself in the field of biomedical research, and attracting extensive research efforts from companies, universities, and research institutes alike. In this context, this paper proposes a scientometric analysis and critical review of the current literature and the industrial landscape of bioprinting to provide a clear overview of its fast-changing and complex position. The scientific literature and patenting results for 2000–2020 are reviewed and critically analyzed by retrieving 9314 scientific papers and 309 international patents in order to draw a picture of the scientific and industrial landscape in terms of top research countries, institutions, journals, authors and topics, and identifying the technology hubs worldwide. This review paper thus offers a guide to researchers interested in this field or to those who simply want to understand the emerging trends in additive manufacturing and 3D bioprinting.

Graphic abstract
The Effect of Combination Treatment with Low-Intensity Shockwave Therapy and Tadalafil on Mild and Mild-To-Moderate Erectile Dysfunction: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Mykoniatis Ioannis , Pyrgidis Nikolaos , Zilotis Filimon , Kapoteli Paraskeui , Fournaraki Agrippina , Kalyvianakis Dimitrios , Hatzichristou Dimitrios
Published: December 2021

Background

Combination of different first-line treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED) has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach.

Aim

To conduct the first double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combination therapy with low-intensity shockwave therapy (LiST) and tadalafil vs LiST and placebo in patients with mild or mild-to-moderate vasculogenic ED.

Methods

Fifty sexually active patients fulfilling the eligibility criteria were randomly assigned to 6 sessions of LiST twice weekly for 3 weeks and tadalafil (n = 25) or placebo (n = 25) once daily for 4 weeks. Patients were evaluated at 1, 3, and 6 months after completion of the treatment protocol.

Outcomes

The primary outcome was the mean change from baseline in the International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function (IIEF-EF) domain between the 2 groups at 3 months after treatment. Erectile function was also assessed at 1 and 6 months. The number of patients attaining a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in the IIEF-EF, as well as the safety of combination therapy were evaluated.

Results

Adjusting for the baseline values, IIEF-EF improved by 0.8 points more (95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.2 to 1.9, P = .12) at 1 month, 1 point more (95% CI = 0.1–1.9, P = .02) at 3 months and 1.7 points more (95% CI = 0.8–2.7, P < .001) at 6 months in patients treated with combination therapy compared to monotherapy. The number of patients attaining a MCID in the IIEF-EF between the 2 groups improved significantly only at the 3-month evaluation. No adverse events were reported during the whole study period.

Clinical Implications

Combination of LiST twice weekly for 3 weeks and tadalafil 5 mg once daily for 4 weeks may further ameliorate mild or mild-to-moderate vasculogenic ED compared to LiST monotherapy.

Strengths & Limitations

We conducted the first randomized trial exploring the role of LiST and tadalafil in the management of ED. Conversely, our study lacks external validity due to its single-center design.

Conclusion

The addition of daily low-dose tadalafil during application of LiST may further improve erectile function compared to application of LiST as a standalone treatment in patients with mild or mild-to-moderate vasculogenic ED. Still, further high-quality studies are warranted to corroborate our findings.
Network Infrastructures
Authors: Kunneke Rolf , Ménard Claude , Groenewegen John
Published: December 2021

Infrastructures are complex networks dominated by tight interdependencies between technologies and institutions. These networks supply services crucial to modern societies, services that can be provided only if several critical functions are fulfilled. This book proposes a theoretical framework with a set of concepts to analyse rigorously how these critical functions require coordination within the technological dimension as well as within the institutional dimension. It also shows how fundamental the alignment between these two dimensions is. It argues that this alignment operates along different layers characterized successively by the structure, governance and transactions that connect technologies and institutions. These issues of coordination and alignment, at the core of the book, are substantiated through in-depth case studies of networks from the energy, water and wastewater, and transportation sectors.
Naming and Indexicality
Authors: Bochner Gregory
Published: December 2021

How do words stand for things? Taking ideas from philosophical semantics and pragmatics, this book offers a unique, detailed, and critical survey of central debates concerning linguistic reference in the twentieth century. It then uses the survey to identify and argue for a novel version of current 'two-dimensional' theories of meaning, which generalise the context-dependency of indexical expressions. The survey highlights the history of tensions between semantic and epistemic constraints on plausible theories of word meaning, from analytic philosophy and modern truth-conditional semantics, to the Referentialist and Externalist revolutions in theories of meaning, to the more recent reconciliatory ambition of two-dimensionalists. It clearly introduces technical semantical notions, theses, and arguments, with easy-to-follow, step-by-step guides. Wide-ranging in its scope, yet offering an accessible route into literature that can seem complex and technical, this will be essential reading for advanced students, and academic researchers in semantics, pragmatics, and philosophy of language.
Tipping pro-environmental norm diffusion at scale: opportunities and limitations
Authors: Berger Joël , Efferson Charles , Vogt Sonja
Published: December 2021

Rapid and comprehensive social change is required to mitigate pressing environmental issues such as climate change. Social tipping interventions have been proposed as a policy tool for creating this kind of change. Social tipping means that a small minority committed to a target behaviour can create a self-reinforcing dynamic, which establishes the target behaviour as a social norm. The possibility of achieving the large-scale diffusion of pro-environmental norms and related behaviours with an intervention delimited in size and time is tempting. Yet, the canonical model of tipping, the coordination game, may evoke overly optimistic expectations regarding the potential of tipping, due to the underlying assumption of homogenous preferences. Relaxing this assumption, we devise a threshold model of tipping pro-environmental norm diffusion. The model suggests that depending on the distribution of social preferences in a population, and the individual cost of adopting a given pro-environmental behaviour, the same intervention can activate tipping, have little effect, or produce a backlash. Favourable to tip pro-environmental norms are widespread advantageous inequity aversion and low adoption costs. Adverse are widespread self-regarding preferences or disadvantageous inequity aversion, and high costs. We discuss the policy implications of these findings and suggest suitable intervention strategies for different contexts.
THE JACOBSON RADICAL OF A PROPOSITIONAL THEORY
Authors: FELLIN GIULIO , SCHUSTER PETER , WESSEL DANIEL
Published: December 2021

Alongside the analogy between maximal ideals and complete theories, the Jacobson radical carries over from ideals of commutative rings to theories of propositional calculi. This prompts a variant of Lindenbaum’s Lemma that relates classical validity and intuitionistic provability, and the syntactical counterpart of which is Glivenko’s Theorem. The Jacobson radical in fact turns out to coincide with the classical deductive closure. As a by-product we obtain a possible interpretation in logic of the axioms-as-rules conservation criterion for a multi-conclusion Scott-style entailment relation over a single-conclusion one.