bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Amplification of macromolecular helicity of poly(biphenylylacetylene)s composed of a small amount of chiral [5]helicene units
Authors: Ikai Tomoyuki , Anzai Shun , Oki Kosuke , Yashima Eiji
Published: December 2022

A series of novel biphenylylacetylene (BPA)‐based chiral/achiral copolymers bearing a small amount of configurationally labile optically active [5]helicene pendants (5, 10, and 20 mol%) introduced at the 4′‐position of the biphenyl units was synthesized. An almost fully right (P)‐handed helical copolymer was obtained when copolymerized with 10 mol% of the (M)‐[5]helicene‐bound BPA monomer, indicative of a very strong sergeants and soldiers effect. The (M)‐helicene units of the copolymers are configurationally labile and gradually racemized over time. However, the copolymer with 10 mol% of the (M)‐[5]helicene‐bound BPA mostly maintained its preferred‐handed helicity even after the pendant helicene units were completely racemized, which can be ascribed to the static memory of the main‐chain helicity stabilized by the bulky yet racemic helicene units. Hence, the helicity memory of the corresponding helicene‐free homopolymer was lost rapidly. For comparison, an optically inactive copolymer containing 10 mol% of the racemic [5]helicene units was also prepared, and noncovalent helicity induction and subsequent memory of the helicity as well as its helix‐memory stability were investigated.
Importance of “SMART valve positioners” in testing of final control elements in safety instrumented systems application
Authors: Patel Hemant J.
Published: December 2022

Many industrial facilities, especially those in the chemical and oil and gas industries, involve inherent risk in operations due to the processing of materials that may be hazardous in nature. It is therefore necessary to precisely identify and analyze these hazards, operability issues, associated risks, and consequences. Safety instrumented systems (SIS) are often used to reduce the risk associated with processes or plants to an acceptable or tolerable level. The reliability of safety function(s) implemented through SIS is dependent on how reliable the sub‐elements of the safety function, that is, sensors, logic solvers, and final elements, are. The final elements of such a SIS usually include the emergency shutdown valves, depressurizing valves, emergency isolation valves, and critical on–off valves. Since these final elements remain continuously open or are sometimes closed during the normal operation of the plant, it becomes a challenge to operate the final elements when there is a demand on the SIS. During an emergency, if these final elements fail to operate, this contributes to the dangerous failure of the plant, which may result in explosion, fire, or catastrophic damage to plant assets, environment, and personnel. Hence, it is essential to test these final elements frequently while in operation, without disturbing the operation of the running plant, to ensure that these final elements are available to perform their intended functions when needed. Smart valve positioners are one of the options among various methods available to test the final elements without disturbing the process. This paper evaluates the application, functionality, diagnostics, and advantages of SMART positioners in the testing of final control elements in a SIS application.
Artificial peptides to induce membrane denaturation and disruption and modulate membrane composition and fusion
Authors: Lāce Ilze , Cotroneo Elena R. , Hesselbarth Nils , Simeth Nadja A.
Published: December 2022

Membranes consisting of phospholipid bilayers are an essential constituent of eukaryotic cells and their compartments. The alteration of their composition, structure, and morphology plays an important role in modulating physiological processes, such as transport of molecules, cell migration, or signaling, but it can also lead to lethal effects. The three main classes of membrane‐active peptides that are responsible for inducing such alterations are cell‐penetrating peptides (CPPs), antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), and fusion peptides (FPs). These peptides are able to interact with lipid bilayers in highly specific and tightly regulated manners. They can either penetrate the membrane, inducing nondestructive, transient alterations, or disrupt, permeabilize, or translocate through it, or induce membrane fusion by generating attractive forces between two bilayers. Because of these properties, membrane‐active peptides have attracted the attention of the pharmaceutical industry, and naturally occurring bioactive structures have been used as a platform for synthetic modification and the development of artificial analogs with optimized therapeutic properties to transport biologically active cargos or serve as novel antimicrobial agents. In this review, we focus on synthetic membrane interacting peptides with bioactivity comparable with their natural counterparts and describe their mechanism of action.
Arsenic Precipitation in Heavily Arsenic‐Doped Czochralski Silicon
Authors: Wu Defan , Zhao Tong , Ye Bin , Liang Xingbo , Chen Hao , Nie Qunlin , Tian Daxi , Yang Deren , Ma Xiangyang
Published: December 2022

Heavily arsenic‐doped Czochralski (HAs‐CZ) silicon is an important substrate material for manufacturing power electronic devices. The arsenic impurities may be in a supersaturated status in a certain temperature range during the HAs‐CZ silicon crystal growth or the device fabrication. Then, whether and how the arsenic impurities can precipitate in HAs‐CZ silicon is an intriguing and practically significant issue that has never been addressed. Herein, it is first found that arsenic precipitation can occur in HAs‐CZ silicon when subjected to appropriately prolonged anneals at 550–950 °C. The resulting second‐phase precipitates are confirmed to be of orthorhombic SiAs phase, with the lattice parameters of a = 7.12 Å, b = 9.11 Å, and c = 9.00 Å, through systematic transmission electron microscopy characterizations. Moreover, it is discovered that the presence of vacancies/interstitial silicon atoms in HAs‐CZ silicon promotes/inhibits arsenic precipitation.
Road to achieving COVID‐19 herd immunity in Niger Republic: Challenges and recommendations
Authors: Abdou Sil‐Ana Salissou , Amos Oladunni Abimbola , Onwuemene Ogechi Vida , Odey Goodness Ogeyi , Nsikak Abasi Caleb James
Published: December 2022

COVID‐19 pandemic has had tremendous impact on countries across the world and Niger Republic is not left out of the ravaging impact of the virus. The rapid dissemination of the virus across the globe has led to the development of safe and efficacious vaccines at an unprecedented level. While Niger Republic has prioritized COVID‐19 vaccination in line with the global plan to attain herd immunity by vaccinating 70% of world's population, the country has continued to struggle to expand coverage of its population. Niger Republic is faced with challenges such as conflict, COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy, poor COVID‐19 vaccine demand and inefficient information system, consequently leading to low COVID‐19 vaccine demand and uptake. These challenges coupled with the different wave of the pandemic, the latest largely driven by the Omicron variant has slowed down progress towards achieving herd immunity in Niger Republic. There is need for the Nigerien government to scale up vaccination drive as well as implement refined approaches towards achieving the country's herd immunity target. This paper aimed to discuss the current state of COVID‐19 vaccination including efforts and challenges towards achieving herd immunity in Niger Republic, thus informing strategies to ramp up COVID‐19 vaccination in the country.
Low Concentration of Peroxymonosulfate Triggers Dissolved Oxygen Conversion over Single Atomic Fe–N3O1 Sites for Water Decontamination
Authors: Zhao Zhiyu , Zhang Peng , Tan Haobin , Liang Xiaoying , Li Tong , Gao Yaowen , Hu Chun
Published: December 2022

Achieving satisfactory organic pollutant oxidation with a low concentration of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) is vital for persulfate‐involved advanced oxidation processes to reduce resource consumption and avoid excessive sulfate anion (SO42−) production. Herein, efficient conversion of dissolved oxygen (DO) over single‐atomic Fe–N3O1 sites anchored on carbon nitride for efficient contaminant degradation is fulfilled, triggered by a low concentration of PMS (0.2 mm). Experimental and theoretical results reveal that the preferentially adsorbed PMS onto atomic Fe–N3O1 center can deliver electrons toward the single Fe atom to increase its electron density to trigger DO reduction into superoxide radical (O2• −) and successive transformation into singlet oxygen (1O2), which is quite different from the conventional PMS activation process mostly depending on PMS itself function for reactive oxygen species generation. On the other hand, PMS with high concentration could occupy active Fe–N3O1 sites to hamper DO conversion and further produce massive SO42−. A couple of ‐Fe‐CN0.05 ‐and slight PMS is effective for actual kitchen wastewater remediation and long‐term bisphenol A degradation. This work elucidates the triggering role of low‐concentration PMS in DO conversion over a single‐atom Fe catalyst, which can inspire the development of resource‐saving, cost‐effective, and environmentally‐friendly catalytic oxidation systems for environmental restoration.
LiDAR sensors in smartphones can enrich herbarium specimens with 3D models of habitat at high precision and little cost
Authors: Zizka Alexander , Joerger‐Hickfang Theresa , Imhof Stephan , Méndez Laura
Published: December 2022

The amount of habitat information collected with herbarium specimens traditionally depends on the commitment of individual collectors to generate free‐text descriptions. The resulting incomplete and unstandardized information limits the use of specimens for many ecological and biogeographic applications and may even limit their use in taxonomy. LiDAR (light detection and ranging) is an emerging technique for generating 3D environmental laser scans and is included in the latest generation of certain commercial smartphones and tablets. Here we argue, that widespread handheld LiDAR devices have an enormous potential for herbarium specimens by facilitating the collection of detailed 3D models of specimen habitat with little additional cost in the field. Furthermore, we report our experiences with using LiDAR during herbarium specimen collection and present a perspective on how LiDAR data may technically be linked with physical herbarium specimens.
Comparative transcriptomics analysis at the key stage of maize ear development dissect heterosis
Authors: Wang Liangfa , Li Juan , Lin Yuan , Dang Kuntai , Wan Jiong , Meng Shujun , Qiu Xiaoqian , Wang Qiyue , Mu Liqin , Ding Dong , Luo Hongbing , Tang Jihua
Published: December 2022

Important traits related to maize (Zea mays L.) grain yield, such as kernel row number, ear length, kernel number per row, are determined during the development of female inflorescence. There is a significant positive correlation between yield component and the activity of inflorescence meristem (IM). To find the key stage of heterosis in the development of the ear, immature ears (from the IM stage until the end of the floral meristem [FM] stage) of Yudan888 and its parent lines were sampled to assay phenotype and for comparative transcriptomics analysis. The immature ear length of Yudan888 at the IM stage fitted an additive (mid‐parental) model, but it showed high parental dominance at the spikelet‐pair meristem (SPM) stage. Comparative analysis of transcriptomes suggested significant differences between additive and nonadditive expression patterns for different developmental stages. The number of distinct maternal or paternal genes (DMP) (genes expressed only in one parental line and their hybrid but silenced in another line) was greater than ABF1 (genes expressed in both parental lines but silenced in hybrid) at each stage. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment suggested that the cell redox homeostasis genes with overdominance expression patterns in hybrids have an important contribution to heterosis. According to our research, an ear length heterosis network was established. The discovery of the inflection point for ear length heterosis allows us for inferring that the transition state of IM to SPM may be the starting point of ear length heterosis. These findings improved the understanding of maize ear length heterosis.
Subarachnoid‐peritoneal shunt to treat a diffuse thoracolumbar arachnoid diverticulum in a dog
Authors: Violini Francesca , Shaw Thomas
Published: December 2022

A 2‐year‐old, male German shepherd dog presented with a chronic history of hindlimb gait abnormalities, urinary and faecal incontinence. Magnetic resonance imaging of the area revealed a diffuse subarachnoid diverticulum (from T6 to L2), and a novel subarachnoid‐peritoneal shunting technique was considered. Surgery involved a T11–T13 dorso‐lateral hemilaminectomy and placement of a lumbar catheter into the diverticulum via durectomy. The catheter was then inserted into the peritoneal cavity via a left lateral incision to the abdomen. The dog recovered well from the surgical procedure and showed a resolution of its clinical signs at the follow‐up appointment (2 weeks after surgery). The patient represented 7 months later for recurrence of urinary and faecal incontinence and mild pelvic limb ataxia. Repeated diagnostic imaging revealed kinking of the lumbar catheter. Revision surgery was performed and the patient showed a resolution of the pelvic limb ataxia the following day. Patient lost to long‐term follow‐up.
Degradation of magenta dye using cavitation‐based transducers to glass marble: Lab to semi‐pilot scale operations
Authors: Bagal Manisha V. , Suryawanshi Mahesh A. , Shinde Sanket N. , Pinjari Dipak V. , Mohod Ashish V.
Published: December 2022

In the present work, the degradation of magenta dye has been investigated using ultrasonic (US) and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation at a laboratory scale. Additionally, the investigation was conducted at a semi‐pilot scale by employing hydrodynamic cavitation and a novel air‐marble cavitation reactor. Initially, optimization studies such as the effect of initial dye concentration and catalyst loading of TiO2 and MnO2 followed by the effect of combined catalyst loading (TiO2/MnO2) on the extent of degradation have been studied at a capacity of 3 L. It was observed that the US irradiation results in 87.1% and 68.2% of degradation, whereas the UV irradiation results in 79.8% and 56.4% extent of degradation at 1 g/l of TiO2 and 0.8 g/l of MnO2, respectively. The maximum degradation was 92.1% at the combined loading of 0.6 g/l (1:0.8; TiO2:MnO2) using US irradiation with a capacity of 3 L and 81.3% using a hydrodynamic cavitation reactor with a semi‐pilot scale capacity of 7 L. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) analysis also showed the highest COD removal of 92% at a small scale using the US irradiation and 76% at a semi‐pilot scale using hydrodynamic cavitation. On a small scale, the cost of a US/TiO2 + MnO2 treatment scheme is US$ 0.01/L, whereas on a semi‐pilot scale using HC/TiO2 + MnO2, the cost is US$ 0.04/L. Both of these treatment schemes offer viable pathways for degradation based on energy and economic assessments. Overall, the current work has clearly demonstrated the effectiveness of the cavitational reactor for the efficient degradation of magenta dye from lab to semi‐pilot scale operation.

Practitioner Points

Small‐scale dye containing wastewater treatment using ultrasound and ultraviolet irradiation

Combined use of catalysts at large‐scale operations with novel cavitation techniques

Novel cavitation techniques studied for dye degradation.

Energy efficiency and cost analysis evaluated for AOPs studies.
Effect of electrode parameters in the electro‐production of reactive oxidizing species via boron‐doped diamond under batch mode
Authors: Bany Abdelnabi Ahmad A. , Al Theeb Nader , Almomani Mohammed A. , Ghanem Hanadi , Rosiwal Stefan M.
Published: December 2022

Ozone and hydroxyl radicals (•OH) are powerful reactive oxidizing species (ROS) that are commonly utilized in water disinfection. The electrochemical advanced oxidation process (EAOP) is often used to generate such oxidants, whereas optimizing its experimental setup and electrode parameters plays a crucial role in its performance. This research aims to find the optimal setup for ROS generation process from tap water via the boron‐doped diamond. The effect of electrode's active area, type of electrode substrates (mesh or sheet), type of mesh substrate (rolled and unrolled), and number of anodes and cathodes are examined. The results showed that the use of two long‐rolled BDD/Nb meshes as anode and one long‐rolled mesh as a cathode gives the optimal performance of electrolysis process at 15 V potential and 3 min. These results will provide a start for developing a cost accepted, health‐safe, household disinfection device that reduces susceptibility to human life‐threatening waterborne diseases.

Practitioner Points

This research aims to find the optimal setup for ROS generation process from tap water via the boron‐doped diamond.

The effect of electrode's parameters on the electro‐production of ROS is examined.

The best performance is achieved using rolled mesh electrodes.

Two long‐rolled BDD/Nb meshes as anode electrodes and one long‐rolled mesh cathode electrode give the optimal electrolysis process performance.
A natural model of spontaneous CP violation
Authors: Girmohanta Sudhakantha , Lee Seung J. , Nakai Yuichiro , Suzuki Motoo
Published: December 2022

Abstract

We examine the possibility of building a natural non-supersymmetric model of spontaneous CP violation equipped with the Nelson-Barr (NB) mechanism to address the strong CP problem. Our approach is to utilize a doubly composite dynamics where the first confinement of the CFT occurs at the scale of spontaneous CP violation (SCPV) and the second confinement at the TeV scale. A holographic dual description of this 4D set-up via a warped extra dimension with three 3-branes provides an explicit realization of this idea. In this model, radiative corrections to the strong CP phase are well under control, and the coincidence of mass scales, which we generally encounter in NB models, is addressed. Our model also provides an explanation to the quark Yukawa hierarchies, and a solution to the gauge hierarchy problem just as in the usual Randall-Sundrum model with the Higgs being localized on the TeV brane.
Shear induced polarization: collisional contributions
Authors: Lin Shu , Wang Ziyue
Published: December 2022

Abstract

It has been realized that thermal shear plays a similar role as thermal vorticity in polarizing spin of particles in heavy ion collisions. We point out that shear has a funda- mental difference that it leads to particle redistribution in the medium. The redistribution gives rise to an additional contribution to spin polarization through the self-energy, which is parametrically the same order as the one considered so far in the literature. The self-energy contribution is in general gauge dependent. We introduce double gauge links stretching along the Schwinger-Keldysh contour to restore gauge invariance. We also generalize the straight path to adapt to the Schwinger-Keldysh contour. We find another contribution associated with the gauge link, which is also parametrically the same order. We illustrate the two contributions with a massive probe fermion in massless QED plasma with shear. A modest suppression of spin polarization is found from the combined contributions when the probe fermion has momentum much greater than the temperature.
Bounds on the Number of Maximal Subgroups of Finite Groups
Authors: Ballester-Bolinches Adolfo , Esteban-Romero Ramón , Jiménez-Seral Paz
Published: December 2022

In this paper we obtain significant bounds for the number of maximal subgroups of a given index of a finite group. These results allow us to give new bounds for the number of random generators needed to generate a finite d-generated group with high probability.
Anästhesiologisches und postinterventionelles Management bei perkutaner hepatischer Melphalanperfusion (Chemosaturation)
Authors: Kliem Peter , Ebel Sebastian , Werdehausen Robert , Girrbach Felix , Bösemann Denis , van Bömmel Florian , Denecke Timm , Stehr Sebastian , Struck Manuel F.
Published: December 2022

Die perkutane hepatische Perfusion mit dem Chemotherapeutikum Melphalan (PHMP) ist eine Letztlinientherapie bei Patienten mit inoperablen primären oder sekundären Lebertumoren. Dabei wird die Leber transarteriell mit Melphalan perfundiert und aufgesättigt (Chemosaturation), mit dem Ziel, die Lebertumoren selektiv und ohne dessen systemische zytotoxische Eigenschaften zu behandeln. Über einen Extrakorporalkreislauf und eine Ballonokklusion der V. cava inferior wird das venöse hepatische Blut hämofiltriert und venös zurückgeleitet. Verfahrensbedingt kommt es dabei zu einer ausgeprägten Kreislaufdepression und einer Störung der plasmatischen Gerinnung. In diesem Artikel wird das anästhesiologische und postinterventionelle Management bei Patienten mit PHMP beschrieben und auf Fallstricke und Besonderheiten hingewiesen.
Manufacturing a prototype with laser direct metal deposition and laser welding made from martensitic steel 1.4313
Authors: Dey Indira , Fabbri Maicol , Gemmet Simon , Dalaee Mohammad , Wessel Mario , Wegener Konrad
Published: December 2022

Burckhardt Compression Holding AG, based in Winterthur, is an internationally active manufacturer of reciprocating compressors who uses three-piece pistons in its Laby® reciprocating compressors. Due to their design for casting, the pistons have a high weight, which limits the size of the piston, particularly for the large diameters. For this reason, solutions are being looked for to produce pistons in lightweight design using metal additive manufacturing processes to counteract these challenges. One of the innovative techniques for weight reduction that has been applied in various fields of science and industry is laser direct metal deposition (DMD). Therefore, a project was started with Burckhardt Compression to reduce the mass enabling higher operating speeds. This study presents a workflow to manufacture a lightweight piston from martensitic steel 1.4313 by direct metal deposition (DMD) with a diameter of approximately 342 mm and a height of 140 mm. The piston is characterized by different segments, which are conventionally and additively manufactured to overcome machine limitations. The piston crown was joined to the additive manufactured part and sealed by CO2laser welding. Reducing the laser power in DMD reduced the temperature, and hence, oxidation of manganese and silicium and reducing the carrier gas flow improved the buildup rate and reduced the turbulence induced oxidation. Alternating the feed direction per layer improved the geometrical accuracy and avoided material accumulation at sharp corners. A method was found to indicate quantitatively the geometrical accuracy of a radius in buildup direction. The welding types and seams for laser welding were selected to enable a good force flow; however, a clamping device was necessary. A double weld strategy was considered in order to reduce a notch effect at the hidden T-joints. The design enabled a 40% weight reduction resulting in a weight of 24 kg compared to the cast piston with a weight of 40 kg. Metallographic analysis and 3D scans were performed in order to evaluate the material quality and geometrical accuracy. The study shows the limitations and challenges of DMD and how to overcome machine limitations by part segmentation.
Long-term neurocognitive functioning of children treated with propranolol or atenolol for infantile hemangioma
Authors: Hermans Mireille M. , Rietman André B. , Schappin Renske , de Laat Peter C. J. , Mendels Elodie J. , Breur Johannes M. P. J. , Langeveld Hester R. , de Wildt Saskia N. , Breugem Corstiaan C. , de Graaf Marlies , Raphael Martine F. , Pasmans Suzanne G. M. A.
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this study was to compare long-term neurocognitive functioning (working memory, processing speed, and attention) between children who had been treated with either propranolol or atenolol for infantile hemangioma during infancy. All eligible children (n = 158) aged 6 years or older and treated with propranolol or atenolol as infants were invited to participate in this two-center cross-sectional study. The primary outcome was the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-V Cognitive Proficiency Index (CPI), a measure of working memory, processing speed, and attention. Secondary outcomes were general intelligence, auditory, visuospatial, and narrative memory, as well as executive functioning and sleep. A total of 105 children, of whom 36 had been treated with propranolol (age 6.0–11.8 years, follow-up time 1.6–9.7 years, 19% male) and 69 had been treated with atenolol (age 6.9–9.7 years, follow-up time 4.5–8.4 years, 19% male), were analyzed. The CPI and other neurocognitive outcomes did not differ between the propranolol and atenolol groups and were in line with general population test norms. Post hoc analyses revealed lower CPI scores for males, both compared to participating females (10.3 IQ points, medium effect size) and compared to matched test norms (12.4 IQ points, medium effect size).

Conclusions: Long-term neurocognitive functioning did not differ between children treated with propranolol and those treated with atenolol for IH. Overall, propranolol and atenolol appear to be safe treatments for IH regarding long-term neurocognitive functioning. The substantially lower CPI scores in males warrant further investigation.

Trial registration: Netherlands Trial Register, NL7703 https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/7703

What is Known:

• Infants with infantile hemangioma are effectively treated with propranolol or atenolol.

• Parents and professionals are concerned about long-term neurocognitive effects.

What is New:

• No long-term (≥ 6 years) differences in neurocognitive functioning were found between children treated with propranolol or atenolol.

• Males treated with beta-blockers had substantially lower IQ scores than treated females and males from the general population, which is a matter of concern and should be considered when evaluating the risk/benefit ratio in less severe forms of infantile hemangioma.
Enhanced photocatalytic activity of electrospun TiO2/polyacrylonitrile membranes in a crossflow reactor using dual lights
Authors: Grandcolas Mathieu , Oudin Eloise
Published: December 2022

Photocatalytic membranes reactors have become one of the most efficient technologies to treat polluted waters. However, a major drawback is the unilateral irradiation of the membrane, where only one side of the membrane is exploited. To overcome this issue, we developed a reactor where the membrane can be irradiated on both sides. Polyacrylonitrile membranes containing different amounts of TiO2 nanoparticles up to 60% were first prepared by electrospinning. These membranes were used in a 3D-printed crossflow photocatalytic membrane reactor for the degradation of methylene blue under different combinations of lights. The use of both sides of the photocatalytic membrane significantly enhanced the photocatalytic activity for the decolorization of methylene blue in water. The prepared membranes showed the best decolorization rate for a loading of 60% of TiO2 and the use of dual ultraviolet lights, where the methylene blue solution was completely discolored after 90 min. This is the first report of a such system configuration, and this new irradiation concept is promising for photocatalytic membrane reactions and water cleaning.
A Pixel-wise Segmentation Model to Identify Bur Chervil (Anthriscus caucalis M. Bieb.) Within Images from a Cereal Cropping Field
Authors: Karimi Hadi , Navid Hossein , Dammer Karl-Heinz
Published: December 2022

Because of insufficient effectiveness after herbicide application in autumn, bur chervil (Anthriscus caucalis M. Bieb.) is often present in cereal fields in spring. A second reason for spreading is the warm winter in Europe due to climate change. This weed continues to germinate from autumn to spring. To prevent further spreading, a site-specific control in spring is reasonable. Color imagery would offer cheap and complete monitoring of entire fields. In this study, an end-to-end fully convolutional network approach is presented to detect bur chervil within color images. The dataset consisted of images taken at three sampling dates in spring 2018 in winter wheat and at one date in 2019 in winter rye from the same field. Pixels representing bur chervil were manually annotated in all images. After a random image augmentation was done, a Unet-based convolutional neural network model was trained using 560 (80%) of the sub-images from 2018 (training images). The power of the trained model at the three different sampling dates in 2018 was evaluated at 141 (20%) of the manually annotated sub-images from 2018 and all (100%) sub-images from 2019 (test images). Comparing the estimated and the manually annotated weed plants in the test images the Intersection over Union (Jaccard index) showed mean values in the range of 0.9628 to 0.9909 for the three sampling dates in 2018, and a value of 0.9292 for the one date in 2019. The Dice coefficients yielded mean values in the range of 0.9801 to 0.9954 for 2018 and a value of 0.9605 in 2019.
Assessment of Cyanobacteria and Tryptophan role in the Alleviation of the Toxic Action of Brominal Herbicide on Wheat Plants
Authors: Osman Mohamed El-Anwar H. , Abo-Shady Atef M. , Gaafar Reda M. , Ismail Gehan A. , El-Nagar Maysa M. F.
Published: December 2022

Cyanobacteria like Arthrospira platensis and Nostoc muscorum are known to be beneficial for plant development. They can improve plant growth, yield, proximate content (protein and carbohydrate), and stimulate plant tolerance to abiotic stresses like herbicides. In the present study, the impacts of brominal herbicide (Bh) alone or in combination with natural cyanobacterial or synthetic tryptophan treatments were investigated on the morphological and physiological parameters of wheat plants. The Bh treatment caused a reduction in all the estimated morphological and physiological parameters of the plants. The combination of Bh and cyanobacterial or tryptophan treatments could significantly increase the plant length, fresh and dry weights, and yield parameters (spike length, spike weight, number of spikes per plant, number of grains per spike, weight of 1000 grains, and productivity). In addition, pigments, carbohydrates, and protein content was also reduced in response to the Bh treatment, while the antioxidant enzyme activity and lipid peroxidation increased. Priming wheat grains in cyanobacterial aqueous extract and tryptophan before cultivation reversed the toxic effects of Bh application, amplified extra antioxidant ability, and decreased the lipid peroxidation of the plants. Finally, the combination of cyanobacterial and tryptophan as treatments for priming wheat grains before being sown in the soil should help to strengthen the defense systems of the wheat plant to tolerate the adverse effects of species-specific Bh upon application.
The digital labor of ethical food consumption: a new research agenda for studying everyday food digitalization
Authors: Schneider Tanja , Eli Karin
Published: December 2022

This paper explores how consumers’ ethical food consumption practices, mediated by mobile phone applications (apps), are transformed into digital data. Based on a review of studies on the digitalization of ethical consumption practices and food apps, we find that previous research, while valuable, fails to acknowledge and critically examine the digital labor required to perform digitalized ethical food consumption. In this paper, we call for research on how digital labor underlies the digitalization of ethical food consumption and develop a conceptual framework that supports this research agenda. Our proposed conceptual framework builds on three interconnected analytical concepts—datafication, affordances and digital labor—that enable the study of digital labor as an infrastructural element of digitalized food consumption. We illustrate our conceptual framework through our previous research concerning Buycott, a US-based mobile app whose stated aim is to facilitate consumers’ ethical purchasing decisions. Using the walkthrough method, we consider how the Buycott app engages user-generated data and what implications this holds for consumers. The app’s infrastructure, we suggest, connects ethical consumption and digital labor. A richer understanding of the digital food economy, we propose, enables social scientists not only to elucidate how consumers engage in digital labor, but also to contribute to the development of new data governance structures in the digital food economy. We therefore call for social scientists interested in food, consumption and the digital economy to contribute to a new research agenda for studying everyday food digitalization by empirically examining how ethical consumption apps implicate ethical consumers’ work.
LES and ILES Simulations of Free-Jets
Authors: Kuan Tzuo Wei It , Szmelter Joanna , Cocetta Francesco
Published: December 2022

A systematic numerical study was performed to investigate the influence of subgrid-scale (SGS) treatments on the simulation of turbulent free-jets. Large eddy simulations (LES) of such flows were performed to assess the accuracy of two SGS approaches: the detached eddy simulation and the dynamic Smagorinsky model (DSM). The Non-oscillatory Forward in Time-Multidimensional Positive Definite Advection Transport Algorithm (NFT-MPDATA) numerical scheme was employed to integrate the Navier–Stokes equations for incompressible flows. MPDATA due to its self-regularisation property is used to implicitly provide SGS effects. Two options of implicit LES (ILES) are investigated: ILES-NS, which solves the Navier–Stokes equations without an explicit SGS model, and ILES-EU that solves the Euler equations where viscous terms are absent. The performance of each approach was evaluated focusing on key global characteristics of jets, self-similar properties, and energy spectra. Quantitative and qualitative comparisons showed that all simulations were in good agreement with laboratory experiments, prior numerical studies, and each other, thus confirming the validity of the numerical approach and suitability of ILES for this class of flows. Additionally, energy spectra analysis revealed that ILES can reproduce the $$-5/3$$

-
5
/
3

and $$-7$$

-
7

gradients that signify the universal inertia subrange and dissipation range for turbulent free-jets.
Exploring Factors Affecting Patient–Provider Interactions and Healthcare Engagement Among a Diverse Sample of Women Who Have Sex with Women in New York City
Authors: Rahman Musarrat , Fikslin Rachel A. , Matthews Eugene , Vazquez Sanchez Maria A. , Ahn Geunsaeng Olivia , Kobrak Paul H. , Lovinger Elizabeth S. , Golub Sarit A.
Published: December 2022

Women who have sex with women (WSW) have lower rates of engagement in health care and preventive screenings than women who have sex exclusively with men. Existing literature provides limited insight into how intersecting and overlapping identities, such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, and identities related to gender expression, may shape individuals’ experiences within health care. We conducted qualitative interviews in New York City with 30 people who identified as women, reported sex with people who identify as women, were age 18–65, and were diverse in race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation and gender identity. The semi-structured questionnaire asked participants about positive and negative healthcare experiences to elicit what could encourage or prevent seeking care, with a focus on provider-related factors. Factors that led to positive healthcare experiences included having a provider who was knowledgeable about LGBTQ experience and health and who affirmed their sexuality, gender identity, and other intersecting identities. Factors that contributed to negative healthcare experiences included poor interactions with providers, and providers’ perceived heteronormativity and lack of awareness of WSW healthcare needs. WSW of different races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and gender identities seek validating healthcare experiences that acknowledge and affirm their identities. We present a visual summary of the main thematic factors that contributed to positive and negative WSW healthcare experiences. Increasing access to care requires training providers on how to engage WSW patients, including WSW of diverse race/ethnicity and gender identity and expression.
Improving insect conservation management through insect monitoring and stakeholder involvement
Authors: Köthe Sebastian , Schneider Florian D. , Bakanov Nikita , Brühl Carsten A. , Eichler Lisa , Fickel Thomas , Gemeinholzer Birgit , Hörren Thomas , Lux Alexandra , Meinel Gotthard , Schäffler Livia , Scherber Christoph , Sorg Martin , Swenson Stephanie J. , Terlau Wiltrud , Turck Angela , Zizka Vera M. A. , Lehmann Gerlind U. C. , Mühlethaler Roland
Published: December 2022

In recent years, the decline of insect biodiversity and the imminent loss of provided ecosystem functions and services has received public attention and raised the demand for political action. The complex, multi-causal contributors to insect decline require a broad interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral approach that addresses ecological and social aspects to find sustainable solutions. The project Diversity of Insects in Nature protected Areas (DINA) assesses insect communities in 21 nature reserves in Germany, and considers interactions with plant diversity, pesticide exposure, spatial and climatic factors. The nature reserves border on agricultural land, to investigate impacts on insect diversity. Part of the project is to obtain scientific data from Malaise traps and their surroundings, while another part involves relevant stakeholders to identify opportunities and obstacles to insect diversity conservation. Our results indicate a positive association between insect richness and biomass. Insect richness was negatively related to the number of stationary pesticides (soil and vegetation), pesticides measured in ethanol, the amount of area in agricultural production, and precipitation. Our qualitative survey along with stakeholder interviews show that there is general support for insect conservation, while at the same time the stakeholders expressed the need for more information and data on insect biodiversity, as well as flexible policy options. We conclude that conservation management for insects in protected areas should consider a wider landscape. Local targets of conservation management will have to integrate different stakeholder perspectives. Scientifically informed stakeholder dialogues can mediate conflicts of interests, knowledge, and values to develop mutual conservation scenarios.
New Perspectives for Evaluating the Mass Transport in Porous Catalysts and Unfolding Macro- and Microkinetics
Authors: Wild Stefan , Mahr Christoph , Rosenauer Andreas , Risse Thomas , Vasenkov Sergey , Bäumer Marcus
Published: December 2022

In this article we shed light on newly emerging perspectives to characterize and understand the interplay of diffusive mass transport and surface catalytic processes in pores of gas phase metal catalysts. As a case study, nanoporous gold, as an interesting example exhibiting a well-defined pore structure and a high activity for total and partial oxidation reactions is considered. PFG NMR (pulsed field gradient nuclear magnetic resonance) measurements allowed here for a quantitative evaluation of gas diffusivities within the material. STEM (scanning transmission electron microscopy) tomography furthermore provided additional insight into the structural details of the pore system, helping to judge which of its features are most decisive for slowing down mass transport. Based on the quantitative knowledge about the diffusion coefficients inside a porous catalyst, it becomes possible to disentangle mass transport contributions form the measured reaction kinetics and to determine the kinetic rate constant of the underlying catalytic surface reaction. In addition, predictions can be made for an improved effectiveness of the catalyst, i.e., optimized conversion rates. This approach will be discussed at the example of low-temperature CO oxidation, efficiently catalysed by npAu at 30 °C. The case study shall reveal that novel porous materials exhibiting well-defined micro- and mesoscopic features and sufficient catalytic activity, in combination with modern techniques to evaluate diffusive transport, offer interesting new opportunities for an integral understanding of catalytic processes.

Graphical Abstract
Effect of active learning versus traditional lecturing on the learning achievement of college students in humanities and social sciences: a meta-analysis
Authors: Kozanitis Anastassis , Nenciovici Lucian
Published: December 2022

A previous meta-analysis found that active learning has a positive impact on learning achievements for college students in STEM fields of study. However, no similar meta-analyses have been conducted in the humanities and social sciences. Because major dissimilarities may exist between different fields or domain of knowledge, there can be issues with transferring research findings or knowledge across fields. We therefore meta-analyzed 104 studies that used assessment scores to compare the learning achieved by college students in humanities and social science programs under active instruction versus traditional lecturing. Student performance on assessment scores was found to be higher by 0.489 standard deviations under active instruction (Z = 6.521, p < 0.001, k = 111, N = 15,896). The relative beneficial effect of active instruction was found to be higher for some course subject matters (i.e., Sociology, Psychology, Language, Education, and Economics), for smaller (≤ 20 students) rather than larger class or group sizes, and for upper level rather than introductory courses. Analyses further suggest that these findings are not affected by publication bias.
Quantifying Edge Sharpness on Stone Flakes: Comparing Mechanical and Micro-Geometric Definitions Across Multiple Raw Materials from Olduvai Gorge (Tanzania)
Authors: Key Alastair , Bartkowiak Tomasz , Macdonald Danielle A. , Mietlinski Patryk , Gapinski Bartosz , de la Torre Ignacio , Stemp W. James
Published: December 2022

In line with engineering research focusing on metal tools, techniques to record the attribute of ‘edge sharpness’ on stone tools can include both mechanical and micro-geometric approaches. Mechanically-defined sharpness techniques used in lithic studies are now well established and align with engineering research. The single micro-geometrically-defined technique—tip curvature—is novel relative to approaches used elsewhere, and has not explicitly been tested for its ability to describe the attribute of sharpness. Here, using experimental flakes produced on basalt, chert, and quartzite sourced at Olduvai Gorge (Tanzania), we investigate the relationship between tip curvature and the force and work required to initiate a cut. We do this using controlled cutting tests and analysis of high-resolution microCT scans. Results indicate cutting force and work to display significant dependent relationships with tip curvature, suggesting the latter to be an appropriate metric to record the sharpness of lithic tools. Differences in relationship strength were observed dependent on the measurement scales and edge distances used. Tip curvature is also demonstrated to distinguish between the sharpness of different raw materials. Our data also indicate the predictive relationship between tip curvature and cutting force/work to be one of the strongest yet identified between a stone tool morphological attribute and its cutting performance. Together, this study demonstrates tip curvature to be an appropriate attribute for describing the sharpness of a stone tool’s working edge in diverse raw material scenarios, and that it can be highly predictive of a stone tool’s functional performance.
Survival of eggs to third instar of late-summer and fall-breeding monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) and queen butterflies (Danaus gilippus) in north Texas
Authors: Scott Alyx , Contreras Kelsey , Stevenson Misty , Hudman Kalynn L. , Kopachena Jeffrey G.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Eastern migratory monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) have declined over 80% in recent years, but little is known about fall reproduction in the southern U.S. where monarchs may compete with queen butterflies (Danaus gilippus).

Aims/methods

We provide data on the survival to third instar, associated arthropods, and phenology of fall breeding monarchs and queens in Texas.

Results

Monarch and queen survival was relatively high, but varied among years. Oleander aphids (Aphis nerii), spiders, and red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) had minor negative effects on survival. The abundance of monarchs and queens on the study site peaked three to four weeks before the main passage of monarchs in the area. Queens had similar phenology and exhibited a migratory pattern similar to monarchs but on a smaller scale.

Discussion

Survival of fall monarchs is relatively high and potentially important for winter roost recruitment. Fall survival was not greatly affected by any particular arthropod taxon, but may be affected by precipitation. Fall reproduction is a response to available host plants and its timing enables pupae to eclose in time for migration to winter roosts.

Implications for insect conservation

Management of Asclepias viridis and other native milkweeds to facilitate fall reproduction could facilitate recovery of monarchs if it buffers variable productivity further north. Management should use mowing and burn schedules that promote high quality host plants. Populations of queens should be monitored for their potential to compete with monarchs especially in response to the potential impacts of parasite resistance and climate change.
A remotely delivered, peer-led intervention to improve physical activity and quality of life in younger breast cancer survivors
Authors: Weiner Lauren S. , Nagel Stori , Irene Su H. , Hurst Samantha , Levy Susan S. , Arredondo Elva M. , Hekler Eric , Hartman Sheri J.
Published: December 2022

Younger breast cancer survivors (YBCS) consistently report poorer quality of life (QOL) than older survivors. Increasing physical activity (PA) may improve QOL, but this has been understudied in YBCS. This single arm pilot study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a 3-month, peer-delivered, remote intervention to increase PA and improve QOL in YBCS. Data were collected from October 2019 – July 2020. Participants (n = 34, 43.1 ± 5.5 years old, 46 ± 34.4 months post-diagnosis, BMI = 30.2 ± 7.4 kg/m2) completed six video sessions with a trained peer mentor; self-monitored PA with a Fitbit activity tracker; and interacted with a private Fitbit Community for social support. At baseline, 3-and 6-months, participants completed QOL questionnaires and PA was measured through accelerometer (moderate-to-vigorous PA [MVPA]) and self-report (strength and flexibility). A parallel mixed-methods approach (qualitative interviews and quantitative satisfaction survey at 3-months) explored intervention feasibility and acceptability. One-way repeated-measures ANOVAs examined impacts on PA and QOL at 3-and 6-months. The intervention was feasible as evidenced by efficient recruitment, high retention, and adherence to intervention components. Remote delivery, working with a peer mentor, and using Fitbit tools were highly acceptable. From baseline to 3-months, participants increased time spent in objectively measured MVPA, strength, and flexibility exercises, and reported meaningful improvements to body image, fatigue, anxiety, and emotional support. A fully remote, peer-to-peer intervention is an acceptable and promising strategy to increase PA and improve QOL in YBCS. Refinements to the intervention and its delivery should be further assessed in future studies, toward the goal of disseminating an evidence-based, scalable intervention to the growing number of YBCS.

Trial registration Prospectively registered as NCT04064892.