bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Muti-instanton amplitudes in type IIB string theory
Authors: Sen Ashoke
Published: December 2021

Abstract

We compute the normalization of the multiple D-instanton amplitudes in type IIB string theory and show that the result agrees with the prediction of S-duality due to Green and Gutperle.
Relation between parity-even and parity-odd CFT correlation functions in three dimensions
Authors: Jain Sachin , John Renjan Rajan
Published: December 2021

Abstract

In this paper we relate the parity-odd part of two and three point correlation functions in theories with exactly conserved or weakly broken higher spin symmetries to the parity-even part which can be computed from free theories. We also comment on higher point functions.

The well known connection of CFT correlation functions with de-Sitter amplitudes in one higher dimension implies a relation between parity-even and parity-odd amplitudes calculated using non-minimal interactions such as $$ {\mathcal{W}}^3 $$

W
3

and $$ {\mathcal{W}}^2\tilde{\mathcal{W}} $$

W
2

W
˜

. In the flat-space limit this implies a relation between parity-even and parity-odd parts of flat-space scattering amplitudes.
Pin(d, d) covariance of pure spinor equations for supersymmetric vacua and non-Abelian T-duality
Authors: Çatal-Özer Aybike , Diriöz Emine
Published: December 2021

Abstract

In a supersymmetric compactification of Type II supergravity, preservation of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 supersymmetry in four dimensions requires that the structure group of the generalized tangent bundle TM ⨁ T∗M of the six dimensional internal manifold M is reduced from SO(6) to SU(3) × SU(3). This topological condition on the internal manifold implies existence of two globally defined compatible pure spinors Φ1 and Φ2 of non-vanishing norm. Furthermore, these pure spinors should satisfy certain first order differential equations. In this paper, we show that non-Abelian T-duality (NATD) is a solution generating transformation for these pure spinor equations. We first show that the pure spinor equations are covariant under Pin(d, d) transformations. Then, we use the fact NATD is generated by a coordinate dependent Pin(d, d) transformation. The key point is that the flux produced by this transformation is the same as the geometric flux associated with the isometry group, with respect to which one implements NATD. We demonstrate our method by studying NATD of certain solutions of Type IIB supergravity with SU(2) isometry and SU(3) structure.
One-loop string corrections for AdS Kaluza-Klein amplitudes
Authors: Drummond J. M. , Glew R. , Paul H.
Published: December 2021

Abstract

We discuss the string corrections to one-loop amplitudes in AdS5×S5, focussing on their expressions in Mellin space. We present the leading (α′)3 corrections to the family of correlators $$ \left\langle {\mathcal{O}}_2{\mathcal{O}}_2{\mathcal{O}}_p{\mathcal{O}}_p\right\rangle $$

O
2

O
2

O
p

O
p

at one loop and begin the exploration of the form of correlators with multiple channels. From these correlators we extract some string corrections to one- loop anomalous dimensions of families of operators of low twist.
Mortality following elective and emergency colectomy in patients with cirrhosis: a population-based cohort study from England
Authors: Adiamah Alfred , Crooks Colin J. , Hammond John S. , Jepsen Peter , West Joe , Humes David J.
Published: December 2021

Background

Patients with cirrhosis undergoing colectomy have a higher risk of postoperative mortality, but contemporary estimates are lacking and data on associated risk and longer term outcomes are limited. This study aimed to quantify the risk of mortality following colectomy by urgency of surgery and stage of cirrhosis.

Data sources.

Linked primary and secondary-care electronic healthcare data from England were used to identify all patients undergoing colectomy from January 2001 to December 2017. These patients were classified by the absence or presence of cirrhosis and severity. Case fatality rates at 90 days and 1 year were calculated, and cox regression was used to estimate the hazard ratio of postoperative mortality controlling for age, gender and co-morbidity.

Results

Of the total, 36,380 patients undergoing colectomy, 248 (0.7%) had liver cirrhosis, and 70% of those had compensated cirrhosis. Following elective colectomy, 90-day case fatality was 4% in those without cirrhosis, 7% in compensated cirrhosis and 10% in decompensated cirrhosis. Following emergency colectomy, 90-day case fatality was higher; it was 16% in those without cirrhosis, 35% in compensated cirrhosis and 41% in decompensated cirrhosis. This corresponded to an adjusted 2.57 fold (95% CI 1.75–3.76) and 3.43 fold (95% CI 2.02–5.83) increased mortality risk in those with compensated and decompensated cirrhosis, respectively. This higher case fatality in patients with cirrhosis persisted at 1 year.

Conclusion

Patients with cirrhosis undergoing emergency colectomy have a higher mortality risk than those undergoing elective colectomy both at 90 days and 1 year. The greatest mortality risk at 90 days was in those with decompensation undergoing emergency surgery.
Macroscopic rheology of non-Brownian suspensions at high shear rates: the influence of solid volume fraction and non-Newtonian behaviour of the liquid phase
Authors: Wilms Patrick , Hinrichs Jörg , Kohlus Reinhard
Published: December 2021

Modelling the macroscopic rheology of non-Brownian suspensions is complicated by the non-linear behaviour that originates from the interaction between solid particles and the liquid phase. In this contribution, a model is presented that describes suspension rheology as a function of solid volume fraction and shear rate dependency of both the liquid phase, as well as the suspension as a whole. It is experimentally validated using rotational rheometry ($$\varphi$$
φ
≤ 0.40) and capillary rheometry (0.55 ≤ $$\varphi$$
φ
 ≤ 0.60) at shear rates > 50 s−1. A modified Krieger-Dougherty relation was used to describe the influence of solid volume fraction on the consistency coefficient, $$K$$
K
, and was fitted to suspensions with a shear thinning liquid phase, i.e. having a flow index, $$n$$
n
, of 0.50. With the calculated fit parameters, it was possible to predict the consistency coefficients of suspensions with a large variation in the shear rate dependency of the liquid phase ($$n$$
n
= 0.20–1.00). With increasing solid volume fraction, the flow indices of the suspensions were found to decrease for Newtonian and mildly shear thinning liquid phases ($$n$$
n
≥0.50), whereas they were found to increase for strongly shear thinning liquid phases ($$n$$
n
≤0.27). It is hypothesized that this is related to interparticle friction and the relative contribution of friction forces to the viscosity of the suspension. The proposed model is a step towards the prediction of the flow curves of concentrated suspensions with non-Newtonian liquid phases at high shear rates.
The DizzyQuest: relation between self-reported hearing loss, tinnitus and objective hearing thresholds in patients with Meniere’s disease
Authors: Martin E. C. , Verkaik R. , Stultiens J. J. A. , van de Berg M. R. , Janssen A. M. L. , Leue C. , Delespaul P. , Peeters F. , Widdershoven J. , Erdkamp A. , van de Weijer S. C. F. , Blom H. , Zwergal A. , Grill E. , Guinand N. , Perez-Fornos A. , Tse D. , van de Berg R.
Published: December 2021

Background

Combining a mobile application-based vestibular diary called the DizzyQuest and an iPad-based hearing test enables evaluation of the relationship between experienced neuro-otological symptoms and hearing thresholds in daily life setting. The aim was to investigate the relationship between self-reported hearing symptoms and hearing thresholds in patients with Meniere’s disease (MD), using the DizzyQuest and the iPad-based hearing test simultaneously.

Methods

The DizzyQuest was administered for 3 weeks in 21 patients. Using the experience-sampling-method (ESM), it assessed hearing loss and tinnitus severity for both ears separately. Each day after the DizzyQuest, an iPad-based hearing test was used to measure hearing thresholds. A mixed model regression analysis was performed to investigate relationships between hearing thresholds and self-reported hearing loss and tinnitus severity.

Results

Fifteen patients were included. Overall, pure-tone averages (PTAs) were not correlated with self-reported hearing loss severity and tinnitus. Individual differences in PTA results between both ears did not significantly influence the difference in self-reported hearing loss severity between both ears. Self-reported hearing loss and tinnitus scores were significantly higher in ears that corresponded with audiometric criteria of MD (p < 0.001). Self-reported tinnitus severity significantly increased with self-reported hearing loss severity in affected (p = 0.011) and unaffected ears (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Combining the DizzyQuest and iPad-based hearing test, facilitated assessment of self-reported hearing loss and tinnitus severity and their relationship with hearing thresholds, in a daily life setting. This study illustrated the importance of investigating neuro-otological symptoms at an individual level, using multiple measurements. ESM strategies like the DizzyQuest should therefore be considered in neuro-otological research.
Labour Market Participation of Older Workers: Drivers and Obstacles
Authors: Walwei Ulrich , Deller Jürgen
Published: December 2021

From an international comparative point of view the paper deals with driving forces and potential obstacles for the labour market participation of older workers. It goes into depth by focusing on four case studies that seem to be typical for different contexts. Germany, Israel, Italy and Sweden were selected in order to examine the development and the situation of older workers in detail. Each country stands for a specific configuration, e.g. because it may represent a trend reversal, a continuously outstanding performance, or lasting problems. The cases also provde information on pension reforms and approaches to better manage ageing workforces, in some cases including a new balance of work and retirement. Being aware of the different country situations, it becomes obvious that one size of politics does not fit all. Independent of national policies, employability over the life cycle should gain more attention. Regarding future developments, continuous skill improvement and a healthy work environment are indispensable to keep older workers in work.
Warm winters challenge the cultivation of temperate species in South America—a spatial analysis of chill accumulation
Authors: Fernandez Eduardo , Caspersen Lars , Illert Ilja , Luedeling Eike
Published: December 2021

Winter chill accumulation plays a crucial role in determining the moment of bud burst in temperate fruit and nut trees, and insufficient chill can greatly limit yield potentials. To assess future cultivation options for such species in South America, we estimated winter chill through a spatial analysis. We used historical data (1980–2017) from 158 weather stations to calibrate a weather generator and produce temperature data for 10 historical and 60 future scenarios. We computed Safe Winter Chill (SWC, corresponding to the 10th quantile of a chill distribution) for the period 1980–2017 and for all historical and future weather scenarios and developed a framework to interpolate SWC for the continent using the Kriging method. To improve the interpolation, we applied a 3D correction model based on two co-variables (means of daily temperature extremes in July). Our results suggest important chill declines in southern Brazil and central Chile. By 2050 under the global warming scenario RCP4.5 (Representative Concentration Pathway), absolute SWC in these regions may reach a median of 18.7 and 39.6 Chill Portions (CP), respectively. Projections are most alarming for a strong global warming scenario (RCP8.5). In southern South America, adequate SWC levels of about 60 CP may be expected even under the RCP8.5 scenario. Our results highlight the need for climate change adaptation measures to secure temperate fruit production in important growing regions of South America. The procedure we developed may help farmers and practitioners across South America estimate future SWC to adapt their orchards to future challenges.
Spectropolarimetry as a tool for understanding the diversity of planetary atmospheres
Authors: Rossi L. , Berzosa-Molina J. , Desert J.-M. , Fossati L. , Muñoz A. García , Haswell C. , Kabath P. , Kislyakova K. , Stam D. , Vidotto A.
Published: December 2021

The polarization state of starlight reflected by a planetary atmosphere uniquely reveals coverage, particle size, and composition of aerosols as well as changing cloud patterns. It is not possible to obtain a comparable level of detail from flux-only observations. It is therefore a powerful tool to better understand the crucial role played by clouds and aerosols in the chemistry, dynamics, and radiative balance of a planet. Furthermore, polarization observations can probe the atmosphere of planets independently of the orbital geometry (hence it applies to both transiting and non-transiting exoplanets). A high-resolution spectropolarimeter with a broad wavelength coverage, particularly if attached to a large space telescope, would enable simultaneous study of the polarimetric planetary properties of the continuum and to look for and characterize the polarimetric signal due to scattering from single molecules, providing detailed information about the composition and vertical structure of the atmosphere.
Six Theses on Mechanisms and Mechanistic Science
Authors: Glennan Stuart , Illari Phyllis , Weber Erik
Published: December 2021

In this paper we identify six theses that constitute core results of philosophical investigation into the nature of mechanisms, and of the role that the search for and identification of mechanisms play in the sciences. These theses represent the fruits of the body of research that is now often called New Mechanism. We concisely present the main arguments for these theses. In the literature, these arguments are scattered and often implicit. Our analysis can guide future research in many ways: it provides critics of New Mechanism with clear targets, it can reduce misunderstandings, it can clarify differences of opinion among New Mechanists and it helps to define a research agenda for New Mechanists.
Leveraging contextual embeddings and self-attention neural networks with bi-attention for sentiment analysis
Authors: Biesialska Magdalena , Biesialska Katarzyna , Rybinski Henryk
Published: December 2021

People express their opinions and views in different and often ambiguous ways, hence the meaning of their words is often not explicitly stated and frequently depends on the context. Therefore, it is difficult for machines to process and understand the information conveyed in human languages. This work addresses the problem of sentiment analysis (SA). We propose a simple yet comprehensive method which uses contextual embeddings and a self-attention mechanism to detect and classify sentiment. We perform experiments on reviews from different domains, as well as on languages from three different language families, including morphologically rich Polish and German. We show that our approach is on a par with state-of-the-art models or even outperforms them in several cases. Our work also demonstrates the superiority of models leveraging contextual embeddings. In sum, in this paper we make a step towards building a universal, multilingual sentiment classifier.
Service, Activism, and Friendships in High School: A Longitudinal Social Network Analysis of Peer Influence and Critical Beliefs
Authors: Wegemer Christopher M.
Published: December 2021

Scholars acknowledge that friends shape youth civic engagement, but the relative contribution of peer influence and critical beliefs to civic behaviors has yet to be disaggregated. Informed by sociopolitical development and critical consciousness theories, the present study used longitudinal social network analysis to examine peer socialization and adolescents’ awareness of systemic inequities in relation to participation in service and activist activities at a high school serving primarily low-income Latinx youth. Students were surveyed in May 2019 and May 2020 (N = 354; 51% female; in 2019, Mage = 15.9, age range 14.4 to 18.5). The results yielded evidence of peer influence on service activities, but not activism or perceptions of inequities. In contrast, adolescents’ perception of inequities predicted their activist behavior, but not service, after controlling for network effects and individual covariates. The school provided scaffolding for service activities, but not activist activities, potentially explaining the salience of service participation in youth friendship networks.
Molecular characterization and genetic diversity studies of Indian soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) cultivars using SSR markers
Authors: Kumar S. P. Jeevan , Susmita C. , Sripathy K. V. , Agarwal Dinesh K. , Pal Govind , Singh Arvind Nath , Kumar Sanjay , Rai Abhishek Kumar , Simal-Gandara Jesus
Published: December 2021

Background

The genetic base of soybean cultivars in India has been reported to be extremely narrow, due to repeated use of few selected and elite genotypes as parents in the breeding programmes. This ultimately led to the reduction of genetic variability among existing soybean cultivars and stagnation in crop yield. Thus in order to enhance production and productivity of soybean, broadening of genetic base and exploring untapped valuable genetic diversity has become quite indispensable. This could be successfully accomplished through molecular characterization of soybean genotypes using various DNA based markers. Hence, an attempt was made to study the molecular divergence and relatedness among 29 genotypes of soybean using SSR markers.

Methods and results

A total of 35 SSR primers were deployed to study the genetic divergence among 29 genotypes of soybean. Among them, 14 primer pairs were found to be polymorphic producing a total of 34 polymorphic alleles; and the allele number for each locus ranged from two to four with an average of 2.43 alleles per primer pair. Polymorphic information content (PIC) values of SSRs ranged from 0.064 to 0.689 with an average of 0.331. The dendrogram constructed based on dissimilarity indices clustered the 29 genotypes into two major groups and four sub-groups. Similarly, principal coordinate analysis grouped the genotypes into four major groups that exactly corresponded to the clustering of genotypes among four sub-groups of dendrogram. Besides, the study has reported eight unique and two rare alleles that could be potentially utilized for genetic purity analysis and cultivar identification in soybean.

Conclusion

In the present investigation, two major clusters were reported and grouping of large number of genotypes in each cluster indicated high degree of genetic resemblance and narrow genetic base among the genotypes used in the study. With respect to the primers used in the study, the values of PIC and other related parameters revealed that the selected SSR markers are moderately informative and could be potentially utilized for diversity analysis of soybean. The clustering pattern of dendrogram constructed based on SSR loci profile displayed good agreement with the cultivar’s pedigree information. High level of genetic similarity observed among the genotypes from the present study necessitates the inclusion of wild relatives, land races and traditional cultivars in future soybean breeding programmes to widen the crop gene pool. Thus, hybridization among diverse gene pool could result in more heterotic combinations ultimately enhancing genetic gain, crop yield and resistance to various stress factors.
A threat-centered theory of policy entrepreneurship
Authors: Arnold Gwen
Published: December 2021

We know relatively little about the conditions that encourage people to jump into the political fray as policy entrepreneurs, advocates who devote substantial time, energy, and resources to campaigning for a policy goal. This paper aims to fill that gap by investigating the catalysts of policy entrepreneurship in municipalities across the State of New York, where between 2008 and 2012, hundreds of local jurisdictions passed measures opposing or supporting high-volume hydraulic fracturing (fracking). These local policy actions were often enthusiastically encouraged and, in some cases, vociferously opposed, by enterprising advocates. I propose a threat-centered theory of policy entrepreneurship, emphasizing the role of loss aversion in pushing actors toward advocacy. The empirical analysis shows that oppositional advocacy within a polity draws would-be policy entrepreneurs into battle.
Impact of in-field soil heterogeneity on biomass and yield of winter triticale in an intensively cropped hummocky landscape under temperate climate conditions
Authors: Habib-ur-Rahman Muhammad , Raza Ahsan , Ahrends Hella Ellen , Hüging Hubert , Gaiser Thomas
Published: December 2021

Crop cultivation provides ecosystem services on increasingly large fields. However, the effects of in-field spatial heterogeneity on crop yields, in particular triticale, have rarely been considered. The study assess the effects of in-field soil heterogeneity and elevation on triticale grown in an intensively cropped hummocky landscape. The field was classified into three soil classes: C1, C2, and C3, based on soil texture and available water capacity (AWC), which had high, moderate, and low yield potential, respectively. Three elevations (downslope (DS), midslope (MS), and upslope (US)) were considered as the second study factor. An unbalanced experimental design was adopted with a factorial analysis of variance for data analysis. Temporal growth analysis showed that soil classes and elevation had significant effects. Generally, better growth was observed in C1 compared to that of C3. DS had a lower yield potential than that of MS and US. In addition, the interactive effect was confirmed, as triticale had poor growth and yield in C3 on the DS, but not on US. Crop physiological parameters also confirmed the differences between soil classes and elevation. Similarly, soil moisture (SM) content in the plow layer measured at different points in time and AWC over the soil profile had a positive association with growth and yield. The results confirmed that spatial differences in AWC and SM can explain spatial variability in growth and yield. The mapping approach combining soil auguring techniques with a digital elevation model could be used to subdivide fields in hummocky landscapes for determining sub-field input intensities to guide precision farming.
Effect of the reductive treatment on the state and electrocatalytic behavior of Pt in catalysts supported on Ti0.8Mo0.2O2-C composite
Authors: Silva Cristina , Borbáth Irina , Zelenka Kristóf , Sajó István E. , Sáfrán György , Tompos András , Pászti Zoltán
Published: December 2021

Ti(1-x)MoxO2-carbon composites are promising new supports for Pt-based electrocatalysts in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells offering exciting catalytic properties and enhanced stability against electrocorrosion. Pt and the mixed oxide form a couple liable for strong metal-support interaction (SMSI) phenomenon, generally manifesting itself in decoration of the metal particles by ultrathin layers of the support material upon annealing under reductive conditions. The aim of this work is to evaluate the SMSI phenomenon as a potential strategy for tailoring the properties of the electrocatalyst. A 20 wt% Pt/50 wt% Ti0.8Mo0.2O2-50 wt% C electrocatalyst prepared on Black Pearls 2000 carbon functionalized with HNO3 and glucose was reduced at 250 °C in H2 in order to induce SMSI. The electrocatalytic properties and the stability of the reduced and the original catalysts were analyzed by cyclic voltammetry and COads stripping voltammetry. Structural investigations as well as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements were performed in order to obtain information about the details of the interaction between the oxide and the Pt particles. The electrochemical experiments pointed out a small loss of the electrochemically active surface area of Pt in the reduced catalyst along with enhanced stability with respect to the original one, while structural studies suggested only a minimal decrease of the Pt dispersion. At the same time, hydrogen exposure experiments combined with XPS demonstrated the presence of Mo species directly adsorbed on the Pt surface. Thus, the properties of the reduced catalyst can be traced to decoration of the surface of Pt by Mo-containing species.
Lying Without Saying Something False? A Cross-Cultural Investigation of the Folk Concept of Lying in Russian and English Speakers
Authors: Reins Louisa M. , Wiegmann Alex , Marchenko Olga P. , Schumski Irina
Published: December 2021

The present study examines cross-cultural differences in people’s concept of lying with regard to the question of whether lying requires an agent tosaysomething they believe to be false. While prominent philosophical views maintain that lying entails that a person explicitly expresses a believed-false claim, recent research suggests that people’s concept of lying might also include certain kinds of deception that are communicated more indirectly. An important drawback of previous empirical work on this topic is that only few studies have investigated people’s concept of lying in non-Western samples. In the present study, we compare people’s intuitions about lying with indirect deceptions (i.e., presuppositions, conversational implicatures, and non-verbal actions) in a sample ofN = 255 participants from Russia andN = 300 participants from the United Kingdom. Our findings show a strong degree of similarity between lie ratings of participants from Russia and the United Kingdom, with both samples holding it possible for agents to lie with deceptive statements and actions that do not involve the agentsayingsomething they believe to be false.
Identification of the Intrinsic Dielectric Properties of Metal Single Atoms for Electromagnetic Wave Absorption
Authors: Zhang Xinci , Shi Yanan , Xu Jia , Ouyang Qiuyun , Zhang Xiao , Zhu Chunling , Zhang Xiaoli , Chen Yujin
Published: December 2021

Atomically dispersed metals on N-doped carbon supports (M–NxCs) have great potential applications in various fields. However, a precise understanding of the definitive relationship between the configuration of metal single atoms and the dielectric loss properties of M–NxCs at the atomic-level is still lacking. Herein, we report a general approach to synthesize a series of three-dimensional (3D) honeycomb-like M–NxC (M = Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, or Ni) containing metal single atoms. Experimental results indicate that 3D M–NxCs exhibit a greatly enhanced dielectric loss compared with that of the NC matrix. Theoretical calculations demonstrate that the density of states of the d orbitals near the Fermi level is significantly increased and additional electrical dipoles are induced due to the destruction of the symmetry of the local microstructure, which enhances conductive loss and dipolar polarization loss of 3D M–NxCs, respectively. Consequently, these 3D M–NxCs exhibit excellent electromagnetic wave absorption properties, outperforming the most commonly reported absorbers. This study systematically explains the mechanism of dielectric loss at the atomic level for the first time and is of significance to the rational design of high-efficiency electromagnetic wave absorbing materials containing metal single atoms.
Design suggestions on modified self-sustainable space toilet
Authors: Sakhare Shreyash A. , Pendkar Sourabh M. , Kanu Nand Jee , Gupta Eva , Vates Umesh Kumar , Singh Gyanendra Kumar , Verma Girish C.
Published: December 2021

The present research investigates the design of compact and lightweight waste collection system (WCS) for interplanetary missions such as Mars, and the Moon as well as the space with the required features of NASA’s lunar loo challenge (released date: 25th June, 2020). Existing space toilets’ WCS store waste in small plastic bags and these bags are thrown in the space which increases the space junk. If these WCS are used on planets, they could pollute the planets. The newly designed—unisex and self-sustainable space toilet meets its objective of intimacy and warmth for the astronauts as it is equipped with all essential features such as (a) the basin for vomit collection, (b) the rotating waste storage based on the mechanism of artificial gravity, and (c) the noiseless bellow pump for air flow flushing system (AFFS). The WCS is designed for the storage of urine, faeces, vomit, diarrhoea, and menses. In the first half of the research article, the focus is kept on improving self-sustainability of the present WCS. In the second half of the present investigation analyses are done for multiphase flows of the CFD analysis in ANSYS fluent to simulate the flow of air through the nozzle provided with (a) the seat, (b) the urine funnel, and (c) the basin for air flow flushing system (AFFS). The design of the present self-sustainable space toilet proposed herewith is justified suitable for different gravitational conditions such as (a) Mars (3.721 m/s2), (b) the Moon (1.62 m/s2), and (c) the zero—or microgravity i.e., the space gravity. The proposed solar-operated WCS could be integrated to function with (a) water recovery and management (WRM) system, (b) the inbuilt composting unit, and (c) the bioregenerative life support system (BLSS). Furthermore, the assessment of the required electrical energy derived from the solar energy (harnessed using efficient solar photovoltaic (PV) modules) is conceptualized for the effective functioning of the present self-sustainable WCS.

Article highlights

The present investigation explores into the design of lightweight and compact WCS for interplanetary missions such as Mars and the Moon, as well as space missions with the functionality listed by NASA's lunar toilet competition (released date: 25th June, 2020).

The actual space toilets, which are used on the International Space Station (ISS), are not designed to withstand varying gravity circumstances.

The new advanced—unisex and self-sustaining space toilet achieves its goal of intimacy and warmth for astronauts by including all necessary features such as (a) a vomit collection basin, (b) rotating waste storage based on artificial gravity mechanism, and (c) a noiseless bellow pump for air flow flushing system (AFFS).
Screening of potential antidiabetic phytochemicals from Gongronema latifolium leaf against therapeutic targets of type 2 diabetes mellitus: multi-targets drug design
Authors: Ajiboye Basiru Olaitan , Iwaloye Opeyemi , Owolabi Olutunmise Victoria , Ejeje Jerius Nkwuda , Okerewa Alice , Johnson Oluwafolakemi O. , Udebor Ashley Eguonor , Oyinloye Babatunji Emmanuel
Published: December 2021

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the most predominant group of metabolic disorders wreaking havoc on the wellbeing of man, with type 2 diabetes mellitus (type 2 DM) accounting for most DM related cases. This study, hence, investigated the antidiabetic potential of Gongronema latifolium leaf fractionated compounds against proteins implicated in different molecular pathways related to the onset and progression of type 2 DM. A total of fifteen proteins that can act as type 2 DM therapeutic targets were identified from the literature and downloaded/modelled using respective repositories. After docking the compounds with the fifteen proteins, glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK 3β), glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and human aldose reductase were chosen as the ideal targets due to their high binding affinities with the compounds. Subsequent in silico analysis like binding free energy, ADMET predictions using different servers, and machine-learning predictive models (QSAR) using kernel partial least square regression were employed to identify promising compounds against the three targets. The eleven identified compounds (Luteonin, Kampferol, Robinetin, Gallocatechin, Baicalin, Apigenin, Genistein, Rosmaric acid, Chicoric acid and Naringenin) formed stable complexes with the proteins, showed moderation for toxicity, drugability, GI absorptions and drug-drug interactions, though structure modifications may be needed for lead optimization. The predictive QSAR models with reliable correlation coefficient (R2) showed the potency of the compounds to act as inhibitors (pIC50) of aldose reductase and GSK 3β, and act as agonists (pEC50) of GLP-1R. Thus, this study experimental framework can be used to design compounds that can modulate proteins related to type 2 DM without inducing off-target effects.
The “Green Sahara” Left Behind Fossil Rivers
Authors: Makoni Munyaradzi
Published: December 2021

Reconstruction reveals how people living along the banks of the Nile may have relocated as climate changed and flooding increased during the African Humid Period.
New Constraints for the On‐Shore Makran Subduction Zone Crustal Structure
Authors: Priestley Keith , Sobouti Farhad , Mokhtarzadeh Rahil , A. Irandoust Mohsen , Ghods Reza , Motaghi Khalil , Ho Tak
Published: December 2021

The Makran Subduction Zone is the primary seismic/tsunami hazard of the northwestern Indian Ocean, but little is known of its on‐shore seismic structure. We derived a shear wave velocity model extending to 100 km depth beneath a ∼400 km‐long seismic profile oriented parallel to the convergence vector of the Arabian Sea Plate. Receiver function/surface wave analysis shows that the average structure in the coastal region comprises a ∼22–28 km‐thick low wavespeed sedimentary cover and a 6–8 km‐thick gradient zone overlying 100 km‐thick high wavespeed upper mantle. The ocean‐basement interface dips gently northward, remaining a positive impedance contrast to ∼50 km depth at ∼250 km north of the coast where it disappears as the basaltic/gabbroic oceanic crust has probably transformed to eclogite. Further north, a weak arrival at ∼5 s in the receiver functions appears, grading northward into the Moho arrival of the continental Iranian Plateau. This disruption in the seismic signature of the Moho occurs in the forearc region where the dip of the subducting oceanic plate steepens. The southern Iranian Plateau's continental crust has an average Vs of 3.55 ± 0.05 km s−1, an almost flat Moho 40–45 km deep, and a sub‐Moho mantle Vs of 3.75 ± 0.05 km s−1 in the 50–80 km depth range. Weak Moho conversions probably result from ∼20% serpentinization of peridotite in the mantle wedge. Receiver functions indicate a flat continental Moho – no crustal root beneath the high topography region of the volcanic belt, which therefore must be compensated by low upper mantle densities. The high Vp/Vs ratio observed for the mantle wedge suggests ∼1%–2% partial melt.
JAK2V617F variant allele frequency >50% identifies patients with polycythemia vera at high risk for venous thrombosis
Authors: Guglielmelli Paola , Loscocco Giuseppe G. , Mannarelli Carmela , Rossi Elena , Mannelli Francesco , Ramundo Francesco , Coltro Giacomo , Betti Silvia , Maccari Chiara , Ceglie Sara , Chiusolo Patrizia , Paoli Chiara , Barbui Tiziano , Tefferi Ayalew , De Stefano Valerio , Vannucchi Alessandro M.
Published: December 2021

Arterial (AT) and venous (VT) thrombotic events are the most common complications in patients with polycythemia vera (PV) and are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. In this regard, the impact of JAK2V617F variant allele frequency (VAF) is still debated. The purpose of the current study was to analyze the impact of JAK2V617F VAF in the context of other established risk factors for thrombosis in a total of 865 2016 WHO-defined PV patients utilizing two independent cohorts: University of Florence (n = 576) as a training cohort and Policlinico Gemelli, Catholic University, Rome (n = 289) as a validation cohort. In the training cohort VT free-survival was significantly shorter in the presence of a JAK2V617F VAF > 50% (HR 4; p < 0.0001), whereas no difference was found for AT (HR 0.9; p = 0.8). Multivariable analysis identified JAK2V617F VAF > 50% (HR 3.8, p = 0.001) and previous VT (HR 2.2; p = 0.04) as independent risk factors for future VT whereas diabetes (HR 2.4; p = 0.02), hyperlipidemia (HR 2.3; p = 0.01) and previous AT (HR 2; p = 0.04) were independent risk factors for future AT. Similarly, JAK2V617F VAF > 50% (HR 2.4; p = 0.01) and previous VT (HR 2.8; p = 0.005) were confirmed as independent predictors of future VT in the validation cohort. Impact of JAK2V617F VAF > 50% on VT was particularly significant in conventional low-risk patients, both in Florence (HR 10.6, p = 0.005) and Rome cohort (HR 4; p = 0.02). In conclusion, we identified JAK2V617F VAF > 50% as an independent strong predictor of VT, supporting that AT and VT are different entities which might require distinct management.
Circulating miR-184 is a potential predictive biomarker of cardiac damage in Anderson–Fabry disease
Authors: Salamon Irene , Biagini Elena , Kunderfranco Paolo , Roncarati Roberta , Ferracin Manuela , Taglieri Nevio , Nardi Elena , Laprovitera Noemi , Tomasi Luciana , Santostefano Marisa , Ditaranto Raffaello , Vitale Giovanni , Cavarretta Elena , Pisani Antonio , Riccio Eleonora , Aiello Valeria , Capelli Irene , La Manna Gaetano , Galiè Nazzareno , Spinelli Letizia , Condorelli Gianluigi
Published: December 2021

Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is a mainstay of treatment for Anderson–Fabry disease (AFD), a pathology with negative effects on the heart and kidneys. However, no reliable biomarkers are available to monitor its efficacy. Therefore, we tested a panel of four microRNAs linked with cardiac and renal damage in order to identify a novel biomarker associated with AFD and modulated by ERT. To this end, 60 patients with a definite diagnosis of AFD and on chronic ERT, and 29 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals, were enrolled by two Italian university hospitals. Only miR-184 met both conditions: its level discriminated untreated AFD patients from healthy individuals (c-statistic = 0.7522), and it was upregulated upon ERT (P < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, miR-184 was independently and inversely associated with a higher risk of cardiac damage (odds ratio = 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.76–0.98; P = 0.026). Adding miR-184 to a comprehensive clinical model improved the prediction of cardiac damage in terms of global model fit, calibration, discrimination, and classification accuracy (continuous net reclassification improvement = 0.917, P < 0.001; integrated discrimination improvement [IDI] = 0.105, P = 0.017; relative IDI = 0.221, 95% CI = 0.002–0.356). Thus, miR-184 is a circulating biomarker of AFD that changes after ERT. Assessment of its level in plasma could be clinically valuable in improving the prediction of cardiac damage in AFD patients.
Enhanced ionic conductivity of a Na3Zr2Si2PO12 solid electrolyte with Na2SiO3 obtained by liquid phase sintering for solid-state Na+ batteries
Authors: Wang Han , Zhao Genfu , Wang Shimin , Liu Dangling , Mei Zhiyuan , An Qi , Jiang Jingwen , Guo Hong
Published: December 2021

Na2SiO3 added Na3Zr2Si2PO12 with a 3D fast sodium ion transport channel has been successfully prepared and applied as an electrolyte material for SIBs. It exhibits ultralong cycling and high rate performance for SIBs.
Cu(OAc)2/DABCO-mediated domino reaction of vinyl malononitriles with cyclic sulfamidate imines: access to 6-hydroxyaryl-2-aminonicotinonitriles
Authors: Goud S Banuprakash , Guin Soumitra , Prakash Meher , Samanta Sampak
Published: December 2021

An efficient DABCO/Cu(OAc)2 promoted one-pot access to pharmacologically exciting highly substituted 6-hydroxyaryl-2-aminonicotinonitriles in good to high yields is reported.
Fuelling the future of sustainable sugar fermentation across generations
Authors: Lips David
Published: December 2021

Biomanufacturing in the form of industrial sugar fermentation is moving beyond pharmaceuticals and biofuels into chemicals, materials, and food ingredients. As the production scale of these increasingly consumer‐facing applications expands over the next decades, considerations regarding the environmental impact of the renewable biomass feedstocks used to extract fermentable sugars will become more important. Sugars derived from first‐generation biomass in the form of, for example, corn and sugarcane are easily accessible and support high‐yield fermentation processes, but are associated with the environmental impacts of industrial agriculture, land use, and competition with other applications in food and feed. Fermentable sugars can also be extracted from second‐ and third‐generation feedstocks in the form of lignocellulose and macroalgae, respectively, potentially overcoming some of these concerns. Doing so, however, comes with various challenges, including the need for more extensive pretreatment processes and the fermentation of mixed and unconventional sugars. In this review, we provide a broad overview of these three generations of biomass feedstocks, outlining their challenges and prospects for fuelling the industrial fermentation industry throughout the 21st century.
Multifunctional scheme for frequency/voltage/stability control in HVDC line under concurrent cyber‐attacks and faults
Authors: Hemmati Reza , Faraji Hossien
Published: December 2021

This paper presents a control mechanism on high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line for frequency/voltage regulation, fault ride through (FRT) capability, and cyber‐attack/fault detection. The network under study consists of two areas with different frequencies that are connected through one 300 km HVDC line. The proposed control system regulates the frequency in both areas by managing power through HVDC line. The converters on both sides of HVDC line are controlled to handle faults on the DC and AC sections as well as improving fault ride through capability. The control strategies are implemented and operated depending on fault/cyber‐attack type and behaviour. In this respect, the control mechanism may change the firing angle of converters, switch their operating mode from rectifier to converter and vice‐versa or even block the converters. The proposed paradigm successfully distinguishes between the cyber‐attacks and faults. The simulations in MATLAB software validate that the proposed mechanism realizes all the objectives and the cyber‐attacks are completely identified and separated from the faults.
Anti‐icing polyimide thin film with microcolumns fabricated by RIE with cooling and PCVD
Authors: Shi Xiaoxin , Lv Xianglian , Lu Jiangbo , Xu Yukun , Yuan Weizheng , He Yang
Published: December 2021

Anti‐icing polyimide (PI) thin films are a promising anti‐icing technology for aircraft. A processing method combining reactive ion etching with cooling and plasma chemical vapour deposition is proposed to fabricate anti‐icing PI thin films with microcolumns (PI‐M). The anti‐icing performance of PI‐M was examined. The apparent contact angle (APCA) was 153° ± 1.4°, and the APCA hysteresis was 8.5° ± 0.5°. The calculated Weber number was high, and a droplet on PI‐M rebounded within 2.56 s, whereas rebounding occurred more slowly on a smooth PI surface (PI‐S). The freezing time of droplets on PI‐M was 70% longer than that on PI‐S. The average ice adhesion force on PI‐M was 42% smaller than that on PI‐S. Repeated measurements of the ice adhesion force on PI‐M demonstrated that it was stable (deviation: ±1 N). The APCA showed that PI‐M is superhydrophobic, which indicates that droplets on PI‐M were in the Cassie state. The droplet bouncing behaviour was explained in terms of horizontal force equilibrium at the interface. The anti‐icing mechanism of PI‐M was modelled using heterogeneous nucleation theory and a contact area model. The results explained the good anti‐icing performance and suggested that PI‐M may have excellent potential for anti‐icing applications.
Sequential linear filtering with non‐linear position and Doppler measurements for target tracking
Authors: Cheng Ting , Li Lifu
Published: December 2021

For radar target tracking with non‐linear measurements, a sequential linear filtering method is proposed in this study, which includes a linear filter based on the position measurements and a linear sequential filter based on the range rate measurement. The linear radar measurement equation in the sequential filter is estimated based on the position filtering result. Furthermore, the feedback information during tracking is adaptively selected according to the quality of the angle measurements. When tracking the manoeuvring target, the proposed sequential linear filtering with adaptive information feedback is combined with the interacting multiple model (IMM) framework, and the IMM filter based on sequential linear filtering with adaptive model probability selection is proposed. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms in non‐manoeuvring and manoeuvring target tracking. Compared with traditional algorithms, the tracking performance is improved by the proposed algorithms in both typical non‐manoeuvring and manoeuvring scenes.
EMG-Phänomene peripherer motorisch axonaler
Übererregbarkeit
Authors: Posa Andreas , Kornhuber Malte
Published: December 2021

Bei der Nadel-Elektromyographie (EMG) besitzen Phänomene der vermehrten
Erregbarkeit von Muskelfasern und von motorischen Axonen Bedeutung für
die Diagnostik neuromuskulärer Erkrankungen. Zur motorisch axonalen
Übererregbarkeit gehören spontane Phänomene wie
Faszikulationen, spontane kontinuierliche Einzelentladungen der motorischen
Einheit (SKEME), Myokymien, neuromyotone Entladungsserien und Krampi. Ferner
gehören dazu reizinduzierte Phänomene wie manche A-Wellen,
reizinduzierte komplex repetitive Entladungen oder tetanischen Spasmen bei
Elektrolytstörungen. In der vorliegenden Übersicht wird der
Kenntnisstand zu den verschiedenen Phänomenen motorisch axonaler
Übererregbarkeit referiert. Ein Schwerpunkt liegt dabei auf den SKEME
als neuem Mitglied der Gruppe spontaner Potenziale aus dem motorischen Axon.
Medizintechnische Großgeräte – Eine Analyse
der Versorgungsstrukturen 20 Jahre nach Aufhebung der
Standortplanung
Authors: Dreger Marie , Henschke Cornelia
Published: December 2021

Ziel der Studie Die vorliegende Studie untersucht die
Versorgungsstrukturen mit stationär installierten Computertomographen
(CT) und Positronenemissionstomographen (PET) 20 Jahre nach Aufhebung der
Standortplanung medizintechnischer Großgeräte.

Methodik Mittels kartographischer Analysen wird die stationäre
Versorgungssituation mit CT und PET zwischen 2010 und 2017 visualisiert.
Regionale Unterschiede werden in Relation zu Einwohnerzahlen und Krankheitslast
gesetzt, um potenziell über- oder unterversorgte Gebiete zu
identifizieren.

Ergebnisse Für CT ist eine nahezu flächendeckende
Versorgung festzustellen. Lediglich 0,3% der Bevölkerung
erreichen kein Gerät innerhalb von 30 Fahrminuten. Hinsichtlich der
Versorgung mit PET liegen hingegen weiträumig nicht zeitnah
versorgungsfähige Regionen vor, die einen größeren Teil
der Bevölkerung betreffen. Darüber hinaus weist die Versorgung
eine hohe regionale Variation auf, welche weder durch die Einwohnerdichte noch
Krankheitslast der Region erklärt werden kann.

Schlussfolgerung Die seit Jahrzehnten gewachsenen Versorgungsstrukturen
mit medizintechnischen Großgeräten ohne konkrete regulative
Maßnahmen zeugen von zum Teil starken regionalen
Versorgungsunterschieden. Diese sind sowohl aus ökonomischer als auch
medizinischer Perspektive kritisch zu betrachten. Inwiefern eine weitere
Ausgestaltung wettbewerblicher Parameter oder eine mögliche
sektorübergreifende Standortplanung zu einer bedarfsgerechten und
effizienten Versorgungssituation im Bereich medizintechnischer
Großgeräte führen kann, gilt es noch näher zu
untersuchen.