bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plant–animal interactions in the era of environmental DNA (eDNA)—A review
Authors: Banerjee Pritam , Stewart Kathryn A. , Antognazza Caterina M. , Bunholi Ingrid V. , Deiner Kristy , Barnes Matthew A. , Saha Santanu , Verdier Héloïse , Doi Hideyuki , Maity Jyoti Prakash , Chan Michael W. Y. , Chen Chien Yen
Published: May 2022

Plant–animal interactions (PAI) represent major channels of energy transfer through ecosystems, where both positive and antagonistic interactions simultaneously contribute to ecosystem functioning. Monitoring PAI therefore increases the understanding of environmental health, integrity, and functioning, and studying complex interactions through accurate, cost‐effective sampling can aid in the management of detrimental anthropogenic impacts. Environmental DNA (eDNA)‐based monitoring represents an increasingly common, nondestructive approach for biodiversity monitoring, which could help to elucidate PAI. Here, we aim to provide an overall discussion on the potential of using eDNA to study PAI. We assessed the existing literature on this subject from 2009 to 2021 using a freely accessible web search tool. The search was conducted by using keywords involving eDNA and PAI, including both species‐specific and metabarcoding approaches, recovering 43 studies. We summarized the advantages and current limitations of such approaches, and we outline research priorities to improve future eDNA‐based methods for PAI analysis. Among the 43 studies identified using eDNA to measure PAI such as pollination, herbivory, mutualistic, and parasitic relationships, they have often identified higher taxonomic diversity in several direct comparisons with DNA‐based gut/bulk sampling and conventional survey methods. Research needs include the following: better understanding of the influencing factors of eDNA detection involved in PAI (e.g., eDNA degradation, origin, and types), methodological standardization (sampling methods and primer development), and more inclusive sequence reference databases. If these research priorities are addressed, it will have a significant impact to enable PAI biodiversity monitoring with eDNA. In the future, the implementation of eDNA methods to study PAI can particularly benefit the scalability of environmental biomonitoring surveys that are imperative for ecosystem health assessments.
Encapsulation Protocol for Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells Enabling Stability in Accelerated Aging Tests
Authors: Ahmad Taimoor , Dasgupta Shyantan , Almosni Samy , Dudkowiak Alina , Wojciechowski Konrad
Published: May 2022

Flexible perovskite solar cells (f‐PSCs) offer attractive commercial prospects in the near future, enabled by new value propositions, such as mechanical flexibility, or high specific powers. The long‐term reliability of these devices requires appropriate encapsulation to prevent degradation caused by environmental factors. Here, a lamination protocol is developed, incorporating adhesive materials, barrier foils, and edge sealants, which results in a robust device hermitization. By applying the developed procedure to three different perovskite solar cell configurations (p‐i‐n with carbon, p‐i‐n with silver, and n‐i with carbon), fabricated with large active areas (1 cm2), the universality of this approach is demonstrated. The best devices preserved over 85% of the initial performance after a sequence of accelerated aging tests based on industry standards (compliant with the IEC 61215 and IEC 61646) comprised of 1400 h of damp heat, 50 thermal cycles, and 10 cycles of the humidity‐freeze test.
Molecular engineering regulation redox‐dual‐active‐center covalent organic frameworks‐based anode for high‐performance Li storage
Authors: Zhao Genfu , Sun Yongjiang , Yang Yongxin , Zhang Conghui , An Qi , Guo Hong
Published: May 2022

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) show considerable attention and potential value in energy storage and conversion. However, design and preparation novel dual‐active‐center modified COFs for high‐performance Li storage and accelerating Li diffusion are still challengeable. In this work, we synthesize dual‐active‐group of CN and CO decorated COF (denoted as Tp‐Ta‐COF) as the anode material for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Benefiting from the dual‐active‐site, the Li+ diffusion kinetics on the Tp‐Ta‐COF are improved and Tp‐Ta‐COF electrode delivers high reversible capacity of 413 mAh g−1 under current density with 200 mA g−1. Moreover, 18 Li+ can be embed in Tp‐Ta‐COF with CN and CO containers. The mechanism between Li+ and active‐site is deeply deduced and studied by multiple in situ techniques and density functional theory (DFT) theoretical calculation, suggesting interactions of Li+ and active‐group are highly reversible procedures. Consequently, we expect this work could create a universal strategy for construction high‐performance Li storage COF‐based materials.

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Electrocatalytic study of cu/Ni MOF and its g‐C3N4 composites for methanol oxidation reaction
Authors: Abbasi Muzzamil , Noor Tayyaba , Iqbal Naseem , Zaman Neelam
Published: May 2022

Graphitic carbon nitride is of interest for its intercalation, ion exchange, and redox properties as it exhibits high catalytic activity. Besides, its high nitrogen content and facile synthesis procedure may provide a good balance between activity and durability. We report novel g‐C3N4 based MOF as a novel electrocatalyst for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR). Two methods are involved in the catalytic synthesis, namely the hydrothermal method for the Cu/Ni MOF and its composites synthesis, and g‐C3N4 is obtained by pyrolysis of melamine. To explore the structural and morphological properties, all the catalysts were eventually characterized using XRD, FTIR, SEM, and EDX techniques, whereas cyclic voltammetry (CV) revealed the electrochemical response for the oxidation of methanol in 3 M methanol and 1 M NaOH on modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The electrochemical results illustrate that as the amount of g‐C3N4 increases current density for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR). The maximum current density is 103.42 mA/cm2 shown by Cu/Ni MOF@5 wt% g‐C3N4 at 0.9 V while the scan rate is 50 mV/s. Thus, graphitic carbon nitride addition in MOF composites enhanced its durability and high carbon monoxide (CO) tolerance makes active catalysts in alkaline electrolyte.
Radical reactivity evaluation for the identification of electrolyte materials involved in electrode–electrolyte interphase formation
Authors: Choi Jihoon , Han Young‐Kyu
Published: May 2022

The use of Li metal anodes for secondary batteries is a major challenge in the academe. To address the issues associated with this, there is active research to obtain electrolytes for the effective use of Li metal anodes. Specifically, there is considerable attention on improving the oxidation stability and suppressing the dendrite formations of Li metal through the formation of a passivation film on cathode and anode surfaces. However, there is limited knowledge on the correlation between electrolyte molecules and formation of passivation films at a molecular level, which prevents the efficient development of high‐performance electrolytes. In this work, we analyze reported experimental results on materials that contribute to the formation of cathode and anode films in widely used ether‐based electrolytes through first‐principles calculations. The oxidation and reduction energies are found to be insufficient in examining the influencing materials of the cathode and anode films. In addition, the evaluation of the reactivity of the radicals involved in the oxidation/reduction process is noted to be the most simple and effective method to explain the experimental results in electrolyte materials. Therefore, radical reactivity is important in interpreting experimental phenomena and efficiently determining the desired film‐forming materials among a myriad of organic materials.
An adaptive spherical square‐root double unscented Kalman filtering algorithm for estimating state‐of‐charge of lithium‐ion batteries
Authors: Jia Xianyi , Wang Shunli , Qiao Jialu , Cao Wen
Published: May 2022

Accurate estimation of the charged state of lithium‐ion batteries is very important for the application and development of lithium‐ion batteries, it is directly related to whether or not the lithium‐ion battery is safe and reliable during use. Based on the traditional unscented Kalman filter algorithm (UKF), the square root of the state variable error covariance matrix is used for iterative calculation variables in this paper, and the method solves the problem that the traditional (UKF) algorithm may make the covariance matrix negative when measuring SOC; two spherical Unscented transformations (UT) are selected to replace the one traditional Unscented transformation, it avoids the complexity of the process of adjusting parameters, and it also changes shortcomings of filtering divergence caused by the uncertainty of system noise and observation noise; the adaptive covariance matching of noise is introduced, which can automatically update and transfer the noise covariance matrix, and it also makes the noise closer to the real situation. The improved algorithm is called the adaptive spherical square‐root double unscented Kalman filter algorithm (ASSR‐DUKF). The experimental results show that the improved ASSR‐DUKF algorithm can better estimate the SOC of the lithium‐ion battery through the second‐order RC equivalent circuit. The mean absolute errors of HPPC, BBDST, and DST are 0.53%, 0.39%, and 1.08%; the root mean square errors under three working conditions are 0.70%, 0.62%, and 1.22%; the convergence times under the three working conditions are 60, 110, and 74 s. It can be seen that the ASSR‐DUKF algorithm has higher Estimate accuracy, better convergence, and better robustness.
The synthesis of Ni/Mn hexacyanoferrate microcubes and nanorods for high‐performance asymmetric supercapacitor in neutral electrolyte
Authors: Yang Yu Jun , Wang Ningya , Chen Songyang , Jiang Chenjia , Yang Panxiang , Liu Mengxiao , Cheng Yao
Published: May 2022

A novel composite (Ni/Mn‐HCF) was directly synthesized on carbon cloth (CC) with a facile hydrothermal method following the galvanostatic electrodeposition of Ni. Ni/Mn‐HCF on CC (Ni/Mn‐HCF/CC) demonstrates a unique morphology with nanorods uniformly distributed on microcubes, which endows Ni/Mn‐HCF/CC enormous surface to facilitate rapid charge/ion transportation on the electrode/electrolyte interface and provides more active sites for ions adsorption/exchange. Ni/Mn‐HCF/CC demonstrated enhanced electrochemical performances such as high areal capacity, extraordinary rate performance and excellent cycling stability. A wide operational voltage window of 2.0 V, high energy density of 3.2 W h m−2 at 49.8 W m−2, and 109.24% capacity retention after 2000 cycles were realized on the as‐fabricated novel asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) device in 1.0 M Na2SO4 aqueous solution. The notable supercapacitive performances suggest that the ASC device has a great perspective for future energy storage applications.
Diluted Bitumen Affects Multiple Physiological Systems in Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) Embryo to Juvenile Life Stages
Authors: Lin Feng , Alderman Sarah L. , Gillis Todd E. , Kennedy Christopher J.
Published: May 2022

An understanding of the risks associated with diluted bitumen (dilbit) transport through Pacific salmon habitat necessitates the identification and quantification of hazards posed to early life stages. Sockeye from the embryo to juvenile stage (8 months old) were exposed to four concentrations of the water-soluble fraction of Cold Lake dilbit (summer blend; concentrations of 0, 13.7, 34.7, and 124.5 μg/L total polycyclic aromatic compounds). Significant mortality (up to 18% over controls) only occurred in the embryo to swim-up fry stage. Impaired growth was seen in the alevin, swim-up, and juvenile stages (maximum reduction 15% in mass but not fork length). Reductions in both critical (maximum 24% reductions) and burst (maximum 47% reductions) swimming speed in swim-up fry and juveniles were seen. Alterations in energy substrate reserves (reductions in soluble protein and glycogen content, elevations in whole-body lipid and triglyceride levels) at all stages may underlie the effects seen in swimming and growth. Dilbit exposure induced a preexercise physiological stress response that affected the recovery of postexercise biochemistry (cortisol, glycogen, lactate, triglyceride concentrations). The transcript abundance of the cytochrome P450 1A gene (cyp1a) was quantified in alevin head regions (containing the heart) and in the hearts of swim-up fry and juveniles and showed a concentration-dependent increase in the expression of cyp1a at all life stages. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1937–1949. © 2022 SETAC
Intrusion detection framework for securing privacy attack in cloud computing environment using DCCGAN‐RFOA
Authors: Devi K. , Muthusenthil B.
Published: May 2022

Cloud computing (CC) is vulnerable for the attacks of current information technology, because it prolongs and uses the information technology infrastructure, traditional operating system, and applications. Several security issues in detecting irregular network performances are confronted by the CC environment. With the intention of solving these security issues, dual‐channel capsule generation adversarial network optimized with red fox optimization algorithm fostered intrusion detection framework (IDS‐CC‐DCCGAN‐RFOA) is proposed in this article, for securing the privacy attacks in CC environment. Initially, the data are taken from NSL‐KDD benchmark dataset. Then the data are given to the preprocessing segment. When using the developed random forest and local least squares in preprocessing segment, the redundancy, and missing values are purged. Then the output of preprocessing is given to the feature selection stage. In feature selection, the optimal features are extracted using univariate ensemble feature selection (UEFS) technique. Based on the optimal features, the data are classified into secured data and privacy attack data based on dual‐channel capsule generative adversarial network. Here, the weight of dual‐channel capsule generative adversarial network is optimally tuned using the red fox optimization algorithm for generating an effective and optimal solution to detect the intruders. The proposed IDS‐CC‐DCCGAN‐RFOA method is implemented in MATLAB. Here, the performance metrics, like accuracy, specificity, sensitivity, F‐score, precision, false positive rate, AUC are analyzed. Then, the proposed IDS‐CC‐CCGAN‐WSOA method provides 13.9367%, 11.12%, 13.268%, and 13.739% higher accuracy and 24.54%, 29.76%, 12.87%, and 34.21% higher sensitivity compared with the existing methods, like intrusion detection framework in cloud computing using deep belief network with salp swarm algorithm (IDS‐CC‐DBN‐CSSA), intrusion detection framework in cloud computing using deep neural network with improved genetic algorithm and simulated annealing algorithm (IDS‐CC‐DNN‐IGASAA), intrusion detection for cloud computing using multilayer perceptron neural network and artificial bee colony optimization algorithm (IDS‐CC‐MLPNN‐ABC), and intrusion detection for cloud computing using recurrent convolutional neural network with ant lion optimization algorithm (IDS‐CC‐RCNN‐ALO).
Improved implicit potential method for incompressible flows on a fully collocated mesh
Authors: Vafakos Georgios P. , Kafkas Angelos , Papadopoulos Polycarpos K.
Published: May 2022

In the present work, we present a new version of the pressure‐based implicit potential (IPOT) method for incompressible flows, which can be applied on a fully collocated mesh. The new version combines the IPOT algorithm with the Rhie and Chow (RC) technique, to produce solutions on collocated grids that are free of spurious pressure modes. The IPOT‐RC method retains all the benefits of the original algorithm, i.e. explicit velocity–pressure coupling, easy implementation and reduced iteration time, without requiring a special grid topology. The presentation of the IPOT‐RC method is accompanied by an extensive discussion on the cause of the spurious oscillations in zero‐div problems in general, and a possible cure that is linked to the RC technique. The IPOT‐RC method is validated through several benchmark problems including the lid‐driven cavity flow, flow over a backward facing step and direct numerical simulation of turbulent channel flow.
Trajectories of brain white matter development in young children with prenatal alcohol exposure
Authors: Kar Preeti , Reynolds Jess E. , Gibbard William Ben , McMorris Carly , Tortorelli Christina , Lebel Catherine
Published: May 2022

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is associated with alterations to brain white matter microstructure. Previous studies of PAE have demonstrated different findings in young children compared to older children and adolescents, suggesting altered developmental trajectories and highlighting the need for longitudinal research. 122 datasets in 54 children with PAE (27 males) and 196 datasets in 89 children without PAE (45 males) were included in this analysis. Children underwent diffusion tensor imaging between 2 and 8 years of age, returning approximately every 6 months. Mean fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) were obtained for 10 major brain white matter tracts and examined for age‐related changes using linear mixed effects models with age, sex, group (PAE vs. control) and an age‐by‐group interaction. Children with PAE had slower decreases of MD over time in the genu of the corpus callosum, inferior fronto‐occipital fasciculus, inferior longitudinal fasciculus, and uncinate fasciculus. No significant age‐by‐group interactions were noted for FA. These findings show slower white matter development in young children with PAE than in unexposed controls. This connects previous cross‐sectional findings of lower MD in young children with PAE to findings of higher MD in older children and adolescents with PAE, and further helps to understand brain development in children with PAE. This deviation from typical development trajectories may reflect altered brain plasticity, which has implications for cognitive and behavioral learning in children with PAE.
Depression mediates the association between insula‐frontal functional connectivity and social interaction anxiety
Authors: Zhao Weihua , Zhang Xiaolu , Zhou Xinqi , Song Xinwei , Zhang Zhao , Xu Lei , Zhou Feng , Kendrick Keith M.
Published: May 2022

High rates of comorbidity between depression and anxiety are frequently observed. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between depression and social interaction anxiety using a dimensional approach. The current study aimed to explore the associations between depression and social interaction anxiety with a multivariate approach in a comparably large dataset (n = 194, 95 males). All participants completed a structural and a resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scan and self‐report measures of depression via Beck's Depression Inventory II and social interaction anxiety by social interaction anxiety scale. Voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) results first identified grey matter volumes of insula were positively correlated with depression dimension scores. Next, whole brain seed‐to‐voxel analyses were conducted using a VBM‐identified insula as a seed region to examine associations between depression/social anxiety and functional connectivity. The results suggested that a significant positive effect of depression/social anxiety was found on the connectivity between insula and dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC). Moreover, variations in depression meditated the association between insula‐dlPFC connectivity and social interaction anxiety. Overall, the results indicate that individual differences in depression relate more to insula‐dlPFC coupling compared to social interaction anxiety.
The 2015 American Thyroid Association guidelines and trends in hemithyroidectomy utilization for pediatric thyroid cancer
Authors: Stein Eli , Raval Mehul V. , Hazkani Inbal , Reiter Audra , Josefson Jami L. , Samis Jill H. , Rastatter Jeffrey C.
Published: May 2022

Background

In 2015, the American Thyroid Association (ATA) released its inaugural recommendations for the management of thyroid cancer in children. We aim to evaluate whether there has been a change in hemithyroidectomy utilization for pediatric differentiated thyroid cancer, and the association between those changes and the release of the ATA guidelines.

Methods

The National Cancer Database was queried and identified 4776 patients ≤18 years old with differentiated thyroid cancer. Causal impact time‐series analysis and logistic analysis were utilized to assess factors associated with use of hemithyroidectomy.

Results

Post‐2015 hemithyroidectomy rate was greater than predicted based on preguideline trends (predicted: 8.4%, actual: 12.6%, p = 0.001). In logistic analysis of factors associated with hemithyroidectomy use, we find that Papillary histology, tumor size >1 cm, nodal examination, and positive nodes were associated with lower rate of hemithyroidectomy (OR: 0.23, 0.51, 0.62, and 0.18, respectively).

Conclusion

There has been a significant increase in hemithyroidectomy utilization for pediatric differentiated thyroid cancer.
Outcomes of carotid sparing intensity‐modulated radiotherapy for early stage glottic cancer in 201 patients: Multicenter study of Turkish Radiation Oncology Society/TROD‐01‐007
Authors: Bicakci Beyhan Ceylaner , Mustafayev Teuta Zoto , Cetinayak Oguz , Igdem Sefik , Birgi Sumerya Duru , Meydan Deniz , Demircioglu Fatih , Atalar Banu , Ozyar Enis , Akman Fadime
Published: May 2022

Background

To assess and report clinical outcomes after carotid sparing intensity‐modulated radiotherapy for early stage laryngeal cancer.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 201 patients with early stage glottic laryngeal cancer treated with carotid sparing intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)/volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) techniques in six TROD centers.

Results

After a median follow‐up of 31 months the actuarial 1‐ and 3‐year local and locoregional control rates were 99.4% and 94.7%, 98.4% and 93%, respectively. T classification, anterior commissure involvement, IMRT technique, and type of fractionation were not found to be prognostic for local control. Overall, eight patients had lost their organ function due to recurrence or toxicity. Grade 3 and 4 acute laryngeal edema was seen in eight (4%) and one (0.5%) of patients, respectively. Grade 3 and 4 late laryngeal edema developed in two (1%) and one patient (0.5%), respectively.

Conclusion

Oncologic outcomes of patients treated with carotid sparing IMRT were excellent; comparable with historical series, with acceptable side effects. Longer follow‐up is needed to estimate long term effect on stroke.
Australian women's information‐seeking preferences and needs in preparation for pregnancy
Authors: Lang Adina Y. , Harrison Cheryce L. , Boyle Jacqueline A.
Published: May 2022

Issue addressed

The preconception period provides opportunities for health behaviour optimisation for improved maternal and child well‐being. However, preconception information sources women engage with are not well‐known.

Methods

To address this gap, the current cross‐sectional study retrospectively explored (1) preconception information or advice accessed on recommended preconception health topics and (2) preferred sources of preconception information amongst pregnant women receiving care through Australian public and private maternity settings.

Results

Overall, 78% of women reported accessing any preconception health information, predominantly concerning achieving/maintaining a healthy weight, diet, folic acid and multivitamin supplementation. Preferred information sources included health professionals, e.g. general practitioners (74%) and the internet (66%), although source engagement varied.

Conclusions

Whilst women predominantly prefer seeking preconception health information from health professionals and the internet, multi‐modal resources are needed to reach women and enhance engagement with evidence‐based information and healthcare in preparation for pregnancy.

So what?

Evaluation of preconception health resources for women and health professionals is warranted, appraising their adequacy in supporting engagement with key preconception health messages. In particular, assessment of the quality, readability and evidence‐base of online resources is needed. Our findings highlight the need for public health experts to take action to raise awareness amongst women of the importance of preconception health, encourage health professional engagement for preconception care and direct women to more appropriate evidence‐based online resources.
Open and reproducible practices in developmental psychology research: The workflow of the WomCogDev lab as an example
Authors: Turoman Nora , Hautekiet Caro , Jeanneret Stéphanie , Valentini Beatrice , Langerock Naomi
Published: May 2022

The current paper presents an overview of the workflow of the Working Memory, Cognition and Development (WomCogDev) lab at the University of Geneva, Switzerland, as an example of how Open Science principles can be applied in a developmental psychology lab. We describe the importance and challenges of applying Open Science practices in developmental research and detail each step of our workflow from research design to dissemination. We provide examples and give emphasis to steps that typically receive little attention but that may hold promise for application in other labs (namely, project design, data collection and data analysis). Finally, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of our workflow and summarize the main takeaways for other labs. By ‘opening up’ our lab's workflow, we want to encourage other labs to incorporate the aspects that they like into their own workflows and to share their own processes for the continued benefit of others.
Psychological patterns of poverty in Russia: Relationships among socioeconomic conditions, motivation, self‐regulation and well‐being
Authors: Poluektova Olga , Efremova Maria , Breugelmans Seger M.
Published: May 2022

This article aims to extend our understanding of the link between socioeconomic conditions and psychological variables. It focuses on the effects of five distinct socioeconomic indicators on a range of psychological variables in samples of 162 individuals living below the poverty line and 188 of their more well‐off counterparts in Russia. Participants completed a questionnaire containing measures of socioeconomic indicators (i.e., income, education, perceived deprivation, subjective socioeconomic status, and childhood socioeconomic status) and psychological variables representing self‐regulation, motivation, and well‐being. Our main findings include: (a) significant effects of socioeconomic status on all psychological variables, which are in line with other studies seeking to answer similar questions, (b) varying importance of different socioeconomic indicators for different psychological variables, and (c) centrality of all socioeconomic indicators except childhood socioeconomic status, and of values of openness to change and self‐transcendence, satisfaction with life and self‐esteem in the network of relationships between socioeconomic indicators and psychological variables.
A comparative analysis of deep neural network architectures for the dynamic diagnosis of COVID‐19 based on acoustic cough features
Authors: Sunitha Gurram , Arunachalam Rajesh , Abd‐Elnaby Mohammed , Eid Mahmoud M. A. , Rashed Ahmed Nabih Zaki
Published: May 2022

The study aims to assess the detection performance of a rapid primary screening technique for COVID‐19 that is purely based on the cough sound extracted from 2200 clinically validated samples using laboratory molecular testing (1100 COVID‐19 negative and 1100 COVID‐19 positive). Results and severity of samples based on quantitative RT‐PCR (qRT‐PCR), cycle threshold, and patient lymphocyte numbers were clinically labeled. Our suggested general methods consist of a tensor based on audio characteristics and deep‐artificial neural network classification with deep cough convolutional layers, based on the dilated temporal convolution neural network (DTCN). DTCN has approximately 76% accuracy, 73.12% in TCN, and 72.11% in CNN‐LSTM which have been trained at a learning rate of 0.2%, respectively. In our scenario, CNN‐LSTM can no longer be employed for COVID‐19 predictions, as they would generally offer questionable forecasts. In the previous stage, we discussed the exactness of the total cases of TCN, dilated TCN, and CNN‐LSTM models which were truly predicted. Our proposed technique to identify COVID‐19 can be considered as a robust and in‐demand technique to rapidly detect the infection. We believe it can considerably hinder the COVID‐19 pandemic worldwide.
Field evaluation of an explicit infiltration function for conventional and alternate furrow irrigation
Authors: Dialameh Babak , Ebrahimian Hamed , Parsinejad Masoud
Published: May 2022

Surface irrigation models should take two‐dimensional infiltration of water in furrows into account for better representation and more accuracy. The Warrick–Lazarovitch infiltration model (W–L model) has been proposed to estimate the two‐dimensional infiltration of water in furrow irrigation. This model consists of several parameters, including γ as an empirical parameter, which is often obtained through calibration of the model. This study aimed to evaluate the W–L model performance in determining the cumulative and lateral infiltrations under conventional furrow irrigation (CFI) and alternate furrow irrigation (AFI) schemes and two different initial and boundary conditions. The results indicate that the W–L model adequately estimated the cumulative and lateral infiltration, and the two‐dimensional infiltration was estimated with less error than the lateral infiltration. In both irrigation schemes, for an increased surface boundary head from 5 to 10 cm and for a reduced initial water content from 0.21 to 0.16 cm3/cm3, the value of γ would increase. Generally, γ values in AFI were greater than those in CFI. The W–L model estimated the two‐dimensional infiltration with more accuracy than the relative lateral infiltration for both CFI and AFI. Proper representation of infiltration is important in both irrigation management and in tracing footprints of chemicals used in agriculture.
Minimization of deep percolation by a parabolic simulation model in a blocked end furrow irrigation method
Authors: Kilic Murat
Published: May 2022

Surface irrigation methods enable a lower cost of investment and energy requirements than pressurized systems if they are designed and managed properly. The aim of this investigation was to devise a new simulation model that would enable the determination of the optimum water application time and furrow length in a blocked end furrow system. The infiltration properties of the soil, net irrigation water requirement of the crop and inflow to the furrow constitute the main variables of this process. Deep percolation and the cross‐sectional area of the wetting pattern where the net irrigation water requirement of the crop is met along the furrow are the main components that were simulated interactively in the model. They were described as a function of time. The proposed model devised in this investigation was run for two different sample applications. While values of 93 and 94% water application efficiencies were obtained by running the USDA SCS method for the first and second sample applications, respectively, values of 92 and 94% were obtained, respectively, from the proposed model. These results indicate that the proposed model can be used in the design of a blocked end furrow system.
Blood pressure reduction as a result of the Boxville Vitals partnership
Authors: Wu Anna , Snell Brittney Nicole , Younge Jewel Sophia
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Boxville Vitals is a blood pressure and blood glucose testing site in Chicago Illinois facilitated by students and faculty of the University of Illinois Chicago College of Pharmacy during the weekly arrival of a mobile produce grocer to Boxville Marketplace. Boxville Vitals focuses on trust‐building and accessibility of care.

Objectives

The primary objective was to build community engagement by increasing weekly participation and secondarily, to observe a change in blood pressure among returning patrons.

Methods

Blood pressure and blood glucose testing was offered from August through October 2021. Patients were “nudged” to care through a “stress‐free” approach. No diagnoses were made. Only “new” vs “returning” status was recorded. Weekly attendance was used to measure engagement. A Mann‐Whitney U test was performed using Prism to compare mean reductions in blood pressures among “new” and “returning” patrons.

Results

Of 84 results collected, 65 were blood pressures; 48 new and 17 returning results. The 8‐week program elicited robust engagement; 21% returned for follow‐up. A mean reduction of 13.95 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure (95% confidence interval, P < .02) was found between the two groups.

Conclusion

Boxville Vitals shows that an intrinsically motivated population can be meaningfully served by bringing care within reach. Clinically significant reductions in systolic blood pressures were found.
Extracellular vesicles from lung tissue drive bone marrow neutrophil recruitment in inflammation
Authors: Liu Bowen , Jin Yuan , Yang Jingyi , Han Yue , Shan Hui , Qiu Mantang , Zhao Xuyang , Liu Anhang , Jin Yan , Yin Yuxin
Published: May 2022

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are single‐membrane vesicles that play an essential role in long‐range intercellular communications. EV investigation has been explored largely through cell‐culture systems, but it remains unclear how physiological EVs exert homeostatic or pathological functions in vivo. Here, we report that lung EVs promote chemotaxis of neutrophils in bone marrow through delivery of double stranded DNA (dsDNA). We have identified and characterized EVs containing dsDNA collected from both human and murine lung tissues using newly developed approaches. Our analysis of EV proteomics together with single‐cell RNA sequencing data reveals that type II alveolar epithelial cells are the main source of the lung EVs. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the lung EVs accumulate in bone marrow and enhance neutrophil recruitment under inflammation conditions. Moreover, lung EV‐DNA stimulates neutrophils to release the chemokines CXCL1 and CXCL2 via DNA‐TLR9 signalling. Our findings establish a molecular basis of lung EVs in enhancement of host immune response to bacterial infection and provide new insights into understanding of vesicle‐mediated systematic communications.
Optimized cascade fractional‐order 3DOF‐controller for frequency regulation of a hybrid power system using marine predators algorithm
Authors: Patel Vivek , Guha Dipayan , Purwar Shubhi
Published: May 2022

This article investigates the competence of a cascade fractional‐order three‐degree‐of‐freedom (CC‐FO‐3DOF) controller for power‐frequency regulation of a hybrid wind‐diesel (hyWD) power system subjected to continuous load variation and unknown/uncertain wind power perturbation. The proposed cascade controller utilizes fractional‐order 3DOF‐PID and tilt‐integral‐derivative controllers as slave and master controllers, respectively, to ensure fast disturbance rejection and high damping of power‐frequency oscillations. A disturbance observer is designed to estimate system states and unknown/uncertain wind velocity. Subsequently, an improved control law is designed by augmenting the disturbance estimation, which ensures a higher degree of robustness of the closed‐loop system against disturbances. Marine Predators algorithm (MPA) is applied to search near‐optimum settings of the proposed controller, exercising an integral error‐based objective function. The effectiveness of the proposed controller is demonstrated by comparing results with the outputs of other prevalent controllers reported in the state‐of‐art. Extensive analysis of the presented results establishes the superiority of the MPA‐tuned CC‐FO‐3DOF controller in terms of maximum peak overshoot, frequency nadir, speed of response, and steady‐state accuracy. Finally, the robust closed‐loop stability of the investigated hyWD system has been affirmed applying Kharitonov's stability method, considering dynamic variation in system parameters.
The investigation of the signal radiation mechanism of differentGSG‐pads connection methods
Authors: Song Zelin , Liu Huihua , Mawuli Ernest Smith , Yu Yiming , Zhao Chenxi , Wu Yunqiu , Tang Hongyan , Kang Kai
Published: May 2022

GSG‐PADs are mostly used structures in Integrated Circuits design. As the operating frequency increases, the coupling effect between the input and output GSG‐PADs is enhanced significantly. This causes signal energy leakage and impacts on the performance of adjacent devices in the system. Beyond microwave frequency, the coupling effect between the input and output of the GSG‐PADs is not only negligible but also varies in magnitude with respect to the connection methods of the GSG‐PADs in the circuit. Therefore, investigating the signal radiation properties of different GSG‐PADs connection methods is essential. Hence, three structures with different input and output ground PAD connection methods have been experimented. Based on the theoretical analysis of the electromagnetic field distribution between the pad network, a corresponding equivalent circuit model has been developed for the three structures. To validate the proposed model, the test structures were fabricated in 0.18 μm CMOS process and measured up to 67 GHz. The root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) of the magnitude of return loss and that of insertion loss are less than 0.013 and 0.003, respectively, when the measurement result is compared with the performance results of the proposed model. Finally, establish the complete model of the DUT and test pads to further verify the accuracy of the proposed two‐port GSG‐PADs model. Hence, the findings of the investigation can provide a theoretical basis for optimizing related layout in integrated circuit design.
Low dietary inclusion levels of Tenebrio molitor larva meal slightly modify growth performance, carcass and meat traits of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)
Authors: Secci Giulia , Dabbou Sihem , Lira de Medeiros Adja Cristina , Addeo Nicola F. , Atallah Elie , Parisi Giuliana , Moniello Giuseppe , Bovera Fulvia
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

Insect‐derived proteins are a promising, valuable and permitted ingredient for poultry feed. However, more emphasis should be given to their effects on avian species different from chicken, such as quail (Coturnix coturnix), whose rearing represents an important activity. The present paper provides novel information about the impact of graded dietary levels of Tenebrio molitor (TM) larvae meal on quail growth and meat quality.

RESULTS

Four diets were formulated with graded inclusion levels of TM, namely 1.65, 3.3 and 6.6 g on 100 g feed (T1.65, T3.3, T6.6, respectively) to partially replace the conventional proteins of a control diet (C). A total of 192 birds were allotted to one of the groups and fed for 35 days. The inclusion of TM meal linearly increased feed conversion ratio, and decreased carcass and breast weight. Texture and water holding capacity of meat were linearly reduced with increasing TM in diet, while fatty acid composition was not affected. However, the meat from quails fed diets including TM was subject to greater thermal damage than the C group; hence further studies are encouraged.

CONCLUSION

TM meal inclusion at higher levels than 1.65% slightly impaired the growth performance of Japanese quails. Negligible effects on physical properties such as colour, texture, cooking loss and also on the fatty acid profile of the raw and cooked meat was found after including TM in quails’ diet up to 3.3%. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Small fish eat smaller fish: A model of interaction strength in early life stages of two tuna species
Authors: Ottmann Daniel , Reglero Patricia , Alemany Francisco , Alvarez‐Berastegui Diego , Martín Melissa , Fiksen Øyvind
Published: May 2022

Fish larvae are rarely a major driver of fish mortality, but tunas can produce large batches of larvae that rapidly develop the capacity to kill other fish. We combine a model for the killing potential from Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) larvae on larval albacore (ALB) with field observations at a major spawning ground. Both species spawn from June to August, but BFT has a narrow spawning peak at the beginning of the season that results in priority effects. Our model shows that, following a recent stock recovery, BFT larvae have increased their killing pressure, leaving areas of up to 1000 km2 with < 1% chance of ALB daily survival. Such increase in killing pressure suggests larval ALB has reduced chances to survive; yet in large areas with few BFT, other drivers of early survival prevail over BFT predation. This shows that strong predatory interactions can occur during larval stages in some fishes.
Correcting estimations of copepod volume from two‐dimensional images
Authors: Dubois Cédric , Irisson Jean‐Olivier , Debreuve Eric
Published: May 2022

Accurate plankton biomass estimations are essential to study marine ecological processes and biogeochemical cycles. This is particularly true for copepods, which dominate mesozooplankton. Such estimations can efficiently be computed from organism volume estimated from images. However, imaging devices only provide two‐dimensional (2D) projections of three‐dimensional objects. The classical procedures to retrieve volumes, based on the equivalent spherical diameter (ESD) or the best‐fitting ellipse, are biased. Here, we present a method to correct these biases. First, a new method aims to measure body area and fit an ellipse. Then, the body of copepods is modeled as an ellipsoid whose 2D silhouette is mathematically derived. Samples of copepod bodies are simulated with realistic shapes/sizes and random orientations. Their total volume is estimated from their silhouettes using the two classical methods and a correction factor is computed, relative to the known, total, volume. On real data, individual orientations and volumes are unknown but the correction factor still holds for the total volume of a large number of organisms. The correction is around −20% for the ESD method and + 10% for the ellipse method. When applied to a database of 150,000 images of copepods captured by the Underwater Vision Profiler, the corrections decreased the gap between the two methods by a factor of 54. In addition, the same procedure is used to evaluate the consequence of the bias in the estimation of individual volumes on the slopes of normalized biovolume size spectra and show that they are, fortunately, not sensitive to the bias.
The impact of voluntary assurance of CSR reports on firms' operating performance: Evidence from Taiwan
Authors: Kuo Li‐Chun , Lee Chia‐Lin , Lee Yun‐Ting
Published: May 2022

This paper investigates the impact of the voluntary assurance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports on firms' operating performance. Using data from listed firms in Taiwan to test three theory‐driven hypotheses, we found that the voluntary assurance of CSR reports may not lead to firms' positive performance. However, both voluntary dual‐assurance and high confidence levels of assurance for CSR reports can positively influence such performance. We offer incremental insights into expanding the CSR literature by elaborating the importance of voluntary assurance. We suggest that firms voluntarily assure their CSR reports with a higher confidence level to further improve their performance.
Design of static and dynamic ridge filters for FLASH–IMPT: A simulation study
Authors: Zhang Guoliang , Gao Wenchao , Peng Hao
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This paper focused on the design and optimization of ridge filter–based intensity‐modulated proton therapy (IMPT), and its potential applications for FLASH. Differing from the standard pencil beam scanning (PBS) mode, no energy/layer switching is required and total treatment time can be shortened.

Methods

Unique dose‐influence matrices were generated as a proton beam traverses through slabs of different thicknesses (i.e., modulation by different layers). To establish the references for comparison, conventional IMPT plans (single field) were created using a large‐scale nonlinear solver. The spot weights from the reference IMPT plans were used as inputs for optimizing the design of ridge filters. Two designs were evaluated: model A (static) and model B (dynamic). The ridge filter designs were first verified (by GEANT4 simulation) in a water phantom and then in an H&N case. A direct comparison was made between the GEANT4 simulation results of two models and their respective references, with regard to plan quality, dose‐averaged dose rate, and total treatment time.

Results

In both the water phantom and the H&N case, two models are able to modulate dose distributions with high conformity, showing no significant difference relative to the reference plans. Dose rate–volume histograms suggest that in order to achieve a dose rate of 40 Gy/s over 90% PTV, the beam intensity needs to be 2.5 × 1011 protons/s for both models. For a fraction dose of 10 Gy, the total treatment time (including both irradiation time and dead time) can be shortened by a factor of 4.9 (model A) and 6.5 (model B), relative to the reference plans.

Conclusion

Two proposed designs (both static and dynamic) can be used for PBS–IMPT requiring no layer switching. They are promising candidates for FLASH‐IMPT capable of reducing treatment time and achieving high dose rates while maintaining dose conformity simultaneously.
Extraction of cellulose nanocrystals from red banana peduncle agro‐waste and application in environmentally friendly biocomposite film
Authors: K. J. Nagarajan , M. R. Sanjay , K. Sathick Basha , G. R. Raghav , R. Ashok Kumar , S. Siengchin , B. Surya Rajan , P. Sabari Nath , Khan Anish
Published: May 2022

The agricultural waste dumped onto the land is creating an environmental problem. The conversion of those easily available agro‐wastes into value‐added nano reinforcement materials for biopolymers is an alternative method of waste utilization and minimization. In the current study, the red banana peduncle (RBP) waste was used as a precursor in the extraction of carboxylated cellulose nanocrystals (CCNCs) by alkalization, acidified chlorination citric acid hydrolysis, as well as the assessment of its reinforcing capability in polyvinyl alcohol. The characterization of the extracted CCNCs is analyzed through electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), respectively. The CCNCs exhibit a rod‐like shape (235 ± 20 nm length and 17.2 ± 6 nm width) with a high crystallinity of 89.7%, a negative zeta potential (−48 mV), and good thermal resistivity against degradation up to 280 °C. Furthermore, the effects of CCNCs integration on the bionanocomposite films' tensile, optical, bio decomposition, and thermal behavior were examined. The bionanocomposite film with improved physical, functional, thermal and bio decomposition characteristics offers the possibility for active packaging applications.