bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ownership, institutions, and the agency of M&A completion
Authors: Lindner Thomas , Müllner Jakob , Puhr Harald
Published: September 2023

Research Summary

In this paper, we study how variations in debt and equity ownership and the institutions that govern interactions between different types of principals and agents affect the completion likelihood of acquisitions. Using a sample of 55,722 acquisitions, our study finds that risk‐averse debtholders reduce the completion likelihood of acquisitions. When acquisitions cross borders, the acquiring capital providers become exposed to institutional environments that have evolved to prioritize different ideologies or principals because of the structure and customers of local capital markets. As a result, institutional duality in home and target countries reduces the completion likelihood of acquisitions. Our study integrates varieties of capitalism arguments and firm‐level agency conflicts and highlights the theoretical importance of capital markets and their concentration.

Managerial Summary

An acquisition is a highly consequential negotiation process between managers and capital providers of a firm. Based on their evaluation of a potential deal, managers propose acquisitions to capital providers who either accept it or pressure managers into withdrawing from the announced deal. This study considers firms' capital structure and cross‐national differences in the governing institutions to explain the resistance of capital providers against announced acquisitions. In particular, it points to the fear of capital providers losing control of their firms as a driver of their resistance against cross‐border acquisitions. However, when a favorable capital‐market structure in the target's home country alleviates the fears of capital providers, their resistance weakens.
Stop being a wuss: People's perceptions of men experiencing grief in Australia
Authors: Kiaos Theaanna
Published: September 2023

Issue Addressed

Three years have passed since the Australian Government's Department of Health released its National Men's Health Strategy 2020–2030. Presently, little evidence is available to show whether the strategy has achieved success in rectifying men's mental‐ill health, particularly the experience of stigma when expressing vulnerable emotions such as grief. Concurrently, research within the field of psychology continues to show that men experience significant pressure to conform faithfully to their socialised gender role. Given the focus to better men's mental health in Australia, this study ascertained people's perceptions of men experiencing grief.

Methods

The study adopted social constructionism to explore how participants perceived a fictious character living with grief using a hypothetical vignette by way of convenience sampling. Nine males and seven females who resided in Australia participated in answering seven questions concerning the character's experience of grief.

Results

Inductive thematic analysis yielded three themes which collectively represented perceptions of masculinised grief. Notably, avoid stigma by fixing grief, avoid stigma by quickly getting over grief, and avoid stigma by suppressing the expression of grief.

So What?

The study suggests that a stronger research focus should be targeted towards rectifying stigma resulting from men's expression of vulnerable emotions by incorporating in depth interviews in order to create worthwhile public awareness initiatives. Such initiatives should seek to minimise societal pressures that are placed upon men to ensure conformity to dominant masculine ideologies and their socialised gendered role when experiencing and expressing vulnerable emotions such as grief.
Gastrointestinal symptoms among COVID‐19 patients presenting to a primary health care center of Nepal: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Gurung Shekhar , Karki Saurab , Pathak Bishnu Deep , Yadav Gopal K. , Bhatta Gaurab , Thapa Sumin , Banmala Sabin , Thapa Anil J. , Roka Kumar
Published: September 2023

Background and Aim

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is a major public health problem causing significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Apart from respiratory symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort are quite common among COVID‐19 patients. The gastrointestinal tract can be a potential site for virus replication and feces a source of transmission. Thus, ignorance of enteric symptoms can hinder effective disease control. The objective of this study is to see the gastrointestinal manifestation of the disease and its effect on morbidity and mortality.

Methods

This observational cross‐sectional retrospective study was carried out among 165 laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19 patients in primary health care of Gorkha, Nepal from March 1, 2021 to March 1, 2022. A systematic random sampling method was adopted while data were entered and analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21.

Results

Of 165 patients, 97 patients (58.78%) had enteric involvement. Among gastrointestinal symptoms, diarrhea in 67 patients (40.6%) and nausea and/or vomiting in 66 patients (40%) were the most common symptoms, followed by abdominal pain in 27 patients (16.4%) and anorexia in 19 patients (11.5%). Of the majority of cases with gastrointestinal involvement, 63 (63%) were below 50 years of age. Many of the patients who received vaccination had gastrointestinal symptoms (79%). Complications like acute respiratory distress syndrome, shock, and arrhythmia developed in 9.7% of patients, with the death of eight patients. COVID‐19 vaccination was associated with 4.32 times higher odds of having gastrointestinal involvement in subsequent COVID‐19 infection.

Conclusions

Diarrhea followed by nausea/vomiting was among the most common gastrointestinal symptoms affecting younger age groups in our study. Enteric symptoms were more common among vaccinated people rather than among nonvaccinated ones.
Incidence trends of primary liver cancer in different geographical regions of China from 1978 to 2012 and projections to 2032: An age‐period‐cohort analysis
Authors: Jiang Lin , Zhao Ningxuan , Xu Minghan , Pei Jiao , Lin Yidie , Yao Qiang , Hu Meijing , Zhu Cairong
Published: September 2023

China accounted for 45.3% of new cases of primary liver cancer (PLC) worldwide in 2020. While variations in PLC incidence between different regions of China and decreasing incidence in overall China have been reported, incidence patterns have not been thoroughly explored by region. We examined the nearly status and temporal trends of PLC incidence in different geographical regions in China and project future trends. The age‐standardized incidence rate (ASR) was estimated for 1978 to 2012 by different geographical regions and gender in China. Age‐period‐cohort model was adopted to evaluate age and birth cohort effects on the temporal trend of five registries of China (Hong Kong, Shanghai, Jiashan, Harbin and Zhongshan), Bayesian age‐period‐cohort model was adopted to project future trends for 2013 to 2032. PLC incidence in China exhibits marked geographical disparity, with the highest incidence in Southwest China, and gender differences being particularly pronounced in South China. While other registries exhibited decreasing trend, Zhongshan exhibited an increasing trend, with the cohort effect showing a marked upward trend for females born in 1916 to 1949 and males born in 1916 to 1962. During 2013 to 2032, the ASR appears to increase by 86.9% for men and 40.0% for women in Zhongshan, while the remaining registries will decline by around 50%. Since the high incidence of hepatitis B virus infection in early birth cohort, recent rise of nonviral risk factors and the severe aging of the Chinese population, it may be critical to tailor future prevention and control strategies for PLC to the distribution of risk factors in different geographical regions.
Irrigation management by a private irrigation operator (PIO) under a fixed‐term management contract: An alternative approach to managing irrigation in Nepal
Authors: Parajuli Umesh Nath
Published: September 2023

Most of the agency‐built surface irrigation systems in Nepal the operation and maintenance (O&M) of which are being managed by irrigation agencies jointly with farmers are not performing satisfactorily. The unreliable delivery of irrigation services to farmers is one of the reasons for this. Thus, the most important challenge in the past and in the present is how to enhance the delivery of irrigation services to farmers.

If one examines the private sector management of other public enterprises, they are efficiently delivering services to their clients. Considering this aspect, the government of Nepal recognized that irrigation systems or parts of them may also be managed through private irrigation operators (PIOs) under a fixed‐term management contract to enhance their service delivery.

This paper analyses the O&M of jointly managed irrigation systems (JMISs) and suggests that a lack of capacity, accountability and incentive mechanisms on the part of irrigation agencies are the principal causes pertaining to the deficient delivery of irrigation services in them. It further suggests that introducing PIOs in managing the operation and maintenance of part of the JMISs can address these causes. The paper argues that the said PIO approach is viable from financial, technical and managerial perspectives.
Cross‐sectional HIV and HCV cascades of care across the regions of Ukraine between 2019 and 2020: findings from the CARE cohort
Authors: Fursa Olga , Reekie Joanne , Kuzin Ihor , Hetman Larysa , Kryshchuk Alina , Starychenko Olena , Hrytsaiuk Nana , Khodus Inna , Nyzhnyk Alla , Rakhuba Viktoriia , Kovalevska Maryna , Maistat Tetiana , Pryhoda Iryna , Ahieieva Marianna , Varvarovska Olena , Valdenmaiier Olena , Lundgren Jens , Peters Lars ,   the CARE study group
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Eastern Europe is facing major HIV and hepatitis C (HCV) epidemics, with many people living with HIV (PLHIV) and HIV/HCV coinfection living in Ukraine. Despite the previous progress towards care quality improvement, the ongoing war in Ukraine is disrupting HIV and HCV care.

Methods

We described an HIV cascade of care (CoC) in PLHIV from two clinical sites and an HCV CoC for anti‐HCV‐positive PLHIV from six sites in Ukraine, enrolled in the CARE cohort between 1 January 2019 and 1 June 2020. The cross‐sectional HIV CoC and HCV CoC are described at study enrolment.

Results

Of 1028 PLHIV, 1014 (98.6%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 97.7–99.3) were on antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 876 (86.4% of those on ART, 95% CI 84.1–88.4) were virologically suppressed. Of 894 participants on ART >6 months, 90.8% (95% CI 88.7–92.6) were virologically suppressed (HIV‐RNA <200 copies/ml). Of 2040 anti‐HCV‐positive PLHIV, 417 (20.4%, 95% CI 18.7–22.3) were ever tested for HCV‐RNA prior to enrolment, ranging from 4.9% to 54.4% across sites, and 13.5% were currently HCV‐RNA positive. One hundred and eighteen persons (7.3% of ever chronically infected) had received HCV treatment, and 25 persons (1.6% of ever chronically infected) were cured, with variations across sites (0%–7.5%). The site diagnosing 54.4% of people with chronic HCV was the only one providing free RNA testing for all anti‐HCV‐positive persons, while the intra‐country differences in treatment coverage were driven by the number of available direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) courses.

Conclusions

Over 98% of PLHIV in care in both CARE sites in Ukraine were receiving ART, and the target of 90% virally suppressed was achieved in persons >6 months on ART. Only one of six HIV/HCV study sites tested over 50% anti‐HCV‐positive PLHIV for HCV‐RNA and treated over 25% of eligible persons. While free HCV‐RNA testing and DAA treatment are paramount to achieving HCV elimination targets, they remained a challenge in Ukraine in 2019–2020. The extent of the HIV and HCV care disruption during the war will be further assessed in the CARE cohort and compared with the pre‐war findings.
Hyperspectral imaging to assess wine grape quality
Authors: Gabrielli Mario , Ounaissi Daoud , Lançon‐Verdier Vanessa , Julien Séverine , Le Meurlay Dominique , Maury Chantal
Published: September 2023

Background

Grape composition is of high interest for producing quality wines. For that, grape analyses are necessary, and require sample preparation, whether with classical analyses or with NIR analyses. The aim of the study was to test the ability of hyperspectral imaging (HSI), a nondestructive analysis to assess their composition. For that, seven grape varieties were analyzed for two vintages. Partial least squares (PLS) and discriminate (PLS‐DA) and PLS‐R were realized respectively in order to classify the berries, to validate the data sets, and to provide models to assess grape composition after a 1st derivative data pretreatment.

Results

HSI allowed a 100% good classification of the grape varieties. It showed good results to assess technological ripening parameters (sugar and acid contents) as well as phenolic content (TPI, Total Phenolics, Total Anthocyanins, Total Flavonoids, and their extractable equivalents) (globally R2 > 0.81). However, it was not possible to reach the color intensity of grapes.

Conclusion

HSI led to generate good models to assess wine grape composition. The quality of the generated models was dependent on the color of grapes and the parameter considered.
Effect of drying temperature and storage time on the crispiness of homemade apple snacks
Authors: Fernandes Lisete , Fernandes José R. , Nunes Fernando M. , Tavares Pedro B.
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

The apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) plays an important role in the trendy market of dried snacks because of its exceptional flavor and texture. In addition to the health benefits, there is also a general disposition to consume organic and do‐it‐yourself products.

RESULTS

Three different drying temperatures, 65, 75, and 85 °C, were tested using a commercial ventilated drying oven in ‘Royal Gala’ and ‘Golden Delicious’ cultivars. Physical changes, including texture, color, shrinkage ratio, and microstructure, were evaluated for the temperatures and cultivars considered. Based on the results, particularly in terms of shrinkage, hardness, and crispiness, a drying temperature of 75 °C was selected to perform texture profile analyses throughout the drying period. Storability conditions were evaluated to determine the best moment to maintain the physical properties of the dried snacks during storage. Considered the more important property related to consumer preferences, crispiness was followed with puncture tests.

CONCLUSION

The storage of apple chips, dried at the various temperatures, that must be performed in 5–10 min after removing from the drying oven, was assessed over the course of a month. Both the drying process and the subsequent storage proved effective in preserving the desired texture of the apple snacks, regardless of the specific cultivar or drying temperature used. Through this study, with a refined understanding of the changes occurring during the drying process and the optimization of storage conditions, we can confidently offer consumers the best combination of crispy and healthy snacks that meet their expectations. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Impact of autophagy inhibition on intervertebral disc cells and extracellular matrix
Authors: Kritschil Rebecca , Li Vivian , Wang Dong , Dong Qing , Silwal Prashanta , Finkel Toren , Lee Joon , Sowa Gwendolyn , Vo Nam
Published: September 2023

Background

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a leading contributor to low back pain (LBP). Autophagy, strongly activated by hypoxia and nutrient starvation, is a vital intracellular quality control process that removes damaged proteins and organelles to recycle them for cellular biosynthesis and energy production. While well‐established as a major driver of many age‐related diseases, autophagy dysregulation or deficiency has yet been confirmed to cause IDD.

Methods

In vitro, rat nucleus pulposus (NP) cells treated with bafilomycin A1 to inhibit autophagy were assessed for glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content, proteoglycan synthesis, and cell viability. In vivo, a transgenic strain (Col2a1‐Cre; Atg7fl/fl) mice were successfully generated to inhibit autophagy primarily in NP tissues. Col2a1‐Cre; Atg7fl/fl mouse intervertebral discs (IVDs) were evaluated for biomarkers for apoptosis and cellular senescence, aggrecan content, and histological changes up to 12 months of age.

Results

Here, we demonstrated inhibition of autophagy by bafilomycin produced IDD features in the rat NP cells, including increased apoptosis and cellular senescence (p21CIP1) and decreased expression of disc matrix genes Col2a1 and Acan. H&E histologic staining showed significant but modest degenerative changes in NP tissue of Col2a1‐Cre; Atg7fl/fl mice compared to controls at 6 and 12 months of age. Intriguingly, 12‐month‐old Col2a1‐Cre; Atg7fl/fl mice did not display increased loss of NP proteoglycan. Moreover, markers of apoptosis (cleaved caspase‐3, TUNEL), and cellular senescence (p53, p16INK4a, IL‐1β, TNF‐α) were not affected in 12‐month‐old Col2a1‐Cre; Atg7fl/fl mice compared to controls. However, p21CIP1and Mmp13 gene expression were upregulated in NP tissue of 12‐month‐old Col2a1‐Cre; Atg7fl/fl mice compared to controls, suggesting p21CIP1‐mediated cellular senescence resulted from NP‐targeted Atg7 knockout might contribute to the observed histological changes.

Conclusion

The absence of overt IDD features from disrupting Atg7‐mediated macroautophagy in NP tissue implicates other compensatory mechanisms, highlighting additional research needed to elucidate the complex biology of autophagy in regulating age‐dependent IDD.
Land degradation and its impact on agricultural productivity: The case of India
Authors: Gorain Subrata , Kuriachen Philip , Kumar C. Vimal , Suresh A.
Published: September 2023

Land degradation has emerged as one of the pivotal concerns for Indian agriculture in the 21st century. With rapid modernization and intensification of agricultural operations, land degradation has also increased simultaneously. This study estimates the losses accruing to agriculture from land degradation. On an average, land degradation results in losses in agriculture productivity amounting to INR 3654 per hectare annually (at 2011–12 prices). Further, a reduction in land degradation by 10% would reduce direct economic losses accruing from land degradation to INR 3145 per hectare to INR 3654 per hectare. Examination of state‐level cross section reveals that annual losses accruing from land degradation vary considerably across states. A vulnerability matrix is formulated using four parameters to place the states (sub‐national agricultural units) in the order of vulnerability to land degradation. Further, we estimate that an increase in land degradation by 1% could lead to loss of agricultural productivity by INR 104 per hectare on average (2004–05 prices). The findings of the study indicate that the adoption of land and water conservation measures stands to increase the gross value added to agriculture by reducing economic losses accruing from land.
Bio‐Based Vitrimeric Silicone Materials with High‐Strength, Reprocessable, Healing, and Transparent Properties
Authors: Fan Xuexuan , Wang Linlin , Feng Shengyu , Li Lei
Published: September 2023

Developing reprocessable polymeric materials from earth‐abundant elements and renewable biomass is attractive for dealing with fossil resource crisis and achieving sustainable development. Based on the unique reactivity of biomass‐derived gluconolactone, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) terminated with glucosamide groups is synthesized and used for preparing a series of silicone boronic ester based vitrimers. The whole preparation process is quite straightforward without any purification required and highly efficient with water as the only byproduct. The mechanical properties of obtained vitrimers can be precisely controlled by adjusting the content of 1,4‐benzenediboronic acid or the molecular weight of PDMS precursor, producing boronic ester based vitrimers ranging from soft elastomers to rigid plastics. The obtained vitrimers exhibit excellent thermal stability, robust reprocessability, and efficient healing capacity. By encapsulating green‐emitting CsPbBr3 nanocrystals, these materials are fabricated into hydrophobic, transparent, and luminescent coatings, promising for applications in flexible optical devices.
Meta‐analysis of the use of Ofatumumab in the treatment of relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Odutola Peter Olujimi , Olorunyomi Peter Oluwatobi , Olatawura Olanrewaju Olamide , Olorunyomi Ifeoluwapo , Madojutimi Olukayode Oluyinka , Okeke Uju , Fatunsin Ayomide O. , Eneh Victoria
Published: September 2023

Background

Ofatumumab is the first monoclonal antibody developed specifically for treating relapsed multiple sclerosis (RMS). This disease (Multiple Sclerosis) includes relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), a chronic autoimmune illness that affects the central nervous system (CNS), including the brain and spinal cord. The purpose of this study is to determine whether Ofatumumab is efficacious and safe in the treatment of relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis.

Methods

An analysis of studies comparing Ofatumumab with placebo in people with relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis was done in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. We looked up information in MEDLINE, SciSearch, BIOSIS Previews, Derwent Drug File, Embase, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts. In patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis, randomized double‐blind and non‐randomized trials contrasting Ofatumumab with placebo were found by two independent investigators. Utilizing Review Manager 5.4.1, data were examined. The main results were total gadolinium‐enhancing (Gd+) T1 lesions, annualized relapse rate, and new or expanding total T2 lesions. Secondary outcomes concentrated on general adverse events and adverse events related to infections.

Results

Three studies were included involving 334 patients, and the meta‐analysis indicated that Ofatumumab showed good efficacy and safety in patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. The annual rate of relapse was significantly reduced by Ofatumumab (OR 0.51; 95% CI 0.27, 0.98; P = 0.04). Ofatumumab reduced the number of gadolinium‐enhancing (Gd+) T1 lesions per scan (Mean difference −0.59; 95% CI −0.63, −0.55; P < 0.05). Ofatumumab treatment decreased new or enlarging total T2 lesions significantly (Mean difference −1.03; 95% CI −1.29, −0.76; P < 0.05). Infection‐related adverse effects were seen more frequently with Ofatumumab shown by the odd ratio 0.48; 95% CI 0.22, 1.04; P = 0.06. Infection is, thus, a major limitation to its use.

Conclusion

The meta‐analysis indicated that Ofatumumab is efficacious and safe for patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.
CT‐based non‐invasive identification of the most common gene mutation status in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Chen Zongjian , Gao Si , Ding Changwei , Luo Ting , Xu Jiaqi , Xu Shuang , Li Shu
Published: September 2023

Background

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) are mutually exclusive, and they are two important genes that are most prone to mutation in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer.

Purpose

This retrospective study investigated the ability of radiomics to predict the mutation status of EGFR and KRAS in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and guide precision medicine.

Methods

Computed tomography images of 1045 NSCLC patients from five different institutions were collected, and 1204 imaging features were extracted. In the training set (EGFR: 678, KRAS: 246), Max‐Relevance and Min‐Redundancy and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator logistic regression were used to screen radiomics features. The combination of selected radiomics features and clinical factors was used to establish the combined models in identifying EGFR and KRAS mutation status, respectively, through stepwise logistic regression. Then, on two independent external validation sets (EGFR: 203/164, KRAS: 123/95), the performance of each model was evaluated separately, and then the overall performance of predicting the two mutation states was calculated.

Results

In the EGFR and KRAS groups, radiomics signatures comprised 14 and 10 radiomics features, respectively. They were mutually exclusive between the tumors with positive EGFR mutation and those with positive KRAS mutation in imaging phenotype. For the EGFR group, the area under the curve (AUC) of the combined model in the two validation sets was 0.871 (95% CI: 0.821–0.926) and 0.861 (95% CI: 0.802–0.911), respectively, whereas the AUC of the combined model in the two validation sets was 0.798 (95% CI: 0.739–0.850) and 0.778 (95% CI: 0.735–0.821), respectively, for the KRAS group. Considering both EGFR and KRAS, the overall precision, recall, and F1‐score of the combined model in the two validation sets were 0.704, 0.844, and 0.768, as well as 0.754, 0.693, and 0.722, respectively.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates the potential of radiomics in the non‐invasive identification of EGFR and KRAS mutation status, which may guide patients with non‐small cell lung cancer to choose the most appropriate personalized treatment. This method can be used when biopsy will bring unacceptable risk to patients with NSCLC.
Lévy‐type solutions for buckling of shear deformable unsymmetrically laminated plates with rotational restraints
Authors: Schreiber Philip , Mittelstedt Christian
Published: September 2023

The local stability of unsymmetric laminated structures is significantly affected by bending‐extension coupling and the comparatively low transverse shear stiffnesses, which have to be included in the structural analysis. If such structures have flat surfaces in segments, they can be investigated with the discrete plate analysis. In this analysis, the individual segments are considered as plates with rotational restraints that represent the supporting effect of the surrounding structure. The aim of this work is to improve the analytical stability of laminated plates. Therefore, Lévy‐type solutions for the buckling load of the mentioned laminated plates are considered and refined. This offers exact solutions for unsymmetrical cross‐ply laminates as well as antisymmetric angle‐ply laminates. In order to show the influence of shear deformations, the solutions for classical laminated plate theory (CLPT), first‐order shear deformation theory (FSDT), and third‐order shear deformation theory (TSDT) are worked out and compared to each other. In the context of TSDT, a new formulation for the rotational elastic restraint is presented, which affects the rotation and the warping of the plate cross‐section. This investigation presents the influence of shear deformations on different laminates and classifies the benefits of the different laminated plate theories with respect to the stability behaviour under different boundary conditions. In addition, the influence of bending‐extension coupling on different fibre angles and layer sequences is analysed.
Computational tools for inferring transcription factor activity
Authors: Hecker Dennis , Lauber Michael , Behjati Ardakani Fatemeh , Ashrafiyan Shamim , Manz Quirin , Kersting Johannes , Hoffmann Markus , Schulz Marcel H. , List Markus
Published: September 2023

Transcription factors (TFs) are essential players in orchestrating the regulatory landscape in cells. Still, their exact modes of action and dependencies on other regulatory aspects remain elusive. Since TFs act cell type‐specific and each TF has its own characteristics, untangling their regulatory interactions from an experimental point of view is laborious and convoluted. Thus, there is an ongoing development of computational tools that estimate transcription factor activity (TFA) from a variety of data modalities, either based on a mapping of TFs to their putative target genes or in a genome‐wide, gene‐unspecific fashion. These tools can help to gain insights into TF regulation and to prioritize candidates for experimental validation. We want to give an overview of available computational tools that estimate TFA, illustrate examples of their application, debate common result validation strategies, and discuss assumptions and concomitant limitations.
Compressive Mechanical Behavior of Additively Manufactured 3D Auxetic Metamaterials with Enhanced Strength
Authors: Xue Yingying , Shao Qi , Mu Jianhui , Ji Xun , Wang Xingfu
Published: September 2023

Compared with 2D auxetic metamaterials, 3D auxetic metamaterials present better structural, mechanical, and functional properties, which are more applicable in many potential applications in engineering fields. Herein, three types of 3D star‐shaped auxetic (SSA) structures, re‐entrant and star‐shaped composite auxetic (RSA) structures, and star‐rhombic auxetic (SRA) structures with small unit cell are proposed and fabricated by selective laser melting method. The compressive behavior and energy absorption of the auxetic structures are explored and compared based on finite‐element method (FEM) verified by the compression test results of the sample. Meanwhile, the numerical results present good agreements with the experimental results in terms of deformation mode, Poisson's ratio, and compression behavior. The results reveal that SRA structures exhibit superior elastic modulus, compressive strength, and energy absorption than SSA and RSA structures, which stems from the auxetic effect, obstruction of rhombic structures to the deformation of inclined struts and more plastic hinges. It is precisely because of the obstruction of rhombic structures that SRA structures exhibit weakening auxetic characteristic and even no auxetic behavior during the higher strain range. In addition, the length of the structural strut presents a significant impact on the energy absorption performance and compression strength of all the structures.
Proximal policy optimization‐based controller for chaotic systems
Authors: Yau Her‐Terng , Kuo Ping‐Huan , Luan Po‐Chien , Tseng Yung‐Ruen
Published: September 2023

Deep reinforcement learning (DRL) algorithms are suitable for modeling and controlling complex systems. Methods for controlling chaos, a difficult task, require improvement. In this article, we present a DRL‐based control method that can control a nonlinear chaotic system without any prior knowledge of the system's equations. We use proximal policy optimization (PPO) to train an agent. The environment is a Lorenz chaotic system, and our goal is to stabilize this chaotic system as quickly as possible and minimize the error by adding extra control terms to the chaotic system. Therefore, the reward function accounts for the total triaxial error. The experimental results demonstrated that the trained agent can rapidly suppress chaos in the system, regardless of the system's random initial conditions. A comprehensive comparison of different DRL algorithms indicated that PPO is the most efficient and effective algorithm for controlling the chaotic system. Moreover, different maximum control forces were applied to determine the relationship between the control forces and controller performance. To verify the robustness of the controller, random disturbances were introduced during training and testing, and the empirical results indicated that the agent trained with random noise performed better. The chaotic system has highly nonlinear characteristics and is extremely sensitive to initial conditions, and DRL is suitable for modeling such systems.
Simultaneous design of robust gain‐scheduled static output‐feedback controller and scaling matrices for linear parameter varying systems with inexact scheduling parameters
Authors: Niu Xingjie , Lu Bei , Li Qifu
Published: September 2023

This article presents a design method of the robust gain‐scheduled static output‐feedback controller exploiting inexact measured scheduling parameters for multi‐affine linear parameter‐varying systems with structured uncertainty blocks. Performance scaling matrices are introduced in the design process to reduce conservatism. By introducing auxiliary variables and properly utilizing projection lemma, a parameter‐dependent linear matrix inequality with a single line search parameter is derived to synthesize the static output‐feedback controller gains and scaling matrices simultaneously. Based on vertices of the convex polytope covering the admissible region of scheduling parameters and inexact ones, the given parameter‐dependent synthesis condition is further expressed as a set of linear matrix inequalities at the vertices of the polytope to guarantee the robustness against inaccurate scheduling parameters. Several examples show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Sample size requirements for testing treatment effect heterogeneity in cluster randomized trials with binary outcomes
Authors: Maleyeff Lara , Wang Rui , Haneuse Sebastien , Li Fan
Published: September 2023

Cluster randomized trials (CRTs) refer to a popular class of experiments in which randomization is carried out at the group level. While methods have been developed for planning CRTs to study the average treatment effect, and more recently, to study the heterogeneous treatment effect, the development for the latter objective has currently been limited to a continuous outcome. Despite the prevalence of binary outcomes in CRTs, determining the necessary sample size and statistical power for detecting differential treatment effects in CRTs with a binary outcome remain unclear. To address this methodological gap, we develop sample size procedures for testing treatment effect heterogeneity in two‐level CRTs under a generalized linear mixed model. Closed‐form sample size expressions are derived for a binary effect modifier, and in addition, a computationally efficient Monte Carlo approach is developed for a continuous effect modifier. Extensions to multiple effect modifiers are also discussed. We conduct simulations to examine the accuracy of the proposed sample size methods. We present several numerical illustrations to elucidate features of the proposed formulas and to compare our method to the approximate sample size calculation under a linear mixed model. Finally, we use data from the Strategies and Opportunities to Stop Colon Cancer in Priority Populations (STOP CRC) CRT to illustrate the proposed sample size procedure for testing treatment effect heterogeneity.
In Vitro Study of the Interaction between Ochratoxin A and Human Serum Albumin by Spectroscopic and Molecular Docking Methods
Authors: Vakili Sajedeh , Baher Elham , Vaezi Zahra , Mianabadi Manijeh , Tilami Salma Ehsani
Published: September 2023

Ochratoxin A (OA) is a mycotoxin that has a potential risk to human health due to its nephrotoxic, immunotoxic and carcinogenic effects. For these reasons the interaction of ochratoxin A with human serum albumin (HSA) was investigated in physiological media by various techniques such as UV‐Vis, fluorescence (FL), circular dichroism (CD), attenuated total reflection (ATR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and molecular docking study via Auto Dock‐vina software. The fluorescence intensity of tryptophan in HSA was strongly quenched in the present of OA and the quenching constants and binding constant were valued 108 M−1 and 1.04 M−1, respectively. The CD spectra showed alteration in the secondary structure of HSA in the presence of ochratoxin by reducing the regular alpha helical structure and increasing the beta‐sheet structure. By increasing the concentration of OA to 1.25 μM, the intensity of absorption spectrum at 282 nm was increased, indicating the strong interaction of OA and HSA. The enthalpies of these molecular interaction calculated from DSC analysis indicate OA interaction with HAS is exothermic. The docking calculations showed that the amino acids of Lys190, ASP187, LYS519, ARG186 and ARG428 were interacted with OA by hydrogen bonding.
Unveiling LiTFSI Precipitation as a Key Factor in Solid Electrolyte Interphase Formation in Li‐Based Water‐in‐Salt Electrolytes
Authors: Jommongkol Rossukon , Deebansok Siraprapha , Deng Jie , Zhu Yachao , Bouchal Roza , Fontaine Olivier
Published: September 2023

A water‐in‐salt electrolyte is a highly concentrated aqueous solution (i.e., 21 mol LiTFSI in 1 kg H2O) that reduces the number of water molecules surrounding salt ions, thereby decreasing the water activity responsible for decomposition. This electrolyte widens the electrochemical stability window via the formation of a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) at the electrode surface. However, using high concentration electrolytes in Li‐ion battery technology to enhance energy density and increase cycling stability remains challenging. A parasitic reaction, called the hydrogen evolution reaction, occurs when the reaction operates at a lower voltage. It is demonstrated here that a micrometric white layer is indeed a component of the SEI layer, not just on the nanoscale, through the utilization of an operando high‐resolution optical microscope. The results indicate that LiTFSI precipitation is the primary species present in the SEI layer. Furthermore, the passivation layer is found to be dynamic since it dissolves back into the electrolyte during open circuit voltage.
Thermal Emission Manipulation Enabled by Nano‐Kirigami Structures
Authors: Zhao Yinghao , Liang Qinghua , Li Sufan , Chen Yingying , Liu Xing , Sun Haozhe , Wang Chong , Ji Chang‐Yin , Li Jiafang , Wang Yang
Published: September 2023

The nano‐kirigami metasurfaces have controllable 3D geometric parameters and dynamic transformation functions and therefore provide a strong spectral regulation capability of thermal emission. Here, the authors propose and demonstrate a dynamic and multifunctional thermal emitter based on deformable nano‐kirigami structures, which can be actuated by electronic bias or mechanical compression. Selective emittance and the variation of radiation intensity/wavelength are achieved by adjusting the geometric shape and the transformation of the structures. Particularly, a thermal management device based on a composite structure of nano‐kirigami and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) thin film is developed, which can dynamically switch the state of cooling and heating by simply pressing the device. The proposed thermal emitter designs with strong regulation capability and multiple dynamic adjustment strategies are desirable for energy and sensing applications and inspire further development of infrared emitters.
Cybercrime in India: An analysis of crime against women in ever expanding digital space
Authors: Sankhwar Shweta , Ahuja Rupali , Choubey Tanya , Jain Priyanshi , Jain Tanusha , Verma Muskan
Published: September 2023

The ever expanding digital space and government initiatives like Digital India have increased connectivity, digitization, remote employment which empowered us with technology and made our lifestyle easy and fast but as digitization is enhancing, cyberattacks are proportionally growing. In the initial stage of this study, it was observed from the data analysis and it was evident that women are particularly a soft target of many cybercriminals and cyber fraudsters. Women feel insecure in cyberspace, hence there is a need to dive deeper into our understanding and statistics of cybercrimes against women in India. It becomes necessary to determine the factors that have led to the clear surge of such crimes in recent years. In recent studies no such analysis is done focusing on geographical factors and top most cybercrime types committed against women. Therefore, in this article, prediction for cybercrime trends against women was performed using statistical tools and techniques to provide a better insight into the current scenario revolving around cybercrimes and women. A regressive statistical analysis of cybercrime data of all states of India to understand the current trend of cybercrimes, identification of the most vulnerable states of India and specific cybercrime with their percentage in whole, also where cybercrime afflicted women stand in those numbers. Further, for preventive measures a robust guidelines is proposed to combat cybercrimes for a better future.
Ein neues Bemessungskonzept für dünnwandig kaltgeformte Stahlprofile
Authors: Ungermann Dieter , Lemański Tim , Brune Bettina
Published: September 2023

Es wurde ein neues, Eurocode‐konformes Bemessungskonzept für kaltgeformte Stahlprofile entwickelt. Es sieht vor, die Querschnittstragfähigkeit in Anlehnung an AISI S100‐16 – Direct Strength Method basierend auf numerischen Eigenwertanalysen am Bruttoquerschnitt zu berechnen und diese in das Nachweiskonzept nach DIN EN 1993‐1‐3 für globale oder gekoppelte Instabilitäten zu transferieren. Um dieses neue Bemessungskonzept zu verifizieren, wurden experimentelle Untersuchungen an verschiedenen kaltgeformten Stahlprofilen durchgeführt. Mittels numerischer Simulation wurden zusätzlich Parameterstudien durchgeführt.
Deoxynivalenol exposure induces oxidative stress and apoptosis in human keratinocytes via PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathway
Authors: Xu Xiaoxiang , Xi Ningyuan , Chen Jiashe , Zhou Zhiyu , Liu Mengjie , Yan Guorong , Liu Yeqiang
Published: September 2023

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a mycotoxin frequently occurring in human and animal food worldwide, which raises increasing public health concerns. In the present study, we used human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) as an in vitro model to explore the cytotoxic effect of DON. The results showed that the cells exhibited varying degrees of damage, including decreased cell number and viability, cell shrinkage and floating, when treated with 0.125, 0.25, and 0.5 μg/mL DON for 6, 12, and 24 h, respectively. Furthermore, exposure to DON for 24 h significantly increased the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and prominently decreased the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity. Additionally, DON exposure induced mitochondrial damage and cell apoptosis through reducing mitochondrial membrane potential. Then, we performed RNA‐sequencing to investigate the molecular changes in HaCaT cells after DON exposure. The RNA‐sequencing results revealed that DON exposure altered the gene expression involved in apoptosis, MAPK signaling pathway, and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Moreover, DON exposure significantly decreased the mRNA and protein expression of Bcl‐2, and increased the mRNA and protein expression of Bax, Caspase 3 and COX‐2, the protein expression of PI3K, and the phosphorylation levels of Akt, ERK, p38, and JNK. Taken together, these findings suggest that DON exposure could induce cell damage, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in HaCaT cells through the activation of PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways.
2,2′,4,4′‐Tetrabromodiphenyl ether and cadmium co‐exposure activates aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway to induce ROS and GSDME‐dependent pyroptosis in renal tubular epithelial cells
Authors: Sheng Yating , Zhang Chengpeng , Cai Dandan , Xu Guangtao , Chen Shipiao , Li Weijian , Dong Jingjian , Shen Bin , Tang Jie , Xu Long
Published: September 2023

We have previously found that a mixture exposure of 2,2′,4,4′‐tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE‐47) and cadmium (Cd) causes kidney damage; however, the mechanism was not fully understood. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand–receptor transcription factor that plays an important role in the adaptive response or metabolic detoxification of environmental toxins. Thus, this study aimed to examine the role of AhR in kidney toxicity. BDE‐47 (50 μM) or Cd (5 μM) exposure reduced cell viability in renal tubular epithelial cells (HKC), with a larger effect observed in co‐treatment. The cell morphology presented pyroptotic changes, including swollen cells, large bubbles, and plasma membrane pore formation. The gene expressions of AhR, heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), AhR nuclear translocator (ARNT), and cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B1) were increased, while CYP1A1 was decreased. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were generated, which was reduced by the AhR antagonist CH223191. The apoptosis, necrosis, and intracellular lactated hydrogenase (LDH) release was elevated, and this was attenuated by N‐acetylcysteine (NAC). Furthermore, the pyroptosis pathway was activated with increased protein levels of cleaved‐caspase‐3 and gasdermin E N‐terminal (GSDME‐NT), while caspase‐8, caspase‐3, and GSDME were decreased. These effects were alleviated by NAC and CH223191. Our data demonstrate a combined effect of BDE‐47 and Cd on nephrotoxicity by activating AhR to induce ROS contributing to GSDME‐dependent pyroptosis, and retardation of the AhR pathway could reduce this toxicity.
Two New Members of the Lanthanoid Bismuth Oxide Oxidosilicates LnBiO[SiO4] with Ln=La and Gd
Authors: Locke Ralf J. C. , Haag Tanja , Hartenbach Ingo , Kurz Melanie V. , Blaschkowski Björn , Schleid Thomas
Published: September 2023

The isostructural lanthanoid bismuth oxide oxidosilicates with the formula LnBiO[SiO4] (Ln=La and Gd) crystallize in the triclinic space group
with the lattice parameters a=571.04(3) pm, b=681.13(4) pm, c=697.98(4) pm and α=105.805(2)°, β=110.456(2)°, γ=99.871(2)°, Vuc=0.23380(2) nm3 for Ln=La and a=554.12(3) pm, b=670.68(4) pm, c=689.57(4) pm and α=104.619(2)°, β=110.793(2)°, γ=99.560(2)°, Vuc=0.22237(2) nm3 for Ln=Gd with Z=2 for both. Colorless single crystals were serendipitously obtained from the reaction of bismuth sesquioxide, bismuth trifluoride and the lanthanoid sesquioxides at 850 °C in unprotected torch‐sealed silica ampoules as SiO2 source. Their crystal structure features Ln3+ cations surrounded by eight oxygen atoms as distorted square antiprisms [LnO8]13−, which are linked via edges with three further polyhedra of this kind to form layers
{[LnO
O
]7−} within the (010) plane. The oxygen environment of the Bi3+ cations has to be described as ψ1‐octahedral (square pyramids [BiO5]7−) with five oxide ligands and the stereochemically active lone pair. Two of them are edge‐linked to form ψ1‐bioctahedra [Bi2O8]10−. Four out of five oxygen atoms belong to discrete [SiO4]4− tetrahedra, which separate
{[OLn
Bi
]4+} chains of trans‐edge connected [OLn2Bi4]10+ tetrahedral, centered by the fifth oxygen atom propagating along [100] for charge compensation. Furthermore, the magnetic properties of GdBiO[SiO4] were investigated, showing Curie‐Weiss behavior without any magnetic ordering phenomena down to lowest temperatures.
Ontology Engineering to Model the European Cultural Heritage: The Case of Cultural Gems
Authors: Alberti Valentina , Cocco Cinzia , Consoli Sergio , Montalto Valentina , Panella Francesco
Published: September 2023

Cultural gems is a web application conceived by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (DG JRC), which aims at engaging people and organizations across Europe to create a unique repository of cultural and creative places. The main goal is to provide a vision of European culture in order to strengthen a sense of identity within a single European cultural realm. Cultural gems maps more than 130,000 physical places in over 300 European cities and towns, and since 2020 it also lists online cultural initiatives. The new release aims, among other, to increase the interoperability of the application. At this purpose, we provide an overview on the current development of an ontology for Cultural gems used to map cultural heritage in European cities by using Linked Open Data (LOD) standards and making the data FAIR, that is Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable. We provide an overview of the methodology, presenting the structure of the ontology, and the services and tools we are currently building on top.