bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and evaluation of ginsenosides imprinted polymer‐based chromatographic stationary phase
Authors: Xue Junping , Zhang Jingxiu , Yu Cuichi , Arabi Maryam , Li Jinhua , Li Guisheng , Yang Gangqiang , Chen Lingxin , Song Zhihua
Published: March 2023

The molecular imprinting technique has aroused great interest in preparing novel stationary phases, and the resulting materials named molecularly imprinted polymers coated silica packing materials exhibit good performance in separating diverse analytes based on their good characteristics (including high selectivity, simple synthesis, and good chemical stability). To date, mono‐template is commonly used in synthesizing molecularly imprinted polymers‐based stationary phases. The resulting materials always own the disadvantages of low column efficiency and restricted analytes, and the price of ginsenosides with high purity was very high. In this study, to overcome the weaknesses of molecularly imprinted polymers‐based stationary phases mentioned above, the multi‐templates (total saponins of folium ginseng) strategy was used to prepare ginsenosides imprinted polymer‐based stationary phase. The resulting ginsenosides imprinted polymer‐coated silica stationary phase has a good spherical shape and suitable pore structures. Additionally, the total saponins of folium ginseng were cheaper than other kinds of ginsenosides. Moreover, the ginsenosides imprinted polymer‐coated silica stationary phase‐packed column performed well in the separation of ginsenosides, nucleosides, and sulfonamides. The ginsenosides imprinted polymer‐coated silica stationary phase possesses good reproducibility, repeatability, and stability for seven days. Therefore, a multi‐templates strategy for synthesizing the ginsenosides imprinted polymer‐coated silica stationary phase is considered in the future.
Geography of minimal surfaces of general type with Z22$\mathbb {Z}_2^2$‐actions and the locus of Gorenstein stable surfaces
Authors: Lorenzo Vicente
Published: March 2023

In this note, the geography of minimal surfaces of general type admitting ‐actions is studied. More precisely, it is shown that Gieseker's moduli space contains surfaces admitting a ‐action for every admissible pair such that or . The examples considered allow to prove that the locus of Gorenstein stable surfaces is not closed in the KSBA‐compactification of Gieseker's moduli space for every admissible pair such that .
Follow EPA Guidance for Water Utility Service Line Inventories
Authors: Epstein Kristin , Kutzing Sandra
Published: March 2023

The Lead and Copper Rule Revisions require water systems to compile an inventory of service line materials by Oct. 16, 2024. A recently published document from the US Environmental Protection Agency provides utilities with detailed guidance on creating and maintaining an inventory.
Cured‐in‐Place Pipe Selected for Critical Water Main Project
Authors: Soldati Steven
Published: March 2023

Water utilities stand a better chance of a smoothly run project to replace or rehabilitate pipes if they choose an approach that's the best fit for their specific circumstances.
Patient Experiences With Thyroid Nodules: A Qualitative Interview Survey
Authors: Naunheim Matthew R. , von Sneidern Manuela , Huston Molly N. , Okose Okenwa C. , Abdelhamid Ahmed Amr H. , Randolph Gregory W. , Shrime Mark G.
Published: March 2023

Objective

To qualitatively explore the broad set of preferences and attitudes patients have about thyroid nodules, which influence the decision‐making process.

Study Design

A descriptive survey design was administered as interviews.

Setting

Outpatient thyroid surgery clinic.

Methods

Semistructured interviews were conducted with 20 patients presenting for initial evaluation of thyroid nodules at a surgeon's office. Probative, open‐ended questions were posed regarding diagnosis, treatment, risk attitudes, and the decision‐making process. Thematic analysis was used to develop code‐transcribed interviews, and an iterative refinement resulted in underlying themes.

Results

During the diagnostic process, patients integrated emotional responses (fear, anxiety, and shock) with rationale concerns (likelihood of cancer, risk assessment), and ultimately relied heavily on expert opinion and recommendation. Contextualization with other personal or familial health problems served as helpful touchstones for decision‐making. Overtreatment and overdiagnosis were not commonly discussed. When thinking about potential therapies, there was a strong bias to action rather than surveillance among patients. Surgical risk and the possibility of lifelong medication, however, were strong motivators for a subset of patients to seek nonsurgical alternatives.

Conclusion

Patients describe a decision‐making process that incorporates emotional response and rational consideration of risks, contextualized within the personal experience and physician expertise. The bias for action and intervention is strong, and most patients strongly weighted physicians' recommendations. Themes from this qualitative analysis may serve as the backbone for future stated preference research pertaining to thyroid disease.
Fine‐tuning the antimicrobial activity of β‐hairpin peptides with fluorinated amino acids
Authors: Chowdhary Suvrat , Pelzer Tim , Saathoff Mareike , Quaas Elisa , Pendl Johanna , Fulde Marcus , Koksch Beate
Published: March 2023

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) possess bactericidal activity against a variety of pathogens depending on an overall balance of positively charged and hydrophobic residues. Selective fluorination of peptides serves to fine‐tune the intrinsic hydrophobicity and that could improve AMP bioactivity without affecting the sequence length. Only a few studies have focused on the impact of this unique element on antimicrobial potency and came to somewhat contractionary results. Moreover, the influence of fluorinated amino acids on peptide proteolysis is yet not fully understood. In this work, we tackle the link between side chain fluorination and both antimicrobial activity and proteolytic stability for two series of amphiphilic β‐hairpin peptides. In particular, a synergy between antimicrobial activity and peptide hydrophobicity was determined. All peptides were found to be barely hemolytic and non‐toxic. Most surprisingly, the fluorinated peptides were susceptible to enzymatic degradation. Hence, the distinctive properties of these polyfluorinated AMPs will serve for the future design of peptide‐based drugs.
Translation of outdoor tandem PV module I–V measurements to a STC power rating
Authors: Steiner Marc , Siefer Gerald
Published: March 2023

The procedures for the power rating of tandem‐cell‐based concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) modules defined in the international standard IEC 62670‐3 are adapted to the requirements of tandem‐cell‐based flat plate PV modules. The adjusted procedure describes how to translate outdoor measured PV current–voltage characteristics to standard test conditions (STC): 1000 W/m, 25°C cell temperature, AM1.5g spectral conditions. In this work, we describe how to obtain all required input parameters: thermal transient measurements to determine the module temperature coefficients, categorizing and filtering the prevailing spectral irradiance conditions using spectral matching ratios, and determining the 25°C module open‐circuit voltage from dark current–voltage curves. Three specimen PV modules (triple‐junction, III‐V on Silicon and III‐V on Germanium) have been measured for several months outdoors on a dual axis tracking unit at Fraunhofer ISE in Freiburg. In this work, we demonstrate that the CPV module power rating procedures in IEC 62670‐3 are also—in a modified form—to be recommended for the outdoor rating of tandem‐cell‐based flat plate PV modules.
A polyelectrolyte handle for single‐molecule force spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Junpeng , Kouznetsova Tatiana B. , Xia Jianshe , Ángeles Felipe Jiménez , de la Cruz Monica Olvera , Craig Stephen L.
Published: March 2023

Single‐molecule force spectroscopy is a powerful tool for the quantitative investigation of the biophysics, polymer physics and mechanochemistry of individual polymer strands. One limitation of this technique is that the attachment between the tip of the atomic force microscope and the covalent or noncovalent analyte in a given pull is typically not strong enough to sustain the force at which the event of interest occurs, which makes the experiments time‐consuming and inhibits throughput. Here we report a polyelectrolyte handle for single‐molecule force spectroscopy that offers a combination of high (several hundred pN) attachment forces, good (~4%) success in obtaining a high‐force (>200 pN) attachment, a non‐fouling detachment process that allows for repetition, and specific attachment locations along the polymer analyte.
Breast cancer treatment disparities in patients with severe mental illness: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kisely Steve , Alotiby Meshary Khaled N. , Protani Melinda M. , Soole Rebecca , Arnautovska Urska , Siskind Dan
Published: March 2023

Objective

The incidence and mortality rates of breast cancer in individuals with pre‐existing severe mental illness (SMI), such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression, are higher than in the general population. Reduced screening is one factor but there is less information on possible barriers to subsequent treatment following diagnosis.

Methods

We undertook a systematic review and meta‐analysis on access to guideline‐appropriate care following a diagnosis of breast cancer in people with SMI including the receipt of surgery, endocrine, chemo‐ or radiotherapy. We searched for full‐text articles indexed by PubMed, EMBASE, PsycInfo and CINAHL that compared breast cancer treatment in those with and without pre‐existing SMI. Study designs included population‐based cohort or case‐control studies.

Results

There were 13 studies included in the review, of which 4 contributed adjusted outcomes to the meta‐analyses. People with SMI had a reduced likelihood of guideline‐appropriate care (RR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.77–0.90). Meta‐analyses were not possible for the other outcomes but in adjusted results from a single study, people with SMI had longer wait‐times to receiving guideline‐appropriate care. The results for specific outcomes such as surgery, hormone, radio‐ or chemotherapy were mixed, possibly because results were largely unadjusted for age, comorbidities, or cancer stage.

Conclusions

People with SMI receive less and/or delayed guideline‐appropriate care for breast cancer than the general population. The reasons for this disparity warrant further investigation, as does the extent to which differences in treatment access or quality contribute to excess breast cancer mortality in people with SMI.
A prospective study of the relationship between CRPC patient's quality of life after enzalutamide and serum testosterone levels measured via LC‐MS/MS
Authors: Miyazawa Yoshiyuki , Nakamura Toshiyuki , Takezawa Yutaka , Shimizu Nobuaki , Matsuo Yasushige , Ogura Haruyuki , Takei Tomoyuki , Sekine Yoshitaka , Arai Seiji , Suzuki Kazuhiro
Published: March 2023

Background

Enzalutamide (ENZ) is used in the treatment of patients with castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). The quality of life (QoL) of CRPC patients during ENZ treatment is very important, but predictive markers of QoL have not been identified. We investigated the relationship between the serum testosterone (T) level before ENZ treatment and QoL changes in CRPC patients.

Patients and Methods

This prospective study was conducted between 2014 and 2018 at Gunma University Hospital and related facilities. We analyzed 95 patients in whom QoL could be evaluated using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy—Prostate (FACT‐P) questionnaire at baseline, and after 4 and 12 weeks of ENZ treatment. Serum T levels were measured by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS).

Results

The study population of 95 patients had a median age of 72 years and median prostate‐specific antigen level of 21.6 ng/mL. The median overall survival from the commencement of ENZ treatment was 26.8 months. The median serum T level before ENZ treatment was 50.0 pg/mL. The mean total FACT‐P scores at baseline, and after 4 and 12 weeks of ENZ treatment, were 95.8, 91.7, and 90.1, respectively. Differences in FACT‐P scores between the high T level (High‐T) group and low T level (Low‐T) group (distinguished based on median split of the T level) were examined. The mean FACT‐P scores were significantly higher in the High‐T than Low‐T group after both 4 and 12 weeks of ENZ treatment (98.5 vs. 84.6 and 96.4 vs. 82.2, respectively, both p < 0.05). The mean FACT‐P score was significantly lower in the Low‐T group after 12 weeks than before ENZ treatment (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The serum T level before treatment may be useful for predicting QoL changes after ENZ treatment in CRPC patients.
Mott‐Limited Thermopower of Pascal Electron Liquid Phases at the LaAlO3/SrTiO3 Interface
Authors: Jiang Puqing , Tang Yuhe , Lee Hyungwoo , Lee Jung-Woo , Eom Kitae , Eom Chang-Beom , Ban Heng , Irvin Patrick , Levy Jeremy
Published: March 2023

The thermoelectric properties of quasi‐1D electron waveguides at the LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interface at millikelvin temperatures are investigated. A highly enhanced and oscillating thermopower is found for these electron waveguides, with values exceeding 100 μV K−1 at 0.1 K in the electron‐depletion regime. The Mott relation, which governs the band‐term thermopower of noninteracting electrons, agrees well with the experimental findings in and around regimes where strongly attractive electron–electron interactions lead to a previously reported Pascal series of conductance explained by bound states of electrons. These results pave the way for quantized thermal transport studies of emergent electron liquid phases in which transport is governed by quasiparticles with charges that are integer multiples or fractions of an electron.
A rare case of melioidosis presenting as pericarditis and pneumonia in a patient with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus
Authors: Leung Cheuk Cheung Derek , Ngai Ching Man , Wong Chun Kit , Chan Yu Hong
Published: March 2023

Melioidosis is a rare but often fatal tropical infection caused by gram‐negative bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei. It most commonly manifests as pneumonia and rarely presents as pericarditis. Melioidosis can be difficult to diagnose because of its diverse clinical manifestation and close resemblance to bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas. We report a rare case of melioidosis presenting as pericarditis and pneumonia in a 61‐year‐old male patient with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. He was initially misdiagnosed with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection and later treated empirically as tuberculosis pericarditis for 2 months, before reaching the diagnosis of melioidosis.
Soil microbial carbon and activity along with land use and geographic gradients
Authors: Bröring Janaina Mattge , Goss‐Souza Dennis , Baretta Carolina Riviera Duarte Maluche , Sousa José Paulo , Baretta Dilmar , Oliveira Filho Luís Carlos Iuñes , Klauberg‐Filho Osmar
Published: March 2023

Changes in microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and microbial respiration in soils under five different land‐use systems were evaluated at a regional scale in Santa Catarina State, Southern Brazil, to assess the effects of land‐use change and geographical distribution on the microbial and environmental patterns related to soil carbon (C) dynamics. Results showed that, in the West mesoregion, changes in MBC were correlated to the sampling season in forest and pasture systems. In the Plateau mesoregion, however, a land‐use effect was observed, with MBC decreasing in no‐till and crop‐livestock integration systems. Forest and grassland sites presented the highest values of MBC and microbial activity, while grassland sites showed lower values of the metabolic quotient (qCO2) and higher values of the microbial quotient. The qCO2 was also lower in winter for all land‐use systems. The highest total and particulate organic carbon values were found in forest sites. Chemical–physical characteristics were also observed to be significantly correlated with microbiological variables related to soil microbial C dynamics. In conclusion, land‐use intensity, season, and location were found to be the main drivers of changes in microbial C dynamics.
Addition of tungsten in Co/Al2O3 to catalyse the production of hydrogen through acetic acid steam reforming
Authors: Wang Yang , Li Xinbao , Li Pan , Zhu Xinbo , Chen Geng , Zhu Yingying
Published: March 2023

Steam reforming of bio‐oil is a promising green hydrogen production technology. Experimental and theoretical calculations have been carried out to study the performance of Co/Al2O3 catalysts doped with tungsten (1–10 wt%) for bio‐oil model compound acetic acid steam reforming. The maximum acetic acid conversion of 95.4 % and H2 yield of 93.5 % were obtained over the 15Co‐5W/Al2O3 catalyst under the optimized reaction conditions of temperature=550 °C, steam to carbon ratio=5 and the gas hourly space velocity of 15,780 h−1. The feeding capacity of the catalyst was improved by 2.3 times by the addition of 5 wt% W compared to that of the non‐W‐added Co/Al2O3 catalyst. Catalyst characterizations by BET, XRD, H2‐TPR, XPS, HRTEM, and SEM were performed. The results showed that high activities were maintained over 20 h on the 15Co‐5W/Al2O3 catalyst. A little filamentous coke was formed on the spent catalyst surface, and the agglomeration rate of active Co was relatively low. Density functional theory calculations confirmed that the adsorptions of CH3COOH and H2O on the catalyst were enhanced by the addition of W.
One pot reaction on epoxidation of α,β‐unsaturated ketones and subsequent C−C coupling catalyzed by palladacycles
Authors: Dharani Sivadasan , Kalaiarasi Giriraj , Lynch Vincent M. , Srinivasan Karupannan , Prabhakaran Rathinasabapathi
Published: March 2023

One pot reaction for epoxidation and Suzuki Miyaura coupling of a number of quinolinyl α,β‐unsaturated ketones has been developed by using a predefined palladium(II) catalyst fabricated with 7‐diethylamino‐2‐oxo‐2H‐chromene Schiff bases. Representative epoxide intermediates were isolated and their structures were established by X‐ray crystallography.
Distributed decision‐making in the shadow of hierarchy: How hierarchical similarity biases idea evaluation
Authors: Schweisfurth Tim G. , Schöttl Claus P. , Raasch Christina , Zaggl Michael A.
Published: March 2023

Research Summary

Companies are increasingly opening up decision‐making, involving employees on all levels in distributed—and purportedly “hierarchy‐free”—decision processes. We examine how hierarchy reaches into such “democratized” systems, arguing that it is a source of homophily that biases idea evaluation decisions. Using a data set from internal crowdfunding at one of the world's largest industrial manufacturers, we show that idea evaluators overvalue hierarchically similar others' ideas. Competition in the form of lateral closeness dampens this bias, whereas uncertainty in the form of novelty amplifies this bias. We contribute to the literatures on decision biases in centralized versus distributed innovation and on structural similarity as a driver of employee behaviors.

Managerial Summary

Many companies are starting to involve employees on all levels in strategic decisions, so as to curb hierarchical rigidities and integrate multiple perspectives. However, such distributed decision‐making opens the door to new biases and, ultimately, suboptimal strategic decisions. In the context of internal crowdfunding at a large industrial manufacturer, we show that employees evaluate hierarchically similar others' ideas overly favorably. Thus, hierarchy is not just a source of rivalry, but also of identification, leading to favoritism among hierarchical peers. Further, employees are particularly likely to assess ideas based on hierarchical similarity rather than content if the ideas are novel and therefore hard to evaluate. We provide suggestions for the design of distributed decision‐making systems.
Niobium‐Carbide MXene Modified Hybrid Hole Transport Layer Enabling High‐Performance Organic Solar Cells Over 19%
Authors: Deng Baozhong , Lian Hong , Xue Baotong , Song Ruichen , Chen Shi , Wang Zihan , Xu Tao , Dong Hongliang , Wang Shenghao
Published: March 2023

Niobium‐carbide (Nb2C) MXene as a new 2D material has shown great potential for application in photovoltaics due to its excellent electrical conductivity, large surface area, and superior transmittance. In this work, a novel solution‐processable poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)‐Nb2C hybrid hole transport layer (HTL) is developed to enhance the device performance of organic solar cells (OSCs). By optimizing the doping ratio of Nb2C MXene in PEDOT:PSS, the best power convention efficiency (PCE) of 19.33% can be achieved for OSCs based on the ternary active layer of PM6:BTP‐eC9:L8‐BO, which is so far the highest value among those of single junction OSCs using 2D materials. It is found that the addition of Nb2C MXene can facilitate the phase separation of the PEDOT and PSS segments, thus improving the conductivity and work function of PEDOT:PSS. The significantly enhanced device performance can be attributed to the higher hole mobility and charge extraction capability, as well as lower interface recombination probabilities generated by the hybrid HTL. Additionally, the versatility of the hybrid HTL to improve the performance of OSCs based on different nonfullerene acceptors is demonstrated. These results indicate the promising potential of Nb2C MXene in the development of high‐performance OSCs.
Template‐Free Synthesis of Phosphorus‐Doped g‐C3N4 Micro‐Tubes with Hierarchical Core–Shell Structure for High‐Efficient Visible Light Responsive Catalysis
Authors: Ya Zongyang , Jiang Xinyu , Wang Peng , Cai Jingjin , Wang Qiyou , Xie Haijiao , Xiang Shanglin , Wang Tingwei , Cai Dongyu
Published: March 2023

This work reports a new form of tubular g‐C3N4 that is featured with a hierarchical core–shell structure introduced with phosphorous elements and nitrogen vacancies. The core is self‐arranged with randomly stacked g‐C3N4 ultra‐thin nanosheets along the axial direction. This unique structure significantly benefits electron/hole separation and visible‐light harvesting. A superior performance for the photodegradation of rhodamine B and tetracycline hydrochloride is demonstrated under low intensity visible light. This photocatalyst also exhibits an excellent hydrogen evolution rate (3631 µmol h−1g−1) under visible light. Realizing this structure just requires the introduction of phytic acid into the solution of melamine and urea during hydrothermal treatment. In this complex system, phytic acid plays as the electron donor to stabilize melamine/cyanuric acid precursor via coordination interaction. Calcination at 550 °C directly renders the transformation of precursor into such hierarchical structure. This process is facile and shows the strong potential toward mass production for real applications.
Constructing Spatially Separated Cage‐Like Z‐scheme Heterojunction Photocatalyst for Enhancing Photocatalytic H2 Evolution
Authors: Zhao Fei , Law Ying Lo , Zhang Nan , Wang Xiao , Wu Wenli , Luo Zhengtang , Wang Yuhua
Published: March 2023

Heterojunctions coupled into micro‐mesoscopic structures is an attractive strategy to optimize the light harvesting and carrier separation of semiconductor photocatalysts. A self‐templating method of ion exchange is reported to synthesize an exquisite hollow cage‐structured Ag2S@CdS/ZnS that direct Z‐scheme heterojunction photocatalyst. On the ultrathin shell of the cage, Ag2S, CdS, and ZnS with Zn‐vacancies (VZn) are arranged sequentially from outside to inside. Among them, the photogenerated electrons are excited by ZnS to the VZn energy level and then recombine with the photogenerated holes that are generated by CdS, while the electrons remained in the CdS conduction band are further transferred to Ag2S. The ingenious cooperation of the Z‐scheme heterojunction with the hollow structure optimizes the photogenerated charges transport channel, spatially separated the oxidation and reduction half‐reactions, decreases the charge recombination probability, and simultaneously improves the light harvesting efficiency. As a result, the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity of the optimal sample is 136.6 and 17.3 times higher than that of cage‐like ZnS with VZn and CdS by, respectively. This unique strategy demonstrates the tremendous potential of the incorporation of heterojunction construction to morphology design of photocatalytic materials, and also provided a reasonable route for designing other efficient synergistic photocatalytic reactions.
Large and Tunable Ranking Shift in Triboelectric Series of Polymers by Introducing Phthalazinone Moieties
Authors: Tao Xinglin , Fu Shaokui , Li Shuyao , Liu Zhaoqi , Yang Peng , Liu Chengde , Lin Shiquan , Zhang Shouhai , Chen Xiangyu , Jian Xigao , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: March 2023

Regulating the ranking of polymer in triboelectric series over a wide range is of great help for material's selection of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). Herein, fluorinated poly(phthalazinone ether)s (FPPEs) with tunable molecular structure and aggregate structure are synthesized by co‐polycondensation, while the large positive ranking shift in the triboelectric series can be achieved by introducing phthalazinone moieties with strong electron donating capability. FPPE‐5, which includes abundant phthalazinone moieties, is more positive than all of the previously reported triboelectric polymers. Hence, the regulating range of FPPEs in this work updates a new record in triboelectric series, which is wider than that of previous works. A peculiar crystallization behavior, capable of trapping and storing more electrons, has been observed in FPPE‐2 with 25% phthalazinone moieties. Correspondingly, FPPE‐2 is more negative than FPPE‐1 without a phthalazinone moiety, which is an unexpected shift against the common changing tendency in triboelectric series. With FPPEs films as the probing material, a tactile TENG sensor is applied to enable material identification via electrical signal polarity. Hence, this study demonstrates a strategy to regulate the series of triboelectric polymers by copolymerization using monomers with distinct electrification capabilities, where both the monomer ratio and the peculiar nonlinear behavior can control triboelectric performance.
Microstructural Evolution and Tensile Performance of a Commercial Fe–Mn–Al–C High‐Manganese Steel
Authors: Wu Daifei , Chen Meng , Mao Weichen , Ou Xiaoqin , Song Min
Published: March 2023

High‐manganese austenitic steels are one kind of superior materials applied in automotive lightweight industry because of their high strength and large plasticity. Herein, transmission electron microscopy and electron channeling contrast imaging combined with electron backscatter diffraction, etc. are used to analyze the microstructural evolution and dominant deformation mechanisms of a Fe–13.6Mn–1.2Al–0.6C (wt%) steel during tensile deformation. Due to the multiple‐stage strain hardening effect, this alloy exhibits excellent combination of strength and plasticity. The yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and elongation reach 540 (±30) MPa, 1120 (±70) MPa, and 74 (±3)%, respectively. The early hardening stage is fully determined by dislocation accumulation and planar slip. With the strain increasing, the plastic deformation of the steel is dominated by twinning and microbanding, which lead to the synergetic effect of twinning‐induced plasticity and microband‐induced plasticity.
Effect of Coarse Aggregate Content on Bubble Formation Behavior in Corundum Permeable Brick for Tundish
Authors: Qin Xufeng , Cheng Changgui , Li Yang , Wu Weili , Jin Yan
Published: March 2023

Herein, corundum porous permeable bricks with different coarse aggregate contents are prepared using particle packing method. Based on the similarity principle, a local water model of a tundish is designed to investigate the bubbling behavior in porous permeable bricks at various argon flow rates. Through dimensionless analysis, empirical formulas of bubbling region diameter and initial bubble size in porous permeable bricks are proposed. The results show that an increasing aggregate content can increase the apparent porosity and the proportion of large pores, reduce the surface fractal dimension of the porous permeable bricks, and obtain a higher gas permeability. With the increase of argon flow rate and the decrease of gas permeability, the internal pressure gradient in porous permeable bricks increases. The larger the argon flow rate and the gas permeability value, the more beneficial it is to activate more pores and form a larger bubbling region on the upper surface of porous permeable bricks. The Sauter mean diameter of bubbles and the initial velocity of gas plumes are inversely correlated with the content of coarse aggregate; that is, the porous permeable brick with a higher content of coarse aggregate is beneficial to generating much more small bubbles.
Effects of Transversal Temperature Distribution and Phase State on Strip Profile During Hot Rolling Process
Authors: Dong Qiang , Li Zhaoyang , Liu Huihui , Wang Zhongxue , Ji Li , Zhang Lecheng , Qi Zheng , Gao Guangzhou
Published: March 2023

Transversal temperature distribution and phase transformation of the strip steel in hot rolling process are analyzed by thermographic observations and thermal simulation tests. The effects of transversal temperature distribution and phase state on strip profile are investigated by finite element (FE) simulations, in which the material model of the strip steel is generated from the thermal simulation tests and a constitutive model. FE calculation shows that the decreased temperature at the edge causes smaller strip crown with the dual‐phase state, while it leads to edge bulges in strip profile under single‐phase state. With the convex temperature distribution, large strip crown is witnessed under dual‐phase state; small crowns or even edge bulges appear under the single‐phase state. For the concave temperature distribution, opposite conclusions are drawn compared with the convex temperature distribution. Measures to prevent edge bulges and control the strip crown are proposed and applied to industrial production. Reheating the edge area and assigning large target crown to the former stand of the finishing mill can avoid the edge bulges. Strip crown of the steel is more significantly affected by the bending force under dual‐phase state than that under single‐phase state.
Insights from developing improvisational theatre intervention at NASA
Authors: Banks Amanda , Eaton Casey E. , Bates Meredith , Matsuyama Lisa , Palma Giulia , Guerin Amy , Weger Kristin , Mesmer Bryan , Friedrich Dan
Published: March 2023

The objective of this research is to develop a methodology for an arts‐based intervention that can effectively promote employee voice. An arts‐based intervention was developed to promote employee voice, supported by literature and expert knowledge. This intervention was applied at the 2019 NASA Cost and Schedule Symposium. Participants indicated that the intervention was effective in eliciting “hidden truths.” Several topics were revealed that participants felt uncomfortable discussing in the workplace. The intervention methodology is evaluated, considering limitations and future changes.
Functionality‐Directed Regio‐ and Enantio‐Selective Olefinic C−H Functionalization of Aryl Alkenes
Authors: Zhu Yuhang , Liao Yilei , Jin Shuqi , Ding Liyuan , Zhong Guofu , Zhang Jian
Published: March 2023

Aryl alkenes represents one of the most widely occurring structural motif in countless drugs and natural products, and direct C−H functionalization of aryl alkenes provides atom‐ step efficient access toward valuable analogues. Among them, group‐directed selective olefinic α‐ and β‐C−H functionalization, bearing a directing group on the aromatic ring, has attracted remarkable attentions, including alkynylation, alkenylation, amino‐carbonylation, cyanation, domino cyclization and so on. These transformations proceed by endo‐ and exo−C−H cyclometallation and provide aryl alkene derivatives in excellent site‐ stereo‐selectivity. Enantio‐selective α‐ and β‐ olefinic C−H functionalization were also covered to synthesis axially chiral styrenes.
Utilization of two‐equation model for analysis of flow over a moving needle in the presence of magnetic field
Authors: Afridi Muhammad Idrees , Chen Zhi‐Min , Riaz Nadia , Qasim Muhammad
Published: March 2023

Many applications of the ocean and aerodynamic engineering, like the design of submarines, missiles, aircraft, rockets, and jet engines, involve flow over surfaces. Moreover, several experimental propulsion methods for seagoing ships, submarines and aerospace crafts are based on magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). This research explores the MHD boundary layer flow over a moving needle (shaped like a paraboloid of revolution). Governing equations are modelled in cylindrical coordinates under axial symmetry constraint, which is then simplified by employing order of magnitude analysis. In the absence of a magnetic field, these equations are self‐similar, and this analysis is already available in the literature. We have applied the local non‐similarity method to derive the boundary layer equations up to the second level of truncation to compute the solutions of non‐similar boundary layer equations. The built‐in MATLAB routine bvp5c is used to solve these equations numerically. This analysis will assist in predicting flow quantities that are important in designing the objects mentioned above.
Sexuality Redefined
Authors: Geuens Sam , Hendrix Els
Published: March 2023

People have many different ideas about what sexuality is. This chapter explores the concept of ‘sex’ itself, examining people’s views on what sex is, broadening the concept far beyond intercourse and masturbation. We will examine why people have sex, expanding our ideas of sexual contexts beyond romance and intimacy.

The chapter will elaborate on the World Health Organisation’s approach towards sexual health and the World Association for Sexual Health’s approach towards sexual pleasure and, from those angles, look at midwifery education and practice.

This chapter will provide a larger framework for a holistic approach to sexuality, namely the biopsychosocial perspective.

This chapter is part of ‘Midwifery and Sexuality’, a Springer Nature open-access textbook for student-midwives, practicing midwives and related healthcare professionals.
Sexual Aspects of Fertility Disturbances
Authors: Gianotten Woet L.
Published: March 2023

This chapter concentrates on fertility and subfertility and their various sexual implications. On the one hand, there are sexual dysfunctions that impair conceiving. On the other hand, the message to be infertile or subfertile is usually a severe blow to a person’s or a couple’s identity, quickly impacting sexual desire and sexual pleasure. In middle- and high-income countries, most couples will continue towards medically assisted forms of reproduction. Those phases of examinations and treatments tend to have extensive short-term and long-term sexual consequences. This chapter will elaborate on those elements inherent to medically assisted forms of reproduction that negatively influence sexuality, such as loss of privacy, demolished intimacy, painful vaginal examinations, and hormonal disturbances. The chapter will also indicate ways to diminish negative impacts on sexual satisfaction and pleasure. Maintaining sexual satisfaction and pleasure during such treatments will keep couples less stressed, positively influencing their conception chances. Besides, less stress will keep the woman more relaxed when undergoing pregnancy checks and during childbirth. In the long term, the amount of stress experienced during ART treatment will influence the couple’s sexual life in the subsequent phases of pregnancy and young parenthood. The information in this chapter is relevant for the midwives and HCPs involved in such fertility treatment processes and for other HPCs to better understand the long-term effects of fertility treatment on the couple’s sexuality.

This chapter is part of ‘Midwifery and Sexuality’, a Springer Nature open-access textbook for midwives and related healthcare professionals.
Sexual Aspects of Labour/Childbirth Induced Trauma
Authors: Petročnik Petra , Polona Mivšek Ana
Published: March 2023

For some women and their partners, childbirth may be traumatic in retrospect due to unwanted experiences during labour and birth. Maybe due to physical trauma, such as pelvic floor injuries, episiotomy, operative vaginal delivery, or urgent caesarean section. This can impact everyday life activities and affect the sexual life postpartum. The extent of the trauma influences postpartum recovery and the moment of resuming vaginal intercourse, as well as the possible development of dyspareunia. Next to physical damage, childbirth can also be a psychotraumatic experience because of feelings of failure, disconnection between the partners, loss of the baby, or loss of self. Such psychological factors can cause post-traumatic stress disorder and sexual disturbances in the woman and the couple. Midwives play a vital role in preventing soft tissue damage and unnecessary episiotomy and later in proper psycho-education, pain management, and wound care. Midwives are also key players in preventing psychotraumatic experiences and aftercare in case of negative psychological and sexual consequences for the woman and the couple. Within that context, they should be able to address sexuality adequately.

This chapter is part of ‘Midwifery and Sexuality’, a Springer Nature open-access textbook for midwives and related healthcare professionals.
Sexual Aspects of Problems in the Postpartum and Early Parenthood (1st Year)
Authors: O’Malley Deirdre , Smith Valerie , Higgins Agnes
Published: March 2023

This period, especially after the first childbirth, is the litmus test of young parenthood. On the one hand, the combination of birth, perineal damage, breastfeeding, sleeplessness, and hormonal changes can strongly influence postpartum sexuality. On the other hand, the new baby has suddenly changed the dyad into a triad and is simultaneously a source of pride and pleasure and extreme fatigue and sleepless nights.

Sexual tension between the spouses regularly accompanies that process, with many men having more sexual desire and many mothers experiencing a drop in self-esteem and body positivity (next to physically being exhausted), resulting in sexual difficulties. Up to 80% of young parents experience sexual issues. In this stressful transition to parenthood, gender and gender role differences can become painfully obvious. Whereas men usually can separate fatherhood and partnership, those areas are much more intertwined in women. The grimmest consequences are increased family violence and up to 5% of the young parents who separate/divorce within 2 years after the first birth. This chapter will address the bio-psycho-social causes of those troubles and cover strategies to prevent or diminish them.

This chapter is part of ‘Midwifery and Sexuality’, a Springer Nature open-access textbook for midwives and related healthcare professionals.
Sexual Aspects of Pelvic Floor Disturbances/Disorders
Authors: Westerik-Verschuuren Liesbeth , Lutke Holzik-Mensink Marjolijn , Wieffer-Platvoet Marleen , van der Velde Minke
Published: March 2023

This chapter will pay attention to the disturbances related to the pelvic floor, focusing on their sexuality-related consequences. It will start with the troubles during pregnancy, followed by the problems after childbirth. At the end of each topic, it will offer treatment recommendations.

The urinary disorders will cover stress urinary incontinence (SUI), urgency urinary incontinence (UUI), climacturia (losing urine during orgasm), and urinary tract infections. The defecation disorders will cover anal incontinence, flatal incontinence, and constipation. Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) does usually not happen in the first pregnancy, though the primigravid woman can have similar complaints.

Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) tends to start during pregnancy.

Pregnancy and vaginal birth are the most common risk factors for postpartum PF disorders: stress urinary incontinence, overactive bladder syndrome, pelvic organ prolapse, and anal incontinence. On the one hand, that may sound like pathologizing childbirth. On the other hand, healthcare providers should be aware that they tend to underestimate the rates of (anal) obstetric injuries, and most textbooks do not mention levator ani avulsion.

Aspects of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) receive ample attention in the treatment recommendations. In the postpartum part, the chapter pays extra attention to perineal pain, vaginal laxity, and overactive pelvic floor. Those are disruptive elements for intimacy and sexuality, just like all the other mentioned disturbances.

This chapter is part of ‘Midwifery and Sexuality’, a Springer Nature open-access textbook for midwives and related healthcare professionals.
Sexual Aspects of Mental Health Disturbances in Pregnancy and Young Parenthood
Authors: van den Berg Mijke Lambregtse- , Pastoor Hester
Published: March 2023

This chapter will address the various mental health disturbances that can happen in the period between aiming at conception, pregnancy, childbirth, and the first postpartum year. Whereas some women with a psychiatric disease would like to become mothers, other women develop mental health disturbances as a direct result of reproductive changes. The important ones are depression during pregnancy, peripartum anxiety and tocophobia, postpartum blues, postpartum depression, and, in some women, postpartum psychosis.

Those mental health disturbances impact the woman’s sexuality, her partner’s sexuality, and the relationship. When drug therapy is required, we must pay extra attention to the risks for the unborn and breastfed baby. On the other hand, psychiatric medication has extensive sexual side effects.

The chapter uses several case histories to demonstrate the clinical impact and potential solutions for these challenging situations.

This chapter is part of ‘Midwifery and Sexuality’, a Springer Nature open-access textbook for midwives and related healthcare professionals.
Effects on Sexuality of Medication Used in Pregnancy and Childbirth
Authors: Beers Erna , Jaeken Annelies
Published: March 2023

This chapter focuses on the sexual side effects of various medications used in midwifery and obstetric practice. The chapter will start with background information on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics geared to pregnancy and the changing pregnant body. During pregnancy, the increased cardiac output causes a shorter time to metabolise and eliminate medication. In addition, the blood plasma volume and the total amount of the ‘watery environment’ increase, causing a lower plasma concentration of hydrophilic drugs. Lipophilic drugs take longer to be eliminated because residing longer in the increased ‘fatty environment’ and not in the blood plasma.

During pregnancy, the binding of drugs to plasma proteins decreases as well, meaning that a higher amount of the drug can bind to the target with increased therapeutic or undesired side effects.

The chapter will give detailed information on the potential sexual implications of medication.

Finally, the chapter will indicate how to deal with actual or potential sexual side effects.

It is part of ‘Midwifery and Sexuality’, a Springer Nature open-access textbook for midwives and related healthcare professionals (HCPs).
Relevant Sexual Anatomy, Physiology and Endocrinology
Authors: Simetinger Gabrijela
Published: March 2023

This chapter will give more insights into the anatomical, endocrinological and physiological aspects of (female) sexual functioning. And, although less extensively, also on aspects of relevant male sexual functioning. There are many similarities between (elements of) female sexuality and pregnancy. The physical expressions of female sexual arousal resemble circulatory changes in pregnancy, and orgasm contractions resemble, in many ways, labour contractions.

The relevant physiological and anatomical changes that occur over the stages of pregnancy and post-partum will get attention, as well as the hormonal changes. This chapter lays the foundation for understanding the rest of the book for pregnancy professionals and birth professionals.

Though they are also relevant transition phases in the woman’s life, the chapter will not deal with puberty and menopause.

This chapter is part of ‘Midwifery and Sexuality’, a Springer Nature open-access textbook for midwives and related healthcare professionals.
Contraception and Sexuality
Authors: Bitzer Johannes
Published: March 2023

In some countries, midwives play a large part in contraceptive care. In many other countries, contraception is not a part of the midwife’s scope of practice till the baby is born. They then have to counsel about contraception and eventually about intervals between pregnancies. For healthy motherhood and good parenthood, the young mother should not become pregnant within a year and a half after childbirth. So counselling or prescribing contraception is an integral part of good postpartum care and falls under the midwife’s responsibility.

Every contraceptive method has advantages and disadvantages, whether physical, emotional, relational, or sexual. This chapter will address the sexual consequences of various contraceptive methods with up-to-date information on the pros and cons of each method. In the context of this book, contraception during postpartum and breastfeeding will get extra attention.

The chapter will include information on emergency contraception and the situation when contraception has failed.

This chapter is part of ‘Midwifery and Sexuality’, a Springer Nature open-access textbook for midwives and related healthcare professionals.
Sexual Effects of Trauma Experience on Pregnancy and Labour
Authors: Slavič Tanja Repič
Published: March 2023

Sexual abuse can affect various areas of a person’s life. One is motherhood, with related factors like the decision to have a child, getting pregnant, pregnancy experience, delivery, and the postpartum period. In this chapter, we want to present how these areas may be related to the plight of women who have experienced the trauma of sexual abuse. Many aspects of this trauma are comparable to physical and emotional abuse. First, we theoretically explain how memories can affect the present, and then, based on clinical experience with sexually abused clients, we highlight the importance of the facts that should be known to anyone who encounters survivors in their work. Finally, we will add for health care professionals (HCPs) statements of women who shared what would be the most soothing to hear, with examples of specific sentences for HCPs to help promote emotional security and positive experiences.

This chapter is part of ‘Midwifery and Sexuality’, a Springer Nature open-access textbook for midwives and related healthcare professionals.