bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Progress of Promising Cathode Candidates for Sodium‐Ion Batteries: Current Issues, Strategy, Challenge, and Prospects
Authors: Peng Chenxi , Xu Xijun , Li Fangkun , Xi Lei , Zeng Jun , Song Xin , Wan Xuanhong , Zhao Jingwei , Liu Jun
Published: June 2023

Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) have dominated the secondary batteries market in the past few decades. However, their widespread application is seriously hampered by the limited lithium resource and high cost. Recently, sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) have generated significant attention because of their characteristics of abundant raw sources, low cost, and similar “rocking chair” mechanism with LIBs, which hold great application potential in large‐scale energy storage. Cathode materials with excellent electrochemical performance are in urgent demand for next‐generation SIBs. Herein, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advances of the most promising SIBs cathode candidates, including layered oxides, polyanionic materials, and Prussian blue analogues. The currently existing issues that need to be addressed for these cathodes are pointed out, such as insufficient energy density, low electron conductivity, air sensitivity, and so on. This review also details the structural characteristics of these three cathode candidates. Moreover, the recent optimization strategies for improving the electrochemical performance are summarized, including element doping, morphology modification, structure architecture, and so on. Finally, the current research status and proposed future developmental directions of these three cathode materials are concluded. This review aims to provide practical guidance for the development of cathode materials for next‐generation SIBs.
The Unbearable Darkness of Being and a Toolkit for How We Forge It: Comparative Biases
Authors: Kulesza Wojciech , Doliński Dariusz
Published: June 2023

Many areas of science deal with “appropriate” behaviors, estimations, and feelings. In this chapter we will describe several different concepts in (social) psychology focusing on inappropriate, misleading, and inaccurate estimations (e.g., totalitarian ego, distortions of memories; illusion of control in uncontrollable situations; illusions of well-being, inflated self-worth; egotism).

Our main interests are two concepts we describe in detail: better than average (inflated confidence in one’s own worth) and unrealistic optimism (the expectation that positive events will happen to us while negative to others). These two theories are especially interesting due to the fact that we employ them during great threats and moments of crisis. In a later chapter, we present these illusions as crucial factors in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
How Did We Forge a Bearable Reality in COVID-19? Biases in Social Comparative Judgments in a Time of Pervasive Threat
Authors: Kulesza Wojciech , Doliński Dariusz
Published: June 2023

In this chapter we present a very special form of social illusions: unrealistic pessimism (the expectation that negative events will happen to us in comparison to others who will be less affected by negative events like earthquakes or radioactive pollution). On that basis, we were interested in which illusions, which are associated with appearing in the moment of crisis, will appear during the eruption of the COVID-19 pandemic: that is, unrealistic optimism or pessimism (I perceive myself as less or more threatened than others) and the better-than-average effect.

It turned out that unrealistic optimism was present from the very beginning and did not disappear even when our respondents were delivered clear data (e.g., number of casualties, the rapid growth of cases) showing that all societies around the world were in great danger.

In this chapter we also present global studies showing how widespread this phenomenon is.

Interestingly, in our studies the better-than-average effect was also present in many countries: respondents perceived themselves as more involved in actions preventing COVID-19 infection whilst others were less involved.
Time to Worry? Comparative Biases and Health-Related Behaviors in the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kulesza Wojciech , Doliński Dariusz
Published: June 2023

Given that unrealistic optimism and the better-than-average effect were especially strong during COVID-19, one might ask about the results of these illusions: while being especially helpful in fear, stress, and anxiety reduction (unrealistic optimism) and maintaining high self-perception (better than average), it is possible that these illusions are helpful in health prevention.

In this chapter we show that unrealistic optimism in particular backfires in the long run: people are not safeguarding their health and instead are exposing themselves to even greater dangers.

In light of this, we are moving toward the goal of this book: focusing attention on biased perceptions of the social world during (upcoming) pandemics. These perceptions may persevere much longer and lead to the deaths of more people due to the widespread social virus of inaccurate judgments of risks stemming from global health risks.
Time to Bother! Longitudinal Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic (and Others Too): Why Dismantling Social Cognition Biases Is Absolutely Crucial to Save Not Only Lives
Authors: Kulesza Wojciech , Doliński Dariusz
Published: June 2023

We are closing this book by presenting a wider perspective, which is crucial in fighting pandemics. For us psychologists, professionals interested in protecting well-being, as well as for our colleagues, medical professionals oriented toward safeguarding one’s life, it is unbelievably hard to see that some people are proposing not managing COVID-19 and future pandemics. Simply and terribly put, these people are proposing letting vulnerable people die without putting much effort into prevention (like vaccines and massive vaccination) and developing effective cures.

In this chapter we will present less obvious impacts on us and future generations. From this perspective we try to show that the social psychology perspective of biased perception of the social world may prevent these terrible longitudinal consequences from appearing.
A Bio-inspired and Altruistic-Based Framework to Support Collaborative Healing in a Smart Manufacturing Shop-Floor
Authors: Estrada-Jimenez Luis A. , Kalateh Sepideh , Hojjati Sanaz Nikghadam , Barata Jose
Published: June 2023

Biologicalisation defines the analysis of biological patterns as a source of inspiration to model intelligent manufacturing systems. Due to their inherent adaptability, these design representations are highly desirable considering the increasing complexity of modeling current manufacturing solutions. Contributing to the idea of self-organizing and autonomous shop floors, we present a framework that aims to support the collaborative healing of manufacturing resources. This has been inspired on the altruistic behavior of bats in which social care is demonstrated (e.g., in bat colonies) even at the cost of individuals’ fitness/health. These ideas are conceptually showcased in an emergent automation manufacturing application, i.e., peer-to-peer energy sharing in automated guided vehicles. Some conclusions, and potential future research are discussed at the end of the paper.
Effective field theory of the two Higgs doublet model
Authors: Banta Ian , Cohen Timothy , Craig Nathaniel , Lu Xiaochuan , Sutherland Dave
Published: June 2023

Abstract

We revisit the effective field theory of the two Higgs doublet model at tree level. The introduction of a novel basis in the UV theory allows us to derive matching coefficients in the effective description that resum important contributions from the Higgs vacuum expectation value. The new basis typically provides a significantly better approximation of the full theory prediction than the traditional approach that utilizes the Higgs basis, particularly for alignment away from the decoupling limit.
Two dimensional wave-Klein–Gordon equations with a below-critical nonlinearity
Authors: Dong Shijie , Wyatt Zoe
Published: June 2023

In this paper we investigate the small data global existence and pointwise decay of solutions to two systems of coupled wave-Klein–Gordon equations in two spatial dimensions. In particular, we consider critical (in the sense of time decay) semilinear nonlinearities for the wave equation and below-critical semilinear nonlinearities for the Klein–Gordon equation, a situation that has not been studied before in the context of coupled wave and Klein–Gordon equations. An interesting feature of our two systems is that the below-critical nonlinearity causes the Klein–Gordon field to lose its linear behaviour close to the light cone, even though it enjoys optimal time decay.
Combining age, sex, body mass index, sport level, and preoperative quadriceps strength improves the predictive ability of quadriceps strength recovery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Ueda Yuya , Matsushita Takehiko , Shibata Yohei , Takiguchi Kohei , Ono Kumiko , Kida Akihiro , Nishida Kyohei , Nagai Kanto , Hoshino Yuichi , Matsumoto Tomoyuki , Sakai Yoshitada , Kuroda Ryosuke
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study compared the predictive ability of each independent predictor with that of a combination of predictors for quadriceps strength recovery one year after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Methods

Patients who underwent primary ACL reconstruction using hamstring autografts were enrolled. Quadriceps strength, hamstring strength, and anterior tibial translation were measured, and the limb symmetry index (LSI) of the quadriceps and the hamstrings was calculated preoperatively and one year after surgery. Patients were classified into two groups according to the LSI of the quadriceps strength at one year postoperatively (≥ 80% or < 80%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the independent predictors of quadriceps strength recovery, and the cut‐off value was calculated using the receiver operating characteristic curve. A model assessing predictive ability of the combination of independent predictors was created, and the area under the curve (AUC) for each independent predictor was calculated by using the receiver‐operating characteristic curves and the DeLong method.

Results

Of the 646 patients, 414 (64.1%) had an LSI of at least 80% for quadriceps strength one year after surgery, and 232 patients (35.9%) had an LSI of < 80%. Age, sex, body mass index (BMI), preinjury sport level, and LSI of preoperative quadriceps strength were independently associated with quadriceps strength recovery one year after ACL reconstruction. The cut‐off values were age: 22.5 years; sex: female; BMI: 24.3 kg/m2; preinjury sport level: no sport; and LSI of preoperative quadriceps strength: 63.3%. The AUC of the model assessing the predictive ability of the combination of age, sex, BMI, preinjury sport level, and LSI of preoperative quadriceps strength was significantly higher (0.73) than that of similar factors of preoperative quadriceps strength (AUC: 0.63, 0.53, 0.56, 0.61, and 0.68, p < 0.01, respectively).

Conclusion

The combination of age, sex, BMI, preinjury sport level, and LSI of preoperative quadriceps strength had a superior predictive ability for quadriceps strength recovery at one year after ACL reconstruction than these predictors alone. Multiple factors, including patient characteristics and preoperative quadriceps strength, should be considered when planning rehabilitation programs to improve quadriceps strength recovery after ACL reconstruction.

Level of evidence

III.
OR-1896 increases force of contraction in the isolated human atrium
Authors: Rayo-Abella Lina M. , Grundig Peter , Bernhardt Max N. , Hofmann Britt , Neumann Joachim , Gergs Ulrich
Published: June 2023

OR-1896 ((R)-N-(4-(4-methyl-6-oxo-1,4,5,6-tetrahydropyridazin-3-yl)phenyl)acetamide) is the main active metabolite of levosimendan. However, nobody has reported a positive inotropic effect of OR-1896 in isolated human cardiac preparations. The mechanism of action of OR-1896 remains controversial. Hence, we wanted to know whether OR-1896 exerts a positive inotropic effect in humans and what might be the underlying mechanism. Therefore, we measured the contractile effects of OR-1896 (0.01–10 µM cumulatively applied) in isolated electrically stimulated (1 Hz) human right atrial preparations (HAP) obtained during cardiac surgery. OR-1896, given alone, exerted time- and concentration-dependent positive inotropic effects; 1-µM OR-1896 increased force by 72 ± 14.7% (p < 0.05, n = 6) and shortened the time of relaxation by 10.6 ± 3.6% (p < 0.05, n = 11) in HAP started at 0.1 µM, plateaued at 1-µM OR-1896, and was antagonized by 1-µM propranolol. The maximum positive inotropic effect of OR-1896 in human right atrial preparations was less than that of 10-µM isoprenaline. EMD 57033 (10 µM), a calcium sensitizer, enhanced the force of contraction further in the additional presence of 1-µM OR-1896 by 109 ± 19% (p < 0.05, n = 4). Cilostamide (10 µM), an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase III given before OR-1896 (1 µM), blocked the positive inotropic effect of OR-1896 in HAP. Our data suggest that OR-1896 is, indeed, a positive inotropic agent in the human heart. OR-1896 acts as a PDE III inhibitor. OR-1896 is unlikely to act as a calcium sensitizer in the human heart.
Analysis of the N-glycosylation profiles of the spike proteins from the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta variants of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Wang Dongxia , Baudys Jakub , Osman Sarah H. , Barr John R.
Published: June 2023

N-Glycosylation plays an important role in the structure and function of membrane and secreted proteins. Viral proteins used in cell entry are often extensively glycosylated to assist in protein folding, provide stability, and shield the virus from immune recognition by its host (described as a “glycan shield”). The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S) is a prime example, having 22 potential sites of N-glycosylation per protein protomer, as predicted from the primary sequence. In this report, we conducted mass spectrometric analysis of the N-glycosylation profiles of recombinant spike proteins derived from four common SARS-CoV-2 variants classified as Variant of Concern, including Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta along with D614G variant spike as a control. Our data reveal that the amino acid substitutions and deletions between variants impact the abundance and type of glycans on glycosylation sites of the spike protein. Some of the N-glycosylation sequons in S show differences between SARS-CoV-2 variants in the distribution of glycan forms. In comparison with our previously reported site-specific glycan analysis on the S-D614G and its ancestral protein, glycan types on later variants showed high similarity on the site-specific glycan content to S-D614G. Additionally, we applied multiple digestion methods on each sample, and confirmed the results for individual glycosylation sites from different experiment conditions to improve the identification and quantification of glycopeptides. Detailed site-specific glycan analysis of a wide variety of SARS-CoV-2 variants provides useful information toward the understanding of the role of protein glycosylation on viral protein structure and function and development of effective vaccines and therapeutics.
Flexible visual learning in nectar-foraging hornets
Authors: Lacombrade Mathilde , Doblas-Bajo Monica , Rocher Naïs , Tourrain Zoé , Navarro Emmanuel , Lubat Christian , Vogelweith Fanny , Thiéry Denis , Lihoreau Mathieu
Published: June 2023

Pollinators, such as bees, develop flexible memories of colors, patterns, and shapes, for efficient flower recognition. Here we tested whether other flower-foraging insects have evolved similar cognitive abilities underpinning flexible visual learning. We trained wild hornets from two species commonly found in Europe, the invasive yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax) and the European hornet (Vespa crabro), to associate sucrose solution rewards to color stimuli in a Y-maze. Hornets from both species succeeded in differential and reversal learning and developed short-term memories of the learnt associations. Thus, just like bees, hornets can learn various visual cue-reward associations and remember them for at least 1 h for selecting flowers. Our study in non-model species illustrates how standard conditioning approaches can be used to explore and compare the cognitive abilities of animals sharing similar foraging ecologies.

Significance statement

Bees can learn an impressive diversity of visual cues to recognize the best rewarding flowers. This can be studied using Y-maze in which individual insects must learn to associate visual stimuli to the presence or absence of nectar rewards. Here, using the same approach, we show that hornets are also capable of these associations. We compared the learning abilities of hornets from two common species in Europe and found that they could similarly learn to discriminate two colors and keep this information in memory for at least 1 h. Hornets thus evolved visual cognition facilitating robust flower foraging, like bees and many other pollinators.
Hydrogen defects in feldspars: alkali-supported dehydrogenation of sanidine
Authors: Behrens Harald
Published: June 2023

In the first two papers of this series [Behrens, Phys Chem Minerals 48:8, 2021a; Behrens, Phys Chem Minerals 48:27, 2021b], incorporation of hydrogen in the feldspar structure, partitioning of hydrogen between feldspars and gases/fluids and self-diffusion of hydrogen in feldspars have been discussed, with particular focus on sanidine. Here, the results of reactions between sanidine containing strongly bonded hydrogen defects and (Na,K)Cl are presented. Experiments were performed at ambient pressure at temperatures of 605–1000 °C, and hydrogen profiles were measured by IR microspectroscopy. Profiles can be interpreted by an incomplete dehydrogenation at the crystal surface or a strong concentration dependence of hydrogen diffusivity. Both are consistent with hydrogen located on interstitial sites and difficult to substitute by the larger alkali ions. Chemical diffusivities of hydrogen derived from fitting of the profiles or Boltzmann–Matano analysis are similar to self-diffusivities determined by D/H exchange experiments. Activation energies are also comparable. Comparison to sodium and potassium diffusion data for sanidine (Wilangowski et al. in Defect Diffus Forum 363: 79–84, 2015; Hergemöller et al. in Phys Chem Minerals 44:345–351, 2017) supports a mechanism of proton diffusion charge-compensated by Na+ diffusion for hydrogen removal in the sanidines under dry conditions.
Ultrasound utilization for implantation of cardiac implantable electronic devices
Authors: Mian Muhtashim , Khan Habib Rehman
Published: June 2023

Ultrasound (US) guidance for implantation of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) is currently not routine practice. This article sought to review published data on the use of ultrasound in each of the major surgical steps involved in implantation of CIEDs, including achieving anesthesia, obtaining venous access and implantation of leads. A literature review was performed, revealing a total of 20 peer-reviewed studies that assessed US guidance for CIED implantation; 3 of these were randomized trials while the remainder were mostly feasibility studies. The available data suggest that ultrasound can be useful in guiding implantation of CIEDs, with a trend towards less complication rates; however, more high-quality studies that compare US guidance to traditional techniques in CIED implantation are required.
Spatial characterization of peptide nucleic acid molecularly imprinted inverse opal
Authors: Estrada S. A. Adriana , Gaidies Sabrina , Febbraro Jana , Turak Ayse , Lin Hong-Ru , Salinas Yolanda , Brüggemann Oliver
Published: June 2023

The combination of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) and inverse opals (IO) have been a point of interest in the past few years due to their potential in sensing applications. At the same time, peptide nucleic acid (PNA) is a stable analogue to natural occurring genetic material. In this study, we describe the preparation and characterization of a PNA imprinted matrix, based on the controlled self-assembly of organized silica particles (SiPs) arrays. The degree of organization of the silica arrays are compared to the organization of the cavities after the removal of the SiPs, using spatial statistical analysis. This analysis of the Voronoi tessellations, pair correlation functions and bond order showed that the successfully formed arrays contain a high degree of quasi-hexagonal (hexatic) organization of the cavities, with both global and local order. The adsorption analysis of the materials show potential for developing future materials with tunable structural reflective properties, such as on-site, color- changing genetic material sensor.

Graphical abstract
Cognitive and motivational characteristics as predictors of students’ expository versus narrative text comprehension
Authors: Cruz Neri Nadine , Bernholt Sascha , Härtig Hendrik , Schmitz Anke , Retelsdorf Jan
Published: June 2023

Prior research has examined the impact of different cognitive predictors on students’ expository and narrative text comprehension. It has become apparent that some cognitive variables predict text comprehension in both genres, while some are genre-specific predictors. However, the effect of reading motivation on expository and narrative text comprehension remains unclear. Thus, the aim was to investigate which reading-related cognitive and motivational characteristics predict universal versus genre-specific text comprehension. The sample consisted of 261 eighth graders (age: M = 14.96; 37.9% girls). Applying path modeling, the results showed that students’ vocabulary was a significant predictor of text comprehension in both genres. Furthermore, reading strategy knowledge predicted text comprehension of a narrative and an expository text. Reading for interest predicted text comprehension in two of three expository texts. Identifying these universal and genre-specific characteristics of text comprehension can enable teachers to foster students’ text comprehension by targeting these specific skills.
Naturalized and invasive alien plants in the Kruger National Park, South Africa
Authors: Foxcroft Llewellyn C. , Moodley Desika , Nichols Geoff R. , Pyšek Petr
Published: June 2023

Kruger National Park (KNP), South Africa, covers an area of 20,000 km2 and is one of the world’s most widely known protected areas. Like many protected areas, KNP is facing an increasing problem with the introduction and spread of alien plants. However, species prioritization using poor baseline data remains a key challenge for managers globally. Publications, expert opinion, and field observations indicate that 407 alien plant taxa have been recorded in the KNP; this list also included hybrids, ornamentals, records that could only be identified to the genus level, and extralimitals (i.e., species native elsewhere in South Africa; 22 species in total); in addition, two species are considered eradicated, and three potentially eradicated. Such extensive lists of poorly defined species’ statuses accumulated over long periods of time poses challenges to current decision-making processes. This is especially important for the management of naturalized (maintaining self-sustaining populations) and invasive species (subset of naturalized species that have spreading populations), because management needs to identify and target high-priority species and vulnerable sites. Here, we provide an up-to-date inventory of alien plant species that occur in natural areas in KNP (i.e., beyond tourist camps and other infrastructure) and thus represent a potential threat to the native species diversity in the park. We identified 146 such alien taxa, of which 30 are casuals, 58 are naturalized, 21 have become invasive, and for 37 species, the status remains to be determined. Twelve of the invasive species in KNP are globally widespread, occurring in more than 100 regions, and five (i.e., Pontederia crassipes, Lantana camara, Opuntia stricta, Chromolaena odorata and Mimosa pigra) are listed among 100 of the world’s worst invasive alien species. The alien flora in KNP comprises 41 families. Solanaceae (45.5%) and Asteraceae (26.1%) are over-represented among invasive species compared to non-invasive species. The alien flora of KNP mostly originates from North America and South America, and largely consists of perennials and herbaceous species. We found no significant results regarding the effect of origin and life span on invasion status. Despite a steady increase in the numbers of alien and naturalized plants since the 1980s, species we classified as invasive generally represent earlier introductions and have not increased substantially since the beginning of this century. Our paper highlights that carefully revised naturalized and invasive species lists reflecting the current situation in protected areas present a strong knowledge base for effective management strategies. In addition to addressing data gaps related to the distribution of alien species on a global scale, knowledge from large protected areas such as KNP contributes to understanding invasions in landscapes with varying and unique habitat types.
Productive Mathematical Whole-Class Discussions: a Mixed-Method Approach Exploring the Potential of Multiple-Choice Tasks Supported by a Classroom Response System
Authors: Gustafsson Patrik
Published: June 2023

In recent decades, research has stressed the prominence of mathematics classroom discussions in productive instructional practices in mathematics instruction. In this context, problem-solving activities have been a common focus of research. Research shows that teachers need to deal with prerequisites and challenges such as norms, design of tasks, activating students, and leading students’ discussion to achieve a productive whole-class discussion. However, another promising activity for achieving productive discussions involves using a classroom response system and implementing different task types in a multiple-choice format. There is little knowledge about whole-class discussions using this approach. To meet this need, this paper presents results from a mixed-method approach that characterizes whole-class discussions to explore the potential of multiple-choice tasks supported by a classroom response system to achieve productive whole-class discussions. Three types of multiple-choice tasks were implemented in the classrooms of twelve mathematics teachers at secondary schools. The lessons, including 35 whole-class discussions, were video-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed. The results summarize the characteristics of these whole-class discussions, including measures of students’ opportunities to talk and teacher and student actions. These results can help us develop a more profound understanding of whether and how multiple-choice tasks supported by a classroom response system can support teachers in achieving productive whole-class discussions.
Discordance between Adolescents and Parents in Functional Somatic Symptom Reports: Sex Differences and Future Symptom Prevalence
Authors: Hogendoorn Elske , Ballering Aranka V. , van Dijk Marijn W. G. , Rosmalen Judith G. M. , Burke Sarah M.
Published: June 2023

Functional somatic symptoms, i.e., physical complaints that cannot be sufficiently explained by an objectifiable biomedical abnormality, become increasingly more prevalent in girls than in boys during adolescence. Both parents and adolescents report more functional somatic symptoms in girls, but their reports correspond only limitedly. It remains unknown whether parent-adolescent discordance contributes to the higher symptom prevalence in girls. This study investigated parent-adolescent discordance in reported functional somatic symptoms throughout adolescence, examined the longitudinal association of parent-adolescent discordance with symptom prevalence in early adulthood and focused on sex differences in these processes. Participants included 2229 adolescents (50.7% female) from four assessments (age 11 to 22 years) of the TRAILS population cohort. Parents and adolescents reported significantly more symptoms in girls than in boys during adolescence. Variance analyses showed that throughout adolescence, parents reported fewer symptoms than girls self-reported and more than boys self-reported. Regression analyses using standardized difference scores showed that lower parent-report than self-report was positively associated with symptom prevalence in early adulthood. Polynomial regression analyses revealed no significant interaction between parent-reported and adolescent self-reported symptoms. Associations did not differ between boys and girls. The findings show that lower parent-reported than self-reported symptoms predict future symptom prevalence in both sexes, but this discordance was more observed in girls. The higher functional somatic symptom prevalence in girls might be partly explained by parental underestimation of symptoms.
Mechanical and morphological properties of PP/XNBR blends produced with rubber latex
Authors: Lendvai László
Published: June 2023

In this work, polypropylene (PP)/carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (XNBR) binary blends were prepared with the elastomer component dosed in its suspension (latex) form into the polymer matrix during melt compounding. For this purpose, samples containing 0-20 wt.% rubber were prepared using two different PP grades as matrices with lower and higher viscosity. Analogous reference samples with the same composition were also fabricated using traditional melt mixing by introducing the rubber in its dry, bulk form in order to analyze the efficiency of the latex route. Mechanical, thermomechanical and morphological analyses were used to investigate the structure-property relationships of the blends. Based on the SEM images the average domain size of the dispersed XNBR domains became markedly smaller when the rubber was introduced in its suspension form into the PP. Based on the Charpy impact tests and the tensile test results, the decreased rubber domain size led to improved ductility and toughness. The improvement was more prominent when the difference between the viscosity of the PP matrix and the XNBR rubber was higher.
Deep labeller: automatic bounding box generation for synthetic violence detection datasets
Authors: Nadeem Muhammad Shahroz , Kurugollu Fatih , Saravi Sara , Atlam Hany F. , Franqueira Virginia N. L.
Published: June 2023

Manually labelling datasets for training violence detection systems is time-consuming, expensive, and labor-intensive. Mind wandering, boredom, and short attention span can also cause labelling errors. Moreover, collecting and distributing sensitive images containing violence has ethical implications. Automation is the future for labelling sensitive image datasets. Deep labeller is a two-stage Deep Learning (DL) method that uses pre-trained DL object detection methods on MS-COCO for automatic labelling. The Deep Labeller method labels violent and nonviolent images in WVD and USI. In stage 1, WVD generates weak labels using synthetic images. In stage 2, the Deep labeller method is retrained on weak labels. USI dataset is used to test our method on real-world violence. Deep labeller generated weak and strong labels with an IoU of 0.80036 in stage 1 and 0.95 in stage 2 on the WVD. Automatically generated labels. To test our method’s generalisation power, violent and nonviolent image labels on USI dataset had a mean IoU of 0.7450.
Optic cup segmentation of stereo retinal fundus images using virtual reality
Authors: Arnay Rafael , Hernández-Aceituno Javier , Díaz-Alemán Tinguaro , Sigut Jose , Alayón Silvia , Fumero Francisco
Published: June 2023

Glaucoma is one of the world leading causes of irreversible blindness. Early detection is essential to delay its progression and prevent vision loss. An accurate segmentation of the cup region in retinal fundus images is necessary to obtain relevant measurements for the detection of glaucoma. In recent years, multiple methods have been developed to automatically detect this region. All these methods are adjusted or trained using images that had been previously segmented by experts. In order to aid clinicians in performing this task, an interactive tool for the segmentation of the optic cup in stereo retinal fundus images using virtual reality has been developed. By using stereo images, the implemented virtual reality environment allows users to naturally perceive the three–dimensional structure of the optic cup region, which eases its segmentation compared to monocular images. The usage of the presented application was observed to increase accuracy of the delimitation, compared to using only two–dimensional fundus images, especially on areas with blood vessels.
Pharmacists’ perspectives and attitudes towards the 2021 down-scheduling of melatonin in Australia using the Theoretical Domains Framework: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Yeung Kingston W. C. M. , Lee Samantha K. M. , Bin Yu Sun , Cheung Janet M. Y.
Published: June 2023

Background

In Australia, prescription melatonin became a ‘Pharmacist Only Medicine’ for people over 55 with insomnia from June 2021. However, little is known about pharmacists’ views on melatonin down-scheduling and perceived impacts on practice.

Aim

To explore Australian community pharmacists’ views on and attitudes towards the down-scheduling of melatonin.

Method

A convenience sample of community pharmacists and pharmacy interns were recruited. Participants completed a survey capturing demographic and professional practice details, and rated their knowledge, beliefs and attitudes towards melatonin. This was followed by an online semi-structured interview. Interviews were guided by a schedule of questions developed using the Theoretical Domains Framework and explored the perceived role of melatonin, preparation/response to down-scheduling, practice changes and patient interactions. Interviews continued until data saturation and were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using the Framework Approach.

Results

Twenty-four interviews were conducted with community pharmacists (n = 19) and intern pharmacists (n = 5), all practicing in metropolitan areas. Pharmacists/intern pharmacists welcomed the increased accessibility of melatonin for patients. However, pharmacists perceived a disconnect between the guidelines, supply protocols and pack sizes with practice, making it difficult to monitor patient use of melatonin. The miscommunication of eligibility also contributed to patient-pharmacist tension when supply was denied. Importantly, most participants indicated their interest in upskilling their knowledge in melatonin use in sleep, specifically formulation differences and dosage titration.

Conclusion

While pharmacists welcomed the down-scheduling of melatonin, several challenges were noted, contributing to pharmacist-patient tensions in practice. Findings highlight the need to refine and unify melatonin supply protocols and amend pack sizes to reflect guideline recommendations as well as better educating the public about the risk-benefits of melatonin.
Evaluating Receptor-Specific Fresh Specimen Staining for Tumor Margin Detection in Clinical Breast Specimens
Authors: Byrd Brook K. , Wells Wendy A. , Strawbridge Rendall R. , Barth Connor W. , Samkoe Kimberley S. , Gibbs Summer L. , Davis Scott C.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Reliable and rapid identification of tumor in the margins of breast specimens during breast-conserving surgery to reduce repeat surgery rates is an active area of investigation. Dual-stain difference imaging (DDSI) is one of many approaches under evaluation for this application. This technique aims to topically apply fluorescent stain pairs (one targeted to a receptor-of-interest and the other a spectrally distinct isotype), image both stains, and compute a normalized difference image between the two channels. Prior evaluation and optimization in a variety of preclinical models produced encouraging diagnostic performance. Herein, we report on a pilot clinical study which evaluated HER2-targeted DDSI on 11 human breast specimens.

Procedures

Gross sections from 11 freshly excised mastectomy specimens were processed using a HER2-receptor-targeted DDSI protocol shortly after resection. After staining with the dual-probe protocol, specimens were imaged on a fluorescence scanner, followed by tissue fixation for hematoxylin and eosin and anti-HER2 immunohistochemical staining. Receiver operator characteristic curves and area under the curve (AUC) analysis were used to assess diagnostic performance of the resulting images. Performance values were also compared to expression level determined from IHC staining.

Results

Eight of the 11 specimens presented with distinguishable invasive ductal carcinoma and/or were not affected by an imaging artifact. In these specimens, the DDSI technique provided an AUC = 0.90 ± 0.07 for tumor-to-adipose tissue and 0.81 ± 0.15 for tumor-to-glandular tissue, which was significantly higher than AUC values recovered from images of the targeted probe alone. DDSI values and diagnostic performance did not correlate with HER2 expression level, and tumors with low HER2 expression often produced high AUC, suggesting that even the low expression levels were enough to help distinguish tumor.

Conclusions

The results from this preliminary study of rapid receptor-specific staining in human specimens were consistent with prior preclinical results and demonstrated promising diagnostic potential.
Gian-Carlo Rota & Gilles Châtelet, deux mathématiciens aux avant-postes de l’obscur
Authors: Alunni Charles
Published: June 2023

Cet article vise à montrer l’extrême proximité entre ces deux mathématiciens-philosophes que furent Gian-Carlo Rota et Gilles Châtelet disparus la même année (1999). Au moins quatre points communs les relient : une philosophie romantique radicale ; une rigueur intellectuelle exemplaire ; une vision affine de la recherche mathématique ; une révolte intérieure exécrant tout sensus communis.
Gian-Carlo Rota. Le mathématicien philosophe
Authors: Palombi Fabrizio
Published: June 2023

Se rendre sur la tombe de Gian-Carlo Rota, enterré au Mount Auburn Cemetery de Cambridge, inspire la réflexion à propos de la généalogie mathématique et philosophique. La première remonte idéalement, à travers Stan Ulam, jusqu’à Von Neumann, alors que la seconde ramène, par le biais de John Rawls et de Norman Malcom, à Ludwig Wittgenstein. Ces noms sont autant de « spectres » évoquant la valeur admirable de son héritage intellectuel et de son engagement éducatif. L’article explore l’étendue de ses domaines de recherche, délimite les frontières qui passent par la combinatoire, la physique, l’informatique, les processus industriels, en aboutissant – par la phénoménologie –, à la réflexion philosophique sur les mathématiques, sur la psychologie et sur la politique.
De la combinatoire algébrique à la phénoménologie
Authors: Patras Frédéric
Published: June 2023

Gian-Carlo Rota a su concilier un travail mathématique exemplaire et des recherches philosophiques largement inspirées par la phénoménologie husserlienne. Son œuvre philosophique nous semble avoir de fait deux composantes : l’une s’intéresse majoritairement à des phénomènes universels (beauté, démonstration, sens…). L’autre se déploie de façon plus subtile en filigrane de ses travaux mathématiques ; sans être thématisée comme telle – comme contribution philosophique –, elle alimente très lar-gement l’aura de Rota dans la communauté mathématique et justifie le rôle qu’il y joue de père fondateur d’une école combinatoire. L’analyse de ces différents moments de sa pensée permet de mieux en cerner les ressorts, l’unité et la portée.
De la déraisonnable efficacité des diagrammes
Authors: Damour Thibault
Published: June 2023

On présente des cas concrets où l’utilisation de diagrammes a joué un rôle utile dans des recherches de physiciens théoriciens. Les exemples choisis proviennent soit de travaux de divers spécialistes de gravitation relativiste (notamment, Einstein, Flamm, Hawking, Penrose, Rosen, Ruffini, Wheeler et l’auteur), soit de travaux d’experts en théorie quantique des champs et des cordes (notamment, Feynman, ‘t Hooft, Polchinski, Polyakov, Stueckelberg, et Wilson). Le but essentiel de ces exemples est d’illustrer le pouvoir suggestif et heuristique des diagrammes, autrement dit leur rôle de « multiplicateurs de virtualités », comme disait Gilles Châtelet. Un autre but est de montrer que les diagrammes mènent une vie propre qui est séparée des théories mathématisées du réel : ils peuvent exister avant les théories, et aussi leur survivre, et se réincarner dans le cadre de nouvelles théories physiques (cf. la discussion des diagrammes issus des travaux de Huygens et surtout de Faraday).
Le maniérisme épistémologique de Gilles ChâteletRelativité et exploration de l’a priori esthétique chez Husserl selon Weyl et Châtelet
Authors: Lobo Carlos
Published: June 2023

Les variations de Gilles Châtelet Sur une petite phrase de Riemann, montrent que loin de constituer une variante de la « philosophie baroque » telle que la définit Deleuze, son maniérisme épistémologique le rapproche étonnamment de l’attention aux « modes de données » et aux « modes de visée » caractéristique de la phénoménologie transcendantale. Comme Hermann Weyl, il voit à l’œuvre dans la phénoménologie husser-lienne un approfondissement de l’esthétique transcendantale kantienne, en la tenant pour une approche philosophique pertinente et ajustée à la science de son temps (en particulier à la théorie de la relativité restreinte et générale).
Avant-propos au texte de Gilles Châtelet
Authors: Paoletti Catherine
Published: June 2023

L’usage du nombre par les élites constitue un mode de gestion systémique qui exploite le facteur de désintégration de chaque composante singulière. Son contre-modèle mathématique renvoie à la véritable concrétude géométrique développée par Alexandre Grothendieck. La victoire de l’homme moyen qui accompagne celle du techno-populisme, entraîne un manque de différenciation, une disparition des marges au profit de l’index des comportements sociaux visant à un équilibre, à une communication, à une sorte de pseudo-chuchotement où tout le monde serait d’accord par simple utilisation de la moyenne statistique pour constituer l’idéal-type de l’homme contemporain qui résulte du fantasme de l’auto-organisation.
Assessment of Geodiversity at the Confluence of Different Geological Domains and Delimitation of Natural Protected Areas (Examples from Southern Spain)
Authors: Nieto L. M. , Fernández T. , Leiva-Lozano J. E.
Published: June 2023

Geodiversity and biodiversity have been assessed in an area of the province of Jaén (Southern Spain), the first one from the consideration of partial indices based on lithology, geomorphology, pedology, hydrology, palaeontology, mineralogy and geosites; biodiversity is also regarded from previous data, considering a biodiversity index and endangered species index. This area shows the contact between the Guadalquivir Basin and the Betic External Zones. In addition, several natural protected areas have been defined, among which the Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas Natural Park (where mainly Prebetic materials outcrop) and the Sierra Mágina Natural Park (made up of Subbetic materials) stand out. The high and very high values of geodiversity have been located in an area where mainly Subbetic materials outcrop, including the Sierra Mágina Natural Park, and which coincides to a large extent with the front of the Betic External Zones and its contact with the Guadalquivir Basin. However, the Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas Natural Park is outside this area of high or very high geodiversity. Both natural parks fit well in areas where biodiversity and endangered species are important. These differences between the geodiversity values and the boundaries of these natural areas allow suggesting that, for delimitation of any natural protected area, its boundaries should be defined based on knowledge of the geodiversity and biodiversity of the region where the natural area is located.
Integrated Biorefinery Approach: The Generation of Bioproducts Vanillin and Biomethane Through a Sequential Bioconversion of Lignocellulose From Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (OPEFB)
Authors: Nurika Irnia , Azizah Nurul , Suhartini Sri , Jung Young Hoon , Barker Guy C.
Published: June 2023

The efficient utilization of all of the key lignocellulosic biomass residues is important for the development of an integrated biorefineries uassing this as its feedstock. In this study, a process involving a simultaneous pre-treatement process with anaerobic digestion (AD) were implemented for processing oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) in order to produced both vanillin and methane. Before and after treatment with the dry rot fungus (Serpula lacrymans) the biomass was analyzed for total reducing sugar (TRS), total soluble phenols (TSP), pH, and weighed. Change in the physical characteristic and morphology of untreated and OPEFB following fungal culture was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The biomethane potential (BMP) of pretreated OPEFB significantly increased (62.07%) compared to untreated sample and in addition. The amount of vanillin extracted reached 3.48ug mL−1. This study therefore confirms that multiple products can effectively be isolated using a fungal preatreatment of lignocellulosic OPEFB followed by anerobic fermentation of biomass residual thus maximizing the potential returns and reducing environmentally impacts compared to other pretreatments.
A data-driven approach for modelling Karst spring discharge using transfer function noise models
Authors: Rudolph Max Gustav , Collenteur Raoul Alexander , Kavousi Alireza , Giese Markus , Wöhling Thomas , Birk Steffen , Hartmann Andreas , Reimann Thomas
Published: June 2023

Karst aquifers are important sources of fresh water on a global scale. The hydrological modelling of karst spring discharge, however, still poses a challenge. In this study we apply a transfer function noise (TFN) model in combination with a bucket-type recharge model to simulate karst spring discharge. The application of the noise model for the residual series has the advantage that it is more consistent with assumptions for optimization such as homoscedasticity and independence. In an earlier hydrological modeling study, named Karst Modeling Challenge (KMC; Jeannin et al., J Hydrol 600:126–508, 2021), several modelling approaches were compared for the Milandre Karst System in Switzerland. This serves as a benchmark and we apply the TFN model to KMC data, subsequently comparing the results to other models. Using different data-model-combinations, the most promising data-model-combination is identified in a three-step least-squares calibration. To quantify uncertainty, the Bayesian approach of Markov-chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling is subsequently used with uniform priors for the previously identified best data-model combination. The MCMC maximum likelihood solution is used to simulate spring discharge for a previously unseen testing period, indicating a superior performance compared to all other models in the KMC. It is found that the model gives a physically feasible representation of the system, which is supported by field measurements. While the TFN model simulated rising limbs and flood recession especially well, medium and baseflow conditions were not represented as accurately. The TFN approach poses a well-performing data-driven alternative to other approaches that should be considered in future studies.