bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Job satisfaction: An explorative study on work characteristics changes of employees in Intralogistics 4.0
Authors: Winkelhaus Sven , Grosse Eric H. , Glock Christoph H.
Published: January 2022

The increasing trend toward digitalization in logistics poses a significant managerial challenge, particularly by fundamentally changing the traditional, manual workplaces in intralogistics. Although intralogistics processes have, in some cases, already been automated or are supported by smart technologies, humans remain an inevitable part of future intralogistics but with changing work characteristics. This study aims to examine the influences of the transition toward Intralogistics 4.0 on work characteristics of intralogistics employees. First, a systematic literature review on work characteristics and job satisfaction in a broader Logistics 4.0 context was conducted. Thereafter, a qualitative, explorative methodology was employed to examine the perception of work characteristics that impact job outcomes such as job satisfaction, motivation, and performance at different Intralogistics 4.0 maturity levels. The results of semi‐structured interviews conducted across seven companies demonstrated the significant, heterogeneous changes of work characteristics related to the type of technology applied in Intralogistics 4.0. Our findings indicate that the development toward Intralogistics 4.0‐implemented workplaces does not have a simple or predefined impact on humans; instead, the individual design is relevant and can improve the workplaces with more opportunities for satisfying and motivating jobs.
CDC48B facilitates the intercellular trafficking of SHORT‐ROOT during radial patterning in roots
Authors: Yang Lihui , Zhu Mingyue , Yang Yi , Wang Ke , Che Yulei , Yang Shurui , Wang Jinxiang , Yu Xin , Li Lixin , Wu Shuang , Palme Klaus , Li Xugang
Published: January 2022

CELL DIVISION CONTROL PROTEIN48 (CDC48) is essential for membrane fusion, protein degradation, and other cellular processes. Here, we revealed the crucial role of CDC48B in regulating periclinal cell division in roots by analyzing the recessive gen1 mutant. We identified the GEN1 gene through map‐based cloning and verified that GEN1 encodes CDC48B. gen1 showed severely inhibited root growth, increased periclinal cell division in the endodermis, defective middle cortex (MC) formation, and altered ground tissue patterning in roots. Consistent with these phenotypes, CYCLIND 6;1(CYCD6;1), a periclinal cell division marker, was upregulated in gen1 compared to Col‐0. The ratio of SHRpro:SHR‐GFP fluorescence in pre‐dividing nuclei versus the adjacent stele decreased by 33% in gen1, indicating that the trafficking of SHORT‐ROOT (SHR) decreased in gen1 when endodermal cells started to divide. These findings suggest that the loss of function of CDC48B inhibits the intercellular trafficking of SHR from the stele to the endodermis, thereby decreasing SHR accumulation in the endodermis. These findings shed light on the crucial role of CDC48B in regulating periclinal cell division in roots.
Word‐Problem Performance Differences by Schema: A Comparison of Students with and without Mathematics Difficulty
Authors: Arsenault Tessa L. , Powell Sarah R.
Published: January 2022

Word‐problem features such as text complexity, charts and graphs, position of the unknown, calculation complexity, irrelevant information, and schemas impact word‐problem performance. We compared the word‐problem performance of typically achieving (TA) students and students with mathematics difficulty (MD). First, we measured the word‐problem performance of all students for schemas and position of the unknown, followed by the performance of students with MD for schemas, position of the unknown, irrelevant information, and charts or graphs. Across schemas, while TA students outperformed students with MD, all students typically scored higher on Change and Difference problems than on Total problems. For position of the unknown, students often scored highest on problems with the final position unknown. Students with MD also demonstrated higher scores on problems with irrelevant information than charts and graphs. Although patterns emerged, not all problems followed the same trends, suggesting the need for further research to investigate the impact of word‐problem features on word‐problem accuracy.
Supporting women with learning disabilities in infant feeding decisions: A scoping review
Authors: Johnson Clare , Douglass Emma , Lucas Geraldine , Dowling Sally
Published: January 2022

Mothers with learning disabilities face many challenges during the perinatal period including preparing for and establishing infant feeding. Evidence shows that women with learning disabilities are less likely to breastfeed than other mothers. A scoping review was undertaken using Arksey and O'Malley's methodology to understand what is known about how women with learning disabilities can be supported to make infant feeding decisions, particularly in relation to the use of appropriate and accessible images. An additional aim was to understand what further research is needed to achieve sustainable improvements to policy and practice in this area. A comprehensive search of fourteen electronic databases was undertaken to look for both published and grey literature. Initial searches, after removal of duplicates, resulted in 467 primary research articles plus 22 items of grey literature. Following a systematic process, three published papers and six items of grey literature were identified which met inclusion and exclusion criteria, five of which were resources. Little is known about the acceptability of existing resources, specifically in relation to the use of visual images. A synthesis of the grey literature and a thematic analysis of published literature was conducted and confirmed that women with learning disabilities need tailored support with infant feeding, including accessible resources and that there is a need for more in‐depth research in this area. There is a high level of agreement about the importance of using easily read visual images within these resources, but little evaluation of the types of imagery used or their aesthetic histories.
Multiplex qPCR assay to determine Leishmania infantum load in Lutzomyia longipalpis sandfly samples
Authors: Mota Tiago Feitosa , Brodskyn Claudia Ida , Morello Luis Gustavo , Marchini Fabricio Klerynton , Krieger Marco Aurelio , de Cássia Pontello Rampazzo Rita , Fraga Deborah Bittencourt Mothé
Published: January 2022

The study aimed to develop a multiplex qPCR to detect Leishmania infantum load in different sandfly sample settings using Leishmania kDNA and sandfly vacuolar ATPase (VATP) subunit C as internal control gene. The amplification of Lutzomyia longipalpis VATP gene was evaluated together with Leishmania infantum kDNA in a multiplex reaction. The concentration of VATP gene oligonucleotides was adjusted until no statistically significant difference was observed between all multiplex standard curves and singleplex curves, that is, only kDNA amplification. Limit of detection (LoD) was measured using a probit model and a cut‐off defined by receiver operating characteristic analysis. Limit of quantification (LoQ) was assessed by a linear model using the coefficient of variation threshold of 25%. After assuring VATP gene amplification, its primer–probe concentrations were best at 100 nM/10 nM, respectively. The cut‐off Cq value for L. infantum kDNA was defined as 35.46 with 100% of sensitivity and specificity. A total of 95% LoD was determined to be of 0.162 parasites while LoQ was 5.858. Our VATP/kDNA multiplex qPCR assay shows that it can be used to evaluate both DNA integrity and determine L. infantum load in L. longipalpis even for low yielded samples, that is, individual midguts.
A tale of two empires: Models of political community in British and French colonies
Authors: Lange Matthew , Jeong Tay , Gaudreau Charlotte
Published: January 2022

Since colonial times, many have argued that British and French colonial rule differed in fundamental ways, and recent works exploring colonial legacies build on these claims to suggest that different forms of rule promoted contrasting postcolonial outcomes. Yet many historians and sociologists argue that claims of interimperial differences are inaccurate, overlook important similarities among British and French colonies, and overstate the influence of colonialism. In this article, we test these opposing positions through a multimethod analysis that focuses on the colonial models of political community. Through a statistical analysis of different colonial policies, we provide evidence that the general British model of political community was relatively pluralist whereas the French colonial model was usually highly integrative. And through a comparative‐historical analysis, we offer insight into the different origins of both: The French colonial model was influenced by the dominant model in France and metropolitan political concerns, whereas anticolonialism in India contributed to the rise and proliferation of the more pluralist British model.
Expert Witnessing in the Asylum Economy
Authors: Moodie Ellen
Published: January 2022

Homeland Security lawyers routinely ask experts in immigration court cases about compensation for their labor. The suggestion is that if money has been exchanged, perhaps their opinions have been bought. Meanwhile, pro bono offerings can be seen as “activism”—motivated beyond the court‐framed “truth.” Even as I offer many declarations pro bono, I have come to recognize, uneasily, my role in an extended network of coyote types who convey people to safety. In this contribution, I delve into personal discomfort as I consider the expert's position in the political economy of migrant movement today.
Satellite data track spatial and temporal declines in European beech forest canopy characteristics associated with intense drought events in the Rhön Biosphere Reserve, central Germany
Authors: West E. , Morley P. J. , Jump A. S. , Donoghue D. N. M.
Published: January 2022

The increasing intensity and frequency of droughts under climate change demands effective ways to monitor drought impacts. We sought to determine how different satellite remote sensing sources influence our ability to identify temporal and spatial impacts on European beech forest canopy health during intense drought events.

Imagery from three satellite series (MODIS, Landsat and Sentinel‐2) was used to observe changes in canopy health during the intense droughts of 2003 and 2018 in the Rhön Biosphere Reserve, central Germany. Monthly normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) anomalies were calculated for each satellite between 2000–2020 and compared against temperature, precipitation and the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI).

Severe canopy impacts in 2003 and 2018 were associated with low NDVI in August and September. At the stand‐scale, Sentinel‐2 data allowed a spatially detailed understanding of canopy‐level impacts, while MODIS provided the clearest temporal progression of the drought’s impacts on the forest canopy. Low NDVI values were not exclusively associated with extremes of either temperature and precipitation individually; however, low canopy NDVI in August was associated with SPEI values below −1.5.

Although the intense drought of 2018, as defined by meteorological parameters, peaked in July, canopy NDVI did not decline until August, highlighting that our ability to detect canopy impact during drought events is sensitive to the timing of image acquisition. No single satellite sensor affords a full picture of the temporal or spatial progression of drought impacts. Consequently, using sensors in tandem provides the best possible representation of canopy health during intense drought events.
In contrast to diatoms, cryptophytes are susceptible to iron limitation, but not to ocean acidification
Authors: Camoying Marianne G. , Thoms Silke , Geuer Jana K. , Koch Boris P. , Bischof Kai , Trimborn Scarlett
Published: January 2022

Previous field studies in the Southern Ocean (SO) indicated an increased occurrence and dominance of cryptophytes over diatoms due to climate change. To gain a better mechanistic understanding of how the two ecologically important SO phytoplankton groups cope with ocean acidification (OA) and iron (Fe) availability, we chose two common representatives of Antarctic waters, the cryptophyte Geminigera cryophila and the diatom Pseudo‐nitzschia subcurvata. Both species were grown at 2°C under different pCO2 (400 vs. 900 μatm) and Fe (0.6 vs. 1.2 nM) conditions. For P. subcurvata, an additional high pCO2 level was applied (1400 μatm). At ambient pCO2 under low Fe supply, growth of G. cryophila almost stopped while it remained unaffected in P. subcurvata. Under high Fe conditions, OA was not beneficial for P. subcurvata, but stimulated growth and carbon production of G. cryophila. Under low Fe supply, P. subcurvata coped much better with OA than the cryptophyte, but invested more energy into photoacclimation. Our study reveals that Fe limitation was detrimental for the growth of G. cryophila and suppressed the positive OA effect. The diatom was efficient in coping with low Fe, but was stressed by OA while both factors together strongly impacted its growth. The distinct physiological response of both species to OA and Fe limitation explains their occurrence in the field. Based on our results, Fe availability is an important modulator of OA effects on SO phytoplankton, with different implications on the occurrence of cryptophytes and diatoms in the future.
Preservation of Fe/Mn‐redox fronts in sediments of an oligotrophic, oxygenated deep‐water lake (Lago Fagnano, Tierra del Fuego)
Authors: Neugebauer Ina , Thomas Camille , Ordoñez Luis , Waldmann Nicolas D. , Recasens Cristina , Vizcaino Alexis , Jimenez‐Espejo Francisco J. , Ariztegui Daniel
Published: January 2022

Changing redox conditions in water columns or sediment–water interfaces of lakes are captured as sedimentary archives, and are often influenced by climate. Their study therefore permits the reconstruction of past climate change on (sub‐) annual to longer timescales. In Lago Fagnano (54°S Argentina/Chile), a large oligotrophic and deep‐oxygenated lake, alternations of light grey clay and dark greenish and black laminae are preserved throughout the Holocene sedimentary record. This study aims to clarify the mechanism of laminae formation and preservation in Lago Fagnano, and their relation to changing redox conditions in the lake. High‐resolution major element scanning and mapping along with detailed mineralogical analyses of sediment cores allowed identifying Fe‐oxides, Mn‐oxides and Fe‐(mono) sulphides as responsible for the lamination. Based on the interpretation of redox processes at the current sedimentary redox boundary and of buried palaeo‐redox fronts underlying mass‐transported deposits, the greenish laminae enriched in Fe‐oxides are interpreted as palaeo‐redox fronts. The preservation of such former interfaces in Lago Fagnano sediments is most likely promoted by rapid increases of sedimentation due to higher runoff related to stronger Southern Hemisphere Westerlies. The formation of black laminae, showing only traces of Fe‐(mono) sulphides and organic matter, is obscured by oxidation and early diagenetic processes, i.e. degradation and partial pyritization. These layers were presumably generated by small changes in bottom‐water oxygenation due to reduced mixing and/or higher productivity. This study highlights the value of high‐resolution sediment−geochemical analyses to better understand redox and diagenetic processes in oligotrophic mixed lakes.
A possible dose‐response equation: Viral load after plasma infusion in COVID‐19 patients and anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody titers in convalescent plasma
Authors: He Rui , Wang Jue , Wang Zhenmeng , Liu Yu , Xu Haixia , Zhang Xuejun , Deng E. , Yin Yundi , Ji Xin , Guan Xiaoyu , Ren Qi , Wu Caixia , Chen Yongjun , Li Ling , Zhang Wei , Liu Zhong
Published: January 2022

Background

Clinical trials of convalescent plasma therapy for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) are extensive, but the relationship between antibody titers, infused volume of plasma and virus clearance in patients remains unknown. This study proposed a possible estimating equation for clinical use of high antibody titer convalescent plasma.

Methods

A total of 38 patients were recruited in the Guanggu District Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province from March 1 to 30, 2020. COVID‐19 convalescent plasma was collected and high‐titer (≥1:640) anti‐S‐RBD units used. The SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleic acid viral load was measured 24 h before and 72 h after convalescent plasma infusion.

Results

Convalescent plasma therapy was associated with reduced viral load in patients with moderate and severe severity. The viral negative rate at 72 h was 65.8%. The disappearance of viral nucleic acid in study patients was positively correlated with infuscate antibody titer and volume (r = 0.3375, p = 0.04). A possible estimation equation was as follows: Log10(Reduction in viral load) = 0.18 + 0.001 × (Log2S‐RBD antibody titer × Plasma infusion volume) (r = 0.424, p = 0.009). In a single case, the viral nucleic acid persisted 14 days after the fourth plasma infusion.

Conclusions

This study proposes a potential dose–response equation that adds a convenient way to estimate the dose of convalescent plasma product. It is beneficial to facilitate the rational allocation of plasma with high antibody titers and provide an individualised use strategy for convalescent plasma therapy.
Low rate of RNAemia in blood donations collected during the first wave of COVID‐19 in France
Authors: Le Cam Sophie , Gallian Pierre , Ricard Céline , Narboux Céline , Barlet Valérie , Maugard Claude , Hauser Lisette , Brisbarre Nadège , Cappy Pierre , Pillonel Josiane , Laperche Syria , Morel Pascal
Published: January 2022

Background

To investigate the transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 via blood, we conducted retrospective molecular screening in blood donated during the first pandemic peak in the two French regions with the highest community transmission.

Methods

Archived plasma samples randomly selected from donations collected between March 23 and 29, 2020, in Eastern and Northern regions of France were tested for SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA in minipools of 4 donations (MP4) using the Grifols ProcleixSARS‐CoV‐2 assay. Reactive MP4 and the four corresponding plasmas were further tested with alternative RT‐PCRs and sequencing. Testing for SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies and in vitro infectivity in cell culture were also performed.

Results

Among the 2818 MP4 (corresponding to 9672 donations) tested for viral RNA, 5 were weakly reactive. Among the 20 plasmas included in these five MP4, one presented low‐level reactivity with RT‐PCRs and Procleix SARS‐CoV‐2 and was confirmed on sequencing. The estimated prevalence was 1.03/10,000 (95% CI 0–3.1). The 20 plasmas were antibody nonreactive and none of them showed cytopathic effects in cell culture. When recalled, the index‐donor declared having had symptoms compatible with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection a few days after donation. The two immunocompromised recipients transfused with red blood cells and an inactivated pooled platelet product did not develop COVID‐19.

Conclusion

Our results indicated a low prevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA in the plasma of asymptomatic blood donors during the pandemic peak and no evidence of infectivity in vivo and in vitro. The transfusion risk remains theoretical and does not justify the implementation of SARS‐CoV‐2 NAT for blood donations.
Equations of Motion of Dynamical Systems From Kinematic Characteristics of the Phase Space
Authors: Das Tuhin
Published: January 2022

In the analysis of most engineering dynamical systems, relativistic considerations are unnecessary, allowing an absolute time and simultaneity of events to be assumed. In this article, it is first established that this simultaneity links all generalized coordinates and velocities via simple kinematic relations in the phase space. Subsequently, it is shown that equations of motion of dynamical systems can be derived by imposing these kinematic relations on a generating equation, which is a generalized form of the Jacobi’s integral. A specific process is presented for combining the kinematic relations with the generating equation to yield correct equations of motion. The process is validated by using it to prove the Lagrange’s equation. Examples are provided to demonstrate the approach. The aforementioned kinematic relations are fundamental characteristics of the phase space of general dynamical systems. They provide a novel perspective on equations of motion in analytical dynamics, which leads to a new method of deriving them.
Surface Coating Modification of Cathode Material for Long-Term Stable All-Solid-State Batteries
Authors: Li Suli , Tang Weichao , Zhao Wei , Li Junyi
Published: January 2022

The decomposition of solid electrolytes at the surface of the cathode has become one of the critical bottlenecks in the further widespread of all-solid-state batteries. To this end, we applied a fluidized bed coating method on the cathode and obtained the LiAlO2-coated NCM622 (LiAlO2@NCM622) and Al2O3-coated NCM622 (Al2O3@NCM622). The morphologies, structures, and electrochemical properties of NCM622, LiAlO2@NCM622, and Al2O3@NCM622 were characterized by SEM, EDS, ICP-AES, XRD, laser particle size analyzer, and electrochemical tests. For LiAlO2@NCM622 and Al2O3@NCM622, the coating layers are uniformly distributed on the surface of the cathode active material while the intrinsic structures of NCM622 remain unchanged after coating. Besides, the particle sizes of LiAlO2@NCM622 and Al2O3@NCM622 are larger than NCM622. Furthermore, solid-state batteries were assembled with NCM622, LiAlO2@NCM622, and Al2O3@NCM622 as cathodes, respectively, polyoxyethylene as the solid electrolyte and lithium metal as the anode. The electrochemical tests show that the assembled batteries with LiAlO2@NCM622 and Al2O3@NCM622 exhibit better cycle performance than pristine NCM622. The capacity retention decreases to 80% at the 28th cycle for NCM622, 64th cycle for LiAlO2@NCM622, and 55th cycle for Al2O3@NCM622, respectively, demonstrating that the compatibility between the surface-coated cathode and the solid electrolyte has been significantly improved. This work promotes the application of surface modification technology and paves the way toward next-generation solid-state batteries.
Social Network Word-of-Mouth Integrated Into Agent-Based Design for Market Systems Modeling
Authors: Zadbood Amineh , Hoffenson Steven
Published: January 2022

Improving engineering design in the context of market systems requires a deep understanding of the decision-making processes of multiple interacting stakeholders and how they affect the success of new products. One key group of stakeholders in this system is consumers, who make purchase choices that directly influence each product’s market share and profits. Since real-world individual decisions are influenced by social communications, supporting product development efforts with social network analysis can enable producers to predict demand much more accurately.This article presents an agent-based modeling (ABM) framework for design for market systems analysis that incorporates social network word-of-mouth (WOM) recommendations. To investigate influences of homophily-driven WOM and network structures on consumer preferences and the prediction of market demand, the random and small-world networks are generated based on the concept of homophily to study the differences in the emergent system-level behaviors. We compare the output of the models against a similar model that excludes WOM influences, using a case study of the top-selling midsize sedans in the US automobile industry. The results show that the addition of WOM improves the ability to accurately forecast consumer demand in a statistically significant way. This suggests that producers who invest in supporting their product development efforts with design for market systems analyses that account for social networks may be able to better optimize their decision-making and increase their market success.
A Review of Bat-Inspired Shape Morphing Robotic Design
Authors: Sui Tingting , Zou Ting
Published: January 2022

By virtue of distinguished wing shape morphing characteristics, the unrivaled agility and flight maneuverability of bats have inspired scientists and engineers to develop novel forms of robots that can fly like bats. The unique wing conformations, flight kinematics, and aerodynamics offer significant advantages over the conventional form of miniature air vehicle in terms of quiet, safe operations, improved efficiency, and enhanced maneuverability. Meanwhile, they also pose substantial challenges for robot design from multiple perspectives, including mechanical design, sensing, control, etc. The practical benefits and technical bottleneck have motivated the development of bat-inspired robots in recent years. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the designing principles and report current state-of-the-art of bat-inspired robot designs, emphasizing the respective distinguishing features of each paradigm, along with the room for further improvement. Rather than showcasing advancement in wing materials, we will focus on the mechanical design and control methodology. This paper will help researchers new in this realm to get familiar with the bat-inspired robots by adopting features from existing designs. It also concludes technical challenges associated with future development, involving biological research, aerodynamic modeling, mechanical design, and control technique.
Determination of Critical Temperature of Scuffing for AISI 8620 Steel Gear Contacts Lubricated by Dexron 6 Through Computational Simulation of Experiment
Authors: Li Sheng , Kolivand Ali , Wei Jing
Published: January 2022

This study establishes the critical temperature of scuffing for contacts of gears made of AISI 8620 steel alloy, lubricated by Dexron 6 oil. Through thermal mixed elastohydrodynamic lubrication modeling, experimental scuffing failures are simulated to determine the associated maximum surface temperature, which consists of bulk and flash components. This temperature is referred as the limiting/critical temperature of scuffing and is believed to be independent of operating conditions, while vary for different solid material and lubricant pairs. It is found that sump lubricant temperature rise affects surface temperature by contributing to the bulk component. The flash component is largely dictated by asperity interactions within the contact zone, where Hertzian pressure is not an appropriate measure of micro-scale asperity contact loading. The observed scuffing scars are shown to be in good agreement with the high temperature zone predicted by the computational model.
Effect of Zn2+ and K+ as Retarding Agents on Rock-Based Geopolymers for Downhole Cementing Operations
Authors: Chamssine Fawzi , Khalifeh Mahmoud , Saasen Arild
Published: January 2022

Geopolymer material has a potential to function alongside Portland Cement as an efficient cementitious material for well cementing and plug and abandonment applications. Geopolymer material requires retarding agents to be displaced into the well while considering the properties required to maintain efficient zonal isolation through superior mechanical properties. Chemical admixtures affect the material structure and can, in some cases, jeopardize material integrity if not engineered properly to suite downhole conditions. The present article shows the effect of Zn2+ and K+ species have as retarding agents on slurry, mechanical, and microstructural properties. The approach has been carried out to obtain a preliminary overview of how retarding agents can behave in mix design slurries where eventually sealing performance was examined. Samples were cured and examined for periods of 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 days at downhole conditions. The results obtained confirm a retardation effect by the addition of Zn2+ and K+ species and some shortcomings in early strength development due to a poisoning mechanism by Zn2+ species. This phenomenon indicates the formation of Ca-Zn phase that can hinder the nucleation of the geopolymeric gel structure. No significant effects were observed on the microstructural development throughout the curing period. The effect of Zn2+ species was also observed in increasing threshold for hydraulic sealability. It may be concluded that the tested retarding agents require furthermore development to minimize shortcomings in mechanical properties specifically early strength development.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling of the Pressure Drop of an Iso-Thermal and Turbulent Upward Bubbly Flow Through a Vertical Pipeline Using Population Balance Modeling Approach
Authors: Lotfi Marzieh , Chimeh Arash Fassadi , Dabir Bahram , Mohammadi Amir H.
Published: January 2022

A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of the two-phase flow is presented to simulate isothermal, turbulent, upward bubbly flow in a pipeline for the purpose of forecasting a mean pressure reduction along the pipe (a three-dimensional (3D) multiphase flow, by Eulerian–Eulerian strategy combined with population balance model (PBM)). A set of experimental data from the literature for water (liquid) and air (gas) in an isothermal pipe is used where the internal diameter of which is 200 mm; it tends to analyze radial void fraction and bubble diameter distributions as well as the axial pressure distribution of fluid flow. The CFD model is applied to grids of minimum control volumes. The interfacial forces, including nondrag and drag forces, where the former can be categorized into turbulent scattering, lift, and wall lubrication, have been noticed in simulations. The comparison between CFD forecasts with experimental data demonstrates that the coring phenomena plus observed wall peaking could be predicted with this CFD-PBM modeling approach. The primary aim of this study was to anticipate the axial pressure distribution of bubbly flow in the pipe by CFD modeling in a large vertical pipe. Acceptable agreement between models predictions and experimental data indicates that CFD can be a beneficial method for investigating pressure drop of an upward and multiphase flow.
Morphological ontogeny of Psammogalumna iranica (Acari, Oribatida, Galumnidae)
Authors: Seniczak Stanisław , Kaczmarek Sławomir , Marquardt Tomasz , Faleńczyk-koziróg Katarzyna , Seniczak Anna
Published: January 2022

The morphology of juveniles of Psammogalumna Balogh, 1943 has not been investigated. In this paper, the morphological ontogeny of P. iranica Akrami et al., 2011 is described and illustrated. The prodorsal setae of juveniles are of medium size or long and barbed, the bothridial seta is clavate, with barbed, narow head, and most gastronotal setae are short or minute. The larva has 12 pairs of gastronotal setae, with seven pairs on gastronotal shield (d-, l-series, h1), the nymphs have 15 pairs, with 10 pairs on gastronotal shield (d-, l-, h-series, p1), and setae of c-, ad- and an-series, and p2 and p3 are inserted on microsclerites. In all juveniles, a humeral organ is present. The hypertrichy occurs in the adanal region of deutonymph and adanal and anal regions of tritonymph and adult.
Inhibition of sphingolipid de novo synthesis counteracts muscular dystrophy
Authors: Laurila Pirkka-Pekka , Luan Peiling , Wohlwend Martin , Zanou Nadège , Crisol Barbara , Imamura de Lima Tanes , Goeminne Ludger J. E. , Gallart-Ayala Hector , Shong Minho , Ivanisevic Julijana , Place Nicolas , Auwerx Johan
Published: January 2022

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), the most common muscular dystrophy, is a severe muscle disorder, causing muscle weakness, loss of independence, and premature death. Here, we establish the link between sphingolipids and muscular dystrophy. Transcripts of sphingolipid de novo biosynthesis pathway are up-regulated in skeletal muscle of patients with DMD and other muscular dystrophies, which is accompanied by accumulation of metabolites of the sphingolipid pathway in muscle and plasma. Pharmacological inhibition of sphingolipid synthesis by myriocin in the
mdx
mouse model of DMD ameliorated the loss in muscle function while reducing inflammation, improving Ca
2+
homeostasis, preventing fibrosis of the skeletal muscle, heart, and diaphragm, and restoring the balance between M1 and M2 macrophages. Myriocin alleviated the DMD phenotype more than glucocorticoids. Our study identifies inhibition of sphingolipid synthesis, targeting multiple pathogenetic pathways simultaneously, as a strong candidate for treatment of muscular dystrophies.
Epidemiological characteristics of the B.1.526 SARS-CoV-2 variant
Authors: Yang Wan , Greene Sharon K. , Peterson Eric R. , Li Wenhui , Mathes Robert , Graf Laura , Lall Ramona , Hughes Scott , Wang Jade , Fine Anne
Published: January 2022

To characterize the epidemiological properties of the B.1.526 SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) variant of interest, here we used nine epidemiological and population datasets and model-inference methods to reconstruct SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics in New York City, where B.1.526 emerged. We estimated that B.1.526 had a moderate increase (15 to 25%) in transmissibility, could escape immunity in 0 to 10% of previously infected individuals, and substantially increased the infection fatality risk (IFR) among adults 65 or older by >60% during November 2020 to April 2021, compared to estimates for preexisting variants. Overall, findings suggest that new variants like B.1.526 likely spread in the population weeks before detection and that partial immune escape (e.g., resistance to therapeutic antibodies) could offset prior medical advances and increase IFR. Early preparedness for and close monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 variants, their epidemiological characteristics, and disease severity are thus crucial to COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) response.
Parental terminal cancer and dependent children: a systematic review
Authors: Wray Alexandra , Seymour Julie , Greenley Sarah , Boland Jason W
Published: January 2022

Background

When a parent has terminal cancer, their children are part of that experience. Parents often want to protect their children from their disease and prognosis. Knowledge of dependent children’s experience will help ensure they receive appropriate support. To date, there is lack of synthesis of this evidence examining children’s perspectives.

Objectives

To systematically search and synthesise the qualitative literature exploring the experiences of dependent children when their parent has terminal cancer.

Methods

Databases of MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Assia and the Cochrane library were searched systematically from inception to July 2020 to determine eligible studies. Included studies were appraised for quality and thematically synthesised using Thomas and Harden’s thematic synthesis framework.

Results

Fourteen studies were included, which interviewed children about their experiences (n=654 children aged 4–18 years at the time of parental death), from six countries. Five descriptive themes were identified, further categorised into two broad themes: (1) finding out about parental cancer and its impact on the family and (2) coping with life with parental cancer, death and beyond.

Conclusion

Children want to be involved in their parent’s cancer experience and to help support the family. Healthcare professionals are ideally placed to support and encourage parents to include their children. They should reassure parents that children can cope well and that maintaining normality will help, and explain the benefits of honest and open communication and how they can include dependent children from diagnosis and beyond.
Spectral dynamics of interacting particles: in Brownian motion and gravitating dust solutions
Authors: Ganesan Timothy
Published: January 2022

Statistical analysis of the behaviour of interacting particles suspended in a fluid undergoing Brownian motion is extended by a deeper investigation into its spectral properties. By utilizing random matrix theory, spectral statistics is then integrated into the Einstein–Brownian motion formulation for interacting particles suspended in a fluid. The modified version of the conventional Brownian formulation along with the resulting insights are presented in this work. The second part of this work provides the implementation of spectral statistics to a system of interacting massive particles of a gravitating dust solution. Formulating the system on a Riemannian manifold with a random metric tensor, a deterministic dust solution density is achieved, where spectral and statistical aspects of the relativistic theory of gravity are uncovered. Potential application in modeling properties of galaxy formation and evolution is discussed.
Direct photons emission rate and electric conductivity in twice anisotropic QGP holographic model with first-order phase transition
Authors: Aref’eva Irina Ya. , Ermakov Alexey , Slepov Pavel
Published: January 2022

The electric conductivity and direct photons emission rate are considered in the holographic theory with two types of anisotropy. The electric conductivity is derived in two different ways, and their equivalence for the twice anisotropic theory is shown. Numerical calculations of the electric conductivity were done for Einstein-dilaton-three-Maxwell holographic model (Aref’eva et al. in JHEP 07:161, 2021). The dependence of the conductivity on the temperature, the chemical potential, the external magnetic field, and the spatial anisotropy of the heavy-ions collision (HIC) is studied. The electric conductivity jumps near the first-order phase transition are observed. This effect is similar to the jumps of holographic entanglement that were studied previously.
Building Occupancy Simulation and Analysis under Virus Scenarios
Authors: Sydora Christoph , Nawaz Faiza , Bindra Leepakshi , Stroulia Eleni
Published: January 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, regulations on building usage and occupancy density were brought to the forefront, as research indicated that transmission was most likely to occur in indoor environments. Public health officials and building managers had to decide how to best use their buildings while curtailing the infection risk for their occupants.

In this article, we present a systematic simulation-based methodology for estimating the infection risk for a building’s occupants under different scenarios of building usage. We have evaluated our simulations against some real-world building usage data from a university campus building; our experiments demonstrate the realism of our simulations. Based on this finding, we have developed a virus transmission model that estimates the potential infection transmission risk given the behaviors of a building’s occupants. Our methodology enables building managers to simulate alternative building usage scenarios and estimate their relative infection transmission risk. We argue that such risk estimate comparisons can be useful in making decision about alternative building usage options.
COVID-19 and Minimizing Micro-Spatial Interactions
Authors: Burtner Susan , Murray Alan T.
Published: January 2022

COVID-19, the novel coronavirus that has disrupted lives around the world, continues to challenge how humans interact in public and shared environments. Repopulating the micro-spatial setting of an office building, with virus spread and transmission mitigation measures, is critical for a return to normalcy. Advice from public health experts, such as maintaining physical distancing from others and well-ventilated spaces, are essential, yet there is a lack of sound guidance on configuring office usage that allows for a safe return of workers. This paper highlights the potential for decision-making and planning insights through location analytics, particularly within an office setting. Proposed is a spatial analytic framework addressing the need for physical distancing and limiting worker interaction, supported by geographic information systems, network science, and spatial optimization. The developed modeling approach addresses dispersion of assigned office spaces as well as associated movement within the office environment. This can be used to support the design and utilization of offices in a manner that minimizes the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Our proposed model produces two main findings: (1) that the consideration of minimizing potential interaction as an objective has implications for the safety of work environments, and (2) that current social distancing measures may be inadequate within office settings. Our results show that leveraging exploratory spatial data analyses through the integration of geographic information systems, network science, and spatial optimization, enables the identification of workspace allocation alternatives in support of office repopulation efforts.
Review—Hybrid Bonding-Based Interconnects: A Status on the Last Robustness and Reliability Achievements
Authors: Moreau S. , Jourdon J. , Lhostis S. , Bouchu D. , Ayoub B. , Arnaud L. , Frémont H.
Published: January 2022

This paper reviews the most significant qualification and reliability achievements obtained, over the last 6 years, by the scientific community for hybrid bonding-based interconnects (HB) also named Cu–Cu or Cu/SiO2 bonding. First, the definition of words qualification, robustness and reliability are given to avoid misunderstanding about the published results. Second, the five potential threats (moisture ingress, thermomechanical stresses, electromigration, Cu diffusion, dielectric breakdown) are presented. Finally, the publications of six industrials or Research and Technology Organizations are summarized and discussed. Most of the published data are related to qualification results (pass or fail). Few studies published in-depth studies, mainly on electromigration (Black’s parameters extraction and failure analysis) and copper diffusion (electrical and analytical characterizations). To conclude, once the manufacturing issues (surface preparation, alignment…) have been solved, this technology is robust and reliable at pitches > 1 μm as it reacts, roughly, like a conventional back-end of line (BEoL) interconnect.
(Invited) Drift Subtraction for Fast-Scan Cyclic Voltammetry Using Double-Waveform Partial Least Squares Regression
Authors: Sombers Leslie A , McCarty Gregory S , Meunier Carl J
Published: January 2022

Background-subtracted fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) provides a method for detecting molecular fluctuations with high spatiotemporal resolution in the brain of awake and behaving animals. The rapid scan rates generate large background currents that are subtracted to reveal changes in analyte concentration. Although these background currents are relatively stable, small changes occur over time. These changes, referred to as electrochemical drift (ECD), result in background-subtraction artifacts that constrain the utility of FSCV, particularly when quantifying chemical changes that gradually occur over long measurement times (minutes). The voltammetric features of ECD are varied and can span the entire potential window, convoluting the signal from any targeted analyte. We present a straightforward method for extending the duration of a single FSCV recording window. Voltammetric waveforms are implemented in pairs. An initial, abbreviated waveform is used to capture ECD information that can serve as a predictor for the ECD contribution to the subsequent full voltammetric scan using partial least squares regression (PLSR). This double-waveform partial-least-squares regression (DW-PLSR) paradigm permits reliable subtraction of the ECD component to the voltammetric data. This talk will demonstrate how DW-PLSR can be used to improve quantification of adenosine, dopamine, and hydrogen peroxide fluctuations occurring >10 min from the initial background position, both in vitro and in vivo. The results reveal the power of this tool for evaluating and interpreting both rapid (seconds) and gradual (minutes) chemical changes captured in FSCV recordings over extended durations.
Cardioprotective Effect of circ_SMG6 Knockdown against Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury Correlates with miR-138-5p-Mediated EGR1/TLR4/TRIF Inactivation
Authors: Huang Chen , Qu Yalun , Feng Fan , Zhang Hualu , Shu Liliang , Zhu Xiaohua , Huang Gongcheng , Xu Jing
Published: January 2022

Increased neutrophil recruitment represents a hallmark event in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury due to the ensuing inflammatory response. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are important regulatory molecules involved in cell physiology and pathology. Herein, we analyzed the role of a novel circRNA circ_SMG6 in the regulation of neutrophil recruitment following I/R injury, which may associate with the miR-138-5p/EGR1/TLR4/TRIF axis. Myocardial I/R injury was modeled in vivo by ligation of the left anterior descending (LAD) artery followed by reperfusion in mice and in vitro by exposing a cardiomyocyte cell line (HL-1) to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). Gain- and loss-of-function experiments were performed to evaluate the effect of the circ_SMG6/miR-138-5p/EGR1/TLR4/TRIF axis on cardiac functions, myocardial infarction, myocardial enzyme levels, cardiomyocyte activities, and neutrophil recruitment. We found that the EGR1 expression was increased in myocardial tissues of I/R mice. Knockdown of EGR1 was found to attenuate I/R-induced cardiac dysfunction and infarction area, pathological damage, and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Mechanistic investigations showed that circ_SMG6 competitively bound to miR-138-5p and consequently led to upregulation of EGR1, thus facilitating myocardial I/R injury in mice and H/R-induced cell injury. Additionally, ectopic EGR1 expression augmented neutrophil recruitment and exacerbated the ensuing I/R injury, which was related to the activated TLR4/TRIF signaling pathway. Overall, our findings suggest that circ_SMG6 may deteriorate myocardial I/R injury by promoting neutrophil recruitment via the miR-138-5p/EGR1/TLR4/TRIF signaling. This pathway may represent a potential therapeutic target in the management of myocardial I/R injury.
Economic Evaluation Method of Incremental Distribution Network Project Based on Value Theory
Authors: Xie Weiming , Qiu Linda
Published: January 2022

In order to improve the weight calculation accuracy and overall evaluation accuracy of incremental distribution network project economic evaluation, a new incremental distribution network project economic evaluation method based on value theory is proposed in this paper. Firstly, based on the value theory, the economic characteristics of incremental distribution network are analyzed. Secondly, the economic benefits of the incremental distribution network project are calculated from the perspectives of DG owned operators and DG owned users. Finally, based on the calculation results of economic benefits, this paper constructs the evaluation index system, calculates the evaluation weight from both subjective and objective aspects, and finally completes the economic evaluation of incremental distribution network project. The experimental results show that compared with the traditional evaluation methods, this method can accurately calculate the evaluation weight, so as to obtain more accurate evaluation results.