bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE VAN DER MEER FORMULA FOR ROCK SLOPE STABILITY AT SHALLOW WATER
Authors: Meer Jentsje van der , Andersen Thomas Lykke , Eldrup Mads Roge
Published: September 2023

In Van der Meer (2021) the stability formula for rock slopes under wave attack has been rewritten to remove the mean period Tm and to include the spectral period Tm-1,0. This formula is now identical to the Modified Van der Meer formula in the Rock Manual (2007 – Eqs 5.139 and 5.140), except for its coefficients and the use of H2 percent in the Rock Manual and H1/3 in Van der Meer (2021). A method has been given in Van der Meer (2021) by coefficients cpl and csu in the rewritten formula, to include (new) data on rock slope stability where results differ from the original formula and data. The re-fit of the shallow water data by Van Gent (2004) leading to the Modified Van der Meer formula for shallow water comes now to cpl=0.92 and csu=0.96, showing that rock slopes are less stable in shallow water than in deep water (coefficients smaller than 1 show less stability). The main objective is then: when and where do shallow water stability results deviate from the known stability formulae and how can we describe the deviating results. The original dataset by Van Gent (2004) and additional tests by Eldrup (2019) as well as other data have been analysed in depth to come to an improved understanding of rock slope stability in shallow water.
GUIDELINES FOR INSTALLING MULTI-USE AND ECO-FEATURES DURING BREAKWATER UPGRADES
Authors: Dwyer Patrick , Dengate Craig , Mamo Lea , Coleman Melinda , Kelaher Brendan
Published: September 2023

Many breakwaters along the New South Wales (NSW) coastline that train river entrances or form armoured harbours were designed and built more than 100 years ago. They were built to support coastal shipping, transport and trade which was important in European settlement along coastal NSW prior to the construction of rail and road networks. Breakwater construction was undertaken without rigorous environmental impact assessment and often caused unintended, and lasting, estuary-wide hydrological impacts and interruptions to sand movement. The structures themselves also replaced and fragmented natural ecosystems. A decision-making framework (Mamo et al, 2022) and guidelines (Dwyer and Dengate, 2021) have been developed to inform the planning of upgrade works. The framework and guidelines promote adoption of elements that can maximise multi-use opportunities and incorporate eco-features to add environmental value. They can inform decision-making for an individual breakwater or an organization’s portfolio of structures.
DESIGN OF A FLOATING PLATFORM FOR AN INNOVATIVE DUCTED WIND TURBINE
Authors: Gurnari Luana , Filianoti Pasquale , Capua Claudio De , Alizzio Damiano , Scordamaglia Valerio , Ruffa Filippo , Fulco Gaetano , Lugarà Maria Carla , Camporeale Sergio Mario , Torresi Marco , Bari Politecnico di
Published: September 2023

This paper analyses the dynamics loads exerted by waves on a floating offshore platform in the Straits of Messina, (South of Italy), hosting an innovative ducted wind turbine. The force exerted by largest sea waves occurring during lifetime on the floating platform are predicted by the quasi-determinism theory, which foresees what happens if a group of waves of exceptionally large height occurs at a given point in the sea.
MONTHLY MEAN WAVE HEIGHT FORECASTS USING THE STATISTICAL WAVE MODEL BASED ON PCA ANALYSIS
Authors: Shibutani Yoko , Mori Nobuhito , Kanda Taisei
Published: September 2023

Wave forecasts are refed in various fields such as fishing, surfing, ship navigation, and maritime construction. In addition, mild wave conditions are necessary during construction on the sea. Therefore, the accuracy of wave forecasting greatly influences marine construction management. In order to make a construction plan for marine construction, it is desired to estimate the wave height and frequency of construction several months ahead. The concern with long-term predictions has been growing because most wave forecasts are short-term predictions. In this study, a monthly ensemble mean wave height prediction was carried out using the statistical wave model, and the prediction accuracy was verified.
THE INFLUENCE OF SUBMERGED COASTAL STRUCTURES ON NEARSHORE HYDRODYNAMICS
Authors: Silva Renan F. da , Hansen Jeff , Lowe Ryan , Rijnsdorp Dirk , Buckley Mark
Published: September 2023

Submerged coastal structures (e.g., submerged breakwaters and natural and artificial reefs) are common in nearshore waters globally. By locally reducing water depths from the surrounding bathymetry, they modify the incident wave field, mean currents, runup and sediment transport around them. Although submerged structures are generally assumed to promote coastal protection by dissipating waves offshore and creating sheltered conditions in their lee, their interaction with waves can result in wave-driven circulation patterns that may either promote shoreline accretion or erosion (Ranasinghe et al., 2006). A meta-analysis of the coastal changes resulting from the construction of submerged breakwaters found that, contrary to expectation, in the majority of the cases erosion occurred in their lee (Ranasinghe and Turner, 2006). Therefore, a detailed understanding of the wave structure interactions and resulting hydrodynamics is paramount to predict coastal changes in their lee. Here we explore the detailed wave-driven hydrodynamics in the lee of submerged structures using phase-resolved modelling.
WAVE TRANSMISSION OVER A WIDE NEARSHORE REEF
Authors: Valikchali Saeed , Joynt Patrick , Dibajnia Mohammad , Dent Jarrod
Published: September 2023

As a shoreline erosion mitigation measure, nearshore reefs have attracted increasing attention. Nearshore reefs are wide submerged porous structures with mild natural slopes constructed in shallow nearshore waters. These reefs mitigate shoreline erosion by managing wave energy through a variety of wave transformation processes (e.g., refraction and energy dissipation through breaking and internal turbulence and friction). Wave attenuation over solid impermeable structures have been widely studied (e.g., Gurley 1994; Chella et al., 2015; Lowe et al., 2022). On the other hand, details of wave transformation over wide porous reef structures and the corresponding rate of wave energy dissipation are yet to be understood. The goal of this study is to develop a better understanding of how waves interact with porous nearshore reefs using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).
ON THE PROBABILITY OF UNIDIRECTIONAL NONLINEAR EXTREME WAVES IN THE PRESENCE OF WAVE REFLECTION
Authors: He Yuchen , Concejo Ana Vila , Babanin Alexander , Slunyaev Alexey , Mori Nobuhito , Chabchoub Amin
Published: September 2023

Extreme waves are known to appear in different water depth regimes, and their focusing mechanisms have been intensively studied over the last decades. This experimental study aims to improve understanding of rogue wave statistics when wave reflections are at play. A series of unidirectional JONSWAP wave trains have been generated in a wave flume while varying the water depth and beach inclination slope. The data collected near the beach installation suggests a general decrease in extreme wave probability with the increase of the beach inclination, thus, with the increase of wave reflection. In deep-water, the numerical simulations based on the coupled nonlinear Schrodinger equation, which accounts for the presence of reflective waves, show a very good agreement with the experimental data. The irregular wave measurements in the presence of wave reflection indicate that the decrease in probability of exceedance, which correlates with the decrease in the value of kurtosis, is due to the weakening of third-order effects. When the water depth is decreased to a finite depth regime, we can observe an increase of extreme events, which we attribute to the change of the wave breaking threshold. However, no substantial rogue waves have been observed below the dimensionless depth kh value of 1.36. Then again, nonlinear effects always remain relevant and at play in all cases considered.
WAVE TRANSFORMATION OVER PALM BEACH REEF
Authors: Daniels Ralph , Metters Daryl , Ryan John
Published: September 2023

Ocean wave parameters are influenced by shallowing water depth and varying bottom topography. Modelling and in-situ studies have found that as waves propagate over a reef, interaction in the form of friction with the shallower reef can alter wave height, wave period, wavelength, and wave direction. Submerged structures such as coral and rock-based reefs provide an uncertain amount of shoreline protection. Quantifying wave transformation over submerged structures will inform and aid in the design of future coastal protections.
Dilemas interseccionais:
Authors: Goes Emanuelle Freitas
Published: September 2023

O aborto é um fenômeno reprodutivo comum a todas as mulheres e pessoas com útero, mas os diversos contextos sociais e históricos situarão de como mulheres negras, indígenas, latinas, asiáticas e demais grupos racialmente oprimidos e pessoas com útero vão experimentar este evento reprodutivo. A intersecção das desigualdades de gênero e do racismo e suas manifestações determinará como essas mulheres vivenciam o aborto, seja na gravidez não pretendida, na decisão pela interrupção da gravidez, nas relações com as parcerias e rede de apoio, ou seja, na procura pelo serviço de saúde. As mulheres negras seguem mais solitárias no momento da decisão pela interrupção e são elas também que mais morrem de morte materna em consequência do aborto inseguro. Por isso fundamental a justiça reprodutiva que reconhece as mulheres em suas humanidades, o mundo e suas diversas formas de opressão que tem definido o destino reprodutivo das mulheres negras, latinas, indígenas, asiáticas e do Sul Global. Todas as mulheres e pessoas com útero tem direito de realizar suas escolhas reprodutivas sem serem condenadas a morte.
A Política Nacional de Avaliação da Educação como aparelho estatal de hegemonia: uma leitura a partir de Gramsci e Poulantzas
Authors: Pereira Rafael dos Santos
Published: September 2023

A Política Nacional de Avaliação, que remonta às décadas de 70 e 80, inserida nas políticas de resposta à crise do petróleo, se consolidou como parte essencial na supervisão e regulação dos sistemas de ensino brasileiros e produz indicadores cuja repercussão social é muito relevante. Com o objetivo de contribuir com o campo da análise e avaliação de políticas de avaliação, conformou-se como objeto desse ensaio, uma reflexão sobre essa política a partir de leituras de Gramsci e Poulantzas. Trata-se de um estudo teórico, com reflexões metodológicas, que passa por discussões introdutórias acerca do Estado moderno e da sociedade de classes, pelos conceitos de Estado e Hegemonia, chegando nos instrumentos da política de avaliação para concluir sobre sua configuração como aparelho estatal de hegemonia.
A era do capitalismo de vigilância: a luta por um futuro humano na nova fronteira do poder [Shoshana Zuboff]
Authors: Souza Cleonilton da Silva
Published: September 2023

Resenha do livro A era do capitalismo de vigilância: a luta por um futuro humano na nova fronteira do poder, da autora Shoshana Zuboff, lançado em 2020 no Brasil pela editora Intrínseca.
O acampamento e a escola itinerante do MST na espera da reforma agrária
Authors: Amboni Vanderlei
Published: September 2023

Este estudo reflete sobre os acampamentos e as escolas que brotam na luta do Movimento dos Trabalhadores Rurais Sem Terra (MST) por conquista da terra. Interessa discutir a existência da vida sob condições adversas no acampamento e a escola conquistada neste processo. Para nossas reflexões, serão utilizados documentos do MST, do Estado, da pedagogia soviética e de estudiosos sobre o tema Escola Itinerante. Importa também conhecer as lutas da reforma agrária e da escola pública conquistada e os elementos constitutivos da organização da Escola Itinerante. Com isso, o resultado esperado é a significação social das lutas por terra e educação no MST e o surgimento de uma nova estrutura agrária e educacional no campo sob valores campesinos.
Política Nacional de Educação Digital: uma análise de seus rebatimentos na educação pública brasileira
Authors: Venco Selma Borghi , Seki Allan Kenji
Published: September 2023

O presente artigo discute a Política Nacional de Educação Digital (PNED) como aglutinadora das políticas de expansão de plataformas digitais na educação brasileira, com especial atenção à educação pública. A PNED foi instituída pela Lei nº 14.533, de 11 de janeiro de 2023 (BRASIL, 2023). São apresentados os aspectos gerais da nova legislação, com vistas a verificar a hipótese que sua tramitação sinaliza como a “educação digital” converge com a agenda de distintas frações políticas. Buscou-se analisar o uso ideológico da “tecnologia digital” e, por fim, destaca-se o elemento nodal do trabalho docente como sendo ele que está centralmente em disputa na PNED.
Clinical Management of Neuropathic Itch
Authors: Auyeung Kelsey L. , Jenkins Blair A. , Kim Brian S.
Published: September 2023

This JAMA Network Insight reviews the underlying mechanisms and management of peripheral sensory itch conditions.
Sources of Low-Value Care Received by Medicare Beneficiaries and Associated Spending Within US Health Systems
Authors: Chant Emma D. , Crawford Maia , Yang Ching-Wen Wendy , Fisher Elliott S. , Morden Nancy E. , Ganguli Ishani
Published: September 2023

This cross-sectional study examines referrals for low-value health care services and associated spending by ordering clinician among Medicare beneficiaries.
County-Level Sociodemographic Characteristics and Availability of COVID-19 Therapeutic Drugs
Authors: Shishkov Alyssa , Andrews Marcus R. , Alphonso Sophie R. , Deng Yangyang , Moniruzzaman Mohammad , Cantor Jonathan H. , Tamura Kosuke
Published: September 2023

This cross-sectional study examines access to COVID-19 treatments in US counties by race and ethnicity, poverty rate, uninsured rate, and other population and community characteristics.
Implications of Using Chatbots for Future Surgical Education
Authors: Grigorian Areg , Shipley Jonathan , Nahmias Jeffry , Nguyen Ninh , Schwed Alexander C. , Petrie Beverley A. , de Virgilio Christian
Published: September 2023

This quality improvement study investigates whether a chatbot can accurately answer surgery clerkship multiple-choice questions, explain incorrect answers, assess question difficulty, and generate a high-quality examination question.
Does increasing the diversity of seeds broadcast for restoration alter post‐dispersal seed predation and its community‐determining effects?
Authors: Drescher Benny J. , Nolan Madeline
Published: September 2023

Native seeds broadcast for restoration are often consumed by predators before they can germinate. However, it is unclear how the composition of a seed mix affects seed predation.

We excluded vertebrates from small plots seeded with native grassland plants to evaluate how seed diversity affects predation. There were two seeding treatments: a less diverse mix with a focal cohort of eight species on which we focused our analyses, and a more diverse mix that consisted of the focal cohort plus eight additional species.

The focal cohort experienced greater predation when dispersed with the additional species, but this effect was unevenly distributed throughout the focal cohort.

The species of the focal cohort that experienced the greatest increase in predation when in the high‐diversity treatment were also the ones favoured by predators when in the treatment without additional species. This suggests that when more species of palatable seed are available in a dispersed seed patch, predators may exert a stronger community‐filtering effect on such a seed patch.

Increasing the number of species dispersed together for land stewardship efforts may increase predation of these seeds, which is a concern if their dispersal is intended to restore native plant diversity. We recommend strategies to minimize this potential detriment, such as staggering seed dispersal over time, for practitioners who seek to disperse a high diversity of seeds for native restoration.
Basis transform in linear switched system models from input–output data
Authors: Bencherki Fethi , Türkay Semiha , Akçay Hüseyin
Published: September 2023

This article addresses the problem of basis correction in the context of linear switched‐system (LSS) identification from input–output data. It is often the case that identification algorithms for the LSSs from input–output data operate locally. The local submodel estimates, identified individually by subspace algorithms from the input‐output data, reside in different‐state bases, which mandates performing a basis correction that facilitates their coherent patching for the ultimate goal of performing output predictions for arbitrary inputs and switching sequences. We formulate a persistence of excitation condition for the inputs and the switching sequences that guarantees the presented approach's success. These conditions are mild in nature, which proves the practicality of the devised algorithm. We supplement the theoretical findings with an elaborating numerical simulation example.
Superionic Silver Halide Solid Electrolyte: Dielectric Property and Iontronic Memtransistor Application for Bioinspired Computing
Authors: Mukherjee Arka , Mohanan Kannan Udaya , Sagar Srikrishna , Das Bikas C.
Published: September 2023

Technology like high‐level parallel information processing and storage in the brain remains a dream to the researchers using conventional solid‐state electronics. Here, a robust thin film bilayer superionic dielectric of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and rubidium silver iodide (RbAg4I5) is developed to fabricate solid‐state iontronic synaptic memtransistors, which can serve as the basic building blocks for the hardware‐implementation of neuromorphic computing. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and impedance measurements precisely confirm the stoichiometric composition of RbAg4I5 and dielectric nature combining with a PEO layer, respectively. The superionic bilayer PEO/RbAg4I5 gating effectively modulates the channel conductance analogously and displays memtransistor functionality. Interestingly, the transfer curves depict a colossal hysteresis yielding negative differential transconductance of peak‐to‐valley ratio up to 5 × 103 after the gate‐controlled resistive switching. Systematic electrical characterizations reveal a variety of synaptic behaviors, including the inhibitory postsynaptic current, paired‐pulse depression, and potentiation/depression curve. Finally, an artificial neural network for off‐chip digit recognition is simulated to assess the performance of the device for the neuromorphic application and achieved a test accuracy of 95.94% on the Modified National Institute of Standards and Technology dataset.
CuInP2S6‐Based Electronic/Optoelectronic Synapse for Artificial Visual System Application
Authors: Liu Yiqun , Wu Yonghuang , Han Haojie , Wang Yue , Peng Ruixuan , Liu Kai , Yi Di , Nan Ce‐Wen , Ma Jing
Published: September 2023

With the development of information processing, various neuromorphic synaptic devices have been proposed, including novel devices mimicking multiple sensory systems in the biosome, in which vision is a vital source of information. Due to the pressing issue of high energy consumption and the ever‐increasing complexity of practical application scenarios, there is an urgent need to investigate optoelectronic synapses with simple structure but multifunctional capabilities, thereby broadening their application scope. Here, remarkable performances in both electrical and optical operation modes are achieved in multilayer graphene/CuInP2S6/Au electronic/optoelectronic device. By modulating the electrical and optical pulses, both short‐term and long‐term memory can be emulated in the same device, while visual perception, processing, and memorizing functions are demonstrated in this single cell with relatively low energy consumption. In addition, light adaptive behavior can also be simulated through optical–electrical cooperative modulation in the device, further providing a novel and promising strategy for future applications in artificial visual systems.
Conductive Hydrogel for Flexible Bioelectronic Device: Current Progress and Future Perspective
Authors: He Qinhong , Cheng Yan , Deng Yijia , Wen Feng , Lai Yuekun , Li Huaqiong
Published: September 2023

Conductive hydrogels (CHs) for flexible bioelectronic devices have raised great attention due to their tunable mechanical performances, adhesion, anti‐swelling, and biocompatibility. This review summarizes the current development of conductive hydrogel‐based flexible bioelectronic devices in the aspect of classifications and applications. Firstly, the conductive hydrogels are classified into two kinds according to the types of conductivity: ionic conductive hydrogels and electronic conductive hydrogels (hydrogel based on pure conductive materials, introducing conductive micro/nano‐materials). Secondly, the applications of conductive hydrogels for bioelectronic device, like wearable devices (strain sensor, body fluid detector, serviced in extreme environment), tissue engineering (skin, heart, nerve, muscle), and other applications (bionic robot, cancer treatment), are highly illustrated. Finally, a depth outlook is given, which aims to promote the development of this field in the future.
A Universal Cross‐Synthetic Strategy for Sub‐10 nm Metal‐Based Composites with Excellent Ion Storage Kinetics
Authors: Liang Ming , Zhang Hanwen , Chen Biao , Meng Xiao , Zhou Jingwen , Ma Liying , He Fang , Hu Wenbin , He Chunnian , Zhao Naiqin
Published: September 2023

The sub‐10 nm metal‐based nanomaterials (SMNs) show great potential for the electrochemical energy storage field. However, their ion storage capacity and stability suffer from severe agglomeration and interface problems. Herein, a universal strategy is reported to synthesize a wide range of SMNs (e.g., metal, nitride, oxide, and sulfides) embedded in free‐standing carbon foam (SMN/FC‐F) composite electrodes by crossing the interfacial confinement of NaCl self‐assembly with the thermal‐mechanical coupling of powder metallurgy. The pressure‐enhanced NaCl self‐assembly interfacial confinement is greatly beneficial to preventing SMN agglomeration and promoting SMNs embedded in FC‐F which originate from the welding of carbon nanosheets. They are confirmed via a series of advanced characterizations including X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and spherical aberration‐corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy, with theoretical computations. Benefiting from the unique structure, SMNs/FC‐F delivers ultrafast and stable ion‐storage kinetics. As a proof‐of‐concept demonstration, the MoS2/FC‐F shows excellent ion storage kinetics and superior long‐term cycling performance for ion storage (e.g., Na3V2(PO4)2O2F/C//MoS2/FC‐F sodium‐ion batteries exhibit a high reversible capacity of 185 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 with a decay rate of 0.05% per cycle.). This work provides a new opportunity to design and fabricate promising SMN‐based free‐standing working electrodes for electrochemical energy storage and conversion applications.
Organohydrogel Strain Sensors with Low Mechanical Hysteresis and Adhesion for High‐Quality Signals
Authors: Fang Yuanlai , Bai Zhongxiang , Yang Li , Wei Jingjiang , Wang Yi , Wang Shan , Cui Jiaxi
Published: September 2023

The hysteresis of deformation and weak interaction between sensors and targets would deteriorate the authenticity and reliability of signals outputted from the strain sensors. Here, low‐hysteretic and adhesive organohydrogel‐based strain sensors (P‐H‐A‐A) are prepared according to the homogeneous growth of the conductive polyaniline (PANi) network and heterogeneous growth of the adhesive poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) layer from the poly(hydroxyethyl acrylate) (PHEA) seeds. Via regulating the concentration of aniline (ANi) in the ANi‐nutrients, the mechanical hysteresis at 50% strain of P‐H‐A‐A organohydrogels increased from 12 to 1896 kJ m−3. The relative resistance (ΔR/R0) signals achieved from the low mechanical hysteresis P‐H‐A‐A (0.1 m) strain sensors are timelier and more intact than the one from the obviously mechanical hysteretic P‐H‐A‐A (0.5 m). The PAA layer makes the P‐H‐A‐A strain sensors conformally in contact with the skin, ensuring the reliability and integrity of signals. This work would give some helpful suggestions for designing advanced epidermal electronics.
Introducing the Step Monte Carlo Method for Simulating Dynamic Properties
Authors: Sztenkiel Dariusz
Published: September 2023

In this work, a simple modification of the Monte Carlo algorithm is introduced, which is called step Monte Carlo (sMC). The sMC approach allows to simulate processes far from equilibrium and obtain information about the dynamic properties of the system under investigation. In the approach proposed, here the probability of accepting the final (trial) state depends on the activation energy, not on the relative energy between the final and initial state. This barrier height is probed on an ongoing basis, by generating intermediate states along the path connecting the initial and trial positions. Importantly, to calculate the activation energy, the model only requires knowledge of the Hamiltonian without having to introduce additional input parameters such as transition rates etc. The details of sMC are explained in the case of a simple spin model. The comparison of its results with the ones obtained within the frame of stochastic Landau‐Lifshitz‐Gilbert indicates the correctness of sMC. In this study's opinion, the proposed method can be applied to simulate other processes, for example, dynamics of classical atoms and complex fluids, diffusion, nucleation, surface adsorption, and crystal growth processes.
Dynein‐Powered Cell Locomotion Guides Metastasis of Breast Cancer
Authors: Tagay Yerbol , Kheirabadi Sina , Ataie Zaman , Singh Rakesh K. , Prince Olivia , Nguyen Ashley , Zhovmer Alexander S. , Ma Xuefei , Sheikhi Amir , Tsygankov Denis , Tabdanov Erdem D.
Published: September 2023

The principal cause of death in cancer patients is metastasis, which remains an unresolved problem. Conventionally, metastatic dissemination is linked to actomyosin‐driven cell locomotion. However, the locomotion of cancer cells often does not strictly line up with the measured actomyosin forces. Here, a complementary mechanism of metastatic locomotion powered by dynein‐generated forces is identified. These forces arise within a non‐stretchable microtubule network and drive persistent contact guidance of migrating cancer cells along the biomimetic collagen fibers. It is also shown that the dynein‐powered locomotion becomes indispensable during invasive 3D migration within a tissue‐like luminal network formed by spatially confining granular hydrogel scaffolds (GHS) made up of microscale hydrogel particles (microgels). These results indicate that the complementary motricity mediated by dynein is always necessary and, in certain instances, sufficient for disseminating metastatic breast cancer cells. These findings advance the fundamental understanding of cell locomotion mechanisms and expand the spectrum of clinical targets against metastasis.
Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Production by a Cobalt Tetrapyridyl Catalyst Using Push–Pull Dye‐Sensitized NiO Photocathodes
Authors: Bourguignon Claire , Moinel Anthonin , Huet Aurélien , Kervella Yann , Windle Christopher D. , Massin Julien , Artero Vincent , Chavarot-Kerlidou Murielle , Demadrille Renaud
Published: September 2023

Herein, the synthesis and optoelectronic properties of a novel push–pull organic dye, pRK1, specifically designed for use in dye‐sensitized photocathodes for hydrogen generation, are reported. The chemical structure of this dye, which incorporates a benzothiadiazole moiety, is inspired by RK1, a dye previously reported as a photosensitizer in n‐type dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) with power conversion efficiencies above 10% and high stability. The photoelectrochemical activity for hydrogen evolution of pRK1 after grafting onto NiO photocathodes in combination with a cobalt tetrapyridyl catalyst [Co(bapbpy)(OH2)2](BF4)2 in aqueous solution is evaluated and compared with two reference dyes from the literature, RuP2‐bpy and P1. It is shown that among the three photocathodes studied in this work, NiO|pRK1 is the most efficient, producing up to 1.9 μmol cm−2 of hydrogen with a faradaic efficiency of 66%, under visible light irradiation in aqueous electrolyte at pH 4.5. pRK1 shows a turnover number (TONdye) of up to 145 during the 6 h chronoamperometric test, almost twice that of P1. This study demonstrates that the chemical structure of high performance dyes commonly used in DSSCs can be successfully modified to meet the requirements for light‐driven water splitting in dye‐sensitized photoelectrochemical cells.
Spatial and temporal variability of corn response to nitrogen and seed rates
Authors: Alesso Carlos Agustin , Martin Nicolas Federico
Published: September 2023

The quantification of the spatial and temporal variability of crop response to controllable inputs and the relationship with their controlling factors is important for making input prescriptions. In this study, we (1) assessed the within‐field spatial variability of corn (Zea mays L.) response to nitrogen (NR) and seed (SR) rates using on‐farm precision experiments (OFPE) data and geographically weighted regression (GWR) models; (2) determined the spatial agreement between NR and SR response classes, and their temporal stability; and (3) modeled the effect of weather and site‐specific features on the spatial distribution of the responses. Response maps were estimated by fitting GWR models to yields and as‐applied NR and SR from 14 OFPE. Responses classified into positive and non‐positive response classes were spatially joined to weather, soil, and landscape covariates to train a random forest model. GWR models explained 30%–60% of yield variation. Positive responses to NR and SR represented about 46% and 33% of fields’ area, respectively, with large variation across field‐year combinations. Temporal agreement was about 50%–60%, for NR and SR, respectively. The spatial agreement between NR and SR response classes suggests that factors controlling the crop response to these inputs are similar. In both cases, weather variables were the most important predictors, followed by landscape and soil attributes. Although weather variables acted at a field level, that is, field‐year, the latter reflected the effect of within‐field variability on crop response. To reduce this weather uncertainty, future research should consider conducting larger numbers of OFPE across multiple seasons.
Validating SoilDoc kit for site‐specific fertilizer recommendations for maize production in Tanzania
Authors: Amuri Nyambilila A. , Semoka Johnson M. R. , Weil Ray , Mzimbiri Mhamadi , Gatere Lydia , Palm Cheryl , Sanchez Pedro
Published: September 2023

SoilDoc is a soil testing kit designed to determine site‐specific fertility status and enhance the accessibility of soil test services for smallholder farmers in the tropics. This study aimed to validate the use of the kit in the Southern Highlands (Mbeya and Njombe) and the Eastern Zone (Mvomero) of Tanzania. Composite soil samples collected from 144 smallholder farm fields were analyzed using 0.01 M CaCl2 extraction solution as per SoilDoc protocols. Out of 144 sites, 24 sites were randomly selected for nutrient response trials. The treatments were (i) absolute control, (ii) N alone, (iii) P Low N (Recommended P and half of recommended N), (iv) recommended NP, (v) NPK, (vi) NPS, (vii) NKS, and (viii) NPKS, replicated three times. Maize yields were subjected to analysis of variance. Relative yield for each nutrient applied was subjected to Cate and Nelson procedure to determine critical ranges. Across all sites, the control yielded least (0.55–5.20 Mg ha−1). Application of NPS, NPK, NP, or NPKS produced the highest yield (2.5–6.9 Mg ha−1). The SoilDoc critical ranges were 0.30–0.48 mg P kg−1; 0.15–0.27 cmolc K kg−1, and 4.1–4.8 mg S kg−1. Mbeya and Njombe soils appeared deficient in either NS, NP, NPK, or NPK, while in Mvomero 53% of soils were deficient in N alone and 31% of soils were deficient in NS. In the absence of field‐specific soil tests, applying N, P, S, and K in Mbeya and Njombe and N and S in Mvomero would be best bets for maximizing yield and return on fertilizer investment.
Deep Learning‐Based Skin Diseases Classification using Smartphones
Authors: Oztel Ismail , Yolcu Oztel Gozde , Sahin Veysel Harun
Published: September 2023

Skin disease recognition is one of the essential topics in the medical industry. Detecting skin disease from appearance can be difficult due to the similar appearance of skin lesions. In some cases, such as the monkeypox virus, the illness must be quickly determined, and the patients must be isolated to reduce the spreading of the disease. This study aims to create a deep learning‐based automated intelligent mobile application to detect skin disease. First, different small‐size pretrained networks are trained for skin lesion image classification. Then, the most suitable network from the viewpoint of both performance and mobile compatibility is transformed into the TensorFlow Lite format. Finally, a mobile application is created on the Android platform that utilizes the smartphone's camera to obtain images and uses TensorFlow Lite to make predictions. The proposed system produces 74.27% classification accuracy for seven classes on a combined dataset. It produces comparable/better results compared to the literature. Owing to the proposed system, the patients can make a preliminary diagnosis of their lesions using their smartphones. Thus, risky patients can be encouraged to visit the hospital for a definitive diagnosis. In addition, the mobile application can avoid undue stress and false alarms.
Manipulating Spin‐Dependent Wavefronts of Vortex Beams via Plasmonic Metasurfaces
Authors: He Canhui , Pan Zimo , Song Zhengyong
Published: September 2023

Conventional metasurfaces based on geometric phase are constrained to spin‐locked phase profile, resulting in mirrored functionalities for different spins. A single flat device that enables independent manipulation of wavefronts in two orthogonal circularly polarized channels is of paramount importance in wireless and optical communications. In this work, by tuning the dimension and rotation angle of H‐shaped meta‐atoms to synthesize propagating phase and geometric phase, spin‐dependent plasmonic metasurfaces are presented to manipulate circularly polarized waves in the visible band. To verify the capability of spin‐dependent wavefront manipulation, three metasurfaces are implemented. The first metasurface generates vortex beams with orbital angular momentum (OAM) l = 1 under left‐handed circularly polarized (LCP) incidence and l = 2 under right‐handed circularly polarized (RCP) incidence. By introducing convolution operation, the second metasurface is capable of producing vortex beams with different OAMs and different directions for two spins. The third metasurface produces dual‐beam and quad‐beam with different OAMs for different circular polarizations. This scheme can provide a new pathway in ultracompact nanophotonic devices and systems.
A Straightforward Method for the Generation of Hyperpolarized Orthohydrogen with a Partially Negative Line
Authors: Czarnota Marek , Mames Adam , Pietrzak Mariusz , Jopa Sylwia , Theiß Franziska , Buntkowsky Gerd , Ratajczyk Tomasz
Published: September 2023

The hydrogen molecule, which exists in two spin isomers (ortho‐ and parahydrogen), is a highly studied system due to its fundamental properties and practical applications. Parahydrogen is used for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance signal enhancement, which is hyperpolarization of other molecules, including biorelevant ones. Hyperpolarization can be achieved by using Signal Amplification by Reversible Exchange (SABRE). SABRE can also convert parahydrogen into orthohydrogen, and surprisingly, in some cases, it has been discovered that orthohydrogen's resonance has the Partially Negative Line (PNL) pattern. Here, an approach for obtaining orthohydrogen with a PNL signal is presented for two catalysts: Ir−IMes, and Ir−IMesBn. The type of solvent in which SABRE is conducted is crucial for the observation of PNL. Specifically, a PNL signal can be easily generated in benzene using both catalysts, but it is more intense for Ir−IMesBn. In acetone, PNL is observed only for Ir−IMesBn. In methanol, no PNL is detected. The PNL effect is only detectable during the initial steps of pre‐catalyst activation, and disappears as the activation process progresses. We have proposed a working hypothesis that explains our results. The presented data may facilitate the further investigation of PNL and its applications in material science and catalysis.
Organic Polymer Dots Photocatalyze CO2 Reduction in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Cai Bin , Axelsson Martin , Zhan Shaoqi , Pavliuk Mariia V. , Wang Sicong , Li Jingguo , Tian Haining
Published: September 2023

Developing low‐cost and efficient photocatalysts to convert CO2 into valuable fuels is desirable to realize a carbon‐neutral society. In this work, we report that polymer dots (Pdots) of poly[(9,9′‐dioctylfluorenyl‐2,7‐diyl)‐co‐(1,4‐benzo‐thiadiazole)] (PFBT), without adding any extra co‐catalyst, can photocatalyze reduction of CO2 into CO in aqueous solution, rendering a CO production rate of 57 μmol g−1 h−1 with a detectable selectivity of up to 100 %. After 5 cycles of CO2 re‐purging experiments, no distinct decline in CO amount and reaction rate was observed, indicating the promising photocatalytic stability of PFBT Pdots in the photocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction. A mechanistic study reveals that photoexcited PFBT Pdots are reduced by sacrificial donor first, then the reduced PFBT Pdots can bind CO2 and reduce it into CO via their intrinsic active sites. This work highlights the application of organic Pdots for CO2 reduction in aqueous solution, which therefore provides a strategy to develop highly efficient and environmentally friendly nanoparticulate photocatalysts for CO2 reduction.
The role of dexmedetomidine in post cranioplasty refractory status epilepticus
Authors: Chauhan R. , Singh N. , Reddy A. , Singh A.
Published: September 2023

Cranioplasty, specifically a repair of the skull defect resulting from a previous decompressive craniectomy, is a relatively simple procedure associated with a minimal rate of complications. Even though seizures are seen in up to 30% of the patients postoperatively, status epilepticus is not commonly described. Cerebral oedema, ischaemia and neuro‐inflammation have been reported as putative causes of seizures in this population. Here, we report a case of refractory status epilepticus unresponsive to standard anti‐epileptic and anaesthetic agents. The use of dexmedetomidine helped terminate the episode and led to a favourable outcome. Most of the standard anti‐epileptic and anaesthetic agents act through potentiation of GABAergic transmission or sodium channel blockade and postsynaptic adrenoceptor activation by dexmedetomidine may help potentiate their effect. Further studies are needed to investigate its anticonvulsant effect on post‐traumatic brain injury and elaborate on optimal dosage.
Efficient hydrolysis of cellulose to reducing sugars over peanut shell‐derived carbon‐based solid acid with a large surface area
Authors: Li Wensong , Guo Liang , Li Fang , Wang Zhimiao , Xue Wei , Wang Yanji , Zhao Xinqiang
Published: September 2023

A carbon‐based solid acid with a large surface area (CSALA; SBET = 237.9 m2/g) was prepared from peanut shells. Compared with a CSA with a small specific surface area (SBET = 5.6 m2/g), the CSALA enabled greater cellulose hydrolysis. Under optimized conditions, the yield of reducing sugars over 2.5 h at 110°C was 60.5% using the CSALA. When a CSA was used, the yield of reducing sugar only reached 58.6% after 4 h at the same temperature. The results showed that the CSALA had higher activity because of its larger specific surface area and more numerous surface acid centers. However, it was unstable and was deactivated after one use. The loss of some of the sulfonic groups on the CSALA surface, and the conversion of some of those groups to sulfate groups under the action of 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride ionic liquid were the main reasons for the deactivation of the CSALA. In addition, most of the residual sulfonic groups were located in the micropores of CSALA and could not participate in the cellulose hydrolysis reaction.
Enhanced mechanical and dielectric properties of lamellar aluminum phosphate/bismaleimide composites by interface modification with maleimidopropyl triethoxysilane
Authors: Niu Yongan , Zhao Shanhong , Ma Yahui , Wang Jian , Zhang Xin
Published: September 2023

In this work, the two‐step modification process is designed to improve the dispersity and interfacial interaction of lamellar aluminum phosphate (LAP) nanoparticles (NPs). The LAP NPs are successfully modified by maleimidopropyl triethoxysilane (MPTES). LAP/blend bismaleimide (BBMI) composites were prepared by mechanical blending process. Among them, the flexural strength of the modified LAP/BBMI composites were significantly enhanced with more than 148.2 MPa, the characteristic heat resistance temperature (T40) was improved by 11.7°C, and the carbon residue rate (Y600) also increased by 8.8%. Specifically, the dielectric constant of the modified LAP/BBMI composites only display a slight enhancement, but the dielectric loss is reduced to lower than 0.015. The results are helpful to potentially apply in the fields of electromagnetic and wave transparent materials.
A Randomized Controlled Neuroimaging Trial of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Fibromyalgia Pain
Authors: Lee Jeungchan , Lazaridou Asimina , Paschali Myrella , Loggia Marco L. , Berry Michael P. , Ellingsen Dan‐Mikael , Isenburg Kylie , Anzolin Alessandra , Grahl Arvina , Wasan Ajay D. , Napadow Vitaly , Edwards Robert R.
Published: September 2023

Objective

Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by pervasive pain‐related symptomatology and high levels of negative affect. Mind–body treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) appear to foster improvement in FM via reductions in pain‐related catastrophizing, a set of negative, pain‐amplifying cognitive and emotional processes. However, the neural underpinnings of CBT's catastrophizing‐reducing effects remain uncertain. This randomized controlled mechanistic trial was designed to assess CBT's effects on pain catastrophizing and its underlying brain circuitry.

Methods

Of 114 enrolled participants, 98 underwent a baseline neuroimaging assessment and were randomized to 8 weeks of individual CBT or a matched FM education control (EDU) condition.

Results

Compared with EDU, CBT produced larger decreases in pain catastrophizing post treatment (P < 0.05) and larger reductions in pain interference and symptom impact. Decreases in pain catastrophizing played a significant role in mediating those functional improvements in the CBT group. At baseline, brain functional connectivity between the ventral posterior cingulate cortex (vPCC), a key node of the default mode network (DMN), and somatomotor and salience network regions was increased during catastrophizing thoughts. Following CBT, vPCC connectivity to somatomotor and salience network areas was reduced.

Conclusion

Our results suggest clinically important and CBT‐specific associations between somatosensory/motor‐ and salience‐processing brain regions and the DMN in chronic pain. These patterns of connectivity may contribute to individual differences (and treatment‐related changes) in somatic self‐awareness. CBT appears to provide clinical benefits at least partially by reducing pain‐related catastrophizing and producing adaptive alterations in DMN functional connectivity.
Forecasting system's accuracy: A framework for the comparison of different structures
Authors: Silveira Netto Carla Freitas , Brei Vinicius A. , Hyndman Rob J.
Published: September 2023

One of the most challenging aspects for managers when building a forecasting system is choosing how to aggregate the data at different levels. This is frequently done without the manager knowing how these choices can compromise the system's accuracy. This article illustrates these compromises by comparing different structures and aggregation criteria. Our article proposes and empirically tests a framework on how to build a coherent and more accurate forecasting system. The framework's first phase compares different time series forecasting methods, including statistical, “standard” machine learning, and deep learning. Results show that one of the statistical methods (autoregressive integrated moving average, or, for short, ARIMA) outperforms machine and deep learning methods. The second phase compares different combinations of aggregation criteria, structures of the forecasting system, and coherent forecast methods (i.e., adjustments to the forecasts at different levels of aggregation). The results show that using different criteria and structures indeed impacts predictions' accuracy. When it is necessary to disaggregate the forecast, our results show that it is best to add more information in a grouped structure, adjusted by a bottom‐up method. This combination provides the best performance, that is, the lowest mean absolute‐scaled error (MASE) in most nodes, compared to the other structures and coherent forecast methods used. The results also suggest that aggregating the time series further by geographical regions is essential to improve accuracy when forecasting products' and channels' sales.
AdVance™ male sling for stress urinary incontinence: Long‐term follow‐up and patient satisfaction
Authors: Boe Rebecca Therese , Nilsen Ole Jacob , Holm Henriette Veiby
Published: September 2023

Objectives

To evaluate long‐term effects, complications and satisfaction among patients treated with AdVance™ and AdVance™ XP slings (AS) at a Norwegian specialist care hospital.

Materials and Methods

Patients who had an AS implanted due to stress urinary incontinence (SUI) 2009–2016 were identified retrospectively. Demographic and perioperative data were extracted from electronic patient files. We did a patient‐reported outcome measure (PROM) survey with the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC‐26) urinary domain and a Satisfaction Questionnaire (SQ) 2018–2020. Cure was defined as use of ≤1 pad/day.

Results

The AS was implanted in 165 patients, mainly due to mild to moderate SUI (median leakage 112 g, range 13–589 g/24 h). Preoperative urodynamics showed mild detrusor overactivity (DO) in 11 patients. At 6‐week follow‐up, 148 patients (90%) were cured. The most common complication was urinary retention (N = 38), transient in 32 patients (range 1–42 days). Two patients were later operated with division of the sling due to persistent retention. During clinical follow‐up of up to 12 years, 27 patients were reoperated due to persistent/recurrent incontinence. The PROM survey was sent to 125 patients and 115 (92%) replied at median 73 (20–134) months postoperatively. Ninety‐one (79%) used ≤1 pads/day, 97 (85%) were satisfied, one patient‐reported pain. Regression analyses showed that failure (>1 pad/day) was significantly associated with a higher amount of leakage preoperatively and at the 6‐week follow‐up. Total cure rate in the complete cohort was 64% at median 73 (20–134) months follow‐up.

Conclusions

The AS shows good and persistent long‐term results in patients with mild to moderate SUI. The only identified risk factor for long‐term failure was higher amount of leakage preoperatively. The incidence of high body mass index (BMI), DO and previous radiotherapy was low and not significantly associated with failure but is still considered risk factors.