bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SARS‐CoV‐2 infection activates CREB/CBP in cellular cyclic AMP‐dependent pathways
Authors: Yang Qi , Tang Jielin , Cao Juan , Liu Fengjiang , Fu Muqing , Xue Bao , Zhou Anqi , Chen Sijie , Liu Junjun , Zhou Yuan , Shi Yongxia , Peng Wei , Chen Xinwen
Published: December 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has caused a global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic that has affected the lives of billions of individuals. However, the host‐virus interactions still need further investigation to reveal the underling mechanism of SARS‐CoV‐2 pathogenesis. Here, transcriptomics analysis of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection highlighted possible correlation between host‐associated signaling pathway and virus. In detail, cAMP‐protein kinase (PKA) pathway has an essential role in SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, followed by the interaction between cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB) and CREB‐binding protein (CBP) could be induced and leading to the enhancement of CREB/CBP transcriptional activity. The replication of Delta and Omicron BA.5 were inhibited by about 49.4% and 44.7% after knockdown of CREB and CBP with small interfering RNAs, respectively. Furthermore, a small organic molecule naphthol AS‐E (nAS‐E), which targets on the interaction between CREB and CBP, potently inhibited SARS‐CoV‐2 wild‐type (WT) infection with comparable the half‐maximal effective concentration (EC50) 1.04 μM to Remdesivir 0.57 μM. Compared with WT virus, EC50 in Calu‐3 cells against Delta, Omicron BA.2, and Omicron BA.5 were, on average, 1.5‐fold, 1.1‐fold, and 1.5‐fold higher, respectively, nAS‐E had a satisfied antiviral effect against Omicron variants. Taken together, our study demonstrated the importance of CREB/CBP induced by cAMP‐PKA pathway during SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, and further provided a novel CREB/CBP interaction therapeutic drug targets for COVID‐19.
Nutrient function over form: Organic and inorganic nitrogen additions have similar effects on lake phytoplankton nutrient limitation
Authors: Volponi Sabrina N. , Wander Heather L. , Richardson David C. , Williams Clayton J. , Bruesewitz Denise A. , Arnott Shelley , Brentrup Jennifer A. , Edwards Hailee L. , Ewing Holly A. , Holeck Kristen , Johnson Lauren , Kim Brian S. , Morales‐Williams Ana M. , Nadkarni Nisha , Norman Beth C. , Parmalee Lianne , Shultis Amy , Tracy Adrienne , Ward Nicole K. , Weathers Kathleen C. , Wigdahl‐Perry Courtney R. , Yokota Kiyoko
Published: December 2022

The concentration of dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) is increasing in many northern hemisphere lakes, yet its use by phytoplankton and fate in the environment seldom have been quantified. We conducted 1 week, in situ, microcosm incubations across 25 lakes in northeastern North America to understand how DON, dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), and dissolved inorganic phosphorus (P) affected phytoplankton biomass. In addition, we tested whether lakes were limited by single macronutrients (N or P) or colimited by both. Phytoplankton biomass in 80% of lakes responded similarly to DON and DIN additions. Of the lakes where N form produced differential responses, the majority of phytoplankton communities exhibited greater biomass accumulation with DON than DIN. Colimitation was the most common type of nutrient limitation among the study lakes, followed by P limitation. Limitation type shifted with N form in 40% of the study lakes, but without consistent patterns explaining how shifts occurred. Regardless of N form, lakes with watersheds more dominated by agriculture and higher total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) tended to show P‐limited phytoplankton responses, while lakes with less agricultural watersheds and lower TDN tended to show colimited phytoplankton responses. Finally, ambient TDN and total phosphorus (TP) nutrient concentrations were stronger predictors of limitation type than ambient TDN : TP ratios. The different contributions of DON and DIN to phytoplankton biomass in some of our study lakes suggest that DON loading from surrounding watersheds may be an overlooked component in predicting phytoplankton productivity and nutrient limitation dynamics in freshwater ecosystems.
Strain‐Enhanced Photovoltaic Effect in MoTe2
Authors: Aftab Sikandar , Iqbal Muhammad Zahir , Iqbal Muhammad Waqas , Shehzad Muhammad Arslan
Published: December 2022

The recent development of two‐dimensional (2D) materials has demonstrated that by using the bulk photovoltaic effect (BPVE) for crystals lacking inversion symmetry, it is possible to overcome the Shockley–Queisser limit. So far, the exploration of 2D p–n junction designs have recently been extensively investigated. However, the mechanism of BPVE differs from traditional p–n junction‐based photovoltaics in 2D materials. This paper presents the first experimental demonstration of the bulk photovoltaic effect in 1T′‐MoTe2. The measured intensity dependence Voc and Isc display a direct relationship to the incident light (power: 20 to 120 W cm−2; wavelengths: 400, 450, 500 nm). In 1T′‐MoTe2 nanoflakes on flexible polyimide, astrain‐enhanced BPVE is seen, producing a BPVE response of 3.60 mV. In addition, the BPVE tensor value increased from 259 to 527 A W−1 for unstrained 1T′‐MoTe2 while it increased from 467 to 882 A W−1 for strained 1T′‐MoTe2 as the wavelength decreased from 500 to 400 nm. The results show a new way to improve the efficiency of turning energy into electricity in new optoelectronic materials.
Multicolor Mechanochromic Epoxy Thermosets That Recognize the Intensity, Type, and Duration of Mechanical Stimulation
Authors: Lai Yingsheng , Li Jiajun , Chen Mao , Wu Yeping , Zhang Yinyu , Zhao Xiuli , Chen Zhongtao
Published: December 2022

Mechanochromic polymers that exhibit multiple color changes under external mechanical stimulation show great potential for sensor applications. Herein, an epoxy thermoset that can reveal the intensity, type, and duration of mechanical stimulation via a combination of disulfide (DS) and rhodamine (Rh) mechanochromophores is reported. A unique multicolor transition occurs upon ball mill or manual grinding because of the different activation energies of DS and Rh. The epoxy changes color depending on the ball mill grinding duration. Simultaneous activation occurs with a mechanochromic time lag between DS and Rh, and the collision energy strongly affects the relative intensity. A more dramatic multicolor response is observed using a mortar and pestle, as sequential activation occurs upon gentle and strong grinding. Various types of mechanical stimulation can cause different aggregates of the activated Rh moiety and vary the relative mechanosensitivities of Rh and DS, which lead to a different color response.
Design of miniaturized tri‐band antenna based on differential evolution algorithm
Authors: Fertas Fouad , Fertas Khelil , Denidni Tayeb A. , Challal Mouloud
Published: December 2022

A novel highly miniaturized triple band structure based on Z‐slots‐shaped antenna is presented in this letter, with only 0.0015 footprint, where is the free space wavelength at 1.3 GHz. The proposed design can generates three resonant frequency bands (1.3–1.62 GHz), (2.22–2.59 GHz), and (3.24–3.65 GHz) with −10 dB reflection coefficient, a triple band function is achieved by etching tow connected Z‐shaped‐slots in the radiating element and the differential evolution algorithm is then used to control the currents path, the prototype of the proposed antenna is printed on a single substrate layer and fed via coplanar waveguide CPW technology. The measured and simulated results are in good agreement, and validate the design principle, the results show that the antenna has a compact size (19.5 × 17.6 mm2), aside from its planar design, simple manufacturing, and low cost to fabricate, this antenna exhibits stable omnidirectional radiation patterns in E plane as well as bidirectional radiation patterns in H plane, making it an ideal device for multiband applications.
Mixed‐mode delamination of layered structures modeled as Timoshenko beams with linked interpolation
Authors: Ranjbar Maedeh , Škec Leo , Jelenić Gordan , Ribarić Dragan
Published: December 2022

In this work, a finite‐element formulation for modeling mixed‐mode delamination in layered structures, consisting of two‐node Timoshenko beam finite elements with quadratic linked interpolation and corresponding 4‐node interface elements is presented and compared to a more common approach where linear Lagrange interpolation is used. The principal novelty of the proposed approach is that the vertical displacements of the beam elements, as well as the transversal relative displacements of the interface elements, are interpolated using a quadratic linked interpolation that also takes into account the nodal cross‐sectional rotations of the beam elements. At the same time, the axial displacements and cross‐sectional rotations are interpolated using linear Lagrange polynomials. A bilinear cohesive zone model is embedded in the interface finite elements for delamination modes I and II. Numerical analyses based on the examples from the literature with metal joints show that the formulation with quadratic linked interpolation improves the convergence and robustness of the solution with respect to the approach with linear interpolation. On the other hand, in case of composites with stiff adhesives this formulation exhibits a peculiar behavior with spurious oscillations of the normal interface tractions that leads to a poor performance in mode‐I and mixed‐mode tests. This problem can be easily solved by canceling the quadratic term in the interpolation function and using the standard Lagrange interpolation in such cases.
A sufficient condition for optimal control problem of fully coupled forward‐backward stochastic systems with jumps: A state‐constrained control approach
Authors: Yang Hyun Jong , Moon Jun
Published: December 2022

We study the stochastic optimal control problem for fully coupled forward‐backward stochastic differential equations (FBSDEs) with jump diffusions. A major technical challenge of such problems arises from the dependence of the (forward) diffusion term on the backward SDE and the presence of jump diffusions. Previously, this class of problems has been solved via only the stochastic maximum principle, which guarantees only the necessary condition of optimality and requires identifying unknown parameters in the corresponding variational inequality. Our paper provides an alternative approach, which constitutes the sufficient condition for optimality. Specifically, the original fully coupled FBSDE control problem (referred to as (P)) is converted into the terminal state‐constrained forward stochastic control problem (referred to as ) that includes additional (possibly unbounded) control variables. Then is solved via the backward reachability analysis, by which the value function of is expressed as the zero‐level set of the value function for the auxiliary unconstrained (forward) control problem (referred to as ). Unlike ), is an unconstrained problem, which includes additional control variables as a consequence of the martingale representation theorem. We show that the value function for is the unique viscosity solution to the associated integro‐type Hamilton‐Jacobi‐Bellman (HJB) equation. The viscosity solution analysis presented in our paper requires a new technique due to additional control variables in the Hamiltonian maximization and the presence of the nonlocal integral operator in terms of the (singular) Lévy measure. To solve the original problem (P), we reverse our approach. Specifically, we first solve to obtain the value function using the verification theorem and the viscosity solution of the HJB equation. Then is solved by characterizing the zero‐level set of the value function of , from which the optimal solution of (P) can be constructed. To illustrate the theoretical results of this paper, applications to the linear‐quadratic problem for fully coupled FBSDEs with jumps are also presented.
The effect of pore size and layout on mechanical and biological properties of 3D‐printed bone scaffolds with gradient porosity
Authors: Karimi Mahsa , Asadi‐Eydivand Mitra , Abolfathi Nabiollah , Chehrehsaz Yalda , Solati‐Hashjin Mehran
Published: December 2022

The design of porous gradient scaffolds for bone tissue engineering scaffolds is a relatively new approach. This strategy is based on imitating bone tissue in order to stimulate enhanced cellular responses. An additive manufacturing (AM) method, such as the fused filament fabrication (FFF) system, provides precise and repeatable pore size control. FFF is a well‐known AM manufacturing process for producing high‐quality parts at a low cost. In this study, polycaprolactone (PCL) and variable hydroxyapatite (HA) amounts were fed into a FFF printer to print four scaffold designs with different porosity gradients. These porous gradient scaffolds were constructed using simple (Si) and shifting (Sh) models, with gradient pore diameters ranging from 400–600 to 400–800 μm. The specimens featured thicker walls but more open cores. The scaffolds' structural, mechanical, and biological properties were evaluated. The results showed that higher gradient porosity and larger pore size led to better biological results, but lower mechanical strength resulted. Furthermore, adding HA increased mechanical strength from 81.8% to 100% and enhanced cellular response. In all scaffolds, an increase in porosity and a decrease in density led to a reduction in compressive strength. The toxicity of the samples and cellular adhesion was evaluated using MTT and DAPI tests on hFOB (human Fetal OsteoBlastic) cells. Alkaline phosphatase and Red Alizarin analyses demonstrated an increase in mineralization as HA content increased.
Photoresponsive thiourea and urea catalysts for ring‐opening polymerization of L‐lactide
Authors: Cai Wen , Zheng Shengquan , Pang Wenmin , Si Guifu , Tan Chen
Published: December 2022

Stimulus responsive catalysts have received increasing attention. Photoresponsive catalytic polymerization is particularly attractive because the noninvasive and versatile nature of light. Most photoresponsive ROP catalytic systems exhibit low activities, allowing ROP to be completed within several hours to 10 h. In this contribution, a series of (thio)ureas bearing dithienylcyclopentene optical molecular switch moiety are designed, synthesized, and characterized. The photoresponsive effects in (thio)urea/alkoxide mediated ROP of L‐lactide are investigated. These catalysts allow the ROP reactions of L‐lactide to be completed within a few minutes to 1 h and the resulting polyesters have narrow molecular weight distributions. The dithienylcyclopentene moiety allows photoisomerization to be completed within 1 min. The catalytic activity of the ROP catalyst can be altered by the photoisomerization of the dithienyl cyclopentene moiety by exposure to ultraviolet or visible light, respectively.
A plant virus enhances odorant‐binding protein 5 (OBP5) in the vector whitefly for more actively olfactory orientation to the host plant
Authors: He Haifang , Li Jingjing , Zhang Zelong , Yan Minghui , Zhang Beibei , Zhu Chaoqiang , Yan Weili , Shi Baozheng , Wang Yaxin , Zhao Chenchen , Yan Fengming
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND

The whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is a notorious agricultural pest and the effective vector of many plant viruses worldwide. Cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus (CCYV), exclusively transmitted by B. tabaci in a semipersistent manner, is a serious causal agent in cucurbit crops in many countries. Plant viruses can manipulate the behaviors of insect vectors to promote the spread of themselves, but underlying mechanisms are remaining unclear.

RESULTS

In this study, our observations indicated that B. tabaci, when carrying CCYV, oriented more actively to the host plant cucumber. Transcriptome analysis and quantitative polymerase chain reaction with reverse transcription analysis showed that the odorant‐binding protein 5 (OBP5) was upregulated with viral acquisition. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis showed that BtabOBP5 was highly homologous with nine OBPs from other hemipteran insects. In addition, OBP5‐silenced whiteflies significantly altered their orientation behavior towards cucumber plants and towards some typical volatile organic compounds released from cucumbers.

CONCLUSION

This study described a novel mechanism by which the olfactory system of vector insects could be regulated by a semipersistent plant virus, thereby affecting insect olfactory behavior and relationship with host plants. These results provided a basis for developing potential olfaction‐based pest management strategies in the future. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Adaptive control of time‐delay nonlinear HOFA systems with unmodeled dynamics and unknown dead‐zone input
Authors: Zhang Liuliu , Wang Peng , Hua Changchun
Published: December 2022

This paper focuses on the control problem of time‐delay nonlinear high‐order fully actuated (HOFA) systems with unmodeled dynamics and unknown dead‐zone input. The primary objective of this paper is to design an adaptive controller by using the HOFA systems approach. To do so, we need to tackle some technical obstacles. Firstly, in order to deal with unmodeled dynamics in the HOFA systems, the technique of changing the supply rate is combined with the HOFA systems approach. Secondly, an adaptive dead‐zone inverse is constructed to compensate for the influence of the unknown asymmetrical dead‐zone input nonlinearity. Then, the controller is designed by the HOFA systems approach, and it is proved that all states of the systems converge to a bounded region based on the Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functions. Finally, the simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the designed adaptive controller.
Development of transient habitat modeling for stream Macrozoobenthos
Authors: Thepphachanh Sengdavanh , Stamm Jürgen
Published: December 2022

In addition to the hydromorphological pressure on the ecological conditions of free‐flowing river courses, increasing water temperature is affecting the water bodies, particularly by changing freshwater community compositions. The low discharge of numerous European rivers in the dry and hot hydrological year 2022 proves this relevance. Therefore, ecological assessment tools such as habitat modeling should take these factors into account when assessing the quantity and quality of habitats. In this paper, the habitat modeling tool “Transient River Habitat Modeling for Macrozoobenthos” (TRiMM) is improved by incorporating a fuzzy logic approach and adding water temperature to the set of parameters determining habitat suitability for macrozoobenthos. Habitat‐relevant parameters, including hydromorphological factors (depth, velocity, mineral and organic substrate) and a water quality factor (temperature), are combined in the habitat model so that it can more broadly characterize river physical conditions and their interactions with biological indicators. Habitat modeling employed the mentioned parameters to simulate suitability for the macrozoobenthos in a small river in central Saxony, Germany. Due to its deteriorated condition, this river was selected as a representative for thousands of kilometers of small rivers across the region, which have been restored. The model simulated the status quo of river conditions from spring to summer for three macrozoobenthos species (Ancylus fluviatilis, Ephemera danica and Gammarus fossarum). The results showed that the natural flow resulted in dynamic habitat suitability both spatially and temporally, which differs for each species. Remarkably, the five‐parameter model (depth, velocity, temperature, mineral, and organic substrate) generally performed better compared to a similar model without temperature.
Untersuchungen zur Steifigkeit von Querrahmenanschlüssen bei Verbundbrücken
Authors: Blau Nick , Naujoks Bernd
Published: December 2022

Zur Minimierung der Profilverformung werden Verbundbrücken durch ihr Quersystem ausgesteift. Bei Verbundbrücken mit einem begehbaren Hohlkastenquerschnitt wird dieses i. d. R. durch einen Querrahmen ggf. mit Innen‐ bzw. Außendiagonalen gebildet. Bei der Bemessung des Quersystems ist die Annahme eines gelenkigen Anschlusses zwischen Querrahmen und Fahrbahnplatte praxisüblicher Standard. Eine Querbiegetragfähigkeit der Verbundfuge wird mangels fehlender Bemessungsregeln bzw. ‐modelle nicht in Rechnung gestellt. Da aufgetretene Schadensfälle zeigen, dass diese Annahme im Grenzzustand der Ermüdung auf der unsicheren Seite liegen kann, wird in den nachfolgenden Ausführungen ein praxistaugliches Berechnungsmodell vorgestellt, über welches sich die Anschlusssteifigkeit realistisch erfassen lässt. Die Plausibilität des entwickelten Modells wurde im Rahmen einer Monitoringmaßnahme an der Talbrücke Ganslandsiepen überprüft.
Alternate wet and dry irrigation technology as a sustainable water management and disease vector control tool
Authors: Talukdar Oli , Bhattacharya Satya Sundar , Gogoi Nayanmoni
Published: December 2022

Rising population and demands for rice as a staple food have created severe stress on freshwater availability for paddy cultivation. The literature suggests that conventional irrigation techniques are inadequate to overcome the water constraints arising from drought and extreme weather conditions. In the past few decades, there is an upsurge of scientific exploration of agricultural techniques in reinventing traditional methods of irrigation. Recently, alternate wet and dry irrigation (AWDI) method has shown great promise regarding profitable rice cultivation with limited water supply. The AWDI method is a trending water management system, which inundates rice fields with intermittent wet conditions followed by a dry period. This not only ensures adequate water supply but increases crop yield and water productivity index (WPI). The AWDI also helps in reducing parasitic mosquito population in the rice fields by minimizing the field flooding period and curtailing a major part of their life cycles. This review proposes a novel approach of emphasizing AWDI method as an important agricultural tool for supplementing rice fields with limited freshwater, increasing crop yield, and monitoring parasitic mosquito populations. The major objective of this study is to report the state‐of‐the‐art scenario of AWDI method, critically analyze the research gaps related to conventional methods of irrigation and appreciate the futuristic long‐term benefits of AWDI method. Literature survey was performed using search engines like Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, Research Gate, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. Comprehensive appraisal of resources (both offline and online) and critical evaluation of AWDI technicalities revealed that the AWDI reduced water usage by 45%, enhanced crop yield and improved WPI in paddy fields in the Asian sub‐continent. The AWDI also curtailed the propagation of lethal mosquito species (Cx. tritaenorhynchus, Cx. vishnui, and Cx pseudovishnui) in rice fields. Therefore, the current study endorses AWDI as a promising substitute of conventional irrigation and a novel approach towards fulfilling water constraints that may be practiced anywhere in the world.
The epidemiology of inflammatory bowel disease in Asia and Asian immigrants to Western countries
Authors: Aniwan Satimai , Santiago Priscila , Loftus Edward V. , Park Sang Hyoung
Published: December 2022

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which comprises Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is an idiopathic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract. The incidence and prevalence of IBD are rapidly increasing worldwide, particularly in newly industrialized regions such as Asia. Although a large medical armamentarium is available for treating this chronic disease, IBD imposes a marked global disease burden. To understand the complex etiopathogenesis of this condition, it is important to consider the rapidly changing trends in its epidemiology in Asia. During the past few decades, the incidence and prevalence of IBD have significantly increased in both Asian countries and Asian immigrants in Western countries. In this review, we aimed to study and update the epidemiology of IBD in diverse Asian regions and among Asian immigrants in North America and Europe. Moreover, we highlighted that this population exhibits a unique disease phenotype, such as male predominance and high frequency of perianal fistula in Crohn's disease. Also, a different disease phenotype including more complicated disease such as perianal complications was noted in Asian Americans and Asian Europeans.
Simultaneous cardio‐cerebral infarction in a dog
Authors: Dupanloup Adrien , Philibert Helene
Published: December 2022

A 4‐year‐old, spayed, female, mix‐breed dog presented for acutely rolling to the left. She had developed an apathetic behaviour over the last 5 months and also recurrent urinary tract infections. On presentation, cardiac auscultation revealed a fast heart rate and premature beats. The dog was stuporous, with a head tilt to the left, abnormal eye position and movements and absent facial sensation on the left side of the head. Clinicopathologic analysis was consistent with hypothyroidism. Electrocardiography evaluation revealed an accelerated idioventricular rhythm interrupted by ventricular premature complexes. Postmortem examination revealed infarction of the right thalamus due to an occlusive thrombus associated with atherosclerosis, together with acute myocardial infarction of the left ventricular wall with an associated thrombus and atherosclerosis in a supplying coronary artery. This report illustrates a concurrent cardio‐cerebral infraction in a dog. Neurological and electrocardiographic abnormalities are explained, and the pathophysiology of the clinical signs is discussed.
Numerical simulation for two‐phase dusty thermally developed Marangoni forced convective flow of Williamson material: A finite difference scheme
Authors: Guedri Kamel , Hashmi M. Sadiq , Al‐Khaled Kamel , Khan M. Ijaz , Khan Nargis , Khan Sami Ullah , Galal Ahmed M.
Published: December 2022

Present research work reports some novel investigation regarding thermal Marangoni convection features for Williamson fluid flow along with utilization of dust particles. In order to improve the transportation process, the thermal radiation and mixed convection aspects are also taken into account. The surface tension has been considered a linearly fluctuating with the surface temperature. The temperature of interface dust particles and fluid attained quadratic relation with interface arc length. The flow problem is based on dust particle phase and associated fundamental laws of heat/mass phenomenon. The valuable transformations acquired the flow problem in non‐dimensional form which are further proceeded numerically via novel finite difference procedure. The outcomes from simulated theoretical analysis are graphically underlined in view of novel physical relevance. The fluid velocity increasing versus Grashof number. Also, fluid velocity declines for dust particle mass concentration, suction/injection and momentum dust parameter. The temperature of working fluid boosts against larger radiation parameter.
‘Especial Outrage to Humanity and Civilisation’. The Atrocities of General Juan Manuel de Rosas and the Pursuit of Empathy
Authors: Prieto Moisés
Published: December 2022

The Uruguayan Civil War (1839–1851), in which Brazil, France, Britain and the Argentine Confederation were involved, became an international conflict with humanitarian claims in favour of the besieged population of Montevideo with its prominent French community. General Juan Manuel de Rosas, governor of Buenos Aires with dictatorial powers, was allied against Montevideo, where many of his unitarian enemies had fled and where his regime was under attack through inflammatory newspapers and pamphlets. This chapter will examine the emotional strategies deployed by anti-Rosist dissidents in order to provoke a stronger involvement by France and Britain in support of Montevideo and the unitarians.
The Touch of the Image: Affect and Materiality in Photojournalism of the Spanish Civil War
Authors: Labanyi Jo
Published: December 2022

This chapter focuses on the ways in which humanitarian photographs of the Spanish Civil War by a range of international and Spanish photographers, male and female, touch spectators (emotionally and materially) in order to secure their support for the Republican cause. The distribution networks for these photographs are explained, together with the recycling of images, sometimes out of context. The visual analysis is informed by recourse to affect theory, with particular emphasis on the role of materiality in producing an impact on the spectator.
Varieties of Authoritarianism in Eurasia
Authors: Schatz Edward
Published: December 2022

China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a massive undertaking with enormous potential to transform Central Asia and beyond. Yet, the die has not yet been cast. Central Asian publics and policymakers have agency; they can accept, modify, or even resist impending transformations. Moreover, the push for authoritarianism in the region may have less to do with China per se than with broader, global trends. By taking stock of Eurasia’s varieties of authoritarianism, I put China and the BRI’s role into perspective.
European democracy’s Response to the BRI
Authors: Mihr Anja
Published: December 2022

In this chapter, I will argue that the 2013 Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has been neither a curse nor a blessing for democracy. Instead, China’s BRI activities in over 140 countries worldwide have triggered many global and local movements and initiatives that have led alternatively to stronger autocratisation and democratisation in some regions, such as across Eurasia. The quantity of investments under the BRI is not a determinant of whether a country democratises or autocratises.

Instead, the BRI and the autocratic leadership of the Chinese government in implementing investments across Eurasia has triggered several countermeasures by the European Union (EU) and the G7. One of these is the Global Gateway Initiative (GGI) which aims to invest in infrastructure and development projects worldwide, but with the key difference that its aim is to promote democratic norms and principles of human rights at the same time. Some of the consequences of the New Cold War between democratic and autocratic political systems including the rising unrest of civil society in the face of autocratic forms of governance and anti-Chinese sentiments, these lead to civil unrest and even wars that destabilise entire regions and countries.
The Role of Higher Education in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Ashida Akemi
Published: December 2022

This chapter focuses on the relationship between Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 and higher education. Higher education has traditionally been expected to play three significant roles: education, research, and social contribution. However, due to globalization, these societal roles and expectations are gradually evolving. There are two targets under SDG 4 that are directly related to higher education. Target 4.3 aims to “ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university.” It is noteworthy that the target mentions not only accessibility to higher education, but also quality. Additionally, the Times Higher Education released the Impact Ranking and visualized a university’s global performance, which assesses universities according to the framework of SDGs. Japan was the most represented nation in 2019, highlighting Japanese universities’ active efforts to work on global issues. While various efforts have been made to achieve the indicators of SDG targets, the global impact of COVID-19 has provided a significant opportunity for the role of higher education to be reconsidered. Considering this background, this chapter introduces various activities and initiatives at Japanese higher education institutions, such as the Science and Technology ResearchPartnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS), which promotes international joint research on global issues. Finally, this chapter presents the further expected roles and challenges for higher education in society through the indirect spillover effects on the other goals of the SDGs.
Less is More: Efficient Networked VR Transformation Handling Using Geometric Algebra
Authors: Kamarianakis Manos , Chrysovergis Ilias , Lydatakis Nick , Kentros Mike , Papagiannakis George
Published: December 2022

As shared, collaborative, networked, virtual environments become increasingly popular, various challenges arise regarding the efficient transmission of model and scene transformation data over the network. As user immersion and real-time interactions heavily depend on VR stream synchronization, transmitting the entire data set does not seem a suitable approach, especially for sessions involving a large number of users. Session recording is another momentum-gaining feature of VR applications that also faces the same challenge. The selection of a suitable data format can reduce the occupied volume, while it may also allow effective replication of the VR session and optimized post-processing for analytics and deep-learning algorithms. In this work, we propose two algorithms that can be applied in the context of a networked multiplayer VR session, to efficiently transmit the displacement and orientation data from the users’ hand-based VR HMDs. Moreover, we present a novel method for effective VR recording of the data exchanged in such a session. Our algorithms, based on the use of dual-quaternions and multivectors, impact the network consumption rate and are highly effective in scenarios involving multiple users. By sending less data over the network and interpolating the in-between frames locally, we manage to obtain better visual results than current state-of-the-art methods. Lastly, we prove that, for recording purposes, storing less data and interpolating them on-demand yields a data set quantitatively close to the original one.
Numerical analysis of direct-current (DC) plasma processing for high-efficient steel surface modification
Authors: Wei Xinyang , Xu Fangda , Bennett Adam , Swan Julian , Pulsford Jamie , Chen Guoda , Yu Nan
Published: December 2022

Nowadays, direct-current (dc) non-transferred arc plasma torch has drawn significant interest from both academia and industry due to the capability to process products in an efficient and convenient way. The core of this technology is to clarify and manipulate the arc behavior at the interior of the dc plasma torch to produce ideal plasma jets for processing. To solve this problem, a quasi-steady axisymmetric model is built to simulate and compare the arc characteristics in different operating conditions and different nozzle structures of the plasma torch. The results uncover distinct aspects of the study on arc characteristics, including the detection of the primary arc attachment region and its spatial features caused by the choking effect of torch structure. The thermal efficiency focused on processing substrate is also calculated in this paper for estimating the performance of plasma processing. The calculated results show that increasing the mass flow rate brings better thermal efficiency and the greatest promotion is at least 6% in the same current value, whereas improving the arc current value causes the opposite result. Meanwhile, two types of nozzle are compared to the original design in thermal efficiency, where the wide nozzle is chosen for torch optimization due to its best power efficiency. The secondary arc attachment on the metal substrate is discovered though its impact scope is only within a radius of 10 mm from the torch axis, its effect on the processing could be ignored for the extremely low electric current value.
Structuring of thin films by ultrashort laser pulses
Authors: Bonse Jörn , Krüger Jörg
Published: December 2022

Modern life and global communication would not be possible without technologically tailored thin films; they are omnipresent in daily life applications. In most cases, the films are deposited entirely at the carrying substrates in a specific processing step of the device or sample. In some cases, however, removal or modification must be performed locally, i.e., site-controlled and material selective through an additional laser processing step. For that ultrashort laser pulses with durations in the femtosecond and picosecond range can provide unique advantages and capabilities in industrially scalable schemes. This article reviews the current state of the research and corresponding industrial transfer related to the structuring of thin films by ultrashort pulsed lasers. It focuses on the pertinent historic developments, reveals the relevant physical and chemical effects, explores the ultimate limits, and discusses selected industrial and scientific applications.
Cost–benefit analysis of the CoCare intervention to improve medical care in long-term care nursing homes: an analysis based on claims data
Authors: Brühmann Boris A. , Kaier Klaus , von der Warth Rieka , Farin-Glattacker Erik
Published: December 2022

Background

Providing adequate medical care to nursing home residents is challenging. Transfers to emergency departments are frequent, although often avoidable. We conducted the complex CoCare intervention with the aim to optimize nursing staff–physician collaboration to reduce avoidable hospital admissions and ambulance transportations, thereby reducing costs.

Methods

This prospective, non-randomized study, based on German insurance data, includes residents in nursing homes. Health care cost from a payer perspective and cost–savings of such a complex intervention were investigated. The utilisation of services after implementation of the intervention was compared with services in previous quarters as well as services in the control group. To compensate for remaining differences in resident characteristics between intervention and control group, a propensity score was determined and adjusted for in the regression analyses.

Results

The study population included 1240 residents in the intervention and 7552 in the control group. Total costs of medical services utilisation were reduced by €468.56 (p < 0.001) per resident and quarter in the intervention group. Hospital stays were reduced by 0.08 (p = 0.001) and patient transports by 0.19 (p = 0.049). This led to 1.66 (p < 0.001) avoided hospital days or €621.37 (p < 0.001) in costs–savings of inpatient services. More services were billed by general practitioners in the intervention group, which led to additional costs of €97.89 (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The benefits of our intervention clearly exceed its costs. In the intervention group, avoided hospital admissions led to additional outpatient billing. This indicates that such a multifactorial intervention program can be cost-saving and improve medical care in long-term care homes.
Regeneration in European beech forests after drought: the effects of microclimate, deadwood and browsing
Authors: Thom Dominik , Ammer Christian , Annighöfer Peter , Aszalós Réka , Dittrich Sebastian , Hagge Jonas , Keeton William S. , Kovacs Bence , Krautkrämer Ole , Müller Jörg , von Oheimb Goddert , Seidl Rupert
Published: December 2022

With progressing climate change, increasing weather extremes will endanger tree regeneration. Canopy openings provide light for tree establishment, but also reduce the microclimatic buffering effect of forests. Thus, disturbances can have both positive and negative impacts on tree regeneration. In 2015, three years before an extreme drought episode hit Central Europe, we established a manipulation experiment with a factorial block design in European beech (Fagus sylvaticaL.)-dominated forests. At five sites located in southeastern Germany, we conducted three censuses of tree regeneration after implementing two different canopy disturbances (aggregated and distributed canopy openings), and four deadwood treatments (retaining downed, standing, downed + standing deadwood and removing all deadwood), as well as in one untreated control plot. In addition, we measured understory light levels and recorded local air temperature and humidity over five years. We (i) tested the effects of experimental disturbance and deadwood treatments on regeneration and (ii) identified the drivers of regeneration density as well as seedling species and structural diversity. Regeneration density increased over time. Aggregated canopy openings supported species and structural diversity, but reduced regeneration density. Tree regeneration was positively associated with understory light levels, while maximum vapor pressure deficit influenced tree regeneration negatively. Deadwood and browsing impacts on regeneration varied and were inconclusive. Our study indicates that despite the drought episode regeneration in beech-dominated forests persisted under moderately disturbed canopies. However, the positive effect of increased light availability on tree regeneration might have been offset by harsher microclimate after canopies have been disturbed.
Modeling of Water Quality Indicators in the Western Baltic Sea: Seasonal Oxygen Deficiency
Authors: Piehl Sarah , Friedland René , Heyden Birgit , Leujak Wera , Neumann Thomas , Schernewski Gerald
Published: December 2022

Hypoxia in coastal seas is a severe threat to marine ecosystems, with the Baltic Sea exhibiting the largest hypoxic areas worldwide. While perennial oxygen deficiency in the deep basins is a component of environmental assessments, seasonal oxygen deficiency in shallow areas is not routinely assessed. Current measurements alone cannot provide the spatio-temporal resolution needed for highly dynamic seasonal oxygen deficiency, making estimations on its duration and extent uncertain. Utilizing long-term 3D model simulations with a horizontal resolution of 3 nautical miles, we analyzed the development of seasonal oxygen deficiency in the western Baltic Sea. Different metrics (near-bottom area, water volume, duration, and frequency) and critical oxygen concentrations were analyzed for exemplary sub-basins as defined by the Helsinki Commission. Our results indicate that the extent of seasonal oxygen deficiency has continually increased in the second half of the twentieth century until the end of the 1980s and slightly decreased in the last two decades. In the 1950s, the spatial extent of oxygen deficiency was still at a low plateau before increasing, indicating that this period could be suitable as a reference period representing a good status, including naturally occurring oxygen deficiency. Overall, seasonal oxygen deficiency is a suitable indicator for describing the ecological status of the western Baltic Sea. For an application as eutrophication indicator in shallow areas, a sufficient spatio-temporal resolution of seasonal oxygen deficiency is needed which can be gained by a combination of model simulations and measurements. Further analysis is needed to integrate in situ measurements and model results to obtain the most reliable approach.
Name game: the naming history of the chemical elements: part 2—turbulent nineteenth century
Authors: Miśkowiec Paweł
Published: December 2022

The second article of the “Naming game…” series provides detailed information on the discovery and naming of elements in the nineteenth century. Outlines of discoveries of 46 elements were presented, with particular emphasis on publications in which the name appeared for the first time. In the article the short historical information about every element naming is presented. The process of naming each chemical element was analyzed, with particular emphasis on the first publication with a given name.
Portable C++ Code that can Look and Feel Like Fortran Code with Yet Another Kernel Launcher (YAKL)
Authors: Norman Matthew , Lyngaas Isaac , Bagusetty Abhishek , Berrill Mark
Published: December 2022

This paper introduces the Yet Another Kernel Launcher (YAKL) C++ portability library, which strives to enable user-level code with the look and feel of Fortran code. The intended audience includes both C++ developers and Fortran developers unfamiliar with C++. The C++ portability approach is briefly explained, YAKL’s main features are described, and code examples are given that demonstrate YAKL’s usage. YAKL fills a niche capability important particularly to scientific applications seeking to port Fortran code quickly to a portable C++ library. YAKL places heavy emphasis on simplicity, readability, and productivity with performance mainly emphasizing Graphics Processing Units (GPUs). Central to YAKL’s ability to allow Fortran-like user-level code are three features: (1) a multi-dimensional Array class that allows Fortran behavior; (2) a limited library of Fortran intrinsic functions; and (3) an efficient pool allocator that transparently enables cheap frequent allocations and deallocations of YAKL Arrays. While YAKL allows Fortran-style code, it also allows Arrays that exhibit C-like behavior as well, including row-major index ordering and lower bounds of “0”. YAKL currently supports CPUs, CPU threading, and Nvidia, AMD, and Intel GPUs.
Optical coherence tomography and electrophysiological analysis of proptotic eyes due to thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy
Authors: Elsamkary Mahmoud Ahmed , El-Shazly Amany Abd El-Fattah , Badran Tamer Abdel Fattah , Fouad Yousef Ahmed , Abdelgawad Randa Hesham Ali
Published: December 2022

Purpose

To study the degree of morphological and functional changes in thyroid-associated ophthalmology (TAO) patients using optical coherence tomography and electrophysiological studies and investigate their clinical correlation.

Methods

A cross-sectional study including 40 patients with TAO and a control group with age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. All subjects underwent a complete ophthalmological examination, proptosis evaluation, spectral domain optical coherence tomography, and electrophysiological tests (pattern and multifocal electroretinograms, and visual evoked potentials).

Results

On multiple regression analysis, the degree of proptosis and P50 amplitude were the most important predictors of central foveal thickness (CFT) (β =  −  0.56 and 0.39 and p = 0.03 and 0.01, respectively); while duration of the disease, and clinical activity score (CAS) were the most important predictors of average RNFL thickness (β = 0.67 and  − 0.81 and p = 0.004 and  <  0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

In the absence of fundus changes, macular thinning along with functional alterations noticed by pattern and multifocal electroretinogram could indicate presence of subclinical retinopathy in TAO cases.