bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tracing decarbonated eclogite in the mantle sources of Tarim continental flood basalts using Zn isotopes
Authors: Wang Zhenchao , Zhang Zhaochong , Reichow Marc K. , Tian Wei , Kong Weiliang , Liu Bingxiang
Published: November 2022

Recycled oceanic crust is believed to have played an important role in the formation of continental flood basalts, whereas the involvement of large amounts of CO2 derived from recycled marine carbonate in their mantle sources is highly debated. Zn isotopes have great potential to trace recycled carbonate due to the distinctly different δ66Zn values between marine carbonates and the mantle. Representative continental flood basalt samples from Keping (Group1) and Yingmai and Shengli (Group 2) in Tarim, NW China, were collected to investigate their mantle sources, and their Zn isotopes were studied systematically for the first time. The Zn isotope values of Keping basalts (between 0.29‰ ± 0.03‰ and 0.32‰ ± 0.05‰) are higher than values in the primitive mantle (δ66Zn = 0.16‰ ± 0.06‰) but similar to those of mid-ocean-ridge basalt (MORB; δ66Zn = 0.24‰−0.31‰). Considering their high fractionation (e.g., Mg# = 0.28−0.37) and potential involvement of crustal contamination (87Sr/86Sri between 0.70720 and 0.70779; εNd between −3.2 and −1.9), their Zn isotopes may not conclusively point to a carbonated mantle source. In contrast, Yingmai and Shengli basalts show heavy Zn isotope values (between 0.32‰ ± 0.03‰ and 0.39‰ ± 0.03‰), nonradiogenic 87Sr/86Sri (0.70459‒0.70518) and εNd(t) (between −1.3 and 0.1) signatures, and less fractionation (Mg# = 0.46−0.71), implying the involvement of recycled carbonate components in their mantle source. Nonetheless, the lack of negative Zr, Hf, and Ti anomalies, low CaO/Al2O3 ratios, and high SiO2 contents preclude direct melting of carbonate-bearing mantle. Alternatively, these features may suggest the melting of decarbonated subducted eclogite and variable interaction with subsolidus peridotite. This assumption is consistent with the positive correlations of δ66Zn with Gd/Yb and Sm/Yb ratios and Zn content as a result of mixing between eclogite-derived high-δ66Zn melt and peridotite-derived mantle-like δ66Zn melt. Our study provides a new model to reconcile the geochemical features of the Tarim continental flood basalts and highlights the potential role of decarbonated eclogite in the formation of continental flood basalts.
Hydrocortisone-induced symptomatic sinus bradycardia
Authors: Ahmed Mohammed , Oyibo Success Tobore , Dalvi Shailesh , Cowell Richard
Published: November 2022

Steroids are commonly prescribed medications that have a wide range of adverse effects. Bradycardia is one of the rare but significant side effects of steroid use, and only a few cases have been reported with bradycardia as a side effect. In this report, we present a case of a woman in her early 50s who developed severe symptomatic sinus bradycardia following high-dose administration of intravenous hydrocortisone, initiated for acute exacerbation of Crohn’s disease. Her symptoms entirely resolved after discontinuation of the steroid. This case highlights the importance of obtaining baseline ECG and cardiac monitoring in patients treated with pulsed high-dose steroids.
Evaluating the feasibility, experiences, facilitators of and barriers to carers and volunteers delivering Namaste Care to people with dementia in their own home: a qualitative interview study in the UK and the Netherlands
Authors: Haaksma Miriam L , O'Driscoll Colette , Joling Karlijn J , Achterberg Wilco P , Francke Anneke L , van der Steen Jenny T , Smaling Hanneke J A
Published: November 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the feasibility, facilitators of and barriers to delivering Namaste Care by volunteers and family carers to community-dwelling people with dementia, and to map family carers and volunteers’ experiences with the programme.

Design

Qualitative interview study with two phases: (1) preparation phase; (2) pilot phase.

Setting

Private residences of community-dwelling people with dementia in the UK and the Netherlands.

Participants

Family carers and volunteers of community-dwelling people with dementia (phase 1: 36 Dutch interviews, phase 2: 9 Dutch and 16 UK interviews).

Intervention

Namaste Care is a multicomponent psychosocial programme, originally developed for people with dementia residing in long-term care facilities. Meaningful activities were offered by carers and volunteers. Each person with dementia was offered 10 one-hour sessions.

Results

Phase 1: Namaste Care was deemed feasible for community-dwelling people with dementia and no major adaptations to the programme were considered necessary. Phase 2: perceived effects of Namaste Care on people with dementia included improved mood and increased interaction. The programme appeared enriching for both family carers and volunteers, providing joy, respite from care and new insights for coping with challenging behaviour. A flexible attitude of the Namaste provider facilitated its delivery. High caregiver burden and a strained relationship between the family carer and person with dementia were considered barriers. Experiences of family carers and volunteers with Namaste Care were very positive (mean satisfaction rating: 8.7 out of 10, SD=0.9, range 7–10).

Conclusion

We recommend offering Namaste Care delivered by volunteers, preferably multiple sessions per week of 1.5–2 hours to optimise quality of life of community-dwelling people with dementia. Working with well-matched, flexible Namaste providers is pivotal. Family involvement should be encouraged, although the extent should be adapted depending on preference, caregiver burden and the relationship between the family carer and the person with dementia.

Trial registration number

NL5570
Cost-effectiveness of recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator for acute ischaemic stroke with unknown time of onset: a Markov modelling analysis from the Chinese and US perspectives
Authors: Zhao Songfeng , Cheng Yuhong , Tong Xin , Han Mingyang , Ji Linjin , Che Yuxiong , Hu Weiwu , Liu Aihua
Published: November 2022

Objective

The effectiveness of MRI-guided intravenous recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (r-tPA) for acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) with an unknown time of onset has been demonstrated by the WAKE-UP Trial. We aim to evaluate its long-term cost-effectiveness from the perspective of Chinese and US healthcare payers.

Methods

A combination of decision tree and Markov model was built to project lifetime costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) associated with intravenous r-tPA or placebo treatment. Model inputs including the transition probabilities, costs and utilities were derived from the WAKE-UP Trial, similar cost-effectiveness studies and other published sources. To compare intravenous r-tPA to placebo, we calculated incremental costs, incremental QALYs and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). One-way sensitivity, probabilistic sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed to evaluate uncertainty in the results.

Results

In China, intravenous r-tPA gained an additional lifetime QALY of 0.293 with an additional cost of the Chinese Yuan (¥) of 7871 when compared with placebo, resulting in an ICER of ¥26 870 (US$3894)/QALY. In the USA, intravenous r-tPA yielded a higher QALY (difference: 0.430) and lower cost (difference: ¥−4563) when compared with placebo. In probabilistic sensitivity analyses, intravenous r-tPA had a 97.8% and 99.8% probability of being cost-effective or cost-saving in China and the USA, respectively. These findings remained robust under one-way sensitivity and subgroup analysis except for patients with a National Institute of Health Stroke Scale Score of less than 4, between 11 and 16, and over 16.

Conclusions

MRI-guided intravenous r-tPA for patients with AIS with an unknown time of onset is cost-effective in China and cost-saving in the USA.
Supporting the ambulance service to safely convey fewer patients to hospital by developing a risk prediction tool: Risk of Adverse Outcomes after a Suspected Seizure (RADOSS)—protocol for the mixed-methods observational RADOSS project
Authors: Noble Adam J , Mason Suzanne M , Bonnett Laura J , Reuber Markus , Wright Jasmine , Pilbery Richard , Jacques Richard M , Simpson Rebecca M , Campbell Richard , Fuller Alison , Marson Anthony Guy , Dickson Jon Mark
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Ambulances services are asked to further reduce avoidable conveyances to emergency departments (EDs). Risk of Adverse Outcomes after a Suspected Seizure seeks to support this by: (1) clarifying the risks of conveyance and non-conveyance, and (2) developing a risk prediction tool for clinicians to use ‘on scene’ to estimate the benefits an individual would receive if conveyed to ED and risks if not.

Methods and analysis

Mixed-methods, multi-work package (WP) project. For WP1 and WP2 we shall use an existing linked data set that tracks urgent and emergency care (UEC) use of persons served by one English regional ambulance service. Risk tools are specific to clinical scenarios. We shall use suspected seizures in adults as an exemplar.

WP1: Form a cohort of patients cared for a seizure by the service during 2019/2020. It, and nested Knowledge Exchange workshops with clinicians and service users, will allow us to: determine the proportions following conveyance and non-conveyance that die and/or recontact UEC system within 3 (/30) days; quantify the proportion of conveyed incidents resulting in ‘avoidable ED attendances’ (AA); optimise risk tool development; and develop statistical models that, using information available ‘on scene’, predict the risk of death/recontact with the UEC system within 3 (/30) days and the likelihood of an attendance at ED resulting in an AA.

WP2: Form a cohort of patients cared for a seizure during 2021/2022 to ‘temporally’ validate the WP1 predictive models.

WP3: Complete the ‘next steps’ workshops with stakeholders. Using nominal group techniques, finalise plans to develop the risk tool for clinical use and its evaluation.

Ethics and dissemination

WP1a and WP2 will be conducted under database ethical approval (IRAS 307353) and Confidentiality Advisory Group (22/CAG/0019) approval. WP1b and WP3 have approval from the University of Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee (11450). We shall engage in proactive dissemination and knowledge mobilisation to share findings with stakeholders and maximise evidence usage.
Developing minimum core data structure for the obesity devices Coordinated Registry Network (CRN)
Authors: Long Cynthia , Tcheng James E , Marinac-Dabic Danica , Iorga Andrea , Krucoff Mitchell , Fisher Deborah
Published: November 2022

Obesity continues to be a major public health issue, with more than two-thirds of adults in the USA categorized as overweight or obese. Bariatric surgery is effective and yields durable weight loss; however, few qualified candidates choose to undergo surgical treatment. Less-invasive alternatives to bariatric surgery are being developed to bridge the treatment gap. Recognizing the burden of conducting pivotal clinical trials and traditional post-approval studies for medical devices, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Devices and Radiological Health has encouraged the development of real-world data content and quality that is sufficient to provide evidence for Total Product Life Cycle medical device evaluation. A key first step is to establish a minimum core data structure that provides a common lexicon for endoscopic obesity devices and its corresponding interoperable data elements. Such a structure would facilitate data capture across existing workflow with a ‘coordinated registry network’ capability. On July 29, 2016, a workshop entitled, ‘GI Coordinated Registry Network: A Case for Obesity Devices’ was held at the FDA White Oak Campus by the Medical Device Epidemiology Network public–private partnership and FDA to initiate the work of developing a common lexicon and core data elements in the metabolic device space, which marked the inauguration of the Gastrointestinal Coordinated Registry Network project. Several work groups were subsequently formed to address clinical issues, data quality issues, registry participation, and data sharing.
Compulsory collisions and corporate interests in school rugby: challenging distortions in the framing of childhood injury
Authors: Piggin Joe , Batten John , Parry Keith , Anderson Eric , White Adam J
Published: November 2022

This article examines how ‘framing’ is used to resist a proposal to remove rugby tackling from UK schools. It focuses on rugby tackling for UK school children, which is often a compulsory part of many schools’ curricula. Specifically, we explore the importance of framing in how the problem is described in various academic publications, how ideas about risk are articulated and how advocates themselves are represented. We show how the corporate interests of rugby governing bodies can become entangled with distortions about injury prevention. These distortions (or framing practices) include omitting arguments, conflating arguments, changing the argument, misrepresenting advocacy positions and skewing advocate identities. Next, the article demonstrates how a combination of recent advocacy, political interventions, research and cultural shifts appears to be changing perceptions about the risks associated with rugby tackling for children in school settings. In conclusion, we argue that while framing can be a useful strategy for policy advocates, there is value in paying attention to how framing is used by different stakeholder groups.
Surpass Intracranial Aneurysm Embolization System Pivotal Trial to Treat Large or Giant Wide-Neck Aneurysms – SCENT: 3-year outcomes
Authors: Hanel Ricardo A. , Cortez Gustavo M , Coon Alexander L , Kan Peter , Taussky Philipp , Wakhloo Ajay K , Welch Babu G , Dogan Aclan , Bain Mark , De Vries Joost , Ebersole Koji , Meyers Philip M
Published: November 2022

Background

To report the 3-year safety and effectiveness of the Surpass Streamline flow diverter in the SCENT trial (Surpass Intracranial Aneurysm Embolization System Pivotal Trial to Treat Large or Giant Wide-Neck Aneurysms).

Methods

The Surpass Streamline flow diverter device was evaluated in a multicenter, prospective, single-arm, non-randomized interventional trial including patients with uncoilable or previously treated but failed aneurysms of the intracranial internal carotid artery. 3-year outcomes were tabulated with descriptive statistics and compared with 1-year outcomes.

Results

Of 180 patients in the modified intent-to-treat (mITT) cohort, 36-month clinical and angiographic follow-up was available in 134 and 117 cases, respectively. Effectiveness endpoint of complete aneurysm occlusion without clinically significant stenosis or retreatment was met in 71.8% (79/110, 95% CI 62.4% to 80.0%) of cases. Safety composite endpoint was 12.2% (22/180) over the 3-year period, with two major safety events (ipsilateral ischemic strokes) occurring between 12–36 months. Complete aneurysm occlusion was noted in 77.8% (91/117), and 99.1% (116/117) of the patients demonstrated adequate aneurysm occlusion (complete occlusion or neck residual). There were four cases (2.2%) of aneurysm rupture, all occurring within the first month of the index procedure. Target aneurysm retreatment rate was 2.8% (5/180).

Conclusion

The present findings support the long-term safety and effectiveness of the Surpass Streamline flow diverter device.

Trial registration

NCT01716117.
Object Detection in 3D Point Cloud Based on ECA Mechanism
Authors: Wang Xinkai , Jia Xu , Zhang Miyuan , Lu Houda
Published: November 2022

Aiming at the problems of high complexity and low detection accuracy of single-stage three-dimensional (3D) detection method, a vehicle object detection algorithm based on the Efficient Channel Attention (ECA) mechanism is proposed. This paper provides a good solution to the problems of low object recognition accuracy and high model complexity in the field of 3D object detection. First, we voxelized the original point cloud data, taking the average coordinates and intensity values as the initial features. By entering into the Voxel Feature Encoding (VFE) layer, we can extract the features of each voxel. Then, referring to the VoxelNet model, the ECA mechanism is introduced, which reduces the complexity of the model while maintaining the good performance in the model. Finally, experiments on the widely used KITTI dataset show that the algorithm performs well, and the accuracy of the proposed ECA algorithm has reached 87.75%. Compared with the current mainstream algorithm SE-SSD of object detection, the accuracy is increased by 0.21%.
A Wireless Virtual Reality-Based Multimedia-Assisted Teaching System Framework under Mobile Edge Computing
Authors: Cui Wei , Na Ding Eng , Zhang Yuting
Published: November 2022

In recent years, virtual reality (VR) has gradually entered the daily education and teaching activities from pure scientific research. In the area of assistance teaching, some typical computer softwares still play some important roles. This makes remote teaching activities can just learn voice, yet cannot possess the feeling of realistic existence. Especially in scenario of COVID-19, remote teaching activities with proper perceptibility are in urgent demand. To deal with the current challenge, this paper proposes a wireless VR-based multimedia-assisted teaching system framework under mobile edge computing networks. In this framework, cooperative edge caching and adaptive streaming based on viewport prediction are adopted to jointly improve the quality of experience (QoE) of VR users. First, we investigated the resource management problem of caching and adaptive streaming in this framework. Considering the complexity of the formulated problem, a distributed learning scheme is proposed to solve the problem. The experimental data are verified and the experimental results prove that the studied methods improve the performance of user QoE.
An Improved Sparrow Search Algorithm for Location Optimization of Logistics Distribution Centers
Authors: Ou Yaqin , Yu Lei , Yan Ailing
Published: November 2022

In modern society where business development is booming, it is of great importance to investigate location optimization of logistics distribution centers. In order to achieve greater efficiency of distribution system, save the distribution costs and the construction cost of logistics distribution center, good point set method and decreasing nonlinear inertia weight are proposed to improve sparrow search algorithm (SSA) to solve the mathematical model for logistics distribution center location. First, in order to prevent SSA falling in local optimal, while improving the convergence speed and efficiency of SSA, good point set method and decreasing nonlinear inertia weight are applied to improve the SSA. The test results of eight benchmark functions show that the fitness value and convergence speed of the proposed ISSA are smaller and faster. Second, compared with SSA, WOSA and PSO, the ISSA has the lowest total cost for solving the mathematical model of logistics distribution center.
A New Radio Frequency Distortion Dynamic Range Index for Performance Evaluation
Authors: Wang Desheng , Wei Yangjie , Ji Dong , Wang Yi
Published: November 2022

Dynamic range and spurious-free dynamic range are two of the most critical performance indexes in the field of radio frequency (RF). However, the definitions of both the indexes are ambiguous, and their characterization ability is insufficient, resulting in unfair, and even mutually incompatible, performance evaluation in practice. In this study, a new index named radio frequency distortion dynamic range and its corresponding evaluation method are proposed to achieve a fair and detailed dynamic range evaluation by unifying the existing definitions and improving the performance resolution ability. First, the sliding threshold selection method is introduced to replace the classification-based method of dynamic range definition to characterize more details of the dynamic range. Second, a dynamic range evaluation method of “performance body” is proposed to obtain a more comprehensive evaluation by generalizing the current evaluation from being based on a single condition to the one based on scanning critical conditions. Experiments show that the proposed radio frequency distortion dynamic range index with the proposed evaluation method reduces the ambiguity of dynamic range evaluation and can distinguish the performance difference that the current indexes cannot do.
Asymmetric Thermal Stability in GPL Reinforced Composite Circular Plates on Partial Winkler Foundation
Authors: Wang Yingxian , Kiani Yaser
Published: November 2022

Buckling of a circular graphene-platelet-reinforced composite plate resting on an elastic foundation is investigated in this research for the first time. The equations governing the thermal buckling of the circular plate were derived based on Hamilton’s principle, classical theory, and the von Kármán strain field. The effective material properties were determined by the Halpin-Tsai model and the rule of mixture. The plate is divided into two sections where solution of stability equation for each section is determined exactly. Applying the boundary and continuity conditions, a transcendental equation is established which may be used to obtain the critical buckling temperature and number of nodal diameters at the onset of buckling. In the end, and after validating the results, the effects of the laminated graphene-platelet-reinforced plate configuration, elastic foundation properties and dimensions, and the graphene platelet weight fraction on the critical thermal buckling temperature were investigated.
Study on Vibration Suppression of an Inclined Cable with a Nonlinear Energy Sink Under the Axial Excitation
Authors: Kang Houjun , Hu Qifeng , Su Xiaoyang , Cong Yunyue
Published: November 2022

The nonlinear energy sink (NES) has been verified to have a broadband damping effect in many studies. In this paper, the in-plane vibration of an inclined cable attached with an NES is considered. First, nonlinear motion equation of the cable under an axial harmonic excitation (parametric excitation) is derived on the basis of Hamilton’s principle. The ordinary differential equations (ODEs) of the system are derived by Galerkin method and solved by fourth-order Runge–Kutta method. In this way, the suppression effects of the NES on primary resonance, 1/2-order sub-harmonic resonance and second-order super-harmonic resonance of the cable are investigated when the cable is subjected to a parametric excitation. Then, by optimizing the parameters of the NES individually, the corresponding results are compared with those of the uncontrolled system and the cable with a tuned mass damper (TMD). Meanwhile, the robustness of the NES against changes in the amplitude of axial excitation is also studied. The results demonstrate the high-efficiency vibration suppression of the NES and the vibration suppression effect of the optimized NES on the cable shows better performance in terms of multi-modality compared with the optimized TMD.
Surface Morphological Analysis and Evaluation of the Sealing Ability of a Nanoparticle-Incorporated Hydraulic Root-End Cement
Authors: Dsouza Teena Sheethal , Shetty Aditya
Published: November 2022

Since the inception of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), calcium silicate cements have emerged to dominate in the dental sector, mainly due to their hydraulic property. The ability of such cements to set in the presence of moisture is their most significant characteristic. A plethora of products based on hydraulic silicate cement constitution have recently entered the market; these items can be seen as MTA improvements attempting to minimize MTA’s shortcomings. Despite any possible benefits, the capacity to seal in an endodontic root repair material is, however, the most significant aspect determining its success. An experimental calcium silicate-based cement incorporated with nanosilver was fabricated to evaluate the sealing ability and to compare with the existing commercially available MTA. Teeth were decoronated and root canal treatment was performed. Root-end resection and cavity preparation, followed by root-end filling was done with the materials. Confocal scanning microscopy was used to assess the extent of rhodamine dye leakage in the root-end cavities. The results showed that both the experimental nanosilver incorporated calcium silicate-based cement and Mineral Trioxide Aggregate showed microleakage under a confocal microscope.
Ease of Doing Business: Performance Comparison of G20 Countries Using Gray MCDM
Authors: Chejarla Kalyana C. , Vaidya Omkarprasad S.
Published: November 2022

The ubiquity of data, and in particular in MCDM situations, makes it challenging for the Decision Makers (DM) to figure out a way of making proper use of data. This paper presents a three-stage decision framework for DMs to consider the performance range of alternatives holistically. The framework consists of (i) data preparation, (ii) two distance-based Gray Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM-G) methods using gray interval data to rank the alternatives and (iii) a decision analysis template. For comparison, gray Evaluation based on Distance from Average Solution (EDAS) and gray Multi-Attributive Border Approximation area Comparison (MABAC) methods that rely on arithmetic and geometric mean respectively are used to generate the ranks. The mean-based ranking methods produce stable and efficient ranks in comparison to extremum-based comparison methods, due to their innate nature. The correlation of ranks is analyzed to conclude that the stability of ranks is better when gray interval data is considered. As an example, this paper considers performance range of the 10 criteria used in computing Ease of Doing Business (EDB) index as the gray interval. The sample performance of the G20 countries during the period 2004 to 2020 was used to illustrate the calculations. Further, a general analytic template based on the rank deviation on account of differences in upper and lower bounds of performance helped in classifying the economies as stable leaders, predictable middle and volatile followers. The paper contributes a suitable MCDM and analysis approach when the DM is presented with a gray interval as the alternatives’ performance.
How Professional Service Firms Derive Triple Value Bottomline: An IC Perspective
Authors: Rehman Junaid , Hawryszkiewycz Igor , Sohaib Osama , Namisango Fatuma , Dahri Abdul Samad
Published: November 2022

The ever-increasing market turbulence has turned today’s corporate landscape more competitive and complex. Particularly during the last two decades, the increased utilization of Information & Communication Technologies (ICTs) globally transformed the services sector in terms of ease of business processes and improved client service delivery. However, in the current knowledge-based era, these tools & technologies would only be meaningful if these are appropriately utilized by a knowledgeable workforce. In other words, this knowledge age has changed the success mantra of business competitiveness by re-shifting the focus from ICT-based transformations to knowledge-based transformations, though the availability of ICT systems has further augmented the organizational capabilities. Moreover, truly capitalizing on these warrants a knowledge-enabled work culture and recognizing as such the strategic significance of in-house Intellectual Capital (IC) that serves as a prime mover of achieving a sustainable competitive advantage. However, the maximum potential of IC for deriving multi-stakeholder value has not been fully achieved. Therefore, by administering 12 face-to-face semi-structured interviews at Australian Professional Service Firms (PSFs), this research offers a novel perspective on IC valuation by presenting the concept of ‘Triple Value Bottomline’ coupled with ‘IC Best Practices for PSFs’. These collectively offer IC evaluation, measurement and management mechanisms. Overall, the findings reveal immense potential of IC for achieving diverse value outcomes for multi-stakeholders in PSFs.
Portfolio Optimization of Uncertain Returns Based on Tsallis Entropy
Authors: Chennaf Souad , Amor Jaleleddine Ben
Published: November 2022

In uncertainty theory, entropy is a measure to capture the level of unpredictability associated with an uncertain variable. In this paper, we introduce an alternative type of entropy named Tsallis entropy as a generalized form of logarithmic entropy in an uncertain environment. Then, we provide a formula to calculate the Tsallis entropy via inverse uncertainty distribution. In addition, we study some of its mathematical properties such as translation invariance and positive linearity. Furthermore, we establish a mean-CVaR-Tsallis entropy portfolio selection model, in which security returns are regarded as uncertain variables and we derive its equivalent form. Finally, a numerical example is given and the effect of Tsallis entropy and uncertainty distribution on the proposed model is discussed, including a comparative study.
Design and Analysis of a Novel MEMS Touch Mode Convex Capacitive Pressure Sensor for Altimeter Applications
Authors: Sreekanth P. K. , Jindal Sumit Kumar
Published: November 2022

The wide applications of Touch Mode Capacitive Pressure Sensors (TMCPS) have led the researchers working more on its performances. TMCPS have more acceptance due to their linearity, sensitivity, and ability to withstand more pressure which make them suitable for harsh environments. This study proposes a novel convex shape substrate to further improve the response of the TMCPS. This work provides a detailed mathematical and analytical modeling which upholds the proposed design. The analysis is compared with the simulation results from the software MATLAB. The simulated results have been compared with those reported in the existing literature. The linear operation range of the sensor is stretched more on the lower side (88[Formula: see text]KPa–2[Formula: see text]MPa) and the sensitivity is improved 2.85 times in touch mode, which completely fits in for the altimeter applications. This work also includes a detailed step-by-step process to be followed during the fabrication of the sensor. Sensor system characteristics such as nonlinearity, hysteresis and temperature dependence are also calculated in this work. The presented theory and simulation analysis fully supports the superior performance of the novel convex substrate square diaphragm TMCPS.
Modeling Reinforced Concrete Moment Frames Supported on Quintuple Friction Pendulum Bearings for Nonlinear Response History Analysis
Authors: Habib Ahed , Yildirim Umut
Published: November 2022

Base isolation systems have attained significant advancements over the past several decades, with new technologies being developed to enhance the performance of structures when subjected to moderate and severe seismic excitations. The multi-stage friction pendulum is among the most efficient systems owing to its broad range of effective pendula with several regimes that provide excellent energy dissipation abilities. Lately, a new generation of friction pendulum bearings called “Quintuple Friction Pendulum” was introduced to the literature and has since gained the attention of researchers. This isolator’s most significant advantages are the results of its capability to achieve multi-stage adaptive behavior which shows high energy dissipation capability from structures exposed to horizontal forces. Indeed, investigations that outlined the process for nonlinear modeling of structures supported on this type of isolation system are scarce. Thus, this research is intended to illustrate and discuss the approach for developing seismic code compliance finite element models for designing and analyzing reinforced concrete moment frames supported on quintuple friction pendulum bearings for nonlinear response-history analysis in OpenSees and SAP2000. As a part of the study, the nonlinearity of the isolation system and the superstructure will be considered. Moreover, the methods for overcoming essential issues such as damping leakage and isolator’s stiffness correction will be discussed. In general, the results of the discussed numerical examples have shown that both finite element packages are capable of achieving QFP hysteresis behavior as well as computing similar superstructural responses. Furthermore, the illustrated method of overcoming damping leakage provided reliable outcomes compared to the theoretical expectations. As well as the suggested approach for correcting the isolator’s initial stiffness was helpful in terms of accurately capturing the structure’s periods.
Quantitative Modeling of Pulse-Like Ground Motions Using Imperialist Competitive Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Minaei Zahra , Vaez Seyed Rohollah Hoseini , Dehghani Ehsan , Ezzati Elham
Published: November 2022

Increasing attention in quantitative and qualitative models has been paid to the dominant velocity pulse of the pulse-like ground motions. Manual trial and error approach for fitting of time history and response spectrum of the actual record and simulated pulse has been employed to obtain pulse parameters of these models. In this study, a mathematical model and the imperialist competitive algorithm (ICA) are used to overcome the limitations of the previous studies. For this purpose, an objective function is defined as the norm deviation of the time history and response spectrum of the actual record and simulated pulse. The proposed approach is capable of identifying and extracting the dominant pulse of any pulse-like record, and consists of 91 pulse-like records used in this study. In all of 91 records, the highest accordance with time history and elastic response spectrum of actual records and extracted pulses is achieved. As a case study, the extracted pulses of the 1999 Chi-Chi earthquake are used to generate artificial pulse-like records. The dynamic responses of the 3-story moment frame in SAC project subjected to generated records are investigated. The results show that the proposed approach can be used in parametric studies of pulse-like ground motions.
Environmental Regulation and Economic Development: Evidence from the River Chief System in China
Authors: Liu Liwen , Bai Caiquan
Published: November 2022

Existing studies have not reached a consensus on whether environmental regulations can drive economic development while strengthening pollution control. Based on the panel data of 226 cities in China from 2004 to 2016, this paper uses the difference-in-differences (DID) estimation to investigate the impact of the River Chief System (RCS) on regional economic development for the first time. The findings are as follows: (1) the RCS significantly increases the regional gross domestic product (GDP) and per capita GDP, and a series of robustness tests also prove this conclusion; (2) the heterogeneity tests indicate that the positive effect of RCS on economic development is more significant in cities with a lower administrative level, eastern cities, small cities and cities with lower water resource endowments; and (3) the mechanism tests show that the RCS promotes urban economic development mainly through the two channels of industrial structure upgrading and technological innovation. These findings are of practical significance for China and other countries to balance economic development and environmental protection when formulating and implementing environmental regulatory policies.
Recent Advancements in Halide and Oxide Double Perovskites as Heterogeneous Photocatalysts for Solar-Driven Photocatalytic Water Splitting and CO2 Reduction
Authors: Idris Ahmed Mahmoud , Zheng Song , Farooq Umar , Shahid Malik Zeeshan , Jiang Xinyan , Wang Jin , Li Zhengquan
Published: November 2022

With many intriguing advantages, including cost-effective and outstanding optoelectronic properties such as high carrier mobility, low exciton binding energy, suitable band structure, and long carrier lifetime, all-inorganic lead-based halide perovskites (LHPs) have elicited great interest in optoelectronic fields, particularly in the photocatalysis field. However, the high toxicity and notorious instability of LHPs upon exposure to moisture, light, oxygen, and heat are significant barriers to their practical applications, prompting the development of stable lead-free perovskites. Among the various strategies, the chemical transmutations of two divalent Pb[Formula: see text] ions into one monovalent and one trivalent to form metal halide double perovskites (MHDPs) and their analogous metal oxide double perovskites (MODPs) have emerged as promising alternatives to replace the LHPs owing to their intrinsic chemical stability, eco-friendliness, comparable optoelectronic properties to the LHPs, and high catalytic activity. In this review, we elaborately discuss the recent advancements in MHDP and MODP semiconductor photocatalysts by briefly introducing their underlying fundamentals, such as history, chemical configurations, crystalline structures, electronic structures, and optical properties. Subsequently, we emphasize their contemporary applications in photocatalytic water splitting and CO2 reduction. Finally, we outline some perspectives and challenges in developing MHDPs and MODPs. We anticipated that this review might shed light on designing stable and efficient MHDP and MODP semiconductor photocatalysts for a wide range of solar applications.
Effects of fracture-system geometrical parameters on the inflow rate into a tunnel in rock: a numerical modelling experiment
Authors: Shahbazi Alireza , Saeidi Ali , Chesnaux Romain , Rouleau Alain
Published: November 2022

The relationship between the inflow rate to a rocky tunnel and the effective parameters controlling the inflow rate (e.g. aperture, spacing, orientation, tunnel radius and water head) is investigated by numerical modelling. Response surface methodology is adopted to optimize the number of simulations and their meaningful interpretation, and Design-Expert software is used for this purpose. Consequently, numerical simulations are performed, using 3DEC version 7 software, for 88 scenarios based on different values for the parameters related to the fracture-system geometry and boundary conditions. Accordingly, the relations between the inflow rate to the tunnel and the effective parameters, as well as their interactions, are determined and presented in the form of empirical equations. In addition, the mean value of each parameter is used to develop another equation for calculating the inflow rate. Specifically, the aperture and spacing, as well as the interaction between these parameters and other effective parameters, have the most important impact on the value of the inflow rate. Furthermore, the impact of the tunnel radius on the unit inflow rate is negligible. Using numerical simulations, two empirical equations have been developed for the calculation of the unit inflow rate to the tunnel: one for exact values of parameters and another for their mean values.

Supplementary material:
Supplementary information on the interaction between the parameters and the statistical analysis are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6292560
Structural Equation Modeling in Organizational Research: The State of Our Science and Some Proposals for Its Future
Authors: Zyphur Michael J. , Bonner Cavan V. , Tay Louis
Published: November 2022

The use of structural equation modeling (SEM) has grown substantially over the past 40 years within organizational research and beyond. There have been many different developments in SEM that make it increasingly useful for a variety of data types, research designs, research questions, and research contexts in the organizational sciences. To give researchers a better understanding of how and why SEM is used, our article ( a) presents a review of SEM applications within organizational research; ( b) discusses SEM best practices; and ( c) explores advanced SEM applications, including instrumental variable methods, latent variable interactions and nonlinear measurement models, multilevel SEM, cross-lagged panel models and dynamic structural equation models, and meta-analytic SEM. We conclude by discussing concerns and debates that are both methodological (i.e., cross-validation and regularization) and theoretical (i.e., understanding causal evidence) as they relate to SEM and its application in organizational research and beyond.
Mental Health in the Workplace
Authors: Kelloway E. Kevin , Dimoff Jennifer K. , Gilbert Stephanie
Published: November 2022

The increasing societal awareness of employee mental health issues, especially within the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, has led to a great deal of research examining the occupational predictors and outcomes of mental ill health. The consequences of employee mental illness can be significant to organizations, whereas providing employee mental health resources may offer a competitive advantage. This article provides a review of the definitions of employee mental health, the costs of employee mental illness to organizations and to society as a whole, and the role of the workplace in promoting positive mental health, preventing mental illness, intervening to address employee mental ill health, and accommodating employees experiencing mental health challenges. We present recommendations for future research and implications for practice.
The Role of the Gut Microbiota in the Relationship Between Diet and Human Health
Authors: Perler Bryce K. , Friedman Elliot S. , Wu Gary D.
Published: November 2022

The interplay between diet, the gut microbiome, and host health is complex. Diets associated with health have many similarities: high fiber, unsaturated fatty acids, and polyphenols while being low in saturated fats, sodium, and refined carbohydrates. Over the past several decades, dietary patterns have changed significantly in Westernized nations with the increased consumption of calorically dense ultraprocessed foods low in fiber and high in saturated fats, salt, and refined carbohydrates, leading to numerous negative health consequences including obesity, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease. The gut microbiota is an environmental factor that interacts with diet and may also have an impact on health outcomes, many of which involve metabolites produced by the microbiota from dietary components that can impact the host. This review focuses on our current understanding of the complex relationship between diet, the gut microbiota, and host health, with examples of how diet can support health, increase an individual's risk for disease, and be used as a therapy for specific diseases.
Periodontal ligaments enhance neurite outgrowth in trigeminal ganglion neurons through Wnt5a production induced by mechanical stimulation
Authors: Takahashi Kaori , Yoshida Takashi , Wakamori Minoru
Published: November 2022

The peripheral sensory nerve must be maintained to perceive environmental changes. Daily physiological mechanical stimulations, like gravity, floor reaction force, and occlusal force, influence the nerve homeostasis directly or indirectly. Although the direct axonal membrane stretch enhances axon outgrowth via mechanosensitive channel activation, the indirect mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In this study, we identified the indirect pathways where Wnt5a was a molecular cue released by mechanically stimulated rat periodontal ligament (rPDL) cells. qRT-PCR and ELISA showed that mechanically stimulated rPDL cells enhanced Wnt5a expression level and Wnt5a protein in a Ca2+-dependent manner. The inhibitors of PI3K (LY294002) and MEK1/2 (U0126) suppressed the Akt/PKB and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, respectively, in Western blotting analysis and consequently abolished the increase in Wnt5a expression. Similarly, PF573228, a focal adhesion kinase inhibitor, attenuated Akt- and ERK1/2-phosphorylation and Wnt5a expression. Importantly, the culture medium of stretched PDL cells enhanced neurite elongation, sprouting, and branching in trigeminal ganglion neurons that project to PDL. Moreover, treatment with an anti-Wnt5a antibody (to neutralize Wnt5a activity), AP7677a (anti-Ryk antibody, to block Ryk receptor activity), or strictinin (Ror1 inhibitor) suppressed the morphological changes. These findings reveal the indirect mechanisms that Wnt5a, released from the connective tissues in response to mechanical stimulation, enhances the outgrowth of the peripheral nerves. Our study suggests that the peripheral connective tissues regulate peripheral nerve homeostasis and that Wnt5a signaling could be targeted for the treatment of peripheral nerve disorders.
Protein disulfide isomerase A3 activity promotes extracellular accumulation of proteins relevant to basal breast cancer outcomes in human MDA-MB-A231 breast cancer cells
Authors: Germon Anna , Heesom Kate J. , Amoah Reiss , Adams Josephine C.
Published: November 2022

Metastasis and recurrence of breast cancer remain major causes of patient mortality, and there is an ongoing need to identify new therapeutic targets relevant to tumor invasion. Protein disulfide isomerase A3 (PDIA3) is a disulfide oxidoreductase and isomerase of the endoplasmic reticulum that has known extracellular substrates and has been correlated with aggressive breast cancers. We show that either prior PDIA3 inhibition by the disulfide isomerase inhibitor 16F16 or depletion of heparin-binding proteins strongly reduces the activity of conditioned medium (CM) of MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells to support promigratory cell spreading and F-actin organization by newly adherent MDA-MB-231 cells. Quantitative proteomics to investigate effects of 16F16 inhibition on heparin-binding proteins in the CM of MDA-MB-231 cells identified 80 proteins reproducibly decreased at least twofold (at q ≤ 0.05) after 16F16 treatment. By Gene Ontology analysis, many of these have roles in extracellular matrix (ECM) structure and function and cell adhesion; ribosomal proteins that also correlate with extracellular vesicles were also identified. Protein-protein interaction analysis showed that many of the extracellular proteins have known network interactions with each other. The predominant types of disulfide-bonded domains in the extracellular proteins contained β-hairpin folds, with the knottin fold the most common. From human breast cancer data sets, the extracellular proteins were found to correlate specifically with the basal subtype of breast cancer and their high expression in tumors correlated with reduced distant metastasis-free survival. These data provide new evidence that PDIA3 may be a relevant therapeutic target to alter properties of the ECM-associated microenvironment in basal breast cancer.