bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio at admission can predict the prognosis of patients with hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome
Authors: He Shan , Han Qunying , Wang Xiaoyun , Zhang Xiaoge , Li Na , Liu Zhengwen
Published: October 2023

Early indicators are needed to predict the prognosis of patients with hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). Aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI) has been shown to be related to mortality risk of patients with various diseases. This study evaluated the prognostic value of APRI and other inflammatory scores in HFRS patients. Data of hospitalized HFRS patients from a tertiary hospital in northwest China were collected and the inflammatory scores such as APRI and neutrophil to lymphocyte count ratio (NLR) were calculated at the day of patient admission. Independent factors related to the survival of patients were determined by multivariate logistic regression. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to analyze the predictive value, and area under the curve (AUC) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for quantification. Of the 317 HFRS patients included in study, 15 patients died. Age (OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.04–1.16, p = 0.001), NLR (OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.02–1.19, p = 0.01), and APRI (OR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.03–1.10, p = 0.001) were quantitative objective factors independently associated with the survival of patients. APRI had an AUC of 0.95 (95% CI: 0.91–1.00, p < 0.001) for predicting the prognosis of patients, with a sensitivity of 93.3% and a specificity of 86.8%. The performance of APRI was better than that of age or NLR. Patients with an APRI ≥ 6.15 had significantly decreased survival compared with those with an APRI < 6.15. In conclusion, this simple index APRI calculated at admission can serve as a biomarker to identify HFRS patients at risk of poor prognosis.
Opening new brokerage opportunities while closing existing ones: The Tertius Iungens orientation as a source of network advantage
Authors: Kauppila Olli‐Pekka , Bizzi Lorenzo , Obstfeld David
Published: September 2023

Organizational members face a motivational dilemma in influencing the social relationships of others: The organization benefits from high connectedness among employees, but personal advantages accrue to those who occupy brokerage positions between disconnected others. In this study, we draw on the organizational paradox perspective to argue that the reconciliation of these contrasting objectives lies in recognizing one's agency to facilitate connectedness (closing) within a social structure and the search for new connections (opening) as mutually supportive. Across two field studies, we examine how individuals' advantageous position in an organizational network emerges from the interplay between a tertius iungens orientation to join others in collaboration and network building to open new brokering opportunities. In Study 1, analyses of a sample of two‐wave, cross‐lagged panel data show that a tertius iungens orientation contributes to the number of outgoing ties to other actors via network building. Study 2 uses a network survey to add that a tertius iungens orientation is positively associated with incoming ties from others and network brokerage, and again, these relationships are mediated by network building. Overall, our results indicate that by increasing connectedness in their organizational social network, individuals simultaneously activate opening behaviors that facilitate the expansion of their network, thereby revitalizing their structurally advantageous position.
The nexus between firm‐supply‐chain relationships and the potential for tourism development: A case study approach
Authors: Alonso Abel Duarte , Vu Oanh Thi Kim , O'Brien Seamus , Tran Thanh Duc , Nguyen Trung Thanh
Published: September 2023

This exploratory study examines the importance of firm‐supply chain relationships for tourism development. Based upon prior observations, two firms seeking to boost their tourism offerings and operating in a popular Vietnamese tourist destination were selected. Semi‐structured face‐to‐face and online interviews were conducted and complemented by on‐site visits, and firm information. Various salient dimensions emerged from the data analysis. The ‘performance catalyst’ and ‘detectable value adding’ dimensions underscore the supply chain's benefits, while the ‘discerning relations’ dimension highlights deeper relationships through mutual support, building trust, or demonstrating care. Conceptually, the study proposes a framework with associated theoretical and practical implications.
More the merrier!! Understanding the effect of available content choices over willingness to pay for over‐the‐top subscriptions
Authors: Gupta Shaphali , Shrivastava Pooja , Gupta‐Rawal Soniya
Published: September 2023

Around the globe, the trend of cutting cable cords in favor of over‐the‐top media platforms has been rising tremendously. Further, the influx of different content is disrupting media consumption behavior. Underpinning the choice theory, this study investigates the effect of the availability of content choices on over‐the‐top platforms on users' subscription intention. Insights from the triangulation of marketplace evidence and interviews reveal that the availability of content choices leads to the willingness to pay for the content, which further leads to the subscription intention. The conceptual framework suggests that content affinity, reviews, and recommendations play a moderating role in suggested relationships. The three experimental studies validate that the role of content choices on subscription intention is mediated by the higher willingness to pay for the content only in the absence of negative platform‐related reviews and recommendations. Further, this study presents content strategies and suggested matrices for practitioners and paves the way for academicians to explore digital adoptions using choice theory for future research.
Exact separation of the rounded capacity inequalities for the capacitated vehicle routing problem
Authors: Pavlikov Konstantin , Petersen Niels Christian , Sørensen Jon Lilholt
Published: September 2023

The family of Rounded Capacity (RC) inequalities is one of the most important sets of valid inequalities for the Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem (CVRP). This paper considers the problem of separation of violated RC inequalities and develops an exact procedure employing mixed integer linear programming. The developed routine is demonstrated to be very efficient for small and medium‐sized problem instances. For larger‐scale problem instances, an iterative approach for exact separation of RC inequalities is developed, based upon a selective variable pricing strategy. The approach combines column and row generation and allows us to introduce variables only when they are needed, which is essential when dealing with large‐scale problem instances. A computational study demonstrates scalability of the proposed separation routines and provides exact RC‐based lower bounds to some of the publicly available unsolved CVRP instances. The same computational study provides RC‐based lower bounds for very large‐scale CVRP instances with more than 3000 locations obtained within appropriate computational time limits.
A semi‐hybrid‐mixed method for Stokes–Brinkman–Darcy flows with H(div)‐velocity fields
Authors: Carvalho Pablo G. S. , Devloo Philippe R.B. , Gomes Sônia M.
Published: October 2023

We consider new semi‐hybrid‐mixed finite element formulations for Stokes–Brinkman problems. Using ‐conforming approximate velocity fields, the continuity of normal components over element interfaces is taken for granted, and pressure is searched in discontinuous spaces preserving the divergence compatibility property. Tangential continuity is weakly imposed by a Lagrange multiplier playing the role of tangential traction. The method is strongly mass‐conservative, leading to exact divergence‐free simulations of incompressible flows. The Lagrange multiplier space requires specific choices according to the velocity approximations implemented in each element geometry. In certain cases, classic divergence‐compatible pairs adopted for Darcy flows may require divergence‐free bubble enrichment to enforce tangential continuity in some extent, avoiding any extra stabilization technique. Considerable improvement in computational performance is achieved by the application of static condensation: the global system is solved only for a piecewise constant pressure variable, velocity normal trace and tangential traction over interfaces. The remaining solution components are recovered by solving independent local Neumann problems in each element. Numerical results are presented for a set of standard test cases in the field of Stokes–Brinkman–Darcy flows with known analytical solutions. The main convergence properties of the method are verified in the whole range of parameters, from Stokes to Darcy limits, as well as for the combined Stokes–Darcy scenario. The robustness of the method is also demonstrated for more challenging test problems with complex non‐conforming meshes with local refinement patterns as well as for curved geometry.
Predictors of Quality of Life for Head and Neck Cancer Patients at an Academic Institution
Authors: Lorenz F. Jeffrey , King Tonya S. , Engle Linda , Beauchamp‐Perez Francis , Goyal Neerav
Published: October 2023

Objective

Quality of life (QOL) is an important consideration in head and neck cancer (HNC) due to lasting disease and treatment‐related toxicities. We performed a comprehensive review of predictors of QOL in this population, including distance to care.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study from 2017 to 2022.

Setting

Academic medical center.

Methods

QOL was quantified in patients treated for HNC utilizing the University of Washington Quality of Life and 20‐Item Short Form surveys completed at subsequent clinic visits. Distance to treatment center and other demographic, socioeconomic, disease‐specific, and behavioral data were analyzed.

Results

There were 176 patients in the cohort (69% male; mean age, 64 ± 10.8 years). There was no association between miles traveled and any of the QOL subscales. Marital status was the strongest predictor of QOL, significantly associated with 7/8 QOL domains and favoring those who were married. Other significant predictors of decreased QOL included emotional/physical abuse, current tobacco use, documented religious affiliation, and treatment involving surgery plus adjuvant therapy. A significant positive trend over time existed for multiple QOL subscales.

Conclusion

QOL is unchanged in patients who travel greater distances for care. QOL is more closely linked to factors such as marital status, physical/emotional abuse, tobacco use, religious affiliation, treatment intensity, and time following surgery. This highlights the importance of a strong support structure and the influence of certain socioeconomic and lifestyle factors on patients, with opportunities for screening and intervention throughout their cancer care.
Prostatic proliferative inflammatory atrophy: welcome to the club†
Authors: Bernard Matthew J , Smith Chad M , Goldstein Andrew S
Published: September 2023

Single‐cell RNA sequencing studies in the human prostate have defined a population of epithelial cells with transcriptional similarities to club cells in the lung. However, the localization of club‐like cells in the human prostate, and their relationship to prostate cancer, is poorly understood. In a new article in The Journal of Pathology, RNA in situ hybridization was used to demonstrate that club cell markers are expressed in luminal cells adjacent to inflammation in the peripheral zone of the human prostate, where prostate cancer tends to arise. These club‐like cells are commonly found in proliferative inflammatory atrophy (PIA) lesions and express markers consistent with an intermediate epithelial cell‐type. Future studies will be needed to understand the functional role of club‐like cells in human prostate inflammation, regeneration, and disease. © 2023 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Cosmic Evolution of Five‐dimensional Einstein Chern‐Simons Gravity Through Dark Energy Model
Authors: Jawad Abdul , Kiran Fareeha , Rani Shamaila
Published: September 2023

In this paper, the cosmic evolution in the context of five‐dimensional Einstein Chern‐Simons gravity theory by using flat homogeneous and isotropic universe model is studied. The interaction is taken into account between dark sector of the evolving universe along with holographic dark energy model with Hubble horizon. Our study with well‐known models EChS ‐β5 and EChS ‐ for Einstein Chern‐Simons gravity theory in five dimensions are carried. Some cosmological parameters through graphical representations such as coincidence parameter u, equation of state parameter , deceleration parameter q and squared speed of sound parameter is analyzed. It is found that these cosmological parameters show consistent behavior with current cosmic scenario. Also, the behavior of generalized second law of thermodynamics in the underlying gravity theory with Bekenstein‐Hawking entropy and its validity for some fixed values of constants appearing in each model are explored.
Unveiling the therapeutic promise of natural products in alleviating drug‐induced liver injury: Present advancements and future prospects
Authors: Singh Deepti , Khan Mohammad Afsar , Siddique Hifzur R.
Published: September 2023

Drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) refers to adverse reactions to small chemical compounds, biological agents, and medical products. These reactions can manifest as acute or chronic damage to the liver. From 1997 to 2016, eight drugs, including troglitazone, nefazodone, and lumiracoxib, were removed from the market due to their liver‐damaging effects, which can cause diseases. We aimed to review the recent research on natural products and their bioactive components as hepatoprotective agents in mitigating DILI. Recent articles were fetched via searching the PubMed, PMC, Google Scholar, and Web of Science electronic databases from 2010 to January 2023 using relevant keywords such as “natural products,” “acetaminophen,” “antibiotics,” “paracetamol,” “DILI,” “hepatoprotective,” “drug‐induced liver injury,” “liver failure,” and “mitigation.” The studies reveal that the antituberculosis drug (acetaminophen) is the most frequent cause of DILI, and natural products have been largely explored in alleviating acetaminophen‐induced liver injury. They exert significant hepatoprotective effects by preventing mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation, inhibiting oxidative/nitrative stress, and macromolecular damage. Due to the bioavailability and dietary nature, using natural products alone or as an adjuvant with existing drugs is promising. To advance DILI management, it is crucial to conduct well‐designed randomized clinical trials to evaluate natural products' efficacy and develop new molecules clinically. However, natural products are a promising solution for remedying drug‐induced hepatotoxicity and lowering the risk of DILI.
Effect of resveratrol and curcumin and the potential synergism on hypertension: A mini‐review of human and animal model studies
Authors: Ghaeini Hesarooeyeh Zahra , Basham Ayoub , Sheybani‐Arani MohammadHosein , Abbaszadeh Mahshid , Salimi Asl Ali , Moghbeli Meysam , Saburi Ehsan
Published: October 2023

Resveratrol (RES) and curcumin (CUR) are two of the most extensively studied bioactive compounds in cardiovascular research from the past until today. These compounds have effectively lowered blood pressure by downregulating the renin‐angiotensin system, exerting antioxidant effects, and exhibiting antiproliferative activities on blood vessels. This study aims to summarize the results of human and animal studies investigating the effects of CUR, RES, and their combination on hypertension and the molecular mechanisms involved. The published trials' results are controversial regarding blood pressure reduction with different doses of RES and CUR, highlighting the need to address this issue.
A comprehensive analysis of electronic transitions in naphthalene and perylene diimide derivatives through computational methods
Authors: Hussain Wajid , Iqbal Muhammad Shahid , Li Hui , Sulaman Muhammad , Guo Honglian , Li Chuanbo , Sandali Yahya , Irfan Ahmad , Ali Hafiz Saqib
Published: October 2023

Perylene diimide (PDI) and naphthalene diimides (NDIs) are compounds widely used in supramolecular structures due to their versatile and functional properties. They have high absorptions and photoluminescence capabilities, which make them ideal for electronic transition studies. Reflux method, a widely employed synthetic technique, was utilized to synthesize NDI and PDI derivatives. In this method, the respective amino acids and NTDA (naphthalene‐1,4,5,8‐tetracarboxylic dianhydride) were combined in acetic acid and the resulting mixture was subjected to reflux. This study centered on a diverse set of NDI and PDI ligands, comprising L‐ala‐NDI, B‐ala‐NDI, Gly‐NDI, Imi‐NDI, Pyr‐NDI, L‐ala‐PDI, B‐ala‐PDI, Gly‐PDI, Imi‐PDI, and Pyr‐PDI ligands. Crystal structures were obtained for three NDI ligands, while the characterization of all ligands involved several analytical techniques such as NMR, IR, UV, DFT, TD‐DFT calculations, and single‐crystal x‐ray crystallography specifically for the NDI ligands. The investigation focused on studying the electron acceptor/donor behavior of the NDI and PDI ligands, identifying their potential for charge transfer applications. Furthermore, the NLO (nonlinear optical) response of all 10 NDI and PDI ligands was assessed through an analysis involving HOMO‐LUMO, TDM, EDDM, NCI, Iso‐surface, MEP, natural population, and DOS analysis. This evaluation encompassed the examination of linear polarizability, as well as first and second hyperpolarizability in the context of NLO. The findings of the study revealed that Gly‐PDI, Imi‐PDI, L‐ala‐PDI, and B‐ala‐PDI ligands displayed a higher NLO response compared with the other ligands. These results highlight the potential of these ligands for nonlinear optical applications. The comprehensive characterization and assessment of the NDI and PDI ligands contribute to a deeper understanding of their electron properties, positioning them as promising candidates for charge transfer and nonlinear optical materials.
Cost‐effectiveness of a novel, fluoroscopy‐based robotic‐assisted total hip arthroplasty system: A Markov analysis
Authors: Ong Christian B. , Buchan Graham B. J. , Acuña Alexander J. , Hecht Christian J. , Homma Yasuhiro , Shah Roshan P. , Kamath Atul F.
Published: September 2023

Background

The purpose of this study was to assess the cost‐effectiveness of a novel, fluoroscopy‐based robotic‐assisted total hip arthroplasty (RA‐THA) system compared to a manual unassisted technique (mTHA) up to 5 years post‐operatively.

Methods

A Markov model was constructed to compare the cost‐effectiveness of RA‐THA and mTHA. Cost‐effectiveness was defined as an Incremental Cost‐Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) <$50 000 or $100 000 per Quality Adjusted Life Year (QALY).

Results

RA‐THA patients experienced lower costs compared to mTHA patients at 1 year ($20 865.12 ± 9897.52 vs. $21 660.86 ± 9909.15; p < 0.001) and 5 years ($23 124.57 ± 10 045.48 vs. $25 756.42 ± 10 091.84; p < 0.001) post‐operatively. RA‐THA patients also accrued more QALYs (1‐year: 0.901 ± 0.117 vs. 0.888 ± 0.114; p < 0.001; 5‐years: 4.455 ± 0.563 vs. 4.384 ± 0.537 p < 0.001). Overall, RA‐THA was cost‐effective (1‐year ICER: $−61 210.77; 5‐year ICER: $−37 068.31).

Conclusions

The novel, fluoroscopy‐based RA‐THA system demonstrated cost‐effectiveness when compared to manual unassisted THA.
Adaptive dynamic output feedback FTC for nonlinear systems with unknown nonlinearities and faults
Authors: Gong Cui‐Mei , Huang Sheng‐Juan
Published: September 2023

The problem of adaptive dynamic output feedback fault tolerant control (FTC) for a class of nonlinear systems with unknown nonlinearities and faults is investigated, in which the nonlinearities do not need to satisfy the Lipschitz condition, so the system can represent a wider range of nonlinear system models. An adaptive dynamic output feedback FTC is designed, where the output and its derivatives are fully applied to compensate the actuator faults on systems. The designed control method can effectively offset the effect of faults on systems so as to stabilized the nonlinear system. Furthermore, based on the designed controller, the coupling term can be eliminated reasonably and less conservative stability conditions for the closed‐loop system have been obtained. The proposed control strategy pledges that the states of the closed‐loop system are uniformly ultimately bounded (UUB). Two numerical examples are presented to exhibit the effectiveness and merits of the proposed control scheme.
Soil carbon increase from crop roots and amendments still present twelve years later
Authors: Wuest Stewart B.
Published: September 2023

Soil organic carbon was measured after surface application of equal C amounts from various C sources to fallow soil or a winter wheat crop for five consecutive years. Municipal biosolid produced the largest gain, followed by manure and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) foliage. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) straw, sucrose, and wood sawdust were not different than no addition. These effects were additive to and independent from the effect of fallow soil versus cropped soil. Soil cropped to winter wheat increased in C comparable to the biosolid application or to plots planted to perennial grass. Measurements 4, 6, and 12 years after a return to normal farming practices produced no change in relative or quantitative differences. These results illuminate the durability of above‐ and below‐ground contributions to soil C.
Oxygen‐Vacancy‐Reinforced Vanadium Oxide/Graphene Heterojunction for Accelerated Zinc Storage with Long Life Span
Authors: Zheng Chen , Huang Zi‐Hang , Sun Fang‐Fang , Zhang Yue , Li Hui , Liu Yong , Ma Tianyi
Published: September 2023

Vanadium trioxide (V6O13) cathode has recently aroused intensive interest for aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) due to their structural and electrochemical diversities. However, it undergoes sluggish reaction kinetics and significant capacity decay during prolonged cycling. Herein, an oxygen‐vacancy‐reinforced heterojunction in V6O13−x/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) cathode is designed through electrostatic assembly and annealing strategy. The abundant oxygen vacancies existing in V6O13−x weaken the electrostatic attraction with the inserted Zn2+; the external electric field constructed by the heterointerfaces between V6O13−x and rGO provides additional built‐in driving force for Zn2+ migration; the oxygen‐vacancy‐enriched V6O13−x highly dispersed on rGO fabricates the interconnected conductive network, which achieves rapid Zn2+ migration from heterointerfaces to lattice. Consequently, the obtained 2D heterostructure exhibits a remarkable capacity of 424.5 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1, and a stable capacity retention (96% after 5800 cycles) at the fast discharge rate of 10 A g−1. Besides, a flexible pouch‐type AZIB with real‐life practicability is fabricated, which can successfully power commercial products, and maintain stable zinc‐ion storage performances even under bending, heavy strikes, and pressure condition. A series of quantitative investigation of pouch batteries demonstrates the possibility of pushing pouch‐type AZIBs to realistic energy storage market.
Enhancing Pollutant Mineralization through Organic–Inorganic Defect‐Transit Dual S‐scheme with a Robust Internal Electric Field
Authors: Chen Runlin , Lou Hongming , Pang Yuxia , Yang Dongjie , Qiu Xueqing
Published: September 2023

Achieving superior photomineralization of pollutants relies on a rational design of a dual S‐scheme with a robust internal electric field (IEF). In this study, to tackle the low mineralization rate in type‐II In2O3/In2S3(IO/IS) systems, an organic–inorganic dual S‐scheme In2O3/PDI/In2S3(IO/PDI/IS) nanostructured photocatalyst is synthesized via a method combining solvent‐induced self‐assembly and electrostatic forces. Due to the unique energy band position and strong IEF, the photoinduced defect‐transit dual S‐scheme IO/PDI/IS facilitates the degradation of lignin and antibiotics. Notably, a promising mineralization rate of 80.9% for sodium lignosulfonate (SL) is achieved. The charge transport pathway of IO/PDI/IS are further validated through the analysis of in situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (in situ XPS), density functional theory calculations, and radical trapping experiments. In‐depth, two possible pathways for the photocatalytic degradation of lignin are proposed based on the intermediates monitored by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC‐MS). This study presents a new strategy for the design of organic–inorganic dual S‐scheme photocatalysts with a robust IEF for pollutant degradation.
Nanoparticle Assembly: From Self‐Organization to Controlled Micropatterning for Enhanced Functionalities
Authors: Jambhulkar Sayli , Ravichandran Dharneedar , Zhu Yuxiang , Thippanna Varunkumar , Ramanathan Arunachalam , Patil Dhanush , Fonseca Nathan , Thummalapalli Sri Vaishnavi , Sundaravadivelan Barath , Sun Allen , Xu Weiheng , Yang Sui , Kannan Arunachala Mada , Golan Yuval , Lancaster Jessica , Chen Lei , Joyee Erina B. , Song Kenan
Published: September 2023

Nanoparticles form long‐range micropatterns via self‐assembly or directed self‐assembly with superior mechanical, electrical, optical, magnetic, chemical, and other functional properties for broad applications, such as structural supports, thermal exchangers, optoelectronics, microelectronics, and robotics. The precisely defined particle assembly at the nanoscale with simultaneously scalable patterning at the microscale is indispensable for enabling functionality and improving the performance of devices. This article provides a comprehensive review of nanoparticle assembly formed primarily via the balance of forces at the nanoscale (e.g., van der Waals, colloidal, capillary, convection, and chemical forces) and nanoparticle‐template interactions (e.g., physical confinement, chemical functionalization, additive layer‐upon‐layer). The review commences with a general overview of nanoparticle self‐assembly, with the state‐of‐the‐art literature review and motivation. It subsequently reviews the recent progress in nanoparticle assembly without the presence of surface templates. Manufacturing techniques for surface template fabrication and their influence on nanoparticle assembly efficiency and effectiveness are then explored. The primary focus is the spatial organization and orientational preference of nanoparticles on non‐templated and pre‐templated surfaces in a controlled manner. Moreover, the article discusses broad applications of micropatterned surfaces, encompassing various fields. Finally, the review concludes with a summary of manufacturing methods, their limitations, and future trends in nanoparticle assembly.
Effect of e‐waste materials as filler in the flax woven fiber reinforced polymer composite for a sustainable environment
Authors: Raj J. Immanuel Durai , Durairaj R. B. , Ananth S. Vijay , Meenakshisundaram Nagaraj
Published: September 2023

The main aim of the present investigation is to fabricate waste printed circuit board (WPCB) particles and woven bidirectional flax fiber mat reinforced polymer matrix composite through a hand layup technique followed by vacuum bagging technique and examine its mechanical properties using the Universal Testing Machine (UTM), compression testing machine, and Shore D hardness tester. The WPCB particles with weight percentages of 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 were used as reinforcement along with five layers of flax fiber mat to improve the adhesion behavior of epoxy resin with reinforcements and thereby improve the properties. The XRF (X‐ray fluorescence) investigation of the prepared WPCB particles confirmed the existence of various toxic elements in the processed printed circuit board (PCB). The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis confirmed the presence of WPCB particles in the composite, along with flax fiber and resin. The tensile, compression, impact test shows that that the 15 wt.% WPCB particles reinforced flax fiber polymer composite gave betters properties, and the reduction of properties was seen thereafter. The percentage of water absorption increased with the weight percentage of the WPCB particles from 0% to 20%. Results indicate that the biodegradable flax fiber composites impregnated with WPCB filler can be utilized for many engineering and domestic applications.
A multivariate approach to assessing the water quality of the Bamako reach of the Niger River in Mali as irrigation water
Authors: Sangaré Lamine Ousmane , Sun Haixue , Ba Sidy , Konté Mahamadou Soumaïla , Samaké Mamoutou , Zheng Tong
Published: October 2023

Agricultural production in the Bamako region has been raised, and its output quality has been questionable due to the discharge of wastewater into the Niger River. This study assessed the Niger River water body variations for irrigation application temporally and spatially. Thirteen parameters, potential of hydrogen, electrical conductivity, nitrate, total dissolved solids, phosphate, sulfate, chloride, ammonium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and bicarbonate, were analyzed at the 15 sampling locations. Parameters examination indicated that most pollutants had higher concentrations over the high‐flow phase than in the low‐flow period. All parameters were within the Food and Agriculture Organization's recommended values levels. Irrigation variables, sodium adsorption ratio, sodium percentage, soluble sodium percentage, residual sodium bicarbonate, Kelly's ration, permeability index, total hardness, and potential salinity showed the water samples' convenience for irrigation. However, the magnesium hazard concentration exceeded the recommended values levels. Besides, the chloroalkaline indices indicated a trend of degradation that should be addressed. Therefore, a river management plan and regular irrigation water quality monitoring are needed to reduce water hardness in Bamako. The Niger River's sustainable management process must be thrived on all actors' participation. A scientific assessment will be conducted using appropriate methods to identify pollution sources in Bamako. The results of this study will serve as a cornerstone for future investigations concerning the quality of surface water, which is essential for irrigation purposes.

Practitioner Points

Human activities affected the Niger River water bodies in Bamako city.

Quantitative and qualitative assessments reveal the pollution status and trend of the Niger River.

The water quality trend is better in the low‐flow season, which is an ideal period for vegetable production in Bamako.

Most multivariate approaches indicated that the Niger River water is healthy for irrigation purposes.

Magnesium hazard exceeded the standard levels, and the chloroalkaline indices indicated a trend of the Niger River water quality deterioration.
Regulation of microRNA by circular RNA
Authors: Singh Suman , Sinha Tanvi , Panda Amaresh C.
Published: October 2023

Circular (circ)RNAs have emerged as novel regulators of gene expression through various mechanisms. However, most publications focus on functional circRNAs regulating target gene expression by interacting with micro (mi)RNAs and acting as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs). Although the theory of miRNA sponging by ceRNAs suggests the inhibition of miRNA activity, many studies are biased toward the selection of miRNAs showing a reverse expression pattern compared with circRNA expression. Although several computational tools and molecular assays have been used to predict and validate the interaction of miRNAs with circRNAs, the actual validation of functional in vivo interactions needs careful consideration of molecular experiments with specific controls. As extensive research is being performed on circRNA, many questions arise on the functional significance of circRNA–miRNA interactions. We hope the critical discussion on the criteria for selecting circRNA–miRNA pairs for functional analysis and providing standard methods for validating circRNA–miRNA interactions will advance our understanding of circRNAs as novel gene regulators.

This article is categorized under:

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs

Translation > Regulation

RNA Methods > RNA Analyses in Cells
Unsupervised Domain Transfer with Conditional Invertible Neural Networks
Authors: Dreher Kris K. , Ayala Leonardo , Schellenberg Melanie , Hübner Marco , Nölke Jan-Hinrich , Adler Tim J. , Seidlitz Silvia , Sellner Jan , Studier-Fischer Alexander , Gröhl Janek , Nickel Felix , Köthe Ullrich , Seitel Alexander , Maier-Hein Lena
Published: September 2023

Synthetic medical image generation has evolved as a key technique for neural network training and validation. A core challenge, however, remains in the domain gap between simulations and real data. While deep learning-based domain transfer using Cycle Generative Adversarial Networks and similar architectures has led to substantial progress in the field, there are use cases in which state-of-the-art approaches still fail to generate training images that produce convincing results on relevant downstream tasks. Here, we address this issue with a domain transfer approach based on conditional invertible neural networks (cINNs). As a particular advantage, our method inherently guarantees cycle consistency through its invertible architecture, and network training can efficiently be conducted with maximum likelihood training. To showcase our method’s generic applicability, we apply it to two spectral imaging modalities at different scales, namely hyperspectral imaging (pixel-level) and photoacoustic tomography (image-level). According to comprehensive experiments, our method enables the generation of realistic spectral data and outperforms the state of the art on two downstream classification tasks (binary and multi-class). cINN-based domain transfer could thus evolve as an important method for realistic synthetic data generation in the field of spectral imaging and beyond. The code is available at https://github.com/IMSY-DKFZ/UDT-cINN.
Evaluating the New Secondary Informatics Curriculum in The Netherlands
Authors: Grgurina Nataša , Tolboom Jos , de Vries Bart Penning
Published: September 2023

Since the introduction of Informatics as an elective course in secondary education in the Netherlands in 1998, the implemented curriculum is being regularly monitored. The results of the large 2013 secondary Informatics teachers survey contributed to the revision of the Informatics curriculum. This revised curriculum came into effect in 2019. In line with regular curriculum monitoring practices, the Netherlands Institute for Curriculum Development is polling the secondary Informatics teachers to understand their views and opinions on the intended curriculum and to learn about their implemented curriculum The results indicate that the majority of the respondents find the new Informatics curriculum better than the old one and that it offers a solid foundation for their teaching practice. A minority either misses some content in the curriculum or considers it overloaded with content, and some find it not to be up to date. Furthermore, the results of this survey are compared to the results of the 2013 survey to assess to what extent the new Informatics curriculum meets the teachers’ needs and recommendations better.
What Is AI-PACK? – Outline of AI Competencies for Teaching with DPACK
Authors: Lorenz Uwe , Romeike Ralf
Published: September 2023

The changes brought by digital transformation have already been addressed in various places for schools and teacher training. Among other things, competence frameworks have been developed for practical orientation and to describe required skills. However, the reflective handling of the now widespread phenomena of the “AI world” requires different competencies than the handling of conventional informatics systems mainly discussed so far, because “AI systems” are based on a different design approach that gives these systems special properties. This, in turn, poses new demands on the professionalization of all teachers, since the development has clear implications for their central areas of action. The goal of this paper is to define a framework that outlines these new AI-related requirements to support the design of holistic education and study programs for teaching in the digitally networked “AI world” that give equal weight to the user-oriented, technological, socio-cultural perspective. This contribution approaches the topic theoretically: first, the need to delineate an area of AI-related digital competencies is justified. Then this area is located in the DPACK model. Since teachers combine pedagogical, subject-related, and technical competencies in their work, the domains of “AI related Pedagogical Knowledge" (AI-PK), “AI related Content Knowledge" (AI-CK), and “AI related Pedagogical Content Knowledge" (AI-PCK) are deductively determined and illustrated with exemplary competencies. The “AI-PACK” framework enables a structured description and investigation of AI teacher education requirements.
Implementing a Portable Learning Lab on Artificial Intelligence: It’s AI in a Box!
Authors: Lindner Annabel , Berges Marc , Rösch Mathias , Franke Florian
Published: September 2023

This paper describes the conception, design, and first evaluation attempts of a learning lab on artificial intelligence (AI). The learning lab, which consists of 25 learning activities, aims to teach the central concepts of AI and its applications in everyday life, industry, and research. To design the learning arrangements, major concepts of AI were selected based on the literature and made accessible to the students through playful experiments. In addition, research- and industry-related activities were created in cooperation with experts. In the research-led development process, prototypes of the learning activities were tested with students and improved based on their feedback. An evaluation concept was created and used to assess the final activities.
Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge: Comparing Numbers, Examining Reasons and Investigating Recommendations
Authors: Kandlhofer Martin , Baumann Wilfried , Futschek Gerald , Baumann Liam , Ludwig Steven
Published: September 2023

The Bebras Challenge is organized in more than 70 countries worldwide. It aims to foster pupils’ interest and passion for informatics and computational thinking. Although the Bebras Challenge is by its nature an online activity, most countries had a decline in participation numbers compared to non-pandemic years. Some countries recorded larger relative declines than others, certain countries even recorded increases. In order to investigate this issue, a comprehensive study, applying quantitative and qualitative methods, was conducted. Based on reported participation data, an interactive online graphic was created in which the reach (participation per thousand inhabitants) of the Bebras Challenge in individual countries or groups of countries in the respective years can be compared with each other. Following an online research regarding homeschooling during the Bebras weeks in different countries, an online survey among 40 Bebras representatives worldwide delivered important key data, such as main reasons for an incline or decline of participation numbers or which measures have been taken to hold the challenge during the pandemic. This was accompanied by qualitative interviews with selected Bebras representatives. The results of this study could help organizers of national and international school activities to respond more effectively to possible future adverse situations.
Fortbildungen für KulturSchule: Die Bedeutung von Schulentwicklung für Kulturelle Bildung
Authors: Ackermann Heike
Published: September 2023

Fortbildung und Schule stellen jeweils eigene soziale Welten dar; für den Fortbildungsabsolventen besteht kein direkter Übergang zwischen beiden. Die teilautonom gewordene Schule ist angesichts neuer Anforderungen an den Lehrerberuf herausgefordert, Personalentwicklung zur Stärkung ihrer pädagogischen Merkmale zu betreiben und Unterrichtsentwicklung stärker zu unterstützen. Hierfür werden Hilfestellungen benötigt. Sie treffen auf einen Hiatus der Analyse: „Wozu ist die Schule da?“. Anstelle einer Aufklärung wird oftmals das Reich des Wünschenswerten betreten. Pädagogisch lässt sich nicht vertreten, dass die Schule als Institution am Ende von Lektionen und Schulhalbjahren Lerndefizite der Schüler festzustellen hat und nicht die Aufgabe annimmt, diese zu beheben. Dieses grundsätzliche Problem wird im Prozess von Schulentwicklung zumeist nicht angesprochen. Was bezweckt dann aber Schulentwicklung? Auf dieser Basis formuliert dieses Kapitel die Anfrage, welchen Rahmen Schulentwicklung in der KulturSchule hat, welche Grenzen sich zeigen, ein breites Lernfeld zu schaffen, in dem mit Freude und Spaß am Lernen Kinder und Jugendliche ohne Leistungsdruck kreativ sein und sich in diversen Ausdrucksmöglichkeiten üben können.
Zum Transferanliegen der Lehrkräftefortbildung
Authors: Ackermann Heike
Published: September 2023

Ein heuristisches Rahmenmodell des Transfers rückt die Bedingungen der Umsetzung des in der Fortbildung Erlernten als Aufgabenfeld der Schule in den Mittelpunkt. Dieses Modell fokussiert den Zusammenhang zwischen Lern- und Funktionsfeld, sodass sowohl didaktische Qualitätsgesichtspunkte im Lerngeschehen als auch ein die erweiterten Kompetenzen der Lehrkräfte wertschätzendes Transfermanagement der Schule in den Fokus der Forschung geraten. Es unterstreicht zudem, dass die konkrete Transfersituation für den Fortbildungsteilnehmer maßgeblich ist, um den Unterrichtsstil zu verändern. Letztlich zeigt sich, dass es nicht ausreicht, Fortbildungsmaßnahmen in der Schule durch eine Berichterstattung im Kollegium zu unterstützen. Um die Zielsetzung des KulturSchul-Programms zu realisieren, die Lernkultur insgesamt zu verändern, ist eine gemeinsame Praxis der Lehrkräfte notwendig, ästhetische Zugänge auszuprobieren und zu evaluieren, wie es den Schülerinnen und Schüler damit geht.
High Resolution Melt (HRM) Genotyping for Detection of Induced Mutations in Coffee (Coffea arabica L. var. Catuaí)
Authors: Gatica-Arias Andrés , Bolívar-González Alejandro , Sánchez-Barrantes Elodia , Araya-Valverde Emanuel , Molina-Bravo Ramón
Published: September 2023

Arabica coffee (C. arabica L.) is a highly valued agricultural commodity on the world market. Tons of products are traded internationally, and it has become an extremely valuable resource. However, the species is threatened by the alarmingly low genetic diversity present among its wild populations and agronomic varieties. It is highly relevant to exploit different mechanisms to increase genetic variability in coffee. One of such methods is the induction of variability through chemical or physical mutagenesis. In this work, a population of 320 coffee plants (Coffea arabica L. var. Catuaí) originated from chemically mutagenized embryogenic callus was analysed. Here we describe a protocol for detection of induced mutations using High Resolution Melting (HRM) on a Real Time PCR machine with HRM capabilities. The protocol allows to detect mutations in pooled DNA samples of up to four M2 mutant plants. The procedures and example data are presented for mutation detection in the CaWRKY1 gene. This procedure can be applied for mutation detection in other genes of interest to coffee breeders and scientists.
In Vitro Plantlet Establishment of Coffea arabica from Cut Seed Explants
Authors: Goessnitzer Florian , Jankowicz-Cieslak Joanna , Ingelbrecht Ivan L. W.
Published: September 2023

Arabica coffee is one of the most important products in the world market. As a perennial crop, conventional breeding of Arabica coffee is challenged by its long reproductive cycle and narrow genetic base. In vitro tissue culture in combination with mutation induction techniques provides an attractive alternative approach for the genetic improvement of coffee. In this chapter we describe a simple and robust method to rapidly establish in vitro Arabica coffee plantlets from cut seed explants. The method streamlines the germination process under in vitro environmentally controlled conditions and overcomes microbial contamination, often associated with coffee seed lots harvested from the field or greenhouse. Using this protocol, disease-free in vitro coffee plantlets can be generated within 5–6 weeks, useful for downstream tissue culture manipulations such as the production of friable embryogenic callus and cell suspension cultures or induced chemical or physical mutagenesis.
Somatic Embryogenesis and Temporary Immersion for Mass Propagation of Chimera-Free Mutant Arabica Coffee Plantlets
Authors: Tajedini Samira , Goessnitzer Florian , Ingelbrecht Ivan L. W.
Published: September 2023

Coffee is one of the most valuable cash crops providing employment for millions of people worldwide. Arabica coffee is widely grown in Latin America where it is under threat of leaf rust. Conventional breeding of Arabica coffee is challenged by its narrow genetic base and long reproductive cycle, and it can take up to 30 years for variety development and release. In vitro somatic embryogenesis is a propagation technique whereby a single plant somatic cell can give rise to a somatic embryo under appropriate culture conditions. For tree crops such as Arabica coffee, single-cell mutagenesis using embryogenic cell cultures provides a powerful approach to produce chimera-free mutant lines directly from cells. Here we describe protocols to induce friable embryogenic callus, establish embryogenic cell suspensions, and convert somatic embryos into plantlets using a RITA® bioreactor for Coffea arabica  var. Venecia. In addition, methods for gamma-ray mutagenesis of regenerable cell suspensions are described.
Aspects of higher-point functions in BCFTd
Authors: Chen Junding , Zhou Xinan
Published: September 2023

Abstract

We study three-point correlation functions of scalar operators in conformal field theories with boundaries and interfaces. We focus on two cases where there are one bulk and two boundary operators (B∂∂), or two bulk and one boundary operators (BB∂). We perform a detailed analysis of the conformal blocks in different OPE channels. In particular, we obtain the bulk channel conformal blocks of the BB∂ three-point functions for arbitrary exchanged spins in a series expansion with respect to the radial coordinates. We also study examples of such three-point functions in the simplest holographic dual where the AdSd+1 space contains a brane filling an AdSd subspace. Such a setup arises in top-down models with probe branes and is also relevant for the functional approach to boundary and interface CFT correlators. We systematically study the Witten diagrams in this setup both in position space and in Mellin space. We also discuss in detail how to decompose these Witten diagrams into conformal blocks.