bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of an actuator disk‐based approach for the prediction of fatigue loads in a perspective of wind farm‐scale application
Authors: Moens Maud , Duponcheel Matthieu , Chatelain Philippe
Published: August 2022

This work aims at assessing the loads and the fatigue estimates computed using an advanced actuator disk (AD) method coupled to large eddy simulation, at a resolution appropriate for large wind farm calculations. In order to compute pertinent fatigue loads, blade trajectories are replicated through the disk, and the AD aerodynamic forces are interpolated onto these “virtual blades” at each time step. This approach, denoted AD‐B, is verified against a Vortex‐Particle Mesh (VPM) method coupled to immersed lifting lines at a fine resolution, through simulations of an isolated rotor in a turbulent wind. Two different methods are used to evaluate the fatigue damages: the widely used Rainflow counting (RFC) procedure and the spectral Dirlik's approach (DK), both combined with a Palgrem–Miner rule. In the present work, the DK counting method is considered to further investigate the potential of extrapolating some loading data in the high frequencies, uncaptured by the AD‐B model at a coarse resolution. The results show that the fatigue estimates computed using the RFC procedure are very similar for the VPM and the AD‐B methods, thus without any modeling of the unresolved scales for the disk. Indeed, the AD‐B model captures the loads of middle and large amplitudes that contribute the most to the rotor damage. The use of extrapolated loading data makes the AD‐B fatigue estimates closer to the VPM ones, but the DK counting method globally leads to results that are quite different from those obtained using the RFC procedure. Further investigations are thus required for the combination of extrapolated loading information and spectral counting methods.
Tensor Products of Dendroidal Sets
Authors: Heuts Gijs , Moerdijk Ieke
Published: August 2022

In the first chapter we described the Boardman–Vogt tensor product of two operads. This operadic tensor product induces a related tensor product on dendroidal sets by the method of Kan extension. This new dendroidal tensor product agrees with the Cartesian product when restricted to simplicial sets, and reproduces the Boardman– Vogt tensor product when dendroidal sets are realized as operads by the functor τ.
Refined topological vertex with ON-planes
Authors: Kim Sung-Soo , Wei Xing-Yue
Published: August 2022

Abstract

We propose refined topological vertex formalism for 5-brane systems with ON-planes by introducing a new vertex associated with reflection over an ON-plane, which gives rise to new vertex and edge factors. We test our proposal against various 5d 𝒩 = 1 gauge theories which can be realized as 5-brane webs with ON-planes, which include D-type quiver theories. In particular, we compute the refined partition functions for 6d E-string theory on a circle as well as 5d SU(3) theory at the Chern-Simons level 9, which can be realized as 5-brane webs with two ON-planes. Our results completely agree with the known results.
Dilaton and massive hadrons in a conformal phase
Authors: Del Debbio Luigi , Zwicky Roman
Published: August 2022

Abstract

As the number of fermion fields is increased, gauge theories are expected to undergo a transition from a QCD-like phase, characterised by confinement and chiral symmetry breaking, to a conformal phase, where the theory becomes scale-invariant at large distances. In this paper, we discuss some properties of a third phase, where spontaneously broken conformal symmetry is characterised by its Goldstone boson, the dilaton. In this phase, which we refer to as conformal dilaton phase, the massless pole corresponding to the Goldstone boson guarantees that the conformal Ward identities are satisfied in the infrared despite the other hadrons carrying mass. In particular, using renormalisation group arguments in Euclidean space, we show that for massless quarks the trace of the energy momentum tensor vanishes on all physical states as a result of the fixed point. This implies the vanishing of the gluon condensate and suggests that the scale breaking is driven by the quark condensate which has implications for the cosmological constant. In addition form factors obey an exact constraint for every hadron and are thus suitable probes to identify this phase in the context of lattice Monte Carlo studies. For this purpose we examine how the system behaves under explicit symmetry breaking, via quark-mass and finite-volume deformations. The dilaton mass shows hyperscaling under mass deformation, viz.$$ {m}_D=\mathcal{O}\left({m}_q^{1/\left(1+{\gamma}^{\ast}\right)}\right) $$mD=Omq1/1+γ∗. This provides another clean search pattern.
dE/dx from boosted long-lived particles
Authors: Giudice Gian F. , McCullough Matthew , Teresi Daniele
Published: August 2022

Abstract

At colliders massive long-lived charged particles could be revealed through their anomalously large ionisation energy loss dE/dx. In this paper we explore a class of scenarios in which the LLPs are particularly boosted, owing to production from the decay of a heavy parent resonance. Such scenarios give rise to unique signatures as compared to traditionally considered dE/dx new-physics benchmarks. We demonstrate that this class of models, unlike traditional new-physics theories, can explain the recently reported excess of events in the dE/dx search by the ATLAS collaboration without conflicting with the determination of β from ionisation and time-of-flight measurements.
The dark side of the proton
Authors: McCullough Matthew , Moore James , Ubiali Maria
Published: August 2022

Abstract

We study the sensitivity of the High-Luminosity LHC to a light baryonic dark photon B, primarily coupled to quarks, as a constituent of the proton. This is achieved by allowing for a dark photon parton distribution function (PDF) in the PDF evolution equations. Depending on the mass and coupling of the dark photon, the evolution of standard quark and gluon PDFs is distorted to varying degrees. By analysing the effect of the dark photon on the tails of Drell-Yan invariant mass distributions, we demonstrate the potential of the LHC in determining competitive bounds on dark photon parameter space.
Balancing NAD+ deficits with nicotinamide riboside: therapeutic possibilities and limitations
Authors: Cercillieux Angelique , Ciarlo Eleonora , Canto Carles
Published: August 2022

Alterations in cellular nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels have been observed in multiple lifestyle and age-related medical conditions. This has led to the hypothesis that dietary supplementation with NAD+ precursors, or vitamin B3s, could exert health benefits. Among the different molecules that can act as NAD+ precursors, Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) has gained most attention due to its success in alleviating and treating disease conditions at the pre-clinical level. However, the clinical outcomes for NR supplementation strategies have not yet met the expectations generated in mouse models. In this review we aim to provide a comprehensive view on NAD+ biology, what causes NAD+ deficits and the journey of NR from its discovery to its clinical development. We also discuss what are the current limitations in NR-based therapies and potential ways to overcome them. Overall, this review will not only provide tools to understand NAD+ biology and assess its changes in disease situations, but also to decide which NAD+ precursor could have the best therapeutic potential.
Concentration of Eigenfunctions of Schrödinger Operators
Authors: Mityagin Boris , Siegl Petr , Viola Joe
Published: August 2022

We consider the limit measures induced by the rescaled eigenfunctions of Schrödinger operators with even confining potentials. We show that the limit measure is supported on $$[-1,1]$$

[
-
1
,
1
]

and with the density proportional to $$(1-|x|^\beta )^{-1/2}$$

(
1
-
|
x
|

β

)

-
1
/
2

when the non-perturbed potential resembles $$|x|^\beta $$

|
x
|

β

, $$\beta >0$$

β
>
0

, for large x, and with the uniform density for super-polynomially growing potentials. We compare these results to analogous results in orthogonal polynomials and semiclassical defect measures.
Toleranz und Akzeptanz der intratympanalen Injektion
Authors: Mühlmeier Guido , Tisch Matthias
Published: August 2022

Hintergrund

Die intratympanale Gabe von Steroiden ist Bestandteil der Therapie von akuten Hörverlusten. Bislang existieren nur wenig Daten zur Akzeptanz und Toleranz aus Sicht der Patient*innen.

Material und Methoden

Zu den gesundheitlichen Voraussetzungen und den Umstäden ihrer intratympanalen Therapie wurden 84 Patient*innen befragt.

Ergebnisse

Es stellten sich 38 Frauen und 46 Männer im Alter von durchschnittlich 57,2 Jahren meist auf Empfehlung ihres HNO-Arztes zur Zweitlinientherapie vor und empfanden die Injektionen zu 3,6 % als schmerzhaft, 22,6 % unangenehm, 67,9 % erträglich und zu 41,7 % als schmerzfrei (Mehrfachnennungen möglich). Eine Weiterempfehlung gaben 77,4 %, eine fehlende Empfehlung resultierte aus mangelnder Wirkung und unangenehmer Empfindung.

Schlussfolgerung

Der weit überwiegende Anteil der Behandelten beurteilt die intratympanale Therapie als erträglich und gibt eine Weiterempfehlung. Die enge Patientenführung ist ein entscheidender Therapiebaustein.
Uremic mouse model to study vascular calcification and “inflamm-aging”
Authors: Tölle Markus , Henkel Cornelia , Herrmann Jaqueline , Daniel Christoph , Babic Milen , Xia Mengdi , Schulz Anna M. , Amann Kerstin , van der Giet Markus , Schuchardt Mirjam
Published: August 2022

Calcification and chronic inflammation of the vascular wall is a high-risk factor for cardiovascular mortality, especially in patients with chronic uremia. For the reduction or prevention of rapid disease progression, no specific treatment options are currently available. This study aimed to evaluate an adenine-based uremic mouse model for studying medial vessel calcification and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) changes of aortic tissue to unravel molecular pathogenesis and provide a model for therapy testing. The dietary adenine administration induced a stable and similar degree of chronic uremia in DBA2/N mice with an increase of uremia blood markers such as blood urea nitrogen, calcium, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, and parathyroid hormone. Also, renal fibrosis and crystal deposits were detected upon adenine feeding. The uremic condition is related to a moderate to severe medial vessel calcification and subsequent elastin disorganization. In addition, expression of osteogenic markers as Bmp-2 and its transcription factor Sox-9 as well as p21 as senescence marker were increased in uremic mice compared to controls. Pro-inflammatory uremic proteins such as serum amyloid A, interleukin (Il)-1β, and Il-6 increased. This novel model of chronic uremia provides a simple method for investigation of signaling pathways in vascular inflammation and calcification and therefore offers an experimental basis for the development of potential therapeutic intervention studies.

Graphical abstract
Improving survival in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients: do elderly patients benefit from expanded targeted therapeutic options?
Authors: Eggers Hendrik , Schünemann Christoph , Grünwald Viktor , Rudolph Linda , Tiemann Maria-Luisa , Reuter Christoph , Anders-Meyn Merle Freya , Ganser Arnold , Ivanyi Philipp
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Treatment advances in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) have improved overall survival (OS) in mRCC patients over the last two decades. This single center retrospective analysis assesses if the purported survival benefits are also applicable in elderly mRCC patients.

Methods

401 patients with mRCC treated at Hannover Medical School from 01/2003–05/2016 were identified and evaluated by chart review. Treatment periods were defined as 01.01.2003–31.12.2009 (P1) and 01.01.2010–31.05.2016 (P2). Age groups were defined according to WHO classes (≤ 60 years: younger, > 60–75 years: elderly and > 75 years: old). Descriptive statistics, Kaplan–Meier analysis and logistic regression were performed.

Results

Median OS improved from 35.1 months in P1 to 59.1 months in P2. Sub-division into the respective age groups revealed median survival of 38.1 (95%-CI: 28.6–47.6) months in younger patients, 42.9 (95%-CI: 29.5–56.3) months among elderly patients and 27.3 (95%-CI: 12.8–41.8) months among old patients. Risk reduction for death between periods was most evident among old patients (young: HR 0.71 (95%-CI: 0.45–1.13, p = 0.2); elderly: HR 0.62 (95%-CI: 0.40–0.97, p = 0.04); old: HR 0.43 (95%-CI: 0.18–1.05, p = 0.06)). Age ≥ 75 years was an independent risk factor for death in P1 but not in P2.

Conclusion

Improved OS in the targeted treatment period was confirmed. Surprisingly elderly and old patients seem to profit the most form expansion of therapeutic armamentarium, within the TKI-dominated observation period.
Surgical management in immunosuppressed patients with sigmoid diverticulitis, still a challenge: a single-center observational study
Authors: Vaghiri Sascha , Prassas Dimitrios , Knoefel Wolfram Trudo , Krieg Andreas
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The question of whether immunosuppressed (IS) patients should be offered elective sigmoidectomy following a single episode of diverticulitis is controversial. We intended to examine the perioperative outcome of IS and immunocompetent (IC) patients after sigmoid resection.

Methods

A single institutional cohort study was conducted, including all surgically treated patients with sigmoid diverticulitis between 2004 and 2021. IS and IC patients were further subdivided into emergency and elective cases. Morbidity and mortality in both groups and factors influencing surgical outcome were examined using uni- and multivariate regression analyses.

Results

A total of 281 patients were included in the final analysis. Emergency surgery was performed on 98 patients while 183 patients underwent elective sigmoid resection. Emergency sigmoidectomy demonstrates significantly higher morbidity and mortality rates in IS patients as compared to IC patients (81.81% vs. 42.1%; p = 0.001, respectively 27.27% vs. 3.94%; p = 0.004), while major morbidity and mortality was similar in both groups in the elective setting (IS: 23.52% vs. IC: 13.85%; p = 0.488, respectively IS: 5.88% vs. IC: 0%; p = 1). On multivariate regression analysis for major postoperative morbidity, ASA score [OR 1.837; (95% CI 1.166–2.894); p = 0.009] and emergency surgery under immunosuppression [OR 3.065; (95% CI 1.128–8.326); p = 0.028] were significant. In-hospital mortality was significantly related to age [OR 1.139; (95% CI 1.012–1.282); p = 0.031], preoperative CRP count [OR 1.137; (95% CI 1.028–1.259); p = 0.013], and immunosuppression [OR 35.246; (95% CI 1.923–646.176), p = 0.016] on multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Elective surgery for sigmoid diverticulitis in immunocompromised patients demonstrates higher efficacy and safety when compared to sigmoid resection in the emergency setting.
Newly detected shock-induced high-pressure phases formed in amphibolite clasts of the suevite breccia (Ries impact crater, Germany): Liebermannite, kokchetavite, and other ultrahigh-pressure phases
Authors: Stähle Volker , Chanmuang N. Chutimun , Schwarz Winfried H. , Trieloff Mario , Varychev Alexander
Published: August 2022

Amphibolite clasts in the suevite of the Ries impact crater contain shock-induced melt veins (SMVs) with high-pressure phases such as majoritic garnet, jadeitic clinopyroxene and others. In addition, heat conduction from hot SMVs into adjacent rock portions locally produced further high P–T melt pools. These melts were preferentially generated in rock domains, where the SMVs cross older (‘pre-Ries’) veinlets with analcime or prehnite and larger grains of sericitized plagioclase. Melting of such chemically different local bulk systems (Na-, Ca-, Ca-Na- and K-Na-rich) was facilitated by low solidus temperatures of the original secondary OH-bearing phases. From the resulting shock-induced melts, liebermannite, kokchetavite, jadeite, nonstoichiometric and albitic jadeite, grossular, vuagnatite, lawsonite + coesite, and clinozoisite crystallized during pressure release. Vuagnatite is now proven to be a genuine high-pressure phase. Its ubiquitous distance of 20–35 μm from the hot shock veins suggests a temperature sensitivity typical for an OH-bearing phase. In local Na-rich melts albitic jadeite appears instead of the assemblage jadeite + SiO2. Liebermannite, a dense polymorph of K-feldspar was identified by Raman spectroscopy. After stishovite, liebermannite constitutes the second known high-pressure phase in the Ries that contains silicon exclusively in six-fold coordination. The KAlSi3O8-polymorph kokchetavite was formed in alkali-rich melt glasses. Pressure and temperature values in the range of about 8–11 GPa and ~ 800–1100 °C were estimated from the chemical compositions of locally occurring majoritic garnets (Si = 3.21–3.32 and 3.06–3.10 apfu), respectively, and the presence of fine-grained aggregates of lawsonite and coesite. Generally, the neighboring areas of the veins are characterized by a sequence of variable high-pressure phases documenting strongly falling P–T conditions with increasing distance from the vein. These novel features enlighten the dynamic event during passage of a shock wave.
Fractional Hardy equations with critical and supercritical exponents
Authors: Bhakta Mousomi , Ganguly Debdip , Montoro Luigi
Published: August 2022

We study the existence, nonexistence and qualitative properties of the solutions to the problem $$\begin{aligned} ({\mathcal {P}}) \quad \quad \left\{ \begin{aligned} (-\Delta )^s u -\theta \frac{u}{|x|^{2s}}&=u^p - u^q \quad \text {in }\,\, {\mathbb {R}}^N\\ u&> 0 \quad \text {in }\,\, {\mathbb {R}}^N\\ u&\in {\dot{H}}^s({\mathbb {R}}^N)\cap L^{q+1}({\mathbb {R}}^N), \end{aligned} \right. \end{aligned}$$

(
P
)

(
-
Δ
)

s

u
-
θ

u

|
x
|

2
s

=

u
p

-

u
q

in

R

N

u

>
0

in

R

N

u

∈

H
˙

s

(

R

N

)

∩

L

q
+
1

(

R

N

)

,

where $$s\in (0,1)$$

s
∈
(
0
,
1
)

, $$N>2s$$

N
>
2
s

, $$q>p\ge {(N+2s)}/{(N-2s)}$$

q
>
p
≥

(
N
+
2
s
)

/

(
N
-
2
s
)

, $$\theta \in (0, \Lambda _{N,s})$$

θ
∈
(
0
,

Λ

N
,
s

)

and $$\Lambda _{N,s}$$

Λ

N
,
s

is the sharp constant in the fractional Hardy inequality. For qualitative properties of the solutions, we mean both the radial symmetry, that is obtained by using the moving plane method in a nonlocal setting on the whole $$\mathbb {R}^N$$

R

N

, and a suitable upper bound behavior of the solutions. To this last end, we use a representation result that allows us to transform the original problem into a new nonlocal problem in a weighted fractional space.
Functional disability and utilisation of long-term care in the older population in England: a dual trajectory analysis
Authors: Hu Bo , Cartagena-Farias Javiera , Brimblecombe Nicola
Published: August 2022

This study investigates the developmental trajectories of long-term care needs and utilisation in older people aged 65 years and over in England. The data came from the English Longitudinal Survey of Ageing (ELSA, waves 6–9, 2012–2018, N = 13,425). We conducted dual trajectory analyses to cluster people’s trajectories of care needs (measured by functional disability) and utilisation into distinct groups. We conducted logistic regression analyses to identify the factors associated with trajectory memberships. We identified three trajectories of long-term needs (low, medium, and high) and three trajectories of care utilisation (low, medium, and high). Both care needs and care hours increased with age, but the speed of increase varied by trajectory. Females, minority ethnic groups, people with low wealth, and those experiencing housing problems were more likely to follow the joint trajectories characterised by higher care needs and higher care intensity. People with low or medium care needs stayed in the same trajectories of care utilisation. In contrast, people in the high-needs trajectory followed divergent trajectories of care utilisation: 63% of them followed the trajectory of high care intensity and the rest (37%) followed the trajectory of medium care intensity. Lack of spouse care was the leading predictor of trajectory divergence (OR = 3.57, p < 0.001). Trajectories of care needs and utilisation are highly heterogeneous in later life, which indicates persistent inequalities over time. Single people with multiple functional limitations face an acute and enduring risk of inadequate care and unmet needs. The amount of support is as important as the availability of support.
Forecast combinations for benchmarks of long-term stock returns using machine learning methods
Authors: Scholz Michael
Published: August 2022

Forecast combinations are a popular way of reducing the mean squared forecast error when multiple candidate models for a target variable are available. We apply different approaches to finding (optimal) weights for forecasts of stock returns in excess of different benchmarks. Our focus lies thereby on nonlinear predictive functions estimated by a fully nonparametric smoother with the covariates and the smoothing parameters chosen by cross-validation. Based on an out-of-sample study, we find that individual nonparametric models outperform their forecast combinations. The latter are prone to in-sample over-fitting and in consequence, perform poorly out-of-sample especially when the set of possible candidates for combinations is large. A reduction to one-dimensional models balances in-sample and out-of-sample performance.
Deep neural networks for the quantile estimation of regional renewable energy production
Authors: Alcántara Antonio , Galván Inés M. , Aler Ricardo
Published: August 2022

Wind and solar energy forecasting have become crucial for the inclusion of renewable energy in electrical power systems. Although most works have focused on point prediction, it is currently becoming important to also estimate the forecast uncertainty. With regard to forecasting methods, deep neural networks have shown good performance in many fields. However, the use of these networks for comparative studies of probabilistic forecasts of renewable energies, especially for regional forecasts, has not yet received much attention. The aim of this article is to study the performance of deep networks for estimating multiple conditional quantiles on regional renewable electricity production and compare them with widely used quantile regression methods such as the linear, support vector quantile regression, gradient boosting quantile regression, natural gradient boosting and quantile regression forest methods. A grid of numerical weather prediction variables covers the region of interest. These variables act as the predictors of the regional model. In addition to quantiles, prediction intervals are also constructed, and the models are evaluated using different metrics. These prediction intervals are further improved through an adapted conformalized quantile regression methodology. Overall, the results show that deep networks are the best performing method for both solar and wind energy regions, producing narrow prediction intervals with good coverage.
Irreplaceability and the Desire-Account of Love
Authors: Kreft Nora
Published: August 2022

Lovers do not relate to their beloveds as seats of valuable qualities that would be replaceable for anyone with relevantly similar or more valuable qualities. Instead, lovers take their beloveds to be irreplaceable. This has been noted frequently in the current debate on love and different theories of love have offered different explanations for the phenomenon. In this paper, I develop a more complex picture of what is involved in lovers taking their beloveds to be irreplaceable. I argue that in order to account for the beloved’s irreplaceability, a theory of love must meet two conditions: it must explain the subjective aspect as well as the moral aspect of the beloved’s irreplaceability. I show that current theories of love fail to meet these conditions, either one or both of them, and I offer an alternative account that does - an account according to which love is understood as a special kind of desire for the beloved as a person. The aim of this paper is twofold: first, to give a more nuanced picture of the beloved’s irreplaceability, acknowledging in particular that there is a moral aspect to the phenomenon that has not been attended to thus far; second, to introduce and motivate a new desire-based account of love.
Brief report: bidirectional association of core autism features and cognitive abilities in early childhood
Authors: McGowan Kelsie , Berends Daniel , Hudry Kristelle , Vivanti Giacomo , Dissanayake Cheryl , Bent Catherine A.
Published: August 2022

We explored associations among the core behavioural features and developmental/cognitive abilities of 155 autistic children, assessed between ages 13–67 months and again around 1-year later to understand predictive directionality. Bidirectional, cross-domain association was apparent, albeit with stronger direction of effect from earlier cognition to later autism features (than vice versa). Exploratory sub-domain analysis showed that early non-verbal developmental/cognitive abilities (only) predicted subsequent social- and restricted/repetitive autism features, whereas early social features (only) predicted both subsequent verbal and non-verbal abilities. Although observational study design precludes causal inference, these data support contemporary notions of the developmental interconnectedness of core autism presentation and associated abilities—that behavioural autism features may influence cognitive development, but are likely also influenced by an individuals’ cognitive capacity.
Regional technological capabilities and green opportunities in Europe
Authors: Barbieri Nicolò , Consoli Davide , Napolitano Lorenzo , Perruchas François , Pugliese Emanuele , Sbardella Angelica
Published: August 2022

The goal of the paper is to elaborate an empirical overview of green technological development in European regions. This is a timely pursuit considering the ambitious commitments stipulated in the recent European Green Deal to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. Our analysis is organised in three steps. First, we map the geographical distribution of innovative activities in Europe and profile regions in terms of technological capabilities. Second, we elaborate a metric to identify regions’ green innovation potential. Third, we check whether possessing a comparative advantage in specific, green and non-green, technological domains is associated with a region’s capacity to develop green technologies.
Development of thermoplastic vulcanizates based on in situ synthesized thermoplastic polyurethane and acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber: the influence of the curing system
Authors: Kohári Andrea , Bárány Tamás
Published: August 2022

We prepared different thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) using an internal mixer. We investigated the properties of thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) produced from prepolymers with various isocyanate content and two different chain extenders to select the most appropriate TPU matrix for preparing thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs). Based on the results, we selected a prepolymer with moderate isocyanate content (10%) and the more flexible 1,6-hexanediol as a chain extender and prepared TPVs by dynamic vulcanization with in situ produced TPU. The rubber phase was acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) with peroxidic and sulfuric curing with different accelerators. Dynamical mechanical analysis (DMA) results show that the room temperature storage modulus of the TPVs decreases due to the rubber phase. The TPU/NBR-CBS TPV with delayed action accelerator yields the highest tensile and tear strength and elongation at break. TPU/NBR-DCP made with a peroxide-based rubber blend shows similar tensile strength with significantly lower elongation at break and tear strength. The good mechanical properties of TPU/NBR-CBS can be explained by the long induction period, which allowed the rubber phase to disperse before vulcanization took place. In the TPU/NBR-DCP, the peroxide formed bonds not only in the rubber phase but also between the rubber and TPU phases, which is manifested in the high mixing torque and the result of the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).
Design of vehicle certification schemes in IoV based on blockchain
Authors: Wu Junhua , Jin Zhenyu , Li Guangshun , Xu Zhuqing , Fan Cang , Zheng Yuanwang
Published: August 2022

Because of a large number of vehicles in Internet of Vehicle(IoV), distributed nodes and complex driving environment, data security and certification speed are easily affected. Blockchain enables different devices that do not trust each other to work together, maintain the general state in the process of information dissemination and sharing, and protect the privacy of devices. However, at present, the speed of vehicle certification in IoV is slow, and the use of idle resources is not considered. To address this problem, this paper provides a blockchain-based vehicle identity verification scheme by using a hybrid identity code verification method to ensure the nodes in the network securely share information. Meanwhile, a task processing algorithm based on time window is proposed to optimize the utilization of idle resources. In addition, the method is evaluated by simulation experiment, and the designed scheme can reduce malicious behavior of a registered vehicle in the network, and can shorten the processing task delay.
Spectral binning as an approach to post-acquisition processing of high resolution FIE-MS metabolome fingerprinting data
Authors: Finch Jasen P. , Wilson Thomas , Lyons Laura , Phillips Helen , Beckmann Manfred , Draper John
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Flow infusion electrospray high resolution mass spectrometry (FIE-HRMS) fingerprinting produces complex, high dimensional data sets which require specialist in-silico software tools to process the data prior to analysis.

Objectives

Present spectral binning as a pragmatic approach to post-acquisition procession of FIE-HRMS metabolome fingerprinting data.

Methods

A spectral binning approach was developed that included the elimination of single scan m/z events, the binning of spectra and the averaging of spectra across the infusion profile. The modal accurate m/z was then extracted for each bin. This approach was assessed using four different biological matrices and a mix of 31 known chemical standards analysed by FIE-HRMS using an Exactive Orbitrap. Bin purity and centrality metrics were developed to objectively assess the distribution and position of accurate m/z within an individual bin respectively.

Results

The optimal spectral binning width was found to be 0.01 amu. 80.8% of the extracted accurate m/z matched to predicted ionisation products of the chemical standards mix were found to have an error of below 3 ppm. The open-source R package binneR was developed as a user friendly implementation of the approach. This was able to process 100 data files using 4 Central Processing Units (CPU) workers in only 55 seconds with a maximum memory usage of 1.36 GB.

Conclusion

Spectral binning is a fast and robust method for the post-acquisition processing of FIE-HRMS data. The open-source R package binneR allows users to efficiently process data from FIE-HRMS experiments with the resources available on a standard desktop computer.
Students with and Without Relatives with Problematic Substance Use: Do They Differ in Health, Substance Use and Study Success?
Authors: van Namen Dorine M. , Hilberink Sander R. , de Vries Hein , van Staa AnneLoes , Nagelhout Gera E.
Published: August 2022

The aim of this cross-sectional study is (1) to describe the socio-demographic characteristics of students with relatives with problematic substance use and to examine differences between students with and without relatives with problematic substance use in (2) health, (3) substance use and (4) study success. We analyzed these differences in bivariate analyses between 881 (15.6%) students in a Dutch university population with relatives with problematic substance use (referred to as Affected Family Members (AFMs) and 4,781 students without such relatives. AFMs reported poorer health and used more substances, especially cannabis, than did non-AFM students and drank more often alone than did their peers. AFMs had more frequently study delay and missed class more often because of drug use. AFMs with more than one relative with problematic substance use had poorer health than AFMs with only one relative. Effect sizes were small to moderate. Health and educational professionals should provide support to deal with difficult life circumstances, for example, trauma-informed care programs.
Developing Superhydrophobic Surface Using Multi Jet 3D Printing Durability Analysis
Authors: Chand Ramesh , Sharma Vishal S. , Trehan Rajeev , Verma Rajeev , Gupta Munish Kumar , Srivastava Shekhar
Published: August 2022

Superhydrophobicity is a surface property used in several sectors, including self-cleaning, drag reduction, improved buoyancy, and antibacterial behavior of the surfaces. The majority of available approaches for creating superhydrophobic surfaces (SHS) are complex and time-consuming. Goal: This article aims to fabricate the SHS by using Multi jet printer three-dimensional (3D) printing. Methods: The texture of cylindrical protrusions (diameter 300 Micro Meter (µm), pitch 400 and 500 µm) and pyramidical (side 200 µm, side by side distance 200 µm, and height 800 µm) micro-pattern were created using Three-Dimensional Printing (3DP) to achieve the SHS. Results: The fabricated geometries yielded a water contact angle of 145 and 148°, respectively. In order to enhance the durability and Water Contact Angle (WCA), 3D printed geometry was treated with an aqueous solution of silica nanoparticles and Hexafor 644-D, which increased the contact angles to 161 and 160° for cylindrical and pyramid patterns, respectively. The reported geometries are durable against peeling tape tests. Hence MJP, based on 3DP, can be used to fabricate the SHS having the geometries height in micron (µm).
Outcomes of Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty in the Elder Population
Authors: Matteo Maria V. , Bove Vincenzo , Pontecorvi Valerio , De Siena Martina , Ciasca Gabriele , Papi Massimiliano , Giannetti Giulia , Carlino Giorgio , Raffaelli Marco , Costamagna Guido , Boškoski Ivo
Published: August 2022

Purpose

With the aging of the population and the epidemic spread of obesity, the frequency of older individuals with obesity is steadily growing. To date, no data evaluating the use of endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) in the elderly have been published. In this case series, we evaluate the short- and medium-term outcomes of ESG in patients with obesity aged 65 years and older.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective analysis was done on a prospective database; patients aged 65 years and older were included in our analysis. EWL%, TBWL%, the Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System (BAROS) questionnaire, and the presence of comorbidities were assessed.

Results

Eighteen patients aged 65 years and older underwent ESG between November 2017 and July 2021. The median age was 67 years and the mean baseline BMI was 41.2 kg/m2. After ESG, the median TBWL% was 15.1%, 15.5%, and 15.5% at 6, 12, and 24 months, while the median %EWL was 39%, 37%, and 41% at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. The median BAROS score was 3.0, 3.4, and 2.5 at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. Six out of twelve patients with hypertension and 3/4 diabetic patients reduced or removed their medications within 12 months following ESG. Two out of six patients with OSA stopped therapy with CPAP. No adverse events were recorded.

Conclusion

According to our experience, ESG is a promising therapeutic option for elder individuals with obesity who fail non-invasive methods, and who refuse or are deemed not suitable for bariatric surgery because of age and comorbidities.

Graphical abstract
Impact of enzymatically synthesized aliphatic–aromatic polyesters with increased hydroxyl group content on coating properties
Authors: Knospe Philipp , Seithümmer Julia , Reichmann René , Gutmann Jochen S. , Hoffmann-Jacobsen Kerstin , Dornbusch Michael
Published: August 2022

Nowadays, coating systems have to fulfill a wide range of requirements. In addition to mechanical properties such as hardness and elasticity, resistance and weatherability, specifically corrosion or chemical resistance are also important. Increasing attention is also being paid to points such as the use of sustainable reactants or the energy optimization of synthesis processes.1 The use of enzymes in the synthetic processes offers two main advantages: firstly, reaction temperatures can be significantly reduced, for example in the production of polyesters, and as a result and a major advantage, certain functional groups can be selectively retained during the reaction.2,3 Thus, for example, aromatic hydroxyl groups can be obtained, while aliphatic groups are esterified.4,5 This allows the preparation of polyesters that do not only have terminal OH groups, but hydroxyl groups within the chain that can act as additional crosslinking points during network formation or as adhesion-promoting groups.6,7 In this work, the influence of such an aliphatic–aromatic polyester, produced enzymatically at low temperatures, on the coating properties is investigated when using different hardener components. Coating formulations were created, and the required OH functionality and the hydroxyl number of the enzymatic polyester have been calculated by using two different, independent methods. Besides the development of guide formulations, the unique mechanical properties of coatings based on the enzymatic polyester were studied. In addition to comparative analysis of network densities, the coatings were also investigated by IR spectroscopy in order to assess the network formation reaction spectroscopically. It can be shown that additional OH groups in the polyester chain increase the network density, but this is not at the expense of elasticity. Thus, enzymatically produced polyesters combine the advantages of low reaction temperatures during production with a unique property profile due to aliphatic and aromatic moieties as well as the partial preservation of OH groups within the chain.
Preparation of carbon materials from chromium-tanned leather shavings for the removal of dyes from aqueous solution
Authors: Arcibar-Orozco Javier A. , Barajas-Elías Bertha S. , Baltazar-Campos Hazael , Rangel-Mendez Rene
Published: August 2022

Chromium-Tanned Leather Shavings are hazardous residues generated during leather processing. Since they contain considerable amounts of chromium, they represent a threat to life and the environment if managed improperly. The present study examines the transformation of such residues into carbon adsorbents and their use in the removal of azo dyes (methylene blue, Congo red and acid black 210) from water. The effects of temperature, holding time and the presence of an activating agent were studied, and basic characterization of the produced materials was performed. Carbon materials contain a low amount of chromium and an improved surface area that was only developed when high temperatures and an activating agent were employed. Depending on the synthesis conditions, the adsorbents’ surface charge was positive or negative, which impacts the dye uptake from aqueous solution. Both the chemical speciation of the dye and the material´s pore volume played a critical role during the adsorption process. It is possible to obtain carbon materials from Chromium-Tanned Leather Shavings, containing no hazardous chromium(VI) particles, that are capable of removing polluting dyes from water.
Ranking and optimizing the rain-gauge networks using the entropy–copula approach (Case study of the Siminehrood Basin, Iran)
Authors: Tabatabaei Seyed Mostafa , Dastourani Mehdi , Eslamian Saeid , Nazeri Tahroudi Mohammad
Published: August 2022

The existence of reliable rain-gauge networks is a necessity in managing water sources and the relevant environmental issues in any basin. The present study aimed to investigate the rain-gauge network and rank the rain-gauge stations in the Tazehkand sub-basin in the southwest of Lake Urmia, Iran, using the entropy–copula approach using the data obtained from six rain-gauge stations in the Siminehrood basin in Northwestern Iran between 1981 and 2019. The interaction effects of the stations were investigated using the copula simulation approach instead of the multivariate regression analysis. The R-vine was selected as the most convenient copula after investigating various vines using the statistics related to error investigation. Then, the interaction effects of the stations were investigated using the R-vine. The rainfall in each station was estimated by considering the rainfall of other stations. Moreover, the more prevalent multivariate regression analysis was implemented, and its results were compared with the results obtained from the vine simulation approach. The results of the comparison according to the NSE statistic showed that the vine simulation approach was above 90% across all stations. The estimates for the ITI and N(i) indices of each station using the entropy theory showed the shortage of stations in the investigated area. The stations were in average, above-average, and surplus modes according to the ITI index. The rating concerning the N(i) index indicated that the Dashband station was the most appropriate one in terms of communicating with other stations and conveniently covering the plain.
Estimating potential reference evapotranspiration using time series models (case study: synoptic station of Tabriz in northwestern Iran)
Authors: Abedi-Koupai Jahangir , Dorafshan Mohammad-Mahdi , Javadi Ali , Ostad-Ali-Askari Kaveh
Published: August 2022

The potential evapotranspiration is considered as an important element of the hydrological cycle, which plays an important role in agricultural studies, management plans of irrigation and drainage networks, and hydraulic structures. Estimating the potential evapotranspiration reference of particular climatic regions at different time scales, which is one of the most important atmospheric parameters, is of a particular importance in the optimal use of resources. The time series analysis method, GARCH model, is applied in order to investigate changes and estimate the potential evapotranspiration. In the present study, the efficiency of GARCH series model related to processes of modeling and estimating potential evapotranspiration, which is estimated by FAO Penman–Monteith and Hargreaves methods, was investigated. Also, future values of potential evapotranspiration are modelled and estimated at the synoptic station of Tabriz. Results showed that Time Series is considered as a precise tool to estimate evapotranspiration values. It was found that GARCH (1.1) time series has better results for FAO Penman–Monteith and Hargreaves methods compared to other models; also, it simulates the process of time series changes with less error. Observed and predicted evapotranspiration charts of both methods indicated that observational evapotranspiration was highly close to the lower limit of estimated evapotranspiration. Therefore, applying lower limit estimation as a prediction value was suggested.
Review on potential and challenges of aquaculture practice in Ethiopia
Authors: Chimdo Ayana
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this review is to assess Ethiopia's fish stocks, capacities, challenges and aquaculture practices. Although Ethiopia has many rivers and lakes used for fish production, there are still problems related to fish production and productivity to increase private interests and the country's gross domestic product. In the country, it is fact that the main challenge contributed to low production and aquaculture practice including site and species selection, environmental impact, lack of awareness, inefficient fishing gears, poor transportation access, poor postharvest handling, low price at the landing site, improper market place and lack of infrastructure and technologies. Also traditional means of fish preservation and transportation contributed much to the low quality of preserved fish and short lifespan of fish products. All fishing activities are carried out in the natural environment and aquaculture has not yet been established in the country. In order to develop effective aquaculture in Ethiopia, it is first necessary to assess its true potential and thereby develop effective strategies. Practical introduction and training of business owners and filling of all necessary aquaculture systems are the pillars.
Walsh’s Conformal Map onto Lemniscatic Domains for Polynomial Pre-images I
Authors: Schiefermayr Klaus , Sète Olivier
Published: August 2022

We consider Walsh’s conformal map from the exterior of a compact set $$E \subseteq \mathbb {C}$$

E
⊆
C

onto a lemniscatic domain. If E is simply connected, the lemniscatic domain is the exterior of a circle, while if E has several components, the lemniscatic domain is the exterior of a generalized lemniscate and is determined by the logarithmic capacity of E and by the exponents and centers of the generalized lemniscate. For general E, we characterize the exponents in terms of the Green’s function of $$E^c$$

E
c

. Under additional symmetry conditions on E, we also locate the centers of the lemniscatic domain. For polynomial pre-images $$E = P^{-1}(\Omega )$$

E
=

P

-
1

(
Ω
)

of a simply-connected infinite compact set $$\Omega $$
Ω
, we explicitly determine the exponents in the lemniscatic domain and derive a set of equations to determine the centers of the lemniscatic domain. Finally, we present several examples where we explicitly obtain the exponents and centers of the lemniscatic domain, as well as the conformal map.
An Equivalent Substitute Strategy for Constructing 3D Ordered Porous Carbon Foams and Their Electromagnetic Attenuation Mechanism
Authors: Zhang Meng , Ling Hailong , Wang Ting , Jiang Yingjing , Song Guanying , Zhao Wen , Zhao Laibin , Cheng Tingting , Xie Yuxin , Guo Yuying , Zhao Wenxin , Yuan Liying , Meng Alan , Li Zhenjiang
Published: August 2022

Three-dimensional (3D) ordered porous carbon is generally believed to be a promising electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbing material. However, most research works targeted performance improvement of 3D ordered porous carbon, and the specific attenuation mechanism is still ambiguous. Therefore, in this work, a novel ultra-light egg-derived porous carbon foam (EDCF) structure has been successfully constructed by a simple carbonization combined with the silica microsphere template-etching process. Based on an equivalent substitute strategy, the influence of pore volume and specific surface area on the electromagnetic parameters and EMW absorption properties of the EDCF products was confirmed respectively by adjusting the addition content and diameter of silica microspheres. As a primary attenuation mode, the dielectric loss originates from the comprehensive effect of conduction loss and polarization loss in S-band and C band, and the value is dominated by polarization loss in X band and Ku band, which is obviously greater than that of conduction loss. Furthermore, in all samples, the largest effective absorption bandwidth of EDCF-3 is 7.12 GHz under the thickness of 2.13 mm with the filling content of approximately 5 wt%, covering the whole Ku band. Meanwhile, the EDCF-7 sample with optimized pore volume and specific surface area achieves minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of − 58.08 dB at 16.86 GHz while the thickness is 1.27 mm. The outstanding research results not only provide a novel insight into enhancement of EMW absorption properties but also clarify the dominant dissipation mechanism for the porous carbon-based absorber from the perspective of objective experiments.