bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microscopic (LM and SEM) visualization of pollen ultrastructure among honeybee flora from lower Margalla Hills and allied areas
Authors: Zafar Aqeela , Zafar Muhammad , Ahmad Mushtaq , Khan Amir Muhammad , Mahmood Tariq , Kilic Omer , Fatima Anam , Habib Darima , Sultana Shazia , Majeed Salman , Attique Rafia , Nabila
Published: June 2022

Microscopic visualization of micro‐morphological characters were analyzed using a scanning electron microscopic (SEM) tool, which has proven to be very successful to analyze the pollen surface peculiarities. The significant goal of this research was to perform microscopic examination of pollen of some of the most frequently visited honeybee floral species around apiaries. Micro‐morphological characterization of frequented honeybees foraged plants were discussed. A total of 15 species, belonging to 11 different families were identified for the foraging activities of honeybees, namely, Lantana camara, Jatropha integerrima, Helianthus annuus, Tecoma stans, Lagerstroemia indica, Duranta erecta, Cosmos sulphureus, Hymenocollis littoralis, Moringa oleifera, Cestrum nocturnum, Parthenium hysterophorus, Volkameria inermis, Catharanthus roseus, Malvastrum coromandelianum, and Citharexylum spinosum. The microscopic slides were prepared using the acetolysis method, and the qualitative and quantitative features were measured and described using microscopic tools. The pollen type sculpture varies from psilate scabrate to echinate and colpi from tricolpate to tetracolpate. Quantitative parameters such as polar diameter, mesocolpium distance, equatorial dimensions, aperture size, spine diameter, and exine thickness were calculated using IBM SPSS Statistics 20. The exine thickness was measured at its maximum in C. roseus (3.85 μm), whereas it was at its minimum of 0.90 μm in L. indica and D. erecta. Pollen fertility was estimated to be highest in H. annus (88%). The current research validates scanning microscopic features of pollen of the honeybee floral species, which is helpful for the accurate identification and commercializing of honey production to generate revenue for beekeepers through the exploration of bee floral diversity.

Research Highlights

Pollen spectrum examination using microscopic imaging techniques.

Variations examined through scanning microscopy in pollen ultrastructure.

Micro‐morphology has taxonomic value for accurate identification of honeybee flora.

Authentication of Honeybee floral species for sustainable beekeeping.
Acute toxicity and patient‐reported outcomes in anal canal cancer: results of a pilot study
Authors: Brown Elizabeth , Le Cornu Emma , Bui Thanh , Bernard Anne , Mai Tao , Harvey Jennifer
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Anal canal cancer (ACC) is uncommon. The gold standard of care is chemoradiotherapy treatment. However, this treatment is associated with considerable acute and late side effects. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate acute toxicity and patient‐reported outcomes (PRO) in these patients from planning to 3 months after treatment.

Methods

Sixteen patients were recruited to this prospective observational study from March 2015 to December 2017. All patients received volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) in 30#. Toxicity data were graded by a Radiation Oncologist using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Effects (CTCAE) version 4 at planning, weekly during treatment, 6‐week and 3‐month post‐treatment. PRO data were collected using the EORTC QLQ C30 and CR29 questionnaires completed by patients at planning, mid and end treatment and 3‐month post‐treatment.

Results

The majority of toxicity and PRO items peaked in severity at the end of treatment (week 6). Skin was the only item where >50% of patients had ≥ grade 2 toxicity at any point with 75% having ≥ grade 2 at week 6. Patient‐reported embarrassment significantly increased over time (P < 0.001). No meaningful relationships were found between PRO and CTCAE results.

Conclusion

After reaching their maximum severity at the end of treatment, the majority of toxicity and PRO items approached baseline levels by 3‐month post‐treatment. The results of this study suggest that PROs are an important complementary tool to CTCAE and provide greater understanding of patients' perception of treatment side effects.
Decreases in the urban heat island effect during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) lockdown in Wuhan, China: Observational evidence
Authors: Shanlei Sun , Decheng Zhou , Haishan Chen , Jinjian Li , Yongjian Ren , Hong Liao , Yibo Liu
Published: June 2022

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) lockdown in early 2020 reduced human activities in Wuhan, China, thereby altering the urban heat island (UHI) effect. The epidemic period (EP) during January 1, 2020–May 31, 2020 is divided into four stages, including pre‐lockdown, first (EP_LS1) and second (EP_LS2) lockdown, and after‐lockdown (EP_ALS) stages, which are identified according to different antivirus measures in early 2020 and confirmed by comparing the daily electricity consumption over the Wuhan metropolitan area during 2020 and 2019. Then, the Wuhan UHI intensity (UHII) during each stage is compared to that during the baseline period of 2016–2019 and 2021. Daytime, night‐time, and daily UHIIs are reduced; the larger decrease is during EP_LS1 and EP_LS2, of which EP_LS1 with the strictest antivirus measures shows a significant decrease (<−0.12°C or <−36%), especially during night‐time with −0.23 ± 0.05°C (or −47 ± 9%). The declined UHII persists in all stages (excluding EP_ALS), even after removing the natural variability of the air temperature; EP_LS1 still exhibits the largest and significant decrease (<−0.18°C or <−52%). To remove possible impacts of the local weather conditions, the UHII changes are recalculated by randomly sampling the 90, 80, 70, and 60% data points in each stage of EP with 1,000 repetitions. Results suggest limited influence of the local weather conditions, and then validate our findings. This study provides an important observational evidence of human‐induced control on urban climate, and further confirms the necessity to include human dynamics in climate/earth system models for better simulating and predicting urban climate.
Heat stress in the Caribbean: Climatology, drivers, and trends of human biometeorology indices
Authors: Di Napoli Claudia , Allen Theodore , Méndez‐Lázaro Pablo A. , Pappenberger Florian
Published: June 2022

Forty years (1980–2019) of reanalysis data were used to investigate climatology and trends of heat stress in the Caribbean region. Represented via the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI), a multivariate thermophysiological‐relevant parameter, the highest heat stress is found to be most frequent and geographically widespread during the rainy season (August, September, and October). UTCI trends indicate an increase of more than 0.2°C·decade−1, with southern Florida and the Lesser Antilles witnessing the greatest upward rates (0.45°C·decade−1). Correlations with climate variables known to induce heat stress reveal that the increase in heat stress is driven by increases in air temperature and radiation, and decreases in wind speed. Conditions of heat danger, as depicted by the heat index (HI), have intensified since 1980 (+1.2°C) and are found to occur simultaneously to conditions of heat stress suggesting a synergy between heat illnesses and physiological responses to heat. This work also includes the analysis of the record‐breaking 2020 heat season during which the UTCI and HI achieved above average values, indicating that local populations most likely experienced heat stress and danger higher than the ones they are used to. These findings confirm the gradual intensification of heat stress in the Caribbean and aim to provide a guidance for heat‐related policies in the region.
Raman spectroscopy study of damage in swift heavy ion‐irradiated ceramics
Authors: Costantini Jean‐Marc , Gutierrez Gaëlle , Lelong Gérald , Guillaumet Maxime , Rahman Md. Majidur , Yasuda Kazuhiro
Published: June 2022

Raman scattering is applied to probe the radiation damage in swift heavy ion‐irradiated ceramics, namely zirconium nitride (ZrN), ceria (CeO2), and yttria‐stabilized zirconia (ZrO2: Y, or YSZ) for about the same high electronic stopping power of heavy ions. Raman spectra show that these ceramics are radiation‐resistant materials that are not amorphized by such irradiations even for large ion track overlap at high fluences. However, for ZrN, the increase of the TA/LA and TO/LO band intensities versus fluence is evidenced after 100‐MeV Xe ion irradiation up to a saturation for the fluence of 3 × 1012 cm−2. The band growths are ascribed to the increase of the concentration of Zr and N vacancies induced by electronic excitations inside tracks. However, the diffuse reflectance spectra do not exhibit any clear modifications of the electronic structure. For ceria, the decrease and broadening of the main F2g peak of the fluorite‐like structure and the growth of a broad defect band assigned to oxygen vacancy formation is observed versus fluence up to 1014 cm−2 for 200‐MeV Xe ion irradiation. For YSZ, Raman spectra mainly give evidence of the intrinsic lattice disorder due to the native oxygen vacancies even up to high fluences of about 3 × 1013 cm−2 for 200‐MeV I and 200‐MeV Au ion irradiation. Results are discussed on the basis of the interplay between the native structural disorder and the radiation‐induced disorder by electronic excitations in these three materials.
A novel breathable package system to improve the fresh fig (Ficus carica L. ‘Dottato’) shelf life
Authors: Attilio Matera , Giuseppe Altieri , Francesco Genovese , Luciano Scarano , Giuseppe Genovese , Carlo Di Renzo Giovanni
Published: June 2022

Background

The postharvest management of fresh figs is a susceptible phase that could impair the quality standards. Given the high perishability, their marketing is limited to around the production areas using open punnets and when marketed non‐locally the use of modified‐atmosphere packaging enables their quality maintenance up to 7–14 days, depending upon the cultivar, storage temperature, and packaging system. We show the results of the effectiveness of an innovative packaging system endowed with a breathable device (Blow Device®, BD) for fresh fig storage. BD was evaluated in comparison with a sealed (S) and a macro‐perforated film‐based tray (MF), at 2 and 8 °C.

Results

The lowest rot decay incidence was observed in S and BD (5–20% after 21 days). S significantly mitigated rot and physical–mechanical decay rate compared with BD and MF. However, S led to anoxia, with relevant carbon dioxide (CO2) content (30–40%), tray volume increasing, and the highest titratable acidity values. The exploitation of BD led to 10–15% oxygen (O2) and 5–10% CO2, along with storage. After 14 days, the figs packed with BD had a negligible mass loss (0.2%) and excellent marketing quality parameters at both temperatures tested.

Conclusion

Exploiting an open or sealed container for extend the fresh fig' storage is not appropriate due to the severe effect of O2 or CO2 accumulation, respectively. BD enables the maintenance of high quality standards for up to 21 days at 2 °C, suggesting it could represent a profitable and sustainable solution to prevent decay after picking and reduce food losses along with wider marketability. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Dynamics of fine roots and soil nitrogen in Mangifera indica‐based agroforestry systems in the Central Himalayan region, India
Authors: Karki Himani , Bargali Kiran , Bargali Surendra Singh
Published: June 2022

This study estimated seasonal variations among several parameters of the fine roots and N dynamics in Mangifera indica‐based agroforestry systems; we examined homegarden (HG), agri‐horticulture (AH) and agri‐horti‐silviculture (AHS) systems in the Bhabhar area of the Indian Central Himalayan region. Fine roots biomass (FRB) and fine roots production (FRP) of M. indica were highest in the AH system and lowest in the HG system while fine roots turnover (FRT) showed a reverse trend. FRB, FRP and FRT rates decreased with soil depth and distance from the tree base, with larger variations in the AH system. The biomass: necromass ratio varied between 1.91 and 2.42 for HG, between 2.27 and 3.29 for AH and between 2.09 and 2.46 for AHS systems. Among all the selected agroforestry systems, concentrations of mineral N (NH4‐N and NO3‐N) were higher in the AH system and lower in the AHS system while net N mineralization rates were higher in the AHS system. In HGs, FRB it was significantly correlated with ammonification, nitrification and N mineralization while in the AH system it was positively correlated with nitrification and N mineralization. In the AHS system, it was positively correlated with ammonification only. Thus, it can be concluded that in agroforestry systems FRB was enhanced by rapid N mineralization. The variability in FRB and N mineralization between selected agroforestry systems were possibly due to the differences in soil characteristics and management practices. For enrichment of soil nutrients, the contribution of fine roots could be of more importance through the process of decomposition under the prevailing agroforestry systems.
Tunneling Percolation Mechanism of Conductivity for PEDOT:PSS in Hydrophilic PDMS Composite for the Fabrication of Highly Sensitive Strain Sensors
Authors: Ali Muhammad Zeshan , Ishak Ku Marsilla Ku , Zawawi Mohamad Adzhar Md , Jaafar Mariatti , Ahmad Zulkifli
Published: June 2022

Conducting polymer of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) has interesting properties of tunable electrical conductivity and facile processability. Stretchable electronic materials and devices have become the focus of research and industrial communities with increasing demand of the Internet of Things (IOT)‐based wearable gadgets. Stretchable applications based on PEDOT:PSS demand its blending with a durable polymer matrix such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). In this research work, a homogeneous conductive ink comprising of hydrophilic PEDOT:PSS and hydrophobic PDMS is developed by using a bi‐functional (3‐glycidoxypropyl)trimethoxy silane (GPTMS) as coupling agent to form a cross‐link network through interphase interactions. Low percolation threshold of conductive ink is achieved at 0.236 wt% of solid PEDOT concentration. Power law of percolation behavior, from experimental results, reveals a nonuniversal critical component‐t value of 3.04, signifying the occurrence of a tunneling‐percolation conductivity mechanism. Iterative curve fitting based on an analytical model gives a good simulated conductive behavior with relation to geometrical parameters of conducting particles such that optimal thickness of interphase is found to be 2.86 nm. The developed strain sensor is highly sensitive with gauge factor (GF) of 148 and stretchable up to 50% strain with fast response time of 130 millisecond and shows good dynamic stability with minimal hysteresis loss. The strain sensor successfully captures real‐time finger and wrist motions.
Segmental Relaxation Dynamics in Amorphous Polylactide Exposed to UV Light
Authors: Araujo Steven , Sainlaud Chloé , Delpouve Nicolas , Richaud Emmanuel , Delbreilh Laurent , Dargent Eric
Published: June 2022

The degradation of polylactide (PLA) under UV exposure is investigated in terms of cooperativity and kinetic fragility at the glass transition. In the first part, possibly coexisting degradation mechanisms are evoked from the interpretation of the infrared spectroscopy analyses. Furthermore, the reduction of PLA chain length, owing to photolytic scissions predominant over local crosslinks, is assessed from chromatography, and confirmed by the shift of the glass transition temperature toward lower temperature. Modulated temperature thermogravimetric analysis (MT‐TGA) also shows that the activation energy needed to initiate thermal degradation falls after UV exposure. In the second part, the impact of UV‐induced degradation on the cooperative rearranging region (CRR) size and the kinetic fragility, respectively, calculated thanks to calorimetric and dielectric measurements, is discussed. Despite the assumed concomitance of several degradation mechanisms, it is observed that the glass transition, the kinetic fragility, and the CRR size decrease together with the exposure time. Moreover, it is found that the data align well on another trend depicting the change in the relaxation properties caused by plasticization of PLA. Thus, the variations of segmental relaxation properties caused by UV may be related to the increase of free volume linked to the damaging of the PLA structure.
Lysosome‐Targeting Polysiloxane Fluorescent Probe for Continuous Detection of Fe3+, Cu2+, and H2O2
Authors: Zhang Yafang , Ding Guowei , Gai Fengqing , Zhang Kun , Gou Zhiming , Zuo Yujing
Published: June 2022

In this study, a simple and nontoxic polysiloxane fluorescent probe (P1) is synthesized to detect iron ions, copper ions, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Interestingly, both Fe3+ and Cu2+ can gradually quench the fluorescence intensity of the probe, and H2O2 can reproduce the probe quenched by Cu2+ instead of Fe3+. The probe shows high selectivity and photostability, and the fluorescence intensity can keep at 95.77% after irradiation at 260 nm for 40 min. In addition, P1 can stably locate lysosome. With excellent property, the probe as lysosome tracker has broad application prospects in detection and biological imaging.
Controllable Preparation of Porous Polypropylene Piezoelectrets Using Crystallization Self‐Reinforcement Method Induced by the Variable Thermal History
Authors: Xu Jiahui , Xu Linjie , Zheng Na , Yang Jiang , Jiang Ziyin , Zhang Cailiang , Yao Zhen , Tang Longcheng , Cao Kun
Published: June 2022

A porous linear isostatic polypropylene (iPP) piezoelectret with oriented cell structure is controllably prepared by crystallization self‐reinforcement method based on a unique variable thermal history. In this multi‐step one‐pot foaming strategy, the iPP sheet placed in a 1D confined space undergoes appropriate initial heating, quenching, reheating, and pressure relief process assisted with supercritical CO2 (scCO2). The crystallization self‐reinforcement of iPP is realized by inducing the formation of closely packed crystals, whose residual lamellae in the melt serve as the nodes to enhance the melt strength during reheating. The above closely packed lamellae are used as the heterogeneous nucleating cell sites as well as the crystal nuclei in the CO2 relief process. This makes the cells easier to deform in a 1D restricted space and form uniformly oriented cells. Furthermore, the static piezoelectric coefficient of the porous iPP piezoelectret with the optimal expansion ratio and orientation ratio of 18.8 and 6.6 is 700 pC/N, reaching 1.5 times that of commercial porous PP piezoelectret. Moreover, piezoelectric energy harvester made with porous iPP piezoelectret can light up 22 LED lights arranged in ZJU word. Therefore, the novel foaming strategy provides a new insight for uniform preparation of the polymer foams with oriented cells.
Bioenhanced Rapid Redox Initiation for RAFT Polymerization in the Air
Authors: Yuan Bolei , Huang Tingting , Lv Xiaoxiao , Jiang Lin , Sun Xueying , Zhang Yunhe , Tang Jun
Published: June 2022

A well‐controlled bioenhanced reversible addition−fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) in the presence of air is carried out by using glucose oxidase (GOx), glucose, ascorbic acid (Asc acid), and ppm level of hemin. The catalytic concentration of hemin is employed to enhance hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)/Asc acid redox initiation, achieving rapid RAFT polymerization. Narrow molecular weight distributions and high monomer conversion (Ð as low as 1.09 at >95% conversion) are achieved within tens of minutes. Several kinds of monomers are used to verify the universal implication of the presented method. The influences of the pH and feed ratio of each component on the polymerization rate are assessed. Besides, a polymerization rate regulation is realized by managing Asc acid addition. This work significantly increases the rate of redox‐initiated GOx‐deoxygen RAFT polymerization by using simple and green reactants, facilitating the application of RAFT polymerization in areas such as biomedical applications.
Structure–Property Relationships of Shape Memory, Semicrystalline Polymers Fabricated by In Situ Polymerization and Crosslinking of Octadecyl Acrylate/Polybutadiene Blends
Authors: Basak Sayan , Cavicchi Kevin A.
Published: June 2022

The current work presents the study of a semicrystalline, shape memory polymer synthesized by simultaneous free radical polymerization and crosslinking in a blend of polybutadiene (PB) and octadecyl acrylate. Blending elastomers and phase change materials provide a modular method for new smart materials, such as shape memory polymers. In this system, grafted, side‐chain crystalline poly(octadecyl acrylate) (PODA) fixes a programmed shape in the shape memory cycle, while crosslinked polybutadiene drives shape recovery. This work focuses on improving material parameters important for shape memory (crystallinity, gel fraction, melting temperature) by tuning the processing and formulation parameters (amount of crosslinker and PB weight fraction). The result is a shape memory PB‐PODA copolymer that can be fabricated by melt processing and programmed without cooling below ambient temperature. It is found that good shape memory (i.e., high shape fixity and recovery) is obtained at a low PB weight fraction where a percolating PODA crystal network is formed at room temperature. The optimized sample shows excellent shape memory properties (fixity > 99%, recovery = 96%). It is shown that it is possible to mold this material into complex 3D shapes or topography with potential use in anticounterfeiting and antitampering applications.
Existence and regularity of solutions to elliptic equation with singular convection term and lower order term
Authors: He Xiaohua , Huang Shuibo , Tian Qiaoyu
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we consider the effects of singular convection term and lower order term on the existence and regularity of solutions to the following elliptic Dirichlet problem:

where
is a bounded smooth domain with
with
is a non‐negative function. The main results of this paper show the combined effects of singular convection term and lower order term on the existence and regularity of solution to this problem.
Quasi‐projective and finite‐time synchronization of delayed fractional‐order BAM neural networks via quantized control
Authors: Yang Juanping , Li Hong‐Li , Zhang Long , Hu Cheng , Jiang Haijun
Published: June 2022

This paper deals with the problems of quasi‐projective synchronization (QPS) and finite‐time synchronization (FTS) for a kind of delayed fractional‐order BAM neural networks (DFOBAMNNs). In order to reach the goals of synchronization and more accurately gauge of settling time and error level, several fresh quantized controllers are structured to make the utmost of confined communication resources. Then, based on the finite‐time theorem, quantized control strategy, Lyapunov function theory and properties of Mittag–Leffler function as well as inequality analysis techniques, some plentiful criteria are formed to set up a relation between control gains and quantization parameters. In addition, the corresponding error bound of QPS and guages of the settling time on FTS are also given. Finally, a few numerical examples are introduced to validate the effectiveness of the presented control protocols.
Mathematical assessment of a fractional‐order vector–host disease model with the Caputo–Fabrizio derivative
Authors: Chu Yu‐Ming , Khan Muhammad Farooq , Ullah Saif , Shah Syed Azhar Ali , Farooq Muhammad , bin Mamat Mustafa
Published: June 2022

Vector–host diseases outbreak is a major public health concern, and it has greatly affected human health and economy in various regions around the globe. Different approaches have been adopted to investigate the dynamical behavior and possible control of these diseases. In this study, we present a compartmental transmission model in order to explore the dynamics of vector–host infectious diseases. The saturated incidence rate instead of bilinear (or standard) and saturated treatment function is considered in model formulation which enhance the biological suitability of the proposed model. We first formulate the model based on nonlinear classical integer‐order differential equations. Then, the proposed integer‐order model is reformulated using the fractional‐order operator in Caputo–Fabrizio sense with nonsingular kernel. We investigate the model equilibria and evaluate the expression for the most important threshold parameter known as the basic reproduction number. Furthermore, the existence and uniqueness are presented via the fixed point approach. Additionally, using an efficient numerical scheme, the iterative solution of the model is obtained. Finally, we present the model simulations to illustrate the impact of arbitrary fractional order and some of other important parameters involved in the model on the disease dynamics and minimization.
The Anti‐Obesity and Anti‐Inflammatory Capabilities of Pterostilbene and its Colonic Metabolite Pinostilbene Protect against Tight Junction Disruption from Western Diet Feeding
Authors: Koh Yen‐Chun , Lin Shin‐Jhih , Nagabhushanam Kalyanam , Ho Chi‐Tang , Pan Min‐Hsiung
Published: June 2022

Scope

Tight junctions (TJs) are a member of the intestinal epithelium barrier that provides the first line of protection against external factors. Anti‐obesity and protective effects of pterostilbene (PSB) on TJs have previously been reported, but the effect of its colonic metabolite, pinostilbene (PIN), is less understood.

Methods and results

A 16‐week animal model feed with western‐diet to induce colonic TJs disruption is designed, supplemented with PSB and PIN to evaluate their potent in colonic TJ protection. The results show that both PSB and PIN exert suppressive effects on obesity, hepatic steatosis, and chronic inflammation in western‐diet‐fed mice. Western‐diet feeding significantly reduces expression of TJ proteins, including ZO‐1, occludin, and claudin‐1, while PSB and PIN supplementation effectively protects TJ proteins against disruption. Increment in serum, hepatic, and mesenteric pro‐inflammatory cytokines suggests their probable involvement in TJ disruption supported with the findings in macrophage polarization. The adverse are revered by PSB and PIN. The protective effect of PSB and PIN on TJ proteins may stem from their anti‐inflammation capabilities.

Conclusion

This is the first study suggesting that PIN, the metabolite of PSB, demonstrates a similar protective effect on colonic TJ proteins via its anti‐obesity, hepatic protection, and anti‐inflammatory capabilities.
A high‐gain linear array of cross slots substrate integrated waveguide leaky‐wave antenna with defective ground structure
Authors: Kumar Abhay , Srivastava Shweta
Published: June 2022

This letter provides a detailed explanation of a novel high‐gain cross slot substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) rectangular cavity‐backed antenna. The main SIW cavity is further divided into seven small linearly placed cavities at a distance of 0.9. Each cavity contains a cross‐slot at an equal distance from each other. The defective ground structure is placed at the bottom layer of an antenna with two metallic vias to divert the wave towards edge slots for further gain improvement. The antenna shows a measured gain of approximately 12 dBi from 11.37 to 11.78 GHz. The radiation efficiency of 92% and the front‐to‐back ratio of 28 dB is achieved. The proposed antenna provides a very high directive fan‐like pattern which can be utilized for satellite and radar applications in the X‐band.
Enhancing the measurement range of laser speckle systems
Authors: Cabral Thiago D. , Cordeiro Cristiano M. B. , Fujiwara Eric
Published: June 2022

Laser speckle‐based systems provide sensitive measurements of displacement and stain. However, the typical saturation of correlation functions restricts the application of such techniques regarding their dynamic range. Therefore, this paper proposes using the extended zero‐mean normalized cross‐correlation (EZNCC) algorithm to automatically update the reference speckle image according to a programmable threshold, allowing for exceeding the decorrelation limit. Experiments investigated the effect of rigid body displacements and thermal strain at the light scattering surface (a ceramic container). The EZNCC yielded ~30 µm resolution over a continuous 1500 µm range for displacement measurements, and ~0.2°C resolution between 21.5°C and 61.5°C for the temperature analysis. As this method requires minor updates to the traditional correlation algorithms, the ENZCC does not require modifications to the optical setups, improving the dynamic range and ensuring the high sensitivity of speckle correlation systems in a feasible, straightforward approach.
Rapid Colonization of Upstream Habitats by Oncorhynchus Mykiss Following Culvert Modification
Authors: Knoth Brian A. , Hargrove John S. , Dobos Marika , Copeland Timothy , Bowersox Brett J.
Published: June 2022

Habitat fragmentation threatens the persistence of fish populations, and road crossings (e.g., culverts) are particularly problematic because they are globally ubiquitous and can block access to critical habitats. Barrier removal or modifications that allow upstream access can result in expanded distributions, increased abundances, and gene flow among historically isolated populations. Actions that promote connectivity, gene flow, and the potential expression of multiple life history forms (e.g., anadromy in Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus spp.) are thought to buffer against extinction and are increasingly important given the high rates of imperilment for many fish species. We collected genetic samples from juvenile O. mykiss (anadromous steelhead and resident Rainbow Trout) prior to and following the modification of a culvert that served as a historical barrier to upstream movement and tested for changes in genetic composition through time. Prior to culvert modification, levels of genetic diversity were low and genetic differentiation with reference collections of anadromous steelhead was high. After treatment, we observed increased levels of genetic diversity, larger estimates of effective population size, and decreased genetic differentiation with steelhead, indicating an influx of individuals from a downstream population. Using an inexpensive genetic-based monitoring approach, we show that culvert modification can result in the rapid reestablishment of connectivity between historically isolated populations.
Digital Data Help Explain Drivers of Angler Satisfaction: An Example from Southern Norway
Authors: Johansen Kurt , Olsen Esben Moland , Haraldstad Tormod , Arlinghaus Robert , Höglund Erik
Published: June 2022

We analyzed trip-level self-reports collected by a cell phone app to understand angler satisfaction of fishing for sea trout Salmo trutta (anadromous Brown Trout) in southern Norway. We found no clear support for a positive relationship between trip outcome (catch or no catch) and angler satisfaction level. In the cases where sea trout was caught, however, there was a positive relationship between fish size and angler satisfaction level. A total of 52% of the captured sea trout were voluntarily released, and releases were unrelated to fish size. In conclusion, digital data collected via a cell phone app are useful to reveal patterns of angler behavior and satisfaction.
Numerical analysis of a corrected Smagorinsky model
Authors: Siddiqua Farjana , Xie Xihui
Published: June 2022

The classical Smagorinsky model's solution is an approximation to a (resolved) mean velocity. Since it is an eddy viscosity model, it cannot represent a flow of energy from unresolved fluctuations to the (resolved) mean velocity. This model has recently been corrected to incorporate this flow and still be well‐posed. Herein we first develop some basic properties of the corrected model. Next, we perform a complete numerical analysis of two algorithms for its approximation. They are tested and proven to be effective.
The thermal energy storage capacity and fire risk of phase change material based on the framework of modified melamine sponge
Authors: Cheng Jiaji , Liu Yuqi , Kang Moyun , Niu Shaoshuai , Wang Yapeng , Guan Yu , Zhang Feng
Published: June 2022

Due to the energy crisis and environmental pollution, the research on energy‐efficient building has increasingly attracted attention. The phase change materials (PCMs) play a vital role in increasing the energy utilization efficiency. In order to protect the PCMs from leakage during phase change process, the melamine sponge (MS) and modified melamine sponge (MMS) are considered as the frameworks. The leakage rate of MS and MMS sample were compared. The thermal and fire behavior was investigated by small room model, infrared thermal imager and cone calorimeter. The results show that the leakage rate of MS is much higher than that of MMS. On the condition of the same percentage of PCMs, MMS sample has better temperature control performance. The MS sample releases heat much faster and more than MMS sample. While MMS plays a role in inhibiting ignition.
Effect of glass fiber hybridization on the mechanical properties of unidirectional, alkali‐treated kenaf‐epoxy composites
Authors: Verma Rajneesh , Shukla Mukul , Shukla Dharmendra Kumar
Published: June 2022

Due to environmental issues and high cost of synthetic fibers, natural or cellulosic fibers have emerged as a promising reinforcement for polymer composites. The hybridization of natural fiber with synthetic fiber is a useful technique to improve the mechanical properties instead of using the natural fibers alone. This research aims to evaluate the influence of glass fiber hybridization on the mechanical properties of continuous, unidirectional, alkali (NaOH)‐treated kenaf‐epoxy composites. At first, the effect of treatment of various concentrations (3, 5, 7, and 9% w/v) of NaOH on the structure of single kenaf fiber was characterized using XRD, SEM, FTIR, and tensile testing. At the optimum 5% alkali concentration the tensile strength, modulus, and %elongation of the kenaf fibers were enhanced by 81%, 114%, and 42%, respectively. The effect of hybridization of 5% NaOH treated kenaf along with glass fiber on the improvement in tensile, flexural, and impact properties for hand laid kenaf‐glass‐epoxy hybrid composite laminates was established. The overall matrix to fiber weight ratio of five different layup sequence laminates was maintained constant at 70:30. It can be concluded from the obtained results that the 15% glass and 15% kenaf fiber hybridized composites exhibited the maximum increment in tensile strength and modulus (68.5% and 19.5%, respectively) in comparison to the unhybridized composites. Further, the flexural strength and modulus were also improved by 21% and 67%, respectively, and the impact strength by 153%. The SEM fractography proved that alkali treatment of fibers improved the fiber‐matrix interfacial bonding whereas fiber breakage, fiber pull‐out and debonding were established as the main fracture mechanisms of hybrid composites. The findings of the present investigation on kenaf‐glass hybrid composites corroborate that they are suitable for secondary structural applications in construction and automobile sectors.
Using structural topic modelling to reveal patterns in reports on opioid drugs in a pharmacovigilance database
Authors: Lösch Lea , Brown Patrick , van Hunsel Florence
Published: June 2022

Background

Adverse drug reaction (ADR) reports in pharmacovigilance databases often contain coded information and large amounts of unstructured or semi‐structured information in plain text format. The unstructured format and sheer volume of these data often render them neglected. Structural topic modelling (STM) represents a potentially insightful way of harnessing these valuable data and to detect grouping or themes in spontaneous reports to aid signal detection.

Purpose

This was an explorative study of the potential for structural topic modelling to identify useful patterns in ADR reports involving opioid drugs in a pharmacovigilance database.

Methods

A dataset of ADR reports on opioid drugs reported to the Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb from 1991 to December 2020 was used, comprising a total of 3069 unique reports. Qualitative text analysis was combined with STM, an automated text analysis method, to examine these data.

Results

In reports submitted directly by patients and healthcare professionals, 11 meaningful topics were identified, whereby patient experience reports, particularly in relation to pain (relief), and the timing of intake and ADRs of tramadol and paracetamol, were the most common. Of the 12 topics identified in reports received via marketing authorization holders, patch and skin‐related side effects, addiction and constipation were the most prevalent.

Conclusions

The STM‐based analysis identified information that cannot always be captured by coding with the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA®). The identified topics reflect findings in the literature on opioids.
Does educational stress mediate the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and academic life satisfaction in teenagers during the COVID‐19 pandemic?
Authors: Odacı Hatice , Kaya Feridun , Aydın Fatih
Published: June 2022

The present study aims to investigate the mediator role of educational stress in the relationship between intolerance to uncertainty and academic life satisfaction among teenagers. The sample consisted of 257 female and 202 male high school students with an average age of 16.03 (SD = 1.21) continuing their education in the spring semester of the 2020−2021 academic year in Turkey. The data were collected via an online survey. Analyses revealed that intolerance of uncertainty directly and indirectly via educational stress affects the academic life satisfaction of teenagers. Educational stress partially mediates the relationship. It was also found that the full mediation model has a good fit with the data. The academic life satisfaction of teenagers was harmed by their tendencies in tolerating the uncertainties they have been facing during the COVID‐19 pandemic and elevated levels of educational stress.
Recent Advances in Nanocrystals Heralding Greater Potential in Brain Delivery
Authors: Mule Shubham , Khairnar Pooja , Shukla Rahul
Published: June 2022

About 90% of natural/synthetic origin new drugs under the discovery process are facing problems related to poor aqueous solubility. Nanotechnology‐mediated approaches are proven to be effective in the development of such drug molecules. Nanocrystals (NCs) are the pure solid crystalline particulates with a mean diameter smaller than 1 µm and are primarily comprised of only the drug along with the stabilizers. NCs technology has proven to be a potential strategy to enhance the solubility and the therapeutic efficacy of BCS class IV and class II drugs. Such potential of NCs offers new prospects for advancement in targeted brain delivery in various disorders. The main hurdle for the delivery of the drug is blood brain barrier (BBB) which protects central nervous system (CNS) from foreign materials. The major advantage of NCs is their smaller particle size which leads to increased brain delivery of therapeutics by crossing the BBB. This review is mainly focused on the BBB, the mechanism of interaction of NCs with the endothelial cells, the safety‐related benefits of NCs, application of NCs for the amelioration of a variety of neurological disorders (Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, brain tumor, psychosis, and brain infection, cerebral ischemia) and challenges of NCs technology.
Application of SHAP values for inferring the optimal functional form of covariates in pharmacokinetic modeling
Authors: Janssen Alexander , Hoogendoorn Mark , Cnossen Marjon H. , Mathôt Ron A. A. ,   the OPTI‐CLOT Study Group and SYMPHONY Consortium
Published: June 2022

In population pharmacokinetic (PK) models, interindividual variability is explained by implementation of covariates in the model. The widely used forward stepwise selection method is sensitive to bias, which may lead to an incorrect inclusion of covariates. Alternatives, such as the full fixed effects model, reduce this bias but are dependent on the chosen implementation of each covariate. As the correct functional forms are unknown, this may still lead to an inaccurate selection of covariates. Machine learning (ML) techniques can potentially be used to learn the optimal functional forms for implementing covariates directly from data. A recent study suggested that using ML resulted in an improved selection of influential covariates. However, how do we select the appropriate functional form for including these covariates? In this work, we use SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) to infer the relationship between covariates and PK parameters from ML models. As a case‐study, we use data from 119 patients with hemophilia A receiving clotting factor VIII concentrate peri‐operatively. We fit both a random forest and a XGBoost model to predict empirical Bayes estimated clearance and central volume from a base nonlinear mixed effects model. Next, we show that SHAP reveals covariate relationships which match previous findings. In addition, we can reveal subtle effects arising from combinations of covariates difficult to obtain using other methods of covariate analysis. We conclude that the proposed method can be used to extend ML‐based covariate selection, and holds potential as a complete full model alternative to classical covariate analyses.
Random encounter model is a reliable method for estimating population density of multiple species using camera traps
Authors: Palencia Pablo , Barroso Patricia , Vicente Joaquín , Hofmeester Tim R. , Ferreres Javier , Acevedo Pelayo
Published: June 2022

Population density estimates are important for wildlife conservation and management. Several camera trapping‐based methods for estimating densities have been developed, one of which, the random encounter model (REM), has been widely applied due to its practical advantages such as no need for species‐specific study design. Nevertheless, most of the studies in which REM has been assessed against referenced methods have sampled one population, precluding evaluation of the circumstances under which REM does or does not perform well. At this point, a review of all REM assessments could be useful to provide an overview of method reliability and highlight the main factors determining REM performance. Here we used a combination of literature review and empirical study to compare the performance of REM with independent methods. We reviewed 34 studies where REM was applied to 45 species, reporting 77 REM‐reference density comparisons; and we also sampled 13 populations (ungulates and lagomorphs) in which we assessed REM performance against independent densities. The results suggested that appropriate procedures to estimate REM parameters (namely day range, detection zone and encounter rate) are mandatory to obtain unbiased densities. Deficient estimates of day range and encounter rate lead to an overestimation of density, while deficient estimates of detection zone conducted to underestimations. Finally, the precision achieved by REM was lower than reference methods, mainly because of the high levels of spatial aggregation observed in natural populations. In this situation, simulation‐based results suggest that c. 60 camera placements should be sampled to achieve acceptable precision (i.e. coefficient of variation below 0.20). The wide range of situations and scenarios included in this study allow us to conclude that REM is a reliable method for estimating wildlife population density when using appropriate estimates of REM parameters and sampling designs. Overall, these results pave the way to wider application of REM for monitoring terrestrial mammals.
Influence of soil test phosphorus level and leaching volume on phosphorus leaching
Authors: Leverich Nigon Leanna M. , Kaiser Daniel E. , Feyereisen Gary W.
Published: June 2022

Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient in agricultural production, yet its losses contribute to eutrophication in freshwater systems. To mitigate this, there is increasing interest in quantifying soluble P leaching losses and including them in P indices. The objectives of this research were (a) to evaluate water soluble P leaching loss from topsoils (0–15 cm) across a range of initial soil test P (STP) levels; (b) to determine the effects of soil type, physiochemical soil properties, and leaching volume on P leaching loss; and (c) to determine the predictability of P leaching losses from soil tests. Intact soil cores (3.81 cm in diameter, 0–15 cm deep) were collected from six agricultural fields in Minnesota and leached with deionized water offsite. Additional columns were collected to identify the influence of three leaching volumes on P leaching load. Phosphorus leaching loss was impacted by soil type, initial STP level, and the volume of the leaching event. Leachate P concentration increased with increasing STP level and remained consistent among leaching volumes. Concentrations were not diluted with increased leaching volumes. Consequently, leaching volume was the primary driver of total P load. Several linear and machine learning models were used to predict P leachate concentration. Phosphorus concentration was best predicted using a ridge regression model using two soil tests: the degree of phosphorus sorption and water extractable P (R2 = .58, RMSE = 0.06). The model prediction of P leaching loss is promising, although further research on subsoil interactions is needed.
Long‐term fertilization affects chemical composition of dissolved organic carbon by changing soil properties
Authors: Zhang Yang , Wang Yanan , Zhou Chuan , Zhang Nan , Lei Ping , E Shengzhe , Zhang Xiaojia , Zeng Xibai
Published: June 2022

Soil dissolved organic carbon (DOC) plays a key role in fundamental biogeochemical processes; however, the influences of different types of fertilization on the chemical composition and properties of DOC molecules in soils are poorly understood. In this study, DOC samples were extracted from gray desert soils treated with five fertilization treatments: (a) chemical nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers; (b) pig and cattle manure; (c) 50% nitrogen from manure and 50% nitrogen from chemical fertilizer; (d) total chemical fertilizers and total manure; and (e) no fertilization (control). Results showed that manure application increased the aromatic carbon by 135.7% and decreased the aliphatic carbon levels by 29.6%, implying manure application promotes the labile carbon consumption and the stable carbon enrichment. The available nutrients and available forms of magnesium were positively associated with the labile carbon groups, and the available forms of calcium were positively associated with the stable carbon groups, demonstrating that the availability of soil nutrients and minerals are influential factors on composition of carbon‐containing groups in DOC. Moreover, the fertilization method had negative direct effects and positive indirect effects on composition of carbon‐containing groups in DOC via soil physicochemical factors, and various forms of mineral ions were the strongest explanatory factors (explaining nearly 51%) of composition of carbon‐containing groups variation in DOC. These findings indicated that soil physicochemical factors play an important role as mediators in the influence of fertilization practices on the composition of carbon‐containing groups in DOC.