bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of enterprise financial investment environment based on block‐chain and cloud computing
Authors: Li Qiang
Published: March 2022

Improving and strengthening the various factors of the financial investment system to improve the entire investment system has become an important part of modern economic development. This research is based on block‐chain and cloud computing on the evaluation of corporate financial investment environment. It aims to fully apply the advantages of block‐chain and computing technology to conduct a thorough analysis of corporate financial investment environment and increase the stability of corporate financial investment decisions. Provide economic benefits to a certain extent. The article mainly analyzes the status quo, influencing factors, and evaluation principles of the financial investment environment, and combines the advantages of cloud computing and block‐chain in data acquisition and processing applications to conduct experiments; this research constructs a structural correlation model between the enterprise and the external environment, and investment business data process and cloud computing and financial investment information organization structure model, which can visually present specific investment operation details, and so on; formulate comprehensive evaluation indicators for regional investment, and focus on the role of the institutional environment based on the analysis of the role of regional factors on the regional development of the enterprise. The research results show that cloud computing technology and block‐chain technology have greatly improved the construction of financial investment data whether it is intertemporal, predictive or follow‐up. From the data inspection results, the maximum value of this performance has been expanded from the original 5.98 to 9.27; from the perspective of computational performance, it has been increased from 5.98 to 9.27.
Blind watermarking algorithm combiningNSCT,DWT,SVD, andHVS
Authors: Zeng Fanfeng , Bai Haoyin , Xiao Ke
Published: March 2022

In order to solve the contradiction between watermark transparency and robustness, this paper combines Non‐subsampled Contourlet Transformation (NSCT), Discrete Wavelet Transformation (DWT), Singular Value Decomposition (SVD), and Human Visual System (HVS) to improve a watermarking algorithm. Firstly, this algorithm performs a first‐level NSCT decomposition on the carrier image to obtain its low‐frequency part, and then performs a second‐level DWT on the low‐frequency part, extracts its second‐level low‐frequency sub bands and block these sub bands to sub‐blocks according to their size. Secondly, SVD is performed for each sub‐block and the best embedding position of the watermark according to the sensitivity of HVS for the average brightness and the modified cosine similarity measurement method is calculated. Finally, the watermark scrambled and encrypted by Arnold is embedded into the selected singular value. This algorithm can realize the blind extraction of watermark. Experimental results show that the algorithm can not only satisfy the transparency but the robustness of the watermark at the same time as well.
A Static Balance Model and Analysis of 430 Stainless Steel Produced by Basic Oxygen Furnace–Argon Oxygen Decarburization Furnace Process
Authors: Tian Bohan , Zhu Rong , Zhou Yun , Wei Guangsheng , Dong Kai
Published: March 2022

Herein, a static mass and energy balance model of 430 stainless steel (SS) produced by the basic oxygen furnace (BOF)–argon oxygen decarburization furnace (AOD) process is established and verified by plant data. It is found that in the AOD, the energy input is efficiently utilized, the heat available for other uses is relatively low (4.0%), and the addition of SS scrap is limited. The high carbon content of dephosphorization hot metal (DPHM) and post‐combustion ratio (PCR) in AOD are conducive to promoting the recycling of SS scrap. In contrast, when the carbon content of DPHM and PCR is low, it is necessary to add an exothermic agent to the furnace. Due to the saving of nickel‐containing raw materials and China's high proportion of thermal power, the carbon emissions and energy consumption per ton 430 SS produced by the BOF–AOD process are 3131 kg‐CO2 and 24 161 MJ, which is much lower than per ton 304 SS produced by the electric arc furnace (EAF)–AOD process. Meaning the former is more conducive to the promotion of energy conservation and emission reduction.
RVprio: A tool for prioritizing runtime verification violations
Authors: Cabral Lucas , Miranda Breno , Lima Igor , d'Amorim Marcelo
Published: March 2022

Runtime verification (RV) helps to find software bugs by monitoring formally specified properties during testing. A key problem in using RV during testing is how to reduce the manual inspection effort for checking whether property violations are true bugs. To date, there was no automated approach for determining the likelihood that property violations were true bugs to reduce tedious and time‐consuming manual inspection. We present RVprio, the first automated approach for prioritizing RV violations in order of likelihood of being true bugs. RVprio uses machine learning classifiers to prioritize violations. For training, we used a labelled dataset of 1170 violations from 110 projects. On that dataset, (1) RVprio reached 90% of the effectiveness of a theoretically optimal prioritizer that ranks all true bugs at the top of the ranked list, and (2) 88.1% of true bugs were in the top 25% of RVprio‐ranked violations; 32.7% of true bugs were in the top 10%. RVprio was also effective when we applied it to new unlabelled violations, from which we found previously unknown bugs—54 bugs in 8 open‐source projects. Our dataset is publicly available online.
Effective reinforcement ratio of RC beams: Validation of modelling assumptions with high‐resolution strain data
Authors: Galkovski Tena , Mata‐Falcón Jaime , Kaufmann Walter
Published: March 2022

Concrete tensile stresses influence the cracking behaviour and the stiffness of reinforced concrete (RC) members. Most design codes account for this tension stiffening effect using an effective reinforcement ratio. Although this ratio has a significant influence on the design of RC structures, its quantification is controversial in many cases, and typically relies on empirical geometry‐based expressions. One main reason for this knowledge gap is that the area of concrete in tension can only be verified indirectly, for example, through crack widths and spacings and using a suitable mechanical model. This indirect validation is subject to considerable uncertainty as it depends on parameters that scatter (e.g., bond stresses and the concrete tensile strength), and further assumptions relating internal stresses to the applied loads are required. This article outlines how refined measurements of the reinforcing steel strains and the concrete deformations in the compression zone, combining distributed fibre optic sensing (DFOS) and digital image correlation (DIC), can be used in order to obtain a more reliable quantification of the parameters affecting tension stiffening and hence, the effective reinforcement ratio. Selected models are validated against experimental data of an RC beam tested under four‐point bending, underlining the potential of DFOS and DIC as valuable tools for a better understanding of RC structures and the enhancement of mechanical models.
First evidence of Crimean‐Congo haemorrhagic fever virus circulation in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Satrovic Lejla , Softic Adis , Zuko Almedina , Kustura Aida , Koro Amira , Goletic Sejla , Satrovic Edin , Llorente Francisco , Pérez‐Ramírez Elisa , Omeragic Jasmin , Salkic Jasna , Alic Amer , Jiménez‐Clavero Miguel Angel , Goletic Teufik
Published: March 2022

Background

Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a widespread tick‐borne zoonosis with reported detection of virus and/or virus‐specific antibodies from over 57 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East and is endemic in the Balkans. Detection of Crimean–Congo Haemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV) antibodies in domestic ruminants has been important in providing initial evidence of virus circulation and in localising CCHFV high‐risk spots for human infection.

Objectives

The present study investigated the possible exposure of sheep to CCHFV in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H).

Methods

To investigate the presence of anti‐CCHFV antibodies in sheep, all sera (n = 176) were tested using multi‐species double antigen enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Reactive sera were further complementary tested by adapted commercial indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) using FITC‐conjugated protein G instead of anti‐human immunoglobulins.

Results

CCHFV specific antibodies were detected in 17 (9.66%) animals using ELISA test. All negative sera were determined as negative by both tests, while 13 out of 17 ELISA‐positive reactors were also determined as unambiguously positive by IFA test. The age group with the highest proportion of seropositive rectors were the oldest animals.

Conclusions

This is the first report of anti‐CCHFV antibodies in sheep from B&H providing the evidence of CCHFV circulation in the country's sheep population. So far, these findings indicate the circulation of the virus in the westernmost region of the Balkans and point to the potential CCHFV spread further out of this endemic area.
Fracture rate and time to fracture in dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma receiving finely fractionated compared to coarsely fractionated radiation therapy: A single institution study
Authors: Norquest Carissa J. , Maitz Charles A. , Keys Deborah A. , Moore Melanie , Bryan Jeffrey N. , Ehling Tara J. , Lattimer Jimmy C. , Flesner Brian K.
Published: March 2022

Background

Radiation therapy (RT) is used for local pain alleviation in dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma (OS), especially among dogs that are poor surgical candidates for amputation. However, many historical reports of fractionated protocols lack time to fracture and fracture rates.

Objectives

The primary objectives of this retrospective study were to determine fracture rate and time to fracture of dogs receiving RT (coarse or fine fractionated) for appendicular OS. Secondary objectives were to evaluate tolerability and disease outcome measures.

Methods

Fifty‐one dogs that received RT as part of treatment for appendicular OS were available for evaluation. Forty‐five received coarse fractionation (C‐RT, 8 or 6 Gy per fraction protocols [C‐RT8 or C‐RT6]) while the remaining six received fine fractionation (F‐RT).

Results

The overall pathologic fracture rate was 37%. Pathologic fracture rate was significantly higher for dogs that received F‐RT (5/6, 83%) compared to dogs that received C‐RT (12/40, 30%, p = 0.021). In the 17 dogs that fractured, the overall median time to fracture was 57 days. For all dogs, the median progression free interval (PFI) and median overall survival time (OST) were 90 and 140 days, respectively. In a very small cohort of dogs (n = 7) treated with zoledronate and RT, fracture rate was 0% and extended survival times were noted.

Conclusions

In conclusion, C‐RT is recommended over F‐RT due to lower risk of pathologic fracture and similar PFI. Prospective evaluation of combined C‐RT and zoledronate, especially for dogs with poor surgical candidacy, is warranted for the treatment of canine appendicular osteosarcoma.
Antioxidant activity of mango seed wax additive on the properties of poly(lactic acid) transparent films for food packaging application
Authors: Thomas Tesi , Olongal Manaf , Athiyanathil Sujith
Published: March 2022

To improve the tensile properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) biodegradable packaging film, mango seed wax (MSW), an agro‐industrial waste from the mango fruit processing industry has been used as a plasticizing additive. Four different weight ratios of MSW (3, 5, 7, and 9 wt%) in pristine PLA were considered for optimization. The mechanical properties comprising tensile strength, elongation at break, and Young's modulus were studied. Characterizations such as Fourier transform infra‐red (FTIR) spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry were studied. Oxidation induction time (OIT) analysis of samples was also conducted. Other studies such as thermal, barrier, and optical properties were also evaluated. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis revealed better compatibility between MSW and PLA matrices. A small decrease in glass transition temperature (10%), and melting point (3%) was observed when increasing the percentage of MSW in PLA. Moreover, the visual transparency of MSW/PLA systems was intact when increasing the loading. The addition of 9% MSW results in a 700% enhancement in elongation at break than that of pristine PLA. The optimized sample (PLA with 5% MSW) showed a 26% improvement in the hydrophobicity of the PLA matrix. The barrier properties (55.6% in WVTR and 10% in oxygen transmission rate (OTR) were also improved by the presence of MSW. These are promising systems as a suitable material for biodegradable food packaging thermoplastic material.
Removal of an intracardiac sewing needle without inflow occlusion or cardiopulmonary bypass in a dog
Authors: Maggiar Adrien , Testault Isabelle , Billet Jean‐Philippe
Published: March 2022

A 3.5‐year‐old Australian shepherd dog referred for the exploration and management of an intrathoracic sewing needle. The animal had a history of cardiovascular collapse the previous day. On presentation, the dog was asymptomatic, bright, alert and responsive. Computed tomography scan and echocardiography confirmed the presence of a sewing needle in the heart, with moderate pericardial and bilateral pleural effusions. Using careful blind palpation of the heart after sternotomy, the sewing needle was pushed through the myocardium and retrieved without haemorrhage. Recovery was uneventful and the dog returned to full exercise. This case report describes the migration of a sewing needle into the heart from an unspecified origin, an atypical removal, and a good postoperative outcome in a 3.5‐year‐old Australian shepherd dog.
Machine intelligence for chemical reaction space
Authors: Schwaller Philippe , Vaucher Alain C. , Laplaza Ruben , Bunne Charlotte , Krause Andreas , Corminboeuf Clemence , Laino Teodoro
Published: March 2022

Discovering new reactions, optimizing their performance, and extending the synthetically accessible chemical space are critical drivers for major technological advances and more sustainable processes. The current wave of machine intelligence is revolutionizing all data‐rich disciplines. Machine intelligence has emerged as a potential game‐changer for chemical reaction space exploration and the synthesis of novel molecules and materials. Herein, we will address the recent development of data‐driven technologies for chemical reaction tasks, including forward reaction prediction, retrosynthesis, reaction optimization, catalysts design, inference of experimental procedures, and reaction classification. Accurate predictions of chemical reactivity are changing the R&D processes and, at the same time, promoting an accelerated discovery scheme both in academia and across chemical and pharmaceutical industries. This work will help to clarify the key contributions in the fields and the open challenges that remain to be addressed.

This article is categorized under:

Data Science > Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning

Data Science > Computer Algorithms and Programming

Data Science > Chemoinformatics
Does exposure to weather variability deter the use of productivity‐enhancing agricultural technology? Evidence from Ethiopia
Authors: Berha Andu Nesrey
Published: March 2022

This study examines how farm households' decision to use modern agricultural inputs is influenced by the weather variability using a household panel survey merged with long‐term historical weather data from Ethiopia. As a part of an effort to fill methodological gaps that are observed and anticipated in previous similar literature, this study employs a more flexible modeling approach under a multiagricultural technologies framework. Findings suggest that weather uncertainty reduces the probability and intensity of adoption of productivity‐enhancing inputs, including chemical fertilizer and improved seed. The average partial effect for rainfall variability indicates that each additional percent of coefficient of variation of precipitation decreases the fertilizer use per hectare by, on average, 2.5%, other factors being constant. Similarly, a 1% increase in rainfall variability is associated with on average 0.6% and 4.5% decrease in probability and extent of improved seed use, respectively. We also observe that abundance rainfall during the previous production period increases the use of yield‐enhancing inputs in the current growing season. On the other hand, we observe that variability in rainfall increases the probability of the adoption of loss‐reducing agricultural technology, such as irrigation. Findings also indicate that by deterring their incentive to invest in productivity‐enhancing agricultural inputs, weather risk could confine uninsured farming households in a low productivity‐low income trap. Results also highlight the importance of policy interventions aiming to improve the risk‐bearing capacity of smallholder farmers in encouraging investment in productivity‐enhancing technologies.
Efficacy of spotlights and thermal cameras to detect lions Panthera leo and spotted hyenas Crocuta crocuta depends on species and management regime
Authors: Mwampeta Stanslaus B. , Wilton Clay M. , Mkasanga Imani J. , Bled Florent , Masinde Lusato M. , Røskaft Eivin , Ranke Peter S. , Fyumagwa Robert , Belant Jerrold L.
Published: March 2022

Accurate abundance estimates can contribute to effective management of large carnivore populations. Lion Panthera leo and spotted hyena Crocuta crocuta populations are frequently estimated at night by eliciting their approach using broadcasted vocalizations. Spotlights are typically used to observe these species on approach but can disturb animals and adversely affect counts. We compared the efficacy of spotlight with red filters and forward looking infrared (FLIR) thermal monocular to enumerate lions and spotted hyenas in Serengeti National Park (SNP; non‐hunted area) and Maswa Game Reserve (MGR; hunted area), Tanzania, during 2015–2017. We established 119 call‐in sites in SNP and 20 in MGR and conducted repeated call‐ins at 1–2 week intervals. During call‐ins we conducted systematic paired counts using both devices. We assessed the influence of device order, species, hunting regime and land cover on species counts. We found that FLIR was more efficacious for counting hyenas in MGR and spotlight for counting lions in SNP. We found evidence for temporary artificial light disturbance in MGR, as counts were higher when FLIR was used as the second device. Habitat type within 200 m of call‐in sites did not influence device performances. Greater spotlight efficacy in SNP is a likely consequence of lower perceived risk and less anthropogenic disturbance compared to MGR. To improve accuracy of counts and subsequent population estimates for lions and spotted hyenas, we recommend consideration of variation in device efficacy, based on species surveyed and management regime.
Live capture and handling of Taiwanese leopard cats Prionailurus bengalensis: an evaluation of trap designs and capture protocol
Authors: van der Meer Esther , Dullemont Hans , Chen Wen‐Li , Chang Ai‐Mei , Chen Chen‐Chih , Pei Kurtis Jai‐Chyi , Lai Yu‐Ching
Published: March 2022

Behavioural and ecological studies often require capture and handling of animals for marking or collaring. Cage traps, in various designs, are commonly used for live‐capture of small mammals. Apart from costs and practicality, trap designs need to balance trap success and safety for the trapped animal. Inevitably, trapping and handling causes stress for the animals involved and can even result in injury or mortality. To optimise trap methods, it is important to share experiences. In this study, we describe our trapping and handling protocol for leopard cat, an elusive small felid which can be challenging to trap. We determine which factors influence trap success and compare three custom made cage trap designs: aviary‐, box‐ and side‐traps. We found that trap chance was affected by trap design, location and seasonality but, despite being causes of leopard cat mortality, not by human or domestic dog presence. The side‐trap provided the best tradeoff between trap success and safety, and was economic and easy to handle. Sacrificing live‐bait was unnecessary to successfully trap leopard cats. More male than female leopard cats visited the traps, resulting in a sex‐bias in trapped individuals. Due to a long response time, especially when continuous trap monitoring was absent, the time between leopard cat capture and release was > 10 h (mean ± SE = 16:18 ± 01:57 h). We therefore recommend to always use remote continuous monitoring devices when trapping animals. Although not related to drug dosage, recovery time was negatively related to the distance leopard cats moved after release, whereas total time between capture and release was not. To minimize exposure to human and domestic dog related threats, we released leopard cats after nightfall within their natural 18:00–06:00 h activity time, and only released individuals once fully responsive, which took > 4 h.
Influence of surface chemistry and morphology of nanoparticles on protein corona formation
Authors: Bilardo Roberta , Traldi Federico , Vdovchenko Alena , Resmini Marina
Published: March 2022

Nanomaterials offer promising solutions as drug delivery systems and imaging agents in response to the demand for better therapeutics and diagnostics. However, the limited understanding of the interaction between nanoparticles and biological entities is currently hampering the development of new systems and their applications in clinical settings. Proteins and lipids in biological fluids are known to complex with nanoparticles to form a “biomolecular corona”. This has been shown to affect particles' morphology and behavior in biological systems and their interactions with cells. Hence, understanding how nanomaterials' physicochemical properties affect the formation and composition of this biocorona is a crucial step. This work evaluates existing literature on how morphology (size and shape), and surface chemistry (charge and hydrophobicity) of nanoparticles influence the formation of protein corona. The latest evidence suggest that although surface charge promotes the interaction with proteins and lipids, surface chemistry plays a leading role in determining the affinity of the nanoparticle for biomolecules and, ultimately, the composition of the corona. More recently the study of additional nanoparticles' properties like shape and surface chirality have demonstrated a significant effect on protein corona architecture, providing new tools to tailor biomolecular corona formation.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials
4d S-duality wall and SL(2, ℤ) relations
Authors: Bottini Lea E. , Hwang Chiung , Pasquetti Sara , Sacchi Matteo
Published: March 2022

Abstract

In this paper we present various 4d$$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 dualities involving theories obtained by gluing two E[USp(2N)] blocks via the gauging of a common USp(2N) symmetry with the addition of 2L fundamental matter chiral fields. For L = 0 in particular the theory has a quantum deformed moduli space with chiral symmetry breaking and its index takes the form of a delta-function. We interpret it as the Identity wall which identifies the two surviving USp(2N) of each E[USp(2N)] block. All the dualities are derived from iterative applications of the Intriligator-Pouliot duality. This plays for us the role of the fundamental duality, from which we derive all others. We then focus on the 3d version of our 4d dualities, which now involve the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 T[SU(N)] quiver theory that is known to correspond to the 3d S-wall. We show how these 3d dualities correspond to the relations S2 = −1, S−1S = 1 and STS = T−1S−1T−1 for the S and T generators of SL(2, ℤ). These observations lead us to conjecture that E[USp(2N)] can also be interpreted as a 4d S-wall.
Global time evolution of concentrated vortex rings
Authors: Buttà Paolo , Cavallaro Guido , Marchioro Carlo
Published: March 2022

We study the time evolution of an incompressible fluid with axial symmetry without swirl, assuming initial data such that the initial vorticity is very concentrated inside N small disjoint rings of thickness $$\varepsilon $$
ε
and vorticity mass of the order of $$|\log \varepsilon |^{ -1}$$

|
log
ε
|

-
1

. When $$\varepsilon \rightarrow 0$$

ε
→
0

, we show that the motion of each vortex ring converges to a simple translation with constant speed (depending on the single ring) along the symmetry axis. We obtain a sharp localization of the vorticity support at time t in the radial direction, whereas we state only a concentration property in the axial direction. This is obtained for arbitrary (but fixed) intervals of time. This study is the completion of a previous paper [5], where a sharp localization of the vorticity support was obtained both along the radial and axial directions, but the convergence for $$\varepsilon \rightarrow 0$$

ε
→
0

worked only for short times.
Pott-Puffy-Tumor: die Notwendigkeit einer interdisziplinären Diagnostik und Behandlung
Authors: Kühn Jan Philipp , Linsler Stefan , Nourkami-Tutdibi Nasenien , Meyer Sascha , Becker Sören L. , Yilmaz Umut , Schick Bernhard , Bozzato Alessandro , Kulas Philipp
Published: March 2022

Der Pott-Puffy-Tumor (PPT) stellt als bakterielle Infektion des Sinus frontalis mit subperiostaler und intrakranieller Abszessbildung eine seltene Erkrankung in der Pädiatrie dar. Nachfolgend präsentieren wir vier Fälle eines PPT, die bei zwei Kindern (6 und 9 Jahre) und bei zwei jungen Erwachsenen (17 und 19 Jahre) auftraten. Alle Patienten wurden interdisziplinär von einem Team aus Neurochirurgie, Pädiatrie, HNO-Heilkunde, Neuroradiologie und Mikrobiologie betreut. Die Antibiotikabehandlung wurde in einem Fall mit einer endoskopischen Nasennebenhöhlenoperation (FESS) und in den anderen drei Fällen zusätzlich mit einem offenen transkraniellen Zugang zur Drainage der intrakraniellen Abszessbildung kombiniert. Da der PPT im Kindesalter mit dem Befund einer intrakraniellen Abszessbildung einhergehen kann, ist eine enge interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit für eine erfolgreiche Behandlung dieser seltenen Erkrankung erforderlich.
Systematische Identifizierung energieeffizienter Antriebskonfigurationen in Elektrofahrzeugen
Authors: Yuan Shaohui , Hofmann Wilfried
Published: March 2022

In der Projektierungsphase eines Elektrofahrzeugs entstehen optimale Antriebskonfigurationen erst durch die gezielte Kombination der einzelnen Antriebskomponenten. Um technisch vorteilhafte Auslegungszusammenhänge zu erkennen, ist eine systematische Untersuchung der Auslegungsfreiheitsgrade erforderlich. Diese Freiheitsgrade ergeben sich v. a. aus der Wahl der Auslegungsparameter, der Komponententypen und der Antriebstopologien. In diesem Artikel wird gezeigt, wie bereits in einer frühen Entwicklungsphase energieeffiziente Antriebskonfigurationen für Elektrofahrzeuge durch analytische Methoden identifiziert werden. Diese Methoden basieren grundsätzlich auf physikalischen Modellen und frei zugänglichen Datenblattangaben der Komponenten, die v. a. Energiespeicher, Wechselrichter, Elektromotor und Getriebe umfassen. Mithilfe dieser Methoden lässt sich der energetische Vergleich der zahlreichen Antriebskonfigurationen ohne großen Zeitaufwand durchführen. Die Ergebnisse führen schließlich zu einem informativen Auswahldiagramm, mit welchem aussagekräftige Prognosen zu den energieeffizienten Konfigurationen für beliebige Fahrprofile getroffen werden.
Stability of the H-cluster under whole-cell conditions—formation of an Htrans-like state and its reactivity towards oxygen
Authors: Lorenzi Marco , Ceccaldi Pierre , Rodríguez-Maciá Patricia , Redman Holly Jayne , Zamader Afridi , Birrell James A. , Mészáros Livia S. , Berggren Gustav
Published: March 2022

Hydrogenases are metalloenzymes that catalyze the reversible oxidation of molecular hydrogen into protons and electrons. For this purpose, [FeFe]-hydrogenases utilize a hexanuclear iron cofactor, the H-cluster. This biologically unique cofactor provides the enzyme with outstanding catalytic activities, but it is also highly oxygen sensitive. Under in vitro conditions, oxygen stable forms of the H-cluster denoted Htrans and Hinact can be generated via treatment with sulfide under oxidizing conditions. Herein, we show that an Htrans-like species forms spontaneously under intracellular conditions on a time scale of hours, concurrent with the cells ceasing H2 production. Addition of cysteine or sulfide during the maturation promotes the formation of this H-cluster state. Moreover, it is found that formation of the observed Htrans-like species is influenced by both steric factors and proton transfer, underscoring the importance of outer coordination sphere effects on H-cluster reactivity.

Graphical abstract
Salicylic Acid as a Tolerance Inducer of Drought Stress on Sunflower Grown in Sandy Soil
Authors: El–Bially Mohamed E. , Saudy Hani S. , Hashem Fadl A. , El–Gabry Yasser A. , Shahin Mostafa G.
Published: March 2022

Agricultural water rationalization expressed in irrigating the plants below their requirements became a significant strategy in crop water management. However, reduction in crop productivity under low water supply is realized. Therefore, the current study aimed to diminish sunflower yield losses associated with deficit irrigation using salicylic acid (SA). During two seasons of 2019 and 2020 at El Nubaria region, El Behaira Governorate, Egypt, combinations of three irrigation regimes (100, 85 and 70% of crop evapotranspiration, denoted WR100%, WR85%, and WR70%, respectively), and three levels of SA (0.0, 0.5, and 1 mM. abbreviated as SA0.0, SA0.5, and SA1.0, respectively) on sunflower plants performance were evaluated. Treatments were arranged in a strip–plot design with three replicates. Findings revealed that treated sunflower plants with WR100% × SA1.0 contained the highest amounts of total chlorophyll and carotenoids as well as the lowest proline content. Seed yield of WR100% × SA1.0 treatment was higher than that of WR70% × SA0.0 by 109.7% in the first season and 125.9% in the second one. As averages of the two seasons, SA0.5 and SA1.0 lowered the reductions in seed yield from 21.0% to 15.8 and 14.4% as well as 46.2% to 40.8 and 40.1% under WR85% and WR70%, respectively, compared to the farmer common practice (WR100% × SA0.0). WR100% × SA1.0 for iodine value as well as WR100% × SA1.0 and WR100% × SA0.5 for seed oil % were recorded the highest. Application of WR100% × SA1.0 and WR100% × SA0.5 were the effective combinations for ameliorating water use efficiency. In conclusion, involving salicylic acid in irrigation programs of sunflower became a decisive action to save water and alleviate the yield losses resulting from drought stress.
Robotic Handle Prototypes for Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery: Pre-clinical Randomised Controlled Trial of Performance and Ergonomics
Authors: Dimitrakakis Emmanouil , Aylmore Holly , Lindenroth Lukas , Dwyer George , Carmichael Joshua , Khan Danyal Z. , Dorward Neil L. , Marcus Hani J. , Stoyanov Danail
Published: March 2022

Endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery is a promising alternative to transcranial approaches. However, standard instruments lack articulation, and thus, could benefit from robotic technologies. The aim of this study was to develop an ergonomic handle for a handheld robotic instrument intended to enhance this procedure. Two different prototypes were developed based on ergonomic guidelines within the literature. The first is a forearm-mounted handle that maps the surgeon’s wrist degrees-of-freedom to that of the robotic end-effector; the second is a joystick-and-trigger handle with a rotating body that places the joystick to the position most comfortable for the surgeon. These handles were incorporated into a custom-designed surgical virtual simulator and were assessed for their performance and ergonomics when compared with a standard neurosurgical grasper. The virtual task was performed by nine novices with all three devices as part of a randomised crossover user-study. Their performance and ergonomics were evaluated both subjectively by themselves and objectively by a validated observational checklist. Both handles outperformed the standard instrument with the rotating joystick-body handle offering the most substantial improvement in terms of balance between performance and ergonomics. Thus, it is deemed the more suitable device to drive instrumentation for endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery.
Emergence of the Fused Spacetime from a Continuum Computing Construct of Reality
Authors: Muir Heather A.
Published: March 2022

Since the emergence of computing as a mode of investigation in the sciences, computational approaches have revolutionised many fields of inquiry. Recently in philosophy, the question has begun rendering bit by bit—could computation be considered a deeper fundamental building block toallof reality? This paper proposes a continuum computing construct, predicated on a set of core computational principles: computability, discretisation, stability and optimisation. The construct is applied to the set of most fundamental physical laws, in the form of non-relativistic conservation equations which underpin our governing physics. The discretisation approach divides all of space into a mesh of discrete computational cells, and evolution of data in those cells must obey pre-defined stability conditions from established continuum computing theory, namely, the Courant–Friedrichs–Lewy condition. Evolving cell-state data in a manner which logically optimises computational efficiency, combined with the defined stability condition, the construct derives a central coupling of space, time, and the fastest speed of information propagation. This coupling formed at the lowest level by the computing construct, naturally and inherently produces aspects of special relativity and general relativity at the macroscale. This paper therefore proposes a new explanation ofwhythe nature of space and time may be fused, and explores simple emergent congruities with relativity. The theory invites us to reverse the philosophical premise of the original Simulation Argument. This argument currently leads us to consider: how might all of the observed physics of our reality be reproduced computationally in a simulation of our existence? This work asks instead: could foundations of the physics of our universe—namely spacetime coupling—emerge inherently, and necessarily,fromfundamental principles of computation?
Eppur si muove: an evaluation of museum policy reform in Italy
Authors: Alfano Maria Rosaria , Baraldi Anna Laura , Cantabene Claudia
Published: March 2022

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a novel cultural policy to recover the valorization function of Italian state museums by increasing managerial autonomy. The policy is part of the Franceschini reform, introduced in 2014, that concerns the governance of cultural institutions and was justified by the severe budget constraints resulting from economic crisis and a spending review. Given the staggered implementation of the reform across 32 museums that obtained special autonomy, we apply a difference-in-differences strategy that allows to properly investigate the causal effect of the policy reform on museums’ outcome measures of exhibition function, as visitors and revenue from admissions. Our findings robustly support the effectiveness of the cultural policy reform in terms these outcomes. Although we provide some suggestive evidence of the efficacy of museums’ management (through a number of communication and supplementary services), this study suffers of the limitations due to the lack of more appropriate measures on how successful changes in management have been. However, results aim to offer policy recommendations in favor of greater managerial and financial autonomy of state museums that, while preserving their conservation function, can promote the widespread utilization of collections ensuring museums’ greater sustainability.
Simple Models in Complex Worlds: Occam’s Razor and Statistical Learning Theory
Authors: Bargagli Stoffi Falco J. , Cevolani Gustavo , Gnecco Giorgio
Published: March 2022

The idea that “simplicity is a sign of truth”, and the related “Occam’s razor” principle, stating that, all other things being equal, simpler models should be preferred to more complex ones, have been long discussed in philosophy and science. We explore these ideas in the context of supervised machine learning, namely the branch of artificial intelligence that studies algorithms which balance simplicity and accuracy in order to effectively learn about the features of the underlying domain. Focusing on statistical learning theory, we show that situations exist for which a preference for simpler models (as modeled through the addition of a regularization term in the learning problem) provably slows down, instead of favoring, the supervised learning process. Our results shed new light on the relations between simplicity and truth approximation, which are briefly discussed in the context of both machine learning and the philosophy of science.
A hybrid GA and PSO optimized approach for heart-disease prediction based on random forest
Authors: El-Shafiey Mohamed G. , Hagag Ahmed , El-Dahshan El-Sayed A. , Ismail Manal A.
Published: March 2022

Nowadays, heart diseases are significantly contributing to deaths all over the world. Thus, heart-disease prediction has garnered considerable attention in the medical domain globally. Accordingly, machine-learning algorithms for the early prediction of heart diseases were developed in several studies to help physicians design medical procedures. In this study, a hybrid genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) optimized approach based on random forest (RF), called GAPSO-RF, is developed and used to select the optimal features that can increase the accuracy of heart-disease prediction. The proposed GAPSO-RF implements multivariate statistical analysis in the first step to select the most significant features used in the initial population. After that, a discriminate mutation strategy is implemented in GA. GAPSO-RF combines a modified GA for global search and a PSO for local search. Moreover, PSO achieved the concept of rehabbing individuals that had been refused in the selection process. The performance of the proposed GAPSO-RF approach is validated via evaluation metrics, namely, accuracy, specificity, sensitivity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve by using two datasets from the University of California, namely, Cleveland and Statlog. The experimental results confirm that the GAPSO-RF approach attained the high heart-disease-prediction accuracies of 95.6% and 91.4% on the Cleveland and Statlog datasets, respectively. Furthermore, the proposed approach outperformed other state-of-the-art prediction methods.
The Effects of Pulse Shape on the Selectivity and Production Rate in Non-oxidative Coupling of Methane by a Micro-DBD Reactor
Authors: Pourali Nima , Hessel Volker , Rebrov Evgeny V.
Published: March 2022

The conversion of methane to ethylene has been investigated in a micro-DBD reactor with electrodes containing charge injector parts and excited with a negatively nano-second pulse voltage superimposed on a positive dc voltage. The effect of changing the characteristics of pulsed voltage such as pulse rise time (5–7 ns), total pulse width (12–14 ns), and pulse fall time (5–7 ns) on generation rate and products selectivity of the methane plasma has been studied. The kinetic model includes twenty species (electron, ions, radicals, and neutrals). The results showed that change in input pulse shape changes the generation rate and selectivity of neutral products. The rate of voltage change during pulse on-time significantly changed the instant C2H4 selectivity. With increasing the pulse rise and fall times the ethylene selectivity decreases, while the hydrogen selectivity increases. Results also showed that the electron reactions are dominant conversion channels during pulse on-time, while they had lower contributions in conversion progress during pulse off-time and the conversion process during this period is mainly governed by the radical reactions.
New complementary perspectives for inpatient physical function assessment: matched clinician-report and patient-report short form measures from the PROMIS adult physical function item bank
Authors: Kallen Michael A. , Brown Heather E. , Hatton Joeffrey R. , Doyle William A. , Murphy Ryan , Elliott Ryan , Gutierrez Mark A. , Catherwood Emma L. , Pitman Heather P. , Liu Vincent X. , Gershon Richard C.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

To develop two item content-matched, precise, score-level targeted inpatient physical function (PF) short form (SF) measures: one clinician-reported, one patient-reported. Items were derived from PROMIS PF bank content; scores are reported on the PROMIS PF T-score metric.

Methods

The PROMIS PF item bank was reviewed for content measuring lower-level PF status (T-scores 10–50) with high item set score-level reliability (≥ 0.90). Selected patient-reported (PR) items were also edited to function as clinician-reported (CR) items. Items were reviewed by clinicians and field tested; responses were assessed for meeting PROMIS measure development standards. New CR and PR items were calibrated using patient responses to the original PROMIS PF items as anchoring data. SFs were constructed, based on content and precision.

Results

Nine PROMIS PF items were candidates for CR and PR inpatient PF assessment; three new items were written to extend content coverage. An inpatient sample (N = 515; 55.1% female; mean age = 66.2 years) completed 12 PR items and was assessed by physical therapists (using 12 CR items). Analyses indicated item sets met expected measure development standards. Twelve new CR and three new PR items were linked to the PROMIS PF metric (raw score r = 0.73 and 0.90, respectively). A 5-item CR SF measure was constructed; score-level reliabilities were ≥ 0.90 for T-scores 13–45. A 5-item PR SF measure was assembled, mirroring CR SF content.

Conclusions

Two item content-matched SFs have been developed for clinician and patient reporting and are an effective, efficient means of assessing inpatient PF and offer complementary perspectives.
Effect of Ti Content on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Mg-Sn Alloys Produced by Casting and Hot Extrusion
Authors: Bovand D. , Abdollah-Pour H. , Mirzaee O. , Bagherifard S.
Published: March 2022

Magnesium (Mg) alloys have received significant attention in various fields of applications due to their low density, high specific strength, good machinability, and damping properties. In this study, Mg95-xSn5Tix(x = 0, 0.15, 0.75, 1.5 wt.%) alloys were produced through casting and hot extrusion; the effect of Ti content was investigated on microstructure and mechanical properties using microscopical analysis, x-ray diffraction, tensile, compaction, and Vickers hardness tests. The obtained results indicated that the presence of Ti leads to sensible grain refinement and a decrease in dendrite arm spacing (DAS). Ti content of 0.15 wt.% caused a fine and homogenous distribution of Mg2Sn phases. The results showed with an increase in Ti content up to 0.75 wt.%, the lotgering factor (LF) of (002) plane decreased, indicating reduced texturing. The sample with 0.75 wt.% showed the greatest ultimate tensile strength (296 ± 6 MPa), and the sample with 1.5 wt.% Ti resulted in the highest ultimate compression strength (479 ± 13 MPa).
Een cohortvergelijking van eetgedrag, leefstijl en sociaal-emotionele gezondheid bij jongeren vóór en tijdens de coronacrisis
Authors: van den Broek Nina , Verhagen Maaike , Larsen Junilla , Vink Jacqueline
Published: March 2022

Samenvatting

De coronacrisis kan beschouwd worden als een ‘natuurlijk experiment’ waarin de sociale context aanzienlijk is veranderd. Het is nog grotendeels onbekend hoe jongeren daarop reageren en welke gedragingen veranderen. We hebben een cohortvergelijking gemaakt van derdeklassers (N = 177, Mleeftijd = 15,00) van de middelbare school vóór de coronacrisis (voorjaar 2019) met een qua demografische kenmerken vergelijkbare groep derdeklassers (N = 188, Mleeftijd = 14,95) tijdens de eerste lockdown (voorjaar 2020). We vergeleken de domeinen eetgedrag, leefstijl en sociaal-emotionele gezondheid tussen beide cohorten en keken naar de samenhang binnen en tussen domeinen voor beide cohorten. De consumptie van zoete snacks thuis, alcoholgebruik en eenzaamheid waren in het coronacohort hoger dan vóór de coronacrisis (niet significant na correctie). De consumptie van fruit thuis, van suikerhoudende dranken en ongezonde snacks buitenshuis, en matige en zware fysieke activiteit kwamen minder voor tijdens de lockdown. Relatietevredenheid met ouders, geluksgevoel en stress door school waren lager vergeleken met het cohort vóór de lockdown. Roken, stress thuis en relatietevredenheid met beste vriend(in) waren in beide cohorten even hoog. Het patroon van samenhang binnen en tussen de domeinen verschilde. Verder onderzoek moet uitwijzen hoe veerkrachtig jongeren op de langere termijn zijn en welke jongeren ondersteuning nodig hebben om terug te veren.
Cognitive and Motivational Person Characteristics as Predictors of Diagnostic Performance: Combined Effects on Pre-Service Teachers’ Diagnostic Task Selection and Accuracy
Authors: Kron Stephanie , Sommerhoff Daniel , Achtner Maike , Stürmer Kathleen , Wecker Christof , Siebeck Matthias , Ufer Stefan
Published: March 2022

The acquisition of diagnostic competences is an essential goal of teacher education. Thus, evidence on how learning environments facilitate pre-service teachers’ acquisition of corresponding competences is important. In teacher education, approximations of practice (such as simulations) are discussed as being learning environments that can support learners in activating acquired knowledge in authentic situations. Simulated diagnostic interviews are recommended to foster teachers’ diagnostic competences.

The conceptualization of diagnostic competences highlights the importance of cognitive and motivational characteristics. Motivational learning theories predict that the activation of acquired knowledge in learning situations may be influenced by motivational characteristics such as individual interest. Although teachers’ diagnostic competences constitute an increasing research focus, how cognitive and motivational characteristics interact when shaping the diagnostic process and accuracy in authentic learning situations remains an open question.

To address this question, we report on data from 126 simulated diagnostic one-on-one interviews conducted by 63 pre-service secondary school mathematics teachers (students simulated by research assistants), studying the combined effects of interest and professional knowledge on the diagnostic process and accuracy. In addition to the main effect of content knowledge, interaction effects indicate that participants’ interest plays the role of a “door-opener” for the activation of knowledge during simulation-based learning. Thus, the results highlight the importance of both, cognitive and motivational characteristics. This implies that simulation-based learning environments should be designed to arouse participants’ interest to support their learning or to support less interested learners in activating relevant knowledge.