bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One‐Step Construction of a Perovskite/TiO2 Heterojunction toward Highly Stable Inverted All‐Layer‐Inorganic CsPbI2Br Perovskite Solar Cells with 17.1% Efficiency
Authors: Pu Xingyu , Cao Qi , Su Jie , Yang Jiabao , Wang Tong , Zhang Yixin , Chen Hui , He Xilai , Chen Xingyuan , Li Xuanhua
Published: August 2023

All‐layer‐inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are prized for their remarkable thermal stability and low cost. However, “imperfect contact” at the perovskite heterojunction hinders charge transport and causes photochemical deterioration, restricting photovoltaic performance, and operational stability. Herein, an efficient perovskite/TiO2 heterojunction is constructed, produced by adding TiO2 to an antisolvent to concurrently form a CsPbI2Br perovskite layer and a top TiO2 electron transport layer in one step, which significantly improves the interfacial contact and thus facilitates charge transport at the heterojunction. The resultant inverted all‐layer‐inorganic PSCs exhibit a superior efficiency of 17.1%. Moreover, given the high‐quality perovskite/TiO2 heterojunction and low interface defects, the encapsulated PSCs retain 91% or 92% of their initial efficiency for 1000 h under maximum power point tracking or damp‐heat conditions (85 °C and 85% relative humidity), respectively. Surprisingly, the unencapsulated PSCs maintain an initial efficiency of 86% during aging, even at 200 °C for 200 h.
Assessing color cues of development, breeding status and reproductive condition in captive golden lion tamarins (Leontopithecus rosalia)
Authors: Moreira Lais A. A. , Merrigan‐Johnson Carrie , Fetherstonhaugh Laura , Parr Nigel A. , Higham James P. , Melin Amanda D.
Published: August 2023

Color signals play an important role in intraspecific communication and are well studied in catarrhine primates, which exhibit uniform trichromatic vision that is well suited to detecting such signals. Platyrrhine primates exhibit polymorphic color vision with different individuals possessing different color vision types in most species. Intriguingly, some platyrrhine species exhibit bare faces, which are convergent with those of catarrhines. However, putative functions of bare‐faced color signals in platyrrhines remain largely unexplored. We measured facial skin color of five captive golden lion tamarins (Leontopithecus rosalia) using color‐calibrated digital photography and modeled these colors to the visual systems of the species. Our results show that facial coloration is different between infant and older adults and varies across reproductive condition, but not between breeding and nonbreeding adults. While preliminary, our study suggests that facial coloration may be involved in sociosexual signaling in golden lion tamarins, and provides intriguing evidence that we hope might stimulate more studies of bare‐faced signaling in platyrrhines.
“Dual‐Key‐and‐Lock” NIR‐II NSCyanines Enable High‐Contrast Activatable Phototheranostics in Extrahepatic Diseases
Authors: Tian Yang , Chen Zhaoming , Liu Senyao , Wu Fapu , Cao Wenwen , Pang Dai‐Wen , Xiong Hu
Published: August 2023

Conventional cyanine dyes with a symmetric structure are “always‐on”, which can easily accumulate in the liver and display high liver background fluorescence, inevitably interfering the accurate diagnosis and therapy in extrahepatic diseases. We herein report a platform of NIR‐II non‐symmetric cyanine (NSCyanine) dyes by harnessing a non‐symmetric strategy, which are extremely sensitive to pH/viscosity and can be activated via a “dual‐key‐and‐lock” strategy. These NSCyanine dyes with a low pKa (<4.0) only show weak fluorescence at lysosome pH (key1), however, the fluorescence can be completely switched on and significantly enhanced by intracellular viscosity (key2) in disease tissues, exhibiting high target‐to‐liver ratios up to 19.5/1. Notably, high‐contrast phototheranostics in extrahepatic diseases are achieved, including intestinal metastasis‐imaging, acute gastritis‐imaging, bacteria infected wound healing, and tumor ablation via targeted combined photothermal therapy and chemotherapy.
Clinical efficacy and safety of adjuvant EGFR‐TKIs for resected stage IB lung adenocarcinoma: A real‐world study based on propensity score matching
Authors: Shen Leilei , Guo Juntang , Zhang Weidong , Zhang Lianbin , Liu Xi , Wang Tao , Zhang Tao , Liang Chaoyang , Liu Yang
Published: August 2023

Background

Adjuvant therapy for stage IB non‐small cell lung cancer remains debatable. In this real‐world study, we evaluate the efficacy and safety of adjuvant epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR‐TKIs) for resected stage IB lung adenocarcinoma.

Methods

This real‐world study recruited 249 patients diagnosed with stage IB disease after surgical resection between January 2013 and September 2021. Sixty‐six (26.5%) patients received adjuvant targeted therapy (TKIs group), and 183 (73.5%) were enrolled in the clinical observation (CO) group. Propensity scores were matched to minimize the observed confounder effects between the two groups, and 59 patient pairs were matched. The primary endpoint was disease‐free survival (DFS).

Results

In the TKI group, 38 (64.4%) patients chose to receive icotinib, 27.1% (16/59) received gefitinib, and 5 patients (8.5%) chose osimertinib. The median follow‐up time was 30.8 months (range: 7–107 months). Two (3.4%) patients in the TKI group and 10 (16.9%) in the CO group experienced disease relapse. The 3‐year DFS rates were 98.3% in the TKI group and 83.0% in the CO group (HR: 0.10; 95% CI: 0.01–0.78; p = 0.008). DFS differences were found in the entire cohort (p = 0.005) and the matched cohort (p = 0.024) between the two groups. Multivariate analysis showed that adjuvant EGFR‐TKIs was an independent factor for DFS (HR: 0.211; 95% CI: 0.045–0.979; p = 0.047), along with poor cell differentiation (HR: 5.256; 95% CI: 1.648–16.769; p = 0.005), and spread through air spaces (HR: 5.612; 95% CI: 1.137–27.700; p = 0.034). None of the patients discontinued EGFR‐TKIs owing to the low occurrence rate of treatment‐related serious adverse events.

Conclusion

Adjuvant EGFR‐TKIs could significantly improve DFS among patients with stage IB lung adenocarcinoma compared with CO, with a safe and tolerable profile.
Opportunities and inherent limits of using environmental DNA for population genetics
Authors: Couton Marjorie , Viard Frédérique , Altermatt Florian
Published: August 2023

Molecular techniques using DNA retrieved from community or environmental samples, in particular environmental DNA (eDNA), are becoming increasingly popular for detecting individual species, assessing biodiversity, and quantifying ecological indices. More recently, eDNA has also been proposed as a template for population genetics, and several studies have already tested the feasibility of this approach, mostly looking at vertebrate species. Their results along with general opportunities offered by these types of “community‐based” samples, such as the possibility to target multiple species at the same time, have generated great enthusiasm and expectations for using eDNA in population genetics. However, not every aspect of population genetics can be addressed by eDNA‐based data and some inherent limitations may challenge its conclusions. Here, we firstly review the state of current knowledge of DNA retrieved from environmental and community samples for population genetics. Then, focusing on eDNA, we summarize the opportunities but also detail four main limitations of its use for population‐level inferences, namely, (1) the difficulty to retrieve a species‐specific dataset, (2) the potential lack of correlation between observed and true allelic frequencies, (3) the loss of individual information in multi‐locus genotyping and linkage between loci, and (4) the uncertainty about the individuals contributing to the sampled DNA pool (e.g., number, life‐stage, or sex). Some of these limitations might be overcome with the development of new technologies or models that account for the specificities of eDNA. Others, however, are inherent, and their effect on the inferences must be thoroughly evaluated. The possibility of gaining insights into genetic diversity and population structure from DNA retrieved from community and environmental samples is appealing for scientists, conservation managers, and other practitioners. Yet, to avoid false expectations and incorrect inferences, it is imperative that these limitations are known and considered alongside the opportunities and advantages.
Decongestion strategies in patients presenting with acutely decompensated heart failure: A worldwide survey among physicians
Authors: Vazir Ali , Kapelios Chris J. , Agaoglu Elif , Metra Marco , Lopatin Yury , Seferovic Petar , Mullens Wilfred , Filippatos Gerasimos , Rosano Giuseppe , Coats Andrew J.S. , Chioncel Ovidiu
Published: August 2023

Aims

Decongestion strategies for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) characterized by volume overload differ widely. The aim of this independent international academic web‐based survey was to capture the therapeutic strategies that physicians use to treat ADHF and to assess differences in therapeutic approaches between cardiologists versus non‐cardiologists.

Methods and results

Physicians were invited to complete a web‐based questionnaire, capturing anonymized data on physicians' characteristics and treatment preferences based on a hypothetical clinical scenario of a patient hospitalized with ADHF. A total of 641 physicians from 60 countries participated. A wide variation in the management of the patient was observed. There was conservative use of diuretics, i.e. only 7% started intravenous furosemide at a dose ≥2 times the baseline oral dose, and infrequent use of ultrasound in assessing congestion (20.4%). Spot urinary sodium was infrequently or never measured by ≥85% of physicians. A third considered a patient with ongoing oedema as being stabilized. There were significant differences between cardiologists and non‐cardiologists in the management of ADHF, the targets for daily body weight loss and urine output, diuretic escalation strategies (66.3% vs. 40.7% would escalate diuresis by adding a thiazide) and assessment of response to treatment (27.0% vs. 52.9% considered patients with minimal congestion as stabilized).

Conclusions

There is substantial variability amongst physicians and between cardiologists and non‐cardiologists in the management of patients with ADHF, with regard to clinical parameters used to tailor treatment, treatment goals, diuretic dosing and escalation strategies.
When in doubt, return to fundamentals (seizure semiology)
Authors: Nordli Douglas R. , Beier Alexandra D. , Galan Fernando N.
Published: August 2023

This case of drug resistant focal epilepsy highlights several invaluable teaching points. Hypotheses grounded in seizure semiology provide the best framework to ensure accurate interpretation of diagnostic testing. Without a hypothesis, information gathered from tests can be difficult to linearly piece together and can lead to poor patient outcomes. The case also provides a real‐world conundrum of discordant test results that were ultimately rectified by re‐visiting the initial hypothesis and cross‐testing. Perinatal stroke continues to be a common etiology of drug resistant epilepsy. Patients can achieve seizure freedom and good quality of life with appropriate workup and in appropriate cases, surgery.
Glycemic index, glycemic load, dietary inflammatory index, and risk of infertility in women
Authors: Aghaei Behnaz , Moradi Fardin , Soleimani Davood , Moradinazar Mehdi , Khosravy Tina , Samadi Mehnoosh
Published: August 2023

The dietary glycemic load (GL) indicates the quantity and quality of carbohydrates, which can affect ovulation and fertility by controlling insulin sensitivity. Also, past studies confirm the role of the dietary inflammatory index (DII) in many diseases, including metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disorders, so it may be related to reproductive health. This case–control study aims to study the association between glycemic index (GI), GL, and DII with infertility in women. This study was conducted on 300 infertile women in the case group and 300 fertile women in the control group in Kermanshah, Iran. Food intake was evaluated using FFQ, and using NUTRITIONIST IV software programs, GI and GL values were determined. DII was computed as well using FFQ data. Physical activity was assessed using IPAQ‐SF. The association between GI, GL, and DII with infertility was evaluated using a logistic regression test, using STATA version 14 software. The results showed that the DII, GI, and GL were higher in the case group compared to the control group ([p = .009], [p = .0001], and [p = .0007], respectively). The increase in GI, GL, and DII caused an increase in infertility factors, and consequently enhanced chance of infertility ((adjusted odd ratio [OR] 2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16, 3.45), (OR 3.68; 95% CI, 1.99, 6.82), and (OR 1.7; 95% CI, 0.97, 2.95), respectively). The present study indicated that the chance of infertility is higher in women who follow a diet with high GI, GL, and DII. Therefore, a positive association may be present between GI, GL, and DII with infertility.
Comparative study of conventional frying and air frying on the quality of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.)
Authors: Coria‐Hernández Jonathan , Arjona‐Román José Luis , Meléndez‐Pérez Rosalía
Published: August 2023

The human being has historically consumed fried foods for centuries; however, conventional frying has a disadvantage, immersion in vegetable and/or animal oils, which leads to the search for different options. This is why air frying is a good alternative, which still has a wide field of study. In this work, frozen French fries of a brand marketed in Mexico that were subjected to frying in canola oil and air frying were compared. They were evaluated through the change in the removed moisture content, water activity, color profile, hardness, fracturability, and surface damage by SEM, thermal analysis by MDSC, and chemical by FTIR‐ATR spectroscopy. Air‐fried French fries were found to contain about 48% less moisture, fewer perceptible color changes, and less surface damage translated into better crunchiness compared with conventionally fried. It was also found that the changes at the chemical level are smaller, mainly attributed to the absence of canola oil and that the thermal transitions are more stable in terms of temperatures and enthalpies, which makes it possible to emphasize that air frying is a good alternative for developing new fried products that allow expanding the variety of these in the market without sacrificing some quality attributes.
The Mountain Valley Provision—Impacts and Implications for the Market and the Future
Authors: Smead Richard G.
Published: August 2023

The political theater that recently played out related to the US debt ceiling may have illustrated the chaos that polarization has brought to Washington, but it showed one other thing as well: even when it does not have much to do with the matter at hand—as in defaulting on the national debt—there's actually an appetite for federal permitting reform on both sides of the aisle. The Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) addressed some immediate priorities relating to infrastructure— including changes to the review process under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). But then, surprising many in the natural gas industry, as well as many of the industry's critics, the FRA actually ordered the regulatory permitting of the long‐delayed, controversial Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP). For over five years, MVP has been in various stages of regulatory limbo, having received a certificate from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) years ago but continually failing to secure the other federal permits necessary for completion. That failure was generally not the result of actions of the agencies involved, but rather of successful efforts by project opponents to gain appellate court reversals of the agency actions approving the pipeline. The MVP saga has proven that even an “act of congress” does not necessarily end the drama. Well after the passage of the FRA, the Fourth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, which had been the dominant forum for most of the previous stoppages, issued a stay of the construction under a U.S. Forest Service permit that MVP had already received. The outcome of that action is unknown at the time of publication, but presages the ongoing legal arm‐wrestling that will likely surround the FRA provision and the project.
Brain tumor image segmentation based on prior knowledge via transformer
Authors: Li Qiang , Liu Hengxin , Nie Weizhi , Wu Ting
Published: August 2023

Many researchers use AI to improve the accuracy of early diagnostic techniques. However, as a result of the tumor's uneven shape, fuzzy borders and too few data, existing tumor segmentation methods do not propose accurate segmentation results. We innovative introduces the prior knowledge learned to filter the noise information and guide the final network to generate a more accurate segmentation model. First, we introduce a classification network with an attention block to highlight the potential location of the brain tumor and also obtain the rough diagnosis result as the prior knowledge. Second, we provide a novel image fusion network consisting of a transformer with cross attention to merge tumor localization information with brain MRI images. Third, we propose a novel multilayer transformer experience information fusion network to combine the classic U‐Net network to handle the guiding of prior knowledge. The higher performance of the suggested method is demonstrated by comparison with contemporary methods.
Measurement of human body parameters for human postural assessment via single camera
Authors: Yan Zheng , Zhou Wenqiang , Chen Guodong , Xie Zhexin , Zhao Ziyang , Zhang Chentao
Published: August 2023

We present a camera‐based human body parameters measurement approach and develop a human postural assessment system. The approach combines the conventional contact measurement method and the non‐contact measurement method to overcome some shortcomings in terms of time, expense, and professionalism in early methods. The entire measurement system consists of a computer, a high‐definition camera, and the sticky points that are applied to the participant's body before the measurement. The camera captures the triple view image of human body. Then, the human body outline and the joint points of the human skeleton are extracted to locate the bone feature points. Finally, measurements and extractions of the human parameters are made. Experimental results demonstrate that the global postural assessment system provides quantitative guidance for human postural evaluation, and it completely changes how human postural is evaluated. The postural assessment system is significant for early diagnosis of diseases and medical rehabilitation treatment.
A new perspective on time pressure and creativity: Distinguishing employees' radical versus incremental creativity
Authors: Zhang Yong , Qu Hao , Walter Frank , Liu Wu , Wang Mingxuan
Published: August 2023

The role of time pressure on individual employees' creativity remains ambiguous, with prior studies reporting positive, negative, and curvilinear relations. The present research aims to address this issue. Drawing from the attentional focus model, we (a) distinguish the consequences of time pressure for radical versus incremental creativity and (b) introduce external and internal knowledge scanning as distinct mediating mechanisms. Moreover, we cast employees' long‐range and short‐range planning as moderators of the indirect time pressure–creativity linkages. Time‐lagged data from 203 employees and their supervisors revealed that time pressure hampered employees' radical creativity by undermining their external scanning, with long‐range planning alleviating this negative indirect relationship. In contrast, we found an indirect, inverted U‐shaped linkage between time pressure and incremental creativity through internal scanning. Unexpectedly, this indirect relation was not contingent on employees' short‐range planning. These results offer a new theoretical perspective that helps to reconcile previous, seemingly contradictory findings on the relationship between time pressure and creativity. Moreover, our results offer practical implications for modern workplaces that require employees' creative contributions under conditions of time scarcity.
The Impact of Early‐Life Recurrent Otitis Media in Children on the Psychological Well‐Being of Caregivers
Authors: Altamimi Ali A. H. , Robinson Monique , Alenezi Eman M. A. , Choi Robyn S. M. , Brennan‐Jones Christopher G.
Published: August 2023

Aim

Children with early‐life recurrent otitis media (OM) will often endure pain, sleep disturbances, and other developmental setbacks that impact the surrounding family system. The aim of this study was to investigate the psychological well‐being and family functioning of caregivers of children with early‐life recurrent OM (rOM).

Methods

Data from a longitudinal pregnancy cohort were used to categorize children into two groups: those with a history of recurrent OM (rOM group) and those without a history of rOM (reference group) by the age of 3 years. The psychological well‐being of caregivers and the family functioning status were assessed using the Affect Balance Scale and the General Functioning Scale of the McMaster Family Assessment Device (FAD‐GF), respectively, at the three‐, five‐, and eight‐year follow‐up appointments. Multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the data and were adjusted for potential confounding variables.

Results

There were significant associations between having a child with an early history of rOM and the Affect Balance Scale of caregivers for the negative affects subscale at the three‐ (p < 0.001) and five‐ (p = 0.018) year follow‐ups, and the Affect Balance subscale at the three‐year (p = 0.007) and the five‐year follow‐ups (p = 0.047). There were no significant associations measured during the 8‐year follow‐up period for the FAD‐GF.

Conclusion

The findings of this study further highlight the impact of caring for a child with rOM in early childhood on caregivers' psychological well‐being in the first five years of a child's life. The impact, however, did not appear to influence the longer‐term functioning of the family as a whole.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:1445–1449, 2024
Cereal–forage rotation facilitates the colonization of particular rhizobacteria to improve crop productivity
Authors: He Peng , Lin Xizhao , Liu Bowen , Ling Ning , Nan Zhibiao
Published: August 2023

Cereal–forage rotation is a crucial advantageous agricultural measure to accelerate sustainable agricultural development. However, the interaction mechanisms of crop productivity with soil characteristics and soil microbiome under this rotation regime remain controversial, leading to large uncertainties in assessing the stability of agroecosystems. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of cereal–forage rotation on the rhizosphere microbial communities, soil properties, and crop productivity as well as the complex relationships among them. To achieve this, the rhizosphere soils of maize and alfalfa were collected from a field experiment with different cropping systems (rotation and monoculture systems of alfalfa or maize) to analyze the microbial communities and further to evaluate their roles on participating in soil nutrient cycling and improving crop productivity. Cereal–forage rotation significantly affected the microbial community compositions rather than diversities in rhizosphere soils, resulting in obvious changes of interspecific interactions. The increased alterations of crop productivity were more correlated with the shifts in bacterial community rather than fungal community, which was actuated by soil pH. Some bacterial recruitment under rotations was observed, primarily showing potential phosphorus cycling and nitrogen assimilation functions. Specifically, the accumulated beneficial rhizobacterial taxa included those with potential antagonistic activities (e.g., Brevundimonas, Gemmatimonas, Lysobacter, Pseudonocardia, and Pseudomonas) and positively responding to biological anabolism (e.g., Luteolibacter, Hyphomicrobium, and Sphingomonas). Such findings reveal that cereal–forage rotation could effectively shape rhizosphere soil microbial community structure and particularly lead to the recruitment of a group of salutary rhizobacteria, which would positively provide some valuable theoretical bases for the developments of high‐quality and high‐yield agriculture.
Tempered distributions with translation bounded measure as Fourier transform and the generalized Eberlein decomposition
Authors: Spindeler Timo , Strungaru Nicolae
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we study the class of tempered distributions whose Fourier transform is a translation bounded measure and show that each such distribution in has order at most 2d. We show the existence of the generalized Eberlein decomposition within this class of distributions, and its compatibility with all previous Eberlein decompositions. The generalized Eberlein decomposition for Fourier transformable measures and properties of its components are discussed. Lastly, we take a closer look at the absolutely continuous spectrum of measures supported on Meyer sets.
Bolted, slip‐resistant prestressed connections on hot‐dip galvanized bridge components under cyclic loads
Authors: Kraemer A.‐K. , Klein M. , Oechsner M. , Grote J. , Ungermann D.
Published: August 2023

Feuerverzinkte Stahlbauten haben sich im Hochbau etabliert und gehören zum Stand der Technik. Sie erreichen Korrosionsschutzdauern in der Größenordnung der Lebensdauer des Bauwerks (≥100 Jahre). Die Anwendung dieses Korrosionsschutzsystems hätte auch im Brückenbau ein großes Potenzial. Wirtschaftlichkeit und Nachhaltigkeit im Brückenbau sind neben den Neubaukosten insbesondere von den während der Lebensdauer anfallenden Unterhaltungskosten bestimmt. Ein erfolgreich abgeschlossenes Forschungsvorhaben zeigt, dass die Feuerverzinkung als Korrosionsschutz grundlegend und vorteilhaft einsetzbar ist. Die Ermüdungsfestigkeit feuerverzinkter Bauteile hat nur geringe Einbußen gegenüber nicht verzinkten Stahlbauteile zu vermerken. Große Brückenkonstruktionen müssen mit Montagestößen ausgeführt werden. Geschweißte, feuerverzinkte Bauteile ziehen eine aufwändige Vor‐ und Nachbearbeitung des Korrosionsschutzes mit sich. Der nachträglich aufgebrachte Korrosionsschutz erreicht bei weitem nicht die Schutzdauer einer Feuerverzinkung. Diese technologische Einschränkung kann vermieden werden, wenn die Ausführung der Montagestöße durch feuerverzinkte, geschraubte Anschlüsse erfolgt. Im Stahlbrückenbau hat sich der Einsatz von gleitfest vorgespannten (GV) Verbindungen bewährt. Für eine Anwendung von gleitfest vorgespannten Verbindungen bei feuerverzinkten Montagestößen fehlten bislang wesentliche wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen. Technische und wissenschaftliche Grundlagen zum Einsatz von feuerverzinkten Schraubanschlüssen im zyklisch beanspruchten Stahl‐ und Verbundbrückenbau auf Basis des Eurocode 3 wurden erarbeitet und Berechnungsnachweise sowie Konstruktionsempfehlungen bereitgestellt.
Influence of lubrication systems on the fatigue strength of bolted joints
Authors: Kraemer Fabian , Stähler Michael , Klein Marcus , Oechsner Matthias
Published: August 2023

Das Ermüdungsverhalten von Schraubenverbindungen ist infolge der hohen Kerbwirkung für viele Anwendungen versagenskritisch. Die Lebensdauer wird signifikant durch das Oberflächensystem, bestehend aus Korrosionsschutz und Schmierstoff beeinflusst. Für die Berücksichtigung des Oberflächeneinflusses in der Auslegung von Schraubenverbindungen werden in diesem Artikel systematisch experimentelle Untersuchungen für einen ausgewählten Basecoat und verschiedene Schmierstoffsysteme vorgestellt. Die Grundlage bilden Ermüdungsversuche an Schraubenverbindungen, unterstützt durch ausgewählte Methoden der Werkstoffanalytik zur fraktografischen Bewertung der Bruchflächen. Für die Bewertung der Schädigungsentwicklung wird ein Verfahren vorgeschlagen, das eine reproduzierbare Identifikation des Anrisszeitpunktes und eine Bewertung der Rissfortschrittsphase ermöglicht.
An experimental investigation on the adhesive, shear strength, and failure modes of glass fibre reinforced polymer flat‐joggle‐flat composite joints over different bonding techniques
Authors: Hiremath V. S. , Reddy D. M.
Published: August 2023

The utilisation of composite materials, especially glass fibre‐reinforced polymer has significantly developed as a result of design innovations in aircraft applications. Joints are a major issue as they are the weak point of composite construction. In this study, considering a flat‐joggle‐flat joint over the single‐lap‐joint, the effect of different manufacturing techniques on co‐bonding, secondary‐bonding, and co‐curing for flat‐joggle‐flat joints on the shear behaviour and dynamic characteristics were investigated. The results affirmed that flat‐joggle‐flat joints increased the load‐carrying capacity by 110 % compared to single‐lap joint. In continuance, results revealed that co‐cure flat‐joggle‐flat joints enhanced the load by 86.43 % and 20.00 %, along with increased shear strength of 8.9 MPa over co‐bonding and secondary‐bonding. Field emission scanning electron microscopy reveals that destructive failure occurs at joints in co‐bonding and secondary‐bonding due to an increase in stress between the adhesive and the adherend, which can lead to fibre failure and matrix damage. The dynamic characteristics, like fundamental natural frequency, are increased in co‐cure flat‐joggle‐flat joint compared to co‐bonding and secondary‐bonding joints. The investigation reveals that innovative flat‐joggle‐flat joints and suitable manufacturing processes improve the shear strength, and dynamic properties of composite joints.
Low‐rank updates of matrix square roots
Authors: Shmueli Shany , Drineas Petros , Avron Haim
Published: August 2023

Models in which the covariance matrix has the structure of a sparse matrix plus a low rank perturbation are ubiquitous in data science applications. It is often desirable for algorithms to take advantage of such structures, avoiding costly matrix computations that often require cubic time and quadratic storage. This is often accomplished by performing operations that maintain such structures, for example, matrix inversion via the Sherman–Morrison–Woodbury formula. In this article, we consider the matrix square root and inverse square root operations. Given a low rank perturbation to a matrix, we argue that a low‐rank approximate correction to the (inverse) square root exists. We do so by establishing a geometric decay bound on the true correction's eigenvalues. We then proceed to frame the correction as the solution of an algebraic Riccati equation, and discuss how a low‐rank solution to that equation can be computed. We analyze the approximation error incurred when approximately solving the algebraic Riccati equation, providing spectral and Frobenius norm forward and backward error bounds. Finally, we describe several applications of our algorithms, and demonstrate their utility in numerical experiments.
Efficacy of dual‐task training on stability and function in children with ataxia after medulloblastoma resection: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Selim Fatma M. , Elshafey Mohamed A. , El‐Ayadi Moatasem M. , Albeltagi Doaa M. , Ali Mostafa S.
Published: August 2023

Background/objective

In children, medulloblastoma (MB) is the most prevalent posterior fossa tumor. The first line of treatment is maximal safe resection. Therefore, symptoms of ataxia are commonly seen. Training the brain on balance and cognitive tasks makes balance more automatic than without cognitive tasks. The goal was to assess the effectiveness of dual‐task practice on balance after MB excision in children with ataxia.

Methods

Thirty children with ataxia after MB resection at Children Cancer Hospital Egypt were randomized into two equal groups. Exercises for mobility, balance, and gait training were given to both groups. The research group underwent a specific dual‐task program (balance and cognitive). The program ran 3 days per week for 8 weeks. Children were evaluated before and after the treatment regimen using the Scale of Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA), the HUMAC Balance System, Pediatric Balance Scale, and Functional Independent Measurement. All children's legal guardians signed an ethical agreement.

Results

A notable improvement in balance was found in the dual group in Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) (p = .028) and stability test (p = .0001) in favor of the study group. No discernible difference was observed in the Functional Independent Measurement score among the two groups (p = .158), although there was a statistically significant increase in both groups after treatment.

Conclusion

Dual‐task program is more effective than traditional physical therapy alone in improving balance in children with ataxia after MB resection.
Improved performance of poly(lactic acid) nanocomposites with poly(butyl acrylate)‐modified cellulose nanowhiskers
Authors: Wang Xuan , Song Limei , Zhou Xuehua
Published: August 2023

Poly(butyl acrylate) (PBA) was grafted onto cellulose nanowhiskers (CNW) via transesterification in an ionic liquid and solution polymerization in water. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and x‐ray diffraction were used to determine the structure and morphology of the PBA‐modified CNW (CNW‐g‐PBA). Poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/CNW‐g‐PBA nanocomposites were prepared by solution casting. The inclusion of CNW‐g‐PBA significantly increased the composite strength, toughness, and thermal stability. The maximum tensile strength and elongation‐at‐break values were approximately 28% and 268%, respectively, higher than those of PLA. The fracture surface showed typical ductile fracture characteristics. The glass‐transition temperature raised from 56.7 for PLA to 60.3°C for CNW‐g‐PBA (5 wt% PBA), and the crystallinity rose from 1.6% to 10.3%. These findings show that the modification of nanowhiskers increased their compatibility with, and dispersion in, PLA. These results show that a combination of surface‐functionalized CNWs and PLA provides biocomposites with a broad range of applications, for example, in packaging and biomedical products.

Highlights

CNW‐g‐PBA was prepared by transesterification and solution polymerization route.

PLA/CNW‐g‐PBA exhibited strong and tough performance.

Compatibility mechanism have been developed.
Dichlorocarbene: From Jack Hine to Robert Moss
Authors: Platz Matthew S.
Published: August 2023

A select history of dichlorocarbene chemistry between 1950 and 2010 will be presented. This is not a comprehensive review; rather, it is a personal perspective on the contributions of two respected colleagues, the reactive intermediate that spanned their research efforts, and their important contributions to organic synthesis and mechanistic thinking.
Maintenance optimization of a two‐component series system considering masked causes of failure
Authors: Hu Jiawen , Huang Yun , Shen Lijuan
Published: August 2023

Maintenance planning of two‐component systems has been extensively studied in recent decades. In the literature, most studies assume that the failure cause of a two‐component system is self‐announcing. In some real applications, the failure cause is masked, and a diagnosis with professional equipment is needed to reveal the failed component. This study investigates a preventive replacement policy of a two‐component series system considering masked causes of failure. When an unexpected failure occurs, we can carry out a diagnosis to reveal the failed component and replace it subsequently, or we can directly replace the whole system without diagnosis. Meanwhile, when we carry out a preventive replacement on a component, the other component can be replaced opportunistically. We formulate the problem as a semi‐Markov decision process, and prove the existence of the stationary optimal policy. The optimal preventive replacement age thresholds for each component and the corresponding optimal maintenance actions upon each failure are jointly obtained to minimize the long‐term average maintenance cost per time unit. A comprehensive numerical study is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of our proposed model.
Pinning control for stabilization of coupled stochastic strict‐feedback nonlinear systems
Authors: Guo Wanying , Zhao Yi , Li Wenxue
Published: August 2023

This article introduces a novel class of coupled stochastic strict‐feedback nonlinear systems (CSSFNSs) whose topology is not strongly connected. We are devoted to investigating the stabilization issue of CSSFNSs via pinning control. First, the specific form of controllers is decided through the back‐stepping method and the design of virtual controllers. Second, we find a new method to construct the global Lyapunov function of CSSFNS by employing the Lyapunov function of each stochastic strict‐feedback nonlinear system (SSFNS). Meanwhile, combining Lyapunov method with graph theory, several sufficient conditions to guarantee exponential stability in mean square of CSSFNS are obtained in the form of coefficients‐type criterion. Ultimately, our theoretical results are applied to a class of coupled oscillator systems and a predator‐prey model. Furthermore, the validity and feasibility of the theoretical results are illustrated by some numerical simulations.
Measuring the digital transformation maturity level independently with the design science research methodology
Authors: Haryanti Tining , Rakhmawati Nur Aini , Subriadi Apol Pribadi
Published: August 2023

This study uses the Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM) approach in creating an artifact on the perspective of the Information System. Design Science as a valuable tool for creating a new artifact or developing an existing artifact through research. The DSRM Framework described in this study discusses the implementation of each stage, namely, Explicated Problem, Define Requirement, Design and Development, Demonstration, and Evaluation and is complemented by the implementation of case studies of artifact creation in DSRM stages. The Digital Maturity Measurement in question is a service to measure digital maturity in various dimensions. Each DSRM stage is mapped to a case study of that service.

Canvas visualization is presented to describe a complete picture of how the artifacts of Digital maturity services are built with the DSRM approach. This research also provides guidance on the principles, procedures, and characteristics needed to build effective research.
Recent Progress on the Synthesis and Modified Strategies of Zeolitic‐Imidazole Framework‐67 Towards Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Li Zihan , Chaemchuen Somboon
Published: August 2023

As a class of metal‐organic framework, the zeolitic‐imidazole framework‐67 is constructed from bridging cobalt ions and 2‐methylimidazole. The high content of abundant active cobalt species, uniform structure, ultrahigh porosity, and large surface area show the potential for multiple catalytic applications, especially electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The design and synthetic strategies of catalyst‐based ZIF‐67 that approach the maximized catalytic performance are still challenging in further development. Herein, the current progress strategy on the structural design, synthetic route, and functionalization of electrocatalysts based on ZIF‐67 to boost the catalytic performance of OER is reviewed. Besides, the structurally designed catalyst from various fabricated strategies corresponding to enhancing catalytic activity is discussed. The emphasized review for understanding design and synthetic structure with catalytic performance could guide researchers in further developing catalyst‐based ZIF‐67 for improving the efficient electrocatalytic OER.
Coupling non‐invasive imaging and reactive transport modeling to investigate water and oxygen dynamics in the root zone
Authors: Bereswill Sarah , Gatz‐Miller Hannah , Su Danyang , Tötzke Christian , Kardjilov Nikolay , Oswald Sascha E. , Mayer Klaus Ulrich
Published: August 2023

Oxygen (O2) availability in soils is vital for plant growth and productivity. The transport and consumption of O2 in the root zone is closely linked to soil moisture content, the spatial distribution of roots, as well as structure and heterogeneity of the surrounding soil. In this study, we measure three‐dimensional root system architecture and the spatiotemporal dynamics of soil moisture (θ) and O2 concentrations in the root zone of maize (Zea mays) via non‐invasive imaging, and then construct and parameterize a reactive transport model based on the experimental data. The combination of three non‐invasive imaging methods allowed for a direct comparison of simulation results with observations at high spatial and temporal resolution. In three different modeling scenarios, we investigated how the results obtained for different levels of conceptual complexity in the model were able to match measured θ and O2 concentration patterns. We found that the modeling scenario that considers heterogeneous soil structure and spatial variability of hydraulic parameters (permeability, porosity, and van Genuchten α and n), better reproduced the measured θ and O2 patterns relative to a simple model with a homogenous soil domain. The results from our combined imaging and modeling analysis reveal that experimental O2 and water dynamics can be reproduced quantitatively in a reactive transport model, and that O2 and water dynamics are best characterized when conditions unique to the specific system beyond the distribution of roots, such as soil structure and its effect on water saturation and macroscopic gas transport pathways, are considered.
Investigating Energy Cost Impact on Private Residential Buildings in the West Midlands Region of the UK
Authors: Abdi Ali , Ahmed Abdullahi , Gunatilake Rachitra , Onungwe Ishmael
Published: August 2023

With the housing sector accounting for a huge share of the overall energy consumption rate globally, it is imperative to ascertain the energy efficiency of residential buildings and its cost implication on dwellers. This paper focuses on investigating the types of residential buildings available in the West Midlands region of United Kingdom, the level of comfort derived by dwellers from energy provisions on their buildings during different times of the year and the impact of energy cost on dwellers. The paper also explores factors influencing energy consumption patterns in residential buildings within the study area. The methodology adopted in this paper are secondary and primary data sources. The secondary data is based on updated literature from existing scholarly publications, while the primary data is based on semi-structured interview conducted with residents or dwellers of private residential buildings within the West Midlands region of United Kingdom. Qualitative analytical approach was used to synthesize the data obtained. Findings reveal that the energy efficiency or the sustainable rating of a building is a major determinant of a residential building energy consumption. Other findings are housing technical, socioeconomic status of dwellers, demography, dwellers preference and behaviour, climatic condition, and geographic factor. Further on, the outcome of the interviews reveals an upward increase in the cost of energy with its effect impacting residents negatively because of living wage in the presence of inflation and global economic meltdown.
Energy Policy as a Tool for Promoting Power System Resilience: Malawi’s Challenges and Potential Solutions
Authors: Chivunga Joyce Nyuma , Lin Zhengyu , Blanchard Richard
Published: August 2023

A constant production and delivery of electricity is crucial to the functioning of the society. Power systems, however, suffer from either physical, institutional or community level challenges under climate change. Specifically, Malawi is exposed to both climatic and geologic hazards. One of the guiding principles of the needs assessment and recovery strategy is to move from response to long term resilience. The national energy policy (NEP) is considered as one of the drivers of long-term power system resilience (PSR). Understanding the status of NEP is critical in coming up with long term resilience solutions because the qualitative evaluation in this case considers information about risks, the perceived severity of risks and possible impacts of shocks. Although prior studies contributed significantly to the resilience of electricity systems, none of those studies explored the possibility of the NEP being a critical key in promoting the resilience of the electricity sector to extreme weather events. This novel study, therefore, assessed the capacity of the NEP to promote infrastructure and institutional PSR. It also identified challenges regarding the capability of the policy to support PSR. Finally, the study suggested key policy solutions to the identified challenges. Content and thematic analysis were used to analyse the status of energy policy. While the capacity of the policy to promote infrastructural resilience was assessed by evaluating the level of technical policy implementations and status of electricity supply, institutional resilience’s capacity was determined through legal and capacity building policy implementations. Notably, the NEP fails to support PSR. Resilience policies, energy policy financing, energy policy management, coordination with key stakeholders, politics, energy data and capacity of the Ministry of energy are critical issues.
Multiple-Criteria Optimization of Residential Buildings Envelope Toward nZEBs: Simplified Approach for Damascus Post-war
Authors: Khaddour Lina A. , Yeboah Siegfried K.
Published: August 2023

Syria faces significant challenges in optimizing residential building energy consumption to subsequently reduce CO2 emissions due to its conventional construction methods and systems, exacerbated by the recent conflict. Post-war re-construction provides new opportunities for improvement in building standards through the 2009 BIC insulation code towards nearly Zero Energy Buildings (nZEBs). However, the decline in economy growth poses significant challenges. In this study, we formulate a simplified building envelope selection approach using multi-criterion optimization methodology based on simulated thermal loads using IESVE and cost-energy trade-off. IESVE was used to evaluate the thermal performances of five cases representing 5 different building envelope structures on existing buildings in Damascus, Syria. Four out of the five cases were BIC compliant, and their thermal performances and cost energy trade-offs were evaluated against that of a conventional building representing the construction-as-usual case. Payback on the investment in insulation improvement of the envelope structures were also calculated. The results overall shows that the envelope structures incorporating insulation layer reduced annual heating, cooling, and combined energy loads of those buildings. Comparatively, these improvements were slightly better under winter conditions than in summer. Based on payback period analysis, none of the improvements provided acceptable economical payback within five years, as energy consumption tariffs were extremely low and insulation material costs were extremely high. A Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) framework was developed and applied to the cases investigated. Based on the limitations of the BIC, no optimal solution was obtained. However, the framework provides a good basis for stakeholders to make sound decisions in transitioning buildings especially under post war context towards nZEBs.