bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thoughts on the end of life in patients with oxygen‐dependent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A qualitative interview study
Authors: Skär Lisa , Borg Christel , Emtner Margareta , Ekström Magnus
Published: November 2022

Aim

The aim of the study was to deepen the current knowledge of how patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and long‐term oxygen treatment think about and expect end‐of‐life.

Design

A qualitative design was used.

Methods

A purposeful sample of 19 patients with oxygen‐dependent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was obtained from the Swedish National Registry on Respiratory Failure (Swedevox). Data was collected with semi‐structured interviews and analysed using a hermeneutic approach.

Results

The analysis revealed three themes: Living in the present without a future; difficulty talking about the uncertainty; and feeling anxious about leaving family behind. Participants indicated that healthcare professionals should invite them to mutual discussions as it was easier to reject an invitation if they could not talk right then, than to initiate a discussion themselves. Start of home oxygen or a deteriorating health status may be an important time to clinically address existential and end‐of‐life issues.
A resilient distributed optimization strategy against false data injection attacks
Authors: Liu Li‐Ning , Yang Guang‐Hong
Published: November 2022

In this article, the distributed push‐pull gradient optimization algorithm over directed communication network under false data injection (FDI) attacks is investigated. First, the convergence of the algorithm under FDI attacks is analyzed, and the conditions are presented to ensure convergence. Second, on the basis, a distributed reputation‐based neighborhood‐observe strategy is proposed, which can detect the malicious agents residing in the network and isolate them. Moreover, different from the existing resilient strategies, the influence of the false data on the algorithm is eliminated completely to ensure that the remaining normal agents can converge to the optimal solution. Finally, some examples are presented to validate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy.
Assessing the role of regulatory quality, favouritism, administrative requirement and licencing restriction in curtailing carbon emissions
Authors: Boateng Elliot , Annor Collins Baah , Amponsah Mary
Published: November 2022

The urgent need to achieve the Paris Agreement has compelled countries to set mitigation targets to curtail carbon emissions. Notwithstanding, stakeholders' effort to implement emission‐reduction policies is often constrained by institutional challenges. This study provides new evidence about the dynamic relationship between institutional quality and carbon emissions in 63 industrialised economies. Using a reduced‐form energy emission model and the system GMM technique, we exploit four institutional quality measures—favouritism, administrative requirement, licencing restriction and regulatory quality—and analyse their impact on carbon emissions. The results show that institutions play a fundamental role in mitigating carbon emissions. However, the abatement effect depends on the regulatory quality, the extent of favouritism, licencing restrictions and administrative requirements. Our findings reveal that stringent regulations such as licencing restrictions reduce carbon emissions in the short and long run. Administrative requirement such as emission reporting inhibits carbon emission in the short and long run, whereas favouritism worsens it. The results are robust to alternative model specifications. The findings from this study highlight the need for policymakers to pay close attention to favouritism, as it tends to reduce the effectiveness of emission policy regulations. Additionally, we argue for the need for stringent administrative requirements given its critical role in internalising carbon emission intensity in industrialised economies.
Study on the failure mechanism of 1060‐H112 aluminum alloy‐carbon/glass fiber laminate
Authors: Deng Yunfei , Wang Ruiwen , Liang Xupeng , Peng Jie , Wei Gang
Published: November 2022

Fiber‐metal laminates (FMLs) are attracting much attention from researchers as emerging aerospace materials. In this paper, 1060‐H112 aluminum alloy‐carbon/glass fiber laminates were prepared by vacuum bagging method. Subsequently, based on tensile, three‐point bending and low‐velocity impact experiments, the quasi‐static mechanical properties as well as the dynamic response to impact of the two fiber laminates were investigated. The results show that the carbon fiber metal laminate (CARALL) has stronger tensile strength and inter‐ply tensile consistency, while the glass fiber metal laminate (GLARE) has better bending resistance. The impact response of CARALL and GLARE is closely related to the impactor shape and impact energy. The peak loads of the FMLs increased with increasing impact energy over the range of impact energies tested. However, the peak load of CARALL is more sensitive to the impact energy, while the deformation of GLARE is more sensitive to the impact energy. With complete penetration of the impactor into the target, the fibers of GLARE were ductile fracture and fibers of CARALL were brittle fracture for the blunt impactor impact, while the fibers of both GLARE and CARALL were ductile fracture for the hemispherical impactor impact. Under the impact of both impactors, two types of FMLs showed matrix broken, delamination, and local debonding.
Green synthesis of copper nanoparticles and their formulation into face masks: An antibacterial study
Authors: Humphreys Salas Zaira , Martínez Ávila Ariadna Fernanda , Hernández Orozco María Mónica , Elizalde Peña Eduardo A. , Palma Tirado Lourdes , Baldenegro Pérez Leonardo Aurelio , Padilla Vaca Felipe , Luna‐Bárcenas Gabriel , España Sánchez Beatriz Liliana
Published: November 2022

We report the facile ultrasound‐assisted synthesis of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) using blueberries extract (Vaccinium corymbosum) under environmental conditions and their incorporation into face masks as an effective antibacterial additive. For this purpose, the hydro‐alcoholic blueberry extract was combined 1:1 with a metal precursor (CuSO4). The chemical reduction process was improved by ultrasound‐assisted method for 30 min, obtaining semispherical CuNPs ranging ca. 3–12 nm employing TEM analysis. Freshly synthesized CuNPs were characterized by UV–Vis spectra, demonstrating the characteristic SPR absorption band at 535 nm. XRD patterns of CuNPs powder revealed the crystalline structure FCC of CuNPs, without CuO/CuO2 species. Antibacterial activity (AA) of biosynthesized CuNPs was evaluated against two high virulence pathogens: Gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram‐negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa, after 1 and 3 h of contact, showing a MIC of 200 μg/ml, and a CMB of 400 μg/ml. To validate the potential biological application of CuNPs were incorporated into PES fibers and deposited at the surface of non‐woven face masks against Escherichia coli and the airborne bacteria S. aureus, demonstrating their high antibacterial capacity after 24 h. Our results represent a facile and green method to produce high amounts of antibacterial CuNPs (yield ca. 1 g/L of reaction), with potential application as an effective additive for antimicrobial coatings formulation.
Social media for early characterization of pandemic symptoms: A qualitative analysis of patient‐reported COVID‐19 experiences
Authors: Khashei Melissa , Janiczak Scott , St. Clair Christopher , Liu Wei , Song Jae Joon , Hua Wei , Falconer Monique , Eworuke Efe
Published: November 2022

Background

Patients use social media forums to discuss their medical history and healthcare experiences, providing early insight into real‐world patient experiences. We analyzed COVID‐19 patient experiences from Reddit social media posts.

Methods

We extracted Reddit Application Programming Interface data for the subreddit/COVID‐19 positive from March to August 2020 and selected users tagged as “Tested Positive” or “Tested Positive‐ Me” flair and who posted at least thirty times in any calendar month, excluding users who explicitly stated location outside of the U.S. For tested‐positive patients (users), we created and reviewed individual case profiles summarizing their COVID‐19 symptoms, testing, and medications or treatments. Data were imported to Nvivo qualitative analysis software and qualitative coding was conducted.

Finding

There were 31 759 posts and comments from 720 users in March to May 2020 (Q1) and 40 446 posts and comments from 1649 users from June to August 2020 (Q2). Final count of “Tested Positive” was 1296 users (280 in Q1 and 1016 in Q2). Across both quarters, frequently reported symptoms included sore throat, headaches, fevers, or chills. Loss of sense of smell or taste were reported by users in early March, prior to the inclusion of this symptom to the CDC list in April and GI‐related symptoms and fatigue were reported in the March to May data, before they were added as a COVID‐19 associated symptom in July 2020. Users also reported in‐depth descriptions of their symptoms, motivations for testing, and long‐term impacts such as post‐viral fatigue.

Interpretation

Social media data can potentially serve as an early surveillance data source in a pandemic and offer preliminary insights into patient disease experiences.
Identify, analyse and mitigate—Quantification of technical risks in PV power systems
Authors: Herz Magnus , Friesen Gabi , Jahn Ulrike , Koentges Marc , Lindig Sascha , Moser David
Published: November 2022

Technical risks are important criteria to consider when investing in new and existing PV installations. Quantitative knowledge of these risks is one of the key factors for the different stakeholders, such as asset managers, banks or project developers, to make reliable business decisions before and during the operation of their PV assets. Within the IEA PVPS Task 13 Expert Group, we aim to increase the knowledge on methodologies to assess technical risks and mitigation measures in terms of economic impact and effectiveness. The developed outline provides a reproducible and transparent technique to manage the complexity of risk analysis and processing in order to establish a common practice for professional risk assessment. Semi‐quantitative and quantitative methodologies are introduced to assess technical risks in PV power systems and provide examples of common technical risks described and rated in the new created PV failure fact sheets (PVFS). Besides the PVFS based on expert knowledge and expert opinion, an update on the statistics of the PV failure degradation survey is given. With the knowledge acquired and data collected, the risk and cost–benefit analysis is demonstrated in a case study that shows methods for prioritising decisions from an economic perspective and provided important results for risk managing strategies.
Protein sample preparation for tissue distribution study
Authors: Cheng Linjia , Xu Yilu , Zhu Kangling , Liang Bin , Zhang Shuyan , Liu Pingsheng
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The distribution and expression level of a protein among animal tissues is indicative of its possible roles. It is important to establish a generally applicable method to prepare protein samples with high‐quality and achieve near 100% recovery of proteins from animal tissues.

Experimental Design

During preparation, to sufficiently dissolve and maintain stability of almost all proteins from tissues, as well as to avoid most contaminations affecting protein detection, 2×SDS Sample Buffer, sonication and trichloroacetic acid precipitation are applied.

Results

Here we provide a relatively simple, reproducible, and broadly applicable method for studying protein distribution in most tissues, in which the issues resulting from protein degradation and modification during sample preparation and assay interference by other cellular components like neutral lipids and glycogen could be overcome. Furthermore, this method represents the protein content by equal wet tissue mass, which is a better means to present the expression level of a protein in various tissues. High‐quality protein samples from almost all tissues could be prepared.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

The samples produced are amenable to tissue distribution analysis by Western blotting and for silver/Coomassie staining, proteomics, and other protein analyses, which would contribute to potential biomarkers or treatments for a disease.
Conformal Interactions Between Matter and Higher‐Spin (Super)Fields
Authors: Kuzenko Sergei M. , Ponds Michael , Raptakis Emmanouil S. N.
Published: November 2022

In even spacetime dimensions, the interacting bosonic conformal higher‐spin (CHS) theory can be realised as an induced action. The main ingredient in this definition is the model describing a complex scalar field φ coupled to an infinite set of background CHS fields h, with possessing a non‐abelian gauge symmetry. Two characteristic features of the perturbative constructions of given in the literature are: (i) the background spacetime is flat; and (ii) conformal invariance is not manifest. In the present paper we provide a new derivation of this action in four dimensions such that (i) is defined on an arbitrary conformally‐flat background; and (ii) the background conformal symmetry is manifestly realised. Next, our results are extended to the supersymmetric case. Specifically, we construct, for the first time, a model for a conformal scalar/chiral multiplet Φ coupled to an infinite set of background higher‐spin superfields H. Our action possesses a non‐abelian gauge symmetry which naturally generalises the linearised gauge transformations of conformal half‐integer superspin multiplets. The other fundamental features of this model are: (i) is defined on an arbitrary conformally‐flat superspace background; and (ii) the background superconformal symmetry is manifest. Making use of , an interacting superconformal higher‐spin theory can be defined as an induced action.
Plant growers' environmental consciousness may not be enough to mitigate pollinator declines: a questionnaire‐based case study in Hungary
Authors: Varga‐Szilay Zsófia , Pozsgai Gábor
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND

Pesticides are one of the most important anthropogenic‐related stressors. In times of global pollinator decline, the role of integrated farming and urban gardens in supporting wild pollinators is becoming increasingly important. We circulated an online questionnaire to survey plant protection practices among Hungarian farmers and garden owners with a particular emphasis on pollinator protection.

RESULTS

We found that plant growers rely heavily on pesticide use, and pesticides are used widely in otherwise pollinator‐friendly gardens. Whether pesticide use practices were driven by expert opinion and respondent gender were the best predictors of pesticide use. Although most respondents supported pollinators, pesticides are also used widely among home garden owners, which can pose a non‐evident ecological trap for pollinator populations in the gardens.

CONCLUSION

Special attention should be paid to implementing measures to reduce pesticide use not only in farmland, but also in home gardens. Environmental education and financial support through agroecological schemes could efficiently promote the transition away from pesticide use. However, whereas farmers can be encouraged to reduce pesticide use mostly by expert advice, garden owners are likely to rely on more conventional information channels. The attitudes of Hungarian plant growers can provide an insight into pesticide use practices of Central and Eastern European countries, but similar surveys are needed across Europe for a complete understanding of broad‐scale processes. This work lays the foundations for similar studies that can inform and facilitate the transformation to pesticide‐free farming and gardening. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Mobility of oxathiapiprolin in and between tomato plants
Authors: Cohen Yigal , Weitman Michal
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND

Oxathiapiprolin (OXPT; FRAC code 49) is a new piperidinyl‐thiazole isooxazoline anti‐oomycete fungicide that targets oxysterol‐binding proteins. The fungicide is known to translocate acropetally from root to shoot to protect plants against fungal attack.

RESULTS

OXPT is ambimobile. It can also translocate basipetally from shoot to root. OXPT exhibits an unprecedented capacity for trans‐plant protection. When two tomato plants are grown in one pot, and one is treated with OXPT (on the stem, leaves or apex), while the other plant and soil surface are adequately covered, both plants become protected against late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans.

CONCLUSION

Trans‐plant systemic protection induced by OXPT involves translocation of the fungicide from the shoot of the treated plant to its root, exudation into the soil and uptake by the root of the neighboring untreated plant to protect it against the disease. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analyses confirmed the occurrence of OXPT in root exudates of OXPT‐treated tomato plants in quantities sufficient to protect detached tomato leaves and intact plants against P. infestans. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
AIDE: Adaptive intrapatient dose escalation designs to accelerate Phase I clinical trials
Authors: Zhou Yanhong , Zhao Yujie , Cicconetti Greg , Mu Yunming , Yuan Ying , Wang Li , Penugonda Sudhir , Salman Zeena
Published: November 2022

Designing Phase I clinical trials is challenging when accrual is slow or sample size is limited. The corresponding key question is: how to efficiently and reliably identify the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) using a sample size as small as possible? We propose model‐assisted and model‐based designs with adaptive intrapatient dose escalation (AIDE) to address this challenge. AIDE is adaptive in that the decision of conducting intrapatient dose escalation depends on both the patient's individual safety data, as well as other enrolled patient's safety data. When both data indicate reasonable safety, a patient may perform intrapatient dose escalation, generating toxicity data at more than one dose. This strategy not only provides patients the opportunity to receive higher potentially more effective doses, but also enables efficient statistical learning of the dose‐toxicity profile of the treatment, which dramatically reduces the required sample size. Simulation studies show that the proposed designs are safe, robust, and efficient to identify the MTD with a sample size that is substantially smaller than conventional interpatient dose escalation designs. Practical considerations are provided and R code for implementing AIDE is available upon request.
Soil health responses of circular grass buffer strips in center‐pivot irrigated agriculture
Authors: Sapkota Sundar , Ghimire Rajan , Angadi Sangamesh V. , Singh Paramveer , VanLeeuwen Dawn , Idowu Omololu J.
Published: November 2022

Decline in water table in the Ogallala Aquifer, along with soil degradation, has threatened the sustainability of agriculture in the US High Plains region. Circular grass buffers in center pivot irrigated cropping systems could support sustainable crop production by providing multiple ecosystem services. This study evaluated soil organic matter (SOM), nutrients, and other selected soil health indicators under circular buffer strip grasses (BSG), adjacent buffer strip corn (Zea mays L.) (BSC), and continuous conventional corn (CCC) in the 0–80 cm soil profile. Soil samples were collected from the center of corn and grass strips for 5 years (2017–2021) and analyzed for nitrate N (NO3−‐N), soil pH, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity, SOM, and soil nutrients. The NO3−‐N under CCC in 0–20 cm (18.4 mg kg−1) and 60–80 cm (4.97 mg kg−1) were 1.56 and 1.96 times higher than BSC. The NO3−‐N was significantly lower under BSG than other treatments in 0–20 cm, 20–40, and 40–60 cm depths. The SOM was similar among all treatments. Response of other nutrients varied among treatments and inter‐annually. Soil pH in 0–20 cm depth was 0.1 and 0.3 units lower in CCC (pH = 7.7) than in BSC and BSG. Soil electrical conductivity was 37.5% and 25% greater in CCC than BSG (0.24 and 0.24 dS m−1) in 0–20 and 20–40 cm depths, respectively. Grass buffer strips maintaining SOM despite no irrigation, less residual N under corn with grass buffer, and less rapid changes in soil pH suggest the potential of grass buffer to maintain soil health in semi‐arid cropping systems facing the transition to dryland.
AES lithium chemical mapping in buried interface of all‐solid‐state battery materials
Authors: Terashima Masahiro , Mamiya Kazutoshi , Iida Shin‐ichi
Published: November 2022

All‐solid‐state batteries (ASSBs) have been attracting attention as the next generation batteries. Despite the growing interest, there are still many challenges faced in the commercial use of ASSBs. One of the biggest issues is the internal resistance generated at the interface between solid electrolyte (SE) and electrode. Understanding the solid–solid interactions requires chemical analysis near the interface. Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) is a suitable surface analysis technique to determine the lithium chemical state with high spatial resolution. However, SEs are often sensitive to electron beam irradiation, and the chemical state of SEs is easily changed during measurement. Therefore, in this study, scanning Auger microprobe (SAM) incorporated into a multitechnique XPS system was used to evaluate the electron beam damage on a LiPON (lithium phosphorus oxynitride) surface, and then the optimal conditions for AES mapping were determined. Using the optimal conditions, lithium chemical maps from LiPON/LiCoO2 cross‐section were obtained. In this paper, the results of quantitative examination of electron beam damage on LiPON surface and lithium chemical mapping will be discussed.
Etanercept Leads to a Rapid Recovery of a Dabrafenib-/Trametinib-Associated Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis-Like Severe Skin Reaction
Authors: Yordanova Krista , Pföhler Claudia , Schweitzer Luca F. , Bourg Catherine , Adam Leonie , Vogt Thomas
Published: November 2022

Targeted therapy with BRAF- and MEK-Inhibitors (BRAFi, MEKi) provides an excellent therapeutic option for patients with malignant melanomas with a BRAF-Mutation. Mild cutaneous adverse events have been common under the BRAF- and MEK-Inhibitor therapy, on the contrary, severe cutaneous adverse reactions to drugs (SCARs) are rarely reported. We present the case of a 59- year-old female patient who after the resection of cutaneous in-transit metastases of a malignant melanoma received one adjuvant cycle of Nivolumab followed by a switch of the therapy to an oral BRAFi/MEKi therapy. 3–4 Weeks after the therapy switch she developed high fever, chills, progredient general weakness, headaches, abdominal complaints, generalised rash as well as thrombocytopaenia, eosinophilia, elevated liver enzymes, declining kidney, and pulmonary function as well as a maculopapular exanthema. She was diagnosed with drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) and quickly started recovery after initiation of a high steroid substitution. Under steroid dose reduction, the exanthema worsened and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) was histologically diagnosed. After a series of unsuccessful therapeutic approaches (high dose steroid, human immunoglobulins and ciclosporin) the patient received a single dose of the TNF-alpha inhibitor etanercept, which led to a quick recovery. This case demonstrates that DRESS and TEN can present a spectrum of possibly transitioning SCARs providing a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Nevertheless, in a such complicated therapeutic setting, etanercept may be lifesaving even after multiple previous unsuccessful therapies. This effective approach provides evidence SCARs due to BRAF/MEK targeted therapy may be driven by TNF-alpha.
Multifunctional Silk Fibroin Methacryloyl Microneedle for Diabetic Wound Healing
Authors: Guan Gaopeng , Zhang Qin , Jiang Zhenzhen , Liu Jie , Wan Jinjing , Jin Ping , Lv Qizhuang
Published: November 2022

Diabetic wound is one of the common complications in diabetic patients, which exhibits chronic, hard‐to‐heal characteristics. The healing process of wounds is impaired by several factors, including excessive oxidative stress, blocked angiogenesis, and bacterial infection. The therapeutic effects of traditional microneedle patches remain not satisfactory, due to their difficulty simultaneously targeting multiple targets to treat diabetic wounds. As such, there is an urgent need to develop a multifunctional microneedle (MN) patch for promoting the healing of diabetic wounds. A multifunctional MN patch with antioxidant, proangiogenesis, and antibacterial capacities was fabricated to target the pathogenesis of diabetic wounds. Silk fibroin methacryloyl, which has excellent biocompatibility, stable mechanical properties, and well processability, and is selected as the base material for multifunctional MN patches. Prussian blue nanozymes (PBNs) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are encapsulated in tips of MN patches, Polymyxin is encapsulated in base layers of MN patches. Based on synergic properties of these components, multifunctional MN patches exhibit excellent biocompatibility, drug‐sustained release, proangiogenesis, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. The developed multifunctional MN patches accelerate diabetic wound healing, providing a potential therapeutic approach.
Ultrafast Early Warning of Heart Attacks through Plasmon‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy using Collapsible Nanofingers and Machine Learning
Authors: Liu Zerui , Meng Deming , Su Guangxu , Hu Pan , Song Boxiang , Wang Yunxiang , Wei Junhan , Yang Hao , Yuan Tianyi , Chen Buyun , Ou Tse‐Hsien , Hossain Sushmit , Miller Matthew , Liu Fanxin , Wu Wei
Published: November 2022

As the leading cause of death, heart attacks result in millions of deaths annually, with no end in sight. Early intervention is the only strategy for rescuing lives threatened by heart disease. However, the detection time of the fastest heart‐attack detection system is >15 min, which is too long considering the rapid passage of life. In this study, a machine learning (ML)‐driven system with a simple process, low‐cost, short detection time (only 10 s), and high precision is developed. By utilizing a functionalized nanofinger structure, even a trace amount of biomarker leaked before a heart attack can be captured. Additionally, enhanced Raman profiles are constructed for predictive analytics. Five ML models are developed to harness the useful characteristics of each Raman spectrum and provide early warnings of heart attacks with >98% accuracy. Through the strategic combination of nanofingers and ML algorithms, the proposed warning system accurately provides alerts on silent heart‐attack attempts seconds ahead of actual attacks.
Phase Separation–Controlled Assembly of Hierarchically Porous Aramid Nanofiber Films for High‐speed Lithium‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Jung Arum , Lee Michael J. , Lee Seung Woo , Cho Jinhan , Son Jeong Gon , Yeom Bongjun
Published: November 2022

The growth of lithium (Li) dendrites reduces the lifespan of Li‐metal batteries and causes safety issues. Herein, hierarchically porous aramid nanofiber separators capable of effectively suppressing the Li dendrite growth while maintaining highly stable cycle performances at high charge/discharge rates are reported. A two‐step solvent exchange process combined with reprotonation‐mediated self‐assembly is utilized to control the bimodal porous structure of the separators. In particular, when ethanol and water are used sequentially, aramid nanofibers form hierarchical porous structures containing nanopores in macroporous polymer frameworks to yield a mechanically robust membrane with high porosity of 97% or more. The optimized samples exhibit high ionic conductivities of 1.87–4.04 mS cm−1 and high Li‐ion transference numbers of 0.77–0.84 because of the ultrahigh porosity and selective affinity to anions. Li‐metal symmetric cells do not show any noticeable presence of dendrites after 100 cycles, and they operate stably for more than 1500 cycles even under extreme conditions with a high current density of >20 mA cm−2. In addition, the LiFePO4/Li full cell retains 86.3% of its capacity after 1000 cycles at a charge rate of 30 C.
SiOC Phase Control and Carbon Nanoribbon Growth by Introducing Oxygen at Atom Level for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wu Pengfei , Zheng Zhicheng , Shi Benyang , Liu Chao , Chen Shaohong , Xu Binbin , Liu Anhua
Published: November 2022

Poor intrinsic conductivity and the presence of irreversible lithiation phase affect the electrochemical performance of silicon oxycarbide anode materials. Even though it can be improved by increasing free carbon content or composition, scarification of reversible capacity and initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) remain as challenge. Here, polycarbosilane (PCS) with alternating distribution of silicon and carbon atoms is employed as precursor of SiOC ceramics. Air oxidation cross‐linking is used to regulate the content of oxygen and carbon elements in PCS at atom level, so as to explore a solution to improve the intrinsic conductivity and reversible lithium phase content of SiOC ceramics. This strategy provides extremely excellent rate capability, areal/volumetric capacity, and ICE. This is also the first concept for feasible precursor structure design to control the SiOC glass phase and regulate the growth of C nanoribbon that can improve the intrinsic conductivity and reversible capacity of SiOC ceramic anode materials.
Influences of Manufacturing‐Related Microstructural Variations on Fatigue in Carbide‐Rich Tool Steels
Authors: Scholl Lennart Mirko , Bezold Alexander , Broeckmann Christoph
Published: November 2022

In cold‐work applications, tool steels with high carbide contents are used as cutting and stamping tools. The tool service life is limited by wear resistance and fatigue strength. The relationship between manufacturing‐related microstructural influences and fatigue strengths of tool steels has not yet been adequately investigated. To investigate these influences on high‐cycle fatigue (HCF) strength (NG = 107), rotating bending tests are performed on AISI D2 and AISI M2/M3. Raw materials are produced by conventional ingot casting and subsequent hot working (HW) as well as in a powder metallurgy (PM) process with hot isostatic pressing (HIP) and forging. Herein, a statistically validated correlation of process‐related defect size and the resulting fatigue strength is presented. Both PM steels show significantly higher HCF strength than the HW steels. Critical defects in PM appear to be exclusively small oxide inclusions. In contrast, fatigue cracks in HW are typically initiated by the fracture of large, blocky eutectic carbides. The main factor influencing HCF strength is defect size. Other critical features of the microstructure include matrix hardness, circularity, and defect type. Improvements in fatigue strength can be obtained by reducing the size of fracture mechanical defects, inclusions for PM, and eutectic carbides for HW microstructures.
Assessment is a leadership process: The multilevel assessment process
Authors: Strine‐Patterson Heather J.
Published: November 2022

This article provides a new conceptual model for student affairs assessment that describes the unique and intersectional contributions of student affairs educators, departmental leadership, and divisional leadership with the assessment process.
Student affairs assessment: Historically Black College and University perspective
Authors: Dixon Kellie M. , Spears Britt
Published: November 2022

In this article, we discuss student affairs assessment from an institutional context of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). First, we provide a brief history of HBCUs and their significance in higher education, dating back to 1837, when the first HBCU was founded. Next, we discuss a case study that explored a culture of assessment in student affairs at a public HBCU. Lastly, we briefly discuss a proposed framework for creating a culture of assessment in student affairs, specifically at HBCUs and note current efforts to assess student learning and engagement in student affairs at these institutions.
Centeringservingness: Framework‐informed assessment of Hispanic‐Serving Institutions
Authors: Franco Marla A. , Muñiz Cyndia M.
Published: November 2022

This article discusses the utility of two frameworks, the Seal of Excelencia Framework and the Multidimensional Conceptual Framework for Understanding Servingness in Hispanic‐Serving Institutions (HSIs), for critically assessing HSIs. Two HSIs, University of Arizona (UA) and University of Central Florida (UCF), discuss their engagement of these frameworks, insights, and actions that resulted, and offer recommendations for the use and expansion of these frameworks.
Using assessment to advance equity
Authors: Henning Gavin , Lundquist Anne E.
Published: November 2022

Long considered separate in higher education, equity intersects with assessment to create a distinct form of assessment. This form of assessment goes by many monikers including culturally responsive assessment, socially just assessment, and equity‐minded assessment. Often considered the same, these concepts have nuanced differences although they fall within the same umbrella, which we call equity‐centered assessment. In this article, we will provide an overview of equity‐centered assessment, review the history of scholarship in the literature, outline a conceptual framework for equity‐minded and equity‐centered assessment, and provide suggested examples of practice that highlight how assessors can position themselves to effectively engage in this critical work.
Last words on the future: Equipping ourselves to leverage change
Authors: Dixon Kellie M. , Mitchell Alice A.
Published: November 2022

Based on the previous articles, we articulate a call to action for assessment in student affairs. We suggest three components: context, equity‐centered, and approach to change. The chapter concludes with the intersection of institutional culture, leading change, and centering equity in assessment practice.
Sensor Design
Authors: Gölz Jacqueline , Hatzfeld Christian
Published: November 2022

Multiple sensors are applied in haptic devices designs. Even if they are not closed-loop controlled in a narrow sense of force or torque generation, they are used to detect movement ranges and limits or the detection of the presence of a user and its type of interaction with an object or human-machine-interface (HMI). Almost any type of technical sensor had been applied in the context of haptic devices. The emerging market of gesture based user interaction and integration of haptics due to ergonomic reasons extends the range of sensors potentially relevant for haptic devices. However, what exactly is a sensor? Which is theright onefor your purpose and is there a systematic way to choose it? To support you answering these fundamental questions, classification of sensors is helpful. This chapter starts with a definition and classifications according to measurand and sensing principles. Constraints, you will have to focus on, are discussed and selection criteria are deduced. An introduction in technologies and design principles for mechanical sensors serves as an overview for your selection process. Common types of force/torque, positioning, velocity and acceleration sensors are presented. Furthermore, imaging and temperature sensors are addressed briefly in this section.
Interface Design
Authors: Abbasimoshaei Alireza , Kern Thorsten A.
Published: November 2022

This chapter deals with different interface technologies that can be used to connect task-specific haptic systems to an IT system. Based on an analysis of the relevant bandwidth for haptic interaction depending on the intended application and an introduction of several concepts to reduce the bandwidth for these application (local haptic models, event-based haptics, movement extrapolation etc.), several standard interfaces are evaluated for the use in haptic systems.
Evaluation of Haptic Systems
Authors: Abbasimoshaei Alireza , Reisinger Jörg , Neupert Carsten , Hatzfeld Christian , Zhou Wenliang
Published: November 2022

In this chapter, a number of measurement methods and tests are presented that can be used either for verification or validation or—sometimes—both. We therefore refrain from an ordering based on this steps, but will present the methods based on the focus of the evaluation method. In that sense one can identify three main foci of evaluation methods: system-centered methods that will test system properties (and are mostly used for verification, Sect. 13.1), task-centered methods that will test the task-performance of a user working with the haptic system (such tests are mainly used for validation but they can also verify system properties depending on the test design, Sect. 13.2) and user-centered methods that will measure the impact of the haptic system on the user. The latter are almost exclusively used for system validation and further described in Sect. 13.3.
The User’s Role in Haptic System Design
Authors: Kern Thorsten A. , Hatzfeld Christian , Youssef Fady
Published: November 2022

Consequently, a good mechanical design has to consider the user in his or her mechanical properties. The first part of this chapter deals with the discussion of the user as a mechanical load on the haptic device. The corresponding model is split into two independent elements depending on the frequency range of the oscillation. Methods and measurement setups for the derivation of mechanical impedance of the user are reviewed and a thorough analysis of impedance for different grip configurations is presented. In the second part of the chapter, the user is considered as the ultimate measure of quality for a haptic system. The relation of psychophysical parameters like the absolute threshold or the JND to engineering quality measures like resolution, errors and reproducibility is described and application depending quality measures like haptic transparency are introduced.
Development of Haptic Systems
Authors: Kern Thorsten A. , Hatzfeld Christian
Published: November 2022

This chapter deals with the general design processes for the development of task-specific haptic systems. Based on known mechatronic development processes like the V-model, a specialized variant for haptic systems is presented, that incorporates a strong focus on the intended interaction and the resulting impacts on the development process. Based on this model, a recommended order of technical decisions in the design process is derived. General design goals of haptic systems are introduced in this chapter as well. These include stability, haptic quality and usability that have to be incorporated in several stages of the design process. A short introduction into different forms of technical descriptions for electromechanical systems, control structures and kinematics is also included in this chapter to provide a common basis for the second part of the book.
Kinematic Design
Authors: Youssef Fady , Kassner Sebastian
Published: November 2022

One aspect in haptic devices is the design of the kinematics. The kinematics of a mechanism is the key to implement and accomplish the design goals, like transmitting dynamic feedback in the form of forces or torques, or allowing a sufficient workspace for the user to interact with environment. This chapter introduces the steps of the kinematic design. The chapter consists of five main sections. The first section gives an overview on some basic definitions and the main types of mechanisms. In the second section, the first step in the design, defining the structure of the mechanism, is introduced. This is accompanied with an example. After choosing the most applicable structure for the desired application, the second step takes place, where the kinematic equations are solved. These equations are used to describe the relation between the operating point of the mechanism and the base at any point in time. Different approaches are used to solve those equations depending on the type of the mechanism used. The third and final step in the design process is introduced in the fourth section. This step contains the optimization process of the mechanism in order to achieve a desired operation of the mechanism. Last but not least, the importance of modeling and simulation is discussed in the last section.
Actuator Design
Authors: Kern Thorsten A. , Haus Henry , Matysek Marc , Sindlinger Stephanie
Published: November 2022

Actuators are the most important elements of any haptic device. Their selection or design significantly influences the quality of the haptic impression. This chapter deals with commonly used actuators, organized according to their physical principle of operation. It focuses on the electrodynamic, electromagnetic, electrostatic and piezoelectric actuator principles. Each actuator type is discussed in terms of its main physical principles, with examples of sizing and one or more applications. Other, less frequently used actuator principles are mentioned in several examples. The preceding chapters focused on the basics of control engineering and kinematic design. They covered topics of structuring and fundamental character. This and the following chapters deal with the design of technical components as parts of haptic devices. Experience teaches us that actuators for haptic applications can rarely be found “off-the-shelf”. Their requirements always include some outstanding features in rotational frequency, power-density, working point, or geometry. These specialities make it necessary and helpful for users to be aware of the capabilities and possibilities for modifying existing actuators. Hence this chapter addresses both groups of readers: the users who want to choose a certain actuator and the mechanical engineer who intends to design a specific actuator for a certain device from scratch.
Thermodynamics of AdS planar black holes and holography
Authors: Bilić Neven , Fabris Júlio C.
Published: November 2022

Abstract

A large AdS Schwarzschild black hole can be approximated by an AdS planar black hole. However, the temperature of a planar black hole is not well defined due to the translational invariance of the horizon. We propose to fix this arbitrariness by imposing the entropy area law. Furthermore, using the AdS/CFT holography, we propose a relationship between the temperatures of an AdS planar and large AdS Schwarzschild black holes.
ABC-stacked multilayer graphene in holography
Authors: Seo Jeong-Won , Yuk Taewon , Han Young-Kwon , Sin Sang-Jin
Published: November 2022

Abstract

A flat band can be studied an infinitely strong coupling, realized in a simple system. Therefore, its holographic realization should be interesting. Laia and Tong gave a realization of the flat band over the entire momentum region by introducing a particular boundary term. Here, we give a model with a flat band over a finite region of momentum space using a bulk interaction term instead of the boundary term. We find that the spectrum of our model is precisely analogous to that of the ABC stacked multilayer graphene. In the presence of the chemical potential, the flat band is bent in our holographic model, which is very close to the band deformation due to the spin-orbit
Bootstrapping line defects with O(2) global symmetry
Authors: Gimenez-Grau Aleix , Lauria Edoardo , Liendo Pedro , van Vliet Philine
Published: November 2022

Abstract

We use the numerical bootstrap to study conformal line defects with O(2) global symmetry. Our results are very general and capture in particular conformal line defects originating from bulk CFTs with a continuous global symmetry, which can either be preserved or partially broken by the presence of the defect. We begin with an agnostic approach and perform a systematic bootstrap study of correlation functions between two canonical operators on the defect: the displacement and the tilt. We then focus on two interesting theories: a monodromy line defect and a localized magnetic field line defect. To this end, we combine the numerical bootstrap with the ε-expansion, where we complement existing results in the literature with additional calculations. For the monodromy defect our numerical results are consistent with expectations, with known analytic solutions sitting inside our numerical bounds. For the localized magnetic field line defect our plots show a series of intriguing cusps which we explore.
Epidemiology and treatment of pediatric tibial fractures in Sweden: a nationwide population-based study on 5828 fractures from the Swedish Fracture Register
Authors: Gothefors Matilda , Wolf Olof , Hailer Yasmin D.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Pediatric tibial fractures have been described internationally as mainly caused by fall during leisure activities and organized sports and showing a higher incidence in boys. Still, most studies are single center studies or have a small sample size. This study aimed to analyze sex and age distribution, seasonal variation, injury mechanisms and treatment of pediatric tibial fractures based on the nationwide Swedish Fracture Register (SFR).

Methods

All tibial fractures in patients < 16 years at injury and registered in 2015–2019 were extracted from the SFR. We analyzed patient characteristics such as sex and age, injury mechanism, fracture location and treatment.

Results

The study cohort consisted of 5828 pediatric tibial fractures in 5719 patients. Median age of the patients was 7 years and 58% were boys. Shaft fractures were most common, followed by the distal and proximal tibia. The lowest incidence was observed during autumn. The most common cause of injury was fall mostly involving winter sports, stumbles and fall from play equipment. Play/free time and sports were the most common activities, common places of injury were sports facility and home. 1% were open fractures. 78% were treated non-surgically. Screw fixation was performed in 52% of surgically treated fractures, predominantly in the distal segment.

Conclusion

Injury mechanism differs between age groups; play/free time injuries are common in younger children compared with sport activities in older children. Most patients are treated non-surgically. Open fractures are rare. Information on injury patterns is useful working preventively, for example safety work in playgrounds.
A theoretical approach to the residual stress assessment based on thermal field evaluation in laser beam welding
Authors: Giudice Fabio , Sili Andrea
Published: November 2022

Residual stresses are one of the major issues in welded parts, since they could be detrimental to the integrity of components and structure. Their determination is rather complex and could be an arduous task, both when it is based on experimental methods and on numerical simulations. The proposed work presents a theoretical approach to the prediction of the longitudinal residual stress distribution, based on a parameterized multi-source model for thermal field simulation in laser welding previously introduced. Reference is made to the case of “keyhole” full penetration welding mode obtained by CO2 laser beam single pass on butt-positioned AISI 304L plates. The resolution of the thermal field allows the analytical calculation of the distribution of the longitudinal residual stresses in two ways: one makes use of a simplified formulation of the distribution well-known in the literature; a second modality makes use of a procedure for residual stress generation, which is based on a combined processing of thermal profiles and the corresponding heating–cooling cycles calculated in single points as their distance from the welding axis varies, and provides a complete characterization of the distribution of longitudinal residual tensile stresses. After the introduction of thermal field modeling, both the proposed residual stress calculation procedures are detailed, applied to the analyzed case, and validated, highlighting the differences in the approaches and results.