bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Response of Cyanic and Acyanic Lettuce Cultivars to Increased Proportion of Blue Light
Authors: Cammarisano Laura , Körner Oliver
Published: June 2022

Indoor crop cultivation systems such as vertical farms or plant factories necessitate artificial lighting. Light spectral quality can affect plant growth and metabolism and, consequently, the amount of biomass produced and the value of the produce. Conflicting results on the effects of light spectrum in different plant species and cultivars make it critical to implement a singular lighting solution. In this study we explored the response of green and red leaf lettuce cultivars (’Aquino’, CVg, or ‘Barlach’, CVr, respectively) to long-term blue-enriched light application (WB). Plants were grown for 30 days in a growth chamber with optimal environmental condi-tions (temperature: 20°C, relative humidity: 60%, ambient CO2, Photon Flux Density (PFD) of 260 µmol m-2 s-1 over an 18-h photoperiod). At 15 days after sowing (DAS) white spectrum LEDs (WW) were compared to WB (λPeak = 423 nm) maintaining the same PFD of 260 µmol m-2 s-1. At 30 DAS, both lettuce cultivars resulted adapted to the blue light variant, though the adaptive re-sponse was specific to the variety. Rosette weight, light use efficiency and maximum operating efficiency of PSII photochemistry in the light, Fv/Fm’, were comparable between the two light treatments. Significant light quality effect was detected on stomatal density and conductance (20% and 17% increase under WB, respectively, in CVg) and, on the modified anthocyanin re-flectance index (mARI) (40% increase under WB, in CVr). Net photosynthesis response was gen-erally stronger in CVg compared to CVr; e.g. net photosynthetic rate, Pn, at 1000 µmol m-2 s-1 PPFD increased from WW to WB by 23% in CVg, compared to 18% in CVr. Results obtained suggest the occurrence of distinct physiological adaptive strategies in green and red pigmented lettuce cultivars to adapt to the higher proportion of blue light environment.
Application of the Bayesian Conformity Assessment Framework from JCGM 106:2012 for Lot Inspection on the Basis of Single Items
Authors: Colson Bertrand , Uhlig Steffen , Göb Rainer , Gowik Petra
Published: June 2022

The ISO 2859 and ISO 3951 series provide acceptance sampling procedures for lot inspection, allowing both sample size and acceptance rule to be determined, starting from a specific value either for the consumer or producer risk. However, insufficient resources often make it difficult to implement “ISO sampling plans.” In cases where the sample size is determined by external constraints, the focus shifts from determining sample size to determining consumer and producer risks. Moreover, if the sample size is very low (e.g. one single item), prior information should be included in the statistical analysis. For this reason, it makes sense to work within a Bayesian theoretical framework, such as that described in JCGM 106. Accordingly, the approach from JCGM 106 is adopted and broadened so as to allow application to lot inspection. The discussion is based on a “real-life” example of lot inspection on the basis of a single item. Starting from simple assumptions, expressions for both the prior and posterior distributions are worked out, and it is shown how the concepts from JCGM 106 can be reinterpreted in the context of lot inspection. Conceptual differences regarding the definition of consumer and producer risks in JCGM 106 and in the ISO acceptance sampling standards are elucidated and a numerical example is provided.
Detection and Analysis of Molten Aluminium Cleanliness Using a Pulsed Ultrasound System
Authors: Matlala Kgothatso , Mishra Amit Kumar , Puthal Deepak
Published: June 2022

The analysis of data produced by the MV20/20 sensor, tagged with quality outcomes, is presented with the aim of developing a predictor model for real-time anomaly detection and classification. Three types of inclusions, undesired particles that deteriorate the quality of production, are used to tag the quality data using results from the lab. We explore both unsupervised and supervised learning, which both offer advantages in monitoring and controlling the quality of production. It is discovered that the dataset can be clustered using techniques like K-Means and DBSCAN. Bounding the data within a 95% confidence interval ellipse ensures we can detect anomalous events in real time. For supervised learning, a two-stage classifier is explored, which classifies the outcome of a cast and secondly the inclusion responsible for the negative outcome. We explore models from logistic regression and support vector machines, to two neural networks, namely the multi-layer perceptron and the radial basis function network. While the cast outcome is adequately predicted by all the models, the multi-layer perceptron provides a boundary performance for the inclusion type. A more advanced technique for model optimisation, namely grid search, is applied in order to improve on the results. The outcome for the grid search is not much better, which indicates a global maximum in the learning capacity of the model. Recommendations include the addition of sensor systems and an audit of data collection variation.
Ca2+ Signaling and Hypoxia/Acidic Tumour Microenvironment Interplay in Tumour Progression
Authors: Audero Madelaine Magalie , Prevarskaya Natalia , Fiorio Pla Alessandra
Published: June 2022

Solid tumours are characterized by an altered microenvironment (TME) from the physi-cochemical point of view, displaying a highly hypoxic and acidic interstitial fluid. Hy-poxia results from uncontrolled proliferation, aberrant vascularization and altered can-cer cell metabolism. Tumour cellular apparatus adapt to hypoxia by altering its metab-olism and behaviour, increasing its migratory and metastatic abilities by acquisition of a mesenchymal phenotype and selection of aggressive tumour cell clones. Extracellular acidosis is considered a cancer hallmark, acting as a driver of cancer aggressiveness by promoting tumour metastasis and chemoresistance by selecting for more aggressive cell phenotypes, although the underlying mechanism is still not clear. In this context, Ca2+ channels represent good target candidates due to their ability to integrate signals from the TME. Ca2+ channels are pH and hypoxia sensors and alterations in Ca2+ homeostasis in cancer progression and vascularization have been extensively reported. The present review will focus on Ca2+ permeable ion channels, with a major focus on TRP, SOC and PIEZO channels, that are modulated by tumour hypoxia and acidosis as well as the role of the resulted altered Ca2+ signals on cancer progression hallmarks. A deeper compre-hension of the Ca2+ signaling and acidic pH/hypoxia interplay will break new ground for the discovery of alternative and attractive therapeutics targets.
Job Satisfaction and Turnover Intention among Malaysian Private University Academics: Perceived Organisational Support as a Moderator
Authors: Orpina Septriyan , Abdul Jalil Nurul Iman , T'ng Soo Ting
Published: June 2022

Research Aims: The present research examines the extent to which job satisfaction predicts turnover intentions and examines the extent to which perceived organisational support moderates the association between job satisfaction and turnover intention among academics in Malaysian private universities. Design/Methodology/Approach: This research adopted a quantitative method. The Turnover Intention Scale (TIS-6), Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ), and Survey of Perceived Organisational Support (SPOS) questionnaires were administered. Multistage cluster random sampling was used in this study. A total of 327 respondents provided valid data and analysed it using SPSS Process Macro Version 3.5. Research Findings: Job satisfaction was found to be a negative predictor of turnover intention. The association between job satisfaction and turnover intention was shown to be moderated by perceived organisational support. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: The finding validated that perceived organisational support moderates the association between job satisfaction and turnover intention and demonstrates that academicians who perceive their organisation to be caring and supportive of their well-being will be more satisfied and less likely to intend to leave their organisational setting. Managerial Implication in the South East Asian context: The study provides an excellent platform for university managers to use in designing organisational support systems, including job structure, environment, autonomy, or flexibility to reduce academicians’ turnover intention and to increase academician’s job satisfaction. Research Limitation & Implications: The causal relationships between variables are a limitation of current research. This research provides valuable information for future researchers as well as raises awareness among academic staff about factors related to turnover intentions. Keywords: turnover intention, job satisfaction, perceived organisational support, academic staff, private universities, Malaysia
Geographic Differences in Reaching Selected National HIV Strategic Targets Among People With Diagnosed HIV: 16 US States and Puerto Rico, 2017–2020
Authors: Dasgupta Sharoda , Tie Yunfeng , Beer Linda , Lyons Shacara Johnson , Shouse R. Luke , Harris Norma
Published: June 2022

Objectives. To assess geographic differences in reaching national targets for viral suppression, homelessness, and HIV-related stigma among people with HIV and key factors associated with these targets.

Methods. We used data from the Medical Monitoring Project (2017–2020) and the National HIV Surveillance System (2019) to report estimates nationally and for 17 US jurisdictions.

Results. Viral suppression (range = 55.3%–74.7%) and estimates for homelessness (range = 3.6%–11.9%) and HIV-related stigma (range for median score = 27.5–34.4) varied widely by jurisdiction. No jurisdiction met any of the national 2025 targets, except for Puerto Rico, which exceeded the target for homelessness (3.6% vs 4.6%). Viral suppression and antiretroviral therapy dose adherence were lowest, and certain social determinants of health (i.e., housing instability, HIV-related stigma, and HIV health care discrimination) were highest in Midwestern states.

Conclusions. Jurisdictions have room for improvement in reaching the national 2025 targets for ending the HIV epidemic and in addressing other measures associated with adverse HIV outcomes—especially in the Midwest. Working with local partners will help jurisdictions determine a tailored approach for addressing barriers to meeting national targets. (Am J Public Health. 2022;112(7):1059–1067. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2022.306843 )
Application Users Experiences on The Santosa Features of Bandung Patients During The Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Cindy Sovhie Aprilia  , Gartika Rahmasari
Published: June 2022

During the Covid-19 pandemic, many people are worried about coming directly to the hospital with several purposes, one of which is for outpatient registration. But with the application of patients made to make it easier for the people of Bandung and outside the city of Bandung to register outpatient, know room information, doctor information, registration history, and the results of laboratory and radiology examinations. This study aims to find out and describe the response of users of the Santosa patient Bandung application in using the patient santosa application at the time of the Covid-19 pandemic. This research uses phenomenological studies which are viewpoints that focus on individual experiences. The theory used in this study is interactional view and uses qualitative approaches. The results of this study show that the experience of patients' Sentosa application users assumes that the patient Sentosa application is very helpful and makes it easier for patients during the Covid-19 pandemic to register for outpatient, know room information, doctor information, registration history, and the results of Laboratory and Radiology Examinations and features that are accessed very easily understood by some users. Although the features are sophisticated and complicated, some Sentosa application users also assume that there are shortcomings that have, while some factors that become deficiencies or obstacles include: age, system errors, and lack of socialization about this Patient Santosa application.
The Role of Communication and Mass Media in the Diffusion Process of the Covid-19 Vaccination Program Innovation
Authors: Yuda Havid Yudistira  , Nela Widiastuti
Published: June 2022

This study aims to determine the process of innovation diffusion in the Covid-19 vaccination program. The Diffusion of Innovations was chosen because the Covid-19 vaccination program is an innovation or new idea in the health sector. In its distribution, the role of interpersonal communication and the role of the mass media are very influential so that this program can be conveyed to the public and make the public finally become more knowledgeable about the Covid-19 vaccination program. This study uses a qualitative descriptive method with an innovation diffusion theory approach. The informant determination technique used in this study was purposive sampling. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the Covid-19 vaccination program carried out by the government for the community can be conveyed and accepted by the community. The success of this vaccine program is supported by the factor of the role of interpersonal communication which is always carried out with the closest people and the surrounding community so that a lot of knowledge and information can be obtained. Then with the role of the mass media which always spreads and provides information quickly about the Covid-19 vaccination program and the mass media sometimes provides information about the Covid-19 vaccination program in various unique and creative ways so that people are interested and eventually want to be vaccinated.
Unearthing Underground Mining–Induced Strata Disturbance by Electrical Resistivity Tomography Interpretation
Authors: Prakash Amar , Bharti Abhay Kumar , Verma Aniket
Published: June 2022

The focus of the study was to evaluate the rock strata transformation above an underground mine panel during pre-and-post mining based on an electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) geophysical technique. The data were acquired using two electrode arrays (i.e., pole-dipole and Wenner-Schlumberger [WS]) with electrode spacing of 6 m up to 570 m in length. The resistivity data were digitally processed through RES2DINV software. The formation of fractured rock in the overburden caused by underground mining operations was clearly distinguished by resistivity anomalies observed using the pole-dipole array. Variation in the hydrogeological condition in the strata was also assessed during the pre-and-post mining conditions. The impact of compression and tension generated in the strata as a result of extraction of coal and subsidence in the overburden rock was observed through prominent resistivity variations observed in an inversion modelling of the WS true resistivity profile. The influence of surface topography in the near surface top weathered rock was also distinctly outlined by the resistivity measurements. ERT is a strong tool capable of providing valuable information regarding strata deformation caused by mining.
An Efficient Video Indexing and Retrieval using Feature Fusion and Naïve Bayes Classifier
Authors: N Gayathri , K Mahesh
Published: June 2022

User query towards a cluster/group of video to retrieve videos automatically from available user dataset plays a significant role in developing multimedia technologies. Analyzing video for retrieval with essential features is considered as prior work. Here, input videos are viewed from UCF youtube action data for analysis. Then, foreground segmentation is performed to discover numerous small subset objects as every subset should specify the foreground video class. The segmented region is given for feature extraction. This work considers four different techniques for extracting features, namely chromatic moment, blur, color diversity, and reflection features. The extracted features are fused using Principle Component Analysis to eliminate the high dimensionality features as it may influences classification accuracy. The feature vectors are considered for combining the elements all together. Finally, classification is done with the Naïve Bayes classifier. The training and testing are performed with various combinations of data with 30:70, 40:60, 50:50, 60:40, 70:30, and 80:20, respectively. The efficiency of video retrieval is measured with metrics like accuracy, precision, recall, and F-measure. The proposed model is compared with the in-depth learning approach, where the anticipated model shows better results than that of the existing plan.
Impact of Codified Knowledge Index on the Allocation of Overseas Inventors by Emerging Countries--Evidence from PCT Patent Activities in China
Authors: Zhou Hao , Lin Jie
Published: June 2022

Based on the backward citation information of patents and the geographical information of inventors, this paper constructed an overlap index of highly-cited patent technologies between 31 provinces in mainland China and 49 foreign countries (or regions) with active PCT patent inventors (1998-2017), in order to depict the bilateral codified knowledge index connection, and then, investigated its impact on the scale of allocation of overseas inventors by Chinese patent activities. According to the results, the codified knowledge index significantly increased the scale of overseas patent inventors imported to China, that is, for every 1,000 patents added in the technological overlap of highly-cited patents, the number of local inventors introduced from foreign countries (or regions) to local high-quality patent activities in China increased by 14, and this effect is mainly concentrated in the active innovation areas around the world. Further study showed that the impact of the bilateral tacit knowledge connection on the allocation of overseas inventors with the codified knowledge index was substitutive, and this substitutability decreased with the improved quality of innovation activities.JEL CLASSIFICATION: F43, O15, O32, O53
Implantable collamer lens implantation (ICL) versus small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) in low to moderate myopia: study protocol for a randomized, non-inferiority trial
Authors: Li Kangjun , Wang Zheng , Wang Ming X
Published: June 2022

Background
Implantable collamer lens implantation (ICL) is a form of ‘foldable’ posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens refractive surgery that generally does not impair cornea and natural accommodation. The potential advantages of the ICL over keratorefractive laser procedures include less induction of higher order aberrations (HOAs) and enhanced retinal image magnification. On the other hand, Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE), currently, one of the most popular refractive surgery procedures, also offers excellent visual outcomes, particularly for eyes with low to moderate amount of myopia. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether ICL/TICL (toric ICL) is comparable to SMILE for low to moderate myopia in terms of refractive outcomes at 3 and 18 months post-operatively.
Methods/Design:
This is a prospective randomized study. A total of 300 participants will be randomized into two groups, ICL/TICL group and SMILE group. Eligible participants with spherical equivalent (SE) less than − 6.0 diopter(D) will be recruited. Following randomization, participants will be followed at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months. The primary outcome is the refractive predictability at every postoperative point after surgery, which is the proportion of the number of eyes achieving a postoperative SE within ± 0.5 D and ± 1.0 D of the intended target. Secondary outcome parameters include visual acuity, refraction, adverse events and quality of vision measurements.
Discussion
This trial will provide information on whether ICL has comparable, if not superior, refractive outcomes compared to the established SMILE for low to moderate myopia, thus providing evidence for translation into clinical practice.
Trial registration:
Chinese clinical trial registry (ChiCTR) 2200055372.
Mapping, quantifying and comparing seascape heterogeneity of Southwest Indian Ridge seamounts
Authors: Swanborn Denise J.B. , Huvenne Veerle A.I. , Pittman Simon J. , Rogers Alex D. , Taylor Michelle L. , Woodall Lucy C.
Published: June 2022

ContextSeamounts are abundant geomorphological features creating seabed spatial heterogeneity, a main driver of deep-sea biodiversity. Despite its ecological importance, substantial knowledge gaps exist on the character of seamount spatial heterogeneity. ObjectivesThis study aimed to map, quantify and compare seamount seascapes to test whether individual habitats and seamounts differ in geomorphological structuring, and to identify spatial pattern metrics useful to discriminate between habitats and seamounts.MethodsWe mapped and classified geomorphological habitat using bathymetric data collected at five Southwest Indian Ridge seamounts. Spatial pattern metrics from landscape ecology are applied to quantify and compare seascape heterogeneity in composition and configuration represented in resulting habitat maps. ResultsWhilst part of the same regional geological feature, seamounts differed in seascape composition and configuration. Five geomorphological habitat types occurred across sites, which within seamounts differed in patch area, shape and clustering, with ridge habitat most dissimilar. Across seamounts, the spatial distribution of patches differed in number, shape, habitat aggregation and intermixing, and outcomes were used to score seamounts on a gradient from low to high spatial heterogeneity. ConclusionsAlthough seamounts have been conceptualised as similar habitats, this study revealed quantitative differences in seascape spatial heterogeneity. As variations in relative proportion and spatial relationships of habitats within seamounts may influence ecological functioning, the proposed quantitative approach help generate insights into within-seamount characteristics and seamount types relevant for representational ecosystem-based management. Further research into biodiversity associations with seascape composition and configuration at relevant spatial scales will help improve metric ecological interpretation.
Rapid reverse genetics systems for N. furzeri, a suitable model organism to study vertebrate aging
Authors: Oginuma Masayuki , Nishida Moana , Ohmura-Adachi Tomomi , Abe Kota , Ogamino Shohei , Mogi Chihiro , Matsui Hideaki , Ishitani Tohru
Published: June 2022

The African turquoise killifish (N. furzeri) is a useful model organism for studying aging, age-related diseases, and embryonic diapause. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene knockout and Tol2 transposon-mediated transgenesis in N. furzeri have been reported previously. However, these methods take time to generate knockout and transgenic fish. In addition, knock-in technology that inserts large DNA fragments as fluorescent reporter constructs into the target gene in N. furzeri has not yet been established. Here, we show that triple-target CRISPR-mediated single gene disruption efficiently produces whole-body biallelic knockout and enables the examination of gene function in the F0 generation. In addition, we developed a method for creating the knock-in reporter N. furzeri without crossing by optimizing the CRISPR/Cas9 system. These methods drastically reduce the experimental duration and we think that these will accelerate aging and developmental studies using N. furzeri.
The use of information and communication technology between emergency medical teams in emergency situations: A systematic review
Authors: Alshehri Badryah , Alshehri badryah , Gormley Kevin , McCutcheon Karen , Prue Gillian
Published: June 2022

Following an emergency incident, critically injured patients are often treated by multiple healthcare professionals from Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs) over a short period of time. The process of transportation from the site of an incident to definitive health care therefore depends on coordination and information-sharing which is reliant on the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). ICT is essential to ensure the necessary organizational responses to emergency situations by facilitating information-sharing, sustained coordination and collaboration to protect and save the injured. This literature review provides a broad overview which can facilitate an understanding of the experiences between EMTs in emergencies using ICT by systematically finding, reviewing, assessing and synthesizing current evidence. A systematic search guided by PRISMA was performed using relevant electronic databases and manual searches. Studies were limited to original research and only articles published between 2009 and 2021 were included. This review highlights that only a limited number of publications reported ICT use between EMTs in different emergencies in a single study. Fifteen papers were found which reported the experience of coordination and communication using ICT between EMTs in emergency situations in different countries. The findings of these papers indicate that although communication systems during an emergency are crucial, poor quality telecommunications infrastructure affected by difficult weather conditions often led to communication failures between respondents. The majority of these studies highlighted that the use of mobile phones is preferred over other systems due to their multi-functionality. Some of the studies reported issues in coordination between EMTs in which the limited information shared between EMTs affected their preparedness. Furthermore, the review shows that disaster simulation exercises between EMTs are insufficient and require improvement. Future research needs to include the perspectives of emergency operations centre staff along with nurses, physicians and paramedics in a single study to comprehensively explore the EMT response in emergency situations.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue Dye With Phyto-enhanced Zinc Oxide Doped With Nitrogen
Authors: Nnodim Uche Jude , Akpan Uduak , Adogwa Alexander Abu
Published: June 2022

The removal of organic pollutants from wastewater through chemical techniques has become imperative for the preservation of the ecosystem due to the non-biodegradability of organic pollutants. In this study, phyto-enhanced Zinc oxide (ZnO) was prepared from an aqueous solution of Zinc nitrate hexahydrate and Papaya leaf extracts. Preliminary degradation of MB dye with phyto-enhanced ZnO of different compositions for the dopant (nitrogen) revealed that phyto-enhanced ZnO doped with 5wt% Urea had superior photocatalytic capabilities than pure ZnO, 10wt% Urea and 2wt% Urea doping. The effects of solution pH, 5wt%Urea, N-ZnO dosage and initial solution concentration on MB dye on degradation were studied, and optimum percentage degradation of 83% and 97.5% were observed for pure ZnO and 5wt%UreaN-ZnO at solution pH of 9.0, initial concentration of 10 mg/L and photocatalyst dosage of 100 mg. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to characterize the catalyst. The BET result revealed surface area of 113.3cm2/g for the 5wt% Urea N-ZnO which was five times the surface area pure ZnO. The shift in the XRD pattern for 5wt% Urea N-ZnO affirmed the presence of dopants in the crystalline structure of ZnO. The average crystallite sizes of pure ZnO and 5wt% N-ZnO were 34.7nm and 24.8nm, respectively. The findings from this research revealed green synthesis and doping improves the degradation ability of ZnO, which often leads to increased efficiency of wastewater treatment processes/systems.
Analyzing the spatio-temporal carbon change mechanism -- A land-based carbon flow network (CFN) for cities
Authors: Cui Xuezhu , Li Shaoying
Published: June 2022

High carbon emissions played significant role in global climate change, which made cities with rapid urbanization responsible for local carbon mitigation. In this study, a land-based CFN framework was established by taking 15 land use types as different network nodes. It engaged in exploring the spatio-temporal patterns of the carbon change from a land use perspective, which was followed by the analysis of network utilities to reveal the complex carbon change mechanism. By taking Guangzhou city as an empirical study, the established framework was tested, which showed that the high-level carbon emission patches were found extended from the city center to the city limits with diminished size from 2000 to 2015. Transitions that increased/reduced carbon emissions were detected and revealed the different carbon change mechanism in three time-spans. Exploitation was found significantly contributed to the carbon emissions in 2000–2005 and fell over time. In the built-up area, the dominant carbon relationship has changed from exploitation to mutualism with enlarged carbon emissions. Competition was found continuously increased throughout the study period with favorable mutual restriction effects on carbon emissions, which provided valuable insight for the carbon mitigation through urban planning.
Effect of grass hay on whole corn grain-based diets
Authors: Ortêncio Marluci Olício , Araújo saulo Alberto do Carmo , Nogueira Marcos Augusto dos reis , Rocha Norberto Silva , Arcanjo Angelo Herbet Moreira , Soares Natália de Ávila , Botelho Caroline Silva , Silva Indiara Aparecida Alves da
Published: June 2022

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of adding Tifton-85 hay as a source of physically effective neutral detergent fiber (peNDF) on intake, digestibility, and recovery of non-degraded corn in feces of growing cattle receiving whole corn grain-based diets. This work was conducted in two simultaneous Latin squares with eight Holstein x Gyr crossbred calves. The treatments were the inclusion of Tifton-85 hay levels in the whole corn diet without roughage. The control treatment (H0) was a diet with 85% whole corn and 15% of pellets (pelletized supplement), and the others were the inclusion of three levels of hay 0.2 % (H2); 0.6 % (H6); and 0.8% (H8) of body weight. The hay did not influence dry matter intake (DMI) and protein intake (CPI). We also did not observe any significant differences for dry matter digestibility (DMd), crude protein digestibility (CPd). However, there was a significant increase in the intake and digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (NDF). The increase in hay provided a reduction in the amount of corn in feces and led to a lower percentage of corn in feces retained in the 4 mm sieve, indicating a greater corn breakage by chewing. Given this, the inclusion of hay in whole corn grain-based diets can be a nutritional tool to increase the utilization of dietary energy.
Uncertainty-aware molecular dynamics from Bayesian active learning: Phase Transformations and Thermal Transport in SiC
Authors: Kozinsky Boris , Xie Yu , Vandermause Jonathan , Ramakers Senja , Protik Nakib , Johansson Anders
Published: June 2022

Machine learning interatomic force fields are promising for combining high computational efficiency and accuracy in modeling quantum interactions and simulating atomic level processes. Active learning methods have been recently developed to train force fields efficiently and automatically. Among them, Bayesian active learning utilizes principled uncertainty quantification to make data acquisition decisions. In this work, we present an efficient Bayesian active learning workflow, where the force field is constructed from a sparse Gaussian process regression model based on atomic cluster expansion descriptors. To circumvent the high computational cost of the sparse Gaussian process uncertainty calculation, we formulate a high-performance approximate mapping of the uncertainty and demonstrate a speedup of several orders of magnitude. As an application, we train a model for silicon carbide (SiC), a wide-gap semiconductor with complex polymorphic structure and diverse technological applications in power electronics, nuclear physics and astronomy. We show that the high pressure phase transformation is accurately captured by the autonomous active learning workflow. The trained force field shows excellent agreement with both \textit{ab initio} calculations and experimental measurements, and outperforms existing empirical models on vibrational and thermal properties. The active learning workflow readily generalizes to a wide range of systems and accelerates computational understanding and design.
Understanding integrated service delivery: a scoping review of models for noncommunicable disease interventions in low-and-middle income countries
Authors: Adler Alma J , Drown Laura , Boudreaux Chantelle , Coates Matthew M , Marx Andrew , Akala Oyetayo , Waqanivalu Temo , Xu Hongyi , Bukhman Gene
Published: June 2022

Background
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) represent a growing proportion of disease burden in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Past efforts identified interventions to be delivered across health system levels to address this burden. The challenge remains of how to deliver heterogenous interventions in resource-constrained settings. One possible solution is the Integration of interventions within existing care delivery models. This study reviews and summarizes published literature on models of integrated NCD and mental health care in LMICs.
Methods
We performed a scoping review of studies describing an integrated model of NCD or neuropsychiatric conditions (NPs) implemented in a LMIC. Conditions of interest were grouped into common and severe NCDs and NPs. We identified domains of interest and types of service integration, conducting a narrative synthesis of study types. Studies were screened and characteristics were extracted for all relevant studies.
Results
Our search yielded 5004 studies, we included 219 models of integration from 188 studies. Most studies were conducted in middle-income countries, most commonly in sub-Saharan Africa. Health services were offered across all health system levels, with most models implemented at health centers. Common NCDs (including type 2 diabetes and hypertension) were most frequently addressed by these models, followed by common NPs (including depression and anxiety). Conditions and/or services were commonly integrated into existing primary healthcare, HIV, maternal and child health programs. Services provided for conditions of interest varied and frequency of these services differed across health system levels. Many models demonstrated decentralization of services to lower health system levels, and task shifting to lower cadre providers.
Conclusions
While integrated service design is a promising method to achieve ambitious global goals, little is known about what works, when, and why. This review characterizing care integration programs is an initial step toward developing a structured study of care integration.
Closing the concern-action gap through relational climate conversations: Insights from U.S. climate activists
Authors: Fine Julia
Published: June 2022

Several studies have found that relational climate conversations can be an effective method of increasing participants’ concern about the climate crisis and encouraging them to take collective action. However, little work has yet examined how such conversations are practiced by climate activists, a group with expertise in relational organizing. Drawing on surveys and semi-structured conversational interviews with climate activists across the United States, this analysis finds that activists frequently have climate conversations with other activists, friends, and family, most of whom are politically progressive and somewhat to very concerned about the climate crisis. These results might appear to suggest that climate activists only have climate conversations with like-minded others, producing an echo chamber effect that could entrench the political polarization of the issue. However, climate activists report strategic reasons for choosing like-minded audiences. Their primary conversational goals are not to win over the vocal minority of climate deniers, but instead to move people who are already concerned about the climate crisis to take collective action in accordance with values of climate justice, thereby closing the concern-action gap. These results look beyond partisan polarization to identify other obstacles to climate action, and suggest that relational climate conversations can be instrumental in overcoming these obstacles.
Association between pyrethroids exposure and risk of depressive symptoms among adults in the U.S.
Authors: Li Hui-ru , Fu Xi-hang , Song Ling-ling , Cen Man-qiu , Wu Jing
Published: June 2022

This study aimed to investigate the association between pyrethroid exposure and the risk of depressive symptoms in adults in the US. Data of participants aged ≥ 20 years (n = 6402) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2007–2014) were included. 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA), an adequately detected pyrethroid metabolite, was used as a biomarker to assess pyrethroid exposure. Depressive symptoms were defined as a total score ≥ 10 using the Patient’s Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the association between urinary 3-PBA levels and the risk of depressive symptoms. In this study, 617 participants (weighted frequency, 8.31%) developed depressive symptoms. There was a significant positive association between ln-transformed 3-PBA and depressive symptoms after adjustment for all covariates and the weighted OR was 1.10 (95% CI, 1.03–1.18; P = 0.009). Participants in the highest tertile have a higher risk of depressive symptoms than those in the lowest tertile of urinary 3-PBA and weighted OR of 1.24 (95% CI, 0.95–1.61; P = 0.015). Restricted cubic spline showed a nonlinear association between urinary 3-PBA and depressive symptoms (P for nonlinearity = 0.016). Subgroup analysis showed a significant interaction between trouble sleeping and urinary 3-PBA levels on the risk of depressive symptoms (P for interaction = 0.005).
Melatonin alleviates cadmium phytotoxicity through regulation of growth, photosynthesis and antioxidant potential in two pepper genotypes
Authors: Saqib Muhammad , Shahzad Umbreen , Naz Safina , Abbas Azhar , Jahan Shah , Shahid Rabia , Altaf Muhammad Mohsin , Abid Zakia , Tiwari Rahul Kumar , Lal Milan Kumar , Altaf Muhammad Ahsan
Published: June 2022

Heavy metal contamination has severely hampered worldwide crop productivity. Cadmium (Cd) pollution is one of the most important environmental and agricultural soil challenges facing the world today, and it is mostly caused by human activity. The current research examines the potential effect of melatonin (ME) in alleviating Cd toxicity in pepper (Capsicum annuum L) seedlings. Cd stress reduced the growth traits, pigments molecules, and gas exchange elements, but increased phenolic content, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA) content and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD). Conversely, exogenously applied ME promoted growth characteristics, chlorophyll content, and leaf gas exchange parameters in treated seedlings. Furthermore, ME supplementation further enhanced protein, total phenolics, and antioxidant enzyme activity. The increased activity of antioxidant scavengers played a central role in reducing H2O2 and MDA content in seedlings under Cd toxicity. According to the present research, seedlings pretreatment with ME decreases Cd-toxicity and allows pepper to grow in Cd-contaminated environments. Future research may aid in the understanding of the ME-assisted stress reduction mechanism in pepper crops. In addition, study into the potential of melatonin for stress relief in various horticultural and agronomic crops would aid in agricultural production development.
Stabilization of synchronous equilibria in regular dynamical networks with delayed coupling
Authors: Maia Marcos Daniel Nogueira , Yanchuk Serhiy , Kurths Jürgen
Published: June 2022

We consider the synchronization problem of dynamical networks with delayed interactions. More specifically, we focus on the stabilization of synchronous equilibria in regular networks where the degrees of all nodes are equal. By studying such control near a Hopf bifurcation, we obtain necessary and sufficient conditions for stabilization. It is shown that the stabilization domains in the parameter space reappear periodically with time-delay. We find that the frequency of reappearance of the control domains is linearly proportional to the number of cycle multipartitions of the network.
Wire-EDM Cutting Strategies of WC-Co Hardmetals: Effect of Number of EDM Pass on Surface Integrity
Authors: Toparli M. Burak
Published: June 2022

In this study, the effect of number of wire-EDM pass on structural integrity of WC-Co hardmetals was investigated. As-received doughnut-shaped WC-25wt%Co samples were EDM’ed with one, two, three and five EDM passes. Resulting surface conditions were investigated in terms of macroscopic and microscopic examinations. Surface roughness and hardness measurements were carried out. Detailed SEM investigations were coupled with EDS analyses. Based on the experimental findings, a detailed cutting strategies were offered for WC-Co hardmetals depending on the expectations on surface conditions, production route and efficiency.
Understanding variability in maize yield response to phosphorus fertilizer in Africa and China: Meta-analysis
Authors: Bilisuma Kebeto , Jiao Xiaoqiang , Dagnachew Lule
Published: June 2022

The limited information on the relationship between phosphorus (P) fertilization and Agronomic efficiency of P (AEP) is a setback to farmers and agronomists for appropriate application of P fertilizer both in China and Africa. Besides, the gap between China and Africa on maize yield response to P fertilizer under different soil and rainfall condition is unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to quantify the variability of maize yield response and AE of P under various conditions using meta-analysis. It was shown that, both in Africa and China, the yield response was found to be 69.9%, and 20% higher compared to the control, respectively. Despite the fact that the magnitude of yield response depends on soil fertility, the level of NK (Nitrogen and Potassium) fertilizer applied, the genotype of maize, and agronomic practices, and types of P fertilizer used, a 49.99% higher yield response was obtained due to P fertilizer in Africa compared to China and the average AE of P was significantly higher in Africa (88 kg P kg− 1) than in China (33 kg P kg− 1). Under various soil and climatic conditions maize yield response was highly affected in Africa than in China. Therefore, in Africa wholistic approach of nutrient management and soil fertility improvement along with environmental safety issue should be developed, while in China, priority should be given to enhancing AEP of aimed at reduction of environmental pollution.
Structural characterization of iron sulfide tribofilms formed on carbon and stainless steels
Authors: Miyajima Makoto , Yonemura Mitsuharu , Kitamura Kazuyuki , Matsumoto Keishi , Yagi Kazuyuki
Published: June 2022

Extreme pressure (EP) additives are used to reduce friction and improve the wear resistance of lubricants that are used in engine and gear systems in vehicles and cold working process. Sulfur-containing EP additives react with the metal surface to form inorganic tribofilms, such as those containing iron sulfide, with a relatively low shearing strength that prevents scuffing. In this study, tribofilms formed under boundary lubrication via the reaction of a polysulfide additive on carbon steel (S45C) and stainless steel (SUS304) surfaces were investigated using four ex situ techniques, namely, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and transmission electron microscopy, to understand the causes of scuffing in stainless steel. In the tests conducted with the SUS304 disc, the friction coefficient increased more slowly compared to that of the S45C disc and showed fluctuations. The tribofilm on the S45C disc comprised the outermost and inner layers of FeS2 (pyrite) and FeS (troilite) structures, respectively. Conversely, the tribofilm on the SUS304 disc surface possessed an FeS2 structure in both the outermost and inner layers. The tribofilm on the SUS304 disc exhibited poor crystallinity in the outermost layer and was thinner than that formed on the S45C disc. The formation of a weaker tribofilm on the SUS304 disc probably introduced instability of the friction coefficient and scuffing.
The use of multi-wall carbon nanotube for improving the mechanical performance of epoxy resin based metal oxide hybrid nanocomposites
Authors: Mustafa Bakhan S. , Jamal Gelas M. , Abdullah Omed Gh.
Published: June 2022

This study aims to explore the improvement in the mechanical characterization of epoxy resin (EPR) based hybrid nanocomposite, reinforced with multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT), zirconium dioxide (ZrO2), and yttrium oxide (Y2O3) nanoparticles (NPs). The intercalation behavior of the fillers in the composites was studied by monitoring the change of X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. The effect of different components on tensile properties of filled EPR PNCs was investigated. Results show that there was a remarkable improvement in the mechanical properties of hybrid nanocomposites at small loading levels of MWCNT. The addition of MWCNT at 0.1 has increased the composite Young’s modulus, 28.38% in comparison with pure EPR. The reduction of elongation at break for EPR upon incorporating MWCNT is due to the high agglomerates of MWCNT in the PNCs. The low-weight fraction of CNTs (0.1 wt.%) was found to be effective in enhancing the toughness by 18.13% in comparison to pure EPR. Furthermore, the optimized hybrid EPR reinforced MWCNT shows a higher Young’s modulus value of 2492.06 MPa upon loading 1 wt.% NPs. The reduction of the tensile strength of the EPR PNCs is due to NPs agglomeration. The present study illustrates that the mechanical and structural properties of bulk EPR can be tailored by incorporating a very low nano-fillers concentration.
Molybdenum carbide/Ni nanoparticles-incorporated carbon nanofibers as effective non-precious catalyst for urea electrooxidation reaction
Authors: Barakat Nasser A. M. , Ali Marwa A.
Published: June 2022

In this study, molybdenum carbide and carbon were investigated as co-catalysts to enhance the nickel electro-activity toward urea oxidation. The proposed electrocatalyst has been formulated in the form of nanofibrous morphology to exploit the advantage of the large axial ratio. Typically, calcination of electropsun polymeric nanofibers composed of poly(vinyl alcohol), molybdenum chloride and nickel acetate under vacuum resulted in producing good morphology molybdenum carbide/Ni NPs‒incorporated carbon nanofibers. Investigation the composition and morphology of the proposed catalyst was achieved by XRD, SEM and TEM analyses which concluded formation of molybdenum carbide and nickel nanoparticles embedded in a carbon nanofiber matrix. As an electrocatalyst for urea oxidation, the electrochemical measurements indicated that the proposed composite has a distinct activity when the molybdenum content is optimized. Typically, the nanofibers prepared from electrospun nanofibers containing 25 wt% molybdenum precursor with respect to nickel acetate revealed the best performance. Numerically, using 0.33 M urea in 1.0 M KOH, the obtained current densities were 15.5, 44.9, 46.5, 38.2, 87.9 and 12.6 mA/cm2 for nanofibers prepared at 850 oC from electropsun mats containing 0, 5, 10, 15, 25 and 35 molybdenum chloride, respectively. Study the synthesis temperature of the proposed composite indicated that 1000 oC is the optimum calcination temperature. Kinetic studies indicated that electrooxidation reaction of urea does not follow Arrhenius’s law. To investigate the advantage of the nanofibrous morphology, the proposed catalyst has been synthesized in nanoparticulate morphology, the later showed trivial activity compared to the nanofibers catalyst.