bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of marination in lemon juice on beef tenderization and in vitro gastric digestibility
Authors: Wakita Yoshihisa , Takahashi Mayumi , Tamiya Shinri , Kobayashi Isao
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

There is limited knowledge regarding digestion and absorption of nutrients after cooked marinated meat is ingested. Most of the previous studies on food gastric digestion have focused on chemical digestion and did not reflect upon physical digestion driven by peristalsis. In the present study, we examined the effects of marinating beef in lemon juice on gastric digestibility using a human gastric digestion simulator (GDS) that mimics peristaltic motion called antral contraction waves.

RESULTS

Beef thigh slices were marinated in 100% lemon juice for 1 h and then grilled; an image of a stained tissue sample revealed that muscle tissue contraction (i.e. that usually occurs upon cooking) was suppressed. The measurement of physical properties using a rheometer and texture analyzer showed that the meat marinated in lemon juice had a soft texture. In vitro digestion experiments using the GDS revealed that the extent of both physical digestion driven by peristalsis and chemical digestion catalyzed by digestive enzymes was enhanced by the lemon juice marinade.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study suggest that marinating beef in lemon juice affects nutrient digestibility. An integrated evaluation of tissue structure, physical properties and GDS digestion to analyze meat digestion would enhance our understanding of the effects of seasoning and cooking methods on meat. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Pain behavior and phenotype in a modified anterior lumbar disc puncture mouse model
Authors: Huang Yuming , Lei Linchuan , Zhu Jian , Zheng Jinjian , Li Zemin , Wang Hua , Wang Jianru , Zheng Zhaomin
Published: September 2023

Background

An experimental study was performed to improve the anterior approach model of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD).

Objective

The aims of this study were to investigate the anterior approach model of IVDD for the cause of death, phenotypes, and underlying mechanisms of low back pain in mice.

Method

In this study, we conducted an anterior puncture procedure on a cohort of 300 C57BL/6J mice that were 8 weeks old. Our investigation focused on exploring the causes of death in the study population (n = 300) and assessing the time‐course changes in various parameters, including radiographical, histological, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry analyses (n = 10). Additionally, we conducted behavioral assessments on a subset of the animals (n = 30).

Results

Transverse vertebral artery rupture is a major factor in surgical death. Radiographical analyses showed that the hydration of the nucleus pulposus began to decrease at 2 weeks after puncture and obviously disappeared over 4 weeks. 3D‐CT showed that disc height was significantly decreased at 4 weeks. Osteophyte at the anterior vertebral rims was observed at 2 weeks after the puncture. As the time course increased, histological analyses showed progressive disruption of the destruction of the extracellular matrix and increased secretion of inflammatory cytokines and apoptosis. Behavioral signs of low back pain were increased between the puncture and sham groups at 4 weeks.

Conclusion

The improvement of anterior intervertebral disc approach model in mice will be useful to investigate underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies for behavior and phenotypes. Furthermore, the application of vibrational pre‐treatment can be used to increase the sensitivity of axial back pain in the model, thereby providing researchers with a reliable method for measuring this critical phenotype.
Carrying capacity of black‐necked cranes in Dashanbao National Nature Reserve, China
Authors: Dong Hao Yan , Yang XiaoJun
Published: September 2023

Since 2005, large areas have been planted for maca, the introduced cash crop, on cropland and grassland in Yunnan, China. While cash crops offer clear economic benefits over conventional crops, they also reduce the amount of land for wildlife, especially wading birds. The effect of cash crops on the energetic carrying capacity for birds requires evaluation. The black‐necked crane (Grus nigricollis) is a flagship species wintering in northeast and northwest Yunnan where large areas of cropland and grassland have been converted to maca production. Understanding changes in the energetic carrying capacity in response to increasing maca production will facilitate the development of effective conservation plans for the protection of black‐necked cranes. We estimated food density and the crane's daily energy requirements by observing the foraging behavior of crane individuals using telescopes and recorded video to measure the energetic carrying capacity of the black‐necked crane in the Dashanbao National Nature Reserve. The monthly energetic carrying capacity was similar between the pre‐expansion planting period for maca (2012–2014) and the expansion planting period (2014–2015). The abundance of invertebrates in grassland in December and January and Tartary buckwheat in March was below the food density threshold (below which foraging becomes energetically unprofitable) in both the pre‐and post‐maca planting years. In addition, the crop yield was significantly affected by freeze damage in spring. Thus, climate and abundance of invertebrates affect the energetic carrying capacity of black‐necked cranes in Dashanbao Reserve. We suggest that the local relevant departments should fully assess the potential effect on the cranes when implementing the large‐scale cultivation of introduced crops and avoid the large‐scale planting of single‐species crops. The largest planted area in suitable farmland within the study area should not exceed 1,000 ha. Maca planting should be undertaken with caution in this area because of the potential effect on black‐necked cranes.
The fitness and corrosion mechanisms of high‐strength steel in corrosive oil–water environment at high temperature
Authors: Yao Jinxing , Zhong Xiankang , Zhang Zhixin , Fan Zijian , Hu Junying , Wang Jue
Published: September 2023

This work investigated the mechanical decay mechanism and high‐temperature corrosion mechanism of high‐strength steel via high‐temperature mechanical experiments, and corrosion and stress corrosion cracking tests were performed in simulated working conditions where water, oil, H2S, and CO2 coexist. The results show that the tensile strength and yield strength of high‐strength steel decrease with increasing temperature; the tensile strength and yield strength at 350°C reduce 11.91% and 19.08%, respectively, compared with 25°C. Moreover, the corrosion rate of high‐strength steel gradually increased from 0.0914 mm/a at 150°C to 1.2288 mm/a at 350°C. In addition, the influence of high temperature on the corrosion mechanism was inferred through thermodynamic calculations, and the reason for the presence of Fe3O4 in the corrosion products at 350°C was analyzed. At 350°C, stress corrosion cracking was observed in high‐strength steels when the applied stress reached 90% of the yield strength. Based on the aforementioned studies, the relevant mechanisms related to the decay of mechanical properties, corrosion, and stress corrosion cracking are also proposed.
Polymers as Aerospace Structural Components: How to Reach Sustainability?
Authors: Dyer William E. , Kumru Baris
Published: September 2023

The aerospace industry has been benefiting from the utilization of polymer materials since fiber‐reinforced polymer composites (FRPC) offer high performances at low densities compared to metals. FRPC facilitated the design of lightweight materials, which is extensively used in aviation today. Since their first integration into structural parts, FRPC has experienced exponential growth over the years and has received a special interest from manufacturing engineering. While FRPC today is a major focus in engineering, the design of polymer matrix relies on polymer chemistry. However, aircraft materials are facing a pressing issue related to sustainability, since their environmental footprint is at an alarming level. In this review, commercial thermosetting polymer composites employed in aircraft structures are exhibited from a chemistry perspective by depicting starting products and curing reactions. The potential of chemistry to help design next‐generation sustainable FRPC for structural parts by means of utilization of sustainable feedstock, energy‐efficient processing, and recycling, is disseminated.
On K3 surfaces of Picard rank 14
Authors: Clingher Adrian , Malmendier Andreas
Published: September 2023

We study complex algebraic K3 surfaces with finite automorphism groups and polarized by rank 14, 2‐elementary lattices. Three such lattices exist, namely, , , and . As part of our study, we provide birational models for these surfaces as quartic projective hypersurfaces and describe the associated coarse moduli spaces in terms of suitable modular invariants. Additionally, we explore the connection between these families and dual K3 families related via the Nikulin construction.
“Unattractive = natural”: How explicit and implicit beliefs jointly affect consumer purchase of unattractive produce
Authors: Niu Yixin , You Yanfen , Ran Yaxuan , Liu Jiani
Published: September 2023

To reduce the waste of aesthetically unappealing yet safe produce, marketers and policymakers have attempted to associate such produce with the concept of “naturalness” (i.e., establishing the “unattractive = natural” belief), thereby increasing its appeal to consumers. However, research findings conflict regarding the effectiveness of this approach. To reconcile these inconsistencies, the present research suggests that two types of “unattractive = natural” beliefs—explicit and implicit—collectively influence consumer purchase of unattractive produce. Through one field and two lab experiments using two methods to measure implicit beliefs (i.e., the Implicit Association Test and word‐embedding method) and consumer purchases (i.e., actual product choices and a Likert scale), we found that consumers with a high level of incongruence between explicit and implicit “unattractive = natural” beliefs exhibit a greater preference for unattractive produce than those with a low level of such incongruence. This occurs because the incongruence between implicit and explicit beliefs prompts elaborative thinking about the naturalness of unattractive produce, thus alleviating consumer avoidance. Our undertaking contributes to the existing literature on consumer purchase of unattractive produce by examining explicit and implicit beliefs. It also offers valuable insights into leveraging implicit measurement techniques to mitigate food waste.
Automatic dose prediction using deep learning and plan optimization with finite‐element control for intensity modulated radiation therapy
Authors: Shen Yichao , Tang Xingni , Lin Sara , Jin Xiance , Ding Jiapei , Shao Minghai
Published: September 2023

Background

Automatic solutions for generating radiotherapy treatment plans using deep learning (DL) have been investigated by mimicking the voxel's dose. However, plan optimization using voxel‐dose features has not been extensively studied.

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the efficiency of a direct optimization strategy with finite elements (FEs) after DL dose prediction for automatic intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) treatment planning.

Methods

A double‐UNet DL model was adapted for 220 cervical cancer patients (200 for training and 20 for testing), who underwent IMRT between 2016 and 2020 at our clinic. The model inputs were computed tomography (CT) slices, organs at risk (OARs), and planning target volumes (PTVs), and the outputs were dose distributions of uniformly generated high‐dose region‐controlled plans. The FEs were discretized into equal intervals of the dose prediction value within the [OARs avoid PTV(O‐P)] and [body avoids OARs & PTV(B‐OP)] regions in the test cohort and used to define the objectives for IMRT plan optimization. The plans were optimized using a two‐step process. In the beginning, the plans of two extra cases with and without low‐dose region control were compared to pursue robust and optimal dose adjustment degree pattern of FEs. In the first step, the mean dose of O‐P FEs were constrained to differing degrees according to the pattern. The further the FEs from the PTV, the tighter the constraints. In the second step, the mean dose of O‐P FEs from first step were constrained again but weakly and the dose of the B‐OP FEs from dose prediction and PTV were tightly regulated. The dosimetric parameters of the OARs and PTV were evaluated and compared using an interstep approach. In another 10 cases, the plans optimized via the aforementioned steps (method 1) were compared with those directly generated by the double‐UNet dose prediction model trained by low and high region‐controlled plans (method 2).

Results

The mean differences in dose metrics between the UNet‐predicted dose and the clinical plans were: 0.47 Gy for bladder D50%; 0.62 Gy for rectum D50%; 0% for small intestine V30Gy; 1% for small intestine V40Gy; 4% for left femoral head V30Gy; and 6% for right femoral head V30Gy. The reductions in mean dose (p < 0.001) after FE‐based optimization were: 4.0, 1.9, 2.8, 5.9, and 5.7 Gy for the bladder, rectum, small intestine, left femoral head, and right femoral head, respectively, with flat PTV homogeneity and conformity. Method 1 plans produced lower mean doses than those of method 2 for the bladder (0.7 Gy), rectum (1.0 Gy), and small intestine (0.6 Gy), while maintaining  PTV homogeneity and conformity.

Conclusion

FE‐based direct optimization produced lower OAR doses and adequate PTV doses after DL prediction. This solution offers rapid and automatic plan optimization without manual adjustment, particularly in low‐dose regions.
Development and validation of MonteRay, a fast Monte Carlo dose engine for carbon ion beam radiotherapy
Authors: Lysakovski Peter , Kopp Benedikt , Tessonnier Thomas , Mein Stewart , Ferrari Alfredo , Haberer Thomas , Debus Jürgen , Mairani Andrea
Published: September 2023

Background

Monte Carlo (MC) simulations are considered the gold‐standard for accuracy in radiotherapy dose calculation; so far however, no commercial treatment planning system (TPS) provides a fast MC for supporting clinical practice in carbon ion therapy.

Purpose

To extend and validate the in‐house developed fast MC dose engine MonteRay for carbon ion therapy, including physical and biological dose calculation.

Methods

MonteRay is a CPU MC dose calculation engine written in C++ that is capable of simulating therapeutic proton, helium and carbon ion beams. In this work, development steps taken to include carbon ions in MonteRay are presented. Dose distributions computed with MonteRay are evaluated using a comprehensive validation dataset, including various measurements (pristine Bragg peaks, spread out Bragg peaks in water and behind an anthropomorphic phantom) and simulations of a patient plan. The latter includes both physical and biological dose comparisons. Runtimes of MonteRay were evaluated against those of FLUKA MC on a standard benchmark problem.

Results

Dosimetric comparisons between MonteRay and measurements demonstrated good agreement. In terms of pristine Bragg peaks, mean errors between simulated and measured integral depth dose distributions were between −2.3% and +2.7%. Comparing SOBPs at 5, 12.5 and 20 cm depth, mean absolute relative dose differences were 0.9%, 0.7% and 1.6% respectively. Comparison against measurements behind an anthropomorphic head phantom revealed mean absolute dose differences of with global 3%/3 mm 3D‐γ passing rates of 99.3%, comparable to those previously reached with FLUKA (98.9%). Comparisons against dose predictions computed with the clinical treatment planning tool RayStation 11B for a meningioma patient plan revealed excellent local 1%/1 mm 3D‐γ passing rates of 98% for physical and 94% for biological dose. In terms of runtime, MonteRay achieved speedups against reference FLUKA simulations ranging from 14× to 72×, depending on the beam's energy and the step size chosen.

Conclusions

Validations against clinical dosimetric measurements in homogeneous and heterogeneous scenarios and clinical TPS calculations have proven the validity of the physical models implemented in MonteRay. To conclude, MonteRay is viable as a fast secondary MC engine for supporting clinical practice in proton, helium and carbon ion radiotherapy.
ADER discontinuous Galerkin Material Point Method
Authors: Lakiss Alaa , Heuzé Thomas , Tannous Mikhael , Stainier Laurent
Published: September 2023

The first‐order accurate discontinuous Galerkin Material Point Method (DGMPM), initially introduced by Renaud et al. (J Comput Phys. 2018;369:80–102.), considers a solid body discretized by a collection of material points carrying the history of the matter, embedded in an arbitrary grid on which a nodal discontinuous Galerkin approximation is defined, and that serves to solve balance equations. This method has been shown to be promising, especially for solving hyperbolic problems in finite deforming solids (Renaud et al. Int J Numer Methods Eng. 2020;121(4):664–689. Renaud et al. Comput Methods Appl Mech Eng. 2020;365:112987.). The main goal of this research is to extend the first‐order DGMPM to arbitrary high‐order accurate approximations. This is performed by adapting the ADER (Arbitrary high order DErivative Riemann problem) approach (Busto et al. Front Phys. 2020;8:32.) to the particular spatial discretization of the DGMPM. First, the predictor step permits to design a particle‐to‐grid projection of arbitrary high order of accuracy, consistent with that of the nodal discontinuous Galerkin approximation defined on the arbitrary grid. This is performed using a moving least square approximation for the ADER predictor field. Second, since the degrees of freedom of the predictor field are now defined at material points, the computation of the constitutive response of the material is ensured to be always performed at these material points. This is of crucial importance for history‐dependent constitutive models because it avoids any diffusive transfer of internal variables on a new computational grid. Finally, a total Lagrangian formulation of equations is kept, which allows to precompute once and for all both the nodal discontinuous Galerkin approximation and that of the ADER predictor field, until the arbitrary grid is discarded if required. The method is illustrated on a few two‐dimensional numerical examples, on which comparisons are shown with the ADER‐DGFEM and Runge–Kutta‐DGFEM.
Input shaping control of a three‐cable suspension manipulator
Authors: Hildebrandt Erik , Stirnweiß Vincent , Woernle Christoph
Published: September 2023

A multi‐cable suspension manipulator moves a heavy payload through a large workspace by several spatially arranged cables with winches mounted on a crane system. All actuators are independently controllable to achieve a desired position and orientation of the payload with six degrees of freedom in space. As the payload is not fully constrained by the length of the cables, undesired load sway occurs. To transition the payload between predefined stationary equilibrium points, a feedforward control concept based on the input shaping method is presented. For the determination of the natural frequencies and damping ratios required for the design of an input shaper, a nonlinear dynamic model is linearised around a varying equilibrium point by an efficient procedure. The occurring kinematic actuator redundancy is resolved by optimisation. Experimental results from the prototype three‐cable suspension manipulator Cablev confirm the effectiveness of the approach.
Peridynamic simulations of rock indentation
Authors: Butt Sahir N. , Meschke Günther
Published: September 2023

This paper presents an ordinary state‐based peridynamic model to simulate failure in porous rocks and its application in the rock excavation processes. Rock indentation is a fundamental process for mechanical rock fracturing, which is frequently encountered in rock excavation. To model crushing occurring under high triaxial loads observed in the rock indentation experiments, peridynamic model has been extended to consider the pore‐collapse phenomenon. Rock heterogeneity is considered in the simulations by sampling the strength parameters from a probability distribution function. The model is qualitatively validated using the acoustic emission data from the indentation experiments. The developed model is able to form a crushed zone, which serves as the point of initiation for tensile cracks, which split the specimen. Quantitative validation relies on the comparison of the force‐penetration data as well as the indentation pressure‐penetration data obtained from the simulations and experiments performed on Bentheim Sandstone specimens.
Effect of nanotitanium‐based hybrid materials and methyl methacrylate/nitrile rubber/graphene oxide on the microstructure and anticorrosion properties of waterborne epoxy resin coatings
Authors: Wan Tao , Jiao Zhiqiang , Wang Bo , Wei Shicheng , Han Qing , Li Binchuan , Wang Yujiang , Chen Jianshe , Wei Wei
Published: September 2023

Waterborne epoxy resins have been extensively applied to industries as green paints. However, waterborne epoxy resins are affected by several issues. To enhance their mechanical properties and corrosion resistance, we added nanotitanium‐based hybrid materials (NTH), and methyl methacrylate (MMA)/nitrile rubber (NBR)/graphene oxide (GO) to waterborne epoxy resin. The researchers suggest that adding NTH and MMA/NBR/GO can well modify waterborne epoxy resin. Upon addition of 6 wt.% NTH and 1 wt.% MMA/NBR/GO (2‐1 coating), scanning electron microscopy imaging shows that the coating is flat, with no evident crevices. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy results indicate that compared with the case in which either NTH or MMA/NBR/GO is added, the coating is denser when both fillers are added. The mechanical properties were also investigated, and the results demonstrate that the coating displayed a pencil hardness rating of “2H” and achieved a grade of “0” in terms of adhesion, respectively. Additionally, the coating's anticorrosion performance was evaluated through electrochemical tests. Tafel tests and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests reveal that the 2‐1 coating possesses superior corrosion resistance with respect to the other coatings. Additionally, after a neutral salt spray test lasting 1440 h, the surface of the coating showed no signs of corrosion according to salt spray tests. Finally, the anticorrosion mechanism is discussed.
Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) molecular networking guided profiling of small molecules from Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Gilg leaves and their bioactivity evaluation
Authors: Yang Ya‐Ling , Sun Hao‐Di , Yang Jian , Liu Chang‐Zheng , Kang Chuan‐Zhi , Liu Juan , Guo Lan‐Ping
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Agarwood, a fragrant resinous wood mainly formed by Aquilaria spp., is used worldwide as a natural fragrance and traditional medicine. A large amount of Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Gilg leaves are underutilised during the process of the agarwood industry, and the development of A. sinensis leaves as tea has recently attracted more and more attention. However, the small molecule profile of A. sinensis leaves and their bioactivities has been rarely reported.

Objective

To conduct a rapid untargeted liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) analysis of A. sinensis leaves with a molecular networking (MN) strategy and evaluate its antioxidant and antidiabetic value.

Method

A MN‐assisted tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analysis strategy was used to investigate the small molecule profile of A. sinensis leaves. Additionally, the integration of antioxidant and α‐glucosidase inhibitory assays with MN analysis was executed to expeditiously characterise the bioactive compounds for potential prospective application.

Results

Five main chemical groups including phenol C‐glycosides, organic acids, 2‐(2‐phenylethyl) chromones, benzophenone O‐glycosides and flavonoids were rapidly revealed from the A. sinensis leaves. Eighty‐one compounds were provisionally identified by comparing their MS/MS fragments with canonical pathways. The featured xanthone C‐glycosides and benzophenone C‐glycosides were recognised as the primary components of A. sinensis leaves. Several dimers and a trimer of mangiferin were reported firstly in A. sinensis leaves. Furthermore, 17 and 14 potential bioactive molecules were rapidly annotated from antioxidant and α‐glucosidase inhibitory fraction, respectively.

Conclusion

Our findings will help expand the utilisation of A. sinensis leaves and thus promote the high‐quality development of agarwood industry.
Mechanism and influencing factors analysis of polyethylene oxide electrohydrodynamic printing
Authors: Wang Chunjing , Zhifu Yin , Liu Zixian , Cheng Yongqiang , Wei Wei , Sun Lei , Sang Shengbo
Published: September 2023

Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing is a micro–nano printing technology based on the principles of electric field and fluid dynamics. It is characterized by high resolution, high precision, and high speed, applied to various materials, including metals, ceramics, and organic materials. Compared with traditional printing technologies, EHD printing offers advantages such as low manufacturing cost, simple process, and direct fabrication, making it highly promising in the field of micro–nano manufacturing. Polyethylene oxide (PEO) is a highly water‐soluble polymer that has been widely used in various fields due to its low toxicity and ease of processing. In this study, a finite element simulation model was developed using simulation software to simulate and analyze the mechanisms of focused jetting and deposition of PEO solution under an electric field. Based on the principles of electrohydrodynamics, a self‐built EHD printing system was used to investigate the influence of different solution mass fractions and printing parameters on fiber formation, and the optimal process window of EHD printing PEO solution was obtained. Ultimately, ordered deposition of fiber lines ranging from 1.761 to 6.093 μm was achieved. The simulation results were consistent with the experimental results, validating the effectiveness of the established model in guiding jetting outcomes.

Highlights

Independently building a low‐cost electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing system.

Finite element simulation of EHD printing process.

Mechanism analysis of PEO solution jetting and deposition.

Optimal process window for PEO solution EHD printing.

Influence of key process parameters on fiber forming width.
Influence of ZnSnO3 on Structural, Optical, and Magnetic Properties of YFeO3 Nanomaterials Obtained Via Sol–Gel Technique
Authors: Venkatadri Kolleti , Zarena Dudekula
Published: September 2023

The orthorhombic crystal structure of YFeO3 (YFO) is well known for photocatalysis and magneto‐optical application mainly due to its low‐energy bandgap when compared to that of other perovskite‐based oxide materials. Continuous efforts are being made on this material to further improve the magnetization value via changing the synthesis process, changing the chelating agents, doping the rare earth elements, and a few more. In this connection, the magnetization value of YFO nanomaterial by making solid solutions with ZnSnO3 (ZS) nanomaterial is improved. Herein, the solid solution of (1−x) YFO + x ZS (where x = 0, 0.02, 0.04, and 0.06) is synthesized via a conventional solid‐state reaction route. For this, the prereacted YFO nanomaterial and ZS nanomaterial powders are used to investigate the effect of ZS on the magnetic properties of YFO. X‐ray diffraction studies reveal that a single phase is formed maximum up to x = 0.06 mol of ZS in YFO. Interestingly the magnetization value for the x = 0.04 mol ZS in YFO (4.212 emu g−1) is superior to that of pure YFO (3.196 emu g−1) and other compositions. Here, it is concluded that ZS (x = 0.04) in YFO will be a potential candidate for different magnetic applications.
Elevated respiratory complications following robotic‐assisted lobectomy: A national cohort analysis of 26,140 cases
Authors: Huang Ruijian , Xiao Yue , Jiang Feng , Chen Yanfei , Su Cunhua , Zhou Jifang , Yang Tianchi
Published: September 2023

Background

Robotic‐assisted lobectomy (RL) is increasingly used nationally, but little comparative data exist on its safety compared with open lobectomy (OL) or video‐assisted lobectomy (VL). This study aimed to estimate the risk of perioperative complications for RL, VL, or OL.

Methods

Admissions were identified from the hospital administrative data collected between 2015 and 2019. Propensity score matching and inverse probabilistic weighting were used to account for selection bias. Logistic and quantile regression models were applied to determine perioperative outcome differences.

Results

We identified 26,140 cases of which 5337 (20.4%), 12,680 (48.5%), and 8123 (31.1%) underwent RL, VL, and OL. RL and VL were associated with lower complication rates, shorter lengths of stay, and fewer mortality risks. RL was associated with significantly elevated risks for perioperative respiratory complications (adjusted odds ratio 1.10, p = 0.010).

Conclusion

Relatively low rates of perioperative complications for VL and RL, and higher respiratory complication rates in RL are concerning.
Design optimization of medical robotic systems based on task performance metrics: A feasibility study for robotic guided vascular laser treatments
Authors: Oliveira Bruno , Morais Pedro , Torres Helena R. , Fonseca Jaime C. , Vilaça João L.
Published: September 2023

While designing an end‐effector tool for a specific task using an already available robotic arm is a common strategy for developing robot‐based solutions, it is subject to the designer's subjective biases, especially in the medical robotics field. Consequently, this approach can result in suboptimal solutions that may limit the performance of the robotic arm and the overall system. This work introduces a novel framework for developing a virtual scenario that enables the robust optimization of design guidelines for robotics‐based medical solutions. The proposed framework aims to address the issue of subjectivity involved in the design process, improving the reliability and accuracy of the robotic system. Specifically, it aims to find the optimized 3D positioning of the Tool Center Point and the robot base that takes full advantage of the robotic arm kinematics. The feasibility of the proposed methodology is validated for designing a system for robotic‐guided vascular laser treatments. First, a simulated treatment environment is constructed to compute the optimal trajectories to treat a wide population of synthetic human models. Next, a design optimization methodology based on robot task performance metrics is developed. Overall, the proposed design guidelines allowed the performance of 94.1% of the treatment trajectories free of collisions with median precision of around 0.5 mm while guaranteeing high manipulability. Thus, proving the added value of the proposed strategy and showing the potential for promoting the development of optimized robotics‐based solutions.
Microdosing of nitrogen fertiliser and cattle manure under in situ rainwater harvesting to improve maize production in smallholder farming system in a semiarid area of Zimbabwe
Authors: Kugedera Andrew T. , Kokerai Letticia K.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Maize production in smallholder farmers located in semiarid areas of Zimbabwe are mainly constrained by soil moisture and nutrient stress. Moisture stress is mainly due to erratic rainfall, high rates of evapotranspiration and limited knowledge of the use of in situ rainwater harvesting (IRWH) techniques. Tied ridges (TRs) are one of the best IRWH techniques which have good potential in mitigating climate change.

Materials and Methods

The study used TR, planting pit (PP) and conventional tillage (CT) as main factors and four rates (0, 29.25, 58.5 and 89.5 kg N ha−1) of nitrogen (N) as subplot factor. Soil organic carbon and available phosphorous were determined using Oslen method where soils were incubated for 2 h at 110°C. Smallholder farmers are limited to apply large quantities of nutrients hence the need for microdosing. The study objective was to evaluate the effects of nutrient microdosing and IRHW techniques on maize grain yield, rainwater use efficiency (RWUE), nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and return on investment in semiarid areas of Zimbabwe.

Results

Interaction of TR and N microdosing significantly (p < 0.05) improved maize grain yields. IRWH also showed significant effects (p < 0.05) on maize grain yields with a trend: TR > PP > CT. RWUE and NUE were significantly (p < 0.05) improved with the interaction of IRWH and N. Application of 58.5 kg N ha−1 had the highest NUE under TR. TR had the highest (US$1747.23) return on investment when combined with 89.5 kg N ha−1 during 2021/22 cropping season.

Conclusion

The use of TR and 89.5 kg N ha−1 proved to be a potential strategy in increasing maize grain yields, produce higher return on investment and increase RWUE. The use of TRs and 89.5 kg N ha−1 is recommended because of high maize grain yield, RWUE and return on investment.
Exploring a hierarchical model for circular economy transition through launching green marketing
Authors: Lu Shih‐Hao , Ngo Thanh‐Sang , Tran Huyen Thi Thanh
Published: September 2023

The hospitality industry has been highlighted as an important economic sector that is vulnerable to climate change. However, this industry is also considered to have a substantial contribution to the degradation of the environment by consuming excessive quantities of energy, producing approximately 8% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions. Previous studies have proposed the circular economy as an optimal concept to address this issue by eliminating waste and maximizing resource utilization. In light of that, many hotels are striving to shift the traditional linear economy into a circular economy by adopting green marketing into their business operations. However, they still face many obstacles in making an effective transition to a circular‐style economy due to the lack of an appropriate approach. To fill this gap, this study aims to develop a framework to give insights on which aspects can foster the circular economy transition process through green marketing implementation. Therefore, this study proposes a hybrid method that integrates an exploratory factor analysis with a fuzzy synthetic method and a decision‐making trial and evaluation laboratory to structure the hierarchical model and provide guidance to decision‐makers for future improvements under resource constraints. The results reveal that advantage acquisition and behavior transition are the most influential aspects in accelerating the transition to the circular economy in the hospitality industry. The crucial theoretical and managerial implications are also discussed.
Does the firms' digital transformation drive environmental innovation in China?
Authors: Tao Yunqing , Lu Huishan , Ye Yongwei , Wu Haitao
Published: September 2023

Environmental innovation is an important practical exploration for enterprises to realize a win‐win situation between economic and environmental benefits. In order to explore the environmental innovation effect of enterprise digital transformation, we empirically examine the impact of enterprise digital transformation on environmental innovation based on the micro data of listed enterprises from 2009 to 2020. We find that enterprise digital transformation has a significantly positive effect on environmental innovation, and our finding still holds after considering various robustness tests. The mechanism test indicates that alleviating financing constraints and improving human capital structure serve as critical channels. In addition, the impact of firms' digital transformation on environmental innovation shows some variability with geographic location, industry factor intensity, and pollution level. Our findings provide new insights and policy implications for enterprises to balance development efficiency and environmental innovation.
Catalytically Propelled Micro‐ and Nanoswimmers
Authors: Jang Bumjin , Ye Min , Hong Ayoung , Wang Xiaopu , Liu Xianghong , Bae Dohyeok , Puigmartí Luis Josep , Pané Salvador
Published: September 2023

The last decade has seen a surge of interest in the field of catalytically propelled micro‐ and nanoswimmers for their potential use in biomedical applications, such as biosensing, biopsy, targeted drug delivery, and on‐the‐fly chemistry. However, to fully utilize these devices, precise control over their motion is essential. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly understand their locomotion mechanisms. Herein, the currently accepted mechanisms for propulsion are discussed, which are self‐electrophoresis, self‐diffusiophoresis, and bubble recoil. Additionally, the concept of using multilocomotive mechanisms as a solution to achieve fully autonomous navigation is explored. Moreover, recent advances in the design of these devices are explored.
Modified trajectory fitting estimators for multi‐regime threshold Ornstein–Uhlenbeck processes
Authors: Han Yuecai , Zhang Dingwen
Published: September 2023

The threshold Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process is a stochastic process governed by
Ornstein–Uhlenbeck subprocesses with the
th playing a role whenever the underlying process is in the
th regime. In this paper, we investigate the parameter estimation for threshold Ornstein–Uhlenbeck processes with multiple thresholds. The classical trajectory fitting method does not apply in this context due to the significantly complex calculations. Hence, a modified trajectory fitting method is used to obtain the explicit formula of the estimators for the drift parameters based on continuous observations. The strong consistency and asymptotic normality are proven. Simulation studies illustrate the asymptotic behaviour of the trajectory fitting estimators.
Robustness improvements for 2D reinforced concrete moment resisting frames: Parametric study by means of NLFE analyses
Authors: Miceli Elena , Castaldo Paolo
Published: September 2023

This study develops a 2D computational parametric analysis of ordinary reinforced concrete (RC) frames, located in seismic zone, with the aim to evaluate some design suggestions with respect to their effectiveness in increasing the structural robustness. Specifically, a five‐storey and four‐span 2D RC moment resisting frame is considered, designed in a highly seismic area according to both Italian and European codes. Subsequently, respecting the seismic design code provisions through a cyclic design procedure, some modifications are suggested regarding the layout of the longitudinal reinforcement bars of the beams to exploit the continuity, Vierendeel behavior and influence of the side face reinforcement bars in the beams. For the different modifications, nonlinear finite element pushdown analyses of the whole frames are performed by imposing a monotonically increasing vertical displacement at the point of the column removal in Atena‐2D and considering the presence of the orthogonal framed systems. Furthermore, two different failure scenarios are examined. The numerical force‐displacement capacity curves corresponding to the different proposed design suggestions are investigated and compared. The results have demonstrated the effectiveness in improving the structural robustness of the proposed solutions, especially, of the side face reinforcement bars with respect to both flexural and catenary behavior. The outcomes have also highlighted the compatibility between design criteria of both robustness and earthquake engineering.
Placental T2* and BOLD effect in response to hyperoxia in normal and growth‐restricted pregnancies: multicenter cohort study
Authors: Jacquier M. , Chalouhi G. , Marquant F. , Bussieres L. , Grevent D. , Picone O. , Mandelbrot L. , Mahallati H. , Briand N. , Elie C. , Siauve N. , Salomon L. J.
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Blood‐oxygen‐level‐dependent (BOLD) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) facilitates the non‐invasive in‐vivo evaluation of placental oxygenation. The aims of this study were to identify and quantify a relative BOLD effect in response to hyperoxia in the human placenta and to compare it between pregnancies with and those without fetal growth restriction (FGR).

Methods

This was a prospective multicenter study (NCT02238301) of 19 pregnancies with FGR (estimated fetal weight (EFW) on ultrasound < 5th centile) and 75 non‐FGR pregnancies (controls) recruited at two centers in Paris, France. Using a 1.5‐Tesla MRI system, the same multi‐echo gradient‐recalled echo (GRE) sequences were performed at both centers to obtain placental T2* values at baseline and in hyperoxic conditions. The relative BOLD effect was calculated according to the equation 100 × (hyperoxic T2* − baseline T2*)/baseline T2*. Baseline T2* values and relative BOLD effect were compared according to EFW (FGR vs non‐FGR), presence/absence of Doppler anomalies and birth weight (small‐for‐gestational age (SGA) vs non‐SGA).

Results

We observed a relative BOLD effect in response to hyperoxia in the human placenta (median, 33.8% (interquartile range (IQR), 22.5–48.0%)). The relative BOLD effect did not differ significantly between pregnancies with and those without FGR (median, 34.4% (IQR, 24.1–48.5%) vs 33.7% (22.7–47.4%); P = 0.95). Baseline T2* Z‐score adjusted for gestational age at MRI was significantly lower in FGR pregnancies compared with non‐FGR pregnancies (median, −1.27 (IQR, −4.87 to −0.10) vs 0.33 (IQR, −0.81 to 1.02); P = 0.001). Baseline T2* Z‐score was also significantly lower in those pregnancies that subsequently delivered a SGA neonate (n = 23) compared with those that delivered a non‐SGA neonate (n = 62) (median, −0.75 (IQR, −3.48 to 0.29) vs 0.35 (IQR, −0.79 to 1.05); P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Our study confirms a BOLD effect in the human placenta and that baseline T2* values are significantly lower in pregnancies with FGR. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether such parameters may detect placental insufficiency before it has a clinical impact on fetal growth. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Validation of Fetal Medicine Foundation competing‐risks model for small‐for‐gestational‐age neonate in early third trimester
Authors: Dagklis T. , Papastefanou I. , Tsakiridis I. , Sotiriadis A. , Makrydimas G. , Athanasiadis A.
Published: September 2023

Objective

To evaluate the new 36‐week Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) competing‐risks model for the prediction of small‐for‐gestational age (SGA) at an earlier gestation of 30 + 0 to 34 + 0 weeks.

Methods

This was a retrospective multicenter cohort study of prospectively collected data on 3012 women with a singleton pregnancy undergoing ultrasound examination at 30 + 0 to 34 + 0 weeks' gestation as part of a universal screening program. We used the default FMF competing‐risks model for prediction of SGA at 36 weeks' gestation combining maternal factors (age, obstetric and medical history, weight, height, smoking status, race, mode of conception), estimated fetal weight (EFW) and uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA‐PI) to calculate risks for different cut‐offs of birth‐weight percentile and gestational age at delivery. We examined the accuracy of the model by means of discrimination and calibration.

Results

The prediction of SGA < 3rd percentile improved with the addition of UtA‐PI and with a shorter examination‐to‐delivery interval. For a 10% false‐positive rate, maternal factors, EFW and UtA‐PI predicted 88.0%, 74.4% and 72.8% of SGA < 3rd percentile delivered at < 37, < 40 and < 42 weeks' gestation, respectively. The respective values for SGA < 10th percentile were 86.1%, 69.3% and 66.2%. In terms of population stratification, if the biomarkers used are EFW and UtA‐PI and the aim is to detect 90% of SGA < 10th percentile, then 10.8% of the population should be scanned within 2 weeks after the initial assessment, an additional 7.2% (total screen‐positive rate (SPR), 18.0%) should be scanned within 2–4 weeks after the initial assessment and an additional 11.7% (total SPR, 29.7%) should be examined within 4–6 weeks after the initial assessment. The new model was well calibrated.

Conclusions

The 36‐week FMF competing‐risks model for SGA is also applicable and accurate at 30 + 0 to 34 + 0 weeks and provides effective risk stratification, especially for cases leading to delivery < 37 weeks of gestation. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Earth Sciences from the Perspectives of Science and Technology Studies
Authors: Wylie Caitlin D.
Published: September 2023

The discipline of science and technology studies (STS) can provide historians with methodological approaches and theoretical frameworks to access key aspects of the Earth sciences, such as scientific practice, technology, and social values. This chapter outlines these tools as demonstrated by exemplary STS studies of the Earth sciences.
Infanticide and Sexual Conflict in Cetaceans
Authors: McEntee Molly H. F. , MacQueeney Meredith , Alvarado Diana , Mann Janet
Published: September 2023

Infanticide by adult males is a striking example of sexual conflict; males can increase their reproductive success by killing an unrelated infant and accelerating the mother’s return to breeding condition. Reports of infanticide in cetaceans have quadrupled in the past decade, and infanticide has now been documented in six species of toothed whale, including multiple populations of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Evidence of infanticide in these species is consistent with the sexual selection hypothesis; perpetrators are predominantly adult males and targets are neonates. Toothed whales have long lactation periods that suppress estrus, making infanticide potentially adaptive for adult males. However, it remains unclear if infanticidal males are likely to sire the mother’s subsequent offspring. Here, we provide an overview of infanticide in cetaceans, evaluate the evidence for the sexual selection hypothesis, and propose a framework to predict infanticide risk in this clade. Toothed whales do not typically have dominance hierarchies, stable social groups, or monopolizable mating opportunities, all hallmarks of infanticide risk in terrestrial species. Instead, we hypothesize that infanticide risk in toothed whales is modulated by encounter rates with unfamiliar males.