bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Buoyancy‐motivated dissipative free convection flow of Walters‐B fluid along a stretching sheet under the Soret effect and Lorentz force influence
Authors: Basha Hussain , Ballem Sreenivasulu , Janardhana Reddy G. , Holla Harish , Sheremet Mikhail A.
Published: January 2022

A two‐dimensional numerical model has been framed to investigate the effect of buoyancy forces on magnetized free convective Walters‐B fluid flow over a stretching sheet with Soret effect, heat radiation, thermal source/sink, and viscous dissipation. The current physical model is developed based on the stretching sheet geometry. The impact of Lorentz force on the nonlinear system is investigated and considered in the velocity equation. The influence of thermal radiation, heat source/sink, viscous dissipation, and Joule heating is considered in the energy equation. The effect of Soret parameter and chemical reaction on mass transfer is accounted in the concentration equation. The current physical model is governed by the highly coupled nonlinear system of partial differential equations. Owing to the inadequacy in the analytical techniques, the obtained governing equations are solved by using the bvp4c Matlab function via similarity transformations approach. Numerical computations are performed for the varying values of physical parameters, which are expressed in terms of tables and graphs. Magnifying viscoelastic parameter decays the velocity profile and enhances the thermal and concentration fields. Enhancing free convection parameters diminishe the velocity fields and magnifies the thermal profile. Thermal field magnifies with enhancing thermal radiation parameter and Eckert number. Enhancing the Soret number raises the concentration field. Also, the bvp4c Matlab function adequately simplifies the highly nonlinear coupled system of equations occurring in nature. The present similarity solutions presented in this paper coincides with previously published results in the literature.
Investigation of Jeffery–Hamel flow with high magnetic field and nanoparticle by DTM
Authors: Raghunatha K. R. , Siddanagowdru S. O.
Published: January 2022

In this article, the special properties of the magnetic field and nanoparticles on the Jeffery–Hamel flow are considered via an influential numerical differential transform method (DTM). The proposed technique is very helpful and appropriate for solving highly nonlinear differential equations. Furthermore, the outcomes are compared with those of other techniques such as HPM, HAM, ADM, and a numerical method (Rung–Kutta method) in the literature revealing that the current method solution is better than other methods. Also, the properties of Reynolds number, Hartmann number, and angle of the channel on applications of the MHD Jeffery–Hamel flow are discussed.
Contribution of climate change and urbanization to the variation of extreme precipitation in the urban agglomerations over the Loess Plateau
Authors: Wei Na , Wang Ninglian , Zheng Yurong , Liu Huimin
Published: January 2022

With global warming and rapid urbanization, urban agglomerations (UAs) over the Loess Plateau (LP) are suffering from various urban disasters. Urbanization has aggravated the decreasing trends of extreme precipitation in Taiyuan and Xi'an UAs and enhanced the increasing trends of extreme precipitation in Luoyang, Hohhot and Xining UAs during 1979–2018. Meanwhile, the number of light rain days decreases in almost all the cities, indicating the sensitivity of light rain days to urbanization. Climate change is a primary contributor to the change of urban precipitation during 1979–2000 in this region. But, the contribution of urbanization has been increasing gradually since 2000, and it further amplifies the influence of climate change. In terms of physical mechanisms, rapidly increasing surface temperatures and aerosol particles are closely related to urban precipitation. Our findings provide a systematic understanding of the urbanization effects on extreme precipitation over the LP, playing an important role in the mitigation of future urban disasters.
The willingness for cervical cancer screening among sexually active women in Indonesia: Lesson learned from two districts
Authors: Setiawan Didik , Miranti Irmas , Partiwi Tri Devi , Puspitasari Dwi Anggraeni , Ramadhan Filza Nugraheni
Published: January 2022

Objective

To determine the factors that affect women’s willingness at childbearing age to detect/screen for cervical cancer.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was carried out on sexually active women, aged 30–50 years residing in Banyumas and Gunung Kidul Districts, Indonesia. There were 600 respondents. This study focused on the impact of knowledge, access to health information, and support of their husband on the willingness to undergo early detection of cervical cancer.

Results

This study revealed that there was a statistically significant difference (P = 0.000) between the women who were willing and unwilling to do the screening in terms of higher knowledge (64.67% and 36.21%), obtained access to the information (80.43% and 54.74%), and supported by their husband (63.59% and 29.31%). This study also discovered that the willingness to be screened was significantly affected by spousal support (odds ratio [OR] 4.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.81–6.27). Other factors, such as education level (OR 2.94, 95% CI 1.20–6.63), knowledge (OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.52–3.44), and access to information (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.34–3.24), were also important drivers.

Conclusion

To improve the coverage of cervical screening, several aspects could be treated, including education, knowledge, access to information, and spousal support.
Snout cutis of the domestic pig (Sus scrofa domesticus, Linnaeus, 1758): Using light and transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Hanafy Basma G. , Abumandour Mohamed M. A. , Massoud Ehab , Morsy Kareem , El‐kott Attalla , Bassuoni Naglaa F.
Published: January 2022

The current study was designed to give microscopic view on the snout skin of the domestic pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) to clear its adaptations with the function of exploring for the food and pushing the objects. This study carried out on the snout skin of apparently healthy 1 year five pigs (Sus Scrofa) and examined under the light and transmission electron microscopy. Our results clarify that the snout skin cutis composed of the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis consisted of stratum corneum, stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum, and stratum basale. The stratum corneum and the stratum spinosum appeared thicker than other parts. The dermis consisted of a reticular and a papillary dermis. For tightness junction between the dermis and the epidermis, the hemidesmosomes were observed, while the desmosomes were presented in abundant numbers at the level of stratum basale to ensure the adhesion between the keratinocytes. The merocrine sweat glands were observed in abundant numbers to provide the wetness of the snout to avoid its injury from friction during food exploring or pushing of the objects. We concluded that the adaptation of the snout skin with the environmental condition surrounding the studied domestic pig.
Medium branched chain fatty acids improve the profile of tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates in mitochondrial fatty acid β‐oxidation deficient cells: A comparative study
Authors: Karunanidhi Anuradha , Van't Land Clinton , Rajasundaram Dhivyaa , Grings Mateus , Vockley Jerry , Mohsen Al‐Walid
Published: January 2022

Inherited errors of mitochondrial fatty acid β‐oxidation (FAO) are life threatening, even with optimum care. FAO is the major source of energy for heart and is critical for skeletal muscles especially during physiologic stress. Clinical trials revealed that triheptanoin (commercially known as Dojolvi; C7G), improved heart function and decreased hypoglycemia in long chain FAO disorders, but other symptoms including rhabdomyolysis persisted, suggesting suboptimal tissue distribution/utilization of heptanoic acid (C7) conjugates and/or rapid liver breakdown. In this study, medium branched chain fatty acids were tested as potential anaplerotic treatments in fibroblasts from patients deficient in very long chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD), long chain 3‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase (LCHAD), trifunctional protein (TFP), and carnitine palmitoyltransferase II (CPT II). Cells were cultured to near confluency and treated with C7, 2,6‐dimethylheptanoic acid (dMC7), 6‐amino‐2,4‐dimethylheptanoic acid (AdMC7), or 4,8‐dimethylnonanoic acid (dMC9) for 72 h and targeted metabolomics performed. The profile of TCA cycle intermediates was improved in cells treated with these branched chain fatty acids compared with C7. Intracellular propionate was higher in AdMC7 treated cells compared with C7 in VLCAD, LCHAD, and TFP deficient cell lines. With AdMC7 treatment, succinate was higher in CPT II and VLCAD deficient cells, compared with C7. Malate and glutamate were consistently higher in AdMC7 treated VLCAD, LCHAD, TFP, and CPT II deficient cells compared with the C7 treatment. The results provide the impetus to further evaluate and consider branched chain fatty acids as viable anaplerotic therapy for fatty acid oxidation disorders and other diseases.
Loving or loathing? A power‐dependency explanation for narcissists' social acceptance in the workplace
Authors: Xu Erica , Huang Xu , Robinson Sandra L. , Ouyang Kan
Published: January 2022

Research on the social consequences of narcissism points to an intriguing paradox: narcissists are socially aversive and destructive to healthy interpersonal relationships; yet, narcissists also have an ability to be socially magnetic and attractive. This raises the question we seek to answer in this paper: Are narcissists socially accepted by coworkers in the workplace, and if so, when? Drawing on the social‐constructionist perspective and power‐dependence theory, we propose that others' dependency on narcissists plays a critical role in determining narcissists' social acceptance in the workplace. Results from two time‐lagged independent studies suggest that narcissists with a high level of expertise status experience less ostracism than non‐narcissists, particularly in a group with high group goal interdependence; by contrast, narcissists who are perceived to lack expertise status experience greater ostracism than non‐narcissists, particularly in a group with low group goal interdependence. In Study 2, in addition to ostracism, we also examined social inclusion and popularity of narcissists, and we found that narcissists with high expertise status are more likely to be social included and to become popular, particularly in a group with a high level of group goal interdependence.
The role of Meteorin‐like in skeletal development and bone fracture healing
Authors: Huang Rong , Balu Abhinav R. , Molitoris Kristin H. , White James P. , Robling Alexander G. , Ayturk Ugur M. , Baht Gurpreet S.
Published: January 2022

Meteorin‐like protein (Metrnl), homologous to the initially identified neurotrophic factor Meteorin, is a secreted, multifunctional protein. Here we used mouse models to investigate Metrnl's role in skeletal development and bone fracture healing. During development Metrnl was expressed in the perichondrium and primary ossification center. In neonates, single cell RNA‐seq of diaphyseal bone demonstrated strongest expression of Metrnl transcript by osteoblasts. In vitro, Metrnl was osteoinductive, increasing osteoblast differentiation and mineralization in tissue culture models. In vivo, loss of Metrnl expression resulted in no change in skeletal metrics in utero, at birth, or during postnatal growth. Six‐week‐old Metrnl‐null mice displayed similar body length, body weight, tibial length, femoral length, BV/TV, trabecular number, trabecular thickness, and cortical thickness as littermate controls. In 4‐month‐old mice, lack of Metrnl expression did not change structural stiffness, ultimate force, or energy to fracture of femora under 3‐point‐bending. Last, we investigated the role of Metrnl in bone fracture healing. Metrnl expression increased in response to tibial injury, however, loss of Metrnl expression did not affect the amount of bone deposited within the healing tissue nor did it change the structural parameters of healing tissue. This work identifies Metrnl as a dispensable molecule for skeletal development. However, the osteoinductive capabilities of Metrnl may be utilized to modulate osteoblast differentiation in cell‐based orthopedic therapies.
Phenolic composition, antioxidant and antiacetylcholinesterase activities of Opuntia ficus‐indica peel and flower teas after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion
Authors: Amrane‐Abider Meriem , Nerín Cristina , Tamendjari Abderezak , Serralheiro Maria Luísa M
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

The flowers and peels of cactus Opuntia ficus‐indica (OFI) are by‐products generally discarded. Their beneficial properties have been linked to the chemical composition without taking into account its transformations during digestion. This study evaluated and compared the phenolic composition, antioxidant and antiacetylcholinesterase activities of OFI peel and flower teas before and after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion.

RESULTS

Results showed that OFI peel tea was a source of natural phenolic compounds and carotenoids, while OFI flower tea was a source of flavonoids. Both OFI peel and flower teas exhibited high antioxidant activities (AAs) measured by several tests [1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH•), reducing power (RP), hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity (HPSA)]. Flower teas presented a higher antiacetylcholinesterase inhibition percentage than peel teas. Significant decreases of acetylcholinesterase and AAs were obtained under in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. Fourteen phenolic compounds typical of phenolic acids and flavonoids were identified in both teas. These compounds seemed to be more affected by pancreatic than by the gastric conditions.

CONCLUSION

OFI peel tea has been found as a source of natural phenolic compounds and carotenoids, while OFI dry flower tea as a source of flavonoids. The OFI flower tea phytochemicals were more stable than peel tea during the digestive process. These findings suggest that peels and flowers of OFI should be considered as sources of healthy ingredients. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
New glucogenesis inhibition model based on complete α‐glucosidases from rat intestinal tissues validated with various types of natural and pharmaceutical inhibitors
Authors: Kim Do Kyoung , Lee Byung‐Hoo
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Inhibition of intestinal α‐glucosidases from rat intestinal acetone powder (RIAP) has been widely used in research focused on regulating glucogenesis to be applied as a strategy to control obesity and type II diabetes. However, the crude extract has different compositions of α‐glucosidases than a complete RIAP suspension due to enzymes anchored on the intestinal tissues after the extraction. Here, the inhibitory effects of different pharmaceutical and food‐grade inhibitors on the enzymes in the RIAP suspension were investigated.

RESULTS

Instead of crude extracts from RIAP, the RIAP suspension without the extraction process was applied to optimize the α‐glucosidase inhibitory model by pharmaceutical/natural inhibitors. The results clearly showed that the half‐maximal inhibitory concentration ratios of four individual α‐glucosidases by various inhibitors were different between the RIAP suspension and the crude extract. In particular, isomaltase from the RIAP suspension required more inhibitors than the crude extraction did, as this enzyme is still anchored to the remaining intestinal tissue from the extraction process.

CONCLUSION

The crude extract from RIAP contains only a portion of the enzymes, which poses limitations for determining the precise inhibitory properties by various types of enzyme inhibitors. On the contrary, an in vitro assay with RIAP suspension that has all the α‐glucosidases is a more suitable method for determining digestibility of glycemic carbohydrates. This new approach can be applied to the development of natural/synthetic α‐glucosidase inhibitors to attenuate the postprandial glycemic response more accurately. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Elemental and macromolecular composition of the marine Chloropicophyceae, a major group of oceanic photosynthetic picoeukaryotes
Authors: Ebenezer Vinitha , Hu Yingyu , Carnicer Olga , Irwin Andrew J. , Follows Michael J. , Finkel Zoe V.
Published: January 2022

Chloropicophyceae (Prasinophyte Clade VII) are small nonmotile coccoid cells with cell diameters ranging from 1 to 3 μm. Molecular surveys indicate they are relatively high in abundance in moderately oligotrophic oceanic waters and may substantively contribute to biogeochemical cycling in the sea. Here, we quantify the elemental and macromolecular composition of three subtropical Chloropicophyceae strains: Chloropicon mariensis, Chloropicon maureeniae, and Chloropicon roscoffensis under nutrient‐sufficient exponential growth and nitrate starvation. Under nutrient‐sufficient conditions the Chloropicophyceae are high in C : N and quite low in C : P and N : P relative to the canonical Redfield ratio, reflecting their relatively high nucleic acid composition compared to many other phytoplankton taxa. Nitrate starvation causes increases in C : N and C : P and decreases in N : P, primarily due to increases in carbohydrate and lipid and decreases in protein and RNA. There is genetic evidence that unlike most other green algae, Chloropicophyceae are diploid. The high nucleic acid content in the Chloropicon is consistent with the hypothesis that the nucleus, as a nonscalable component, takes up a larger and substantial proportion of cell mass in diploid picoeukaryotes. The elemental and macromolecular composition of these Chloropicophyceae, and relatively homeostatic response to N‐starvation compared to diatoms, provides some insight into their success in the moderately oligotrophic ocean.
Multilayer Graphene/PDMS Composite Gradient Materials for High‐Efficiency Photoresponse Actuators
Authors: Li Bowen , Zhang Yanqian , Li Tengfei , Yu Haiping , Guo Qiuquan , Hu Mingjun , Yang Jun
Published: January 2022

Smart actuating materials have a wide range of applications in artificial muscles, soft robots, and flexible electronics. The preparation of highly sensitive and reliable actuators is a top priority in this regard. In this work, a multilayer graphene/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite gradient material is designed and prepared by a simple in situ stacking and curing method for high‐efficiency photoresponse actuator. The typical gradient structured material consists of a pure PDMS film and multiple graphene/PDMS composite films with monotonically varying graphene concentration. Attributed to gradient structure design and high photothermal conversion efficiency of graphene, the actuator shows the enhanced photoresponse properties. Through theoretical modeling, finite element analysis and experiments, it is confirmed that with increasing the stacked layer number at the same total thickness, the gradient structured actuator can present a better actuation performance. In addition, the film thickness and the concentration of graphene are also found to have an obvious effect on the actuating behavior, enabling the deflection over 90°. The applications of the actuator as a cantilever beam, a soft crawling robot and a smart gripper are also demonstrated. This provides a new design idea for further improving the actuation performance of the soft actuator.
Conjugated Polyelectrolyte/Bacteria Living Composites in Carbon Paper for Biocurrent Generation
Authors: Vázquez Ricardo Javier , McCuskey Samantha R. , Quek Glenn , Su Yude , Llanes Luana , Hinks Jamie , Bazan Guillermo C.
Published: January 2022

Successful practical implementation of bioelectrochemical systems (BES) requires developing affordable electrode structures that promote efficient electrical communication with microbes. Recent efforts have centered on immobilizing bacteria with organic semiconducting polymers on electrodes via electrochemical methods. This approach creates a fixed biocomposite that takes advantage of the increased electrode's electroactive surface area (EASA). Here, it is demonstrated that a biocomposite comprising the water‐soluble conjugated polyelectrolyte CPE‐K and electrogenic Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1 can self‐assemble with carbon paper electrodes, thereby increasing its biocurrent extraction by ≈6‐fold over control biofilms. A ≈1.5‐fold increment in biocurrent extraction is obtained for the biocomposite on carbon paper relative to the biocurrent extracted from gold‐coated counterparts. Electrochemical characterization revealed that the biocomposite stabilized with the carbon paper more quickly than atop flat gold electrodes. Cross‐sectional images show that the biocomposite infiltrates inhomogeneously into the porous carbon structure. Despite an incomplete penetration, the biocomposite can take advantage of the large EASA of the electrode via long‐range electron transport. These results show that previous success on gold electrode platforms can be improved when using more commercially viable and easily manipulated electrode materials.
Strengthening the Intermolecular Interaction of Prototypical Semicrystalline Conjugated Polymer Enables Improved Photocurrent Generation at the Heterojunction
Authors: Liu Yuxuan , Zhou Ke , Zhou Xiaobo , Xue Wenyue , Bi Zhaozhao , Wu Hongbo , Ma Zaifei , Ma Wei
Published: January 2022

The intra and intermolecular interactions (J‐ and H‐type aggregation) in the conjugated polymer films are found to readily facilitate the electron and hole transport, respectively. However, how those different aggregation types influence the photocurrent generation at the heterojunction is still mysterious, especially for the newly developed semicrystalline conjugated polymers. Here, the prototypical copolymer PM6 is used to tune the relative content of aggregation types with various halogen‐free processing solvents. Various measurements reveal that the toluene‐processed PM6 film exhibits the increased H‐aggregates and crystallinity in the π–π stacking direction compared to its o‐xylene‐ and trimethylbenzene (TMB)‐processed counterparts. This is partly resulted from the weak steric effect and good solubility in the PM6 solution prepared with toluene, which strengthens the intermolecular interaction of adjacent polymer segments. After analyzing the photovoltaic properties of PM6/Y6 bilayer devices, the faster charge carrier transport, smaller charge recombination, lower energy losses, and interfacial energetic disorder can be observed in the toluene‐processed device, leading to the synergistically improved short‐circuit current density (JSC) and open‐circuit voltage (VOC). These findings indicate the control of the molecular packing structure in terms of aggregation types is a powerful strategy to promote the photocurrent generation process at the conjugated polymer‐based heterojunction.
Self‐Assembly of Helical Polymers and Oligomers to Create Liquid Crystalline Alignment for Anisotropic NMR Parameters
Authors: Li Gao‐Wei , Wang Xiao‐Juan , Lei Xinxiang , Liu Na , Wu Zong‐Quan
Published: January 2022

The measurement of anisotropic residual dipolar couplings (RDCs) parameters for the structure elucidation of organic molecules relies on suitable alignment media. Employment of self‐assembled liquid crystalline systems to create anisotropic alignment can be an effective way to realize aligned samples and acquire RDCs. This Mini‐review highlights the recent advances on amino acid‐based helical polymers and supramolecular oligomers forming rigid, rod‐like structures that aggregate into ordered liquid crystalline phases, including amino acid‐based helical polyisocyanides, polyacetylenes, polypeptides, and oligopeptides assembled alignment media. The methodology for the determination of anisotropic liquid crystals is briefly discussed, and a summary of recent research progress in the enantiodifferentiation of helical polymers aligned media is followed. In addition, the self‐assembled mechanism of oligopeptides and their RDCs structural analysis are also described.
Optical 8‐ary phase shift keying modulation format generator based on three microring modulators
Authors: Singha Satyabrata , Bhowmik Sanjukta , Sinha Nitish , Bhowmik Bishanka Brata
Published: January 2022

We have proposed an 8PSK modulator based on three microring modulators (MRM). The design consists of three MRMs, each with a radius of 11.1 μm. Of these three, two MRMs are connected in parallel and they together generate a quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) signal. While at the output port of the QPSK, a third MRM is connected in series works as an angle modulator, which is basically a 45° phase shift modulator; that is, the output of the MRM varies by 45° depending on the bit pattern fed to it, ‘0’or ‘1’ respectively. We have simulated and shown the performance of the proposed 8PSK modulator after transmitting the modulated signal through various lengths of optical. Constellation diagrams and eye diagrams at different fiber lengths are analyzed. Bit error rate (BER) versus optical signal to noise ratio curve shows that, 10−3 BER has been achieved at 13.5 dB optical signal to noise ratio.
Perfusion system for studying dynamic metabolomics in rat brain slices exposed to oxygen–glucose deprivation using proton and phosphorus nuclear magnetic resonance
Authors: Molska Alicja , Hill Deborah K. , Andreassen Trygve , Widerøe Marius
Published: January 2022

The aim of the current study was to establish a controlled and reproducible model to study metabolic changes during oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) in rat brain using a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)‐compatible perfusion system. Rat brains were cut into 400‐μm thick slices and perfused with artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) in a 10‐mm NMR tube inside a 600‐MHz NMR spectrometer. Four experimental conditions were tested: (1) continuous perfusion with aCSF with glucose and normoxia, and (2) 30‐, (3) 60‐, or (4) 120‐min periods of OGD followed by reperfusion of aCSF containing glucose and normoxia. The energetic state of perfused brain slices was measured using phosphorus (31P) NMR and metabolite changes were measured using proton (1H) NMR. aCSF samples were collected every 30 min and analyzed using 1H NMR. The sample temperature was maintained at 36.7 ± 0.1°C and was checked periodically throughout the experiments. Brain slice histology was compared before and after OGD in the perfusion system using hematoxylin–eosin–saffron staining. NMR data clearly distinguished three severity groups (mild, moderate, and severe) after 30, 60, and 120 min of OGD, respectively, compared with the control group. 31P NMR spectra obtained from controls showed that phosphocreatine levels were stable for 5 h inside the perfusion system. Control 1H NMR spectra showed that lactate, N‐acetylaspartic acid, glutamate, γ‐aminobutyric acid, and creatine metabolite levels were stable over time, with lactate levels having a tendency to gradually increase due to the recirculation of the aCSF in the perfusion system. A controlled and reproducible perfusion system was established to study the energetic and metabolic changes in rat brain slices during and after OGD of varying severity.
A continuation method for computing the multilinear PageRank
Authors: Bucci Alberto , Poloni Federico
Published: January 2022

The multilinear PageRank model [Gleich et al., SIAM J Matrix Anal Appl, 2015;36(4):1507–41] is a tensor‐based generalization of the PageRank model. Its computation requires solving a system of polynomial equations that contains a parameter . For , this computation remains a challenging problem, especially since the solution may be nonunique. Extrapolation strategies that start from smaller values of and “follow” the solution by slowly increasing this parameter have been suggested; however, there are known cases where these strategies fail, because a globally continuous solution curve cannot be defined as a function of . In this article, we improve on this idea, by employing a predictor‐corrector continuation algorithm based on a more general representation of the solutions as a curve in . We prove several global properties of this curve that ensure the good behavior of the algorithm, and we show in our numerical experiments that this method is significantly more reliable than the existing alternatives.
Interference compensation discrete control based on memory data for a class of nonlinear systems
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Ma Chong
Published: January 2022

In this article, in order to solve the interference compensation control problem of a class of nonlinear systems, we propose a method based on memory data to suppress interference greatly. Firstly, the continuous time model of nonlinear system is discretized to obtain the discrete model of the system, then, which is simplified by zero‐order hold. On this basis, the interference at the previous moment is calculated by using the system states measured and stored at the previous moment, which is added to the systems input to compensate for the interference at the current moment. Finally, the simulation results show that our method has a good inhibitory effect on interference, and the attenuation rate of interference is more than 98.
Enhanced antifouling and flux performances of a composite membrane via incorporating TiO2 functionalized with hydrophilic groups of L‐cysteine for nanofiltration
Authors: Gholami Foad , Zinatizadeh Ali Akbar , Zinadini Sirus , Rittmann Bruce E. , Torres Cesar I.
Published: January 2022

A new TiO2 nanoparticle modified via L‐cysteine is presented in this study. The L‐cysteine (cys) modified TiO2 nanomaterials impact as membrane modifier was examined in terms of pure water flux, hydrophilicity, morphology, and resistance ability. The mixed matrix membranes morphology investigated by using scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), water contact angle measurement, porosity and pore size and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. Membrane hydrophilicity and permeation flux were notably improved by introducing TiO2‐cys nanomaterials to the membrane matrix. The SEM image indicated the expanded finger‐like pores for the modified membranes comparing to the bare polyethersulfone (PES). The obtained AFM image exhibited lower surface roughness parameters for the modified membranes. In case of prepared membranes assessment, dye removal capability using the direct red‐16 and real liquorice wastewater were examined. The results confirmed that the modified membranes indicated high‐ranking dye rejection ability (more than 98% for direct red‐16 and 90% for real liquorice wastewater) comparing to the bare membrane (86 ± 2.58%). The antifouling tests were run based on milk powder (1000 mg/L) filtration and the best antifouling performance was obtained for 0.5 wt% of TiO2‐cys membrane (flux recovery ratio = 90.57 ± 2.71%, Rir = 9.43 ± 0.28%). Also, the results showed high potential of TiO2‐cys nanomaterials for membrane hydrophilicity enhancement.
Controlling the shape of the molecular weight distribution for tailored tensile and rheological properties in thermoplastics and thermoplastic elastomers
Authors: Rosenbloom Stephanie I. , Hsu Jesse H. , Fors Brett P.
Published: January 2022

Thermoplastics and thermoplastic elastomers compose roughly 80 percent of all polymeric materials manufactured today and play an important role in numerous sectors of modern society. While the effects of molecular weight and dispersity (Ð) on the tensile and rheological properties of these materials are well‐known, only recent studies have evidenced the profound influence of the shape of the molecular weight distribution (MWD) on polymer properties. This development is largely due to the emergence of new synthetic strategies to control higher moments of the MWD. In this Perspective, we describe recent advancements by our group in understanding the effect of MWD shape on the mechanical and rheological properties of thermoplastics and thermoplastic elastomers. We highlight means to exploit MWD shape for improved processability and performance and discuss future directions in this field.
Plasma matrix metalloproteinase 2 is associated with severity and mortality in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Arvidsson Mattias , Ahmed Abdulla , Säleby Joanna , Hesselstrand Roger , Rådegran Göran
Published: January 2022

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a life‐threatening disease characterized by vasoconstriction and remodeling of the pulmonary vessels. Risk stratification in PAH could potentially be improved by including novel biomarkers related to PAH pathobiology. We aimed to investigate the relationship between extracellular matrix (ECM)‐related proteins, survival, and European Society of Cardiology and European Respiratory Society (ESC/ERS) risk stratification scores in patients with PAH. Plasma samples and hemodynamics were collected from PAH patients during right heart catheterizations at diagnosis (n = 48) and early follow‐up, after treatment initiation (n = 33). Plasma levels of 14 ECM‐related proteins, with altered levels in PAH compared to healthy controls, were analyzed with proximity extension assays, and related to hemodynamics, transplant‐free survival time, and ESC/ERS risk score. Glypican‐1 levels were higher before versus after treatment initiation (p = 0.048). PAH patients with high plasma levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) ‐2, MMP‐7, MMP‐9, MMP‐12, perlecan, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 4 (TIMP‐4) at baseline, had worse transplant‐free survival (p < 0.03) than patients with low levels. Hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) was for MMP‐2 1.126 (1.011–1.255), perlecan 1.0099 (1.0004–1.0196), and TIMP‐4 1.037 (1.003–1.071) in age and sex‐adjusted Cox‐regression model. MMP‐2 correlated with ESC/ERS risk scores (rs = 0.34, p = 0.019), mean right atrial pressure (rs = 0.44, p = 0.002), NT‐proBNP (rs = 0.49, p ≤ 0.001), and six‐minute walking distance (rs = −0.34, p = 0.02). The present study indicates that high levels of MMP‐2, perlecan, and TIMP‐4 are associated with poor survival in PAH. High plasma MMP‐2, correlated with poor prognosis in PAH. Further validation in larger studies is needed to better determine this association.
Teachers' and school leaders' sensemaking of formal achievement data: A conceptual review
Authors: Goffin Evelyn , Janssen Rianne , Vanhoof Jan
Published: January 2022

Formal achievement data such as test scores and school performance feedback from standardised assessments can be a powerful tool for data‐based decision making and school improvement. However, teachers’ and school leaders’ usage of these data is not necessarily straightforward or predictable. In order to illuminate how educational professionals engage with data in their daily practice, from their own subjective backgrounds and within their own contexts, data use researchers increasingly adopt a sensemaking perspective. Sensemaking, a theoretical construct grounded in psychological and organisational scholarship, offers a framework and a vocabulary to explain how cues such as educational output data are processed in real‐life educational settings. As such, sensemaking research sheds light on reasons why educational professionals’ use of these formal achievement data may deviate from normative expectations. The present study is a conceptual review of how sensemaking is conceived and applied in literature on educational professionals’ use of formal achievement data. In total, 25 empirical and theoretical studies were selected and subjected to thematic analysis. Findings include that sensemaking is used as a lens to study data use, as well as a label for interpretive micro‐processes of data analysis and interpretation, and that formal achievement data can be regarded as sensemaking resources. An integrated conceptual framework on educational professionals’ sensemaking of formal achievement data is presented, including a discussion of critical insights that may inspire future research on data‐based decision making in education.
Sampled‐data stabilization for switched nonlinear systems under state‐dependent switching signal
Authors: Li Shi , Wu Yifei , Xiang Zhengrong
Published: January 2022

In this article, a new sampled‐data stabilization scheme is proposed for switched nonlinear systems in which all subsystems may be unstabilizable. A state‐dependent switching condition is derived and a controller is constructed by using only sampled information. It is proven that the closed‐loop system is asymptotically stable under the developed state‐dependent switching strategy. Finally, the proposed scheme is applied to a switched induction heater circuit system and a numerical example is provided to verify its effectiveness.
A multiple testing framework for diagnostic accuracy studies with co‐primary endpoints
Authors: Westphal Max , Zapf Antonia , Brannath Werner
Published: January 2022

Major advances have been made regarding the utilization of machine learning techniques for disease diagnosis and prognosis based on complex and high‐dimensional data. Despite all justified enthusiasm, overoptimistic assessments of predictive performance are still common in this area. However, predictive models and medical devices based on such models should undergo a throughout evaluation before being implemented into clinical practice. In this work, we propose a multiple testing framework for (comparative) phase III diagnostic accuracy studies with sensitivity and specificity as co‐primary endpoints. Our approach challenges the frequent recommendation to strictly separate model selection and evaluation, that is, to only assess a single diagnostic model in the evaluation study. We show that our parametric simultaneous test procedure asymptotically allows strong control of the family‐wise error rate. A multiplicity correction is also available for point and interval estimates. Moreover, we demonstrate in an extensive simulation study that our multiple testing strategy on average leads to a better final diagnostic model and increased statistical power. To plan such studies, we propose a Bayesian approach to determine the optimal number of models to evaluate simultaneously. For this purpose, our algorithm optimizes the expected final model performance given previous (hold‐out) data from the model development phase. We conclude that an assessment of multiple promising diagnostic models in the same evaluation study has several advantages when suitable adjustments for multiple comparisons are employed.
Introducing the C1 Wedge Connection
Authors: Creusen Koen Erwin Yvonne , Misios George , Winkes Jasper Stefan , Veljkovic Milan
Published: January 2022

Increasing loads on the connections of tubular towers that support wind turbines are making the traditional bolted L‐flange more challenging to design, while the large mass of components and tools make installation challenging from a safety perspective. The C1 Wedge Connection is a symmetrical connection between tubular sections. The connection consists of a cylindrical lower flange and a fork‐shaped upper flange that slides over the lower flange. Both flanges have radial elongated holes distributed along the perimeter allowing the C1 fasteners to pull the two flanges together. The fastener assembly of the C1 Wedge Connection uses a small, horizontally placed bolt to pull two wedges together. The wedges transform and magnify the horizontal bolt force into a larger preload between the flanges by pulling them together. The orientation of the bolt in the fastener prevents significant load fluctuations under external loading. As a result, unlike a bolted L‐flange, the C1 Wedge Connection is less susceptible to preload loss, thereby eliminating the need for regular maintenance and inspection. The scalability of the C1 Wedge Connection makes it suitable for larger loads. These larger loads are expected with increasing size of wind turbines and when connections are used in more demanding locations such as hurricane and seismic conditions or where connections are subjected to high dynamic loads caused by extreme wave conditions or on floating foundations.
The validation of elastic modulus models: Code models and their modified versions
Authors: Sun Ryan W. , Fanourakis George C.
Published: January 2022

Elastic modulus (E) estimation forms an important element in the methods used to predict concrete creep deformation, which is an important structural design consideration. A variety of differentEestimation models for concrete exist but there is uncertainty as to which of the models is the most accurate. This research study assesses the performance of models namely, the ACI 318, ACI 318 Simplified, Mendis et al., Rüsch et al., Carrasquillo et al., ACI 363, AS 3600, Omar et al., AS 3600, BS 8110, Alexander and Davis, SANS 10100, CEB‐FIP, and the EC 2. The included list of models is taken from national codes and includes their superseded and modified versions. TheEvalues of 108 specimens, whose properties differed (in aggregate type, cement type, concrete strength, and curing age), were measured. The actualEvalue was compared to each model's estimations to determine which were most accurate statistically using the coefficient of variation (ωj). The ACI 363 model was the most accurate out of the 16 models assessed, yielding an overallωjof 16%. The CEB‐FIP model was found to be the least accurate showing an overallωjof 31.8%. From the 16 models considered, it was recommended that the ACI 363 model be utilized by creep prediction models. In addition, it was found that not all modified estimate models produced better estimates.
Toward Holistic Urban Green Infrastructure Implementation
Authors: Fukuoka Takanori
Published: January 2022

This article aims to reexamine green infrastructure (GI) visions and frameworks and site-scale GI implementation toward holistic urban GI implementation. For GI visions and frameworks, both City of Philadelphia and Singapore have demonstrated progressive approaches to weave different divisions and planning, accomplishing holistic frameworks as well as enhancing GI implementation at site-scale level. Through three site-scale GI implementation case studies, the creative solutions have been demonstrated how streets, retention ponds, and the existing urban fabric were to transform into GI open spaces. This article suggests the way how GI could be interwoven into visions, planning, and design to create places for people.
Land Use Planning as a Green Infrastructure in a Rural Japanese Depopulated Town
Authors: Watanabe K. , Ishida K.
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this study is to show land use considering green infrastructure (GI) in a Japanese depopulated rural district. First, we classified six zones of the target area, depending on inundation risk, living environment, and area of each land use, by cluster analysis. As a result, we showed three characteristics of land use. These are the central built-up area with high disaster risk and high land price, the east side area with low disaster risk, and the paddy field area with high disaster risk. Next, we estimated the probability of vacant houses by logistic regression analysis. Based on the results and the six classified zones, we showed the area with high probability of vacant houses and high disaster risk. This area was observed at the central built-up area. Considering future depopulation, such a housing area in the central built-up area needs to shrink.
Challenging a Hybrid Between Green and Gray Infrastructure: Coastal Sand-Covered Embankments
Authors: Matsushima Hajime , Zhong Xiangmei
Published: January 2022

While coastal areas are one of the most highly developed areas in the world, they have always been exposed to the danger of disaster. In response to the extreme events that increase every year owing to the effects of climate change, it is necessary to switch from coastal conservation that relies on existing infrastructure (gray infrastructure) to green infrastructure that utilizes ecotone. However, the reproduction of ecotones poses great challenges in many coastal areas. Therefore, we introduce a new approach to the complementary infrastructure development of gray and green functions, which involves conversion of the existing infrastructure, namely tide embankment, into dunes with sand-covering their slope, to be utilized as hybrid infrastructure. It was confirmed that the sand-covered embankments expanded the habitat of dune plants and protected the tide embankment body from high temperatures. This sand-covered embankment was also used as a place for environmental education for local elementary and junior high school students, and the multi-functionality of the hybrid infrastructure that grows over time was confirmed through the participation of various individuals.
Implementation of Japanese Blue Carbon Offset Crediting Projects
Authors: Kuwae Tomohiro , Yoshihara Satoru , Suehiro Fujiyo , Sugimura Yoshihisa
Published: January 2022

The term “blue carbon” is still rather new, having been coined in 2009. However, the blue carbon concept and the role of blue carbon stored in shallow coastal ecosystems, as part of nature-based or green infrastructure, in mitigating climate change and providing other ecosystems services, such as disaster risk reduction, infrastructure resilience, erosion control, and land formation, have attracted the interest of many people worldwide. In this chapter, we first summarize the current status of blue carbon initiatives, including for carbon offsetting, worldwide. Then, we review three blue carbon offset credit projects that have already been implemented in Japan: (1) the blue carbon offset crediting projects of (1) Yokohama City, the first in the world; (2) Fukuoka City, the second such project in Japan; and (3) the first Japanese national governmental demonstration project. Finally, we discuss the need to accelerate the development of blue carbon offset credit projects and related initiatives in the future.
Forest Green Infrastructure and the Carbon Storage and Substitution Benefits of Harvested Wood Products
Authors: Valatin Gregory
Published: January 2022

Forest Green Infrastructure (FGI) provides society with a wide range of benefits. Significant climate change mitigation benefits arise outside the forest associated with the use of harvested wood products. These include both carbon storage in wood products and carbon substitution benefits associated with the use of wood instead of more fossil energy-intensive materials such as concrete and steel, or of fossil fuels in energy production. This chapter considers the potential of extending coverage of the UK Woodland Carbon Code to the carbon benefits of wood products associated with woodland creation projects. It builds on previous approaches to including the carbon benefits of harvested wood products under existing carbon market standards. The key recommendations include (1) exploring ways of allocating carbon units between woodland owners and wood users that provide incentives to increase the quality and supply of timber, the carbon storage and substitution benefits per unit of wood, as well as the overall benefit to society; (2) consideration of potential double-counting issues and how these can be minimized; and (3) investigating rebound and leakage effects, which affect by how much fossil fuel use in the economy changes as a result of increased woodfuel use. Depending on the management system and species used, woodland creation projects involving wood harvesting may increase overall carbon benefits once carbon storage and substitution benefits have been accounted for particularly over multiple rotations. Further work would be required to assess whether average and generic values of carbon storage and substitution benefits could be incorporated into the UK Woodland Carbon Code’s project-level accounting and impacts on the levels of carbon credits that could then be claimed.