bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artificial intelligence and the situational rationality of diagnosis: Human problem‐solving and the artifacts of health and medicine
Authors: Raphael Michael W.
Published: October 2022

What is the problem‐solving capacity of artificial intelligence (AI) for health and medicine? This paper draws out the cognitive sociological context of diagnostic problem‐solving for medical sociology regarding the limits of automation for decision‐based medical tasks. Specifically, it presents a practical way of evaluating the artificiality of symptoms and signs in medical encounters, with an emphasis on the visualization of the problem‐solving process in doctor‐patient relationships. In doing so, the paper details the logical differences underlying diagnostic task performance between man and machine problem‐solving: its principle of rationality, the priorities of its means of adaptation to abstraction, and the effects of seeking optimization in the problem‐solving process. Using these parameters as a heuristic for evaluating the capacity of AI to address issues of diagnostic error through design, the paper presents a conceptual review of the discipline of AI in medicine. Studies relying on procedural rationality describe models that treat diagnosis as a “natural artifact” by employing symbolic methods designed to simulate human problem‐solving. Research adhering to probabilistic rationality describes models that treat diagnosis as a “natural artifact” of an ecological image by utilizing sub‐symbolic methods designed to simulate neural networks. Research guided by situational rationality describes models that require treating diagnosis as a “socio‐cognitive artifact,” the artificiality of which is organized in discourses of patient‐centered decision‐making. The paper concludes with a commentary on the ethical application of AI in health and medicine, given the logical differences underlying diagnostic task performance.
Anti‐CD38 monoclonal antibody interference with blood compatibility testing: Differentiating isatuximab and daratumumab via functional epitope mapping
Authors: Chami Btissam , Okuda Makoto , Moayeri Morvarid , Pirenne France , Hidaka Yoko , Nambiar Ashok , Song Zhili , Bedel Olivier , Zhang Bailin , Hopke Joern , Deng Gejing , Zhu Chen , Macé Sandrine , Chiron Marielle , Adrian Francisco , Fukao Taro , Basile Frank G. , Martin Thomas
Published: October 2022

Background

There are two FDA‐approved anti‐CD38 monoclonal antibodies for treatment of multiple myeloma: isatuximab and daratumumab. Owing to expression of CD38 on reagent red blood cells (RBCs), these antibodies interfere with indirect antiglobulin tests (IATs). We sought to understand differences in such interference by performing binding experiments.

Study Design and Methods

In vitro experiments to compare the binding to RBCs of isatuximab and daratumumab alone or in the presence of a mouse anti‐human CD38 antibody (HB‐7 or AT13/5) or a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide‐analog CD38 inhibitor were performed and quantified by flow cytometry, imaging, mass spectrometry, surface plasmon resonance, and LigandTracer technologies. Serologic testing was performed on plasma samples spiked with isatuximab or daratumumab.

Results

CD38 expressed on RBCs can be directly bound by daratumumab, whereas isatuximab requires a co‐factor, such as HB‐7, AT13/5, or a CD38 inhibitor, suggesting that the isatuximab epitope on RBCs is masked in vitro. Daratumumab samples more frequently showed interference and had stronger reactions than isatuximab samples. Dithiothreitol treatment was equally effective in mitigating the interference caused by either drug.

Discussion

Both isatuximab and daratumumab interfere with IATs but at different magnitudes, reflecting distinct binding to CD38 on RBCs. From the binding studies, we conclude that the isatuximab epitope on RBCs is masked in vitro and binding requires a certain CD38 conformation or co‐factor. This circumstance may explain why interference is seen only in a subset of patients receiving isatuximab when compared with interference seen in most patients on daratumumab therapy.
Validation of laser doppler flowmetry to measure dermal blood flow of the pinnae in dogs with pinnal alopecia
Authors: Ide Kaori , Tokunaga Makoto , Hiratsuka Shogo , Iwasaki Toshiroh , Nishifuji Koji
Published: October 2022

Background

Laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) is a noninvasive method of measuring regional blood flow in humans. However, this method has not been widely applied to measure blood flow in dogs.

Hypothesis/Objectives

We hypothesised that LDF can measure changes in blood flow in canine pinnae accurately. The objectives were to determine whether LDF could accurately detect dermal blood flow changes in canine pinnae caused by haemodynamic drugs and characterize the dermal blood flow in dogs with pinnal alopecia.

Animals

Sixteen laboratory‐owned healthy dogs, 25 client‐owned healthy control dogs and six dogs with pinnal alopecia suspected to be secondary to ischaemic dermatoses.

Materials and Methods

Clinical doses of the haemodynamic drugs atropine, medetomidine and dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate (dBcAMP), as well as topical dBcAMP, were administered to healthy beagles. Subsequently, an LDF apparatus was attached to the pinnae to analyse changes in dermal blood flow. Finally, LDF was used to measure auricular dermal blood flow in dogs with pinnal alopecia compared to healthy dogs.

Results

Dermal blood flow increased after atropine injection, during dBcAMP infusion and after topical dBcAMP ointment application, and decreased after medetomidine injection. Auricular dermal blood flow (in mL/min/100 g tissue) was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in dogs with pinnal alopecia than in healthy dogs.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Laser Doppler flowmetry is useful for measuring dermal blood flow in canine pinnae; it can be a noninvasive method to monitor ischaemic conditions of dog skin.
Discursos del odio Una instalación y tres hipótesis
Authors: Cámara Mario
Published: October 2022

El presente artículo analiza Diarios del odio, una instalación de Roberto Jacoby y Syd Krochmalny, desde una triple perspectiva. En primer lugar como una obra de sitio específico que dialoga críticamente con su emplazamiento en la que fuera la residencia de Victoria Ocampo; luego como una obra en diálogo con la tradición de la poesía visual que le permite capturar y materializar los discursos de odio que circulan en las redes; y finalmente como una obra de arte de los medios que reflexiona sobre el devenir de las utopías comunicativas imaginadas a partir de los años sesenta. En los tres casos, el odio como afecto contemporáneo se encuentra en el centro de la reflexión.
Secular change of true polar wander over the past billion years
Authors: Fu Hairuo , Zhang Shihong , Condon Daniel J. , Xian Hanbiao
Published: October 2022

The rate of movement of Earth’s solid shell relative to its spin axis, or true polar wander, depends on variations in mantle convection and viscosity. We report paleomagnetic and geochronologic data from South China that constrain the rate of rapid true polar wander (>5° per million years) between 832 million years and 821 million years ago. Analysis of the paleomagnetic database demonstrates secular change of true polar wander related to mantle cooling and thermal structure across supercontinent cycles. True polar wander rates are relatively muted with a partially insulated mantle during supercontinent assembly and accelerate as mantle thermal mixing reestablishes with supercontinent breakup. Decreasing true polar wander rate through the Neoproterozoic was succeeded by overall smaller variations in the Phanerozoic. We propose that Neoproterozoic extensive plate tectonic activities enhanced mantle cooling, giving rise to a reduction in mantle convective forcing, an increase in mantle viscosity, and a decrease in true polar wander rates into the Phanerozoic.
Structural basis for the toxin-coregulated pilus–dependent secretion of
Vibrio cholerae
colonization factor
Authors: Oki Hiroya , Kawahara Kazuki , Iimori Minato , Imoto Yuka , Nishiumi Haruka , Maruno Takahiro , Uchiyama Susumu , Muroga Yuki , Yoshida Akihiro , Yoshida Takuya , Ohkubo Tadayasu , Matsuda Shigeaki , Iida Tetsuya , Nakamura Shota
Published: October 2022

Colonization of the host intestine is the most important step in
Vibrio cholerae
infection. The toxin-coregulated pilus (TCP), an operon-encoded type IVb pilus (T4bP), plays a crucial role in this process, which requires an additional secreted protein, TcpF, encoded on the same TCP operon; however, its mechanisms of secretion and function remain elusive. Here, we demonstrated that TcpF interacts with the minor pilin, TcpB, of TCP and elucidated the crystal structures of TcpB alone and in complex with TcpF. The structural analyses reveal how TCP recognizes TcpF and its secretory mechanism via TcpB-dependent pilus elongation and retraction. Upon binding to TCP, TcpF forms a flower-shaped homotrimer with its flexible N terminus hooked onto the trimeric interface of TcpB. Thus, the interaction between the minor pilin and the N terminus of the secreted protein, namely, the T4bP secretion signal, is key for
V. cholerae
colonization and is a new potential therapeutic target.
Lateral fenestrations in the extracellular domain of the glycine receptor contribute to the main chloride permeation pathway
Authors: Cerdan Adrien H. , Peverini Laurie , Changeux Jean-Pierre , Corringer Pierre-Jean , Cecchini Marco
Published: October 2022

Glycine receptors (GlyRs) are ligand-gated ion channels mediating signal transduction at chemical synapses. Since the early patch-clamp electrophysiology studies, the details of the ion permeation mechanism have remained elusive. Here, we combine molecular dynamics simulations of a zebrafish GlyR-α1 model devoid of the intracellular domain with mutagenesis and single-channel electrophysiology of the full-length human GlyR-α1. We show that lateral fenestrations between subunits in the extracellular domain provide the main translocation pathway for chloride ions to enter/exit a central water-filled vestibule at the entrance of the transmembrane channel. In addition, we provide evidence that these fenestrations are at the origin of current rectification in known anomalous mutants and design de novo two inward-rectifying channels by introducing mutations within them. These results demonstrate the central role of lateral fenestrations on synaptic neurotransmission.
Configuration optimization of a renewable hybrid system including biogas generator, photovoltaic panel and wind turbine: Particle swarm optimization and genetic algorithms
Authors: Heydari Ali , Alborzi Zahra Sayyah , Amini Younes , Hassanvand Amin
Published: October 2022

The main contribution of this paper is to formulate the problem of optimal design of renewable wind/solar/biomass hybrid system for grid-independent applications in a region of Iran and to compare the genetic algorithm (GA) and performance of particle swarm optimization (PSO) on this optimization problem. There are many types of research on solar and wind hybrid energy systems, but research on solar/wind/biomass hybrid energy systems is rare. The biomass energy system can be used as a support and complementary system along with wind and solar energy systems. This paper studies the optimum design of a biomass/PV/wind energy system for independent applications. The objective of the optimum design problem is to minimize the total net present cost (TNPC) of the PV/wind/biomass system during its lifetime subject to some constraints by adjusting three decision variables, namely the swept area of wind turbines, the area of PV panels and the capacity of biogas generators. For this aim, two efficient metaheuristic techniques of GA and PSO are used to solve the optimization problem. Simulation results show that PV/biomass system is the most cost-effective one for supplying the demanded load. Moreover, PSO leads to better results than GA.
N-Doped Graphene Quantum Dot Nanoparticle Synthesis of Optical Active Thermal Stable Polyurea Nanocomposites Using Polybutadiene Chain Modification
Authors: Rahmatpanah Zahra , Alavi Nikje Mir Mohammad , Dargahi Maryam
Published: October 2022

Geminate thermal stability with optical characteristics is a moving forward achievement in the preparation of polybutadiene-based polyurea nanocomposites. In this regard, nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots were synthesized from a one-pot hydrothermal reaction of citric acid with urea in an aqueous solution. An in situ polymerization approach was used for the synthesis of polyurea from the reaction of telechelic amine functionalized polybutadiene and toluene diisocyanate (TDI) in the presence of the DBTDL catalyst. Nanocomposites were prepared using 1–3 weight percent of graphene N-quantum dot nanoparticles in the polymer matrix. 1H-NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy techniques elaborated successful synthesis of primary polymer binder, polyurea and nanocomposites. Thermal degradation and characteristics were investigated using the TGA/DTG and DSC methods; lower degradation rates with progressed thermal stabilities as well as proportionate thermal characteristics with wider thermal service range were obtained especially in 3 wt% nanocomposite. Optical behavior information of samples was studied using UV-vis absorption and photoluminescence (PL) spectrometers. EDX, SEM, and AFM techniques confirmed successful nanoparticle and nanocomposite synthesis with improved morphologic and topographic properties.
Numerical Investigation of Hydraulic Fracture Network Formation of Jointed Shale with Oriented Perforation
Authors: Men Xiaoxi , Wang Kaiyu
Published: October 2022

This paper aims at exploring the fracture evolution as well as capturing the fracture network formation of jointed shale during hydraulic fracturing process by numerical simulation using the Rock Failure Process Analysis System of Flow (RFPA—Flow). The simulations were successfully completed following two stages. In the first stage, a series of simulations are performed to investigate the influence of different angle-oriented perforations on fracture initiation and propagation. The simulation results agreed well with the experimental results confirming the validity of the RFPA-Flow code in the application. In the second stage, extensive hydraulic fracturing simulations on jointed shale with different angled-joint planes and different angle-oriented perforations were performed. The simulation results demonstrated that the fracture evolution changes significantly as the magnitude of α (the angle between perforation and the joint plane) increased. It was found that a large α value could lead to a larger the tensile stress region around the fracture tip resulting in more joint planes pulled apart. It could also induce more secondary fractures and hence a more complex fracture could be formed. As a result, the α value of 60° to 90° were found to aid in the fracture network generation. On the other hand, the angle β being the angle between the parallel joints and the maximum stress direction was another important factor in fracture evolution. Its influence on fracturing performance was similar to angle α. It was found that the initiation and breakdown pressure of jointed shale were in proportional to the magnitude of angle β. Therefore, this paper introduced an efficient approach to promote the formation of a complex fracture network in jointed shale with the presence of oriented perforation, which could offer valuable guidance for the design of unconventional reservoir reconstruction.
Software Development for Thickness Optimization of Tile-Type Thermal Protection System
Authors: Wang Zhijin , Cheng Tao , Zhou Yu
Published: October 2022

During the flight mission of hypersonic aircraft, severe aerodynamic heating will occur on the surface, so thermal protection system (TPS) is required to protect the load-bearing structure of the aircraft. The present paper develops an engineering software for automatic optimization of the thickness of tile-type TPS for reusable aircraft. For requirements on TPS of reusable aircraft in the reentry stage, the method of heat flow-time curve enveloping, automatic material selection, and one-dimensional unsteady heat transfer calculation for multilayer plates under thermal load conditions had been researched, an interactive engineering software had been developed. The software improves the calculation accuracy and calculation efficiency of TPS thickness optimization, and it is suitable for rapid design in the conceptual design stage of the aircraft. Finally, by an example, the function of the software is verified.
Spatial Patterns of Ceroxylon parvifrons (Engel) H.Wendl of the Montane Forests in Southern Ecuador
Authors: Benítez Ángel , Ramón Pablo , Sarango Martha , Torracchi-Carrasco Esteban
Published: October 2022

The species of the genus Ceroxylon have narrow geographical ranges, and subsequently, their populations are subjected to a high degree of fragmentation due to deforestation and land conversion. Ceroxylon parvifrons (Engel) H. Wendl is a representative floristic species of the Andean rainforest; however, little information related to its natural history, ecology, biology, and conservation status is available, making it difficult to assess its biological relationship with the environmental factors and the current status of their populations in natural environments. Here, we studied the spatial pattern of adults, rosettes, and seedlings of C. parvifrons in the montane rainforest and assessed the role of populations’ spatial structure and intraspecific interactions on plant performance. A total of 460 individuals were categorized according to their size, with 11 adults, 10 juveniles, 336 rosettes, and 103 seedlings being recorded. C. parvifrons showed that the population is expanding during the first two stages of the plant (seedling and rosette). After this, there is a significant decrease where the frequency of individuals of the juvenile and adult categories tend to disappear from the population. The L (r) function shows a robust clustering throughout the entire scale for seedlings, rosettes, and adult palms. Also, the Poisson cluster process describes a patchy distribution in which plant individuals are distributed in clumps (clusters). Thus, this approximation related to spatial patterns of C. parvifrons will provide an important step for the conservation of this species in tropical zones.
Facile Synthesis of Copper-Coated-Reduced-Graphene-Oxide and Its Application as a Highly Sensitive Electrochemical Sensor for Hydroquinone
Authors: Yao Youzhi
Published: October 2022

A facile step-by-step approach for synthesizing copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) loaded on the wrinkled surface of reduced-graphene-oxide (Cu/rGO) was conducted using a reductant at room temperature. Multiple characterization methods were applied to specify the morphology and composition of the nanocomposites. The scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope of Cu/rGO show that spherical CuNps were dispersed uniformly on the surface of rGO. In addition, the characteristic peaks of Cu and carbon in energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses spectra proved that Cu/rGO nanocomposites were synthesized. Soon afterwards, a new hydroquinone electrochemical sensor was prepared with Cu/rGO and a glassy carbon electrode. The sensor was characterized by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Hydroquinone was detected by differential pulse voltammetry using the composite electrode. Under the optimal condition, the linear response range was from 0.05 μM to 90 μM; the detection limit is 0.02 μM (S/N = 3) for hydroquinone. The electrochemical sensor exhibited high sensitivity in practical environmental water sample detection.
Construction and Verification of a Novel Pyroptosis-Related lncRNA Signature Associated with Immune Landscape in Gliomas
Authors: Feng Xiaoqiang , Chen Yuehua , Liu Xuanyu , Zhong Zhihui , Liu Yanjun
Published: October 2022

Gliomas are the most common tumor in the central nervous system with limited prognostic markers making it difficult to research progression. Induction of cellular immunogenic death is a promising treatment for glioma. Pyroptosis is one of the recently discovered programmed immuogenic cell death modes which remains unclear in glioma. We obtained glioma datasets from the CGGA and TCGA websites. Pearson correlation analysis was used to find pyroptosis-related lncRNAs. Subsequently, the univariate, LASSO, and multivariate Cox regression were applied to construct a prognostic signature based on pyroptosis-related lncRNAs. Kaplan-Meier plots, ROC curves, and PCA were utilized for testing the prognostic performance of the signature. We conducted the univariate and multivariate Cox regressions to ascertain if the signature worked as an independent factor for predicting overall survival (OS) for individuals with glioma from other characteristics. For evaluating the immune landscape differences between the subgroups, ESTIMATE, CIBERTSORT, and ssGSEA were adopted. Additionally, biological functions and pathways of DEGs were identified by KEGG and GO. We also screened potential drugs and measured sensitivities of chemotherapeutics between the subgroups by CellMiner and pRRophetic package. Finally, shRNA was conducted to knockdown of COX10-AS1 in U87 cells to determine its relationship with pyroptosis. We successfully created an effective pyroptosis-related lncRNA signature that divided individuals into groups of low- and high-risk, and individuals in the high-risk group were with poor prognosis in comparison to the individuals in the other group. A nomogram including clinical factors and risk scores to predict the OS was built. Furthermore, the two groups appeared to have different immune landscapes; the high-risk group showed greater levels of ESTIMATE scores, immune cell infiltration, and immune checkpoints. Additionally, immune-related pathways and functions were shown to be enriched according to KEGG and GO findings. Knockdown of COX10-AS1 inhibited U87 cell growth, upregulated CASP1 and NLRP3, and released more IL1-β and IL-18 than the negative control. In summary, our study developed an lncRNA signature related to pyroptosis for OS prediction of gliomas and demonstrated its relationship with immune infiltration and drug sensitivity.
Reperfusion Without Functional Independence in Late Presentation of Stroke With Large Vessel Occlusion
Authors: Seker Fatih , Qureshi Muhammad M. , Möhlenbruch Markus A. , Nogueira Raul G. , Abdalkader Mohamad , Ribo Marc , Caparros Francois , Haussen Diogo C. , Mohammaden Mahmoud H. , Sheth Sunil A. , Ortega-Gutierrez Santiago , Siegler James E. , Zaidi Syed F. , Olive-Gadea Marta , Henon Hilde , Castonguay Alicia C. , Nannoni Stefania , Kaesmacher Johannes , Puri Ajit S. , Farooqui Mudassir , Salazar-Marioni Sergio , Kuhn Anna L. , Kiley Nicole L. , Farzin Behzad , Boisseau William , Masoud Hesham E. , Lopez Carlos Ynigo , Rana Ameena , Abdul Kareem Samer , Sathya Anvitha , Klein Piers , Kassem Mohammad W. , Cordonnier Charlotte , Gralla Jan , Fischer Urs , Michel Patrik , Strambo Davide , Jovin Tudor G. , Raymond Jean , Zaidat Osama O. , Ringleb Peter A. , Nguyen Thanh N. , Nagel Simon
Published: October 2022

Background:

Reperfusion without functional independence (RFI) is an undesired outcome following thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke. The primary objective was to evaluate, in patients presenting with proximal anterior circulation occlusion stroke in the extended time window, whether selection with computed tomography (CT) perfusion or magnetic resonance imaging is associated with RFI, mortality, or symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) compared with noncontrast CT selected patients.

Methods:

The CLEAR study (CT for Late Endovascular Reperfusion) was a multicenter, retrospective cohort study of stroke patients undergoing thrombectomy in the extended time window. Inclusion criteria for this analysis were baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≥6, internal carotid artery, M1 or M2 segment occlusion, prestroke modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 2, time-last-seen-well to treatment 6 to 24 hours, and successful reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2c–3).

Results:

Of 2304 patients in the CLEAR study, 715 patients met inclusion criteria. Of these, 364 patients (50.9%) showed RFI (ie, mRS score of 3–6 at 90 days despite successful reperfusion), 37 patients (5.2%) suffered sICH, and 127 patients (17.8%) died within 90 days. Neither imaging selection modality for thrombectomy candidacy (noncontrast CT versus CT perfusion versus magnetic resonance imaging) was associated with RFI, sICH, or mortality. Older age, higher baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, higher prestroke disability, transfer to a comprehensive stroke center, and a longer interval to puncture were associated with RFI. The presence of M2 occlusion and higher baseline Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score were inversely associated with RFI. Hypertension was associated with sICH.

Conclusions:

RFI is a frequent phenomenon in the extended time window. Neither magnetic resonance imaging nor CT perfusion selection for mechanical thrombectomy was associated with RFI, sICH, and mortality compared to noncontrast CT selection alone.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT04096248.
Hydrocephalus in Context: A History from Graeco-Roman Sources
Authors: Bonati Isabella
Published: October 2022

The history of the scientific description and conceptualisation of the condition named “hydrocephalus” goes back to Graeco-Roman antiquity. The present article provides an extensive examination of the ancient Greek and Latin texts on the topic, including the only extant medical papyrus dealing with it. A thorough investigation of these primary sources allows us to expand our knowledge of this disorder throughout history and how its nosological conception has varied over time.
Parameters of Ethnic Minorhood
Authors: Hai Peng
Published: October 2022

The current crisis in China’s ethnic frontiers is animating intense discussion as to whether the present moment is a déjà vu of antecedents or an aberration of the Chinese ethno-political normative. Whereas the bulk of new scholarship focuses on the post-Mao era, few studies exist to elucidate the visuality of ethnic relations in the early PRC when state-building was still unfolding in the ethnic frontiers. This paper investigates how an ethnic hierarchy based on a majority-minority binarism was visually constructed during the formative decade of the socialist era (1949–59). Examining several films featuring Inner Mongolia and the socio-political interaction between Mongol indigenes and Han expeditionary personnel, this paper contends that constructing the visuality of Han superiority as adult guardian overlooking ethnic minors who must answer the interpellation of attaining the likeness of the Han was the centrepiece in substantiating a majority-minority binarism beyond a static ethno- demographic condition.
Applicability Analysis of Strain Transfer Between Surface-Mounted Optical Fiber Sensing Component and Materials
Authors: Xing Rongjun , Yao Zhongming , He Zhengshu , Xu Shengya , Cheng Zuoyang , Xu Pai
Published: October 2022

In order to explore the coupling transfer mechanism, a multi-layer mechanical model of sensor components is constructed. The surface-mounted strain transmission coefficient formula is derived by analysing the influence between structural parameters and strain transfer coefficient. The
strain transmission coefficient of the sensor structure has a positive exponential relationship with the elastic modulus of the tested material through modelling, and the growth trend is gradually reducing. The gypsum material curve is in a parabola, and the top point is 87%. The curved form
of concrete and low-carbon steel materials is the same, the top point is 100%, and the concrete curve of the three strengths is close to coinciding. Through integral calculation, the average strain transmission coefficient of gypsum material is 73.5%, C20 concrete is 94.7%, C30 concrete is
95.1%, C50 concrete is 95.3%, and low-carbon steel is 97.1%. The matrix diameter negatively correlates with the strain transmission coefficient, but the influence is small. Integrating the strain transfer coefficient curve, the average strain transfer coefficient of 1.0 mm matrix diameter
is 97.45%, 1.5 mm matrix diameter is 97.38%, 2.0 mm matrix diameter is 97.30%, and 2.5 mm matrix diameter is 97.25%. The 3.0 mm matrix diameter is 97.21%. Experiments have verified the rationality of the theoretical formula and the correctness of the influence relationship, which provides
a reference for the application of fiber grating sensing technology in tunnel structure monitoring.
Switchable Terahertz Metasurfaces Based on Patterned Vanadium Dioxide and Graphene
Authors: Wu Chengchu , Zhang Fengxi
Published: October 2022

This paper proposes a bi-functional switchable broadband terahertz metasurface ground on U-shaped vanadium dioxide (VO2) and graphene. The proposed design can effectively switch the current working state through a two-parameter regulation mechanism. Specifically, as we fix
graphene’s Fermi level at 1 eV, and VO2 is in the form of insulating, the proposed design can be seen as a broadband terahertz absorber. Shifting the Fermi level of graphene can dynamically modulate the amplitude of the broadband absorption spectrum. In other words, by arbitrarily
tailoring the Fermi level of graphene, the proposed design can freely switch states, i.e., mode switching from broadband absorption to broadband reflection, in the frequency range of interest. As graphene’s Fermi level is equal to 0.01 eV, and the vanadium dioxide in the structure is
in the metallic state; the designed metasurface can be seen as a broadband terahertz linear polarization converter. It can convert the incident linearly polarized terahertz wave into its orthogonal polarization. By varying the conductivity of vanadium dioxide in the simulation, the proposed
design can freely tune the current operating state over the operating frequency range, similar to “ON” and “OFF”. Metasurfaces can work efficiently in different frequency ranges by changing the geometric parameters. Therefore, the designed structure has switchable and
tunable functions simultaneously, providing additional options for integrated, intelligent, and miniaturized devices.
Modeling, Numerical Simulation and Performance Optimization of P3HT:PC70BM Based Bulk Hetero Junction Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Chandra Varun , Sinha Nidhi , Mathur Garima
Published: October 2022

In this paper we had presented the modeling and simulation of organic solar cell based on P3HT:PC70BM using TCAD tool Silvaco ATLAS™ using Aluminum and Silver as cathodes. The Poole-Frenkel model was used to estimate the organic solar cell characteristics in combination with Langevin recombination model. The main challenges faced during the modeling were the repetitive iteration which was needed to obtain a numerical solution for the figure of merits. The optimized thickness shows the considerable change in efficiency, fill factor and open-circuit voltage. The efficiency obtained is 8.14% with short circuit current density of 20.17 mA/cm2, open circuit voltage as 707.97 mV approximately and fill factor is 55.47% which is higher than the reported works in literature.
Statistical Downscaling to Improve the Subseasonal Predictions of Energy-Relevant Surface Variables
Authors: Goutham Naveen , Plougonven Riwal , Omrani Hiba , Tantet Alexis , Parey Sylvie , Tankov Peter , Hitchcock Peter , Drobinski Philippe
Published: October 2022

Owing to the increasing share of variable renewable energies in the electricity mix, the European energy sector is becoming more weather sensitive. In this regard, skillful subseasonal predictions of essential climate variables can provide considerable socioeconomic benefits to the energy sector. The aim of this study is therefore to improve the European subseasonal predictions of 100-m wind speed and 2-m temperature, which we achieve through statistical downscaling. We employ redundancy analysis (RDA) to estimate spatial patterns of variability from large-scale fields that allow for the best prediction of surface fields. We compare explanatory powers between the patterns obtained using RDA against those derived using principal component analysis (PCA), when used as predictors in multilinear regression models to predict surface fields, and show that the explanatory power of the former is superior to that of the latter. Subsequently, we employ the estimated relationship between RDA patterns and surface fields to produce statistical probabilistic predictions of gridded surface fields using dynamical ensemble predictions of RDA patterns. We finally demonstrate how a simple combination of dynamical and statistical predictions of surface fields significantly improves the accuracy of subseasonal predictions of both variables over a large part of Europe. We attribute the improved accuracy of these combined predictions to improvements in reliability and resolution.
PrimedSherlock: a tool for rapid design of highly specific CRISPR-Cas12 crRNAs
Authors: Mann James G. , Pitts R. Jason
Published: October 2022

Background

CRISPR-Cas based diagnostic assays provide a portable solution which bridges the benefits of qRT-PCR and serological assays in terms of portability, specificity and ease of use. CRISPR-Cas assays are rapidly fieldable, specific and have been rigorously validated against a number of targets, including HIV and vector-borne pathogens. Recently, CRISPR-Cas12 and CRISPR-Cas13 diagnostic assays have been granted FDA approval for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. A critical step in utilizing this technology requires the design of highly-specific and efficient CRISPR RNAs (crRNAs) and isothermal primers. This process involves intensive manual curation and stringent parameters for design in order to minimize off-target detection while also preserving detection across divergent strains. As such, a single, streamlined bioinformatics platform for rapidly designing crRNAs for use with the CRISPR-Cas12 platform is needed. Here we offer PrimedSherlock, an automated, computer guided process for selecting highly-specific crRNAs and primers for targets of interest.

Results

Utilizing PrimedSherlock and publicly available databases, crRNAs were designed against a selection of Flavivirus genomes, including West Nile, Zika and all four serotypes of Dengue. Using outputs from PrimedSherlock in concert with both wildtype A.s Cas12a and Alt-R Cas12a Ultra nucleases, we demonstrated sensitive detection of nucleic acids of each respective arbovirus in in-vitro fluorescence assays. Moreover, primer and crRNA combinations facilitated the detection of their intended targets with minimal off-target background noise.

Conclusions

PrimedSherlock is a novel crRNA design tool, specific for CRISPR-Cas12 diagnostic platforms. It allows for the rapid identification of highly conserved crRNA targets from user-provided primer pairs or PrimedRPA output files. Initial testing of crRNAs against arboviruses of medical importance demonstrated a robust ability to distinguish multiple strains by exploiting polymorphisms within otherwise highly conserved genomic regions. As a freely-accessible software package, PrimedSherlock could significantly increase the efficiency of CRISPR-Cas12 diagnostics. Conceptually, the portability of detection kits could also be enhanced when coupled with isothermal amplification technologies.
Normalization of technology for social contact in a Norwegian care facility during COVID-19
Authors: Badawy Abeer , Solberg Mads , Obstfelder Aud Uhlen , Alnes Rigmor Einang
Published: October 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has seen unprecedented growth in the use of interactive technologies in care facilities for social contact between residents and their close contacts due to the need for social distancing. As the pandemic is transitioning into a new phase, there is a need to critically examine the new practices associated with technology usage.

Objective

Our analysis is based on a case study of how a care facility in western Norway adopted a novel technology called KOMP. We empirically investigate the stability of practices with KOMP for maintaining social communication between residents and their relatives and consider whether these practices are likely to last beyond the pandemic. We draw on normalization process theory (NPT) to interpret our findings and critically examine how stable embedding of new technologies for social communication occurs under extraordinary circumstances.

Methods

We conducted a case study based on participant observation and interviews, and the data were analyzed through inductive thematic analysis. Participants are health care professionals from a public care facility in western Norway.

Results

Four major themes emerged from the data. The first revolved around the pressing need for communications between residents and relatives with a suitable tool. Second, staff showed engagement through motivation to learn and adapt the technology in their practices. A third theme centered on how staff and the organization could work effectively to embed KOMP in daily practice. Our fourth theme suggested that the professionals continuously assessed their own use of the technology.

Conclusion

From the perspective of NPT, practices with KOMP have been partially embedded by developing a shared understanding, engaging through cognitive participation, working collectively with staff and the organization, and reflexively monitoring the benefits of using KOMP. However, staff engagement with the technology was continuously threatened by factors related to diverging staff preferences, the burden of facilitating KOMP for residents with impaired cognitive and physical abilities, issues of privacy and ethics, and the technical skills of the residents’ relatives. Our analysis suggests that caring practices via KOMP have become relatively stable despite barriers to engagement and are therefore likely to persist beyond the pandemic.
Ooencyrtus pityocampae Mercet (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae): a potential biocontrol agent of the seed bug, Leptoglossus occidentalis Heidemann (Heteroptera: Coreidae)
Authors: Tunca Cosic Hilal , Tabone Elisabeth , Çaycı Damla , Cosic Benjamin , Toprak Özgür , Emin Akın
Published: October 2022

Background

Western conifer seed bug, Leptoglossus occidentalis Heidemann (Hemiptera: Coreidae), is an invasive polyphagous pest of coniferous trees. It causes serious economic losses in pine kernel production. Biocontrol of L. occidentalis through the egg parasitoid Ooencyrtus pityocampae Mercet (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) seems to be sustainable solution to reduce economic losses of the pest. In this study, the biology of O. pityocampae was investigated on its natural host, L. occidentalis, under laboratory conditions.

Results

In this context, the effects of host age, female age, and temperature on parasitism rate, emergence rate, developmental time, and longevity were investigated. Female age had a great influence on the parasitism rate. Parasitism rates were 8.0, 17.0, and 37.3% in 1-, 3-, and 5-day-old females, respectively. There was no effect of host age or female age on emergence rates at the two different temperatures (25 and 30 °C). Emergence rate ranged from 74.0 to 88.3%. The longest developmental time (17.9 d) was obtained on 3-day-old hosts at 25 °C. The longevity, which was one of the important criteria of the parasitoid, was significantly affected by temperature.

Conclusion

The results of this study on the biology of O. pityocampae may contribute significantly to the biological control studies of L. occidentalis. This egg parasitoid can be mass-produced on lepidopteran hosts for field releases against L. occidentalis.
A case series of premenstrual disorders presenting to the UK's National Female Hormone Clinic
Authors: Reilly Thomas J. , Knox Clare-Louise , Marsh Michael S. , Craig Michael C.
Published: October 2022

Aims and method

We aimed to describe the clinical characteristics of female patients presenting with premenstrual disorders to a tertiary service in the UK. We conducted a retrospective case-note review of referrals to the National Female Hormone Clinic from April 2014 to August 2020. Based on clinical assessment, we determined whether the patient met criteria for premenstrual dysphoric disorder or premenstrual exacerbation of an underlying psychiatric disorder.

Results

Of 146 patients seen in clinic for premenstrual disorders, an ICD-10 psychiatric diagnosis was made in 130 (89.0%); a minority 16 (11.0%) did not have a psychiatric diagnosis. Following assessment, 94 patients (64.4%) met criteria for premenstrual dysphoric disorder and 67 (45.6%) had exacerbation of a psychiatric disorder.

Clinical implications

Patients presenting to this specialist service had complex psychiatric comorbidity; almost half presented with exacerbation of a psychiatric disorder.
Using Baidu Index to Understand the Public Concern of Children's Mental Health in Mainland China in the Context of COVID-19 Epidemic
Authors: Tan Qinyi , He Fang , Teng Luyan
Published: October 2022

This study aims to understand the temporal and spatial characteristics of public concern for "children's mental health" in China in the context of the COVID-19 epidemic. Baidu Index is a research tool to collect and analyze massive data on Chinese netizens' behaviors. Using Baidu Index as the research tool, this paper analyzes the trend and distribution of Chinese netizens' attention to "children's mental health" from December 1st, 2019 to March 20th, 2022 from three aspects of trend research, demand map, and crowd portrait. The study found that since the outbreak of COVID- 19, the search trend of "children's mental health" has shown a cyclical change, peaking in May and valley around the Spring Festival and National Day, and stable in other periods. "Mental health", "handwritten newspaper on mental health" and "youth mental health" are the most popular buzzwords among the public. The groups concerned with "children's mental health" is mainly distributed in Guangdong, Jiangsu, Beijing, and the majority are women between 30 and 39 years old. Meanwhile, search trends for "mental health" are like that for "children's mental health." The factors influencing the search volume change of "children's mental health" include Chinese traditional holidays, Spring Festival, National Day, Chinese Mental Health Day, and policies and instructions on children's mental health issued by the PRC Ministry of Education. The public would like to know about "mental health", "handwritten newspaper on mental health" and "adolescent mental health".
Work More Tomorrow: Resolving Present Bias in Project Management
Authors: Shi Yun , Hall Nicholas G. , Cui Xiangyu
Published: October 2022

Explaining and Resolving Delays in Projects

Project management is responsible for 30% of the world’s economic activity, with an annual value of $27 trillion. Yet, despite half a century of research and the training of millions of project managers, many projects are delivered late. This is typically attributed to Parkinson’s Law, meaning the expansion of work to fill available time. However, in “Work More Tomorrow: Resolving Present Bias in Project Management,” Shi, Hall, and Cui identify and demonstrate the alternative explanation of time-inconsistent behavior, that is, present bias. Under present bias, a decision maker values immediate costs and rewards more than future ones. The authors show that this behavioral issue is responsible for procrastination by project workers and overall project delay. Borrowing concepts from popular employee savings schemes, they develop an incentive scheme that mitigates present bias and significantly enhances project performance, as measured by on-time frequency and expected project tardiness.
Automatic Solar Hidroponik Berbasis Energi Surya dengan Kontrol pH dan Nutrisi Guna Meningkatkan Produktivitas Kelompok Hidroponik Simomulyo, Kota Surabaya
Authors: Pamuji Feby Agung , Riawan Dedet Candra , Soedibyo Soedibyo , Suryoatmojo Heri , Ashari Mochamad
Published: October 2022

Hidroponik merupakan salah satu metode penanaman tumbuhan yang dapat diaplikasikan secara luas. Salah satu faktor yang mempengaruhi perkembangan tanaman hidroponik adalah kandungan kadar pH yang terdapat pada aliran air dimana kadar pH tersebut akan berubah seiring penambahan nutrisi saat aliran air yang terus menerus didaur ulang, kadar pH yang tidak stabil dapat menyebabkan pertumbuhan tanaman menjadi lambat dan tidak subur. Selain itu, suatu sistem hidroponik membutuhkan sumber energi listrik yang cukup besar karena penyalaan pompa yang dilakukan secara terus menerus selama 24 jam menyebabkan kebutuhan listrik menjadi besar. Disisi lain, potensi energi terbarukan yaitu energi matahari yang memanfaatkan solar panel pada kelompok Hidroponik Simomulya sangat besar. Maka dari itu dirancanglah sistem dengan inovasi hidroponik yang bertenaga energi matahari yang dilengkapi dengan sistem timer yang dapat mengatur lamanya pengairan dalam sistem hidroponik serta penggunaan sensor pH dan nutrisi dalam prosespertaniannya. Pada sistem ini pompa difungsikan sebagai alat untuk mengalirkanair ke pipa-pipa yang berisikan tanaman hidroponik, aliran tadi akan kembali lagi pada tandon besar yang mana letak dari pompa tersebut. Kemudian untuk mengatur lamanya pengairan dalam sistem hidroponik, kami menggunakan timer sebagai pengatur waktu penyalaan pompa, sehingga pompa tidak mudah panas dan mengurangi pemanfaatan sumber energi listrik. Oleh karena itu, dengan menerapkan inovasi automatic solar water pump pada hidroponik, diharapkan dapat mengatasi permasalahan pada sumber energi listrik dan pemakaian pompa secara terus menerus. Serta mampu meningkatkan produktifitas kelompok hidroponik Simomulya.
Pembuatan Mesin Penggiling Kotoran Kambing untuk Kelompok Tani Karya Bakti II sebagai Upaya Mendukung Program SIGARPUN – Aksi Gerakan Pemupukan Organik di Kabupaten Lumajang
Authors: Aisyah Putri Yeni , Fitriyanah Dwi Nur , Nandasari Adhista Widya , Zahrah Tsurayya Alifia , Waahidah Yanuari Rizqii , Azizah Leyli Lathifatul
Published: October 2022

Lumajang sebagai wilayah agraris dimana 80% penduduk bermata pencaharian sebagai petani. Data semester I tahun 2011, lahan pertanian sebagai sumber pangan menunjukkan kondisi yang hampir kritis, dengan kandungan bahan organik tanah berkisar 0,63 – 1,51% akibat penggunaan pupuk kimia. Salah satu strategi yang wajib ditempuh adalah melalui kegiatan meningkatkan kandungan bahan organik tanah dengan penggunaan pupuk organik dalam program SIGARPUN – Aksi Gerakan Pemupukan Organik. Kelompok Tani Karya Bakti II Desa Kenongo Kecamatan Gucialit adalah kelompok tani yang mendukung suksesnya program tersebut dengan potensi yang dimiliki yaitu melimpahnya bahan baku berupa kotoran kambing. Namun Unit Pengolahan Pupuk Organik yang dimiliki kelompok Tani tidak bisa memecah kotoran kambing dengan baik sehingga perlu proses dan waktu yang lama untuk menjadikan pupuk organik. Kotoran kambing adalah limbah yang tidak bermanfaat dan memiliki geometri kulit yang keras. Dari keluhan masyarakat terkaitkesulitan pengolahan pupuk organik dari kotoran kambing, maka pada abdimas akan dibuat mesin penggiling kotoran kambing untuk menghancurkan geometri kulit yang keras sehingga bisa digunakan sebagai pupuk. Mesin penggiling kotoran kambing adalah sebuah mesin dengan sistem mekanik dengan penggerak motor bensin yang dilengkapi dengan dua buah roll pengiling, motor bensin sebagai penggerak utama, dan di transmisikan dengan dua buah pulley dan v-belt.
A childminding journey
Authors: Martland Rebecca
Published: October 2022

Rebecca gives us insight into her journey of being a childminder since the year 2000, with considerations around current proposals and a case study to paint a picture of what a day in the life of an Ofsted registered childminder might look like.