bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blue fibers found in dental calculus from Maya sacrificial victims
Authors: Chan Amy M. , Brady James E. , Scott Cummings Linda
Published: September 2022

Surveyed in 2008–2010, the Midnight Terror Cave contains the comingled remains of at least 118 Maya sacrificial victims from the Classic Period (250 CE–925 CE). In order to determine what the victims were consuming, microscopic analysis was carried out on dental calculus. Given the minimal calculus present, calculus from three teeth from one area of the cave (operation V) and three teeth from another area (operation VIII) was each combined to create two samples for analysis. Samples were sent to the PaleoResearch Institute for analysis where they were examined for pollen, phytoliths, starches, and other inclusions.

Aside from organic components, both samples were found to contain blue fibers. We were able to exclude contamination as explanation for their presence. Given the time frame needed to encase the fibers within calculus, the fibers were introduced several days or weeks prior to death. The unusual color of the fibers could be attributed to Maya blue; a unique pigment used mainly in ritual settings. A few possible answers exist as to how the fibers were introduced to the victims' mouths. The fibers could be from consuming a blue‐dyed pulque. They could also have been introduced during utilitarian activities or through some form of dentistry. Another possible explanation is that the fibers were present after using gags as the victims were paraded from town to town, then to the sacrificial site.
Fabrication and characterization of Fe2O3‐OPEFB‐PTFE nanocomposites for microwave shielding applications
Authors: Khamis Ahmad Mamoun , Abbas Zulkifly , Azis Raba'ah Syahidah , Mensah Ebenezer Ekow , Alhaji Ibrahim Abubakar
Published: September 2022

The development of microwave shielding nanocomposites based on recycled hematite nanoparticles, oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) was the main focus of this study. The complex permeability (μ′–jμ″), complex permittivity (ε′–jε″), reflection coefficient (S11), and transmission coefficient (S21) were determined using rectangular waveguide (RWG) connected to a vector network analyzer (VNA) in the frequency range of 8.2–12.4 GHz. The power loss, reflection loss, and total shielding effectiveness (SE) were calculated using the scattering parameters obtained through RWG. The results showed that the nanocomposites' microwave shielding properties can be controlled by tuning the percentage of Fe2O3 nanofiller in the nanocomposites. The values of ε′, ε″, μ′, and μ″ were enhanced by increasing the content of the recycled Fe2O3 nanofiller in the nanocomposites. At 10 GHz, the power loss values obtained for the nanocomposites ranged between 8.52 and 15.64 dB, while at 12.4 GHz, a maximum value of 16.32 dB was achieved by 25 wt%. nanocomposite. The total SE also increased with increasing Fe2O3 loading and a maximum value of 21.2 dB was achieved by 25 wt% nanocomposite at 12.4 GHz. The Fe2O3‐OPEFB‐PTFE nanocomposites have the potential to be used in microwave shielding applications in the frequency range 8.2–12.4 GHz.
Effects of shear stress on the behavior of volatile bubbles in the high‐density polyethylene melt
Authors: Huang Zhengliang , Wu Dan , Xu Lei , Yang Yao , Shuai Yun
Published: September 2022

A novel visualization system, in which polymer melt is sheared by a sliding plate, was established to simulate different pressure shear zones of the screw extruder. In this work, the nucleation, growth, coalescence, and breakup of n‐hexane bubbles in the high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) melt under shear stress were observed through a high‐speed camera. It was found that the nucleation rate of bubbles in the HDPE melt increased with the shear rate. Moreover, the bubble diameter at high‐pressure shear zones decreased with time until bubbles disappeared but increased with time at low‐pressure shear zones. A modified prediction model of bubble coalescence time at high‐pressure shear zones was established, and the relative deviation was less than 1%. Three bubble breakup modes, that is, tensile breakup, erosive breakup, and breakup at the gas–liquid interface, were observed under shear. Finally, a new mechanism of foam devolatilization in the screw extruder was proposed.
Effect of Chromium and Molybdenum Increment on the Crystal Structure, Nanoindentation, and Corrosion Properties of Cobalt‐Based Alloys
Authors: Lone Shaukat Ali , Xu Dichu , Cook Richard Barker , Hassel Achim Walter
Published: September 2022

This study investigates the influence of chromium and molybdenum content (Cr: 20–35 wt%; Mo: 5 and 10 wt%) in a cobalt–chromium–molybdenum alloy system on the phases present in the microstructure, the nanomechanical, and electrochemical behavior of the alloys. A linear increase in the hardness is found in relation to the increasing chromium content for both 5 and 10 wt% Mo contents, whereas reduced modulus demonstrates an inflection at 30 wt% Cr, which is influenced by the molybdenum content. The open‐circuit potential, polarization resistivity, and linear sweep voltammetry disclose that passivity of Co–Cr–Mo alloys improves in line with increasing Cr until 30 wt%, with any further increase causing a depreciation in the corrosion properties. X‐Ray diffraction and optical metallographic analysis confirm that as the chromium content transitions through the 25–30 wt% range, the sigma (σ) phase begins to develop within the combined matrix of hexagonal close pack martensite (ε) and face‐centered cubic austenite (γ) phase.
Magnesium‐Substituted Zinc Ferrite as a Promising Nanomaterial for the Development of Humidity Sensors
Authors: Tiwari Prabhat Ranjan , Singh Rahul Pratap , Bharati Keval , Yadav Avinash Chand , Kumar Kuldeep , Yadav Bal Chand , Kumar Santosh , Singh Manish Pratap
Published: September 2022

Herein, the synthesis of zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) nanomaterials, substituted with magnesium (Mg), using the sol–gel autocombustion method, is reported. Powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR), field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) are used to characterize the synthesized Mg‐substituted ZnFe2O4. PXRD results show that unit cell volume and crystallite size decrease when the concentration of Mg ions rises. PXRD confirms that the nanomaterial has a single phase with the Fd3m space group. EDX confirms that the material is composed of Mg, Zn, Fe, and O elements. The FTIR spectra show a clear indication of the spinel ferrite structure, and the bands in the high‐frequency region reveal the hygroscopic nature of the prepared materials. The synthesized nanomaterial is used as a sensing element for the development of a humidity sensor. The average sensitivity (2.93 MΩ/%RH) is found to be highest for the composition Mg0.1Zn0.9Fe2O4. The response and recovery times of the fabricated thin‐film humidity sensor are 31 and 53 s, respectively. The developed sensing material has good repeatability (≈98%) and excellent stability.
Magnesium‐Related Donors in Silicon: State of the Art
Authors: Astrov Yuri A. , Portsel Leonid M. , Shuman Valentina B. , Lodygin Anatoly N. , Abrosimov Nikolay V.
Published: September 2022

The research interest in deep donors in silicon is due in particular to the quantum structure of such centers; these are promising for application in silicon photonics in the mid‐IR range and quantum technologies. At interstitial lattice positions, magnesium atoms create double‐charge deep donors. The review is an attempt to summarize the accumulated knowledge on properties of magnesium impurity in silicon. Among methods to obtain magnesium‐doped silicon, there is focus on the impurity diffusion from the solid phase using the so‐called sandwich method. Techniques to investigate samples include Hall effect measurements, optical absorption, luminescence spectroscopy, and others. The diffusivity of magnesium in silicon and stability of parameters of doped samples under heat treatment is discussed. The energy spectrum of the helium‐like magnesium donor is considered in detail. Due to the interaction with other impurities, magnesium forms a variety of donor levels in silicon. These include complexes of Mg with substitutional acceptor atoms B, Al, Ga, In, interstitial Li, and oxygen, as well as numerous donors with a currently unknown nature. Some defects are similar to so‐called thermal donors in silicon. The pairing of Mg atoms is proved in samples prepared from the isotope 28Si‐enriched silicon.
Modified Wendelburg caudomedial approach for treatment of a distomedial humeral condylar fracture in a cat
Authors: Almeida Mariana , Yeadon Russell , Livet Veronique
Published: September 2022

A 6‐year‐old outdoor cat presenting with a progressive 5‐month duration right thoracic limb lameness was diagnosed with an articular fracture of the distal caudomedial part of the right humeral condyle. Surgical repair was performed via the modified Wendelburg caudomedial approach to the elbow using a positional screw to reduce the fragment and applying a temporary transarticular external skeletal fixator. Three weeks after surgery, the transarticular external fixator was removed and 6 weeks after surgery, a CT scan was performed revealing satisfactory bone healing. Eight months after the surgery, the cat had no lameness and a normal level of exercise.
“The influence of olfactory enrichment on the behavior of two captive New World primates: Black‐capped capuchin (Sapajus apella) and common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)”
Authors: Wowk Zoia M. , Behie Alison M.
Published: September 2022

Environmental enrichment is an animal husbandry principle that seeks to provide the stimuli necessary for the optimal physiological and psychological well‐being of animals. Due to primates having highly developed visual systems, there have been limited attempts to quantify the benefit of olfactory enrichment on captive primate populations. We aim to investigate how a range of odors may influence the behaviors of two captive New World primate species that have varying reliance on olfactory pathways, black‐capped capuchin (Sapajus apella) and common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), at the National Zoo and Aquarium, Canberra, Australia. We presented three odors (rosemary oil, Salvia rosmarinus, banana essence and white‐tailed deer urine, Odocoileus virginianus) four different times to the two species following a 12‐week randomized schedule. Using instantaneous scan sampling we collected behavioral and direct cloth interaction (DCI) data on 40 days. We then calculated activity budgets. Results show both species significantly respond to different olfactory conditions. S. apella responded to banana by decreasing inactivity (df = 4, F = 6.600, p = .007), and increasing DCI frequencies (df = 3, F = 116.196, p < .0001) whereas C. jacchus was influenced by rosemary and deer urine—also reducing inactivity levels (df= 4, F = 15.938, p < .0001), but not changing DCI frequencies. We also tested habituation however it is not significant for either species over the course of the study. This comparative investigation is one of the first of its kind and uncovers the possibility for olfactory stimulus to be successfully used as a type of beneficial environmental enrichment for captive primates, supporting the constructive and ongoing development of enrichment programs at captive facilities.
The Role of the Online Instructor
Authors: Dennen Vanessa P. , Jones Melissa K.
Published: September 2022

Online instructors draw upon a complex set of skills, activities, and values to meet the needs of students who are separated from them by time and/or space, but united with them through digital technologies. Berge (1995) introduced the idea that the instructor’s job could be represented through four interrelated roles: pedagogical, managerial, social, and technological. Instructors who develop expertise in all four of these dimensions are well-situated for supporting online students, who similarly must navigate these dimensions. This chapter explores each of these roles and their relationship to online learning. Two additional areas of concern for online instructors, the ethical dimension and the networked dimension, are also discussed.
Relation between spectra of Narain CFTs and properties of associated boolean functions
Authors: Furuta Yuma
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Recently, the construction of Narain CFT from a certain class of quantum error correcting codes has been discovered. In particular, the spectral gap of Narain CFT corresponds to the binary distance of the code, not the genuine Hamming distance. In this paper, we show that the binary distance is identical to the so-called EPC distance of the boolean function uniquely associated with the quantum code. Therefore, seeking Narain CFT with large spectral gap can be addressed by getting a boolean function with high EPC distance. Furthermore, this problem can be undertaken by finding lower Peak-to-Average Power ratio (PAR) with respect to the binary truth table of the boolean function. Though this is neither sufficient nor necessary condition for high EPC distance, we construct some examples of relatively high EPC distances referring to the constructions for lower PAR. We also see that codes with high distance are related to induced graphs with low independence numbers.
A multi-fidelity active learning method for global design optimization problems with noisy evaluations
Authors: Pellegrini Riccardo , Wackers Jeroen , Broglia Riccardo , Serani Andrea , Visonneau Michel , Diez Matteo
Published: September 2022

A multi-fidelity (MF) active learning method is presented for design optimization problems characterized by noisy evaluations of the performance metrics. Namely, a generalized MF surrogate model is used for design-space exploration, exploiting an arbitrary number of hierarchical fidelity levels, i.e., performance evaluations coming from different models, solvers, or discretizations, characterized by different accuracy. The method is intended to accurately predict the design performance while reducing the computational effort required by simulation-driven design (SDD) to achieve the global optimum. The overall MF prediction is evaluated as a low-fidelity trained surrogate corrected with the surrogates of the errors between consecutive fidelity levels. Surrogates are based on stochastic radial basis functions (SRBF) with least squares regression and in-the-loop optimization of hyperparameters to deal with noisy training data. The method adaptively queries new training data, selecting both the design points and the required fidelity level via an active learning approach. This is based on the lower confidence bounding method, which combines the performance prediction and the associated uncertainty to select the most promising design regions. The fidelity levels are selected considering the benefit-cost ratio associated with their use in the training. The method’s performance is assessed and discussed using four analytical tests and three SDD problems based on computational fluid dynamics simulations, namely the shape optimization of a NACA hydrofoil, the DTMB 5415 destroyer, and a roll-on/roll-off passenger ferry. Fidelity levels are provided by both adaptive grid refinement and multi-grid resolution approaches. Under the assumption of a limited budget for function evaluations, the proposed MF method shows better performance in comparison with the model trained by high-fidelity evaluations only.
Conventional three-port laparoscopic appendectomy versus transumbilical and suprapubic single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy using only conventional laparoscopic instruments
Authors: Wu Shaohan , Shen Yiyu , Wang Jing , Wei Jinquan , Chen Xujian
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy (SILA) is usually performed using single-port instruments, which may restrict its development and application. This study explored the performance of transumbilical SILA (TSILA) and suprapubic SILA (SSILA) using only conventional laparoscopic instruments and compared them with conventional three-hole/port laparoscopic appendectomy (CLA).

Methods

This retrospective study included 174 patients who underwent CLA, TSILA, or SSILA for acute appendicitis at our hospital between June 2019 and July 2021. Demographic data and clinical outcomes were compared among the three groups.

Results

Compared with CLA, TSILA was associated with significant reductions in postoperative pain, length of hospital stay, and hospital cost, while SSILA was associated with significant reductions in length of hospital stay and hospital cost (all P < 0.05). Significantly more patients in the two SILA groups were cosmetically satisfied than those in the CLA group (all P < 0.05). However, compared with CLA, SSILA required a significantly longer operative time (65.3 ± 24.1 vs 56.5 ± 20.9, P = 0.039). Besides, compared with TSILA, SSILA showed significantly higher postoperative pain score (2 ± 2 vs 3 ± 2, P = 0.006). Mild incisional or intraabdominal infections were noticed in 2 (3.0%) patients in the CLA group, 3 (5.1%) in the TSILA group, and 3 (6.3%) in the SSILA group (P = 0.69).

Conclusion

SILA performed with only conventional laparoscopic instruments was associated with reduced hospital stay and cost and higher cosmetic satisfaction in comparison to CLA. However, it is technically demanding and may increase operative time.
New approaches for studying the functional anatomy of the phallus in Lepidoptera
Authors: Zlatkov Boyan , Vergilov Vladislav , Sivilov Ognyan , Pérez Santa-Rita José Vicente , Baixeras Joaquín
Published: September 2022

Existing techniques for examining the everted vesica (endophallus) of Lepidoptera are based primarily on cuticular preparations macerated with a caustic solution for taxonomic study. These techniques destroy muscles and other soft tissue, thus studies of the functional anatomy of the skeletomuscular apparatus of the phallus are not possible. Injection of formaldehyde solution into the phallus of fresh specimens is proposed as a new approach for studying the intact anatomy of this structure. The new technique results in simultaneously everting and fixing the vesica, resulting in a better approximation of its functional shape. This method produces properly fixed tissues and the whole structure can be processed for various further studies, including histology sectioning, scanning electron microscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The commonly used stubs for scanning electron microscopes do not allow observation of the sample from all aspects. This problem was solved by the modification of a commercially available stub. The device allows 360° rotation of the phallus, and the concept can be applied for observation of other objects as well.
Using stable isotope (δ13C, δ15N) values from feces and breath to infer shorebird diets
Authors: Kuwae Tomohiro , Hosoya Jun , Ichimi Kazuhiko , Watanabe Kenta , Drever Mark C. , Moriya Toshifumi , Elner Robert W. , Hobson Keith A.
Published: September 2022

The use of stable isotopes of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) from feces and breath offers potential as non-destructive tools to assess diets and nutrition. How stable isotope values derived from breath and feces compare with those from commonly used tissues, such as blood fractions and liver, remains uncertain, including understanding the metabolic routing of dietary nutrients. Here, we measured δ13C and δ15N from feces and δ13C of breath from captive Red-necked Stints (Calidris ruficollis) and 26 species of wild-caught migratory shorebirds (n = 259 individuals) and compared them against isotopic values from blood and feathers. For captive birds fed either cereal- or fish-based diets, differences in δ13C between feces and lipid-free diet were small, − 0.2 ± 0.5‰ and 0.1 ± 0.3‰, respectively, and differences in δ15N, − 0.7 ± 0.5‰ and − 0.5 ± 0.5‰, respectively. Hence, δ13C and δ15N values from feces can serve as proxies for ingested proteinaceous tissues and non-soluble carbohydrates because isotopic discrimination can be considered negligible. Stable isotope values in plasma and feces were strongly correlated in wild-caught shorebirds, indicating feces can be used to infer assimilated macronutrients. Breath δ13C was 1.6 ± 0.8‰ to 5.6 ± 1.2‰ lower than bulk food sources, and breath C derived from lipids was estimated at 47.5% (cereal) to 96.1% (fish), likely underlining the importance of dietary lipids for metabolism. The findings validate the use of stable isotope values of feces and breath in isotopic assays to better understand the dietary needs of shorebirds.
Three-dimensional density tomography determined from multi-directional muography of the Omuroyama scoria cone, Higashi–Izu monogenetic volcano field, Japan
Authors: Nagahara Shogo , Miyamoto Seigo , Morishima Kunihiro , Nakano Toshiyuki , Koyama Masato , Suzuki Yusuke
Published: September 2022

Scoria cone is one of the basic forms of volcanoes, and clarifying its detailed internal structure and magma movement during its formation is important for understanding the nature of eruptions and also for volcanic disaster mitigation. We conducted a multi-directional muographic survey of the Omuroyama scoria cone, Japan, in order to determine the three-dimensional density structure of the scoria cone. We used a nuclear emulsion detector optimized for multi-directional muography that was installed at 11 sites around the volcano. Muon tracks recorded on emulsion films were read with a high-speed automated readout system. We obtained the three-dimensional density structure by applying a linear inversion to the muographic images, and evaluated the uncertainties. High-density zones were detected in scoria cone. Based on these observations and detailed topographic and geological constraints, we infer that high-density zones are the central, highly welded vent of the scoria cone, three-directional radial dikes extending from the central vent, respectively. We also infer that an E-W-trending dike fed a small lava flow, and that a SSE-NNW-trending dike caused a small flank eruption and produced a crater on the flank of the cone. Our results visualize the three-dimensional internal structure of volcanoes with novel resolution, and thereby demonstrate that the formation process of volcanoes can be discussed in detail. Since it has been difficult to directly detect such clear visualization of the internal structures and eruptive processes in the past, multi-directional muography has resulted in providing one hope for understanding volcanic activity.
Simplified Hydraulic Jacking Test to Assess Fracture Normal Stress for Unlined Pressure Tunnels: A Field Experiment Using the Rapid Step-Rate Test
Authors: Ødegaard Henki , Nilsen Bjørn
Published: September 2022

This paper describes an experimental campaign where a simplified test method. The Rapid Step-Rate Test (RSRT) has been investigated in a full-scale field setting. The test, originally developed to assess rock stresses for pressure tunnel considerations, had in an earlier laboratory study demonstrated a promising ability to assess the magnitude of fracture normal stress. The field campaign presented herein was therefore aimed at assessing the field applicability of this test. The field experiments were conducted inside the pressure tunnel of the Løkjelsvatn Hydroelectric Power Plant in Norway, under field conditions identical to those for which the test originally was developed. A total of 29 individual tests were conducted in 7 boreholes, providing 20 test cycles with interpretable test results. The stress estimates made from the test cycles not affected by the near-field stress of the tunnel showed good correlation with the magnitude of minimum principal stress found from a preceding hydraulic fracturing and over-coring stress measurement campaign. The experience from the field campaign suggests that the RSRT can represent an efficient and reliable method to assess the magnitude of minimum principal stress, particularly useful for the final design of unlined pressure tunnels.
Garden cress gum and maltodextrin as microencapsulation coats for entrapment of garden cress phenolic-rich extract: improved thermal stability, storage stability, antioxidant and antibacterial activities
Authors: Abdel-Aty Azza M. , Barakat Amal Z. , Mohamed Saleh A.
Published: September 2022

The obtained garden cress 6-day sprouts phenolic-rich extract (GCSP) contained efficient health-promoting antioxidant-phenolic compounds. To improve the stability, bioavailability, and functional properties of these valuable phenolic compounds, GCSP was encapsulated by freeze-drying technique using different ratios of garden cress gum (GG) and maltodextrin (M) in the absence and presence of sonication (S). The prepared S/GG-microcapsule retained the highest phenolic content (95%), antioxidant activity (141.6%), and encapsulation efficiency (98.2%). It displayed the highest bio-accessibility of GCSP-phenolic compounds in simulated intestine fluid (87%) and demonstrated the greatest storage-stability at 40 °C for 60 days. S/GG-microcapsule possessed better physical properties including moisture, solubility, swelling, and morphological structures using SEM. The main spectral features, crosslinking, and improved thermal stability were demonstrated for S/GG-microcapsule using FTIR and thermogravimetric analyses. S/GG-microcapsule demonstrated much greater antibacterial activity than GCSP against pathogenic bacteria. S/GG-microcapsule can be added to different food products to improve their antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
Context-effect bias in capuchin monkeys (Sapajus spp.): exploring decoy influences in a value-based food choice task
Authors: Marini Marco , Boschetti Chiara , Gastaldi Serena , Addessi Elsa , Paglieri Fabio
Published: September 2022

Decision making is known to be liable to several context effects. In particular, adding a seemingly irrelevant alternative (decoy) to a set of options can modify preferences: typically, by increasing choices towards whatever option clearly dominates the decoy (attraction effect), but occasionally also decreasing its appeal and generating a shift in the opposite direction (repulsion effect). Both types of decoy effects violate rational choice theory axioms and suggest dynamic processes of preference-formation, in which the value of each alternative is not determined a priori, but it is instead constructed by comparing options during the decision process. These effects are well documented, both in humans and in other species: e.g., amoebas, ants, honeybees, frogs, birds, cats, dogs. However, evidence of decoy effects in non-human primates remains surprisingly mixed. This study investigates decoy effects in capuchin monkeys (Sapajus spp.), manipulating time pressure across different conditions, to test whether such effects require time-consuming comparative processes among available alternatives. Whereas the time-dependent nature of decoy effects is a robust finding in the human literature, this is its first investigation in non-human animals. Our results show that capuchins exhibit an attraction effect with decoys targeting their preferred food, and that this effect disappears under time pressure; moreover, we observe preliminary evidence of a repulsion effect when decoys target instead the less-preferred food, possibly due to the larger distance between decoy and target in the attribute space. Taken together, these results provide valuable insight on the evolutionary roots of comparative decision making.
Multi-objective variational autoencoder: an application for smart infrastructure maintenance
Authors: Anaissi Ali , Zandavi Seid Miad , Suleiman Basem , Naji Mohamad , Braytee Ali
Published: September 2022

Multi-way data analysis has become an essential tool for capturing underlying structures in higher-order data sets where standard two-way analysis techniques often fail to discover the hidden correlations between variables in multi-way data. We propose a multi-objective variational autoencoder (MO-VAE) method for smart infrastructure damage detection and diagnosis in multi-way sensing data based on the reconstruction probability of autoencoder deep neural network (ADNN). Our method fuses data from multiple sensors in one ADNN at which informative features are being extracted and utilized for damage identification. It generates probabilistic anomaly scores to detect damage, asses its severity and further localize it via a new localization layer introduced in the ADNN. We evaluated our method on multi-way laboratory-based and real-life structural datasets in the area of structural health monitoring for damage diagnosis purposes. The data was collected from our deployed data acquisition system on a cable-stayed bridge in Western Sydney, a reinforced concrete cantilever beam which replicates one of the major structural components on the Sydney Harbour Bridge and a laboratory based building structure obtained from Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). Experimental results show that the proposed method can accurately detect structural damage. It was also able to estimate the different levels of damage severity, and capture damage locations in an unsupervised aspect. Compared to the state-of-the-art approaches, our proposed method shows better performance in terms of damage detection and localization.
Towards an integrated phosphorus, carbon and nitrogen cycling model for topographically diverse grasslands
Authors: Bilotto Franco , Vibart Ronaldo , Mackay Alec , Costall Des , Harrison Matthew Tom
Published: September 2022

Contemporary science on how livestock influence nutrient cycling in grazing systems is limited, particularly in topographically complex (i.e., slopes and aspects) hill country landscapes. Prominent slope and aspect variation affects primary production, animal behaviour and nutrient return. Here, we embed recent scientific advancements in nutrient dynamics across complex landscapes to (1) set up a soil organic carbon (SOC) saturation function to an existing SOC and total soil phosphorus (TSP) model (Bilotto et al. J N Z Grassl 81:171–178, 2019. https://doi.org/10.33584/jnzg.2019.81.397), (2) include total soil nitrogen (TSN) dynamics, and (3) establish if the model (herein the Grass-NEXT model) can simulate the spatial and temporal changes of TSP, SOC and TSN in hill country. A long-term P fertiliser experiment with contrasting different P fertilisation levels and associated sheep stocking regimes (herein, ‘farmlets’) was used for model testing. The Grass-NEXT model predicted TSP and SOC stocks with strong accuracy and precision (model performance), and TSN with a moderate performance across farmlets [Concordance Correlation Coefficient (CCC), 0.75, 0.72 and 0.49, respectively]. Grass-NEXT model simulated TSP, SOC and TSN distribution with moderate/strong performance across slopes (CCC, 0.94, 0.80 and 0.70) and aspects (CCC, 0.83, 0.67 and 0.51). Consistent with observed data, modelled changes in TSP and TSN were greater on low slopes and eastern aspects, but no clear pattern was observed for SOC stocks. The Grass-NEXT model provides an intuitive research tool for exploring management options for increasing SOC and TSN, as well as an instrument for monitoring and reporting on nutrient dynamics in complex landscapes.
Extending the EQ-5D: the case for a complementary set of 4 psycho-social dimensions
Authors: Chen Gang , Olsen Jan Abel
Published: September 2022

Objectives

The EQ-5D is the most widely applied preference-based health-related quality of life measure. However, concerns have been raised that the existing dimensional structure lacks sufficient components of mental and social aspects of health. This study empirically explored the performance of a coherent set of four psycho-social bolt-ons: Vitality; Sleep; Personal relationships; and Social isolation.

Methods

Cross-sectional surveys were conducted with online panel members from five countries (Australia, Canada, Norway, UK, US) (total N = 4786). Four bolt-ons were described using terms aligned with EQ nomenclature. Latent structures among all nine dimensions are studied using an exploratory factor analysis (EFA). The Shorrocks-Shapely decomposition analyses are conducted to illustrate the relative importance of the nine dimensions in explaining two outcome measures for health (EQ-VAS, satisfaction with health) and two for subjective well-being (the hedonic approach of global life satisfaction and an eudemonic item on meaningfulness). Sub-group analyses are performed on older adults (65 +) and socially disadvantaged groups.

Results

Strength of correlations among four bolt-ons ranges from 0.34 to 0.49. As for their correlations with the EQ-5D dimensions, they are generally much less correlated with four physical health dimensions than with mental health dimensions (ranged from 0.21 to 0.50). The EFA identifies two latent factors. When explaining health, Vitality is the most important. When explaining subjective well-being, Social isolation is second most important, after Anxiety/depression.

Conclusion

We provide evidence that further complementing the current EQ-5D-5L health state classification system with a coherent set of four bolt-on dimensions that will fill its psycho-social gap.
Communication of Diagnostic Uncertainty in Primary Care and Its Impact on Patient Experience: an Integrative Systematic Review
Authors: Dahm Maria R. , Cattanach William , Williams Maureen , Basseal Jocelyne M. , Gleason Kelly , Crock Carmel
Published: September 2022

Background

Diagnostic uncertainty is a pervasive issue in primary care where patients often present with non-specific symptoms early in the disease process. Knowledge about how clinicians communicate diagnostic uncertainty to patients is crucial to prevent associated diagnostic errors. Yet, in-depth research on the interpersonal communication of diagnostic uncertainty has been limited. We conducted an integrative systematic literature review (PROSPERO CRD42020197624, unfunded) to investigate how primary care doctors communicate diagnostic uncertainty in interactions with patients and how patients experience their care in the face of uncertainty.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Linguistics and Language Behaviour Abstracts (LLBA) from inception to December 2021 for MeSH and keywords related to ‘communication’, ’diagnosis’, ‘uncertainty’ and ‘primary care’ environments and stakeholders (patients and doctors), and conducted additional handsearching. We included empirical primary care studies published in English on spoken communication of diagnostic uncertainty by doctors to patients. We assessed risk of bias with the QATSDD quality assessment tool and conducted thematic and content analysis to synthesise the results.

Results

Inclusion criteria were met for 19 out of 1281 studies. Doctors used two main communication strategies to manage diagnostic uncertainty: (1) patient-centred communication strategies (e.g. use of empathy), and (2) diagnostic reasoning strategies (e.g. excluding serious diagnoses). Linguistically, diagnostic uncertainty was either disclosed explicitly or implicitly through diverse lexical and syntactical constructions, or not communicated (omission). Patients’ experiences of care in response to the diverse communicative and linguistic strategies were mixed. Patient-centred approaches were generally regarded positively by patients.

Discussion

Despite a small number of included studies, this is the first review to systematically catalogue the diverse communication and linguistic strategies to express diagnostic uncertainty in primary care. Health professionals should be aware of the diverse strategies used to express diagnostic uncertainty in practice and the value of combining patient-centred approaches with diagnostic reasoning strategies.
GIS and fuzzy logic integration in land suitability assessment for surface irrigation: the case of Guder watershed, Upper Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Haile Mesfin Mamo , Abebe Asnake Kassahun
Published: September 2022

Before planning the use of existing land resources for irrigation, it is necessary to determine their availability. The primary goal of this research was to examine the Guder watershed's land resource potential for irrigation development and to create a geo-referenced map of these resources using a geographic information system coupled with fuzzy logic. Irrigation suitability criteria such as slope, land use, proximity to water body, rainfall deficit, soil texture class, soil depth, soil drainage classes, and proximity to road were considered when evaluating prospective irrigable properties. The criteria maps were divided into four suitability classes using a natural break interval range technique. According to the study's findings, 39.8% of the watershed area is Highly suitable, 34.5% is moderately acceptable, 24.5% is marginally suitable, and 1.2% is not suitable for the aforementioned reasons. According to the irrigation suitability study of these characteristics, 70.42% of the slope, 15.57% of the slope, 10.6% of the slope, and 3.95% of the slope are Highly, moderately, and marginally suitable for surface irrigation, respectively. In addition, 15% of the soil in the study Area is suitable for a surface irrigation system. In terms of land cover and use, 75% is highly favorable, whereas 0.3% is not suitable for irrigation development. GIS and remote sensing offer a straightforward and powerful framework for combining spatially complicated field variables for land suitability research. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the fuzzy logic technique combined with GIS as an effective model for finding prospective irrigable land on a continental scale.
Die COVID-19-Pandemie im Schuljahr 2020/21: Wie haben sich die kognitiven Grundfähigkeiten von Schulkindern der Primarstufe entwickelt?
Authors: Rollett Wolfram , Leitgeb Thomas , Scharenberg Katja
Published: September 2022

Eine wichtige aktuelle Frage der empirischen Bildungsforschung ist, welchen Einfluss die zur Eindämmung der COVID-19-Pandemie getroffenen gesellschaftlichen Maßnahmen auf die kognitive Entwicklung von Schüler_innen hatten. Damit ist auch die Frage verbunden, ob bildungsbenachteiligte Gruppen von Schüler_innen in Abhängigkeit ihrer individuellen oder familiären Voraussetzungen besondere Nachteile in ihrer kognitiven Entwicklung erlitten haben. Um diesen Fragestellungen nachzugehen, wurden die Daten von 104 Schüler_innen der dritten Schulstufe dreier österreichischer Volksschulen (Primarstufe) hinsichtlich der Entwicklung ihrer kognitiven Grundfähigkeiten in den Bereichen Schlussfolgerndes Denken und Rechnerisches Denken (KFT 1–3; Heller und Geisler 1983) analysiert. Darüber hinaus wurden individuelle Merkmale der Schüler_innen sowie Merkmale ihres häuslichen Umfeldes erfasst. Die Testung der kognitiven Grundfähigkeiten erfolgte zu Beginn und Ende des Schuljahres 2020/21 und damit vor und nach den gesamtgesellschaftlichen und schulischen Maßnahmen zur Eindämmung der zweiten und dritten Corona-Welle in Österreich (u. a. Kontaktbeschränkungen, Schulschließungen, Fernunterricht und Quarantänemaßnahmen). Im Untersuchungszeitraum wäre nach metaanalytischen Befunden der Intelligenzforschung (Rindermann 2011) altersgemäß eine positive signifikante Entwicklung von Schüler_innen in den durchschnittlichen Testleistungen von etwa d = 0,40 zu erwarten gewesen. Empirisch zeigten sich jedoch keine signifikanten Veränderungen. Dies gilt auch für die Streuungen in den Testleistungen. Gleichzeitig entwickelten sich Kinder aus Elternhäusern mit höherem Bildungshintergrund und jene mit umfassenderer Ausstattung mit digitalen Endgeräten sowie mit Internetzugang signifikant besser. Die Befunde weisen damit darauf hin, dass sich die Kinder in unserer Stichprobe in dem durch pandemieeindämmende Maßnahmen geprägten Schuljahr im Durchschnitt nicht so positiv entwickelt haben, wie dies zu erwarten gewesen wäre. Dabei ist es auch zu Schereneffekten gekommen, die auf kognitive Einbußen bei benachteiligten Schülergruppen hinweisen.
Insights on mechanisms of aluminum phytotoxicity mitigation by canola straw biochars from different regions
Authors: Dong Ying , Yu Yuanchun , Wang Ruhai , Chang E. , Hong Zhineng , Hua Hui , Liu Hui , Jiang Jun , Xu Renkou
Published: September 2022

To better understand the amendment effects and mechanisms of aluminum (Al(III)) phytotoxicity mitigation by different regional crop straw biochars, wheat seedling root elongation trials were conducted. The contributions of liming effect, oxygen-containing surface functional group adsorption, and oxyanions precipitation to Al(III) phytotoxicity mitigation by Ca(OH)2, pristine and ash-free canola straw biochar were evaluated. The results indicated that biochars derived from canola straw collected from four different regions (Yingtan, Xuancheng, Nanjing, and Huaiyin) caused 22–70% wheat seedling root elongation, which might be linked to liming effect. Incorporation of the corresponding ash-free biochars caused 15–30% elongation, which could be attributed to the surface functional group adsorption. About 0–60% of changes could be explained by Al(III) precipitation with inorganic oxyanions. These findings provide new insights into the physicochemical properties, potential applications, efficiencies, and underlying mechanisms of crop straw biochar in alleviating Al(III) phytotoxicity, which is dependent on the cultivation soil, and indicate similar application of crop straw biochar for acidic soil amelioration, contaminated soil remediation, and arable soil improvement.

Graphical Abstract
Development and internal validation of predictive models to assess risk of post-acute care facility discharge in adults undergoing multi-level instrumented fusions for lumbar degenerative pathology and spinal deformity
Authors: Arora Ayush , Demb Joshua , Cummins Daniel D. , Deviren Vedat , Clark Aaron J. , Ames Christopher P. , Theologis Alekos A.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To develop a model for factors predictive of Post-Acute Care Facility (PACF) discharge in adult patients undergoing elective multi-level (≥ 3 segments) lumbar/thoracolumbar spinal instrumented fusions.

Methods

The State Inpatient Databases acquired from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project from 2005 to 2013 were queried for adult patients who underwent elective multi-level thoracolumbar fusions for spinal deformity. Outcome variables were classified as discharge to home or PACF. Predictive variables included demographic, pre-operative, and operative factors. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses informed development of a logistic regression-based predictive model using seven selected variables. Performance metrics included area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity.

Results

Included for analysis were 8866 patients. The logistic model including significant variables from multivariate analysis yielded an AUC of 0.75. Stepwise logistic regression was used to simplify the model and assess number of variables needed to reach peak AUC, which included seven selected predictors (insurance, interspaces fused, gender, age, surgical region, CCI, and revision surgery) and had an AUC of 0.74. Model cut-off for predictive PACF discharge was 0.41, yielding a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 59%.

Conclusions

The seven variables associated significantly with PACF discharge (age > 60, female gender, non-private insurance, primary operations, instrumented fusion involving 8+ interspaces, thoracolumbar region, and higher CCI scores) may aid in identification of adults at risk for discharge to a PACF following elective multi-level lumbar/thoracolumbar spinal fusions for spinal deformity. This may in turn inform discharge planning and expectation management.
Combined effect of fertilizer micro-dosing and intercropped millet/cowpea effect on agronomic and economic advantages in prone Sahel area, Niger
Authors: Abdoul-Karim Toudou Daouda , Sanoussi Atta , Soulé Moussa , Yacoubou Bakasso
Published: September 2022

Climate change is affecting crop production in the West Africa Sahel. Farmers develop many adaptation strategies However, few of them have been tested to find their climate smartness, primarily their agronomic and economic benefits. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the field experiment in two successive years, 2020 and 2021, in rainy conditions, the combined effect of millet/cowpea intercropping and fertilizer microdosing on the yield and their economic advantages. Two genotypes of cowpea (ISV128 and Tiligré) and a variety of millet, Heini Kirey Précoce (HKP), were intercropped. At the treatment level, there is a net benefit of the crop association compared to the pure cultivation of each of the millet and cowpea species with total LERs, an average of 1.48 in 2020, and 1.43 in 2021 for microdose treatment and 1.55 in 2020 and 1.13 in 2021 for the control. However, there is no significant difference in cowpea genotype on LER and millet yields in the 2 years (P = 0.65 in 2020 and 0.29 in 2021). Yields of millet and cowpea were higher in the sole crop than in intercropping. The intercropping showed a significantly higher monetary advantage than the sole millet crop in both years. ISV128 is the most profitable because it is less competitive and less aggressive in intercropping with millet and offers a considerable monetary advantage. The findings are invaluable in implementing resilience strategies for smallholders who must be encouraged to adopt these cultural practices due to global warming.
Tuning photoluminescence behaviors in strained monolayer belt-like MoS2 crystals confined on TiO2(001) surface
Authors: Wang Yuanye , Zhou Jun , Liu Yalin , Zhang Weifeng , Zhao Zihan , Li Xiaotian , Chen Qiaoni , Liu Nan , Shen Xi , Yu Richeng , Nie Jiacai , Dou Ruifen
Published: September 2022

We report on a monolayer (ML) MoS2 belt-like single crystal directly fabricated on the Rutile-TiO2(001) surface via chemical vapor deposition (CVD). We find that the photoluminescence (PL) behaviors in the ML MoS2 single crystal strongly depend on their shapes and the interface of MoS2/TiO2. Compared with the as-grown triangular ML MoS2, the PL peak position is in a blue shift and the PL intensity is increased for the as-grown ML MoS2 belt. Moreover, the PL peak position is in the blue shift by about 38 meV and the intensity is enhanced by nearly 15 times for the as-grown ML MoS2 belt crystal on TiO2 than those samples transferred onto SiO2/Si substrate. This special PL behavior can be attributed to the in-plane compressive strain that is introduced during the CVD growth of ML MoS2 belts confined by the substrate. The energy band of the strained ML MoS2 belt is changed with an up-shift in the conduction band minimum (VBM) and a down-shift in the valence band maximum (CBM), and the band gap is thus enlarged. This results in the energy band structural realignment in the interface of MoS2/TiO2, thereby weakening the charge transferring from the TiO2 substrate to MoS2 and suppressing the concentration of charged excitons to finally enhance the PL intensity of the ML MoS2 belt. The substrate-confined ML MoS2 belts provide a new route for tailoring light-matter interactions to upgrade their weak quantum yields and low light absorption, which can be utilized in optoelectronic and nanophotonic devices.