bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of liver abnormalities—A new paradigm in medical image processing and classification techniques
Authors: R Karthikamani , Rajaguru Harikumar
Published: June 2022

The liver is the body's most essential organ, and all human activities are interrelated with normal liver function. Any malfunction of the liver may lead to fatal diseases; therefore, early detection of liver abnormalities is essential. Modern medical imaging techniques combined with engineering procedures are reducing human suffering caused by liver disease. This study uses multiple classifiers to detect liver cirrhosis in ultrasonic images. The ultrasound images were obtained from The Cancer Imaging Archive database. A gray‐level co‐occurrence matrix (GLCM) and statistical approaches are used to extract features from normal and liver‐cirrhosis images. The extracted GLCM features are normalized and classified using nonlinear regression, linear regression, logistic regression, Bayesian Linear Discriminant Classifiers (BLDC), Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM), Firefly, Cuckoo search, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Elephant search, Dragon Fly, Firefly GMM, Cuckoo search GMM, PSO GMM, Elephant search GMM, and Dragon Fly GMM classifiers. Benchmark metrics, such as sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, precision, negative predictive value, false‐negative rate, balanced accuracy, F1 score, Mathew correlation coefficient, F measure, error rate, Jaccard metric, and classifier success index, are assessed to identify the best‐performing classifier. The GMM classifier outperformed other classifiers for statistical features, and it achieved the highest accuracy (98.39%) and lowest error rate (1.61%). Moreover, the Dragon Fly GMM classifier achieved 90.69% for the GLCM feature used to classify liver cirrhosis.
Assessing extreme precipitation from a regional climate model in different spatial–temporal scales: A hydrological perspective in South America
Authors: Brêda João Paulo Lyra Fialho , de Paiva Rodrigo Cauduro Dias , Chou Sin Chan , Collischonn Walter
Published: June 2022

Global and regional climate models (GCM and RCM respectively) are the current mathematical tools used to project alterations on precipitation regimes given different greenhouse gases emissions scenarios. However, these models have specific resolutions, physical equations and numerical approaches that provide a diverse set of performances across different regions and spatial–temporal scales. In South America, most hydrological impact studies have used the Eta RCM to yield precipitation projections without a proper uncertainty analysis. It is important to acknowledge its uncertainties prior to any hydrological assessment to adequately support climate change investigations and related water decision making. Therefore, we aim to investigate how Eta extreme precipitation biases vary in different spatial–temporal scales from a hydrological perspective. Thus, we evaluate the extreme precipitation generated by the Eta RCM driven by four different GCMs. It is investigated Eta biases across different temporal (3 hr–5 days) and spatial scales (0.2–1.0°) and how those errors affect river streamflow simulations. It is used local intensity–duration–frequency (IDF) curves and gridded precipitation datasets (MSWEP and ERA5‐Land) as references for Eta assessment. In general, Eta underestimates subdaily extreme precipitation across South America, regardless of the driven GCM. The median bias of a 10‐year return period daily precipitation is −36 mm (1st and 3rd quantiles −58 and −17 mm) compared to MSWEP and −26 mm (1st and 3rd quantiles −45 and −11 mm) compared to ERA5‐Land. However, the relative errors reduce with temporal and spatial aggregation. For example, the average bias of extreme precipitation decreases 8.4 and 5.4 percentage points from 1‐ to 5‐day duration compared to MSWEP and ERA5‐Land, respectively. The negative biases observed for precipitation (20%) are propagated to the flood discharges (40%), and these errors reduce with the drainage area. In general, there are greater biases in extreme discharges for small basins, but these errors considerably reduce for basins larger than 30,000 km2 compared to MGB‐MSWEP simulations. Compared to MGB‐ERA5‐Land simulations, MGB‐Eta presents relatively similar errors for basins of different sizes, probably due to the high negative bias for not only extreme but average precipitation as well.
A review of suspension trapping digestion method in bottom‐up proteomics
Authors: Duong Van‐An , Park Jong‐Moon , Lee Hookeun
Published: June 2022

The standard bottom‐up proteomic workflow is comprised of sample preparation, data acquisition, and data analysis. While the latter two parts have made considerable advances in the last decade, sample preparation has remained an important challenge within the workflow due to the multi‐step nature of complex biological samples, and still requires much development. Several sample preparation methods have been developed and used in the last two decades, including in‐gel, in‐solution, on‐bead, filter‐aided sample preparation, and suspension trapping, to improve reproducibility, efficiency, scalability, and reduce the handling time of this process. One of the most recent methods developed and applied in proteomics studies in recent years is suspension trapping, which combines rapid detergent removal, reactor‐type protein digestion, and peptide clean‐up in a tip or spin column. Suspension trapping is a simple, rapid, and reproducible digestion method that can effectively handle proteins in low microgram or sub‐microgram amounts. This review discusses the benefits of the suspension trapping digestion method in relation to its development and application in bottom‐up proteomics studies. We also discuss recent applications of suspension trapping digestion to different sample types and the features of the suspension trapping digestion method compared with other sample preparation methods.
Empowerment and its divergent influence over mass and alternative tourism
Authors: Li Xiangping , Boley B. Bynum , Yang Fiona X.
Published: June 2022

Resident attitude research often combines heterogenous types of tourism together asking residents to evaluate support for all types of tourism rather than parsing out the intricacies associated with different types of tourism. This study deviates by applying Weber's Theory of Formal and Substantive Rationality (WTFSR) to compare the divergent effects of both economic and non‐economic factors on residents' support for two forms of tourism development: mass and alternative tourism (gaming and cultural tourism in Macao in this case). Findings suggest economic benefits and psychological empowerment lead to support for both gaming and cultural tourism development with the effect of economic benefits more prominent over support for gaming tourism, and psychological empowerment more influential over support for cultural tourism. In addition, social empowerment is only significant in predicting support for gaming tourism while political empowerment predicts neither. Findings also suggest economic benefits appear to be an antecedent to psychological, social and political empowerment.
Effect of sodium‐zinc EDTA and sodium gluconate as electrolyte additives on corrosion and discharge behavior of Mg as anode for air battery
Authors: Qu Jun‐e , Luo Hongqin , Liu Zhanxiang , Wang Hairen , Chen Yuwei , Yang Lixia
Published: June 2022

The corrosion inhibiting performance of EDTA‐ZnNa2 and C6H11NaO7 for pure magnesium in a 3.5 wt% NaCl electrolyte was investigated through electrochemical tests and surface microanalysis. And their effect on discharge behavior of Mg anode used for air battery was evaluated through constant‐current discharging tests. The inhibition performance varied with different additive concentrations and the maximum inhibition efficiency values were obtained as 87.11% and 77.70% by using 0.005 M EDTA‐ZnNa2 and 0.01 M C6H11NaO7, respectively. Both the presence of 0.005 M EDTA‐ZnNa2 and 0.01 M C6H11NaO7 in electrolyte improved the battery performance, especially under a smaller discharging current. The discharge platform time was extended from 15.66 to 22.57 h and 20.04 h by adding EDTA‐ZnNa2 and C6H11NaO7 at discharging current density of 2 mA cm−2 respectively, accompanied by a negligible battery voltage drop of about 20 mV. In the case of EDTA‐ZnNa2, zinc hydroxide formed by the dissociated zinc ions cooperated with magnesium hydroxide and organic adsorption film for corrosion inhibition. Therefore, by using it a more pronounced discharge performance was achieved than C6H11NaO7.
Healable, Recyclable, and High‐Stretchable Polydimethylsiloxane Elastomer Based on Synergistic Effects of Multiple Supramolecular Interactions
Authors: Liu Wei‐Xiu , Liu Dan , Xiao Yi , Zou Mei , Shi Ling‐Yin , Yang Ke‐Ke , Wang Yu‐Zhong
Published: June 2022

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is one of the preferred materials for researchers to design smart flexible sensors or devices due to its excellent chain flexibility as well as the unique features of transparency, nontoxicity, and biocompatibility. To fulfill the requirement of the service safety and long‐term application, the development of healable PDMS‐based substrates is booming. However, it is still a big challenge to develop PDMS elastomers with good healing performance, high strength, high stretchability, and high toughness simultaneously. Herein, a healable, recyclable, and highly stretchable PDMS‐based elastomer is prepared by incorporating different supramolecular interactions including π–π stacking and hydrogen bonding into the matrix. This elastomer is fabricated via a one‐pot polycondensation reaction among bis(3‐aminopropyl)‐terminated PDMS , functional monomer pyrene diol and 1,6‐diisocyanatohexane. The mechanical properties and self‐healing properties can be easily tuned by varying the density of π–π stacking to hydrogen bonding. The resultant elastomer exhibits very high strength and high stretchability with a fracture strength of 7.46 MPa and fracture strain of 2174%, and it achieves nearly complete self‐healing (96%) at 110 °C for 1 h.
Improved fluorescent Listeria spp. biosensors for analysis of antimicrobials by flow cytometry
Authors: Reich Sebastian J. , Stohr Jonas , Goldbeck Oliver , Fendrich Bastian , Crauwels Peter , Riedel Christian U.
Published: June 2022

The global increase in antibiotic resistance of pathogenic microorganisms requires the identification and characterization of novel antimicrobials. Bacterial biosensors expressing fluorescent proteins such as pHluorin variants are suitable for high‐throughput screenings. Here, we present Listeria spp. pH‐sensitive biosensors with improved fluorescence for single‐cell analysis of antimicrobials by flow cytometry.
Substrate availability and toxicity shape the structure of microbial communities engaged in metabolic division of labor
Authors: Wang Miaoxiao , Chen Xiaoli , Tang Yue‐Qin , Nie Yong , Wu Xiao‐Lei
Published: June 2022

Metabolic division of labor (MDOL) represents a widespread natural phenomenon, whereby a complex metabolic pathway is shared between different strains within a community in a mutually beneficial manner. However, little is known about how the composition of such a microbial community is regulated. We hypothesized that when degradation of an organic compound is carried out via MDOL, the concentration and toxicity of the substrate modulate the benefit allocation between the two microbial populations, thus affecting the structure of this community. We tested this hypothesis by combining modeling with experiments using a synthetic consortium. Our modeling analysis suggests that the proportion of the population executing the first metabolic step can be simply estimated by Monod‐like formulas governed by substrate concentration and toxicity. Our model and the proposed formula were able to quantitatively predict the structure of our synthetic consortium. Further analysis demonstrates that our rule is also applicable in estimating community structures in spatially structured environments. Together, our work clearly demonstrates that the structure of MDOL communities can be quantitatively predicted using available information on environmental factors, thus providing novel insights into how to manage artificial microbial systems for the wide application of the bioindustry.
A compact design of a wideband millimeter‐wave Butler matrix using integrated passive device technology
Authors: Lee Cheong‐Min , Chi Jung‐Geun , Yook Jong‐Min , Kim Young‐Joon
Published: June 2022

This study presents a compact, wideband, 4 × 4 Butler matrix using a two‐metal‐layer thin‐film process for millimeter (mm)‐wave 5G radio applications. Size reduction techniques are thoroughly discussed for size and performance optimization. A size‐reduced quadrature coupler is designed with coplanar waveguide based length‐reduced branch lines using capacitive loading effect from the ground bridges. A compact crossover is designed for a return loss of 20 dB or more with negligible crosstalk over a wide frequency range. The circuit components are arranged in an optimized space, allowing negligible coupling between nearby elements. The Butler matrix is fabricated on a quartz substrate at the center frequency of 28 GHz. The fractional bandwidth is 15.4% at a 15‐dB return loss and insertion loss is measured in the range of 7.8–8.7 dB at the center frequency. The size of the core circuit is 3.375 × 2.100 , which corresponds to 0.469 × 0.292 .
A novel end‐to‐end deep learning solution for coronary artery segmentation from CCTA
Authors: Dong Caixia , Xu Songhua , Li Zongfang
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) plays a vital role in the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases, among which automatic coronary artery segmentation (CAS) serves as one of the most challenging tasks. To computationally assist the task, this paper proposes a novel end‐to‐end deep learning‐based (DL) solution for automatic CAS.

Methods

Inspired by the Di‐Vnet network, a fully automatic multistage DL solution is proposed. The new solution aims to preserve the integrity of blood vessels in terms of both their shape details and continuity. The solution is developed using 338 CCTA cases, among which 133 cases (33865 axial images) have their ground‐truth cardiac masks pre‐annotated and 205 cases (53365 axial images) have their ground‐truth coronary artery (CA) masks pre‐annotated. The solution's accuracy is measured using dice similarity coefficient (DSC), 95th percentile Hausdorff Distance (95% HD), Recall, and Precision scores for CAS.

Results

The proposed solution attains 90.29% in DSC, 2.11 mm in 95% HD, 97.02% in Recall, and 92.17% in Precision, respectively, which consumes 0.112 s per image and 30 s per case on average. Such performance of our method is superior to other state‐of‐the‐art segmentation methods.

Conclusions

The novel DL solution is able to automatically learn to perform CAS in an end‐to‐end fashion, attaining a high accuracy, efficiency and robustness simultaneously.
Wasserstoffperoxid: Funktioniert nach wie vor
Authors: Glenneberg Jürgen , Offermanns Heribert , Schlosser Hermann
Published: June 2022

Die Basischemikalie Wasserstoffperoxid wird seit mehr als hundert Jahren im industriellen Maßstab hergestellt. Inzwischen dient H2O2 dazu, Propylen zu Propylenoxid für Polyurethan‐Vorprodukte zu oxidieren – mit Katalysator und mit Wasser als Nebenprodukt.
Effect of single doses of citalopram and reboxetine on urethral pressure: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐ and active‐controlled three‐period crossover study in healthy women
Authors: Christoffersen Thea , Kornholt Jonatan , Riis Troels , Sonne Jesper , Sonne David P. , Klarskov Niels
Published: June 2022

Aims

Urethral closure function is essential for urinary continence in women and decreased urethral pressure is associated with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). For decades, the effects of serotonergic drugs on central neural control of urethral closure have been investigated and discussed. Epidemiological studies suggest that the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as citalopram, is associated with SUI. However, the literature findings are conflicting. This study aimed to evaluate citalopram's effect on opening urethral pressure (OUP) in healthy women.

Methods

We conducted a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐ and active‐controlled crossover study in 24 healthy women. On three study days, which were separated by 8 days of washout, the subjects received single doses of either 40 mg citalopram (and placeboreboxetine), 8 mg reboxetine (and placebocitalopram), or two placebos. Study drugs were administered at a 1‐h interval due to a difference in estimated time to peak plasma concentration (tmax). We measured OUP with urethral pressure reflectometry under both resting and squeezing conditions of the pelvic floor at estimated tmax for both study drugs (one timepoint).

Results

Compared to placebo, citalopram increased OUP by 6.6 cmH20 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.04–13.1, p = 0.048) in resting condition. In squeezing condition, OUP increased by 7.1 cmH20 (95% CI: 1.3–12.9, p = 0.01). Reboxetine increased OUP by 30.0 cmH20 in resting condition compared to placebo (95% CI: 23.5–36.5, p < 0.001), and 27.0 cmH20 (95% CI: 21.2–32.8, p < 0.001) in squeezing condition.

Conclusion

Citalopram increased OUP slightly compared to placebo suggesting that SSRI treatment does not induce or aggravate SUI.
Functionalized biomaterials based on poly(vinyl alcohol) and chitosan as a vehicle for controlled release of cabreuva essential oil
Authors: Lamarra Javier , Rivero Sandra , Pinotti Adriana
Published: June 2022

The poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), a biodegradable and semicrystalline polymer composed of vinyl monomer –(CH2–CHOH)n− units, combines different advantages such as biodegradability, good mechanical, and adhesive properties, among others. The essential oils (EOs) are volatile secondary metabolites of plants, and consist of terpenes and sesquiterpenes of low water solubility; therefore, encapsulation through the formation of micro and nanoemulsions is an effective approach to overcome this drawback. The formulation of PVA‐based nanocomposites loaded with emulsions of chitosan and cabreuva essential oil (Myrocarpus fastigiatus) was proposed. Nanocomposites were prepared by varying the PVA:emulsion ratio (PVA:Em3:2, 1:1, and 2:3) using 0.125% w/v sodium citrate as a cross‐linking agent. The presence of emulsions produced microstructural changes at the crystallinity level, an effect that was observed more clearly in the sample with the highest emulsion content and was supported by DSC, XRD, and ATR‐FTIR. Also, the influence of chitosan in the nanocomposite PVA:Em was studied by XRD, DSC, DMA, and TGA. The controlled release profile of the PVA:Em 1:1 nanocomposite in media with equivalent quantities of PBS and ethanol led to the highest release of the active compound, fitting the experimental data satisfactorily with the Gallagher and Corrigan model.
“The pandemic of distance learning”: How Arab high school students see online‐learning during Covid‐19
Authors: Alhazmi Ahmed Ali
Published: June 2022

Emergency transition to online due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid‐19) pandemic has created unprecedented challenges in schooling. There is a dearth of information on the perception of Arab high school students and parents regarding the negative effects of online learning during Covid‐19. Qualitative analysis of data from a multisite ethnographic‐centered study collected in nine Arab countries. Data presented are only the ones recorded from students and parents. Raw data were abstracted using a mind‐mapping software and coded using words. The perceived negative effects of students and parents on several aspects of the transition to online learning such as the needed technical adjustments, impact on parents, perceptions of learning online versus face to face, pedagogical drawbacks, and psychological effects are described and discussed in light of results of previous studies. In spite of cultural differences, Arab high school students and parents face the same challenges and difficulties reported in other parts of the world. The overarching theme that emerges both for parents and children is the perceived superiority of face‐to‐face learning in the structured environment of the school for a more holistic learning and socialization experience of students and for better long‐term outcomes.
T cells and liver fibrosis
Authors: Sun Ruonan , Xiang Zheng , Wu Bin
Published: June 2022

Liver fibrosis develops from the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix in the liver caused by chronic liver inflammation or various chronic injuries, and it eventually develops into liver cirrhosis. The process of liver fibrosis is closely related to the immune response, and increasing evidence reveals the role of T lymphocytes, including Th1, Th2, Th17, regulatory T cells, and mucosa‐associated invariant T cells, in liver fibrosis. These immune cells play antifibrotic or profibrotic roles during fibrosis, and the reversal of fibrosis by targeting immune cells has attracted widespread attention. Activation of hepatic stellate cells, which form the core of fibrosis, is regulated by various immune mediators, including various immune cells and their associated cytokines. Therefore, the mechanism of action elicited by each cell type must be further elucidated to provide a basis for the design of new therapeutic targets. The purpose of this review is to summarize the roles and mechanisms of T lymphocytes and their subsets in liver fibrosis and highlight the biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets associated with these cells.
Endothelins and liver cirrhosis
Authors: Örmeci Necati
Published: June 2022

Endothelins are a family of 21‐amino acid oligopeptides, called endothelin‐1 (ET‐1), endothelin‐2 (ET‐2), and endothelin 3 (ET‐3). Endothelins act on hepatocytes, liver endothelial cells, and Kupffer cells in a paracrine or autocrine manner through two G protein‐coated receptors, called endothelin A and B receptors, which are mainly located in interlobular veins, interlobular artery endothelial cells and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). ET B receptor (ETBR)‐1 is responsible for the induction of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, resulting in nitric oxide release and vasodilatation, whereas ETBR‐2 is located on HSCs and is responsible for vasoconstriction. Endothelins are not stored in the organs. Approximately 20% of endothelins are secreted into the circulation system, and are rapidly cleared by the lungs, liver, heart, and kidneys. As a potent vasoconstrictor, endothelins may have a key role for the treatment of hypertensive vascular diseases, inflammation, fibrosis, and metabolic diseases. By clearing ET‐1 from the circulation, endothelin A receptor (ETAR) antagonists can reduce intraportal vascular resistance by dilatating the portal vein, reducing the contraction of HSCs, increasing the diameter of sinusoids, facilitating the regression of liver fibrosis, and restoring liver parenchyma. ET‐1 induces nitric oxide synthase and upregulates cyclooxygenase 2 mRNA levels, making it a key factor during the onset of fibrosis and in the prognosis of patient outcomes. Endothelins can be used to treat porto‐pulmonary hypertension, portal hypertension, angiogenesis, and liver fibrosis and have been approved for the treatment of porto‐pulmonary hypertension. Endothelins are produced on mesangial cells, podocytes, tubular epithelium, and renal collecting tubes in high amounts. Activation of ETAR supports the progression of kidney diseases, whereas activation of ETBR has protective effects on the kidneys. ET‐1 plays an important role in normal cardiovascular homeostasis. Endothelins are closely associated with severe systemic hypertension, congestive heart failure, atherosclerosis, and pulmonary hypertension. Dual ET receptor antagonists reduce blood pressure, but have several side effects, including liver toxicity, acute liver failure, accumulation of salt and water, testicular toxicity, headache, and teratogenicity. Liver enzymes should be checked in all patients who have received ET receptor antagonists, and women of childbearing years should use contraception.
Preparation and Performance of ANPyO/Emulsion Explosive Composite Energetic System
Authors: He Zhiwei , Li Yuanyuan , Yu Yikang , Xu Chuanhao , Zhu Wenyu , Ge Yuqiang , Cheng Wei
Published: June 2022

Industrial explosives with a low detonation velocity serve as the core‐driven energy source for explosive cladding, but have a limited pressure output. A composite energetic system containing high‐energy explosives/emulsion explosives can overcome this limitation. Accordingly, the search for high‐energy explosives with intrinsic safety features is key to achieving such systems. Therefore, in this study, 2,6‐diamino‐3,5‐dinitropyridine‐1‐oxide (ANPyO) with high‐energy‐insensitivity characteristics was selected as the energetic agent to prepare a composite energetic system with an ANPyO/emulsion explosive, and its safety and energy release effects were systematically studied. The experimental results showed that the content of ANPyO had a “linear” relationship with the apparent density of the developed composite energetic system, and had little effect on its impact and friction safety (the explosion probability was less than 10 %). In addition, the introduction of ANPyO did not have a significant impact on the detonation velocity of the composite energetic system, with an average detonation velocity of 2650 m ⋅ s−1. However, it did effectively improve the pressure output of the composite system. The peak pressure increased by 23.69 % from 27.27 kPa to 33.73 kPa, while the boosting rate increased by 88.09 % from 1256.68 kPa ⋅ s−1 to 2363.70 kPa ⋅ s−1. The improvement in the pressure output endowed the ANPyO/emulsion explosive composite energetic system with excellent work capacity, enabling T2/Q235 to compound well during explosive cladding. The above studies prove that this system can effectively maintain the relationship between the safety and energy output, positively contributing toward the development of explosive cladding technology.
Ultrafine Viscose‐Based Active Carbon Fibers for Iodide‐Ion Adsorption and Supercapacitors
Authors: Wu Qianqian , Cai Yi , Li Kunming , Zeng Fanlong , Ju Anqi
Published: June 2022

Active carbon fibers (ACFs) with a large specific surface area (SSA) have received widespread attention in various fields, such as environmental treatment and energy storage. Herein, ultrafine viscose‐based active carbon fibers (UVACFs) with large SSAs and micropores are successfully prepared via stabilization, carbonization, and CO2 activation using ultrafine viscose fibers (UVFs) as precursors. The microporous structure and SSA of UVACFs are adjusted by the activation temperature and the morphology and structure are characterized by a scanning electron microscope, X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and N2 adsorption/desorption. As a result, the SSA of UVACFs can reach 591.58 m2 g−1 with the main pore size of 0.52 nm under activation temperature of 900 °C. The adsorption capacity of UVACFs‐900 for iodide ions is as high as 830.3 mg g−1, which is the highest one among reported ACFs. It is attributed to the fact that the pore size of as‐prepared UVACFs is close to the hydration radius of iodide ions (0.335 nm). Moreover, NiCo2O4 is grown uniformly on UVACFs by the hydrothermal method, which shows high capacitance of 2693.3 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 and excellent cycling stability with 94.5% capacity retention after 3000 cycles (10 A g−1).
Ex situ soil washing to remove PFAS adsorbed to soils from source zones
Authors: Quinnan Joseph , Morrell Colin , Nagle Nathan , Maynard Ken G.
Published: June 2022

This article presents the results of an Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) demonstration conducted at Eielson Air Force Base in Fairbanks, Alaska: Ex situ soil washing to remove per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) adsorbed to soils from source zones. The ESTCP project information can be found here: https://www.serdp-estcp.org/Program-Areas/Environmental-Restoration/Risk-Assessment/ER20-5258. The final report is expected to be published in September 2022. The objective of the project was to demonstrate and validate soil washing as a cost‐effective mass removal technology that can be applied to treat soil in source zones impacted by PFAS. The approach focused on the treatment of coarse soil fractions (sand and gravel) and separation of fines (silt/clay) for potential treatment by other means such as landfilling, thermal desorption, or stabilization. The goal was to optimize the treatment process to minimize wastes requiring more expensive treatment so that the cost would be competitive with landfilling in the continental United State. The treatment process was designed and optimized at the bench‐scale and demonstrated at the field‐scale by conducting a treatment trial at the Eielson Air Force Base using a mobile soil washing plant. Approximately 180 tons of PFAS‐contaminated soil was treated with untreated perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) concentrations ranging from 4.5 to 560 μg/kg. The technology was validated by measuring PFAS mass removal efficiencies based on soil concentrations of PFAS compounds measured via Department of Defense Quality Standards Manual 5.3 Table B‐14 and PFAS leachate concentrations as measured by synthetic precipitation leaching procedure testing. PFAS concentrations in treated soils were compared to Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation soil screening levels for the migration to groundwater pathway through leaching for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), PFOS, and perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS). PFAS concentrations in soil leachate were compared to US Environmental Protection Agency groundwater screening criteria for PFOA, PFOS, and PFBS. The results of the treatability testing and pilot tests confirmed that coarse grained sand and gravel were successfully treated to meet performance goals and the fines were segregated for alternative treatment. The benefit of the waste minimization approach is that more cost‐effective means can be applied to treat most of the impacted soil volume while limiting expensive residuals disposal or more expensive means of treatment such as incineration or thermal desorption. Treated soils can be beneficially reused on‐site and fines could also be stabilized to meet leaching‐based standards, as an alternative to off‐site disposal or treatment. This flexible approach allows one to tailor the combined remedy strategy to meet clients' objectives and risk tolerance through a sustainable, least‐cost remedial approach.
Spatial variability of denitrification enzyme activity and actual denitrification emissions on Missouri claypan soils
Authors: Johnson Frank E. , Lerch Robert N. , Motavalli Peter P. , Veum Kristen S. , Scharf Peter C.
Published: June 2022

Denitrification in agricultural soils is responsible for the majority of anthropogenic N2O production. The objective of this research was to assess denitrification potential and the spatial dependence of soil N2O flux from claypan soils in the Central Claypan Region of Missouri. Surface soil samples (0–10 cm) were collected on a 90‐m grid from two claypan fields, one conventionally managed in a corn (Zea maysL.)–soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr.] rotation with tillage and without cover crops (Field 1), and the other managed as a corn–soybean–wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) rotation with no‐till and cover crops (Field 3). The denitrification enzyme activity (DEA) protocol was used to measure denitrification potential and actual soil denitrification rates of N2O and N2were measured with the N‐free atmospheric recirculation method (N‐FARM). In both fields, DEA fluxes were highest in the toeslope, with a rate of 1.4 kg N ha–1d–1in Field 1, and 1.8 kg N ha–1d–1in Field 3. Actual denitrification was dominated by N2(>85%) rather than N2O emissions, and it was considerably lower than DEA. Actual N2, N2O, and total denitrification (N2+ N2O) fluxes were not different between fields; however, only total denitrification flux showed an effect of landscape position similar to that of DEA in both fields. Although the high smectitic clay content of upland soils provides environmental conditions suitable for denitrification, these results indicate that the accumulation of soil C in the toeslope position controlled DEA and actual denitrification rates.
Macrophage Cell Membrane‐Cloaked Nanoplatforms for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Lopes Joana , Lopes Daniela , Pereira‐Silva Miguel , Peixoto Diana , Veiga Francisco , Hamblin Michael R. , Conde João , Corbo Claudia , Zare Ehsan Nazarzadeh , Ashrafizadeh Milad , Tay Franklin R. , Chen Chengshui , Donnelly Ryan F. , Wang Xiangdong , Makvandi Pooyan , Paiva‐Santos Ana Cláudia
Published: June 2022

Biomimetic approaches utilize natural cell membrane‐derived nanovesicles to camouflage nanoparticles to circumvent some limitations of nanoscale materials. This emergent cell membrane‐coating technology is inspired by naturally occurring intercellular interactions, to efficiently guide nanostructures to the desired locations, thereby increasing both therapeutic efficacy and safety. In addition, the intrinsic biocompatibility of cell membranes allows the crossing of biological barriers and avoids elimination by the immune system. This results in enhanced blood circulation time and lower toxicity in vivo. Macrophages are the major phagocytic cells of the innate immune system. They are equipped with a complex repertoire of surface receptors, enabling them to respond to biological signals, and to exhibit a natural tropism to inflammatory sites and tumorous tissues. Macrophage cell membrane‐functionalized nanosystems are designed to combine the advantages of both macrophages and nanomaterials, improving the ability of those nanosystems to reach target sites. Recent studies have demonstrated the potential of these biomimetic nanosystems for targeted delivery of drugs and imaging agents to tumors, inflammatory, and infected sites. The present review covers the preparation and biomedical applications of macrophage cell membrane‐coated nanosystems. Challenges and future perspectives in the development of these membrane‐coated nanosystems are addressed.
Partisan competition authorities, Cournot‐oligopoly, and endogenous market structure
Authors: Goerke Laszlo
Published: June 2022

The so‐called excess‐entry theorem establishes conditions guaranteeing that more firms enter a homogeneous Cournot‐oligopoly in equilibrium than a benevolent government prefers. We generalize the approach and analyze the behavior of a competition authority, which attaches different weights to the firms' and consumers' payoffs, with welfare‐maximization constituting a special case. The greater the importance of consumers, the less likely entry restrictions are, whereas a greater relevance of firms makes a monopoly more probable. The nature of entry restrictions also depends on the competition authority's instruments. The essential insights continue to apply if firms are heterogeneous concerning costs and the timing of output choices.
Solvent Molecular Design to Regulate the Intercalation Behavior in Ether Electrolyte for Stable Graphite Anodes in Potassium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Danni , Du Xiaoqiong , Zhang Biao
Published: June 2022

It has been widely recognized that ether electrolytes show great advantages in building robust solid–electrolyte interphases (SEIs) for stable anode performance. However, its extension to the graphite electrode is hampered by the ether solvent cointercalation, leading to a lower capacity and higher potential than those in ester counterparts having neat cation insertion. Herein, the ether solvent molecules by optimizing the O/C atomic ratio through tailoring the end group and chain length are screened. Such a modification alters the solvation strength between K ions and the solvent, which dictates the intercalation behavior in graphite. In particular, an ethylene glycol diethyl ether‐derived electrolyte is developed, which prevents the solvent cointercalation and induces the formation of binary intercalation compound KC8. Meanwhile, the novel ether electrolyte helps build a uniform and robust SEI, significantly boosting the rate capability and long‐term stability of graphite anode. This study resolves the dilemma of ether electrolyte in realizing the stable and high‐capacity graphite anode for facilitating its application in potassium‐ion batteries.
A Multinational Study on Young Adults and Contemporary (Non)religion: Theoretical and Methodological Approaches
Authors: Nynäs Peter , Keysar Ariela , Sjö Sofia
Published: June 2022

How can we comprehend contemporary forms of religion? What is an adequate methodological approach? Religion as an object of study has become increasingly evasive and there is an urgent need to address the limitations emerging from previous conceptual bias and limited empirical perspectives. This chapter presents the international research project Young Adults and Religion in a Global Perspective (YARG), its aims, questions, leading ideas and perspectives. In particular, we shed light on the mixed-method approach that was developed in order to meet the current challenges and demands. At the core of this is the Faith Q-Sort (FQS), a novel method for assessing religiosity developed by David Wulff (J Sci Study Relig 58:643–665, 2019). The chapter describes the strength of FQS for comparisons across cultures and its potential to expose new and emerging worldview subjectivities and defining elements in these. Finally, we shed light on how we applied the mixed method approach in studies of relevant themes.
Beyond the Secular, the Religious and the Spiritual: Appreciating the Complexity of Contemporary Worldviews
Authors: Nynäs Peter , Keysar Ariela , Shterin Marat , Sjö Sofia
Published: June 2022

The chapter brings together the main insights from the Young Adults and Religion in a Global Perspective (YARG) study, as presented in the current volume. It starts by discussing the sample used in the study and in the chapters of the volume; after this, the findings about worldviews are explored, and the chapter concludes with some observations pertaining to methodology. Throughout the chapter, the focus is on the need to challenge the often taken for granted categories and perspectives that are projected onto the world in the Study of Religions, and it is suggested that there are important methodological implications involved in meeting this challenge.
Gendered Views Among Young Adults in a Global Study: Male and Female Worldview Prototypes
Authors: Sjö Sofia , Klingenberg Maria , Golo Ben-Willie Kwaku , Meijer Clara Marlijn
Published: June 2022

Research focusing on gender and religion underlines the need to explore how religion is gendered and how religion genders. What is also often called for is an approach that allows for and can register complexity while not ignoring possible gender related differences. In this chapter, we begin with a short overview of the survey results that relate to gender and then turn to the worldview prototypes identified with the help of the Faith Q-Sort. Our primary focus is on the prototypes that are clearly gendered, that is to say, dominated by participants identifying as either male or female. We explore what characterizes these prototypes. Using interview material, we delve into questions of gender brought up by persons of these prototypes and illustrate the complex ways in which questions of gender and worldviews interact. The chapter underlines that gender differences and similarities captured in a survey only tell a small part of the story; that gender and religion are situated in contexts that shape the views on and understandings of both; and that gender and religion are complex notions allowing for creative engagements that can confirm, challenge or reimagine ideas concerning both.
A Typology for Green Infrastructure Planning to Enhance Multifunctionality Incorporating Peri-Urban Agricultural Land
Authors: Rolf Werner
Published: June 2022

Significance Statement

This work addresses a research gap that exists when it comes to Green Infrastructure planning as a new spatial planning approach to develop multifunctional green networks. I introduce a typology for spatial planning to integrate peri-urban farmland in Green Infrastructure, supporting the development of a multifunctional open space network. This typology is based on a two-tiered approach, involving an inter- and transdisciplinary approach and an evidence synthesis. It contributes to the conceptual understanding of multifunctionality planning, provides evidence that peri-urban farmland bears potentials to address urban challenges, such as biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, green economy development, and social cohesion, and reveals research gaps that still need to be addressed in future.
Social Demand for Urban Wilderness in Purgatory
Authors: Maleki Shadi , Julian Jason P. , Weaver Russell C. , Lopez Christina , Kraft Mike
Published: June 2022

Significance Statement

In a rapidly urbanizing world, urban wilderness areas offer unique opportunities to connect with raw nature. After examining social demand for urban wilderness in one of the fastest growing cities in the United States, we found that high levels of naturalness positively influence visitors’ use and perception of natural areas. Age and youth experiences with nature were the most significant, positive correlates with perception of wildlife. Regardless of race/ethnicity, income, and education, visitors recognized the importance of wildlife in urban wilderness. Overall, this study found that social demand for urban wilderness is a multi-dimensional balance between natural amenities and cultural conveniences. This knowledge is useful to city planners to properly plan and protect the natural areas within urban environments.
Localizing the Sustainable Development Goals for Marine and Coastal Management in Norway: A Venture Overdue
Authors: Dankel Dorothy J. , Boonstra Wiebren J. , Bjørkan Maiken , Fuller Jessica L. , Iversen Lisbeth , Eskeland Schütz Sigrid , Staal Brita , van der Meeren Gro I. , van Putten Ingrid
Published: June 2022

Significance Statement

Meeting global challenges requires regional and local alignment of institutional and business practices. The purpose of our work is to understand, using qualitative systems analysis, how the Sustainable Development Goals can be achieved through local, cross-sectoral solutions. In this chapter, we start by reviewing the status quo of marine and coastal management in Norway and contrast with the United Nations’ expectations for localization of the Sustainable Development Goals. One key finding is that despite vast knowledge on ocean and coastal use and management, Norway has very few examples of actual localization of the Sustainable Development Goals. We present a case study from Andøy Municipality where we use Social-Ecological Systems mapping to spawn awareness and spur local businesses to harness relevant sustainability targets at the local level.
Values of Mountain Landscapes: Insights About the Blue Mountains National Park, Australia from Twitter
Authors: Pickering Catherine , Norman Patrick , Rossi Sebastian
Published: June 2022

Significance Statement

People engage with nature in a range of ways, including sharing their experiences, values and concerns about specific landscapes on social media. For instance, on Twitter, governments, news, conservation, management, tourism and other organizations, as well as individuals share short 280-character microblogs (tweets) about a range of issues. We assessed public debate on Twitter about the Blue Mountains National Park in Australia to illustrate the benefits, but also limitations and concerns with the use of this, still novel, method for public engagement. Using a quantitative analysis of the tweets-content we identified common topics and emotions, including similarities and differences between the tweets posted by Australians and those from other countries regarding this globally important and popular mountain landscapes.
Gendered Values, Roles, and Challenges for Sustainable Provision of Forest-Based Ecosystem Services in Nepal
Authors: Sedhain Jyoti , Ebreo Galang Elson Ian Nyl
Published: June 2022

Significance Statement

Women empowerment and participation in forest management are essential to sustain critical natural benefits or ecosystem services (ES) that forests provide. In mountainous landscapes in Nepal, women are the core users or dependents of key forest-based ES such as food, fodder, and fuel to support their families’ wellbeing. With the country’s Community Forestry program, they gained capacities to participate and eventually become the stewards of sustainable management of these ES. However, several social-ecological challenges such as deforestation, illegal felling, and climate change threaten both the supply of forest-based ES and women’s capacities for sustainable management. These results highlight the need to strengthen support for women in forest management to enable them to adapt better to the impacts of these challenges.
Digital Tools for Fast-Track Renovation Operations
Authors: Vesanen Teemu , Markku Kiviniemi , Tsatsakis Kostas , Masera Gabriele
Published: June 2022

Digital tools for fast-track renovation operations developed in the project aim to shorten the duration of renovation and disturbance to the occupants with BIM-enabled methods and tools in operations management at site and with prefabrication to speed up the installation tasks. The chapter presents an ensemble of tools, concepts and use cases. First, two tools are described that are used to support construction production management and user communication. Then a concept how product data could be used as part of the tools and further how the product data and the tools could support in achieving the overall BIM4EEB objectives in the use cases of prefabricated exhaust air heat pump and prefabricated thermal insulation. Target of the work was to improve the state-of-the-art planning and monitoring. A new tool was created that combines the BIM model and typical work breakdown structure (WBS) based project scheduling into location breakdown structure (LBS) based user-interface. Continuously updated LBS provide valuable information to stakeholders with web-service and mobile applications. The 24/7 situational awareness of the renovation activities status provides unprecedented transparency of the project progress. Hence, the system allows scheduling the site activities with shorter lead times to shorten the total construction duration while it is possible to immediately take control of possible deviations in implementation. The reliable progress data is available also to the clients and occupants with right timed guidance and safety instructions. The other aim in the work was to utilise BIM for increasing the share of prefabrication in renovation projects. The BIM-based design allows to manage the compatibility and tolerances between design disciplines and adapting those with mapped geometry of the building will enable the prefabrication and preassembling of structural and system components also in renovation. Two best practice examples were developed and described showing how to utilise prefabrication in real renovation scenarios.