bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of eco‐friendly particleboard from agro‐industrial residues bonded with formaldehyde‐free natural rubber latex adhesive for interior applications
Authors: Hidayat Wahyu , Aprilliana Nana , Asmara Sandi , Bakri Samsul , Hidayati Sri , Banuwa Irwan Sukri , Lubis Muhammad Adly Rahandi , Iswanto Apri Heri
Published: February 2022

In this work, a novel way is proposed to produce an eco‐friendly and formaldehyde‐free particleboard (PB) panel from agro‐industrial residues bonded with natural rubber latex (NRL)‐based adhesive. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) was added as an adhesion promoter and polymeric 4,4‐methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (pMDI) was used as cross‐linker. Different formulations of agro‐industrial residues (cassava stem, sengon wood waste, and rice husk) and different contents of NRL‐adhesive (10%, 15%, and 20%) were applied to prepare the PB panel. Several techniques were performed to characterize the properties of NRL‐based adhesive and to evaluate the performance of PB panels from agro‐industrial residues bonded with NRL‐based adhesive. The blending of NRL and PVOH resulted in weak hydrogen bonds in the polymer blends. Incorporation of pMDI provided NCO groups as the reactive site for cross‐linking with NRL‐PVOH via urethane linkages. The results showed that no remarkable differences in the physical properties of the PB panel, such as density, moisture content, water absorption, and thickness swelling, with different agro‐industrial residues formulations and NRL‐adhesive content. By contrast, greater NRL‐adhesive content affected the mechanical properties of the PB panel. The best mechanical properties of the PB panel were obtained using a formulation of 40% of cassava stem, 30% of sengon wood waste, 30% of rice husk, and bonded with 20% of NRL‐adhesive content, which resulted in 4.02 MPa of modulus of rupture (MOR), 441.00 MPa of modulus of elasticity (MOE), and 0.19 MPa of internal bonding (IB) strength. A combination of agro‐industrial residues particles and NRL‐based adhesive presented a high potential for application as an eco‐friendly, formaldehyde‐free, and non‐structural PB such as interior applications.
Growth Defects in InGaN‐Based Multiple‐Quantum‐Shell Nanowires with Si‐Doped GaN Cap Layers and Tunnel Junctions
Authors: Okuno Koji , Mizutani Koichi , Iida Kazuyoshi , Ohya Masaki , Sone Naoki , Lu Weifang , Okuda Renji , Miyamoto Yoshiya , Ito Kazuma , Kamiyama Satoshi , Takeuchi Tetsuya , Iwaya Motoaki , Akasaki Isamu
Published: February 2022

Herein, the growth mechanism and defect structure of GaN‐based nanowire multiple‐quantum‐shells (NW‐MQSs) with cap layers combining tunnel junctions and n‐GaN are investigated in detail. In the NW‐MQS structure, defect structures are formed in three regions: (i) From the c‐plane active layer at the tip of NW because of the low crystal quality of the active layer. (ii) Basal‐plane stacking faults (BSFs) with partial dislocations (PDs) are generated from the m‐planes of the NW‐MQSs; these defects are triggered by the silicon nitride (SiNx) formed on the NW surface. While some defects terminate because of the half loop formed by the PDs along the lateral growth of cap layers, others terminate at the coalesced region of the cap layers grown from adjacent MQSs. (iii) Line defects due to low‐angle grain boundaries and planar defects due to the BSFs in region (ii) are formed in the region wherein cap layers coalesce. The defects reaching the surface of the cap layers predominantly depend on the number of defects generated from the c‐plane active layers in region (i). The growth mode and propagation mechanism of such defects are associated, and a method for realizing optical devices based on the high‐quality NW‐MQS structures is discussed.
Eugenol restrains abdominal aortic aneurysm progression with down‐regulations on NF‐κB and COX‐2
Authors: Zhai Ziyi , Zhang Xianjing , Ding Yuchao , Huang Ziming , Li Qian , Zheng Mingyue , Cho Kenka , Dong Zhihui , Fu Weiguo , Chen Zaixing , Jiang Baohong
Published: February 2022

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a lethal disease without available medicine for treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of eugenol (4‐allyl‐2‐methoxyphenol) against AAA and the underlying mechanism. Eugenol is the major bioactive component of clove. A mouse AAA model was established through porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) incubation peri‐adventitially and 1% 3‐aminopropanonitrile (BAPN) diet. Continuous AAA progression from day 0 to day 15 was observed after PPE plus BAPN treatment, according to the AAA diameter and histopathological evaluation. Accompanying with AAA progression, sustained increased expressions of CD68, COX‐2 and NF‐κB were observed through immunofluorescence assay. After elucidation the efficiency of eugenol against AAA progression by AAA diameter, hematoxylin–eosin staining and orcein staining, the down‐regulations of eugenol on COX‐2 and NF‐κB were further detected by immunohistochemistry and western blot. Eugenol not only blocked AAA expansion and protected the integrity of aortic structure in a dose‐dependent manner, but also held high oral bioavailability. Excellent efficiency, high oral bioavailability and down‐regulation on COX‐2/NF‐κB endowed eugenol great potential for future AAA therapy.
Self‐regulation in a stochastic model of chemical self‐replication
Authors: Borri Alessandro , d'Angelo Massimiliano , Palumbo Pasquale
Published: February 2022

In this article, we provide an analysis of noise propagation in a stochastic minimal model of chemical self‐replication, where a given species can duplicate itself normally. A feedback from the end product on the source, acting as an inhibitor transcription factor, is considered. Stochasticity involves the intrinsic noise affecting gene expression, which is assumed to happen in bursts. The use of a stochastic approach is a novelty within such a framework. The investigation involves the role of the feedback: how it impacts noise attenuation with respect to different modeling choices of stochastic transcription, and with respect to different strengths of the feedback action. The quantification of noise propagation is measured by means of the so called metabolic noise, that is, the coefficient of variation of the end product. Computations are carried out numerically, according to the stochastic simulation algorithm (SSA) properly adapted for the proposed stochastic hybrid systems, as well as analytically: the latter has been achieved by exploiting the linear approximation of the nonlinear terms involved, since otherwise there are no closed loop solutions for the first‐ and second‐order moments. In such a way, noise propagation may be linked to the model parameters, with the SSA aiming at validating the approximated formulas. Results confirm the noise reduction paradigm with feedback.
Evaluating hydrological components and streamflow characteristics under conventional and adaptive multi‐paddock grazing management
Authors: Kim JungJin , Ale Srinivasulu , Teague W. Richard , Wang Tong
Published: February 2022

Enhancing ecosystem services and improving water catchment functions are significant components of sustainable rangeland management. Different grazing management practices including the continuous season‐long heavy stocking (HS) and light stocking (LS), and adaptive multi‐paddock stocking (MPS) are adopted on rangelands around the world. Studies evaluating the effects of grazing management practices on streamflow characteristics are lacking. In this study, the Soil and Water Assessment Tool was used to assess the impacts of HS (24 Animal Units [AU] per 100 ha), LS (12 AU/100 ha), and adaptive MPS (24 AU/100 ha) management practices on hydrological conditions and streamflow characteristics in the Lower Prairie Dog Town Fork Red River watershed in north Texas. The model was calibrated based on 36 years of measured daily streamflow data and then used to assess the variation in hydrological components and streamflow characteristics under different grazing management practices, and no grazing (EX). Results indicated that the adaptive MPS decreased surface runoff by 30.6 and 46.0%, streamflow by 15.6 and 23.6%, and Richards–Baker flashiness Index by 24.1 and 35.9%, while increasing Baseflow Index by 19.7 and 31.6% when compared to the continuous LS and HS, respectively. In addition, changing grazing management from HS or LS to MPS showed a general tendency to decrease the magnitude of high flows and increase the magnitude of low flows, thereby decreasing the frequency of occurrence of floods and droughts. Simulated hydrologic conditions under MPS and EX scenarios were similar. Overall, adaptive MPS was found to be an ideal grazing management practice for water conservation, streamflow stability, and reduction of flood and drought risk.
High‐Performance Supercapacitor Electrode Materials of Mo1‐xCoxS2 Nanoparticles Prepared by Hydrothermal Method
Authors: Lu Qiang , Wei Zhiqiang , Liang Jiahao , Li Chao , Li Ling , Ma Jinhuan
Published: February 2022

Co‐doped Mo1‐xCoxS2(x=0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5) nanoparticles with varying amounts of Co were compounded by hydrothermal channel. The microstructures of the samples were characterized. All the samples showed hexagonal structure, good crystallization, flower shape microspheres and agglomeration to a certain extent. Furthermore, the influence of Co doping on the electrochemical properties was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge‐discharge (GCD), cycle stability and electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS). CV curves present quasi‐triangular shapes with good symmetry, doped Mo1‐xCoxS2 nanoparticles exhibit better specific capacitance and excellent cyclic stability than that of MoS2 samples. The capacity ratios of MCS‐3 electrodes maintains 96 % of its premier capacitance after 3000 cycles. The remarkable electrochemical properties embodied in CV proof were proved via the GCD measurements. Nyquist spectra of doped Mo1‐xCoxS2 electrodes reveal lower resistance and perfect conductivity. This work reveals that Co doping can further effectively the electrochemical properties of MoS2 nanomaterials.
Recent advances in the synthesis of five‐ and six‐membered heterocycles as bioactive skeleton: A concise overview
Authors: Jangir Nidhi , Poonam  , Dhadda Surbhi , Jangid Dinesh K.
Published: February 2022

Heterocyclic compounds play a tremendous role in the field of medicinal chemistry due to their association with diverse pharmacological properties. Most of the pharmaceutical drugs used in medicines possess a wide range of heterocyclic nucleus. It was decided basis on literature studies that various synthetic protocols like microwave‐assisted, nanocatalysed, green synthesis, click reaction, and multicomponent routes could be used for the betterment of the purity of products, selectivity, and better yields of the products. We have focused attention on the development of synthetic strategies of the above‐mentioned moieties because N‐, O‐ and S‐ containing heterocyclic compounds have seemed owing to a wide diversity of their biological activities viz. antioxidant, anticancer, anticonvulsant, anti‐inflammatory, neuroprotective, antiproliferative, anti‐obesity, antihyperglycemic, antihypercholesteroler, antiulcer, antidiabetic, antileishmanial, antitrypanosomal, antibiotic, etc. In this review article, an overview of the applications of synthetic protocols for the preparation of five‐membered and six‐membered heterocyclic compounds containing two or more heteroatoms (O, N, S) at different‐different positions along with their different potent and competent candidates against various diseases is presented in last 10–15 years.
Modeling and Optimization of Ethanol to Ethylene Production over γ‐Al2O3 and CeZrO2 Catalysts Using RSM[1] Method
Authors: de Lima Alice Medeiros , Dantas Sandra Cristina , de Assis Adilson José , Hori Carla Eponina
Published: February 2022

Catalytic performance of catalysts is influenced by process conditions. In this work the influence of temperature, residence time and C2H5OH feed concentration was investigated in ethanol dehydration reaction using the response surface methodology (RSM) for γ‐Al2O3 and CeZrO2 catalysts. The γ‐Al2O3 was prepared using calcination method and CeZrO2 precipitation method. The process indicators (conversion, yield, selectivity) were modeled through the RSM method, and the equations obtained showed a good fit to the experimental data. The optimization results indicate different optimum conditions for each catalyst. For γ‐Al2O3 at 420 °C, 23.5 % of ethanol concentration and 0.65 gs/L, 0.6 molethylene/molethanol is obtained and total conversion. For CeZrO2 at 495 °C, 59 % ethanol concentration and 300 gs/L, 0.38 molethylene/molethanol is obtained and total ethanol conversion. Catalyst characterization was performed using, XRD (x‐ray diffraction), BET (Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller surface area analysis), TPR (Temperature‐programmed reduction) and TPD (Temperature‐programmed desorption).
Pyrrolidine Derivatives as Anti‐diabetic Agents: Current Status and Future Prospects
Authors: Bhat Aeyaz Ahmad , Tandon Nitin , Tandon Runjhun
Published: February 2022

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is one of the leading causes of deaths worldwide and is becoming an epidemic in many countries. Sedentary lifestyles, less physical activity, environmental and genetic changes are some of the factors which are responsible for the disease. It is putting a lot of economic burden especially on developing and under developed countries. Hence there is a dire need for the management of this disease. The use of current available therapies is associated with one or more side effects or financial burden. From the past few years, pyrrolidine derivatives have grabbed much of the attention of the researchers for the development of the novel molecules that can be used as a drug candidate for the treatment of Diabetes Mellitus. The current review attempts and aims at compiling the important work done in this relevant area which will help the researchers to design and synthesize the novel Pyrrolidine derivatives as antidiabetic agents with desired clinical outputs.
Electrochemical Performance of Nitrogen‐Doped Graphene/Silicene Composite as a Pseudocapacitive Anode for Lithium‐ion Battery
Authors: Nematzadeh Mansoureh , Nangir Mahya , Massoudi Abouzar , Ji Xiaobo , Khanlarkhani Ali , Toth Jozsef
Published: February 2022

Silicene, as a two‐dimensional (2D) nanostructure of silicon with many active sites for charge distribution, suitable space to control the volumetric strain, and an adjustable bandgap has attracted more attention as an anode for lithium‐ion batteries. Nitrogen, with a small radius and high electronegativity, is pretty good to form an n‐type configuration of silicene. Herein, single‐crystal silicene with adjusting nitrogen atoms at pyrrolic and graphitic sites in the graphene layer is identified by XRD, XPS, and Raman analyses for nitrogen‐doped graphene/silicene (NG/SNS) composite. Electrochemical performance of silicene exhibits the first intercalation/deintercalation capacity of 1030/768 mAh/g with 74 % Columbic efficiency (CE) at a current density of 10 mA/g, whereas NG3‐SNS with 0.3 g NG precursor shows the first intercalation/deintercalation capacity of 795/600 mAh/g with 75.4 % CE. Interestingly, NG3‐SNS indicates a stable specific capacity of ∼600 mAh/g at 200thcycle with 100 % CE and a second volumetric capacity of 3352 mAh/cm3with 80 % retention after 200 cycles at a current density of 100 mA/g. Subsequently, the high electronegativity of nitrogen results in lone pair in both hybridized configurations of graphitic‐NG and pyrrolic‐NG; which may cause effortless adsorption/desorption of Li+‐ion at the nitrogen sites, as well as, pyrrolic sites help to develop diffusion of Li+‐ion and graphitic sites help to accelerate the kinetics and surface‐controlled contributions.
Brief Outlook on Polymeric Nanoparticles, Micelles, Niosomes, Hydrogels and Liposomes: Preparative Methods and Action
Authors: Joy Reshma , George Jinu , John Franklin
Published: February 2022

Polymeric nanoparticles, micelles, niosomes, hydrogels and liposomes represent effective drug carriers having huge potential for medical and pharmaceutical applications. These systems remain the most important area in medicinal chemistry research. The aforementioned biomaterials can effectively encapsulate and release diverse hydrophobic/hydrophilic therapeutic molecules including drugs and prodrugs. Applications of these carrier systems extend to nucleic acids, antibodies and proteins which could be released sustainably. Since these systems fall in the nano dimension, they are capable of enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of bioactive molecules besides enabling them to accumulate preferentially at the target site. Furthermore, these systems can protect the encapsulated drug from degradation, thereby increasing the therapeutic value of the drug candidate and reducing systemic toxicity. In this review, we illustrate the preparative methods and actions of these five drug delivery systems.
A NIR‐light‐driven Black Phosphorus Based Nanocomposite for Combating Bacteria
Authors: Çekceoğlu İlknur Aksoy , Eroglu Zafer , Küçükkeçeci Hüseyin , Sevgi Fatih , Ersoz Mustafa , Patir Imren Hatay , Metin Önder
Published: February 2022

Nanocomposites of semiconducting two‐dimensional (2D) materials provide advantageous for combating bacterial infections to overcome antibiotic resistance. In this study, the nanocomposites of 2D black phoshorus (BP) and silver nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by anchoring as‐synthesized Ag NPs on few‐layer BP nanosheets via liquid self‐assembly method and used as a NIR‐light‐driven antibacterial agent against Gram‐negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and Gram‐positive bacteria (Enterococcus faecalis and Bacillus cereus). The BP/Ag nanocomposites showed excellent photothermal effect and oxidative stress ability to inhibit the initial logarithmic growth phase of E. faecalis and B. cereus. According to the bacterial growth curve, agar plate assay and live/dead viability test, as‐synthesized BP/Ag nanocomposites were found to be more effective antibacterial agent for Gram‐positive bacteria than Gram‐negative bacteria. The presented NIR‐light‐driven BP‐based nanoplatform can open a new avenue for avoiding bacterial resistance and combating pathogenic bacteria and also broad‐spectrum disinfection applications.
Ultrathin‐Walled Bi2S3 Nanoroll/MXene Composite toward High Capacity and Fast Lithium Storage
Authors: Zou Zhengguang , Wang Qian , Zhu Kai , Ye Ke , Wang Guiling , Cao Dianxue , Yan Jun
Published: February 2022

It is extremely important to develop a high energy density power source with rapid charge–discharge rate to meet people's growing needs. Hence, the development of advanced electrode materials is the top priority. Herein, a simple yet elaborate vacuum‐assisted room‐temperature phase transfer method is reported to transform MXene nanosheets from water into organic solution. Subsequently, an in‐situ growth strategy is employed to deposit ultrathin‐walled bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3) nanorolls on MXene surface to prepare Bi2S3/MXene composite as an efficient and high‐performance anode material for lithium‐ion batteries. Attributed to the unique nanoroll‐like structure and the strong synergistic effect, the Bi2S3/MXene‐10 composite can deliver the high discharge capacities of 849 and 541 mAh g−1 at 0.1 and 5 A g−1, respectively. The Bi2S3/MXene‐10 electrode can deliver a high specific capacity of 541 mAh g−1 even after 600 cycles at a large current density of 1 A g−1, proving the superb cycling stability of the Bi2S3/MXene‐10 composite. Additionally, the simple vacuum‐assisted room‐temperature phase transfer strategy can enlighten researchers to expand the potential application of MXene. Furthermore, the formation mechanism of Bi2S3 nanorolls is also proposed, which may open a new avenue to design and fabricate other nanoroll‐like structures.
Enhanced Wear Resistance and Corrosion Resistance of 304 Austenitic Stainless Steel by Duplex Surface Treatment
Authors: Shen Qianqian , Zhang Yu , Li Xuesha , Wang Lili , Nie Chaoyin
Published: February 2022

Duplex surface treatment (DST) is performed on 304 austenitic stainless steel (304ss) by Ni/Al2O3‐coating pretreatment and atmospheric gas nitriding at 400 °C and below. The microstructure, microhardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance of the samples are investigated. Microhardness significantly increases to 853.66 ± 39.76 HV0.05 due to a continuous nitrided layer that is formed on the DST 304ss at 400 °C. Compared with the single nitrided sample, the wear volume loss of the surface and nitrided layer of DST 304ss at 400 °C decreases by 92.0% and 97.2%, respectively. The obvious pitting corrosion phenomenon is presented on the surface of the single nitrided 304ss, while not on the nitrided layer of DST 304ss at 400 °C. The results show that the DST realizes the low‐temperature nitriding of 304ss and effectively improves the microhardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance of 304ss. The Ni/Al2O3‐coating pretreatment is expected to develop into a new type, low‐cost, and efficient method to promote nitriding.
Ultrasonography in inflammatory bowel disease – So far we are?
Authors: Maaser Christian , Maconi Giovanni , Kucharzik Torsten , Allocca Mariangela
Published: February 2022

Intestinal ultrasound (IUS) is a non‐invasive and accurate tool to assess inflammatory bowel disease. The ECCO‐ESGAR guideline recommends the use of IUS for the assessment of disease activity and complications in Crohn's disease (CD). In addition, an increasing body of evidence suggests the use of IUS as alternative to colonoscopy in monitoring CD and in assessing disease activity of ulcerative colitis. Early responsiveness of IUS findings by the first weeks of treatment and the advantage to perform the procedure in real time may dramatically change frequency of the assessment of treatment response in the future and speed up the clinical decision‐making process. Development of validated and reproducible sonographic scores to measure disease activity and therapeutic response and spread of knowledge of IUS remain relevant issues for the future in which current researchers and the International Bowel Ultrasound (IBUS) Group are actively engaged.
Comparison of ophthalmic artery Doppler with PlGF and sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio at 35–37 weeks' gestation in prediction of imminent pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Lau K. , Wright A. , Sarno M. , Kametas N. A. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: February 2022

Objective

To compare the predictive performance for delivery with pre‐eclampsia (PE) at < 3 weeks and at any stage after assessment at 35 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks' gestation of serum placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFlt‐1)/PlGF ratio with that of a competing‐risks model utilizing maternal risk factors, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and ophthalmic artery peak systolic velocity (PSV) ratio.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study of women attending for a routine hospital visit at 35 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks' gestation. This visit included recording of maternal demographic characteristics and medical history, ultrasound examination of fetal anatomy and growth, assessment of flow velocity waveforms from the maternal ophthalmic arteries and measurement of MAP, serum PlGF and serum sFlt‐1. The performance of screening for delivery with PE at < 3 weeks and at any time after the examination was assessed using areas under the receiver‐operating‐characteristics curves and detection rates (DRs), at a 10% false‐positive rate (FPR). McNemar's test was used to compare DRs, at a 10% FPR, between screening by PlGF concentration, the sFlt‐1/PlGF concentration ratio and the competing‐risks model utilizing maternal risk factors, MAP and ophthalmic artery PSV ratio. Model‐based estimates of screening performance for different methods of screening were also produced.

Results

The study population of 2338 pregnancies contained 75 (3.2%) cases that developed PE, including 30 (1.3%) that delivered with PE at < 3 weeks from assessment, and 2263 cases unaffected by PE. The DR of PE at < 3 weeks from assessment, at a 10% FPR, of sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio (70.0% (95% CI, 50.6–85.3%)) was superior to that of PlGF (50.0% (95% CI, 31.3–68.7%)) or PSV ratio (56.7% (95% CI, 37.4–74.5%)) but inferior to that of the combination of maternal risk factors, MAP multiples of the median (MoM) and PSV ratio delta (96.7% (95% CI, 82.8–99.9%)). Similarly, the DR of PE at any stage after assessment of sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio (62.7% (95% CI, 50.7–73.6%)) was superior to that of PlGF (52.0% (95% CI, 40.2–63.7%)) or PSV ratio (41.3% (95% CI, 30.1–53.3%)) but inferior to that of the combination of maternal risk factors, MAP MoM and PSV ratio delta (78.7% (95% CI, 67.7–87.3%)). The empirical results for DR at a 10% FPR were consistent with the modeled results, both for delivery with PE at < 3 weeks and at any time after assessment.

Conclusion

Ophthalmic artery Doppler in combination with maternal risk factors and blood pressure could potentially replace measurement of PlGF and sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio in the prediction of imminent PE. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Hochemittierende Glühkathoden für Vakuum‐Elektronenröhren
Authors: Gärtner Georg
Published: February 2022

Im folgenden Beitrag wird zunächst die historische Entwicklung von verschiedenen Kathodentypen im Zusammenhang mit der Anwendung in spezifischen Vakuum‐Elektronenröhren vorgestellt, insbesondere von thorierten Wolframkathoden, von Ba‐Oxidkathoden, von Ba‐Dispenser Kathoden bzw. Ba‐Nachlieferungskathoden und schließlich von Ba‐Scandat Kathoden. Dabei erfolgte die Entwicklung verschiedener Kathodentypen in Abhängigkeit von der Röhrenanwendung wie Radioröhren, Fernsehröhren, Mikrowellenröhren u. a. und war gekoppelt an die Verbesserungen in der Vakuumtechnik. Die Emissionsdaten der verschiedenen Kathodentypen werden verglichen, die aktuellen Emissionsdaten von Ba‐Scandat Kathoden werden vorgestellt und es wird ein Ausblick auf zukünftige Anwendungen gegeben.
What can surface wind observations tell us about interannual variation in wind energy output?
Authors: Millstein Dev , Bolinger Mark , Wiser Ryan
Published: February 2022

The past decade of wind power growth was supported by capacity factor improvements and associated cost reductions. But are higher capacity factors a technology success story or, as suggested by recent research, has the influence of technology been overstated by ignoring positive surface wind speed trends? The answer could influence estimates of wind energy's cost and even future deployment rates. We find that US surface wind speed observations imply a 2.6% improvement in capacity factors from 2010 to 2019. Yet newer vintages of wind plants have recorded capacity factors that are ~25% larger than plants built close to 2010. It follows that technological factors and improved site quality, not higher wind speeds, drove most of the improvement in capacity factors. Additionally, we match hundreds of meteorological stations to nearby (<25 km) wind plants and compare annual estimated generation, based on a function of surface wind speed observations, to annual recorded generation. Researchers rely on this publicly available surface data because measurements co‐located with wind plants are generally considered proprietary. Our analysis addresses a research gap: interannual variation in observed surface wind speeds is rarely compared to observed data at wind plant locations and turbine heights. We find that despite its common use for this purpose, generation estimates based on publicly available surface observational data provide a poor proxy for interannual variability in recorded wind generation. These findings suggest that caution is generally needed when researchers use surface wind speed measurements to investigate long‐term wind energy trends.
Nonlocal elasticity and thermal dual‐phase‐lag effect on the vibration analysis of transversely isotropic electro‐magneto generalized thermoelastic sphere with voids
Authors: Sharma Sita Ram , Mehalwal Jai Chand , Sarkar Nantu , Sharma Dinesh Kumar
Published: February 2022

The nonlocal elasticity together with electro‐magneto thermal dual‐phase‐lag (DPL) model to a transversely isotropic generalized thermoelastic hollow sphere with voids is addressed in radial direction. The governing equations and stress–strain‐displacement relations have been resolved by applying time harmonics technique. The elimination technique is employed to resolve the homogeneous equations to find the unknowns. The unknowns such as dilatation, displacement, voids volume fraction, temperature change, and radial/de‐hoop stresses have been calculated analytically. In order to discover the vibration analysis, the numerical Iteration method has been applied to thermally insulated/isothermal boundary conditions. For computation purpose the software like MATLAB tool has been used. The real parts of generated data obtained from the frequency equations have also been shown graphically to frequency shift and natural frequencies. The effects of DPL model of the theory of generalized transversely isotropic thermoelasticity with voids have been represented with and without the effects of magnetic field for nonlocal/local elastic materials and validated with existing literature.
Leptoquark manoeuvres in the dark: a simultaneous solution of the dark matter problem and the $$ {R}_{D^{\left(\ast \right)}} $$ anomalies
Authors: Bélanger Geneviève , Bharucha Aoife , Fuks Benjamin , Goudelis Andreas , Heisig Jan , Jueid Adil , Lessa Andre , Mohan Kirtimaan A. , Polesello Giacomo , Pani Priscilla , Pukhov Alexander , Sengupta Dipan , Zurita José
Published: February 2022

Abstract

The measured branching fractions of B-mesons into leptonic final states derived by the LHCb, Belle and BaBar collaborations hint towards the breakdown of lepton flavour universality. In this work we take at face value the so-called $$ {R}_{D^{\left(\ast \right)}} $$

R

D

∗

observables that are defined as the ratios of neutral B-meson charged-current decays into a D(*)-meson, a charged lepton and a neutrino final state in the tau and light lepton channels. A well-studied and simple solution to this charged current anomaly is to introduce a scalar leptoquark S1 that couples to the second and third generation of fermions. We investigate how S1 can also serve as a mediator between the Standard Model and a dark sector. We study this scenario in detail and estimate the constraints arising from collider searches for leptoquarks, collider searches for missing energy signals, direct detection experiments and the dark matter relic abundance. We stress that the production of a pair of leptoquarks that decays into different final states (i.e. the commonly called “mixed” channels) provides critical information for identifying the underlying dynamics, and we exemplify this by studying the tτbν and the resonant S1 plus missing energy channels. We find that direct detection data provides non-negligible constraints on the leptoquark coupling to the dark sector, which in turn affects the relic abundance. We also show that the correct relic abundance can not only arise via standard freeze-out, but also through conversion-driven freeze-out. We illustrate the rich phenomenology of the model with a few selected benchmark points, providing a broad stroke of the interesting connection between lepton flavour universality violation and dark matter.
Type-II Calabi-Yau compactifications, T-duality and special geometry in general spacetime signature
Authors: Médevielle M. , Mohaupt T. , Pope G.
Published: February 2022

Abstract

We obtain the bosonic Lagrangians of vector and hypermultiplets coupled to four-dimensional$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= 2 supergravity in signatures (0,4), (1,3) and (2,2) by compactification of type-II string theories in signatures (0,10), (1,9) and (2,8) on a Calabi-Yau threefold. Depending on the signature and the distinctions between type-IIA/IIA*/IIB/IIB*/IIB’ the resulting scalar geometries are special Kähler or special para-Kähler for vector multiplets and quaternion-Kähler or para-quaternion Kähler for hypermultiplets. By spacelike and timelike reductions we obtain three-dimensional$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= 4 supergravity theories coupled to two sets of hypermultiplets. We determine the c-maps relating vector to hypermultiplets, and show how the four-dimensional theories are related by spacelike, timelike and mixed, signature-changing T-dualities.
Neutral exotica at FASERν and SND@LHC
Authors: Ansarifard S. , Farzan Y.
Published: February 2022

Abstract

The (g − 2)μ anomaly indicates that the second generation of leptons should have new interactions beyond the standard model. The high flux of νμ and $$ \overline{\nu} $$

ν
¯

μ at the forward experiments such as FASERν and SND@LHC makes them suitable setups to search for new interactions of the second generation leptons. In this paper, we build a model in which the second generation left-handed leptons couple to a new right-handed neutrino, N and a new Higgs doublet which also couples to the quarks. The scattering of high energy νμ off nuclei can produce N. We investigate how forward experiments can test this model by looking for the N production vertex followed by the displaced vertex of the N decay. Discovering even a single such event can be a harbinger to look for the spectacular signals of the new Higgs doublet production at the LHC. We discuss the possibility of explaining the (g − 2)μ anomaly by adding more generations of N which will lead to chain decays of N and multiple leptons with distinct signals both at forward experiments and at the CMS and ATLAS detectors. Finally, we show that by adding a new light singlet scalar mixed with the neutral component of the new Higgs doublet (i.e., 2HDM+S model), the statistics of the data sample can be dramatically increased.
There is at most one continuous invariant mean
Authors: Pasteczka Paweł
Published: February 2022

We show that, for a (not necessarily continuous) weakly contractive mean-type mapping $$\mathbf {M} :I^p\rightarrow I^p$$

M
:

I
p

→

I
p

(where I is an interval and $$p \in \mathbb {N}$$

p
∈
N

), the functional equation $$K \circ \mathbf {M}=K$$

K
∘
M
=
K

has at most one solution in the family of continuous means $$K :I^p \rightarrow I$$

K
:

I
p

→
I

. Some general approach to this equation is also given.
Atrophe Pseudarthrose des Sternums – ein Fallbericht orientiert am Non Union Scoring System
Authors: Braun Benedikt J. , Herath Steven C. , Rollmann Mika F. R. , Menger Maximilian M. , Baumgartner Heiko , Reumann Marie , Histing Tina
Published: February 2022

Pseudarthrosen nach Sternotomien sind rar und meist gut im Rahmen operativer Revisionen zu behandeln. Bei fehlgeschlagenen Revisionen ist ein differenziertes Vorgehen notwendig, das sowohl die biologischen wie auch biomechanischen Rahmenbedingungen berücksichtigt. Es wird über den Fall einer therapierefraktären atrophen Pseudarthrose nach auswärtig erfolgloser Revision berichtet. Diese wurde durch ein Therapievorgehen, orientiert an den Kriterien des Non Union Scoring System (NUSS), erfolgreich behandelt. Die Versorgungsstrategie wie auch der erfolgreiche Behandlungsverlauf werden dargestellt.
AV timing in pacemaker patients with first-degree AV block: which is preferable, intrinsic AV conduction or pacing?
Authors: Aizawa Yoshihiro , Nakai Toshiko , Ikeya Yukitoshi , Kogawa Rikitake , Saito Yuki , Toyama Kazuto , Yumikura Tetsuro , Otsuka Naoto , Nagashima Koichi , Okumura Yasuo
Published: February 2022

Some patients with pacemakers present with first-degree atrioventricular (AV) block. To avoid right ventricular (RV) pacing, preserving intrinsic AV conduction as much as possible is recommended. However, there is no clear cutoff AV interval to determine whether intrinsic AV conduction should be preserved or RV pacing should be delivered. This study aimed to compare a pacing mode-preserving, intrinsic AV conduction with the DDD mode delivering RV pacing in terms of echocardiographic parameters in patients with first-degree AV block and to investigate whether RV pacing induces heart failure (HF). Stroke volume (SV) was measured to determine the optimal AV delay with the intrinsic AV conduction rhythm and the DDD pacing delivering RV pacing. Echocardiographic evaluation was performed for 6-month follow-up period. Seventeen patients were studied. At baseline, mean intrinsic PQ interval was 250 ± 40 ms. SV was greater with RV pacing with optimal AV delay of 160 ms than with intrinsic AV conduction rhythm in all patients. Therefore, pacemakers were set to the DDD to deliver RV pacing. During follow-up, seven patients developed HF. Mean baseline E/E′ ratio in patients who developed HF (HF group) during RV pacing was higher than in patients without HF (non = HF group; 17.9 ± 8 versus 11.5 ± 2, P = 0.018) Even within HF group patients without a high baseline E/E′ ratio, it increased with RV pacing (22.2 ± 6 versus 11.6 ± 2; P < 0.001). In patients with pacemaker and first-degree AV block, RV pacing with the optimal AV delay of 160 ms increased SV. However, the risk of HF may be increased with RV pacing if the E/Eʹ ratio is > 15 during intrinsic AV conduction or RV pacing. RV pacing should be avoided in patients with high E/Eʹ ratio under intrinsic AV conduction or RV pacing.
Polynomial Time Algorithms for Tracking Path Problems
Authors: Choudhary Pratibha
Published: February 2022

Given a graphG, and terminal verticessandt, theTracking Pathsproblem asks to compute a set of minimum number of vertices to be marked as trackers, such that the sequence of trackers encountered in each$$s$$s-$$t$$tpath is unique.Tracking PathsisNP-hard in both directed and undirected graphs in general. In this paper we give a collection of polynomial time algorithms for some restricted versions ofTracking Paths. We prove thatTracking Pathsis polynomial time solvable for undirected chordal graphs and tournament graphs. We also show thatTracking PathsisNP-hard in graphs with bounded maximum degree$$\Delta \ge 6$$Δ≥6, and give a$$2(\Delta +1)$$2(Δ+1)-approximate algorithm for this case. Further, we give a polynomial time algorithm which, given an undirected graphG, a tracking set$$T\subseteq V(G)$$T⊆V(G), and a sequence of trackers$$\pi $$π, returns the unique$$s$$s-$$t$$tpath inGthat corresponds to$$\pi $$π, if one exists. Finally we analyze the version of tracking$$s$$s-$$t$$tpaths where paths are tracked using edges instead of vertices, and we give a polynomial time algorithm for the same.
Risk factors for Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer
Authors: Nicotera Antonella , Falletto Ezio , Arezzo Alberto , Mistrangelo Massimiliano , Passera Roberto , Morino Mario
Published: February 2022

Background

Total mesorectal excision (TME) represents the “gold standard” of rectal cancer surgery. In locally advanced lesions neoadjuvant treatments (e.g. radiotherapy-nRT, radio chemotherapy-cnRT) have been shown to improve TME oncological results, reducing local recurrences rate. Nevertheless, these treatments have significant functional consequences impacting patients’ quality of life (QoL). The resulting syndrome is known as Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS). The purpose of this work was to evaluate the association between risk factors and the development of LARS in a prospective series of laparoscopic sphincter-saving TME.

Methods

The study was conducted as a retrospective observational epidemiological study of a prospective database, including all patients undergoing laparoscopic anterior resection surgery for rectal cancer at our Unit from 1st January 2013 to 31st May 2018. The diagnosis of LARS was performed using the LARS Score. We classified risk factors in patient-related, pre-, intra- and post-operative factors.

Results

The sample included 153 consecutive patients. Forty-one were affected by “low” rectal cancer, 74 by “middle” rectal cancer, 38 by “high” rectal cancer. The prevalence of overall LARS (major LARS + minor LARS) in our series was 35.9% (55/153 cases). Association between nRT and overall/major LARS was significant (respectivelyp = 0.03 and 0.02). Distal localization of tumor was also significantly associated with LARS [overall LARS (p = 0.03), major LARS (p = 0.014)].

Conclusions

In our study, neoadjuvant radiotherapy and tumor localization resulted independent risk factors for LARS after laparoscopic sphincter-saving TME. Tumor localization in the “middle” and “high” rectum resulted a protective factor compared to the localization in “low” rectum.
The effect of inlet flow profile and nozzle diameter on drug delivery to the maxillary sinus
Authors: Pourmehran Oveis , Cazzolato Benjamin , Tian Zhao , Arjomandi Maziar
Published: February 2022

In this paper, the effect of the turbulence and swirling of the inlet flow and the diameter of the nozzle on the flow characteristics and the particles' transport/deposition patterns in a realistic combination of the nasal cavity (NC) and the maxillary sinus (MS) were examined. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was developed in ANSYS® Fluent using a hybrid Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes–large-eddy simulation algorithm. For the validation of the CFD model, the pressure distribution in the NC was compared with the experimental data available in the literature. An Eulerian–Lagrangian approach was employed for the prediction of the particle trajectories using a discrete phase model. Different inlet flow conditions were investigated, with turbulence intensities of 0.15 and 0.3, and swirl numbers of 0.6 and 0.9 applied to the inlet flow at a flow rate of 7 L/min. Monodispersed particles with a diameter of 5 µm were released into the nostril for various nozzle diameters. The results demonstrate that the nasal valve plays a key role in nasal resistance, which damps the turbulence and swirl intensities of the inlet flow. Moreover, it was found that the effect of turbulence at the inlet of the NC on drug delivery to the MS is negligible. It was also demonstrated that increasing the flow swirl at the inlet and decreasing the nozzle diameter improves the total particle deposition more than threefold due to the generation of the centrifugal force, which acts on the particles in the nostril and vestibule. The results also suggest that the drug delivery efficiency to the MS can be increased by using a swirling flow with a moderate swirl number of 0.6. It was found that decreasing the nozzle diameter can increase drug delivery to the proximity of the ostium in the middle meatus by more than 45%, which subsequently increases the drug delivery to the MS. The results can help engineers design a nebulizer to improve the efficiency of drug delivery to the maxillary sinuses.
Compatibility of t-Structures in a Semiorthogonal Decomposition
Authors: Lorenzin Antonio
Published: February 2022

We describe how to obtain a global t-structure from a semiorthogonal decomposition with compatible t-structures on every component. This result is used to generalize a well-known theorem of Bondal on full strong exceptional sequences.
Autonomous Learning in a Pseudo-Episodic Physical Environment
Authors: Haughn Kevin P. T. , Inman Daniel J.
Published: February 2022

Forpractical considerations reinforcement learning has proven to be a difficult task outside of simulation when applied to a physical experiment. Here we derive an optional approach to model free reinforcement learning, achieved entirely online, through careful experimental design and algorithmic decision making. We design a reinforcement learning scheme to implement traditionally episodic algorithms for an unstable 1-dimensional mechanical environment. The training scheme is completely autonomous, requiring no human to be present throughout the learning process. We show that the pseudo-episodic technique allows for additional learning updates with off-policy actor-critic and experience replay methods. We show that including these additional updates between periods of traditional training episodes can improve speed and consistency of learning. Furthermore, we validate the procedure in experimental hardware. In the physical environment, several algorithm variants learned rapidly, each surpassing baseline maximum reward. The algorithms in this research are model free and use only information obtained by an onboard sensor during training.
Radiological investigation of natural carbonated spring waters from Eastern Carpathians, Romania
Authors: Begy R.-Cs. , Savin C.-F. , Süle D.-K. , Nuhanovic M. , Giagias E. , Kovács T.
Published: February 2022

The current study presents a radiological water-quality assessment on 64 spring water samples from four Romanian counties. The study area is abundant in CO2-rich spring waters consumed by locals and tourists. Gross alpha activities ranged between 21 ± 2 and 7530 ± 658 mBq L−1, with 27% of the samples exceeding the WHO threshold. Gross beta values ranged from 40 ± 2 to 5520 ± 430 mBq L−1, with 29% exceeding the recommended values. Radionuclide activities fluctuated between 0.6 ± 0.08 and 81 ± 6 Bq L−1 for 222Rn, 15 ± 2 to 1154 ± 112 mBq L−1 for 226Ra, and from 18 ± 2 to 64 ± 5 mBq L−1 for 210Po. The annual effective doses attributed to radium varied between 0.002 and 0.23 mSv yr−1.
Max Power: Implementing the Capabilities Approach to Identify Thresholds and Ceilings in Energy Justice
Authors: Baard Patrik , Melin Anders
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we apply the capabilities approach—with the addition of capability ceilings—to energy justice. We argue that, to ensure energy justice, energy policies and scenarios should consider enabling not only minimal capability thresholds but also maximum capability ceilings. It is permissible, perhaps even morally required, to limit the capabilities of those above the threshold if it is necessary for enabling those below the threshold to reach the level required by justice. We make a distinction between tragic and non-tragic conflicts of capabilities: tragic conflicts are instances when one cannot raise an agent’s capabilities above the threshold that justice requires without pushing someone else below the threshold or restricting someone from reaching the threshold. In contrast, a non-tragic choice is when increasing someone above the threshold required by justice does not entail pushing someone else’s capabilities below the threshold. We utilise this framework to discuss energy justice and emissions of greenhouse gases. Drawing on the relation between points on the human development index and levels of energy consumption, we conclude that non-tragic mitigation policies now are highly preferable to tragic policies later.
Novel Neurorights: From Nonsense to Substance
Authors: Bublitz Jan Christoph
Published: February 2022

This paper analyses recent calls for so called “neurorights”, suggested novel human rights whose adoption is allegedly required because of advances in neuroscience, exemplified by a proposal of the Neurorights Initiative. Advances in neuroscience and technology are indeed impressive and pose a range of challenges for the law, and some novel applications give grounds for human rights concerns. But whether addressing these concerns requires adopting novel human rights, and whether the proposed neurorights are suitable candidates, are a different matter. This paper argues that the proposed rights, as individuals and a class, should not be adopted and lobbying on their behalf should stop. The proposal tends to promote rights inflationism, is tainted by neuroexceptionalism and neuroessentialism, and lacks grounding in relevant scholarship. None of the proposed individual rights passes quality criteria debated in the field. While understandable from a moral perspective, the proposal is fundamentally flawed from a legal perspective. Rather than conjuring up novel human rights, existing rights should be further developed in face of changing societal circumstances and technological possibilities.