bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of the Degree of Fluorination on the MOCVD Growth of Cobalt Oxide Thin Films using Co(II) Acetylacetonate Complexes
Authors: Stienen Christian , Rogalla Detlef , Prymak Oleg , Bendt Georg
Published: September 2021

The structurally related cobalt β‐diketonate complexes Co(acac)2, Co(acac)2 ⋅ TMEDA, Co(tfac)2 ⋅ TMEDA, and Co(hfac)2 ⋅ TMEDA (acac=2,4‐pentanedionate, tfac=1,1,1‐trifluoro‐2,4‐pentane‐dionate, hfac=1,1,1,5,5,5‐hexafluoro‐2,4‐pentane‐dionate, TMEDA=N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine) were thermochemically (thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry) and spectroscopically (infrared, UV‐VIS and electron resonance spectroscopy) characterised and used as precursor for the MOCVD growth of cobalt monoxide (CoO) thin films. The influence of the degree of fluorination of the cobalt precursors on the morphology (scanning electron microscopy) and phase composition (X‐ray diffraction) of the CoO films is demonstrated. Carbon, nitrogen and fluorine impurities as a result of the thermal decomposition of the 2,4‐pentanedionate and tetraamine ligands in the films were identified by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, Rutherford backscattering spectrometry and nuclear reaction analysis. In addition, the influence of these contaminants on the electrocatalytically activity for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline media of the MOCVD grown CoO films is shown.
Bi‐directional collapse fragility assessment by DFEM of unreinforced masonry buildings with openings and different confinement configurations
Authors: Deb Trissa , Yuen Terry Y. P. , Lee Dongkeun , Halder Rudhra , You Young‐Chan
Published: September 2021

Unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings that are characterized by brittle, heterogeneous, and anisotropic responses have complex nonlinear dynamic behavior and high vulnerability under seismic loading. While masonry confined by tie‐columns and lintel beams can achieve better ductility and stability, the wall openings induce stress concentration around the corners and diminish the strength. Furthermore, the interacting in‐plane and out‐of‐plane responses of masonry walls could significantly affect the post‐cracking behavior and increase the collapse risk. To attain reliable seismic design of confined masonry buildings with openings, the collapse fragility under bi‐directional seismic loading shall be addressed and thoroughly investigated in this study. Advanced discrete finite element models (DFEM) with coupled damage‐plasticity traction‐separation law, which can simulate complex nonlinear dynamic behavior such as disintegration and progressive collapse, were developed for the masonry structures and validated against experimental results. Four one‐storey residential masonry buildings: (1) unconfined (UCM), (2) confined by tie‐columns at four building corners (CM‐I), (3) confined by toothed tie‐columns (CM‐II), and (4) confined by toothed tie‐columns and lintel beams (CM‐III) were considered. A series of incremental dynamic analyses (IDA) with 15 bi‐directional ground motions and fragility analyses were performed to investigate the dynamic characteristics, base shear, hysteresis behavior, failure mechanism, collapse probability, and exceedance probability for different drift limits were studied in‐depth. CM‐II with toothed tie‐columns had the lowest collapse probability and fragility at different drift limit states. The introduction of lintel beams to CM‐III lead to an increase of the storey‐drift‐based fragility compared to CM‐II, as a result of the increased maximum base shear of CM‐III with higher post‐damage stiffness. The lintel beams also inflicted short‐column effects on the tie‐columns. Nevertheless, the lintel beams could delay the out‐of‐plane collapse of the masonry walls by shortening the effective wall arching length. In some cases, the CM‐III could achieve better performances than CM‐II even in terms of storey drifts. The response variations of CM‐III to the changing of the non‐intensity related ground motion parameters are also lower than CM‐II.
Energy, exergy, exergoenvironmental, and exergoeconomic (4E) analyses of a gas boosting station
Authors: Salimi Delshad Mohammad , Momenimovahed Ali , Mazidi Mohammad Sh. , Ehyaei Mehdi A. , Rosen Marc A.
Published: September 2021

Energy, exergy, exergoenvironmental, and exergoeconomic analyses of a natural gas boosting station are presented using a real‐gas model and actual operational data. The effect of varies performance parameters on the thermodynamic efficiencies, specific fuel consumption (SFC), gas‐phase emissions, and cost rates are assessed. The results show that, for the actual operational conditions of the gas boosting station, the exergy efficiencies are 76.1% and 73.9% in the hot and cold seasons, respectively. Moreover, the energy analysis at partial load reveals that the SFC varies from 0.285 kg/kWh to 0.302 kg/kWh, respectively, in maximum and minimum ambient temperatures. The exergoeconomic analysis along with the exergoenvironmental analysis shows that the total cost rate of gas boosting stations in hot and cold ambient conditions is 7390 US$/h and 8070 US$/h, respectively, with more than 60% related to the environmental impact. In this system, the highest exergoeconomic factor is attributed to the centrifugal gas compressor at 40.9%‐44.2% and the lowest to the air cooler at 0.030%‐0.036%, depending on the ambient temperature, which specifies the balance between capital cost and the cost of exergy destruction. The cost rate of the exergy destruction is more pronounced in the combustion chamber, and the overall cost rate of the exergy destruction can be improved significantly by increasing turbine inlet temperature which needs additional investment cost for the system.
Analysis of fat, fatty acid profile, and salt content of Iranian restaurant foods during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis
Authors: Mohammadi‐Nasrabadi Fatemeh , Zargaraan Azizollaah , Salmani Yeganeh , Abedi Abdolsamad , Shoaie Ehsan , Esfarjani Fatemeh
Published: September 2021

This study aimed to analyze the fat, fatty acid profile, and salt content of restaurant foods (RFs) and find out strategies to lower them using the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT). Five types of common foods (n = 70) were collected from restaurants in Tehran, Iran. The fat, fatty acid profile, and salt content of samples were analyzed by acid hydrolysis method, gas chromatography, and Charpentier Volhard methods, respectively. The quantitative data were analyzed by the SPSS using ANOVA and Spearman’s correlation test. Then, a SWOT analysis was done. The laboratory results indicated that the highest amount of total fat was in Samosa (16.92% ± 6.27%), whereas saturated fatty acids (SFA) and trans fatty acids (TFA) were significantly higher in Koobideh kebab with rice (44.42% ± 5.07% and 2.86% ± 0.64%, respectively) as compared to other samples. In addition, the highest amount of salt was in the Falafel sandwich (2.87% ± 0.98%). The salt content in the majority of analyzed foods was about two times more than the daily recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO). The SWOT analysis results showed the lack of standardization of recipes to measure accurate fat and salt content was the main weakness and food labeling in the menus was detected as an important opportunity. TFA and salt in RFs were alarmingly high and it is necessary to find strategies for reformulation of RFs to reduce their fat and salt content. Policymakers can use the SWOT analysis results of this study to offer directions for potential future strengthening actions of healthy foods in restaurants for public health.
Schwann cell‐derived exosomes: Janus‐faced mediators of regeneration and disease
Authors: Wong Fang Cheng , Ye Linhan , Demir Ihsan Ekin , Kahlert Christoph
Published: September 2021

The phenotypic plasticity of Schwann cells (SCs) has contributed to the regenerative potential of the peripheral nervous system (PNS), but also pathological processes. This double‐sided effect has led to an increasing attention to the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) or exosomes in SCs to examine the intercellular communication between SCs and their surroundings. Here, we first describe the current knowledge of SC and EV biology, which forms the basis for the updates on advances in SC‐derived exosomes research. We seek to explore in‐depth the exosome‐mediated molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of SCs and their microenvironment. This review concludes with potential applications of SC‐derived exosomes as delivery vehicles for therapeutics and biomarkers. The goal of this review is to emphasize the crucial role of SC‐derived exosomes in the functional integration of the PNS, highlighting an emerging area in which there is much to explore and re‐explore.
A comparative study between state‐of‐the‐art MRI deidentification and AnonyMI, a new method combining re‐identification risk reduction and geometrical preservation
Authors: Mikulan Ezequiel , Russo Simone , Zauli Flavia Maria , d'Orio Piergiorgio , Parmigiani Sara , Favaro Jacopo , Knight William , Squarza Silvia , Perri Pierluigi , Cardinale Francesco , Avanzini Pietro , Pigorini Andrea
Published: September 2021

Deidentifying MRIs constitutes an imperative challenge, as it aims at precluding the possibility of re‐identification of a research subject or patient, but at the same time it should preserve as much geometrical information as possible, in order to maximize data reusability and to facilitate interoperability. Although several deidentification methods exist, no comprehensive and comparative evaluation of deidentification performance has been carried out across them. Moreover, the possible ways these methods can compromise subsequent analysis has not been exhaustively tested. To tackle these issues, we developed AnonyMI, a novel MRI deidentification method, implemented as a user‐friendly 3D Slicer plugin‐in, which aims at providing a balance between identity protection and geometrical preservation. To test these features, we performed two series of analyses on which we compared AnonyMI to other two state‐of‐the‐art methods, to evaluate, at the same time, how efficient they are at deidentifying MRIs and how much they affect subsequent analyses, with particular emphasis on source localization procedures. Our results show that all three methods significantly reduce the re‐identification risk but AnonyMI provides the best geometrical conservation. Notably, it also offers several technical advantages such as a user‐friendly interface, multiple input–output capabilities, the possibility of being tailored to specific needs, batch processing and efficient visualization for quality assurance.
Enhanced perfusion of elliptical wound closures using a novel adhesive suture retention device
Authors: Stoecker Allison , Lear William , Johnson Karsten , Bahm Jared , Kruzic Jamie J.
Published: September 2021

Background and Aims

The purpose of this investigation was to test the hypothesis that a novel adhesive retention suture device (ARSD) can increase perfusion at elliptical wound closures by distributing stress away from the suture site.

Methods

Stress in the skin around a suture both with and without support from an ARSD was evaluated using a finite element model. A single‐center, randomized split‐scar comparison trial using laser speckle contrast analysis was used to quantify the perfusion at elliptical wound closures in human patients both with and without an ARSD.

Results

The finite element model revealed that the ARSD promoted load transfer to the skin over a larger area, thus reducing the local stress and deformation in the skin around the suture site. Results from the split‐scar study showed a mean improvement of 25% perfusion units with the ARSD, and the improvement was statistically significant (p = 0.002).

Conclusion

The reduction in local stress and enhanced perfusion around the suture site reveals the potential benefit of using an ARSD to enable more efficient healing by avoiding complications associated with both low perfusion and skin tearing, such as dehiscence, infection, and cheese wiring.
Hydrology on high: Assessing the effect of ski resort expansion and changing climate at the Mount Mansfield paired‐catchment study in Vermont, USA
Authors: Shanley James B. , Wemple Beverley C. , Hastings Blaine , Kincaid Dustin W.
Published: September 2021

A paired‐catchment study began in 2000 to assess the hydrologic effects of high‐elevation development on Mt. Mansfield, Vermont's highest summit (1340 m). West Branch Little River drains 12.08 km2 and encompasses a large ski resort. Adjacent Ranch Brook drains 9.83 km2 of minimally disturbed second‐growth forest. The two catchments have similar elevation, aspect, surficial and bedrock geology, and vegetation. The resort was well established before this study, but it underwent a major expansion during the period 2004–2008. The expansion included new ski lifts and trails, a large hotel, roads and second home development, a 435 000‐m3 snowmaking storage pond and a nine‐hole golf course, increasing the extent of cleared/open land from 17% to 24%. Runoff from the developed West Branch Little River catchment was 21% greater than Ranch Brook over the duration of the study, but varied widely each year from 10% to 42%. This high variability occurs both on the interannual and individual storm scales, and is consistent with expectations from future climate projections. Hydrologic variability is on the rise, as shown by an increase in stream flashiness in both catchments over the 20 years of our study. Resort expansion, which provided for stormwater management, had no discernible effect on the overall runoff difference nor the flow distribution at the scale of the catchments, but sedimentation, water quality impacts and localized erosion cannot be ruled out. Forest clearing, impervious and hardened surfaces, and skier‐compacted and machine‐made snow may all cause enhanced runoff. However, the greater runoff at West Branch, which occurs primarily during snowmelt and summer, may arise partly from greater precipitation capture in the complex mountain topography. Development pressure on the mountain landscape continues to mount, but managers may also need to consider the confounding effects of a changing climate.
Discontinuation of anti‐PD‐1 monotherapy in advanced melanoma—Outcomes of daily clinical practice
Authors: van Zeijl Michiel C. T. , van den Eertwegh Alfons J. M. , Wouters Michel W. J. M. , de Wreede Liesbeth C. , Aarts Maureen J. B. , van den Berkmortel Franchette W. P. J. , de Groot Jan‐Willem B. , Hospers Geke A. P. , Kapiteijn Ellen , Piersma Djura , van Rijn Rozemarijn S. , Suijkerbuijk Karijn P. M. , ten Tije Albert J. , van der Veldt Astrid A. M. , Vreugdenhil Gerard , van der Hoeven Jacobus J. M. , Haanen John B. A. G.
Published: September 2021

There is no consensus on the optimal treatment duration of anti‐PD‐1 for advanced melanoma. The aim of our study was to gain insight into the outcomes of anti‐PD‐1 discontinuation, the association of treatment duration with progression and anti‐PD‐1 re‐treatment in relapsing patients. Analyses were performed on advanced melanoma patients in the Netherlands who discontinued first‐line anti‐PD‐1 monotherapy in the absence of progressive disease (n = 324). Survival was estimated after anti‐PD‐1 discontinuation and with a Cox model the association of treatment duration with progression was assessed. At the time of anti‐PD‐1 discontinuation, 90 (28%) patients had a complete response (CR), 190 (59%) a partial response (PR) and 44 (14%) stable disease (SD). Median treatment duration for patients with CR, PR and SD was 11.2, 11.5 and 7.2 months, respectively. The 24‐month progression‐free survival and overall survival probabilities for patients with a CR, PR and SD were, respectively, 64% and 88%, 53% and 82%, 31% and 64%. Survival outcomes of patients with a PR and CR were similar when anti‐PD‐1 discontinuation was not due to adverse events. Having a PR at anti‐PD‐1 discontinuation and longer time to first response were associated with progression [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.81 (95% confidence interval, CI = 1.11‐2.97) and HR = 1.10 (95% CI = 1.02‐1.19; per month increase)]. In 17 of the 27 anti‐PD‐1 re‐treated patients (63%), a response was observed. Advanced melanoma patients can have durable remissions after (elective) anti‐PD‐1 discontinuation.
How do age and social environment affect the dynamics of death hazard and survival in patients with breast or gynecological cancer in France?
Authors: Poiseuil Marie , Tron Laure , Woronoff Anne‐Sophie , Trétarre Brigitte , Dabakuyo‐Yonli Tienhan Sandrine , Fauvernier Mathieu , Roche Laurent , Dejardin Olivier , Molinié Florence , Launoy Guy ,   French Network of Cancer Registries (FRANCIM)
Published: September 2021

Several studies have investigated the association between net survival (NS) and social inequalities in people with cancer, highlighting a varying influence of deprivation depending on the type of cancer studied. However, few of these studies have accounted for the effect of social inequalities over the follow‐up period, and/or according to the age of the patients. Thus, using recent and more relevant statistical models, we investigated the effect of social environment on NS in women with breast or gynecological cancer in France. The data were derived from population‐based cancer registries, and women diagnosed with breast or gynecological cancer between 2006 and 2009 were included. We used the European deprivation index (EDI), an aggregated index, to define the social environment of the women included. Multidimensional penalized splines were used to model excess mortality hazard. We observed a significant effect of the EDI on NS in women with breast cancer throughout the follow‐up period, and especially at 1.5 years of follow‐up in women with cervical cancer. Regarding corpus uteri and ovarian cancer patients, the effect of deprivation on NS was less pronounced. These results highlight the impact of social environment on NS in women with breast or gynecological cancer in France thanks to a relevant statistical approach, and identify the follow‐up periods during which the social environment may have a particular influence. These findings could help investigate targeted actions for each cancer type, particularly in the most deprived areas, at the time of diagnosis and during follow‐up.
FIGO good practice recommendations on progestogens for prevention of preterm delivery
Authors: Shennan Andrew , Suff Natalie , Leigh Simpson Joe , Jacobsson Bo , Mol Ben W. , Grobman William A. ,   the FIGO Working Group for Preterm Birth
Published: September 2021

Women at high risk of preterm birth (either a previous spontaneous preterm birth and/or sonographic short cervix) with a singleton gestation should be offered daily vaginal progesterone or weekly 17‐OHPC treatment to prevent preterm birth. Benefit is most significant in those with prior history of preterm birth and a short cervix. For women with a previous spontaneous preterm birth and a cervix ≥30 mm the effectiveness of progesterone is uncertain. In asymptomatic women with no prior history of previous preterm birth, no mid‐trimester loss, or no short cervical length, progesterone therapy is not recommended for the prevention of preterm birth. For those with unselected multiple pregnancies, progesterone therapy is not recommended for the prevention of preterm birth. Daily vaginal progesterone or weekly 17‐OHPC treatment can be used for the prevention of preterm birth. The preparation used should be decided by the woman and her clinician. There is no evidence of neurological or developmental benefit or harm in babies whose mothers use progestogens for preterm birth prevention antenatally.
Detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 in biological samples of pregnant women infected with COVID‐19: A prospective cross‐sectional study
Authors: Khoiwal Kavita , Kalita Deepjyoti , Dhundi Deepika , Kumari Reena , Shankar Ravi , Gaurav Amrita , Bahadur Anupama , Chaturvedi Jaya
Published: September 2021

Synopsis

SARS‐CoV‐2 was detected in the vaginal and cervical fluid, amniotic fluid, cord blood, placental membranes, and breastmilk of pregnant women, therefore suggesting the possibility of vertical transmission.
Subjective housing stability in the transition away from homelessness
Authors: Frederick Tyler , Vitopoulos Nina , Leon Scott , Kidd Sean
Published: September 2021

Housing stability is a complex concept to measure. One set of factors under consideration are those based on a personal or subjective sense of stability. We explore the variables associated with subjective stability and explore how subjective stability relates to housing stability across time. We use data from longitudinal, mixed methods research with 85 young people exiting homelessness. We find that subjective stability is a meaningful construct that can be validated through qualitative and quantitative data. The construct is primarily linked to indicators of environmental and social wellbeing. Subjective stability is also one of the only variables with a significant relationship to T2 housing stability. Qualitative analysis is used to explore these relationships in more detail. We conclude that subjective stability can provide holistic insight into the complex life circumstances influencing housing stability. However, this strength introduces complexity in that subjective stability appears to be developed in comparison with past experiences, as well as feelings of forward momentum on goals beyond housing.
Dynamic alterations of H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 at ADAM17 and Jagged‐1 gene promoters cause an inflammatory switch of endothelial cells
Authors: Katakia Yash T. , Thakkar Niyati P. , Thakar Sumukh , Sakhuja Ashima , Goyal Raghav , Sharma Harshita , Dave Rakshita , Mandloi Ayushi , Basu Sayan , Nigam Ishan , Kuncharam Bhanu V. R. , Chowdhury Shibasish , Majumder Syamantak
Published: September 2021

Histone protein modifications control the inflammatory state of many immune cells. However, how dynamic alteration in histone methylation causes endothelial inflammation and apoptosis is not clearly understood. To examine this, we explored two contrasting histone methylations; an activating histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) and a repressive histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) in endothelial cells (EC) undergoing inflammation. Through computer‐aided reconstruction and 3D printing of the human coronary artery, we developed a unique model where EC were exposed to a pattern of oscillatory/disturbed flow as similar to in vivo conditions. Upon induction of endothelial inflammation, we detected a significant rise in H3K4me3 caused by an increase in the expression of SET1/COMPASS family of H3K4 methyltransferases, including MLL1, MLL2, and SET1B. In contrast, EC undergoing inflammation exhibited truncated H3K27me3 level engendered by EZH2 cytosolic translocation through threonine 367 phosphorylation and an increase in the expression of histone demethylating enzyme JMJD3 and UTX. Additionally, many SET1/COMPASS family of proteins, including MLL1 (C), MLL2, and WDR5, were associated with either UTX or JMJD3 or both and such association was elevated in EC upon exposure to inflammatory stimuli. Dynamic enrichment of H3K4me3 and loss of H3K27me3 at Notch‐associated gene promoters caused ADAM17 and Jagged‐1 derepression and abrupt Notch activation. Conversely, either reducing H3K4me3 or increasing H3K27me3 in EC undergoing inflammation attenuated Notch activation, endothelial inflammation, and apoptosis. Together, these findings indicate that dynamic chromatin modifications may cause an inflammatory and apoptotic switch of EC and that epigenetic reprogramming can potentially improve outcomes in endothelial inflammation‐associated cardiovascular diseases.
Prevalence and prognostic impact of cachexia among older patients with cancer: a nationwide cross‐sectional survey (NutriAgeCancer)
Authors: Poisson Johanne , Martinez‐Tapia Claudia , Heitz Damien , Geiss Romain , Albrand Gilles , Falandry Claire , Gisselbrecht Mathilde , Couderc Anne‐Laure , Boulahssass Rabia , Liuu Evelyne , Boudou‐Rouquette Pascaline , Chah Wakilian Anne , Gaxatte Cedric , Pamoukdjian Fréderic , de Decker Laure , Antoine Valery , Cattenoz Catherine , Solem‐Laviec Heidi , Guillem Olivier , Medjenah Hayat , Natella Pierre André , Canouï‐Poitrine Florence , Laurent Marie , Paillaud Elena
Published: September 2021

Background

Nutritional impairment is common in cancer patients and is associated with poor outcomes. Only few studies focused on cachexia. We assessed the prevalence of cachexia in older cancer patients, identified associated risk factors, and evaluated its impact on 6 month overall mortality.

Methods

A French nationwide cross‐sectional survey (performed in 55 geriatric oncology clinics) of older cancer patients aged ≥70 referred for geriatric assessment prior to treatment choice and initiation. Demographic, clinical, and nutritional data were collected. The first outcome was cachexia, defined as loss of more than 5% of bodyweight over the previous 6 months, or a body mass index below 20 kg/m2 with weight loss of more than 2%, or sarcopenia (an impaired Strength, Assistance with walking, Rise from chair, Climb stairs and Falls score) with weight loss of more than 2%. The second outcome was 6 month overall mortality.

Results

Of the 1030 patients included in the analysis [median age (interquartile range): 83 (79–87); males: 48%; metastatic cancer: 42%; main cancer sites: digestive tract (29%) and breast (16%)], 534 [52% (95% confidence interval: 49–55%)] had cachexia. In the multivariate analysis, patients with breast (P < 0.001), gynaecologic (P < 0.001), urinary (P < 0.001), skin (P < 0.001), and haematological cancers (P = 0.006) were less likely to have cachexia than patients with colorectal cancer. Patients with upper gastrointestinal tract cancers (including liver and pancreatic cancers; P = 0.052), with previous surgery for cancer (P = 0.001), with metastases (P = 0.047), poor performance status (≥2; P < 0.001), low food intake (P < 0.001), unfeasible timed up‐and‐go test (P = 0.002), cognitive disorders (P = 0.03) or risk of depression (P = 0.005), were more likely to have cachexia. At 6 months, 194 (20.5%) deaths were observed. Cachexia was associated with 6 month mortality risk (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.49; 95% confidence interval: 1.05–2.11) independently of age, in/outpatient status, cancer site, metastatic status, cancer treatment, dependency, cognition, and number of daily medications.

Conclusions

More than half of older patients with cancer managed in geriatric oncology clinics had cachexia. The factors associated with cachexia were upper gastrointestinal tract cancer, metastases, poor performance status, poor mobility, previous surgery for cancer, cognitive disorders, a risk of depression, and low food intake. Cachexia was independently associated with 6 month mortality.
The assessment cycle: Insights from a systematic literature review on broadening participation in engineering and computer science
Authors: Holloman Teirra K. , Lee Walter C. , London Jeremi S. , Hawkins Ash Chaneé D. , Watford Bevlee A.
Published: September 2021

Background

In the field of engineering education, assessment and evaluation have been given insufficient attention as they relate to broadening participation. We posit that this lack of attention negatively impacts our ability to develop and implement sustainable solutions at scale.

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to explore the presence of an assessment cycle in the literature related to broadening participation in engineering. The assessment cycle refers to the process by which assessment/evaluation is planned, enacted, and used to improve educational processes.

Scope/Method

The scope of this study was influenced by it being situated in a larger study focused on broadening participation of Black Americans in engineering and computer science. We completed a literature map that illuminated a subset of literature broadly related to assessment/evaluation, and subsequently conducted a systematic literature review of 33 publications reporting on assessment/evaluation efforts. Our analysis of these efforts was grounded in a six‐stage assessment cycle.

Results

The results of this study highlight common publishing practices related to the assessment cycle in the context of broadening participation. We find that assessment/evaluation is generally published at the program level, focused on student development or academic success as a proxy for program effectiveness, and concentrated on positive claims.

Conclusion

There is room to significantly improve how assessment/evaluation information is published. By highlighting productive and unproductive publishing practices related to assessment/evaluation, this research has important implications for the use and publishing of assessment/evaluation, particularly as it relates to broadening participation in engineering.
An empirical analysis of the effect of tobacco taxation on economic growth in 38 African countries
Authors: Immurana Mustapha , Boachie Micheal Kofi , Dalaba Maxwell Ayindenaba , Oware Kofi Mintah , K.K. Toby Joseph Mathew , Ayanore Martin Amogre , Yusif Hadrat Mohammed
Published: September 2021

Globally, tobacco use claims millions of lives every year. This has necessitated policy responses including tax measures aimed at reducing the consumption of tobacco. Nonetheless, opponents of tobacco taxation posit that, it may hurt economic growth. This study, therefore, examines the effect of tobacco taxation on economic growth in 38 African countries from 2008 to 2018. The system generalised method of moments (GMM) regression is used as the estimation technique. The findings show that, tobacco taxation enhances economic growth both in the short‐ and long‐run periods, especially, through its effect on population health. Thus, African governments should be confident when increasing tobacco tax because, it has an added advantage of propelling economic growth.
Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles by Nocardiopsis sp.‐MW279108 and its antimicrobial activity
Authors: Abada Emad , Galal Tarek , Ismail Ismail
Published: September 2021

The utilization of microorganisms like bacteria in the biological synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has attracted widespread attention due to their ability to synthesize different shape sizes, states, and morphology nanoparticles. In the current study, the green synthesis of AgNPs by Nocardiopsis sp. 16S ribosomal RNA analysis was used to characterize the Nocardiopsis sp. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized through multi‐instrument platforms such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X‐ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The antimicrobial activity of the synthesized AgNPs was determined by the agar plate diffusion method. The UV‐Vis absorbance analysis of the synthesized AgNPs has a significant absorbance at 384 nm, confirming the AgNPs' surface plasmon resonance. The SEM and TEM characterizations indicate that the particle size ranges from 2 to 10 nm and is spherical. Additionally, the FTIR spectra revealed bands from 476 to 3819cm−1, respectively. The XRD planes study pronounced strong bands ranging are between 111 and 311 corresponding to cubic face‐center of the silver. Also, the antimicrobial activity of AgNPs indicated the biogenic AgNPs could control the growth of the clinical isolates. The AgNPs produced by Nocardiopsis sp. supernatant could be used in different nanomedicinal applications.
The world's longest known parallel temperature dataset: A comparison between daily Glaisher and Stevenson screen temperature data at Adelaide, Australia, 1887–1947
Authors: Ashcroft Linden , Trewin Blair , Benoy Mac , Ray Darren , Courtney Catherine
Published: September 2021

Weather observing stations are subject to changes in instrumentation, location and surrounding environment over time. Parallel observations between old and new conditions are therefore vital to ensure that a reliable dataset can be built and used for long‐term climate analysis. Here, we examine the world's longest known sets of parallel temperature observations: daily data for Adelaide, South Australia, recorded using two different thermometer screens for 60 years from 1887 to 1947. These data are globally significant for their length and completeness, but the daily observations in the Glaisher stand have only recently been digitized for analysis. We find maximum temperatures recorded in the Glaisher stand are warmer than the Stevenson screen observations, with the difference increasing with absolute temperature, while minimum temperatures recorded in the Glaisher stand are consistently slightly cooler. These differences are similar to those identified using monthly means, as well as other studies of shorter datasets. However, the daily resolution enabled us to identify periods of inconsistent relationships due to changes in observations times (particularly from 1938 onwards), and quantify the differences during extreme events. In particular, percentile analysis revealed that the differences for extremely high temperatures are only slightly greater than the average difference during the warmer months. The data provide an opportunity to attempt the development of 160‐year continuous daily temperature record for one of the oldest colonial cities in the Southern Hemisphere. As expected, we find temperatures in recent decades to be the highest since 1859, although the Glaisher stand maximum temperature data in the 1860s are notably warm, likely due to dry conditions and persistent inhomogeneities. While the relationships we have identified cannot be applied to other 19th century Glaisher stand observations without careful metadata examination, they provide a possible tool for analysis and re‐examination of historical mid‐latitude temperature observations elsewhere around the world.
A new model for the calculation of homogeneously broadened Raman spectral bandwidths and bandshapes
Authors: Jakubek Ryan S.
Published: September 2021

Raman spectral bandwidths and bandshapes can provide detailed information on the physics and chemistry of a sample. The Raman band reported by a spectrometer (observed Raman band [ORB]) is a result of contributions from the true, intrinsic Raman band (IRB) and the spectrometer slit function. To obtain the IRB spectral width and shape, the effects of the spectrometer slit function must be removed from the ORB by measuring the spectrometer slit function and modeling the ORB as a convolution of the IRB and slit function. Though this model has proven to be useful, it is not based on physical parameters of the measurement and is limited. Thus, new ways to model Raman bandshape and bandwidth are needed. I previously developed a new method of modeling Raman bands using spectrometer geometric optics to examine the dependence of Raman band intensity on slit width. The model calculates the intensity of the ORB from the contributions of a continuum of dispersed slit functions. Here, I extend the use of this model for examining ORB spectral widths and shapes. I show that the model produces the same result as the convolution model when using Lorentzian Raman and Gaussian slit functions, confirming the validity of the model. However, in contrast to the convolution model, the new model is based on spectrometer geometric optics allowing one to account for various optical effects when modeling Raman spectra. This is demonstrated by modeling the effects of slit width on the Raman spectrum. I use the model to provide a detailed, physical understanding of the effects of slit width and IRB width on Raman bandshapes.
Food system resilience thinking: from digital to integral
Authors: Brassesco María Emilia , Pintado Manuela , Coscueta Ezequiel R
Published: September 2021

The current food system is directly influenced by the increase in environmental problems and nutritional inequality globally. Financial and political collapses, health crises, excessive urbanization, and rapid industrialization are some of the principal factors threatening the food supply's security. The food system needs a profound transformation to avoid ecosystem destabilization and a global food crisis. Concerning this transformation, we are certain that the first step for a successful food system change is global resilience thinking. To reach an integrated food system, we proposed introducing the resilient concept linked with other known concepts, such as circular economy and sustainability. A resilient food system can recover over time, ensuring the supply of sustainable and quality food and access to all. This would mean redesigning the value chains in the food system, re‐educating consumers to implement a healthier diet, and introducing technology such as digital innovation. Re‐evaluating these relevant points, redesigning the focus of the food system, not only for economic efficiency but also including significant trade‐offs, or valuing other services in the food system, are essential to reaching the desired resilience. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Quasi‐decadal periodicities in growth and production of the copepod Eodiaptomus japonicus in Lake Biwa, Japan, related to the Arctic Oscillation
Authors: Liu Xin , Dur Gaël , Ban Syuhei , Sakai Yoichiro , Ohmae Shinsuke , Morita Takashi
Published: September 2021

Copepods are important secondary producers that support higher trophic levels in aquatic food webs. Large‐scale climate events such as climate oscillations and global warming force on physical and chemical conditions in aquatic ecosystems might regulate copepod production through physiological and biochemical processes. We evaluated how large climatic and anthropogenic events impacted secondary production of copepods in Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan. We determined demographic traits such as body size, growth rate, biomass and production of the dominant copepod Eodiaptomus japonicus in this lake over four decades (1971–2010). To evaluate in situ food conditions and estimate growth and production for this omnivorous species, we firstly defined a size‐based food index (f), that is the ratio of in situ body size to ideal body size in adult females. Values of f were mostly < 1 even during eutrophication (1970s to the early 1980s), suggesting that this copepod continuously suffered from a food shortage in this lake. Quasi‐decadal periodicities were detected in f, growth and production (but not biomass) for this copepod throughout the study period. These periodicities were correlated with the Arctic Oscillation, implying that long‐term trends in climate could regulate copepod food availability and production. This correlation weakened after 1990, which might be due to a regime shift in lake water temperature, which increased abruptly in the mid‐1980s. Global warming might now be disrupting historical quasi‐decadal periodicity in growth and production of copepods in Lake Biwa.
Evaluating the precariousness of coral recovery when coral and macroalgae are alternative basins of attraction
Authors: Schmitt Russell J. , Holbrook Sally J. , Brooks Andrew J. , Adam Thomas C.
Published: September 2021

When coral and macroalgae are alternative attractors, the trajectory of the benthic community following a major disturbance is shaped in part by whether herbivores keep macroalgae suppressed, leaving reef surfaces in a state suitable for coral colonization. Because macroalgae tend to colonize much faster than coral, an important issue is how close ambient herbivory is to the level where control of macroalgae is lost, that is, the precariousness of the coral‐invasible state relative to the switch‐point to macroalgae. In Moorea, French Polynesia, reefs dominated by the macroalga Turbinaria ornata remained so for multiple population turnovers, whereas reefs where Turbinaria was removed by a simulated pulse disturbance remained free of macroalgae throughout the 5‐yr study. A field experiment revealed that macroalgae was unable to proliferate on disturbed reefs until ambient herbivory was reduced by more than 50%. Low precariousness of the coral‐invasible state facilitated a gradual transition to a coral community because it allowed sufficient time for coral to repopulate. Accumulation of coral on disturbed reefs was 3.5 times greater than on undisturbed, Turbinaria‐dominated reefs. Long‐term persistence of the coral‐invasible state was facilitated by high abundances of grazing herbivores that prevent the establishment of macroalgae, whereas persistence of the Turbinaria‐dominated state reflected the scarcity of browsing herbivores that consume mature macroalgae. By revealing processes that foster bistability of coral and macroalgae states, our work helps explain the rich dynamical behavior exhibited by coral reef communities in Moorea and elsewhere.
Single‐species acute lethal toxicity tests are not predictive of relative population and community effects of two salinity types
Authors: Kefford Ben J. , Hyne Ross V. , Brooks Andrew J. , Bray Jonathan P. , Shenton Mark , Hills Kasey , Nichols Susan J.
Published: September 2021

Human‐mediated salinity increases are occurring in freshwaters globally, with consequent negative effects on freshwater biodiversity. Salinity comprises multiple anions and cations. While total concentrations are typically used to infer effects, individual ion concentrations and ion ratios are critical in determining effects. Moreover, estimates of toxicity from single‐species laboratory tests, may not accurately predict relative effects on populations and communities. Here, we compared salinity increases from synthetic marine salts and sodium bicarbonate in an outdoor mesocosm experiment in southeastern Australia. We found different effects of salt types on stream macroinvertebrates at the population and community levels, where similar effects were predicted from single‐species laboratory tests. Our results caution against the use of single‐species laboratory‐derived toxicological data to predict both environmentally safe salinity levels and the relative effects of different salt sources on freshwater biodiversity.
3D Printing Conductive Composites with Poly(ionic liquid) as a Noncovalent Intermedia to Fabricate Carbon Circuits
Authors: Lv Xiaojie , Wang Jingjing , Ding Danning , Liang Jiaojiao , Zhao Zhongzheng , Liang Yuan , Zhang Zhenfei , Ye Chunlin , Chen Yuwei , Wei Peng , Wang Yanping , He Yong , Xia Yumin
Published: September 2021

In this study, a kind of imidazole type poly(ionic liquid) ([PEP‐MIM]Cl) is synthesized, which can disperse carbon effectively. [PEP‐MIM]Cl is used as an intermediate to coat carbon on the poly(acrylic acid)(PAA‐co‐MBA) via ion exchange to obtain conductive polymer composite (CPC). A series of characterizations are performed. Experiments show that carbon can be coated on the PAA‐co‐MBA uniformly, and compared with using carbon as filler, this method requires less carbon to achieve good conductive performance. The carbon layer on the polymer's surface is enriched via the swelling‐shrinking properties of PAA‐co‐MBA according to the SEM images. Furthermore, in combination with 3D printing technology, PAA‐co‐MBA can be designed into different shapes to achieve various functions such as pressure‐sensing element. Finally, a new type of CPC named carbon clad polymeric laminate (CCPL) is prepared by using the carbon coating method and 3D printing technology. It has the potential to replace copper clad laminate (CCL) and printed circuit board (PCB), to a certain extent. This technology expands the preparation method and application of the CPC such as flexible and wearable conductive fabrics.
SIRS epidemiological model with ratio‐dependent incidence: Influence of preventive vaccination and treatment control strategies on disease dynamics
Authors: Kumar Udai , Mandal Partha Sarathi , Tripathi Jai Prakash , Bajiya Vijay Pal , Bugalia Sarita
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we study an SIRS epidemic model with ratio‐dependent incidence rate function describing the mechanisms of infectious disease transmission. Impacts of vaccination and treatment on the transmission dynamics of the disease have been explored. The treatment rate is constant when the number of infected individuals is greater than the maximal capacity of treatment and proportional to the number of infected individuals when the number of infected individuals is less than the maximal capacity of treatment. Analysis shows that (1) the sufficiently large value of the preventive vaccination rate can control the spread of disease, and (2) a threshold level of the psychological (or inhibitory) effects in the incidence rate function is enough to decrease the infective population. It is also obtained that model undergoes transcritical and saddle‐node bifurcations with respect to disease contact rate. Moreover, in the presence of treatment strategy, the model has multiple endemic equilibria and undergoes a backward bifurcation. The maximal capacity of treatment plays important roles on the disease dynamics of the model. The number of infected individuals decreases with respect to the maximal capacity of treatment, and the disease completely dies out from the system for the large capacity of the treatment when constant treatment strategy is applied. Further, it is also found that the spread of disease can be suppressed by increasing treatment rate. From sensitivity analysis, we have observed that the transmission and treatment rates are most sensitive parameters. The effects of different parameters on the disease dynamics have also been investigated via numerical simulation.
FLASH radiotherapy with photon beams
Authors: Montay‐Gruel Pierre , Corde Stéphanie , Laissue Jean A , Bazalova‐Carter Magdalena
Published: September 2021

Ultra‐high‐dose rate “FLASH” radiotherapy (FLASH‐RT) has been shown to drastically reduce normal tissue toxicities while being as efficacious as conventional dose rate radiotherapy to treat tumors. A large number of preclinical studies describing this so‐called FLASH effect have led to the clinical translation of FLASH‐RT using ultra‐high‐dose rate electron and proton beams. Although the vast majority of radiation therapy treatments are delivered using X‐rays, few preclinical data using ultra‐high‐dose rate X‐ray irradiation have been published. This review focuses on different methods that can be used to generate ultra‐high‐dose rate X‐rays and their beam characteristics along with their effect on the biological tissues and the perspectives for the development of FLASH‐RT with X‐rays.
A faster algorithm for the constrained minimum covering circle problem to expedite solving p‐center problems in an irregularly shaped area with holes
Authors: Liu Yanchao
Published: September 2021

This paper introduces several means to expedite a known Voronoi heuristic method for solving a continuous p‐center location problem, which is to cover a polygon with p circles such that no circle's center lies outside the polygon, no circle's center drops inside a polygonal hole, and the radius of the largest circle is as small as possible. A key step in the Voronoi heuristic is the repeated task of determining the constrained minimum covering circle (CMCC), but the best‐known method for this task is brute‐force and inefficient. This paper develops an improved method by exploiting the convexity of a related subproblem and employing an optimized search procedure. The algorithmic enhancements help to drastically reduce the effort required for finding the CMCC, and in turn, significantly expedite the solution of the p‐center problem. On a realistic‐scale test case, the proposed algorithm ran 400× faster than the literature benchmark.