bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gas Transport Mechanisms through Molecular Thin Carbon Nanomembranes
Authors: Stroganov Vladislav , Hüger Daniel , Neumann Christof , Noethel Tabata , Steinert Michael , Hübner Uwe , Turchanin Andrey
Published: April 2023

Molecular thin carbon nanomembranes (CNMs) synthesized by electron irradiation induced cross‐linking of aromatic self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) are promising 2D materials for the next generation of filtration technologies. Their unique properties including ultimately low thickness of ≈1 nm, sub‐nanometer porosity, mechanical and chemical stability are attractive for the development of innovative filters with low energy consumption, improved selectivity, and robustness. However, the permeation mechanisms through CNMs resulting in, e.g., an ≈1000 times higher fluxes of water in comparison to helium have not been yet understood. Here, a study of the permeation of He, Ne, D2, CO2, Ar, O2 and D2O using mass spectrometry in the temperature range from room temperature to ≈120 °C is studied. As a model system, CNMs made from [1″,4′,1′,1]‐terphenyl‐4‐thiol SAMs are investigated. It is found out that all studied gases experience an activation energy barrier upon the permeation which scales with their kinetic diameters. Moreover, their permeation rates are dependent on the adsorption on the nanomembrane surface. These findings enable to rationalize the permeation mechanisms and establish a model, which paves the way toward the rational design not only of CNMs but also of other organic and inorganic 2D materials for energy‐efficient and highly selective filtration applications.
Asymmetrical Emissivity and Wettability in Stitching Treble Weave Metafabric for Synchronous Personal Thermal‐Moisture Management
Authors: Li Xiaoyan , Ji Yating , Fan Zhuizhui , Du Peibo , Xu Bi , Cai Zaisheng
Published: April 2023

Developing textiles with passive thermal management is an effective strategy to maintain the human body healthy as well as decrease energy consumption. Personal thermal management (PTM) textiles with engineered constituent element and fabric structure have been developed, however the comfortability and robustness of these textiles remains a challenge due to the complexity of passive thermal‐moisture management. Here a metafabric with asymmetrical stitching treble weave based on woven structure design and yarn functionalization is developed, in which the thermal radiation regulation and moisture‐wicking can be achieved simultaneously throughout the dual‐mode metafabric due to its optically regulated property, multi‐branched through‐porous structure and surface wetting difference. With simply flipping, the metafabric enables high solar reflectivity (87.6%) and IR emissivity (94%) in the cooling mode, and a low IR emissivity of 41.3% in the heating mode. When overheating and sweating, the cooling capacity reaches to ≈9 °C owing to the synergistic effect of radiation and evaporation. Moreover, the tensile strengths of the metafabric are 46.18 MPa (warp direction) and 37.59 MPa (weft direction), respectively. This work provides a facile strategy to fabricate multi‐functional integrated metafabrics with much flexibility and thus has great potential for thermal management applications and sustainable energy.
La2O3 Filler's Stabilization of Residual Solvent in Polymer Electrolyte for Advanced Solid‐State Lithium‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Zeng Yaping , Zhao Le , Zhang Jiaming , Li Qiuping , Sun Dan , Ren Yu , Tang Yougen , Jin Guanhua , Wang Haiyan
Published: April 2023

Polymer solid electrolytes (SEs) with high safety and flexibility are ideal for advanced lithium‐metal solid‐state batteries (SSBs). Among various polymer SEs, polyvinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene (PVDF‐HFP) polymer SEs have gained increased attention for their high dielectric constants, high ionic conductivity, and excellent flexibility. However, severe side reactions at the interface caused by the decomposition of residual DMF solvent significantly reduce the cycle life of PVDF‐HFP‐based SSBs. Herein, La2O3 nanoparticles are used as new inorganic fillers to form a PVDF‐HFP/LiFSI/La2O3‐40% composite polymer electrolyte (PVDF‐HFP/La2O3 CPE). Benefiting from the interaction between La2O3 and N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) solvent molecules, the cell cycling stability is greatly improved. In addition, the PVDF‐HFP/LiFSI solid electrolyte (PVDF‐HFP SE) containing 40 wt% La2O3 has the highest ionic conductivity of 1.33 × 10−3 S cm−1 at 25 °C. It also exhibits a higher lithium‐ion transference number of 0.52 and lower polarization. The PVDF‐HFP/La2O3 CPE here ensures high ionic conductivity and stable interface chemistry in SSB, demonstrating a promising application potential.
Micromechanical Modeling of Strain‐Hardening Behavior in Dual‐Phase Steels
Authors: Rezayat Mohammad , Rahron Reyhaneh , Allafi Afagh
Published: April 2023

A mathematical model is developed to consider the impact of microstructural parameters, including the volume fraction and the average particle size of martensite, on the flow stress and strain‐hardening behavior of dual‐phase microstructure. In this regard, the micromechanical approach is applied for partitioning the stress and strain in ferrite and martensite. Martensite carbon content and geometrically necessary dislocations, generated from austenite‐to‐martensite transformation, and strain accommodation at the ferrite–martensite interface, are involved to modify the partitioned stress of martensite and ferrite, respectively. Having partitioned stress in each phase, the global stress is estimated as the function of steel chemical composition, ferrite grain size, martensite particle size, aspect ratio, and volume fraction. To evaluate the applicability of the proposed model, four dual‐phase steels containing 12, 25, 34, and 48% volume fractions of martensite are prepared from the intermediate quenching process, and then after the strain‐hardening stages are investigated. Comparing the experimental result and model output reveals that the presented model shows good predictive capabilities to identify strain‐hardening stages and estimate the inverse of the strain‐hardening exponent.
Freestanding Mo3N2 nanotubes for long‐term stabilized 2e− intermediate‐based high energy efficiency Li–CO2 batteries
Authors: Qi Guicai , Zhang Junxiang , Cheng Jianli , Wang Bin
Published: April 2023

Li–CO2 batteries are considered one of the promising power sources owing to ultrahigh energy density and carbon fixation. Nevertheless, the sluggish reaction kinetics of 4e− discharged process (Li2CO3) impede its potential application. One of the efficient strategies for developing cathode catalysts is to stabilize 2e− intermediate Li2C2O4 and improve reaction reversibility. However, long‐term catalysts of stabilized Li2C2O4 are barely achieved, whereas cycle stability is far from satisfactory level. Herein, non‐noble metal–based Mo3N2 is synthesized and employed as freestanding cathodes for Li–CO2 batteries. Owing to rich delocalized electrons of Mo2+ and reversible electron localization structure, freestanding Mo3N2 cathodes exhibit a low charge potential (3.28 V) with an ultralow potential gap (0.64 V), high energy efficiency of up to 80.46%, fast rate capability, and outstanding cycle stability (>910 h). In situ experiments and theoretical calculation verify that Mo3N2 stabilizes 2e− Li2C2O4 intermediate by the interaction of Mo2+ as active sites where Mo2+ promotes the transfer of outer electrons to O, prevents its disproportionation to Li2CO3, and promotes reaction kinetics, contributing to high energy efficiency and outstanding cycle reversibility. In addition, the pouch‐cells deliver ultrahigh energy density of up to 6350.7 W h kg−1 based on the mass of cathode materials.
Technical debt in the engineering of complex systems
Authors: Yang Ye , Verma Dinesh , Anton Philip S.
Published: April 2023

The metaphor of technical debt (TD) is widely adopted in the software engineering field, referring to short‐term compromises in software artifacts in exchange for speed or to meet release schedules or other constraints. The implication is that TDs accumulate over time, and may eventually make rework or maintenance very expensive or even impossible. The analogy is generally applicable in the systems engineering field, particularly concerning numerous program cancellation and obsolescence challenges due to premature decisions made in early acquisition phases. This paper adapts this metaphor of TD to the systems engineering field, and proposes a TD taxonomy to support the early identification and assessment of TD items in engineering complex systems, especially in the early life cycle phases of engineering complex, distributed systems. The taxonomy identifies seven TD types: functionality, performance, interoperability, version conflicts, documentation and support, system evolution, and organic, based on systematic indicators and signs discoverable during early acquisition activities. We expect that the notion and the taxonomy of TD will offer an additional perspective for design decisions that will help mitigate challenging integration and obsolescence issues in the engineering of complex systems.
Opportunistic viral surveillance confirms the ongoing disease threat grey squirrels pose to sympatric red squirrel populations in the UK
Authors: Everest David J. , Green Chalin , Dastjerdi Akbar , Davies Hannah , Cripps Rachel , McKinney Conor , Podgornik Gala , Stinson Michael , O'Hare Simon , Sapsford Bonnie , Mill Aileen , Van der Waal Zelda , Robinson Nikki , Trotter Stephen , Shuttleworth Craig M.
Published: April 2023

Background

Red Squirrels United was a UK landscape‐scale grey squirrel management programme undertaken between 2016 and 2020.

Methods

A total of 11034 grey squirrels were removed by culling, with 1506 necropsied and 1405 suitable for adenovirus (AdV) or squirrelpox virus (SQPV) quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis. Spleen, lip or hair were extracted, and DNA was isolated, with samples tested in duplicate by qPCR.

Results

Of 1378 tissue samples, 43% were positive for AdV and 10% for SQPV. Of 1031 hair samples, 11% were positive for AdV and 10% for SQPV. Overall, 762 of 1405 (54%) animals were positive for one or both viruses.

Limitations

Ad hoc sampling was undertaken from limited geographical areas but provided the only dataset from that period, instead of extrapolating from historical data.

Conclusions

The grey squirrel is an asymptomatic reservoir host for AdV and SQPV. Interspecific infection transmission potential is demonstrated. Grey squirrel management by culling is essential for mainland red squirrel viability until other suitable management tools are available.
Effect of neutering timing in relation to puberty on female dog behaviour—A scoping review
Authors: Moxon Rachel , Freeman Sarah L. , Payne Richard , Corr Sandra , England Gary C. W.
Published: April 2023

Background

There are contradictory findings in the literature relating to the effects of timing of neutering on bitch behaviour that make decision making regarding neutering timing difficult.

Methods

A scoping review was designed to identify and chart the evidence on the effect of neutering timing in relation to puberty on the behaviour of female domesticated dogs. A protocol was registered, and literature searches were conducted in CAB Abstracts, Medline and Web of Science. Studies were reviewed against the inclusion criteria. Data on study and population characteristics and behavioural outcomes were extracted for the final included studies.

Results

A total of 1048 publications were reviewed; 13 were retained for inclusion and charting. Only one of the two studies that classified bitches as pre‐ or postpubertal presented results for the analysis of behaviours. The remaining 11 studies classified bitches by age at neutering.

Limitations

Since the scoping review searches were conducted, further relevant studies may have become available. The search strategy may not have identified all available literature; however, databases were used that provide high levels of coverage of veterinary literature.

Conclusion

This scoping review identified a lack of evidence to document the impact of neutering bitches before or after puberty on behaviour.
Genomic selection for genotype performance and stability using information on multiple traits and multiple environments
Authors: Bančič J. , Ovenden B. , Gorjanc G. , Tolhurst D. J.
Published: April 2023

Key message

The inclusion of multiple traits and multiple environments within a partially separable factor analytic approach for genomic selection provides breeders with an informative framework to utilise genotype by environment by trait interaction for efficient selection.

This paper develops a single-stage genomic selection (GS) approach which incorporates information on multiple traits and multiple environments within a partially separable factor analytic framework. The factor analytic linear mixed model is an effective method for analysing multi-environment trial (MET) datasets, but has not been extended to GS for multiple traits and multiple environments. The advantage of using all information is that breeders can utilise genotype by environment by trait interaction (GETI) to obtain more accurate predictions across correlated traits and environments. The partially separable factor analytic linear mixed model (SFA-LMM) developed in this paper is based on a three-way separable structure, which includes a factor analytic matrix between traits, a factor analytic matrix between environments and a genomic relationship matrix between genotypes. A diagonal matrix is then added to enable a different genotype by environment interaction (GEI) pattern for each trait and a different genotype by trait interaction (GTI) pattern for each environment. The results show that the SFA-LMM provides a better fit than separable approaches and a comparable fit to non-separable and partially separable approaches. The distinguishing feature of the SFA-LMM is that it will include fewer parameters than all other approaches as the number of genotypes, traits and environments increases. Lastly, a selection index is used to demonstrate simultaneous selection for overall performance and stability. This research represents an important continuation in the advancement of plant breeding analyses, particularly with the advent of high-throughput datasets involving a very large number of genotypes, traits and environments.
Identification of quantitative trait loci and development of diagnostic markers for growth habit traits in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: Fang Yuanjin , Zhang Xinyou , Liu Hua , Wu Jihua , Qi Feiyan , Sun Ziqi , Zheng Zheng , Dong Wenzhao , Huang Bingyan
Published: April 2023

Key message

QTLs for growth habit are identified on Arahy.15 and Arahy.06 in peanut, and diagnostic markers are developed and validated for further use in marker-assisted breeding.

Peanut is a unique legume crop because its pods develop and mature underground. The pegs derive from flowers following pollination, then reach the ground and develop into pods in the soil. Pod number per plant is influenced by peanut growth habit (GH) that has been categorized into four types, including erect, bunch, spreading and prostrate. Restricting pod development at the plant base, as would be the case for peanut plants with upright lateral branches, would decrease pod yield. On the other hand, GH characterized by spreading lateral branches on the ground would facilitate pod formation on the nodes, thereby increasing yield potential. We describe herein an investigation into the GH traits of 521 peanut recombinant inbred lines grown in three distinct environments. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for GH were identified on linkage group (LG) 15 between 203.1 and 204.2 cM and on LG 16 from 139.1 to 139.3 cM. Analysis of resequencing data in the identified QTL regions revealed that single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) or insertion and/or deletion (INDEL) at Arahy15.156854742, Arahy15.156931574, Arahy15.156976352 and Arahy06.111973258 may affect the functions of their respective candidate genes, Arahy.QV02Z8, Arahy.509QUQ, Arahy.ATH5WE and Arahy.SC7TJM. These SNPs and INDELs in relation to peanut GH were further developed for KASP genotyping and tested on a panel of 77 peanut accessions with distinct GH features. This study validates four diagnostic markers that may be used to distinguish erect/bunch peanuts from spreading/prostrate peanuts, thereby facilitating marker-assisted selection for GH traits in peanut breeding.
Finding the optimal candidate for shock wave lithotripsy: external validation and comparison of five prediction models
Authors: Popiolek Marcin , Jendeberg Johan , Sundqvist Pernilla , Wagenius Magnus , Lidén Mats
Published: April 2023

We aimed to externally validate five previously published predictive models (Ng score, Triple D score, S3HoCKwave score, Kim nomogram, Niwa nomogram) for shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) single-session outcomes in patients with a solitary stone in the upper ureter. The validation cohort included patients treated with SWL from September 2011 to December 2019 at our institution. Patient-related variables were retrospectively collected from the hospital records. Stone-related data including all measurements were retrieved from computed tomography prior to SWL. We estimated discrimination using area under the curve (AUC), calibration, and clinical net benefit based on decision curve analysis (DCA). A total of 384 patients with proximal ureter stones treated with SWL were included in the analysis. Median age was 55.5 years, and 282 (73%) of the sample were men. Median stone length was 8.0 mm. All models significantly predicted the SWL outcomes after one session. S3HoCKwave score, Niwa, and Kim nomograms had the highest accuracy in predicting outcomes, with AUC 0.716, 0.714 and 0.701, respectively. These three models outperformed both the Ng (AUC: 0.670) and Triple D (AUC: 0.667) scoring systems, approaching statistical significance (P = 0.05). Of all the models, the Niwa nomogram showed the strongest calibration and highest net benefit in DCA. To conclude, the models showed small differences in predictive power. The Niwa nomogram, however, demonstrated acceptable discrimination, the most accurate calibration, and the highest net benefit whilst having relatively simple design. Therefore, it could be useful for counselling patients with a solitary stone in the upper ureter.
Three‐Dimensional Digitalized Virtual Planning of Free Anterior Tibial Artery Perforator Flap for Repairing Soft Tissue Defects in Extremities
Authors: Shi Yan , Xu Yongqing , Fan Xinyu , Wang Teng , Su Yanting , Fang Xiang , Yang Xi , Fu Qichen , Luo Tianxian , He Xiaoqing
Published: April 2023

Background

Traditional research methods have limited the application of anterior tibial artery perforator flap due to incomplete knowledge of the perforator. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of three‐dimensional digitalized virtual planning of free anterior tibial artery perforator flap for repairing soft tissue defects in extremities.

Methods

A total of 11 patients with soft tissue defects in extremities were included. The patient underwent computed tomography angiography (CTA) of bilateral lower limbs, and then the three‐dimensional models of bones, arteries, and skin were constructed. Septocutaneous perforators with appropriate length and diameter were selected to design anterior tibial artery perforator flaps in software, and the virtual flaps were superimposed onto the patient's donor site in a translucent state. During the operation, the flaps were dissected and anastomosed to the proximal blood vessel of the defects as designed.

Results

Three‐dimensional modeling showed clear anatomical relationships between bones, arteries, and skin. The origin, course, location, diameter, and length of the perforator obtained during the operation were consistent with those observed preoperatively. Eleven anterior tibial artery perforator flaps were successfully dissected and transplanted. Postoperative venous crisis occurred in one flap, partial epidermis necrosis occurred in another flap, while the remaining flaps completely survived. One flap was treated with debulking operation. The remaining flaps maintained aesthetic appearance, which did not affect the function of the affected limbs.

Conclusions

Three‐dimensional digitalized technology can provide comprehensive information on anterior tibial artery perforators, thus assisting in planning and dissecting patient‐specific flaps for repairing soft tissue defects in extremities.
First report on biological iron uptake in the Antarctic sea-ice environment
Authors: Lannuzel Delphine , Fourquez Marion , de Jong Jeroen , Tison Jean-Louis , Delille Bruno , Schoemann Véronique
Published: April 2023

Melting sea ice is a seasonal source of iron (Fe) to the Southern Ocean (SO), where Fe levels in surface waters are otherwise generally too low to support phytoplankton growth. However, the effectiveness of sea-ice Fe fertilization in stimulating SO primary production is unknown since no data exist on Fe uptake by microorganisms in the sea-ice environment. This study reports a unique dataset on Fe uptake rates, Fe-to-carbon (C) uptake ratio (Fe uptake normalized to C uptake) and Fe:C uptake rate (Fe uptake normalized to biomass) by in situ microbial communities inhabiting sea ice and the underlying seawater. Radioisotopes55Fe and14C were used in short-term uptake experiments during the 32-day Ice Station POLarstern (ISPOL) time series to evaluate the contributions of small (0.8–10 µm) and large (> 10 µm) microbes to Fe uptake. Overall, results show that over 90% of Fe was bound to the outside of the cells. Intracellular Fe (Feintra) uptake rates reached up to 68, 194, and 203 pmol Fe L−1d− 1in under-ice seawater, bottom ice, and top ice, respectively. Inorganic carbon uptake ranged between 0.03 and 3.2 µmol C L−1d−1, with the lowest rate observed in under-ice seawater. Importantly, between the start and end of ISPOL, we observed a 30-fold increase in Feintranormalized to carbon biomass in bottom sea ice. This trend was likely due to changes in the microbial community from a dominance of large diatoms at the start of the survey to small diatoms later in the season. As the Antarctic icescape and associated ecosystems are changing, this dataset will help inform the parameterisation of sea-ice biogeochemical and ecological models in ice-covered regions.
Diel niche partitioning of a plant-hummingbird network in the Atlantic forest of Brazil
Authors: Nieto Andrea , Wüest Rafael O. , Graham Catherine H. , Varassin Isabela G.
Published: April 2023

Niche partitioning is an important mechanism that allows species to coexist. Within mutualistic interaction networks, diel niche partitioning, i.e., partitioning of resources throughout the day, has been neglected. We explored diel niche partitioning of a plant-hummingbird network in the Brazilian Atlantic forest for nine months. To evaluate diel patterns of hummingbird visits and nectar production, we used time-lapse cameras on focal flowers and repeated nectar volume and concentration measures, respectively. Additionally, we measured flower abundance around focal flowers and flower morphological traits. We did not observe diel partitioning for either hummingbirds or plants. Instead, hummingbirds appeared to specialize in different plant species, consistent with trophic niche partitioning, potentially resulting from competition. In contrast, plant species that co-flowered and shared hummingbird visits produced nectar during similar times, consistent with facilitation. Our focus on the fine-scale temporal pattern revealed that plants and hummingbirds appear to have different strategies for promoting co-existence.
Physically enhanced training for modeling rate-independent plasticity with feedforward neural networks
Authors: Weber Patrick , Wagner Werner , Freitag Steffen
Published: April 2023

In recent years, a lot of progress has been made in the field of material modeling with artificial neural networks (ANNs). However, the following drawbacks persist to this day: ANNs need a large amount of data for the training process. This is not realistic, if real world experiments are intended to be used as data basis. Additionally, the application of ANN material models in finite element (FE) calculations is challenging because local material instabilities can lead to divergence within the solution algorithm. In this paper, we extend the approach of constrained neural network training from [28] to elasto-plastic material behavior, modeled by an incrementally defined feedforward neural network. Purely stress and strain dependent equality and inequality constraints are introduced, including material stability, stationarity, normalization, symmetry and the prevention of energy production. In the Appendices, we provide a comprehensive framework on how to implement these constraints in a gradient based optimization algorithm. We show, that ANN material models with training enhanced by physical constraints leads to a broader capture of the material behavior that underlies the given training data. This is especially the case, if a limited amount of data is available, which is important for a practical application. Furthermore, we show that these ANN models are superior to classically trained ANNs in FE computations when it comes to convergence behavior, stability, and physical interpretation of the results.
Construction of voting situations concordant with ranking patterns
Authors: De Santis Emilio , Spizzichino Fabio
Published: April 2023

Referring to a standard context of voting theory, and to the classic notion of voting situation, here we show that it is possible to observe any arbitrary set of elections’ outcomes, no matter how paradoxical it may appear. In this respect, we consider a set of candidates $$1, 2, \ldots , m $$

1
,
2
,
…
,
m

and, for any subset A of $$\{1, 2, \ldots , m \}$$

{
1
,
2
,
…
,
m
}

, we fix a ranking among the candidates belonging to A. We wonder whether it is possible to find a population of voters whose preferences, expressed according to the Condorcet’s proposal, give rise to that family of rankings. We will show that, whatever be such family, a population of voters can be constructed that realize all the rankings of it. Our conclusions are similar to those coming from D. Saari’s results. Our results are, however, constructive and allow for the study of quantitative aspects of the wanted voters’ populations.
Fecal levels of SCFA and BCFA during capecitabine in patients with metastatic or unresectable colorectal cancer
Authors: Ziemons Janine , Aarnoutse Romy , Heuft Anne , Hillege Lars , Waelen Janneke , de Vos-Geelen Judith , Valkenburg-van Iersel Liselot , van Hellemond Irene E. G. , Creemers Geert-Jan M. , Baars Arnold , Vestjens Johanna H. M. J. , Penders John , Venema Koen , Smidt Marjolein L.
Published: April 2023

Background

Gut bacteria-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and branched-chain fatty acids (BCFA) are considered to have beneficial metabolic, anti-inflammatory as well as anti-carcinogenic effects. Previous preclinical studies indicated bidirectional interactions between gut bacteria and the chemotherapeutic capecitabine or its metabolite 5-FU. This study investigated the effect of three cycles of capecitabine on fecal SCFA and BCFA levels and their associations with tumor response, nutritional status, physical performance, chemotherapy-induced toxicity, systemic inflammation and bacterial abundances in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

Forty-four patients with metastatic or unresectable CRC, scheduled for treatment with capecitabine (± bevacizumab), were prospectively enrolled. Patients collected a fecal sample and completed a questionnaire before (T1), during (T2) and after (T3) three cycles of capecitabine. Tumor response (CT/MRI scans), nutritional status (MUST score), physical performance (Karnofsky Performance Score) and chemotherapy-induced toxicity (CTCAE) were recorded. Additional data on clinical characteristics, treatment regimen, medical history and blood inflammatory parameters were collected. Fecal SCFA and BCFA concentrations were determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Gut microbiota composition was assessed using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing.

Results

Fecal levels of the SCFA valerate and caproate decreased significantly during three cycles of capecitabine. Furthermore, baseline levels of the BCFA iso-butyrate were associated with tumor response. Nutritional status, physical performance and chemotherapy-induced toxicity were not significantly associated with SCFA or BCFA. Baseline SCFA correlated positively with blood neutrophil counts. At all time points, we identified associations between SCFA and BCFA and the relative abundance of bacterial taxa on family level.

Conclusions

The present study provided first indications for a potential role of SCFA and BCFA during capecitabine treatment as well as implications for further research.

Trial registration

The current study was registered in the Dutch Trial Register (NTR6957) on 17/01/2018 and can be consulted via the International Clinical Trial Registry Platform (ICTRP).
A matheuristic for customized multi-level multi-criteria university timetabling
Authors: Dunke Fabian , Nickel Stefan
Published: April 2023

Course timetables are the organizational foundation of a university’s educational program. While students and lecturers perceive timetable quality individually according to their preferences, there are also collective criteria derived normatively such as balanced workloads or idle time avoidance. A recent challenge and opportunity in curriculum-based timetabling consists of customizing timetables with respect to individual student preferences and with respect to integrating online courses as part of modern course programs or in reaction to flexibility requirements as posed in pandemic situations. Curricula consisting of (large) lectures and (small) tutorials further open the possibility for optimizing not only the lecture and tutorial plan for all students but also the assignments of individual students to tutorial slots. In this paper, we develop a multi-level planning process for university timetabling: On the tactical level, a lecture and tutorial plan is determined for a set of study programs; on the operational level, individual timetables are generated for each student interlacing the lecture plan through a selection of tutorials from the tutorial plan favoring individual preferences. We utilize this mathematical-programming-based planning process as part of a matheuristic which implements a genetic algorithm in order to improve lecture plans, tutorial plans, and individual timetables so as to find an overall university program with well-balanced timetable performance criteria. Since the evaluation of the fitness function amounts to invoking the entire planning process, we additionally provide a proxy in the form of an artificial neural network metamodel. Computational results exhibit the procedure’s capability of generating high quality schedules.
Turbulent Drag Reduction by Travelling Waves of Spanwise Lorentz Force
Authors: Yang Qiang , Chung Yongmann M.
Published: April 2023

Travelling waves induced by spanwise Lorentz force for skin-friction drag reduction are studied in the present work using direct numerical simulations, with particular focus on the streamwise and spanwise travelling waves. The overall picture of drag reduction in the frequency-wavenumber parameter space, $$\omega -\kappa _x-\kappa _z$$

ω
-

κ
x

-

κ
z

is uncovered. It is found that both drag reduction maps for the streamwise and spanwise travelling waves are featured with a drag reduction ($$\mathcal{D}\mathcal{R}$$

D
R

) region and a drag increase ($$\mathcal{D}\mathcal{I}$$

D
I

) region. For the streamwise travelling wave of spanwise Lorentz force, the $$\mathcal{D}\mathcal{R}$$

D
R

and $$\mathcal{D}\mathcal{I}$$

D
I

regions are located in the same parameter regime compared to that of the streamwise travelling wave of spanwise wall velocity, while for the spanwise travelling wave, the $$\mathcal{D}\mathcal{R}$$

D
R

variation at any fixed $$\kappa _z$$

κ
z

is similar to that of spanwise oscillating Lorentz force. An exploration of the oblique travelling wave with an angle to the mean flow shows that the optimal drag reduction appears when the wave travels backward relative to the flow direction, and the "ribbon" structure is a general phenomenon appearing in all oblique travelling wave cases. The ensemble averaged positive and negative quasi-streamwise vortices become asymmetric when the travelling wave is imposed, and the near-wall high- and low-speed streaks are significantly tilted in the spanwise direction. Spanwise oscillation, streamwise and spanwise travelling waves share strong similarity in the statistics, energy spectra as well as turbulent structure modulation.
Dual Contraceptive Method Utilization and Associated Factors Among HIV Positive Women Attending ART Clinic in Finote-Selam Hospital: Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Jemberie Anteneh , Aynalem Bewket Yeserah , Zeleke Liknaw Bewket , Alemu Addisu Alehegn , Tiruye Tenaw Yimer
Published: April 2023

Worldwide, the human immune deficiency virus is the leading cause of death for women of childbearing age. Around two-thirds of all pregnant women living with the human immune deficiency virus experience an unintended pregnancy. The correct and consistent use of dual contraceptive methods is important to prevent unintended pregnancy and transmission of sexually transmitted infections. However, little is known about the utilization of dual contraceptive methods among HIV-infected women. Thus, this study aimed to assess dual contraceptive utilization and associated factors among HIV-positive women attending antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Finote Selam Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. Facility-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from September 1 to October 30, 2019, in Finote Selam Hospital among HIV-positive women. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select study participants and the data were gathered by an interviewer-administered structured pretested questionnaire. Factors associated with dual contraceptive use were identified through binary logistic regression. Finally, a p-value < 0.05 was taken as a cutoff point to declare a significant association, and the direction and strength of the association were determined by the adjusted odds ratio. The study showed that 21.8% of HIV-positive women attending ART care in Finote Selam Hospital utilize dual contraceptive methods. Dual contraceptive utilization was significantly associated with having a child (AOR: 3.29; CI 1.45, 7.47), having family support to use dual contraceptives (AOR: 3.02; CI 1.39, 6.54), having multiple sexual partners (AOR: 0.11; CI 0.05, 0.22), and urban residence (AOR: 3.64; 1.82, 7.3). The study revealed that low utilization of dual contraceptive methods. This will continue major public health problems in the study area unless future interventions conducted.
The Influence of CSR Orientation on Innovative Performance: Is the Effect Conditioned to the Implementation of Organizational Practices?
Authors: Anzola-Román Paula , Garcia-Marco Teresa , Zouaghi Ferdaous
Published: April 2023

Previous research has examined the relationship between CSR and innovation and has suggested that the former might positively affect the latter; however, the impact of CSR on innovation success needs further attention. This study aims to develop a deeper understanding of how environmental and social CSR are related to innovation performance and whether the implementation of organizational practices might moderate this relationship. The results are based on an unbalanced panel of 14,313 observations of 3713 firms covering 2011–2015. Using random-effects probit models and the estimation of average marginal effects (AMEs), this paper contributes to the literature on CSR by explaining how CSR dimensions affect innovation success differently and by addressing how this effect is influenced by organizational innovation. The results show that while environmental CSR orientation proves beneficial for the generation of process innovation, social CSR orientation contributes to the generation of both kinds of technological innovations only when internal organizational practices are implemented. This study provides valuable insights for managers aiming to implement a CSR perspective in their strategies to support the pursuit of innovation.
Predictors of coronary artery injury after orbital atherectomy as assessed by optical coherence tomography
Authors: Lee Tetsumin , Ashikaga Takashi , Nozato Toshihiro , Kaneko Masakazu , Miyazaki Ryoichi , Okata Shinichiro , Nagase Masashi , Horie Tomoki , Terui Mao , Kishigami Tetsuya , Nagata Yasutoshi , Misawa Toru , Taomoto Yuta , Kachi Daigo , Naito Michihito , Yonetsu Taishi , Sasano Tetsuo
Published: April 2023

Purpose: The association between the extent of the wire and device bias as assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) in the healthy portion of the vessel and the risk of coronary artery injury after orbital atherectomy (OA) has not been fully elucidated. Thus, purpose of this study is to investigate the association between pre-OA OCT findings and post-OA coronary artery injury by OCT. Methods: We enrolled 148 de novo lesions having calcified lesion required OA (max Ca angle > 90°) in 135 patients who underwent both pre- and post-OA OCT. In pre-OA OCT, OCT catheter contact angle and the presence or absences of guide-wire (GW) contact with the normal vessel intima were assessed. Also, in post-OA OCT, we assessed there was post-OA coronary artery injury (OA injury), defined as disappearance of both of intima and medial wall of normal vessel, or not. Results: OA injury was found in 19 lesions (13%). Pre-PCI OCT catheter contact angle with the normal coronary artery was significantly larger (median 137°; inter quartile range [IQR] 113–169 vs. median 0°; IQR 0–0, P < 0.001) and more GW contact with the normal vessel was found (63% vs. 8%, P < 0.001). Pre-PCI OCT catheter contact angle > 92° and GW contact with the normal vessel intima were associated with post-OA vascular injury (Both: 92% (11/12), Either: 32% (8/25), Neither: 0% (0/111), P < 0.001). Conclusion: Pre-PCI OCT findings, such as catheter contact angle > 92° and guide-wire contact to the normal coronary artery, were associated with post-OA coronary artery injury.
Coronary X-ray angiography segmentation using Artificial Intelligence: a multicentric validation study of a deep learning model
Authors: Nobre Menezes Miguel , Silva João Lourenço , Silva Beatriz , Rodrigues Tiago , Guerreiro Cláudio , Guedes João Pedro , Santos Manuel Oliveira , Oliveira Arlindo L. , Pinto Fausto J.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

We previously developed an artificial intelligence (AI) model for automatic coronary angiography (CAG) segmentation, using deep learning. To validate this approach, the model was applied to a new dataset and results are reported.

Methods

Retrospective selection of patients undergoing CAG and percutaneous coronary intervention or invasive physiology assessment over a one month period from four centers. A single frame was selected from images containing a lesion with a 50–99% stenosis (visual estimation). Automatic Quantitative Coronary Analysis (QCA) was performed with a validated software. Images were then segmented by the AI model. Lesion diameters, area overlap [based on true positive (TP) and true negative (TN) pixels] and a global segmentation score (GSS – 0 -100 points) - previously developed and published - were measured.

Results

123 regions of interest from 117 images across 90 patients were included. There were no significant differences between lesion diameter, percentage diameter stenosis and distal border diameter between the original/segmented images. There was a statistically significant albeit minor difference [0,19 mm (0,09–0,28)] regarding proximal border diameter. Overlap accuracy ((TP + TN)/(TP + TN + FP + FN)), sensitivity (TP / (TP + FN)) and Dice Score (2TP / (2TP + FN + FP)) between original/segmented images was 99,9%, 95,1% and 94,8%, respectively. The GSS was 92 (87–96), similar to the previously obtained value in the training dataset.

Conclusion

the AI model was capable of accurate CAG segmentation across multiple performance metrics, when applied to a multicentric validation dataset. This paves the way for future research on its clinical uses.
Analysis of morphological traits as a tool to identify the realized niche of phytoplankton populations: what do the shape of planktic microalgae, Anna Karenina and Vincent van Gogh have in common?
Authors: Naselli-Flores Luigi , Padisák Judit
Published: April 2023

Understanding the dynamics of phytoplankton assemblages in various and variable aquatic ecosystems is of paramount importance, given the strategic supporting services offered by these organisms. Such knowledge is implicitly based on the analysis of the realized niche of the different populations, i.e. of the sets of conditions within which populations show a positive growth. The range of phytoplankton morphological traits variability is evolutionarily selected to maximize the ecological performance of species while they are entrained in the spectrum of turbulent flows. In addition, most phytoplankton species exhibit high morphological plasticity that can further optimize their performance under reduced environmental variability. Although this plasticity is well known, it is seldom considered in phytoplankton studies. Morphological analysis could therefore be used as a tool to estimate the environmental variability within which a species can persist and, ultimately, the niche width of phytoplankton populations. This opinion paper tries to answer the questions: to what extent can the morphological variability of phytoplankton offer a synthesis of the environmental variability of aquatic ecosystems?. Do the morphological traits contain sufficient information to describe the width of the realized niche of phytoplankton species? What can we do to fill eventual gaps in our knowledge?
Docility and dilemmas: Mapping ‘performative evaluation’ and informal learning
Authors: Clapham Andrew
Published: April 2023

Educators working in museums, zoos, and botanic gardens are increasingly required to demonstrate impact. These requirements position ‘performative evaluation’ as the dominant model, one which also acts as a political, non-neutral, and managerial form of accountability. In contrast, ‘practice evaluation’ is intended to be democratic, dialogic, and developmental. To explore this contrast, Foucault’s concept of the docile body is directed toward interviews with five educators from Italy, Portugal, and the United Kingdom who worked in museums, zoos or botanic gardens. In addition to their work mediating informal learning, all five also had responsibilities to provide evaluation reports to audiences including managers, trustees, funders, policy makers, and politicians. Analysis of these interviews identified a set of dilemmas that the participants faced—dilemmas which illustrate how performative evaluation becomes a disciplinary mechanism which produces docile bodies. I argue that such evaluation is not only inappropriate for the context of informal learning, but undemocratic and non-dialogic. The paper concludes that a reset of performative evaluation from an accountability technology, to a developmental one—along a more sophisticated reading of how informal learning is defined—would not only generate rich evaluate data but mitigate against educators being rendered docile by the process.
The Influence of NiO Nanoparticles on Structural, Optical and Dielectric Properties of CMC/PVA/PEDOT:PSS Nanocomposites
Authors: Salim E. , Tarabiah A. E.
Published: April 2023

The solution casting process was used to fabricate nanocomposite samples composed of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) and filled with varied concentrations of nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs). The effect of NiO nanoparticles on the structural, optical, and electrical properties of the pure CMC/PVA/PEDOT:PSS mixture was studied and discussed. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed that the NiO NPs are cubic in phase and range in size from 10 to 55 nm. The XRD analysis of the incorporated films indicated that the NiO NPs crystallinity increased at expense of the CMC/PVA/PEDOT:PSS composites. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) examination revealed the main absorption vibrational peaks of CMC, PVA, PEDOT:PSS, and Ni-O, whose intensities changed randomly after filling, revealing the intermolecular interaction between the nanocomposite components. The UV and visible range absorption spectra showed a sharp peak around 228 for the pure blend, which can be assigned to the π→π* transition. After being filled with NiO NPs, the nanocomposites produced displayed new peaks at 292 and 422 nm that steadily increased with increasing NiO NPs concentration. The optical energy gap (Eg) was computed, and it was discovered that when the NiO NPs content increased, the Eg decreased (from 4.88 to 4.06 eV). At room temperature and over a wide frequency range, between 10− 1 and 107 Hz, the samples’ impedance, AC conductivity, and dielectric qualities were examined. Increased NiO NPs content was seen to gradually enhance dielectric loss (up to 2255), and dielectric constant (up to 311). The AC conductivity of the filled samples is also enhanced and corresponds to Jonscher power law. By analysing impedance components of the Z*, the equivalent electrical circuit for each sample was determined. Because of the considerable improvement in optical and electrical properties, these composite films could compete for usage in optoelectronic applications.
A new fractal index to classify forest fragmentation and disorder
Authors: Peptenatu Daniel , Andronache Ion , Ahammer Helmut , Radulovic Marko , Costanza Jennifer K. , Jelinek Herbert F. , Di Ieva Antonio , Koyama Kohei , Grecu Alexandra , Gruia Andreea Karina , Simion Adrian-Gabriel , Nedelcu Iulia Daniela , Olteanu Cosmin , Drăghici Cristian-Constantin , Marin Marian , Diaconu Daniel Constantin , Fensholt Rasmus , Newman Erica A.
Published: April 2023

Context

Forest loss and fragmentation pose extreme threats to biodiversity. Their efficient characterization from remotely sensed data therefore has strong practical implications. Data are often separately analyzed for spatial fragmentation and disorder, but no existing metric simultaneously quantifies both the shape and arrangement of fragments.

Objectives

We present a fractal fragmentation and disorder index (FFDI), which advances a previously developed fractal index by merging it with the Rényi information dimension. The FFDI is designed to work across spatial scales, and to efficiently report both the fragmentation of images and their spatial disorder.

Methods

We validate the FFDI with 12,600 synthetic hierarchically structured random map (HRM) multiscale images, as well as several other categories of fractal and non-fractal test images (4880 images). We then apply the FFDI to satellite imagery of forest cover for 10 distinct regions of the Romanian Carpathian Mountains from 2000–2021.

Results

The FFDI outperformed its two individual components (fractal fragmentation index and Rényi information dimension) in resolving spatial patterns of disorder and fragmentation when tested on HRM classes and other image types. The FFDI thus offers a clear advantage when compared to the individual use of fractal fragmentation index and the Information Dimension, and provided good classification performance in an application to real data.

Conclusions

This work improves on previous characterizations of landscape patterns. With the FFDI, scientists will be able to better monitor and understand forest fragmentation from satellite imagery. The FFDI may also find wider applicability in biology wherever image analysis is used.