bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Étude des facteurs et des procédés favorables à l’intégration professionnelle des femmes immigrantes africaines de Winnipeg
Authors: Ba Halimatou
Published: April 2021

Cet article traite de l’intégration professionnelle réussie des femmes immigrantes, un sujet peu documenté qui dévoile la réalité positive des femmes immigrantes. L’étude décrit les facteurs et procédés favorables au succès de l’intégration professionnelle réussie des femmes immigrantes africaines francophones à Winnipeg. Réalisée dans une démarche qualitative et sous l’éclairage des théories du capital social et de l’acculturation, les résultats avancent que ces femmes ont réussi leurs parcours professionnels en utilisant leurs compétences personnelles et leur capital social, en participant dans les réseaux et en bénéficiant des opportunités. Confrontées à des difficultés dans leur ascension professionnelle, elles ont développé des stratégies et des accommodements.
Entre pouvoir d’agir et impuissance : regards croisés sur une équipe spécialisée en itinérance
Authors: Côté Philippe-Benoit , MacDonald Sue-Ann , Renard-Robert Guillaume
Published: April 2021

Cet article présente une étude cas qui explore l’expérience des professionnels et des usagers d’une équipe du réseau de la santé et des services sociaux (RSSS) spécialisée en itinérance au Québec. Cinq professionnels et sept personnes en situation d’itinérance ont été rencontrés pour comprendre leur perception du pouvoir d’agir dans le processus d’intervention. Si les professionnels ont l’impression d’accorder une grande latitude aux usagers afin qu’ils puissent développer leur pouvoir d’agir, les personnes en situation d’itinérance rapportent plutôt une impression de subordination qui les poussent à mobiliser leur propre réseau social pour s’organiser à l’extérieur du système d’assistance publique. Cette étude illustre l’importance de contrer l’injonction à l’autonomisation au sein du RSSS québécois, tout en déconstruisant les rapports asymétriques entre les professionnels et les usagers afin de réellement développer le pouvoir d’agir des personnes en situation d’itinérance lors du processus d’intervention.
Les centres de ressources périnatales (CRP) : portrait d’un segment méconnu du tiers secteur québécois
Authors: Tremblay1 Christophe , Deshaies2 Marie-Hélène , Hamelin-Brabant Louise , Roch Geneviève
Published: April 2021

Différents organismes du tiers secteur québécois jouent un rôle central en matière de prestation de soins de santé et de services sociaux à la population. La contribution de certains d’entre eux, dont les centres de ressources périnatales (CRP), demeure toutefois méconnue. S’appuyant sur un échange d’informations stratégique auprès de 13 répondants et répondantes, un portrait des CRP est proposé. Neuf dimensions caractéristiques permettent d’apprécier le caractère distinctif et les forces des CRP, notamment leur approche d’intervention globale et leur potentiel pour catalyser le pouvoir d’agir des familles. Les défis de gouvernance et de financement auxquels ils peuvent être confrontés sont également identifiés.
Examination of the Mechanical, Corrosion, and Tribological Behavior of Friction Stir Welded Aluminum Alloy AA8011
Authors: Ramalingam Vaira Vignesh , Kumar R. Arun , Srirangarajalu N. , Padmanaban R.
Published: April 2021

Aluminum alloy AA8011 is emerging as a promising material for modern engineering applications in which improved tensile strength, hardness, corrosion-resistance, and wear-resistance of materials are required. Typically, AA8011 alloys are utilized in air-conditioning ducts and heat exchanger fins in ships, leisure boats, luxury vessels, workboats, fishing vessels, and patrol boats. However, the conventional welding of AA8011 is a challenging procedure. In this context, this paper focuses on the development of an effective solid-state welding methodology for AA8011 alloy welding. The AA8011 alloy was friction stir welded by varying the tool rotation speed, traverse speed, and shoulder diameter. The microhardness, tensile strength, joint efficiency, elongation, corrosion rate, and wear rate of the friction stir welded specimens were compared with the base material. Fractography analysis was conducted after the tensile test and surface morphology analysis after corrosion and wear tests, using scanning electron microscopy. The compositional elements in the corroded and worn section of the specimens were analyzed using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Based on the joint efficiency as a primary constraint, the optimum process parameters for friction stir welding of aluminum alloy AA8011 have been established as follows: tool rotation speed of 1200 rpm, tool traverse speed of 45 mm/min, and tool shoulder diameter of 21 mm.
CR CyberMar as a Solution Path towards Cybersecurity Soundness in Maritime Logistics Domain
Authors: Canepa Monica , Ballini Fabio , Dalaklis Dimitrios , Vakili Seyedvahid , Colmenares Hernandez Luis Miguel
Published: April 2021

Cybersecurity is now considered as one of the main challenges for the maritime sector. At the same time, the maritime transport industry remains one of the most relevant and driving sectors for the global economy in terms of both the number and operations of active companies, and infrastructure and investments, thanks to the policies pushed to attract the latter. Maritime information systems, whether on board ships or in ports, are numerous, built with standard components available on the market and in many cases designed without factoring in well the ever-growing cyber risk.
Digital infrastructure has become essential in operating and managing systems critical to the safety and security of shipping and ports. Specifically, Cyber-MAR is focused upon the simulation and emulation of the real world of maritime systems (e.g. Logistics, Supply Chain). This research effort will examine the creation of a federated Cyber Range (CR Cyber-MAR) which will include various platforms and interconnected systems on board a vessel or ashore, in order to allow a hyper-realistic simulation of cyber-attacks and trying to assimilate them into real-life. Then the identified CR Cyber range will be integrated in the Cybersecurity training needs for different levels of operators.
The investigation of the discussed topic will essentially use qualitative techniques, analysing data obtained from publications, official and commercial reports, and interviews of a targeted audience.
A Reversible Data Hiding Scheme through Encryption using Rotated Stream Cipher
Authors: Manikandan V. M.
Published: April 2021

The research in the domain of reversible data hiding got much attention in recent years due to its wide applications in medical image transmission and cloud computing.  Reversible data hiding during image encryption is a recently emerged framework for hiding secret data into an image during the image encryption process. In this manuscript, we propose a new reversible data hiding through encryption scheme which will ensure a high embedding rate without bringing any additional overhead of key handling. The proposed algorithm can use any secure symmetric encryption scheme, and the encryption and/or decryption key should be shared with the receiver for data extraction and image recovery. As per the proposed scheme, the data hider can hide three-bits of secret message in an image block of size $B\times B$ pixels. The data extraction image recovery will be carried out by analyzing the closeness between adjacent pixels. The simulation of the new scheme on the USC-SIPI dataset shows that the proposed scheme outperforms the well-known existing schemes in embedding rate and bit error rate.
A review of microscopic analysis of blood cells for disease detection with AI perspective
Authors: Deshpande Nilkanth Mukund , Gite Shilpa , Aluvalu Rajanikanth
Published: April 2021

Background

Any contamination in the human body can prompt changes in blood cell morphology and various parameters of cells. The minuscule images of blood cells are examined for recognizing the contamination inside the body with an expectation of maladies and variations from the norm. Appropriate segmentation of these cells makes the detection of a disease progressively exact and vigorous. Microscopic blood cell analysis is a critical activity in the pathological analysis. It highlights the investigation of appropriate malady after exact location followed by an order of abnormalities, which assumes an essential job in the analysis of various disorders, treatment arranging, and assessment of results of treatment.

Methodology

A survey of different areas where microscopic imaging of blood cells is used for disease detection is done in this paper. Research papers from this area are obtained from a popular search engine, Google Scholar. The articles are searched considering the basics of blood such as its composition followed by staining of blood, that is most important and mandatory before microscopic analysis. Different methods for classification, segmentation of blood cells are reviewed. Microscopic analysis using image processing, computer vision and machine learning are the main focus of the analysis and the review here. Methodologies employed by different researchers for blood cells analysis in terms of these mentioned algorithms is the key point of review considered in the study.

Results

Different methodologies used for microscopic analysis of blood cells are analyzed and are compared according to different performance measures. From the extensive review the conclusion is made.

Conclusion

There are different machine learning and deep learning algorithms employed by researchers for segmentation of blood cell components and disease detection considering microscopic analysis. There is a scope of improvement in terms of different performance evaluation parameters. Different bio-inspired optimization algorithms can be used for improvement. Explainable AI can analyze the features of AI implemented system and will make the system more trusted and commercially suitable.
Photoperiod induced the pituitary differential regulation of lncRNAs and mRNAs related to reproduction in sheep
Authors: He Xiaoyun , Tao Lin , Zhong Yingjie , Di Ran , Xia Qing , Wang Xiangyu , Guo Xiaofei , Gan Shangquan , Zhang Xiaosheng , Zhang Jinlong , Liu Qiuyue , Chu Mingxing
Published: April 2021

The pituitary is a vital endocrine organ that regulates animal seasonal reproduction by controlling the synthesis and secretion of the hormone. The change of photoperiod is the key factor affecting the function of the pituitary in animals, but the mechanism is unclear. Here, we studied the transcriptomic variation in pars distalis (PD) of the pituitary between short photoperiod (SP) and long photoperiod (LP) using RNA sequencing based on the OVX+E2 sheep. 346 differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs and 186 DE-mRNA were found in the PD. Moreover, function annotation analysis indicated that the reproductive hormones and photoperiod response-related pathways including aldosterone synthesis and secretion, insulin secretion, thyroid hormone synthesis, and circadian entrainment were enriched. The interaction analysis of mRNA-lncRNA suggested that MSTRG.240648, MSTRG.85500, MSTRG.32448, and MSTRG.304959 targeted CREB3L1 and DUSP6, which may be involved in the photoperiodic regulation of the PD. These findings provide resources for further study on the seasonal reproductive in ewes.
Transfection types, methods and strategies: a technical review
Authors: Chong Zhi Xiong , Yeap Swee Keong , Ho Wan Yong
Published: April 2021

Transfection is a modern and powerful method used to insert foreign nucleic acids into eukaryotic cells. The ability to modify host cells’ genetic content enables the broad application of this process in studying normal cellular processes, disease molecular mechanism and gene therapeutic effect. In this review, we summarized and compared the findings from various reported literature on the characteristics, strengths, and limitations of various transfection methods, type of transfected nucleic acids, transfection controls and approaches to assess transfection efficiency. With the vast choices of approaches available, we hope that this review will help researchers, especially those new to the field, in their decision making over the transfection protocol or strategy appropriate for their experimental aims.
Association between body mass index and blood pressure levels across socio-demographic groups and geographical settings: analysis of pooled data in Peru
Authors: Bernabe-Ortiz Antonio , Carrillo-Larco Rodrigo M. , Miranda J. Jaime
Published: April 2021

Background

Understanding the relationship between BMI and blood pressure requires assessing whether this association is similar or differs across population groups. This study aimed to assess the association between body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure levels, and how these associations vary between socioeconomic groups and geographical settings.

Methods

Data from the National Demographic Health Survey of Peru from 2014 to 2019 was analyzed considering the complex survey design. The outcomes were levels of systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and the exposure was BMI. Exposure and outcomes were fitted as continuous variables in a non-linear quadratic regression model. We explored effect modification by six socioeconomic and geographical variables (sex, age, education level, socioeconomic position, study area, and altitude), fitting an interaction term between each of these variables and BMI.

Results

Data from 159, 940 subjects, mean age 44.4 (SD: 17.1), 54.6% females, was analyzed. A third (34.0%) of individuals had ≥12 years of education, 24.7% were from rural areas, and 23.7% lived in areas located over 2,500 m above sea level. In the overall sample mean BMI was 27.1 (SD: 4.6) kg/m2, and mean SBP and DBP were 122.5 (SD: 17.2) and 72.3 (SD: 9.8) mmHg, respectively. In the multivariable models, greater BMI levels were associated with higher SBP (p-value < 0.001) and DBP (p-value < 0.001). There was strong evidence that sex, age, education level, and altitude were effect modifiers of the association between BMI and both SBP and DBP. In addition to these socio-demographic variables, socioeconomic position and study area were also effect modifiers of the association between BMI and DBP, but not SBP.

Conclusions

The association between BMI and levels of blood pressure is not uniform on a range of socio-demographic and geographical population groups. This characterization can inform the understanding of the epidemiology and rise of blood pressure in a diversity of low-resource settings.
О новой методике определения стоимости строительного объекта, "Энергия: экономика, техника, экология"
Authors: Каракозова И.В. , Павлов А.С. , ТЕМИШЕВ Р.Р.
Published: April 2021

Определение стоимости стротельства имеет своей целью отображение предполагаемых или фактических затрат на различных этапах жизненного цикла. Энергетическое строительство здесь не исключение, и методы определения стоимости в целом соответствуют методологии, принятой в Российской Федерации. Более того, адекватное представление о затратах в энергетическом строительстве ещё более важно, чем в гражданском, ввиду колоссального объёма затрат и необходимости создания эффективного энергетического производства. Отечественный и зарубежный опыт показывает, что на различных этапах жизненного цикла строительного объекта задачи и методы определения стоимости строительства очень различаются. На предпроектной стадии для принятия решения о строительстве и составления инвестиционных программ необходимы приближённые методы оценки стоимости при недостаточной исходной информации. На этапе проектирования, точнее, на стадии разработки проектной документации, определяется стоимость, используемая для определения начальной цены контракта. Затем, на этапах строительства и эксплуатации, методы определения стоимости приобретают “страдательный залог”, так как решение о строительстве принято, договоры заключены, и экономистам остаётся только фиксировать рост фактических затрат. На этапе вывода из эксплуатации история повторяется.
Eliminating Dendrites and Side Reactions via a Multifunctional ZnSe Protective Layer toward Advanced Aqueous Zn Metal Batteries
Authors: Zhang Long , Zhang Biao , Zhang Teng , Li Tao , Shi Tengfei , Li Wei , Shen Tong , Huang Xiaoxiao , Xu Junjie , Zhang Xiaoguang , Wang Zhiyi , Hou Yanglong
Published: April 2021

The development of aqueous Zn metal batteries (AZMBs) is impeded by severe corrosion, H2 evolution, and dendrite formation issues. In addition, the inability of AZMBs to achieve a large capacity also hinders their commercialization. Here, a multifunctional ZnSe protective layer is reported to synchronously solve the above issues. The ZnSe layer can efficiently provide anticorrosion while also suppressing hydrogen evolution. Systematic analyses of the mechanism suggest that the low Zn affinity of ZnSe and the unbalanced charge distribution at the interface can promote a uniform distribution of Zn2+ and accelerate Zn2+ migration, thus realizing dendrite‐free behavior. Therefore, the Zn@ZnSe symmetric cell exhibits notable rate performance and cycling stability (1500 h). Moreover, this symmetric cell can still stabilize with a low polarization (50 mV), even at 10 mA cm−2 with 5 mAh cm−2. The full cell paired with MnO2 achieves a long lifespan (1800 cycles) with a Coulombic efficiency near 100%. Therefore, this strategy for eliminating dendrites and side reactions at a high rate with a large capacity provides a promising solution for the development of AZMBs.
Discrimination of COVID‐19 From Inflammation‐Induced Cytokine Storm Syndromes Using Disease‐Related Blood Biomarkers
Authors: Kessel Christoph , Vollenberg Richard , Masjosthusmann Katja , Hinze Claas , Wittkowski Helmut , Debaugnies France , Nagant Carole , Corazza Francis , Vély Frédéric , Kaplanski Gilles , Girard‐Guyonvarc’h Charlotte , Gabay Cem , Schmidt Hartmut , Foell Dirk , Tepasse Phil‐Robin
Published: April 2021

Objective

Infection with the novel coronavirus SARS–CoV‐2 triggers severe illness with high mortality in a subgroup of patients. Such a critical course of COVID‐19 is thought to be associated with the development of cytokine storm, a condition seen in macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) and secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). However, specific data demonstrating a clear association of cytokine storm with severe COVID‐19 are still lacking. The aim of this study was to directly address whether immune activation in COVID‐19 does indeed mimic the conditions found in these classic cytokine storm syndromes.

Methods

Levels of 22 biomarkers were quantified in serum samples from patients with COVID‐19 (n = 30 patients, n = 83 longitudinal samples in total), patients with secondary HLH/MAS (n = 50), and healthy controls (n = 9). Measurements were performed using bead array assays and single‐marker enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Serum biomarker levels were assessed for correlations with disease outcome.

Results

In patients with secondary HLH/MAS, we observed pronounced activation of the interleukin‐18 (IL‐18)–interferon‐γ axis, increased serum levels of IL‐1 receptor antagonist, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, and IL‐8, and strongly reduced levels of soluble Fas ligand in the course of SARS–CoV‐2 infection. These observations appeared to discriminate immune dysregulation in critical COVID‐19 from the well‐recognized characteristics of other cytokine storm syndromes.

Conclusion

Serum biomarker profiles clearly separate COVID‐19 from MAS or secondary HLH in terms of distinguishing the severe systemic hyperinflammation that occurs following SARS–CoV‐2 infection. These findings could be useful in determining the efficacy of drugs targeting key molecules and pathways specifically associated with systemic cytokine storm conditions in the treatment of COVID‐19.
Visible‐Light‐Driven Selective Air‐Oxygenation of C−H Bond via CeCl3 Catalysis in Water
Authors: Xie Pan , Xue Cheng , Shi Sanshan , Du Dongdong
Published: April 2021

Visible‐light‐induced C−H aerobic oxidation is an important chemical transformation that can be applied for the synthesis of aromatic ketones. High‐cost catalysts and toxic solvents were generally needed in the present methodologies. Here, an efficient aqueous C−H aerobic oxidation protocol was reported. Through CeCl3‐mediated photocatalysis, a series of aromatic ketones were produced in moderate to excellent yields. With air as the oxidant, this reaction could be performed under mild conditions in water and demonstrated high activity and functional group tolerance. This method is economical, highly efficient, and environmentally friendly, and it will provide inspiration for the development of aqueous photochemical synthesis reactions.
Porous Carbon Nanosphere with Multiple Heteroatom Doping Derived from Silicon Oxycarbonitride as Sulfur Host for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Chen Qingqing , Hu Jinlong , Lu Jiqun , Li Youpeng , Zhang Lingzhi
Published: April 2021

The porous carbon nanosphere with multiple heteroatom doping derived from silicon oxycarbonitride (SiOCN) with an interconnected carbon and silica domains is reported as a robust host of the sulfur cathode for lithium–sulfur batteries. The synthesis of the porous carbon nanosphere (SiOCN‐H) is straightforward etching spherical SiOCN prepared through pyrolysis of a Schiff‐base‐SiO2 precursor. The pore structure of SiOCN‐H can be easily adjusted by altering the amount of tetraethyl orthosilicate added in the aldimine condensation reaction of 3‐aminopropyl‐triethoxysilane with glutaraldehyde. The optimized sample of SiOCN‐H‐1 possesses a larger pore volume of 1.433 cm3 g−1 and contains multiple heteroatoms of Si, O, and N with a total amount of about 21 wt%. The sulfur cathode based on SiOCN‐H‐1 exhibits decent cycling performance, retaining 77.2% of the initial capacity at 0.2C after 100 cycles. At 0.5C, the S/SiOCN‐H‐1 cathode still maintains remarkable cycling stability, delivering a reversible discharge capacity of 540 mAh g−1 after 400 cycles with a low decay of 0.076% per cycle. The porous spherical structure and the chemical bonding capability of doped heteroatoms in SiOCN‐H‐1 primarily contribute to the high performances of the S/SiOCN‐H‐1 cathode by alleviating the dissolution and shuttle effect of polysulfides.
Effect of exhaust gas recirculation on the performance and emission characteristics of a DI‐CI engine fueled with butanol/diesel blends
Authors: Siva Prasad Kattela , Srinivasa Rao Surapaneni , Vysyaraju Rajesh Khana Raju
Published: April 2021

The rapid consumption of fossil fuels, ever rising energy demand, and rigorous emission norms have been attracting the attention of researchers toward clean renewable fuels such as alcohol‐based fuels. Higher chain alcohol fuels are attractive alternative fuels for use in diesel engine. A higher chain alcohol (butanol, pentanol, etc.,) has better blending properties, higher calorific value, and higher cetane number than the lower chain alcohol. Alcohol fuels can be produced from the biomass. Therefore, it is important to examine the fuel, as well as its blends with diesel fuel in diesel engine for the engine characteristics. The present paper aims at studying the performance characteristics of a DI‐CI engine using butanol/diesel (B/D) blends with and without exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). Experiments were performed on a single cylinder CI engine with two different B/D blends (20% and 40% by volume of butanol in the mixture—denoted as a Bu20 and Bu40), with different EGR rates (0%–30% in steps of 10%). The experimental results showed that the brake thermal efficiency (BTE) improved by 1.1% and 1.25% for Bu20 and Bu40 blends in comparison with Bu00. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions reduced by 7.9%, 12.9% for Bu20 and Bu40 blends compared Bu00 respectively. Similarly, the soot emission decreased by 18% and 40.9% for Bu20 and Bu40 compared to Bu00. With the use of EGR, the NOx emissions significantly decreased. At 30% of EGR rate, the NOx emission reduced by 53.9%, 60.2%, and 67% for Bu00, Bu20, and Bu40, respectively. The soot emissions increased slightly at lower EGR rates of 0% to 20%. However, the soot emissions increased drastically at higher EGR rates for all the B/D blends. It is concluded that a combination of higher fraction of B/D blends along with a small EGR rate, can achieve lower emissions (soot and NOx) with a small penalty on the engine performance.
Evaluation of riverbed magnetic susceptibility for mapping biogeochemical hot spots in groundwater‐impacted rivers
Authors: Wang Chen , Briggs Martin A. , Day‐Lewis Frederick D. , Slater Lee D.
Published: April 2021

Redox hot spots occurring as metal‐rich anoxic groundwater discharges through oxic wetland and river sediments commonly result in the formation of iron (Fe) oxide precipitates. These redox‐sensitive precipitates influence the release of nutrients and metals to surface water and can act as ‘contaminant sponges’ by absorbing toxic compounds. We explore the feasibility of a non‐invasive, high‐resolution magnetic susceptibility (MS) technique to efficiently map the spatial variations of magnetic Fe oxide precipitates in the shallow bed of three rivers impacted by anoxic groundwater discharge. Laboratory analyses on Mashpee River (MA, USA) sediments demonstrate the sensitivity of MS to sediment Fe concentrations. Field surveys in the Mashpee and Quashnet rivers (MA, USA) reveal several discrete high MS zones, which are associated with likely anoxic groundwater discharge as evaluated by riverbed temperature, vertical head gradient, and groundwater chemistry measurements. In the East River (CO, USA), widespread cobbles/rocks exhibit high background MS from geological ferrimagnetic minerals, thereby obscuring the relatively small enhancement of MS from groundwater induced Fe oxide precipitates. Our study suggests that, in settings with low geological sources of magnetic minerals such as lowland rivers and wetlands, MS may serve as a complementary tool to temperature methods for efficiently mapping Fe oxide accumulation zones due to anoxic groundwater discharges that may function as biogeochemical hot spots and water quality control points in gaining systems.
Spatial variation of groundwater vulnerability to nitrate pollution under excessive fertilization using index overlay method in central Tunisia (Sidi Bouzid basin)*
Authors: Ncibi Kaouther , Hadji Riheb , Hajji Soumaya , Besser Houda , Hajlaoui Hichem , Hamad Amor , Mokadem Naziha , Ben Saad Amina , Hamdi Mongi , Hamed Younes
Published: April 2021

One of the major challenges in assessing groundwater vulnerability to pollution is the inadequate factors number and weight. Therefore, to carefully improve the assessment of groundwater vulnerability, a model independent of weight assignment errors was used. Moreover, the specific vulnerability index (SVI) of Sidi Bouzid North's groundwater was assessed in this study. Intrinsic vulnerability index (IVI) assessment was determined in the first step by the arithmetic mean calculation by the index overlay method (IOM) based on the D: Depth of aquifer; P: annual average Precipitation; L: Lithology of the vadose zone and S: percent of Slope (DPLS) model. Then SVI was assessed by linking new factors (LU and NO3−) to IVI. Consequently, 83 samples were analysed for NO3−, showing high values that exceed 50 mg l‾¹. The spatial distribution of IVI shows three vulnerability classes in the study area, namely low (8%), moderate (15%) and high (77%). The evaluation of SVI based on the risks associated with the NO3− and LU factors using GIS indicates that about 95% of the total study area is classified with high SVI levels. It displayed a good correlation with NO3− and provided a high discretization of the groundwater risk from natural and anthropogenic pollution. This alarming situation suggests the necessity to apply water‐saving irrigation action for adequate water management.
Isoprene Soya Diels–Alder Adduct and Epoxidation for Photopolymerization
Authors: Ren Xiaofeng , Xu Tong , Thomas Jomin , Soucek Mark D.
Published: April 2021

A novel cyclohexane derivatized soybean oil (CSO) is synthesized by Diels–Alder cycloaddition of soybean oil with isoprene. Then, the epoxidized cycloaliphatic soybean oil (ECSO) is prepared via epoxidation of CSO. For comparison purpose, norbornylized soybean oil (NSO) and epoxy norbornane soybean oil (ENSO) are synthesized. The CSO, ECSO, NSO, and ENSO are characterized by1H NMR,13C NMR, gradient heteronuclear single quantum correlation (gHSQC) 2D NMR, and mass spectroscopy. The epoxidized soybean oil (ESO), ECSO, and ENSO are photopolymerized using UV‐light, and the kinetics of the photocuring reactions is evaluated by real‐time Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) and photo‐differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Real‐time FT‐IR and photo‐DSC indicate the improved reactivity of ECSO and ENSO compared to ESO. It is found that the curing rate and final conversion of novel developed ECSO is higher than ESO, but lower than ENSO.
Nano‐Modification of the Polyvinyl Alcohol/Organic Acid‐Modified Polyvinylidene Fluoride Thin‐Film Composite Membrane and Its Application in the Nanofiltration Process
Authors: Abbasi Eskandary Nazanin , Pakizeh Majid , Namvar‐Mahboub Mahdieh
Published: April 2021

In this study, a novel thin‐film nanocomposite (TFN) membrane is developed consisting of a cross‐linked nano‐modified polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) selective layer on an organic acid‐modified polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane. The nano‐modification of the PVA layer is performed via incorporating different amounts of the amine‐functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs‐NH2) into the PVA matrix. The effect of citric acid on the chemical structure and morphology of the PVDF support is also investigated. The performance of the resultant membranes in the nanofiltration (NF) of MgSO4 and acid yellow‐17 aqueous solutions is also studied. The results indicate that the modification of the support with 0.5 wt% of citric acid increased the water permeance from 1.59 L m−2 h−1 bar−1 (LMH/bar) for PVA/PVDF to 4.49 LMH/bar for the PVA/modified PVDF membrane. Furthermore, the optimum value of MWCNT‐NH2 (0.6 wt%) increases the permeance of the resultant TFN membrane to 4.94 LMH/bar while maintaining a high rejection. Interestingly, the incorporation of MWCNT‐NH2 into the PVA layer and citric acid into the PVDF solution results in a membrane with the highest permeance of 6 LMH/bar.
An extended distally based reverse posterior interosseous artery flap reconstruction for the thumb and distal defects of the fingers
Authors: Kocman Emre A. , Kavak Mustafa , Kaderi Sina , Karabagli Yakup
Published: April 2021

Background

The reverse posterior interosseous artery flap is useful for covering hand defects. However, its major drawback is the short pedicle that limits the reach of the flap up to the metacarpophalangeal level. The authors performed a new modification extending the distal reach of the flap by including the recurrent branch of the posterior interosseous artery and they aimed to present the results of reconstruction with this technique.

Patients and methods

Seven patients with a mean age of 35.2 years (range 17–64 years) underwent extended RPIAF surgery. Six patients were admitted to the emergency department with isolated hand trauma. One patient was present in elective settings with chronic osteomyelitis and skin loss of the thumb related to previous trauma. The defects were located on the distal metacarpophalangeal level (thumb and other fingers). PIA perforators and the recurrent branch were included into the pedicle (Type A) in five cases, whereas the flap was harvested based solely on the recurrent branch (Type B) in two cases. The type B flaps had longer pedicle lengths due to discarding the forearm skin. The donor sites were covered with skin grafts in six patients.

Results

The average size of the extended RPIAF was 3 × 3.5 cm to 10 × 6 cm (mean 8.28 × 4.14 cm). All of the flaps completely survived, and no complications were encountered during the postoperative period. Functional recovery of the operated hands were observed during the follow up period 13.5 months (8–24 months). Both the patient and our satisfactory levels were high and all of the patients returned to their works. Quick DASH score was used in the final functional evaluation retrospectively. Due to the pandemic, the evaluation could be made with a telephone. Two patients could not be reached in the evaluation. The mean quick DASH score of five patients was 28.64.

Conclusion

The extended RPIAF is a reliable choice in distally located thumb and finger defects if the recurrent branch of the posterior interosseous artery is included in the pedicle.
Equilateral triangle hexagonal array by crossing two one‐dimensional Dammann gratings with 60°
Authors: Ye Zonghao , Liu Weicheng , Sun Peng , Jin Ge , Li Junjie , Xie Yongfang , Zhou Changhe , Jia Wei
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we demonstrate a new two‐dimensional Dammann grating element to generate equilateral‐triangle hexagonal spot array distribution with equal intensity. This type of grating is constructed by rotating two one‐dimensional Dammann gratings through an angle of 60° to form a triangular hexagonal array illumination. In this work, a 7 × 7 spot array Dammann grating is fabricated by using electron beam lithography. We have verified the equilateral triangle hexagonal array in experiment, and measured the total diffraction efficiency of the grating up to 52%, with uniformity of 0.29. The new two‐dimensional Dammann grating with its high performance opens avenues for three‐dimensional measurement, electronic toll collection and other applications.
Penumbra quantification from MR SWI‐DWI mismatch and its comparison with MR ASL PWI‐DWI mismatch in patients with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Bhattacharjee Rupsa , Gupta Rakesh Kumar , Das Biplab , Dixit Vijay Kant , Gupta Praveen , Singh Anup
Published: April 2021

In acute‐ischemic‐stroke patients, penumbra assessment plays a significant role in treatment outcome. MR perfusion‐weighted imaging (PWI) and diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) mismatch ratio can provide penumbra assessment. Recently reported studies have shown the potential of susceptibility‐weighted imaging (SWI) in the qualitative assessment of penumbra. We hypothesize that quantitative penumbra assessment using SWI‐DWI can provide an alternative to the PWI‐DWI approach and this can also reduce the overall scan‐time. The purpose of the current study was to develop a framework for accurate quantitative assessment of penumbra using SWI‐DWI and its validation with PWI‐DWI‐based quantification. In the current study, the arterial‐spin‐labelling (ASL) technique has been used for PWI. This retrospective study included 25 acute‐ischemic‐stroke patients presenting within 24 hours of the last noted baseline condition of stroke onset. Eleven patients also had follow‐up MRI within 48 hours. MRI acquisition comprised DWI, SWI, pseudo‐continuous‐ASL (pCASL), FLAIR and non‐contrast‐angiography sequences. A framework was developed for the enhancement of prominent hypo‐intense vein signs followed by automatic segmentation of the SWI penumbra ROI. Apparent‐diffusion‐coefficient (ADC) maps and cerebral‐blood‐flow (CBF) maps were computed. The infarct core ROI from the ADC map and the ASL penumbra ROI from CBF maps were segmented semiautomatically. The infarct core volume, SWI penumbra volume (SPV) and pCASL penumbra volume were computed and used to calculate mismatch ratios
and
. The Dice coefficient between the SWI penumbra ROI and ASL penumbra ROI was 0.96 ± 0.07.
correlated well (r = 0.90, p < 0.05) with
, which validates the hypothesis of accurate penumbra assessment using the SWI‐DWI mismatch ratio. Moreover, a significant association between high SPV and the presence of vessel occlusion in the MR angiogram was observed. Follow‐up data showed salvation of penumbra tissue (location and volumes predicted by proposed framework) by treatments. Additionally, functional‐outcome analysis revealed 93.3% of patients with
> 1 benefitted from revascularization therapy. Overall, the proposed automated quantitative assessment of penumbra using the SWI‐DWI mismatch ratio performs equivalently to the ASL PWI‐DWI mismatch ratio. This approach provides an alternative to the perfusion sequence required for penumbra assessment, which can reduce scan time by 17% for the protocol without a perfusion sequence.
Application of the stress interaction failure criterion in platelet composite compression molded parts
Authors: Colón Quintana José Luis , Teuwsen Jan , Mazzei Capote Gerardo A. , Osswald Tim
Published: April 2021

The stress interaction failure criterion was applied to three compression‐molded sheet molding compound (SMC) materials. Two are epoxy‐based compounds with randomly oriented carbon fiber tows, and the third material consists of glass fiber bundles randomly oriented in a vinyl ester resin. The failure surface was built using tensile test results at different orientations with respect to the flow direction, resulting in combined loads in the principal stress coordinate system. Three unknown variables arise from using only tensile strength values. Solving a system of three equations derived from the criterion function and using the failure values obtained from destructively testing at three different orientations, the unknown variables as well as the interaction strength components were determined. Results show good agreement for all three materials. Overprediction was found in some instances, attributed to the effect of fiber orientation distribution in the part, and to the complex interactions of the filled structures. To allow a more direct comparison between predicted and experimental data, the resulting failure surface was translated to the global coordinate system (σxx) and compared to the data derived from destructive tensile tests. Good agreement for all materials was observed, with underprediction noted for some orientations, attributed in part to the equation solving method and the nature of the mesostructures of the composites, where interactions between the tows, resin, mold walls, and fibers are present. The results of this work show that the methodology described permits the development of a failure surface for SMC materials when limited data is available.
Registration of ‘ND Crown’ chickpea
Authors: Bandillo Nonoy , Stefaniak Thomas , Worral Hannah , Mihov Miho , Ostlie Michael , Schatz Blaine , Rickertsen John , Wahlstrom Cameron , Ramsey Meredith , Dragseth Kyle , Jacobs Justin , Kalil Audrey , Wunsch Michael , Pasche Julie , Franck William , Chen Chengci , Forster Shana , McPhee Kevin
Published: April 2021

‘ND Crown’ (Reg. no. CV‐342, PI 694865), a large‐seeded kabuli chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), was developed by the North Dakota State University Pulse Crops Breeding Program and approved for release by the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station. ND Crown, the first chickpea cultivar from the program, was selected specifically for adaptation to North Dakota growing conditions on the basis of its high yield potential, medium maturity, large seed size, and moderate resistance to Ascochyta blight. Based on 21 environments (location‐years) of yield trials across North Dakota and Montana, ND Crown had an average yield (2,152 kg ha−1) that was similar to the commercial chickpea cultivars ‘CDC Frontier’ (2,248 kg ha−1) and ‘CDC Orion’ (2,108 kg ha−1) but significantly greater than ‘Sierra’ (1,262 kg ha−1). ND Crown was moderately resistant to Ascochyta blight, with similar reaction as CDC Frontier and CDC Orion under moderate disease pressure. Under high disease pressure, ND Crown displayed significantly lower Ascochyta blight severity than CDC Frontier and CDC Orion. ND Crown exhibited an upright indeterminate growth habit and resistance to lodging. ND Crown had a greater percentage of large seeds (>8 mm) and higher 1,000‐seed weight than CDC Frontier but was similar to CDC Orion. As a high‐yielding large‐seeded chickpea cultivar, ND Crown is a promising alternative to CDC Frontier and CDC Orion in North Dakota and nearby states.
Registration of ‘Georgia‐20VHO’ Peanut
Authors: Branch W. D.
Published: April 2021

‘Georgia‐20VHO’ (Reg. no. CV‐145, PI 695315) is a new high‐yielding, high‐grading, very high‐oleic (O) to linoleic (L) fatty acid ratio, runner‐type peanut (Arachis hypogaea L. ssp. hypogaea var. hypogaea) cultivar. It also has disease resistance to Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). Georgia‐20VHO was released by the Georgia Agricultural Experiment Station in 2020 and was developed at the University of Georgia Coastal Plain Experiment Station, Tifton, GA. Georgia‐20VHO was developed from a cross made in 2009 between two runner‐type parental lines, GA 072515 and ‘Tifguard’. During 5 yr (2015–2019) and 3 yr (2017–2019) averaged across multilocation tests in Georgia, Georgia‐20VHO had significantly higher percentages of total sound mature kernel grade than ‘Georgia‐09B’ and six other high‐oleic runner cultivars. It also was among the lowest in TSWV and total disease incidence and among the highest in pod yield and dollar values compared with the other high‐oleic runner cultivars in Georgia. Georgia‐20VHO combines high yield, grade, and dollar values with TSWV resistance and very high O/L ratio for longer shelf life of peanut and peanut products.
A systematic review of fear of cancer recurrence related healthcare use and intervention cost‐effectiveness
Authors: Williams Jake Thomas Warton , Pearce Alison , Smith Allan 'Ben'
Published: April 2021

Objective

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a common and burdensome psychological condition affecting cancer survivors. This systematic review aims to synthesise current evidence regarding: (1) FCR‐related healthcare usage and costs and (2) the cost‐effectiveness of FCR treatments.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane and other electronic databases using MeSH headings and keywords for cancer, FCR and costs from their inception to September 2019. Identified studies were screened for eligibility. Original, peer‐reviewed journal articles reporting quantitative data from samples of adults treated for cancer written in English were included. Quality was appraised using the Drummond checklist for economic evaluations or the relevant Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool.

Results

Data from 11 studies were extracted and synthesised. Seven studies addressed the costs of FCR and suggested an increase in the use of primary and secondary healthcare. Four studies addressed the cost‐effectiveness of different FCR treatments and suggest that some treatments may cost‐effectively reduce FCR and improve quality of life. Reviewed treatments had an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio between AU$3,233 and AU$152,050 per quality‐adjusted life year gained when adjusted to 2019 Australian dollars. All studies were of sufficient quality to be synthesised in this review.

Conclusions

FCR appears to be associated with greater use of certain healthcare resources, and FCR may be treated cost‐effectively. Thus, appropriate FCR treatments may not only reduce the individual burden, but also the strain on the healthcare system. Further high‐quality research is needed to confirm this and ensure the future implementation of efficient and sustainable FCR treatments.
Semiparametric recurrent event vs time‐to‐first‐event analyses in randomized trials: Estimands and model misspecification
Authors: Zhong Yujie , Cook Richard J.
Published: April 2021

Insights regarding the merits of recurrent event and time‐to‐first‐event analyses are needed to provide guidance on strategies for analyzing intervention effects in randomized trials involving recurrent event responses. Using established asymptotic results we introduce a framework for studying the large sample properties of estimators arising from semiparametric proportional rate function models and Cox regression under model misspecification. The asymptotic biases and power implications are investigated for different data generating models, and we study the impact of dependent censoring on these findings. Illustrative applications are given involving data from a cystic fibrosis trial and a carcinogenicity experiment, following which we summarize findings and discuss implications for clinical trial design.
Transforming Adult Education from Neo-liberal to Holistically Inclusive Adult Education in Baltic States
Authors: Pata Kai , Maslo Irina , Jõgi Larissa
Published: April 2021

After regaining the independence and entering the market economy the Baltic states went through the neo-liberal changes resulting in some new developments in adult education taking the main direction in mobilizing people for transforming learning into a desirable consumer commodity. Active citizenship has been operationalized in adult education largely through developing citizens’ entrepreneurial attitudes and ability to be less dependent upon the state. The recent trend in adult education is promoting educational opportunities for developing job skills and work-embedded learning, non-formal and informal education as the means to proactively advance competences through project work, voluntary activities, self-employment and enabling the validation of competences learnt at job situations in formal adult education institutions. As a new direction, adult educators in the Baltic states have started to practice sustainable and holistic approaches in adult education practices that highlight personal self-development besides their employability goals. In this chapter, we explore how changes in adult education in the Baltic states appear at micro level, focusing on three dimensions of active participatory citizenship in the observed educational programmes and among the programme stakeholders’ reflections. We posit that holistic approaches in adult education may be illustrated through three dimensions of active participatory citizenship concept – politico-legal, socio-cultural and socio-economic.
Production Footprint Choices
Authors: Jeannet Jean-Pierre , Volery Thierry , Bergmann Heiko , Amstutz Cornelia
Published: April 2021

How SMEs decided on how to arrange their production footprint, trading-off production in Switzerland vs. offshoring, and how they decided on component sourcing, as well as how they dealt with asset plays related to production, is reviewed in this chapter. Starting as exporters, some firms have retained an exclusively Swiss-based production footprint. As companies grew, they increasingly adopted a modified Swiss manufacturing footprint with core steps still produced in Switzerland. Beyond, some firms have adopted both Swiss and international production where some international markets are supplied with Swiss produced products. Some of the largest firms in the research have pursued a globally distributed production where only a small portion of value added is produced in Switzerland. Offshoring, with no production operation in Switzerland, is the adopted model of very few companies.
Ownership Structures
Authors: Jeannet Jean-Pierre , Volery Thierry , Bergmann Heiko , Amstutz Cornelia
Published: April 2021

This chapter details how ownership structures evolved, starting from the early stages of a company to unfolding over time as ownership invariably passed on from one generation to another. Examples are offered on how and under what circumstances companies go public and how founders recruit new owners when ready to pass on the company. Specifically covered are single ownership and family ownership. To provide ownership stability and ownership control, the text describes efforts to keep control within the founding family, ways of passing ownership on to another family, and the process of shareholder agreements. Examples are provided on how companies recruit new owners and how companies approach the decision to go public vs. remaining privately owned.