bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal energy storage of phase change materials in the solidification process inside the quasi‐square heat exchanger: CFD simulation
Authors: Asgari Mehdi , Javidan Mohammad , Hassankolaei Mosayeb Gholinia , Nozari Mohammad , Asgari Aliasghar , Ganji Davood Domiri
Published: January 2023

The high latent heat of phase change materials (PCMs) makes them one of the most important sources of heat energy storage systems. However, due to the slow rate of heat transfer in these materials, using conductive materials such as fins and nanoparticles could improve the thermal efficiency of these energy storage systems. So in this article, cross‐shaped fins and Copper(II) oxide nanoparticles with different synthesized forms and various volume fractions have been employed to increase the thermal efficiency of paraffin PCMs. In this simulation, three fin models based on the installed size, the shape of the synthesized nanoparticles in brick, cylindrical, and platelet forms, and the nanoparticle volume fraction of the Copper(II) oxide is 1%–4% are studied. Increasing the volumetric ratio of nanoparticle and shape coefficient decrease the time of solidification, while increasing the length of the cross‐shaped fins raises the solidification rate and improves heat transfer. Finally, it was found that when the inner and outer walls play a role in the solidification process at the same time, the solidification rate will increase by more than 66% as more zone of the surface is exposed to cold.
Correlation between Mediterranean diet, bowel function, and isolated posterior vaginal defect: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Daykan Yair , Ovadia Michal , Dokic Dragana , Cohen Gal , Schonman Ron , Arbib Nissim , Klein Zvi , O'Reilly Barry A.
Published: January 2023

Objective

Isolated posterior prolapse is a unique entity that was previously linked to chronic obstructive defecation. Our objective is to evaluate the relationship of low adherence to a Mediterranean diet (LAMD) with bowel dysfunction and isolated posterior compartment prolapse (IPCP).

Methods

This multicenter, cross‐sectional study compared the dietary outcomes (validated Mediterranean diet [MD] questionnaire) of women who underwent pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair surgery between August 2020 and October 2021.

Results

Among 204 patients enrolled, 108 (52.9%) patients adhered to the MD and 96 (47.0%) did not. Among the LAMD patients, increased symptoms of constipation (P = 0.047) and higher body mass index (P < 0.001) were more prevalent. Surgical repairs of the posterior compartment, combined (P = 0.033) and isolated (P = 0.021), were more prevalent in the LAMD group. Prolapse of all compartments except the apical compartment was found to be more prevalent in the LAMD group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was found to be significant as a protective factor for the primary outcome (IPCP).

Conclusion

Low adherence to a Mediterranean diet displays a higher prevalence of posterior vaginal defects, both isolated and combined. Hence, we can conclude that LAMD and subsequent bowel dysfunction are significant contributory factors to the prolapse of the posterior vaginal compartment.
Supply chains and risk premia in Chinese stock market: A sorted‐portfolio approach
Authors: Yang Chao , Zhao Yajun
Published: January 2023

In the recent literature, increasing attention has been paid to cases when the shocks to a small number of firms would lead to large volatility in many sectors. Theorists find that supply chains play a role, as the shocks to a firm or a sector may propagate through the input–output linkages and form risks in the whole network. In this paper, we investigate the impact of risks from supply‐chain variations on risk premia of the A‐listed firms in the Chinese stock market from 2007 to 2021. Based on network statistics, we measure a firm's local status in the supply chains by the customer‐ and supplier‐concentration, and its global position by the centrality. We then construct corresponding risk factors using diversified portfolios sorted according to these indices. It is found that the supply‐chain positions are related to risk exposure. Firms with de‐concentrated customers/suppliers have larger risk premia than concentrated firms. Moreover, with Size controlled, the firms in the center of cross‐sector trade have higher risk premia than the peripheral ones. When these supply‐chain factors are added to Fama and French's five‐factor model with Market, Size, B/M ratio, Operating profitability, and Investment, the proportion of return variances that could be explained would increase from 51.1% to 54.9% on average.
Comparison of genetic testing documentation between genetic counselors and non‐genetic counselors
Authors: Feldman Jessica , Bhimarao Nagaraj Chinmayee , Collins Kathleen , Wakefield Emily , He Hua , Myers Melanie , Wusik Katie
Published: January 2023

Implementation of genetic testing in healthcare increases, but access to, and number of, genetics providers remain scarce. This study analyzed the impact of genetic counselor (GC) involvement on frequency of documentation of pre‐ and post‐test counseling of genetic testing between GCs and genetics providers (GPs), and GCs and non‐genetics providers (NGPs). A retrospective chart review of 467 charts from patients who had genetic testing ordered between July 2016 and June 2018 at a primarily pediatric institution was conducted. GCs were involved for 223 charts (GC group), and not involved for 244 (non‐GC group). The non‐GC group was further stratified into patient charts with Genetics Providers (GP group) (n = 100) involved and those with Non‐Genetics Providers (NGP group) (n = 144) involved. Categorical, binomial, pre‐test variables (counseling, test description, results possibilities, insurance coverage, and cost) and categorical, binomial, post‐test variables (results disclosure, family testing recommendations, recurrence risk, and provided resources) were collected and compared using Fisher's exact test (p < 0.005). With the exception of test description, documentation for all variables occurred more frequently in the GC group compared to the NGP group (all p < 0.001). Documentation for the majority of variables also occurred more frequently in the GC group compared to the GP group (p < 0.005), with the exceptions of overall pre‐test counseling and family testing recommendations. GC involvement was associated with increased documentation of most pre‐ and post‐test genetic counseling variables. With increased emphasis placed on transparency, accurateness, and access for patients of the EMR, in part due to the passage of the CARES Act, documentation should reflect the content of counseling provided. The cause of the documentation discrepancy identified may have differing effects on patient care and provider education.
Blood loss in laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy could be underestimated
Authors: Okui Norimitsu , Furukawa Kenei , Taniai Tomohiko , Haruki Koichiro , Tsunematsu Masashi , Sakamoto Taro , Uwagawa Tadashi , Onda Shinji , Gocho Takeshi , Ikegami Toru
Published: January 2023

Background

Previous studies have reported that laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) has an advantage in reducing blood loss over open distal pancreatectomy (ODP). This study was performed to investigate whether blood loss is truly reduced in LDP.

Methods

A total of 113 patients undergoing DP from 2014 to 2022 were classified into Open and LDP groups and compared by statistical analysis. Estimated blood loss (EBL) was calculated from the perioperative changes in the hematocrit, hemoglobin, or red blood cell volume, and actual blood loss (ABL) was taken from the operative record.

Results

ABL was significantly lower in the LDP than ODP group (50[5–1350] vs 335 [5–1950] ml, P < .01). However, there were no significant differences in EBL calculated from the hematocrit (406 [66–1990] vs 540 [23–1490] ml, P = .14), hemoglobin, or red blood cell volume. EBL showed more linear correlations with ABL in the ODP group (r = 0.64–0.73) than in the LDP group (r = 0.52–0.57). In the multivariate analysis for ABL, ODP (P = .02) and operative time (P < .01) were significant factors. In contrast, no significant factors were found for EBL.

Conclusions

Intraoperative blood loss may be underestimated in LDP, and a new evaluation method needs to be established.
Synthesis and anticancer activity of some thiophene, thienyl‐thiazole, and thienyl‐benzofuran analogues
Authors: El‐Rayyes Ali , Almatari Altaf S. , Abdel‐Ghani Ghada E. , Saeed Ali , Abdel‐Latif Ehab
Published: January 2023

N‐(Anisyl)‐5‐(2‐chloroacetamido)‐4‐cyano‐3‐methylthiophene‐2‐carboxamide (3) was synthesized and reacted with several nucleophilic reagents. The reactions with sulfur nucleophiles (namely, mercaptoacetic acid, ethyl 2‐mercaptoacetate, 5‐(phenylamino)‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole‐2‐thiol, 2‐mercapto‐4,6‐dimethyl‐nicotinonitrile, 4‐anilino‐3‐arylazo‐4‐mercapto‐butenones, ethyl 3‐anilino‐2‐arylazo‐3‐mercapto‐acrylates, and ammonium thiocyanate) yielded the corresponding sulfide, thiophene, or thiazolin‐4‐one derivatives, respectively. The reaction with salicylaldehyde (an example of oxygen nucleophile) furnished the targeting benzofuran compound 21. The reactions with nitrogen nucleophiles (namely, piperidine and aniline) yielded the corresponding thiophene‐carboxamide derivatives 23 and 25, respectively. IR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR were used to deduce the structures of the target thiophene containing compounds. The effect of the synthesized thiophenes on the viability of HepG2, A2780, and A2780CP was determined. The most effective drug was shown by the thienopyridine‐carboxamide compound 11, against liver cancer cell lines (HepG2) and ovarian cancer cell lines (A2780CP and A2780), whose IC50 values were remarkably near those of Sorafenib, the antitumor drug.
Ethnic minority CEO turnover: Resource‐based and leadership categorization perspectives
Authors: Ursel Nancy , Durante Adriano , Elsaid Eahab
Published: January 2023

We use the resource‐based theory and leadership categorization theory to develop hypotheses about ethnic minority CEO turnover. Using survival analysis, we test the hypotheses and find that, as a group, ethnic minority CEOs at US firms experience only about half of the risk of turnover at any time as do nonethnic minority CEOs. However, the risk is not spread evenly across ethnic minority subgroups. Asian and Hispanic CEOs experience lower risk of turnover than nonethnic minority CEOs. Black CEOs of US firms do not share this reduced risk of turnover. We find that the resource‐based theory is consistent with the turnover experience of Asian and Hispanic ethnic minority CEOs, but that it is not useful for explaining Black CEO turnover. Some implications of our findings are the following: (1) In research, all minorities should not be treated as a single homogenous group, and (2) in practice, it may be useful to increase CEO social capital to lengthen tenure.
Contribution of photic and aphotic N2 fixation to production in an oligotrophic sea
Authors: Landou Etai , Lazar Boaz , LaRoche Julie , Fennel Katja , Berman‐Frank Ilana
Published: January 2023

Dinitrogen (N2) fixation was investigated at a pelagic station in the oligotrophic waters of the northern Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea, between February 2016 and December 2018. In situ 15N2 and 13C incubations were used to evaluate photic and aphotic N2 fixation rates and diazotrophic contribution to water column productivity. N2 fixation rates were typically low (below detection to <0.5 nmol N L−1 d−1). Maximal rates of 3.1 nmol L−1 d−1, measured at 100 m when conspicuous slicks of the cyanobacterium Trichodesmium appeared on the surface water. Amplicon sequencing of nifH demonstrated that non‐cyanobacterial diazotrophs, mostly α‐ and γ‐proteobacteria comprised the majority (82–100%) of amplicon sequence variants retrieved from photic and aphotic depths when low N2 fixation rates were measured, while amplicons representing cyanobacteria were nearly absent, but appeared in low abundance (~ 2%) when maximal rates were measured. During the stratified summer‐period, water‐column N2 fixation rates (10–75 μmol m−2 d−1) comprised ~ 1–40% of new production (NP). During the winter mixing period N2 fixation rates were considerably higher (11–242 μmol m−2 d−1) but made up only <1% of NP. This is because, during this period, nitrate supplied to the photic zone by the vertical mixing becomes the major N source for NP. We conclude that on an annual average, diazotrophy plays a minor role in the NP of the Gulf. The major “new” nitrogen sources are cross‐thermocline turbulent diffusion of nitrate during summer stratification and vertical mixing during the fall–winter.
The effects of news authenticity and social media tie strength on consumer dissemination behavior
Authors: Lin Hsin‐Hui , Chen Ching‐Feng , Wu Chih‐Lun
Published: January 2023

This study explores the effect of brand news authenticity and social media tie strength on consumer news attitudes, word‐of‐mouth reviews, and sharing behavior in the context of social media platforms. Besides, the moderating roles of review sidedness and consumer information literacy on the respective effects of news authenticity and social media tie strength on consumer attitudes, word‐of‐mouth reviews, and sharing behavior were also examined. An experimental design was used to test the research model and hypotheses. The findings present several important theoretical and practical implications for efforts by marketers to manage the impact of fake news on their brands.
Ferroptosis‐modulating small molecules for targeting drug‐resistant cancer: Challenges and opportunities in manipulating redox signaling
Authors: Koeberle Solveigh C. , Kipp Anna P. , Stuppner Hermann , Koeberle Andreas
Published: January 2023

Ferroptosis is an iron‐dependent cell death program that is characterized by excessive lipid peroxidation. Triggering ferroptosis has been proposed as a promising strategy to fight cancer and overcome drug resistance in antitumor therapy. Understanding the molecular interactions and structural features of ferroptosis‐inducing compounds might therefore open the door to efficient pharmacological strategies against aggressive, metastatic, and therapy‐resistant cancer. We here summarize the molecular mechanisms and structural requirements of ferroptosis‐inducing small molecules that target central players in ferroptosis. Focus is placed on (i) glutathione peroxidase (GPX) 4, the only GPX isoenzyme that detoxifies complex membrane‐bound lipid hydroperoxides, (ii) the cystine/glutamate antiporter system Xc− that is central for glutathione regeneration, (iii) the redox‐protective transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor (NRF2), and (iv) GPX4 repression in combination with induced heme degradation via heme oxygenase‐1. We deduce common features for efficient ferroptotic activity and highlight challenges in drug development. Moreover, we critically discuss the potential of natural products as ferroptosis‐inducing lead structures and provide a comprehensive overview of structurally diverse biogenic and bioinspired small molecules that trigger ferroptosis via iron oxidation, inhibition of the thioredoxin/thioredoxin reductase system or less defined modes of action.
Advocates sue Iowa officials over long‐standing problems in child MH
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: January 2023

Saying they have repeatedly seen damaging reports and poor national rankings lead to few meaningful steps toward reform, a group of advocacy organizations have filed a federal lawsuit against the state of Iowa over a lack of appropriate mental health services for Medicaid‐eligible children.
Kemeny's constant and global mean first passage time of random walks on octagonal cell network
Authors: Zaman Shahid , Ullah Asad
Published: January 2023

This paper investigates the random walks of octagonal cell network. By using the Laplacian spectrum method, we obtain the mean first passage time
and Kemeny's constant
between nodes. On one hand, the mean first passage time
is explicitly studied in terms of the eigenvalues of a Laplacian matrix. On the other hand, Kemeny's constant
is introduced to measure node strength and to determine the scaling of the random walks. We provide an explicit expression of Kemeny's constant and mean first passage time for octagonal cell network, by their Laplacian eigenvalues and the correlation among roots of characteristic polynomial. Based on the achieved results, comparative studies are also performed for
and
. This work also deliver an inclusive approach for exploring random walks of networks, particularly biased random walks, which likewise support to better understand and tackle some practical problems such as search and routing on networks.
A kernel‐based method for solving the time‐fractional diffusion equation
Authors: Fardi Mojtaba
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we focus on the development and study of a numerical method based on the idea of kernel‐based approximation and finite difference discretization to obtain the solution for the time‐fractional diffusion equation. Using the theory of reproducing kernel, reproducing kernel functions with a polynomial form will be established in polynomial reproducing kernel spaces spanned by the Chebychev basis polynomials. In the numerical method, first the time‐fractional derivative term in the aforementioned equation is approximated by using the finite difference scheme. Then, by the help of collocation method based on reproducing kernel approximation, we will illustrate how to derive the numerical solution in polynomial reproducing kernel space. Finally, to support the accuracy and efficiency of the numerical method, we provide several numerical examples. In numerical experiments, the quality of approximation is calculated by absolute error and discrete error norms.
Design, synthesis, and antifungal activity of novel dithiin tetracarboximide derivatives as potential succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors
Authors: Ma Zhi , Qiu Shuo , Zhang Dong , Guo Xinying , Lu Yuele , Fan Yongxian , Chen Xiaolong
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

Succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI) fungicides are an important class of agricultural fungicides with the advantages of high efficiency and a broad bactericidal spectrum. To pursue novel SDHIs, a series of N‐substituted dithiin tetracarboximide derivatives were designed, synthesized, and characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and high resolution mass spectrum (HRMS).

RESULTS

These engineered compounds displayed potent fungicidal activity against phytopathogens, including Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Botrytis cinerea, and Rhizoctonia solani, comparable with that of the commercial SDHI fungicide boscalid. In particular, compound 18 stood out with prominent activity against S. sclerotiorum with a half‐maximal effective concentration (EC50) value of 1.37 μg ml−1. Compound 1 exhibited the most potent antifungal activity against B. cinerea with EC50 values of 5.02 μg ml−1. As for R. solani, 12 and 13 exhibited remarkably inhibitory activity with EC50 values of 4.26 and 5.76 μg ml−1, respectively. In the succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) inhibition assay, 13 presented significant inhibitory activity with a half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 15.3 μm, which was approximately equivalent to that of boscalid (14.2 μm). Furthermore, molecular docking studies revealed that 13 could anchor in the binding site of SDH.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, results suggested that the dithiin tetracarboximide scaffold possessed a huge potential to be developed as novel fungicides and SDHIs. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Optical, Optoelectronic, and Third‐Order Nonlinear Photonics of Ultrathin Molybdenum Oxide Film Deposited by Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Basyooni Mohamed A. , Gundogdu Yasemin , Kilic Hamdi Sukur , Eker Yasin Ramazan
Published: January 2023

The atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique has attracted significant attention because it enables the control of film synthesis at the subnanometre scale. Herein, molybdenum oxide (MoO3) ultrathin films using the ALD system through Bis(t‐butylimido)bis(dimethylamino)molybdenum (VI) as a molybdenum (Mo) source are prepared. To understand the effect of deposition temperature, thin films are prepared at three different temperatures 100, 150, and 250 °C. The morphological and elemental properties are assessed using a field emission scanning electron microscope, scanning transmission electron microscopy, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy techniques. It is observed that the film thicknesses increase with the increase in the deposition temperature. It is found that the film growth at 150 °C is the most potential one for UV optoelectronic applications with high stability even under low applied bias voltages. Moreover, these films show interesting nonlinear optical behaviors as investigated with the z‐scan technique applying open and closed aperture methods. The calculated nonlinear optical parameters including nonlinear absorption coefficient (β), nonlinear refractive index (n
2), nonlinear refractive coefficient (γ), and third‐order nonlinear susceptibility (χ
(3)) are 10−11 m W−1, 10−16 cm2 W−1, 10−11 cm2 W−1, and 10−11 esu, respectively.
Computational Screening of Ti3C2TX MXene by Controlling the Functionalized Catalyst for NH3 Gas Sensor
Authors: Zhang Hanmei , Liu Xin , Liu Chi , Shen Tao
Published: January 2023

First‐principles calculations are used to research the adsorption behavior of ammonia on Ti3C2O2, Ti3C2F2, Ti3C2H2, Ti3C2S2, and Ti3C2Cl2. Herein, a total of four special adsorption sites α, β, γ, and δ are considered. The adsorption energy, charge transfer, and electronic properties of the gas‐adsorption system are calculated, and the better adsorption sites and adsorption functional groups of ammonia on Ti3C2T
X
with different functional groups are studied. The results show that the best adsorption positions of ammonia on Ti3C2O2, Ti3C2F2, Ti3C2H2, Ti3C2S2, and Ti3C2Cl2 are all α position. According to the analysis of differential charge density, adsorption energy, and charge transfer of ammonia molecules, the adsorption strength of ammonia molecules on Ti3C2 surfaces modified with different functional groups is Ti3C2H2 > Ti3C2O2 > Ti3C2F2 > Ti3C2S2 > Ti3C2Cl2. The ammonia molecule adsorbs on the surface of Ti3C2H2 exhibits the strongest adsorption energy (−0.787 eV), but the −H group is more likely to break and form other groups. Therefore, the Ti3C2 surface modified by −O group is more suitable for ammonia detection.
Skin Permeation and Penetration of Mometasone Furoate in the Presence of Emollients: An Ex Vivo Evaluation of Clinical Application Protocols
Authors: Beebeejaun Mubinah T. , Brown Marc B. , Hutter Victoria , Kravitz Laura , McAuley William J.
Published: January 2023

Background

Topical corticosteroids (TCS) and emollients are developed independently by the pharmaceutical industry but are often used together in practice. There is potential for the TCS and emollient formulations to interact on the skin surface affecting TCS absorption into the skin. Clinical guidelines acknowledge this issue but lack an evidence base and differ in their recommendations. There is a current clinical need to establish whether the application protocol employed for TCS and emollient products can impact delivery of TCS to the skin.

Objectives

To investigate whether the sequence of application of a TCS and emollient and the time between their application can affect TCS skin absorption.

Methods

The delivery of mometasone furoate (MF) to ex vivo human skin was evaluated following the application of Elocon cream either 5 or 30 min, before and after three different emollients. Mechanistic explanation of the changes in drug absorption was provided by modelling the skin permeation data and Raman microscopy of mixed Elocon cream and emollient formulations.

Results

A circa fivefold difference in MF absorption was observed depending on the emollient and application protocol. Applying Elocon cream at short intervals in relation to Hydromol intensive significantly increased MF absorption regardless of the application protocol. In contrast, applying Elocon cream after Diprobase cream or ointment significantly reduced MF absorption relative to Elocon cream alone or when Elocon cream was applied before these emollients. The changes in drug absorption observed were attributed to the presence of emollients altering Elocon cream formulation performance through different mechanisms, including introduction of penetration enhancing excipients and inducing drug crystallization in the mixed TCS emollient layer on the skin surface.

Conclusions

Emollients can affect MF absorption in different ways depending on the emollient and sequence of administration. Using a 30 min gap between product applications may not be sufficient to mitigate emollient effects on TCS absorption.
Convenient Synthesis of Selenomethylene[ψ(CH2Se)] Unnatural Amino Acids and Dipeptidomimetics
Authors: Alavandimat Nanda Hampasagarada , Bharamawadeyar Swetha , Marulappa Vishwanatha Thimmalapura , Sureshbabu Vommina Venkata
Published: January 2023

A convenient protocol for the synthesis of pseudopeptides containing selenomethylene [ψ(CH2Se)] moiety as amide bond surrogate is delineated, starting from Nβ‐protected amino diselenides. The key step of the synthesis standsin situgeneration of selenol from diselenide, which is trapped by bromide, importantly β‐bromides. Overall, the chemistry reported here is simple.
Loss‐function mutants of OsCKX gene family based on CRISPR‐Cas systems revealed their diversified roles in rice
Authors: Zheng Xuelian , Zhang Shuting , Liang Yanling , Zhang Rui , Liu Li , Qin Pengchen , Zhang Zhe , Wang Yan , Zhou Jianping , Tang Xu , Zhang Yong
Published: January 2023

Cytokinin (CTK) is an important plant hormone that promotes cell division, controls cell differentiation, and regulates a variety of plant growth and development processes. Cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase (CKX) is an irreversible cytokinin‐degrading enzyme that affects plant growth and development by regulating the dynamic balance of CTKs synthesis and degradation. There are presumed 11 members of the CKX gene family in rice (Oryza sativa L.), but limited members have been reported. In this study, based on CRISPR‐Cas9 and CRISPR‐Cas12a genome‐editing technology, we established a complete set of OsCKX1‐OsCKX11 single‐gene mutants, as well as double‐gene and triple‐gene mutants of different OsCKXs gene combinations with high similarity. The results revealed that CRISPR‐Cas12a outperformed Cas9 to generate biallelic mutations, multi‐gene mutants, and more diverse genotypes. And then, we found, except the reported OsCKX2, OsCKX4, OsCKX9 and OsCKX11, OsCKX5, OsCKX6, OsCKX7, and OsCKX8 also had significant effects on agronomic traits such as plant height, panicle size, grain size, and grain number per panicle in rice. In addition, the different loss‐of‐function of the OsCKX genes also changed the seed appearance quality and starch composition. Interestingly, by comparing different combinations of multi‐gene mutants, we found significant functional redundancy among OsCKX gene members in the same phylogenetic clade. These data collectively reveal the diversified regulating capabilities of OsCKX genes in rice, and also provide the valuable reference for further rice molecular breeding.
Development of ductile green flame retardant poly(lactic acid) composites using hydromagnesite&huntite and bio‐based plasticizer
Authors: Erdem Ayşegül , Doğan Mehmet
Published: January 2023

Turning brittle poly(lactic acid) (PLA) to ductile form via plasticizer inclusion is an effective option in the case of processing with high amounts of additives. Additionally, the integration of natural flame retardants to PLA involving bio‐based plasticizer enables to use of environmentally friendly composites in conditions where fire resistance performance is required. In the current study, ductile green fire retardant PLA composites were manufactured using hydromagnesite&huntite (HH) as a natural fire retardant additive and acetyl tributyl citrate as a bio‐based plasticizer. The influences of plasticizer and HH contents on the fire retardant, thermal and mechanical performances of the composites were explored. According to test results, the limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of PLA reduced from 29.2 to 28.0 and the UL‐94 V rating changed from V2 to BC with the addition of 20 wt% plasticizer owing to the reduction in melt viscosity. The peak heat release rate (pHRR) and average heat release rate (avHRR) values increased steadily as the concentration of plasticizer increased due to the formation of a more porous residue structure stemming from the increased transportation rate of gases. In order to produce ductile flame retardant material, the plasticizer content was required to 20 wt% of HH. The highest LOI value (36.2) and UL‐94 rating of V0 were achieved with the inclusion of 70 wt% HH in the presence of 20 wt% plasticizer. Improvement in impact resistance and reduction in tensile strength were observed as the added amount of plasticizer increased.
Dynamics of heat transport in flow of non‐linear Oldroyd‐B fluid subject to non‐Fourier's theory
Authors: Yasir Muhammad , Khan Masood
Published: January 2023

To study non‐Fourier heat and mass transport in the stagnation point flow of magnetized Oldroyd‐B fluid due to stretching cylinder, the Cattaneo–Christov heat flux model is used in this investigation. Further, as the controlling agents for thermal and solutal transport in the fluid flow, the heat generation/absorption source and chemical reaction are also considered. The formulations of a such physical phenomenon are going to form the PDEs. Through appropriate similarity variables, these governing partial differential equations for flow and energy transport are converted into the ordinary differential. The analytical series solutions are obtained through the use of a homotopic approach. The graphical upshots are conducted for velocity fields, temperature, and concentration distributions. In addition, energy transport analysis is performed for two kinds of surface heating mechanisms, namely the prescribed surface temperature (PST) and constant wall temperature (CWT). The outcomes of the current investigation revealed that a higher rate of heat transfer is observed in the case of CWT as compared to PST. Moreover, the increasing values of thermal and solutal relaxation time parameters reduce the heat and mass transport in the fluid flow, respectively.
The Need for AI Ethics in Higher Education
Authors: Sam Abraham Kuuku , Olbrich Philipp
Published: January 2023

Business leaders, policymakers and technologists regularly portray Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an easy way to make sense of an increasingly complex world. Unsurprisingly, AI plays a central role in strategy papers, TED talks and speeches about the future of mobility.
Challenges of Integrating AI Ethics into Higher Education Curricula in West Africa: Nigerian Universities Narrative
Authors: Onyejegbu Laeticia N.
Published: January 2023

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming pervasive. It is also an exciting field because it is making our lives much better, by doing most of the work for us. For example, driving our cars, medical jobs, accounting jobs, all sorts of jobs.
Approximate treatment of noncommutative curvature in quartic matrix model
Authors: Prekrat D. , Ranković D. , Todorović-Vasović N. K. , Kováčik S. , Tekel J.
Published: January 2023

Abstract

We study a Hermitian matrix model with the standard quartic potential amended by a tr(RΦ2) term for fixed external matrix R. This is motivated by a curvature term in the truncated Heisenberg algebra formulation of the Grosse-Wulkenhaar model — a renormalizable noncommutative field theory. The extra term breaks the unitary symmetry of the action and leads, after perturbative calculation of the unitary integral, to an effective multitrace matrix model. Accompanying the analytical treatment of this multitrace approximation, we also study the model numerically by Monte Carlo simulations. The phase structure of the model is investigated, and a modified phase diagram is identified. We observe a shift of the transition line between the 1-cut and 2-cut phases of the theory that is consistent with the previous numerical simulations and also with the removal of the noncommutative phase in the Grosse-Wulkenhaar model.
Knowledge-map analysis of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) for urolithiasis
Authors: Hou Junhui , Lv Zongwei , Wang Yuan , Wang Xia , Wang Yibing , Wang Kefeng
Published: January 2023

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) has been used in the treatment of urolithiasis for more than 20 years. However, bibliometric analysis of the global use of PNL for urolithiasis is rare. We retrieved the literatures on PNL and urolithiasis from Web of science core collection database. VOSviewer was used to analyze keywords, citations, publications, co-authorship, themes, and trend topics. A total of 3103 articles were analyzed, most of which were original ones. The most common keywords were “percutaneous nephrology” and “urolithiasis”, both of which were closely related to “ureteroscopy”. Journal of Urology and Zeng Guohua from the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University were the most published journal and author in this field. The most productive country was the United States, and its closest partners were Canada, China, and Italy. The five hot topics were the specific application methods and means, risk factors of urolithiasis, the development of treatment technology of urolithiasis, the characteristics, composition, and properties of stones, and the evaluation of curative effect. This study aimed to provide a new perspective for PNL treatment of urolithiasis and provided valuable information for urologic researchers to understand their research hotspots, cooperative institutions, and research frontiers.
Celebrating a Century of Research in Behavioral Genetics
Authors: Plomin Robert
Published: January 2023

A century after the first twin and adoption studies of behavior in the 1920s, this review looks back on the journey and celebrates milestones in behavioral genetic research. After a whistle-stop tour of early quantitative genetic research and the parallel journey of molecular genetics, the travelogue focuses on the last fifty years. Just as quantitative genetic discoveries were beginning to slow down in the 1990s, molecular genetics made it possible to assess DNA variation directly. From a rocky start with candidate gene association research, by 2005 the technological advance of DNA microarrays enabled genome-wide association studies, which have successfully identified some of the DNA variants that contribute to the ubiquitous heritability of behavioral traits. The ability to aggregate the effects of thousands of DNA variants in polygenic scores has created a DNA revolution in the behavioral sciences by making it possible to use DNA to predict individual differences in behavior from early in life.
Mapping regional vulnerability in Europe’s energy transition: development and application of an indicator to assess declining employment in four carbon-intensive industries
Authors: McDowall Will , Reinauer Tobias , Fragkos Panagiotis , Miedzinski Michal , Cronin Jennifer
Published: January 2023

Europe’s transition to an energy system compatible with limiting global heating to 1.5 °C will require radical changes in energy systems. While this will create substantial new growth industries in clean technologies, some currently important economic activities will decline. The impacts of that transition will not be the same for all regions. We map the economic vulnerability of European regions to ambitious decarbonisation scenarios in terms of employment losses in four carbon-intensive industries. To do so, we develop a composite vulnerability indicator that combines each region’s share of employment in those high-carbon industries with other dimensions of vulnerability and resilience. We then explore how regional patterns of vulnerability are influenced by the technology pathway to 2050, using four scenarios modelled using the European PRIMES model. We show that economic vulnerability to the low-carbon transition is regionally concentrated, with some regions combining high employment shares in industries expected to decline with weak adaptive capacity and high pre-existing unemployment. We also show that there is little variation in regional vulnerability arising from different transition pathways. All scenarios compatible with 1.5 °C involve large declines in all high-carbon sectors we analyse, and as a result, scenario variation does not lead to large variation in relative vulnerability of regions. The results highlight regions that may be in need of additional policy support to diversify their economies and achieve a just transition.
Crowdfunding sustainable products with the product search matrix: niche markets vs. mass markets
Authors: Corsini Filippo , Frey Marco
Published: January 2023

This exploratory research aims at analyzing the success factors of environmentally sustainable products in crowdfunding campaigns by considering aspects such as the customer needs to be addressed by those products, the technology of those products, and the market targeted (niche vs. mass market).

Original data from creators of environmentally sustainable products in crowdfunding campaigns were collected through a questionnaire and then analyzed with regression analysis and additional descriptive statistics.

Results suggest that crowdfunding platforms are not the most appropriate instrument for addressing completely new customer needs with sustainable products nor for developing completely new technologies as the success of such initiatives is quite low. Moreover, results suggest that sustainable products, developed through crowdfunding platforms, targeted at niche markets are more successful in terms of financing than mass market products. In light of the results achieved, the paper formulates managerial suggestions for project creators in terms of paying attention to selecting the appropriate financing channel in light of the product characteristics.
Social Networks and Instructional Reform in STEM: The Teaching-Research Nexus
Authors: Skvoretz John , Kappelman Katherine , Marcy Ariel , McAlpin Jacob D. , Lewis Jennifer E. , Ziker John P. , Mertens Karl , Earl Brittnee , Shadle Susan E. , Couch Brian A. , Feola Stephanie , Prevost Luanna B. , Lane A. Kelly , Whitt Blake , Stains Marilyne
Published: January 2023

Instructional reform in STEM aims for the widespread adoption of evidence based instructional practices (EBIPS), practices that implement active learning. Research recognizes that faculty social networks regarding discussion or advice about teaching may matter to such efforts. But teaching is not the only priority for university faculty – meeting research expectations is at least as important and, often, more consequential for tenure and promotion decisions. We see value in understanding how research networks, based on discussion and advice about research matters, relate to teaching networks to see if and how such networks could advance instructional reform efforts. Our research examines data from three departments (biology, chemistry, and geosciences) at three universities that had recently received funding to enhance adoption of EBIPs in STEM fields. We evaluate exponential random graph models of the teaching network and find that (a) the existence of a research tie from one faculty member $$i$$
i
to another $$j$$
j
enhances the prospects of a teaching tie from $$i$$
i
to $$j$$
j
, but (b) even though faculty highly placed in the teaching network are more likely to be extensive EBIP users, faculty highly placed in the research network are not, dimming prospects for leveraging research networks to advance STEM instructional reforms.
Reacting to Perceived Overqualification: Uniting Strain-Based and Self-Regulatory Adjustment Reactions and the Moderating Role of Formal Work Arrangements
Authors: Debus Maike E. , Körner Barbara , Wang Mo , Kleinmann Martin
Published: January 2023

Thus far, research on perceived overqualification has focused on either maladaptive, strain-based versus more adaptive, self-regulatory reactions in isolation. Following person-environment fit theory, we seek to advance this one-sided focus by uniting both types of adjustment reactions and to consider their implications for perceived person-job fit, and performance and wellbeing outcomes. In line with theory, we also examine contextual boundary conditions in the form of indicators of formal work arrangements (i.e., permanent vs. temporary employment contract and job tenure). Utilizing three-wave data from 453 employees, we found that perceived overqualification indirectly and sequentially related to decreases in task performance, organizational citizenship behavior and job satisfaction via anger toward employment situation and lower levels of perceived person-job fit—thus reflecting the strain-based pathway. For the self-regulatory pathway, findings did not align with our initial proposition that the positive relationship between perceived overqualification and work organization (a form of structural job crafting whereby employees improve their work processes) would be weaker among temporary employees and those with longer tenure. Instead, having a temporary employment contract or having longer job tenure resulted in a negative relationship between perceived overqualification and work organization, which further contributed to a decrease in performance and satisfaction via lower levels of perceived person-job fit. Our study highlights the demotivating role of a temporary employment contract and long job tenure for overqualified employees to reorganize their work. In discussing our findings, we point to the importance of job stage and develop recommendations for managing overqualified employees.
Meaninglessness and monotony in pandemic boredom
Authors: Hughes Emily
Published: January 2023

Boredom is an affective experience that can involve pervasive feelings of meaninglessness, emptiness, restlessness, frustration, weariness and indifference, as well as the slowing down of time. An increasing focus of research in many disciplines, interest in boredom has been intensified by the recent Covid-19 pandemic, where social distancing measures have induced both a widespread loss of meaning and a significant disturbance of temporal experience. This article explores the philosophical significance of this aversive experience of ‘pandemic boredom.’ Using Heidegger’s work as a unique vantage point, this article draws on survey data collected by researchers in an ongoing project titled ‘Experiences of Social Distancing During the Covid-19 Pandemic’ to give an original phenomenological interpretation of the meaninglessness and monotony of pandemic boredom. On a Heideggerian interpretation, pandemic boredom involves either a situative confrontation with relative meaninglessness that upholds our absorption in the everyday world, or an existential confrontation with absolute meaninglessness that forces us to take up the question of our existence. Arguing that boredom during the pandemic makes this distinction difficult to sustain, I consider some of the ways in which pandemic boredom might be seen to expose and then exceed the distinctive methodological limitations of Heidegger’s philosophical interpretation of boredom.
The immune microenviroment in somatotropinomas: from biology to personalized and target therapy
Authors: Chiloiro Sabrina , De Marinis Laura
Published: January 2023

Pituitary tumors are rare neoplasms, with a heterogeneous biological and clinical behavior, due to their clinical course, local invasive growth, resistance to conventional therapies and the risk of disease progression. Recent studies on tumor microenvironment (TME) provided new knowledge on the biology of these neoplasia, that may explain the different phenotypes of these tumors and suggest new biomarkers able to predict the prognosis and the treatment outcome. The identification of molecular markers that act as targets for biological therapies may open new perspectives in the medical treatments of aggressive pituitary tumors.

In this paper, we will review data of TME and target therapies in somatotropinomas.
Presentism and representation: saying it without words
Authors: Baron Sam , Miller Kristie , Tallant Jonathan
Published: January 2023

The Triviality Argument against presentism maintains that we should reject presentism because there is no way to define the view that is not either trivially true or obviously false. We suggest that this style of argument over-emphasises purely linguistic means of representing a philosophical thesis. We argue that there is no reason to suppose that all philosophical theses must be linguistically representable, and thus that the failure to linguistically represent presentism is no big deal. It certainly shouldn’t lead us to reject the view. We offer a more general moral for philosophy, and that is to look beyond purely linguistic methods of representing philosophical views and embrace a wider range of representational media.
The importance of expert knowledge in big data and machine learning
Authors: Hansen Jens Ulrik , Quinon Paula
Published: January 2023

According to popular belief, big data and machine learning provide a wholly novel approach to science that has the potential to revolutionise scientific progress and will ultimately lead to the ‘end of theory’. Proponents of this view argue that advanced algorithms are able to mine vast amounts of data relating to a given problem without any prior knowledge and that we do not need to concern ourselves with causality, as correlation is sufficient for handling complex issues. Consequently, the human contribution to scientific progress is deemed to be non-essential and replaceable. We, however, following the position most commonly represented in the philosophy of science, argue that the need for human expertise remains. Based on an analysis of big data and machine learning methods in two case studies—skin cancer detection and protein folding—we show that expert knowledge is essential and inherent in the application of these methods. Drawing on this analysis, we establish a classification of the different kinds of expert knowledge that are involved in the application of big data and machine learning in scientific contexts. We address the ramifications of a human-driven expert knowledge approach to big data and machine learning for scientific practice and the discussion about the role of theory. Finally, we show that the ways in which big data and machine learning both influence and are influenced by scientific methodology involve continuous conceptual shifts rather than a rigid paradigm change.
Inflow from a Cardiopulmonary Assist System to the Pulmonary Artery and Its Implications for Local Hemodynamics—a Computational Fluid Dynamics Study
Authors: Hugenroth Kristin , Krooß Felix , Hima Flutura , Strudthoff Lasse , Kopp Rüdger , Arens Jutta , Kalverkamp Sebastian , Steinseifer Ulrich , Neidlin Michael , Spillner Jan
Published: January 2023

When returning blood to the pulmonary artery (PA), the inflow jet interferes with local hemodynamics. We investigated the consequences for several connection scenarios using transient computational fluid dynamics simulations. The PA was derived from CT data. Three aspects were varied: graft flow rate, anastomosis location, and inflow jet path length from anastomosis site to impingement on the PA wall. Lateral anastomosis locations caused abnormal flow distribution between the left and right PA. The central location provided near-physiological distribution but induced higher wall shear stress (WSS). All effects were most pronounced at high graft flows. A central location is beneficial regarding flow distribution, but the resulting high WSS might promote detachment of local thromboembolisms or influence the autonomic nervous innervation. Lateral locations, depending on jet path length, result in lower WSS at the cost of an unfavorable flow distribution that could promote pulmonary vasculature changes. Case-specific decisions and further research are necessary.

Graphical Abstract