bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐order non‐conforming discontinuous Galerkin methods for the acoustic conservation equations
Authors: Heinz Johannes , Munch Peter , Kaltenbacher Manfred
Published: January 2023

This work compares two Nitsche‐type approaches to treat non‐conforming triangulations for a high‐order discontinuous Galerkin (DG) solver for the acoustic conservation equations. The first approach (point‐to‐point interpolation) uses inconsistent integration with quadrature points prescribed by a primary element. The second approach uses consistent integration by choosing quadratures depending on the intersection between non‐conforming elements. In literature, some excellent properties regarding performance and ease of implementation are reported for point‐to‐point interpolation. However, we show that this approach can not safely be used for DG discretizations of the acoustic conservation equations since, in our setting, it yields spurious oscillations that lead to instabilities. This work presents a test case in that we can observe the instabilities and shows that consistent integration is required to maintain a stable method. Additionally, we provide a detailed analysis of the method with consistent integration. We show optimal spatial convergence rates globally and in each mesh region separately. The method is constructed such that it can natively treat overlaps between elements. Finally, we highlight the benefits of non‐conforming discretizations in acoustic computations by a numerical test case with different fluids.
Optimization of electro‐blown polysulfone nanofiber mats for air filtration applications
Authors: Sarac Zuleyha , Kilic Ali , Tasdelen‐Yucedag Cigdem
Published: January 2023

Durable, robust, and hydrophobic air filtration media was produced via electro‐blow spinning (EBS) technique using polysulfone (PSU) due to its superior properties. To our knowledge, this is the first optimization study of PSU nanofiber production via EBS technique for air filtration applications. Concentration, air pressure, and voltage were determined as independent variables for the optimization based on “smaller is the better” approach of Taguchi Design of Experiment. The optimized values which supplied the smallest average fiber diameter (AFD) possible were obtained as 13 wt% PSU, 3 bar, and 7.5 kV. The AFD of the sample obtained from the confirmation experiment was calculated as 105 ± 34 nm. Surface morphologies, porosity values, and wettability behaviors of the samples were investigated by using scanning electron microscopy, gravimetric method, and water contact angle measurements, respectively. PSU nanofiber mats exhibited superhydrophobic behavior (water contact angle values up to 159.8°) which is important for various separation processes. Samples prepared at different deposition times (15, 30, 45, and 60 min) were investigated in terms of particle capture efficiency and pressure drop. The 0.3 μm particle filtration efficiency was found to be 98.09% at an expense of 202 Pa pressure drop which would be suitable for various respiratory and HVAC filter applications.
Beam shaping to scale up microprocessing
Authors: Pallier Gwenn , Poisson Jean‐François
Published: January 2023

Many industrial microprocessing applications that use femtosecond lasers have been developed in a variety of sectors, including medical and semiconductors. To access new large‐scale applications such as surface texturing however, robust industrial‐grade beam shaping solutions need to be combined with femtosecond lasers. Cailabs and Light Conversion have developed a partnership to demonstrate the quality and robustness of their solution using a Canunda‐Pulse beam shaper and a Carbide laser.
Donut worry
Authors: Rudolf Andreas
Published: January 2023

The latest application studies demonstrate how ring‐shaped (‘donut’) laser beams overcome major obstacles in the laser powder bed fusion of metals. This includes key improvements in productivity and cost, a significant reduction of soot and spatter, the stable processing of difficult‐to‐print and crack‐prone materials, and the ability to improve and spatially tailor material properties.
“We need lights, but we need more intelligent lights”
Authors: Picot‐Clémente Jérémy
Published: January 2023

EPIC's photonics technologies program manager Jérémy Picot‐Clémente talks to Stephan Berlitz, head of Audi lighting development.
Immune‐related aseptic meningitis diagnosed by Cube FLAIR on enhanced magnetic resonance imaging for a lung cancer patient administered atezolizumab: A case report
Authors: Kuroda Ryo , Nakagawa Hiroaki , Uchida Yasuki , Narumiya Keiko , Tsunoda Yoko , Yamaguchi Masafumi , Oki Tatsuya , Hiratsuka Shinnosuke , Nagatani Yukihiro , Nakano Yasutaka
Published: January 2023

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can cause immune‐related adverse events (irAEs), such as neurological toxicity. A 46‐year‐old man was diagnosed with squamous cell lung cancer. Lung cancer recurred 3 years after he experienced left segmental lung rejection. Therefore, he received atezolizumab as fourth‐line chemotherapy. He experienced fever, headache, and decreased consciousness 10 days after the first dose of atezolizumab. Plain head computed tomography and cerebrospinal fluid examination showed no significant findings. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a Gadolinium (Gd)‐enhanced Cube fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequence showed nodular abnormalities with contrast enhancement. Thus, aseptic meningitis caused by ICIs was suspected. His consciousness level gradually improved with glucocorticoid therapy. Moreover, most nodular abnormalities observed on cerebral MRI disappeared concurrently. Thus, Gd‐enhanced Cube FLAIR sequence has the unique ability to reveal immune‐related aseptic meningitis
Photovoltaic Materials as Heterogeneous Photocatalysts: A Golden Opportunity for Sustainable Organic Syntheses
Authors: Sportelli Giuseppe , Boselli Tommaso , Protti Stefano , Serpone Nick , Ravelli Davide
Published: January 2023

Light absorption by semiconducting materials generates electrons and holes subsequent to charge separation, which is at the core of two different applications: 1) photovoltaics and 2) photocatalysis, intended to generate electric current or to trigger redox events, respectively. Recent developments in photovoltaic applications have been impressive, owing to the introduction of innovative and more efficient materials. This brief review describes recent examples to demonstrate the relative high performance of photovoltaic materials that have been exploited in photocatalytic synthetic applications. These include redox processes (net oxidations and reductions), CC bond formation, and manipulation of cyclic structures. Although several benchmark reactions have been explored routinely, a recent trend highlights the development of ground‐breaking synthetic applications, which demonstrate the importance of converting such highly performing materials from the photovoltaic into the photocatalytic field.
A systematic mapping study of software performance research
Authors: Han Xue , Yu Tingting , Yan Gongjun
Published: January 2023

Context: Software performance is crucial for ensuring the quality of software products. As one of the non‐functional requirements, the few efforts devoted to software performance have often been neglected until a later phase in the software development life cycle (SDLC). The lack of clarity of what software performance research literature is available prevents researchers from understanding what software performance research fields are available. It also creates difficulty for practitioners to adopt state‐of‐the‐art software performance techniques. Software performance research is not as organized as other established research topics such as software testing. Thus, it is essential to conduct a systematic mapping study as a first step to provide an overview of the latest research literature available in software performance. Objective:
The objective of this systematic mapping study is to survey and map software performance research literature into suitable categories and to synthesize the literature data for future access and reference. Method: This systematic mapping study conducts a manual examination by querying research literature in noble journals and proceedings in software engineering in the past decade. We examine each paper manually and identify primary studies for further analysis and synthesis according to the pre‐defined inclusion criteria. Lastly, we map the primary studies based on their corresponding classification category. Results: This systematic mapping study provides a state‐of‐the‐art literature mapping in software performance research. We have carefully examined 222 primary studies out of 2000+ research literature. We have identified six software performance research categories and 15 subcategories. We generate the primary study mapping and report five research findings. Conclusions: Unlike established research fields, it is unclear what types of software performance research categories are available to the community. This work takes the systematic mapping study approach to survey and map the latest software performance research literature. The study results provide an overview of the paper distribution and a reference for researchers to navigate research literature on software performance.
Recent Advances in Organocatalyzed Asymmetric Sulfa‐Michael Addition Triggered Cascade Reactions
Authors: Niu Cheng , Du Da‐Ming
Published: January 2023

The sulfa‐Michael addition reaction is a crucial subset of the Michael addition reaction, and aroused the interest of numerous synthetic biologists and chemists. In particular, sulfa‐Michael addition triggered cascade reaction has developed quickly in recent years because it offers an efficient method to construct C−S bonds and other bonds in one approach, which is widely applicable for building chiral pharmaceuticals, their intermediates, and natural compounds. This review emphasizes the recent advancements in sulfa‐Michael addition‐triggered cascade reactions for the stereoselective synthesis of sulfur‐containing compounds, including sulfa‐Michael/aldol, sulfa‐Michael/Henry, sulfa‐Michael/Michael, sulfa‐Michael/Mannich and some sulfa‐Michael triggered multi‐step processes. Moreover, some reaction mechanisms and derivatization experiments are introduced appropriately.
Synthesis and characterization of tubular ceramic ultrafiltration membrane from coal fly ash
Authors: Chathurappan Raja , Anandkumar Jayapal
Published: January 2023

In this study, a tubular ceramic ultrafiltration membrane was synthesized using coal fly ash (CFA) along with fuller clay and a small quantity of inorganic precursors by extrusion method. The composition of membrane precursors was varied to prepare the ceramic membranes which were named as CM1, CM2 and CM3. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) confirmed high thermal stability nature of the membranes. The insignificant weight loss (<0.5%) of the membranes in a highly acidic and alkaline medium showed the high chemical resistance of the ceramic membranes. Mullite and Quartz was identified as significant phases of synthesized membranes via XRD analysis. The high negative charge of ceramic membranes was observed by Zeta potential analysis. Molecular weight cut‐off (MWCO) of CM1, CM2, and CM3 membranes were estimated as 59, 50.3 to 36.6 kDa, respectively. The proportion of fuller clay significantly influenced the membrane properties such as porosity, pore size, and hydraulic permeability. The pure water flux of the membranes was increased with increase of applied pressure from 69 to 345 kPa. The maximum water flux was obtained as 11.7 × 10−5 m3/m2 s at 345 kPa for CM1. The pore size and porosity of the membranes were decreased from 131 to 96 nm and 57.68% and 44.8% while increasing the fuller clay from 8% to 12% in the membrane (CM1 to CM3), respectively. The results obtained in this study demonstrate that the CM3 tubular ceramic membrane can be successfully used for various ultrafiltration applications.
Social Acceptability of Cisgenic Plants: Public Perception, Consumer Preferences, and Legal Regulation
Authors: Dayé Christian , Spök Armin , Allan Andrew C. , Yamaguchi Tomiko , Sprink Thorben
Published: January 2023

Part of the rationale behind the introduction of the term cisgenesis was the expectation that due to the “more natural” character of the genetic modification, cisgenic plants would be socially more acceptable than transgenic ones. This chapter assesses whether this expectation was justified. It thereby addresses three arenas of social acceptability: public perception, consumer preferences, and legal regulation. Discussing and comparing recent studies from four geographical areas across the globe—Europe, North America, Japan, and Australia and New Zealand—the chapter shows that the expectation was justified, and that cisgenic plants are treated as being more acceptable than other forms of genetic modification. Yet, there are considerable differences across the three arenas of social acceptability. In Australia, Canada, and the United States of America, the legal regulation of cisgenic plants is less restrictive than in Europe, Japan, and New Zealand. Also, the public perceptions are rather diverse across these countries, as are the factors that are deemed most influential in informing public opinion and consumer decisions. While people in North America appear to be most interested in individual benefits of the products (improved quality, health aspects), Europeans are more likely to accept cisgenic plants and derived products if they have a proven environmental benefit. In New Zealand, in contrast, the potential impact of cisgenic plants on other, more or less related markets, like meat export and tourism, is heavily debated. We conclude with some remarks about a possible new arrangement between science and policy that may come about with a new, or homogenized, international regulatory regime.
An efficient closed-form solution for springback prediction and compensation in elastic–plastic creep age forming
Authors: Wang Xi , Rong Qi , Shi Zhusheng , Lin Jianguo
Published: January 2023

Accurately predicting the amount of springback has always been a prior focus in metal forming industry, particularly for creep age forming (CAF), for its significant effect on tool cost and forming accuracy. In this study, a closed-form solution for CAF springback prediction covering deformation from elastic to plastic loadings was developed by combining the beam theory and Winkler’s theory, based on which an efficient springback compensation method for CAF was proposed. This developed solution extends the application area beyond the traditional beam theory-based springback prediction methods, maintaining its validity with large loading deflection in plastic range. Finite element (FE) simulation and four-point bending CAF tests adopting a 3rd generation Al-Li alloy were conducted in both elastic and plastic forming regions and the results showed close agreement with the closed-form springback predictions. For the proposed compensation method, an adjustment factor was introduced for complex flexible tool CAF to consider its deviation from the uniform stress loading and can be obtained using the closed-form solution. The flexible tool CAF tests using the Al-Li alloy demonstrated the applicability of the proposed compensation method to obtain the target shape within reasonable iterations, which can be further reduced by combining FE simulation.
The optimum anticoagulation time after endovascular thrombectomy for atrial fibrillation-related large vessel occlusion stroke: a real-world study
Authors: Ma Hongrui , Che Ruiwen , Zhang Qihan , Yu Wantong , Wu Longfei , Zhao Wenbo , Li Ming , Wu Di , Wu Chuanjie , Ji Xunming
Published: January 2023

Objectives

To investigate the relationship between the initiation time of anticoagulation after endovascular treatment (EVT) and the outcomes in atrial fibrillation (AF)-related acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients.

Methods

In this prospective registry study, from March 2013 to June 2022, patients with anterior circulation territories AF-related AIS who underwent EVT within 24 h were included. The primary outcome was favorable [modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0–1) at ninety days and the secondary outcome was hemorrhage events after anticoagulants. Factors affecting the outcomes were pooled into multivariate regression and ROC curve analysis.

Results

Of 234 eligible patients, there were 63 (26.9%) patients achieved a favorable outcome. The symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), ICH, and systemic hemorrhage events after anticoagulants occurred in 8 (3.4%), 28 (12.0%), and 39 (16.7%) patients, severally. A longer EVT to anticoagulation time (p = 0.033) was associated with an unfavorable outcome (mRS 3–6). An earlier EVT to anticoagulation time was the independent risk factor of sICH (p = 0.043), ICH (p = 0.005), and systemic hemorrhage (p = 0.005). There was no significant difference in recurrent AIS/ transient ischemic attack (TIA) or mortality among patients who started anticoagulation at ≤ 4 days, ≥ 15 days, or 4 to 15 days. The optimum cut-off for initiating anticoagulants to predict a favorable outcome and hemorrhage events was 4.5 days and 3.5 days after EVT, respectively.

Conclusions

In AF-related AIS, the time of EVT to anticoagulation is an independent factor of the functional outcome and hemorrhage events after anticoagulation. The optimal initiate time of anticoagulant after EVT is 4.5 days.

ClinicalTrialRegister

NCT03754738.
Das große Verbesserungspotenzial in der multimodalen Basisbehandlung der peripheren arteriellen Verschlusskrankheit (pAVK): ein Aufruf zum flächendeckenden Ausbau der pAVK-Gehtrainingsgruppen in Deutschland
Authors: Dovzhanskiy Dmitriy , Behrendt Christian-Alexander , Görtz Hartmut , Uhl Christian , Classen Simon , Marchiori Elena , Neufang Achim , Rümenapf Gerhard , Stavroulakis Konstantinos , Rother Ulrich , Jaron Vera , Kunert Katrin ,   Kommission pAVK und diabetischer Fuß der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Gefäßchirurgie und Gefäßmedizin (DGG e. V.),   Deutscher Behindertensportverband (DBS)
Published: January 2023

Das Gehtraining gehört zu den wichtigsten Säulen der Behandlung der peripheren arteriellen Verschlusskrankheit (pAVK). Das Gehtraining in Gruppen unter Anleitung ist dabei besonders effektiv. In Deutschland ist ein flächendeckendes Angebot von Gehtrainingsgruppen nicht verfügbar. Von der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Gefäßchirurgie und Gefäßmedizin (DGG e. V.), vertreten durch die Kommission „pAVK und diabetischer Fuß“ wurde daher eine Kampagne zur bundesweiten Förderung des Aufbaus von lokalen Gehtrainingsgruppen gestartet. In diesem Artikel wird an Gefäßmediziner appelliert, bei sich vor Ort die Gehtrainingsgruppen auszubauen und mitzugestalten. Die Wege zum Ausbau solcher Gehtrainingsgruppen werden beschrieben.
Unplanned intensive care unit readmission after surgical treatment in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma — forfeiture of surgically achieved advantages?
Authors: Lehmann Felix , Potthoff Anna-Laura , Borger Valeri , Heimann Muriel , Ehrentraut Stefan Felix , Schaub Christina , Putensen Christian , Weller Johannes , Bode Christian , Vatter Hartmut , Herrlinger Ulrich , Schuss Patrick , Schäfer Niklas , Schneider Matthias
Published: January 2023

Postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) monitoring is an established option to ensure patient safety after resection of newly diagnosed glioblastoma. In contrast, secondary unplanned ICU readmission following complicating events during the initial postoperative course might be associated with severe morbidity and impair initially intended surgical benefit. In the present study, we assessed the prognostic impact of secondary ICU readmission and aimed to identify preoperatively ascertainable risk factors for the development of such adverse events in patients treated surgically for newly diagnosed glioblastoma. Between 2013 and 2018, 240 patients were surgically treated for newly diagnosed glioblastoma at the authors’ neuro-oncological center. Secondary ICU readmission was defined as any unplanned admission to the ICU during initial hospital stay. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify preoperatively measurable risk factors for unplanned ICU readmission. Nineteen of 240 glioblastoma patients (8%) were readmitted to the ICU. Median overall survival of patients with unplanned ICU readmission was 9 months compared to 17 months for patients without secondary ICU readmission (p=0.008). Multivariable analysis identified “preoperative administration of dexamethasone > 7 days” (p=0.002) as a significant and independent predictor of secondary unplanned ICU admission. Secondary ICU readmission following surgery for newly diagnosed glioblastoma is significantly associated with poor survival and thus may negate surgically achieved prerequisites for further treatment. This underlines the indispensability of precise patient selection as well as the importance of further scientific debate on these highly relevant aspects for patient safety.
Singular limits of a coupled elasto-plastic damage system as viscosity and hardening vanish
Authors: Crismale Vito , Lazzaroni Giuliano , Rossi Riccarda
Published: January 2023

The paper studies the asymptotic analysis of a model coupling elastoplasticity and damage depending on three parameters—governing viscosity, plastic hardening, and convergence rate of plastic strain and displacement to equilibrium—as they vanish in different orders. The notion of limit evolution obtained is proven to coincide in any case with a notion introduced by Crismale and Rossi (SIAM J Math Anal 53(3):3420–3492, 2021), moreover, such solutions are closely related to those obtained in the vanishing-viscosity limit by Crismale and Lazzaroni (Calc Var Part Differ Equ 55(1):17, 2016), for the analogous model where only the viscosity parameter was present.
Identification of Asymptomatic COVID-19 Patients on Chest CT Images Using Transformer-Based or Convolutional Neural Network–Based Deep Learning Models
Authors: Yin Minyue , Liang Xiaolong , Wang Zilan , Zhou Yijia , He Yu , Xue Yuhan , Gao Jingwen , Lin Jiaxi , Yu Chenyan , Liu Lu , Liu Xiaolin , Xu Chao , Zhu Jinzhou
Published: January 2023

Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly spread throughout the world; however, it is difficult for clinicians to make early diagnoses. This study is to evaluate the feasibility of using deep learning (DL) models to identify asymptomatic COVID-19 patients based on chest CT images. In this retrospective study, six DL models (Xception, NASNet, ResNet, EfficientNet, ViT, and Swin), based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) or transformer architectures, were trained to identify asymptomatic patients with COVID-19 on chest CT images. Data from Yangzhou were randomly split into a training set (n = 2140) and an internal-validation set (n = 360). Data from Suzhou was the external-test set (n = 200). Model performance was assessed by the metrics accuracy, recall, and specificity and was compared with the assessments of two radiologists. A total of 2700 chest CT images were collected in this study. In the validation dataset, the Swin model achieved the highest accuracy of 0.994, followed by the EfficientNet model (0.954). The recall and the precision of the Swin model were 0.989 and 1.000, respectively. In the test dataset, the Swin model was still the best and achieved the highest accuracy (0.980). All the DL models performed remarkably better than the two experts. Last, the time on the test set diagnosis spent by two experts—42 min, 17 s (junior); and 29 min, 43 s (senior)—was significantly higher than those of the DL models (all below 2 min). This study evaluated the feasibility of multiple DL models in distinguishing asymptomatic patients with COVID-19 from healthy subjects on chest CT images. It found that a transformer-based model, the Swin model, performed best.
Towards specific T–H relationships: FRIBAS database for better characterization of RC and URM buildings
Authors: Gallipoli Maria Rosaria , Petrovic Bojana , Calamita Giuseppe , Tragni Nicola , Scaini Chiara , Barnaba Carla , Vona Marco , Parolai Stefano
Published: January 2023

FRIBAS database is an open access database (https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6505442) composed of the characteristics of 312 buildings (71 masonry, 237 reinforced concrete and 4 mixed types). It collects and harmonizes data from different surveys performed on buildings in the Basilicata and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions (Southern and Northeastern Italy, respectively). Each building is defined by 37 parameters related to the building and foundation soil characteristics. The building and soil fundamental periods were experimentally estimated based on ambient noise measurements. FRIBAS gave us the opportunity to study the influence of the main characteristics of buildings and the soil-building interaction effect to their structural response. In this study, we have used the FRIBAS dataset to investigate how the building period varies as a function of construction materials and soil types. Our results motivate the need of going beyond a ‘one-fits-all’ numerical period–height (T–H) relationship for generic building typologies provided by seismic codes, towards specific T–H relationships that account for both soil and building typologies.
Age-specific contribution of contacts to transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in Germany
Authors: Rodiah Isti , Vanella Patrizio , Kuhlmann Alexander , Jaeger Veronika K. , Harries Manuela , Krause Gerard , Karch Andre , Bock Wolfgang , Lange Berit
Published: January 2023

Current estimates of pandemic SARS-CoV-2 spread in Germany using infectious disease models often do not use age-specific infection parameters and are not always based on age-specific contact matrices of the population. They also do usually not include setting- or pandemic phase-based information from epidemiological studies of reported cases and do not account for age-specific underdetection of reported cases. Here, we report likely pandemic spread using an age-structured model to understand the age- and setting-specific contribution of contacts to transmission during different phases of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. We developed a deterministic SEIRS model using a pre-pandemic contact matrix. The model was optimized to fit age-specific SARS-CoV-2 incidences reported by the German National Public Health Institute (Robert Koch Institute), includes information on setting-specific reported cases in schools and integrates age- and pandemic period-specific parameters for underdetection of reported cases deduced from a large population-based seroprevalence studies. Taking age-specific underreporting into account, younger adults and teenagers were identified in the modeling study as relevant contributors to infections during the first three pandemic waves in Germany. For the fifth wave, the Delta to Omicron transition, only age-specific parametrization reproduces the observed relative and absolute increase in pediatric hospitalizations in Germany. Taking into account age-specific underdetection did not change considerably how much contacts in schools contributed to the total burden of infection in the population (up to 12% with open schools under hygiene measures in the third wave). Accounting for the pandemic phase and age-specific underreporting is important to correctly identify those groups of the population in which quarantine, testing, vaccination, and contact-reduction measures are likely to be most effective and efficient. Age-specific parametrization is also highly relevant to generate informative age-specific output for decision makers and resource planers.
Sustainability of an economy from the water-energy-food nexus perspective
Authors: Morales-García Manuel , Rubio Miguel Á. García
Published: January 2023

In this paper we study the usefulness of the water-energy-food nexus in assessing the sustainability of an economy. All economic activity depends on its surrounding physical environment, and especially on the interconnection between these three essential resources. As a result, the nexus is a useful tool for detecting the economic risk of resource scarcity, optimising investments or resource use, and assessing the effects of economic policies or shocks such as climate change. The nexus approach is also useful for guiding policies towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We show that both the objective of each study and the scale on which it is conducted are factors worth considering when choosing the most suitable research methodology. We detected important challenges relating to the heterogeneity of the methods, scales and variables used, and therefore necessary measures nare suggested in order to homogenise the studies for their comparability and/or integration, both horizontally and vertically, or over time.

Graphical abstract
Genetic survey extension of the threatened Iberian Arnica montana L. revealed the presence of divergent plastid lineages and highly structured populations in northern Spain
Authors: Bouza Carmen , Lorenzo Iria , Rodríguez-Guitián Manuel A. , Casanova Adrián , Real Carlos , Romero Rosa , Vera Manuel
Published: January 2023

Iberian populations of Arnica montana L. (Asteraceae) represent a valuable resource both for conservation and pharmaceutical industry. Previous genetic analyses pointed out the presence of different genetic groups, but a wide region is still genetically unexplored. In order to fill this scientific gap, the present study analysed a wider sampling area along the northern Iberian Peninsula. Nuclear (i.e. microsatellite loci) and plastid DNA (cpDNA) molecular markers were used to assess the levels of genetic diversity and the population structure in 16 locations, eight analysed for the first time in the present study and eight representative of the different genetic groups previously identified. The two divergent cpDNA groups previously described were found, but their distribution was extended and refined. Thus, one of the groups (suggested as ancestral) was predominantly distributed in adjacent zones of the Cantabrian coasts while the other (more related to Central-European populations) was predominant in inner Cantabrian regions and Pyrenees. Genetic diversity with microsatellite loci (He = 0.280) was in accordance with the figures previously described, with a high level of population differentiation (FST > 0.500) identifying the presence of up to five population genetic units. Genetic and geographical distances were not related (no isolation-by-distance pattern identified), suggesting an important effect of genetic drift. Finally, due to the conservation and evolutionary interest of the populations analysed, different management actions useful for the maintenance of wild A. montana resources are provided.
Development and Validation of the Marginalized-Group-Focused Diversity Climate Scale: Group Differences and Outcomes
Authors: Sakr Nouran , Son Hing Leanne S. , González-Morales M. Gloria
Published: January 2023

In this research,
we created and tested the validity of a Marginalized-Group-Focused Diversity Climate Scale (MGF-DCS) following Hinkin’s (1998) best practices. Previously, no measure of diversity climate has been validated. Furthermore, addressing challenges concerning the basis of diversity climate perceptions, we reviewed disparate diversity climate definitions and scales to identify its core components and sources, focusing on the treatment of organizational members who identify as marginalized group members. Using full-time employee samples (N = 1639), tests of content validity (study 1), exploratory factor analysis (study 2), confirmatory factor analysis (study 3), convergent and discriminant validity (study 4), and criterion validity (study 5) were conducted. Results suggest that the MGF-DCS comprises three subscales: (1) interpersonal valuing of marginalized groups; (2) organizational representation and inclusion of marginalized groups; and (3) organizational anti-discrimination. Furthermore, the MGF-DCS exhibited measurement invariance across marginalized group identification. In study 5, using the MGF-DCS, we tested how perceptions of diversity climate predict organizational and personal outcomes, as moderated by participants’ marginalized group identification. In general, the more participants perceived their workplaces to have a positive diversity climate, the better they saw social dynamics in their workplace (e.g. higher cohesion) and the better their personal outcomes (e.g. lower job stress); in some cases, these benefits were stronger for employees identifying as marginalized group members (e.g. less experienced discrimination). Thus, the MGF-DCS provides a reliable and valid assessment of diversity climate in organizations that can be used to advance theory, research, and diversity management practice.
Turning to Religion During COVID-19 (Part II): A Systematic Review, Meta-analysis and Meta-regression of Studies on the Relationship between Religious Coping and Mental Health throughout COVID-19
Authors: Pankowski Daniel , Wytrychiewicz-Pankowska Kinga
Published: January 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic and the many associated socio-economic changes constitute a stressful event that required adaptation to new, dynamic, and often threatening conditions. According to the literature, coping strategies are one of the factors that determine a person’s degree of adaptation to stressful situations. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed on the relationship between religious coping and selected indicators of mental health. Due to the large amount of data, this work has been divided into two parts: Part I discussed the positive mental health indicators (Pankowski & Wytrychiewicz-Pankowska, 2023), while this Part II discusses negative mental health indicators. A systematic review of the databases of Science Direct, EBSCO, Cochrane, PubMed, and Google Scholar identified 33 articles related to the severity of depressive symptoms: 30 to anxiety, 23 to stress, 1 related to PTSD symptoms and peritraumatic stress, and 5 related to general negative mental health. The limitations of the research as well as further directions for exploration are discussed.

Clinical trial registration This Review was pre-registered at OSF: osf.io/54ygr (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/GMNFV).
Effect of linewidth enhancement factor of laser diode and fiber dispersion management on high-speed optical fiber links performance and use in WDM systems
Authors: Mahmoud Alaa , Fouad Nada , Ahmed Moustafa , Mohamed Tarek
Published: January 2023

We present a numerical simulation study on the effect of the linewidth enhancement factor (α) of semiconductor laser and dispersion management methods of optical fibers on the performance of 40-Gb/s directly-modulated fiber links and their application in WDM systems. The dispersion management methods include the use of non-zero dispersion-shifted fiber (NZ-DSF), dispersion-compensating fiber (DCF), and fiber Bragg grating (FBG). The optimal values of the α-parameter and the best dispersion management method are applied to design and simulate a four-channel × 40-Gb/s WDM fiber system. The obtained results show that the increase in the α-parameter and/or fiber length reduces the performance of both the 40-Gb/s optical link and the WDM system. Regarding the 40-Gb/s optical link, when α = 1, using –NZ-DSF or + NZ-DSF, DCF with SSMF, and FBG with SSMF work to increase the transmission length from 1.6 km of a standard single-mode fiber (SSMF) to 7.2, 26.5, and 40 km, respectively. Whereas at α = 3.5, the maximum transmission length reaches 1.2 km when using SSMF, –NZ-DSF, or + NZ-DSF, while it increases to 13 and 35 km when using DCF with SSMF, and FBG with SSMF, respectively. In the designed WDM system, the use of FBG with SSMF is predicted as the most effective method for dispersion management. The maximum transmission length reaches 25 km when α = 1, but reduces to 12 km when α = 3.5.
Steady-State Two-Phase Flow of Compressible and Incompressible Fluids in a Capillary Tube of Varying Radius
Authors: Cheon Hyejeong L. , Fyhn Hursanay , Hansen Alex , Wilhelmsen Øivind , Sinha Santanu
Published: January 2023

We study immiscible two-phase flow of a compressible and an incompressible fluid inside a capillary tube of varying radius under steady-state conditions. The incompressible fluid is Newtonian and the compressible fluid is an inviscid ideal gas. The surface tension associated with the interfaces between the two fluids introduces capillary forces that vary along the tube due to the variation in the tube radius. The interplay between effects due to the capillary forces and the compressibility results in a set of properties that are different from incompressible two-phase flow. As the fluids move towards the outlet, the bubbles of the compressible fluid grows in volume due to the decrease in pressure. The volumetric growth of the compressible bubbles makes the volumetric flow rate at the outlet higher than at the inlet. The growth is not only a function of the pressure drop across the tube, but also of the ambient pressure. Furthermore, the capillary forces create an effective threshold below which there is no flow. Above the threshold, the system shows a weak nonlinearity between the flow rates and the effective pressure drop, where the nonlinearity also depends on the absolute pressures across the tube.
Anti-Skepticism Under a Linguistic Guise
Authors: Grindrod Jumbly
Published: January 2023

In this paper I consider the plausibility of developing anti-skepticism by framing the question in linguistic terms: instead of asking whether we know, we ask what falls within the extension of the word “know”. I first trace two previous attempts to develop anti-skepticism in this way, from Austin (particularly as presented by Kaplan) and from epistemic contextualism, and I present reasons to think that both approaches are unsuccessful. I then focus on a recently popular attempt to develop anti-skepticism from the “function-first” approach associated with Craig, which I also show to be problematic. I then argue that the apparentprima facieplausibility of fighting skepticism on linguistic grounds is due to a methodological spill-over from linguistics. Once we recognize this, it becomes clear that the skepticism debate should not be conducted in linguistic terms.
Engaging with Colonial Knowledge on African Associational Life: Angola Case Study from 1860 to 1974
Authors: Dias Pereira Joana
Published: January 2023

Despite growing interest in African civil society and the enduring legacy of colonialism, studies on this theme with a historical perspective are still few. This article analyses the evolution of associational life in Luanda from its origins in the mid-nineteenth century until the decolonisation in 1974. It is based on a complete census of the officially recognised bylaws, which confirmed that formal associationism was exclusive to settlers and a minority of ‘assimilated’ natives. Modern associations among the ‘detribalised’ urban populations, never recognised by the colonial authorities, were considered by analysing ethnographic research. Historical empirical evidence sustains the idea that the colonial encounter determinately shaped civil society and the public sphere, determining the inequality in access and exercise of citizenship while illustrating the strategies used by native people to overcome legal and political constraints to associationism.
Cyclic Superelastic Behavior of Iron-Based Fe-Ni-Co-Al-Ti-Nb Shape Memory Alloy
Authors: Lauhoff C. , Remich V. , Giordana M. F. , Sobrero C. , Niendorf T. , Krooß P.
Published: January 2023

Iron-based shape memory alloys came into focus as promising candidate materials for large-scale structural applications owing to their cost-efficiency. In the present work, the superelastic properties of a recently introduced Fe-Ni-Co-Al-Ti-Nb shape memory alloy are investigated. For 〈001〉-oriented single-crystalline material in aged condition (650 °C/6 h), an incremental strain test reveals excellent superelasticity at −130 °C with fully reversible strains up to about 6%. Under cycling loading at different test temperatures, however, the alloy system investigated suffers limited functional stability.
Evaluation of aerial vehicle configurations for high-range Mars missions
Authors: Zappek Victor , Rinker Markus , Daxer Lukas , Hajek Manfred
Published: January 2023

As part of an envisioned autonomous swarm exploration mission in Valles Marineris on Mars a design investigation of a high-range scout UAV is performed in this work. Two VTOL configurations, a coaxial helicopter and a transition tailsitter, are examined to assess their suitability. A preliminary design framework using Python and the optimization framework OpenMDAO is created using the preliminary design software NDARC. To model the rotor performance, comprehensive analysis simulations are executed using CAMRAD II. Structural 2D-FEM beam models are created for the rotor blades and the wing for weight modeling. Design sizings are executed for operation in the extremely thin atmosphere and the mission performance for a scouting mission as part of the robotic Valles Marineris Explorer (VaMEx) swarm is examined. A behavioral model is created to evaluate the controllability of the configurations. The results for a mission with a cruise flight of 30 km and 1.4 kg of payload show that for such a mission the transition configuration does not offer advantages over a more conventional coaxial helicopter design. To understand design sensitivities and to evaluate the respective effects on vehicle performance parameter sweeps are conducted.
Catalpol Mitigates Alzheimer's Disease Progression by Promoting the Expression of Neural Stem Cell Exosomes Released miR-138-5p
Authors: Meng Shengxi , Chen Huize , Deng Chunjun , Meng Zeyu
Published: January 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (Alzheimer’s disease, AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by senile plaque deposition and neurofibrillary tangles. The pathogenesis of AD is complicated and the drugs used to treat AD are single-targeted drugs, which can only improve or alleviate the symptoms of patients, but cannot delay or prevent the progress of the disease. Because of its ability to act on multiple targets, multiple systems, multiple links, and multiple pathways, Chinese herbal compound prescriptions have shown unique advantages in the research and treatment of AD. Our previous study has demonstrated the protect role of the Chinese medicine Rehmannia in AD. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, both in vitro and vivo experiments were employed, and we found Catalpol (Ca), the main extract of Rehmannia, could mitigate AD progression both in vitro and in vivo by promoting miR-138-5p level in neural stem cell secreted exosomes
Untargeted metabolomics to evaluate antifungal mechanism: a study of Cophinforma mamane and Candida albicans interaction
Authors: Triastuti Asih , Vansteelandt Marieke , Barakat Fatima , Amasifuen Carlos , Jargeat Patricia , Haddad Mohamed
Published: January 2023

Microbial interactions between filamentous fungi and yeast are still not fully understood. To evaluate a potential antifungal activity of a filamentous fungus while highlighting metabolomic changes, co-cultures between an endophytic strain of Cophinforma mamane (CM) and Candida albicans (CA) were performed. The liquid cultures were incubated under static conditions and metabolite alterations during the course were investigated by ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrophotometry (UPLC–MS/MS). Results were analyzed using MS-DIAL, MS-FINDER, METLIN, Xcalibur, SciFinder, and MetaboAnalyst metabolomics platforms. The metabolites associated with catabolic processes, including the metabolism of branched-chain amino acids, carnitine, and phospholipids were upregulated both in the mono and co-cultures, indicating fungal adaptability to environmental stress. Several metabolites, including C20 sphinganine 1-phosphate, myo-inositol, farnesol, gamma-undecalactone, folinic acid, palmitoleic acid, and MG (12:/0:0/0:0) were not produced by CA during co-culture with CM, demonstrating the antifungal mechanism of CM. Our results highlight the crucial roles of metabolomics studies to provide essential information regarding the antifungal mechanism of C. mamane against C. albicans, especially when the lost/undetected metabolites are involved in fungal survival and pathogenicity.

Graphical Abstract
Effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist on insulin secretion index and serum Wnt5a protein in patients with new-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Xu Wei , Sang Y. Q. , Liu X. K. , Geng H. F. , Wang Ben , Shi Li , Qiu Q. Q. , Yu T. P. , Zhang Yan , Zhang Xia , Li Lin , Li Qing , Liang Jun
Published: January 2023

Objective

Previous studies have found that wnt5a promotes β-cell insulin secretion and reduced concentrations in patients with type 2 diabetes. GLP-1RA (Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) can regulate insulin secretion. However, the evidence that GLP-1RA affect insulin secretion through the Wnt5a is inconclusive. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of GLP-1 RA on wnt5a levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

A total of 56 onset diabetics were selected our study, 29 of them were treated by GLP-1RAs (1.2mg subcutaneous injection once a day, liraglutide, Novo Nordisk), the rest (27 case) treated by Metformin (0.5 g twice a day, Glucophage, Merck). Individuals who were using medications to manage platelet (Aspirin) and cholesterol (Statins) were enrolled and continued treatment throughout the study.

Results

Our study found that the waist circumference and insulin secretion index in the GLP-1RA intervention group were significantly increased, and the insulin resistance index was lower than that of the control group. More interestingly, the serum Wnt5a protein level increased dramatically after the GLP-1RA intervention, and the level of Secreted frizzled-related protein 5 (Sfrp5) decreased compared with the control group. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the change of HOMA-β (Homeostasis model assessment- β) was significantly correlated with the changes of Wnt5a and Sfrp5, and the change of Wnt5a protein was positively correlated with HOMA-β.

Conclusion

Our results confirmed that GLP-1RA may improve HOMA-β in patients with type 2 diabetes by affecting the level of Wnt5a protein.
Semi-Empirical Astronomical Light Pollution Evaluation of Satellite Constellations
Authors: Hall Doyle T.
Published: January 2023

Several commercial organizations have recently launched or plan to launch constellations containing thousands of satellites. Such large constellations potentially adversely affect astronomical observations. This study formulates a set of indicators that assess the impact of light pollution from different constellations on ground-based visible band astronomy. These include the statistically expected number of visible and sunlit satellites above ground-based observers, as well as the number that are also expected to be brighter than the currently recommended limit for constellation satellites. The latter indicator provides a consolidated means to evaluate the potential for a constellation to affect ground-based astronomy too severely, by simultaneously accounting for the effects of constellation population, orbital distribution as well as brightness magnitude and variability. For existing constellations, the evaluation process incorporates actual satellite photometric brightness measurements, which are becoming increasingly available in web-accessible databases and repositories. For proposed constellations, a semi-empirical method allows rough approximations of pre-launch light pollution levels, based on observed brightness distributions observed of currently orbiting analog satellites.