bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sampling uncertainties of particle size distributions and derived fluxes
Authors: Bisson Kelsey M. , Kiko Rainer , Siegel David A. , Guidi Lionel , Picheral Marc , Boss Emmanuel , Cael B. B.
Published: November 2022

In this study, we provide a method to quantify the uncertainty associated with sampling particle size distributions (PSD), using a global compilation of Underwater Vision Profiler observations (UVP, version 5). The UVP provides abundant in situ data of the marine PSD on global scales and has been used for a diversity of applications, but the uncertainty associated with its measurements has not been quantified, including how this uncertainty propagates into derived products of interest. We model UVP sampling uncertainty using Bayesian Poisson statistics and provide formulae for the uncertainty associated with a given sampling volume and observed particle count. We also model PSD observations using a truncated power law to better match the low concentration associated with rare large particles as seen by the UVP. We use the two shape parameters from this statistical model to describe changes in the PSD shape across latitude band, season, and depth. The UVP sampling uncertainty propagates into an uncertainty for modeled carbon flux exceeding 50%. The statistical model is used to extend the size interval used in a PSD‐derived carbon flux model, revealing a high sensitivity of the PSD‐derived flux model to the inclusion of small particles (80–128 μm). We provide avenues to address additional uncertainties associated with UVP‐derived carbon flux calculations.
Synthetic dyes: A mass spectrometry approach and applications
Authors: Millbern Zoe , Trettin Alison , Wu Rachel , Demmler Morgan , Vinueza Nelson R.
Published: November 2022

Synthetic dyes are found in a wide variety of applications today, including but not limited to textiles, foods, and medicine. The analysis of these molecules is pertinent to several fields such as forensics, environmental monitoring, and quality control, all of which require the sensitivity and selectivity of analysis provided by mass spectrometry (MS). Recently, there has been an increase in the implementation of MS evaluation of synthetic dyes by various methods, with the majority of research thus far falling under electrospray ionization and moving toward direct ionization methods. This review covers an overview of the chemistry of synthetic dyes needed for the understanding of MS sample preparation and spectral results, current fields of application, ionization methods, and fragmentation trends and works that have been reported in recent years.
Forecasting extreme precipitation in the central Mediterranean: Changes in predictors' strength with prediction lead time
Authors: Mastrantonas Nikolaos , Furnari Luca , Magnusson Linus , Senatore Alfonso , Mendicino Giuseppe , Pappenberger Florian , Matschullat Jörg
Published: November 2022

This work compares forecasting strategies for improving the prediction of extreme precipitation events at different timescales. Our study focuses on forecasting extreme precipitation in Calabria, southern Italy. This region with complex and abruptly varying topography poses additional challenges in forecasting precipitation. Here, we use gridded observational precipitation data from the E‐OBS dataset, reanalysis data from ERA5, and forecasts from ECMWF reforecasts. We show that different forecasting horizons require different forecasting strategies. For short to medium‐range lead times, post‐processing the forecasted extreme precipitation probabilities provides the most informative outputs for end users. For extended‐range forecasts though, it is beneficial to use the large‐scale weather variability, as depicted based on nine Mediterranean patterns in combination with moisture‐related information, to infer reliable information about extreme precipitation. We present benefits and limitations of the methods based on long‐term statistical analysis using a range of indicators, such as the Brier skill score and its decomposition, and the cost–loss model.
Chinese familial central precocious puberty with hyperuricemia due to recurrent DLK1 mutation: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Yuan Gaopin , Zhang Xiaohong , Liu Shaofeng , Chen Tingli
Published: November 2022

Background

Central precocious puberty (CPP) is a precocious puberty due to premature activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary‐gonadal axis (HPG). MKRN3 defects are well‐known causes of CPP, while DLK1 mutations were recently identified in a few patients with CPP.

Methods

The study was approved by the Institutional Review and the scientific committee of the hospital. The clinical data were collected. Whole‐exome sequencing (WES) was performed to detect causative variants. Key words ‘DLK1’, ‘MKRN3’, and “central precocious puberty” were used for literature search in PubMed, Google Scholar, HGMD, and OMIM databases.

Results

The patient, a male, whose puberty began before age nine, had significant metabolic abnormalities including overweight, hyperlipidemia, and hyperuricemia. WES detected a recurrent frame‐shift mutation, NM_003836.5:c.479delC(p.P160fs*50) in DLK1 in the patient and his father.

Conclusion

The familial DLK1‐CPP was identified in China for the first time, which supported that short stature is predicted in patients with CPP without GnRHa treatment. Therefore, we recommend that children with DLK1‐CPP should be treated as early as possible to improve adult height. The patient in this study had persistent hyperuricemia, further suggests that this antiadipogenic factor represents a link between reproduction and metabolism.
Exploring trade‐offs in treatment planning for brain tumor cases with a probabilistic definition of the clinical target volume
Authors: Buti Gregory , Shusharina Nadya , Ajdari Ali , Sterpin Edmond , Bortfeld Thomas
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study demonstrates how a novel probabilistic clinical target volume (CTV) concept—the clinical target distribution (CTD)—can be used to navigate the trade‐off between target coverage and organ sparing with a semi‐interactive treatment planning approach.

Methods

Two probabilistic treatment planning methods are presented that use tumor probabilities to balance tumor control with organ‐at‐risk (OAR) sparing. The first method explores OAR dose reduction by systematically discarding of CTD voxels with an unfavorable dose‐to‐probability ratio from the minimum dose coverage objective. The second method sequentially expands the target volume from the GTV edge, calculating the CTD coverage versus OAR sparing trade‐off after dosing each expansion. Each planning method leads to estimated levels of tumor control under specific statistical models of tumor infiltration: an independent tumor islets model and contiguous circumferential tumor growth model. The methods are illustrated by creating proton therapy treatment plans for two glioblastoma patients with the clinical goal of sparing the hippocampus and brainstem. For probabilistic plan evaluation, the concept of a dose‐expected–volume histogram is introduced, which plots the dose to the expected tumor volume considering tumor probabilities.

Results

Both probabilistic planning approaches generate a library of treatment plans to interactively navigate the planning trade‐offs. In the first probabilistic approach, a significant reduction of hippocampus dose could be achieved by excluding merely 1% of CTD voxels without compromising expected tumor control probability (TCP) or CTD coverage: the hippocampus dose reduces with 9.5 and 5.3 Gy for Patient 1 and 2, while the TCP loss remains below 1%. Moreover, discarding up to 10% of the CTD voxels does not significantly diminish the expected CTD dose, even though evaluation with a binary volume suggests poor CTD coverage. In the second probabilistic approach, the expected CTD and TCP depend more strongly on the extent of the high‐dose region: the target volume margin cannot be reduced by more than 2 mm if one aims at keeping the expected CTD loss and TCP loss under 1 Gy and 2%, respectively. Therefore, there is less potential for improved OAR sparing without compromising TCP or expected CTD coverage.

Conclusions

This study proposes and implements treatment planning strategies to explore trade‐offs using tumor probabilities.
Modeling of Diffusive Transport of Polymers Moments Using Limiting Cases of the Maxwell–Stefan Model
Authors: Welzel Stefan , Säckel Winfried , Nieken Ulrich
Published: November 2022

A polymer distribution is usually represented by its moments. Thus, to calculate transport in a polymer system, a formulation for the transport of moments of the polymer is needed. This is only possible if the moments close or if there is a suitable closing condition. To archive this, two simplifications of the Stefan–Maxwell diffusion are derived, which convert the transport equation of polymeric species to a closed set of transport equations for the polymer moments. The first approach corresponds to an infinitely diluted polymer system, whereas the second one describes a highly concentrated polymer system. Both formulations are compared with the full Stefan‐Maxwell model of a ternary mixture of a solvent and two polymer species of different chain length.
Simultaneous Optimization of MP2RAGE T1‐weighted (UNI) and FLuid And White matter Suppression (FLAWS) brain images at 7T using Extended Phase Graph (EPG) Simulations
Authors: Dokumacı Ayşe Sıla , Aitken Fraser R. , Sedlacik Jan , Bridgen Pip , Tomi‐Tricot Raphael , Mooiweer Ronald , Vecchiato Katy , Wilkinson Tom , Casella Chiara , Giles Sharon , Hajnal Joseph V. , Malik Shaihan J. , O'Muircheartaigh Jonathan , Carmichael David W.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The MP2RAGE sequence is typically optimized for either T1‐weighted uniform image (UNI) or gray matter–dominant fluid and white matter suppression (FLAWS) contrast images. Here, the purpose was to optimize an MP2RAGE protocol at 7 Tesla to provide UNI and FLAWS images simultaneously in a clinically applicable acquisition time at <0.7 mm isotropic resolution.

Methods

Using the extended phase graph formalism, the signal evolution of the MP2RAGE sequence was simulated incorporating T2 relaxation, diffusion, RF spoiling, and B1+ variability. Flip angles and TI were optimized at different TRs (TRMP2RAGE) to produce an optimal contrast‐to‐noise ratio for UNI and FLAWS images. Simulation results were validated by comparison to MP2RAGE brain scans of 5 healthy subjects, and a final protocol at TRMP2RAGE = 4000 ms was applied in 19 subjects aged 8–62 years with and without epilepsy.

Results

FLAWS contrast images could be obtained while maintaining >85% of the optimal UNI contrast‐to‐noise ratio. Using TI1/TI2/TRMP2RAGE of 650/2280/4000 ms, 6/8 partial Fourier in the inner phase‐encoding direction, and GRAPPA factor = 4 in the other, images with 0.65 mm isotropic resolution were produced in <7.5 min. The contrast‐to‐noise ratio was around 20% smaller at TRMP2RAGE = 4000 ms compared to that at TRMP2RAGE = 5000 ms; however, the 20% shorter duration makes TRMP2RAGE = 4000 ms a good candidate for clinical applications example, pediatrics.

Conclusion

FLAWS and UNI images could be obtained in a single scan with 0.65 mm isotropic resolution, providing a set of high‐contrast images and full brain coverage in a clinically applicable scan time. Images with excellent anatomical detail were demonstrated over a wide age range using the optimized parameter set.
Diffusion weighted hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI of the lung with 2D and 3D (FLORET) spiral
Authors: Bdaiwi Abdullah S. , Willmering Matthew M. , Wang Hui , Cleveland Zackary I.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

To enable efficient hyperpolarized 129Xe diffusion imaging using 2D and 3D (Fermat Looped, ORthogonally Encoded Trajectories, FLORET) spiral sequences and demonstrate that 129Xe ADCs obtained using these sequences are comparable to those obtained using a conventional, 2D gradient‐recalled echo (GRE) sequence.

Theory and Methods

Diffusion‐weighted 129Xe MRI (b‐values = 0, 7.5, 15 s/cm2) was performed in four healthy volunteers and one subject with lymphangioleiomyomatosis using slice‐selective 2D‐GRE (scan time = 15 s), slice‐selective 2D‐Spiral (4 s), and 3D‐FLORET (16 s) sequences. Experimental SNRs from b‐value = 0 images () and mean ADC values were compared across sequences. In two healthy subjects, a second b = 0 image was acquired using the 2D‐Spiral sequence to map flip angle and correct RF‐induced, hyperpolarized signal decay at the voxel level, thus improving regional ADC estimates.

Results

Diffusion‐weighted images from spiral sequences displayed image quality comparable to 2D‐GRE and produced sufficient (16.8 ± 3.8 for 2D‐GRE, 21.2 ± 3.5 for 2D‐Spiral, 20.4 ± 3.5 for FLORET) to accurately calculate ADC. Whole‐lung means and SDs of ADC obtained via spiral were not significantly different (P > 0.54) from those obtained via 2D‐GRE. Finally, 2D‐Spiral images were corrected for signal decay, which resulted in a whole‐lung mean ADC decrease of ˜15%, relative to uncorrected images.

Conclusions

Relative to GRE, efficient spiral sequences allow 129Xe diffusion images to be acquired with isotropic lung coverage (3D), higher (2D and 3D), and three‐fold faster (2D) within a single breath‐hold. In turn, shortened breath‐holds enable flip‐angle mapping, and thus, allow RF‐induced signal decay to be corrected, increasing ADC accuracy.
An overview of psoriatic arthritis including clinical manifestations, assessment, diagnostic criteria, investigations, drug management and GRAPPA guidelines
Authors: Packham Jonathan , Tarar Bilal
Published: November 2022

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic and often progressive inflammatory disease, occurring in up to 30% of patients with psoriasis. Assessment of patients with PsA requires consideration of all disease domains, including peripheral arthritis, axial disease, enthesitis, dactylitis, skin psoriasis, psoriatic nail disease, uveitis and inflammatory bowel disease. Co‐morbidities and related conditions should all be considered including: obesity, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, anxiety/depression, liver disease, chronic infections, malignancy, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia and reproductive health.
Ultrasound of peripheral nerves distinguishes inherited sensory neuronopathy of cerebellar ataxia with neuropathy and vestibular areflexia syndrome from inherited axonopathy
Authors: Pelosi Luciana , Coraci Daniele , Mulroy Eoin , Leadbetter Ruth , Padua Luca , Roxburgh Richard
Published: November 2022

Introduction/Aims

Recent studies have shown that ultrasound of peripheral nerves can distinguish inherited sensory neuronopathy from acquired axonopathy with a high degree of accuracy. In this study we aimed to determine whether ultrasound can also distinguish inherited sensory neuronopathy from inherited axonopathy.

Methods

We compared the ultrasound cross‐sectional areas (CSAs) of the median, ulnar, sural, and tibial nerves of retrospectively recruited patients with cerebellar ataxia with neuropathy and vestibular areflexia syndrome (CANVAS), in whom sensory neuronopathy is a cardinal feature, with Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth type 2 (CMT2) disease patients, who have an inherited axonopathy, using the Kruskal‐Wallis test and receiver‐operating characteristic curves.

Results

There were 17 patients with CANVAS and 18 with CMT2. The upper limb nerve CSAs were significantly smaller in CANVAS than in CMT2 (P < .001), with the CSAs of the median nerve at mid‐forearm and ulnar nerve at mid‐arm being a third or less the size of those of the CMT2 patients. Nerve ultrasound reliably distinguished CANVAS from CMT2 with ROC areas under the curve between 0.97 and 0.99. The lower limb CSAs of the two patient groups were not significantly different.

Discussion

Ultrasound of the upper limb nerves distinguishes CANVAS sensory neuronopathy from inherited axonopathy with high accuracy and can therefore be proposed as a reliable additional tool in the investigation of these diseases.
Robust design optimization for enhancing delamination resistance of composites
Authors: Singh Sukhminder , Pflug Lukas , Mergheim Julia , Stingl Michael
Published: November 2022

Recent developments in the field of computational modeling of fracture have opened up possibilities for designing structures against failure. A special case, called interfacial fracture or delamination, can occur in loaded composite structures where two or more materials are bonded together at comparatively weak interfaces. Due to the potential crack growth along these interfaces, the structural problem suffers from snap‐back/snap‐through instabilities and bifurcations with respect to the model parameters, leading to noisy and discontinuous responses. For such a case, the design optimization problem for a selected quantity of interest is ill‐posed, since small variations in the design parameters can lead to large jumps in the structural response. To this end, this article presents a stochastic optimization approach to maximize delamination resistance that is less sensitive to small perturbations of the design and thereby leads to a robust solution. To overcome the intractability of Monte Carlo methods for estimating the expected value of the expensive‐to‐evaluate response function, a global, piecewise‐constant surrogate is constructed based on nearest‐neighbor interpolation that is iteratively refined during the optimization run. We found that by taking a large stochastic region at the beginning of the optimization and gradually reducing it to the desired one can help overcome poor local optima. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework using an example of shape optimization of hard inclusions embedded in a double‐cantilever beam, which significantly enhances delamination resistance.
Finite element modeling of plastic hinges based on ductility demand‐capacity method using nonlinear material for dynamic analysis
Authors: Grębowski Karol , Wilde Krzysztof , Miśkiewicz Mikołaj
Published: November 2022

The article discusses modeling plastic hinges in reinforced concrete intermediate supports using finite elements methods. The ductility demand‐capacity method was used to determine the geometrical parameters of cross‐section plasticization zones, their ability to move and rotate, as well as their ductility. Due to the varied geometry and stiffness of the supports and their nonlinear behavior under dynamic load, this method was concluded to be imperfect. Therefore, an improved algorithm was proposed by determining the main parameters of plastic hinges depending on the degree of concrete degradation according to Lubliner's assumptions. The new algorithm has been implemented in the form of mathematical equations. It was subsequently used, at the structure design stage, to perform numerical calculations based on the finite element method.
Finite element method–discrete element method bridging coupling for the modeling of gouge
Authors: Voisin‐Leprince Manon , Garcia‐Suarez Joaquin , Anciaux Guillaume , Molinari Jean‐François
Published: November 2022

We discuss the multiscale modeling of a granular material trapped between continuum elastic domains. The amorphous granular region, usually termed “gouge,” is under high confinement pressure, to represent the loading of faults at depth. We model the granularity of gouge using the discrete element method (DEM), while the elastic regions surrounding it are represented with two continuum domains modeled with the finite element method (FEM). We resort to a concurrent coupling of the discrete and continuum domains for a proper transmission of waves between the discrete and continuum domains. The confinement pressure results in the appearance of a new kind of ghost forces, which we address via two different overlapping coupling strategies. The first one is a generalization to granular materials of the bridging method, which was originally introduced to couple continuum domains to regular atomic lattices. This method imposes a strong formulation for the Lagrange constraints at the coupling interface. The second strategy considers a weak formulation. Different DEM samples sizes are tested in order to determine at which scale a convergence of the elastic properties is reached. This scale sets the minimal mesh element size in the DEM/FEM interface necessary to avoid undesirable effects due to an elastic properties mismatch. Then, the two DEM/FEM strategies are compared for a system initially at equilibrium. While the performance of both strategies is adequate, we show that the strong coupling is the most stable one as it generates the least spurious numerical noise. Finally, as a practical example for the strong coupling approach, we analyze the propagation of pressure and shear waves through the FEM/DEM interface and discuss dispersion as function of the incoming wave frequency.
Performance evaluation of gamma‐ray irradiated silicone rubber nano‐micro composites using electrical, thermal, physiochemical and deep learning techniques
Authors: Paul Moutusi , Mishra Palash , Vinod Pabbati , Sarathi Ramanujam , Mondal Mithun
Published: November 2022

Silicone rubber insulation used in nuclear power stations is inevitably exposed to highly energetic gamma‐ray irradiations which may lead to premature failure. Therefore, it is mandatory to develop silicone rubber composites capable of withstanding the stress posed by gamma‐ray irradiation. The present research involves the development of micro aluminum tri hydrate (ATH) and nano silica (SiO2) doped/co‐doped silicone rubber nanocomposites best suited for use in nuclear power stations. The samples were exposed to gamma‐ray irradiation of 500 kGy. Surface changes incurred were assessed using atomic force microscopy (AFM), fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, contact angle, surface potential/impedance, water droplet‐initiated corona inception voltage (CIV) measurements thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was adopted to characterize the thermal stability of the specimens. Further moisture absorption behavior of the test specimens under strong electrolytic NaCl solution has been investigated. The erosion resistance of the virgin and gamma‐ray irradiated specimens has been classified using GoogLeNet convolution neural network.
Orcomutagenesis causes deficiencies in olfactory sensitivity and fertility in the migratory brown planthopper,Nilaparvata lugens
Authors: Liu Xin‐Yang , Yan Ru , Chen Sun‐Jie , Zhang Jin‐Li , Xu Hai‐Jun
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND

The migratory brown planthopper (BPH),Nilaparvata lugens(Hemiptera: Delphacidae), is the most destructive pest affecting rice plants in Asia and feeds exclusively on rice. Studies have investigated the olfactory response of BPHs to the major rice volatile compounds in rice. The insect olfactory co‐receptor (Orco) is a crucial component of the olfactory system and is essential for odorant detection. Functional analysis of theOrcogene in BPHs would aid in the identification of their host preference.

RESULTS

We identified the BPHOrcohomologue (NlOrco) by Blastsearching the BPH transcriptome with theDrosophila Orcogene sequence. Spatiotemporal analysis indicated thatNlOrcois first expressed in the later egg stage, and is expressed mainly in the antennae in adult females. ANlOrco‐knockout line (NlOrco−/−) was generated through clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9‐mediated mutagenesis. TheNlOrco−/−mutants showed no response to rice volatile compounds and consequently no host‐plant preference. In addition,NlOrco−/−mutants exhibited extended nymphal duration and impaired fecundity compared with wild‐type BPHs.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicated that BPHs exhibit strong olfactory responses to major rice volatile compounds and suggest thatNlOrco is required for the maximal fitness of BPHs. Our results may facilitate the identification of potential target genes or chemical compounds for BPH control applications. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
What matters for student learning outcomes? A systematic review of studies exploring system‐level factors of educational effectiveness
Authors: Mejía‐Rodríguez Ana María , Kyriakides Leonidas
Published: November 2022

Meta‐analysis comprises a powerful tool for synthesising prior research and empirically validating theoretical frameworks. Using this tool and two recent multilevel models of educational effectiveness as guiding frameworks, this paper synthesises the results of 195 studies investigating the association between system‐level characteristics and student learning outcomes. Results show a broad range of system‐level factors studied in the international literature, which could be grouped into the three categories used in the integrated multilevel model of education: antecedents determined by the larger societal context, including factors such as level of development, inequality and societal values; system ecology and structural reform, covering factors such as decentralisation, accountability and stratification; and direct educational policies, including financial resources, time resources and variables related to teacher training and qualifications. Results highlight the importance of the larger context in which educational systems operate, as well as the need for further research looking at actual educational policies. Further analyses provide support for a generic effect of system‐level factors, regardless of the educational level or subject domain assessed. However, results show variation in terms of methodological choices, such as the number of levels used in the analysis. Based on these results, implications for theory, research, and policy are drawn.

Context and implications

Rationale for this study

We present a meta‐analysis of the international literature on system‐level factors associated with student learning outcomes to contribute to the improvement of quality in education.

Why the new findings matter

A synthesis of the literature is important to identify what kind of factors have been studied so far, their consistency and significance, and to identify future research needs.

Implications for theory, research, and policy

Socioeconomic factors, such as affluence and inequality, and other characteristics of the larger societal context are important system‐level conditions. Conducting the meta‐analysis allowed to identify areas where more research is needed, such as on the impact of national educational policies, and on the impact of system factors on non‐cognitive learning outcomes. Further studies are also needed with a longitudinal component and focusing on the indirect effects of system‐level factors. The results of the meta‐analysis give further support to exerting caution when it comes to educational reforms and their implementation across different contexts, particularly because of the role that system inequality plays for educational outcomes.
Experimental and theoretical analysis on truss construction robot: Automatic grasping and hoisting of concrete composite floor slab
Authors: Tong Shenghao , Xu Wenpo , Zhang Xiaochen , Liang Wenfeng , Wang Yonghao , Zhang Zhongshan
Published: November 2022

The development of various construction robots can significantly reduce the construction labor intensity and risk. We present an experimental task of a truss construction robot, including automatic grasping and hoist positioning of concrete composite floor slab. And, a control strategy matching the construction robot is proposed to solve the following problems: (a) Due to the widespread manufacturing errors of building components, the position deviation of diagonal web reinforcement on concrete composite floor slab may cause grasping failure. (b) The chaotic surface of the floor slab seriously affects the recognition accuracy of the grasping target. (c) The large mass and inertia of heavy‐duty hanger and concrete composite floor slab make it difficult for robot to achieve accurate positioning under eccentric load condition. The machine vision recognition system ensures that if the diagonal web reinforcement is detected more than half of the grasping path, the grapple hook can change the grasping path independently to prevent it from colliding with the offset diagonal web reinforcement. An anticollision and grasping path planning method based on machine vision is proposed to improve the success rate and efficiency of automatic grasping. The mean value of proportional speed and proportional position is introduced as the evaluation speed and evaluation position of driving wheel to improve the accuracy of multiwheel synchronization. Moreover, we analyzed the robot performance from actual grasping and hoist positioning process of the concrete composite floor slab. The experimental results show that the robot has a good performance on the automatic grasping and hoisting of the concrete composite floor slab.
How cultural values influence sustainable consumption behavior? An empirical investigation in a non‐Western context
Authors: Vighnesh Nanjangud Vishwanath , Balachandra Patil , Chandrashekar Deepak , Sawang Sukanlaya
Published: November 2022

The current study aims to investigate the role of cultural values in shaping Sustainable consumption behavior in a non‐Western setting. The primary data on cultural orientation and consumption of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) products is collected from about 347 Indian consumers. Four consumption culture dimensions—Environmental Fatalism, Comfort‐centric Outlook, Spiritual Outlook, and Techno‐criticism—were derived from primary data using factor analysis. Consumption culture dimensions are shown to have a direct influence on sustainable consumption behavior and indirect influence through personal environmental stewardship. Environmental Fatalism and Comfort‐centric Outlook showed negative relationship, while Spiritual Outlook had a positive relationship with Sustainable Consumption Behavior—Techno‐criticism was found to be insignificant. Further analysis revealed that Personal Environmental Stewardship partially mediates the relationship between consumption culture dimensions and sustainable consumption behavior. The study findings extend the existing theoretical knowledge by offering a model that can be leveraged to validate the influence of cultural variables, including general attitudes toward waste and technology, on sustainable consumption behavior of high environmental impacts and spanning multiple consumption phases. Results from our study provide practical insights for educators, marketers, campaign managers and religious leaders to develop pedagogical practice and design culturally‐relevant messaging to activate norms relevant for pro‐environmental behaviors. The current study is among the first to focus on (i) an impact‐based operationalization of sustainable consumption behavior and (ii) the consumption area of electronics. Further, the current study also contributes to a rather nascent stream of research embedded in non‐Western contexts.
Adsorption and Reductive Removal of Hexavalent Chromium from Aqueous Solution by Nanoscale Iron‐modified Dual Surfactants
Authors: Wang Shuang , Zhong Dengjie , Xu Yunlan , Zhong Nianbing
Published: November 2022

In view of the increasingly prominent environmental pollution caused by heavy metals, nanoscale zero‐valent iron was modified by polyethylene glycol and sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (PS‐nZVI) and used to treat Cr(VI). The removal rate of Cr(VI) and equilibrium adsorption capacity of PS‐nZVI can reached 92 % and 122.3 mg ⋅ g−1, respectively, under the conditions of PS‐nZVI 1.0 g ⋅ L−1, initial Cr(VI) concentration 50 mg ⋅ L−1, initial pH 5.5, and reaction temperature 298 K. The adsorption process can be described by quasi‐second‐order kinetics and Langmuir isothermal model, and it is characterized by spontaneous endothermy and monolayer surface chemisorption. The mechanism of Cr (VI) removal by PS‐nZVI can be summarized as follows: First, Cr(VI) is adsorbed on the surface of PS‐nZVI by electrostatic attraction. Then, nZVI and Fe(II) reduce Cr(VI) to Cr(III), and themselves are oxidized to Fe(III). Finally, Cr(III) and Fe(III) form (CrXFe1‐X)(OH)3 or CrXFe1‐XOOH co‐precipitation, which is attached to the PS‐nZVI surface and removed.
Decomposition of Nitrous Oxide using a Copper‐supported Shirasu Catalyst
Authors: Umegaki Tetsuo , Noguchi Daisuke , Fukumoto Tsubasa
Published: November 2022

This work firstly reported catalytic activity of copper species supported on Shirasu‐based materials for decomposition of nitrous oxide. From the results of EDS and XPS analyses, the bulk and surface compositions of the supported copper species depends on its impregnation conditions. The copper species were preferably supported on the surface silica sites of the Shirasu‐based materials with addition of ammonia during the impregnation process, and the amount of the copper species increased with increasing the amount of ammonia. The catalysts with the active copper species preferably supported on the silica sites exhibited high activity for decomposition of nitrous oxide. The catalytic activity also depended on the kinds of Shirasu‐based materials, and the copper‐supported catalyst on a Shirasu balloon, A3NN, showed the highest activity. The catalytic activity improved with addition of ammonia into the feed reactant gas, and nitrous oxide in the mixed gas was completely decomposed above 673 K.
Preparation of Co‐based N‐doped Meso‐microporous Carbon for Hydrogenation of Nitroarenes
Authors: Liu Kaijian , Luo Kejun , Tan Hong , Li Ni , Hu Bonian , Ou Jinhua
Published: November 2022

The development of high‐efficiency and low‐cost heterogeneous catalysts with superior selectivity for the reduction of nitro compounds is desirable. Herein, we prepared Co‐based nitrogen‐doped meso‐microporous carbon (Co/N−C) derived from polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)‐coated zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)‐67 as a heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of aromatic amines via in‐situ restricted pyrolysis. The structure, morphology, and catalytic activity of Co/N−C were investigated, and the results indicated that Co/N−C‐800 has the combined advantage of the excellent catalytic activity of cobalt nanoparticles and the high mass transfer rate of the N‐doped meso‐microporous carbon framework, achieving superior catalytic ability for the selective hydrogenation of 20 representative nitroaromatic compounds. Co/N−C‐800 was recyclable by simple separation due to the strong magnetism of the Co nanoparticles and exhibited excellent reusability, with 100 % yield of aniline even after six cycles. The catalytic reduction may be attributed to the dissociation of hydrazine to H+/H− via the action of Co/N−C.
Green Synthesis of 2‐Aminobenzothiazoles via Copper Catalysis under Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Saranya Padinjare Veetil , Saranya Salim , Dhanya Raju , Anilkumar Gopinathan
Published: November 2022

A new methodology for the synthesis of 2‐aminobenzothiazoles, via CuI‐catalyzed reaction between 2‐bromophenyl isothiocyanate and diverse amines has been achieved. A wide range of 2‐aminobenzothiazoles were produced in 27–89 % yields under the optimized condition of 5 mol% CuI in ethanol under microwave heating at 130 °C for 30 minutes. This simple and environmentally benign protocol is free from any ligands, bases and other additives.
Voltammetric Responses of a CYP2D6‐Based Biosensor to 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and the Synthetic Cathinone α‐pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α‐PVP).
Authors: Lugo Vargas Andrés Felipe , Quevedo Buitrago William Giovanni , Chaves Silva Diana Carolina , Martínes Suárez Jaime Fernando
Published: November 2022

The amphetamine‐type stimulants (ATS) adulteration is currently a common phenomenon that endangers the health of consumers. Among the most common adulterants are new psychoactive substances (NPS), such as synthetic cathinones. This development demands new, low‐cost, and simple detection strategies. In this work, we present, for the first time, the electrochemical detection of two NPSs, the amphetamine 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and the synthetic cathinone α‐pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α‐PVP), using an electrochemical biosensor based on cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6). This biosensor was constructed by electrochemical reduction of the 4‐nitrobenzenediazonium salt on a carbon screen‐printed electrode (C‐SPE), with subsequent reduction of the nitro group into amines, and finally covalent binding with the CYP2D6 enzyme. The biosensor voltammetric response of the molecules studied allowed reaching limits of detection (LOD) of 0.0017 and 0.0022 μg/mL, and limits of quantification (LOQ) of 0.0059 and 0.0076 μg/mL for MDMA and α‐PVP, respectively.
I2‐Promoted Oxidative Metal‐Free [3+2] Tandem Annulation for the Synthesis of Multisubstituted Imidazoles in the Presence of Base
Authors: Zhao Mingming , Guo Wei , Wu Linping , Qiu Fayang G.
Published: November 2022

An I2‐promoted oxidative metal‐free [3+2] tandem annulation for the synthesis of multisubstituted imidazoles from amidines and nitroolefins in the presence of base is developed. This transformation represents an I2‐promoted C−N bond formation strategy in a one‐pot protocol without the requirement of any external metals and ligands. It features inexpensive, wide functional group tolerance, as well as insensitive to air and moisture.
Symptoms of complicated grief and depression following job loss: Can engagement in non‐work activities bring relief?
Authors: van Eersel Janske H. W. , Taris Toon W. , Boelen Paul A.
Published: November 2022

The present study aimed to examine whether day‐level engagement in non‐work activities can mitigate the adverse outcomes of job loss. Based on Jahoda's latent deprivation model, we hypothesized that engaging in such activities (e.g., meeting others) can fulfil five basic needs (e.g., need for time structure) and that fulfilment of these needs mitigates the negative consequences of job loss. A diary study was conducted on five consecutive days among 236 participants who had involuntarily lost their job, yielding 1046 daily measures of the time spent on activities, the evaluation of these activities, and emotional distress. Multilevel regression analyses showed that time spent on daily activities was associated with the degree of fulfilment of the basic needs and emotional distress, yet the effect sizes were small. Perceived utility of these daily activities showed more solid effect sizes with the basic needs and emotional distress. However, the mediation effect of the basic needs regarding the association between activities and emotional distress could not be confirmed. The present results suggest that, in addition to stimulating individuals who experience job loss‐related emotional distress to undertake certain activities, the evaluation of these activities should also be taken into account in tailor‐made interventions and preventive measures.
CVD Grown Tungsten Oxide for Low Temperature Hydrogen Sensing: Tuning Surface Characteristics via Materials Processing for Sensing Applications
Authors: Wilken Martin , Ciftyürek Engin , Cwik Stefan , Mai Lukas , Mallick Bert , Rogalla Detlef , Schierbaum Klaus , Devi Anjana
Published: November 2022

The intrinsic properties of semiconducting oxides having nanostructured morphology are highly appealing for gas sensing. In this study, the fabrication of nanostructured WO3 thin films with promising surface characteristics for hydrogen (H2) gas sensing applications is accomplished. This is enabled by developing a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process employing a new and volatile tungsten precursor bis(diisopropylamido)‐bis(tert‐butylimido)‐tungsten(VI), [W(NtBu)2(NiPr2)2]. The as‐grown nanostructured WO3 layers are thoroughly analyzed. Particular attention is paid to stoichiometry, surface characteristics, and morphology, all of which strongly influence the gas‐sensing potential of WO3. Synchrotron‐based ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X‐ray photoelectron emission microscopy (XPEEM), low‐energy electron microscopy (LEEM) and 4‐point van der Pauw (vdP) technique made it possible to analyze the surface chemistry and structural uniformity with a spatially resolved insight into the chemical, electronic and electrical properties. The WO3 layer is employed as a hydrogen (H2) sensor within interdigitated mini‐mobile sensor architecture capable of working using a standard computer's 5 V 1‐wirebus connection. The sensor shows remarkable sensitivity toward H2. The high, robust, and repeatable sensor response (S) is attributed to the homogenous distribution of the W5+ oxidation state and associated oxygen vacancies, as shown by synchrotron‐based UPS, XPS, and XPEEM analysis.
Infrared Radiation of Graphene Electrothermal Film Triggered Alpha and Theta Brainwaves
Authors: Lu Yanghua , Yang Renyu , Dai Yue , Yuan Deyi , Yu Xutao , Liu Chang , Feng Lixuan , Shen Runjiang , Wang Can , Dai Shenyi , Ge Qi , Lin Shisheng
Published: November 2022

The alpha and theta frequency brainwave activity in electroencephalogram (EEG) signal is proven to correlate with attention, inhibitory processes, memory, perceptual abilities, and sleep. The decreasing of brainwaves is demonstrated to be the reason of aging and even Alzheimer's disease, so triggering alpha and theta brainwave activity may bring positive behavioral modifications such as promoting health care and a quick sleep. Herein, it is discovered that infrared radiation from multilayer graphene electrothermal film can obviously promote the appearance of alpha and theta brainwaves in the human brain. In particular, the occurrence frequency and duration time of the alpha and theta waves in EEG can be effectively enhanced up to 2.3/2.9 and 3.0/4.1 times, respectively. The comparative effect of different working temperatures and heating materials is systematically investigated, indicating efficient infrared radiation from the multilayer graphene electrothermal film, which coincides with the human‐body thermal‐radiation wavelength range from 7 to 14 μm, may be the main mechanism for this enhancement. The multilayer graphene film electrical heater represents a convenient and surprising way for triggering alpha and theta brainwaves, which has many potential applications in the area of enlarged healthcare requirements.
Alexander Bogdanov's tektology, anticipating the evolution of social systems control
Authors: Lepskiy Vladimir , Malakhova Elena
Published: November 2022

The article substantiates an important contribution of Alexander Bogdanov's monograph, ‘Tektologia,’ in the formation and development of fields of knowledge related to the control and organization of social systems. The purpose of this paper is to prove that Bogdanov's ideas anticipated the trends in the development of the problems of control and organization of social systems—the trends that were developing under the influence of the philosophical foundations of scientific rationality (classical, non‐classical and post‐non‐classical), as well as the cybernetics of the first, second and third orders. Within the framework of our study, the individual aspects related to the trends in the development of control issues are considered separately. Our results suggest that Bogdanov's ideas lay in foundation of contemporary concepts associated with leaving behind the opposition of ‘subject–object’ in control science and the transition to the consideration of equal relations between various active elements of systems and environment.
Experimental Investigation on the Inhomogeneities of Transverse Microstructure and Internal Stress of High‐Strength Low‐Alloy Hot‐Rolled Strip
Authors: Fei Aigeng , Wang Wenguang , Yang Xiaohe , Xue Rundong , Ai Jiaojian , Zhao Zhiyi
Published: November 2022

Herein, the evolution of transformation in the width direction of high‐strength low‐alloy hot‐rolled strip is studied by using thermomechanical simulation, and the temperature, microstructure, and internal stress are correlated based on electron backscatter diffraction data. The temperature and time range of the transverse transformation are determined based on the thermal expansion curve. The results show that the transformation at the edge of the steel plate ends earliest and that at the plate center begins at the latest; only 31.9% austenite undergoes transformation at the plate central by the end of laminar cooling. The fraction of transformed austenite at the plate center is the least throughout the laminar cooling process. The proportion of small grains (within the grain size range of 0–4 μm), mean, and variant coefficient of grain sizes at the plate edge are 75%, 4 μm, and 1.29, respectively. In contrast, those values of the central region are 66%, 4.4 μm, and 1.05, respectively. The correlation between temperature and internal stress evolutions is established. It is demonstrated that the internal stress increases monotonically with the average transformation rate.
Primary Carbide Formation in Tool Steels: Potential of Selected Laboratory Methods and Potential of Partial Premelting for the Generation of Thermodynamic Data
Authors: Presoly Peter , Gerstl Bernhard , Bernhard Christian , Marsoner Stefan , Angerer Paul , Friessnegger Bernhard , Hahn Susanne
Published: November 2022

To predict the solidification and product properties of tool steels with complex chemical compositions, an understanding of the transformation behavior is crucial. Therefore, the quaternary Fe–C system with 10 wt% Cr and 3 wt% W (a subsystem of cold work steels, with M7C3 and M23C6 carbides) and the Fe–C system with 6 wt% W and 5 wt% Mo (simplified high‐speed steel, with M6C and MC carbides) are selected. The motivation for this study is to develop a methodology for the safe and fast production of model alloys and the close to equilibrium performance of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements. Regular diffusion annealing of as‐cast carbidic steels is time‐consuming, but with an additional heat treatment during the DSC measurement in the semisolid zone (30–50% liquid phase fraction), a status close to equilibrium can be achieved within minutes due to the high diffusion. To prove the potential of the equilibration by partial premelting in the DSC, additional equilibration and quenching experiments are performed in a Tammann furnace and investigated using a scanning electron microscope and X‐ray diffraction analysis. By combining these methods, carbide types and the transformation temperatures can be verified to evaluate and construct complete phase diagrams.