bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapeamento das Política de Participação no Capital Social de Instituições Científicas e Tecnológicas (ICT) em Empresas
Authors: Frossard Leonardo Miranda , Machado Rita de Cássia Pinheiro , Carmo Flávia Lima do
Published: October 2021

As universidades têm ampliado o seu escopo de atuação, desde sua criação no século XI, agregando à sua missão o ensino e a pesquisa; e recentemente, a sociedade tem demandado um papel mais atuante da universidade no desenvolvimento econômico e social, internalizando o conceito de “Universidade Empreendedora”. A pesquisa teve o intuito de identificar e realizar um estudo comparativo das ICT públicas e privadas brasileiras que possuem cláusulas de participação acionária em empresas. Para atingir os objetivos do trabalho foi realizada uma análise nas políticas de inovação para identificar as ICT que possuem cláusulas de políticas de participação minoritária no capital social de empresas. Os resultados demonstram que, por ser um tema pouco explorado nas ICT brasileiras, apenas sete delas possuem cláusulas em suas políticas de inovação. O trabalho sugere que as entidades do Sistema Nacional de Inovação se articulem para oferecer capacitação e produzir material informativo sobre como as ICT podem implantar ações de investimento em empresas
Estudo Prospectivo sobre Bebidas Isotônicas
Authors: Silva Graciete de Souza , Cardarelli Haìssa Roberta
Published: October 2021

As bebidas isotônicas são suplementos formulados com a finalidade de repor as perdas hídricas e eletrolíticas de atletas em decorrência de treinamento ou competição. O desenvolvimento de novas formulações desse tipo de bebida pode contribuir com o avanço do setor de bebidas esportistas, aumentando o seu consumo e comercialização. Nesse sentido, vários estudos recentes têm revelado a viabilidade da incorporação de produtos naturais em isotônicos e diversas patentes sobre esse tema têm sido registradas em nível mundial. Este trabalho teve por objetivo fazer um mapeamento de bebidas isotônicas desenvolvidas e patenteadas.
PATENT PLEDGE - Os Compromissos de Patente: análise jurídica e tecnológica
Authors: Uchôa Silvia Beatriz Beger , Uchôa Bruno Beger
Published: October 2021

O aqui denominado Compromisso de Patente, tradução livre do termo Patent Pledge, trata de um instituto relativamente recente, podendo ser definido como uma promessa realizada de forma pública por detentores de patente, os quais permitem a exploração de suas patentes por terceiros, a partir de determinadas condições. O artigo procura definir essa espécie de ato unilateral e fonte de obrigações, identificando as suas características, diversas formas e a motivação para o seu estabelecimento. São abordados aspectos jurídicos, de forma a relacionar os conceitos com o ordenamento jurídico nacional. Também é realizada uma análise de um compromisso feito por uma empresa, a Tesla Inc., enfatizando os pontos positivos e negativos do ato e se as tecnologias disponibilizadas coadunam com a proposta da empresa e sua motivação para o compromisso de patente. Conclui-se que se pode considerar o compromisso de patente como uma forma de transferência de tecnologia, e que pode incluir diversas maneiras, tanto em relação a acesso às patentes, formas de remuneração e existência ou não de condições especificadas. Apesar do anúncio da Tesla ter surgido como uma notícia extremamente positiva, os beneficiários do uso das patentes devem observar uma série de cuidados em relação às condições especificadas.
A novel CRT‐IMRT‐combined (Co‐CRIM) planning technique for peripheral lung stereotactic body radiotherapy in pinnacle treatment planning system
Authors: Duan YanHua , Zhou LiJun , Wang Hao , Chen Hua , Gu HengLe , Shao Yan , Feng AiHui , Huang Ying , Fu XiaoLong , Yue Ning Jeff , Ma Kui , Kong Qing , Xu ZhiYong
Published: October 2021

Objectives

This study attempts to explore a novel peripheral lung stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) planning technique that can balance the pros and cons of three‐dimensional conformal radiotherapy (CRT) and intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) / volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT).

Methods

Treatment plans were retrospectively designed based on CRT, IMRT, VMAT, and the proposed CRT‐IMRT‐combined (Co‐CRIM) techniques using Pinnacle treatment planning system (TPS) for 20 peripheral lung cancer patients. Co‐CRIM used an inverse optimization algorithm available in Pinnacle TPS. To develop a Co‐CRIM plan, the number of segments in each field was limited to one, the minimum segment area was set to the internal target volume (ITV), and the minimum monitor units (MU) of the segment was the quotient of fractional dose divided by twice the number of total fields. The performance of Co‐CRIM was then compared with other techniques.

Results

For conformity index (CI), Co‐CRIM performed comparably to IMRT/VMAT but better than CRT. For gradient index (GI), Co‐CRIM was similar to IMRT/VMAT or CRT. For heterogeneity index (HI), Co‐CRIM was comparable to IMRT/VMAT, higher than CRT. The dosimetric results of spinal cord and lung with Co‐CRIM were better than CRT, comparable to IMRT, but inferior to VMAT. The MU resulted from Co‐CRIM was lower than IMRT/VMAT but higher than CRT. For plan verification γ passing rate, Co‐CRIM was higher than IMRT/VMAT, comparable to CRT. For planning time, Co‐CRIM was shorter than CRT or VMAT but similar to IMRT.

Conclusions

The proposed Co‐CRIM technique on Pinnacle TPS is an effective planning technique for peripheral lung SBRT.
Sheer Frivolous Pleasure: Designing Sensory Stimulation
Authors: Spiller Neil
Published: October 2021

Designing architecture has always been about creating and conducting spatial experiences. Likewise this choreography of space, points of view, vistas and the unfolding of performative narratives through materiality and time are all critical components of entertainment architecture. AD's Editor Neil Spiller explores how the work of STUFISH resonates with and further amplifies familiar themes across architecture's history.
From Nice Ideas to Their Mortal Remains: Pink Floyd at the V&A
Authors: Broackes Victoria
Published: October 2021

Currently Director of the London Design Biennale, Victoria Broackes was previously Senior Curator for the Department of Theatre and Performance at London's Victoria and Albert Museum, where she was instrumental in assembling some of the museum's blockbuster music exhibitions. One of the most visited and iconic was 2017’s ‘Pink Floyd: Their Mortal Remains’. Here she tells its story.
Technology and Audience as Curator: In Conversation with Production Designer Willie Williams
Authors: Lipson Ric
Published: October 2021

STUFISH partner Ric Lipson talks to Willie Williams, who has been a key show director, stage and lighting designer and creative visionary of live entertainment for 40 years. Originally collaborating with STUFISH founder Mark Fisher (then of Fisher Park Partnership) beginning in 1992, the relationship between Williams and the STUFISH studio has created a plethora of innovative stage designs. Here they look forward to see how future audiences might experience such work and how designers need to react to the technological changes that are coming.
Computational Modeling and Experimental Characterization of Extrusion Printing into Suspension Baths
Authors: Prendergast Margaret E. , Burdick Jason A.
Published: October 2021

The extrusion printing of inks into suspension baths is an exciting tool, as it allows the printing of diverse and soft hydrogel inks into 3D space without the need for layer‐by‐layer fabrication. However, this printing process is complex and there have been limited studies to experimentally and computationally characterize the process. In this work, hydrogel inks (i.e., gelatin methacrylamide (GelMA)), suspension baths (i.e., agarose, Carbopol), and the printing process are examined via rheological, computational, and experimental analyses. Rheological data on various hydrogel inks and suspension baths is utilized to develop computational printing simulations based on Carreau constitutive viscosity models of the printing of inks within suspension baths. These results are then compared to experimental outcomes using custom print designs where features such as needle translation speed, defined in this work as print speed, are varied and printed filament resolution is quantified. Results are then used to identify print parameters for the printing of a GelMA ink into a unique guest–host hyaluronic acid suspension bath. This work emphasizes the importance of key rheological properties and print parameters for suspension bath printing and provides a computational model and experimental tools that can be used to inform the selection of print settings.
Picking Arbitrators, and the ‘Pipeline Problem’ in Achieving Conflict Resolution Diversity
Authors: Cole Sarah Rudolph
Published: October 2021

Arbitration literature emphasizes that one of the primary benefits of choosing arbitration is the parties' ability to select the decision maker to adjudicate the dispute.
Enhancing the Kinetic Process in Biphasic Crystalline NiWO4/Amorphous Co‐B Electrode Materials toward Energy Storage with Ultrahigh Rate Performance
Authors: Hou Jing‐Feng , Gao Jian‐Fei , Kong Ling‐Bin
Published: October 2021

Here, we report a two‐phase crystalline NiWO4/amorphous Co−B nanocomposite as an electrode material for supercapacitors, which is effectively synthesized via a simple hydrothermal method and chemical precipitation method. The obtained NiWO4/Co−B exhibits crystal‐amorphous contact, which makes it have more active sites than other crystalline‐crystalline phase boundaries, thereby enhancing electron transport. The NiWO4/Co−B electrode with the best mass ratio of crystalline and amorphous exhibits a great specific capacitance and excellent cycle durability. Compared to individual Co−B and NiWO4, it also shows enhanced rate capability Besides, NiWO4/Co−B/activated carbon supercapacitor device can provide a good specific capacitance and a maximum energy density of 10.92 Wh kg−1 at 200 W kg−1. This work provides new insights to develop novel electrode materials for energy storage and conversion.
Effective well management using the J100 framework and methodology
Authors: Güngör‐Demirci Gamze , Keck Jonathan , Lee Juneseok
Published: October 2021

Well rehabilitation and replacement are critical functions and activities where water utilities can benefit from rational decision‐support frameworks and tools that enable them to navigate the complex range of technical, managerial, financial, and public/environmental health considerations involved. Based on this industry viewpoint and need, a 15‐variable risk‐based prioritization framework and methodology patterned after the ANSI/AWWA J100 Risk and Resilience Management Standard was therefore developed and tested on a relatively large water system in California. The framework draws from a wide range of information sources and analytical approaches, including existing drinking water source assessments, public documents concerning the health of groundwater basins and aquifers, the results of recently conducted climate change studies, and water distribution modeling to balance the three principal dimensions of the J100 methodology (threat, vulnerability, and consequence). The new tool is expected to help optimize routine monitoring and inspections, as well as enhance the scheduling and implementation of rehabilitation and replacement activities through the deeper and more holistic understanding it provides around regional, site and facility, and water distribution operational and systems engineering factors.
Ein Pilotmarkt der Zukunft – REWE Green Farming
Authors: Mittelstädt Jan , Peter Boris
Published: October 2021

Das Pilotkonzept REWE Green Farming, entwickelt durch die Architekten von acme und die Ingenieure von knippershelbig, beschreibt ein Supermarktkonzept der Zukunft – eine Architektur, die einen menschlichen Bezug zu lokal erzeugten Lebensmitteln wiederherstellt und zugleich die Dimension nachhaltigen Bauens mit Holz sichtbar macht. Die Herstellungsprozesse von Lebensmitteln werden für den Nutzer zelebriert. Eine Aquaponikfarm wird in die Marktfunktionen integriert, mit einer Fischanzucht, die sich auf einem Mezzaningeschoss befindet, und dem Anbau von Basilikum in einem Gewächshaus auf der Dachfläche des Markts. Der Markt wurde als Prototyp geplant, mit dessen flexiblem und modularem Bauprinzip die Grundlage für die Übertragung auf weitere Standorte geschaffen wurde. Konstruktiv einfach und materialgerecht, so stellt sich der Tragwerksentwurf für den Holzbau dar. Ein räumliches Holztragwerk aus gestapelten Brettschichtholzbalken dient dem Abtrag der Lasten und wird zugleich prägendes Element der Raumgestaltung und Marktidentität. Die Formgebung der Stützenköpfe und der interne Kraftfluss von den Balkenlagen in die Stützenkonstruktion wurden wesentlich von den Materialeigenschaften des Holzes und reversiblen Fügetechniken beeinflusst. Ziel war es dabei, die Ansprüche der Nutzung, Architektur, Ausführbarkeit und Wirtschaftlichkeit zu beachten und die Ausdruckskraft einer ressourcenschonenden sowie wiederverwendbaren Bauweise in den Fokus zu stellen.
The Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO) clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Tang Ling‐Long , Chen Yu‐Pei , Chen Chuan‐Ben , Chen Ming‐Yuan , Chen Nian‐Yong , Chen Xiao‐Zhong , Du Xiao‐Jing , Fang Wen‐Feng , Feng Mei , Gao Jin , Han Fei , He Xia , Hu Chao‐Su , Hu De‐sheng , Hu Guang‐Yuan , Jiang Hao , Jiang Wei , Jin Feng , Lang Jin‐Yi , Li Jin‐Gao , Lin Shao‐Jun , Liu Xu , Liu Qiu‐Fang , Ma Lin , Mai Hai‐Qiang , Qin Ji‐Yong , Shen Liang‐Fang , Sun Ying , Wang Pei‐Guo , Wang Ren‐Sheng , Wang Ruo‐Zheng , Wang Xiao‐Shen , Wang Ying , Wu Hui , Xia Yun‐Fei , Xiao Shao‐Wen , Yang Kun‐Yu , Yi Jun‐Lin , Zhu Xiao‐Dong , Ma Jun
Published: October 2021

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant epithelial tumor originating in the nasopharynx and has a high incidence in Southeast Asia and North Africa. To develop these comprehensive guidelines for the diagnosis and management of NPC, the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO) arranged a multi‐disciplinary team comprising of experts from all sub‐specialties of NPC to write, discuss, and revise the guidelines. Based on the findings of evidence‐based medicine in China and abroad, domestic experts have iteratively developed these guidelines to provide proper management of NPC. Overall, the guidelines describe the screening, clinical and pathological diagnosis, staging and risk assessment, therapies, and follow‐up of NPC, which aim to improve the management of NPC.
Design, Synthesis, Cytotoxic Screening and Molecular Docking Studies of Novel Hybrid Thiosemicarbazone Derivatives as Anticancer Agents
Authors: Mohammed Faten Zahran , Rizzk Youstina William , El Deen Ibrahim Mohey , Mourad Ahmed A. E. , El Behery Mohammed
Published: October 2021

Thiosemicarbazones have been the focus of scientists owing to their broad clinical anticancer range. Herein, A Series of new thiosemicarbazone derivatives 5–9 were synthesized and confirmed through the use of different spectroscopic techniques along with elemental analysis. The in vitro cytotoxic activity of compounds 5–9 against MCF‐7 and A549 cell lines and normal breast cells were assessed. Several compounds were found to be active. The most active compound 7 caused MCF‐7 cell cycle arrest at G1/ S phases; and induced apoptosis at the pre‐G1 phase. The apoptosis‐inducing activity of compound 7 was proofed by the elevation of caspase 3/7 activity and also by up‐regulation of the expression of Bax and p53 proteins together with the down‐regulation of the expression of the Bcl‐2 protein. It also had a strong inhibitory effect topoisomerase IIβ enzyme. Molecular Docking study revealed that the synthesized compounds had good docking scores compared to the standard drug Etoposide towards the topoisomerase IIβ protein (3QX3). Overall, these findings confirmed that the new thiosemicarbazone derivatives could aid in the development of promising cancer drug candidates.
Heat and Mass Transfer at the Wall of a Square Mechanically Stirred Gas‐Liquid‐Solid Catalytic Reactor
Authors: Fathalla Ahmed S. , Amin Nevine K. , El-Ashtoukhy El-Sayed Z. , Sedahmed Gomaa H.
Published: October 2021

Wall mass and heat transfer rates in a square gas‐sparged, mechanically stirred reactor were measured by the electrochemical technique under the effect of various geometrical and hydrodynamic variables. For the 45° impeller, the mass transfer data fit the equation Sh = 0.7Sc0.33Re0.2Reg0.5 with an average deviation of ±6.9 %. For the 90° impeller, the data fit the equation Sh = 0.95Sc0.33Re0.14Reg0.53 with an average deviation of ±7.5 %. Gas sparging enhanced the wall mass transfer rates by factors of up to 2.61 and 3 for the 90° and 45° impellers, respectively, with a significant decrease in the total power consumption. The contribution of the present results to the operation of multiphase mechanically agitated vessels in different aspects is outlined.
Multisource information fusion strategies of mass spectrometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy data for authenticating the age and parts of Vietnamese ginseng
Authors: Liu Lu , Li Wan‐Yi , Zuo Zhi‐Tian , Wang Yuan‐Zhong
Published: October 2021

Aiming at two different classification tasks in the field of quality evaluation of valuable Chinese herbal medicine, the applicability of data fusion strategy based on different complementary analysis techniques was studied. In this study, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR) and ultra‐performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UPLC‐QTOF/MS) were used to analyze the different parts (including roots, stems, leaves, and fibrils) of 2‐to 5‐year‐old Vietnamese ginseng. The multivariate classification models (orthogonal partial least squares discrimination analysis, OPLS‐DA; support vector machine, SVM) were established using low‐level and mid‐level data fusion methods to identify different parts and age of Vietnamese ginseng. The OPLS‐DA model have shown that the fusion data matrix with low‐level fusion processing could separate Vietnamese ginseng samples with different growth years to the greatest extent, whereas the single data matrix had partial overlap. But 100% of prediction set classification accuracy could be achieved. The SVM model combined with two parameter optimization algorithms (grid search, GS; genetic algorithm, GA) was used to identify Vietnamese ginseng samples with different ages. The mid‐level fusion strategy based on the recursive feature elimination (RFE) features variable extraction method was more suitable for SVM model. In the model established by combining the two parameter optimization methods, the identification effect can reach 83.33%. The results showed that data fusion, as an effective strategy, could distinguish different ages and parts of Vietnamese ginseng.
A Spiral Graphene Framework Containing Highly Ordered Graphene Microtubes for Polymer Composites with Superior Through‐Plane Thermal Conductivity
Authors: Gong Jinrui , Tan Xue , Yuan Qilong , Liu Zhiduo , Ying Junfeng , Lv Le , Yan Qingwei , Chu Wubo , Xue Chen , Yu Jinhong , Nishimura Kazuhito , Jiang Nan , Lin Cheng‐Te , Dai Wen
Published: October 2021

Comprehensive Summary

As the power density of electronic devices increases, there has been an urgent demand to develop highly conductive polymer composites to address the accompanying thermal management issues. Due to the ultra‐high intrinsic thermal conductivity, graphene is considered a very promising filler to improve the thermal conductivity of polymers. However, graphene‐based polymer composites prepared by the conventional mixing method generally have limited thermal conductivity, even under high graphene loading, due to the failure to construct efficient heat transfer pathways in the polymer matrix. Here, a spiral graphene framework (SGF) containing continuous and highly ordered graphene microtubes was developed based on a modified CVD method. After embedding into the epoxy (EP) matrix, the graphene microtubes can act as efficient heat pathways, endowing the SGF/EP composites with a high through‐plane thermal conductivity of 1.35 W·m−1·K−1 at an ultralow graphene loading of 0.86 wt%. This result gives a thermal conductivity enhancement per 1 wt% filler loading of 710%, significantly outperforming various graphene structures as fillers. In addition, we demonstrated the practical application of the SGF/EP composite as a thermal interface material for efficient thermal management of the light‐emitting diode (LED).
Treatment patterns and outcomes in older patients with advanced malignant pleural mesothelioma: Analyses of Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results‐Medicare data
Authors: Danese Mark D. , Daumont Melinda , Nwokeji Esmond , Gleeson Michelle , Penrod John R. , Lubeck Deborah
Published: October 2021

Background

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare neoplasm associated with asbestos exposure. Characterizing treatment patterns and outcomes of older patients with advanced malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is important to understand the unmet needs of this population.

Aim

To evaluate the demographic and clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes among older patients diagnosed with advanced MPM in the United States between 2007 and 2013.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data linked with Medicare claims. We included patients who were age 66 or older at the time of their primary MPM diagnosis between 2007 and 2013 and followed them through 2014. Treated patients who received first‐line chemotherapy with pemetrexed and platinum within 90 days of diagnosis, second‐line, or third‐line therapy were identified for evaluation of outcomes.

Results

There were 666 older patients with advanced MPM, of whom 82% were male, 87% White, 78% stage IV, and 70% had no mobility limitation indicators at diagnosis. There were 262 patients who received first‐line chemotherapy for advanced MPM, most of whom (80%; n = 209) received pemetrexed‐platinum. Of these 209 patients, 41% (n = 86) initiated second‐line therapy, and 26% (n = 22) initiated third‐line therapy. Median overall survival for the cohort of 209 patients was 7.2 months. Patients with epithelioid histology had better median overall survival (12.2 months) compared with other histologies (4.4–5.6 months). Within 90 days of diagnosis of advanced MPM, 78% of patients were hospitalized, 52% visited an emergency department, and 21% had hospice care. The 2‐year cost of care was over $100 000 for all patients with advanced MPM treated with first‐line pemetrexed‐platinum.

Conclusions

Although first‐line systemic anticancer treatment was generally consistent with guidelines (e.g., pemetrexed‐platinum), poor patient outcomes highlight the need for effective treatment options for older patients with advanced MPM.
The Use of Real‐World Data to Assess the Impact of Safety‐Related Regulatory Interventions
Authors: Dal Pan Gerald J.
Published: October 2021

The regulation of medicines seeks to ensure the efficacy, safety, and quality of prescription and non‐prescription medicines. Given that the conditions under which a medicine’s benefits outweigh its risks are complex, it is essential that communications about the safe and effective use of medicines be clear and actionable. Assessing the impact of interventions to improve the safe and effective use of medicines is a developing area, and one in which real‐world data are playing an increasingly important role. Although real‐world data are commonly used to assess the impact of regulatory interventions, there are several areas where their use could be improved. Specific areas for improvement include assessing regulatory interventions across a wider range of medicines, rather than concentrating on a relatively few therapeutic areas; assessing more clinically relevant outcomes rather than relying on measures such as changes in the number of prescriptions, which may not always correlate with the desired impact; assessing the potential unintended or negative consequences of regulatory interventions; applying methods to address potential confounders; assessing long‐term, rather than just short‐term, impacts of an intervention; increasing the use of comparator groups, when feasible; and evaluating the impact of regulatory interventions from multiple dimensions, rather than from a single dimension. Expanded use of real‐world data could inform some of these efforts, although data sources beyond administrative claims data will likely be necessary to achieve all these goals.
Efficiency‐Enhanced Scalable Organic Photovoltaics Using Roll‐to‐Roll Nanoimprint Lithography
Authors: Yakoob Mohammed A. , Lamminaho Jani , Petersons Karlis , Prajapati Ashish , Destouesse Elodie , Patil Bhushan R. , Rubahn Horst‐Günter , Shalev Gil , Stensborg Jan , Madsen Morten
Published: October 2021

Light‐trapping nanostructures have for decades been researched as a route to enhance the performance of organic solar cells (OSCs). Whereas the power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of OSCs have reached above 18 %, industrially compatible devices made by scalable processing in air, using only nontoxic solvents and materials, have shown significantly lower performance values. Although light‐trapping nanostructures may improve this, the methods for integrating the nanostructures are typically not compatible with industrial scale up. In this work, scalable, industrially compatible, nonfullerene‐based OSCs are developed with integrated light‐trapping nanostructures at the back electrodes in the devices. The OSCs are made by using scalable roll‐to‐roll (R2R) and sheet‐to‐sheet (S2S) processes and the nanostructures are made by using roll‐to‐plate (R2P) nanoimprint lithography. A fully scalable solution is thereby developed for industrially compatible nanostructured OSCs. The nanostructured devices show enhancements in PCE up to 25 % compared to reference cells, owing to an enhancement in the short‐circuit current density (15 %) by enhanced absorption, and improved charge carrier extraction leading to an enhancement in the fill factor (7 %). Optical modeling is utilized to verify the optical effect of the nanostructures. The best devices attain a PCE of 6.5 %, which is the highest reported efficiency for air‐processed slot‐die coated ITO‐free flexible PBDB‐T : ITIC devices, here using nontoxic solvents.
Global patterns of particulate organic carbon export from land to the ocean
Authors: Li Mingxu , Peng Changhui , He Nianpeng
Published: October 2021

Global rivers and streams are important carbon transport pathways from land to the ocean. However, few studies have quantified terrigenous carbon dynamics in river ecosystems and its variations due to climate change and anthropogenic perturbations. Therefore, our study analysed fluvial particulate organic carbon (POC) and developed a processed‐based model (TRIPLEX‐HYDRA) to simulate the production, transport and removal (i.e., deposition, degradation and dam retention) processes of fluvial POC along the land–ocean aquatic continuum (LOAC). Based on our results, approximately 0.29 Pg of POC is exported from land to the ocean through rivers each year. More specifically, we found that rivers at low latitudes (30°S–30°N, 0.18 Pg yr−1) and high northern latitudes (60°N–90°N, 0.05 Pg yr−1) had higher POC fluxes compared to rivers in other regions. This high POC flux is related to strong erosion rates and high soil organic carbon storage. Additionally, our model simulation revealed that total POC flux from global river has not significantly changed from 1983 to 2015 but displays markedly decreased or increased trend at regional scale. These regional variations in POC export are affected by climate warming and dam construction. Moreover, approximately 0.46 Pg of POC is deposited or trapped by dams along the LOAC system, which plays a vital role in the global river carbon budget. Although some limitations and uncertainties remain, this study establishes a theoretical and methodological basis for quantifying riverine POC dynamics in the LOAC system.
Multifunctions of fine root phenology in vegetative and reproductive growth in mature beech forest ecosystems
Authors: Nakahata Ryo , Naramoto Masaaki , Sato Masako , Mizunaga Hiromi
Published: October 2021

Masting, a large interannual variation of reproductive investment spatially synchronized within perennial plants, is an important factor for understanding the use and storage of carbon and nutrient resources in various forest ecosystems. Fine roots play essential roles in water and nutrient uptake but also consume a large amount of net primary production (NPP) during growth. Understanding masting mechanisms requires knowledge of how masting trees succeed in abundant fructification by adjusting resource acquisition via fine roots and how mast seeding influences fine root dynamics. The aims of the present study were to estimate interannual variations in NPP, including belowground production, over several years while evaluating fine root phenology and to suggest possible relationships between fine root growth and the production of nuts, leaves, and woody biomass in mature forest ecosystems. Nut and leaf production was quantified using litter traps in two beech forests located at different altitudes of 550 and 1500 m, and woody biomass increment was estimated using allometric equations. Seasonal and mass‐based annual fine root production was determined using minirhizotrons and soil cores. Correlations between seasonal fine root and aboveground production were analyzed using the state‐space model, which can verify masting effects on fine root production between flower bud formation and mast seeding. NPP estimates exhibited almost biennial or irregular masting behavior. Nut production was positively correlated with fine root production in autumn of the previous year in the lower site but showed negative correlations with that in the early growing season of the same year in the upper site. The former indicated enhanced fine root production to absorb nutrients prior to mast seeding, and the latter suggested the suppression of fine root production due to resource depletion during masting. Fine root production increased with increasing leaf production in the early growing season in both sites, indicating the corresponding water transport between them. Thus, fine root phenology has distinct multiple functions to ensure water and nutrient resources in supporting aboveground vegetative and reproductive growth, resulting in variable seasonal patterns of fine root production.
Mechanistic Insights into the Organocatalytic Kinetic Resolution of Oxazinones through Alcoholysis
Authors: Trujillo Cristina , Cronin Sarah A. , Connon Stephen J.
Published: October 2021

A complete computational study has been performed in order to rationalise the results of a new organocatalytic approach to the kinetic resolution of 4‐substituted oxazinones which results in highly enantioenriched and orthogonally‐protected β‐amino acids. DFT‐analysis elucidated the preferable binding orientation of the 4‐oxazinone under study, predicted the formation of the observed majorRproduct with a calculatedeein good agreement with the experimental data and allowed a complete mechanistic and stereochemical understanding of the catalysis. The alcoholytic kinetic resolution of a 7‐memebered ring analogue to generate enantioenrichedγ‐amino acids was experimentally and computationally investigated for the first time.
The clinical course of neck pain: Are trajectory patterns stable over a 1‐year period?
Authors: Irgens Pernille , Myhrvold Birgitte Lawaetz , Kongsted Alice , Waagan Knut , Engebretsen Kaia Beck , Vøllestad Nina Køpke , Robinson Hilde Stendal
Published: October 2021

Background

Recent studies with data‐driven approaches have established common pain trajectories. It is uncertain whether these trajectory patterns are consistent over time, and if a shorter measurement period will provide accurate trajectories.

Methods

We included 1,124 patients with non‐specific neck pain in chiropractic practice. We classified patients into pre‐defined trajectory patterns in each of four quarters of the follow‐up year (persistent, episodic, and recovery) based on measures of pain intensity and frequency from weekly SMS. We explored the shifts between patterns and compared patients with stable and shifting patterns on baseline characteristics and clinical findings.

Results

785 (70%) patients were in the same pattern in 1st and 4th quarters. Patients with episodic pattern in the 1st quarter shifted to other patterns more frequently than patients in the other patterns. A stable persistent pattern was associated with reduced function and higher scores on psychosocial factors. There was a decreased frequency of patients classified as persistent pattern (75% to 63%) and an increase of patients in recovery pattern (4% to 15%) throughout the four quarters. The frequency of patients classified as episodic remained relatively stable (21% to 24%).

Conclusions

We found an overall stability of the persistent pattern, and that episodic patterns have more potential for shifts. Shifts mostly occurred between patterns closest in pain variation. The deviation in pattern distribution compared with previous studies suggests that the duration of measurement periods has an impact on the results of the classification.

Significance

Having persistent pain and having very minor pain is relatively stable over one year, while episodic pain has more potential for shifts. The duration of measurement periods appears to have an impact on the results of the classification. The given criteria resulted in a reduced frequency of episodic pattern due to shorter measurement periods. Our findings contribute to improved understanding and predicting NP using a combination of patient characteristics and trajectory patterns.
A New Chemically Modified Carbon Paste Electrode Derived from Aloe Vera Xanthate Nanoparticles to Detect Mercury Ions
Authors: Muthukumaran M. , Waseem Basha Z. , Venkatachalam K. , Rasheeth A.
Published: October 2021

This environmentally benign work describes a simple electrochemical sensor constructed with a chemically modified carbon paste electrode (CMCPE) using aloe vera xanthate nanoparticles to detect mercury ions. The characterization and morphology of nanoparticles were thoroughly investigated using modern techniques. The CMCPE efficiently senses the mercury ions. The limit of detection of mercury ions wasexcellent to the order of 0.231 μg mL−1. Real‐time sample analysis showed promising results. The recovery range was between 99.4 % and 101.7 %. The activity of CMCPE was commendable even after fifty days.
Shaking table tests of a resilient bridge system with precast reinforced concrete columns equipped with springs
Authors: Reggiani Manzo Natalia , Vassiliou Michalis F. , Mouzakis Harris , Badogiannis Efstratios
Published: October 2021

This paper presents the shake table test results of a novel system for the design of precast reinforced concrete bridges. The specimen comprises a slab and four precast columns. The connections are dry and the columns are connected to the slab by an ungrouted tendon. One of the tendon ends is anchored above the slab, in series with a stack of washer springs, while the other end is anchored at the bottom of the column. The addition of such a flexible restraining system increases the stability of the system, while keeping it relatively flexible allowing it to experience negative post‐uplift stiffness. It is a form of seismic isolation. Anchoring the tendon within the column, caps the design moment of the foundation, and reduces its size. One hundred and eighty‐one shake table tests were performed. The first 180 caused negligible damage to the specimen, mainly abrasion at the perimeter of the column top ends. Hence, the system proved resilient. The 181stexcitation caused collapse, because the tendons unexpectedly failed at a load less than 50% of their capacity (provided by the manufacturer), due to the failure of their end socket. This highlights the importance of properly designing the tendons. The tests were used to statistically validate a rigid body model. The model performed reasonably well never underestimating the median displacement response of the center of mass of the slab by more than 30%. However, the model cannot predict the torsion rotation of the slab that was observed in the tests and is due to imperfections.
How far have management practices come in ‘working with the river’?
Authors: Fryirs Kirstie , Brierley Gary
Published: October 2021

The philosophy of ‘working with nature’ and ‘working with the river’ is increasingly embedded in global management practice. However, what does this mean? Has real progress been made in operationalizing what is known, how scientists and practitioners work and how rivers are conceptualized as integral parts of landscapes, culture and society? The first sections of this commentary outline what this philosophy means to us (the authors) and briefly summarize the evolution of associated concepts and principles in recent decades. In the final section, we comment on what we believe needs to be done to ‘work with the river’ in practice. We are communicating to both river scientists and practitioners as a collective when we ask: Will we be brave enough to hold the course in the face of many global challenges, be ready to respond when called upon, and commit to creation of diverse, inclusive and open access communities of practice in geoethical programmes that ‘work with the river’?
Diatom‐inferred microtopography formation in peatlands
Authors: Chen Xu , McGowan Suzanne , Bu Zhao‐Jun , Huang Xian‐Yu , Bai Xue , Zhang Yu‐Ke , Peng Jia , Li Jun‐Lu
Published: October 2021

Peatlands, an important carbon pool in terrestrial ecosystems, are often characterised by a hummock–hollow microtopography, which has important implications for hydrologic conditions, biotic community structure and carbon cycling. However, dynamics of microtopography formation are poorly understood. Moss‐inhabiting diatoms are sensitive to water table change and may be used to infer microtopography formation. Sixty‐three surface moss samples were collected from four Sphagnum peatlands in the Changbai Mountains (north‐eastern China), covering a water table gradient of 0–55 cm. Ordination analyses revealed that depth to the water table (DWT) was the determinant of diatom distribution, and its sole effect explained 15% of total variance in diatom composition. Accordingly, a diatom‐based water table transfer function was developed using a weighted averaging model with inverse deshrinking (R2 = 0.82, RMSEP = 5.63 cm with leave‐one‐out cross validation), and applied to diatom records of a Sphagnum hummock profile. Quantitative reconstruction of DWT showed that the height of the Sphagnum hummock increased obviously in the early stage and then remained relatively stable when the reconstructed height was more than 35 cm. The results suggested that annual addition of Sphagnum litter exceeded its decomposition during the early stage of hummock formation, and Sphagnum production and decomposition reached equilibrium when the hummock had grown to a certain height. This is the first study to explore dynamics of hummock height using moss‐inhabiting diatoms, and hence provides a novel tool for quantitative reconstruction of microtopography formation in Sphagnum peatlands.
Management of human resources for health in health districts in Uganda: A decision space analysis
Authors: Mansour Wesam , Aryaija‐Karemani Adelaine , Martineau Tim , Namakula Justine , Mubiri Paul , Ssengooba Freddie , Raven Joanna
Published: October 2021

Background

Decentralisation has been adopted by many governments to strengthen national systems, including the health system. Decision space is used to describe the decision‐making power devolved to local government. Human resource Management (HRM) is a challenging area that District Health Management Teams (DHMT) need some control over its functions to develop innovative ways of improving health services. The study aims to examine the use of DHMTs' reported decision space for HRM functions in Uganda.

Methods

Mixed methods approach was used to examine the DHMTs' reported decision space for HRM functions in three districts in Uganda, which included self‐assessment questionnaires and focus group discussions (FGDs).

Results

The decision space available for the DHMTs varied across districts, with Bunyangabu and Ntoroko DHMTs reporting having more control than Kabarole. All DHMTs reported full control over the functions of performance management, monitoring policy implementation, forecasting staffing needs, staff deployment, and identifying capacity needs. However, they reported narrow decision space for developing job descriptions, resources mobilisation, and organising training; and no control over modifying staffing norms, setting salaries and developing an HR information system (HRIS). Nevertheless, DHMTs tried to overcome their limitations by adjusting HR policies locally, better utilising available resources and adapting the HRIS to local needs.

Conclusions

Decentralisation provides a critical opportunity to strengthen HRM in low‐and‐middle‐income countries. Examining decision space for HRM functions can help identify areas where district health managers can change or improve their actions. In Uganda, decentralisation helped the DHMTs be more responsive to the local workforce needs and analysing decision space helped identify areas for improvement in HRM. There are some limitations and more power over HRM functions and strong management competencies would help them become more resourceful.
Whole slide cervical image classification based on convolutional neural network and random forest
Authors: Su Limei , Huang Shenjiao , Wang Zhengyin , Zhang Zhiqin , Wei Huajiang , Chen Tongsheng
Published: October 2021

Cervical cancer is a kind of common female malignancy ranking fourth for mortality worldwide. Traditional histopathological examination, an important diagnosis method of cervical cancer, is still manually performed by pathologists under the microscope, which is labor intensive and error‐prone. In this article, deep learning is used for whole slide cervical image (WSCI) analysis to explore an automatic and effective method for the diagnosis of cervical cancer. We combine convolutional neural network (CNN) and random forest (RF) classifier for whole slide cervical image classification. A new multilevel feature fusion strategy namedEnsembleis used for features extraction from the features extracted by CNN.Ensemblethat fuses features extracted by convolution layers with different depths in CNN together is capable of capturing fusional features which can describe patches at different levels from different convolutional layers. Principal component analysis (PCA) algorithm is introduced for feature reduction of the multilevel features. Our experiments are carried out on WSCI dataset which consists of a total of 163 WSCIs from 27 patients. We combineCNN + PCA + RFmodel andCNN + RFmodel, respectively, with four feature extraction strategies to conduct eight comparative experiments on the 163 WSCIs. Experimental results demonstrate that when using multilevel feature fusion strategy, the classification accuracy of theCNN + PCA + RFmodel reaches the highest to 99.39%. In addition, theCNN + PCA + RFmodel conducting the multilevel feature fusion strategy performs better than that conducting single‐level feature extraction strategies.
Evaluation of bone metabolism‐associated biomarkers in Tibet, China
Authors: Zou Yutong , Liu Zhijuan , Li Honglei , Hou Li’an , Pang Jinrong , Liu Xiaoxing , Zejipuchi  , Tian Liping , Zhang Qi , Ma Chaochao , Yu Songlin , Wang Danchen , Guo Xiuzhi , Cheng Xinqi , Yang Hongyan , Qiu Ling
Published: October 2021

Aim

To measure and evaluate the distribution and possible contributing factors of seven bone metabolism‐associated biomarkers in Tibet, a plateau province of China.

Methods

A total of 1615 individuals were recruited from Tibet at three different altitudes. The levels and possible contributing factors of serum calcium, serum phosphorus, ALP, 25OHD, PINP, CTX, and PTH were evaluated.

Results

In total, 1246 Tibetan adults (males: n = 543) were eventually enrolled in this study. Multiple linear regression recognized age, sex, altitude, and BMI as the major effect factors. The levels of ALP, PINP, and CTX in males continuously decreased with age; however, those in females increased after approximately 39 years of age. Males had higher 25OHD levels (23.9 vs. 15.4 ng/ml) but lower levels of serum phosphorus (1.12 vs. 1.19 mmol/L) and PTH (41.3 vs. 47.4 pg/ml) than females. Before the age of 50, males had higher levels of calcium, ALP, PINP, and CTX than females, and the opposite trend was observed after the age of 50. The highest levels of serum calcium and phosphorus and the lowest levels of PINP and CTX were found in the Shigatse/Lhasa region, suggesting a better bone metabolism status. Compared with reports from plain areas of China, significantly higher levels of PINP (65.3 vs. 49.36 ng/ml) and CTX (0.46 vs. 0.37 ng/ml) were recorded in Tibetan adults.

Conclusion

A more active bone turnover status was found in Tibetan adults than in individuals from the plain areas of China.
Denitrifying bioreactor microbiome: Understanding pollution swapping and potential for improved performance
Authors: Hartfiel Lindsey M. , Schaefer Abby , Howe Adina C. , Soupir Michelle L.
Published: October 2021

Denitrifying woodchip bioreactors are a best management practice to reduce nitrate–nitrogen (NO3–N) loading to surface waters from agricultural subsurface drainage. Their effectiveness has been proven in many studies, although variable results with respect to performance indicators have been observed. This paper serves the purpose of synthesizing the current state of the science in terms of the microbial community, its impact on the consistency of bioreactor performance, and its role in the production of potential harmful by‐products including greenhouse gases, sulfate reduction, and methylmercury. Microbial processes other than denitrification have been observed in these bioreactor systems, including dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonia (DNRA) and anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox). Specific gene targets for denitrification, DNRA, anammox, and the production of harmful by‐products are identified from bioreactor studies and other environmentally relevant systems for application in bioreactor studies. Lastly, cellulose depletion has been observed over time via increasing ligno‐cellulose indices, therefore, the microbial metabolism of cellulose is an important function for bioreactor performance and management. Future work should draw from the knowledge of soil and wetland ecology to inform the study of bioreactor microbiomes.