bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reinforcement of Positive Electrode‐Electrolyte Interface without Using Electrolyte Additives Through Thermoelectrochemical Oxidation of LiPF6 for Lithium Secondary Batteries
Authors: Leem Han Jun , Kim Wontak , Park Sung Su , Yu Jisang , Kim Young‐Jun , Kim Hyun‐seung
Published: October 2023

Owing to the limited electrochemical stability window of carbonate electrolytes, the initial formation of a solid electrolyte interphase and surface film on the negative and positive electrode surfaces by the decomposition of the electrolyte component is inevitable for the operation of lithium secondary batteries. The deposited film on the surface of the active material is vital for reducing further electrochemical side reactions at the surface; hence, the manipulation of this formation process is necessary for the appropriate operation of the assembled battery system. In this study, the thermal decomposition of LiPF6 salt is used as a surface passivation agent, which is autocatalytically formed during high‐temperature storage. The thermally formed difluorophosphoric acid is subsequently oxidized on the partially charged high‐Ni positive electrode surface, which improves the cycleability of lithium metal cells via phosphorus‐ and fluorine‐based surface film formation. Moreover, the improvement in the high‐temperature cycleability is demonstrated by controlling the formation process in the lithium‐ion pouch cell with a short period of high‐temperature storage before battery usage.
Precise Anchoring of Fe Sites by Regulating Crystallinity of Novel Binuclear Ni‐MOF for Revealing Mechanism of Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Liu Xinqiang , Su Shibiao , Yin Haoran , Zhang Shifan , Isimjan Tayirjan Taylor , Huang Jin , Yang Xiulin , Cai Dandan
Published: October 2023

Bimetallic metal‐organic framework (BMOF) exhibits better electrocatalytic performance than mono‐MOF, but deciphering the precise anchoring of foreign atoms and revealing the underlying mechanisms at the atomic level remains a major challenge. Herein, a novel binuclear NiFe‐MOF with precise anchoring of Fe sites is synthesized. The low‐crystallinity (LC)‐NiFe0.33‐MOF exhibited abundant unsaturated active sites and demonstrated excellent electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance. It achieved an ultralow overpotential of 230 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 41 mV dec−1. Using a combination of modulating crystallinity, X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, and theoretical calculations, the accurate metal sequence of BMOF and the synergistic effect of the active sites are identified, revealing that the adjacent active site plays a significant role in regulating the catalytic performance of the endmost active site. The proposed model of BMOF electrocatalysts facilitates the investigation of efficient OER electrocatalysts and the related catalytic mechanisms.
Aza‐Heterocyclic Building Blocks with In‐Ring CF2‐Fragment
Authors: Ryabukhin S. V. , Bondarenko D. V. , Trofymchuk S. A. , Lega D. A. , Volochnyuk D. M.
Published: October 2023

Modern organic chemistry is a titan supporting and reinforcing pharmaceutical, agricultural, food and material science products. Over the past decades, the organic compounds market has been evolving to meet all the research demands. In this regard, medicinal chemistry is especially dependent on available chemical space as subtle tuning of the molecule structure is required to create a drug with relevant physicochemical properties and a remarkable activity profile. The recent rapid evolution of synthetic methodology to deploy fluorine has brought fluorinated compounds to the spotlight of MedChem community. And now unique properties of fluorine still keep fascinating more and more as its justified installation into a molecular framework has a beneficial impact on membrane permeability, lipophilicity, metabolic stability, pharmacokinetic properties, conformation, pKa, etc. The backward influence of medicinal chemistry on organic synthesis has also changed the landscape of the latter towards new fluorinated topologies as well. Such complex relationships create a flexible and ever‐changing ecosystem. Given that MedChem investigations strongly lean on the ability to reach suitable building blocks and the existence of reliable synthetic methods in this review we collected advances in the chemistry of respectful, but still enigmatic gem‐difluorinated aza‐heterocyclic building blocks.
In vitro effects of omeprazole in combination with antifungal compounds againstMalassezia pachydermatis
Authors: Shin Juyoung , Bae Seulgi
Published: October 2023

Background

Fungal and yeast infections, including those caused byMalasseziaspp., are becoming increasingly difficult to treat, likely due to the occurrence of drug resistance.

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal effects of omeprazole (OME), a proton pump inhibitor, against antifungal‐resistantMalassezia pachydermatisand to investigate the potential synergistic effects between OME and other antifungal compounds.

Methods

In total, 15 samples ofM. pachydermatisisolated from the skin of dogs were tested. The susceptibility ofM. pachydermatisto itraconazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, terbinafine and OME was assessed using a modified broth microdilution (BM) method. The in vitro efficacy of OME alone and in combination with other antifungal compounds was evaluated for all isolates using the BM chequerboard method. The data obtained were analysed using the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI).

Results

The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of antifungal compounds and OME against quality control strain (M. pachydermatisCBS1879) were lower than the MIC90values of same drugs against clinically collected strains. There was no significant difference in MIC values between drugs alone and combination. According to the analysis by the FICI method, no interaction was observed with OME and antifungal compounds.

Conclusions

MostM. pachydermatisstrains were resistant to azole antifungal compounds. OME exerted antifungal effects againstMalasseziaspp. and even showed good effects on antifungal‐resistant strains. No synergistic effects were observed between the antifungal compounds and OME.
Influence of iron, phosphate, and silicate on arsenic removal from groundwater using a low‐cost ceramic filter
Authors: Shafiquzzaman Md. , Haider Husnain , Azam Mohammad Shafiul , Ahsan Amimul , Alresheedi Mohammad , AlSaleem Saleem S. , Ghumman Abdul Razzaq , Ahmed Abdelkader T.
Published: October 2023

The ceramic filter amended with iron (Fe) has proven to be a potential low‐cost method for arsenic (As) removal from groundwater. The presence of Fe, phosphate (P), and silicate (Si) significantly affects the As removal efficiency of the ceramic filter, which has not been passably investigated. The present research aimed to examine the effect of Fe, P, and (or) Si presence as single or in combination on As (III) removal from synthetics groundwater by a low‐cost iron amended ceramic filter (IACF). Laboratory‐scale filtration experiments at different compositions of Fe, P, Si, and As (III) were conducted by the IACF fabricated with a ceramic candle and iron netting box. Fe (II) in synthetic groundwater positively impacted As (III) removal. At a concentration of 2 mg/L of Fe (II), the As levels in the effluent decreased to less than the maximum contamination level (MCL) of 50 μg/L. Groundwater P concentration needed less than 3 mg/L or Si concentrations required less than 35 mg/L to effectively reduce As (III) to below the MCL at 5 mg/L of groundwater Fe (II). The cumulative effect of P and Si on As removal was found to be more significant than distinct contributions. The presence of 2 mg/L P and 35 mg/L or higher Si in the groundwater cumulatively reduced the As removal performance from 92% to 63%, and the MCL was not met. The negative impact of P and Si on As (III) removal followed the order of (P + Si) > P > Si. P competed with As for adsorption sites during the process, while Si inhibited the Fe release and floc formation, significantly reducing As removal performance. The study findings can potentially contribute to optimizing IACF as a low‐cost method for As removal from groundwater.
Conclusions to Esports in the Asia–Pacific
Authors: Gilardi Filippo , Martin Paul
Published: October 2023

The conclusion sums up some of the findings and highlights where Asia and Pacific esports innovate and suggests directions for future studies on esports in the region. It addresses the key theoretical concerns outlined in the introduction and offers areas for further investigation from both theoretical and regional perspectives.
Psychedelic use and psychiatric risks
Authors: Simonsson Otto , Goldberg Simon B. , Chambers Richard , Osika Walter , Simonsson Charlotta , Hendricks Peter S.
Published: October 2023

Rationale

Research on psychedelics has recently shown promising results in the treatment of various psychiatric disorders, but relatively little remains known about the psychiatric risks associated with naturalistic use of psychedelics.

Objective

The objective of the current study was to investigate associations between naturalistic psychedelic use and psychiatric risks.

Methods

Using a sample representative of the US adult population with regard to sex, age, and ethnicity (N=2822), this study investigated associations between lifetime naturalistic psychedelic use, lifetime unusual visual experiences, and past 2-week psychotic symptoms.

Results

Among respondents who reported lifetime psychedelic use (n=613), 1.3% reported having been told by a doctor or other medical professional that they had hallucinogen persisting perception disorder. In covariate-adjusted linear regression models, lifetime psychedelic use was associated with more unusual visual experiences at any point across the lifetime, but no association was observed between lifetime psychedelic use and past 2-week psychotic symptoms. There was an interaction between lifetime psychedelic use and family (but not personal) history of psychotic or bipolar disorders on past 2-week psychotic symptoms such that psychotic symptoms were highest among respondents who reported lifetime psychedelic use and a family history of psychotic or bipolar disorders and lowest among those who reported lifetime psychedelic use and no family history of psychotic or bipolar disorders.

Conclusions

Although the results in this study should be interpreted with caution, the findings suggest that lifetime naturalistic use of psychedelics might be associated with more unusual visual experiences across the lifetime, as well as more psychotic symptoms in the past 2 weeks for individuals with a family history of psychotic or bipolar disorders and the reverse for those without such a family history. Future research should distinguish between different psychotic and bipolar disorders and should also utilize other research designs (e.g., longitudinal) and variables (e.g., polygenic risk scores) to better understand potential cause-and-effect relationships.
Cholesteatoma Severely Impacts the Integrity and Bone Material Quality of the Incus
Authors: Delsmann Maximilian M. , Bonik Paul , Ocokoljic Ana , Häussler Sophia M. , Püschel Klaus , Praetorius Mark , Amling Michael , Peichl Jonathan , Rolvien Tim
Published: October 2023

Cholesteatoma can lead to progressive destruction of the auditory ossicles along with conductive hearing loss but precise data on the microstructural, cellular, and compositional aspects of affected ossicles are not available. Here, we obtained incus specimens from patients who had cholesteatoma with conductive hearing loss. Incudes were evaluated by micro-computed tomography, histomorphometry on undecalcified sections, quantitative backscattered electron imaging, and nanoindentation. Results were compared with two control groups taken from patients with chronic otitis media as well as from skeletally intact donors at autopsy. The porosity of incus specimens was higher in cholesteatoma than in chronic otitis media, along with a higher osteoclast surface per bone surface. Histomorphometric assessment revealed higher osteoid levels and osteocyte numbers in cholesteatoma incudes. Incudes affected by cholesteatoma also showed lower matrix mineralization compared with specimens from healthy controls and chronic otitis media. Furthermore, the modulus-to-hardness ratio was higher in cholesteatoma specimens compared with controls. Taken together, we demonstrated increased porosity along with increased osteoclast indices, impaired matrix mineralization, and altered biomechanical properties as distinct features of the incus in cholesteatoma. Based on our findings, a possible impact of impaired bone quality on conductive hearing loss should be further explored.
Quantum Algorithm for Lexicographically Minimal String Rotation
Authors: Wang Qisheng , Ying Mingsheng
Published: October 2023

Lexicographically minimal string rotation (LMSR) is a problem to find the minimal one among all rotations of a string in the lexicographical order, which is widely used in equality checking of graphs, polygons, automata and chemical structures. In this paper, we propose an$$O(n^{3/4})$$O(n3/4)quantum query algorithm for LMSR. In particular, the algorithm has average-case query complexity$$O(\sqrt{n} \log n)$$O(nlogn), which is shown to be asymptotically optimal up to a polylogarithmic factor, compared to its$$\Omega \left( \sqrt{n/\log n}\right) $$Ωn/lognlower bound. Furthermore, we show that our quantum algorithm outperforms any (classical) randomized algorithms in both worst and average cases. As an application, it is used in benzenoid identification and disjoint-cycle automata minimization.
Microbiota and Nutrient Portraits of European Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus) Rumen Contents in Characteristic Southern German Habitats
Authors: Dahl Sarah-Alica , Seifert Jana , Camarinha-Silva Amélia , Cheng Yu-Chieh , Hernández-Arriaga Angélica , Hudler Martina , Windisch Wilhelm , König Andreas
Published: October 2023

Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) are found in various habitats, from pure forest cultures to agricultural areas and mountains. In adapting to the geographically and seasonally differentiating food supply, they depend, above all, on an adapted microbiome. However, knowledge about the microbiome of wild ruminants still needs to be improved. There are only a few publications for individual species with a low number of samples. This study aims to identify a core microbiota for Bavarian roe deer and present nutrient and microbiota portraits of the individual habitat types. This study investigated the roe deer’s rumen (reticulorumen) content from seven different characteristic Bavarian habitat types. The focus was on the composition of nutrients, fermentation products, and the rumen bacterial community. A total of 311 roe deer samples were analysed, with the most even possible distribution per habitat, season, age class, and gender. Significant differences in nutrient concentrations and microbial composition were identified for the factors habitat, season, and age class. The highest crude protein content (plant protein and microbial) in the rumen was determined in the purely agricultural habitat (AG), the highest value of non-fibre carbohydrates in the alpine mountain forest, and the highest fibre content (neutral detergent fibre, NDF) in the pine forest habitat. Maximum values for fibre content go up to 70% NDF. The proportion of metabolites (ammonia, lactate, total volatile fatty acids) was highest in the Agriculture-Beech-Forest habitat (ABF). Correlations can be identified between adaptations in the microbiota and specific nutrient concentrations, as well as in strong fluctuations in ingested forage. In addition, a core bacterial community comprising five genera could be identified across all habitats, up to 44% of total relative abundance. As with all wild ruminants, many microbial genera remain largely unclassified at various taxonomic levels. This study provides a more in-depth insight into the diversity and complexity of the roe deer rumen microbiota. It highlights the key microorganisms responsible for converting naturally available nutrients of different botanical origins.
In Vitro Assessment of Eight Selected Indigenous Fungal Isolates Tolerance to Various Abiotic Stresses and their Effects on Seed Germination
Authors: Ramatsitsi Mukondeleli N. , Khosa Mbokota C. , Mashamaite Chuene V. , Ramachela Khosi
Published: October 2023

Fungal bio-control agents (BCA) can minimize use of agro-chemicals while increasing plant productivity and tolerance to biotic-abiotic stressors. Ideally, BCA should tolerate varying environmental conditions they are introduced into, to successfully dominate and protect plants from stressors. However, BCA are living micro-organisms, their survival and efficacy can be impeded by extreme conditions. The current study aimed at evaluating whether indigenous fungal isolates, viz, Aspergillus flavus, A. terreus, Penicillium sp. AL-38 IRH-2012b, Talaromyces minioluteus, T. purpureogenus, T. sayulitensis, Trichoderma ghanense and T. viride can tolerate different levels of salinity, pH, nutrient and temperature. Certain fungal species are pests with potential of destroying many crops; the pathogenic effects of the aforementioned fungal isolates were further assessed on different crops’ seeds. The results showed that, although being indigenous, Aspergillus, T. sayulitensis and T. ghanense failed to thrive in high salinity and pH. While Penicillium sp. AL-38 IRH-2012b failed to thrive under reduced nutrient level and all fungal isolates failed to grow at 10–20 °C. Furthermore, it was noted species within the same genus could affect crops in both favorable and unfavorable ways. The study demonstrated that the selected indigenous fungal isolates can tolerate different abiotic conditions and have potential to improve seed germination and seedling growth.
Testing for deficient mismatch repair and microsatellite instability
Authors: Rüschoff Josef , Schildhaus Hans-Ulrich , Rüschoff Jan Hendrik , Jöhrens Korinna , Bocker Edmonston Tina , Dietmaier Wolfgang , Bläker Hendrik , Baretton Gustavo , Horst David , Dietel Manfred , Hartmann Arndt , Klauschen Frederick , Merkelbach-Bruse Sabine , Stenzinger Albrecht , Schöniger Sandra , Tiemann Markus , Weichert Wilko , Büttner Reinhard
Published: October 2023

Testing to detect mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR) and high-grade microsatellite instability (MSI-H) has become an integral part of the routine diagnostic workup for colorectal cancer (CRC). While MSI was initially considered to be a possible indicator of a hereditary disposition to cancer (Lynch syndrome, LS), today the prediction of the therapy response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) is in the foreground. Corresponding recommendations and testing algorithms are available for use in primary diagnosis (reviewed in: Rüschoff et al. 2021).

Given the increasing importance for routine use and the expanding indication spectrum of ICI therapies for non-CRCs, such as endometrial, small intestinal, gastric, and biliary tract cancers, an updated review of dMMR/MSI testing is presented. The focus is on the challenges in the assessment of immunohistochemical stains and the value of PCR-based procedures, considering the expanded ICI indication spectrum. A practice-oriented flowchart for everyday diagnostic decision-making is provided that considers new data on the frequency and type of discordances between MMR-IHC and MSI-PCR findings, and the possible role of Next Generation Sequencing in clarifying them. Reference is made to the significance of systematic quality assurance measures (e.g., QuIP MSI portal and multicenter proficiency testing), including regular continued training and education.
Influence of swirl and ingress on windage losses in a low-pressure turbine stator-well cavity
Authors: Jackson Richard , Christodoulou Loizos , Li Zhihui , Sangan Carl M. , Ambrose Stephen , Jefferson-Loveday Richard , Lock Gary D. , Scobie James A.
Published: October 2023

As part of the drive towards achieving net-zero flight by 2050, the development of ultra-high bypass ratio engines will place greater importance on the efficiency of the low-pressure turbine. Stator-well cavities can be a significant source of loss within this system, primarily due to the ingestion of annulus air, which can rotate at a speed less than that of the disc. This paper presents the results of a joint experimental/numerical campaign to relate windage torque to the flow physics in a scaled, engine-realistic stator-well geometry with superposed flows. The primary variables were the pressure ratio across the stator row and the swirl ratio at inlet to the cavity. This is the first paper to relate simultaneous torque and swirl measurements in a stator-well cavity. The numerical simulations have also provided insight into the fluid dynamic behaviour. A reduction in cavity windage torque with superposed flow rate was shown, consistent with the increase in swirl measured by experiments and predicted by computations. The pre-swirled superposed flows reduce the ingestion of negatively swirling fluid from the annulus, effectively increasing the swirl ratio of the flow in the cavity towards that of the rotor. This reduces windage losses; at the design condition with superposed flow, the cavity windage torque reduced by 60% of that of the reference case. Sealing effectiveness increased with superposed flow rate. This was demonstrated through gas concentration measurement/simulations, a reduced radial flow velocity into the cavity and a reduced mass flow rate across the interstage seal. The application of a turbulent transport model showed that ingestion could be explained by shear-driven diffusion. Ingestion increased as inlet swirl ratio reduced, while the pressure ratio was found to have a negligible influence on windage moment coefficient, swirl ratio and sealing effectiveness. In addition to providing fluid dynamic insight, the gas concentration results can be used for validating thermomechanical models. The results in this paper will be of practical interest to the engine designer who wishes to scale information to engine-operating conditions.
Prevalence of genital Mycoplasma in pregnancies with shortened cervix
Authors: Rauh Maximilian , Werle Franziska , Schmidt Börge , Litzka Christian , Solano Maria Emilia , Köninger Angela
Published: October 2023

Objective

To determine whether colonisation with genital Mycoplasma species (spp.) in patients presenting with a shortened cervix before 34th week of pregnancy is associated with preterm birth.

Methods

The collection of this retrospective study consisted of 100 pregnant women who presented to a German Tertiary Perinatal Center between 2017 and 2020 due to a shortened cervix defined as a cervical length of 25 mm or shorter measured by transvaginal ultrasound before 34 weeks of gestation. At the time of admission, gestational age ranged from 18 + 4 to 33 + 3 weeks (+ days) of pregnancy. All patients underwent urine polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for genital Mycoplasma [Ureaplasma (U.) urealyticum, U. parvum, M. hominis or M. genitalium]. Patients who were tested positive underwent a therapy with macrolides (azithromycin or clarithromycin).

Results

37% of the patients were positive for Ureaplasma spp., whereas 5% (5 patients) were Mycoplasma spp.-positive. All the latter were simultaneously colonised with Ureaplasma spp. Ureaplasma-positive patients were significantly younger than those who were tested negative. Median maternal age at examination was 30 years (a) versus 31a (p = 0.04). There was no difference between Ureaplasma-positive and -negative patients regarding median maternal body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2) (23.4 versus 22.3, p = 0.41), cervical length at admission (mm) (15 versus 17, p = 0.17), gestational age at examination (days, d) (198 versus 197, p = 0.97) or gestational age at birth (d) (250 versus 257, p = 0.33), respectively. Comparing U. parvum-positive and U. urealyticum-positive patients, there was some weak indication that U. parvum-positive patients may get a shortening of the cervix earlier in pregnancy, as the median gestational age at examination was 196d versus 215d (p = 0.06). Regarding Mycoplasma-positive and -negative patients, there was no difference in all examined parameters.

Conclusions

Overall, one-third of all women in our study with a shortened cervix before 34th week of pregnancy were colonised with genital Mycoplasma spp. We were able to show that pregnant women, who were treated with antibiotics when tested positive for genital Mycoplasma, gave birth at the same gestational age as patients with a shortened cervix without detected Mycoplasma. This raises the question of whether routine testing and early antibiotic treatment should be established in prenatal care.
Nerve identification during open inguinal hernia repair: a systematic review and meta-analyses
Authors: Moseholm Viktor Bay , Baker Jason Joe , Rosenberg Jacob
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most common operations worldwide and despite this, the incidence of chronic pain remains high after inguinal hernia repair. The optimal nerve handling strategy is controversial and the rate at which nerves are identified remains uncertain. This study aimed to determine the identification rates of the ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric, and genitofemoral nerves as well as nerve handling strategies.

Methods

This review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD 42023416576). PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central were systematically searched. Studies with more than 10 patients were included if they reported an identification rate for at least one of the nerves during elective open inguinal hernia repair in adults. Studies requiring nerve identification in their study design were excluded. Bias was assessed with the JBI critical appraisal tool and Cochrane’s RoB-2 tool. The overall estimate of the prevalence was analysed with prevalence meta-analyses.

Results

A total of 22 studies were included. The meta-analyses included 18 studies, which resulted in an identification rate of 82% (95% CI: 76–87%) for the ilioinguinal nerve, 62% (95% CI: 54–71%) for the iliohypogastric nerve, and 41% (95% CI: 27–55%) for the genitofemoral nerve. Nerves were spared in 82% of all repairs.

Conclusion

The ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric, and genitofemoral nerves were identified in 82%, 62%, and 41% of surgeries, respectively. Most studies used a nerve-preserving strategy. The role of nerve identification in the development of chronic pain remains uncertain, as well as the optimal nerve handling strategy.
Großtechnische experimentelle Forschung im Digital Waste Research Lab und Digitale Abfallanalytik und -behandlung
Authors: Kandlbauer Lisa , Sarc Renato , Pomberger Roland
Published: October 2023

Mit dem Digital Waste Research Lab konnte eine neue Forschungsinfrastruktur in Betrieb genommen werden. Die innovative Versuchsanlage für großtechnische experimentelle Forschung im Bereich digitaler Abfallanalytik und -behandlung ist modular aufgebaut und besteht grundsätzlich aus förder- und verfahrenstechnischen Aggregaten, verschiedenen Sensoren, einer Sortiereinheit und einer digitalen Datenmanagementplattform. Die Anlage ist mit folgenden Sensoren zur Partikel- und Stoffstromcharakterisierung ausgestattet: Eine Nahinfrarot-Kamera ermöglicht die Erfassung von Materialarten und eine RGB-Zeilenkamera dient zur farblichen Charakterisierung von Objekten. Mit der Technologie der 3D-Lasertriangulation werden Volumeninformationen detektiert und zur Erkennung von metallischen Objekten ist eine Induktionsleiste installiert. (Semi-)mobile Förder- und Maschinentechnik ermöglichen neben der internen Kreislaufführung auch eine Linienschaltung der Anlage, um diverse Aufbereitungsaggregate im Verfahrensprozess der Sortieranlage vor- bzw. nachzuschalten. In der Anlage wurden bereits erste Untersuchungen durchgeführt, um diese für die Online-Ontime-Qualitätssicherung zu kalibrieren. Zusätzlich wurde das mobile Modul Nahinfrarot-Sensor in einer realen mechanischen Abfallaufbereitungsanlage installiert, um Materialdaten an unterschiedlichen Positionen in der Anlage während des üblichen Betriebs zu messen. Dabei wurden umfangreiche Daten gewonnen, mit denen der digitale Grundstein gelegt wurde, das Prozessverhalten in der Anlage zu beschreiben. Dies ist unter anderem auch Ziel der Forschungsvision „Smart Waste Factory“ für nicht gefährliche gemischte Abfälle, in der unter anderem die gleichzeitige Überwachung der Materialqualität und der Maschinenperformance sowie daraus resultierende dynamische Maschinensteuerung und optimale Abfallbehandlung einen wichtigen Stellenwert haben.
Electrochemical determination of thiethylperazine using semi-graphitized carbon nanofibers-MnO nanocomposite
Authors: Smajdor Joanna , Zambrzycki Marcel , Marzec Mateusz , Paczosa-Bator Beata , Piech Robert
Published: October 2023

A new voltammetric method is proposed for high sensitive thiethylperazine (THP) determination, using a glassy carbon electrode modified with semi-graphitized carbon nanofibers/MnO nanocomposite (eCNF/MnO/GC). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first electrochemical assay of THP  determination, and the first use of the eCNF/MnO as the electrode modifier. The proposed method using eCNF/MnO/GC is characterized by high repeatability and sensitivity of measurements, with the linearity of THP in the range from 0.05 to 2.2 µmol L−1. The lowest detection limit achieved on the eCNF/MnO/GC electrode for 30 s of preconcentration was 6.3 nmol L−1 THP in 0.05 mol L−1 acetate buffer of  pH 5.6. The proposed method was successfully applied to highly sensitive THP determination in complex matrices, such as tablets and plasma with good recovery (98–103%). The RSD value obtained for THP measurement at a concentration of 0.1 µmol L−1 was 1.3%. Amperometric measurements of THP under the flow injection conditions were also performed to indicate the possibility of its fast and accurate determination (103% and 95% for unmodified and modified electrode, respectively), with the duration of single analysis of approx. 30 s.

Graphical Abstract
Accessibility first: detecting frustration in web browsing for visually impaired and sighted smartphone users
Authors: Abdelaal Yasmin , Al-Thani Dena
Published: October 2023

Smartphone adoption has become increasingly prevalent in modern society, reflecting the widespread integration of these devices into various aspects of daily life, yet accessibility and usability problems persist. Smartphones pose numerous challenges to individuals with visual impairments (VI). This is due to smaller screen sizes, lack of physical buttons, and prevalent problems. These challenges frustrate users as they are unable to accomplish their goals. In this paper, the physiological response of VI and sighted individuals are compared and examined. The participant's frustration is measured through physiological signals. The GSR is the signal captured to detect the user's frustration caused by the superimposed accessibility and usability web-related issues. GSR, being less obtrusive, is an effective way to measure frustration. There were 13 VI and 16 sighted participants. Using a within-subject and between-subject design, participants completed four tasks, each was completed under frustrating and non-frustrating conditions while wearing an Empatica E4 wristband to collect GSR data. Challenges were both group-specific and mutual. A slowed internet connection and constant page refreshes are frustrating tasks for sighted participants. VI participants faced an unsearchable drop-down list and an inaccessible menu. Pop-up ads and session timeout are common tasks. Among VI participants, there was no significant difference between frustrating and non-frustrating tasks. When VI participants experienced a session timeout, they significantly showed a higher level of arousal. When comparing the physiological responses of sighted and VI participants in the page refresh and session timeout tasks, the results show that the arousal level is significantly higher in VI participants, primarily due to accessibility issues.
Long-term data in agricultural landscapes indicate that insect decline promotes pests well adapted to environmental changes
Authors: Ziesche Tim M. , Ordon Frank , Schliephake Edgar , Will Torsten
Published: October 2023

Increasing evidence suggests that land-use intensification contributes to destabilization of trophic networks of insect communities in agriculture resulting in a loss of biodiversity. However, a more detailed understanding of the causes and consequences of the widely reported insect decline is still lacking. Here, we used standardised daily long-term data on the activity of flying insects (~ 250 d/year) to describe the interactive effects of climate warming in intensively cultivated regions and changes in predatory taxa on the general long-term trend of insects and the regulation of herbivores. While the intensely managed landscapes examined in this study show a substantial decline in several taxonomic groups (95.1% total biomass loss in 24 year), the data on aphids support a general assumption that biodiversity loss is often closely associated with arising pest problems. Aphids being pests in agroecosystems develop earlier in spring in overall higher annual abundances. The data highlight that regional insect abundances have declined over recent decades in agricultural landscapes, thus indicating fundamental effects on food webs and insect herbivore performance.
Nitrogen fixation rates in the Guinea Dome and the equatorial upwelling regions in the Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Fernández-Carrera Ana , Kiko Rainer , Hauss Helena , Hamilton Douglas S. , Achterberg Eric P. , Montoya Joseph P. , Dengler Marcus , Brandt Peter , Subramaniam Ajit
Published: October 2023

Biological nitrogen fixation is a key process balancing the loss of combined nitrogen in the marine nitrogen cycle. Its relevance in upwelling or high nutrient regions is still unclear, with the few available studies in these regions of the ocean reporting rates that vary widely from below detection limit to > 100 nmol N L−1 d−1. In the eastern tropical Atlantic Ocean, two open ocean upwelling systems are active in boreal summer. One is the seasonal equatorial upwelling, where the residual phosphorus associated with aged upwelled waters is suggested to enhance nitrogen fixation in this season. The other is the Guinea Dome, a thermal upwelling dome. We conducted two surveys along 23° W across the Guinea Dome and the Equator from 15° N to 5° S in September 2015 and August–September 2016 with high latitudinal resolution (20–60 nm between stations). The abundance of Trichodesmium colonies was characterized by an Underwater Vision Profiler 5 and the total biological nitrogen fixation in the euphotic layer was measured using the 15N2 technique. The highest abundances of Trichodesmium colonies were found in the area of the Guinea Dome (9°–15° N) with a maximum of 3 colonies L−1 near the surface. By contrast, colonies were almost absent in the Equatorial band between 2° N and 5° S. The highest nitrogen fixation rate was measured at the northern edge of the Guinea Dome in 2016 (ca. 31 nmol N L−1 d−1). In this region, where diazotrophs thrived on a sufficient supply of both phosphorus and iron, a patchy distribution was unveiled by our increased spatial resolution scheme. In the Equatorial band, rates were considerably lower, ranging from below detection limit to ca. 4 nmol N L−1 d−1, with a clear difference in magnitude between 2015 (rates close to zero) and 2016 (average rates around 2 nmol N L−1 d−1). This difference seemed triggered by a contrasting supply of phosphorus between years. Our study stresses the importance of surveys with sampling at fine-scale spatial resolution, and shows unexpected high variability in the rates of nitrogen fixation in the Guinea Dome, a region where diazotrophy is a significant process supplying new nitrogen into the euphotic layer.
Effects of metal amendment and metalloid supplementation on foliar defences are plant accession-specific in the hyperaccumulator Arabidopsis halleri
Authors: Putra Rocky , Tölle Max , Krämer Ute , Müller Caroline
Published: October 2023

Soil pollution by metals and metalloids as a consequence of anthropogenic industrialisation exerts a seriously damaging impact on ecosystems. However, certain plant species, termed hyperaccumulators, are able to accumulate extraordinarily high concentrations of these metal(loid)s in their aboveground tissues. Such hyperaccumulation of metal(loid)s is known to act as a defence against various antagonists, such as herbivores and pathogens. We investigated the influences of metal(loid)s on potential defence traits, such as foliar elemental, organic and mechanical defences, in the hyperaccumulator plant species Arabidopsis halleri (Brassicaceae) by artificially amending the soil with common metallic pollutants, namely cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn). Additionally, unamended and metal-amended soils were supplemented with the metalloid silicon (Si) to study whether Si could alleviate metal excess. Individuals originating from one non-/low- and two moderately to highly metal-contaminated sites with different metal concentrations (hereafter called accessions) were grown for eight weeks in a full-factorial design under standardised conditions. There were significant interactive effects of metal amendment and Si supplementation on foliar concentrations of certain elements (Zn, Si, aluminium (Al), iron (Fe), potassium (K) and sulfur (S), but these were accession-specific. Profiles of glucosinolates, characteristic organic defences of Brassicaceae, were distinct among accessions, and the composition was affected by soil metal amendment. Moreover, plants grown on metal-amended soil contained lower concentrations of total glucosinolates in one of the accessions, which suggests a potential trade-off between inorganic defence acquisition and biosynthesis of organic defence. The density of foliar trichomes, as a proxy for the first layer of mechanical defence, was also influenced by metal amendment and/or Si supplementation in an accession-dependent manner. Our study highlights the importance of examining the effects of co-occurring metal(loid)s in soil on various foliar defence traits in different accessions of a hyperaccumulating species.
Racial and socioeconomic disparities in survival among women with advanced-stage ovarian cancer who received systemic therapy
Authors: Washington Caretia J. , Karanth Shama D. , Wheeler Meghann , Aduse-Poku Livingstone , Braithwaite Dejana , Akinyemiju Tomi F.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess the association between race/ethnicity and all-cause mortality among women with advanced-stage ovarian cancer who received systemic therapy.

Methods

We analyzed data from the National Cancer Database on women diagnosed with advanced-stage ovarian cancer from 2004 to 2015 who received systemic therapy. Race/ethnicity was categorized as Non-Hispanic (NH) White, NH-Black, Hispanic, NH-Asian/Pacific Islander, and Other. Income and education were combined to form a composite measure of socioeconomic status (SES) and categorized into low-, mid-, and high-SES. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess whether race/ethnicity was associated with the risk of death after adjusting for sociodemographic, clinical, and treatment factors. Additionally, subgroup analyses were conducted by SES, age, and surgery receipt.

Results

The study population comprised 53,367 women (52.4% ages ≥ 65 years, 82% NH-White, 8.7% NH-Black, 5.7% Hispanic, and 2.7% NH-Asian/Pacific Islander) in the analysis. After adjusting for covariates, the NH-Black race was associated with a higher risk of death versus NH-White race (aHR: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.07,1.18), while Hispanic ethnicity was associated with a lower risk of death compared to NH-White women (aHR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.80, 0.95). Furthermore, NH-Black women versus NH-White women had an increased risk of mortality among those with low-SES characteristics (aHR:1.12; 95% CI:1.03–1.22) and mid-SES groups (aHR: 1.13; 95% CI:1.05–1.21).

Conclusions

Among women with advanced-stage ovarian cancer who received systemic therapy, NH-Black women experienced poorer survival compared to NH-White women. Future studies should be directed to identify drivers of ovarian cancer disparities, particularly racial differences in treatment response and surveillance.
Smart cities as a testbed for experimenting with humans? - Applying psychological ethical guidelines to smart city interventions
Authors: Zimmermann Verena
Published: October 2023

Smart Cities consist of a multitude of interconnected devices and services to, among others, enhance efficiency, comfort, and safety. To achieve these aims, smart cities rely on an interplay of measures including the deployment of interventions targeted to foster certain human behaviors, such as saving energy, or collecting and exchanging sensor and user data. Both aspects have ethical implications, e.g., when it comes to intervention design or the handling of privacy-related data such as personal information, user preferences or geolocations. Resulting concerns must be taken seriously, as they reduce user acceptance and can even lead to the abolition of otherwise promising Smart City projects. Established guidelines for ethical research and practice from the psychological sciences provide a useful framework for the kinds of ethical issues raised when designing human-centered interventions or dealing with user-generated data. This article thus reviews relevant psychological guidelines and discusses their applicability to the Smart City context. A special focus is on the guidelines’ implications and resulting challenges for certain Smart City applications. Additionally, potential gaps in current guidelines and the limits of applicability are reflected upon.
Holomorphic differential forms on moduli spaces of stable curves
Authors: Fontanari Claudio
Published: October 2023

We prove that the space of holomorphic p-forms on the moduli space $$\overline{\mathcal {M}}_{g,n}$$

M
¯

g
,
n

of stable curves of genus g with n marked points vanishes for $$p=14, 16, 18$$

p
=
14
,
16
,
18

unconditionally and also for $$p=20$$

p
=
20

under a natural assumption in the case $$g=3$$

g
=
3

. This result is consistent with the Langlands program and it is obtained by applying the Arbarello–Cornalba inductive approach to the cohomology of moduli spaces.
Inspecting the quality of care: a comparison of CUSUM methods for inter hospital performance
Authors: Gomon Daniel , Sijmons Julie , Putter Hein , Dekker Jan Willem , Tollenaar Rob , Wouters Michel , Tanis Pieter , Fiocco Marta , Signorelli Mirko
Published: October 2023

During the past 14 years, a clinical audit has been used in the Netherlands to provide hospitals with data on their performance in colorectal cancer care. Continuous feedback on the quality of care provided at each hospital is essential to improve patient outcomes. It is unclear which methods should be used to generate most informative output for the identification of potential quality issues. Our aim is to compare the commonly employed funnel plot with existing cumulative sum (CUSUM) methodology for the evaluation of postoperative survival and hospital stay outcomes of patients who underwent colorectal surgery in the Netherlands. Data from the Dutch ColoRectal Audit on 25367 patients in the Netherlands who underwent surgical resection for colorectal cancer in 71 hospitals between 2019 and 2021 is used to compare four methods for the detection of deviations in the quality of care. Two methods based on binary outcomes (funnel plot, binary CUSUM) and two CUSUM charts based on survival outcomes (BK-CUSUM and CGR-CUSUM) are considered. A novel approach for determining hospital specific control limits for CUSUM charts is proposed. The ability to detect deviations as well as the time until detection are compared for the four methods. Charts were constructed for the inspection of both postoperative survival and hospital stay. Methods using survival outcomes always yielded faster detection times compared to approaches employing binary outcomes. Detections between methods mostly coincided for postoperative survival. For hospital stay detections varied strongly, with methods based on survival outcomes signalling over half the hospitals. Further pros and cons as well as pitfalls of all methods under consideration are discussed. Methodology for the continuous inspection of the quality of care should be tailored to the specific outcome. Properly understanding how the mechanism of a control chart functions is crucial for the correct interpretation of results. This is particularly true for CUSUM charts, which require the choice of a parameter that greatly influences the results. When applying CUSUM charts, consideration of these issues is strongly recommended.
An empirical study on immersive technology in synchronous hybrid learning in design education
Authors: Kee Tris , Zhang Hao , King Ronnel B.
Published: October 2023

Immersive technology plays an increasingly important role in design education, supporting digital literacy and experiential learning in higher education, particularly in the post-COVID-19 context. Many design disciplines, such as Architecture and Landscape Design, which used to rely heavily on physical field trips, and dialogic studios as signature pedagogies, had to adapt to the proliferation of innovative educational technologies due to the suspension of face-to-face teaching and learning. Augmented reality and virtual reality are now extensively used in technology and design education to support a more interactive, collaborative, and student-centred approach to learning. This paper expands on a pilot research study on the transition from traditional signature pedagogies of studio-based design education to technology-enhanced collaborative learning to support experiential learning. Based on Kolb’s experiential learning framework concerning four learning modes, namely, concrete experience (CE), reflective observation (RO), abstract conceptualisation (AC), and active experimentation (AE), this paper analyses data from 75 undergraduate students across four cohorts in three different higher education institutions in Hong Kong. They were surveyed on their experiences of synchronous hybrid virtual experiential learning with design and technology curricula. Furthermore, six students were interviewed about their experiences. The research findings confirm two research hypotheses showing that immersive experiential learning could constructively align RO and AE, thus bringing an overall positive impact on the experiential learning process, but shows no conclusive influence on promoting CE, especially AC. The quantitative findings and qualitative results gave new insights into the discussion of the theoretical and practical implications of the study.
Constructions and equivalence of Sidon spaces
Authors: Castello Chiara , Polverino Olga , Santonastaso Paolo , Zullo Ferdinando
Published: October 2023

Sidon spaces have been introduced by Bachoc et al. (in: Mathematical Proceedings of the Cambridge Philosophical Society, Cambridge University Press, 2017) as the q-analogue of Sidon sets. The interest on Sidon spaces has increased quickly, especially after the work of Roth et al. (IEEE Trans Inform Theory 64(6):4412–4422, 2017), in which they highlighted the correspondence between Sidon spaces and cyclic subspace codes. Up to now, the known constructions of Sidon Spaces may be divided in three families: the ones contained in the sum of two multiplicative cosets of a fixed subfield of $$\mathbb {F}_{q^n}$$

F

q
n

, the ones contained in the sum of more than two multiplicative cosets of a fixed subfield of $$\mathbb {F}_{q^n}$$

F

q
n

and finally the ones obtained as the kernel of subspace polynomials. In this paper, we will mainly focus on the first class of examples, for which we provide characterization results and we will show some new examples, arising also from some well-known combinatorial objects. Moreover, we will give a quite natural definition of equivalence among Sidon spaces, which relies on the notion of equivalence of cyclic subspace codes and we will discuss about the equivalence of the known examples.