bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel District Heating System Coupled with Reclaimed Water Source Heat Pump: Energy, Economic, Environmental, and Application Analysis
Authors: Wang Baozhong , Zhang Qunli , Zhang Xinchao , Liu Tao
Published: June 2022

The large amount of low‐grade thermal energy from reclaimed water is not fully utilized. It can be used as a good heat supplement for district heating. A novel district heating system coupled with a reclaimed water source heat pump (RWSHP) is proposed in this article. The models of energy efficiency, economic feasibility, environmental benefits, and application suitability are established to analyze three typical systems including the traditional district heating system (TDHS), the direct heating system using RWSHP (D‐RWSHP), and the traditional district heating system coupled with RWSHP (T‐RWSHP). The results show that the energy consumption and operating costs of T‐RWSHP are lower than those of TDHS. T‐RWSHP can achieve longer distance heating than D‐RWSHP. Under design conditions, the annual energy consumption of T‐RWSHP can be reduced by 11.36% and the annual operating costs can be reduced by 5.8 CNY m−2 compared with TDHS. Taking the Yanqing wastewater treatment plant as an example, the heating area of D‐RWSHP is only 2% of that of T‐RWSHP. According to the sensitivity analysis, the energy consumption, operating costs, and CO2 emissions of the system decrease greatly with the increase of temperature difference between the influent and effluent reclaimed water of RWSHP.
Perovskite and Polymeric Solar Cells: A Comparison of Advances and Key Challenges
Authors: Santos Daniela Corrêa , Marques Maria de Fátima Vieira
Published: June 2022

One of the most widely used energy sources nowadays is nonrenewable, but the excessive consumption of these resources leads to environmental issues. Therefore, renewable energy sources have received much attention, including photovoltaic energy. A novel technology known as “third‐generation solar cells” is being studied, and in this class, the polymeric solar cells (PSCs) and the perovskite solar cells (PVSKs) can be highlighted. Several researchers are trying to find new ways to improve the energy conversion efficiency (PCE) and long‐term stability of these devices. In particular, PVSK has already demonstrated high PCE, but there is still a long way to go to develop more stable and better processable devices for large‐scale production. In the case of PSC, processability is a positive factor since its flexible films have great mechanical stability and can be processed in roll‐by‐roll systems. However, efficiency is still a challenge for researchers. Nevertheless, both types of devices are good alternatives for silicon cell substitution. However, further studies are needed to address the inherent problems of each device technology and move to large‐scale production.
Understanding the Cathode–Electrolyte Interphase in Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Sungjemmenla  , S. K. Vineeth , Soni Chhail Bihari , Kumar Vipin , Seh Zhi Wei
Published: June 2022

The electrode–electrolyte interface is one of the major components enabling Li‐ion batteries (LIBs) to function reversibly. Often, the solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI) at the anode is regarded as the key interface that determines the cycle life, capacity fade, and overall safety of batteries. There are a plethora of SEI literatures that exist; however, the cathode–electrolyte interphase (CEI) remains relatively unexplored. Unlike in the case of SEI, a detailed understanding of CEI formation and its association with battery performance is not present. This review gives insight into the recent progress in understanding the CEI in LIBs. Though there is a relative dearth of literature, the CEI is generally considered as a heterogeneous multicomponent film formed due to the decomposition of electrolyte at the cathode surface. Besides understanding the thermodynamic properties and relevant kinetic reactions, one of the main challenges lies in developing and stabilizing the CEI layer due to its complex structural composition. Extensive research efforts to engineer a stable CEI are reviewed, including the use of electrolyte additives, artificial engineering, and heteroatom doping of cathode. Furthermore, promising characterization techniques and future outlook in forming a robust CEI for both existing LIB and post‐LIB systems are highlighted.
Development of multicriteria nuclear dismantling management incorporated with fuzzy deep learning in nuclear power plants (NPPs)
Authors: Baek Chang Hyun , Jang Kyung Bae , Cho Chan Young , Woo Tae Ho
Published: June 2022

The nuclear dismantling assessment is analyzed with the fuzzy set and deep‐learning algorithm, where the project preference time search (PPTS) has been constructed. Artificial intelligence (AI) management is applied to nuclear decommissioning for the best estimation. The basic data are from three factors, Licensee, NRC, and Public. In the analysis, the highest OUTPUT value is 0.0513151 in the 72nd year, which is the best time for decommissioning, because the confidence value in the 37th year is 78.76% compared to that of the 72nd year. In the other case of membership functions with right‐shift values, the change rate is higher in the 72nd year as being similar to the value in the 37th year near 0.09 in final confidence value. The trend is a new function that shows two peaks compared to the previous one. The other cases could be made by comparing in the interested time. Finally, the list of reactor decommissions processes with numbering is used to find out the very confident time using the final confidence value as the PPTS method.
Millimeter‐wave non‐orthogonal multiple access systems with sparse antenna arrays
Authors: Asghari Azhiri Fatemeh , Mozaffari Tazehkand Behzad , Abdolee Reza
Published: June 2022

Millimeter wave (mmWave) non‐orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) is a multiuser transmission scheme that can increase the quality and data rate of wireless mobile networks. In this article, we introduce an mmWave‐NOMA system utilizing a sparse antenna array that not only offers small and lightweight antenna devices in the base station but also improves the outage probability performance of the system. We also introduce a low‐complex computation technique to find the optimum beamforming vector to reduce the outage probability. We provide a proof of convexity for the outage probability of the mobiles' communication links in the proposed system for which a gradient‐based algorithm can be used to find the optimum solution. The simulation results show that utilizing the proposed optimum beamforming vector reduces the outage probability of the system up to 98% in high signal‐to‐noise ratios. Our simulation and analysis results demonstrate that the system equipped with a sparse antenna array applying the optimum beamforming vector outperform conventional mmWave‐NOMA system with uniform linear array antennas in terms of outage probability and sum rates.
Autoimmune neuroinflammation triggers mitochondrial oxidation in oligodendrocytes
Authors: Steudler Jasmin , Ecott Timothy , Ivan Daniela C. , Bouillet Elisa , Walthert Sabrina , Berve Kristina , Dick Tobias P. , Engelhardt Britta , Locatelli Giuseppe
Published: June 2022

Oligodendrocytes (ODCs) are myelinating cells of the central nervous system (CNS) supporting neuronal survival. Oxidants and mitochondrial dysfunction have been suggested as the main causes of ODC damage during neuroinflammation as observed in multiple sclerosis (MS). Nonetheless, the dynamics of this process remain unclear, thus hindering the design of neuroprotective therapeutic strategies. To decipher the spatio‐temporal pattern of oxidative damage and dysfunction of ODC mitochondria in vivo, we created a novel mouse model in which ODCs selectively express the ratiometric H2O2 biosensor mito‐roGFP2‐Orp1 allowing for quantification of redox changes in their mitochondria. Using 2‐photon imaging of the exposed spinal cord, we observed significant mitochondrial oxidation in ODCs upon induction of the MS model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). This redox change became already apparent during the preclinical phase of EAE prior to CNS infiltration of inflammatory cells. Upon clinical EAE development, mitochondria oxidation remained detectable and was associated with a significant impairment in organelle density and morphology. These alterations correlated with the proximity of ODCs to inflammatory lesions containing activated microglia/macrophages. During the chronic progression of EAE, ODC mitochondria maintained an altered morphology, but their oxidant levels decreased to levels observed in healthy mice. Taken together, our study implicates oxidative stress in ODC mitochondria as a novel pre‐clinical sign of MS‐like inflammation and demonstrates that evolving redox and morphological changes in mitochondria accompany ODC dysfunction during neuroinflammation.
Nonlinear functional network connectivity in resting functional magnetic resonance imaging data
Authors: Motlaghian Sara M. , Belger Aysenil , Bustillo Juan R. , Ford Judith M. , Iraji Armin , Lim Kelvin , Mathalon Daniel H. , Mueller Bryon A. , O'Leary Daniel , Pearlson Godfrey , Potkin Steven G. , Preda Adrian , van Erp Theo G. M. , Calhoun Vince D.
Published: June 2022

In this work, we focus on explicitly nonlinear relationships in functional networks. We introduce a technique using normalized mutual information (NMI) that calculates the nonlinear relationship between different brain regions. We demonstrate our proposed approach using simulated data and then apply it to a dataset previously studied by Damaraju et al. This resting‐state fMRI data included 151 schizophrenia patients and 163 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls. We first decomposed these data using group independent component analysis (ICA) and yielded 47 functionally relevant intrinsic connectivity networks. Our analysis showed a modularized nonlinear relationship among brain functional networks that was particularly noticeable in the sensory and visual cortex. Interestingly, the modularity appears both meaningful and distinct from that revealed by the linear approach. Group analysis identified significant differences in explicitly nonlinear functional network connectivity (FNC) between schizophrenia patients and healthy controls, particularly in the visual cortex, with controls showing more nonlinearity (i.e., higher normalized mutual information between time courses with linear relationships removed) in most cases. Certain domains, including subcortical and auditory, showed relatively less nonlinear FNC (i.e., lower normalized mutual information), whereas links between the visual and other domains showed evidence of substantial nonlinear and modular properties. Overall, these results suggest that quantifying nonlinear dependencies of functional connectivity may provide a complementary and potentially important tool for studying brain function by exposing relevant variation that is typically ignored. Beyond this, we propose a method that captures both linear and nonlinear effects in a “boosted” approach. This method increases the sensitivity to group differences compared to the standard linear approach, at the cost of being unable to separate linear and nonlinear effects.
Differences in obstetric practices and outcomes of postpartum hemorrhage across Nigerian health facilities
Authors: Wakili Aminu Ado , Aswat Ashraf , Timms Rebecca , Beeson Leanne , Mammoliti Kristie‐Marie , Devall Adam , Musa Baba Maiyaki , Amole Taiwo , Dankishiya Faisal , Coomarasamy Arri , Gallos Ioannis D. , Galadanci Hadiza S.
Published: June 2022

Objective

To explore differences in obstetric practices and clinical outcomes of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) in Nigerian facilities.

Methods

A descriptive cross‐sectional study of public health facilities providing maternal healthcare services in Nigeria. Surveys were conducted across 38 purposively sampled facilities (January 2020–March 2021) to collect information on obstetric practices related to the management of the third stage of labor, treatment of postpartum hemorrhage, and clinical outcomes related to postpartum hemorrhage in the preceding 12 months.

Results

The median number of annual births per facility was 2230 (IQR, 1952–3283). The cesarean section rate was 21.6% (range 2.1%–52.6%). There was large variability in PPH rate (median 3%, range 0.4%–16.8%) and blood transfusions for PPH (median 2.8%, range 0.4%–48.6%) after vaginal birth. There was less variability for laparotomies (median 0.25%, range 0%–2.8%) and maternal deaths (median 0.11%, range 0%–0.64%) due to PPH after vaginal birth. The number of maternal deaths from all causes varied (median 0.27%, range 0%–3.5%). The rates of PPH and adverse maternal outcomes did not vary substantially between state or federal facilities, region, type of facility, and the number of clinical staff.

Conclusion

Across the Nigerian facilities surveyed there was large variation in PPH rates and adverse maternal outcomes due to PPH. This variability remains largely unexplained and requires further insights and detailed data to gain a deeper understanding of the root causes and challenges to implement customized solutions to improve maternal outcomes.
Factor analysis of error in oxidation potential calculation: A machine learning study
Authors: Kanamaru Yuki , Matsui Toru
Published: June 2022

The conductor‐like polarizable continuum model (C‐PCM), which is a low‐cost solvation model, cannot treat characteristic interactions between the solvent and substructure(s) of the solute. Moreover, the error in a charged system is significant. Using machine learning, we clarified that the systematic error of the oxidation potential calculated by the G3B3/C‐PCM was correlated with the molecular size of a solute. The G3B3/C‐PCM overestimated the Gibbs oxidation energy by averaging 6.94 kcal/mol. According to the performance of related methods reported in previous studies, this error is mainly due to the solvation energy of the charged solute. Additionally, we succeeded in reducing the error to 2.27 kcal/mol (32%)–3.2 kcal/mol (40%) by correction based on the substructure information of the solute. To modify the C‐PCM, effects that correlate with the molecular size of the solute in the charged system should be incorporated.
Scholarly productivity and growth of academic hospital medicine full professors
Authors: Renner Christiana S. , Sumarsono Andrew , Mathew Achsah , Warsi Maryam , Niaz Usman , Patel Vivek , Chu Eugene S.
Published: June 2022

Background

Scholarship remains the principal currency for faculty promotion in academic medicine. Reference points for scholarly growth and productivity at academic medical centers (AMCs) are lacking.

Methods

We identified hospital medicine full professors (HMFPs) at AMCs ranked in research by US News & World Report. Scopus was used to identify each HMFP's publications, citations, and Hirsch‐index (H‐index). Publications; citations; and first, middle, and senior author papers were measured in 3‐year intervals postresidency. Scholarly productivity was analyzed by quintile based on publications, AMC research ranking, years postresidency, and grant funding.

Results

Data were extracted for 128 HMFPs from 54 AMCs. HMFPs were a mean of 20.5 (SD: 5.4) years postresidency. The median H‐index was 7.0 (interquartile range [IQR]: 2.0–16.0); the median number of publications was 15.0 (IQR: 4.0–51.0). Top quintile HMFPs had a median of 175.5 (IQR: 101.5–248.0) publications, whereas fifth quintile HMFPs had a median of 0.0 (IQR: 0.0–1.0) (p < .001). HMFPs on faculty at the top 20 AMCs had a median of 35.5 (IQR: 11.0–108.0) publications, whereas HMFPs in AMCs ranked 81–122 had a median of 3.0 (IQR: 1.0–9.0) (p < .001). Grant‐funded HMFPs had a median of 177.0 (IQR: 71.0–278.0) publications, while nongrant‐funded HMFPs had a median of 11.0 (IQR: 3.0–25.0) (p < .001). At 3, 6, and 9 years postresidency, HMFPs had a median of 0.0 (IQR: 0.0–1.0), 1.5 (IQR: 0.0–5.0), and 3.5 (IQR: 0.0–11.0) publications. Fellowship training, additional degrees, and top 25 residency programs correlated with the top half of scholarly productivity.

Conclusions

Scholarly productivity among HMFPs varies considerably. At 3, 6, and 9 years postresidency, it is minimal to modest. Grant funding and AMC research rank may establish separate frames of reference for scholarly growth.
Associations between comorbidity‐related functional limitations and pneumonia outcomes
Authors: Greene Chastity , Nian Hui , Zhu Yuwei , Antoon James W. , Freundlich Katherine L. , Ampofo Krow , Sartori Laura F. , Johnson Jakobi , Arnold Donald H. , Gesteland Per , Stassun Justine , Robison Jeff , Pavia Andrew T. , Grijalva Carlos G. , Williams Derek J.
Published: June 2022

Background

Underlying comorbidities are common in children with pneumonia.

Objective

To determine associations between comorbidity‐related functional limitations and risk for severe pneumonia outcomes.

Design, Setting, and Participants

We prospectively enrolled children <18 years with and without comorbidities presenting to the emergency department with clinical and radiographic pneumonia at two institutions. Comorbidities included chronic conditions requiring daily medications, frequent healthcare visits, or which limited age‐appropriate activities. Among children with comorbidities, functional limitations were defined as none or mild, moderate, and severe.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Outcomes included an ordinal severity outcome, categorized as very severe (mechanical ventilation, shock, or death), severe (intensive care without very severe features), moderate (hospitalization without severe features), or mild (discharged home), and length of stay (LOS). Multivariable ordinal logistic regression was used to examine associations between comorbidity‐related functional limitations and outcomes, while accounting for relevant covariates.

Results

A cohort of 1116 children, including 452 (40.5%) with comorbidities; 200 (44.2%) had none or mild functional limitations, 93 (20.6%) moderate, and 159 (35.2%) had severe limitations. In multivariable analysis, comorbidity‐related functional limitations were associated with the ordinal severity outcome and LOS (p < .001 for both). Children with severe functional limitations had tripling of the odds of a more severe ordinal (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 3.01, 95% confidence interval [2.05, 4.43]) and quadrupling of the odds for longer LOS (aOR: 4.72 [3.33, 6.70]) as compared to children without comorbidities.

Conclusion

Comorbidity‐related functional limitations are important predictors of disease outcomes in children with pneumonia. Consideration of functional limitations, rather than the presence of comorbidity alone, is critical when assessing risk of severe outcomes.
The Digital Transformation Leadership Framework: Conceptual and Empirical Insights into Leadership Roles in Technology‐Driven Business Environments
Authors: Weber Ellen , Krehl Eva‐Helen , Büttgen Marion
Published: June 2022

The powerful and disruptive changes associated with digital transformation make leadership more complex than before, which results in new and demanding challenges for companies and leaders alike. Thus, building on the competing values framework (CVF), which postulates that leaders must adopt multiple roles and behaviors, the current research aims to identify leadership roles appropriate in digital transformation and subsequently investigate whether the existing CVF roles are still relevant. A qualitative study was conducted to identify appropriate leadership behaviors in digital transformation. Additionally, a measurement scale for the identified leadership roles was developed and tested. Furthermore, multidimensional scaling (MDS) was used to test the degree‐of‐fit between the identified leadership roles in digital transformation and the four CVF quadrants. The results reveal that new leadership roles emerge in the context of digital transformation. Some original CVF roles are still relevant, but others should be modified. Overall, the findings indicate that leaders need a broad behavioral complexity to master the emerging leadership challenges in digital transformation.
The Effects of Respiratory Muscle Training on Resting‐State Brain Activity and Thoracic Mobility in Healthy Subjects: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Vardar‐Yagli Naciye , Saglam Melda , Dasgin Hacer , Karli‐Oguz Kader
Published: June 2022

Background

Although inspiratory muscle training (IMT) is an effective intervention for improving breath perception, brain mechanisms have not been studied yet.

Purpose

To examine the effects of IMT on insula and default mode network (DMN) using resting‐state functional MRI (RS‐fMRI).

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

A total of 26 healthy participants were randomly assigned to two groups as IMT group (n = 14) and sham IMT groups (n = 12).

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3‐T, three‐dimensional T2* gradient‐echo echo planar imaging sequence for RS‐fMRI was obtained.

Assessment

The intervention group received IMT at 60% and sham group received at 15% of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) for 8 weeks. Pulmonary and respiratory muscle function, and breathing patterns were measured. Groups underwent RS‐fMRI before and after the treatment.

Statistical Tests

Statistical tests were two‐tailed P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Student's t test was used to compare the groups. One‐sample t‐test for each group was used to reveal pattern of functional connectivity. A statistical threshold of P < 0.001 uncorrected value was set at voxel level. We used False discovery rate (FDR)‐corrected P < 0.05 cluster level.

Results

The IMT group showed more prominent alterations in insula and DMN connectivity than sham group. The MIP was significantly different after IMT. Respiratory rate (P = 0.344), inspiratory time (P = 0.222), expiratory time (P = 1.000), and inspiratory time/total breath time (P = 0.572) of respiratory patterns showed no significant change after IMT. All DMN components showed decreased, while insula showed increased activation significantly.

Data Conclusion

Differences in brain activity and connectivity may reflect improved ventilatory perception with IMT with a possible role in regulating breathing pattern by processing interoceptive signals.

Evidence Level

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 4
Novel methodology to quantify dehydration in head and neck cancer radiotherapy using DIXON MRI
Authors: Duncan Sophie , Walker Amy , Kumar Shivani , Dundas Kylie , Bell Katherine , Wallis Andrew , Surjan Yolanda , Aly Farhannah , Lee Mark
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients are at risk of weight change, due to inadequate nutrition intake or dehydration, when receiving radiotherapy (RT). This study aimed to develop methodology to measure water content changes on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the head and neck region over the course of RT.

Methods

Retrospective datasets of 54 patients were analysed. Eligible patients had been treated for HNC with cisplatin chemoradiation (CRT) or RT alone and underwent a minimum of 2 MRI scans from weeks 0, 3 and 6 of their treatment. Anatomical regions consisting of ≥90% water, on T2‐weighted DIXON MRI sequences, were contoured. Water volume changes of all patients were evaluated, within an anatomically standardised external volume, by comparing the absolute water fraction volume (cc) (VEx90WF) and relative water fraction volume (%) (RelVEx90WF) at weeks 0 and 6 of RT.

Results

There was a statistically significant difference between the RelVEx90WF at weeks 0 and 6 (P = 0.005). However, no statistically significant difference was identified between weeks 0 and 6 VEx90WF (P = 0.064). There were no statistically significant differences identified between patients who received CRT versus RT alone.

Conclusion

This study developed a novel method for measuring changes in water fraction volumes over time, using T2‐weighted DIXON MRIs. The methodology created in this study requires further validation through phantom imaging, with known fat and water values.
Deciphering the molecular diversity of related halophilic Bacillus sp. isolated from Sambhar Lake and the functional characterizations of surfactin
Authors: Sharma Priyanka , Rekhi Pavni , Kumari Sapna , Debnath Mousumi
Published: June 2022

The Sambhar Salt Lake in Rajasthan, India, offers a unique opportunity to explore halophilic surfactin‐producing microorganisms with industrial application. The phylogenetic study, comparative genomics combined with chemotaxonomic research provided insight into the interspecies relativeness of Bacillus sp. Considering the nonribosomal protein sequences (NRPS), Bacillus haynesii strain SAII strain and Bacillus swezeyi strain SEIII showed a high degree of conservation. In silico studies of the isolated Bacillus sp. confirmed the presence of NRPS indicating the presence of surfactin‐type lipopeptide biosurfactants. Structural investigation using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, liquid quadrupole triple quadrupole mass spectrometry, 1H Nuclear mass resonance of the crude biosurfactant revealed further similarities among these two Bacillus species. Methyl esters of the crude biosurfactant indicated high likeliness among them and indicated the presence of pentadecanoic acid and tetradecanoic acid as the crucial fatty acids. Enhanced recovery of oil from contaminated sand using 100% crude biosurfactant ranged from 20% ± 0.05 to 69.20% ± 1.22. This opens the door to a bright future for understanding the molecular diversity of closely related halophilic Bacillus sp. and the potential use of the extracted biosurfactants for bioremediation of contaminants.
An in vitro study: prebiotic effects of edible palm hearts in batch human fecal fermentation system
Authors: Lee‐Ling Chai , Hui Yan Tan , Saupi Noorasmah , Nazamid Saari , Sarbini Shahrul Razid
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND

Edible palm hearts (EPH), known as palmito, chonta or swamp cabbage in America or umbut in Malaysia, is a type of vegetable harvested from palm tree species. EPH is firm and smooth and described as having a flavor resembling artichoke. It has underlying prebiotic potential that selectively stimulates the growth and activity of beneficial colonic microbiota, thus enhancing the host's health. This study is the first to present results of EPH from local species such as oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), sago palm (Metroxylon sagu) and coconut (Cocos nucifera) using in vitro colonic fermentation with human fecal slurry. Samples obtained at 0, 6, 12 and 24 h were evaluated by bacterial enumeration using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), and short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA) were analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

RESULTS

All EPH samples revealed induction effects towards Bifidobacterium spp., Lactobacillus–Enterococcus and Bacteroidaceae/Prevotellaceae populations similar to those in inulin fermentation. A significant decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in pathogenic Clostridium histolyticum group was observed in the response of raw sago palm hearts. In general, all samples stimulate the production of SCFA. Particularly in the colonic fermentation of sago palm heart, acetate and propionate revealed the highest concentrations of 286.18 and 284.83 mmol L−1 in raw and cooked form, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This study concluded that edible palm hearts can be a potential prebiotic ingredient that promotes human gastrointestinal health, as well as discovering a new direction towards an alternative source of functional foods. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
A novel three‐dimensional printed device with conductive elements for electromembrane extraction combined with high‐performance liquid chromatography and ultraviolet detector
Authors: Dolatabadi Roshanak , Mohammadi Ali , Walker Roderick B
Published: June 2022

This study is focused on proposing a new design and setup for electromembrane extraction. A new cap was designed and conductive vials of different shapes were fabricated using three‐dimensional printing. The new cap holds three fibers to enhance electromembrane extraction recovery. Conductive vials can simultaneously perform as electrodes therefore, there is no need to include an electrode in sample solutions. Phenobarbital and phenytoin were used as model compounds to assess the setup performance. Under optimal conditions, these analytes were extracted from the sample solution at pH = 9 to the acceptor solution at pH = 13 with a voltage of 40 V for 20 min, while 1‐octanol was employed as the supported‐liquid‐membrane. The influence of conductive vials geometry on the recovery was examined and the effects of different shapes were studied by performing numerical simulation to establish electric potential distribution. Of the vials tested with circular, triangular, and floral‐like cross‐sections the latter exhibited the best voltage distribution. The circular vial had the highest recovery attributed to its better hydrodynamic shape, which allows rapid fluid sample transport and therefore enhanced system recovery. The extraction recovery and relative standard deviation of the circular vial with three fibers were 33.0 and 7.6 for phenobarbital and 42.2 and 10.4 for phenytoin.
Explaining how algorithms work reduces consumers' concerns regarding the collection of personal data and promotes AI technology adoption
Authors: Querci Ilaria , Barbarossa Camilla , Romani Simona , Ricotta Francesco
Published: June 2022

Consumers' concerns about how companies gather and use their personal data can impede the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. This study demonstrates that mechanistic explanations of AI algorithms can inhibit such data collection concerns. Four independent online experiments show a negative effect of detailed mechanistic explanations on data collection concerns (Studies 1a and 1b), as well as mediating influences of a subjective understanding of how AI algorithms work (Study 2) and increased the likelihood to adopt AI technologies after data collection concerns have been mitigated (Study 3). These findings contribute to research on consumer privacy concerns and the adoption of AI technologies, by identifying (1) a new inhibitor of data collection concerns, namely, mechanistic explanations of AI algorithms; (2) the psychological mechanisms underlying mechanist explanation effects; and (3) how diminished data collection concerns promote AI technology adoption. These insights can help companies design more effective communication strategies that reduce the perceived opacity of AI algorithms, reassure consumers, and encourage their adoption of AI technologies.
Enzymes in the time of COVID‐19: An overview about the effects in the human body, enzyme market, and perspectives for new drugs
Authors: Fé Luana Xavier Soares Gomes Moura , Cipolatti Eliane Pereira , Pinto Martina Costa Cerqueira , Branco Suema , Nogueira Fábio César Sousa , Ortiz Gisela Maria Dellamora , Pinheiro Anderson de Sá , Manoel Evelin Andrade
Published: June 2022

The rising pandemic caused by a coronavirus, resulted in a scientific quest to discover some effective treatments against its etiologic agent, the severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). This research represented a significant scientific landmark and resulted in many medical advances. However, efforts to understand the viral mechanism of action and how the human body machinery is subverted during the infection are still ongoing. Herein, we contributed to this field with this compilation of the roles of both viral and human enzymes in the context of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. In this sense, this overview reports that proteases are vital for the infection to take place: from SARS‐CoV‐2 perspective, the main protease (Mpro) and papain‐like protease (PLpro) are highlighted; from the human body, angiotensin‐converting enzyme‐2, transmembrane serine protease‐2, and cathepsins (CatB/L) are pointed out. In addition, the influence of the virus on other enzymes is reported as the JAK/STAT pathway and the levels of lipase, enzymes from the cholesterol metabolism pathway, amylase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase are also be disturbed in SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Finally, this paper discusses the importance of detailed enzymatic studies for future treatments against SARS‐CoV‐2, and how some issues related to the syndrome treatment can create opportunities in the biotechnological market of enzymes and the development of new drugs.
Ground state solutions for a Kirchhoff‐type elliptic system involving critical exponential growth nonlinearities
Authors: Deng Shengbing , Huang Tingting
Published: June 2022

The aim of this paper is to study the ground state solution for a Kirchhoff‐type elliptic system without the Ambrosetti–Rabinowitz condition.
Synchronized high‐speed scintillation imaging of proton beams, generated by a gantry‐mounted synchrocyclotron, on a pulse‐by‐pulse basis
Authors: Goddu Sreekrishna Murty , Westphal Gregory T. , Sun Baozhou , Wu Yu , Bloch Charles D. , Bradley Jeffrey D. , Darafsheh Arash
Published: June 2022

Background

With the emergence of more complex and novel proton delivery techniques, there is a need for quality assurance tools with high spatiotemporal resolution to conveniently measure the spatial and temporal properties of the beam. In this context, scintillation‐based dosimeters, if synchronized with the radiation beam and corrected for ionization quenching, are appealing.

Purpose

To develop a synchronized high‐speed scintillation imaging system for characterization and verification of the proton therapy beams on a pulse‐by‐pulse basis.

Materials and methods

A 30 cm × 30 cm × 5 cm block of BC‐408 plastic scintillator placed in a light‐tight housing was irradiated by proton beams generated by a Mevion S250 proton therapy synchrocyclotron. A high‐speed camera system, placed perpendicular to the beam direction and facing the scintillator, was synchronized to the accelerator's pulses to capture images. Opening and closing of the camera's shutter was controlled by setting a proper time delay and exposure time, respectively. The scintillation signal was recorded as a set of two‐dimensional (2D) images. Empirical correction factors were applied to the images to correct for the nonuniformity of the pixel sensitivity and quenching of the scintillator. Proton range and modulation were obtained from the corrected images.

Results

The camera system was able to capture all data on a pulse‐by‐pulse basis at a rate of ∼504 frames per second. The applied empirical correction method for ionization quenching was effective and the corrected composite image provided a 2D map of dose distribution. The measured range (depth of distal 90%) through scintillation imaging agreed within 1.2 mm with that obtained from ionization chamber measurement.

Conclusion

A high‐speed camera system capable of capturing scintillation signals from individual proton pulses was developed. The scintillation imaging system is promising for rapid proton beam characterization and verification.
Feasibility and reliability of MScanFit motor unit number estimation in peroneus longus muscle
Authors: Tankisi Deniz Alp , Alaydin Halil Can , Boran Evren , Cengiz Bulent
Published: June 2022

Introduction/Aims

Motor unit number estimation (MUNE) methods may be valuable to detect motor involvement earlier than compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude. The most recent MUNE method, MScanFit, has been shown to have advantages compared with previously described methods. However, MScanFit has only been applied in a few lower extremity muscles. In this study we examined the feasibility and reliability of MScanFit in peroneus longus muscle.

Methods

Twenty healthy controls (16 males and 4 females; mean age, 36.05 ± 2.58 years) were examined twice within a 1‐ to 2‐week interval. Fibular nerve was stimulated at the knee and CMAP scans were recorded from peroneus longus muscle. From this, MScanFit MUNE and size parameters were calculated, as was the CMAP amplitude. The reliability was examined using coefficient of variation (CV) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). MUNE was correlated with CMAP amplitude using linear regression analysis.

Results

The CV between sessions was higher for CMAP amplitude (11.63 ± 1.88%) than MScanFit MUNE (3.13 ± 0.78%). Among the size parameters, mean unit amplitude (μV) showed the lowest CV (11.46 ± 1.77%). Using ICC, CMAP amplitude exhibited good reliability (0.787), whereas that of MScanFit MUNE was excellent (0.902). Reliability was good for all size parameters. There was no significant correlation between MScanFit MUNE and CMAP amplitude (R = 0.25, P > .05).

Discussion

MScanFit MUNE is feasible in the peroneus longus muscle, with high test‐retest reliability in healthy subjects. Studies in patients are needed to examine the sensitivity of this muscle in disease.
A cross‐sectional study of factors associated with nurses’ postoperative pain management practices for older patients
Authors: Youngcharoen Phichpraorn , Aree‐Ue Suparb
Published: June 2022

Aim

The aim of the study was to identify factors associated with nurses’ pain management practices in older patients undergoing surgery.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

The study sample was 85 Registered nurses working in inpatient surgical units in a tertiary care hospital, Thailand. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s and point biserial correlation coefficients, and stepwise multiple regression analysis.

Results

A positive correlation was found between practices and (a) pain management training and (b) perceptions related to collaboration with physicians. However, practices were negatively related to (a) the nurses’ perception of their workload and (b) the number of years of nursing experience. The recent pain management training, the nurses’ perceptions of both collaboration with physicians and their workload explained 24.40% of the variance in practices. Appropriate nursing workloads, regular pain management training and promoting collaboration among the healthcare team could all improve the quality of nurses’ postoperative pain management.
Viscoplastic deformation of cotton fabric‐reinforced polypropylene composites
Authors: Shao Bo , Wang Fengqiang , Qian Wei , Fang Yiqun , Wang Qingwen
Published: June 2022

In this work, cotton fabric‐reinforced polypropylene laminates (CFRLs) were prepared as an example to analyze the effect of viscoplastic deformation on the mechanical properties of natural fiber‐reinforced composites. Compared with neat polypropylene (PP), the tensile strength and modulus of CFRLs are significantly enhanced in all directions. However, CFRLs are more prone to plastic deformation than PP during static tensile tests. The tensile strength of CFRLs could be affected by the processing factors. As the drawing speed was reduced from 20 to 0.1 mm/min, the tensile strength of CFRLs decreased by 27%. Cyclic tensile tests were used to analyze the effect of viscoplastic deformation on the tensile strength of CFRLs, and the results showed that when the viscous deformation increased, the strain increased, leading to rapid fracture of CFRLs under cyclic tensile stress much lower than the tensile strength. By simulating the stress conditions of pressure vessels and pipes with different curved surfaces, CFRLs are shown to be more suitable for cylindrical curved structures, which has developable surface; While, they are not suitable for complex curved structures, such as spherical surfaces, that are undevelopable surface.
‘BARI Masur‐9’: An extra‐early lentil cultivar for a rice‐based cropping system in Bangladesh
Authors: Shahin Uz Zaman Md , Alam Md Jahangir , Golam Azam Md , Shahin Iqbal Md , Ariful Islam Md , Sarkar Debashish , Aktar Uz Zaman Md , Shamsul Alam Md , Mahbubul Alam A. K. M. , Altaf Hossain Md , Ali Md Omar , Sarker Debasish , Sarker Ashutosh
Published: June 2022

Lentil (Lens culinarisMedik) is the third‐most important grain legume in the world. In Bangladesh, it is important for human food and nutrition, animal feed, and sustainable rice‐based cropping systems. However, lentil area is declining due to competition with other winter and spring crops, particularly irrigated spring rice (boro rice;Oryza sativa L.). To increase lentil production, the extra‐early (<95 d) lentil line LRIL‐22‐70 was selected to grow in the short fallow period between monsoon and spring rice under a proposed new cropping pattern. LRIL‐22‐70 was identified from a recombinant inbred line population through rigorously evaluated in diverse agro‐ecological conditions of Bangladesh and released for commercial cultivation by Pulses Research Centre, BARI, as ‘BARI Masur‐9’ (Reg. no. CV‐36, PI 700307) in 2018. BARI Masur‐9 is a transgressive segregant for earliness (matures in <93 d) and fits well in the new monsoon rice–lentil–spring rice cropping pattern. It is a medium‐seeded (2.38 g 100–1seed) cultivar with high tolerance to Stemphylium blight. The average seed yield of BARI Masur‐9 was 1,201 kg ha–1, with higher concentrations of Fe (73 mg kg−1) and Zn (61 mg kg−1) compared with other genotypes; thus, BARI Masur‐9 contributes to combatting micronutrient malnutrition in Bangladesh. BARI Masur‐9, the first extra‐early lentil cultivar, can successfully be grown to replace fallow between rice as a new cropping pattern monsoon rice–lentil (BARI Masur‐9)–spring rice in about 8 million ha in Bangladesh, eastern Indian states, and eastern Nepal.
Heat Capacity of Layered Perovskite Compounds: EsBaCuFeO5 (Es = Ho, Gd, and Yb)
Authors: Koç Hüseyin , Bölükdemir Mustafa Hicabi , Eser Erhan
Published: June 2022

The layered perovskite compounds, which show multiferroic properties, have attracted interest due to their interesting magnetic and electronic properties. Herein, the heat capacity of EsBaCuFeO5 (Es = Ho, Gd and Yb) as a function of the temperature using the overall equation of fitting is investigated. The Debye temperature, Einstein temperature, the coefficients m and γ are derived by fitting experimental heat capacity data with the overall equation of fitting that consists of the contribution from electronic, Debye, and Einstein terms. The values of the fitting parameters obtained are in good agreement with the results in the literature. The results display that the method can be used for calculation of the heat capacity of the layered perovskite compounds over the entire range of temperature.
Large‐Sized X‐ray Optics Quality Chemical Vapor Deposition Diamond
Authors: Polyakov Sergey Nikolaevich , Denisov Viktor Nikolaevich , Lomov Andrey Aleksandrovich , Shulpina Iren Leonidovna , Martyushov Stepan Yurievich , Kornilov Nikolay Vladimirovich , Blank Vladimir Davidovich
Published: June 2022

Herein, the high‐quality large‐sized single‐crystalline diamond successfully grown by the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique is demonstrated. The structure perfection of this diamond is comparable with that of the best diamond single crystals grown by the temperature gradient method under high pressure and high temperature. In addition, CVD diamonds contain far fewer metallic impurities. The high structural quality of this diamond is unambiguously confirmed by the observation of interferrometric fringes (Kato fringes) without any defects in the section X‐ray diffraction images of the areas of 3 × 3 × 1.5 mm3 size. Moreover, the full width at half maximum of the double‐crystal rocking curves (400) Bragg reflection from defect‐free areas of the diamond is close to theoretical. The nitrogen‐enriched 100 μm‐thick intermediate layer between the substrate and the growing crystal provides avoidance of the defect inheritance of the 1b substrate for homoepitaxial growth. The high‐quality diamond single crystals grown by the CVD method pave the way for application as X‐ray optic elements suitable for operation in high‐power beams of new generation synchrotrons and X‐ray free‐electron lasers.
Clinical application of risk assessment in PAH: Expert center APRN recommendations
Authors: Wilson Melisa , Keeley Jennifer , Kingman Martha , McDevitt Susanne , Brewer Jacqueline , Rogers Frances , Hill Wendy , Rideman Zachary , Broderick Meredith
Published: June 2022

Performing longitudinal and consistent risk assessments for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is important to help guide treatment decisions to achieve early on and maintain a low‐risk status and improve patient morbidity and mortality. Clinical gestalt or expert perception alone may over or underestimate a patient's risk status. Indeed, regular and continued use of validated risk assessment tools more accurately predict patients' survival. Effective PAH risk assessments are often underutilized even though many seasoned clinicians will attest to using these tools routinely. We present recommendations based on real‐world experience in varied clinical practice settings around the United States for overcoming barriers to facilitate regular, serial formal risk assessment. Expert advanced practice provider clinicians from mid to large‐size medical centers collaborated to formulate recommendations based on multiple discourses and discussions. Enlisting the help of support staff, such as medical assistants and nurses, to fill in available risk parameters in risk assessment tools can save time for providers and increase efficiency, as can technology‐based solutions such as integrating risk assessments into electronic medical records. Modified, abbreviated risk assessment tools can be applied to a patient's clinical scenario when all of a patient's data are not available to complete a more comprehensive assessment. Initial discussions regarding the overall meaning and prognostic importance of risk scores may assist patients to take on a more active role in terms of informed decision‐making regarding their care. A collaborative approach can help clinics establish consistent use of risk assessment.
A review on the realization methods of dynamic fault tree
Authors: Zhu Chengyuan , Zhang Tianyuan
Published: June 2022

Dynamic fault tree (DFT) is an extended technology of Fault tree analysis (FTA). It has been widely used in many fields and plays an important role in improving the security performance of the system. Although DFT has developed for many years, new research in recent years is still worthy of attention. In this study, the research status of different realization methods/analysis techniques of DFT is comprehensively reviewed. First, the development and research trend of DFT are described. Second, the research on dynamic gates and components in the analysis techniques is introduced in detail. Third, the mainstream realization methods of DFT, such as Markov chain, Bayesian network (BN) and so on, are summarized. At the same time, the application of other auxiliary analysis techniques is also introduced. Then, based on the research progress of different realization methods, the future development direction and challenges of DFT are prospected. The realization methods of DFT not only need the rigorous theoretical foundation. Moreover, it is also necessary to consider the combination of real‐time data and system modeling technology to realize dynamic assessment and smart system in the future.
4‐2: Student Paper: High‐Performance, Coplanar Polycrystalline InGaO Thin‐Film Transistor for Large‐Area, High‐Resolution AMOLED Display
Authors: Rabbi Md. Hasnat , Lee Suhui , Sasaki Daich , Kawashima Emi , Tsuruma Yuki , Jang Jin
Published: June 2022

We report a very simple hotplate crystallization technique to achieve the polycrystalline InGaO (IGO) thin films at low temperature (<400 °C). The coplanar thin film transistor (TFT) with polycrystalline IGO exhibits linear mobility over 50 cm2V−1s−1 and excellent stability under PBTSINBTS and 85% humidity at 85°C for 2 days. We have also achieved very fast 23 stage ring oscillator with a frequency of 2.36 MHz because of coplanar structure and high mobility. This low‐cost technique is very suitable for the manufacturing of polycrystalline oxide TFT backplane for large area, high resolution AMOLED displays.