bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mindful Maturation Matters: The V‐Model as a passport to engagement
Authors: Beasley Richard , Woodcock Hazel , Eastwood Paul
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this paper is to explore how awareness and insight from the information associated with a system (requirements, analysis, solution, verification, risk) matures as understanding increases. This is done through a series of iterations between requirements and design within each system level, and between the levels of system, sub‐systems, elements etc. that make up the system as a whole.

To handle this maturation, it is important to mindfully manage this maturing information. One of the best ways to do this is to use the Systems Engineering V‐Model.

This paper explores the ways the often‐maligned V‐Model is misunderstood and the barriers to its intended use and proposes a range of practices that can help tailor the model and achieve its intended purpose of supporting the creation of successful systems. This is illustrated with several analogies.

Chief amongst these is recognizing that whilst the V‐Model shows process, it is not an instruction for the order of process, but a structural concept to help store, organize, update, and share the maturing awareness, insight and understanding achieved at a point in time. Key is understanding the system development, due to the interaction of parts to make wholes, has never been a linear (waterfall) flow. Understanding how this interaction works, how to recognize/handle uncertainty, how to communicate the developing understanding across the range of teams developing systems at multiple levels is critical.
Systems Engineering as an effective approach for the fast development of space downstream applications in the health sector
Authors: Petrinca Paolo , Razzano Elena , Runge Arnaud
Published: July 2023

The present paper illustrates how Systems Engineering was applied, step by step, to the development of a space downstream demonstration project, which scope was the development of a sanitation system for ambulances. The system was developed to respond to a specific need identified during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The system is based on the germicidal effect of UVC radiation and exploits space‐related technologies to provide a real‐time monitoring of sanitation level within the ambulance and a geo‐referenced traceability of sanitation performed. The multidisciplinary approach was a key‐factor for the successful completion of the project because it ensured a high standardization level of the development process and high communicability within an heterogeneous team composed of Software/Electronic/Mechanical Engineers, Biologists, Virologist and Ambulance Operators. The project confirmed that systems engineering can be effectively used for the fast development of every‐day‐life downstream service/system especially in case different technologies and competencies have to be synergically integrated.
Modeling and Analysis Method and practice of helicopter system quantitative requirement
Authors: Xin Ji , Hao Guangxin , Chen Lixia
Published: July 2023

MBSE methodology still has shortcomings on quantitative requirements aspect. Such as quantitative requirements have not a rigorous analysis process, indexes have a loose connection with other system requirements, and the index value is over‐reliance on designer subjective decision. This article aims to study the method for defining performance indexes, in the way of link indexes with functional requirements, and adding system general design results data into MBSE model to support analysis. The decomposition process of multi‐level indexes are also proposed in this study. By means of scaling up simulation CPU time of some action to make simulated logic right, and integrating the specialty design models into MBSE operational logical model, the requirements of quantitative indexes can be verified in MBSE by simulation. The feasibility of new analysis and modeling methodology are validated on MagicDraw software, with helicopter system as a sample.
Semantic Model‐based Systems Engineering based on KARMA: A Research and Practice Roadmap 2025
Authors: Lu Jinzhi , Wang Guoxin , Yan Yan , Cameron David , Lei Feng , Zhang Yangyang , Tang Xijin , Wang Jian , Tang Junjie , Tang Jian , Zhang Huisheng , Reniers Michel , Törngren Martin , Ma Junda , Keraron Yves , Wu Shouxuan , Kiritsis Dimitris
Published: July 2023

Model‐based Systems Engineering is proposed as a graphical approach to support for‐malization of system artifacts across system lifecycle based on models since 1993. The previous motivation of graphical specification is to provide a unified graphical description on the perspective of systems engineering in order to formalize system architectural views, to promote communications among stakeholders and to support system analysis and verification. However, when different modeling tools are developed based on such graphical specifications, model and data interoperability across modeling tools is the biggest challenge faced by the tool venders and MBSE practitioners. Thus, semantic specification is proposed again to enhance data interoperability, such as SysML 2.0 as a possible solution. In this paper, we propose a new semantic MBSE language and framework aiming to support complex system development using a semantic two‐core mechanism: 1) KARMA language and 2) Industrial Ontologies Foundry (IOF) SE and MBSE ontology. Then, we introduce the KARMA Roadmap 2025 including technical vision, organizational views and standardization. A new KARMA open‐source modeling environment is planned to being created in order to provide MBSE application for more industrial practitioners.
System Verification and Validation Approach Using the MagicGrid Framework
Authors: Morkevicius Aurelijus , Aleksandraviciene Aiste , Strolia Zilvinas
Published: July 2023

The ongoing transformation in the industry from a document‐based systems engineering to a model‐based systems engineering approach reveals a need for new methods of verifying and validating systems. Traditional methods of testing the actual system are getting more and more expensive. A model‐based environment could significantly reduce testing and, most importantly, verification and validation processes costs. It allows testing on the system model by applying various techniques, such as simulation, analysis, review, mock‐ups, etc. There are, however, very few approaches today detailing how verification and validation of the entire system (taking into count its components and subsystems) could be performed. This paper proposes an approach to perform verification and validation of a system using system models developed with Systems Modeling Language (SysML) and in accordance with the MagicGrid (formerly known as MBSE Grid) framework. The approach covers system testing activities beginning with verification of the lowest modeled system elements against system requirements and finishing with validation of the system as a whole, against stakeholder needs.
Integration: More Than Interface Management
Authors: Armstrong James R.
Published: July 2023

Most descriptions of integration focus on interfaces and interface management. While this is necessary, it is not sufficient for successful integration. This paper will discuss additional technical and other concerns that must be dealt with in order to meet the objectives of systems integration.
Heuristic‐Based Architecting for Autonomous Vehicle Systems
Authors: Bansal Manpreet , Drogosch Bradley , Monarrez Omar Lara , Plantharan Edwin , Nikolik Zdravko , Weaver Jonathan M.
Published: July 2023

Humans have always had a need to improve travel, whether that be for ourselves or for the goods we need. Technological advancements have all fundamentally performed the task of moving people and goods with the objective to continuously improve convenience and be more efficient. There is another pending revolution in human mobility, one that is leading towards autonomous transportation where the human driver is replaced, and the driving of the vehicle is performed autonomously by machine. With continued research and technology, automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have started to implement autonomous enabled features to transform today's vehicles traveling our roads into driverless vehicles. This paper evaluates the fundamental problem of architecting a system responsible of transporting occupants and cargo from point A to point B via autonomous vehicles (AVs) and compares it to current architecture being proposed/produced by OEMs. The work begins by studying the user needs of an AV and mapping those needs to required system functions. Then, guiding heuristics and lessons learned are used to critique the current architecture. The results show that the current OEM approach is to simply create smarter vehicles within a non‐intelligent infrastructure, and the authors, when guided by system architecting heuristics, suggest that development of an elegant, robust, long‐term AV system will require a significant increase in scope to a higher system level than the OEMs appear to be addressing at the present time.
Developing Competence in the Systems Engineering Professional Competencies
Authors: Hahn Heidi Ann
Published: July 2023

This paper provides research‐grounded methods for improving one's competence in the INCOSE Professional Competencies, while recognizing that improvement strategies may not be universally applicable due to gender‐ and culturally‐based differences in strengths and weaknesses relative to the Professional Competencies.
Systems Engineering and Industrial Engineering
Authors: Parnell Gregory S. , Kenley C. Robert , Specking Eric , Pohl Edward
Published: July 2023

Systems engineering overlaps with many fields, such as industrial engineering, engineering management, operations research, project management, and design engineering. In fact, the main industrial engineering body of knowledge, the Industrial and Systems Engineering Body of Knowledge, includes systems in the title and includes a section on systems design and engineering, which References the Systems Engineering Body of Knowledge. This paper describes the similarities and differences between systems engineering and industrial engineering based upon the respective standards, handbooks, and bodies of knowledge. Based on this assessment, we describe potential roles systems engineers and industrial engineers perform during a system's life cycle. We conclude with a summary of our paper.
Early intervention with double balloon enteroscopy for higher yield for inpatient overt obscure gastrointestinal bleeding: A propensity matched analysis
Authors: Aryan Mahmoud , Venkata Krishna V R , Colvin Tyler , Daley Lauren , Patel Parth , Beasley T. Mark , Nunley Benjamin , Baldwin Nicholas , Ahmed Ali M , Kyanam Kabir Baig Kondal R , Mönkemüller Klaus , Peter Shajan
Published: July 2023

Background and Aim

Overt obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OOGIB) is defined as continued bleeding with unknown source despite esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy evaluation. Small bowel evaluation through video capsule endoscopy (VCE) or double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) is often warranted. We studied the timing of DBE in hospitalized OOGIB patients regarding diagnostic yield, therapeutic yield, and GI rebleeding.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of DBEs performed at a tertiary medical center between November 2012 and December 2020. The inclusion criterion was first admission for OOGIB undergoing DBE. Those without previous EGD or colonoscopy were excluded. Patients were stratified into two groups: DBE performed within 72 h of OOGIB (emergent) and beyond 72 h of OOGIB (nonemergent). Propensity score matching was used to adjust for the difference in patients in the two groups. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess factors associated with diagnostic and therapeutic yield. Kaplan–Meir survival curve showed GI bleed‐free survival following initial bleed and was compared using the log rank test.

Results

A total of 154 patients met the inclusion criterion, of which 62 had emergent DBE and 92 had nonemergent DBE. The propensity‐score‐matched sample consisted of 112 patients, with 56 patients each in the emergent and nonemergent groups. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between VCE and emergent DBE and diagnostic and therapeutic yield (P < 0.05). Emergent DBE patients had increased GI bleed‐free survival compared to those in the nonemergent group (P = 0.009).

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate that emergent DBE during inpatient OOGIB can impact the overall diagnostic yield, therapeutic yield, and GI rebleeding post DBE.
Impairment of health‐related quality of life for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia over the first year of therapy: A report from the DFCI ALL Consortium
Authors: Welch Jennifer J. G. , Flamand Yael , Stevenson Kristen E. , Neuberg Donna S. , Athale Uma H. , Kelly Kara M. , Laverdiere Caroline , Michon Bruno , Place Andrew E. , Sallan Stephen E. , Silverman Lewis B. , Vrooman Lynda M.
Published: July 2023

Background

Children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) receive prolonged treatment, resulting in toxicities that affect health‐related quality of life (HR‐QoL). Longitudinal assessment of HR‐QoL allows improved understanding of experiences with ALL.

Procedure

Parent‐proxy and child self‐report HR‐QoL over the first year of chemotherapy were evaluated in the context of DFCI Protocol 05‐001, a phase 3 therapeutic trial for childhood ALL. HR‐QoL was assessed with the Pediatric Quality‐of‐Life inventory (PedsQL) domains for Pain and Hurt, Procedural Anxiety, Treatment Anxiety, Emotional Functioning, General Fatigue, and Sleep/Rest Fatigue.

Results

Total of 281 subjects participated, with 141 contributing at least one child report and 280 at least one parent report. Children with ALL experienced impairment in HR‐QoL by both patient and parent report compared to the published PedsQL reference population at each time point on each subscale. Agreement between parent and child assessment of HR‐QoL impairment was high, particularly among those for whom HR‐QoL was not impaired. During the consolidation phase, which included intensive asparaginase administration, multivariable models demonstrated more impairment in Treatment Anxiety and Procedural Anxiety for children treated with intramuscular asparaginase than intravenous asparaginase, but randomized groups were otherwise similar in HR‐QoL. Impairments in fatigue, both General and Sleep/Rest, were evident throughout and worse during intensive asparaginase therapy.

Conclusions

This report examines HR‐QoL for children with ALL during treatment longitudinally by parent and patient report across multiple domains. Children with ALL demonstrated substantial impairment in HR‐QoL, particularly related to fatigue during intensive consolidation therapy including asparaginase.
A reflective evaluation of young water professionals' transdisciplinary learning
Authors: Dollin Jen , Hagare Dharmappa , Maheshwari Basant , Packham Roger , Reynolds Jason , Garg Abha , Harris Harshitha , Issac Annie Maria , Meher Alok Kumar , Shivakumar Sunil Kumar
Published: July 2023

The urgent requirement for transdisciplinary water professionals who can navigate the cascading complexities of water resources in a thirsty, inequitable world is widely acknowledged. To deliver a sustainable water resources sector, current water professionals need to synthesize diverse disciplinary knowledge, develop systemic thinking capabilities, and communicate succinctly with a wide range of water practitioners, policy makers, and a wide range of other stakeholders. In a first‐of‐its‐kind program, the Indian Young Water Professionals (IYWP) training program funded by the Australian Water Partnership and supported by the National Hydrology Program, the Ministry of Jal Shakti, India, aimed to develop these capabilities. Practicing young water professionals from across multiple state water resources departments benefited from this 11‐month program delivered by the Australia India Water Centre over the course of 2022. This reflective inquiry presents the learning from this innovative professional development training program. Adapting educational evaluation conceptual frameworks on boundary‐crossing integrations, the program participants, supervisors, and designers reflect on this transdisciplinary program's epistemic, social and organizational dimensions. We asked ourselves, was this training program successful in developing transdisciplinary water professionals, and what do we need to do to design future programs? Our reflections point to the strength of the inquiry‐based learning design of the program and the Situation Understanding and Improvement Project (SUIP) with the application of the [I]NSPECT model as central in shifting entrenched disciplinary paradigmatic thinking. Underlying this success was the strong organizational network engagement and commitment from multiple sectors at multiple levels across Australia and India. A key challenge was the online delivery of this training across continents, along with an ongoing obstacle for the IYWP participants of balancing demanding professional workplace priorities with academic rigor and training expectations. The face‐to‐face Water Conclave held in Delhi in November 2022 was vital in bringing the cohort together, sharing learning, celebrating achievements, and reflecting on next iterations.
Approaches to inclusive semileptonic B(s)-meson decays from Lattice QCD
Authors: Barone Alessandro , Hashimoto Shoji , Jüttner Andreas , Kaneko Takashi , Kellermann Ryan
Published: July 2023

Abstract

We address the nonperturbative calculation of the inclusive decay rate of semileptonic B(s)-meson decays from lattice QCD. Precise Standard-Model predictions are key ingredients in searches for new physics, and this type of computation may eventually provide new insight into the long-standing tension between the inclusive and exclusive determinations of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa (CKM) matrix elements |Vcb| and |Vub|. We present results from a pilot lattice computation for Bs → Xclνl, where the initial b quark described by the relativistic-heavy-quark (RHQ) formalism on the lattice and the other valence quarks discretised with domain-wall fermions are simulated approximately at their physical quark masses. We compare two different methods for computing the decay rate from lattice data of Euclidean n-point functions, namely Chebyshev and Backus-Gilbert approaches. We further study how much the ground-state meson dominates the inclusive decay rate and indicate our strategy towards a computation with a more comprehensive systematic error budget.
Visual quality and safety monitoring system for human-robot cooperation
Authors: Kozamernik Nejc , Zaletelj Janez , Košir Andrej , Šuligoj Filip , Bračun Drago
Published: July 2023

Efficient workspace awareness is critical for improved interaction in cooperative and collaborative robotic applications. In addition to safety and control aspects, quality-related tasks such as the monitoring of manual activities and the final quality assessment of the results are also required. In this context, a visual quality and safety monitoring system is developed and evaluated. The system integrates close-up observation of manual activities and posture monitoring. A compact single-camera stereo vision system and a time-of-flight depth camera are used to minimize the interference of the sensors with the operator and the workplace. Data processing is based on a deep learning to detect classes related to quality and safety aspects. The operation of the system is evaluated while monitoring a human-robot manual assembly task. The results show that the system ensures a high level of safety, provides reliable visual feedback to the operator on errors in the assembly process, and inspects the finished assembly with a low critical error rate.
The Navigation of the Great Ouse between St Ives and Bedford in the Seventeenth Century
Authors: Willan Thomas S.
Published: July 2023

During the seventeenth century attention was given to improving river navigation in several parts of the country, in return for tolls from boats carrying cargo on the river. Before the civil war the improvements to the River Ouse were mainly carried out by Arnold Spencer of Cople, who overstretched himself and was in debt, so that the patent for the navigation was passed to others. The toll books have not survived and the author is only able to make an estimate of income and tonnage using the river. The introduction gives an account of the improvements to the river by, e.g. sluices, scouring the river, ditches and tow paths etc., and of the people who undertook them. The story is told through transcriptions of 104 documents from the Francklin manuscripts and one from the Whitbread manuscripts at Bedfordshire Archives.
Highly singular slip length for longitudinal shear flow over a dense bubble mattress
Authors: Yariv Ehud
Published: July 2023

Compound surfaces, consisting of periodic arrays of solid patches and free surfaces, exhibit hydrodynamic slipperiness which is quantified by their slip length. The limit of small solid fractions, where the slip length diverges, is of fundamental interest. This paper addresses longitudinal liquid flows over a periodic array of grooves which are partially invaded by the liquid. Assuming that the slats separating the grooves are infinitely thin, the solid fraction

$\epsilon$

is set by the invasion depth. Inspired by the singular small-solid-fraction limit for non-invaded grooves (Schnitzer, Phys. Rev. Fluids, vol. 1, 2016, 052101R), we consider the idealised geometry of

$90^{\circ }$

protrusion angles, where an integral force balance in the limit

$\epsilon \to 0$

implies a slip length that scales as

$\epsilon ^{-1}$

. The problem exhibits a nested structure, where the liquid domain is conceptually decomposed into four distinct regions: a unit-cell region on the scale of the period, where the wetted portion of the slat appears as a point singularity; two regions on the scale of the wetted slat, where the flow essentially varies in one dimension; and a transition region about the tip of the slat. Analysing these regions using matched asymptotic expansions and conformal mappings yields the ratio of slip length to semi-period as

$2\epsilon ^{-1} - (10/{\rm \pi} )\ln 2 + \cdots$

.
Velocity and acceleration statistics of heavy spheroidal particles in turbulence
Authors: Allende Sofia , Bec Jérémie
Published: July 2023

Non-spherical particles transported by turbulent flow have a rich dynamics that combines their translational and rotational motions. Here, the focus is on small, heavy, inertial particles with a spheroidal shape fully prescribed by their aspect ratio. Such particles undergo an anisotropic, orientation-dependent viscous drag with the carrier fluid flow whose associated torque is given by the Jeffery equations. Direct numerical simulations of homogeneous, isotropic turbulence are performed to study systematically how the translational motion of such spheroidal particles depends on their shape and size. It is found that the Lagrangian statistics of both velocity and acceleration can be described in terms of an effective Stokes number obtained as an isotropic average over angles of the particle's orientation. Corrections to the translational motion of particles due to their non-sphericity and rotation can hence be recast as an effective radius obtained from such a mean.
Two new species of genus Tripyloides (Nematoda, Enoplida, Tripyloididae) from the Chinese sea area
Authors: Chu Mengdi , Hao Yingdong , Huang Yong
Published: July 2023

Two new free-living marine nematode species of genus Tripyloides were discovered in intertidal sediments along Rudong coast of the Yellow Sea and on Qi′ao Island of the South China Sea, respectively. They are described here as Tripyloides conicus sp. nov. and Tripyloides boucheri sp. nov. T. conicus sp. nov. is characterized by outer labial setae two-segments, amphideal fovea circular, buccal cavity with four chambers and with a distinct tooth at the bottom, spicules slender and straight, gubernaculum kidney-like with two lateral denticles at distal end, tail sexual dimorphism (elongated conical in males, conico-cylindrical in females). T. boucheri sp. nov. is characterized by body size small, outer labial setae stout, two-segments, amphidial fovea small, circular, narrow conical buccal cavity without distinct tooth, male with papilliform precloacal supplements, spicules slender, gubernaculum with two lateral denticles at distal end, tail conico-cylindrical and not swollen terminally. An updated dichotomous key for fifteen species of the genus is also given.
Integrating genetic and biophysical approaches to estimate connectivity in an isolated, insular system: case of the culturally important marine gastropod Monetaria caputdraconis
Authors: Díaz-Cabrera Ernesto , Vega-Retter Caren , Roja-Hernández Noemi , Meerhoff Erika , DeWitte Boris , Veliz David
Published: July 2023

Population connectivity has a fundamental role in metapopulation dynamics with important implications for population persistence in space and time. Oceanic islands, such as Easter Island (EI) and the Salas & Gómez Island (SG), are ideal for the study of population connectivity because they are separated by 415 km and isolated from other islands in the Pacific Ocean by >2000 km. Considering that the dispersal process could play a critical role in the persistence of their populations, we evaluated the connectivity pattern of the endemic gastropod Monetaria caputdraconis between EI and SG using population genetics and biophysical modelling. Eleven microsatellite loci did not show differences in the allelic frequency of individuals located in EI and SG, suggesting the presence of one genetic population. Historical reciprocal migration implies that 0.49% of the recruits in EI come from SG and 0.37% in SG come from EI. Considering year-round larval release and a larval development of 2 weeks in the plankton, a Lagrangian experiment based on a regional oceanic simulation indicated a weak population connectivity with a high rate of self-recruitment. Interestingly, self-recruitment showed both monthly and interannual variation ranging from 1 to 45% of returned larvae, with lower values estimated in SG compared to EI. The results suggest that few larvae/individuals arrive at each other's island, possibly due to stochastic events, such as rafting. Overall, our results indicate that both islands maintain population connectivity despite their distance; these findings have implications for designing conservation strategies in this region.
Using molecular network analysis to understand current HIV-1 transmission characteristics in an inland area of Yunnan, China
Authors: Cao Rui , Lei Shouxiong , Chen Huichao , Ma Yanling , Dai Jie , Dong Lijuan , Jin Xiaomei , Yang Min , Sun Pengyan , Wang Yawen , Zhang Yuying , Jia Manhong , Chen Min
Published: July 2023

HIV-1 molecular surveillance provides a new approach to explore transmission risks and targeted interventions. From January to June 2021, 663 newly reported HIV-1 cases were recruited in Zhaotong City, Yunnan Province, China. The distribution characteristics of HIV-1 subtypes and HIV-1 molecular network were analysed. Of 542 successfully subtyped samples, 12 HIV-1 strains were identified. The main strains were CRF08_BC (47.0%, 255/542), CRF01_AE (17.0%, 92/542), CRF07_BC (17.0%, 92/542), URFs (8.7%, 47/542), and CRF85_BC (6.5%, 35/542). CRF08_BC was commonly detected among Zhaotong natives, illiterates, and non-farmers and was mostly detected in Zhaoyang County. CRF01_AE was frequently detected among married and homosexual individuals and mostly detected in Weixin and Zhenxiong counties. Among the 516 pol sequences, 187 (36.2%) were clustered. Zhaotong natives, individuals aged ≥60 years, and illiterate individuals were more likely to be found in the network. Assortativity analysis showed that individuals were more likely to be genetically associated when stratified by age, education level, occupation, and reporting area. The genetic diversity of HIV-1 reflects the complexity of local HIV epidemics. Molecular network analyses revealed the subpopulations to focus on and the characteristics of the risk networks. The results will help optimise local prevention and control strategies.
Personalentwicklung meets Praxisentwicklung
Authors: Herwig Gitte , Ziebold Michael
Published: July 2023

Was ist zu diesem Thema bereits bekannt?

Praxisentwicklung findet in Deutschland oftmals unsystematisch statt. Es droht die Gefahr, dass Praxisentwicklungsprojekte scheitern und die Akteure frustrieren.

Wie wird eine neue Perspektive eingebracht?

Praxisentwicklung benötigt bestimmte Personalstrukturen. In der aktuellen Literatur (Weidner & Schubert, 2022) werden hierfür zwei Rollenprofile empfohlen, die im ZfP Emmendingen bereits 2018 im Rahmen des Strategie-Konzept Pflege 3.0© eingeführt wurden.

Was sind die Auswirkungen für die Praxis?

Die Integration der Rollenprofile Pflegefachverantwortliche auf Stationsebene und Pflegeexpert_innen auf Klinikebene bewirkt, dass Praxisentwicklungsprojekte im Sinne der befähigenden Begleitung (Facilitation) in der operativen Pflegepraxis kontinuierlich und nachhaltig umgesetzt werden.
Collective Self-Esteem and Well-Being Among College Students in Ghana
Authors: Nonterah Camilla W. , Hubbard Rebecca R. , Taasoobshirazi Gita , Hahn Nathasha C. , Peifer Janelle S. , Utsey Shawn O.
Published: July 2023

Abstract: Collectivist values may influence one’s display of self-esteem. Past research has established an association between psychological well-being and individuals’ appraisal of their value as a member of a social group, self-evaluation as an individual, and perception of others’ evaluation of their group (collective self-esteem). This study examined collective self-esteem, specifically whether private and public collective self-esteem and member self-esteem predicted psychological well-being alongside individual self-esteem in a sample ( N = 416) of university students in Ghana. A linear regression tested the predictive ability of collective self-esteem for depression and anxiety symptoms. The results indicated that while individual self-esteem was related to lower levels of anxiety and depression symptoms, collective self-esteem was unrelated. In our sample of Ghanaian students, these findings suggest that personal self-esteem is more meaningful than collective self-esteem for their psychological well-being. This knowledge is instrumental for informing mental health interventions for this group.
Clinical effects of Lewy body pathology in cognitively impaired individuals
Authors: Quadalti Corinne , Palmqvist Sebastian , Hall Sara , Rossi Marcello , Mammana Angela , Janelidze Shorena , Dellavalle Sofia , Mattsson-Carlgren Niklas , Baiardi Simone , Stomrud Erik , Hansson Oskar , Parchi Piero
Published: July 2023

There is poor knowledge about the clinical effects of Lewy body (LB) pathology in patients with cognitive impairment, especially when coexisting with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology (amyloid-β and tau). Using a seed amplification assay, we analyzed cerebrospinal fluid for misfolded LB-associated α-synuclein in 883 memory clinic patients with mild cognitive impairment or dementia from the BioFINDER study. Twenty-three percent had LB pathology, of which only 21% fulfilled clinical criteria of Parkinson’s disease or dementia with Lewy bodies at baseline. Among these LB-positive patients, 48% had AD pathology. Fifty-four percent had AD pathology in the whole sample (17% of mild cognitive impairment and 24% of patients with dementia were also LB-positive). When examining independent cross-sectional effects, LB pathology but not amyloid-β or tau, was associated with hallucinations and worse attention/executive, visuospatial and motor function. LB pathology was also associated with faster longitudinal decline in all examined cognitive functions, independent of amyloid-β, tau, cognitive stage and a baseline diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies/Parkinson’s disease. LB status provides a better precision-medicine approach to predict clinical trajectories independent of AD biomarkers and a clinical diagnosis, which could have implications for the clinical management of cognitive impairment and the design of AD and LB drug trials.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on wildlife–aircraft collisions at US airports
Authors: Altringer Levi , McKee Sophie C. , Kougher Jason D. , Begier Michael J. , Shwiff Stephanie A.
Published: July 2023

Exploiting unprecedented reductions in aircraft movements caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we investigated the relationship between air traffic volume and the frequency of wildlife-aircraft collisions, or wildlife strikes, at the 50 largest airports in the United States. During the COVID-19 months of 2020 (March–December), both air traffic volume and the absolute number of wildlife strikes were reduced. The net effect of these two movements, however, was an increase in the wildlife strike rate from May 2020–September 2020. This increase was found to be most pronounced at airports with larger relative declines in air traffic volume. We concluded that the observed increase in the wildlife strike rate was, at least in part, generated by risk-enhancing changes in wildlife abundance and behavior within the airport environment. That is, wildlife became more abundant and active at airports in response to declines in air traffic volume.
Rapid synthesis of cerium-UiO-66 MOF nanoparticles for photocatalytic dye degradation
Authors: Ghadim Ehsan Ezzatpour , Walker Marc , Walton Richard I.
Published: July 2023

A room temperature synthesis of cerium MOFs with the UiO-66 structure allows incorporation of a range of modified organic linkers and provide materials that are highly active photocatalysts for degradation of dyes in water.
Regulating a Zn/Co bimetallic catalyst in a metal–organic framework and oxyhydroxide for improved photoelectrochemical water oxidation
Authors: Xing Xiu-Shuang , Zeng Xuyang , Zhou Zhongyuan , Song Xin , Jing Xiaohua , Yuan Minghao , Xu Cuiying , Ren Xiaofei , Du Jimin
Published: July 2023

A hematite photoanode modified with a ZnCo-ZIF bimetallic catalyst exhibits a higher photocurrent density than that with ZnCoOOH due to the larger binding energy between ZnCo-ZIF and α-Fe2O3for facilitating charge transfer.
Complexation of uranyl with benzoic acid in aqueous solution at variable temperatures: potentiometry, spectrophotometry and DFT calculations
Authors: Guo Yuxiao , Liu Haiwang , Cao Hong , Dong Xue , Wang Zhipeng , Chen Jing , Xu Chao
Published: July 2023

Three successive complexes between U(vi) and benzoic acid are successfully identified and their corresponding thermodynamic parameters are determined in aqueous solution using potentiometry, spectrometry and DFT calculations.
Double charge transfer mechanistic insights into the tailoring of BiOI nanoplates and boron-doped graphitic carbon nitride: a 2D/2D anchored p–n heterojunction nanocatalyst for improved photodegradation
Authors: Aparajita Pragnyashree , Choudhury Shubhalaxmi , Sahoo Ugrabadi , Pattnayak Samarjit , Padhiari Sandip , Tripathy Manamohan , Hota Garudadhwaj
Published: July 2023

The article highlights the synthesis of a nanocomposite BiOI/BCN-xthat aims to degrade toxic organic pollutants from wastewater bodies. Mechanistic insights incorporating dual charge transfer have been envisioned for boosted photoactivity.
A class of one dimensional periodic microstructures exhibiting effective Timoshenko Beam behavior
Authors: Alibert Jean-Jacques , Barchiesi Emilio , dell’Isola Francesco , Seppecher Pierre
Published: July 2023

We study, from a variational viewpoint, the asymptotic behavior of a planar beam with a periodic wavy shape when the amplitude and the wavelength of the shape tend to zero. We assume that the beam behaves, at the microscopic level, as a compressible Euler–Bernoulli beam and that the material properties have the same period as the geometry. We allow for distributed or concentrated bending compliance and for a non-quadratic extensional energy. The macroscopic Γ-limit that we obtain corresponds to a non-linear model of Timoshenko type.
Perspectives and opinions from scientific leaders on the evolution of data-independent acquisition for quantitative proteomics and novel biological applications
Authors: Hunter Christie L. , Bons Joanna , Schilling Birgit
Published: July 2023

The methodology of data-independent acquisition (DIA) within mass spectrometry (MS) was developed into a method of choice for quantitative proteomics, to capture the depth and dynamics of biological systems, and to perform large-scale protein quantification. DIA provides deep quantitative proteome coverage with high sensitivity, high quantitative accuracy, and excellent acquisition-to-acquisition reproducibility. DIA workflows benefited from the latest advancements in MS instrumentation, acquisition/isolation schemes, and computational algorithms, which have further improved data quality and sample throughput. This powerful DIA-MS scan type selects all precursor ions contained in pre-determined isolation windows, and systematically fragments all precursor ions from each window by tandem mass spectrometry, subsequently covering the entire precursor ion m/z range. Comprehensive proteolytic peptide identification and label-free quantification are achieved post-acquisition using spectral library-based or library-free approaches. To celebrate the > 10 years of success of this quantitative DIA workflow, we interviewed some of the scientific leaders who have provided crucial improvements to DIA, to the quantification accuracy and proteome depth achieved, and who have explored DIA applications across a wide range of biology. We discuss acquisition strategies that improve specificity using different isolation schemes, and that reduce complexity by combining DIA with sophisticated chromatography or ion mobility separation. Significant leaps forward were achieved by evolving data processing strategies, such as library-free processing, and machine learning to interrogate data more deeply. Finally, we highlight some of the diverse biological applications that use DIA-MS methods, including large-scale quantitative proteomics, post-translational modification studies, single-cell analysis, food science, forensics, and small molecule analysis.
Explore the polarisation ability of sunglasses using Arduino-based lux meter
Authors: Phayphung Wissarut , Phannarai Khampanart , Prasitpong Singha , Rakkapao Suttida
Published: July 2023

The article presents an Arduino-based lux meter for measuring light intensity passing through sunglasses to analyse its polarisation ability using Malus’s law. The experiment uses a rotationable polariser film with its degree tester as the first polariser. The fixed sunglasses are the second polariser. The background light intensity is measured by the GY-30 module light sensor. The experiment is provided for first-year university science students. The students can vary the angles between the transmission axes of the first polariser and the sunglasses, and then observe the light intensity from the lux meter. We found that the laboratory demonstrated highly accurate values for the used sunglasses.
Influence of the magnetic field on the extension of the ionization region in high power impulse magnetron sputtering discharges
Authors: Antunes V G , Rudolph M , Kapran A , Hajihoseini H , Raadu M A , Brenning N , Gudmundsson J T , Lundin D , Minea T
Published: July 2023

The high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) discharge brings about increased ionization of the sputtered atoms due to an increased electron density and efficient electron energization during the active period of the pulse. The ionization is effective mainly within the electron trapping zone, an ionization region (IR), defined by the magnet configuration. Here, the average extension and the volume of the IR are determined based on measuring the optical emission from an excited level of the argon working gas atoms. For particular HiPIMS conditions, argon species ionization and excitation processes are assumed to be proportional. Hence, the light emission from certain excited atoms is assumed to reflect the IR extension. The light emission was recorded above a 100 mm diameter titanium target through a 763 nm bandpass filter using a gated camera. The recorded images directly indicate the effect of the magnet configuration on the average IR size. It is observed that the shape of the IR matches the shape of the magnetic field lines rather well. The IR is found to expand from 10 and 17 mm from the target surface when the parallel magnetic field strength 11 mm above the racetrack is lowered from 24 to 12 mT at a constant peak discharge current.
Tailoring the anisotropic effect of Janus In2
XY (X/Y = S, Se, Te) monolayers toward realizing multifunctional optoelectronic device applications
Authors: Xu Degao , Cai Biao , Tan Jianing , Ouyang Gang
Published: July 2023

Anisotropic effect of two-dimensional materials remains one of the most attractive properties, introducing an additional degree of freedom for tuning physical performances. In this work, we investigate the anisotropies of electronic, transport, piezoelectric, and optoelectronic properties of Janus In2
XY (X/Y = S, Se, Te) monolayers (J-In2
XY MLs) by performing first-principles calculations. We find that such J-In2
XY MLs possess moderate bandgap (2.07–2.29 eV), high carrier mobility (∼103 cm−2V−1s−1), visible light absorption (∼105 cm−1), large out-of-plane piezoelectric response

(

d

31

=
0.35

 pm

V

−
1

)

and ultra-soft mechanical nature

(

C

11

=
32.84

 N

m

−
1

)

. We construct a kind of J-In2
XY-based phototransistor to investigate the optoelectronic properties under linearly polarized light. We find that the low recombination probability of photogenerated carriers ensured by anisotropic effect enhances the photocatalytic potential of J-In2
XY MLs. And the pivotal role induced by anisotropy in photocurrent can cause a prominent on/off ratio (∼100), considerable responsivity (0.038 AW−1, 0.036 AW−1) and external quantum efficiency (10.6%, 11.5%). Our study provides an avenue for the design of future anisotropic J-In2
XY-based multifunctional optoelectronic device.
Bifurcation of traveling wave solutions of the perturbed nonlinear Schrödinger equation
Authors: Cheng Yonghui , Song Ming
Published: July 2023

In this paper, the traveling wave solutions of perturbed nonlinear Schrödinger equation in nanofibers are studied by using the bifurcation theory of dynamic systems. The phase portrait and orbit analysis of perturbed nonlinear Schrödinger equation are given in the form of graph, and the traveling wave solutions corresponding to perturbed nonlinear Schrödinger equation under different conditions are derived and analyzed. Moreover, periodic wave solutions and periodic singular wave solutions are obtained by using Jacobian elliptic function on the basis of predecessors. And it was found that the limit of periodic wave solutions is solitary wave solutions. The limit of periodic singular wave solutions is singular wave solutions. These results provide convenience for scholars to study the physical value of this equation and allow for a deeper understanding of nonlinear phenomena and their physical essence in nanofibers.
Gravitational freeze-in dark matter from Higgs preheating
Authors: Zhang Ruopeng , Xu Zixuan , Zheng Sibo
Published: July 2023

Gravitational freeze-in is a mechanism to explain the observed dark matter relic density if dark matter neither couples to inflation nor to standard model sector.
In this work we study gravitational freeze-in dark matter production during Higgs preheating based on non-perturbative resonance.
Using reliable lattice method to handle this process,
we show that tachyonic resonance is prohibited by strong back reaction due to Higgs self interaction needed to keep the positivity of potential during preheating,
and parameter resonance is viable by tuning the Higgs self-interaction coupling to be small enough in ultraviolet energy scale.
We then derive the dark matter relic density under the context of Higgs preheating,
and uncover a new dark matter parameter space with dark matter mass larger than inflaton mass,
which arises from out-of-equilibrium Higgs annihilation.
Finally, we briefly remark the open question of testing gravitational dark matter.
Mobilization-based engraftment of haematopoietic stem cells: a new perspective for chemotherapy-free gene therapy and transplantation
Authors: Canarutto Daniele , Omer Javed Attya , Pedrazzani Gabriele , Ferrari Samuele , Naldini Luigi
Published: July 2023

Introduction

In haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from a healthy donor replace the patient’s ones. Ex vivo HSC gene therapy (HSC-GT) is a form of HSCT in which HSCs, usually from an autologous source, are genetically modified before infusion, to generate a progeny of gene-modified cells. In HSCT and HSC-GT, chemotherapy is administered before infusion to free space in the bone marrow (BM) niche, which is required for the engraftment of infused cells. Here, we review alternative chemotherapy-free approaches to niche voidance that could replace conventional regimens and alleviate the morbidity of the procedure.

Sources of data

Literature was reviewed from PubMed-listed peer-reviewed articles. No new data are presented in this article.

Areas of agreement

Chemotherapy exerts short and long-term toxicity to haematopoietic and non-haematopoietic organs. Whenever chemotherapy is solely used to allow engraftment of donor HSCs, rather than eliminating malignant cells, as in the case of HSC-GT for inborn genetic diseases, non-genotoxic approaches sparing off-target tissues are highly desirable.

Areas of controversy

In principle, HSCs can be temporarily moved from the BM niches using mobilizing drugs or selectively cleared with targeted antibodies or immunotoxins to make space for the infused cells. However, translation of these principles into clinically relevant settings is only at the beginning, and whether therapeutically meaningful levels of chimerism can be safely established with these approaches remains to be determined.

Growing points

In pre-clinical models, mobilization of HSCs from the niche can be tailored to accommodate the exchange and engraftment of infused cells. Infused cells can be further endowed with a transient engraftment advantage.

Areas timely for developing research

Inter-individual efficiency and kinetics of HSC mobilization need to be carefully assessed. Investigations in large animal models of emerging non-genotoxic approaches will further strengthen the rationale and encourage application to the treatment of selected diseases.
Arabidopsis calcium-dependent protein kinase CPK6 regulates drought tolerance under high nitrogen by the phosphorylation of NRT1.1
Authors: Ma Qijun , Zhao Chunyan , Hu Shi , Zuo Kaijing
Published: July 2023

Nitrogen (N) is an essential macronutrient for plant growth and development, and its availability is regulated to some extent by drought stress. Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CPKs) are a unique family of Ca2+ sensors with diverse functions in N uptake and drought-tolerance signaling pathways; however, how CPKs are involved in the crosstalk between drought stress and N transportation remains largely unknown. Here, we identify the drought-tolerance function of Arabidopsis CPK6 under high N conditions. CPK6 expression was induced by ABA and drought treatments. The mutant cpk6 was insensitive to ABA treatment and low N, but was sensitive to drought only under high N conditions. CPK6 interacted with the NRT1.1 (CHL1) protein and phosphorylated the Thr447 residue, which then repressed the NO3– transporting activity of Arabidopsis under high N and drought stress. Taken together, our results show that CPK6 regulates Arabidopsis drought tolerance through changing the phosphorylation state of NRT1.1, and improve our knowledge of N uptake in plants during drought stress.