bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insecticidal activity of the essential oil ofPiper corcovadensisleaves and its major compound (1‐butyl‐3,4‐methylenedioxybenzene) against the maize weevil,Sitophilus zeamais
Authors: de Lira Pimentel Camila Soledade , Albuquerque Bheatriz Nunes de Lima , da Rocha Suyana Karolyne Lino , da Silva André Severino , da Silva Alana Bittencourt Vieira , Bellon Remi , Agra‐Neto Afonso Cordeiro , de Aguiar Júlio César Ribeiro de Oliveira Farias , Paiva Patrícia Maria Guedes , Princival Jefferson Luiz , Napoleão Thiago Henrique , Navarro Daniela Maria do Amaral Ferraz
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Sitophilus zeamaisis one of the most economically impactful pests, attacking various grains and processed foods. Control of this insect has been achieved using synthetic insecticides, exacerbated and careless use of which has led to the development of resistant insect populations, toxicity to non‐target organisms and environmental contamination. In this study,Piper corcovadensisleaf essential oil (PcLEO) and its major compound, 1‐butyl‐3,4‐methylenedioxybenzene (BMDB), were investigated as alternative insecticidal agents againstS. zeamais.

RESULTS

Characterization of PcLEO showed the presence of 40 compounds. The major components were the phenylpropanoid BMDB (35.77%) and the monoterpenes α‐pinene (14.95%) and terpinolene (6.23%). PcLEO and BMDB were toxic by fumigation (half‐maximal lethal concentration [LC50]: 9.46 and 0.85 μl L–1of air, respectively), by contact (half‐maximal lethal dose [LD50]: 9.38 and 6.16 μg g–1of insect, respectively) and ingestion (LC50: 16.04 and 14.30 mg g–1, respectively). In the ingestion test, both PcLEO and BMDB promoted the loss of insect biomass and had a strong deterrent effect. In addition, both were able to inhibit trypsin and α‐amylase activities.

CONCLUSION

PcLEO and BMDB exhibited insecticidal activity againstS. zeamais, with a toxic effect by fumigation, contact and ingestion, in addition to food deterrence and inhibiting trypsin and α‐amylase activities, suggesting their potential for use in the control of this pest.
Amorphous p‐Type Conducting Zn–xIr Oxide (x > 0.13) Thin Films Deposited by Reactive Magnetron Cosputtering
Authors: Zubkins Martins , Timoshenko Janis , Gabrusenoks Jevgenijs , Pudzs Kaspars , Azens Andris , Wang Qin , Purans Juris
Published: November 2021

Zinc–iridium oxide (Zn–Ir–O) thin films have been demonstrated as a p‐type conducting material. However, the stability of p‐type conductivity with respect to chemical composition or temperature is still unclear. In this study we discuss the local atomic structure and the electrical properties of Zn–Ir–O films in the large Ir concentration range. The films are deposited by reactive DC magnetron co‐sputtering at two different substrate temperatures—without intentional heating and at 300 °C. Extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analysis reveals that strongly disordered ZnO4 tetrahedra are the main Zn complexes in Zn–Ir–O films with up to 67.4 at% Ir. As the Ir concentration increases, an effective increase of Ir oxidation state is observed. Reverse Monte Carlo analysis of EXAFS at Zn K‐edge shows that the average Zn–O interatomic distance and disorder factor increase with the Ir concentration. We observed that the nano‐crystalline w‐ZnO structure is preserved in a wider Ir concentration range if the substrate is heated during deposition. At low Ir concentration, the transition from n‐ to p‐type conductivity is observed regardless of the temperature of the substrates. Electrical resistivity decreases exponentially with the Ir concentration in the Zn–Ir–O films.
Why do some schools struggle to retain staff? Development and validation of the Teachers' Working Environment Scale (TWES)
Authors: Sims Sam
Published: November 2021

Many school systems face recurring shortages of qualified teachers. Research suggests that improving teachers’ working environment is one way of improving teachers’ job satisfaction and retention in the profession. However, working environment is inconsistently measured in the literature, hampering cumulation of knowledge. This article develops the first validated teacher‐report measure of working environment. Theory and empirics were synthesised to define relevant constructs, then focus groups, expert consultation and cognitive interviews with teachers were used to generate and refine items. The resulting questionnaire displayed the hypothesised factor structure in two samples of teachers. The scale also showed strong predictive validity and the results help resolve a puzzle around the importance of workload in the existing empirical literature. Through improved measurement, the scale can help identify steps by which school leaders can improve retention.
A novel orally active gonadotropin‐releasing hormone antagonist, relugolix, is a potential substitute for injectable GnRH antagonists in controlled ovarian stimulation in assisted reproductive technology
Authors: Hamada Michiko , Horikawa Michiharu , Ensaka Chie , Enomoto Megumi , Ishii Rena , Toriumi Rena , Tachibana Naoyuki , Taketani Yuji
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of an oral gonadotropin‐releasing hormone antagonist (GnRH Ant), relugolix (R), for assisted reproductive technology (ART).

Methods

We enrolled women undergoing ART using a GnRH Ant for controlled ovarian stimulation. We compared R; 20 mg/day with cetrorelix acetate (C); 0.125 mg. C was administered to 88 women in 2019, and R to 93 women in 2020. Clinical outcomes associated with ART were assessed in both groups.

Results

The luteinizing hormone levels on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin injection in the R group (1.26 ± 0.93 IU/L) were significantly lower than those in the C group (2.85 ± 3.02 IU/L). There were no cases in which egg retrieval was canceled in both groups. The total doses of gonadotropins administered were greater in the R group compared with the C group. The number of days of GnRH Ant administration in the R group (1.71 ± 0.57 days) was significantly longer compared with the C group (1.48 ± 0.58 days). The number of oocytes collected, fertilization rates, and pregnancy rates (R; 47.1% vs C; 45.8%) did not differ between the two groups.

Conclusion

An orally active GnRH Ant, relugolix, when used in controlled ovarian stimulation for ART, showed comparable clinical outcomes with cetrorelix.
Intuitively adaptable outlier detector
Authors: Kiersztyn Krystyna
Published: November 2021

Nowadays, we have been dealing with a large amount of data in which anomalies occur naturally for many reasons, both due to hardware and humans. Therefore, it is necessary to develop efficient tools that are easily adaptable to various data. The paper presents an innovative use of classical statistical tools to detect outliers in multidimensional data sets. The proposed approach uses well‐known statistical methods in an innovative way and allows for a high level of efficiency to be achieved using multi‐level aggregation. The effectiveness of the proposed innovative method is demonstrated by a series of numerical experiments.
Control of Local Electronic Structure of Pd Single Atom Catalyst by Adsorbate Induction
Authors: Ru Wei , Liu Yanan , Fu Baoai , Fu Fengzhi , Feng Junting , Li Dianqing
Published: November 2021

Aiming at regulating and controlling the localized electronic states while maintaining the metal atoms in the isolation form, an in situ adsorbate induced strategy is proposed at a programmed temperature to activate Zr‐based metal–organic framework (MOF) supported single Pd atom catalyst. It is discovered that in situ treatment environments trigger the change of lattice parameters in MOF materials by reaction heat effect, observed by in situ X‐ray diffraction, spherical aberration‐corrected electron microscope, and X‐ray adsorption fine structure (XAFS). The as‐obtained electron‐deficient Pd single atoms are critical to the high intrinsic activity (turnover frequency of 0.132 s−1) and selectivity of 93% with the long‐term stability in the semihydrogenation of acetylene, which can be comparable to the state‐of‐the‐art Pd catalysts. This superior catalytic behavior correlates with the reduced C2H4 desorption energy and the activation barriers for the hydrogenation, confirmed by density functional theory calculation.
Revealing the Two‐Dimensional Surface Diffusion Mechanism for Zinc Dendrite Formation on Zinc Anode
Authors: Yang Zefang , Lv Chaonan , Li Wenbin , Wu Tingqing , Zhang Qi , Tang Yougen , Shao Minhua , Wang Haiyan
Published: November 2021

Aqueous zinc‐ion battery is regarded as one of the promising devices for large‐scale energy storage systems owing to its high safety, cost‐effectiveness, and competitive electrochemical properties. However, the dendrite growth on zinc metal anodes dramatically hinders its further practical applications, and the internal mechanism of dendrite evolution is still unclear. The introduction of a protective layer on the anode interface is an effective method to avoid zinc dendrite growth. Herein, a two‐dimensional (2D) atomic surface diffusion mechanism is proposed to reveal the evolution of zinc deposition from tiny protrusion to dendrite under uneven electric and ionic fields. Further, the conductive copper nitride (CN) protective layer is constructed on the zinc metal anode by a facile and scalable magnetron sputtering approach. Their protective layer possesses a high zinc affinity and high diffusion barrier for zinc atom migration, leading to spacious nucleation, and uniform zinc deposition, thus significantly boosting the electrochemical stability. For the first time, the role of the restricted 2D atomic surface diffusion mechanism in inhibiting the formation of zinc tiny protrusion that induces uneven electric and ionic fields is revealed. This work can provide a novel insight for future research on dendrite‐free zinc metal anodes by interfacial modification.
Paving the Way to Overcome Antifungal Drug Resistance: Current Practices and Novel Developments for Rapid and Reliable Antifungal Susceptibility Testing
Authors: Heuer Christopher , Bahnemann Janina , Scheper Thomas , Segal Ester
Published: November 2021

The past year has established the link between the COVID‐19 pandemic and the global spread of severe fungal infections; thus, underscoring the critical need for rapid and realizable fungal disease diagnostics. While in recent years, health authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have reported the alarming emergence and spread of drug‐resistant pathogenic fungi and warned against the devastating consequences, progress in the diagnosis and treatment of fungal infections is limited. Early diagnosis and patient‐tailored therapy are established to be key in reducing morbidity and mortality associated with fungal (and cofungal) infections. As such, antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) is crucial in revealing susceptibility or resistance of these pathogens and initiating correct antifungal therapy. Today, gold standard AFST methods require several days for completion, and thus this much delayed time for answer limits their clinical application. This review focuses on the advancements made in developing novel AFST techniques and discusses their implications in the context of the practiced clinical workflow. The aim of this work is to highlight the advantages and drawbacks of currently available methods and identify the main gaps hindering their progress toward clinical application.
Mechanical Properties and Precipitation Behaviors of a Low‐Mo Nb–V–Ti Complex Microalloyed Fire‐Resistant Steel with Two Kinds of Microstructure
Authors: Li Zhaodong , Zhang Ke , Wang Wentao , Wang Xin , Cao Yanguang , Yong Qilong
Published: November 2021

A new type of low‐Mo Nb–V–Ti complex microalloyed fire‐resistant steel is designed. Two kinds of controlled rolling and controlled cooling processes are employed to obtain the two steels with predominantly composed of fine‐grained proeutectoid ferrite (1#) and coarse‐grained full bainite (2#), respectively. The microstructures and precipitates of the experimental steels in room temperature and 600 oC are characterized by means of the scanning electron microscope (SEM), electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and physicochemical phase analysis, and the strengthening mechanisms at room temperature and elevated temperature are quantitatively calculated and analyzed. The results show that the mechanical properties of the two steels are close to each other at room temperature. However, the fire resistance of bainite steel is much better than that of ferrite steel. Nanosized M(C, N) further precipitates from bainite at elevated temperature, which improves the stability of the bainitic structure and compensates for the loss of yield strength caused by the shear modulus decreased at high temperature. The grain refinement strengthening may not play a role at 600 oC in proeutectoid ferrite steel.
Effects of berberine on the pharmacokinetics of florfenicol and levels of cytochrome P450 3A37, multidrug resistance 1, and chicken xenobiotic‐sensing orphan nuclear receptor mRNA expression in broilers
Authors: Li Sicong , Wang Bin , Zhang Min , Yuan Dingsheng , Li Jinliang , Li Xuting , Liang Ge
Published: November 2021

Background

Berberine (BBR) is always used in combination with florfenicol for treating avian in China.

Objective

This study aims to investigate the effects of BBR on the pharmacokinetics of florfenicol in broilers.

Methods

Male broilers were randomly divided into the control group and the BBR group (BG). Note that 50 mg/kg BBR or sterile water was orally administrated to broilers. On the 8th day, florfenicol [30 mg/kg body weight (BW)] was orally administered to broilers in both groups. The plasma concentrations of florfenicol were determined by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC). The levels of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A37, multidrug resistance 1 (MDR1), and chicken xenobiotic‐sensing orphan nuclear receptor (CXR) mRNA expression in the liver and jejunum were determined by the real‐time PCR.

Results

The results showed that the Cmax, t1/2z, MRT(0‐∞), and AUC(0‐∞) of florfenicol in BG were significantly increased (by 55.71%, 28.32%, 35.19%, and 55.62%, respectively), while the Tmax and CLz/F of florfenicol were significantly decreased (by 52.13% and 35.82%, respectively). In BG, the levels of CYP3A37, MDR1, and CXR mRNA expression in the liver were significantly decreased to 0.72‐fold, 0.67‐fold, and 0.59‐fold, respectively, and the corresponding mRNA expression in the jejunum were significantly decreased to 0.66‐fold, 0.55‐fold, and 0.64‐fold levels, respectively, relative to their levels in the control group.

Conclusions

BBR altered the pharmacokinetics of florfenicol, probably related to its inhibition of CYP3A37, MDR1, and CXR mRNA expression in the jejunum and liver.
Wear in wind turbine pitch bearings—A comparative design study
Authors: Schwack Fabian , Halmos Fabian , Stammler Matthias , Poll Gerhard , Glavatskih Sergei
Published: November 2021

We tested two types of ball bearings with an outer diameter of 750 mm to learn more about the challenges of oscillating motions for pitch bearings. The experimental conditions are derived from aero‐elastic simulations, long‐term wind speed measurements and a scaling method that considers loads and pitch angles. As a result, the parameters relevant for pitch bearings are represented appropriately, and the findings are transferable to other bearing sizes. For the tested parameter sets, severe wear occurred for over 90% of the exposed contact areas after 12 500 oscillating cycles. Decreasing the number of cycles to 1250 leads to a mix of exposed areas with 13% severe wear, 32% mild wear and 55% no wear, with no apparent pattern. The results demonstrate that a comparatively small amount of consecutive cycles can lead to severe wear. A new type of bearing tested showed less wear for the selected operating conditions.
Streaming dynamic mode decomposition for short‐term forecasting in wind farms
Authors: Liew Jaime , Göçmen Tuhfe , Lio Wai Hou , Larsen Gunner Chr.
Published: November 2021

Forecasting in wind energy is a crucial task to perform adequate wind farm flow control or to participate in the energy market. While many power forecasting methods exist, it is notoriously difficult to capture both short‐ and long‐term variations in the wind farm system in real time. We demonstrate a data‐driven real‐time system identification approach to forecasting based on streaming dynamic mode decomposition methodology (sDMD). The method is capable of characterizing nonlinear, time‐varying, multidimensional time series data in a computationally efficient manner. The algorithm is modified to work with data streams by adjusting the dynamic mode decomposition continuously as new data are made available. The method is applied to high‐frequency SCADA data from the Lillgrund offshore wind farm. A 23.31% improvement over persistence forecasting is found for 5‐min‐ahead forecasts of the power output of all turbines in the wind farm. sDMD is shown to be a suitable tool for capturing short‐term dynamics while adapting to long‐term changes in wind speed and direction and has potential applications in real‐time wind farm control.
The Importance of Better Work
Authors: Kremer Monique , Went Robert , Engbersen Godfried
Published: November 2021

This chapter draws on the extant scientific literature on the importance of having a job, in particular the importance of having good work. Above all, it seeks to pinpoint what good work entails. We discuss the functions of paid work and the consequences of unemployment for individuals and societies. We then turn to what economists, sociologists and psychologists have written about good work. From this literature we distil three core characteristics of good work, which also align with survey findings about what people in the Netherlands expect from their jobs. We then discuss why good work is so important for individuals, companies, the economy and society.
Control Over Work
Authors: Kremer Monique , Went Robert , Engbersen Godfried
Published: November 2021

Compared to their counterparts in most European countries, Dutch workers enjoy more control over their work. Yet burnout is on the rise. Almost half of all workers report they they lack sufficient autonomy. Are more people losing control over their work, or does this problem only affect specific groups concealed below the surface of the overall averages? This chaper explores these questions and examines how the automation, flexibilization and intensification of labour may affect people’s control over work.
Measuring Environmental Attitudes and Behaviors
Authors: Hadler Markus , Klösch Beate , Schwarzinger Stephan , Schweighart Markus , Wardana Rebecca , Bird David Neil
Published: November 2021

This chapter provides an overview of the theoretical approaches to environmental attitudes and behaviors. It includes a discussion of different scales and surveys used in other programs with a focus on this topic. Scales measuring general environmental behavior, just like items in surveys, tend to focus on behavioral intentions and are correlated with environmentally friendly attitudes. In contrast, emission-related behavior depends more on context and socio-demographic characteristics and is rarely asked in surveys. Gaps frequently occur between environmental attitudes and general behaviors—the value-action gap—and between environmental behaviors and the actual ecological consequences of actions—the behavior-impact gap. Finally, previous results and problems encountered in the validation of self-reports on environmental behavior are highlighted.
Machine-Learning-Based Control of Perturbed and Heated Channel Flows
Authors: Rüttgers Mario , Waldmann Moritz , Schröder Wolfgang , Lintermann Andreas
Published: November 2021

A reinforcement learning algorithm is coupled to a thermal lattice-Boltzmann method to control flow through a two-dimensional heated channel narrowed by a bump. The algorithm is allowed to change the disturbance factor of the bump and receives feedback in terms of the pressure loss and temperature increase between the inflow and outflow region of the channel. It is trained to modify the bump such that both fluid mechanical properties are rated equally important. After a modification, a new simulation is initialized using the modified geometry and the flow field computed in the previous run. The thermal lattice-Boltzmann method is validated for a fully developed isothermal channel flow. After 265 simulations, the trained algorithm predicts an averaged disturbance factor that deviates by less than $$1\%$$

1
%

from the reference solution obtained from 3,400 numerical simulations using a parameter sweep over the disturbance factor. The error is reduced to less than $$0.1\%$$

0.1
%

after 1,450 simulations. A comparison of the temperature, pressure, and streamwise velocity distributions of the reference solution with the solution after 1,450 simulations along the line of the maximum velocity component in streamwise direction shows only negligible differences. The presented method is hence a valid method for avoiding expensive parameter space explorations and promises to be effective in supporting shape optimizations for more complex configurations, e.g., in finding optimal nasal cavity shapes.
Way Forward
Authors: Kinzelbach Wolfgang , Wang Haijing , Li Yu , Wang Lu , Li Ning
Published: November 2021

The combination of fallowing and substituting groundwater by surface water was effective in reducing aquifer depletion in Guantao. The average annual depletion rate after 2014 was about half the value of the pre-project period 2000–2013 and basically limited to the deep aquifer. The goal of closing all deep aquifer wells has only been reached partially, their use being necessary in locations where the shallow aquifer is too saline.
Introduction
Authors: Azis Iwan J.
Published: November 2021

Dualism is closely linked with inequality. Any process of development entails forces of dispersion (centrifugal) and forces of concentration or agglomeration (centripetal). The tendency for activities to concentrate is driven by the external economies that exceeds the negative externalities (higher prices, congestion, etc.) caused by the concentration. On the other hand, external economies can help mitigate the inequality between MSMEs and large businesses by offering benefits to MSMEs if they work through clusters for collective action.
Dualism and Development
Authors: Azis Iwan J.
Published: November 2021

Historical ‘source’ of dualism in Indonesia is first discussed, with a particular emphasis on the relevance of Boeke’s concept of dualism. Despite the presence of various policies to address the issue, the inequality between regions in the country is large by international standard. The productivity gap of micro-small enterprises and large businesses are also stark. As policy goals tend to be ambiguous, some proposed measures are not well received by the MSMEs.
Endpoint relations for baryons
Authors: Hiller Gudrun , Zwicky Roman
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Following our earlier work we establish kinematic endpoint relations for baryon decays using the Wigner-Eckart theorem and apply them to $$ \frac{1}{2}\to \frac{1}{2} $$

1
2

→

1
2

and $$ \frac{1}{2}\to \frac{3}{2} $$

1
2

→

3
2

baryon transitions. We provide angular distributions at the kinematic endpoint which hold for the generic d = 6 model-independent effective Hamiltonian and comment on the behaviour in the vicinity of the endpoint. Moreover, we verify the endpoint relations, using an explicit form factor parametrisation, and clarify constraints on helicity-based form factors to evidence endpoint relations. Our results provide guidance for phenomenological parameterisations, consistency checks for theory computations and experiment. Results are applicable to ongoing and future new physics searches at LHCb, BES III and Belle II with rare semileptonic-, dineutrino-and charged-modes, which include Λb → Λ(*)ℓℓ, Λb → Λ(*)νν, Ωb → Ωℓℓ, Λc → pℓℓ, Σ → pℓℓ and Λb → $$ {\Lambda}_c^{\left(\ast \right)} $$

Λ
c

∗

ℓν.
Amplituhedron-like geometries
Authors: Dian Gabriele , Heslop Paul
Published: November 2021

Abstract

We consider amplituhedron-like geometries which are defined in a similar way to the intrinsic definition of the amplituhedron but with non-maximal winding number. We propose that for the cases with minimal number of points the canonical form of these geometries corresponds to the product of parity conjugate amplitudes at tree as well as loop level. The product of amplitudes in superspace lifts to a star product in bosonised superspace which we give a precise definition of. We give an alternative definition of amplituhedron-like geometries, analogous to the original amplituhedron definition, and also a characterisation as a sum over pairs of on-shell diagrams that we use to prove the conjecture at tree level. The union of all amplituhedron-like geometries has a very simple definition given by only physical inequalities. Although such a union does not give a positive geometry, a natural extension of the standard definition of canonical form, the globally oriented canonical form, acts on this union and gives the square of the amplitude.
Normalization of D-instanton amplitudes
Authors: Sen Ashoke
Published: November 2021

Abstract

D-instanton amplitudes suffer from various infrared divergences associated with tachyonic or massless open string modes, leading to ambiguous contribution to string amplitudes. It has been shown previously that string field theory can resolve these ambiguities and lead to unambiguous expressions for D-instanton contributions to string amplitudes, except for an overall normalization constant that remains undetermined. In this paper we show that string field theory, together with the world-sheet description of the amplitudes, can also fix this normalization constant. We apply our analysis to the special case of two dimensional string theory, obtaining results in agreement with the matrix model results obtained by Balthazar, Rodriguez and Yin.
Quasinormal modes of a semi-holographic black brane and thermalization
Authors: Mondkar Sukrut , Mukhopadhyay Ayan , Rebhan Anton , Soloviev Alexander
Published: November 2021

Abstract

We study the quasinormal modes and non-linear dynamics of a simplified model of semi-holography, which consistently integrates mutually interacting perturbative and strongly coupled holographic degrees of freedom such that the full system has a total conserved energy. We show that the thermalization of the full system can be parametrically slow when the mutual coupling is weak. For typical homogeneous initial states, we find that initially energy is transferred from the black brane to the perturbative sector, later giving way to complete transfer of energy to the black brane at a slow and constant rate, while the entropy grows monotonically for all time. Larger mutual coupling between the two sectors leads to larger extraction of energy from the black brane by the boundary perturbative system, but also quicker irreversible transfer of energy back to the black brane. The quasinormal modes replicate features of a dissipative system with a softly broken symmetry including the so-called k-gap. Furthermore, when the mutual coupling is below a critical value, there exists a hybrid zero mode with finite momentum which becomes unstable at higher values of momentum, indicating a Gregory-Laflamme type instability. This could imply turbulent equipartitioning of energy between the boundary and the holographic degrees of freedom in the presence of inhomogeneities.
Longitudinal association between smartphone ownership and depression among schoolchildren under COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Adachi Masaki , Takahashi Michio , Shinkawa Hiroki , Mori Hiroyuki , Nishimura Tomoko , Nakamura Kazuhiko
Published: November 2021

Under the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns regarding prolonged screen time and mental health effects in children have increased. We examined the association of depression with smartphone ownership in school children at four time points: September 2019, July 2020, December 2020, and March 2021. The analysis revealed an interaction between group and time, indicating that depressive symptoms among smartphone owners were significantly more severe than in the other group. These results were clearer for fourth-year students, pointing that smartphone possession at younger ages may be a risk factor for mental health in the new lifestyle caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Transferability of the working envelope approach for parameter selection and optimization in thin wall WAAM
Authors: Teixeira Felipe Ribeiro , Scotti Fernando Matos , Vilarinho Louriel Oliveira , da Mota Carlos Alberto Mendes , Scotti Américo
Published: November 2021

This work aims to propose and assess a methodology for parameterization for WAAM of thin walls based on a previously existing working envelope built for a basic material (parameter transferability). This work also aimed at investigating whether the working envelope approach can be used to optimize the parameterization for a target wall width in terms of arc energy (which governs microstructure and microhardness), surface finish and active deposition time. To reach the main objective, first, a reference working envelope was developed through a series of deposited walls with a plain C-Mn steel wire. Wire feed speed (WFS) and travel speed (TS) were treated as independent variables, while the geometric wall features were considered dependent variables. After validation, three combinations of WFS and TS capable of achieving the same effective wall width were deposited with a 2.25Cr-1Mo steel wire. To evaluate the parameter transferability between the two materials, the geometric features of these walls were measured and compared with the predicted values. The results showed minor deviations between the predicted and measured values. As a result, WAAM parameter selection for another material showed to be feasible after only fewer experiments (shorter time and lower resource consumption) from a working envelope previously developed. The usage of the approach to optimize parameterization was also demonstrated. For this case, lower values of WFS and TS were capable of achieving a better surface finish. However, higher WFS and TS are advantageous in terms of production time. As long as the same wall width is maintained, variations in WFS and TS do not significantly affect microstructure and microhardness.
Shock interaction induced heat flux augmentation in hypersonic flows
Authors: Gülhan Ali , Willems Sebastian , Neeb Dominik
Published: November 2021

This paper gives a summary of dedicated experiments on the shock interaction induced heat flux augmentation, by means of tests carried out in the hypersonic wind tunnel H2K. The first test case is devoted to the shock boundary layer interaction on a flat plate. The interaction impact has been varied by changing the free stream parameters and the position of the shock generator, i.e. shock impingement point on the plate. The heat flux distribution has been determined using surface temperature data measured by an infrared camera. The heat flux data combined with free stream flow parameters allow calculation of the Stanton number evolution. The second test case is a double sphere configuration with a variable axial and lateral distance between the spheres. This allowed measurements of the heat flux augmentation induced by a shock-shock interaction along the complete frontal surface of the second sphere, which was hit by the bow shock of the first sphere. Shock-shock and shock-boundary layer interaction effects are studied by means of experiments on the IXV flight configuration with double control flaps. Depending on the test configuration and flow parameters, shock interaction induced heat flux augmentation factors up to seven have been measured.

Graphical abstract
Control sets for bilinear and affine systems
Authors: Colonius Fritz , Santana Alexandre J. , Setti Juliana
Published: November 2021

For homogeneous bilinear control systems, the control sets are characterized using a Lie algebra rank condition for the induced systems on projective space. This is based on a classical Diophantine approximation result. For affine control systems, the control sets around the equilibria for constant controls are characterized with particular attention to the question when the control sets are unbounded.
When to use a prophylactic mesh after stoma closure: a case–control study
Authors: Ramírez-Giraldo C. , Torres-Cuellar A. , Cala-Noriega C. , Figueroa-Avendaño C. E. , Navarro-Alean J.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The closure of a stoma is frequently associated with an acceptable morbidity and mortality. One of the most frequent complications is incisional hernia at the stoma site, which occurs in 20%–40% of cases, higher than incisions in other parts of the abdomen. The objective of this study was to identify the risk factors associated with the presentation of incisional hernia after stoma closure, this in order to select patients who are candidates for prophylactic mesh placement during closure.

Methods

An unpaired case–control study was conducted. This study involved 164 patients who underwent a stoma closure between January 2014 and December 2019. Associated factors for the development of incisional hernia at the site of the stoma after closure were identified, for which it was performed a logistic regression analysis.

Results

41 cases and 123 controls were analyzed, with a mean follow-up of 35.21 ± 18.42 months, the mean age for performing the stoma closure was 65.28 ± 14.07 years, the most frequent cause for performing the stoma was malignant disease (65.85%). Risk factor for the development of incisional hernia at the stoma site after its closure was identified as a history of parastomal hernia (OR 5.90, CI95% 1.97–17.68).

Conclusions

The use of prophylactic mesh at stoma closure should be considered in patients with a history of parastomal hernia since these patients present a significantly higher risk of developing a hernia.
Impact on in-hospital mortality of ceftaroline versus standard of care in community-acquired pneumonia: a propensity-matched analysis
Authors: Cilloniz Catia , Mendez Raúl , Peroni Héctor , Garcia-Vidal Carolina , Rico Verónica , Gabarrus Albert , Menéndez Rosario , Torres Antoni , Soriano Alex
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the in-hospital mortality of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) treated with ceftaroline in comparison with standard therapy. This was a retrospective observational study in two centers. Hospitalized patients with CAP were grouped according to the empiric regimen (ceftaroline versus standard therapy) and analyzed using a propensity score matching (PSM) method to reduce confounding factors. Out of the 6981 patients enrolled, 5640 met the inclusion criteria, and 89 of these received ceftaroline. After PSM, 78 patients were considered in the ceftaroline group (cases) and 78 in the standard group (controls). Ceftaroline was mainly prescribed in cases with severe pneumonia (67% vs. 56%, p = 0.215) with high suspicion of Staphylococcus aureus infection (9% vs. 0%, p = 0.026). Cases had a longer length of hospital stay (13 days vs. 10 days, p = 0.007), while an increased risk of in-hospital mortality was observed in the control group compared to the case group (13% vs. 21%, HR 0.41; 95% CI 0.18 to 0.62, p = 0.003). The empiric use of ceftaroline in hospitalized patients with severe CAP was associated with a decreased risk of in-hospital mortality.
Beating the market? A mathematical puzzle for market efficiency
Authors: Baumann Michael Heinrich
Published: November 2021

The efficient market hypothesis is highly discussed in economic literature. In its strongest form, it states that there are no price trends. When weakening the non-trending assumption to arbitrary short, small, and fully unknown trends, we mathematically prove for a specific class of control-based trading strategies positive expected gains. These strategies are model free, i.e., a trader neither has to think about predictable patterns nor has to estimate market parameters such as the trend’s sign like momentum traders have to do. That means, since the trader does not have to know any trend, even trends too small to find are enough to beat the market. Adjustments for risk and comparisons with buy-and-hold strategies do not satisfactorily solve the problem. In detail, we generalize results from the literature on control-based trading strategies to market settings without specific model assumptions, but with time-varying parameters in discrete and continuous time. We give closed-form formulae for the expected gain as well as the gain’s variance and generalize control-based trading rules to a setting where older information counts less. In addition, we perform an exemplary backtesting study taking transaction costs and bid-ask spreads into account and still observe—on average—positive gains.
Proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) for online monitoring of glucose depletion and cell concentrations in HEK 293 gene therapy processes
Authors: Bayer Benjamin , Maccani Andreas , Jahn Johanna , Duerkop Mark , Kapeller Ewald , Pletzenauer Robert , Kraus Barbara , Striedner Gerald , Hernandez Bort Juan A.
Published: November 2021

Objectives

The applicability of proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) as a versatile online monitoring tool to increase consistency and robustness for recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) producing HEK 293 bioprocesses was evaluated. We present a structured workflow to extract process relevant information from PTR-MS data.

Results

Reproducibility of volatile organic compound (VOC) measurements was demonstrated with spiking experiments and the process data sets used for applicability evaluation consisted of HEK 293 cell culture triplicates with and without transfection. The developed data workflow enabled the identification of six VOCs, of which two were used to develop a soft sensor providing better real-time estimates than the conventional capacitance sensor. Acetaldehyde, another VOC, provides online process information about glucose depletion that can directly be used for process control purposes.

Conclusions

The potential of PTR-MS for HEK 293 cell culture monitoring has been shown. VOC data derived information can be used to develop soft sensors and to directly set up new process control strategies.
A screening system to predict wildfire risk of invasive plants
Authors: Faccenda Kevin , Daehler Curtis C.
Published: November 2021

Globally, invasive plant-fueled wildfires have tremendous environmental, economical, and societal impacts, and the frequencies of wildfires and plant invasions are on an upward trend globally. Identifying which plant species tend to increase the frequency or severity of wildfire is important to help manage their impacts. We developed a screening system to identify introduced plant species that are likely to increase wildfire risk, using the Hawaiian Islands to test the system and illustrate how the system can be applied to inform management decisions. Expert-based fire risk scores derived from field experiences with 49 invasive species in Hawai′i were used to train a machine learning model that predicts expert fire risk scores from among 21 plant traits obtained from literature and databases. The model revealed that just four variables can identify species categorized as higher fire risk by experts with 90% accuracy, while low risk species were identified with 79% accuracy. We then used the predictive model to screen > 140 recently naturalized plants in Hawai′i to illustrate how the screening tool can be applied. The screening tool identified a managebly small set of species (6% of naturalizations in the last ~ 10 years) that are likely to pose a high fire risk and can be targeted for eradication or containment to reduce future wildfire risks. Because the screening system uses general plant traits that are likely relevant to fire risk in drylands around the world, it can likely be applied with minimal modification to other regions where invasive plants pose potential fire risks.
Canadian demand and access to corneal transplantation: a provincial comparison
Authors: Humphreys Christine , Maru Kyle , Yeung Sonia N. , Rocha Guillermo , Chan Clara C.
Published: November 2021

To gather information from stakeholders involved in corneal donation and transplantation to inform discussion at the “National Consensus Forum on Improving Cornea Donation and Transplantation Access in Canada” held in February 2020, survey questions were posed to eye banks, transplanting ophthalmologists and organ donation organizations across Canada to learn more about demand, wait times, and access to tissue for transplant. The survey response rate was one hundred percent (100%) for eye banks and organ donation organizations while 64 percent (64%) of transplant ophthalmologists provided feedback. A number of opportunities for improvement were identified including: demand forecasting; infrastructure and strategies to align supply with demand; data collection and benchmarking of wait times for assessment and transplant to support consistency, equitability and transparency in access; and national collaboration in the development of a data strategy to accurately measure demand and access to cornea transplants in a consistent manner across all provinces to facilitate equity in access nationally.
Understanding Matchmakers’ Experiences, Principles and Practices of Assembling Innovation Teams
Authors: Koivunen Sami , Olshannikova Ekaterina , Olsson Thomas
Published: November 2021

The team composition of a project team is an essential determinant of the success of innovation projects that aim to produce novel solution ideas. Team assembly is essentially complex and sensitive decision-making, yet little supported by information technology (IT). In order to design appropriate digital tools for team assembly, and team formation more broadly, we call for profoundly understanding the practices and principles of matchmakers who manually assemble teams in specific contexts. This paper reports interviews with 13 expert matchmakers who are regularly assembling multidisciplinary innovation teams in various organizational environments in Finland. Based on qualitative analysis of their experiences, we provide insights into their established practices and principles in team assembly. We conceptualize and describe common tactical approaches on different typical levels of team assembly, including arranging approaches like “key-skills-first”, “generalist-first” and “topic-interest-first”, and balancing approaches like “equally-skilled-teams” and “high-expertise-teams”. The reported empirical insights can help to design IT systems that support team assembly according to different tactics.
Breathing variability during propofol/remifentanil procedural sedation with a single additional dose of midazolam or s-ketamine: a prospective observational study
Authors: van den Bosch O. F. C. , Alvarez-Jimenez R. , Schet S. G. , Delfsma K. , Loer S. A.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Regulation of spontaneous breathing is highly complex and may be influenced by drugs administered during the perioperative period. Because of their different pharmacological properties we hypothesized that midazolam and s-ketamine exert different effects on the variability of minute ventilation (MV), tidal volume (TV) and respiratory rate (RR).

Methods

Patients undergoing procedural sedation (PSA) with propofol and remifentanil received a single dose of midazolam (1–3 mg, n = 10) or s-ketamine (10–25 mg, n = 10). We used non-invasive impedance-based respiratory volume monitoring to record RR as well as changes in TV and MV. Variability of these three parameters was calculated as coefficients of variation.

Results

TV and MV decreased during PSA to a comparable extent in both groups, whereas there was no significant change in RR. In line with our hypothesis we observed marked differences in breathing variability. The variability of MV (– 47.5% ± 24.8%, p = 0.011), TV (– 42.1% ± 30.2%, p = 0.003), and RR (– 28.5% ± 29.3%, p = 0.011) was significantly reduced in patients receiving midazolam. In contrast, variability remained unchanged in patients receiving s-ketamine (MV + 16% ± 45.2%, p = 0.182; TV +12% ± 47.7%, p = 0.390; RR +39% ± 65.2%, p = 0.129). After termination of PSA breathing variables returned to baseline values.

Conclusions

While midazolam reduces respiratory variability in spontaneously breathing patients undergoing procedural sedation, s-ketamine preserves variability suggesting different effects on the regulation of spontaneous breathing.
Clumped or regular? the role of thinning pattern on pine growth and soil water content in dense Aleppo pine post-fire stands
Authors: Turrión Diana , Fornieles Francisco , Bautista Susana
Published: November 2021

The development of silvicultural practices that seek to promote structural heterogeneity is increasingly demanded. This work investigates the effect of thinning spatial pattern on the response to pre-commercial thinning of dense Aleppo pine post-fire stands. On three replicated experimental sites in SE Spain, we applied the following treatments: 600 trees/ha, regular thinning pattern (600R), with residual trees evenly spaced; 600 trees/ha, aggregated thinning pattern (600A), with residual pines arranged in clumps of ∽25 trees with a local within-clump density of 2500 trees/ha; and control treatment, with no thinning applied (> 20,000 trees/ha). We assessed treatment effects on pine growth, size-growth relationships, soil water content, and understory vegetation over the first three years after thinning application. Both regular and aggregated thinning pattern similarly increased pine radial growth. In general, dbh growth rates in response to thinning were faster for smaller trees than for larger trees. The growth rate of pine height was higher for 600R and control than for 600A, indicating a positive effect on height of both low and very high pine densities. We found a near-term positive effect of aggregated pattern on water availability at the stand level, mostly resulting from enhanced soil water content in the canopy gaps. For both thinning patterns, the recovery of understory vegetation was dominated by resprouter species. This study highlights the potential of aggregated thinning patterns to enhance the complexity and heterogeneity of the pine stands without compromising pine growth, which could be of great use to managing pine forests in Mediterranean areas.
Reverse-correlation reveals internal error-corrections during information-seeking
Authors: Weise Lorenz , Forster Saskia D. , Gauggel Siegfried
Published: November 2021

In the area of metacognition research, different methods have been used to study participants’ subjective sense of confidence in their choices. Among the most often used methods are explicit reports of subjective confidence, post-decision wagering and measuring additional info-seeking behavior. While all three methods are thought to measure confidence, they differ greatly in terms of practical execution and theoretical foundation. The method of reverse correlation has previously been used to determine which aspects of the stimulus influence decisions and confidence judgments. Here we compare the three methods of confidence assessment using reverse correlation analysis. Explicit reports and post-decision wagering revealed a positive association of stimulus information with choices and reduced decision weights for low-confidence trials. When confidence was assessed using the info-seeking method, low-confidence trials showed an inverted association with primary stimulus information. Using modelling of the behavioral data, we show how the reverse correlation results of all three methods can be explained by a simple model of confidence when internal error-corrections are allowed during seeking of additional information.