bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing fen peatland water‐table depth for romaine lettuce growth to reduce peat wastage under future climate warming
Authors: Matysek Magdalena , Leake Jonathan , Banwart Steven , Johnson Irene , Page Susan , Kaduk Jorg , Smalley Alan , Cumming Alexander , Zona Donatella
Published: June 2021

Forty percentage of UK peatlands have been drained for agricultural use, which has caused serious peat wastage and associated greenhouse gas emissions (carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4)). In this study, we evaluated potential trade‐offs between water‐table management practices for minimizing peat wastage and greenhouse gas emissions, while seeking to sustain romaine lettuce production: one of the most economically relevant crop in the East Anglian Fenlands. In a controlled environment experiment, we measured lettuce yield, CO2, CH4 fluxes and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) released from an agricultural fen soil at two temperatures (ambient and +2°C) and three water‐table levels (−30 cm, −40 cm and −50 cm below the surface). We showed that increasing the water table from the currently used field level of −50 cm to −40 cm and −30 cm reduced CO2 emissions, did not affect CH4 fluxes, but significantly reduced yield and increased DOC leaching. Warming of 2°C increased both lettuce yield (fresh leaf biomass) and peat decomposition through the loss of carbon as CO2 and DOC. However, there was no difference in the dry leaf biomass between the intermediate (−40 cm) and the low (−50 cm) water table, suggesting that romaine lettuce grown at this higher water level should have similar energetic value as the crop cultivated at −50 cm, representing a possible compromise to decrease peat oxidation and maintain agricultural production.
Molecular phylogeny and revised classification of the New World subfamily Cryphocricinae, including the reinstatement of Ambrysinae (Insecta: Heteroptera: Nepomorpha: Naucoridae)
Authors: Reynoso‐Velasco Daniel , Sites Robert W.
Published: June 2021

The aquatic bug family Naucoridae currently is organized by a morphology‐based taxonomy and has never been analysed from a phylogenetic perspective. Thus, we sequenced two nuclear and two mitochondrial genes in order to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships among the genera in the subfamily Cryphocricinae, using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference approaches. In total, 101 species were included in the analyses (ingroup: 85 species of Cryphocricinae). The results support a polyphyletic Cryphocricinae as currently conceived. Thus, we offer a revised concept of Cryphocricinae comprising only Cryphocricos Montandon, and reinstate the subfamily Ambrysinae for the remaining six genera previously placed in Cryphocricinae. Cryphocricos is sister to Limnocoris Stål (Limnocorinae) while Ambrysinae is closer to the African genus Neomacrocoris Montandon. The genus Pelocoris Stål was found to be closely related to other genera in Ambrysinae; consequently, this genus is herein transferred from Naucorinae to Ambrysinae. The genus Ambrysus Stål was found to be polyphyletic as currently conceived; accordingly, we propose a new classification for this genus with three evolutionarily independent lineages: Ambrysus sens. str., Australambrysus new gen., and Maculambrysus new gen. Within Ambrysus sens. str., we recognize the subgenera Ambrysus Stål stat. rev., Dissimilis new subgen., Grandis new subgen., and Syncollus La Rivers stat. rev. The former subgenus Melloiella De Carlo stat. rev. is herein elevated to full generic status and is a member of and sister to all other genera in Ambrysinae.
Risk areas for Human Visceral Leishmaniosis 2007–2018: A temporal and spatial analysis in Ceará, Brazil
Authors: Cavalcante Kellyn Kessiene de Sousa , Moreno Jarier de Oliveira , Nzundu Boigny Reagan , Cavalcante Francisco Roger Aguiar , Florêncio Caroline Mary Gurgel Dias , Alencar Carlos Henrique
Published: June 2021

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is considered as an important tropical disease because it rapidly spreads across a wide geographical area. This study aimed to analyse the temporal and spatial patterns of incidence, mortality and case fatality rates due to human VL in Ceará, Brazil, from 2007 to 2018. This is an ecological study involving time series and spatial analyses, and data were obtained from human VL notifications. Temporal trend analysis was carried out using the Joinpoint Regression Program. SaTScan 9.6 was used for conducting spatial analyses, and ArcMap 9.2 was used for building maps. There were 6,066 incident cases and 516 deaths due to human VL. There was an increasing trend in the incidence rate from 2007 to 2014 (annual per cent change [APC] = 3.8; 95% confidence interval [CI]:0.5 to 7.3; p = .031). Mortality (APC = −0.3; 95%CI: −2.5 to 1.9; p = .765) and VL case fatality rates (APC = −3.0; 95%CI: −4.3 to −1,7; p = .188) showed non‐significant decline. The incidence rates were higher in the northwest and south regions of the state, with 11 high incidence rate clusters from 2007 to 2010, seven clusters in 44 municipalities from 2011 to 2014, and six clusters in 49 municipalities from 2015 to 2018. During 2007–2010, only one significant mortality rate cluster was identified in the southern region (relative risk [RR] = 7.6); during 2011–2014, two clusters in the northwest region were identified (RR=3.9 and RR=4.6). In the last period, a cluster of 11 municipalities in the southern region was identified (RR = 4.2). Mortality rate clusters were identified in the centre‐south (2007–2010), northwest and south (both from 2011 to 2018). VL has a heterogeneous distribution, with maintenance of clusters with high incidence and mortality rates, as well as case fatality rates in municipalities in the northwest and south regions. These clusters present areas with the greatest risk of transmission of human VL.
Followership in health care clinicians: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Alanazi Sulaiman , Wiechula Richard , Foley David
Published: June 2021

Objective:

The main objective of this scoping review is to identify and map followership literature in order to understand the current state of followership research in relation to health care clinicians.

Introduction:

Health care clinicians need to be flexible in switching between leader and follower roles as appropriate to advance patient care; however, much of the research effort in this regard has primarily concentrated on leadership. Effective followership in health care organizations may be necessary to enhance clinical team performance in order to improve patient safety and quality of care. There have been increasing calls in the literature recommending research of followership in the provision of health care. Thus, it is important to synthesize the available evidence on followership to identify what has been studied and highlight research gaps in this area.

Inclusion criteria:

The review will focus on followership in health care clinicians. Only studies with participants who are health care clinicians will be included. The review will include studies of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods designs; systematic reviews; and meta-analyses.

Methods:

The search will include JBI Evidence Synthesis, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CINAHL, MEDLINE, EPPI-Centre, Scopus, and Epistemonikos. In addition, unpublished or gray literature will be searched in ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global and Google Scholar. No limits on date or language will be applied to the search. Data will then be extracted from included papers by three independent reviewers. Results from extracted data will be presented in tabular form accompanied by a narrative summary.
Popov-H∞ Robust Path-Tracking Control of Autonomous Ground Vehicles with Consideration of Sector Bounded Kinematic Nonlinearity
Authors: Zhou Xingyu , Wang Zejiang , Wang Junmin
Published: June 2021

This paper proposes a new approach to cope with the kinematic nonlinearity in the H∞ vehicle path-tracking controller synthesis problem. The kinematic nonlinearity presented in the vehicle lateral error state is found to satisfy the sector-bound condition. By isolating the sector bounded nonlinearity via an upper linear fractional transformation (LFT), a Lur'e system is formulated. A nominal robust controller is synthesized to meet both the Popov-H∞ criterion and the regional pole placement requirement. A polytopic gain-scheduling technique is subsequently employed to accommodate the effect of the varying vehicle longitudinal velocity. Finally, an instant-turning maneuver and a sharp lane-changing maneuver are tested in CarSim-Simulink joint simulations whose results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed Popov-H∞ controller over a conventional H∞ controller.
Assessment of Discretization Uncertainty Estimators Based on Grid Refinement Studies
Authors: Eça L. , Vaz G. , Hoekstra M. , Doebling S. , Singleton R. L. , Srinivasan G. , Weirs G. , Phillips T. , Roy C.
Published: June 2021

This paper presents the assessment of the performance of nine discretization uncertainty estimates based on grid refinement studies including methods that use grid triplets and others that use a largest number of data points, which in this study was set to five. The uncertainty estimates are performed for the dataset proposed for the 2017 ASME Workshop on Estimation of Discretization Errors Based on Grid Refinement Studies including functional and local (boundary and interior) flow quantities from the two-dimensional flows of an incompressible fluid over a flat plate and the NACA 0012 airfoil. The data were generated with a Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) solver using three eddy-viscosity turbulence models with double precision and sufficiently tight iterative convergence criteria to ensure that the numerical error is dominated by the discretization error. The use of several geometrically similar grid sets with different near-wall cell sizes for the same flow conditions lead to a wide range of convergence properties for the selected flow quantities, which enables the assessment of the numerical uncertainty estimators in conditions that are representative of the so-called practical applications.The evaluation of uncertainty estimates is based on the ratio of the uncertainty estimate over the “exact error” that is obtained from an “exact solution” obtained from extra grid sets significantly more refined than those used to generate the Workshop data. Although none of the methods tested fulfilled the goal of bounding the exact error 95 times out of 100 that was tested, the results suggest that the methods tested are useful tools for the assessment of the numerical uncertainty of practical numerical simulations even for cases where it is not possible to generate data in the “asymptotic range.”
Homogenization of Composites With Extended General Interfaces: Comprehensive Review and Unified Modeling
Authors: Firooz S. , Steinmann P. , Javili A.
Published: June 2021

Interphase regions that form in heterogeneous materials through various underlying mechanisms such as poor mechanical or chemical adherence, roughness, and coating, play a crucial role in the response of the medium. A well-established strategy to capture a finite thickness interphase behavior is to replace it with a zero-thickness interface model characterized by its own displacement and/or traction jumps, resulting in different interface models. The contributions to date dealing with interfaces commonly assume that the interface is located in the middle of its corresponding interphase. This paper revisits this assumption and introduces an extended general interface model, wherein a unifying approach to the homogenization of heterogeneous materials embedding interfaces between their constituents is developed within the framework of linear elasticity. Through utilizing a weighted average operator, we demonstrate that the assumption of enforcing the interface to coincide with the midlayer is not required and thereby develop a new class of interfaces where the interface is allowed to take any arbitrary position between its bulk neighbors. The proposed novel interface model can recover any of the classical interface models. Next, via incorporating this extended general interface model into homogenization, we develop bounds and estimates for the overall moduli of fiber-reinforced and particle-reinforced composites as functions of the interface position and properties. Finally, we carry out a comprehensive numerical study to highlight the influence of interface position, stiffness ratio, and interface parameters on the overall properties of composites. The developed interface-enhanced homogenization framework also successfully captures size effects, which are immediately relevant to emerging applications of nanocomposites due to their pronounced interface effects at small scales.
Acoustic streaming induced by MHz-frequency ultrasound extends the volume limit of cell suspension culture
Authors: Oyama Taigo , Imashiro Chikahiro , Kuriyama Takuma , Usui Hidehisa , Ando Keita , Azuma Tetsushi , Morikawa Akira , Kodeki Kazuhide , Takahara Osamu , Takemura Kenjiro
Published: June 2021

Large-scale cell suspension culture technology opens up opportunities for numerous medical and bioengineering applications. For these purposes, scale-up of the culture system is paramount. For initial small-scale culture, a simple static suspension culture (SSC) is generally employed. However, cell sedimentation due to the lack of agitation limits the culture volume feasible for SSC. Thus, when scaling up, cell suspensions must be manually transferred from the culture flask to another vessel suitable for agitation, which increases the risk of contamination and human error. Ideally, the number of culture transfer steps should be kept to a minimum. The present study describes the fabrication of an ultrasonic suspension culture system that stirs cell suspensions with the use of acoustic streaming generated by ultrasound irradiation at a MHz frequency. This system was applied to 100-mL suspension cultures of Chinese hamster ovary cells—a volume ten-fold larger than that generally used. The cell proliferation rate in this system was 1.88/day when applying an input voltage of 40 V to the ultrasonic transducer, while that of the SSC was 1.14/day. Hence, the proposed method can extend the volume limit of static cell suspension cultures, thereby reducing the number of cell culture transfer steps.
Long-term scalogram integrated with an iterative data augmentation scheme for acoustic scene classification
Authors: Chen Hangting , Liu Zuozhen , Liu Zongming , Zhang Pengyuan
Published: June 2021

In acoustic scene classification (ASC), acoustic features play a crucial role in the extraction of scene information, which can be stored over different time scales. Moreover, the limited size of the dataset may lead to a biased model with a poor performance for recordings from unseen cities and confusing scene classes. This paper proposes a long-term wavelet feature that captures discriminative long-term scene information. The extracted scalogram requires a lower storage capacity and can be classified faster and more accurately compared with classic Mel filter bank coefficients (FBank). Furthermore, a data augmentation scheme is adopted to improve the generalization of the ASC systems, which extends the database iteratively with auxiliary classifier generative adversarial neural networks (ACGANs) and a deep learning-based sample filter. Experiments were conducted on datasets from the Detection and Classification of Acoustic Scenes and Events (DCASE) challenges. The DCASE17 and DCASE19 datasets marked a performance boost of the proposed techniques compared with the FBank classifier. Moreover, the ACGAN-based data augmentation scheme achieved an absolute accuracy improvement of 6.10% on recordings from unseen cities, far exceeding classic augmentation methods.
Distinguishing thixotropy from viscoelasticity
Authors: Agarwal Mayank , Sharma Shweta , Shankar V. , Joshi Yogesh M.
Published: June 2021

Owing to nonlinear viscoelasticity, materials often show characteristic features that resemble those of thixotropy. This issue has been debated in the literature over the past several decades, and several experimental protocols have been proposed to distinguish thixotropy from viscoelasticity. In this work, we assess these protocols by carrying out experiments using polymer solutions, thixotropic clay dispersions, and modeling their behavior, respectively, using the finitely extensible nonlinear elastic—Peterlin (FENE-P) constitutive equation and a viscoelastic aging model. We find that the criteria proposed in the literature, such as a step-down jump in the shear rate and shear start-up at different waiting times elapsed since preshear, are inadequate to distinguish thixotropy from viscoelasticity. In marked contrast, we show that the application of step-strain or step-stress after cessation of the preshear serves as a useful discriminant between thixotropy and viscoelasticity. In thixotropic materials, we observe that the application of step strain (or step stress) after cessation of the preshear eventually leads to slowing down of relaxation dynamics as a function of waiting time. However, for viscoelastic materials, the relaxation modulus (creep compliance) curve shifts to lower modulus (higher compliance) values as a function of waiting time until equilibrium is reached. While the proposed criterion offers a robust distinction between viscoelasticity and thixotropy for the systems studied here, further experimental investigations based on other systems are needed to establish its versatility and will lead to a greater insight into this long-standing issue in rheological categorization.
Impaired humoral immunity to SARS-CoV-2 BNT162b2 vaccine in kidney transplant recipients and dialysis patients
Authors: Rincon-Arevalo Hector , Choi Mira , Stefanski Ana-Luisa , Halleck Fabian , Weber Ulrike , Szelinski Franziska , Jahrsdörfer Bernd , Schrezenmeier Hubert , Ludwig Carolin , Sattler Arne , Kotsch Katja , Potekhin Alexander , Chen Yidan , Burmester Gerd R. , Eckardt Kai-Uwe , Guerra Gabriela Maria , Durek Pawel , Heinrich Frederik , Ferreira-Gomes Marta , Radbruch Andreas , Budde Klemens , Lino Andreia C. , Mashreghi Mir-Farzin , Schrezenmeier Eva , Dörner Thomas
Published: June 2021

Patients with kidney failure are at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, making effective vaccinations a critical need. It is not known how well mRNA vaccines induce B and plasma cell responses in dialysis patients (DPs) or kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) compared with healthy controls (HCs). We studied humoral and B cell responses of 35 HCs, 44 DPs, and 40 KTRs. Markedly impaired anti-BNT162b2 responses were identified among KTRs and DPs compared with HCs. In DPs, the response was delayed (3 to 4 weeks after boost) and reduced with anti-S1 IgG and IgA positivity in 70.5 and 68.2%, respectively. In contrast, KTRs did not develop IgG responses except for one patient who had a previous unrecognized infection and developed anti-S1 IgG. Most antigen-specific B cells (RBD+) were identified in the plasmablast or post-switch memory B cell compartments in HCs, whereas RBD+ B cells were enriched among pre-switch and naïve B cells from DPs and KTRs. The frequency and absolute number of antigen-specific circulating plasmablasts in the cohort correlated with the Ig response, a characteristic not reported for other vaccinations. In conclusion, these data indicated that immunosuppression resulted in impaired protective immunity after mRNA vaccination, including Ig induction with corresponding generation of plasmablasts and memory B cells. Thus, there is an urgent need to improve vaccination protocols in patients after kidney transplantation or on chronic dialysis.
Mantle source of tephritic porphyry in the Tarim Large Igneous Province constrained from Mg, Zn, Sr, and Nd isotope systematics: Implications for deep carbon cycling
Authors: Kong Weiliang , Zhang Zhaochong , Cheng Zhiguo , Liu Bingxiang , Santosh M. , Wei Bowen , Ke Shan , Xu Lijuan , Zhang Xingchao
Published: June 2021

The nature and source of magmatism associated with large igneous provinces (LIPs) remain disputed. Here we investigate the role of recycled materials that contributed to mantle heterogeneity in the Tarim Large Igneous Province (TLIP) in China through integrated Zn–Mg–Sr–Nd isotopes of a rare tephritic rock suite. The Sr–Nd isotopes [(87Sr/86Sr)i = 0.70368–0.70629; εNd(t) = −0.25–4.64] and δ26Mg values (−0.23‰ to −0.34‰) of the tephritic porphyries are consistent with a normal mantle origin. In contrast, the whole rock and pyroxene phenocrysts yield δ66Zn values of +0.28‰ to +0.46‰ and +0.30‰ to +0.39‰, which are slightly heavier than those of the terrestrial mantle (+0.16 ± 0.06‰) and mid-oceanic-ridge basalts (MORBs) (+0.27 ± 0.05‰). We exclude the possibility that the heavy Zn isotopes of the Wajilitag tephritic porphyries are caused by magmatic processes such as fractional crystallization and partial melting and correlate the isotopic features to the role of altered oceanic crust along with magnesite in the mantle source. The Wajilitag tephritic porphyry displays trace-element patterns similar to those of the melts from natural hornblendite, especially those of hornblendite + peridotite. Additionally, the geochemical characteristics such as enrichment in Nb and Ta, depletion in K, high TiO2, and constant Na2O/K2O ratios also suggest that the tephritic porphyries were derived from an amphibole-bearing source contributed by altered oceanic crust along with sedimentary carbonates. Our study provides insight into the contribution of subducted materials to the mantle heterogeneity beneath the TLIP and highlights the role of subduction in the deep carbon cycle and subducted slab-lithosphere-plume interaction in the generation of LIPs.
Identifying knowledge needed to improve surgical care in Southern Africa using a theory of change approach
Authors: Breedt Danyca Shadé , Odland Maria Lisa , Bakanisi Balisi , Clune Edward , Makgasa Moneimang , Tarpley John , Tarpley Margaret , Munyika Akutu , Sheehama Jacob , Shivera Theresia , Biccard Bruce , Boden Regan , Chetty Sean , de Waard Liesl , Duys Rowan , Groeneveld Kristin , Levine Susan , Mac Quene Tamlyn , Maswime Salome , Naidoo Megan , Naidu Priyanka , Peters Shrikant , Reddy Ché L , Verhage Savannah , Muguti Godfrey , Nyaguse Shingai , D'Ambruoso Lucia , Chu Kathryn , Davies Justine I
Published: June 2021

Surgical healthcare has been prioritised in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), a regional intergovernmental entity promoting equitable and sustainable economic growth and socioeconomic development. However, challenges remain in translating political prioritisation into effective and equitable surgical healthcare. The AfroSurg Collaborative (AfroSurg) includes clinicians, public health professionals and social scientists from six SADC countries; it was created to identify context-specific, critical areas where research is needed to inform evidence-grounded policy and implementation. In January 2020, 38 AfroSurg members participated in a theory of change (ToC) workshop to agree on a vision: ‘An African-led, regional network to enable evidence-based, context-specific, safe surgical care, which is accessible, timely, and affordable for all, capturing the spirit of Ubuntu[1]’ and to identify necessary policy and service-delivery knowledge needs to achieve this vision. A unified ToC map was created, and a Delphi survey was conducted to rank the top five priority knowledge needs. In total, 45 knowledge needs were identified; the top five priority areas included (1) mapping of available surgical services, resources and providers; (2) quantifying the burden of surgical disease; (3) identifying the appropriate number of trainees; (4) identifying the type of information that should be collected to inform service planning; and (5) identifying effective strategies that encourage geographical retention of practitioners. Of the top five knowledge needs, four were policy-related, suggesting a dearth of much-needed information to develop regional, evidenced-based surgical policies. The findings from this workshop provide a roadmap to drive locally led research and create a collaborative network for implementing research and interventions. This process could inform discussions in other low-resource settings and enable more evidenced-based surgical policy and service delivery across the SADC countries and beyond.
Visualisation of the non-linear correlation between age and poor outcome in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage
Authors: Ikawa Fusao , Ichihara Nao , Uno Masaaki , Shiokawa Yoshiaki , Toyoda Kazunori , Minematsu Kazuo , Kobayashi Shotai , Yamaguchi Shuhei , Kurisu Kaoru
Published: June 2021

Objective

To visualise the non-linear correlation between age and poor outcome at discharge in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) while adjusting for covariates, and to address the heterogeneity of this correlation depending on disease severity by a registry-based design.

Methods

We extracted data from the Japanese Stroke Databank registry for patients with SAH treated via surgical clipping or endovascular coiling within 3 days of SAH onset between 2000 and 2017. Poor outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale Score ≥3 at discharge. Variable importance was calculated using machine learning (random forest) model. Correlations between age and poor outcome while adjusting for covariates were determined using generalised additive models in which spline-transformed age was fit to each neurological grade of World Federation of Neurological Societies (WFNS) and treatment.

Results

In total, 4149 patients were included in the analysis. WFNS grade and age had the largest and second largest variable importance in predicting the outcome. The non-linear correlation between age and poor outcome was visualised after adjusting for other covariates. For grades I–III, the risk slope for unit age was relatively smaller at younger ages and larger at older ages; for grade IV, the slope was steep even in younger ages; while for grade V, it was relatively smooth, but with high risk even at younger ages.

Conclusions

The clear visualisation of the non-linear correlation between age and poor outcome in this study can aid clinical decision making and help inform patients with aneurysmal SAH and their families better.
Six-year national study of damage control laparotomy and the effect of repeat re-exploration on rate of infectious complications
Authors: Foster Krislyn , Yon James , Pelzl Casey E , Salottolo Kristin , Mentzer Caleb , Quan Glenda , McGuire Emmett E , Katubig Burt , Bar-Or David
Published: June 2021

Background

Damage control laparotomy (DCL) is a life-saving procedure in patients with abdominal hemorrhage. After DCL, patients are sometimes left with an open abdomen (OA) so they may undergo multiple exploratory laparotomies (EXLAP), or re-explorations. Patients with OA are at increased risk of infectious complications (ICs). The association between number of re-explorations after DCL and the number of ICs is not clear. We hypothesized that each additional re-exploration increases the risk of developing IC.

Methods

This 6-year retrospective cohort study included patients aged ≥16 years from the NTDB who had DCL defined as EXLAP within 2 hours of arrival (ICD-9: 54.11, 54.12, 54.19) with at least one re-exploration. The primary outcome was IC (ie, superficial surgical site infection (SSI), organ space SSI, deep SSI, sepsis, pneumonia, or catheter-related bloodstream infection), examined dichotomously (present/absent) and ordinally as the number of ICs. Multivariate Poisson regression was used to assess the association between number of re-explorations and number of ICs. Significance was assigned at p<0.01.

Results

There were 7431 patients who underwent DCL; 2509 (34%) patients developed at least one IC. The rate of IC was lowest in patients who were closed during the first re-exploration (27%) and significantly increased with each re-exploration to 59% in patients who had five or more re-explorations (Cochran-Armitage trend p<0.001). After adjustment, there was 14% increased risk of an additional IC with each re-exploration (p<0.001).

Discussion

For patients requiring DCL, each re-exploration of the abdomen is associated with increased rate of ICs.

Level of evidence

III, retrospective epidemiological study.
Pre-farrow enrichment with burlap sheet: potential benefit for sow performance
Authors: Fynn Mark , Crow Gary , Connor Laurie
Published: June 2021

Burlap has been proposed as an enrichment option for the conventional farrowing crate environment. Our objectives were to determine if burlap sheets hung in farrowing crates were used by sows and piglets and had any effect on farrowing and litter performance. Before sow entry, a sterilized burlap sheet (165 cm × 60 cm) was attached to every second farrowing crate so that it hung to the floor with easy animal access. Its length was measured immediately after farrowing and weaning. Routine sow and litter information from farrowing to weaning (day 18) were recorded. Complete data were analyzed for mixed-parity sows and litters with burlap (BURL; n = 277) and without burlap (CTRL; n = 277). Sows and their litters manipulated the burlap sheet to varying degrees. The BURL sows had a lower percentage of stillbirths (6.5% vs. 8.3%, BURL vs. CTRL, SE 0.4; P = 0.004), although there was only a trend towards more born alive (13.00 vs. 12.54, SE 0.25; P = 0.113). More piglets were fostered off BURL sows (8.4 vs. 7.1, SE 0.5; P = 0.049). No significant differences were apparent for other sow and litter measurements. Burlap sheets as a farrowing crate enrichment have potential to improve sow and litter performance.
The effects of institutions on perceptions of legitimacy in the Great Bear Rainforest, British Columbia
Authors: Henry Alice , Hagerman Shannon , Kozak Robert
Published: June 2021

Collaborative planning in natural resource management involves a number of non-state actors and different institutions to make decisions that fall under the realm of governance. However, legitimacy, a quality considered necessary in successful governance, has not been thoroughly investigated empirically. This research examines the perceived importance of three different dimensions of legitimacy — representativeness, meaningfulness, and effectiveness — by actors in the Great Bear Rainforest (GBR) decision-making process and the perceived roles of three institutions — shadow networks, bridging organizations, and boundary objects — in relation to the legitimacy of the GBR plan. Based on semi-structured interviews (n = 17), this research examines the perspectives of those involved or otherwise affected by the GBR decision-making process on perceived legitimacy in this context. The results illustrate the importance of representing the different participants’ interests and values in the final outcome, trustworthy relationships to build accountability and ensure commitments, strategically using representation to ensure a fair and meaningful decision-making process, and using small groups of capable negotiators to ensure that different values and interests are included at the different levels of decision-making. By analyzing the roles of shadow networks, bridging organizations, and boundary objects, these observations highlight the importance of not just representation but meaningful engagement, of actors in negotiating processes.
Compactification, T-duality and quantum erasers
Authors: Wani Salman Sajad , Sutherland Dylan , Pourhassan Behnam , Faizal Mir , Patel Hrishikesh
Published: June 2021

Using T-duality, we will argue that a zero point length exists in the low-energy effective field theory of string theory on compactified extra dimensions. Furthermore, if we neglect all the oscillator modes, this zero point length would modify low quantum mechanical systems. As this zero length is fixed geometrically, it is important to analyze how it modifies purely quantum mechanical effects. Thus, we will analyze its effects on quantum erasers, because they are based on quantum effects like entanglement. It will be observed that the behavior of these quantum erasers gets modified by this zero point length. As the zero point length is fixed by the radius of compactification, we argue that these results demonstrate a deeper connection between geometry and quantum effects.
A new tool developed for ultraprecision milling nickel by using magnetic liquid slurries
Authors: Phan Van Hieu
Published: June 2021

In developing a new milling technique that can produce high precision, smoothness, and gloss on nickel workpiece surfaces, a widely used material is in industrial applications, particularly in mold manufacturing, in which the production requires exceptionally high accuracy. In this work, the factors influencing the magnetic material milling process are determined by investigating the distribution of magnetic iron (MIGs) and abrasive grains (AGs) in the working surface of magnetic liquid slurry (MLS). The magnetic liquid slurry (MLS) contained commercially available MIGs successfully applied for milling the surface of magnetic materials with extremely high accuracy. Surface roughness ([Formula: see text] nm) without leaving scratches on the surface after milling.
Anisotropic chiral cosmology: Exact solutions
Authors: Díaz-Barrón Luis Rey , Espinoza-García Abraham , Pérez-Payán S. , Socorro J.
Published: June 2021

In this work, we investigate the anisotropic Bianchi type I cosmological model in the chiral set-up in a twofold manner. Firstly, we consider a quintessence plus a [Formula: see text]-essence-like model, where two scalar fields but only one potential term is considered. Secondly, we look at a model where in addition to the two scalar fields the two potential terms are taken into account as well as the standard kinetic energy and the mixed term. Regarding this second model, it is shown that two possible cases can be studied: a quintom-like case and a quintessence-like case. In each of the models, we were able to find both classical and quantum analytical solutions.
MECHANICAL AND BONDING PROPERTIES OF BI-METAL Al/Cu BULK COMPOSITES PRODUCED VIA APB TECHNIQUE
Authors: HEYDARI VINI M. , DANESHMAND S.
Published: June 2021

In this investigation, Al1060 and pure copper are used to fabricate bi-metal Al–Cu composites via accumulative press bonding (APB) process. The Al and Cu bars were press bonded and continued up to five pressing steps. In the APB technique, the composites manufactured were heated at 320∘C for about 8[Formula: see text]min and prior to each forming step. Mechanical properties of these bi-metal composites were assessed in evaluation to Al–Al and Cu–Cu APB processes Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs). It was shown that both Al and Cu deform in the same style in the Al–Cu samples after two steps-APB steps and afterward Cu layers started to neck. Also, it was realized that the average value for the strength of the Al/Cu composites is upper than that of these two MMCs fabricated via one metal. The peeling strength of these products enhanced via the APB steps. Moreover, the effect of APB steps on the fracture and peeling surfaces of bi-metal composites have been investigated by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
SYNTHESIS OF ZINC CARBOXYLATES METAL–ORGANIC FRAMEWORK FOR SENSING OF NITROAROMATIC COMPOUNDS
Authors: WANG WEI , HAN CHENG-LIANG , WU YUN , WEI SHOU-YI , SHENG WEI-PING
Published: June 2021

Novel zinc carboxylates metal–organic frameworks (Zn-MOFs) with different sizes and shapes constructed by Zn(II) ions, succinate and isonicotinate were synthesized by a polymer-assisted method. The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscope, powder X-ray diffraction and fluorescence spectroscopy. Results indicated that the size and shape of the Zn-MOFs could be adjusted by changing the quantity of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Fluorescence sensing of 2-nitrotoluene, 4-nitrotoluene and 2,4-dinitrotoluene was also studied and the results revealed that the as-prepared Zn-MOFs with a sheet-like shape were highly sensitive to nitro-compounds and promising to be developed as a novel luminescent sensor for detection in nitroaromatic explosives.
A Customer Knowledge Management Framework
Authors: Muniz Emerson Cleister Lima , Dandolini Gertrudes Aparecida , Biz Alexandre Augusto
Published: June 2021

This paper analyses the Customer Knowledge Management (CKM) conceptual structures existing within the literature, to identify its current state of research and extract from it, important elements that enable the construction of a CKM framework. To accomplish this, a six-step systematic literature review was performed, thus selecting 27 articles with CKM structures, which were fully inspected by using Thematic Analysis at the end. As main results, this study displays a detailed synthesis of the main elements for CKM and exposes a CKM framework composed of four dimensions, namely, Planning, Acquisition, Intelligence and Value Generation. Each dimension comprises specific processes and activities that can assist CKM managers and researchers in managing, collecting, analysing, storing, and sharing the customer knowledge. Finally, this research also presents a set of tools, methods and techniques that can be used in each of the framework processes.
Metallic Kähler and nearly metallic Kähler manifolds
Authors: Turanli Sibel , Gezer Aydin , Cakicioglu Hasan
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we construct metallic Kähler and nearly metallic Kähler structures on Riemannian manifolds. For such manifolds with these structures, we study curvature properties. Also, we describe linear connections on the manifold which preserve the associated fundamental [Formula: see text]-form and satisfy some additional conditions and present some results concerning them.
INFORMAL FINANCE IN SETTINGS OF POVERTY: ESTABLISHING AN AGENDA FOR FUTURE ENTREPRENEURSHIP RESEARCH
Authors: BRUTON GARRY D , NUHU NURADDEEN , QIAN JING JING
Published: June 2021

Entrepreneurship is viewed as a major tool in the effort to address poverty in emerging economies. Yet financing for such entrepreneurial ventures remains a major challenge. To date, most research on financing of entrepreneurial ventures among those in poverty in emerging economies has focused on formal financial tools such as microfinancing. However, a far larger financing tool employed in practice is informal financing. Such financing takes the shape of loans by family/friends/neighbors, private money lenders, or rotating savings groups. Very little is known about how these finance tools affect entrepreneurship. This article reviews the existing literature on informal finance in emerging economies and then develops a rich research agenda for scholars on informal finance in emerging economies and its role in entrepreneurship.
Maximum total irregularity index of some families of graph with maximum degree n − 1
Authors: Yousaf Shamaila , Bhatti Akhlaq Ahmad
Published: June 2021

The total irregularity index of a graph [Formula: see text] is defined by Abdo et al. [H. Abdo, S. Brandt and D. Dimitrov, The total irregularity of a graph, Discrete Math. Theor. Comput. Sci. 16 (2014) 201–206] as [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] denotes the degree of a vertex [Formula: see text]. In 2014, You et al. [L. H. You, J. S. Yang and Z. F. You, The maximal total irregularity of unicyclic graphs, Ars Comb. 114 (2014) 153–160.] characterized the graph having maximum [Formula: see text] value among all elements of the class [Formula: see text] (Unicyclic graphs) and Zhou et al. [L. H. You, J. S. Yang, Y. X. Zhu and Z. F. You, The maximal total irregularity of bicyclic graphs, J. Appl. Math. 2014 (2014) 785084, http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/785084] characterized the graph having maximum [Formula: see text] value among all elements of the class [Formula: see text] (Bicyclic graphs). In this paper, we characterize the aforementioned graphs with an alternative but comparatively simple approach. Also, we characterized the graphs having maximum [Formula: see text] value among the classes [Formula: see text] (Tricyclic graphs), [Formula: see text] (Tetracyclic graphs), [Formula: see text] (Pentacyclic graphs) and [Formula: see text] (Hexacyclic graphs).
The light-modified resistance switching of BaTiO3/ZnO films
Authors: Tang Yuanyuan , Zhang Xingwen , Lu Yu , Li Xiulin , Chen Peng
Published: June 2021

A light-modified resistance switching (RS) memory device with BaTiO3 / ZnO structure is fabricated by radio frequency magnetron sputtering technology. The device exhibits stable resistive switching behavior in the dark and under illumination, respectively. In the dark, the device’s high/low resistance ratio ([Formula: see text] / [Formula: see text] is more than 104 at 0.1 V read voltage, and the set/reset voltage ([Formula: see text] < 0.4 V, [Formula: see text] > −0.2 V) is low. The RS of the device can be modulated by white light. When the device is irradiated by white light with intensity of 250 uw/cm2, the high/low resistance ratio is modulated from 104 to 102, and the set/reset voltage ([Formula: see text] < 0.3 V, [Formula: see text] > −0.2 V) is still low.
Low-cost and scalable preparation of nano-Si from photovoltaic waste silicon for high-performance Li-ion battery anode
Authors: Zhang Shiyun , Xie Jian , Zhang Peng , Zhao Xinbing
Published: June 2021

Nano silicon (nano-Si)-based materials have been considered as promising anodes for next-generation Li-ion batteries (LIBs) because of their high specific capacity. However, a facile processing method of nano-Si with cheap Si sources is still lacking. Herein, we propose a facile, scalable and cost-effective route to produce nano-Si using a low-cost Si source from photovoltaic (PV) waste silicon. The nano-Si of 484 nm in [Formula: see text] can be easily produced using the PV waste Si by facile acid washing, heat treatment and sand milling steps. Compared with commercial nano-Si (120 nm), our low-cost nano-Si exhibits higher Coulombic efficiency (87.1%) and better cycling stability. The cycling stability of nano-Si can be obviously enhanced by using a carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) binder and an electrolyte composed of 1 mol L[Formula: see text] LiPF6 in fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC), ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC), and dimethyl carbonate (DMC) (1:1:1). The nano-Si with CMC binder in 1 mol L[Formula: see text] LiPF6 FEC/EMC/DMC electrolyte could maintain a discharge capacity of 1488 mAh g[Formula: see text] after 200 cycles at 1 A g[Formula: see text]. Our work provides a promising, sustainable method to make high-performance nano-Si using a low-cost Si source.
On skew cyclic codes over a mixed alphabet and their applications to DNA codes
Authors: Dertli Abdullah , Cengellenmis Yasemin , Aydin Nuh
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we introduce skew cyclic codes over the mixed alphabet [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the finite field with 4 elements and [Formula: see text]. Our results include a description of the generator polynomials of such codes and a necessary and sufficient condition for an [Formula: see text]-skew cyclic code to be reversible complement.
Electric, magnetic and microstructural features of the La2CoFeO6 lanthanide ferrocobaltite obtained by the modified Pechini route
Authors: Jaramillo Palacio J. A. , Muñoz Pulido K. A. , Arbey Rodríguez J. , Landínez Téllez D. A. , Roa-Rojas J.
Published: June 2021

In the search for new materials with applicable magnetic properties in spintronic devices, the aim of this work is to report the synthesis of the lanthanide ferrocobaltite La2CoFeO6 using the modified Pechini route; the experimental study of structural, morphological and magnetic properties, and the analysis of the electronic structure and bands are obtained in the framework of the Density Functional Theory. Rietveld refinement of experimental X-ray diffraction patterns revealed the crystallization of this oxide material in a perovskite-like monoclinic structure, space group [Formula: see text]21/[Formula: see text] (# 14). Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy images revealed that the surface morphology is essentially polycrystalline, with mean grain sizes between 177 and 188 nm. The dispersive X-ray spectroscopy suggests that the material obtained contains La, Fe, Co and O in the stoichiometric proportions expected by up to 98%. The magnetic susceptibility curves as a function of temperature indicated that the material is ordered ferromagnetically, showing strong irreversibility effects due to the disorder of the Fe and Co cations in the three crystallographic directions of the structure and to the strong distortions in the FeO6 and CoO6 octahedra. Magnetic hysteresis curves confirmed the ferromagnetic character of the material for all temperatures evaluated, up to room temperature. I–V response curves revealed a semiconductor-like behavior with a figure of merit exponent 1.53 of the varistor type. The ferromagnetic semiconductor behavior suggests the potential applicability of the material in spintronic technological devices.
Microscale evidence of the role of water during the emplacement of mass flows in glacial environments
Authors: Phillips Emrys , Carter Gareth , Teasdale Derek
Published: June 2021

Microscale analysis of unlithified glacial soils can provide far greater detail regarding their depositional and deformation histories than can be obtained from macroscale studies alone. This paper presents the results of three detailed case studies that examine the processes occurring during overriding and emplacement of mass flows in glacial environments: (i) laminated soils deposited in a proglacial lake setting at Heinabergsjökull, Iceland; (ii) a channelized, ice-marginal to submarginal mass flow at Whitburn (County Durham), England; and (iii) a mass flow exposed at Carstairs, central Scotland that was emplaced in a glaciofluvial to glaciolacustrine setting. Microscale evidence from all three sites is combined to develop a conceptual model of the role played by water during mass flow; from the initial soil disruption under and/or in front of an advancing mass flow, to the formation of a basal shear zone facilitating mass-flow transport and emplacement, through to the decoupling of the flow from the underlying substrate as a result of the injection of fluidized soil along its base. The development of these detachments during mass flow has the potential to increase the velocity of the flow and its runout distance, increasing the potential impact of these geohazards.

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the Role of water in destabilizing slopes collection available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/Role-of-water-in-destabilizing-slopes
Targeted Restriction of Viral Gene Expression and Replication by the ZAP Antiviral System
Authors: Ficarelli Mattia , Neil Stuart J.D. , Swanson Chad M.
Published: June 2021

The zinc finger antiviral protein (ZAP) restricts the replication of a broad range of RNA and DNA viruses. ZAP directly binds viral RNA, targeting it for degradation and inhibiting its translation. While the full scope of RNA determinants involved in mediating selective ZAP activity is unclear, ZAP binds CpG dinucleotides, dictating at least part of its target specificity. ZAP interacts with many cellular proteins, although only a few have been demonstrated to be essential for its antiviral activity, including the 3′–5′ exoribonuclease exosome complex, TRIM25, and KHNYN. In addition to inhibiting viral gene expression, ZAP also directly and indirectly targets a subset of cellular messenger RNAs to regulate the innate immune response. Overall, ZAP protects a cell from viral infection by restricting viral replication and regulating cellular gene expression. Further understanding of the ZAP antiviral system may allow for novel viral vaccine and anticancer therapy development.