bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Prolonged Operative Time on Complications Following Endoscopic Sinonasal Surgery
Authors: Pai Kavya K. , Omiunu Ariel , Vedula Sudeepti , Chemas‐Velez Maria Manuela , Fang Christina H. , Baredes Soly , Eloy Jean Anderson
Published: February 2022

Objective

To determine how prolonged operative time (POT) impacts 30‐day outcomes in patients undergoing endoscopic sinonasal surgery (ESNS).

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Methods

Data from patients who underwent ESNS (nonsinus, sinus, and extended sinus) between 2005 to 2018 were collected from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement database. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the effect of POT on postoperative outcomes.

Results

Among 1,994 ESNS cases, 495 nonsinus procedures, 1,191 sinus procedures, and 308 extended sinus procedures were identified. Median OT was 90 minutes (interquartile range [IQR], 51–165 minutes) for nonsinus procedures, 113 minutes (IQR, 66–189 minutes) for sinus procedures, and 187 minutes (IQR, 137–251 minutes) for extended sinus procedures. Other than older age (P = .008), POT was not significantly associated with baseline demographics and comorbidities for patients undergoing non‐sinus procedures. Older age (P < .001), White and Black race (P < .001), ASA physical classifications III or IV (P < .001), and several preoperative comorbidities, including obesity (P = .045), and hypertension (P < .001) were associated with POT for sinus procedures. Older age (P = .030), male sex (P = .010), and lower body mass index (P = .004) were associated with POT for extended sinus procedures. After risk‐adjustment, POT was independently associated with prolonged hospital stay (LOS) for all procedure categories, and associated with overall surgical complications and postoperative bleeding for sinus and extended sinus procedures specifically.

Conclusion

POT is independently associated with several adverse outcomes following ESNS, including prolonged LOS, overall surgical complications, and bleeding. Preoperative planning should include optimizing modifiable patient risk factors for POT and identifying surgeon‐specific factors to enhance surgical efficiency.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 133:51–58, 2023
Assessment of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux and Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Population‐Based Study
Authors: Campanholo Milena de Almeida Torres , Caparroz Fabio de Azevedo , Vidigal Tatiana de Aguiar , Kenchian Caio Henrique , Andersen Monica Levy , Tufik Sergio , Haddad Fernanda Louise Martinho
Published: February 2022

Objectives/Hypothesis

To evaluate the presence of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and the potential association between presence of LPR symptoms and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in a representative sample from a population‐based study.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Participants of the follow‐up of the Epidemiological Sleep Study were evaluated. Sleep was assessed through questionnaires and polysomnography. The presence of LPR was based on the questionnaire Reflux Score Index (RSI), and scores higher than 13 were suggestive of LPR. A general linear model test was used for comparison of continuous data and Pearson's chi‐square test was used to compare categorical variables. Predictors of LPR were obtained by regression analysis.

Results

701 were enrolled (54.8% female, 45.2% male; mean age, 50.2 ± 13.3 years). The mean apnea‐hypopnea index score was 17 ± 18.3 events/hr, and the mean RSI score was 7.0 ± 8.1. LPR was found in 17% of the volunteers, whereas OSA was present in 38.5% of the sample. Specifically, in those patients with OSA, the prevalence of LPR was 45.4%; however, there was no statistically significant association between LPR and the presence of OSA. The severity of OSA was not associated with RSI score. The presence of LPR was associated with older age, smoking, excessive daytime sleepiness and worse quality of life and sleep scores questionnaires.

Conclusions

Age, smoking, but not body mass index, were associated with LPR. There was not statistically significant association of LPR with OSA. Individuals with symptoms of LPR had greater drowsiness and worse quality of life and sleep.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 132:1877–1882, 2022
ATTRACTING, MENTORING, AND RETAINING PEOPLE OF COLOR IN TODAY’S WORKFORCE
Authors: Walton Brien
Published: February 2022

The author discusses racial disparities, and plans for encouraging more diversity in workplaces in the United States. He interweaves information about his own career. For instance, he relates that “on July 1, 2021, I became the first African‐American to chair the board of directors for Maine’s state‐sponsored venture capital fund (Maine Venture Fund).” In addition, “in 2013, I was the founding chief executive officer of the first university‐based educational technology venture capital fund in the U.S., which I launched in collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education.” Other aspects of his career are as follows: “I started in financial planning in the late 1980s, transitioned into a real estate and business brokerage in the 1990s, and evolved into venture capital in the 2000s.” He writes in particular of mentoring, and remarks that “few people are born to be mentors.” He outlines “potential reasons organizations struggle to find qualified talent.” In his words, #1‐ Cause of Struggle Identifying the Talent = Lack of Diversity on the Executive Team #2 Cause of Struggle Attracting the Talent = Inability to Convey Understanding of the Benefits of Diversity #3 Cause of Struggle Retaining the Talent = Non‐diverse Organizational Cultures are Resistant to Change.
THE ART AND REWARDS OF WINNING ON PURPOSE
Authors: Reichheld Fred , Darnell Darci , Burns Maureen
Published: February 2022

This article details the creation (by lead author Reichheld) and successful use by many organizations of the Net Promoter Score (NPS). The article states that the score is built around the answer to the question: How likely would you be to recommend [Organization X] to a friend or colleague? According to the authors, “the score has become the cornerstone of a whole system of management aimed at cultivating great customer experiences. A similar process asking employees how likely they would be to recommend their firm as a great place to work (and why) has evolved into employee NPS.” The best organizations are those in which leaders practice the “Golden Rule, ‘love thy neighbor as thyself,’ or, more secularly, ‘enrich the lives you touch’.” The authors contend that a “true Golden Rule solution has to satisfy requirements across multiple dimensions. It has to: (1) enhance the happiness and well‐being of others; (2) maintain or, preferably, enhance their dignity and well‐being; and (3) strengthen the web of communities supporting that relationship.” Six challenges are presented to this Golden Rule leadership, which are in the authors’ words: Superficial understanding of the Golden Rule; Bad incentive/reward systems; Inadequate feedback/measurement; No safe time and place to process feedback; Anonymity; and Bad Behavior.
HOW TO BUILD A MORE COURAGEOUS, INNOVATIVE CULTURE
Authors: Hurt Karin , Dye David
Published: February 2022

The authors describe their research conducted in conjunction with the University of North Colorado social research lab. They relate that it “validated what we’d observed in most organizations: day‐to‐day improvements, solutions, and micro‐innovations are unlikely to walk through a manager’s “open door.” The research revealed five reasons why employees don’t contribute ideas.” Briefly, these reasons are that employees “don’t think leadership wants their ideas”; “No one asks”; employees “lack the confidence to share their ideas”; employees also “lack the skills to share their ideas”; and they think nothing will happen if they do share their ideas. The authors discuss what they call The I.D.E.A. model, which stands for I‐Interesting D‐Doable E‐Engaging A‐Actions. They also describe examples from Nate Brown, cofounder of CX Accelerator, and Jill K. Herr, a director of clinical operations in rehabilitation at WellSpan Health. Brown “gave every member of his frontline team a “Customer Experience (CX) magic button” for their desks.” The authors also describe “Workaround workouts,” and “listening tours.” And they write about what they call “responding with regard,” which “means you receive ideas and react in ways that respect the other person, improve strategic thinking, and generate more useful ideas.”
Autonomy and control: How political ideology shapes the use of artificial intelligence
Authors: Cui Yuanyuan (Gina) , van Esch Patrick
Published: February 2022

Leveraging the context of artificial intelligence (AI)‐enabled checkouts (e.g., Grab‐and‐Go checkouts), we show that, across four studies, consumer response depends on their political identity salience: consumers with higher political identity salience (vs. the uninvolved) evaluate and respond to retailers using AI‐enabled checkouts more favorably compared with self‐service kiosks. Moreover, among these consumers, we propose and find political ideology as a boundary condition; liberals prefer AI‐enabled over self‐service checkouts, whereas conservatives are indifferent. Utilizing an autonomy‐based model, we demonstrate that liberal consumers' greater preference for AI‐enabled checkouts is driven by experiences of autonomy, which then elicits approach emotions.
Effect of electric potentials on high‐temperature plasma nitriding of 2Cr13 stainless steel with active screen assisted
Authors: Shao M.H. , Wang Z.W. , Zhang Z.H. , Zhao Y.Q. , Guo H.J. , Dong Y.K. , Zhang L. , Li H.H. , Zhao F.S. , Li Y. , He Y.Y.
Published: February 2022

The influence of electric potentials on the characteristics of modified layers with plasma nitriding of 2Cr13 stainless steel at a high temperature was investigated. Three active screens were placed on the cathodic plate. Three groups of 2Cr13 stainless steel samples were set with cathodic, anodic, and floating potentials. Samples were nitrided at 500 °C for 5 h in an ammonia atmosphere. The treated samples were analyzed using x‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy, surface roughness tester, and atomic force microscopy. It is proved that nitriding treatments can be suitably carried out at three electric potentials, but the corresponding modified layers take on different microstructure, morphology, and hardness behaviors. It found that the three nitrided samples are mainly composed of the ϵ−Fe2‐3N and γ’−Fe4N phases. The order of thicknesses of the nitrided layers is: floating < anodic < cathodic potential. The results also demonstrated that electric potentials play essential roles in the corrosion resistance and tribological properties in plasma nitriding treatment. Because there is no visible precipitation of chromium nitride in the modified layer, the corrosion resistance of the floating nitrided sample is better than that of the other two samples.
Microstructure and properties of modified as‐cast hypereutectic high chromium cast iron
Authors: Guo Q. , Fu H. , Guo X. , Xing Z. , Lin J.
Published: February 2022

The present work studied the effects of different modification treatments on the microstructure and mechanical properties of hypereutectic high chromium cast iron containing about 35 wt% chromium and 4.0 wt% carbon. It was found that the primary carbides in the hypereutectic high chromium cast iron were all refined to different levels after different modification treatments. Among them, the best result was obtained by adding 0.6 wt % rare earth magnesium, and its average carbide diameters was 43 μm, which is almost half of the unmodified specimen. After modification, the mechanical properties have been improved, and the refinement of primary carbides can greatly improve its impact toughness. The impact toughness of the specimen modified by adding 0.6 wt % rare earth magnesium was the largest, reaching 7.0 J cm−2, and the impact toughness of un‐modification specimen was the worst, only 4.5 J cm−2. The refining of primary carbides does not have much effect on the hardness. The hardness of the sample with 0.6 wt % rare earth magnesium and 0.3 wt % TiBAl is the highest, and its value is 58.0 HRC. The wear resistance increases with the refinement of primary carbides.
Effect of hydrogen sulfide and chloride on the passive film structures of stainless‐steel type 316 L
Authors: Shah M. , Ayob M.T.M. , Yaakob N. , Embong Z. , Othman N.K.
Published: February 2022

The presence of hydrogen sulfide and chloride in oil and gas production environments can induce deterioration of the passive film, leading to pitting corrosion of stainless steel. In this research, localized behavior of stainless‐steel type 316 L was studied in highly hydrogen sulfide and chloride environment. The environmental condition was setting up using NACE TM0177 Solution A at different partial pressures of 0 bar, 3 bar and 15 bar of hydrogen sulfide, respectively. The results indicated that the presence of sulfides and chloride ions in test solution can decrease its corrosion resistance due to pitting corrosion attacking and promoting passive layer break down. Deterioration of passive film was analyzed using weight loss calculation, pit penetration analyses was done by infinite focus microscopy and surface morphology with the corrosion products were investigated by scanning electron microscope after 7 days immersion in test solution. Energy‐dispersive x‐ray results shows the presence of sulfur on the passive oxide layer at 3 bar and 15 bar conditions. Thus, the protection for these steels is undermined by hydrogen sulfide corrosion that affects on the passive films and altered its structure.
COVID‐19: A systematic review and update on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment
Authors: Aghamirza Moghim Aliabadi Hooman , Eivazzadeh‐Keihan Reza , Beig Parikhani Arezoo , Fattahi Mehraban Sara , Maleki Ali , Fereshteh Sepideh , Bazaz Masoume , Zolriasatein Ashkan , Bozorgnia Bahareh , Rahmati Saman , Saberi Fatemeh , Yousefi Najafabadi Zeinab , Damough Shadi , Mohseni Sara , Salehzadeh Hamid , Khakyzadeh Vahid , Madanchi Hamid , Kardar Gholam Ali , Zarrintaj Payam , Saeb Mohammad Reza , Mozafari Masoud
Published: February 2022

Since the rapid onset of the COVID‐19 or SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic in the world in 2019, extensive studies have been conducted to unveil the behavior and emission pattern of the virus in order to determine the best ways to diagnosis of virus and thereof formulate effective drugs or vaccines to combat the disease. The emergence of novel diagnostic and therapeutic techniques considering the multiplicity of reports from one side and contradictions in assessments from the other side necessitates instantaneous updates on the progress of clinical investigations. There is also growing public anxiety from time to time mutation of COVID‐19, as reflected in considerable mortality and transmission, respectively, from delta and Omicron variants. We comprehensively review and summarize different aspects of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID‐19. First, biological characteristics of COVID‐19 were explained from diagnosis standpoint. Thereafter, the preclinical animal models of COVID‐19 were discussed to frame the symptoms and clinical effects of COVID‐19 from patient to patient with treatment strategies and in‐silico/computational biology. Finally, the opportunities and challenges of nanoscience/nanotechnology in identification, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID‐19 were discussed. This review covers almost all SARS‐CoV‐2‐related topics extensively to deepen the understanding of the latest achievements (last updated on January 11, 2022).
MPZ gene variant site in Chinese patients with Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease
Authors: Hao Xiaoyan , Li Chong , Lv Yunguo , Zhou Tongtong , Tian Hao , Ma Yaru , Ding Jiangwei , Li Xinxiao , Wang Yangyang , Wang Lei , Yang Ping
Published: February 2022

Background

Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT) is a hereditary monogenic peripheral nerve disease. Variants in the gene encoding myelin protein zero (MPZ) lead to CMT, and different variants have different clinical phenotypes. A variant site, namely, c.389A > G (p.Lys130Arg), in the MPZ gene has been found in Chinese people. The pathogenicity of this variant has been clarified through pedigrees, and peripheral blood‐related functional studies have been conducted.

Method

Whole‐exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were used to detect the c.389A > G (p.Lys130Arg) variant in the MPZ gene in family members of the proband. Physical examination was performed in the case group to assess the clinical characteristics of MPZ site variants. The expression of MPZ and phosphorylated MPZ in the blood of 12 cases and 12 randomly selected controls was compared by RT–qPCR, Western blotting, and ELISA.

Results

The proband and 12 of her family members presented the AG genotype with different clinical manifestations. The expression of MPZ mRNA in the case group was increased compared with that in the control group, and the levels of MPZ and phosphorylated MPZ in peripheral blood were higher than those in normal controls.

Conclusion

The heterozygous genotype of the c.389A > G (p.Lys130Arg) variant in the MPZ gene mediated the increase in MPZ and phosphorylated MPZ levels in peripheral blood and was found to be involved with CMT.
A robotic magnetic resonance‐guided high‐intensity focused ultrasound platform for neonatal neurosurgery: Assessment of targeting accuracy and precision in a brain phantom
Authors: Raghuram Hrishikesh , Keunen Benjamin , Soucier Nathan , Looi Thomas , Pichardo Samuel , Waspe Adam C. , Drake James M.
Published: February 2022

Background

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is one of the most serious neurovascular complications resulting from premature birth. It can result in clotting of blood within the ventricles, which causes a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid that can lead to posthemorrhagic ventricular dilation and posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus. Currently, there are no direct treatments for these blood clots as the standard of care is invasive surgery to insert a shunt. Magnetic resonance‐guided high‐intensity focused ultrasound (MRgHIFU) has been investigated as a noninvasive treatment to lyse blood clots. However, current MRgHIFU systems are not suitable in the context of treating IVH in neonates.

Purpose

We have developed a robotic MRgHIFU neurosurgical platform designed to treat the neonatal brain. This platform facilitates ergonomic patient positioning and directs treatment through their open anterior fontanelle while providing a larger treatment volume. The platform is based on an MR‐compatible robot developed by our group. Further development of the platform has warranted investigation of its targeting ability to assess its feasibility in the neonatal brain. This study aimed to quantify the platform's targeting accuracy, precision, and repeatability using a brain phantom and clinical MRI system.

Methods

A thermosensitive brain‐mimicking phantom was developed to test the platform's targeting accuracy. Rectangular grid patterns were created with HIFU thermal energy “lesions” in the phantoms by targeting specific coordinate points. The intended target locations were demarcated by inserting carbon fiber rods through a targeting assessment template. Coordinates for the intended and actual targets were derived from T2‐weighted MRI scans, and the centroid distance between them was measured. Subsequently, the platform's targeting accuracy was quantified according to equations derived from ISO Standard 9283:1998.

Results

HIFU ablation resulted in distinct thermal lesions within the thermosensitive phantoms, which appeared as discrete hypointense regions in T2‐weighted MR scans. A total of 127 target points were included in the data analysis, which yielded a targeting accuracy of 0.6 mm and targeting precision of 1.2 mm.

Conclusions

The robotic MRgHIFU platform was shown to have a high degree of accuracy, precision, and repeatability. The results demonstrate the platform's functionality when targeting through simulated brain matter. These results serve as an initial verification of the platform targeting ability and showed promise toward the final application in a neonatal brain.
The NMR added value to the green foodomics perspective: Advances by machine learning to the holistic view on food and nutrition
Authors: Picone Gianfranco , Mengucci Carlo , Capozzi Francesco
Published: February 2022

Food is a complex matter, literally. From production to functionalization, from nutritional quality engineering to predicting effects on health, the interest in finding an efficient physicochemical characterization of food has boomed in recent years. The sheer complexity of characterizing food and its interaction with the human organism has however made the use of data driven approaches in modeling a necessity. High‐throughput techniques, such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, are well suited for omics data production and, coupled with machine learning, are paving a promising way of modeling food–human interaction. The foodomics approach sets the framework for omic data integration in food studies, in which NMR experiments play a key role. NMR data can be used to assess nutritional qualities of food, helping the design of functional and sustainable sources of nutrients; detect biomarkers of intake and study how they impact the metabolism of different individuals; study the kinetics of compounds in foods or their by‐products to detect pathological conditions; and improve the efficiency of in silico models of the metabolic network.
Consistency of the full and reduced order models for evolve‐filter‐relax regularization of convection‐dominated, marginally‐resolved flows
Authors: Strazzullo Maria , Girfoglio Michele , Ballarin Francesco , Iliescu Traian , Rozza Gianluigi
Published: February 2022

Numerical stabilization is often used to eliminate (alleviate) the spurious oscillations generally produced by full order models (FOMs) in under‐resolved or marginally‐resolved simulations of convection‐dominated flows. In this article, we investigate the role of numerical stabilization in reduced order models (ROMs) of marginally‐resolved, convection‐dominated incompressible flows. Specifically, we investigate the FOM–ROM consistency, that is, whether the numerical stabilization is beneficial both at the FOM and the ROM level. As a numerical stabilization strategy, we focus on the evolve‐filter‐relax (EFR) regularization algorithm, which centers around spatial filtering. To investigate the FOM‐ROM consistency, we consider two ROM strategies: (i) the EFR‐noEFR, in which the EFR stabilization is used at the FOM level, but not at the ROM level; and (ii) the EFR‐EFR, in which the EFR stabilization is used both at the FOM and at the ROM level. We compare the EFR‐noEFR with the EFR‐EFR in the numerical simulation of a 2D incompressible flow past a circular cylinder in the convection‐dominated, marginally‐resolved regime. We also perform model reduction with respect to both time and Reynolds number. Our numerical investigation shows that the EFR‐EFR is more accurate than the EFR‐noEFR, which suggests that FOM‐ROM consistency is beneficial in convection‐dominated, marginally‐resolved flows.
Exploring integrated ArtScience experiences to foster nature connectedness through head, heart and hand
Authors: Renowden Christina , Beer Tanja , Mata Luis
Published: February 2022

Human activities continue to inflict profound detrimental impacts on biodiversity, yet we have not observed a commensurate shift in people's mindsets to achieve a more harmonious relationship between people and nature. As such, the need to shift the publics' perspective and awareness of their interconnectedness with nature continues to drive education and communication programs that aim to deepen the connection between people and nature.

This has led to mounting interest in integrating art with science as an influential communication practice to tackle complex concepts such as climate change and biodiversity loss. Art can provide alternative pathways of knowing and understanding the ecological crisis through provoking embodied, mindful and emotional responses. The arts create a dais for personal expression and reflection that traditional education and outreach methods typically cannot.

Here, we explore an art‐based approach to science communication and nature connectedness through a series of participatory ArtScience workshops. These workshops were delivered at The Living Pavilion, an Indigenous‐led, temporary event space that took place in Melbourne, Australia. An integrated and transdisciplinary approach using interactive and participatory ArtScience workshops underpins the key outcomes and findings of this research.

Our analysis revealed three themes emerging from the participants' experience: discovery, where participants learn or discover something new about biodiversity which is a thrilling and motivating experience; being in a state of flow, where participants are intrinsically motivated, focused and find joy in the activity; and attunement, where participants experience ecological awareness, relational knowing and a mindful connection to nature.

Integrating the head, heart and hands' learning framework into the ArtScience workshops allowed a more nuanced and ground‐up approach to our research and helped further understanding of how people create connections to more than human nature. The interrelated themes of discovery, flow and attunement open the potential for new ways of noticing and knowing nature, creating an embodied and holistic relationship with the more than human world. We suggest this is a strong foundation to deepen ecological awareness, which may lead to subtle yet positive changes in attitudes and behaviours towards biodiversity at a local level.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Development of an innovant carbon/jute porcine‐bone hybrid material for sustainable composite manufacturing
Authors: Dikshit Iti , Bhushan Gian
Published: February 2022

The recent decade has witnessed significant innovations and research in the field of hybrid composites. This rapid growth warranted the development of lightweight composite with higher mechanical strength. The use of bio‐waste like cow bone powder and fishbone powder from food industries has shown significant enhancement in the mechanical properties of composites in recent past. Owing to the large number of pigs slaughtered daily for meat, porcine bones are readily available. Most of the time, these bones end up as waste, polluting the environment. In view of this, an attempt has been made to develop a sustainable and innovant hybrid composite using porcine bone powder (PBP) as filler, and carbon/jute fibers as reinforcement in a polyester matrix. The compression molding technique was used to develop the hybrid composite. Characterization of the developed composite was investigated by image processing, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. The influence of PBP percentage and size, on tensile strength, impact strength, and surface hardness were studied as per ASTM standard. In addition, the effects of alkali treatment of jute fiber on the above‐mentioned responses have also been studied. It was found that the mechanical strength of the hybrid composite was enhanced by the addition of PBP and alkali treatment. SEM images revealed that PBP with size 50–200 μm and weight percent from 10% to 15% demonstrated good bonding with the fibers. The developed hybrid composites demonstrated to be a sustainable solution to the bio‐waste management from the food industry.
Study on volume change and scanning electron microscope observation of carbon black‐filled natural rubber upon stretching
Authors: Zhang Hao , Zheng Shanliang , Zheng Lina , Lin Feifei , Wang Bin , Wang Meng‐Jiao
Published: February 2022

The volume of natural rubber vulcanizates varied slightly during stretching. Hydrostatic weighing method was adopted in this study to study the volume change. By measuring the volume change of natural rubber compounds filled with different grades and different loadings of carbon black during extension, the corresponding volume variation–elongation (ΔV/V–ε) curves were created, and the differences of ΔV/V–ε curves among different carbon black compounds were discussed. The stress differences between different samples were normalized and the ΔV/(Vσ)–ε curves were plotted. Scanning electron microscope was utilized to observe the emergence and variation process of cavities in various stretched states. X‐ray diffraction was used to explore the change of crystallinity of the rubber after stretching to a certain elongation. Based on the experimental results, the damage at the filler‐rubber matrix interface and within the fillers agglomerates would be discussed.
Comparison of firing stability between p‐ and n‐type polysilicon passivating contacts
Authors: Kang Di , Sio Hang Cheong , Stuckelberger Josua , Yan Di , Phang Sieu Pheng , Liu Rong , Truong Thien N. , Le Tien , Nguyen Hieu T. , Zhang Xinyu , Macdonald Daniel
Published: February 2022

This work compares the firing response of ex‐situ doped p‐ and n‐type polysilicon (poly‐Si) passivating contacts and identifies possible mechanisms underlying their distinct firing behavior. The p‐type poly‐Si shows greater firing stability than n‐type poly‐Si, particularly at a higher firing temperature, which results in a substantial increase in the recombination current density parameter J0 from 9 to 96 fA/cm2 upon firing at 900°C for n‐type poly‐Si, in comparison to an increase from 11 to 30 fA/cm2 for p‐type poly‐Si. It is observed that p‐type poly‐Si contacts only suffer a slight degradation or even exhibit a small improvement in J0 after firing at 800°C, depending on the boron diffusion temperature. Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) results demonstrate that the hydrogen concentration near the interfacial SiOx increases with the peak firing temperature in n‐type poly‐Si, whereas the hydrogen profile remains unchanged for p‐type poly‐Si upon firing at various temperatures. Moreover, we observe that injecting additional hydrogen into the poly‐Si/SiOx stacks fired with SiNx coating layers further degrades n‐type poly‐Si, but recovers the J0 of p‐type poly‐Si to the value before firing. In contrast, removing hydrogen from the fired poly‐Si/SiOx stacks leads to an initial recovery and then a second degradation of J0 in n‐type poly‐Si, but no substantial impact on p‐type poly‐Si. It is hypothesized that the distinct difference in the firing impact on p‐ and n‐type poly‐Si is related to the different effective hydrogen diffusivity, which determines the hydrogen content surrounding the SiOx layer and hence the passivation quality after firing.
Increasing application of pediatric physiologically based pharmacokinetic models across academic and industry organizations
Authors: Johnson Trevor N. , Small Ben G. , Rowland Yeo Karen
Published: February 2022

There has been a significant increase in the use of physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models during the past 20 years, especially for pediatrics. The aim of this study was to give a detailed overview of the growth and areas of application of pediatric PBPK (P‐PBPK) models. A total of 181 publications and publicly available regulatory reviews were identified and categorized according to year, author affiliation, platform, and primary application of the P‐PBPK model (in clinical settings, drug development or to advance pediatric model development in general). Secondary application areas, including dose selection, biologics, and drug interactions, were also assessed. The growth rate for P‐PBPK modeling increased 33‐fold between 2005 and 2020; this was mainly attributed to growth in clinical and drug development applications. For primary applications, 50% of articles were classified under clinical, 18% under drug development, and 33% under model development. The most common secondary applications were dose selection (75% drug development), pharmacokinetic prediction and covariate identification (47% clinical), and model parameter identification (68% model development), respectively. Although population PK modeling remains the mainstay of approaches supporting pediatric drug development, the data presented here demonstrate the widespread application of P‐PBPK models in both drug development and clinical settings. Although applications for pharmacokinetic and drug–drug interaction predictions in pediatrics is advocated, this approach remains underused in areas such as assessment of pediatric formulations, toxicology, and trial design. The increasing number of publications supporting the development and refinement of the pediatric model parameters can only serve to enhance optimal use of P‐PBPK models.
Early‐onset and severe pulmonary arterial hypertension due to a novel compound heterozygous association of rare VHL mutations: A case report and review of existing data
Authors: Chomette Laura , Migeotte Isabelle , Dewachter Céline , Vachiery Jean‐Luc , Smits Guillaume , Bondue Antoine
Published: February 2022

Very rare cases of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) have been linked to homozygous or compound heterozygous von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor gene mutations, while heterozygous VHL mutations lead to VHL tumor syndrome. Although those entities are defined, the genotype–phenotype correlation is incompletely understood, and patient management recommendations are lacking. Here, we describe a case of severe early‐onset PAH due to a so‐far unreported compound heterozygous association of VHL mutations and review the existing data.
Enabling transdisciplinary research collaboration for planetary health: Insights from practice at the environment‐health‐development nexus
Authors: Wardani Jane , Bos Joannette J. (Annette) , Ramirez‐Lovering Diego , Capon Anthony G.
Published: February 2022

In recent decades, transdisciplinary research has been increasingly recognised as necessary to produce solutions for sustainable development; however, implementation challenges remain. The emerging field of planetary health offers a unique lens to guide a new synthesis of perspectives, recognising interlinkages between environmental and human health, and interdependence across global development contexts, that is, at the environment‐health‐development nexus. This broad, practice‐based literature review consolidates learnings from previous transdisciplinary research across these diverse yet interrelated fields, and aims to deepen understanding of, and identify opportunities for, enabling collaborative practice. This review found structural, relational, and individual factors enabling and constraining collaboration. Local research contexts and academia's disciplinary traditions posed structural constraints that required relational efforts at the project, organisational and individual levels to address. This analysis revealed strategic opportunities for funding programs and researcher training that can be leveraged to increase capacity for relational work, further enabling collaboration in transdisciplinary research.
Common scale minimal sufficient balance: An improved method for covariate‐adaptive randomization based on the Wilcoxon‐Mann‐Whitney odds ratio statistic
Authors: Johns Hannah , Italiano Dominic , Campbell Bruce , Churilov Leonid
Published: February 2022

Minimal sufficient balance (MSB) is a recently suggested method for adaptively controlling covariate imbalance in randomized controlled trials in a manner which reduces the impact on randomness of allocation over other approaches by only intervening when the imbalance is sufficiently significant. Despite its improvements, the approach is unable to consider the relative clinical importance or magnitude of imbalance in each covariate weight, and ignores any imbalance which is not statistically significant, even when these imbalances may collectively justify intervention. We propose the common scale MSB (CS‐MSB) method which addresses these limitations, and present simulation studies comparing our proposed method to MSB. We demonstrate that CS‐MSB requires less intervention than MSB to achieve the same level of covariate balance, and does not adversely impact either statistical power or Type‐I error.
Synergistic Effect of Different NaCl Concentrations on the Initial Corrosion of Q235 Steel under a Simulated SO2 Environment
Authors: Liu Menglei , Qiu Wei , Xiao Rengui , Li Bo , Liao Xia
Published: February 2022

The synergistic effect of chloride ions and industrial corrosive gases in the atmosphere intensifies metal corrosion. Therefore, the study of this corrosive behavior and its effects on metals in complex environments is crucial. In this study, the wet/dry cyclic corrosion test, under a constant deposited salt, was used to simulate atmospheric corrosion conditions. In addition, the methods of corrosion weight gain, dynamic potential polarization curves, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and other analyses were used to explore the mechanism and law of Q235 steel with different corrosion times in different coastal‐industrial atmospheric environments. The corrosion pattern of Q235 steel and the composition of the rust layer were further investigated through X‐Ray Diffractometer analysis and Scanning Electron Microscope observations. The results show that the content of Fe3O4 decreases at higher chloride ion concentrations and the content of α‐FeOOH increases in later stages of corrosion.
Synthesis of Porous Carbon for Acetone Adsorption: Specific Surface Area, Porous Structure and Oxygen Functional Groups
Authors: Shi Rui , Liu Baogen , Chen Hongyu , Yu Lingyun , Guo Yang , Zeng Zheng , Li Liqing
Published: February 2022

The porous carbon material is widely used as acetone adsorbent. The low‐cost, facile and efficient synthesis method of porous carbon material is of great significance to the removal of acetone. Potassium citrate, a common organic salt, was self‐activated in the current study at the temperatures of 600–900 °C to form porous carbons (KAC−X) with rich microporous structures. The KAC−X showed excellent specific surface area (763–2100 m2 g−1) and oxygen content (5.95–16.29 wt%). The sample obtained at the temperature of 900 °C showed promising acetone adsorption capacities of 8.33 mmol g−1 (15 °C) and 7.27 mmol g−1 (25 °C), respectively. The acetone adsorption results were well fitted by the Langmuir‐Freundlich and Freundlich models. Moreover, the influence of physical structure and oxygen functional group on the acetone adsorption performance was explored. The results showed that: (1) one of the main methods for promoting the acetone adsorption capacity is to increase the specific surface area; (2) the other method is to increase the optimal pore volume, and the optimal pore size is 2–5 times of the acetone molecule diameter; (3) carboxyl and carbonyl groups can significantly increase the adsorption affinity between acetone molecule and KAC−X, and play an auxiliary role on the acetone adsorption. This study provides guidance for the facile synthesis of porous carbons from organic salt for the sake of acetone adsorption.
Reactions of a Gallane(pyridyl)iron Complex with Internal and Terminal Alkynyl Esters: C−O and C−C Bond Cleavage and Oxidative Addition of C−H Bond
Authors: Muraoka Takako , Ishii Yasuhisa , Takahashi Misaki , Siti Nursaliha , Ueno Keiji
Published: February 2022

The selective fragmentation of internal alkynyl esters RC≡CCO2Me into RC≡C, C=O, and OMe fragments was investigated using a gallane(pyridyl)iron complex Cp*(OC)Fe{(η1‐HGaMes2)(η1‐2‐C5H4N)} (1, Cp*: η5‐C5Me5, Mes: 2,4,6‐Me3C6H2). The reaction of complex 1 with RC≡CCO2Me (R=Ph, CO2Me) in C7D8 (toluene) at 100 °C for 0.5 h proceeded via selective C−O and C−C bond cleavage to afford η1‐alkynyliron complex Cp*(OC)2Fe(C≡CR) (R=Ph (5 a), CO2Me (5 b)) and 4‐membered Ga2O2 cyclic gallane [Mes2GaOMe]2 (3). In contrast, the reaction of 1 with methyl propiolate HC≡CCO2Me yielded a complex mixture, including gallane 3, Cp*(OC)2Fe(C≡CH) (5 c), and Cp*(OC)Fe(C≡CCO2Me)(GaMes2)(H) (F). The oxidative addition of the terminal H−C bond to the iron center occurred via the reaction of complex 1 with trimethylsilylacetylene (TMSA) and the photochemical reaction of dimesitylgallyliron complex Cp*(OC)2FeGaMes2 (4) with TMSA to afford η1‐alkynyl(gallyl)(hydride)iron complex Cp*(OC)Fe(C≡CSiMe3)(GaMes2)(H) (6).
One‐Pot Synthesis of MgAlO Support for PtSn Catalysts over Propane Dehydrogenation
Authors: Wang Xiaohan , Hu Huimin , Zhang Ning , Song Jiaxin , Fan Xiaoqiang , Zhao Zhen , Kong Lian , Xiao Xia , Xie Zean
Published: February 2022

The Mg−Al composite supports (MgAlO) with different Mg/Al ratios were prepared by hydrothermal method. Then a series of PtSn/MgAlO catalysts were prepared and the influence of Mg/Al ratios on the physicochemical properties and the catalytic performances for propane dehydrogenation were investigated. The catalysts were characterized by means of X‐ray diffraction, N2 adsorption‐desorption, H2 temperature‐programmed reduction, NH3 temperature‐programmed desorption and Raman. Compared with Al2O3 and MgO support, MgAlO support is beneficial to the dispersion of Pt. And the dispersion of Pt is influenced by the Mg/Al ratios. When the ratio of Mg/Al is 1/10, the dispersion of Pt is the highest, which results in high propane dehydrogenation activity.
Efficient Synthesis of 7H‐Chromeno[3,2‐c]quinolin‐5‐ium Salts and Quinolin‐4‐ones through Acid‐Promoted Cascade Reaction of 3‐Formylchromones and Anilines
Authors: Zhang Zhong‐Wei , Liu Yue‐Ying , Wang Si‐Yu , Zhang Cong‐Hai , Lin Jun
Published: February 2022

We report an efficient and environment‐friendly approach for the synthesis of multisubstituted 7‐oxo‐7H‐chromeno[3,2‐c]quinolin‐5‐ium salts using ambient air as a green sole oxidant. The chromeno[3,2‐c]quinolin‐5‐ium salts were prepared through metal‐free cascade intermolecular cycloaddition/oxidation reaction of 3‐formylchromones and N‐substituted anilines using HClO4 as the reagent and promoter under concise one‐pot conditions. In the applied research, the resulting quinolinium salts could serve as synthons and could be further transformed to diverse synthetically useful 3‐(2‐hydroxy‐benzoyl)quinolin‐4‐ones in water. This protocol offers a simple cascade strategy to synthesize a wide variety of natural‐like chromeno[3,2‐c]quinolin‐5‐ium salts and quinolin‐4‐ones, and shows some academic research potential as well as industrial applications.
Molten Salt Shielded Synthesis of Monodisperse Layered CaZnOS‐Based Semiconductors for Piezophotonic and X‐Ray Detection Applications
Authors: Zheng Yuantian , Li Xu , Ma Ronghua , Huang Zefeng , Wang Chunfeng , Zhu Mingju , Du Yangyang , Chen Xian , Pan Caofeng , Wang Bohan , Wang Yu , Peng Dengfeng
Published: February 2022

CaZnOS‐based semiconductors are the only series of material system discovered that can simultaneously realize a large number of dopant elements to directly fulfill the highly efficient full‐spectrum functionality from ultraviolet to near‐infrared under the same force/pressure. Nevertheless, owing to the high agglomeration of the high temperature solid phase manufacturing process, which is unable to control the crystal morphology, the application progress is limited. Here, the authors report first that CaZnOS‐based fine monodisperse semiconductor crystals with various doping ions are successfully synthesized by a molten salt shielded method in an air environment. This method does not require inert gas ventilation, and therefore can greatly reduce the synthesis cost and more importantly improve the fine control of the crystal morphology, along with the crystals’ dispersibility and stability. These doped semiconductors can not only realize different colors of mechanical‐to‐optical energy conversion, but also can achieve multicolor luminescence under low‐dose X‐ray irradiation, moreover their intensities are comparable to the commercial NaI:Tl. They can pave the way to the new fields of advanced optoelectronic applications, such as piezophotonic systems, mechanical energy conversion and harvesting devices, intelligent sensors, and artificial skin as well as X‐ray applications.
Software Process Evaluation from User Perceptions and Log Data
Authors: Vavpotič Damjan , Bala Saimir , Mendling Jan , Hovelja Tomaž
Published: February 2022

Companies often claim to follow specific software development methodologies (SDM) when performing their software development process. These methodologies are often supported by dedicated tools that keep track of work activities carried out by developers. The purpose of this paper is to provide a novel approach that integrates analytical insights from both the perceptions of SDM stakeholders and software development tools logs to provide SDM improvement recommendations. This paper develops a new process improvement approach that combines two significantly different sources of data on the same phenomenon. First, it uses a questionnaire to gather software development stakeholder SDM perceptions (managers and developers). Second, it leverages process mining to analyze software development tools logs to obtain additional information on software development activities. Finally, it develops recommendations based on concurrent analysis of both sources. Our novel process improvement approach is evaluated in three directions: Does the presented approach (RQ1) enable managers to gain additional insights into employees' performance, (RQ2) deliver additional insights into project performance, and (RQ3) enable development of additional SDM improvement recommendations? We find that integrated analysis of software development perception data and software development tools logs opens new possibilities to more precisely identify and improve specific SDM elements. The evaluation of our novel process improvement approach follows a single case study design. Our approach can only be used in enterprises in which software development tools logs are available. The study should be repeated in different cultural settings. We practically show how concurrently analyzing data about developer SDM perceptions and event log data from software development tools enables management to gain additional insights in the software development process regarding the performance of individual developers. The main theoretical contribution of our paper is a novel process improvement approach that effectively integrates data from management and developer perspectives and software development tools logs.
Spatial Characterization of Internal Defects in Medium Carbon Steel via X‐Ray Computed Tomography
Authors: Ali Naqash , Zhang Liqiang , Sui Zhisong , Zhou Hongwei , Zhang Chaojie , Nian Yi
Published: February 2022

Herein, the 3D characterization of internal defects in medium carbon steel with different soft reduction (SR) parameters is investigated, as regards its spatial morphology and size distribution using X‐ray computed tomography. The size of defects and their shape complexity increase from the equiaxed toward the center of the ingot, and the total number of defects is larger at the equiaxed region, which exhibits the aggregation and growth of small spherical pores into the large defects from equiaxed toward the center region. The two types of shrinkage defects, including island and net shrinkage, are identified. With the minimum reduction amount of 2 and 4 mm, the number and size of defects along with the carbon macrosegregation in the equiaxed region and center of the ingot are less as compared to the high reduction amount of 6 mm and without SR technology. The size of gas pores with sphericity >0.6 is <70 um with different reduction amounts and exceeds up to 150 um without SR. Therefore, minimum reduction amounts can easily regulate the internal defects in medium carbon steel.