bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Semi‐Serendipitous Journey towards the Commercialisation of a Catalytic Hydrocracking Process for Polymer Waste
Authors: Bobbink Felix D. , van Muyden Antoine , Lee Wei‐Tse , Dyson Paul J.
Published: February 2022

This Personal Account reviews the sequence of scientific discoveries that led to a catalytic plastic conversion technology that resulted in the creation of a spin‐off company called Plastogaz from the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (Switzerland). The story begins with research on the catalytic valorization of CO2, carried out by two PhD students and a master student, and the connections and steps subsequently made, ultimately leading to a plastic transformation technology. The Personal Account highlights the value of diverse research topics within a research group, the benefits of connections between chemistry and chemical engineering, that can lead to interesting synergies and atypical breakthroughs.
System‐level performance simulation analysis of non‐orthogonal multiple access technology in 5G mobile communication network
Authors: Li Chongyang , Hu Guoan , Fan Boyong
Published: February 2022

As the core technology of mobile communication system, multiple access technology directly determines the performance and capacity of the system. However, with the rapid growth of the number of mobile communication system users and the high rate service demand, these orthogonal multiple access technologies are limited by the spectrum efficiency and access capacity, so it is difficult to meet the future mobile communication demand. Therefore, for the fifth generation mobile communication system (5G), the research of non‐orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) technology to effectively improve the system capacity has been widely concerned. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the influence of interference and power distribution on system performance simulation based on the simulation results of two most representative NOMA technologies, sparse code division multiple access (SCMA) and NOMA. This paper firstly briefly analyzes the SCMA system model and key technologies and, on this basis, introduces the SCMA system simulation platform, including basic platform parameters and platform simulation flow chart. Furthermore, the influence of adaptive modulation coding on the performance improvement of SCMA system is analyzed by simulation. Then, based on the NOMA system model, this paper carried out the research on fairness among NOMA users. Based on Lagrange multiplier method, this paper simulates fairness under the restriction of power allocation optimization algorithm, the number of users in different area, different radius and different transmission power, the village of village fair index, the change of the frequency spectrum efficiency and energy efficiency curve, the throughput rate between 0.8 and 1.4 changes, and the conclusion that has a guiding significance for NOMA system design.
A comprehensive survey on simulators, emulators, and testbeds for VANETs
Authors: Babu Sarath , Raj Kumar P Arun
Published: February 2022

Nowadays, inter‐vehicle and intra‐vehicle communication triggers the development of safety and non‐safety applications in Vehicular Adhoc NETworks (VANET). These applications need to be evaluated before the actual implementation. The performance of these applications is generally evaluated through indispensable tools such as simulators, emulators, and testbeds. Although simulators, emulators, and testbeds are available as open‐source or proprietary for VANET applications, finding the correct tool for the experiment is intriguing and challenging from the researcher's perspective. In this paper, our focus is to provide a comprehensive survey on the existing simulators, emulators, and real time testbeds based on technical specifications, capabilities, etc. To the best of our knowledge, there is no such an exhaustive survey that exists in the literature. Further, we developed a real time low‐cost VANET testbed on our institute campus to implement the VANET related projects.
Fully cooperative and distributed focal underdetermined system solver compressive sensing recovery algorithm for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Azarnia Ghanbar , Sharifi Abbas Ali
Published: February 2022

The designed algorithms for wireless sensor networks (WSNs) should not impose a high computational load on sensor nodes because they are battery‐powered devices. To distribute the computations between sensors, distributed algorithms are required. On the other hand, since the sensors observe related phenomena, the acquired signals, besides the intra‐signal correlation, also have some inter‐signal correlation. When the designed algorithms are cooperative, these joint structures are used. In this study, we propose a distributed and cooperative algorithm based on the focal underdetermined system solver (FOCUSS) for compressive sensing signal reconstruction in WSNs. Unlike the other FOCUSS‐based sparse recovery algorithms, the proposed algorithm is quite distributed and implemented by one‐hop communication between the neighboring node without collaborating any fusion center (FC). In the suggested system model, the reconstructed signals from the underdetermined systems of equations are different for each sensor node. The obtained results verified that the proposed approach performs better than the existing works regarding signal reconstruction and convergence rate.
Smartphone apps for eating disorders: An overview of the marketplace and research trends
Authors: O'Leary Theodora , Torous John
Published: February 2022

Objective

Apps purporting to assist with the management of eating disorders are proliferating; although less is known about (a) the safety or efficacy of the apps on the marketplaces and (b) if the research evidence supports dissemination of these apps. In this research forum, we seek to synthesize the current data and provide practical considerations around the use and research of these apps.

Methods

A search of the iOS and Google Play stores was conducted in June 2021 to identify publicly available apps targeting eating disorders. A PubMed search was also conducted in June 2021 to identify relevant publications around smartphone apps for eating disorders.

Results

Sixty‐five apps that support the treatment of eating disorders were identified and coded across 105 data points on the publicly available mindApps.org website. The literature search revealed 13 articles. Seven percent of marketplaces apps offered any research support and the 13 published studies focused on only four apps.

Discussion

There is a need for more translational research on smartphone apps for eating disorders. Current marketplace offerings present risks that may not be balanced by their limited evidence. Research efforts should focus on offering evidenced‐based apps for the marketplace. Clinicians should weigh known and emerging risks and benefits of these apps within the context of research gaps when making decisions around use.
Both landscape and local factors influence plant and hexapod communities of industrial water‐abstraction sites
Authors: Thierry Chloé , Pisanu Benoît , Machon Nathalie
Published: February 2022

At the landscape level, intensification of agriculture, fragmentation, and destruction of natural habitats are major causes of biodiversity loss that can be mitigated at small spatial scales. However, the complex relationships between human activities, landscapes, and biodiversity are poorly known. Yet, this knowledge could help private stakeholders managing seminatural areas to play a positive role in biodiversity conservation.

We investigated how water‐abstraction sites could sustain species diversity in vascular‐plant communities and two taxonomic groups of insect communities in a fragmented agricultural landscape.

Landscape‐scale variables (connectivity indices and surrounding levels of herbicide use), as well as site‐specific variables (soil type for vascular plants, floral availability for Rhopalocera, and low herbaceous cover for Orthoptera), were correlated to structural and functional metrics of species community diversity for these taxonomic groups, measured on 35 industrial sites in the Ile‐de‐France region in 2018–2019.

Rhopalocera and Orthoptera consisted essentially of species with a high degree of dispersal and low specialization, able to reach the habitat patches of the fragmented landscape of the study area. Sandy soil harbored more diverse vascular‐plant communities. Plant diversity was correlated to a greater abundance of Rhopalocera and a lower richness of Orthoptera.

Increasing landscape connectivity was related to higher abundance of plants and Rhopalocera, and a higher evenness index for Orthoptera communities. Higher levels of herbicide use were related to a decrease in the biodiversity of plants and Rhopalocera abundance. High levels of herbicide favored high‐dispersal generalist plants, while high levels of connectivity favored low‐dispersal plants. Specialist Orthoptera species were associated with low herbaceous cover and connectivity.

Water‐abstraction sites are valuable seminatural habitats for biodiversity. Changing intensive agricultural practices in surrounding areas would better contribute to conserving and restoring biodiversity on these sites.
Influence of plant reproductive systems on the evolution of hummingbird pollination
Authors: Abrahamczyk Stefan , Weigend Maximilian , Becker Katrin , Dannenberg Lea Sophie , Eberz Judith , Atella‐Hödtke Nayara , Steudel Bastian
Published: February 2022

Many hummingbird‐pollinated plant species evolved from bee‐pollinated ancestors independently in many different habitats in North and South America. The mechanisms leading to these transitions are not completely understood. We conducted pollination and germination experiments and analyzed additional reproductive traits in three sister species pairs of which one species is bee‐ and the other hummingbird‐pollinated. All hummingbird‐pollinated species showed higher seed set and germination rates in cross‐pollinated than in self‐pollinated flowers. In the self‐compatible, bee‐pollinated sister species this difference did not exist. As expected, seed set and germination rate were higher after cross‐pollination in the largely self‐incompatible genus Penstemon independently of the pollination syndrome. However, the bird‐pollinated species produce only half of the amount of ovules and pollen grains per flower compared to the bee‐pollinated sister species. This indicates that hummingbird pollination is much more efficient in self‐incompatible populations because hummingbirds waste less pollen and provide higher outcrossing rates. Therefore, hummingbird pollination is less resource costly. Overall, we suggest that hummingbirds may increase the reproductive success compared to bees, influencing the evolution of hummingbird pollination in ecosystems with diverse bee assemblages.
Short‐term thermal acclimation modulates predator functional response
Authors: Sentis Arnaud , Veselý Lukas , Let Marek , Musil Martin , Malinovska Viktoriia , Kouba Antonín
Published: February 2022

Phenotypic plastic responses to temperature can modulate the kinetic effects of temperature on biological rates and traits and thus play an important role for species adaptation to climate change. However, there is little information on how these plastic responses to temperature can influence trophic interactions. Here, we conducted an experiment using marbled crayfish and their water louse prey to investigate how short‐term thermal acclimation at two temperatures (16 and 24°C) modulates the predator functional response. We found that both functional response parameters (search rate and handling time) differed between the two experimental temperatures. However, the sign and magnitudes of these differences strongly depended on acclimation time. Acclimation to 16°C increased handling time and search rate whereas acclimation to 24°C leads to the opposite effects with shorter handling time and lower search rate for acclimated predators. Moreover, the strength of these effects increased with acclimation time so that the differences in search rate and handing time between the two temperatures were reversed between the treatment without acclimation and after 24 h of acclimation. Overall, we found that the magnitude of the acclimation effects can be as strong as the direct kinetic effects of temperature. Our study highlights the importance of taking into account short‐term thermal plasticity to improve our understanding of the potential consequences of global warming on species interactions.
Annelated Pyridine Bases for the Selective Acylation of 1,2‐Diols
Authors: Mayr Stefanie , Zipse Hendrik
Published: February 2022

A set of 24 annelated derivatives of 4‐diaminopyridine (DMAP) has been synthesized and tested with respect to its catalytic potential in the regioselective acylation of 1,2‐diol substrates. The Lewis basicities of the catalysts as quantified through quantum chemical calculations vary due to inductive substituent effects and intramolecular stacking interactions between side chain π‐systems and the pyridinium core ring system. The primary over secondary hydroxyl group selectivities in catalytic acylations of 1,2‐diol substrates depend on the size and the steric demand of the Lewis base and the anhydride reagent.
Electrochemical Detection of Nitrite Using an Asymmetrically Substituted Cobalt Phthalocyanine Conjugated to Metal Tungstate Nanoparticles
Authors: Ndebele Nobuhle , Mgidlana Sithi , Nyokong Tebello
Published: February 2022

This paper explores the synthesis and characterisation of an asymmetrical Co phthalocyanine (CoPc), and its covalent linking to two tungsten nanoparticles: bismuth tungsten oxide (Bi2WO6) and nickel tungsten oxide (NiWO4). The nanoparticles were also mixed with the CoPc. The CoPc, nanoparticles and their respective conjugates were used as electrocatalysts in the electrochemical detection of nitrite. The electrocatalysts studied in this work had sensitivities ranging from 3–133 μA/mM while the limits of detection (LoDs) ranged between 0.063 μM and 1.7 μM. Bi2WO6 and its conjugate exhibited better LoD than corresponding NiWO4 and conjugate.
Poly(N,N′‐bis‐4‐butylphenyl‐N,N′‐biphenyl)benzidine as Interfacial Passivator for Dopant‐Free P3HT Hole Transport Layer‐Based Perovskite Solar Cell in Regular Mesoscopic Architecture
Authors: Kassem Hassan , Salehi Alireza , Kahrizi Mojtaba , Mirzanejad Hamid , Hedayati Amin , Khorasani Behnam
Published: February 2022

The best‐recorded performance of perovskite‐based solar cells (PSCs) in regular mesoscopic architecture is generally associated with the use of the common 2,2′,7,7′‐tetrakis[N,N‐di(4‐methoxyphenyl)amino]‐9,9′‐spirobifluorene (Spiro‐OMeTAD). However, the need for lithium‐based hygroscopic dopants hinders the chemical and environmental stability of the devices. This work presents a passivated stable PSC device based on a dopant‐free poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) hole transport layer. By introducing a poly(N,N′‐bis‐4‐butylphenyl‐N,N′‐biphenyl)benzidine (polyTPD) interlayer at the perovskite/P3HT interface, the parameters of the low‐performance pristine P3HT‐based cells are improved. This introduction leads to optimizing the P3HT film morphology, interfacial defects, and charge extraction, along with a significant suppression of interfacial recombination and enhancement of the cell power conversion efficiency (PCE) from 7% to 10.65%. Further, an improvement is observed in open‐circuit voltage and the fill factor, increasing from 0.912 to 0.95 V and from 59.2% to 61.1%, respectively. Moreover, the noncapsulated passivated PSC devices exhibit higher operational stability. Examinations show that devices in a dark controlled environment (10–15% humidity) can retain 82% of their initial PCE for 450 h, and 73% of their initial PCE when thermally stressed at 60 °C temperature under ambient conditions (25–35% humidity) for 264 h.
Geomechanische Auswirkungen saisonaler Wärmespeicherung in stillgelegten Bergwerken
Authors: Bücken Daniel , Meier Tobias , Backers Tobias
Published: February 2022

For the transition to sustainable heat sources, storage infrastructure is required to provide heat evenly throughout the year. Solar heat is typically produced in the summer and can be stored in underground heat reservoirs for the winter. Flooded coal mines, e.g., are potential heat reservoirs. To assess whether the geomechanical integrity of a colliery and the surrounding rock mass are affected by seasonally stored heat, a numerical case study was performed at ”Zeche Dannenbaum“ in the Ruhr valley, Germany. During summer, hot water was injected into level 8 of the colliery while cold water was produced from level 4. This process was reversed in winter. Detailed subsurface models of the colliery, rock mass and tectonic faults were used to numerically simulate the cyclical changes in pore pressure and temperature and the resulting stress changes. The displacement of the land surface, and geomechanically critical regions in the rock mass were derived. Moreover, the reactivation potential of the fault zones and the risk of induced seismicity were evaluated. The high injection temperatures induce strong thermoelastic effects, which could potentially lead to fault reactivation and induced seismicity. Surface displacements, however, are negligeable.
The sedimentary characteristics and depositional evolution in the Middle Jurassic Xishanyao Formation, Southeastern Xiayan Rise, Junggar Basin, NW China
Authors: Chen Jing , He Naixiang , Wang Yi , Fu Lei , Yu Chenglong , Liu Yan
Published: February 2022

The significant hydrocarbon discoveries have been found during the past few years in Middle Jurassic Xishanyao Formation in Southeastern Xiayan Rise, Junggar Basin. The braided delta front deposits and shore‐shallow lacustrine deposits are well preserved in Xishanyao Formation, their history being documented by integrated analysis of seismic volumes and borehole datasets (wireline logs, cores, grain size etc). The results reveal that five sedimentary microfacies are identified. Among them, the braided delta front deposits include subaqueous distributary channel, inter‐distributary channel and mouth bar, while shore‐shallow lacustrine deposits consist of lacustrine mud and swamp. In addition, depositional evolution of braided delta front deposits and shore‐shallow lacustrine deposits from bottom to top in Xishanyao Formation is characterized by retrogradation and progradation during depositional period. The depositional evolution during depositional period of Xishanyao Formation is controlled by interactions of the source and distribution of provenance, the catchments, the lacustrine fluctuations and the climates.
Circularly Polarized Luminescence of [6]Helicenes through Excited‐State Intramolecular Proton Transfer
Authors: Göbel Dominik , Míguez‐Lago Sandra , Ruedas‐Rama Maria Jose , Orte Angel , Campaña Araceli G. , Juríček Michal
Published: February 2022

We present the concept of combining circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) and excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) features into a single molecule as a strategy to generate high‐performance ESIPT‐based CPL materials. For this purpose, a [6]helicene bearing two ESIPT structural units was synthesized using a double Suzuki–Miyaura reaction and a double C(sp2)−H hydroxylation approach. The photophysical properties of the doubly hydroxylated [6]helicene were studied in parallel with a non‐hydroxylated [6]helicene control compound, revealing that the presence of a chiral [6]helicene unit results in a strong CPL response and the presence of the ESIPT units in a considerable red shift. The red‐shifted emission along with the outstanding glum (≈10−2) and a large Stokes shift makes the doubly hydroxylated [6]helicene a promising candidate for use in optoelectronics.
Dimensions of women empowerment on access to antenatal care in Uganda: A further analysis of the Uganda demographic health survey 2016
Authors: Sserwanja Quraish , Nabbuye Rehemah , Kawuki Joseph
Published: February 2022

Background

Women empowerment has been viewed as a good strategy in the reduction of global maternal morbidity and mortality. Most of the recent studies in Uganda have focussed on antenatal care (ANC) frequency and the associated factors with no focus on the effect of women empowerment. Our study aims at examining the prevalence of optimal access to ANC by considering the timing of initiation, type of ANC provider and ANC frequency and their association with women empowerment.

Methods

We used Uganda Demographic and Health Survey 2016 data of 9957 women aged 15–49 years. Multistage stratified sampling was used to select study participants and we conducted multivariable logistic regression to establish the association between women empowerment and access to ANC using Statistical package for the social sciences version 25.

Results

Out of 9957 women, 2953 (29.7%: 95% CI: 28.5.0–30.2) had initiated ANC in first trimester, 6080 (61.1%: 95% CI: 60.4–62.3) had 4 or more ANC contacts, and 9880 (99.2%: 95% CI: 99.0–99.3) had received ANC from a skilled provider. Overall, 2399 (24.1%: 95% CI: 23.0–24.6) had optimal access to ANC. Economic empowerment and exposure to media were the only women empowerment indices that were positively associated with optimal access to ANC. Other factors that were significant include; region, wealth index, age, level of education and working status.

Conclusion

To ensure increased access to ANC, policy‐makers and other stakeholders should prioritise the use of mass media in maternal health programs, equitable allocation of the limited financial resources with a focus on older, poor and uneducated women.
The practice of procedural pain assessment and management in neonatal intensive care unit in Ethiopia: Cross‐sectional study
Authors: Assefa Emebet , Dinkiye Mamude , Geleta Temesgen , Tantu Temesgen , Wondwosen Mekete , Zewdu Dereje
Published: February 2022

Background and Aims

Neonates in intensive care units undergo frequent painful procedures for diagnostic or care‐related purposes. Untreated pain has serious short‐term and long‐term complications. This study aims to evaluate the frequency of painful procedures, pain assessment, and their analgesic management practice among neonates admitted to the NICU.

Methods

The present study is a hospital‐based cross‐sectional study of neonates admitted at level II NICU of St. Paul hospital millennium medical college in Ethiopia between March and August 2019. Data were collected from medical charts of neonates and bedside observation using a checklist. The parameters included were demographic characteristics, types of painful procedures, pain assessment practice, and analgesic intervention provided during painful procedures. Descriptive statistics, Mann‐Whitney U‐test, and Kruskal‐Wallis test were used to compare the number of painful procedures and influencing factors. P‐value < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Of the 325 neonates included in this study, a median of 4 (3‐7) painful procedures were performed per neonate in the first 24 hours of NICU stay. Heel lance 280 (20.7%) and Venipuncture 249 (18.41%) were the most commonly performed painful procedures. Of the 1352 painful procedures, none of the neonates received any form of analgesic intervention and none of the neonate's pain scores were documented on their medical chart. The higher number of painful procedures were associated with gestational age between 28 and 31 weeks, birth weight less than 1500 g, and use of CPAP respiratory support P‐value <.001, <.001, and .0015, respectively.

Conclusion

Painful procedures were frequently performed in NICU without any form of analgesic intervention. Strategies to introduce neonatal pain assessment and their analgesic management for clinical practice are necessary.
Room‐temperature metal–sulfur batteries: What can we learn from lithium–sulfur?
Authors: Ye Hualin , Li Yanguang
Published: February 2022

Rechargeable metal–sulfur batteries with the use of low‐cost sulfur cathodes and varying choice of metal anodes (Li, Na, K, Ca, Mg, and Al) represent diverse energy storage solutions to satisfy different application requirements. In comparison to the highly‐regarded lithium–sulfur batteries, the use of nonlithium‐metal anodes in metal–sulfur batteries offers multiple advantages in terms of abundance, cost, and volumetric energy density. Although with the same sulfur cathode, metal–sulfur batteries show considerably differences in the electrochemical reaction pathway and capacity fading mechanism. Herein, we provide an overview of correlations and differences in metal–sulfur batteries, highlighting the knowledge and experience that can be transplanted from lithium–sulfur to other metal–sulfur batteries. We first discuss the historical development and the electrochemical reaction mechanism of various metal–sulfur batteries. This is then followed by an analysis of key challenges of metal–sulfur batteries including polysulfide shutting, cathode passivation, and anode stability. Finally, a short perspective is presented about the possible future development of metal–sulfur batteries.
On combining deep features and machine learning for automatic edge pedestrian detection task
Authors: Yu Huihui
Published: February 2022

Due to the restriction of cloud computing for video processing and distribution in networks, this paper designs an machine learning‐based automatic edge detection framework for video processing task in the Internet of Things (IoT) networks. Since the video processing algorithm is complex and consumes massive computing resources, it can reduce the network transmission to put the video processing model on the edge servers, uploading the processing results from the edge servers to the cloud computing center. Obviously, the processing result is much smaller than the original video, which can implement real‐time transmission. On the edge servers, the video is processed by utilizing a faster region convolutional neural network (Faster R‐CNN) which integrates feature extraction with classification. The experiments, performed on several pedestrian flow detection datasets, demonstrate the effectiveness of the designed automatic edge detection framework.
Hypercholesterolemia aggravates sevoflurane‑induced cognitive impairment in aged rats by inducing neurological inflammation and apoptosis
Authors: Liu Lidan , Zhang Xin , Wang Cong , Wu Xiuying , Long Bo
Published: February 2022

We aimed to explore the effects of hypercholesterolemia on sevoflurane‐induced cognitive impairment in aged rats and the underlying mechanism(s). Aged rats were administrated with high‐fat diet, sevoflurane, or both. Thereafter, the plasma levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) were evaluated. The Morris water maze task was performed to evaluate the spatial learning and memory ability of rats. Moreover, Nissl and Evans blue staining were conducted to test nerve damage and detect the blood–brain barrier permeability, respectively. The percentage of apoptotic cells was evaluated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay. The messenger RNA expression of inflammatory factors and protein expression of microglial activation markers and apoptosis‐related proteins were tested by real‐time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, or western blot analysis, respectively. High‐fat diet induced high levels of TC, TG, and LDL but decreased levels of HDL. However, sevoflurane had no effects on these levels. In contrast, sevoflurane significantly induced the impairment of learning and memory, nerve damage, neuroinflammatory damage, and neuronal apoptosis. Hypercholesterolemia exacerbated the sevoflurane‑induced impairment in aged rats. These results suggested that hypercholesterolemia aggravates sevoflurane‑induced cognitive impairment in aged rats, possibly by inducing neurological inflammation and apoptosis.
Comparison of next generation diagnostic systems (NGDS) for the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Sanchez Antonio O. , Ochoa Anna R. , Hall Sallie L. , Voelker Chet R. , Mahoney Rachel E. , McDaniel Jennifer S. , Blackburn August , Asin Susana N. , Yuan Tony T.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) a pandemic in March 2020. Initially, supply chain disruptions and increased demand for testing led to shortages of critical laboratory reagents and inadequate testing capacity. Thus, alternative means of biosample collection and testing were essential to overcome these obstacles and reduce viral transmission. This study aimed to 1) compare the sensitivity and specificity of Cepheid GeneXpert® IV and BioFire® FilmArray® 2.0 next generation detection systems to detect SARS‐CoV‐2, 2) evaluate the performance of both platforms using different biospecimen types, and 3) assess saline as an alternative to viral transport media (VTM) for sample collection.

Methods

A total of 1,080 specimens consisting of nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs in VTM, NP swabs in saline, nasal swabs, oropharyngeal (OP) swabs, and saliva were collected from 216 enrollees. Limit of detection (LoD) assays, NP VTM and NP saline concordance, and saliva testing were performed on the BioFire® FilmArray® 2.0 Respiratory Panel 2.1 and Cepheid GeneXpert® Xpress SARS‐CoV‐2/Flu/RSV assays.

Results

LoD and comparative testing demonstrated increased sensitivity with the Cepheid compared with the BioFire® in detecting SARS‐CoV‐2 in NP VTM and saline, nasal, and OP swabs. Conversely, saliva testing on the Cepheid showed statistically significant lower sensitivity compared to the BioFire®. Finally, NP swabs in saline showed no significant difference compared with NP swabs in VTM on both platforms.

Conclusion

The Cepheid and BioFire® NGDS are viable options to address a variety of public health needs providing rapid and reliable, point‐of‐care testing using a variety of clinical matrices.
Adolescents' views of defunding the police, abolishing the police, and “The Talk”
Authors: Fine Adam D. , Del Toro Juan
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Definitions regarding defunding or abolishing the police are highly contested in the United States. Moreover, adolescents' definitions and how socialization processes shape their definitions are unclear.

Methods

Within a national sample of 822 adolescents ages 13–17 (49.69% female; 63.22% White, 16.93% Black/African American, 11.01% Hispanic/Latinx) surveyed in July 2020, this study examined how youth define defunding versus abolishing the police, how much parents talk to youth about the police (i.e., “the Talk”), and whether relations emerged between defunding/abolishing the police and “the Talk.”

Results

Youth supported defunding more than abolishing (d = 0.57). Support for abolishing was higher for youth who frequently received “the Talk” (b = 0.25). Differences by race and gender were uncovered in how frequently youth received “the Talk.”

Conclusions

Police must recognize that coercion, fear, and biased policing breed discontent and promote families to engage in protective parenting strategies including engaging in “the Talk.”
Between wellness and fairness: The mediating role of autonomous human choice and social capital in OECD countries
Authors: Di Martino Salvatore , Scarpa Michael P. , Prilleltensky Isaac
Published: February 2022

Theoretical arguments and empirical evidence have been provided in the literature for the role of fairness in wellness. In this paper, we explore the role of two potential mediating variables: autonomous human choice and social capital. Using aggregated panel data across countries belonging to the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD), we compared the OECD Social Justice Index (SJI) with data on life satisfaction to test whether fairness has direct and indirect effects on wellness. Results from a series of Manifest Path Analyses with time as fixed effect, support the hypothesis that the OECD SJI is directly linked to country‐level life satisfaction, additionally revealing that its indirect effect operates primarily through people's autonomous choices in life and their country's level of social capital. Our results contribute to two distinct bodies of knowledge. With respect to community psychology, the findings offer empirical evidence for the synergistic effect of personal, relational, and collective factors in well‐being. With respect to the impact of economic inequality on wellness, we extend the literature by using social justice as a more comprehensive measure. Limitations and recommendations for future studies are discussed.
Analysis and modeling of the kink effect in S22 based on support vector machine for GaN HEMTs
Authors: Zhu Zegen , Geng Mingqiang , Cai Jialin , Gao Haijun
Published: February 2022

In this work, the kink effect (KE), typically visible in S22, is analyzed and modeled. Two different modeling techniques: equivalent circuit modeling (ECM) method and machine learning method which based on support vector regression (SVR) technique are presented and compared, when applied to the S22 behavior of a Gallium Nitride (GaN) high electron mobility transistor (HEMT). The device under test (DUT) has a width of 8 × 125 μm, with a gate feature size of 0.25 μm. The proposed method identifies the effect that the bias voltage and extrinsic elements have on the S22 kink shape. Additionally, compared to ECM, the SVR model attains a superior fitting accuracy across the complete frequency band.
Wettability reversal of reservoir rock surface through surfactant stabilized microemulsion
Authors: Chen Jun , Huang Zhiyu , Liu Dongfang , Zhang Ying , Li Hanmin , Lu Hongsheng
Published: February 2022

In the process of the tertiary recovery of oil and gas resources, it is necessary to use external fluids to displace the crude oil in the reservoir. Whether the crude oil on the surface of the rock can be effectively displaced and the wettability of the rock can be changed to avoid re‐adsorption by the crude oil is directly related to the level of oil recovery. Therefore, it is critical to study the cleaning and wettability reversal of reservoir rock surface. Because microemulsions have outstanding performance in changing the wettability of rocks and solubilizing crude oil, this paper uses cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) as a surfactant and n‐butanol as a co‐surfactant to prepare microemulsions. The performance of microemulsions with different microstructures on the cleaning and wettability changes of crude oil on the rock surface were studied. The results show that the water‐in‐oil (W/O) microemulsion has good cleaning efficiency, and the oil removal rate on the sandstone core surface can reach 79.65%. In terms of changing the wettability of the rock surface, W/O, bi‐continuous phase (B.C.) and oil‐in‐water (O/W) microemulsions can change the core surface from lipophilic to hydrophilic. And the effects of the B.C. and O/W microemulsions are more obvious. The microemulsion system that was prepared based on cationic surfactants has a good application prospect in changing the wettability of the reservoir and cleaning the adsorbed crude oil.
Metabolomics reveals changes in metabolite composition of duck eggs under the impact of long‐term storage
Authors: Liu Hehe , Yang Qinglan , Guo Rui , Hu Jiwei , Tang Qian , Qi Jingjing , Wang Jiwen , Han Chunchun , Zhang Rongping , Li Liang
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Eggs are essential food sources as they provide low cost and high nutritional content of animal protein. The preservation period is one of the apparent factors affecting egg quality. Previous studies based on traditional detection techniques demonstrated that storage period would significantly influence egg weight, eggshell weight, albumen height, haugh unit (HU) and albumen viscosity. Herein, we employed non‐targeted metabolome technology to reveal the comprehensive changes in metabolite composition in duck eggs under the impacts of storage period.

RESULTS

The results showed that the primary metabolites in the yolk of duck eggs are amino acids, carbohydrates and lipids. In contrast, the primary metabolites in the albumen are amino acids, benzene and indoles. We screened 43 and 16 different metabolites, respectively, in the albumen and yolk of duck eggs with different preservation periods. In addition, kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment was performed, and the results showed that various nutrients were degraded in the egg after preservation, thus affecting the quality of duck eggs. These nutrients included amino acids, fatty acids, nucleotides, sugars and vitamins; meanwhile, ammonia, biogenic amines and some flavor substances were produced, affecting the quality of the eggs.

CONCLUSION

Ourfindings can contribute to a holistic understanding of metabolite composition changes in duck eggs during deterioration in storage. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
The application of wide spectrum low peak blue light technology in health TV display
Authors: Ji Honglei , Li Pengfei , Fu Wenjing , Li Zelong , Ge Ziyi
Published: February 2022

The ever‐increasing utilization of blue light‐emitting diode in the field of the display has brought great damage to human eyes. Here, we demonstrate a method that reduces the damage caused by high concentrations of short‐wavelength blue light. Our wide spectrum and low peak backlight technology are based on replacing the existing common blue chip with a combination of shortwave blue‐chip and long‐wave blue chip. At the same time, a large number of blue‐filtering dye particles are coated on the optical film to reduce high‐energy blue light and achieve the effect of protecting the eyes. Therefore, our project can achieve up to 25 nm FWHM and a 50% reduction in peak blue light that is close to the continuous spectrum of natural light in the blue wavelength region. Numerical and experimental results, in a good agreement, demonstrate good performance of the proposed approach in liquid crystal display, with potential applications to eye‐friendly display.
Precipitation regulates the livestock dung seed bank through above ground vegetation productivity in the Qaidam basin
Authors: Wang Shu‐Lin , Hou Fu‐Jiang
Published: February 2022

The livestock dung seed bank (DSB) plays an important role in the regeneration and sustainability of grasslands in grazing ecosystems. As global precipitation patterns change, the productivity of the above ground vegetation (AGV) in semiarid and arid regions may be substantially affected, as will both the size and composition of the livestock DSB. However, the effects of altered precipitation patterns remain to be determined. Dung was collected for three consecutive years (2018–2020) from horses, cattle and sheep in the desert region of the Qaidam basin, China. The seedling emergence method was used to examine species richness and seed density in the DSB, and the structure and composition of the DSB and the AGV were also investigated. Combined with precipitation data, a structural equation model was used to explore how precipitation affects the livestock DSB by quantifying changes in the AGV in the basin. The results showed that horses [seedling density 5.32 (2018), 6.30 (2019) and 7.44 (2020) g−1 dung] had greater seed dispersal potential than cattle (3.91, 5.08 and 6.42 g−1 dung) or sheep (0.88, 1.32 and 2.96 g−1 dung), indicating that horse dung contributes the most to the AGV in the Qaidam basin. Furthermore, the seed composition of the DSB differed substantially from species of the AGV, implying that the DSB can promote the diversification of grasslands. An increase in precipitation increased both the productivity of the AGV (and hence livestock forage) and the size and composition of the DSB. These results highlight that the DSB is an essential driver of the development of grasslands in arid areas and that the indirect effect of precipitation on the livestock DSB for the regeneration and conservation of grasslands should be considered in arid regions.
The submental island flap in head and neck reconstruction: A 10‐year experience examining application, oncologic safety, and role of comorbidity
Authors: Paydarfar Joseph A. , Kahng Peter W. , Polacco Marc A. , Zhao Wenyan
Published: February 2022

Background

We present our experience on reconstructive versatility and risk of nodal transfer with the submental island flap (SIF). We also examine the role of comorbidity as a predictor of complications.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing SIF over 10‐year period. Comorbidity determined using Adult Comorbidity Evaluation 27 index (ACE‐27). Univariable/multivariable logistic regressions performed to determine association of these characteristics and rates of major complications.

Results

Fifty‐eight patients underwent SIF reconstruction, 27 (45%) patients had moderate/severe comorbidity, and 24 (41%) experienced major complication. Multivariable analysis identified ACE‐27 scores >2 predictive of major flap complications (OR: 17.38, 95% CI: 1.96–153.74, p = .01) and medical complications (OR: 5.8, 95% CI: 1.11–30.23, p = .037). There were no cases of pathologic nodal transfer.

Conclusion

The SIF is a versatile flap and oncologically safe in carefully selected patients. The ACE‐27 index is strongly predictive of major postoperative complications.

Level of Evidence

4
Spectral analysis of a non‐homogeneous rotating Timoshenko beam
Authors: Akian Jean‐Luc
Published: February 2022

In this paper we examine the spectral analysis of a spatially non‐homogeneous Timoshenko beam mounted on the periphery of a rigid root rotating about its axis at a constant angular speed. The junction between the beam and the root is assumed to be elastically restrained and damped. The unbounded operator associated to the physical problem in the associated Hilbert space is non‐self‐adjoint and with a compact resolvent. We show that under some hypotheses on the physical properties of the beam, there exists a Riesz basis of root vectors of this unbounded operator. Furthermore, the solution of the initial value problem has an expansion in terms of this Riesz basis, uniform with respect to the time in a bounded interval.
Beyond the Big Five: The effect of machiavellian, narcissistic, and psychopathic personality traits on stakeholder engagement
Authors: Hollebeek Linda D. , Sprott David E. , Urbonavicius Sigitas , Sigurdsson Valdimar , Clark Moira K. , Riisalu Rein , Smith Dale L. G.
Published: February 2022

Prior research has established the key impact of customers' Big Five personality traits (e.g., agreeableness/conscientiousness) on their brand engagement, suggesting that individuals exhibiting differing personality traits engage differently with brands. In parallel, extending influential customer engagement research, stakeholder engagement, which covers any stakeholder's (e.g., a customer's, supplier's, employee's, or competitor's) engagement in his/her role‐related interactions, activities, and relationships, is rapidly gaining momentum. However, despite existing acumen in both areas, little remains known regarding the effect of stakeholders' antisocial or maladaptive dark triad‐based personality traits, including machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy, on the focal antisocial stakeholder's, and his/her interactee', role‐related engagement, as therefore explored in this paper. To address these issues, we develop a conceptual model and an associated set of propositions that outline the nature of a stakeholder's machiavellian, narcissistic, and psychopathic role‐related engagement and its effect on his/her interactee's engagement. We conclude by outlining pertinent theoretical and managerial implications that arise from our analyses.
Cause‐related marketing of luxury brands: Nudging materialists to act prosocially
Authors: Kim Sukhyun , Park Kiwan , Shrum L. J.
Published: February 2022

Across four experiments, we show that materialists' willingness to engage in cause‐related marketing (CRM) depends on the type of campaign: product‐linked (brand linked to a cause through limited‐edition products) or donation‐linked (direct donations to a charitable cause). Materialists are more willing to engage in product‐linked than donation‐linked campaigns, whereas nonmaterialists show the opposite pattern. The effect for materialists is driven by the status‐signaling qualities that luxury products convey and is eliminated for value brands and when materialists' need for status is momentarily satiated. This study shows that materialists can be nudged to behave prosocially by leveraging their status‐seeking motivations in the context of luxury consumption, and luxury brands will maximize participation by utilizing product‐linked CRM campaigns.
Mechanical characterization of spark plasma sintered titania‐silicon oxycarbide (TiO2/SiOC) nanocomposites
Authors: Awin E.W. , Kumar K.C.H. , Bernard S. , Kumar R.
Published: February 2022

In this work, titania‐silicon oxycarbide nanocomposites synthesized via the polymer derived ceramics route have been sintered into crack‐free monoliths using spark plasma sintering and their mechanical properties as well as their apparent density have been characterized. The x‐ray diffractogram clearly showed the stabilization of anatase phase of size less than 10 nm size in an amorphous silicon oxycarbide matrix at 1200 °C. The hardness and elastic modulus determined using nanoindentation were found to be 9 GPa and 82 GPa, respectively, and the fracture toughness calculated using indentation crack length method was found to be 2.34 MPa m1/2. In addition to this, ball‐on‐three ball technique was used to evaluate the biaxial flexural strength and fractographic studies were carried out to understand the fracture mechanisms.
Reactive sintering principle and compressive properties of porous AZ91 magnesium alloy foams produced by powder metallurgy approach
Authors: Agbedor S.O. , Yang D. , Chen J. , Saleh B. , Seidu S.O. , Qiu C. , Jiang J. , Ma A.
Published: February 2022

Porous magnesium alloy foams have gained tremendous interest from scientists because of their super lightweight, unique mechanical and physical properties. Despite numerous studies suggesting these advanced materials for structural and functional applications, their manufacturing processes remain poorly understood. In this paper, the porous Mg‐9 wt. %Al‐1 wt. % Zn alloy foam was prepared through the reactive sintering principle (i. e. the element metal powder reaction principle) by using the powder metallurgical method that is combined with a pore‐making agent. The chemical and phase compositions of the cell wall microstructure were investigated by X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive spectrometer. The compressive properties of the foams were evaluated by quasi‐static compression testing. The results of the analysis reveal that low‐temperature sintering can produce qualitative magnesium alloy foams with good mechanical properties by taking advantage of the intermetallic/or intermediate compounds which are formed in the cell wall through metal elements powder diffusion and reaction. Particularly, the foam samples sintered at 380 °C for 12 h gave the best compressive properties owing to the alloy intermetallic contents and the relative density of the foams.
How to avoid your opponent's aggressive competition? The interplay between same‐side network externality and agent information level in two‐sided markets
Authors: Fan Haowen , Zhang Yulin , Geng Yang
Published: February 2022

This study examines platform competition in the presence of the same‐side network externality. We study the effects of same‐side network externality and agent information level on the competition. We find that if a platform possesses positive same‐side network externality and conceals adoption information, this can increase its profits and make itself the market leader. The uninformed agents make the opponent feel fewer threats from the positive same‐side network externality, so that it will not respond with aggressive competition. Furthermore, the information sharing decisions can be viewed as a coping strategy to the same‐side network externality.