bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New methodologies for the detection, identification, and quantification of microplastics and their environmental degradation by-products
Authors: Castelvetro Valter , Corti Andrea , Biale Greta , Ceccarini Alessio , Degano Ilaria , La Nasa Jacopo , Lomonaco Tommaso , Manariti Antonella , Manco Enrico , Modugno Francesca , Vinciguerra Virginia 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSampling, separation, detection, and characterization of microplastics (MPs) dispersed in natural water bodies and ecosystems is a challenging and critical issue for a better understanding of the hazards for the environment posed by such nearly ubiquitous and still largely unknown form of pollution. There is still the need for exhaustive, reliable, accurate, reasonably fast, and cost-efficient analytical protocols allowing the quantification not only of MPs but also of nanoplastics (NPs) and of the harmful molecular pollutants that may result from degrading plastics. Here a set of newly developed analytical protocols, integrated with specialized techniques such as pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS), for the accurate and selective determination of the polymers most commonly found as MPs polluting marine and freshwater sediments are presented. In addition, the results of an investigation on the low molecular weight volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released upon photo-oxidative degradation of microplastics highlight the important role of photoinduced fragmentation at a molecular level both as a potential source of hazardous chemicals and as accelerators of the overall degradation of floating or stranded plastic debris.
Non-invasive detection and localization of microplastic particles in a sandy sediment by complementary neutron and X-ray tomography
Authors: Tötzke Christian , Oswald Sascha E. , Hilger André , Kardjilov Nikolay 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Microplastics have become a ubiquitous pollutant in marine, terrestrial and freshwater systems that seriously affects aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Common methods for analysing microplastic abundance in soil or sediments are based on destructive sampling or involve destructive sample processing. Thus, substantial information about local distribution of microplastics is inevitably lost.

Methods
Tomographic methods have been explored in our study as they can help to overcome this limitation because they allow the analysis of the sample structure while maintaining its integrity. However, this capability has not yet been exploited for detection of environmental microplastics. We present a bimodal 3D imaging approach capable to detect microplastics in soil or sediment cores non-destructively.

Results
In a first pilot study, we demonstrate the unique potential of neutrons to sense and localize microplastic particles in sandy sediment. The complementary application of X-rays allows mineral grains to be discriminated from microplastic particles. Additionally, it yields detailed information on the 3D surroundings of each microplastic particle, which supports its size and shape determination.

Conclusion
The procedure we developed is able to identify microplastic particles with diameters of approximately 1 mm in a sandy soil. It also allows characterisation of the shape of the microplastic particles as well as the microstructure of the soil and sediment sample as depositional background information. Transferring this approach to environmental samples presents the opportunity to gain insights of the exact distribution of microplastics as well as their past deposition, deterioration and translocation processes.
Nanocomposites prepared from gold nanowires and multiwalled carbon nanotubes for non-enzymatic sensitive bioelectrochemical detection of pentraxin-3 in human serum
Authors: Zhang Qiongyuan , Wu Jiayi , Niu Wuceng , Xue Jianjiang 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPentraxin-3 (PTX-3) is one of the newly discovered tumor biomarker, especially in the diagnosis of lung cancer. The functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and gold nanowires (AuNWs) nanocomposites decorated the PTX-3 biosensor were reported in this work, realizing ultrasensitive detection of PTX-3 in human serum through simple and effective non-enzymatic reaction. The PTX-3 biosensor has excellent electrochemical activity and biocompatibility through carbon and metal nanomaterials. Compared with pure MWCNTs, the MWCNTs combined with AuNWs which shows a wide range of detection (0.001–1000 ng ml-1), higher sensitivity (17.10 μA/(ng ml-1)/cm2) and lower detection limits (0.16 pg ml-1, S/N = 3). Meanwhile, gold nanomaterials are one of the most stable noble metal nanomaterials and MWCNTs possess large electroactive surface area, which can greatly improves the stability (96.3%, after 3 weeks) and repeatability (RSD = 0.51%). This work remarkably extends the utilization of MWCNTs and AuNWs in the construction of biosensors in the fields of biosensing and medical diagnosis.
Impact of Race and Socioeconomic Status on Outcomes in Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19
Authors: Quan Daniel , Luna Wong Lucía , Shallal Anita , Madan Raghav , Hamdan Abel , Ahdi Heaveen , Daneshvar Amir , Mahajan Manasi , Nasereldin Mohamed , Van Harn Meredith , Opara Ijeoma Nnodim , Zervos Marcus 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
The impact of race and socioeconomic status on clinical outcomes has not been quantified in patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Objective
To evaluate the association between patient sociodemographics and neighborhood disadvantage with frequencies of death, invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), and intensive care unit (ICU) admission in patients hospitalized with COVID-19.

Design
Retrospective cohort study.

Setting
Four hospitals in an integrated health system serving southeast Michigan.

Participants
Adult patients admitted to the hospital with a COVID-19 diagnosis confirmed by polymerase chain reaction.

Main Measures
Patient sociodemographics, comorbidities, and clinical outcomes were collected. Neighborhood socioeconomic variables were obtained at the census tract level from the 2018 American Community Survey. Relationships between neighborhood median income and clinical outcomes were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression models, controlling for patient age, sex, race, Charlson Comorbidity Index, obesity, smoking status, and living environment.

Key Results
Black patients lived in significantly poorer neighborhoods than White patients (median income: $34,758 (24,531–56,095) vs. $63,317 (49,850–85,776), p < 0.001) and were more likely to have Medicaid insurance (19.4% vs. 11.2%, p < 0.001). Patients from neighborhoods with lower median income were significantly more likely to require IMV (lowest quartile: 25.4%, highest quartile: 16.0%, p < 0.001) and ICU admission (35.2%, 19.9%, p < 0.001). After adjusting for age, sex, race, and comorbidities, higher neighborhood income ($10,000 increase) remained a significant negative predictor for IMV (OR: 0.95 (95% CI 0.91, 0.99), p = 0.02) and ICU admission (OR: 0.92 (95% CI 0.89, 0.96), p < 0.001).

Conclusions
Neighborhood disadvantage, which is closely associated with race, is a predictor of poor clinical outcomes in COVID-19. Measures of neighborhood disadvantage should be used to inform policies that aim to reduce COVID-19 disparities in the Black community.
The Effect of Corporate — Start-Up Collaborations on Corporate Entrepreneurship
Authors: Rigtering J. P. Coen , Behrens M. Ayelen 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn an attempt to become more flexible and responsive, corporates increasingly collaborate with start-ups. By doing so, corporates hope to make a transition towards a more entrepreneurial organization or to rejuvenate their organizational culture and working practices. We present the results of a multiple case study in which we compare eight corporate—start-up collaborations that achieved different success rates in terms of promoting corporate renewal. Our focus is on the corporate individuals that participate in the collaboration and we combine literature on corporate entrepreneurship with institutional theory to study the conditions under which these individuals are more likely to exhort transformational agency and to contribute to renewal. Our results indicate that the effect of corporate—start-up collaborations on renewal is mediated by two individual-level mechanisms: reflexivity and intrinsic motivation. In addition, we identify several organizational contingencies that affect both the likelihood that corporate individuals adopt a reflexive orientation and are intrinsically motivated as well as the likelihood that their transformational efforts are successful.
Practices for Research Integrity Promotion in Research Performing Organisations and Research Funding Organisations: A Scoping Review
Authors: Ščepanović Rea , Labib Krishma , Buljan Ivan , Tijdink Joeri , Marušić Ana 
Published: January 2021

AbstractResearch integrity (RI) is a continuously developing concept, and increasing emphasis is put on creating RI promotion practices. This study aimed to map the existing RI guidance documents at research performing organisations (RPOs) and research funding organisations (RFOs). A search of bibliographic databases and grey literature sources was performed, and retrieved documents were screened for eligibility. The search of bibliographical databases and reference lists of selected articles identified a total of 92 documents while the search of grey literature sources identified 118 documents for analysis. The retrieved documents were analysed based on their geographical origin, research field and organisational origin (RPO or RFO) of RI practices, types of guidance presented in them, and target groups to which RI practices are directed. Most of the identified practices were developed for research in general, and are applicable to all research fields (n = 117) and medical sciences (n = 78). They were mostly written in the form of guidelines (n = 136) and targeted researchers (n = 167). A comprehensive search of the existing RI promotion practices showed that initiatives mostly come from RPOs while only a few RI practices originate from RFOs. This study showed that more RI guidance documents are needed for natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities since only a small number of documents was developed specifically for these research fields. The explored documents and the gaps in knowledge identified in this study can be used for further development of RI promotion practices in RPOs and RFOs.
Reappraisal of Atrial fibrillation: interaction between hyperCoagulability, Electrical remodelling and Vascular destabilisation in the progression of AF (RACE V) Tissue Bank Project: study design
Authors: Gilbers M. D. , Bidar E. , Maesen B. , Zeemering S. , Isaacs A. , Crijns H. , van Gelder I. , Rienstra M. , Verheule S. , Maessen J. , Stoll M. , Schotten U. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
The development of atrial fibrillation (AF) is a complex multifactorial process. Over the past few decades, much has been learned about the pathophysiological processes that can lead to AF from a variety of specific disease models in animals. However, our ability to recognise these disease processes in AF patients is still limited, which has contributed to the limited progress in improving rhythm control in AF.

Aims/objectives
We believe that a better understanding and detection of the individual pathophysiological mechanisms underlying AF is a prerequisite for developing patient-tailored therapies. The RACE V Tissue Bank Project will contribute to the unravelling of the main molecular mechanisms of AF by studying histology and genome-wide RNA expression profiles and combining this information with detailed phenotyping of patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Methods
As more and more evidence suggests that AF may occur not only during the first days but also during the months and years after surgery, we will systematically study the incidence of AF during the first years after cardiac surgery in patients with or without a history of AF. Both the overall AF burden as well as the pattern of AF episodes will be studied. Lastly, we will study the association between the major molecular mechanisms and the clinical presentation of the patients, including the incidence and pattern of AF during the follow-up period.

Conclusion
The RACE V Tissue Bank Project combines deep phenotyping of patients undergoing cardiac surgery, including rhythm follow-up, analysis of molecular mechanisms, histological analysis and genome-wide RNA sequencing. This approach will provide detailed insights into the main pathological alterations associated with AF in atrial tissue and thereby contribute to the development of individualised, mechanistically informed patient-tailored treatment for AF.
Conceptualization of functional single nucleotide polymorphisms of polycystic ovarian syndrome genes: an in silico approach
Authors: Prabhu B. N. , Kanchamreddy S. H. , Sharma A. R. , Bhat S. K. , Bhat P. V. , Kabekkodu S. P. , Satyamoorthy K. , Rai P. S. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a multi-faceted endocrinopathy frequently observed in reproductive-aged females, causing infertility. Cumulative evidence revealed that genetic and epigenetic variations, along with environmental factors, were linked with PCOS. Deciphering the molecular pathways of PCOS is quite complicated due to the availability of limited molecular information. Hence, to explore the influence of genetic variations in PCOS, we mapped the GWAS genes and performed a computational analysis to identify the SNPs and their impact on the coding and non-coding sequences.

Methods
The causative genes of PCOS were searched using the GWAS catalog, and pathway analysis was performed using ClueGO. SNPs were extracted using an Ensembl genome browser, and missense variants were shortlisted. Further, the native and mutant forms of the deleterious SNPs were modeled using I-TASSER, Swiss-PdbViewer, and PyMOL. MirSNP, PolymiRTS, miRNASNP3, and SNP2TFBS, SNPInspector databases were used to find SNPs in the miRNA binding site and transcription factor binding site (TFBS), respectively. EnhancerDB and HaploReg were used to characterize enhancer SNPs. Linkage Disequilibrium (LD) analysis was performed using LDlink.

Results
25 PCOS genes showed interaction with 18 pathways. 7 SNPs were predicted to be deleterious using different pathogenicity predictions. 4 SNPs were found in the miRNA target site, TFBS, and enhancer sites and were in LD with reported PCOS GWAS SNPs.

Conclusion
Computational analysis of SNPs residing in PCOS genes may provide insight into complex molecular interactions among genes involved in PCOS pathophysiology. It may also aid in determining the causal variants and consequently contributing to predicting disease strategies.
Some Thoughts on Modelling Hail Impact on Surfaces
Authors: Macdonald J. R. , Stack M. M. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractHail impact-induced erosion has the potential to significantly affect the operational lifetime of structures exposed to extreme weathering environments such as hail events. Computational materials modelling can be used to better understand the erosion behaviour during a hailstone impact, and here the relevant background work is detailed. In this paper, an implementation of an ice impact model, utilising Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics along with a highly strain-rate-dependent material model, is shown, and its results and limitations discussed. An overview is given on the literature on modelling hail events, including the history of experimental work. The various potential modelling methods which have been developed is then given, along with an evaluation of the suitability of the methods to future work in this area.
Characteristics of evolution of mining-induced stress field in the longwall panel: insights from physical modeling
Authors: Lou Jinfu , Gao Fuqiang , Yang Jinghe , Ren Yanfang , Li Jianzhong , Wang Xiaoqing , Yang Lei 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe evolution of mining-induced stress field in longwall panel is closely related to the fracture field and the breaking characteristics of strata. Few laboratory experiments have been conducted to investigate the stress field. This study investigated its evolution by constructing a large-scale physical model according to the in situ conditions of the longwall panel. Theoretical analysis was used to reveal the mechanism of stress distribution in the overburden. The modelling results showed that: (1) The major principal stress field is arch-shaped, and the strata overlying both the solid zones and gob constitute a series of coordinated load-bearing structures. The stress increasing zone is like a macro stress arch. High stress is especially concentrated on both shoulders of the arch-shaped structure. The stress concentration of the solid zone in front of the gob is higher than the rear solid zone. (2) The characteristics of the vertical stress field in different regions are significantly different. Stress decreases in the zone above the gob and increases in solid zones on both sides of it. The mechanical analysis show that for a given stratum, the trajectories of principal stress are arch-shaped or inversely-arched, referred to as the “principal stress arch”, irrespective of its initial breaking or periodic breaking, and determines the fracture morphology. That is, the trajectories of tensile principal stress are inversely arched before the first breaking of the strata, and cause the breaking lines to resemble an inverted funnel. In case of periodic breaking, the breaking line forms an obtuse angle with the advancing direction of the panel. Good agreement was obtained between the results of physical modeling and the theoretical analysis.
Der Mensch als Verwertungsobjekt – Literarische Stimmen im Bioethikdiskurs
Authors: Spieß Constanze 
Published: January 2021

ZusammenfassungWährend aus diskurslinguistischer Perspektive gesellschaftliche Debatten über bioethische und biomedizinische Themen innerhalb des öffentlich-politischen Kommunikationsbereichs ausführlich untersucht wurden (z.B. Diskurse über Sterbebegleitung/Sterbehilfe, humane embryonale Stammzellforschung oder Präimplantationsdiagnostik), gilt das für den Bereich der literarischen Kommunikation nicht. Der Beitrag fasst literarische Texte als Stimmen und Positionen innerhalb von Diskursen auf, die sich aus ästhetischer Perspektive spezifischen Themen (z.B. bioethischen und biomedizinischen Themen) nähern und aus ihrer kommunikationsbereichsspezifischen Perspektive Wirklichkeit sprachlich deuten, sprachlich konstruieren und damit auch gestalten. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird die Frage gestellt, wie und mit welchen sprachlichen Mitteln literarische Positionen zu bioethischen Themen als Stimmen im Diskurs zur Geltung gebracht werden. Grundlage der diskurslinguistischen Analyse sind der Kinder- und JugendromanDuplik Jonas 7von Birgit Rabisch und der RomanDie Entbehrlichenvon Ninni Holmqvist.
An oppositional Salp Swarm: Jaya algorithm for thermal design optimization of an Organic Rankine Cycle
Authors: Turgut Mert Sinan , Turgut Oguz Emrah 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis study proposes a hybrid metaheuristic algorithm to tackle both single and multi objective optimization problems that are subjected to hard constraints. Twenty-four single objective optimization benchmark problems comprising unimodal and multi modal test functions have been solved by the proposed hybrid algorithm (OPSSAJ) and numerical results have been compared with those acquired by some of the new emerged metaheuristic optimizers. The proposed OPSSAJ shows a significant accuracy and robustness in most of the cases and proves its efficiency in solving high dimensional problems. As a real-world case study, seventeen operational design parameters of an organic rankine cycle (ORC) operating with a binary mixture of R227EA and R600 refrigerants are optimized by the proposed hybrid OPSSAJ to obtain the optimum values of contradicting dual objectives of second law efficiency and Specific Investment Cost. A Pareto curve composed of non-dominated solutions is constructed through the weighted sum method and the final solution is chosen by the reputed TOPSIS decision-maker. The pareto curve and best-compromising result obtained by utilizing the OPPSAJ are compared with that of acquired by using nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) and multiple objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) algorithms. The multi-objective ORC design obtained with the OPSSAJ yields a significant improvement in thermal efficiency and cost values compared to designs found by the NSGA-II and MOPSO algorithms. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis is performed to observe the influences of the selected design variables on problem objectives.
An autonomous real-time detector system for radionuclide monitoring in drinking water systems
Authors: Drinhaus Jorrit , Harstrick Alexander , Breustedt Bastian 
Published: January 2021

AbstractFor monitoring radioactive contamination of water systems due to nuclear accidents or terrorist attacks, there is need of an in situ online measurement to assess alpha-, beta- and gamma-emitting radionuclide contaminants quickly and accurately. However, there is no well-established online monitoring system for permanent surveillance of drinking water systems. Therefore, a real-time measurement system was developed based on the readout of plastic scintillator sheets by a photomultiplier. Direct contact between scintillator and streaming water allows for the detection of both long- and short-ranged particles. Using a passive cooling system, detection limits of 141 Bq/L for $$^{241}$$

241

Am, 20 Bq/L for $$^{60}$$

60

Co and 17 Bq/L for $$^{137}$$

137

Cs were achieved with measurements of 60 s counting time. The system has been designed to be operated safely without deep knowledge of radiation measurement technology. The detector can be connected as a bypass to a water system and be operated in a continuous online survey mode, making it applicable as an early warning system.
Development of a wireless data transmission system for a uniaxial dynamometer
Authors: de Araújo Batista Lucas Damasceno , Silva Dávila Moreira Lopes , Triaca Eloi Antonio , da Silva Dantas Gabriel Nogueira , de Menezes Lourenço Maria Augusta , Resende João Matheus Bernardo , Silva Jefferson Igor Duarte , de Melo Anderson Clayton Alves , de Oliveira Adilson José 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWireless dynamometers are an adequate solution to measure mechanical loads where the use of cables is not practicable. Proprietary solutions are applied in most of the cases found out in the literature on wireless dynamometers. However, these solutions have a high market price, and they are black-box systems, which limit their application in customized conditions. In this context, this study presents the development of a wireless dynamometer based on low market price components and with an open-source technology for real-time monitoring with a suitable sampling rate of 400 Hz (or 32.8 kbps). The proposed dynamometer used a complete Wheatstone bridge configuration and an amplifier circuit with a static gain of 99.8 V/V. Calibration tests and analysis of the performance were carried out according to ISO 376 standard. The proposed wireless dynamometer presented performance indicators of 0.76% for hysteresis, 1.34% for linearity, 4.83 mV/N for sensitivity, and 5.22% for repeatability. These results show that the low market price components and open-source technology can be used to build reliable wireless dynamometers able to comply with customized industrial demands.