bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plastic scintillation dosimeter with a conical mirror for measuring 3D dose distribution
Authors: Tsuneda Masato , Nishio Teiji , Ezura Takatomo , Karasawa Kumiko 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPurposeTo test the measurement technique of the three‐dimensional (3D) dose distribution measured image by capturing the scintillation light generated using a plastic scintillator and a scintillating screen.MethodsOur imaging system constituted a column shaped plastic scintillator covered by a Gd2O2S:Tb scintillating screen, a conical mirror and a cooled CCD camera. The scintillator was irradiated with 6 MV photon beams. Meanwhile, the irradiated plan was prepared for the static field plans, two‐field plan (2F plan) and the conformal arc plan (CA plan). The 2F plan contained 16 mm2 and 10 mm2 fields irradiated from gantry angles of 0° and 25°, respectively. The gantry was rotated counterclockwise from 45° to 315° for the CA plan. The field size was then obtained as 10 mm2. A Monte Carlo simulation was performed in the experimental geometry to obtain the calculated 3D dose distribution as the reference data. Dose response was acquired by comparing between the reference and the measurement. The dose rate dependence was verified by irradiating the same MU value at different dose rates ranging from 100 to 600 MU/min. Deconvolution processing was applied to the measured images for the correction of light blurring. The measured 3D dose distribution was reconstructed from each measured image. Gamma analysis was performed to these 3D dose distributions. The gamma criteria were 3% for the dose difference, 2 mm for the distance‐to‐agreement and 10% for the threshold.ResultsDose response for the scintillation light was linear. The variation in the light intensity for the dose rate ranging from 100 to 600 MU/min was less than 0.5%, while our system presents dose rate independence. For the 3D dose measurement, blurring of light through deconvolution processing worked well. The 3D gamma passing rate (3D GPR) for the 10 × 10 mm2, 16 × 16 mm2, and 20 × 20 mm2 fields were observed to be 99.3%, 98.8%, and 97.8%, respectively. Reproducibility of measurement was verified. The 3D GPR results for the 2F plan and the CA plan were 99.7% and 100%, respectively.ConclusionsWe developed a plastic scintillation dosimeter and demonstrated that our system concept can act as a suitable technique for measuring the 3D dose distribution from the gamma results. In the future, we will attempt to measure the 4D dose distribution for clinical volumetric modulated arc radiation therapy (VMAT)‐SBRTplans.
Fears about COVID‐19 and perceived risk among people with rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis following the initial lockdown in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Treharne Gareth J. , Johnstone Grace , Fletcher Benjamin D. , Lamar Roisin S. M. , White Douglas , Stebbings Simon , Harrison Andrew 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe COVID‐19 pandemic has disrupted all aspects of life and may raise particular fears for people with rheumatic disease. There is a need for research on fears and perceived risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 so as to understand the impact on wellbeing and inform service provision.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to examine the correlates of COVID‐19 fears and perceived risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 among people with rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis.DesignA cross‐sectional survey design was applied in Aotearoa New Zealand in the period after initial nationwide lockdowns.MethodAn online survey was completed from July to September 2020 by 126 individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (n = 96) or ankylosing spondylitis (n = 30) who had previously been recruited to the Patient Opinion Real‐Time Anonymous Liaison (PORTAL) study in 2015 or 2018. The survey included demographics and health information as well as measures of COVID‐19 fears and experiences, functional disability and fatigue‐related disability.ResultsFears about COVID‐19 were higher among younger participants, those who had been tested for SARS‐CoV‐2, and those who experienced more flares over the initial lockdown. Perceived risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection was also higher among individual who had been tested for SARS‐CoV‐2 and those taking biologic medications.ConclusionFears about COVID‐19 and perceived risk of infection are related to age, health and medications among individuals with rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis. These findings inform how health professionals can help address the concerns of particular groups of people with rheumatic disease by providing relevant information about the ongoing effects of the pandemic.
A simple organic solvent precipitation method to improve detection of low molecular weight proteins
Authors: Periasamy Parthiban , Rajandran Sureka , Ziegman Rebekah , Casey Mika , Nakamura Kyohei , Kore Hitesh , Datta Keshava , Gowda Harsha 
Published: August 2021

AbstractMass spectrometry‐based proteomics revolutionized global proteomic profiling. Although high molecular weight abundant proteins are readily sampled in global proteomics studies, less abundant low molecular weight proteins are often underrepresented. This includes biologically important classes of low molecular weight proteins including ligands, growth factors, peptide hormones and cytokines. Although extensive fractionation can facilitate achieving better coverage of proteome, it requires additional infrastructure, mass spectrometry time and labour. There is need for a simple method that can selectively deplete high molecular weight abundant proteins and enrich for low molecular weight less abundant proteins to improve their coverage in proteomics studies. We present a simple organic‐solvent based protein precipitation method that selectively depletes high molecular weight proteins and enriches low molecular weight proteins in the soluble fraction. Using this strategy, we demonstrate identification of low molecular weight proteins that are generally underrepresented in proteomics datasets. In addition, we show the utility of this approach in identifying functional cleavage products from precursor proteins and low molecular weight short open reading frame proteins encoded by non‐coding regions such as lncRNAs and UTRs. As the method does not require additional infrastructure, it can complement existing proteomics workflows to increase detection and coverage of low molecular weight proteins that are less abundant.
The importance of conserving Mexico's tomato agrodiversity to research plant biochemistry under different climates
Authors: Sandoval‐Ceballos María Guadalupe , Kalungwana Ng' Andwe , Griffin Jonathan Henry Charles , Martínez‐Guerra Geovanni , Ramírez‐Ramírez Iván , Maldonado‐Peralta Ramiro , Marshall Lisa , Bosch Christine , Cruz‐Huerta Nicacio , Gonzalez‐Santos Rosalinda , León Patricia , Chávez‐Servia José Luis , González‐Hernández Víctor A. , Phelps Jacob , Toledo‐Ortiz Gabriela 
Published: August 2021

Societal Impact StatementTomatoes are important to agriculture, human nutrition and cuisines globally. However, many commercial tomato varieties, including the saladette that dominates the North American market, are highly sensitive to environmental changes that impact yields and critical biochemical pathways including carotenoids and isoprenoids that influence nutritional content and flavour. We highlight the potential of tomato agrodiversity, notably its genetic diversity, as an undervalued research tool for understanding environmental regulation of plant biochemistry under different climates. Yet, tomato genetic diversity in Mexico, the major centre of tomato domestication, is not formally described or protected. We propose that transdisciplinary efforts are essential to identify, conserve and research these globally significant genetic resources.
Multiple imputation analysis of Miettinen‐Nurminen interval for difference in proportions
Authors: Lu Kaifeng , Guo Hua 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe standard multiple imputation technique focuses on parameter estimation and assumes that the parameter estimator is asymptotically normally distributed with a Wald‐type confidence interval for the parameter of interest. On the other hand, the Miettinen‐Nurminen (MN) method for difference in proportions (Miettinen O, Nurminen M. Stat Med. 1985;4:213–226) constructs the confidence interval using an asymptotic score method and hence is not directly amenable to the standard multiple imputation technique. We propose a multiple imputation analysis that is applicable to the MN method for difference in proportions. We use simulation studies to compare the proposed method with that of Li, Mehrotra and Barnard (LMB), which is based on effective sample sizes (Li X, Mehrotra DV, Barnard J. Stat Med. 2006;25:2107–2124). We show that both methods produce confidence intervals with adequate coverage, while the proposed method produces slightly shorter confidence intervals than the LMB method. In addition, the proposed method is evaluable for all datasets, while the LMB method cannot be used when the imputed cell counts are zero across imputations for a treatment group.
The role of the Scandium element concentration in the YN matrix: Ab initio study of structural, electronic, mechanical and thermal properties
Authors: Cherchab Youcef , Mir Ali , González‐Hernández Rafael , Talbi Khedija , Bennadji Abderrahim 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThis study shows that the substitution of Scandium in the Yttrium Nitride matrix improves the mechanic properties quality and increase his melting point. In this framework, we use the DFT‐FP‐LAPW method to verify all the properties, structural, electronic and thermal of the Sc xY1‐xN alloy in a concentration range [x = 0–1] with a step of 0.25. The strong curvature of the lattice band structure parameter and the effective mass is due to the incorporation of the Sc atom into the Y‐N matrix. The energy of formation indicates that this material is formed successfully and energetically stable due to the relatively small size of the nitrogen atoms and its considerable electronegativity to Sc and Y.
Activity Promotion of Core and Shell in Multifunctional Core–Shell Co2P@NC Electrocatalyst by Secondary Metal Doping for Water Electrolysis and Zn‐Air Batteries
Authors: Lv Xian‐Wei , Xu Wei‐Shan , Tian Wen‐Wen , Wang Hao‐Yu , Yuan Zhong‐Yong 
Published: August 2021

AbstractDeveloping cost‐efficient multifunctional electrocatalysts is highly critical for the integrated electrochemical energy‐conversion systems such as water electrolysis based on hydrogen/oxygen evolution reactions (HER/OER) and metal‐air batteries based on OER/oxygen reduction reactions (ORR). The core–shell structured materials with transition metal phosphide as the core and nitrogen‐doped carbon (NC) as the shell have been known as promising HER electrocatalysts. However, their oxygen‐related electrocatalytic activities still remain unsatisfactory, which severely limits their further applications. Herein an effective strategy to improve the core and shell performances of core–shell Co2P@NC electrocatalysts through secondary metal (e.g., Fe, Ni, Mo, Al, Mn) doping (termed M‐Co2P@M‐N‐C) is reported. The as‐synthesized M‐Co2P@M‐N‐C electrocatalysts show multifunctional HER/OER/ORR activities and good integrated capabilities for overall water splitting and Zn‐air batteries. Among the M‐Co2P@M‐N‐C catalysts, Fe‐Co2P@Fe‐N‐C electrocatalyst exhibits the best catalytic activities, which is closely related to the configuration of highly active species (Fe‐doping Co2P core and Fe‐N‐C shell) and their subtle synergy, and a stable carbon shell for outstanding durability. Combination of electrochemical‐based in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with extensive experimental investigation provides deep insights into the origin of the activity and the underlying electrocatalytic mechanisms at the molecular level.
Ultralow Ru Incorporated Amorphous Cobalt‐Based Oxides for High‐Current‐Density Overall Water Splitting in Alkaline and Seawater Media
Authors: Wu Dulan , Chen Ding , Zhu Jiawei , Mu Shichun 
Published: August 2021

AbstractRealizing efficiency and stable hydrogen production by water electrolysis under high current densities is essential to the forthcoming hydrogen economy. However, its industrial breakthrough is seriously limited by bifunctional catalysts with slow hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalytic processes. Herein, an ultralow Ru incorporated amorphous cobalt‐based oxide (Ru‐CoOx/NF), effectively driving the electrolysis of water at high current densities in alkaline water and seawater, is designed and constructed. In 1 m KOH, to reach the current density of 1000 mA cm−2 for HER and OER, it only needs 252 and 370 mV overpotentials, respectively, beyond commercial Pt/C and RuO2 catalysts. At the high current density, it also presents outstanding electrochemical stability. Then the electrolyzer apparatus assembled with Ru‐CoOx/NF, just requires the ultra‐low voltage of 2.2 and 2.62 V to support the current density of 1000 mA cm−2 in alkaline water and seawater electrolysis, respectively, for hydrogen production, better than that of the commercial Pt/C and RuO2 catalysts. This work demonstrates that Ru‐CoOx/NF is one of the most promising catalysts for industrial applications and provides a possibility for exploration of high‐current‐density water electrocatalysis by changing the crystallinity of the catalyst.
Evaluating shared decision‐making between companion animal veterinarians and their clients using the Observer OPTION5 instrument
Authors: Janke Natasha , Coe Jason B. , Sutherland Katja A. K. , Bernardo Theresa M. , Dewey Cate E. , Stone Elizabeth A. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackground: Communication practices used by veterinarians can impact client's involvement in decision‐making. The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of client involvement in veterinary care decisions and factors impacting client involvement.Methods: A random sample of practising companion animal veterinarians and a convenience sample of pet owners were recruited. Each consultation was audio‐video recorded and analyzed using the Observer OPTION5 instrument, adapted from human medicine, to assess veterinarians’ level of shared decision‐making. A mixed linear model was used to assess statistical associations between veterinarian, client and appointment‐level factors and OPTION5 scores.Results: Sixty veterinarians and 909 of their clients were audio‐video recorded during a consultation, of which 717 interactions included a decision identified for analysis using the OPTION5 instrument. Elements consistent with shared decision‐making were uncommon, with a mean OPTION5 score of 22.6 (median = 20.0; sd = 13.05; range = 0–75) out of 100. OPTION5 scores were positively associated with the length of the appointment and negatively associated with the veterinarian's years in practice when controlling for statistical interaction between client income and appointment type.Conclusion: Findings suggest an opportunity exists for veterinarians to incorporate more client involvement through increased use of shared decisionmaking behaviours during veterinary consultations.
Development of a novel real‐time PCR assay targeting p54 gene for rapid detection of African swine fever virus (ASFV) strains circulating in Vietnam
Authors: Trinh Thi Bich Ngoc , Truong Thang , Nguyen Van Tam , Vu Xuan Dang , Dao Le Anh , Nguyen Thi Lan , Ambagala Aruna , Babiuk Shawn , Oh Jinsik , Song Daesub , Le Van Phan 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAfrican swine fever (ASF) continues to cause outbreaks throughout regions of Africa, Europe and Asia. The disease can cause severe morbidity and mortality resulting in serious economic losses. Since there is no vaccine available to control ASF, early detection is critical to contain and control the disease. The aim of this study was to develop a novel real‐time PCR assay based on highly conserved ASFV gene E183L (p54). The limit of detection of the assay, VNUA‐p54 real‐time PCR, was 2.63 copies/reaction and 2 Log10 HAD50/ml. The VNUA‐p54 real‐time PCR was able to detect fifteen different ASFV reference strains representing p72 genotypes I, II and V. The assay was specific and did not amplify other swine viruses including CSFV, FMDV, PRRSV and PEDV. The diagnostic sensitivity of the real‐time PCR assay was evaluated using 200 field clinical specimens collected from swine farms located in different provinces in Vietnam. The VNUA‐p54 real‐time PCR assay is an additional tool for ASF diagnostics and can be used in combination with other p72 based ASFV real‐time PCR assays as a rapid confirmatory assay.
Influences of porous reduction graphene oxide/molybdenum disulfide as filler on dielectric properties, thermal stability, and mechanical properties of natural rubber
Authors: Pan Hongwei , Wang Zhaokun , Cui Yongyin , Cao Lan , Zong Chengzhong 
Published: August 2021

AbstractA ternary composite system consisting of natural rubber (NR), porous reduced graphene oxide (rPGO), and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) was introduced for applying in the dielectric field, of which rPGO and MoS2 hybrid conductive filler (rPGM) was prepared by an effective and environmentally friendly method‐microwave reduction. And the well‐dispersed NR composites (NGM) were made by the latex co‐precipitation method. Due to the large specific surface area of rPGM itself and the synergistic dispersion of rPGO and MoS2, it formed many stable interface structures with the NR matrix, which not only made the blend exhibit high elasticity and withstood large deformation as NR but also greatly improved the dielectric, mechanical and thermal stability of the NR matrix. Compared with neat NR, the dielectric constant of nanocomposite increased by 11 times in the presence of rPGM conductive filler, and the leakage current generated by direct contact of fillers was reduced due to the attachment of MoS2 to the surface of rPGO; when 2% rPGM was added, the NR exhibited the highest tensile strength (21.3 MPa), elongation at break (495%), and abrasion resistance (0.165 cm−3); in addition, the thermal stability of the nanocomposite was also improved. These phenomena indicate that rPGM had great potential in conductive fillers and provided a reliable way for NR applications in the field of dielectric elastomers.
Assessing learning in low carbon technologies: Toward a more comprehensive approach
Authors: Lewis Joanna I. , Nemet Gregory F. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractWith decades of experience developing and deploying low carbon technologies around the world, much has been learned. We assess six categories that represent the diversity of methodological approaches that have been used to study low carbon learning: (1) learning curves; (2) expert elicitations; (3) patent analysis; (4) engineering‐based decomposition; (5) policy intervention studies; and (6) case studies. Based on a review of low carbon learning studies in these six areas, we summarize what we know about low carbon learning, and what we have yet to fully understand, including the methodological strengths and limitations of key studies conducted to date. We find that a more comprehensive understanding of low carbon learning is necessary and timely given the massive scale and short time horizon of the low carbon transition, and that there are real benefits to employing a comprehensive approach using multiple methods. We find a need for better data sets, and for studies of a more diverse set of technologies, as well as of interactions among technologies. In addition, studies should be more explicit about local context, with a particular need for additional focus on emerging and developing countries. We identify key topics that warrant further research, including technology specific learning methods; spatial distinctions and the local and global linkages that influence learning; and an expanded study of the cultural, social, environmental, and political factors that influence learning. Finally, we recommend more nuance in the design of policies directed at accelerating low carbon learning.This article is categorized under:The Carbon Economy and Climate Mitigation > Future of Global Energy
Stakeholders' perceptions and preferences towards industrial water sensitive development in New Zealand
Authors: Wang Yuliang , van Roon Marjorie 
Published: August 2021

AbstractUnderstanding stakeholders' perceptions and preferences is key to promoting Industrial Water Sensitive Design (IWSD). A questionnaire was distributed to stakeholders in a conventional New Zealand industrial area. The results showed that technological feasibility limitation, institutional inertia, and cognitive shortage were the main barriers to IWSD application, though stakeholders supported IWSD and preferred the vegetation‐based measures. IWSD should focus on achieving the enhancement of environmental quality, greening functions, community well‐being, traffic and driving convenience, and balancing the aesthetic demand and attractiveness of IWSD projects. Improving the threshold of IWSD measures' pollutant removal capacity and optimizing infiltration places and flow paths are also vital. Results suggest IWSD implementation requires the transformation of public awareness, the establishment of sound regulations, plus IWSD guidance, practitioner training guidance, and incentive mechanisms. The findings facilitate public acceptance, strategic planning, the formulation of regulations for future IWSD application, and achievement of sustainable industrial development. The study concludes by providing recommendations for future work.Practitioner Points

Industrial Sustainable Stormwater Management is a research and practice gap.
The main barriers of IWSD are technological feasibility limitation, institutional inertia, and cognitive shortage.
Traffic and driving convenience, greening functions, aesthetic value balance, and health improvement are vital for improving social acceptance of IWSD.
IWSD requires sound policy, awareness transformation, and reasonable design for capacity of IWSD measures and stormwater infiltration and flow.
Exploration of Arrhenius activation energy on hybrid nanofluid flow over a curved stretchable surface
Authors: Varun Kumar R.S , Alhadhrami A. , Punith Gowda R.J. , Naveen Kumar R. , Prasannakumara B.C. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractScientists and engineers have experimentally noticed that the heat transfer is essential for preeminence of multi scale production. Thermal properties are naturally accomplished via continuous phase liquids. Its importance is nevertheless constrained by the low capacity for heat transfer. Consequently, the increased heat transference phenomenon must be employed to accomplish the expected results. In this regard, the nature of the Arrhenius activation energy in the flow of hybrid nanoliquid over a curved stretchable surface (CSS) in the presence of exponential heat generation is scrutinized. The fluid suspended with Manganese zinc ferrite and Nickel zinc ferrite (NiZnFe2O4) as nanoparticles along with Kerosene oil as a base liquid is accounted in this study. The described flow equations are transformed by using appropriate similarity variables and then they are tackled with Runge Kutta Fehlberg‐45 (RKF‐45) scheme by adopting shooting process. It can be concluded that, the increasing values of Biot number and heat source/sink parameter improves the thermal gradient. Further, hybrid nanofluid shows high heat transfer rate when compared to nanoliquid for improved values of heat source/sink parameter.
Data Analytics and Machine Learning
Authors: Järvinen Paula , Siltanen Pekka , Kirschenbaum Amit 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn this chapter we give an introduction to data analytics and machine learning technologies, as well as some examples of technologies used in the DataBio project. We start with a short intdroduction of basic concepts. We then describe how data analytics and machine learning markets have evolved. Next, we describe some basic technologies in the area. Finally, we describe how data analytics and machine learning were used in selected pilot cases of the DataBio project.