bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A numerical method for consensus control of leader‐following multi‐agent systems with the input delay
Authors: Bao Kunlong , Cong Yuhao , Hu Renhong 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn this paper, the consensus control problem of leader‐following linear multi‐agent systems with the input delay is investigated. We first present a necessary and sufficient condition for the leader‐following consensus of linear multi‐agent systems with the input delay. Then by means of the state transition matrix of linear delay systems, the leader‐following consensus problem is transformed into a distributed nonconvex optimization problem. Furthermore, a numerical method based on the successive convex approximation (SCA) technique is proposed to solve the distributed nonconvex optimization problem. Finally, numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Avoiding visitors to a protected area increases predation risk for the endangered mountain gazelle
Authors: Zukerman Yuval , Arnon Amir , Roll Uri , Berger‐Tal Oded 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

People's recreational activities in nature are essential to promote wildlife conservation. The interplay between humans and the environment is complex, as the presence of humans may impact wildlife both directly and by altering species interactions. Thus, conservation management in protected areas where people frequently interact with wildlife is challenging.

We investigated the combined impact of different recreational activities of varying intensity, along with environmental and temporal factors, on the activity of the endangered mountain gazelle (Gazella gazella) and its predator, the golden Jackal (Canis aureus) in Ramat Hanadiv Nature Park—a protected area in northern Israel.

We placed 109 camera traps in gazelles' activity centres over 5 years. We analysed the activity patterns of both species and how these patterns were affected by visitor activity.

We found that gazelles became more nocturnal in areas with higher visitor activity, which led to greater overlap in their activity periods with golden Jackals. Both species were less active when there were more visitors in the park, but jackals were more attracted to disturbed areas, while gazelles avoided them. Furthermore, we found that gazelles' activity was primarily affected by visitor activity compared to environmental factors, study year or predator activity.

Policy implications. We show direct and indirect effects of visitors on a predator–prey system and highlight the importance of understanding these impacts to manage protected areas and support human–wildlife coexistence.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Synthesis, characterization and microwave absorption properties of BaFe12O19/Ni0.5Mn0.5Fe2O4@ polyaniline nanocomposites with different ferrite percentages
Authors: Hosseinabad Tavus , Nabiyouni Gholamreza , Hedayati Kambiz 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn this paper, BaFe12O19/Ni0.5Mn0.5Fe2O4@PANI core‐shell nanocomposites were synthesized with different ferrite/PANI ratios. The Ferrite nanoparticles were prepared by the auto‐combustion sol–gel method. Chemical oxidative polymerization of aniline in acidic solution along with adding ferrite nanoparticles to the composition was used for the synthesis of nanocomposites. The product then was studied by X‐ray diffractometer)XRD(, field emission scanning electron microscope (FE‐SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses. The magnetic properties of samples were investigated with vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Also, nanocomposite samples were examined in terms of the ability to absorb microwaves. Using Vector Network Analyzer (VNA). the reflection loss (RL) of nanocomposites was measured at frequencies between 2 and 18 GHz. The minimum reflection loss (RLmin) was obtained at −36.98 dB at the frequency of 13.8 GHz with an effective absorption bandwidth of 4.87 GHz for the sample with the equal ratio of ferrite/PANI. Synthesized nanocomposite as an effective compound has very high reflection loss in a wide frequency range.Highlights
Thermal stability is improved by adding ferrite nanoparticles to polyaniline.
The polymer shell reduces the magnetic properties of ferrite nanoparticles.
There is a strong exchange coupling between hard and soft ferrite.
Ferrite/polymer ratio of 1:1 has the lowest amount of reflection loss.
In the X and Ku band, magnetic loss is mainly caused by eddy currents.
A Tribological investigation of fly ash particulate‐loaded E‐glass fiber reinforced interpenetrating polymer network composites
Authors: Vezhavendhan R. , Ganesamoorthy R. , Suresh G. , Madheswaran Dinesh Kumar , Thangamuthu Mohanraj , Chandramohan P. , Rathinasabapathi G. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractEnvironmentally‐friendly materials are increasingly sought in use of both structural and non‐structural applications. Most of the prominent places, particulates and fibers are exclusively utilized to reinforce polymeric composites, aiming to enhance their strength and provide effective protection against wear. Currently, one of the most pressing issues encountered in current industries are wear and tear, mostly happens during manufacturing and agricultural operations. To overcome this issue, the current study examines into exploring the effects of different weight ratios (0%, 1%, 3%, 5%, 7%, 9% by wt.%) of fly ash (FA) loading on the abrasive characteristics of Interpenetrating Polymer Networks (IPNs) composites strengthened with E‐Glass fibers. Abrasion tests, conducted in accordance with ASTM D99 standard which involves five control parameters: load, FA content, speed, sliding distance, and surface roughness. Experimental design utilized Taguchi's orthogonal array (L25), with opts ANOVA to identify significant control factors. Results indicate that the addition of FA substantially enhances the wear resistance of particulate‐loaded E‐Glass fiber reinforced IPN composites. Moreover, the specific wear rate is significantly influenced by the applied load and FA content. However experimental data suggests that optimal wear behavior for IPN composites occurs under the conditions of 50 N load, 3% FA content, 300 rpm speed, 4000 m sliding distance, and 0.3 μm disc roughness. Further, scanning electron microscopy was also employed to examine microstructural details to better know the micro‐mechanism behavior happens between the particulates with fiber and matrix reinforcement.Highlights
Utilization of fly ash significantly enhances composite strength.
IPN laminates fabricated with 0%–7% particulate loads.
IPN laminates thoroughly evaluated through wear testing.
DOE guided experimental design using L25 orthogonal array.
SEM analysis reveals superior quality of fly ash‐loaded IPN.
Relationship between secondary metabolites and insect loads in cabbage with different leaf shapes and positions
Authors: Rasool Samreen Ghulam , Abdullah Muhammad , Li Dezhi , Yanping Liu 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIntroductionSecondary metabolites in plants play a crucial role in defense mechanisms against insects, pests, and pathogens. These metabolites exhibit varying distributions within and among plant parts under different biotic and abiotic conditions. Understanding the intricate relationships between secondary metabolites and insect populations can be helpful for elucidating plant defense mechanisms and enhancing agricultural managing efficiencies.ObjectiveTo investigate the influence of the glucosinolate profile in the leaves of three cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) varieties on insect loads.MethodsGlucosinolate profiles across different leaf positions (such as bottom, middle, and center) and leaf shapes (such as curly and non‐curly leaf) of three cabbage varieties (Xiagan [XGA], Xiaguang [XGU], and Qiangxia [QIX]) were analyzed by using high‐performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC–MS). The insect loads were recorded by visually inspecting the upper and lower layers of each target leaf.ResultsIncreasing concentrations of four glucosinolates, namely, glucoiberin, progoitrin, glucoraphanin, and glucobrassicin, were positively related to insect loads. While increasing concentrations of the other four glucosinolates, such as neoglucobrassicin, 4‐methoxyglucobrassicin, sinigrin, and gluconapin, were negatively related to insect loads. Furthermore, both glucosinolate synthesis and insect loads were significantly higher in the curly‐shaped and middle‐position leaves than in the non‐curly‐shaped and bottom‐ and central‐position leaves across the cabbage varieties.ConclusionDifferences in glucosinolate profiles across leaf positions and shapes strongly influenced the insect loads of the three Brassica varieties. This link may further extend our understanding of the real defense power of a particular variety against herbivore damage.
A case of reinitiation of modified electroconvulsive therapy 2 weeks after modified electroconvulsive therapy‐induced Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in a male patient with major depressive disorder
Authors: Kezuka Dai , Haruyama Akiko , Suzuki Eiji , Sakuma Kei 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundTakotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) is a left ventricular dysfunction resembling acute coronary syndrome. Its prognosis is generally favorable; however, a subset of patients may present with severe complications. TCM is a rare side‐effect of modified electroconvulsive therapy (ECT); it has been reported in 22 female and two male patients. Eight cases of ECT reinitiation after TCM have been reported (all females), with the shortest duration being 3 weeks.Case PresentationWe report the case of a 61‐year‐old man with a history of major depressive disorder and no history of heart disease or previous ECT treatment. Antidepressants had been ineffective, and ECT was indicated. After the third ECT session, the patient complained of chest pain and shortness of breath. Electrocardiography revealed ST elevation, and catheter angiography was used to diagnose TCM. The patient had mild heart failure but remained stable. Recognizing that ECT was effective, the patient asked for it to be reinitiated. We confirmed that the cardiac function had been normalized, applied a bisoprolol fumarate patch as a preventive measure, and reinitiated ECT 14 days after the onset of TCM. ECT was performed five times, with no recurrence of TCM and a marked improvement in depression.ConclusionWe describe a male patient with major depressive disorder who underwent reinitiation of ECT 2 weeks after ECT‐induced TCM. Therefore, TCM should be recognized as a side‐effect of ECT, even in men. Moreover, depending on whether the patient's condition is stable, ECT can be successfully performed in patients with TCM.
Synergistic performance of polyethersulfone membranes embedded with graphene oxide‐zinc oxide nanocomposites for efficient heavy metal and dye removal with strong antibacterial properties
Authors: Goyat Rohit , Singh Joginder , Umar Ahmad , Saharan Yajvinder , Kumar Vikas , Ibrahim Ahmad A. , Akbar Sheikh , Baskoutas Sotirios 
Published: June 2024

AbstractWater pollution caused by heavy metal ions (HMI) and dyes is a global issue challenging current solutions. Membrane filtration shows promise, yet faces limitations like fouling and low flux. This study proposes a new membrane by incorporating graphene oxide zinc oxide (GO‐ZnO) nanocomposites into a polyethersulfone (PES) matrix to overcome these challenges. The synthesized membrane exhibits strong antimicrobial activity, crucial for water treatment, and high efficiency in removing HMIs (Cu2+ and Ni2+) and dyes (BB9 and EBT) from water samples and industrial wastewater. Characterization via FTIR and FESEM confirms its chemical composition and morphology, while contact angle measurements assess its hydrophilicity. Mechanical strength tests ensure durability. Overall, the membrane demonstrates exceptional antimicrobial activity, pollutant removal efficiency, and mechanical robustness, highlighting the potential of integrating GO‐ZnO nanoparticles into PES membranes for water treatment.Highlights
Synthesis of innovative PES membrane embedded with GO‐ZnO for durable and fast energy‐saving filtration.
Thorough Membrane Characterization and its various applications with mechanisms.
Efficient Heavy Metal and Dye Removal, Inherent Antibacterial Prowess.
Using a fiber Bragg grating technique to investigate temperature cycling strain of pressed TATB‐based polymer‐bonded explosives
Authors: Xu Yao , Gao Siyue , Zhang Jianzhong , Liu Yanlei , Zhang Weibin , Wang Jun , Wang Hui , Wang Shujing , Ma Zhiqiang , Chen Pengwan , Liu Rui 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPressed 1,3,5‐triamino‐2,4,6‐trinitrobenzene (TATB)‐based polymer‐bonded explosive (PBX) exhibits significant anisotropic and irreversible expansion characteristics during temperature cycling, resulting in both safety and service issues. The anisotropic and irreversible expansion properties of PBX have shown to be closely related to the microstructures, including explosive crystals, binders, micro voids, el. Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) technology has advantages of high reliability, accuracy, and sensitivity, which is more conducive to real‐time capture of the changes in strain throughout the temperature cycling. In this study, temperature cycling strain monitoring experiments of PBX pressed under different thermal–mechanical coupling loading conditions were studied using FBG technology. The effect of the pressing parameters on the anisotropic and irreversible expansion characteristics of the PBX's during temperature cycling was measured and analyzed, taking into account potential microstructural factors such as crystal orientation, binders, and porosity. The results indicated that the strain on the side and top of PBX cylinders were distributed with increasing strain in the direction of higher density. The strain stratification was significant during the high‐temperature stage of temperature cycling and was not obvious during the low‐temperature stage. The degree of strain stratification decreased with an increase in temperature cycling cycles and increased with higher pressing temperatures. The anisotropic expansion of PBX cylinders increased with an increase in temperature during cycling and decreased with a reduction in temperature. The axial expansion degree of PBX cylinders pressed under different compression conditions in the later cycles of temperature cycling is consistent with the different crystal orientations intensity inside them.
Fit‐for‐purpose heterodivalent single‐domain antibody for gastrointestinal targeting of toxin B fromClostridium difficile
Authors: Rodriguez Rodriguez Everardo R. , Nordvang Rune Thorbjørn , Petersson Marcus , Rendsvig Jakob Kræmmer Haar , Arendrup Emma Wenzel , Fernández Quintero Monica L. , Jenkins Timothy P. , Laustsen Andreas H. , Thrane Sandra Wingaard 
Published: June 2024

AbstractSingle‐domain antibodies (sdAbs), such as VHHs, are increasingly being developed for gastrointestinal (GI) applications against pathogens to strengthen gut health. However, what constitutes a suitable developability profile for applying these proteins in a gastrointestinal setting remains poorly explored. Here, we describe an in vitro methodology for the identification of sdAb derivatives, more specifically divalent VHH constructs, that display extraordinary developability properties for oral delivery and functionality in the GI environment. We showcase this by developing a heterodivalent VHH construct that cross‐inhibits the toxic activity of the glycosyltransferase domains (GTDs) from three different toxinotypes of cytotoxin B (TcdB) from lineages ofClostridium difficile. We show that the VHH construct possesses high stability and binding activity under gastric conditions, in the presence of bile salts, and at high temperatures. We suggest that the incorporation of early developability assessment could significantly aid in the efficient discovery of VHHs and related constructs fit for oral delivery and GI applications.
Investigating Stability in Subgroup Identification for Stratified Medicine
Authors: Hair G. M. , Jemielita T. , Mt‐Isa S. , Schnell P. M. , Baumgartner R. 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTSubgroup analysis may be used to investigate treatment effect heterogeneity among subsets of the study population defined by baseline characteristics. Several methodologies have been proposed in recent years and with these, statistical issues such as multiplicity, complexity, and selection bias have been widely discussed. Some methods adjust for one or more of these issues; however, few of them discuss or consider the stability of the subgroup assignments. We propose exploring the stability of subgroups as a sensitivity analysis step for stratified medicine to assess the robustness of the identified subgroups besides identifying possible factors that may drive this instability. After applying Bayesian credible subgroups, a nonparametric bootstrap can be used to assess stability at subgroup‐level and patient‐level. Our findings illustrate that when the treatment effect is small or not so evident, patients are more likely to switch to different subgroups (jumpers) across bootstrap resamples. In contrast, when the treatment effect is large or extremely convincing, patients generally remain in the same subgroup. While the proposed subgroup stability method is illustrated through Bayesian credible subgroups method on time–to–event data, this general approach can be used with other subgroup identification methods and endpoints.
Do You Want to Stay Single? Considerations on Single‐Arm Trials in Drug Development and the Postregulatory Space
Authors: Dyachkova Yulia , Dunger‐Baldauf Cornelia , Barbier Nathalie , Devenport Jenny , Franzén Stefan , Kazeem Gbenga , Künzel Thomas , Mancini Pierre , Mordenti Giacomo , Richert Knut , Ridolfi Antonia , Saure Daniel 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTSingle‐arm trials (SATs), while not preferred, remain in use throughout the drug development cycle. They may be accepted by regulators in particular contexts (e.g., in oncology or rare diseases) when the potential effects of new treatments are very large and placebo treatment is unethical. However, in the postregulatory space, SATs are common, and perhaps even more poorly suited to address the questions of interest. In this manuscript, we review regulatory and HTA positions on SATs; challenges posed by SATs to address research questions beyond regulators, evolving statistical methods to provide context for SATs, case studies where SATs could and could not address questions of interest, and communication strategies to influence decision making and optimize study design to address evidence needs.
Innovation and adaption in local governments in the face of COVID‐19: Determinants of effective crisis management
Authors: Zaychik Danielle , Beeri Itai , Rein‐Sapir Yonat , Avni Nufar , Altshuler Alex 
Published: June 2024

AbstractLocal governments were instrumental in managing the COVID‐19 crisis in countries worldwide. This study examines the methods that local governments in Israel used to successfully manage the COVID‐19 crisis. We explored the structural characteristics of the localities that excelled at managing the pandemic. Furthermore, we used measures of the spread of the virus and vaccination rates to identify a group of localities that managed the crisis with relative success. We conducted interviews with officials from these localities to determine the methods, policies, and conditions that led to success. We found that ethnicity, distance from urban centers, and socioeconomic status were associated with effective COVID‐19 management. We also identified several intraorganizational and interorganizational policies and practices that were successful: crisis‐adjusted management, a unified organizational atmosphere, digitalization, information management, autonomous decision making, and the fostering of collaborative relationships. Implications of the findings for the All Hazards Approach to disaster management are discussed.
Soil amendment and N fertilization strategies to improve C sequestration and storage in soil aggregates
Authors: Andrade Maria Gabriela de Oliveira , Cordeiro Carlos Felipe dos Santos , Calonego Juliano Carlos , Franzluebbers Alan , Rosolem Ciro Antonio 
Published: June 2024

AbstractManagement can affect soil quality through changes in carbon (C) stock, especially in protected C fractions of soil aggregates. Soil aggregation and C sequestration may be improved with soil correction (liming and gypsum) and nitrogen (N) fertilization, but it is not clear how these factors might interact to affect humic substances. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and N fertilizatilizer amendments on the accumulation of C, N, and humic substances in soil aggregates from an Oxisoil in Brazil. The production system was no‐till soybean [Gycine max (L.) Merr.] double‐cropped with maize (Zea mays L.) and intercropped with forage grass since 2016. Treatments were no amendment, lime only, and lime + phosphogypsum, factorially arranged with and without annual N fertilization of maize. Soil was collected at 0–10, 10–20, 20–40, and 40–60 cm 6 years after initiation of the experiment. The combination of lime, gypsum, and N led to 13% greater total C stock and 20% greater total N stock within the 0–60 cm soil profile than the control. Levels of fulvic acid (FA) and humic acid (HA) were similar among aggregate classes, but humin was greatest in larger aggregates. Liming plus N decreased FA and HA, but gypsum application mitigated this negative effect. Application of limestone, gypsum, and N increased humin, mainly in the soil surface (0–10 cm). Soil C storage and stabilization was enhanced in large soil aggregates with the combined use of lime, gypsum, and N fertilization in humid tropical soils.
Proton Solvation Free Energy in Liquid Ammonia at Room Temperature
Authors: Ariche Berkane , Alali Kouider , Rahmouni Ali 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe investigation of experimental pKa values in liquid ammonia at room temperature for a series of 30 organic compounds containing eight distinct chemical groups enabled an accurate assessment of the proton ammoniation free energy. The deprotonation free energies, as well as the solvation free energies of acids and conjugate bases, were computed using a combination of quantum chemical and electrostatic approaches. Two thermodynamic schemes were employed to reproduce experimental pKa values while scanning a large interval of probable values of proton ammoniation free energy. The desired quantity corresponded to the lowest mean absolute deviation of the overall reproduced pKa values of the series. As a result, the proton ammoniation free energy was evaluated to be −275.0 Kcal/mol. Test results show that this proposed value is well suited for pKa calculation in liquid ammonia at room temperature.