bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spy in the sky: a method to identify pregnant small cetaceans
Authors: Cheney Barbara J. , Dale Julian , Thompson Paul M. , Quick Nicola J. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractData on sex ratios, age classes, reproductive success and health status are key metrics to manage populations, yet can be difficult to collect in wild cetacean populations. Long‐term individual‐based studies provide a unique opportunity to apply unoccupied aerial system (UAS) photogrammetry to non‐invasively measure body morphometrics of individuals with known life history information. The aims of this study were (1) to compare length measurements from UAS photogrammetry with laser photogrammetry and (2) to explore whether UAS measurements of body width could be used to remotely determine pregnancy status, sex or age class in a well‐studied bottlenose dolphin population in Scotland. We carried out five boat‐based surveys in July and August 2017, with concurrent photo‐identification, UAS and laser photogrammetry. Photographs were measured using bespoke programmes, MorphMetriX for UAS photos and a Zooniverse project for laser photos. In total 64 dolphins were identified using photo‐ID, 54 of which had concurrent UAS body length and 47 with laser body length measurements. We also measured body widths at 10% increments from 10% to 90% of body length for 48 individuals of known sex, age class and/or pregnancy status. There was no significant difference in the length of individuals measured with UAS and laser photogrammetry. Discriminant analyses of the body width–length (WL) ratios expected to change during pregnancy, correctly assigned pregnancy status for 14 of the 15 females of known pregnancy status. Only one pregnant female was incorrectly assigned as not pregnant. However, our results showed that length and body width cannot accurately allocate these bottlenose dolphins to sex or age class using photogrammetry techniques alone. The present study illustrates that UAS and laser photogrammetry measurements are comparable for small cetaceans and demonstrates that UAS measurements of body WL ratio can accurately assign pregnancy status in bottlenose dolphins.
Biosynthesis of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Using the Biomass of Aspergillus niger to Impart Cotton Fabric with Antimicrobial Properties
Authors: Rilda Yetria , Rinaldi Rifki , Syukri Syukri , Armaini Armaini , Refinel Refinel , Agustien Anthoni , Pardi Hilfi 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe biosynthesis of ZnO is performed through enzymatic mechanisms for controlling the particle size and morphology with using the sol‐gel method. Furthermore, this method utilizes a stabilizer obtained from the cell biomass of Aspergillus niger mold in order to yield homogeneous and consistent products. The evaluation of functional, morphological, and antibacterial activities was carried out at pH 6.0‐13.0. The analysis FT‐IR showed the interaction of hydroxyl groups, aromatic rings, as well as N−H and O−Zn‐O compounds at a wavenumber of 401–584 cm−1. The XRD and SEM characterizations showed that ZnO structure and crystal phase were hexagonal wurtzite at dimensions of 36.2 ‐ 45.4 nm. The differences in pH also influenced the dimensions, morphology, and antimicrobial activity. ZnO with a pH of 8.0 was characterized by FESEM‐EDAX, based on the analysis of morphological uniformity. This characterization obtained rod and cube structures, with atomic ratios of Zn=61.5 % and O=38.5 %. The UV‐DRS spectrum showed that the optical band gap with a value of Eg=3.00–3.11 eV. The differences in morphology further distinguished antibacterial properties on textile fibers, through the use of the Gram ‐ and + bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus), with inhibition zones of 17–21 mm and 21–25 mm, respectively. Therefore, ZnO is classified as a very strong antibacterial material than amoxicillin, with an inhibition zone of 13.6 mm.
Molecular Solar Thermal Systems towards Phase Change and Visible Light Photon Energy Storage
Authors: Xu Xingtang , Wang Guojie 
Published: February 2022

AbstractMolecular solar thermal (MOST) systems have attracted tremendous attention for solar energy conversion and storage, which can generate high‐energy metastable isomers upon capturing photon energy, and release the stored energy as heat on demand during back conversion. However, the pristine molecular photoswitches are limited by low storage energy density and UV light photon energy storage. Recently, numerous pioneering works have been focused on the development of MOST systems towards phase change (PC) and visible light photon energy storage to increase their properties. On the one hand, the strategy of simultaneously capturing isomerization enthalpy and PC energy between solid and liquid can not only offer high latent heat, but also promote the development of sustainable energy systems. On the other hand, the efficient photon energy storage in the visible light range opens a tremendously fascinating avenue to fabricate MOST systems powered under natural sunlight. Here, the recent advances of MOST systems towards PC and visible light photon energy storage are systematically summarized, the most promising advantages and current challenges are analyzed, and emerging strategies and future research directions are proposed.
Effect of temperature and moisture on the bond strength betweenfiber reinforced polymerlaminates and cement‐based mortar substrates
Authors: Imani Jajarmi Peyman , Tavakkolizadeh Mohammadreza , Youssefi Abbas 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThis paper presents the results of pull‐off and twist‐off tests on bond strength between fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) and cement‐based mortar substrate and is carried out to investigate the effect of moisture and temperature at the time of installation. In the field of fracture mechanics, it is common to classify the pull‐off and twist‐off tests as mode‐I and mode‐II fractures, respectively. A total of 27 specimens were prepared and 243 tests were conducted. In order to evaluate the significance of each factor and their interactions, analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed. Results revealed that surface moisture content and temperature significantly affect the adhesion of the two materials and bond strength. ANOVA confirmed that these two parameters have great influence on bond strength between FRP and cement‐based mortar, although compressive strength and total porosity of substrate were not statistically significant. To estimate the bond strength by considering the effective parameters and based on the collected experimental data, new and more accurate relations were proposed using nonlinear regression techniques.
Development of an innovative metallic damper for concentrically braced frame systems based on experimental and analytical studies
Authors: Ghamari Ali , Kim Changhyuk , Jeong Seong‐Hoon 
Published: February 2022

SummaryAlthough concentrically braced frames (CBFs) possess high lateral stiffness and strength, the buckling of compressive members indicates that a system does not have appropriate ductility. Therefore, CBF is not a successful system for high seismic regions. Comprehensive studies have been performed on this drawback concerning CBF systems. The use of a metallic damper is considered an appropriate method to enhance the behavior of CBFs. While metallic dampers improve the hysteretic behavior of the CBF, they impose additional costs on the structures. Therefore, in this study, a steel damper, which is economical and straightforward to construct and replace after a severe earthquake, was developed. The proposed damper was investigated experimentally and numerically. In addition, a parametric study was performed to evaluate the effect of the three types of damper mechanisms (shear, shear‐flexural, and flexural) with three types of buckling (elastic, inelastic, and plastic) on the behavior of the proposed damper. The experimental results, as well as the numerical results, indicate that the shear damper exhibits better performance than the other dampers in terms of strength and stiffness. Except in the case where the shear damper is accompanied by plastic buckling, it has a higher energy dissipation capability. In addition, a flexural damper with elastic buckling cannot be considered as an energy‐dissipating device because of the fracturing of the damper due to displacement near the elastic zone. Fundamental relationships were used to predict the behavior of these dampers, and these predictions showed good agreement with the finite element results.
Designing the mid‐transition: A review of medium‐term challenges for coordinated decarbonization in the United States
Authors: Grubert Emily , Hastings‐Simon Sara 
Published: February 2022

AbstractDecarbonizing the energy system is critical for addressing climate change. Given the dominance of fossil fuels in the energy system, decarbonization requires rapid and significant industrial transition of the energy supply at scale. This includes explicit and coordinated plans not only for zero carbon phase‐in, but for fossil carbon phase‐out. Even very rapid decarbonization will likely take decades, leading to a medium‐term future where the conventional, fossil‐based energy system coexists with a new, zero‐carbon energy system. Each imposes operational constraints on the other: what we call the mid‐transition. Notably, this coexistence means that the new, zero‐carbon system will develop under fossil carbon system constraints. The mid‐transition will therefore likely require specific analytical metrics designed to support decision making under dynamic and uncertain conditions. Many aspects of transition will be felt, and shaped, directly by individuals because of our direct interactions with energy systems. Even rare missteps are likely to have significant and potentially system design‐relevant impacts on perception, political support, and implementation. Comparisons of the new system to the old system are likely to rest on experience of a world less affected by climate change, such that concerns about lower reliability, higher costs, and other challenges might be perceived as inherent to zero‐carbon systems, versus energy systems facing consequences of climate change and long‐term underinvestment. This review assesses and evaluates medium‐term challenges associated with the mid‐transition in the United States, emphasizing the need for explicit planning for joint and coordinated phase‐in and phase‐out.This article is categorized under:
The Carbon Economy and Climate Mitigation > Decarbonizing Energy and/or Reducing Demand
Detecting RNA–RNA interactome
Authors: Singh Suman , Shyamal Sharmishtha , Panda Amaresh C. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe last decade has seen a robust increase in various types of novel RNA molecules and their complexity in gene regulation. RNA molecules play a critical role in cellular events by interacting with other biomolecules, including protein, DNA, and RNA. It has been established that RNA–RNA interactions play a critical role in several biological processes by regulating the biogenesis and function of RNA molecules. Interestingly, RNA–RNA interactions regulate the biogenesis of diverse RNA molecules, including mRNAs, microRNAs, tRNAs, and circRNAs, through splicing or backsplicing. Structured RNAs like rRNA, tRNA, and snRNAs achieve their functional conformation by intramolecular RNA–RNA interactions. In addition, functional consequences of many intermolecular RNA–RNA interactions have been extensively studied in the regulation of gene expression. Hence, it is essential to understand the mechanism and functions of RNA–RNA interactions in eukaryotes. Conventionally, RNA–RNA interactions have been identified through diverse biochemical methods for decades. The advent of high‐throughput RNA‐sequencing technologies has revolutionized the identification of global RNA–RNA interactome in cells and their importance in RNA structure and function in gene expression regulation. Although these technologies revealed tens of thousands of intramolecular and intermolecular RNA–RNA interactions, we further look forward to future unbiased and quantitative high‐throughput technologies for detecting transcriptome‐wide RNA–RNA interactions. With the ability to detect RNA–RNA interactome, we expect that future studies will reveal the higher‐order structures of RNA molecules and multi‐RNA hybrids impacting human health and diseases.This article is categorized under:
RNA Methods > RNA Analyses In Vitro and In Silico
RNA Structure and Dynamics > Influence of RNA Structure in Biological Systems
Fabricating a ZIF‐8@Polydimethylsiloxane(PDMS)/PVDF mixed matrix composite membrane for separation of ethanol from aqueous solution via vapor permeation
Authors: Yang WeiPing , Su Xing , Zheng Tucai , Zhang Qingqiu , Jiao Jiacai , Meng Lingbin , Qing Weihua , Zhai Chi 
Published: February 2022

AbstractTo date, vapor permeation (VP) technology has been attracted increasing attentions in ethanol fermentation process, in which the improvement of membrane performance is critical. In this study, zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF‐8) was successfully synthesized and chosen as incorporating nanofillers for fabrication of mixed matrix membrane (MMMs) using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as the matrix. A simple modified “prime” method with higher viscosity of coating solution was implemented for preventing agglomeration of ZIF‐8 during membrane preparation process. A thin ZIF‐8@PDMS layer of 5.4 μm was obtained and firmly coated on a PVDF porous substrate to form the robust composite membrane structure. The chemical structure, morphologies, surface properties, and solvent uptakes of the resultant membrane were investigated compared with pristine PDMS/PVDF membrane. The VP performance for separation of ethanol/water binary solution in the concentration range of fermentation broth (1∼7 wt %) were tested and discussed by comparison of the ZIF‐8@PDMS/PVDF MMM and pristine PDMS/PVDF membrane. The trans‐membrane flux, separation factor, ethanol permeability, and membrane selectivity were all promoted by the embedded ZIF‐8 nanofillers.
Thermoelectric Properties of p‐ and n‐type Eu5Sn2As6
Authors: Devlin Kasey P. , Gomez Braulio , Kauzlarich Susan M. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractEu5Sn2As6 is a Zintl phase crystalizing in the orthorhombic space group Pbam with one‐dimensional chains of corner‐shared SnAs4 tetrahedra running in the c‐direction. Eu5Sn2As6 has an impressive room temperature Seebeck of >100 μV/K and < – 100 μV/K at 600 K crossing from p‐ to n‐type at 650 K. The maximum thermoelectric figure of merit, zT, for Eu5Sn2As6 is small (0.075), comparable to that of the Zintl phase Ca5Al2Sb6 whose thermoelectric performance was improved by doping Na onto the Ca sites. In this study, we show that the thermoelectric properties of Eu5Sn2As6 can be improved by substituting with K or La. The series Eu5‐xKxSn2As6 provides an increase in maximum zT of 0.22 for x=0.15 due to a decrease resistivity while the onset of bipolar conduction systematically increases in temperature. Upon La substitution, Eu5‐xLaxSn2As6 results in a new n‐type Zintl phase across the temperature range of 300–800 K.
Introducing a New Intrinsic Metric
Authors: Rainio Oona , Vuorinen Matti 
Published: February 2022

AbstractA new intrinsic metric called the t-metric is introduced. Several sharp inequalities between this metric and the most common hyperbolic type metrics are proven for various domains $$G\subsetneq \mathbb {R}^n$$

G
⊊

R

n

. The behaviour of the new metric is also studied under a few examples of conformal and quasiconformal mappings, and the differences between the balls drawn with all the metrics considered are compared by both computational and analytical means.
Decomposition of Higher-Order Wright Convex Functions Revisited
Authors: Páles Zsolt , Shihab Mahmood Kamil 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIn 2009, Maksa and Páles established an extension of the decomposition theorem of Ng in the context of higher-order convexity notions. They proved that a real function is Wright convex of order n if and only if it can be decomposed as the sum of a convex function of order n and a polynomial function of order at most n. Their proof was based on transfinite tools in the background. The main purpose of this paper is to adopt the methods of a paper of Páles published in 2020 and establish a new and elementary proof for the theorem of Maksa and Páles.
On the classification of unitals on 28 points of low rank
Authors: Tonchev Vladimir , Wassermann Alfred 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe classification of unitals with parameters 2-(28, 4, 1) according to the 2-rank of their incidence matrices was initiated by McGuire, Tonchev and Ward, who proved that the 2-rank of any unital on 28 points is greater than or equal to 19, and up to isomorphism, there is a unique unital with 2-rank equal to 19. Jaffe and Tonchev investigated the next two 2-ranks, 20 and 21, and showed that there are no unitals on 28 points with 2-rank equal to 20, and there are exactly 4 isomorphism classes of unitals of rank 21. The subject of this paper is the classification of unitals having 2-rank 22, 23 and 24.
Rib fractures in the elderly population: a systematic review
Authors: Hoepelman Ruben J. , Beeres Frank J. P. , Heng Marilyn , Knobe Matthias , Link Björn-Christian , Minervini Fabrizio , Babst Reto , Houwert Roderick. M. , van de Wall Bryan J. M. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Multiple rib fractures are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, especially in elderly patients. There is growing interest in surgical stabilization in this subgroup of patients. This systematic review compares conservative treatment to surgical fixation in elderly patients (older than 60 years) with multiple rib fractures. The primary outcome is mortality. Secondary outcomes include hospital and intensive care length of stay (HLOS and ILOS), duration of mechanical ventilation (DMV) and pneumonia rates.

Methods
Multiple databases were searched for comparative studies reporting on conservative versus operative treatment for rib fractures in patients older than 60 years. Both observational studies and randomised clinical trials were considered.

Results
Five observational studies (n = 2583) were included. Mortality was lower in operatively treated patients compared to conservative treatment (4% vs. 8%). Pneumonia rate and DMV were similar (5/6% and 5.8/6.5 days) for either treatment modality. Overall ILOS and HLOS of stay were longer in operatively treated patients (6.5 ILOS and 12.7 HLOS vs. 2.7 ILOS and 6.5 ILOS). There were only minimal reports on perioperative complications. Notably, the median number of rib fractures (8.4 vs. 5) and the percentage of flail chest were higher in operatively treated patients (47% vs. 39%).

Conclusion
It remains unknown to what extent conservative and operative treatment contribute individually to reducing morbidity and mortality in the elderly with multiple rib fractures. To date, the quality of evidence is rather low, thus well-performed comparative observational studies or randomised controlled trials considering all confounders are needed to determine whether operative treatment can improve a patient’s outcome.
Equivalent outcomes in nasal symptoms following microscopic or endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery: results from multi-centre, prospective study
Authors: Osborne Charlie , Lewis Daniel , Dixon Ben , Caputo Carmela , Magee Alison , Gnanalingham Kanna , Wang Yi Yuen 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
T
ranssphenoidal surgery (TSS) is the standard approach for resection of pituitary lesions. Historically, this has utilized the microscopic approach (mTSS); however, the past decade has seen widespread uptake of the endoscopic approach (eTSS). The purported benefits of this include improved visualization and illumination, resulting in improved surgical and endocrinological patient outcomes. It is also believed that eTSS results in fewer post-operative nasal symptoms compared to mTSS; however, few papers have directly compared these groups.

Objectives
We sought to compare nasal symptoms after endoscopic uninostril (eTSS-uni), endoscopic binostril (eTSS-bi) and microscopic endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (mTSS).

Methods
The General Nasal Patient Inventory (GNPI) was prospectively administered to 136 patients (71 non-functioning adenomas, 26 functioning adenomas, 39 other pathology) undergoing transsphenoidal surgery at multiple time points (pre-operatively; days 1, 3 and 7–14; months 1, 3 and 6 and 1 year post-operatively). All surgeries were performed by subspecialist pituitary surgeons in three subgroups — mTSS (25), eTSS-uni (74) and eTSS-bi (37). The total GNPI scores (0–135) and subscores for the 45 individual components were compared across three groups assessing for temporal and absolute changes.

Results
Irrespective of surgical approach used, GNPI scores were significantly higher on post-operative day 1 (p < 0.001) and day 3 (p ≤ 0.03) compared to pre-treatment baseline (mixed-effects model). By 1 month post-operatively, however, post-operative GNPI scores were no different from pre-treatment (p > 0.05, mixed-effects model). Whilst the eTSS-uni group demonstrated significantly lower GNPI scores at day 1 post-op compared to the mTSS group (p = 0.05) and eTSS-bi group (p < 0.001), there was no significant difference in post-operative scores between approaches beyond 1–2 weeks post-operatively. Similar results were obtained when the non-functioning tumour group was analysed separately.

Conclusions
Transsphenoidal pituitary surgery is well tolerated. Post-operative nasal symptoms transiently worsen but ultimately improve compared to pre-operative baseline. Operative approach (microscopic, endoscopic uninostril or endoscopic binostril) only has a transient effect on severity of post-operative nasal symptoms.