bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is Systems Engineering Effectiveness the Heart of Today's Employability Skills?
Authors: Hutchison Nicole , McDermott Tom 
Published: October 2022

ABSTRACTThere are three essential and interrelated sets of personal characteristics and skills that are acquired by the most valued and effective individuals as they develop their careers. These are (1) self‐leadership and learning, (2) complex problem solving, and (3) team leadership and collaboration. These are interdependent and develop iteratively through practice in authentic work‐related contexts. They are at the heart of the Helix study which was conducted by the Systems Engineering Research Center to discover the sets of proficiencies that make a systems engineer effective in their roles (Hutchison and Verma 2018). They are also at the heart of the “employability skills” so desired by today's businesses. Each of these three skillsets is supported by tools of different types and can be embedded into education and organizational learning programs. In this article we relate the development of effective systems engineers as a model for all professionals and frame a set of learning objectives that individuals and organizations can use to accelerate desired employability skills.
What Is the Role of a Systems Engineer In an Engineering Organization?
Authors: Beasley Richard 
Published: October 2022

ABSTRACTThis article discusses the role of a “specialist” Systems Engineer inside an engineering focused on ensures the engineering parts integrate to achieve the objectives of the whole – and so is embedding a systems approach throughout the organization – trying to “make Systems Engineering the way engineering is done”. In this type of organization all engineers need systems engineering as a core skill (which is part of them becoming T‐shaped”. The specialist Systems Engineer needs to be more π‐shaped, with specialism in the systems approach used to inform and guide all the other disciplines which need to be integrated together. Since systems engineering is an integrating discipline the group of systems engineers must not become “just another” technical silo.
Optimization of methacrylated gelatin /layered double hydroxides nanocomposite cell‐laden hydrogel bioinks with high printability for 3D extrusion bioprinting
Authors: Alarçin Emine , İzbudak Burçin , Yüce Erarslan Elif , Domingo Sherif , Tutar Rumeysa , Titi Kariman , Kocaaga Banu , Guner F. Seniha , Bal‐Öztürk Ayça 
Published: October 2022

AbstractLayered double hydroxides (LDHs) offer unique source of inspiration for design of bone mimetic biomaterials due to their superior mechanical properties, drug delivery capability and regulation cellular behaviors, particularly by divalent metal cations in their structure. Three‐dimensional (3D) bioprinting of LDHs holds great promise as a novel strategy thanks to highly tunable physiochemical properties and shear‐thinning ability of LDHs, which allow shape fidelity after deposition. Herein, we introduce a straightforward strategy for extrusion bioprinting of cell laden nanocomposite hydrogel bioink of gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) biopolymer and LDHs nanoparticles. First, we synthesized LDHs by co‐precipitation process and systematically examined the effect of LDHs addition on printing parameters such as printing pressure, extrusion rate, printing speed, and finally bioink printability in creating grid‐like constructs. The developed hydrogel bioinks provided precise control over extrudability, extrusion uniformity, and structural integrity after deposition. Based on the printability and rheological analysis, the printability could be altered by controlling the concentration of LDHs, and printability was found to be ideal with the addition of 3 wt % LDHs. The addition of LDHs resulted in remarkably enhanced compressive strength from 652 kPa (G‐LDH0) to 1168 kPa (G‐LDH3). It was shown that the printed nanocomposite hydrogel scaffolds were able to support encapsulated osteoblast survival, spreading, and proliferation in the absence of any osteoinductive factors taking advantage of LDHs. In addition, cells encapsulated in G‐LDH3 had a larger cell spreading area and higher cell aspect ratio than those encapsulated in G‐LDH0. Altogether, the results demonstrated that the developed GelMA/LDHs nanocomposite hydrogel bioink revealed a high potential for extrusion bioprinting with high structural fidelity to fabricate implantable 3D hydrogel constructs for repair of bone defects.
Transfection reagent artefact likely accounts for some reports of extracellular vesicle function
Authors: McConnell Russell E. , Youniss Madeleine , Gnanasambandam Bhargavee , Shah Palak , Zhang Wei , Finn Jonathan D. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EV) are important mediators of cell communication and physiology. EVs are frequently investigated by transiently transfecting cells with plasmid DNA to produce EVs modified with protein(s) or nucleic acid(s) of interest. DNA‐transfection reagent complexes (DTC) are approximately the same size as EVs, raising the possibility that some purification procedures may fail to separate these two species and activity arising from carryover DTC may be improperly attributed to EVs. We find that differential ultracentrifugation, a commonly employed EV isolation procedure, does not separate EVs from DTC present in the cell culture supernatant of transiently transfected cells. We demonstrate that the biological activity of an EV‐directed Cre recombinase is due to contaminating plasmid DNA and not EV‐mediated delivery of Cre protein. Moreover, steps commonly taken to remove plasmid DNA from EV samples, such as media exchanges and treatment with nucleases, are ineffective at avoiding this artefact. Due to the pernicious nature of plasmid DNA in these cellular assays, some reports of EV function are likely artefacts produced by contaminating DTC. EVs and DTC can be separated by density gradient ultracentrifugation, highlighting the importance of validating elimination of DTC when using transient transfection of EV‐producing cells to interrogate EV function.
Different sound characteristics produced by the left and right pectoral fins constitute a new form of lateralization in a vocal fish
Authors: Maiditsch Isabelle P. , Ladich Friedrich 
Published: October 2022

AbstractSongbirds and toothed whales are able to produce different sounds with the left and right part of their sonic organs, a phenomenon termed lateralized sound production. In fishes this phenomenon is poorly known, with lateralization having been observed solely in the channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). They produce more sounds with their right pectoral fins. Croaking gouramis Trichopsis vittata beat their pectoral fins alternately, resulting in a series of two‐pulsed sound bursts termed croaking sounds. This study investigates lateralized sound production by comparing temporal and amplitude characteristics of sound bursts generated by pectoral fins in T. vittata. Croaking sounds, produced during dyadic contests, were analyzed in 19 females. We investigated the following characteristics of sound bursts: burst period, pulse period within bursts, the relative peak‐to‐peak amplitudes of bursts, and the ratio of peak‐to‐peak amplitudes of the first and second pulse within bursts. Sound bursts produced by the right and left sonic organ differed in 17 out of 19 females in at least one to four measured sound characteristics. The number of females whose temporal characteristics differed between pectoral fins was significantly higher than the number of females lacking such differences (16 out of 19). This was not the case for amplitude characteristics. Our data demonstrated that the sound characteristics produced by the left and right sonic organ in T. vittata differed significantly in most specimens. These differences in sound properties may constitute a new form of lateralized sound production in vocal fishes.
Could Duodenal Molecular Mechanisms be Involved in the Hypocholesterolemic Effect of Silicon Used as Functional Ingredient in Late‐Stage Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus?
Authors: Hernández‐Martín Marina , Bocanegra Aránzazu , Redondo‐Castillejo Rocío , Macho‐González Adrián , Sánchez‐Muniz Francisco J. , Benedí Juana , Bastida Sara , García‐Fernández Rosa A. , Garcimartín Alba , López‐Oliva M. Elvira 
Published: October 2022

ScopeHypercholesterolemia increases the risk of mortality in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), especially in the late‐stage. Consumption of bioactive compounds as functional ingredients would help achieve therapeutic goals for cholesterolemia. Silicon has demonstrated a hypocholesterolemic effect and the ability to reduce fat digestion. However, it is unclear whether silicon exerts such effect in late‐stage T2DM (LD) and the intestinal mechanisms involved.Methods and resultsThree groups of eight rats were included: early‐stage T2DM control (ED), LD, and the LD group treated with silicon (LD‐Si) once the rats were diabetic. Morphological alterations of the duodenal mucosa, and levels of markers involve in cholesterol absorption and excretion, beside cholesterolemia, and fecal excretion were assayed. Silicon included as a functional ingredient significantly reduces cholesterolemia in part due to: 1) reducing cholesterol intestinal absorption by decreasing the absorptive area and Acetyl‐Coenzyme A acetyltransferase‐2 (ACAT2) levels; and 2) increasing cholesterol excretion to the lumen by induction of the liver X receptor (LXR) and consequent increase of adenosine triphosphate‐binding cassette transporter (ABCG5/8).ConclusionsThese results provide insight into the intestinal molecular mechanisms by which silicon reduces cholesterolemia and highlights the efficacy of the consumption of silicon‐enriched functional foods in late‐stage T2DM.
Energy‐efficient manufacturing of polymers with tunable mechanical properties by frontal ring‐opening metathesis polymerization
Authors: Zhao Shuai , Li Jie , An Mengjing , Jin Peng , Zhang Ximing , Luo Yunjun 
Published: October 2022

AbstractFrontal polymerization (FP) is a process in which the heat generated by the self‐reaction transforms monomers to cured polymers. Here, in order to improve the flexibility of polydicyclopentadiene, comonomers (norbornene‐terminated polyether, ND‐230,400,2000) are designed and synthesized, which can copolymerize with dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) by FP. The polymers (ND) prepared by ND‐2000 and DCPD have tunable mechanical properties, from thermosets to elastomers. Specifically, the breaking elongation of the polymers can be varied 69‐fold, from 6.1% to 423.4% by controlling the proportion of ND‐2000. Among them, ND polymer with 50 wt% ND‐2000 has good elastic behavior without yield. And, the reaction mixture solutions of DCPD and ND‐2000 have the characteristics of controllable gel time and shear thinning, which make it have the potential of application in additive manufacturing.
Geographic object‐based image analysis (GEOBIA) of the distribution and characteristics of aeolian sand dunes in Arctic Sweden
Authors: Stammler Melanie , Stevens Thomas , Hölbling Daniel 
Published: October 2022

AbstractCurrent climate change in the Arctic is unprecedented in the instrumental record, with profound consequences for the environment and landscape. In Arctic Sweden, aeolian sand dunes have been impacted by climatic changes since their initial formation after the retreat of the last glacial ice sheet. Dune type, location and orientation can therefore be used to explore past wind patterns and landscape destabilisation in this sensitive area. However, knowledge of the full spatial extent and characteristics of these dunes is limited by their inaccessibility and dense vegetation cover. Geographic object‐based image analysis (GEOBIA) permits the semi‐automatic creation of reproducible parameter‐based objects and can be an appropriate means to systematically and spatially map these dunes remotely. Here, a digital elevation model (DEM) and its derivatives, such as slope and curvature, were segmented in a GEOBIA context, enabling the identification and mapping of aeolian sand dunes in Arctic Sweden. Analysis of the GEOBIA‐derived and expert‐accepted polygons affirms the prevalence of parabolic dune type and reveals the coexistence of simple dunes with large coalesced systems. Furthermore, mapped dune orientations and relationships to other geomorphological features were used to explore past wind directions and to identify sediment sources as well as the reasons for sand availability. The results indicate that most dune systems in Arctic Sweden were initially supplied by glaciofluvial and fluvial disturbances of sandy esker systems. Topographic control of wind direction is the dominant influence on dune orientation. Further, our approach shows that analysing the GEOBIA‐derived dune objects in their geomorphological context paves the way for successfully investigating aeolian sand dune location, type and orientation in Arctic Sweden, thereby facilitating the understanding of post‐glacial landscape (in)stability and evolution in the area.
Synergetic roles of dynamic and cloud microphysical processes in extreme short‐term rainfall: A case‐study
Authors: Yin Jinfang , Gu Haodong , Yu Miao , Bao Xinghua , Xie Yanxin , Liang Xudong 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBoth dynamic and cloud microphysical processes play significant roles in the intensity of severe rainfall within a convective storm. In this study, a quantitative analysis has been performed to investigate dynamic and cloud microphysical contributions to extreme hourly rainfall (EHR) with the peak value of 201.9 mm in Zhengzhou City, China, on 20 July 2021. It is found that the EHR is generated by the overlay of rainwater provided by both dynamic delivery and cloud microphysical production within a meso‐γ‐scale convective storm over Zhengzhou. Specifically, part of the rainwater is directly produced by cloud microphysical processes over the EHR region. More importantly, considerable rainwater, which is produced in the front of the storm associated with strong updraughts, is delivered into the EHR region. The dynamically delivered rainwater overlays the rainwater produced by cloud microphysical processes, forming a deep layer with a large amount of rainwater over the EHR region. As the massive rainwater pours down within a short time, EHR is formed. It should be highlighted that the dynamic delivery plays a decisive role in EHR formation, although sometimes EHR can be generated mainly through cloud microphysical production in the case of weak dynamic delivery. Concerning the cloud microphysical processes, the collision of cloud droplets by raindrops produces the largest amount of rainwater, followed by graupel melting. Linking the EHR with dynamic and cloud microphysical processes within a convective storm, a new light on further understanding and forecasting of short‐duration extreme rainfall would be shed.
A phase‐field porous media fracture model based on homogenization theory
Authors: Galvis Juan , Versieux Henrique M. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractA novel regularized fracture model for crack propagation in porous media is proposed. Our model is obtained through formal asymptotic expansions. We start with a regularized quasi‐static fracture model posed in a periodically perforated domain obtained by periodic extension of a rescaled unit cell with a hole. This setup allows us to write two separated minimality conditions for the primary (displacement) and secondary (or phase field) variables plus a balance of energy relation. Then we apply the usual asymptotic expansion matching to deduce limit relations when the rescaling parameter of the unit cells vanishes. By introducing cell problems solutions and a homogenized tensor, we can recast the obtained relations into a novel model for crack propagation in porous media. The proposed model can be interpreted as a regularized quasi‐static fracture model for porous media. This model yields two separated (homogenized) minimality conditions for the primary and secondary variables and a balance of a homogenized energy relation.
On the equality problem of two-variable Bajraktarević means under first-order differentiability assumptions
Authors: Páles Zsolt , Zakaria Amr 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe equality problem of two-variable Bajraktarević means can be expressed as the functional equation $$\begin{aligned} \left( \frac{f}{g}\right) ^{-1}\bigg (\frac{f(x)+f(y)}{g(x)+g(y)}\bigg ) =\left( \frac{h}{k}\right) ^{-1}\bigg (\frac{h(x)+h(y)}{k(x)+k(y)}\bigg )\qquad (x,y\in I), \end{aligned}$$

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where I is a nonempty open real interval, $$f,g,h,k:I\rightarrow {\mathbb {R}}$$

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are continuous functions, g, k are positive and f/g, h/k are strictly monotone. This functional equation, for the first time, was solved by Losonczi in 1999 under 6th-order continuous differentiability assumptions. Additional and new characterizations of this equality problem have been found recently by Losonczi, Páles and Zakaria under the same regularity assumptions in 2021. In this paper it is shown that the same conclusion can be obtained under substantially weaker regularity conditions, namely, assuming only first-order differentiability.
Special MMP for log canonical generalised pairs (with an appendix joint with Xiaowei Jiang)
Authors: Lazić Vladimir , Tsakanikas Nikolaos 
Published: October 2022

AbstractWe show that minimal models of$$\mathbb {Q}$$Q-factorial NQC log canonical generalised pairs exist, assuming the existence of minimal models of smooth varieties. More generally, we prove that on a$$\mathbb {Q}$$Q-factorial NQC log canonical generalised pair$$ (X,B+M) $$(X,B+M)we can run an MMP with scaling of an ample divisor which terminates, assuming that it admits an NQC weak Zariski decomposition or that$$ K_X+B+M$$KX+B+Mis not pseudoeffective. As a consequence, we establish several existence results for minimal models and Mori fibre spaces.
Natural dihydroisobenzofuran derivatives as a template for promising radical scavengers: theoretical insights into structure–activity relationships, thermochemistry and kinetics
Authors: Spiegel Maciej , Sroka Zbigniew 
Published: October 2022

AbstractDihydroisobenzofuran heterocycle is a structural motif found in a number of medications with anti-tumour, anti-diabetic, and antibacterial activities. It is also found in a slew of natural substances, most notably fungus metabolites, which have been shown to possess credible radical scavenging activity. Density functional theory studies on three different derivatives were conducted to investigate their electronic structures as well as thermochemical and kinetic behaviour against ·OOH, ·OH, and ·OCH3 in biologically relevant solvents, with the goal of elucidating structure–activity relationships and discussing the potential role of the scaffolds as a template for new semisynthetic antioxidants. The importance of resonance and inductive effects, and also hydrogen bonding, has been underlined, but most importantly, it has been demonstrated that all structures have considerable scavenging potential against all studied radicals, with reactions rates close to the diffusion limit.
Clinical outcomes after using patient specific instrumentation: is it worth the effort? A minimum 5-year retrospective review of 298 PSI knees
Authors: Rammohan R  , Nugent Luke , Kasture Sarang , Ganapathi Muthu 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Introduction
Use of patient specific instrumentation (PSI) for performing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been shown to improve component positioning but there is dearth of evidence regarding clinical outcomes. The aim of our study was to report patient satisfaction and functional outcome scores of patients who underwent PSI TKAs at minimum 5 year follow up.

Methods
This is a retrospective study of a prospectively collected data of patients who underwent PSI TKAs between January 2012 and October 2015 under a single surgeon. Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs), patient satisfaction questionnaires, surgeon directed 3D planning changes and intra-operative changes were collected and analysed.

Results
The cohort included 298 consecutive PSI TKAs performed on 249 patients at a mean age of 71 years (range: 49–93 years). On an average 4 changes were made for each knee during 3D planning compared to preliminary plan. Intra-operative implant size change was required only in 3% (10 knees). The PROM scores were collected at a mean follow-up period of 6.8 years (range: 5.0–8.6 years) for 224 knees. Oxford Knee Score improved from median pre-operative score of 18 (IQR: 13–24) to median post-operative score of 44 (IQR: 40–47) with a median gain of 23 (IQR: 16–30). The median modified Forgotten Joint Score was 87.5 (IQR: 54.4–98.1). For the Beverland questionnaire, 75% (n = 166) reported being “Very Happy” and only 4% (n = 9/222) were ‘Never Happy’.

Conclusion
Excellent patient satisfaction and functional scores at mid-term can be achieve d using PSI technique to perform TKA with careful surgeon directed pre-operative planning.
The optimal timing of elective surgery in sigmoid diverticular disease: a meta-analysis
Authors: Vaghiri Sascha , Prassas Dimitrios , Knoefel Wolfram Trudo , Krieg Andreas 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate the optimal time point of elective sigmoidectomy regarding the intraoperative and postoperative course in diverticular disease.

Methods
A comprehensive literature research was conducted for studies comparing the operative outcome of early elective (EE) versus delayed elective (DE) minimally invasive sigmoidectomy in patients with acute or recurrent diverticular disease. Subsequently, data from eligible studies were extracted, qualitatively assessed, and entered into a meta-analysis. By using random effect models, the pooled hazard ratio of outcomes of interest was calculated.

Results
Eleven observational studies with a total of 2096 patients were included (EE group n = 828, DE group n = 1268). Early elective sigmoidectomy was associated with a significantly higher conversion rate as the primary outcome in comparison to the delayed elective group (OR 2.48, 95% CI 1.5427–4.0019, p = 0.0002). Of the secondary outcomes analyzed only operative time (SMD 0.14, 95% CI 0.0020–0.2701, p = 0.0466) and time of first postoperative bowel movement (SMD 0.57, 95% CI 0.1202–1.0233, p = 0.0131) were significant in favor of the delayed elective approach.

Conclusions
Delayed elective sigmoid resection demonstrates benefit in terms of reduced conversion rates and shortened operative time as opposed to an early approach. Conversely, operative morbidities seem to be unaffected by the timing of surgery. However, a final and robust conclusion based on the included observational cohort studies must be cautiously made. We therefore highly advocate larger randomized controlled trials with homogenous study protocols.