bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Synthesis Conditions on Mechanical Strength of Aluminium Slag Modified Waste Foundry Sand Geopolymers
Authors: Sithole N.T , Nkosi M.T.M 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The waste foundry sand was alkaline activated into geopolymers to reduce their environmental pollution. The waste foundry sand was blended with aluminium slag and alkali activated to produce geopolymers. Aluminium slag was used to supplement WFS with alumina because as it has low content of alumina. The main parameters tested were the effect alumina content, concentration of alkali, liquid to solid ratio, and temperature. The optimum synthesis parameters were a geopolymer prepared with 2% aluminium, 3 M NaOH solution, liquid solid ratio of 0.15 and curing temperature and time of 80°C and 5 days respectively. The optimum parameters yielded the highest UCS of 4.7 MPa. The developed aluminium slag modified waste foundry sand geopolymers met the minimum requirements for ASTM C126-99 and ASTM C216-07a.
Engineering organ-on-a-chip systems to model viral infections
Authors: Shahabipour Fahimeh , Satta Sandro , Mahmoodi Mahboobeh , Sun Argus , de Barros Natan Roberto , Li Song , Hsiai Tzung , Ashammakhi Nureddin 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Infectious diseases remain a public healthcare concern worldwide. Amidst the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, increasing resources have been diverted to investigate therapeutics targeting the COVID-19 spike glycoprotein and to develop various classes of vaccines. Most of the current investigations employ two-dimensional (2D) cell culture and animal models. However, 2D culture negates the multicellular interactions and three-dimensional (3D) microenvironment, and animal models cannot mimic human physiology because of interspecies differences. On the other hand, organ-on-a-chip (OoC) devices introduce a game-changer to model viral infections in human tissues, facilitating high-throughput screening of antiviral therapeutics. In this context, this review provides an overview of the in vitro OoC-based modeling of viral infection, highlighting the strengths and challenges for the future.
Properties of electron lenses produced by ponderomotive potential with Bessel and Laguerre–Gaussian beams
Authors: Uesugi Yuuki , Kozawa Yuichi , Sato Shunichi 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The properties of electron round lenses produced by the ponderomotive potential are investigated in geometrical optics. The potential proportional to the intensity distribution of a focused first-order Bessel or Laguerre–Gaussian (LG) beam is exploited to produce an electron round lens and a third-order spherical aberration (SA) corrector. Several formulas for the focal length and SA coefficients in the thin-lens approximation are derived to set the lens properties and associated light beam parameters. When the mode field of the optical beam is small, the electron trajectory calculation results show properties similar to those obtained using the formulas. Alternatively, large higher-order aberrations are introduced because of the annular distribution of the potential. The second- and higher-order Bessel and LG beams produce no focusing power and no negative third-order SA; however, they can still be used as circularly symmetric higher-order aberration correctors. Results show that the ponderomotive potential–based electron lens or phase plate forms a refractive index medium with a shape that is considerably more flexible than that achieved in the case of conventional electrostatic and magnetic electron optics. The formulas presented herein can serve as guidelines for designing preferred light fields, thus promoting the advancement of a novel technology in electron optics that exploits the electron–light interaction.
Best practices for photovoltaic performance loss rate calculations
Authors: Lindig Sascha , Theristis Marios , Moser David 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe performance loss rate (PLR) is a vital parameter for the time-dependent assessment of photovoltaic (PV) system performance and health state. Although this metric can be calculated in a relatively straightforward manner, it is challenging to achieve accurate and reproducible results with low uncertainty. Furthermore, the temporal evolution of PV system performance is usually nonlinear, but in many cases a linear evaluation is preferred as it simplifies the assessment and it is easier to evaluate. As such, the search for a robust and reproducible calculation methodology providing reliable linear PLR values across different types of systems and conditions has been the focus of many research activities in recent years. In this paper, the determination of PV system PLR using different pipelines and approaches is critically evaluated and recommendations for best practices are given. As nonlinear PLR assessments are fairly new, there is no consent on how to calculate reliable values. Several promising nonlinear approaches have been developed recently and are presented as tools to evaluate the PV system performance in great detail. Furthermore, challenges are discussed with respect to the PLR calculation but also opportunities for differentiating individual performance losses from a generic PLR value having the potential of enabling actionable insights for maintenance.
Effect of conductance linearity of Ag-chalcogenide CBRAM synaptic devices on the pattern recognition accuracy of an analog neural training accelerator
Authors: Apsangi Priyanka , Barnaby Hugh , Kozicki Michael , Gonzalez-Velo Yago , Taggart Jennifer 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Pattern recognition using deep neural networks (DNN) has been implemented using resistive RAM (RRAM) devices. To achieve high classification accuracy in pattern recognition with DNN systems, a linear, symmetric weight update as well as multi-level conductance (MLC) behavior of the analog synapse is required. Ag-chalcogenide based conductive bridge RAM (CBRAM) devices have demonstrated multiple resistive states making them potential candidates for use as analog synapses in neuromorphic hardware. In this work, we analyze the conductance linearity response of these devices to different pulsing schemes. We have demonstrated an improved linear response of the devices from a non-linearity factor of 6.65 to 1 for potentiation and −2.25 to −0.95 for depression with non-identical pulse application. The effect of improved linearity was quantified by simulating the devices in an artificial neural network. The classification accuracy of two-layer neural network was seen to be improved from 85% to 92% for small digit MNIST dataset.
Barriers and facilitators to implementing pharmacist-provided comprehensive medication management in primary care transformation
Authors: Pestka Deborah L , Paterson Nicole L , Brummel Amanda R , Norman Jeffrey A , White Katie M 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Purpose
How to effectively integrate pharmacists into team-based models of care to maximize the benefit they bring to patients and care teams, especially during times of primary care transformation (PCT), remains unknown. The objective of this study was to identify barriers and facilitators when integrating pharmacist-provided comprehensive medication management (CMM) services into a health system’s team-based PCT using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).

Methods
Semistructured qualitative interviews were carried out with 22 care team members regarding their perceptions of the implementation of CMM in the PCT. Transcripts were coded to identify CMM implementation barriers and facilitators, and resulting codes were mapped to corresponding CFIR domains and constructs.

Results
Fifteen codes emerged that were labeled as either a barrier or a facilitator to implementing CMM in the PCT. Facilitators were the perception of CMM as an invaluable resource, precharting, tailored appointment lengths, insurance coverage, increased pharmacy presence, enhanced team-based care, location of CMM, and identification of CMM advocates. Barriers included limited clinic leadership involvement, a need for additional resources, CMM pharmacists not always feeling part of the core team, understanding of and training around CMM’s role in the PCT, changing mindsets to utilize resources such as CMM more frequently, underutilization of CMM, and CMM scheduling.

Conclusion
Clinical pharmacists providing CMM represent a valuable interdisciplinary care team member who can help improve healthcare quality and access to primary care. Identifying and addressing implementation barriers and facilitators early during PCT rollout is critical to the success of team-based services such as CMM and becoming a learning health system.
Impact of an infectious diseases pharmacist–led intervention on antimicrobial stewardship program guideline adherence at a Thai medical center
Authors: Jantarathaneewat Kittiya , Montakantikul Preecha , Weber David J , Nanthapisal Sira , Rutjanawech Sasinuch , Apisarnthanarak Anucha 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Purpose
To evaluate and compare antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) guideline adherence (primary outcome) as well as length of stay, 30-day all-cause mortality, clinical cure, antimicrobial consumption, and incidence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens (secondary outcomes) between an infectious diseases (ID) pharmacist–led intervention group and a standard ASP group.

Methods
A quasi-experimental study was performed at Thammasat University Hospital between August 2019 and April 2020. Data including baseline characteristics and primary and secondary outcomes were collected from the electronic medical record by the ID pharmacist.

Results
The ASP guideline adherence in the ID pharmacist–led intervention group was significantly higher than in the standard ASP group (79% vs 56.6%; P &lt; 0.001), especially with regard to appropriate indication (P &lt; 0.001), dosage regimen (P = 0.005), and duration (P = 0.001). The acceptance rate of ID pharmacist recommendations was 81.8% (44/54). The most common key barriers to following recommendations were physician resistance (11/20; 55%) and high severity of disease in the patient (6/20; 30%). Compared to the standard ASP group, there was a trend toward clinical cure in the ID pharmacist–led intervention group (63.6% vs 56.1%; P = 0.127), while 30-day all-cause mortality (15.9% vs 1.5%; P = 0.344) and median length of stay (20 vs 18 days; P = 0.085) were similar in the 2 groups. Carbapenem (P = 0.042) and fosfomycin (P = 0.014) consumption declined in the ID pharmacist–led intervention group. A marginally significant decrease in the overall incidence of MDR pathogens was also observed in the ID pharmacist–led intervention group (coefficient, –5.93; P = 0.049).

Conclusion
Our study demonstrates that an ID pharmacist–led intervention can improve ASP guideline adherence and may reduce carbapenem consumption.
Recovery from aphasia in the first year after stroke
Authors: Wilson Stephen M , Entrup Jillian L , Schneck Sarah M , Onuscheck Caitlin F , Levy Deborah F , Rahman Maysaa , Willey Emma , Casilio Marianne , Yen Melodie , Brito Alexandra C , Kam Wayneho , Davis L Taylor , de Riesthal Michael , Kirshner Howard S 
Published: April 2022

AbstractMost individuals who experience aphasia after a stroke recover to some extent, with the majority of gains taking place in the first year. The nature and time course of this recovery process is only partially understood, especially its dependence on lesion location and extent, which are the most important determinants of outcome. The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive description of patterns of recovery from aphasia in the first year after stroke.We recruited 334 patients with acute left hemisphere supratentorial ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke and evaluated their speech and language function within 5 days using the Quick Aphasia Battery (QAB). At this initial time point, 218 patients presented with aphasia. Individuals with aphasia were followed longitudinally, with follow-up evaluations of speech and language at 1 month, 3 months, and 1 year post-stroke, wherever possible. Lesions were manually delineated based on acute clinical MRI or CT imaging. Patients with and without aphasia were divided into 13 groups of individuals with similar, commonly occurring patterns of brain damage. Trajectories of recovery were then investigated as a function of group (i.e. lesion location and extent) and speech/language domain (overall language function, word comprehension, sentence comprehension, word finding, grammatical construction, phonological encoding, speech motor programming, speech motor execution, and reading).We found that aphasia is dynamic, multidimensional, and gradated, with little explanatory role for aphasia subtypes or binary concepts such as fluency. Patients with circumscribed frontal lesions recovered well, consistent with some previous observations. More surprisingly, most patients with larger frontal lesions extending into the parietal or temporal lobes also recovered well, as did patients with relatively circumscribed temporal, temporoparietal, or parietal lesions. Persistent moderate or severe deficits were common only in patients with extensive damage throughout the middle cerebral artery distribution or extensive temporoparietal damage. There were striking differences between speech/language domains in their rates of recovery and relationships to overall language function, suggesting that specific domains differ in the extent to which they are redundantly represented throughout the language network, as opposed to depending on specialized cortical substrates.Our findings have an immediate clinical application in that they will enable clinicians to estimate the likely course of recovery for individual patients, as well as the uncertainty of these predictions, based on acutely observable neurological factors.
Optimal Covid-19 Quarantine and Testing Policies
Authors: Piguillem Facundo , Shi Liyan 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
We study quantitatively the optimality of quarantine and testing policies; and whether they are complements or substitutes. We extend the epidemiological susceptible-exposed-infectious-recovered model to incorporate an information friction. Our main finding is that testing is a cost-efficient substitute for lockdowns, rendering them almost unnecessary. By identifying carriers, testing contains the spread of the virus without reducing output, although the implementation requires widespread massive testing. As a byproduct, we show that two distinct optimal lockdown policy types arise: suppression, intended to eliminate the virus, and mitigation, concerned about flattening the curve. The choice between them is determined by a ‘hope-for-the-cure’ effect, arising due to either an expected vaccine or the belief that the virus can be eliminated. Conditional on the policy type, the intensity and duration of the intervention is invariant to both the trade-off between lives and output and the aversion to GDP variations: the optimal intervention path depends mostly on the virus dynamics.
Microbialites show a distinct cyanobacterial phylogenetic structure and functional redundancy in Bacalar lagoon and Cenote Azul sinkhole, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Authors: Águila B , Yanez-Montalvo A , Mercado-Juárez R A , Montejano G A , Becerra-Absalón I , Falcón L I 
Published: April 2022

AbstractCyanobacterial components of microbialites from two geographically close systems, the Bacalar lagoon (BL) and the Cenote Azul sinkhole (CA) in Quintana Roo, Mexico, were characterized. BL and CA systems were studied along a longitudinal gradient (north to south) and a depth gradient (5–30 m), respectively. Microscopic observations, 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, and shotgun metagenomics were used to characterize Cyanobacteria. Both systems showed similar metabolic/functional profiles but harbored completely different cyanobacterial taxa. BL was dominated by Nostocales, including a population of previously undescribed Chakia sp., while CA was dominated by an unknown taxon of Chroococcales, comprising 70% of relative abundance through all depths. Interestingly, cyanobacterial assemblages in microbialites exhibited phylogenetic overdispersion in most of the BL sites, while CA sites exhibited phylogenetic clustering, these differences were attributed to depth/light conditions and possibly different times of geological formation for BL and CA systems.
Populist Minds Think Alike? National Identity Conceptions and Foreign Policy Preferences of Populist Leaders
Authors: Friedrichs Gordon M 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The global wave of populism has recently drawn the attention of foreign policy analysts. Despite significant contributions, we still know little about populist leaders’ conceptions of their nation's identity and how these inform foreign policy preferences. What understanding do populists have regarding what their nation stands for and how high it stands in comparison to others? In this article, I introduce a theoretical model of identity-driven foreign policymaking that examines the national identity conceptions of six populist leaders and their non-populist predecessors via an original quantitative content analysis of foreign policy speeches. The article further assesses whether this identity conception translates into foreign policy preferences for revisionism toward the liberal international order by examining voting behavior in the UN General Assembly. The article contributes to conceptual and methodological approaches in foreign policy analysis to study individuals, as well as provides comparative empirical evidence for what drives populists’ foreign policy thinking.
Estimating tephra fall volume from point-referenced thickness measurements
Authors: Rougier J C , Sparks R S J , Aspinall W P , Mahony S H 
Published: April 2022

SUMMARYWe describe an algorithm for producing an approximate 95 per cent confidence interval (CI) for the bulk volume of tephra fall deposits, based on point-referenced tephra thickness measurements, and expert judgement. Applied to the Aso-4 eruption, our algorithm gives a 95 per cent CI of $[220\, \mathrm{km^3}, 370\, \mathrm{km^3}]$. One component of our algorithm is an estimated thickness surface, from which is it also possible to produce isopach maps, thickness transects and ‘Pyleograms’. Our approach uses modern methods from statistics and machine learning to model and fit the thickness surface, and to produce the 95 per cent CI, and we contrast these with established approaches.
Persuasion in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Theories and Complications of AI-Based Persuasion
Authors: Dehnert Marco , Mongeau Paul A 
Published: April 2022

AbstractArtificial intelligence (AI) has profound implications for both communication and persuasion. We consider how AI complicates and promotes rethinking of persuasion theory and research. We define AI-based persuasion as a symbolic process in which a communicative-AI entity generates, augments, or modifies a message—designed to convince people to shape, reinforce, or change their responses—that is transmitted to human receivers. We review theoretical perspectives useful for studying AI-based persuasion—the Computers Are Social Actors (CASA) paradigm, the Modality, Agency, Interactivity, and Navigability (MAIN) model, and the heuristic-systematic model of persuasion—to explicate how differences in AI complicate persuasion in two ways. First, thin AI exhibits few (if any) machinic (i.e., AI) cues, social cues might be available, and communication is limited and indirect. Second, thick AI exhibits ample machinic and social cues, AI presence is obvious, and communication is direct and interactive. We suggest avenues for future research in each case.
Top-down Versus Step-up Strategies to Prevent Postoperative Recurrence in Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Buisson Anthony , Blanco Lysa , Manlay Luc , Reymond Maud , Dapoigny Michel , Rouquette Olivier , Dubois Anne , Pereira Bruno 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe best management after ileocolonic resection is still unknown in Crohn’s disease (CD). We compared step-up and top-down approaches to prevent short and long-term postoperative recurrences in CD patients.MethodsFrom a comprehensive database, consecutive CD patients who underwent intestinal resection (2014-2021) were included. Top-down (biologics started within the first month after surgery) or step-up strategies (no biologic between surgery and colonoscopy at 6 months) were performed with systematic colonoscopy at 6 months and therapeutic escalation if Rutgeerts index was ≥i2a (endoscopic postoperative recurrence). Propensity score analysis was applied for each comparison.ResultsAmong 115 CD patients, top-down was the most effective strategy to prevent endoscopic postoperative recurrence (46.8% vs 65.9%, P = .042) and to achieve complete endoscopic remission (Rutgeerts index = i0; 45.3% vs 19.3%; P = .004) at 6 months. We did not observe any significant difference between the 2 groups regarding clinical postoperative recurrence (hazard ratio [HR], .86 [0.44-1.66], P = .66) and progression of bowel damage (HR, 0.81 [0.63-1.06], P = .12). Endoscopic postoperative recurrence at 6 months was associated with increased risk of clinical postoperative recurrence (HR, 1.97 [1.07-3.64], P 0.029) and progression of bowel damage (HR, 3.33 [1.23-9.02], P = .018). Among the subgroup without endoscopic postoperative recurrence at 6 months, the risks of clinical postoperative recurrence and progression of bowel damage were significantly improved in the top-down group (HR, 0.59 [0.37-0.94], P = .025; and HR, 0.73 [0.63-0.83], P &lt; .001, respectively).ConclusionsTop-down strategy should be the preferred management to prevent short and long-term postoperative recurrence in CD.
A modified sutureless repair for left pulmonary vein obstruction after catheter ablation
Authors: Matsuyama Katsuhiko , Watanuki Hirotaka , Tochii Masato , Sugiyama Kayo 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
A 52-year-old man presented with temporal haemoptysis and chest pain 6 months after radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. Computed tomography revealed severe stenosis in the left upper pulmonary vein (PV) and complete occlusion of the left lower PV. A modified sutureless repair of the left PV obstruction was successfully performed. This modified procedure provides a feasible, safe and effective means of treating PV obstruction, even in cases with distal extension of stenosis.
Malignant granular cell tumour at the interventricular septum
Authors: Lou Weng-Kin , Chou Heng-Wen , Chen Tom Wei-Wu , Hsu Che-Yu , Chen Jeng-Wei 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Granular cell tumours are usually benign with a 1–2% incidence of malignancy. They are less sensitive to radiotherapy and chemotherapy and are treated by surgical excision. We report a case of a malignant granular cell tumour located at the interventricular septum.