V-FOR-WaTer - a virtual research environment for environmental research

Extent and diversity of environmental data are continuously increasing due to more sensor networks with higher spatial and temporal resolution. To find appropriate data for analyses and especially for large scale models and simulations in this data explosion can take up to several months. The preprocessing of these heterogeneous datasets from different research disciplines to acquire a coherent dataset, can be done with a wide range of algorithms and tools. The outcome is a base dataset that is not reproducible and in consequence, neither are the resulting analyses [3, 9]. The datasets therefore do not obey the FAIR principles [13]. The V-FOR-WaTer web portal [11] aims to improve this situation by collecting data and metadata from a wide variety of sources and by offering preprocessed data

The influence of model and measurement uncertainties on damage detection of experimental structures through recursive algorithms

In this work, we developed a framework for identifying frame-type structures regarding the measurement uncertainty and the uncertainty involved in inherent and structural parameters. The identification process is illustrated and examined on a one-eight-scale four-story moment-resisting steel frame under seismic excitation using two well-known recursive schemes: the Extended Kalman filter (EKF) and Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF) methods. The nonlinear system equations were assessed by applying a first-order instantaneous linearization approach through the EKF method. In contrast, the UKF algorithm employs several sample points to estimate moments of random variables’ nonlinear transformations. A nonlinear transformation is applied to distribute sample points to derive the precise mean and covariance up to the second order of any nonlinearity. Accordingly, it is theoretically expected that the UKF algorithm is more capable of identifying the nonlinear systems and determining the unknown parameters than the EKF algorithm. The capability of the EKF and UKF algorithms was assessed by considering a 4-story moment-resisting steel frame with several inherent uncertainties, including the material behavior model, boundary conditions, and constraints. In addition to these uncertainties, the combination of acceleration and displacement responses of different structural levels is employed to evaluate the capability of the algorithms. The information entropy measure is used to investigate further the uncertainty of a group of established model parameters. As highlighted, a good agreement is observed between the results using the information entropy measure criterion and those using the UKF and EKF algorithms. The results illustrate that using the responses of fewer levels placed in the proper positions may lead to improved outcomes than those of more improperly positioned levels

High temperature optical absorption investigation into the electronic transitions in sol–gel derived C12A7 thin films

Optical absorption into 6 mm thick sol–gel derived films, annealed at 1300 °C of 12CaO·7Al2O3 calcium aluminate binary compound on MgO〈100〉 single crystal substrates was studied at temperatures ranging from room temperature to 300 °C. Experimental data were analysed in both Tauc and Urbach regions. The optical band gap decreased from 4.088 eV at 25 °C to 4.051 eV at 300 °C, while Urbach energy increased from 0.191 eV at 25 °C to 0.257 eV at 300 °C. The relationship between the optical band gap and the Urbach energy at different temperatures showed an almost linear relationship from which the theoretical values of 4.156 and 0.065 eV were evaluated for the band gap energy and Urbach energy of a 12CaO·7Al2O3 crystal with zero structural disorder at 0 K

A survey of fertility preservation options available to cancer patients around the globe

Purpose: Oncofertility focuses on providing fertility and endocrine-sparing options to patients who undergo life-preserving but gonadotoxic cancer treatment. The resources needed to meet patient demand often are fragmented along disciplinary lines. We quantify assets and gaps in oncofertility care on a global scale. Methods: Survey-based questionnaires were provided to 191 members of the Oncofertility Consortium Global Partners Network, a National Institutes of Health–funded organization. Responses were analyzed to measure trends and regional subtleties about patient oncofertility experiences and to analyze barriers to care at sites that provide oncofertility services. Results: Sixty-three responses were received (response rate, 25%), and 40 were analyzed from oncofertility centers in 28 countries. Thirty of 40 survey results (75%) showed that formal referral processes and psychological care are provided to patients at the majority of sites. Fourteen of 23 respondents (61%) stated that some fertility preservation services are not offered because of cultural and legal barriers. The growth of oncofertility and its capacity to improve the lives of cancer survivors around the globe relies on concentrated efforts to increase awareness, promote collaboration, share best practices, and advocate for research funding. Conclusion: This survey reveals global and regional successes and challenges and provides insight into what is needed to advance the field and make the discussion of fertility preservation and endocrine health a standard component of the cancer treatment plan. As the field of oncofertility continues to develop around the globe, regular assessment of both international and regional barriers to quality care must continue to guide process improvements

Survey of Third-Party Parenting Options Associated With Fertility Preservation Available to Patients With Cancer Around the Globe

Purpose: In the accompanying article, “Analysis of Fertility Preservation Options Available to Patients With Cancer Around the Globe,” we showed that specific fertility preservation services may not be offered at various sites around the world because of cultural and legal barriers. We assessed global and regional experiences as well as the legal status of third-party reproduction and adoption to serve as a comprehensive international data set and resource for groups that wish to begin oncofertility interventions. Methods: We provide data on the legalities of third-party assisted reproductive technologies and other family-building options in the 28 oncofertility-practicing countries surveyed. Results: We found regional and country differences that will be important in the development of tailored resources for physicians and for patient brochures that are sensitive to these local restrictions and cultural norms. Conclusion: Because many patients first consult Web-based materials, the formal assessment of the availability of these options provides members of the global oncofertility community with data to which they might otherwise not have ready access to better serve their patients

Survey of third-party parenting options associated with fertility preservation available to patients with cancer around the globe

bstract PURPOSE In the accompanying article, “Survey of Fertility Preservation Options Available to Patients With Cancer Around the Globe,” we showed that specific fertility preservation services may not be offered at various sites around the world because of cultural and legal barriers. We assessed global and regional experiences as well as the legal status of third-party reproduction and adoption to serve as a comprehensive international data set and resource for groups that wish to begin oncofertility interventions. METHODS We provide data on the legalities of third-party assisted reproductive technologies and other familybuilding options in the 28 oncofertility-practicing countries surveyed. RESULTS We found regional and country differences that will be important in the development of tailored resources for physicians and for patient brochures that are sensitive to these local restrictions and cultural norms. CONCLUSION Because many patients first consult Web-based materials, the formal assessment of the availability of these options provides members of the global oncofertility community with data to which they might otherwise not have ready access to better serve their patients