bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
People’s Perception towards COVID-19 Delta Variant in Bangladesh
Authors: Zabir Abdullah Al , Wongnaa Camillus Abawiera , Shan Tabia Binte , Bhuiyan Mayesha Mosharraf , Tanha Rahatul Zannat , Akter Omeya , Sarker Smrity , Chuuti Saifun Akter , Islam Md. Ariful
Published: December 2022

Bangladesh has detected a newly mutated Delta variant that is getting more hazardous for the entire world. Since this variant is far more hazardous than the previous one, the purpose of this study is to determine people's reactions to this variant, how to prevent the spread of the Delta variant, and what factors can lead to government failures to control it in Bangladesh. Data were obtained from 417 participants using convenient sampling technique. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were the methods of analysis employed. The results showed that in Bangladesh, persons aged 30 to 49 were more likely than others to be aware of the COVID-19 Delta variant. Since social media and newspapers are important sources of information, it was discovered that those who did not use social media or read newspapers had low perception of the new COVID-19 Delta variant. Furthermore, individuals who had a COVID-19 infection history together with their friends and family members had a greater perception of the COVID-19 Delta variant than those who did not. The results also showed that rural people in Bangladesh had low perception of the new COVID-19 Delta variant than the urban people. The study recommends that government should force everyone to wear masks and provide alternative income-generating activities for marginalized individuals in order to limit the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant. Moreover, government should create more awareness and intensify health education in order to restrict the spread of the new COVID-19 variant.
A Review on Impact of Technology on Environment and Nutrition Post COVID -19 Pandemic
Authors: Lakshmi V. Vijaya , Paul M. Milcah
Published: December 2022

There is a technological impact on environment, food consumption, production and health status of human beings which was more evident during the COVID - 19 pandemic. Standard of living is being progressed due to the increase in technological innovations which in turn is affecting the environment on one side; food production and health on the other side. But without the growth and development in technologies for our day to day living, society would not progress much. At the same time, Pollution levels are increasing, lifestyle diseases are increasing, both food production and consumption are increasing day by day. However, due to COVID 19 - pandemic, surprisingly pollution levels were reduced all over the world. With this background, this paper focused on positive and negative effects of technological advancement in the society, ways of protecting the health of human beings and environment through proper means. This paper would like to voice out that “Our actions are our future in making the environment more habitable”. Hence, one must be very thoughtful and do their actions wisely in order to protect the environment and health of the living beings on the planet Earth.
Assessment of Wet and Dry Spells Over North Western Zone of Tamil Nadu Using WASP
Authors: Pradipa C. , Prabhaharan S. , Jegathambal R. , Ravi M.
Published: December 2022

Rainfall is the most dependent weather factor that decides the success or failure of a crop in a location. The behaviour of rainfall plays a major role in the selection of crop, cropping system and cropping pattern. It is also essential for planning of water resource management structures. Hence it is essential to study the anomaly in rainfall over a long period of time to identify the deviation in rainfall pattern over the region. Weighted Anomaly of Standardized Precipitation Index (WASP) is an index that can help in identifying the occurrence of dry or wet spells over different time scales (tri, hexa, nona and dodeca-monthly). The analysis was carried out for Salem district of Tamil Nadu over a period of 30 years (1991-2020) which has an average rainfall of 990 mm per year with bimodal distribution. The analysis shows an increase in near normal events, decrease in wet as well as dry events with 3 m, 6 m, 9 m and 12 m WASP. The 3 m-WASP indicates the north east monsoon have more variability in rainfall since more number of wet as well as dry events have occurred during this season. With 6 m WASP During, in all the 3 decades, the consecutive wet as well as dry events have been occurred during the winter and NE monsoon seasons. This shows the risk in crop cultivation during NEM season because of higher instability in rainfall. Considering the longer time scale of 9 m and 12 m WASP indicates the occurrence of prolonged extreme dry or extreme wet events to be very minimal. The negative effects of these events can be handled easily by adopting proper drainage, water harvesting and storage structure within the farms. These structures can also help in recharging the ground water table in addition to supplementing water needs for the crops.
Updates in the Role of MRI in Diagnosis of Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Systematic Review Article
Authors: Alanazi Turki Khulaif , Al-Anzi Abdulaziz Turki Hamad , Alsafari Abdullah Naffaa , Al Enezi Ahmed Maashi , Alanazi Faisal Hussain , Alanazi Mohammed Maashi Q. , Almolhem Mohamed Hakem , Alanazi Abdullah Mohammed , Alanzi Abdulaziz Hassan , Alabdali Mohammad Khulaife , Alanazi Fhad Ahmad , Alenezi Miznah Mohammad
Published: December 2022

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the technique of choice for diagnosing lumbar disc herniation (LDH). This systematic review aims to investigate the recently published literature regarding the updates of MRI for LDH diagnosis.

Methodology: PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, EBSCO, and Cochrane library were searched. Study articles were screened by title and abstract using Rayyan QCRI then a full-text assessment was implemented.

Results: Nine studies were included, with 1064 patients with LDH. All the included studies reported that MRI is valuable in diagnosing and detecting the acuity of LDH. Other diagnostic modalities were used along with MRI to increase the results' accuracy, including the clinical findings, MRM, and QST.  

Conclusion: MRI is considered suitable for predicting symptom severity in patients with LDH and, when used in combination with clinical findings, improves diagnostic accuracy. This review showed that deep learning can be used on small data sets containing only a few medical images. Impressive results were obtained in terms of detection of findings and improved accuracy of LDH diagnosis. Electrophysiological studies, QST, weight bearing, and MRM have been used as diagnostic methods for his LDH along with MRI, with good and accurate results reported.
Episodic Shortness of Breath: A Case of Bronchospasm in an 18 Year Old Girl
Authors: Elendu Chukwuka , Ross-Comptis Jennifer , Ashna Manizha , Udoyen Abasi-Okot A. , Ante Precious A. , Ayabazu Chiagozie P. , Joe-Ikechebelu Belusochi B. , Ikpegbu Richard C. , Akintunde Akinbayo A. , Egbunu Emmanuel O. , Okafor Geraldine C. , Onyinkwa Mokua F. , Okabekwa Olisa S. , Bassey Blessing N. , Enyong Joy M. , Nwosu Promise U. , Olumba Karen C.
Published: December 2022

Asthma is a long-term heterogeneous inflammatory condition of the airways. It is marked by shortness of breath, wheezing, intermittent cough and bronchial hyperreactivity. It has several phenotypes and people living with asthma have atopy. Asthma can occur at any age. However, it is more common in males before puberty; then, has equal sex ratio by adulthood.
A Global Look at the Market Potential of Liquid Container Board and Its Ability to Reduce Plastic Waste – A Brief Review
Authors: Dölle Klaus , Byrnes Nicole , Dristle Sean , Fernandez Tyler , Hussein Mumin , Krauss Colby , McCarthy Brody , Sausville Paul , Schoen Johnny , Slavinskas Jack , Wilson Evan , Wojcikowski Ian
Published: December 2022

The use of aseptic packaging creates many opportunities around the world to replace plastic based packaging of liquid and food-based containers in the near future. This will lead to a cleaner environment, less pollution within the air and the sea, and will help stimulate growth within the economy. Soon the use of aseptic packaging containers will be global which will help decrease the amount of pollution along with the number of landfills throughout the world. Many of the world regions highlighted in this paper are decreasing their plastic usage while increasing their recycled product production. As societal values are shifting more towards green materials and sustainable living, the general consumer is becoming more educated and aware of their ability to impact companies and government views, and are placing a larger value on sustainable, recyclable packaging. Aseptic packaging will be an important part of consumerism and the growing market contributes to a more sustainable, greener world as the efficiency of the recycling and production processes using aseptic packaging materials will improve over the coming years, allowing more fiber, plastic and aluminum to be recovered and used in the creation of new APC products.
Bacteria Associated with Cockraches Collected From Some Selected Food Centres within Jalingo Metropolis
Authors: Larubi Luka , Francis A. , Jessica Jellason
Published: December 2022

The Bacteria Associated with cockroaches collected from food centre’s and students cafeteria of Taraba State Polytechnic Jalingo main Campus were investigated in this study between April to May 2016. A total of thirty-seven (37) adult cockroaches were collected using a sticky trap (1.40 cm x 1.50 cm). The samples collected were immediately transported to the laboratory in a conical flask. A ten (10) Told serial dilution was done. The media used were Eosine methylene blue, Salmonella Shigella agar, Nutrient agar, and MacConkey agar. Pour plate techniques was used to culture and incubation was done for 24 hours at 370c. Observable discrete colonies were identified, gram stained and subcultured using the streak plate technique of inoculation. The isolates were identified using standard techniques. The microorganisms isolated were Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, Klebsietla species and Bacillus species. This study revealed that cockroaches can pose a public health effect. Therefore, routine sanitation and personal hygiene is strongly advocated as some of these isolates are pathogenic.
AIRFLOW EVALUATION IN CLASSROOM DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Candra Monica , Purnomo Yudi , Zain Zairin
Published: December 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic that hit Indonesia caused transition of the education process to online in 2020. The government seeks to improve the quality of student education in this pandemic era by preparing limited face-to-face learning. It is crucial to conduct a study on air because it is one of the mediums used to transfer viruses. This research took one sample of a classroom at SDN 27 North Pontianak. This research uses a Computational Fluid Dynamics simulation to display the air flow conditions of a room. The results showed that the fastest wind speed in the class ranged from 0.12 m/s to 0.44 m/s with green, yellow and red parameter color.  The slowest wind speed was 0.01 m/s to 0.12 m/s with blue and green parameter color. The parameter shows levels are within limits suggested by ASHRAE and the effect of the availability of smooth air circulation for the classroom and stable air change. They were limiting the virus ability to spread by improving airflow. Rapid air exchange in the classroom lowers the risk of infection for students and teaching staff.
UNDERSTANDING STUDENTS’ PREFERENCES OF COMMON SPACES FROM A PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Kanzaki Mami , Wardhani Mustika
Published: December 2022

Although common spaces in a university can serve an important role for adolescents in learning with colleagues and developing their ideas, common spaces have received insufficient research attention. Therefore, this study identified the characteristics of physical environments that promote active leaning among university students and the psychological aspects of students’ modes of being in common spaces. We conducted an online questionnaire and analyzed the data (N = 144; 86 men and 58 women; mean age = 23.5 ± 5.8 years) using cluster analysis and text-mining. We revealed three types of physical characteristics that promote students’ active learning and five groups of students’ modes of being in common spaces. The physical and psychological characteristics of the common spaces that promote active learning are discussed.
Subcritical Water Process for Reducing Sugar Production from Biomass: Optimization and Kinetics
Authors: Muharja Maktum , Widjaja Arief , Darmayanti Rizki Fitria , Fadhilah Nur , Airlangga Bramantyo , Halim Abdul , Fadilah Siska Nuri , Arimbawa I Made
Published: December 2022

The competitive reactions of lignocellulose hydrolysis and monosaccharide degradation in the subcritical water (SCW) hydrolysis of coconut husk were investigated to optimize the reducing sugar yield. Optimization analysis was performed by response surface methodology (RSM) and kinetics studies. Parameters of process optimization were varied at 130-170 °C for 15-45 min. The reducing sugars were measured using the Dinitro salicylic acid method. The sugar yield increased when the temperature increased from 130 °C to 170 °C. The highest reduction sugar yield of 4.946 g/L was obtained at 183.6 °C for 4.8 min and 23.4 liquid/solid ratio (LSR). Kinetics studies were carried out at temperature variations of 150, 170, and 190 °C and pressures of 60, 80, and 100 bar for 5 to 60 min. The yield of reducing sugar decreased with increasing temperature. The kinetic model 2B is the best method to explain the competitive reaction kinetics of coconut husk hydrolysis. This research is an innovation to increase the reducing sugar to make the process more commercially viable. Copyright © 2022 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Contaminação parasitária em hortaliças comercializadas no município de jataí-GO
Authors: Melo Tatiane Godinho , Souza João Batista Alves , Lima Laine Aran , Marques Guilherme Juliano César , Martins Alécio Perini , Rodrigues Rosângela Maria
Published: December 2022

Introdução: a prevalência de doenças parasitárias transmitidas por alimentos tem apresentado um aumento significativo em nível mundial, destacando principalmente as hortaliças, consumidas in natura, em razão da sociedade moderna que procura hábitos devida mais saudáveis. Objetivo: avaliar a contaminação de hortaliças comercializadas no município de Jataí, GO, por enteroparasitos. Metodologia: foi realizada uma pesquisa experimental para detecção de estruturas parasitárias em hortaliças de cultivo tradicionale hidropônico, obtidas de nove estabelecimentos: três supermercados, três hortas e três feiras livres. Foram obtidas 54 amostras de alface (Lactuca sativa), 54 de rúcula (Chicarium sp.) e 18 de agrião (Nasturtium officinale). As amostras foram lavadas com água destilada e solução Tween 80 e submetidas as técnicas de sedimentação espontânea e por centrifugação. Foi realizado um mapeamento da área de estudo para identificação da localização dos estabelecimentos. Resultados: a positividade para estruturasparasitárias foi de 94,4% (119/126). A alface apresentou maior prevalência de parasitos 96,2% (52/54). Foi observada diferença estatística significativa ao comparar o emprego das duas técnicas (p < 0,05). As hortaliças submetidas a técnica de sedimentação espontânea apresentaram maior positividade 115/126 (91,3%). Não foi observada diferença estatística significante quanto ao tipo de cultivo, porém, houve forte associação em relação ao local de cultivo e contaminação das hortaliças (OR: 3,625). Verificou-se maior percentual de positividade nos estabelecimentos localizados próximos aos rios. Conclusão: a positividade de enteroparasitos detectada nas hortaliças foi alta, ressaltando a necessidade de implementar medidas que visam a conscientização da população, em relação às práticas de higienização das hortaliças antes do consumo.
Fitoterápicos e plantas medicinais na prática dos profissionais de saúde em unidades de Estratégia Saúde da Família
Authors: Dias Caboclo Estela Karoline , Rodrigues de Sousa Andressa , Berça Santos Janaina , Souza Castro Ludiele , Oliveira Bordin Alana , Fávero Lisboa Helen Cristina
Published: December 2022

Introdução: o uso da fitoterapia como alternativa terapêutica, tem aumentado, no entanto ainda existem lacunas no conhecimento sobre o tema, o que impede a completa adesão da prática por parte dos profissionais de saúde. Objetivos: este trabalho teve como objetivo verificar o conhecimento sobre a prática da fitoterapia por profissionais de saúde em unidades de Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF). Metodologia: foi realizado um estudo quantitativo, transversal, com aplicação de questionário contendo perguntas sobre a fitoterapia. Além disso, foi também desenvolvida uma análise descritiva, com frequência relativa e absoluta e análise de correlação através do teste de qui-quadrado de Pearson, utilizando teste de regressão binomial e multinominal. Resultados: participaram da pesquisa, 156 profissionais de saúde, distribuídos em 20 ESF do município de Rondonópolis-MT, sendo 24 enfermeiros, 8 médicos, 7 odontólogos, 4 farmacêuticos, 6 psicólogos, 10 técnicos em enfermagem, 88 agentes comunitários de saúde, 7 técnicos em saúdebucal, 1 técnico de farmácia e 1 educador físico. Destaca-se que 58% não souberam explicar a diferença entre fitoterápicos e plantas medicinais, 52% não sabiam realizar orientações nem citar o nome de medicamentos proveniente das plantas (53%), 88% não fizeram curso ou disciplina na área. No entanto, 86% tem interesse em se qualificar no assunto. Dentre os profissionais prescritores, 72,1% afirmaram prescrever raramente ou não prescrever a fitoterapia em sua prática profissional. Conclusão: evidenciam-se falhas no conhecimento sobre a fitoterapia e a necessidade de capacitação aos profissionais que atuam nas ESF, de forma a se sentirem seguros para prescrever e orientar quanto aos riscos e benefícios do uso das plantas como alternativa terapêutica.
Fatores associados à introdução alimentar precoce em um município baiano
Authors: Mercês Roseane de Oliveira , Peixoto da Silva Nadine , da Silva Rodrigues Marcela , Da Mota Santana Jerusa
Published: December 2022

Introdução: A introdução alimentar precoce é uma prática frequente no Brasil, envolta por diversos fatores de ordem social, cultural, econômica, familiar, emocional, bem como relacionados às condições de vida e assistência à saúde. Objetivo: Identificar os principais fatores que se associam a introdução precoce de alimentos em crianças de zero a seis meses de vida, atendidas na Atenção Primária à Saúde de um município do Sudoeste da Bahia. Metodologia: Estudo transversal, realizado com 75 mães e crianças atendidas na rede de saúde de Jequié, Bahia, no período de março a agosto de 2018. Empregou-se Regressão de Poisson com variância Robusta para avaliar a associação. Resultados: A prevalência da introdução alimentar precoce na população em estudo foi de 64%, sendo o leite de vaca, água/chá e fórmula infantil os alimentos mais prevalentes. Observou-se que a variável uso de chupeta (RP=1,21; IC95%= 1,02-1,43) apresentou associação positiva com a introdução alimentar precoce, enquanto que as variáveis uso de mamadeira (RP= 0,08; IC95%= 0,02-0,28) e orientações sobre amamentação (RP= 0,77; IC95%= 0,63-0,95) apresentaram associação negativa e inversa com o desfecho estudado. Conclusão: Apesar da superioridade do leite materno sobre outras formas de nutrir as crianças menores de seis meses, os resultados deste estudo revelaram elevada prevalência de introdução alimentar precoce na população estudada e sua associação com o uso de chupetas. Sugere-se que ações de promoção e proteção da amamentação exclusiva aconteçam desde o pré-natal, evidenciando também os riscos da introdução alimentar precocemente.
Making meaning meaningful
Authors: Firth Julie
Published: December 2022

This paper is based upon both my psychotherapeutic experience and my work as a photography and video artist. My art work has been internationally recognized for its autobiographical content and surrealist aesthetic, acclaimed for its evocative dream-like atmosphere, which employs a highly-charged symbolic language. It is my belief that it is only through accessing the "underbelly" in my own psychotherapy experience that I've been able to bring this to bear in my art-making process and product.
He-Male or "She"-Male
Authors: Culbertson Philip
Published: December 2022

One of the most difficult questions facing a gay male therapist is what effect his sexuality will have on the therapeutic alliance when working with both gay and straight clients. The therapist's sexual orientation sits largely unlanguaged in the room, sometimes out of fear. But who is afraid of what? These issues raise important questions for us as practitioners, and for us as an Association.
Flexible High‐Performance Photovoltaic Devices based on 2D MoS2 Diodes with Geometrically Asymmetric Contact Areas
Authors: Abnavi Amin , Ahmadi Ribwar , Ghanbari Hamidreza , Fawzy Mirette , Hasani Amirhossein , De Silva Thushani , Askar Abdelrahman M. , Mohammadzadeh Mohammad Reza , Kabir Fahmid , Whitwick Michael , Beaudoin Mario , O'Leary Stephen K. , Adachi Michael M.
Published: December 2022

Optoelectronic performance of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs)‐based solar cells and self‐powered photodetectors remain limited due to fabrication challenges, such as difficulty in doping TMDs to form p–n junctions. Herein, MoS2 diodes based on geometrically asymmetric contact areas are shown to achieve a high current rectification ratio of ≈105, facilitating efficient photovoltaic charge collection. Under solar illumination, the device demonstrates a high open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of 430 mV and a short‐circuit current density (Jsc) of −13.42 mA cm−2, resulting in a high photovoltaic power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 3.16%, the highest reported for a lateral 2D solar cell. The diodes also show a high photoresponsivity of 490.3 mA W−1, and a large photo detectivity of 4.05 × 1010 Jones, along with a fast response time of 0.8 ms under 450 nm wavelength at zero bias for self‐powered photodetection applications. The device transferred on a flexible substrate shows a high photocurrent and PCE retentions of 94.4%, and 88.2% after 5000 bending cycles at a bending radius of 1.5 cm, respectively, demonstrating robustness for flexible optoelectronic applications. The simple fabrication process, superior photovoltaic properties, and high flexibility suggests that the geometrically asymmetric MoS2 device architecture is an excellent candidate for flexible photovoltaic and optoelectronic applications.
2D Materials in the Display Industry: Status and Prospects
Authors: Kim Minsu , Ma Kyung Yeol , Kim Hyeongjoon , Lee Yeonju , Park Jong Hyun , Shin Hyeon Suk
Published: December 2022

With advances in flexible electronics, innovative foldable, rollable, and stretchable displays have been developed to maintain their performance under various deformations. These flexible devices can develop more innovative designs than conventional devices due to their light weight, high space efficiency, and practical convenience. However, developing flexible devices requires material innovation because the devices must be flexible and exhibit desirable electrical insulating/semiconducting/metallic properties. Recently, emerging 2D materials such as graphene, hexagonal boron nitride, and transition metal dichalcogenides have attracted considerable research attention because of their outstanding electrical, optical, and mechanical properties, which are ideal for flexible electronics. The recent progress and challenges of 2D material growth and display applications are reviewed and perspectives for exploring 2D materials for display applications are discussed.
Multifunctional Protein Hybrid Nanoplatform for Synergetic Photodynamic‐Chemotherapy of Malignant Carcinoma by Homologous Targeting Combined with Oxygen Transport
Authors: Wu Song‐Yu , Ye Ya‐Xi , Zhang Qing , Kang Qian‐Jin , Xu Zhu‐Min , Ren Shen‐Zhen , Lin Fan , Duan Yong‐Tao , Xu Hao‐Jun , Hu Zi‐Yi , Yang Sui‐Sui , Zhu Hai‐Liang , Zou Mei‐Juan , Wang Zhong‐Chang
Published: December 2022

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) under hypoxic conditions and drug resistance in chemotherapy are perplexing problems in anti‐tumor treatment. In addition, central nervous system neoplasm‐targeted nanoplatforms are urgently required. To address these issues, a new multi‐functional protein hybrid nanoplatform is designed, consisting of transferrin (TFR) as the multicategory solid tumor recognizer and hemoglobin for oxygen supply (ODP‐TH). This protein hybrid framework encapsulates the photosensitizer protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) and chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin (Dox), which are attached by a glutathione‐responsive disulfide bond. Mechanistically, ODP‐TH crosses the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and specifically aggregated in hypoxic tumors via protein homology recognition. Oxygen and encapsulated drugs ultimately promote a therapeutic effect by down‐regulating the abundance of multidrug resistance gene 1 (MDR1) and hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1‐α (HIF‐1α). The results reveal that ODP‐TH achieves oxygen transport and protein homology recognition in the hypoxic tumor occupation. Indeed, compared with traditional photodynamic chemotherapy, ODP‐TH achieves a more efficient tumor‐inhibiting effect. This study not only overcomes the hypoxia‐related inhibition in combination therapy by targeted oxygen transport but also achieves an effective treatment of multiple tumors, such as breast cancer and glioma, providing a new concept for the construction of a promising multi‐functional targeted and intensive anti‐tumor nanoplatform.
Memristive Synapse Based on Single‐Crystalline LiNbO3 Thin Film with Bioinspired Microstructure for Experience‐Based Dynamic Image Mask Generation
Authors: Wang Jiejun , Pan Xinqiang , Luo Wenbo , Shuai Yao , Xie Qin , Xu Jiaqi , Song Zeqian , Wu Chuangui , Zhang Wanli
Published: December 2022

One of the key steps toward constructing neuromorphic systems is to develop reliable bio‐realistic synaptic devices. Here, memristors based on single‐crystalline LiNbO3 (SC‐LNO) thin film are fabricated as artificial synapses. A reservoir of oxygen vacancies is induced by Ar+ irradiation to resemble synaptic vesicles containing neurotransmitters. Phenomena of saturation and adaptivity, short‐term plasticity, paired‐pulse facilitation, paired‐pulse depression, and long‐term potentiation are successfully mimicked. The dynamic transition from sensory memory to short‐term memory, and further to long‐term memory, is also successfully emulated for multipattern memorization. In addition, first, taking advantage of short‐ and long‐term synaptic plasticity is proposed, to realize experience‐based image mask generation with different stimuli schemes. During the experience‐based generation process, memristive multi‐value masks (MMVMs) are generated with different numbers of stimuli applied to the memristor at each pixel, which corresponds to the times the region occurred in the history image set. The experience‐based memristive multi‐value mask successfully extracts multiple regions of interest with different priorities. This work demonstrates that the memristor based on Ar+‐irradiated SC‐LNO thin film with bioinspired microstructure shows great potential in future neuromorphic systems for experience‐based intelligent image processing.
Biomimetic, Programmable, and Part‐by‐Part Maneuverable Single‐Body Shape‐Morphing Film
Authors: Jeong Yongrok , Ahn Junseong , Ha Ji-Hwan , Ko Jiwoo , Hwang Soon-Hyoung , Jeon Sohee , Bok Munjeong , Jeong Jun-Ho , Park Inkyu
Published: December 2022

Recently, shape‐morphing films (SMFs) have been actively researched due to their diverse applications such as soft robotics, soft grippers, and healthcare/wearable devices. Their complex movements are typically made by assembling multiple actuation elements in a single system. However, the unreliability during the assembly process is a critical issue, which has restricted their practical usage. In order to resolve this problem, herein, a biomimetic, programmable, and part‐by‐part maneuverable single‐body SMF is proposed. Programming of the SMF adopts a similar mechanism to Bauhinia variegates, whereby nonequivalent volume changes due to external stimuli cause the bending of the overall film. The patterned elastic modulus of the SU‐8 microwall prescribes the preferred bending direction. Part‐by‐part maneuvering is accomplished by controlling the voltage distribution of the underlying electrothermal heater. The fabricated single‐body SMF demonstrates the complex movements of the inchworm (pose stabilization: front‐to‐back flip and back‐to‐front flip; basic movements: crawl, left turn, and right turn) and Drosera Capensis (insect gripping via hierarchical morphology). The proposed method for the fabrication of a biomimetic, programmable, and part‐by‐part maneuverable single‐body SMF can successfully replace the conventional assembly process and achieve advanced SMF technology by enabling various complex movements toward practical applications.
Patterns of co‐occurring birth defects in children with anotia and microtia
Authors: Schraw Jeremy M. , Benjamin Renata H. , Shumate Charles J. , Canfield Mark A. , Scott Daryl A. , McLean Scott D. , Northrup Hope , Scheuerle Angela E. , Schaaf Christian P. , Ray Joseph W. , Chen Han , Agopian A. J. , Lupo Philip J.
Published: December 2022

Many infants with anotia or microtia (A/M) have co‐occurring birth defects, although few receive syndromic diagnoses in the perinatal period. Evaluation of co‐occurring birth defects in children with A/M could identify patterns indicative of undiagnosed/unrecognized syndromes. We obtained information on co‐occurring birth defects among infants with A/M for delivery years 1999–2014 from the Texas Birth Defects Registry. We calculated observed‐to‐expected ratios (OER) to identify birth defect combinations that occurred more often than expected by chance. We excluded children diagnosed with genetic or chromosomal syndromes from analyses. Birth defects and syndromes/associations diagnosed ≤1 year of age were considered. We identified 1310 infants with non‐syndromic A/M, of whom 38% (N = 492) were diagnosed with co‐occurring major defects. Top combinations included: hydrocephalus, ventricular septal defect, and spinal anomalies (OER 58.4); microphthalmia and anomalies of the aorta (OER 55.4); and cleft lip with or without cleft palate and rib or sternum anomalies (OER 32.8). Some combinations observed in our study may represent undiagnosed/atypical presentations of known A/M associations or syndromes, or novel syndromes yet to be described in the literature. Careful evaluation of infants with multiple birth defects including A/M is warranted to identify individuals with potential genetic or chromosomal syndromes.
Autosomal dominant cutis laxa and critical stenosis of the left main coronary artery in a 21‐year‐old female with an intronic mutation in the elastin gene
Authors: Krarup Nikolaj Thure , Hvidbjerg Marie , Zaremba Tomás , Sommerlund Mette , Christensen Martin Kirk
Published: December 2022

Cutis laxa (CL) is a rare, inherited or acquired connective tissue disorder characterized by abnormal elastic fibers causing loose and redundant skin and a prematurely aged appearance. The syndrome has been associated with hypertension, but cases with early‐onset ischemic heart disease have never been described. Here, we report a 21‐year‐old Danish female with activity‐related shortness of breath and oedema of the lower extremities. The patient had a clinical diagnosis of autosomal dominant CL, but no genotyping had been performed prior to the index admission. The patient was diagnosed with ischemic heart disease, based on results of non‐invasive cardiovascular imaging (including MRI and PET‐CT) followed by invasive treatment of a critical left main coronary artery stenosis. Subsequent referral to genetic testing revealed a likely pathogenic intronic variant in ELN. This case report includes the clinical findings and relates these to known molecular mechanisms of CL.
Bio‐Orthogonal Chemistry in Cell Engineering
Authors: Wang Yixin , Hu Quanyin
Published: December 2022

Cell therapy holds great promise in addressing a wide range of malignant diseases, such as cancers and infectious diseases. The convergence of chemistry, engineering, and material sciences further create tremendous opportunities to upgrade their therapeutic potential by integrating them with different functional motifs, which can strengthen the inherent features of cells and further render them with new functionalities. A rational selection of the cell decoration methods is of great importance to ensure desired cell modification while maximumly preserving the properties and biofunctions of cells. Bio‐orthogonal chemistry allows covalent modification of cells at favorable reaction rates under mild biological conditions without the perturbation of the biofunctions of the engineered cells or disturbance of the biosystem. Among various types of bio‐orthogonal reactions, cycloaddition reactions are widely adopted for cell engineering. This review presents a summary of the latest progress in the development of bio‐orthogonal chemistry‐based strategies for cell engineering with a focus on cycloaddition reactions, highlights their applications in disease diagnosis and therapy, and discusses the prospects of this cell engineering technique.
Engineering of bioactive nanocomplexes on dental floss for targeted gingival therapy
Authors: Nakajima Mayuka , Nakajima Nao , Guo Junling , Mitragotri Samir
Published: December 2022

Periodontitis induced by chronic subgingival infection is a ubiquitous disease that causes systemic inflammatory consequences and poses a negative impact on quality of life. The disease is treated and potentially prevented by patient's self‐care aimed at eliminating the oral pathogens from the region. Currently available products for interdental self‐care, including dental floss and interdental brush, have limited ability to prevent the disease. Here, we report a coated dental floss thread, termed “nanofloss,” which uses polyphenol‐based nanocoating to functionalize the floss thread with therapeutic agents. Multiple therapeutics can be integrated into the nanofloss including antibacterial small molecules and proteins. Flossing with nanofloss‐delivered therapeutic agents to the challenging subgingival region with long‐term retention even against the flushing action of the oral fluid in vivo. Our in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that chlorhexidine gluconate‐loaded nanofloss effectively treats the subgingival infection by Porphyromonas gingivalis. Collectively, the nanofloss offers a promising and easily usable tool for targeted self‐care of subgingival infection against periodontitis.
There is no place for hate speech in the world
Authors: Miles David
Published: December 2022

Whenever I decide to write my column, I always want to pick a topic that I think will be interesting but also provide some guidance and advice to those of us who work in campus safety on college and university campuses.
Take steps to prevent game‐day confrontations between student‐athletes, fans
Authors: O'Brien Timothy
Published: December 2022

There are lessons to be learned from the recent widespread media coverage of assaults that occurred after an individual play or competition had ended. The incidents involved athletes physically confronting members of the opposing team, or with obnoxious spectators who charged the field or whose who retaliated by charging the stands. While the circumstances have varied, the outcomes of these types of confrontations serve as an increasingly significant reminder from a liability perspective.
Chemical Composition Determination and Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oil from Croton blanchetianus (Euphorbiaceae) against Clinically Relevant Bacteria
Authors: Nunes Aluska Kelly A. , Araújo Malveira Ellen , Lopes Andrade Alexandre , Barbosa da Silva Wildson Max , de Morais Selene Maia , Silva dos Santos Hélcio , Cavalcanti de Albuquerque Cynthia , Holanda Teixeira Edson , do Nascimento Souza Diego Nathan , Alves de Vasconcelos Mayron
Published: December 2022

In this study, the chemical composition of the essential oil (EO) extracted from Croton blanchetianus Baill leaves was identified, and antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Escherichia coli strains were determined. Moreover, the effects of EO in combination with ampicillin and tetracycline were investigated. Thirty‐four components, mainly mono‐and sesquiterpenes that represented 94.05 % of the chemical composition, were identified in the EO. The EO showed bacteriostatic and bactericidal activities against all strains tested. Furthermore, the EO showed a synergistic effect with ampicillin and tetracycline. EO significantly inhibited biofilm formation and reduced the number of viable cells in biofilms. The EO may be a promising natural product for preventing bacterial biofilm infections.
Valorization of Lotus Leaf by In Situ Expanded‐Bed Adsorption and Ultrasonic‐Assisted Desorption
Authors: Li Qin , Peng Lijin , Shi Jing , Chu Jianbo , Zhang Xinyue , Shi Qiyuan
Published: December 2022

An efficient and sustainable expanded‐bed adsorption (EBA) method was developed for the valorization of lotus leaf which is an agricultural by‐product. The in‐situ procedure was used to reduce the energy consumption of EBA. Comparing this in‐situ process to the conventional one, some additional advantages were observed, namely, significant enhancement of nuciferine recovery, considerable reduction of processing time, etc. Furthermore, a multistage procedure was investigated to reduce running cost and minimize environmental pollution by reusing solvents and adsorbents. Reusing of D101 macroporous resin, HCl and NaOH solution had almost no influence on the yield of nuciferine.
Facile Fabrication of Ni9S8/Ag2S Intertwined Structures for Oxygen and Hydrogen Evolution Reactions
Authors: Biswas Rathindranath , Ahmed Imtiaz , Manna Priyanka , Mahata Partha , Dhayal Rajendra S. , Singh Amol , Lahtinen Jouko , Haldar Krishna Kanta
Published: December 2022

Here, we report the fabrication of the unique intertwined Ni9S8/Ag2S composite structure with hexagonal shape from their molecular precursors by one‐pot thermal decomposition. Various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques were utilized to confirm the Ni9S8/Ag2S intertwined structure. Powder X‐ray Powder Diffraction (XRD) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis suggest that there is an enrichment of Ni9S8 phase in Ni9S8/Ag2S. The presence of Ag2S in Ni9S8/Ag2S improves the conductivity by reducing the interfacial energy and charge transfer resistance. When Ni9S8/Ag2S is employed as an electrocatalyst for electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity, it requires a low overpotential of 152 mV for HER and 277 mV for OER to obtain the geometrical current density of 10 mA cm−2, which is definitely superior to that of its components Ni9S8 and Ag2S. This work provides a simple design route to develop an efficient and durable electrocatalyst with outstanding OER and HER performance and the present catalyst (Ni9S8/Ag2S) deserves as a potential candidate in the field of energy conversion systems.
Taxonomic status of otter species in Nakai‐Nam Theun National Park, Lao PDR, based on DNA evidence
Authors: Coudrat Camille N. Z. , Chutipong Wanlop , Sukmak Manakorn , Sripiboon Supaphen , Klinsawat Worata
Published: December 2022

Otter populations are threatened by habitat loss, pollution, conflicts with humans, and illegal wildlife trade to meet the demand for pets, for their fur, and for parts used in traditional medicines. Baseline information on the distribution, population genetic diversity, and connectivity is crucial to inform conservation management decisions; however, reliable data from otter populations in Southeast Asia remain scarce. In this study, we conducted baseline otter fecal DNA surveys based on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to identify species, assess the occurrence, and map the spatial distribution of genetic diversity and evolutionary relationships of otter populations using 1700 bp Cytochrome B ‐ Control Region and mitogenome from Nakai‐Nam Theun National Park in the Annamite Mountains of Lao PDR. Of the total 56 samples identified to species, the majority (87.5%) was of the widely distributed Eurasian otter with three haplotypes (Lutra lutra; LLLA01–LLLA03), with a calculated haplotype diversity of 0.600 and a nucleotide diversity of 0.00141 based on mitogenome. The second species was the Asian small‐clawed otter with only one haplotype detected (Aonyx cinereus; ACLA01). All Eurasian otter haplotypes were newly characterized and clustered within the strongly supported South–Southeast–North Asian clade of Lutra lutra. Compared with the European clade, the high mtDNA diversity of Lutra lutra in Nakai‐Nam Theun National Park potentially reflects long‐term demographic stability and lesser degree of population bottleneck during the last glacial maxima (LGM, ~21,000 years ago). The single haplotype detected in Asian small‐clawed otters had not been detected in previous genetic studies. Our research is the first otter‐specific noninvasive genetic study in Lao PDR and provides baseline insights into the otter population diversity in a regional priority site for biodiversity conservation.
RGS14 expression in CA2 hippocampus, amygdala, and basal ganglia: Implications for human brain physiology and disease
Authors: Montanez‐Miranda Carolina , Bramlett Sara N. , Hepler John R.
Published: December 2022

RGS14 is a multifunctional scaffolding protein that is highly expressed within postsynaptic spines of pyramidal neurons in hippocampal area CA2. Known roles of RGS14 in CA2 include regulating G protein, H‐Ras/ERK, and calcium signaling pathways to serve as a natural suppressor of synaptic plasticity and postsynaptic signaling. RGS14 also shows marked postsynaptic expression in major structures of the limbic system and basal ganglia, including the amygdala and both the ventral and dorsal subdivisions of the striatum. In this review, we discuss the signaling functions of RGS14 and its role in postsynaptic strength (long‐term potentiation) and spine structural plasticity in CA2 hippocampal neurons, and how RGS14 suppression of plasticity impacts linked behaviors such as spatial learning, object memory, and fear conditioning. We also review RGS14 expression in the limbic system and basal ganglia and speculate on its possible roles in regulating plasticity in these regions, with a focus on behaviors related to emotion and motivation. Finally, we explore the functional implications of RGS14 in various brain circuits and speculate on its possible roles in certain disease states such as hippocampal seizures, addiction, and anxiety disorders.
Incidence and survival of soft tissue sarcoma in England between 2013 and 2017, an analysis from the National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service
Authors: Bacon Andrew , Wong Kwok , Fernando Malee S. , Rous Brian , Hill Roger J. W. , Collins Shane D. , Broggio John , Strauss Sandra J.
Published: December 2022

There is a paucity of population‐based data detailing the incidence and survival of patients with soft tissue sarcoma (STS), in part due to the heterogeneity of disease and changes to classification. Here, the incidence and survival of all STS subtypes registered in England between 2013 and 2017 were analysed using cancer registry data held by the National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service. Age‐standardised incidence rates were calculated per 1 000 000 using the 2013 European Standard Population. Net survival was computed using Brenner's alternative method, with the Ederer II estimator. Age‐specific overall survival was assessed using Kaplan‐Meier. The influence of age, sex, socioeconomic deprivation and diagnostic routes on survival was assessed using Cox proportional hazards modelling. In total, 19 717 patients were diagnosed with STS, an average of 3943 patients per year and representing approximately 0.8% of malignancies. The most common histological diagnoses were Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours (GIST), leiomyosarcoma and undifferentiated sarcoma, accounting for 20.2%, 13.3% and 12.7% of all sarcomas, respectively. Five‐year net survival for all malignant STS was 65.0%; and was lowest for patients with vascular tumours at 39%. Patients from most deprived cohorts had 23% greater chance of dying within 5 years than patients in least deprived areas. This population‐based study has allowed us for the first time to define the incidence and survival rates of prevalent STS subtypes in England such as GIST, liposarcoma and leiomyosarcoma, as well as rare entities and groups with inferior outcome. This data is invaluable for service provision, benchmarking and addressing inequality.
Dental pre‐doctoral student perceptions about serious mental illness: Concerns and role clarification
Authors: Zechner Michelle R. , Singhal Vaishali , Murphy Ann A. , York Jill , Karyczak Sean , Muhammad Asiyah
Published: December 2022

Purpose/objectives

Little is understood about dental student perspectives providing care to people with serious mental illness (SMI), a population with significant oral health disparities. This study explored student perceptions, questions and beliefs about people with SMI using the Social Ecological Model as a framework to better understand perspectives and identify potential educational needs in dental medicine curricula for providing care to this population.

Methods

Survey data was collected in spring of 2021 from predoctoral dental students (n = 126) enrolled in a required course at a mid‐Atlantic university. Ninety‐nine percent of the students completed the survey. The IRB approved qualitative study examined student responses to a six question survey using content analysis. An iterative coding process was used and included reflexivity memos, data dictionaries and consensus building among the four coding researchers to identify recurring concepts and ultimately identify themes.

Results

Four primary themes were identified: Concerns and Stereotypes; Uncertainties; Professional Role and Responsibilities; and Learning Preferences. Participants expressed fear and discomfort in working with people with SMI. They also noted multiple questions about providing clinical care, referrals and the interaction of oral health and mental health. Lastly, they offered ideas about educational strategies to improve learning on the topic.

Conclusion(s)

Pre‐doctoral dental students have concerns about providing care to people with SMI and limited understanding of dental professional role and responsibilities about care for this vulnerable population. Predoctoral dental curriculum should be expanded to address professional roles when working with this population to improve student competency and comfort, and ultimately improve care to people with SMI.