bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resource Reclamation for Biogas and Other Energy Resources from Household and Agricultural Wastes
Authors: Kukwa Donald , Chetty Maggie , Tshemese Zikhona , Estrice Denzil , Duma Ndumiso
Published: May 2022

The chapter’s goal is to highlight how the reclamation of household and agricultural wastes can be used to generate biogas, biochar, and other energy resources. Leftover food, tainted food and vegetables, kitchen greywater, worn-out clothes, textiles and paper are all targets for household waste in this area. Agricultural waste includes both annual and perennial crops. Annual crops are those that complete their life cycle in a year or less and are comparable to bi-annual crops, although bi-annuals can live for up to two years before dying. The majority of vegetable crops are annuals, which can be harvested within two to three months of seeding. Perennials crops are known to last two or more seasons. Wastes from these sources are revalued in various shapes and forms, with the Green Engineering template being used to infuse cost-effectiveness into the process to entice investors. The economic impact of resource reclamation is used to determine the process’s feasibility, while the life cycle analysis looks at the process’s long-term viability. This is in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), whose roadmap was created to manage access to and transition to clean renewable energy by 2030, with a target of net zero emissions by 2050.
Potential of Physical Activity-Based Intervention on Sleep in Children with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Duy Nguyen Thai
Published: May 2022

Sleep problems are widespread, and sleep disorders are frequent in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Physical activities (PA) are considered a practical, non-pharmacological approach for improving sleep. This study aims to explore the impact of PA on sleep in children with or without ASD. Seventy-five children were recruited, including 57 children with ASD and 18 typically developing (TD) children as control. Participants wore an accelerometer monitor (Sense Wear® Pro Armband 3, Body media) for 6 consecutive days and nights to assess sleep and PA. The results indicated ASD children had limited participation in PA compared with TD children (Total time for PA: 156 ± 79 vs. 216 ± 59 minutes on weekdays; 145 ± 93 vs. 178 ± 108 minutes on weekend). The children usually had more opportunities to participate in PA on weekdays and they tended to resist recommended bedtime (Sleep duration: 7.0 ± 0.8 vs. 9.6 ± 1.2 hours with ASD children; 7.1 ± 0.7 vs. 9.5 ± 1 hours with TD children). It also reported PA with moderate to vigorous intensity was better to improve sleep in children both with and without ASD. Finally, this study recommended promoting PA will help to improve sleep quality and reduce sedentary behaviors for children with ASD in particular and children in general.
Mycobacterium ulcerans Disease and Host Immune Responses
Authors: S. Avumegah Michael
Published: May 2022

Mycobacterium ulcerans is the causative agent of the subcutaneous necrotic condition known as Buruli ulcer (BU).BU is Neglected Tropical Disease. The bacillus is the third most common mycobacteria disease-causing agent after Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium leprae. M. ulcerans produces the toxin-Mycolactone, which plays a key role in the pathophysiological features of the disease. Buruli ulcer has been reported in 34 countries, mainly in the tropics and subtropics. Tropical countries include Benin, Cameroon, Ghana, Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria. BU is also prevalent in Queensland, a subtropical region, and in Victoria, a temperate area, all within Australia. The exact mode of the transmission remains unclear. However, M. ulcerans is believed to have an aquatic niche. Initial diagnosis of BU is based on the experience of the clinician, but PCR targeting the M. ulcerans DNA, IS2404, isolation and culture of the bacillus and histopathology are used for confirmation. The current, commonly used methods for confirmatory diagnosis have logistic and resource challenges. Novel cell mediated immunity (CMI) and serology-based tests would be beneficial to provide a more accurate assessment of population exposure.
Synthesis and Properties of Epoxy-Based Composites
Authors: Moharana Srikanta , B. Sahu Bibhuti
Published: May 2022

Epoxy-based composites are of great interest among academic and industrial researchers owing to their low cost, superior mechanical properties, large specific strength, super adhesiveness with good thermal and solvent resistance in recent times. However, the effect of carbon-based nanofiller reinforced epoxy composites is of prime focus due to their significant mechanical, dielectric and electrical performances for technological applications in broad fields of nanoscience and technology. There is a greater influence on the properties of the nanofiller reinforced epoxy matrix composites depending on the concentration of various types of nanofillers. The processing techniques play a crucial role in the prediction of attractive and suitable properties of the various nanofiller reinforced epoxy composites. There are several processing methods that have been employed to accomplish a superior degree of dispersion of nanofillers in the epoxy matrix. This current chapter portrays the simultaneous focus on their preparation techniques and effect of the dielectric, electrical and mechanical properties of various carbon nanofillers (such as fullerene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon nanofibers (CNFs) & graphene) filled epoxy resin composites for a broad spectrum of technological applications. We hope this chapter will facilitate the concrete in-depth ideas to the readers on the progress of various synthesis techniques and properties of different nanofiller reinforced epoxy composite systems.
Perspective Chapter: Palliative Surgery in Pediatric Cancer
Authors: Inserra Alessandro , Martucci Cristina
Published: May 2022

Childhood can cer survival rates have lately improved (from 54% in 1980 to an actual 80%), and palliative care has taken on a larger role in the management of oncological kids, with many clinicians involved (including oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons). Palliative surgery has evolved from “noncurative” treatments to a variety of surgeries used to relieve organ dysfunction and provide the best possible quality of life in all aspects of life (clinical, psychological, and social).
Advance in Keyless Cryptography
Authors: Korzhik Valery , Starostin Vladimir , Yakovlev Victor , Kabardov Muaed , Krasov Andrej , Adadurov Sergey
Published: May 2022

The term “keyless cryptography” as it is commonly adopted, applies to secure message transmission either directly without any key distribution in advance or as key sharing protocol between communicating users, based on physical layer security, before ordinary encryption/decryption procedures. In the current chapter the results are presented concerning to keyless cryptography that have been obtained by authors recently. Firstly Shamir’s protocol of secure communication is considered where commutative encryption procedure is executed. It has been found out which of the public key algorithms can be used with such protocol. Next item of consideration concerns Dean’s and Goldsmith’s cryptosystem based on multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) technology. It has been established under which conditions this cryptosystem is in fact secure. The third example under consideration is EVSkey scheme proposed recently by D. Qin and Z. Ding. It has been proven that such key distribution method is in fact insecure, in spite of the authors’ claims. Our main result is a description of a key sharing protocol executing over public noiseless channels (like internet) that provides a key sharing reliability and security without any cryptographic assumptions.
Artificial Intelligence Deployment to Secure IoT in Industrial Environment
Authors: ALAmri Shadha , ALAbri Fatima , Sharma Tripti
Published: May 2022

Performance enhancement and cost-effectiveness are the critical factors for most industries. There is a variation in the performance and cost matrices based on the industrial sectors; however, cybersecurity is required to be maintained since most of the 4th industrial revolution (4IR) are based on technology. Internet of Things, IoT, technology is one of the 4IR pillars that support enhancing performance and cost. Like most Internet-based technologies, IoT has some security challenges mostly related to access control and exposed services. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a promising approach that can enhance cybersecurity. This chapter explores industrial IoT (IIoT) from the business view and the security requirements. It also provides a critical analysis of the security challenges faced by IoT systems. Finally, it presents a comparative study of the advisable AI categories to be used in mitigating IoT security challenges.
Practical and Optimal Crossover Designs for Clinical Trials
Authors: Hwan Kim Su , Chough Carriere Keumhee
Published: May 2022

Crossover designs have received great attention in clinical trials, as they allow subjects to serve as their own controls and gain such advantage as higher efficiency and smaller sample size over parallel designs, because the within-subject variability is in general smaller than between-subject variability. Response-adaptive crossover designs allow clinical trials to adapt and respond to the information acquired during the trials to achieve various objectives. Adaptive designs have been considered to allocate more subjects to superior treatments, improve statistical efficiency, reduce the sample size for cost savings, increase the sample size to maintain prespecified statistical power, or include auxiliary information. We focus on an adaptive allocation scheme to maximize the benefits from superior treatments, while maintaining a sufficiently high level of statistical efficiency, controlled by a suitable weight parameter. We review and discuss the strategy of incorporating multiple objectives, while advocating a regression type estimation approach via the Generalized Estimating Equations method. We show that the multiple objectives can be successfully incorporated to construct a spectrum of designs, ranging over various efficiencies and trial outcomes of success. Moreover, the adaptive allocation scheme successfully constructs designs with a desired efficiency, as illustrated by practical two- and three-period designs.
Deep Network Model and Regression Analysis Using OLS Method for Predicting Lung Vital Capacity
Authors: Sümbül Harun
Published: May 2022

With the advancement of technology, many new devices and methods with machine learning and artificial intelligence (ML-AI) have been developed and these methods have begun to play an important role in human life. ML-AI technology is now widely used in many applications such as security, military, communications, bioengineering, medical treatment, food industry, and robotics. In this chapter, deep learning methods and medical usage techniques that have become popular in recent years will be discussed. Experimental and simulation results and a comprehensive example of the biomedical use of the deep network model will be presented. In addition, the regression analysis using the ordinary least squares (OLS) method for estimating lung vital capacity (VC) will be discussed. The simulation results showed that the VC parameter was predicted with higher than 90% accuracy using the proposed deep network model with real data.
Canine Parvovirus-2: An Emerging Threat to Young Pets
Authors: Singh Mithilesh , Manikandan Rajendran , Kumar De Ujjwal , Chander Vishal , Rudra Paul Babul , Ramakrishnan Saravanan , Maramreddy Darshini
Published: May 2022

Canine parvovirus-2 (CPV-2) is a highly contagious and key enteropathogen affecting the canine population around the globe by causing canine parvoviral enteritis (CPVE) and vomition. CPVE is one of the the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in puppies and young dogs. Over the years, five distinct antigenic variants of CPV-2, namely CPV-2a, CPV-2b, new CPV-2a, new CPV-2b, and CPV-2c, have emerged throughout the world. CPV-2 infects a diverse range of wild animals, and the newer variants of CPV-2 have expanded their host range to include felines. Despite the availability of highly specific diagnostics and efficacious vaccines, CPV-2 outbreaks have been reported globally due to the emergence of newer antigenic variants, expansion of the viral host range, and vaccination failures. The present chapter describes the latest information pertaining to virus properties and replication, disease manifestations in animals, and an additional recent updates on diagnostic, prevention and control strategies of CPV-2.
Beneficial Effects of Extra Virgin Olive Oil Rich in Phenolic Compounds on Cardiovascular Health
Authors: Ghorbel Imen , Chaâbane Mariem , Grati Kammoun Naziha , Zeghal Najiba
Published: May 2022

The Mediterranean diet (Med-diet) includes a high consumption of cereals, fruits, legumes and vegetables, a moderate fish intake and a low consumption of red meat. Olive oil is a basic component of the Med-diet due to its numerous health benefits. In the last decade, many epidemiological studies have confirmed the protective role of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) against several chronic illnesses including cardiovascular diseases. EVOO is mainly composed of triacylglycerols, with oleic acid as the dominating esterified fatty acid, and other minor compounds. Among them, phenolic compounds, such as hydroxytyrosol and its derivatives (oleuropein and tyrosol), are the principal components responsible for the cardioprotective effects. They are endowed with wide biological activities, including strong antioxidant properties, allowing the prevention of cardiovascular risk factors, such as atherosclerosis, plasma lipid disorders, endothelial dysfunction, hypertension, obesity and type 2 diabetes. The aim of the present chapter was to elucidate the beneficial effect of EVOO, as part of the Mediterranean-style diets, on cardiovascular risk factors and to discuss the underlying mechanisms by which polyphenols exert their effects.
The Environmental Battle Hymn of the Stoic God
Authors: Whiting Kai , Dinucci Aldo , Simpson Edward , Konstantakos Leonidas ,   Romanian Academy - Iasi Branch
Published: May 2022

In Stoic theology, the universe constitutes a living organism. Humankind has often had a detrimental impact on planetary health. We propose that the Stoic call to live according to Nature, where God and Nature are one and the same, provides a philosophical basis for re-addressing environmental degradation. We discuss the value of the logocentric framework and aligning oneself with Divine will and natural law (as stated by reason) in order that living beings can thrive.
The Stoic Sage Does not Err: An Error?
Authors: Aikin Scott ,   Romanian Academy - Iasi Branch
Published: May 2022

The Stoics held that the wise person does not err. This thesis was widely criticized in the ancient world and runs afoul of contemporary fallibilist views in epistemology. Was this view itself an error? On one line, the view can be modified to accommodate many of the critical lines against it. Some of these lines of modification are consistent with traditional Stoic value theory (for example, importing the notion of preferred indifferents into epistemic considerations). However, others require larger modifications to Stoic axiology (in particular, a revision of the equality of errors thesis). A version of the no errors thesis emerges as defensible against the criticisms of the view, but there is then the question as to whether it is an orthodox Stoicism.
Prohairesis and a Stoic-Inspired Feminist Autonomy
Authors: McGill Emily ,   Romanian Academy - Iasi Branch
Published: May 2022

The idea that the ancient Stoics are (proto)feminists is relatively common. Even those critical of this position acknowledge that certain features of Stoicism render the philosophical program appropriate for a feminist reimagining. Yet less attention has been paid to developing a positive theory of Stoic feminism. I begin this task by outlining Stoic insights for a feminist conception of personal autonomy. I argue that, present in the Stoic doctrine of prohairesis, we find a dual conception of personal autonomy according to which socially constructed selves maintain an individualist autonomy. This individualist view of autonomy is in line with Stoic compatibilism about freedom and selfhood, which I use as structural analogies to motivate my account. I then highlight potential feminist payoffs of a Stoic-inspired view, particularly for the contemporary feminist debate about autonomy under oppression.
Stoicism and Food Ethics
Authors: Stephens William O. ,   Romanian Academy - Iasi Branch
Published: May 2022

The norms of simplicity, convenience, unfussiness, and self-control guide Diogenes the Cynic, Zeno of Citium, Chrysippus, Seneca, Musonius Rufus, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius in approaching food. These norms generate the precept that meat and dainties are luxuries, so Stoics should eschew them. Considerations of justice, environmental harm, anthropogenic global climate change, sustainability, food security, feminism, harm to animals, personal health, and public health lead contemporary Stoics to condemn the meat industrial complex, debunk carnism, and select low input, plant-based foods.
Stoic Conservatism
Authors: Rogers Tristan J. ,   Romanian Academy - Iasi Branch
Published: May 2022

What might a Stoic approach to politics look like? David Goodhart aptly describes the political divide pervading Western societies in terms of the ‘somewheres,’ who are communitarian, rooted in particular places, and resistant to social and political change, versus the ‘anywheres,’ who are cosmopolitan, mobile, and enthusiastic embracers of change. Stoicism recognizes a similar distinction. This paper defends a conservative interpretation of Stoic politics. According to ‘Stoic conservatism,’ cosmopolitanism is an ethical ideal through which we perform the obligations assigned by our communitarian role(s) in society. The view is ‘conservative’ in that it favors existing institutions as the starting point for virtue instead of reasoning a priori about what virtue requires. Stoic politics consists neither in cosmopolitan transcendence of particular attachments, nor in passive acceptance of the communitarian status quo, but in ethical improvement toward virtue, within the political structure of society.
Urbanismo feminista y Col·lectiu Punt 6
Authors:   Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Foglia Efraín
Published: May 2022

En 2019 se publicó el libro Urbanismo feminista. Por una transformación radical de los espacios de vida, del Col·lectiu Punt 6. Se editó en Virus Editorial. A menudo es importante detenerse a entender el perfil de las diversas editoriales, y, en este caso, hay una conexión directa de la temática del libro con la idea política de la editorial en cuestión, que concibe «el libro como una herramienta de una comunidad de lucha y en lucha, que no tiene sentido si no es para pensar la realidad de manera radicalmente crítica».
Perception of a conserved family of plant signalling peptides by the receptor kinase HSL3
Authors: Rhodes Jack , Roman Andra-Octavia , Bjornson Marta , Brandt Benjamin , Derbyshire Paul , Wyler Michele , Schmid Marc W , Menke Frank LH , Santiago Julia , Zipfel Cyril
Published: May 2022

Plant genomes encode hundreds of secreted peptides; however, relatively few have been characterised. We report here an uncharacterised, stress-induced family of plant signalling peptides, which we call CTNIPs. Based on the role of the common co-receptor BRASSINOSTEROID INSENSITIVE 1-ASSOCIATED KINASE 1 (BAK1) in CTNIP-induced responses, we identified in Arabidopsis thaliana the orphan receptor kinase HAESA-LIKE 3 (HSL3) as the CTNIP receptor via a proteomics approach. CTNIP-binding, ligand-triggered complex formation with BAK1, and induced downstream responses all involve HSL3. Notably, the HSL3-CTNIP signalling module is evolutionarily conserved amongst most extant angiosperms. The identification of this novel signalling module will further shed light on the diverse functions played by plant signalling peptides and will provide insights into receptor-ligand co-evolution.
Spontaneous neuronal oscillations in the human insula are hierarchically organized traveling waves
Authors: Das Anup , Myers John , Mathura Raissa , Shofty Ben , Metzger Brian A , Bijanki Kelly , Wu Chengyuan , Jacobs Joshua , Sheth Sameer A
Published: May 2022

The insula plays a fundamental role in a wide range of adaptive human behaviors, but its electrophysiological dynamics are poorly understood. Here, we used human intracranial electroencephalographic recordings to investigate the electrophysiological properties and hierarchical organization of spontaneous neuronal oscillations within the insula. We analyzed the neuronal oscillations of the insula directly and found that rhythms in the theta and beta frequency oscillations are widespread and spontaneously present. These oscillations are largely organized along the anterior–posterior (AP) axis of the insula. Both the left and right insula showed anterior-­to-posterior decreasing gradients for the power of oscillations in the beta frequency band. The left insula also showed a posterior-to-anterior decreasing frequency gradient and an anterior-to-posterior decreasing power gradient in the theta frequency band. In addition to measuring the power of these oscillations, we also examined the phase of these signals across simultaneous recording channels and found that the insula oscillations in the theta and beta bands are traveling waves. The strength of the traveling waves in each frequency was positively correlated with the amplitude of each oscillation. However, the theta and beta traveling waves were uncoupled to each other in terms of phase and amplitude, which suggested that insular traveling waves in the theta and beta bands operate independently. Our findings provide new insights into the spatiotemporal dynamics and hierarchical organization of neuronal oscillations within the insula, which, given its rich connectivity with widespread cortical regions, indicates that oscillations and traveling waves have an important role in intrainsular and interinsular communications.
Structural differences in adolescent brains can predict alcohol misuse
Authors: Rane Roshan Prakash , de Man Evert Ferdinand , Kim JiHoon , Görgen Kai , Tschorn Mira , Rapp Michael A , Banaschewski Tobias , Bokde Arun LW , Desrivieres Sylvane , Flor Herta , Grigis Antoine , Garavan Hugh , Gowland Penny A , Brühl Rüdiger , Martinot Jean-Luc , Martinot Marie-Laure Paillere , Artiges Eric , Nees Frauke , Papadopoulos Orfanos Dimitri , Lemaitre Herve , Paus Tomas , Poustka Luise , Fröhner Juliane , Robinson Lauren , Smolka Michael N , Winterer Jeanne , Whelan Robert , Schumann Gunter , Walter Henrik , Heinz Andreas , Ritter Kerstin ,   IMAGEN consortium
Published: May 2022

Alcohol misuse during adolescence (AAM) has been associated with disruptive development of adolescent brains. In this longitudinal machine learning (ML) study, we could predict AAM significantly from brain structure (T1-weighted imaging and DTI) with accuracies of 73 -78% in the IMAGEN dataset (n∼1182). Our results not only show that structural differences in brain can predict AAM, but also suggests that such differences might precede AAM behavior in the data. We predicted 10 phenotypes of AAM at age 22 using brain MRI features at ages 14, 19, and 22. Binge drinking was found to be the most predictable phenotype. The most informative brain features were located in the ventricular CSF, and in white matter tracts of the corpus callosum, internal capsule, and brain stem. In the cortex, they were spread across the occipital, frontal, and temporal lobes and in the cingulate cortex. We also experimented with four different ML models and several confound control techniques. Support Vector Machine (SVM) with rbf kernel and Gradient Boosting consistently performed better than the linear models, linear SVM and Logistic Regression. Our study also demonstrates how the choice of the predicted phenotype, ML model, and confound correction technique are all crucial decisions in an explorative ML study analyzing psychiatric disorders with small effect sizes such as AAM.
Effects of Different Types of Phototherapy Units on Neonatal Jaundice: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Mani Sathyamoorthy , Panneerselvam Karthikeyan , Rangaraj Suresh , Ramraj Balaji , Sundar Subash
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Phototherapy is the mainstay of treatment of neonates who develop significant jaundice. Light-emitting diode and compact florescent lamp phototherapy units are the newer devices in the management of neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia. The advantage of light-emitting diode phototherapy includes portability, energy efficiency, less heat production, and durability. Blue and white phototherapy devices are more economical but generate more heat leading to hyperthermia and dehydration more often. Aim: To determine the efficacy and side effects of three modes of phototherapy units viz conventional blue and white light phototherapy, Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) phototherapy, and Light-emitting Diode (LED) phototherapy on neonates having jaundice. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Department of Paediatrics at SRM Medical college Hospital and Research Centre (tertiary care teaching hospital), Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, India, from February 2021 to January 2022. A total of 150 neonates with hyperbilirubinaemia in the phototherapy range, American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP), were included in this study. Study subjects were divided into three groups of 50 neonates each to receive phototherapy using one of the three phototherapy devices, i.e., Blue and white light, CFL, LED phototherapy groups. Data of serum bilirubin levels were recorded at the beginning and end of phototherapy. The number of babies who required exchange transfusion and other clinical side effects among the study groups was recorded. Descriptive statistics were reported as Mean±SD for continuous variables, frequencies (percentage) for categorical variables. The One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test was used to determine the statistically significant differences between the means of three independent groups. Results: All the three type of phototherapy units generated statistically non significant mean flux (p-value=0.754). Mean difference (from the baseline bilirubin) at end of phototherapy for blue and white light group was 5.77±1.72 mg%, for CFL group was 5.48±1.32 mg%, and for LED group was 6.34±1.48 mg%. The difference was statistically significant in all three groups (p-value=<0.001). The reduction in serum bilirubin at the end of phototherapy was lesser in CFL group compared to blue and white light group and LED group. Conclusion: Light-emitting diode and blue and white light phototherapy units are more effective than compact fluorescent lamp phototherapy in treating neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia.
Correlation between Perceived Stress, Physical Fitness and Health Related Quality of Life in Young Adults
Authors: Kaur Tarunjit , Agarwal Shagun
Published: May 2022

Introduction: A majority of population all around the world battles with psychological conditions such as anxiety, stress and depression. Its effects on disease and certain health conditions is almost well known but what effect does it have on an individual free from disease is yet to be found. Aim: To establish a relationship between perceived stress levels, physical fitness and health related quality of life in young adults. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Department of Physiotherapy at Institute of Applied Medicine and Research, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India, from April 2020 to January 2021. A total of 120 subjects participated and were evaluated for perceived stress using Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), strength, endurance and flexibility were screened with help of dynamic sit up test, plank test and trunk lift test. World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument (WHOQOLBREF) was used to measure the Health Related Quality Of Life (WHOQOL- BREF) domains and the statistical test used was Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results: The mean age of subjects was 20.82 years out of which 64 were females and 42 were males. Significant negative correlation (r-value= -0.819) was observed between perceived stress and endurance, negative correlation of significant nature (r-value= -0.805) was present between perceived stress and strength, a non significant, weak positive correlation at (r-value=0.105) was seen between perceived stress and flexibility. Consistent significant negative correlation was seen (r-value= -0.386, -0.423, -0.203, -0.124) between perceived stress and HRQOL. Conclusion: High perceived stress has a negative effect on physical fitness and HRQOL in young adults.
Does Listening to Tinnitus Frequency-Filtered Music Relieve Tinnitus?
Authors: Yoo Shinyoung , Yakunina Natalia , Nam Eui-Cheol
Published: May 2022

Background and Objectives: Tinnitus frequency-filtered music therapy aims to restore lateral inhibition to reverse tonotopic reorganization in the auditory cortex. Although the tinnitus-relieving effect of this therapy has been investigated, the results remain controversial. We performed a prospective, randomized, controlled double-blind study to determine the tinnitus-suppressing effect of tinnitus frequency-filtered music therapy.Subjects and Methods: The study included 90 participants who were randomly categorized into an experimental group that listened to tinnitus frequency-filtered music and a control group that listened to music from which a random frequency was removed. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) score and measures of tinnitus loudness, daily awareness, and tinnitus-induced annoyance were evaluated at the initial visit and at 3 and 6 months (final follow-up). The rates of improvement in THI scores in the two groups were also recorded.Results: All measured variables showed significant improvement in both groups, except the matched tinnitus loudness and minimal masking level. However, no significant intergroup differences were observed in the amount of improvement in THI scores and any other variable. The rates of improvement in THI scores were higher in the control group at 3 and 6 months.Conclusions: Listening to tinnitus frequency-filtered music reduced tinnitus-induced handicaps; however, this approach was not significantly better than listening to music from which a random frequency was removed.
Doctoral Student Research Alliance: Unexpected Challenges in Group Formation
Authors:   Grand Canyon University, Chavez Tara , Wade John , Greenberger Scott W.
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this reflective practice is to explore the unexpected difficulty experienced by two student members, Tara and John, and their faculty mentor of the fledgling Doctoral Student Research Alliance (DSRA) at a university in the Southwestern United States. The identified problem is the unexpected difficulty in forming the DSRA group. The following are the proposed reasons for the problem: (a) program format, (b) family and professional obligations, (c) group dynamics, and (d) identifying a mentor. In evaluating the reasons, the issue of scheduling conflicts is identified as central to all of the reasons. The identification of imposter syndrome is one surprising insight from the reflective practice. Future research is recommended to explore the effect of imposter syndrome on doctoral student participation, specifically in participation on research teams; to examine more thoroughly the role of faculty mentors in doctoral student development, specifically as it relates to small group dynamics; and to investigate the effect of scheduling conflicts and other challenges on the longevity of mentor driven doctoral research groups. Keywords: imposter syndrome, group dynamics, mentorship, scheduling conflicts
Janus Electrolyte with Modified Li+ Solvation for High‐Performance Solid‐State Lithium Batteries
Authors: Hu Yuzhen , Li Linge , Tu Haifeng , Yi Xiaohong , Wang Jian , Xu Jingjing , Gong Wenbin , Lin Hongzhen , Wu Xiaodong , Liu Meinan
Published: May 2022

Solid‐state lithium‐metal batteries attract great attention due to their high energy density and superior safety. However, the sluggish Li+ kinetics of solid electrolyte and poor interface compatibility between electrolyte and lithium anode lead to unsatisfied performance at room temperature, which severely limit their practical application. Herein, a Janus quasi‐solid electrolyte (JSE) design is reported, which modifies the Li+ solvation environment in succinonitrile (SN) plastic crystal electrolyte and creates 1D Li+ transportation channels. Density functional theory calculations and Raman results reveal that Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3 changes the Li+ solvation environment from SN units to aggregated ion pairs, which accelerates the diffusion rate of Li+. As a result, JSE presents excellent ionic conductivity (0.73 mS cm−1) and high lithium transference number (0.72). With this efficient JSE, Li symmetric cells deliver excellent cycle stability over 600 h with a low over potential of 60 mV. LiFePO4|JSE|Li solid‐state battery delivers an impressive performance with a specific discharge capacity of 152 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at room temperature under 0.5 C. Moreover, the corresponding pouch cell also shows outstanding performance (140 mAh g−1 under 0.5 C) and withstands abuse tests such as bending and cutting, demonstrating its superior safety for future utilization.
High Radiance of Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes Enabled by Perovskite Heterojunctions
Authors: Khan Rashid , Chu Shenglong , Li Zhijian , Ighodalo Kester O. , Chen Wenjing , Xiao Zhengguo
Published: May 2022

Metal‐halide perovskites (MHPs) have made incredible achievements in the past few years, especially in the area of perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs). Nevertheless, hole transport layers (HTLs) used in most highly efficient PeLEDs usually have low hole mobilities in the range of 10−4–10−6 cm2 V−1 s−1, much lower than that of MHPs, resulting in severe roll‐off and low radiance of the devices. Here, methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) is successfully deposited on top of methylammonium lead chloride (MAPbCl3) using orthogonal solvent to form heterojunction PeLEDs (HJ‐PeLEDs). Due to the high hole mobility of MAPbCl3 ≈42 cm2 V−1 s−1, the HJ‐PeLEDs exhibit a peak external quantum efficiency of 10.7% and a high radiance of 157 W sr−1 m−2 at a low applied voltage of 3.9 V. Furthermore, the large‐area (28 cm2) HJ‐PeLEDs made by blade coating shows a uniform and high radiance of ≈180 W sr−1 m−2. This work provides a novel strategy to fabricate bright and large‐area PeLEDs to meet the requirements of commercial applications.
Emerging Solid‐to‐Solid Phase‐Change Materials for Thermal‐Energy Harvesting, Storage, and Utilization
Authors: Usman Ali , Xiong Feng , Aftab Waseem , Qin Mulin , Zou Ruqiang
Published: May 2022

Phase‐change materials (PCMs) offer tremendous potential to store thermal energy during reversible phase transitions for state‐of‐the‐art applications. The practicality of these materials is adversely restricted by volume expansion, phase segregation, and leakage problems associated with conventional solid‐liquid PCMs. Solid–solid PCMs, as promising alternatives to solid–liquid PCMs, are gaining much attention toward practical thermal‐energy storage (TES) owing to their inimitable advantages such as solid‐state processing, negligible volume change during phase transition, no contamination, and long cyclic life. Herein, the aim is to provide a holistic analysis of solid–solid PCMs suitable for thermal‐energy harvesting, storage, and utilization. The developing strategies of solid–solid PCMs are presented and then the structure–property relationship is discussed, followed by potential applications. Finally, an outlook discussion with momentous challenges and future directions is presented. Hopefully, this review will provide a guideline to the scientific community to develop high‐performance solid–solid PCMs for advanced TES applications.
Universal Printing Technique of Polydopamine onto Versatile Surfaces for High‐Resolution Cell Patterning Using Wet Elastomeric Stamp
Authors: Chae Woo Ri , Lee Nae Yoon
Published: May 2022

In this study, a robust and universally applicable polydopamine (PDA) contact‐printing technique is demonstrated on versatile substrates such as glass, polyethylene terephthalate, poly(methyl methacrylate), polystyrene, polycarbonate, copper, and nitrocellulose membrane in a simple and facile manner using a wet elastomeric stamp. Evaporation of the hydration layer on the wet stamp while in contact with substrates substantially increases the patterning efficiency even without placing any weight on the stamp. The hydration layer possibly assists in reducing the mechanical stress caused during the handling of the stamp and enhances the conformal contact between the stamp and the substrate upon drying. The PDA patterning efficiency is approximately fivefold higher compared to using a dry stamp when patterned on polystyrene, and a large‐scale PDA stamping of over 8.5 cm diameter is also achieved. Water contact angle measurements and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses confirms the successful transfer of PDA onto various surfaces. PDA patterns created on the polystyrene are used to culture endothelial cells to evaluate spatially‐defined cell spreading along the defined geometries. The simple procedure and versatility of the substrates used make the introduced strategy highly suitable for creating large‐scale cell micropatterning platforms and possess great potential for manufacturing antibody‐immobilized lateral flow rapid diagnostic kits, without requiring expensive equipment.
Precise Detection of Cataracts with Specific High‐Risk Factors by Layered Binary Co‐Ionizers Assisted Aqueous Humor Metabolic Analysis
Authors: Yang Chenjie , Miao Aizhu , Yang Chaochao , Huang Chuwen , Chen Haolin , Jiang Yongxiang , Deng Chunhui , Sun Nianrong
Published: May 2022

Diabetes and high myopia as well‐known high‐risk factors can aggravate cataracts, yet clinical coping strategy remains a bottleneck. Metabolic analysis tends to be powerful for precisely detection and mechanism exploration since most of diseases including cataracts are accompanied by metabolic disorder. Herein, a layered binary co‐ionizers assisted aqueous humor metabolic analysis tool is proposed for potentially etiological typing and detection of cataracts, including age‐related cataracts (ARC), cataracts with diabetes mellitus (CDM), and cataracts with high myopia (CHM). Startlingly, taking advantage of the optimal machine learning algorithm and all metabolic fingerprints, 100% of accuracy, precision, and recall rates are achieved for arbitrary comparison between groups. Moreover, 11, 9, and 7 key metabolites with explicit identities are confirmed as markers of discriminating CDM from ARC, CHM from ARC, and CDM from CHM, and the corresponding area under the curve values of validation cohorts are 0.985, 1.000, and 1.000. Finally, the critical impact of diabetes/high myopia on cataracts is revealed by excavating the change levels and metabolic pathways of key metabolites. This work updates the insights of prevention and treatment about cataracts at metabolic level and throws out huge surprises and progresses metabolic diagnosis toward a reality.
Interventional Microbubble Enhanced Sonothrombolysis on Left Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: Zheng Xiaobing , Pan Yunfan , Zhang Yuan , Meng Kuilin , Zhou Jianye , Wang Xin , Cui Yongchun , Li Jiang , Li Yongjian , Chen Haosheng
Published: May 2022

The left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is often used in the treatment of heart failure. However, 4% to 9% implanted LVAD will have thrombosis problem in one year, which is fatal to the patient's life. In this work, an interventional sonothrombolysis (IST) method is developed to realize the thrombolysis on LVAD. A pair of ultrasound transducer rings is installed on the shell of LVAD, and drug‐loaded microbubbles are injected into the LVAD through the interventional method. The microbubbles are adhere on the thrombus with the coated thrombus‐targeted drugs, and the thrombolytic drugs carried by the bubbles are brought into the thrombus by the cavitation of bubbles under the ultrasound. In a proof‐of‐concept experiment in a live sheep model, the thrombus on LVAD is dissolved in 30 min, without damages on LVADs and organs. This IST exhibits to be more efficient and safer compared with other thrombolysis methods on LVAD.
High‐Performance and Stable Semi‐Transparent Perovskite Solar Cells through Composition Engineering
Authors: Yu Jae Choul , Li Bin , Dunn Christopher J. , Yan Junlin , Diroll Benjamin T. , Chesman Anthony S. R. , Jasieniak Jacek J.
Published: May 2022

Semi‐transparent perovskite solar cells (ST‐PeSCs) have tremendous potential as solar windows owing to their higher efficiency and visible transmittance. However, studies toward this application are still nascent, particularly in unraveling the interplay between how the perovskite composition impacts the achievable device performance and stability. Here, the role of A‐ and X‐site modification in APbX3 perovskites is studied to understand their influence on these factors. Through detailed experimental and simulation work, it is found that a perovskite composition consisting of cesium (Cs) and formamidinium (FA) at the A‐site delivers the best device performance over a range of band gaps, which are tuned by changes to the X‐site anion. Using this optimized perovskite composition, power conversion efficiencies of 15.5% and 4.1% are achieved for ST‐PeSCs with average visible transmittance values between 20.7% and 52.4%, respectively. Furthermore, the CsFA‐based ST‐PeSCs show excellent long‐term stability under continuous illumination and heating. The stability of the precursor solutions across each of the studied compositions has also been considered, showing dramatic differences in the structural properties of the perovskites and their device performance for all mixed A‐site compositions possessing the archetypal methyl ammonium species, while also confirming the superior stability of the CsFA precursor solutions.
Can soil health explain grain quality? A case study of a corn field in Texas
Authors: Adhikari Kabindra , Smith Douglas R. , Hajda Chad , Owens Phillip R.
Published: May 2022

Studies show a strong relationship between soil health and crop yield, but those relating soil health and grain quality are limited. We studied the relationship between soil health and grain protein and oil content from a corn (Zea mays L.) field in Texas. Protein and oil content data were collected in the field with a CropScan monitor. Soil health values were measured at 202 locations using the Haney Soil Health Tool. We first mapped protein and oil content using apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) and 14 terrain attributes as predictors, and we then quantified the relationship with data from sample locations. Soil health was positively correlated with protein and oil content, but the relationship was rather weak. Soil health accounted for up to 13% of the variability in protein (p < .001) and between 2 and 17% in oil content (p < .1) depending on soil map unit. Their spatial distribution was mostly influenced by elevation, ECa, and wetness index. We do not recommend estimating grain protein and oil content with the Haney Soil Health Tool; however, we suggest investigating such relationship across different soil and agronomic conditions for further verification.
Drought tolerance and stability of native Iranian and foreign tall fescue genotypes: Comparison of AMMI and GGE biplot analyses
Authors: Saeidnia Fatemeh , Majidi Mohammad M. , Dehghani Mohammad R , Saeidi Ghodratollah , Mirlohi Aghafakhr
Published: May 2022

Evaluation of drought tolerance in tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) native Iranian landraces, and estimation of the genotype × environment interaction via advanced multivariate methods has rarely been studied. Here, 24 genotypes of tall fescue, including 17 native landraces and seven foreign accessions, were evaluated during 5 yr at two locations and under two irrigation regimes of normal and severe water stress conditions. Water stress had a negative effect on dry forage yield and reduced genetic variation. However, this decline was greater in foreign genotypes than in the native ones. The superior genotypes were identified with stress tolerance index. The additive main effects and multiplicative interactions (AMMI) and genotype × genotype–environment (GGE) biplot analyses identified the most stable and high‐yielding genotypes that were also classified as more drought‐tolerant group. Moreover, although it was revealed that the GGE biplot method is more efficient than AMMI model for stability analyses, our results indicated high overlap between the results of these two methods.
Simple systemic index associated with oxaliplatin‐induced liver damage can be a novel biomarker to predict prognosis after resection of colorectal liver metastasis
Authors: Shimagaki Tomonari , Sugimachi Keishi , Mano Yohei , Onishi Emi , Iguchi Tomohiro , Uehara Hideo , Sugiyama Masahiko , Yamamoto Manabu , Morita Masaru , Toh Yasushi
Published: May 2022

Aim

Oxaliplatin, an anticancer drug for advanced colorectal cancer, causes liver sinusoidal damage, sometimes with portal hypertension. We conducted a retrospective comparative study of the relationship of liver sinusoidal disorders and liver function with the prognosis in patients who underwent hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM).

Methods

In total, 158 patients who underwent hepatectomy for CRLM were included in the study, and the effect of chemotherapy‐associated liver damage on the prognosis was examined.

Results

Preoperative oxaliplatin was used in 75 of 158 patients; of these 75 patients, 26 had intraoperative blue liver (BL). In a comparison of the BL group (n = 26) and non‐BL group (n = 132), patients in the BL group had a significantly lower serum albumin concentration and a significantly higher indocyanine green test result, aspartate aminotransferase‐to‐platelet ratio index (APRI), and FIB‐4 score. Operative morbidities were not significantly different between the two groups. The overall survival rate after hepatectomy was significantly worse in the BL group than in the non‐BL group. In the univariate analysis, the serum albumin concentration, indocyanine green test, a high tumor burden score (TBS), and the APRI were statistically significant poor prognostic factors. In the multivariate analysis, the APRI and a high TBS were independent poor prognostic factors.

Conclusion

The APRI and TBS in patients with CRLM are prognostic predictors after hepatectomy for metastatic liver cancer. This study indicated that liver damage in patients treated with preoperative oxaliplatin has an effect on the prognosis.