bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Situ Construction of NiCoMn‐LDH Derived from Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework on Eggshell‐Like Carbon Skeleton for High‐Performance Flexible Supercapacitors
Authors: Lu Zhongqi , Zhao Kai , Guo Hanwen , Duan Lejiao , Sun Huiru , Chen Kuiyong , Liu Jingquan
Published: December 2023

Active compounds based on LDH (ternary layered double hydroxide) are considered the perfect supercapacitor electrode materials on account of their superior electrochemical qualities and distinct structural characteristics, and flexible supercapacitors are an ideal option as an energy source for wearable electronics. However, the prevalent aggregation effect of LDH materials results in significantly compromised actual specific capacitance, which limits its broad practical applications. In this research, a 3D eggshell‐like interconnected porous carbon (IPC) framework with confinement and isolation capability is designed and synthesized by using glucose as the carbon source to disperse the LDH active material and enhance the conductivity of the composite material. Second, by constructing NiCoMn‐LDH nanocage structure based on ZIF‐67 (zeolitic imidazolate framework‐67) at the nanometer scale the obtained IPC/NiCoMn‐LDH electrode material can expose more active sites, which allows to achieve excellent specific capacitance (2236 F g−1/ 310.6 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1), good rate as well as the desired cycle stability (85.9% of the initial capacitance upon 5000 cycles test). The constructed IPC/NiCoMn‐LDH//IPC ASC (asymmetric supercapacitor) exhibits superior capacitive property (135 F g−1/60.1 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1) as well as desired energy density (40 Wh kg−1 at 800 W kg−1).
Long‐Range SECCM Enables High‐Throughput Electrochemical Screening of High Entropy Alloy Electrocatalysts at Up‐To‐Industrial Current Densities
Authors: Tetteh Emmanuel Batsa , Krysiak Olga A. , Savan Alan , Kim Moonjoo , Zerdoumi Ridha , Chung Taek Dong , Ludwig Alfred , Schuhmann Wolfgang
Published: December 2023

High‐entropy alloys (HEAs), especially in the form of compositional complex solid solutions (CCSS), have gained attention in the field of electrocatalysis. However, exploring their vast composition space concerning their electrocatalytic properties imposes significant challenges. Scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) offers high‐speed electrochemical analysis on surface areas with a lateral resolution down to tens of nm. However, high‐precision piezo positioners often used for the motion of the tip limit the area of SECCM scans to the motion range of the piezo positioners which is typically a few tens of microns. To bridge this experimental gap, the study proposes a long‐range SECCM system with a rapid gas‐exchange environmental cell for high‐throughput electrochemical characterization of 100 mm diameter HEA thin‐film material libraries (ML) obtained by combinatorial co‐sputtering. Due to the gas–liquid interface at the positioned SECCM droplet on the sample, high‐throughput evaluation under industrial current density conditions becomes feasible. This allows the direct correlation between electrocatalytic activity and material composition with high statistical reliability. The multidimensional data obtained accelerates materials discovery, development, and optimization.
Good intentions are not enough: A case study uncovering perpetuation of internalized and interpersonal oppression in middle schoolSTEMclassrooms
Authors: Tran Khanh Q. , Guzey S. Selcen
Published: December 2023

Science teachers and educators seek to promote equity and inclusion within their classrooms. Yet, many do not examine how their roles could reproduce oppression that continues to exclude certain groups of students. Centering on how oppression interacts with science teaching and learning, this naturalistic study observed Ms. William and her implementation of two STEM units that integrate science and engineering, to understand power, race, and privilege dynamics in her middle school STEM classrooms. Specifically, we focused on understanding oppression at the interpersonal and internalized level in Ms. William's class. We collected and analyzed video recorded lessons from two different classrooms, two STEM curricula Ms. William had co‐developed, and conducted semi‐structured interviews after she taught her two STEM units. We identified themes of oppression perpetuated in the classroom by employing thematic analysis, which when guided by our theoretical framework enabled us to illuminate the complex relationship between science teaching and maintaining whiteness as the dominant discourse in science learning. Our findings suggest that an active and critical role from science teachers and educators are required; we must reflect deeply on our science curriculum and teaching strategies and identify practices that remains to be oppressive if promoting equity and inclusion is at the forefront of our science teaching.
Identification of a novel signature based on M6a modification regulators related LncRNA for stratification of the prognosis of prostate cancer
Authors: Wang Sheng‐xiong , Xie Xiang‐hui
Published: December 2023

Prostate cancer emerges as a life‐threatening disease that affects approximately 1.3 million patients of male population globally. Various studies established lncRNAs as a critical role in prostate cancer progression by regulating multiple epigenetic pathways. Therefore, it is imperative to disclose the involvement of lncRNAs in prostate cancer and their usability as prognostic markers for the disease. The model was constructed using Cox and LASSO analysis. The accuracy of model was evaluated using various cohorts. Furthermore, the study assessed the correlative relationship of the model with tumor immunity, immunotherapy, SNV mutation, and drug sensitivity, among other factors. We developed an accurate and stable prognostic model for prostate cancer patients by screening out 11 m6A regulators related lncRNAs and integrating pathological features and age through a nomogram model. The model had satisfactory accuracy and stability in stratification of clinical outcomes of prostate cancer patients, as demonstrated by AUC values (higher than 0.7) at 3, 5, and 7 years in both internal and external cohorts. Moreover, we performed PCA analysis to confirm m6A‐related lncRNAs as the best modeling strategy. We developed a prognosis predicting model based on 11 selected m6A modification related lncRNA, which displayed satisfactory potency in multiple cohorts.
From Behind the Folding Screen to the Collège de France: Victorine de Chastenay’s Privacy Dynamics for Knowledge in the Making
Authors: Lémonon-Waxin Isabelle
Published: December 2023

This chapter is an examination of Victorine de Chastenay’s manuscripts through the lens of private practices of knowledge production. Victorine de Chastenay, mostly known for herMémoiresand a few translations, was raised in ancient French aristocracy and received an exceptional education for a nineteenth-century woman. Throughout her life, she explored various fields of knowledge, such as literature, poetry, languages, history, politics, botany, mathematics, and astronomy. Her manuscripts and parts of herMémoiresoffer an insight into her private practices of knowledge in the making. This contribution focuses on the learning and writing techniques she used as a child and, later on, in her domestic space. As a noblewoman, the social norms of her time forced her to study in dedicated spaces at dedicated times, sometimes hidden behind a folding screen. Chastenay’s manuscripts reveal her economy of knowledge in the making, highlighting the necessity of a room of her own. This study combines material, spatial, social, and emotional approaches to analyse her private knowledge production.
Contingent Privacies: Knowledge Production and Gender Expectations from 1500 to 1800
Authors: Klein Käfer Natacha
Published: December 2023

This epilogue presents the main insights fromWomen’s Private Practices of Knowledge Production in Early Modern Europe, demonstrating the key ways in which privacy factored into women’s knowledge-making practices. The chapter highlights women’s strategies of publicizing the private as a knowledge-sharing strategy, the role of the home in knowledge-making in the early modern period, and the limitations and affordances of navigating knowledge-production processes in a female body. Moreover, this contribution emphasizes privacy as a malleable, contingent, and continuous negotiation, not necessarily respected by default, but that enabled women to balance gendered expectations and knowledge pursuits.
Season affects the estrogen system and the immune response of common carp
Authors: Maciuszek Magdalena , Pijanowski Lukasz , Kemenade Lidy Verburg-van , Chadzinska Magdalena
Published: December 2023

The physiology of ectothermic animals, including fish, is strictly regulated by season-related external factors such as temperature or photoperiod. The immune response and the production of hormones, such as estrogens, are therefore also subject to seasonal changes. This study in common carp aimed to determine how the season affects the estrogen system and the immune response, including the antibacterial response during Aeromonas salmonicida infection. We compared the immune reaction in spring and autumn in the head kidney and liver and found that carp have higher levels of blood 17β-estradiol in autumn, while in the liver of these fish there is a higher constitutive expression of genes encoding vitellogenin, estrogen receptors and Cyp19 aromatase than in spring. Fish sampled in autumn also exhibited higher expression of immune-related genes in the liver. In contrast, in the head kidney from fish sampled in the autumn, the expression of genes encoding estrogen receptors and aromatase was lower than in spring, and a similar profile of expression was also measured in the head kidney for inos, arginases and il-10. In turn, during bacterial infection, we observed higher upregulation of the expression of inos, il-12p35, ifnγ-2, arginase 2 and il-10 in the liver of carp sampled in spring. In the liver of carp infected in spring a higher upregulation of the expression of the genes encoding CRPs was observed compared to fish infected during autumn. The opposite trend occurred in the head kidney, where the upregulation of the expression of the genes involved in the immune response was higher in fish infected in autumn than in those infected in spring. During the infection, also season-dependent changes occurred in the estrogen system. In conclusion, we demonstrated that season differentially affects the estrogenic and immune activity of the head kidney and liver. These results reinforce our previous findings that the endocrine and immune systems cooperate in maintaining homeostasis and fighting infection.
Quaternary ammonium-tethered hyperbranched polyurea nanoassembly synergized with antibiotics for enhanced antimicrobial efficacy
Authors: Feng Yanwen , Bian Jiang , Yu Guoyi , Zhao Pei , Yue Jun
Published: December 2023

The rifampicin-loaded HPUs-QA nanoassembly (HPUs-Rif/QA) demonstrated a synergistic antimicrobial effect in killing planktonic bacteria and eradicating the corresponding biofilms.
Surface and volume energies of α-, β-, and κ-Ga2O3 under epitaxial strain induced by a sapphire substrate
Authors: Bertoni Ilaria , Ugolotti Aldo , Scalise Emilio , Miglio Leo
Published: December 2023

A spontaneous (001) surface reconstruction of κ-Ga2O3 is found under a misfit strain induced by the interface with sapphire. Even in the strain-free case, it has still the lowest surface energy and is comparable to the best β-(−201) surface.
The Revised Hearing Handicap Inventory and Pure-Tone Average Predict Hearing Aid Use Equally Well
Authors: Dillard Lauren K. , Matthews Lois J. , Dubno Judy R.
Published: December 2023

Purpose:

This study aimed to (a) compare the Revised Hearing Handicap Inventory (RHHI) and pure-tone average (PTA) in their abilities to predict hearing aid use and (b) report the optimal cut-point values on the RHHI and PTA that predict hearing aid use.

Method:

Participants were from a community-based cohort study. We evaluated the ability of the RHHI and PTA as (a) continuous variables and (b) binary variables characterized by the optimal cut point determined by the Youden Index to predict hearing aid use. RHHI scores range from 0 to 72, and PTA was defined as averaged thresholds at frequencies 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 kHz in the worse ear. We used logistic regression models and receiver operating characteristic curves with corresponding concordance statistics (
c
-statistics) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to determine the predictive ability of models and chi-square tests to determine whether
c
-statistics were significantly different.

Results:

This study included 581 participants (
M
age
= 72.9 [
SD
= 9.9] years; 59.9% female; 14.3% Minority race). The
c
-statistics for the RHHI (0.79, 95% CI [0.75, 0.83]) and PTA (0.81, 95% CI [0.78, 0.85]), as continuous variables, were not significantly different (
p
= .25). The optimal cut points for the RHHI and PTA to predict hearing aid use were 6 points and 32.5 dB HL, respectively. The
c
-statistics for the RHHI (0.72, 95% CI [0.68, 0.76]) and PTA (0.75, 95% CI [0.71, 0.79]), as binary variables, were not significantly different (
p
= .27).

Conclusion:

The RHHI and PTA are similar in their ability to predict hearing aid use.
A Comparative Retrospective Survival Analysis Study of Brain Tumor Patients in Age Less Than or Equal to 50 Years versus More Than 50 Years of Age
Authors: Kesarwani Radha , Singh Astha , Aqueel Mohammad , Singh Virendra , Prakash Gyan
Published: December 2023

Introduction Approximately 2.5% of fatalities from cancer are caused by brain tumors. Even though there is literature regarding prognostic factor of adult brain tumor, studies often resort to Western demographics. Hence, we conducted this retrospective observational study to compare the demographic characteristics and prognosis in patients of glial tumors in Indian population with histological diagnosis with respect to age.

Materials and Methods A single-center retrospective observational study with 76 patients of glioma who had been treated with surgery combined with radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy was conducted. Group I patients were aged less than or equal to 50 years and group II more than 50 years of age. There were 28 patients in group I and 48 in group II. Postoperatively, external beam radiation therapy was delivered in a conventional fraction (1.8 Gy/fraction, five fractions/week) using telecobalt 60. Ill patients who presented with grade III and IV gliomas received oral chemotherapy temozolomide at a dose of 100 mg daily during course of radiotherapy.

Results The median age of the patients at the time of diagnosis was 45.0 years. More cases of hematologic toxicity occurred in group I than in group II. Total 55 patients were alive at 1-year follow-up (11 in group I and 44 in group II).

Conclusion Grade I and II gliomas were predominant in less than 50 years of age and grade III and IV were predominant in more than 50 years age. Male preponderance was seen in age group of more than 50 years (68%). Overall survival and disease-free survival were better for patients aged less than 50 years.
Design of a temperature-limited emission current controller
Authors: Sikora Jarosław , Kuś Dariusz
Published: December 2023

In this study, we design and test a current controller for a source of thermionic electron emission operating in an ionization vacuum gauge. We use a precise and controlled source of current to transfer the emission current from the anode, which has a high potential in the circuit, to the cathode with a low potential. This eliminates the need for galvanic isolation or sources of floating voltage, which introduce noise to the system, for supplying the cathode and the anode. We show that this has a limited effect in terms of changes in the residual gas pressure on the emission current in the range from 10−4 to 10−2 Pa. The temporal stability of the emission current was determined for reference values ranging from 1 to 4 mA for both 10-min and 2-h periods, and it was found to be lower than 6 ppm. The proposed controller can be used in apparatus to measure electron impact-induced gas ionization.
Window of detection of cocaine-related alkaloids in oral fluid collected with the FloqSwab™ after coca tea consumption
Authors: Aknouche Frédéric , Trebuchet Claire , Fargeot Kévin , Kormazyigit Fatima , Thion Laureen , Maruejouls Christophe , Kintz Pascal
Published: December 2023

Coca tea is a popular drink in some countries of South America, where it is presented as a safe energy preparation, based on a limited total content of cocaine of ∼3–5 mg. Tea bags can be bought with no legal considerations in these countries both by locals and tourists, but its consumption can have consequences when consumed overseas. Driving under the influence of cocaine is banned in most of the places in the world and can be documented by oral fluid testing. A study was implemented with coca tea bags (Coca & Muna) purchased in Peru, after a French attorney-at-law contacted the laboratory to assess the involvement of coca tea in the positive oral fluid results of a driver. Ten healthy volunteers consumed 250 mL of coca tea containing 4.5 mg of cocaine. No volunteer reported any change in behavioral effects after consumption of the coca tea. Oral fluid was collected with a swab (FloqSwab™, Copan) over 8 h to follow the elimination of cocaine and its major metabolites (benzoylecgonine and ecgonine methylester). This is the procedure used by the French police. All samples were analyzed by UHPLC–MS-MS after Quantisal™ buffer desorption. As the device does not allow measurement of the amount of collected fluid, the results are qualitative. This is in accordance with the French law that requires a yes or no response about the presence of cocaine, with a minimum required performance level of 10 ng/mL of cocaine or benzoylecgonine. Parent cocaine was identified for 30–120 min. Benzoylecgonine and ecgonine methylester were identified between 1 and 8 h, with a large inter-individual variation. Although it is generally accepted that a 4–5 mg cocaine dose has no significant pharmacological effect, the consumption of coca tea can lead to the suspension of a person’s driving license due to a positive oral fluid test.
A Novel Dressing Method to Achieve Early Natural Tracheostoma Closure
Authors: Kanno Yuki , Hasegawa On , Kawase-Koga Yoko
Published: December 2023

Tracheotomy is a routine surgical procedure in oral and maxillofacial surgery. After decannulation, spontaneous tracheostoma closure is usually expected. However, wound healing is often delayed, requiring 1 to 2 weeks for healing and resulting in the need for surgical closure. Although many reports have described the surgical closure of a tracheostoma, few reports have focused on the dressing methods for closure of tracheal openings after decannulation. Herein, the authors report a new tracheostoma closure method that does not rely on surgical closure or the adhesive strength of the tape. The authors’ conventional dressing method was to place gauze over the tracheostoma after decannulation and apply pressure through elastic tape or with a film dressing to seal the tracheostoma and achieve natural closure by reducing the leakage of air and tracheal secretions. However, the conventional method cannot completely prevent the leakage of air and tracheal secretions. We developed a novel method to achieve early closure by markedly reducing the leakage by partially inserting the gauze into the tracheostoma.
Recruitment of Homodimeric Proneural Factors by Conserved CAT-CAT E-Boxes Drives Major Epigenetic Reconfiguration in Cortical Neurogenesis
Authors: de Martin Xabier , Oliva Baldomero , Santpere Gabriel
Published: December 2023

The proneural factors of the basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH) family of transcription factors coordinate early processes of neurogenesis and neurodifferentiation. Among them,Neurog2andNeurod2subsequently act specifying neurons of the glutamatergic lineage. The disruption of proneural factors, their target genes, and the DNA motifs they bind, have been linked to various neuropsychiatric disorders. Proneural factors operate on the DNA forming homodimers or heterodimers with other bHLH factors and binding to specific motifs called E-boxes, which are hexanucleotides of the form CANNTG, composed of two CAN half sites on opposed strands. These E-box motifs are highly enriched in regulatory elements that become active during corticogenesis. Although neurogenesis and neurodifferentiation appear to rely heavily on the activity of E-boxes, our understanding of the specific dynamics of DNA binding and partner usage throughout neurogenesis and neurodifferentiation remains largely unknown.

To shed light on this critical facet of neural development, we conducted a comprehensive analysis leveraging ChIP-seq data of NEUROG2 and NEUROD2, paired with time-matched single-cell RNA-seq and ATAC-seq assays and DNA methylation data, collected from the developing mouse brain. Our analyses revealed that distinct trajectories of chromatin accessibility are selectively linked to specific subsets of NEUROG2 and NEUROD2 binding sites and E-boxes. Notably, while E-boxes composed of CAT-CAG half sites or two CAG half sites are more commonly found within their binding sites, E-boxes consisting of two CAT half sites exhibit a striking enrichment in developmentally dynamic enhancers. These CAT-CAT E-boxes also manifest substantial DNA demethylation effects throughout the process of neurodifferentiation and display the highest levels of evolutionary constraint. Aided by a combination of a detailed DNA-footprinting and structural modeling approach, we propose a compelling model to explain the combinatorial action of bHLH factors across the various stages of neurogenesis. Finally, we hypothesize that NEUROD2 acts as a chromatin remodeler in cortical neurodifferentiation by binding CAT-CAT E-boxes as a homodimer, a mechanism that could be extended to other members of this bHLH class of transcription factors.
Does offline activity matter? Understanding community attachment to virtual travel communities
Authors: Tang Wenyue , Zhang Tengfei , Yang Yang
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to discuss the formation mechanism of members’ emotional attachment to virtual travel communities from an online–offline perspective, focusing on the role of offline tourism experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was designed to survey active travel enthusiast clubs that hold frequent offline tourism activities. A structural equation modeling method was used to estimate the model and test the research hypotheses.

Findings

Results demonstrated that offline travel experiences positively influenced online community attachment (i.e., community dependence and identity), and this effect was more pronounced than that of one’s sense of community (i.e., belonging, trust and immersion) on community attachment. Therefore, compared with online interaction, offline travel experiences played a greater part in strengthening virtual community attachment.

Originality/value

The study presents a pioneering effort on understanding how offline activities help shape the community attachment to virtual communities.
Preliminary population estimate of Kordofan giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis antiquorum) in two areas of the Benoué complex, Cameroon
Authors: Parks Connor , Penny Samuel , Goue Achile Mengamenya , Nyugha Denis , Pauline Tiwa T. , Vannier Xavier , Johnson Caspian
Published: December 2023

The Kordofan giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis antiquorum) is a critically endangered subspecies. To manage and conserve this taxon, up‐to‐date population estimates are crucial. We provide a population assessment of Kordofan giraffe in Bénoué National Park (BeNP) and nearby Hunting Zone 18 (HZ18), in northern Cameroon, using individual identification techniques from images captured in the field from opportunistic sightings and ad hoc camera trap efforts. Additionally, we assess connectedness between sites. We estimated populations of 27 and 25 individuals in BeNP and HZ18, respectively. No giraffes were captured in both sites. Findings highlight the area's importance and emphasise the need for continued conservation efforts. Our study provides a baseline for future monitoring and supports the development of a standardised wildlife monitoring framework.
Platycodin D inhibits diabetic retinopathy via suppressing TLR4/MyD88/NF‐κB signaling pathway and activating Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathway
Authors: Song Yanmin , Lv Peilin , Yu Jingni
Published: December 2023

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most frequently occurring diabetic complications associated with inflammation and oxidative stress. Platycodin D (PLD) is a bio‐active saponin that has been reported to exhibit anti‐inflammation, anti‐oxidative, and antidiabetic activities. Therefore, we speculated the protective effects of PLD on DR in the present study. Our results demonstrated that PLD attenuated high glucose (HG)‐induced inflammation, as evidenced by decreased production of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6. The HG‐induced oxidative stress was prevented by PLD with decreased ROS production and malondialdehyde (MDA) level, as well as increased activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione (GSH). In addition, treatment of PLD significantly decreased the apoptotic rate in HG‐induced ARPE‐19 cells. The HG‐caused increases in expression of bax and cleaved capsase‐3, as well a decrease in bcl‐2 expression were attenuated by PLD. Furthermore, PLD suppressed the activation of TLR4/MyD88/NF‐κB and enhanced the activation of Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway in HG‐induced ARPE‐19 cells. Additionally, overexpression of TLR4 attenuated the anti‐inflammatory, while knockdown of Nrf2 reversed the anti‐oxidative and anti‐apoptotic activities of PLD in HG‐stimulated ARPE‐19 cells. Furthermore, PLD attenuates retinal damage in DR rats. Finally, we demonstrated that PLD weakened the TLR4/MyD88/NF‐κB p65 pathway and promoted the Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway in vivo. Taken together, these findings indicated that PLD exerted protective effects against DR, which were attributed to the regulation of TLR4/MyD88/NF‐κB and Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathways.
Therapeutic potentials of N‐acetylcysteine immobilized polyrhodanine nanoparticles toward acetaminophen‐induced acute hepatotoxicity in rat
Authors: Nili‐Ahmadabadi Amir , Abdpour Saeb , Omidifar Navid , Hashemi Seyyed Alireza , Mousavi Seyyed Mojtaba , Ahmadabadi Maryam Nili
Published: December 2023

N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) is a recommended drug for treating acetaminophen (APAP) intoxication. Due to NAC's low bioavailability, this study aimed to use polyrhodanine (PR) nanoparticles (NPs) as a drug carrier to improve the effectiveness of NAC. After preparation and characterization of NAC loaded on PR, 30 rats were randomly divided into five groups of six. The first group (control) received normal saline. Groups 2–5 were treated with normal saline, PR, NAC, and NAC loaded on PR, respectively. The treatments were started 4 h after oral administration of APAP (2000 mg kg−1). After 48 h, the animals were anesthetized, and liver function indices and oxidative stress were measured in tissue and serum samples. The APAP administration can increase aminotransferases and alkaline phosphatase enzymes in serum, decreasing the total antioxidant capacity and thiol groups and increasing lipid peroxidation in liver tissue. Administration of PR‐NAC could effectively improve the level of serum‐hepatic enzymes, total antioxidant capacity and thiol groups, lipid peroxidation, and pathological changes in liver tissue in animals poisoned with APAP. PR‐NAC has a significant therapeutic effect on preventing acute hepatotoxicity caused by APAP, and its effectiveness can be associated with an improvement in the oxidant/antioxidant balance of liver tissue.
Diabetic complications and risk of depression and anxiety among adults with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Horsbøl Trine Allerslev , Hoffmann Sofie Have , Thorsted Anne Bonde , Rosenkilde Siri , Lehn Sara Fokdal , Kofoed‐Enevoldsen Allan , Santos Monica , Iversen Peter Bindslev , Thygesen Lau Caspar
Published: December 2023

Aims

To investigate if diabetic complications increase the risk of depression and/or anxiety among adults with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

This register‐based, prospective study included 265,799 adult individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes between 1997 and 2017 without a recent history of depression or anxiety. Diabetic complications included cardiovascular disease, amputation of lower extremities, neuropathy, nephropathy and retinopathy. Both diabetic complications and depression and anxiety were defined by hospital contacts and prescription‐based medication. All individuals were followed from the date of type 2 diabetes diagnosis until the date of incident depression or anxiety, emigration, death or 31 December 2018, whichever occurred first.

Results

The total risk time was 1,915,390 person‐years. The incidence rate of depression and/or anxiety was 3368 per 100,000 person‐years among individuals with diabetic complications and 1929 per 100,000 person‐years among those without. Having or developing any diabetic complication was associated with an increased risk of depression and/or anxiety (HR 1.77, 95% CI 1.73–1.80). The risk for depression and/or anxiety was increased for all types of diabetic complications. The strongest association was found for amputation of lower extremities (HR 2.16, 95% CI 2.01–2.31) and the weakest for retinopathy (HR 1.13, 95% CI 1.09–1.17).

Conclusion

Individuals with type 2 diabetes and diabetic complications are at increased risk of depression and anxiety. This points towards the importance of an increased clinical focus on mental well‐being among individuals with type 2 diabetes and complications.
Effectiveness of continuous home wound care on patients with diabetic foot ulcers
Authors: Luo YiXin , Mai LiFang , Liu XingZhou , Yang Chuan
Published: December 2023

Aims

To explore the effectiveness of continuous home wound care on patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs).

Design

A non‐randomized parallel controlled non‐inferiority trial.

Methods

Patients with Wagner grade I–III DFUs hospitalized in two distant campuses of the same hospital were included. All patients received infection treatment and wound bed preparation during hospitalization; after discharge, patients in one of the campuses received routine outpatient wound care, and those treated in the other received continuous home wound care. The per‐protocol analysis was performed to compare ulcer healing indicators, knowledge, health belief, self‐management behaviour and medical expenses of the two groups.

Results

Between October 2021 and December 2022, 116 patients were enrolled in the study; 107 completed. The home care was not inferior in terms of ulcer healing rate and demonstrated significant enhancements in the understanding of warning signs, health belief and self‐management behaviour. Additionally, the home care saved 220.38 yuan (24.32 UK pounds) in direct medical expenses for each additional one square centimetre of ulcer healing.

Conclusion

The continuous home wound care enhanced self‐management behaviour of the patients and saved their medical expenses while not compromising ulcer healing.

Impact

This is to date the first study to conduct continuous home wound care practice for patients with DFUs and confirmed its safety and non‐inferiority in ulcer healing, and supported its superiority in improving self‐management behaviour and saving medical expenses.

Reporting Method

We have adhered to the transparent reporting of evaluations with nonrandomized designs statements and the corresponding checklist was followed.

Patient or Public Contribution

The patients and their primary caregivers were involved in intervention design, we received input from them about the factors that facilitate and hinder patient self‐management behaviours to develop intervention strategies.
COVID‐19: Family resilience in a context of vulnerability
Authors: Ceberio Marcelo R.
Published: December 2023

The crisis triggered by the emergence of COVID‐19, and the subsequent mandatory isolation was one of the most significant vulnerability‐inducing events in the past 100 years of humanity. The different experiences of individuals regarding this event led each person to construct their own vulnerability within the global vulnerability. Families have been major protagonists in this situation. The organized families with a healthy affective relational exchange have become resilient families, capable of facing such a critical situation with effective buffering factors. Within these families, resilience guardians have played a crucial role in the protective and supportive function towards their members. This article analyzes such factors, from global vulnerability to resilient families.
Depth‐independent phenotypic variation of massive Porites coral color morphs
Authors: Anthony Colin J. , McDermott Grace , Lock Colin , Miller Therese , Bentlage Bastian , Raymundo Laurie J.
Published: December 2023

As coral reefs continue to decline due to anthropogenic stressors, community characterizations will reveal both historical selection processes and adaptive potential to environmental change. To address the potential role of color in the distribution and resilience of massive Porites corals, we surveyed the distributions of two dominant color morphs (brown and purple), and a unique intermediate state, across a depth gradient in Guam, Micronesia. We found that brown colonies dominated populations across all depths, and larger colonies had higher rates of partial tissue mortality and active disease lesions. Despite the dominance of brown colonies, both brown and purple color morphs showed a high similarity in susceptibility, as indicated by the colony sizes, the severity of partial tissue mortality, and the prevalence of active disease lesions. This is a non‐intuitive result given the presence of phenotypic plasticity between color morphs, evident by an intermediate, transitionary stage between brown and purple colonies that suggests a functional divergence between one color over the other. The study also revealed the dominance of small colonies at depth, which provides some insight into the ecological impacts that may have shaped Guam's current massive Porites population size structure over the past several decades. With this, we provide foundational insight into the adaptive strategies and historical pressures that have shaped the modern massive Porites population.
Morphological and genetic diversity in a South American forest‐dependent bat
Authors: Silva Sofia Marques , Pavan Ana Carolina , de Souza Samara Alves Barroso , Ferreira Gilmax Gonçalves , Silva José de Sousa e , Trevelin Leonardo C.
Published: December 2023

The Neotropical realm is vastly known for its richness, being the Amazon one of the main cradles of taxonomic diversity in the region. In the last decades, molecular analyses have been further increasing the number of Amazonian vertebrate species, hidden under traditional taxonomy due to morphological convergence. Bats represent an interesting example, as the number of recognized bat species is continuously expanding with the identification of numerous cryptic taxa. Studies combining different lines of evidence, such as morphometric and molecular approaches, have been playing an important role in addressing knowledge gaps on Neotropical bat diversity. Within the Phyllostomidae family, the dwarf little fruit bat Rhinophylla pumilio is a forest‐dependent species, with a disjunct distribution in the Amazonian and Atlantic forests. Moreover, different karyotypes have been recovered across the species distribution, suggesting this might be one more example of cryptic diversity. Here, we test this assumption by identifying geographic patterns of morphological and molecular variation within the species' entire range of distribution. Our results point to an overall morphological and morphometric homogeneity, except between Atlantic Forest and Amazonian specimens, with significant dissimilarity among some cranial characters. Furthermore, genetic data suggest a rapid and recent diversification, with these two lineages most likely corresponding to speciating taxa. Within the Amazonian forest, our molecular analyses also recovered four additional lineages, likely encompassing intraspecific diversity. Furthermore, studies are required to confirm the need for a taxonomic rearrangement.
Reliability-Based Design Optimization of Uncertain Linear Systems Subjected to Random Vibrations
Authors: Ballesteros Martínez Luis E. , Missoum Samy
Published: December 2023

A reliability-based design optimization (RBDO) approach for uncertain linear systems subjected to random vibrations is presented. The computation of the first-passage failure probability with uncertain system parameters is computed as the total probability, which accounts for both the stochastic excitation and the randomness of the parameters. This quantity, which is dependent on the failure rate, is in general difficult to compute for complex problems involving finite element simulations. This difficulty becomes even more pronounced in the case of RBDO. To mitigate this problem, this work uses surrogate models and a dedicated adaptive sampling scheme to significantly reduce the number of simulations. Gaussian processes (GPs) are used as surrogates to approximate the failure rate over the extended space that includes design variables and random parameters. The adaptive sampling scheme leverages the availability of the prediction variance while accounting for the joint distribution of the system’s random parameters, enabling the scheme to focus on regions of the space with high probabilistic content. The RBDO algorithm is applied to two test problems modeled with finite elements: a cantilever beam with tip mass and a payload adapter.
Teachers’ Perspectives of Enacting Student Voice in Primary Physical Education
Authors: Iannucci Cassandra , van der Smee Cameron , Parker Melissa
Published: December 2023

Purpose: Broadly speaking, student voice can be defined as initiatives that involve consultation of, feedback from, and engagement with students regarding their own education. This study’s aim was to explore teachers’ experiences and perceptions of enacting student voice in primary physical education. Method: Participants included six primary school health and physical education specialist teachers within Victoria, Australia. Data were collected via six rich and detailed one-on-one semistructured interviews. Results: Three main themes include: (a) “same-same but different” highlighting participants’ varying conceptualizations and enactment of student voice, (b) “language matters” emphasizing the importance of language used when discussing and implementing student voice, and (c) “barriers and challenges to implementation” capturing participants’ experience and limiting factors to the enactment of student voice practices. Discussion/Conclusion: Grounded in education for transformation and patterns of partnership theories, the discussion focuses on the disassociation between teachers’ perceived understanding and enactment and the implications for students resulting from the misalignment.
Strengthening Cooperative Consensus in Multi-Robot Confrontation
Authors: Xu Meng , Chen Xinhong , She Yechao , Jin Yang , Zhao Guanyi , Wang Jianping
Published: December 2023

Multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL) has proven effective in training multi-robot confrontation, such as StarCraft and robot soccer games. However, the current joint action policies utilized in MARL have been unsuccessful in recognizing and preventing actions that often lead to failures on our side. This exacerbates the cooperation dilemma, ultimately resulting in our agents acting independently and being defeated individually by their opponents. To tackle this challenge, we propose a novel joint action policy, referred to as the consensus action policy (CAP). Specifically, CAP records the number of times each joint action has caused our side to fail in the past and computes a cooperation tendency, which is integrated with each agent’sQ-value and Nash bargaining solution to determine a joint action. The cooperation tendency promotes team cooperation by selecting joint actions that have a high tendency of cooperation and avoiding actions that may lead to team failure. Moreover, the proposed CAP policy can be extended to partially observable scenarios by combining it with DeepQnetwork or actor-critic–based methods. We conducted extensive experiments to compare the proposed method with seven existing joint action policies, including four commonly used methods and three state-of-the-art methods, in terms of episode rewards, winning rates, and other metrics. Our results demonstrate that this approach holds great promise for multi-robot confrontation scenarios.
Protein Hydrolysate from Waste of Catfish Fillet Processing for Snakehead Fish Feed Formulation
Authors: Mulyasari  , Subaryono  , Utomo Bagus Sediadi Bandol , Yosmaniar  , Taufik Imam , Yamin Muhamad , Kusmini Irin Iriana , Marwati Tri
Published: December 2023

The negative impact of fish processing industry waste needs to be minimized, by processing it into valuable products, one of which is fish feed. The objectives of this research were to determine the optimum dose of crude extract of B. cereus RGL.1.1 enzyme in hydrolyzing protein from the waste of catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmus) fillet processing and to evaluate the effectiveness of using protein hydrolysate in snakehead fish (Channa striata) feed. There were four doses of enzyme treatment for protein hydrolysis designed in a completely randomized design, namely, 0, 4, 6, and 8% (v/w) with three repetitions. Furthermore, to assess the quality of protein hydrolysate, an analysis of soluble protein level, hydrolysis degree, amino acid content, fatty acid content, and digestibility was carried out. The percentage of protein hydrolysate applied in the feed formula was 0, 15, 30, and 45% (v/w), which was designed in a completely randomized design with three replications. Absolute weight growth, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, feed efficiency, and snakehead fish survival were measured to evaluate the effects of the feed formula. Results showed that the crude extract of B. cereus RGL.1.1 enzymes at a concentration of 6% (v/w) enhanced the availability of soluble proteins, amino acids, fatty acids, and feed digestibility. Protein hydrolysate application in snakehead fish feed formula up to 45% (v/w) can improve the growth performance (8.03%), protein efficiency ratio (25.66%), and feed efficiency (23.41%).
The Effect of Dietary Supplementation with Haematococcus pluvialis for Enhanced Pigmentation in Amphiprion ocellaris
Authors: Lee Meng-Chou , Huang Chih-Yang , Huang Jing , Chang Chia-Yu , Lee Po-Tsang , Nan Fan-Hua
Published: December 2023

Among the minority seawater species in the ornamental fish market, clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) have a high market value due to their vibrant appearance. Astaxanthin, a promising coloring agent, is applied in diets as a food additive to enhance the physical appearance of clownfish. However, as the retail price of astaxanthin has been inflating, the industry is eager to find more affordable astaxanthin products. The present study evaluated the nutrients and pigmentation performance of the algae-extracted astaxanthin diets of clownfish, followed by a comparative feeding trial evaluating the graded levels of either Haematococcus pluvialis powder or extracted astaxanthin supplements in the experimental diets. The study included three stages: assessing the utilization of H. pluvialis powder as an astaxanthin source, investigating the optimal practical extraction method, and revisiting the effects of crude extracted astaxanthin on clownfish based on the identified preparation processes. In the first stage, H. pluvialis powder was applied as the feed additive for a feeding trial, resulting in a low-utilization rate of astaxanthin in clownfish. This indicated that a suitable extraction method was essential for clownfish. Two chemical-based methods for astaxanthin extraction were investigated to obtain the optimal extraction yields; results showed that the HCl–acetone method had an astaxanthin yield of 21.99 ± 0.52 mg/g cell, which was significantly higher than the yield from the acetic acid-DMSO method. Finally, the effects of HCl–acetone-extracted astaxanthin was compared with the effects of synthesized astaxanthin. The pigmentation performance study was performed using a digital image acquisition and processing technique. A significant increase in the red color signal was observed at week six after fed with 400 and 200 mg/kg of the extracted astaxanthin, compared to the control 0 mg/kg. In conclusion, H. pluvialis-extracted astaxanthin following the HCl–acetone method can significantly improve the pigmentation performance of A. ocellaris after 42 days of oral administration.
Optimal Operation of Hydrogen Energy Coupling Integrated Energy System considering Green Certificate, Ladder-Type Carbon Joint Trading, and Dual-Incentive Demand Response
Authors: Yang Jingying , Ji Xiu , Li Meng , Li Dexin , Li Meiyue , Han Huanhuan , Yu Jiqing
Published: December 2023

Under the “carbon peak and carbon neutrality” goal, the construction of an efficient, low-carbon, and economical energy supply system is of great significance for advancing a dual carbon strategy. In allusion to the integrated energy systems (IES) with hydrogen energy coupling, a hydrogen energy coupling IES low-carbon optimization operation strategy that took account of green certificate and ladder-type carbon joint trading and dual-incentive demand response was proposed in this paper. First, a hydrogen energy multiuse system composed of an electrolyzer, a hydrogen fuel cell, a methane reactor, and hydrogen energy storage was constructed to make full use of the low-carbon cleaning characteristics of hydrogen energy. Besides, a combined model of hydrogen mixed with natural gas was established to improve the utilization efficiency of hydrogen energy. Second, a dual-incentive demand response model including price incentives and subsidy incentives was constructed to fully use the ability to adjust demand-side resources. Next, in view of the carbon emission reduction mechanism of the green certificate, a green certificate and ladder-type carbon joint trading mechanism was constructed. In addition, a green certificate trading mechanism and a reward and punishment tiered carbon trading mechanism had been introduced separately in the IES optimization operation model to reduce carbon emissions of the system. The calculation simulation sets up different scenarios for comparative analysis. As shown by the results, the proposed model could effectively improve renewable energy consumption capacity and energy utilization efficiency. The effectiveness of hydrogen energy utilization, demand respond, and green certification carbon trading mechanism in improving system economy and low-carbon efficiency is verified.