bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined selection for productivity, adaptability, and stability in corn genotypes for baby corn production
Authors: Nascimento Maxwel Rodrigues , de Melo Gérsia Gonçalves , de Oliveira Luciano Antonio , da Silva Alessandra Querino , da Silva Carlos Pereira , Ricardo dos Santos Paulo , Daher Rogério Figueiredo
Published: May 2024

Baby corn is the name given to the female inflorescence of corn (Zea mays L.) before fertilization, being harvested in 2–3 days after the issuance of the styles‐stigmata. Currently, in Brazil, there is no specific corn cultivar for baby corn production, which leads to the use of popcorn and sweet corn cultivars because they are more accepted in the food industry. Therefore, the objective of this work was to estimate the genetic parameters and determine the efficiency of simultaneous selection based on productivity, adaptability, and stability of corn genotypes for baby corn production in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. The evaluations were conducted in 2019 on family properties in six municipalities in the state of Espírito Santo. Eleven corn genotypes were evaluated for baby corn production, being a double hybrid, four native varieties, and six commercial varieties. The design was randomized blocks with four repetitions each. The genetic parameters were estimated, which were obtained using the best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP), and the selection was carried out by the harmonic mean of the relative performance of genotypic values (HMRPGV). It was observed that the environments influenced the performance of the genotypes, configuring specific adaptation. The genotypes AG 1051, Aliança, and BR 106 presented the best performances in all the environments evaluated, considering, simultaneously, the productivity, adaptability, and stability of marketable ears. The HMRPGV method provided optimized selection of corn genotypes to produce baby corn with high productive potential, predictable behavior, and responsive to environmental stimuli.
Substitution mapping of yield‐related traits utilizing three Cybonnet rice × wild introgression libraries
Authors: Eizenga Georgia C. , Edwards Jeremy D. , Jackson Aaron K. , Huggins Trevis D.
Published: May 2024

Improving rice (Oryza sativa L.) yields is a major objective of breeding programs worldwide. The Oryza rufipogon species complex (ORSC), which includes the rice ancestral species O. rufipogon Griff. and O. nivara S. D. Sharma & Shastry, is an underutilized resource. Using three phenotypically and genotypically diverse ORSC accessions identified as OrA, OrB, and OrC, three Cybonnet × ORSC chromosome segment substitution line (CSSL) libraries were developed to make this genepool more accessible to breeders. The objective was to characterize these libraries for 20 yield‐related traits to discover genes not currently deployed for rice improvement. Cybonnet and 212 CSSLs from these libraries were evaluated for 2 years in field studies for six agronomic, six panicle architecture, and eight seed traits. Across the three libraries, 62 CSSLs were found to be significantly different from Cybonnet for one or more traits. Of these, 27 CSSLs were significantly different for seed size traits. To ascertain the chromosome region and underlying candidate gene(s) causing these differences, substitution mapping was performed with previously reported genotypes. Mapping with the CSSLs, which had delayed heading under long days, revealed five known genes associated with rice flowering time pathways. The OsMADS50, RFT1, HD3A, SE1, and GHD7 genes were mapped in the OrB and OrC derived CSSLs but only OsMADS50 mapped in the OrA derived CSSLs. Employing this approach for the other 19 traits revealed 28 total candidate genes. A total of 12 of these genes are currently not deployed for yield enhancement. The introgressed ORSC regions associated with these genes are potential sources of novel variation for rice improvement.
Progress toward impact at scale of orange‐fleshed sweetpotato in Ghana
Authors: Abidin Putri E. , Dorgbetor Isaac K. , Adofo Kwadwo , Acheremu Kwabena , Adjebeng‐Danquah Joseph , Conduah Isaac , Ebregt Marjolein , Adekambi Souleimane A. , Carey Edward E.
Published: May 2024

Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) was known as a minor root crop in Ghana. Starting in 2010, the International Potato Center (CIP) and multiple partners implemented orange‐fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) projects to reposition this crop in Ghana. CIP‐led projects from 2010 to 2021 were identified as Research for Development Initiative projects. These projects consisted of (i) new variety development and commercial seed systems (Sweetpotato Action for Security and Health in Africa: 2009–2019); (ii) OFSP products for business development, breeding‐seed system linkages, strategic awareness for demand creation, sensitization, capacity building, advocacy, and strengthen public‐private partnerships (Jumpstarting OFSP: 2014–2017); (iii) research on shelf‐life and appropriate storage practices (two U.S. Agency for International Development's Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance: 2013–2015 and 2017–2018); and (iv) innovative on‐farm variety testing using the ClimMob‐CitizenScience method (Triadic Comparison of Technologies– roots, tubers, and bananas scaling: 2020–2021). In November 2020, CIP withdrew from Ghana, and the scaling partner, the Reputed Agriculture 4 Development Foundation, led this project up to the end. Strengthened partnerships have driven the expansion of OFSP into value chains. Key partners driving changes were private sector producers and processors, small‐holder farmers, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research institutes, universities, Women in Agricultural Development, Government Extension, Ghana Health Service, and Ghana School Feeding Program. AGRA OFSP for scaling in Ghana (2021–2022) revealed OFSP notably contributed to food security, health, and wealth. It fits in the Food System and contributes to Food Justice in Ghana. Future scaling will depend on consistent policies and efforts to respond to challenges and opportunities along the value chain for sustainability. Impact pathways of theories of change and scaling helped us understand the scaling progress of OFSP in Ghana.
Verifying a novel bile cytology scoring system
Authors: Hayakawa Chie , Hoshikawa Masahiro , Imura Johji , Ueno Takahiko , Koike Junki
Published: May 2024

Background

The scoring system for bile cytology (SSBC) aims to improve bile cytology diagnostic accuracy. Here, the practicality of SSBC was verified by multiple cytotechnologists.

Methods

Bile cytological specimens were evaluated by 24 cytotechnologists using SSBC. The samples were assessed before using the SSBC (first‐time assessment) according to three categories: benign, indeterminate, and malignant. A first scoring evaluation (FSE) was then performed using SSBC; each item in the scoring system was classified as present or absent. After distributing an instruction sheet with diagnostic criteria, a second scoring evaluation (SSE) was performed using SSBC. Each method was evaluated using diagnostic accuracy and interobserver and intraobserver agreement.

Results

Several samples were assessed as indeterminate in the first‐time assessment. Although the specificity of the SSE improved, the sensitivity and accuracy decreased compared with those of the FSE. The overall interobserver agreement was fair for all parameters, including abnormal chromatin, irregular internuclear distances, irregularly overlapped nuclei, irregular cluster margins, and final evaluation in the FSE and SSE. The final evaluation by histological type exhibited slight agreement for well‐differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma and almost perfect agreement for poorly differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma in the FSE and SSE. For moderately differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma, agreement was moderate in the FSE and fair in the SSE. For cholangitis, a slight agreement was observed in the FSE, which improved to fair in the SSE.

Conclusions

Although the SSBC is expected to improve specificity, there exists ambiguity regarding SSBC criteria and interindividual assessment differences. Therefore, the objective assessment method should be revised.
Characteristics and drivers of vegetation productivity sensitivity to increasing CO2 at Northern Middle and High Latitudes
Authors: Chai Yuanfang , Hu Yong
Published: May 2024

Understanding and accurately predicting how the sensitivity of terrestrial vegetation productivity to rising atmospheric CO2 concentration (β) is crucial for assessing carbon sink dynamics. However, the temporal characteristics and driving mechanisms of β remain uncertain. Here, observational and CMIP6 modeling evidence suggest a decreasing trend in β at the Northern Middle and High Latitudes during the historical period of 1982–2015 (−0.082 ± 0.005% 100 ppm−1 year−1). This decreasing trend is projected to persist until the end of the 21st century (−0.082 ± 0.005% 100 ppm−1 year−1 under SSP370 and −0.166 ± 0.006% 100 ppm−1 year−1 under SSP585). The declining β indicates a weakening capacity of vegetation to mitigate warming climates, posing challenges for achieving the temperature goals of the Paris Agreement. The rise in vapor pressure deficit (VPD), that triggers stomata closure and weakens photosynthesis, is considered as the dominated factor contributing to the historical and future decline in β, accounting for 62.3%–75.2% of the effect. Nutrient availability and water availability contribute 15.7%–21.4% and 8.5%–16.3%, respectively. These findings underscore the significant role of VPD in shaping terrestrial carbon sink dynamics, an aspect that is currently insufficiently considered in many climate and ecological models.
Enhancing ecological success in Yangtze River channel construction: A numerical modelling approach
Authors: Li Pengcheng , Li Yike , Yang Yang , Wang Qianqian , Yao Weiwei
Published: May 2024

Channel constructions significantly impact river hydrodynamics, subsequently influencing river ecosystems. To mitigate the negative influence of channel construction and protect fish habitat, it is essential to evaluate fish habitat suitability through the integration of hydrodynamic and habitat models. This study models channel constructions on both the left and right riverbanks to evaluate habitat suitability for Four Major Chinese Carps and the Chinese sturgeon. Initially, flow velocity, water depth and grain size are simulated, followed by an assessment of habitat conditions using the Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) for three distinct construction strategies. Results reveal that constructing channels on the left bank mitigates adverse effects on fish habitat, while constructions on the right bank and both riverbanks lead to habitat degradation. Long‐term effects on riverbed elevation and fish habitat suitability post‐construction were also investigated. Notably, the Four Major Chinese Carps consistently demonstrate greater suitability for the studied river, regardless of flow rate or construction strategies, in comparison to the Chinese sturgeon. These findings underscore diverse responses to channel construction, providing valuable insights for identifying critical habitat areas for endemic fish conservation. This research presents a robust framework for assessing fish ecology in river systems, offering support for conservation decision‐makers.
Update on Endogenous HNO Production: An Exploration of Unanswered Questions and Challenges
Authors: Vargas Paola , Doctorovich Fabio A. , Suarez Sebastian A.
Published: May 2024

This review consolidates the evidence supporting endogenous HNO generation through enzymatic and non‐enzymatic pathways, emphasizing advancements in real‐time HNO sensing within living systems. Azanone (nitroxyl, HNO) is the one‐electron‐reduced congener of nitric oxide (NO•) and shares various biological actions. HNO exhibits unique properties, including positive inotropic and lusitropic effects, along with resistance to scavenging by reactive oxygen species (ROS), particularly superoxide. Research on HNO has intensified over the last two decades, focusing on its reactivity and the prospect of endogenous formation due to its potential significance. The high reactivity of HNO arises from reactions with biologically relevant species such as oxygen, NO•, and thiols, as well as self‐dimerization. Detecting and quantifying HNO has posed challenges, initially relying on nitrous oxide (N2O) detection, a byproduct of dimerization. Recent advancements, including fluorescent probes and a specific electrochemical nanomolar‐level sensor, have facilitated direct detection, enhancing understanding of HNO reactivity and formation.
Synthesis and Aerobic Oxidation of Perfluoroalkyl d10 Metal Complexes Supported by 2,7‐Dimethyl‐1,8‐Naphthyridine
Authors: Moradi Hanieh , Govindarajan R. , Nguyen Huy Gia , Deolka Shubham , Dinh Hoan M. , Khaskin Eugene , Fayzullin Robert R. , Vasylevskyi Serhii , Khusnutdinova Julia R.
Published: May 2024

The coordination chemistry of 2,7‐dimethyl‐1,8‐naphthyridine has been explored with perfluoroalkyl d10 metals, CuI, ZnII, and AgI. This ligand was shown to form dicoordinate CuI and AgI mono‐perfluoroalkyl complexes where naphthyridine coordinates with only one N‐donor, while bidentate coordination with both N‐atoms was observed in Zn bis(perfluoroalkyl) complexes forming a strained four‐membered chelate ring. Copper complexes undergo facile oxidation in the presence of air or excess O2 to give tetracoordinate CuII complexes coordinated to perfluorocarboxylates formed by oxygenation of the metal‐adjacent α‐CF2 position of the corresponding perfluoroalkyl ligands. Another type of product formed by the oxidation of perfluoroethylcopper(I) complexes in the presence of substoichiometric O2 are binuclear CuI⋅⋅⋅CuI complexes with two perfluorocarboxylate ligands. In the presence of an external substrate, alkene, O‐atom transfer was observed to give oxygenated products, resembling the recently reported O‐transfer reactivity of naphthyridine‐supported Ni long‐chain perfluoroalkyl complexes.
Hybrid silver nanoparticles: Modes of synthesis and various biomedical applications
Authors: Singh Priyanka , Singh Shivang , Maddiboyina Balaji , Kandalam SaiKrishna , Walski Tomasz , Bohara Raghvendra A.
Published: May 2024

In the present day, there is a growing trend of employing new strategies to synthesize hybrid nanoparticles, which involve combining various functionalities into a single nanocomposite system. These modern methods differ significantly from the traditional classical approaches and have emerged at the forefront of materials science. The fabrication of hybrid nanomaterials presents an unparalleled opportunity for applications in a wide range of areas, including therapy to diagnosis. The focus of this review article is to shed light on the different modalities of hybrid nanoparticles, providing a concise description of hybrid silver nanoparticles, exploring various modes of synthesis and classification of hybrid silver nanoparticles, and highlighting their advantages. Additionally, we discussed core‐shell silver nanoparticles and various types of core and shell combinations based on the material category, such as dielectric, metal, or semiconductor. The two primary classes of hybrid silver nanoparticles were also reviewed. Furthermore, various hybrid nanoparticles and their methods of synthesis were discussed but we emphasize silica as a suitable candidate for hybridization alongside metal nanoparticles. This choice is due to its hydrophilic surface qualities and high surface charge, which provide the desired repulsive forces to minimize aggregation between the metal nanoparticles in the liquid solution. Silica shell encapsulation also provides chemical inertness, robustness and the adaptability to the desired hybrid nanoparticle. Therefore, among all the materials used to coat metal nanoparticles; silica is highly approved.
Perspectives and preliminary experiences of psychedelics for the treatment of eating disorders: A systematic scoping review
Authors: Cuerva Karolina , Spirou Dean , Cuerva Adrian , Delaquis Chantal , Raman Jayanthi
Published: May 2024

Objective

Research regarding the therapeutic application of psychedelics and psychedelic‐assisted psychotherapy in the treatment of eating disorders (EDs) has begun to emerge. This systematic scoping review aimed to map and synthesise the existing evidence regarding the participant reported efficacy and perspectives concerning psychedelics in the treatment of EDs, and to identify significant research gaps.

Method

A systematic search was undertaken across several databases in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines.

Results

1290 publications were identified, 1135 after duplicates removed, with 17 meeting full‐eligibility criteria. Overall, findings suggested that most participants reported experiencing a meaningful reduction in their ED symptoms and having positive experiences or an openness to explore psychedelics as a treatment for ED symptoms, although some noted concerns of adverse effects and the importance of having psychological support to increase safety and efficacy.

Conclusions

While preliminary research suggests psychedelics and psychedelic‐assisted psychotherapy may be a viable treatment option for ED symptoms, further research with more robust research designs is required to increase confidence in its efficacy, generalisability, and safety as a therapeutic medium.
Forecasting the direction of the Fed's monetary policy decisions using random forest
Authors: Yoon Jungyeon , Fan Juanjuan
Published: May 2024

The federal funds target rate is commonly considered to be an important indicator of the state of the US economy and is of keen interest to individual investors, financial firms, and other economic agents. In this paper, we focus on the discrete changes in the federal funds target rate during the period from January 1994 to June 2022 and apply the ordinal forest model, a random forest‐based prediction method for ordinal response variable. We examine the model's performance with 45 predictor variables which include macroeconomic and financial variables as well as forward‐looking survey measures. For an accurate and honest measure of the model performance, we employ single‐period‐ahead out‐of‐sample forecasting accuracy instead of evaluating the in‐sample fit. Our empirical results show the ordinal forest method significantly outperforms a benchmark that uses the most recent data among previous studies on federal funds target rate. We find that TB spread is the most informative from a forecasting perspective along with GDP, initial jobless claims, and survey measures.
Laser‐processed lithium niobate wafer for pyroelectric sensor
Authors: Xin Di , Han Jing , Song Wei , Han Wenbin , Wang Meng , Li Zhimeng , Zhang Yunwu , Li Yang , Liu Hong , Liu Xiaoyan , Sun Dehui , Zhou Weijia
Published: May 2024

During the past few decades, pyroelectric sensors have attracted extensive attention due to their prominent features. However, their effectiveness is hindered by low electric output. In this study, the laser processed lithium niobate (LPLN) wafers are fabricated to improve the temperature–voltage response. These processed wafers are utilized to construct pyroelectric sensors as well as human–machine interfaces. The laser induces escape of oxygen and the formation of oxygen vacancies, which enhance the charge transport capability on the surface of lithium niobate (LN). Therefore, the electrodes gather an increased quantity of charges, increasing the pyroelectric voltage on the LPLN wafers to a 1.3 times higher voltage than that of LN wafers. For the human–machine interfaces, tactile information in various modes can be recognized by a sensor array and the temperature warning system operates well. Therefore, the laser modification approach is promising to enhance the performance of pyroelectric devices for applications in human–machine interfaces.

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Nitrous oxide emissions from soybean in response to drained and undrained soils and previous corn nitrogen management
Authors: Fabrizzi Karina P. , Fernández Fabián G. , Venterea Rodney T. , Naeve Seth L.
Published: May 2024

While corn (Zea mays L.)‐soybean (Glycine max. Merr. L) is a predominant rotation system in the US Midwest the residual effect of nitrogen (N) fertilization to corn on the following year's soybean and N2O emissions under different soil drainage conditions has not been studied. Our objective was to quantify agronomic parameters and season‐long N2O emissions from soybean as affected by N management (0‐N and optimum N rate of 135 kg N ha−1 as single or split application) during the previous corn crop under drained and undrained systems. Urea was applied to corn, and residual N effects were measured on soybean the following year in a poorly drained soil with and without subsurface tile drainage. Drainage reduced N2O emissions in one of three growing seasons but had no effect on soybean yield or N removal in grain. Nitrogen management in the previous corn crop had no effect on soybean grain yield, N removal, or N2O emissions during the soybean phase. Even though soybean symbiotically fixes N and removes more N in grain than corn, N2O emissions were more than two times greater during the corn phase (mean = 1.83 kg N ha−1) due to N fertilization than during the soybean phase (mean = 0.80 kg N ha−1). Also, N2O emissions in the corn years were increased possibly due to decomposition of the previous year's soybean crop residue compared to corn residue decomposition in the soybean years. Tile drainage, especially where wet soil conditions are prevalent, is a viable option to mitigate agricultural N2O emissions.
Evaluating the East Asian summer precipitation from the perspective of dominant intermodel spread modes and its implication for future projection
Authors: Shi Jian
Published: May 2024

In this study, a new skill score (SS) is proposed to evaluate the performance of climatological East Asian summer precipitation (EASP) in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) over the historical period. By applying the empirical orthogonal function (EOF) to the EASP bias of CMIP6 models, the intermodel spread of EASP bias is revealed to be dominated by the first two modes: the uniform precipitation bias pattern and the north–south dipole precipitation bias pattern. Then the SS is constructed by the weighted‐average model‐observation distances regarding different EOF modes, where the model‐observation distance in a certain EOF mode is defined as the difference between their principal components, and the weight is the corresponding percentage variance. The perfect‐models ensemble based on the SS shows a spatial magnitude close to the observation, indicating that the SS effectively depicts the models' historical performance. However, no robust relationship is found between the model's historical performance and future projection regarding the EASP. This is because they are governed by different physical factors. The historical EASM is determined by the thermal responses to a specific radiative forcing, while the future change in EASP is associated with the warming rate along with the increased radiative forcing.
The opportunities and challenges of crisis cartel during demand disruptions: A game theoretic study
Authors: Raju Sarin , T M Rofin , Kumar Saraf Pavan
Published: May 2024

Crisis cartel refers to the collaboration between organisations during unprecedented conditions to counter the effect of disruption during an economic crisis. Despite its prevalence, scholarly attention to this phenomenon remains scant. Employing a dual‐channel framework involving manufacturers, online retailers (ORs) and traditional brick‐and‐mortar retailers (BMRs), the authors scrutinised the efficacy of crisis cartels in mitigating the impact of negative demand disruptions. Three distinct game theoretic frameworks were applied to model the interactive dynamics between the supply chain partners, namely, the horizontal Nash game, the Stackelberg game and the collusion game. It was observed that, during disruption under crisis cartels, the optimal price and profit of both the downstream channel partners increased, whereas the optimal order quantity decreased. Manufacturers and consumers are worse off in terms of profit and consumer surplus, respectively, during the crisis cartel engagement between BMR and OR. Nonetheless, a crisis cartel emerged as a potential solution to address negative demand disruptions. In evaluating post‐disruption cartels, the study finds the necessity of regulating crisis cartels. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, market regulators and practitioners, suggesting the need for strategic regulatory adjustments to effectively manage disruptions through the prudent utilisation of crisis cartel as a proactive management tool. The study expands existing theory by providing novel insights into the strategic interactions and dynamics within collaborative responses to demand disruptions, thus offering a pioneering approach to crisis management research.
Existence, uniqueness, and asymptotic behaviors of ground state solutions of Kirchhoff‐type equation with fourth‐order dispersion
Authors: Wang Ru , Liu Zhisu
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we focus on the following Schrödinger–Kirchhoff‐type problem with fourth‐order dispersion:

where
are constants and
. We make use of Nehari manifold technique together with concentration‐compactness principle to prove that the above equation has at least a ground state solution for
if
, 6, and 7, and for
if
. Moreover, we also investigate the asymptotic behaviors of ground state solutions when some coefficients tend to zero. Among them, a uniqueness result about ground state solutions is obtained by implicit function theorem, and a blow‐up result is established by Pohozaev identity if dimension
.
Effect of a home‐based physical activity program on metabolic syndrome in Ghanaian adults with type 2 diabetes: Protocol for a feasibility randomized controlled trial
Authors: Amin Mohammed , Kerr Debra , Atiase Yacoba , Samir Misbah Muhammad , Driscoll Andrea
Published: May 2024

Aim

To describe the protocol of a feasibility trial designed to test the preliminary effect of a 12‐week culturally appropriate physical activity programme on metabolic syndrome markers and quality of life in Ghanaian adults with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

Design

Feasibility randomised controlled trial.

Methods

Through random allocation, 90 adults with T2DM will be allocated to either the control group (CG) (n = 45) or the intervention group (IG) (n = 45). The IG will receive the physical activity programme in addition to their usual diabetes care; those in the CG will receive their usual diabetes care. Measurements will be performed at baseline and 12‐week follow‐up. The primary outcome is a change in metabolic syndrome markers in the IG compared to the CG. Secondary outcomes are: (a) a change in quality of life in the IG compared to the CG, (b) the feasibility of implementation.

Results

Findings will inform the design of a future large‐scale trial.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients with T2DM and their healthcare professionals contributed to this study protocol by participating in semi‐structured interviews towards the design of the physical activity programme.

Clinical Trial Registration Number

The trial is registered in the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (registration number: ACTRN12622000323729p).
Professional autonomy among Registered Nurses—Validation of the translation of the Dempster Practice Behaviour Scale and survey results
Authors: Pursio Katja , Kankkunen Päivi , Kvist Tarja
Published: May 2024

Aim

To test the psychometric properties of the Finnish version of the Dempster Practice Behaviour Scale and explore nurses' professional autonomy along with which characteristics are related to it.

Design

An instrument validation and a descriptive cross‐sectional study.

Methods

The web‐based survey was conducted in September 2021 at two university hospitals in Finland. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to explore the factor structure of the modified instrument, while Cronbach's α coefficients were calculated to determine the reliability of the scale. Descriptive univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to examine Registered Nurses' professional autonomy. The study followed STROBE guidelines.

Results

During the validation process, the 30 items of the Dempster Practice Behaviour Scale were reduced to 25 items. The S‐CVI/Ave for the translated scale was 0.94. When one additional item was omitted from the EFA, the results supported five factors, which explained 45.9% of the total variance. The mean overall autonomy score was 3.63 out of 5, with readiness and empowerment the subscales with the highest and lowest, respectively, mean values. The linear regression models showed that age, nursing experience, unit type, education, shift, and perceptions of the importance of professional autonomy were related to the subscales describing professional autonomy.

Conclusion

The psychometric testing provided evidence that the translated instrument was reliable. Nurses assessed that they are skilled professionals who are accountable for their actions. However, they experienced rather low levels of professional autonomy in empowerment and valuation. Health care organizations should consider this through authentic leadership and, thus, possibly strengthen professional autonomy.
Changes in daily nursing needs and self‐care capability of people with diabetes after in‐hospital treatment for foot complications: A descriptive study
Authors: Annersten Gershater Magdalena , Zdravkovic Slobodan , Elgzyri Targ
Published: May 2024

Aim

A limited number of studies discuss the changes in patients' self‐care skills and needs for assisted self‐care after discharge from in‐patient treatment due to diabetes foot ulcer‐related complications. The aim of this study was to examine the ability to perform self‐care and needs for assisted nursing interventions at hospital discharge, compared to pre‐admission, for people with diabetes admitted and treated for foot ulcer‐related complications.

Design

Retrospective patient record study.

Methods

A retrospective assessment was done on the medical records of a total of 134 patients with diabetes consecutively admitted to a specialist in‐patient unit due to foot ulcer complications, between 1 November 2017 and 30 August 2018. Data on daily self‐care needs and home situations at admission and discharge were recorded.

Results

The median age was 72 years (38–94), 103 (76.9%) were men and 101 (73.7%) had diabetes type 2. The median length of admission was 10 days (2–39). Infection was the most common cause of admission (51%), with severe ischaemia in 6%, and a combination of both in 20% of patients. Surgical treatment was performed in 22% and vascular intervention in 19% of patients. The percentage of patients discharged to their home without assistance was 48.1% compared to 57.5% before admission, discharge to home with assistance was 27.4% versus 22.4% before admission and 9.2% were discharged to short‐term nursing accommodation versus 6% before admission. Three patients died during their stay in hospital. The need for help with medications increased from 14.9% of patients at admission to 26.7% at discharge and for mobility assistance from 23.1% to 35.9%. Social services at home were increased in 21.4% of patients at discharge.
Complex genetic landscape revealed by a population in the eastern Tianshan Mountains of Xinjiang between the 8th and 11th centuries CE
Authors: Zhang Fan , Chen Yi , Nie Zhongzhi , Zhang Ruojing , Duan Chen , Wu Di , Wang Yongqiang , Ning Chao
Published: May 2024

The eastern Tianshan Mountain (ETS) region in Xinjiang, China, has played a crucial role as a major highway for large‐scale human migrations and technological exchanges across Eurasia throughout history. Understanding the genetic makeup of past populations holds significant importance in comprehending human mobility in this region. Here, we report genome‐wide ancient DNA for the two individuals whose origins remain uncertain, found at the Dahe ancient city site in the ETS region. Our results indicate that although both individuals display a higher genetic affinity to Asian populations, one individual shows some genetic sharing with South Asians, while the other shares more affinity with populations from Northeastern Asia. Radiocarbon dating shows that the two human remains were not deposited simultaneously. Overall, the combined genetic, physical anthropology and radiocarbon evidence strongly suggests that the ETS region, situated at the heart of the Silk Road, has been a crossroads of diverse populations coexisting between the 8th and 11th centuries. Additionally, the genetic ancestry sharing with the Bronze Age Tarim mummies suggested a long‐term residual of indigenous ancestry in Xinjiang and showed that autochthonous deep Asian ancestry had left their genetic legacy into the historical populations of Xinjiang despite a spanning of over three millennia.
Age and BMI have different effects on subcutaneous, visceral, liver, bone marrow, and muscle adiposity, as measured by CT and MRI
Authors: Wang Ling , Liu Yandong , Li Kai , Zhang Wenshuang , Yuan Yi , Ma Kangkang , Zhou Fengyun , Cheng Zitong , Geng Jian , Su Yongbin , Guo Zhe , Blake Glen M. , Cheng Xiaoguang , Liu Yajun , Engelke Klaus , Vlug Annegreet G.
Published: May 2024

Objective

We analyzed quantitative computed tomography (CT) and chemical shift–encoded magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from a Chinese cohort to investigate the effects of BMI and aging on different adipose tissue (AT) depots.

Methods

In 400 healthy, community‐dwelling individuals aged 22 to 83 years, we used MRI to quantify proton density fat fraction (PDFF) of the lumbar spine (L2–L4) bone marrow AT (BMAT), the psoas major and erector spinae (ES) muscles, and the liver. Abdominal total AT, visceral AT (VAT), and subcutaneous AT (SAT) areas were measured at the L2‐L3 level using quantitative CT. Partial correlation analysis was used to evaluate the relationship of each AT variable with age and BMI. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed in which each AT variable was evaluated in turn as a function of age and the other five independent AT measurements.

Results

Of the 168 men, 29% had normal BMI (<24.0 kg/m2), 47% had overweight (24.0–27.9 kg/m2), and 24% had obesity (≥ 28.0 kg/m2). In the 232 women, the percentages were 46%, 32%, and 22%, respectively. Strong or very strong correlations with BMI were found for total AT, VAT, and SAT in both sexes. BMAT and ES PDFF was strongly correlated with age in women and moderately correlated in men. In both sexes, BMAT PDFF correlated only with age and not with any of the other AT depots. Psoas PDFF correlated only with ES PDFF and not with age or the other AT depots. Liver PDFF correlated with BMI and VAT and weakly with SAT in men. VAT and SAT correlated with age and each other in both sexes.

Conclusions

Age and BMI are both associated with adiposity, but their effects differ depending on the type of AT.
Determining the optimal dome shape using a novel variable slippage coefficient non‐geodesic
Authors: Wang Yutao , Xu Haojie , Song Hao , Li Kangmei , Hu Jun
Published: May 2024

The research of high‐performance composite pressure vessels in practical application has become the focus of attention, and fiber paths play an important role in the structural performance of composite pressure vessels. Therefore, a method is proposed for determining the optimal geometric parameters of the pressure vessel head shape under a novel variable slippage coefficient non‐geodesic(NVSCNG). First, NVSCNG is used as the dome fiber path design mode, and the classical lamination theory is used to construct a dome stress field model. In addition, on the basis of the Tsai‐Wu failure criterion, the minimum laminate thickness is determined to satisfy the strength constraints. Second, the performance factor (pressure*volume/weight) is used to calculate the structural performance of the dome with variable geometric parameters under the novel variable slippage coefficient fiber path. Moreover, the stability constraints are considered to determine the optimal geometric parameter values of the dome. Finally, the structural properties, stress response and thickness were analyzed under two types of fiber paths based on the optimal dome profile. Results show that compared to the conventional variable slippage coefficient, the performance factor can be maximally improved by nearly 60.94% using the novel variable slippage coefficient, and the thickness of the composite layer at the equator of the dome can be maximally reduced by nearly 34.88%. In addition, the research shows that NVSCNG can improve the structural performance of the dome and realize the lightweight of dome components, which are greatly important in guiding the design of fiber paths for pressure vessels.

Highlights

No unconstrained linear problem between NVSCNG and initial winding angle.

Optimal dome profile geometry parameters are m = 0.8, rc = 0.5.

The dome structural failure is controlled by the longitudinal stresses.

Winding angle distribution has a strong influence on dome stress distribution.

Higher dimensionless performance factor and lighter mass for NVSCNG.
The impact of more restrictive hydrocodone rescheduling on unintentional pediatric opioid exposures
Authors: Mallama Celeste , Karami Sara , Zhang Di , Zhao Yueqin , Yang Yuze , Woods Corinne , Ding Yulan , Meyer Tamra , McAninch Jana
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of rescheduling hydrocodone combination products (HCPs) from schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act to the more restrictive schedule II on unintentional pediatric exposures (≤5 years old).

Methods

Using U.S. data on outpatient retail pharmacy dispensing, emergency department (ED) visits, and poison center (PC) exposure cases, we assessed trends in prescriptions dispensed and unintentional pediatric exposure cases involving hydrocodone (rescheduled from III to II) compared to oxycodone (schedule II) and codeine (schedule III for combination products) using descriptive and interrupted time‐series (ITS) analyses during the 16 quarters before and after the October 2014 rescheduling of HCPs.

Results

Dispensing of hydrocodone products was declining before rescheduling but declined more steeply post‐rescheduling. In ITS analyses, both hydrocodone and oxycodone had significant slope decreases in PC case rates in the post versus pre‐period that was larger for hydrocodone, while codeine had a small but significant slope increase in PC case rates. An estimated 4202 ED visits for pediatric hydrocodone exposures occurred in the pre‐period and 2090 visits occurred in the post‐period, a significant decrease of 50.3%. Oxycodone exposures showed no significant decrease.

Conclusions

Pediatric hydrocodone unintentional exposure ED visits and PC cases decreased after HCP rescheduling more than would be expected had the pre‐rescheduling trend continued; the acceleration in the decrease in hydrocodone PC cases was partially offset by a slowing in the decrease in codeine‐involved cases. The trend changes were likely due to multiple factors, including changes in dispensing that followed the rescheduling. Unintentional pediatric medication exposures and poisonings remain a public health concern requiring ongoing, multifaceted mitigation efforts.
Correlation of drug dose estimated from national prescription registers with mean blood level of antiseizure medication in pregnancy
Authors: Christensen Jakob , Trabjerg Betina , Dreier Julie Werenberg
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose was to examine the correlation of antiseizure medication drug dose estimated from prescription fill records from prescription registers with blood levels during pregnancy.

Methods

We conducted a Nation‐wide study of mothers who gave birth in Denmark between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2018 using data from Danish Prescription and Laboratory Registers. We identified mothers with blood level measurements of antiseizure medication. The main exposure was estimated antiseizure medication dosage estimated from pregnancy‐filled prescriptions in the Danish Prescription Register. The main outcome was the correlation of estimated dose with mean blood level of antiseizure medication in pregnancy. For privacy reasons, the number of blood level measurement and prescription fills were rounded to nearest 10, but proportions reported as exact values.

Results

Among 298 560 pregnancies, we identified pregnancies with recorded prescription fill from the prescription register for valproate (N = 90), lamotrigine (N = 1360), levetiracetam (N = 340), topiramate (N = 100), and carbamazepine (N = 60). In these pregnancies, blood level measurements were available in 50 (53%) pregnancies for valproate, 850 (62%) pregnancies for lamotrigine, 320 (93%) pregnancies for levetiracetam, 50 (68%) pregnancies for carbamazepine, and 40 (35%) pregnancies for topiramate.

Pearsons's correlation coefficients for the correlation of estimated antiseizure medication dose with mean blood levels were 0.67 (p < 0.0001) for valproate, 0.63 (p < 0.0001) for lamotrigine, 0.63 (p < 0.0001) for levetiracetam, 0.76 (<0.0001) for carbamazepine and 0.89 (<0.0001) for topiramate.

Conclusions

Dose of antiseizure medication estimated from prescription fills was a good proxy for blood levels and thus for biological exposure in pregnancy, suggesting that administrative prescription fill records may be a valuable resource for estimating exposure to antiseizure medication in pregnancy.
Adherence with statins and all‐cause mortality in days with high temperature
Authors: Chodick Gabriel , Rotem Ran S. , Miano Todd A. , Bilker Warren B. , Hennessy Sean
Published: May 2024

Purpose

It has been suggested that statins may exert thermo‐protective effects that can reduce mortality on hot days. We aimed to examine the relationship between statin adherence and mortality in days with high temperature.

Methods

Utilizing data from a prior historical new‐user cohort study, we analyzed a cohort of 229 918 individuals within a state‐mandated health provider in Israel who initiated statin therapy between 1998 and 2006. Adherence to statins was assessed through the mean proportion of days covered (PDC) with statins during the follow‐up period. The study's primary outcome was all‐cause mortality during hot days.

Results

During the study follow‐up period, a total of 13 165 individuals (5.7%) died. In a multivariable model, a 10% increase in PDC with statins was associated with an HR of (0.85; 95% CI: 0.72–1.00) for deaths (n = 16) in extremely hot days (≥39°C). This association was numerically stronger compared to HR = 0.94 (0.93–0.94) in cooler days and displayed a significant difference between sexes. In males, the fully‐adjusted HR for a 10% increase in PDC with statins was 0.66 (0.45–0.95), while in women, it was 0.98 (0.78–1.23). In contrast, no such effect modification was observed for death in cooler days.

Conclusions

These findings align with earlier research, supporting the notion that adherence with statin treatment may be associated with a reduced risk of death during extremely hot days, particularly among men.
A Study toward the Model Independence of Various Heating Rates Method in Thermoluminescence Glow Curve Analysis
Authors: Sarkar Tusar Subhra , Sarkar Soumya , Bhattacharyya Sukhamoy , Majumdar Partha Sarathi
Published: May 2024

This study analyzes thermoluminescence (TL) glow curves simulated in general order kinetics (GOK), one trap one recombination center (OTOR), and non‐interactive multi‐trap system (NMTS) models using various heating rates (VHR) method in linear heating scheme to extract the activation energy. A theoretical analysis to determine activation energy from TL curves using OTOR and NMTS models in an iterative manner, where the TL intensity is determined by using the Lambert‐W function, is proposed with its limitations. It is established that the activation energies in OTOR and NMTS models consist of the relevant GOK term and a respective correction term. Systematic analysis is carried out to study the improvement of the accuracy of activation energy derived from OTOR and NMTS model TL curves over the GOK model calculation. A quantitative analysis of the quasi‐equilibrium (QE) approximations is carried out for choosing appropriate system parameters. The validity of QE conditions are determined by studying variations of full width at half maximum as well as area under the curve as a function of heating rate. The present method is applied on some experimental data to estimate activation energies. This investigation reveals that the activation energy derived in VHR method has negligible dependence on the underlying theoretical models, i.e., the activation energy derived from GOK model calculation is significantly accurate for experimental scenario.
First‐Principles Investigation on the Structural, Mechanical, and Bonding Properties of ZrB2 Under Different Pressures
Authors: Kang Shu‐ying , Guo Xi‐long , Jin Yuan‐yuan , Kuang Fang‐guang , Zhang Chuan‐zhao
Published: May 2024

The crystal structures of zirconium diboride have been thoroughly explored up to 200 GPa by applying the particle‐swarm optimization technique in company with first‐principles calculations. The hexagonal ZrB2 with space group of P6/mmm is always stable in the pressure region of 0–200 GPa. Structurally, this structure consists of the intriguing regular ZrB12 hexagonal column and the planar hexagonal B ring unit. In addition, the stable AlB2–ZrB2 configuration is mechanically and dynamically stable as confirmed by the respective calculations of elastic constants and phonon dispersion curves. The hardness values exhibit a shrinking variation upon further compression, which mainly originates from the decreasing brittleness and degree of the directionality of the covalent bonds with the growing pressure. Interestingly, the analyses of the Poisson's ratio, density of states, electron location function and Bader charge substantiate that a combination of covalent and ionic characters exists in the AlB2–ZrB2 crystalline with the formidable covalent interaction in the BB bonds, and partially covalent and partially ionic interactions in the ZrB bonds. The hardness value for this phase unexpectedly reaches 45.41 GPa under ambient pressure, higher than the lower limit of superhard materials.