bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Wide-Ranging Review on Diabetic Retinotherapy
Authors: Soomro Toufique Ahmed , Bughio Ahsin Murtaza , Siyal Shahid Hussain , Panwar Ali Anwar , Nizamani Nasreen
Published: April 2021

Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is one of the major eye diseases that causes damage to retina of the human eye ball due to the rupture of tiny blood vessels. DR is identified by the ophthalmologists on the basis of various specifications i.e., textures, blood vessels and pathologies. The ophthalmologists are recently considering software for eye diseases detection based on image processing designed by the computing techniques and bio-medical images. In the analysis of medical imaging, traditional techniques of image processing and computer vision have played an important role in the field of ophthalmology. From the past two decades, there is a tremendous advancement in the development of computerized system for DR detection. This paper comprises the five parts of analysis on image based retinal detection DR, named as review of low varying contrast techniques of the retinal fundus Images (RFI), review of noise effect in the fundus images, review of pathology detection method from the retinal fundus images, review of blood vessels extraction from the RFI, and review of automatic algorithm for the DR detection. This paper presents a comprehensive detail to each problem in the retinal images. The procedures that are currently utilized to analyze the contrast issue and noise issues are discussed in detail. The paper also explains the techniques used for segmentation. In the end, the recent automated detection system of related eye diseases or DR is described.
God-Gods: Engaging African Cultural Realities in Tackling Security Challenge in Nigeria
Authors: Ogunleye Adetunbi Richard
Published: April 2021

Various existing studies have shown that the security of life and property is the sine qua non for rapid and sustainable development. However, with reference to Nigeria, insecurity of life and property has been a major challenge. This, therefore, made development seems to be a mirage in the country. Although various attempts to tackle the menace have been made, yet they do not produce the expected result. While the government could no longer guarantee the safety of its citizens citizens’ safetyvulnerable to security risk. This paper aims at harnessing and engaging the African (Yoruba) cultural realities to address the unabating security challenges in contemporary Nigerian society. The paper employs primary and secondary data collection methods and adopts historical and phenomenological approaches to achieve the aim. Findings reveal that development cannot emerge in a vacuum; it can only emerge within a secure, peaceful and harmonious environment. The paper is of the opinion that those realities, such as Gog-gods approach and allied realities grounded in African traditions used in pre-modern Nigeria to achieve peaceful co-existence, can still be relevant if applied to the security challenge of this country. Therefore, the paper recommends that indigenous African heritage should not be put aside as a result of modernity; rather, they should be appreciated and be utilized as the solutions that Nigerians are seeking to address the issue of insecurity can be found in them.
Misrepresenting Nurses: An Overview of Some Selected Nollywood Movies
Authors: Ogunleye Aduragbemi Oluwapelumi
Published: April 2021

The projected image of any profession is a determining factor of the level of respect that would be accorded to the services rendered by members of such profession. In the same vein, this image would build confidence which people will repose in the operators of such services. Nursing, a popularly acclaimed noble profession, has enjoyed the wider acceptability of the Nigerian populace from time immemorial. Nurses are lifesavers; this, therefore, accorded them the opportunity to occupy the enviable position they are holding today in Nigeria. However, as projected by the Nigerian Nollywood actors and actress, the image of nurses and nursing profession has been that of misrepresentation, which has exposed Nurses to an unwarranted embarrassment in their bid to create an atmosphere of entertainment. Consequently, this misrepresentation sends the populace the wrong signal about the nursing career and the enviable position that nurses occupied in society. Therefore, the paper aims to review some selected Nollywood movies that portrayed nurses’ image in a wrong perspective. It will also present the true image of Nigerian nurses, both at home and abroad. The paper employs qualitative sources of data collection, which comprises: observations, printed documents, downloaded videos and internet materials. The paper concludes that nursing is an invaluable and noble profession that should be presented as such. The paper recommends that nurses themselves should jealously guard nursing profession, the Film Censor’s Board in Nigeria should intensify efforts in movie censoring before the final release of movies and the actors should desist from presenting nurses in a wrong perspective to checkmate the temptation of sending misconceived ideas about the Nigerian Nurses to the public.
Religious Pluralism and Inter-Religious Encounters in the 21st Century Nigeria
Authors: Ogunleye Adetunbi Richard
Published: April 2021

Religion is one of the heritages that Nigeria shares with other African countries. In fact, Nigeria is blessed with three major religious traditions—African indigenous religion, Islam and Christianity—which actually afford her the opportunity to be a pluralistic religious country. These religions relate with the Nigerian society and they fulfil different roles which are deeply rooted in them. However, because of the inbuilt challenges of a pluralistic religious state, some manipulators use religion as their ready-made instrument of conflict and confusion, in the cities that are well-known for their peaceful co-existence over the years. Consequently, the scenario is having negative effects on the socio-political, educational and religious lives of Nigerians nationwide. This paper aims at discussing religious interactions among Nigerians during the pre-colonial era and comparing it with what is in operation in the current dispensation. It will also examine the various ways that manipulators have used religion and explore how interreligious dialogue and other means of peaceful co-existence can be used to enhance meaningful development in the country. The research employs a qualitative method of data collection and uses a phenomenological approach to analyse the data collected. Findings revealed that different religious adherents interacted freely in antiquity until the incursion of foreign religions with their attendant intolerance. Consequently, improper handling of interreligious encounters, lack of adequate interreligious understanding and abuse of religion have caused religious conflicts and insecurity of lives and properties in the country. These in turn have led to the setback experienced in the development of socio-economic and political sectors in Nigeria. It is the opinion of this study that if the relevance of religion is fully understood and it is allowed to perform its roles for the benefit of humanity, Nigerians in general would witness peaceful, harmonious existence and meaningful development in all dimensions.
On the Causal Relationship between Household Consumption and Economic Growth in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al Rasasi Moayad , Alzahrani Yasir , Alassaf Mohammed
Published: April 2021

This research paper explores the causal relationship between household consumption and economic growth over the period of 1980-2017. Hence, it applies the popular cointegration tests alongside the most common causality test. The empirical analysis shows the presence of a positive long run relationship between household consumption and economic growth. In specific, we find evidence revealing that a one percent increase in household expenditures on consumption would boost economic growth by 0.7 percent. Furthermore, causality analysis, based on Granger (1969) test, suggests that variation in household consumptions could explain changes in economic growth.
A rare case of brain metastases from appendiceal carcinoma: A case report
Authors: Foster Alyssa , Lofters Jason , Durham Samuel , Jhawer Minaxi
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Primary appendiceal carcinoma is a rare form of gastrointestinal (GI) cancer, accounting for less than 1% of all GI tumors, with few cases involving metastatic disease. Here, we report a case, described infrequently in literature, of a brain mass found to be metastases from appendiceal carcinoma.

Case Report: We report the case of a 76-year-old male with a past medical history (PMH) of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and appendiceal carcinoma who was transferred to our hospital after a witnessed seizure. Appendiceal carcinoma was previously diagnosed via colonoscopy for which he had surgical intervention and initially was managed expectantly. He was later noted to have an elevated carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) with new soft tissue implants on computed tomography (CT). Omental biopsy confirmed presence of adenocarcinoma and systemic chemotherapy was initiated. The patient presented to an outside hospital where he had a pathologic fracture of the left humerus. On day of scheduled surgical repair he had a witnessed seizure. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain revealed a lesion in the left frontal lobe. The patient underwent craniotomy and resection of the lesion with final pathology revealing metastatic adenocarcinoma.

Conclusion: Although cerebral metastases are seen in approximately 5% of patients with GI cancers, local spread to peritoneal sites is more common. Distal spread is less likely to occur, documented in only 2% of appendiceal carcinoma cases. Due to this, there is no standard treatment regimen. It is important to recognize that although rare, appendiceal carcinoma does have the potential to metastasize to the brain and cause life-threatening sequelae.
Exploring the Barriers Toward Colorectal Cancer Screening: A Literature Review
Authors: Hamdan Rolla , Johnson Jessie , Fatemi Maryam , Benjamin Kathleen , Moosa Afrah
Published: April 2021

Background: Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of death worldwide. Bowel cancer screening helps prevent colon cancer by early detection of polyps, leading to efficient treatment and reduced mortality. Within Qatar, primary health facilities promote bowel screening by using the faecal occult blood test. However, the popularity and use of this test is still low. Aim: The aim of this literature review is to explore barriers related to colorectal cancer bowel screening using the faecal occult blood test in primary health care settings to facilitate colorectal cancer screening in Qatar. Method: Cronin’s five step framework for literature reviews was utilized for this paper. This review included nine articles that were peer-reviewed and published between 2009 and 2019. The nine articles were appraised by using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. This tool has separate criteria to assess the quality of the qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method studies. Result: Three main barriers to bowel cancer screening included knowledge deficit, personal beliefs and organizational barriers. Conclusion: The main barriers are related to the patients’ lack of knowledge and personal beliefs. Overcoming these barriers is essential to raising awareness about this issue among all nurses, physicians, and patients. It is necessary to involve stakeholders in order to mitigate barriers. Developing educational activities for healthcare professionals will provide information that they can share with patients to encourage screening and decrease the fear of the test. Developing a pamphlet to increase patient awareness will also encourage screening and work toward decreasing fear. Key words: faecal occult blood test, faecal immunochemical test, barriers
Worse Prognosis of Sickle Cell Diseases in Males even in the Absence of Smoking and Alcohol
Authors: Helvaci Mehmet Rami , Yaprak Mustafa , Davran Ramazan , Arslanoglu Zeki , Abyad Abdulrazak , Pocock Lesley
Published: April 2021

Background: We tried to understand the prognosis of sickle cell diseases (SCD) in both genders. Methods: All cases with the SCD in the absence of smoking and alcohol were included. Results: The study included 368 patients (168 males and 200 females). Mean age (29.4 versus 30.2 years), associated thalassemia minors (72.0% versus 69.0%), and body mass index (BMI) (21.7 versus 21.6 kg/m2) were similar in males and females, respectively (p>0.05 for all). Whereas total bilirubin value of the plasma (5.2 versus 4.0 mg/dL, p=0.011), transfused units of red blood cells (RBC) in their lives (46.8 versus 29.2, p=0.002), disseminated teeth losses (4.7% versus 1.0%, p<0.001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (20.8% versus 6.0%, p<0.001), ileus (5.3% versus 2.0%, p<0.01), cirrhosis (5.9% versus 1.5%, p<0.001), leg ulcers (16.0% versus 7.5%, p<0.001), digital clubbing (13.0% versus 5.5%, p<0.001), and chronic renal disease (CRD) (10.7% versus 6.5%, p<0.05) were all higher in males, significantly. Conclusion: SCD are severe inflammatory processes on vascular endothelium, particularly at the capillary level since the capillary system is the main distributor of the hardened RBC into tissues. Although the similar mean age, associated thalassemia minors, and BMI and absence of smoking and alcohol, the higher total bilirubin value of the plasma, transfused units of RBC in their lives, disseminated teeth losses, COPD, ileus, cirrhosis, leg ulcers, digital clubbing, and CRD in males may be explained by the dominant role of male sex in life according to the physical power that may accelerate systemic atherosclerotic process all over the body. Key words: Sickle cell diseases, male sex, chronic endothelial damage, atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, early aging, premature death
The Nocturnal Kissing of an Annoying Mosquito; Unusual Insect Bite Reaction, a Case Report and a Literature Review
Authors: Elghblawi Ebtisam
Published: April 2021

Insects represent more than half of all known living organisms in the world. Both human beings and insects share a common biodiversity and the influence of insects on human life is enormous. They share an intimate relationship in which human beings are both benefitted and harmed. Insects inflict harm by stinging, biting or transmitting diseases. Rarely, humans are harmed by inadvertently coming in contact with the toxin of an insect. Insect dermatitis is characterized by tingling and burning within 10 minutes of contact, and sometimes the incurred dermatitis is a self-healing condition. Such cases usually happen while asleep when there is a lag time between the crush of the insect and waking up in the morning. A case while sleeping, heard the insect fly around her bare chest, in summer time, and on waving it away instinctively while sleeping, and the insect had been crushed on her bare upper chest skin, incurring a subsequent skin reaction without the typical red bite mark followed by an evolving burning ulcerative skin lesion, that took a while to subside and heal completely. Key words: insect bite, crash, skin reaction.
Atherosclerotic Background of Cirrhosis in Sickle Cell Patients
Authors: Helvaci Mehmet Rami , Sevinc Alper , Camci Celaletdin , Keskin Ali , Abyad Abdulrazak , Pocock Lesley
Published: April 2021

Background: We tried to understand the presence of any atherosclerotic background of cirrhosis in patients with sickle cell diseases (SCDs). Methods: The study was performed in the Hematology Service of the Mustafa Kemal University on SCDs patients between March 2007 and June 2012. Results: The study included 256 patients with SCDs (127 females). Their mean age was 29.3 years. Cirrhosis was detected in 5.8% (15) of the SCDs patients without any gender difference (6.2% of females versus 5.4% of males, p>0.05). There were 15 (5.8%) patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with a highly significant male predominance (3.1% versus 8.5%, p<0.001). Digital clubbing and pulmonary hypertension were also higher in males, but the differences were nonsignificant in between (4.7% versus 6.2% and 11.0% versus 12.4%, respectively). Similarly, the leg ulcers were significantly higher in males, too (5.5% versus 16.2%, p<0.001). The significant male predominance was also observed in stroke and smoking (3.1% versus 6.2%, p<0.05 and 3.9% versus 11.6%, p<0.001, respectively). There were 14 (5.4%) mortal patients during the five-year follow-up period (6.2% of females and 4.6% of males, p>0.05), and the mean ages were 31.0 and 26.8 years, respectively (p>0.05). Conclusion: Probably cirrhosis is a systemic inflammatory process prominently affecting the hepatic vasculature, and an eventual accelerated atheroscerotic process is the main underlying cause of characteristics of the disease. SCDs are accelerated systemic atherosclerotic processes, too, and the higher prevalence of cirrhosis in SCDs patients may indicate the underlying atherosclerotic background of cirrhosis. Key words: Atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, cirrhosis, sickle cell diseases
Effects of General Anesthesia Versus Spinal Anesthesia on Serum Cytokine Release After Cesarean Section: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Vosoughian Maryam , Dahi Mastaneh , Dabir Shideh , Moshari Mohammadreza , Tabashi Soodeh , Mosavi Zahra
Published: April 2021

Background: Tissue damage caused by major surgery, such as cesarean section, may lead to a poor host immune response and excessive release of cytokines. These responses may increase the risk of infection, cause postoperative pain, and exert damaging effects on various body organs. Objectives: Anesthesia methods may affect cytokine production after surgery. This study aimed to compare the serum levels of cytokines in general and spinal anesthesia among women undergoing cesarean section. Methods: Thirty parturients (ASA class I and II) undergoing cesarean section were randomly assigned into two equal groups of spinal anesthesia and general anesthesia. Blood samples were taken for measuring the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) before induction of anesthesia and 30 minutes after entering the recovery room. Results: In the general anesthesia group, the postoperative serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly higher than the corresponding preoperative levels. Significant differences were found between the two groups in the preoperative and postoperative levels of TNF-α. Changes in the IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations were significantly higher in the general anesthesia group as compared to the spinal anesthesia group. However, there was no significant difference in the IL-6:IL-10 and TNF-α: IL-10 ratios between the two groups. Conclusions: General anesthesia, as compared to spinal anesthesia, significantly increased the IL-6 and TNF-α levels after cesarean section. Therefore, the spinal anesthesia technique may be a better option for patients undergoing cesarean section.
Cholestasis Alters miR-34c-5p Expression in the Testes of Male Wistar Rats
Authors: Hasani Fard Amir Hossein , Jalali Hanieh , Mohseni Kouchesfehani Homa
Published: April 2021

Background: Cholestasis is a pathophysiological condition, significantly reducing spermatozoa production. MiR-34c is highly expressed in adult male testicles and controls different stages of spermatogenesis. Objectives: Here, we aimed to investigate miR-34c expression in the testes of rat models of cholestasis. The expressions of THY-1, FGF-2, and CASP-3 genes, that are targeted by mirR-34c were also investigated. Methods: Cholestasis was induced in six adult rats via bile duct ligation. Four weeks after cholestasis induction, sera and testicular tissues were collected for further examinations. The levels of liver enzymes were measured using the ELISA. The structure of the testes was evaluated by histological examination. Total RNA was extracted from testes using a special kit and converted to cDNA. The expressions of miR-34c-5p, THY-1, FGF-2, and CASP-3 genes were determined by Real-Time PCR. Results: The serum levels of ALP, AST, and ALT were significantly elevated in the rat models of cholestasis (P < 0.001). Real-Time PCR revealed that the expressions of miR-34c-5p, THY-1, and FGF-2 genes decreased while CASP-3 gene was upregulated in the testes of cholestatic animals (all differences were significant at P < 0.05). Conclusions: Our study indicated that cholestasis was associated with reduced expression of miR-34c and altered expression of its target genes in the testis. Our results highlight the potential effects of cholestasis, a hepatobiliary disease, on testicular tissue function and male fertility.
Prevalence of Respiratory Viral Infections in Children with Asthma in Kermanshah
Authors: Babaei Farhad , Mortazavi Hamid Reza , Kondori Nasim , Cheshmenooshi Bahareh , Moghoofei Mohsen
Published: April 2021

Background: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of lung airways, affecting about 300 million people worldwide. Several risk factors are involved in asthma development, such as environmental allergens, genetic susceptibility, and respiratory viral infections. Viral infections induce NF-kB and inflammatory pathways that lead to the production of cytokines, chemokines, and inflammatory proteins and, finally, a reduction of lung volume and function. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate viral infections’ prevalence in children with asthma from 2016 to 2017. Methods: One hundred throat swab samples were collected from asthmatic children. Extraction of RNA and cDNA synthesis were performed to recognize parainfluenza viruses, rhinoviruses, influenza viruses, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) using real-time PCR. Also, the associations of age, sex, and other studied factors with asthmatic attacks were evaluated. Results: In this study, 41 viruses were detected, including 21 cases of rhinoviruses (51.22%), 10 cases of parainfluenza (24.39%), seven cases of respiratory syncytial virus (17.07%), and three cases of the influenza virus (7.32%). Regarding seasonal incidence, the prevalence of the viruses was high in autumn and winter, and there was a significant relationship between seasonal incidence and gender. However, there were no statistically significant relationships between the prevalence of the viruses and age or gender. Conclusions: The most important viral causes of childhood asthma in this study were found to be rhinoviruses, followed by parainfluenza. The lowest prevalence was related to the RSV and influenza virus, which the two viruses also showed the lowest seasonal outbreaks. Therefore, it can be said that with an increase in the seasonal incidence of respiratory viruses, the effects of these viruses will be greater on asthma.
The Efficacy and Safety of Sofosbuvir/Daclatasvir Fixed-Dose Combination in Iranian Hemodialysis Patients with Hepatitis C Virus Infection
Authors: Ghanaat Kasra , Sharafi Heidar , Alavian Seyed Moayed
Published: April 2021

Background: Although several regimens have been approved for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, sofosbuvir-based regimens are not approved for the treatment of HCV infection in patients with severe renal impairment. Methods: This study was conducted on hemodialysis patients infected with HCV. The patients received a constant dose of sofosbuvir/daclatasvir (SOF/DCV). Sustained virologic response (SVR) was evaluated 12 weeks after completion of treatment. Results: Fifty-one hemodialysis patients with HCV infection were selected and treated with a combination of SOF/DCV. Eleven patients expired during the anti-HCV treatment due to causes not related to liver disease or antiviral therapy. Finally, 40 patients finished the treatment, and 36 cases were evaluated for SVR. Among those tested for SVR, 35 (97.2%, 95% CI: 85.5 - 99.9%) achieved SVR and one (2.8%, 95% CI: 0.1 - 14.5%) relapsed. No patient reported severe adverse events. Conclusions: The combination of SOF/DCV showed great efficacy and safety in hemodialysis patients with severe renal impairment and chronic HCV infection.
Atomic Cobalt Vacancy‐Cluster Enabling Optimized Electronic Structure for Efficient Water Splitting
Authors: Zhou Yu‐Qi , Zhang Lifu , Suo Hong‐Li , Hua Weibo , Indris Sylvio , Lei Yaojie , Lai Wei‐Hong , Wang Yun‐Xiao , Hu Zhenpeng , Liu Hua‐Kun , Chou Shu‐Lei , Dou Shi‐Xue
Published: April 2021

Vacancies created on a surface can alter the local electronic structure, thus enabling a higher intrinsic activity for the evolution of hydrogen and oxygen. Conventional strategies for vacancy engineering, however, have a strong focus on non‐metal sulfur/oxygen defects, which have often overlooked metallic vacancies. Herein, evidence is provided that cobalt vacancies can be atomically tuned to have different sizes to achieve cobalt vacancy clusters through controlling the migration of iridium single atoms. The coalescence of Co vacancy clusters at the surface of an IrCo alloy results in an increased d‐band level and eventually compromises H adsorption, leading to enhanced electrocatalytic activity toward the hydrogen evolution reaction. In addition, the Co vacancy clusters can improve the electronic conductivity with respect to the oxidized Co surface, which substantially aids in strengthening the adsorption of oxygen intermediates toward an effective oxygen evolution reaction at a low overpotential. These collective effects originate from the Co vacancy cluster and specifically enable highly efficient and stable water splitting with a low total overpotential of 384 mV in alkaline media and 365 mV in an acidic environment, achieving a current density of 10 mA cm–2.
Versatile Vanadium Doping Induces High Thermoelectric Performance in GeTe via Band Alignment and Structural Modulation
Authors: Sun Qiang , Li Meng , Shi Xiao‐Lei , Xu Sheng‐Duo , Liu Wei‐Di , Hong Min , Lyu Wan‐yu , Yin Yu , Dargusch Matthew , Zou Jin , Chen Zhi‐Gang
Published: April 2021

Owing to the moderate energy offset between light and heavy band edges of the rock‐salt structured GeTe, its figure‐of‐merit (ZT) can be enhanced by the rational manipulation of electronic band structures. In this study, density functional theory calculations are implemented to predict that V is an effective dopant for GeTe to enlarge the bandgap and converge the energy offset, which suppresses the bipolar conduction and increases the effective mass. Experimentally, V‐doped Ge1−xVxTe samples are demonstrated to have an enhanced Seebeck coefficient from ≈163 to ≈191 µV K−1. Extra alloying with Bi in Ge1−x−yVxBiyTe can optimize the carrier concentration to further enhance the Seebeck coefficient up to ≈252 µV K−1, plus an outstanding power factor of ≈43 µW cm−1 K−2. Comprehensive structural characterization results also verify the refinement of grain size by V‐doping, associated with highly dense grain boundaries, stacking faults, nanoprecipitates, and point defects, reinforcing the wide‐frequency phonon scattering and in turn, securing an ultralow thermal conductivity of ≈0.59 W m−1 K−1. As a result, the Ge0.9V0.02Bi0.08Te sample shows a peak ZT of >2.1 at 773 K, with an average plateaued average ZT of >2.0 from 623 and 773 K, which extends better thermoelectric behavior for GeTe over a wider temperature range. This study clarifies the multiple benefits of V‐doping in GeTe‐based derivatives and provides a framework for a new‐type of high‐performance middle‐temperature thermoelectric material.
Simultaneously Harvesting Friction and Solar Energy via Organic/Silicon Heterojunction with High Direct‐Current Generation
Authors: Wang Yusheng , Zhang Guohua , Wu Haihua , Sun Baoquan
Published: April 2021

The direct‐current triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is a promising portable energy source that can power mobile electronics without any rectification circuits. Recently, the silicon‐based TENGs, as a rectification‐free power source, have drawn wide attention due to their high current‐density outputs. However, the performance of silicon‐based TENGs is still inferior owing to a low amount of carrier generation and poor efficiency of carrier collection. Here, a strategy is proposed to improve the performance of metal/silicon TENGs via building an alternative device structure consisting of a transparent conductive polymer interlayer. This transparent interlayer can passivate surface defects as well as enhance carrier extraction, enabling a simultaneous harvest of friction and solar energy. More importantly, the gain effect of friction‐induced electric field occurs, which significantly surges the power output efficiency. As a result, the device yields a record output performance with an output voltage over 1000 mV and an output current up to 6.0 × 103 A m‐2 under 20 mW cm‐2 white light illumination. This research not only promises an alternative energy source device that can harvest both mechanical and solar energy but also paves the way to separate photo‐generated carriers with a friction‐induced electric field.
Graphite effect on the mechanical and fire‐retardant performance of low‐density polyethylene and ethylene‐vinyl‐acetate foam composites
Authors: Morones Pablo González , Cabrera Álvarez Edgar Nazareo , Nieves Israel Sifuentes , Neira Velázquez María Guadalupe , Hernández Ernesto Hernández , Sánchez Martínez Deidré I. , Florido Heidi Andrea Fonseca , Gordillo Carlos Covarrubias , Rivera Javier Gudiño , Gámez José Francisco Hernández
Published: April 2021

In this study, the graphite effect on the mechanical and fire‐retardant performance of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) and ethylene‐vinyl‐acetate (EVA) foam composites was investigated. Polymer composites were prepared by melt mixing process and foamed by hot press molding at different graphite content (0, 3, 6, and 12 phr). Cone calorimetric tests through heat release rate (HRR) curves obtained, revealed a decreasing of 45% on peak heat release rate (pHRR) of foam composites LDPE‐EVA with 12 phr of untreated graphite content compared than those LDPE‐EVA foamed composites without graphite, which was attributed to the good distribution of graphite in the composite and more residual generates as thermogravimetric analysis suggested. Mechanical properties of polymer foamed composites with high graphite content do not show significant detrimental as a result to the formation of more uniform cells with smaller size incorporating a material with high modulus like graphite. The results suggest that polymer foam composites with graphite are suitable for the building and construction industry, in sealing and thermal insulation applications with good fire‐retardant performance.
Virtual reality application to aid civil engineering laboratory course: A multicriteria comparative study
Authors: Try Sokkeang , Panuwatwanich Kriengsak , Tanapornraweekit Ganchai , Kaewmoracharoen Manop
Published: April 2021

The social distancing measure imposed worldwide to combat the outbreak of the novel coronavirus has seen rapid adoption of technologies to support online education. Compared to traditional lecture‐based courses, online teaching is particularly more challenging for laboratory courses where hands‐on activities are essential to achieve the learning outcomes. To deal with this issue, the study presented in this paper was aimed to: (1) to develop a virtual reality (VR) application to aid a civil engineering laboratory course, and (2) to measure the potential of the VR‐aided learning (VRAL) application in civil engineering education by assessing the learners' preferences toward VRAL compared to instructor‐aided learning (IAL) and video‐aided learning (VAL). Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process, a comparison was conducted with 21 civil engineering students from both undergraduate and graduate levels. The results indicated that VRAL was more preferable than VAL by the participants based on the aspects of “interactivity” (the ability to provide theoretical and practical learning environments to the learners), “cognitive interest” (the ability to drive learners to engage in learning activity), “ease of understanding the content” (the ability to provide a clear lecture interpretation, i.e., easy to understand), and “support for learning” (the ability to help learners to achieve the learning goal). Although VRAL was comparatively less preferable than IAL by the participants overall, it was viewed as better in terms of cognitive interest and “accessibility” (the ability to provide learners with better access to the learning approach in terms of time and location). Complementing previous research, the findings supported the benefits of VR applications to aid civil engineering education.
Experiences with health care practitioners among advanced cancer patients and their family caregivers: A longitudinal dyadic study
Authors: Malhotra Chetna , Chaudhry Isha , Ozdemir Semra , Teo Irene , Kanesvaran Ravindran ,   for the COMPASS Study Group
Published: April 2021

Background

Assessing patient and caregiver experiences with care is central to improving care quality. The authors assessed variations in the experiences of advanced cancer patients and their caregivers with physician communication and care coordination by patient and caregiver factors.

Methods

The authors surveyed 600 patients with a stage IV solid malignancy and 346 caregivers every 3 months for more than 2 years. Patients entered the cohort any time during their stage IV trajectory. The analytic sample was restricted to patient‐caregiver dyads (n = 299). Each survey assessed patients' experiences with physician communication and care coordination; patients' symptom burden; caregivers' quality of life; and patients' and caregivers' anxiety, financial difficulties, and perceptions of treatment goals. An actor‐partner interdependence framework was used for analysis.

Results

Patients reported better physician communication (average marginal effect [AME], 6.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.82 to 8.26) and care coordination (AME, 8.96; 95% CI, 6.94 to 10.97) than their caregivers. Patients reported worse care coordination when they (AME, –0.56; 95% CI, –1.07 to –0.05) or their caregivers (AME, –0.58; 95% CI, –0.97 to –0.19) were more anxious. Caregivers reported worse care coordination when they were anxious (AME, –1.62; 95% CI, –2.02 to –1.23) and experienced financial difficulties (AME, –2.31; 95% CI, –3.77 to –0.86). Correct understanding of the treatment goal (vs being uncertain) was associated with caregivers reporting physician communication as better (AME, 3.67; 95% CI, 0.49 to 6.86) but with patients reporting it as worse (AME, –3.29; 95% CI, –6.45 to –0.14).

Conclusions

Patients' and caregivers' reports of physician communication and care coordination vary with aspects of their own and each other's well‐being and with their perceptions of treatment goals. These findings may have implications for improving patients' and caregivers' reported experiences with health care practitioners.
SSAE‐MLP: Stacked sparse autoencoders‐based multi‐layer perceptron for main bearing temperature prediction of large‐scale wind turbines
Authors: Xiao Xiaocong , Liu Jianxun , Liu Deshun , Tang Yufei , Dai Juchuan , Zhang Fan
Published: April 2021

Condition monitoring and fault diagnosis of main bearings of large‐scale wind turbines is critical for improving its reliability and reducing operating and maintenance costs, especially in the early stages. To achieve the goal, this paper proposes a novel deep learning approach named stacked sparse autoencoder multi‐layer perceptron (SSAE‐MLP) with a new framework by utilizing supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) data for wind turbine main bearing temperature prediction. After the SCADA parameter variables related to the temperature change of the main bearing are extracted, the input characteristic vector is constructed. Then, the multiple sparse autoencoders are stacked to learn the deep features inside the input data by applying the greedy layerwise unsupervised learning algorithm. Finally, a regression predictor is added to the top layer of the stacked sparse autoencoder model for supervised learning to fine‐tune the overall network. Comparative experiments show that the proposed approach has superior performance for wind turbine main bearing temperature prediction.
Effects of Single Dose Rifampin on the Pharmacokinetics of Fluvastatin in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Xiang Yue , Okochi Hideaki , Kozachenko Ivan , Sodhi Jasleen K. , Frassetto Lynda A. , Benet Leslie Z.
Published: April 2021

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of the OATP inhibitor rifampin on pharmacokinetic of Biopharmaceutics Drug Disposition Classification System Class 1 compound fluvastatin. A crossover study was carried out in 10 healthy subjects who were randomized to 2 phases to receive fluvastatin 20 mg orally alone and following a 30‐minute 600 mg i.v. infusion of rifampin. The results demonstrated that i.v. rifampin increased the mean area under the plasma fluvastatin concentration–time curve (AUC0–∞) by 255%, mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) by 254%, decreased oral volume of distribution by 71%, whereas the mean elimination terminal half‐life (T1/2), mean absorption time (MAT), and time to peak concentration (Tpeak) of fluvastatin did not significantly change. The study demonstrated that rifampin exhibited a significant drug interaction with fluvastatin. The mechanism of the increased plasma concentrations is likely due to inhibition of OATP transporters in hepatocytes.
Follicular tissue fragments in fine‐needle aspiration cytology of lymph nodes: A useful clue in differential diagnosis of follicular lymphoma and reactive follicular hyperplasia
Authors: Sasaki Yosuke , Kishimoto Koji , Homma Mayumi , Shiozawa Eisuke , Takimoto Masafumi , Yamochi‐Onizuka Toshiko
Published: April 2021

Background

In Fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of lymph nodes, tissue fragments derived from follicular structures may be observed in specimens. We defined such tissue fragments as follicular tissue fragments (FTF), and investigated differences in cytological findings for FTFs of each histological type.

Method

A total of 41 cases with FNAC of lymph nodes were examined. In these cases, the histopathological diagnoses were reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (RLH) (n = 17), follicular lymphoma (FL) (n = 13), diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) (n = 18), and Burkitt lymphoma (n = 1). Specimens were analyzed for the presence of FTFs, and for tingible‐body macrophages (TBMs) and monomorphism of lymphocytes in FTFs. FTFs with a maximum diameter of >500 μm were defined as large‐FTFs.

Results

FTFs were identified in RLH (14/17, 82.4%), FL (13/13, 100%), and DLBCL (3/18, 16.7%). In the RLH subtypes, FTFs were present only in follicular hyperplasia (FH) (14/15, 93.3%) and not in paracortical hyperplasia (0/2). The number of cases with large FTFs among those with FTFs were as follows: RLH (10/14, 71.4%), FL (11/13, 84.6%), and DLBCL (0/3). Similarly, those with TBMs in FTFs were as follows: RLH (13/14, 92.9%), FL (0/13) and DLBCL (2/3, 66.7%). Monomorphism was observed in RLH (1/14, 7.1%) and FL (11/13, 84.6%), but not in DLBCL (0/3).

Conclusions

Distinction between FL and FH is possible by identifying large‐FTFs. In FL, TBMs are absent in FTFs and lymphocytes often show monomorphism. Therefore, recognizing FTFs and observing details inside the FTFs are useful for identification and differential diagnosis of FL and FH in FNAC of lymph nodes.
Community‐wide seasonal shifts in thermal tolerances of mosquitoes
Authors: Oliveira Brunno F. , Yogo Wendtwoin I. G. , Hahn Daniel A. , Yongxing Jiang , Scheffers Brett R.
Published: April 2021

The broadening in species’ thermal tolerance limits and breadth from tropical to temperate latitudes is proposed to reflect spatial gradients in temperature seasonality, but the importance of seasonal shifts in thermal tolerances within and across locations is much less appreciated. We performed thermal assays to examine the maximum and minimum critical temperatures (CTmax and CTmin, respectively) of a mosquito community across their active seasons. Mosquito CTmin tracked seasonal shifts in temperature, whereas CTmax tracked a countergradient pattern with lowest heat tolerances in summer. Mosquito thermal breadth decreased from spring to summer and then increased from summer to autumn. We show a temporal dichotomy in thermal tolerances with thermal breadths of temperate organisms in summer reflecting those of the tropics (“tropicalization”) that is sandwiched between a spring and autumn “temperatization.” Therefore, our tolerance patterns at a single temperate latitude recapitulate classical patterns across latitude. These findings highlight the need to understand the temporal and spatial components of thermotolerance variation better, including plasticity and rapid seasonal selection, and the potential for this variation to affect species responses to climate change. With summers becoming longer and increasing winter nighttime temperatures, we expect increasing tropicalization of species thermal tolerances in both space and time.
Carolina critters: a collection of camera‐trap data from wildlife surveys across North Carolina
Authors: Lasky Monica , Parsons Arielle W. , Schuttler Stephanie G. , Hess George , Sutherland Ron , Kalies Liz , Clark Staci , Olfenbuttel Colleen , Matthews Jessie , Clark James S. , Siminitz Jordan , Davis George , Shaw Jonathan , Dukes Casey , Hill Jacob , Kays Roland
Published: April 2021

Camera trap surveys are useful to understand animal species population trends, distribution, habitat preference, behavior, community dynamics, periods of activity, and species associations with environmental conditions. This information is ecologically important, because many species play important roles in local ecosystems as predators, herbivores, seed dispersers, and disease vectors. Additionally, many of the larger wildlife species detected by camera traps are economically important through hunting, trapping, or ecotourism. Here we present a data set of camera‐trap surveys from 6,043 locations across all 100 counties of North Carolina, USA from 2009 to 2019. These data come from 26 survey initiatives and contain 215,108 records of 36 mammal species and three species of terrestrial birds. This large data set increases the geographical distribution data for these 39 mammal and bird species by >500% over what is available for North Carolina in the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). These data can be used to conduct inquiries about species, populations, communities, or ecosystems, and to produce useful information on wildlife behavior, distribution, and interactions. There are no copyright restrictions. Please cite this paper when using the data for publication.
High Energy Density and Stable Three‐Dimensionally Structured Se‐Loaded Bicontinuous Porous Carbon Battery Electrodes
Authors: Wang Junjie , Qu Subing , Zhang Runyu , Yang Ke , Zhang Shiyan , Nuzzo Ralph G. , Nanda Jagjit , Braun Paul V.
Published: April 2021

3D‐structured Se‐loaded bicontinuous porous carbon (BPC) electrodes are fabricated through colloidal templating of BPC followed by pulsed‐voltage Se electrodeposition. The resultant electrodes are found to deliver a specific capacity of 665 mAh g−1 at a rate of 0.1 C, near the theoretical value for Se. When a vinylene carbonate (VC) containing electrolyte is utilized, the capacity fade over 500 cycles at 1 C rate is as small as a few percent. Impedance measurements and physical characterization of cycled electrodes indicate the exceptionally stable cycling performance is possibly due to VC resulting in the formation of a stable solid electrolyte interface (SEI) during cycling. Along with the cycling stability, the rate performance of the 3D Se/BPC electrodes is also good. Due to the bicontinuous structure of carbonaceous current collector at rates as high as 5 C, the deliverable capacity is about 300 mAh g−1.
Feasibility study of a hybrid grid‐tied photovoltaic‐wave system on the shores of Persian Gulf
Authors: Arabzadeh Saheli Mahdieh , Lari Kamran , Salehi Gholamreza , Torabi Azad Masoud
Published: April 2021

The application of hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) has been gaining ground in the recent years due to low‐carbon policies of nations and increasing energy demand. However, marine energy sources such as waves have remained untapped notwithstanding their significant potential particularly in Iran. Iran has significant wave and energy resources, which can be exploited to overcome the energy crisis in the country. In this regard, this research examines the feasibility of a 15 kW hybrid wave‐photovoltaic system in three ports of Iran namely Chabahar, Bushehr and Bandar Abbas on the shores of Persian Gulf and Oman Gulf using MATLAB/Simulink. Oscillating water column converters are deployed to harvest the wave energy. The findings indicated that the maximum energy production occurs in April for Chabahar and Bandar Abbas, and in July for Bushehr, while the minimum is in December for all the locations under study. The annual energy generation reaches 524, 506 and 520 kWh in Chabahar, Bandar Abbas and Bushehr, respectively. The levelized cost of electricity was estimated at 128 $/kWh for Bandar Abbas, 125 $/kWh for Bushehr and 124 $/kWh for Chabahar, indicating that Chabahar is the optimal location for the installation of the proposed system.
Investigation of performance of cobalt oxide (CoO) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) attached to carbon nanotube (6, 0) as electrode of metal‐ion batteries: A theoretical study
Authors: Wang Jiejia , Jia Junrui , Ge Caopeng , Naseri Mohsen
Published: April 2021

Here, abilities of CNT, CNT‐CoO and CNT‐TiO2 as anodes in LIB and NIB are investigated. Results stated that the top carbon atom in CNT is more stable site to attach the CoO and TiO2 on CNT surface. The ΔG and Vcell of Li and Na on CNT and CNT‐CoO and CNT‐TiO2 surfaces are calculated. It can be concluded that the Vcell and capacity values of LIBs are higher than NIBs. Results indicated that the attached metal oxide/dioxide (CoO and TiO2) to CNT can improve the Vcell and capacity of LIB and NIB, efficiently. Finally, results presented that the CNT‐TiO2 is proposed as new anodes material in batteries.
When are instruments generated from geographic characteristics in bilateral relationships invalid?
Authors: Deij Sabine , Madsen Jakob B. , Puzzello Laura
Published: April 2021

In their highly influential paper, “Does Trade Cause Growth?,” Frankel and Romer estimate a trade equation to predict bilateral trade shares, which are in turn aggregated to construct an instrument for trade openness in income regressions. The Frankel‐Romer approach has gained widespread popularity as a method to generate instruments for trade and many other outcome variables from estimated bilateral relationships. In this paper, we show analytically and empirically that the Frankel–Romer instrument gives inconsistent estimates for the effect of trade on income when fitted values for zero and missing bilateral shares are omitted from the instrument. This leads to a violation of the exclusion restriction because the instrument captures the endogenous variation in the observed probability that countries engage in bilateral trade, as reflected in the number of observed trading partners. This violation disappears when predicted bilateral shares for all observed and unobserved bilateral trade relationships are included in the instrument for trade openness.