bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single-layer intrinsic 2H-phase LuX
2 (X = Cl, Br, I) with large valley polarization and anomalous valley Hall effect
Authors: Hu Chun-Sheng , Wu Yun-Jing , Liu Yuan-Shuo , Fu Shuai , Cui Xiao-Ning , Wang Yi-Hao , Zhang Chang-Wen
Published: August 2022

Manipulation of the valley degree of freedom provides a new path for quantum information technology, but the real intrinsic large valley-polarization materials are rarely reported up to date. Here, we perform first-principles calculations to predict a class of 2H-phase single layer (SL) materials LuX
2 (X = Cl, Br, I) to be ideal candidates. SL-LuX
2 are ferrovalley materials with a giant valley-polarization of 55 meV–148 meV as a result of its large spin–orbital coupling (SOC) and intrinsic ferromagnetism (FM). The magnetic transition temperatures of SL-LuI2 and SL-LuCl2 are estimated to be 89 K–124 K, with a sizable magnetic anisotropy at out-of-plane direction. Remarkably, the anomalous valley Hall effect (AVHE) can be controlled in SL-LuX
2 when an external electric field is applied. Moreover, the intrinsic valley-polarization of SL-LuI2 is highly robust for biaxial strain. These findings provide a promising ferrovalley material system for the experimentation of valleytronics and subsequent applications.
Switching plasticity in compensated ferrimagnetic multilayers for neuromorphic computing
Authors: Li Weihao , Lan Xiukai , Liu Xionghua , Zhang Enze , Deng Yongcheng , Wang Kaiyou
Published: August 2022

Current-induced multilevel magnetization switching in ferrimagnetic spintronic devices is highly pursued for the application in neuromorphic computing. In this work, we demonstrate the switching plasticity in Co/Gd ferrimagnetic multilayers where the binary states magnetization switching induced by spin–orbit toque can be tuned into a multistate one as decreasing the domain nucleation barrier. Therefore, the switching plasticity can be tuned by the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy of the multilayers and the in-plane magnetic field. Moreover, we used the switching plasticity of Co/Gd multilayers for demonstrating spike timing-dependent plasticity and sigmoid-like activation behavior. This work gives useful guidance to design multilevel spintronic devices which could be applied in high-performance neuromorphic computing.
Ultrafast Coulomb explosion imaging of molecules and molecular clusters
Authors: Li Xiaokai , Yu Xitao , Ma Pan , Zhao Xinning , Wang Chuncheng , Luo Sizuo , Ding Dajun
Published: August 2022

Taking an image of their structure and a movie of their dynamics of small quantum systems have always been a dream of physicists and chemists. Laser-induced Coulomb explosion imaging (CEI) provides a great opportunity to make this dream a reality for small molecules or their aggregation — clusters. The method is unique for identifying the atomic locations with ångstrom spatial resolution and capturing the structural evolution with a femtosecond time scale, in particular for imaging transient state products. This review summarizes the determination of three-dimensional equilibrium geometry of molecules and molecular cluster system through the reconstruction from the fragments momenta, and also shows that the dissociation dynamics on the complex potential energy surface can be tracked in real-time with the ultrafast CEI (UCEI). Furthermore, the detailed measurement and analysis procedures of the CEI, theoretical methods, exemplary results, and future perspectives of the technique are described.
Thermal spin molecular logic gates modulated by an electric field
Authors: Tan Xingyi , Li Qiang , Ren Dahua
Published: August 2022

Logic gates are fundamental structural components in all modern digital electronic devices. Here, nonequilibrium Green’s functions are incorporated with the density functional theory to verify the thermal spin transport features of the single-molecule spintronic devices constructed by a single molecule in series or parallel connected with graphene nanoribbons electrodes. Our calculations demonstrate that the electric field can manipulate the spin-polarized current. Then, a complete set of thermal spin molecular logic gates are proposed, including AND, OR, and NOT gates. The mentioned logic gates enable different designs of complex thermal spin molecular logic functions and facilitate the electric field control of thermal spin molecular devices.
Mineralogical Studies and Radioactivity on Stream Sediments Around Wadi Aidib Area, South Eastern Desert, Egypt
Authors: Hassan M , El Shafey M , M B Bayoumi , Ebyan O A
Published: August 2022

Wadi Aidib lie at southern part of the Eastern Desert of Egypt, between 22° 15’ - 22° 21’ N and Longitudes 36° 20’ - 36° 30’ E, covering an area of about 30km2. It is covered by basement rocks dissected by several wadies, Wadi Aidib as a main wadi with several tributaries. Constant of channel maintenance showed the dissection of the studied basin by lineaments, fractures and joints, dissection is minimized in wadi Aidib. Landsat ETM+ false color composite image (bands 3, 2, 1) The rock types wide spread out at Wadi Aidib area contains metavolcanics, alkali feldspar granites, quartz diorites, biotite granites metasediments. Heavy liquid separation and magnetic separation techniques in addition to microscopic examination for the studied stream sediment samples were applied. The mineral resource tonnage for each concerned economic mineral 171.315 ilmenite; 93.150, magnetite; 25.110, zircon; 9.720, total rutile; 7.695, garnet; 1.215, monazite and 810.000 green silicates, in thousands of tons. The studied stream sediments are measured radiometrically using gamma-ray spectrometer for determination the radionuclides contents. U concentration varies between 1 and 2 ppm with 1.69 as an average, Th from 3 to 7 ppm with an average 4.92 ppm.
Hybrid Hydro-pyrometallurgical Process for Zn Recovery from Electric Arc Furnace Dust
Authors: Bayoumi R.A. , Abdelmonem N. M. , Soliman M. A. , Ismail I.M. , Refaat A. A.
Published: August 2022

Electric arc furnace dust (EAFD) which is considered hazardous waste, contains significant amounts of Zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and some dangerous elements. Zn exists in the dust as Zinc Oxide (ZnO) and Zinc Ferrite (ZnFe2O3) which is difficult to be leached with traditional methods. The main objective of the suggested process is to recover Zn from EAFD by using a hybrid pyro/hydrometallurgical method. This method includes mixing cement dust and EAFD and heating the mixture in a pyrometallurgical treatment step to convert ZnFe2O3 to ZnO. This step is followed by leaching the treated dust with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution using different Solid/Liquid (S/L) ratios through different time intervals in a hydrometallurgical treatment step. Finally, Zn-metal can be recovered from the leached solution in an electrochemical step (electro-winning). About 82 % of the Zn originally presented in the EAFD sample was successfully extracted by using a treatment mixture of 2:1 cement dust: EAFD at 1000 °C for 2 hrs., then leaching with 2M NaOH solution with an S/L ratio of 1/20 for 6 hrs. at a stirring rate of 250 rpm.
Facile Synthesis and Catalytic Activity Assessment of Copper Chromite Nanoparticles for Ammonium Perchlorate Decomposition
Authors: Ismael Shukri , Deif A , Maraden Ahmed , Elbasuney Sherif
Published: August 2022

The universal burning rate modifier used in composite solid propellants is copper chromite. The fabrication of copper chromite nanoparticles (CCNs) is highly appreciated; as superior performance could be accomplished. This research looks at how copper chromite nanoparticles can be made in a sustainable way using hydrothermal processing. Mono-dispersed particles with a medium particle size of 12 nm were seen in TEM micrographs. The XRD diffractogram revealed a crystalline structure. The co-precipitation approach was used to incorporate CCNs into ammonium perchlorate (AP). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermal gravimetric analysis were used to analyze the activity of catalysis in CCNs on AP breakdown (TGA). The enthalpy of AP breakdown was enhanced from 742 J/g to 1391 J/g. CCNs caused the Peak of high-temperature decomposition shift toward lower temperatures, resulting in the overlapping of the two peaks into a single peak. At 244 °C, CCNs showed a decrease in AP endothermic phase transition. These characteristics could ensure high-burning-rate catalyzed decomposition processes.
Radioactivity and Environmental Impacts of Granites from Um Ara, Southeastern Desert, Egypt
Authors: A. H El-Afandy , El-Feky Mohamed G. , Taha Samia H. , El Minyawi S. M. , Sallam H. A. , Tawfic A. F. , Omar A. , El-Samrah M. G.
Published: August 2022

Granites from the Southeastern Desert of Egypt were investigated by using in situ γ-ray spectrometer. Consequently, estimating the radiological effects from these rocks were achieved through calculation of some radiological parameters; Annual effective dose equivalent AEDE, Internal hazard index Hin, External hazard index Hex, Alpha activity index Iα, Excess lifetime cancer risk, ELCR, Annual gonadal dose equivalent AGDE, Gamma activity concentration index Iγ and Radium equivalent activity Raeq. The geological nature of the region under investigation was affected by the radioactivity measurements of the rocks under study. This was observed by the high U, Th, and K values, which exceed the average world value for safety used as building materials. Therefore, the granites of Om Ara may be inappropriate to choose as a building material or as an indoor and outdoor decorative. At the same time, the region under study represents valuable economic minerals sources that can be used in several industrial applications.
Bulk-Combinatorial Method for Exploring New Superconductors and its Mathematical Aspect
Authors: Hase I , Iyo A , Higashi Y , Yanagisawa T , Kawashima K
Published: August 2022

In this paper we introduce our method to explore new superconductors: bulk-combinatorial method. Using this method, we have succeeded in finding many new superconductors so far. We also show that the problems that arise when identifying new superconducting phases in this way are related to the famous mathematical puzzle, the so-called “1000 poisoned wine bottles”, under some assumptions.
Fabrication of superconducting coils and (Ba,A)Fe2As2 (A:Na, K) long round wires with large superconducting cores
Authors: Pyon S , Ito T , Tamegai T , Kajitani H , Koizumi N , Awaji S , Kito H , Ishida S , Yoshida Y
Published: August 2022

We fabricated superconducting coils using 10-20 m-class round wires of 122-type iron-based superconductors (IBSs). Round wires and coils are fabricated by powder-in-tube method and hot-isostatic-press technique. Transport critical current (I
c) of the whole (Ba,K)Fe2As2 coil is 46 A under the self-field at 4.2 K, and magnetic field at the center of the coil reaches 0.3 T. Although the edge of the long wire in the coil is damaged, the rest of the part is relatively homogeneous. Furthermore, the largest transport critical current density (J
c) and I
c in (Ba,K)Fe2As2 wires picked up from the coil reach 49 kAcm−2 and 44 A at 4.2 K under a magnetic field of 10 T, respectively. This value exceeds the previous highest transport J
c of (Ba,K)Fe2As2 round wires. We also fabricated a (Ba,Na)Fe2As2 coil using long round wire with large superconducting core by react and wind method. Transport I
c of the coil is significantly low due to cracks perpendicular to electric current flow direction, although magnetic J
c in the round wire picked up from the coil reaches 40 kAcm−2 at 4.2 K under 4 T.
Heat leak variation with the surface temperature of a cryogenic pipe of the superconducting power transmission
Authors: Watanabe Hirofumi , Iizuka Shiori , Kato Takaya , Kanda Masae , Yamaguchi Satarou
Published: August 2022

The measurements of the heat leak variation with the surface temperature of a cryogenic pipe of the superconducting power transmission were performed in the range of 23.7 °C–36.4 °C. The cryogenic pipe which was an object of the present study was that used in the project of the superconducting DC power transmission conducted in Ishikari, Japan (Ishikari project). This cryogenic pipe has two inner pipes in one outer pipe, with a radiation shield used to conceal the inner pipe installing the cable from the outer pipe, which is at room temperature, to reduce heat leakage. A test pipe with the length of 12 m was used for the measurements. The liquid nitrogen was filled in the test pipe and the evaporated nitrogen gas rate was measured to obtain the heat leak. The heat leak to the inner pipe installing the cable was almost constant at around 0.04 W/m, whereas the heat leak to the other inner pipe used to return liquid nitrogen for circulation was around 1.3 W/m at surface temperatures ranging from 23.7 °C to 36.4 °C. The latter, with previous measurements, was well fitted by a function considering radiative heat transfer and conductive heat transfer. Portions of the radiative heat transfer and the conductive heat transfer were separated with this function. This information can be used to improve the cryogenic pipe in the future.
Scattering of plane-wave and twisted photons by helical media
Authors: Kazinski P O , Korolev P S
Published: August 2022

By using quantum electrodynamics in a dispersive medium, we describe scattering of plane-wave and twisted photons by a slab made of a helical medium, the helix axis being normal to the slab plane and the medium being not translation invariant in this plane, in general. In the particular cases, the permittivity tensor of a helical medium corresponds to cholesteric liquid crystals, C*-smectics, biaxial chiral nematics and smectics, Q-plates, chiral sculptured thin films, and helical dislocations. Both perturbative and nonperturbative approaches are considered. The explicit expressions for scattering amplitudes, probabilities, and Stokes parameters of photons are found taking into account the form of the photon wave packet. The selection rules are established showing that the helical medium transfers the momentum and the angular momentum to scattered photons. This property can be employed for production of twisted photons with large projection of the total angular momentum. We describe the device for shifting the projection of the total angular momentum of a photon and the principal scheme for signal coding in terms of twisted photons.
Avenues to generalising Bell inequalities
Authors: Karczewski Marcin , Scala Giovanni , Mandarino Antonio , Sainz Ana Belén , Żukowski Marek
Published: August 2022

Characterizing the set of all Bell inequalities is a notably hard task. An insightful method of solving it in case of Bell correlation inequalities for scenarios with two dichotomic measurements per site—for arbitrary number of parties—was given in references [2001 Phys. Rev. A
64 010102(R)] and [2001 Phys. Rev. A
64 032112]. Using complex-valued correlation functions, we generalize their approach to a broader class of Bell scenarios, in which the parties may choose from more than two multi-outcome measurements. Although the resulting families of Bell inequalities are not always tight, their coefficients have an intuitively understandable structure. We probe their usefulness by numerically testing their ability to detect Bell nonclassicality in simple interferometric experiments. Moreover, we identify a similar structure in the CGLMP inequality expressed in a correlation-based form, which allows us to generalise it to three parties.
Atomic excitation caused by α decay of the nucleus: model study
Authors: Breukelaar I G , van Dijk W
Published: August 2022

When the nucleus of an atom decays by emitting an α particle, the surrounding electrons are disturbed and the atom may be ionized. Practically all calculations so far done for this ionization process are based on Migdal’s method in which the α particle is treated as a classical point charge that is emitted by the nucleus at a certain time. Migdal’s method yields the ionization probability that is in reasonable agreement with experiment. On the other hand, Kataoka et al indicated by means of a schematic model calculation that a fully quantum mechanical treatment of the α particle leads to the ionization probability much smaller than the one predicted by Migdal’s method. We reexamine Kataoka et al’s calculation by simplifying the model of the atom such that an exact calculation is feasible. We find that Migdal’s method can be approximately justified, and clarify the earlier analysis.
Logspace and compressed-word computations in nilpotent groups
Authors: Macdonald Jeremy , Myasnikov Alexei , Nikolaev Andrey , Vassileva Svetla
Published: August 2022

For finitely generated nilpotent groups, we employ Mal’cev coordinates to solve several classical algorithmic problems efficiently. Computation of normal forms, the membership problem, the conjugacy problem, and computation of presentations for subgroups are solved using only logarithmic space and quasilinear time. Logarithmic space presentation-uniform versions of these algorithms are provided. Compressed-word versions of the same problems, in which each input word is provided as a straight-line program, are solved in polynomial time.
Effect of density on Mediterranean pine seedlings using the Nelder wheel design: analysis of survival and early growth
Authors: Ruano Irene , Pando Valentín , Bravo Felipe
Published: August 2022

There is growing interest in mixed-species forests but also a lack of studies that analyse them at the regeneration phases or any stage other than mature stands. Information is particularly scarce about relatively unproductive species such as Pinus pinaster and Pinus halepensis in Mediterranean ecosystems. The objective of this study was to investigate inter- and intra-specific interactions of both species at different tree densities during the first years of establishment. Five Nelder wheel plots were planted to test densities ranging from 1000 to 80 000 seedlings/ha and simulate establishment sub-processes at high densities. Further, P. pinaster and P. halepensis were mixed along the spokes, to obtain three mixture levels in which 100, 80 or 60 per cent of the seedlings were of the same species. Cox proportional-hazards models and binomial logistic regressions were fitted to analyse seedling survival. Early growth (basal diameter and height at one and four years after plantation) was analysed by fitting linear mixed-effects models. In this regard, P. halepensis showed higher survival rates and basal diameter increments but more time is needed to know how P. pinaster responds to density and mixture. Both competitive and facilitating seedling interactions were observed at higher densities, which fostered seedling survival but decreased early growth.
WRKY53 negatively regulates rice cold tolerance at the booting stage by fine-tuning anther gibberellin levels
Authors: Tang Jiaqi , Tian Xiaojie , Mei Enyang , He Mingliang , Gao Junwen , Yu Jun , Xu Min , Liu Jiali , Song Lu , Li Xiufeng , Wang Zhenyu , Guan Qingjie , Zhao Zhigang , Wang Chunming , Bu Qingyun
Published: August 2022

Cold tolerance at the booting (CTB) stage is a major factor limiting rice (Oryza sativa L.) productivity and geographical distribution. A few cold-tolerance genes have been identified, but they either need to be overexpressed to result in CTB or cause yield penalties, limiting their utility for breeding. Here, we characterize the function of the cold-induced transcription factor WRKY53 in rice. The wrky53 mutant displays increased CTB, as determined by higher seed setting. Low temperature is associated with lower gibberellin (GA) contents in anthers in the wild type but not in the wrky53 mutant, which accumulates slightly more GA in its anthers. WRKY53 directly binds to the promoters of GA biosynthesis genes and transcriptionally represses them in anthers. In addition, we uncover a possible mechanism by which GA regulates male fertility: SLENDER RICE1 (SLR1) interacts with and sequesters two critical transcription factors for tapetum development, UNDEVELOPED TAPETUM1 (UDT1), and TAPETUM DEGENERATION RETARDATION (TDR), and GA alleviates the sequestration by SLR1, thus allowing UDT1 and TDR to activate transcription. Finally, knocking out WRKY53 in diverse varieties increases cold tolerance without a yield penalty, leading to a higher yield in rice subjected to cold stress. Together, these findings provide a target for improving CTB in rice.
A SlCLV3-SlWUS module regulates auxin and ethylene homeostasis in low light-induced tomato flower abscission
Authors: Cheng Lina , Li Ruizhen , Wang Xiaoyang , Ge Siqi , Wang Sai , Liu Xianfeng , He Jing , Jiang Cai-Zhong , Qi Mingfang , Xu Tao , Li Tianlai
Published: August 2022

Premature abscission of flowers and fruits triggered by low light stress can severely reduce crop yields. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of this organ abscission is not fully understood. Here, we show that a gene (SlCLV3) encoding CLAVATA3 (CLV3), a peptide hormone that regulates stem cell fate in meristems, is highly expressed in the pedicel abscission zone (AZ) in response to low light in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). SlCLV3 knockdown and knockout lines exhibit delayed low light-induced flower drop. The receptor kinases SlCLV1 and BARELY ANY MERISTEM1 function in the SlCLV3 peptide-induced low light response in the AZ to decrease expression of the transcription factor gene WUSCHEL (SlWUS). DNA affinity purification sequencing identified the transcription factor genes KNOX-LIKE HOMEDOMAIN PROTEIN1 (SlKD1) and FRUITFULL2 (SlFUL2) as SlWUS target genes. Our data reveal that low light reduces SlWUS expression, resulting in higher SlKD1 and SlFUL2 expression in the AZ, thereby perturbing the auxin response gradient and causing increased ethylene production, eventually leading to the initiation of abscission. These results demonstrate that the SlCLV3-SlWUS signaling pathway plays a central role in low light-induced abscission by affecting auxin and ethylene homeostasis.
Clinical Progress and Preclinical Insights Into Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation Improvement
Authors: Sun Zhongjie , Yao Bing , Xie Huangfan , Su XunCheng
Published: August 2022

The application of umbilical cord blood (UCB) as an important source of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) for hematopoietic reconstitution in the clinical context has steadily grown worldwide in the past 30 years. UCB has advantages that include rapid availability of donors, less strict HLA-matching demands, and low rates of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) versus bone marrow (BM) and mobilized peripheral blood (PB). However, the limited number of HSPCs within a single UCB unit often leads to delayed hematopoietic engraftment, increased risk of transplant-related infection and mortality, and proneness to graft failure, thus hindering wide clinical application. Many strategies have been developed to improve UCB engraftment, most of which are based on 2 approaches: increasing the HSPC number ex vivo before transplantation and enhancing HSPC homing to the recipient BM niche after transplantation. Recently, several methods have shown promising progress in UCB engraftment improvement. Here, we review the current situations of UCB manipulation in preclinical and clinical settings and discuss challenges and future directions.
Integrated microRNA and transcriptome profiling reveals the regulatory network of embryo abortion in jujube
Authors: Du Jiangtao , Shi Qianqian , Liu Yu , Shi Guozhao , Li Xi , Li Xingang
Published: August 2022

Hybridization is an important approach to the production of new varieties with exceptional traits. Although the kernel rate of wild jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill. var. spinosa Hu.) is generally high, that of cultivated jujube (Z. jujuba Mill.) is low, greatly hampering the jujube breeding process. However, the mechanism by which this trait changed during jujube domestication remains unclear. Here, we explored the potential regulatory network that governs jujube embryo abortion using correlation analysis of population traits, artificial pollination, sugar content measurements and multi-omics analysis. The results showed that embryo abortion was an important reason for the low kernel rate of cultivated jujube, and kernel rate was negatively correlated with edible rate. Twenty-one days after pollination was a critical period for embryo abortion. At this time, the sugar content of cultivated ‘Junzao’ kernels decreased significantly compared with that of the pulp, but sugar content remained relatively stable in kernels of wild ‘Suanzao’. A total of 1142 differentially expressed genes targeted by 93 microRNAs (miRNAs) were identified by transcriptome, miRNA and degradome sequencing, and may be involved in the regulation of embryo abortion during kernel development. Among them, DELLA protein, TCP14 and bHLH93 transcription factors have been shown to participate in the regulation of embryonic development. Our findings suggest that carbohydrate flow between different tissues of cultivated jujube exhibits a bias toward the pulp at 21 days after pollination, thereby restricting the process of kernel development. This information enhances our understanding of the embryo abortion process and reveals miRNA–target gene pairs that may be useful for molecular-assisted breeding.
An Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method for Simultaneous Determination of 4 β-Lactam Antibiotics, Tazobactam, and Linezolid in Human Plasma Samples
Authors: Piestansky Juraj , Cizmarova Ivana , Mikus Peter , Parrak Vojtech , Babiak Pavel , Secnik Peter , Secnik Peter , Kovac Andrej
Published: August 2022

Background:

Optimization of antimicrobial therapy is a challenge in critically ill patients who develop extreme interindividual and intraindividual pharmacokinetic variability. Therapeutic drug monitoring is a valuable tool for maximizing the effect of a drug and minimizing its adverse and unwanted effects. The aim of the current work was to develop and validate an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method to determine multiple antibiotics in clinical plasma samples from critically ill patients; low sample volume and rapid processing of samples were considered the main criteria.

Methods:

A separation method based on an online combination of UHPLC-MS/MS was developed for the simultaneous determination of 4 β-lactam antibiotics (cefepime, meropenem, cefotaxime, and piperacillin), tazobactam, and linezolid in human plasma samples. The volume of plasma sample used for analysis was 20 µL. The developed method was validated according to Food and Drug Administration guidelines.

Results:

The chromatographic run time was 8 minutes. Calibration curves were linear for concentration ranges of 0.1–100 mcg/mL (r2 > 0.99) for tazobactam, meropenem, cefotaxime, linezolid, and piperacillin and 1–100 mcg/mL (r2 > 0.99) for cefepime. The intraday and interday accuracy of the method ranged from 92.4% to 110.7% and 93.6% to 113.3%, respectively. The intraday and interday precision values were ≤17.3% and ≤17.4%, respectively. No interfering and carryover analytes were observed.

Conclusions:

The developed UHPLC-MS/MS method is an appropriate and practical tool for therapeutic drug monitoring of the selected antibiotics. Owing to its rapidity, requirement of low sample volume, and high selectivity, sensitivity, and reliability, it can be effectively implemented in routine clinical laboratory tests for critically ill patients.
Effectiveness of Commonly Used Contact Lens Disinfectants Against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Veugen Judith M. J. , Nuijts Rudy M. M. A. , van den Biggelaar Frank J. H. M. , Gijs Marlies , Savelkoul Paul H. M. , Wolffs Petra F. G. , Dickman Mor M.
Published: August 2022

Objective:

To assess the effect of commonly used contact lens disinfectants against severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

Methods:

The efficacy of five disinfectant solutions against SARS-CoV-2 was tested in the presence and absence of contact lenses (CLs). Three types of unused CLs (hard gas permeable, soft hydrogel, and soft silicone hydrogel) and worn silicone hydrogel CLs were tested. Contact lenses were infected with SARS-CoV-2 and disinfected at various times, with and without rubbing and rinsing, as per manufacturer's instructions. Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and viability polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were applied to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA and viral infectivity of SARS-CoV-2, respectively.

Results:

In the presence of SARS-CoV-2–infected CLs, no SARS-CoV-2 RNA could be detected when disinfectant solutions were used according to the manufacturer's instructions. When SARS-Co-V2–infected CLs were disinfected without the rub-and-rinse step, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected at almost each time interval with each disinfecting solution tested for both new and worn CLs. In the absence of CLs, viable SARS-CoV-2 was detected with all disinfectant solutions except Menicon Progent at all time points.

Conclusions:

Disinfectant solutions effectively disinfect CLs from SARS-CoV-2 if manufacturer's instructions are followed. The rub-and-rinse regimen is mainly responsible for disinfection. The viability PCR may be useful to indicate potential infectiousness.
Prosthetic Replacement of the Ocular Surface Ecosystem for Terrien Marginal Degeneration: A Case Series
Authors: Wong Bryan M. , Trinh Tanya , Garg Anubhav , Mimouni Michael , Ramdass Stephanie , Liao Jennifer , Chandrakumar Manokaraananthan , Slomovic Allan R. , Chan Clara C.
Published: August 2022

Objectives:

To assess outcomes of the Prosthetic Replacement of the Ocular Surface Ecosystem (PROSE) treatment in patients with advanced Terrien marginal degeneration (TMD).

Methods:

This is a retrospective case series of patients with advanced TMD who were assessed and fit with customized PROSE lenses. Data were collected on PROSE fitting details including visual acuity (VA) before and after PROSE, slit-lamp findings, and corneal tomography scans.

Results:

Six eyes in four patients were included. All patients attempted at least one other contact lens (CL) modality before PROSE. Some patients had corneal comorbidities such as pseudopterygium and pseudobleb that contributed to intolerance to previous lenses and warranted extra considerations in the fitting process. With PROSE, VA improved in all six eyes. Patients with structural corneal comorbidities achieved improved vision, comfort, and lens tolerance with PROSE. Two eyes had noncorneal ocular comorbidities that limited PROSE efficacy. Another eye discontinued PROSE wear because of limbal stem-cell disease progression necessitating a limbal stem-cell transplant.

Conclusions:

PROSE treatment can be an effective option to improve vision and comfort for patients with advanced TMD who are intolerant to first-line therapeutic CL modalities, even in the presence of other corneal comorbidities.
Evaluation of Glutamine Utilization in Patients With Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Wu Han-Wei , Gannon Michael , Hsu Lewis L.
Published: August 2022

Glutamine (Gln) was FDA-approved in 2017 to reduce acute sickle cell disease (SCD) pain and acute chest syndrome. However, typical pediatric patients with SCD exhibit moderate adherence, measured by a medication possession ratio <80%. This study examined Gln utilization in a “real-world” clinical setting to determine factors influencing medication adherence and to characterize the impact of an interdisciplinary team approach at an institution with specialty pharmacy services. A retrospective chart review identified 40 patients prescribed Gln by sickle cell specialists over a 2-year period and met selection criteria. Gln medication possession ratio for pediatric (72%) and adult (76%) patients were higher than other SCD medications. Pediatric patients (74%) demonstrated significantly lower first-attempt insurance approval rate compared with adult patients (95%) (P=0.0026), suggesting an initial access barrier for pediatric patients. Pediatric patients demonstrated significantly higher number of medication fills (9.11 fills) compared with adult patients (3.86 fills) (P=0.007), which suggests interdisciplinary collaboration may facilitate sustainable management of a new therapy. The majority of pediatric (89%) and adult (90%) patients reported high satisfaction with Gln (“excellent”) with minor or no side effects. Multidisciplinary health care provider collaborations and tracking medication adherence metrics can help address barriers to care for SCD patients.
Frequency and Severity of Hypothyroidism During TKI Therapy in the Pediatric and Young Adult Population
Authors: Segev Natalie , Arora Shruthi , Khoury Jane , Yayah Jones Nana-Hawa , Chuang Janet
Published: August 2022

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors that target vascular endothelial growth factor receptor [VEGFR-TKI] are a class of targeted therapies approved for treatment of several malignancies and are increasingly used in the pediatric population. Development of hypothyroidism during VEGFR-TKI therapy is well described in adults; however, there are no available data in children. Importantly, hypothyroidism during childhood can negatively impact growth and neurodevelopment. This retrospective study is the first to document frequency and severity of VEGFR-TKI induced hypothyroidism in pediatric and young adult patients. Patients included were ≤25 years of age and treated with at least one VEGFR-TKI between 2010 and 2018 at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. After review of clinical and demographic data, 69 patients were identified. Of these, 19 (27.5%) developed thyroid dysfunction defined as Thyroid-stimulating hormone≥5 mIU/mL during therapy. Twelve of those patients had overt hypothyroidism with documentation of low free thyroxine and/or levothyroxine initiation. Mean exposure time to VEGFR-TKI before thyroid dysfunction was 2.8 (0.5-10.4) months. These results suggest moderate risk of developing thyroid dysfunction during VEGFR-TKI therapy in pediatric and young adult patients. Baseline thyroid hormone screening should be performed and repeated frequently during the first year of therapy in the pediatric population.
Success of Low Aromatic Fuel in Preventing Gasoline Sniffing Deaths
Authors: Stephenson Lilli , Grabowski Marc , van den Heuvel Corinna , Humphries Melissa , Byard Roger W.
Published: August 2022

Gasoline (petrol) sniffing is a form of volatile substance misuse that is particularly prevalent within Australian indigenous communities. Although epidemiological studies have shown that gasoline sniffing has decreased over recent years, rates of gasoline sniffing deaths have not been widely reported. Therefore, a study was undertaken to assess the association between the implementation of low aromatic fuel (LAF) and gasoline sniffing deaths. All cases of fatal gasoline sniffing in South Australia between 2000 and 2019 were identified from the Toxicology Database and autopsy reports at Forensic Science South Australia. Furthermore, previous studies of gasoline sniffing deaths were assessed to provide historical context and approximate rates of gasoline sniffing deaths before the current study. The rate of gasoline sniffing deaths decreased significantly (P = 0.039) over the study period concomitant to an increase in the number of LAF sites nationally. Although not supported by findings of statistical significance because of the small number of cases, this study provides further supportive evidence for the effectiveness of LAF by showing a significant associated decrease in local rates of gasoline sniffing deaths.
Impact of Sensitization on Waiting Time Prior to Kidney Transplantation in Germany
Authors: Zecher Daniel , Zeman Florian , Drasch Thomas , Tieken Ineke , Heidt Sebastiaan , Haasnoot Geert W. , Vogelaar Serge , Rahmel Axel , Banas Bernhard
Published: August 2022

Background.

Assignment of unacceptable HLA mismatches (UAMs) prevents transplantation of incompatible grafts but potentially prolongs waiting time. Whether this is true in the Eurotransplant Kidney Allocation System (ETKAS) and the Eurotransplant Senior Program in Germany is highly debated and relevant for UAM policies.

Methods.

Donor pool restriction due to UAM was expressed as percent virtual panel-reactive antibodies (vPRAs). Kaplan-Meier estimates and multivariable Cox regression models were used to analyze the impact of vPRA levels on waiting time and transplant probability during a period of 2 y in all patients eligible for a kidney graft unter standard circumstances in Germany on February 1, 2019 (n = 6533). Utility of the mismatch probability score to compensate for sensitization in ETKAS was also investigated.

Results.

In ETKAS, donor pool restriction resulted in significant prolongation of waiting time and reduction in transplant probability only in patients with vPRA levels above 85%. This was most evident in patients with vPRA levels above 95%, whereas patients in the acceptable mismatch program had significantly shorter waiting times and higher chances for transplantation than nonsensitized patients. In the Eurotransplant Senior Program, vPRA levels above 50% resulted in significantly longer waiting times and markedly reduced the chance for transplantation. Compensation for sensitization by the mismatch probability score was insufficient.

Conclusions.

Donor pool restriction had no significant impact on waiting time in most sensitized patients. However, despite the existence of the acceptable mismatch program, the majority of highly sensitized patients is currently disadvantaged and would benefit from better compensation mechanisms.
Household food wastage in Montenegro: exploring consumer food behaviour and attitude under COVID-19 pandemic circumstances
Authors: Vasko Zeljko , Berjan Sinisa , El Bilali Hamid , Allahyari Mohammad Sadegh , Despotovic Aleksandra , Vukojević Dajana , Radosavac Adriana
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the research was to determine food consumer behaviour and attitudes towards food consumption and household food waste in Montenegro. Since the period of conducting the research coincided with the expansion of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Montenegro (10–14 weeks since its outbreak), the results of this research could indicate the emerging pandemic circumstances.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 529 consumers were surveyed online, and 514 questionnaires met the requirements of further statistical processing. Data were processed by methods of descriptive statistics and chi-square test of association between socio-economic characteristics of respondents and their attitudes, as well as cluster analysis.

Findings

The main findings of the research are (1) consumers in Montenegro are quite responsible for the use of food because they throw away a small part, both in quantity and value; (2) Montenegrin households still practice a traditional way of life with frequent preparation and consumption of food at home and use of leftovers; (3) consumers have confusing perceptions regarding date labels of industrially processed foods; (4) during the COVID-19 pandemic, 17.3% of consumers increased and 11.8% decreased the frequency of food purchases, while 20.7% increased and 5.1% decreased food waste.

Originality/value

The work is highly original and, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, there is no other article that analysed the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on food wastage and food-related behaviours during the outbreak of the pandemic in Montenegro (May–June 2020). Therefore, the work fills a gap in research and knowledge and sets a baseline for future studies.
Buildability in the construction industry: a systematic review
Authors: Osuizugbo Innocent Chigozie , Okolie Kevin Chuks , Oshodi Olalekan Shamsideen , Oyeyipo Opeyemi Olanrewaju
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Construction management researchers have acknowledged that the use of buildability could improve outcomes of project. Efficient use of resources required for the procurement of construction projects is important for the economy. This study aims to aggregate the current knowledge on buildability within the construction management domain into an understandable whole using the systematic review approach.

Design/methodology/approach

An interpretivist epistemological approach was used as a lens for the systematic review of published research on buildability. The selected articles cover the time period between 1987 and 2020. The articles published in 2021 and 2022 were excluded to ensure that the scope of the current study is distinct and clear. In this research, qualitative content analysis was used to scrutinise the selected journal papers.

Findings

Based on the analysis of literature, the trends and gaps in the current knowledge on the topic of interest were identified. It was found that stakeholder’s knowledge and commitment play a huge role in the extent of adoption of buildability as a practice in the construction sector. Also, the study confirms that the use of buildability is beneficial to the project and its stakeholders.

Originality/value

The study maps the current state of knowledge on buildability and provides information on the gaps that could be explored in the future by researchers.
Tie strength, tie brokerage and buyer–supplier co-exploration: a novelty–action trade-off
Authors: Zhang Qiyuan , Wang Mengyang , Zhao Ziyu
Published: August 2022

Purpose

In the pursuit of co-exploration, the strength and brokerage dimensions of dyadic ties create a novelty–action trade-off: tie strength facilitates coordination but constraints novelty, while tie brokerage expands knowledge diversity but aggravates coordination difficulty. This study contributes towards a better understanding of this tension by comparing two dimensions of relational ties and examining their contingent values given different environmental factors and exchange characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used survey data from 194 matched buyer–supplier dyads in China's high-tech industries and employed hierarchical moderated regression analysis to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The authors find that compared with tie strength, tie brokerage has a stronger positive effect on co-exploration. Moreover, guanxi importance amplifies the effect of tie strength while decreasing the value of tie brokerage. As market uncertainty increases, the role of tie brokerage becomes more salient. Additionally, tie strength becomes less effective when buyer centralization is high, whereas tie brokerage exerts a stronger impact on co-exploration when an exchange is highly formalized.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the supply chain literature by adopting a relational perspective to integrate relational ties into the study of buyer–supplier co-exploration and by elaborating on the different implications of tie strength and tie brokerage in resolving the novelty–action trade-off. Furthermore, it provides a more nuanced understanding of when distinct dimensions of relational ties are effective, by clarifying boundary conditions in terms of environmental factors and exchange characteristics.
The case for print: architecture trade journals as pedagogical tools for disciplinary knowledge
Authors: Schumacher Sara , Veeder Hillary B.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This article unpacks the construction of authority in architectural trade journals as multimodal disciplinary communication and how librarians can use these journals to engage student's critical thinking in information and visual literacy instruction.

Design/methodology/approach

An analysis of project articles was done in two consecutive issues of ten architecture print trade journals including tracking details about the building types, geographic locations, firms represented, visual coverage, and visual categorizes and conventions.

Findings

The projects represented in the analyzed trade journals were predominately public buildings built by established firms in Europe, North America and Asia. The journals employed various methods for crediting and captioning visuals, showing marked differences in conferring authority on architectural photographers and descriptive versus analytical analysis of visual communications. Overall, visuals in architecture trade journals dominate the article space, with photographs being the most prominent type; however, individual journals differ in disciplinary conventions such as presence of people, use of color and indications of scale and compass direction.

Research limitations/implications

These findings strengthen the case for library print subscriptions to trade journals as useful when facilitating student exploration of disciplinary communication to identify markers of authority, examine bias and apply disciplinary conventions in their own scholarly output.

Originality/value

By interrogating the value of print journals in architecture, findings of this study may influence further research into the significance of print journals in other disciplines and a larger professional discussion about the implications of library trends to providing digital-only journal access.
Engaging the body, appropriating a corporate wellness programme
Authors: Bruni Enrico Attila , Andrei Filippo , Tirabeni Lia
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this contribution is twofold: at the empirical level, it is shown how in the relationship that subjects are encouraged to construct with their bodies major implications for workers' well-being can be found; at a theoretical level, attention is drawn to the importance of framing the different practices workers may display towards digital wellness programmes not just in terms of acceptance or resistance, but also in terms of appropriation.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirically, this study concentrates on the pilot study conducted by a large manufacturing firm that decided to implement a digitally assisted corporate wellness programme. The experimentation involves a sample of the company's workers. The 24 participants were interviewed at the beginning, during the programme and at its end, for a total of 69 interviews. Interviews were transcribed and analysed through a template analysis.

Findings

This research emphasizes how workers' well-being manifests in the relationship subjects are fostered to construct with their body and, in parallel, how workers may play an active and unpredictable role in corporate wellness programmes.

Originality/value

Differently from the current literature that frames workers' reactions towards digital corporate well-being initiatives in mainly polarized ways, this contribution leads to a less dichotomic and more nuanced interpretation of the “impacts” wellness programmes may have, showing how workers may display practices not just of acceptance or resistance, but also of appropriation.
Ada, Ada, Ada, and Ada: Transforming Learner Identities through Social Practice
Authors: Wagner Josefine
Published: August 2022

I draw on ethnographic data from a German school to explore discursive practices of educators that rationalize the illiteracy of 10‐year‐old, multilingual Ada. I juxtapose various moments of school life that “thickened” Ada's learner identities and find that special needs labeling often rested on pragmatic considerations of resource management and that cultural stereotyping reinforced a medical diagnosis. I also show that social learning was a way to counteract and reshape Ada's identity as a reader.