bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Explicating the irreversible electric-field-assisted ferroelectric phase transition in the otherwise antiferroelectric sodium niobate for energy storage systems
Authors: Kim Kwangrae , Hwang Woohyun , Lee Ji-Hwan , Soon Aloysius
Published: July 2022

By means of a first-principles-based Landau–Devonshire model, we predict and explain why newly discovered intermediates can rationalize the persistent lack of a double polarization–electric field hysteresis for NaNbO3 under an applied field.
Two dimensional Janus Ti-trihalide monolayers with half-metallic characteristics, Mott insulator properties and tunable magnetic anisotropy
Authors: Fang Xiaotian , Zhou Baozeng , Wang Xiaocha , Mi Wenbo
Published: July 2022

A spin-dependent electronic structure and tunable magnetic anisotropy are predicted in two dimensional Janus Ti-trihalide monolayers by first-principles calculations.
Deep drawing of a rectangular cup with a small radius at the bottom circular arc by employing a locally-thickened plate
Authors: Li Jinbo , Chen Xiaohui , Chen Xiao , Liu Hao , Liu Xianlong
Published: July 2022

A rectangular cup with a small radius at the bottom circular arc is a common sheet metal structure in aerospace components. However, when aluminum alloy plates are used for deep drawing of this type of rectangular cups, the wall thickness around the bottom circular arc is severely decreased. Hence, in this paper, locally-thickened plates were adopted for deep drawing of aluminum alloy rectangular cups with a relatively small radius at the bottom circular arc. The effect of thickening parameters of a locally-thickened plate on the radius at the bottom circular arc and the forming load was investigated by employing finite element simulations and deep drawing experiments. The results indicate that a smaller radius at the bottom circular arc is obtained by increasing the angle or reducing the thickness of the thickened convex rib of a plate. Moreover, the aforementioned is achieved when the side length of the thickened convex rib is equal to the punch width. The forming load is closely related to the thickening parameters of a locally-thickened plate. A small radius of 5 mm at the bottom circular arc was successfully obtained by optimizing the thickening parameters. Furthermore, the forming load during the deep drawing was significantly reduced.
Optimization of material removal rate and surface characterization of wire electric discharge machined Ti-6Al-4V alloy by response surface method
Authors: Doreswamy Deepak , Sai Shreyas D. , Bhat Subraya Krishna , Rao Rajath N.
Published: July 2022

Wire electric discharge machining (WEDM) is one of the foremost methods which has been utilized for machining hard-to-cut materials like Titanium alloys. However, there is a need to optimize their important operating parameters to achieve maximum material removal rate (MRR). The present paper investigates the effect of control factors like current, pulse on time (Ton), pulse off time (Toff) on MRR of machining of Ti-6Al-4V alloy. The study showed that, increase in current from 2 A to 6 A results in a significant increase in MRR by 93.27% and increase in Ton from 20 μs to 35 μs improved the MRR by 7.98%, beyond which there was no improvement of MRR. The increase in Toff showed a counterproductive effect. Increase in Toff from 10 μs to 30 μs showed an almost linear decrease in MRR by 52.77%. Morphological study of the machined surface showed that cut surface consists of recast layer on which microcracks were present, and revealed the presence of globules, ridge-structured formations of recast layers and voids. In addition, a regression model was developed to predict the MRR with respect to the control factors, which showed a good prediction with an R2 value of 99.67%.
Pharmacological Treatment of Early-Onset Schizophrenia: A Critical
Review, Evidence-Based Clinical Guidance and Unmet Needs
Authors: Leucht Stefan , Arango Celso , Lopez-Morinigo Javier-David
Published: July 2022

Early-onset schizophrenia (EOS) – onset before age 18 – is linked
with great disease burden and disability. Decision-making for EOS
pharmacological treatment may be challenging due to conflicting information from
evidence and guidelines and unidentified care needs may remain unmet.

We searched for systematic reviews, meta-analyses and umbrella reviews of EOS
pharmacological treatment published in PubMed over the past 10 years and
selected five clinical guidelines from Europe, North-America and Australia.
Based on predefined outcomes, we critically compared the evidence supporting
EOS-approved drugs in Europe and/or North-America with guidelines
recommendations. We also evaluated the coverage of these outcomes to identify
unmet needs.

One systematic review, nine meta-analyses and two umbrella reviews (k=203
trials, N=81,289 participants, including duplicated samples across
selected articles) were retrieved. Evidence supported the efficacy of
aripiprazole, clozapine, haloperidol, lurasidone, molindone, olanzapine,
quetiapine, risperidone and paliperidone in EOS, all of which obtained approval
for EOS either in Europe and/or in North-America. Cognition, functioning
and quality of life, suicidal behaviour and mortality and services utilisation
and cost-effectiveness were poorly covered/uncovered.

Among the antipsychotics approved for EOS, aripiprazole, lurasidone, molindone,
risperidone, paliperidone and quetiapine emerged as efficacious and comparably
safe options. Olanzapine is known for a high risk of weight gain and haloperidol
for extrapyramidal side-effects. Treatment-resistant patients should be offered
clozapine. Future long-term trials looking at cognition, functioning, quality of
life, suicidal behaviour, mortality, services utilisation and cost-effectiveness
are warranted. Closer multi-agency collaboration may bridge the gap between
evidence, guidelines and approved drugs.
Early Seizure Recurrence in Children Admitted for Nonfebrile Seizures in the Emergency Department: A Prospective Study
Authors: Ropars Juliette , Sacaze Elise , Abalea Lydie , Peudenier Sylviane , Vic Philippe , Lemoigno Laurence , Dailland Thomas , Courgeon Lisa , Lefranc Jeremie
Published: July 2022

Objective This study was aimed to determine the rate, timing, and risk factors of acute recurrence of seizures in the children admitted for nonfebrile seizure in the emergency department (ED).

Methods This multicenter prospective study was conducted in the ED of three hospitals. All consecutive visits of children aged 28 days to 15 years who attended the ED for a nonfebrile seizure for 1 year were included in the study and prospectively followed. The rate of acute seizure recurrence within 24 hours was evaluated and association with potential risk factor was tested. Timing of seizure recurrence was assessed.

Results A total of 181 ED visits were enrolled. Overall, 19.9% (36/181) of children presented acute seizure recurrence, 50% of seizure recurrence occurred during the 2 hours after ED arrival and 70% within 6 hours. Multivariable analysis showed that age of <5 years and seizure recurrence in the emergency department were associated with a significant increase in acute recurrence risk.

Conclusion Early seizure recurrence is common in children with nonfebrile seizure, with younger children at higher risk. Based on these findings, acute recurrence risk after a nonfebrile seizure should justify to observe the children admitted for a nonfebrile seizure in the ED, especially young children. A larger study should analyze other risk factors associated with increased risk of acute seizure recurrence and help ED management.
Comparison of Complications between Anterior Cervical Diskectomy and Fusion versus Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion in Two- and Three-Level Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Yu Zhentang , Shi Xiaohan , Yin Jianjian , Jiang Xijia , Xu Nanwei
Published: July 2022

Background In this study, we systematically analyze the differences in complications between anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF) and anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) in two- and three-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM).

Methods We performed a systematic search in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane databases, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, CNKI, and Wan Fang Data for all relevant studies. All statistical analyses were performed using Review Manager version 5.3.

Results A total of 11 articles with 849 study subjects were included, with 474 patients in the ACDF group and 375 patients in the ACCF group. The results of the meta-analysis showed that in C5 palsy (odds ratio [OR]: 0.41; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.16–1.06), pseudarthrosis (OR: 1.07; 95% CI: 0.23–5.07), dysphagia (OR: 1.06; 95% CI: 0.60–1.86), infection (OR: 0.41; 95% CI: 0.16–1.09), cerebrospinal fluid leakage (OR: 1.21; 95% CI: 0.39–3.73), graft dislodgment (OR: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.06–1.37), and hematoma (OR: 0.32; 95% CI: 0.06–1.83), there are no significant differences between the ACDF and ACCF groups, whereas total complication (OR: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.31–0.80) showed that the ACDF group had a significantly lower morbidity than the ACCF group. Furthermore, the three-level subgroup of ACDF had significantly better results in C5 palsy (OR: 0.31; 95% CI: 0.11–0.88), infection (OR: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.05–0.94), graft dislodgment (OR: 0.07; 95% CI: 0.01–0.40), and total complication (OR: 0.37; 95% CI: 0.23–0.60) compared with the ACCF subgroup.

Conclusion In general, postoperative pseudarthrosis, dysphagia, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, hematoma, C5 palsy, infection, and graft dislodgment did not differ significantly between the two groups. Total complication was significantly less in the ACDF group compared to the ACCF group. In the three-level subgroup, the morbidity of C5 palsy, infection, and graft dislodgment was significantly lower in ACDF than in ACCF.
Acute Kidney Injury in Pregnancies Complicated by Late-Onset Preeclampsia with Severe Features
Authors: Rodriguez Aldeboran N. , Nelson David B. , Spong Catherine Y. , McIntire Donald D. , Reddy Meghana T. , Cunningham F. Gary
Published: July 2022

Objectives Acute kidney injury (AKI)-complicating pregnancy is used as a marker of severe maternal morbidity (SMM) and frequently associated with obstetric hypertensive disorders. We examined AKI in pregnancies complicated by late-onset preeclampsia with severe features (SPE) using the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria. We compared outcomes of pregnancies with and without AKI and stratified by stage of disease. We further differentiated renal dysfunction at the time of admission and compared outcomes to those who developed AKI after admission.

Study Design This was a retrospective cohort study of women with care established before 20 weeks and diagnosed with preeclampsia with severe features with delivery at ≥34 weeks. Women with chronic hypertension or suspected underlying renal dysfunction were excluded. KDIGO criteria were applied to stratify staging of renal disease. Demographics and perinatal outcomes were compared using Chi-square analysis and Wilcoxon's rank-sum test with p < 0.05 considered significant.

Results From January 2015 through December 2019, a total of 3,515 women meeting study criteria were delivered. Of these, 517 (15%) women met KDIGO criteria for AKI at delivery with 248 (48%) having AKI at the time of admission and the remaining 269 (52%) after admission. Stratified by severity, 412 (80%) had stage 1 disease, 89 (17%) had stage II, and 16 (3%) had stage III. Women with AKI had higher rates of cesarean delivery (risk ratio [RR] = 1.3; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17–1.44), postpartum hemorrhage (RR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.29–1.66), and longer lengths of stay. Other associated outcomes included NICU admission (RR = 1.72; 95% CI: 1.19–2.48), 5-minute Apgar score ≤ 3 (RR = 5.11; 95% CI: 1.98–13.18), and infant length of stay.

Conclusion Of women with late preterm SPE, 15% were found to have AKI by KDIGO criteria. The majority (80%) of AKI was stage I disease, and approximately half of the cases were present by the time of admission.

Key Points
Supplementation with Cod Liver Oil Capsules Reduces Weight Loss and Mucositis in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Curative Radiotherapy without Affecting the Treatment Response
Authors: Hegde Sanath , Rao Suresh , D'souza Rhea Katherine , Baliga Manjeshwar Shrinath
Published: July 2022

Background Weight loss is a common observation in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients and the severity depends on the modalities used. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of providing two capsules of fish oil supplement each day during the course of curative radiotherapy for HNC patients.

Materials and Methods This was a retrospective single-center study, and files of HNC patients treated with radiotherapy between the months of January 2015 and March 2015 were evaluated. Data on gender, age, tumor, treatment details, adverse effects, weight before and at the end of the treatment, and treatment response were obtained from the patient files. The data collected were entered into Excel sheet and subjected to statistical analysis using chi-square tests, unpaired t-test, and analysis of variance with post hoc Tukey test. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant.

Results Records of 68 patients treated during the study period with radiation for HNC and admitted to the inpatient facility throughout the treatment period were retrospectively reviewed. Majority of the patients had advanced stage tumors. There was no difference in the initial weight of the patients in the two groups while a significant difference was seen in the final weight (p = 0.007). The number of patients with severe weight loss (>5 kg) was more in the control than in the fish oil cohort (68.89 vs. 43.48) and was significant (p = 0.042). In addition to this, the incidence of mucositis was delayed and also lesser in severity in the cohorts that had received fish oil. At the dose used, fish oil capsules did not have any adverse effects and importantly there was no significant difference in treatment response.

Conclusion The results of the study indicate that administering fish oil capsules was effective in arresting weight loss and delaying and mitigating mucositis in HNC patients undergoing curative radiotherapy. Fish oil capsule has good safety profile, was devoid of any toxic effects, and has a good clinical application value.
Numerical investigation of the erosion behavior in blades of tidal current turbine
Authors: Gao Yanjing , Liu Hongwei , Lin Yonggang , Gu Yajing , Wang Simin
Published: July 2022

The blade erosion of a tidal current turbine can lead to significant energy losses and affect stall behavior. To maintain good performance and prevent turbine malfunction, it is important to determine the location and rate of blade erosion caused by particle impact. In this study, a computational fluid dynamics and discrete phase model (CFD–DPM) method is employed to study the erosion characteristics in blades subjected to multiphase flow. The fluid–particle interactions and the influence of turbulence on the particle trajectories are considered in the CFD–DPM model. The maximum erosion location and the average erosion rate are investigated under different particle diameters, particle concentrations, particle shape factors, and airfoil parameters. The fluid velocity, particle velocity, and particle trajectory are further analyzed to reveal the erosion mechanism under different influencing factors. The results show that while both the maximum erosion location and the average erosion rate depend upon particle independence (the greater the degree to which particles deviate from the fluid streamline, the better the particle independence), the latter is also related to the drag force exerted by the particle. For a tidal current turbine, erosion occurs first at the tip and leading edge of the blade, and the most severe erosion area is the blade tip. The erosion laws obtained in this work can provide guidance for erosion prediction, tidal current turbine field site selection, and blade optimization.
Demonstration of in-plane magnetized stochastic magnetic tunnel junction for binary stochastic neuron
Authors: Kim Taeyueb , Park HeeGyum , Han Ki-Hyuk , Nah Young-Jun , Koo Hyun Cheol , Min Byoung-Chul , Hong Seokmin , Lee OukJae
Published: July 2022

A binary stochastic neuron (BSN) or a probabilistic bit (p-bit) randomly fluctuates between digitized “0” and “1” with a controllable functionality of time-averaged value. Such an unconventional bit is the most essential building block for the recently proposed stochastic neural networks and probabilistic computing. Here, we experimentally implement a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) for BSN, with relaxation times on the order of tens of milliseconds that can be modulated by a current-induced spin-transfer torque. The NIST Statistical Test Suite (800-22a) is used to verify true random number generation by the BSN-MTJ device. Our results suggest the possibility of using the artificial BSN MTJ device in neuromorphic applications as well as in a recently proposed probabilistic computing.
The fault detection of transmitting current encoded by m-sequence using triple-correlation function in helicopter-borne electromagnetic method
Authors: Wang Yanzhang , Liu Ming , Zhang Jialin , Zhu Kaiguang , Deng Shoupeng , Zhang Yue , Bai Yifan , Wang Shilong
Published: July 2022

An m-sequence is applied to the helicopter-borne electromagnetic method system for the first time, and there are many problems to be solved, one of which is the detection of the quality of the transmitting current waveform, which directly affects the resource survey results. In this research, we found that the triple-correlation function (TCF) can reveal the bit integrity characteristics of the m-sequence encoded transmitting current. On this basis, this paper proposes to extract the three-dimensional information of the normalized TCF plot by using a peak detection method and, then, proposes to use a dual-threshold method to clarify the detection results. The whole process realizes the fault detection of the transmitting current waveform. We propose a reasonable transmitting current modeling method and conduct 1200 random experiments in 12 groups. The statistics of the experimental results show that when the number of missing bits is 1, 2, 4, and 8, the fault detection accuracy can reach more than 83%. A comparative experiment using the Field Programmable Gate Array. in the laboratory validates the feasibility of the fault detection method. This method is beneficial to improve the quality of detection data and avoid economic losses caused by invalid detection flights.
Cognitive corpus linguistics and pedagogy
Authors: Gilquin Gaëtanelle
Published: July 2022

This article deals with applied cognitive corpus linguistics, that is, the combined use of cognitive linguistics and corpus linguistics for pedagogical purposes. It describes the main features of each framework in terms of teaching applications and underlines their complementarity. Through several illustrations, it shows how applied cognitive corpus linguistics combines the benefits of corpus data (authenticity, quantification, diversification of genres, access to learner production, etc.) with those of cognitive principles (linguistic motivation, enhanced salience, realignment of form and meaning, etc.) in ways that are expected to foster the development of the learner’s language system.
Air pollution and climate change impact on forest ecosystems in Asian region – a review
Authors: Sonwani Saurabh , Hussain Sharfaa , Saxena Pallavi
Published: July 2022

Forests are complex ecosystems comprising various trophic levels responsible for carrying out various biogeochemical processes and providing ecosystem services. However, forests in Asia are doubly challenged by climate change and air pollution. The rapidly changing air quality, with increasing concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs), trace gases, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and ozone (O
3
) also causes global warming leading to climate change, thus jointly creating a challenging condition for the forest ecosystem. The impact on forest ecosystems of the two anthropogenic stressors, viz., climate change and air pollution, requires global attention. These two stressors have been widely studied separately but their combined impact on the forest ecosystem has not been studied extensively, particularly in the Asian region. In this review article, we attempt to explore the importance of interlinking air pollution and climate change impact on Asian forests, by studying the decline of different forest types as a background and markers of forest ecosystem degradation. Our main aim is to understand and summarise the past and ongoing research in this area and to facilitate researchers and policymakers to upgrade their research, policies, and management strategies in the area of integration of air pollution and climate change impact on forest ecosystems in the Asian region.
On gravitational preheating
Authors: Lebedev Oleg , Yoon Jong-Hyun
Published: July 2022

We consider dark matter production during the inflaton
oscillation epoch. It is conceivable that renormalizable
interactions between dark matter and inflaton may be negligible. In
this case, the leading role is played by higher dimensional
operators generated by gravity and thus suppressed by the Planck
scale. We focus on dim-6 operators and study the corresponding
particle production in perturbative and non-perturbative
regimes. We find that the dark matter production rate is dominated
by non-derivative operators involving higher powers of the inflaton
field. Even if they appear with small Wilson coefficients, such
operators can readily account for the correct dark matter
abundance.
Model and simulation of bilayered tantalum-oxide (Pt/Ta2O5/TaOx/Pt) memristor
Authors: Wang Kaiyang , Jia Yunfang
Published: July 2022

As a new type of microelectronic device with a special resistance change mechanism, the memerists based on the novel resistive materials have been an emerging hot-spot in the area of electronics. Among tremendous memerists, the bilayered tantalum-oxide (Pt/Ta2O5/TaOx/Pt) devices are believed to one of the typical device structures, its peculiar current-voltage (I-V) feature makes it distinct from other traditional devices, like resistor, capacitor or metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) transistor. It has been accepted as an alternative candidate of the traditional silicon-based memories. There have been lots of experimental works in this field, however, the theoretical works about its physical model and simulation are relatively few. In this work, its working principle is illustrated firstly, according to the thermionic emission theory of Schottky barrier in semiconductor physics. Then a quantitative physical model is presented and simulated, the calculated results are compared with the reported data to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed model. The established physical model is constructed and calculated mathematically by using MATLAB, the computed results are compared with the experimental data to verify the proposed arithmetic model.
Data acquisition system for a neutron spectrometer with a remote diamond detector
Authors: Khilchenko A. , Kvashnin A. , Zubarev P. , Ivanenko S. , Puryga E. , Moiseev D. , Lizunov A.
Published: July 2022

The article presents the design and first test results of the neutron spectrometer with count rate up to 7 × 106 events per second with remote detector based on artificial diamond, intended for use on burning plasma experiments. The spectrometer consists of the broadband low-noise amplifier and the data acquisition and processing unit. The design of the amplifier with characteristic impedance matching of the cable line by the dynamic resistance of the transistor base-emitter junction is considered. The data acquisition and processing unit is realized using a real-time event-processing algorithm based on harmonic data analysis. This algorithm includes effective techniques for detecting and excluding overlaps and suppression of fluctuations in the baseline level corresponding to zero signal.
A concise air quality study on impact of COVID-19 lockdown for two industrial cities of Chhattisgarh
Authors: Sahare Akansha , Killedar D.J. , Ahirwar Ajay. V. , Rathore Purva
Published: July 2022

‘Good Outcomes from evil situation’ this phrase perfectly fits into the COVID-19 circumstances as several restrictions on anthropogenic activities provided an improvement in the ambient air quality status globally. The study deals with the consequences of COVID-19 lockdown on ambient air quality for 2 major industrial cities ( Raipur and Bilaspur) in Central Indian state Chhattisgarh moreover a comparison of air quality data was made with non-lockdown year (2019). The AQI and critical parameters (such as PM10, PM2.5, SO2 and NOx) were acquired form online available source and then analysed for the study period (2019 and 2020). Noteworthy reduction in AQI and concentration of pollutants in Raipur was detected whereas there was reduction in Bilaspur but it was less than Raipur. Evident changes in the level of pollutants (NOx and PM) were observed during the study. Meteorological parameters such as temperature and relative humidity were also examined for Raipur. Statistical analysis between data of meteorological parameters and AQI for capital city Raipur was also carried out.
A Gis-Based Parametric Analysis of Irrigational Tanks in the Oldest Civilized City in India-Madurai
Authors: Praveenkumar J , Pa Yazhini Malar , Akash Kannan K , Sathya Bama B , Mohammed Mansoor Roomi S
Published: July 2022

The irrigational tanks being traditional Water harvesting structures designed by rulers and chieftains dating back centuries. These are constructed in such a way that they act as a major water resource in drought-prone rural communities. The main aim of this paper is to develop a GIS-based Parametric Maps of Maximum Capacity(MC), Maximum Water Level(MWL), Ayacut Area(AA), Water Spread Area(WSA), Sub-basins and Basins of irrigational Tanks which form the basic irrigation information system to assist agriculturalists, farmers, and Government organization for the proper maintenance of irrigation tanks with suitable indexing parameters, to mitigate & forecast the water and food requirements by evaluating currently available water for the given population density and irrigation lands. The study area selected is the oldest civilized city in India which is in the state of Tamilnadu-Madurai district, which is served by the Vaigai River and consists of 1338 tanks. This GIS-based information system assists the decision-makers to perform surveillance, evaluate the efficiency of the tank at any space & time and take proper managerial methods to utilize the resources economically.
Water quality index assessment for drinking and irrigation purpose for Wardha district
Authors: Shende Ashay Devidas , Sahoo M.M. , Tekade Shrikant
Published: July 2022

It is always said that groundwater is safe for consumption i.e. free from micro-organisms. But in many places, the groundwater is subjected to contamination due to human and industrial activities. The unsafe disposal of domestic and industrial wastes is found to be the main source for contamination of groundwater with micro-organisms, nitrates, etc. Therefore, it is inevitable to assess the quality of groundwater in terms of the Water Quality Index (WQI) before it is supplied to the end-user. Water Quality Index (WQI) is an index that converts complex data about water quality into the simplest form. This manuscript discusses the level of contamination of groundwater in the villages situated in the vicinity of Wardha River in Wardha District. Groundwater samples were collected during ninety days starting from 1st May 2021 to 30th July 2021. Analysis was carried out for the assessment of 12 parameters and their WQI. The results reveal that 40% of the 12 parameters assessed are higher values whereas, 60% of the 12 parameters assessed are reported safe values as per Indian Standards for Drinking Water. On the other hand, WQI for all the groundwater samples (barring very few) has shown bad quality.
Exploring temporal variation of PM2.5 and PM10 and their association with meteorological data in Raipur, Chhattisgarh
Authors: Khobragade P P , Ahirwar A V
Published: July 2022

While significant efforts have been made to mitigate the negative health impacts of particulate matter, there are limited statistics on particle exposure in Raipur. A study was conducted to look at the short-term relationships between particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and meteorological variables in Raipur. The current research was based on an experimental study conducted at Chhattisgarh’s NIT Raipur. During the pre-monsoon, monsoon, post-monsoon, and winter seasons of 2021, a total of 125 air specimens were gathered from the campus. A respirable dust sampler and a fine particulate sampler were used to detect PM10 and PM2.5 on the building’s terrace. To assess the associations between PM2.5 and PM10 particulates and both sampling season and site, Pearson’s correlation study was used. The monthly mean mass concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 in Raipur ranged from 28.0-334.0 μg/m3 to 56.0-448.0 μg/m3, respectively. Post-monsoon PM concentrations were highest, followed by pre-monsoon, winter, and post-monsoon. On more than 92 percent of days, PM2.5 concentrations exceeded NAAQS standards, while PM10 concentrations exceeded restrictions on 90 percent of days. There were seasonal changes identified in the relationships between PM concentrations and meteorological variables.
All-solid-state thin-film batteries based on lithium phosphorus oxynitrides
Authors: Dai Wangqi , Qiao Yan , Ma Ziqiang , Wang Tian , Fu Zhengwen
Published: July 2022

Lithium phosphorus oxygen nitrogen (LiPON) as solid electrolyte discovered by Bates et al in the 1990s is an important part of all-solid-state thin-film battery (ASSTFB) due to its wide electrochemical stability window and negligible low electronic conductivity. However, the ionic conductivity of LiPON about 2 × 10−6 S cm−1 at room temperature is much lower than that of other types of solid electrolytes, which seriously limits the application of ASSTFBs. This review summarizes the research and progress in ASSTFBs based on LiPON, in the solid-state electrolyte of LiPON-derivatives with adjustable chemical compositions of the amorphous structure for the improvement of the ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability, in the critical interface issues between LiPON and electrodes, and in preparation methods for LiPON. This review is helpful for people to understand the interface characteristics and various preparation methods of LiPON in ASSTFBs. The key issues to be addressed concern how to develop solid-state electrolyte films with high conductivity and high-quality interface engineering as well as large-scale preparation technology, so as to realize the practical application of highly integrated ASSTFBs.
Sleep Problems Mediate the Relationship Between Psychosocial Stress and Pain Facilitation in Native Americans: A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis from the Oklahoma Study of Native American Pain Risk
Authors: Kell Parker A , Huber Felicitas A , Street Erin N , Shadlow Joanna O , Rhudy Jamie L
Published: July 2022

Background

Native Americans (NAs) are more likely to experience chronic pain than non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs); however, the proximate causes predisposing NAs to chronic pain remain elusive. Likely due to centuries of adversity, discrimination, and marginalization, NAs report greater psychological stress than NHWs, which may place them at risk for sleep problems, a well-established risk factor for chronic pain onset.

Purpose

This study examined the effects of psychological stress and sleep problems on subjective and physiological measures of pain processing in NAs and NHWs.

Methods

Structural equation modeling was used to determine whether ethnicity (NA or NHW) was associated with psychological stress or sleep problems and whether these variables were related to conditioned pain modulation of pain perception (CPM-pain) and the nociceptive flexion reflex (CPM-NFR), temporal summation of pain (TS-pain) and NFR (TS-NFR), and pain tolerance in a sample of 302 (153 NAs) pain-free participants.

Results

NAs experienced more psychological stress (Estimate = 0.027, p = .009) and sleep problems (Estimate = 1.375, p = .015) than NHWs. When controlling for age, sex, physical activity, BMI, and general health, NA ethnicity was no longer related to greater sleep problems. Psychological stress was also related to sleep problems (Estimate = 30.173, p = <.001) and psychological stress promoted sleep problems in NAs (indirect effect = 0.802, p = .014). In turn, sleep problems were associated with greater TS-pain (Estimate = 0.714, p = .004), but not other pain measures.

Conclusions

Sleep problems may contribute to chronic pain risk by facilitating pain perception without affecting facilitation of spinal neurons or endogenous inhibition of nociceptive processes. Since psychological stress promoted pain facilitation via enhanced sleep problems, efforts to reduce psychological stress and sleep problems among NAs may improve health outcomes.
Efficacy of the Diabetes Prevention Program Group Lifestyle Balance Program Modified for Individuals with TBI (GLB-TBI): Results from a 12-month Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Driver Simon , McShan Evan , Swank Chad , Calhoun Stephanie , Bennett Monica , Callender Librada , Holden Alexandria , Juengst Shannon , Bell Kathleen , Douglas Megan , Kramer Kaye , Dubiel Randi
Published: July 2022

Background

Obesity after traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a public health issue and no evidence-based weight loss interventions exist to meet the unique needs of individuals after TBI.

Purpose

To (a) examine the efficacy of the Diabetes Prevention Program Group Lifestyle Balance for TBI (GLB-TBI) weight-loss intervention compared to an attention control for primary (weight-loss) and secondary health outcomes; (b) determine participant compliance with the GLB-TBI; and (c) determine if compliance is associated with improved outcomes.

Methods

Individuals with moderate to severe TBI, age 18–64 years, ≥6 months postinjury, and body mass index of ≥25 kg/m2 were randomized to a 12-month, 22-session GLB-TBI intervention or attention control condition. Weight-loss (lbs.), anthropometric, biomarkers, and patient-reported outcomes were collected at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months.

Results

The GLB-TBI group (n = 27) lost 17.8 ± 41.4lbs (7.9%) over the 12-month program and the attention control group (n = 27) lost 0 ± 55.4lbs (0%). The GLB-TBI group had significant improvements in diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol. GLB-TBI attendance was 89.6% and weekly self-monitoring of diet and activity was 68.8%. Relative to baseline, the GLB-TBI compliant group (≥80% attendance; ≥85% self-monitoring; n = 10) had a statistically significant decrease in weight at each assessment, the noncompliant group had a significant decrease between 6 and 12 months (n = 17), with no change in weight in the attention control group (n = 27).

Conclusions

Findings suggest for adults with TBI who are overweight or obese, participation in the GLB-TBI can significantly reduce weight and metabolic risk factors and increase self-reported habits for diet and exercise.
The impact of pre-treatment muscle strength and physical performance on treatment modification in older adults with cancer following comprehensive geriatric assessment
Authors: Papadopoulos Efthymios , Helal Ali Abu , Jin Rana , Monginot Susie , Berger Arielle , Romanovsky Lindy , Alibhai Shabbir M H
Published: July 2022

Background

Grip strength (GS) and the short physical performance battery (SPPB) have been shown to predict clinical outcomes in older adults with cancer. However, whether pre-treatment GS and SPPB impact treatment decisions following comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is poorly understood. Our objective was to assess the impact of low GS and/or SPPB on treatment modification to initially proposed treatment plans in older adults with cancer following CGA.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of older adults who had undergone CGA before receiving cancer treatment. Data were retrieved from a prospective database in an academic cancer centre and medical records. Treatment modification following CGA was defined as reduced treatment intensity or transition from active treatment to supportive care. Multivariable logistic regression assessed the impact of pre-treatment GS and SPPB on treatment modification following CGA.

Results

In total, 515 older adults (mean age: 80.7y) who had undergone CGA prior to cancer treatment were included. Low muscle strength and/or physical performance was observed in 66.4% of participants. Treatment was modified in 49.5% of the cohort following CGA. Low GS and/or SPPB combined was predictive of treatment modification (OR = 1.77, 95%CI = 1.07–2.90, P = 0.025) in multivariable analysis. Additional predictors of treatment modification included palliative treatment intent, comorbidities and malnutrition.

Conclusions

Low GS and/or SPPB combined prior to cancer treatment predicts treatment modification in older adults with cancer and may be useful in treatment decision-making. Management of poor muscle strength and physical performance should be offered to optimize patient care and potentially improve treatment outcomes.
Habitual Exercise, Air Pollution, and Pneumonia Mortality: A Longitudinal Cohort Study of Approximately 0.4 Million Adults
Authors: Guo Cui , Yu Tsung , Lin Changqing , Chang Ly-Yun , Bo Yacong , Wong Martin C S , Tam Tony , Lau Alexis K H , Lao Xiang Qian
Published: July 2022

In this study, we aimed to examine the combined associations of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 2.5 μm (PM2.5) and habitual exercise with pneumonia mortality. We included 384,130 persons aged ≥18 years from Taiwan, Republic of China, during 2001–2016. We followed participants until May 31, 2019, to obtain information on vital status. A time-dependent Cox regression model was used for statistical analysis. We found that risks of pneumonia mortality were reduced by 55% (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.45, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.36, 0.55) and 36% (HR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.52, 0.80) in participants who engaged in high and moderate levels of exercise, respectively, as compared with inactive persons. By contrast, each 10-μg/m3 increase in chronic PM2.5 exposure was associated with a 30% (HR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.17, 1.45) higher risk of pneumonia mortality. Risk of pneumonia death was 72% lower (HR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.20, 0.41) for persons with a high exercise level and a low PM2.5 level. Lower risk of pneumonia mortality was associated with both higher exercise and lower PM2.5 air pollution levels. For adults exposed to different levels of PM2.5, exercise benefits remained. Our findings suggest that engaging in exercise is a safe and effective strategy for alleviating the burden of pneumonia mortality, even for people who reside in a moderately polluted area.
A Framework for Descriptive Epidemiology
Authors: Lesko Catherine R , Fox Matthew P , Edwards Jessie K
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we propose a framework for thinking through the design and conduct of descriptive epidemiologic studies. A well-defined descriptive question aims to quantify and characterize some feature of the health of a population and must clearly state: 1) the target population, characterized by person and place, and anchored in time; 2) the outcome, event, or health state or characteristic; and 3) the measure of occurrence that will be used to summarize the outcome (e.g., incidence, prevalence, average time to event, etc.). Additionally, 4) any auxiliary variables will be prespecified and their roles as stratification factors (to characterize the outcome distribution) or nuisance variables (to be standardized over) will be stated. We illustrate application of this framework to describe the prevalence of viral suppression on December 31, 2019, among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who had been linked to HIV care in the United States. Application of this framework highlights biases that may arise from missing data, especially 1) differences between the target population and the analytical sample; 2) measurement error; 3) competing events, late entries, loss to follow-up, and inappropriate interpretation of the chosen measure of outcome occurrence; and 4) inappropriate adjustment.
Synthesis and cytotoxic activities of 8- and 6-demethyleucalyptins
Authors: Asakawa Ryuki , Fuchiyama Kanta , Ishii Yunosuke , Hosaka Keisuke , Kobayashi Atsushi , Shimazaki Kei , Nagasawa Junki , Tsuchida Sayaka , Ushida Kazunari , Matsubayashi Makoto , Furuyama Yuuki , Ohgane Kenji , Kuramochi Kouji
Published: July 2022

Secondary metabolites in plants influence the health of herbivores such as Japanese rock ptarmigans that feed on the leaves and fruits of alpine plants. Thus, it is important to understand the secondary metabolites of alpine plants and their biological activities for conserving Japanese rock ptarmigans. We isolated C-methylflavone from the leaves of Kalmia procumbens, on which Japanese rock ptarmigans feed. Although its structure was deduced to be 8-demethyleucalyptin by comparing its nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data with the reported ones, the possibility that the isolated compound is 6-demethyleucalyptin cannot be ruled out. Thus, both isomers were synthesized. The isolated compound was unambiguously determined to be 8-demethyleucalyptin by comparing its NMR data with those of the synthetic ones. Cytotoxic evaluation of 8- and 6-demethyleucalyptins revealed that only the former showed cytotoxicity against HCT116 and MRC-5 cells. The present study provides not only easy access to 8- and 6-demethyleucalyptins, but also their biological information.
Structure-activity relationship in advanced glycation end products formation inhibitory activity of phlorotannins
Authors: Sekiguchi Mitsuhiro , Shinoda Seiya , Uno Arisa , Masaki Tomoya , Sasaki Tetsuya , Ishiyama Haruaki
Published: July 2022

The structure and inhibitory activity of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) formation were studied using six model compounds and seven phlorotannins isolated from brown alga Ecklonia stolonifera. As a result, it was inferred that AGEs formation inhibitory activity was stronger when electron-rich groups were present because of the addition of many oxygen atoms to the phlorotannins.
Insight into the evolutionary history ofIndoplanorbis exustus(Bulinidae: Gastropoda) at the scale of population and species
Authors: Sil Maitreya , Mahveen Juveriya , Roy Abhisikta , Karanth K Praveen , Aravind N A
Published: July 2022

The history of a lineage is intertwined with the history of the landscape it inhabits. Here we showcase how the geo-tectonic and climatic evolution of South Asia and surrounding landmasses have shaped the biogeographical history of Indoplanorbis exustus, a tropical Asian, freshwater snail. We amplified partial COI gene fragments from all over India and combined this with a larger dataset from South and Southeast Asia to carry out phylogenetic reconstruction, species delimitation analysis and population genetic analyses. Two nuclear genes were also amplified from a few individuals per putative species to carry out divergence dating and ancestral area reconstruction analyses. The results suggest that I. exustus dispersed out of Africa into India during the Eocene. Furthermore, molecular data suggest I. exustus is a species complex consisting of multiple putative species. Primary diversification took place in the Northern Indian plains or in Northeast India. The speciation events appear to be primarily allopatric caused by a series of aridification events starting from the late Miocene to early Pleistocene. None of the species appears to have any underlying genetic structure suggestive of high vagility. All the species underwent population fluctuations during the Pleistocene, probably driven by the Quaternary climatic fluctuations.
Three laws of teleonometrics
Authors: Crespi Bernard , Yang Nancy
Published: July 2022

We define teleonometrics as the theoretical and empirical study of teleonomy. We propose three laws for teleonometrics. The first law describes the hierarchical organization of teleonomic functions across biological levels from genes to individuals. According to this law, the number of goal-directed functions increases from individuals (one goal, maximizing inclusive fitness) to intermediate levels and to genes and alleles (myriad time-, space- and context-dependent goals, depending upon degrees and patterns of pleiotropy). The second law describes the operation of teleonomic functions under trade-offs, coadaptations and negative and positive pleiotropies, which are universal in biological systems. According to this law, the functions of an allele, gene or trait are described and defined by patterns of antagonistic (trading off) and compatible (coadapted) functions. The third law of teleonometrics is that the major transitions in evolution are driven by the origins of novel, emergent goals associated with functional changes and by the breaking and reshaping of trade-offs, especially by mechanisms involving increases in resources or time, and new divisions of labour or function. We illustrate the application of these laws using data from three empirical vignettes, which help to show the usefulness of teleonometric viewpoints for understanding the interfaces between function, trade-offs and dysfunctions manifest as disease.
Cultural Responsiveness in Child Protection: Stakeholders and Parental Perceptions of Working Children and Culture-appropriate Assessment in Ghana
Authors: Adonteng-Kissi Obed
Published: July 2022

There is a need to understand cultural responsiveness in the field of child protection and accommodate best interests of the child to local contexts. This research addresses cultural responsiveness in social work interventions as part of child protection services in cases of ‘child labour’ in rural and urban Ghana. The sample size of this study is sixty participants (thirty men and thirty women), and it is made up of social workers and other child welfare practitioners in government agencies; non-governmental organisations; and parents whose children were involved in child labour as well as parents whose children were not. Using semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and participant observation as methods of data collection, participants included parents (ten), stakeholders (ten), focus groups (thirty people); and parental interviews in participant observation (ten) were conducted to gather the needed data with purposive sampling across rural and urban communities in Ghana. Applying a framework approach as the main qualitative data analysis approach, interviews were recorded and transcribed. Overall, the research finds that professionals need to immerse themselves in different cultural practices and communication whilst considering different working definitions for parenting and creating a mission and vision statement that embraces different cultures.