bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regional disparities in hospital utilisation in Indonesia: a cross-sectional analysis data from the 2018 Indonesian Basic Health Survey
Authors: Laksono Agung Dwi , Wulandari Ratna Dwi , Rohmah Nikmatur , Rukmini Rukmini , Tumaji Tumaji
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Policymakers must ensure that the entire population has equal access to health services, and efforts to minimise inequalities are needed. This study aimed to analyse the regional disparities in hospital utilisation in Indonesia.

Design

A cross-sectional study analysing secondary data from the 2018 Indonesian Basic Health Survey.

Setting

National-level survey data from Indonesia.

Participants

A total of 629 370 participants were included in the study.

Intervention

We employed no intervention

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome was hospital utilisation. Aside from region, we utilise residence type, age, gender, marital status, educational level, occupation, wealth, insurance and travel time as control variables. We used binary logistic regression in the final analysis

Results

The respondents in Sumatra were 1.079 times (95% CI 1.073 to 1.085) more likely than those in Papua to use the hospital. Furthermore, compared with the respondents in Papua, those in the Java–Bali region (1.075 times, 95% CI 1.069 to 1.081), Nusa Tenggara (1.106 times, 95% CI 1.099 to 1.113), Sulawesi (1.008 times, 95% CI 1.002 to 1.014) and Kalimantan (1.212 times, 95% CI 1.205 to 1.219) were more likely to use the hospital. However, those in Maluku were less likely than those in Papua to use the hospital (0.827 times, 95% CI 0.820 to 0.835). Six demographic variables (age, gender, marital status, educational level, occupation and wealth) and three other control variables (residence type, insurance and travel time to the hospital) were found to be associated with hospital utilisation.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the existence of regional disparities in hospital utilisation in Indonesia.
Current state of management and outcomes of facial nerve palsy in low-income and middle-income countries: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Ikwuegbuenyi Chibuikem A , Ooi Setthasorn Zhi Yang , Takoutsing Berjo Dongmo , Jesuyajolu Damilola A , Nwanmah Chibueze , Olobatoke Tunde , Ogunfolaji Oloruntoba , David Samuel , Ojo Tioluwani , Umutoni Alice
Published: January 2023

Introduction

The aim of the protocol is to present the methodology of a scoping review that aims to synthesise up-to-date evidence on the management and outcomes of facial nerve palsy in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Methods and analysis

The scoping review will be conducted per the Arksey and O’Malley’s framework and the Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewers’ Manual. The scoping review question, eligibility criteria and search strategy will be developed in accordance to the Population, Concept, and Context strategy. The search will be conducted in electronic bibliographic databases (Medline (OVID), Embase, WHO Global Index Medicus, Cochrane Library, Global Health, African Journals Online). The review will synthesise and report the findings with descriptive statistics and a narrative description of both quantitative and qualitative evidence.

Ethics and dissemination

This scoping review does not require ethical approval. This protocol will describe the proposed scoping review that will map the evidence on the management and outcomes of facial nerve palsies in LMICs. The proposed review aims to collate and summarise published literature to inform policy-makers and healthcare organisations and governments and to identify knowledge gaps that will translate into future research priorities in LMICs.
Improving awareness of blood culture indication, procedure and resource Utilization at Armed Forces Hospital Jizan, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Aldiba Manal Ahmed , Dighriri Ahmed , Ghalib Al-Modeer Haider , Hakami Hisham Nasser , Sabei Jamaan , Al-Barraque Abdulaziz , Erwi Saud , Al-Fageeh Ali
Published: January 2023

Blood culture contamination (BCC) is a significant quality and safety issue in hospitals, as it leads to increase in unnecessary testing, admissions, antibiotic exposure and cost. This study is the first study on the BCC rates in Armed Forces Hospital Jizan (AFHJ), Saudi Arabia. The main goal of our quality improvement (QI) project was to reduce BCC rate in AFHJ from 7.5% to international benchmark (<3%) after January 2021 as well as to reduce the negativity rate. This study was conducted in AFHJ (KSA) including two major steps: first, development and implementation of QI interventions to reduce BCC and negativity rate in the AFHJ. Second, evaluation of the effectiveness of these interventions. The intervention was developed through QI methodologies, including fishbone diagramming and the plan–do–study–act cycle. Intervention effectiveness was evaluated using an interrupted time series analysis. Clear survey questionnaires were made and distributed to participants to get preaudit results.Then we started the education programme depending on the preaudit results. Soft copy of written steps of blood collection procedure and indication was done and sent to nurses and physicians. After that, direct observations of nurses involved in the process were conducted. Finally, post-training assessment using previous survey questionnaires was performed to get postaudit results. During the baseline period (preintervention period), 7.5% from blood culture were contaminated, compared with 1.8% during the intervention period (postintervention period). Rate of negative blood culture was reduced from 96% to 91%. Overall improvement of knowledge and awareness of the nurses and physicians clearly noted after intervention implementation. Fortunately, we have noted that the budget of microbiology would be reduced by 10%–12% as a result of our interventions. By standardising blood culture collection methods, optimising blood volume and nurses’ education, we were able to develop a best practice for blood culture collection and to reduce BCC and negativity rate to a sustainable low rate at our hospital.
Performance of three screening tools to predict COVID-19 positivity in emergency department patients
Authors: DiLorenzo Madeline A , Davis Megan R , Dugas Julianne N , Nelson Kerrie P , Hochberg Natasha S , Ingalls Robin R , Mishuris Rebecca Grochow , Schechter-Perkins Elissa M
Published: January 2023

Background

COVID-19 symptoms vary widely. This retrospective study assessed which of three clinical screening tools—a nursing triage screen (NTS), an ED review of systems (ROS) performed by physicians and physician assistants and a standardised ED attending (ie, consultant) physician COVID-19 probability assessment (PA)—best identified patients with COVID-19 on a subsequent reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) confirmation.

Methods

All patients admitted to Boston Medical Center from the ED between 27 April 2020 and 17 May 2020 were included. Sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated for each method. Logistic regression assessed each tool’s performance.

Results

The attending physician PA had higher sensitivity (0.62, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.71) than the NTS (0.46, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.56) and higher specificity (0.76, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.80) than the NTS (0.71, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.75) and ED ROS (0.62, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.67). Categorisation as moderate or high probability on the ED physician PA was associated with the highest odds of having COVID-19 in regression analyses (adjusted OR=4.61, 95% CI 3.01 to 7.06). All methods had a low PPV (ranging from 0.26 for the ED ROS to 0.40 for the attending physician PA) and a similar NPV (0.84 for both the NTS and the ED ROS, and 0.89 for the attending physician PA).

Conclusion

The ED attending PA had higher sensitivity and specificity than the other two methods, but none was accurate enough to replace a COVID-19 RT-PCR test in a clinical setting where transmission control is crucial. Therefore, we recommend universal COVID-19 testing prior to all admissions.
Distinct single-cell immune ecosystems distinguish true and de novo HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma recurrences
Authors: Chen Shuling , Huang Cheng , Liao Guanrui , Sun Huichuan , Xie Yubin , Liao Changyi , Wang Jianping , He Minghui , Hu Huanjing , Dai Zihao , Ren Xiaoxue , Zeng Xuezhen , Lin Zhilong , Zhang Guo-Pei , Xie Wenxuan , Shen Shunli , Li Shaoqiang , Peng Sui , Kuang Dong-Ming , Zhao Qiang , Duda Dan G , Kuang Ming
Published: January 2023

Objective

Revealing the single-cell immune ecosystems in true versus de novo hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrences could help the optimal development of immunotherapies.

Design

We performed 5’and VDJ single-cell RNA-sequencing on 34 samples from 20 recurrent HCC patients. Bulk RNA-sequencing, flow cytometry, multiplexed immunofluorescence, and in vitro functional analyses were performed on samples from two validation cohorts.

Results

Analyses of mutational profiles and evolutionary trajectories in paired primary and recurrent HCC samples using whole-exome sequencing identified de novo versus true recurrences, some of which occurred before clinical diagnosis. The tumour immune microenvironment (TIME) of truly recurrent HCCs was characterised by an increased abundance in KLRB1+CD8+T cells with memory phenotype and low cytotoxicity. In contrast, we found an enrichment in cytotoxic and exhausted CD8+T cells in the TIME of de novo recurrent HCCs. Transcriptomic and interaction analyses showed elevated GDF15 expression on HCC cells in proximity to dendritic cells, which may have dampened antigen presentation and inhibited antitumour immunity in truly recurrent lesions. In contrast, myeloid cells’ cross talk with T cells-mediated T cell exhaustion and immunosuppression in the TIME ofde novorecurrent HCCs. Consistent with these findings, a phase 2 trial of neoadjuvant anti-PD-1 immunotherapy showed more responses in de novo recurrent HCC patients.

Conclusion

True and de novo HCC recurrences occur early, have distinct TIME and may require different immunotherapy strategies. Our study provides a source for genomic diagnosis and immune profiling for guiding immunotherapy based on the type of HCC recurrence and the specific TIME.
Relativistic particles in curved space with a static metric using the Dunkl derivative in the Dirac operator
Authors: Sedaghatnia P. , Hassanabadi H. , Alhaidari A. D. , Chung W. S.
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we introduce matrix operator algebra involving a universal curvature constant and using the Dunkl derivative. Consequently, the Dirac equation can be written without spin connections. Iterating the Dirac equation gives the Klein–Gordon equation in its canonical form without first-order Dunkl derivatives. This leads to a new form for the static metric based on the Dunkl operator in curved space.
Search for the singlet vector-like lepton in Wντ channel at the TeV e+e− colliders
Authors: Li Haitao , Chao Jinjin , Zhang Guoqing
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we perform a search for the vector-like leptons (VLLs) in [Formula: see text] channel at the future TeV [Formula: see text] colliders such as the International Linear Collider (ILC) with 1[Formula: see text]TeV and Compact Linear Collider (CLIC) with 1.5[Formula: see text]TeV. We divide the signal into two decay channels, that is the pure leptonic channel and the fully hadronic channel. Through a detailed detector simulation, we display the excluding and discovering capability of VLLs at the ILC and CLIC. Compared to the pure leptonic channel, we find that it is more promising to detect the VLLs in the fully hadronic channel.
Real-Time 3D Reconstruction of Large-Scale Scenes with LOD Representation
Authors: Fu Haohai , Yang Huamin , Chen Chunyi
Published: January 2023

Real-time 3D reconstruction of static scenes can be achieved based on the RGB-D image sequence fusion. It is a popular practice to divide the space into uniform voxels and use a truncated signed distance function to represent surface information. In order to represent a scene of large scale, the voxel hash algorithm which stores voxels compressively can be used, but most of the conventional methods do not consider the complexity and roughness of the object surface in the scene, so the scene is represented with a uniform resolution. It somewhat limits the range of scene representation and the speed of real-time reconstruction. In this paper, a large-scale scene reconstruction algorithm based on voxel hashing storage with LOD representation is proposed. The main contributions include the following two aspects: (1) By preprocessing the depth image with smooth filtering, which ensures the accuracy of the data, it can effectively reduce the distortion caused by the sensor itself and violent motion and provide better support for the stages of voxel hashing, model rendering, and frame-to-model camera position tracking. (2) The 3D reconstruction with LOD representation is realized. We take the view distance and the roughness of the model surface as criteria to control the adaptive division and representation of spatial voxel blocks. Finally, we carried out qualitative and quantitative evaluations of the algorithm, and confirmed that the algorithm can achieve real-time reconstruction with different levels of detail in the commercial graphics processing hardware environment, and achieve a good fusion effect in large-scale scenes.
Weakly Supervised Salient Object Detection by Hierarchically Enhanced Scribbles
Authors: Wang Xiongying , Al-Huda Zaid , Peng Bo , Tang Xin
Published: January 2023

The performance of salient object detection (SOD) has been significantly advanced by using deep convolutional networks. However, it largely depends on the high cost of pixel-level annotations. To reduce human effort while improving the prediction accuracy, we propose a novel two-phase learning framework. The weakly supervised information in terms of scribbles is provided as initial labels. Then, as the first phase, high-quality pseudo-labels are generated by mapping scribbles onto object/object-part contours. These contour maps are predicted by the hierarchical contour detection algorithm, providing superior accuracy and smoothness. In the second phase, a deep neural network is alternately trained and predicted. The pseudo-labels are refined in an iterated process, where a conditional random field (CRF) model and a filter module are designed to promote the performance. Extensive experiments on five benchmarks show that our framework can achieve comparable results with the state-of-the-art fully and weakly supervised methods.
On an elastic strain-limiting special Cosserat rod model
Authors: Rajagopal K. R. , Rodriguez C.
Published: January 2023

Motivated by recent strain-limiting models for solids and biological fibers, we introduce the first intrinsic set of nonlinear constitutive relations, between the geometrically exact strains and the components of the contact force and contact couple, describing a uniform, hyperelastic, strain-limiting special Cosserat rod. After discussing some attractive features of the constitutive relations (orientation preservation, transverse symmetry and monotonicity), we exhibit several explicit equilibrium states under either an isolated end thrust or an isolated end couple. In particular, certain equilibrium states exhibit Poynting like effects, and we show that under mild assumptions on the material parameters, the model predicts an explicit tensile shearing bifurcation: a straight rod under a large enough tensile end thrust parallel to its center line can shear.
Rigorous derivation of the Euler-alignment model with singular communication weights from a kinetic Fokker–Planck-alignment model
Authors: Choi Young-Pil , Kim Jeongho
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we present a rigorous derivation of the isothermal Euler-alignment model with singular communication weights. We consider a hydrodynamic limit of a kinetic Fokker–Planck-alignment model, which is the nonlinear Fokker–Planck equation with the Cucker–Smale alignment force. Our analysis is based on the estimate of relative entropy between macroscopic quantities, together with careful analysis on the singular communication weights.
Small-signal solutions to a nonlocal cross-diffusion model for interaction of scroungers with rapidly diffusing foragers
Authors: Tao Youshan , Winkler Michael
Published: January 2023

As a simplified version of a three-component taxis cascade model accounting for different migration strategies of two population groups in search of food, a two-component nonlocal nutrient taxis system is considered in a two-dimensional bounded convex domain with smooth boundary. For any given conveniently regular and biologically meaningful initial data, smallness conditions on the prescribed resource growth and on the initial nutrient signal concentration are identified which ensure the global existence of a global classical solution to the corresponding no-flux initial-boundary value problem. Moreover, under additional assumptions on the food production source these solutions are shown to be bounded, and to stabilize toward semi-trivial equilibria in the large time limit, respectively.
Unknotting twisted knots with Gauss diagram forbidden moves
Authors: Xue Shudan , Deng Qingying
Published: January 2023

Twisted knot theory, introduced by Bourgoin, is a generalization of virtual knot theory. It is well known that any virtual knot can be deformed into a trivial knot by a finite sequence of generalized Reidemeister moves and two forbidden moves [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Similarly, we show that any twisted knot also can be deformed into a trivial knot or a trivial knot with a bar by a finite sequence of extended Reidemeister moves and three forbidden moves [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] (or [Formula: see text]) and [Formula: see text] (or [Formula: see text]).
Microscopic study of shape variation across even–even mass chain of cadmium isotopes
Authors: Sharma Shivali , Devi Rani , Khosa S. K.
Published: January 2023

The ground state shapes and properties of even–even [Formula: see text]Cd isotopes have been studied in the framework of relativistic Hartree–Bogoliubov model with two effective interactions that are density-dependent meson exchange and point coupling. The theoretical results on the binding energies, charge radii and two neutron separation energies are presented in this paper in comparison to experimental data and a reasonable agreement is found between the two. Both the interactions predict spherical to axially prolate, prolate to triaxial, triaxial to prolate and prolate to spherical transitions in cadmium isotopic mass chain. In addition, the present calculations confirm the existence of shape coexistence observed in [Formula: see text]Cd. The comparison of calculated ground state properties with the results based on PC-PK1 functional shows that PC-PK1 employed in the deformed relativistic Hartree–Bogoliubov theory in continuum has the lowest root mean square deviation for average binding energies and two neutron separation energies.
Mitigation of Inter-Cell Interference by using MIMO System in Visible Light Communication System
Authors: Ali Agha Yasir , Farhi Lubna , Laila Umme , Anis M. Irfan , Wang Shujun
Published: January 2023

In this paper, the multiple input and multiple output system (MIMO) is investigated to mitigate the inter-cell interference (ICI) in visible light communication (VLC). The interference due to light from neighbor cell deteriorates the channel capacity of the system. Therefore, a MIMO-based VLC system is employed to optimize the capacity especially in ICI areas of the room. In this paper, the capacity of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] MIMO systems is investigated and compared with the single input and single output (SISO) channel capacity without interference. The channel capacity improves by increasing the order of MIMO array and it deteriorates due to ICI. However, the effects of ICI are more severe at higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) especially at high interference areas. Therefore, the order of MIMO array is investigated at different SNRs in interference regions to achieve the interference-free capacity system. Simulation and theoretical results show that ICI is considerably mitigated by using MIMO system. The high SNR 42, 47 and 51.7 dB is achieved in ICI for [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] MIMO system, respectively.
Contribution of Nonlinear Dynamics to the Informational Efficiency of the Bitcoin Market
Authors: Alvarez-Ramirez J. , Castro L. , Rodriguez E.
Published: January 2023

The recent decade has witnessed a surge of cryptocurrency markets as innovative financial systems based strongly on digital emission, interchange and coding. The main characteristic is that cryptocurrencies are not subjected to the regulation of governments and financial institutions (e.g., central banks), such that their dynamics are determined solely by non-centralized mechanisms. Informational efficiency is a key issue for cryptocurrency markets since its fulfillment guarantees that all participants have access to the same information quality and that arbitrage conditions are discarded. This study evaluated the contribution of nonlinearities to the informational efficiency of the Bitcoin market for the period 2014–2022. Singular value decomposition (SVD) entropy together with shuffled and phase-randomized data in a rolling-window framework was used to capture randomness and nonlinear dynamics in Bitcoin returns. It was found that the contribution of nonlinearities to informational efficiency increases with the time scale, with a mean contribution of about 7.25% for long-time scales. This means that the Bitcoin market is only affected by weak nonlinearities, although these effects should be considered for forecasting and valuation.
Small perturbations may change the sign of Lyapunov exponents for linear SDEs
Authors: Cheng Xianjin , Liu Zhenxin , Zhang Lixin
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we study the existence of [Formula: see text]-dimensional linear stochastic differential equations (SDEs) such that the sign of Lyapunov exponents is changed under an exponentially decaying perturbation. First, we show that the equation with all positive Lyapunov exponents will have [Formula: see text] linearly independent solutions with negative Lyapunov exponents under the perturbation. Meanwhile, we prove that the equation with all negative Lyapunov exponents will also have solutions with positive Lyapunov exponents under another similar perturbation. Finally, we show that other three kinds of perturbations which appear at different positions of the equation will change the sign of Lyapunov exponents.
Physical measures of asymptotically autonomous dynamical systems
Authors: Newman Julian , Ashwin Peter
Published: January 2023

Although chaotic attractors for autonomous dynamical systems show sensitive dependence on initial conditions, they also typically support a physical or natural measure that characterizes the statistical behavior of almost all initial conditions near the attractor with respect to a background measure such as Lebesgue. In this paper, we identify conditions under which a nonautonomous system that limits as [Formula: see text] to an autonomous system with a physical measure is guaranteed to possess a “nonautonomous physical measure” that limits to the physical measure of the autonomous system.
New optical quasi normal antiferromagnetic microscale in Heisenberg algebra
Authors: Körpinar Zeliha , Körpinar Talat
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we construct optical normal magnetic electromotive microscale by electroosmotic potential in quasi Heisenberg algebra. Also, we obtain optical quasi normal electric Heisenberg optimistic density in quasi Heisenberg algebra. Finally, we demonstrate quasi normal electric Heisenberg antiferromagnetic microscale with numerous potentials in quasi Heisenberg algebra.
Consideration Upon Boundary Conditions in the Goland–Reissner Model
Authors: Santi Gian Maria , Francia Daniela , Cesari Francesco
Published: January 2023

This paper analyzed a simple joint with the Goland–Reissner (G-R) theory. The study’s primary purpose is to define specific boundary conditions that depend on several factors to minimize the use of complex finite element analysis in the well-known applications. The problem depends on the length of the adhesions area and the magnitude of axial load P. The joint was first considered rigid to evaluate the stresses at its extremes, after which the theory of G-R was applied, considering the cases of equal and different adhesions. A mathematical approach was carried out starting from the equilibrium of the infinitesimal element. The results were finally compared with the Finite Element Method using FEM code.
A Numerical Model for Rotational Autofrettage of Disks Based on von Mises Yield Criterion and its Application in Strengthening Flanged Disks Used for Joining High-Pressure Pipelines
Authors: Chetry Avinash , Kamal S. M. , Mehta V. K.
Published: January 2023

In this work, a numerical analysis of the recently proposed rotational autofrettage method for strengthening hollow circular disks is carried out. The analysis of this new process is in nascent stage. Some analyses are available in the literature to study rotational autofrettage based on Tresca yield criterion. However, in general, the von Mises yield criterion closely replicates the yielding behavior of metals. Thus, in this work, the rotational autofrettage of disks is analyzed incorporating von Mises yield criterion. The governing differential equations are obtained for the elastic and plastic deformations in the disk under centrifugal loading based on the assumption of axisymmetric condition and plane stress incorporated in von Mises yield criterion. A numerical scheme is then followed to solve the set of governing differential equations along with the boundary conditions to obtain the stress distribution in an elastic-perfectly plastic disk during loading stage of rotational autofrettage. The residual stress distribution in the disk after unloading of the centrifugal loading are also obtained. The rotationally autofrettaged disk of typical radial dimension is numerically experimented for its different in-service load carrying capacities. Significant improvements are achieved in in-service pressure, radial temperature and centrifugal load carrying capacities in the autofrettaged disk as compared to their non-autofrettaged counterpart. Different numerical results are compared with corresponding solution due to Tresca yield criterion. Further, the present solution of rotational autofrettage is proposed to apply in strengthening industrial standard flanged disks of various dimensions used in connecting high pressure pipelines. It is found that the maximum pressure carrying capacity of flanged disk can be increased up to 77% for wall thickness ratios more than 3.5 by employing rotational autofrettage.
On the power graph of a monogenic semigroup
Authors: Khanra Biswaranjan , Mandal Manasi , Ghosh Buddha Dev
Published: January 2023

Let [Formula: see text] be a monogenic semigroup with zero. Here, we consider the power graph [Formula: see text] over [Formula: see text] with vertex set [Formula: see text] and two distinct vertices [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are adjacent if [Formula: see text] divides [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] divides [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text]. We compute various graph parameters of [Formula: see text] and topological indices based on distance of vertices. Finally, we compute some graph parameters of the cartesian product [Formula: see text] of graphs [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
A novel Sr5BiTi3Nb7O30 tungsten bronze ceramic with high energy density and efficiency for dielectric capacitor applications
Authors: Zheng Xiangting , Zhong Wentao , Zheng Peng , Bai Wangfeng , Luo Chong , Zheng Liang , Zhang Yang
Published: January 2023

Dielectric capacitors with high capacitive energy storage are urgently needed to meet the growing demand for high-performance energy storage devices. Herein, a novel lead-free Sr5BiTi3Nb7O[Formula: see text] (SBTN) tungsten bronze relaxor ferroelectric ceramic is prepared and explored for potential energy storage applications. A high recoverable energy density [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text] 3.72 J/cm3) and ultrahigh efficiency [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text] 94.2%) at 380 kV/cm are achieved simultaneously. Both [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] exhibit superior stabilities against temperature (30–140[Formula: see text]C), cycles (100 –105) and frequency (1–500 Hz). In addition, a high current density of 796 A/cm2 and a large power density of 71.7 MW/cm3 are achieved, together with good thermal endurance and fatigue resistance. These results demonstrate that the obtained SBTN ceramic can be deemed as the promising candidates for dielectric capacitor applications.
Chemical Synthesis of Bismuth Oxide and Its Ionic Conversion to Bismuth Sulphide for Enhanced Electrochemical Supercapacitor Energy Storage Performance
Authors: Danamah Hamdan M. , Raut Siddheshwar D. , Shaikh Zeenat A. , Mane Rajaram S.
Published: January 2023

Successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR)-based room-temperature (27 °C) chemical synthesis of bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) and its ionic conversion to bismuth sulphide (Bi2S3) has been performed and reported in the present study. A chemical conversion of the bismuth oxide to the bismuth sulphide has been confirmed using changes in the structure, phase, surface elementals , and surface area measurement studies. Both bismuth oxide and bismuth sulphide electrode materials are envisaged in electrochemical measurements wherein, the later has evidenced an enhanced electrochemical performance over the prior. The cycling stability of the Bi2S3 (91% after 2000 cycles) electrode material is also better than the Bi2O3 (87% over 2000 cycles). The as-assembled Bi2S3//Bi2S3 symmetric electrochemical supercapacitor device has adduced 75.3 Wh kg−1 and 749.8 W Kg−1energy and power densities, respectively with nearly 88.8% capacitance retention efficacy even over 2000 redox cycles measured at 10 A g−1. The commercial potential of the Bi2S3//Bi2S3 has been tested by powering the display panel “CNED” consisting nearly 42 LEDs with a full-light intensity.
Chalcogenide-Based Complex Transition Metal Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Peroxide Production
Authors: Dhabarde Nikhil , Ferrer Alyssa , Tembo Prichard Mekani , Raja Krishnan Selva , Subramanian Vaidyanathan Ravi
Published: January 2023

Electrochemical production of H2O2 by oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) provides an alternative method to the energy intensive anthraquinone process. Nickel-Molybdenum-Tellurium (Ni-Mo-Te) film has been electrodeposited on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate. Te loading in the Ni-Mo-Te film was varied by changing Te precursor concentration in the electrolyte. The resulting film was tested in an H-cell as an electrocatalyst for H2O2 production via ORR. A 4-fold increase in the activity towards ORR was attributed to the increased number of Te sites in the Ni-Mo-Te film leading to effective electron transfer.
Evaluation of Nanomedicine Applications of Silver and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Water Extract of Fresh Turmeric
Authors: Saravanan K. , Natarajan B. , Nallamuthu N. , Sadiq Muhammad , Ramanujam Ganesh Munusamy
Published: January 2023

Recently, there has been a lot of research into the green synthesis of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, particularly from plants. To date, however, there has been no published study detailing the synthesis of Ag and ZnO nanoparticles using fresh turmeric extract. In this experiment, silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesised with an environmentally friendly capping and reducing agent made from fresh turmeric extracts. The synthesised Ag and ZnO nanoparticles were verified using UV–vis, FT-IR, XRD, TGA, HR-SEM, and HR-TEM. The SEM and XRD showed that the synthesised nanoparticles had a size range of 10–30 nm, a highly crystalline form, and a well-almost spherical shape. Medical applications for the synthesised Ag and ZnO nanoparticles include their antibacterial activity against S. aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia. Scavenging activities varied from 20% to 70% for turmeric, 0% to 20% for ZnO, and 40% to 60% for silver. ZnO was found to be more cytotoxic than Ag against THP-I at the tested concentrations. Overall, the biologically synthesised silver and zinc oxide presented in this study offers a safe alternative to synthetic substances and shows promise as a candidate for antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activity in nanomedicine.
Differential remodeling in small and large murine airways revealed by novel whole lung airway analysis
Authors: Tatler Amanda L. , Philp Christopher J. , Hill Michael R. , Cox Sam , Bullock Andrew M. , Habgood Anthony , John Alison , Middlewick Robert , Stephenson Katherine E. , Goodwin Amanda T. , Billington Charlotte K. , O’Dea Reuben D. , Johnson Simon R. , Brook Bindi S.
Published: January 2023

Airway remodeling occurs in chronic asthma leading to increased airway smooth muscle (ASM) mass and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. Although extensively studied in murine airways, studies report only selected larger airways at one time-point meaning the spatial distribution and resolution of remodeling are poorly understood. Here we use a new method allowing comprehensive assessment of the spatial and temporal changes in ASM, ECM, and epithelium in large numbers of murine airways after allergen challenge. Using image processing to analyze 20–50 airways per mouse from a whole lung section revealed increases in ASM and ECM after allergen challenge were greater in small and large rather than intermediate airways. ASM predominantly accumulated adjacent to the basement membrane, whereas ECM was distributed across the airway wall. Epithelial hyperplasia was most marked in small and intermediate airways. After challenge, ASM changes resolved over 7 days, whereas ECM and epithelial changes persisted. The new method suggests large and small airways remodel differently, and the long-term consequences of airway inflammation may depend more on ECM and epithelial changes than ASM. The improved quantity and quality of unbiased data provided by the method reveals important spatial differences in remodeling and could set new analysis standards for murine asthma models.
The ultimate tradeoff: how red cell adaptations to malaria alter the host response during critical illness
Authors: Dobkin Jane , Wu Ling , Mangalmurti Nilam S.
Published: January 2023

The human immune system evolved in response to pathogens. Among these pathogens, malaria has proven to be one of the deadliest and has exerted the most potent selective pressures on its target cell, the red blood cell. Red blood cells have recently gained recognition for their immunomodulatory properties, yet how red cell adaptations contribute to the host response during critical illness remains understudied. This review will discuss how adaptations that may have been advantageous for host survival might influence immune responses in modern critical illness. We will highlight the current evidence for divergent host resilience arising from the adaptations to malaria and summarize how understanding evolutionary red cell adaptations to malaria may provide insight into the heterogeneity of the host response to critical illness, perhaps driving future precision medicine approaches to syndromes affecting the critically ill such as sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
Multisensory Design of Electric Shavers Based on Kansei Engineering and Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Lin Zhe-Hui , Woo Jeng-Chung , Luo Feng , Pan Guo-Qing
Published: January 2023

The market scale of electric shavers in China has reached ¥ 26.3 billion in 2021. Consumers currently place an increasing emphasis on the Kansei image conveyed by products rather than just concerning with functional satisfaction. To meet consumers’ expectations, the emotional message conveyed by product design is essential under multisensory channels. This research first collected 230 electric shavers samples and 135 pairs of consumers’ Kansei words, then reduced them into 34 representative samples using multidimensional scale and clustering analysis, with 4 groups of representative Kansei words selected via the expert group. Moreover, consumers’ Kansei images were evaluated via questionnaire using the semantic differential scales, with 416 valid samples acquired in total. Meanwhile, design elements of the samples (including item and category) were classified by ways of morphological analysis and audio software. At last, the prediction models of the electric shavers were established between the overall design elements and user’s Kansei evaluation under the multisensory channel of visual model and auditory audio taking advantage of Quantification Theory Type I , back propagation neural network, and genetic algorithm‐based BPNN. The proposed models can provide defined design indexes and references in multisensory design, facilitating designers to design in a logical and scientific manner rather than designing as per experience.
Game Analysis of Container Ports Co‐Competition and Coordinated Development in Guangdong‐Hong Kong‐Macao Greater Bay Area
Authors: Liang Shan , Wang Xuanfei , Liao Zhenjie
Published: January 2023

The port groups of the Guangdong‐Hong Kong‐Macao Greater Bay Area faces a new competitive and cooperative game structure concerning global competition, making it is necessary to build a comprehensive port coordination and development mechanism. In this study, we apply the logistics model to conduct parameter estimation and evolution trend analysis on the development of the port group and highlight that the current container throughput of the Guangdong‐Hong Kong‐Macao Greater Bay Area port group will reach the maximum and the new impetus is needed to push it into the next round of development and evolution. Combined with the theory of ecological population, the Lotka–Volterra model of multiple groups is introduced to study competition and cooperation game, explore their interaction, and provide quantitative support for the formation of different central port groups in the Guangdong‐Hong Kong‐Macao Greater Bay Area. The study provides references for strengthening the construction of complementary resources and coordinated mechanism within the port group, realizing the differential development between ports in the Guangdong‐Hong Kong‐Macao Greater Bay Area.
Characterization of Arrowhead-Derived Type 3 Resistant Starch Prepared by Ultrasound-Assisted α-Amylase Degradation
Authors: Sun Jian , Sun Liangge , Chen Xinxiang , Raza Husnain , Wu Gangshan , Liang Qiufang , Ren Xiaofeng
Published: January 2023

The effect of ultrasonic-assisted α-amylase hydrolysis on the structure and physicochemical properties of arrowhead-derived type 3 resistant starch (RS3) was studied. After ultrasound treatment, the yield of resistant starch reached 17.21%, significantly (

p
<
0.05

) increased by 65.64%. Compared with RS3 prepared by traditional enzymolysis (RS3-E), the crystal form and chemical bond of RS3 prepared by ultrasonic-assisted enzymolysis (RS3-UAE) did not change, but its gelatinization temperature, relative crystallinity, enthalpy, and 1047/1022 values were improved to varying degrees. RS3-UAE exhibited a higher solubility, transparency, water absorption capacity, and higher swelling power at 70°C. The analysis results of iodine absorption, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that RS3-UAE exhibited a more regular shape, smoother surface, higher crystallinity, stable double helix structure, and more ordered and denser structure. Therefore, ultrasound-assisted enzymatic technology is an effective way to prepare RS3, and it can improve the functional and structural properties of the prepared RS3 to a certain extent.
On the Role of Bioconvection and Activation Energy for MHD-Stretched Flow of Williamson and Casson Nanofluid Transportation across a Porous Medium Past a Permeable Sheet
Authors: Eswara Rao M. , Siva Sankari M. , Nagalakshmi Ch. , Rajkumar S.
Published: January 2023

The goal of the current study is to theoretically evaluate the heat and mass transfer behavior of magnetohydrodynamic Casson and Williamson fluids as they pass through a stretched sheet with Brownian and thermophoresis effects. The evolution of high-density heat devices necessitates efficient thermal transportation. For these requirements, the concept of nanofluid plays an active role. This article describes the effects of Cattaneo–Christov. This study introduces new concepts such as motile microorganism bioconvection, non-Fourier heat flux, and activation energy. A Runge–Kutta-based shooting procedure is used to solve the problem. The effects of the relevant parameters on velocity, thermal, concentration, and motile microorganisms are depicted graphically. The computed reduced Nusselt, Sherwood, and motile density numbers are displayed in tables in this study. When compared to the Williamson fluid, the thermal and concentration fields of the Casson fluid are heavily influenced by the parameters.
Effects of Walnut Bark Extract on the Human Platelet Aggregation, Adhesion, and Plasmatic Coagulation In Vitro
Authors: Amirou Asmae , Razzok El Mahdi , Legssyer Abdelkhaleq , Ziyyat Abderrahim , Aziz Mohammed , Bnouham Mohamed , Zaid Younes , Berrabah Mohamed , Mekhfi Hassane
Published: January 2023

Thrombosis is the formation of a clot within a blood vessel. Antithrombotic drugs are used for treating thrombosis, which can be the cause of hemorrhage. Currently, there is a need to discover novel antithrombotic drugs. Walnut is widely used to treat a wide range of health complaints. In this study, walnut bark extract was tested in hemostasis parameters: platelets adhesion, aggregation, and plasmatic coagulation in human blood. The crude aqueous extract of walnut bark was prepared by infusion and tested in vitro on hemostasis. Through blood collection from healthy volunteer donors, we studied different parameters of the primary hemostasis: platelet adhesion on the collagen-coated surface under flow, ADP, collagen, thrombin, and arachidonic acid-induced platelet aggregation, and of the secondary hemostasis by measuring prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin (APTT) parameters. All experiments are realized in the absence and presence of the extract and repeated at least twice. The obtained data showed that the extract (1 and 2 mg/mL) significantly (

p
<
0.001

) reduced the activated platelet adhesion on the collagen-coated surface. In the same way, the effect of the extract on platelet aggregation seems to depend on its concentration and on the nature of the agonist. The strongest inhibition of aggregation was observed in the case of collagen at 1 mg/mL, while there was no observed effect on arachidonic acid-induced aggregation. Moreover, the extract (1 mg/mL) affects the extrinsic, intrinsic, and common pathways of the human blood coagulation cascade by extending significantly (

p
<
0.001

), both PT and APTT times. This study provides evidence that walnut bark extract, by its antiadhesive, antiaggregant, and anticoagulant activities, could be considered as a serious source of biological compounds for the prevention and treatment of thrombosis.
Coronavirus Infection in Neonates: Neurodevelopmental Outcomes at 18 Months of Age
Authors: Ayed Mariam , Alsaffar Zainab , Bahzad Zainab , Buhamad Yasmeen , Abdulkareem Ali , AlQattan Alaa , Embaireeg Alia , Kartam Mais , Alkandari Hessa
Published: January 2023

Background. Although most neonates with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection experience only mild disease, its impact on neurodevelopmental outcomes is unknown. This study aimed to assess the 18-month neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants who had SARS-CoV-2 infection as neonates. Methods. The authors conducted a prospective cohort study of neonates diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection from June 2020 to December 2020 through nasopharyngeal coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). A total of 58 neonates were identified from the Kuwait National COVID-19 Registry and enrolled. Historical controls were selected from the neonatal follow-up registry and matched in a 2 : 1 ratio based on sex and gestational age. When the subjects were 18 months of age, their neurodevelopmental outcomes were assessed by two trained assessors using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-3rd Edition (BSID-III). Results. Forty children diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection were included in the final analysis. The median age at infection was 18 days (range: 10–26 days). Eighteen (45%) patients were asymptomatic, 15 (37.5%) had a sepsis-like presentation, 5 (12.5%) exhibited respiratory distress, and 2 (5%) had a multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C)-like presentation. At the 18 months follow-up, only one child showed a severe developmental delay and one child had a language delay. BSID-III outcomes did not differ significantly between the SARS-CoV-2-infected and control groups. Conclusions There was no difference in neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18 months in children infected with SARS-CoV-2 compared with controls, although longer neurodevelopmental follow-up studies are required.
The Effect of Aligned and Random PCL-Human Amniotic Membrane Powder Scaffolds on Retinal Tissue Engineering
Authors: Majidnia Elahe , Amirpour Noushin , Ahmadian Mehdi , Karamali Fereshteh , Salehi Hossein
Published: January 2023

One promising treatment for degenerative retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the delivery of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells using degradable scaffolds. Tough-aligned scaffolds are promising candidates for some applications of tissue engineering, such as peripheral nerve regeneration. However, aligned scaffolds have not been investigated in retinal tissue engineering so far. Here, a comparison was made between aligned and random scaffolds fabricated from polycaprolactone (PCL) and human amniotic membrane powder (HAMP) as a scaffold for RPE cells. The effects of alignment on mechanical properties, porosity, hydrophilicity, degradation of the scaffolds, and the cellular interaction of RPE cells were investigated. The results revealed that the aligned scaffold has a lower average fiber diameter, porosity, hydrophilicity, and Young’s modulus and also a higher maximum strain in failure compared with the random scaffold. However, the proliferation of RPE cells increased on the random scaffold compared to the aligned scaffold. Hence, the rest of the specialized cellular evaluations, such as immunohistochemistry, real-time PCR, and functional assessments were performed on random scaffolds. The seeded cells showed an expression of RPE signature genes and functionally secreted VEGF and PEDF. Therefore, a HAMP-based substrate was fabricated for potential use as a scaffold for RPE cell transplantation.