bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate social responsibility and financial performance nexus: Empirical evidence from Ghana
Authors: Saeed Musah Mohammed , Mudliar Mahalakshmi , Kumari Manisha
Published: May 2023

This paper investigates the relationship between corporate social responsibility and the financial performance of Ghana's publicly listed financial institutions. Twelve listed financial institutions on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) provided secondary data during a 10‐year period (2010–2019). The data were examined using descriptive statistics, correlation matrix, rotated factors, factor score efficiency, and regression results. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has a favourable effect on profitability and stock returns, according to the data. This demonstrate that while CSR enhances businesses' capacity for financial success, it should not be viewed as an optional activity but rather be included in long‐term business strategies. The study recommends management of financial institutions to ensure CSR activities are formally inbuilt into their policy statements and backed with an effective budget. The study further recommends more publicity be given to CSR programs undertaken by financial institutions to assist them get the needed potential benefits in enhancing their ROE and ROA. This study serves as a guide for policymakers and reference for future research on the effect of CSR on company performance in Sub‐Saharan Africa.
Cancer gene analysis of liquid‐based cytology specimens using next‐generation sequencing: A technical report of bimodal DNA‐ and RNA‐based panel application
Authors: Akahane Toshiaki , Isochi‐Yamaguchi Tomomi , Hashiba‐Ohnuki Natumi , Bandoh Nobuyuki , Aimono Eriko , Kato Yasutaka , Nishihara Hiroshi , Kamada Hajime , Tanimoto Akihide
Published: May 2023

Background

As liquid‐based cytology (LBC) specimens harbor high‐quality DNA, genomic analysis using LBC specimens is beneficial for integrative diagnosis. This study aimed to clarify the feasibility of LBC specimens for a bimodal application of DNA‐ and RNA‐based next‐generation sequencing (NGS) panels.

Methods

LBC specimens were prepared from cultured human cancer HEC59 cells using commercially available fixatives (Cellprep, CytoRich Red, and SurePath solutions), and were subjected to NGS for a feasibility study. Clinical LBC specimens of thyroid and salivary gland tumors were prepared using CytoRich Red solution. After DNA and RNA extraction, NGS analyses were performed in a single run using combined DNA‐ and RNA‐based custom‐made cancer panels for the detection of gene mutations and fusions.

Results

High‐quality DNA and RNA were obtained, and the expected gene mutations and fusions were detected in HEC59 cells using all types of LBC fixatives. Most available clinical cases (18 out of 20) exhibited pathogenic gene mutations (15 cases) and fusion genes (3 cases) using the bimodal DNA‐ and RNA‐based panels. Overall, 18 cases (90%) showed oncogenic mutations or fusion genes of diagnostic values.

Conclusion

Simultaneous application of bimodal DNA‐ and RNA‐based gene panels was useful in NGS analysis using residual LBC specimens for integrative diagnosis. Residual LBC specimens for genomic analysis, including fusion gene analysis, are particularly useful for obtaining genomic information before surgical resection.
Translational Bioethics and Health Privacy
Authors: Rothstein Mark A.
Published: May 2023

Translational bioethics expands the scope of research ethics to include multidisciplinary analyses of the societal implications of new translational science discoveries. Novel health privacy issues are raised by the collection, use, and disclosure of extensive and diverse big data for research on precision medicine. Similar privacy concerns surround the use of artificial intelligence to analyze vast troves of clinical records to improve patient outcomes. Embedding bioethics scholars with translational scientists can improve the technical analyses and timeliness of bioethical inquiries, but they complicate the task of producing independent and rigorous ethical assessments.
Sample coverage estimation, rarefaction, and extrapolation based on sample‐based abundance data
Authors: Chiu Chun‐Huo
Published: May 2023

Sample coverage, the proportion of individuals that belong to observed species in a sample, is a metric used to measure the completeness of a sample. Rather than using equal sample sizes, equal sample coverage has become a widely accepted standard for comparing diversity across multiple assemblages, resulting in a more accurate representation of the true relationship between the richness of the assemblages. In practice, sample‐based abundance data are the most frequently used data type for evaluating species diversity. In sample‐based abundance data, the sampling unit (e.g., a plot, net, trap, or transect) is randomly selected from the target area, and the number of individuals for each species observed in the sampled unit is recorded. In this case, the individuals in the sample are no longer randomly and independently sampled, and the Good–Turing estimators of abundance‐based sample coverage in reference, rarefied, and extrapolated samples may be severely biased when individuals present a highly spatially aggregated pattern. Here, I derive a novel estimator of abundance‐based sample coverage based on the Good–Turing frequency formula. Additionally, a new analytical approach is introduced for enabling smooth coverage‐based rarefaction and extrapolation to compare richness among assemblages. The near unbiasedness of the proposed estimator and a less biased richness ratio achieved using the newly developed coverage‐based standardizing approach are demonstrated by analyzing three ForestGEO permanent forest plot data sets.
Effects of a novel medium–long–medium‐type structured lipid synthesized using a two‐step enzymatic method on lipid metabolism and obesity protection in experimental mice
Authors: Zhou Yahan , Xie Yuejie , Wang Zhongming , Wang Cao , Wang Qiang
Published: May 2023

We synthesized a novel, structured lipid containing caprylic acid at its sn‐1,3 position and docosahexaenoic acid at its sn‐2 position (1,3C‐2D‐TAG) by using a two‐step enzymatic method and then investigated the relationship between the types of fatty acids in the structured lipid and their physiological functions. Furthermore, we compared the effects of similarly structured lipids on postprandial lipid metabolism and obesity protection. The results revealed that the novel structured lipid synthesized using the enzymatic method not only exhibited better physical properties than traditional oils but also had high oxidation stability and crystallization degree. In terms of physiological function, the low‐dose 1,3C‐2D‐TAG group exhibited higher cholesterol and triglyceride levels, lower kidney weight or body weight, and higher serum aspartate aminotransferase and blood urea nitrogen levels than control group, whereas the high‐dose 1,3C‐2D‐TAG group exhibited higher triglyceride levels. Moreover, the medium‐dose 1,3C‐2D‐TAG group had remarkably higher high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and lower low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels than the high‐lipid, control, and 1,2,3C‐TAG groups; however, the cholesterol and triglyceride levels and kidney and liver functions did not differ significantly among these groups. The study results suggest that 1,3C‐2D‐TAG can not only facilitate the effective utilization of the energy supplied by medium‐chain fatty acids but also help overcome difficulties in the absorption of long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Plant‐based foods as meat and fat substitutes
Authors: Munialo Claire D. , Vriesekoop Frank
Published: May 2023

Animal proteins have in the past been used in food production due to their functional properties that range from gelation and emulsification to foaming ability and stability. However, animal husbandry has been shown to be a major contributor to global warming and climate change. Consequently, there has been a drive toward the use of alternative proteins, for example, proteins from plant sources which are perceived to be cheaper, healthier, and sustainable. The use of trans and saturated fatty acids in the food industry has been associated with various health issues that include an increased risk of metabolic disorders. This has resulted in an increased search for fat substitutes that are healthier and sustainable. To contribute toward a reduction in the consumption of meats from animal sources and the consumption of trans and saturated fatty acids, the formulation of plant‐based meat and fat analogs/substitutes has been carried out. However, there has been a lower acceptance of these meat or fat substitutes which was attributed to their sensorial and textural properties that fail to mimic or resemble real fat or meat. Therefore, this review aims to discuss the advances that have been made when it comes to plant‐based meat and fat substitutes. Additionally, consumer perception and acceptance of these products will be reviewed as well as future markets will be discussed and the opportunities and challenges that exist in the formulation of these products will be explored.
Physicochemical properties and antioxidant activities of marula fruit (Sclerocarya birrea subsp. Caffra) steamed and boiled before juice extraction
Authors: Dorothy Mokoena Z. , Suinyuy Terence N. , Lubaale John , Peter Bamidele O.
Published: May 2023

Marula fruit is one of the most underutilized fruits in South Africa, and it has been reported to contain a high amount of vitamin C which is regarded as the cheapest antioxidant. The fruit pulp is traditionally extracted and boiled into juice, a process that adversely affects the vitamin C and bioactive phenolic profile of the resulting juice. This study evaluated the effects of boiling and steaming on the physicochemical properties of marula fruit juice. The pH, percentage yield, total titratable acidity (TTA), total soluble solids (TSS), total phenolic content (TPC), radical scavenging capacity, and vitamin C content of the fruit juice were examined. The study also investigated the total carotene, color, and sensory properties of the fruit juice. The results showed that boiling and steaming significantly decreased the Vit C content of the juice (75.67 and 60.05 mg/100 g) compared to control sample (95.11 mg/100 g). The TPC, radical scavenging capacity, and total carotene content of the fruit juice increase because the heating processes softened the matrix of the fruit increasing the extractability of the phenolics and carotene content of the samples. The color of the marula fruit juice was increased by both boiling and steaming, while the sensory properties of the marula fruit juice extracted from steamed marula fruit had the highest scores in all the measured parameters. Steaming of marula fruit before juice extraction improved the nutritional composition, antioxidant activities, and sensory properties of marula fruit juice.
Carbon Storage Tanker Lifetime Assessment
Authors: Gaidai Oleg , Hu Qingsong , Xu Jingxiang , Wang Fang , Cao Yu
Published: May 2023

CO2 capture and storage (CCS) is an important strategy to reduce global CO2 emissions. This work presents both cutting‐edge carbon storage tanker design, as well as novel reliability method making possible to extract useful information about the lifespan distribution of carbon capture systems from their recorded time history. The method outlined may be applied on more complex sustainable systems that are exposed to environmental stresses throughout the whole period of their planned service life. The latter is of paramount importance at the design stage for complex engineering systems. Novel design for CCS system is discussed and accurate numerical simulation results are used to apply suggested novel reliability methodology. Furthermore, traditional reliability approaches that deal with complex energy systems are not well suited for handling high dimensionality and cross‐correlation between various system components of innovative dynamic CO2 storage subsea shuttle tanker. This study has two distinctive key features: the state of art CCS design concept, and the novel general purpose reliability method, recently developed by authors, and particularly suitable for operational safety study of complex energy systems.
Carbon efficiency in China: Should we be concerned about the shadow economy and urbanization?
Authors: Pata Ugur Korkut , Olasehinde‐Williams Godwin , Ozkan Oktay
Published: May 2023

Reducing carbon emissions is critical to achieving a carbon‐neutral world according to the Glasgow Climate Pact, but production, and thus carbon emissions, must continue to meet the needs of the world's growing population. Minimizing carbon emissions per production, that is, increasing carbon efficiency is one way to support the Sustainable Development Goals. Therefore, studying the determinants of carbon efficiency for China, the largest global polluter, is important for zero carbon goals. To this end, this study examines the effects of the shadow economy, globalization, trade openness and urbanization on carbon efficiency using novel dynamic autoregressive‐distributed lag simulations for China during 1990–2018. The empirical results illustrate that (i) the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis is not valid; (ii) Shadow economy, trade openness and urbanization reduce carbon efficiency and (iii) Globalization enhances carbon efficiency. Based on these results, it is suggested that the Chinese government should combat the shadow economy to increase carbon efficiency, regulate unplanned and polluting urbanization in a green manner, reduce carbon intensity in foreign trade, and benefit from environmental technologies provided by globalization.
Unmet clinical needs in the use of zanubrutinib in malignant lymphomas (Waldenström macroglobulinemia, marginal zone lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma): A consensus‐based position paper from an ad hoc expert panel
Authors: Zinzani Pier Luigi , Mauro Francesca Romana , Tedeschi Alessandra , Varettoni Marzia , Zaja Francesco , Barosi Giovanni
Published: May 2023

Zanubrutinib has been approved for the treatment of patients with different lymphoproliferative disorders, and now represents a major breakthrough in the treatment of patients resistant or relapsing after the recommended therapies. Because few systematic studies or comparative randomized clinical trials have been conducted, optimal use of the drug in approved indications is challenging, and questions are emerging on its use in earlier stages of the disorders. This article presents the results of group discussion among an ad hoc constituted panel of experts aimed at identifying and addressing unmet clinical needs (UCNs) in the use of zanubrutinib in the lymphomas which have received the approval of use, specifically Waldenström macroglubulinemia, marginal zone lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma. Key UCNs were selected according to the criterion of clinical relevance using the Delphi process. The panel produced recommendations and proposals for new studies for the management of the identified UCNs. These recommendations are intended for use not only by expert centers but above all by not experienced hematologists as well as general practitioners.
Angioembolization for massive pelvic hematoma after prostatic urethral lift
Authors: Ho Brian Sze Ho , Tsu James Hok‐Leung
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Pelvic hematomas are a rare complication of prostatic urethral lift. We would like to report the first case of massive pelvic hematoma after prostatic urethral lift that was successfully managed by selective angioembolization.

Case presentation

An 83‐year‐old gentleman with benign prostatic hyperplasia underwent prostatic urethral lift. Although the procedure was uneventful, he developed shock while in the recovery room. Urgent contrast computed tomography scan showed a large heterogenous hematoma at the right pelvis extending to the right retroperitoneum with contrast extravasation noted. Urgent angiogram confirmed extravasation from the right prostatic artery. Angioembolization with coils and 33% N‐butyl cyanoacrylate glue was successfully performed.

Conclusion

Prostatic urethral lift can be complicated by the rare massive pelvic hematoma, possibly more common in small prostates. With a prompt contrast computed tomography scan, pelvic hematomas can be managed with angioembolization first and hopefully prevent open exploratory surgery.
Triacylglyceride melting point determination using coarse‐grained molecular dynamics
Authors: Cordina Robert J. , Smith Beccy , Tuttle Tell
Published: May 2023

This study is carried out using the COGITO force field to determine whether the thermodynamic melting point of pure triacylglyceride crystals can be predicted using molecular dynamics simulations. The triacylglycerides used in this study are both saturated and unsaturated, as well as symmetrical and asymmetrical, to test the robustness of both the force field and the direct heating methodology described in this paper. Given the nonequilibrium nature of a melting system, a larger number of simulations are required to ensure that the results are sufficiently converged, that is, with little fluctuation and a small confidence interval. The study also highlights the importance of the presence of defects, in this case as voids, to lower the melting nucleation energy barrier of the crystals and avoid superheating of the systems being tested. The size of these defects is much larger than what would be found in a physical crystal, however, the simple and robust procedure that was developed allows the accurate prediction of melting points of the different triacylglycerides.
Interannual variation of midsummer precipitation in the middle reaches of Yarlung Zangbo River and its possible mechanisms
Authors: Yang Cheng , Chi Qu , Zhou Shunwu , Wu Ping , Danzeng Lunzhu , Sun Yang
Published: May 2023

Hydroclimatic process in Yarlung Zangbo River (YZR) plays a critical role in the water cycle of the whole Tibetan Plateau (TP), but there is a lack of understanding about it due to restrictive conditions. In this study, we further investigate the interannual variation characteristics and possible factors of midsummer (July–August) precipitation in the middle reaches of YZR (MYZR) based on the monthly precipitation data from four stations (Lhasa, Xigaze, Tsedang and Gyangze) in the Inner TP and ERA5 reanalysis dataset for the years 1961–2017. The results suggest that precipitation shows no obvious linear trend during the research period but is dominated by interannual oscillation with evident cycles of 3 years. Meanwhile, the interannual variation of precipitation is related to local changes of water vapour budget. The anomalous anticyclones over the Indian Peninsula‐Southeast Asia continuously transport water vapour from the western Pacific, South China Sea and Bay of Bengal (BOB) to the TP. Simultaneously, both the monsoon low and South Asia high in southern TP provide dynamic conditions for the convergence and uplift of water vapour.
Lumbar disc herniation in juveniles: A case–control study of MRI characteristics and etiological insights
Authors: Jiang Lejian , Du Xiaotian , Pan Zongyou , Yuan Ying , Battié Michele C. , Wang Yue
Published: May 2023

Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is rare in juveniles. LDH occurring at age 20 years or younger is referred to as juvenile disc herniation (JDH). While adult LDH is regarded as an advanced stage of disc degeneration, it remains unclear why intervertebral discs rupture in youth. This study aimed to characterize magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of JDH and investigate possible etiological factors. From 2013 to 2020, JDH patients and controls were identified and interviewed to assess demographics, general lifestyles, and family histories. MRIs were evaluated for disc degeneration, epiphyseal ring separation, Modic changes and endplate lesions. The relationships between JDH and suspected risk factors were examined. A total of 297 JDH patients (199 boys and 98 girls, age 17.3 ± 2.1 years) and 185 controls (age 17.1 ± 2.4 years) were studied. Age, body mass index, exposures to daily physical labor, regular exercise, and daily sitting time were similar between JDH cases and controls. A family medical history of serious back pain was more common in JDH patients than in controls (59.4% vs. 26.5%, p < 0.001), as well as family history of clinically established LDH (45.0% vs. 12.4%, p < 0.001). Epiphyseal ring separation was identified in 102 (29.2%) herniated discs in 91 (36.4%) JDH patients, while occurring in only 5 (1.4%) control participants (p < 0.001). Overall, severe disc degeneration was not a prominent finding in JDH patients. In conclusion, epiphyseal ring separation was a common magnetic resonance feature in JDH. Findings suggest a genetically mediated developmental model of JDH, rather than a model of premature disc degeneration.
Simple machine learning methods work surprisingly well for Ramanomics
Authors: Lawrence Celestine P.
Published: May 2023

Recently, a deep convolutional neural network was employed to detect liver cancer by Ramanomics. Results on a demo dataset claimed an accuracy of about 90% to be achieved after around an hour of training in a modern desktop. However, my experience with another Ramanomics dataset taught me that simple methods could potentially outperform deep learning. Here, I tested the simple and interpretable method of logistic regression. It achieved an accuracy of around 90.4% in under a minute. Employing a random decision forest yields an accuracy of 92.6% in under 10 s. Thus, although deep learning is promising, it is yet to provide a quantum‐leap in performance for Ramanomics. A biophysics aware machine learning method would be more welcome!
Can EAT‐10 Become EAT‐5? Improving Measurement Efficiency of Dysphagia with Item Response Theory
Authors: Ahanotu Adaobi , DeVore Elliana Kirsh , Carroll Thomas L. , Edelen Maria , Morcos Mary , Willard Elizabeth , Zhao Nina W. , Belafsky Peter , Shin Jennifer J.
Published: May 2023

Objectives

To assess: (1) the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT‐10) with item response theory (IRT) to determine which individual items provide the most information, (2) the extent to which dysphagia is measured with subsets of items while maintaining precise score estimates, and (3) if 5‐item scales have the differing discriminatory ability, as compared to the parent 10‐item instrument.

Methods

Prospectively collected data from 2,339 patients who completed the EAT‐10 questionnaire during evaluation at a tertiary care otolaryngology clinic were utilized. IRT analyses provided discrimination and location parameters associated with individual questions. Residual item correlations were also assessed for redundant information. Based on these results, three 5‐item subsets were further evaluated using item information function curves. Areas under receiver‐operator characteristic curves (ROC‐AUC) were also calculated to evaluate the discriminatory ability for dysphagia‐related clinical diagnoses.

Results

Item discrimination parameter estimates ranged from 1.71 to 5.46, with higher values indicating more information. Residual item correlations were determined within item pairs, and location parameters were calculated. Based on these data, in combination with clinical utility, three 5‐item subsets were proposed and assessed. ROC‐AUC analyses demonstrated no significant difference between the EAT‐5‐Alpha subset and the original 10‐item instrument for discriminating dysphagia as a primary diagnosis (0.88, 0.88). The EAT‐5‐Clinical subset outperformed the original 10 instruments in ROC‐AUC for aspiration. The EAT‐5‐Range subset was significantly associated with problems with thin liquids.

Conclusions

IRT analyses distinguished three proposed 5‐item subsets of the EAT‐10 instrument, supporting shorter survey options, while still reflecting the impact of dysphagia without significant loss of discrimination.

Level of Evidence

3 (Diagnostic testing with consistently applied reference standards, partial blinding). Laryngoscope, 133:3327–3333, 2023
Procedure‐Related Complications in Sham Surgeries for Parkinson's Clinical Trials: A Meta‐analysis
Authors: Mamaril‐Davis James C. , Gelb Adrian W. , Larson Paul S.
Published: May 2023

Background

Double‐blind, sham‐controlled neurosurgical trials for neurodegenerative disorders are debated as an ethical dilemma, particularly regarding subjects randomized to the sham surgery group with general anesthesia.

Objective

The objective of this study was to examine the safety of sham surgeries in Parkinson's disease (PD) clinical trials through complications related to the procedure.

Methods

A systematic review and meta‐analysis were performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines. Rates and odds ratios (OR) were compared using random effects analysis.

Results

Seven studies, all randomized, double‐blind, sham surgery–controlled trials, with 309 patients with PD, were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed: 141 patients in sham groups and 168 patients in the experimental arms of gene or cell therapy trials. Sham subjects had lower rates of gastrointestinal, positioning, incision‐site, respiratory (hypoxic or hypercapnic respiratory failure), cardiovascular, thromboembolism, postoperative cognitive decline, skull fracture, and intracranial or spinal complications when compared with active treatment subjects. Sham subjects, however, had a higher rate of perioperative respiratory infections, such as pneumonia or sinusitis. Further, sham subjects were less likely to experience postoperative cognitive decline (OR, 0.23; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.11–0.47), intracranial or spinal complications (OR, 0.10; 95% CI: 0.01–0.75), total major morbidity (OR, 0.30; 95% CI: 0.19–0.47), or overall complications (OR, 0.59; 95% CI: 0.47–0.75) when compared with patients receiving experimental therapy.

Conclusions

Patients with PD in the sham surgery control arm of cell transplantation or gene therapy clinical trials have a low risk of procedure‐related adverse events overall and fewer complications than patients in the experimental groups. There were no reported deaths attributed to sham surgery–controlled PD clinical trials. © 2023 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Hepatoenteric Protective Effect of Melanin from Inonotus hispidus on Acute Alcoholic Liver Injury in Mice
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Wu Fuquan , Zhang Fengpei , Li Xiaomin , Wu Xiaoping , Fu Junsheng
Published: May 2023

Scope

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a common disease with a high incidence. Because traditional drugs have obvious side effects, it is desired to find more effective drugs.

Methods and results

This study investigates the effects of melanin from Inonotus hispidus fruiting bodies (IHFM) on acute alcoholic injury mice and detects the protective mechanisms via the gut–microbiota–liver axis. The results show that IHFM alleviates mouse liver injury by enhancing alcohol metabolism capacity, reducing inflammation response level and strengthening antioxidant activities. IHFM also improves mouse liver injury by activating Nrf2 signaling pathway and inhibiting toll‐like receptor4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor‐κβ (NF‐κβ) signaling pathway. Furthermore, 16S amplification sequencing shows that IHFM can significantly increase the relative abundance of Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus johnsonii. The relative abundance of L. reuteri positively correlates with an antioxidant index, while negatively correlates with inflammatory factors.

Conclusion

IHFM can protect mice from acute alcoholic liver injury by upregulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway, downregulating the TLR4/NF‐κβ signaling pathway, and upregulating the relative abundance of L. reuteri and L. johnsonii, representing a step forward in the development of IHFM.
Hyperexcitability, neurodegeneration, and disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Kiernan Matthew C. , Park Susanna B.
Published: May 2023

See article on pages 149–156 in this issue.
The correlation analysis between organizational justice, knowledge‐hiding behaviour and Nurses' innovation ability: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Song Jiating , Yang Zuanzuan , Zhang Zhixia , Huang Qihua
Published: May 2023

Aim

The aim of the study was to analyse the correlations among organizational justice, knowledge‐hiding behaviour and nurses' innovation ability.

Design

A descriptive and cross‐sectional design and the data were collected using questionnaires.

Methods

Demographic information, professional data, innovation capacity scales, knowledge‐hiding scales and organizational justice scales were used in this study. Using descriptive statistics, t‐tests, one‐way analysis of variance and Pearson's or Spearman's correlation analyses, we compared the differences and examined the correlations between participants' demographic and innovation capacity scales, and knowledge‐hiding scales and organizational fairness scales.

Results

We received 1486 valid responses, with an effective response rate of 96.68%. We found team role, nursing age, number of training, literature‐reading habits, organizational justice, information justice, fair distribution and deaf knowledge‐hiding as the influencing factors of nurses' innovation. Nurses' sense of organizational fairness negatively correlated with knowledge concealment and positively correlated with innovation ability. Moreover, knowledge hiding negatively correlated with nurses' innovation ability. Furthermore, knowledge‐hiding plays a partial intermediary role between organizational fairness and nurses' innovation ability.
A simplified primal‐dual weak Galerkin finite element method for Fokker–Planck‐type equations
Authors: Li Dan , Wang Chunmei
Published: May 2023

A simplified primal‐dual weak Galerkin (S‐PDWG) finite element method is designed for the Fokker–Planck‐type equation with nonsmooth diffusion tensor and drift vector. The discrete system resulting from S‐PDWG method has significantly fewer degrees of freedom compared with the one resulting from the PDWG method proposed by Wang‐Wang. Furthermore, the condition number of the S‐PDWG method is smaller than the PDWG method (Wang‐Wang) due to the introduction of a new stabilizer, which provides a potential to design fast algorithms. Optimal‐order error estimates for the S‐PDWG approximation are established in the norm. A series of numerical results are demonstrated to validate the accuracy and efficiency of the S‐PDWG method.
Effects of thermoneutrality on food intake, body weight, and body composition in a Prader‐Willi syndrome mouse model
Authors: Osborne‐Lawrence Sherri , Lawrence Connor , Metzger Nathan P. , Klavon Julia , Baig Hassan R. , Richard Corine , Varshney Salil , Gupta Deepali , Singh Omprakash , Ogden Sean B. , Shankar Kripa , Paul Subhojit , Butler Ryan K. , Zigman Jeffrey M.
Published: May 2023

Objective

Prader‐Willi syndrome (PWS) is a multisystem genetic disorder. Unfortunately, none of several mouse models carrying PWS mutations emulates the entirety of the human PWS phenotype, including hyperphagia plus obesity.

Methods

To determine whether housing at thermoneutrality (TN, 30 °C) permits the development of hyperphagia and obesity in the Snord116del PWS mouse model, the effects of housing three different ages of Snord116del and wild‐type (WT) littermates at TN versus room temperature (RT, 22–24 °C) for 8 weeks were compared.

Results

Snord116del mice born and maintained at TN exhibited lower body weight curves, lower percentage fat mass, and lower food intake than WT mice at RT. In 4‐ to 6‐month‐old high‐fat diet–fed female mice, TN raised the Snord116del body weight curve closer to that of RT‐housed WT mice although the TN‐housed Snord116del mice did not gain more adiposity or exhibit greater food intake. In 6‐ to 8‐month‐old high‐fat diet–fed male mice, body weight, adiposity, and food intake of TN‐housed Snord116del mice remained far below levels in RT‐housed WT mice. TN elicited hypotonia in Snord116del adults and exacerbated mortality of Snord116del newborns.

Conclusions

In none of three tested TN protocols were greater food intake, body weight, or adiposity induced in Snord116del mice compared with RT‐housed WT mice.
Strength and durability that last—Mechanical properties of polyurea and polyurethane coated composites
Authors: Jabbar Madeha , Adnan Muhammad , Shaker Khubab , Abdullah Tayyaba , Nawab Yasir , Hussain Rizwan , Malik A. U.
Published: May 2023

Materials scientists are interested in the development of impact‐resistant materials for military and commercial products. Polyurea and polyurethane are utilized for impact absorption in numerous industries, however, hybrid polymers and their features are rarely explored. Due to their distinct chemical structures and cure kinetics, polyurea‐polyurethane hybrid materials are still in their infancy. The versatility of these materials drives the research to address this challenge. Small‐scale composite companies generally use spray guns to apply chemicals, raising costs. The current study focused on the development of coated composites for impact applications. Polyurea, polyurethane, and their hybrid were used as a coating material on the glass/epoxy composites. The flexural, impact (Charpy and Izod), and thermomechanical properties of these coated composites were investigated. It was observed that coating thickness enhanced impact properties of composite materials. The loss and storage modulus decreased with an increase in temperature for polyurea and polyurethane coated composites. The thermo‐mechanical analysis of hybrid coated composite showed the behavior to be dominantly similar to the polyurethane‐coated composite materials. The flexural strength of glass/epoxy composites increases with the coating, while increasing number of coating layers counters this effect.
Effect of weaving parameter and resin structure of lightweight integrated multifunctional composite on thermal protection performance in extreme environment
Authors: Jiang Zuhang , Wang Tongkai , Li Weijie , Zhang Zhongwei
Published: May 2023

This article reports a novel lightweight integrated multifunctional composite (LIMC) with good thermal ablative and insulating properties for high temperature extreme environment. LIMC, which is an integrated woven carbon fiber preform reinforced phenolic aerogel composites, was prepared using vacuum impregnation and ambient pressure drying. The as‐prepared LIMC consisted of a dense surface layer exposed to environment, and a lightweight insulation zone to manage the heat load. The influences of weaving parameter and resin structure of LIMC on thermal protection and insulting performance were investigated. The results demonstrated that LIMC exhibited excellent ablation and insulation properties, and the weaving parameter and resin structure can affect integrated thermal protection and insulating performance. The 3D orthogonal recession layer with dense aerogels can improve the ablation resistance, while the 2.5D layer‐layer angle‐interlock with light aerogels can increase the insulation behavior of LIMC. The novel LIMC presents wide application prospects in the field of thermal protection and heat insulation.
The prediction methodology for tire durability regulation test using FEA
Authors: Feng Qiang , Kong Hao , Jiang Shuangyan , Wang Maohui , Luo Kangyu , Yong Zhanfu
Published: May 2023

In this article, the finite element analysis (FEA) combined with the fracture mechanism of rubber was used to predict the fatigue life of the radial tire carcass rubber. Five tire structures with different angles were designed under the premise of ensuring the same height of carcass cord and radius of curvature. The fatigue life prediction of tires was performed using the Lake‐Lindley model in combination with finite element models and crack extension tests. The location and causes of damage in 11.00R20 load radial tires were analyzed, and the effect of sleeve cord angle on tire mechanical properties and fatigue performance was investigated to predict the fatigue life of the radial tire carcass rubber. The simulation test results are within 10% error when compared with the actual durability test results, which can fully meet the daily design development of tire enterprises. The fatigue life prediction method can shorten the development cycle and reduce the development cost of tires. Improving tire durability is important for reducing the use of petrochemical materials and environmental pollution.
Diagnostic profiles associated with long‐term opioid therapy in active duty servicemembers
Authors: Dufour Steven , Banaag Amanda , Schoenfeld Andrew J. , Adams Rachel Sayko , Koehlmoos Tracey Perez , Gray Joshua C.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Over‐prescription of opioids has diminished in recent years; however, certain populations remain at high risk. There is a dearth of research evaluating prescription rates using specific multimorbidity patterns.

Objective

To identify distinct clinical profiles associated with opioid prescription and evaluate their relative odds of receiving long‐term opioid therapy.

Design

Retrospective analysis of the complete military electronic health record. We assessed demographics and 26 physiological, psychological, and pain conditions present during initial opioid prescription. Latent class analysis (LCA) identified unique clinical profiles using diagnostic data. Logistic regression measured the odds of these classes receiving long‐term opioid therapy.

Setting

All electronic health data under the TRICARE network.

Participants

All servicemembers on active duty during fiscal years 2016 through 2019 who filled at least one opioid prescription.

Main Outcome Measures

Number and qualitative characteristics of LCA classes; odds ratios (ORs) from logistic regression. We hypothesized that LCA classes characterized by high‐risk contraindications would have significantly higher odds of long‐term opioid therapy.

Results

A total of N = 714,446 active duty servicemembers were prescribed an opioid during the study window, with 12,940 (1.8%) receiving long‐term opioid therapy. LCA identified five classes: Relatively Healthy (82%); Musculoskeletal Acute Pain and Substance Use Disorders (6%); High Pain, Low Mental Health Burden (9%); Low Pain, High Mental Health Burden (2%), and Multisystem Multimorbid (1%). Logistic regression found that, compared to the Relatively Healthy reference, the Multisystem Multimorbid class, characterized by multiple opioid contraindications, had the highest odds of receiving long‐term opioid therapy (OR = 9.24; p < .001; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.56, 9.98).

Conclusion

Analyses demonstrated that classes with greater multimorbidity at the time of prescription, particularly co‐occurring psychiatric and pain disorders, had higher likelihood of long‐term opioid therapy. Overall, this study helps identify patients most at risk for long‐term opioid therapy and has implications for health care policy and patient care.
Psychiatric disorder in DYT1 dystonia
Authors: Yahya Ahmed Saeed , Naguib Meena , Khawaja Shakil
Published: May 2023

DYT1 dystonia is a rare and genetically inherited childhood‐onset dystonia. Psychiatric comorbidity is increased in patients with dystonia. Here the authors present the case of a 25‐year‐old male with DYTI dystonia, previously treated with deep brain stimulation, who came to the attention of secondary care after a near fatal suicide attempt. The authors also summarise their findings from a literature search on psychiatric disorder in primary dystonia secondary to the DYT1 gene.
Comprehensive geriatric assessment for older adult psychiatric inpatients
Authors: Hardy Kate , Mason Oliver , Wilkins Susan
Published: May 2023

The comprehensive geriatric assessment has a significant evidence base in both hospital medicine and community‐based medical care although there appears to be limited evidence of the use of this framework in elderly psychiatric patients. The authors discuss its application in multidisciplinary team meetings for older adult psychiatric inpatients, aiming to improve understanding of a broad range of patient needs and improve communication between team members.
Young professional's integration framework in process safety management, based on the lean principles
Authors: Mendoza Vega Emanuel
Published: May 2023

Young professionals (YPs) must increasingly take part in the systematic changes that respond to the requirements of modern engineering, especially in areas such as Process Safety, where the traditional involvement approach may be insufficient due to practical biases of leadership. These leaders usually fulfill their function as process and culture makers but rarely provide specific strategies and tools that enable incoming professionals to become an active part of the continuous improvement processes inherent to management. With the goal of maximizing the impact of YPs on process safety, the paper offers a brief integration framework with specific recommendations aimed at driving continuous improvement processes at the strategic, technical, and operational levels, based on the principles for managing ideas and information associated with lean, using specific methods such as active Muda reduction, DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) frame management objectives, and a culture‐first mindset that puts the human factor as central to the management of Process Safety, seeking a transversal orientation toward efficiency by adding value to the process and its continuous improvement.
A multistate modeling and simulation framework to learn dose–response of oncology drugs: Application to bintrafusp alfa in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Liu Han , Milenković‐Grišić Ana‐Marija , Krishnan Sreenath M. , Jönsson Siv , Friberg Lena E. , Girard Pascal , Venkatakrishnan Karthik , Vugmeyster Yulia , Khandelwal Akash , Karlsson Mats O.
Published: May 2023

The dose/exposure‐efficacy analyses are often conducted separately for oncology end points like best overall response, progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Multistate models offer to bridge these dose‐end point relationships by describing transitions and transition times from enrollment to response, progression, and death, and evaluating transition‐specific dose effects. This study aims to apply the multistate pharmacometric modeling and simulation framework in a dose optimization setting of bintrafusp alfa, a fusion protein targeting TGF‐β and PD‐L1. A multistate model with six states (stable disease [SD], response, progression, unknown, dropout, and death) was developed to describe the totality of endpoints data (time to response, PFS, and OS) of 80 patients with non‐small cell lung cancer receiving 500 or 1200 mg of bintrafusp alfa. Besides dose, evaluated predictor of transitions include time, demographics, premedication, disease factors, individual clearance derived from a pharmacokinetic model, and tumor dynamic metrics observed or derived from tumor size model. We found that probabilities of progression and death upon progression decreased over time since enrollment. Patients with metastasis at baseline had a higher probability to progress than patients without metastasis had. Despite dose failed to be statistically significant for any individual transition, the combined effect quantified through a model with dose‐specific transition estimates was still informative. Simulations predicted a 69.2% probability of at least 1 month longer, and, 55.6% probability of at least 2‐months longer median OS from the 1200 mg compared to the 500 mg dose, supporting the selection of 1200 mg for future studies.
Molecule‐Assisted Chemical Bath Deposition of Tin Oxide Electron Transport Layers in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wu Jiarui , Zhang Ningjun , Sun Jingsong , Yang Weichuang , Sha Xuan , Zhang Luyan , Long Hanlin , Ying Zhiqin , Yang Xi , Liu Shenghui , Shou Chunhui , Jin Shengli , Zhan Zhaolin , Sheng Jiang , Ye Jichun
Published: May 2023

Chemical bath deposition (CBD) is a widely used approach to deposit the tin oxide (SnO2) electron transport layer (ETL) in the perovskite solar cell (PSC). However, the defect states in the CBD‐resulted SnO2 ETLs limit the electron extraction/transport from the perovskite to the ETL and lead to poor PSC performance. Herein, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid dipotassium (EDTA‐2K) is used as an additive in the CBD precursor of the SnO2 ETL, which results in the chelation of Sn2+ and EDTA during the hydrolysis process. This strategy decreases the concentration of free Sn2+ in the precursor for hydrolysis and slows down the CBD process, thus attributes to the decreased surface defect states as well as the enhanced conductivity of the ETL. As a result, the EDTA‐2K additive makes the CBD SnO2 ETL with efficient electron extraction and transporting capability. The champion device achieves a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 21.87%, which is significantly higher than that of the pristine CBD SnO2‐based device (20.25%). In addition, the device with an active area of 1.21 cm2 achieves a high PCE of 19.23%. This strategy makes the CBD SnO2 an excellent ETL candidate for the development of low‐cost and large‐scale PSCs.
Stability analysis using mixed models: A critique of tolerance interval methods and a probabilistic solution
Authors: Altan Stan , Faya Paul , Rauk Adam P. , LeBlond David , Seaman John W. , Banton Dwaine
Published: May 2023

Recently, tolerance interval approaches to the calculation of a shelf life of a drug product have been proposed in the literature. These address the belief that shelf life should be related to control of a certain proportion of batches being out of specification. We question the appropriateness of the tolerance interval approach. Our concerns relate to the computational challenges and practical interpretations of the method. We provide an alternative Bayesian approach, which directly controls the desired proportion of batches falling out of specification assuming a controlled manufacturing process. The approach has an intuitive interpretation and posterior distributions are straightforward to compute. If prior information on the fixed and random parameters is available, a Bayesian approach can provide additional benefits both to the company and the consumer. It also avoids many of the computational challenges with the tolerance interval methodology.