bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Qualitative studies of the lived experiences of being in foster care: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Hayes Claire , Tongs Christian , Bhaskara Adella , Buus Niels
Published: February 2023

The aim of this scoping review is to provide an overview of the existing qualitative research concerning the lived experiences of children and young people currently in foster care.

Introduction

Lived experience of foster care is an area of limited research. Studies tend to focus on foster caregiver retention rates, education performance outcomes, evaluations and policy development. Although these studies are important, they provide little insight into the everyday lives of those currently in foster care, which is likely to influence these previous areas of research.

Methods and analysis

The scoping review will be guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s approach to scoping studies. A systematic database search of PubMed, CINAHL and PsycINFO will be conducted followed by a systematic chain search of referenced and referencing literature. English-language peer-reviewed qualitative studies of children and young people currently in foster care will be included. We will exclude studies linked to transitioning out of foster care and studies with samples mixed with other types of out-of-home care. Mixed-methods studies will be excluded in addition to programme, treatment or policy evaluations. Following removal of duplicates, titles and abstracts will be screened, followed by a full-text review. Two researchers will independently screen references against inclusion and exclusion criteria using Covidence software. The quality of the included studies will be assessed by two independent reviewers using the appropriate Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist.

Ethics and dissemination

Information gathered in this research will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences relevant to foster care services and quality improvement. Reports will be disseminated to relevant foster care agencies, where relevant. Ethical approval and informed consent are not required as this protocol is a review of existing literature. Findings from the included studies will be charted and summarised thematically in a separate manuscript.
Representation of patients with non-English language preferences in motor vehicle collision trauma and emergency medicine research
Authors: Smith Margaret , Tibbetts Claire , Agrawal Pooja , Cordone Alexis , Leff Rebecca , Smith Rand N , Moran Timothy P , Brackett Alexandria , Zeidan Amy
Published: February 2023

Background

Individuals with non-English language preferences (NELP) represent a growing proportion of the USA population. Prior studies demonstrate disparate health outcomes related to NELP status; however, this patient population is often excluded from medical research. There is a paucity of literature describing the impact of NELP status on trauma, specifically injury and outcomes related to vehicle occupants injured during motor vehicle collisions (MVCs). The goal of this study was to evaluate the representation of patients with NELP in both emergency medicine and trauma literature.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search of US-based publications from 2010 to 2021. Titles, abstracts and full texts of eligible articles were evaluated. Data were extracted using an a priori determined standardised reporting tool to evaluate language as study inclusion/exclusion criteria, manuscript reporting of language, assessment of language as a primary variable and consideration of language in study methodology.

Results

A total of 82 studies met inclusion criteria. Twenty-three studies (28%) excluded NELP populations and only one study explicitly included the NELP population. None of the studies evaluated language as a primary outcome of the study or included language as a variable in the analysis. Over half of the studies (53.6%) used a public data set or registry.

Conclusion

NELP populations are routinely excluded from and are difficult to identify in MVC trauma research. Without appropriate inclusion and identification, it will be difficult to understand the prevalence and outcomes of traumatic injury in NELP patients and to develop culturally and linguistically appropriate interventions.
Immunoproteasome subunit β5i promotes perifascicular muscle atrophy in dermatomyositis by upregulating RIG-I
Authors: Zhang Lu , Xia Qisheng , Li Wenli , Liu Qingyan , Zhang Lining , Tian Xiaolan , Ye Lifang , Wang Guochun , Peng Qinglin
Published: February 2023

Background

Perifascicular atrophy is a unique pathological hallmark in dermatomyositis (DM)-affected muscles; however, the mechanism underlying this process remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential role of the immunoproteasome subunit β5i and retinoic acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I) in DM-associated muscle atrophy.

Methods

The expression of β5i and RIG-I in the muscles of 16 patients with DM was examined by PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The associations between β5i and RIG-I expression levels and muscle disease severity were evaluated. Lentivirus transduction was used to overexpress β5i in human skeletal muscle myoblasts (HSMMs) and consequent cell functional changes were studied in vitro.

Results

β5i and RIG-I expression in the muscle of patients with DM was significantly increased and closely associated with muscle disease severity. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence analyses showed the marked colocalised expression of β5i and RIG-I in perifascicular myofibres. β5i overexpression in HSMMs significantly upregulated RIG-I, the muscle atrophy marker MuRF1, type I IFN-related proteins (MxA and IFNβ) and NF-κB pathway-related proteins (pIκBα, pIRF3 and pNF-κBp65). In addition, the viability of HSMMs decreased significantly after β5i overexpression and was partly recovered by treatment with a β5i inhibitor (PR957). Moreover, activation of RIG-I by pppRNA upregulated IFNβ and MuRF1 and reduced the cell viability of HSMMs.

Conclusion

The immunoproteasome subunit β5i promotes perifascicular muscle atrophy in DM via RIG-I upregulation; our findings suggest a pathomechanistic role of β5i and RIG-I in DM-associated muscle damage, highlighting these components as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of DM.
Symptom documentation and intervention in paediatric cancer care-association with severity: observational study
Authors: Tomlinson Deborah , Chakkalackal Lauren , Calligan Maryann , Tardif-Theriault Cassandra , Kuczynski Susan , Schechter Tal , Vettese Emily , Tomlinson George A , Dupuis L Lee , Sung Lillian
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Primary objectives were to determine the relationship between prevalence of symptom documentation and intervention provision, and increasing severity of bothersome symptoms, as identified by guardians using guardian-reported Symptom Screening in Pediatrics Tool (proxy-SSPedi), which is validated and measures the extent of bothersome symptoms in paediatric patients with cancer.

Methods

We included guardians of children 2–7 years of age receiving cancer treatments and seen in hospital daily for 4 consecutive days. Guardians reported proxy-SSPedi at study enrolment and 3 days later. Chart review was performed between the day prior and the day following proxy-SSPedi completion. Symptom documentation and intervention provision were determined by two independent abstractors.

Results

We enrolled 190 guardians who provided 371 proxy-SSPedi assessments in 190 children. The most common severely bothersome symptoms were ‘feeling tired’, ‘feeling more or less hungry than they usually do’ and ‘feeling cranky or angry’. Among those with increasing severity of bother, documentation was significantly more common for 12 symptoms while intervention was significantly more common for 7 symptoms. Intervention was not significantly more common with increasing severity of bother due to ‘feeling tired’, ‘feeling more or less hungry than they usually do’ and ‘feeling cranky or angry’.

Conclusions

Symptom documentation was generally more common in patients with severely bothersome symptoms. Intervention was not more common among those with increasing severity of bother due to fatigue, changes in hunger or anger, which were the most common severely bothersome symptoms. Future efforts should focus on facilitating intervention provision to patients with bothersome symptoms.
Palliative gastrointestinal surgical oncology–outcomes after palliative care consultation: retrospective observational study
Authors: Laitamäki Matti , Piili Reetta P , Laukkarinen Johanna , Ukkonen Mika
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Palliative surgery aims to relieve patients’ symptoms and improve quality of life with surgical interventions. While a multidisciplinary approach has been found beneficial for critically ill patients, limited evidence supports this approach in palliative surgery. Here we sought to study whether palliative care consultations can improve outcomes among patients undergoing palliative surgery.

Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing palliative care at gastrosurgical wards in a tertiary Finnish university hospital during a 2-year study period were included. Outcomes of those undergoing surgery with or without palliative care consultation were compared. The main outcome measures were patients’ functional status, postoperative morbidity and mortality.

Results

A total of 312 patients were included, of whom 173 underwent surgery, 77 endoscopic care and 62 were treated conservatively. Of the operated patients, 24 underwent multidisciplinary assessment while among the rest, the treatment decision was based on the surgeons’ assessment. Multidisciplinary assessment was associated with a clinically significantly reduced morbidity (8.3% vs 23%, p=0.111), in-hospital mortality (8.3% vs 17%, p=0.051) and rate of hospital readmissions (8.3% vs 21%, p=0.052). There was no difference in median survival 49 (2–440) vs 45 (1–971) days (p=0.949). Of those undergoing conservative care, 44% could have undergone surgery.

Conclusions

The aim of the palliative surgery is to relieve symptoms among patients with no hope of being cured. While the involvement of the palliative care consultation into the surgical decision-making is likely to reduce unnecessary operations, it is likely to be even more important in improving quality of end-of-life care.
On soft gluon resummation for associated single top production with a Higgs boson at the LHC
Authors: Kulesza Anna , Moreno Valero Laura , Theeuwes Vincent
Published: February 2023

We investigate threshold resummation of soft gluon corrections for the s-channel process of a single top quark production in association with a Higgs boson in the Standard Model. We choose to work in the three-particle invariant mass kinematics in direct QCD, i.e. in the space of Mellin moments. Our results take into account terms of up to next-to-leading logarithmic (NLL) precision, as well as $${\mathcal {O}} (\alpha _{\textrm{s}})$$

O
(

α
s

)

non-logarithmic terms which do not vanish at threshold. After presenting analytical expressions, we discuss the corresponding numerical results for the total cross section and the invariant mass distribution at the LHC.
Evaluation of the structure and electrical properties of (1−x)Bi0.5(Na0.80K0.20)0.5TiO3–xLiNbO3 ceramic composite for piezoelectric sensor applications
Authors: Athikesavan Venkatraj , Arulmani M. , Bhuvana S.
Published: February 2023

Lead-free piezoceramics ([Formula: see text])Bi[Formula: see text](Na[Formula: see text]K[Formula: see text]TiO3–xLiNbO3 (BNKT–LN) (where [Formula: see text], 0.025, 0.050 and 0.075[Formula: see text]mol fraction) were examined for their ferroelectric stability and subsequent modifications. Traditional solid-state reaction techniques were used to create the BNKT–LN piezoceramics, which were then sintered at a temperature of 1200°C. We concentrated on the structural, dielectric, piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties of the BNKT–LN ceramics. The powder X-ray diffraction pattern revealed a single perovskite structure with no secondary phases, as was observed. The temperature-dependent dielectric curves demonstrated that the maximum dielectric constant ([Formula: see text]) is present in the pure BNKT sample and diffuses to a low value when the LN concentration rises. SEM confirms the material’s surface shape, and decreasing grain sizes are seen as the LN content rises. The BNKT–LN ceramics’ P–E hysteresis loops demonstrate good ferroelectric characteristics, with a maximum at 20 kV/cm. With an increase in LN concentration, remnant polarization ([Formula: see text]) and coercive field ([Formula: see text]) show a trend of increasing, reducing and then increasing. The maximum value of the piezoelectric coefficient ([Formula: see text]) for the combined samples was 147[Formula: see text]pC/N. As a result, the lead-free ceramic BNKT (BNKT–LN) doped with LN is an auspicious choice for piezoelectric sensor applications.
Non-Darcian Triple diffusive convection in a combined layer with heat source/sink
Authors: Gamaoun Fehmi , Manjunatha N. , Yellamma  , Sumithra R. , Kumar Raman , Prasannakumara B. C.
Published: February 2023

In the presence of a constant heat source and sink in each layer, the Non-Darcian Triple Diffusive Convection (NDTDC) problem in a combined layer that is horizontally infinite is examined. This composite layer is rigid and adiabatic in the lower enclosure of the porous layer and free as well as isothermal in the higher enclosure of the fluid layer. The thermal Marangoni number (tMn) for two cases of thermal boundary combinations (TBCs), case (i) adiabatic–adiabatic and case (ii) adiabatic–isothermal, is determined by solving the system of ordinary differential equations obtained following normal mode analysis in closed form. The effect of important parameters on NDTDC is studied in detail and illustrated visually versus the thermal ratio. It is noticed that case (i) is observed to be stable because the Eigenvalue obtained is higher than that for case (ii) and NDTDC can be postponed by making the upper boundary of the combined layer adiabatic and the same is augmented by converting the upper boundary of the combined layer to isothermal, as isothermal boundaries support early convections.
Effect of rotating cylinder on nanofluid heat transfer in a bifurcating grooved channel equipped with porous layers
Authors: Saleh Momen S. M. , Mekroussi Said , Kherris Sahraoui , Boutera Yousra , Bouzaher Mohamed Taher , Belghar Noureddine , Chamkha Ali J. , Kolsi Lioua
Published: February 2023

The aim of this work is to examine numerically the effect of using a rotating cylinder and porous layers on the forced convection in a bifurcating grooved channel (BGC) filled with two types of nanofluids (MgO-water, SiO2-water). The semi-implicit finite volumes method was used to solve the governing equations. The effects of Reynolds number, nanoparticles volume fraction, and cylinder rotation speed on hydro-thermal performances have been investigated. According to the obtained results, the rotation direction plays a significant role in the formation of vortices at the branching channel, such that when the cylinder rotates clockwise, the vortex occurs in the vertical channel, and it decreases with increasing Reynolds number. Besides, using BGC with a porous medium enhances the heat transfer rate by 52% and 49% at the vertical and horizontal walls of the porous layer, respectively. On the other hand, the heat transfer rate is improved by 2.6% when using MgO nanoparticles compared to SiO2. Therefore, the use of bifurcating grooved channels can improve the thermal performance of various applications in thermal engineering, from fuel cells to electronic cooling.
Validation of the magnetometer calibration algorithms based on geometric fitting
Authors: Pham Duc An , Toan Nguyen Duc , Pham Trung Nghia
Published: February 2023

This paper presents the principle of the proposed elliptical fitting calibration algorithm and compares it to the published ellipsoidal fitting algorithm for correcting the orientation of magnetic measurement, yaw angle. Two algorithms are implemented on a real device which is the magnetometer in an inertial measurement unit (IMU) that is applied to validate the effectiveness of the 2D calibration method. The validation considers the accuracy of the yaw angle with the stepper motor generating the referred angles. It could be noted that the 2D-calibration algorithm can be implemented and be made compatible with the autonomous mobile robot using the data acquired from the magnetometer and IMU for determining the accuracy yaw angle. The result of the comparison to the referred device’s calibrated data assures the potential for subsequent supervising or controlling processes.
Fostering Corporate Entrepreneurship in SMEs: Evidence from India
Authors: Kapur Inakshi , Singh Anjani Kumar , Bhardwaj Gurendra Nath
Published: February 2023

There is fair consensus regarding the importance of creating a supportive internal environment within organizations to encourage entrepreneurial mindsets and behavior. The majority of extant studies have involved large-sized organizations in the Western context. This study aims to extend the understanding of well-established antecedents of corporate entrepreneurship (CE) to small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in the Indian context, propose a new variable, and test its influence on CE. Partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was applied to a sample of 185 respondents belonging to various managerial levels across different Indian SMEs. The results show a positive and significant relationship between management support, rewards and recognition and organizational values for fostering CE in Indian SMEs. SMEs play a significant role in socio-economic development, and this study can help understand how the benefits of CE can be leveraged to increase SMEs’ innovativeness and competitive advantage.
IFRS Adoption Approaches and Accounting Quality
Authors: Agana Joseph Akadeagre , Zori Solomon George , Alon Anna
Published: February 2023

Synopsis

The research problem

This paper sought to ascertain whether IFRS adoption approaches impact accounting quality. Specifically, as some countries utilize IFRS without modifications while others modify IFRS to suit their local context, we aimed to test whether these differences in IFRS adoption approaches have implications for accounting quality.

Motivation

Prior studies focused on the impact of IFRS adoption on accounting quality without considering the different approaches used by the adopting jurisdictions. Such differences affect the version of IFRS utilized at the country level. We refer to jurisdictions as adopters of IFRS when the IASB’s version of IFRS is utilized without modifications. In contrast, jurisdictions where the IFRS standards are modified at the national or regional level are called adapters. We also recognize the role of enforcement; thus, we first examined whether IFRS adoption and enforcement influence accounting quality. Second, we compared the accounting quality for adopters and adapters of the standards.

The test hypotheses

Our first hypothesis is that the quality of enforcement has a stronger effect on accounting quality than the adoption of IFRS. Second, adapters will have higher accounting quality than adopters of IFRS.

Target population

We focused on the reporting of companies in African countries. These jurisdictions have not been sufficiently examined in prior studies.

Adopted methodology

We use panel data estimation, specifically, random-effects model.

Analyses

We examined accounting quality for pre- and post-IFRS reporting based on 3946 firm-year observations from six African countries over 18 years. Our analysis of the adoption approach is based on 3736 firm-year observations for companies utilizing IFRS. Except for Egypt, which used a modified version of IFRS, other countries in our sample utilized the IASB’s version of IFRS. Using various standard metrics for accounting quality (earnings management, timely loss recognition, and value relevance), we ascertained whether adaption is associated with higher accounting quality compared to adoption.

Findings

The results indicate that IFRS adoption and enforcement proxy are not associated with accounting quality, but other institutional factors are. Adoption of the standards is less important for accounting quality than the existing institutions. With regard to the adoption approach used, adopters demonstrated higher accounting quality for accounting-based measures, less income smoothing, and more timely loss recognition than the adapters. The adopters also exhibited greater value relevance, which suggests that their reporting was better able to capture information that affects firm value. The adoption approaches may influence different dimensions of accounting quality, and the resulting differences are important for users, companies, and standard setters to consider.
DIGITALISATION AND INNOVATION IN SMES: INFLUENCES ON THE ADVANTAGES OF DIGITAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Authors: RODRIGUES MARGARIDA , FRANCO MÁRIO , SILVA RUI
Published: February 2023

Firms focus on digital entrepreneurship to face the challenge of survival in turbulent times, a continuing challenge for their leaders, specifically those in charge of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This means these leaders have to be manufacturers and digital at the same time, to avoid digital, technological and innovative illiteracy. This study aims to determine how digitalisation and innovation have a positive influence on the advantages of digital entrepreneurship in SMEs. To achieve this objective, the quantitative method of structural equation modelling (SEM) was used, with data-collection being based on a questionnaire. The results obtained show that digitalisation and innovation greatly increase the advantages of digital entrepreneurship when the intention is to maximise efficiency, customer relations and stimulate better behaviour among collaborators. Specifically, this study shows how SME managers can embrace new business opportunities supported by the use of information technology and by adopting an organisational culture of innovation. In this way, these small firms can raise their competitiveness in relation to their rivals. Conclusions, contributions, limitations and indications for future research are also presented.
WEAPONIZING THE COVID-19 VACCINE: THE GEOPOLITICAL STRUGGLE
Authors: PELZMAN JOSEPH , BAZEL-SHOHAM OFRA
Published: February 2023

As the world continues to navigate a global pandemic that ignores national borders, it is not surprising to find a divide between the interests of vaccine-producing countries — and their entire supply chain networks for intermediates and raw materials — and countries that are primarily reliant on these producers for their vaccine consumption. This paper puts this debate in the context of a multi country strategic game where the major players have been able to produce a vaccine for COVID-19 and control the distribution of the vaccine and all its components.

To address this issue of sovereign players, some have raised the possibility of a GATT/WTO intervention into COVID-19 vaccine sale and distribution. In addition, a legal battle is taking shape over lucrative patent rights for COVID-19 vaccines, with drug companies pitted against each other and government and academic scientists over who invented what. At the heart of the disputes is the billion-dollar question: Who can claim to have invented important elements of the COVID-19 vaccines?

In June 2022, the WTO struck deals on a partial patent waiver for COVID-19 vaccines. Most observers believe that this change to the intellectual property rules will have limited impact on actual production for now because a current surplus of vaccines globally means there is little demand among vaccine makers to increase output. The implications are clear. The WTO compromise has allowed the existence of high hurdles for exports of products made under such a license. Given the limited WTO compromise agreement there are several options available to solve the problem of lack of access to the COVID-19 vaccine consuming nations at this stage.

First, the US Supreme Court could invalidate each of the pharmaceutical companies’ patent requests. Second, individuals could file legal actions designed to disgorge the monopoly revenue of these pharmaceutical companies. If no legal action is taken, along these lines, and the WTO compromise is insufficient to solve the COVID-19 vaccine shortages in the developing world, then the developed countries will be opening the gate to PRC delivery of their COVID-19 vaccine to the entire developing and emerging markets.
Looking for Aadhaar in a Biometric Haystack
Authors: Anil Vyom
Published: February 2023

Being watched means much more than being seen. This forum investigates information flows of sensing culled from sources as diverse as temperature check and iris scans to sound and movement sensors across terrains. After Veillance discusses how these systems distribute risk unevenly and shape the lives of populations across the globe.
--- Sareeta Amrute, Editor
Label-Free Electrochemical Methods for Disease Detection
Authors: Rahn Kira L. , Peramune Umesha , Zhang Tianyi , Anand Robbyn K.
Published: February 2023

Label-free electrochemical biosensing leverages the advantages of label-free techniques, low cost, and fewer user steps, with the sensitivity and portability of electrochemical analysis. In this review, we identify four label-free electrochemical biosensing mechanisms: ( a) blocking the electrode surface, ( b) allowing greater access to the electrode surface, ( c) changing the intercalation or electrostatic affinity of a redox probe to a biorecognition unit, and ( d) modulating ion or electron transport properties due to conformational and surface charge changes. Each mechanism is described, recent advancements are summarized, and relative advantages and disadvantages of the techniques are discussed. Furthermore, two avenues for gaining further diagnostic information from label-free electrochemical biosensors, through multiplex analysis and incorporating machine learning, are examined.
Neural Plasticity in Sensorimotor Brain–Machine Interfaces
Authors: Dadarlat Maria C. , Canfield Ryan A. , Orsborn Amy L.
Published: February 2023

Brain–machine interfaces (BMIs) aim to treat sensorimotor neurological disorders by creating artificial motor and/or sensory pathways. Introducing artificial pathways creates new relationships between sensory input and motor output, which the brain must learn to gain dexterous control. This review highlights the role of learning in BMIs to restore movement and sensation, and discusses how BMI design may influence neural plasticity and performance. The close integration of plasticity in sensory and motor function influences the design of both artificial pathways and will be an essential consideration for bidirectional devices that restore both sensory and motor function.
Racial, Ethnic, and Cultural Resilience Factors in African American Youth Mental Health
Authors: Neblett Enrique W.
Published: February 2023

Racism constitutes a significant risk to the mental health of African American children, adolescents, and emerging adults. This review evaluates recent literature examining ethnic and racial identity, ethnic-racial socialization, religiosity and spirituality, and family and parenting as racial, ethnic, and cultural resilience factors that shape the impact of racism on youth mental health. Representative studies, purported mechanisms, and critiques of prior research are presented for each factor. Recent studies of racism and resilience revisit foundational resilience factors from prior research while reflecting new and important advances (e.g., consideration of gender, cultural context, structural racism), providing important insights for the development of prevention and intervention efforts and policy that can alleviate mental health suffering and promote health and mental health equity for African American youth.
Acculturation and Psychopathology
Authors: Ferguson Gail M. , Causadias José M. , Simenec Tori S.
Published: February 2023

Acculturation and psychopathology are linked in integrated, interactional, intersectional, and dynamic ways that span different types of intercultural contact, levels of analysis, timescales, and contexts. A developmental psychopathology approach can be useful to explain why, how, and what about psychological acculturation results in later adaptation or maladaptation for acculturating youth and adults. This review applies a conceptual model of acculturation and developmental psychopathology to a widely used framework of acculturation variables producing an Integrated Process Framework of Acculturation Variables (IP-FAV). This new comprehensive framework depicts major predisposing acculturation conditions (why) as well as acculturation orientations and processes (how) that result in adaptation and maladaptation across the life span (what). The IP-FAV is unique in that it integrates both proximal and remote acculturation variables and explicates key acculturation processes to inform research, practice, and policy.
Mars Seismology
Authors: Lognonné P. , Banerdt W.B. , Clinton J. , Garcia R.F. , Giardini D. , Knapmeyer-Endrun B. , Panning M. , Pike W.T.
Published: February 2023

For the first time, from early 2019 to the end of 2022, Mars’ shallow and deep interiors have been explored by seismology with the InSight mission. Thanks to the performances of its seismometers and the quality of their robotic installation on the ground, 1,319 seismic events have been detected, including about 90 marsquakes at teleseismic distances, with Mw from 2.5 to 4.7 and at least 6 impacts, the largest ones with craters larger than 130 m. A large fraction of these marsquakes occur in Cerberus Fossae, demonstrating active regional tectonics. Records of pressure-induced seismic noise and signals from the penetration of a heat flow probe have provided subsurface models below the lander. Deeper direct and secondary body wave phase travel time, receiver function, and surface wave analysis have provided the first interior models of Mars, including crustal thickness and crustal layering, mantle structure, thermal lithospheric thickness, and core radius and state.
▪With InSight's SEIS (Seismic Experiment for Interior Structure of Mars) experiment and for the first time in planetary exploration, Mars’ internal structure and seismicity are constrained.▪More than 1,300 seismic events and seismic noise records enable the first comparative seismology studies together with Earth and lunar seismic data.▪Inversion of seismic travel times and waveforms provided the first interior model of another terrestrial planet, down to the core.▪Several impacts were also seismically recorded with their craters imaged from orbit, providing the first data on impact dynamic on Mars.
Data and Markets
Authors: Farboodi Maryam , Veldkamp Laura
Published: February 2023

Big data is changing every corner of economics and finance. The largest firms in the US economy are valued chiefly for their data. Yet, these data are largely excluded from macroeconomic and finance research. We review work and relevant tools for measuring economic activity, market power, data markets, and the role of data in financial markets. We also highlight areas where future work is needed.
Advances in the Economic Theory of Cultural Transmission
Authors: Bisin Alberto , Verdier Thierry
Published: February 2023

In this article we survey recent advances in the economic theory of cultural transmission. We highlight three main themes on which the literature has made great progress in the last 10 years: the domain of traits subject to cultural transmission; the microfoundations for the technology of transmission; and feedback effects between culture, institutions, and various socioeconomic environments. We conclude by suggesting interesting areas for future research.
Grain Boundary Migration in Polycrystals
Authors: Rohrer Gregory S. , Chesser Ian , Krause Amanda R. , Naghibzadeh S. Kiana , Xu Zipeng , Dayal Kaushik , Holm Elizabeth A.
Published: February 2023

Grain boundaries in polycrystalline materials migrate to reduce the total excess energy. It has recently been found that the factors governing migration rates of boundaries in bicrystals are insufficient to explain boundary migration in polycrystals. We first review our current understanding of the atomistic mechanisms of grain boundary migration based on simulations and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy observations. We then review our current understanding at the continuum scale based on simulations and observations using high-energy diffraction microscopy. We conclude that detailed comparisons of experimental observations with atomistic simulations of migration in polycrystals (rather than bicrystals) are required to better understand the mechanisms of grain boundary migration, that the driving force for grain boundary migration in polycrystals must include factors other than curvature, and that current simulations of grain growth are insufficient for reproducing experimental observations, possibly because of an inadequate representation of the driving force.
Tailor-Made Additives for Melt-Grown Molecular Crystals: Why or Why Not?
Authors: Zhou Hengyu , Sabino Julia , Yang Yongfan , Ward Michael D. , Shtukenberg Alexander G. , Kahr Bart
Published: February 2023

Tailor-made additives (TMAs) have found a role in crystal morphology engineering and control by specific binding to crystal surfaces through stereo-chemical recognition. The utility of TMAs, however, has been largely limited to crystal growth from solutions. In this review, we illustrate examples where TMAs have been used to influence the growth of crystals during cooling of their melts. In solution, the crystal growth driving force is governed by solute supersaturation, which corresponds to the deviation from equilibrium. In growth from melts, however, undercooling is the important thermodynamic parameter responsible for crystallization outcomes, a key difference that can influence the manner in which TMAs affect growth kinetics, crystal morphology, nucleation, enantioselective surface recognition, and the determination of the absolute sense of polar axes. When the crystallization driving force in a melt is small and diffusion is comparatively high, TMAs can exert their influence on well-faceted single crystals with the stereochemical richness observed in solution growth. Under high supercooling, where the driving force is large, ensembles of crystals can grow radially, masking stereochemical information and requiring new optical tools for understanding the influence of TMAs on emerging crystals.
Bi Functional Manganese-Pyridine 2,6 Dicarboxylic Acid Metal Organic Frameworks with Reduced Graphene Oxide as an Electroactive Material for Energy Storage and Water Splitting Applications
Authors: Rajasekaran Sruthi , Reghunath B. Shalini , Devi K. R. Sunaja , Saravanakumar B. , William J. Johnson , Pinheiro Dephan
Published: February 2023

In recent years, metal organic frameworks (MOFs) with porous carbon materials have significantly improved the design and engineering of high performance electrode materials and have found applications in energy storage devices. This study explores the supercapacitor and electrocatalytic water splitting applications of Mn-MOF/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composite synthesized via a hydrothermal technique using pyridine 2,6 dicarboxylic acid as a linker. Mn-MOF/rGO exhibits a specific capacitance of 428.28 F g−1 with a rate capability of 83.7% and high cyclic stability. The oxygen evolution reaction of the composite is evaluated using linear sweep voltammetry, and the overpotential is calculated to be 400 mV. Our primary goal is to investigate the effect of rGO on the electrochemical response of MOF. The dielectrode (Mn-MOF/rGO) electrolysis system exhibits long-run stability with a low cell potential of 1.8 V, indicating its prospective application as an excellent water electrolyzer. The combination of Mn-MOF with rGO helps in increasing the number of active sites, thereby improving its electronic conductivity by enhancing the electron transfer rate. The outstanding electrochemical behaviour of Mn-MOF/rGO paves the way for the use of rGO-incorporated Mn-MOF in bifunctional applications as energy-generating and storage devices.
In Situ Electro-organic Synthesis and Functionalization of Catechol Derivative on Carbon Black and Its Interference-free Voltammetric pH Sensor Application
∗
Authors: Saikrithika Sairaman , Premkumar Jayaraj , Rajagopal Desikan , Huh Yun Suk , Kumar Annamalai Senthil
Published: February 2023

We report an easy electrochemical route for preparing a catechol derivative (di-ferulyl sesamol derivative, designated as CA-Fer) functionalized low-cost carbon black (CB) modified electrode in a neutral pH buffer solution. As synthesized precursor organic compound, CA-Fer has been electrochemically oxidized over the CB by potential cycling treatment in pH 7 PBS that leads to a high redox active CA-Fer-catechol derivative (CB@CA-Fer-Redox), which exhibited a well-defined and stable surface-confined redox response at Eo’ = 0.150 V vs Ag/AgCl with a surface excess value = 50.46 nmol cm−2. Unlike the conventional redox active mediators, GCE/CB@CA-Fer-Redox modified electrode has failed to show any mediated oxidation/reduction response to various electro-active biochemicals and chemicals, viz., ascorbic acid, glucose, cysteine, caffeic acid, hydrazine, hydrogen peroxide, uric acid, dopamine, creatinine, urea, nitrite, sulfide and sulfate ions, depicting a clear advantage of using it as a voltammetric pH sensor for real-time applications. The modified electrode showed a linear voltammetric potential signal against pH in a window, 3–11, with a slope value of (∂Ep/∂pH) = −59 ± 3 mV pH−1. As an independent study, a CA-Fer-Redox modified three-in-one screen printed electrode was developed, and a sensitive voltammetric pH analysis of some chemical biochemical real sample systems were demonstrated.
Discrimination of Free-Range and Caged Eggs by Chemometrics Analysis of the Elemental Profiles of Eggshell
Authors: Xie Shunping , Hai Chengying , He Song , Lu Huanhuan , Xu Lu , Fu Haiyan
Published: February 2023

As one of the foods commonly eaten all over the world, eggs have attracted more and more attention for their quality and price. A method based on elemental profiles and chemometrics to discriminate between free-range and caged eggs was established. Free-range (n1 = 127) and caged (n2 = 122) eggs were collected from different producing areas in China. The content of 16 elements (Zn, Pb, Cd, Co, Ni, Fe, Mn, Cr, Mg, Cu, Se, Ca, Al, Sr, Na, and K) in the eggshell was determined using a inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer (ICP-AES). Outlier diagnosis is performed by robust Stahel–Donoho estimation (SDE) and the Kennard and Stone (K-S) algorithm for training and test set partitioning. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and least squares support vector machine (LS-SVM) were used for classification of the two types of eggs. As a result, Cd, Mn, Mg, Se, and K make an important contribution to the classification of free-range and caged eggs. By combining column-wise and row-wise rescaling of the elemental data, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 91.9%, 91.1%, and 92.7% for PLS-DA, while the results of LS-SVM were 95.3%, 95.6%, and 95.1%, respectively. The result indicates that chemometrics analysis of the elemental profiles of eggshells could provide a useful and effective method to discriminate between free-range and caged eggs.
TNF-α Enhances the Therapeutic Effects of MenSC-Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles on Inflammatory Bowel Disease through Macrophage Polarization by miR-24-3p
Authors: Xu Huikang , Fu Jiamin , Chen Lijun , Zhou Sining , Fang Yangxin , Zhang Qi , Chen Xin , Yuan Li , Li Yifei , Xu Zhenyu , Xiang Charlie
Published: February 2023

Human menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MenSCs) and their secreted small extracellular vesicles (EVs) had been proven to relieve inflammation, tissue damage, and fibrosis in various organs. The microenvironment induced by inflammatory cytokines can promote mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to secrete more substances (including EVs) that could regulate inflammation. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic idiopathic intestinal inflammation, the etiology and mechanism of which are unclear. At present, the existing therapeutic methods are ineffective for many patients and have obvious side effects. Hence, we explored the role of tumor necrosis factor α- (TNF-α-) pretreated MenSC-derived small EV (MenSCs-sEVTNF-α) in a mouse model of dextran sulfate sodium- (DSS-) induced colitis, expecting to find better therapeutic alterations. In this research, the small EVs of MenSCs were obtained by ultracentrifugation. MicroRNAs of small EVs derived from MenSCs before and after TNF-α treatment were sequenced, and the differential microRNAs were analyzed by bioinformatics. The small EVs secreted by TNF-α-stimulating MenSCs were more effective in colonic mice than those secreted directly by MenSCs, as evidenced by the results of histopathology analysis of colonic tissue, immunohistochemistry for tight junction proteins, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for cytokine expression profiles in vivo. The process of MenSCs-sEVTNF-α relieving colonic inflammation was accompanied by the polarization of M2 macrophages in the colon and miR-24-3p upregulation in small EVs. In vitro, both MenSC-derived sEV (MenSCs-sEV) and MenSCs-sEVTNF-α reduced the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, and MenSCs-sEVTNF-α can increase the portion of M2 macrophages. In conclusion, after TNF-α stimulation, the expression of miR-24-3p in small EVs derived from MenSCs was upregulated. MiR-24-3p was proved to target and downregulate interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) expression in the murine colon and then promoted the polarization of M2 macrophages. The polarization of M2 macrophages in colonic tissues then reduced the damage caused by hyperinflammation.
Physical and Physicochemical Characteristics, Bioactive Compounds, and Antioxidant Activity of Cladodes from Erect Prickly Pear Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw.
Authors: Lahmidi Soufiane , Homrani Bakali Abdelmonaim , Harrak Hasnaâ
Published: February 2023

Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw. is well adapted to arid and semiarid regions and has great potential for industrialisation. One- to four-year-old cladodes of this species harvested in Drâa-Tafilalet region in the southeast of Morocco, were characterised by examining physical and physicochemical parameters. Their bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity were also investigated. The cladode age had a significant impact on all the studied characteristics except some morphological parameters. Cladodes of different ages have a nutritional value comparable to a wide range of vegetables, particularly in terms of calcium, potassium, betalain, total polyphenol, and vitamin C contents. They are very rich in calcium (37.8–42.5 g/kg of dry matter (DM)) and have high betalain content. The content of phenolic compounds (133.9–165.0 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g DM) is especially noteworthy. These cladodes also contain very high amounts of vitamin C, especially the one-year-old cladodes (8.1–18.5 mg GAE/100 g DM). The recorded flavonoid contents vary from 3.8 to 7.6 mg of quercetin equivalent per 100 mL of cladodes mash. Condensed tannin contents range from 10.9 to 21.8 µg/100 mL of cladodes mash. Chlorophyll and carotenoid contents also vary from 5.55 to 23.76 and from 1.9 to 6.0 mg/100 g DM, respectively. One- and two-year-old cladodes are rich in total soluble solids (TSS) and ash with high total titratable acidity (TTA), compared to three- and four-year-old cladodes. Four-year-old cladodes have the highest TSS/TTA ratio, while two-year-old cladodes are the wealthiest in betalains with a dominance of indicaxanthins (yellow pigments). The oldest cladodes have the lowest inhibitory concentration (IC50) for antioxidant activity. Three-year-old cladodes have some traits significantly different, which may have resulted from physiological changes related to their great buds emission at this age. This study highlights the nutritional and functional potential of Opuntia stricta cladodes and the importance of their valorisation, particularly in agri-food and pharmaceutical industries.
Impact of Cannabis Seed Incorporation in Layer Diet on Productive Performance and Egg Quality Traits
Authors: Taaifi Yassine , Belhaj Kamal , Mansouri Farid , Rbah Youssef , Elbouanani Najlae , Melhaoui Reda , Ben Moumen Abdesamad , Azeroual Embarek , Serghini-Caid Hana , Elamrani Ahmed
Published: February 2023

The production of nonindustrial cannabis is highly developed in the Moroccan Rif region; however, local farmers consider hemp seeds which are rich in omega 3 and tocopherols, only as by-products of cannabis cultivation with low market value. The local ecotype is considered to be a plant with a cannabinoid content of more than 0.4%. So, the objective of this research is to investigate how the incorporation of this local hemp seed affects productive performance and egg quality traits. The experiment is conducted to evaluate the effects of hemp seed (HS) incorporation on hen laying performance and physical egg quality at three levels: 10% (HS-10% group), 20% (HS-20% group), and 30% (HS-30% group). Ninety-six Lohmann Brown classic laying hens were randomly assigned to a control group and three feed treatments. The sampling was taken after the 28-week rearing period (peak egg laying). Throughout the experiment, low-rate HS inclusion (HS-10%) showed no significant differences in egg-laying performance (

p

 > 0.05). However, the high incorporation rates of HS (20% and 30%) negatively affected the egg-laying performance (84–94% and 80–86%, respectively). The albumen quality was also improved by the HS inclusion, where the highest values of the Haugh unit were recorded, ranging between 68.69 and 73.91 for the HS-30% groups. The results also show that HS inclusion and duration influence significantly the yolk color (

p

 < 0.001). The yellow intensity decreases with HS incorporation and aging, from a dark yellow (

b

∗

 = 38.63 for the control group) to a very pale yellow (

b

∗

 = 26.29 for HS 30% group). Based on these findings, we can conclude that the incorporation of nonindustrial Moroccan cannabis seeds (ecotype Beldiya) at low rate in the diet of laying hens does not alter the laying performance or the quality of the egg; therefore, they could be used in poultry feeding as an alternative constituent to partially replace high-cost imported ingredients, such as corn and soybeans.
Critically Ill Patients with Renal Hyperfiltration: Optimizing Antibiotic Dose
Authors: Rico-Fontalvo Jorge , Correa-Guerrero José , Martínez-Ávila María Cristina , Daza-Arnedo Rodrigo , Rodriguez-Yanez Tomás , Almanza-Hurtado Amilkar , Cabrales José , Mendoza-Paternina Carmen Julia , Frías-Salazar Alvaro , Morales-Fernández Julio
Published: February 2023

Renal hyperfiltration (RHF) is a prevalent phenomenon in critically ill patients characterized by augmented renal clearance (ARC) and increased of elimination of renally eliminated medications. Multiple risk factors had been described and potential mechanisms may contribute to the occurrence of this condition. RHF and ARC are associated with the risk of suboptimal exposure to antibiotics increasing the risk of treatment failure and unfavorable patient outcomes. The current review discusses the available evidence related to the RHF phenomenon, including definition, epidemiology, risk factors, pathophysiology, pharmacokinetic variability, and considerations for optimizing the dosage of antibiotics in critically ill patients.