bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Profiling of phytochemical and antioxidant activity of wild mushrooms: Evidence from the in vitro study and phytoconstituent's binding affinity to the human erythrocyte catalase and human glutathione reductase
Authors: Hossen S. M. Moazzem , Hossain Mohammad Shahadat , Yusuf A. T. M. , Chaudhary Priya , Emon Nazim Uddin , Janmeda Pracheta
Published: November 2021

This study was undertaken to evaluate the appearance of phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of seven wild mushrooms of the University of Chittagong campus. Phytochemical screening was performed using standard methods, whereas DPPH radical scavenging assay was used to elucidate the antioxidant effect. Besides, in silico studies were implemented using the targets of human erythrocyte catalase 3‐amino‐1,2,4‐triazole, human glutathione reductase, and selected compounds. Again, the absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination and toxicity (ADME/T) analysis has been determined by using online tools. Both Ganoderma lucidum (Curtis) Karst. and Ganoderma applanatum (Pers.) Pat. showed a significant (p < .001) increase in the percentage of scavenging activity at 400 μg/ml concentration when compared with ascorbic acid. The methanol extract of G. lucidum, G. applanatum, and Rhodofomes cajanderi (P. Karst.) B. K. Cui, M. L. Han & Y. C. Dai showed strong antioxidant activity with an IC50 value. In addition, molecular docking studies of the previously isolated compounds from three selective mushrooms revealed that the targeted compounds along with positive controls were able to interact strongly (range: −3.498 to −8.655) with the enzymes. The study concludes that the G. lucidum, G. applanatum, and R. cajanderi mushrooms can be a strong source in the management of oxidative stress‐induced diseases.
Nursing home staff mental health during the Covid‐19 pandemic in the Republic of Ireland
Authors: Brady Conan , Fenton Caoimhe , Loughran Orlaith , Hayes Blánaid , Hennessy Martina , Higgins Agnes , Leroi Iracema , Shanagher Deirdre , McLoughlin Declan M.
Published: November 2021

Background

Nursing homes for older adults have been disproportionately affected by the Covid‐19 pandemic with increased mortality of residents and staff distress.

Objective

To quantify the mental health of nursing home staff during the Covid‐19 pandemic in the Republic of Ireland.

Design/Methods

Cross‐sectional anonymous study of Republic of Ireland nursing home staff (n = 390) during the third wave of the Covid‐19 pandemic. Online survey collecting demographic information, Covid‐19 exposure history and mental health measures.

Results

There were significant differences between nurses, healthcare assistants (HCA) and non‐clinical staff history in age, ethnicity, years' experience, history of Covid‐19 infection and contact with Covid‐19 positive acquaintances. Moderate–severe post‐traumatic stress disorder symptoms were found in 45.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 40.2%–50.1%) of all staff. A World Health Organisation‐5 (WHO‐5) wellbeing index score ≤32, indicating low mood, was reported by 38.7% (95% CI, 33.9%–43.5%) of staff; significantly more nurses reported low mood. Suicidal ideation and suicide planning were reported, respectively, by 13.8% (95% CI, 10.4%–17.3%) and 9.2% (95% CI, 6.4%–12.1%) of participants with no between‐group differences. HCAs reported a significantly higher degree of moral injury than non‐clinical staff. Nurses were more likely to use approach coping styles than non‐clinical staff. Work ability was insufficient in 24.6% (95% CI 20.3%–28.9%) of staff.

Conclusion

Nursing home staff report high levels of post‐traumatic stress, mood disturbance and moral injury during the Covid‐19 pandemic. Differences in degree of moral injury, wellbeing and coping styles were found between staff groups, which need to be incorporated into planning supports for this neglected workforce.
Salvage surgery for recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bulbul Mustafa G. , Genovese Timothy J. , Hagan Kobina , Rege Soham , Qureshi Ahad , Varvares Mark A.
Published: November 2021

The present study aims to estimate a pooled hazard ratio (HR) comparing overall survival (OS) for salvage surgery compared to nonsurgical management of recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase‐Ovid were searched on March 5, 2020, for English‐language articles reporting survival for salvage surgery and nonsurgical management of recurrent HNSCC. Meta‐analysis of HR estimates using random effects model was performed. Fifteen studies reported survival for salvage surgery and nonsurgical management of recurrence. Five‐year OS ranged from 26% to 67% for the salvage surgery groups, compared to 0% to 32% for the nonsurgical management groups. Six studies reported HRs comparing salvage surgery to nonsurgical management; the pooled HR was 0.25 (95% CI [0.16, 0.38]; p < 0.0001). Selection for salvage surgery was associated with one quarter of the mortality rate associated with nonsurgical management in light of confounding factors including subsite and treatment intent.
Risk stratification after recurrence of human papillomavirus (HPV)‐related and non‐HPV‐related oropharyngeal cancer: Secondary analysis of NRG Oncology RTOG 0129 and 0522
Authors: Bigelow Elaine O. , Harris Jonathan , Fakhry Carole , Gillison Maura L. , Nguyen‐Tân Phuc Felix , Rosenthal David I. , Frank Steven J. , Nair Suresh G. , Bahig Houda , Ridge John A. , Caudell Jimmy , Donaldson Craig , Clifford Bradley T. , Shenouda George , Birrer Michael J. , Chen Yuhchyau , Le Quynh‐Thu
Published: November 2021

Background

No risk‐stratification strategies exist for patients with recurrent oropharyngeal cancer (OPC).

Methods

Retrospective analysis using data from prospective NRG Oncology clinical trials RTOG 0129 and 0522. Eligibility criteria included known p16 status and smoking history, and locoregional/distant recurrence. Overall survival (OS) was measured from date of recurrence. Recursive partitioning analysis was performed to produce mutually exclusive risk groups.

Results

Hundred and fifty‐four patients were included with median follow‐up after recurrence of 3.9 years (range 0.04–9.0). The most important factors influencing survival were p16 status and type of recurrence, followed by surgical salvage and smoking history (≤20 vs. >20 pack‐years). Three significantly different risk groups were identified. Patients in the low‐, intermediate‐, and high‐risk groups had 2‐year OS after recurrence of 81.1% (95%CI 68.5–93.7), 50.2% (95%CI 36.0–64.5), and 20.8% (95%CI 10.5–31.1), respectively.

Conclusion

Patient and tumor characteristics may be used to stratify patients into risk groups at the time of OPC recurrence.
Protocol for extramedullary hematopoiesis in patients with transfusion‐dependent β‐thalassemia (TDT): A systematic review
Authors: Ata Fateen , Subahi Eihab A. , Choudry Hassan , Yassin Mohamed A.
Published: November 2021

Background and aims

Thalassemia is one of the most common hemoglobinopathies, with around 5% of the world's population expected to have some degree and type of thalassemia. Beta thalassemia (BT) occurs due to a deficient production of the beta‐globin chain of hemoglobin. Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) is one of the complications of BT, mainly observed in minor/intermedia subtypes. EMH is the production of blood cells outside the marrow as a compensatory response to longstanding hypoxia. Due to chronic transfusions, it is not expected in patients with beta‐thalassemia major (BTM). However, there are increasingly reported cases of EMH in BTM. The incidence of EMH in BTM is thought to be <1%. However, it seems that the true incidence is much higher than expected. This review aims to pool the available data and provide cumulative evidence on the reports of EMH in BTM patients.

Methods

We aim to conduct a systematic review via searching multiple electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar) to identify eligible articles from any date up to December 2020. Eligible studies should report extramedullary hematopoiesis in BTM. Case reports, case series, observational studies with cross‐sectional or prospective research design, case‐control studies, and experimental studies will be included if found relevant. Two reviewers (FA and ES) will individually analyze the study quality using the statistical methodology and categories guided by the Cochrane Collaboration Handbook, PRISMA guidelines, and Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for case reports and series.

Results

This study will analyze and incorporate the available evidence on EMH in BTM concerning patient demographics, sites of EMH, management, and clinical outcomes of EMH.

Conclusion

By summarizing and statistically analyzing the data about EMH in BTM, this study will generate extensive knowledge on the topic for a better understanding of atypical presentations in BTM, a common hemoglobinopathy.
Glycine: The Gift that Keeps on Giving
Authors: Boldyreva Elena
Published: November 2021

Glycine is a small molecule. It cannot change its conformation and is achiral. Despite the apparent simplicity, glycine shows endless diversity in its behavior over many phenomena. It was the first amino acid for which polymorphism was reported, first on crystallization and then on hydrostatic compression. The polymorphs differ in their physical properties and their biological activity. Glycine clusters persist in solution, leading to “solution memory”. Phenomena at interfaces are critically important for crystal growth, dissolution, and for physical properties, which can be at times unexpected, like polarity in centrosymmetricα‐polymorph. It is a great pleasure to remind of these remarkable phenomena in a special issue honoring professors Meir Lahav and Leslie Leiserowitz, who pioneered the study of the behavior of this unique molecule in many respects, and showed how complex and non‐trivial phenomena can be at interfaces: between phases and between research fields.
Gigantol inhibits proliferation and enhanced oxidative stress‐mediated apoptosis through modulating of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway in HeLa cells
Authors: Kang Huanan , Sun Yiming , Hu Xijiao , Liu Li
Published: November 2021

Cervical cancer is one of the leading malignant cancers that is the fourth prominent cause of malignancy‐related mortality in women globally. There is a predominant validation to a beneficial target in Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in cervical carcinogenesis as they are very much deregulated in cancer. Previous studies reported Gigantol (GG) showed suppressive properties on the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway in other tumor cells, but no evidence is available regarding GG suppressing Wnt/β‐catenin signaling cervical tumor cells. Hence, the current research was planned to examine the suppressive effects of GG on HeLa cells and investigate the mechanism of action. HeLa cells were treated by GG in various doses and then appraising cell viability, oxidant/antioxidant levels, ∆ѰM status, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, apoptosis, and cell proliferation via Wnt/β‐catenin signaling. We observed that GG noticeably inhibits cell proliferation, increased ROS generation, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial membrane depolarization (∆ѰM), and increased apoptotic morphological changes of nuclear fragmentation and condensation. Moreover, GG effectively enhances proapoptotic, decreased ∆ѰM and antioxidant amounts, and mitigated Wnt/β‐catenin signaling. Concisely, these findings proved that activating apoptosis and suppression of cell proliferation in GG treated HeLa cells was documented by the alleviation of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling. Therefore, this study suggested that GG might develop a therapeutic effect against cervical carcinogenesis.
Associations between attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptom remission and white matter microstructure: A longitudinal analysis
Authors: Leenders Anne E. M. , Damatac Christienne G. , Soheili‐Nezhad Sourena , Chauvin Roselyne J. M. , Mennes Maarten J. J. , Zwiers Marcel P. , van Rooij Daan , Akkermans Sophie E. A. , Naaijen Jilly , Franke Barbara , Buitelaar Jan K. , Beckmann Christian F. , Sprooten Emma
Published: November 2021

Background

Attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with white matter (WM) microstructure. Our objective was to investigate how WM microstructure is longitudinally related to symptom remission in adolescents and young adults with ADHD.

Methods

We obtained diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) data from 99 participants at two time‐points (mean age baseline: 16.91 years, mean age follow‐up: 20.57 years). We used voxel‐wise Tract‐Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS) with permutation‐based inference to investigate associations of inattention (IA) and hyperactivity‐impulsivity (HI) symptom change with fractional anisotropy (FA) at baseline, follow‐up, and change between time‐points.

Results

Remission of combined HI and IA symptoms was significantly associated with reduced FA at follow‐up in the left superior longitudinal fasciculus and the left corticospinal tract (CST; PFWE = 0.038 and PFWE = 0.044, respectively), mainly driven by an association between HI remission and follow‐up CST FA (PFWE = 0.049). There was no significant association of combined symptom decrease with FA at baseline or with changes in FA between the two assessments.

Conclusions

In this longitudinal DWI study of ADHD using dimensional symptom scores, we show that greater symptom decrease is associated with lower follow‐up FA in specific WM tracts. Altered FA thus may appear to follow, rather than precede, changes in symptom remission. Our findings indicate divergent WM developmental trajectories between individuals with persistent and remittent ADHD, and support the role of prefrontal and sensorimotor tracts in the remission of ADHD.
Operational and financial impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on U.S. dental school clinics
Authors: Escontrías Omar A. , Istrate Emilia C. , Flores Sariah , Stewart Denice C. L.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study assessed the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on U.S. dental schools and their school‐based clinic operations and finances during the first eight months (April to December 2020) of the outbreak. School‐based clinics are critical to training and educating future dentists and delivering oral health care services to underserved communities.

Methods

The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) conducted a structured survey with the 67 accredited U.S. dental schools between November 2020 and January 2021 to assess the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on their operations, especially on their school‐based clinics. The response rate was 67%. The authors employed descriptive statistics and text analysis to examine the survey results.

Results

This study revealed that from April to December 2020, dental schools experienced a 50% reduction in patient visits at dental school clinics, a 7% median decrease in budget, a 42% decline in revenue, changes in clinical and nonclinical faculty and staff, and investments related to infection control measures to remain operational. Ninety‐two percent of dental school clinics suspended community‐based patient care experiences outside the dental school in the first eight months of the pandemic compared to the same time period the year prior.

Conclusions

This research shows the extent of the operational and financial challenges dental school clinics faced in the pandemic's first eight months, April to December 2020. In these unique times, dental school clinics continued to train and educate the dentists of tomorrow and deliver oral health care services to vulnerable communities while implementing safeguards and infection control measures to combat the propagation of the COVID‐19 virus in their institutions.
Chromium (VI) detection by microbial carbon dots: Microwave synthesis and mechanistic study
Authors: Anil Amith G. , Ramachandran Sukanya , Kumar Vineet , Subramanian Sankaran , Ramamurthy Praveen C.
Published: November 2021

Functionalized carbon dots (CDs) derived from Citrobacter freundii bacterial cells were used for selective detection of Cr(VI). A microwave‐heating‐based green synthesis approach is adopted to produce functionalized CDs from C. freundii bacterial cells (CF‐CDs). The reaction was carried out in a 500 W microwave digester at 200°C for 20 min. The supernatant was filtered with a 0.2 µm filter and highly monodisperse CDs were obtained. Inherent functionalization of CF‐CDs with nitrogen and oxygen‐containing functional groups made them extremely selective toward Cr(VI) with a lower limit of detection of ~1.7 ppm. More importantly, CF‐CDs could distinguish between Cr(VI) and Cr(III), which is highly desirable for practical applications. The fabricated sensor had a dual linear response range between 0 and 50 µM and 50–250 µM. The synthesized CDs were inherently functionalized which made them highly selective for Cr(VI) detection. CF‐CDs also possess high stability over long storage period. This study reports the facile synthesis and characterization of a highly selective sensor for Cr(VI). As opposed to similar CDs sensors reported for Cr(VI), based on inner‐filter effect, CF‐CDs exhibit a strong, specific interaction toward Cr(VI), indicated by the large binding constant.
Adaptive noise model based iteratively reweighted penalized least squares for fluorescence background subtraction from Raman spectra
Authors: Saveliev Anatoly A. , Galeeva Ekaterina V. , Semanov Dmitry A. , Galeev Roman R. , Aryslanov Ilshat R. , Falaleeva Tatyana S. , Davletshin Rustam R.
Published: November 2021

The spectral analysis depends heavily on unwanted signals, such as the fluorescent background from the samples or other interfering components. A number of mathematical algorithms have been proposed to remove the background of Raman spectra. However, these methods require the selection of appropriate parameters to correct the of Raman spectra baseline. In this paper, we propose a method of adaptive noise model based on iteratively reweighted penalized least squares (ANM‐IRPLS) for Raman spectrum baseline correction. The algorithm was applied to various artificial spectra containing real forms of baselines and characteristic Raman peaks and then to the spectra of real drug samples with fluorescence obtained on a device equipped with a 532‐nm laser with a resolution of 15 cm−1. The modeling results showed that the proposed ANM‐IRPLS baseline correction method allows for better results in background removal than the airPLS. For real Raman spectra processed by the ANM‐IRPLS method, it is shown that the algorithm handles a complex background well, while maintaining the characteristic Raman signal features, such as a wide water peak for aqueous solutions.
Examining the effects of robots' physical appearance, warmth, and competence in frontline services: The Humanness‐Value‐Loyalty model
Authors: Belanche Daniel , Casaló Luis V. , Schepers Jeroen , Flavián Carlos
Published: November 2021

Because of continuous improvements in their underlying technologies, customers perceive frontline robots as social actors with a high level of humanness, both in appearance and behavior. Advancing from mere theoretical contributions to this study field, this article proposes and empirically validates the humanness‐value‐loyalty model (HVL model). This study analyzes to what extent robots' perceived physical human‐likeness, perceived competence, and perceived warmth affect customers' service value expectations and, subsequently, their loyalty intentions. Following two pretests to select the most suitable robots and ensure scenario realism, data were collected by means of a vignette experimental study and analyzed using the partial least squares method. The results reveal that human‐likeness positively affects four dimensions of service value expectations. Perceived competence of the robot influences mainly utilitarian expectations (i.e., functional and monetary value), while perceived warmth influences relational expectations (i.e., emotional value). Interestingly, and contrary to theoretical predictions, the influence of the robot's warmth on service value expectations is more pronounced for customers with a lower need for social interaction. In sum, this study contributes to a better understanding of customers' reactions to artificial intelligence‐enabled technologies with humanized cognitive capabilities and also suggests interesting research avenues to advance on this emerging field.
Association of tumor mutational burden with genomic alterations in Chinese urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Chen Xusheng , Ou Zhenyu , Wang Lei , Zhang Zhenting , Fan Xiaodong , Liu Huanhuan , Wang Wenping , Zhang Yanrui , Zhu Jun , Liang Xiayuan , Lou Feng , Cao Shanbo , Yao Ye , Wang Huina , Yao Xin
Published: November 2021

The tumor mutational burden (TMB) calculated by whole‐exome sequencing (WES) is a promising biomarker for the response to immune checkpoint inhibition (ICIs) in solid tumors. However, WES is not feasible in the routine clinical setting. In addition, the characteristics of the TMB in Chinese urothelial carcinoma (UC) are unclear. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the reliability of an Acornmed 808 panel and analyze the characteristics of the TMB in Chinese UC. An Acornmed 808 panel was designed and virtually validated using UC data from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA). Comprehensive analysis of sequencing and clinical data was performed to explore the characteristics of the TMB for 143 Chinese UC patients. Compared to the TMB calculated with random 808‐, 500‐, and 250‐gene panels, the TMB calculated with the Acornmed 808 panel was closer to that calculated by WES. There were marked disparities in the mutational landscape and TMB between Chinese and TCGA UC data. The TMB was negatively associated with copy number variation (CNV). In contrast, the TMB was positive correlation with numbers of mutated DDR genes. Exposure to aristolochic acid signature was observed only in the TMB‐high groups. The Acornmed 808 panel is a clinically practical method to assess the TMB. The TMB was associated with the DDR gene status and CNV counts and might be a biomarker for further stratification of UC patients. The study suggested that patients with high TMB may have a unique carcinogenic mechanism.
Harnessing the power of the electronic health record for ALS research and quality improvement: CReATe CAPTURE‐ALS and the ALS Toolkit
Authors: Granit Volkan , Grignon Anne‐Laure , Wuu Joanne , Katz Jonathan , Walk David , Hussain Sumaira , Hernandez Jessica , Jackson Carlayne , Caress James , Yosick Tom , Smider Nancy , Benatar Michael
Published: November 2021

The electronic health record (EHR) is designed principally to support the provision and documentation of clinical care, as well as billing and insurance claims. Broad implementation of the EHR, however, also yields an opportunity to use EHR data for other purposes, including research and quality improvement. Indeed, effective use of clinical data for research purposes has been a long‐standing goal of physicians who provide care for patients with ALS, but the quality and completeness of clinical data, as well as the burden of double data entry into the EHR and into a research database, have been persistent barriers. These factors provided motivation for the development of the ALS Toolkit, a set of interactive digital forms within the EHR that enable easy, consistent, and structured capture of information relevant to ALS patient care (as well as research and quality improvement) during clinical encounters. Routine use of the ALS Toolkit within the context of the CReATe Consortium's institutional review board–approved Clinical Procedures to Support Research in ALS (CAPTURE‐ALS) study protocol, permits aggregation of structured ALS patient data, with the goals of empowering research and driving quality improvement. Widespread use of the ALS Toolkit through the CAPTURE‐ALS protocol will help to ensure that ALS clinics become a driving force for collecting and aggregating clinical data in a way that reflects the true diversity of the populations affected by this disease, rather than the restricted subset of patients that currently participate in dedicated research studies.
Machine‐learning‐enabled discrete element method: Contact detection and resolution of irregular‐shaped particles
Authors: Lai Zhengshou , Chen Qiushi , Huang Linchong
Published: November 2021

This paper presents a machine learning (ML)‐enabled discrete element method (DEM) for the computational mechanics of irregular‐shaped particles. ML‐enabled DEM, as with most conventional DEMs, encompasses four main steps in one typical calculation cycle, namely, (1) the detection and resolution of contacts, (2) the evaluation of contact behavior, (3) the calculation of particle motion, and (4) the updating of particle geometric descriptions. Unlike conventional DEMs, the proposed method constructs and employs neural networks to detect particle contacts and resolve contact geometric features. Neural networks take particle geometric descriptors as inputs and output the contact status and contact geometric features. Using two‐dimensional elliptical particles as an example, the performance of the ML‐enabled DEM is investigated through five numerical experiments and compared with analytical solutions or conventional DEM methods. A sixth numerical experiment involving irregular‐shaped particles is also presented to showcase the potential and applicability of the proposed method for other particle shapes. ML‐enabled DEM can accurately capture the trajectory and energy evolution of individual particles, the fabric characteristics of dense packing, and the mechanical behavior of packing under large loads, while demonstrating computational efficiency over conventional methods.
Fabrication of fire‐response functional separators with microcapsule fire extinguishing agent for lithium‐ion battery safety
Authors: Lou Ping , Zhang Weixin , Han Qigao , Tang Shun , Tian Jie , Li Yan , Wu Hao , Zhong Yunhui , Cao Yuan‐Cheng , Cheng Shijie
Published: November 2021

Fire safety issues hinder the large‐scale application of lithium‐ion batteries (LiBs). Here, a new type of fire‐response separators is prepared by loading the microcapsule fire extinguishing agent on the surface of the separator. The shell of the microcapsule will break automatically at a certain temperature and release the fire extinguishing agent when thermal runaway of LiBs occurs, which can quickly absorb heat through endothermic reaction and ensure LiBs will not burn or explode. The porosity of fire‐response separator is 53.6%, the electrolyte uptake is 132% and the ionic conductivity is 1.00 mS cm‐1. The initial specific capacity is 2643 mAh g‐1 at 4°C and the capacity retention rate is 93% after 200 cycles for NCM523 battery based fire‐response separator. The temperature of LiBs based on the fire‐response separator can automatically drop to room temperature in 20 seconds, which ensures the safety of other adjacent LiBs. This work proposes a new active protection concept to solve the safety problem of LiBs.
Minimum k‐cores and the k‐core polytope
Authors: Mikesell Derek , Hicks Illya V.
Published: November 2021

The minimum k‐core problem asks for the smallest induced subgraph of minimum degree k. It has been shown that this problem is NP‐hard, and thus sophisticated techniques are required to obtain good solutions and approximations. In this article, the minimum k‐core problem is modeled as a binary integer program and relaxed as a linear program. Since the relaxation may yield a non‐integral solution, a branch‐and‐cut framework is used to find an integral optimal solution. It is shown that the edge and cycle transversals of the graph give valid inequalities for the convex hull of the k‐core polytope—which can be further generalized to a family of ‐core transversals. Further, a heuristic for the transversal of the minimal ‐cores is given with its associated valid inequality. Additionally, improved valid inequalities are generated using bounds involving the girth of the graph. Multiple heuristics are explored for finding initial bounds for the branching process utilizing the degree distribution of the graph. Finally, numerical results are given comparing the branch‐and‐bound, branch‐and‐cut, and heuristic techniques.
An integrative review of nursing leadership in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alilyyani Bayan , Kerr Michael S. , Wong Carol , Wazqar Dhuha Y.
Published: November 2021

Aims

The aims of this integrative review were to describe leadership styles from the nursing literature in Saudi Arabia and to identify the current state of evidence about relationships between leadership styles and nurse, patient and organization outcomes in Saudi Arabia.

Design

Integrative review was used as a design for this study.

Methods

The following search terms were used with databases: ‘Saudi Arabia’, ‘leadership theory*’, ‘leadership style*’, ‘leadership model*’, ‘management style’ and ‘nurse*’. Methodological quality was assessed using two different quality rating tools for quantitative and qualitative studies. Databases used for this review included Nursing & Allied Health Database, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses.

Results

Nine manuscripts representing eight studies were included in this review. The papers reviewed included quantitative (n = 6), qualitative (n = 2) and mixed methods studies (n = 1). Results were grouped into different themes, identified as nursing leadership styles in Saudi Arabia, leadership styles and nurses' outcomes, and demographics and leadership styles.
Introduction of sugarcane in Al‐Andalus (Medieval Spain) and its impact on children's dental health
Authors: Jiménez‐Brobeil Sylvia A. , Maroto Rosa M. , Milella Marco , Laffranchi Zita , Reyes Botella Candela
Published: November 2021

The introduction of sugarcane in Europe by the Arabs in the 10th century AD brought about a drastic change in gastronomy and oral health. In Southern Spain (Al‐Andalus), sugarcane was mainly consumed by the elite, although its consumption became relatively widespread during the Nasrid Kingdom. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of the introduction of sugar on human diet and oral health by comparing patterns of caries in deciduous teeth between nonadult skeletal samples from two Nasrid populations (La Torrecilla and Talará) and a comparative set representing various Iberian populations without access to sugarcane (from Bronze to Medieval Ages). We analyzed 770 teeth from 115 nonadults divided into three groups: infants under 2 years of age, nonadults presenting only deciduous teeth, and nonadults presenting mixed deciduous and permanent dentition. The frequency of caries is high in the Nasrid individuals and very low in the comparative sample. This finding is in agreement with contemporaneous written sources on the utilization of sugarcane in the diet and as a pacifier for infants during weaning. Differences in the frequency of caries between the Nasrid samples (higher in Talará) are likely related to the socioeconomic differences between these populations.
Manifestation of the silicate filler additives and electron beam irradiation on properties of SBR/devulcanized waste tire rubber composites for floor tiles applications
Authors: El‐Nemr Khaled F. , Ali Magdy A. , Gad Yasser H.
Published: November 2021

Virgin styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR) was replaced by devulcanized waste tire rubber (DWR) 50/50 and used as a rubber base for preparing composites to depend on different silicate types at fixed content 40 phr (part per hundred part of rubber). All composites were mixed on a rubber roll mill and then subjected to electron beam irradiation to induce cross‐linking at a dose of 100 kGy. Different silicate fillers were used in this study such as precipitated silica (PS) 40 phr, waste glass window (WG) – PS 20/20 phr, fly ash (FA)‐PS 20/20 phr, and micaosilica (MS)‐PS 20/20 phr. Waste silicate was treated with (3‐aminopropyl) trimethoxysilane (APTMS) and blended with PS. Mechanical properties were measured for the composites like ultimate tensile strength, elongation at break, tensile modulus, and the cross‐link density was calculated from the mechanical study. As well as, application for floor tiles included compression set and abrasion resistance measurements. All results indicated an enhancement in ultimate tensile strength, modulus, and cross‐link density by adding silicate fillers and more enhanced in the electron beam irradiated samples. For the application of floor tiles, the MS filler gave a good compression set and abrasion resistance followed by other silicate fillers (PS, FA), except WG.
Development of an MPLC‐based laser head
Authors: Bayol Julien
Published: November 2021

Beam shaping has already often demonstrated its benefits when applied to laser material processing. It is used in laser beam welding to optimize the energy input on the part and then improve quality and yield. A laser head using multi‐plane light conversion (MPLC) beam shaping technology has been developed, dedicated to steel welding. The performance of this laser head paves the way for the development of new welding techniques such as laser‐arc hybrid welding, or on materials such as copper.
Chronic feelings of emptiness in a large undergraduate sample: Starting to fill the void
Authors: Martin Jacob A. , Levy Kenneth N.
Published: November 2021

Chronic emptiness in borderline personality disorder (BPD) has received little empirical attention. We sought to examine basic properties of a single chronic emptiness item, including prevalence, reliability, validity, the relation of the emptiness item to other BPD criteria, and measures of personality. Undergraduates enrolled in psychology courses over 12 years' time completed the McLean Screening Instrument for Borderline Personality Disorder (MSI‐BPD) (N = 22,217). Subsets of participants completed the International Personality Disorder Examination—Screening Questionnaire (IPDE‐SQ) (N = 2732), The Revised NEO Personality Inventory (Anxiety, Angry Hostility, Depression, Positive Emotions [reversed], and Impulsivity facets) (N = 10,506), and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) (N = 1110) as validity indicators; 10.0% of respondents endorsed emptiness. Reliability indices suggested moderate levels of reliability between two emptiness items (r(2730) = 0.61, p < 0.001). Among BPD criteria, emptiness and identity disturbance correlated most strongly (r(22,215) = 0.81, p < 0.001). MSI emptiness was more correlated with depression on the NEO (r(10,504) = 0.43, p < 0.001) and DASS (r(1108) = 0.51, p < 0.001) than other facets of negative affect. Emptiness was more correlated with greater borderline pathology than any other MSI‐BPD item (Sample 1, rtet = 0.87; Sample 2, rtet = 0.86). This criterion warrants further study and attention, especially related to assessment of BPD.
Helicoverpa armigeraandHelicoverpa zeahybridization: constraints, heterosis, and implications for pest management
Authors: Rios Danielly AM , Specht Alexandre , Roque‐Specht Vânia F , Sosa‐Gómez Daniel R , Fochezato Júlia , Malaquias Juaci V , Gonçalves Gislene L , Moreira Gilson RP
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

The invasion ofHelicoverpa armigera(Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) into the New World has made it possible for this pest to hybridize with a native American species,H. zea(Boddie), under natural conditions. We investigated the viability and development of hybrids of these twoHelicoverpaspecies. We reared the parental species and evaluated crosses betweenH. armigeramales andH. zeafemales andvice versa, two intercrosses between hybrids, and eight backcrosses between hybrids and parental species. We estimated the length of immature stages, fecundity, survival, sex ratio, and heterosis.

RESULTS

Although hybridization occcurred, with heterosis during the development of immatures, reproductive incompatibilities also were observed between the parental species and between hybrids from subsequent crosses. The interspecific crosses between hybrids and backcrosses confirmed the possibility of introgression events and their perpetuation in field populations. The results indicate that hybridization events are favored at high population levels, while at low population levels the ‘species identities’ will be maintained.

CONCLUSIONS

The possibility of interspecific gene flow and its perpetuation through successive crosses and backcrosses suggests several recommenations for management. Populations of both species should be maintained at an equilibrium level to reduce the chance of interspecific crosses, which are presumably more likely to occur during pest outbreaks. The existence of hybridization and resistance to different active pesticide ingredients should be monitored. All practices related to managing the resistance of these pests to chemical and biological insecticides should be systematized to reduce the chance of selecting for resistant individuals.
Physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling for dose optimization of quinine–phenobarbital coadministration in patients with cerebral malaria
Authors: Sae‐heng Teerachat , Rajoli Rajith Kumar Reddy , Siccardi Marco , Karbwang Juntra , Na‐Bangchang Kesara
Published: November 2021

Patients with cerebral malaria with polymorphic Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) genotypes who receive concurrent treatment with quinine are at risk of inadequate or toxic therapeutic drug concentrations due to metabolic drug interactions. The study aimed to predict the potential dose regimens of quinine when coadministered with phenobarbital in adult patients with cerebral malaria and complications (e.g., lactic acidosis and acute renal failure) and concurrent with seizures and acute renal failure who carry wild‐type and polymorphic CYP2C19. The whole‐body physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models for quinine, phenobarbital, and quinine–phenobarbital coadministration were constructed based on the previously published information using Simbiology®. Four published articles were used for model validation. A total of 100 virtual patients were simulated based on the 14‐day and 3‐day courses of treatment. using the drug–drug interaction approach. The predicted results were within 15% of the observed values. Standard phenobarbital dose, when administered with quinine, is suitable for all groups with single or continuous seizures regardless of CYP2C19 genotype, renal failure, and lactic acidosis. Dose adjustment based on area under the curve ratio provided inappropriate quinine concentrations. The recommended dose of quinine when coadministered with phenobarbital based on the PBPK model for all groups is a loading dose of 2000 mg intravenous (i.v.) infusion rate 250 mg/h followed by 1200 mg i.v. rate 150 mg/h. The developed PBPK models are credible for further simulations. Because the predicted quinine doses in all groups were similar regardless of the CYP2C19 genotype, genotyping may not be required.
A QFT approach to robust dual‐rate control systems
Authors: Baños Alfonso , Salt Julián , Casanova Vicente
Published: November 2021

A dual‐rate control system is a hybrid system composed of continuous‐time and discrete‐time elements with two sampling frequencies. In this work, a new frequency domain analysis and design approach, based on the quantitative feedback theory is developed, to cope with robust stability and robust tracking specifications. Tracking specifications are considered not only in the discrete‐time but also in continuous‐time, that allow a precise description of the intersample behavior (ripples), and characterization of frequencies below and beyond the Nyquist frequencies. Several illustrative examples and a case study has been developed.
A novel act‐and‐wait control scheme for fixed‐time stabilization of input‐delay systems and assignment of the monodromy matrix
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Zhou Bin , Michiels Wim , Yang Xuefei
Published: November 2021

An act‐and‐wait (AAW) fashioned control scheme is proposed for input delay systems, which is characterized by switches between different gains during the acting phases. Under very mild conditions, the novel control scheme allows to freely assign the monodromy matrix and to solve the fixed‐time stabilization problem. In additionally, a variant is proposed where the control law is simplified by keeping the control signal constant after every switch, amendable for a sampled‐data implementation. For multi‐input systems it is also demonstrated how the number of switches per acting period in the basis scheme can be reduced to the dimension of the system, starting from the controllability indices set. The effectiveness of the proposed methods is verified on two simulation case‐studies.
A simple low‐cost approach for transport parameter determination in mountain rivers
Authors: Castillo Daniela , Runkel Robert L. , Duhalde Denisse , Pastén Pablo , Arumí José L. , Oyarzún Jorge , Núñez Jorge , Maturana Hugo , Oyarzún Ricardo
Published: November 2021

A simplified low‐cost approach to experimentally determine transport parameters in mountain rivers is described, with an emphasis on the longitudinal dispersion coefficient (DL). The approach is based on a slug injection of table salt (NaCl) as a tracer and specific conductance readings at different locations downstream of the injection spot. Observed specific conductance readings are fit using the advection‐dispersion equation with OTIS‐P, yielding estimates of cross‐sectional area and longitudinal dispersion coefficient for various stream reaches. Estimates of the DL are used to assess the accuracy of several empirical equations reported in the literature. This allowed the determination of complementary transport parameters related to transient storage zones. The empirical equations yielded rather high DL values, with some reaching up an order of magnitude higher to those obtained from tracer additions and OTIS‐P. Overall, the proposed approach seems reliable and pertinent for river reaches of ca. 150 m in length.
Cooperative user association and resource allocation for task offloading in hybrid GEO‐LEO satellite networks
Authors: Leng Tao , Duan Pengfei , Hu Dongwei , Cui Gaofeng , Wang Weidong
Published: November 2021

Hybrid geosynchronous earth orbit (GEO) and low earth orbit (LEO) satellite networks play an important role in future satellite‐assisted internet of things (S‐IoT). However, the limited satellite on‐board communication and computing resource poses a large challenge for the task offloading in the hybrid GEO‐LEO satellite networks. In this paper, the problem of task offloading is formulated as a cooperative user association and resource allocation problem. To tackle the problem, we model it as a Markov decision process and decompose it into two sub‐problems, which are sequential decisions for user association and resource allocation with fixed user association conditions. Deep reinforcement learning (DRL) is adopted to make sequential decisions to achieve long‐term benefits, and convex optimization method is utilized to obtain optimal communication and computing resource allocation. Simulation results show that the proposed method is superior to other referred schemes.
Corporate social responsibility and sustainability in the tourism sector: A systematic literature review and future outlook
Authors: Madanaguli Arun , Srivastava Shalini , Ferraris Alberto , Dhir Amandeep
Published: November 2021

The current study intends to synthesise extant studies addressing corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability in the tourism sector. It employed qualitative content analysis to present the research profile, prominent conceptual, qualitative and quantitative studies, research gaps and future research questions. The review results indicate that research on CSR in tourism is a promising area of study that is growing rapidly. This review captures conceptual, qualitative and quantitative empirical studies and divides them into themes based on two typologies. Typology 1 addresses the direct effect of CSR on employees, customers and business performance. Typology 2 highlights the moderated and mediated relationships of variables, including customer trust, identification, trust and value with CSR. The findings provide a unifying framework highlighting the importance of CSR engagement in building relationships with various stakeholders in the tourism industry context. This contribution is one of the first reviews to examine the growing research on the CSR agenda in tourism. The tourist industry should recognise stakeholders' roles and attempt to involve them in their CSR initiatives.
Enhancement of the Photodegradation Activity of Methylene Blue by the Low‐temperature Regulation of Oxide‐rich Graphitic Carbon Nitride
Authors: Xie Kangle , Fang Junfei , Li Le , Deng Jianping , Liang Zhiyong
Published: November 2021

Oxygen‐rich graphitic carbon nitride (OCN‐3) was synthesized by low‐temperature regulation after the chemical oxidation of g‐C3N4, which was prepared by the calcination of melamine at a high temperature. Further, its photocatalytic activity was evaluated using methylene blue (MB) as the target pollutant for degradation. The characteristic results showed that OCN‐3 exhibited larger specific surface area (SSA) than pure g‐C3N4. Moreover, the recombination rate of its photogenerated carriers was significantly reduced. The photocatalytic degradation was performed with an MB solution that was prepared using ultrapure, tap, and lake water samples as the base liquids to measure the photocatalytic activity of OCN‐3. The experimental results display that the remove rate of MB has reached 83.7 %, 91.26 % and 95.2 %, respectively. The degradation of MB three consecutive times indicated that the catalyst exhibited good stability and reusability.
Chemodynamic Therapy via Fenton and Fenton‐Like Nanomaterials: Strategies and Recent Advances
Authors: Jia Chenyang , Guo Yuxin , Wu Fu‐Gen
Published: November 2021

Chemodynamic therapy (CDT), a novel cancer therapeutic strategy defined as the treatment using Fenton or Fenton‐like reaction to produce •OH in the tumor region, was first proposed by Bu, Shi, and co‐workers in 2016. Recently, with the rapid development of Fenton and Fenton‐like nanomaterials, CDT has attracted tremendous attention because of its unique advantages: 1) It is tumor‐selective with low side effects; 2) the CDT process does not depend on external field stimulation; 3) it can modulate the hypoxic and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment; 4) the treatment cost of CDT is low. In addition to the Fe‐involved CDT strategies, the Fenton‐like reaction‐mediated CDT strategies have also been proposed, which are based on many other metal elements including copper, manganese, cobalt, titanium, vanadium, palladium, silver, molybdenum, ruthenium, tungsten, cerium, and zinc. Moreover, CDT has been combined with other therapies like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, phototherapy, sonodynamic therapy, and immunotherapy for achieving enhanced anticancer effects. Besides, there have also been studies that extend the application of CDT to the antibacterial field. This review introduces the latest advancements in the nanomaterials‐involved CDT from 2018 to the present and proposes the current limitations as well as future research directions in the related field.