bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of mindfulness decompression therapy on mental health and job burnout among nurses working in the frontline of the novel coronavirus pandemic: A retrospective study
Authors: Luo Ling Xia , Peng Xiaobei , Hou Jianmei , Xie Yanhui , Dong Huiqian , Peng Sha , Ma Guiyuan , Zhang Jinghui
Published: April 2023

Objectives

As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to spread worldwide, nucleic acid detection is a key step in controlling it. Psychological issues and job burnout of nurses working in nucleic acid sampling roles for long periods have become apparent. This study aimed to explore the effects of mindfulness decompression therapy on mental health and job burnout in front-line nurses working in nucleic acid sampling during the pandemic.

Methods

Nucleic acid sampling frontline nurses who were positive for burnout on both the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) and the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Scale (MBI-GS) were selected as the participants. Frontline nurses in the nucleic acid testing area who received routine psychological nursing intervention from June 2020 to April 2021 were used as the control group. Nurses who received both routine psychological nursing and mindfulness decompression therapy from May 2021 to December 2021 formed the “mindfulness” subject group. We compared the two groups’ primary outcome measures of SCL-90 and MBI-GS scores.

Results

Before the intervention, there were no significant differences between the two groups in general data, SCL-90 scores, and MBI-GS scores. After the mindfulness decompression therapy, according to SCL-90 and MBI-GS scales, psychological distress and job burnout of nurses in the mindfulness group were significantly better than those in the control group.

Conclusion

Mindfulness decompression therapy can effectively improve mental health and relieve job burnout in frontline nurses in nucleic acid sampling areas, which is worthy of clinical application. Randomized controlled trials are still needed, however, to fully confirm the effects of mindfulness decompression therapy.
Where should they come from? Where should they go? Several measures of seed source locality fail to predict plant establishment in early prairie restorations
Authors: Pizza Riley B. , Foster Jared , Brudvig Lars A.
Published: April 2023

During the “decade on restoration,” we must understand how to reliably re‐establish native plant populations. When establishing populations through seed addition, practitioners often prioritize obtaining seed from locations geographically near the restoration site (i.e. “local seed sourcing”). They are assumed to be under similar environmental conditions to the restoration site and should establish more robust plant populations and preserve local biotic interactions better than seeds sourced from further away. However, this assumption remains virtually untested in realistic restoration settings and the importance of seed sourcing, relative to other factors such as seeding rate and management regimes, is unclear.

To determine if seed sourcing decision impacts plant establishment, abundance and phenology, we developed a partnership between university‐researchers and a native seed producer that kept records on where their seed was sourced from and where it was planted. At each site, we recorded the abundance and phenological stage of five commonly used tallgrass prairie restoration species seeded at 24 sites undergoing restoration across Michigan. We considered two measures of seed source locality: geographic distance (seeds were sourced from locations 6–750 km away from their respective restoration sites) and environmental distance. We also obtained data on the seeding rate and post‐seeding management at each site.

We found that no measure of seed source locality predicted the likelihood of plant establishment or abundance at restoration sites. However, sites sown with seed from further away, or from cooler and wetter climates, had a greater proportion of flowering individuals earlier in the season. Finally, sites with higher seeding rates had greater plant abundance, and post‐seeding management of the restoration site increased the likelihood a species would establish by 36%.

Overall, these results support that seed sourcing decisions did not impact plant establishment or abundance in our system. However, using less‐local seed sources may alter flowering phenology.

Our results suggest that tallgrass prairie restoration efforts should prioritize higher seeding rates, post‐seeding management, and might expand the region seed sources are considered “local”, though this may impact flowering phenology. Future research leveraging native seed producer records can help answer critical questions about restoration seed sourcing.
Beliefs, Experiences, and Openness Regarding Dietary Interventions: Data From an Urban Hispanic Population With Rheumatic Disease in the US
Authors: Lee Sandy , Rodman Jack , Hsu Vera , Wise Leanna
Published: April 2023

Objective

To obtain descriptive data on the beliefs, behaviors, and openness regarding dietary changes for rheumatic diseases in an urban US Hispanic patient population with rheumatic disease as foundational data for future intervention design.

Methods

We distributed a voluntary survey to our primarily Hispanic population at an outpatient rheumatology clinic for 19 weeks. This survey queried individuals’ behaviors as they related to dietary intake used for the treatment of rheumatic disease, perceptions of the effect of food groups on rheumatic disease activity, barriers to physician‐recommended diets, and willingness to try future interventions. We used descriptive statistics and Pearson's chi‐square test to evaluate associations.

Results

More than 40% of survey respondents from our primarily (88%) Hispanic population noted a link between what they ate and their underlying rheumatic disease activity. More than one‐third of patients had, at some point, modified dietary intake to affect their rheumatic disease. Vegetables, fruit, and white meats were commonly reported to improve disease, while red meat and processed foods were reported to worsen disease. Barriers to following a prespecified diet included cost and lack of knowledge. More than 70% of respondents indicated willingness to attempt certain eating patterns should it help their underlying rheumatic disease.

Conclusion

In this primarily Hispanic rheumatic disease patient population, many have not only noted a correlation between dietary intake and rheumatic disease activity but are also open to future nutrition‐related interventions. As this population experiences poor rheumatic disease outcomes and a high rate of lifestyle‐related comorbidities, an intervention to optimize healthy eating patterns would likely be beneficial as well as acceptable.
Fixed‐time prescribed performance optimization control for the speed and tension system of the cold strip rolling mill with output constraints
Authors: Liu Le , Li Qinghua , Lin Zhipeng , Fang Yiming
Published: April 2023

For the speed and tension system of the reversible cold strip rolling mill with output constraints, parameter perturbations and load disturbance, a fixed‐time prescribed performance optimization control method is proposed based on disturbance observers in this article. First, the disturbance observers are constructed to estimate the system's unmatched uncertainties, and the observer errors can converge in fixed time. Second, a time‐varying logarithmic barrier Lyapunov function (TLBLF) is given and combined with the command filtered backstepping approach, the fixed‐time control and the prescribed performance control to complete the controller designs for the speed and tension system of the cold strip rolling mill, which make the system states converge in fixed time and are always constrained within predefined ranges. Third, particle swarm optimization‐gray wolf optimization (PSO_GWO) hybrid intelligent algorithm is used to optimize the main control parameters of the designed controllers, which further improves the convergence speed and steady‐state accuracy of the rolling mill system. Theoretical analysis proves that the proposed control method can ensure the closed‐loop system is stable in fixed time. Finally, the simulation comparison study is carried out by using the field actual data of a reversible cold strip mill system, and the simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed control method.
Hydrogen Sulfide Gas Amplified ROS Cascade: FeS@GOx Hybrid Nanozyme Designed for Boosting Tumor Chemodynamic Immunotherapy
Authors: Sun Wanying , Zhu Chengyuan , Song Juan , Ji Shi‐Chen , Jiang Bang‐Ping , Liang Hong , Shen Xing‐Can
Published: April 2023

Chemodynamic immunotherapy that utilizes catalysts to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) for killing tumor cells and arousing antitumor immunity has received considerable attention. However, it is still restricted by low ROS production efficiency and insufficient immune activation, due to intricate redox homeostasis in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Herein, a metalloprotein‐like hybrid nanozyme (FeS@GOx) is designed by in situ growth of nanozyme (ferrous sulfide, FeS) in a natural enzyme (glucose oxidase, GOx) to amplify ROS cascade for boosting chemodynamic immunotherapy. In FeS@GOx, GOx allows the conversion of endogenous glucose to gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide, which provides favorable increasing hydrogen peroxide for subsequent Fenton reaction of FeS nanozymes, thus reinforcing ROS production. Notably, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) release is activated by the gluconic acid generation‐related pH decrease, which can suppress the activity of endogenous thioredoxin reductase and catalase to further inhibit ROS elimination. Thus, FeS@GOx can sustainably amplify ROS accumulation and perturb intracellular redox homeostasis to improve chemodynamic therapy and trigger robust immunogenic cell death for effective immunotherapy combined with immune checkpoint blockade. This work proposes a feasible H2S amplified ROS cascade strategy employing a bioinspired hybrid nanozyme, providing a novel pathway to multi‐enzyme‐mediated TME modulation for precise and efficient chemodynamic immunotherapy.
Single‐Atom and Hierarchical‐Pore Aerogel Confinement Strategy for Low‐Platinum Fuel Cells
Authors: Luo Yi , Li Ke , Chen Yongting , Feng Junzong , Wang Lukai , Jiang Yonggang , Li Liangjun , Yu Gang , Feng Jian
Published: April 2023

Achieving high catalytic performance through the lowest possible content of platinum (Pt) is the key to cost reduction of proton‐exchange‐membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). However, lowering the Pt loading in PEMFCs leads to the high mass‐transport resistance of oxygen originating from the limited active sites, and causes less stability of the catalysts due to Pt size growth after long‐time operation. Herein, Pt–metal/metal–N–C aerogel catalysts are designed that substantially reduce oxygen‐related mass transport resistance and have long‐term durability. The tailoring of the Fe–N–C aerogel support with hierarchical and interconnecting pores enable a low local oxygen transport resistance (0.18 s cm−1) for PEMFCs with ultralow Pt loading (50 ± 5 µgPt cm−2). Chemical confinement of Fe─N sites ensures high stability of the loaded‐Pt both in the processes of synthesis up to 1000 °C and practical application in PEMFCs. The ultralow Pt PEMFC displays a low voltage loss of 8 mV at 0.80 A cm−2 and unchanged electrochemical surface area after 60 000 cycles of accelerated durability testing. The allying of the hierarchical pores, the aerogel, and the single atoms can fully reflect their structural advantages and expand the understanding for the synthesis of advanced fuel cell PEMFCs catalysts.
The High‐Strength, Flexible Organic Solvent Driven Reversible “Deformation‐Recovery‐Reverse Deformation” Responsive g‐PLA/PPC/PVA Film for Contactless Actuation
Authors: Zhang Yan , Sun Tianyi , Zhang Dashuai , Li Chen , Liu Jinrui , Li Bangsen , Shi Zaifeng
Published: April 2023

The non‐contact deformation response driven by organic solvent has potential applications in the fields of intelligent devices, soft robots, sensing detection, and biomedical micro‐devices. The modified polyactic acid (g‐PLA)/polypropyl carbonate (PPC)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sandwich with deformation response film is prepared by the asymmetric swelling response mechanism. Specially, the flexible sandwich film achieves the non‐contact driving response of “deformation‐recovery‐reverse deformation”, showing excellent deformation performance. The curvature of sandwich film reaches 13.79 cm−1 within 15 s, and the film recovers to its initial state within 3 s, then the curvature of the reverse coil reaches 18.18 cm−1 within 15 s and finally achieves a stable state. This special phenomenon is caused by the different adsorption swelling and desorption rates of volatile organic solvents in g‐PLA, PPC, and PVA layers. Additionally, the flexible film has high strength, reversible circulation, and stable actuation performance. The application scenarios of the bionic flower actuator, artificial octopus, intelligent protective cover, and transportable objects are successfully implemented. This work will significantly provide substantial guidance for the development of intelligent driving technology in the future.
Air‐Working Electrochemical Actuator and Ionic Sensor Based on Manganese Dioxide/Gelatin‐Glycerol Composites
Authors: Wu Runni , Kwan Kin Wa , Wang Yahua , Ngan Alfonso Hing Wan
Published: April 2023

Soft materials with large actuation and strain sensing are highly sought after for robotic applications. There are several electrochemical material systems capable of both functions, but as they are developed into air‐working systems, the deformation is compromised by the electrolyte packaging so that they actuate less than in liquid environments. This study develops a novel air‐working film‐actuator by compositing manganese dioxide, which actuates by electrochemical redox reactions, and gelatin‐glycerol hydrogel, which serves not only as the electrolyte for the manganese dioxide but also provides strain sensing function. By properly designing the compositions of the materials and structure, the composite film can produce large bending actuation. Depending on the application and structure adopted, the actuator can produce a tip displacement equal to its own length, a bending angle of >360°, or a radius of curvature of 2.5 mm, which is a very large actuation compared to other air‐working film actuators. Different bending modes or shapes can be achieved by the independent actuating hinges fabricated on the actuator, and strain sensing function and resilient recovery from external compression are achievable by the hydrogel. With these properties, the material system is used to fabricate a robotic inchworm to demonstrate its capability in robotic applications.
Doping of Laser‐Induced Graphene and Its Applications
Authors: Zhang Qiwen , Zhang Fangyi , Liu Xing , Yue Zengji , Chen Xi , Wan Zhengfen
Published: April 2023

Laser‐induced graphene (LIG) has attracted extensive attention owing to its facile preparation of graphene and direct engraving patterns for devices. Various applications are demonstrated such as sensors, supercapacitors, electrocatalysis, batteries, antimicrobial, oil and water separation, solar cells, and heaters. In recent years, doping has been employed as a significant strategy to modulate the properties of LIG and thereby improve the performance of LIG devices. Due to the patternable manufacture, controllable morphologies, and the synergistic effect of doped atoms and graphene, the doped LIG devices exhibit a high sensitivity of sensing, pseudocapacitance performance, and biological antibacterial. This paper reviews the latest novel research progress of heteroatom and nanoparticles doped LIG in synthesis, properties, and applications. The fabrications of LIG and typical doping approaches are presented. Special attention is paid to two doping processes of LIG: the one‐step laser irradiation method and the two‐step laser modification consisting of deposition, drop‐casting, and duplicated laser pyrolysis. Doped LIG applications with improved performance are mainly highlighted. Taking advantage of doped LIG's properties and device performances will provide excellent opportunities for developing artificial intelligence, data storage, energy, health, and environmental applications.
N‐shape pressure drop curve of gas–liquid microchannel reactor and modeling
Authors: Sheng Lin , Wang Junjie , Chang Yu , Deng Jian , Luo Guangsheng
Published: April 2023

Accurate prediction of gas–liquid pressure drop is essential to microreactors design; however, the understanding of general rules of pressure drop in a wide gas–liquid flow ratio, especially smaller than 1.0, remains insufficient, Accordingly, this work systematically studies the pressure drop rule within the gas–liquid flow ratio of 0.2–2.0. The results show that, under a given gas velocity, the pressure drop first increases and then decreases, and finally back increases with the liquid flow velocity, and the named N‐shape pressure drop curve could be clearly observed. Besides, the rules of gas–liquid unit length and gas‐phase holdup are explored to reveal the mechanism behind the N‐shape pressure drop curve. Finally, three semi‐empirical correlations based on the gas–liquid unit length and separated flow model are successfully proposed for the N‐shape pressure drop. This work provides some important fundamental information for the reliable design of gas–liquid microreactors.
Prevalence of workplace violence against young workers in the United States
Authors: Rauscher Kimberly , Casteel Carri , Davis Jonathan , Myers Douglas , Peek‐Asa Corinne
Published: April 2023

Background

Workers under the age of 25 may be at particular risk for workplace violence, given their predominant employment in the high‐risk retail and service industries. Little research exists, however, that estimates the scope of the problem within this population. To fill this gap, we conducted the first national study of workplace violence against young people in the United States.

Methods

We analyzed survey data collected via telephone interview from a national sample of 1031 young workers ages 14 through 24 who held a formal job in the last 12 months. Weighted frequencies were calculated and χ2 tests of significance were used to detect differences between groups.

Results

Many youth experience workplace violence (60%). Verbal abuse of the sort that made victims feel scared and unsafe (53%) and sexual harassment (24%) were the most commonly reported forms of violence. Females were more likely than males to experience workplace violence overall (p < 0.001) and sexual harassment (p < 0.001) in particular. Males were more likely to experience verbal abuse (p < 0.001). Workplace violence was most prevalent among workers in healthcare settings and eating and drinking places. The occupation with the highest prevalence of workplace violence was customer service.

Conclusions

Workplace violence is common among young workers in the United States and more widespread than prior estimates have suggested. This study is the first to provide a true national prevalence estimate of the problem of workplace violence among young workers ages 14 to 24 in the United States. These findings should be used to locate areas of concern and target resources where they are needed most to address this significant problem.
Inherent flame‐retardant vinyl ester resins with improved heat resistance enabled by additional P/N‐containing cross‐linking points
Authors: Qiu Mei , Chen Xi , Wang Jun , Wang Jingsheng , Chen Kaiwen , Yang Shuang , Huo Siqi , Wang Hao
Published: April 2023

Due to the plasticizing effect, the phosphorus‐derived flame retardants often imparted flame retardancy to thermosetting resins at the expense of heat resistance. To address this issue, the phosphorous/nitrogen flame retardant (DOPO‐TGIC) and 4,4′‐diphenyl methane diisocyanate (MDI) were covalently introduced into the cross‐linked network of vinyl ester resin (VER) by the reaction of the OH groups in DOPO‐TGIC and VER and the NCO groups in MDI. Thus, an intrinsically flame‐retardant VER was obtained. The as‐prepared VER sample exhibited increased glass‐transition temperature (Tg) relative to virgin VER sample because DOPO‐TGIC served as an additional cross‐linking point during curing. Meanwhile, the P/N‐containing VER sample featured superior flame‐retardant properties, with a UL‐94V‐0 classification. Compared with VER sample, the peak heat release rate (PHRR) and total heat release (THR) of the P/N‐containing VER sample were reduced by 55.6% and 44.0%, respectively. The improved flame retardancy was mainly due to the suppressed burning reaction in the gas phase and improved carbonization capacity in the condensed phase. Therefore, this work proposes a novel and effective strategy for addressing the trade‐off between Tg and flame retardancy of thermosetting resins.
Functional hierarchy of PCNA‐interacting motifs in DNA processing enzymes
Authors: Hamdan Samir M. , De Biasio Alfredo
Published: April 2023

Numerous eukaryotic DNA processing enzymes, such as DNA polymerases and ligases, bind the processivity factor PCNA, which acts as a platform to recruit and regulate the binding of enzymes to their DNA substrate. Multiple PCNA‐interacting motifs (PIPs) are present in these enzymes, but their individual structural and functional role has been a matter of debate. Recent cryo‐EM reconstructions of high‐fidelity DNA polymerase Pol δ (Pol δ), translesion synthesis DNA polymerase κ (Pol κ) and Ligase 1 (Lig1) bound to a DNA substrate and PCNA demonstrate that the critical interaction with PCNA involves the internal PIP proximal to the catalytic domain. The ancillary PIPs, located in long disordered regions, are instead invisible in the reconstructions, and appear to function as flexible tethers when the enzymes fall off the DNA. In this review, we discuss the recent structural advancements and propose a functional hierarchy for the PIPs in Pol δ, Pol κ, and Lig1.
Seeking safety intervention for comorbid post‐traumatic stress and substance use disorder: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Sherman Athena D. F. , Balthazar Monique , Zhang Wenhui , Febres‐Cordero Sarah , Clark Kristen D. , Klepper Meredith , Coleman Mercy , Kelly Ursula
Published: April 2023

Problem statement

Seeking Safety (SS) is a widely implemented cognitive‐behavioral therapy for comorbid post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD). It is a present‐focused coping skills model that is highly flexible, with varied methods of delivery, to maximize acceptability and client access. The purpose of this meta‐analysis is to examine the effect of SS on comorbid PTSD and SUD across randomized control trials (RCTs). In addition, ours is the first meta‐analysis to examine the dose‐response of SS by comparing delivery of all 25 SS topics versus fewer.

Methods and design

Articles published before January 2, 2023 (CINAHL n = 16, PsycINFO n = 31, MEDLINE n = 27, Cochrane n = 38, and Scopus n = 618) were searched. Seven studies were included for meta‐analysis and dose‐response analysis.

Results

Based on effect sizes (ES), meta‐analysis revealed that SS has a medium group, time (p = .04), and time by group effect on substance use per the Addiction Severity Index at 3 months and a small effect on Clinician‐Administered PTSD Scale scores by group, a large effect by time, and a medium time by group (p = .002) effect at 6 months. Based on the pooled ES examining various measures across multiple timepoints, SS had small to medium effects on substance use by time, group, or time by group and medium to large effects on PTSD symptoms by time, group, or time by group (except for the group effect at 3‐month follow‐up). Significant effects were found for substance use by time at 3 and 6 months and for PTSD postintervention, at 6 months and 9 months by group, time, and time by group while only by time at 3 months. Meta‐regression revealed that partial dose versions of SS generally function as well as the full dose version of SS when observing long‐term effects (greater than 3 months).

Discussion

Findings suggest SS has merit in treating PTSD symptoms and SUD. Based on the summarized effect sizes, SS appears more effective in reducing PTSD than substance use, which converges with the larger treatment outcome literature that consistently finds this. We explore reasons that treatment of SUD is more challenging than treating PTSD and offer suggestions for practitioners. We emphasize the need for future studies to utilize common measures and provide full details of treatment delivery for optimal comparison across studies.
Take a closer look at how ChatGPT could change teaching, learning
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: April 2023

CLEARWATER, FLORIDA — Student and faculty use of ChatGPT has quickly become one of the biggest controversies in higher education. As detractors resist the free, online text‐generating tool like the plague and others delight in its exciting possibilities, ChatGPT is taking the world by storm, threatening to upend longstanding concepts of plagiarism, authorship, ownership, and learning, according to intellectual property expert Jacob Rooksby, J.D., Ph.D., Professor and Dean of the Gonzaga University School of Law, and IP Optimization Strategist with FIG. 1 Patents, PLLC. He spoke at Stetson University's annual National Conference on Law and Higher Education.
A second‐generation CD38‐CAR‐T cell for the treatment of multiple myeloma
Authors: Li Hongwen , Li Jing , Wu Jiazhuo , Shi Zhuangzhuang , Gao Yuyang , Song Wenting , Li Jiwei , Li Zhaoming , Zhang Mingzhi
Published: April 2023

Background

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an aggressive plasma cell malignancy, causing a number of deaths worldwide every year. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) transduced T‐cell therapy has been a promising immunotherapy against hematological malignancies.

Methods

In this study, we developed a second‐generation CAR construct and generated CAR‐T cells targeting CD38 molecule. Then effects of CAR‐T cells against MM cell lines were evaluated.

Results

CD38‐CAR‐T cells showed higher cytotoxicity to MM cell lines and primary MM cells than that of control T cells in vitro. Over 50% MM1.s and RPMI8226 cells were killed by CAR‐T cells even at effector to target ratio of 1:100. CAR‐T cells also showed an enhanced cytotoxicity against primary MM cells. CAR‐T cells could be activated and produced a variety of cytokines in a target‐dependent manner. In vivo test indicated that CAR‐T cells also showed significant antitumor effect on xenograft mice models.

Conclusion

These results indicated a promising therapeutic strategy of CD38‐CAR‐T cells against MM.
Safety and efficacy of GEMOX plus donafenib and tislelizumab as first‐line therapy for advanced epithelial malignant biliary tract cancer
Authors: Wang Longrong , Zhang Ning , Wang Yixiu , Zhang Ti , Zhu Weiping , Mao Anrong , Zhao Yiming , Wang Lu
Published: April 2023

Aim

This study was aimed to evaluate the safety and the efficacy of gemcitabine and oxaliplatin (GEMOX) combined with donafenib plus tislelizumab as the first‐line treatment for patients with unresectable biliary tract cancer (BTC).

Methods

This is a prospective single‐center exploratory study. Eligible patients (Stage III/IV BTC, at least one measurable disease according to RECIST v1.1, etc.) received gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 IV Q3W, oxaliplatin 100 mg/m2 IV Q3W, donafenib 200 mg PO BID, and tislelizumab 200 mg IV Q3W until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or withdrawal of consent whichever occurred first. The primary endpoint was safety and secondary endpoints included disease control rate (DCR), objective response rate (ORR), conversion rate, and overall survival (OS).

Results

A total of 13 patients were enrolled. The median follow‐up time was 420 days (range 345–487). The median duration of treatment was four cycles (range 1–15). The incidence of ≥Grade 3 treatment‐related adverse events (TRAEs) was 53.8% and no Grade 5 TRAE. The most frequent Grade 3–4 TRAEs were rash (4/13, 30.8%), platelet count decreased (2/13, 15.4%), and fatigue (2/13, 15.4%). Tumor response was assessed in eight evaluable patients; ORR was 25.0% (95% CI, 3.2%–65.1%) and DCR 87.5% (95% CI, 47.3%–99.7%). The median PFS was 4.8 months (95% CI, 1.25‐NE). Three Stage III patients underwent subsequent surgery with a conversion rate of 23.1%. The median OS was not estimable.

Conclusions

GEMOX combined with donafenib plus tislelizumab as the first‐line therapy for unresectable BTC showed manageable toxicity and encouraging efficacy especially in terms of promising conversion rate in Stage III patients.
Feasibility testing of a peer support programme for prisoners with common mental disorders and substance use
Authors: Thekkumkara Sreekanth , Jagannathan Aarti , Muliyala Krishna Prasad , Joseph Ambi , Murthy Pratima
Published: April 2023

Background

The prevalence of mental disorders and substance use among prisoners is high. Convicted prisoners of ‘good behaviour’ can be part of a peer support system in prisons.

Aim

To evaluate the feasibility of a peer support programme for prisoners with common mental disorders and substance use in prison.

Method

The study used a mixed method research design, with a quasi‐experimental approach (single group pre‐post without control). It was conducted in two phases: Phase I. Thirty‐five peers/convicted prisoners were recruited through advertisements on the prisoners' community radio station. Volunteers with good behaviour reports were given training over 5 days to recognise mental and substance use disorders and provide basic peer support in prison; their attitudes and knowledge were tested before and after the training. Phase II. Feasibility of the peer support programme was tested by (i) recording the number of cases identified and referred, (ii) pre‐ and post‐evaluation of well‐being, coping, and symptom severity of those supported and (iii) evaluating qualitatively the experience of the peer supporters and service users.

Results

Thirty‐five peer supporters identified 49 cases over 3 months. These cases showed significant improvement in well‐being (Z −1.962; p < 0.050) and reduction in symptom severity (Z −1.913; 0.056). There was a significant improvement in the peers supporters' self‐esteem from pre‐ to post‐training (t −3.31; p < 0.002), improvement in their benevolence (t −4.37; p < 0.001) and a significant reduction in their negative attitudes to mental illness (Z −3.518; p < 0.001). A thematic model of peer support encompassed self‐experienced benefits for the peer supporter, wider recognition of peer supporters in the prison, challenges to this kind of support, experience of training and visions for future work.

Conclusion

The peer support programme was experienced positively by the peer‐supporters and supported. Common mental disorders, substance use and suicidality were recognised and appropriately referred. A full‐scale evaluation of this promising programme is warranted.
Design, Synthesis and Aromaticity of an Alternating Cyclo[4]Thiophene[4]Furan
Authors: Kawakami Manami , Sharma Dhruv , Varni Anthony J. , Tristram‐Nagle Stephanie , Yaron David , Kowalewski Tomasz , Noonan Kevin J. T.
Published: April 2023

A new class of conjugated macrocycle, the cyclo[4]thiophene[4]furan hexyl ester (C4TE4FE), is reported. This cycle consists of alternating α‐linked thiophene‐3‐ester and furan‐3‐ester repeat units, and was prepared in a single step using Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling of a 2‐(thiophen‐2‐yl)furan monomer. The ester side groups help promote a syn conformation of the heterocycles, which enables formation of the macrocycle. Cyclic voltammetry studies revealed that C4TE4FE could undergo multiple oxidations, so treatment with SbCl5 resulted in formation of the [C4TE4FE]2+ dication. Computational work, paired with 1H NMR spectroscopy of the dication, revealed that the cycle becomes globally aromatic upon 2e− oxidation, as the annulene pathway along the outer ring becomes Hückel aromatic. The change in ring current for the cycle upon oxidation was clear from 1H NMR spectroscopy, as the protons of the thiophene and furan rings shifted downfield by nearly 6 ppm. This work highlights the potential of sequence control in furan‐based macrocycles to tune electronic properties.
The impact of creating shared value strategy on corporate sustainable development: From resources perspective
Authors: Li Wei‐jian , Zhu Wei , Wang Bin
Published: April 2023

Porter and Kramer abandoned the traditional view of trade‐offs and proposed the concept of “creating shared value”, which integrates social and environmental needs into a company's core business to improve both society and the environment while enhancing its competitiveness. Whether creating shared value strategy can achieve corporate sustainable development should be urgently investigated. With the resource‐dependence theory and resource‐based theory, the positive impacts of creating shared value strategy on corporate social, environmental, and financial performances are theoretically analyzed and empirically tested from the perspectives of resource provision and acquisition. In further analysis, the mechanism test based on “sharing value” suggests that creating shared value strategy can strengthen its competitiveness by fulfilling social and environmental responsibilities. The consequences test demonstrates that creating shared value strategy promotes the provision of technological resources and information resources, which is conducive to the acquisition of market resources, human resources, and capital resources.
Using tail current phase shift technique to improve locking range injection‐locked frequency divider
Authors: Ghonoodi Hojat , Modanlou Shahram , Hadjmohammadi Mahsa
Published: April 2023

In this article, an injection‐locked frequency divider (ILFD) is presented. By assuming the maximum phase of the tank current, we obtain a relation for the lock range. Besides, the effects of parasitic capacitors on the lock range have been probed. The analysis shows that the greater the phase difference between the tail current and injected signal, the phase of the tank current increases and, consequently, the lock range also increases. The accomplished simulations confirm the correct performance of the proposed design and the extracted relationships. The simulations have been CMOS technology and with a 0.9‐V supply voltage. The results show that the current consumption equals 3.7 mA and the power consumption equals 3.33 mW. The proposed ILFD lock range with phase shift technique with power input signal 0 dBm is equal to 5.1 GHz (3.6–8.7 GHz), and the relative percentage of the lock range is also 83%.
Warming increases survival and asexual fitness in a facultatively sexual freshwater cnidarian with winter diapause
Authors: Tökölyi Jácint
Published: April 2023

Temperature is a key abiotic factor controlling population dynamics. In facultatively sexual animals inhabiting the temperate zone, temperature can regulate the switch between asexual and sexual modes of reproduction, initiates growth or dormancy, and acts together with photoperiod to mediate seasonal physiological transitions. Increasing temperature due to recent global warming is likely to disrupt population dynamics of facultatively sexual animals because of the strong temperature dependence of multiple fitness components. However, the fitness consequences of warming in these animals are still poorly understood. This is unfortunate since facultatively sexual animals—through their ability for asexual reproduction resulting in quick population growth and sexual reproduction enabling long‐term persistence—are key components of freshwater ecosystems. Here, I studied the fitness effects of warming in Hydra oligactis, a freshwater cnidarian that reproduces asexually throughout most of the year but switches to sexual reproduction under decreasing temperatures. I exposed hydra polyps to a simulated short summer heatwave or long‐term elevated winter temperature. Since sexual development in this species is dependent on low temperature, I predicted reduced sexual investment (gonad production) and elevated asexual fitness (budding) in polyps exposed to higher temperatures. The results show a complex effect of warming on sexual fitness: While gonad number decreased in response to warming, both male and female polyps exposed to high winter temperature were capable of multiple rounds of gamete production. Asexual reproduction and survival rate, on the contrary, clearly increased in response to higher temperature, especially in males. These results predict increased population growth of H. oligactis in temperate freshwater habitats, which will likely affect the population dynamics of its main prey (freshwater zooplankton), and through that, the whole aquatic ecosystem.
Reconciling welfare policy and sustainability transition – A case study of the Finnish welfare state
Authors: Saikkonen Paula , Ilmakunnas Ilari
Published: April 2023

The paper investigates the capacity of welfare policies to support sustainability transitions. Welfare policy involves the discussion on public and private responsibilities and choices in public spending. The Finnish government's decision to turn Finland into a carbon neutral welfare society by 2035 is interpreted as a possible sustainability transition. The government launched a social security reform at the same time as the carbon neutrality target was announced. It was assumed that one of the major reforms would be utilised to achieve the carbon neutrality target. The research material consists of administrative, policy and political documents. The chosen documents describe how the issues are presented in policymaking. The qualitative analyses focused on the frames. It was examined how the current problems of the system were framed because the frames guide the possible solutions. According to our analysis, the Finnish government showed strong political will for sustainability transition. However, one of its major reforms was not utilised to create policies to support the shift towards a carbon neutral welfare society. The political will did not convert into action on the social security reform. The main reason seems to be related to the strongly guiding legislative frame in the reform. The legislative frame impacted on the utilised knowledge, which focused solely on the system level of social security. It could have been useful to utilise research knowledge about large‐scale reforms and how to formulate them cross‐sectionally.
Numerical simulation of mass and heat transport phenomena of hydromagnetic flow of Casson fluid with sinusoidal boundary conditions
Authors: Islam Md. Rafiqul , Reza‐E‐Rabbi Sk. , Yousuf Ali Md. , Rasel Md. Mehedi Hasan , Ahmmed Sarder Firoz
Published: April 2023

A magnetic field might interact with its surroundings, influencing chemical and physical processes in materials processing, heat exchangers, and other scientific study. Therefore, a computational study of non‐Newtonian (Casson) free convective MHD unsteady fluid flow has been highlighted in this article with mass and heat transit property through a vertical infinite porous plate. A sinusoidal boundary conditions as well as chemical reaction and thermal radiation have been considered. Using a collection of nondimensional variables, the flow related equations are also turned into nondimensional form. The EFDM algorithm is employed in order to arrive at a numerical solution via Compaq Visual Fortran. The reliability of the numerical solution has been confirmed using stability testing and convergence analysis. The whole system is convergent when the values of Prandtl number and Lewis number are greater than or equals to 0.075 and 0.025, respectively. A visual depiction of the impact of the pertinent factors on dimensionless velocity, temperature, and concentration profiles are displayed through graphical representation as well as with tabular representation. It has been inspected that when the magnetic component is regarded, it greatly affects the heat transfer factors of Casson nanofluid and the heat also rises when Eckert number, heat source and radiation parameter accelerate. It is also found that the Sherwood number is increased as the impact of chemical reaction parameter and the Lewis number, also the skin friction is decreased as the influence of porosity term got accelerated. The comparison of the current findings with the data that were previously published serves as the final stage in validating the present study.
Variability in nutrient composition of the edible long‐horned grasshopper (Ruspolia differens) in Uganda and its potential in alleviating food insecurity
Authors: Kababu Margaret , Mweresa Collins K. , Subramanian Sevgan , Egonyu James P. , Tanga Chrysantus M.
Published: April 2023

Ruspolia differens Serville (Orthoptera: Tettigonidae) is a highly nutritious and luxurious insect delicacy that is consumed as a food source in many African countries. However, the nutrient profile of R. differens in different geographical regions have received limited research interest. Here, we provide comprehensive evidence of geographical impact on the nutrient profile of R. differens and its potential to meet the recommended dietary intake of the population. Our results demonstrated that proximate composition, fatty acids, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and flavonoid contents of R. differens collected from five districts in Uganda varied considerably. The crude protein (28–45%), crude fat (41–54%), and energy (582–644 Kj/100 g) contents of R. differens exceed that reported from animal origins. The highest crude protein, crude fat, and carbohydrate contents of R. differens were recorded in Kabale, Masaka, and Kampala, respectively. A total of 37 fatty acids were identified with linoleic acid (omega‐6 fatty acid) being the most abundant polyunsaturated fatty acid in R. differens from Kabale, Masaka, and Mbarara. All essential amino acids were recorded in R. differens, particularly histidine with values exceeding the daily requirement for adults. Mineral and vitamin content differed significantly across the five districts. The highest quantity of flavonoids was recorded in R. differens from Hoima (484 mg/100 g). Our findings revealed that R. differens could be considered as functional food ingredients capable of supplying essential macro‐ and micronutrients that are critical in curbing the rising food insecurity and malnutrition in the regions.
Geochemistry and geochronology of Permian plutonic rocks at the north‐western margin of Gondwana
Authors: Restrepo Marcela , Bustamante Camilo , Cardona Agustín , Beltrán‐Triviño Alejandro , Valencia Victor A.
Published: April 2023

The occurrence of Permian magmatic rocks in the Colombian Andes is restricted to a few localities. Previous works have focused mainly on explaining its tectonic setting, whereas petrogenesis has received less attention. This study closes this gap by reporting whole‐rock geochemistry, zircon U–Pb geochronology, trace elements and Hf isotopes from massive and mylonitic granitoids along central Colombia to constrain their age, source and petrogenesis. Our results show that the granitoids have a calc‐alkaline character, are rich in light‐rare elements (LREEs) and large‐ion lithophile elements (LILEs), present negative Nb and Ti anomalies, crystallized between ca. 276–265 Ma and show variable εHf(i) values ranging from −1.5 to +1.7. Combining our results with published geochemical, geochronological and isotopic data from this region, we suggest that the Middle Permian granitoids from the Tolima region were formed in a continental magmatic arc installed at the western margin of Gondwana, where partial melting of the mantle wedge and further crustal assimilation of the magmas with an old radiogenic and heterogeneous crust were essential processes for the modification of the source of the magmas that generated the granitoids. The Middle Permian may have reached the peak magmatic conditions (ca. 280–270 Ma), according to the recurrence of ages in this time interval. This period of magmatic activity may have been interrupted by the Triassic extensional period related to the beginning of the Pangea breakup.
Triassic magmatism along both sides of the Simao terrane, SE Tibetan Plateau: Implications for the evolution of the Main Palaeo‐Tethyan Ocean and the Ailaoshan Ocean
Authors: Chen Jing , Li Dapeng , Xu Benyan , Geng Jianzhen , Kang Huan , Chen Yuelong , Yu Yang
Published: April 2023

Subduction and closure of the Palaeo‐Tethyan ocean in the south‐eastern (SE) Tibetan Plateau accounted for the amalgamation of the Indochina Block with the Sibumasu and Yangtze blocks during the Triassic, however, the spatial distribution of the Main Palaeo‐Tethyan ocean and the nature of the Ailaoshan ocean in this region remain controversial. This is partially due to the absence of related magmatic records in the middle‐north segment of the Lancangjiang tectonic belt (LTZ) and consequently, the lack of regional comparison with the Ailaoshan tectonic belt (ATZ). In this contribution, we reported for the first time the presence of subduction‐related Triassic dioritic‐granitic rocks from the Chongshan metamorphic belt (CMB) and the Diancangshan metamorphic belt (DMB) along both sides of the Simao terrane. Zircon U–Pb‐Hf isotopic and whole‐rock geochemical data for these dioritic‐granitic rocks and 135 previously published magmatic rocks in the LTZ, ATZ and the Longmu Co‐Shuanghu suture (LSS) are compared and place important constraints on (1) the spatial distribution of the Palaeo‐Tethyan ocean in this region and (2) the nature of the Ailaoshan Ocean. All these dioritic‐granitic samples from the CMB and DMB yielded Triassic crystallization ages from 225 to 251 Ma, representing late‐stage magmatic records for the Palaeo‐Tethyan evolution in the middle‐north segment of both the LTZ and ATZ in this region. These Triassic dioritic‐granitic rocks in the CMB and DMB share similar geochemical features. Dioritic samples display positive εHf(t) values and relatively high MgO, Cr, Ni contents, moderately differentiated rare earth element (REE) patterns and depletion in Nb‐Ta‐Ti, suggesting their generation from partial melts of metasomatized mantle wedge. Granitic rocks are mostly S‐type with low MgO contents but high K2O/Na2O and A/CNK ratios, mainly generated by regional clastic rocks dominant by juvenile contributions, except for granodiorite samples CS1601 and DC1734‐2, exhibiting identical geological features subduction‐derived hybridized magma from regional clastic sediments and basalts. Our discovery of the Triassic dioritic‐granitic rocks in the CMB stands as the first direct evidence for the Main Palaeo‐Tethyan evolution in the middle‐north segment of the LTZ. This discovery bridges 135 contemporaneous reported magmatic records and supports the spatial distribution of the Main Palaeo‐Tethyan ocean from the LTZ to the LSS. Our Triassic dioritic‐granitic rocks in the CMB and DMB recorded comparable late‐stage evolution involving slab break‐off of the Main Palaeo‐Tethyan ocean and the Ailaoshan Ocean, respectively. Together with previous studies, the Ailaoshan ocean should be a wide oceanic Basin that shares similar time span and evolution processes as the Main Palaeo‐Tethyan ocean.