bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of dynamic eco-efficiency of water companies: the influence of non-revenue water and water supply interruptions
Authors: Maziotis Alexandros , Molinos-Senante Maria , Sala-Garrido Ramón , Mocholí-Arce Manuel
Published: March 2023

Benchmarking the dynamic performance of water companies is a powerful tool to develop sound policies. However, it requires the use of reliable and robust methods and quality of data. In this study, the stochastic nonparametric envelopment of data (StoNED) method was employed to assess productivity change and eco-productivity change of a sample of Chilean water companies over the period 2010–2018. The StoNED approach overcomes the main limitations of stochastic frontier analysis and data envelopment analysis techniques which are the most commonly used to evaluate performance of water companies. Productivity change metric focused on the economic performance, whereas eco-productivity change evaluated economic and quality of service performance by including non-revenue water and unplanned water supply interruptions. Hence, this study analyzed the impact of quality of service variables on the dynamic eco-efficiency of water companies. The annual average productivity change and eco-productivity change estimations were 0.18% and −0.14%, respectively. It was evidenced that on average the Chilean water companies have put as priority to reduce operational costs than to improve quality of service. In both performance metrics, efficiency change was the main contributor to performance changes, whereas the role of technical change was negligible. It was illustrated that full private water companies performed better than concessionary companies and the public company. Reducing non-revenue water and unplanned water supply interruptions was particularly costly for concessionary water companies. The methodology and conclusions of this study are of great interest for water regulators and water utilities to improve the benchmarking process in the provision of drinking water services.
Screening of potential immune-related genes expressed during sepsis using gene sequencing technology
Authors: Tian Ye , Wang Chenglin , Lu Qiangyong , Zhang Chuan , Hu Lin , Ling Jiamei , Chen Muhu , Hu Yingchun
Published: March 2023

To screen potential pivotal targets in sepsis through peripheral blood. Septic patients (n = 23) and healthy volunteers (n = 10) were enrolled according to SEPSIS 3.0. Peripheral blood was collected within 24 h of enrollment, RNA-seq was performed on the peripheral blood. The sequencing data was screened for DEGs (p < 0.01; logFC ≥ 2). PPI, WGCNA and survival curve analysis were used to identify potential targets. Then, 5 PBMC samples were conducted by single-cell sequencing for cell lineage location. Finally, mouse sepsis model and clinic samples were performed to verify the targets gene using RNA-seq and RT-PCR, respectively. Compared to the control group, 1007 DEGs were found in septic group. BCL9L, BCL11B, CD247, CD96, MAFG and SAMD3 were in the core of network. These six genes correlated to the survival rate of septic patients and they were mainly expressed in T cells, except that MAFG was located in monocyte cell. The expression levels of six key genes were confirmed by animal and clinical samples. BCL9L, BCL11B, CD247, CD96 and SAMD3 were decreased in sepsis and mainly expressed in the T cell; while MAFG increased in sepsis and localizes to monocytes. These genes may be therapeutic targets for sepsis.
Determination of the fate of Cholecalciferol injected by the basis of 25D3 plasma concentration
Authors: Mousavi Rad Seyed Ali , Haji Hajikolaei Mohammad Rahim , Nouri Mohammad , Seyfi Abad Shapouri Masoud Reza , Ghorbanpoor Masoud
Published: March 2023

Sun exposure in bovines is believed to be the most important route of 25D3synthesis in suitable latitudes. In some situations, e.g. breeding systems, solar radiation cannot reach or penetrate into the skin and thus causes the 25D3deficiency. Because of the critical effect of vitamin D on the immune and endocrine systems, the plasma must be enriched with 25D3in a short period of time. In such a condition, injection of Cholecalciferol has been recommended. However, to our knowledge, the certain dose of Cholecalciferol injection for rapid 25D3plasma enrichment has not been verified. On the other hand, it seems that the basis 25D3concentration can influence or shift the 25D3metabolism at the injection time. In the same line, the present study, designed to induce the different basis 25D3concentration in treatment groups, aimed at investigating the effect of Cholecalciferol intramuscularly injection with the intermediate dose (11,000 IU/kg) on the calves' plasma 25D3with different basis 25D3. Besides, an attempt was made to clarify the time that 25D3reaches the sufficient concentration after injection in different treatment groups. To do this, twenty calves of 3 to 4 months old were chosen for the farm with semi-industrial elements. Furthermore, the effect of optional sun exposure/deprivation and Cholecalciferol injection on the 25D3concentration variations was assayed. To do this, the calves were divided into four groups. Groups A and B were unconstrained to choose sun to expose or shadow in a semi-roofed place, but groups C and D were restricted to the completely dark barn. The interference of the digestive system in supplying vitamin D was minimized through dietary. All groups had a different basic concentration (25D3) on the day 21 of the experiment. At this time, groups A and C received the intermediate dose of (11,000 IU/kg) Cholecalciferol intramuscularly (IM). After Cholecalciferol injection, the effects of basis 25D3concentration on the details of variation and fate of plasma concentration of 25D3were investigated. The data collected from the two groups C and D showed that sun deprivation without any vitamin D supplementation, could rapidly and severely deplete the plasma from 25D3. Cholecalciferol injection could not immediately increase the 25D3in the groups C and A. However, this injection enriches the 25D3to sufficient value after two weeks if the basis 25D3of plasma is insufficient, i.e. less than 30 ng/mL. Moreover, the injection of Cholecalciferol could not significantly increase the 25D3concentration in the group A that had a sufficient basis 25D3concentration. Therefore, it is concluded that the variation of 25D3in plasma, after injection of Cholecalciferol, depends on its basic level at the time of injection.
Accurate prediction by AlphaFold2 for ligand binding in a reductive dehalogenase and implications for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance) biodegradation
Authors: Guo Hao-Bo , Varaljay Vanessa A. , Kedziora Gary , Taylor Kimberly , Farajollahi Sanaz , Lombardo Nina , Harper Eric , Hung Chia , Gross Marie , Perminov Alexander , Dennis Patrick , Kelley-Loughnane Nancy , Berry Rajiv
Published: March 2023

Despite the success of AlphaFold2 (AF2), it is unclear how AF2 models accommodate for ligand binding. Here, we start with a protein sequence fromAcidimicrobiaceae TMED77(T7RdhA) with potential for catalyzing the degradation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). AF2 models and experiments identified T7RdhA as a corrinoid iron-sulfur protein (CoFeSP) which uses a norpseudo-cobalamin (BVQ) cofactor and two Fe4S4iron-sulfur clusters for catalysis. Docking and molecular dynamics simulations suggest that T7RdhA uses perfluorooctanoic acetate (PFOA) as a substrate, supporting the reported defluorination activity of its homolog, A6RdhA. We showed that AF2 provides processual (dynamic) predictions for the binding pockets of ligands (cofactors and/or substrates). Because the pLDDT scores provided by AF2 reflect the protein native states in complex with ligands as the evolutionary constraints, the Evoformer network of AF2 predicts protein structures and residue flexibility in complex with the ligands, i.e., in their native states. Therefore, an apo-protein predicted by AF2 is actually a holo-protein awaiting ligands.
A Bayesian multi-proxy contribution to the socioeconomic, political, and cultural history of late medieval Capitanata (southern Italy)
Authors: Cocozza Carlo , Teegen Wolf-Rüdiger , Vigliarolo Ilaria , Favia Pasquale , Giuliani Roberta , Muntoni Italo Maria , Oione Domenico , Clemens Lukas , Groß Marcus , Roberts Patrick , Lubritto Carmine , Fernandes Ricardo
Published: March 2023

Medieval southern Italy is typically viewed as a region where political, religious, and cultural systems coexisted and clashed. Written sources often focus on elites and give an image of a hierarchical feudal society supported by a farming economy. We undertook an interdisciplinary study combining historical and archaeological evidence with Bayesian modelling of multi-isotope data from human (n = 134) and faunal (n = 21) skeletal remains to inform on the socioeconomic organisation, cultural practices, and demographics of medieval communities in Capitanata (southern Italy). Isotopic results show significant dietary differences within local populations supportive of marked socioeconomic hierarchies. Bayesian dietary modelling suggested that cereal production, followed by animal management practices, was the economic basis of the region. However, minor consumption of marine fish, potentially associated with Christian practices, revealed intra-regional trade. At the site of Tertiveri, isotope-based clustering and Bayesian spatial modelling identified migrant individuals likely from the Alpine region plus one Muslim individual from the Mediterranean coastline. Our results align with the prevailing image of Medieval southern Italy but they also showcase how Bayesian methods and multi-isotope data can be used to directly inform on the history of local communities and of the legacy that these left.
Casson nanoliquid film flow over an unsteady moving surface with time-varying stretching velocity
Authors: Vanitha G. P. , Shobha K. C. , Mallikarjun B. Patil , Mahabaleshwar U. S. , Bognár Gabriella
Published: March 2023

Present study explains about unsteady Casson nanoliquid film flow over a surface moving with velocity $$U_w=\lambda x/t$$

U
w

=
λ
x
/
t

. The governing momentum equation is reduced to ODE by using corresponding similarity transformation, which is then tackled by employing numerical technique. The problem is analysed for both two-dimensional film flow and axisymmetric film flow. The exact solution is derived which satisfies the governing equation. It is noted that solution exists only for a specified scale of the moving surface parameter $$\lambda$$
λ
. ie., $$\lambda \ge -1/2$$

λ
≥
-
1
/
2

for two-dimensional flow and $$\lambda \le -1/4$$

λ
≤
-
1
/
4

for axisymmetric flow. The velocity increases first and reaches the maximum velocity and then decreases to the boundary condition. Streamlines are also analysed for both axisymmetric and two-dimensional flow patterns by considering the stretching ($$\lambda >0$$

λ
>
0

) and shrinking wall conditions ($$\lambda <0$$

λ
<
0

). Study has been made for large values of wall moving parameter $$\lambda$$
λ
. The aim of this investigation is to analyse the Casson nanoliquid film flow which finds applications in industries like coating of sheet or wire, laboratories, painting, many more.
Increased empathic distress in adults is associated with higher levels of childhood maltreatment
Authors: Benz Annika B. E. , Dimitroff Stephanie J. , Jeggle Christin , Gaertner Raphaela J. , Meier Maria , Unternaehrer Eva , Bentele Ulrike U. , Denk Bernadette F. , Klink Elea S. C. , Pruessner Jens C.
Published: March 2023

While many studies investigated basic facets of empathy, less is known about the association with early life adversity (ELA). To investigate a possible association of empathy with ELA, we assessed self-reported ELA, using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) for mother and father, and empathy, using the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), in a sample of N = 228 (83% female, agemean = 30.51 ± 9.88 years, agerange = 18–60). Further, we measured willingness to donate a certain percentage of study compensation to a charity as an index of prosocial behavior. In line with our hypotheses that stated a positive association of empathy with ELA, increased levels of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, and emotional and physical neglect were positively correlated with personal distress in response to others’ suffering. Likewise, higher parental overprotection and lower parental care were related to higher personal distress. Furthermore, while participants with higher levels of ELA tended to donate more money on a merely descriptive level, only higher levels of sexual abuse were significantly related to larger donations after correction for multiple statistical tests. Other facets of the IRI (empathic concern, perspective taking and fantasy) were not related to any other ELA measure. This suggests ELA only affects levels of personal distress.
Only empathy-related traits, not being mimicked or endorphin release, influence social closeness and prosocial behavior
Authors: Rauchbauer Birgit , Jank Gabriela , Dunbar Robin I. M. , Lamm Claus
Published: March 2023

Seminal studies suggest that being mimicked increases experienced social closeness and prosocial behavior to a mimicking confederate (i.e., interaction partner). Here we reexamine these results by considering the role of empathy-related traits, an indirect proxy for endorphin uptake, and their combined effects as an explanation for these results. 180 female participants were mimicked or anti-mimicked in an interaction with a confederate. The effects of being mimicked versus anti-mimicked in relation to empathy-related traits and endorphin release (assessed indirectly via pain tolerance) on experienced closeness and prosocial behavior were assessed using Bayesian analyses. Our results suggest that high individual empathy-related traits increase social closeness to the anti-mimicking and mimicking confederate and to one’s romantic partner, as compared to mimicry alone. Results furthermore strongly suggest that high individual empathy-related traits increase prosocial behavior (donations and willingness to help) as compared to mimicry alone. These findings extend previous work by highlighting that empathy-related traits are more influential in creating positive effects on social closeness and prosocial behavior than a one-shot mimicking encounter.
Acute and chronic stress alter behavioral laterality in dogs
Authors: Salgirli Demirbas Yasemin , Isparta Sevim , Saral Begum , Keskin Yılmaz Nevra , Adıay Deniz , Matsui Hiroshi , Töre-Yargın Gülşen , Musa Saad Adam , Atilgan Durmus , Öztürk Hakan , Kul Bengi Cinar , Şafak C. Etkin , Ocklenburg Sebastian , Güntürkün Onur
Published: March 2023

Dogs are one of the key animal species in investigating the biological mechanisms of behavioral laterality. Cerebral asymmetries are assumed to be influenced by stress, but this subject has not yet been studied in dogs. This study aims to investigate the effect of stress on laterality in dogs by using two different motor laterality tests: the Kong™ Test and a Food-Reaching Test (FRT). Motor laterality of chronically stressed (n = 28) and emotionally/physically healthy dogs (n = 32) were determined in two different environments, i.e., a home environment and a stressful open field test (OFT) environment. Physiological parameters including salivary cortisol, respiratory rate, and heart rate were measured for each dog, under both conditions. Cortisol results showed that acute stress induction by OFT was successful. A shift towards ambilaterality was detected in dogs after acute stress. Results also showed a significantly lower absolute laterality index in the chronically stressed dogs. Moreover, the direction of the first paw used in FRT was a good predictor of the general paw preference of an animal. Overall, these results provide evidence that both acute and chronic stress exposure can change behavioral asymmetries in dogs.
SMAD2/3 signaling in the uterine epithelium controls endometrial cell homeostasis and regeneration
Authors: Kriseman Maya L. , Tang Suni , Liao Zian , Jiang Peixin , Parks Sydney E. , Cope Dominique I. , Yuan Fei , Chen Fengju , Masand Ramya P. , Castro Patricia D. , Ittmann Michael M. , Creighton Chad J. , Tan Zhi , Monsivais Diana
Published: March 2023

The regenerative potential of the endometrium is attributed to endometrial stem cells; however, the signaling pathways controlling its regenerative potential remain obscure. In this study, genetic mouse models and endometrial organoids are used to demonstrate that SMAD2/3 signaling controls endometrial regeneration and differentiation. Mice with conditional deletion of SMAD2/3 in the uterine epithelium using Lactoferrin-iCre develop endometrial hyperplasia at 12-weeks and metastatic uterine tumors by 9-months of age. Mechanistic studies in endometrial organoids determine that genetic or pharmacological inhibition of SMAD2/3 signaling disrupts organoid morphology, increases the glandular and secretory cell markers, FOXA2 and MUC1, and alters the genome-wide distribution of SMAD4. Transcriptomic profiling of the organoids reveals elevated pathways involved in stem cell regeneration and differentiation such as the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and retinoic acid signaling (RA) pathways. Therefore, TGFβ family signaling via SMAD2/3 controls signaling networks which are integral for endometrial cell regeneration and differentiation.
Rare sugar l-sorbose exerts antitumor activity by impairing glucose metabolism
Authors: Xu Hui-Lin , Zhou Xiaoman , Chen Shuai , Xu Si , Li Zijie , Nakanishi Hideki , Gao Xiao-Dong
Published: March 2023

Rare sugars are monosaccharides with low natural abundance. They are structural isomers of dietary sugars, but hardly be metabolized. Here, we report that rare sugar l-sorbose induces apoptosis in various cancer cells. As a C-3 epimer of d-fructose, l-sorbose is internalized via the transporter GLUT5 and phosphorylated by ketohexokinase (KHK) to produce l-sorbose-1-phosphate (S-1-P). Cellular S-1-P inactivates the glycolytic enzyme hexokinase resulting in attenuated glycolysis. Consequently, mitochondrial function is impaired and reactive oxygen species are produced. Moreover, l-sorbose downregulates the transcription of KHK-A, a splicing variant of KHK. Since KHK-A is a positive inducer of antioxidation genes, the antioxidant defense mechanism in cancer cells can be attenuated by l-sorbose-treatment. Thus, l-sorbose performs multiple anticancer activities to induce cell apoptosis. In mouse xenograft models, l-sorbose enhances the effect of tumor chemotherapy in combination with other anticancer drugs. These results demonstrate l-sorbose as an attractive therapeutic reagent for cancer treatment.
Rough capillary rise
Authors: Panter Jack R. , Konicek Andrew R. , King Mark A. , Jusufi Arben , Yeganeh Mohsen S. , Kusumaatmaja Halim
Published: March 2023

Capillary rise within rough structures is a wetting phenomenon that is fundamental to survival in biological organisms, deterioration of our built environment, and performance of numerous innovations, from 3D microfluidics to carbon capture. Here, to accurately predict rough capillary rise, we must couple two wetting phenomena: capillary rise and hemiwicking. Experiments, simulations, and theory demonstrate how this coupling challenges our conventional understanding and intuitions of wetting and roughness. Firstly, the critical contact angle for hemiwicking becomes separation-dependent so that hemiwicking can vanish for even highly wetting liquids. Secondly, the rise heights for perfectly wetting liquids can differ between smooth and rough systems, even with the same 0∘ contact angle. Finally, the raised liquid volumes are substantially increased in rough compared to smooth systems. To explain and predict all rise heights and volumes with quantitative accuracy, we present the Dual-Rise model that is valid for general roughness, liquids, and surface wettabilities.
Improving the stability of hydrazinium pentazolate through cocrystallization
Authors: Zhou Jianxin , Li Xinyi , Hou Tianyang , Xu Ze , Wang Pengcheng , Lu Ming , Xu Yuangang
Published: March 2023

An energetic cocrystal N2H5N5/PDO (2 : 1), which shows a lower sensitivity and lower hygroscopicity than N2H5N5 and detonation properties approaching those of RDX, was synthesized.
Detection of DNA translocations in a nanopore series circuit using a current clamp
Authors: Zheng Fei , Tao Yi , Xu Wei , Sha Jingjie
Published: March 2023

Here we proposed a new strategy combining the nanopore series circuit and the current clamp to get the voltage trace across the nanopore, hence producing a voltage blockade signal when DNA translocate. This signal exhibits an intriguing charging and discharging phenomenon.
Multi-endpoint assessments for in vitro nano-bio interactions and uptake of biogenic phosphorus nanomaterials using HEK293 cells
Authors: Priyam Ayushi , Afonso Luis O. B. , Schultz Aaron G. , Dinda Amit Kumar , Singh Pushplata Prasad
Published: March 2023

Phosphorus (P)-based nanomaterials are being explored as substitute for conventional fertilizers due to their higher nutrient use efficiency. No potential cytotoxicity of biologically synthesized P-based nanomaterials was found in HEK293 cell line.
Controlled synthesis of monodispersed ZnSe microspheres for enhanced photo-catalytic application and its corroboration using density functional theory
Authors: Chopade Prachi , Kashid Vikas , Jawale Niteen , Rane Sunit , Jagtap Shweta , Kshirsagar Anjali , Gosavi Suresh
Published: March 2023

Present work reports enhanced photocatalytic performance of highly crystalline monodispersed ZnSe microspheres synthesized by size-selective, ETDA-assisted hydrothermal method supported by DFT calculations of adsorption energies of the adsorbates.
pH-responsive nanocatalyst for enhancing cancer therapy via H2O2 homeostasis disruption and disulfiram sensitization
Authors: Zuo Jingjie , Hao Siyuan , Li Wenqiu , Huang Haowu , Liu Mingxing , Guo Huiling
Published: March 2023

Due to the powerful redox homeostasis and inefficiency of monotherapy, chemodynamic therapy (CDT) is clinically limited.
A multi-layered graphene based gas sensor platform for discrimination of volatile organic compounds via differential intercalation
Authors: Ozkendir Inanc Dilce , Ng Zhi Kai , Baskurt Mehmet , Keles Berfin , Vardar Gokay , Sahin Hasan , Tsang Siu Hon , Palaniappan Alagappan , Yildiz Umit Hakan , Teo EHT
Published: March 2023

Selective and sensitive detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is of critical importance for environmental monitoring, disease diagnosis and industrial applications. Graphene Foam based sensor platform suggests selective determination of VOCs.
A two‐stage algorithm for vehicle routing problem with charging relief in post‐disaster
Authors: Liu Qixing , Xu Peng , Wu Yuhu , Shen Tielong
Published: March 2023

This paper first investigates emergency transportation for power recovery in post‐disaster. The problem is formulated as a mixed‐integer linear programming model called vehicle routing problem with charging relief (VRPCR). The battery state of charge () implies the working hours that the battery can provide. The goal is to make a set of shelters charge before the battery of shelters reaches the minimum bound over time. To this end, a two‐stage algorithm is developed to deal with the problem. In stage I, a reduced road network is obtained from a leading road network by the A‐star search algorithm. Subsequently, to determine the order of power delivery with charging operations at shelters by enhanced genetic algorithm (EGA) in stage II. To evaluate this strategy, the detailed complexity analysis of the three algorithms and results tested on a realistic disaster scenario shows the performance of the A‐star search algorithm for VRPCR that outperforms the Dijkstra and Floyd algorithms. In addition, the EGA is applied to Solomon's benchmarks compared with the state‐of‐the‐art heuristic algorithms, which indicates a better performance of EGA. A real case obtained from a disaster scenario in Ichihara City, Japan is also conducted. Simulation results demonstrate that the method can achieve satisfactory solutions.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Systemic Inflammatory Indices in the Diagnosis of Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Preterm with Gestational Age of ≤32 Weeks
Authors: Cakir Ufuk , Tugcu Ali Ulas , Tayman Cuneyt , Yildiz Duran
Published: March 2023

Objective It is not yet known whether systemic inflammatory indices affect the development of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in premature infants. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between systemic inflammatory indices obtained on the first day of life and the development of RDS in premature infants.

Study Design Premature infants with gestational age of ≤32 weeks were included in the study. Six systemic inflammatory indices involving neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV), and systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) were measured in the first 1 hour after birth and compared in premature infants with and without RDS.

Results A total of 931 premature infants, 579 infants in the RDS group and 352 infants in the non-RDS group, were included in the study. MLR, PLR, and SIRI values were similar between the groups (p > 0.05 for all parameters). NLR, PIV, and SII values in the RDS group were significantly higher than those in the non-RDS group (p = 0.005, p = 0.011, and p < 0.001, respectively). In the predictivity of RDS, the AUC value of SII was 0.842 and the cut-off value was ≥78.200. Multiple logistic analysis showed that a higher level of SII (≥78.2) was independently associated with RDS (odds ratio: 3.03, 95% confidence interval: 1.761–5.301).

Conclusion Our results demonstrated that a higher SII level (≥78.2) may be a predictor for the development of RDS in premature infants with gestational age of ≤32 weeks.

Key Points
A Natural Language Processing Model to Identify Confidential Content in Adolescent Clinical Notes
Authors: Rabbani Naveed , Bedgood Michael , Brown Conner , Steinberg Ethan , Goldstein Rachel L. , Carlson Jennifer L. , Pageler Natalie , Morse Keith E.
Published: March 2023

Background The 21st Century Cures Act mandates the immediate, electronic release of health information to patients. However, in the case of adolescents, special consideration is required to ensure that confidentiality is maintained. The detection of confidential content in clinical notes may support operational efforts to preserve adolescent confidentiality while implementing information sharing.

Objectives This study aimed to determine if a natural language processing (NLP) algorithm can identify confidential content in adolescent clinical progress notes.

Methods A total of 1,200 outpatient adolescent progress notes written between 2016 and 2019 were manually annotated to identify confidential content. Labeled sentences from this corpus were featurized and used to train a two-part logistic regression model, which provides both sentence-level and note-level probability estimates that a given text contains confidential content. This model was prospectively validated on a set of 240 progress notes written in May 2022. It was subsequently deployed in a pilot intervention to augment an ongoing operational effort to identify confidential content in progress notes. Note-level probability estimates were used to triage notes for review and sentence-level probability estimates were used to highlight high-risk portions of those notes to aid the manual reviewer.

Results The prevalence of notes containing confidential content was 21% (255/1,200) and 22% (53/240) in the train/test and validation cohorts, respectively. The ensemble logistic regression model achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic of 90 and 88% in the test and validation cohorts, respectively. Its use in a pilot intervention identified outlier documentation practices and demonstrated efficiency gains over completely manual note review.

Conclusion An NLP algorithm can identify confidential content in progress notes with high accuracy. Its human-in-the-loop deployment in clinical operations augmented an ongoing operational effort to identify confidential content in adolescent progress notes. These findings suggest NLP may be used to support efforts to preserve adolescent confidentiality in the wake of the information blocking mandate.
The neoliberal roots of authoritarian protectionism
Authors: Chacko Priya
Published: March 2023

Luke Cooper's Authoritarian Contagion draws attention to the politics of protection proffered by contemporary ethno-nationalist authoritarian rulers. This article argues that the origins of this protectionist politics lies in neoliberal projects, which promoted conservative social hierarchies, such as those associated with gender, race and class, to further capital accumulation. These neoliberal projects led to anti-democratic governance and the concentration of wealth and power, trends that contemporary authoritarian leaders claim to challenge but, in fact, consolidate and intensify in the name of protecting an ethnically-defined people.
Parents’ digital skills and their development in the context of the Corona pandemic
Authors: Alharbi Badr A. , Ibrahem Usama M. , Moussa Mahmoud A. , Alrashidy Mona A. , Saleh Sameh F.
Published: March 2023

We investigate parents’ and guardians’ digital skills and the extent of their development in the context of the spread of the Corona epidemic. In addition, we sought to explore the differences in digital skills between parents and their employment status, age, and responsibility in teaching children. We sought to rely on the descriptive-analytical approach and prepared a scale of eight theoretical dimensions with the participation of 250 students’ Saudi parents. The application of the study was by online submission form (via Edit Submission). Our findings showed that there was a discrepancy in the performance of the sample, which was very high in the dimensions of operational skills, instrumental skills, and cognitive constructivism skills. There were also differences between the effect of computers on the instrumental skills and cognitive constructivism skills of the parents. Parents’ dependence on alternative digital sources in exploring for information, formulating knowledge, manipulating it, and criticizing. The learner can reach the cognitive level in a more flexible manner, which allows him to gain learning objectives. The knowledge navigation can be developed because of different online outdoor exercises and software familiar. This requires self-organization to search for appropriate knowledge to use in the renewal of the cognitive structure.
Evaluation of county-level economic efficiency and its spatiotemporal differentiation in Hohhot-Baotou-Ordos-Yulin urban agglomeration in China
Authors: Miao Hongliang , Zhou Hui
Published: March 2023

There are many urban agglomerations in mainland China. Hohhot-Baotou-Ordos-Yulin urban agglomeration is of great importance due to its economic scale and geographical location. The Western part of China is a less-developed area with a lower level of social-economic development. Therefore, it needs more attention from the central government and the academic world to win better opportunities for its development. This paper evaluates the economic efficiency of 30 county units of this urban agglomeration. It finds where the counties with lower efficiency locate and reveals the spatial and temporal pattern evolvement. The Stochastic Frontier Model is used to measure the efficiency of each county unit in this urban agglomeration and the spatial characteristics of which are visualized with ArcGIS. Then, Moran’s Index is used to measure the spatial correlation of economic efficiency among these county units, and the results are presented with a LISA chart. The results show that the county’s economic efficiency has improved steadily during the period covered by this study, and counties with high-efficiency levels have formed a pronounced agglomeration in the eastern part of the study area, and there is a significant positive spatial correlation among these counties. Furthermore, the economic linkage is significantly and positively associated with the economic efficiency of a county; however, a county’s being the core area of a city plays a negative role. The paper implies, based on its findings that the maintenance and upgrading of a county’s transportation network, the improvement of a county’s comprehensive level of development, the expansion of the local market of a county, and the reduction of government expenditure will probably improve the economic efficiency of a county. The study also has implications for future research on economic efficiency. It could contribute to the ongoing debates regarding what affects the economic efficiency of a county and how to improve it.
A national study of New Zealand primary-school teaching professionals’ experiences of offensive behavior at the workplace
Authors: Rahimi Mark , Arnold Ben , Horwood Marcus
Published: March 2023

Although a reported concern, few studies have investigated both prevalence and moderating variables associated with offensive behaviors experienced by teaching professionals. This study analyzed 2866 survey responses of New Zealand teaching professionals in 991 primary schools to determine the prevalence of key offensive behaviors against teaching professionals, the main perpetrators of these offenses, and the impact key socio-demographic variables had on victimization. The findings indicate that particular groups of teaching professionals, and those in urban schools—are more likely to experience certain offensive behaviors. The varied nature of offensive behaviors experienced warrants intervention within the school and the broader community.
Understanding academic transition and self-regulation: a case study of English majors in China
Authors: Liu Yaxin , Zhang Xiaodong
Published: March 2023

This qualitative study explores how English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) learners (i.e., English majors in China) develop their self-regulated learning (SRL) abilities during their academic transition to university. The reflections and interview responses of four Chinese university EFL majors collected over one year were qualitatively analyzed. The results show that the English major students’ use of SRL was externally driven by their negative experiences with learning during their academic transition. Over the year, the students also continued to harness their self-agency to refine their transition strategies constantly and dynamically by developing clear goals and effective tactics. The study concludes that during their academic transition, the EFL students’ self-regulation processes were complicated rather than linear. The results of this study can aid academically transitioning students in overcoming potential obstacles during their transition to university.
Creeping flow of non-Newtonian fluid through membrane of porous cylindrical particles: A particle-in-cell approach
Authors: Saini Amit Kumar , Chauhan Satyendra Singh , Tiwari Ashish
Published: March 2023

The present study is an attempt to deal with hydrodynamic and thermal aspects of the incompressible Carreau fluid flow past a membrane consisting of uniformly distributed aggregates of porous cylindrical particles enclosing a solid core which aims to provide a comprehensive study of the impact of non-Newtonian nature of Carreau fluid in the filtration process through membranes. The non-Newtonian characteristic of Carreau fluid is adopted to describe the mechanism of the pseudoplastic flow through membranes. The layout of the fluid flow pattern is separated into two distinct areas in which the area adjacent to the solid core of the cylindrical particle is considered as porous. However, the region surrounding the porous cylindrical particle is taken as non-porous (clear fluid region). The Brinkman equation governs the porous region, whereas the non-porous region is regulated by the Stokes equation. The nonlinear governing equations of the Carreau fluid flow in the different regions are solved using an asymptotic series expansion in terms of the small parameters, such as Weissenberg number ( We ≪ 1 ) and a non-dimensional parameter ( S ≪ 1 ), for the higher permeability of the porous material. For large permeability, the expression of velocity is derived, and the same has been used to compute the hydrodynamic permeability, Kozeny constant, and temperature profile. The numerical scheme (NDSolve in Mathematica) is used to solve the singularly perturbed boundary value problems in the case of small permeability of the porous medium [i.e., ( S ≫ 1 )]. The graphical analysis illustrating the outcomes of the effects of varying control parameters such as the power-law index, viscosity ratio parameter, permeability of the porous medium, Weissenberg number, and Nusselt number on the membrane permeability, Kozeny constant and temperature profile are discussed comprehensively and validated with previously published works on the Newtonian fluid in the limiting cases. The notable determination of the present study is that the Carreau fluid parameters, such as the Weissenberg number, power-law index, and viscosity ratio parameter, have a significant impact on the velocity, and hence, the membrane permeability, Kozeny constant, and temperature profile. The results showed a significant increase in the flow velocity and hydrodynamic permeability as the dominance of elastic forces over viscous forces increased in the case of high permeability ( S ≪ 1 ). The velocity gets a slight reduction for lower permeability of the porous material ( S ≫ 1 ); however, the hydrodynamic permeability behaves similar to the higher permeability of the porous material. The findings of the proposed work may be instrumented in analyzing various processes, including wastewater treatment filtration processes, and blood flow through smooth muscle cells. The proposed work, however, requires experimental verification.
Numerical simulations of the flow and aerosol dispersion in a violent expiratory event: Outcomes of the “2022 International Computational Fluid Dynamics Challenge on violent expiratory events”
Authors: Pallares Jordi , Fabregat Alexandre , Lavrinenko Akim , bin Norshamsudin Hadifathul Akmal , Janiga Gabor , Fletcher David F. , Inthavong Kiao , Zasimova Marina , Ris Vladimir , Ivanov Nikolay , Castilla Robert , Gamez-Montero Pedro Javier , Raush Gustavo , Calmet Hadrien , Mira Daniel , Wedel Jana , Štrakl Mitja , Ravnik Jure , Fontes Douglas , de Souza Francisco José , Marchioli Cristian , Cito Salvatore
Published: March 2023

This paper presents and discusses the results of the “2022 International Computational Fluid Dynamics Challenge on violent expiratory events” aimed at assessing the ability of different computational codes and turbulence models to reproduce the flow generated by a rapid prototypical exhalation and the dispersion of the aerosol cloud it produces. Given a common flow configuration, a total of 7 research teams from different countries have performed a total of 11 numerical simulations of the flow dispersion by solving the Unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) or using the Large-Eddy Simulations (LES) or hybrid (URANS-LES) techniques. The results of each team have been compared with each other and assessed against a Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) of the exact same flow. The DNS results are used as reference solution to determine the deviation of each modeling approach. The dispersion of both evaporative and non-evaporative particle clouds has been considered in 12 simulations using URANS and LES. Most of the models predict reasonably well the shape and the horizontal and vertical ranges of the buoyant thermal cloud generated by the warm exhalation into an initially quiescent colder ambient. However, the vertical turbulent mixing is generally underpredicted, especially by the URANS-based simulations, independently of the specific turbulence model used (and only to a lesser extent by LES). In comparison to DNS, both approaches are found to overpredict the horizontal range covered by the small particle cloud that tends to remain afloat within the thermal cloud well after the flow injection has ceased.
Strain Engineering of Metal Insulator Transition in VO2
Authors: Verma Divya , Balakrishnan Viswanath
Published: March 2023

Vanadium dioxide (VO2) has been a focus of interest for the past few decades for its reversible metal insulator transition (MIT) accompanied by structural transition at 68 °C along with abrupt changes in the electrical, optical and mechanical properties. VO2 has proven to be an excellent smart material for applications such as actuators, thermochromic windows, strain sensors, cantilevers, and memristor devices. The MIT in VO2 is highly susceptible to heat, strain, light and electric field. Strain introduced by an external load, substrate and chemical doping are a few routes to manipulate the transition temperature for the monoclinic to tetragonal phase change. This book chapter presents an overview phase transition mechanisms and methods to tune the MIT temperature in functional oxides by taking VO2 as a model system. The phase transition mechanism is correlated with electron-lattice and electron–electron interaction which is explained by Peierls and Mott-like transition. Tuning of MIT temperature by different stimuli such as applied strain like bending, lattice mismatch strain and chemical doping is discussed along with few relevant applications.
Synthesis and structure–activity relationship of kujigamberol B, a dinorlabdane diterpenoid isolated from an ancient Kuji amber
Authors: Kishibata Sakura , Tanaka Kurumi , Saito Tatsuo , Kimura Ken-ichi , Yajima Arata
Published: March 2023

The versatile methodology was developed for synthesizing kujigamberol B, a dinorlabdane diterpenoid isolated from the methanol extract of Kuji amber. A highly efficient intramolecular cyclization is followed by a Sonogashira-coupling reaction during the total synthesis. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for the growth-restoring activity against the mutant yeast (zds1Δ erg3Δ pdr1Δ pdr3Δ) and for the degranulation of RBL-2H3 cells. We found that in both activities, primary alcohol and secondary alcohol analogs are as active as kujigamberol B.
Variation in body size and reproductive characteristics among chromosomal races of theSceloporus grammicuscomplex in México
Authors: Cruz-Elizalde Raciel , Ramírez-Bautista Aurelio , Hernández-Salinas Uriel , Díaz-Marín César A , Marshall Jonathon C , Sites Jack W , Galván-Hernández Dulce María , García-Rosales Aaron , Berriozabal-Islas Christian
Published: March 2023

Populations and chromosomal races of a species often show variation in life-history characteristics due to phylogeny and environmental factors. We analysed variation in snout–vent length (SVL) and reproductive variables, such as minimum SVL at sexual maturity, litter size and embryo volume in females of the Sceloporus grammicus lizard complex, which includes seven chromosomal races as well as hybrid zones among different combinations of races (F5, F5 + 6, potential but unverified F5 + 6, F6, FM1, FM2, FM2 × F5 hybrid zone, FM3, LS and unverified SGG). The SGG, F5 and LS females were larger than F6 and FM3 females. Females with non-vitellogenic follicles and vitellogenic follicles were smaller than females with embryos. The SVL of females containing embryos varied among chromosomal races, the largest being the same as indicated above, but the smallest was the FM2 × F5 hybrid zone. Litter size was similar among chromosomal races (5.8 embryos), while embryo volumes varied among them. Two patterns of reproductive activity were found: seasonal and continuous reproduction. Our results showed the influence of environmental factors of each locality, which supports the ecological hypothesis. The use of chromosomal races did not reveal a significant phylogenetic effect, because allozyme and molecular data show only small pairwise genetic distances among the S. grammicus populations on the Mexican Plateau.
Microblading-transmitted Monkeypox (mpox) infection: fomites matter
Authors: Castaño-Fernández Juan Luis , Grau-Pérez Mercè
Published: March 2023

Microblading is an increasingly popular semipermanent tattooing technique used for eyebrow pigmentation, involving the use of needles. During the 2022 mpox outbreak in Spain, a 47-year-old woman with no relevant medical history presented with a 10-day facial skin eruption.
Beyond the various contrivances by which orchids are pollinated: global patterns in orchid pollination biology
Authors: Ackerman James D , Phillips Ryan D , Tremblay Raymond L , Karremans Adam , Reiter Noushka , Peter Craig I , Bogarín Diego , Pérez-Escobar Oscar A , Liu Hong
Published: March 2023

Orchidaceae show remarkable diversity in pollination strategies, but how these strategies vary globally is not entirely clear. To identify regions and taxa that are data-rich and lend themselves to rigorous analyses or are data-poor and need attention, we introduce a global database of orchid reproductive biology. Our database contains > 2900 species representing all orchid subfamilies and 23 of 24 tribes. We tabulated information on habit, breeding systems, means of pollinator attraction and the identity of pollinators. Patterns of reproductive biology by habit, geography and taxonomy are presented graphically and analysed statistically. On the basis of our database, most orchid species sampled are pollinator dependent (76%) and self-compatible (88%). Pollinator attraction based on rewards occurs in 54% of the species, whereas 46% use some means of deceit. Orchids generally have highly specific pollinator interactions (median number of pollinator species = 1). Nonetheless, on average, specificity is lower for species offering rewards, occurring in multiple continental regions or Northern America (as defined by the Taxonomic Database Working Group Level 1 regions). Although our database reveals impressive knowledge gains, extensive gaps in basic observations of orchid reproductive biology exist, particularly in tropical regions and diverse lineages of fly-pollinated species. The database is expected to facilitate targeted studies, further elucidating the ecological and evolutionary drivers of orchid diversity.
Athena: Specialty Certificate Examination Case for general dermatology and dermatology in primary healthcare
Authors: Fortier Julia , Farahbakhsh Navid , Saikaly Sami Kameel , Montanez-Wiscovich Marjorie
Published: March 2023

Concurrent use of a mineral sunscreen can potentiate allergic contact dermatitis to gold. Prolonged avoidance of this allergen, up to several months, is necessary to assess for improvement.