bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Productivity: Artificial Intelligence’s Effect on Productivity of Nepalese Large-Scale Organizations
Authors: Pandey Dhruba Lal , Risal Nischal , Basnet Bhupindra Jung
Published: December 2023

The primary issue of the study is to explore the effect of AI integration, user interface, user experience and quality on the productivity of the employees working in large scale organizations in Nepal. The aim of this investigation was to assess the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on employee productivity in Nepalese organizations. The study assesses AI's effect on productivity, that may address the lack of empirical evidence in Nepal. The information was gathered using five-point Likert scale questionnaires administered online. The sample size for the study was 85. The data was analyzed using SPSS software. To explore the direct effect, indirect effect, and total effect of moderating variables, a process tool in SPSS developed by Andrew F. Hayes was used.  The findings revealed that quality and AI integration had positive and significant effect on productivity whereas AI user experience and user interface had insignificant effect on employee productivity. The positive correlation between AI integration and productivity signifies the need for organizations to embrace seamless AI adoption. By integrating AI effectively into their workflows, they can streamline processes, harness data-driven insights, and ultimately enhance productivity.
A Study on College Students' Experiences in Flexible Learning in Apayao State College, Conner Campus
Authors: Pattung Agustina G.
Published: December 2023

Higher education institutions implemented flexible learning beyond on-campus and online learning during the pandemic. This study determined students' experiences with flexible learning, particularly modular and online modalities, and their problems with learning remotely. The study used descriptive research. The study's respondents were College freshmen of Apayao State College Conner Campus. The researcher thematically analyzed the student's responses to flexible learning experiences. The study made use of descriptive statistics in analyzing problems encountered. The experiences included challenges in the modular approach, availability of learning resources, usage of ICT, social interaction, and assessment modifications. The students encountered problems in flexible learning, such as ICT-related, modular, financial, and social-related problems. The College should formulate plans and implement adequate strategies to address the challenges and issues in flexible learning modalities within the College.
Medical Error’ Incidence and Its Relation to Psychological Stressors among Nurses in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alansari Wajdi , Alshaikhi Abdullah Hasan , Almutairi Mohanna , Kaki Dalia Khalid H. , Alzahrani Ali Ghurmullah
Published: December 2023

Aim: This review aimed to assess the correlation between nurses’ exposure to psychosocial stressors and the occurrence of medical and medication errors in some hospitals of Jeddah and its correlation to other hospitals.

Methods: The study utilized a range of approaches. To conduct a thorough literature search, a total of five databases CINAHL, PubMed, COCHRANE, Google Scholar and Web of Science were employed.

Results: Using date filters, we ensured that the literature we retrieved was accurate and up to date for the last 5 years across all databases to ensure updated deep analysis evidence to find that from a total of 6019 studies, only seventeen studies were relevant to this review to be analyzed and discussed to find that to mitigate the likelihood of medical incidents/errors, it is imperative to consider factors such as current/recent illness, bodily discomfort, and emotional role as personal challenges for nurses. Additionally, addressing break periods during the night shift and working conditions as administrative concerns is crucial.

Conclusion: Research has demonstrated that medical errors constitute the most widespread kind of errors, posing a significant risk to patient safety. Many psychological factors are concerned with rising rates of errors among nurses. The implementation of proactive methods is a successful approach to mitigating medical errors within healthcare settings.
Noise Level Evaluation at Major Markets in Calabar, Nigeria
Authors: Ekah B. J. , Akwagiobe J. U. , Uda C. N. , Ekah U. J. , Akpan C. V. , Christopher E. C.
Published: December 2023

The aim of this study was to determine the prevailing noise levels at major markets in Calabar, Nigeria. Data was collected by measuring noise levels in three different markets using RS232 digital sound level meter with measuring range of 32- 80 dB for low range, 50 – 100 dB for medium range and 80-130dB for high range and the analysis was done using OriginPro software. The results obtained were compared with the World Health Organization regulatory standard and it showed that the average daily noise level value produced at Watt and Marian markets were 73.0 dB and 71.5 dB individually, which were beyond the safe limit recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for commercial areas while the daily average noise level produced at Goldie market was moderate and within the safe limit.
Bairro negro e o jogo de Mancala na escola
Authors: França Maria Conceição dos Santos , Cunha Junior Henrique
Published: December 2023

O momento histórico da educação brasileira é de reformas com relação à base nacional curricular comum e da inclusão da história e cultura africana e afrodescendente na educação. São novos desafios para mudanças educacionais. Ambas as proposições normativas da educação implicam num processo de contextualização e de territorialização dos currículos, dos projetos políticos pedagógicos e das práticas em sala de aula. O conceito de bairros negros é um conceito urbanístico que implica no reconhecimento da participação das populações negras na produção da cidade, como populações específicas, aquelas que têm a cultura de base africana e sofrendo das condições do racismo estrutural. Este conceito foi apropriado pelo processo pedagógico da Escola Municipal de Ensino Fundamental Prof. Antônio Duarte de Almeida, que se encontra em um bairro cuja grande maioria é de população negra, em São Paulo. Dentre as diversas dificuldades da educação brasileira, uma delas é do ensino de matemática e, principalmente para as populações negras, em decorrência dos resultados de ideologias racistas introjetadas na população negra. O uso do jogo de Mancala foi utilizado como parte da proposta pedagógica do ensino de matemática que obteve bons resultados. Este artigo propõe um balanço do processo pedagógico empregado, como uma contribuição à educação brasileira no âmbito dos desafios atuais.
Cabo Verde entre mundos
Authors: Moassab Andréia
Published: December 2023

Das representações invisibilizadas nos mapas coloniais à subalternização na produção de sentidos na atualidade, este texto discorre sobre as dificuldades dos países pobres em alçar sua autonomia, em suas múltiplas faces, na geopolítica internacional. Da dominação colonial à sujeição ao capital internacional, do ponto de vista dos países africanos, só foram alterados, quando muito, os atores dominantes. Porém, permanece a relação de opressão. A manutenção da excessiva influência do Norte nos países do Sul (não casualmente, antigas colônias) em termos econômicos, políticos e culturais, o que perpétua a lógica colonizadora. Propondo um debate a partir do desgastado termo “sustentabilidade”, o texto avança a partir dos mapas, com a Europa no centro, para o discurso ambientalista construído pelos países ricos. Mantendo a centralidade da produção de sentido no Norte Global, tais países seguem impondo suas perspectivas a realidades geo-históricas bastante distintas. Contudo, Cabo Verde tem se esforçado para se posicionar criticamente nesse contexto, como mostram alguns trabalhos artísticos recentes, com destaque, aqui, para Cape Verde Social [un] Sustainability, de 2010, do coletivo XU, e, uma década depois, Água(s), Produção de Territórios e Imaginários, do projeto Storia na Lugar. Ambos expõem o modo como grupos econômicos internacionais, no mundo todo, deflagram uma forte concorrência para acessar a recursos primários necessários à industrialização e ao consumo, solapando territórios e comunidades nos países pobres. Em paralelo, um largo contingente populacional permanece sem atendimento de suas necessidades básicas, numa geopolítica bastante evidente: é nos países pobres que estão os maiores impactos ambientais provocados pelo capitalismo.
Violência liberal e a fronteira racial da União Europeia
Authors: Isakjee Arshad , Davies Thom , Obradovic-Wochnik Jelena , Augustová Karolína
Published: December 2023

Este artigo examina como a violência racial sustenta o regime de fronteiras da União Europeia. Por meio de dois estudos de caso, no norte da França e na região dos Balcãs, exploramos como a violência de fronteira se manifesta de formas divergentes: desde a violência física direta que é rotina na Croácia, até formas mais sutis de violência evidentes na governança de migrantes e refugiados vivendo informalmente em Calais, mais próximos do centro geopolítico europeu. O uso da violência contra pessoas em situações transitórias entra em contradição com a autoimagem liberal, pós-racial, da UE. Recorrendo ao trabalho de pesquisadores pós-coloniais e a teorias da violência, argumentamos que as várias tecnologias de violência utilizadas pelas nações da UE contra migrantes incorporam a lógica inerente da governança liberal, enquanto também reproduzem a tendência do liberalismo de negligenciar suas limitações raciais. Por meio de questionamentos sobre como e por que a violência de fronteira se manifesta, voltamos a atenção crítica para as ideologias racistas dentro das quais a violência é predicada. Este artigo caracteriza o regime de fronteira da UE como uma forma de “violência liberal” que busca omitir tanto a natureza da violência quanto suas bases raciais.
Dropping Off and Picking Up
Authors: May Hannah
Published: December 2023

In this narrative medicine essay, a first-year medical student contrasts the life of her young daughter with the older cadaver that she dissects and explores in her anatomy laboratory.
Age-Related Incidence and Peak Occurrence of Contralateral Breast Cancer
Authors: Kim Hakyoung , Yoon Tae In , Kim Seonok , Lee Sae Byul , Kim Jisun , Chung Il Yong , Ko Beom Seok , Lee Jong Won , Son Byung Ho , Lee Young Jin , Gwark Sungchan , Kim Hee Jeong
Published: December 2023

Importance

Young patients with breast cancer have higher risk for developing contralateral breast cancer (CBC) and have epidemiologic characteristics different from those of older patients.

Objective

To examine the incidence and peak occurrence of CBC according to age at primary breast cancer (PBC) surgery.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study included patients who were diagnosed with and underwent surgery for unilateral nonmetastatic breast cancer at Asan Medical Center, Korea, between January 1, 1999, and December 31, 2013, with follow-up through December 31, 2018. Data were analyzed from December 1, 2021, through April 30, 2023. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to their age at surgery for PBC: younger (≤35 years) vs older (>35 years).

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcomes were cumulative incidence and hazard rate of CBC in the entire study population and in subgroups divided by cancer subtype, categorized according to hormone receptor (HR) and ERBB2 status.

Results

A total of 16 251 female patients with stage 0 to III breast cancer were analyzed; all patients were Korean. The mean (SD) age was 48.61 (10.06) years; 1318 patients (8.11%) were in the younger group, and 14 933 (91.89%) were in the older group. Median follow-up was 107 months (IQR, 79-145 months). Compared with the older group, the younger group had significantly higher incidence of CBC (10-year cumulative incidence, 7.1% vs 2.9%; P < .001) and higher risk (hazard ratio, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.62-2.74) of developing CBC. The hazard rate, which indicates risk for developing CBC at a certain time frame, differed according to the subtype of primary cancer. In patients with the HR+/ERBB2– subtype, the risk increased continuously in both age groups. In patients with the triple negative subtype, the risk increased until approximately 10 years and then decreased in both age groups. Meanwhile, in the HR−/ERBB2+ subtype, risk peaked earlier, especially in the younger group (1.7 years since first surgery in the younger group and 4.8 years in the older group).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, patients aged 35 years or younger with breast cancer had a higher risk of developing CBC than older patients. Moreover, young patients with the HR−/ERBB2+ subtype tended to have a shorter interval for developing CBC. These findings might be useful in guiding treatment decisions, such as contralateral prophylactic mastectomy.
Racial Equity in Living Donor Kidney Transplant Centers, 2008-2018
Authors: McElroy Lisa M. , Schappe Tyler , Mohottige Dinushika , Davis LaShara , Peskoe Sarah B. , Wang Virginia , Pendergast Jane , Boulware L. Ebony
Published: December 2023

Importance

It is unclear whether center-level factors are associated with racial equity in living donor kidney transplant (LDKT).

Objective

To evaluate center-level factors and racial equity in LDKT during an 11-year time period.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A retrospective cohort longitudinal study was completed in February 2023, of US transplant centers with at least 12 annual LDKTs from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2018, identified in the Health Resources Services Administration database and linked to the US Renal Data System and the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Observed and model-based estimated Black-White mean LDKT rate ratios (RRs), where an RR of 1 indicates racial equity and values less than 1 indicate a lower rate of LDKT of Black patients compared with White patients. Estimated yearly best-case center-specific LDKT RRs between Black and White individuals, where modifiable center characteristics were set to values that would facilitate access to LDKT.

Results

The final cohorts of patients included 394 625 waitlisted adults, of whom 33.1% were Black and 66.9% were White, and 57 222 adult LDKT recipients, of whom 14.1% were Black and 85.9% were White. Among 89 transplant centers, estimated yearly center-level RRs between Black and White individuals accounting for center and population characteristics ranged from 0.0557 in 2008 to 0.771 in 2018. The yearly median RRs ranged from 0.216 in 2016 to 0.285 in 2010. Model-based estimations for the hypothetical best-case scenario resulted in little change in the minimum RR (from 0.0557 to 0.0549), but a greater positive shift in the maximum RR from 0.771 to 0.895. Relative to the observed 582 LDKT in Black patients and 3837 in White patients, the 2018 hypothetical model estimated an increase of 423 (a 72.7% increase) LDKTs for Black patients and of 1838 (a 47.9% increase) LDKTs for White patients.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of patients with kidney failure, no substantial improvement occurred over time either in the observed or the covariate-adjusted estimated RRs. Under the best-case hypothetical estimations, modifying centers’ participation in the paired exchange and voucher programs and increased access to public insurance may contribute to improved racial equity in LDKT. Additional work is needed to identify center-level and program-specific strategies to improve racial equity in access to LDKT.
Dynamic event‐triggered asynchronous security load frequency control for semi‐Markov jump multi‐area power systems against deception attacks
Authors: Li Yulong , Li Xiaoqing , Cheng Jun , Shi Kaibo , Sun Wei
Published: December 2023

This paper focuses on the issue of dynamic event‐triggered (DET) asynchronous security load frequency control (LFC) for uncertain semi‐Markov jump interconnected multi‐area power systems (IMAPSs). Initially, the semi‐Markov process which in the presence of partially unknown transition rates (TRs) is exactly introduced to model the switching behaviors of the IMAPSs. Subsequently, the DET mechanism is scheduled to alleviate the transmission frequency and guarantee the desired control performance. Furthermore, the probabilistic deception attacks are taken into consideration, which is much more apt for the practical engineering background. Additionally, a hidden Markov model (HMM) is borrowed to depict the modes asynchronous phenomenon between the security controller and the semi‐Markov jump IMAPSs. Afterwards, on the basis of Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional method and stochastic analysis technique, sufficient conditions with two cases are derived in the form of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) to guarantee the stochastic stability with an performance of the semi‐Markov jump IMAPSs. Ultimately, a numerical example is exhibited to verify the solvability and practicability of the proposed control strategy.
Continuous Melt Spinning of Adaptable Covalently Cross‐Linked Self‐Healing Ionogel Fibers for Multi‐Functional Ionotronics
Authors: Tan Hui , Sun Lijie , Huang Hongfei , Zhang Luzhi , Neisiany Rasoul Esmaeely , Ma Xiaopeng , You Zhengwei
Published: December 2023

Stretchable conductive fibers play key roles in electronic textiles, which have substantial improvements in terms of flexibility, breathability, and comfort. Compared to most existing electron‐conductive fibers, ion‐conductive fibers are usually soft, stretchable, and transparent, leading to increasing attention. However, the integration of desirable functions including high transparency, stretchability, conductivity, solvent resistance, self‐healing ability, processability, and recyclability remains a challenge to be addressed. Herein, a new molecular strategy based on dynamic covalent cross‐linking networks is developed to enable continuous melt spinning of the ionogel fiber with the aforementioned properties. As a proof of concept, adaptable covalently cross‐linked ionogel fibers based on dimethylglyoximeurethane (DOU) groups (DOU‐IG fiber) are prepared. The resultant DOU‐IG fiber exhibited high transparency (>93%), tensile strength (0.76 MPa), stretchability (784%), and solvent resistance. Owing to the dynamic of DOU groups, the DOU‐IG fiber shows high healing performance using near‐infrared light. Taking advantage of DOU‐IG fibers, multifunctional ionotronics with the integration of several desirable functionalities including sensor, triboelectric nanogenerator, and electroluminescent display are fabricated and used for motion monitoring, energy harvesting, and human–machine interaction. It is believed that these DOU‐IG fibers are promising for fabricating the next generation of electronic textiles and other wearable electronics.
The general ratooning ability of rice yield‐related traits: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Shiraki Shutaro , Kywae  , Thura  , Mon Lae Lae , Cho Thin Mar , Myaing Kyaw , Ni Nwe , Oo May That , Poe Loon Poe , Thu Aung kyaw
Published: December 2023

Numerous studies have attempted to pinpoint certain traits of rice varieties linked with great ratooning ability that may be used in cultural practice. However, both genetic and environmental variables affect rice's capacity for ratooning. We are able to measure the innovative ratooning ability that affects the decline in ratoon yield using the agronomic features of the main crop and ratoon rice in our global database for a meta‐analysis, drawn from 51 experiments in 14 countries. We discovered that changes in cultivar yield and maturity features, cropping location, and nitrogen fertilizer treatment may all affect a plant's capacity to tiller. On the other hand, the growth duration ratoon ability was less responsive to variations in cultivars and cropping location. We also found that ratooning changes the plant architecture for yield generation from bigger spikelets with fewer panicles to fewer spikelets (dropping 48%) with larger panicles (increasing 19%). We came to the conclusion based on our research that the decreased yield in ratoon crops may be caused by fast ear emergence and aggressive tillering, which negatively influence stem elongation, panicle differentiation, and a lack of nutrition, resulting in fewer spikelets (panicle−1). The present data are thoroughly summarized and analyzed in this research, which also clarifies the lack of knowledge around the characteristics that affect ratoon rice crop production.
Safety and efficacy of a new high‐dose regimen of panobinostat, gemcitabine, busulfan, and melphalan for 1st or 2nd salvage ASCT for refractory/relapsed or high‐risk myeloma: Matched‐pair comparisons with concurrent control cohorts
Authors: Nieto Yago , Yang Zixi , Valdez Benigno C. , Kundu Suprateek , Bashir Qaiser , Ramdial Jeremy , Srour Samer , Qazilbash Muzaffar
Published: December 2023

Improvement of autologous stem‐cell transplantation (ASCT) for myeloma is needed. Building on our prior work, we prospectively evaluated panobinostat and gemcitabine/busulfan/melphalan (GemBuMel) with ASCT in this population. Patients aged 18–65 years with relapsed/refractory or high‐risk myeloma and adequate end‐organ function were eligible. Treatment included panobinostat (20 mg/day, days −9 to −2) and GemBuMel (days −8 to −2). Patients were enrolled in 1st (ASCT‐1) or 2nd ASCT (ASCT‐2) cohorts. We compared their outcomes with all our other concurrent ASCT patients who met eligibility criteria but received melphalan or BuMel off study, matched for age, prior therapy lines, high‐risk cytogenetics, and response at ASCT. We enrolled 80 patients, 48 and 32 in the ASCT‐1 and ASCT‐2 cohorts, respectively; in these two cohorts, high‐risk cytogenetics were noted in 33 and 15 patients, respectively; unresponsive disease in 12 and 11 patients, respectively, after a median of 2 and 3 therapy lines, respectively. Transplant‐related mortality (TRM) occurred in two ASCT‐2 patients. One‐year PFS rates were 69% (ASCT‐1) and 72% (ASCT‐2); 1‐year OS rates were 79% (ASCT‐1) and 84% (ASCT‐2). Minimal residual disease negativity improved after ASCT‐1 (8.5%–23%, p < .0001) and ASCT‐2 (34%–55%, p = .02), which correlated with improved outcomes. Trial patients and controls (N = 371) had similar TRM and post‐ASCT maintenance. Trial patients had better PFS after either a 1st (p = .02) or a 2nd ASCT (p = .04) than matched‐paired control patients. In conclusion, panobinostat/GemBuMel is effective for relapsed/refractory or high‐risk myeloma patients, with better PFS than concurrent matched controls receiving melphalan or BuMel.
Regioselective Synthesis of Isoxazoles from Propargylic Alcohols via In‐situ‐formed α‐Iodo Enones/Enals
Authors: Yang. Hong , Chen Jiaming , He Shuai , Wu Lijuan , Zhou Min , Cai Jiaming , Yang Wenfeng , Wang Zhuwen , Wang Jianlun , Wang Xiaoyang , Yin Yan
Published: December 2023

A regioselective synthesis of isoxazoles with propargyl alcohols, N‐iodosuccinimide (NIS), and N‐tert‐butyl hydroxylamine hydrochloride (t‐BuNHOH•HCl) as the reaction substrates is reported. Reaction scope investigations indicated that primary and secondary propargyl alcohols underwent this transformation smoothly to afford 5‐, 3‐, and 3,5‐substituted isoxazoles in moderate to good yields. The reaction most likely involves an electrophilic‐intercepted Meyer‐Schuster rearrangement of the propargyl alcohol, followed by intermolecular cyclocondensation of N‐tert‐butyl hydroxylamine and in‐situ‐formed α‐iodo enones/enals. This one‐pot method is regioselective and easy to perform, making it a valuable method for the construction of isoxazoles. Finally, its application was explored through the synthesis of valdecoxib.
Selenium‐Based Catalytic Scavengers for Concurrent Scavenging of H2S and Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Ni Xiang , Marutani Eizo , Shieh Meg , Lam Yannie , Ichinose Fumito , Xian Ming
Published: December 2023

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenous gasotransmitter that plays important roles in redox signaling. H2S overproduction has been linked to a variety of disease states and therefore, H2S‐depleting agents, such as scavengers, are needed to understand the significance of H2S‐based therapy. It is known that elevated H2S can induce oxidative stress with elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, such as in H2S acute intoxication. We explored the possibility of developing catalytic scavengers to simultaneously remove H2S and ROS. Herein, we studied a series of selenium‐based molecules as catalytic H2S/H2O2 scavengers. Inspired by the high reactivity of selenoxide compounds towards H2S, 14 diselenide/monoselenide compounds were tested. Several promising candidates such as S6 were identified. Their activities in buffers, as well as in plasma‐ and cell lysate‐containing solutions were evaluated. We also studied the reaction mechanism of this scavenging process. Finally, the combination of the diselenide catalyst and photosensitizers was used to achieve light‐induced H2S removal. These Se‐based scavengers can be useful tools for understanding H2S/ROS regulations.
Phthalimide‐tethered isatins as novel poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase inhibitors: Design, synthesis, biological evaluations, and molecular modeling investigations
Authors: El Hassab Mahmoud A. , El‐Hafeez Amer Ali Abd , Almahli Hadia , Elsayed Zainab M. , Eldehna Wagdy M. , Hassan Ghaneya S. , Abou‐Seri Sahar M.
Published: December 2023

Humanity is currently facing various diseases with significant mortality rates, particularly those associated with malignancies. Numerous enzymes and proteins have been identified as highly promising targets for the treatment of cancer. The poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerases (PARPs) family comprises 17 members which are essential in DNA damage repair, allowing the survival of cancer cells. Unlike other PARP family members, PARP‐1 and, to a lesser extent, PARP‐2 show more than 90% activity in response to DNA damage. PARP‐1 levels were shown to be elevated in various tumor cells, including breast, lung, ovarian, and prostate cancer and melanomas. Accordingly, novel series of phthalimide‐tethered isatins (6a‐n, 10a‐e, and 11a‐e) were synthesized as potential PARP‐1 inhibitors endowed with anticancer activity. All the synthesized molecules were assessed against PARP‐1, where compounds 6f and 10d showed nanomolar activities with IC50 = 15.56 ± 2.85 and 13.65 ± 1.42 nM, respectively. Also, the assessment of the antiproliferative effects of the synthesized isatins was conducted on four cancer cell lines: leukemia (K‐562), liver (HepG2), and breast (MCF‐7 and HCC1937) cancers. Superiorly, compounds 6f and 10d demonstrated submicromolar IC50 values against breast cancer MCF‐7 (IC50 = 0.92 ± 0.18 and 0.67 ± 0.12 µM, respectively) and HCC1937 (IC50 = 0.88 ± 0.52 and 0.53 ± 0.11 µM, respectively) cell lines. In addition, compounds 6f and 10d induced arrest in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle as compared to untreated cells. Finally, in silico studies, including docking and molecular dynamic simulations, were performed to justify the biological results.
Probing the p‐type Chemiresistive Response of NiFe2O4 Nanoparticles for Potential Utilization as Ethanol Sensor
Authors: Bhagat B. , Gupta Santosh K. , Mandal D. , Gor Abhishek A. , Bandyopadhyay R. , Mukherjee K.
Published: December 2023

Detection of gas molecules and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) using efficient, low cost sensors has fetched significant attention in environmental monitoring, safety measures and medical diagnosis. In the present work, nickel ferrite (NFO) nanoparticles are explored as p‐type semiconducting metal oxide (SMO) sensor for detection of five different organic vapors namely methanol, ethanol, n‐propanol, iso‐propanol and acetone which often cause severe damage to human body under prolonged exposure. The sensing studies in presence of the aforementioned five vapors are carried out by varying the sensor operating temperature (225–300 °C) and vapor concentrations (10–1000 ppm). Developed NFO sensor demonstrated best performance in terms of sensing (~10 ppm), response time (<10 s), excellent repeatability and selectivity towards ethanol among all other considered gas species. The repeatability of the sensor response is verified and the underlying reasons for the variation in the response of NFO sensor due to the change of operating temperature, analyte type and concentrations has been discussed. The synthesis of NFO through auto combustion method and study on their formation behaviour, oxygen vacancy evolution, band gap calculation, crystalline nature as well as microstructural features provides here the comprehensive information about the potential application of NFO nanoparticles as gas sensor.
Investigating the link between biological dehumanization and indirect aggression
Authors: Valtorta Roberta Rosa , Baldissarri Cristina , Volpato Chiara
Published: December 2023

The present research aims at expanding the literature on biologization (i.e., a form of dehumanization in which others are perceived as contagious entities) by providing the first empirical evidence of the link between this sociopsychological process and indirect aggression (i.e., behaviours intended to harm someone in a roundabout manner, such as excluding them from a group or society). We first identified the most dehumanized social groups in Italy. Then, by using cluster analysis, we demonstrated that biologized social groups (i.e., drug addicts, homeless people, prostitutes, and sick people) tend especially to be victims of indirect rather than direct aggression tendencies (i.e., intentions against individuals or groups to cause damage through face‐to‐face confrontation). Furthermore, we found that social groups associated with disease‐related metaphors are more likely to be victims of indirect aggression than social groups perceived as animal‐like (i.e., immigrants, prisoners, and Roma). These findings enrich our understanding of biological dehumanization and enhance the so far scarce literature on the topic.
Long noncoding RNA: An emerging diagnostic and therapeutic target in kidney diseases
Authors: Ramanathan Kumaresan , Fekadie Minale , Padmanabhan Giri , Gulilat Henok
Published: December 2023

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have critical roles in the development of many diseases including kidney disease. An increasing number of studies have shown that lncRNAs are involved in kidney development and that their dysregulation can result in distinct disease processes, including acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, and renal cell carcinoma. Understanding the roles of lncRNAs in kidney disease may provide new diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities in the clinic. This review provides an overview of lncRNA characteristics, and biological function and discusses specific studies that provide insight into the function and potential application of lncRNAs in kidney disease treatment.
Molecular characterization, rheological properties, and prebiotic properties of arabinoxylans from waxy and sweet corn cobs
Authors: Pang Jinxin , Zhang Yi , Song Xin , Tong Xiaoyang , Wu Songheng , Hu Yingxiong , Zhong Yaoguang , Qiao Yongjin
Published: December 2023

Background and Objectives

Arabinoxylan (AX) has diverse physicochemical properties and biological activities, related to the structural differences caused by various sources and extraction methods. We study the differences in molecular characterization, rheological properties, and prebiotic properties in waxy and sweet corn cobs AX, and water‐extractable and water‐unextractable arabinoxylan (EAX, UAX).

Findings

The arabinose to xylose ratios (Ara/Xyl) of waxy corn cobs AX were lower than that of sweet corn cobs AX. Also, the viscosity of all samples increased with increasing concentration and decreasing temperature. In the vitro probiotic fermentation, waxy corn cobs AX was stronger in promoting the growth of probiotics than AX from sweet corn cobs. Probiotics in the AX group were predominantly acetic acid and butyric acid producers, and the waxy corn cobs AX group produced more short‐chain fatty acids than the sweet corn cobs AX group, resulting in a lower pH in the waxy corn cobs AX group.

Conclusions

EAX and UAX also showed significant variations in molecular characterization, viscosity, and prebiotic properties. Waxy corn cobs AX had stronger prebiotic activity than sweet corn cobs AX.

Significance and Novelty

This experiment provides a theoretical and experimental basis for studying the prebiotic properties of AX, which could guide the application of fresh corn cobs‐derived AX.
Counselor educators’ gatekeeping experiences during dissertation
Authors: DeCino Daniel A. , Waalkes Phillip L. , Jorgensen Maribeth F. , Boughn Alison
Published: December 2023

Little is known about counselor educators’ experiences of gatekeeping doctoral students. Using an interpretative phenomenological approach, we examined counselor educators’ experiences of gatekeeping doctoral students during the dissertation. Themes included (a) interventions, (b) prior student gatekeeping interactions, and (c) recommendations for gatekeeping during the dissertation. Implications and suggestions for research are provided.
Electroplated Electrodes for Continuous and Mass‐Efficient Electrochemical Hydrogenation
Authors: Wolf Jonas , Pellumbi Kevinjeorjios , Haridas Sarankumar , Kull Tobias , Kleinhaus Julian T. , Wickert Leon , Apfel Ulf‐Peter , Siegmund Daniel
Published: December 2023

Electrocatalytic hydrogenations (ECH) enable the reduction of organic substrates upon usage of electric current and present a sustainable alternative to conventional processes if green electricity is used. Opposed to most current protocols for electrode preparation, this work presents a one‐step binder‐ and additive‐free production of silver‐ and copper‐electroplated electrodes. Controlled adjustment of the preparation parameters allows for the tuning of catalyst morphology and its electrochemical properties. Upon optimization of the deposition protocol and carbon support, high faradaic efficiencies of 93 % for the ECH of the Vitamin A‐ and E‐synthon 2‐methyl‐3‐butyn‐2‐ol (MBY) are achieved that can be maintained at current densities of 240 mA cm−2 and minimal catalyst loadings of 0.2 mg cm−2, corresponding to an unmatched production rate of 1.47 kgMBE gcat−1 h−1. For a continuous hydrogenation process, the protocol can be directly transferred into a single‐pass operation mode giving a production rate of 1.38 kgMBE gcat−1 h−1. Subsequently, the substrate spectrum was extended to a total of 17 different C−C−, C−O− and N−O−unsaturated compounds revealing the general applicability of the reported process. Our results lay an important groundwork for the development of electrochemical reactors and electrodes able to directly compete with the palladium‐based thermocatalytic state of the art.
Comparative analysis of cysteine proteases reveals gene family evolution of the group 1 allergens in astigmatic mites
Authors: Shi Ling , Xiong Qing , Ao Fu Kiu , Wan Tsz Yau , Xiao Xiaojun , Liu Xiaoyu , Sun Baoqing , Tungtrongchitr Anchalee , Leung Ting Fan , Tsui Stephen Kwok Wing
Published: December 2023

Background

Astigmatic mites contain potent allergens that can trigger IgE‐mediated immune responses, leading to allergic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis. In house dust mites Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae, group 1 allergens (Der p 1 and Der f 1), characterized as papain‐like cysteine proteases, have been defined as the major allergens that have high prevalence and potency. Previous studies of mite group 1 allergens mainly focused on identification, comparison of sequence and structure, as well as the investigation of cross‐reactivity. To achieve a comprehensive view of mite group 1 allergens, we performed a comparative genomic analysis of all the cysteine proteases in six astigmatic mite species to elucidate the evolutionary relationships of group 1 allergens.

Methods

Based on the high‐quality and annotated genomes, all the cysteine proteases in six astigmatic mite species were identified by sequence homology search. The phylogenetic relationships, gene synteny and expression levels were revealed by bioinformatic tools. The allergenicity of recombinant cysteine proteases was evaluated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Tandem duplication was revealed as the major feature of cysteine protease gene evolution in astigmatic mites. The high IgE‐binding capacity and the significant expression level of the cysteine protease DP_007902.01 suggested its potential as a novel group 1 allergen of D. pteronyssinus. In addition, gene decay events were identified in the skin‐burrowing parasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei.

Conclusion

This comprehensive analysis provided insights into the evolution of cysteine proteases, as well as the component‐resolved diagnosis of mite allergies.
The cumulative burden of self‐reported, clinically relevant outcomes in long‐term childhood cancer survivors and implications for survivorship care: A DCCSS LATER study
Authors: Streefkerk Nina , Teepen Jop C. , Feijen Elizabeth A. M. , Jóźwiak Katarzyna , van der Pal Helena J. H. , Ronckers Cecile M. , De Vries Andrica C. H. , Van der Heiden‐van Der Loo Margriet , Hollema Nynke , van den Berg Marleen , Loonen Jacqueline , Grootenhuis Martha A. , Bresters Dorine , Versluys A. Brigitta , van Dulmen‐den Broeder Eline , van den Heuvel‐Eibrink Marry M. , van Leeuwen Flora E. , Neggers Sebastian J. C. M. M. , Van Santen Hanneke M. , Hawkins Mike , Hauptmann Michael , Yoneoka Daisuke , Korevaar Joke C. , Tissing Wim J. E. , Kremer Leontien C. M. ,   DCCSS LATER Study Group
Published: December 2023

Background

The aim of this study is to evaluate how cumulative burden of clinically relevant, self‐reported outcomes in childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) compares to a sibling control group and to explore how the burden corresponds to levels of care proposed by existing risk stratifications.

Methods

The authors invited 5925 5‐year survivors from the Dutch Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (DCCSS LATER) cohort and their 1066 siblings to complete a questionnaire on health outcomes. Health outcomes were validated by self‐reported medication use or medical record review. Missing data on clinically relevant outcomes in CCSs for whom no questionnaire data were available were imputed with predictive mean matching. We calculated the mean cumulative count (MCC) for clinically relevant outcomes. Furthermore, we calculated 30‐year MCC for groups of CCSs based on primary cancer diagnosis and treatment, ranked 30‐year MCC, and compared the ranking to levels of care according to existing risk stratifications.

Results

At median 18.5 years after 5‐year survival, 46% of CCSs had at least one clinically relevant outcome. CCSs experienced 2.8 times more health conditions than siblings (30‐year MCC = 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.74–0.85 vs. 30‐year MCC = 0.29; 95% CI, 0.25–0.34). CCSs’ burden of clinically relevant outcomes consisted mainly of endocrine and vascular conditions and varied by primary cancer type. The ranking of the 30‐year MCC often did not correspond with levels of care in existing risk stratifications.

Conclusions

CCSs experience a high cumulative burden of clinically relevant outcomes that was not completely reflected by current risk stratifications. Choices for survivorship care should extend beyond primary tumor and treatment parameters, and should consider also including CCSs’ current morbidity.
Factors influencing parents’ choice of palliative treatment goals for children with relapsed or refractory neuroblastoma: A multi‐site longitudinal survey study
Authors: Kaye Erica C. , Smith Jesse , Zhou Yiwang , Bagatell Rochelle , Baker Justin N. , Cohn Susan L. , Diller Lisa R. , Glade Bender Julia L. , Granger M. Meaghan , Marachelian Araz , Park Julie R. , Rosenberg Abby R. , Shusterman Suzanne , Twist Clare J. , Mack Jennifer W.
Published: December 2023

Background

Many parents of children with advanced cancer report curative goals and continue intensive therapies that can compound symptoms and suffering. Factors that influence parents to choose palliation as the primary treatment goal are not well understood. The objective of this study was to examine experiences impacting parents’ report of palliative goals adjusted for time. The authors hypothesized that awareness of poor prognosis, recall of oncologists’ prognostic disclosure, intensive treatments, and burdensome symptoms and suffering would influence palliative goal‐setting.

Methods

The authors collected prospective, longitudinal surveys from parents of children with relapsed/refractory neuroblastoma at nine pediatric cancer centers across the United States, beginning at relapse and continuing every 3 months for 18 months or until death. Hypothesized covariates were examined for possible associations with parental report of palliative goals. Generalized linear mixed models were used to evaluate factors associated with parents’ report of palliative goals at different time points.

Results

A total of 96 parents completed surveys. Parents were more likely to report a primary goal of palliation when they recalled communication about prognosis by their child’s oncologist (odds ratio [OR], 52.48; p = .010). Treatment intensity and previous ineffective therapeutic regimens were not associated with parents’ report of palliative goals adjusted for time. A parent who reported new suffering for their child was less likely to report palliative goals (OR, 0.13; p = .008).

Conclusions

Parents of children with poor prognosis cancer may not report palliative goals spontaneously in the setting of treatment‐related suffering. Prognostic communication, however, does influence palliative goal‐setting. Evidence‐based interventions are needed to encourage timely, person‐centered prognostic disclosure in the setting of advanced pediatric cancer.

Plain Language Summary

Many parents of children with poor‐prognosis cancer continue to pursue curative treatments that may worsen symptoms and suffering.

Little is known about which factors influence parents to choose palliative care as their child’s main treatment goal.

To explore this question, we asked parents of children with advanced neuroblastoma across the United States to complete multiple surveys over time.

We found that the intensity of treatment, number of treatments, and suffering from treatment did not influence parents to choose palliative goals.

However, when parents remembered their child’s oncologist talking about prognosis, they were more likely to choose palliative goals of care.
Synthesis and Characterization of Single Crystals of Creatininium Hydrochloride for Third‐Order NLO Applications
Authors: Meeraa S. R. , Parthasarathy M.
Published: December 2023

Single crystals of Creatininium hydrochloride (CTNHCl) are grown by the conventional solution growth method using Millipore water at 32 °C. X‐ray diffraction reveals that it crystallizes in a monoclinic with a space group of P21/n. Solubility studies are performed at different temperatures. Intermolecular interactions involving distinct molecular moieties are also studied by mapping the 3D Hirshfeld surface and its fingerprint plots. Using FT‐IR, spectral analysis is identified. The optical efficiency of the material is studied using UV–vis–NIR and photoluminescence studies. SEM and EDAX analysis are performed for the title compound. Thermal behavior is analyzed, and the material started to melt at 275 °C. Third‐order nonlinear properties of the material like β, n2,
χ(3) values are calculated using the z‐scan technique.
Environmental, social, and governance disclosure and capital market mispricing
Authors: Wang Bin , Wang Fangzheng , Kong Xiaofei , Liu Li , Liu Chunlu
Published: December 2023

With the development of sustainability, ESG information has become a key factor for investors in capital market, but researches on the relationship between ESG disclosure and capital market efficiency has not been clear. Using the data of Chinese A‐share listed companies from 2011 to 2019, this study examined the relationship between ESG disclosure and market mispricing. The results showed that the higher ESG disclosure with lower level of mispricing, which was also verified in both the overvalued and undervalued samples. The test of environmental (E), social (S), and, governance (G) showed that environmental disclosure can restrain the over‐valuation, social disclosure can mitigate the under‐valuation, and corporate governance disclosure has no significant impact on the mispricing. In addition, this paper identified the effect of ESG disclosure on market mispricing by using exogenous market fluctuation. Furtherly, mechanism analysis results showed that ESG disclosure can affect pricing deviation through signaling and supervision effects.
Abundance, biomass and species richness of macrozoobenthos along an intertidal elevation gradient
Authors: Dewenter Jana , Yong Joanne , Schupp Peter J. , Lõhmus Kertu , Kröncke Ingrid , Moorthi Stefanie , Pieck Daniela , Kuczynski Lucie , Rohde Sven
Published: December 2023

Ecology aims to comprehend species distribution and its interaction with environmental factors, from global to local scales. While global environmental changes affect marine biodiversity, understanding the drivers at smaller scales remains crucial. Tidal flats can be found on most of the world's coastlines and are particularly vulnerable to anthropogenic disturbances. They are important transient ecosystems between terrestrial and marine ecosystems, and their biodiversity provides important ecosystem services. Owing to this unique, terrestrial–marine transition, strong environmental gradients of elevation, sediment composition and food availability prevail. Here, we investigated which regional and local environmental factors drive the spatio‐temporal dynamics of macrozoobenthos communities on back‐barrier tidal flats in the East Frisian Wadden Sea. On the regional level, we found that species composition changed significantly from west to east on the East Frisian islands and that total abundance and species richness decreased from west to east. On the local abiotic level, we found that macrozoobenthos biomass decreased with higher elevation towards the salt marsh and that the total abundance of organisms in the sediment significantly increased with increasing mud content, while biodiversity and biomass were not changing significantly. In contrast to expectations, increasing Chl a availability as a measure of primary productivity did not result in changes in abundance, biomass or biodiversity, but extremely high total organic carbon (TOC) content was associated with a decrease in biomass and biodiversity. In conclusion, we found regional and local relationships that are similar to those observed in previous studies on macrozoobenthos in the Wadden Sea. Macrozoobenthos biomass, abundance and biodiversity are interrelated in a complex way with the physical, abiotic and biotic processes in and above the sediment.
Recent Progress on New Charge Transfer Pathways in Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Xiang Tian‐Fu , Li Aijun , Wang Xiao‐Feng
Published: December 2023

In the rapidly evolving field of organic solar cells (OSCs), the charge transfer (CT) process at the photoactive layer interface is pivotal for device performance. This article focuses on recent progress of Z‐type CT pathway, an unconventional process in OSCs that differs significantly from traditional donor–acceptor systems. The Z‐type process shows the potential for high open‐circuit voltage devices. Herein, some applications in solar cells that are inspired by the Z‐scheme in natural photosynthesis are first introduced. Subsequently, studies on mechanisms of charge generation and transfer in bilayer OSCs with Z‐type characteristics are presented. In analogy to the devices in OSCs, other types of optoelectronic devices with similar electron transfer pathways are discussed. Lastly, challenges and potential opportunities are addressed, and the need for further research to harness the potential of Z‐type devices in OSCs is emphasized.