bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Influencing the Uptake of Breast Cancer Screening Services among Women of Reproductive Age: A Case Study of Turbo Sub-county, Kenya
Authors: Maureen Koech J. , Kariuki John G. , Mogere Dominic M. , Magutah Karani , Jeruto Esleen
Published: May 2022

Aim: To determine the prevalence, socio-demographic, and health system factors influencing the uptake of breast cancer (BC) screening services among women of reproductive age (WRA).

Methods: An analytical cross-sectional research design was used which employed mixed-methods approach. Multi-stage and purposive sampling techniques were used to select the study location and to recruit study participants. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to WRA participants. A subset of respondents took part in the qualitative study.

Results: The study sample was 317 WRA. The prevalence of uptake of BC screening services was 10.2%. Being employed (OR=5.6, 95% CI: 1.81-17.47) and earning a high income (OR=4.9, 95% CI: 1.22-19.47) increased the likelihood of uptake of BC screening services. The presence of outreach programs (OR=3.8, 95% CI: 0.07-0.97), reduced screening charges (OR=1.1, 95% CI: 2.22-4.30), reduced distance to the health facilities (OR=3.2, 95% CI: 1.07-9.51), and reduced waiting time (OR=3.3, 95% CI: 0.10-0.96) augmented the odds of uptake of BC screening services.

Conclusion: The uptake of BC screening services was low (10.2%). Based on these findings, the government should subsidize screening services for low-income earners and the unemployed. The ministry of health should improve access to BC screening services and reduce waiting period.
Completeness of Health Declaration Reports during COVID-19 Pandemic in Ghana: Evidence from Travellers’ Surveillance Data, 2020
Authors: Akyereko Ernest , Nuamah Hanson Gabriel , Acheampong Gideon Kwarteng , Owusu Isaac , Kuma-Aboagye Patrick , Ameme Donne , Franklin-Asiedu-Bekoe . , Laryea Dennis , Nsiah-Asare Anthony , Agyei Nii Aryeetey , Ashong Mawufemor , Dongdem Anthony , Buabeng Richard , Mpangah Rebecca , Malm Keziah , Kenu Ernest
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Surveillance data completeness and timeliness is critical for effective outbreak response notably in the advent of increasing of infectious diseases of pandemic proportions. Ghana enhanced screening at Points of Entry by intensifying the usage of health declaration forms in response to the emergence of the global threat of COVID-19. Here, we assess the completeness of health declaration form information submitted by travellers and determine predictors of data completeness and demographic variables as a measure to improve data quality at Points of Entry.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was employed and involved collection of information (age, sex, date of arrival) from the health declaration forms submitted by travellers between the period of March 7-19, 2020 at Ghana’s International Airport. Flights which harboured travellers infected with COVID-19 virus and exhibited clinical symptoms prior to or within 2 days from the arrival date were included in the analysis. Descriptive analyses were expressed in the form of frequencies and percentages. Association and Regression tests using STATA statistical Package were carried out between travellers’ age, sex, nationality, arrival date and form completeness.

Results: A total of 2,374 travellers from 7 flights were included in the study for the period under review. Travellers provided 82.9% and 80.6% complete basic contact and critical information respectively with significant associations between the completeness of travellers’ basic contact and critical information and the travellers’ age, nationality, and arrival date. Travellers’ age, nationality, and date of arrival were found to be strong predictors of completeness of contact and critical information on the health declaration form with younger age categories (<35years) and local nationals were more likely to provide complete health information than older and foreign nationals

Conclusion: Percentage completeness of travellers’ health information was appreciable with older persons and foreign nationals less likely to provide incomplete health information. We suggest that efforts to enhance data capture at Points of Entry should prioritize foreign nationals and the aged. Port Health Officials should endeavour to assist/guide foreign nationals and the aged to entirely fill out health declaration forms as a measure to enhance quality and completeness of data for effective disease surveillance.
Effects of Seasonal Variation on Air Quality and Microbial Composition around Sawmilling Sites in South East Nigeria
Authors: Obike-Martins V. , Fashola M. S. , Oji N. C. , Nwaugo V. O. , Uchenna F. U. , Okwy-Irokanulo I. N. , Enya E.
Published: May 2022

Background: The demand for wood and wood products for use in construction and building has resulted in a surge in sawmilling activities especially in Nigeria with resultant incessant emissions into the environment.

Aims: This study was therefore aimed at investigating the air quality status and microbial composition of air around two different sawmill facilities.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out within sawmilling sites at the Ahiaeke and Okigwe Timber markets in Abia and Imo states of Nigeria respective during the dry and rainy seasons.

Methodology: Air quality determination was done in–situ using hand held environmental sensor meters (HANNA Air Monitors, Rhodes Island, USA). Bacterial and fungal concentration (cfu/m3) in the air of saw-mill sites were evaluated by passive air sampler. Petri dishes containing nutrient agar, MacConkey and Sabouraud dextrose agar were exposed at intervals of 10 minutes, 20 minutes and 30 minutes at four designated points as 0m, 50m, 100m and 500m (control).

Results: Seasonal trends were observed in the levels of air pollutants from both sites in this study. PM2.5 and PM10 were at the peaks during the dry season at both sites (Ahiaeke and Okigwe) reaching 134ppm and 275ppm respectively for Ahiaeke whilst it was 39ppm and 65ppm respectively for Okigwe  at ground level (0m). There was a continual decline in the values observed for H2S and CH4 as the distances decreased at both sites during dry seasons at 100m while at 500m (control) nothing was detected. It was determined that sampling times of 10minutes yielded countable bacterial growth of 7.4cfu/m3 and 6.2cfu/m3 at the 0m and 50m distances respectively at the Ahiaeke site. A sampling time of 30minutes yielded increased bacterial load of 9.9cfu/m3 and 8.4cfu/m3 at the 0m and 50m distances respectively at same site. A similar trend was observed for total bacterial, coliform and fungal counts at the Okigwe site. Nucleotide sequences of bacterial 16S rRNA gene fragments retrieved from bacterial isolates in this study were deposited in the GenBank nucleotide sequence database under accession nos. MK621199, MK621103, MK621201, MK640631, MK640622, MK640625, MK640623, MK640628, MK640630, MK621201, MK643270, MK621195, MK640785, MK640842 and MK640843 for the bacterial isolate whereas the fungal isolates were deposited with MK621199, MK621202, MK640642 and MK640638.

Conclusion: The results obtained in this study are not only useful in providing information on the prevailing air quality but also justify the need for epidemiological research in the area to ascertain the level of impact of continuous gaseous emission from the sawmill on the pollution of the sites.
The Prevalence Rate of Helicobacter pylori amongst Patients Presenting with Presumptive Gastritis in Rivers State, Nigeria Using Antigen Detection Method
Authors: Agi V. N. , Ollor O. A. , Azike C. A. , Naziga D. B.
Published: May 2022

Background: Gastritis is an inflammation of the protective lining of the stomach which has been a global burden in the past decades. It can be caused by irritation, excessive alcohol use, chronic vomiting, stress, or the use of certain medications such as aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs. It may also be caused by Helicobacter pylori- a gram-negative, microaerophilic, spiral (helical) bacterium usually found in the stomach.

Methodology: A cross-sectional, hospital-based study aimed at determining the prevalence rate of Helicobacter pylori amongst patients presenting with presumptive gastritis was carried out at gastroenterology clinic of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital Port Harcourt. Two hundred and forty two (242) male and female participants were recruited randomly for the study, their stool samples were analyzed using On Site H. pylori antigen® (USA) and fecal occult blood (ROSTEC™) Rapid Diagnostic Test Kits, while characteristics and symptoms for gastritis were assessed with pretest questionnaires. Data generated from this study were statistically analyzed using MS Excel 2007 and represented in charts and tables.

Results: The prevalence rate of H. Pylori was found to be 55% in Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) with a higher prevalence among females than males and an increase in prevalence but decline above 49 years.

Conclusion: H. pylori testing should be regarded as an important aspect in clinical practice to help in treatment and better eradication of the infection in patients; this will lead to a significant decrease in gastritis in patients of different age group whether with symptoms or asymptomatic.
Energy Root and Energy Transformation Stages
Authors: Abdullahi Mustapha Umar
Published: May 2022

After allowing transformations of different forms of energy into other forms with the aid of devices and agents, all the associated information were observed severally. In which mean values for each were recorded. The paper is launching new resultant initiatives, namely energy root and energy transformation stages. And hence, energy is defined as square rate of a mass of moving mass in a given suitable area \(E=\frac{\mathrm{mA}}{\mathrm{t}^{2}}\) mathematically.
Wind Energy Production from Vertical Axis Wind Turbine on Offshore Production Platforms in Trinidad
Authors: Ramkissoon Rikhi , Manohar Krishpersad , Adeyanju Anthony
Published: May 2022

Aims: To estimate the available power that can be generated from wind on Oil and Gas production Platforms offshore Trinidad.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus. Data collected at a bpTT production platform offshore east coast Trinidad between January 2019 to November 2019.

Methodology: The East coast of Trinidad was chosen due to the presence of high yearly wind speeds. The wind data was collected 80 kilometers off Trinidad Southeast coast, east of the bpTT Cashima production platform for the year 2019. Wind speeds varied from 5.3 meters per second in October to 8.8 meters per second in June. The overall wind speed average for the year 2019 was 7.4 meters per second. The vertical axis wind turbine considered here was modeled using Parashivoiu's double multiple streamtube model concept. The VAWT modelled had 3 NACA0018 blade profile, a blade length of 2.5 meters and a diameter of 2 meters.

Results: The modeled vertical axis wind turbine monthly total power output varied from 5.43 KW to 20.34 KW. The daily average expected power output from the VAWT ranged from 175 Watts to 678 Watts. It can be observed that the months January to July gave higher daily and monthly average power generation due to these months having the highest wind speeds due to local weather conditions.

Conclusion: The VAWT modelled in this study can generate on average, 463 Watts of power per day with a peak average of 678 Watts of power per day in June from a single turbine. The total average power produced for the year 2019 was 151.11 KW. The turbine was sized as not to have a large footprint on the offshore platform. It is demonstrated here that substantial support and rationale is needed for the potential advancement of VAWT’s for conditions that prevail offshore Trinidad, owing to their lower extraction costs and more robust geometry due to the use of existing offshore platforms.
A Systematic Approach for Resilience Assessment in Road Transport Routes Involving Natural and Human Interruptions
Authors: Figueroa-Carranza Ramón Antonio , Núñez-López Jesús Manuel , Alonso-Guzmán Elia Mercedes , Martínez-Molina Wilfrido , Ponce-Ortega José María
Published: May 2022

This work presents a new approach for resilience assessment in road transport routes interrupted by natural causes (rain, earthquakes) as well as by human influence (accidents). In this way, by knowing the state of preservation of the elements located within a road, particularly bridges, it will be possible to identify which are those with the highest priority to be attended for their conservation, repair, and even replacement, thus relating the cost of maintenance and the number of people benefited. To test this methodology, a case study was proposed. The proposed systematic approach is applied in the federal highway 15 route, which is an international route that passes through seven states of Mexico, ending in Alberta Canada. The study is limited to the Michoacan state of Mexico, which corresponds to 426 kilometers. This study identified the highway bridges within the road and analyzed their deterioration, the cost of repair, and the benefited inhabitants. The most significant scenarios were obtained in terms of repair cost and people benefited, identifying which bridges have priority to be served, having a more accurate decision and distribution of adequate financial resources.
Membrane trafficking functions of the ANTH/ENTH/VHS domain‐containing proteins in plants
Authors: Feng Yihong , Hiwatashi Takuma , Minamino Naoki , Ebine Kazuo , Ueda Takashi
Published: May 2022

Subcellular localization of proteins acting on the endomembrane system is primarily regulated via membrane trafficking. To obtain and maintain the correct protein composition of the plasma membrane and membrane‐bound organelles, the loading of selected cargos into transport vesicles is critically regulated at donor compartments by adaptor proteins binding to the donor membrane, the cargo molecules and the coat‐protein complexes, including the clathrin coat. The ANTH/ENTH/VHS domain‐containing protein superfamily generally comprises a structurally related ENTH, ANTH, or VHS domain in the N‐terminal region and a variable C‐terminal region, which is thought to act as an adaptor during transport vesicle formation. This protein family is involved in various plant processes, including pollen tube growth, abiotic stress response and development. In this review, we provide an overview of the recent findings on ANTH/ENTH/VHS domain‐containing proteins in plants.
The Promise of
eQTL
Studies in Dissecting Crop Genetic Basis and Evolution
Authors: Fu Junjie , Leng Pengfei , Wang Guoying , Zhao Jun
Published: May 2022

Most traits important for crop production are affected by polymorphisms in the genome. The application of genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) has analysed numerous genetic loci controlling complex traits, highlighting the significant roles of non‐coding regulatory variants and networks. During the past decade, there have been continuous advancements in high‐throughput RNA sequencing technology applied to crop genomes, along with expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) mapping based on GWASs with diverse lines. These developments have facilitated considerably superior resolution to uncover the detailed genetic basis of whole transcriptomic variation, which can connect DNA polymorphism to individual genes and provide an effective approach to elucidate the regulatory networks underlying phenotypes. In this article, we comprehensively summarise the technical and computational considerations of eQTL mapping, especially using RNA sequencing of association populations. Through integration with
trans
hotspots, response or dynamic eQTLs, and network analyses, eQTL studies on crops aid in understanding the regulatory networks and connections among genes in metabolic pathways, development, or response to stimuli. We outline the approaches to integrate eQTL results with GWASs, which can greatly improve the possibility of identifying causal genes and regulatory networks responsible for complex traits. Regulation information from eQTL mapping can also be used to elucidate the divergence and stabilisation of gene expression during crop evolution. Although facing several technical challenges and presently limited to a few sample points in crops, eQTL studies hold great potential for advancing our knowledge of the genomic base and evolution of complex traits, and supports molecular breeding of crops.
Flexible VO2 Films for In‐Sensor Computing with Ultraviolet Light
Authors: Li Ge , Xie Donggang , Zhang Ziye , Zhou Qingli , Zhong Hai , Ni Hao , Wang Jiaou , Guo Er‐jia , He Meng , Wang Can , Yang Guozhen , Jin Kuijuan , Ge Chen
Published: May 2022

With their unique advantages in portability, shape adaptability, and human friendly surfaces, flexible electronics pave the way for the implementation of wearable electronic textiles and human–machine interfaces. Although organic materials are promising for flexible devices because of the low‐cost manufacturing and inherent flexibility, they meet challenges in harsh environments such as ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, which limits their applicability in UV sensors. Here, a flexible UV neuromorphic sensor is presented using inorganic vanadium dioxide (VO2) films grown on mica substrates. The flexible device shows UV photoinduced nonvolatile phase transition, and can be reversibly modulated using electrolyte gating. The optical responses remain almost unchanged after 10 000 bending cycles or at small bending radius, exhibiting high tolerance to the bending deformation. Besides, the variations in image recognition accuracy under different bending conditions keep within 1.6%, indicating that the device can be adapted to various deformation conditions. By constructing near‐/in‐sensor computing architectures using the flexible VO2 neuromorphic sensors with photoinduced nonvolatile phase transition, both static image processing and motion detection are realized without redundant and massive information transfer. This result lays the foundation for the development of flexible UV neuromorphic sensors.
Anisotropic Electrical Conductivity and Isotropic Seebeck Coefficient Feature Induced High Thermoelectric Power Factor >1800 µW m−1 K−2 in MWCNT Films
Authors: Sun Xu , Wang Yizhuo , Li Kuncai , Wang Jing , Dai Xu , Chong Daotong , Yan Junjie , Wang Hong
Published: May 2022

Lightweight and low‐cost flexible thermoelectric (TE) materials improve the heat‐to‐electricity conversion efficiency compared to rigid materials by minimizing the heat loss between TE devices and heat sources in waste heat recovery. Multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) has excellent mechanical and electrical properties. However, the TE power factor (PF) of MWCNTs is much lower than single/double‐walled carbon nanotube (S/DWCNT), which is often lower than 40 µW m−1‐K−2. Herein an effective way to achieve high PFs of ≈1800 µW m−1‐K−2 for p‐type and ≈1000 µW m−1‐K−2 for n‐type in flexible MWCNT films is reported. The high power factor is achieved by taking advantage of the anisotropic electrical conductivity and isotropic Seebeck coefficient feature of 1D CNTs as well as the following doping and cold‐pressing to improve the electrical conductivity of MWCNT films. The PF values are comparable to that of state‐of‐the‐art S/DWCNT films and most inorganic TE materials. A Lego‐like TE generator (TEG) with an assembling structure is fabricated to show the heat‐to‐electricity ability of the materials, which exhibits the highest areal output power of ≈27 W m−2 among CNT‐based flexible TEGs. This method may be extended to other 1D‐material based composites to boost the development of high PF flexible TE materials.
Unveiling the Complementary Manganese and Oxygen Redox Chemistry for Stabilizing the Sodium‐Ion Storage Behaviors of Layered Oxide Cathodes
Authors: Jin Junteng , Liu Yongchang , Shen Qiuyu , Zhao Xudong , Zhang Jian , Song Yuzhu , Li Tianyu , Xing Xianran , Chen Jun
Published: May 2022

Layered oxide cathodes for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) have drawn increasing attention owing to their fascinating additional capacity contributed by oxygen‐redox chemistry. Unfortunately, excessive oxygen redox incurs an irreversible oxygen release, deteriorating the cyclic stability and compromising the advantage of additional capacity. Significant efforts have been made so far to stabilize lattice oxygen, but the potential advantages associated with oxygen loss have been ignored. Herein, a complementary Mn and O redox mechanism is first revealed in a novel P2‐Na0.75Ca0.04[Li0.1Ni0.2Mn0.67]O2 cathode. The partial oxygen release activates more Mn3+/Mn4+ redox capacities upon cycling, which effectively compensate the capacity loss from O2‐/On‐ redox and thus enable an ultra‐stable cycling performance (capacity retentions of 102.1% and 95.2% over 100 and 200 cycles at 5 C, respectively). The fast Na+ diffusion kinetics of the cathode also ensure an exceptional rate capability (133.1 and 68.8 mAh g‐1 at 0.1 and 20 C, respectively). The electrode crystal/electronic structure evolution and charge compensation mechanism upon sodiation/desodiation have been elucidated via systematic operando measurements and theoretical computations. The complementary chemistry is a universal principle that stabilizes the Na‐storage behaviors of Mn‐based oxide cathodes, providing new opportunities for anionic redox to boost the energy density and cycling life of SIBs simultaneously.
Reconfigurable Logic‐in‐Memory Using Silicon Transistors
Authors: Lim Doohyeok , Cho Kyoungah , Kim Sangsig
Published: May 2022

In this paper, a novel reconfigurable logic‐in‐memory built using silicon transistors is proposed. The silicon transistor can be reconfigured as p‐ or n‐switchable memory by controlling the polarity of the gate inputs. These electrical characteristics are enabled by utilizing holes or electrons as the majority charge carriers for the positive feedback loop. The reconfigurable logic‐in‐memory functions of the NOT and YES gates with the same cell comprising a silicon transistor and load resistor are demonstrated. Moreover, it is revealed that a two‐input reconfigurable logic‐in‐memory cell, based on two silicon transistors and a load resistor, functions as negative‐AND and OR gates. This novel reconfigurable logic‐in‐memory technology can facilitate the development of next‐generation low‐power and high‐performance computing.
Tuning the Thermoelectric Properties of Boron‐Doped Silicon Nanowires Integrated into a Micro‐Harvester
Authors: Sojo‐Gordillo Jose M. , Estrada‐Wiese Denise , Duque‐Sierra Carolina , Gadea‐Díez Gerard , Salleras Marc , Fonseca Luis , Morata Alex , Tarancón Albert
Published: May 2022

Semiconductor nanowires demonstrate outstanding properties within a wide range of application fields, including energy harvesting. Consequently, increasing attention has been focused on silicon nanowires for thermoelectric power generation after their successful implementation in miniaturized devices. In this work, the effect of tuning the p‐type doping level in silicon nanowires is studied in thermoelectric micro‐generators. In situ heavily boron‐doped silicon nanowires are grown by the vapor‐liquid‐solid mechanism in a chemical vapor deposition reactor. Variable quantities of dopant gas—diborane or B2H6—are used to control the doping level and study the direct influence on the thermoelectric properties of the nanowires. The relationship between dopant partial pressure and resulting carrier concentration is evaluated, and all thermoelectric properties are studied as a function of each doping level. A maximum power factor of 2.0 ± 0.2 mW mK−2 is found for a carrier concentration of 2.5 × 1019 cm−3, corresponding to a figure of merit of zT = 0.04 at near room temperature. Optimized nanowires are included in a micro‐machined thermoelectric generator, yielding an open circuit voltage of 4.5 mV and maximum power output of 1.08 μW cm−2 upon hot surfaces at 250 °C.
Progress on 3D‐Printed Metal‐Organic Frameworks with Hierarchical Structures
Authors: Lieu Wei Ying , Fang Daliang , Tay Kay Jin , Li Xue Liang , Chu Wei Che , Ang Yee Sin , Li Dong‐Sheng , Ang Lay‐Kee , Wang Ye , Yang Hui Ying
Published: May 2022

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted considerable attention in numerous applications due to their large surface areas, tunable pore size, and chemical versatility. However, the performance of most MOFs and their related derivatives in applications are still hindered due to their unoptimized form. Hierarchical nano‐micromacropore MOF structure constructed by 3D printing has been shown to guide working species transportation routes, accelerates ion transportation, and increases the accessible area of MOF, thus leading to improved kinetics and enhanced application performances. Nevertheless, there is a lack of a review on 3D‐printed MOFs and their applications that summarizes and promotes this field's progress. This review first introduces the progress of preparing and embedding MOF into structures via 1) MOF coating processes, 2) in situ growth of MOFs, and 3) using presynthesized MOFs to tune the nano‐ and microstructure of MOF. Subsequently, based on various 3D printing technologies, the principles behind various feedstock material preparation and their related printing processes are discussed with respect to the macrostructure. Thereafter, the advances and recent progress of various devices by 3D‐printed MOFs are summarized with detailed analyses and discussion. Finally, an outlook in this promising field is proposed to provide a progression route for 3D‐printed MOFs.
Solid‐State Iontronic Devices: Mechanisms and Applications
Authors: Li Tianming , Xiao Kai
Published: May 2022

Iontronics is a newly emerging interdisciplinary concept that studies the science and technology of electronic‐ionic coupled properties/functions, endowing the devices with new functions and properties by coupling the advantages of electrons and ions. Solid‐state iontronics, one of the most important branches of iontronics, refers to the iontronic devices that work in solid‐state environments, which attracts particular attention due to its overwhelming advantages, for example, the enhanced thermal/mechanical/electrochemical stability. Herein, the interesting ion‐involved working principles of various solid‐state iontronic devices, including energy storage, electromechanics, electrochromism, electroluminescence, and conductance switching, are reviewed. Meanwhile, the perspectives on developing multifunctional integrated iontronic devices and molecular iontronic devices are also addressed, aiming to meet the growing demands for next‐generation intellectual products. We believe that this review can encourage further exploration in this exciting research field.
High Energy Storage Performance in Ba0.85Ca0.15Zr0.1Ti0.9O3‐ZnO Hybrid Perovskite Solid Solution Thin Films
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu , Jiao Peijie , Cheng Hao , Xiong Ke , Yang Jiangfeng , Chen Lan , Zhou Jinfeng , Zhu Zimeng , Zhang Ji , Luo Jin , Wang Jing , Yang Yurong , Zhang Shan‐Tao , Wu D. , Liu Jun‐Ming
Published: May 2022

Relaxor property plays a key role in determining energy storage performance of dielectric capacitor. The usual method to improve relaxor property is to form substitutional solid solution. Here an unusually substitutional and interstitial hybrid perovskite solid solution 0.8(Ba0.85Ca0.15Zr0.1Ti0.9O3)‐0.2ZnO (BCZT:Zn) is designed, where one Zn2+ occupies B‐site and two Zn2+ share one A‐site of perovskite structure, and fabricated its epitaxial thin films. Compared to BCZT films, BCZT:Zn films have increased c/a ratio which leads to enhanced maximum polarization Pmax, wide band gap therefore high electrical breakdown strength EBDS, and enhanced relaxor degree thus suppressed remanent polarization Pr. As the results, dramatically improve energy storage property with the recoverable energy storage density Wrec of 75.9 J cm−3 and the energy storage efficiency η of 76.7% are obtained in BCZT:Zn films. This work not only provides a high performance relaxor ferroelectric material, but also impacts some new thinking to optimize die/ferro/piezoelectric properties by forming hybrid solid solutions.
How soil conservation influences agricultural land prices
Authors: Telles Tiago Santos , Maia Alexandre Gori , Reydon Bastiaan Philip
Published: May 2022

Conservation practices preserve soil quality and may also increase the value of agricultural land. The economic benefits of conservation practices include increased agricultural yields, decreased risk of production losses from weather events, decreased number of farming operations, simplification of farm management, and decreased production costs. We analyze the links between soil conservation practices and the value of agricultural lands. The soil conservation practices considered in this study include no‐tillage, crop rotation, contour farming, and the use of agricultural terraces. We use municipal data on annual crops in the state of Paraná from the 2006 Brazilian Census of Agriculture. Results show that the average value of lands under conventional tillage is between 10 and 22% lower than lands under no‐tillage, ceteris paribus. The economic benefits of adopting no‐tillage can be maximized when performed in conjunction with other conservation practices, including crop rotation, contour farming, and agricultural terracing. Finally, we discuss the critical effect of soil conservation and conservation agriculture on land prices and how these factors may affect farmers’ decision‐making.
Towards Control and Oversight of SARS‐CoV‐2 Diagnosis and Monitoring through Multiplexed Quantitative Electroanalytical Immune Response Biosensors
Authors: Torrente‐Rodríguez Rebeca M. , Montero‐Calle Ana , San Bartolomé Clara , Cano Olga , Vázquez Mónica , Iglesias‐Caballero María , Corral‐Lugo Andrés , McConnell Michael J. , Pascal Mariona , Mas Vicente , Pingarrón José M. , Barderas Rodrigo , Campuzano Susana
Published: May 2022

The development of versatile and sensitive biotools to quantify specific SARS‐CoV‐2 immunoglobulins in SARS‐CoV‐2 infected and non‐infected individuals, built on the surface of magnetic microbeads functionalized with nucleocapsid (N) and in‐house expressed recombinant spike (S) proteins is reported. Amperometric interrogation of captured N‐ and S‐specific circulating total or individual immunoglobulin (Ig) isotypes (IgG, IgM, and IgA), subsequently labelled with HRP‐conjugated secondary antibodies, was performed at disposable single or multiplexed (8×) screen‐printed electrodes using the HQ/HRP/H2O2 system. The obtained results using N and in‐house expressed S ectodomains of five SARS‐CoV‐2 variants of concern (including the latest Delta and Omicron) allow identification of vulnerable populations from those with natural or acquired immunity, monitoring of infection, evaluation of vaccine efficiency, and even identification of the variant responsible for the infection.
Synthesis, structural elucidation, molecular modeling, and antimicrobial studies of some nanoparticles mixed ligands complexes of cetirizine in presence of 2,2′‐bipyridine
Authors: Salem Ahmed E. , Mohammed Soha F. , Sadeek Sadeek A. , Zordok Wael A. , El‐Attar Mohamed S.
Published: May 2022

A four mixed ligand metal complexes derived from the interaction of Cu(II), Zn(II), Zr(IV), and Cd(II) with antihistamine cetirizine.2HCl (Cetz) in the presence of 2,2′‐bipyridine (Bipy) were synthesized and characterized by using elemental analyses, Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), UV–visible (UV–Vis), 1H NMR, thermal analysis (thermogravimetric–differential thermogravimetry [TG–DTG]), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, molar conductance, and magnetic moment. The infrared data confirmed that Cetz interacted with metal ion as monodentate ligand through carboxylate oxygen atom, and Bipy chelated through nitrogen atoms. The decomposition mechanism (TG and DTG) for Cetz, Bipy, and their complexes were accomplished, and thermodynamic parameters (Ea, ΔH*, ΔS*, and ΔG*) were determined using Horowitz–Metzger (HM) and Coats–Redfern (CR) methods. The powder XRD analysis of all compounds was carried out to determine the average crystalline size (d) and the nature of the compounds (crystalline or amorphous). The density functional theory (DFT) was achieved to comprehend the optimized geometry for the compounds. All complexes regarded as soft in relation to Cetz, with values ranging from 12.987 to 22.727 eV and equal to 12.658 eV for Cetz. The compounds biological activity was examined against number of bacterial and fungal strains. The data revealed that the investigated complexes have a significant efficiency and may be used as better bactericides.
Genomic Risk Score for Advanced Osteoarthritis in Older Adults
Authors: Lacaze Paul , Wang Yuanyuan , Polekhina Galina , Bakshi Andrew , Riaz Moeen , Owen Alice , Franks Angus , Abidi Jawad , Tiller Jane , McNeil John , Cicuttini Flavia
Published: May 2022

Objective

Prevention of osteoarthritis (OA) remains important, as there are no disease‐modifying treatments. A personalized approach has the potential to better target prevention strategies. In the present study, we used recently identified genetic risk variants from genome‐wide association analysis for advanced OA to calculate polygenic risk scores (PRS) for knee and hip OA and assessed PRS performance in an independent population of older community‐dwelling adults.

Methods

PRS were calculated in 12,093 individuals of European genetic descent ages ≥70 years who were enrolled in the Aspirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly trial. The outcome measure was knee and hip replacement (hospitalizations during the trial and self‐reported joint replacements before enrollment). PRS were considered as continuous (per SD) and categorical (low risk [0–20%], medium risk [21–80%], high risk [81–100%]) variables. Logistic regression was used to examine associations between PRS and risk of joint replacement, adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, and socioeconomic status.

Results

Among the participants, 1,422 (11.8%) had knee replacements and 1,297 (10.7%) had hip replacements. PRS (per SD) were associated with a risk of knee replacement (odds ratio [OR] 1.13 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.07–1.20]) and hip replacement (OR 1.23 [95% CI 1.16–1.30]). Participants with high PRS had an increased risk of knee replacement (OR 1.44 [95% CI 1.20–1.73]) and hip replacement (OR 1.88 [95% CI 1.56–2.26]), compared to those with low PRS. Associations were stronger for PRS and hip replacement risk in women than in men. Associations were similar in sensitivity analyses that examined joint replacements before and during the trial separately.

Conclusion

PRS have the potential to improve prevention of severe knee and hip OA by providing a personalized approach and identifying individuals who may benefit from early intervention.
Plasmablast‐like Phenotype Among Antigen‐Experienced CXCR5–CD19low B Cells in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Szelinski Franziska , Stefanski Ana Luisa , Schrezenmeier Eva , Rincon‐Arevalo Hector , Wiedemann Annika , Reiter Karin , Ritter Jacob , Lettau Marie , Dang Van Duc , Fuchs Sebastian , Frei Andreas P. , Alexander Tobias , Lino Andreia C. , Dörner Thomas
Published: May 2022

Objective

Altered composition of the B cell compartment in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by expanded plasmablast and IgD–CD27– double‐negative B cell populations. Previous studies showed that double‐negative B cells represent a heterogeneous subset, and further characterization is needed.

Methods

We analyzed 2 independent cohorts of healthy donors and SLE patients, using a combined approach of flow cytometry (for 16 healthy donors and 28 SLE patients) and mass cytometry (for 18 healthy donors and 24 SLE patients) and targeted RNA‐Seq analysis. To compare B cell subset formation during the acute immune response versus that during autoimmune disease, we investigated healthy donors at various time points after receipt of the BNT162b2 messenger RNA COVID‐19 vaccine and patients with acute SARS–CoV‐2 infection, using flow cytometry.

Results

We found that IgD–CD27+ switched and atypical IgD–CD27– memory B cells, the levels of which were increased in SLE patients, represented heterogeneous populations composed of 3 different subsets each. CXCR5+CD19intermediate, CXCR5–CD19high, and CXCR5–CD19low populations were found in the switched memory and double‐negative compartments, suggesting the relatedness of IgD–CD27+ and IgD–CD27– B cells. We characterized a hitherto unknown and antigen‐experienced CXCR5–CD19low subset that was enhanced in SLE patients, had a plasmablast phenotype with diminished B cell receptor responsiveness, and expressed CD38, CD95, CD71, PRDM1, XBP1, and IRF4. Levels of CXCR5–CD19low subsets were increased and correlated with plasmablast frequencies in SLE patients and in healthy donors who received BNT162b2, suggesting their interrelationship and contribution to plasmacytosis. The detection of CXCR5–CD19low B cells among both CD27+ and CD27– populations calls into question the role of CD27 as a reliable marker of B cell differentiation.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that CXCR5–CD19low B cells are precursors of plasmablasts. Thus, cotargeting this subset may have therapeutic value in SLE.
Exponential ultimate boundedness and stability of stochastic differential equations with impulese
Authors: Huang Fang , Li Jianli
Published: May 2022

The paper mainly studies globally pth moment exponentially ultimate boundedness and pth moment exponential stability of impulsive stochastic functional differential equations. By using the Lyapunov direct method of Razumikhin‐type condition and the principle of comparison, some sufficient conditions for globally pth moment exponentially ultimate boundedness and globally pth moment exponential stability are presented. Theorems require the linear coefficients of the upper bound of Lyapunov differential operators are time‐varying functions; this generalizes the previous results. When the time delay is not considered in the system, a unified criterion is given to achieve boundedness and stability when the system is disturbed by stabilizing impulse and destabilizing impulse. It shows that the stochastic differential equation may be unbounded or unstable, and it can be bounded or stable by adding appropriate impulsive perturbation. Finally, we use two examples to illustrate the validity of our results.
Model‐based periodic event‐triggered stabilization for continuous‐time stochastic nonlinear systems
Authors: Yu Peilong , Kang Yu , Zhang Niankun
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we investigate a model‐based periodic event‐triggered control framework for continuous‐time stochastic nonlinear systems. In this framework, an auxiliary approximate discrete‐time model of stochastic nonlinear systems is constructed in the controller module, which is utilized not only to design a discrete‐time controller but also as a state predictor within trigger intervals. This discrete controller design approach, the strategy of state prediction, and the periodic detection strategy for the trigger rule not only provide a manner of more direct and easier implementation on the digital platform but also effectively reduce the communication load while a satisfactory control performance is maintained. Additionally, the mean‐square exponentially stabilization for continuous‐time stochastic nonlinear systems is achieved, in which a guideline for determining the maximum admissible sampling period is provided and the periodic event trigger rule is designed. The final numerical simulation also supports the effectiveness of our proposed framework.
Event‐triggered finite‐time dynamic output feedback control for switched affine systems with asynchronous switching
Authors: Chen Yunjun , Mao Xin , Zong Guangdeng , Yang Dong , Shi Kaibo
Published: May 2022

This paper investigates the event‐triggered finite‐time dynamic output feedback control for switched affine systems (SASs) with asynchronous switching. A key point of the study is to set up a dynamic output feedback switched affine controller together with an event‐triggered mechanism (ETM). By using an average dwell time (ADT) approach and resorting to a controller‐mode‐dependent Lyapunov functional, the finite‐time stability (FTS) performance is achieve for the closed‐loop SASs. The system dynamics under the proposed ETM are fully discussed during the synchronous and asynchronous switching intervals. The existence of the lower bound on interevent intervals is discussed emphatically, which excludes the occurrence of Zeno behavior. Finally, an application example of the DC‐DC converter is given to show effectiveness of the acquired control algorithm.
Preview control of polytopic time‐varying systems subject to actuator saturation
Authors: Li Li , Lu Yanrong , Meng Xiaohua
Published: May 2022

In this study, a novel method is proposed to track a previewable reference signal in the polytopic time‐varying system with input saturation. Firstly, an augmented model containing future information is constructed using a new formal variable. This leads to the tracking control problem of polytopic time‐varying system with input saturation is transformed into a stability problem of augmented error system. Next, the state and static output feedback preview controls are introduced, and the corresponding controller gains are produced by the proposed conditions. Two examples are presented to validate the effectiveness of the proposed preview controller.
On the simultaneous stabilization of stochastic nonlinear systems
Authors: Himmi Hanane , Oumoun Mohamed
Published: May 2022

In this paper, the problem of simultaneous stabilization in probability by state feedback is investigated for a class of stochastic nonlinear systems whose drift and diffusion terms are dependent on the control and for which classical methods are not applicable. Under the assumption that a collection of stochastic control Lyapunov functions (SCLFs) is known and based on the generalized stochastic Lyapunov theorem, we derive sufficient conditions for the simultaneous stabilization in probability by a continuous state feedback controller that we explicitly compute. We also derive a necessary condition when the system coefficients satisfy some regularity conditions. This work generalizes previous results on the simultaneous stabilization of stochastic nonlinear systems. The obtained results are illustrated by a numerical example.
Sound‐guided assessment and localization of pulmonary air leak
Authors: Pinezich Meghan R. , Mir Mohammad , Reimer Jonathan A. , Kaslow Sarah R. , Chen Jiawen , Guenthart Brandon A. , Bacchetta Matthew , O'Neill John D. , Vunjak‐Novakovic Gordana , Kim Jinho
Published: May 2022

Pulmonary air leak is the most common complication of lung surgery, with air leaks that persist longer than 5 days representing a major source of post‐surgery morbidity. Clinical management of air leaks is challenging due to limited methods to precisely locate and assess leaks. Here, we present a sound‐guided methodology that enables rapid quantitative assessment and precise localization of air leaks by analyzing the distinct sounds generated as the air escapes through defective lung tissue. Air leaks often present after lung surgery due to loss of tissue integrity at or near a staple line. Accordingly, we investigated air leak sounds from a focal pleural defect in a rat model and from a staple line failure in a clinically relevant swine model to demonstrate the high sensitivity and translational potential of this approach. In rat and swine models of free‐flowing air leak under positive pressure ventilation with intrapleural microphone 1 cm from the lung surface, we identified that: (a) pulmonary air leaks generate sounds that contain distinct harmonic series, (b) acoustic characteristics of air leak sounds can be used to classify leak severity, and (c) precise location of the air leak can be determined with high resolution (within 1 cm) by mapping the sound loudness level across the lung surface. Our findings suggest that sound‐guided assessment and localization of pulmonary air leaks could serve as a diagnostic tool to inform air leak detection and treatment strategies during video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) or thoracotomy procedures.
NTRK fusion positive colorectal cancer is a unique subset of CRC with high TMB and microsatellite instability
Authors: Wang Hui , Li Zhi‐Wei , Ou Qiuxiang , Wu Xue , Nagasaka Misako , Shao Yang , Ou Sai‐Hong Ignatius , Yang Yu
Published: May 2022

TRK fusions are rare but targetable mutations which occur across a wide variety of cancer types. We report the prevalence of approximately 0.7% for NTRK‐positive colorectal cancer (CRC) by genetically profiling 2519 colonic and rectal tumors. The aberrations of APC and TP53 frequently co‐occurred with NTRK gene fusions, whereas RAS/BRAF oncogenic alterations and NTRK fusions were almost always mutually exclusive. NTRK‐driven colorectal cancer patients demonstrated increased TMB (median = 53 mut/MB, 95% CI: 36.8–68.0 mut/MB), high microsatellite instability, and an enrichment for POLE/POLD1 mutations when compared to molecularly unstratified colorectal cancer population. These data shed light on possible future approach of multimodality treatment regimen including TRK‐targeted therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in NTRK‐positive CRCs.
Locoregional recurrence after nephrectomy for localized renal cell carcinoma: Feasibility and outcomes of different treatment modalities
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhang Xinyue , Ma Huali , Tian Li , Mai Lixin , Long Wen , Zhang Zhiling , Han Hui , Zhou Fangjian , Dong Pei , He Liru
Published: May 2022

Background

Locoregional recurrence after nephrectomy for localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is rare with diverse manifestations. The selection criteria and efficacy of different treatments are unanswered. The objective was to compare different treatment modalities and present data on stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for recurrent RCC.

Materials and Methods

Patients with locoregional recurrence after nephrectomy without distant metastasis were identified from institutional big data intelligence platform between 2001 and 2020. Patients receiving local therapy (surgery or SBRT) or systemic therapy alone (targeted therapy or PD‐1 inhibitors) were divided into two groups. Progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier method, Cox regression model. Patients were matched with propensity score matching.

Results

Among 106 patients, 33 (31.1%) received systemic therapy alone and 73 (68.9%) received local therapy. Local therapy was surgery in 34 patients (32.1%) and SBRT in 39 (36.8%) patients. Patients treated with systemic therapy alone had more non‐clear cell type (p = 0.044), more advanced T stage (p = 0.006), higher number (p = 0.043) but smaller size of lesions (p = 0.042). Patients receiving local therapy had significantly longer PFS than systemic therapy (19.7 vs. 7.5 months, p = 0.001). After matching, the PFS in the local therapy group remained higher (23.9 vs. 7.5 months, p = 0.001). The 2‐year OS of the local therapy group and systemic therapy group was 91.6% and 71.8%, respectively (p = 0.084). Local therapy was associated with better PFS (HR 0.37; p = 0.0003) and OS (HR 0.23; p = 0.002) in multivariate analysis. Grade 2 or higher toxicities related to local therapy occurred in nine patients.

Conclusions

Local therapy could delay disease progression compared with systemic therapy alone. SBRT is safe and effective for locally recurrent RCC.