bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Perspective Taking and Values Consistency in Reducing Implicit Racial Bias
Authors: Beck Carmen , García Yors , Catagnus Robyn
Published: February 2023

The current study explored the effect of perspective taking and values consistency tasks on reducing implicit racial bias. Using a repeated measures design with a control group, 39 participants, 20 female and 19 males aged from 18-54 years, who identified as White were administered the Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure. All participants in the experimental group (n = 19) and control group (n = 20) completed the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire, Modified Modern Racism Scale, Valuing Questionnaire, and a Likert scale. Experimental group participants completed brief values consistency and perspective taking tasks, whereas the control group completed a guided task. A 2 x 4 mixed repeated-measures analysis of variance was conducted to determine if there was interaction effect between group and trial types and a MANOVA to identify differences in the explicit measures between both groups. Results showed that after the values work and perspective taking exercises, participants in the experimental group recorded shorter mean responses for Inconsistent-Black trial blocks versus Consistent-Black trial blocks compared to the control group. Additionally, a statistically significant impact for interaction between condition and trial type was found for the Consistent-White trial type in the experimental group. Recommendations for future research are presented.
A Data-Fusion Method for Uncertainty Quantification of Mechanical Property of Bi-Modulus Materials: An Example of Graphite
Authors: He Zigang , Zhang Liang , Li Shaofan , Ge Yipeng , Yan Tao
Published: February 2023

The different elastic properties of tension and compression are obvious in many engineering materials, especially new materials. Materials with this characteristic, such as graphite, ceramics, and composite materials, are called bi-modulus materials. Their mechanical properties such as Young’s modulus have randomness in tension and compression due to different porosity, microstructure, etc. To calibrate the mechanical properties of bi-modulus materials by bridging finite element method (FEM) simulation results and scarce experimental data, the paper presents a data-fusion computational method. The FEM simulation is implemented based on parametric variational principle (PVP), while the experimental result is obtained by digital image correlation (DIC) technology. To deal with scarce experimental data, maximum entropy principle (MEP) is employed for the uncertainty quantification (UQ) and calibration of material parameters and responses, which can retain the original probabilistic property of a priori data. The non-parametric p-box is used as a constraint for data fusion. The method presented in this paper can quantify the mechanical properties of materials with high uncertainty, which is verified by a typical example of bi-modulus graphite. It is possible to find applications in the real-time estimation of structural reliability by combining with digital twin technology in the future.
Deep learning assessment of syllable affiliation of intervocalic consonants
Authors: Liu Zirui , Xu Yi
Published: February 2023

In English, a sentence like “He made out our intentions.” could be misperceived as “He may doubt our intentions.” because the coda /d/ sounds like it has become the onset of the next syllable. The nature and occurrence condition of this resyllabification phenomenon are unclear, however. Previous empirical studies mainly relied on listener judgment, limited acoustic evidence, such as voice onset time, or average formant values to determine the occurrence of resyllabification. This study tested the hypothesis that resyllabification is a coarticulatory reorganisation that realigns the coda consonant with the vowel of the next syllable. Deep learning in conjunction with dynamic time warping (DTW) was used to assess syllable affiliation of intervocalic consonants. The results suggest that convolutional neural network- and recurrent neural network-based models can detect cases of resyllabification using Mel-frequency spectrograms. DTW analysis shows that neural network inferred resyllabified sequences are acoustically more similar to their onset counterparts than their canonical productions. A binary classifier further suggests that, similar to the genuine onsets, the inferred resyllabified coda consonants are coarticulated with the following vowel. These results are interpreted with an account of resyllabification as a speech-rate-dependent coarticulatory reorganisation mechanism in speech.
A global assessment of the impact of violence on lifetime uncertainty
Authors: Aburto José Manuel , di Lego Vanessa , Riffe Tim , Kashyap Ridhi , van Raalte Alyson , Torrisi Orsola
Published: February 2023

Uncertainty around age at death, or lifetime uncertainty, is a key public health indicator and a marker of inequality in survival. How does the extent of violence affect lifetime uncertainty? We address this question by quantifying the impact of violence on dispersion in the ages at death, the metric most used to measure lifetime uncertainty. Using mortality data from the Global Burden of Disease Study and the Internal Peace Index between 2008 and 2017, we find that the most violent countries are also those with the highest lifetime uncertainty. In the Middle East, conflict-related deaths are the largest contributor to lifetime uncertainty. In Latin America, a similar pattern is attributable to homicides. The effects are larger in magnitude for men, but the consequences remain considerable for women. Our study points to a double burden of violence on longevity: Not only does violence shorten individual lives, but it also makes the length of life less predictable.
Pd(II)-catalyzed carboxylation of aromatic C─H bonds with CO
2
Authors: Kemper Gregor , Hölscher Markus , Leitner Walter
Published: February 2023

The carboxylation of nonactivated C─H bonds provides an attractive yet hitherto largely elusive chemical process to synthesize carboxylic acids by incorporation of CO
2
into the chemical value chain. Here, we report on the realization of such a reaction using simple and nonactivated arenes as starting materials. A computationally designed Pd(II) complex acts as organometallic single-component catalyst, and apart from a base, necessary for thermodynamic stabilization of the intermediates, no other additives or coreagents are required. Turnover numbers up to 10
2
and high regioselectivities are achieved. The potential of this catalytic reaction for “green chemistry” is demonstrated by the synthesis of veratric acid, an intermediate for pharmaceutical production, from CO
2
and veratrol.
Supplemental Material: Hot orogenesis in the Paleoproterozoic: Insights from granitic gneiss domes within the Jiao-Liao-Ji belt, North China craton
Authors: Zhang Jian , Liu Junlai , et al.
Published: February 2023

Figure S1: Magnetic susceptibility dependence on temperature for representative samples of the Liaoji granitic gneisses. Figure S2: Magnetic fabric and field fabric of the Hadabei dome. Figure S3: Shape preferred orientation of magnetite grains and area vs. angle diagrams, and the crystallographic preferred orientation of quartz and magnetite in the Liaoji granitic gneisses. Figure S4: Field appearance, microscopic characteristics, cathodoluminescence (CL) images, and zircon U-Pb concordia diagrams of the dated samples from the Hadabei dome. Figure S5: Kinematic map of the northern and southern limbs of the Hadabei dome, with the locations of AMS, field, and EBSD sites. Supplemental Text S1: Sampling strategy and analytical techniques. Table S1: AMS measurements for the Hadabei dome. Supplemental Data S1: Data for shape fabric analysis. Supplemental Data S2: Geochronology data for samples XY18015-C and XY17008-3.
Association of race and receipt of regional anesthesia for hip fracture surgery
Authors: Schaar Adam N , Finneran John J , Gabriel Rodney A
Published: February 2023

Background

There is evidence suggesting clinical benefits of regional anesthesia use in the setting of hip fracture repair, including reduced risk of death, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary complications and myocardial infarction. Thought the literature is mixed, the use of regional anesthesia in hip fracture surgery has not been studied for racial differences. We examined the association of race with neuraxial anesthesia and regional blocks in patients undergoing hip fracture surgery.

Methods

Using American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, we identified patients ≥18 years old who were either white, black or Asian and underwent hip fracture surgery from 2014 to 2020. We reported unadjusted estimates of both regional and neuraxial anesthesia use by race and examined sociodemographic characteristics and health status differences. Two separate multivariable logistic regression models were employed to investigate the association of race with the receipt of (1) neuraxial anesthesia and (2) regional block (ie, peripheral nerve blocks, fascial plane blocks).

Results

There were 104,949 patients who underwent hip fracture surgery, of whom 16,400 (15.6%) received a neuraxial anesthetic and 6264 (5.9%) received a regional block. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, compared with white patients, black patients (OR 0.67, 99% CI 0.59 to 0.75, p<0.001) had decreased odds, while Asian patients (OR 2.04, 99% CI 1.84 to 2.26, p<0.001) had increased odds for receipt of neuraxial anesthesia as a primary anesthetic. Black race (OR 1.35, 99% CI 1.17 to 1.55, p<0.001) was associated with increased odds for receiving a regional block compared with white patients.

Conclusions

The study suggests that racial differences exist with the utilization of regional anesthesia for hip fracture surgery. While the results of this study should not be taken as evidence for healthcare disparities, it could be used to support hypotheses for future studies that aim to investigate causes of disparities and corresponding patient outcomes.
Reliability Analysis of Deep-Water Explosion Test Vessel Based on Fuzzy Interval
Authors: Li Linna , Guo Lian , Zhong Dongwang , Huang Xiaowu , Zhang Jing
Published: February 2023

The safety of such a high-security structure as a deep-water explosion test vessel in service is still in the exploration stage. The reliability of the vessel needs to be analyzed in order to prevent the underwater explosion shock wave and other explosion products on the test equipment causing great damage to the experimental personnel. The safety of such a high-security structure as a deep-water explosion test vessel in service has gradually attracted the attention of scholars. The reliability of the vessel needs to be analyzed in order to prevent the shock wave of underwater explosion and other explosion products on the test equipment causing great damage to the experimental personnel. In this paper, the dynamic response test data of a deepwater explosion test vessel in service under different conditions and the Elman neural network are used to establish the dynamic response prediction model of the deepwater explosion test vessel, and using the established model to make dynamic response prediction in the next experiment; the vessel yield strength and modulus of elasticity are taken as random variables, and the container dynamic strain prediction interval is the interval variable, the random-interval reliability model is established by using the interval variable and random variable. The random variables of the model are transformed into interval variables, and the interval variables are fuzzified using the affiliation function to calculate the reliability index. Since the interval variable obtained from the model will change with the change of the container dynamic test data, the interval reliability index calculated by the stochastic-interval reliability analysis model can quantify the reliability of the container and can be used as a reference for the subsequent use of the container by reducing the reliability index to calculate the service life and drug filling amount.
The geological and historical milieu of an ornamental cephalopod limestone (‘orthoceratite limestone’, Ordovician, Sweden) used in the Clerk Mausoleum (1684), St Mungo's Kirkyard, Penicuik, Scotland
Authors: Taylor Michael A. , McMillan Andrew A. , Stewart Sarah E. , Anderson Lyall I.
Published: February 2023

A slab of cephalopod limestone bears a dedicatory Latin inscription on the mausoleum built around 1684 by Sir John Clerk of Penicuik (1649–1722) for his wife Elizabeth Henderson (1658–83) at St Mungo's Church, Penicuik, near Edinburgh, Scotland. The stone is identified on sedimentological and palaeontological evidence and historical context as Ordovician ‘orthoceratite limestone’ from Sweden, probably the island of Öland, rather than Carboniferous cephalopod limestone from the much nearer Closeburn area of Dumfriesshire. ‘Orthoceratite limestone’ was little used in Great Britain, and mainly as paving, so its use in a funerary monument is unusual. It is, however, paralleled by contemporary examples at Winchester Cathedral. The Penicuik slab was probably imported either directly from Sweden, or through Rotterdam or another Netherlands entrepôt. It is the only surviving historical example of this stone known in Edinburgh and the Lothians, probably because of changing fashions, building demolition and renewal of worn paving. The inscription shows errors of composition, carving and installation, ascribed to inexperience or haste. The employment of ‘orthoceratite limestone’ is interpreted as seeking to emulate Roman use of marbles and similar ornamental stones. It contributes to the Penicuik mausoleum's significance as a pioneering example of classical or Antique architecture.
IMeP: Impedance Matching Enhanced Power-Delivered-to-Load Optimization for Magnetic MIMO Wireless Power Transfer System
Authors: Zhou Wangqiu , Zhou Hao , Cui Xiang , Zhou Fengyu , Tan Haisheng , Li Xiang-Yang
Published: February 2023

Recently, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology has been introduced into magnetic resonant coupling (MRC) enabled wireless power transfer (WPT) systems for concurrent charging of multiple devices. However, impedance mismatching phenomena caused by strong TX-RX, TX-TX, or RX-RX coupling greatly affect the power delivered to load (PDL) in practical charging systems. To solve this issue, we propose an effective scheduling algorithm for Impedance Matching–enhanced PDL optimization in MIMO MRC-WPT systems (called
IMeP
), which integrates the transmitter scheduling together with the impedance matching techniques, i.e., adjusting TX coils for tuning TX-RX/TX-TX coupling and grouping RXs to separate strongly coupled RX pairs. We formulate this as a joint optimization problem and decouple it into three sub-problems, i.e., current scheduling, coil adjustment, and RX grouping. We then solve them through alternating direction method of multipliers–based, randomized beamforming–based, and graph clique cover–based algorithms, respectively. Extensive experiments are performed on a prototype testbed, and the results demonstrate the effectiveness of our solution. Compared with the state-of-the-art power transfer efficiency maximization solution, the proposed algorithm
IMeP
achieves a 74.7× performance improvement of PDL on average.
Electrochemical Conversion of Salinity Gradient Energy via Molybdenum Disulfide Electrode
Authors: Li Jia-Jun , Zhang Wei-Bin , Zhou Xia , Theint Myat Myintzu , Yin Yi , Yang Jing-Lei , Yang Ze-Qin , Ma Xue-Jing
Published: February 2023

The energy generated when sea water meets river water is called salinity gradient energy. At present, the main methods to extract salinity gradient energy are pressure-retarded osmosis, reverse electrodialysis and capacitive mixing technology. The selection of electrode materials has always been the focus of capacitive mixing technology. Here we report a device assembled based on capacitive mixing technology with molybdenum disulfide as anode and activated carbon as cathode. The energy density of the device is 6.12 J g−1, which shows that it has application prospects in the development of renewable energy.
Parametric Study of a Bio-Inspired Non-Aqueous Redox Flow Battery Model
Authors: Hoene Henning , Gokoglan TugbaCeren , Pahari Shyam , Liu Fuqiang , Cappillino Patrick J. , Agar Ertan , Jin Xinfang
Published: February 2023

The future of sustainable energy will consist of renewable energy integration with the critical enabler energy storage technologies, such as batteries. Specifically, redox flow batteries represent one type of grid-scale energy storage devices with long life spans of at least 10 years and capabilities like peak shaving and load leveling. As more experimentalists are investigating the novel nonaqueous redox flow batteries (NRFBs) to achieve higher energy densities, there is a lack of mathematical models for NRFBs to understand the rate-limiting factors of the battery system. This paper is one of the first modeling efforts to understand key characteristics of NRFB system and operation with experimental validation. The model presented by this paper concludes that the bio-inspired nonaqueous solution (tetrabutylammonium vanadium(v) hydroxyiminodiacetate

T
B
A

V
B
H

and bis-tetrabutylammonium vanadium(iv) bis-hydroxyiminodiacetate

T
B
A

2

V
B
H

diluted in acetonitrile) is a promising half–cell electrolyte. One key advantage for this half–cell electrolyte is its generally facile reaction kinetics and insignificant activation losses. The real limiting factors for the flow battery system are ohmic losses and mass transport losses with high sensitivities. Mass transport losses can be controlled by increasing concentrations of active species and staying within an SOC region of 10% to 90%. Ohmic losses can be reduced by enhancing the ionic conductivity of the membrane.
Natural Biota’s Contribution to Cultured Aquatic Animals’ Growth in Aquaculture Cannot Be Ignored
Authors: Jin Shiyu , Kong Qingling , John Chibuike Kemdi , Wang Zhaoyu , Zhang Tanglin , Li Xiangqian , Zhu Xiaoyan , Li Jing , Luo Yan , Qian Mengyu , Chen Feifei , Kong Xiaolong , Gu Dangen , Luo Si
Published: February 2023

The rapid expansion of the aquaculture industry is accompanied by high organic and nutrient loadings from formulated feeds. This leads to water deterioration and pathogenic microorganisms. Natural biota (e.g., bacteria, phytoplankton, zooplankton, and zoobenthos) in ponds form important parts of cultured aquatic animals’ diets. They contain essential proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, amino acids, and fatty acids and are considered promising supplementary nutrition sources for cultured aquatic animals. Particularly, they are available to aquatic animals throughout the day, and an adequate supply of them as starter foods during the larvae stage ensures high survival. Since formulated feeds constitute more than 50% of aquaculture production costs, optimizing the utilization of natural biota and reducing dietary nutrient input without compromising animals’ growth should be a priority to improve the economic success and sustainability of aquaculture. From this scenario, the present review offers an updated view of the natural biota category in aquaculture systems, their nutritional components, and their contributions to the growth of cultured aquatic animals. Taken together, this review emphasizes the significant roles of natural biota playing in the growth of aquatic animals and encourages maximizing utilization of natural biota to improve feed conversion efficiency and aquaculture sustainability.
Predictive Model for Solar Insolation Using the Deep Learning Technique
Authors: Park Jiwon , Hong Sung Hyup , Yeon Sang Hun , Seo Byeong Mo , Lee Kwang Ho
Published: February 2023

In this study, prediction performances of a regression model and deep learning-based predictive models were comparatively analyzed for the prediction of hourly insolation in regions located at the temperate climate and microthermal climate with high precipitation. Unlike linear regression models, artificial neural networks (ANN) and long short-term memory- (LSTM-) based models achieved reliable predictive performances with CV(RMSE) of 14.0% and 15.8%, respectively. This study proposed the direction of future research by improving the performance of predicting insolation at 1 hour after the current time-step, which has time-dependent characteristics, by utilizing insolation at 24 hours before the current time-step and insolation at the current time-step in addition to the forecasted weather data. In the proposed models, a large error occurred at sunrise and sunset times, suggesting the possibility of improving predictive performance by utilizing variables related to sunrise and sunset in the future. Along with Cheongju, the proposed model could properly predict the hourly insolation in other regions around the world. The results of predicting other regions derived slightly higher prediction errors than Cheongju. However, it is expected that it will be possible to predict the hourly insolation in other regions with better prediction performance if variables related to geographical location are additionally considered in the future.
Electricity Load and Price Forecasting Using a Hybrid Method Based Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory with Attention Mechanism Model
Authors: Gomez William , Wang Fu-Kwun , Amogne Zemenu Endalamaw
Published: February 2023

The accuracy of forecasting short- or medium-term electricity loads and prices is critical in the energy market. The amplitude and duration of abnormally high prices and load spikes can be detrimental to retailers and production systems. Therefore, predicting these spikes to effectively manage risk is critical. In this paper, a novel hybrid method that combines ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) algorithm and a bidirectional long short-term memory with attention mechanism (BiLSTM-AM) model is proposed to predict electricity loads and prices. A simple approach is proposed to determine the number of intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) that decompose raw data using EEMD to avoid overdecomposition, irrelevant components, and high computational cost. Each selected mode is then modeled with BiLSTM-AM to obtain a predicted sequence. These sequences are summed and then reverted to obtain the final predicted value. The proposed method is validated using two datasets (PMJ and Australian Energy Market Operator) with different time intervals to demonstrate the generality and robustness of the forecasts, especially in temporal valley or peak forecasting. The results show that the proposed method outperforms other methods in prediction accuracy and spike-capturing ability, with EEMD reducing the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) by 53%, 54%, and 60%, respectively. In the three forecast periods, the average MAPE and

R

̲

2

are 0.097 and 0.92, respectively. Furthermore, we use Kolmogorov-Smirnov predictive accuracy (KSPA) test and model confidence set (MCS) test to validate the superiority of the proposed model. The results demonstrate its suitability, reliability, and performance in short- and medium-term forecasting.
Long-Term Stability Studies and Applications of Ti3C2Tx MXene
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Park Hyun Min , Singh Tej , Kumar Manjeet , Seo Yongho
Published: February 2023

The novel 2D materials, MXenes, have many remarkable properties, but their stability against oxidation is a major bottleneck in their applications. In this study, we have investigated the stability of Ti3C2Tx MXene for up to 365 days under different conditions, e.g., in liquid form in different solvents, in dried form when coated at polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate, and during the application of Ti3C2Tx MXene in polymer-dispersed liquid crystal- (PDLC-) based smart windows as conducting electrodes. In liquid form, the MXenes were dispersed in different solvents including an antioxidant in DI water and other organic solvents, and the corresponding color change was analyzed. To estimate the stability in dried form, the MXenes were coated on PET substrates and their relative sheet resistance change, i.e.,

R
−

R

0

/

R

0

, where

R

0

is the initial resistance, was investigated under different conditions including MXene passivated with polymers and coated films stored under different environments. In the case of the MXene application-based stability study, the stability was investigated by using the MXenes as conducting electrodes in a switchable smart window application. The switchable behavior was observed by applying voltage (0-50 V) after different durations of up to 365 days. The MXene used in smart windows was preserved for a long time without additional treatment to MXene.
PSMA1, a Poor Prognostic Factor, Promotes Tumor Growth in Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Zhao , Wang Wuping , Zhou Yanwu , Li Linfeng , Zhou Wolong
Published: February 2023

Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) has a poor clinical prognosis and lacks effective targeted therapy. This study is aimed at investigating the role of PSMA1 (proteasome subunit alpha type-1) in LUSC. The differential expression genes (DEGs) in LUSC were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) by “edgR” algorithm and by “limma” R package. Then, the relationship between genes and overall survival (OS) was explored by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and multivariate Cox (multi-Cox) regression. Next, the PSMA1 expression in tissues of LUSC was detected by IHC, qRT-PCR, and western blot (WB). Moreover, the effects of PSMA1 on the proliferation and viability of LUSC cell were explored by cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) assays, colony formation assays, and flow cytometry (FCM) analysis. All 4421 DEGs were screened by TCGA database, and 26 genes associated with OS were selected by multi-Cox. Based on TCGA database, PSMA1 was highly expressed in tissues of LUSC patients, and OS and FP of patients with PSMA1 overexpression were significantly lower than those of patients with low PSMA1 expression. Furthermore, PSMA1 knockdown significantly decreased the proliferation of LUSC cells and promoted the apoptosis of LUSC cells, and these effects were reversed by PSMA1 overexpression. The results of this project supported that PSMA1 might be a critical gene regulating the development of LUSC and has the potential to be explored as a prognostic biomarker of LUSC.
Comparative Study on Hydrogen Evolution Reaction of Various Cobalt-Selenide-Based Electrocatalysts
Authors: Do Ha Huu , Le Quyet Van , Cho Jin Hyuk , Ahn Sang Hyun , Kim Soo Young
Published: February 2023

The growth of stable and efficient catalysts is vital for the electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been recognized as ideal templates for fabricating efficient nanomaterial-based electrocatalysts for the HER. In this study, nitrogen-containing Co-MOF (ZIF-67), Co-MOF-74, and cobalt chloride salt were selenized to create various cobalt-selenide-based materials, i.e., cobalt selenide@nitrogen-doped carbon (CoSe2@NC), CoSe2@C, and CoSe2, respectively. The core–shell structure of CoSe2@NC originated from ZIF-67 exhibited better HER catalytic activity than those of CoSe2@C and CoSe2. CoSe2@NC exhibited a low overvoltage of 184 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and a small Tafel slope of 58.4 mV dec−1. In addition, this catalyst exhibited excellent durability while maintaining its performance after 12 h of testing. The high catalytic activity is ascribed to the integrated effect of the core–shell architecture, N-doped carbon, and large surface area, making protected active sites, high conductivity, and exposed active sites possible. The results demonstrate the efficiency of using MOFs as precursors for cobalt selenide fabrication and provide a potential synthetic strategy for noble-metal-free electrocatalysts for hydrogen production.
Cr-Doped NiCo-Layered Double Hydroxide/N-Doped Graphene for a Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Rechargeable Zinc Air Batteries
Authors: Kim Dong Wook , Park Beum Jin , Kim Youngkwon , Park Ho Seok
Published: February 2023

Rechargeable zinc air batteries (RZABs), which repeatedly store and release charges through the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) using oxygen electrocatalysts, are considered a promising energy storage system owing to their low cost and safety. Controlling the chemical structure and morphology of multifunctional electrocatalysts is crucial for improving their electrocatalytic activities and stabilities for high performance RZABs. Herein, we report hierarchically structured Cr-doped NiCo-layered double hydroxides (LDHs) nanoplates chemically grown on the surface of nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide nanosheets (NiCoCr LDH/N-rGO) for an application into bifunctional electrocatalysts of RZABs. As verified by the spectroscopic and electrochemical characterizations, Cr doping modulates the electronic configuration and surface structure of both LDHs and N-rGO nanosheets, thereby improving bifunctional catalytic activity and reaction kinetics. In particular, the electrocatalytic activity and kinetics of NiCoCr LDH/N-rGO for both ORR and OER are greatly improved owing to the increased active sites by Cr doping and hierarchical porous structure as demonstrated by low overpotential and Tafel’s slope. Thus, the electrochemical performance of RZAB with NiCoCr LDH/N-rGO catalyst is superior to that with Pt/C+RuO2, as confirmed by higher power density of 97 mW cm-2 and better cycling stability of 18 h for the former than 59 mW cm-2 and 6 h for the latter.
Prediction Model of Fault Block Reservoir Measure Index Based on 1DCNN-LightGBM
Authors: Wang Bin , Wu Dawei , Zhang Kai , Zhang Huaqing , Zhang Chao
Published: February 2023

In view of the shortcomings of the prediction method of future development measures and indicators of fault block reservoir in the current oilfield practical application, a prediction method of fault block reservoir measures and indicators based on the random forest method and LightGBM is proposed, which can help the oilfield make more effective decisions in the middle and later development. Firstly, using the advantages of random forest (RF) in dealing with high-dimensional data sets, the main controlling factors are selected by feature analysis. Then, the measure prediction model is established by using the 1DCNN-LightGBM algorithm. Firstly, 1DCNN processes the reservoir dynamic data and then trains the LightGBM model with the extracted time series characteristics and static data characteristics as input to predict the measure indexes of fault block reservoir. The evaluation results show that the prediction models proposed in this paper have good performance and can obtain more accurate prediction results and more stable prediction performance. It provides a basis for the future planning and optimization of the oilfield.
Fifty Years of Global Cardiovascular Research in Africa: A Scientometric Analysis, 1971 to 2021
Authors: Noubiap Jean Jacques , Millenaar Dominic , Ojji Dike , Wafford Q. Eileen , Ukena Christian , Böhm Michael , Sliwa Karen , Huffman Mark D. , Mahfoud Felix
Published: February 2023

Background

To analyze the quantity and impact of cardiovascular research done in Africa or coauthored by researchers based in Africa, their determinants, and the patterns of research collaboration.

Methods and Results

We retrieved data from Web of Science and additional sources. We analyzed temporal trends from 1971 to 2021 and geographical distribution, research impact using country‐level h‐index, international research cooperation, and associations of research quantity and quality using linear regression. The annual volume of cardiovascular research from Africa has increased from 4 publications in 1971 to 3867 in 2020 and currently represents ~3% of the global cardiovascular research output. Authors from South Africa (28.1%) and Egypt (24.1%) accounted for more than half of all publications from African countries, and they had the highest h‐index (209 and 111, respectively). Important collaborators outside Africa included the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Australia. The country's publication count was associated with larger population size (
P
<0.001), whereas the country's h‐index was associated with larger population size (
P
=0.001) and higher human development index (
P
=0.023). International collaboration was dominated by the United States, South Africa, United Kingdom, Egypt, and Canada. The level of collaboration between African countries was lower than their collaboration with non‐African countries.

Conclusions

Cardiovascular research output from African authors remains low, despite marked progress over the past 5 decades. These findings highlight the urgent need to improve the quantity and quality of cardiovascular research in Africa through increased investments, training of human resources, improved infrastructures, and expansion of collaborative research networks, particularly within Africa.
TO THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY, FACULTY OF PSYCHOLOGY, LOMONOSOV MOSCOW STATE UNIVERSITY
Authors: Dontzov Alexander I. , Tikhomandritskaya Olga A.
Published: February 2023

TO THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY, FACULTY OF PSYCHOLOGY,LOMONOSOV MOSCOW STATE UNIVERSITY
Communication Training Helps to Reduce Burnout During COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Wert Katey , Donaldson Angela M , Dinh Tri A , Montero Daniel P , Parry Rebecca , Renew J Ross , Yip Daniel S , Speicher Leigh
Published: February 2023

Objective

To determine the effectiveness of communication training and its impact on burnout among healthcare providers (physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners), in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

To evaluate the effectiveness of communication training on burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare providers participating in a Communication in Healthcare (CIH) module between October 31, 2019, through February 20, 2020, were identified using a scanned sign-in sheet. A 3-question online survey regarding the utilization of communication skills during the COVID-19 pandemic was sent via email. An ordinal scale was used to rate the effectiveness of the training on subsequent burnout and work satisfaction during the pandemic.

Results

Of the 98 surveys distributed via email, a total of 33 participants completed the survey. Seventy-three percent of respondents agreed that communication training helped prevent burnout, and 39% strongly agreed that the modules improved work satisfaction.

Conclusion

Our study found communication training was effective in reducing burnout in healthcare providers, in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic. The participants felt the communication tools learned from the training modules were useful in improving work satisfaction and communication with patients during the pandemic.
Resolving the hematopoietic stem cell state by linking functional and molecular assays
Authors: Jassinskaja Maria , Gonka Monika , Kent David G.
Published: February 2023

One of the most challenging aspects of stem cell research is the reliance on retrospective assays for ascribing function. This is especially problematic for hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) research in which the current functional assay that formally establishes its HSC identity involves long-term serial transplantation assays that necessitate the destruction of the initial cell state many months before knowing that it was, in fact, an HSC. In combination with the explosion of equally destructive single-cell molecular assays, the paradox facing researchers is how to determine the molecular state of a functional HSC when you cannot concomitantly assess its functional and molecular properties. In this review, we will give a historical overview of the functional and molecular assays in the field, identify new tools that combine molecular and functional readouts in populations of HSCs, and imagine the next generation of computational and molecular profiling tools that may help us better link cell function with molecular state.
Targeting the immune microenvironment in Waldenström Macroglobulinemia via halting the CD40/CD40-ligand axis
Authors: Sacco Antonio , Desantis Vanessa , Celay Jon , Giustini Viviana , Rigali Fabio , Savino Francesco D , Cea Michele , Soncini Debora , Cagnetta Antonia , Solimando Antonio Giovanni , D'Aliberti Deborah , Spinelli Silvia , Ramazzotti Daniele , Almici Camillo , Todoerti Katia , Neri Antonino , Anastasia Antonella , Tucci Alessandra , Motta Marina , Chiarini Marco , Kawano Yawara , Martinez-Climent Jose-Al , Piazza Rocco , Roccaro Aldo M
Published: February 2023

Recent investigations have improved our understanding of the molecular aberrations supporting Waldenström Macroglobulinemia (WM) biology; however, whether the immune microenvironment contributes to WM pathogenesis remains unanswered. We first showed how a transgenic murine model of human-like lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/WM exhibits an increased number of regulatory T (Treg) cells with respect to control mice. These findings were translated into the WM clinical setting, where the transcriptomic profiling of WM patients'-derived regulatory T cells (Tregs) unveiled a peculiar WM-devoted mRNA signature, with significant enrichment for NF-kB-mediated TNF-a signaling-, MAPK-, PI3K/AKT-related genes; paralleled by different Treg functional phenotype. We demonstrated a significantly higher Treg-induction, -expansion and -proliferation triggered by WM cells as compared to their normal cellular counterpart; with a more profound effect within the context of CXCR4C1013G-mutated WM cells. By investigating the B-to-T cell cross-talk at single-cell level, we identified the CD40/CD40-ligand as a potentially relevant axis supporting WM cell-Treg cell interaction. Our findings demonstrate the existence of a Treg-mediated immunosuppressive phenotype in WM, which can be therapeutically reversed by blocking the CD40L/CD40 axis to inhibit WM cell growth.
BRAFV600E mutational status assessment in cutaneous melanocytic neoplasms in a group of the Egyptian population
Authors: Yakout Nada M. , Abdallah Dina M. , Abdelmonsif Doaa A. , Kholosy Hassan Mahmoud , Talaat Iman M. , Elsakka Omayma
Published: February 2023

Background

Melanocytic neoplasms range from banal nevi to malignant melanomas. The genetic background has been extensively studied in the Caucasian population. BRAF mutations were reported among the early driver mutations in nevogenesis. Nevertheless, the pathogenesis in the Egyptian population has not been elucidated.

Aim and Methods

The present study was carried out to assess the sensitivity and specificity of immunohistochemistry (IHC) using the RM-08 clone in reference to allele-specific real-time PCR (CAST-PCR) for the detection of the BRAF V600E mutation in 50 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded blocks of melanocytic neoplasms with prior bleaching using hydrogen peroxide in Tris-HCL and Bovine Serum Albumin respectively.

Results

IHC staining was interpreted using staining reaction (positive versus negative) and staining pattern (negative and heterogeneous versus homogenous). Using the staining pattern, the specificity increased from 73.3 to 88.2%, the negative predictive value increased from 73.3 to 100%, the diagnostic accuracy increased from 71.4 to 90.48% and the overall accuracy increased from 69.9 to 77.3%. The sensitivity and positive predictive value remained unchanged. The K-agreement coefficient increased from 0.364 (fair agreement) to 0.741 (good agreement) and was statistically significant (p = 0.00). Next-generation sequencing was performed in 11 cases, 8 cases with IHC-positive and BRAFwild type in addition to 3 cases that failed PCR analysis and revealed no BRAF V600E. No statistically significant difference was found in the clinicopathological parameters between BRAFV600E and BRAF wild−type melanomas.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that IHC staining homogeneity may be more accurate in predicting BRAFV600E mutational status. However, IHC cannot replace molecular methods.
Barriers against and strategies for malaria control during the COVID-19 pandemic in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review
Authors: Park Jiwook , Kang Seungwoo , Seok Dayoung , Baek Yae Jee , An Se Young , Lee Junga , Jun Alina , Kim Sun-Young
Published: February 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted malaria control activities globally. Notably, high levels of excess malaria morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) were reported. Although it is crucial to systematically understand the main causes of the disruption to malaria control and synthesize strategies to prepare for future pandemics, such studies are scarce. Therefore, this study aims to better identify barriers against and strategies for malaria control.

Methods

Following the PRISMA guidelines and through searches of electronic databases and Google Scholar, a systematic literature review was conducted to identify studies pertaining to malaria control published between January 2020 and December 2021. Only studies that discussed reported barriers and/or strategies related to malaria were included for the review. The Mixed Methods Quality Appraisal Tool (MMAT) and the Authority, Accuracy, Coverage, Objectivity, Date and Significance (AACODS) checklist were used for quality appraisal. Key information such as literature type, study design, setting and population, interventions, outcomes, barriers, and strategies were extracted. With an existing framework of four dimensions (accessibility, affordability, availability, and acceptability) further subdivided by the supply and demand sides, this study synthesized information on barriers and strategies related to malaria control and further categorized the strategies based on the time frame.

Results

From the 30 selected studies, 27 barriers and 39 strategies were identified. The lockdown measures, which mainly threatened geographic accessibility and availability of malaria control services, were identified to be the main barrier hindering effective mobilization of community health workers and resources. Among the identified strategies, clear risk communication strategies would alleviate psychosocial barriers, which challenged acceptability. Some strategies that cross-cut points across all four dimensions would, require systems-level integration to enhance availability and affordability of malaria control. The strategies were distinguished between short-term, for instant response, and mid to long-term for future readiness.

Conclusions

The pandemic resulted in complex barriers to malaria control, particularly imposing a double burden on LMICs. Identifying strategies to overcome said barriers provides useful insights in the decision-making processes for the current and future pandemic. Cross-cutting strategies that integrate all dimensions need to be considered. Health system strengthening and resilience strategy appropriate for country-specific context is fundamental.
Immunohistochemical based molecular subtypes of muscle-invasive bladder cancer: association with HER2 and EGFR alterations, neoadjuvant chemotherapy response and survival
Authors: Helal Duaa S. , Darwish Sara A. , Awad Radwa A. , Ali Dina A. , El-Guindy Dina M.
Published: February 2023

Muscle-invasive bladder cancers (MIBCs) is a group of molecularly heterogonous diseases that could be stratified into subtypes with distinct clinical courses and sensitivities to chemotherapy. Clinical application of molecular subtypes could help in prediction of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) responders. Immunohistochemical (IHC) markers such as GATA3, cytokeratin (CK) 5/6, and p53 are associated with these subtypes and are widely available. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are mutated in multiple cancers including MIBC and are potential therapeutic targets. HER2/EGFR status of MIBC subtypes has not been investigated. Tissue microarrays (TMAs) were constructed from transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TURB) specimens and stained with GATA3,CK5/6,p53 and HER2 in addition to Quantitative Reverse Transcription PCR for detection of EGFR gene. Of the total cases, 45% were luminal, 36.7% basal and 18.3% p53 wild subtype (p53-WT). Univariate analysis showed that overall survival (OS) and disease-free progression survival (DFS) were significantly longer for luminal subtype. In multivariate analysis, molecular subtype, HER2 status and LV invasion were independent prognostic factors for DFS and OS. Basal subtype showed a significantly better response to NAC. HER2 expression was significantly higher in luminal while EGFR expression was significantly higher in basal subtype. Kaplan-Meier survival curves revealed a significant longer OS and DFS for HER2 negative than positive cases. MIBC can be stratified using a simple IHC panel [GATA3,CK5/6,P53] into clinically relevant prognostic molecular subtypes. Basal tumors are aggressive and respond well to NAC while luminal have better OS. P53-WT tumors are chemoresistant and require further treatments. HER2 and EGFR are potential therapeutic targets for molecular subtypes of MIBC where luminal tumors are more likely to benefit from HER2 and basal from EGFR directed therapies.
Patient perceptions of facilitators and barriers to reducing hazardous alcohol use among people living with HIV in East Africa
Authors: Lewis-Kulzer Jayne , Mburu Margaret , Obatsa Sarah , Cheruiyot Julius , Kiprono Lorna , Brown Steve , Apaka Cosmas , Koros Hillary , Muyindike Winnie , Kwobah Edith Kamaru , Diero Lameck , Aluda Maurice , Wools-Kaloustian Kara , Goodrich Suzanne
Published: February 2023

Background

Hazardous alcohol use among people living with HIV is associated with poor outcomes and increased morbidity and mortality. Understanding the hazardous drinking experiences of people living with HIV is needed to reduce their alcohol use.

Methods

We conducted 60 interviews among people living with HIV in East Africa with hazardous drinking histories. Interviews and Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) scores were conducted 41 – 60 months after their baseline assessment of alcohol use to identify facilitators and barriers to reduced alcohol use over time.

Results

People living with HIV who stopped or reduced hazardous drinking were primarily motivated by their HIV condition and desire for longevity. Facilitators of reduced drinking included health care workers’ recommendations to reduce drinking (despite little counseling and no referrals) and social support. In those continuing to drink at hazardous levels, barriers to reduced drinking were stress, social environment, alcohol accessibility and alcohol dependency.

Conclusions

Interventions that capacity-build professional and lay health care workers with the skills and resources to decrease problematic alcohol use, along with alcohol cessation in peer support structures, should be explored.