bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DEMOCRACY AND DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA: UNDERSTANDING THE KEY CHALLENGES
Authors:   Kampala International University, Kampala, Uganda, C. Ogbonna Chidiebere , R. Ogbonna Chigozie ,   Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain
Published: June 2023

The article presents a critical appraisal of the challenges, problems and prospects of Nigerian democracy. After more-than half a century Nigeria got political independence and adopted democracy as its system of governance, the country continues to grapple with the challenges of economic stability, insecurity and good governance. The optimism, hope and great expectations of Nigerians that democracy will facilitate the development of the country seem to be misplaced. Previous studies on the challenges facing Nigerian democracy identified corruption, mismanagement, public malfeasance, nepotism and lack of political will as the major impediments to the success of democracy in the country. The aforementioned notwithstanding, present challenges to Nigerian democracy, however, they are symptoms of an intrinsic but often neglected factors. The study identified two key factors that are sabotaging Nigerian democracy to include: imitation and replication of democratic concepts and militarized-democracy phenomenon. These two factors incubate the other vices that are preeminent in the Nigerian political sphere.
KNOWLEDGE, AWARENESS AND PERCEPTION OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS AMONG AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE STUDENTS IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA
Authors:   New-Bussa, Niger State, Nigeria, Adedeji Emmanuel O. , Adebayo Olaoluwa Ayodeji ,   New-Bussa, Niger State, Nigeria, Chikezie Jude ,   New-Bussa, Niger State, Nigeria, Joshua Deji A. ,   New-Bussa, Niger State, Nigeria, Oyediran Olorunfemi B. ,   New-Bussa, Niger State, Nigeria, Onihunwa John O. ,   New-Bussa, Niger State, Nigeria
Published: June 2023

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) addresses the global challenges we face and is related to poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation, prosperity, peace and justice. The goals interconnect and each goal and target must be achieved by 2030. The study contributes to providing insights into the knowledge, awareness and perception of Agricultural College Students in Niger State, Nigeria regarding Sustainable Development Goals. A simple random sampling procedure was used in the selection of the five hundred and eighteen (518) respondents. Primary data were obtained on respondents' characteristics and their knowledge, awareness and perception of Sustainable Development Goals through the use of a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. The results showed that the mean age and family size of students were 25 years and 3 persons respectively while 75.5% of the respondents were male. The respondents have a piece of good knowledge (x̅= 3.36), somewhat aware (x̅= 2.91) and neutrally perceived (x̅= 3.45) the Sustainable Development Goals agenda. It was recommended that students should be taught and be educated on the Sustainable Development Goals through teaching, information dissemination media and campaigns to improve their knowledge, create more awareness, develop positive perception and help them understand their roles in the fulfilment of the ongoing Sustainable Development Goals agenda.
NIGERIA’S GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE CONUNDRUM: THE PERSPECTIVE OF FEDERALISM ANCHORED ON PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY
Authors:   Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, Taiwo L.O.
Published: June 2023

Since the military intruded into the political governance of Nigeria in 1966, it has being a gradual accretion of powers of the regions/states to the federal government. This is through Decrees and other military policies that have centralisation of powers as its primary ideology. Since then, it has been a tale of woes, a situation of no love lost relationship among the ethnic nationalities. The consequences of concentration of powers in the centre are being harvested in the form of separation agitations, distrust, violence and other centrifugal forces. This paper examined the culture of power dominance by the central government in a supposed federal polity and its effects on the unity of the country. Using primary and secondary sources of information, the study found that for Nigeria to achieve her full potentials, the structural edifice on which her governance is fastened requires a reconfiguration. The paper finally advocated for a return to parliamentary democracy which is more cost effective than the profligate presidential system.
Soutenir l’engagement scolaire après la COVID-19 : mise en relation de propositions émises par des élèves québécois avec les principes de flexibilité de la conception universelle de l’apprentissage
Authors: Rousseau Nadia
Published: June 2023

C’est dans un contexte postpandémique que j’ai réalisé une étude qualitative exploratoire visant à mieux comprendre ce qui contribue (ou pourrait contribuer) à l’engagement scolaire des personnes apprenantes, sachant que la pandémie de COVID-19 est venue teinter l’expérience d’apprentissage et le rapport à l’école, et ce, indépendamment des contextes éducatifs. Mobilisant la voix des personnes apprenantes, une série de propositions visant à soutenir l’engagement scolaire a ainsi été constituée (Rousseau et Baril, 2022). Qui plus est, il appert que plusieurs de ces propositions sont en adéquation avec les principes de la conception universelle de l’apprentissage. Ce texte propose donc une mise en relation des propositions des personnes apprenantes avec les principes de la conception universelle de l’apprentissage. La réflexion qui suit la présentation des résultats ouvre la porte sur trois constats à réinvestir en contextes éducatifs.
La pédagogie universelle dans l’enseignement postsecondaire : un état de la question
Authors: Querrien Diane , Caignon Philippe
Published: June 2023

Bien que les cégeps et les universités offrent des mesures d’accommodements individuels à la population étudiante diagnostiquée, nombre de ces besoins échappent aux services d’accessibilité. Le corps professoral doit tenir compte de cette situation dans les classes tout en maintenant ses exigences (Desmarais, 2019). Pour aider leurs collègues à relever ce défi complexe, la communauté de recherche se penche de plus en plus sur les applications de la pédagogie universelle (désormais PU) en éducation postsecondaire. Afin de rendre compte de ce corps scientifique émergent en français, nous livrons dans cet article un état de la question portant sur les perceptions des communautés enseignante et apprenante en matière de PU, ainsi que sur la formation à l’enseignement et sur la mise en oeuvre des principes de la PU dans les milieux postsecondaires francophones. Nous rapportons cinq études revues par des pairs conduites au Québec ou en France et présentons les défis, pratiques gagnantes et besoins identifiés empiriquement pour mettre en oeuvre cette approche pédagogique. Enfin, nous dressons un portrait des besoins en matière de recherche empirique sur les apports et les limites de la PU pour le secteur collégial et universitaire francophone.
Note de recherche. Shipwrecked at Land’s End: The Gaspé Maritime Archaeology Project 2022 Field Season
Authors: Kennedy Carolyn , Dostal Christopher
Published: June 2023

Gaspé’s abundant maritime subsistence resources such as whales and cod drew European fishermen for centuries. Exploiting these rich fishing resources required vessels that were well-suited to the challenging geography. These challenges pushed shipwrights to develop new nautical technologies which were implemented in the ships’ construction. The Gaspé Maritime Archaeology Project (GMAP) seeks to study these developing technologies through the archaeological ship remnants in the waters around Gaspé. The 2022 field season pursued this research through a remote-sensing survey of Gaspé Bay and Malbay and by studying a shipwreck on a beach in Cap-des-Rosiers believed to be a 19th-century oceangoing ship.
Note de recherche. Le long parcours d’el niño : rapatriement par l’Université de Montréal d’une sépulture mésoaméricaine
Authors: Houle Étienne , Jacome Hernandez Carlos Alberto , Ribot Isabelle
Published: June 2023

Depuis le début du xxie siècle, les questions d’éthique concernant la conservation des restes humains archéologiques dans diverses institutions sont devenues des préoccupations centrales tant pour les communautés que pour les chercheurs. En contexte universitaire, celles-ci prennent particulièrement leur sens dans le cadre de la gestion de collections héritées de recherches réalisées au siècle dernier. La redécouverte des restes squelettiques d’un enfant d’origine mésoaméricaine (el niño) dans les collections ostéologiques du Département d’anthropologie de l’Université de Montréal a suscité des réflexions éthiques qui ont mené à la décision de les rapatrier en leur terre d’origine. Cette démarche de rapatriement à l’international, une première pour cette institution, est décrite dans cet article. Celle-ci donne également l’occasion de se pencher sur le chemin parcouru, et sur celui qui reste à faire, dans l’encadrement éthique et législatif des collections bioarchéologiques héritées du xxe siècle au Québec et ailleurs.
Tisser des relations : dialogue autour de la pratique de la filature
1
Authors: Aumais Nancy , Vásquez Consuelo
Published: June 2023

Cet article interroge l’impératif d’objectivité et de distanciation qui est promu dans la recherche qualitative. À travers un dialogue sur nos expériences de filature, nous montrons que cet impératif se traduit notamment par la métaphore de l’ombre – présente dans le terme anglais shadowing – qui sous-tend cette démarche. Nous proposons une métaphore alternative de la filature comme tissage de relations, laquelle permet de souligner la nature profondément relationnelle et incarnée de cette démarche reposant sur la création et le développement d’une relation intime entre la personne fileuse (la chercheuse) et la personne filée.
L’étude de cas et la demande des organisations en expertise sociologique au Cameroun
Authors: Bapes Ba Bapes Yves Dieudonné
Published: June 2023

L’étude de cas est une stratégie de recherche habituellement mobilisée pour sa capacité à permettre la description et l’analyse en profondeur des phénomènes sociaux. Outre sa portée purement heuristique, cet article montre que l’étude de cas, telle qu’elle est pratiquée dans la sociologie des organisations au Cameroun, est orientée vers l’accompagnement des organisations du champ économique. Dans cette perspective de traduction du discours sociologique en expertise, trois usages sont faits de l’étude de cas. D’abord, elle comporte un versant didactique pour transmettre les acquis de la sociologie des organisations aux gestionnaires en formation professionnelle. Ensuite, les sociologues camerounais la mobilisent dans le cadre de travaux académiques et de publications scientifiques pour donner du sens à des phénomènes aussi disparates que la formation professionnelle et les croyances sorcellaires. Enfin, les sociologues-consultants la mettent en oeuvre dans une perspective de renforcement des capacités d’action des organisations.
High-resolution volumetric imaging constrains compartmental models to explore synaptic integration and temporal processing by cochlear nucleus globular bushy cells
Authors: Spirou George A , Kersting Matthew , Carr Sean , Razzaq Bayan , Yamamoto Alves Pinto Carolyna , Dawson Mariah , Ellisman Mark H , Manis Paul B
Published: June 2023

Globular bushy cells (GBCs) of the cochlear nucleus play central roles in the temporal processing of sound. Despite investigation over many decades, fundamental questions remain about their dendrite structure, afferent innervation, and integration of synaptic inputs. Here, we use volume electron microscopy (EM) of the mouse cochlear nucleus to construct synaptic maps that precisely specify convergence ratios and synaptic weights for auditory nerve innervation and accurate surface areas of all postsynaptic compartments. Detailed biophysically based compartmental models can help develop hypotheses regarding how GBCs integrate inputs to yield their recorded responses to sound. We established a pipeline to export a precise reconstruction of auditory nerve axons and their endbulb terminals together with high-resolution dendrite, soma, and axon reconstructions into biophysically detailed compartmental models that could be activated by a standard cochlear transduction model. With these constraints, the models predict auditory nerve input profiles whereby all endbulbs onto a GBC are subthreshold (coincidence detection mode), or one or two inputs are suprathreshold (mixed mode). The models also predict the relative importance of dendrite geometry, soma size, and axon initial segment length in setting action potential threshold and generating heterogeneity in sound-evoked responses, and thereby propose mechanisms by which GBCs may homeostatically adjust their excitability. Volume EM also reveals new dendritic structures and dendrites that lack innervation. This framework defines a pathway from subcellular morphology to synaptic connectivity, and facilitates investigation into the roles of specific cellular features in sound encoding. We also clarify the need for new experimental measurements to provide missing cellular parameters, and predict responses to sound for further in vivo studies, thereby serving as a template for investigation of other neuron classes.
Structural rather than catalytic role for mitochondrial respiratory chain supercomplexes
Authors: Brischigliaro Michele , Cabrera-Orefice Alfredo , Arnold Susanne , Viscomi Carlo , Zeviani Massimo , Fernández-Vizarra Erika
Published: June 2023

Mammalian mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) complexes are able to associate into quaternary structures named supercomplexes (SCs), which normally coexist with non-bound individual complexes. The functional significance of SCs has not been fully clarified and the debate has been centered on whether or not they confer catalytic advantages compared with the non-bound individual complexes. Mitochondrial respiratory chain organization does not seem to be conserved in all organisms. In fact, and differently from mammalian species, mitochondria from Drosophila melanogaster tissues are characterized by low amounts of SCs, despite the high metabolic demands and MRC activity shown by these mitochondria. Here, we show that attenuating the biogenesis of individual respiratory chain complexes was accompanied by increased formation of stable SCs, which are missing in Drosophila melanogaster in physiological conditions. This phenomenon was not accompanied by an increase in mitochondrial respiratory activity. Therefore, we conclude that SC formation is necessary to stabilize the complexes in suboptimal biogenesis conditions, but not for the enhancement of respiratory chain catalysis.
Bankruptcy prediction using ensemble of autoencoders optimized by genetic algorithm
Authors: Kanász Róbert , Gnip Peter , Zoričák Martin , Drotár Peter
Published: June 2023

The prediction of imminent bankruptcy for a company is important to banks, government agencies, business owners, and different business stakeholders. Bankruptcy is influenced by many global and local aspects, so it can hardly be anticipated without deeper analysis and economic modeling knowledge. To make this problem even more challenging, the available bankruptcy datasets are usually imbalanced since even in times of financial crisis, bankrupt companies constitute only a fraction of all operating businesses. In this article, we propose a novel bankruptcy prediction approach based on a shallow autoencoder ensemble that is optimized by a genetic algorithm. The goal of the autoencoders is to learn the distribution of the majority class: going concern businesses. Then, the bankrupt companies are represented by higher autoencoder reconstruction errors. The choice of the optimal threshold value for the reconstruction error, which is used to differentiate between bankrupt and nonbankrupt companies, is crucial and determines the final classification decision. In our approach, the threshold for each autoencoder is determined by a genetic algorithm. We evaluate the proposed method on four different datasets containing small and medium-sized enterprises. The results show that the autoencoder ensemble is able to identify bankrupt companies with geometric mean scores ranging from 71% to 93.7%, (depending on the industry and evaluation year).
Aprender del pasado para afrontar el futuro. Desafíos ambientales de la agricultura española en el siglo XXI: una mirada desde el legado de Fernando González Bernáldez
Authors: Oñate Juan José , Acebes Pablo , Olea Pedro P
Published: June 2023

Partiendo de las pioneras reflexiones de González Bernáldez a finales de los años 1980 sobre las consecuencias ambientales de la intensificación y el abandono agrarios, revisamos los cambios que la agricultura española ha experimentado hasta el presente en materia ambiental e identificamos algunos de los desafíos futuros. En primer lugar, repasamos la progresiva integración de los aspectos ambientales y territoriales en la Política Agraria Común europea (PAC), así como la respuesta de España en este periodo en términos de adopción e implementación de sus principales instrumentos: la Condicionalidad sobre las ayudas directas y las medidas Agroambientales. Las reformas de la PAC no han contrarrestado los efectos de la intensificación agraria, con la que pueden relacionarse las severas tendencias negativas observadas en los principales indicadores agroambientales, analizados aquí para el periodo 1989-2020. Se espera que el nuevo modelo de gobernanza introducido por la PAC 2023-2027, centrado en los resultados, contribuya decisivamente a los objetivos de la “Ley Europea del Clima” y de las estrategias “De la granja a la mesa” y “Biodiversidad 2030”; sin embargo, persisten dudas acerca de su potencial transformador. Revisamos finalmente las principales contribuciones de la Agroecología, la Agricultura ecológica, la Intensificación sostenible y la Intensificación ecológica, que pueden ayudar en la transición hacia una agricultura más sostenible y resiliente. Las acciones de la PAC orientadas a los productores deben perseguir el rediseño multifuncional del agroecosistema, a través de pagos por servicios ambientales que las hagan suficientemente atractivas y rentables, tal y como Bernáldez sugirió hace tres décadas.
Presentación. El legado de Fernando González Bernáldez (1933-1992)
Authors: Casado Santos , Benayas del Álamo Javier
Published: June 2023

El legado de Fernando González Bernáldez (1933-1992)
Aproximación cualitativa a la incorporación del “paisaje” en la nueva Ley Orgánica de Educación de Enseñanzas No Universitarias (LOMLOE)
Authors: Marcén Albero Carmelo , Benayas del Álamo Javier
Published: June 2023

En este artículo se lleva a cabo un análisis, desde una perspectiva educativa, de la incorporación del paisaje en la nueva legislación de las enseñanzas básicas en España. Para ello se ha realizado una lectura cualitativa e interpretativa de las nuevas propuestas curriculares en educación primaria y secundaria tanto de la nueva Ley de Orgánica de Educación (2020) como de los desarrollos curriculares de las comunidades autónomas de Madrid y Aragón. De forma complementaria se analiza también el tratamiento que se da al tema paisajístico en una serie de libros de textos de las editoriales más ampliamente utilizadas por los profesores. Los resultados obtenidos, aunque con matices, apuntan en la dirección de que las aproximaciones educativas al paisaje han evolucionado muy poco en la última década y apenas recogen las ricas visiones y contribuciones que Fernando González Bernáldez realizó en sus publicaciones. Visiones en las que la educación debería hacer una mayor apuesta por incorporar las dimensiones “escondidas” o criptosistémicas del paisaje, su aproximación dinámica espaciotemporal y una integración socioecológica más interdisciplinar.
Determining Factors of Capital Structure and its Effect on the Value of Public Companies in Indonesia
Authors: Saleh Mustaruddin
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this study is to analyze the determinants of capital structure and how its affect firm value. The sample selected from public companies listed on the IDX which  four (4) industries were selected by using stratified and purposive random sampling that have been selected 74 companies with 222 observations from 2017 to 2019. Estimation technique of panel data in this study by using  the FEM approach. The results of hypothesis testing reveal that in the first model, three (3) variables that have a significant positive effect on the company's capital structure, namely AUR, LSIZE and ROA. Furthermore, in the second model, the company's capital structure has a negative effect on firm value. This study also reveals that companies tend to use debt as the first alternative when internal sources of funds are insufficient.  Investors are advised to be careful in investing their funds in companies that have a very high debt utilization ratio, because in addition to burdening the company's cash flow, the company will also have the potential to lead to bankruptcy if the use of the debt is not managed properly.
Profiling the Contamination Level and Pollution Load Index of Borehole Water from Esako West LGA, Edo State, Nigeria
Authors: Ekeoma Moses Okeahialam , Ngozi Verla Evelyn , Rachael Paulinus , Ezichi Mbuka-Nwosu Iheoma , Wirnkor Verla Andrew
Published: June 2023

Fresh water has continued to decrease both in quality and quantity with a wide variety of pollutants entering into fresh water resources. In this research the quality of fresh water was being accessed using standard method of analysis of water. Physiochemical parameters and heavy metal content were determined and data was assessed using contamination factors, degree of contamination and pollution load index result revealed that borehole water at Esako west LGA was slightly contaminated by phosphate (0.16 mg/l) and over 5 times the WHO standard. The acidic water (pH 6) was observed over 200 mg/l of carbon dioxide the contamination factor for zinc were generally greater than 1, while other parameter had values of contamination factors less than 1. In conclusion, borehole water at Esako west   contaminated and slightly polluted through the locals continued to consume this water, there is a need for treatment to remove phosphate whose source may be from phosphate rocks in the area or sipping from phosphate fertilizer in farms.
Determination of Crop Water Requirement and Crop Coefficient at Different Growth Stages of Tomato by Using Weighing Type Lysimeter in Raichur Region
Authors: Shrikant  , Reddy G. V. Srinivasa , Ayyanagoudar M. S. , Babu B. Maheshwara , Ajayakumar M. Y. , Meena M. K.
Published: June 2023

The water requirement for any cropping system is important consideration for designing and managing irrigation systems. Water requirement of crops varies substantially over the growing season mainly due to variation in crop cover and climatic conditions. For estimating crop water requirement of tomato crop, we have taken field experiment in weighing lysimeter for three seasons rabi - (7th September 2021 to 5th January 2022); Summer - (15th January 2022 to 15th May 2022) and Kharif - (6th June 2022 to 4th October 2022). The crop water requirement helps us to develop the crop coefficients for various growth stages (initial, development, mid and late season) for particular climatic conditions. Further, with exact crop coefficients derived from weighing type lysimeter will be helpful for determining water requirement. The results showed that the crop evapotranspiration (ETc) for initial, development, mid-season and late-season being 22.76, 110.71, 173.47 and 68.71 mm, respectively. With respect to crop coefficient (Kc), it is estimated to be 0.38, 0.64, 1.12 and 0.66 for initial, development, mid-season and late season stages, respectively during rabi season. The crop evapotranspiration (ETc) for initial, development, mid-season and late-season being 26.53, 164.76, 235.56 and 121.51 mm, respectively. With respect to crop coefficient (Kc), it is estimated to be 0.56, 0.87, 1.22 and 0.78 for initial, development, mid-season and late season stages, respectively during summer season. The crop evapotranspiration  (ETc) for initial, development, mid-season and late-season being 32.31, 131.38, 173.51 and 60.13 mm, respectively. With respect to Kc, it is estimated to be 0.36, 0.77, 1.13 and 0.74 for initial, development, mid-season and late season stages respectively during kharif season. The measured Kc values were significantly different from the FAO-56 reported values. Therefore, local calibration of crop coefficients is an essential for efficient irrigation water management and precise water applications.
A Comparative Economic Analysis of Cucumber and Bitter Gourd Cultivation in Sultanpur District of Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Mishra Harshit , Supriya  , Gautam Sandeep , Srivastava Aditya Bhooshan , Neerugatti Mahima Priyanka
Published: June 2023

The present investigation was undertaken to estimate the comparison of costs and returns for cucumber and bitter gourd production. The specific objectives of this study included the profitability of cucumber and bitter gourd as well as identifying the major constraints faced by cucumber and bitter gourd growers. The study was based on primary data which were collected through personal interviews with the help pre-tested survey scheduled. In which, a multistage stratified purposive cum random sampling technique was used to select the district, block, villages, and respondents. The Results indicated that bitter gourd production was profitable crop in comparison to cucumber. Besides, marginal farms’ was shown to be more profitable than small and medium farms according to an analysis of aggregate measures that were calculated for financial efficiency. Moreover, to identify the constraints the Garrett ranking technique was used. From the results, cucurbit farmers faced several issues of managerial, technical, and financial. In which top two most common problems in management & technical faced by them were lack of technical knowledge and unavailability of quality seeds (HYV) and the top two financial problems faced by them were untimely availability of loans and high-interest rates respectively. Major suggestions of cucurbit farmers to overcome these constraints are training being imparted to implement new technologies, credit facilities with low-rate interest by institutional agencies and storage facilities in mandi should be provided to the farmers for their perishable products.
Influence of Weed Management Practices on Growth and Yield of Aerobic Rice
Authors: Munnoli Sourabh , Rajakumar D. , Thavaprakaash N.
Published: June 2023

The present field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of different chemical and non-chemical weed management practices on aerobic rice.  The experiment was carried out at the Wetlands Farm of the Department of Farm Management, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, India. Pre emergence (PE) application of pendimethalin (1.0 kg ha-1), EPOE of bispyribac sodium (25 g ha-1) and EPOE of chlorimuron ethyl + metsulfuron methyl (4 g ha-1) were the chemical weed management practices. Daincha intercropping (1:1) fb spreading on 30DAS, Cowpea intercropping (1:1) fb spreading on 30DAS, Coir pith mulching (5 tons ha-1) on 3 DAS, Shredded coconut waste mulching (5 tons ha-1) on 3 DAS along with the combination of mechanical and hand weeding were the non chemical weed management practices. Pre emergence (PE) application of pendimethalin (1.0 kg ha-1) on 3 DAS fb Early post emergence (EPOE) application of bispyribac sodium (25 g ha-1) on 20 DAS recorded significantly higher growth and yield attributes. Sequential application of pendimethalin and bispyribac sodium recorded 4128 kg ha-1 grain yield which was nearly 60 per cent increased over the weedy check. Coir pith mulching @ 5 tons ha-1 on 3 DAS recorded significantly lower grain yield (1840 kg ha-1) over the rest of the treatments.
Discharge Prediction for Critical Patients Using Machine-Learning Technology
Authors: Dr.D. Banumathy , V Anitha , S Umamaheswari , T Murali
Published: June 2023

To predict four forms of discharge—death, home, nursing facility, and rehabilitation—machine learning models were developed. These models were trained on 115,248 distinct ICU admissions, and they were assessed. To lessen class disparity, we used synthetic minority oversampling techniques. Hierarchical and ensemble classifiers were used to examine the impact of an unequal testing set on the performance of our prediction models. With a 90% area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (recall 71%, F1: 70%), the XGBoost outperformed earlier tests in terms of discriminating performance. Our research demonstrates that the variables included in the proposed approach, known as the k-SMO (K-Sequential Minimal Optimization) model for assessing patient illness severity, are more accurate predictors of hospital release location than the current work score alone. Clinical decision support systems that incorporate these models may benefit patients, employees, and ICU staff by enabling them to begin disposition planning as soon as practical throughout their stay. The length of a hospital stay and its effects have a big effect on people and the economy. The present effort has focused on forecasting that crucial parameter as a consequence. Study groups have achieved successful prediction rates, although only very seldom revealing predictive patterns. The length of stay (LOS) forecasting model we present in this research, along with a study of trends and patterns that show how LOS differs amongst hospital departments and specialties, are also included. We also look into whether patient data might help hospital departments predict LOS more accurately. It is helpful to know where to concentrate attention while expecting LOS since the findings for these known patterns are often up to 21.61% better in terms of estimating error rates and up to 23.83% higher in terms of projecting success rates. Several trends appeared after the estimation of prediction rates. For women who were admitted to the emergency room for enteritis-related problems, for instance, these patterns improved prediction accuracy. Overall, the results show that the calculated error rates for these recognized patterns are up to 21.61% lower and the success rates for the number of predictions are up to 23.83% higher, which is useful for figuring out where to put the most effort when predicting LOS.
Association of COVID-19 Government-Instituted Mask Mandates With Incidence of Mask Use Among Children in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Hahn Lyndsey M. , Manny Emilie , Dhaliwal Gurvinder , Chikuma Joyce , Robinson Joan , Lou Wendy , Subbarao Padmaja , Turvey Stuart E. , Simons Elinor , Bell Rhonda C. , Letourneau Nicole , Charlton Carmen , Mandhane Piush J.
Published: June 2023

Importance

To help prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2, government-instituted nonpharmaceutical interventions (eg, social distancing, mask use, isolating), a provincewide government-instituted mask mandate occurred on December 8, 2020, in Alberta, Canada, although some local jurisdictions implemented an earlier mask mandate. There remains a limited understanding of the association between government-implemented public health measures and individual health behaviors of children.

Objective

To examine the association between government mask mandates and mask use among children in Alberta, Canada.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A cohort of children from Alberta, Canada, was recruited to examine longitudinal SARS-CoV-2 serologic factors. Parents were prospectively asked about their child’s mask use in public places every 3 months (5-point Likert scale: never to always) from August 14, 2020, to June 24, 2022. A multivariable logistic generalized estimating equation was used to examine government mandatory masking mandates and child mask use. Child mask use was operationalized into a single composite dichotomous outcome by grouping parents who reported their child often or always wore a mask vs those who reported their child never, rarely, or occasionally wore a mask.

Exposures

The primary exposure variable was the government masking mandate (began on different dates in 2020). The secondary exposure variable was government private indoor and outdoor gathering restrictions.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was parent report of child mask use.

Results

A total of 939 children participated (467 female [49.7%]; mean [SD] age, 10.61 [1.6] years). The odds of parents’ report of child mask use (often or always) was 18.3 times higher (95% CI, 5.7-58.6; P < .001; risk ratio, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.5-1.8; P < .001) with the mask mandate on compared with the mask mandate off. There was no significant change in mask use over the course of the mask mandate due to time. In contrast, each day with the mask mandate off was associated with a 1.6% decrease in mask use (odds ratio, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.98-0.99; P < .001).

Conclusions and Relevance

The results of this study suggest that government-mandated mask use and providing the public with up-to-date health information (eg, case counts) is associated with increased parent-reported child mask use, while increasing time without a mask mandate is associated with decreased mask use.
Visualizing Lithium Ion Transport in Solid‐State Li–S Batteries Using 6Li Contrast Enhanced Neutron Imaging
Authors: Bradbury Robert , Kardjilov Nikolay , Dewald Georg F. , Tengattini Alessandro , Helfen Lukas , Zeier Wolfgang G. , Manke Ingo
Published: June 2023

The elucidation of lithium ion transport pathways through a solid electrolyte separator is a vital step toward development of reliable, functional all‐solid‐state batteries. Here, advantage has been taken of the significantly higher neutron attenuation coefficient of one of the most abundant stable isotopes of lithium, 6Li, with respect to that of naturally occurring lithium isotope mixture, to perform neutron imaging on a purpose built all‐solid‐state lithium–sulfur battery. Increasing the 6Li content in the anode while using natural lithium in the solid electrolyte separator and the cathode enhances the contrast such that it is possible to differentiate, during the initial discharge, between the mobile lithium ions diffusing through the cell from the anode and those that are initially located in the solid electrolyte. The sensitivity of neutrons to the different lithium isotopes means that operando neutron radiography allows demonstration of the lithium ion diffusion through the cell while in situ neutron tomography has permitted presentation, in three dimensions, of the distribution of the trapped lithium ions inside the cell in charged and discharged states.
Engineering an Ultrathin and Hydrophobic Composite Zinc Anode with 24 µm Thickness for High‐Performance Zn Batteries
Authors: Li Quanyu , Wang Han , Yu Huaming , Fu Meng , Liu Wen , Zhao Qiwen , Huang Shaozhen , Zhou Liangjun , Wei Weifeng , Ji Xiaobo , Chen Yuejiao , Chen Libao
Published: June 2023

The Zn metal anode is subject to uncontrolled dendrites and parasitic reactions, which often require a big thickness of Zn foil, resulting in excess capacity and extremely low utilization. Here, an ultrathin Zn composite anode (24 µm) is developed with a protective hydrophobic layer (covalent (C2F4)n chains and F‐doped carbonized ingredient) constructed on Cu foil (denoted as (C2F4)n‐C@Cu) as a host by one‐step pyrolytic evaporation deposition. The repulsion of (C2F4)n to Zn2+ makes the (C2F4)n‐C@Cu interface possess enhanced adsorption ability, driving more charge transfer under the layer. With its good hydrophobicity, this layer prevents H2O from damaging the plated Zn. Combined with the semi‐ionic‐state fluorine as zincophilic site, the host guides uniform and dense Zn deposition for making ultrathin Zn anode. As a result, the (C2F4)n‐C@Cu electrode exhibits high average CE of 99.6% over 3000 cycles at 2 mA cm−2. Benchmarked against the commercial 20µm‐Zn foil, the (C2F4)n‐C@Cu@Zn anode achieves enhanced stability (1200 h at 1 mA cm−2), only 100 h for the 20µm‐Zn foil. When paired with V2O5 cathode, the Zn composite anode makes the full cell deliver 88% retention for 2500 cycles.
Efficient and Stable Gd3Ga5O12:Cr3+ Phosphors for High‐Performance NIR LEDs
Authors: Jin Chen , Li Ruiyang , Liu Yongfu , Zhang Liangliang , Zhang Jiahua , Sun Peng , Luo Zhaohua , Jiang Jun
Published: June 2023

Cr3+‐activated Gd3Ga5O12 garnet (GGG:Cr3+) near‐infrared (NIR) phosphors have shown promising applications in regulating plant growth. However, the low external quantum efficiency (EQE) results in a wall‐plug efficiency (WPE) of phosphor‐converted light‐emitting diodes (pc)‐LEDs of only ≈15%. Herein, an easy strategy to improve the luminescent properties of the GGG:Cr3+ phosphor is reported. Through optimization of the synthesized technology, the EQE is enhanced to 43.6%. Remarkably, the fabricated pc‐LEDs achieve a WPE as high as 34.3%. These results demonstrate a significant advancement in the development and applications of NIR phosphor materials and NIR pc‐LED devices.
The Fate of Water in Hydrogen‐Based Iron Oxide Reduction
Authors: El‐Zoka Ayman A. , Stephenson Leigh T. , Kim Se‐Ho , Gault Baptiste , Raabe Dierk
Published: June 2023

Gas–solid reactions are important for many redox processes that underpin the energy and sustainability transition. The specific case of hydrogen‐based iron oxide reduction is the foundation to render the global steel industry fossil‐free, an essential target as iron production is the largest single industrial emitter of carbon dioxide. This perception of gas–solid reactions has not only been limited by the availability of state‐of‐the‐art techniques which can delve into the structure and chemistry of reacted solids, but one continues to miss an important reaction partner that defines the thermodynamics and kinetics of gas phase reactions: the gas molecules. In this investigation, cryogenic‐atom probe tomography is used to study the quasi in situ evolution of iron oxide in the solid and gas phases of the direct reduction of iron oxide by deuterium gas at 700°C. So far several unknown atomic‐scale characteristics are observed, including, D2 accumulation at the reaction interface; formation of a core (wüstite)‐shell (iron) structure; inbound diffusion of D through the iron layer and partitioning of D among phases and defects; outbound diffusion of oxygen through the wüstite and/or through the iron to the next free available inner/outer surface; and the internal formation of heavy nano‐water droplets at nano‐pores.
Electrodeposited Superhydrophilic‐Superhydrophobic Composites for Untethered Multi‐Stimuli‐Responsive Soft Millirobots
Authors: Zheng Zhiqiang , Han Jie , Demir Sinan Ozgun , Wang Huaping , Jiang Weitao , Liu Hongzhong , Sitti Metin
Published: June 2023

To navigate in complex and unstructured real‐world environments, soft miniature robots need to possess multiple functions, including autonomous environmental sensing, self‐adaptation, and multimodal locomotion. However, to achieve multifunctionality, artificial soft robots should respond to multiple stimuli, which can be achieved by multimaterial integration using facile and flexible fabrication methods. Here, a multimaterial integration strategy for fabricating soft millirobots that uses electrodeposition to integrate two inherently non‐adherable materials, superhydrophilic hydrogels and superhydrophobic elastomers, together via gel roots is proposed. This approach enables the authors to electrodeposit sodium alginate hydrogel onto a laser‐induced graphene‐coated elastomer, which can then be laser cut into various shapes to function as multi‐stimuli‐responsive soft robots (MSRs). Each MSR can respond to six different stimuli to autonomously transform their shapes, and mimic flowers, vines, mimosas, and flytraps. It is demonstrated that MSRs can climb slopes, switch locomotion modes, self‐adapt between air‐liquid environments, and transport cargo between different environments. This multimaterial integration strategy enables creating untethered soft millirobots that have multifunctionality, such as environmental sensing, self‐propulsion, and self‐adaptation, paving the way for their future operation in complex real‐world environments.
Replications in agricultural economics
Authors: Finger Robert , Grebitus Carola , Henningsen Arne
Published: June 2023

Replicability is a cornerstone of all scientific disciplines. While agricultural economists often provide recommendations to stakeholders that inform, among others policymaking, we currently lack replication papers published in leading agricultural economics journals. This increases the risk that published results are not replicable, which potentially can lead to inefficient resource allocation. In this article, we provide a framework for replications in agricultural economics and discuss challenges and opportunities with the objective to foster a replication culture. We provide pathways on how to untap this potential and provide guidance for enabling a stronger emphasis on replications in the field of agricultural economics. We present the first special issue on replications in agricultural economics, which consists of 11 articles that replicate various empirical analyses presented in published articles and advance the analyses that were used in the original work to provide further insights.
Extremely Electron‐Withdrawing Lewis‐Paired CN Groups for Organic p‐Dopants
Authors: Hyun Suh Eui , Beom Kim Sang , Jung Jaemin , Jang Jaeyoung
Published: June 2023

P‐type chemical doping (p‐doping) is a key technique to modulate the optical, electrical, and electronic properties of organic semiconductors. However, typical functional groups in organic p‐dopants have insufficient electron‐withdrawing strength, and the inevitable diffusion of dopants in host matrices degrades doping stabilities. Herein, we utilize extremely electron‐withdrawing Lewis‐paired CN groups as a new class of building blocks for designing unprecedentedly strong organic p‐dopants with excellent doping stability. Various Lewis acids are paired with CN‐functionalized conjugated molecules in the solution state, which strengthens the electron‐withdrawing properties of CN groups almost twofold. The large dopants afford outstanding doping stability against continuous heating and long‐term atmospheric exposure, which is promising for practical applications in devices. Given the broad applicability of this simple combinatorial approach, it may impact many fields of (opto)electronics.
A GC–MSD method for analysis of dimethyl sulfate in palm oil‐based esterquat
Authors: Tay Bonnie Yen Ping , A Haliza A. , Maurad Zulina A.
Published: June 2023

Dimethyl sulfate (DMS) is a quarternizing agent for esteramine used for the synthesis of esterquat. To date there is no reliable published method for quantification of DMS in palm‐based esterquat. Esterquat is used in the formulation of personal care and textile cleaning. The process of quaternization is usually incomplete and there will be unreacted DMS. This work presents a new simple method involving solvent extraction of DMS followed by analysis with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry detector to quantify the unreacted DMS. This method was validated as per International Council for Harmonization requirements. This novel method showed good repeatability (relative standard deviation [RSD] < 5%) and inter‐day with different analyst reproducibility (RSD < 5%). The limits of detection and quantification were 5 and 10 μg mL−1, respectively. The accuracy of the method was evaluated by the analysis of spiked samples and it was found that good recovery was found at spiking levels of 20, 30, and 50 μg mL−1 with % recovery falling within the 80%–120% acceptable limit. However, at 10 μg mL−1, the percentage recovery was slightly below the recommended limit.
Real‐time monitoring of biomass during Escherichia coli high‐cell‐density cultivations by in‐line photon density wave spectroscopy
Authors: Schiewe Thomas , Gutschmann Björn , Santolin Lara , Waldburger Saskia , Neubauer Peter , Hass Roland , Riedel Sebastian L.
Published: June 2023

An efficient monitoring and control strategy is the basis for a reliable production process. Conventional optical density (OD) measurements involve superpositions of light absorption and scattering, and the results are only given in arbitrary units. In contrast, photon density wave (PDW) spectroscopy is a dilution‐free method that allows independent quantification of both effects with defined units. For the first time, PDW spectroscopy was evaluated as a novel optical process analytical technology tool for real‐time monitoring of biomass formation in Escherichia coli high‐cell‐density fed‐batch cultivations. Inline PDW measurements were compared to a commercially available inline turbidity probe and with offline measurements of OD and cell dry weight (CDW). An accurate correlation of the reduced PDW scattering coefficient µs′ with CDW was observed in the range of 5–69 g L−1 (R2 = 0.98). The growth rates calculated based on µs′ were comparable to the rates determined with all reference methods. Furthermore, quantification of the reduced PDW scattering coefficient µs′ as a function of the absorption coefficient µa allowed direct detection of unintended process trends caused by overfeeding and subsequent acetate accumulation. Inline PDW spectroscopy can contribute to more robust bioprocess monitoring and consequently improved process performance.
Enhanced functional connectome of cerebellum in chronic insomnia patients
Authors: Lin Shiqi , Ye Xi , Yang Yuping , Yang Jingyi , Xu Guang , Wang Xinzhi , Ma Xiaofen
Published: June 2023

Background

Functional abnormalities of the cerebellum have been found to be closely associated with chronic insomnia (CI). However, whether there are abnormalities in the topology of the functional connectome of the cerebellum in these patients is still unknown. This study aimed to investigate topological abnormalities of the cerebellar functional connectome in individuals with CI.

Materials and Methods

We used resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI) and graph‐theoretic analysis to construct a functional connectivity matrix and extract topological property features of the cerebellar functional connectome in patients with CI. We examined global and nodal topological property changes in the cerebellar functional connectome in 102 patients with CI (CI group) and 101 healthy participants without insomnia symptoms (HC group) to determine the differences between groups. Correlations between the topological properties of the cerebellar functional connectome and clinical assessments were calculated to confirm the differences between groups.

Results

The cerebellar functional connectome of both CI and HC patients exhibited small‐world properties. The CI group showed higher standardized clustering coefficients at the global properties and higher betweenness centrality in the cerebellar Crus II vermis region at the nodal properties compared with participants in the HC group. However, the topological properties of cerebellar functional connectome abnormalities in the CI group were not significantly different from those in clinical assessments.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the abnormal global and nodal topological properties of the cerebellar functional connectome are associated with CI and could serve as an important biomarker for CI.