bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artificial intelligence and its influence in adult learning in China
Authors: Kang Haijun
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This research aimed to examine the current status of artificial intelligence's (AI's) integration into Chinese adult education, by analyzing the influences that AI has had on current adult education practices in China and by discussing the opportunities and challenges that adult education in China is faced with under the rapid AI development in the past 12 years.

Design/methodology/approach

This research employed systematic literature analysis. CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) Chinese Journals Full-text Database was used to collect scholarly publications on the use of AI in adult education in China that was published in the past decade. Data analysis included the following steps: identifying key words and phrases, detecting underlying meanings, searching for logical connections and relationships, collecting and connecting evidence to the research questions, and drawing logical and credible conclusions.

Findings

The findings indicated that AI has been gradually integrated into Chinese adult education through innovations and explorations and AI's influence is broad and profound. More specifically, the following five main themes were identified. The field's understanding of AI technology and AI's influence on adult education has evolved and become more comprehensive; AI challenges traditional Chinese adult education practices by helping to actualize personalized learning and precision education; AI transforms adult learning resource development; AI helps to turn learning environment into an open intelligent learning system; and lastly, AI urges the shift of adult educator's role in adult learning.

Research limitations/implications

This study is not without limitations. Contextualized in China, this study shares the limitations with other single country studies. One such limitation is “cumulation” issue. This study should be replicated in other country contexts to further validate the generalizability of the five main themes identified in this research.

Practical implications

The five themes identified in this study can help understand the promises and challenges that AI brings to the field of adult education in China. These five themes can also serve as an integrated lens through which one can make sense of AI's integration into other countries' adult education practices.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills an identified need of understanding the current status of AI's integration into and influence on the field of adult education in China.
Sewing and adhesive bonding technologies for smart clothing production
Authors: Domskiene Jurgita , Mitkute Modesta , Grigaliunas Valdas
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to present investigations of the influence of sewing and adhesive bonding technology on the aesthetic, mechanical and conductive properties of the e-textile package. Commercially available conductive textiles are tested for the production of e-textile package by most common cut-and-sewn clothing production technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

Sewing, adhesive bonding and seam sealing technologies used to obtain e-textile packages with woven and knitted conductive textiles. Produced e-textile packages described in terms of thickness, bending rigidity and general appearance. Exploitation properties of prepared samples tested by cycle tensile experiment and discussed on the basis of variation of linear electrical resistance property.

Findings

Research has shown that a reliable e-textile package can be obtained by applying cut-and-sew technology for conductive tracks of silver coated woven and knitted material. Seam sealing by thermoplastic polymer layer has an impact on the electrical and deformation properties of the samples. To create attractive smart clothing design, the appropriate joining method and its technological parameters must be chosen to ensure the durability and safety of e-textile packages.

Originality/value

The findings of the research are of substantial value for the production of e-textiles by cut-and-sewn technologies. The required shape of the conductive textile element for various applications can be cut and joined to the garment parts using traditional sewing or adhesive bonding techniques.
Investigating and determining the crucial construction site supervisory competencies influencing the effectiveness of building construction project activities
Authors: Manoharan Kesavan , Dissanayake Pujitha , Pathirana Chintha , Deegahawature Dharsana , Silva Renuka
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Sources highlight that insufficient skills of site supervisors considerably influence the progress of many construction projects in numerous countries. This study intends to identify the crucial supervisory competencies that influence the effectiveness of building project operations in the context of developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The crucial construction site supervisory competencies were qualitatively identified through a comprehensive literature survey and a series of expert interviews with the use of thematic analysis approaches. A questionnaire survey was then carried out among 154 building project firms to quantify the impacts of the competencies on the effectiveness of project tasks with the use of the relative importance index approach. Additionally, industry-consultative meetings were held using problem-focused communication strategies to scrutinise the necessary actions.

Findings

Overall, 22 cognitive elements and 24 skills/abilities of supervisors were determined as being critical according to their impact values, where the site supervisors cognitive domains in construction planning and construction materials were determined as the top-ranking competencies in the list, with their manual skills/abilities in labour management and labour performance evaluation. Accordingly, a group of key competency outcomes were produced for the considerations in developing new site supervisory training components. Relevant statistical analysis results and the industry consultative outcomes substantiated the validity and dependability of the overall results.

Research limitations/implications

Although the study's focus was to site supervision procedures used in Sri Lankan building construction projects, the overall findings/outcomes might be put to the test in related situations in other emerging industries in other countries.

Originality/value

The study has constructed a base that shows how the significant site supervisory competencies influence the effectiveness of building construction operations, contributing to making a big difference in the methods of reskilling/upskilling in the industry associated with construction labour, supervision, efficiency management and productivity enhancement.
Building peace and citizenship through cultural and public diplomacy
Authors: Schneider Cynthia P.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This article analyzes an approach to public diplomacy that involves leveraging local voices. It demonstrates the power of culture, particularly in collective settings such as festivals, to engage citizens in countering violent extremism, building peace and tolerance, and fighting corruption. Four case studies from Mali illustrate how integrating historical and living culture into peace-building strategies works effectively in this West African nation torn by jihadist and ethnic strife.

Design/methodology/approach

The author has used a field-based approach. The conclusions presented here are based on her own experiences in Mali, as well as hundreds of conversations with Malian colleagues and officials. The cultural diplomacy/soft power/hard power framework for the article is based on her own experiences as US Ambassador to the Netherlands, 1998–2001.

Findings

Culture, especially music, has unparalleled and untapped capacity to bring people together across differences in Mali, and to inspire them to envision a positive future for their country, and to work to achieve it. The lessons from the Mali case studies can be applied elsewhere.

Research limitations/implications

These Malian case studies demonstrate that culture belongs at the center and not the periphery of peace-building. They also show the efficacy of the “leverage local voices” approach to cultural diplomacy. The findings here are based on my experiences and those of others working in Mali.

Practical implications

Based on the findings from these Malian case studies, local cultural expression and actors should be integrated into efforts to build peace and counter violent extremism.

Social implications

These Malian case studies also demonstrate that shared cultural events help build social cohesion in societies frayed by conflict and/or violent extremism. In countries with high illiteracy rates like Mali, song lyrics help convey socio-political messages of peace, tolerance, and unity.

Originality/value

The “leverage local voices” approach to cultural diplomacy offers a different model than the traditional method of sending artists from the originating country (such as the USA) abroad. Local voices – whether living or from the past, as in the case of the Timbuktu manuscripts – have greater credibility and resonance than foreign ones. That culture works so effectively toward reconciliation, social cohesion and building peace in one of the most challenging environments in the world – Mali – suggests that other countries and regions should also explore and exploit the power of culture to dampen violence and orient the population to living together harmoniously.
Participation patterns in elementary school-aged children with autism spectrum disorders and their typically developing peers
Authors: Ismael Noor , Almhdawi Khader , Jaber Ala’a , Kana'an Saddam , Al Shlool Sana'a
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the differences in participation patterns between children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and children with typical development (TD) in Jordan.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a cross-sectional comparative design and convenient and snowball sampling. The sample consisted of 60 children (30 ASD and 30 TD), mean age (nine years), who completed the Children’s Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment and the Preferences for Activities of Children (CAPE/PAC) via interview. Analyses consisted of descriptive statistics and Mann-Whitney U tests.

Findings

Children with ASD had significantly lower participation Diversity (U = 24.00, p < 0.000) and Intensity (U = 110.00, p < 0.000) than children with TD. In addition, children with ASD had significantly lower participation preference in Physical (U = 145.50, p < 0.000), Self-Improvement (U = 163.50, p < 0.000), Skill-Based (U = 281.00, p = 0.01), Social activities (U = 307.50, p = 0.03) and total PAC scale score (U = 246.50, p = 0.003). However, children with ASD had significantly higher Enjoyment (U = 274, p < 0.000) than children with TD.

Originality/value

Children with ASD have restricted participation patterns due to certain ASD features like extreme sensory processing patterns. However, limited research compared participation patterns between school-aged children with ASD and children with TD. This study concluded that participation patterns in children with ASD are different from children with TD.
Engineering properties of SBS and crumb-rubber modified bitumen – a design of experiment approach
Authors: Ganapathy Ganesh Prabhu , Haupt Theodore C. , Pandimani Pandimani
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Cracking, deformation and rutting are the most prevalent types of pavement distress, and these deformations and flow characteristics greatly distress the pavement features while also limiting its use. In India, on the other hand, more than 300 million scrap tyres are generated each year, and their disposal has become a severe environmental issue. Furthermore, the scrap generated by the used tyre must be disposed of properly. Hence, this study presents the experimental investigations of bitumen incorporating with Crumb rubber as main additive along with SBS polymer, to enhance the engineering property.

Design/methodology/approach

Crumb rubber (CR) was used as an additive along with styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) polymer to enrich the engineering qualities of the bitumen to reduce the disposal problem of scrap tyres and reduce the risk of environmental pollution. Because SBS polymer is expensive, response surface methodology modelling's central composite design (CCD) was used to optimise the number of tests. CCD modelling's input factors (process variables) were the inclusion rates of SBS and CR, which ranged from 2% to 5% and 4% to 10%, respectively, by total weight. Furthermore, the influence of SBS polymer and CR on the characteristics of modified bitumen was prioritised.

Findings

The addition of SBS and CR enhanced the bitumen's penetration resistance at service temperatures. Furthermore, increasing the SBS and CR concentration affected the flow characteristics of the modified bitumen and enhanced its viscosity. The addition of SBS and CR as bitumen modifiers increased penetration resistance by 24.06%. The Dynamic Shear Rheometer test demonstrated that the complex modulus of virgin bitumen increases with increasing SBS and CR content, which is consistent with the shifting softening point trend. The dosing rate of up to 3.5% SBS and 11% CR considerably contributed to the creation of polymer link networks, which increased the complex modulus of the bitumen by 16.5%. The CCD model's analysis of variance and Pareto bar chart demonstrated that the dose of CR is significant in improving the engineering features of the virgin bitumen rather than the SBS.

Originality/value

The utilisation of CR as a bitumen modifier may solve the problem of waste tyre disposal while also lowering the risk of environmental damage. Furthermore, because the presence of CR increased the engineering properties, particularly the complex modulus of virgin bitumen, the use of CR in combination with SBS polymer can be an efficient and cost-effective strategy to improving bitumen qualities.
Facility location planning to mitigate strategic conflict in joint operations
Authors: Chowdhury Sanjib
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to deal with a real-life strategic conflict in joint operations (JOs) for facility location decision and planning in an oil and gas field that stretches over two countries and tries to develop a basis for mitigating such conflict.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper develops a novel approach using integer linear programming (ILP) to determine optimal facility location considering technical, economic and environmental factors. Strategic decision-making in JOs is also influenced by business priorities of individual partner, sociopolitical issues and other covert factors. The cost-related quantitative factors are normalized using inverse normalization function as these are to be minimized, and qualitative factors that are multi-decision-making criteria are maximized, thus transforming both qualitative and quantitative factors as a single objective of maximization in ILP model.

Findings

The model identifies the most suitable facility location based on a wide range of factors that would provide maximum benefit in the long term, which will help decision-makers and managers.

Research limitations/implications

The model can be expanded incorporating other quantitative and qualitative factors such as tax incentives by the government, local bodies and government regulations.

Practical implications

The applicability of the model is not limited to JOs or oil/gas field, but is applicable to a wide range of sectors.

Originality/value

The model is transparent and based on rational and scientific basis, which would help in building consensus among the dissenting parties and aid in mitigating strategic conflict. Such type of model for mitigating strategic conflict has not been reported/used before.
TiO2/PDMS hybrid system for constructing superhydrophobic surfaces of cotton fabrics with resistance to droplet adhesion
Authors: Zhang Wei , Liu Chentao , Yao Jiming , Li Shuangshuang
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to produce a superhydrophobic fabric surface with a layered rough structure and which are resistant to droplet adhesion. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) systems doped with stearic acid modified titanium dioxide (SA-TiO2) nanoparticles was sprayed onto the surface of cotton fabric.

Design/methodology/approach

This experiment therefore uses a simple method to prepare superhydrophobic textiles by spraying SA-TiO2 particles mixed with PDMS onto the surface of cotton fabrics. The effects of the ratio of stearic acid to TiO2, spraying times and tension on the apparent morphological structure and hydrophobic properties of the cotton fabric were investigated.

Findings

The results showed that the stearic acid-modified TiO2 nanoparticles were hydrophobic and more uniformly dispersed in the PDMS solution. When the modification ratio of stearic acid to TiO2 was 3:5, the water contact angle of cotton fabric was 155.48° and sliding angle was 6.67° under the applied tension for three times of spraying, showing superhydrophobicity. The fabric shows super hydrophobic and anti-adhesive properties to a wide range of liquids such as cola, dyeing liquids, tea, milk and simulated blood. The surface tension of the liquid shows a negative correlation with its adhesion to the fabric.

Research limitations/implications

The SA-TiO2 and PDMS were applied to the fabric surface by spraying, which not only gave the fabric superhydrophobic properties, but also created anti-adhesion to a wide range of droplets.

Practical implications

The superhydrophobic cotton fabrics prepared by this method showed good anti-adhesive behavior to common stains and simulated blood and can be used in the development of medical protective textiles.

Originality/value

Modification of TiO2 with stearic acid to prepare SA-TiO2 with excellent hydrophobic properties, which was mixed with PDMS to make suspensions. Fluorine-free superhydrophobic fabrics were prepared by spraying method. It also exhibited excellent anti-adhesive properties against blood, providing a reference for the preparation of self-cleaning and anti-adhesive surgical gowns.
Assessing the role of materialism and gratitude in life satisfaction through IPMA: the mediating role of meaningfulness in life
Authors: Saini Damini , Yadav Radha
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to create a more humane and responsible workplace, individuals’ gratitude and meaningfulness seem of utmost importance. This study is an effort to understand the role of gratitude intent of potential managers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examines the psychological characteristic of business students in India. The researchers surveyed 333 Indian students as future managers. The collected data has been analysed with the Smart PLS 3 version to assess the formative-reflective scale by comparing model fit, measurement model and structural modelling.

Findings

The results establish that gratitude significantly affects the life satisfaction of future managers. Findings also show that materialism is negatively related to life satisfaction and meaningfulness. The importance–performance map analysis finding suggests that meaningfulness in life is a potential indicator of life satisfaction for the population studied.

Originality/value

Due to the limited research available on the psychological underpinnings in the Indian context, there is a massive value in examining how materialism and gratitude concurrently and distinctively predict meaning in life and the life satisfaction of future managers. This paper gives a formative explanation of the model consisted gratitude, materialism and meaningfulness in life on the life satisfaction of future managers. This study establishes the importance of meaningfulness of life in attaining life satisfaction for young managers.
Maximum entropy models reveal spatial variation of metabolic scaling in stream fish communities
Authors: Xu Meng , Arranz Ignasi
Published: May 2023

Metabolic scaling provides valuable information about the physiological and ecological functions of organisms, although few studies have quantified the metabolic scaling exponent (b) of communities under natural conditions. Maximum entropy theory of ecology (METE) is a constraint‐based unified theory with the potential to empirically assess the spatial variation of the metabolic scaling.

Our main goal is to develop a novel method of estimating b within a community by integrating metabolic scaling and METE. We also aim to study the relationships between the estimated b and environmental variables across communities.

We developed a new METE framework to estimate b in 118 stream fish communities in the north‐eastern Iberian Peninsula. We first extended the original maximum entropy model by parameterizing b in the model prediction of the community‐level individual size distributions and compared our results with empirical and theoretical predictions. We then tested the effects of abiotic conditions, species composition and human disturbance on the spatial variation of community‐level b.

We found that community‐level b of the best maximum entropy models showed great spatial variability, ranging from 0.25 to 2.38. The mean exponent (b = 0.93) resembled the community‐aggregated mean values from three previous metabolic scaling meta‐analyses, all of which were greater than the theoretical predictions of 0.67 and 0.75. Furthermore, the generalized additive model showed that b reached maximum at the intermediate mean annual precipitation level and declined significantly as human disturbance intensified.

The parameterized METE is proposed here as a novel framework for estimating the metabolic pace of life of stream fish communities. The large spatial variation of b may reflect the combined effects of environmental constraints and species interactions, which likely have important feedback on the structure and function of natural communities. Our newly developed framework can also be applied to study the impact of global environmental pressures on metabolic scaling and energy use in other ecosystems.
Interpreting perimortem blast trauma from skeletal remains: Complications and considerations
Authors: McCormick Kyle , Palmiotto Andrea , Freas Laurel E.
Published: May 2023

Blast trauma results from highly variable events that can lead to similar effects in the skeleton. Clinical literature, which largely focuses on soft tissue, provides limited efficacy for interpreting fully skeletonized cases. Interpretation of skeletal blast trauma is hampered by the low number of fully skeletonized case studies and experimental replication studies, which mainly use nonhuman proxies. The purpose of this study is to discuss fracture patterns on two individuals from WWII as a means to better understand and identify fracture patterns associated with blast trauma. Existing clinical and anthropological criteria are reviewed and applied to two World War II cases, both presumed to exhibit blast trauma based on historical contexts. These case studies exhibit combinations of complicated and extensive signs of blunt‐force and projectile trauma, reflecting the diversity of skeletal trauma resulting from blast‐related events. This analysis emphasizes the arguably impossible task of establishing a diagnosis based on the available literature and lack of prior knowledge about specific losses. Ultimately, analysts must consider the totality of skeletal trauma, combining biomechanical theory and relevant clinical and anthropological literature to arrive at useful yet defensible assessments of trauma. However, refined criteria and additional studies are needed to assess complicated trauma from blast‐related events in anthropological contexts.
D‐1553: A novel KRASG12C inhibitor with potent and selective cellular and in vivo antitumor activity
Authors: Shi Zhe , Weng Jifang , Niu Haotao , Yang Hong , Liu Rongfeng , Weng Yan , Zhu Qingqing , Zhang Yihong , Tao Liangshan , Wang Zhenwu , Huh Seok Jae , Jiang Yueheng , Mei Hong , Dai Xing , Zhang Ling , Wang Yaolin
Published: May 2023

D‐1553 is a small molecule inhibitor selectively targeting KRASG12C and currently in phase II clinical trials. Here, we report the preclinical data demonstrating antitumor activity of D‐1553. Potency and specificity of D‐1553 in inhibiting GDP‐bound KRASG12C mutation were determined by thermal shift assay and KRASG12C‐coupled nucleotide exchange assay. In vitro and in vivo antitumor activity of D‐1553 alone or in combination with other therapies were evaluated in KRASG12C mutated cancer cells and xenograft models. D‐1553 showed selective and potent activity against mutated GDP‐bound KRASG12C protein. D‐1553 selectively inhibited ERK phosphorylation in NCI‐H358 cells harboring KRASG12C mutation. Compared to the KRAS WT and KRASG12D cell lines, D‐1553 selectively inhibited cell viability in multiple KRASG12C cell lines, and the potency was slightly superior to sotorasib and adagrasib. In a panel of xenograft tumor models, D‐1553, given orally, showed partial or complete tumor regression. The combination of D‐1553 with chemotherapy, MEK inhibitor, or SHP2 inhibitor showed stronger potency on tumor growth inhibition or regression compared to D‐1553 alone. These findings support the clinical evaluation of D‐1553 as an efficacious drug candidate, both as a single agent or in combination, for patients with solid tumors harboring KRASG12C mutation.
Usefulness of clip‐band traction device for biliary cannulation in a case of intradiverticular papilla
Authors: Saito Kei , Fujisawa Mariko , Kogure Hirofumi
Published: May 2023

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Mindfulness or meditation therapy for Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Lin Ho‐Wei , Tam Ka‐Wai , Kuan Yi‐Chun
Published: May 2023

Background

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide. Mindfulness and meditation therapies have been demonstrated as effective alternative treatments for patients with neurological disorders. However, the effects of mindfulness and meditation therapies on PD remain unclear. This meta‐analysis investigated the effects of mindfulness and meditation therapies in PD patients.

Methods

A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov for randomized controlled trials comparing mindfulness and meditation therapies with control treatments in patients with PD.

Results

Nine articles involving eight trials were included, with a total of 337 patients. Our meta‐analysis revealed that mindfulness and meditation therapies significantly improved Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale‐Part III score (mean difference [MD] = −6.31, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = −8.57 to −4.05) and cognitive function (standard mean difference [SMD] = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.23 to 1.02). However, no significant differences were discovered between mindfulness therapies and control in gait velocity (MD = 0.05, 95% CI = −0.23 to 0.34), Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire‐39 Summary Index (MD = 0.51, 95% CI = −1.12 to 2.14), activities of daily living (SMD = −1.65, 95% CI = −3.74 to 0.45), depression (SMD = −0.43, 95% CI = −0.97 to 0.11), anxiety (SMD = −0.80, 95% CI = −1.78 to 0.19), pain (SMD = 0.79, 95% CI = −1.06 to 2.63), or sleep disturbance (SMD = −0.67, 95% CI = −1.58 to 0.24).

Conclusion

Mindfulness and meditation therapies may serve as complementary and alternative treatments for PD patients.
Age‐dependent retinal neuroaxonal degeneration in children and adolescents with Leber hereditary optic neuropathy under idebenone therapy
Authors: Schworm Benedikt , Siedlecki Jakob , Catarino Claudia , von Livonius Bettina , Muth Daniel R. , Rudolph Guenther , Havla Joachim , Klopstock Thomas , Priglinger Claudia
Published: May 2023

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the neuroretinal structure of young patients with Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON).

Methods

For this retrospective cross‐sectional analysis, the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness and the macular retinal layer volumes were measured by optical coherence tomography. Patients aged 12 years or younger at disease onset were assigned to the childhood‐onset (ChO) group and those aged 13–16 years to the early teenage‐onset (eTO) group. All patients received treatment with idebenone. The same measurements were repeated in age‐matched control groups with healthy subjects.

Results

The ChO group included 11 patients (21 eyes) and the eTO group 14 patients (27 eyes). Mean age at onset was 8.6 ± 2.7 years in the ChO group and 14.8 ± 1.0 years in the eTO group. Mean best‐corrected visual acuity was 0.65 ± 0.52 logMAR in the ChO group and 1.60 ± 0. 51 logMAR in the eTO group (p < 0.001). Reduced pRNFL was evident in the eTO group compared to the ChO group (46.0 ± 12.7 μm vs. 56.0 ± 14.5 μm, p = 0.015). Additionally, a significantly lower combined ganglion cell and inner plexiform layer volume was found in the eTO compared to the ChO group (0.266 ± 0.0027 mm3 vs. 0.294 ± 0.033 mm3, p = 0.003). No difference in these parameters was evident between the age‐matched control groups.

Conclusion

Less neuroaxonal tissue degeneration was observed in ChO LHON than in eTO LHON, a finding that may explain the better functional outcome of ChO LHON.
Eradication rates of Helicobacter pylori in treatment‐naive patients following 14‐day vonoprazan‐amoxicillin dual therapy: A multicenter randomized controlled trial in China
Authors: Hu Jie , Mei Hao , Su Na‐yun , Sun Wen‐jing , Zhang De‐kui , Fan Li‐lin , He Ping , Pan Jie , Wang Xing‐wei , Zou Pei‐ying , Liu Yu‐xiang , Guo Yan , Lan Chun‐Hui
Published: May 2023

Background

Potassium‐competitive acid blockers (P‐CAB) are recommended for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infections, but dual therapy of P‐CAB with amoxicillin has been poorly studied. The current study compared the efficacy, adverse reactions, compliance, and effects on gut microbiota of 14‐day vonoprazan‐amoxicillin (VA) dual therapy with esomeprazole, bismuth potassium citrate, amoxicillin, and metronidazole (EBAM) quadruple therapy in treatment‐naive patients with H. pylori.

Materials and Methods

This was a multicenter, open‐label, randomized, and controlled, non‐inferiority study. Patients (n = 194) enrolled from six centers were randomly divided into either the VA or EBAM group. H. pylori eradication was determined using 13C urea breath tests (UBT) 4–6 weeks post‐treatment. Fecal samples were collected, and gut microbial populations were analyzed by 16S rDNA and metagenomic sequencing technology.

Results

Eradication rates of H. pylori in the VA and EBAM groups were 88.7% and 91.8%, respectively, according to intention‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis; 95.6% and 96.7% with per‐protocol (PP) analysis; and 94.5% and 96.7% with modified ITT (mITT) analysis (all p > 0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions in the VA group was significantly lower compared to the EBAM group, and compliance within both groups was good. There was no difference in α‐diversity or microbial composition in the VA and EBAM groups at one‐month post‐treatment compared to baseline, except for a markedly reduced abundance of Bacteroides in the EBAM group.

Conclusion

VA therapy achieved excellent eradication rates with low adverse reactions, good compliance, and little impact on gut microbiota. VA therapy should be recommended as a first‐line treatment against H. pylori.
Chronological and geochemical characteristics of metavolcanic rocks in the Nanping‐Ninghua tectonic belt: Constraints on the formation of the Cathaysia block
Authors: Wen Huicheng , Zhao Xilin , Wang Guocan , Liu Huan , Xu Mincheng , Jiang Yang
Published: May 2023

The tectonic properties of the Nanping‐Ninghua tectonic belt (NNTB) play a crucial role in understanding the tectonic evolution of the Wuyi orogenic belt, which is related to the Neoproterozoic‐Paleozoic tectonic evolution of the Cathaysian Block. In this study, We present comprehensive petrological, geochronological, and geochemical data on the metavolcanic rocks from the Louqian Formation in Changting, Fujian Province. Our results show that volcanism in Changting occurred between 740.4 and 723.5 Ma, based on zircon U–Pb data for the metavolcanic rocks. The metavolcanic rocks have SiO2 contents ranging from 68.22 to 71.56 wt %, high Al2O3 and Na2O + K2O contents (13.30–15.19 wt % and 7.56–8.25 wt %, respectively), and low CaO, MgO, and FeOT contents (0.09–1.25 wt %, 0.72–0.96 wt %, and 1.57–3.16 wt %, respectively). These samples are enriched in large‐ion lithophile elements (LILEs) such as Ba and Rb, and depleted in high‐field‐strength elements (HFSEs) including Nb, Ta, and Ti, with significant negative Eu anomalies, indicating an affinity for arc igneous rocks. Based on previous geological studies, we suggest that the NNTB formed in an active continental margin environment during the Nanhua Period. The subduction of oceanic crust led to the formation of the volcanic belt along the Nanping‐Ninghua continental margin, which was active until 696 Ma. During the Neoproterozoic, the North and South Wuyi terranes did not merge to form a single Wuyi terrane, and the Cathaysia Block was composed of several terranes.
Prostaglandin E2 mediates chorion formation of the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, at late oogenesis
Authors: Choi Du‐Yeol , Kim Yonggyun
Published: May 2023

Chorion—i.e., the eggshell—is formed during the late stage of oogenesis by follicular epithelium in the ovary. Although the endocrine signal(s) driving choriogenesis remain unclear in mosquitoes, this process in other insects has been suspected to involve the mediation of prostaglandins (PGs). This study tested the role of PG in the choriogenesis of the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, and its influence on controlling the expressions of genes associated with chorion formation by a transcriptome analysis. An immunofluorescence assay showed that PGE2 is localised in follicular epithelium. With the treatment of aspirin, an inhibitor of PG biosynthesis, at mid oogenesis, the PGE2 signal disappeared in the follicular epithelium led to significantly inhibited chorion formation along with a malformed eggshell. Ovary transcriptomes were assessed by RNASeq at the mid and late ovarian developmental stages. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) exhibiting more than twofold changes in expression levels included 297 genes at mid stage and 500 genes at late stage. These DEGs at these two developmental stages commonly included genes associated with egg and chorion proteins of Ae. albopictus. Most chorion‐associated genes were clustered in the 168 Mb region on a chromosome and exhibited significantly induced expressions at both ovarian developmental stages. The inhibition of PG biosynthesis significantly suppressed the expression of the chorion‐associated genes while the addition of PGE2 rescued the gene expressions and led to recovery of choriogenesis. These results suggest that PGE2 mediates the choriogenesis of Ae. albopictus.
The crossroads: divergent roles of virus‐specific CD4+ T lymphocytes in determining the outcome for human papillomavirus infection
Authors: van Bockel David , Kelleher Anthony
Published: May 2023

Despite the widespread availability of effective prophylactic vaccines to prevent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, HPV remains a major health burden. For health care systems in countries with the capacity for vaccine roll out, incomplete strategies result in citizens with naturally occurring infection, who are at an a posteriori risk of HPV‐driven disease. Genital HPV infection is the most common sexually transmitted virus globally. Those classified as high‐risk HPV strains are more likely to generate persistent disease. Within this group, HPV16 and 18 are the most prevalent and likely to induce persistent high‐grade squamous intraepithelial neoplasia; neoplasia is a large step toward cancerous growth known as a squamous cell carcinoma which contribute to all cervical, 70% of oropharyngeal, 78% of vaginal and 88% of anal cancers. This review will illuminate the relevance of CD4+ T lymphocytes in determining the outcome of papillomavirus infection from the perspective of oropharyngeal and anogenital HPV‐driven disease in the immune competent and immunocompromised. The focus is on recent investigations for this “silent” pandemic among current global health crises that should not be forgotten. Informing effective strategies that control viral infection through naturally acquired or induced immunity will identify aspects of scientific and clinical practice that may improve outcome.
Toll‐like receptor expression profile of stem/progenitor cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth
Authors: Fawzy El‐Sayed Karim M. , Rudert Antonia , Geiken Antje , Tölle Johannes , Mekhemar Mohamed , Dörfer Christof E.
Published: May 2023

Background

Stem/progenitor cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) show remarkable pluripotent, regenerative, and immunological capacities. During in vivo regenerative processes, there could be the presence of SHED in the surrounding inflammatory microenvironment, through toll‐like receptors (TLRs).

Aim

The aim of this paper was to present a characteristic TLR expression profile on SHED for the first time.

Design

Cells were harvested from extracted primary teeth (n = 10), anti‐STRO‐1 immunomagnetically sorted and cultivated, through colony‐forming units (CFUs). SHED were examined for mesenchymal stem/progenitor cell traits, including the expression of clusters of differentiation (CDs) 14, 34, 45, 73, 90, 105, and 146, and their multilineage differentiation aptitude. TLRs 1–10 expression was investigated for SHED in uninflamed and inflamed (25 ng/mL IL‐1β, 103 U/mL IFN‐γ, 50 ng/mL TNF‐α, and 3 × 103 U/mL IFN‐α; SHED‐i) microenvironmental conditions.

Results

SHED were negative for CDs 14, 34, and 45, but were positive for CDs 73, 90, 105, and 146, and demonstrated characteristic multilineage differentiation. In an uninflamed microenvironment, SHED expressed TLRs 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 10. The inflammatory microenvironment downregulated TLR7 significantly on gene level and upregulated TLR8 on gene and protein levels (p < .05; Wilcoxon signed‐rank test).

Conclusion

There appears to be a unique TLR expression profile on SHED, which could modulate their immunological and regenerative abilities in oral tissue engineering approaches.
An 11‐year retrospective study on the epidemiology of paediatric burns in the north of Iran
Authors: Tolouei Mohammad , Bagheri Toolaroud Parissa , Letafatkar Negin , Feizkhah Alireza , Sadeghi Mahsa , Esmailzadeh Mojdeh , Daghighi Masooleh Mahzad , Mobayen Mohammadreza
Published: May 2023

Burn injuries in children are distressing physical and emotional events with long‐term disability. However, there is little research on the epidemiology of paediatric burns. This information is essential for the development of prevention intervention and acute management. This study aimed to describe epidemiologic characteristics and clinical outcomes of paediatric burns in a burn center in the north of Iran. A retrospective, single‐center study was conducted of children (<18 years) admitted to the burns center between 2011 and 2021. The data were analysed by SPSS 24.0 software. The chi‐squared test and Fisher's exact test were used to assess categorical variables, and Student's t‐tests or One‐Way ANOVA was used to evaluate continuous variables. 2951 paediatric burns with mean age 5.30 ± 5.27 years, were admitted during the 11 years, with 1777 boys (60.2%) and 1174 girls (39.8%). By age groups, the majority of children (59.7%) were between 0 and 4 years old, followed by 5 to 8 years (15.7%), 13 to 18 years (14.6%), and 9 to 12 years (10.0%), respectively. The most cause of injury was Hot liquids & vapours (1604, 54.4%). The mean age for burns with fire & flames, hot liquids & vapours, contact, chemical, and electrical was 4.46 ± 4.84, 5.70 ± 5.39, 5.44 ± 5.42, 3.93 ± 3.86, and 3.53 ± 4.06 years, respectively. The total body surface area (TBSA) burned was 14.96 ± 11.94. The longest length of stay (LOS) related to fire and flame was 5.63 ± 7.57 days. The mortality rate was 1.56%. There were significant differences among aetiology groups for the cost per % TBSA (F = 15.784, P < 0.001), which correlated with the burn depth, TBSA, aetiology, LOS, and age. The Ministry of Health should establish strategies for burn prevention and incorporate data surveillance for burn injuries. Community education on kitchen and cooking safety could positively impact the prevalence and outcomes of paediatric burns.
Thermal conductivity of yttria‐stabilized zirconia thin films grown by plasma‐enhanced atomic layer deposition
Authors: Park Sung Il , Yang Byung Chan , Kim Jihyun , Ko Jaeyoon , Choi Gyung‐Min , An Jihwan , Cho Jungwan
Published: May 2023

Zirconia doped with yttrium, widely known as yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ), has found recent applications in advanced electronic and energy devices, particularly when deposited in thin film form by atomic layer deposition (ALD). Although ample studies reported the thermal conductivity of YSZ films and coatings, these data were typically limited to Y2O3 concentrations around 8 mol% and thicknesses greater than 1 μm, which were primarily targeted for thermal barrier coating applications. Here, we present the first experimental report of the thermal conductivity of YSZ thin films (∼50 nm), deposited by plasma‐enhanced ALD (PEALD), with variable Y2O3 content (0–36.9 mol%). Time‐domain thermoreflectance measures the effective thermal conductivity of the film and its interfaces, independently confirmed with frequency‐domain thermoreflectance. The effective thermal conductivity decreases from 1.85 to 1.22 W m−1 K−1 with increasing Y2O3 doping concentration from 0 to 7.7 mol%, predominantly due to increased phonon scattering by oxygen vacancies, and exhibits relatively weak concentration dependence above 7.7 mol%. The effective thermal conductivities of our PEALD YSZ films are higher by ∼15%–128% than those reported previously for thermal ALD YSZ films with similar composition. We attribute this to the relatively larger grain sizes (∼23–27 nm) of our films.
Achieving large piezoelectric response and ultrahigh electrostriction in [001] textured BiScO3‐PbTiO3 high‐temperature piezoelectric ceramics
Authors: Ren Xiaodan , Wang Yike , Tang Mingyang , Liu Xin , Xu Zhuo , Yan Yongke
Published: May 2023

[001] textured 0.40BiScO3‐0.60PbTiO3‐0.125 mol%Nb5+ (BS‐60PT‐0.125Nb) high‐temperature piezoelectric ceramics were synthesized using templated grain growth process. A high texture degree F001 of 99% was obtained using 2 vol% BaTiO3 (BT) templates. The piezoelectric charge constant d33 and the unipolar strain under 40 kV cm−1 at room temperature for the textured ceramics are 646 pC N−1 and 0.36%, respectively, which is over two times as those for untextured ceramics (∼243 pC N−1 and 0.17%). The electrostriction Q33 value of the textured sample remarkably increased from 0.034 m4 C−2 to 0.068 m4 C−2 under 30 kV cm−1, showing a twice higher than untextured. Compared with random ceramics, the improvement piezoelectric response of the textured ceramics is primarily attributed to the increase of the dielectric constant εr and electrostriction coefficient Q33 along [001] orientation, which is originating from the anisotropy of piezoelectricity. The BS‐60PT‐0.125Nb textured ceramics have large piezoelectric response and ultrahigh electrostriction with high temperature stability (high depolarization temperature Td of ∼360°C and high Curie temperature Tc of 421°C), showing great potential for the piezoelectric applications at high temperatures.
Association between the degree of vertebrobasilar stenosis, location, infarction pattern, and QMRA flow state
Authors: Ballout Ahmad A. , Huang Brendan , Oh Seok Yoon , Black Karen , Sideras Panagiotis , Arora Rohan , Yaghi Shadi , Katz Jeffrey M. , Libman Richard B.
Published: May 2023

Background and Purpose

We aimed to investigate the relationship between the degree and location of vertebrobasilar stenosis and quantitative magnetic resonance angiography (QMRA) distal flow.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients who presented with acute ischemic stroke with ≥50% stenosis of the extracranial or intracranial vertebral or basilar arteries, and QMRA performed within 1 year of stroke. Standardized techniques were used to measure stenosis and to dichotomize vertebrobasilar distal flow status. Patients were grouped based on the involved artery and the severity of disease. All p‐values were calculated using chi‐squared analysis and Fisher exact test with statistical significance defined as p < .05.

Results

Sixty‐nine patients met study inclusion, consisting of 31 with low distal flow and 38 with normal distal flow. The presence of severe stenosis or occlusion was 100% sensitive, but only 47% predictive and 26% specific of a low distal flow state. Bilateral vertebral disease was only 55% sensitive but was 71% predictive and 82% specific of a low‐flow state and was five times and nearly three times more likely to result in a low‐flow state compared to unilateral vertebral disease (14%) and isolated basilar disease (28%), respectively.

Conclusions

Severe stenosis of ≥70% may mark the minimal threshold required to cause hemodynamic insufficiency in the posterior circulation, but nearly half of these patients may remain hemodynamically sufficient. Bilateral vertebral stenosis resulted in a fivefold increase in QMRA low distal flow status compared to unilateral vertebral disease. These results may have implications in the design of future treatment trials of intracranial atherosclerotic disease.
Sensory discrimination of single hop beers by using sorting combined with profiling and intensity rating
Authors: Garrido‐Bañuelos Gonzalo , Buica Astrid
Published: May 2023

Sensory methodologies are continuously being optimized based on industry needs. Sorting is a widely used sensory method; however, it provides limited information about the uniqueness of individual products. The present work was performed on nine single‐hop beers using a combination of sorting with profiling and intensity rating (SPIR) rating to highlight the intra‐group variability and individual characteristics. Results have shown that SPIR can effectively highlight the intra‐group differences. It has also shown that a higher frequency of citation did not always correspond to a higher attribute intensity. For the considered application, the results highlighted the role of hop varieties on the sensory profile of beers. Overall sensory similarities were found between Mosaic (MO), Citra (CI), and Celeia (CE) hops. However, the use of SPIR highlighted differences between CE and the other hops. Amarillo (AM) hops showed the most distinctive profile in all cases.

Practical applications

The use of sorting in combination with profiling and intensity rating (SPIR) rating can be a valuable tool in new product development. It is not only important to understand the overall sensory similarities and differences between groups of samples, but also unique aspects compared to similar products. The present work has shown that adding intensity to sorting and profiling can highlight the inner characteristics of individual products in a group of samples with an overall similar sensory profile.