bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping consumers’ semi-conscious decisions with the use of ZMET in a retail market setup
Authors: Chatterjee Shuvam , Bryla Pawel
Published: August 2023

The essence of marketing today for retail consumers is to produce a favorable sensory brand experience to gain competitive visibility. Experiential marketing is a phenomenon that is in the current trend of usage by marketing experts to ensure that consumers are more involved in the purchase decision-making process. Purchase decisions are the results of both conscious and semi-conscious consumer experiences. This paper explores the underlying consumer thoughts and emotions influenced by retail store attributes (fragrance, music, store layout, and temperature) which play a significant role in their purchase decision making affecting their mood and behavior. The study introduces Zaltman Metaphor Elicitation Technique (ZMET) as a qualitative tool to elicitate hidden understanding of a consumer’s decision-making process by stimulating human senses and interpreting the attributes that ultimately contribute to consumer decision-making. The researcher selects a well-known retail brand to understand and identify the hidden metaphors contributing to consumer satisfaction through retail atmospherics. The study brought out prominent network retail clusters and their supporting elements which ultimately contribute to consumer satisfaction during the purchasing process inside a retail store. The study would enable store managers to identify the relevant core elements hidden in the subconscious consumer minds which would facilitate enhanced customer satisfaction during designing their retail stores.
Assessment of reproductive toxicity of gold nanoparticles and its reversibility in male albino rats
Authors: Abdulhaq Nancy A. , Elnady Dina A. , Abo El-atta Hend M. , El-Morsi Doaa A. , Gad El-Hak Seham A.
Published: August 2023

Nanotechnology has become a trending area in science all over the world. Although gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been utilized widely in biomedical fields, potential toxicities may arise from their interactions with biological systems. The current study aimed at evaluating the toxic effects of AuNPs on the reproductive system of adult male albino rats and assessing the recovery probability. In this study, AuNPs (13 ± 4 nm in diameter) were synthesized, and the experimental work was conducted on 60 adult male albino rats divided into the following groups: control group (received deionized water daily intraperitoneally (IP) for 28 days), test group, and withdrawal groups I and II (received 570 μg/kg of 13 ± 4 nm AuNPs daily IP for 28 days). Withdrawal groups I and II were left for another 30 and 60 days without sacrification, respectively. The test group showed significant decreases in final body and absolute testicular weights, testosterone hormone level, sperm count and motility, and spermatogenesis score, as well as significant increase in the percentage of sperms of abnormal morphology compared to the control group, associated with significant light and electron microscopic histopathological changes. Partial improvement of all studied reproductive parameters was detected after one month of withdrawal in withdrawal group I, and significant improvement and reversibility of all these parameters were reported after two months of withdrawal in withdrawal group II. So, AuNPs induce male reproductive toxicity, which partially improves after one month of withdrawal and significantly improves and reverses after two months of withdrawal.
GHOSTly flute music: drumlins, moats and the bed of Thwaites Glacier
Authors: Alley Richard B. , Holschuh Nick , Parizek Byron , Zoet Lucas K. , Riverman Kiya , Muto Atsuhiro , Christianson Knut , Clyne Elisabeth , Anandakrishnan Sridhar , Stevens Nathan T.
Published: August 2023

Glacier-bed characteristics that are poorly known and modeled are important in projected sea-level rise from ice-sheet changes under strong warming, especially in the Thwaites Glacier drainage of West Antarctica. Ocean warming may induce ice-shelf thinning or loss, or thinning of ice in estuarine zones, reducing backstress on grounded ice. Models indicate that, in response, more-nearly-plastic beds favor faster ice loss by causing larger flow acceleration, but more-nearly-viscous beds favor localized near-coastal thinning that could speed grounding-zone retreat into interior basins where marine-ice-sheet instability or cliff instability could develop and cause very rapid ice loss. Interpretation of available data indicates that the bed is spatially mosaicked, with both viscous and plastic regions. Flow against bedrock topography removes plastic lubricating tills, exposing bedrock that is eroded on up-glacier sides of obstacles to form moats with exposed bedrock tails extending downglacier adjacent to lee-side soft-till bedforms. Flow against topography also generates high-ice-pressure zones that prevent inflow of lubricating water over distances that scale with the obstacle size. Extending existing observations to sufficiently large regions, and developing models assimilating such data at the appropriate scale, present large, important research challenges that must be met to reliably project future forced sea-level rise.
International Criminal Law and Customary Law for Punishment of the Perpetrators of International Crimes in South Sudan
Authors: Jok Kuel
Published: August 2023

The article examines how to address the report of the African Union Commission of Inquiry on South Sudan, which accuses the Government of South Sudan and the rebels of committing “crimes against humanity” and violating “international humanitarian law” in the war of December 2013. The Commission recommends “an Africa-led, Africa-owned, Africa-resourced legal mechanism, under the aegis of the African Union and with support from the United Nations, to bring those with the greatest responsibility at the highest level to accountability” in a court. Second, the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan asked for establishing a hybrid court in South Sudan to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators of “genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes”. The Cabinet of South Sudan approved, in its resolution on 29 January 2021, the establishment of the court. On the other hand, the Government of South Sudan rejected accountability for the perpetrators of international crimes in its resolution at the Transition Justice Conference and recommended “amnesty” for those admitting the commission of international crimes in Juba, Malakal, Bor and Bentiu. The research findings show that amnesty threatens peace and security because customary law rejects amnesty. Its implementation generates systematic vengeance from the clan of those killed. The research recommends the establishment of a hybrid court that adopts the complementarity principle in compatibility with the African customary law of blood compensation. The authoritative national criminal courts in South Sudan omit capital punishment on the grounds that (a) killer(s) pay(s) blood compensation, apok or cot, to the survivors of (a) killed person(s) with 51 cattle. The payment changes the penalties of life imprisonment, which international criminal law imposes on the perpetrators of international crimes and the death penalty, which African criminal law imposes on the confirmed killer(s). Finally, the tribunal imposes 10-year terms of imprisonment on the confirmed perpetrators of international crimes.
COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) in Children Attended-to in the Health UNIC System (HUS) With flu and Respiratory Symptoms in Three Brazilian Municipalities in an International Border Region
Authors: Gonçalves Sereno Arianne Peruzo Pires , de Sousa Dahiane Locatelli , Santos Gimenes Pollyanna , Czezaniak Wanylla Paula dos Santos , Moretto Lorena de Fátima , Rey Laísa Marina Rosa , Fazoli Kawany Gabrieli Zanetti , Santos Mariana Carvalho dos , Santos Isabela Carvalho dos , Gonçalves Daniela Dib
Published: August 2023

Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of the disease and research risk factors through sociodemographic data of children aged 0 to 15 years, with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 in 3 Brazilian municipalities in an international border region.

Methods:

Epidemiological and RT-PCR test results were collected from the COVID-19 notification records in suspected children and adolescents from March 1 to August 31, 2020, in municipalities (Assis Chateaubriand, Tupãssi, and Formosa do Oeste) located in an international border region. The results obtained and the variables associated were subjected to statistical analysis using the Chi-Square Test (x2) or Fisher’s Exact Test, using the statistical program SPSS v. 21.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, USA) at the 5% significance level.

Results:

Among the 147 children from the 3 municipalities, 20 (13.60%) were diagnosed as positive. The predominance of cases was in male children (60.00%) and in children living in urban areas (80%). The most frequent symptoms observed in children were fever (65.00% of the cases), followed by headache (60.00%), cough (55.00%), and nasal congestion, as well as sore throat, both found in 35.00% of the cases.

Conclusion:

All these data highlight the importance and the need for more epidemiological studies, especially in children and adolescents, as COVID-19 becomes part of the child health panorama worldwide, with serious direct and indirect impacts for humans, animals, and the environment.
Investigation and Decontamination of an Urban Monkeypox Occurrence
Authors: Hockaday Sarah L. , Schulte Joann , McCallum Erick , Schwartz Randall , Esparza Richard , Swienton Raymond , Fowler Ray
Published: August 2023

Before the described monkeypox virus (MPXV) case in this article, limited cases of human MPXV had occurred within the United States. Lessons learned from prior outbreaks contributed to a successful approach to decontamination and containment of an adult case of MPXV in Dallas, Texas. This case report provides an overview of the characteristics of the monkeypox virus, its effects on the human body, and a primary focus on a successful protocol for household decontamination. Additional information is provided on methods related to public relations and information management that were utilized during this incident.
Emergency Department Admission Rates, Waiting Times, and Mortality: An Observational Study in the Tertiary Center Most Proximal to Gaza During a Military Conflict
Authors: Dreiher Jacob , Einav Sharon , Codish Shlomi , Frenkel Amit
Published: August 2023

Objectives:

Military conflicts may be ongoing and encompass multiple medical facilities. This study investigated the impact of a military conflict (“Protective Edge” PE) on emergency department (ED) function in a tertiary medical center.

Methods:

Visits to the ED during PE (July-August 2014) were compared with ED visits during July-August 2013 and 2015 with regard to admission rates, waiting times and 30-d mortality. Odds ratios (ORs) adjusted for confounders were used for the multivariable regression models.

Results:

There were 32,343 visits during PE and 74,279 visits during the comparison periods. A 13% decrease in the daily number of visits was noted. During PE, longer waiting times were found, on average 0.25 h longer, controlling for confounders. The difference in waiting times was greater in medicine and surgery. Admission rates were on average 10% higher during PE military conflict, controlling for confounders. This difference decreased to 7% controlling for the daily number of visits. Thirty-day mortality was significantly increased during PE (OR = 1.42; 95% CI: 1.18-1.70). ORs for mortality during PE were significantly higher in medicine (OR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.15-1.81) and pediatrics (OR = 4.40; 95% CI: 1.33-14.5).

Conclusions:

During an ongoing military conflict, waiting times, admission rates, and mortality were statistically significantly increased.
On the values taken by slice torus invariants
Authors: FELLER PETER , LEWARK LUKAS , LOBB ANDREW
Published: August 2023

We study the space of slice torus invariants. In particular we characterise the set of values that slice torus invariants may take on a given knot in terms of the stable smooth slice genus. Our study reveals that the resolution of the local Thom conjecture implies the existence of slice torus invariants without having to appeal to any explicit construction from a knot homology theory.
The Open Debate on Open Communion in The Episcopal Church
Authors: Bogert-Winkler Hilary
Published: August 2023

In May 2022, the Diocese of Northern California submitted resolution C028 to the 80th General Convention of The Episcopal Church, in which they asked for a repeal of Canon 1.17.7, which limits reception of Holy Communion to the baptized. While the resolution did not make it out of committee, it touched oﬀ a church-wide debate about the practice of communion without baptism, generally referred to as ‘open communion’. This article examines the nature of the debate in the summer of 2022, and highlights some issues around discussions concerning baptism and Eucharist in The Episcopal Church. It is hoped that in doing so, this will aid further dialogues in the Church about the practice of open communion.
The Necessity of God: Modern Theology and the Church’s Witness
Authors: Platten Stephen
Published: August 2023

The philosophical positing of the necessity of God implies that there is a responsibility placed upon the Church to remind all humankind of our contingency and to speak of God’s presence especially in times of national and international crisis. Recent experience has exposed a certain silence from the Churches and notably from their leadership – notable examples would be the Covid-19 pandemic and the possible perils of continuing conflicts. How does theology prosper an appropriate sense of development and response to changes in culture – both through individuals and wider movements? How can it be made clear that theology is far from being an obsolete discipline in contemporary culture?
The Power of Everyday Networks in Nation-Building: The Case of Inter-Ethnic Friendships in Singapore
Authors: Chua Vincent , Tan Ern Ser , Mathews Mathew
Published: August 2023

While scholars commonly see nation-building as a modernist project or a cultural assertion, we suggest that a “third way” is equally important. Analysing data from a representative survey of 2,001 Singaporean residents collected in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, we demonstrate that everyday social networks have been key to creating and maintaining Singaporean nationalism. We make the point that despite ambitious plans at transforming society, modernist projects must rely upon organic, routinised, and quotidian mechanisms such as friendship-making within and between ethnic groups for national cohesion to materialise.
Beavers Are Remaking Microbial Ecosystems in the Arctic
Authors: Sidik Saima
Published: August 2023

As beavers expand their range northward into the Arctic tundra, changes in bacterial, archaeal, and fungal communities appear to be following.
More Than Half the World’s Ocean Surface Is Getting Greener
Authors: Rodrigues Meghie
Published: August 2023

Advances in data analysis help researchers spot shifting ocean colors, which could be associated with climate change.
Landfast Sea Ice: The Most Important Ice You’ve Never Heard Of
Authors: Wongpan Pat , Fraser Alexander D.
Published: August 2023

Landfast sea ice, sea ice that is held stationary against the Antarctic continent, links firmly with many key climate processes, but its importance is only being fully realized as its extent dwindles.
The Quasi‐Linear Absolute Angular Momentum Slope of Tropical Cyclones Under Rapid Intensification
Authors: Tao Dandan , Nystrom Robert , Bell Michael
Published: August 2023

Tropical cyclone (TC) low‐level tangential wind structure is known to be an important input for risk assessment (e.g., storm surge). However, a realistic TC wind structure model with easy implementation is still needed for many applications. In this study, we obtain an inner‐core wind structure model purely from an empirical approach, which significantly reduces the complexity of TC wind profiles. From idealized simulations with different initial vortex structures, it is found that the absolute angular momentum (M) outside the radius of maximum wind (rm) is quasi‐linear. This quasi‐linear M slope in a normalized coordinate decreases with TC intensity. The consequent linear M slope wind model can largely capture the simulated TC inner‐core wind structure and has the potential for many practical applications.
Simultaneous Observation of Whistler‐Mode Chorus and Fast Magnetosonic Waves During the Magnetic Peak in the Inner Magnetosphere
Authors: Huang Zheng , Yuan Zhigang , Yu Xiongdong , Deng Dan , Xue Zuxiang
Published: August 2023

Simultaneous observations of whistler‐mode chorus and magnetosonic (MS) waves are reported within a magnetic peak in the inner magnetosphere for the first time. During the magnetic peak, Van Allen Probe A observes flux enhancements of both ring current electrons and relativistic electrons, while medium‐energy proton fluxes are reduced but high‐energy proton fluxes are raised. Those flux variations of ring current particles are almost concentrated in the perpendicular direction of the background magnetic field, leading to enhancements of the electron temperature anisotropy and a positive gradient of proton velocity distributions. The calculated linear growth rates show that unstable electrons with temperature anisotropic instabilities and unstable protons with ring distribution during the magnetic peak structure can provide free energy for the excitation of whistler‐mode chorus and MS waves, respectively. Our findings suggest that injected particles encountering the magnetic peak structure may form more complex unstable electron and ion distributions driving multiple instabilities simultaneously.
Magnetic Properties of Lightning‐Induced Glass Produced From Five Mineral Phases
Authors: Woods T. W. , Feinberg J. M. , Genareau K. , Park C. , Won H. , Hong Y.‐K.
Published: August 2023

The physical properties of minerals are modified by the high temperatures of volcanic lightning during explosive eruptions. Alteration involves rapid heating and volatilization, melting, and fusion of ash grains within the discharge channel, followed by rapid quenching into new glassy textures. High current impulse experiments reveal that lightning alters not only the morphology and mineralogy of volcanic ash but also its magnetic properties. We investigate lightning‐induced magnetic changes in five igneous minerals (<32 μm powders of albite, labradorite, augite, hornblende, and magnetite) by comparing hysteresis parameters before and after impulse experiments conducted at peak currents of 25 and 40 kA. Both the paramagnetic and ferrimagnetic behaviors of the samples were altered, which we interpret as a superposition of two processes. (a) Rapid melting allows iron contained within inclusions of Fe‐oxides and Fe‐bearing silicates to diffuse into the newly formed melt, thereby increasing the paramagnetism of the resulting glass. (b) Nucleation and growth of magnetite from the newly formed melt increases the ferrimagnetic behavior of the post‐experimental samples. Nominally non‐Fe‐bearing silicates like albite and labradorite have significantly increased paramagnetism and ferrimagnetism. Fe‐bearing silicates like augite and hornblende contain higher concentrations of ferrimagnetic inclusions, from which Fe diffuses into the newly formed melt, thereby increasing paramagnetism while decreasing ferrimagnetism. Experiments conducted on magnetite produced new magnetite crystals with dendritic habits. Although specific to volcanic ash, these results provide important insights into the magnetism of other materials affected by lightning on Earth, the Moon, and throughout the solar system.
Mitochondrial heterogeneity in diseases
Authors: Chen Long , Zhou Mengnan , Li Hao , Liu Delin , Liao Peng , Zong Yao , Zhang Changqing , Zou Weiguo , Gao Junjie
Published: August 2023

As key organelles involved in cellular metabolism, mitochondria frequently undergo adaptive changes in morphology, components and functions in response to various environmental stresses and cellular demands. Previous studies of mitochondria research have gradually evolved, from focusing on morphological change analysis to systematic multiomics, thereby revealing the mitochondrial variation between cells or within the mitochondrial population within a single cell. The phenomenon of mitochondrial variation features is defined as mitochondrial heterogeneity. Moreover, mitochondrial heterogeneity has been reported to influence a variety of physiological processes, including tissue homeostasis, tissue repair, immunoregulation, and tumor progression. Here, we comprehensively review the mitochondrial heterogeneity in different tissues under pathological states, involving variant features of mitochondrial DNA, RNA, protein and lipid components. Then, the mechanisms that contribute to mitochondrial heterogeneity are also summarized, such as the mutation of the mitochondrial genome and the import of mitochondrial proteins that result in the heterogeneity of mitochondrial DNA and protein components. Additionally, multiple perspectives are investigated to better comprehend the mysteries of mitochondrial heterogeneity between cells. Finally, we summarize the prospective mitochondrial heterogeneity-targeting therapies in terms of alleviating mitochondrial oxidative damage, reducing mitochondrial carbon stress and enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis to relieve various pathological conditions. The possibility of recent technological advances in targeted mitochondrial gene editing is also discussed.
An open-access dataset of naturalistic viewing using simultaneous EEG-fMRI
Authors: Telesford Qawi K. , Gonzalez-Moreira Eduardo , Xu Ting , Tian Yiwen , Colcombe Stanley J. , Cloud Jessica , Russ Brian E. , Falchier Arnaud , Nentwich Maximilian , Madsen Jens , Parra Lucas C. , Schroeder Charles E. , Milham Michael P. , Franco Alexandre R.
Published: August 2023

In this work, we present a dataset that combines functional magnetic imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) to use as a resource for understanding human brain function in these two imaging modalities. The dataset can also be used for optimizing preprocessing methods for simultaneously collected imaging data. The dataset includes simultaneously collected recordings from 22 individuals (ages: 23–51) across various visual and naturalistic stimuli. In addition, physiological, eye tracking, electrocardiography, and cognitive and behavioral data were collected along with this neuroimaging data. Visual tasks include a flickering checkerboard collected outside and inside the MRI scanner (EEG-only) and simultaneous EEG-fMRI recordings. Simultaneous recordings include rest, the visual paradigm Inscapes, and several short video movies representing naturalistic stimuli. Raw and preprocessed data are openly available to download. We present this dataset as part of an effort to provide open-access data to increase the opportunity for discoveries and understanding of the human brain and evaluate the correlation between electrical brain activity and blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signals.
Reading, singing, and storytelling: the impact of caregiver-child interaction and child access to books and preschool on early childhood development in Ghana
Authors: Mohammed Shamsudeen , Afaya Agani , Abukari Alhassan Sibdow
Published: August 2023

Optimal early childhood development (ECD) is crucial in shaping future academic and economic accomplishments. Recognising its profound influence, the United Nations has included a specific target and indicator related to ECD in the Sustainable Development Goals to ensure universal access to high-quality ECD for all preschoolers by 2030. This study investigated whether caregiver-child engagements, early stimulation, and learning opportunities are associated with ECD among children aged 36–59 months. Data on 6752 children were pooled from the 2011 and 2017 Ghana Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys. The ECD outcomes of interest were literacy-numeracy, social-emotional, learning-cognitive, and physical development, measured with UNICEF's Early Childhood Development Index (ECDI). Binary logistic regression assessed the effects of various caregiver-child engagements and early learning opportunities on the ECD outcomes. We found that most children were developmentally on track in the physical (95.0%) and learning-cognitive (86.4%) domains, but fewer were on track in the literacy-numeracy (36.7%) and social-emotional (68.6%) domains. Reading to or with a child (aOR 1.72; 95% CI 1.35–2.19), telling them stories (aOR 1.61; 95% CI 1.26–2.04), counting or drawing with them (aOR 1.63; 95% CI 1.30–2.04) and a child’s attendance at preschool (aOR 4.62; 95% CI 3.34–6.38) were associated with a higher odds for on track literacy-numeracy development. Playing with a child was associated with higher odds of on-track social-emotional development (aOR 1.29; 95% CI 1.04–1.59), physical development (aOR 1.61; 95% CI 1.01–2.55), and learning-cognitive development (aOR 1.51; 95% CI 1.14–2.00). However, singing songs to or with a child (aOR 0.78; 95% CI 0.62–0.89) and taking a child outside the home (aOR 0.78; 95% CI 0.64–0.95) were associated with lower odds for on track social-emotional development. Access to children's books at home was associated with higher odds for on track literacy-numeracy and social-emotional development. In subgroup analysis, some observed associations varied depending on a child's residence (urban or rural). Our findings confirmed that caregiver-child  interaction and early learning opportunities could increase a child’s likelihood of achieving early developmental milestones.
XRF analysis searching for fingerprint elemental profile in south-eastern Sicily tomatoes
Authors: Panebianco Salvina , Pellegriti Maria Grazia , Finocchiaro Claudio , Musumarra Agatino , Barone Germana , Caggiani Maria Cristina , Cirvilleri Gabriella , Lanzafame Gabriele , Pulvirenti Alfredo , Scordino Agata , Mazzoleni Paolo
Published: August 2023

The implementation of analytical techniques able to certify food quality and origin in a fast and non-destructive way is becoming a widespread need in the agri-food sector. Among the physical non-destructive techniques, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry is often used to analyze the elemental composition of biological samples. In this study, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) elemental profiles were measured on tomato samples belonging to different geographical areas in Sicily (Italy). The purpose of this investigation was aiming to establish a protocol for in-situ measurement and analysis able to provide quality assessment and traceability of PGI agri-food products, specifically sustaining health safety and self qualifying bio-chemical signature. In detail, sampling was performed in one of the most tomato productive area of south-eastern Sicily (Pachino district), characterised by a relative higher amount of Organic Carbon and Cation Exchange Capacity, and compared with samples from other growing areas of Sicily, falling in Ragusa province and Mt. Etna region. Experimental data were analyzed in the framework of multivariate analysis by using principal component analysis and further validated by discriminant analysis. The results show the presence of specific elemental signatures associated to several characterizing elements. This methodology establishes the possibility to disentangle a clear fingerprint pattern associated to the geographical origin of an agri-food product.
Clinical importance of the range of detectable variants between the Oncomine Dx target test and a conventional single-gene test for EGFR mutation
Authors: Sakaguchi Tadashi , Iketani Akemi , Esumi Seiya , Esumi Maki , Suzuki Yuta , Ito Kentaro , Fujiwara Kentaro , Nishii Yoichi , Katsuta Koji , Yasui Hiroki , Taguchi Osamu , Hataji Osamu
Published: August 2023

Although we have experienced some cases with discordant results between the Oncomine Dx target test (ODxTT) and conventional single gene tests for detecting EGFR alterations, the clinical efficacy of EGFR-TKIs in these discordant cases remains little known. We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients with non-small-cell lung cancer whose FFPE samples were simultaneously submitted for the ODxTT, and a PNA-LNA PCR clamp test. We evaluated the clinical efficacy of EGFR-TKIs in patients with discordant results between the two tests, focusing on the common EGFR mutations. Among 444 successful results, 10 patients had discordant results for common EGFR mutations (9 Ex 19 deletion and 1 Ex 21 L858R mutation), and all of these were detected only by the PNA-LNA PCR clamp test. Among six discordant cases treated with EGFR-TKI, the mutations detected in 3 patients were not included in the list of detectable variants that are reportable by the ODxTT, while the mutations detected in the other 3 patients were included in the list. For all three discordant cases harboring the mutations not reportable by the ODxTT, good clinical responses were demonstrated. However, among the other three discordant cases harboring the mutations reportable by the ODxTT, only one patient had a clinical response with short duration. Among the discordant cases for common EGFR mutations between the ODxTT and the conventional single gene test, there are a certain number of suitable patients responsive to EGFR-TKIs, especially when the cause of the discordant results comes from the difference in the range of detectable variants that are reportable between the tests.
Haemodynamic changes in visceral hybrid repairs of type III and type V thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms
Authors: Ong Chi Wei , Wee Ian J. Y. , Toma Milan , Cui Fangsen , Xu Xiao Yun , Richards Arthur Mark , Leo Hwa Liang , Choong Andrew M. T. L.
Published: August 2023

The visceral hybrid procedure combining retrograde visceral bypass grafting and completion endovascular stent grafting is a feasible alternative to conventional open surgical or wholly endovascular repairs of thoracoabdominal aneurysms (TAAA). However, the wide variability in visceral hybrid configurations means that a priori prediction of surgical outcome based on haemodynamic flow profiles such as velocity pattern and wall shear stress post repair remain challenging. We sought to appraise the clinical relevance of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses in the setting of visceral hybrid TAAA repairs. Two patients, one with a type III and the other with a type V TAAA, underwent successful elective and emergency visceral hybrid repairs, respectively. Flow patterns and haemodynamic parameters were analysed using reconstructed pre- and post-operative CT scans. Both type III and type V TAAAs showed highly disturbed flow patterns with varying helicity values preoperatively within their respective aneurysms. Low time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS) and high endothelial cell action potential (ECAP) and relative residence time (RRT) associated with thrombogenic susceptibility was observed in the posterior aspect of both TAAAs preoperatively. Despite differing bypass configurations in the elective and emergency repairs, both treatment options appear to improve haemodynamic performance compared to preoperative study. However, we observed reduced TAWSS in the right iliac artery (portending a theoretical risk of future graft and possibly limb thrombosis), after the elective type III visceral hybrid repair, but not the emergency type V repair. We surmise that this difference may be attributed to the higher neo-bifurcation of the aortic stent graft in the type III as compared to the type V repair. Our results demonstrate that CFD can be used in complicated visceral hybrid repair to yield potentially actionable predictive insights with implications on surveillance and enhanced post-operative management, even in patients with complicated geometrical bypass configurations.
Development and validation of a machine learning-based prognostic risk stratification model for acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Wang Kai , Hong Tao , Liu Wencai , Xu Chan , Yin Chengliang , Liu Haiyan , Wei Xiu’e , Wu Shi-Nan , Li Wenle , Rong Liangqun
Published: August 2023

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a most prevalent cause of serious long-term disability worldwide. Accurate prediction of stroke prognosis is highly valuable for effective intervention and treatment. As such, the present retrospective study aims to provide a reliable machine learning-based model for prognosis prediction in AIS patients. Data from AIS patients were collected retrospectively from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University between August 2017 and July 2019. Independent prognostic factors were identified by univariate and multivariate logistic analysis and used to develop machine learning (ML) models. The ML model performance was assessed by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and radar plot. Shapley Additive explanations (SHAP) values were used to interpret the importance of all features included in the predictive model. A total of 677 AIS patients were included in the present study. Poor prognosis was observed in 209 patients (30.9%). Six variables, including neuron specific enolase (NSE), homocysteine (HCY), S-100β, dysphagia, C-reactive protein (CRP), and anticoagulation were included to establish ML models. Six different ML algorithms were tested, and Random Forest model was selected as the final predictive model with the greatest AUC of 0.908. Moreover, according to SHAP results, NSE impacted the predictive model the most, followed by HCY, S-100β, dysphagia, CRP and anticoagulation. Based on the RF model, an online tool was constructed to predict the prognosis of AIS patients and assist clinicians in optimizing patient treatment. The present study revealed that NSE, HCY, CRP, S-100β, anticoagulation, and dysphagia were important factors for poor prognosis in AIS patients. ML algorithms were used to develop predictive models for predicting the prognosis of AIS patients, with the RF model presenting the optimal performance.
Repetitive sampling inspection plan for cancer patients using exponentiated half-logistic distribution under indeterminacy
Authors: Rao Gadde Srinivasa , Kirigiti Peter Josephat
Published: August 2023

This piece of work deals with a time truncated sampling scheme for cancer patients using exponentiated half-logistic distribution (EHLD) based on indeterminacy. We have studied time truncated schemes like repetitive acceptance sampling plan (RASP) under indeterminacy. We have estimated the projected scheme parameters such as sample size and acceptance and rejection sample numbers for known indeterminacy parameters. In addition to the projected sampling scheme quantities, the corresponding tables are generated for various values of indeterminacy parameters. The results of a sampling scheme show that the average sample number (ASN) decreases as indeterminacy values increase. It leads that the indeterminacy parameter is played a crucial portrayal in ASN. A comparative study is carried out with existing sampling schemes based on indeterminacy and classical sampling schemes. The evaluated sampling schemes are exemplified with the help of cancer data. From tables and exemplification, we wind up that the projected RSP scheme under indeterminacy desired a smaller sample size than the existing schemes.
Robust electrocardiogram delineation model for automatic morphological abnormality interpretation
Authors: Nurmaini Siti , Darmawahyuni Annisa , Rachmatullah Muhammad Naufal , Firdaus Firdaus , Sapitri Ade Iriani , Tutuko Bambang , Tondas Alexander Edo , Putra Muhammad Hafizh Permana , Islami Anggun
Published: August 2023

Knowledge of electrocardiogram (ECG) wave signals is one of the essential steps in diagnosing heart abnormalities. Considerable performance with respect to obtaining the critical point of a signal waveform (P-QRS-T) through ECG delineation has been achieved in many studies. However, several deficiencies remain regarding previous methods, including the effects of noise interference on the performance degradation of delineation and the role of medical knowledge in reaching a delineation decision. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a robust delineation model based on a convolutional recurrent network with grid search optimization, aiming to classify the precise P-QRS-T waves. In order to make a delineation decision, the results from the ECG waveform classification model are utilized to interpret morphological abnormalities, based on medical knowledge. We generated 36 models, and the model with the best results achieved 99.97% accuracy, 99.92% sensitivity, and 99.93% precision for ECG waveform classification (P-wave, QRS-complex, T-wave, and isoelectric line class). To ensure the model robustness, we evaluated delineation model performance on seven different types of ECG datasets, namely the Lobachevsky University Electrocardiography Database (LUDB), QT Database (QTDB), the PhysioNet/Computing in Cardiology Challenge 2017, China Physiological Signal Challenge 2018, ECG Arrhythmia of Chapman University, MIT-BIH Arrhythmia Database and General Mohammad Hossein Hospital (Indonesia) databases. To detect the patterns of ECG morphological abnormalities through proposed delineation model, we focus on investigating arrhythmias. This process is based on two inputs examination: the P-wave and the regular/irregular rhythm of the RR interval. As the results, the proposed method has considerable capability to interpret the delineation result in cases with artifact noise, baseline drift and abnormal morphologies for delivering robust ECG delineation.
A randomized phase 2 study on demeclocycline in patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19
Authors: Iwahori Kota , Nii Takuro , Yamaguchi Norihiko , Kawasaki Takahiro , Okamura Satomi , Hashimoto Kazuki , Matsuki Takanori , Tsujino Kazuyuki , Miki Keisuke , Osa Akio , Goya Sho , Abe Kinya , Mori Masahide , Takeda Yoshito , Yamada Tomomi , Kida Hiroshi , Kumanogoh Atsushi
Published: August 2023

Tetracyclines exhibit anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities via various mechanisms. The present study investigated the efficacy and safety of demeclocycline in patients hospitalized with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 via an open-label, multicenter, parallel-group, randomized controlled phase 2 trial. Primary and secondary outcomes included changes from baseline (day 1, before the study treatment) in lymphocytes, cytokines, and SARS-CoV-2 RNA on day 8. Seven, seven, and six patients in the control, demeclocycline 150 mg daily, and demeclocycline 300 mg daily groups, respectively, were included in the modified intention-to-treat population that was followed until day 29. A significant change of 191.3/μL in the number of CD4+ T cells from day 1 to day 8 was observed in the demeclocycline 150 mg group (95% CI 5.1/μL–377.6/μL) (p = 0.023), whereas that in the control group was 47.8/μL (95% CI − 151.2/μL to 246.8/μL), which was not significant (p = 0.271). The change rates of CD4+ T cells negatively correlated with those of IL-6 in the demeclocycline-treated groups (R = − 0.807, p = 0.009). All treatment-emergent adverse events were of mild-to-moderate severity. The present results indicate that the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 patients with demeclocycline elicits immune responses conducive to recovery from COVID-19 with good tolerability.

Trial registration: This study was registered with the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (Trial registration number: jRCTs051200049; Date of the first registration: 26/08/2020).
Study on the energy evolution mechanism of coal and rock with impact tendency under different strain rates
Authors: Zhang Kun , Zhang Yichen , Zhang Sen , Ren Jianxi , Zhang Liang , Zhang Renjie , Cui Yuanquan
Published: August 2023

To explore the strain rate effect of deformation and failure of impact prone coal rock, uniaxial compression tests and triaxial compression tests with different strain rates were carried out. The mechanical properties and impact tendency of impact-prone coal rock were studied, and the energy evolution law and pre-peak energy self-promotion-inhibition mechanism of impact-prone coal rock were obtained. The results show that with the increase of strain rate, the peak strength of coal rock under uniaxial compression decreases gradually, and the peak strength of coal rock under triaxial compression increases first and then decreases, and the impact tendency of coal rock increases first and then decreases. The energy evolution of coal rock under uniaxial compression is mainly divided into four stages: initial energy damage, energy hardening, energy softening and failure. With the increase of strain rate, the total energy and elasticity at the peak point of coal rock under uniaxial compression decrease gradually, and the total energy, elastic energy and dissipation energy at the peak point under triaxial compression increase first and then decrease. The elastic energy promotion coefficient of impact-prone coal rock is much larger than the inhibition coefficient, and the increase of strain rate will promote the generation of elastic energy inside coal rock. The research results can provide reference for the prevention and early warning of dynamic disasters of coal and rock mass with impact tendency.
Theoretical study on dry reforming of methane over a Ni(111) surface under electric fields and with alkali metal additives
Authors: Jiao Hui , Wang Gui-Chang
Published: August 2023

The effect of alkali metals that enhance the activity and resistance to carbon deposition of Ni-based catalysts in the DRM reaction by favoring CO2dissociation can be reproduced by the external negative electric field quantitively.
Indium-doped flower-shaped PdIn nanocatalysts for enhanced ethanol oxidation
Authors: Dou Jingjing , Li Xiang , Xi Bo , Yang Xiaoxuan , Liu Yaming , Jin Changqing , Zhang Junjun
Published: August 2023

The three-dimensional indium-doped flower-shaped PdIn nanocatalysts were synthesized for the enhanced ethanol oxidation reaction.
Enzyme-coated biochar as a sustainable solution for water and wastewater treatment
Authors: Mota L. S. O. , de Oliveira P. C. O. , Peixoto B. S. , de Moraes M. C.
Published: August 2023

Enzyme-coated biochar combines adsorption and biodegradation, offering an efficient approach to remove emerging aqueous contaminants.
Turn-on fluorogenic sensors based on an anthraquinone signaling unit for the detection of Zn(ii) and Cd(ii) ions
Authors: Kongsak Chawanakorn , Chiangraeng Natthiti , Rithchumpon Puracheth , Nimmanpipug Piyarat , Meepowpan Puttinan , Tuntulani Thawatchai , Thavornyutikarn Praput
Published: August 2023

Turn-on fluorescent anthraquinone-based chemosensors 1 presents the utilization in sensing trace levels of both Zn(ii) and Cd(ii) ions.
Designing Janus catalysts for renewable energy-relevant bifunctional small molecule activation
Authors: Awasthi Mahendra Kumar , Aziz S. K. Tarik , Saini Abhishek , Lahiri Goutam K. , Dutta Arnab
Published: August 2023

Developing bifunctional catalysts is critical for ensuring renewable energy applications via small molecule activation.
Latest progress in proton-conducting hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks
Authors: Qiao Jin-Qi , Zuo Shuai-Wu , Li Zi-Feng , Li Gang
Published: August 2023

The latest progress of proton-conductive HOFs in terms of preparation, structural characteristics, proton conductivity, and proton-conducting mechanism are presented. The future trends and design ideas are also highlighted and prospected.
Stereoselective synthesis of 1,3- and 1,4-dicarbonyl-alkenes from cyclopropenes in a catalytic zinc system
Authors: Han Jiabin , Liu Yu , Yang Xiaoyan , Zhang Xuheng , Zhu Yuanhao , Zhao Min , Hao Gefei , Jiang Yaojia
Published: August 2023

This work describes a dual catalytic system for selective synthesis of α-allyl-1,3-ketoaldehydes and α-vinyl-1,4-ketoaldehydes through cascade reactions of hydroxyl substituted aromatic enaminones with cyclopropenes under zinc promoted conditions.
Copper-catalyzed asymmetric propargylation of imines enabled by a biphenol-based phosphoramidite ligand
Authors: Yan Qi-Qi , Ruan Cheng-Kai , Deng Yu-Qin , Pu Yu-Chuan , Chu Wen-Dao , He Cheng-Yu , Liu Quan-Zhong
Published: August 2023

Cu-catalyzed asymmetric propargylation of acyclic imines with electron-neutral protecting groups was established, providing the corresponding homopropargyl amines in excellent yields and high enantioselectivities.
N-Heterocyclic carbene catalyzed synthesis of benzotrifluorides from enals and β-trifluoromethylenones
Authors: Zhou Bang-An , Zhang Chun-Lin , Ye Song
Published: August 2023

An NHC-catalyzed benzannulation reaction of enals and β-trifluoromethylenones is developed for the synthesis of benzotrifluorides.
Microstructure, ion adsorption and magnetic behavior of mesoporous γ-Fe2O3 ferrite nanoparticles
Authors: Nasirpouri Farzad , Fallah Sohiela , Ahmadpour Ghader , Moslehifard Elnaz , Samardak Aleksei Yu. , Samardak Vadim Yu. , Ognev Alexey V. , Samardak Alexander S.
Published: August 2023

Mesoporous γ-Fe2O3 ferrite nanoparticles prepared in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide micellular templates.
Directing the size and dispersity of silver nanoparticles with kudzu leaf extracts
Authors: Adkins Jaley Faith , Kaur Amandeep , Alom Md. Sofiul , Chandran Haridas , Ramezanipour Farshid , Wilson Andrew J.
Published: August 2023

Kudzu leaf extraction solvents dictate the size and distribution of sizes of synthesized Ag nanoparticles.
Sustainable hydrogen generation and storage – a review
Authors: Sarmah Mrinmoy Kumar , Singh Tej Pratap , Kalita Pankaj , Dewan Anupam
Published: August 2023

This paper reviews the renewable hydrogen generation pathways, along with purification and storage technologies, and discusses the hydrogen economy and future prospects from an Indian context.
Electrochemical sensor for simultaneous determination of trifluoperazine and dopamine in human serum based on graphene oxide–carbon nanotubes/iron–nickel nanoparticles
Authors: Ahmed Yousef M. , Eldin Mahmoud A. , Galal Ahmed , Atta Nada F.
Published: August 2023

Simultaneous determination of trifluoperazine (TFLP) and dopamine (DA) in human serum based on graphene oxide–carbon nanotubes/iron–nickel nanoparticles.
Alternating current properties of bulk- and nanosheet-graphitic carbon nitride compacts at elevated temperatures
Authors: Maluangnont Tosapol , Pulphol Phieraya , Chaithaweep Kanokwan , Dabsamut Klichchupong , Kobkeatthawin Thawanrat , Smith Siwaporn Meejoo , Boonchun Adisak , Vittayakorn Naratip
Published: August 2023

g-C3N4 in bulk- and nanosheet-form display stable, weakly temperature dependent AC properties from 400 to 50 °C.
Performance degradation study of NiCo2O4-based asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Guo Guanlun , Mei Yilong , Chen Xu , Liu Jun , Liu Wentao
Published: August 2023

The performance of NiCo2O4//GO asymmetric supercapacitors was found to decline after many tests.
Cathodic electrodeposition of organic nanocomposite coatings reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals
Authors: Atifi Siham , Hamad Wadood Y.
Published: August 2023

Cathodic electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of cellulose nanocrystals and suitable polymers with enhanced performance.
Effect of pore size on heat release from CO2 adsorption in MIL-101, MOF-177, and UiO-66
Authors: Auti Gunjan , Kametani Yuki , Kimura Hibiki , Paul Soumyadeep , Hsu Wei-Lun , Kusaka Shinpei , Matsuda Ryotaro , Uemura Takashi , Chiashi Shohei , Daiguji Hirofumi
Published: August 2023

CO2 adsorption correlates with potential well creation within MOF pores. These wells exhibit pitchfork bifurcation, influenced by heterogeneity-to-pore-size ratio interplay.
Static electricity-based motion artifact-free electrocardiography with novel Ti3C2Tx MXene/Ag nanowire/polymer hybrid dry electrodes
Authors: Choi Su Bin , Lee Hooseok , Lee Jinseok , Kim Jong-Woong
Published: August 2023

A novel electrode design was developed, comprising silver nanowires and MXene nanosheets with a polymer film, which ensures superior conductive coverage and stable contact with the skin, promising enhanced ECG measurements free from motion artifacts.