bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Manipulating intermolecular interactions for ultralong organic phosphorescence
Authors: Cai Suzhi , Yao Xiaokang , Ma Huili , Shi Huifang , An Zhongfu
Published: February 2023

Ultralong organic phosphorescence (UOP) materials have received considerable attention in the field of organic optoelectronics due to their long lifetime, high exciton utilization, large Stokes shift, and so on. Great advancements have been achieved through manipulating intermolecular interactions for high‐performance UOP materials in recent years. This review will discuss the influence of various intermolecular interactions, including π‐π interactions, n‐π interactions, halogen bonding, hydrogen bonding, coordinative bonding, and ionic bonding on phosphorescent properties at room temperature, respectively. We summarize the rule of manipulating intermolecular interactions for UOP materials with superior phosphorescent properties. This review will provide a guideline for developing new UOP materials with superior phosphorescent properties for potential applications in organic electronics and bioelectronics.
Workplace violence against healthcare workers using nationally representative estimates of emergency department data, 2015–2017
Authors: Carey Imani , Hendricks Kitty
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Workers in the healthcare industry are at increased risk for workplace violence. The goal of this analysis is to determine the rate of injuries healthcare workers incurred as a result of intentional violence by patients in the workplace.

Methods

Injuries linked to workplace violence that were treated in US emergency departments from 2015 to 2017 were identified using data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System–Occupational Supplement (NEISS‐Work). All estimates and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using SAS® 9.4 Proc Survey to incorporate the stratified sample design of NEISS‐Work.

Results

Approximately 1.14 million injuries to workers in the healthcare industry were treated in US hospital emergency departments between 2015 and 2017. Intentional injuries by another person accounted for 15% of these healthcare‐related injuries. The results also showed that male healthcare workers' rate of injuries was 2.3 times higher than their female counterparts despite composing a smaller proportion of the workforce. Injury rates were highest among the less‐than‐25 age group, and decreased as healthcare workers' age increased.

Conclusions

Workplace violence is a serious problem in today's healthcare settings that affects both employees and patient care. Although violence in the healthcare industry has been researched for decades, there has been an increase in violent incidents in this industrial sector. The disparity in injury rates by sex and age are areas of concern. Further research in these areas is necessary to understand the root causes of these incidents and inform violence prevention strategies.
Covalent Organic Frameworks as Emerging Nonlinear Optical Materials
Authors: Nath Satyapriya , Puthukkudi Adithyan , Mohapatra Jeebanjyoti , Biswal Bishnu P.
Published: February 2023

The vastness of organic synthetic strategies and knowledge of reticular chemistry have made covalent organic frameworks (COFs) one of the most chemically and structurally diverse class of materials with potential applications ranging from gas storage, molecular separation, and catalysis to energy storage and magnetism. Recently, this class of porous materials has garnered increasing interest as potential nonlinear optical (NLO) materials. Traditionally, inorganic crystals, small‐molecule organic chromophores, and oligomers have been studied for their NLO response. Nevertheless, COFs offer significant advantages over existing NLO materials in terms of higher mechanical strength, thermochemical stability, and extended conjugation. Herein, we discuss crucial aspects, terminology, and measurement techniques related to NLO, followed by a critical analysis of the design principles for COFs with NLO response. Furthermore, we touch on selected potential applications of these NLO materials. Finally, future prospects and challenges of COFs as NLO materials are discussed.
Enabled Efficient Ammonia Synthesis and Energy Supply in a Zinc–Nitrate Battery System by Separating Nitrate Reduction Process into Two Stages
Authors: Jiang Haifeng , Chen Gao‐Feng , Savateev Oleksandr , Xue Jian , Ding Liang‐Xin , Liang Zhenxing , Antonietti Markus , Wang Haihui
Published: February 2023

The aqueous electrocatalytic reduction of NO3− into NH3 (NitrRR) presents a sustainable route applicable to NH3 production and potentially energy storage. However, the NitrRR involves a directly eight‐electron transfer process generally required a large overpotential (<−0.2 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (vs. RHE)) to reach optimal efficiency. Here, inspired by biological nitrate respiration, the NitrRR was separated into two stages along a [2+6]‐electron pathway to alleviate the kinetic barrier. The system employed a Cu nanowire catalyst produces NO2− and NH3 with current efficiencies of 91.5 % and 100 %, respectively at lower overpotentials (>+0.1 vs. RHE). The high efficiency for such a reduction process was further explored in a zinc‐nitrate battery. This battery could be specified by a high output voltage of 0.70 V, an average energy density of 566.7 Wh L−1 at 10 mA cm−2 and a power density of 14.1 mW cm−2, which is well beyond all previously reported similar concepts.
Theoretical and experimental investigation of solubility and Young's modulus models for polyhydroxybutyrate‐based electrospun scaffolds
Authors: Mohammadalipour Mohammad , Behzad Tayebeh , Karbasi Saeed , Mohammadalipour Zahra
Published: February 2023

Over the past decades, limited strategies have been developed to study nanomechanical properties. The in‐depth study on the nanomechanical properties of electrospun scaffolds can provide better insights at greater scales. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) nanoindentation is an authoritative method that can characterize mechanical properties. In this research, theoretical solubility studies of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) in different solvents were initially carried out. Then, three series of PHB‐based mats were prepared, including PHB/lignin, PHB/cellulose nanofiber (CNF), and PHB/lignin/CNF. The theoretical modulus of samples was studied from two different standpoints, through the use of nanoindentation on a single nanofiber. First, scaffolds were considered as a series of short fiber reinforced nanocomposites (NCs). In the second viewpoint, the geometrical structure of each scaffold was considered similar to an open‐cell foam (OCF). Consequently, modeling outputs verified that among NC models, isotropic Halpin‐Tsai presented plausible predictions with ≃93.36 to 99.77% accuracy. In addition, Tetrakaidecahedron indicated more accurate predictions among OCF models for the mats (≃78.99 to 96.15% adaption). Indeed, the theoretical NC and OCF models were able to provide acceptable forecasts for the application range of electrospun fibers. Based on this, nanoscale investigation of mechanical properties can turn a new page to estimate the further application of mats.
On the curing and degradation of bisphenol A diglycidyl ether and epoxidized soybean oil compounds cured with itaconic and succinic acids
Authors: Barreto José Vinícius Melo , de Albuquerque Ananda Karoline Camelo , Jacques Nicholas Guimarães , Wellen Renate Maria Ramos
Published: February 2023

This work investigated the curing and degradation behavior of compounds made with 1:1 of bisphenol A diglycidyl ether and epoxidized soybean oil, cured with itaconic acid (ITA) and succinic acid (SUC), coded as EP/ITA and EP/SUC. Complex peaks observed in differential scanning calorimetry are mostly due to the catalyzed curing and homopolymerization. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra suggest that the curing follows the SN2reaction mechanism for both compounds. Lower activation energies of curing were verified for EP/ITA compared to the EP/SUC, mainly due to their greater reactivity with the epoxy matrix at temperatures below the acids structures and melting points. Regarding thermal degradation, four steps were verified: acid degradation, degradation of the non‐cross‐linked material, degradation of cross‐linked material, and carbon decomposition. EP/SUC with a molar ratio equal to 0.4 presented the lowest activation energy for degradation. The degradation's solid‐state mechanisms analysis indicated that in EP/ITA and EP/SUC compounds the processes are controlled by nucleation and subsequent growth.
Synthesis and properties of semicrystalline non‐isocyanate polyurethane with tunable triple shape memory properties
Authors: Yin Xingshan , Liu Huameng , Lin Ruijun , Liu Xiaochun , Huang Zhiyi , Du Jiahao , Gu Yuxin , Lin Xiaofeng , Lin Wenjing , Yi Guobin
Published: February 2023

Nowadays, polyurethanes with multifunctional and multiple shape memory effects, especially those without the use of toxic phosgene and isocyanate, have attracted significant attention. In this work, to prepare a kind of non‐isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) with triple shape memory effect, we introduced the behenic acid (BA) with good crystallinity into the NIPUs network, which combines glass transition of the cross‐linked network and crystallization‐melting of behenic acid, endowing the NIPUs with two independent transition temperatures: the glass transition temperature (Tg) and crystallization melting temperature (Tm). Specifically, the NIPUs were synthesized by the addition reaction of bi‐functional cyclic carbonate and semi‐crystalline curing agent. The bi‐functional cyclic carbonate was prepared by thiol‐ene click reaction, and the BA was grafted onto polyethyleneimine to prepare semi‐crystalline curing agent. By adjusting the ratio of BA to PEI and curing temperature, the crystallinity of NIPU can be tuned in a wide range, so that the NIPUs has tunable and superior triple shape memory performance, and the shape recovery rate is almost 100%.
Heptagon/Octagon‐Fused Diporphyrins or Spiro‐Pentagon‐Bridged Dichlorin from p‐Terphenylene‐Bridged Diporphyrin
Authors: Lin Peng , Xiong Shugang , Rao Yutao , Xu Ling , Zhou Mingbo , Yin Bangshao , Osuka Atsuhiro , Song Jianxin
Published: February 2023

Intramolecular fusion reactions of a p‐terphenylene‐bridged NiII porphyrin dimer gave different products, depending upon reaction conditions. Oxidation with Fe(OTf)3 provided syn‐ and anti‐doubly heptagon‐fused NiII porphyrin dimers showing enlarged π‐electronic networks, probably via a radical mechanism, while treatment with methanesulfonic acid provided a spiro‐pentagon‐bridged NiII chlorin dimer via acid‐catalyzed Friedel‐Crafts type cyclization. Further, a doubly octagon‐fused NiII porphyrin dimer was synthesized via a sequence of double meso‐formylation, reduction to corresponding diol, and BF3‐catalyzed cyclization.
Co‐production of lipids and carotenoids by Rhodosporidium toruloides from cane molasses using temperature and pH shifting strategies
Authors: Jiang Wankui , Zhou Dawei , Zhang Xiaoyu , Jiang Yujia , Zhang Wenming , Xin Fengxue , Jiang Min
Published: February 2023

The industrialized production of microbial lipids and carotenoids is facing various challenges including difficulties with microbial strains, fermentation processes, and downstream processing. This study aimed to optimize the fermentation conditions for the efficient co‐production of lipids and carotenoids using Rhodosporidium toruloides. By using temperature and pH fermentation shift strategies, the lipid content was increased by 0.57 times (78.6%), and the carotenoid content was increased by 2.5 times (2.71 mg g−1) in comparison with a control. To reduce the fermentation cost, an inexpensive carbon source, cane molasses, was used to replace nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon sources. This enabled a maximum lipid content of 68.9% and 2.85 mg g−1 of carotenoids to be obtained. These results provided an efficient method for lipid and carotenoid co‐production, which could provide a basis for the industrial production of microbial lipids and carotenoids.
Crystal phase evolution of high temperature annealed Fe3O4‐CaO catalysts for biodiesel production
Authors: Aleman‐Ramirez Jose Luis , Reyes‐Vallejo Odin , Okoye Patrick U. , Sanchez‐Albores Rocio , Maldonado‐Álvarez Arturo , Sebastian Pathiyamattom J.
Published: February 2023

Biodiesel (BD) is an alternative transportation fuel that has been commercialized. Most CaO‐based heterogeneous catalysts that are applied for BD production become strongly deactivated after not more than five cycles of reuse. Predominantly CaO and Ca(OH)2 active phases in eggshell were mixed with Fe3O4 by ball milling for 3 h followed by annealing at different temperatures (200–1000 °C) for 2 h to produce a magnetic catalyst. The catalyst was deployed to synthesize BD using a transesterification reaction with methanol. The catalyst characterization results from X‐ray diffraction and Raman analysis revealed the phase evolution of the catalysts with increasing annealing temperature, which facilitated the oxidation of the Fe3O4 to the maghemite (Fe2O3) phase. Increasing temperature led to a decrease in the catalyst surface area due to increased rigidity and loss of pores; however, the basicity increased due to the conversion of calcium carbonates mainly to CaO. Under optimal conditions of 65 °C, methanol/oil molar ratio of 12:1, and 4 wt% catalyst loading, BD yield of 95.33% could be achieved under 120 min reaction time. The catalyst could be reused seven times with minimal loss in catalytic activity. The synthesized BD showed a calorific value of 39.99 MJkg‐1, a density of 0.9 gcm‐3, a viscosity of 4.92 mm2s‐1, which satisfactorily complied with the international standards of ASTM‐D‐6751 and EN‐14214.
On the CO2 absorption kinetics, loading capacity, and catalytic desorption of aqueous solutions of N‐methyl‐D‐glucamine
Authors: Sarode Urvashi K. , Vaidya Prakash D.
Published: February 2023

CO2 separation with harmful chemicals will damage the environment. It is essential to explore greener solvents that are producible from renewable resources such as biomass. The suitability of N‐methyl‐D‐glucamine (MG), also known as meglumine, for capturing CO2, was explored in this work. This nontoxic amino sugar, which is derived from sorbitol, represents a renewable bio‐solvent. It was found that MG is especially reactive with CO2. Trials were performed in a stirred cell reactor with a flat gas–liquid interface between 303 and 313 K. The values of the pseudo‐first‐order reaction rate constant, reaction orders, and activation energy were found. The loading capacity (α) of 0.5 M MG solution was measured at T = 308 K. For a typical value of α = 0.524 mol CO2/mol MG, the corresponding equilibrium partial pressure of CO2 was 22 kPa. Finally, it was found that the catalyst Al2O3 aided in the desorption of CO2‐loaded MG solutions. Desorption efficiency using Al2O3 was higher (74%) than that achieved without this catalyst (45%). It is thus clear that MG represents a potential solvent for improved CO2 separation from gases.
A tale of two variances
Authors: McCullagh Peter
Published: February 2023

We begin by showing that the standard repeated‐sampling interpretation of the variance of a parameter estimate in a finite‐dimensional parametric model is ambiguous and open to misinterpretation. Three operational interpretations are given, all numerically different in general and all compatible with repeated sampling from the same population with a fixed parameter. One of these is compatible with the standard large‐sample calculation based on the inverse Fisher information. The others are not. One interpretation coincides with what Fisher appears to have had in mind in his 1943 derivation of the log‐series model for species abundances. The different interpretations help to resolve an apparent contradiction between the Fisherian variance and the inverse‐information variance obtained from the Ewens model.
Auction inspired service replication for context‐aware IoT environment
Authors: Banerji Nandan , Choudhury Subhrabrata
Published: February 2023

In rise of the Internet of Things, services are so connected and touched by the users that services are requested very often with some quality of experience (QoE) standards. Even sometimes, they are called from different regions with varying demand densities. To meet that, the IoT middleware needs to replicate the services as per user's demand. Some intuitive approaches also made with context‐aware replication techniques. In this work, we focus on the context‐aware and proactive replication strategies for IoT services, so that the service response deadline can be met and consequently, the QoE can be satisfied. Sometimes nodes having enough resources are overlooked to participate in replication process. In that case, the system becomes bound to select less capable candidate nodes to replicate a service. We went with a price (auction) based strategy so that the users with enough available resources get motivated to participate in replication. This way, the system becomes cooperative among peers with an intention to earn some incentives. We consider service discovery time, service response time and service drop rate as performance metrics and compared with two state of the art proposals. It is found that the proposed method outperforms both.
Spring barley malt quality in eastern Washington and northern Idaho
Authors: Craine Evan B. , Choi Halle , Schroeder Kurtis L. , Brueggeman Robert , Esser Aaron , Murphy Kevin M.
Published: February 2023

Malted barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is a foundational ingredient for the brewing industry, providing functionality and flavor. Increasing demand for locally produced barley, supported by the craft brewing and malting industries, necessitates identifying environments and varieties to meet this demand. Therefore, we analyzed malt quality and quantified quality scores for adjunct (AQS) and all‐malt (AMQS) brewing for 12 barley genotypes grown at 11 locations in eastern Washington and Northern Idaho in 2017 and 2018. Genotype‐by‐environment interactions were identified for six out of nine of the malt quality traits. These included kernel plumpness, malt extract, diastatic power, α‐amylase, β‐glucan, and free amino nitrogen. Stability indices, including Eberhart and Russell's deviation from regression, simultaneous selection index, and mean of the relative performance of genotypic values were quantified. We identified genotypes that had high stability and high AQS (LCS Genie, LCS Odyssey, 12WA 120.14, 12WA 120.23, and GemCraft) or AMQS (LCS Odyssey, LCS Genie, Palmer, 11WA 107.36, 11WA 107.58). Significant correlations between rainfall and barley protein (r = −0.22, p < 0.001), and between barley protein and seven out of eight of the other malt quality traits, reveal important relationships that may influence malt quality. This study may aid producers in variety selection, and provides a detailed malt quality analysis, evidence of G×E interactions, and stability measures for barley genotypes within a production region that has the potential to meet malting barley demand.
Phlegmonous duodenitis in an immunocompromised patient
Authors: Miyagishima Daisuke , Fujita Naoto , Suzuki Hiromasa
Published: February 2023

Phlegmonous duodenitis is an extremely rare condition, and only a few cases have been previously reported. Here, we report a case of phlegmonous duodenitis caused by Streptococcus parasanguinis and Escherichia coli in a 78‐year‐old immunocompromised patient with diabetes mellitus and immunosuppressive drugs. Abdominal computed tomography showed diffuse thickening of the duodenum and gastric antrum, and esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed some erosions with purulent discharge and reddish and edematous mucosa in the duodenal bulb. A bacteriological culture test detected the two abovementioned bacteria and established the diagnosis of phlegmonous duodenitis. Following the initiation of antibiotic treatment, his condition rapidly improved. Endoscopists should be aware of this rare entity and pay attention to the endoscopic duodenal findings similar to those of phlegmonous gastritis, particularly in immunocompromised patients who develop abdominal symptoms with severe inflammation.
Contralateral foot temperature monitoring during Charcot immobilisation: A systematic review
Authors: Jones Petra J. , Davies Melanie J. , Webb David , Berrington Rachel , Frykberg Robert G.
Published: February 2023

Aims

Contralateral temperature difference (CTD) is a frequently used marker of healing in Charcot neuro‐osteoarthropathy (CN). We aimed to determine whether there is a consistent approach to CTD measurement during healing and the decision‐making process around cessation of immobilisation.

Materials and Methods

Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched until February 2022 for peer‐reviewed studies using keywords, including ((‘arthropathy’ OR ‘osteoarthropathy’ OR ‘osteopathy’ OR ‘neuroarthropathy’) AND ‘Charcot’ AND (‘temperature’)), which returned 789 results excluding duplicates. Included studies monitored CTD in those with active CN to (i) assess the healing process and (ii) assist in determining the transition from immobilisation.

Results

Thirty four studies in total (n = 677 participants) were shortlisted and 19 were included after full paper review. Average CTD at presentation varied from 1.6 to 8.0°C with insufficient data to determine if CTD was proportional to severity of Charcot. Evidence of a relationship between CTD and radiographic or scintigraphy‐based markers of healing varied depending on the methodology employed. Threshold CTD for the cessation of immobilisation ranged from <1°C to <2°C. Most frequently it was <2°C sustained for 2–3 visits. Temperature was monitored typically every 2–6 weeks using handheld thermometry at CN site(s) after resting the feet for 15 min. Device type, accuracy/reliability, and ambient temperature were rarely reported.

Conclusions

Further research on CTD and radiographic and radiotracer markers is needed involving larger cohorts. Standardisation in reporting of thermometry device type, accuracy and reliability, foot resting times, and ambient temperature controls is essential to facilitate the comparison of studies, meta‐analysis, and evaluation of different immobilisation interventions.
Atypical anorexia nervosa after bariatric surgery and the DSM‐5 diagnostic criteria: Commentary on Walsh et al. (2023)
Authors: Conceição Eva , Hilbert Anja
Published: February 2023

The applicability of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM‐5) criteria for anorexia nervosa (AN) and atypical AN to individuals having undergone bariatric surgery poses several challenges due to the atypical presentation of AN‐like symptoms in this population. We describe these challenges, propose modifications to the corresponding diagnostic criteria, and delineate areas of research to inform possible adaptations of atypical AN criteria with applicability to postbariatric surgery populations. We discuss the utility of a strict definition of “significantly low weight” and “significant weight loss” as part of DSM‐5 Criterion A for AN and atypical AN, highlighting the importance of clinical judgment. We also question the clinical distinction between AN and atypical AN based solely on weight and argue that the hallmark feature of both diagnoses in postbariatric surgery populations should be persistent energy intake restriction coupled with persistent weight‐control behaviors. Finally, criteria B and C need to allow the distinction between common concerns of bariatric surgery patients regarding weight and eating, and clinically relevant symptoms of atypical AN and AN. Knowing the rates, the specificities, and the impact of atypical AN on postsurgical weight loss has important implications for the clinical attention of these often‐overlooked patients.
Comparison of the mitochondrial genomes of three geographical strains of Apis laboriosa indicates high genetic diversity in the black giant honeybee (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: Tang Xiang‐You , Yao Yu‐Xin , Li Yao‐Hui , Song Hua‐Li , Luo Rui , Shi Peng , Zhou Ze‐Yang , Xu Jin‐Shan
Published: February 2023

Apis laboriosa is the largest honeybee that lives mainly on cliff faces, with strong migratory ability. In this study, we firstly sequenced and assembled two complete mitochondrial genomes of A. laboriosa isolated from two distant locations in China (Chongqing and Shangri‐La regions). Combined with the published mitochondrial genome of A. laboriosa from Nepal, comparative genomic analyses were conducted to gain insight into the genetic diversity of giant honeybees from different geographical distributions. The mitochondrial genomes of A. laboriosa from Chongqing and Shangri‐La regions were 15,579 and 15,683 bp in length, respectively, both larger than that from Nepal with the length of 15,510 bp. Three mitochondrial genomes all harbor 37 common genes and present the same AT bias and the frequency of codon usage. However, the fragments including COX1, SSUrRNA, LSUrRNA, and the AT‐rich region of the mitochondrial genome from Shangri‐La region demonstrate distinctive insertions and deletions compared to those from Chongqing and Nepal regions. Phylogenetic trees of mitochondrial genomes show that A. laboriosa from Chongqing is most closely related to that from Nepal, rather than to Shangri‐La. Genetic distance between Shangri‐La and Chongqing or Nepal was even larger than that between the various subspecies of Apis mellifera. Overall, these results unmark that A. laboriosa in different geographical distributions can exhibit high genetic diversity at the mitochondrial genomic level, and therein, A. laboriosa from Shangri‐La may be the subspecies. All these studies will contribute to our understanding of the geographical distribution and genetic differentiation of black giant honeybee in Asian region.
Egg white peptides administration in enhancing pathological immune response and regulating intestinal bacteria abundance: A new strategy for relieving young mice colitis
Authors: Ge Huifang , Li Ting , Yang Qi , Tang Yuanhu , Liu Jingbo , Yu Yiding , Zhang Ting
Published: February 2023

Ulcerative colitis (UC) threatens teenagers’ health as it can damage the immune system and intestinal flora. The impact of egg white peptides (EWPs) on dextran sulfate sodium‐induced young colitis mice models was investigated. Findings suggested that EWPs improved colitis symptoms and modulated inflammatory factors in mice. EWPs treatment could enhance the abundance ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes, the relative abundances of Lactobacillus, and the concentrations of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs). According to Pearson correlation analysis, Bacteroides was favorably connected with IL‐6 and negatively correlated with acetic acid and total SCFAs. In conclusion, EWPs relieved young mice's UC symptoms by inhibiting the progression of colitis, regulating the inflammation response, and improving the imbalance of intestinal flora. The current study also supports using EWPs as a practical dietary resource for ameliorating UC.
Future Low‐Carbon Technology Options for a 100 Percent Decarbonized Power Sector
Authors: Engel‐Cox Jill A. , Geocaris Madeline
Published: February 2023

Recent studies have modeled 100 percent decarbonized or renewable power sectors and proposed technical solutions to address costs, reliability, and other challenges, specifically related to meeting the last 10 percent of energy demand and eliminating carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This article summarizes multiple studies and provides references to the detailed and nuanced scenarios of reliably and cost‐effectively operating 100 percent clean and/or renewable power systems. It also outlines future technology solutions that might be needed to meet this simply stated but deeply complex goal.
Exercising the Muscle for Managing Change
Authors: Chung Eric
Published: February 2023

At the beginning of each calendar year, it is popular for people to make one or more New Year's resolutions, often centered around a renewed commitment to the betterment of oneself through the attainment of specific goals, such as increased amounts of exercise, permanent changes to one's eating habits, or the achievement of a milestone. Indeed, in a prior issue of this journal, the West Monroe team proposed a set of compelling resolutions for utilities to consider in 2023.
The Utility Digital Transformation
Authors: Khalid Saba , Meyer A.J.
Published: February 2023

The rush toward digital transformation across all industries has accelerated as the Covid‐19 pandemic forced new ways of interacting with customers, employees, and vendors. Damaging storms in the United States, the rapid addition of renewable energy resources, and customers’ desire for new functionalities to interact with their energy providers are compounding this push. Utilities are recognizing the age and vulnerabilities of their systems to manage assets remotely, support a mobile workforce, and build a self‐healing electric grid. Meeting these objectives requires a coordinated and purposeful effort with commitment from leaders to transition utility operations to a modern digital platform. There have been isolated pockets of digital projects and workarounds, though these are inadequate for utilities to design, build, and provide the experiences customers and regulators are demanding. With the appropriate digital transformation framework, utilities can deliver the products needed for their workforce and meet the expectations of their customers.
Senator Joe Manchin's Useful, but Stalled, Interstate Energy Permitting Reform
Authors: Makholm Jeff D.
Published: February 2023

West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin spent much of 2022 pursuing an energy siting and permitting reform bill—“Building America's Energy Security Act of 2022”—that aimed to accelerate permitting of all types of American energy infrastructure to promote energy security and climate objectives, without bypassing environmental laws or state and local input. At the same time, 2022 saw actions by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), in the form of Notices of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPRs), that muddied permitting for both useful natural gas pipelines and electricity transmission projects in different ways, as I previously wrote about in this column in July and September, 2022. Manchin was not successful in inserting his permitting reform bill into President Biden's $1.7 trillion federal spending bill signed on December 29, 2022. But as Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, he expressed his displeasure with FERC—effectively sacking then FERC Chair Richard Glick by failing to hold a hearing on his nomination by President Biden for a second term.
Exploration of meaning, motivation, and preparedness to care amongst the one‐child policy generation in China
Authors: Bifarin Oladayo , Quinn Catherine , Breen Liz , Yu Liu , Oyebode Jan
Published: February 2023

Objectives

In China there is a cultural expectation (Xiao, 孝‐filial piety) that offspring should provide care for their parents. However, the sustainability of this is threatened by the impact of the One‐Child Policy (OCP) (1979–2015), which has resulted in a diminution in numbers of children available to care, rapid urbanisation and increase in the number of women in employment. In this context, the objective was to explore the motivations, meaning, and preparedness for future caregiving of offspring affected by the OCP.

Design and Methods

We adopted a constructivist position using a hermeneutic phenomenology approach and interviewed eight current and prospective caregivers aged 20–35 years about future caregiving responsibilities. Data were obtained through in‐depth interviews, analysed using reflective Thematic Analysis.

Results and conclusion(s)

Three prominent themes: (i) Caregiving beliefs, (ii) Caregiving conditions and (iii) Contextual factors were identified under an overarching theme “Competing pressures‐meanings, motivation and preparedness”. Despite the inherent stress, participants envisaged providing or organising care in the future to fulfil Xiao, and most viewed long‐term care settings as unviable. Ultimately, the findings suggested that the actual performance of caregiving would not always measure up to ideal expectations, resulting in ‘filial discrepancy’ that is, a gap between societal expectations for caregiving to older relatives and actual caregiving performance. This could adversely impact the caregivers and quality of care provided. The findings highlighted the urgent need to develop culturally attuned services, including education and training for family caregivers, health and social care professionals.
Movies, stigma and choice: Evidence from the pharmaceutical industry
Authors: Aggarwal Mayank , Chakrabarti Anindya S. , Chatterjee Chirantan
Published: February 2023

Do movies reduce stigma, increasing healthcare product choices offered by firms? We provide causal evidence on this question in the context of Indian pharmaceutical markets. For unpacking these effects, we use an exogenous shock to the market due to the release of a Bollywood blockbuster movie ‐ My Name is Khan (MNIK) where the protagonist, superstar Shahrukh Khan, suffers from Asperger's Syndrome (AS). Using a difference‐in‐differences design, we find a positive and statistically significant effect of MNIK (between 14% and 22% increase in variety sold and prescribed) on product differentiation and choices in the market for antipsychotic medicines used to clinically treat AS. Results are consistent using alternative controls, a placebo treatment‐based test and with a variety of other robustness checks. Our findings document likely for the first‐time, supply side responses to edutainment and suggests potential associated welfare effects in healthcare markets characterized by sticky demand. Implications for global health and public policy given worldwide concerns around a mental wellness epidemic with Covid‐19 are discussed.
Advances in Biohybridized Planar Polymer Membranes and Membrane‐Like Matrices
Authors: Eggenberger Olivia M. , Jaśko Piotr , Tarvirdipour Shabnam , Schoenenberger Cora‐Ann , Palivan Cornelia G.
Published: February 2023

The past few decades have seen increasing growth in the field of biomimetic membranes and thus also a rapid expansion of their biomedical and technological applications. Versatility, stability and scalability have moved biohybrid polymer membranes into the limelight. This review focuses on planar, soft polymer membranes and polymer‐based matrices and their role as a host for different types of biomolecules. Because biomimetic polymer platforms present an extensive, ever‐growing field, we limit ourselves mostly to the discussion of producing planar polymer membranes on solid supports that lend themselves to functionalization by biomolecules. We present an overview of the major highlights and challenges associated with the biohybridization of such polymer platforms. In particular, we elaborate on procedures developed to maintain optimal peptide and membrane protein performance in a customized polymer membrane or membrane‐like environment. Finally, we discuss a number of applications of such biohybridized polymer platforms and contemplate future developments to further exploit their potential.
Enhancing urban runoff modelling using water stable isotopes and ages in complex catchments
Authors: Smith Aaron , Tetzlaff Doerthe , Marx Christian , Soulsby Chris
Published: February 2023

Increased urbanization, coupled with the projected impacts of climatic change, mandates further evaluation of the impact of urban development on water flow paths to guide sustainable land‐use planning. Though the general urbanization impacts of increased storm runoff peaks and reduced baseflows are well known; how the complex, non‐stationary interaction of the dominant water fluxes within dynamic urban water stores sustain streamflow regimes over longer periods of time is less well quantified. In particular, there is a challenge in how hydrological modelling should integrate the juxtaposition of rapid and slower flow pathways of the urban ‘karst’ landscape and different approaches need evaluation. In this context, we utilized hydrological and water stable isotope datasets within a modelling framework that combined the commonly used Hydrologic Engineering Center Hydrological Modelling System (HEC‐HMS) urban runoff model along with a simple hydrological tracer module and transit time modelling to evaluate the spatial and temporal variation of water flow paths and ages within a heavily urbanized 217 km2 catchment in Berlin, Germany. Deeper groundwater was the primary flow component in the upper reaches of the catchment within fewer urbanized regions, while the addition of wastewater effluent in the mid‐reaches of the catchment was the dominant water supply to sustain baseflow in the lower main stem stream, with additional direct storm runoff and shallow subsurface contributions in the more urbanized lower reaches. Water ages from each modelling approach mirrored flow contributions and water age mixing potential in subsurface storage; with older average water and lower young water contributions in less urbanized sub‐catchments and younger average water and higher young water contributions in more urbanized regions. The results from the first step towards more integrated tracer‐aided hydrologic modelling tools for similar peri‐urban catchments, given the potential limitations of simpler model frameworks. The results have broader implications for assessing the uncertainty in evaluating urban impacts on hydrological function under environmental change.
Effect of vapour transport on soil evaporation under different soil textures and water table depths in an arid area of Northwest China
Authors: Liu Xiuqiang , Chen Xi , Wang Lichun , Zhang Yangyang , Cheng Qinbo
Published: February 2023

In arid area, the liquid water and water vapour states in soil profiles and fluxes at the upper and bottom interfaces are extremely complex due to heterogeneity of soil textures and the driving forces of heat and matrix potential. In this study, we used Hydrus‐1D to simultaneously simulate liquid water, water vapour, and heat transport based on the observed datasets of atmosphere, soil and groundwater at three soil profiles in an arid area of northwest China. Based on the comparison of the observed and simulated results at the three soil profiles, we show that there are diurnal vapour entry and outlet fluxes at the dry surface layer of 30 cm in the summer season. The vapour entry and re‐evaporation account for about 14% of annual precipitation for the heterogeneity soil profile with a mean groundwater depth of 210 cm. Because of limited soil moisture in this arid area, vapour induced re‐evaporation occurs shortly in the early daytime. Moreover, the extent of vapour entry, condensation and re‐evaporation are strongly dependent on soil properties and water table depth. The deeper water table produces the drier soil surface, allowing more vapour entry, condensation and re‐evaporation. Whereas the finer grained soil layers benefit the vapour fixation to produce zero fluxes that substantially inhibit the upward liquid water and vapour fluxes, and thereby reduces soil actual evaporation (AE). The reduced AE correspondingly decreases the capillary effect on phreatic evaporation, given that AE decreases slowly with decline of water table and the large extinct depth of phreatic evaporation for the finer grained soil profiles. The estimated extinct depths are 180 and 200 cm for the soil profiles consisting of silt loam and loamy sand, respectively, much larger than 100 cm of the typical sandy soil profile. Additionally, as water table is comparably higher and lower than the extinct depth, the models neglecting the vapour – heat function could, respectively, overestimate and underestimate soil evaporation.
Cancer survival in the Faroe Islands over the last 50 years compared to the other Nordic countries
Authors: Kristiansen Marnar Fríðheim , Mikkelsen Ronja Midjord , Kristiansdóttir Tordis , Andórsdóttir Guðrið , Hansen Sæunn Ólavsdóttir , á Steig Bjarni , Nielsen Kári Rubek , Skaalum Petersen Maria , Strøm Marin
Published: February 2023

As sustained development in cancer treatment protocols have led to improved survival in most areas of the world, surveillance is needed to ensure that small populations follow suit. Our study reports age‐standardized relative cancer survival in the Faroe Islands compared to the other Nordic countries. We present 1‐ and 5‐year survival estimates and corresponding 95% confidence intervals for the Faroe Islands and compare them with estimates for the Nordic countries. The data for this article has been obtained through the NORDCAN collaboration (2019 data). Age‐standardized relative survival was estimated using shared R codes on individual‐level data within each country. Ten‐year calendar inclusion periods were used in addition to the usual 5‐year calendar periods to include cancer sites with few cases, which is especially beneficial to the smaller populations. The primary findings were that 1‐ and 5‐year survival were consistently lower in the Faroes for the summary group all sites but non‐melanoma skin cancer for both women and men. Further, 5‐year survival was lower for women with ovarian cancer and men with lung cancer than in other Nordic countries. Previously, breast cancer survival was low in the Faroes but has improved to a comparable level over the last few years. Colorectal cancer survival was relatively high for both sexes. The reported estimates in this article call for further research to investigate the cancers with lower survival and should call for actions to improve the survival of Faroese cancer patients.
First‐trimester diagnosis of open spina bifida using three‐dimensional ultrasound
Authors: Zhu Zhengfeng , Li Hezhou
Published: February 2023

Synopsis

A case of open spina bifida with brain anomalies diagnosed using three‐dimensional ultrasound in the first trimester.
Prediction of placenta accreta spectrum with nomogram combining radiomic and clinical factors: A novel developed and validated integrative model
Authors: Hu Yumin , Chen Weiyue , Kong Chunli , Lin Guihan , Li Xia , Zhou Zhangwei , Shen Shaobo , Chen Ling , Zhou Jiahui , Zhao Hongyan , Yu Zhuo , Wang Zufei , Lu Chenying , Ji Jiansong
Published: February 2023

Objective

To develop and validate a clinicoradiomic nomogram based on sagittal T2WI images to predict placenta accreta spectrum (PAS).

Methods

Between October 2016 and April 2022, women suspected of PAS by ultrasound were enrolled. After taking into account exclusion criteria, 132 women were retrospectively included in the study. The variance threshold SelectKBest and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator were applied to select radiomic features, which was further used to calculate the Rad‐score. Multivariable logistic regression was used to screen clinical factor.

Results

Based on 13 radiomic features, five radiomic models were constructed. A clinical factor of intraplacental T2‐hypointense bands was obtained by multivariate logistic regression. The area under the curve (AUC) value of the stochastic gradient descent (SGD) radiomic model was 0.82 in the training cohort and 0.78 in the test cohort. After adding clinical factors to the SGD radiomic model, the AUC value of the clinicoradiomic model was significantly increased from 0.82 and 0.78 to 0.84 in both the training and test cohorts. The nomogram of the clinicoradiomic model was constructed, which had good performance verified by calibration and a decision curve.

Conclusion

The presented nomogram could be useful for predicting PAS.
Hedging role of stablecoins
Authors: Kakinuma Yosuke
Published: February 2023

Wild price fluctuations of cryptocurrencies make it difficult for investors to maintain stable asset values. This study investigates the hedging properties of US dollar (USD)‐pegged stablecoins against bitcoin returns. We analyzed the hedging abilities of the three largest stablecoins—namely, Tether, USD Coin, and Binance USD—using the dynamic conditional correlation–generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity, dummy variable regression, vector autoregression, and impulse response functions. We found that stablecoins are generally negatively correlated with bitcoin returns, indicating that they can be effective hedging instruments against high‐volatility crypto assets. Among the stablecoins, Binance USD offers the largest risk reduction, and Tether was a weak safe haven during the COVID‐19 crisis period. Crypto investors can diversify their portfolios by holding stablecoins.
Robust forecast superiority testing with an application to assessing pools of expert forecasters
Authors: Corradi Valentina , Jin Sainan , Swanson Norman R.
Published: February 2023

We develop forecast superiority tests that are robust to the choice of loss function by following Jin, Corradi and Swanson (JCS: 2017), and relying on a mapping between generic loss forecast evaluation and stochastic dominance principles. However, unlike JCS tests, which are not uniformly valid and are correctly sized only under the least favorable case, our tests are uniformly asymptotically valid and non‐conservative. To show this, we establish uniform convergence of HAC variance estimators. Monte Carlo experiments indicate good finite sample performance of our tests, and an empirical illustration suggests that prior forecast accuracy matters in the Survey of Professional Forecasters.
USP53 Regulates Bone Homeostasis by Controlling Rankl Expression in Osteoblasts and Bone Marrow Adipocytes
Authors: Hariri Hadla , Kose Orhun , Bezdjian Aren , Daniel Sam J. , St-Arnaud René
Published: February 2023

In the skeleton, osteoblasts and osteoclasts synchronize their activities to maintain bone homeostasis and integrity. Investigating the molecular mechanisms governing bone remodeling is critical and helps understand the underlying biology of bone disorders. Initially, we have identified the ubiquitin-specific peptidase gene (Usp53) as a target of the parathyroid hormone in osteoblasts and a regulator of mesenchymal stem cell differentiation. Mutations in USP53 have been linked to a constellation of developmental pathologies. However, the role of Usp53 in bone has never been visited. Here we show that Usp53 null mice have a low bone mass phenotype in vivo. Usp53 null mice exhibit a pronounced decrease in trabecular bone indices including trabecular bone volume (36%) and trabecular number (26%) along with an increase in trabecular separation (13%). Cortical bone parameters are also impacted, showing a reduction in cortical bone volume (12%) and cortical bone thickness (15%). As a result, the strength and mechanical bone properties of Usp53 null mice have been compromised. At the cellular level, the ablation of Usp53 perturbs bone remodeling, augments osteoblast-dependent osteoclastogenesis, and increases osteoclast numbers. Bone marrow adipose tissue volume increased significantly with age in Usp53-deficient mice. Usp53 null mice displayed increased serum receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) levels, and Usp53-deficient osteoblasts and bone marrow adipocytes have increased expression of Rankl. Mechanistically, USP53 regulates Rankl expression by enhancing the interaction between VDR and SMAD3. This is the first report describing the function of Usp53 during skeletal development. Our results put Usp53 in display as a novel regulator of osteoblast–osteoclast coupling and open the door for investigating the involvement of USP53 in pathologies. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).