bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assistência técnica ao empreendimento agroindustrial em Concórdia do Pará-PA: certificação de polpa de frutas como produto artesanal
Authors: Sena Kássia Rodrigues da Costa , De Lima Suely Cristina Gomes , Joele Maria Regina Sarkis Peixoto
Published: June 2023

A comercialização de produtos artesanais em mercados formais, exige que o empreendimento cumpra requisitos regulatórios que costumam ser de difícil compreensão para o setor agroindustrial familiar. O objetivo desse trabalho é oferecer subsídios para obtenção de certificação artesanal de polpa de frutas pela Agência Nacional de Defesa Agropecuária do Estado (ADEPARÁ) a uma associação de produtores rurais do Município de Concórdia do Pará – PA. Esse estudo trata-se de uma pesquisa aplicada, de natureza qualitativa e quantitativa, de nível exploratório e descritivo, utilizando análise documental e pesquisa bibliográfica. Foram verificadas as condições higiênico sanitárias, os documentos de legalização do estabelecimento, a rotulagem dos produtos e posteriormente, aplicou-se a ferramenta 5H2H. Os resultados evidenciaram que o empreendimento melhorou após o suporte técnico, elevando o percentual médio de conformidade de 58% para 74%. Foram identificados certificado de manipulador e licença ambiental com prazo de validade expirados, ausência de carteira de saúde e embalagem de polpa de maracujá em desacordo com as legislações de rotulagem. Foram entregues os protocolos de produção das polpas de frutas, procedimento de rastreabilidade, certificado de análises físico-químicas e microbiológicas da água e realizadas adequações na rotulagem da polpa de maracujá quanto a presença da lista de ingredientes, identificação de origem, lote, prazo de validade, tabela nutricional e advertências sobre ausência de glúten. Conclui-se que a assistência técnica contribuiu com a composição de toda documentação necessária para obter a autorização inicial e com isso a associação obteve o seu número de registro de produção artesanal pela ADEPARÁ.
Avaliação de Desempenho de Pessoal em Trabalho não Presencial: quais indicadores estão presente na literatura para mensurar o desempenho dos teletrabalhadores
Authors: Cardoso Luan Lopes , Petri Sérgio Murilo
Published: June 2023

Pretexto do atual cenário de emergência de saúde pública decorrente da Covid-19, entre março e setembro de 2020, segundo dados do Governo Federal do Brasil (2020), cerca de 50% dos servidores públicos federais trabalharam remotamente, desta forma, a presente pesquisa busca identificar aspectos da literatura científica relevantes para Avaliação de Desempenho de Pessoal em Trabalho não Presencial. Com enquadramento de pesquisa descritiva por meio de procedimentos técnicos utilizados, caracteriza-se como levantamento por limitar-se a analisar dados de artigos científicos, utilizando a método do Proknow-C, que identificou 1081 artigos relacionados, filtrou-se para 74 artigos. Como resultados os artigos desenvolveram indicadores para avaliar o desempenho dos teletrabalhadores, mas no sentido de mostrar a situação do trabalho remoto ou teletrabalho. Os achados da pesquisa, em sua maioria, identificaram que o teletrabalho contribuiu para o desempenho dos funcionários e da empresa. Entretanto, aspectos como o isolamento profissional foi considerado um ponto negativo, uma vez que interações presenciais contribuem positivamente para o desenvolvimento do trabalho
Effect of Internal Audit on Financial Performance of Commercial Banks Listed in Nairobi Securities Exchange, in Nairobi County, Kenya
Authors: John Ewot Vincent , Mutembei Christopher
Published: June 2023

The recent collapse of major commercial banks in Kenya, including Imperial and Chase bank, which are currently under receivership, has raised concerns about the effectiveness of their audit practices in ensuring stability and improved financial performance. These failures have put pressure on commercial banks to reconsider how they align their internal audit processes to ensure stability and financial improvement. Consequently, this study aimed to assess the impact of internal audit on the financial performance of commercial banks listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE). The study was guided by reliability theory. Using a descriptive survey design, the target population consisted of 10 commercial banks listed on the NSE. The unit of observation included 86 respondents from various roles within these banks, such as senior finance managers, credit managers, operations managers, risk managers, and internal auditors. Both primary and secondary data were utilized in the study. Primary data on internal audit practices were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire employing a Likert-type scale, while secondary data on the financial performance of the commercial banks were obtained from their audited financial reports. The gathered questionnaire data were quantitatively analyzed using SPSS software, incorporating descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) as well as inferential statistics, specifically regression coefficients and bivariate correlation, to examine the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. The study's findings revealed a significant relationship between internal audit, asset safeguarding, risk management, compliance with laws, and the dependent variables, which included return on assets, net income, and liquidity. These relationships were evident from the regression analysis conducted. Consequently, the study concluded that internal audit systems have an impact on the financial performance of commercial banks. The study recommends that commercial banks listed on the NSE reassess their internal audit systems and strengthen any identified weaknesses to enhance their financial performance. Furthermore, the study suggests that future research could explore the effects of new banking regulations, such as Basel Accord III, on the financial performance of commercial banks.
Pacemaker Infective Endocarditis: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Particularities in 2 Case Reports Including One of the Left Heart
Authors: Seydou Harouna Idrissa , Noel Maschell Mahoungou-Mackonia , Taher Fadoul Adam Fadoul , Brahim Nassour , Meryem Haboub , Arous Salim , Bennouna El Ghali , Abdessamad Drighil , Leila Azzouzi , Rachida Habbal
Published: June 2023

Pacemaker infective endocarditis is a more real diagnostic problem than a therapeutic one. The precise impact is not well known. Its incidence is poorly known, and it is a serious infection with an estimated mortality of around 25%. It is with this in mind that we report 2 clinical cases with a literature review.

Case 1: An 88-year-old patient with a double chamber pacemaker was admitted for febrile syndrome with a fever at 39.2°. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography (TOE) found an image of vegetation on the aortic valve measuring 9mm, located on the noncoronary cusp, and overflowing on the right coronary cusp. An inflammatory syndrome was found on blood tests. Blood culture, wound swab culture, and bacteriological study of material after removal revealed Staphylococcus Aureus Meti S. The patient was initially put on Vancomycin with a loading dose of 2g / 24h then 1g / 24h, and the pacemaker was extracted.

Case 2: A 68-year-old with a double chamber pacemaker (PM) was admitted for fever at 39 ° c with suppuration of the PM pocket.  Echocardiography identified an image on the tricuspid valve  measuring 14x8 mm evoking vegetation given the context. Two blood cultures and swabs isolated a Staphylococcus aureus. The patient was administered Triaxon 2g / day for 4 weeks and gentamycin 180 mg for 15 days. The pacemaker was removed.

Pacemaker Infective endocarditis is rare, poorly understood, very serious, and potentially fatal, accounting for up to about 7% in some case series. In half of the cases, they affect the endocavitary leads, but also the valves, and in 45% of cases the infection of the pocket. The average age is 65 years. The clinical symptoms are disparate making the diagnosis more difficult, it must be evoked in case of unexplained fever in a patient implanted with a Pacemaker. Bactericidal dual therapy should be administered after blood cultures in case of strong suspicion of infective endocarditis (IE) and adapted after identification of the germ in question. Most authors are adamant about extracting any pacemaker whenever possible.
A Comparative Study of Proposed Ranking Method and Robust Ranking Method in Fuzzy Transportation Problem
Authors: Gupta Rajshri
Published: June 2023

Different approaches have been explored in the past to solve fuzzy transportation or fuzzy shipping problems. The cost of shipping, supply, and demand quantities are all ambiguous in a shipping dilemma. Trapezoidal fuzzy numbers are used to represent all of the parameters in this situation. Trapezoidal fuzzy numbers can be converted into crisp numbers using a variety of ranking techniques. In this paper, we've studied the many ranking techniques and provided a comparison of two of them. A numerical example is used to illustrate this.
Hepatoprotective Activity of Bryophyllum pinnatum Leaves (Boiled Extract) on Albino Wistar Rats – in vivo Study
Authors: Nneoyi-Egbe Ada Francesca , Onyenweaku Eridiong , Akpanukoh Andyno
Published: June 2023

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the effects of boiled Bryophyllum pinnatum leaves on serum liver enzymes after the administration of alcohol-induced liver damage in Albino Wistar rats.

Study Design: Experimental.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, University of Calabar (from June to August, 2021).

Methodology: Fresh Bryophyllum pinnatum leaves collected were washed thoroughly with clean water and allowed to dry at room temperature for 2 hours. The leaves were boiled at 100oC to obtain a boiled extract from the fresh leaves. Alcohol and leaf extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum were administered orally for a period of one week each. The rats in group 2 and 3 were induced with sub-chronic liver damage orally using a commonly available alcoholic beverage, blended whiskey at a dose of 1.5 ml per body weight for a period of one week while the rats in group 3 were given boiled leaf extracts of Bryophyllum pinnatum for one week. At the end of the two weeks treatment period, the rats were weighed and sacrificed and their blood collected for analysis (liver function test).

Results: The animals administered with alcohol suffered mild hepatic damage. The negative control group which was administered only alcohol, had an increase in ALT when compared to the normal control. The group treated with the extract had a decrease in ALT, AST and ALP levels when compared to the negative control. This suggests that the Bryophyllum pinnatum leaves contain pharmacologically active compounds that can reduce alcohol-induced liver damage.

Conclusion and Recommendations: The results show minimal anti-hepatotoxic activities of Bryophyllum pinnatum leaves; the extract could be said to prevent liver damage induced by alcohol toxicity. Further study in the area of pharmacology is required in order to establish this natural product as an anti-hepatotoxic agent.
Protein Expression in Synechococcus PCC 7002: A Quantitative Comparison of Promoters and Integration Sites
Authors: Pappert Isabell , Greulich Simon , Joseph Franziska M. , Otto Beate , Kaldenhoff Ralf
Published: June 2023

Photosynthetic Cyanobacteria can be used as a chassis for different synthetic biology approaches. However, quantitative comparison of tools for engineering, such as those for heterologous gene expression, is often not available. Here, we report the comparative quantification of heterologous protein production in Synechococcussp.PCC 7002 regarding protein expression cassettes and locations of foreign gene integration using sf-GFP as a reporter. We used promoter cpc560 as reference because it was described as a "super strong" promoter. sf-GFP-expression constructs were integrated into neutral sites NS_1, NS_2, NS_3 and the extrachromosomal plasmid pAQ1. The latter induced a sf-GFP level of approximately 10-fold in comparison to a reference promotor expression. Protein-fusion with 6xHis increased sf-GFP as well as expression of sf-GFP fusion with ß subunit of phycocyanin.
Design and Construction of Electronic Muscle Stimulator (EMS)
Authors: Nzeribe Nnenna Harmony Nwobodo , Chukwu Calistus C. , Afam Eneh S. , Abioye Segun B.
Published: June 2023

The project is titled Design and Construction of Electronic Muscle Stimulator (EMS) with embedded time Display unit and Dual Source of Powering. The EMS is a type of electrotherapy device that functions by stimulating muscle contraction using electrical impulses to strengthen weak muscles, reduce swelling, aid in blood circulations that helps to heal wounds. These impulses are generated by the device and deliver through electrode pads over the area that requires stimulation. The impulses from EMS mimic the action potential (the stimulus required to contract the muscle) that naturally comes from central nervous system (CNS). Proteus, software simulation Library was used to simulate the components and to understand the behaviour of the output stage. After that, hardware components were assembled together that gave rise to this EMS apparatus. Designing of the device was completed with different modes tagged Press, Thump, Rub, and vibrate with frequencies 40Hz, 20Hz, 10Hz, and 3Hz respectively. The project was completed and human experiment was carried and result showed that decrease in impedances brings increase in current intensity.
Comparison of Work Patterns Between Physicians and Advanced Practice Practitioners in Primary Care and Specialty Practice Settings
Authors: Rotenstein Lisa S. , Apathy Nate , Edgman-Levitan Susan , Landon Bruce
Published: June 2023

Importance

Despite the increasing involvement of advanced practice practitioners (APPs; ie, nurse practitioners and physician assistants) in care delivery across specialties, the work patterns of APPs compared with physicians and how they are integrated into care teams have not been well characterized.

Objective

To characterize differences between physicians and APPs across specialty types related to days with appointments, visit types seen, and time spent using the electronic health record (EHR).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This nationwide, cross-sectional study used EHR data from physicians and APPs (ie, nurse practitioners and physician assistants) at all US institutions that used Epic Systems’ EHR between January and May 2021. Data analysis was performed from March 2022 to April 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Appointment scheduling patterns, percentage of new and established and level of evaluation and management (E/M) visits, and EHR use metrics per day and week.

Results

The sample consisted of 217 924 clinicians across 389 organizations, including 174 939 physicians and 42 985 APPs. Although primary care physicians were more likely than APPs to have more than 3 days per week with appointments (50 921 physicians [79.5%] vs 17 095 APPs [77.9%]), this trend was reversed for medical (38 645 physicians [64.8%] vs 8124 APPs [74.0%]) and surgical (24 155 physicians [47.1%] vs 5198 APPs [51.7%]) specialties. Medical and surgical specialty physicians saw 6.7 and 7.4 percentage points, respectively, more new patient visits than did their APP counterparts, whereas primary care physicians saw 2.8 percentage points fewer new patient visits than did APPs. Physicians saw a greater percentage of level 4 or 5 visits across all specialties. Medical and surgical physicians spent 34.3 and 45.8 fewer minutes per day, respectively, using the EHR than did APPs in their specialties, whereas primary care physicians spent 17.7 minutes per day more. These differences translated to primary care physicians spending 96.3 minutes more per week using the EHR than APPs, whereas medical and surgical physicians spent 149.9 and 140.7 fewer minutes, respectively, than did their APP counterparts.

Conclusions and Relevance

This cross-sectional, national study of clinicians found significant differences in visit and EHR patterns for physicians compared with APPs across specialty types. By underscoring the different current usage of physicians vs APPs across specialty types, this study helps place into context the work and visit patterns of physicians compared with APPs and serves as a foundation for evaluations of clinical outcomes and quality.
A systematic map of cassava farming practices and their agricultural and environmental impacts using new ontologies: Agri‐ontologies 1.0
Authors: Hood Amelia S. C. , Shackelford Gorm E. , Christie Alec P. , Usieta Hope O. , Martin Philip A. , Sutherland William J.
Published: June 2023

Cassava is consumed by 800 million people and is a staple crop in Africa. Its production may increase under climate change due to its high drought tolerance. We produced a systematic map of scientific studies about cassava farming practices, with the aim of identifying knowledge gaps and clusters. Our secondary aim was to develop a classification system for [1] farming interventions and [2] agricultural, economic and environmental outcomes. Standardised classification systems facilitate data reuse, including for evidence synthesis, and promote research efficiency.

Following our published protocol, we searched eight publication databases using the search string ‘cassava OR mandioca OR manihot OR manioc OR yuca’ in December 2017. We screened 36,580 records and included publications that measured the impact of cassava farming practices on agricultural, economic or environmental outcomes, including yield, soil, water, wildlife and labour. We classified the resultant 1599 publications by interventions, outcomes, location, study year and study design. We assessed coding consistency using Kappa scores.

We found regional knowledge clusters (Nigeria, Columbia and Brazil accounted for 45.5% of country occurrences) and gaps (e.g. the Democratic Republic of Congo). There were knowledge clusters for interventions testing cultivar type, fertiliser use and diversifying crop rotations and outcomes related to crop production (e.g. yield/biomass). We found knowledge gaps for environmental interventions and outcomes (e.g. 5% of studies measured pollutants or wildlife). In terms of study design, reporting standards were poor (e.g. 24% of studies did not report start dates), average study duration was 2 years, and average publication delays were 4 years. The Kappa scores indicated that we successfully developed consistent ontologies (named Agri‐ontologies 1.0). The map and ontologies are available online: https://www.metadataset.com/.

This systematic map of cassava farming practices can direct researchers and funders to knowledge gaps that need addressing, and reviewers to knowledge clusters for synthesis. Better research practices should be promoted within cassava research, as poor reporting standards, short study durations and long publication delays result in an ineffective research environment. This systematic map provides an evidence base for cassava production and the ontologies (Agri‐ontologies 1.0) can be applied to other systems to facilitate more efficient and effective synthesis.
Pottery, Byzantine
Authors: Armstrong Pamela
Published: June 2023

“Byzantine” pottery covers a period of about 1,000 years so has necessarily changed considerably over that time. Knowledge of the manufacture and dissemination of Byzantine pottery has increased greatly in the last ten years through a rigorous examination of associated coin evidence for dating and through expanded programs of scientific testing of ceramics.

The main shifts in production and consumption patterns are examined here.
Horoi
Authors: Harris Edward M.
Published: June 2023

Horoswas the ancient Greek word for boundary marker. Ahoroswas usually a stele of marble or limestone, no larger than a meter high, rectangular and roughly hewn except for the upper front face, which was dressed smooth for inscribed letters.
Ktesibios (Ctesibius) of Alexandria
Authors: Irby Georgia L. , Petrovic Ivana
Published: June 2023

Ktesibios of Alexandria was a third‐century
bce
innovator who employed pneumatics and hydraulics to invent and improve mechanical devices, including water pumps (for fighting large‐scale fires), water organs, the water clock, the pneumatic catapult, and entertaining mechanical devices.
Nomosandnomothesia
Authors: Harris Edward M.
Published: June 2023

Nomosis the Greek word for law, though in some contexts it can mean “custom.”
Famine and food shortages, Pharaonic Egypt
Authors: Manley Bill
Published: June 2023

Because of the constancy of the River Nile, Egyptian farmland is exceptionally fertile, and the food supply was mostly dependable throughout ancient history. During the Pharaonic and Ptolemaic periods, there is stronger evidence connecting known food shortages to political instability than to climatic causes, such as the unpredictability of the Nile inundation.
Pacta dotalia
Authors: Ellart Carlos Sánchez‐Moreno
Published: June 2023

The
pacta dotalia
were agreements between both
coniuges
, or their
patres familias
, which modified particular elements of the dowry.
Synthesis of Dibenzo[b,f]azepines via Palladium‐Catalyzed Cascade [4 + 3] Annulation of o‐Alkenyl Bromoarenes and o‐Bromoaniline Derivatives
Authors: Zhan Xin‐Chen , Lin Guo‐Qiang , Fu Jian‐Guo , Ji Xiao‐Ming , Zhang Shu‐Sheng , Feng Chen‐Guo
Published: June 2023

A cascade [4+3] annulation of o‐alkenyl bromoarenes and o‐bromoaniline derivatives was described. Various dibenzo[b,f]azepines with substitutions on the 10/11 position were obtained in 14–97% yields. The synthetic versatility of this protocol is highlighted by the preparation of a precursor of the drug molecule oxcarbazepine, a gram‐scale synthesis, and two product transformations. Unlike previous amination/Heck sequence, this cascade process is supposed to undergo a C(vinyl), C(aryl)‐palladacycle involved pathway.
Efficient Metabolic Fingerprinting of Follicular Fluid Encodes Ovarian Reserve and Fertility
Authors: Wu Jiao , Liang Chunmei , Wang Xin , Huang Yida , Liu Wanshan , Wang Ruimin , Cao Jing , Su Xun , Yin Tao , Wang Xiaolei , Zhang Zhikang , Shen Lingchao , Li Danyang , Zou Weiwei , Wu Ji , Qiu Lihua , Di Wen , Cao Yunxia , Ji Dongmei , Qian Kun
Published: June 2023

Ovarian reserve (OR) and fertility are critical in women's healthcare. Clinical methods for encoding OR and fertility rely on the combination of tests, which cannot serve as a multi‐functional platform with limited information from specific biofluids. Herein, metabolic fingerprinting of follicular fluid (MFFF) from follicles is performed, using particle‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (PALDI‐MS) to encode OR and fertility. PALDI‐MS allows efficient MFFF, showing fast speed (≈30 s), high sensitivity (≈60 fmol), and desirable reproducibility (coefficients of variation <15%). Further, machine learning of MFFF is applied to diagnose diminished OR (area under the curve of 0.929) and identify high‐quality oocytes/embryos (p < 0.05) by a single PALDI‐MS test. Meanwhile, metabolic biomarkers from MFFF are identified, which also determine oocyte/embryo quality (p < 0.05) from the sampling follicles toward fertility prediction in clinics. This approach offers a powerful platform in women's healthcare, not limited to OR and fertility.
Super‐Low‐Dose Functional and Molecular Photoacoustic Microscopy
Authors: Zhang Yachao , Chen Jiangbo , Zhang Jie , Zhu Jingyi , Liu Chao , Sun Hongyan , Wang Lidai
Published: June 2023

Photoacoustic microscopy can image many biological molecules and nano‐agents in vivo via low‐scattering ultrasonic sensing. Insufficient sensitivity is a long‐standing obstacle for imaging low‐absorbing chromophores with less photobleaching or toxicity, reduced perturbation to delicate organs, and more choices of low‐power lasers. Here, the photoacoustic probe design is collaboratively optimized and a spectral‐spatial filter is implemented. A multi‐spectral super‐low‐dose photoacoustic microscopy (SLD‐PAM) is presented that improves the sensitivity by ≈33 times. SLD‐PAM can visualize microvessels and quantify oxygen saturation in vivo with ≈1% of the maximum permissible exposure, dramatically reducing potential phototoxicity or perturbation to normal tissue function, especially in imaging of delicate tissues, such as the eye and the brain. Capitalizing on the high sensitivity, direct imaging of deoxyhemoglobin concentration is achieved without spectral unmixing, avoiding wavelength‐dependent errors and computational noises. With reduced laser power, SLD‐PAM can reduce photobleaching by ≈85%. It is also demonstrated that SLD‐PAM achieves similar molecular imaging quality using 80% fewer contrast agents. Therefore, SLD‐PAM enables the use of a broader range of low‐absorbing nano‐agents, small molecules, and genetically encoded biomarkers, as well as more types of low‐power light sources in wide spectra. It is believed that SLD‐PAM offers a powerful tool for anatomical, functional, and molecular imaging.
Open cultivation of microorganisms in water‐in‐oil Pickering emulsions stabilized by stearate microparticles
Authors: Mazlan Muhammad Waffieq Syarafuddin bin , Hanibuchi Sayu , Tokoro Yuka , Aiki Kazuma , Sawai Jun , Imai Masanao , Naoe Kazumitsu
Published: June 2023

We report a long‐term open cultivation of model microorganisms in water‐in‐oil (W/O) Pickering emulsions stabilized by food‐grade calcium stearate microparticles without contamination. W/O Pickering emulsions were successfully prepared using calcium stearate microparticles in tetradecane. Effect of microparticle concentration on the emulsion's Sauter mean diameter was investigated at various hold‐ups. As a result, the smaller the hold‐up, the smaller was the change in Sauter mean diameter due to the microparticle concentration. It was found that Sauter mean diameter of the emulsions was almost constant for 2 months. Model microorganisms Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis solubilized in the emulsion were stationary cultivated in the air‐exposed state. The viable cell ratio temporarily decreased at the beginning of cultivation but then increased continuously with cultivation time after 28 days. Furthermore, there were no contamination for 28 days in the air‐exposed state of the emulsion solution containing a culture medium without microorganisms. It was also shown that the growth rate of the microorganisms in the emulsion system is significantly lower than those in conventional cultivation systems. Thus, the calcium stearate Pickering W/O emulsion system is suitable for a long‐term “open” cultivation of microorganisms without the use of any special equipment such as a jar‐fermenter.
Effect of hard segment chemistry and structure on the self‐healing properties of UV‐curable coatings based on the urethane acrylates with built‐in Diels–Alder adduct
Authors: Bednarczyk Paulina , Mozelewska Karolina , Nowak Małgorzata , Klebeko Joanna , Rokicka Joanna , Ossowicz‐Rupniewska Paula
Published: June 2023

The development of new photoreactive resins to obtain smart coatings and enhance the self‐healing (SH) properties of photoreactive resins has attracted great interest in the past few years, and the investigation of the relationship between phase structure and smart properties is necessary. Herein, four types of urethane acrylate resins with built‐in DA structures with different hard segment structures, and a slight change in the length of the polyol soft segment were prepared. The hard segments were made of hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) with a linear structure and isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) with an alicyclic structure, and the soft segments consisted of polyethylene glycols (PEG 400 and PEG 1000, respectively). The obtained resins were used to prepare polymer films that were cured using UV radiation. The coatings obtained in this way were tested for the influence of the polymer chain architecture on the kinetics of photopolymerization, the properties of the cured coatings, as well as the thermal characteristics and thermoreversibility performance of the cured coatings and their SH ability.
Size effects of silica on the viscosity of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene and its disentanglement mechanism
Authors: Li Jiangshan , Du Yue , Liu Tao , Zhao Shicheng
Published: June 2023

The viscosity of the polymer composites is closely related to the size effect of the filler. In this study, the size effects of silica fillers on the viscosity of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) was investigated. The addition of 200 nm and 5 μm silica increase the viscosity, but the 7 nm silica can significantly decrease the viscosity. In order to understand the mechanism of this phenomenon, the multilevel factors of the sample in terms of matrix structure (amorphous phase entanglement, mesophase and crystalline region content) and the mobility of chain segments were analyzed. Rheology and DMA tests have shown that silica affects viscosity mainly by influencing the entanglement in the amorphous phase. Raman tests show that 7 nm silica decrease the viscosity mainly by affecting the content of the mesophase and the mobility of the chain segments in the amorphous region. The annealing process was investigated by Flash DSC, and it was found that 7 nm SiO2 can accelerate the mobility of UHMWPE chains to form a larger recrystallization area, and the addition of 200 nm and 5 μm SiO2 did not show a similar phenomenon, proving the strong size effect of SiO2 on the viscosity and disentanglement of UHMWPE.
Pultrusion preparation and properties of continuous glass fiber reinforced polylactic acid thermoplastic composites
Authors: Li Peipei , Ma Jie , He Libo , Wu Shizhe , Yang Peiquan , Zhao Lihui , Zhang Yagang , Zhu Yabin , Tan Hongsheng
Published: June 2023

Continuous glass fiber (CGF) reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) thermoplastic composites (CGF/PLA) were prepared through the pultrusion process. The effects of processing temperature, tension, traction speed and CGF weight content on the tensile strength of CGF/PLA were carefully studied and systematically optimized. The results indicated that the tensile strength and storage modulus of the CGF/PLA were the highest and respectively reached up to 186.4 MPa and 17.5 GPa when the processing temperature was 220°C, the tension force was 11 N, the traction speed was 3 r/min and the CGF content was about 40.0 wt.%. In addition, it was found that the tensile strength of CGF/PLA increased with the rise of the processing temperature and CGF content. Those above results demonstrated that this pultrusion fabrication strategy of CGF/PLA could promote a low‐cost and high‐strength method for the industrial fabrication of CGF/PLA with desired properties, and thus opening possibilities for the rational design and pultrusion preparation of CGF/PLA.
Zn(II)‐Dipicolylamine‐Attached Amphiphilic Polythiophene for Quantitative Pattern Recognition of Oxyanions in Mixtures
Authors: Sasaki Yui , Ohshiro Kohei , Okabe Kiyosumi , Lyu Xiaojun , Tsuchiya Kazuhiko , Matsumoto Akira , Takizawa Shin‐ya , Minami Tsuyoshi
Published: June 2023

Herein, we propose a novel amphiphilic polythiophene‐based chemosensor functionalized with a Zn(II)‐dipicolylamine side chain (1poly ⋅ Zn) for the pattern recognition of oxyanions. Optical changes in amphiphilic 1poly ⋅ Zn can be induced by the formation of a random coil from a backbone‐planarized structure upon the addition of target oxyanions, which results in blueshifts in the UV‐vis absorption spectra and turn‐on‐type fluorescence responses. Dynamic behavior in a polythiophene wire and/or among wires could be a driving force for obtaining visible color changes, while the molecular wire effect is dominant in obtaining fluorescence sensor responses. Notably, the magnitude of optical changes in 1poly ⋅ Zn has depended on differences in properties of oxyanions, such as their binding affinity, hydrophilicity, and molecular geometry. Thus, various colorimetric and fluorescence response patterns of 1poly ⋅ Zn to oxyanions were obtained, albeit using a single chemosensor. A constructed information‐rich dataset was applied to pattern recognition for the simultaneous group categorization of phosphate and carboxylate groups and the prediction of similar structural oxyanions at a different order of concentrations in their mixture solutions.
Blinded sample size recalculation in multiple composite population designs with normal data and baseline adjustments
Authors: Gera Roland G. , Friede Tim
Published: June 2023

The increasing interest in subpopulation analysis has led to the development of various new trial designs and analysis methods in the fields of personalized medicine and targeted therapies. In this paper, subpopulations are defined in terms of an accumulation of disjoint population subsets and will therefore be called composite populations. The proposed trial design is applicable to any set of composite populations, considering normally distributed endpoints and random baseline covariates. Treatment effects for composite populations are tested by combining p‐values, calculated on the subset levels, using the inverse normal combination function to generate test statistics for those composite populations while the closed testing procedure accounts for multiple testing. Critical boundaries for intersection hypothesis tests are derived using multivariate normal distributions, reflecting the joint distribution of composite population test statistics given no treatment effect exists. For sample size calculation and sample size, recalculation multivariate normal distributions are derived which describe the joint distribution of composite population test statistics under an assumed alternative hypothesis. Simulations demonstrate the absence of any practical relevant inflation of the type I error rate. The target power after sample size recalculation is typically met or close to being met.
TITE‐gBOIN‐ET: Time‐to‐event generalized Bayesian optimal interval design to accelerate dose‐finding accounting for ordinal graded efficacy and toxicity outcomes
Authors: Takeda Kentaro , Yamaguchi Yusuke , Taguri Masataka , Morita Satoshi
Published: June 2023

One of the primary objectives of an oncology dose‐finding trial for novel therapies, such as molecular‐targeted agents and immune‐oncology therapies, is to identify an optimal dose (OD) that is tolerable and therapeutically beneficial for subjects in subsequent clinical trials. These new therapeutic agents appear more likely to induce multiple low or moderate‐grade toxicities than dose‐limiting toxicities. Besides, for efficacy, evaluating the overall response and long‐term stable disease in solid tumors and considering the difference between complete remission and partial remission in lymphoma are preferable. It is also essential to accelerate early‐stage trials to shorten the entire period of drug development. However, it is often challenging to make real‐time adaptive decisions due to late‐onset outcomes, fast accrual rates, and differences in outcome evaluation periods for efficacy and toxicity. To solve the issues, we propose a time‐to‐event generalized Bayesian optimal interval design to accelerate dose finding, accounting for efficacy and toxicity grades. The new design named “TITE‐gBOIN‐ET” design is model‐assisted and straightforward to implement in actual oncology dose‐finding trials. Simulation studies show that the TITE‐gBOIN‐ET design significantly shortens the trial duration compared with the designs without sequential enrollment while having comparable or higher performance in the percentage of correct OD selection and the average number of patients allocated to the ODs across various realistic settings.
Relationship between carotid intima‐media thickness (cIMT) and dual‐system imbalance in tobacco dependence: An rs‐fMRI research
Authors: Tan Qiaowen , Li Shaoke , Yu Mengqian , Zhao Jingyi , Chi Xiaosa , Han Yan , Guo Zongjun
Published: June 2023

Background and purpose

According to the classic cognitive behavioral theory proposes, dysfunctional goal‐directed and habit control systems are considered central to the pathogenesis of dependent behavior and impair recovery from addictions. The functional connectivity (FC) of the brain circuits for goal‐directed or habitual behavior has not been clearly reported in tobacco‐dependent groups. Smoking is one of the factors in the formation of atherosclerosis. Studies have shown that the thickness of carotid intima‐media (cIMT) is associated with attention‐executive‐psychomotor functioning. Therefore, we hypothesized whether cIMT in tobacco‐dependent individuals is associated with changes in the FC of the dual‐system network.

Methods

A total of 29 male tobacco‐dependent subjects (tobacco‐dependent group) (mean age: 64.20 years, standard deviation [SD]: 4.81 years) underwent resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI). Exactly 28 male nonsmokers (control group) (mean age: 61.95 years, SD: 5.52 years) were also recruited to undergo rs‐fMRI. We used the dorsolateral striatum (putamen) and dorsomedial striatum (caudate) as regions of interest for whole‐brain resting‐state connectivity to construct habitual and goal‐directed brain networks, respectively. In addition, all participants were evaluated by carotid artery ultrasound to obtain the cIMT values. Then, we compared the dual‐system brain networks between the tobacco dependence and control groups and the relationship between cIMT and imbalance of dual‐system brain networks in tobacco dependence.

Results

The results showed a reduction in the connection between the caudate and precuneus and an increased connection between the putamen and prefrontal cortex; and supplementary motor area. The bilateral connectivity between the caudate and inferior frontal gyrus showed a significant negative correlation with the cIMT, and no positive correlation was observed with cIMT in the brain region that connects to the caudate. However, for the putamen, increased connectivity with the inferior temporal and medial frontal gyri was strongly associated with a high cIMT.

Conclusions

The results indicate that the formation of tobacco dependence behavior is related to changes in the dual‐system brain network. Carotid sclerosis is associated with the weakening of the goal‐directed network and enhancement of the habit network in tobacco dependence. This finding suggests that tobacco dependence behavior and clinical vascular diseases are related to changes in brain functional networks.
Solidarity with everyone? Intergroup helping and COVID‐19
Authors: Yemane Ruta , Arnu Hannah , Aithal Lara , Rees Jonas , Veit Susanne , Wölfer Ralf
Published: June 2023

This study investigates peoples' prosocial attitudes and real‐life prosocial behaviour towards different ethnic groups during the COVID‐19 pandemic, taking Germany as an empirical example. In a preregistered multi‐study design, we examined: (a) who receives help, (b) who helps and (c) what explains prosocial behaviour. In study 1, we conducted a large‐scale, nation‐wide field experiment (1,980 help requests across 11 cities, resulting in 769 help offers in response). In study 2, we conducted an online survey with a general population sample (N = 1,033, Mage = 40 years, 43% females). Tests of proportions revealed high levels of prosocial attitudes as well as behaviour, favouring the ethnic ingroup (study 1), while regression analysis highlights the importance of empathy, compared to other theoretical predictors, for explaining prosocial behaviour (study 2). Findings underscore the relevance of ethnic boundaries during the pandemic crisis: Ethnic minority members benefit less from solidarity than ethnic majority members. However, we observe an attitude‐behaviour gap between field experimental and survey data, indicating the importance of observational studies when studying prosocial behaviour during the pandemic. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.
Avengers, assemble the literature! A multi‐study review of consumption, environmental values, and planetary health research
Authors: Lim Weng Marc
Published: June 2023

Mother Earth is dying. Humanity needs to step up. Otherwise, the planet we call home will soon be uninhabitable. The destiny of our planet inarguably depends on consumers, as their choices have the power to turn them into eco‐superheroes (sustainable consumption) or eco‐villains (unsustainable consumption). This article aims to review the current progress of consumption research and propose strategies to inspire consumers to embrace their inner eco‐warrior spirit, fostering sustainable behavior that protects the environment and supports human well‐being. To achieve this, this article employs an integrative approach, merging a meta‐perspective on theoretical development with a multi‐study methodological approach. Harnessing the power of scientometrics, this article delivers meta‐insights from a multi‐study analysis on consumption trends in relation to environmental values (micro‐perspective; Study 1) and planetary health (macro‐perspective; Study 2). These findings pave the way for future research and intervention strategies designed to nurture ecological sustainability and unleash the eco‐warrior in every consumer.
Macrophage Gpx4 deficiency aggravates foam cell formation by regulating the expression of scavenger receptors, ABCA1, and ABCG1
Authors: Zhou Jingquan , Wu Suhua , Chen Xiaoqin , Hou Lianjie , Zhong Qiong , Luo Weixia , Dai Chunni , Dai Xiaoyan
Published: June 2023

Macrophage‐derived foam cell formation is critical for the initiation and development of atherosclerosis, which contributes to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), a crucial ferroptosis regulator, protects cells from excessive oxidative stress by neutralizing lipid peroxidation. However, the role of macrophage GPX4 in foam cell formation remains unknown. We reported that oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (oxLDL) upregulated GPX4 expression in macrophages. Using the Cre‐loxP system, we generated myeloid cell‐specific Gpx4 knockout (Gpx4myel‐KO) mice. Bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMDMs) were isolated from WT and Gpx4myel‐KO mice and incubated with modified low‐density lipoprotein (LDL). We found that Gpx4 deficiency promoted foam cell formation and increased the internalization of modified LDL. Mechanistic studies unveiled that Gpx4 knockout upregulated scavenger receptor type A and LOX‐1 expression and downregulated ABCA1 and ABCG1 expression. Collectively, our study lends a novel insight into the role of GPX4 in suppressing macrophage‐derived foam cell formation and suggests GPX4 as a promising therapeutic target to interfere with atherosclerosis‐related diseases.
Teaching anti‐racist counseling theories: Black liberation narrative therapy
Authors: Haskins Natoya Hill , Harris Janee’ Advent , Parker Janise , Nambiar Aishwarya , Chin Philippa
Published: June 2023

Counseling theories created by White theorists have traditionally failed to consider the religious or spiritual experiences of Black clients. Integration of Black liberation theology and narrative therapy provides a novel approach to support counseling trainees in meeting the needs of Black clients. Decolonizing therapeutic strategies are presented along with counselor educator recommendations.
Microbial Electrochemical Systems and Membrane Bioreactor Technology for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Daud Siti Mariam , Zainon Noor Zainura , Ahmad Mutamim Noor Sabrina , Baharuddin Nurul Huda , Faizal Azrul Nurfaiz Mohd , Aris Azmi , Ibrahim Rabialtu Sulihah
Published: June 2023

Membrane bioreactors (MBRs) and microbial electrochemical systems (MESs) are promising technologies for wastewater treatment and generation of electricity from organic matter. The application of MBRs is limited due to membrane fouling and high energy consumption. The novel design of the coupling system of microbial fuel cell and membrane bioreactor (MFC‐MBR), which efficiently combines microbial degradation in MFCs and uses the microelectric field to reduce and mitigate membrane fouling in MBR. The fundamentals of extracellular electron transport, the performance of MFCs, different types of MBR systems, and the novelty of the MFC‐MBR coupling system for wastewater treatment are reviewed.
Efficient, Stable, and Solvent‐Free Synthesized Single‐Atom Catalysts: Carbonized Transition Metal‐Doped ZIF‐8 for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction**
Authors: Dürr Robin N. , Stéphan Emma , Leroy Jocelyne , Oswald Frédéric , Verhaeghe Bénédicte , Jousselme Bruno
Published: June 2023

Herein we present non‐noble metal single‐atom catalysts (SACs) based on carbonized transition metal‐doped zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) as stable and efficient electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction in acidic media. In this work, earth‐abundant metals are embedded in a porous N‐rich carbon matrix by pyrolyzing metal‐doped ZIF structures and characterized by spectroscopic, microscopic, and electrochemical methods. The complete synthesis of these high surface area SACs was carried out without any solvents and hence offers a promising route for a more sustainable catalyst production and industrial upscaling. As the best‐performing catalyst, cobalt SAC illustrated already with a low cobalt loading of <0.3 at.% a substantial increase in activity with an overpotential of −322 mV for −10 mA cm−2, and high stability during electrolysis at −10 mA cm−2 for 12 h in acidic media, with only a small decrease of 33 mV to more negative potentials after the initiation period.
Hypoxia Associated With Dihydropyridine Calcium Channel Inhibitors: A Pharmacovigilance Study in VigiBase
Authors: Chrétien Basile , Decros Jean Baptiste , Suard Florimond , Dolladille Charles , Fischer Marc‐Olivier , Alexandre Joachim , Descamps Richard
Published: June 2023

Due to their negative effects on hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction, dihydropyridine calcium channel inhibitors (DCCIs) can lead to hypoxia in patients with a pulmonary shunt. To date, only preclinical studies and case reports have focused on this potential adverse drug reaction. We aimed to assess the reporting association between DCCIs and hypoxia using the World Health Organization pharmacovigilance database (VigiBase). We performed a disproportionality analysis to evaluate the strength of the reporting association between i.v. clevidipine and nicardipine, thought to be a surrogate of patients in the intensive care unit, and hypoxia. The information component and the lower end of its 95% credibility interval were used to evaluate disproportionality. A description of the cases was made. Secondary outcomes included the association between all DCCIs and hypoxia compared with other treatments with similar indications, urapidil and labetalol, regardless of the route of administration. Association between oral nicardipine and hypoxia was also searched. A statistically significant signal of hypoxia was found for intravenous clevidipine and nicardipine. The time to onset was reported with a median of 2 days (interquartile range 1.5–4.5). Four dechallenges were performed with intravenous nicardipine, leading to the resolution of the symptoms. Regardless of the route of administration, a signal of hypoxia was also found for nimodipine but not for other drugs, including comparators. For nicardipine no signal of hypoxia was found with the oral route of administration. Our pharmacovigilance database analysis showed a significant association between the use of intravenous DCCIs and hypoxia.