bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in Antioxidant/Pro-Oxidant Ratio of Brain Tissue Homogenates in Response to Cocos nucifera Treatment
Authors: Ilochi O. N. , Augustine C. E. , Chuemere A. N.
Published: May 2022

Objective: This study revealed the effect of Cocos nucifera juice on antioxidant/pro-oxidant ratio in brain tissue homogenates of wistar rats.

Materials and Methods: 40 male wistar rats were collected and randomly selected into 4 groups. Treatment protocols were; i-normal saline, ii-3ml C. nucifera juice, iii-6ml C.nucifera juice, iv-9ml C. nucifera juice. The study period lasted for 42 days. Brain tissue homogenate was prepared and biochemical analysis for antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx); pro-oxidant biomarkers hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and nitric oxide (NO) were assayed for.

Results: The result showed that there was an increase in antioxidants concentration and a simultaneous decrease in pro-oxidant species generation as the dose of treatment was increased. The ratio of antioxidants to pro-oxidants showed a direct proportionality to the treatment dose.

Conclusion: C. nucifera juice has the ability to improve the level of production or synthesis of the assayed antioxidant enzymes and also has the efficacy to suppress pro-oxidant specie generation.
Effect of Rhizobium Inoculation and Phosphate Rock Fertilizer Application on Biomass Production, Nutrient use Efficiency and Yield Parameters of Green Gram (Vigna radiata)
Authors: Mbaka F. K. , Ndukhu H. O. , Oloo-Abucheli G. O. , Kiplangat C. T.
Published: May 2022

The research was focused on an ecologically sound and highly production of legumes particularly green gram through the application of Rhizobium and rock phosphate fertilizer. Therefore, biomass production, nutrient use efficiency and yield parameters were determined for two growing seasons (November 2019 - January 2020 and February - April 2020), at Chuka university horticultural research farm. Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) in green grams can improve sustainable soil fertility management and increased production. In Kenya, green gram is a major source of food security particularly in Tharaka Nithi County. However, green gram yields are usually low due to low phosphorous and nitrogen levels of the soil. A factorial experiment of 2 x 2 x 2 was laid out in a randomized complete block design. There were three factors, varieties (N26-nylon and KS20-uncle), phosphate rock (0 and 30 kg P ha-1) and Rhizobium MEA 716 (0 and 100 g ha-1) making a total of eight treatments which were replicated three times. Soil sampling and analyses were done before planting and after harvesting of green grams. Data on grain yield, total dry biomass, shoot and root dry weights. Phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) were done. Data was analysed using Statistical Analysis Software (SAS). Significant means were separated using Least Significant Difference (LSD) at probability level of 5 %. Results for both wet and dry seasons indicated that variety KS20 under Rhizobium inoculation and phosphate rock fertilizer (R1P1V2) showed significantly (P<0.05) higher increase in shoot dry biomass (52.01 g plant-1), root dry biomass (7.60 g plant-1), total dry biomass (146.4 g plant-1), number of pods (84 plant-1) and yield (2158 kg ha-1). Also, there was significant (P<0.05) higher phosphorous use efficiency of 279.32 Kg/ha and nitrogen use efficiency of 1732 kg/ha in treatment R1P1V2 over other treatments. From these results it was concluded that variety KS20 (V2) performed better compared to N26 (V1) under combined application of Rhizobium and phosphate rock fertilizer. Hence, based on the findings, for sustainable and improved green gram production farmers in Tharaka Nithi County.
Empirical Analysis of the Impact of Trade Facilitation on China's Foreign Trade- based on Panel Data Analysis of Countries along the Belt and Road
Authors: Pengli Tang , Jifeng Zhang , Xinyue Yu
Published: May 2022

Since China proposed the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013, new changes have taken place in China's economic and trade relations with countries along the routes. China has helped countries along the routes improve their economic and trade conditions through various diplomatic means. However, in recent years, the rise of trade protectionism, mainly in the United States, has made China's foreign exchanges, cooperation and trade difficult, making trade facilitation conditions appear particularly important in the complicated international competition. Therefore, I start from this initiative to explore the impact of trade facilitation on China's trade.

This paper selects 41 trade-related indicators from the World Economic Forum, and classifies all indicators into four first-level indicators: transportation infrastructure, government regulation, financial services and e-commerce. Then principal component analysis is used to concentrate and determine the weight of all indicators, among which the weight of transportation infrastructure is the highest. Then, trade facilitation in countries along the BELT and Road Initiative from 2007 to 2017 was measured and presented numerically. Then, other trade-related indirect factors were added, and panel data were used to build a multiple linear regression model to analyze the relationship between the level of trade facilitation of each country and the volume of trade between China and the country. Through collecting, sorting out and empirical analysis of the data, it is concluded that the level of trade facilitation measured in this paper has obvious regional distribution characteristics. On the whole, the level of trade facilitation in East Asia, Southeast Asia and Europe is higher. At the same time, there is a positive correlation between the trade facilitation level of the host country and the trade volume between China and the host country. Finally, some policy suggestions are put forward based on relevant results.
Effect of Corona-virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Inflation Rate on the Foreign Exchange Rate in Kenya
Authors: Dominic Shukrani Kenga, , Guandaru Kamau, Charles , Sylvia Akinyi Amayo,
Published: May 2022

The general objective of this research was to investigate the effect of COVID-19 and Inflation rate on the Foreign Exchange rate in Kenya. Census technique was used in collecting a 263 days data from the World Health Organization, Central Bank of Kenya and the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. Analysis of data was through quantitative techniques, inferential analysis; specifically, correlation analysis was conducted. Overall model fitness test was through F-test. The coefficients generated from the regression model were used to test the hypothesis. Correlation results indicated a significant positive relationship between COVID-19 and inflation rate against the foreign exchange rate. Hypothesis testing at 5% level of significance established a significant effect on COVID-19 and Inflation rate with the foreign exchange rate, hence rejecting H01 and H02. It was concluded that COVID-19 and Inflation rate significantly affect the Foreign Exchange rate in Kenya, hence requiring a close monitoring, proper policy formulation and mitigation measures. For further studies, we proposed that another study may be conducted to cover current emerging issues which may affect the foreign exchange rate in Kenya and the economy at large.
Effectiveness of Extracurricular Activities on Students’ Learning Processes in Public Secondary Schools in Sikonge District, Tanzania
Authors: Lyoba Said Maulid , Mwila Prospery M.
Published: May 2022

Extracurricular activities are an integral part of today's teaching and learning process. It allows learners to develop positive character traits. It demonstrates how to cultivate discipline, commitment, and self-discipline tenacity, self-control, and a healthy regard for the school environment. This study investigated the effectiveness of extracurricular activities on students’ learning process in public secondary schools in Sikonge District, Tabora Region, Tanzania. The specific objectives were to identify the extracurricular activities performed by students; and to evaluate infrastructural facilities of extracurricular activities in aiding the learning process. The mixed approach research and a convergent parallel design were used in this study. The simple random and purposive sampling was used to select a sample of 100 respondents. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data. Validity and reliability of the instruments were ensured through content validation and a test-retest reliability procedure-respectively. Quantitative data was analyzed through descriptive statistics with the help MS-Excel while qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The major findings of the study revealed that there is a significant contributions of extracurricular activities in the learning process since extracurricular activities attract students to attend school; make learners physically and mentally fit and they increase confidence. Therefore, it is recommended that educational stakeholders should consider using professional teachers on different extra-curricular activities so as to ensure effective and efficient interplay among variables associated with extra-curriculum activities.
Impact Assessment of Gap on Nigerian Crude Oil Production: A Box-Tiao Intervention Approach
Authors: Moffat Imo U. , Inyang Elisha J.
Published: May 2022

The Nigerian disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme known as the Amnesty Programme have become common practice in countries facing violent conflict. A time-series model for monthly crude oil production was developed to examine the effect of Government’s Amnesty Programme (GAP) introduced in August 2009. The data used in this study are the monthly crude oil production spanning from January 1999 to December 2020. From results of model estimation, we found that the intervention due to the Amnesty programme had no impact on crude oil production since the null hypothesis that is 0 was retained. Factors suggested to account for this development includes: Crack in deal, as Nigerian Government found it difficult to fund the programme due to incessant fall in oil price and emergence of new groups of militant. The renewed instability and violent attacks on oil facilities have resulted in a serious reduction of crude oil production. Thus, government should consider tackling wider socio-economic grievances in the country’s oil production region in other to bring stability, which will lead to increase in oil production.
A numerical Approximation for the One-dimensional Burger–Fisher Equation
Authors: Hajinezhad Haniye
Published: May 2022

In this paper, an implicit finite difference method based on the Crank–Nicolson method is proposed for the numerical solution of the one-dimensional Burger–Fisher equation. The Crank–Nicolson scheme provides a system of nonlinear difference equations, which is solved by an integration of the Jacobian-Free-Newton-Krylov (JFNK) and GMRES methods. Various numerical examples are given to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed scheme. Comparison of the computed solutions with the analytical ones demonstrates the accuracy of this proposed method.
Occupational Health and Safety Practices among Sanitation Workers in a Public University in Ghana: A Qualitative Approach
Authors: Botchwey Charles Owusu-Aduomi , Kesseh Dennis , Baidoo Michael Afari , Boateng Agartha Afful , Boakye Dorothy Serwaa
Published: May 2022

Background: Satisfactory sanitation, together with decent hygiene and safe water, are central to good health and a bedrock of social and economic growth. If we are not able to safeguard the lives of those who protect us, then is palpable that our lives are also at stake exclusively in a period where there are so many genetic adversaries to combat so as to maintain, inspire and protect the lives of the individuals. To shield ourselves from environmental diseases, the welfare of sanitary workers is of overriding prominence.

Aim: The study aimed at reconnoitering occupational health and safety practices of sanitation workers of University of Education, Winneba, (UEW) Ghana.

Place and Duration of Study: The study took place at University of Education, Winneba campus in the Effutu Municipality in the Central Region of Ghana, between May, 2021 and January, 2022.

Methods: The study employed a qualitative approach with a case study design in investigating occupational health and safety (OHS) practices among sanitation workers in UEW. A purposive sampling method was used to recruit the respondents for the study with a focus group discussion guide and in-depth interview guide as the main instruments for data collection. Data were analysed qualitatively using the content analysis technique.

Results: The findings of the study revealed four indices that embodied and affected the working conditions of sanitation workers. These included: occupational stress; hazardous conditions; remuneration; and job security. Again, it was also revealed that there was inadequate personal protective equipment (PPEs) supplied by the university management and poor use of PPEs with the most used PPEs being nose masks by the sanitation workers as a result of the enforcement of Covid-19 protocols. Major challenges faced by the sanitation workers in adhering to OHS practices were found to be poor remuneration, inadequate tools/equipment, poor supervision, unfavourable weather condition and abuse as well as assault.

Conclusion: The well-being of every individual matters, if there is a poor condition of service and poor adherence to OHS practices by sanitary workers in an institution of higher education then worse cases or scenarios may be bound to happen elsewhere. There is therefore the need for relevant stakeholders to stand and advocate for proper formulation and enforcement of OHS protocols as well as ensuring good working conditions for all.
Sero-Epidemiology of Transfusion Transmissible Hepatitis B, C and E among Blood Donors in Ekiti, Southwestern Nigeria: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Fasakin K. A. , Muhibi M. A. , Ibijola A. A. , Ajayi O. D. , Onyema M. I. , Obazee Y. , Adeniyi A. A. , Ajetunmobi W. A. , Adebara I. O. , Adebayo A. , Okunlola A. I. , Yusuf M. , Awoyinka B. S. , Ajetunmobi O. A. , Bakare A. , Adeyemo O. T. , Adewara O. E. , Anyahara N. , Onyema C. E. , Bolaji O. B. , Ayankunle O. M. , Aduloju O. P. , Ogundare E. O. , Babatola A. O. , Adefisan A. S. , Olofinbiyi B. A. , Jeremiah Z. A.
Published: May 2022

Background: Transfusion transmissible hepatitis (TTH) is a global health problem and the incriminating agents such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) continue to pose serious threats to blood safety. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of HBV, HCV and HEV and relate the outcomes with blood donation type, age and gender and confirm any significant associations.

Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody to HCV were determined with Diaspot and Lab Acon immunochromatographic ELISA-based test devices. Antibodies to HEV were first determined with Biopanda lateral flow device followed by ELISA assay for sero-reactive HEV immunoglobulins M and immunoglobulin G (IgM and IgG) antibodies.

Results: A total of 370 prospective blood donors between 18 and 55 years old (mean 31.2 ± 7.6 years) who presented for blood donation at FETHI Blood Bank were screened. Overall male: female ratio was 7:1. Cummulative hepatitis seroprevalence of 8.1% was found mainly among the replacement blood donors (RBD) and consist of 4.3%, 1.6%, 1.1%, 0.8% and 0.3% serologic evidence of HBsAg, anti-HCV, HEV IgM, both HEV IgM & HEV IgG, and HEV IgG antibodies. Blood donors aged 18 – 45 years were most affected with evident significant association between the age group of donors and TTH seroprevalence. Cummulative hepatitis seroprevalence was 0% among voluntary blood donors, and 9.1% and 0.3% among the male and female RBD respectively. There was significant association between the pathogens and RBD, though the association with male gender was clinically but not statistically significant.

Conclusion: The high transfusion transmissible hepatitis seroprevalence among RBD called for promoting voluntary donations. Comparable prevalence of HEV antibodies with that of HCV called for its inclusion in the TTIs screening algorithm to ascertain optimal blood safety in Nigeria.
Immunohistochemical Analysis of B-Cell Maturation Antigen (BCMA) as a Novel Marker in Correlation with Its Serum Level to Predict Multiple Myeloma Patients' Outcome
Authors: Sallam Nashwa Saad Mohammed Abdeen , Morad Heba Ahmed , Eid Manal Abd El-Wahed , El-Gamal Basma Mostafa , Tawfik Hesham Ahmed
Published: May 2022

Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a neoplastic disorder characterized by clonal proliferation of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow (BM) producing monoclonal proteins and inducing specific organ and tissue damage. This study aimed to evaluate the expression and serum level of B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) and its prognostic value in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients.

Methods: This prospective study was carried out on 60 patients who were classified into two equal groups including group I (MM patients) which was newly diagnosed as MM and group II (healthy Control) which healthy individuals served as control.

Results: There was a statistically significant increase in MM patients than control group levels were increased in MM patients. Plasma cell percentage in BM aspiration was a statistically significant increase in MM patients. As regarding serum BCMA, there was a statistically significant increase in MM patients than the control group. There was a significantly positive correlation between serum BCMA and its surface expression with plasma cells in BM, CD138 expression in a biopsy, creatinine, B2 microglobulin, LDH, ESR, and total calcium. There was no correlation between BCMA level and age, hemoglobin, WBCs, and platelets count. Serum BCMA and BCMA expression showed a significant correlation with the clinical status of the patients' group, patients with complete response showed a lower level of serum BCMA and lower expression of surface BCMA and longer OS and DFS while patients with failure of CR relapsed group showed a higher level of serum BCMA and higher expression of surface BCMA and shorter OS and DFS.

Conclusions: Important role of BCMA expression and its serum level in the diagnosis of multiple myeloma, as the BCMA level in serum significantly elevated in MM patients compared with the control group. Moreover, serum BCMA level and its surface expression are positively correlated with plasma cell percentage in BM aspirate, CD 138 expression in BM biopsy, M protein, and B2 macroglobulin.
Performance Evaluation of Synthetic and Natural- Based Surfactants for Chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery
Authors: Obuebite Amalate Ann , Okwonna Obumneme O.
Published: May 2022

Contemporary studies have demonstrated the ability of some natural materials to recover oil thereby replacing synthetic materials; however, the effectiveness of these natural materials in recovering oil at high temperatures, pressures and in hard waters needs to be determined. The research aims at comparing the recoverability of a natural and synthetic surfactant with divalent ions being present and under reservoir conditions after which a cost analysis at field scale is conducted. Two surfactants namely, Hibiscus calyx extract and sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) were assessed in the laboratory using hard brine. Phase behaviour and sandstone core analysis was conducted to ascertain the effectiveness of these surfactants in recovering residual oil at high temperature and pressure of 80˚C and 8000 psi respectively. Upscaling from laboratory to field scale and a comparative cost analysis was performed. Results showed a high compatibility of both surfactants in hard brine with an absence of Type III micro emulsion. At reservoir conditions, Hibiscus calyx extract resulted in an increased oil displacement efficiency and additional recovery of88% and 24% than SDS which resulted in a displacement efficiency and additional recovery of 72% and 19% respectively. Using an upscaling factor to field scale, a chemical injection rate of about 5 barrels/day was attained. Comparative cost analysis showed that the natural surfactant is more cost-effective. This study proposes the use of natural surfactants in harsh oilfield conditions, eliminating processes of brine softening with economic advantages of reusing produced water to prepare chemical slugs for EOR treatments.
Psychosocial Correlates of Depression among Apprentice Artisans in Nigeria
Authors: Foluke Onisile Deborah , Olutope Akinnawo Ebenezer , Chinonye Akpunne Bede , Busayo Bello Ibukunoluwa , Oluwasanmi Kumuyi Daniel , Jacob Akinniyi Rotimi
Published: May 2022

Depression is a leading cause of disability among the working population. This study assesses self-esteem and depression as psychosocial correlates of depression among Nigerian apprentice artisans. The research method adopted for this quantitative research was a cross-sectional design. A total number of five-hundred and seventeen (N=517) male automobile apprentice artisans were selected using a multistage sampling which included a purposive sampling procedure to select the local Government Area for the study, and simple balloting was adopted to select the six LGAs out of the thirty under the three senatorial districts in Osun state, Nigeria. The instruments adopted for this study are Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale (RSES), Burnout Questionaire (BQ) and depression scale for apprentice (Apprentice Depression Scale). The hypotheses were formulated using a correlation matrix and hierarchical multiple regression. The hypothesis were tested to find out the significant influence of burnout and self-esteem on  depression among apprentice artisans in Osun state .The study established that burnout and self-esteem significantly predict depression among apprentice artisans in Ede, Osun State, Nigeria.
Evaluation of the Effect of Date Palm [Phoenix dactylifera] Fruit Extract on Methotrexate-Induced Reproductive Toxicity in Male Rats
Authors: Azubuike N. C. , Opoh C. C.
Published: May 2022

Background: Phoenix dactylifera L. in the Palmae family (Arecaceae) is commonly known as Date palm. Its fruit is popularly consumed as food and also used as a herbal remedy for fertility enhancing effects in males.

Aim: The present study was designed to explore the effect of P. dactylifera fruit extract (PDFE) on methotrexate (MTX)-induced reproductive toxicity in male rat models.

Study Design: An experimental study which lasted for 19 days.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences and Animal House, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, between April 2019 and November 2019.

Methodology: Sixteen (16) rats were divided into four groups (n=4) namely: Normal control (NC), MTX control, MTX+200mg/kg PDFE and MTX+400mg/kg PDFE. PDFE was administered by oral gavage, once daily, for 10 days. MTX injection (20mg/kg i.p.) was administered to rats in the three test groups on the fifth day. All the rats were sacrificed on Day 11 and the testes and epididymides of all rats were excised and histologically processed for light microscopical examination. Caudal epididymal sperm concentration was also determined.

Results: MTX induced a marked depletion and degeneration of spermatogenic series in the testicular tissues of MTX-control rats whereas PDFE treatment offered some cyto-architectural preservation in a dose-dependent manner. Similarly, a decreased number of spermatozoa within the lumen of epididymal tubules was observed with MTX treatment compared to the normal control and PDFE-treated rats. Treatment with PDFE caused a slight improvement in caudal epididymal sperm concentration although not statistically significant (p>0.05) when compared with the controls.

Conclusion: Data from the present study has revealed that oral treatment with P. dactylifera fruit extracts ameliorates the deleterious effects of methotrexate-induced reproductive toxicity in rats.
Assessment of Knowledge and Attitude of Basic Life Support (BLS) among Schoolteachers in the Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Altherwi Tawfeeq I. , Albannaa Amjad Mohammed E. , Shami Mohammed O. , Dallak Fatimah H. , Suhail Hussam M. , Darraj Bushra H. , Majrabi Asmaa H. , Al-Motahar Safa M. , Alhazmi Abdulaziz
Published: May 2022

Background: Basic life support (BLS) is vital for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival. Previous studies suggested that Saudi schoolteachers' BLS knowledge and training are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of BLS among schoolteachers in Jazan, Saudi Arabia.

Methods: Self-administered, online questionnaires were distributed to 24 randomly selected schools in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. Data were presented as frequency, percentage, mean (M), and standard deviation (SD). Statistical analysis was conducted using an independent sample t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA). 

Results: A total of 424 participants completed the study questionnaires, and 246 (58.0%) were male. Participants’ age ranged from 20 to 62 years (M = 41.68, SD = 7.25). A total of 83 (19.6%) teachers had completed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training. The overall level of BLS knowledge and skills was inadequate (M = 4.79, SD = 1.30). Knowledge scores were statistically different between males and females [t(1, 422) = 4.45, p=0.001]. Also, BLS knowledge scores differed significantly between teachers who had previous CPR training and teachers who did not [t (1, 422) = 25.48, p = 0.000]. In general, teachers had positive attitudes towards the importance of BLS and were willing to have future BLS training. 

Conclusion: The study showed that schoolteachers had positive attitudes towards BLS but lacked BLS knowledge which would affect their skills.
The Effects of Ozone Therapy on the Expression of IL-8, IL-10, CXCL9 and CXCL11 in Joint Fluid in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Chi Hongxi , Wen Xianjie , Liu Xingqing , Ling Chen , Zhang Tuxia , Zhou Ziying , Wu Hao
Published: May 2022

Knee joint is one of the common sites of osteoarthritis (OA) with manifestation of localized joint swelling, pain and deformity, often seriously affecting daily work and life. It was found that the activation of Janus kinase / signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK / STAT3) signal pathway can lead to osteoarthritis. JAK-STAT signal transduction pathway is closely related to painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy and participates in neuropathic pain. Ozone therapy is often used for alleviating pain in neck, shoulder, waist and leg due to its oxidative, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. In recent years, ozone therapy is promising in treating knee osteoarthritis, which can significantly reduce the pain and swelling of the joints. The mechanism of ozone for knee osteoarthritis remains unclear and might associated with inhibition of inflammatory factors and matrix metalloproteinase activity, and intervention of free radical metabolism. In this study, the efficacy of ozone in the treatment of OA and its effect on inflammatory factors were evaluated by knee joint cavity ozone injection and detecting the expression of inflammatory factors IL-8, IL-10, CXCL9 and CXCL11 in joint fluid.
Effects of ancient Egypt hypostyle halls on the thermal environment
Authors: Togashi Eisuke , Nakagawa Jun , Muramatsu Hiroshi
Published: May 2022

In this study, the effects of ancient Egyptian hypostyle hall columns on the thermal environment are quantitatively evaluated. Accordingly, a model was developed to predict the annual changes in indoor temperature. The results reveal that the thermal environment significantly improves with the installation of the columns. The fluctuations owing to daily temperature variations are minimized and the indoor temperature is reduced, even during summers. The results of the sensitivity analysis indicate that such a reduction in the temperature variation cannot be achieved by simply increasing the thermal capacity of the wall, instead, the thermal capacity and surface area must also be simultaneously enhanced by increasing the number of columns.
The success of Conversational AI and the AI evaluation challenge it reveals
Authors: Beaver Ian
Published: May 2022

Research interest in Conversational artificial intelligence (ConvAI) has experienced a massive growth over the last few years and several recent advancements have enabled systems to produce rich and varied turns in conversations similar to humans. However, this apparent creativity is also creating a real challenge in the objective evaluation of such systems as authors are becoming reliant on crowd worker opinions as the primary measurement of success and, so far, few papers are reporting all that is necessary for others to compare against in their own crowd experiments. This challenge is not unique to ConvAI, but demonstrates as AI systems mature in more “human” tasks that involve creativity and variation, evaluation strategies need to mature with them.
Decoding human behavior with big data? Critical, constructive input from the decision sciences
Authors: Katsikopoulos Konstantinos V. , Canellas Marc C.
Published: May 2022

Big data analytics employs algorithms to uncover people's preferences and values, and support their decision making. A central assumption of big data analytics is that it can explain and predict human behavior. We investigate this assumption, aiming to enhance the knowledge basis for developing algorithmic standards in big data analytics. First, we argue that big data analytics is by design atheoretical and does not provide process‐based explanations of human behavior; thus, it is unfit to support deliberation that is transparent and explainable. Second, we review evidence from interdisciplinary decision science, showing that the accuracy of complex algorithms used in big data analytics for predicting human behavior is not consistently higher than that of simple rules of thumb. Rather, it is lower in situations such as predicting election outcomes, criminal profiling, and granting bail. Big data algorithms can be considered as candidate models for explaining, predicting, and supporting human decision making when they match, in transparency and accuracy, simple, process‐based, domain‐grounded theories of human behavior. Big data analytics can be inspired by behavioral and cognitive theory.
A biomedical open knowledge network harnesses the power of AI to understand deep human biology
Authors: Baranzini Sergio E. , Börner Katy , Morris John , Nelson Charlotte A. , Soman Karthik , Schleimer Erica , Keiser Michael , Musen Mark , Pearce Roger , Reza Tahsin , Smith Brett , Herr Bruce W. , Oskotsky Boris , Rizk‐Jackson Angela , Rankin Katherine P. , Sanders Stephan J. , Bove Riley , Rose Peter W. , Israni Sharat , Huang Sui
Published: May 2022

Knowledge representation and reasoning (KR&R) has been successfully implemented in many fields to enable computers to solve complex problems with AI methods. However, its application to biomedicine has been lagging in part due to the daunting complexity of molecular and cellular pathways that govern human physiology and pathology. In this article, we describe concrete uses of Scalable PrecisiOn Medicine Knowledge Engine (SPOKE), an open knowledge network that connects curated information from thirty‐seven specialized and human‐curated databases into a single property graph, with 3 million nodes and 15 million edges to date. Applications discussed in this article include drug discovery, COVID‐19 research and chronic disease diagnosis, and management.
Infrastructure for rapid open knowledge network development
Authors: Cafarella Michael , Anderson Michael , Beltagy Iz , Cattan Arie , Chasins Sarah , Dagan Ido , Downey Doug , Etzioni Oren , Feldman Sergey , Gao Tian , Hope Tom , Huang Kexin , Johnson Sophie , King Daniel , Lo Kyle , Lou Yuze , Shapiro Matthew , Shen Dinghao , Subramanian Shivashankar , Wang Lucy Lu , Wang Yuning , Wang Yitong , Weld Daniel S. , Vo‐Phamhi Jenny , Zeng Anna , Zou Jiayun
Published: May 2022

The past decade has witnessed a growth in the use of knowledge graph technologies for advanced data search, data integration, and query‐answering applications. The leading example of a public, general‐purpose open knowledge network (aka knowledge graph) is Wikidata, which has demonstrated remarkable advances in quality and coverage over this time. Proprietary knowledge graphs drive some of the leading applications of the day including, for example, Google Search, Alexa, Siri, and Cortana. Open Knowledge Networks are exciting: they promise the power of structured database‐like queries with the potential for the wide coverage that is today only provided by the Web. With the current state of the art, building, using, and scaling large knowledge networks can still be frustratingly slow. This article describes a National Science Foundation Convergence Accelerator project to build a set of Knowledge Network Programming Infrastructure systems to address this issue.
Fundamental Understanding and Research Progress on the Interfacial Behaviors for Potassium‐Ion Battery Anode
Authors: Yuan Fei , Li Zhaojin , Zhang Di , Wang Qiujun , Wang Huan , Sun Huilan , Yu Qiyao , Wang Wei , Wang Bo
Published: May 2022

Potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) exhibit a considerable application prospect for energy storage systems due to their low cost, high operating voltage, and superior ionic conductivity. As a vital configuration in PIBs, the two‐phase interface, which refers to K‐ion diffusion from the electrolyte to the electrode surface (solid–liquid interface) and K‐ion migration between different particles (solid–solid interface), deeply determines the diffusion/reaction kinetics and structural stability, thus significantly affecting the rate performance and cyclability. However, researches on two‐phase interface are still in its infancy and need further attentions. This review first starts from the fundamental understanding of solid–liquid and solid–solid interfaces to in‐depth analyzing the effect mechanism of different improvement strategies on them, such as optimization of electrolyte and binders, heterostructure design, modulation of interlayer spacing, etc. Afterward, the research progress of these improvement strategies is summarized comprehensively. Finally, the major challenges are proposed, and the corresponding solving strategies are presented. This review is expected to give an insight into the importance of two‐phase interface on diffusion/reaction kinetics, and provides a guidance for developing other advanced anodes in PIBs.
High‐Performance Li‐O2 Batteries Enabled by Dibenzo‐24‐Crown‐8 Aldehyde Derivative as Electrolyte Additives
Authors: Zhang Qi , Rao Sijia , Vummaleti Sai Vikrama Chaitanya , Poh Eng Tuan , Dai Wenrui , Cui Xinhang , Wu Jishan , Zhang Jia , Chen Wei
Published: May 2022

Aprotic Li‐O2 batteries (LOB) with high theoretical energy density usually experience cathode clogging by insoluble Li2O2, along with high charge overpotential from its insulating nature. A dibenzo‐24‐crown‐8 aldehyde derivative (DB24C8A) is employed as an additive to enhance the binding strength with Li+, hence promoting the solubility of Li2O2. The generated [DB24C8A•Li+] avoids the parasitic reactions caused by reactive O2−. Thus, the LOB achieves a large discharge capacity of 6939 mAh g−1 at 200 mA g−1 and a high Li2O2 yield (≈93%). Moreover, DB24C8A facilitates the efficient decomposition of Li2O2 via Li+ coordination during the charge process, reducing the charge overpotential to 0.77 V and prolonging the lifetime of the LOB over 213 cycles at 1000 mAh g−1 and 500 mA g−1. This work provides a novel approach to boost the performance of LOB by incorporation of crown ether‐based compounds to regulate the Li2O2 growth and decomposition pathway.
Systematic review of acquisition mastery criteria and statistical analysis of associations with response maintenance and generalization
Authors: Wong Kristina K. , Fienup Daniel M. , Richling Sarah M. , Keen Allison , Mackay Kyla
Published: May 2022

Four recent experiments demonstrated roughly parametric effects of acquisition‐performance criteria, or mastery criteria, on response maintenance outcomes: higher criteria produce higher maintenance. In this systematic review, we analyzed the generality of these effects across 3 years of articles published in three prominent applied behavior analysis journals. We identified skill acquisition articles and extracted general characteristics, the acquisition criterion, and maintenance and generalization outcomes at the level of individual participants. Our review included descriptions of the existing skill acquisition literature as well as a statistical analysis (chi‐square) of the association between acquisition criteria and maintenance and generalization outcomes. Overall, the results corroborate experimental work showing that higher acquisition criteria are associated with higher response‐maintenance outcomes across varied populations, interventions, and teaching tactics. We extended the literature by detecting the same associations with generalization outcomes. Future directions and important implications of these findings are discussed.
Sustainable entrepreneurship and legitimacy building in protected areas: Overcoming distinctive barriers through activism
Authors: Dawo Hellen Lillian Atieno , Long Thomas B. , de Jong Gjalt
Published: May 2022

Sustainable entrepreneurs operating in protected areas face distinctive barriers that place additional emphasis on the need to build legitimacy. To date, how they do this has not been entirely explored. This paper addresses this need through an exploratory study of sustainable entrepreneurs in a transnational protected area. The results indicate that sustainable entrepreneurs in protected areas face barriers that can be broadly classified as cognition spanning, locale and sector‐related barriers. The findings highlight that a key way sustainable entrepreneurs overcome these distinctive barriers is by building legitimacy through activism. Activism became instrumental in building legitimacy with varied stakeholders and actors. This is all geared towards overcoming barriers during the sustainable entrepreneurship process. The findings add to existing literature on the role of legitimacy building in sustainable entrepreneurship by detailing the different forms of legitimacy and how they are built through activism. The paper concludes with propositions about the conditions necessary for sustainable entrepreneurs to build legitimacy in fragile socioecological contexts through activism.
Demographic differences among patients treated with chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell therapy in the United States
Authors: Emole Josephine , Lawal Odunayo , Lupak Oleksandra , Dias Ajoy , Shune Leyla , Yusuf Korede
Published: May 2022

Background

It is not clear if all Americans have benefitted equally from the availability of chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell (CART) therapy. We aimed to evaluate if demographic differences existed among adult patients who received CART therapy and to assess predictors of CART treatment outcomes.

Methods

Records of patients ≥18 years who received CART therapy for non‐Hodgkin’s lymphoma, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and multiple myeloma in 2018 were evaluated in the National Inpatient Sample. Acute complications and inhospital mortality were compared between two groups of CART recipients: Whites and non‐Whites. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between sociodemographic factors and inhospital mortality.

Results

Of 1275 CART recipients that met inclusion criteria, there were 40.4% of females, 66.9% of Whites, Blacks (4.2%), Hispanics (13.3%), Asians or Pacific Islanders (4.2%), and Native Americans (1.3%). Up to 96.8% of CART procedures were performed in urban teaching hospitals, and 85.3% of CART recipients lived in metropolitan counties. Non‐Whites, compared to Whites, were younger at the time of CART therapy (p < 0.001). The inhospital mortality rate was higher in non‐Whites, though not statistically significant (5.4% vs. 4.4%, p = 0.764). There were no differences in length of hospital stay, hospital charges, or rates of acute toxicities between the two race groups. We found no association between race and treatment outcomes. Gender, neurotoxicity, and Charlson Comorbidity Index were significant predictors of inhospital mortality.

Conclusions

CART therapy recipients in the United States were more likely to be Whites and more likely to be residents of metropolitan areas. These observed demographic differences were not associated with treatment outcomes or inhospital mortalities.
Nanorod Photocatalysts for C−O Cross‐Coupling Reactions
Authors: Dong Kaituo , Pezzetta Cristofer , Chen Qiu‐Cheng , Kaushansky Alexander , Agosti Amedeo , Bergamini Giacomo , Davidson Robert , Amirav Lilac
Published: May 2022

Carbon‐heteroatom cross‐coupling reactions are significant for numerous industrial chemical processes, in particular for the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and biologically active compounds. Photocatalyst/transition metal dual catalytic systems pave a new avenue for organic cross‐coupling reactions. Specifically, the use of semiconductor nanoparticles as heterogeneous light sensitizers is highly beneficial for industrial‐scale applications owing to their low‐cost production, tunable photophysical properties, facile separation, high photostability, and recyclability. Here, CdSe@CdS nanorod photocatalysts are combined with a Ni complex catalyst for the promotion of selective light‐induced C−O cross‐coupling reactions between aryl halides and alkyl carboxylic acids. This efficient dual photocatalytic system displays a high yield (∼96 %), with an impressive turnover number (TON) of over 3×106, and within a relatively short reaction time as a result of high turnover frequency (TOF) of ∼56 s−1. In addition, the nanorod photocatalysts harness light with improved solar to product efficiency compared to alternative systems, signaling towards potential solar‐powered chemistry. A reaction mechanism involving energy transfer from the nanorods to the Ni complex is proposed and discussed, along with specific benefits of the seeded rod morphology.
Experimental Validation of Methanol Synthesis from Steel Mill Gases Using a Miniplant Setup
Authors: Nestler Florian , Full Johannes , Jäckle Jan‐Marc , Linsenmeier Johannes , Roob Johanna , Hadrich Max J. , Schaadt Achim
Published: May 2022

Utilization of the gas streams generated by the iron‐ and steel‐making industry for the synthesis of synthetic fuels or chemicals is a promising way to kickstart a technical carbon cycle. Methanol synthesis from cleaned blast furnace gas is a challenge for process design and operation due to high inert gas contents and fluctuations in the gas supply. In this work, a miniplant setup with an adiabatic quench bed reactor was operated with cleaned blast furnace gas over a wide range of process conditions. The experimental data obtained were used to validate a simulation model of the miniplant setup with the perspective for an optimization of the process operational parameters. A high agreement between experimental and simulation data could be obtained, validating the applicability of the simulation approach presented in this work.
YTHDF2 promotes temozolomide resistance in glioblastoma by activation of the Akt and NF‐κB signalling pathways via inhibiting EPHB3 and TNFAIP3
Authors: Chen Yu , Wang Yan‐Lan , Qiu Kai , Cao Yi‐Qiang , Zhang Feng‐Jiang , Zhao Hai‐Biao , Liu Xian‐Zhi
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Temozolomide (TMZ) resistance is a key factor that restricts the therapeutic effect of glioblastoma (GBM). YTH‐domain family member 2 (YTHDF2) is highly expressed in GBM tissues, while the mechanism of YTHDF2 in TMZ resistance in GBM remains not fully elucidated.

Methods

The YTHDF2 expression in TMZ‐resistant tissues and cells was detected. Kaplan–Meier analysis was employed to evaluate the prognostic value of YTHDF2 in GBM. Effect of YTHDF2 in TMZ resistance in GBM was explored via corresponding experiments. RNA sequence, FISH in conjugation with fluorescent immunostaining, RNA immunoprecipitation, dual‐luciferase reporter gene and immunofluorescence were applied to investigate the mechanism of YTHDF2 that boosted TMZ resistance in GBM.

Results

YTHDF2 was up‐regulated in TMZ‐resistant tissues and cells, and patients with high expression of YTHDF2 showed lower survival rate than the patients with low expression of YTHDF2. The elevated YTHDF2 expression boosted TMZ resistance in GBM cells, and the decreased YTHDF2 expression enhanced TMZ sensitivity in TMZ‐resistant GBM cells. Mechanically, YTHDF2 bound to the N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) sites in the 3′UTR of EPHB3 and TNFAIP3 to decrease the mRNA stability. YTHDF2 activated the PI3K/Akt and NF‐κB signals through inhibiting expression of EPHB3 and TNFAIP3, and the inhibition of the two pathways attenuated YTHDF2‐mediated TMZ resistance.

Conclusion

YTHDF2 enhanced TMZ resistance in GBM by activation of the PI3K/Akt and NF‐κB signalling pathways via inhibition of EPHB3 and TNFAIP3.
A Hybrid Organic‐Inorganic Bismuth Iodine Material Showing High Phase Transition Point and Low Bandgap
Authors: Wang Ziyu , Wang Pan , You Xiuli , Wei Zhenhong
Published: May 2022

Recently, hybrid organic‐inorganic lead halide materials have attracted great attention for their applications in the fields of light‐emitting diodes, photovoltaics, photodetector. However, these hybrid materials usually suffer from environmental and human health issues because of the toxic lead moieties. Herein, we report a novel lead‐free bismuth iodide phase transition material, [NH3(CH2)7NH3][BiI5] (1), which undergoes a reversible phase transition at high temperature 351.7 K and exhibits a step fashion dielectric anomaly. The structural phase transition of 1 is mainly originated from the order‐disorder transition of the 1,7‐heptanediamine cations. Besides, the solid‐state UV‐vis spectrum of 1 displays an intense adsorption at around 658 nm; which gives an indirect bandgap of 1.89 eV. Such a small bandgap value is comparable to most of the organic‐inorganic hybrid lead halide type semiconductors. We believe this study will shed light on the exploration of lead‐free organic‐inorganic hybrid metal halide semiconductors toward future device applications.
Shape Regulation of CeO2 Nanozymes Boosts Reaction Specificity and Activity
Authors: Tan Zicong , Wang Ying , Zhang Jie , Zhang Zhang , Man Wong Samantha Sze , Zhang Shiqing , Sun Hongyan , Yung Ken Kin Lam , Peng Yung‐Kang
Published: May 2022

Among reported nanozymes, CeO2 seems to be the only transition metal oxide that can mimic phosphatase and peroxidase by catalyzing substrate dephosphorylation and oxidation (with H2O2). However, no consensus on the key Ce species was reached in the literature using spherical CeO2 enclosed by (111) and (100) surfaces, not to mention the further control of its reaction specificity. In this study, octahedral and cubic CeO2 preferentially terminated by (111) and (100) surfaces were found to exhibit high reaction specificity (and activity) towards each of the above reactions. Spectroscopic evidence suggests that this is closely associated with the Lewis acidity (or electron density) of surface Ce species. The acidic Ce species on (111) surface can catalyze substrate dephosphorylation at room temperature but do not for substrate oxidation with H2O2. This correlation was further evidenced by the electron‐rich Ce species on (100) surface, hindering the first reaction while promoting the latter.