bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Misalignment tolerance improvement and high efficiency design for wireless power transfer system based on DDQ‐DD coil
Authors: Liu Yicheng , Zhang Junwei
Published: July 2023

This paper addresses misalignment tolerance improvement and high‐efficiency maintenance for wireless power transmission systems. Firstly, a receiving coil is designed according to Standard J2954, published by the Society of Automotive Engineers. Next, a DDQ transmitting coil is designed to accommodate a constrained operating space. The structure and parameters of the transmitting coils are determined to obtain a high coupling coefficient when offset occurs. Subsequently, an analysis is carried out to determine the relationship between the coupler magnetic fields and power transmission ability. A current phase control strategy is developed to deal with the mismatched magnetic fields, and a switching threshold is selected to obtain high power transmission efficiency. Finally, an experimental system is set up using the designed coil. The experimental results demonstrate that the system can maintain high efficiency even when lateral misalignment occurs in different directions. A maximum transmission efficiency of 89.63% is obtained, which validates the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Species delimitation and integrative taxonomy of the Reithrodontomys mexicanus (Rodentia: Cricetidae) cryptic complex
Authors: Martínez‐Borrego Daily , Arellano Elizabeth , González‐Cózatl Francisco X. , Ospina‐Garcés Sandra M. , Rogers Duke S.
Published: July 2023

Species boundaries are difficult to establish in groups with very similar morphology. As an alternative, it has been suggested to integrate multiple sources of data to clarify taxonomic problems in taxa where cryptic speciation processes have been reported. This is the case of the harvest mouse Reithrodontomys mexicanus, which has a problematic taxonomy history as it is considered a complex species. Here, we evaluate the cryptic diversity of R. mexicanus using an integrative taxonomy approach in order to detect candidate lineages at the species level. The molecular analysis used one mitochondrial (cytb) and two nuclear (Fgb‐I7 and IRBP) genes. Species hypotheses were suggested based on three molecular delimitation methods (mPTP, bGMYC, and STACEY) and cytb genetic distance values. Skull and environmental space differences between the delimited species were also tested to complement the discrimination of candidate species. Based on the consensus across the delimitation methods and genetic distance values, four species were proposed, which were mostly supported by morphometric and ecological data: R. mexicanus clade I, R. mexicanus clade IIA, R. mexicanus clade IIIA, and R. mexicanus clade IIIB. In addition, the evolutionary relationships between the species that comprise the R. mexicanus group were discussed from a phylogenetic approach. Our findings present important taxonomic implications for Reithrodontomys, as the number of known species for this genus increases. Furthermore, we highlight the importance of the use of multiple sources of data in systematic studies to establish robust delimitations between species considered taxonomically complex.
Long‐term efficacy of deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus in patients with pharmacologically intractable epilepsy: A case series of six patients
Authors: Cui Zhiqiang , Wang Jian , Mao Zhiqi , Ling Zhipei , Zhang Jianning , Chen Tong
Published: July 2023

Objective

Epilepsy is one of the widespread neurological illnesses, and about 20%–40% of epilepsy patients are pharmacoresistant. We aimed to assess the long‐term efficacy of subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) for drug‐resistant epilepsy.

Methods

We included pharmacologically intractable epilepsy patients who had STN‐DBS at the Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital between June 2016 and December 2018. We retrospectively evaluated pre‐ and postoperative clinical outcomes, including seizure frequency, seizure type, anti‐seizure medication, cognitive function, anatomical target coordinates, stimulation parameters, and adverse events following the surgical procedure. Six patients with a mean follow‐up of 49.3 ± 10.2 months, were included.

Results

Seizure frequency decreased by an average of 64.0% after STN‐DBS at last year follow‐up (p = .046), and one patient (1/6) achieved seizure‐free status. For seizure type, anti‐seizure medication, and cognitive function, there were no significant differences between pre‐and post‐operation (p > .05). In terms of stimulation parameters, the pulse width, amplitude, and frequency were 58.3 ± 9.4 μs, 2.5 ± .7 V, and 122.5 ± 15.7 Hz, respectively. None of the patients showed normal electroencephalography during the electroencephalography reexamination. There were no surgery‐related complications, and chronic STN stimulation was generally well tolerated in five patients. However, one patient (1/6) had a difficulty of dyskinesia in the right arm.

Significance

In conclusion, neuromodulation of the STN by DBS is a promising option for patients with pharmacologically intractable epilepsy, especially for whose epileptic zone originates mainly from the frontoparietal region and who are unsuitable for resective surgery. Further prospective multicenter studies with a larger sample size are necessary for further exploration.
GABRB1‐related early onset developmental and epileptic encephalopathy: Clinical trajectory and novel de novo mutation
Authors: Monfrini Edoardo , Borellini Linda , Zirone Eleonora , Yahya Vidal , Mauri Eleonora , Molisso Maria Takeko , Mameli Francesca , Ruggiero Fabiana , Comi Giacomo Pietro , Barbieri Sergio , Di Fonzo Alessio , Dilena Robertino
Published: July 2023

Developmental and epileptic encephalopathy 45 (DEE45) is a neurogenetic disorder caused by heterozygous pathogenic variants of GABRB1, encoding the beta1 subunit of the GABA type A receptor. Only three infants with DEE45 have been reported so far, and a detailed description of the disease history of these patients is still lacking. We describe the clinical and genetic findings of a 21‐year‐old woman with DEE45 carrying a novel de novo GABRB1 mutation (c.841A>G, p.T281A). The patient presented at birth with hypotonia and focal apneic seizures evolving in a phenotype of epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures that were refractory to antiseizure medications. Epileptic spasms partially responsive to steroid therapy appeared in the second year of life. Acquired microcephaly, profound mental retardation, and tetraparesis became evident with development. During childhood and adolescence, the epileptic phenotype evolved toward a Lennox–Gastaut Syndrome. Atypical absence status and clusters of tonic seizures occurred, often triggered by respiratory infections. The main strengths of this work are the identification of a novel pathogenic GABRB1 variant localized in the same transmembrane domain of a previously described mutation and the detailed description of the clinical trajectory of GABRB1‐related encephalopathy along 21 years of disease history.
Botulism mimicking Guillain‐Barre syndrome: The question of plasma exchange in an unusual case of acute paralysis
Authors: Silva Campos Juan J. , Abels Elizabeth , Rinder Henry M. , Tormey Christopher A. , Jacobs Jeremy W.
Published: July 2023

Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) is an immune‐mediated polyradiculoneuropathy and the most common cause of acute flaccid paralysis worldwide. GBS classically presents with acute, progressive, ascending weakness, reduced to absent reflexes, and albuminocytological dissociation on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. Botulism is a neurotoxin‐mediated acute descending flaccid paralysis with cranial nerve palsies and dysautonomia. Botulism in adults is caused by ingestion/inhalation of botulinum toxin or wound infection with Clostridium botulinum. Both GBS and botulism can rapidly precipitate respiratory failure; thus, prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to mitigate poor outcomes. Herein, we describe a case of botulism initially diagnosed as GBS given classic laboratory features, and describe the importance of careful consideration of the most appropriate therapeutic modalities in cases of acute flaccid paralysis, particularly regarding empiric administration of botulinum antitoxin and use of intravenous immune globulin in lieu of plasma exchange for potential GBS to prevent removal of antitoxin.
Estimation of mean erythrocyte age using HbA1c or HbA1c/glycated albumin for evaluation of anemia severity
Authors: Koga Masafumi , Kameyama Masahi , Okumiya Toshika
Published: July 2023

Background

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels are low in patients with hemolytic anemia, as HbA1c reflects mean erythrocyte age (MRBC). Erythrocyte creatine (EC) is a hemolytic indicator that also reflects MRBC. We previously reported an equation for estimating MRBC using EC (EC‐MRBC).

Aims

In this study, EC‐MRBC was compared to the HbA1c level expressed in the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine units (iA1c) and to the iA1c/glycated albumin (GA) ratio to estimate MRBC.

Methods

This study included 238 subjects, including patients with hemolytic anemia and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Results

In non‐diabetic individuals, both iA1c and iA1c/GA showed a strong positive correlation with EC‐MRBC (p < 0.0001). The equations to estimate iA1c‐MRBC and iA1c/GA‐MRBC derived from the regression equations between EC‐MRBC and iA1c, and EC‐MRBC and iA1c/GA in nondiabetic individuals were 1.45 × iA1c and 20.0 × iA1c/GA, respectively. iA1c‐MRBC and iA1c/GA‐MRBC in non‐diabetic individuals without hemolytic anemia were 57.6 ± 4.0 and 57.1 ± 6.4 days, respectively, and iA1c/GA‐MRBC in T2DM patients without hemolytic anemia was 56.0 ± 8.8 days.; no significant difference was seen in the comparisons.

Conclusions

The MRBC can be estimated using iA1c or iA1c/GA in non‐diabetic individuals, and iA1c/GA in T2DM patients.
Numerical evaluation of spectral coverage and spectral resolution in coherent Raman scattering spectroscopy using a broadband fiber laser source
Authors: Monroy Laura , Magnus Joshua , González‐Herráez Miguel , Naranjo Fernando B. , Kieu Khanh
Published: July 2023

We theoretically investigate the feasibility of using a fiber laser source for high resolution and broadband coherent Raman scattering (CRS) spectroscopy/imaging employing spectral focusing technique. To accomplish this task, we have developed a simulation tool where the laser pulse parameters can be imported directly from any pulse propagation software using split‐step Fourier method to evaluate the spectral resolution and spectral coverage of CRS spectroscopy. Thus, the simulation tool can accommodate optical pulses of arbitrary shape and central wavelength, being also a user‐friendly and versatile open‐source software. We validate the numerical simulation tool by comparing its results with published theoretical and experimental data. We then use the tool to study the feasibility of using an all‐fiber laser source for high resolution CRS spectroscopy in both the C‐H window and the fingerprint region. This tool has a broad scope of applications in multiple fields where CRS spectroscopy is useful such as biomedicine, materials characterization, and biological imaging.
Evaluate and analyze land cover change dynamics, driving force and their implications to biodiversity in the western escarpment of the Rift valley
Authors: Dingamo Temesgen , Takele Serekebirhan , Demissew Sebsebe , Woldu Zerihun
Published: July 2023

Land use land cover (LULC) changes are caused by natural and human alterations of the landscape that could largely affect forest biodiversity and the environment. The study aimed to analyze LULC change dynamics and driving forces in the western escarpment of the rift valley of the Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Digital satellite images, which are downloaded from USGS, were analyzed using ERDAS Imagine (14) and Arc GIS 10.2 software and supervised image classification was used to generate LULC classification, accuracy assessment, and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Drivers of LULC change were identified and analyzed. Four land classes were identified such as forest, farmland, settlement, and water‐wetlands. Settlement and farmlands have increased by 8% and 6%, respectively. On the other hand, both forest and water‐wetlands decreased by aerial coverage of 9% and 5%, respectively. The overall accuracy of the study area was 92.86%, 94.22%, and 94.3% with a kappa value of 0.902, 0.92, and 0.922, respectively. NDVI values ranged between −0.42 and 0.73. Agricultural expansion (31.4%), expansion of settlement (25.7%) and Fuelwood collection and Charcoal production (22.9%) were the main driving forces that affected the biodiversity of the vegetation in the study area. Integrated land use and policy to protect biodiversity loss, forest degradation and climate changes are deemed necessary.
Soil C:N and C:P ratios positively influence colonization and development of incubated biocrusts in a sandy desert environment
Authors: Zhao Yang , Zhao Yanqiao , Xu Wenwen , Wang Nan
Published: July 2023

Over the past few years, incubated biocrusts (IBSC)—the inoculation of soil/sand with cyanobacteria, moss, and lichen—have become one of the most promising biotechnological strategies for preventing soil erosion and restoring soil function in degraded drylands. Soil nutrient content (C, N, and P) is one of the key factors that influences IBSC colonization and development; however, the effects of soil C:N, C:P, and N:P stoichiometric ratios on the colonization and development of IBSC in desert environments are little known. We used four soil substrates, collected from four areas on the southeastern edge of the Tengger Desert, China, to incubate biocrusts. The four substrates differed in particle size and nutrient content. We flattened the dunes so their sand surfaces were level before covering them with soil substrates. We used a fully factorial design with four soil substrates and with and without biocrust additions, generating a total of 12 different treatments. The soil substrates differed in C, N, and P content and C:N, C:P, and N:P stoichiometric ratios. We measured IBSC coverage and thickness to establish relationships between IBSC characteristics and soil C:N, C:P, and N:P stoichiometric ratios. After 12 months of development, all treatments had significantly more cyanobacteria coverage, lichen coverage, and total coverage of IBSC than did control plots, which had little or no IBSC development. C:N and C:P ratios were significantly positively related to cyanobacteria coverage and total coverage of IBSC. Soil C:N and C:P ratios were mainly controlled by soil C; C limitation was greater than N and P limitation. Our study indicates that increasing initial soil substrate C content to improve C:N and C:P ratios will help the recovery of biocrusts and IBSC colonization. We demonstrate that stoichiometric ratios of soil should be a concern when assessing IBSC restoration treatments and when using IBSC to restore degraded land, especially at large scales.
Pulses of labile carbon cause transient decoupling of fermentation and respiration in permeable sediments
Authors: Nauer Philipp A. , Kessler Adam J. , Hall Puspitaningsih , Popa Maria Elena , ten Hietbrink Sophie , Hutchinson Tess , Wong Wei Wen , Attard Karl , Glud Ronnie N. , Greening Chris , Cook Perran L. M.
Published: July 2023

Dihydrogen (H2) is an important intermediate in anaerobic microbial processes, and concentrations are tightly controlled by thermodynamic limits of consumption and production. However, recent studies reported unusual H2 accumulation in permeable marine sediments under anoxic conditions, suggesting decoupling of fermentation and sulfate reduction, the dominant respiratory process in anoxic permeable marine sediments. Yet, the extent, prevalence and potential triggers for such H2 accumulation and decoupling remain unknown. We surveyed H2 concentrations in situ at different settings of permeable sand and found that H2 accumulation was only observed during a coral spawning event on the Great Barrier Reef. A flume experiment with organic matter addition to the water column showed a rapid accumulation of hydrogen within the sediment. Laboratory experiments were used to explore the effect of oxygen exposure, physical disturbance and organic matter inputs on H2 accumulation. Oxygen exposure had little effect on H2 accumulation in permeable sediments suggesting both fermenters and sulfate reducers survive and rapidly resume activity after exposure to oxygen. Mild physical disturbance mimicking sediment resuspension had little effect on H2 accumulation; however, vigorous shaking led to a transient accumulation of H2 and release of dissolved organic carbon suggesting mechanical disturbance and cell destruction led to organic matter release and transient decoupling of fermenters and sulfate reducers. In summary, the highly dynamic nature of permeable sediments and its microbial community allows for rapid but transient decoupling of fermentation and respiration after a C pulse, leading to high H2 levels in the sediment.
Impact of entrepreneurial governance and ease of doing business on economic growth: Evidence from ECOWAS economies (2000–2019)
Authors: Raimi Lukman , Haini Hazwan
Published: July 2023

We reignited the debate that developing countries still struggle to make the most of entrepreneurship due to institutional imbalances. The aim of this study is to empirically examine impact of entrepreneurial governance and ease of doing business on economic growth in a panel of 15 ECOWAS countries. The empirical evidence is based on secondary data from 2000 to 2019 estimated using the Pooled OLS Regression OLS estimator. Using institutional theory, we examined the chain of causality from institutions to entrepreneurship and from entrepreneurship to economic growth. Four findings emerged. Firstly, the regulatory pillar, represented by the indicators of ease of doing business (incorporation procedure, time required to set up a business, and cost of the business), is negatively and significantly related to economic growth. But the indicators of cost of doing business and start‐up costs are more detrimental to business and economic growth. Secondly, the normative pillar represented by entrepreneurial governance indicators (government integrity and business freedom) is positively and significantly associated with growth. But the impact of government integrity on economic growth is greater than that of business freedom. Third, the interaction between regulatory and normative pillars is negative and significant. Finally, the cognitive pillar shows mixed results. For example, indicators of investment, trade openness, education, and financial development have positive and significant effects on economic growth, while government size, inflation, and population have negative and significant effects on economic growth. We discuss policy implications for stakeholders in ECOWAS economies.
Predicting gestational diabetes mellitus by first trimester HbA1c: a retrospective study in women with moderate to severe obesity
Authors: Balani Jyoti , Hyer Steve , Johnson Antoinette , Shehata Hassan
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to investigate the utility of first trimester HbA1c in predicting gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in obese women with Grade II–III obesity. HbA1c was measured during the first trimester in 160 obese women. A 75g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed between 24–28 weeks gestation and GDM diagnosed by WHO criteria.

The prevalence of GDM was 24%. An HbA1c of ≤28mmol/mol had 100% negative predictive value for GDM. An HbA1c of ≥33mmol/mol had a 69.2% sensitivity and 63.6% specificity for GDM. At higher HbA1c cut‐offs, the odds ratio (OR) for developing GDM increased; at a threshold of ≥39mmol/mol, the OR for GDM was 10.1 (95% CI 2.5–40.5).

Women with a first trimester HbA1c of ≤28mmol/mol are at very low risk of developing GDM and may not require an OGTT at 28 weeks, while those with HbA1c ≥39mmol/mol may benefit from early glucose monitoring in pregnancy. Copyright © 2023 John Wiley & Sons.
Health literacy, self‐management and glycaemic control in persons living with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Nugent Tiffany Lori , Galea Anne Marie , Sammut Roberta
Published: July 2023

Aims. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between health literacy and diabetes self‐management and control among adults living with type 2 diabetes.

Methods. Convenience sampling was used to recruit 381 participants from diabetes clinics. The European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire and the Diabetes Self‐Management Questionnaire‐Revised were used to collect data. HbA1c levels provided a measure of blood glucose control. Multiple regression and Spearman's correlation coefficient were used to identify the predictors of health literacy and its relationship with diabetes self‐management and HbA1c.

Results. Nearly half (47%; n=179) the participants had inadequate health literacy; 40% (n=154) had sufficient health literacy. The most significant predictors of health literacy were educational level, household monthly net income and family history of diabetes. Medication taking was the strongest aspect of self‐management. Only 27% of participants had good glycaemic control; 26% had poor glycaemic control. Health literacy was significantly positively related to diabetes self‐management and negatively related to HbA1c levels.

Conclusions. Health literacy is important in encouraging self‐management and maintaining good diabetes control. All health care professionals coming in contact with persons living with diabetes should assess health literacy to identify those at risk of experiencing challenges with self‐management and glycaemic control. Copyright © 2023 John Wiley & Sons.
The effect of menstrual hormonal fluctuations on the glycaemic control in women with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Milionis Charalampos , Ilias Ioannis , Venaki Evangelia , Koukkou Eftychia
Published: July 2023

Information on physiological processes that affect insulin action and glycaemia is of paramount importance in the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus because optimal blood glucose control can prevent or decelerate microvascular complications. In insulin‐deficient premenopausal women, sensitivity to exogenous insulin seems to be lower during ovulation and in the luteal phase compared to the follicular phase. This difference directly affects glucose management. The risk for hyperglycaemia is oftentimes higher in the second half of the catamenial cycle, while hypoglycaemic events may occur more often in the follicular phase. Ovarian steroids (oestradiol and progesterone) are probable modulating factors in insulin action. Rising oestradiol during midcycle and high progesterone in the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle may contribute to insulin resistance. The underlying physiological mechanisms are largely unknown. It is possible that progesterone enhances gluconeogenesis in the liver and oestradiol binds to insulin and its receptor, thereby increasing resistance to insulin. These actions remain to be clarified. Additional factors related to the catamenial cycle may also facilitate variability in insulin sensitivity. The presence of glycaemic changes during the menstrual cycle is not consistent among premenopausal women with type 1 diabetes. The variability of blood glucose throughout the menstrual cycle should be considered when adjusting insulin dosage in susceptible subjects. Copyright © 2023 John Wiley & Sons.
Managing diabetes and dementia, a challenging duo: a scoping review
Authors: Sharkey Florence , Coates Vivien
Published: July 2023

This paper aims to describe experiences and challenges when managing diabetes along with dementia from the perspectives of those living with these conditions, their informal carers and health care professionals.

The scoping review included studies published within the last 10 years (2012–2022) from EBSCO Research Databases: CINAHL, Health Business, Soc Index, ERIC, Medline, Information Science & Technology Abstracts and a review of reference lists. Three hundred and fifty‐six papers were identified of which 11 studies met the inclusion criteria that focused on the experiences of managing the comorbidities of diabetes and dementia.

Six papers focused on the implications of those individuals diagnosed with both conditions, four on implications for their informal carers (unpaid), two included both the individuals and their informal carers. There was one study that reported experiences of health care professionals. Individuals faced extraordinary challenges managing both conditions to perform activities of self‐care such as taking medications, monitoring glucose levels, healthy eating, exercising and attending appointments. Informal carers reported that caring for both conditions was burdensome, sometimes overwhelming and they wanted more support from family and patients’ health care providers.

This scoping review revealed that many individuals and their informal carers were struggling with the impact of these comorbid conditions. Challenges such as lack of information and support were evident but there were few examples of solutions to improve diabetes management in those with dementia. To provide holistic care we need to integrate knowledge and skills from the areas of diabetes, mental health and social care. There is very little information relating to the experiences of health care professionals who work with those living with these conditions. Copyright © 2023 John Wiley & Sons.
Redesigning methionyl‐tRNA synthetase for β‐methionine activity with adaptive landscape flattening and experiments
Authors: Opuu Vaitea , Nigro Giuliano , Lazennec‐Schurdevin Christine , Mechulam Yves , Schmitt Emmanuelle , Simonson Thomas
Published: July 2023

Amino acids (AAs) with a noncanonical backbone would be a valuable tool for protein engineering, enabling new structural motifs and building blocks. To incorporate them into an expanded genetic code, the first, key step is to obtain an appropriate aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetase. Currently, directed evolution is not available to optimize AAs with noncanonical backbones, since an appropriate selective pressure has not been discovered. Computational protein design (CPD) is an alternative. We used a new CPD method to redesign MetRS and increase its activity towards β‐Met, which has an extra backbone methylene. The new method considered a few active site positions for design and used a Monte Carlo exploration of the corresponding sequence space. During the exploration, a bias energy was adaptively learned, such that the free energy landscape of the apo enzyme was flattened. Enzyme variants could then be sampled, in the presence of the ligand and the bias energy, according to their β‐Met binding affinities. Eighteen predicted variants were chosen for experimental testing; 10 exhibited detectable activity for β‐Met adenylation. Top predicted hits were characterized experimentally in detail. Dissociation constants, catalytic rates, and Michaelis constants for both α‐Met and β‐Met were measured. The best mutant retained a preference for α‐Met over β‐Met; however, the preference was reduced, compared to the wildtype, by a factor of 29. For this mutant, high resolution crystal structures were obtained in complex with both α‐Met and β‐Met, indicating that the predicted, active conformation of β‐Met in the active site was retained.
Progress in radiotherapy for small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Yang Fujun , Zhao Huan
Published: July 2023

Small‐cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly aggressive neuroendocrine tumor that is prone to spread extensively. Compared to non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC), SCLC treatment progresses slowly. Although SCLC is highly sensitive to chemotherapy during the initial treatment, most patients still experience resistance and recurrence after receiving chemotherapy. A meta‐analysis demonstrated that thoracic radiotherapy (TRT) improves overall survival in SCLC. The results of the CALGB and CONVERT trials provide evidence for the efficacy of once‐daily high‐dose TRT. TRT at 60 Gy administered twice daily significantly improved survival without increasing toxicity. The long‐standing debate over the optimal timing of radiotherapy has not been fully resolved. SBRT has excellent local control rates and is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with stage I or II SCLC. Prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) is used to reduce treatment‐related neurotoxicity to the extent that there has been a recent discussion on whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) monitoring can replace PCI. Radiotherapy combined with immunotherapy significantly improves the survival rate of patients with NSCLC; however, its clinical effectiveness has not been systematically explored in patients with SCLC. Therefore, we summarize the evolving therapeutic strategies, (TRT for limited stage‐SCLC and consolidative TRT for extensive stage‐SCLC) and improved radiotherapy techniques (role of SBRT in stage I or II node‐negative SCLC, progress of PCI, and stereotactic radiosurgery), and discuss the possibilities and prospects of radiotherapy combined with immunotherapy for SCLC.
Type‐I‐error rate inflation in mixed models for repeated measures caused by ambiguous or incomplete model specifications
Authors: Häckl Sebastian , Koch Armin , Lasch Florian
Published: July 2023

Pre‐specification of the primary analysis model is a pre‐requisite to control the family‐wise type‐I‐error rate (T1E) at the intended level in confirmatory clinical trials. However, mixed models for repeated measures (MMRM) have been shown to be poorly specified in study protocols. The magnitude of a resulting T1E rate inflation is still unknown. This investigation aims to quantify the magnitude of the T1E rate inflation depending on the type and number of unspecified model items as well as different trial characteristics. We simulated a randomized, double‐blind, parallel group, phase III clinical trial under the assumption that there is no treatment effect at any time point. The simulated data was analysed using different clusters, each including several MMRMs that are compatible with the imprecise pre‐specification of the MMRM. T1E rates for each cluster were estimated. A significant T1E rate inflation could be shown for ambiguous model specifications with a maximum T1E rate of 7.6% [7.1%; 8.1%]. The results show that the magnitude of the T1E rate inflation depends on the type and number of unspecified model items as well as the sample size and allocation ratio. The imprecise specification of nuisance parameters may not lead to a significant T1E rate inflation. However, the results of this simulation study rather underestimate the true T1E rate inflation. In conclusion, imprecise MMRM specifications may lead to a substantial inflation of the T1E rate and can damage the ability to generate confirmatory evidence in pivotal clinical trials.
Dynamic output feedback model predictive control for asynchronous Markovian jump systems under try‐once‐discard protocol
Authors: Niu Yin , Song Yan , Zhang Bin , Ma Jiangtao
Published: July 2023

This paper is concerned with the dynamic output feedback robust model predictive control (RMPC) problem for a class of discrete‐time asynchronous Markovian jump systems (MJSs) subject to polytopic parameter uncertainties and hard constraints on states and inputs. A hidden Markov model is employed to describe the asynchronous phenomenon between the detected modes and the system modes. For the purpose of improving the network utilization as well as reducing the transmission burden and avoiding data collisions, the try‐once‐discard (TOD) protocol is deployed in the shared communication network between sensor nodes and the controller node. Considering the difficulty of obtaining the system state in the practice, the dynamic output‐feedback control in the framework of RMPC is adopted, and the worst‐case optimization problem over the infinite moving horizon is formulated for the performance analysis and control synthesis. By means of the Lyapunov‐like function approach, free weighting matrices and inequality techniques such as the ‐procedure are introduced to deal with the non‐convexity caused by couplings between decisive variables and the negative influence resulting from the data orchestration is mitigated. Based on the delicate establishments, a certain upper bound of the objective function is employed to construct an auxiliary optimization problem with solvability to find the desired controllers, and sufficient conditions are obtained to guarantee that the MJSs under the proposed RMPC‐based controllers are mean‐square stable. Finally, an illustrative example is used to demonstrate the validity of the proposed methods.
Multi‐Pleated Alkalized Ti3C2Tx MXene‐Based Sandwich‐Like Structure Composite Nanofibers for High‐Performance Sodium/Lithium Storage
Authors: Shi Chu , Long Zhiwen , Wu Caiqin , Dai Han , Li Zhengchun , Qiao Hui , Liu Ke , Fan Qi Hua , Wang Keliang
Published: July 2023

The volume expansion of CoFe2O4 anode poses a significant challenge in the commercial application of lithium/sodium‐ion batteries (LIBs/SIBs). However, metal–organic‐frameworks (MOF) offer superior construction of heterostructures with refined interfacial interactions and lower ion diffusion barriers in Li/Na storage. In this study, the CoFe2O4@carbon nanofibers derived from MOF are produced through electrospinning, in situ growth followed by calcination, which are then confined within an MXene‐confined MOF‐derived porous CoFe2O4@carbon composite architecture under alkali treatment. The CoFe2O4 nanofibers anchor on the alkalized MXene that is decorated with the NaOH solution to form a multi‐pleated structure. The sandwich‐like structure of the composite effectively alleviates the volume expansion and shortens the Li/Na‐ion diffusion path, which displays high capacity and outstanding rate performance as anode materials for LIBs/SIBs. As a consequence, the obtained CoFe2O4@carbon@alkalized MXene composite anode shows satisfied rate performance at current density of 10 A g−1 for LIBs (318 mAh·g−1) and 5 A g−1 for SIBs (149 mAh g−1). The excellent cycling performance is further demonstrated at a high current density, where it maintains a discharge capacity of 807 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1 after 400 cycles for LIBs and 130 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 even after 1000 cycles for SIBs.
The siphonotretide brachiopod Schizambon from the Early Ordovician of South China: ontogeny and affinity
Authors: Jahangir Hadi , Zhang Zhiliang , Popov Leonid E. , Holmer Lars E. , Ghobadi Pour Mansoureh , Zhan Renbin
Published: July 2023

Schizambon is one of the earliest and most distinctive genera in the Order Siphonotretida. However, current knowledge of siphonotretide phylogeny and early evolution requires understanding of their earliest ontogeny. In this study, the new species Schizambon tongziensis from the Tungtzu Formation at Honghuayuan section in Guizhou Province, South China is described; it is also the first record of Schizambon in South China. The new well‐preserved specimens shed light on the ontogeny, palaeobiogeographical distribution, phylogeny and early evolution of siphonotretide brachiopods. Characters of metamorphic shells on both valves, outlined by distinct halos, show that Schizambon had a planktotrophic ‘paterinide‐type’ larva, typical of many early Palaeozoic brachiopods. Based on the newly obtained data it is inferred that the free‐swimming larva of Schizambon settled directly on the ventral side of the body, and this type of ontogeny is probably true for other siphonotretides. The divergence of Schizambon from the main siphonotretide lineage probably happened prior to the Guzhangian Age, well before the occurrence of major biodiversification within the order.
The implementation of English across the curriculum: An exploratory study of how South African educators teach writing in History lessons
Authors: Mpofu Nhlanhla
Published: July 2023

In 2013, as a strategy to enhance academic performance, the South African Department of Basic Education (DBE) published several English Across the Curriculum (EAC) manuals to guide in‐service teachers who did not have prior knowledge of how to integrate the teaching of content subjects with language learning. The DBE introduced the EAC strategy as a mandatory tool for strengthening the use of English as a Language of Learning and Teaching (LoLT) to address language as a barrier factor to academic success both in primary and high schools. However, in 2017, the DBE published a report showing that most content teachers were not using the EAC strategy. In view of the alarmingly poor academic performance in mostly public schools, the question in many people's minds has always been whether content teachers are using the EAC strategy. To understand this phenomenon, I conducted a qualitative study focused on four purposively selected Grade 8 Social Science educators teaching History (Grade 8 is an entry level to South African secondary schools). I collected data using non‐participant classroom observations and semi‐structured interviews, while inductive thematic analysis was used as an approach to analyse the data. The findings indicate that to teach writing in History, the participants used strategy‐focused instruction which includes vocabulary development and clustering activities as well as writing frames that encompass sentences and paragraphs. Importantly, the research adds to our knowledge of teaching of English to speakers of other languages in multilingual contexts when mandated by governments to change without appropriate support. The study highlights how this situation leads to deeper reflection where educators must encounter professional conflict and dilemmas to bring coherence to their teaching knowledge and experience.
Evidential role of municipal solid waste and liquid effluent on environment and public health
Authors: Ali Md. Rayhan , Mahmud Shahin , Islam Md. Tarikul , Nur‐E‐Alam Md. , Molla Md. Tarek , Mohiuddin Ramisa Binti , Talukder Kaisar Ali , Napis Suhaimi , Chowdhury Kamal , Mohiuddin A. K. M.
Published: July 2023

Cities in Bangladesh produce large amounts of solid waste (SW) through various human activities which severely pollutes our native environment. As a result, SW pollutes the three basic environmental elements (air, water, and soil) by increasing pathogenic microbial load, which might be hazardous to public health directly or indirectly. In this study, we conducted 30 samples (i.e., soil, water, and air) collected from areas where municipal solid wastes are dumped (Tangail Sadar Upazila, Bangladesh). All the samples were analyzed to assess bacteriological quality for presumptive viable and coliform count using different agar media. We performed serial dilution 10−3–10−10 times for soil and water samples, and the diluted samples were spread on Mac‐Conkey agar and nutrient agar plates. For the air sample, the sterile media containing petri‐dish was placed adjacent to the dumpsite of the municipal waste and kept for an hour. Then all the samples were incubated at 37°C overnight for total viable count (TVC) and total coliform count (TCC). Biochemical tests and PCR were performed for the identification of these microorganisms. The antibiogram study was performed to reveal their (identified bacteria) susceptibility against clinically used antibiotics according to the standard disk diffusion technique. The highest bacterial loads were found in the air: TVC 3.273 × 103 and TCC 1.059 × 103 CFU/plate; tube‐well water: TVC 8.609 × 103, and TCC 8.317 × 103 CFU/mL; in surface water: TVC 6.24 × 1013 CFU/mL and TCC 2.2 × 1012 CFU/mL; in soil: TVC 2.88 × 1011 and TCC 1.02 × 1011 CFU/g, respectively. Microbes from SW can be transmitted through air, dust particles, or flies, and here we found an average of 1120 microbes spread over 63.61 cm2 area per hour. Eight bacterial isolates (Pseudomonas spp., Klebsiella spp., E. coli, Proteus spp., V. cholera, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., and Vibrio spp.) were identified by the biochemical test. Among them, E. coli and Shigella spp. were further ensured by PCR targeting bfpA and ipaH genes. Antibiotic susceptibility test results showed that E. coli isolates were highly resistant to erythromycin (80%); Shigella spp. were resistant to nalidixic acid (90%), whereas Salmonella spp. was found resistant to kanamycin (90%). Vibrio spp. were also resistant to azithromycin (80%) and erythromycin (80%), which should be a great concern for us. A semi‐structured survey revealed that 63% of respondents suffered from different clinical conditions (intestinal diseases) due to SW pollution. So, steps should be taken to improve the proper management and disposal of solid waste and liquid effluent to save our environment and public health.
Cross‐sectional evaluation of a large‐scale antimicrobial stewardship trial in Australian companion animal practices
Authors: Richards Suzanna , Bailey Kirsten E. , Scarborough Ri , Gilkerson James R. , Browning Glenn F. , Hur Brian , Ierardo Jessica , Awad Magdoline , Chay Rachel , Hardefeldt Laura Y.
Published: July 2023

Background

Antimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASPs) are critically important for improving the appropriate use of antimicrobial agents in veterinary practice.

Methods

One of three ASPs was implemented in 135 Australian general veterinary practices in 2018–2020. The ASP interventions and the perceived impact they had on antimicrobial prescribing were assessed by the veterinarians working in these veterinary practices. An online survey was distributed to all 520 veterinarians working in the trial practices and 267 responses were analysed.

Results

Most veterinarians (174/267, 65%) thought they had an ASP at their clinic and most respondents who said that they were aware that they had an ASP at their clinic indicated that they had changed the way they prescribed antimicrobials because of the trial (125/170, 74%). Antimicrobial prescribing guidelines, the traffic light system for indicating antimicrobial importance, delayed prescribing and antimicrobial stewardship champions were reported to have had the biggest impact.

Limitations

All practices in the trial belong to a single corporate group, which may impact the external validity of these results when applied to general small animal practice.

Conclusion

Antimicrobial stewardship has a positive impact on antimicrobial prescribing in veterinary medicine and future interventions should focus on the implementation of the effective interventions identified in this study.
AIoT Product/Solution Design
Authors: Slama Dirk
Published: July 2023

The idea of a more detailed design document may seem old fashioned to someone who is used to working in small, agile development teams. After all, the Agile manifesto itself values working software over comprehensive documentation and emphasizes the most efficient and effective method of conveying information to and within a development team is face-to-face conversation. However, in large-scale, multi-team, multisite projects, a certain amount of documentation is required to ensure that all teams and stakeholders are aligned and working in synch. Working across organizational boundaries will add to the need for more detailed documentation of requirements and design decisions. Finally, some types of procurement contracts will require detailed specifications and SLAs (see Sourcing_and_Procurement). Given that an AIoT-enabled product or solution will contain different building blocks, such as AI, hardware, software, embedded components, etc., it is likely that it will face many of these constraints. Consequently, the Digital Playbook proposes to create and maintain a product/solution architecture that captures key requirements and design decisions in a consistent manner (Fig. 25.1).
AIoT in a Global, High-Volume Manufacturing Network (Bosch and Microsoft)
Authors: Slama Dirk
Published: July 2023

Bosch Chassis Systems Control (CC) is a division of Bosch that develops and manufactures components, systems and functions in the field of vehicle safety, vehicle dynamics and driver assistance. The products from Bosch CC combine cameras, radar and ultrasonic sensors, electric power steering and active or passive safety systems to improve driver safety and comfort. Bosch CC is a global organization with twenty factories around the world. Very high volumes, combined with a high product variety, characterize Bosch CC production. Large numbers of specially designed and commissioned machines are deployed to ensure high levels of automation. Organized in a global production network, plants can realize synergies at scale (Fig. 31.1).
Digital OEM
Authors: Slama Dirk
Published: July 2023

The Digital OEM combines physical product design, engineering and manufacturing with Software-as-a-Service in order to provide smart, connected products. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are the two key enablers. This chapter will introduce the concept of the Digital OEM in detail, following again the why, what, how structure from the introduction (Fig. 7.1).
Blockchain
Authors: Gasser Linus , Hubaux Jean-Pierre
Published: July 2023

A blockchain is a decentralized system for managing a block-based data structure. Unlike centralized systems that rely on honest operators, blockchains can function even when some participants act maliciously, as long as more than half of the entities in the network are honest. A broader term for blockchains is Digital Ledger Technologies. This includes systems that do not rely on linked blocks but offer decentralized data management. A growing list of applications is produced around blockchain’s tracking and logging capabilities: due to their underlying data structure, all history is available forever. Nevertheless, the complexity of blockchain systems still has to be tamed before it makes economic sense.
Tunneling and VPN
Authors: Lin Weyde
Published: July 2023

Tunneling is a technique used to transport data packets over a network. The original data packets, with a protocol not supported by the host network, are encapsulated within another packet and then transported through the network. While tunneling is often used in a virtual private network, virtual private network, and tunneling are technically not the same, and there are virtual private networks without tunneling. However, tunneling is essential for securing a remote resource as an integral part of most VPN implementations. Without such encrypted tunnels, the traffic to this remote resource would be unencrypted and potentially taped by a malicious third party.
Secure Media
Authors: Ebrahimi Touradj
Published: July 2023

Media security is a subset of information security concerned with protecting the semantic information behind multimedia assets, such as images, instead of just representing the information. Media security problems can be divided into two main clusters: creator-centric and content-centric. With the growing reliance on multimedia content in citizens’ daily lives, both professionally and in their private lives, media security is becoming an essential technology to include in many applications. Furthermore, media security is no longer a niche; many applications need media security tools and solutions in addition to more general security tools and solutions such as symmetric or asymmetric encryption. At the same time, media security tools and solutions are increasingly essential elements in many professional and private applications that have become multimedia-rich.
Conclusion
Authors: Mulder Valentin
Published: July 2023

This book provides an expansive overview of data protection and encryption technologies. However, the limitations include the static nature of the information presented, as the data and research used are limited to the time of conducting this research. These limits should be considered when interpreting the results and conclusions investigated in this study. It is important to note that the projections and predictions are based on the most relevant and available information. There is still a lot to be discovered and understood.