bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of a separator machine for oil palm fruit mesocarp and nut using computer‐aided design and linear finite element analysis
Authors: Wondi Mohd Hafizz , Shamsudin Rosnah , Yunus Robiah , Mohd Basri Mohd Salahuddin , Mohd Ali Maimunah , Haris Nur Izzah Nabilah
Published: September 2023

This study addresses the inefficiencies in the current palm oil milling process, where the coexistence of mesocarp fiber and nut during pressing results in oil loss and nut breakage. To tackle this issue, the research aims to develop a machine that can separate mesocarp fibers from nuts before pressing, enhancing oil extraction and quality. The study involves designing the machine layout, creating schematic drawings, wireframe models, and assessing stress and deformation performance. Solidworks simulation was used to determine stress and deformation points within material properties, dimensions, and applied forces. The maximum stress on the rotating disc was 1.44 MPa, with a total deformation of 9.75 x 10−4 mm. Comparing this to the static component strength against cracking (0.093 MPa) revealed that the disc's material and design can safely with stand loads, preventing deformation during the mesocarp and nut separation process. This innovation promises to increase oil yields and improve oil quality in palm oil milling.

Practical applications

The separation of mesocarp fiber and nuts using centrifugal force is a feasible method. By removing nuts from the mesh (fiber) prior digestion and oil extraction process, the issue of nut breakage will be completely omitted, and thus the pressure can be further increased to maximize oil yield at the palm oil mill industries. This suggested approach has been demonstrated to produce a large amount of oil with minimal broken kernels. The crude palm oil obtained from this separation process also satisfies industrial standards.
Clinical outcomes and predictors for 30‐day readmissions of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the United States
Authors: Dahiya Dushyant Singh , Pinnam Bhanu Siva Mohan , Chandan Saurabh , Gangwani Manesh Kumar , Ali Hassam , Gopakumar Harishankar , Aziz Muhammad , Bapaye Jay , Al‐Haddad Mohammad , Sharma Neil R.
Published: September 2023

Background/Objectives

We aimed to assess 30‐day readmissions of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the United States.

Methods

The National Readmission Database was utilized from 2016 to 2020 to identify 30‐day readmissions of ERCP. Hospitalization characteristics and outcomes were compared between index hospitalizations and readmissions. Predictors of 30‐day readmission and mortality were also identified.

Results

Between 2016 and 2020, 885 416 index hospitalizations underwent ERCP. Of these, 88 380 (10.15%) were readmitted within 30 days. Compared to index hospitalizations, 30‐day readmissions had higher mean age (63.76 vs 60.8 years, P < 0.001) and proportion of patients with Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score ≥3 (48.26% vs 29.91%, P < 0.001). Sepsis was the most common readmission diagnosis. Increasing age, male gender, higher CCI scores, admissions at large metropolitan teaching hospitals, cholecystectomy on index hospitalization, biliary stenting, increasing length of stay (LOS) at index admission, post‐ERCP pancreatitis, post‐ERCP hemorrhage, and gastrointestinal tract perforation were independent predictors of 30‐day readmissions. Furthermore, 30‐day readmissions had higher odds of inpatient mortality (4.42% vs 1.66%, aOR 1.9, 95% CI: 1.79–2.01, P < 0.001) compared to index hospitalizations. However, we noted a shorter LOS (5.78 vs 6.22 days, mean difference 1.2, 95% CI: 1.12–1.28, P < 0.001) and lower total hospital charge ($71 076 vs $93 418, mean difference $31 452, 95% CI: 29 835–33 069, P < 0.001) for 30‐day readmissions compared to index hospitalizations. Increasing age, higher CCI scores, increasing LOS, biliary stenting, and post‐ERCP hemorrhage were independent predictors of inpatient mortality for 30‐day readmissions.

Conclusion

After index ERCP, the 30‐day remission rate was 10.15%. Compared to index hospitalizations, 30‐day readmissions had higher odds of inpatient mortality.
Improved health‐related quality of life during peptide receptor radionuclide therapy in patients with neuroendocrine tumours
Authors: Edfeldt Katarina , Hellman Per , Granberg Dan , Lagergren Pernilla , Thiis‐Evensen Espen , Sundin Anders , Andersson Camilla
Published: September 2023

Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) can arise in different locations in the body, and may give rise to hormonal symptoms, which amongst other factors may affect patients' health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). Up to four cycles of peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) have been shown effective for symptom alleviation and prolonging progression‐free survival. The aim of this study was to assess the patient's perspective regarding changes in their HRQoL during PRRT. HRQoL was assessed using the questionnaires for cancer in general, EORTC QLQ‐C30, and the gastrointestinal NET‐specifically EORTC QLQ‐GINET21. Patients with NET (n = 204) rated their HRQoL before PRRT cycles one and four. The medical records of patients were reviewed and their HRQoL was compared to a matched reference population (n = 4910). HRQoL was found to improve during PRRT in aspects of global quality of life; role, social, and emotional functioning, and multiple symptom relief. Potential risk groups for worse HRQoL during PRRT were patients with overweight (BMI >25) who completed four cycles of PRRT and older patients (>65 years old). In conclusion, we found that PRRT improves HRQoL in patients with NETs. The results of this study may be used to improve person‐centred care.
Body dysmorphic disorder among Lebanese females: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Berjaoui Aya , Chahine Bahia
Published: September 2023

Background

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health disorder characterized by an excessive preoccupation with perceived flaws or defects in one's appearance. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of BDD, identify the predictors of BDD, explore the associations of BDD with social anxiety and social phobia, and examine the effect of social media on BDD.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study that was conducted between January and March 2023, Lebanese adult females completed an online survey that included questions about sociodemographic characteristics, cosmetic interventions, BDD, social media use, and Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SISA‐6)/Social Phobia Scale (SPS‐6). The collected information was analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Statistical significance was set at p value <0.05.

Results

A sample of 1048 were eligible for analysis and the mean age was 29.94 ± 10.01 years. It was shown that 141 (13.5%) participants were BDD positive. The results of the multivariable logistic regression showed that only females living in urban areas (aOR = 2.351 [95% CI 1.502–3.680], p < 0.001), unmarried (aOR = 1.672 [95% CI 1.041–2.684], p = 0.033), reporting higher social media use score (aOR = 1.526 (95% CI 1.401–1.661), p < 0.001), and higher SIAS/SPS score (aOR = 1.040 (95% CI 1.022–1.060), p < 0.001) were significantly positively associated with BDD.

Conclusion

This study found a high BDD prevalence (13.5%) among Lebanese adult females compared with other regions and was associated with anxiety and increased social media platforms use. This highlights the need for a comprehensive approach in the assessment of BDD, along with preventive measures to address the negative impacts of social media on well‐being and promote healthy body image.
Systematic analysis of proximal midgut‐ and anorectal‐originating contractions in larval zebrafish using event feature detection and supervised machine learning algorithms
Authors: Cassidy Ryan M. , Flores Erika M. , Trinh Nguyen Anh K. , Cheruvu Sai S. , Uribe Rosa A. , Krachler Anne Marie , Odem Max A.
Published: September 2023

Background

Zebrafish larvae are translucent, allowing in vivo analysis of gut development and physiology, including gut motility. While recent progress has been made in measuring gut motility in larvae, challenges remain which can influence results, such as how data are interpreted, opportunities for technical user error, and inconsistencies in methods.

Methods

To overcome these challenges, we noninvasively introduced Nile Red fluorescent dye to fill the intraluminal gut space in zebrafish larvae and collected serial confocal microscopic images of gut fluorescence. We automated the detection of fluorescent‐contrasted contraction events against the median‐subtracted signal and compared it to manually annotated gut contraction events across anatomically defined gut regions. Supervised machine learning (multiple logistic regression) was then used to discriminate between true contraction events and noise. To demonstrate, we analyzed motility in larvae under control and reserpine‐treated conditions. We also used automated event detection analysis to compare unfed and fed larvae.

Key Results

Automated analysis retained event features for proximal midgut‐originating retrograde and anterograde contractions and anorectal‐originating retrograde contractions. While manual annotation showed reserpine disrupted gut motility, machine learning only achieved equivalent contraction discrimination in controls and failed to accurately identify contractions after reserpine due to insufficient intraluminal fluorescence. Automated analysis also showed feeding had no effect on the frequency of anorectal‐originating contractions.

Conclusions & Inferences

Automated event detection analysis rapidly and accurately annotated contraction events, including the previously neglected phenomenon of anorectal contractions. However, challenges remain to discriminate contraction events based on intraluminal fluorescence under treatment conditions that disrupt functional motility.
Sera anti‐neuronal antibodies in patients with irritable bowel syndrome and their correlations with clinical profiles
Authors: Fan Wenjuan , Fang Xiucai , Fei Guijun , Li Xiaoqing , Guan Hongzhi
Published: September 2023

Background

Immune factors were involved in the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The aim of the study was to test anti‐neuronal antibodies in sera of IBS patients and demonstrate their correlations with IBS profiles and psychological disorders.

Methods

Patients with IBS met Rome III criteria and excluded organic diseases were enrolled. Controls included healthy subjects (HS), slow transit functional constipation, autoimmune diseases, and so on. Indirect immunofluorescence with monkey cerebellum and small intestine as substrates was used to detect anti‐neuronal antibodies including anti‐cerebral neuronal antibodies (ACNA) and anti‐enteric neuronal antibodies (AENA).

Results

A total of 293 IBS patients, 100 HS and 153 disease controls were included in this study. The ACNA positive rate of IBS patients was significantly higher than HS (14% vs. 6%, p = 0.033). The positive rate of ACNA was significantly lower than AENA (14.0% vs. 76.8%, p = 0.028) in IBS patients. The prevalence of headache and sleeping disorder were higher in ACNA‐positive IBS patients than ACNA‐negative IBS patients (61% vs. 42.9%, p = 0.03; 75.6% vs. 57.1%, p = 0.03, respectively). Among IBS patients, ACNA and AENA were both negative in 21.8% patients, ACNA negative and AENA positive in 64.2% patients, and ACNA and AENA were both positive in 12.6% patients. There were no significant differences of intestinal symptoms among the three groups, while the prevalence of headache (64.9% vs. 37.5% and 44.7%, p = 0.03) and sleeping disorder (78.4% vs. 50.0% and 59.6%, p = 0.02) were higher in patients with both ACNA and AENA positive than patients with both ACNA and AENA negative, patients with ACNA negative and AENA positive. There were no significant differences of the prevalence of depression and anxiety, HAMD, and HAMA scores among the three groups.

Conclusions and inferences

Anti‐neuronal antibodies in sera of IBS patients were mainly targeted to enteric neurons and in a small part to cerebral neurons. ACNA were closely related to headache and sleeping disorder but unrelated to intestinal symptoms, depression, or anxiety of IBS patients.
GH3‐mediated auxin inactivation attenuates multiple stages of lateral root development
Authors: Wang Qing , De Gernier Hugues , Duan Xingliang , Xie Yuanming , Geelen Danny , Hayashi Ken‐ishiro , Xuan Wei , Geisler Markus , ten Tusscher Kirsten , Beeckman Tom , Vanneste Steffen
Published: September 2023

Lateral root (LR) positioning and development rely on the dynamic interplay between auxin production, transport but also inactivation. Nonetheless, how the latter affects LR organogenesis remains largely uninvestigated.

Here, we systematically analyze the impact of the major auxin inactivation pathway defined by GRETCHEN HAGEN3‐type (GH3) auxin conjugating enzymes and DIOXYGENASE FOR AUXIN OXIDATION1 (DAO1) in all stages of LR development using reporters, genetics and inhibitors in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Our data demonstrate that the gh3.1/2/3/4/5/6 hextuple (gh3hex) mutants display a higher LR density due to increased LR initiation and faster LR developmental progression, acting epistatically over dao1‐1. Grafting and local inhibitor applications reveal that root and shoot GH3 activities control LR formation. The faster LR development in gh3hex is associated with GH3 expression domains in and around developing LRs. The increase in LR initiation is associated with accelerated auxin response oscillations coinciding with increases in apical meristem size and LR cap cell death rates.

Our research reveals how GH3‐mediated auxin inactivation attenuates LR development. Local GH3 expression in LR primordia attenuates development and emergence, whereas GH3 effects on pre‐initiation stages are indirect, by modulating meristem activities that in turn coordinate root growth with LR spacing.
Blue sky, cold heart: The political cost of environmental regulations
Authors: Yang Wenhui , Zhao Jing
Published: September 2023

The economic costs of environmental regulations are well documented, but their political cost is still unclear, especially in cases of substantial pollution reduction. This study presents empirical evidence for the unexpected political costs of China's war on air pollution. Using a clean energy regulation as a case, we demonstrate that it significantly reduces air pollutants over a short period; however, exposure to the regulation erodes local political support and trust in government officials. In addition, we show that stringent environmental regulations significantly reduce local political trust when it entails high policy costs for local residents and had weak policy participation. Our results indicate that stringent regulations may improve environmental quality at the cost of local political legitimacy.
The association between n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid intakes and asthma in US children and adolescents: A cross‐sectional study from NHANES
Authors: Zhang Xiaolan , Han Yujie , Tian Qiaohuan , Du Linjun , Chen Lifang , Zhang Yue , Guo Xuening , Li Xiaoying
Published: September 2023

Background

Asthma is an inflammatory disease. The potential of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to alleviate asthma symptoms through their anti‐inflammatory effects and immune modulation has been explored. However, the precise role of dietary n‐3 PUFAs in childhood and adolescent asthma remains unclear.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the association between dietary n‐3 PUFAs intake and asthma in children and adolescents in the United States.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional analysis of 8543 children and adolescents from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2013 and 2020 by adjusting for covariates and using multivariate logistic regression, restricted cubic spline, threshold effects, and subgroup analyses.

Results

Among 8354 participants, 1456 (16.5%) self‐reported diagnosis of asthma by a healthcare provider. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, compared with individuals in the lowest n‐3 PUFA consumption group (T1, <26.07 mg/kg/day), the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for asthma was 0.71 (95% CI: 0.6–0.84, p < .001) in the second group (T2, 26.07–48.93 mg/kg/day) and 0.58 (95% CI: 0.47–0.73, p < .001) in the third group (T3, >48.93 mg/kg/day). Furthermore, a nonlinear (L‐shaped) relationship was observed between n‐3 PUFA intake and asthma (p = .009), with subgroup and sensitivity analyses confirming the stability of the results. In the threshold analysis, a critical turning point was observed at approximately 59.0 mg/kg/day (OR = 0.984, 95% CI: 0.977–0.991, p < .001).

Conclusion

Dietary intake of n‐3 PUFAs exhibited an L‐shaped relationship with asthma in children and adolescents in the United States, with a critical turning point observed at approximately 59.0 mg/kg/day.
Maternal hemoglobin and iron status in early pregnancy and risk of respiratory tract infections in childhood: A population‐based prospective cohort study
Authors: Quezada‐Pinedo Hugo G. , van Meel Evelien R. , Reiss Irwin K. , Jaddoe Vincent , Vermeulen Marijn J. , Duijts Liesbeth
Published: September 2023

Background

Maternal hemoglobin and iron status measures during pregnancy might affect the developing fetal respiratory system leading to adverse respiratory conditions. Our aim was to assess the associations of maternal hemoglobin and iron status measures during pregnancy with the risk of respiratory tract infections in children until 10 years of age.

Methods

In a population‐based cohort study among 5134 mother–child pairs, maternal hemoglobin and iron status including ferritin, transferrin, and transferrin saturation were measured during early pregnancy. In children, physician‐attended respiratory tract infections from age 6 months until 10 years were assessed by questionnaires. Confounder‐adjusted generalized estimating equation modeling was applied.

Results

After taking multiple testing into account, high maternal ferritin concentrations and low maternal transferrin saturation during pregnancy were associated with an overall increased risk of upper, not lower, respiratory tract infections until age 10 years of the child [OR (95% CI: 1.23 (1.10, 1.38) and 1.28 (1.12, 1.47), respectively)]. High maternal transferrin saturation during pregnancy was associated with a decreased and increased risk of upper respiratory tract infections at 1 and 6 years, respectively, [OR (95% CI: 0.60 (0.44, 0.83) and 1.54 (1.17, 2.02))]. Observed associations were suggested to be U‐shaped (p‐values for non‐linearity ≤.001). Maternal hemoglobin and iron status measures during pregnancy were not consistently associated with child's gastroenteritis and urinary tract infections, as proxies for general infection effects.

Conclusion

High maternal ferritin and low transferrin saturation concentrations during early pregnancy were most consistently associated with an overall increased risk of child's upper, not lower, respiratory tract infections.
Sensitisation to peach allergen Pru p 7 is associated with severe clinical symptoms in a Spanish population
Authors: Vílchez‐Sánchez Francisca , Rodríguez‐Pérez Rosa , Gómez‐Traseira Carmen , Dominguez‐Ortega Javier , Hernández‐Rivas Lucía , García Itsaso Losantos , Quirce Santiago , Pedrosa María
Published: September 2023

Background

Pru p 7 has been reported as a major allergen in peach allergy, associated with severe clinical symptoms and related to IgE sensitisation to cypress pollen. The main objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate the frequency of sensitisation to Pru p 7 and its clinical relevance amongst pediatric patients with peach allergy in Madrid (Spain).

Methods

Patients with a history of IgE‐mediated symptoms (oral allergy syndrome, urticaria/angioedema, rhinoconjunctivitis/asthma, gastrointestinal symptoms, or anaphylaxis) occurring within 2 h after peach intake or contact were prospectively recruited from February 2020 to September 2021. Skin tests, sIgE by ImmunoCAP® (Pru p 1, Pru p 3, Pru p 4, Pru p 7, and Cupressus arizonica) and oral food challenge (OFC) were performed. The study was approved by the local Ethics Committee (PI‐4513).

Results

Ninety‐two patients were included (53.3% male); median age, 10 (IQR 6.0–14.75) years. Seventy‐four (80.4%) patients had a reaction after ingestion of fresh peach (25.0% from peel, 23.9% from pulp, and 44.6% from both). Fifteen (16.3%) patients were sensitised to Pru p 7. Upper airway symptoms, anaphylaxis, and grade 2 reactions were statistically more frequent in patients sensitised to Pru p 7. Seven (7.9%) patients presented with exercise as a cofactor, four of whom were sensitised to Pru p 7 (p = .001). Patients sensitised to Pru p 7 were significantly more likely to have a positive OFC result than patients who were not (p = .008). Four patients who reacted to peach at OFC were sensitised to Pru p 7. Specific IgE against Cupressus arizonica pollen was positive in 25 (62.5%) patients.

Conclusions

Pru p 7 sensitisation was observed in 16.3% of our population and was related to severe reactions, upper airway symptoms, anaphylaxis, and the presence of an eliciting cofactor.
Investigating associations between self‐compassion, self‐criticism and psychotic‐like experiences
Authors: Collman Siobhan , Heriot‐Maitland Charles , Peters Emmanuelle , Mason Oliver
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Dimensional approaches suggest psychotic symptoms exist along a continuum, with psychotic‐like experiences (PLEs) being an expression of a non‐clinical psychosis phenotype. Existing research indicates self‐criticism may contribute to symptom maintenance, frequency and distress, whereas self‐compassion may act protectively. Associations between self‐criticism, self‐compassion and PLEs in the general population have received less attention. The present study sought to investigate these associations. It was hypothesised that PLE endorsement would be associated positively with self‐criticism and negatively with self‐compassion.

Design

Quantitative cross‐sectional study. Data collected via an online questionnaire.

Methods

Five hundred thirty‐one participants completed the Self‐Compassion Scale (Short Form), the Forms of Self‐Criticising/Attacking and Self‐Reassuring Scale and the Transpersonal Experiences Questionnaire. Individuals with a psychosis‐related diagnosis were excluded. The data were analysed using linear regression, accounting for the effects of demographic variables.

Results

Self‐criticism subtype self‐hatred was associated with PLEs. Subtype self‐inadequacy was not. No association was found between self‐compassion and PLEs. Educational attainment was negatively associated with PLE endorsement.

Conclusions

Self‐criticism, but not self‐compassion, is associated with PLE endorsement, suggesting they are separate factors with different relationships to PLEs. Further research is needed to confirm the direction of the interaction. Either way, psychological interventions (where needed) could target self‐criticism and may be important in assessing psychosis risk.
Exercise rehabilitation to treat sarcopenia in pediatric transplant populations
Authors: Hager Amber , Guo Yuxin , Wang Yiqi , Mazurak Vera , Gilmour Susan M. , Mager Diana R.
Published: September 2023

Background

In adult transplant (Tx) populations, exercise rehabilitation strategies may improve sarcopenia components (muscle mass [MM], strength [MS], and physical performance [PP]). Limited data are available regarding exercise rehabilitation therapy in pediatric Tx populations.

Methods

The purpose of this review is to critically evaluate the feasibility and impact of exercise programs (EP) that include resistance exercise (RE) on markers of sarcopenia in pediatric Tx populations. Literature searches in SCOPUS and WEB OF SCIENCE were conducted to identify studies applying EP with a RE component in pediatric populations in the Tx setting.

Results

Twelve articles (2008–2022) met inclusion criteria. The exercise interventions varied in length (3 weeks–12 months), intensity (low to moderate), time pre/post Tx (0 days‐5 years post Tx), age of participants (3–18 years), adherence (63%–94%), and methodologies to measure components of sarcopenia. No studies measured all three components of sarcopenia concurrently. Approximately, 60% of studies found positive effects on MS and PP. Only one pediatric study measured body composition, therefore, the effect of exercise programs with RE components on MM is unknown.

Conclusions

Exercise programs may be a beneficial treatment for sarcopenia in Tx populations, particularly in components of MS and PP. Studies measuring all three aspects of sarcopenia together in response to RE training in pediatrics remains an important gap. Studies that include body composition measurements in response to exercise are needed. Special considerations for the development of RE programs in pediatrics Tx populations are safety, supervision, engagement through family/peer involvement and incorporation of game/play‐based elements.
Factors of early COVID‐19 prevention policy engagement in France and in the United States
Authors: Lauby Fanny , McKinley Christopher J.
Published: September 2023

This article highlights the factors that shape the public's early engagement with preventative health policies in the United States and in France. Our analysis explores the role that ideology and cultural worldviews play in shaping individuals' engagement with COVID‐19 early preventative measures such as mask wearing, stay‐at‐home orders, and vaccine intentions. We find that conservative ideology has an indirect effect on engagement in preventative behaviors through conspiracy theory beliefs in both countries. In addition, building on literature that links cultural worldviews and a wide array of public policies (vaccination campaigns, environmental measures), we find that individuals who have more individualistic and hierarchic worldviews are also less likely to engage in preventative behaviors or plan to get vaccinated. Understanding the public response to early preventative measures is essential to preparing for future health crises, as long‐term health responses such as vaccinations may take months or years to be deployed.

Related Articles

Richey, Sean. 2017. “A Birther and a Truther: The Influence of the Authoritarian Personality on Conspiracy Beliefs.” Politics & Policy 45(3): 465–85. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12206.

Tyner, Katie, and Farida Jalalzai. 2022. “Women Prime Ministers and COVID‐19: Within‐Case Examinations of New Zealand and Iceland.” Politics & Policy 50(6): 1076–95. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12511.

Vince, Joanna. 2022. “A Creeping Crisis When an Urgent Crisis Arises: The Reprioritization of Plastic Pollution Issues during COVID‐19.” Politics & Policy 51(1): 26–40. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12512.
Impact of COVID‐19 on long‐term lung function in lung transplant recipients: A single‐center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Touilloux Brice , Papadimitriou‐Olivgeris Matthaios , Bongard Cédric , Mansouri Nahal , Ioakeim Foteini , Manuel Oriol , Koutsokera Angela , Aubert John‐David , Casutt Alessio
Published: September 2023

Available data are limited concerning long‐term lung function (LF) evolution after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection in lung transplant (LT) recipients. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of first SARS‐CoV‐2 infection on long‐term LF in LT recipients. We analyzed spirometry results of LT recipients followed at our institution (March 2020 to July 2022) at 3, 6, and 12 months after first SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Overall, 42 LT patients of our cohort (70%) with COVID‐19 were included for long‐term LF analysis. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) declined significantly at 3 months (−4.5%, −97 mL, 95% CI [−163; −31], p < .01), but not at 6 and 12 months (−3.9%, −65 mL, 95% CI [−168; +39], p = .21). Results were quite similar for the forced vital capacity. Spirometry values declined significantly at 3 months after COVID‐19 in LT recipients, presented a mixed decline at 6 months, and no significant decline at 12 months.

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Service offshoring and its impacts on wages: An occupation‐oriented analysis of Germany
Authors: Frenkel Michael , Ngo Ngoc Tuyet
Published: September 2023

International trade in services has increased significantly in recent decades, mainly due to innovations in information and communication technology. This development has also increased the importance of service offshoring, as companies spread their production processes across several countries. This paper examines the intensity of offshoring of specific tasks of occupations, which in turn leads to higher imports, and explores the impact of such substitution on wages in the home economy. We use micro‐level data from the Occupational Information Network and the Socio‐Economic Panel in Germany and draw on the OECD's Input–Output Database. In total, we used data from about 62,000 person‐years in 45 industries in Germany during 2014–2018. A particular focus of our study is on the interaction between service offshoring and the tradability as well as skill levels of workers. Our main findings suggest that service offshoring itself exerts downward pressure on workers' wages. This effect is amplified by the degree of tradability of the occupations.
Research on missed nursing care during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A scoping review
Authors: Zabaleta‐Del‐Olmo Edurne , Santesmases‐Masana Rosalía , Martín‐Payo Rubén , Romero‐Collado Àngel , Zamora‐Sánchez Juan‐José , Urpí‐Fernández Ana‐María , Gonzalez‐Del‐Rio Marina , Lumillo‐Gutiérrez Iris , Sastre‐Rus Meritxell , Jodar‐Fernández Lina , Hernández‐Martínez‐Esparza Elvira
Published: September 2023

Background

Missed nursing care is defined as care that is delayed, partially completed, or not completed at all. The scenario created by the COVID‐19 pandemic may have influenced multifactorial determinants related to the care environment, nursing processes, internal processes, and decision‐making processes, increasing missed nursing care.

Aim

This scoping review aimed to establish the quantity and type of research undertaken on missed nursing care during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

This review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. We searched CINAHL, MEDLINE, Scopus, two national and regional databases, two dissertations and theses databases, a gray literature database, two study registers, and a search engine from November 1, 2019, to March 23, 2023. We included quantitative, qualitative, and mixed studies carried out in all healthcare settings that examined missed nursing care during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Language restrictions were not applied. Two independent reviewers conducted study selection and data extraction. Disagreements between the reviewers were resolved through discussion or with an additional reviewer.

Results

We included 25 studies with different designs, the most common being acute care cross‐sectional survey designs. Studies focused on determining the frequency and reasons for missed nursing care and its influence on nurses and organizational outcomes.

Linking Evidence to Action

Missed nursing care studies during the COVID‐19 pandemic were essentially nurses‐based prevalence surveys. There is an urgent need to advance the design and development of longitudinal and intervention studies, as well as to broaden the focus of research beyond acute care. Further research is needed to determine the impact of missed nursing care on nursing‐sensitive outcomes and from the patient's perspective.
Effectiveness of school-based sleep promotion programs in adolescents: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Duque Filipa Margarida , Santos Diana , Pinto Daniela , da Silva Rêgo Anderson , Vidinha Telma , Cardoso Daniela , Cardoso Ana Filipa , Veríssimo Cristina , Rodrigues Rogério
Published: September 2023

Objective:

This systematic review will assess the effectiveness of school-based sleep promotion programs on sleep knowledge, hygiene, quality, behavior, and efficiency in adolescents.

Introduction:

Adolescents need to sleep between 8 to 10 hours per night; however, most sleep fewer hours due to peer and school pressure, stress, and excessive use of electronic devices at night. Sleep deprivation can lead to cardiovascular problems, issues with stress management, and suicidal ideation. Schools are an ideal space to implement intervention programs, providing the opportunity to reach a large number of adolescents. Considering the negative impacts of poor sleep, it is essential to assess the effectiveness of school-based sleep promotion programs on sleep knowledge, hygiene, quality, behavior, and efficiency.

Inclusion criteria:

Studies with adolescents (10–19 years old), exposed to school-based sleep promotion programs, will be included. Studies in English, Spanish, and Portuguese will be considered, with no time limits.

Methods:

Nine databases, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ERIC (all via EBSCOhost), MEDLINE (PubMed), LILACS, SciELO, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, Web of Science Core Collection, and Scopus, will be searched from inception to identify relevant studies. Two independent reviewers will perform the study selection, critical appraisal using JBI tools, and data extraction. Studies will, where possible, be pooled in meta-analysis. Heterogeneity will be assessed using the standard χ2 and I
2 tests. Statistical analyses will be performed using the random effects model. If less than 5 studies are included, the fixed effects model will be used. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach will be used to grade the certainty of evidence and a Summary of Findings will be created.

Systematic review registration number:

PROSPERO CRD42023374838
Commonalities and differences in carotid body dysfunction in hypertension and heart failure
Authors: Felippe Igor S. A. , Río Rodrigo Del , Schultz Harold , Machado Benedito H. , Paton Julian F. R.
Published: September 2023

Carotid body pathophysiology is associated with many cardiovascular–respiratory–metabolic diseases. This pathophysiology reflects both hyper‐sensitivity and hyper‐tonicity. From both animal models and human patients, evidence indicates that amelioration of this pathophysiological signalling improves disease states such as a lowering of blood pressure in hypertension, a reduction of breathing disturbances with improved cardiac function in heart failure (HF) and a re‐balancing of autonomic activity with lowered sympathetic discharge. Given this, we have reviewed the mechanisms of carotid body hyper‐sensitivity and hyper‐tonicity across disease models asking whether there is uniqueness related to specific disease states. Our analysis indicates some commonalities and some potential differences, although not all mechanisms have been fully explored across all disease models. One potential commonality is that of hypoperfusion of the carotid body across hypertension and HF, where the excessive sympathetic drive may reduce blood flow in both models and, in addition, lowered cardiac output in HF may potentiate the hypoperfusion state of the carotid body. Other mechanisms are explored that focus on neurotransmitter and signalling pathways intrinsic to the carotid body (e.g. ATP, carbon monoxide) as well as extrinsic molecules carried in the blood (e.g. leptin); there are also transcription factors found in the carotid body endothelium that modulate its activity (Krüppel‐like factor 2). The evidence to date fully supports that a better understanding of the mechanisms of carotid body pathophysiology is a fruitful strategy for informing potential new treatment strategies for many cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic diseases, and this is highly relevant clinically.

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Thermochemical Conversion of Cow Manure With Different Heating Rates
Authors: Selim Osama M. , Maache Mohamed , Kada Cheikh , Kumano Hiroyuki , Amano Ryoichi
Published: September 2023

The lack of efficient and viable pathways for manure management and disposal in various animal waste sectors has led to growing concerns about GHG emissions and increased nutrient levels in water bodies, resulting in ecological damage and health concerns. In response, we have investigated the different thermochemical conversion techniques of cow manure at eight different heating rates (5–40°C/min) to obtain optimum operating conditions to keep the reaction self-sustainable, stable, and fast compared to the anaerobic digestion that is slow, resulting in significant carbon loss to CO2 and possible leaching.
Development of an Optimal Nitric Oxide Reduction System via Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Willsey Aliza M. , Welles Thomas S. , Ahn Jeongmin
Published: September 2023

The need for sustainable energy systems is increasing, as non-renewable energy sources are depleting and poor air quality is a health risk to the population. The automotive industry is responsible for a significant amount of dangerous emissions due to the use of internal combustion engines. Although the use of electric and hybrid vehicles is on the rise, many manufacturers are continuing to make vehicles with internal combustion engines. Rather than try to replace all current internal combustion vehicles with electric vehicles, we can shift our focus to cleaning the exhaust from combustion engines. However, current methods of cleaning exhaust, such as precious group metal catalytic converters and lean nitrogen oxide traps, face operational constraints: catalytic converters require stoichiometric conditions for maximized performance, and lean nitrogen oxide traps have a limit on storage capacity. Therefore, there is a need for more efficient exhaust cleaning technologies that are operational across all operational conditions. This work continues the investigation of the use of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) as a membrane for breaking down nitric oxide (NO). NO is an especially dangerous combustion by-product, so constructing an exhaust cleaning system that is able to reduce the maximum amount of NO is imperative to the health of the population and the environment. To do so, we must closely study the operation of the SOFC, and how changes in test conditions affect the fuel cell’s performance.
Audio-Based Classification of Swirl Combustion Regimes Using Deep Learning
Authors: Roy Rishi , Gupta Ashwani K.
Published: September 2023

Deep learning-based prediction of combustion reaction is of growing interest in combustion research community. Such predictions have potential to detect the onset of different combustion regimes and early predictions combustion instability during gas turbine operation. Advanced artificial intelligence-based combustion control system is conceptualized with audio feature-based recognition of swirl distributed combustion at 5.72 MW/m3-atm heat release intensity and at equivalence ratio (ϕ) 0.9. The main focus is to classify conventional swirl combustion from low oxygen diluted reaction zones leading to distributed combustion regime with methane fuel. Previous studies in this line of interest were performed at the Combustion Laboratory (University of Maryland) to classify swirl air combustion and distributed combustion using convolutional neural network (CNN) based on image features (flame shape, chemiluminescence intensity, and standoff height). However, images may not solely help to classify combustion regimes due to highly complex, non-linear dynamics, and geometrical dependence of combustion systems. Hence, an audio-based CNN is conceptualized in this research to examine capability of the deep-learning prediction framework. Model training was performed with acoustic signals at dilution levels of CO2 ∼ 79, 81, 82, 84% while testing was performed with CO2 ∼ 83 and 80%. Model optimization was considered with different epochs numbers of 20, 50, and 100. The trained model recognized new swirl flames at CO2 levels 80 and 83% well using acoustic signatures based on shape of signal pattern and amplitude of signal.
Exploring oxide-nitride-oxide scalloping behavior with small gap structure and chemical analysis after fluorocarbon or hydrofluorocarbon plasma processing
Authors: Chung Sang-Jin , Luan Pingshan , Park Minjoon , Metz Andrew , Oehrlein Gottlieb S.
Published: September 2023

The scalloping of oxide-nitride-oxide (ONO) stacked layers on vertical sidewalls during high-aspect-ratio contact etch is commonly seen and characterized by the horizontal etching of oxide and nitride layers at different etch rates. To understand the mechanisms of ONO scalloping in complex plasma chemistry, it is crucial to examine the surface chemistry of silicon dioxide and silicon nitride processed with single fluorocarbon (FC) or hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) gases. To simulate the isotropic etching of SiO2 and Si3N4 sidewalls, we use a horizontal trench structure to study the effect of neutral radicals produced by FC (Ar/C4F8), HFC (Ar/CH3F, CH2F2, or CH3F), FC/HFC (Ar/C4F8/CH2F2), or FC/H2 (Ar/C4F8/H2), plasma for aspect-ratio (AR) up to 25. To eliminate the effect of ions, oxide and nitride trench structures were treated by inductively coupled plasma. The changes in the film thickness as a function of AR were probed by ellipsometry. Additionally, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements on oxide and nitride substrates processed by Ar/C4F8 and Ar/CH2F2 plasma were performed at various locations: outside of the trench structure, near the trench entrance (AR = 4.3), and deeper in the trench (AR = 12.9). We find a variety of responses of the trench sidewalls including both FC deposition and spontaneous etching which reflect (1) the nature of the FC and HFC gases, (2) the nature of the surfaces being exposed, and (3) the position relative to the trench entrance. Overall, both the etching and deposition patterns varied systematically depending on the precursor gas. We found that the ONO scalloping at different ARs is plasma chemistry dependent. Oxide showed a binary sidewall profile, with either all deposition inside of the trench (with FC and FC/H2 processing) or etching (HFC and FC/HFC). Both profiles showed a steady attenuation of either the deposition or etching at higher AR. On the nitride substrate, etching was observed near the entrance for HFC precursors, and maximum net etching occurred at higher AR for high F:C ratio HFC precursors like CHF3. XPS measurements performed with Ar/C4F8 and Ar/CH2F2 treated surfaces showed that Ar/C4F8 overall deposited a fluorine-rich film outside and inside of the trench, while Ar/CH2F2 mostly deposited a cross-linked film (except near the trench entrance) with an especially thin graphitic-like film deep inside the trench.
A time-domain nearfield beamformer with spherical harmonic decomposition
Authors: Ma Fei , Abhayapala Thushara D. , Samarasinghe Prasanga N.
Published: September 2023

This paper proposes a time-domain nearfield beamformer with spherical harmonic decomposition. The beamformer design is separated into two stages: sound field measurement and beamformer coefficient design. This makes it easier for the beamformer to be implemented by different array structures. The beamformer coefficients are further separated into several parts, making it easier to design a beamformer with different characteristics. The time-domain implementation minimizes the latency between the array input and the beamformer response, and the nearfield focusing improves the farfield noise suppression ability of the beamformer. The proposed beamformer could be useful for emerging acoustic applications such as virtual reality and drones, and for further development of more advanced real-time nearfield beamformers. Simulations and experiments examine the performance of the proposed beamformer.
Application of the Microbiology Concept Inventory to improve programmatic curriculum
Authors: Rennpferd Macy J. L. , Schroeder Madeline V. , Nguyen Jonathan J. , Lund-Peterson Marley A. , Lancaster Onora , Condry Danielle L. Jessen
Published: September 2023

The Microbiology Concept Inventory is an assessment tool derived from the fundamental statements created by the American Society for Microbiology. This two-tier, multiple-choice question inventory requires students to choose the most correct answer for each question and provide a brief justification of their reasoning. Educators can utilize this tool to identify common misconceptions held by students and adjust curriculum to address and prevent the persistence of student misconceptions. Over the course of 5 years, the Microbiology Concept Inventory was annually administered to undergraduate students enrolled in entry-level, mid-level, and senior capstone microbiology courses at a mid-western rural university. Analysis was completed to compare course, year, majors and minors, gender, ethnicity, and cumulative GPA. Results of this study showed a significant difference in Microbiology Concept Inventory scores between students with high cumulative GPAs (3.5–4.0) and students with comparatively lower cumulative GPAs (2.5–2.99, 3.0–3.49). Results between the other demographic categories revealed statistically different scores in favor of white students, but no differences in scores between genders. The results suggest evidence of ethnic bias, but no gender bias as measured by the Microbiology Concept Inventory. Additionally, significant differences in scores across cohorts are indicative of improvements in the curricula due to prior targeted changes. Analysis of concept inventory results can guide curriculum changes for course instructors. Implementation of curriculum changes can enrich students’ academic success.