bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secular trend in prevalence and socioeconomic correlates of diabetes in pregnancy in Taiwan
Authors: Lu Chin‐Li , Wu Jia‐Ling , Li Hung‐Yuan , Martini Santi , Li Chung‐Yi
Published: November 2022

Objective

To assess the trend in prevalence and socioeconomic correlates of diabetes in pregnancy (DIP) in Taiwan from 2007 to 2014.

Methods

In all, 1 606 344 pregnancies, including 199 383 DIP (1693 with pre‐pregnancy type 1 diabetes [T1DM], 17 171 with pre‐pregnancy type 2 diabetes [T2DM], and 180 519 with gestational diabetes mellitus [GDM]) were investigated. Logistic regression models were performed to identify the covariates significantly associating with DIP.

Results

Over the study period, the prevalence of pre‐pregnancy T2DM increased by 568.44%; the prevalence of T1DM and GDM also increased but with a smaller magnitude. However, only the prevalence of pre‐pregnancy T2DM showed an increase after socioeconomic variables were considered. Compared with immigrant mothers, native‐born mothers had a significantly higher adjusted odds ratio of DIP, particularly pre‐pregnancy T1DM (3.33, 95% confidence interval 1.57–7.05). Additionally, indigenous mothers and those from rural areas had a higher prevalence of pre‐pregnancy T2DM but lower prevalence of GDM. Lower maternal education and income were associated with higher prevalence of pre‐pregnancy T1DM but lower prevalence of pre‐pregnancy T2DM and GDM.

Conclusion

Socioeconomic variables largely accounted for the increased secular trend in pre‐pregnancy T1DM and GDM, but the prevalence of pre‐pregnancy T2DM still doubled, which was independent of socioeconomic covariates.
The influence of maternal respiratory allergy on obstetrics and perinatal outcomes: A nested case–control study
Authors: Bartha Irene , de la Fuente Miguel , de la Calle Maria , Martin Boado Elena , Martinez‐Sanchez Nuria , Bartha Jose Luis
Published: November 2022

Objective

To evaluate the influence of respiratory allergy on obstetrics and perinatal outcomes.

Methods

A nested case–control retrospective study on 41 035 pregnant women. Obstetrics and perinatal outcomes of women with or without respiratory allergy were compared. Rates of preterm delivery (<37 weeks of gestation), low birth weight (<2500 g), neonatal acidosis (pH < 7.20), low 5‐min APGAR score (<7), cesarean section rate and indications, and perinatal morbidity and mortality were analyzed. Results are expressed as number and percentages. χ2 and Fisher exact tests were used for comparisons. Logistic regression was used. Statistical significance was set at 95% level (P < 0.05).

Results

A total of 724 (1.8%) patients had respiratory allergy, and their rates of preterm delivery and low birth weight were significantly higher than those of control women (both P < 0.001). Nevertheless, analyzing the causes, multiple gestation rate was significantly higher in this group, and adjusting by this, no statistical difference was found in any of the perinatal outcomes studied. In addition, in vitro fertilization and sterility were also significantly higher in the respiratory allergy group (both P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Women with respiratory allergy are at higher risks of prematurity and low birth weight but these results are mediated by sterility, in vitro fertilization, and multiple gestation rate. Nonetheless, participation of inflammatory mechanisms should be further studied.
Human resource development AS a contributor to industry 4.0 implementation IN Albania
Authors: Gjika Ira , Pano Nikollaq
Published: November 2022

The increasing popularity of Industry 4.0 and the premises to apply it in different industries are obvious in the Albanian business environment. The role of new technologies, which stay at the center of this paradigm, is unseparated from the whole management systems in the framework of companies and value chains. Introducing new technologies should be supported by new or adapted business models, organizational systems, and human resources capable to manage them. Preparing the present and future human resources to execute their roles in compliance with the requirements of Industry 4.0 enabling technologies is a challenge for all actors involved. It requires recognition, acceptance, and development of the relationship between technology advancement and management. Our paper deals with human resource development and management in the context of Industry 4.0 introduction and implementation in the Albanian economy. It intends to highlight the role of education and management in preparing the workforce, the companies, and other stakeholders to understand and commit to new technological development, which brings manifold benefits to the country. The method used for the above analysis is a combination of a desk study and an empirical survey. The data analysis enables to point out the key factors influencing human resources development in Albanian companies. Their discussion can modestly bring some theoretical and practical implications regarding the human resources that will implement I4.0 enabling technologies in the country.
The effects of the Affordable Care Act on seasonal agricultural workers
Authors: Donkor Kwabena B. , Perloff Jeffrey M.
Published: November 2022

This study investigates the effects of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) policies (Medicaid expansion, health insurance premium subsidy, and tax penalty) on farmworkers' health insurance coverage and healthcare utilization. Using the National Agricultural Worker Survey, we find that the ACA policies substantially raised the share of seasonal farmworkers with medical insurance. It significantly increased workers' use of preventive medical services and decreased the use of hospitals, including emergency rooms, which was a goal of the law's proponents. These effects did not significantly differ between workers with and without a pre‐existing medical condition.
The effect of serum proteins on the electrochemical behavior of CoNiCrMo
Authors: Pound Bruce G.
Published: November 2022

Numerous studies have examined the effect of serum and blood proteins on the general corrosion of metallic biomedical materials. However, it is unclear whether proteins have any effect in the case of CoCr alloys, particularly at physiological concentrations. In this work, potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to investigate the electrochemical behavior of Co‐35Ni‐20Cr‐10Mo in PBS, PBS with albumin at a concentration (36 g/L) representative of serum, and bovine serum. The corrosion current density (icorr) for the CoNiCrMo was changed little by the addition of serum‐level albumin to PBS but it was more than halved in serum. Albumin and serum had little effect on the oxide thickness obtained using impedance spectroscopy, but they increased the effective resistance of the oxide consistent with the changes in icorr. The potentiodynamic and impedance results indicate that the general corrosion behavior of the CoNiCrMo in serum is affected more by other proteins such as globulin rather than by albumin alone. Furthermore, the proteins in serum are beneficial with regard to the general corrosion behavior of the alloy, suggesting that the proteins act predominantly as inhibitors rather than as corrosion promoters that limit phosphate adsorption and associated inhibition.
Lipid metabolism reprogramming in colorectal cancer
Authors: Chen Dan , Zhou Xuebing , Yan PengYu , Yang Chunyu , Li Yuan , Han Longzhe , Ren Xiangshan
Published: November 2022

The hallmark feature of metabolic reprogramming is now considered to be widespread in many malignancies, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Of the gastrointestinal tumors, CRC is one of the most common with a high metastasis rate and long insidious period. The incidence and mortality of CRC has increased in recent years. Metabolic reprogramming also has a significant role in the development and progression of CRC, especially lipid metabolic reprogramming. Many studies have reported that lipid metabolism reprogramming is similar to the Warburg effect with typical features affecting tumor biology including proliferation, migration, local invasion, apoptosis, and other biological behaviors of cancer cells. Therefore, studying the role of lipid metabolism in the occurrence and development of CRC will increase our understanding of its pathogenesis, invasion, metastasis, and other processes and provide new directions for the treatment of CRC. In this paper, we mainly describe the molecular mechanism of lipid metabolism reprogramming and its important role in the occurrence and development of CRC. In addition, to provide reference for subsequent research and clinical diagnosis and treatment we also review the treatments of CRC that target lipid metabolism.
Thermochemistry of per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances
Authors: Melin Timothé R. L. , Harell Preston , Ali Betoul , Loganathan Narasimhan , Wilson Angela K.
Published: November 2022

The determination of gas phase thermochemical properties of per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is central to understanding the long‐range transport behavior of PFAS in the atmosphere. Prior gas‐phase studies have reported the properties of perfluorinated sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorinated octanoic acid (PFOA). Here, this study reports the gas phase enthalpies of formation of short‐ and long‐chain PFAS and their precursor molecules determined using density functional theory (DFT) and ab initio approaches. Two density functionals, two ab initio methods and an empirical method were used to compute enthalpies of formation with the total atomization approach and an isogyric reaction. The performance of the computational methods employed in this work were validated against the experimental enthalpies of linear alkanoic acids and perfluoroalkanes. The gas‐phase determinations will be useful for future studies of PFAS in the atmosphere, and the methodological choices will be helpful in the study of other PFAS.
A new synthesis method for supported composite oxides: preparation of Ce‐Cu/TiO2 catalysts by ice‐melting method
Authors: Shuang Cao , Haixiang Zhang , Xueman Wang , Miquan Peng , Renhua Huang , Wei Hong , Hailu Fu , Xiongbo Chen , Zejian Lin
Published: November 2022

In SCR denitrification technology, the conventional coprecipitation method has the disadvantages of high temperature and difficulty in controlling the precipitation rate. Various CexCuTiO2 catalysts were synthesized using ice‐melting (CexCuTi‐Ice) and conventional coprecipitation (CexCuTi‐Con) methods for the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO with NH3. Ce0.4CuTi‐Ice catalyst exhibited excellent catalytic activity among the CexCuTiO2 catalysts, and 80% NOx conversion was achieved within a temperature range of 250–375 °C, exceeding that of Ce0.4CuTi‐Con catalyst by 20%; in addition, N2 selectivity was nearly 100%. To elucidate the release characteristics of the precursor solution during ice‐melting synthesis, the changes of Cu and Ce concentrations in the solution were investigated by ICP‐OES. The precursor solution was released at a slow rate via the ice‐melting method, resulting in a large surface area, small crystallite sizes, and effective uniform nanoparticles with abundant active species and increased surface acidity. The promoted mechanism could be attributed to the enhanced oxidation of NO to NO2 at low temperatures and the rapid reaction between NO species and coordinated NH3 at high temperatures. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Positron emission tomography: Evolving modalities, radiopharmaceuticals and professional collaboration
Authors: Ayesa Sally L. , Murphy Andrew
Published: November 2022

Positron emission tomography (PET) as an imaging modality has undergone considerable innovation over the past few decades. Hybrid anatomical and functional imaging has become commonplace (initially PET/CT but now also PET/MRI) with improvements in imaging technology continually delivering studies with increasing diagnostic accuracy and decreasing radiation dose to the patient. More and more radiopharmaceuticals have emerged from the research sphere into clinical practice, with the traditional PET workhorse tracer 18F‐FDG accompanied by a range of novel radiopharmaceuticals with specific molecular targets. Imaging facilities offering PET/CT and PET/MRI provide a unique collaborative environment for the medical imaging multidisciplinary team. Diagnostic radiographers and nuclear medicine technologists especially have the opportunity to not only work together but also share knowledge and technical skills, ultimately benefitting the quality of patient care.
Reply to Chan et al.
Authors: Zhao Liyang , Li Yusi , Yi Wenjuan , Yan Kuo , Yang Chao , Radhakrishnan Sridhar , Li Rui , Tan Ruirong , Fan Gang , Dai Mengyuan , Liu Miao , Shao Ning‐Yi
Published: November 2022

We agree that smoking might be a risk factor for the severity of COVID‐19, but in our previous study, smoking was not so robust compared with our conclusion. Also, we strongly agreed that COVID‐19 patients with diabetes or other chronic diseases might worsen the situation of the disease. But these factors were out of the scope of our study and we had published other research on this topic related to diabetes. Because of the limited sample size and original medical records, our study could not cover many factors. But we wish our study will be a useful and meaningful pilot study for future studies.
Antibacterial, Adhesive, and Conductive Hydrogel for Diabetic Wound Healing
Authors: Lin Zhicong , Fan Donghao , Li Guojiao , He Liming , Qin Xianyan , Zhao Bin , Wang Qin , Liang Wenlang
Published: November 2022

Diabetic mellitus is one of the leading causes of chronic wounds and remains a challenging issue to be resolved. Herein, a hydrogel with conformal tissue adhesivity, skin‐like conductivity, robust mechanical characteristics, as well as active antibacterial function is developed. In this hydrogel, silver nanoparticles decorated polypyrrole nanotubes (AgPPy) and cobalt ions (Co2+) are introduced into an in situ polymerized poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and branched poly(ethylenimine) (PEI) network (PPCA hydrogel). The PPCA hydrogel provides active antibacterial function through synergic effects from protonated PEI and AgPPy nanotubes, with a tissue‐like mechanical property (≈16.8 ± 4.5 kPa) and skin‐like electrical conductivity (≈0.048 S m−1). The tensile and shear adhesive strength (≈15.88 and ≈12.76 kPa, respectively) of the PPCA hydrogel is about two‐ to threefold better than that of fibrin glue. In vitro studies show the PPCA hydrogel is highly effective against both gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria. In vivo results demonstrate that the PPCA hydrogel promotes diabetic wounds with accelerated healing, with notable inflammatory reduction and prominent angiogenesis regeneration. These results suggest the PPCA hydrogel provide a promising approach to promote diabetic wound healing.
Assessment of an automated approach for variant interpretation in screening for monogenic disorders: A single‐center study
Authors: Gall Bryan J. , Smart Trevor B. , Munch Robin , Kolluri Supraja , Tadepally Hamsa , Lim Karen Phaik Har , Demko Zachary P. , Benn Peter , Souter Vivienne , Sanapareddy Nina , Keen‐Kim Dianne
Published: November 2022

Background

Automation has been introduced into variant interpretation, but it is not known how automated variant interpretation performs on a stand‐alone basis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a fully automated computerized approach.

Method

We reviewed all variants encountered in a set of carrier screening panels over a 1‐year interval. Observed variants with high‐confidence ClinVar interpretations were included in the analysis; those without high‐confidence ClinVar entries were excluded.

Results

Discrepancy rates between automated interpretations and high‐confidence ClinVar entries were analyzed. Of the variants interpreted as positive (likely pathogenic or pathogenic) based on ClinVar information, 22.6% were classified as negative (variants of uncertain significance, likely benign or benign) variants by the automated method. Of the ClinVar negative variants, 1.7% were classified as positive by the automated software. On a per‐case basis, which accounts for variant frequency, 63.4% of cases with a ClinVar high‐confidence positive variant were classified as negative by the automated method.

Conclusion

While automation in genetic variant interpretation holds promise, there is still a need for manual review of the output. Additional validation of automated variant interpretation methods should be conducted.
RAND conducts literature review of mental health hotlines
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: November 2022

Data collection challenges and financial sustainability of the hotline are among the findings of a new research review of telephone, text and chat hotlines published over the last 10 years. The new literature review research by RAND is published online in Psychiatric Services.
On the Lagrangian structure of transport equations: Relativistic Vlasov systems
Authors: Borrin Henrique , Marcon Diego
Published: November 2022

We study the Lagrangian structure of relativistic Vlasov systems, such as the relativistic Vlasov‐Poisson and the relativistic quasi‐eletrostatic limit of Vlasov‐Maxwell equations. We show that renormalized solutions of these systems are Lagrangian and that these notions of solution, in fact, coincide. As a consequence, finite‐energy solutions are shown to be transported by a global flow. Moreover, we extend the notion of generalized solution for “effective” densities, and we prove the existence of such solutions. Finally, under a higher integrability assumption of the initial condition, we show that solutions have every energy bounded, even in the gravitational case. These results extend to our setting those recently obtained for the Vlasov‐Poisson system in a series of papers by Ambrosio, Colombo, and Figalli; here, we analyze relativistic systems and also consider the contribution of the magnetic force into the evolution equation.
On the perturbation effect and LET dependence of beam quality correction factors in carbon ion beams
Authors: Khan Ahtesham Ullah , Nelson Nicholas P. , Culberson Wesley S. , DeWerd Larry A.
Published: November 2022

Background

In a recent study, we reported beam quality correction factors, fQ, in carbon ion beams using Monte Carlo (MC) methods for a cylindrical and a parallel‐plate ionization chamber (IC). A non‐negligible perturbation effect was observed; however, the magnitude of the perturbation correction due to the specific IC subcomponents was not included. Furthermore, the stopping power data presented in the International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements (ICRU) report 73 were used, whereas the latest stopping power data have been reported in the ICRU report 90.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to extend our previous work by computing fQ correction factors using the ICRU 90 stopping power data and by reporting IC‐specific perturbation correction factors. Possible energy or linear energy transfer (LET) dependence of the fQ correction factor was investigated by simulating both pristine beams and spread‐out Bragg peaks (SOBPs).

Methods

The TOol for PArticle Simulation (TOPAS)/GEANT4 MC code was used in this study. A 30 × 30 × 50 cm3 water phantom was simulated with a uniform 10 × 10 cm2 parallel beam incident on the surface. A Farmer‐type cylindrical IC (Exradin A12) and two parallel‐plate ICs (Exradin P11 and A11) were simulated in TOPAS using the manufacturer‐provided geometrical drawings. The fQ correction factor was calculated in pristine carbon ion beams in the 150–450 MeV/u energy range at 2 cm depth and in the middle of the flat region of four SOBPs. The kQ correction factor was calculated by simulating the fQo correction factor in a 60Co beam at 5 cm depth. The perturbation correction factors due to the presence of the individual IC subcomponents, such as the displacement effect in the air cavity, collecting electrode, chamber wall, and chamber stem, were calculated at 2 cm depth for monoenergetic beams only. Additionally, the mean dose‐averaged and track‐averaged LET was calculated at the depths at which the fQ was calculated.

Results

The ICRU 90 fQ correction factors were reported. The pdis correction factor was found to be significant for the cylindrical IC with magnitudes up to 1.70%. The individual perturbation corrections for the parallel‐plate ICs were <1.0% except for the A11 pcel correction at the lowest energy. The fQ correction for the P11 IC exhibited an energy dependence of >1.00% and displayed differences up to 0.87% between pristine beams and SOBPs. Conversely, the fQ for A11 and A12 displayed a minimal energy dependence of <0.50%. The energy dependence was found to manifest in the LET dependence for the P11 IC. A statistically significant LET dependence was found only for the P11 IC in pristine beams only with a magnitude of <1.10%.

Conclusions

The perturbation and kQ correction factor should be calculated for the specific IC to be used in carbon ion beam reference dosimetry as a function of beam quality.
EEPPDA—Edge‐enabled efficient privacy‐preserving data aggregation in smart healthcare Internet of Things network
Authors: Bhowmik Tanima , Banerjee Indrajit
Published: November 2022

The Internet of Things‐based smart healthcare provides numerous facilities to patients and medical professionals. Medical professionals can monitor the patient's real‐time medical data and diagnose diseases through the medical health history stored in the cloud database. Any kind of attack on the cloud database will result in misdiagnosis of the patients by medical professionals. Therefore, it becomes a primary concern to secure private data. On the other hand, the conventional data aggregation method for smart healthcare acquires immense communication and computational cost. Edge‐enabled smart healthcare can overcome these limitations. The paper proposes an edge‐enabled efficient privacy‐preserving data aggregation (EEPPDA) scheme to secure health data. In the EEPPDA scheme, captured medical data have been encrypted by the Paillier homomorphic cryptosystem. Homomorphic encryption is engaged in the assurance of secure communication. For data transmission from patients to the cloud server (CS), data aggregation is performed on the edge server (ES). Then aggregated ciphertext data are transmitted to the CS. The CS validates the data integrity and analyzes and processes the authenticated aggregated data. The authorized medical professional executes the decryption, then the aggregated ciphertext data are decrypted in plaintext. EEPPDA utilizes the batch verification process to reduce communication costs. Our proposed scheme maintains the privacy of the patient's identity and medical data, resists any internal and external attacks, and verifies the health data integrity in the CS. The proposed scheme has significantly minimized computational complexity and communication overhead concerning the existing approach through extensive simulation.
Error analysis of a fully discrete projection method for magnetohydrodynamic system
Authors: Ding Qianqian , He Xiaoming , Long Xiaonian , Mao Shipeng
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we develop and analyze a finite element projection method for magnetohydrodynamics equations in Lipschitz domain. A fully discrete scheme based on Euler semi‐implicit method is proposed, in which continuous elements are used to approximate the Navier–Stokes equations and H(curl) conforming Nédélec edge elements are used to approximate the magnetic equation. One key point of the projection method is to be compatible with two different spaces for calculating velocity, which leads one to obtain the pressure by solving a Poisson equation. The results show that the proposed projection scheme meets a discrete energy stability. In addition, with the help of a proper regularity hypothesis for the exact solution, this paper provides a rigorous optimal error analysis of velocity, pressure and magnetic induction. Finally, several numerical examples are performed to demonstrate both accuracy and efficiency of our proposed scheme.
Calla Lily flower inspired morphing of flat films to conical tubes
Authors: Peeketi Akhil R. , Sol Jeroen A. H. P. , Swaminathan Narasimhan , Schenning Albert P. H. J. , Debije Micheal G. , Annabattula Ratna K.
Published: November 2022

Recently researchers have developed soft actuators capable of morphing into complex shapes taking inspiration from nature. In this paper, we have developed a splay‐nematic liquid crystal polymer network tapered actuator that can morph from a flat film to a cone, mimicking the blooming of single petal Calla Lily flower. We have demonstrated the formation of conical tubes through finite element simulations and experiments. The influence of tapering and alignment orientations with respect to the edge of the film on the cones is analyzed through simulations. The design with tapering and splayed alignments oriented at 45° to the edge is found to be the optimal choice for forming conical tubes.
Application of biophysical methods for improved protein production and characterization: A case study on an high‐temperature requirement A‐family bacterial protease
Authors: Ronzetti Michael , Baljinnyam Bolormaa , Jalal Ishrat , Pal Utpal , Simeonov Anton
Published: November 2022

The high‐temperature requirement A (HtrA) serine protease family presents an attractive target class for antibacterial therapeutics development. These proteins possess dual protease and chaperone functions and contain numerous binding sites and regulatory loops, displaying diverse oligomerization patterns dependent on substrate type and occupancy. HtrA proteins that are natively purified coelute with contaminating peptides and activating species, shifting oligomerization and protein structure to differently activated populations. Here, a redesigned HtrA production results in cleaner preparations with high yields by overexpressing and purifying target protein from inclusion bodies under denaturing conditions, followed by a high‐throughput screen for optimal refolding buffer composition using function‐agnostic biophysical techniques that do not rely on target‐specific measurements. We use Borrelia burgdorferi HtrA to demonstrate the effectiveness of our function‐agnostic approach, while characterization with both new and established biophysical methods shows the retention of proteolytic and chaperone activity of the refolded protein. This systematic workflow and toolset will translate to the production of HtrA‐family proteins in higher quantities of pure and monodisperse composition than the current literature standard, with applicability to a broad array of protein purification strategies.
Design of a H2O2‐generating P450SPα fusion protein for high yield fatty acid conversion
Authors: Giuriato Daniele , Correddu Danilo , Catucci Gianluca , Di Nardo Giovanna , Bolchi Cristiano , Pallavicini Marco , Gilardi Gianfranco
Published: November 2022

Sphingomonas paucimobilis' P450SPα (CYP152B1) is a good candidate as industrial biocatalyst. This enzyme is able to use hydrogen peroxide as unique cofactor to catalyze the fatty acids conversion to α‐hydroxy fatty acids, thus avoiding the use of expensive electron‐donor(s) and redox partner(s). Nevertheless, the toxicity of exogenous H2O2 toward proteins and cells often results in the failure of the reaction scale‐up when it is directly added as co‐substrate. In order to bypass this problem, we designed a H2O2 self‐producing enzyme by fusing the P450SPα to the monomeric sarcosine oxidase (MSOX), as H2O2 donor system, in a unique polypeptide chain, obtaining the P450SPα‐polyG‐MSOX fusion protein. The purified P450SPα‐polyG‐MSOX protein displayed high purity (A417/A280 = 0.6) and H2O2‐tolerance (kdecay = 0.0021 ± 0.000055 min−1; ΔA417 = 0.018 ± 0.001) as well as good thermal stability (Tm: 59.3 ± 0.3°C and 63.2 ± 0.02°C for P450SPα and MSOX domains, respectively). The data show how the catalytic interplay between the two domains can be finely regulated by using 500 mM sarcosine as sacrificial substrate to generate H2O2. Indeed, the fusion protein resulted in a high conversion yield toward fat waste biomass‐representative fatty acids, that is, lauric acid (TON = 6,800 compared to the isolated P450SPα TON = 2,307); myristic acid (TON = 6,750); and palmitic acid (TON = 1,962).
Teachers as perpetrators of gender‐based violence against girl students within schools: Voices of victims in Tanzania reveal
Authors: Msambwa Mgambi Msafiri , Fute Antony , Lyanga Amani Abisai
Published: November 2022

UNESCO's member states have made notable achievements in gender equality in education participation. In the East African region, by 2019, Gender Parity Index in lower secondary schools stood at 1.03 for Tanzania, 1.01 for Kenya, 0.89 for Ethiopia, and 1.13 for Rwanda. However, the equal number of boys and girls in schools is a numerical aspect that does not necessarily guarantee the qualitative aspect of equality. This study adds to the existing theories and empirical literature by extending the discussion beyond school participation. It explores girls' experiences of gender‐related violent acts within schools. Intensive interviews and document analysis have revealed several incidences where teachers perpetrate gender‐based violence against girls in schools through a qualitative approach. Sexual harassment, especially by male teachers who forcibly want sexual affairs with their girl students, has been reported by most students. The study informs the global community about the importance of following closely on girls' life in schools to achieve UNESCO's Agenda 2030.
Investigation of 500 keV Si ion induced surface structuring of Ni and Ti for enhancement of field emission properties
Authors: Ahmad Shahzeb , Bashir Shazia , Akram Mahreen , Amir Rizwan , Rafique Muhammad Shahid , Husinsky Wolfgang , Javed Mubashir
Published: November 2022

The present paper reports the investigation of surface morphology, elemental composition, phase changes and field emission properties of Si ion irradiated nickel (Ni) and titanium (Ti). The Ni and Ti targets have been irradiated with 500 keV Si ions generated by Pelletron accelerator at various fluences ranging from 6.9 × 1013 to 77.1 × 1013 ions/cm2. Stopping range of ions in matter analysis revealed higher values of electronic stopping and sputtering yield for Ni as compared with Ti. For both irradiated metals, electronic energy loss dominant over the nuclear stopping. The growth of induced surface structures have been analysed by using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analysis. In case of Ni, as the ion fluence increases from 6.9 × 1013 to 65.8 × 1013 ions/cm2, the formation of spherical particulates, agglomers and sputtering is observed. Although in the case of Ti, with the increase of Si ion fluence from 11.6 × 1013 to 77.1 × 1013 ions/cm2, the formation of irregular‐shaped particulates along with crater and sputtered channels is observed. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis shows that no new phase is identified. However, a significant increase in peak intensity is observed with increasing ion fluence. The variation in crystallite size and dislocation line density is also observed as a function of Si ion fluence. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis shows that no bands are formed after the Si ion irradiation. Field emission properties of ion‐structured Ni and Ti are well correlated with the growth of surface structures observed by SEM and dislocation line density evaluated by XRD analysis.
Platinum‐Coordinated Dual‐Responsive Nanogels for Universal Drug Delivery and Combination Cancer Therapy
Authors: Duan Qiu‐Yi , Zhu Ya‐Xuan , Jia Hao‐Ran , Guo Yuxin , Zhang Xinping , Gu Ruihan , Li Chengcheng , Wu Fu‐Gen
Published: November 2022

Developing a universal nanoplatform for efficient delivery of various drugs to target sites is urgent for overcoming various biological barriers and realizing combinational cancer treatment. Nanogels, with the advantages of both hydrogels and nanoparticles, may hold potential for addressing the above issue. Here, a dual‐responsive nanogel platform (HPC nanogel) is constructed using β‐cyclodextrin‐conjugated hyaluronic acid (HA‐βCD), polyethyleneimine (PEI), and cisplatin. HA‐βCD and PEI compose the skeleton of the nanogel, and cisplatin molecules provide the junctions inside the skeleton, thus affording a multiple interactions‐based nanogel. Besides, HA endows the nanogel with hyaluronidase (HAase)‐responsiveness, and cisplatin guarantees the glutathione (GSH)‐responsive ability, which make the nanogel a dual‐responsive platform that can degrade and release the loaded drugs when encountering HAase or GSH. Additionally, the HPC nanogel possesses excellent small‐molecule drug and protein loading and intracellular delivery capabilities. Especially, for proteins, their intracellular delivery via nanogels is not hindered by serum proteins, and the enzymes delivered into cells still maintain their catalytic activities. Furthermore, the nanogel can codeliver different cargoes to achieve “cocktail” chemotherapeutic efficacy and realize combination cancer therapy. Overall, the HPC nanogel can serve as a multifunctional platform capable of delivering desired drugs to treat cancer or other diseases.
Regulable Mixed‐Solvent‐Induced Phase Separation in Hydrogels for Information Encryption
Authors: Li Min , Lu Honglang , Wang Xiaoyu , Wang Zhisen , Pi Menghan , Cui Wei , Ran Rong
Published: November 2022

The rapid progress of information technology is accompanied by plenty of information embezzlement and forgery, but developing advanced encryption technologies to ensure information security remains challenging. Phase separation commonly leads to a dramatic change in the transmittance of hydrophilic polymer networks, which is a potential method for information security but is often neglected. Here, taking the polyacrylamide (PAAm) hydrogel system as a typical example, facilely adjustable information encryption and decryption via its regulable phase separation process in ethanol/water mixed solvent, are reported. By controlling the osmotic pressure of the external and internal environment, it is demonstrated that the diffusion coefficient during deswelling and reswelling, as well as the corresponding change of transmittance of the gel, can be well controlled. Relatively high osmotic pressure leads to rapid phase separation of the initial gel but slow phase remixing of the phase‐separated gel, opening the opportunity of applying the gel as a reversible information encryption device. As proof‐of‐concept demonstrations, several stable and reversible information encryption and decryption systems by making use of the phase separation process of the gels are designed, which are expected to inspire the development of next‐generation soft devices for information technology.
In Situ/Operando Characterization Techniques: The Guiding Tool for the Development of Li–CO2 Battery
Authors: Chourasia Ankit K. , Pathak Anil D. , Bongu Chandrasekhar , Manikandan K. , Praneeth Sai , Naik Keerti M. , Sharma Chandra S.
Published: November 2022

In recent times, the Li‐CO2 battery has gained significant importance arising from its higher gravimetric energy density (1876 Wh kg‐1) compared to the conventional Li‐ion batteries. Also, its ability to utilize the greenhouse gas CO2 to operate an energy storage system and the prospective utilization on extraterrestrial planets such as Mars motivate to practicalize it. However, it suffers from numerous challenges such as (i) the reluctant CO2 reduction/evolution; (ii) solid/liquid/gas interface blockage arising from the deposition of Li2CO3 discharge product on the cathode; (iii) high overpotential to decompose the stable discharge product Li2CO3; and (iv) instability of the electrolytes. Numerous efforts have been undertaken to tackle these challenges by developing catalysts, improving the stability of electrolytes, protecting the anode, etc. Despite these efforts, due to the lack of a decisive confirmation of the reaction mechanisms of the discharging/charging reactions occurring in the system, the progress of the Li–CO2 battery system has been slow. In situ characterization techniques help overcome ex‐situ techniques’ limitations by monitoring the processes with the progress of a reaction. The current review focuses on bridging the gap in the understanding of the Li–CO2 batteries by exploring the various in situ/operando characterization techniques that have been employed.
Suppressed Layered‐to‐Spinel Phase Transition in δ‐MnO2 via van der Waals Interaction for Highly Stable Zn/MnO2 Batteries
Authors: Qiu Ce , Liu Jia , Liu Hanghui , Zhu Xiaohui , Xue Liang , Li Shuang , Ni Mingzhu , Zhao Yang , Wang Tong , Savilov Serguei V. , Aldoshin Sergey M. , Xia Hui
Published: November 2022

Although birnessite‐type manganese dioxide (δ‐MnO2) with a large interlayer spacing (≈7 Å) is a promising cathode candidate for aqueous Zn/MnO2 batteries, the poor structural stability associated with Zn2+ intercalation/deintercalation limits its further practical application. Herein, δ‐MnO2 ultrathin nanosheets are coupled with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) via van der Waals (vdW) self‐assembly in a vacuum freeze‐drying process. It is interesting to find that the presence of vdW interaction between δ‐MnO2 and rGO can effectively suppress the layered‐to‐spinel phase transition in δ‐MnO2 during cycling. As a result, the coupled δ‐MnO2/rGO hybrid cathode with a sandwich‐like heterostructure exhibits remarkable cycle performance with 80.1% capacity retained after 3000 cycles at 2.0 A g−1. The first principle calculations demonstrate that the strong interfacial interaction between δ‐MnO2 and rGO results in improved electron transfer and strengthened layered structure for δ‐MnO2. This work establishes a viable strategy to mitigate the adverse layered‐to‐spinel phase transition in layered manganese oxide in aqueous energy storage systems.
Graduate preparation in student affairs assessment
Authors: Dean Laura A. , Langham Abbygail T.
Published: November 2022

This article considers the role that student affairs graduate programs play in preparing new professionals to meet assessment‐related expectations in their new roles. It provides an overview of the content, proficiency, and curricular standards that can inform curricula and the resources frequently used in instruction. Finally, the article describes the results of a survey designed to gather perspectives on preparation to conduct assessment from new professionals, supervisors, assessment coordinators, and faculty. Despite assessment being a core competency in the field, preparation to practice effectively is not yet consistent across programs.
Essential competencies in technology and data literacy
Authors: Perrelli Kristina M.
Published: November 2022

This article identifies essential data literacy competencies related to using technology in student affairs assessment. Recommendations are provided to support entry‐level professionals develop skills in data literacy and technology usage.
Advanced skills in quantitative assessment
Authors: Winkler Christa E.
Published: November 2022

With examples and emerging possibilities for quantitative research to advance equity and social justice in education, this article provides a conceptual foundation in applied quantitative methods for student affairs professionals, including an overview of common themes in inferential statistical tools, introduction to latent constructs, and guidance for evaluating the quality of quantitative measures and results.
Advanced qualitative assessment
Authors: Kniess Dena R. , Walker‐Donnelly Kristin
Published: November 2022

With examples and a focus on bringing the rigor from qualitative research to qualitative assessment, this article discusses the power of story in supporting student success and advancing equity. Four common analytic approaches to qualitative research will be applied to assessment and an overview of trustworthiness, ethics, technology, and mixed methods is provided.
Analyzing national databases in student affairs assessment at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
Authors: Strayhorn Terrell L.
Published: November 2022

When local data are not immediately available, student affairs professionals may wish to consider data from large, representative samples to support institutional decisions. Large‐scale, publicly‐accessible databases, like those provided by the US Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics or Indiana University's Center for Postsecondary Research, can be particularly useful for small, private, liberal arts, minority‐serving institutions (MSIs), like historically Black colleges/universities (HBCUs), that may have fewer resources due to long‐standing structural inequities for dedicated assessment staff, research infrastructure, and new data collection. In this article, the author addresses this issue offering practical tips, promising practices, and examples for student affairs assessment.
Plant growth promoting and antimicrobial functionalities of rhizosphere Pseudomonas species in flooded rice soils of coastal Odisha
Authors: Das Jyotirmayee , Dangar Tushar Kanti , Adhya Tapan Kumar , Panigrahy Madhusmita
Published: November 2022

Microbiome‐plant interactions have been carried out all over the world in the hunt for growth‐promoting bacteria to augment agriculture. Therefore, diversity and plant growth promotion (PGP) functions of the predominant Gram‐negative bacteria, Pseudomonas spp., of the flooded rice rhizosphere were analyzed. Out of three most potent plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), phenotypic identity of two isolates (TB324, 325) was P. putida but another one (TB326) was P. chorii. Nevertheless, 16S rRNA phylogram claded all 3 (TB324, 325, and 326) potent isolates with P. putida. The isolates solubilized tricalcium phosphate (132.42–162.23 µg/ml), fixed nitrogen (75.46–325.41 nM ethylene/g bact./h), produced IAA (12.06–68.49 µg/ml), salicylic acid (6.54–6.75 µg/ml), hydrogen cyanide (0.03–0.05 ΔA625), siderophore (3.75–7.55 µM/ml), protease, cellulase and ammonia (TB326). Furthermore, the organisms differentially antagonized the phytopathogenic fungi viz. Xanthomonas oryzae, Magnoportha grisea, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium oxysporum, Helminthosporium sp., Curvularia sp. and Rhizoctonia solani, as well as, entomopathogens like Fusarium, Nomurae, Verticillium, and Paecilomyces spp., and Beauveria bassiana. TB324, 325, and 326 tolerated abiotic stresses like pH 3–12, NaCl 9%–12%, sea salt 14% and sodium acetate 0.9–1.0 M. Besides, the organisms possessed different phenazine genes and their cellular protein constituents were comparable. All Pseudomonas isolates enhanced growth of potted rice plants over control. TB 326 enhanced maximum root (18.9 ± 0.25 cm) and shoot (73.4 ± 0.81 cm) growth.
Identification of Requirements
Authors: Reisinger Jörg , Kern Thorsten A. , Hatzfeld Christian
Published: November 2022

In this chapter, the process of requirement definition is described, starting with the definition of the intended application together with the customer. Especially the derivation of technical parameters from the customers expectation and useful tools for this step are discussed. Further, the analysis of the intended interaction and the effects on the requirement identification are discussed. To alleviate the identification of requirements, main requirement groups are derived from the intended type of interaction and presented in five technical solution clusters. A review of relevant standards and guidelines on safety serves as another source of requirements of a haptic systems.
Supersymmetric instantonic D1-branes in AdS5×S5 background
Authors: Park Jaemo , Shin Hyeonjoon
Published: November 2022

Abstract

According to the covariant open superstring description of 1/2-BPS D-branes in the AdS5×S5 background, there are two kinds of purely instantonic D-branes. One is the well known D(-1)-brane or D-instanton, and another is the D1-brane spanning a two dimensional subspace inside S5. We identify the actual 1/2-BPS instantonic D1-brane configurations and their supersymmetry structures. From the results, it is concluded that any spherical D1-instanton with the radius equal to that of S5 is 1/2-BPS. After evaluating the 1/2-BPS D1-instanton action, we discuss the relation of D1-instanton with the (p, q) string instanton. We also discuss the possible 1/2-BPS and 1/4-BPS multiple D1-instanton configurations.
Induction of pulmonary HLA-G expression by SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Seliger Barbara , Jasinski-Bergner Simon , Massa Chiara , Mueller Anja , Biehl Katharina , Yang Bo , Bachmann Michael , Jonigk Danny , Eichhorn Philip , Hartmann Arndt , Wickenhauser Claudia , Bauer Marcus
Published: November 2022

The non-classical human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G exerts immune-suppressive properties modulating both NK and T cell responses. While it is physiologically expressed at the maternal–fetal interface and in immune-privileged organs, HLA-G expression is found in tumors and in virus-infected cells. So far, there exists little information about the role of HLA-G and its interplay with immune cells in biopsies, surgical specimen or autopsy tissues of lung, kidney and/or heart muscle from SARS-CoV-2-infected patients compared to control tissues. Heterogeneous, but higher HLA-G protein expression levels were detected in lung alveolar epithelial cells of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients compared to lung epithelial cells from influenza-infected patients, but not in other organs or lung epithelia from non-viral-infected patients, which was not accompanied by high levels of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antigen and spike protein, but inversely correlated to the HLA-G-specific miRNA expression. High HLA-G expression levels not only in SARS-CoV-2-, but also in influenza-infected lung tissues were associated with a high frequency of tissue-infiltrating immune cells, but low numbers of CD8+ cells and an altered expression of hyperactivation and exhaustion markers in the lung epithelia combined with changes in the spatial distribution of macrophages and T cells. Thus, our data provide evidence for an involvement of HLA-G and HLA-G-specific miRNAs in immune escape and as suitable therapeutic targets for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infections.
Automatic Segmentation of the Fetus in 3D Magnetic Resonance Images Using Deep Learning: Accurate and Fast Fetal Volume Quantification for Clinical Use
Authors: Ryd Daniel , Nilsson Amanda , Heiberg Einar , Hedström Erik
Published: November 2022

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides images for estimating fetal volume and weight, but manual delineations are time consuming. The aims were to (1) validate an algorithm to automatically quantify fetal volume by MRI; (2) compare fetal weight by Hadlock’s formulas to that of MRI; and (3) quantify fetal blood flow and index flow to fetal weight by MRI. Forty-two fetuses at 36 (29–39) weeks gestation underwent MRI. A neural network was trained to segment the fetus, with 20 datasets for training and validation, and 22 for testing. Hadlock’s formulas 1–4 with biometric parameters from MRI were compared with weight by MRI. Blood flow was measured using phase-contrast MRI and indexed to fetal weight. Bland–Altman analysis assessed the agreement between automatic and manual fetal segmentation and the agreement between Hadlock’s formulas and fetal segmentation for fetal weight. Bias and 95% limits of agreement were for automatic versus manual measurements 4.5 ± 351 ml (0.01% ± 11%), and for Hadlock 1–4 vs MRI 108 ± 435 g (3% ± 14%), 211 ± 468 g (7% ± 15%), 106 ± 425 g (4% ± 14%), and 179 ± 472 g (6% ± 15%), respectively. Umbilical venous flow was 406 (range 151–650) ml/min (indexed 162 (range 52–220) ml/min/kg), and descending aortic flow was 763 (range 481–1160) ml/min (indexed 276 (range 189–386) ml/min/kg). The automatic method showed good agreement with manual measurements and saves considerable analysis time. Hadlock 1–4 generally agree with MRI. This study also illustrates the confounding effects of fetal weight on absolute blood flow, and emphasizes the benefit of indexed measurements for physiological assessment.