bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Manifestation of “Slow” Light in the Photocurrent Spectra of Ge/Si Quantum Dot Layers Combined with a Photonic Crystal
Authors: Yakimov A. I. , Kirienko V. V. , Dvurechenskii A. V. , Utkin D. E.
Published: October 2023

The spectral characteristics of the photocurrent in the near-infrared range in vertical Ge/Si p–i–n photodiodes with Ge quantum dots embedded in a two-dimensional photonic crystal are investigated. The interaction of the quantum dots with photonic Bloch modes leads to the resonant enhancement of the sensitivity of photodiodes. The dependences of the photocurrent on the angle of incidence of light are used to determine the dispersion relations of the Bloch modes. Regions in the dispersion characteristics where the group velocity of photons is close to zero are revealed. It is established that the maximum enhancement of the photocurrent relative to a photodiode without photonic crystal, which can be up to a factor of ~60, results from the interaction of quantum dots with “slow” Bloch modes.
Seasonal Activity of Soil Peroxidase in Drained Swamp Pine Forests of Western Siberia: Systemic-Ecological Analysis
Authors: Efremova T. T. , Efremov S. P. , Avrova A. F.
Published: October 2023

We studied a mesotrophic swamp drained 25 years ago in the northern part of the Ob’ River basin (56°23′710″ N, 84°34′043″ E). In peat soils (0–30 cm layer), the weighted average of peroxidase activity for the season (base level) constituted 14.4, 21.9, and 70 units (mL I/g abs. dry soil per 2 min) in the areas subjected to weak, moderate, and intensive drainage, respectively. Second-order parabola is the most adequate function of the main trend of development of seasonal fluctuations in peroxidase activity. Numerical values and signs of the parabolic trend parameters showed that the average peroxidase activity decreased from June to October weekly by 4.4, 7.6 and 15.2 units with weekly average acceleration by 0.31, 0.59 and 1.54 units in the mode of weak, moderate, and intensive drainage, respectively. The seasonal wave of peroxidase activity relative to the baseline level was characterized by a June increase in growth rates with a maximum in the layer of 0–10 cm. In July, there was a decrease in the growth rate according to the depth of reclamation: in the modes of weak and moderate drainage, the process embraced the entire soil profile in August; in case of intensive drainage, in October. The enzyme activity significantly and positively correlated with the soil volumetric water content and pH, negatively correlated with redox potential, and displayed multidirectional relationship with the soil temperature. Environmental conditions acted as mutually replacing parameters when assessing their contribution to the seasonal dynamics of peroxidase, creating the effect of interchangeability of environmental gradients. Canonical determination indices approximated the cumulative impact of the discussed set by 52–74%, depending on the depth of reclamation. Canonical weights showed that the hydrothermal regime was the main factor, regulating the seasonal activity of peroxidase: according to canonical correlations, temperature was the main factor under the conditions of weak drainage, moisture was the main factor under the conditions of intensive drainage, and both moisture and temperature were important factors under the conditions of moderate drainage. The peroxidase activity and the depth of humification in peat soils of different degrees of drainage were interrelated in 87% of cases.
Early versus delayed antihypertensive treatment in patients with acute ischaemic stroke: multicentre, open label, randomised, controlled trial
Authors: Liu Liping , Xie Xuewei , Pan Yuesong , Wang Aili , Wei Yufei , Liu Jingyi , Nie Ximing , Liu Dacheng , Zhao Zilin , Wang Penglian , Shen Suwen , Zhong Chongke , Xu Tan , Wang Dali , Wang Gui-Chun , Song Denghua , Ma Yunsheng , Zhao Jinguo , Jiang Yong , Jing Jing , Meng Xia , Obst Katherine , Chen Chung-Shiuan , Wang David , Wang Yilong , Zhang Yonghong , Wang Yongjun , He Jiang
Published: October 2023

Objectives

To compared the effect of early antihypertensive treatment started within 24-48 h of stroke onset versus delaying treatment until day eight on reducing dependency or death.

Design

Multicentre, randomised, open label trial.

Setting

106 hospitals in China between 13 June 2018 and 10 July 2022.

Participants

4810 patients (≥40 years) were enrolled with acute ischaemic stroke within 24-48 h of symptom onset and elevated systolic blood pressure between 140 mm Hg and <220 mm Hg.

Interventions

Patients were randomly assigned to receive antihypertensive treatment immediately after randomisation (aimed at reducing systolic blood pressure by 10%-20% within the first 24 h and a mean blood pressure <140/90 mm Hg within seven days) or to discontinue antihypertensive medications for seven days if they were taking them, and then receive treatment on day 8 (aimed at achieving mean blood pressure <140/90 mm Hg).

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome was the combination of functional dependency or death (modified Rankin scale score ≥3) at 90 days. Intention to treat analyses were conducted.

Results

2413 patients were assigned to the early treatment group and 2397 were assigned to the delayed treatment group. Mean systolic blood pressure was reduced by 9.7% (from 162.9 mm Hg to 146.4 mm Hg) in the early treatment group and by 4.9% (from 162.8 mm Hg to 154.3 mm Hg) in the delayed treatment group within 24 h after randomisation (P for group difference <0.001). Mean systolic blood pressure was 139.1 mm Hg in the early treatment group and 150.9 mm Hg in the delayed treatment group on day seven (P for group difference <0.001). Additionally, 54.6% of patients in the early treatment group and 22.4% in the delayed treatment group had blood pressure of less than 140/90 mm Hg (P<0.001 for group difference) on day seven. At day 90, 289 trial participants (12.0%) in the early treatment group, compared with 250 (10.5%) in the delayed treatment group, had died or experienced a dependency (odds ratio 1.18 (95% confidence interval 0.98 to 1.41), P=0.08). No significant differences in recurrent stroke or adverse events were reported between the two groups.

Conclusions

Among patients with mild-to-moderate acute ischaemic stroke and systolic blood pressure between 140 mm Hg and <220 mm Hg who did not receive intravenous thrombolytic treatment, early antihypertensive treatment did not reduce the odds of dependency or death at 90 days.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier
NCT03479554
Effectiveness of behavioural change interventions on physical activity, diet and body mass index of public primary healthcare users in Kosovo: the KOSCO cohort
Authors: Bytyçi-Katanolli Ariana , Obas Katrina Ann , Ramadani Qamile , Fota Nicu , Jerliu Naim , Merten Sonja , Gerold Jana , Zahorka Manfred , Kwiatkowski Marek , Probst-Hensch Nicole
Published: October 2023

Background

Prevalent physical inactivity and poor nutrition contribute to high non-communicable disease (NCD) morbidity and mortality in Kosovo. To improve health services for patients with NCD the Accessible Quality Healthcare project developed behaviour change interventions following the principles of the WHO Package of Essential NCD (PEN) protocol. They were implemented into the public primary healthcare (PHC) system of five early-stage implementation municipalities (ESIM, 2018) and seven late-stage implementation municipalities (2020).

Objective

To assess the effect of the behaviour change interventions; motivational stages of behaviour change for physical activity and nutrition; and body mass index (BMI).

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Data collection and analysis

We included 891 public PHC users aged 40 years and above, who were enrolled in the KOSCO (Kosovo Non-Communicable Disease Cohort) cohort in 2019 and followed-up biannually until February 2021. The PHC users who consulted for themselves any health service were approached and recruited for cohort participation. Each participant contributed up to four self-reports of nutrition and physical activity, and up to three reports of motivation to change for a better lifestyle. These outcomes were modelled prospectively with robust mixed-effects Poisson regressions. The association between behaviour change interventions and BMI was quantified using linear regression.

Results

There was a high rate of smokers 20.5% and obesity 53.1%, and high rates of self-reported diagnoses of diabetes: 57.1%; hypertension 62.6%. We found no effect of residing in an ESIM, but adherence to both guidelines was higher in ESIM at the latest follow-up time point. ESIM residence was also associated with a twofold increase in the probability of reporting a high motivation for a better lifestyle and with a statistically non-significant decrease in BMI of −0.14 kg/m2(95% CI: −0.46 to 0.19) at the latest follow-up.

Conclusion

The longitudinal results extend evidence on the effect of WHO PEN protocol in promoting physical activity and nutritional behaviour in the Kosovo context.
Evaluating the impact of using mobile vaccination units to increase COVID-19 vaccination uptake in Cheshire and Merseyside, UK: a synthetic control analysis
Authors: Zhang Xingna , Tulloch John S P , Knott Shane , Allison Rachel , Parvulescu Paula , Buchan Iain E , Garcia-Finana Marta , Piroddi Roberta , Green Mark A , Baird Sophie , Barr Ben
Published: October 2023

Objective

To evaluate the impact of mobile vaccination units on COVID-19 vaccine uptake of the first dose, the percentage of vaccinated people among the total eligible population. We further investigate whether such an effect differed by deprivation, ethnicity and age.

Design

Synthetic control analysis.

Setting

The population registered with general practices (GPs) in nine local authority areas in Cheshire and Merseyside in Northwest England, UK.

Intervention

Mobile vaccination units that visited 37 sites on 54 occasions between 12 April 2021 and 28 June 2021. We defined intervention neighbourhoods as having their population weighted centroid located within 1 km of mobile vaccination sites (338 006 individuals). A weighted combination of neighbourhoods that had not received the intervention (1 495 582 individuals) was used to construct a synthetic control group.

Outcome

The weekly number of first-dose vaccines received among people aged 18 years and over as a proportion of the population.

Results

The introduction of a mobile vaccination unit into a neighbourhood increased the number of first vaccinations conducted in the neighbourhood by 25% (95% CI 21% to 28%) within 3 weeks after the first visit to a neighbourhood, compared with the synthetic control group. Interaction analyses showed smaller or no effect among older age groups, Asian and black ethnic groups, and the most socioeconomically deprived populations.

Conclusions

Mobile vaccination units are effective interventions for increasing vaccination uptake, at least in the short term. While mobile units can be geographically targeted to reduce inequalities, we found evidence that they may increase inequalities in vaccine uptake within targeted areas, as the intervention was less effective among groups that tended to have lower vaccination uptake. Mobile vaccination units should be used in combination with activities to maximise outreach with black and Asian communities and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups.
Prevalence and factors associated with the intention to use contraception among women of reproductive age who are not already using a contraceptive method in Liberia: findings from a secondary analysis of the 2019–2020 Liberia Demographic Health Survey
Authors: Yeboah Daudi , Issah Abdul-Nasir , Kpordoxah Mary Rachael , Akiti Caselia , Boah Michael
Published: October 2023

Objective

Contraception constitutes a vital aspect of sexual and reproductive healthcare. However, the high prevalence of non-use has become a great public health concern globally. This study examined the intention to use contraceptives and its associated factors among women of reproductive age who were not using any method in Liberia.

Design and setting

A cross-sectional population-based study was conducted. We used data from the 2019–2020 Liberia Demographic and Health Survey. The research framework used the theory of planned behaviour to identify the factors that influence women’s intention to use contraception.

Participants

The study analysed a weighted sample of 4504 women aged 15–49 who were not currently using any form of contraception.

Data analysis

The outcome variable was the intention to use a contraceptive method. A binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the intention to use contraceptives in Stata V.13.0.

Results

Of the 4504 women, 39.42% intended to use contraception. Contraception intention was significantly lower in married women than in never married women (adjusted OR (aOR) 0.78; 95% CI 0.62 to 0.98). Additionally, women aged 25–34 (aOR 0.434; 95% CI 0.339 to 0.556) and 35–49 (aOR 0.120; 95% CI 0.088 to 0.163) had a reduced intent to use contraceptives than those aged 15–24. However, women with at least one child, those with prior contraception experience and those who had their first sexual encounter at the age of 13 or older were more likely to intend to use contraception. Notably, Muslim and wealthy women displayed a lower likelihood of intending to use contraception.

Conclusion

These findings highlight that attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control significantly influence women’s intentions to use contraception. Understanding and addressing these factors are crucial for promoting effective contraceptive use among women, facilitating informed reproductive choices.
What organisational and regional factors influence the outpatient provision of curettages in Germany? A longitudinal secondary data analysis using hospital quality reports data from 2013 to 2019
Authors: Volkert Anna , Stöcker Arno , Pfaff Holger , Scholten Nadine
Published: October 2023

Objectives

The rate of outpatient therapeutic curettage is lower in Germany than in other countries, although there are no differences in patient safety between outpatient and inpatient management. In this context, outpatient surgery is economically advantageous and efficient. This study aims to identify organisational and regional factors that determine the rate of outpatient curettage in German hospitals.

Methods

We analysed the hospital quality reports for 2013–2019, which include data from all German hospitals with gynaecology departments (n=709). These organisational data (teaching status, size, ownership, department type and hospital group) are enhanced by contextual data (degree of urbanisation, market concentration and population income). We calculated a zero-one inflated beta regression model to identify factors that influence the rate of outpatient curettages in 2019.

Results

Increasing numbers of curettages are provided on an outpatient basis; accordingly, the number of inpatient curettages declined during the analysis period. In 2019, 69.6% of in-hospital curettages were performed as outpatient surgery. Hospital size is significantly negative and outpatient physician department type is significantly positively associated with outpatient curettage rates. We found no effects of hospital ownership type, degree of urbanisation or market concentration. A high income in the surgical district’s population is also associated with a higher rate of outpatient curettages.

Conclusions

The analyses demonstrate that organisational factors are associated with the outpatient curettage rate. This indicates that external elements, such as reimbursements and regulations, influence outpatient surgical events in Germany, and current regulations do not incentivise hospitals to significantly increase their rate of outpatient curettages.
Colon CApsule endoscopy compared to conventional COlonoscopy in patients with colonic DIverticulitis: the study protocol for a randomised controlled superiority trial (CACODI trial)
Authors: Schelde-Olesen Benedicte , Kaalby Lasse , Deding Ulrik , Thygesen Maja M I , Andersen Per Vadgaard , Koulaouzidis Anastasios , Baatrup Gunnar , Bjørsum-Meyer Thomas
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Follow-up after an episode of colonic diverticulitis is a common indication for colonoscopy, even though studies have shown a low risk of positive findings in this population. Our objective is to investigate colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) as a follow-up examination in patients with colonic diverticulitis compared with colonoscopy, particularly regarding patient satisfaction and clinical performance.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a single-centre prospective randomised controlled trial. Patients seen at Odense University Hospital with acute diverticulitis confirmed by CT will be included and randomised to either follow-up by colonoscopy or CCE. Detection of suspected cancer, more than two polyps or any number of polyps larger than 9 mm in CCE will generate an invitation to a diagnostic colonoscopy for biopsies or polyp removal. We will compare colonoscopy and CCE regarding patient satisfaction and tolerance, the number of complete examinations, the number of patients referred to a subsequent colonoscopy after CCE and the prevalence of diverticula, polyps, cancers and other abnormal findings.

Ethics and dissemination

Informed consent will be obtained from all participants before randomisation. The study was approved by the regional ethics committee (ref. S-20210127) and the Danish Data Protection Agency (ref. 22/43235). After completion of the trial, we plan to publish two articles in high-impact journals. One article on both primary and secondary outcomes.

Trial registration number

NCT05700981.
COmparing Urolift andStandardTransurethral resection of prostateAhead ofRadiotherapy in men with urinary symptoms secondary to prostate enlargement in Southwest London and North Cumbria (CO-STAR): a study protocol for a randomised feasibility study
Authors: Wong Kathie , Kinsella Netty , Seth Jai , Nicol David , Cahill Declan , Kasivisvanathan Ramanathan , Withington John , Moghul Masood , Moss Charlotte Louise , Van Hemelrijck Mieke , Giorgakoudi Kyriaki , Cottrell Chris , Yates Emma , Khoo Vincent , James Nicholas D
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Patients undergoing prostate radiotherapy with an enlarged prostate can have short-term and long-term urinary complications. Currently, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the mainstay surgical intervention for men with urinary symptoms due to an enlarged prostate prior to radiotherapy. UroLift (NeoTract, Pleasanton, CA, USA) is a recent minimally invasive alternative, widely used in benign disease but is untested in men with prostate cancer.

Methods and analysis

A multicentre, two-arm study designed in collaboration with a Patient Reference Group to assess the feasibility of randomising men with prostate cancer and coexisting urinary symptoms due to prostate enlargement to TURP or UroLift ahead of radiotherapy. 45 patients will be enrolled and randomised (1:1) using a computer-generated programme to TURP or UroLift. Recruitment and retention will be assessed over a 12 month period. Information on clinical outcomes, adverse events and costs will be collected. Clinical outcomes and patient reported outcome measures will be measured at baseline, 6 weeks postintervention and 3 months following radiotherapy. A further 12 in-depth interviews will be conducted with a subset of patients to assess acceptability using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. Descriptive analysis on all outcomes will be performed using Stata (StataCorp V.2021).

Ethics and dissemination

The trial has been approved by the Research Ethics Committee (REC) NHS Health Research Authority (HRA) and Health and Care Research Wales (HCRW). The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals, presented at national meetings and disseminated to patients via social media, charity and hospital websites.

Trial registration number

NCT05840549.
Cognitive impairment and outcomes in older adults with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Dirjayanto Valerie Josephine , Alkhalil Mohammad , Dodson John , Mills Gregory , Pompei Graziella , Rubino Francesca , Kunadian Vijay
Published: October 2023

Objective

This study aimed to explore the prognostic impact of cognitive impairment on the long-term risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in older patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS) undergoing invasive treatment.

Methods

Patients aged ≥75 years with NSTEACS undergoing an invasive strategy were included in the multicentre prospective study (NCT01933581). Montreal Cognitive Assessment was used to evaluate cognitive status at baseline (scores ≥26 classified as normal, <26 as cognitive impairment). Long-term follow-up data were obtained from electronic patient care records. The primary endpoint was MACE as a composite of all-cause deaths, reinfarction, stroke/transient ischaemic attack, urgent revascularisation and significant bleeding.

Results

239 patients with baseline cognitive assessment completed long-term follow-up. Median age was 80.9 years (IQR 78.2–83.9 years) and 62.3% were male. On 5-year follow-up, there was no significant difference in the occurrence of MACE between the cognitively impaired group and the normal cognition group (p=0.155). Cognition status was not associated with MACE (HR 1.37 (95% CI 0.96 to 1.95); p=0.082). However, there was significantly more deaths (p=0.005) in those with cognitive impairment. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis (log-rank p=0.003) and Cox regression analysis (aHR 1.85 (95% CI 1.11 to 3.08); p=0.018) revealed increased risk of all-cause mortality, even after adjusting for frailty and GRACE (Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events) score.

Conclusion

Cognitive impairment in older patients with NSTEACS undergoing an invasive strategy was associated with long-term all-cause mortality. Routine cognitive screening may aid risk stratification and further studies are needed to identify how this should influence management strategies and individual decision-making in this patient group.

Trial registration number

NCT01933581.
MHANER: A Multi-source Heterogeneous Graph Attention Network for Explainable Recommendation in Online Games
Authors: Yu Dongjin , Wang Xingliang , Xiong Yu , Shen Xudong , Wu Runze , Wang Dongjing , Zou Zhene , Xu Guandong
Published: October 2023

Recommender system helps address information overload problem and satisfy consumers’ personalized requirement in many applications such as e-commerce, social networks, and in-game store. However, existing approaches mainly focus on improving the accuracy of recommendation tasks but usually ignore how to improve the interpretability of recommendation, which is still a challenging and crucial task, especially for some complicated scenarios such as large-scale online games. A few previous attempts on explainable recommendation mostly depend on a large amount of
a priori
knowledge or user-provided review corpus, which is labor consuming as well as often suffers from data deficiency. To relieve this issue, we propose a Multi-source Heterogeneous Graph Attention Network for Explainable Recommendation (MHANER) for the case without enough
a priori
knowledge or corpus of user comments. Specifically, MHANER employs the attention mechanism to model players’ preference to in-game store items as the support for the explanation of recommendation. Then a graph neural network–based method is designed to model players’ multi-source heterogeneous information, including the players’ historical behavior data, historical purchase data, and attributes of the player-controlled character, which is leveraged to recommend possible items for players to buy. Finally, the multi-level subgraph pattern mining is adopted to combine the characteristics of a recommendation list to generate corresponding explanations of items. Extensive experiments on three real-world datasets, two collected from JD and one from NetEase game, demonstrate that the proposed model MHANER outperforms state-of-the-art baselines. Moreover, the generated explanations are verified by human encoding comprised of hard-core game players and endorsed by experts from game developers.
Sentiment Analysis of Turkish Drug Reviews with Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers
Authors: Bozuyla Mehmet
Published: October 2023

Sentiment analysis of user generated product or service reviews is significant to enhance quality. Healthcare related computational linguistics studies, particularly analysis of drug based user criticisms, have principal importance above all. Sentiment analysis of healthcare reviews reveal the relations between patients, doctors and healthcare services. More specifically, sentiment analysis of drug reviews may be used to acquire relations such as adverse drug reactions (ADRs), diagnosis-treatment assist, and personalized therapy recommendations. Most of the drug review sentiment studies are in English. Though Turkish is a widely spoken language, there is limited research conducted on medical domain and there is particularly no study related to drug review sentiment analysis. In this study, we generated a Turkish drug review dataset and we evaluated the generated dataset in detail against (i) traditional machine learning algorithms with language pre-processing steps, stemming and feature selection, (ii) deep learning algorithms with word2vec embedding language model, and (iii) various bidirectional encoder representations from transformers (BERT) models in terms of sentiment analysis. The experiments show that neural transformers are promising in Turkish drug review sentiment identification. In particular, Turkish dedicated BERT (BERTurk) resulted in 95.1% weighted-F1 score as the best drug review sentiment prediction performance.
HPMC-Mediated ZnCl2 Doping Possible Substitution of Pb2+ for Environment-Friendly Halide Perovskite Solar Cell Fabrication
Authors: Datta Shyamal , Mitra Mouli , Roy Subhasis
Published: October 2023

Research on halide perovskite solar cells is a rapidly evolving and active area of study within the field of photovoltaics. Replacement of lead from halide perovskite solar cells is a prerequisite due to its toxicity. In this research, an efficient and low surface defect of Zn2+ incorporated hybrid perovskite material was demonstrated, where Pb2+ is partially substituted with transitional metal Zinc. Herein, we report the incorporation of dopant material ZnCl2 with synthetic cellulose HPMC (Hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose) as a dopant to improve the surface morphology, crystallinity, and partial substitution of Pb2+ with Zn2+. Samples were prepared with different composition of ZnCl2 doping assisted with HPMC in MAPbI3 (methylammonium lead triiodide) for perovskite layer preparation. A device assembly of layer-by-layer architecture constituting FTO/TiO2(ETL)/MAPbI3/CuSCN(HTL) was fabricated for the experimental analysis. The as-prepared perovskite samples were characterized using different analytical tools to investigate optical absorption property, crystalline structure, functional group interaction, and surface morphology, respectively. Finally, the electrical performance of the perovskite solar cells was tested under AM 1.5 G solar illumination, and the data affirms that 10 wt% ZnCl2 doping assisted with HPMC media exhibits optimum performance with improved film quality.
Exploring Performance and Reliability Behavior of Nanosheet Channel Thin-Film Transistors under Independent Dual Gate Bias Operation
Authors: Ma William Cheng-Yu , Su Chun-Jung , Kao Kuo-Hsing , Chen Yan-Qing , Guo Jing-Qiang , Wu Cheng-Jun , Wu Po-Ying , Hung Jia-Yuan
Published: October 2023

In this work, the polycrystalline-silicon (poly-Si) thin-film transistor with an independent dual-gate (IDG) structure and ultra-thin nanosheet channel (∼4 nm) is fabricated to investigate the impacts of different dual-gate operation modes on device performance and reliability. Compared to the single top-gate (TG) operation mode, the double-gate (DG) operation mode exhibits superior threshold voltage (VTH), subthreshold swing, and saturation current in the device. In addition, the DG operation mode also shows better reliability behavior of positive gate bias stress (PGS) due to the enhanced control capability of the gate voltage on the channel potential. Under the single TG operation mode, the independent back-gate voltage (VBG) can effectively modulate the device’s VTH to meet circuit design requirements. Using a fixed positive VBG can not only reduce the VTH of the device, but also decrease the damage caused by the PGS on the device due to the buried channel effect generated by the ultra-thin nanosheet channel, which increases the coupling capacitance thickness between the buried channel and the top-gate oxide layer. On the contrary, using a negative VBG will enhance the PGS degradation of TG. Consequently, the positive VBG is suggested to lower the VTH and improve the PGS of the device.
Insights into the Role of Galectin-3 as a Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Mohtasham Kia Yasmin , Cannavo Alessandro , Bahiraie Pegah , Alilou Sanam , Saeedian Behrad , Babajani Nastaran , Ghondaghsaz Elina , Khalaji Amirmohammad , Behnoush Amir Hossein
Published: October 2023

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an irregular atrial activity and the most prevalent type of arrhythmia. Although AF is easily diagnosed with an electrocardiogram, there is a keen interest in identifying an easy-to-dose biomarker that can predict the prognosis of AF and its recurrence. Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a beta-galactoside binding protein from the lectin family with pro-fibrotic and -inflammatory effects and a pivotal role in a variety of biological processes, cell proliferation, and differentiation; therefore, it is implicated in the pathogenesis of many cardiovascular (e.g., heart failure (HF)) and noncardiovascular diseases. However, its specificity and sensitivity as a potential marker in AF patients remain debated and controversial. This article comprehensively reviewed the evidence regarding the interplay between Gal-3 and patients with AF. Clinical implications of measuring Gal-3 in AF patients for diagnosis and prognosis are mentioned. Moreover, the role of Gal-3 as a potential biomarker for the management of AF recurrence is investigated. The association of Gal-3 and AF in special populations (coronary artery disease, HF, metabolic syndrome, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes mellitus) has been explored in this review. Overall, although further studies are needed to enlighten the role of Gal-3 in the diagnosis and treatment of AF, our study demonstrated the high potential of this molecule to be used and focused on by researchers and clinicians.
Optimizing QoS Metrics for Software-Defined Networking in Federated Learning
Authors: Fallah Mahdi , Mohammadi Parya , NasiriFard Mohammadreza , Salehpour Pedram
Published: October 2023

In the modern and complex realm of networking, the pursuit of ideal QoS metrics is a fundamental objective aimed at maximizing network efficiency and user experiences. Nonetheless, the accomplishment of this task is hindered by the diversity of networks, the unpredictability of network conditions, and the rapid growth of multimedia traffic. This manuscript presents an innovative method for enhancing the QoS in SDN by combining the load-balancing capabilities of FL and genetic algorithms. The proposed solution aims to improve the dispersed aggregation of multimedia traffic by prioritizing data privacy and ensuring secure network load distribution. By using federated learning, multiple clients can collectively participate in the training process of a global model without compromising the privacy of their sensitive information. This method safeguards user privacy while facilitating the aggregation of distributed multimedia traffic. In addition, genetic algorithms are used to optimize network load balancing, thereby ensuring the efficient use of network resources and mitigating the risk of individual node overload. As a result of extensive testing, this research has demonstrated significant improvements in QoS measurements compared to traditional methods. Our proposed technique outperforms existing techniques such as RR, weighted RR, server load, LBBSRT, and dynamic server approaches in terms of CPU and memory utilization, as well as server requests across three testing servers. This novel methodology has applications in multiple industries, including telecommunications, multimedia streaming, and cloud computing. The proposed method presents an innovative strategy for addressing the optimization of QoS metrics in SDN environments, while preserving data privacy and optimizing network resource usage.
Utilization of Stockwell Transform and Random Forest Algorithm for Efficient Detection and Classification of Power Quality Disturbances
Authors: Ravi T. , Sathish Kumar K. , Dhanamjayulu C. , Khan Baseem
Published: October 2023

Power quality disturbances (PQDs) can lead to significant operational and financial losses in power systems. Accurate detection and classification of PQDs are essential for maintaining power quality and preventing power system failures. This research article introduces an innovative approach for the precise detection and classification of single- and multiple-state power quality disturbances (PQDs) using the Stockwell transform (ST) and a random forest classifier. To create realistic PQD signals, seventeen distinct classes are generated in accordance with IEEE Standard 1159, employing mathematical equations implemented in MATLAB software. The ST is employed to extract relevant features from the PQD signals, which are subsequently utilized as input for the random forest classifier. The classifier employs bootstrapping sampling to generate multiple training sets from the original dataset. Each training set is used to construct a decision tree by recursively partitioning the data based on significant features. To mitigate overfitting and enhance robustness, a random subset of features is selected at each node of the decision tree, thereby reducing tree correlation. The performance of the random forest classifier is compared with other widely utilized machine learning classifiers. The results exhibit the efficacy of the proposed approach in accurately detecting and classifying PQ events, highlighting its superiority over alternative methods.
Simulation Study of the Air Separation Performance of Cr-MIL-101 in High-Altitude Environments
Authors: Wang Ying-Chao , Li Yuan-Zhe , Zhai Ming-Ming , Zhao Cheng-Cheng , Xie Kang-Ning , Luo Er-Ping , Tang Chi , Zhang Chen-Xu
Published: October 2023

The most severe challenge for troops in a high-altitude environment is hypoxia. Pressure swing adsorption coupled with membrane separation is an ideal solution for oxygen production in high-altitude areas, but the molecular sieve membranes and organic membranes used in this technique are greatly affected by the ambient temperature, humidity, and pressure. Compared with traditional porous materials, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have outstanding features such as low densities, large specific surface areas, high crystallinities, and flexible structures. Cr-MIL-101 (MIL: Matérial Institut Lavoisier) and its derivatives are MOFs with high nitrogen adsorption capacities and can be used for oxygen production by air separation. However, since the plateau climate is complex, the applicability of Cr-MIL-101 for oxygen production in high-altitude environments awaits clarification. Therefore, this study constructed a molecular model of Cr-MIL-101, simulated the adsorption equilibrium of N2 and O2 molecules on this material using the grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) method, and obtained their adsorption isotherms and densities. At 298 K and 100 kPa, the maximum adsorption capacities of Cr-MIL-101 for N2 and O2 were 0.94 per cell and 0.23 per cell, respectively. While at 238 K and 100 kPa, the maximum adsorption amounts of Cr-MIL-101 for N2 and O2 were 5.10 and 1.07 per cell, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters and adsorption equilibrium parameters during the adsorption process were analyzed. The conclusion of this study provides theoretical support for optimizing the N2/O2 separation performance of Cr-MIL-101 in high-altitude environments.
EFEK GENDER SEBAGAI VARIABEL PEMODERASI PADA PENGARUH LITERASI KEUANGAN DAN GAYA HIDUP TERHADAP PENGELOLAAN KEUANGAN
Authors: Risakotta Kathleen Asyera
Published: October 2023

This study aims to determine the moderating effect of gender on the effect of financial literacy and lifestyle on financial management. This research was conducted with quantitative methodes. The population used in the study were accounting students amounted to 800 students with a sample of 132 respondent. Sampling technique using random sampling. Primary data in the form of a questionnaire used in this study. This study uses the Moderated Regression Analysis (MRA). The results showed that financial literacy influences on financial management. Lifestyle influences on financial management. Gender has no effect on financial management. Gender is not a moderation in the relationship between financial literacy, lifestyle and financial management.
PUBLIC EDUCATIONAL AND SOCIAL PROTECTION EXPENDITURES IN TURKEY and EUROPEAN UNION COUNTRIES
Authors: AKBULUT Nihat
Published: October 2023

The study compared Turkey's education and social protection aid with European Union countries' aid based on EUROSTAT data. The study aims to analyze the adequacy and effectiveness of education expenditures and educational aid provided within the scope of social assistance compared to EU countries. As a method in the study, within the framework of the general screening research model, education aid data within the scope of education expenditures and social protection expenditures in Turkey were analyzed, and these data were assessed comparatively with social protection expenditures in the European Union countries. Considering that the majority of social protection aid in Turkey is generally allocated to general health insurance premiums, pensions for the elderly and disabled, and home care services, the payments made to families with disadvantaged children remain low in terms of both the number of beneficiaries and the total allowance. Compared to EU countries, it seems that the share allocated to families and children remains low in social protection expenditures, and there needs to be increased social aid expenditures in favor of families and children, as in the EU, and to increase the general amount of social aid.
Morphological and molecular evidence for a new species of Fuscoporia (Hymenochaetales, Basidiomycota) from tropics
Authors: CHEN QIAN , LUO HUA-DONG , CHENG NA , ZHANG DE-SHUN
Published: October 2023

A new species from Kenya, Eastern Africa, Fuscoporia kenyana sp. nov., is decribed and illustrated. The new species has annual and pileate basidiocarps, small pores (9–11 per mm), septate skeletal hyphae, the presence of cystidioles and broadly ellipsoid basidiospores measuring 4–4.5 × 3–3.5 µm. The phylogenetic analyses based on the nLSU and ITS+nLSU datasets demonstrated that Fuscoporia kenyana was a new taxon in the genus Fuscoporia. Two annotated identification keys are provided for the African species and annual and effused-reflexed to pileate species of Fuscoporia, respectively.
Inga micronectarium (Leguminosae): A new species in the Amazon rainforest, Brazil
Authors: FERNANDES JOSÉ MARTINS , SOARES CÉLIA REGINA ARAÚJO , SILVA DENNIS RODRIGUES DA
Published: October 2023

Inga micronectarium (Leguminosae) is a new species endemic to Brazil and distributed in the states of Mato Grosso and Pará in the Amazon biome. We provide a diagnosis, morphological description, illustration, photograph, and comments about the etymology, flowering and fruiting periods, phytogeography, conservation, and species taxonomy.
In search of enhanced material: Kalanchoe ×toelkenii (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae), a new South African nothospecies derived from Kalanchoe ×gunniae × K. sexangularis
Authors: SMITH GIDEON F.
Published: October 2023

Considerable investment in the breeding of enhanced material of Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae) has resulted in several new nothospecies introduced from South Africa, all of which provide additional horticultural possibilities, especially under irrigation-limited conditions. Kalanchoe ×toelkenii, derived from K. ×gunniae back-crossed with K. sexangularis, is described here as a further large-growing nothospecies with improved inflorescence spread and floral density.
Lectotypification of the name Premna wightiana Schauer (Lamiaceae) and notes on its distribution in India
Authors: KUMAR VANNARATTA VEETTIL NAVEEN , PRABHUKUMAR KONICKAL MAMBETTA , CHERIYATH MOHAMMED SHAMEER , JAGADEESAN RAVEENDRAN , SUNIL CHANDRASSERIL NARAYANAN , BALACHANDRAN INDIRA
Published: October 2023

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Forced wetting of hydrophobic knitted fabrics analyzed with X-ray imaging
Authors: Biguenet Florence , Stämpfli Rolf , Krügl Sascha , Georges Téo , Dupuis Dominique , Rossi René M , Bueno Marie-Ange
Published: October 2023

Understanding how water droplets penetrate a textile fabric under forced conditions is of considerable interest for sportswear comfort and protective clothing, but also for processes such as inkjet printing. Investigations on the role of geometrical morphology in liquid transport face difficulties in identifying the relevant geometrical parameters at play. Here, X-ray tomography was used to investigate how the liquid distributes inside knitted fabrics when a droplet is squeezed onto its surface using a specifically developed device. It makes it possible to visualize the dynamics of the droplet's penetration and to analyze the final liquid distribution after releasing the compression. The three-dimensional liquid zone can be reconstructed with a specific method and qualitatively analyzed. Variation in hydrophobicity and porosity, characterized by the cover factor, is the main contributor to changes in liquid distribution among samples, by influencing in-plane spread, that is, on the surface, and/or transplanar spread, that is, penetration into the thickness of the fabric.
The role of parent–child interactions in the association between mental health and prosocial behavior: Evidence from early childhood to late adolescence
Authors: Katsantonis Ioannis , McLellan Ros
Published: October 2023

This study examined the association between internalizing and externalizing mental health and prosociality across four developmental transitions. The effects of parent–child interactions on mental health and prosociality were also explored. The data from a community sample of 10,703 children on mental health, prosociality, child maltreatment, parent–child relationships, parental mental health, and socioeconomic status were derived from the Millennium Cohort Study to cover the developmental periods from early childhood to late adolescence (ages 5, 7, 11, 14, 17). Adjusting for covariates, latent trait-state-occasion and cross-lag modeling were deployed. The results indicated that internalizing and externalizing mental health symptoms, and prosociality were more trait-like throughout adolescence. Only within-person increase in externalizing symptoms predicted decrease in subsequent within-person prosociality from middle childhood to late adolescence. Parent–child conflict and maltreatment had deleterious effects on children’s prosociality and mental health. Mental health professionals should screen for both possible mental health problems and deficits in prosociality. Interventions aiming to improve the quality of parent–child relationships could be beneficial for the development of child mental health and prosociality.
Forecasting Ukrainian Refugee Flows With Organic Data Sources
Authors: Wycoff Nathan , Arab Ali , Donato Katharine , Singh Lisa , Kawintiranon Kornraphop , Liu Yaguang , Jacobs Elizabeth
Published: October 2023

Although European countries seek to understand the volume and destinations of forced migrant flows out of Ukraine, it is difficult to collect timely data for many reasons including dangerous conditions for on-the-ground survey data collection. This article combines different organic data to predict forced migration from Ukraine to five neighboring countries receiving refugees: Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Moldova, and Hungary. We pair online Ukrainian-language Twitter conversation with event and fatality data from Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project and to develop predictive models of forced displacement, and assess the quality of our predictions using United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) border crossing data. Using a Bayesian hierarchical approach that accounts for heterogeneity in the forced migration process and fine temporal granularity of the data, results suggest that, after an initial rise in out-migration at the start of the conflict, migrant flows persist albeit at lower rates. In addition, countries with the highest initial volume of migrant arrivals have higher rates of prolonged flows. Finally, in terms of prediction quality, Twitter variables were more important predictors in the first phase of the conflict while event-based predictors were more important in the second phase.
Mechano-chemical conversion of rice husk ash and gasifier-derived rice husk ash into porous silicon
Authors: Son Seong Hye , Lee Hae In , Cho Won Chul , Chung Ui Myung , Ra Ho Won , Yoon Sung Min , Lee Jae Goo , Rhee Young Woo , Seo Myung Won
Published: October 2023

Rice husk is an abundant agricultural biomass and a potential source of amorphous silica and porous silicon. To produce high-purity SiO2 and Si from rice husks, multiple steps of acid leaching to remove impurities and heat treatment to reduce residual carbon are necessary. In this study, a simple mechanochemical (magnesio-milling) experiment was conducted using an attrition mill to convert rice husk ash (RHA) and gasifier-derived rice husk ash (GRHA) into porous Si under various acid leaching (hydrochloric acid and lactic acid) and heat-treatment conditions. Three noteworthy results were obtained. First, eco-friendly lactic acid can be used instead of the harmful acid (hydrochloric acid). Next, the heat-treated GRHA was converted to Si via magnesio-milling without acid leaching. Finally, the carbon content (<0.3 wt%) of RHA and GRHA is a key factor affecting the conversion of SiO2 into Si based on elemental analysis. The purities of the Si samples prepared from RHA and GRHA, analyzed using inductively coupled plasma (ICP) mass spectrometry, were 97.66% and 95.62%, respectively. Furthermore, the porous Si prepared using RHA and GRHA can be utilized as a high value-add material such as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries and nanostructured materials.
Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Controversies over Contested Intangible Heritage in Vietnam Seen from the Case Study of Lady Phi Yen
Authors: Nguyen Ky Nam , Phan Quang Anh , Mai Van Duoc , Dang Hoai Giang
Published: October 2023

Le Thi Ram, or Phi Yen the Imperial Concubine as she is more commonly known, is a divisive figure in the folklore of Vietnam. The inhabitants of Con Dao Island have held Phi Yen in high esteem for many years because of her noble deeds in the nineteenth century. A memorial service was organized in her honour by the Con Dao community and was added to the register of Vietnam’s intangible cultural treasures in early 2022. However, this prompted debate about the veracity of the memorial service and the character being honoured. This study uses three theoretical frameworks to analyse the debates over whether to remove the commemoration of Lady Phi Yen’s death: contested heritage, heritagization and historical revisionism. The debate centres on two opposing camps: those supporting keeping the commemoration and those who do not. This research adds to our understanding of the debates surrounding Vietnam’s efforts to protect and promote its intangible cultural heritage and suggests directions for the future.