bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development Design of Current Career Guidance Service Model in Makassar Aviation Polytechnic
Authors: Atmia Kurniaty , Purnamawati  , Ruslan
Published: November 2023

The important role of career guidance for cadets in preparing themselves to enter the world of work. The purpose of this study was to develop a career guidance service model at Makassar Aviation Polytechnic. This research uses the research and development (R & D) method with a quantitative descriptive approach. The research location was at Makassar Aviation Polytechnic, Campus II Salodong. The type of data used in this research is a combination of primary data and secondary data. A well-planned Counselling Programme will increase productivity and performance ratings, develop careers increase diversity. Career guidance to guide and direct cadets who are in the final semester is an absolute obligation of the Makassar Aviation Polytechnic to strengthen and support the role of career development institutions in preparing and planning career preparation for cadets. Career guidance is very influential on the maturity of career plans that determine future success. The results of research on the implementation of career guidance activities at Makassar Aviation Polytechnic are carried out in accordance with the desired targets, goals and objectives. It is hoped that this model can continue to be developed and applied in the university environment, especially on vocational campuses, to assist students in preparing for their careers in the future.
RNA Expression Pattern for Post Mortem Hair Samples: Forensic Implication
Authors: Orupabo Clinton David , Obinna Harmony , Amadi Hebinuchi , Erekosima Boma Uriah
Published: November 2023

Aims: The aim of our study is to investigate RNA patterns of a postmortem hair sample. The present work intend therefore to study the quantitative analysis of Ribonucleic acids quality and quantity.

Study Design: This is an experimental and descriptive study which used convenient sampling technique in sample selection.

Methodology: The respondents of this study comprised of living subjects in Rivers State, Nigeria selected through convenient sampling technique. Hair Samples from participants were collected after informed consent using hair tweezers and labelled Ziploc bags. RNA was extracted using the TRI-reagent and its quality and quantity assessed using the Nanodrop. Concentration and purity of RNA were assessed by spectrophotometric analysis using NanoDrop 2000c.

Results: RNA quality seems to diminish with time initially but improved at day 7 and 14, with an improved purity (1.94 and 2.03). However, at a later date the purity diminished further owing to possible degradation with death. RNA Quantity diminishes from 0hrs to 7 days, but rises slowly afterwards from day 14 – 4 months. Pearson’s shows a correlation (r = -0.47) of RNA quality with time. A remarkable feature of this study involved the high linear rate of RNA degradation which resulted in the decrease in RNA quantity within 0-7days. This could be as a result of increased intracellular enzymatic activity, which is dependent on the natural aqueous environment common to all living cells.

Conclusion: In forensic investigations requiring pure RNA for analysis, this research can be used as an inference to revealing that pure RNA can be obtained some days postmortem, and that hair stands as a good object for case diagnosis.
Enhanced Robust Estimators for Estimating Population Means When Confronted with Non-Response and Measurement Error
Authors: Audu A. , Usman U. , Mohammad S. B. , Joseph O. A.
Published: November 2023

The use of estimators in statistics, quality assurance, and survey methodology can never be over flogged just as the use of sampling. Two of the major challenges of statisticians or surveyors due encounter at the course of data collection in the field of medical and social sciences is non-response and measurement errors. This poses serious problem during data compilation, computation and estimation stages. In this paper, a robust-based classes of estimators are proposed in the presence of non-response and measurement errors through the use of imputation scheme incorporated with measurement errors parameters. The properties of the proposed estimators (Biases & MSES) were derived up to the second degree approximation using Taylors’s series approach. The conditions for the efficiencies of the proposed estimators over the existing estimators was also considered and established in this research. The empirical study conducted using simulated data from normal distribution, exponential distribution, chi-square distribution, uniform distribution, gamma distribution and poison distribution revealed that the modified classes of estimators of the proposed imputation schemes are more efficient and satisfactory than the compared existing estimators. Thus, the proposed modified classes of estimators under imputation scheme were recommended for use in the real life situation especially in the presence of non-response and measurement errors during data analysis and estimation stages.
Population Dynamics of Leafhopper (Empoasca flavescens) and Thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis) of Castor (Ricinus communis L.)
Authors: Madhuri G. , Sadaiah K. , Duraimurugan P. , Rani V. Divya , Reddy G. Eswara , Neelima G. , Nalini N. , Sujatha M. , Goverdhan G.
Published: November 2023

The experiment on population dynamics against leafhopper and thrips  of castor,a field experiment was conducted during 2021 & 2022 on castor (Ricinus communis) at Regional Agricultural Research Station Palem, PJTSAU. The studies on population dynamics of leafhopper (Empoasca flavescens) revealed thatthe activity of leafhoppers was moderate to heavy with maximum of 120.8 leafhoppers/3 leaves/plant was recorded during the second fortnight of December (52 SMW, 24th-31st Dec). Leafhopper population had non-significant and negative correlation with  maximum temperature (r = -0.24 and r = -0.29, respectively), whereas it had significant assocation and negative correlation with minimum temperature, morning relative humidity, evening relative humidity as well as rainfall (r = - 0.64 - 0.50, r=-0.61 and - 0.52, respectively). Thrips infestationwas observed from October first fortnight (40 SMW 1st Oct -7th Oct) to December second fortnight (52 SMW, 24th-31st Dec) with peak infestation 31.1 thrips/spike.Thrips population had non-significant and negative correlation with  maximum temperature ( r = -0.29), whereas it had significant assocation and negative correlation with minimum temperature, morning relative humidity, evening relative humidity as well as rainfall (r = - 0.68, r= -0.55, r=-0.63 and, r=- 0.49 respectively). Leafhopper and thrips has significant association and positive correlation with sunshine hours (r=0.55 & r=0.51).
Evaluation of Daily Vehicular Traffic Flows and Noise Levels at Major Junctions in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Itaa C. M.  , Ugwoha E.  , Yorkor B.
Published: November 2023

This study evaluated vehicular traffic flows and associated traffic noise levels at major junctions in Port Harcourt metropolis. Traffic volume was determined using visual traffic count method. Noise level was determined using an Extech digital sound level meter. Data were statistically analyzed and noise descriptors determined. Average daily traffic flows ranged from 149 to 4224. Average daily total traffic volume was minimum at Eliozu junction and maximum Eleme junction. Traffic noise varied proportionally with traffic flow. The result showed that Average noise levels varied from 70.5dB(A) to 95.9dB(A). The result showed that L10 mean values were 89.0, 90.2 91.7, 94.7 and 97.2dB(A) for Eliozu, Choba, Runuokuta, Runuokoro and Eleme junctions respectively; L50 mean values were 80.5, 81.2, 83.8, 85.2 and 89.3dB(A) for Eliozu, Choba, Runuokuta, Runuokoro and Eleme junctions respectively; L90 mean values were 69.5, 70.1, 70.4, 72.0 and 78.2dB(A) for Choba, Eliozu, Runuokuta, Runuokoro and Eleme junctions respectively. Noise climate (NC) aggregated mean values were 18.9, 19.0, 20.7, 21.3 and 22.7 for Eliozu, Eleme, Choba, Runuokuta and Runuokoro junctions respectively; Leq aggregated mean values were 86.5, 88.3, 91.4, 93.8 and 95.3dB(A) for Eliozu, Choba, Runuokuta, Runuokoro and Eleme junctions respectively; noise pollution index (Lnp) aggregated mean values were 105.4, 109.0, 113.0, 114.3 and 116.6dB(A) for Eliozu, Choba, Runuokuta, Eleme and Runuokoro junctions respectively; traffic noise index (TNI) aggregated mean values were 115.7, 122.3, 124.2, 125.6 and 132.8dB(A) for Eliozu, Choba, Runuokuta, Eleme and Runuokoro junctions respectively. The study showed evidences of high traffic noise pollution at major junctions in Port Harcourt metropolis, which may adversely affect public health and therefore requires intervention by all stakeholgers, including decision makers.
PENINGKATAN KUALITAS MELALUI IMPLEMENTASI FILOSOFI SIX SIGMA (Studi Kasus di sebuah Perusahaan Speaker)
Authors: Rahardjo Jani , Aysia Debora Anne Yang , Anitasari Susan
Published: November 2023

The article describes the quality improvement program in a speaker company%2C through the implementation of six sigma philosophy; design a quality control system to support the result of the philosophy implementation%2C helped by the house of quality. The improvement of the quality level to 6ã is done by knowing the speaker¡¦s critical to quality (CTQ). The CTQ improved by minimized the highest defect. There are an analysis to six sigma indicator and the quality cost. The result is a quality improvement through the two type of speaker%2C 12¡¨ C-1230 PA ACR Pro New and 12¡¨ 30H120 SRW-38B ACR Pro New. Abstract in Bahasa Indonesia : Artikel ini membahas program peningkatan kualitas di sebuah perusahaan speaker melalui implementasi filosofi six sigma%2C perancangan perbaikan sistem pengendalian kualitas guna mendukung hasil implementasi%2C dengan bantuan rumah mutu. Peningkatan level kualitas ke arah 6ã dilakukan dengan mengetahui karakteritik kritis konsumen terhadap produk speaker%2C yang kemudian diperbaiki dengan meminimalkan kecacatan tertinggi. Analisa dilakukan terhadap indikator keberhasilan six sigma dan biaya kualitas. Perbandingan indikator keberhasilan menyatakan adanya peningkatan kualitas terhadap kedua tipe speaker yaitu 12¡¨ C-1230 PA ACR Pro New dan 12¡¨ 30H120 SRW-38B ACR Pro New. Six sigma%2C house of quality%2C critical to quality%2C quality cost.
PENJADWALAN PRODUKSI FLEXIBLE FLOWSHOPS DENGAN SEQUENCE-DEPENDENT SETUP TIMES MENGGUNAKAN METODE RELAKSASI LAGRANGIAN (Studi Kasus pada PT. Cahaya Angkasa Abadi)
Authors: Palit Herry Christian , Soetanto Tessa Vanina , Novianti Hermin
Published: November 2023

The article discusses the problem of flexible flowshop scheduling with sequence-dependent setup. The Lagrangian relaxation method is used to solve the problem by decomposes an initial complex problem into simpler subproblem.

Abstract in Bahasa Indonesia :

Artikel ini membahas penjadwalan yang mempunyai karakteristik flexible flowshop dengan sequence-dependent setup. Metode penyelesaian yang digunakan adalah relaksasi Lagrangian dengan menguraikan problem awal yang kompleks menjadi sebuah subproblem yang lebih sederhana.

Kata-kunci: Flexible flowshops, sequence-dependent setup, relaksasi Lagrangian.
A MODIFIED GIFFLER AND THOMPSON ALGORITHM COMBINED WITH DYNAMIC SLACK TIME FOR SOLVING DYNAMIC SCHEDULE PROBLEMS
Authors: Octavia Tanti
Published: November 2023

A Modified Giffler and Thompson algorithm combined with dynamic slack time is used to allocate machines resources in dynamic nature. It was compared with a Real Time Order Promising (RTP) algorithm. The performance of modified Giffler and Thompson and RTP algorithms are measured by mean tardiness. The result shows that modified Giffler and Thompson algorithm combined with dynamic slack time provides significantly better result compared with RTP algorithm in terms of mean tardiness.
Architecture is Interface: Latent Virtuality from Antiquity to Zoom
Authors: Bard Joshua , Torello Francesca
Published: November 2023

Architectural educators Joshua Bard and Francesca Torello embrace numerous digital technologies to subvert issues of scale, framing, materiality, inside and outside to provoke viewers into contemplating the current nature of architecture and its discourse. Their inspiration is Sir John Soane's Museum in London, which is a multilayered conversation between objects and their interrelationships with themselves and their settings.
Very Big Art: Follies, the Public and Multispace
Authors: Kovacs Andrew
Published: November 2023

Very Big Art uses a variety of both virtual and real media to create a nexus where architecture, the public realm, urban design, performance, ephemerality and art meet at an often colossal scale – a 21st‐century reworking of the notion of the architectural ‘folly’. Architectural designer and educator Andrew Kovacs describes a brief history of some of the early exponents of arch‐art, and leads us through some recent examples, including the output of his own practice.
Nanosponges as an Emerging Platform for Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis
Authors: Gowda B. H. Jaswanth , Ahmed Mohammed Gulzar , Almoyad Mohammad Ali Abdullah , Wahab Shadma , Almalki Waleed H. , Kesharwani Prashant
Published: November 2023

Nanosponges are unique sponge‐like carrier systems with numerous cavities and a mesh‐like network throughout their surface. They are categorized into three types based on the material of construction, i.e., polymer‐, inorganic‐, and bio‐derived material‐based nanosponges. Unlike conventional nanoparticles, nanosponges bear countless interconnected voids and mesh‐like network that enables maximum drug, imaging probe, or photosensitizer loading via absorption, encapsulation, conjugation, or complexion. The voids can be further sealed using suitable lipids or polymers to avoid leakage of drugs at the non‐target site, protect therapeutics from biological conditions, and control the release of therapeutics for a prolonged period. Recently, nanosponges have grasped the attention of researchers in the area of cancer by overcoming the drawbacks associated with the conventional delivery of immunotherapeutic, targeted therapeutic, and chemotherapeutic agents. Interestingly, several reports have also witnessed their potential in cancer theranostics. Owing to this supremacy, nanosponges could be an apt platform for cancer therapy and diagnosis. The current review discusses the general aspects, types, and preparation methods of nanosponges. In addition, the ambit of nanosponges in treating different types of cancer is meticulously discussed, along with detailed descriptions of their corresponding patents. Furthermore, the role of nanosponges in phototherapy and cancer theranostics are selectively canvassed.
Highly Stretchable MXene‐based Meta‐Aerogels with Near‐Zero and Negative Poisson's Ratios
Authors: Sun Qi , Zhang Xiaoyu , Gu Puzhong , Liang Xing , Hu Zhenyu , Yang Xiao , Liu Muxiang , Huang Jia , Zu Guoqing
Published: November 2023

MXene‐based aerogels are promising candidates for wearable electronics due to their unique structures and properties. However, the reported MXene‐based aerogels show poor stretchability, significantly restricting their applications in wearable electronics. Herein, unprecedented highly stretchable MXene‐based aerogels with crimpled and reentrant microstructures are developed via synergistic assembly of MXene and flexible polymers combined with uniaxial and biaxial hot‐pressing strategies. The uniaxially hot‐pressed MXene‐based meta‐aerogels show compressed and crimpled microstructures and combine ultrahigh stretchability up to 427%, high elasticity, high compressibility, high fatigue resistance upon compression and stretching, and near‐zero Poisson's ratios. The biaxially hot‐pressed MXene‐based meta‐aerogels exhibit reentrant microstructures and achieve high stretchability and negative Poisson's ratios upon stretching in different directions, which have never been realized by traditional aerogels. It is demonstrated that they can be used for ultrabroad‐range pressure/strain sensors, highly stretchable triboelectric nanogenerators, and smart thermal management with tunable thermal insulation and Joule heating performances achieved by stretching. This work opens a new way to highly stretchable aerogels with near‐zero and negative Poisson's ratios promising in wearable electronics, nanogenerators, thermal management, energy storage, etc.
Optimizing the Design of the Vapor‐Deposited CsPbCl3‐Based Optoelectronic Devices via Simulations and Experiments
Authors: Zhang Xuning , Chen Linya , Liu Xingyue , Liu Zhiyong , Gu Honggang , Bo Sun , Liao Guanglan
Published: November 2023

Wide‐bandgap CsPbCl3 perovskite has fueled studies on applications in a variety of newly developing optoelectronic devices, including solar cells, lasers, light‐emitting diodes, and photodetectors. Most of them are now focused on film fabrication and device performance optimization, technology transfer of these proof‐of‐concept devices to the market will necessitate optimization of the device structure to minimize the optical loss and fabrication cost. While device model‐based electro‐optics simulations are considered a powerful method to attain the purpose, during which accurate optical constants are preconditions. Herein, for the first time, the optical constants of CsPbCl3 film through Mueller matrix spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) are reported. Taking optoelectronic devices in vertical structure as a demonstration, simulations on the distributions of 2D electromagnetic field and photo‐generated electron field are arranged, successfully demonstrating the profile of the photons and electrons inside the devices. The evolution trend of device performance in the experiments matched with the simulations, for device performance is closely related to the photons and photo‐generated electrons. Benefitting from the simulations and experiments, general design criteria of the CsPbCl3‐based optoelectronic and photonic devices are posed, inevitably accelerating their development and commercialization.
Advanced Additive Manufacturing of Structurally‐Colored Architectures
Authors: Kim Jong Bin , Lee Hwan‐Young , Chae Changju , Lee Su Yeon , Kim Shin‐Hyun
Published: November 2023

Direct ink writing (DIW) stands out as a facile additive manufacturing method, minimizing material waste. Nonetheless, developing homogeneous Bingham inks with high yield stress and swift liquid‐to‐solid transitions for versatile 3D printing remains a challenge. In this study, high‐performance Bingham inks are formulated by destabilizing silica particle suspensions in acrylate‐based resin. A colloidal network forms in the shear‐free state through interparticle attraction, achieved by disrupting the solvation layer of large resin molecules using polar molecules. The network is highly dense, with evenly distributed linkage strength as monodisperse particles undergo gelation at an ultra‐high fraction. Crucially, the strength is calibrated to ensure a sufficiently large yield stress, while still allowing the network to reversibly melt under shear flow. The inks immediately undergo a liquid‐to‐solid transition upon discharge, while maintaining fluidity without nozzle clogging. The dense colloidal networks develop structural colors due to the short‐range order. This enables the rapid and sophisticated drawing of structurally‐colored 3D structures, relying solely on rheological properties. Moreover, the printed composite structures exhibit high mechanical stability due to the presence of the colloidal network, which expands the range of potential applications.
Designing Hydrogels for Immunomodulation in Cancer Therapy and Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Zhang Zhen , He Chaoliang , Chen Xuesi
Published: November 2023

The immune system not only acts as a defense against pathogen and cancer cells, but also plays an important role in homeostasis and tissue regeneration. Targeting immune systems is a promising strategy for efficient cancer treatment and regenerative medicine. Current systemic immunomodulation therapies are usually associated with low persistence time, poor targeting to action sites, and severe side effects. Due to their extracellular matrix‐mimetic nature, tunable properties and diverse bioactivities, hydrogels are intriguing platforms to locally deliver immunomodulatory agents and cells, as well as provide an immunomodulatory microenvironment to recruit, activate, and expand host immune cells. In this review, the design considerations, including polymer backbones, crosslinking mechanisms, physicochemical nature, and immunomodulation‐related components, of the hydrogel platforms, are focused on. The immunomodulatory effects and therapeutic outcomes in cancer therapy and tissue regeneration of different hydrogel systems are emphasized, including hydrogel depots for delivery of immunomodulatory agents, hydrogel scaffolds for cell delivery, and immunomodulatory hydrogels depending on the intrinsic properties of materials. Finally, the remained challenges in current systems and future development of immunomodulatory hydrogels are discussed.
Yttrium‐Catalyzed Intermolecular Anti‐Markovnikov Hydroamination and Sequential Intermolecular Hydroamination/Endocyclization of Vinylsilanes
Authors: Polak Lara H. , Soltys John B. , Hultzsch Kai C.
Published: November 2023

The intermolecular anti‐Markovnikov hydroamination of vinylsilanes was achieved utilizing five silyl‐substituted ortho‐terphenoxide yttrium complexes. The highest activity was observed for the most sterically encumbered triphenylsilyl‐substituted complex. Excellent activity and complete anti‐Markonikov selectivity were obtained for a variety of benzylic and aliphatic primary and secondary amines. Interestingly, the reaction with 2‐picolylamine produced the hydroaminoalkylation product rather than the hydroamination product. Reaction of dimethyldivinylsilane resulted in a range of 1,4‐azasilinanes via sequential hydroamination/endocyclization in good yields.
Recent Progress in Application‐Oriented Self‐Powered Microelectronics
Authors: Qi Lingfei , Kong Lingji , Wang Yuan , Song Juhuang , Azam Ali , Zhang Zutao , Yan Jinyue
Published: November 2023

With the rapid development of the Internet of Things (IoTs), numerous distributed wide‐area low‐power electronic devices have been utilized in various fields, such as wireless monitoring sensors and wearable electronics. Due to the dispersion and mobility of microelectronic devices, their energy supply faces serious challenges. The inconvenience and non‐environmental friendliness of using traditional centralized low entropy energy and chemical batteries to power distributed microelectronic devices are becoming increasingly prominent. Environmental energy harvesting technology with high entropy characteristics is considered an effective solution for low‐power electronic devices. This paper comprehensively reviews the recent progress in microelectronic technologies based on energy harvesting and signal sensing. First, state‐of‐the‐art micro‐power electronic devices in humans, animals, and the environment are introduced. Secondly, the available micro‐energy sources in the environmentare elaborated and summarized. Then, the principles and characteristics of ambient microenergy harvesting technologies based on different mechanisms are classified, summarized, and analyzed. In addition, this work comprehensively summarizes the applications of self‐powered micro‐electronics technology in 11 different fields, including human, animal, and environment. Finally, research challenges, technical difficulties, and research gaps in self‐powered microelectronics based on micro‐energy harvesting technology are discussed and summarized.
Organic Excitonic State Management by Surface Metallic Coupling of Inorganic Lanthanide Nanocrystals
Authors: Zhang Wenxing , Wang Shan , Ye Wenpeng , Zhu Yiyuan , Li Cheng‐Ao , Wang He , Dong Chaomin , Ma Huili , Yan Mi , An Zhongfu , Huang Wei , Deng Renren
Published: November 2023

The ability to harness charges and spins for control of organic excitonic states is critical in developing high‐performance organic luminophores and optoelectronic devices. Here we report a facile strategy to efficiently manipulate the electronic energy states of various organic phosphors by coupling them with inorganic lanthanide nanocrystals. We show that the metallic atoms exposed on the nanocrystal surface can introduce strong coupling effects to 9‐(4‐ethoxy‐6‐phenyl‐1,3,5‐triazin‐2‐yl)‐9H‐carbazole (OCzT) and some organic chromophores with carbazole functional groups when the organics are approaching the nanocrystals. This unconventional organic–inorganic hybridization enables a nearly 100 % conversion of the singlet excitation to fast charge transfer luminescence that does not exist in pristine organics, which broadens the utility of organic phosphors in hybrid systems.
Scalable production of hydrophobic starch/beeswax films by continuous solution casting
Authors: Luchesi Bruno Ribeiro , Moreira Francys Kley Vieira , Marconcini José Manoel
Published: November 2023

Starch is an appealing natural polymer for the scaled‐up production of biodegradable plastics. However, the low water resistance of starch has made its broad applicability largely doubted. In this study, starch was combined with beeswax (BW) through a pilot scale continuous solution casting (CSC) technique to reduce water affinity while keeping the ensuing films totally biodegradable. The phase morphology, surface wettability, and water vapor permeability (WVP) of films were examined over a broad BW–starch mass ratio (0.3–0.7). Emulsified, surfactant‐free starch/BW films were successfully obtained at a productivity of 0.55 m2 film h−1. The water contact angle increased nearly by 100% at 30 wt% BW, leading to remarkable reductions in WVP. BW droplets well distributed within the starch matrix played a key role in enhancing the water barrier properties of films. CSC of starch/BW films offers a basis to design new hydrophobic formulations for applications that require biodegradable plastics with high moisture resistance.
Sex differences in the age of childhood autism diagnosis and the impact of co‐occurring conditions
Authors: Gu Zhengyi , Dawson Geraldine , Engelhard Matthew
Published: November 2023

Sex differences in the age of autism diagnosis during childhood have been documented consistently but remain poorly understood. In this study, we used electronic health records data from a diverse, academic medical center to quantify differences in the age of autism diagnosis between boys and girls and identify associations between the age of diagnosis and co‐occurring neurodevelopmental, psychiatric, and medical conditions. An established computable phenotype was used to identify all autism diagnoses within the Duke University Health System between 2014 and 2021. Co‐occurring neurodevelopmental and psychiatric diagnoses as well as visits to specific medical and supportive services were identified in the 2 years prior to the autism diagnosis. Cox proportional hazards models were fitted to quantify associations between diagnosis age and sex with and without controlling for the presence of each co‐occurring diagnosis and visit type. Records from 1438 individuals (1142 boys and 296 girls) were included. Girls were more likely to be diagnosed either before age 3 ( = 497.720, p < 0.001) or after age 11 ( = 4.014, p = 0.047), whereas boys were more likely to be diagnosed between ages 3 and 11 ( = 5.532, p = 0.019). Visits for anxiety ( = 4.200, p = 0.040) and mood disorders ( = 7.033, p = 0.008) were more common in girls and associated with later autism diagnosis (HR = 0.615, p < 0.001; and HR = 0.493, p < 0.001). Visits for otolaryngology were more common in boys and associated with an earlier autism diagnosis (HR = 1.691, p < 0.001). After controlling for these conditions, associations between sex and diagnosis age were reduced and not statistically significant. These results show that the age of autism diagnosis differs in girls compared to boys, but these differences were neutralized when controlling for co‐occurring neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions prior to autism diagnosis. Understanding sex differences and the possible mediating role of other diagnoses may suggest targets for intervention to promote earlier and more equitable diagnosis.
(Re)moving exclusions: School exclusion reduction in Glasgow and London
Authors: Billingham Luke , Gillon Fern
Published: November 2023

School exclusion reduction in Scotland—and especially in the city of Glasgow—has received substantial media and policy attention in recent years. In London in particular, multiple governmental agencies have explicitly expressed a desire to replicate the exclusion reduction which recently occurred in Glasgow, often citing the connection between school exclusion and violence as a key motivating factor. In this paper, after presenting the statistical trends in school exclusions in Scotland, England, Glasgow and London, we mobilise original interview data to (1) explain how school exclusion reduction occurred so rapidly in Glasgow between 2007 and 2019, and (2) explore whether a similar reduction in exclusions could occur in contemporary London. We apply a theoretical framework to these issues which derives from Peters’ work on policy coordination, allowing us to compare the conditions in Glasgow and London for well‐coordinated pan‐city exclusion reduction. Building on previous research which has contrasted national school exclusion policies in Scotland and England, we conclude that policy conditions surrounding school exclusion in the two cities differ substantially. There are substantial barriers to significant exclusion reduction in London, relating to both city‐ and national‐level factors. There barriers include competition between different agencies working in relevant policy spaces; the fragmentation of the city's education system; the need for better incentivisation of inclusion by Ofsted and the Department for Education; and particular challenges to reframing the issue of school exclusion in London.
Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on clinical presentation, treatments, and outcomes of new breast cancer patients: A retrospective multicenter cohort study
Authors: Guével Etienne , Priou Sonia , Lamé Guillaume , Wassermann Johanna , Bey Romain , Uzan Catherine , Chatellier Gilles , Belkacemi Yazid , Tannier Xavier , Guillerm Sophie , Flicoteaux Rémi , Gligorov Joseph , Cohen Ariel , Benderra Marc‐Antoine , Teixeira Luis , Daniel Christel , Hersant Barbara , Tournigand Christophe , Kempf Emmanuelle ,   the Assistance Publique–Hôpitaux de Paris (AP‐HP) Cancer Group, a Cancer Research Application on Big Data (CRAB) initiative
Published: November 2023

Background

The SARS CoV‐2 pandemic disrupted healthcare systems. We compared the cancer stage for new breast cancers (BCs) before and during the pandemic.

Methods

We performed a retrospective multicenter cohort study on the data warehouse of Greater Paris University Hospitals (AP‐HP). We identified all female patients newly referred with a BC in 2019 and 2020. We assessed the timeline of their care trajectories, initial tumor stage, and treatment received: BC resection, exclusive systemic therapy, exclusive radiation therapy, or exclusive best supportive care (BSC). We calculated patients' 1‐year overall survival (OS) and compared indicators in 2019 and 2020.

Results

In 2019 and 2020, 2055 and 1988, new BC patients underwent cancer treatment, and during the two lockdowns, the BC diagnoses varied by −18% and by +23% compared to 2019. De novo metastatic tumors (15% and 15%, p = 0.95), pTNM and ypTNM distributions of 1332 cases with upfront resection and of 296 cases with neoadjuvant therapy did not differ (p = 0.37, p = 0.3). The median times from first multidisciplinary meeting and from diagnosis to treatment of 19 days (interquartile 11–39 days) and 35 days (interquartile 22–65 days) did not differ. Access to plastic surgery (15% and 17%, p = 0.08) and to treatment categories did not vary: tumor resection (73% and 72%), exclusive systemic therapy (13% and 14%), exclusive radiation therapy (9% and 9%), exclusive BSC (5% and 5%) (p = 0.8). Among resected patients, the neoadjuvant therapy rate was lower in 2019 (16%) versus 2020 (20%) (p = 0.02). One‐year OS rates were 99.3% versus 98.9% (HR = 0.96; 95% CI, 0.77–1.2), 72.6% versus 76.6% (HR = 1.28; 95% CI, 0.95–1.72), 96.6% versus 97.8% (HR = 1.09; 95% CI, 0.61–1.94), and 15.5% versus 15.1% (HR = 0.99; 95% CI, 0.72–1.37), in the treatment groups.

Conclusions

Despite a decrease in the number of new BCs, there was no tumor stage shift, and OS did not vary.
Absolute lung cancer risk increases among individuals with >15 quit‐years: Analyses to inform the update of the American Cancer Society lung cancer screening guidelines
Authors: Landy Rebecca , Cheung Li C. , Young Corey D. , Chaturvedi Anil K. , Katki Hormuzd A.
Published: November 2023

Background

This report quantifies counteracting effects of quit‐years and concomitant aging on lung cancer risk, especially on exceeding 15 quit‐years, when the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends curtailing lung‐cancer screening.

Methods

Cox models were fitted to estimate absolute lung cancer risk among Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial (PLCO) and National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) participants who ever smoked. Absolute lung cancer risk and gainable years of life from screening for individuals aged 50 to 80 in the US‐representative National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) 2015–2018 who ever smoked were projected. Relaxing USPSTF recommendations to 20/25/30 quit‐years versus augmenting USPSTF criteria with individuals whose estimated gain in life expectancy from screening exceeded 16.2 days according to the Life Years From Screening‐CT (LYFS‐CT) prediction model was compared.

Results

Absolute lung cancer risk increased by 8.7%/year (95% CI, 7.7%–9.7%; p < .001) as individuals aged beyond 15 quit‐years in the PLCO, with similar results in NHIS and NLST. For example, mean 5‐year lung cancer risk for those aged 65 years with 15 quit‐years = 1.47% (95% CI, 1.35%–1.59%) versus 1.76% (95% CI, 1.62%–1.90%) for those aged 70 years with 20 quit‐years in the PLCO. Removing the quit‐year criterion would make 4.9 million more people eligible and increase the proportion of preventable lung cancer deaths prevented (sensitivity) from 63.7% to 74.2%. Alternatively, augmentation using LYFS‐CT would make 1.7 million more people eligible while increasing the lung cancer death sensitivity to 74.0%.

Conclusions

Because of aging, absolute lung cancer risk increases beyond 15 quit‐years, which does not support exemption from screening or curtailing screening once it has been initiated. Compared with relaxing the USPSTF quit‐year criterion, augmentation using LYFS‐CT could prevent most of the deaths at substantially superior efficiency, while also preventing deaths among individuals who currently smoke with low intensity or long duration.
Spatial–temporal evolution and correlation analysis between habitat quality and landscape patterns based on land use change in Shaanxi Province, China
Authors: Gu Li , Yan Jiabo , Li Yurong , Gong Zhiwen
Published: November 2023

Regional habitat quality is an important reflection of ecosystem services and ecosystem health. Exploring the characteristics of habitat quality changes and revealing the vulnerability of regional ecosystems caused could provide reference for the improvement of ecological service functions and the protection of regional ecological environment. Based on remote sensing data of Shaanxi Province from 2000 to 2015, InVEST model and grid analysis were used to analyze the evolution characteristics of habitat quality and landscape pattern, and spatial autocorrelation was also used to analyze the spatial correlation and temporal evolution characteristics. The results showed: (1) Arable land, grassland, and forest land were the main landscape types in Shaanxi province, accounting for more than 94% of the total area, and the arable land and unused land showed a decreasing trend, while the grassland and forest land showed an increasing trend, and the proportion of construction land continued to increase with the rapid economic development from 2000 to 2015; (2) The spatial distribution characteristics of habitat quality was similar to land use cover change, which was “high in the southern and central forest areas, low in the northern sandy land and central urban agglomeration”, and habitat quality value showed a steady increase, indicating that the habitat quality was getting better; (3) The landscape pattern index values of Guanzhong Plain urban agglomeration changed significantly, which tended to be fragmented, and the landscape types were more diverse and uniform; (4) There were obvious spatial correlation between habitat quality and landscape pattern, and the spatial differentiation of clustering was obvious, and the clustering effect of habitat quality and landscape pattern characteristics would weaken with the increase in urbanization degree. The analysis of the spatial association between habitat quality and landscape pattern could provide scientific support for ecological protection and landscape planning.
Temperature and predators as interactive drivers of community properties
Authors: DeLong John P. , Coblentz Kyle E. , Uiterwaal Stella F. , Akwani Chika , Salsbery Miranda E.
Published: November 2023

The effects of warming on ecological communities emerge from a range of potentially asymmetric impacts on individual physiology and development. Understanding these responses, however, is limited by our ability to connect mechanisms or emergent patterns across the many processes that drive variation in demography. Further complicating this understanding is the gain or loss of predators to many communities, which may interact with changes in temperature to drive community change. Here we conducted a factorial warming and predation experiment to test generalized predictions about responses to warming. We used microcosms with a range of protists, rotifers, and a gastrotrich, with and without the predator Actinosphaerium, to assess changes in diversity, body size, function, and composition in response to warming. We find that community respiration and predator:prey biovolume ratios peak at intermediate temperatures, while species richness declined with temperature. We also found that overall biomass increased with species richness, driven by the effect of temperature on richness. There was little evidence of an interaction between predation and temperature change, likely because the predator was mostly limited to the intermediate temperatures. Overall, our results suggest that general predictions about community change are still challenging to make but may benefit by considering multiple dimensions of community patterns in an integrated way.
The declines of heterogeneity and stability in diatom communities are associated with human activity
Authors: Wang Rong , Zheng Wenxiu , Xu Min , Yang Hui
Published: November 2023

Anthropogenic forcing caused the biodiversity loss and stability decline of communities. There is still controversy over whether the decline in biodiversity will lead to a decrease in community stability. The stability of biological communities is related to both biodiversity and structure, and this paper aims to reveal the human impacts on diatom communities' biodiversity and structure. We studied the richness, β‐diversity and network distance of diatom communities in Qinghai‐Xizang, Yunnan‐Sichuan and Lower Yangtze River Basin, China through empirical dataset and simulation method. The results showed that the diatoms richness in the Qinghai‐Xizang and the Yunnan‐Sichuan region was lower and the network distance was higher than that of the Lower Yangtze River Basin. β‐diversity in the Lower Yangtze River Basin was the lowest and the diatom network distance responds negatively to human population densities in China. The simulation showed that the network distance kept constant during random species loss, and declined while specialist species were lost or replaced by generalist species. The results suggested diatom communities' homogeneity and stability decline were associated with human activities. Human impacts may cause biodiversity loss targeted to specialist species or no biodiversity loss while generalist species replace those specialist species. This study showed that how diversity changes determined ecological stability depends on the type of species changes.
B‐cell maturation antigen chimeric antigen receptor‐T therapy alleviated heart failure in patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Wang Yunhong , Zhang Ke , Suo Xiaohui , Meng Ning , Gu Yuanrui , Qin Yilang , Tu Yanxia , Zhang Xiaohui , Sun Guofeng , Ji Jiaojiao , Wu Weichun , Cai Yuqi , Yang Kai , Ouyang Chenxi , Qi Junyuan
Published: November 2023

Patients with multiple myeloma (MM) are likely to achieve poor therapeutic response when organs are involved. We produced anti‐B‐cell maturation antigen (BCMA) chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)‐T cells, which are in a trial for patients with relapsed/refractory MM. One enrolled patient developed severe heart failure, highly suspected as light chain cardiac amyloidosis. He exhibited increased N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide with a peak of 32 299 ng/mL and heart failure with an ejection fraction of 30%. Anti‐BCMA CAR‐T cells were administered following lymphodepletion. The patient achieved cardiac response within 1 week with a decrease in N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide by 80%, an increase in ejection fraction from 30% to 56%, and a haematological response with negative minimal residual disease at 1 month and a complete response at 1 year. To date, this patient has maintained good health without heart failure or haematological relapse. Herein, we show the efficacy of anti‐BCMA CAR‐T cells in patients with MM and severe heart failure.
gem‐Difluoro‐3‐azabicyclo[3.n.1]alkanes and Their Derivatives – Bicyclic Fluorinated Piperidine Isosteres for Drug Discovery
Authors: Kihakh Serhii , Melnykov Kostiantyn P. , Bilenko Vitalii , Trofymchuk Serhii , Liashuk Oleksandr S. , Grygorenko Oleksandr O.
Published: November 2023

An approach to gem‐difluoro‐3‐azabicyclo[3.n.1]alkane‐ derived building blocks through double‐Mannich addition– deoxofluorination sequence is described. The scope of the method was demonstrated for a series of saturated (hetero)cyclic ketones or ketoesters (including five‐ to seven‐membered cycloalkane derivatives and N‐, O‐, S‐containing saturated heterocycles). Further transformations of functional groups produced various bifunctionalized difluorinated building blocks, namely, N‐protected aminoacids, mono‐N‐Boc‐protected diamines, and unprotected aminoalcohols in good to excellent overall yields. For the azabicyclo[3.3.1]alkane series, a potential for isosteric replacements is demonstrated by evaluation of the key physicochemical properties (i. e., pKa(H) and LogP).
The impact of sediment flux and calibre on flood risk in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
Authors: Thapa Saraswati , Sinclair Hugh D. , Creed Maggie J. , Mudd Simon M. , Attal Mikael , Borthwick Alistair G. L. , Ghimire Bhola N. , Watson C. Scott
Published: November 2023

This paper investigates how variations in sediment supply, grain size distribution and climate change affect channel morphology and flood inundation in the Nakkhu River, Kathmandu, Nepal. Climate change‐induced extreme rainfall is expected to increase flood intensity and frequency, causing severe flooding in the Kathmandu basin. The upper reaches of the Nakkhu River are susceptible to landslides and have been impacted by large‐scale sand mining. We simulate potential erosion and deposition scenarios along a 14 km reach of the Nakkhu River using the landscape evolution model CAESAR‐Lisflood with a 10 m digital elevation model, field‐derived sediment grain size data, daily discharge records and flood forecast models. In a series of numerical experiments, we compare riverbed profiles, cross‐sections, flood extent and flow depths for three scenarios (1.2‐, 85‐ and 1000‐year return period floods). For each scenario, the model is first run without sediment transport and then with sediment transport for three grain size distributions (GSDs) (observed average, finer and coarser). In all cases, the inclusion of sediment led to predicted floods of a larger extent than estimated without sediment. The sediment grain size distribution was found to have a significant influence on predicted river morphology and flood inundation, especially for lower magnitude, higher probability flood events. The results emphasise the importance of including sediment transport in hydrological models when predicting flood inundation in sediment‐rich rivers such as those in and around the Himalaya.
Green synthesis and characterization of CdO nanoparticles from Crocus sativus: A promising material for hydrogen gas storage
Authors: Ismail Shaymaa N. , Ali Ehab M. , Abdul Hussien Adi M. , Alheety Mustafa A.
Published: November 2023

This study aims to environmentally synthesize and fully characterize CdO nanoparticles by utilizing an eco‐friendly process that involves Crocus sativus in its reaction with cadmium ions. The CdO nanoparticles underwent characterization, and their purity was confirmed through XRD and UV‐Vis spectroscopy. Additionally, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscopy revealed that the prepared cadmium oxide nanoparticles exhibited polymorphism, with diameters ranging between 42 and 67 nm. Furthermore, the Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy showed the main bands of cadmium oxide at 1047, 542, and 1310 cm−1. Furthermore, the cadmium oxide nanoparticles were employed in a study focusing on gas storage, particularly hydrogen (H2) storage. The results of the hydrogen storage study demonstrate that the maximum H2 uptake reached 2.85 Wt.%H2 at a pressure of 69 bar at 77 K, with ∆H = 0.62607 KJ/mol H2 and ∆S = 3.35697 J/mol H2·K. Moreover, thermodynamic investigations at four different temperatures confirm that the maximum H2 uptake can be achieved within a pressure range of 69–86.2 bar.