bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Commentaries on “The case for qualitative research”
Authors: Thompson Craig J. , Mick David Glen , van Osselaer Stijn M. J. , Huber Joel
Published: April 2022

In this article, three scholars comment on Fischer and Guzel's (2023) method dialog. The process included initial open discussions between the authors and a number of reviewers. Then commentators provide interpretation and guidance on the published version. All three comments applaud the clear justification for qualitative research and guidance on how it should be enacted, but differ on how JCP readers should prioritize and evaluate quantitative research. Craig Thompson takes a broad philosophy of science perspective building on the inseparability from the topics that are qualitatively studied. That ontology focuses on a context‐based deep understanding of the individual's history, society, and environment. In his role as Associate Editor for JCP, he is uniquely qualified to expand the focus at JCP to be more in line with fields like cognitive anthropology or cultural psychology that accept qualitative and quantitative research. David Mick for his part examines the dialogue from a perspective of psychology broadly defined, generating examples from leaders in analytical and humanistic psychology such as Freud, Maslow, and Rogers. Citing his own qualitative work, he acknowledges difficulties with replication, but recommends case‐based replication within the norms of qualitative research. Finally, Stijn van Osselaer applauds the way qualitative research provides insights that are difficult or impossible to gather using quantitative methods. He encourages (1) quantitative researchers to adopt qualitative researchers' focus on induction and abduction, (2) quantitative researchers to incorporate qualitative studies in their quantitative articles, and (3) both qualitative and quantitative researchers to speak to each other's literatures.
The case for qualitative research
Authors: Fischer Eileen , Guzel Gulay Taltekin
Published: April 2022

This paper makes the case that there is considerable untapped potential for qualitative research to make theoretical contributions that will advance our collective insights on consumer psychology. The paper explains some features that distinguish qualitative research from other approaches and addresses some common misperceptions about it. It explains why qualitative research—which is geared toward theory development and refinement—can be such as useful took in the kit of researchers seeking insights on consumer psychology. It then outlines a qualitative research process suitable for crafting conceptual contributions to consumer psychology and offers a set of criteria that are appropriate and inappropriate for adjudicating qualitative research of this kind. In all, we make the case that the conditions are in place for JCP to be a vibrant platform for publishing research based on qualitative methods.
Examining the relationship between AP STEM course‐taking and college major selection: Gender and racial differences
Authors: Jewett Elizabeth C. , Chen Rong
Published: April 2022

Background

To meet the growing demand for the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce and remain competitive in the fields of science and technology over the next decade, the United States is expected to need more than 1 million additional STEM professionals. This would require an annual increase of 34% in undergraduate STEM degrees over the next decade to meet the projected need.

Purpose

This study examined the relationship between Advanced Placement (AP) STEM course‐taking in high school and selection of college STEM majors and whether the relationship differs by gender and race/ethnicity.

Design/Method

For controlling student and school factors, a binary logistic regression model with the clustered standard error was utilized to determine the relationship between AP STEM course‐taking and STEM major selection. Multinomial logistic regression was conducted to further understand how AP STEM course‐taking was associated with engineering major selection. The analysis included a series of interaction effects tests, examining the variation of gender and racial/ethnic differences in STEM and, more specifically, engineering major selection as a function of AP STEM course‐taking.

Results

Findings indicate gender and AP STEM course exposure are significant in predicting STEM major selection. Interaction effects test results further show that the relationship between AP STEM course‐taking and STEM major selection varies significantly by gender. A similar pattern is found in the relationship between AP STEM course‐taking and engineering major selection.

Conclusion

This study provides much‐needed empirical evidence to understand the relationships between AP STEM courses course‐taking in high school and the selection of college STEM majors and how such relationships vary by race/ethnicity and gender. Additional research is encouraged to inform future educators and policymakers in promoting equity for students in pursuing paths to STEM and, more specifically, engineering‐related careers.
Higher recipient pre‐transplant FOXP3 mRNA expression is associated with acute leukaemia relapse after HSCT
Authors: Jacobsen Niels , Frisch Tina , Keiding Niels , Heilmann Carsten , Sengeløv Henrik , Madsen Hans O. , Dickmeiss Ebbe , Ryder Lars P.
Published: April 2022

The effect of higher FOXP3 mRNA expression by recipient pre‐transplant CD4+ T cells on leukaemia relapse was analysed in a series of 106 patients who received allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation after myeloablative conditioning with or without antithymocyte globulin (ATG) due to acute leukaemia in 1st or 2nd complete remission. FOXP3 mRNA was measured by qPCR in purified CD4+ T cells from blood obtained before conditioning. Higher FOXP3 mRNA expression was associated with an increased relapse risk when conditioning included ATG (n = 43, hazard ratio [HR] 11.0 [2.50–48.4], p = 0.00001). No effect was observed in patients not receiving ATG (HR 0.95 [0.53–1.81]).
How longitudinal observational studies can guide screening strategy for rare diseases
Authors: Mütze Ulrike , Mengler Katharina , Boy Nikolas , Gleich Florian , Opladen Thomas , Garbade Sven F. , Kölker Stefan
Published: April 2022

Newborn screening (NBS) is an important secondary prevention program, aiming to shift the paradigm of medicine to the pre‐clinical stage of a disease. Starting more than 50 years ago, technical advances, such as tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), paved the way to a continuous extension of NBS programs. However, formal evidence of the long‐term clinical benefits in large cohorts and cost‐effectiveness of extended NBS programs is still scarce. Although published studies confirmed important benefits of NBS programs, it also unraveled a significant number of limitations. These include an incompletely understood natural history and phenotypic diversity of some screened diseases, unreliable early and precise prediction of individual disease severity, uncertainty about case definition, risk stratification, and indication to treat, resulting in a diagnostic and treatment dilemma in individuals with ambiguous screening and confirmatory test results. Interoperable patient registries are multi‐purpose tools that could help to close the current knowledge gaps and to inform further optimization of NBS strategy. Standing at the edge of introducing high throughput genetic technologies to NBS programs with the opportunity to massively extend NBS programs and with the risk of aggravating current limitations of NBS programs, it seems overdue to include mandatory long‐term follow‐up of NBS cohorts into the list of screening principles and to build an international collaborative framework that enables data collection and exchange in a protected environment, integrating the perspectives of patients, families, and the society.
Herpesvirus infections in adenoids in patients with chronic adenotonsillar disease
Authors: Ivaska Lotta E. , Silvoniemi Antti , Mikola Emilia , Puhakka Tuomo , Waris Matti , Vuorinen Tytti , Jartti Tuomas
Published: April 2022

Adenoids and tonsils have gained interest as a new in vivo model to study local immune functions and virus reservoirs. Especially herpesviruses are interesting because their prevalence and persistence in local lymphoid tissue are incompletely known. Our aim was to study herpesvirus and common respiratory virus infections in nonacutely ill adenotonsillar surgery patients. Adenoid and/or palatine tonsil tissue and nasopharyngeal aspirate (NPA) samples were collected from elective adenoidectomy (n = 45) and adenotonsillectomy (n = 44) patients (median age: 5, range: 1–20). Real‐time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect 22 distinct viruses from collected samples. The overall prevalence of herpesviruses was 89% and respiratory viruses 94%. Human herpesviruses 6 (HHV6), 7 (HHV7), and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) were found, respectively, in adenoids (33%, 26%, 25%), tonsils (45%, 52%, 23%), and NPA (46%, 38%, 25%). Copy numbers of the HHV6 and HHV7 genome were significantly higher in tonsils than in adenoids. Patients with intra‐adenoid HHV6 were younger than those without. Detection rates of EBV and HHV7 showed agreement between corresponding sample types. This study shows that adenoid and tonsil tissues commonly harbor human herpes‐ and respiratory viruses, and it shows the differences in virus findings between sample types.
The influence of isolated femur and tibia rotations on patellar tendon stress: A sensitivity analysis using finite element analysis
Authors: Park Kyungmi , Keyak Joyce H. , Powers Christopher M.
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of frontal and transverse plane rotations of the femur and tibia on peak maximum principal stress in the patellar tendon. Using finite element modeling, patellar tendon stress profiles of eight healthy individuals were obtained during a simulated squatting task (45° of knee flexion). The femur and tibia of each model were rotated 10° (in 2° increments) along their respective axes beyond that of the natural degree of rotation. This process was repeated for the transverse plane (internal and external rotation) and frontal plane (adduction and abduction). Quasi‐static loading simulations were performed to quantify peak maximum principal stress in patellar tendon. Internal and external rotations of the femur and tibia that exceeded 4° beyond that of the natural rotation resulted in progressively greater patellar tendon stress (p < 0.05). Incremental femur and tibia adduction and abduction resulted in an increase in patellar tendon stress, but only at the end range of motions evaluated. These results suggest that tibiofemoral rotations in the frontal and transverse planes have the potential to influence patellar tendon stress. In particular, patellar tendon stress is highly sensitive to small degrees of tibia and/or femur motions in the transverse plane.
Metabolic regulation of intrasynovial flexor tendon repair: The effects of dichloroacetate administration on early tendon healing in a canine model
Authors: Gelberman Richard H. , Lane Ryan A. , Sakiyama‐Elbert Shelly E. , Thomopoulos Stavros , Shen Hua
Published: April 2022

Enriched in glycolytic enzymes, paucicellular and hypovascular intrasynovial flexor tendons fail to mount an effective healing response after injury and repair. In contrast, well‐vascularized extrasynovial flexor tendons possess high levels of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) enzymes and have a markedly improved healing capacity. This study was designed to compare the metabolic profiles of the two types of tendons and to evaluate the impact of metabolic reprogramming on early intrasynovial tendon healing in a clinically relevant canine model. Results showed that healthy intrasynovial tendons expressed higher levels of PDK1 and GAPDH and lower levels of SCX and IGF1 than did extrasynovial tendons. PDK1 encodes a subtype of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK) that inhibits OXPHOS. Consistently, ATP production via glycolysis was favored in intrasynovial tendon cells whereas OXPHOS was the preferred pathway in extrasynovial tendon cells. Inhibition of glycolysis in vitro increased SCX expression in intrasynovial tendon cells. Therefore, dichloroacetate (DCA), a PDK1 inhibitor, was used in vivo to shift intrasynovial tendon ATP production from glycolysis to OXPHOS. Oral DCA administration reduced serum lactate concentration and increased acetyl‐CoA content in repaired intrasynovial tendons and led to reduced TLR4 and IL1B and increased IGF1, SCX, and TGFB3 expressions in treated intrasynovial tendons compared to controls. Immunohistochemistry staining with anti‐Ki67 and anti‐CD31 antibodies revealed marked increases in cellularity and neovascularization in treated intrasynovial tendons. Clinical significance: The findings of this experiment indicate that improved gene expression and histological outcomes can be achieved by regulating glucose metabolism in the early stages following intrasynovial tendon repair.
The ins and outs of posttraumatic growth in children and adolescents: A systematic review of factors that matter
Authors: Ferris Cheyenne , O'Brien Kyle
Published: April 2022

Posttraumatic growth (PTG) refers to a positive psychological change that occurs following a seismic and highly challenging life circumstance. An individual who experiences PTG reports posttrauma development that surpasses their baseline level of pretrauma function in various domains. The present systematic review of the current literature aimed to explore factors related to the development of PTG in children and adolescents exposed to trauma. Included studies investigated a range of factors that impact PTG development in youth from five countries: the United States, Israel, China, Japan, and Norway. Studies addressed multiple types of traumatic experiences, including medical trauma, war‐ and terror‐related trauma, and environmental trauma. Findings suggested that factors that impact the development of PTG include the presence of posttraumatic stress symptoms, specifically intrusiveness, and cognitive factors, such as the use of positive reappraisal and deliberate rumination. Many factors demonstrated inconsistencies across studies, such as the impact of age, gender, social support, and parent factors. The findings from this systematic research study encourage the notion that certain clinical intervention strategies, such as deliberate rumination, positive reappraisal coping strategies, and trauma‐informed group therapy, may facilitate growth in trauma survivors. Future research should test if these intervention strategies directly impact growth and whether there is an evidence‐based form of intervention that can assist clinicians in taking a growth‐ and strengths‐based perspective after trauma.
Hemostatic Performance of ɑ‐Chitin/Gelatin Composite Sponges with Directional Pore Structure
Authors: Kang Kai , Liu Yunen , Song Xiaoqiang , Xu Lei , Zhang Wenchang , Jiao Yilai , Zhao Yan
Published: April 2022

Biomedical materials with effective hemostatic properties are in great demand in clinical and battlefield application for severe hemorrhage control. In this study, nearly amorphous chitin is obtained by treating α‐chitin with superfine grinding, and the solubility of chitin in hexafluoro‐2‐propanol (HFIP) is significantly increased. Chitin and gelatin mixtures are prepared by adding different amount of gelatin to the 8 mg mL−1 chitin solution. In the presence water (nonsolvent), the mixtures are gelled as HFIP is replaced by water, and chitin/gelatin composite sponges with directional pore structure are prepared by directional freeze drying of the hydrogel. The structure, porosity, liquid absorbing capacity, biodegradability, and hemostatic properties of the sponges with different ratios of gelatin are investigated. The results show that the sponge with the mass ratio of chitin/gelatin of 1:1 is potential hemostatic material with high absorbing capacity, hemocompatibility, and the best hemostatic performance. The in vivo study demonstrates that hemostatic time of the composite sponge (73 s) is much shorter than of that of gauze (193 s), chitin sponge (132 s) as well as gelatin sponge (116 s) in rat femoral artery injury model.
Stress corrosion behavior of scratched Alloy 690TT steam generator tube in chlorine‐containing high‐temperature pressurized water
Authors: Wu Bin , Meng Fanjiang , Zhang Zhiming , Li Rongbo , Ming Hongliang , Wang Jianqiu , Han En‐Hou
Published: April 2022

Alloy 690TT tube samples with six different scratch depths are prepared for immersion test in high‐temperature pressurized water containing chloride ions (Cl−) at 300°C. An immersion test with a duration of 1000 h shows that the scratched area with higher scratch depth has higher stress corrosion cracking sensitivity. In chloride‐containing solution, Cl− erodes preferentially into the scratched area through the weak sites such as slip bands and deformed grain boundaries, and this process is continuously promoted with the assistance of higher residual strain in this area.
Dynamics of higher‐order rational and semi‐rational soliton solutions of the coupled modified KdV lattice equation
Authors: Liu Nan , Wen Xiao‐Yong , Wang Deng‐Shan
Published: April 2022

The coupled modified KdV lattice equation is a discrete version of the coupled modified KdV equation. This paper presents the general formulae for the higher‐order rational, semi‐rational, and mixed soliton solutions in terms of determinants by constructing the generalized perturbation
‐fold Darboux transformation. Particularly, we exhibit the first‐, second‐, and third‐order rational and semi‐rational soliton solutions. Finally, numerical simulations are carried out to explore the dynamical behaviors and instability of those discrete rational and semi‐rational soliton solutions, respectively. The results would enrich our understanding on the two‐layered fluid waves near ocean shores described by the coupled modified KdV lattice equation.
Dual‐band dual‐mode monopole/spiral central antenna for WBAN applications
Authors: Farahat Asmaa E. , Hussein Khalid F. A.
Published: April 2022

This paper introduces a new design for a wireless body area network (WBAN) antenna employed as a body central antenna. The role of this central antenna is to receive the data from the on‐body and in‐body biosensors working at 2.45 GHz and transmit it off‐body to a worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMax) antenna at 5.8 GHz. The central antenna is a composite structure constructed from a spiral antenna attached to the tip of a monopole. It operates in two modes, on‐body mode at 2.45 GHz to receive data from the on‐body and in‐body biosensors and off‐body mode at 5.8 GHz to transmit data to WiMax. The antenna has a compact size and lightweight with total dimensions of 12 × 12 × 8.5 mm and a 10.8% bandwidth (BW) at 2.45 GHz to communicate with in‐ and on‐body biosensors, and wider BW of 23% at 5.8 GHz to allow for high data transmission rates to the WiMax. The radiation pattern is broadside circular symmetric at the lower operating frequency and balloon‐like with high gain at the upper‐frequency band. The gain at the lower‐ and upper‐frequency bands is 4.9 and 7.1 dBi, respectively. A prototype is fabricated for the monopole/spiral body central antenna. Experimental measurements for the reflection coefficient and the radiation patterns are performed showing good agreement with the simulation results.
Modeling of heat transfer distribution in tumor breast cancer during microwave ablation therapy
Authors: Selmi Marwa , Iqbal Amjad , Smida Amor , Waly Mohamed Ibrahim , Belmabrouk Hafedh
Published: April 2022

Microwave (MW) ablation is a strong tool that has been used in clinical therapy for numerous cancer tumors. This method takes advantage of the heat from MW energy produced by an antenna to destroy cancer cells without causing damage to the healthy tissue. This technique's efficiency is correlated to the temperature reached during the MW process. The antenna immersed in a tissue radiates a power that heats the living tissue, that is, the cancer cells and their environment. The administered power leads to a temperature increase that should attain a particular level to enable the killing of the dangerous cancer cells. On the other hand, it should not exceed another level to preserve healthy cells. Bioheat and electromagnetic equations are used to model the thermal ablation process. The finite element method is used to solve the governing equations used to model the process. This article is devoted to studying the influence of the type of antenna on the temperature distribution in the breast tissue, the specific absorption rate (SAR), and the amount of the necrotic tissue. Two configurations have been investigated, namely, a single‐ or a double‐slot antenna. The obtained results reveal that the temperature, SAR, and the fraction of necrotic of the breast tissue are higher when a single‐slot antenna is used. In addition, the input MW power has an important effect on the results. Some precautions should be taken in advance to prevent the temperature from rising to 50°C, which may induce damage to healthy cells.
Synthetic CT generation based on CBCT using respath‐cycleGAN
Authors: Deng Liwei , Hu Jie , Wang Jing , Huang Sijuan , Yang Xin
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) plays an important role in radiotherapy, but the presence of a large number of artifacts limits its application. The purpose of this study was to use respath‐cycleGAN to synthesize CT (sCT) similar to planning CT (pCT) from CBCT for future clinical practice.

Methods

The method integrates the respath concept into the original cycleGAN, called respath‐cycleGAN, to map CBCT to pCT. Thirty patients were used for training and 15 for testing.

Results

The mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR), structural similarity index (SSIM), and spatial nonuniformity (SNU) were calculated to assess the quality of sCT generated from CBCT. Compared with CBCT images, the MAE improved from 197.72 to 140.7, RMSE from 339.17 to 266.51, and PSNR from 22.07 to 24.44, while SSIM increased from 0.948 to 0.964. Both visually and quantitatively, sCT with respath is superior to sCT without respath. We also performed a generalization test of the head‐and‐neck (H&N) model on a pelvic data set. The results again showed that our model was superior.

Conclusion

We developed a respath‐cycleGAN method to synthesize CT with good quality from CBCT. In future clinical practice, this method may be used to develop radiotherapy plans.
Severity of alcohol dependence and mortality after 20 years in an adult general population sample
Authors: John Ulrich , Rumpf Hans‐Jürgen , Hanke Monika , Meyer Christian
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To estimate mortality on grounds of the severity of alcohol dependence which has been assessed by two approaches: the frequency of alcohol dependence symptoms (FADS) and the number of alcohol dependence criteria (NADC).

Methods

A random sample of adult community residents in northern Germany at age 18 to 64 had been interviewed in 1996. Among 4075 study participants at baseline, for 4028 vital status was ascertained 20 years later. The FADS was assessed by the Severity of Alcohol Dependence Scale among the 780 study participants who had one or more symptoms of alcohol dependence or abuse and vital status information. The NADC was estimated by the Munich Composite International Diagnostic Interview among 4028 study participants with vital status information. Cox proportional hazard models were used.

Results

The age‐adjusted hazard ratio for the FADS (value range: 0–79) was 1.02 (95% confidence interval, CI: 1.016–1.028), for the NADC (value range: 0–7) it was 1.25 (CI: 1.19–1.32).

Conclusions

The FADS and NADC predicted time to death in a dose‐dependent manner in this adult general population sample.
The quality of life of older adults acutely admitted to the emergency department: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Elkjær Mette , Primdahl Jette , Mogensen Christian B. , Brabrand Mikkel , Gram Bibi
Published: April 2022

Aim

To investigate perceptions of individual QoL among acutely admitted older adults and explore whether homecare and readmission were associated with QoL.

Design

A cross‐sectional study at three Danish Emergency Departments.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews, using the Schedule for the Evaluation of Individual Quality of Life – Direct Weighting (SEIQol‐DW) (range 0–100) with patients ≥65 years, were conducted from August 2018 to July 2019. The differences between patients receiving homecare (yes/no) and readmission (yes/no) were tested using linear regression analyses with bootstrap procedures.

Results

Overall, we included 406 patients, of whom 38% received homecare. The mean SEIQoL‐DW‐score was 76 (SD = 19). The most important areas of individual QoL were Family, Social activities, Health, Everyday life and Leisure activities. Receiving homecare was associated to a significantly lower QoL score: −8 (SE = 2) and a significantly lower score in the categories Family and Health. There was no association between readmission and QoL.
Dual driven mechanism (hygro‐redox) semi‐interpenetrating polymer network composite film (polyaniline‐polyacrylic acid/sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone)) for artificial muscles
Authors: Kareem Haval , Langrock Alex , Auletta Jeffrey , Mahoney Luther , Hallinan Daniel , Kim Hyun , Leff Asher C. , Tran Dat T. , Mackie David
Published: April 2022

Different weight ratios of polyaniline (PANI) to poly (acrylic acid) (PAA) were synthesized as interpenetrating polymer networks and blended with sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) (SPEEK). In‐situ polymerization was performed by chemical oxidation of aniline in the presence of PAA. The composites showed actuation capability in the presence of fuel/air and moisture. Mechanical testing indicated that samples with higher concentration of PAA were stronger. For instance, PANI1PAA2SPEEK3 breaks at 8.4 MPa and has a failure strain of 2.5%, which is higher than PANI3PAA1SPEEK3 at 7 MPa and 2%. However, higher amount of PAA resulted in a lower electrochemical conductivity of 1.52 × 10−2 S/cm for the former and 1.8 × 10−2 S/cm for the latter. Intermolecular interaction at the optimum composition is necessary to induce forward and reverse bending of catalyst coated composite under exposure of fuel and air. In addition, the formation of compact structures and rough surfaces resulted in the maximal contractile strain of 1% for PANI3PAA1SPEEK3 based on moisture actuation.
Physico–mechanical properties of poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate)/acrylonitrile‐butadiene rubber/multi‐walled carbon nanotubes nanocomposites
Authors: Razavi‐Nouri Mohammad , Salavati Masoud
Published: April 2022

The influence of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on thermal, mechanical and wetting properties as well as rheological behavior of poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) (EVA)/acrylonitrile‐butadiene rubber nanocomposites were studied. The solid surface free energy (), work of adhesion (), interfacial free energy (), spreading coefficient () and Girifalco‐Good's interaction parameter () were calculated for the materials fabricated. The results showed that the contact angle and decreased; however, , , , and increased with the increase in MWCNTs content. The maximum tensile strength and toughness were obtained for the nanocomposite containing 1 wt% nanofillers. It was also found that both of the relaxation ratio (Rr) and relaxation rate index (n) decreased with increasing in the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) concentration. The results designated that the values of Rr and n for the nanocomposite containing 7 wt% MWCNTs were 19% and 60% smaller than those of the unfilled blend, respectively. The Casson plot analysis indicated that the yield stress of the molten materials incremented with the increase in MWCNTs loading according to a quadratic equation. The analysis of crystallization exotherms and melting endotherms revealed that CNTs triggered the crystallization process at slightly higher temperature, however, melting point slightly and the rate of nucleation noticeably reduced with the increase in the nanofillers content.
Hole transport and current–voltage characteristics of PEO/PVP/cobalt nitrate polymer blend electrolytes
Authors: Kamath Archana , Hundekal Devendrappa
Published: April 2022

Hole transport properties and Current–Voltage characteristics of the single‐layer device in an inverted structure were investigated with spin‐coated PEO/PVP/Cobalt nitrate polyblend electrolyte film as an active layer. A strong correlation between morphology and ionic conductivity was confirmed through XRD, DSC‐TGA, SEM and fluorescence spectroscopic techniques. The optical band gap values are in good agreement with the electrochemical band gap. Schottky diode measurements confirmed the formation of p‐type semiconductors with PEO/PVP bulk films with cobalt nitrate as a dopant at room temperature. The I‐V characteristics are strongly dependent on the salt concentration in the polymer blend. The parameters of diodes such as barrier height, saturation current, and charge carrier concentration were calculated from I‐V characteristics. From C‐V characteristics a charge carrier concentration in the range of 1022 cm−3 was obtained for the highest concentration of cobalt nitrate salt in the PEO/PVP blend. A very low energy barrier for hole injection at the anode ΔEh = 0.28 eV was observed.
Global prediction of the energy yields for hybrid perovskite/Si tandem and Si heterojunction single solar modules
Authors: Kato Yoshitsune , Katayama Hirotaka , Kobayashi Tomoya , Kozawa Masayuki , Nishigaki Yukinori , Kobayashi Tomonao , Kinden Yosuke , Oiwake Kohei , Ishihara Ryo , Matsui Taisuke , Aya Youichirou , Hashiguchi Taiki , Kanematsu Daiji , Terakawa Akira , Fujiwara Hiroyuki
Published: April 2022

A strong expectation exists for a two‐terminal hybrid perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell for generating substantially higher output power. Nevertheless, a high tandem cell efficiency under the standard condition does not guarantee high power generation in outdoor environment due to the requirement of current matching in a tandem device. Here, we predict the global energy yields of hybrid perovskite/Si tandem and Si heterojunction single modules by establishing a new rigorous self‐consistent model that performs full device simulations incorporating all fundamental time‐varying parameters affecting the module power output. In particular, the temperature dependences of the optical and electrical characteristics are modeled explicitly and reliable model parameters are extracted from an industry‐compatible Si heterojunction single cell (23.27% efficiency with a 120 μm wafer thickness), whereas ideal cell characteristics are assumed for a hybrid perovskite top cell. Our simulation approach is justified from the remarkable agreement with experimental results. We find that the tandem architecture improves a module energy yield in all places by a maximum of 1.6 times, compared with a state‐of‐the‐art Si heterojunction single module. Importantly, the annual energy yields of the tandem and single modules scale linearly with annual sun irradiation, even with the requirement of the current matching in the case of the tandem device, and the ratio of the tandem and single energy yields is governed essentially by the module efficiency ratio obtained under standard conditions. We have further revealed the climate‐dependent energy yield variation with a magnitude of ~5% based on Köppen‐Geiger climate classification. Moreover, the optimization of the top‐cell band gap based on real meteorological data shows that the optimum top‐cell gap needs to be increased at a place with a lower solar irradiation.
Bullying in school and cyberbullying among adolescents without and with special educational needs in emotional–social development and in learning in Germany
Authors: Schütz Jessica , Bäker Neele , Koglin Ute
Published: April 2022

Bullying in school and cyberbullying are highly relevant issues. Students with special educational needs in emotional–social development and learning show individual characteristics that could be risk factors for bullying perpetration and victimization (e.g., externalizing behavior problems or poor social skills). Therefore, the present study was carried out to explore differences in school bullying and cyberbullying between adolescents without and with the aforementioned special educational needs. A cross‐sectional questionnaire study was carried out with N = 649 (Mage = 13.66, SD = 2.17, 61% boys and 39% girls) participants from Lower Saxony (Germany). Analyses of covariance only revealed differences regarding school bullying. Adolescents with special educational needs in emotional–social development were significantly more often bullying perpetrators. For the victim role, there are no differences between the groups without and with special educational needs in emotional–social development and in learning. The externalizing behavior problems of adolescents were considered to be the main predictor of bullying behavior and victim experiences. To imply targeted bullying interventions and preventions further research is needed focusing on characteristics, risk, and protective factors of special educational needs in emotional–social development.
Taking chiral polymers toward immune regulation
Authors: Ahmed Wajiha , Karabaliev Miroslav , Gao Changyou
Published: April 2022

The implanted materials and devices can be recognized by the immune system, which in turn mediate the immune microenvironment of tissues. The immune system in mammals is composed of diverse components such as immune cells, cytokines, radicals and antibodies etc. Chiral polymers with good biocompatibility, tailorable ability and ease of fabrication are excellent candidates for diverse biomedical applications. Different chiral biomaterials have been investigated to study the interactions of immune cells and the resulted immune responses, but the effects of chiral polymers on immune regulation are less tackled. Tailoring the chemical and physical properties of chiral polymers can lead to beneficial immune responses. This review focuses on the different fabrication strategies of chiral polymers and interactions of chiral polymers with immune cells and other biological components. The adhesion and interaction patterns of chiral polymers with immune cells, changes in shapes and characteristics of cells, release or inhibition of cytokines, and resulting response are discussed in the review.
Impact of creative art therapy on fatigue and quality of life in patients treated for localized breast cancer: A randomized study
Authors: Joly Florence , Pasquier David , Levy Christelle , Mousseau Mireille , D’Almeida Marie‐Christine , Noal Sabine , Le Tinier Florence , Geffrelot Julien , Ciais Catherine , Szymczak Viviane , Leon Catherine , Rousselot Marie Pierre , Darbas Stephanie , Hanzen Chantal , Heutte Natacha
Published: April 2022

Background

Art therapy (AT) as supportive care may help patients cope with cancer treatments. This non‐blinded randomized trial assessed the impact of creative AT on severe fatigue and quality of life (QoL) in localized breast cancer patients undergoing irradiation.

Material and Methods

320 patients were randomized to an AT group (ATG; 8 weekly sessions starting during irradiation) or to a standard group (SG). The primary endpoint was severe global fatigue (Functional Assessment of Chronic Therapy Fatigue subscale score <37) at 1 month post‐irradiation. Quality of life (Fact‐B), anxiety/depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)) and different dimensions of fatigue 20‐item Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI‐20) were assessed at 1, 6 and 12 months post‐irradiation. The secondary endpoints, fatigue among patients treated with chemotherapy, QoL (Fact‐B), anxiety/depression (HADS) and different dimensions of fatigue (MFI‐20) at 1, 6 and 12 months post‐irradiation (with post hoc analysis in patients with treated with chemotherapy) were also assessed.

Results

82% of patients completed ≥8 sessions. Severe initial global fatigue was observed in 43% of patients in each group, and among in 64% of patients whose treatment protocol contained chemotherapy. At 1 month post‐irradiation, 45% in the ATG and 57% of patients in the SG reported severe global fatigue (p = 0.37); among patients with initial severe mental fatigue (MFF), 79% and 44% had improved MFF (p = 0.007) respectively; similarly 79% and 44% with initial poor motivation had better mental motivation (p = 0.03). At 6 and 12 months, social well‐being scores in the ATG were higher (21.3 and 21.4 vs. 19.8 and 19.2, p = 0.05 and p < 0.01) with a significant improvement for patients who had chemotherapy (41% vs. 18%, p = 0.017). A positive association was observed between the number of AT sessions, fatigue and QoL (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

AT did not significantly improve global severe fatigue among all cancer participants 1 month after radiation therapy, however it had a positive impact on social well‐being and may improve MFF and motivation.
Micro‐Photoluminescence Imaging at Room Temperature of Crystallographic Defects Generated by Deep Trench Structures
Authors: Frascaroli Jacopo , Colombo Selene , Fumagalli Roberto , Mica Isabella , Livellara Luisito , Samu Viktor , Molnár Gábor
Published: April 2022

Deep trenches (DT) in silicon are a source of mechanical stress that can eventually lead to the formation of crystal defects. Herein this work, it is shown that room‐temperature micro‐photoluminescence imaging can be applied for a nondestructive in‐line monitoring of buried defects generated by DT. With the training of a convolutional neural network for automatic image segmentation, image analysis is automatized, allowing the inspection of large areas. The analysis of DT structures with various spacing and multiplicity reveals that the DT mutual distance is the main factor governing defects generation. Finally, a step‐by‐step analysis allows to detect the step responsible for defect generation and a further defect density increase along the process flow.
A Floating‐Gate‐Like Transistor Based on InSe vdW Heterostructure with High‐Performance Synaptic Characteristics
Authors: Wang Jiachen , Wang Qilitai , Chen Qian , Lei Ting , Lv Weiming , Tu Huayao , Hu Rui , Wang Yipeng , Zeng Zhongming , Ma Tieying
Published: April 2022

With the arrival of the “von Neumann bottleneck,” neuromorphic systems are receiving a lot of attention from scholars as an innovative technology by mimicking the massive parallelism and low‐power operation of the human brain. Herein, a floating‐gate‐like device constructed by the InSe/hBN/O2‐hBN van der Waals heterostructure, where the defective O2‐hBN plays the central role to trap charges, is proposed. This well‐designed device is proved to realize the synaptic functions under UV laser irradiation, such as short‐term plasticity (STP), long‐term plasticity (LTP), paired‐pulse facilitation (PPF), and long‐term potentiation/long‐term depression (LTP/LTD). Especially, the synaptic weight of excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC) reaches as high as 104%, it reaches the highest standard of this kind of device in recent years, and remains above 300% synaptic weight after 200 s, thus successfully imitating the LTP in biological synapses. The key factors of LTP/LTD curves are overall excellent and can be optimized with input pulses: nonlinearity value can reach 3.32/2.35, and Gmax/Gmin above 10 is achieved. The InSe floating‐gate‐like device with O2‐hBN layer provides an alternative for better and more practical synaptic performances in the field of neuromorphic architectures based on 2D materials.
Complex pathways within nested systems: Exploring approaches to centering equity in peer review
Authors: Olitsky Stacy
Published: April 2022

In this essay, I explore some of the insights provided in a set of three manuscripts that focus on centering equity in peer review, authored by Bancroft, Ryoo and Miles, Nkrumah and Mutegi, and Marshall and Salter. I consider various aspects of their arguments, highlighting implications for the procedures and norms of journals and funding organizations and questions for further consideration. Drawing on their findings and analyses, I discuss various recommendations, such as the need to change the rules and norms of peer review to be more equitable, to ensure that reviews are free from race, ethnicity, gender, and other kinds of identity‐related biases, to work towards equitable distribution of the resources, such as advising, mentoring, and valuable feedback, that support fair reviewing, and to establish criteria and rubrics that support research that is conducted in collaboration with communities marginalized in science education. In addition, I raise issues for further consideration, including the evolving relationship between “equity” and “merit” with regard to peer review and the need for centering equity in ways that allow for discussion, debate, and development of the field.
A robust Bayesian bias‐adjusted random effects model for consideration of uncertainty about bias terms in evidence synthesis
Authors: Raices Cruz Ivette , Troffaes Matthias C. M. , Lindström Johan , Sahlin Ullrika
Published: April 2022

Meta‐analysis is a statistical method used in evidence synthesis for combining, analyzing and summarizing studies that have the same target endpoint and aims to derive a pooled quantitative estimate using fixed and random effects models or network models. Differences among included studies depend on variations in target populations (ie, heterogeneity) and variations in study quality due to study design and execution (ie, bias). The risk of bias is usually assessed qualitatively using critical appraisal, and quantitative bias analysis can be used to evaluate the influence of bias on the quantity of interest. We propose a way to consider ignorance or ambiguity in how to quantify bias terms in a bias analysis by characterizing bias with imprecision (as bounds on probability) and use robust Bayesian analysis to estimate the overall effect. Robust Bayesian analysis is here seen as Bayesian updating performed over a set of coherent probability distributions, where the set emerges from a set of bias terms. We show how the set of bias terms can be specified based on judgments on the relative magnitude of biases (ie, low, unclear, and high risk of bias) in one or several domains of the Cochrane's risk of bias table. For illustration, we apply a robust Bayesian bias‐adjusted random effects model to an already published meta‐analysis on the effect of Rituximab for rheumatoid arthritis from the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
Quality evaluation models or frameworks for open source software: A systematic literature review
Authors: Yılmaz Nebi , Kolukısa Tarhan Ayça
Published: April 2022

As open project repositories have become widespread, evaluating the quality of open source software (OSS) has gained attention in the software community. Despite the variety in quality evaluation models or frameworks (QEMoF) proposed for OSS, their adoption in practice remains limited. To further investigate this argument, a systematic literature review (SLR) has been conducted to characterize the existing QEMoF for OSS, based on particular properties, and to examine comprehensively their content and structure for identifying the gap between theory and practice. In this context, a total of 36 primary studies in the period of 2003–2020 have been analyzed. It has been identified that the majority of QEMoF takes ISO/IEC 9126 as a reference, evaluates community‐based aspects, mostly evaluates maintainability and usability as quality attributes, supports subjective and quantitative evaluations, and faces challenges due to diverse and dynamic nature of OSS products. For a better overview of the state of the art in the field, evaluation criteria for comparing the overall quality of the QEMoF are identified and applied. Finally, overall findings are discussed, and suggestions are provided for practitioners and researchers to formulate more robust studies in the future, which can advance the current situation for the benefit of the software community.
Reversible Degradation in Hole Transport Layer‐Free Carbon‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Yang Yuan-Bo , Chen Peng , Li Hong-Shi , Zhao Qian , Li Tian-Tian , Wu Yue , Zhang Yu , Gao Xue-Ping , Li Guo-Ran
Published: April 2022

The rationale for ambient degradation behaviors in hole transport layer (HTL)‐free carbon‐based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) still remains a mystery, although carbon‐based PSCs have been the frontrunner among the emerging next‐generation photovoltaics owing to their low cost of materials and fabrication process, as well as the exceptional durability. Herein, the long‐term stability of HTL‐free carbon‐based PSCs (H‐C‐PSCs) in the ambient air environment is investigated to thoroughly understand and identify the governing chemistry during the degradation. Specifically, a reversible degradation phenomenon is observed along with an anomalous S‐shape of current–voltage curves involving only reduction of fill factor (FF), almost without impact for short‐circuit current density and open‐circuit voltage. Furthermore, a minute‐heating treatment will eliminate the reversible degradation which can be attributed to the reversible formation of intermediate hydrate at the interface between perovskite and carbon contact. This provides a new perspective for the stability issue of H‐C‐PSCs.
Effects of TiO2@ZnAlSn/PETMP on the properties of plasticized polyvinyl chloride composites
Authors: Gao Li , Jin Dandan , Lu Yunhua , Xu Shiai
Published: April 2022

A high content of plasticizers in the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) matrix can affect the mechanical property and flame retardancy of the matrix, and it is challenging to prepare multifunctional additives for plasticized PVC composites. In this study, ternary‐layered double hydroxides loaded with titanium dioxide (TiO2@ZnAlSn) and pentaerythritol tetra‐(mercaptopropionate) (PETMP) were incorporated into plasticized PVC composites and their effects on the mechanical property, thermal stability, flame retardancy and smoke suppression were experimentally and theoretically investigated. The best tensile properties are achieved in the composite with 2 phr TiO2@ZnAlSn and 1.6 phr PETMP. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and molecular dynamics simulation indicate that TiO2@ZnAlSn and PETMP can enhance the interaction of plasticized PVC composite, and cone calorimeter test shows that they can reduce the total heat release (27.5%) and total smoke production (53.0%) of plasticized PVC composite. The flame‐retardant mechanism is deduced according to the results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy and pyrolysis/gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py/GC–MS). This study provides a novel thermal stabilizer that can improve the mechanical property, flame retardancy and smoke suppression of plasticized PVC composites.
Beyond rules and norms: Heterogeneity, ubiquity, and visibility of groundwaters
Authors: Walsh Casey
Published: April 2022

Over the last 150 years or so engineers, farmers, scientists, and many others around the globe have gained access to the waters that lie underground with drilling technology, pumps and cheap energy. Since the mid‐twentieth century, a massive worldwide proliferation of deep wells has redistributed groundwaters away from springs, seeps, wells, and oases, robbing them of the water that supports local sustainable socionatural relations. The idea and social fact of groundwater has emerged in this history, and has three distinguishing features: heterogeneity, ubiquity, and visibility. The failure to halt depletion has prompted a turn to culture in the hope of governing the liquid sustainably. However, rather than grapple with the complexities and contradictions of heterogeneity, ubiquity, and visibility, these efforts take a rather thin view of culture—as rules, norms, and institutions to be studied, codified and deployed to address the crisis. This instrumental understanding of culture as a set of traits to be selectively used for arresting depletion has not proven effective, however, compelling us to rethink our cultural, political, and economic engagements with groundwater.