bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental Impacts of Unutilised Fly Ash and its Potential Utilisation for Soil Productivity and Food Security
Authors: Chirisa Halleluiah , Magada Tinashe , Mombeshora Mwarozva Solomon
Published: February 2025

The combustion of coal during thermal electricity generation produces huge volumes of fly ash solid waste. The disposal and storage of dry fly ash in the environment have resulted in high nutrient concentration levels becoming toxic to humans, air, soil and water environments. Soil nutrient deficiency is limiting sustainable food productivity with soil nutrient deficiencies and limited access to fertilizers or biological options aggravating the predicament of hunger. This study focused on assessing the environmental impacts of fly ash and its potential utilisation in crop production. The study was conducted at Harare Power Station (170 50‘ S and 310 1‘ E) and Harare Experimental Station (170 49‘S and 31o2 ‘ E). Mixed research methods were used. To unearth the environmental impacts of fly ash qualitative research approach guided by the interpretivism paradigm was applied. Purposive sampling of six key informants was implemented and data was gathered using in-depth and semi-structured interviews. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse the data. To evaluate the potential utilisation of fly ash for sustainable crop production, laboratory analysis of the physical and nutrient composition of fly ash was undertaken. To evaluate the effects of fly ash on tomato, cucumber and rape crops, a field experiment was set up. A Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five treatments, replicated three times, was implemented on each of the crops. The analysis of variance was used for analysing the results. Results showed that dumped and stored fly ash caused air pollution, groundwater contamination, human health  effects and soil pollution. Fly ash can potentially be used in crop production to control soil-borne pests and diseases and improve the physical and nutrient characteristics of soil for improved crop yields. The application of fly ash had a significant effect (P<0.05) on the growth and yield of tomatoes, cucumbers and rape. The highest yields were realised at 25% fly ash soil concentration, while 100% fly ash was toxic. >
Water provision will trigger us into action and livelihood vibrancy and skyrocketing Deciphering messages from Biriri wards, Chimanimani
Authors: MSIMANGA MTHABISI , Madya Felix , MUBANGA PRECIOUS , NYATHI NOMQHELE , MUSHANGARI GILBERT , MAPHOSA SITHANDEKILE , NYAMHUNGA DERECK
Published: February 2025

Water remains the source of all human activities and its availability in arid and semi-arid regions has been erratic with most rural communities of Zimbabwe affected the unavailability. The article explores how the dwindling of water resources can push communities into water conservation practices and how the availing of water provision projects has pushed rural communities into action. Climate change has pushed the groundwater further and caused low rainfall, leaving rural communities that depend on rain-fed agriculture and borehole irrigation short of water. The article is based on the argument that groundwater and rainfall patterns with periodic droughts and extreme weather events. The study engaged a qualitative research methodology with a case study research design. The study used purposive sampling to sample for the participants. The study used in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. It adhered to all ethical principles. The study revealed that the availability of water will trigger communities into livelihoods diversification and changing of of rural communities‟ lifestyles. The study found that rural communities have begun to diversify their livelihoods and taking advantage of the water provision projects. The study concludes that the increase of water provision can be the missing link for rural development. The study recommends diversification of water provision. Keywords: semi-arid, groundwater, agriculture, diversification, conservation, droughts
Phenomenological Insights into Challenges and Opportunities of Learning through Social Information Communication Technology Andragogy
Authors: Nharo Tobias , Manyanga Tauya , Barugahara Florence , Makota Justin , Kangambeu Sibusisiwe , Mafuhure Tirivashe , Kabote Ferdinand
Published: February 2025

Globally, Social Information Communication Technology Andragogy (SICTA) has long been advocated for in tertiary institutions. Yet, most lecturers have remained stuck in their traditional face-to-face andragogical practices. The lockdown to curb the spread of the corona virus, COVID-19, has accelerated the adoption SICTA. In this article, we adopted a phenomenological design from a qualitative research perspective to examine students‘ challenges, solutions and opportunities of SICTA learning. Six students doing a Postgraduate Diploma in Tertiary Education (PGDTE) shared their experience of SICTA learning. A three-staged process was adopted to generate qualitative data through written narratives, document analysis and dialoguing. The content qualitative analysed data revealed multiple and nested challenges grounded in the use of multiple SICTA based platforms. SICTA created learning opportunities such as online learning competences, learning material accessibility and sharing, time limitless collaborative learning and enhanced self-directed learning.  The researchers recommend that educators at tertiary level should conduct professional students and staff development on social ICT, design and establish policies for the use of Social ICT and disseminate relevant information as well as undisrupted access to internet and technological devices.
Health as a rural development matter How safe and secure are rural populations in Zimbabwe since 2000
Authors: MILANZI AMOS , MUNAMATI JAMES , MILANZI JULIET
Published: February 2025

This study provides a comprehensive overview of the intricate developmental nexus between health and rural development in Zimbabwe, specifically focusing on the safety and security of rural populations from the year 2000 to the present. The primary objective of this essay is to shed light on the challenges and opportunities that rural communities in Zimbabwe encounter concerning their health and wellbeing within the broader context of development initiatives. To achieve this, the study adopts a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative analysis of health indicators with qualitative investigations into the socio-economic factors influencing rural health. Quantitative data for the study is sourced from the Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey, emphasising key health metrics such as contraceptive use, teenage pregnancies, sexual and gender-based violence, HIV&AIDS prevalence, and HIV testing. In tandem with this quantitative approach, qualitative data is collected through interviews and focus group discussions conducted in carefully selected rural communities. The combined findings of this research aim to contribute significantly to a nuanced and holistic understanding of health as a pivotal component of rural development in Zimbabwe. In rural areas, the levels of contraceptive use is slightly lower, at 63%, compared to urban areas, which stands at 71%. The level of HIV testing in rural areas is slightly lower, 35%, compared to the higher rate observed in urban areas, which stands at 38%. It is important to note a significant gender-based disparity, with higher HIV prevalence among women at 17% compared to men at 11%. In rural settings, the prevalence of sexual violence is higher, at 14%, compared to 13% in rural areas. The prevalence of physical violence is higher, at 35%, compared to the slightly lower rate observed in urban areas, which stands at 34%. The prevalence of malnutrition in children is higher in rural areas, at 29%, compared to 22% in urban areas, with the level of vaccination slightly lower in rural areas, at 75%, compared to the higher rate observed in urban areas, which stands at 81%. This research's outcomes are expected to be valuable for policymakers, healthcare practitioners, and development agencies, providing evidence-based insights for formulating targeted interventions. The study recommends formulation of effective strategies that can improve the safety and security of rural communities in Zimbabwe.
The Gweru City Growth Pattern as An Innovative Governance Issue in Zimbabwe
Authors: MLAMBO NYEMUDZAI , CHIRISA HALLELUAH
Published: February 2025

Urban platforms play a significant role in the development of city resources, addressing social and economic services and the impact on growth and pace of urban systems. Hence, this article sought to explore the historical, dynamic and fluid interactions of these processes to understand motives, drivers, impact and outcomes all designed to drive long-term city development, modernisation and social service provision. The study used mixed-methods approach, employing both qualitative and quantitative methods. The article utilised the Complex Systems Theory to identify regularities at the global scale and enable global comparisons of urban platforms. It examined urban platform governance by outlining various types of public governance and depicting the role of platforms in this context and assessed the relevance of platforms as an emerging form of local public governance by merging theoretical analyses and empirical views from Gweru City. The study revealed that urban platforms concepts and practices can help explain modern growth patterns and pace of cities. The article also provides theoretical arguments and practical frameworks for developing policies for urban innovative development. The work will assist local policy-makers, planners and managers in understanding platform logic in the creation of public value by involving various stakeholders.
Smallholder Maize Production, Input Investment, Productivity And Profitability In Ward 1, Chikomba District, Zimbabwe
Authors: MUNYAVHI ARCHEFORD , RUKASHA TANYARADZWA
Published: February 2025

Most of smallholders in Zimbabwe under the leasehold tenure system are beneficiaries of the Fast-Track Land Reform Programme (FTLRP) of 2000. It is generally argued that the leasehold tenure system has unprecedented impact on agricultural production as farmers fail to secure bank loans using leased land as collateral security. This article is premised on a study whose main objective was to determine the impact of leasehold land tenure system on productivity sby mallholder maize farmers. The study was carried out in Ward 1 of Chikomba District in Mashonaland East Province. Descriptive research design and primary data gathered from the randomly selected 87 farmers out of the 673 farmers, using a structured questionnaire, were used for this study. The data gathered was comprehensively analysed using both correlation analysis and regression analysis to achieve the study objectives. The results revealed that the leasehold tenure system limits farmers‟ access to credit, meaning, therefore, that the leasehold tenure has a negative impact on input investment, maize production and profitability by the smallholder farmers in Chikomba District. The study concludes that the leasehold tenure system has a negative impact on input investment, production of smallholder maize farmers as it discouraged farmers‟ access to credit, a key factor that determines farmers‟ input investment and production. The study recommends the Government of Zimbabwe to change the tenure system on smallholder farmers to a more favourable system to improve smallholder farmer input investment, productivity and profitability.
Strategy Implementation And Leadership Agility In Public Tertiary Education Institutions Critical Insights Engaged
Authors: MATSHE NANCY , SANDADA MAXWELL , MARAVANYIKA DENNIS
Published: February 2025

This qualitative case study was undertaken to report the emergence of shadow education (SE) in teacher education in Zimbabwe as perceived and portrayed by lecturers and student teachers. WhatsApp discussions and Google interviews generated data from 12 lecturers and 12 students selected using snowball sampling. Informed by Charles Wright Mills‘ sociological imagination and the Technology Acceptance Model, the thematically analysed data reveal that behind the lecturers‘ and student teachers‘ engagement in SE were wider societal problems. Lecturers engaged in SE not only because they were unethical, but also because they were deep in abject poverty and were incapable of supporting their families. Rather than adopting online teaching and learning as an alternative employed to continue education during the COVID-19 pandemic, students who lacked technological skills disapproved of it and turned to SE. Considering these findings, the study recommends that employers review the lecturers‘ remuneration for them to be motivated and committed to providing quality online teaching and learning. Additionally, before entry into colleges, students must be exposed to technology in sync with the dictates of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). The study extends the conversation on SE, which has been confined to primary and high schools and opens cans of worms to its presence in institutions of higher education.
Workforce Diversity And Employee Engagement At The National Railways Of Zimbabwe
Authors: Chawatama Nicole K
Published: February 2025

This study focused on assessing the impact of workforce diversity on employee engagement at the National Railways of Zimbabwe. The consistent world changes raised by factors, such as globalisation, new technology development and the increase in migration movements, have generated an increasingly diversified workforce. A diversified workforce is an important organisational resource, regardless of whether the goal is to be an employer of choice, to provide excellent customer service or to maintain a competitive edge. The data used in this research was acquired from a sample of 30 respondents who represented various departments and, from the data that was collected using Likert scale questionnaires, the researcher discovered that there is a statistically significant positive relationship in elements such as gender and age diversity on the engagement of employees. Workforce diversity is an element that should not be overlooked in the functions of an organisation because it is a crucial aspect that can affect the engagement of employees. Organisations are not operating in a vacuum, hence an organisation operating in the 21st century must acknowledge that the business world is changing and the calibre of employees that are being hired in organisations.
Wertykalne porozumienia cenowe typu RPM w kontekście rynku książki
Authors: Fidala Jarosław
Published: February 2025

Artykuł dotyka dwóch kontrowersyjnych i wysoce ważkich zagadnień, jakimi są ocena tzw. wertykalnych porozumień cenowych typu RPM w prawie ochrony konkurencji oraz podejmowane przez polskiego legislatora próby ustanowienia regulacji ustawowych przewidujących tzw. sztywną cenę książki. Oba wskazane zagadnienia sprowadzają się do odpowiedzi na pytanie: czy mechanizm RPM zaburza lub sprzyja konkurencyjności rynku książki. Punktem wyjścia do udzielenia odpowiedzi na to pytanie jest wyodrębnienie pro- i antykonkurencyjnych porozumień RPM z perspektywy celu prawa ochrony konkurencji wiązanego z koncepcją dobrobytu. Mechanizm RPM może realizować ten cel w kontekście rynku książki na tyle, na ile wskutek pozytywnego oddziaływania na paramenty efektywnego konkurowania na tym rynku przyczyniać się będzie do zaspokajania i optymalizowania zróżnicowanych ekonomicznych potrzeb różnych grup podmiotów (autorów, wydawców, księgarzy, konsumentów).
Multivariate ecological assessment of ten Indigenous IUCN threatened and near threatened freshwater fishes from South-West Regions of West Bengal, India
Authors: Chini Deep Sankar , Mondal Niladri , Singh Sourav , Ghosh Pratik , Patra Prasanta , Mandal Biplab , Ghorai Sudipta Kumar , Bisai Dipak , Patra Bidhan Chandra
Published: February 2025

The freshwater fish diversity is significant in the food chain and is a nutrient source. Our study sites are home to diversified freshwater fishes due to their varied geography. For the first time, length–weight relationships of ten Indigenous International Union for Conservation of Nature-threatened fish species (were collected from the different sites from November 2019 to December 2022 in 3-month intervals. There were various types of nets with varying sizes of mesh, including gill net (0.5 to 4 cm), scoop net (0.3 × 0.3 to 0.5 × 0.5 cm), and cast net (up to 1 × 1 cm in a mesh up to 3.0 m2 coverage). The “b” values range from 2.615 (Wallago attu) to 3.287 (Channa orientalis), and the correlation coefficient (r2) is ≥0.90. In contrast, native fishes have negative allometric growth, and the condition factor (Kn) of these species’ ranges (mean value ±SD) from 0.138 ± 0.04 (Anguilla bengalensis) to 0.793 ± 0.09 (Clarius magur). A new TLmax of Parambassis lala has been found (4.2 cm). Depending on the species available in this region, the species distribution modeling and non-metric dimensional scaling have been prepared, which will help build an area-specific conservation policy to restore the vulnerability. We also established a conservation strategy to develop sustainable fishery management guidelines based on the results.
Improved base editing and functional screening in Leishmania via co-expression of the AsCas12a ultra variant, a T7 RNA Polymerase, and a cytosine base editor
Authors: May Nicole Herrmann , Cao Ngoc Anh , Schmid Annika , Link Fabian , Arias-del-Angel Jorge , Meiser Elisabeth , Beneke Tom
Published: February 2025

The ability to analyse the function of all genes in a genome is highly desirable, yet challenging in
Leishmania
due to a repetitive genome, limited DNA repair mechanisms and lack of RNA interference in most species. While our introduction of a cytosine base editor (CBE) demonstrated potential to overcome these limitations (Engstler and Beneke (2023)), challenges remained, including low transfection efficiency, variable editing rates across species, parasite growth effects, and competition between deleterious and non-deleterious mutations. Here, we present an optimized approach addressing these issues.We identified a T7 RNAP promoter variant ensuring high editing rates across
Leishmania
species without compromising growth. A revised CBE single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs) scoring system was developed to prioritize STOP codon generation. Additionally, a triple-expression construct was created for stable integration of CBE sgRNA expression cassettes into a
Leishmania
safe harbor locus using AsCas12a ultra-mediated DNA double-strand breaks, increasing transfection efficiency by ∼400-fold to one transfectant per 70 transfected cells. Using this improved system for a small-scale proof-of-principle pooled screen, we successfully confirmed the essential and fitness-associated functions of CK1.2, CRK2, CRK3, AUK1/AIRK, TOR1, IFT88, IFT139, IFT140 and RAB5A in
L. mexicana
, demonstrating a significant improvement over our previous method. Lastly, we show the utility of co-expressing AsCas12a ultra, T7 RNAP and CBE for hybrid CRISPR gene replacement and base editing within the same cell line.Overall, these improvements will broaden the range of possible gene editing applications in
Leishmania
species and will enable a variety of loss-of-function screens in the near future.
Kan Kan tosprogede elever være ordblinde?
Authors: Filikci Hatice S.
Published: February 2025

Dyslexia is the most common cause of reading and writing difficulties (Elbro, 2021), but studies have shown that bilingual students diagnosed with dyslexia are underrepresented in Danish public schools (Gellert, 2009). This article examines how knowledge about dyslexia and bilingual students is represented and problematized at the educational policy level, as well as the premises and assumptions on which these understandings are based. This forms the basis for a discussion on how these problem representations may influence each other and impact the practices within the educational system, particularly regarding the pedagogical detection of dyslexia.
Based on policy researcher Carol Bacchi's WPR approach (What's the Problem Represented to be?) from 2009, I apply this methodological strategy to analyse national policies on dyslexia and bilingual students as represented on the Danish Ministry of Children and Education's digital platform emu.dk. Through the discursive practices reflected in the policies on emu.dk, the categories of dyslexia and bilingual students are constructed as separate categories and distinct areas of focus. Dyslexia is problematized as a neurobiological condition leading to phonological decoding difficulties, while bilingual students, in contrast to monolingual ethnic Danish students, are problematized based on assumptions about their presumed lack of linguistic and academic competencies. Regarding bilingual students' reading difficulties, an underlying assumption arises that bilingual students do not suffer from phonological decoding difficulties like their monolingual peers. Thus, bilingual students' reading difficulties are primarily represented and problematized in relation to Danish language proficiency and reading comprehension, rather than as dyslexia-related difficulties.
Exploring the Antihyperlipidemic Properties of Piper nigrum
Authors: Hasan S.M. Fahim , Toha Ikram Wahid , Econ Md. Effadul Islam , Uddin Md. Nayeem , Shakil Faisal Ahmed , Nobe Nur , Tasnim Sadia
Published: February 2025

Humans have used herbal medicine to address medical conditions since the inception of civilization. This study seeks to assess the effectiveness of Piper nigrum as an anti-hyperlipidemic drug and its influence on lipid profiles. We utilized the model to evaluate the effectiveness of the plant antihyperlipidemic activity. SGPT and SGOT levels were statistically significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in groups 6 and 5, respectively, at doses of 900 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg. No groups demonstrated statistically significant results in the renal function test. Despite a slight reduction in total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and overall cholesterol, no group exhibited statistically significant outcomes. However, the elevated dosage of 900 mg/kg showed the most significant reduction in these metrics. The ethanolic extract of this plant demonstrates significant antihyperlipidemic effects, and further research may aid in the advancement of alternative medical uses.
Utilizing Plant Tissue Culture Protocol for Propagation of Jatropha curcas- A Semi-arid Tree Species in Maiduguri, Nigeria
Authors: Abdulkadir Abdullahi , Tarfa Martha , Umar Mohammed Abdulhamid , Saquib Mohammad , Benisheikh Ali AG , Audu Mohammed
Published: February 2025

This study examines the in vitro propagation of Jatropha curcas, a drought resistant tree species valued for its medicinal uses, biofuel production, and soil rehabilitation in arid regions. The research addresses the challenges of natural regeneration by employing micropropagation, as an alternative method for large-scale propagation. The explants were obtained from a healthy tree, sterilized and cultured in full strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) media, at different concentrations of Benzyle adenine (BA) and Indole-3-buteric acid (IBA). The data on shoot proliferation, leaf number, and shoot length were recorded after four weeks. The parameters recorded were statistically analyzed and means were compared using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (P<0.05). Best response was observed in a MS medium (full Strength) supplemented with low level of BA (0.5mg/l) and IBA (0.2mg/l) showing shoot height of 1.567cm. The study reveals that high phenolic exuded by explants leading to hyperhydricity, and low moisture condition, hinders explant growth and development. None of the explant rooted when cultured on the rooting media (half MS media supplemented with Plant Growth Regulators IBA and NAA) but rather produces some substance appearing to be callus at the base of the plantlets which necessitated for histological analysis. The histological studies show, no any irregularities in the tissues structures and organization that might prevent the plantlet from rooting. From the result of this study, it can be concluded that the use of full-strength MS media supplemented with a very low Cytokinin and Auxin could be suitable for propagating Jatropha curcas in vitro. It is recommended that further research be undertaken to improve proliferation and rooting efficiency, for possibilities of substituting the conventional method of propagating of these tree species.
Catalytic Performance of Cu-Ni supported on Rice Husk Ash-derived SiO2 for the Hydrogenation of Ethylene Carbonate to Ethylene Glycol
Authors: Maharani Najiah Sephia , Rahmawati Novia Dwi , Aziz Isalmi , Maryati Yati , Agustian Egi , Widjaya Robert Ronal , Yati Indri , Prasetyo Joni , Rinaldi Nino , Dwiatmoko Adid Adep
Published: February 2025

Ethylene glycol, a crucial compound extensively utilized in solvents, coolants, antifreeze, polyester fiber production, and as a natural gas-drying agent, can be synthesized via the hydrogenation of ethylene carbonate. In this study, the synthesis, characterization, and catalytic performance of Cu-Ni/SiO2 catalysts for this reaction, utilizing silica (SiO2) derived from rice husk ash, were investigated. Silica was impregnated with copper (Cu) and nickel (Ni) by varying the weight ratio (Cu:Ni = 10, 7:3, 3:7, 10) to prepare bimetallic catalysts. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the presence of both Cu and Ni phases in all the catalysts. The 3Cu7Ni/SiO2 catalyst displayed the lowest reduction temperature and the largest surface area (257.97 m²/g). The 7Cu3Ni/SiO2 catalyst exhibited the highest acidity (1.91 mmol/g) and superior metal dispersion, as confirmed by the Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy - Energy Dispersive X-Ray (FE-SEM-EDX) analysis. Catalytic activity was evaluated in a batch reactor under 40 bar H2 pressure at 150 °C for 3 h with a catalyst-to-ethylene carbonate ratio of 5:1. Among the catalysts examined, the 7Cu-3Ni/SiO2 composition demonstrated the highest catalytic performance, achieving 15.14% conversion of ethylene carbonate and 80.51% selectivity towards ethylene glycol. Copyright © 2025 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Characterization of a novel immune deficiency gene of Macrobrachium rosenbergii reveals antibacterial and antiviral defenses
Authors: Pinkaew Utsanee , Choolert Chanitcha , Vaniksampanna Akapon , Pasookhush Phongthana , Longyant Siwaporn , Chaivisuthangkura Parin
Published: April 2024

Objective

We sought to identify and characterize an immune deficiency (IMD) homolog from the giant freshwater prawn (also known as the giant river prawn) Macrobrachium rosenbergii. The IMD is a death-domain-containing protein that plays a crucial role as an adaptor protein in the IMD pathway—one of the most important response mechanisms to viral and bacterial invasion of invertebrates.

Methods

An IMD homolog gene from M. rosenbergii (MrIMD) was isolated using rapid amplification of complementary DNA ends. The tissue distribution and response to immune challenge of MrIMD were analyzed by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to understand the regulatory mechanism of MrIMD messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in M. rosenbergii.

Result

The open reading frame of MrIMD comprised 555 nucleotides encoding a protein consisting of 184 amino acids, with a conserved death domain at the C-terminus. The MrIMD protein demonstrated 53–74% similarity with IMDs from other crustaceans; the highest similarity was with the IMD from the oriental river prawn M. nipponense. Gene expression analysis revealed that MrIMD mRNA levels were highest in gill tissues. After Aeromonas hydrophila stimulation, MrIMD was significantly upregulated in the muscle, gills, and intestine, whereas there was no significant difference in the hemocytes and hepatopancreas. In the case of Macrobrachium rosenbergii nodavirus stimulation, MrIMD was dramatically upregulated in the muscle and hepatopancreas, whereas downregulation was observed in the gills.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the MrIMD gene may play different roles in response to gram-negative bacteria and viral infection and plays a crucial role in innate immunity as an important key molecule in the defense against bacterial and viral infections.
Evaluating automatically generated normal tissue contours for safe use in head and neck and cervical cancer treatment planning
Authors: Douglas Raphael , Olanrewaju Adenike , Mumme Raymond , Zhang Lifei , Beadle Beth M. , Court Laurence Edward
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (VMAT) is a widely accepted treatment method for head and neck (HN) and cervical cancers; however, creating contours and plan optimization for VMAT plans is a time‐consuming process. Our group has created an automated treatment planning tool, the Radiation Planning Assistant (RPA), that uses deep learning models to generate organs at risk (OARs), planning structures and automates plan optimization. This study quantitatively evaluates the quality of contours generated by the RPA tool.

Methods

For patients with HN (54) and cervical (39) cancers, we retrospectively generated autoplans using the RPA. Autoplans were generated using deep‐learning and RapidPlan models developed in‐house. The autoplans were, then, applied to the original, physician‐drawn contours, which were used as a ground truth (GT) to compare with the autocontours (RPA). Using a “two one‐sided tests” (TOST) procedure, we evaluated whether the autocontour normal tissue dose was equivalent to that of the ground truth by a margin, δ, that we determined based on clinical judgement. We also calculated the number of plans that met established clinically accepted dosimetric criteria.

Results

For HN plans, 91.8% and 91.7% of structures met dosimetric criteria for automatic and manual contours, respectively; for cervical plans, 95.6% and 95.7% of structures met dosimetric criteria for automatic and manual contours, respectively. Autocontours were equivalent to the ground truth for 71% and 75% of common DVH metrics for the HN and cervix, respectively.

Conclusions

This study shows that dosimetrically equivalent normal tissue contours can be created for HN and cervical cancers using deep learning techniques. In general, differences between the contours did not affect the passing or failing of clinical dose tolerances.
Robust fixed‐time synchronization of fuzzy shunting‐inhibitory cellular neural networks with feedback and adaptive control
Authors: Liu Zhenjiang , Pu Yi‐Fei , Hua Xiyao , You Xingxing
Published: April 2024

This article addresses the robust fixed‐time synchronization of fuzzy shunting‐inhibitory cellular neural networks (FSICNNs) with delays by utilizing two different types of control strategies. First, a feedback controller is proposed to achieve fixed‐time synchronization of FSICNNs. Secondly, a novel adaptive controller is designed to guarantee fixed‐time synchronization of FSICNNs, automatically adjusting all control gains without the need for advanced settings. The use of differential inequality techniques and the Lyapunov function method yields several sufficient conditions to ensure fixed‐time synchronization for the considered FSICNNs. Finally, an example, along with its numerical simulation, is presented to demonstrate the validity of the proposed theoretical results.
Fault diagnosis of virtually‐coupled trains by adaptive observer with pattern‐matched detection and reinforced identification
Authors: Gao Shigen , Zhai Qingchao , Zhao Kaibo
Published: April 2024

Virtual coupling is gaining in popularity as a promising development direction to maximize the rail‐line efficiency by minimizing the headway distance among trains in the presence of potentially encountered traction engines' faults with unknown amplitude, happening time and probability, which would be huge threat to the safety of trains without proper sensing and handling. This paper considers the fault diagnosis problem for virtually‐coupled multiple trains using adaptive observer design. In order to generate false‐free and timely fault alarming and relieving signals, an adaptive threshold function design is firstly given using a novel pattern‐matched gain technique with explicit consideration of model uncertainty. Then, reinforced regressor‐based fault identification algorithm is proposed to generate precise estimation of unknown fault values, activated and powered‐off by the fault alarming and relieving signals output by fault detection observer, with globally Lipschitz property and fast convergence performance. Finally, comparative and simulation results are given to demonstrate the effectiveness and advantages of proposed fault diagnosis algorithms.
SAMHSA calls for “culture change” in methadone treatment
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: April 2024

New regulations for opioid treatment programs (OTPs) create many new flexibilities for methadone practitioners and providers, and last month'h webinar for administrators focused on the key points. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which implements the 42 CFR Part 8 regulations, presented the information to about 800 attendees via a Zoom call on March 20 that was hosted by the American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD). Next week, ADAW will cover the March 27 webinar, which was for clinicians. For more on the new rule, see https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adaw.34023.
Hospital study outcomes suggest need for AUD medication initiation
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: April 2024

Results of a newly published study suggest significant benefits to initiating medication treatment for hospitalized individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD). The cohort study found that initiating one of the approved medication treatments at discharge from the hospital was associated with a 51% decrease in alcohol‐related rehospitalization.
Schorr and Hurley to receive AATOD'D Nyswander‐Dole award
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: April 2024

Allegra Schorr and Linda Hurley will each receive the Nyswander/Dole “Marie” Award during the conference of the American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD) next month. Schorr, president of the Coalition of Medication‐Assisted Treatment Providers and Advocates of New York State (COMPA), and Hurley, president and CEO of CODAC Behavioral Healthcare in Rhode Island, will accept the awards from AATOD. The award, the highest accolade AATOD can bestow upon someone in recognition for having made significant contributions in the field of opioid use disorder treatment, is named after Vincent Dole, M.D., and Marie Nyswander, M.D., two pioneers in the research of medication‐assisted treatment for addiction. Dole and Nyswander were the first recipients of this award in 1983.
ASAM features harm reduction, methadone, OTPs at conference
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: April 2024

Not surprisingly, last week'k American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) conference was sold out, with its big focus on moving methadone out of the opioid treatment program (OTP) system and into general office‐based care (preferably by only ASAM‐boarded physicians), and also considerable attention paid to the value of high‐quality treatment with methadone. A track called “Methadone in the Modern Era” included Ruth Potee, M.D., in an impassioned speech focused on the need for more access to methadone, and on the for‐profit OTPs that are out there. That track also featured Yngvild Olsen, M.D., director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) who talked about the other modern (aka, real world) era in which OTP regulations have been completely updated and revised. Aaron Ferguson, who said at a public conference last fall that he owed his life to diverted methadone (see https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adaw.33908) despite being a patient advocate, also presented at the conference, this time on harm reduction, which is beneficial to keeping people alive. Many OTPs, especially the large chain for‐profit OTPs, have been a target of ASAM members for years; most are also members of the American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence, and some are members of the National Association for Behavioral Healthcare.
Correction
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: April 2024

The article on integrating mental health services in the April 8 issue incorrectly stated a facility'y membership status in the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers. The Farley Center is a former, but not current, member of NAATP. ADAW regrets the error.
Torsional Shear Strength of Adhesive‐Joined Steel in Saline Environments
Authors: Benelli Alessandro , De La Pierre Stefano , Ferraris Monica
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the impact of exposure to aggressive environments, specifically saline conditions per ASTM B117 standard, on the shear strength of adhesive‐bonded joints, crucial for ensuring structural integrity in various industrial applications like automotive, aerospace, and construction. Using an epoxy‐based adhesive to bond AISI304 steel, specimens undergo 14‐ and 28‐day salt spray treatments to simulate harsh working conditions. Torsional shear strength assessment of steel‐to‐steel adhesive joints is conducted using a torsion test methodology, with an analytical approach used to extrapolate adhesive joint shear strength. This research contributes to understanding adhesively bonded joint performance in challenging environmental conditions, and how the shear strength of the bonded joints changes in relatively small amount of time, offering valuable insights for robust structural designs across industrial sectors.
Experimental‐Assisted Approach to Develop a Numerical Model for Simulating the Reaction Propagation in Reactive Multilayers
Authors: Daneshpazhoonejad Farshad , Glaser Marcus , Hildebrand Jörg , Bergmann Jean Pierre , Jung Anne
Published: April 2024

One outstanding feature of self‐propagating reactions is their ability to release heat of reaction over both temporal and spatial scales, enabling the sustained progression of the reaction after a local ignition. They propagate in the form of a continuous reaction front through the mixture of the starting materials. Previous research on reactive materials has predominantly focused on unraveling the microstructure property relationships influencing released energy in reacting multilayers. This involved considering coupled differential equations, including the heat conduction equation and Fick's law. In this study, the introduction of a purely thermal numerical macroscale model is made, incorporating two states of material properties that differentiate between the thermal characteristics before and after phase formation. The homogenization of material properties before the phase formation is accomplished through the consideration of directional‐temperature‐dependent thermal conductivity and temperature‐dependent‐specific heat capacity. The energy‐release function is derived using experimental data for the reaction velocity depending on bilayer thickness. This model allows for the exploration of reaction motion and temperature profiles, achieving qualitative conformity with experimental measurements for freestanding foil, and necessitating reasonable computational effort.
The Role of Extrusions and Intrusions in the Initiation and Intergranular Growth of Fatigue Cracks
Authors: Polák Jaroslav , Babinský Tomáš , Vražina Tomáš , Kruml Tomáš
Published: April 2024

The role of extrusions and intrusions in the initiation and growth of intergranular fatigue cracks is studied by performing strain‐controlled fatigue experiments on polycrystalline copper and by analyzing the development of intergranular crack initiation and resulting fracture surfaces. Fatigue cracks initiate either in the persistent slipbands within a grain or on the grain boundaries. The grain boundary initiation mechanism is due to the production of extrusions and intrusions on the grain boundaries that decrease the grain boundary cohesion forming submicroscopic crack nuclei. The alternating extrusions and intrusions are found also on the grain boundary facets of the fracture surface of a growing fatigue crack. Up to three slip systems are identified on the facets of cracked grain boundaries. Their form and height are found using scanning electron microscope observations and focused ion beam sectioning. A mechanism similar to intergranular grain boundary crack initiation is considered to explain the formation of grain boundary facets. A novel mechanism of intergranular fatigue crack growth is proposed based on the damaging effect of the extrusions and intrusions produced in the cyclic plastic zone of the growing fatigue crack.
Rapid, Direct Fabrication of Thermochromic Ceramic Composite Sensors via Flash Lamp Annealing
Authors: Özmen Eren , Somers Nicolas , Losego Mark D.
Published: April 2024

An inorganic, high‐temperature (≈600 °C) thermochromic sensor is synthesized from a chemically bonded ceramic composite. The ceramic composite is composed of thermochromic 10 wt% chromium‐doped alumina (Cr:Al2O3) powder blended with a low‐reacting temperature (around 250 °C) phosphate binder, Al(H2PO4)3, (aluminum dihydrogen phosphate [ADP]). Cr‐doped alumina exhibits thermochromism at high temperatures, typically around 500–600 °C. Previously, infrared (IR) irradiation has been used to successfully convert ADP to an aluminum phosphate (AlPO4) ceramic phase that can bind ceramic components together. Here, an ultrahigh‐power (tens of kilowatts per square centimeter) flash lamp annealing (FLA) system is evaluated as an alternative photonic heating process to rapidly transform ADP to this ceramic. While IR lamps require 30 min to fully transform the ADP binder, FLA processes require less than 1 min and provide more dense microstructures, opening opportunities to additively manufacture ceramic components without the need for a post‐processing heating step. Final ceramics exhibit reversible thermochromic behavior, transitioning from pink to dark gray as the temperature increases from 25 to 600 °C. Here, the ability to use this technology to fabricate a temperature warning system for heated objects that are not yet emitting significant visible black‐body radiation is demonstrated.
Fish‐Derived Collagen: A Promising Biomaterial for Regulating the Migration Behavior of MCF‐7 Cells
Authors: Zhu Lian , Xiao Ya‐Xing , Zhu Han‐Ling , Zuo Long , Sun Chang , Lei Ming‐Ao , Zhang Jun‐Tao , Wei Ben‐Mei , Qi Chu‐Bo , Wang Hai‐Bo
Published: April 2024

The uncontrollable migration of cancer cells is one of the reasons for the poor prognosis. The interaction between collagen and cellular processes is usually dominated by the full triple‐helix structure of collagen. However, it remains to be explored how the collagen configuration affects the migration behaviors of cancer cells. Michigan cancer foundation‐7 cells are chosen to study this relationship. Meanwhile, the grass carp is one of the representative fish species in Hubei and is virtually unaffected by zoonotic diseases. Therefore, grass carp‐derived collagen is prepared and used to modulate the migration behaviors. The collagen sample is pretreated via several procedures including the hydrothermal process and EDC/NHS, respectively. The underlying mechanisms affecting migration behavior are explored by tuning the degree of denaturation, assembly states, and cross‐linking conditions of collagen. Results demonstrate that moderate cross‐linking and assembly contribute to the migration processes, while denaturation significantly suppresses migration. Of particular note is the positive correlation of F‐actin expression levels with these phenomena. More importantly, the hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties of the collagen surface also affect the migration process. In summary, the study may provide insights to flexibly tune the migration behavior of cancer cells, which may be promising in inhibiting tumor metastasis.
The C─S/C═S Bonds Synergistically Modify Porous Hollow‐Carbon‐Nanocages Anode for Durable and Fast Sodium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Feng Huiyan , Liu Zhendong , Wang Fei , Xue Lingxiao , Li Linqing , Ye Chong , Zhang Chengzhi , Liu Quanbing , Tan Jun
Published: April 2024

Sulfur doping in carbonaceous anode is a popular method to improve the sodium storing performance. Regulating the C/S bond effect of carbon atom with doped sulfur atom could understand and develop superior carbonaceous anode for sodium‐ion batteries. Therefore, this study designed porous hollow carbon nanocages with synergistically‐doped C/S bonds (C‐S/C = S) by secondary‐sulfidation. The secondary‐sulfidation is conducive to the different bond formation of sulfur atom with carbon skeleton and adjust the structure via removed other groups. Thus, the C‐S/C = S anode with synergistically C‐S and C = S bonds delivered a reversible capacity of 307 mAh g‐1 at 1.0 A g−1 with initial coulomb efficiency of 80.15%, a stable cycle life of 2000 cycles, and a fast charge capability of 186 mAh g−1 at 20.0 A g−1 in sodium‐ion batteries. Through characterization and simulation results, the doped C‐S/C = S bonds creates more active sites and ion diffusion channels in carbon skeleton for enhancing the fast and durable kinetics of sodium‐ion. This work provides deep insights into C/S bonds effect of carbon anode material for developing fast charge stability sodium‐ion batteries.
Upcycling Spent Cathode Materials to Bifunctional Catalysts for High‐Stability Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Zhu Hengyao , Chen Shiming , Yao Xiangming , Yang Kai , Zhao Wenguang , Chen Taowen , Yang Luyi , Pan Feng
Published: April 2024

In order to enhance the sluggish kinetics and suppress the polysulfide shuttle effect in high‐loading lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries, it is crucial to design and synthesize catalysts exhibiting both high conversion rate and strong anchoring effect toward polysulfide species. Herein, based on theoretical predictions, spent cathode materials (LiCoO2 and LiMn2O4) from spent lithium‐ion batteries are converted into a bifunctional catalyst (Co─MnO) for Li–S batteries through the high‐temperature shock method. Owing to the synergistic catalytic and anchoring effect of polysulfide species exhibit by Co─MnO, superior electrochemical performance, including excellent rate performance (707 mAh g−1 at 4C) and high stability (capacity fading of 0.058% per cycle over 400 cycles at 1C) can be delivered under a low areal catalyst loading (<0.5 wt%). This work not only offers a new design strategy for Li–S catalysts, but also proposes a promising approach to transform spent LIBs into highly efficient catalysts.
Responsiveness of Charged Double Network Hydrogels to Ionic Environment
Authors: Lee Ming Jun , Shrotriya Dhruv Rahul , Espinosa‐Marzal Rosa M.
Published: April 2024

Charged double network (DN) hydrogels are widely studied for their desirable mechanical strength and tunable properties. In this work, the influence of polymer concentration on microstructure and properties of agarose/polyacrylic acid DN hydrogels is studied. Agarose, the first network, is a brittle biopolymer, while polyacrylic acid (PAAc) is a weak polyelectrolyte. The microstructure, visualized in liquid environment, displays an agarose scaffold coated and interconnected by PAAc, deviating from the common assumption of an entangled double network. Importantly, the charging of PAAc in the hydrogel is regulated not only by the pH and weak polyelectrolyte effects, but also by the restricted swelling of the double network, and hence, it is an inherent regulation mechanism of charged hydrogels. The interactions between the hydrogel and the ionic environment induce microstructural changes and charging of the double network, impacting surface properties such as topography, stiffness, and adhesion, which are spatially resolved by liquid‐environment atomic force microscopy. The responsiveness of the DN hydrogels significantly depends on both polymer concentrations and ion concentrations. These findings provide insights into the responsive behavior of double network hydrogels and reveal universal mechanisms for charged hydrogels, which can guide the future development of functional soft materials.