bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between nurse burnout, missed nursing care, and care quality following COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Nantsupawat Apiradee , Wichaikhum Orn‐Anong , Abhicharttibutra Kulwadee , Sadarangani Tina , Poghosyan Lusine
Published: May 2023

Objectives

To determine the relationship between nurse burnout, missed nursing care, and care quality following the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Background

Quality of care and missed nursing care can be consequences of nurse burnout. Little is known about how these factors related to nurse burnout following the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Design

This study used a cross‐sectional correlational design and was conducted in 12 general hospitals across Thailand from August to October 2022.

Methods

394 nurses providing direct nursing care to patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic completed the survey. The Emotional Exhaustion (EE) subscale of the Maslach Burnout Inventory‐Human Services Survey (MBI‐HSS), MISSCARE survey, and quality of care reported by nurses were used to collect data. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were used to analyse the data.

Results

Approximately thirty‐six percent of nurses had burnout following the COVID‐19 pandemic. Missed nursing care was higher among nurses with burnout. Most participants reported illness/symptoms such as anxiety, fatigue, a lack of concentration, and sleeping problems. After adjusting for demographic characteristics, every additional unit of emotional exhaustion was associated with 1.61 times higher odds of missed nursing care, 3.37 times higher odds of poor quality of nurse care, and 2.62 times higher odds of poor quality of care for the overall unit.

Conclusion

The study findings demonstrate that burnout is associated with missed nursing care and poor quality of care following the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Policymakers, hospital administrators, and nurse managers should invest in strategies to reduce nurse burnout, which can increase patient safety and quality of care.
Is There a Crisis in Clergy Health?: Reorienting Research Using a National Sample
Authors: Holleman Anna , Eagle David
Published: May 2023

Are religious leaders unusually unhealthy? This question has long occupied scholars interested in the study of religious institutions, and a significant body of research has examined the causes, correlates, and effects of poor health among clergy. In this study, we aimed to: (1) outline the development of, and bias inherent to, the scholarly understanding of clergy health over the past 50 years; (2) test, using a recently collected nationally representative sample of clergy, the standing assumption that clergy are an especially unhealthy vocational group, specifically in terms of depression, obesity, and self‐rated health; and (3) identify the major correlates of health among clergy using these data. Contrary to the recent tenor of scholarly research on this subject, our research revealed that clergy are not a particularly unhealthy group. We suggest potential pathways forward to ameliorate the bias inherent in the research into clergy well‐being.
Double‐nozzle 3D‐printed bean paste buns: Effect of filling ratio and microwave heating time
Authors: Du Yuwei , Tang Tiantian , Zhang Min , Mujumdar Arun S. , Phuhongsung Pattarapon , Yu Dongxing
Published: May 2023

With the aggravation of the global aging process, more and more elderly people are facing the problem of dysphagia. The advantages of three‐dimensional (3D) printing in making chewy food are increasingly prominent. In this study, the two‐nozzle 3D printer was used to explore the effects of different proportions of buckwheat flour, printing filling ratio, microwave power, and time on the quality of bean‐paste buns. The results showed that the bean paste filling containing 6% buckwheat flour had the best antioxidant and sensory properties. When the filling ratio was 21.6%, the microwave power was 560 W, and the time was 4 min, the obtained sample was the most satisfactory. Compared with the microwave‐treated and steamed traditional samples, the chewiness of the samples was reduced by 52.43% and 15.14%, respectively, and the final product was easier to chew and swallow.
Rethinking First Language–Second Language Similarities and Differences in English Proficiency: Insights From the ENglish Reading Online (ENRO) Project
Authors: Siegelman Noam , Elgort Irina , Brysbaert Marc , Agrawal Niket , Amenta Simona , Arsenijević Mijalković Jasmina , Chang Christine S. , Chernova Daria , Chetail Fabienne , Clarke A. J. Benjamin , Content Alain , Crepaldi Davide , Davaabold Nastag , Delgersuren Shurentsetseg , Deutsch Avital , Dibrova Veronika , Drieghe Denis , Filipović Đurđević Dušica , Finch Brittany , Frost Ram , Gattei Carolina A. , Geva Esther , Godfroid Aline , Griener Lindsay , Hernández‐Rivera Esteban , Ivanenko Anastasia , Järvikivi Juhani , Kawaletz Lea , Khare Anurag , Lee Jun Ren , Lee Charlotte E. , Manouilidou Christina , Marelli Marco , Mashanlo Timur , Mišić Ksenija , Miwa Koji , Palma Pauline , Plag Ingo , Rezanova Zoya , Riimed Enkhzaya , Rueckl Jay , Schroeder Sascha , Sekerina Irina A. , Shalom Diego E. , Slioussar Natalia , Slosar Neža Marija , Taler Vanessa , Thériault Kim , Titone Debra , Tumee Odonchimeg , Wetering Ross van de , Verma Ark , Weiss Anna Fiona , Wu Denise Hsien , Kuperman Victor
Published: May 2023

This article presents the ENglish Reading Online (ENRO) project that offers data on English reading and listening comprehension from 7,338 university‐level advanced learners and native speakers of English representing 19 countries. The database also includes estimates of reading rate and seven component skills of English, including vocabulary, spelling, and grammar, as well as rich demographic and language background data. We first demonstrate high reliability for ENRO tests and their convergent validity with existing meta‐analyses. We then provide a bird's‐eye view of first (L1) and second (L2) language comparisons and examine the relative role of various predictors of reading and listening comprehension and reading speed. Across analyses, we found substantially more overlap than differences between L1 and L2 speakers, suggesting that English reading proficiency is best considered across a continuum of skill, ability, and experiences spanning L1 and L2 speakers alike. We end by providing pointers for how researchers can mine ENRO data for future studies.
Breastfeeding is associated with the intelligence of school‐age children in Mexico
Authors: Peña‐Ruiz Lidia Sarahi , Unar‐Munguía Mishel , Colchero Mónica Arantxa , Alarid‐Escudero Fernando , Pérez‐Escamilla Rafael
Published: May 2023

Breastfeeding has been consistently associated with higher intelligence since childhood. However, this relation could be confounded due to maternal selection bias. We estimated the association between predominant breastfeeding and intelligence in school‐age children considering potential selection bias and we simulated the intelligence gap reduction between low versus higher socioeconomic status children by increasing breastfeeding. We analysed predominant breastfeeding practices (breastmilk and water‐based liquids) of children 0–3 years included in the Mexican Family Life Survey (MxFLS‐1). Intelligence was estimated as the z‐score of the abbreviated Raven score, measured at 6–12 years in the MxFLS‐2 or MxFLS‐3. We predicted breastfeeding duration among children with censored data with a Poisson model. We used the Heckman selection model to assess the association between breastfeeding and intelligence, correcting for selection bias and stratified by socioeconomic status. Results show after controlling for selection bias, a 1‐month increase in predominant breastfeeding duration was associated with a 0.02 SD increase in the Raven z‐score (p < 0.05). The children who were predominantly breastfed for 4–6 months versus <1 month had 0.16 SD higher Raven z‐score (p < 0.05). No associations were found using multiple linear regression models. Among low socioeconomic status children, increasing predominantly breastfeeding duration to 6 months would increase their mean Raven z‐score from −0.14 to −0.07 SD and reduce by 12.5% the intelligence gap with high socioeconomic status children. In conclusion, predominant breastfeeding duration was significantly associated with childhood intelligence after controlling for maternal selection bias. Increased breastfeeding duration may reduce poverty‐driven intelligence inequities.
A model of photosynthetic CO2 assimilation in C3 leaves accounting for respiration and energy recycling by the plastidial oxidative pentose phosphate pathway
Authors: Wieloch Thomas , Augusti Angela , Schleucher Jürgen
Published: May 2023

Recently, we reported estimates of anaplerotic carbon flux through the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway (OPPP) in chloroplasts into the Calvin–Benson cycle. These estimates were based on intramolecular hydrogen isotope analysis of sunflower leaf starch. However, the isotope method is believed to underestimate the actual flux at low atmospheric CO2 concentration (Ca).

Since the OPPP releases CO2 and reduces NADP+, it can be expected to affect leaf gas exchange under both rubisco‐ and RuBP‐regeneration‐limited conditions. Therefore, we expanded Farquhar‐von Caemmerer–Berry models to account for OPPP metabolism. Based on model parameterisation with values from the literature, we estimated OPPP‐related effects on leaf carbon and energy metabolism in the sunflowers analysed previously.

We found that flux through the plastidial OPPP increases both above and below Ca ≈ 450 ppm (the condition the plants were acclimated to). This is qualitatively consistent with our previous isotope‐based estimates, yet gas‐exchange‐based estimates are larger at low Ca.

We discuss our results in relation to regulatory properties of the plastidial and cytosolic OPPP, the proposed variability of CO2 mesophyll conductance, and the contribution of day respiration to the A/Ci curve drop at high Ca. Furthermore, we critically examine the models and parameterisation and derive recommendations for follow‐up studies.
Hydrogen isotope fractionation in carbohydrates of leaves and xylem tissues follows distinct phylogenetic patterns: a common garden experiment with 73 tree and shrub species
Authors: Schuler Philipp , Vitali Valentina , Saurer Matthias , Gessler Arthur , Buchmann Nina , Lehmann Marco M.
Published: May 2023

Recent methodological advancements in determining the nonexchangeable hydrogen isotopic composition (δ2Hne) of plant carbohydrates make it possible to disentangle the drivers of hydrogen isotope (2H) fractionation processes in plants.

Here, we investigated the influence of phylogeny on the δ2Hne of twig xylem cellulose and xylem water, as well as leaf sugars and leaf water, across 73 Northern Hemisphere tree and shrub species growing in a common garden.

2H fractionation in plant carbohydrates followed distinct phylogenetic patterns, with phylogeny reflected more in the δ2Hne of leaf sugars than in that of twig xylem cellulose. Phylogeny had no detectable influence on the δ2Hne of twig or leaf water, showing that biochemistry, not isotopic differences in plant water, caused the observed phylogenetic pattern in carbohydrates. Angiosperms were more 2H‐enriched than gymnosperms, but substantial δ2Hne variations also occurred at the order, family, and species levels within both clades. Differences in the strength of the phylogenetic signals in δ2Hne of leaf sugars and twig xylem cellulose suggest that the original phylogenetic signal of autotrophic processes was altered by subsequent species‐specific metabolism.

Our results will help improve 2H fractionation models for plant carbohydrates and have important consequences for dendrochronological and ecophysiological studies.
Astrocytes as master modulators of neural networks: Synaptic functions and disease‐associated dysfunction of astrocytes
Authors: Stogsdill Jeffrey A. , Harwell Corey C. , Goldman Steven A.
Published: May 2023

Astrocytes are the most abundant glial cell type in the central nervous system and are essential to the development, plasticity, and maintenance of neural circuits. Astrocytes are heterogeneous, with their diversity rooted in developmental programs modulated by the local brain environment. Astrocytes play integral roles in regulating and coordinating neural activity extending far beyond their metabolic support of neurons and other brain cell phenotypes. Both gray and white matter astrocytes occupy critical functional niches capable of modulating brain physiology on time scales slower than synaptic activity but faster than those adaptive responses requiring a structural change or adaptive myelination. Given their many associations and functional roles, it is not surprising that astrocytic dysfunction has been causally implicated in a broad set of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. In this review, we focus on recent discoveries concerning the contributions of astrocytes to the function of neural networks, with a dual focus on the contribution of astrocytes to synaptic development and maturation, and on their role in supporting myelin integrity, and hence conduction and its regulation. We then address the emerging roles of astrocytic dysfunction in disease pathogenesis and on potential strategies for targeting these cells for therapeutic purposes.
Synthetic ecosystems: an emerging opportunity for science and society?
Authors: Hammond Matthew P. , Kolasa Jurek , Fung Phil
Published: May 2023

For millenia, humans have modified aspects of natural ecosystems to meet their social, economic and ecological needs. With advancing technology and global movement of species, modification has shifted to designing and creating new ecologies in cityscapes, building interiors, agricultural settings and more. We call intentional ecosystems that combine biodiversity and technology with little to no shared history, synthetic ecosystems. Fields, from microbial ecology to agroecology, build synthetic ecosystems under different names but share the same properties of: Being human‐designed, assembled and controlled, having novel components and/or interactions, and creating systems distinctly different from what came before at a site. Creating synthetic ecosystems represents a design challenge, but also an opportunity for real‐world impact – which we illustrate with a biodiverse, indoor synthetic ecosystem for food production. Overall, synthetic ecosystems may advance socioecological goals in six ways. They can: 1) replace ecological deadzones with living systems (e.g. building green roofs), 2) enhance existing ecosystem processes (e.g. boosting agricultural yields), 3) create new ecosystem functions (e.g. bioelectricity), 4) establish new ecosystem controls (e.g. biological control), 5) foster knowledge synthesis (e.g. testing ecological theory) and 6) reshape human‐nature relationships (e.g. improve wellbeing). To realize these potentials, future work must more fully evaluate whereandwhen synthetic ecosystems are appropriate to build, whatarchitectures and aspects of diversity (biological and technological) make them most functional and how knowledge from across cultures and eras can be integrated in solutions.
Double trouble: Co‐infection of potato with the causal agents of late and early blight
Authors: Brouwer Sophie M. , Wolters Pieter J. , Andreasson Erik , Liljeroth Erland , Vleeshouwers Vivianne G. A. A. , Grenville‐Briggs Laura J.
Published: May 2023

Global potato production is plagued by multiple pathogens, amongst which are Phytophthora infestans and Alternaria solani, the causal agents of potato late blight and early blight, respectively. Both these pathogens have different lifestyles and are successful pathogens of potato, but despite observations of both pathogens infecting potato simultaneously in field conditions, the tripartite interactions between potato and these two pathogens are so far poorly understood. Here we studied the interaction of A. solani and P. infestans first in vitro and subsequently in planta both in laboratory and field settings. We found that A. solani can inhibit P. infestans in terms of growth in vitro and also infection of potato in both laboratory experiments and in an agriculturally relevant field setting. A. solani had a direct inhibitory effect on P. infestans in vitro and compounds secreted by A. solani had both an inhibitory and disruptive effect on sporangia and mycelium of P. infestans in vitro. In planta infection bioassays revealed that simultaneous co‐inoculation of both pathogens resulted in larger necrotic lesions than single inoculations; however, consecutive inoculations only resulted in larger lesions when A. solani was inoculated after P. infestans. These results indicate that the order in which these pathogens attempt to colonize potato is important for the disease outcome and that the influence of plant pathogens on each other should be accounted for in the design of future disease control strategies in crops such as potato.
Transcriptional repression of MdMa1 by MdMYB21 in Ma locus decreases malic acid content in apple fruit
Authors: Peng Yunjing , Yuan Yangyang , Chang Wenjing , Zheng Litong , Ma Wenfang , Ren Hang , Liu Peipei , Zhu Lingcheng , Su Jing , Ma Fengwang , Li Mingjun , Ma Baiquan
Published: May 2023

Malic acid is a major organic acid component of apples and a crucial determinant of fruit organoleptic quality. A candidate gene for malic acid content, designated MdMa1, was previously identified in the Ma locus, which is a major quantitative trait locus (QTL) for apple fruit acidity located on the linkage group 16. Region‐based association mapping to detect candidate genes in the Ma locus identified MdMa1 and an additional MdMYB21 gene putatively associated with malic acid. MdMYB21 was significantly associated with fruit malic acid content, accounting for ~7.48% of the observed phenotypic variation in the apple germplasm collection. Analyses of transgenic apple calli, fruits and tomatoes demonstrated that MdMYB21 negatively regulated malic acid accumulation. The apple fruit acidity‐related MdMa1 and its tomato ortholog, SlALMT9, exhibited lower expression profiles in apple calli, mature fruits and tomatoes in which MdMYB21 was overexpressed, compared with their corresponding wild‐type variety. MdMYB21 directly binds to the MdMa1 promoter and represses its expression. Interestingly, a 2‐bp variation in the MdMYB21 promoter region altered its expression and regulation of its target gene, MdMa1, expression. Our findings not only demonstrate the efficiency of integrating QTL and association mapping in the identification of candidate genes controlling complex traits in apples, but also provide insights into the complex regulatory mechanism of fruit malic acid accumulation.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Journal of English and Cultural Studies, Vol. 6, No. 1
Authors: Howard Nina
Published: May 2023

International Journal of English and Cultural Studies (IJECS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether IJECS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue. Reviewers for Volume 6, Number 1Abdelhamid M. Ahmed, Helwan University, EgyptAli Hashemi, Yazd University, IranAna Maria Costa Lopes, Higher School of Education of Viseu, Viseu Polytechnic Institute, PortugalEllie Boyadzhieva, South-West University, Blagoevgrad, BulgariaGillian Steinberg, SAR High School, USAHerman, University of HKBP Nommensen, IndonesiaJânderson Coswosk, Instituto Federal do Espírito Santo, BrazilJoseph Hokororo Isamail, Institute of Judicial Administration Lushoto, TanzaniaKeeley Megan Buehler Hunter, Southern New Hampshire University, SwitzerlandNicolau Nkiawete Manuel, Agostinho Neto University, AngolaShashi Naidu, Ball State University, United StatesVasfiye Geckin, Bogazici University, TurkeyZhongfeng Huang, Beihang University, China Nina HowardEditorial AssistantInternational Journal of English and Cultural StudiesRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97006-6018, USAWebsite: http://ijecs.redfame.com
Elimination of imaginaries in C((Γ))$\mathbb {C}((\Gamma ))$
Authors: Vicaría Mariana
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we study elimination of imaginaries in henselian valued fields of equicharacteristic zero and residue field algebraically closed. The results are sensitive to the complexity of the value group. We focus first on the case where the ordered abelian group has finite spines, and then prove a better result for the dp‐minimal case. In previous work the author proved that an ordered abelian with finite spines weakly eliminates imaginaries once one adds sorts for the quotient groups for each definable convex subgroup , and sorts for the quotient groups where is a definable convex subgroup and . We refer to these sorts as the quotient sorts. Jahnke, Simon, and Walsberg (J. Symb. Log. 82 (2017) 151–165) characterized ‐minimal ordered abelian groups as those without singular primes, that is, for every prime number one has .

We prove the following two theorems:
Virtual Footwear Try-On in Augmented Reality Using Deep Learning Models
Authors: Chou Ting , Chu Chih-Hsing , Liu Shengjun
Published: May 2023

Customization is an increasing trend in fashion product industry to reflect individual lifestyles. Previous studies have examined the idea of virtual footwear try-on in augmented reality (AR) using a depth camera. However, the depth camera restricts the deployment of this technology in practice. This research proposes to estimate the six degrees-of-freedom pose of a human foot from a color image using deep learning models to solve the problem. We construct a training dataset consisting of synthetic and real foot images that are automatically annotated. Three convolutional neural network models (deep object pose estimation (DOPE), DOPE2, and You Only Look Once (YOLO)-6D) are trained with the dataset to predict the foot pose in real-time. The model performances are evaluated using metrics for accuracy, computational efficiency, and training time. A prototyping system implementing the best model demonstrates the feasibility of virtual footwear try-on using a red–green–blue camera. Test results also indicate the necessity of real training data to bridge the reality gap in estimating the human foot pose.
Inverse Kinematics Solution Method of an Adaptive Piecewise Geometry for Cable-Driven Hyper-Redundant Manipulator
Authors: Yang Qiang , Zhou Qinghua , Zhou Guangwu , Jiang Ming , Zhao Zhijun
Published: May 2023

Cable-driven hyper-redundant manipulator (CDHM) with flexible and compliant configuration has high maneuverability in a tight space owing to its multiple degrees of freedom (DOFs). However, an increase in the DOFs of the manipulator makes it very challenging to solve its inverse kinematics. The present work proposes a novel adaptive piecewise geometry method to solve the inverse kinematics of the CDHM. The corresponding computation efficiency will be much lower for traditional methods, i.e., the generalized inverse of the Jacobian matrix and artificial neural network method. When the end-effector of the manipulator is required to move with a larger range, Joint angle physical limit needs to be considered and the proposed method can select the optimal arc configuration to solve the inverse kinematics aiming at reducing joint overrun. An adaptive adjustment coefficient is further introduced to optimize the double-arc configuration so that joint motion is more reasonable as well as avoiding singular configuration. The geometry and joint parameters solved with the proposed novel method are then compared to those of the existing method with the same desired target position to verify the effectiveness of the proposed novel method. Finally, a 12-DOFs hyper-redundant manipulator physical prototype is built, and corresponding experimental results show that with the novel solution method, the manipulator end can precisely reach the expected target position with significantly less computational complexity, which is beneficial to improve real-time control efficiency of the CDHM in practical applications.
Assimilation of Disparate Data for Improving the Performance Prediction of Body-Force Model
Authors: Wang Xuegao , Hu Jun , Ma Shuai
Published: May 2023

Despite the extensive application of three-dimensional Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equation (RANS) in axial compressor numerical simulations, body-force model (BFM) also plays its own role profiting from its low computation cost. However, the computation accuracy highly depends on the modeling of blade force, which usually involves several parameter constants. In this work, data assimilation based on Ensemble Kalman Filter (EnKF) was employed to optimize these model constants in BFM. Previous work associated with data assimilation mainly focuses on employing only one data source. Considering the various measurement quantities in engineering practice, disparate data were incorporated into the assimilation method to improve the prediction. The test case of a low-speed axial compressor was provided. Only one single data source, i.e., total pressure ratio, was first employed as the observation data in EnKF. And to reveal the superiority of the disparate data assimilation, total pressure ratio and isentropic efficiency were then incorporated to improve the performance prediction. The converged results reveal the robustness of disparate data assimilation based on EnKF. At last, the rationality of the optimized constants is verified further through the great agreement between the measurement and the prediction of BFM, with regard to the radial profile and the performance at another rotational speed.
Application of Artificial Intelligence on Predicting the Effects of Buoyancy Ratio on Magnetohydrodynamics Double-Diffusive Mixed Convection and Entropy Generation in Different Nanofluids and Hybrid Nanofluids
Authors: Prince Hasib Ahmed , Siam Md Mehrab Hossen , Ghosh Amit , Mamun Mohammad Arif Hasan
Published: May 2023

The present computational investigation aims to investigate the effect of varied buoyancy ratios on mixed convection and entropy formation in a lid-driven trapezoidal enclosure under magnetic field with two rotating cylinders. The effects of SWCNT–water, Cu–water, and Al2O3–water nanofluids individually, as well as effects of three different types of SWCNT–Cu–Al2O3–water hybrid nanofluids are examined. The governing Navier–Stokes, thermal energy, and mass conservation equations are solved using the Galerkin weighted residual finite element method to obtain results as average Nusselt number, Sherwood number, temperature, and Bejan number as output parameters inside the enclosure for different parameter values. Then, an innovative artificial neural network model for effective prediction is created using the simulation data. The optimum values of each of these input parameters are obtained by finite element method (FEM) and artificial neural network (ANN), and a comparative study between FEM and ANN is done to get best results for the output parameters. The performance of the created ANN model for novel scenarios is evaluated using Cu–Al2O3–water hybrid nanofluid. The proposed innovative ANN model predicts the findings with less time and sufficient accuracy for each type of studied governing fluids. The model’s accuracy for predicting convective heat and mass transfer, along with average dimensionless temperature and Bejan number, was 96.81% and 98.74%, respectively, when tested on training and validation data. On test data, the accuracy was 97.03% for convective heat and mass transfer and 99.17% for average dimensionless temperature and Bejan number.
Endless fun in high dimensions—A quantum card game
Authors: Kopf Lea , Hiekkamäki Markus , Prabhakar Shashi , Fickler Robert
Published: May 2023

Quantum technologies enable new ways to distribute and process information. The enormous progress over the recent decades has led to an urgent need for new educational programs to train professionals to work in this field. Here, we present a card game that teaches students the building blocks of quantum computing through strategic gameplay. Participants start from the lowest quantum state and play cards that change their state and/or their opponents' state, aiming to build an algorithm that achieves the highest possible quantum state. Players can utilize several different strategies that rely on quantum features such as randomness, superposition, interference, and entanglement. Our game expands on the existing Q|Cards⟩ game, originally developed using traditional qubits (with 2-level states), by including an option to play with qutrits (with 3-level states), and by developing cooperative and single player modes in addition to the existing competitive mode. The presented game contributes to the ongoing efforts on gamifying quantum physics education with a particular focus on the counter-intuitive features that make quantum computing powerful.
Beyond the ABCDs: A better matrix method for geometric optics by using homogeneous coordinates
Authors: Corcovilos Theodore A.
Published: May 2023

Geometric optics is often described as tracing the paths of non-diffracting rays through an optical system. In the paraxial limit, ray traces can be calculated using ray transfer matrices (colloquially, ABCD matrices), which are 2 × 2 matrices acting on the height and slope of the rays. A known limitation of ray transfer matrices is that they only work for optical elements that are centered and normal to the optical axis. In this article, we provide an improved 3 × 3 matrix method for calculating paraxial ray traces of optical systems that is applicable to how these systems are actually arranged on the optical table: lenses and mirrors in any orientation or position (e.g., in laboratory coordinates), with the optical path zig-zagging along the table. Using projective duality, we also show how to directly image points through an optical system using a point transfer matrix calculated from the system's ray transfer matrix. We demonstrate the usefulness of these methods with several examples and discuss future directions to expand the applications of this technique.
Simulating gravitational motion, gas dynamics, and structure in the cosmos
Authors: Powell J. W. , Caudill L. , Young O.
Published: May 2023

We provide introductory explanations and illustrations of the N-body hydrodynamics code Charm N-body GrAvity solver (ChaNGa). ChaNGa simulates the gravitational motion and gas dynamics of matter in space with the goal of modeling galactic and/or cosmological structure and evolution. We discuss the algorithm for leapfrog integration and smoothed particle hydrodynamics and computer science concepts used by the program, including the binary data structure for the particle positions. Our presentation borrows from the doctoral dissertation of J. Stadel, U. Washington, 2001. Problems are provided in order to use ChaNGa to learn or solidify some cosmological concepts.
Power exchanged between subsystems with non-diffuse fields in statistical energy analysis
Authors: Tyrode V. , Totaro N. , Maxit L. , Le Bot A.
Published: May 2023

This article is a discussion on the necessity of the assumption of diffuse field in statistical energy analysis and the validity of the coupling power proportionality which states that the vibrational power exchanged between coupled subsystems is proportional to the difference of their modal energies. It is proposed to re-formulate the coupling power proportionality in terms of local energy density instead of modal energy. We show that this generalized form remains valid even if the vibrational field is not diffuse. Three causes of lack of diffuseness have been studied: coherence of rays in symmetrical geometries, nonergodic geometries, and the effect of high damping. Numerical simulations and experimental results conducted on flat plates in flexural vibration are provided to support these statements.
End-to-end sound field reproduction based on deep learning
Authors: Hong Xi , Du Bokai , Yang Shuang , Lei Menghui , Zeng Xiangyang
Published: May 2023

Sound field reproduction, which attempts to create a virtual acoustic environment, is a fundamental technology in the achievement of virtual reality. In sound field reproduction, the driving signals of the loudspeakers are calculated by considering the signals collected by the microphones and working environment of the reproduction system. In this paper, an end-to-end reproduction method based on deep learning is proposed. The inputs and outputs of this system are the sound-pressure signals recorded by microphones and the driving signals of loudspeakers, respectively. A convolutional autoencoder network with skip connections in the frequency domain is used. Furthermore, sparse layers are applied to capture the sparse features of the sound field. Simulation results show that the reproduction errors of the proposed method are lower than those generated by the conventional pressure matching and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator methods, especially at high frequencies. Experiments were performed under conditions of single and multiple primary sources. The results in both cases demonstrate that the proposed method achieves better high-frequency performance than the conventional methods.
Protocatechuic acid boosts continual efferocytosis in macrophages by derepressing KLF4 to transcriptionally activate MerTK
Authors: Li Qing , Liu Xiuping , Du Yushi , Zhang Xu , Xiang Panyin , Chen Guanyu , Ling Wenhua , Wang Dongliang
Published: May 2023

Macrophages clear apoptotic cells through a process called continual efferocytosis. We found that protocatechuic acid (PCA), a polyphenolic compound abundant in fruits and vegetables, increased the continual efferocytic capacity of macrophages and inhibited the progression of advanced atherosclerosis. PCA reduced the intracellular amounts of microRNA-10b (miR-10b) by promoting its secretion in extracellular vesicles, which led to an increase in the abundance of the miR-10b target Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4). In turn, KLF4 transcriptionally induced the gene encoding Mer proto-oncogene tyrosine kinase (MerTK), an efferocytic receptor for the recognition of apoptotic cells, resulting in increased continual efferocytic capacity. However, in naive macrophages, the PCA-induced secretion of miR-10b did not affect KLF4 and MerTK protein abundance or efferocytic capacity. In mice, oral administration of PCA increased continual efferocytosis in macrophages residing in the peritoneal cavities, thymi, and advanced atherosclerotic plaques through the miR-10b–KLF4–MerTK pathway. In addition, pharmacological inhibition of miR-10b with antagomiR-10b also increased the efferocytic capacity of efferocytic but not naive macrophages in vitro and in vivo. Together, these data describe a pathway that promotes continual efferocytosis in macrophages through miR-10b secretion and a KLF4-dependent increase in MerTK abundance, which can be activated by dietary PCA and which has implications for understanding the regulation of continual efferocytosis in macrophages.
The LiaFSR-LiaX System Mediates Resistance of Enterococcus faecium to Peptide Antibiotics and to Aureocin A53- and Enterocin L50-Like Bacteriocins
Authors: Tymoszewska Aleksandra , Szylińska Marlena , Aleksandrzak-Piekarczyk Tamara
Published: May 2023

Pathogenic enterococci carry virulence factors and a considerable resistome, which makes them one of the most serious and steadily increasing causes of hospital epidemiological risks. Accordingly,
Enterococcus faecium
is classified into a top-priority ESKAPE (
Enterococcus faecium
,
Staphylococcus aureus
,
Klebsiella pneumoniae
,
Acinetobacter baumannii
,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, and
Enterobacter
species) group of six highly virulent and multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial pathogens for which novel antimicrobial agents need to be developed urgently.
Viromics Reveals the High Diversity of Viruses from Fishes of the Tibet Highland
Authors: Xi Yuan , Jiang Xiaojie , Xie Xinrui , Zhao Min , Zhang Han , Qin Kailin , Wang Xiaochun , Liu Yuwei , Yang Shixing , Shen Quan , Ji Likai , Shang Peng , Zhang Wen , Shan Tongling
Published: May 2023

The economy and zoonoses have recently been significantly threatened by aquatic diseases. Yet, our knowledge of the diversity and abundance of fish viruses is still limited.
Northern Sierra Nevada, California: Ophiolites, metamorphic soles, and blueschists to active tectonics and geomorphology
Authors: Wakabayashi John , Shimabukuro David , Masutsubo Nobuaki , Eck Dennis , Spencer Sean , Kemp Chris , Inman Adam , Luo Jun , Smart Chris , Sanborn Erica
Published: May 2023

1. ABSTRACT

The geology of the northern Sierra Nevada of California records >400 million years of active plate margin tectonic events as a part of the North American Cordilleran orogenic belt. This field-trip guide provides geologic background and description of field-trip stops for a two-day field trip of the 2023 Geological Society of America Cordilleran Section Meeting based in Reno, Nevada. In two days, we cannot sample the complete geologic record of the northern Sierra Nevada, so this guide does not provide an exhaustive review of this geology. We will focus on certain aspects of the geology that have been the subject of recent research and present some previously unpublished observations and interpretations including: (1) distinguishing between subduction complexes and deformed assemblages that overlay subduction zones; (2) evidence for subduction initiation, recorded in high-pressure (P), high-temperature (T) amphibolites and possibly greenschist facies rocks structurally beneath them; (3) finding of high-P, high-T amphibolite blocks in mélange zones in subduction complex units accreted structurally beneath intact high-P, high-T amphibolite horizons; (4) differences in stream profiles between southern Cascade and northern Sierra drainages, suggesting different forcing mechanisms for stream erosion in those regions; and (5) complex relationships between stream incision, volcanic deposition, and Late Cenozoic faulting.

• DEDICATION •

This field–trip guide is dedicated to Eldridge Moores (1938–2018) and Jason Saleeby (1948–2023) who were giants in Sierra Nevada geologic research. Eldridge passed away in October 2018 while leading a field trip in this area on which the leaders of the current field trip (JW, DS) were participants. Jason passed away during the writing of this guide. As will be clear from reading this guide, the saying “standing on the shoulders of giants” applies.
The Chiral Spin-Orbitronics of a Helimagnet–Normal Metal Heterojunction
Authors: Ustinov V. V. , Yasyulevich I. A. , Bebenin N. G.
Published: May 2023

A theory of spin and charge transport in bounded metallic magnets has been constructed, which takes into account the effects of spin-orbit scattering of conduction electrons by crystal lattice defects. The theory can be used to describe the spin Hall effect and the anomalous Hall effect and can serve as a basis for describing the phenomena of spin-orbitronics. Phenomenological boundary conditions for the charge and spin fluxes at the interface between two different metals have been formulated, on the basis of which the injection of a pure spin current into a helimagnet, which arises in a normal metal as a manifestation of the spin Hall effect, is described. The existence of an “effect of chiral polarization of a pure spin current” is predicted, which consists in the appearance in a helimagnet of a longitudinally polarized pure spin current and a longitudinal component of the nonequilibrium electron magnetization, depending on the chirality of the helimagnet helix, upon injection of a transversely polarized spin current from a normal metal.
Pyogenic granuloma of the epiglottis: a common lesion in a rare site
Authors: Franco Helena , Slee Nicola
Published: May 2023

Pyogenic granulomas are benign vascular lesions occurring on skin and mucous membranes, most commonly in the oral cavity.

A case report of a woman in her 80s who presented with one episode of haemoptysis, secondary to an atypical epiglottic lesion is discussed. The patient denied associated symptoms, such as dyspnoea, dysphasia or recent weight loss. Flexible nasendoscopy and CT scan confirmed a highly vascular pedunculated mass on the left laryngeal surface of the epiglottis. The lesion was completely excised and there was no sign of recurrence after a 12-month follow-up.

This case report represents the fourth documented case of a pyogenic granuloma arising from the epiglottis, resulting in haemoptysis. While rare, there is a significant risk of airway compromise from haemorrhage, which is refractory to pressure and may be difficult to control at this site. Surgery is required to completely excise the lesion and prevent recurrence.
Turnover intention among healthcare workers in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gebrekidan Amanuel Yosef , Enaro Eskindir Yilma , Azeze Gedion , Adella Getachew Asmare , Kassie Gizachew Ambaw , Haile Kirubel Eshetu , Asgedom Yordanos Sisay
Published: May 2023

Objective

To determine the pooled prevalence of turnover intention among healthcare workers in Ethiopia.

Design

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline.

Data sources

Electronic databases of Science Direct, Medline, African Journals Online, Excerpta Medica Database, Scopus and Google Scholar were searched to identify studies published in the English language before 31 December, 2021.

Eligibility criteria

Studies were included with following criteria: (1) studies conducted or published until 31 December 2021; (2) observational studies; (3) Studies conducted on healthcare workers; (4) reporting turnover intention; (v) studies conducted in Ethiopia and (vi) tudies published in the English language were included.

Data extraction and synthesis

Three independent reviewers screened all the papers for eligibility criteria. Data were extracted by two independent investigators using a standardised data extraction format. Random effects model meta-analysis using STATA V.14.0 statistical software was conducted to estimate the pooled prevalence of turnover intention with 95% CI. Funnel plot and Forest plot were used to check publication bias and heterogeneity between studies, respectively. Leave-one-out sensitivity analysis was done.

Primary outcome

Prevalence of turnover intention.

Result

A total of 29 cross-sectional studies with 9422 participants met the inclusion criteria. The estimated pooled prevalence of turnover intention among healthcare workers in Ethiopia was 58.09% (95% CI 54.24 to 61.93; p value <0.001, I2=93.5%).

Conclusion

The finding of this systematic review and meta-analysis showed high prevalence of turnover intention among healthcare workers in Ethiopia. The Government and policy makers should come up with different mechanisms including a wide variety of healthcare workers retention strategies in order to reduce turnover intention of healthcare workers and retain them.
Value in psoriasis (IRIS) trial: implementing value-based healthcare in psoriasis management – a 1-year prospective clinical study to evaluate feasibility and value creation
Authors: Hilhorst Niels , Roman Erin , Borzée Joke , Deprez Elfie , Hoorens Isabelle , Cardoen Brecht , Roodhooft Filip , Lambert Jo
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Currently, the healthcare sector is under tremendous financial pressure, and many acknowledge that a dramatic shift is required as the current system is not sustainable. Furthermore, the quality of care that is delivered varies strongly. Several solutions have been proposed of which the conceptual framework known as value-based healthcare (VBHC) is further explored in this study for psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, which is associated with a high disease burden and high treatment costs. The objective of this study is to investigate the feasibility of using the VBHC framework for the management of psoriasis.

Methods and analysis

This is a prospective clinical study in which new patients attending the psoriasis clinic (PsoPlus) of the Ghent University Hospital will be followed up during a period of 1 year. The main outcome is to determine the value created for psoriasis patients. The created value will be considered as a reflection of the evolution of the value score (ie, the weighted outputs (outcomes) divided by weighted inputs (costs)) obtained using data envelopment analysis. Secondary outcomes are related to comorbidity control, outcome evolution and treatment costs. In addition, a bundled payment scheme will be determined as well as potential improvements in the treatment process. A total of 350 patients will be included in this trial and the study initiation is foreseen on 1 March 2023.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the Ghent University Hospital. The findings of this study will be disseminated by various means: (1) publication in one or more peer-reviewed dermatology and/or management journals, (2) (inter)national congresses, (3) via the psoriasis patient community and (4) through the research team’s social media channels.

Trial registration number

NCT05480917.
Organisational commitment, job satisfaction and intention to leave among physicians in the public health sector of Cyprus: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Gregoriou Ioanna , Papastavrou Evridiki , Charalambous Andreas , Economidou Eleftheria , Soteriades Elpidoforos Soterakis , Merkouris Anastasios
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Organisational commitment, job satisfaction and intention to leave constitute important characteristics of health professionals’ employment status. Our study aimed at investigating the level of organisational commitment, job satisfaction in association with intention to leave among physicians.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

A survey was conducted using self-administered questionnaires (the Organizational Commitment Questionnaire and the Job Satisfaction Survey) among all physicians working in the public health sector of Cyprus (October 2016–January 2017).

Participants

Out of 690 physicians working in the public health sector who received an invitation to participate, 511 completed the survey and 9 were excluded. Therefore, 502 physicians were included in the final analysis (response rate 73%). A total of 188 cases were excluded because they were undetermined with respect to their intention to leave and a total of 75 cases were excluded from the regression analysis due to missing values on at least one variable or due to having values considered as outliers. Therefore, a total of 239 physicians (120 men and 119 women) were included in the current analysis.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Physicians’ intention to leave.

Results

A considerably large percentage of physicians (72.8%) working in the public hospitals and healthcare centres of Cyprus reported their intention to leave their job. Moreover, the majority of employees in public hospitals (78.4%) intended to leave their job, while only 21.6% of employees in health centres reported an intention to leave (p<0.001). The study also confirmed that organisational commitment and job satisfaction were negatively correlated with intention to leave. In addition, the results of this study demonstrate that certain demographics also influence physicians’ intention to leave including age, gender and medical specialisation.

Conclusions

Certain physicians’ demographics, organisational commitment and job satisfaction constitute important parameters influencing physicians’ intention to leave their job.