bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reported quality indicators and implementation outcomes of community partnership in autism intervention research: A systematic review
Authors: Tschida Jessica E. , Lee James D. , Pomales‐Ramos Anamiguel , Koo Vivien
Published: February 2024

There is minimal research on the quality of community partnerships in studies of interventions for autistic children. However, building high quality community engagement in autism intervention research may improve implementation outcomes. This systematic review examined studies that report community partnership in autism intervention research. A total of 135 articles were identified and 11 of these articles were included in the final review. Community partnership data were extracted using indicators from the conceptual framework for assessing research‐practice partnerships (RPP; Henrick et al., Henrick et al., Assessing research‐practice partnerships: Five dimensions of effectiveness, William T. Grant Foundation, 2017) and implementation outcomes data were extracted using the taxonomy of distinct implementation outcomes (Proctor et al., Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 38:65–76, 2011). Quality of studies were appraised using JBIs critical appraisal tools (Munn et al., JBI Evidence Synthesis, 18:2127–2133, 2020). RPP indicators and implementation outcomes were variably reported across studies. RPP indicators and implementation outcomes more likely to be reported were related to building trust, cultivating partnership relationships, conducting rigorous research to inform action, acceptability, and feasibility. RPP indicators and implementation outcomes less likely to be reported were related to building capacity to engage in partnership work, sustainability, cost, and penetration. Together, these results may suggest the need for increased sustainability and capacity building efforts in partnerships and increased guidelines for reporting outcomes.
Floodproofing at New Braunfels Utilities
Authors: Stehouwer Anna , Willard Adam
Published: February 2024

Key Takeaways

A Texas utility planning to double its surface water treatment plant (SWTP) capacity weighed the most cost‐effective path to achieving flood resilience for its critical assets.

Adopting an asset‐by‐asset approach, the utility applied wet and dry floodproofing techniques to the proposed assets depending on resilience needs and priorities.

Highlights of the SWTP project's success included bringing a flood‐resilience mindset to the proceedings, centering safety goals, and discussing permitting from the outset.
Effect of polymethyl methacrylate on in situ patterning of perovskite quantum dots by inkjet printing
Authors: Zheng Yaqian , Duan Yanyu , Ye Yun , Zheng Xingke , Du Aochen , Chen Enguo , Xu Sheng , Guo Tailiang
Published: February 2024

The preparation of perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) using an in situ inkjet printing method is beneficial for improving the problems of aggregation and photoluminescence (PL) quenching during long‐term storage. However, the stability of PQDs prepared using this method is still not ideal, and the morphology of in situ‐printed patterns needs to be optimized. To address these problems, this study introduced polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) into the process of in situ inkjet printing of PQDs and explored the effect of PMMA on the in situ patterning effect of PQDs. The results showed that using a mixed precursor solution containing a small amount of PMMA as the printing ink can slow down the shrinkage process of ink droplets and improve the uniformity of film formation. As the printing substrate, PMMA provided a suitable high‐viscosity environment for the in situ growth of PQDs. This could effectively suppress the coffee ring effect. In addition, the interaction between the C=O=C group in PMMA and metal ion Pb2+ in the CsPbBr3 precursor molecules was favourable to enhancing the density of PQDs. The prepared PMMA‐coated CsPbBr3 quantum dots (QDs) pattern had high stability and could maintain at 90.08% PL intensity after 1 week of exposure to air.
Solution Combustion Synthesis of Ce‐based Composite Oxygen Carriers for Chemical Looping Reforming of Methane
Authors: Wang Jiarui , Liu Dawei , Zhang Weixiang , Hou Biao , Deng Yao , Ma Xiaoxun , Xu Long
Published: February 2024

Efficient activation and the conversion of methane to value‐added products have long attracted interest. Chemical looping reforming has become a competitive technology to transform methane into syngas that can act as raw material for various chemicals. In this paper, the methane chemical looping reforming reactivity of the Ce−Co composite oxygen carriers fabricated with different preparation methods, including solution combustion, ball‐milling, hydrothermal, and co‐precipitation method, are investigated on a fixed‐bed. Various bulk/surface characterizations (TEM, XRD, BET, XPS, Raman, etc.) were applied to reveal the effect of preparation methods on the properties of these oxygen carriers. The results indicate that the oxygen carrier prepared by the solution combustion method exhibits excellent methane conversion, high syngas yield, and desirable H2/CO ratio, as well as stable regenerability because of its relatively small crystal size, large specific surface area, high oxygen vacancy concentration and Ce3+/Ce4+ ratio. This work may be helpful in the preparation of highly active and stable oxygen carriers for chemical looping reforming reaction of methane.
Highly Active MoS2‐MXenes Hybrid Electrocatalysts Towards the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Remedios‐Díaz Yapci , Delgado Stefan , Calderón Juan Carlos , Calvillo Laura , del Carmen Arévalo María , Pastor Elena
Published: February 2024

In this work, catalytic performance of MoS2 supported on Mo2TiC2 and Ti3C2 MXenes towards the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) was studied. These materials were synthesised through an etching route of MAX phases as precursors of MXenes, followed by a hydrothermal treatment to coat them with MoS2. This procedure generated MoS2 nanospheres covering the MXenes, which were verified by SEM‐EDX mapping, Raman spectroscopy and XPS. Activity of these materials towards ORR was studied by RRDE, comparing its performance with that of individual MoS2 and MXenes. As main features, it was demonstrated that production of HOO− occurring on the composites decreases in comparison with individual materials. Long‐term stability tests performed in O2‐saturated electrolyte showed a drop in the activity of the materials due to the increase in the production of HOO−, although no morphological or compositional changes were observed. Despite this result, the improvement of the catalytic properties of the individual materials means that these composites can be considered as candidates to be used as supports of active non‐noble metal nanoparticles in the cathodes of anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs).
Metal–N4 model single‐atom catalyst with electroneutral quadri‐pyridine macrocyclic ligand for CO2 electroreduction
Authors: Peng Jian‐Zhao , Li Yin‐Long , Cheng Yao‐Ti , Li Fu‐Zhi , Cao Bo , Wang Qing , Yue Xian , Lai Guo‐Tao , Wang Yang‐Gang , Gu Jun
Published: February 2024

Metal–N–C single‐atom catalysts, mostly prepared from pyrolysis of metal‐organic precursors, are widely used in heterogeneous electrocatalysis. Since metal sites with diverse local structures coexist in this type of material and it is challenging to characterize the local structure, a reliable structure–property relationship is difficult to establish. Conjugated macrocyclic complexes adsorbed on carbon support are well‐defined models to mimic the single‐atom catalysts. Metal–N4 site with four electroneutral pyridine‐type ligands embedded in a graphene layer is the most commonly proposed structure of the active site of single‐atom catalysts, but its molecular counterpart has not been reported. In this work, we synthesized the conjugated macrocyclic complexes with a metal center (Co, Fe, or Ni) coordinated with four electroneutral pyridinic ligands as model catalysts for CO2 electroreduction. For comparison, the complexes with anionic quadri‐pyridine macrocyclic ligand were also prepared. The Co complex with the electroneutral ligand expressed a turnover frequency of CO formation more than an order of magnitude higher than that of the Co complex with the anionic ligand. Constrained ab initio molecular dynamics simulations based on the well‐defined structures of the model catalysts indicate that the Co complex with the electroneutral ligand possesses a stronger ability to mediate electron transfer from carbon to CO2.
Bi(III) Binding Stoichiometry and Domain‐Specificity Differences Between Apo and Zn(II)‐bound Human Metallothionein 1a
Authors: Korkola Natalie C. , Ostertag Anne‐Lena , Toswell Emily , Stillman Martin J.
Published: February 2024

Bismuth is a xenobiotic metal with a high affinity to sulfur that is used in a variety of therapeutic applications. Bi(III) induces the cysteine‐rich metallothionein (MT), a protein known to form two‐domain cluster structures with certain metals such as Zn(II), Cd(II), or Cu(I). The binding of Bi(III) to MTs has been previously studied, but there are conflicting reports on the stoichiometry and binding pathway, which appear to be highly dependent on pH and initial metal‐loading status of the MT. Additionally, domain specificity has not been thoroughly investigated. In this paper, ESI‐MS was used to determine the binding constants of [Bi(EDTA)]− binding to apo‐MT1a and its individual αMT fragment. The results were compared to previous experiments using βMT1a and βαMT3. Domain specificity was investigated using proteolysis methods and the initial cooperatively formed Bi2MT was found to bind to cysteines that spanned across the traditional metal binding domain regions. Titrations of [Bi(EDTA)]− into Zn7MT were performed and were found to result in a maximum stoichiometry of Bi7MT, contrasting the Bi6MT formed when [Bi(EDTA)]− was added to apo‐MT. These results show that the initial structure of the apo‐MT determines the stoichiometry of new incoming metals and explains the previously observed differences in stoichiometry.
Area averaging of packed bed in continua conservation equations in axial flow
Authors: Otarod Masood
Published: February 2024

A novel averaging of the conservation equations for axial flow in packed beds is presented to express the momentum, continuity, and energy equations in terms of the cross‐sectional averages of concentration, temperature, and superficial velocity. The model integrates the radial fluctuations of the intrinsic variables into the partial differential equations of the model and presents a method for the design and analysis of catalytic reactors at a broad range of Reynolds numbers without the necessity of adjusting the operating conditions to minimize the impact of the radial profiles of velocity, concentration, and temperature. Since the control of the industrial reactors is dependent on the average values of the concentration and temperature, the model can be directly employed for design, optimization, and control processes with the added advantage of time and cost savings for both the numerical resolution and laboratory testing expenses. The model is limited to reaction systems with Péclet numbers of less than 700 with an average void fraction of for which the ratio of the bed length‐to‐particle diameter to particle Péclet number exceeds . The model was applied to the simulation of steam methane reforming (SMR). The results indicate that the average equations predict the responses of the SMR properly and thus the model could be reliably utilized for process design, operation, and control.
Tailored Tetrasubstituted Imidazole Carrying the Benzenesulfonamide Fragments as Selective Human Carbonic Anhydrase IX/XII Inhibitors
Authors: Taher Ehab S. , Marzouk Adel A. , Abd‐Allah Walaa Hamada , Giovannuzzi Simone , Ibrahim Tarek S. , Supuran Claudiu T. , El Hamd Mohamed A. , El‐Behairy Mohammed Farrag
Published: February 2024

A new series of tetrasubstituted imidazole carrying sulfonamide as zinc‐anchoring group has been designed. The structures of the synthesized derivatives 5 a–l have been confirmed by spectroscopic analysis. These compounds incorporate an ethylenic spacer between the benzenesulfonamide and the rest of the trisubstituted imidazole moiety and were tested as inhibitors of carbonic anhydrases and for in‐vitro cytotoxicity. Most of them act as effective inhibitors of the tumor‐linked CA isoforms IX and XII, in nanomolar range. Also, different compounds have shown selectivity in comparable with the standard acetazolamide. Our IBS 5 d, 5 g, and 5 l (with Ki: 10.1, 19.4, 19.8 nM against hCA IX and 47, 45, 20 nM against hCA IX) showed the best inhibitory profile. In‐vitro screening of all derivatives against a full sixty‐cell‐lined from NCI at a single dose of 10 μM offered growth inhibition of up to 45 %. Compound 5 b has been identified with the most potent cytotoxic activity and broad spectrum. Docking studies have also been implemented and were also in accordance with the biological outcomes. Our SAR analysis has interestingly proposed efficient tumor‐related hCAs IX/XII suppression.
Discovery of a proliferation essential gene signature and actin‐like 6A as potential biomarkers for predicting prognosis and neoadjuvant chemotherapy response in triple‐positive breast cancer
Authors: Li Xiaofen , Luo Shiping , Fu Wenfen , Huang Mingyao , Huang Xiewei , Kang Shaohong , Zhang Jie , Wang Qingshui , Song Chuangui
Published: February 2024

Background

Patients with triple‐positive breast cancer (TPBC) have a higher risk of recurrence and lower survival rates than patients with other luminal breast cancers. However, there are few studies on the predictive biomarkers of prognosis and treatment responses in TPBC.

Methods

Proliferation essential genes (PEGs) were acquired from clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats‐associated protein 9 (CRISPR‐Cas9) technology, and cohorts of patients with TPBC were obtained from public databases and our cohort. To develop a TPBC‐PEG signature, Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analyses were applied. Functional analyses were performed with gene set enrichment analysis. The relationship between candidate genes and neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) sensitivity was explored via real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) on the basis of clinical samples.

Results

Among 900 TPBC‐PEGs, 437 showed significant differential expression between TPBC and normal tissues. Three prognostic PEGs (actin‐like 6A [ACTL6A], chaperonin containing TCP1 subunit 2 [CCT2], and threonyl‐TRNA synthetase [TARS]) were identified and used to construct the PEG signature. Patients with high PEG signature scores exhibited a worse overall survival and lower sensitivity to NACT than patients with low PEG signature scores. RT‐qPCR results indicated that ACTL6A and CCT2 expression were significantly upregulated in patients who lacked sensitivity to NACT. IHC results showed that the ACTL6A protein was highly expressed in patients with NACT resistance and nonpathological complete responses.

Conclusions

This efficient PEG signature prognostic model can predict the outcomes of TPBC. Furthermore, ACTL6A expression level was associated with the response to NACT, and could serve as an important factor in predicting prognosis and drug sensitivity of patients with TPBC.
Unveiling the Reaction Mechanisms of the Synthesis and the Excited State Intramolecular Proton Transfer of 2‐(2′‐hydroxyphenyl)imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine
Authors: Monreal‐Corona Roger , Stasyuk Anton J. , Solà Miquel , Pla‐Quintana Anna , Poater Albert
Published: February 2024

Given its wide variety of applications in the pharmaceutical industry, the synthesis of imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines has been extensively studied since the beginning of the last century. Here, we disclose the mechanism for the synthesis of imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines by means of the Ortoleva‐King reaction. We also reveal the reaction pathway leading to the formation of a iodinated byproduct, demonstrating the challenge of preventing the formation of such a byproduct because of the low energy barrier to access it. Moreover, quantum chemistry tools were employed to investigate the mechanism of intramolecular proton transfer in the excited state, and connections with aromaticity were explored.
Employing the Microemulsion Synthesis Technique to Investigate the Structural and Magnetic Properties of Multicomponent Ferrite Nanoparticles
Authors: Kumar Sanjeev , Singhal Shivangi , Chanana Avaani
Published: February 2024

CoFe2O4, ZnFe2O4, NiFe2O4, Co0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4, Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4, and Co0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 are among the multicomponent ferrite nanoparticles that are created using the reverse microemulsion technique and a mixed surfactant. These nanoparticles are thoroughly characterized using techniques such as vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). All the nanoparticles display a cubic spinel crystal structure, according to the X‐ray investigation. As the concentration of zinc increases, there is a noticeable rise in the lattice constant because the size of Zn+2 is more than Co+2. This study also investigates the relationship between the magnetic characteristics of nanocrystals and their matching size, composition, and features.
Understanding seasonal influence on sorghum productivity traits
Authors: Aruna Chandrasekhar Reddy , Madhusudhana R. , Deepika Cheruku
Published: February 2024

Changing climate and the need for continuous supply of grain to establish sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] as an industrial crop encourage for developing season neutral high‐yielding genotypes for wider cultivation. This study was aimed to understand the effect of varied growing seasons on productivity and morphological traits. Thirty‐two sorghum genotypes, including rainy season hybrids, parental lines, and rainy and post‐rainy varieties, were evaluated over five seasons for six traits. Seasons significantly affected days to physiological maturity, grain filling period (GFP), plant height (PH), and 100‐grain weight. The PH was reduced during summer by 35.4% over rainy and 16.5% over post‐rainy values, while reduction in GFP was 10% over rainy and 17.8% over post‐rainy values. Though variation for grain yield (GY) was found to be non‐significant across seasons, group analysis indicated that GY of rainy hybrids was high across all seasons (57–71 g per plant), while GY of post‐rainy varieties was reduced by 70% in rainy season and by 42% in summer compared to their performance during post‐rainy season. Rainy hybrids were more stable and adaptable to all seasons, while post‐rainy varieties had season specific adaptability. Additive main‐effects and multiplicative interactions, genotype + genotype × environment, and multi‐trait stability index analyses suggested that the rainy hybrids, namely, CSH 13, CSH 16, and CSH 25, were the best based on performance and stability over seasons. Exploiting rainy season genetic material may be fruitful in developing high‐yielding season neutral sorghum genotypes for cultivation across seasons, so that the future demand of sorghum as an industrial crop can be addressed effectively.
Using neural network super‐twisting sliding mode to improve power control of a dual‐rotor wind turbine system in normal and unbalanced grid fault modes
Authors: Yahdou Adil , Djilali Abdelkadir Belhadj , Bounadja Elhadj , Benbouhenni Habib
Published: February 2024

According to recent research work, increasing electric power generation is one of the significant advantages of the dual‐rotor wind turbine (DRWT) compared to the other types for the same wind speed. In this research work, a modified super‐twisting sliding mode control (STSMC) based on the neural network (NN) is suggested to regulate the stator powers of a DRWT‐based doubly‐fed induction generator (DFIG) in normal and unbalanced grid fault modes. The design of this strategy involves replacing the gains of conventional STSMC with the NN algorithm to enhance robustness, mitigate the impact of unbalanced grid voltage, and consequently improve the quality of the generated power of DRWT‐based DFIG. This forms the primary contribution of this work. The suggested strategy is compared with vector control (VC) and conventional STSMC in terms of reference tracking, power ripples, response dynamics, harmonic distortion of stator current, and the effect of an unbalanced grid fault. Finally, the utility and effectiveness of the designed controller are confirmed through computer simulations. Furthermore, when the grid is subjected to a 20% voltage drop, the results demonstrate that the suggested strategy reduced the total harmonic distortion (THD) value of the stator current by 12.92% compared to VC and by 9.29% compared to conventional STSMC.
Analysis and assessment of electrical and thermal performance of five‐phase voltage source inverter under different modulation strategies: Comparative study under balanced and unbalanced load
Authors: Sabri Sekhri , Benachour Ali , Guessar Houssam Eddine , Badaoui Mohamed Lamine , Berkouk El Madjid , Mahmoudi Mohand Oulhadj , Kermadi Mostefa , Mekhilef Saad
Published: February 2024

This paper compares four modulation strategies applied to five‐phase voltage source inverters (5PH‐VSI). The modulation strategies under investigation are sine wave pulse width modulation (S‐PWM), fifth‐harmonic injection PWM (FH‐PWM), space vector‐PWM using two large vectors (2V‐SVPWM), and space vector‐PWM using two medium and two large vectors (4V‐SVPWM). The study utilizes simulations to analyze the results based on four performance criteria: low‐order harmonics (LOH), maximum modulation index (MMI), common mode voltage (CMV), and total harmonic distortion (THD) under balanced and unbalanced load. To validate the simulation results for these criteria, an experimental test‐bench is employed, which includes a 5PH‐VSI feeding an R‐L load, and controlled by a low‐cost STM32F4‐DISCOVERY microcontroller board. Additionally, a mathematical approach is used to calculate the total thermal losses (TTL) then simulations are performed using Piecewise Linear Electrical Circuit Simulation (PLECS) software to assess the modulation schemes based on additional thermal performance criteria: conduction losses (CL), switching losses (SL), TTL, the efficiency, and the maximum permissible heat sink thermal resistance (MPHTR) at the steady‐state regime. The results indicate that the 4V‐SVPWM method demonstrates superior efficiency in terms of THD. Furthermore, it showcases the lowest TTL at high switching frequencies, allowing for the best efficiency and minimizing MPHRT, therefore providing the largest margin for the heat sink thermal resistance design. On the other hand, the 2V‐SVPWM offers the highest MMI, but this comes at the cost of high TTL and some LOHs appearing. In addition, it exhibits the highest CMV for unbalanced load. S‐PWM and FH‐PWM offer the advantage of simpler implementation.
Expectations of a new eating disorder treatment and its delivery: Perspectives of patients and new therapists
Authors: Mathisen Therese Fostervold , Pettersen Gunn , Rosenvinge Jan H. , Schmidt Ulrike H. , Sundgot‐Borgen Jorunn
Published: February 2024

Background

A significant number of people with bulimia nervosa (BN) or binge‐eating disorder (BED) do not seek professional help. Important reasons include limited knowledge of eating disorders (EDs), feelings of shame, treatment costs, and restricted access to specialized healthcare. In this study, we explored if a novel therapy delivered in a primary care setting could overcome these barriers. We investigated factors such as motivation and expectations and included the patients' and newly trained therapists' perspectives.

Method

We interviewed 10 women with BN (n = 2) or BED (n = 8), enrolled in the Physical Exercise and Dietary therapy (PED‐t) program, in a Healthy Life Center (HLC) located in a primary healthcare facility. Interview topics discussed were motivations for and expectations of therapy, and the treatment location. In addition, 10 therapists from HLC's were interviewed on their experiences with the PED‐t training program and expectations of running PED‐t within their service. The semi‐structured interviews were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Most patients had limited knowledge about EDs and first realized the need for professional help after learning about PED‐t. Patients exhibited strong motivations for treatment and a positive perception of both the PED‐t, the new treatment setting, and the therapists' competencies. The therapists, following a brief training program, felt confident in their abilities to treat EDs and provide PED‐t. With minor operational adjustments, PED‐t can seamlessly be integrated into national HLC service locations.

Conclusion

PED‐t is an accessible therapeutic service that can be delivered in a primary care environment in a stepped‐care therapy model.

Public Significance

This study investigates the views and experiences of patients and newly trained therapists of PED‐t (Physical Exercise and Dietary therapy), a new program‐led primary care therapy for binge‐eating spectrum eating disorders. The treatment and the locations for the intervention, that is, local health care centers, were found to be highly acceptable to both patients and therapists, thus PED‐t could easily be integrated as a first step into a step‐care delivery model.
Modified Gold Nanoparticles Modulated Fluorescence and Singlet Oxygen Generation of Pheophorbide a as an Effective Platform for Photodynamic Therapy against Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Ziental Daniel , Błaszkiewicz Paulina , Długaszewska Jolanta , Güzel Emre , Dudkowiak Alina , Sobotta Lukasz
Published: February 2024

The paper reports on the synthesis and evaluation of photochemical properties of gold nanorods (Au−NRs) coated with PEG with a thiol (−SH) group or SiO2 and their physical mixtures with pheophorbide a. Also biological activity of these systems was tested in photodynamic therapy directed towards Staphylococcus aureus. The potential additive effect between differently functionalized Au−NRs and the dye pheophorbide a was also studied. The efficiency of singlet oxygen generation varied considerably depending on the type of PEG polymer used for coating NRs and was the highest, of 65%, for the polymer PEG (10k) and the Au−NRs concentration of (1.33×10−11 M). For the other studied PEGs (2k, 5k) and the same concentration of NRs, a decrease in the singlet oxygen generation efficiency was observed. The most effective against Gram‐positive bacteria were the mixtures of PEG‐coated Au−NRs with pheophorbide a, exposed to irradiation at 405 nm and 660 nm, which provided a >5.8 log reduction in the bacteria growth. However, no strong bactericidal effect was noted in the case of irradiation with 525 nm.
Pivotal Role of Salicylates in Tuning the Formation and Reactivity of Mn(V)=O's
Authors: Arora Pragya , Kumari Vechalapu Sai , Duraisamy Santhosh , Allimuthu Dharmaraja , Draksharapu Apparao
Published: February 2024

An alternative and efficient route has been derived to generate the high valent [Mn(V)=O(m‐Cl‐salicylate)]+ intermediates with a series of non‐heme neutral ligand frameworks at 20 °C. The current method provides an advantage with feasibility in maintaining stoichiometric oxidant ratios along with the crucial variations of the salicylate moieties in tuning the reactivity of Mn(V)=O species. An in‐depth analysis of the Hammett studies revealed that the bound 5‐X‐salicylate (X=Cl, and NO2) drastically alters the corresponding Mn(V)=O's reactivity rates. In contrast, variations in the parent ligand frameworks resulted in consistent ρ values with increased lifetimes depicting the ligand's role in stabilization. Lastly, the complexes have been characterized to promote oxidative stress and prevent the proliferation of cancer cells effectively.
Echocardiographic assessment of myocardial efficiency predicts exercise performance
Authors: Erevik Christine Bjørkvik , Kleiven Øyunn , Frøysa Vidar , Bjørkavoll‐Bergseth Magnus , Chivulescu Monica , Klæboe Lars Gunnar , Dejgaard Lars , Auestad Bjørn , Skadberg Øyvind , Melberg Tor , Urheim Stig , Haugaa Kristina , Edvardsen Thor , Ørn Stein
Published: February 2024

Cardiac function is a major determinant of cardiopulmonary fitness. This study aimed to determine if novel echocardiographic myocardial function and efficiency parameters at rest can predict exercise performance during different types of prolonged high‐intensity endurance exercise. Echocardiography was performed before exercise in 40 healthy (75% males) 50.3 ± 9.1‐year‐old recreational athletes. Echocardiographic parameters at rest were compared with exercise performance assessed by power output during two different exercises: A lactate threshold and cardiopulmonary exercise test (La‐CPET) and a 91‐km mountain bike sport cycling race. The La‐CPET had a median duration of 43 (40, 45) minutes and a mean power output of 2.9 ± 0.5 W/kg. The race had a median duration of 236 (214, 268) minutes and a mean power output of 2.1 ± 0.5 W/kg. There was moderate left ventricular (LV) dilatation in individuals with the highest performance. The myocardial efficiency parameter, global wasted work (GWW), was positively correlated with race duration (rho = 0.42, p = 0.008) and negatively correlated with mean power output during both the La‐CPET (rho = −0.43, p = 0.007) and the race (rho = −0.44, p = 0.005). In multivariable models, including LV volumes, left GWW remained an independent predictor of race duration (beta = 0.40, p = 0.007) and of mean power output during the La‐CPET (beta = −0.40, p = 0.006) and the race (beta = −0.43, p = 0.003). The novel echocardiographic myocardial efficiency parameter, GWW, measured at rest, is an independent predictor of prolonged high‐intensity endurance exercise performance in healthy middle‐aged athletes. These findings suggest that resting myocardial efficiency parameters may aid the identification of exercise‐induced LV dilatation.
Development of Sub‐Band in Spray‐Deposited Cr‐Substituted Chalcopyrite Thin Films for Advancing Solar Cell Efficiency
Authors: Vijayan Karthikeyan , Thirumalaisamy Logu , Vijayachamundeeswari Srikarumbur Pandurangan , Sivaperuman Kalainathan , Ahsan Nazmul , Okada Yoshitaka
Published: February 2024

Designing effective strategies for mitigating energy crisis highlights a research gap in current solar cell technologies. This study explores the inherent physicochemical properties of thin films composed of copper gallium sulfide telluride (CuGa1−xCrx(S,Te)2) with chromium substitution, prepared through the chemical spray pyrolysis technique. The investigation showcases how the concept of intermediate band structuring contributes to enhancing solar cell efficiency. This enhancement can be attributed to the remarkable mobility (from 1.80 to 5.48 cm2 V−1 s−1) and conductivity (from 1.00 to 6.06 S cm−1) exhibited by pure and 0.1 chromium thin films, respectively. Notably, the Cr‐0.1‐substituted CGST film displays maximum photoresponsivity of 0.624 AW−1, an external quantum efficiency of 145%, and a detectivity of 2.37E10. The fabricated solar cell is subjected to theoretical simulation using solar cell capacitance simulator‐1D software, revealing an upward trend in efficiency from 7.13% to 11.23% with increasing Cr substitution from 0.025 to 0.1. This efficiency improvement can be ascribed to the reduction in bandgap (from 2.40 to 1.72 eV) and the creation of a sub‐band in CGST due to Cr incorporation, as substantiated by UV–vis and NIR spectroscopy. These outcomes suggest that Cr‐0.1‐substituted CGST holds promise as a potential thin film absorber material in solar photovoltaics.
Forecasting multi‐frequency intraday exchange rates using deep learning models
Authors: Arslan Muhammad , Hunjra Ahmed Imran , Ahmed Wajid Shakeel , Ben Zaied Younes
Published: February 2024

This paper examines the behavior of currencies' intraday exchange rates with mainly focuses on predicting these behaviors through deep learning models. The time series data are used in this study and comprise intraday exchange rate data for seven volatile currencies, recorded at two different frequency intervals: 1 h and 30 min. The data cover the time frame from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2020. Firstly, wavelet maximal overlap discreet wavelet transform (MODWT) type “haar” is applied in order to identify the noise representing the volatile trend. Then learning models are applied to historical data that includes support vector regression (SVR), recurrent neural network (RNN), and long short‐term memory (LSTM). The main findings of the study provide strong evidence that the deep learning technique (i.e., LSTM) outperforms the other compatible models. This has been confirmed by the statistical measures for accuracy purposes. This study intends to address complex trends exhibited by volatile behavior of intraday exchange rates through non‐conventional learning techniques for the time of need‐based for the currency traders and other stakeholders.
Medical deserts in Spain—Insights from an international project
Authors: Dubas‐Jakóbczyk Katarzyna , Gonzalez Ana Isabel , Domagała Alicja , Astier‐Peña Maria Pilar , Vicente Veronica Casado , Planet Antonia‐Gema , Quadrado Agueda , Serrano Rosa Mari , Abellán Isabel Serafina , Ramos Alba , Ballester Marta , Seils Laura , Dan Sorin , Flinterman Linda , Likic Robert , Batenburg Ronald
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Medical deserts are a growing phenomenon across many European countries. They are usually defined as (i) rural areas, (ii) underserved areas or (iii) by applying a measure of distance/time to a facility or a combination of the three characteristics. The objective was to define medical deserts in Spain as well as map their driving factors and approaches to mitigate them.

Methods

A mixed methods approach was applied following the project “A Roadmap out of medical deserts into supportive health workforce initiatives and policies” work plan. It included the following elements: (i) a scoping literature review; (ii) a questionnaire survey; (iii) national stakeholders' workshop; (iv) a descriptive case study on medical deserts in Spain.

Results

Medical deserts in Spain exist in the form of mostly rural areas with limited access to health care. The main challenge in their identification and monitoring is local data availability. Diversity of both factors contributing to medical deserts and solutions applied to eliminate or mitigate them can be identified in Spain. They can be related to demand for or supply of health care services. More national data, analyses and/or initiatives seem to be focused on the health care supply dimension.

Conclusions

Addressing medical deserts in Spain requires a comprehensive and multidimensional approach. Effective policies are needed to address both the medical staff education and planning system, working conditions, as well as more intersectoral approach to the population health management.
Healthcare cost coverage inequality and its impact on hypertension and diabetes: A five‐year follow‐up study in a Malaysian rural community
Authors: Folayan Adeola , Fatt Quek Kia , Cheong Mark Wing Loong , Su Tin Tin
Published: February 2024

Background and Aims

Inequality in health care access is a socioeconomic driver for non‐communicable disease related risk factors. This study examined the inequality trend in healthcare cost coverage (HCC) compared to private health insurance (PHI) coverage, a subtype of HCC, over 5 years. The study will also determine the association between HCC (and PHI) and the status of hypertension and diabetes diagnosis.

Method

The rich‐poor ratio, concentration curve and concentration index were derived to determine the level of inequality. Furthermore, logistic regression was done to determine the association between HCC and the status of hypertension and diabetes.

Results

The PHI group (rich‐poor ratio: 1.4 [rich: 454, poor: 314] and 2.6 [rich: 375, poor: 142]; concentration index: 0.123 [95% confidence interval, CI: 0.093–0.153] and 0.144 [95% CI: 0.109–0.178] in 2013 and 2018, respectively) has relatively higher inequality compared with the HCC group (rich‐poor ratio: 0.9 [rich: 307, poor: 337] and 1.1 [rich: 511, poor: 475]; concentration index: −0.027 [95% CI: −0.053 to −0.000] and −0.014 [95% CI: −0.033 to 0.006] in 2013 and 2018, receptively). Contrasting to the observation with the HCC group, PHI was associated with higher odds for hypertension (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.252, p = 0.01, 95% CI: 1.051–1.493) and diabetes (aOR = 1.287, p = 0.02, 95% CI: 1.041–1.590) in 2018.

Conclusion

Over 5 years, the inequality in PHI coverage remained higher compared with HCC, which suggests that the rich enjoyed private healthcare more. Furthermore, those with PHI were more likely to report known hypertension and diabetes in 2018. It is reasonable to assume that those with PHI are more likely to have earlier diagnoses compared to others and are more likely to be aware of their condition. Policymakers need to identify strategies that can narrow the existing gap in quality and type of service between the private and public health sectors.
Advances in understanding the pathogenesis of epilepsy: Unraveling the molecular mechanisms
Authors: Shariff Sanobar , Nouh Halah A. , Inshutiyimana Samuel , Kachouh Charbel , Abdelwahab Maya M. , Nazir Abubakar , Wojtara Magda , Uwishema Olivier
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Epilepsy is characterized by having two or more unprovoked seizures. Understanding the pathogenesis of epilepsy, requires deep investigation into the molecular mechanisms. This helps develop diagnostic techniques, treatments, and pharmacotherapy. It also enhances precision medicine and individualized treatment processes. This article reviews all the molecular mechanisms predisposing to epileptogenesis, presents the current diagnostic techniques and drug therapy, and suggests future perspectives in treating Epilepsy in a more comprehensive and holistic approach.

Methodology

Four authors searched keywords concerning epilepsy at a molecular level, Epilepsy diagnostic techniques and technologies, and antiepileptic drug therapy and precision medicine. Separate search strategies were conducted for each concern and retrieved articles were reviewed for relevant results.

Results

The traditional diagnostic techniques for Epilepsy and its pathogenesis are insufficient in highlighting dynamic brain changes. For this, emerging technologies including genetic sequencing and profiling, and functional neuroimaging techniques are prevailing. Concerning treatment, the current approach focuses on managing symptoms and stopping seizures using antiseizure medications. However, their usage is limited by developing resistance to such drugs. Some therapies show promise, although most antiseizure drugs do not prevent epilepsy.

Discussion

Understanding epileptogenesis at a molecular and genetic level aids in developing new antiepileptic pharmacotherapy. The aim is to develop therapies that could prevent seizures or modify disease course, decreasing the severity and avoiding drug resistance. Gene therapy and precision medicine are promising but applications are limited due to the heterogeneity in studying the Epileptic brain, dynamically. The dynamic investigation of the epileptic brain with its comorbidities works hand‐in‐hand with precision medicine, in developing personalized treatment plans.
Enhancing care transition performance of community pharmacies in Nigeria
Authors: Bamgboye Adeboye O. , Hassan Ibrahim A. , Fatoye Elijah O. , Ozuluoha Chioma C. , Folami Samson O. , Uwizeyimana Theogene
Published: February 2024

Community pharmacies (CPs) represent a crucial source of primary care for the Nigerian population. Pharmacists in this setting provide essential primary care services to the public and, when required, facilitate care transitions or referrals for patients to higher levels of care. Given their accessibility and expanding roles in patient care, pharmacists are considered pivotal to meeting the transition of care (TOC) goals, that is, continuity, quality, and safety, especially at the community level. However, CPs in Nigeria face significant systemic and human‐factor barriers that impede their TOC performance, especially with their exclusion from the national care referral framework. Removing these barriers is essential to avoid the health consequences of a breakdown in the TOC system for the patients receiving care at the CPs. This paper discusses the barriers to effective TOC performance of the CPs in Nigeria and offers recommendations to address the deficiencies to improve patient care delivery using an inclusive and collaborative referral model.
Prevalence of metabolically healthy obesity and healthy overweight and the associated factors in southern Iran: A population‐based cross‐sectional study
Authors: Taherifard Erfan , Taherifard Ehsan , Jeddi Marjan , Ahmadkhani Alireza , Kelishadi Roya , Poustchi Hossein , Gandomkar Abdullah , Malekzadeh Fatemeh , Mohammadi Zahra , Molavi Vardanjani Hossein
Published: February 2024

Background and Aims

Obesity is considered a major growing threat to public health which could negatively affect the quality of life. The current cross‐sectional study was conducted to investigate the population‐based prevalence of metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) and healthy overweight (MHOW) and associated factors in southern Iran.

Methods

Baseline data from the Pars Cohort Study was analyzed. Metabolically healthy participants were identified based on the definition of the American Heart Association for the metabolic syndrome. The prevalence of MHOW and MHO and their 95% confidence intervals were estimated. Poisson regression was applied for the calculation of prevalence ratios (PRs).

Results

Gender‐ and age‐standardized prevalences of MHOW and MHO were 6.3% (6.0%–6.6%) and 2.3% (2.1%–2.5%), respectively. The following factors were associated with being MHOW compared with those with normal weight: Being younger, female gender (1.31, 1.20–1.43), higher socioeconomic status, being noncurrent cigarette smoker (1.27, 1.11–1.45), low level of physical activity (1.14, 1.03–1.25), having normal overweight during adolescence, and overweight (1.35, 1.24–1.48) or obesity (1.68, 1.53–1.86) during young adulthood. We also found strong associations between MHO and younger age groups, female gender (2.87, 2.40–3.42), being married (1.57, 1.08–2.27), Fars ethnicity (1.25, 1.10–1.43), higher socioeconomic status, ever use of tobacco (1.14, 1.00–1.30), never use of opium (1.85, 1.19–2.86), lower physical activity (1.45, 1.20–1.72), being normal weight in 15‐year body pictogram and being overweight (1.87, 1.59–2.20) or obese (3.20, 2.74–3.72) in 30‐year body pictogram when considering those with normal weight or MHO.

Conclusion

Potentially modifiable factors including physical activity should be more emphasized. Furthermore, our study issued that it would be more reasonable that the prevention of unhealthy obesity be initiated before the development of MHO, where there are more protective factors and they could be more effective.
Improving psychological well‐being among healthcare workers during the COVID‐19 pandemic with an online mindfulness intervention: A randomised waitlist‐controlled trial
Authors: Baminiwatta Anuradha , Fernando Roshan , Solangaarachchi Indrajith , Abayabandara‐Herath Thilini , Wickremasinghe Ananda R. , Hapangama Aruni
Published: February 2024

The high prevalence of psychological problems observed among healthcare workers (HCWs) during the COVID‐19 pandemic called for interventions to safeguard their mental health. We assessed the effectiveness of a 6‐week online mindfulness‐based intervention in improving well‐being and reducing stress among HCWs in Sri Lanka. Eighty HCWs were recruited and randomised into two groups: waitlist‐control (WLC) and intervention groups. In the intervention, 1‐hour online sessions were conducted at weekly intervals and participants were encouraged to do daily home practice. Stress and well‐being were measured pre‐ and post‐intervention using the Perceived Stress Scale and WHO‐5 Well‐being Index, respectively. One‐way analysis of covariance was used to evaluate the effectiveness, in both intention‐to‐treat (ITT) and complete‐case (CC) analyses. A significantly greater improvement in well‐being occurred in the intervention arm compared to WLC on both ITT (p = .002) and CC analyses (p < .001), with medium‐to‐large effect sizes (partial η2 = .117–.278). However, the reduction in stress following the intervention was not significant compared to the WLC group on both ITT (p = .636) and CC analyses (p = .262). In the intervention arm, the median number of sessions attended by participants was 3. Low adherence to the intervention may have contributed to the apparent non‐significant effect on stress.
Unmasking pancreatic cancer: Advanced biomedical imaging for its detection in native versus arterial dual‐energy computed tomography (DECT) scans
Authors: Gotta Jennifer , Gruenewald Leon D. , Martin Simon S. , Booz Christian , Eichler Katrin , Mahmoudi Scherwin , Rezazadeh Canan Özdemir , Reschke Philipp , Biciusca Teodora , Juergens Lisa‐Joy , Mader Christoph , Hammerstingl Renate , Sommer Christof M. , Vogl Thomas J. , Koch Vitali
Published: February 2024

This study investigates the potential of a machine learning classifier using dual‐ energy computed tomography (DECT) radiomics to differentiate between malignant pancreatic lesions and normal pancreas tissue. A total of 100 patients who underwent third‐generation DECT between November 2018 and October 2022 were included, with 60 patients having pancreatic cancer and 40 normal pancreatic tissue. Radiomics features were extracted from non‐contrast and arterial‐enhanced DECT scans with stepwise feature reduction used to identify relevant features. Thetrained machine learning classifiers achieved a diagnostic accuracy of 0.97 in the arterial‐enhanced model and 0.88 in non‐contrast scans with sensitivities of 0.97 and 0.96, respectively. Areas under the curve were 0.97 (95% CI, 0.92–1.0, p < 0.001) and 0.96 (95% CI, 0.90–1.0, p < 0.001), respectively with no significant differences between both models (p= 0.52). This approach shows promise in enhancing pancreatic cancer detection and improving patient diagnoses, particulary in specific patient groups.