bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Student motivation and satisfaction: Why choose an international academic franchise programme rather than a home one?
Authors: Aminu Nasir , Pon Kevin , Ritchie Caroline , Ivanov Stanislav
Published: February 2022

As globalisation increases, Higher Education Institutions are challenged to produce more young graduates to meet the corporate world's demand for highly qualified, mobile international managers. Business and management programmes are required to have international components to attract the best students. To date, the majority of research has focused on the management and quality of such programmes with few studies undertaken from the students’ perspective. This article examines students’ motivations to study on an internationally franchised academic programme, prior expectations and whether these were met. Students of international franchised management programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate level studying in five different countries were asked what motivated them to choose this form of study over other possibilities open to them, their prior expectations and how satisfied they were with their actual experiences. The results confirmed some previous findings, i.e. the significance of enhanced employability potential. However, they also identified new themes, showing how the students’ funders influenced the choice of study and how that influence was affected by gender. The results also queried students’ true motivation for these programmes and the international academic franchisees’ potential to meet those expectations fully.
Assessing Aedes aegypti candidate genes during viral infection and Wolbachia‐mediated pathogen blocking
Authors: Sigle Leah T. , Jones Matthew , Novelo Mario , Ford Suzanne A. , Urakova Nadya , Lymperopoulos Konstantinos , Sayre Richard T. , Xi Zhiyong , Rasgon Jason L. , McGraw Elizabeth A.
Published: February 2022

One approach to control dengue virus transmission is the symbiont Wolbachia, which limits viral infection in mosquitoes. Despite plans for its widespread use in Aedes aegypti, Wolbachia's mode of action remains poorly understood. Many studies suggest that the mechanism is likely multifaceted, involving aspects of immunity, cellular stress and nutritional competition. A previous study from our group used artificial selection to identify a new mosquito candidate gene related to viral blocking; alpha‐mannosidase‐2a (alpha‐Mann‐2a) with a predicted role in protein glycosylation. Protein glycosylation pathways tend to be involved in complex host–viral interactions; however, the function of alpha‐mannosidases has not been described in mosquito–virus interactions. We examined alpha‐Mann‐2a expression in response to virus and Wolbachia infections and whether reduced gene expression, caused by RNA interference, affected viral loads. We show that dengue virus (DENV) infection affects the expression of alpha‐Mann‐2a in a tissue‐ and time‐dependent manner, whereas Wolbachia infection had no effect. In the midgut, DENV prevalence increased following knockdown of alpha‐Mann‐2a expression in Wolbachia‐free mosquitoes, suggesting that alpha‐Mann‐2a interferes with infection. Expression knockdown had the same effect on the togavirus chikungunya virus, indicating that alpha‐Mann‐2a may have broad antivirus effects in the midgut. Interestingly, we were unable to knockdown the expression in Wolbachia‐infected mosquitoes. We also provide evidence that alpha‐Mann‐2a may affect the transcriptional level of another gene predicted to be involved in viral blocking and cell adhesion; cadherin87a. These data support the hypothesis that glycosylation and adhesion pathways may broadly be involved in viral infection in Ae. aegypti.
Nudging a Pseudo‐Science Towards a Science—The Role of Statistics in a Rainfall Enhancement Trial in Oman
Authors: Chambers Ray , Beare Stephen , Peak Scott , Al‐Kalbani Mohammed
Published: February 2022

Although cloud seeding is a commonly used and plausible method for rainfall enhancement, its practical efficacy has not been established for seeding of convective clouds with hygroscopic materials. Other methods of rainfall enhancement are viewed as much less plausible. Thus, although increased electrical charge has been shown to enhance precipitation in cloud chamber experiments, exactly how ionisation of clouds can increase rainfall in the open atmosphere remains conjectural. A trial of the efficacy of ionisation for rainfall enhancement in the Hajar Mountains of Oman was carried out over 2013–2018. This paper provides some background to this non‐mainstream approach to increasing rainfall, showing how statistical modelling of rainfall data might be used to nudge rainfall enhancement via ionisation towards a more scientifically acceptable status. Analysis of the data collected in the trial shows that ionisation led to a statistically significant enhancement in positive rainfall in gauges located up to 70 km downwind of the ionisers. A headline analysis specified prior to commencement of the trial resulted in an estimate of 16.23% enhancement relative to rainfall that would have fallen without any ionisation, while a more sophisticated after the event analysis increased this estimate to 17.64%.
Know your competitors: Customer identity disclosure by competitors and a firm's production efficiency
Authors: He Jie , Chen Xi , Chan Kam C.
Published: February 2022

When planning production, a firm must consider internal factors and factors related to their competitors as well. We examine whether the disclosure of customer identity by competitors is associated with a firm's production efficiency. Using a sample of Chinese firms, we find that a firm's total factor productivity is positively related to the disclosure, suggesting that a firm benefits from knowing the identity of its competitors' customers. The effect is more salient when a firm belongs to a competitive industry or is a market leader, suggesting a firm may be able to optimize its productivity when the information is more critical to its business.
Negative pressure wound therapy versus conventional wound care in cancer surgical wounds: A meta‐analysis of observational studies and randomised controlled trials
Authors: Putri Indri Lakhsmi , Adzalika Lavonia Berlina , Pramanasari Rachmaniar , Wungu Citrawati Dyah Kencono
Published: February 2022

The application of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in cancer surgical wounds is still controversial, despite its promising usage, because of the risks of increased tumorigenesis and metastasis. This study aimed to review the risks and benefits of NPWT in surgical wounds with the underlying malignant disease compared with conventional wound care (CWC). The first outcome was wound complications, divided into surgical site infection (SSI), seroma, hematoma, and wound dehiscence. The secondary outcome was hospital readmission. We performed a separate meta‐analysis of observational studies and randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with CI 95%. Thirteen observational studies with 1923 patients and seven RCTs with 1091 patients were included. NPWT group showed significant decrease in the risk of SSI (RR = 0.45) and seroma (RR = 0.61) in observational studies with P value <0.05, as well as RCTs but were not significant (RR = 0.88 and RR = 0.68). Wound dehiscence (RR = 0.74 and RR = 1.15) and hospital readmission (RR = 0.90 and RR = 0.62) showed lower risks in NPWT group but were not significant. Hematoma (RR = 1.08 and RR = 0.87) showed no significant difference. NPWT is not contraindicated in cancer surgical wounds and can be considered a beneficial palliative treatment to promote wound healing.
Does hatch date set the clock? Timing of post‐fledging movements for families of a colonially breeding, long‐distance migratory songbird
Authors: Bani Assadi Saeedeh , McKinnon Emily A. , Cheskey Edward D. , Fraser Kevin C.
Published: February 2022

Factors that influence the development of migration timing in juvenile songbirds have implications for the ability of individuals to respond positively to rapid environmental changes. We investigated the impacts of nest timing on the post‐breeding movement timing of juveniles and adults of a migratory songbird. We tested whether first egg date and environmental factors predicted the initiation of post‐breeding stages: fledge date for juveniles, and colony departure date for both adults and juveniles. At breeding colonies of purple martin Progne subis in southern Ontario, Canada, we monitored nests to determine the date of nest initiation (‘first egg date') and deployed 122 coded radio‐frequency tracking tags on young and adults to determine the timing of post‐breeding stages. We found that first egg date, the number of nestmates, and age of parents were the main predictors of fledge date. Of these three factors, only first egg date carried through post‐breeding to influence colony departure date for juvenile birds, but this relationship weakened between first egg date and departure date. Nestmates tended to fledge together (range 0–4 days) but exhibited greater variation in colony departure timing (range 0–11 days). Further, while first egg influenced departure date, increasing variation between fledging and departure led to some birds departing breeding colonies at a younger age, suggesting influence of local environmental factors (e.g. social or photoperiod change) in departure decisions. The timing of adult colony departure date was independent of first egg dates. In sum, our results suggest a role for first egg dates in setting timing of post‐breeding movements, but with variation introduced between fledge and departure dates. Experimental manipulations of photoperiod in a wild setting are needed and future research should investigate whether the timing of movement driven by nesting timing, holds across the rest of migration or even the lifetime of bird.
Associations between Place of Birth, Type of Attendant, and Small for Gestational Age Births among Pregnant non‐Hispanic Black Medicaid Recipients
Authors: Hansel Shantoy , Kuyateh Medjatu H. , Bello‐Ogunu Faustina , Stranton Derek T. , Hicks Kayla , Huber Larissa R. Brunner
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Although non‐Hispanic Black women have increased risks of adverse birth outcomes compared with non‐Hispanic white women in the United States, there is a lack of research specifically focusing on non‐Hispanic Black women. Thus, this study's purpose was to evaluate whether place of birth and type of attendant used during labor is associated with having a newborn born small for gestational age (SGA) among non‐Hispanic Black Medicaid recipients.

Methods

This study used 2017 Natality data from the National Vital Statistics System for non‐Hispanic Black women who used Medicaid as a source of payment (N = 322,604). Type of attendant (ie, the medical professional who assisted during childbirth), place of birth (ie, setting where the woman gave birth), maternal factors, and SGA were obtained from birth certificates. We used multivariate logistic regression to investigate the association between place of birth, type of birth attendant, and newborns born SGA.

Results

After adjustment, women who used a certified nurse‐midwife or other midwife as an attendant during labor had statistically significant decreased odds of having a neonate born SGA compared with those who had a physician as an attendant (odds ratio [OR], 0.69; 95% CI, 0.66‐0.71 and OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.55‐0.85, respectively). Those who gave birth in a birthing center or had planned home births also had statistically significant decreased odds of having a neonate born SGA (OR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.38‐0.69 and OR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.21‐0.66, respectively). However, those who had an unplanned home birth had twice the odds of having a neonate born SGA compared with those who gave birth at a hospital or clinic (OR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.50‐2.64).

Discussion

Given the racial disparity in adverse birth outcomes for non‐Hispanic Black women, the observed associations provide justification for future research to determine whether birthing location and birth attendant are related to SGA.
Vertical Price Restraints and Free Entry Under Asymmetric Information*
Authors: Bonazzi Leda Maria , Fiocco Raffaele , Piccolo Salvatore
Published: February 2022

In a vertically related market where the number of manufacturer‐retailer hierarchies is endogenously determined by free entry, we investigate the impact of vertical price restraints on the free‐entry equilibrium and its welfare properties under asymmetric information within each supply hierarchy. We compare the legal regimes of laissez‐faire and ban on resale price maintenance (RPM) under different entry decision modes. Under upstream entry, laissez‐faire generates higher entry and increases consumer surplus, but a ban on RPM enhances total welfare. Socially excessive entry occurs under both legal regimes, and the entry bias declines with the severity of the asymmetric information problem. Conversely, under downstream entry, a ban on RPM stimulates entry and consumer surplus, but laissez‐faire can be total welfare superior. Our results provide antitrust policy implications about vertical price control.
Dirty Hands, Supreme Emergencies, and Catholic Moral Theology
Authors: Sandsmark Evan
Published: February 2022

Is it ever permissible to commit an intrinsically evil act in order to avert catastrophe? Consequentialists say yes, denying the very concept of intrinsic evil, since the action that leads to the best consequences is by definition right. Moral absolutism, in contrast, insists that it is never permissible to commit an action that is inherently evil, regardless of the consequences. However, there is a middle position, occupied by “dirty hands” theorists, who claim that actions can be both necessary and immoral. I argue that Catholic moral theology, although generally associated with moral absolutism, can and should make conceptual space for the idea of dirty hands, both because it saves the Church from committing itself to what seem to be moral absurdities and because the phenomenon of dirty hands captures a genuine dimension of our moral experience in a fallen world.
Where does research design fall short? Mental health related‐stigma as example
Authors: Walsh Daniel , Foster Juliet
Published: February 2022

Efforts to challenge mental health‐related stigma have been limited by an insufficient conceptualization of the problem space. As is common in health communication, practitioners have neglected the multiple tacit understandings the public embody in everyday life. Using the example of our recent research into the public’s social representations of mental health and illness, in this paper, we will work through the theoretical‐methodological considerations involved in how we approached expanding the problem space. Using social theory, we tailored thematic analysis and natural language processing techniques to examine the public’s polyphasic sense‐making processes. The approach is novel, as it diverges from standard methods in understanding health communication and the possibilities for behaviour change. Instead, we root our approach in a dynamic and relational epistemology to iteratively reveal in greater complexity some of the contents and processes that sustain mental health‐related stigma.
Safety and antibody response to inactivated COVID‐19 vaccine in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: He Taiyu , Zhou Yingzhi , Xu Pan , Ling Ning , Chen Min , Huang Tianquan , Zhang Biqiong , Yang Ziqiao , Ao Ling , Li Hu , Chen Zhiwei , Zhang Dazhi , Shi Xiaofeng , Lei Yu , Wang Zhiyi , Zeng Weiqun , Hu Peng , Lan Yinghua , Zhou Zhi , Kang Juan , Huang Ying , Shi Tongdong , Pan Qingbo , Zhu Qian , Ran Xiping , Zhang Yingzhi , Song Rui , Xiang Dejuan , Xiao Shuang , Zhang Gaoli , Shen Wei , Peng Mingli , Cai Dachuan , Ren Hong
Published: February 2022

Background and Aims

The safety and antibody responses of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) vaccination in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) virus infection is still unclear, and exploration in safety and antibody responses of COVID‐19 vaccination in CHB patients is significant in clinical practice.

Methods

362 adult CHB patients and 87 healthy controls at an interval of at least 21 days after a full‐course vaccination (21–105 days) were enrolled. Adverse events (AEs) were collected by questionnaire. The antibody profiles at 1, 2 and 3 months were elucidated by determination of anti‐spike IgG, anti‐receptor‐binding domain (RBD) IgG, and RBD‐angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 blocking antibody. SARS‐CoV‐2 specific B cells were also analysed.

Results

All AEs were mild and self‐limiting, and the incidence was similar between CHB patients and controls. Seropositivity rates of three antibodies were similar between CHB patients and healthy controls at 1, 2 and 3 months, but CHB patients had lower titers of three antibodies at 1 month. Compared to healthy controls, HBeAg‐positive CHB patients had higher titers of three antibodies at 3 months (all P < .05) and a slower decline in antibody titers. Frequency of RBD‐specific B cells was positively correlated with titers of anti‐RBD IgG (OR = 1.067, P = .004), while liver cirrhosis, antiviral treatment, levels of HBV DNA, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and total bilirubin (TB) were not correlated with titers of anti‐RBD IgG.

Conclusions

Inactivated COVID‐19 vaccines were well tolerated, and induced effective antibody response against SARS‐CoV‐2 in CHB patients.
Damaged, discouraged and defeated? How mindset may offer hope for healing
Authors: Wolcott Michael D.
Published: February 2022

Wolcott provides guidance on where we can start the healing process in healthcare by emphasizing an environment in which growth mindsets can flourish.
Referrals from community optometrists in England and their replies: A mixed methods study
Authors: Harvey Krystynne , Edgar David F , Agarwal Rishi , Benwell Martin J , Evans Bruce JW
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Community optometrists, through routine eye examinations, identify patients with disease or ocular abnormalities requiring referral to the Hospital Eye Service. In many cases no reply to the referral letter is received, resulting in some patients being re‐referred unnecessarily, potentially increasing the number of other patients who lose sight whilst on hospital waiting lists. This study investigated, qualitatively and quantitatively, factors influencing optometric referrals and replies.

Methods

The three‐phase, sequential mixed methods study started with a literature review and qualitative phase, interviewing stakeholders to identify issues for exploration in subsequent phases. The second, quantitative phase, undertook documentary analysis of 349 patient referral records from three optometric practice modalities (domiciliary, independently owned, and corporate chain) in England. A final qualitative phase obtained views from stakeholders to explore unexplained findings from the first two phases.

Results

Phase 1 identified communication, financial, professional and technological issues for further exploration. In Phase 2, the referral rate was 22.2% for domiciliary provider, 2.1% for independent practice and 2.5% for the corporate chain, with the variation most likely explained by patient age and associated ophthalmic disease, illness and disability. The referral reply rate was 5.7% for domiciliary provider, 25.0% for independent practice and 4.9% for the corporate chain. The community optometrist remained unaware of the outcome of their referral in 72.8% of cases. Qualitative analyses indicate the main factors influencing referral reply rates are technology, the General Medical Practitioner, community optometrists’ utility to and utility of the National Health Service and patient mobilisation.

Conclusions

The low referral reply rate creates a break in the feedback loop required to raise the standard of referrals and avoid unnecessary re‐referral. Of the factors identified that influence referral reply rates, technology is key in view of the increasing use of online referral platforms. Feedback to the referring optometrist should be embedded in such systems.
Reasons for participation in a child development study: Are cases with developmental diagnoses different from controls?
Authors: Bradley Chyrise B. , Tapia Amanda L. , DiGuiseppi Carolyn G. , Kepner Marti W. , Kloetzer Joy M. , Schieve Laura A. , Wiggins Lisa D. , Windham Gayle C. , Daniels Julie L.
Published: February 2022

Background

Current knowledge about parental reasons for allowing child participation in research comes mainly from clinical trials. Fewer data exist on parents’ motivations to enrol children in observational studies.

Objectives

Describe reasons parents of preschoolers gave for participating in the Study to Explore Early Development (SEED), a US multi‐site study of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental delays or disorders (DD), and explore reasons given by child diagnostic and behavioural characteristics at enrolment.

Methods

We included families of children, age 2–5 years, participating in SEED (n = 5696) during 2007–2016. We assigned children to groups based on characteristics at enrolment: previously diagnosed ASD; suspected ASD; non‐ASD DD; and population controls (POP). During a study interview, we asked parents their reasons for participating. Two coders independently coded responses and resolved discrepancies via consensus. We fit binary mixed‐effects models to evaluate associations of each reason with group and demographics, using POP as reference.

Results

Participants gave 1–5 reasons for participation (mean = 1.7, SD = 0.7). Altruism (48.3%), ASD research interest (47.4%) and perceived personal benefit (26.9%) were most common. Two novel reasons were knowing someone outside the household with the study conditions (peripheral relationship; 14.1%) and desire to contribute to a specified result (1.4%). Odds of reporting interest in ASD research were higher among diagnosed ASD participants (odds ratio [OR] 2.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.49–3.35). Perceived personal benefit had higher odds among diagnosed (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.61–2.29) or suspected ASD (OR 3.67, 95% CI 2.99–4.50) and non‐ASD DD (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.50–2.16) participants. Peripheral relationship with ASD/DD had lower odds among all case groups.

Conclusions

We identified meaningful differences between groups in parent‐reported reasons for participation. Differences demonstrate an opportunity for future studies to tailor recruitment materials and increase the perceived benefit for specific prospective participants.
A long transcript mutant of the rubisco activase gene RCA upregulated by the transcription factor Ghd2 enhances drought tolerance in rice
Authors: Fan Xiaowei , Liu Juhong , Zhang Zhanyi , Xi Yanli , Li Shuangle , Xiong Lizhong , Xing Yongzhong
Published: February 2022

The transcription factor Ghd2 increases rice yield potential under normal conditions and accelerates leaf senescence under drought stress. However, its mechanism on the regulation of leaf senescence under drought stress remains unclear. In the present study, to unveil the mechanism, one target of Ghd2, the Rubisco activase gene RCA, was identified through the combined analysis of Ghd2‐CRISPR transcriptome data and Ghd2‐overexpression microarray data. Ghd2 binds to the ‘CACA’ motif in the RCA promoter by its CCT domain and upregulates RCA expression. RCA has alternative transcripts, RCAS and RCAL, which are predominantly expressed under normal conditions and drought stress, respectively. Similar to Ghd2‐overexpressing plants, RCAL‐overexpressing plants were more sensitive to drought stress than the wild‐type. However, the plants overexpressing RCAS showed a weak drought‐sensitive phenotype. Moreover, RCAL knockdown and knockout plants did not show yield loss under normal conditions, but exhibited enhanced drought tolerance and delayed leaf senescence. The chlorophyll content, the free amino acid content and the expression of senescence‐related genes in the RCAL mutant were lower than those in the wild‐type plants under drought stress. In summary, Ghd2 induces leaf senescence by upregulating RCAL expression under drought stress, and the RCAL mutant has important values in breeding drought‐tolerant varieties.
El desinterés en recibir la vacuna contra el coronavirus en población de 23 ciudades colombianas, julio a diciembre de 2020
Authors: Chaparro Narváez Pablo Enrique , Castañeda Orjuela Carlos Andrés
Published: February 2022

Introducción. La falta de interés de la población en ser vacunada contra el SARS-CoV-2 representa un problema para el manejo de la pandemia. Objetivo. El objetivo fue estimar la falta de interés en recibir la vacuna contra el coronavirus en población de 23 ciudades colombianas, entre julio y diciembre de 2020. Métodos. Se diseñó un estudio descriptivo que empleó información de la Encuesta Pulso Social del DANE en la que se indagó a la población sobre la intención en aplicarse la vacuna y las razones para rechazarla. Se estimaron la prevalencia del desinterés en recibir la vacuna y las diferencias entre las estimaciones de diciembre y julio. Resultados. La prevalencia fue más alta en mujeres, mayores de 54 años, personas sin ninguna escolaridad, hogares con dos personas o menos, grupos pobres y en ciudades como Cali y Bucaramanga. Las diferencias entre diciembre y julio señalaron aumento del desinterés en menores de 25 años y en Santa Marta y Cartagena; el comportamiento del periodo fue ascendente. La principal razón para no querer recibir la vacuna fue la creencia de que esta puede ser insegura debido a los potenciales efectos adversos. Se identificaron variaciones demográficas y geográficas en las prevalencias de no aceptación. Conclusión. Esta investigación puede ayudar a las autoridades de salud a elaborar políticas relacionadas con las estrategias educativas y de comunicación destinadas a aumentar la confianza en la eficacia y seguridad de la vacuna.
Effects on Film Cooling Performance in the Showerhead From Geometric Parameterization of Shaped Hole Designs
Authors: Moore Jacob D. , Easterby Christopher C. , Bogard David G.
Published: February 2022

The high heat loads at the leading-edge regions of turbine vanes and blades necessitate the most robust thermal protection, typically accomplished via a dense array of film cooling holes, nicknamed the “showerhead.” Although research has shown that film cooling using shaped holes provides more reliable thermal protection than that using cylindrical holes, the effects on cooling performance from varying the geometric details of the shaped hole design are not well characterized. In this study, adiabatic effectiveness and off-the-wall thermal field measurements were conducted for two shaped hole geometries designed as successors to a baseline hole geometry presented in a previous study. One geometry with a 40% increase in area ratio exhibited only a marginal improvement in adiabatic effectiveness (∼10%). A second design with a 12 deg forward and lateral expansion angle with a breakout area 40% larger performed marginally worse than its matched area ratio counterpart (∼15% lower), suggesting a negative sensitivity to breakout area. Such changes in performance for different shaped hole designs were small compared to the boost in performance gained by switching from a cylindrical hole to a shaped hole, which suggests cooling performance is insensitive to specific shaped hole details provided the exterior coolant flow is well-attached.
A Low-Cost Three-Axis Force Sensor for Wearable Gait Analysis Systems
Authors: Rahman Md Shafiqur , Hejrati Babak
Published: February 2022

This paper presents the design, analysis, and fabrication of a capacitive-based three-axis force sensor as the building block of a wearable sensing system to directly measure all the components of three-dimensional (3D) ground reaction forces (GRFs) during walking. The proposed sensor is low-cost and easy to fabricate with high accuracy, which promotes its accessibility and usability for gait analysis in clinical and research settings. The sensor is comprised of three parallel capacitors that enable three-axial force measurement while significantly reducing the complexity of fabrication and maintenance associated with three-axis force sensors. Comprehensive experiments were conducted to rigorously quantify different aspects of the sensor's performance. The static and dynamic errors along the three axes were less than 2.28%, which is well within the acceptable range for the intended application. The force sensor could decouple three-axial forces with a cross-sensitivity of less than 2%. The developed sensor also demonstrated desirable repeatability and hysteresis behaviors with almost no drift over long periods of usage.
Modeling of Industrial Robot Kinematics Using a Hybrid Analytical and Statistical Approach
Authors: Nguyen Vinh , Marvel Jeremy A.
Published: February 2022

Industrial robots are highly desirable in applications including manufacturing and surgery. However, errors in the modeling of the kinematics of robotic arms limit their positional accuracy in industrial applications. Specifically, analytical kinematic models of the robot arm suffer from errors in coefficient calibrations and the inability to account for effects including gear backlash. However, statistical modeling methods require an extensive amount of points for calibration, which is infeasible in practical industrial environments. Hence, this paper describes, develops, and experimentally validates a hybrid modeling methodology combining both analytical and statistical methods to describe the robot kinematics in an intuitive manner that is easily adaptable for small- and medium-sized industries. By formulating an explicitly described analytical kinematic model as a prior mean distribution of a Gaussian process, the prior distribution can be updated with experimental data using statistical Bayesian Inference, thus enabling more accurate description of the robot kinematics with fewer data points. The hybrid model is demonstrated to outperform an analytical model, a neural network model, and a Gaussian Process Regression model with no prior distribution in predicting both the forward and inverse kinematics of a UR5 and UR10 robot arm. Also, the error propagation of the inverse kinematic solutions is studied. In addition, the testing framework used in this work can be used as a standardized benchmark to evaluate alternative kinematic models.
An Improved Super-Twisting Sliding Mode Control for Standalone Hybrid Wind/Photovoltaic/Fuel Cell System Based on Energy Management of Battery/Hydrogen
Authors: Benadli Ridha , Khiari Brahim , Memni Mouad , Bjaoui Marwen , Sellami Anis
Published: February 2022

This paper presents a new robust super-twisting sliding mode control (STSMC) strategy for a standalone hybrid renewable energy system (HRES). A voltage source inverter (VSI) is used to connect these sources to alternative current (AC) loads at constant voltage and frequency. The effectiveness of the proposed control strategy is evaluated and tested under different scenarios of climate and load conditions, such as variations in wind speed, temperature, and irradiation, irregularity of the load power demand, unbalanced load, and nonlinear load. The performance of the STSMC controller is finally compared with the classical proportional-integral (PI) controller and with the first-order sliding mode controller (FOSMC) using a Matlab/Simulink environment. The simulation results show that the robustness and the stability of the whole system are widely improved using STSMC rather than other classical approaches.
Ionic liquid [PMIM]+[NTf2]− (Solarpur®) characterized by XPS
Authors: Reed Benjamen P. , Radnik Jörg , Shard Alexander G.
Published: February 2022

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was performed on the meniscus of a droplet of ionic liquid 1-propyl-3-methyl-imidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [PMIM]+[NTf2]− (Solarpur®) in ultrahigh vacuum. High-resolution spectra of F 1s, O 1s, N 1s, C 1s, and S 2p are presented along with a survey spectrum and the valence band structure. The spectra presented here were generated using monochromatic Al Kα radiation (1486.6 eV).
Injectable hydrogel microspheres with self-renewable hydration layers alleviate osteoarthritis
Authors: Lei Yiting , Wang Yuping , Shen Jieliang , Cai Zhengwei , Zhao Chen , Chen Hong , Luo Xiaoji , Hu Ning , Cui Wenguo , Huang Wei
Published: February 2022

Introducing hydration layers to hydrogel microspheres (HMs) by coating the surface with liposomes can effectively reduce friction. However, the lubrication can be inactivated when the surface coatings are damaged. To endow HMs with the ability to form self-renewable hydration layers and maintain cellular homeostasis, rapamycin-liposome–incorporating hyaluronic acid–based HMs (RAPA@Lipo@HMs) were created using microfluidic technology and photopolymerization processes. The RAPA@Lipo@HMs improve joint lubrication by using a smooth rolling mechanism and continuously exposing liposomes on the outer surface to form self-renewable hydration layers via frictional wear. In addition, the released autophagy activator (rapamycin)–loaded cationic liposomes can target negatively charged cartilage through electrostatic interactions and maintain cellular homeostasis by increasing autophagy. Furthermore, the in vivo data showed that the RAPA@Lipo@HMs can alleviate joint wear and delay the progression of osteoarthritis. The RAPA@Lipo@HMs can provide efficient lubrication and potentially alleviate friction-related diseases such as osteoarthritis.
Lethal mutagenesis as an antiviral strategy
Authors: Swanstrom Ronald , Schinazi Raymond F.
Published: February 2022

Lethal mutagenesis of RNA viruses is a viable a ntiviral strategy but has unknown risks
Robert H. Grubbs (1942–2021)
Authors: Sanford Melanie
Published: February 2022

Brilliant organic chemist and inspiring mentor
In Science Journals
Authors: Lavine Marc S. , Stern Peter , Zahn Laura M. , Yeston Jake , Purnell Beverly A. , Smith H. Jesse , Ferrarelli Leslie K. , Czajka Caitlin , Alderton Gemma , Funk Michael A. , Scanlon Seth Thomas , Hines Pamela J. , Jiang Di , Stajic Jelena , Suleymanov Yury , Ash Caroline , Williams Ifor
Published: February 2022

Highlights from the
Science
family of journals
Antifungal Volatile Organic Compounds from Streptomyces setonii WY228 Control Black Spot Disease of Sweet Potato
Authors: Gong Yuan , Liu Jia-Qi , Xu Ming-Jie , Zhang Chun-Mei , Gao Jun , Li Cheng-Guo , Xing Ke , Qin Sheng
Published: February 2022

Black spot disease caused by
Ceratocystis fimbriata
has caused huge economic losses to worldwide sweet potato production. At present, the control of
C. fimbriata
mainly depends on toxic fungicides, and there is a lack of effective alternative strategies.
Biosynthetic Potential of the Endophytic Fungus Helotiales sp. BL73 Revealed via Compound Identification and Genome Mining
Authors: Oberhofer Martina , Malfent Fabian , Zehl Martin , Urban Ernst , Wackerlig Judith , Reznicek Gottfried , Vignolle Gabriel A. , Rückert Christian , Busche Tobias , Wibberg Daniel , Zotchev Sergey B.
Published: February 2022

Endophytic fungi represent an as yet underexplored source of secondary metabolites, of which some may have industrial and medical applications. We isolated a slow-growing fungus belonging to the order Helotiales from the traditional medicinal plant
Bergenia pacumbis
and characterized its potential to biosynthesize secondary metabolites.
Host Cellular RNA Helicases Regulate SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Ariumi Yasuo
Published: February 2022

SARS-CoV-2 has a large RNA genome, of approximately 30 kb. To regulate and maintain such a large viral RNA genome, host RNA helicases may be involved in SARS-CoV-2 replication.
Development of Recombinant Infectious Hepatitis E Virus Harboring the nanoKAZ Gene and Its Application in Drug Screening
Authors: Primadharsini Putu Prathiwi , Nagashima Shigeo , Nishiyama Takashi , Takahashi Masaharu , Murata Kazumoto , Okamoto Hiroaki
Published: February 2022

Bioluminescent reporter viruses are essential tools in molecular virological research. They have been widely used to investigate viral life cycles and in the development of antiviral drugs.
Targeted Deletion of Glycoprotein B Gene by CRISPR/Cas9 Nuclease Inhibits
Gallid herpesvirus
Type 3 in Dually Infected Marek’s Disease Virus-Transformed Lymphoblastoid Cell Line MSB-1
Authors: Zhang Yaoyao , Li Weicheng , Tang Na , Moffat Katy , Nair Venugopal , Yao Yongxiu
Published: February 2022

Marek’s disease (MD) is a lymphoproliferative disease of chickens characterized by rapid-onset lymphomas in multiple organs and by infiltration into peripheral nerves, causing paralysis. Lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL) derived from MD lymphomas have served as valuable resources to improve understanding of distinct aspects of virus-host interactions in transformed cells including transformation, latency, and reactivation.
The Role of REC8 in the Innate Immune Response to Viral Infection
Authors: Chen Shengwen , Liu Qian , Zhang Lini , Ma Jiahuan , Xue Binbin , Li Huiyi , Deng Rilin , Guo Mengmeng , Xu Yan , Tian Renyun , Wang Jingjing , Cao Wenyan , Yang Qiong , Wang Luolin , Li Xinran , Liu Shun , Yang Di , Zhu Haizhen
Published: February 2022

The innate immune response is crucial for the host to resist the invasion of viruses and other pathogens. STING and MAVS play a critical role in the innate immune response to DNA and RNA viral infection, respectively.
Rare case of interstitial nephritis in a young adult under IgG therapy
Authors: Figueiredo Ana Carolina , Nunes Inês , Ferreira Emanuel , Faria Emilia
Published: February 2022

Immunoglobulin replacement therapy is an important therapeutic approach used in different diseases, such as immunodeficiency diseases. We report a case of a 19-year-old female patient with suspected common variable immunodeficiency who started replacement therapy with IgG. During the follow-up, she developed interstitial nephritis and the subsequent workup excluded other diseases or triggers except IgG therapy.
Myocardial ischaemia secondary to ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Li Ben , Prabhudesai Vikramaditya , Wheatcroft Mark , Qadura Mohammad
Published: February 2022

A 63-year-old man presented to an outside hospital with presyncope, back pain, hypotension and inferior ST segment elevations. He received aspirin, ticagrelor and heparin and was transferred to our institution as a Code STEMI (ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction). A coronary angiogram demonstrated multivessel disease but no occlusive lesion for acute intervention. The following day, he developed worsening abdominal/back pain. A CT angiogram (CTA) showed a ruptured infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm. He underwent urgent percutaneous endovascular aneurysm repair. CTA on postoperative day (POD) 10 demonstrated a patent stent graft with no endoleak. The patient was discharged on POD 12 in stable condition.
Mental health and help seeking among trauma-exposed emergency service staff: a qualitative evidence synthesis
Authors: Auth Niklas Maximilian , Booker Matthew James , Wild Jennifer , Riley Ruth
Published: February 2022

Objectives

To identify factors and contexts that may contribute to mental health and recovery from psychological difficulties for emergency service workers (ESWs) exposed to occupational trauma, and barriers and facilitators to help-seeking behaviour among trauma-exposed ESWs.

Background

ESWs are at greater risk of stressor-related psychopathology than the general population. Exposure to occupational stressors and trauma contribute to the observed rates of post-trauma psychopathology in this occupational group with implications for workforce sustainability. Types of organisational interventions offered to trauma-exposed ESWs are inconsistent across the UK, with uncertainty around how to engage staff.

Design

Four databases (OVID MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and SCOPUS) were systematically searched from 1 January 1980 to March 2020, with citation tracking and reference chaining. A modified Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool and quality appraisal prompts were used to identify fatally flawed studies. Qualitative studies of trauma-exposure in front-line ESWs were included, and data were extracted using a customised extraction table. Included studies were analysed using thematic synthesis.

Results

A qualitative evidence synthesis was conducted with 24 qualitative studies meeting inclusion criteria, as defined by the PerSPEcTiF framework. Fourteen descriptive themes emerged from this review, categorised into two overarching constructs: (1) factors contributing to mental health (such as the need for downtime, peer support and reassurance) and (2) factors influencing help-seeking behaviour (such as stigma, the content/form/mandatory nature of interventions, and mental health literacy issues including emotional awareness and education).

Conclusion

ESWs reported disconnect between the organisations’ cultural positioning on trauma-related mental health, the reality of undertaking the role and the perceived applicability and usefulness of trauma interventions. Following traumatic exposure, ESWs identify benefitting from recovery time and informal support from trusted colleagues. A culture which encourages help seeking and open dialogue around mental health may reduce stigma and improve recovery from mental ill health associated with trauma exposure.
Factors associated with modern contraceptive demands satisfied among currently married/in-union women of reproductive age in Ethiopia: a multilevel analysis of the 2016 Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Tsehay Chalie Tadie
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Regardless of the local and international initiatives, excluding exempting services, demand satisfied for contraceptives remains low in Ethiopia. This circumstance is supposed to be attributed to different level factors; however, most were not well addressed in the previous studies. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the magnitude and individual, household and community-level factors associated with demand satisfied for modern contraceptive (DSFMC) methods among married/in-union women of reproductive age.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

A community-based study across the country.

Participants

Randomly selected 9126 married/in-union women had participated using a structured questionnaire.

Outcome

DSFMC methods among married/in-union women of reproductive age.

Results

DSFMC methods in Ethiopia was 39.5% (95% CI 38.5% to 40.5%). Women aged 35–49 years (adjusted OR (AOR): 0.43, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.58), Muslim religion (AOR: 0.58, 95% CI0.43 to 0.78), husband lived elsewhere (AOR: 0.42, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.60), joint decision making to use (AOR: 1.30, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.62), good knowledge (AOR: 1.57, 95% CI 1.32 to 1.86) and wealth status of poorer (AOR: 1.56, 95% CI 1.17 to 2.06), middle (AOR: 1.77, 95% CI 1.33 to 2.35), richer (AOR: 1.96, 95% CI 1.49 to 2.59), and richest (AOR: 1.49, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.08), pastoralist regions (AOR: 0.28, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.42), and agrarian regions (AOR: 1.72, 95% CI 1.21 to 2.44) and rural residency (AOR: 0.56, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.82) were factors significantly associated.

Conclusions

Women’s age, religion, the current living place of husbands and women’s knowledge were individual-level factors. Household wealth status and mutual decision making to use were household-level factors. Region and residency were households and community-level factors associated with DSFMCs. Increasing the accessibility of modern contraceptive methods to women in rural areas and pastoralist regions, those living separately, engaging religious leaders and men in the programme, would increase their satisfying demand.
Sexual health-seeking behaviour and associated factors in men with diabetes mellitus attending the northwest Amhara region hospitals, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Mekonnen Eskedar Getie , Gonete Almaz Tefera , Takele Wubet Worku
Published: February 2022

Objective

To assess the sexual health-seeking behaviour and identify the associated factors in men with diabetes mellitus attending in the northwest Amhara region hospitals, Ethiopia.

Design

Hopital-based cross-sectional study.

Setting

The study was conducted in the northwest Amhara region hospitals between 20 February and 30 April 2020.

Participants

A total of 389 men with diabetes were approached using a systematic random sampling technique. A face-to-face interviewer-administered questionnaire was used. The binary logistic regression was employed to identify factors contributing to sexual health-seeking behaviour. Odds Ratio with its corresponding 95% CI was used to measure the association. Factors with a p value ≤0.05 in multivariable logistic regression were deemed as significant factors.

Outcome measures

Participants were interviewed to respond whether they had sought sexual health service since they were notified to have diabetes mellitus.

Results

A quarter of men with diabetes (25%; 23.4%–27.6%) has sought sexual health service since they were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. The odds of seeking sexual health service was reduced by 67% in participants who were not able to read and write (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=0.33; 0.1–0.87) and 71% in participants who have attended primary/secondary education (AOR=0.29; 0.1–0.67) than those who have a diploma and above. Experiencing sexual dysfunction was also significantly associated with an increased odds of seeking sexual health service (AOR=7.1; 2.1–23).

Conclusions

The study remarks that just one-fourth of men with diabetes had sought sexual health services. Participants with lower educational status are less likely to seek sexual health services. Patients who have experienced sexual dysfunction sought the service well compared with their counterparts. Therefore, special emphasis should be given to men with lower educational status. Similarly, counselling patients to seek sexual health service before experiencing sexual dysfunction would help to improve sexual health-seeking behaviour.