bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abnormal Shape of Placenta as a Consequence of Maternal Thyroid Disorders-Does It Leave Any Microscopic Changes?
Authors: Bargunam Priyadharshini , Kanakaraya Jamuna , Jigalur Parvathi , Reddy Purusotham
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Thyroid disorders are common in the reproductive age group of women and these can cause significant perinatal outcomes.Though the effect of abnormal thyroid hormones on the foetus and its development is established, their effect on the placenta and its contribution towards the effect is not elaborately studied. Aim: To compare the microscopic features of euthyroid placentae with those of mothers with thyroid dysfunction. Materials and Methods: This is prospective observational study wherein placentae received from October 1 ,2017 to March 31, 2019 in the Department of pathology, Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubballi, Karnataka, India, were collected, processed and analysed. A total of 539 cases were received for histopathological examination during this period, of these 64 cases had abnormal antenatal thyroid profile. These were compared grossly and microscopically with the control group of 64 euthyroid cases. Results: The total sample of the study comprised of case group(n=64) and control group(n=64), mean age: mean age of the women 26.91±4.1 years. The case group samples included 3 hyperthyroid cases and 61 hypothyroid cases.In the control group, 3 (2.3%) foetuses were dead as compared to 6 (4.7%) foetuses in hypothyroid group and 3 (2.3% of total, 100% of hyperthyroid group) foetuses in hyperthyroid group (p< 0.001). Abnormal shape of the placenta was seen in 1 (0.8%) case in normal group as compared to 3 (2.3%) in hypothyroid group and 1 (0.8%) case in hyperthyroid group (p=0.018). However, there weren’t any significant microscopic changes. Conclusions: Maternal thyroid disorders result in abnormal shape of placenta and hence resulting in foeto-maternal insufficiency and subsequent foetal growth restriction and adverse foetal outcome.
Sigma Metrics as a Valuable Tool for Effective Analytical Performance and Quality Control Planning in Clinical Laboratory: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Karaattuthazhathu Anupapama Raj , Sathi PP , Nair Lathi , Ramees PM , Manayani Reenu , Benny Elizabeth , Benny Mary
Published: March 2023

Introduction: For the release of precise and accurate reports of routine tests, its necessary to follow a proper quality management system in the clinical laboratory. One of the most popular quality management system tools, for process improvement, six sigma has been accepted widely in the laboratory testing process. It gives an objective assessment of analytical methods and instrumentation. Six sigma measures the outcome of a process, on a scale of 0 to 6. The poor outcomes are measured in terms of defects per million opportunities (DPMO). Aim: To do the performance assessment of each analyte by six sigma analysis and to plan and chart out a better, customised, quality control plan for each analyte, according to its own sigma value. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective observational study, conducted from January 2022 to June 2022, in the Department of Central Laboratory, KMCT Medical College, Kozhikode, Kerala, India. The precision and accuracy of 26 parameters in both haematology and biochemistry were assessed via Internal Quality Control (IQC) and External Quality Assurance (EQAS) Programme, analysis, and their performance was assessed by sigma analysis. Results: Clinical chemistry parameters showed an average percentage of Coefficient of Variation (CV%) of 2.65% and 2.3% for all the parameters in L2 (normal level) and L3 (abnormal levels) respectively. In haematology, the average CV% came out as, 1.3% (high level),1.82% (low level), and 1.35% (normal level). These values indicate excellent precision for all parameters in both clinical chemistry and haematology; with CV% below 3%. It was observed in the month of May, due to reconstitution errors, bias% showed a setback in a few chemistry parameters, due to which the sigma was lowered. Parameters with <3 sigma metrics (poor performance) occupy 37%, 3-6 sigma metrics (good performance) occupy 29% and >6 sigma metrics (world-class performance) occupy 34% of all the 26 parameters of clinical chemistry and haematology. Mean, Standard Deviation (SD) for biochemistry parameters were calculated using the daily IQC data. Conclusion: With the present study, sigma metric analysis provides a benchmark for the laboratory to design a protocol for IQC, address poor assay performance, and assess the efficiency of the existing laboratory processes. It is on the basis of strict quality control measures and sigma analysis, the present Institute, was able to achieve world-class performance in many analytes of clinical chemistry and haematology disciplines. However, a few analytes like alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and total protein needed more stringent external quality assurance monitoring and modified quality control measures.
Role of Frozen Sections in Diagnosing Female Genital Tract Lesions: A Tertiary Centre Study in Chennai, India
Authors: Ranjani M , Selvakumar Sathish , Kumar S Dinesh , Menon Maya , Meenakshisundaram K
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Female Genital Tract (FGT) malignancies are common with ovarian cancers having high incidence and mortality. The asymptomatic character, difficult location and lack of effective screening methods make Intraoperative Frozen Section (IFS) an effective diagnostic test to guide the surgical decisions. Aim: To assess the performance of IFS, describe the associated demographic, clinicopathological factors and identify the errors leading to discordance when compared with Permanent Section (PS). Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of all the consecutive IFS consultations related to FGT lesions received in the Pathology Department between January 2013 to June 2022 was conducted between July 2022 to September 2022 at ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Cases with IFS deferred until PS section were excluded. The FS and PS reports, demographic, clinicopathological data, Risk of Malignancy Index (RMI), imaging and biochemical records were retrieved. In-depth descriptive analysis of clinicopathological parameters as frequency and percentage, frequency distribution of PS diagnosis, concordant and discordant categorisation, reasons for the discordance were described and the diagnostic accuracy of Frozen Section (FS) tool was calculated. Mean, Frequency (n) and percentage (%) analysis was done for the complete collected data. Results: Out of the total 35 FGT related IFS consultations received, 32 (91.43%) was for Ovarian Tumours (OT), which included 26 surface epithelial tumours, three sex cord stromal tumours, two germ cell tumours, one Krukenberg tumour. Two cases were deferred due to extensive haemorrhage and infarction. Confirmation of the diagnosis was the most common indication. The mean size of the OT (n=32) was 13 cm and ranged from 2 to 31 cm. RMI was low (<25) in 14 (44%, n=32), intermediate (25-250) in 10 (31%, n=32) and high (>250) in 8 (25%, n=32) of OT. The diagnostic accuracy of FS of all the FGT cases (n=35) was 85.71% (n=35 FGT cases) with an error rate of 14.29% was observed. Five OT cases had discordant FS diagnosis, 3 cases due to sampling error and mis-interpretation error in the remaining 2 cases. Artefacts like poor morphology due to tissue freezing, nucleomegaly, poor sectioning and section folding were observed in the discordant cases. Conclusions: Correct use of IFS along with careful preoperative work-up will help the surgeon intraoperatively. A good rapport among clinicians, pathologists and laboratory personnel will aid to improve the diagnostic accuracy. Periodic assessment of IFS tool is necessary as a quality check.
Forage Supplementation Feeding of Lactating Merino Ewes in Dry Season at the Foothills Agro-ecological Zone in Lesotho
Authors: Ranchobe M. L. , Oluremi O. I. A. , Kuleile N. , Mahlehla M. , Mosebi P. , Molapo S. , Moea L. , Mochoa L. , Lefoka M. , Mantsoe M.
Published: March 2023

A farmer-participatory research, which lasted for seven weeks, was carried out at Machache, in the Foothills Agro-Ecological Zone of Lesotho to examine the effect of forage based diets supplementary feeding on the performance response and milk quality of lactating ewes during dry lambing season. A total of 270 lactating merino ewes were randomly distributed among four dietary treatments: basal diet (T1) which was the range land pasture used as control, cereal forage based diet (T2), leguminous forage based diet (T3) and mixed forage based diet (T4). The feed value of the supplementary diets T2 (4.70% CP and 9.94MJ/kg ME), T3 (12.31% CP and 10.27 MJ/kg ME), T4 (11.90% CP and 10.47 MJ/kg ME)] was superior to that of the range land pasture T1 (2.80% CP and 8.61MJ/kg ME). Ewes on forage supplemented diets performed significantly (P<0.05) better than the control group in feed intake, live body weight and live weight change. The milk quality evaluation showed that solids-non-fat (SNF), protein and lactose were highly significant (P<0.05) for T3 and T4 than T1 and T2 which had high milk fat. The study revealed that diets T1 and T2 lacked the nutritional capacity to meet the nutrient requirements of lactating ewes as evidenced by slight body weight improvement. It is concluded that supplementary diets T3 (leguminous forage based diet) and T4 (mixed forage based diet) contained adequate nutrients that can meet the requirement of lactating ewes during dry lambing season. This was verified by high voluntary feed intake and good nutrients utilization as resulted by improving of body weight and high milk quality response of lactating ewes.
Effect of Irrigation, Varieties and Nutrient Management for Improving the Productivity of Rice Fallow Black Gram
Authors: Rathika S. , Ramesh T.
Published: March 2023

Field experiments were conducted at Tamil Nadu Rice Research Institute, Aduthurai during rice fallow season 2013 and 2014 to evaluate the effect of irrigation, varieties and nutrient management for maximizing yield in rice fallow black gram. The experiments were laid out in split plot design with three replications. The main plot treatments comprised of irrigation (one supplemental irrigation at 25 DAS and no irrigation) and black gram varieties (ADT 3 and LBG 752) and nutrient management practices (Foliar spray of 2% DAP on 30 and 45 DAS, Pulse wonder at 5 kg/ha on 35 DAS and 1% 19:19:19 complex on 25 DAS fb 2% urea on 35 DAS, 2% urea  phosphate on 35-40 DAS, soil application of DAP at 50 kg/ha to the standing paddy at the time of last irrigation and control) were assigned to sub plots. The results revealed that the rice fallow black gram given with one supplemental irrigation at 25 DAS recorded higher growth, yield attributes, yield, net return and BC ratio than no irrigation. Black gram variety LBG 752 registered higher plant height compared to ADT 3. However, yield attributes and yield were higher with ADT 3 whereas it was comparable with LBG 752. ADT 3 registered the highest net return and BC ratio than LBG 752. Foliar application of various nutrient sources performed similarly with respect to growth, yield attributes and yield of black gram. However, soil application of DAP 50 kg /ha during last irrigation to the standing paddy recorded higher net return and BC ratio followed by foliar application of 2% DAP on 30 and 45 DAS. Hence, black gram variety ADT 3 or LBG 752 given with one supplemental irrigation at 25 DAS followed by foliar application of 2% DAP at 30 and 45 DAS or soil application of DAP at 50 kg/ha to the standing paddy at the time of last irrigation could be recommended for getting higher productivity under rice fallow condition.
Survival Strategies for Nigerian Youths
Authors: Uzoamaka Ndubuisi-Okolo Purity , Nwagbala Stella Chinelo
Published: March 2023

Honestly speaking, Nigeria is blessed with abundant natural, human and material resources yet her citizens are suffering tremendously especially the youths. This is caused by bad leadership cum lackadaisical attitudes orchestrated by greedy and disgruntled politicians. The conspicuous immediate effect is that the poor are getting poorer while the rich are getting richer on daily basis. It is also obvious that there are problems already on ground in the country ranging from social problems (poverty, unemployment, unequal opportunity, racism, crime, cultism, terrorism, human trafficking, employment discrimination and malnutrition), religious bigotry, economic quagmire, political to environmental problems. These existing problems have done more harm than good especially on the parts of our youths at present. Our youths have resorted to banditry, kidnapping, ritual killings, prostitution, terrorism, child trafficking, yahoo yahoo plus and other innumerable nefarious acts as a result alarming rate of unemployment in the country. This paper unequivocally x-rays the survival strategies for Nigerian youths amidst obstacles in Nigeria. Also, it exposes some of the barriers that could militate against survival strategies. This paper is purely conceptual in nature. The  survival strategies include POS Business, Graphic Designs, Food Community Business, Home Lessons, Writing and Selling of E-Books, Home Cleaning Services, Affiliate Marketing e.t.c. while the barriers include Negative Mindset, Pride(the killer of destiny),paucity of vision and faith, religious fraud. We concluded that Nigerian Youths need to desist from seeking white collar jobs to creating viable jobs for themselves and others via the entrepreneurial activities deliberated on so far. We, therefore, recommend and encourage youths to just positively do what they can with all they have, wherever they are and the sky will be their stepping stones.
Society Treatment and Self Acceptance toward Imperfections in Imperfect
Authors: Grafeline Alyaa Nadia
Published: March 2023

Imperfect is one of the Indonesian comedy films that has gone viral in Indonesia. It tells the story of a woman who works in a beauty company who gets different treatment because her appearance does not meet beauty standards. This research was conducted to reveal how society's attitude treats women who do not comply with beauty standards and to find out Rara's reasons for refusing to follow the beauty standards set by society. This study uses the theory of lookism and sizeism. Where patriarchal values have internalized women to participate in discriminating against Rara or women who do not follow beauty standards. The discrimination Rara received from society was discrimination against body shape, skin color and the way she appeared in public. After following the beauty standards, Rara feels uncomfortable and conflicts often occur between her and those closest to her. Rara decides to refuse to follow the standard of beauty that has been set by society with self-acceptance and seeks her happiness.
Begagan Sub-Village’s Community Readiness To Develop A Tourism Village
Authors: Octaviani Manuela , Basuki Ribut
Published: March 2023

This paper figures out whether the communities in Begagan sub-village as a part of Begaganlimo village in Mojokerto, East Java, are ready to develop a tourism village. This study uses descriptive qualitative approach. Data are collected through questionnaires and interviews. The data are then analyzed using readiness criteria to find out the communities’ readiness and the reasons why they are ready or otherwise. The results show that the communities are ready to develop a tourism village. They have high motivation, related to having better income and preserving their local culture. The communities are also ready for any change socially due to the development of the tourism village. They have healthy relationships with others and have high awareness towards keeping the environment intact. They are aware that their areas have attractions in the form of scenery, culture, and products and are quite eager to develop their sub-village, and thus village, to become tourism village. However, they have problems in funding and better training to develop a marketable tourism village.
Broken Compass: A Screenplay Exploring Economic Inequality in Indonesia’s Education System
Authors: Laymonita Maria Inosensia , Basuki Ribut
Published: March 2023

Good quality education should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their economic status. Unfortunately, often better education in Indonesia comes with a heavy price tag that eliminates working class people from accessing it. This thesis attempts to find out why the working class people are economically discriminated and how they face the discrimination. Using screenplay and young adult dystopian genre, this thesis tries to show the side effects of said economic inequality if taken to the extreme. With Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of school as cultural reproduction, the working class students, including the protagonist Thalia, are discriminated against because they are seen as threats to their resources. To reciprocate, Thalia challenges the system, which sparks a rebellion inside the school. The worldbuilding aspect of the genre is based on Pierre Bourdieu's concepts of social space, capitals, and agency. Thalia from the working class utilizes her agency to face the discrimination.
CYBERDESPAIR: A Screenplay Raising Awareness of Social Media Addiction
Authors: Tanusudiro Shannen
Published: March 2023

This thesis is created with the purpose to raise awareness in social media addiction and how it affects the people we are close with. Social media is commonly used by everyone in this modern era, but not a lot of users are aware of the danger and risk it can bring to us and social media addiction is an unhealthy reliance on online platforms. By using Erik Erikson’s psychological development theory, this thesis will explore the reasons, causes and effects on why an individual is addicted to social media. It will emphasize using the fourth, fifth, sixth as well as the final stage of Erikson’s psychological development stages to support the story building. Using modern tragedy as its genre, this thesis will show the story of Nathan and Sydney's social media addiction and how eventually the two characters end up crossing paths in the real world.
The Analysis of Rhetorical Devices in Two Tesla Promotional Videos
Authors: Alyanto Jihan Nurul Savira , Gunawan Samuel
Published: March 2023

This study was conducted to discover the rhetorical devices Elon Musk used when delivering Tesla promotional videos, namely the Tesla Unveils Model 3 and Tesla Semi & Roadster Unveil. This study also wants to examine the messages that are underscored by the use of rhetorical devices. In this study, the writer used Harris’ (2018) theory of rhetorical devices as the leading theory. The study was done by applying qualitative content analysis (QCA). The study showed that Elon Musk utilized climax, asyndeton, polysyndeton, sentential adverb, exemplum, amplification, anaphora, and hypophora in Tesla Unveils Model 3. Rhetorical devices such as climax, asyndeton, sentential adverb, exemplum, amplification, anaphora, and hypophora are found in Tesla Semi & Roadster Unveil. However, the data regarding polysyndeton is non-existent in Tesla Semi & Roadster Unveil. Each rhetorical device employed by Elon Musk helped underscore the messages in both videos. Ultimately, rhetorical devices affect the promotional video positively as they help amplify the meaning of the speech.
Engineering Biofouling Resistant Materials Through the Systematic Adaptation of Surface Morphology
Authors: Sadler Emma , Stephen Abish S. , Allaker Robert P. , Crick Colin R.
Published: March 2023

With increasing numbers of antimicrobial‐resistant (AMR) bacteria strains, it becomes essential that new and effective routes to minimizing bacterial infection rates are produced. Superhydrophobic materials show to be effective in reducing the attachment of bacteria due to their unique wetting properties which can minimize the points at which bacteria can initially adhere. Here, the impact of surface design on the anti‐biofouling capabilities of superhydrophobic pillared arrays prepared via photolithography is investigated. By systematically varying pillar spacing, insight is gained into the complex nature of superhydrophobic fouling as well as allowing for optimization of the antifouling performance. The optimal material within is achieved at a pillar spacing of 87.5 µm, which shows over a 3‐log (and gt; 99.9%) reduction in bacterial attachment.
Precision livestock farming applied to grazingland monitoring and management—A review
Authors: Bretas Igor L. , Dubeux Jose C. B. , Cruz Priscila J. R. , Oduor Kenneth T. , Queiroz Luana D. , Valente Domingos S. M. , Chizzotti Fernanda H. M.
Published: March 2023

To meet the expected demand for food while protecting animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and profitability, animal production efficiency must improve. Improvements in grazinglands management techniques can impact livestock production efficiency. The current stage of artificial intelligence development, mainly machine learning techniques, remote sensing (RS), and precision agriculture technologies, automatizes data collection and raises the monitoring capacity to support on‐farm decision‐making. This literature review presents current developments in precision livestock farming (PLF) applied to grazinglands monitoring and management, demonstrates some knowledge gaps, and discusses potential solutions of grazinglands management issues. Although the implementation of precision technologies in grazing systems is advancing rapidly, challenges, such as lack of reliable reference data and low variability of datasets used to calibrate models, are examples of constraints to be addressed in future studies. More effort in terms of relationship strengthening between farmers and researchers, benefits elucidation, cooperation among professionals with different expertise, and software or app development must be directed to make the knowledge accessible and largely implemented in field conditions.
Skeletal manifestations of disease experience: Length of illness and porous cranial lesion formation in a contemporary juvenile mortality sample
Authors: O'Donnell Lexi , Buikstra Jane E. , Hill Ethan C. , Anderson Amy S. , O'Donnell Michael J.
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Porous lesions of the orbit (cribra orbitalia [CO]) and cranial vault (porotic hyperostosis [PH]) are used as skeletal indicators of childhood stress. Because they are understudied in contemporary populations, their relationship to disease experience is poorly understood. This paper examines the relationship between length of childhood illness and CO/PH formation in a clinically documented sample. “Turning points,” which identify the window for lesion formation for CO/PH, are defined, implications for hidden heterogeneity in frailty are considered.

Methods

Data are from 333 (199 males; 134 females) pediatric postmortem computed tomography scans. Individuals died in New Mexico (2011–2019) and are 0.5 to 15.99 years (mean = 7.1). Length of illness was estimated using information from autopsy and field reports. Logistic regression was used to estimate predicted probabilities, odds ratios, and the temporal window for lesion formation.

Results

Illness, single bouts, or cumulative episodes lasting over 1 month is associated with higher odds of CO; individuals who were never sick have lower odds of having PH. This relationship was consistent for fatal and incidental illnesses that did not cause death. The developmental window for CO formation appears to close at 8 years.

Conclusions

Those ill for over 1 month are more likely to have CO/PH than those with acute illnesses. Some individuals lived sufficiently long to form CO/PH but died of illness. Others with lesions died of circumstances unrelated to disease. This indicates hidden variation in robusticity even among ill individuals with CO/PH, which is vital in interpreting lesion frequencies in the archeological record.
Highly Stereoselective Synthesis of γ,δ‐Unsaturated Quaternary α‐Amino Esters via the Tandem N‐Alkylation/Claisen Rearrangement of α‐Imino Allylesters
Authors: Mizota Isao , Fukaya Toshikazu , Miwa Yumi , Kobayashi Yoshinari , Ejima Tomoki , Yamaguchi Mizuki , Shimizu Makoto
Published: March 2023

γ,δ‐Unsaturated amino acids are the backbone of various natural products and pharmaceuticals, while quaternary α‐amino acids are also powerful enzyme inhibitors, and both are very important compounds in bioorganic chemistry. A highly efficient synthesis of γ,δ‐unsaturated quaternary amino esters utilizing the tandem umpolung/Claisen rearrangement for α‐iminoallyl esters was developed. This method has a wide range of substrates taking account of the Hammett rule, and highly stereoselective Claisen rearrangement were achieved by the effect of DMSO or the ortho‐substituents of imino carbon. Furthermore, product functionalization also showed the usefulness of this reaction and the detailed reaction mechanism was elucidated from isotopic labeling experiments, kinetic isotope effects and crossover‐experiments.
Reservoir Engineering Strong Magnomechanical Entanglement via Dual‐Mode Cooling
Authors: Liu Zhi‐Qiang , Liu Yun , Tan Lei , Liu Wu‐Ming
Published: March 2023

A hybrid cavity magnomechanical system to transfer the bipartite entanglements and achieve the strong microwave photon–phonon entanglement based on the reservoir engineering approach is constructed. The magnon mode is coupled to the microwave cavity mode via magnetic dipole interaction and to the phonon mode via magnetostrictive force (optomechanical‐like). It is shown that the initial magnon‐phonon entanglement can be transferred to the photon‐phonon subspace in the case of these two interactions cooperating. In the reservoir‐engineering parameter regime, the initial entanglement is directionally transferred to the photon‐phonon subsystem, so a strong bipartite entanglement in which the magnon mode acts as the cold reservoir to effectively cool the Bogoliubov mode delocalized over the cavity and the mechanical deformation mode is obtained. Moreover, dual‐mode cooling is realized by engineering the dissipation of photon and phonon modes within the target mode, which allows entanglement to be further enhanced. The results indicate that the steady‐state entanglement is robust against temperature. The dual‐mode cooling reservoir engineering scheme can potentially be extended to other three‐mode quantum systems.
Formation of pure anatase TiO2 using the reactive pulsed dc magnetron sputtering method for controlling the target poisoning state
Authors: Desch Nikolai , Lake Markus
Published: March 2023

The use of pulsed dc‐sputtering sources for reactive magnetron sputtering with oxygen offers a possibility to suppress the negative effects of target poisoning (such as arcing). This results in a wide process range for the selection of a desired operating point. The control of target poisoning plays a major role in maintaining constant coating properties and affects the stoichiometry of the reactive coating, as well as the coating rate and the economic impact of the coating process. In a hysteresis, the target poisoning during the reactive sputtering of titanium under oxygen addition proceeds nonlinearly. Without the use of a suitable target poisoning control technique, the sputtering process can abruptly change to an unstable state. As a result, variations of stoichiometry can occur during the deposition process. A proven method for maintaining a stable reactive sputtering process is the control of oxygen flow with the input variable target voltage. By determining the typical oxygen hysteresis at constant target power and constant argon flow, an operating point for the control loop is derived. The desired target voltage then serves as the input variable for the control loop of the target poisoning. The controlling technique for target poisoning is a basic requirement for the production of the photolytic active anatase phase of titanium dioxide (TiO2) using reactive magnetron sputtering. The photocatalytic equipment of surfaces with a titanium dioxide coating in the anatase phase can be realized with the reactive pulsed dc magnetron sputter ion plating process (DC‐MSIP). The pulsed DC‐MSIP process facilitates coating a variety of surfaces at temperatures below 200°C in an environmentally friendly manner.
Summer odors to winter blooms: Treatment validation in the lower River Murray
Authors: Choo Florence , Sawade Emma , Cook David
Published: March 2023

A 12‐event survey of 8 water treatment plants (WTPs) was conducted to determine the impact of the 2021 summer (January) to winter (August) cyanobacterial challenge on WTP performance. High cyanobacterial numbers (>20,000 cells/mL) and high taste and odor (T&O) concentrations (>100 ng/L) were encountered. The summer to winter transition of this cyanobacterial challenge also saw the proliferation of Pseudanabaena blooms which challenged conventional WTPs and a breakthrough of cells was detected. This required further investigation into optimizing Pseudanabaena removal in WTP processes. WTP sampling determined that the sludge lagoons provided conducive conditions for cell accumulation and metabolite release. These cells and T&O compounds were recycled back into the head of the WTP through the supernatant return flows. In the most extreme case, 512 ng/L of T&O compounds was detected in the supernatant return. This study highlighted the need to understand the potential risks that treatment plants can encounter and ensure appropriate management during and after cyanobacterial events.
Materialhybride, integrale Holzbrücken: Entwicklung, Anwendung und Potenziale
Authors: Grün Stefanie , Riederer Jochen , Helbig Thorsten
Published: March 2023

Während einige der traditionell als gedeckte Holzbrücke ausgeführten Bauten aus vorindustrieller Zeit noch bis heute in Gebrauch sind, weisen viele der in den letzten Jahrzehnten erstellten Holzbrücken aufgrund konstruktionsbedingter Mängel häufig bereits nach wenigen Jahren Standzeit feuchtebedingte Schäden auf. In Auswertung der häufigsten Schadensursachen bei Holzbrücken im Rahmen eines interdisziplinär angelegten Forschungsprojekts, das auf die Entwicklung robuster, dauerhafter Holzbrücken ausgerichtet war, wurde ein prototypischer Brückenentwurf entwickelt. Darauf aufbauend wurde die Anwendbarkeit des Prinzips „integrale Brücke“ für den Brückenwerkstoff Holz überprüft. Dazu wurden umfangreiche theoretische Untersuchungen, Belastungstests und Dauerhaftigkeits‐Langzeittests am Bauteilübergang Holzüberbau/Stahlbetonunterbau durchgeführt. Der monolithische Stoß nutzt in den Holzüberbau faserparallel eingeklebten Bewehrungsstahl zur Übertragung der Biegezugkomponente. Bei der weltweit ersten Realisierung von insgesamt drei integralen, gedeckten Holzbrücken (Remstal nahe Stuttgart, 2019) wurde erstmals Carbonbeton als Brückenbelag eingesetzt. Der neuartige Werkstoff ist materialeffizient und dauerhaft. Der folgende Beitrag erläutert die Entwicklung des neuen integralen Holzbrückentypus, erläutert dessen erste Umsetzung für die Brücken der Remstal‐Landesgartenschau 2019 und gibt einen Ausblick auf das Potenzial neuartiger materialhybrider und integraler Brücken mit Holz als tragendem Werkstoff in Kombination oder Verbund mit Stahl und Beton.
LC‐ESI‐MS/MS Chemical Characterization, Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Properties of Propolis Extracted with Organic Solvents from Eastern Anatolia Region
Authors: Cagri Akman Tugrul , Simsek Samed , Kayir Ömer , Aksit Zeynep , Aksit Hüseyin , Genc Nusret
Published: March 2023

Geographic conditions (altitude, climate, and local flora) lead to significant differences in the chemical composition of propolis. Therefore, more research is needed for propolis in different geographical regions. So, the aim of this study was to evaluate the phenolic profile, total phenolic content, antioxidant, and antidiabetic properties of Pülümür propolis from Turkey. Methanol (MeOH), chloroform (CHCl3), and hexane extracts of propolis were analyzed. LC‐ESI‐MS/MS analysis of the extracts showed that the most abundant phenolic compound is caffeic acid in the MeOH extract (2943.12±11.12 μg phenolics/g extract), while on the other hand, CHCl3 extract had the highest total phenolic content (125.75±1.02 mg GAE/g extract). Antioxidant activity was measured using ABTS and DPPH assays, whereas CHCl3 extract (IC50=6.35±0.11 and 28.84±0.10 μg/mL, respectively) and MeOH extracts (IC50=5.04±0.07 and 28.80±0.09 μg/mL, respectively) showed relatively high antioxidant activity. The MeOH extract showed better antidiabetic activity than the standard compound, acarbose (IC50=0.544 and 0.805 mg/mL, respectively).
Visible‐Light‐Mediated Photocatalytic Deracemization
Authors: Wang Jiahao , Lv Xinxin , Jiang Zhiyong
Published: March 2023

Asymmetric catalysis has long been recognized as a powerful tool for the synthesis of enantioenriched molecules. In addition to precise enantiocontrol, high‐atom economy, which is crucial for practicality, has always been pursued by chemists in the development of methodologies. Consequently, deracemization, the direct conversion of a racemic compound to one of its enantiomers, and thus characterized by a 100 % atom efficiency, has attracted increasing interest. Recently, visible‐light‐driven photocatalysis has been demonstrated to be a promising platform for the development of deracemization. Central to its success is its ability to efficiently overcome the prevailing kinetic issues in chemical transformations and the intrinsic thermodynamic challenges, which typically require the use of additional stoichiometric reagents, thus undermining the original advantages. In this review, the advances in this attractive area are systematically summarized and discussed, with examples organized according to the different modalities of energy transfer and single‐electron transfer in photocatalysis.
Gold‐Catalyzed Cascade Reaction of Diynamides with Allylic Alcohols: A Versatile Platform to Allenamide, 2‐Aminofuran and Bridged [2.2.2]Octadiene Derivatives
Authors: Xia Jiajin , Zhu Baolong , Wan Qiuling , Yu Yinghua , Huang Shenlin , Zhang Jian , Huang Xueliang
Published: March 2023

Transition metal‐catalyzed divergent synthesis through alternation of the catalyst is appealing, as it provides an operationally simple way to access different valuable products, while using the same reactants as starting materials. Herein, a gold‐catalyzed cascade reaction of conjugated diynamides with allylic alcohols is described. By variation of the catalysts, substituted allenes and furans could be obtained selectively. Mechanistic studies indicate that, after the addition of allylic alcohol to gold‐activated diynamide, a [3,3]‐sigmatropic rearrangement would take place and lead to the formation of a common reactive intermediate, which would further convert to the final products selectively. Further variation of the structure of diynamides has unveiled an additional reaction sequence involving intramolecular Himbert arene/allene Diels‐Alder cycloaddition to afford a series of dearomatized products bearing bicyclo[2,2,2]octadiene core.
Flow Electrochemistry for the N‐Nitrosation of Secondary Amines
Authors: Ali Rojan , Babaahmadi Rasool , Didsbury Matthew , Stephens Rebecca , Melen Rebecca L. , Wirth Thomas
Published: March 2023

A flow electrochemical method towards the synthesis of N‐nitroso compounds from secondary amines using cheap and readily available sodium nitrite has been developed. Sodium nitrite dissolved in aqueous acetonitrile made additional electrolytes unnecessary. This mild and straightforward approach made the use of acids or other harsh and toxic chemicals redundant. This procedure was applied to an assortment of cyclic and acyclic secondary amines (27 examples) resulting in yields of N‐nitrosamines as high as 99 %. To demonstrate the practicality of the process, scaled‐up reactions were performed. Finally, selected products could be purified by using an in‐line acidic extraction.
Deprotonation‐Induced Color Modulation in N,N′‐Dihydroxynaphthalenediimide‐Based Organic Crystals
Authors: Tanabe Tappei , Sato Tetsu , Fuku Kentaro , Takaishi Shinya , Iguchi Hiroaki
Published: March 2023

N,N’‐dihydroxy‐1,4,5,8‐naphthalenetetracarboxdiimide (NDI−(OH)2) has attracted much attention in recent years, because its doubly deprotonated state, (O−NDI−O)2−, has metal‐coordination ability and characteristic electronic transition useful for designing electronic and optical functions. In contrast, a molecular crystal with the mono‐deprotonated (HO−NDI−O)− ion remains unknown. We herein report an organic crystal containing non‐disproportionated (HO−NDI−O)− ions, which are connected by very strong O−H−O hydrogen bonds. Its lowest energy absorption band (450 to 650 nm) is observed in between that of NDI−(OH)2 (380 nm) and isolated (O−NDI−O)2− (500 to 850 nm) species, consistent with the molecular orbital calculations. This absorption originates from the electronic transition from deprotonated imide‐based orbitals to NDI‐core orbitals, which can be influenced by the hydrogen bonds around imide group. Consequently, the optical properties of NDI−(OH)2 can be modulated by the stepwise deprotonation and hydrogen‐bonding interactions.
Disclosing Conflicts of Interest to Potential Research Participants: Good for Nothing?
Authors: de Melo‐Martín Inmaculada
Published: March 2023

The growing commercialization of science has raised concerns about financial conflicts of interest (COIs). Evidence suggests that such conflicts threaten the integrity of research and the well‐being of research participants. Trying to minimize these negative effects, federal agencies, academic institutions, and publishers have developed conflict‐of‐interest policies. Among such policies, recommendations or requirements to disclose financial COIs to potential research participants and patients have become commonplace. Here, I argue that disclosing conflicts of interest to potential research participants fails to achieve the weighty moral goals that presumably ground such policies. This is so either because disclosure is simply a wrong means for achieving some of the goals in question or because, although disclosure could be an appropriate means for some of those goals, the way in which it is implemented prevents fulfillment of the desirable moral aim.
Archived DNA reveals marine heatwave‐associated shifts in fish assemblages
Authors: Gold Zachary , Kelly Ryan P. , Shelton Andrew Olaf , Thompson Andrew R. , Goodwin Kelly D. , Gallego Ramón , Parsons Kim M. , Thompson Luke R. , Kacev Dovi , Barber Paul H.
Published: March 2023

Marine heatwaves can drive large‐scale shifts in marine ecosystems, but studying their impacts on whole species assemblages is difficult. Analysis combining microscopic observations with environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding of the ethanol preservative of an ichthyoplankton biorepository spanning a 23 years time series captures major and sometimes unexpected changes to fish assemblages in the California Current Large Marine Ecosystem during and after the 2014–2016 Pacific Marine Heatwave. Joint modeling efforts reveal patterns of tropicalization with increases in southern, mesopelagic species and associated declines in commercially important temperate fish species (e.g., North Pacific Hake [Merluccius productus] and Pacific Sardine [Sardinops sagax]). Data show shifts in fisheries assemblages (e.g., Northern Anchovy, Engraulis mordax) even after the return to average water temperatures, corroborating ecosystem impacts found through multiple traditional surveys of this study area. Our innovative approach of metabarcoding preservative eDNA coupled with quantitative modeling leverages the taxonomic breadth and resolution of DNA sequences combined with microscopy‐derived ichthyoplankton identification to yield higher‐resolution, species‐specific quantitative abundance estimates. This work opens the door to economically reconstruct the historical dynamics of assemblages from modern and archived samples worldwide.
Seismic hazard mapping of Ohrid, North Macedonia
Authors: Lee Vincent W. , Trifunac Mihailo D. , Dimov Ðorgi
Published: March 2023

The city of Ohrid is one of the oldest settlements in the western Balkans, exceptionally rich with archeological, architectural, and cultural sites, which must be protected from damage during future earthquakes by proper retrofitting and strengthening of the old structures. To provide a sound basis for retrofitting work, in this paper, we describe the amplitudes of strong ground motion in Ohrid for a range of probabilities of being exceeded. We use the Uniform Hazard Method to compute the amplitudes of strong motion, and, in the calculations, we explicitly include the geological site conditions for all the maps we show. By noting the large jumps in the predicted strong motion amplitudes at sites along the contact between basement rock and sediments, we emphasize that the empirical scaling equations for strong motion amplitudes must include explicit dependence on the geological site conditions.
Circle of success—An interpretative phenomenological analysis of how Black engineering students experience success
Authors: Henderson Jerrod A. , Junqueira Waldemiro , Benjamin Le Shorn S. , Hines Erik M. , Alarcón Jeannette D. , Davis Jared L. , Cavazos Sebastian
Published: March 2023

Background

Though minoritized undergraduate engineering students earn less than 25% of engineering bachelor's degrees, minority‐serving institutions (MSIs) are leading the way in producing a large percentage of those underrepresented engineering bachelor's degree holders. However, much of the published research about the experiences of underrepresented engineering students occurs within the context of predominantly White institutions. Upon deeper inspection into the apparent success of some MSIs, graduation rates of specific minoritized populations (e.g., Black students) remain critically low. This suggests that there is more to be learned about how to better support Black engineering students' success.

Purpose

We explored the experiences of Black undergraduate engineering students at a large public doctoral university with very high research activity.

Design/Method

We used interpretative phenomenological analysis to understand the experiences of eight participants.

Findings

We inductively developed two themes to describe how Black engineering students experience success at a Hispanic‐serving institution, which include building success networks and implementing rules of engagement.

Conclusion

Participants enacted their cultural capital to construct their circles of success through the intentional engagement of others, resources, and themselves to realize success. This work sheds light on how Black students describe what it means to be successful in their engineering environment.
Variability of definition of high‐risk multiple myeloma across phase III clinical trials
Authors: Abu Za'nouneh Faris Jamal , Ababneh Obada , Schinke Carolina , Thanendrarajan Sharmilan , Zangari Maurizio , Shaughnessy John D. , Zhan Fenghuang , van Rhee Frits , Al Hadidi Samer
Published: March 2023

The definition of high‐risk multiple myeloma (HRMM) is evolving. Use of a clear definition of HRMM in clinical trials was not previously studied. We explored the definition of HRMM in completed phase III clinical trials. There is extreme variability in the definition and cutoffs used to define HRMM, with a significant number of studies lacking a clear definition. Our study provides a quantification of the variability in defining HRMM and suggests a need to better define HRMM in future clinical trials to enable more consistent treatment recommendations.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms of Monkeypox Infection: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Simadibrata Daniel Martin , Lesmana Elvira , Pratama Muhammad Iqbal Adi , Annisa Nagita Gianty , Thenedi Kevin , Simadibrata Marcellus
Published: March 2023

Since early May 2022, outbreaks of Monkeypox (Mpox) cases have emerged and become a global concern. Studies exploring the gastrointestinal symptoms and/or liver injury of Mpox are still very limited. This systematic review and meta‐analysis is the first to summarize the gastrointestinal symptoms reported by Mpox patients. We searched for Mpox studies published until October 21, 2022, in MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and organization websites. Mpox studies were observational studies that reported at least one of either gastrointestinal symptoms and/or liver injury in Mpox patients. Meta‐analysis was done to obtain the pooled prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in Mpox patients. Subgroup analyses were done based on the study location, age groups, and Mpox Clades. The quality of included studies was assessed using the NIH Quality Assessment Tool. Overall, 31 studies that reported gastrointestinal symptoms and/or liver injury in Mpox patients were included. The reported gastrointestinal symptoms were abdominal pain, anorexia, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. There is a lack of reporting for liver injury. The most prevalent gastrointestinal symptoms in Mpox patients were anorexia (47%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 41%–53%), followed by vomiting (12%; 95% CI 11%–13%), nausea (10%; 95% CI 9%–11%), abdominal pain (9%; 95% CI 8%–10%), and diarrhea (5%; 95% CI 4%–6%). Additionally, the prevalence of proctitis, rectal/anal pain, and rectal bleeding were 11% (95% CI 11%–12%), 25% (95% CI 24%–27%), and 12% (95% CI 11%–13%), respectively. Anorexia was the most frequently reported gastrointestinal symptom in Mpox patients, followed by vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Proctitis is a novel presentation of Mpox in the 2022 outbreak.
Immune checkpoint inhibitor‐mediated psoriasis treated with biologics
Authors: Yeo Pei Ming , Chandran Nisha Suyien
Published: March 2023

Skin toxicities are the most prevalent immune‐related adverse events of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), but psoriasis is uncommon. To date, there are no treatment guidelines for this unique patient cohort. We describe a case of ICI‐mediated psoriasis and its treatment using a tumour necrosis factor‐α blocker. A 61‐year‐old Chinese female with stage IV intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma experienced significant worsening of her chronic plaque psoriasis and nail psoriasis 1 week after her second cycle of pembrolizumab. The patient developed extensive thin scaly psoriatic papules and plaques (psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) 9.1, body surface area (BSA) 40%) involving her abdomen, back, arms and legs. Two months before the start of pembrolizumab, she had psoriatic plaques (PASI 0.9, BSA 5%) treated only with topical 0.1% betamethasone valerate cream, urea 10% cream and coal tar 25% shampoo. We initiated adalimumab given the extent of BSA involvement and severity of the flare of chronic plaque psoriasis. Two months later, her psoriasis improved (PASI 9, BSA 19%) and pembrolizumab was continued. Eight months after the initiation of adalimumab, her chronic plaque psoriasis remained stable and her cholangiocarcinoma remained in remission. We hope to share our experience of using biologics to attain prompt control of ICI‐mediated psoriasis.