bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A modified graywolf‐basedchameleon swarm algorithm for minimizing energy consumption and enabling secure communication in wireless sensor network
Authors: Anitha S. , Saravanan S. , Chandrasekar A.
Published: September 2022

The efficiency and security of WSNs are improved by designing multiple lightweight cryptographic techniques and a 6LoWPAN protocol, depending on resource utilization and a reasonable amount of energy. This is still caused by constraints such as power resource management, authentication, key management, and flexibility protocols. To address these challenges, a novel approach called the modified gray wolf‐based chameleon swarm (MGW‐CS) algorithm is presented to select the cluster heads from WSN nodes. The MGW‐CS algorithm is an amalgamation of both improved gray wolf optimizer and chameleon swarm algorithm. During cluster head selection, the QoS parameters such as network lifetime, energy efficiency, and throughput and packet delivery ratio are improved and optimized. By presenting a lightweight and flexible cryptographic model to manage encryption complexities, the encryption parameters are automatically selected based on the currently available resources of each sensor node for data encryption. Among various WSN nodes, data exchanging and secure communication are established with the development of novel authentication and a lightweight key management model. The proposed model is implemented using the NS‐2 software. The proposed methodology offers a packet delivery rate of 98.6% for a total of 500 nodes when compared to the different state‐of‐art techniques.
Low‐Temperature Preparation of High‐Quality Perovskite Polycrystalline Films via Crystallization Kinetics Engineering
Authors: Sun Yang , Wang Xinli , Wang Xinyue , Gao Jie , Wang Yi , Ai Xi‐Cheng , Zhang Jian‐Ping
Published: September 2022

Preparation of lead halide perovskite polycrystalline films at a low annealing temperature is highly restricted by their intrinsically large crystallization activation energy, which hinders the conversion of the precursors/intermediates to perovskites and yields as‐prepared polycrystals with tiny grain sizes and terrible crystal quality. Herein, we demonstrate through in‐situ, real‐time spectroscopic studies that both the nucleation and crystal growth kinetics can be improved without the need for a high annealing temperature by treating the film with thiourea, as accounted for by the reduced activation energy. As a consequence, the thiourea‐treated perovskite polycrystalline film exhibits larger grain sizes and greater crystallinity than the untreated one. More importantly, owing to the synergistic effect of the promoted crystallization kinetics and the passivation of surface defects, the low‐temperature prepared films treated with thiourea even present more prominent photophysical properties than those fabricated by using the conventional high‐temperature method. The strategy of crystallization kinetics engineering proposed in this work paves the way for fabricating high‐quality perovskite polycrystalline films in a low‐temperature manner.
Operation of a Dc/3ϕ power converter using a single‐delta bridge‐cell converter under low magnetizing inductance
Authors: Okumura Kento , Hagiwara Makoto
Published: September 2022

A single‐delta bridge‐cell converter (hereinafter referred to as an SDBC converter) is a prospective power converter for a static synchronous compensator (STATCOM). The authors have proposed a dc/3ϕ power converter using the SDBC converter and a medium‐frequency single‐phase transformer with an operating frequency of 150 Hz; this converter can exchange a maximum active power of 37% of the rated reactive power with three‐phase ac mains supply without increasing the voltage and current ratings of the SDBC converter. In particular, the negative‐sequence reactive power control is a challenging task because of the high magnetizing inductance of the transformer. To achieve the negative‐sequence reactive power control, a single‐phase transformer with low magnetizing inductance is applied to the converter at the expense of the exchangeable active and reactive power. The relationship of the magnetizing inductance, active power, and reactive power is revealed in this paper, and the operation of the converter under low magnetizing inductance is experimentally verified by employing a downscaled 110‐V, 7‐kVA model.
Cardiac sarcoidosis completely mimicking biventricular arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Vereckei András , Katona Gábor , Révész Katalin , Vágó Hajnalka , Müller Veronika , Nagy Beáta , Nagy Péter , Sepp Róbert , Suvarna Kim
Published: September 2022

Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is a chameleon of cardiology, and it can mimic different cardiac diseases; among them is arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM). We admitted a 70‐year‐old female patient with heart failure symptoms in 2015, who fulfilled all major ECG and non‐invasive imaging criteria of biventricular ACM. She was well with the recommended medications for 3 years, showing only isolated cardiac involvement, but in 2018, cervical and mediastinal lymphadenopathy appeared and cervical lymph node core biopsy histology, bronchoalveolar lavage flow cytometry strongly suggested extracardiac sarcoidosis. Therefore, our suspicion was that sarcoidosis is responsible for the cardiac involvement, which was not confirmed by PET‐CT and gallium scintigraphy examinations. At the end of 2018, she died in septicaemia with multiorgan failure, and only autopsy verified her CS. A new ECG algorithm published in 2021 for the differential diagnosis of CS and biventricular ACM, when applied on her ECGs recorded in 2015, suggested the diagnosis of CS.
Electrochemical Behavior and Ultrasensitive, Simple and Effective Voltammetric Determination of Acetaminophen Using Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode Based on 4‐Hydroxyquinoline‐3‐carboxylic Acid
Authors: Uzun Demet , Tabanlıgil Calam Tuğba
Published: September 2022

An electrochemical oxidation of acetaminophen (ACOP) has been successfully performed by using glassy carbon electrode covered with 4‐hydroxyquinoline‐3‐carboxylic acid (4HQ3CA) to reinforce electrode's feature. To characterize the modified electrode (4HQ3CA/GC), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) techniques were used. The finding optimum conditions (supporting electrolyte, pH) and the electrochemical determination studies were performed with differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). It was decided that the supporting electrolyte medium suitable for ACOP determination was Britton‐Robinson (BR) buffer and the effect of pH change on the oxidation peak of ACOP in this media was investigated. The effect of changing scan rate on the oxidation peak of ACOP was examined and this study showed that the oxidation process of ACOP on the 4HQ3CA/GC modified electrode surface was diffusion and adsorption controlled process. A wide concentration range from 0.0025 μM to 141 μM with a limit of detection (LOD) of 5.98×10−10 M (3 s/m) was obtained. This prepared sensor was carried out for the determination of ACOP in pharmaceutical sample.
An experimental and numerical investigation into using hydropower plant on oil transmission lines
Authors: Ansari Behrooz , Aligholami Meisam , Rostamzadeh Khosroshahi Alireza
Published: September 2022

Replacing control valves in the inlet lines of oil transmission stations with hydropower plants can be a logical solution to convert energy losses into useful power. In this regard, this paper carried out an experimental and numerical investigation to study the feasibility of applying a pump as turbine in a hydropower system and its performance on the oil transmission lines. An experimental platform, comprising a tank, hydropower, centrifugal pump, electromotor, and measuring instruments, was constructed. An external gear pump was employed regarding the high working pressure of the system, maximally 80 bar, as an actuator of the centrifugal pump. By comparing the efficiency of the electropump with the hydropower‐driven pump, it was observed that maximum efficiency, approximately 20.6%, occurred when the pump reached its best efficiency point. Furthermore, based on experiments on hydropower‐driven pump under different inlet pressures, an optimal point was observed for the system. This issue enhanced the system's efficiency by 19% as the flow rate increased by 1.9 L/s in the inlet pressure of 80 bar. According to the results, as the flow rate increases, there is a descending trend in outlet pressure. Besides  this, there is an optimum condition for the maximum efficiency of hydropower plants and this crucial point should be determined by experimental or numerical studies to reach maximum performance. Furthermore, extracted values of power from the computational fluid dynamics model were compared with the experiments with less than 8% error in most cases. Therefore, a correlation was introduced for the prediction of power based on effective parameters of outlet pressure and volumetric flow rate for the off‐design condition in each inlet pressure with roughly 2% error.
Intensity‐modulated radiotherapy with planned Gamma Knife radiosurgery boost for head and neck cancer with extensive disease in proximity to critical structures
Authors: Farris Joshua C. , Steber Cole R. , Black Paul J. , Chan Michael D. , Ververs James D. , Cramer Christina K. , Browne James D. , Waltonen Joshua D. , Sullivan Christopher A. , Patwa Hafiz S. , Laxton Adrian W. , Tatter Stephen B. , Frizzell Bart A. , Porosnicu Mercedes , Lycan Thomas W. , Greven Kathryn M. , Hughes Ryan T.
Published: September 2022

Background

To describe intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) with Gamma Knife Radiosurgery (GKRS) boost for locally advanced head and neck cancer (HNC) with disease near dose‐limiting structures.

Methods

Patients with HNC treated with IMRT/GKRS as part of a combined modality approach between 2011 and 2021 were reviewed. Local control, overall survival and disease‐specific survival were estimated using the Kaplan Meier method.

Results

Twenty patients were included. Nineteen patients had T3‐4 tumors. Median follow‐up was 26.3 months. GKRS site control was 95%. Two patients progressed at the treated primary site, one patient failed at the edge of the GKRS treatment volume, with no perineural or intracranial failure. 2‐year OS was 94.7% (95% CI: 85.2%–100%). Concurrent chemotherapy was given in nine patients (45%). One patient (5%) received induction/concurrent chemotherapy. Brain radionecrosis occurred in three patients, one of which was biopsy‐proven.

Conclusions

IMRT plus GKRS boost results in excellent disease control near critical structures with minimal toxicity.
Laparoscopic Hartmann's reversal has better clinical outcomes compared to open surgery: An international multicenter cohort study involving 502 patients
Authors: Medellin Abueta Anwar , Senejoa Nairo Javier , Pedraza Ciro Mauricio , Fory Lina , Rivera Carlos Perez , Jaramillo Carlos Edmundo Martinez , Barbosa Lina Maria Mateus , Varela Heinz Orlando Ibañez , Carrera Javier A. , Garcia Duperly Rafael , Sanchez Luis A , Lozada‐Martinez Ivan David , Cabrera‐Vargas Luis Felipe , Mendoza Andres , Cabrera Paulo , Sanchez Ussa Sebastian , Paez Cristian , Wexner Steven D. , Strassmann Victor , DaSilva Giovanna , Di Saverio Salomone , Birindelli Arianna , Florez Roberto Jose Rodríguez , Kestenberg Abraham , Obando Rodallega Alexander , Robles Juan Carlos Sánchez , Carrasco Carlos Adrian Niño , Impagnatiello Alessio , Cassini Diletta , Baldazzi Gianandrea , Roscio Francesco , Liotta Gianluca , Marini Pierluigi , Gomez Daniel , Figueroa Avendaño Carlos Edgar , Villamizar Daniela Moreno , Cabrera Laura , Reyes Juan Carlos , Narvaez‐Rojas Alexis
Published: September 2022

Background

Hartmann's procedure (HP) is used in surgical emergencies such as colonic perforation and colonic obstruction. “Temporary” colostomy performed during HP is not always reversed in part due to potential morbidity and mortality associated with reversal. There are several contributing factors for patients requiring a permanent colostomy following HP. Therefore, there is still some discussion about which technique to use. The aim of this study was to evaluate perioperative variables of patients undergoing Hartmann's reversal using a laparoscopic and open approach.

Methods

The multicenter retrospective cohort study was done between January 2009 and December 2019 at 14 institutions globally. Patients who underwent Hartmann's reversal laparoscopic (LS) and open (OS) approaches were evaluated and compared. Sociodemographic, preoperative, intraoperative variables, and surgical outcomes were analyzed. The main outcomes evaluated were 30‐day mortality, length of stay, complications, and postoperative outcomes.

Results

Five hundred and two patients (264 in the LS and 238 in the OS group) were included. The most prevalent sex was male in 53.7%, the most common indication was complicated diverticular disease in 69.9%, and 85% were American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) II‐III. Intraoperative complications were noted in 5.3% and 3.4% in the LS and OS groups, respectively. Small bowel injuries were the most common intraoperative injury in 8.3%, with a higher incidence in the OS group compared with the LS group (12.2% vs. 4.9%, p < 0.5). Inadvertent injuries were more common in the small bowel (3%) in the LS group. A total of 17.2% in the OS versus 13.3% in the LS group required intensive care unit (ICU) admission (p = 0.2). The most frequent postoperative complication was ileus (12.6% in OS vs. 9.8% in LS group, p = 0.4)). Reintervention was required mainly in the OS group (15.5% vs. 5.3% in LS group, p < 0.5); mortality rate was 1%.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic Hartmann's reversal is safe and feasible, associated with superior clinical outcomes compared with open surgery.
Genetic correlation between female infertility and mental health and lifestyle factors: A linkage disequilibrium score regression study
Authors: Ma Miao , Guo Lu , Liu Xiaocheng , Zheng Yingxin , Gu Chao , Li Bin
Published: September 2022

Background and Aims

Female fertility is a heterogeneous condition of complete psychosocial and physical well‐being. Observational studies have revealed that women with infertility have varying degrees of poor mental status and lifestyle choices in varying degrees. However, the genetic contribution to female infertility remains elusive. Our study aimed to explore the genetic correlations between female infertility and mental health and lifestyle factors.

Methods

The genome‐wide association study (GWAS) data sets of characteristics related to mental health and lifestyle were obtained from the IEU OpenGWAS database. The GWAS data sets of female infertility were derived from the Finggen database. Linkage disequilibrium score regression was performed to systematically estimate the pairwise genetic correlations between female infertility and a set of mental health‐ and lifestyle‐related traits.

Results

The genetic correlation analysis revealed a moderate and positive genetic correlation between depressive symptoms, major depressive disorder, and female infertility. Similarly, worry and the personality trait of neuroticism displayed a moderate positive genetic correlation with female infertility. Adversely, a negative and moderate genetic correlation was observed between strenuous sports or exercises and female infertility.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated genetic correlations between female infertility and mental health status, including depression, worry, and neuroticism. Additionally, we observed that females with better physical activity may have reduced risks of female infertility. These findings would serve as a fundamental resource for understanding the genetic mechanisms of the effects of mental health and lifestyle factors on female infertility.
Unmet health care needs among pregnant women during COVID‐19 pandemic and its determinants in Kurdistan province, Iran: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Afkhamzadeh Abdorrahim , Shokri Azad , Safari Hossein , Nouri Elham , Bolbanabad Amjad Mohamadi , Amirihosseini Shina , Piroozi Bakhtiar
Published: September 2022

Background and Aims

The aim of this study was to assess unmet needs for health care and its determinants during COVID‐19 pandemic among pregnant women in Iran.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was performed among pregnant women in Kurdistan province in 2020 with a sample size of 800 people who were selected by multistage sampling method. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that was completed through interviews. Also, multiple logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between independent variables and outcome variable. Statistical tests were performed using Stata software package.

Results

The highest unmet needs for health care were related to dental services with 66%, rehabilitation services with 58.6%, and psychological services with 43.2% and the lowest were related to hospital services with 12%, midwifery services with 15.6%, and physician visit services with 39.1%. The most important reasons for unmet needs for health care were fear of getting COVID‐19 and the cost of the services. The variables of age group and spouse education for physician visit services; age group for midwifery services; age group, education and employment status for dental services; age group, supplementary insurance and economic status for rehabilitation services; and age group and economic status for psychological services were significantly associated with unmet needs for health care (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

A significant percentage of health care needs of pregnant women was unmet, for which the fear of getting COVID‐19 and financial barriers were the main reasons.
Evaluation of serum lipid profiles, uric acid, and high sensitivity C‐reactive protein levels between pregnancy‐induced hypertension and normotensive pregnant women attending Ambo University Referral Hospital, Ambo, Ethiopia, 2020: A case‐control study
Authors: Areda Bilisuma G. , Gizaw Solomon T. , Berdida Delesa H. , Kebalo Abbul H.
Published: September 2022

Background and Aims

Pregnancy‐induced hypertension is one of the top three ranked diseases during pregnancy that cause maternal, fetal, and neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. To provide adequate information to clinicians and researchers who are striving for potential interventions, biochemical profiling of such patients is required.

Methods

A hospital‐based case‐control study design was conducted from August 2020 to May 2021 to evaluate serum lipid profile, uric acid, and high sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) among women with pregnancy‐induced hypertension compared to normotensive pregnant women. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Independent t‐test and χ2 were used to compare the relationship of variables between the two groups. A p‐value less than 0.05 was used to test statistical significance.

Results

The result of this study showed that while the levels (mean ± SD) of serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (LDL‐C), TC/high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (HDL‐C), TG/HDL‐C, LDL‐C/HDL‐C were significantly elevated, HDL‐C was decreased among women with pregnancy‐induced hypertension than normotensive pregnant women (p < 0.0001). The levels (mean ± SD) of uric acid and hs‐CRP were significantly higher among women with pregnancy‐induced hypertension compared to normotensive pregnant women (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

This study indicated that pregnancy‐induced hypertension women have lipid abnormalities, increased systemic inflammatory markers, and hyperuricemia compared to normotensive pregnant women. Thus, women with PIH showing high dyslipidemia, hyperuricemia, and inflammation are likely to develop hypertension. Therefore, evaluation of these potential biomarkers during early antenatal care services may help seek interventions in PIH.
Prevalence of high‐risk HPV among marginalized urban women in India and its implications on vaccination: A cross sectional study
Authors: Vora Kranti Suresh , Saiyed Shahin , Joshi Rajendra , Natesan Senthilkumar
Published: September 2022

Objective

To discover the prevalence and distribution of high‐risk human papilloma virus (HPV) subtypes in urban slums and their implications.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was performed to discover prevalence and distribution of high‐risk HPV subtypes. We screened 956 women. Data were analyzed using SPSS v.25. Inclusion criterion was married women between 30 and 45 years of age. Exclusion criteria were women with known cervical cancer at the time of the survey or those who had undergone hysterectomy.

Results

Of the women, 32.47% were HPV positive and of these, about 84.50% were positive for high‐risk HPV. HPV type 6 (HPV 6) and HPV 11 were not seen in the population. After HPV 16 and HPV 18, type 58 was the most common variant seen in our study. Currently‐used vaccines in India do not cover HPV 58.

Conclusion

Knowing and understanding the distribution of high‐risk HPV are necessary for an effective strategy to eliminate cervical cancer from India. Deoxyribonucleic acid‐based HPV screening is a useful method along with vaccination to prevent cervical cancer.
Neutrophil‐to‐Lymphocyte ratio on admission predicts gastrointestinal bleeding in acute basal ganglia hemorrhage
Authors: Jiang Xuewei , Zhou Liangliang , Chen Yinuo , Tang Yuqing , Jiang Xiaodong
Published: September 2022

Background

Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is a potential contributing factor for poor prognosis of spontaneous basal ganglia hemorrhage (BGH). This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of new inflammatory biomarkers including neutrophil to lymphocytes (NLR) on admission and construct a nomogram for rapidly predicting GIB in acute BGH.

Methods

The retrospective study included all patients with acute BGH admitted from the emergency department in Huashan Hospital from July 2017 to January 2019. Multivariate analysis was conducted to evaluate the correlation between factors within 24 h and the occurrence of GIB within 7 days after BGH. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed to estimate the prediction ability of inflammatory biomarkers. A nomogram based on significant predictors was validated by ROC curve and calibration curve.

Results

A total of 122 patients were enrolled in this study, and the incidence of GIB was 23.0%. Patients with GIB had larger hematoma volume (≥30 ml), lower Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score (≤8) and increased inflammatory biomarkers on admission. ROC curve revealed that NLR had a high predictive value to the complication (area under the curve = 0.87). According to multivariate analysis, NLR, GCS score, and hematoma volume were main factors for nomogram, with good calibration and discrimination.

Conclusions

Neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio and GCS score within 24 h after the onset of acute BGH are the independent risk factors for GIB. The nomogram developed by these predictors may assist surgeons in rapidly assessing and preventing of GIB for BGH patients in earlier stage.
Probability of Target Attainment Analyses to Inform Ceftolozane/Tazobactam Dosing Regimens for Patients With Hospital‐Acquired or Ventilator‐Associated Bacterial Pneumonia and End‐Stage Renal Disease Receiving Intermittent Hemodialysis
Authors: Feng Hwa‐Ping , Patel Yogesh T. , Zhang Zufei , Fiedler‐Kelly Jill , Bruno Christopher J. , Rhee Elizabeth G. , De Anda Carisa , Gao Wei
Published: September 2022

ASPECT‐NP, a phase 3 trial of ceftolozane/tazobactam in hospital‐acquired/ventilator‐associated bacterial pneumonia (HABP/VABP), excluded patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). A modeling/simulation approach was undertaken to inform optimal dosing in this population, using previously developed ceftolozane and tazobactam population pharmacokinetic models informed by data from 16 clinical studies. Stochastic simulations were performed using NONMEM to support dose justification. Probability of target attainment (PTA) simulations in plasma and epithelial lining fluid were conducted using a 14‐day treatment, with hemodialysis every other weekday for a high‐dose (4X), middle‐dose (3X), or low‐dose (2X) regimen, where X was the recommended dose in patients with complicated intra‐abdominal infection/complicated urinary tract infection and ESRD (500 mg/250 mg ceftolozane/tazobactam loading dose and 100 mg/50 mg ceftolozane/tazobactam maintenance dose administered by 1‐hour infusion every 8 hours). PTA was determined using established pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic targets: ceftolozane, 30% of the interdose interval (8 hours) in which free ceftolozane concentration exceeded the minimum inhibitory concentration value of 4 µg/mL; tazobactam, 20% of the interdose interval in which free tazobactam concentration exceeded 1 µg/mL. Plasma PTA was >90% for both agents for all 3 regimens. Plasma ceftolozane exposures at the high‐dose regimen exceeded those from phase 3 study experience. Epithelial lining fluid PTA was >90% for high‐ and middle‐dose regimens but was <80% for tazobactam on dialysis days at the low‐dose regimen. For patients with HABP/VABP and ESRD requiring intermittent hemodialysis, the middle‐dose regimen of 1.5 g/0.75 g ceftolozane/tazobactam loading + 300 mg/150 mg maintenance every 8 hours by 1‐hour infusion is recommended.
Hepatectomy versus sorafenib for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with macroscopic portal vein tumor thrombus: A bi‐institutional propensity‐matched cohort study
Authors: Komatsu Shohei , Ueshima Kazuomi , Kido Masahiro , Kuramitsu Kaori , Tsugawa Daisuke , Yanagimoto Hiroaki , Toyama Hirochika , Ku Yonon , Kudo Masatoshi , Fukumoto Takumi
Published: September 2022

Aim

Sorafenib was previously considered a first‐line treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with macroscopic portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT). This case‐matched analysis was performed to evaluate the best first‐line treatment for HCC in patients with macroscopic PVTT.

Methods

The HCC patients with Vp2 (PVTT invaded into a second‐order portal branch), Vp3 (first‐order portal branch), and Vp4 (main trunk or contralateral portal vein) PVTT who underwent hepatectomy and those treated with sorafenib were included. Treatment results were compared between the two modalities for each PVTT category, and a propensity analysis was performed for patients with Vp3 and Vp4 (Vp3/4).

Results

The median survival times (MSTs) of patients with Vp2, Vp3, and Vp4 PVTT who underwent hepatectomy were 21.4, 13.6, and 14.9 months, respectively; the MSTs for those with Vp2, Vp3, and Vp4 PVTT who received sorafenib treatment were 6.9, 5.5, and 3.6 months, respectively, with a significant difference. In a propensity‐matched cohort of patients with Vp3/4 PVTT (36 patients in each), the MST of patients who underwent hepatectomy (15.1 months) was significantly better than the patients treated with sorafenib (4.5 months).

Conclusion

Hepatectomy can be associated with prolonged survival in HCC patients with macroscopic PVTT.
Globalization‐induced social changes and their environmental impacts: Assessing the role of information and communication technology in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Nwani Chinazaekpere , Effiong Ekpeno L. , Matthew Enyinnaya Timothy
Published: September 2022

This study examines how the growing transformation in social globalization propelled by the rapid diffusion of information and communication technology affects carbon emissions in sub‐Saharan Africa using data over the period 1990–2018. The results show a neutral effect on carbon emissions, as the carbon‐mitigating effect of the de jure conditions offsets the carbon‐emitting impact of the de facto conditions underlying the process of information globalization. To induce social behavioural change with emphasis on environmental protection, there is need for sub‐Saharan African countries to expand access to cross‐border information, leveraging on mass media platforms, and more importantly, ensuring press freedom.
Aggregation‐dependent phosphorus adsorption under different land uses of district Kupwara of Kashmir Valley
Authors: Naikoo Nasir Bashir , Mir Aamir Hassan , Jianjun Han , Nazir Shaista , Yasin Ghulam , Jeelani Fehim , Bhat Raies Ahmad , Bashir Owais , Wani Owais Ali , Koubouris Georgios , Rahman Shafeeq Ur
Published: September 2022

Background

Phosphorus (P) is among the essential elements for plant growth and one of the main elements of fertilizers. Decreased availability of P may limit agricultural production in the coming years. The magnitude of soil aggregation influences phosphorus access to mineral surfaces.

Aim

The present study aims to determine phosphorus adsorption processes affected by soil aggregation under different land‐use systems.

Methods

The distribution of soil aggregates was determined in representative soil samples in the district Kupwara of Kashmir Valley in India. To predict the phosphorus fertilizer requirement of a particular soil, we used the Freundlich adsorption equation and Langmuir equation and drew a clear comparison between these two models.

Results and discussion

Maximum phosphorus (P) adsorption was recorded at the smallest aggregate size, 0.5–0.1 mm. However, soil aggregates >2.0 mm (the largest category) adsorbed the least amount of P. Our results revealed that increasing the addition of P to the soil decreased the percentage of adsorbed P regardless of aggregate size. The maximum P adsorption of different size aggregates varied between 1869–1924, 1872–1900, 1718–1739, and 1800–1890 mg P kg–1 in irrigated agriculture, forest, orchard and rainfed agriculture soils, respectively. The variation in P adsorption parameters across the different land uses was attributed to their mean weight diameter difference. The maximum bonding energy in the forest resulted in higher P adsorption. Langmuir and Freundlich's adsorption equations were fitted to each soil aggregate size and land‐use system.

Conclusion

Our results revealed that for all soil aggregate sizes and land use systems, the Freundlich adsorption equation performs better than the Langmuir equation.
Kinetic study of Hg(II)‐promoted substitution of cyanide from hexacyanoferrate(II) in an anionic surfactant medium by 2,2′‐bipyridine
Authors: Srivastava Abhishek , Naik Radhey Mohan , Rai Jyoti , Kumar Indresh , Yaseen Bushra , Gangwar Chinky
Published: September 2022

The kinetic investigation of Hg(II)‐promoted reaction between [Fe(CN)6]4− and 2,2′‐bipyridine (Bipy) has been performed in anionic sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micellar medium by recording the surge in absorbance at 400 nm, corresponding to ultimate reaction product [Fe(CN)4 Bipy]2− using UV–visible spectrophotometer. Pseudo‐first‐order condition has been used to examine the progress of reaction as a function of temperature, [Fe(CN)64−], ionic strength, [SDS], pH, [Hg2+], and [Bipy] by changing one parameter at a time. The results exhibit that [Hg2+], [SDS], and pH are the decisive parameter showing maximum reaction rate at 1.5 × 10−4 mol dm−3, 6.0 × 10−3 mol dm−3, and 3.8, respectively. [Fe(CN)6]4− does not show any appreciable effect on the critical micellar concentration (CMC) of SDS as the polar head of SDS and [Fe(CN)6]4− both are negatively charged. Variable order kinetics was observed for [Fe(CN)6]4− and Bipy in their examined concentration range. The reverse response observed in the reaction rate with [KNO3] shows a negative salt effect. The K+ provided by K4[Fe(CN)6] and KNO3 decreases the repulsion between the negatively charged heads of the surfactant molecules thereby decreasing the CMC of SDS. The negative value for the entropy of activation also supports the interchange dissociative (Id) mechanism recommended by us.
Roles of Nb on the oxidation characteristics and oxide scale evolution of Fe‐25Cr‐35Ni‐2.5Al‐XNb alloys at 1000°C and 1100°C
Authors: Xu Wanjian , Jia Guodong , Pan Jie , Wang Zixie , Ouyang Minghui , Xiao Xueshan
Published: September 2022

The oxidation characteristics of Fe‐25Cr‐35Ni‐2.5Al‐XNb (0, 0.6, and 1.2 wt%) alumina‐forming austenitic alloys at 1000°C and 1100°C in air were investigated. Results show that Nb has an important effect on the high‐temperature oxidation resistance. A bilayer oxide scale with a Cr2O3‐rich outer layer and Al2O3‐rich internal layer forms on the surface of the Nb‐free alloy and exhibits a poor oxidation resistance at 1000°C and 1100°C. With Nb addition, both the 0.6Nb‐addition and 1.2Nb‐addition alloys exhibit better oxidation resistance at 1000°C. Because of the third element effect, Nb addition reduces the critical Al content and forms a single external protective Al2O3 scale, which greatly improves the oxidation resistance. After oxidation at 1100°C, niobium oxides (mainly Nb2O5) are formed on the surface of the 1.2Nb‐addition alloy and destroy the integrity of the Al2O3 scale, which causes the formation of Cr‐rich oxide nodules and eventually develops to be a loose bilayer oxide scale with NiCr2O4, Cr2O3, and Fe2O3 outer layers and Al2O3 inner layer.
Exponential stabilization of a flexible structure with a local interior control and under the presence of a boundary infinite memory
Authors: Chentouf Boumediène , Mansouri Sabeur
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we deal with the interior stabilization problem of a flexible structure governed by a hyperbolic partial differential equation coupled to two ordinary differential equations. Contrary to the previous works on the system, the boundary control is subject to the presence of an infinite memory term. In order to deal with such a nonlocal term, the minimal state approach is invoked. Specifically, a localized interior control is proposed in order to compensate the infinite memory effect. Thereafter, reasonable assumptions on the memory kernel are evoked so that the closed‐loop system is shown to be well‐posed thanks to semigroups theory of linear operators. Furthermore, the resolvent method is used to establish the exponential stability of the system.
Transparency and completeness of reporting of depression screening tool accuracy studies: A meta‐research review of adherence to the Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies statement
Authors: Nassar Elsa‐Lynn , Levis Brooke , Neyer Marieke A. , Rice Danielle B. , Booij Linda , Benedetti Andrea , Thombs Brett D.
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Accurate and complete study reporting allows evidence users to critically appraise studies, evaluate possible bias, and assess generalizability and applicability. We evaluated the extent to which recent studies on depression screening accuracy were reported consistent with Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (STARD) statement requirements.

Methods

MEDLINE was searched from January 1, 2018 through May 21, 2021 for depression screening accuracy studies.

Results

106 studies were included. Of 34 STARD items or sub‐items, the number of adequately reported items per study ranged from 7 to 18 (mean = 11.5, standard deviation [SD] = 2.5; median = 11.5), and the number inadequately reported ranged from 3 to 17 (mean = 10.1, SD = 2.5; median = 10.0). There were eight items adequately reported, seven partially reported, 11 inadequately reported, and four not applicable in ≥50% of studies; the remaining four items had mixed reporting. Items inadequately reported in ≥70% of studies related to the rationale for index test cut‐offs examined, missing data management, analyses of variability in accuracy results, sample size determination, participant flow, study registration, and study protocol.

Conclusion

Recently published depression screening accuracy studies are not optimally reported. Journals should endorse and implement STARD adherence.
Gradual changes in microarchitectural properties of cortex and juxtacortical white matter: Observed by anatomical and diffusion MRI
Authors: Ali Tonima S. , Lv Jinglei , Calamante Fernando
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Characterization of cerebral cortex is challenged by the complexity and heterogeneity of its cyto‐ and myeloarchitecture. This study evaluates quantitative MRI metrics, measured across two cortical depths and in subcortical white matter (WM) adjacent to cortex (juxtacortical WM), indicative of myelin content, neurite density, and diffusion microenvironment, for a comprehensive characterization of cortical microarchitecture.

Methods

High‐quality structural and diffusion MRI data (N = 30) from the Human Connectome Project were processed to compute myelin index, neurite density index, fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity from superficial cortex, deep cortex, and juxtacortical WM. The distributional patterns of these metrics were analyzed individually, correlated to one another, and were compared to established parcellations.

Results

Our results supported that myeloarchitectonic and the coexisting cytoarchitectonic structures influence the diffusion properties of water molecules residing in cortex. Full cortical thickness showed myelination patterns similar to those previously observed in humans. Higher myelin indices with similar distributional patterns were observed in deep cortex whereas lower myelin indices were observed in superficial cortex. Neurite density index and other diffusion MRI derived parameters provided complementary information to myelination. Reliable and reproducible correlations were identified among the cortical microarchitectural properties and fiber distributional patterns in proximal WM structures.

Conclusion

We demonstrated gradual changes across the cortical sheath by assessing depth‐specific cortical micro‐architecture using anatomical and diffusion MRI. Mutually independent but coexisting features of cortical layers and juxtacortical WM provided new insights towards structural organizational units and variabilities across cortical regions and through depth.
Accelerated 3D free‐breathing high‐resolution myocardial T1ρ mapping at 3 Tesla
Authors: Qi Haikun , Lv Zhenfeng , Hu Junpu , Xu Jian , Botnar René , Prieto Claudia , Hu Peng
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To develop a fast free‐breathing whole‐heart high‐resolution myocardial T1ρ mapping technique with robust spin‐lock preparation that can be performed at 3 Tesla.

Methods

An adiabatically excited continuous‐wave spin‐lock module, insensitive to field inhomogeneities, was implemented with an electrocardiogram‐triggered low‐flip angle spoiled gradient echo sequence with variable‐density 3D Cartesian undersampling at a 3 Tesla whole‐body scanner. A saturation pulse was performed at the beginning of each cardiac cycle to null the magnetization before T1ρ preparation. Multiple T1ρ‐weighted images were acquired with T1ρ preparations with different spin‐lock times in an interleaved fashion. Respiratory self‐gating approach was adopted along with localized autofocus to enable 3D translational motion correction of the data acquired in each heartbeat. After motion correction, multi‐contrast locally low‐rank reconstruction was performed to reduce undersampling artifacts. The accuracy and feasibility of the 3D T1ρ mapping technique was investigated in phantoms and in vivo in 10 healthy subjects compared with the 2D T1ρ mapping.

Results

The 3D T1ρ mapping technique provided similar phantom T1ρ measurements in the range of 25–120 ms to the 2D T1ρ mapping reference over a wide range of simulated heart rates. With the robust adiabatically excited continuous‐wave spin‐lock preparation, good quality 2D and 3D in vivo T1ρ‐weighted images and T1ρ maps were obtained. Myocardial T1ρ values with the 3D T1ρ mapping were slightly longer than 2D breath‐hold measurements (septal T1ρ: 52.7 ± 1.4 ms vs. 50.2 ± 1.8 ms, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

A fast 3D free‐breathing whole‐heart T1ρ mapping technique was proposed for T1ρ quantification at 3 T with isotropic spatial resolution (2 mm3) and short scan time of ∼4.5 min.
Psychometric properties of the Persian version of neurogenic bladder symptom score questionnaire: A methodological study on patients with multiple sclerosis and stroke
Authors: Talebi Mahnaz , Pourmohammad Ali , Tayebi Sona , Talebi Maliheh , Farhoudi Mehdi , Moazed Raha , Salehi‐Pourmehr Hanieh , Hajebrahimi Sakineh
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Concerning the impact of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) on quality of life, besides the lack of standard psychometrically‐analyzed Persian tools, the present study investigated the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the neurogenic bladder symptom score (NBSS) questionnaire.

Methods

A total of 279 multiple sclerosis (MS) or stroke/cerebrovascular accident (CVA) patients over 18 years of age with NLUTD referred to the neurology clinics entered the study in 2021–2022. After translation, back‐translation, and developing a Persian version, its validity and reliability were determined. The content validity index (CVI) and content validity ratio (CVR) were calculated quantitatively. To determine the internal consistency and scale reliability, a test–retest was used.

Results

The Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.83 and the intraclass correlation coefficient (95% confidence interval) was 0.85 (0.82, 0.88). Cronbach's α in all domains (incontinence, storage and voiding, and consequence) was greater than 0.70. The criterion validity also showed a positive correlation of NBSS with the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐overactive bladder (p < 0.001 and r = 0.55). The face validity was acceptable according to the opinion of 10 participants. To determine the CVI and the CVR, 10 experts' panels reviewed all items related to the questionnaire in terms of necessity, clarity, transparency, and relevancy. Based on the expert panel all NBSS criteria got a high score, and all criteria were essential to assess NLUTD (CVI: 0.78–1).

Conclusions

Regarding validity and reliability, the Persian version NBSS questionnaire can properly evaluate NLUTD in MS or stroke/CVA patients.
Cognitive function following surgery for pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Hassani Daisy , Koelper Nathanael , Borodyanskaya Yelizaveta , Arya Nisha G. , Rao Hengyi , Andy Uduak
Published: September 2022

Introduction and Hypothesis

Older women are at higher risk for cognitive dysfunction following surgery. We hypothesized that for women undergoing pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery, memory function would not be significantly different at delayed postoperative assessment compared to baseline.

Objective

We sought to compare performance on tests of various neurocognitive domains before and after surgery for POP.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted with women, aged 60 years and older who were undergoing surgery for POP. A battery of highly sensitive neurocognitive tests was administered preoperatively (baseline), on postoperative day 1 (postoperative visit 1, POV1), and at the first postoperative clinic visit 4–6 weeks after surgery (postoperative visit 2, POV2). The test battery included the scene‐encoding memory task, the n‐back task, the Iowa gambling task, the balloon analogue risk task, and the psychomotor vigilance task. These tests assessed the neurocognitive subdomains of episodic memory, working memory, decision‐making, risk‐taking, and sustained attention. Two score comparisons were made: between baseline and POV1, and between baseline and POV2.

Results

In 29 women, performance on the scene‐encoding memory task was worse at POV1 than at baseline (2.22 ± 0.4 vs. 2.45 ± 0.6, p < 0.05) but was better than baseline at POV2 (2.7 ± 0.7 vs. 2.45 ± 0.6, p < 0.05). Similarly, performance on the psychomotor vigilance test was worse at POV1 than at baseline (p < 0.01) but there was no difference at POV2. There was no difference in performance on the Iowa gambling test, n‐back test, and balloon analogue risk tasks between baseline and any postoperative visit.

Conclusion

Cognitive test scores did not worsen significantly between baseline and delayed postoperative assessments in older women undergoing surgery for POP.
Unlocking environmental accounting for healthy future landscapes
Authors: Alden Hull Rowan , Barmuta Leon A. , Pinkard Elizabeth , Jones Menna E. , Adams Vanessa M. , Lin Chia‐Chin , Horner Claire A.
Published: September 2022

Competing land‐use demands for agriculture and nature conservation is one of the most significant global challenges. To improve the health of landscapes, collaborative transdisciplinary solutions are required.

Environmental accounting is an attractive governance approach for helping to deliver healthy future landscapes; however, the diversity of approaches to environmental accounting makes this field complex to navigate, which limits transdisciplinary collaboration and impedes implementation.

We seek to address this issue by presenting a new framework to clarify environmental accounting. This framework classifies the currently disparate branches of the literature into four newly described environmental accounting types: Organisational Environmental Management Accounting, Organisational Environmental Reporting Accounting, Area Environmental Management Accounting and Area Environmental Reporting Accounting.

The framework is then used to discuss, across multiple scales (organisational, ecosystem and national), existing environmental accounting tools which could assist in delivering healthy future landscapes, and areas for future research.

Finally, we demonstrate the potential for environmental accounting research approaches (materiality assessment, dialogic accounting and critical accounting) to assist in defining healthy future landscapes.

This paper presents the first substantial exploration of environmental accounting in the landscapes context and presents a research agenda to progress this exciting area of transdisciplinary research.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Universeller Transport von Quantenmagneten
Authors: Zeiher Johannes , Wei David
Published: September 2022

Quantenphänomene werden üblicherweise mit ungewöhnlichen Eigenschaften wie dem Wellencharakter von Teilchen oder der Verschränkung assoziiert. Einem Forschungsteam vom Max‐Planck‐Institut für Quantenoptik und von der University of California in Berkeley gelang nun in einem Quantensimulator die interessante Beobachtung, dass sich Quantenmagnete unter speziellen Bedingungen mathematisch analog zu klassischen Phänomenen wie sich ausbreitenden Kaffeeflecken oder Buschfeuern verhalten können.