bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multimodal Sensors and ML‐Based Data Fusion for Advanced Robots
Authors: Duan Shengshun , Shi Qiongfeng , Wu Jun
Published: October 2022

Nature has proved that multiple sense and processing capabilities are critical for target recognition and race survival. As such, advanced robots that perform missions in an unstructured environment highly need organism‐similar multimodal sensing and processing systems for sophisticated unstructured environmental stimuli. Herein, recent progress in multimodal sensing and processing systems for advanced robotics is reviewed. Multimodal sensors including tactile sensors that capture surface properties of objects (i.e., thermal conductivity, temperature, softness, and electron affinity), visual sensors that capture the color and size of objects, and gas sensors that capture object smell are summarized. The multimodal data fusion algorithms that process multimodal signals from multimodal sensors to achieve object recognition and decision making are also presented. The challenges and future development of multimodal sensors and data fusion algorithms are further discussed. Advances in these areas open new avenues for advanced robotics applications in human–robot collaboration, rescue missions, garbage sorting, and intelligent prosthetics.
Preparation of low‐density high‐performance porous aramid films using porosity promoter polymers
Authors: Rubio‐Aguinaga Andrea , Reglero‐Ruiz José Antonio , Muñoz Asunción , García Félix C. , García José M. , Trigo‐López Miriam
Published: October 2022

Low‐density porous aramid films using inexpensive and widely available polymers as porosity promoters, that is, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), poly(2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline) (PEOx), and cellulose polyacetate (CA) were fabricated. Porous poly (m‐phenylene isophthalamide) films were obtained by the standard casting procedure using mixtures of the aramid with either PVA, PEOx, or CA, followed by the removal of the porosity promoter polymers by immersing them in water or acetone. As a result, films with up to a 65% density reduction with pore sizes ranging from 0.02 to 10 μm and up to 30% increment in Young's modulus were obtained. In addition, the morphology of the films was homogeneous and was controlled by the proportion and nature of the porosity promoter polymer. The density reduction of materials plays a significant role in energy crises and the need for fuel reduction. This study revealed that it is possible to prepare low‐density porous aramid films inexpensively without impairing their outstanding performance by using PVA in the casting procedure as a porosity promoter polymer.
Enhanced flame retardancy of epoxy composites containing melamine polyphosphate‐modified boron nitride
Authors: Shi Xuejun , Wei Baoting , Gao Hang
Published: October 2022

Surface chemical modification of boron nitride could enhance the compatibility with polymers and improve flame retardancy performances. In this work, the double‐bond active sites were constructed on the surface of boron nitride modified by the γ‐methacryloyloxypropyl trimethoxysilane (KH570). Glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) was further grafted onto the surface of boron nitride via free radical polymerization. Finally, the flame retardancy melamine polyphosphate (MPP) was bonded to the surface of boron nitride by the ring opening reaction. This modification process was proved to be achieved by infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric test. The boron nitride modified by flame retardant were added into the epoxy matrix and cured to prepare flame retardant and thermal conductive composites. The flame retardant of the composites was studied by cone calorimetry, UL94 vertical combustion test and limiting oxygen index. The thermal conductivity of the composites was characterized by laser thermal conductivity instrument. The results showed that when the addition amount of flame retardancy MPP modified boron nitride in the composites was 20 wt%, the flame retardant rating of UL94 reached to V1; the limiting oxygen index was increased from 25.1 vol% of pure epoxy resin to 30.3 vol%; the PHRR of pure epoxy resin was reduced from 800 to 510 kW/m2 of composites; the thermal conductivity of the composites was enhanced from 0.21 W/m•K−1 of the pure epoxy resin to 0.82 W/m•K−1of the composites.
Skeletal description of Pelophylax caralitanus (Anura: Ranidae): Comparison with other ranids
Authors: Yildirim Elif , Ilgaz Çetin , Kumlutaş Yusuf , Candan Kamil , Najafimajd Elnaz , Başkale Eyup , Kaya Uğur
Published: October 2022

A description of the skeletal development of ranids is scarce despite being well known in the family Ranidae. Herein, the description of several species of two genera representing the family Ranidae from Turkey is studied wherein the larval and adult cranial skeletons of Pelophylax caralitanus are described and compared with that of the water frog (Pelophylax bedriagae) and mountain frog (Rana macrocnemis). The data are based on cleared and double‐stained specimens of 20 Gosner developmental Stages (26–46). The first element to ossify in P. caralitanus is the parasphenoid (Stage 30), followed by the exoccipitals (Stage 34) and prootics (Stage 35). The metamorphic climax commences at Stage 42 during which several modifications to the chondrocranium will unfold. In addition, ranids demonstrate remarkable differences between the water (Pelophylax sp.) and mountain (Rana sp.) frog species: (a) the ventromedial bridge between the corpora of the suprarostral cartilage in the larval upper jaw, (b) the number of processes of the central corpus in the hyobranchial skeleton, and (c) the differences in the ossification time and sequence between Pelophylax sp. and Rana sp. A detailed description of the larval osteological features of P. caralitanus conforms to the current phylogenetic position and provides a model for comparison with other ranids.
Oncological and functional outcomes of organ‐preserving cystectomy versus standard radical cystectomy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Clay Reece , Shaunak Raghav , Raj Siddarth , Light Alexander , Malde Sachin , Thurairaja Ramesh , El‐Hage Oussama , Dasgupta Prokar , Khan Muhammed Shamim , Nair Rajesh
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Radical cystectomy (RC) is historically considered the gold standard treatment for muscle invasive and high‐risk non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer. However, this technique leaves the majority of patients of both sexes with poor sexual and urinary function. Organ‐sparing cystectomy (OSC) techniques are emerging as an alternative to the standard procedure to preserve these functions, without compromising the oncological outcomes. We present a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the published literature.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science were systematically searched for eligible studies on 6 April 2021. Primary outcomes studied were both oncological outcomes, specifically overall recurrence, and functional outcomes, specifically sexual function, and daytime and nighttime continence. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. The PROSPERO registration reference number was CRD42018118897.

Results

From 13 894 identified abstracts, 19 studies (1886 male and 305 female patients) were eligible for inclusion in this review. These studies included patients who underwent either whole prostate, prostate capsule, seminal vesicle, nerve, uterus, ovary, vagina and fallopian tube sparing techniques. Four studies included only female patients.

Thirteen studies reported oncological outcomes, and overall recurrence rate was similar between the two groups (five studies; OR 0.73; 95% CI 0.38–1.40, p = 0.34). Thirteen studies reported on male sexual function. In men, OSC had significantly greater odds of retaining potency (five studies; OR 9.05; 95% CI 5.07–16.16, p < 0.00001). Fourteen studies (13 on males and 1 female) reported urinary outcomes. In men, OSC demonstrated greater odds of daytime (seven studies; OR 2.61; 95% CI 1.74 to 3.92, p < 0.00001) and nighttime continence (seven studies; OR 2.62; 95% CI 1.76 to 3.89, p < 0.00001).

Conclusion

In carefully selected patients, OSC allows the potential to provide better sexual and urinary function without compromising oncological outcomes. There remains, however, a paucity of OSC studies in females. Further studies are required to make recommendations based on robust clinical evidence.
In‐situ Electrochemical Transformed Cu Oxide from Cu Sulfide for Efficient Upgrading of Biomass Derived 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural in Anion Exchange Membrane Electrolyzer
Authors: Zhao Heng‐Fan , Yue Yu‐Ting , Fan Yi‐Lin , Wang Ji‐Xiang , Li Wen‐Hui , Wei Feng , Liu Min , Yu Yan‐Hua , Lu Wang‐Ting , Zhang Geng
Published: October 2022

The electrochemical transformation of biomass to high value‐added products is attractive. Herein, Cu sulfide‐mediated in‐situ synthesis of Cu oxide was achieved for efficient electro‐oxidation of biomass derived 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA). The copper foam‐supported Cu sulfide (Cu−S/CF) was in‐situ converted to Cu oxide during the electro‐oxidation process. The in‐situ formed Cu oxide presented high HMF conversion, FDCA yield, and faradaic efficiency in 1 m KOH with HMF concentration up to 100 mm. The oxidation of HMF on Cu oxide started with the formation of high‐valence Cu species with the assistance of OH−, which then oxidized HMF spontaneously. An anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolyzer with Cu−S/CF as the anode was assembled to continuously produce FDCA with H2 generation at the cathode. The AEM electrolyzer ran stably for 60 h with FDCA content higher than 85 % at a cell voltage between 1.50 and 1.60 V.
Explaining immigrant threat perceptions and pro‐immigrant collective action intentions through issue‐specific moral conviction and general need for closure: The case of the US–Mexico border wall
Authors: De Cristofaro Valeria , Pellegrini Valerio , Livi Stefano , van Zomeren Martijn
Published: October 2022

This research aimed at explaining immigrant threat perceptions and pro‐immigrant collective action intentions through moral conviction regarding the construction of the US–Mexico border wall and general need for closure (NFC). Among independent samples of Democrats and Republicans, we found that NFC (measured in Study 1, manipulated in Study 2) was negatively related to pro‐immigrant collective action intentions through enhanced immigrant threat perceptions when moral conviction was low. Instead, when moral conviction was high, Democrats were more motivated to act collectively to support immigrants through reduced immigrant threat perceptions, independent of NFC, whereas Republicans were less motivated to act collectively to support immigrants through enhanced immigrant threat perceptions, independent of NFC. These results suggest that moral conviction offers a powerful moral and issue‐specific motivation that can psychologically buffer against the negative influences of general NFC. We discuss how these results complement and advance the literature and open up new research avenues.
Differential contributions of inferior frontal gyrus subregions to sentence processing guided by intonation
Authors: van der Burght Constantijn L. , Numssen Ole , Schlaak Benito , Goucha Tomás , Hartwigsen Gesa
Published: October 2022

Auditory sentence comprehension involves processing content (semantics), grammar (syntax), and intonation (prosody). The left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) is involved in sentence comprehension guided by these different cues, with neuroimaging studies preferentially locating syntactic and semantic processing in separate IFG subregions. However, this regional specialisation has not been confirmed with a neurostimulation method. Consequently, the causal role of such a specialisation remains unclear. This study probed the role of the posterior IFG (pIFG) for syntactic processing and the anterior IFG (aIFG) for semantic processing with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in a task that required the interpretation of the sentence's prosodic realisation. Healthy participants performed a sentence completion task with syntactic and semantic decisions, while receiving 10 Hz rTMS over either left aIFG, pIFG, or vertex (control). Initial behavioural analyses showed an inhibitory effect on accuracy without task‐specificity. However, electric field simulations revealed differential effects for both subregions. In the aIFG, stronger stimulation led to slower semantic processing, with no effect of pIFG stimulation. In contrast, we found a facilitatory effect on syntactic processing in both aIFG and pIFG, where higher stimulation strength was related to faster responses. Our results provide first evidence for the functional relevance of left aIFG in semantic processing guided by intonation. The stimulation effect on syntactic responses emphasises the importance of the IFG for syntax processing, without supporting the hypothesis of a pIFG‐specific involvement. Together, the results support the notion of functionally specialised IFG subregions for diverse but fundamental cues for language processing.
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to COVID‐19 infection, related behavior, antibiotics usage, and resistance among Syrian population: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Swed Sarya , Shoib Sheikh , Almoshantaf Mohammad B. , Hasan Walaa , Dean Yomna E. , Tanas Yousef , Bohsas Haidara , Alibrahim Hidar , Hasan Mohammad M. , Ezzdean Weaam , Ghaith Hazem S. , Khairy Lina T. , Bakkour Agyad , Hadi Hussein Muwaili Ali , Abdelmajid Fatima A. A. , Albuni Mhd K. , Battikh Elias , Hadi Hussein Muwaili Dhuha , Qattea Rima , Motawea Karam R. , Sawaf Bisher , Kamal Hamdy Elkalagi Nashaat , Ahmed Safaa M. A. , Aiash Hani ,   & Data Collection Group
Published: October 2022

Background and Aims

Antibiotic resistance is seen as a worldwide health risk as a result of the overuse of antibiotics. Many countries noted that antibiotic usage was high during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The purpose of this study is to evaluate Syrians' knowledge, attitudes, and practice about the use of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance during the COVID‐19 epidemic.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire to collect the data from the Syrian population from February 5 to March 4, 2022. Syrians 18 years or older all over the world were able to participate in this study. A convenience snowball sampling method was used. SPSS version 20.0 was used to analyze the data. To examine the results, binominal logistic regression was used. Statistical significance was defined as a p < 0.05.

Results

Out of 2406 respondents, 60.2% knew that transmission of COVID‐19 could occur even if the patient has not developed any symptoms, and 91.6% were able to recognize the main clinical symptoms of COVID‐19. There was a statistically significant difference between male and female knowledge of COVID‐19 (p = 0.002), with males having 3.78 ± 2.1 (2.7–3.87) and females scoring 3.93 ± 2.3 (3.7–4.1). Newly graduated students have more knowledge of COVID‐19 than other subtypes of Job (p = 0.0001), and those with medical practice are more knowledgeable than those without (p = 0.0001). Only 16.6% answered that taking antibiotics would not speed up the recovery from all the infections. 65.3% answered correctly that misuse of antibiotics could cause antibiotic resistance.

Conclusion

Our study concluded that the Syrian population demonstrated good knowledge of COVID‐19 and moderate acceptance of the new norm. Knowledge regarding antibiotic use and resistance and practice of preventive measures was poor, which can encourage the health authorities to develop community education programs to increase public awareness of the usage of antibiotics and safety protocols during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Rapid implementation of telepharmacy service to improve patient‐centric care and multidisciplinary collaboration across hospitals in a COVID era: A cross‐sectional qualitative study
Authors: Khoshnam‐Rad Niloofar , Gholamzadeh Marsa , Gharabaghi Mehrnaz Asadi , Amini Shahideh
Published: October 2022

Background and Aim

The COVID‐19 pandemic forced healthcare systems to apply new technology‐based solutions. The main objective of our study was to describe the conceptual model for rapid implementation of telepharmacy service and the main steps that should be considered.

Method

In response to a limited number of on‐site clinical pharmacy specialists and a lack of technology infrastructure, a cross‐sectional telepharmacy program was established to support major teaching hospitals. A store and forward model of teleconsultation was employed using WhatsApp messenger to cover various aspects of multidisciplinary collaboration in COVID‐19 management. All identifiable personal information was removed from all exchanged messages of collaborative consultations. The thematic analysis of consultations was performed to extract the main themes and subthemes that should be considered for designing future telepharmacy systems.

Results

Through telepharmacy service, 600 intensive care unit teleconsultations for COVID‐19 cases were conducted in the residence center and nonresidence centers. In total, 1200 messages were exchanged between specialists in 3 months. The average time taken to respond to a message was 1.30 h. Thematic analysis revealed four main concepts and 15 subconcepts that should be considered in telepharmacy consultations for COVID‐19 management. Based on the extracted themes, a conceptual model for developing a telepharmacy program was devised.

Conclusion

The results showed that by utilizing telehealth, clinical pharmacists could cover critically ill patients who need pharmacotherapy counseling through interdisciplinary collaboration. Moreover, the main features of our service that are represented through this survey can be employed by other researchers for developing telepharmacy services.
Virtual reality applications for rehabilitation of COVID‐19 patients: A systematic review
Authors: Ahmadi Marzaleh Milad , Peyravi Mahmoudreza , Azhdari Negar , Bahaadinbeigy Kambiz , Sharifian Roxana , Samad‐Soltani Taha , Sarpourian Fatemeh
Published: October 2022

Background and Aims

The COVID‐19 pandemic has changed people's lifestyles as well as the way healthcare services are delivered. Undoubtedly, the difficulties associated with COVID‐19 infection and rehabilitation and those associated with quarantine and viral preventive efforts may exacerbate the need for virtual reality to be used as a part of a complete rehabilitation strategy for these individuals. Thus, the present research aimed to evaluate the potential uses of virtual reality for the rehabilitation of individuals suffering from COVID‐19.

Methods

From 2019 to March 1, 2022, a systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Cochran Library, Scopus, Science Direct, ProQuest, and Web of Science databases. The papers were selected based on search terms and those that discussed the use of virtual reality in the rehabilitation of COVID‐19 patients were reviewed. Each step of the study was reviewed by two authors.

Results

A total of 699 papers were found during the first search. Three papers were chosen for further investigation after a thorough evaluation of the publications' titles, abstracts, and full texts. Cross‐sectional studies, randomized controlled clinical trials, and case reports comprised 33%, 33%, and 33% of the publications, respectively. Based on the results, people suffering from COVID‐19 were the focus of two papers (66%) that employed immersion virtual reality for cognitive rehabilitation, whereas one study (33%) used non‐immersive virtual reality for physical rehabilitation. In two papers (66%), virtual reality was also offered to patients in the form of a game.

Conclusion

According to the results of the present research, virtual reality games may enhance functional and cognitive consequences, contentment levels among patients, and their ability to take charge of their own health care. In light of the obstacles faced by COVID‐19 patients, alterations in the delivery of healthcare, and the significance of rehabilitation in this group during quarantine, new techniques have been considered for these patients to maintain treatment, return to regular life, and enhance their standard of life.
A numerical study on heat transfer and MHD flow of a Newtonian through a porous channel—Local thermal nonequilibrium model
Authors: Siddabasappa C. , Kalpana G. , Babitha
Published: October 2022

Vast numbers of studies concentrate on the thermal equilibrium state whereas in many real‐world applications the model exists in the nonequilibrium state. Also, local thermal non‐equilibrium precisely represents the thermohydroflow characteristics. Therefore, the current study examines the heat transfer and fluid flow characteristics of the magnetohydrodynamic flow of a Newtonian fluid through a local thermal non‐equilibrium (LTNE) porous channel in the presence of the induced magnetic field. The mathematical model of the prescribed flow encloses the coupled nonlinear equations which are difficult to approach analytically. Hence, they are solved numerically using the shooting method with the Newton–Raphson method. The implications of various physical parameters of the problem on fluid flow, induced magnetic field, current density, temperature profiles, and heat transfer are elucidated with the aid of plots and tables. From the examination, it is clear that the porous medium significantly influences the characteristics of the fluid flow. That is, the least value of the Darcy number is related to a higher momentum field. Another interesting phenomenon is that the induced magnetic field remarkably enhances when the Darcy number is high, whereas the process is contrary to the current density. The effect of LTNE on the flow characteristics and heat transfer ceases for higher values of inter‐phase heat transfer coefficient and the ratio of thermal conductivities, which gives rise to the local thermal equilibrium (LTE) situation. Furthermore, the amount of heat transport is maximum in the LTE case compared to that of the LTNE case.
Revisiting Michael Bonell's work on humid tropical rainforest catchments: Isotope tracers reveal seasonal shifts in catchment hydrology
Authors: Lim Han She , Munksgaard Niels C. , Bird Michael I.
Published: October 2022

It has been almost 50 years since the foundational work at the Babinda catchments in North Queensland kickstarted the field of tropical hydrology globally. To expand upon this work and build a more generalized hydrological understanding of steep rainforest catchments, we studied the seasonal evolution of hydrological response from two catchments with broadly similar characteristics to the Babinda catchments. Both hydrometric and water stable isotope data were collected at relatively high frequencies during one wet season (Thompson Creek) and a 3‐year period (Atika Creek). The longer dataset spans a wide range of environmental conditions experienced in the humid tropics, including events that cover the wetting‐up transitional period of the wet season and tropical cyclones (TC). Both catchments displayed a fast streamflow response to rainfall with the shallow upper soil profile responding quickly to rainfall at Atika Creek. New findings from this study include the importance of pre‐event water (>50% using the two component hydrograph separation technique) for overall event flows, especially when the catchment was wet. Rainfall, surface runoff and groundwater isotope and specific electrical conductivity (SEC) compositions varied between rainfall events with the most complex bivariate mixing plots observed for multi‐peak events that occurred at the start of the wet season and after a dry period within the wet season. Two‐tracer, 3 component hydrograph separations did not provide satisfactory results in identifying source water contributions to streamflow. These results highlighted the time‐variant and non‐conservative behaviour of the rainfall, surface runoff and shallow groundwater source waters over the seasonal timescale, with soil water being an important unidentified source contributor. Our findings highlight the need for high frequency multi‐source sampling to accurately interpret catchment behaviour and the importance of soil water contributions to streamflow. We propose a framework to describe the seasonal evolution of streamflow response in steep tropical rainforest catchments experiencing seasonal rainfall activity.
Serum total folate, 5‐methyltetrahydrofolate and vitamin B12 concentrations on incident risk of lung cancer
Authors: Wei Yaping , Xu Benjamin , He Qiangqiang , Chen Ping , Zhang Qi , Zhang Xi , Yuan Hui , Duan Yong , Wang Zhuo , Zhou Ziyi , Liu Lishun , Song Yun , Mao Guangyun , Qin Xianhui , Tang Genfu , Wang Binyan , Zhang Hao , Guo Huiyuan , Shi Hanping
Published: October 2022

Tobacco smoking is a major known risk factor for lung cancer. While micronutrients, especially those involved in maintaining DNA integrity and regulating gene expression, may be protective, research on this association is limited. This report aimed to investigate associations of total folate, 5‐methyltetrahydrofolate (5‐mTHF) and vitamin B12 with incident risk of lung cancer, and whether the associations vary by smoking status. A nested case‐control study with 490 incident lung cancer cases and 490 controls matched by age (±1 year), sex, residence, and center, drawn from a community‐based prospective study in China, was conducted from 2016 to 2019. 5‐mTHF accounted for the majority of total folate. Only 4.4% had detectable unmetabolized folic acid. Lung cancer cases had lower levels of 5‐mTHF compared to controls. There was an inverse, nonlinear association between 5‐mTHF and lung cancer, which persisted after adjustment for covariables (P for trend = .001). Compared to the lowest 5‐mTHF quartile, those in higher quartiles had lower risks of lung cancer: second quartile OR = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.45‐0.93; third quartile OR = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.34‐0.74; fourth quartile OR = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.38‐0.83. This inverse association was more pronounced among ever smokers; consistently, the highest risk of lung cancer (OR = 3.21, 95% CI: 1.97‐5.24) was observed among ever smokers with low 5‐mTHF levels compared to participants who never smoked and had higher 5‐mTHF levels. Vitamin B12 was not associated with lung cancer risk. In this sample of Chinese adults without confounding by unmetabolized folic acid, higher levels of 5‐mTHF were associated with lower risk of incident lung cancer.
Assigning projects to pharmacy learners using the standardized project and learner alignment tool (SPLAT)
Authors: Walroth Todd A. , Macik Monica R. , Deodhar Karishma S.
Published: October 2022

Background

Pharmacy preceptors may encounter challenges like timeline restraints, knowledge gaps, or project complexity when assigning projects to the appropriate level of learner (ie, resident vs student). There is a lack of validated assessment tools for preceptors to evaluate which projects are most appropriate for specific levels of learners.

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess content validity and ease of use of the Standardized Project and Learner Alignment Tool (SPLAT) as a tool for validating the appropriateness of pharmacy learner level to promote successful project completion.

Methods

The SPLAT was created in 2018 and evaluated retrospectively between April and June 2022. Projects completed by pharmacy learners (residents and students) between July 2020 and June 2022 were included for evaluation with completion of the SPLAT for each project by both the learner and preceptor. The primary end point was the content validity of the rubric assessed by a scale content validity index (S‐CVI). Secondary end points included agreement in scores between preceptors and learners (a surrogate marker of interrater reliability) and ease of use.

Results

A total of 52 matched pair completed forms were returned for analysis. Content validity of the SPLAT was found to have an overall S‐CVI of 0.86, indicating it is valid in determining the appropriate level of pharmacy learner to complete a project. There were no statistically significant differences in the agreement of paired scores between groups (preceptors vs learners) for any level of learner on the rubric. The tool takes about 5 min to complete for both groups. In total, 100% of end users indicated the tool was helpful, 91% of both groups found the tool easy‐to‐use, and 94% would use it again in the future.

Conclusion

The SPLAT provides an easy‐to‐use and validated rubric to evaluate the appropriate level of pharmacy learner for various types of projects.
Counselor performance in treating anxiety and depressive symptoms in integrated care: A client outcomes study
Authors: Ulupinar Dogukan , Zalaquett Carlos P.
Published: October 2022

Depression and anxiety are two of the most common mental disorders treated in Integrated Primary and Behavioral Healthcare programs. We investigated the within and between performance differences of mental health counselors on anxiety and depressive symptomatology in an integrated service with a sample of 1573 clients and 10 licensed professional counselors. The results of growth curves within the framework of Multilevel Modeling showed significant within and between performance differences among counselors treating anxiety and depressive symptoms. Some counselors performed better in treating anxiety symptoms while others did better treating depression. Implications for counselor education, client care, and legislation are provided.
Auditor choice and nonaudit fees: Evidence from group‐affiliated Indian firms
Authors: Parkash Mohinder , Singhal Rajeev , Zhu Yun (Ellen)
Published: October 2022

We study the interplay between auditor as an instrument of corporate governance and the ownership structure of firms in the Indian context. Our study is motivated by the literature on agency problems occurring from both the conflicts of interests between owners and managers (Type I problem) and those between dominant and passive stockholders (Type II problems). Investors controlling Group‐affiliated firms have incentives and influence to monitor their firms, resulting in amelioration of Type I problems, which is expected to result in lower demand for high‐quality auditors. However, in situations where Type II problems dominate, the Group‐affiliated firms have incentives to, (i) mitigate conflicts with minority shareholders by using high‐quality auditors, and (ii) strengthen the perception that their auditors are independent. We find that Indian group‐affiliated firms tend to choose BigN auditing firms and that upon selection of a BigN auditor, there is no difference in the magnitude of nonaudit services purchased by both the Group‐affiliated and non‐Group‐affiliated firms, but when a non‐BigN auditor is chosen, the Group‐affiliated firms purchase significantly higher nonaudit services as compared to firms not affiliated to groups, suggesting that when Group‐affiliated firms select reputed auditors they also strive to maintain the perception that auditors are independent.
Distress of tertiary education students in Australia during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Tuck David , Wiley Joshua , Patlamazoglou Lefteris , Berger Emily
Published: October 2022

Objective

This project sought to characterize levels of distress in Australian tertiary education students during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

Advertisements were placed on multiple participant recruitment and student run websites associated with various tertiary institutions. Level of overall distress was assessed with the K‐10 so that comparisons could be made with previous research. A total of 1072 tertiary education students 18 years or older participated in the study.

Results

70.9% of tertiary education students studying in Australia displayed elevated levels of psychological distress during the pandemic, with 23.01% of the sample reporting extreme levels of distress.

Conclusions

More tertiary education students experienced severe distress during the COVID‐19 pandemic than adults in the general population, as well as before the pandemic. Implications: Services are needed to help tertiary education students cope with elevated levels of distress associated during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Do after‐school activities help mitigate the negative impact of community violence exposure? A person‐centered approach
Authors: Gomez Christopher , Fite Paula J.
Published: October 2022

The current study used a person‐centered approach to identify classes of after‐school activities that may reduce the harmful effects, including anxiety and depression, of community violence exposure (CVE) in Latino youth. Participants in the current study included 144 students (54.2% male, ages 14–19) who were recruited from a charter high school in a large, Midwestern city. Students provided information on after‐school activities, CVE, and internalizing symptoms. Indices supported a two‐class model. Classes were characterized by students who reported high participation in extracurricular activities at school (Class 1) and students who reported spending more time completing after school (Class 2). No between‐class differences emerged in anxiety or depression symptoms and class membership did not moderate the relationship between CVE and internalizing symptoms. Findings provide a description of Latino youths' after‐school activities and support an individualized, person‐centered approach to understanding the risk and protection of environmental factors.
Raman spectroscopic strategy for the discrimination of recycled polyethylene terephthalate in water bottles
Authors: Peñalver Rosa , Zapata Félix , Arroyo‐Manzanares Natalia , López‐García Ignacio , Viñas Pilar
Published: October 2022

A reliable and quick strategy for the discrimination between recycled and virgin polyethylene terephthalate water bottles was developed by applying Raman spectroscopy combined with chemometrics. Chemometric models were created by orthogonal partial least square discriminate analysis (OPLS‐DA) using the Raman spectra dataset in the range of 600–1800 cm−1. The Pareto scale model allowed the classification of virgin and recycled terephthalate of polyethylene (PET) samples with a percentage of success of about 95%. In addition, PLS regression was carried out to determine the level of recycled material in the PET water bottles with a good fit (R2 = 0.8920). This analytical approach shows a quick, accurate, and robust way to detect and quantify the adulteration of plastic bottles with recycled plastic materials to avoid fraud in the recycling plastic area.
Fetal Cardiac Inflow Characteristics in Response to Fetal Anemia
Authors: Sirivat Kanthong , Luewan Suchaya , Srisupundit Kasemsri , Jatavan Phudit , Tongsong Theera
Published: October 2022

Objectives

To identify the inflow (filling time fraction [FTF] and E/A ratio) characteristics of fetuses with anemia, and to evaluate the performance of the inflow markers in predicting the affected fetuses.

Methods

Fetuses at risk of hemoglobin (Hb) Bart's disease at 17–22 weeks were prospectively recruited to undergo echocardiography before diagnostic cordocentesis. Cardiac Doppler images were digitally stored for off‐line blinded measurements of FTF and E/A ratio.

Results

A total of 428 fetuses at risk of Hb Bart's disease were analyzed, including 88 affected fetuses (20.6%). The mean gestational age at the time of diagnosis was 19.43 ± 1.5 weeks. The FTFs in both sides were significantly lower in the affected fetuses, whereas the E/A ratios of both sides were significantly higher in the affected group. According to the receiver operating characteristic curves, the performance of the FTF of the right side in predicting affected fetuses was slightly better than that of the left side (area under curve: 0.707 versus 0.680, P < .001). Likewise, the performance of the E/A ratio of the tricuspid valve was slightly better than that of the mitral valve. Also, FTF was superior to E/A ratio in predicting the affected fetuses.

Conclusions

New insights leading to a better understanding of the fetal cardiac response to anemia are: 1) the FTFs in both sides were significantly decreased, suggesting some degree of diastolic ventricular dysfunction; 2) the E/A ratios of both sides were significantly increased, indicating volume load; and 3) The inflow parameters may be useful as a new predictor of fetal anemia, especially among pregnancies at risk.
Exploring the effects of warming and nitrogen deposition on desert steppe based on soil nematodes
Authors: Gao Zhiwei , Huang Jing , Gao Wei , Jia Meiqing , Li Xiaodan , Han Guodong , Zhang Guogang
Published: October 2022

The combined effects of warming and increased nitrogen (N) deposition in various ecosystems have become global issues. We used high‐throughput sequencing in an 8‐year field experiment to evaluate the impacts of the interactions between warming and nitrogen addition on soil nematode communities in a desert steppe. The soil nematode community presented with a certain degree of tolerance to warming. Warming mainly altered soil nematode diversity and community stability in deep soils whereas nitrogen addition primarily affected the nematode community in surface soils. Moreover, warming interacted with nitrogen addition exacerbated its negative effects on nematode richness and diversity. A Mantel analysis showed that soil pH was significantly negatively correlated with soil NH4+ and NO3− content. All three soil physicochemical (pH, NH4+ and NO3−) parameters were significantly correlated with desert steppe soil nematode community structure. Based on network and relative abundance analyses, we determined that Paratylenchus, Cervidellus, and Acrobeloides were the major hub soil nematode genera responding to soil warming and nitrogen addition in a desert steppe. The present study comprehensively analyzed the responses of desert steppe soil nematode communities to warming and nitrogen addition and provided an exemplar for studying the impact of environmental factors on soil nematodes communities worldwide.
Persistence of lower vocal intensity in vocal fold paralysis with cricothyroid impairment after hyaluronate injection
Authors: Liu Kuo‐Cheng , Lu Yi‐An , Chuang Hsiu‐Feng , Hsin Li‐Jen , Lin Wan‐Ni , Wong Alice M. K. , Pei Yu‐Cheng , Fang Tuan‐Jen
Published: October 2022

Background

Unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) affects the glottal gap, voice, and aerodynamics, whereas injection laryngoplasty (IL) using hyaluronate is an effective treatment for UVFP by decreasing the glottal gap to improve voice. Previous studies have shown that the involvement of cricothyroid (CT) muscle in UVFP patients further affects patients' aerodynamics, but it remains unclear whether the difference remains after IL. This study investigates whether the aerodynamic features observed in UVFP with CT involvement could still be observed after IL.

Methods

This study recruited UVFP patients with dysphonia, and IL was performed within 6 months of initial symptoms. All subjects received assessments including videolaryngoscopy, voice analysis, and aerodynamics at three time points: before IL, 1 month after IL, and 6 months after IL. The glottal gap, voice, and aerodynamics between patients with and without CT involvement (the CT+ and CT− groups) were compared, and the change (Δ) before and after IL and repeated‐measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) were also compared between the two groups.

Result

A total of 71 patients with UVFP (22 in the CT+ group and 49 in the CT− group) were analyzed. After IL, the CT+ group showed a lower sound pressure level (SPL), higher Δair pressure, and smaller Δaerodynamic power than the CT− group.

Conclusion

The CT+ group had a lower SPL, even after elevating air pressure to attempt to achieve a higher vocal intensity. The results suggest that although closure of the glottal gap was achieved by IL, the CT+ group still had a lower loudness and needed to sustain a higher peak air pressure when producing voice.

Level of evidence

Level 4.
Cholesteatoma has an altered microbiota with a higher abundance of Staphylococcus species
Authors: Fujikawa Taro , Tanimoto Kousuke , Kawashima Yoshiyuki , Ito Taku , Honda Keiji , Takeda Takamori , Sonobe Akane , Aoki Natsuki , Bai Jing , Tsutsumi Takeshi
Published: October 2022

Objective

To compare the microbiota between cholesteatoma and chronic suppurative otitis media (COM) and to identify potential pathogens that explain the relevant phenotypes of cholesteatoma.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

Surgical specimens collected from 20 cholesteatomas and nine COMs were treated to dissolve biofilms and subjected to 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing and amplicon sequence variant‐level analysis for microbiota profiling and quantitative comparison. Correlations between the relative abundance of potential pathogens and the volume of the primary resected cholesteatomas were examined.

Results

Differences in bacterial composition (beta diversity) were observed between cholesteatomas and COM (p = .002), with a higher abundance of Staphylococcus in cholesteatomas than in COM (p = .005). Common genera in the external auditory canal (EAC) flora, such as Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, and Cutibacterium, were predominant in both cholesteatoma and COM; Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were increased in both diseases compared with the EAC flora. Furthermore, coagulase‐negative staphylococci (CoNS) were more abundant in cholesteatomas than in COM (p = 0.002). Linear discriminant analysis coupled with effect size measurements (LEfSe) identified four CoNS as potential biomarkers for cholesteatoma. The relative abundance of S. aureus, a potential pathogen, was positively correlated with cholesteatoma volume (r = .60, p = .02).

Conclusion

The microbiota of cholesteatoma and COM originated from EAC flora, but the bacterial composition was largely altered. Our results suggested that S. aureus infection is involved in cholesteatoma progression.

Level of Evidence

3b
Corrigendum: Associations between cyanobacteria and indices of secondary production in the western basin of Lake Erie
Authors: Larson James H. , Evans Mary Anne , Kennedy Robert J. , Bailey Sean W. , Loftin Keith A. , Laughrey Zachary R. , Femmer Robin A. , Schaeffer Jeff S. , Richardson William B. , Wynne Timothy T. , Nelson J. C. , Duris Joseph W.
Published: October 2022

In the last year, we became aware that data used in our above‐referenced manuscript from 2018 published in Limnology and Oceanography contained significant errors. In the 2018 manuscript, we found that indices of secondary production were negatively correlated to indices of cyanobacterial abundance and toxicity. Unfortunately, one of our indices of cyanobacterial abundance (biovolume) and our measurement of toxicity (microcystin concentration) were inaccurate in the data we used in the 2018 manuscript. Upon discovering these errors, we immediately began correcting the repositories where these data were available. Having corrected those data repositories, we are now reporting on the re‐analysis of the data using the methods previously described in the 2018 manuscript. Although the relationships are slightly different, our interpretation is that the conclusions of the 2018 manuscript are still valid using the corrected data. The data errors we experienced were traced to a spreadsheet that was used to share data among the research team, which had errors caused by mistakes in copy‐pasting formulas instead of data and ‘inadvertent’ edits that were saved by the spreadsheet's auto‐save function. We apologize to the scientific community for these errors.
Improving quantification of particulate phosphorus
Authors: Hu Ying‐Yu , Irwin Andrew J. , Finkel Zoe V.
Published: October 2022

Total particulate phosphorus (TPP) is often determined using the high‐temperature dry combustion (HTDC) method followed by hydrolysis of the ash and then molybdenum colorimetry. Here, we show that a higher than traditionally used combustion temperature, 800°C vs. 450–550°C, improves phosphorus recovery from several phosphorus standard compounds, marine phytoplankton cultures, and particulate samples from the field. The ashing auxiliary MgSO4 further improves P recovery by improving decomposition, reducing volatilization during combustion, and increasing the efficiency of hydrolysis. A 0.2 M HCl hydrolysis, under 90°C for 30 min yields a higher P recovery compared with hydrolysis at room temperature or 60°C. In aggregate, these improvements to the method double the P recovery from phospholipids to 97%. TPP recovery from laboratory phytoplankton cultures and field samples increased an average of 11%, primarily due to the improvements in P recovery from phospholipids, polyphosphate, and nucleic acids. We refer to this new method as the eXtra high temperature dry combustion (X‐HTDC) Ash/Hydrol method and recommend its application for measuring particulate phosphorus from organic compounds in aquatic systems.
Locus of lubricating weak point for the toroidal surface enveloping cylindrical worm drive
Authors: Cui Jian , Zhao Yaping , Mu Shibo , Li Gongfa , Chen Xinyuan
Published: October 2022

Based on the lubrication angle field and the locus of lubricating weak point, the lubricating characteristic of the toroidal surface enveloping cylindrical worm drive is globally investigated. The nonlinear equation system to determine the lubricating weak point is established by utilising the lubrication angle. Generally speaking, the weak locus always exists roughly in the middle of the tooth surface of cylindrical wormgear and a zone with worse lubricating behaviour is around the locus. By increasing the number of worm thread, the locus of lubricating weak point can be completely removed from the wormgear tooth surface, and the locus approximately is in the shape of the inverse capital letter L. On this occasion, the entire wormgear tooth surface is half surrounded by the locus, and the overall lubrication performance of the worm drive is improved. The current research is an application of elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) on worm drive.
Synthesis of Double Hydrophilic Block Copolymers Poly(2‐isopropyl‐2‐oxazoline‐b‐ethylenimine) and their DNA Transfection Efficiency
Authors: Delecourt Gwendoline , Plet Laetitia , Guen Yann Le , Tezgel Ozgul , Tresset Guillaume , Midoux Patrick , Montier Tristan , Bennevault Véronique , Guégan Philippe
Published: October 2022

Gene delivery is now a part of the therapeutic arsenal for vaccination and treatments of inherited or acquired diseases. Polymers represent an opportunity to develop new synthetic vectors for gene transfer, with a prerequisite of improved delivery and reduced toxicity compared to existing polymers. Here, the synthesis in a two‐step's procedure of linear poly(ethylenimine‐b‐2‐isopropyl‐2‐oxazoline) block copolymers with the linear polyethylenimine (lPEI) block of various molar masses is reported; the molar mass of the poly(2‐isopropyl‐2‐oxazoline) (PiPrOx) block has been set to 7 kg mol−1. Plasmid DNA condensation is successfully achieved, and in vitro transfection efficiency of the copolymers is at least comparable to that obtained with the lPEI of same molar mass. lPEI‐b‐PiPrOx block copolymers are however less cytotoxic than their linear counterparts. PiPrOx can be a good alternative to PEG which is often used in drug delivery systems. The grafting of histidine moieties on the lPEI block of lPEI‐b‐PiPrOx does not provide any real improvement of the transfection efficiency. A weak DNA condensation is observed, due to increased steric hindrance along the lPEI backbone. The low cytotoxicity of lPEI‐b‐PiPrOx makes this family a good candidate for future gene delivery developments.