bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Statistical investigation on the characteristics of hazardous chemical accidents in special work in China from 2008 to 2021
Authors: Zhou Jiling , Liu Limin , Su Yanna , Liang Rujun , Feng Jianzhu , Wang Xin
Published: August 2023

Special work involves hot work, confined space, blinding‐pipeline operation with stop plate, work at height, lifting work, temporary electricity, excavation work, work for road breaking, and other work, which may cause harm or damage to the operators themselves, surrounding buildings, equipment, and facilities. In this article, we conducted a statistical investigation on 154 large and above hazardous chemical accidents that occurred between 2008 and 2021 in China, and found that there were 58 accidents that occurred in special work alone, accounting for 37.7% of the total number of accidents. However, at present, no statistical analysis has been conducted on the characteristics of special work accidents in China. Therefore, this paper analyzes the special work accidents in terms of six aspects: categories of special work, industry distribution, enterprise scales, provincial location distribution, time‐volatility characteristics, and accident causes. Moreover, this article puts forward countermeasures and suggestions, aiming to provide useful information for the prevention of special work accidents in China.
Gut bacterial diversity in Vespa velutina and implications for potential adaptation in South Korea
Authors: Do Yuno , Park Woong‐Bae , Park Jun‐Kyu , Kim Chang‐Jun , Choi Moon Bo
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Invasive species such as the yellow‐legged hornet (Vespa velutina), along with four other Vespa species – Vespa analis, Vespa crabro, Vespa ducalis, and Vespa mandarinia – pose significant threats to the environment, economy, and human health. This study focuses on understanding the key factors contributing to the successful invasion of these species, particularly V. velutina, in South Korea. The analysis encompasses the gut bacterial communities and stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen of the queen hornets, aiming to identify variances in gut microbial composition and food resource utilization.

RESULTS

The gut bacterial communities in the five Vespa species were primarily composed of Proteobacteria, with Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes present. Vespa velutina and V. mandarinia had higher Firmicutes abundance at the phylum level, possibly indicating an increased capacity for dietary fiber breakdown and short‐chain fatty acid production, providing them with a competitive edge. No significant differences in nitrogen and carbon stable isotope values were found among the five Vespa species, suggesting that they fed on similar food sources. However, V. velutina had a higher number of unique gut bacterial operational taxonomic units (OTUs), implying adaptation through the acquisition of a distinct gut bacterial set. Significant correlations were found between the observed index and the Shannon index, and between δ15N and the observed index, suggesting that the food source diversity may influence the gut bacterial community diversity.

CONCLUSION

Our study offered valuable insights regarding the adaptation of V. velutina to its new environment in South Korea. The potential role of gut microbiota in the success of invasive species was elucidated. This information is crucial for the management of invasive species, targeted control methods, and implementing preventive regulations. Further studies with larger sample sizes and comprehensive sampling are required to gain a complete understanding of the gut microbiota of Vespa species and their adaptation to new environments. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
On the Application Potential of Chemically Tailored Metal Oxide and Higher Chalcogenide Nanoparticles for Nanoscale Resistive Switching Devices
Authors: Frommelius Anne , Ohlerth Thorsten , Noyong Michael , Simon Ulrich
Published: August 2023

Resistive switching (RS) for nonvolatile data storage is a highly relevant field of research. Up to now, RS devices are fabricated via semiconductor processing technologies. This poses the question of whether integration of chemically tailored nanoparticles, either consisting of valence change or phase change materials, can be integrated in nanoelectrode configurations in order to explore their functionality for RS applications. This review discusses the RS properties of such nanoparticles by means of selected examples of both nanoparticle assemblies as well as on the individual particle level. Although this field of research is rather unexplored, it becomes evident that chemically tailored nanoparticles bear great potential for RS applications.
Active packaging to prevent lipid oxidation on Brazil nuts (Bertholletia excelsa HBK) stored under varying temperatures
Authors: Leme Camila Maria Marinho , de Carvalho Amarilis Santos , de Carvalho Rodrigues Vanessa , dos Santos Adriele Rodrigues , Tanamati Ailey Aparecida Coelho , Gonçalves Odinei Hess , Valderrama Patrícia , Leimann Fernanda Vitória
Published: August 2023

Brazil nuts are largely consumed either as a whole or as an ingredient in different food products. These seeds are rich in lipids that are susceptible to oxidation, which is the most common cause of deterioration in their sensory and nutritional quality. Active food packagings are a potential strategy to prevent food lipid oxidation. In this work, thermoplastic starch/poly (butylene adipate–co–terephthalate) (TPS/PBAT) containing water‐soluble curcumin and pinhão (Araucaria angustifolia) extract as natural antioxidants were used to package Brazil nuts (Bertholletia excelsa). Packaged nuts were stored under different temperatures and analysed for up to 30 days of storage. The lipid profile of the oil extracted from the nuts before packaging showed that it is rich in unsaturated fatty acids. The UV–Vis spectra were organized into an augmented matrix and then into a principal component analysis (PCA). Results showed that for 10°C, the control TPS/PBAT film and the film containing pinhão extract resulted in the best preservation. When evaluated at 25°C, the nuts packed in films that contained water‐soluble curcumin presented the best oxidative stability until the 15th day of storage. After this period, the oxidation reactions were significant for all samples, indicating a possible compromise on the sensory and nutritional quality of Brazil nuts.
Comparison of robotic and open central pancreatectomy
Authors: Wang Man‐Ling , Shyr Bor‐Shiuan , Chen Shih‐Chin , Wang Shin‐E , Shyr Yi‐Ming , Shyr Bor‐Uei
Published: August 2023

Background

Central pancreatectomy (CP) is an ideal parenchyma‐sparing procedure. The experience of r robotic central pancreatectomy (RCP) is very limited.

Materials and Methods

Patients undergoing CP were included. Comparisons were made between RCP and open central pancreatectomy (OCP) groups.

Results

The most common lesion in patients undergoing CP was serous cystadenoma (35.5%). The median operation time was 4.2 h for RCP versus 5.5 h for OCP. The median blood loss was significantly lower in RCP, 20 c.c. versus 170 c.c., p = 0.001. Postoperative pancreatic fistula occurred in 19.4% of all patients, with 22.1% in RCP and 15.4% in OCP. There was no significant difference regarding other surgical complications between the RCP and OCP groups. Only one patient in the OCP group developed de novo diabetes mellitus (DM), and no steatorrhoea/diarrhoea occurred after either RCP or OCP.

Conclusions

RCP is feasible and safe without compromising surgical outcomes and pancreatic functions.
Appraisal of evidence reliability and applicability of Paxlovid as treatment for SARS‐COV‐2 infection: A systematic review
Authors: Zhu Chang‐tai , Yin Jian‐Yun , Chen Xiao‐hua , Liu Ming , Yang Shi‐gui
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to clarify the beneficial effect and the clinical application value of Paxlovid in the treatment of coronavirus disease‐19 (COVID‐19) through a systematic review. Databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, and ClinicalTrials.gov were systematically searched for interventional or observational studies on the efficacy and safety of Paxlovid in the treatment of SARS‐COV‐2. The relative and absolute effect sizes for the outcomes were calculated based on the data reported in the original intervention literature. The external applicability of the evidence was analysed in terms of clinical application scenarios, patient willingness, and cost utility. One interventional and three observational studies were conducted. Four studies published in 2022, had participation sample sizes ranging 1780–109,254. Based on the randomised controlled trial data, the risk of all‐cause mortality, all‐cause death, and hospitalisation was significantly reduced in the Paxlovid group. Serious adverse events were reduced during the study. Based on observational studies, Paxlovid can significantly reduce the risk of death and hospitalisation in older patients with COVID‐19 (moderate certainty) and improve in‐hospital disease progression, composite disease progression, and viral load (low certainty). Paxlovid did not improve the outcomes of death and hospitalisation (low certainty) in patients aged <65 years. As per the economic utility analysis, the economic cost of reducing one death dramatically decreased with increasing age. Early use of Paxlovid in the older adult population with COVID‐19 is beneficial. However, in the setting of limited resources, Paxlovid should be prioritised for older patients.
Surface Engineering over Metal–Organic Framework Nanoarray to Realize Boosted and Sustained Urea Oxidation
Authors: Li Ping , Li Wenqin , Huang Yuqi , Huang Quhua , Li Fengli , Tian Shuanghong
Published: August 2023

Facilitating C─N bond cleavage and promoting *COO desorption are essential yet challenging in urea oxidation reactions (UORs). Herein a novel interfacial coordination assembly protocol is established to modify the Co‐phytate coordination complex on the Ni‐based metal–organic framework (MOF) nanosheet array (CC/Ni‐BDC@Co‐PA) toward boosted and sustained UOR electrocatalysis. Comprehensive experimental and theoretical investigations unveil that surface Co‐PA modification over Ni‐BDC can manipulate the electronic state of Ni sites, and in situ evolved charge‐redistributed surface can promote urea adsorption and the subsequent C─N bond cleavage. Impressively, Co‐PA functionalization can impart a negatively charged catalyst surface with improved aerophobicity, not only weakening *COO adsorption and promoting CO2 departure, but also repelling CO32− approaching to deactivate Ni species, eventually alleviating CO2 poisoning and enhancing operational durability. Beyond that, improved hydrophilic and aerophobic characteristics would also contribute to better mass transfer kinetics. Consequently, CC/Ni‐BDC@Co‐PA exhibits prominent UOR performance with an ultralow potential of 1.300 V versus RHE to attain 10 mA cm−2, a small Tafel slope of 45 mV dec−1, and strong durability, comparable to the best Ni‐based electrocatalysts documented thus far. This work affords a novel paradigm to construct MOF‐based materials for promoted and sustained UOR catalysis through elegant surface engineering based on a metal‐PA complex.
Application of Covalent Organic Frameworks in Sulfur‐Based Battery Separators
Authors: Zhang Yuluan , Guo Can , Zhou Luanhua , Yao Xiaoman , Yang Yiwen , Zhuang Huifen , Wang Yi-Rong , Huang Qing , Chen Yifa , Li Shun-Li , Lan Ya-Qian
Published: August 2023

Owing to the high storage capacity and multiple‐electron‐transfer chemistry of sulfur (S), sulfur‐based (S‐based) batteries with merits of high theoretical capacity/energy density, eco‐friendliness, and abundant supply hold much potential for energy‐storage/conversion devices. The capacity of S‐based batteries is much higher than that of traditional‐metal‐oxide cathode‐based lithium‐ion batteries, which is regarded as the highest capacity of solid‐state cathode materials at the current stage. As a vital component of S‐based batteries, separators play a profound role in resolving urgent issues (e.g., shuttling effect, volume expansion, poor conductivity, and metal dendrites, etc.). So far, some pioneering works have been reported in the exploration of separators for S‐based battery. On this basis, covalent organic frameworks (COFs), as a kind of functional materials, offer much possibility for S‐based battery separators due to their advantages such as high porosity, crystalline and well‐defined structures, designable struts, and tunable functions, etc. Herein, the reported works about COFs in S‐based battery separators including their structural characteristics, preparation methods, application forms, and battery properties are summarized. Moreover, also, a brief perspective is proposed on the challenges of COFs applied in S‐based battery separators, and new insights are provided for scientists in this field.
Nano‐Roughness‐Mediated Macrophage Polarization for Desired Host Immune Response
Authors: Dabare Panthihage Ruvini L. , Bachhuka Akash , Quek Jing Yang , Marsal Lluis F. , Hayball John , Vasilev Krasimir
Published: August 2023

Macrophage polarization is a significant event in the host immune response, which can be modulated by modifying the surface of a biomaterial. Previous studies have demonstrated the modulation of macrophage polarization using different surface features; however, none of these studies reflect the effect of surface properties on unstimulated macrophage polarization for a prolonged period. To better understand the impact of surface features, in this work differentiated THP‐1 cells are employed to control macrophage polarization on nano‐rough surfaces for a duration of 7 days. Model nano‐rough substrates are fabricated by immobilizing gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) of predetermined sizes (16, 38, 68 nm) on a 2‐methyl‐2‐oxazoline thin film, followed by tailoring the outermost surface chemistry. All modified surfaces support high levels of cell adhesion and proliferation. Over time, the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines decreases, whereas the expression of anti‐inflammatory cytokines increases on all modified surfaces. Similarly, pro‐inflammatory interleukin (IL)‐1β gene expression is downregulated, and anti‐inflammatory IL‐10‐gene expression is upregulated, regardless of the surface roughness. Analysis of cell morphology reveals that the predominant cell type on the modified surfaces exhibits M2 anti‐inflammatory phenotype. Herein, how surface features can modulate macrophage responses over an extended period is highlighted, offering insights for the development of future biomaterial implants.
Double Emulsion Droplets as a Plausible Step to Fatty Acid Protocells
Authors: Douliez Jean‐Paul
Published: August 2023

It is assumed that life originated on the Earth from vesicles made of fatty acids. These amphiphiles are the simplest chemicals, which can be present in the prebiotic soup, capable of self‐assembling into compartments mimicking modern cells. Production of fatty acid vesicles is widely studied, as their growing and division. However, how prebiotic chemicals require to further yield living cells encapsulated within protocells remains unclear. Here, one suggests a scenario based on recent studies, which shows that phospholipid vesicles can form from double emulsions affording facile encapsulation of cargos. In these works, water‐in‐oil‐in‐water droplets are produced by microfluidics, having dispersed lipids in the oil. Dewetting of the oil droplet leaves the internal aqueous droplet covered by a lipid bilayer, entrapping cargos. In this review, formation of fatty acid protocells is briefly reviewed, together with the procedure for preparing double emulsions and vesicles from double emulsion and finally, it is proposed that double emulsion droplets formed in the deep ocean where undersea volcano expulsed materials, with fatty acids (under their carboxylic form) and alkanols as the oily phase, entrapping hydrosoluble prebiotic chemicals in a double emulsion droplet core. Once formed, double emulsion droplets can move up to the surface, where an increase of pH, variation of pressure and/or temperature may have allowed dewetting of the oily droplet, leaving a fatty acid vesicular protocell with encapsulated prebiotic materials.
Different Energetics at Donor:Acceptor Interfaces in Bilayer and Bulk‐Heterojunction Polymer:Non‐Fullerene Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Tang Yahui , Tan Wen Liang , Fei Zhuping , Heeney Martin , McNeill Christopher R.
Published: August 2023

To understand the limitations placed on the open‐circuit voltage of bulk heterojunction (BHJ) organic solar cells, the energy levels of neat donor and acceptor samples are often characterized and applied to study BHJ blends. However, energy levels derived from neat samples may not necessarily reflect those at the donor:acceptor interface in blends. The properties of organic semiconductors are sensitive to microstructural changes, with non‐fullerene acceptors (NFAs) in particular known to exhibit different thin‐film polymorphs. To investigate the influence of differences in molecular packing in neat and blend films, temperature‐dependent current–voltage characteristics are measured for bilayer (BL) and BHJ devices. Herein, the fullerene acceptor PC71BM is compared—whose energy levels are expected to be less sensitive to molecular packing—with the NFA ITIC, paired with the same donor polymer PTB7‐Th. It is found that the interfacial energy levels differ for BL and BHJ devices for the PTB7‐Th:ITIC system but remain the same for the PTB7‐Th:PC71BM system. Furthermore, X‐ray scattering measurements identify that ITIC exhibits a different packing mode in neat films and in BHJ blends. Such microstructure‐dependent differences between neat and blend samples need to be considered when studying energy losses in NFA BHJ solar cells.
Privacy‐preserving model splitting and quality‐aware device association for federated edge learning
Authors: Fu Shucun , Dong Fang , Shen Dian , Lu Tianyang
Published: August 2023

Federated edge learning (FEEL) provides a promising device‐edge collaborative learning paradigm, which enables edge devices to parallel participate in model co‐creation while preserving user privacy, opening countless opportunities to enable edge intelligence. With the growing demand for intelligent services, extensive FEEL deployment is inevitable. Nevertheless, existing FL schemes neglect two unique features (i.e., resource heterogeneity and data heterogeneity) in real‐world edge learning and thus may negatively affect the training efficiency and accuracy. Specifically, (1) heterogeneous and limited device resources cause massive laggards, which bring intolerable training delay; (2) heterogeneous data distribution causes device quality divergence, bringing severe training accuracy degradation. This article proposes a split‐based FEEL framework and an adaptive model splitting and quality‐aware device association scheme (MSDA) to tackle the aforementioned challenges. MSDA contains two levels: at the model splitting level, according to device capability and model structure, an adaptive splitting mechanism is proposed to provide a low‐latency and privacy‐preserving model splitting strategy for each device and guide subsequent device association. At the device association level, each device is simulated as a player with a quality weight in the potential game. Then a quality‐aware decentralized device association mechanism is designed to ensure that more high‐quality devices upload local updates before the deadline with the help of the edge server. Finally, experimental results demonstrate that MSDA yields significant improvements, achieving up to 3.1 training speedup and 39% accuracy improvement compared to state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Statistical inference and distributed implementation for linear multicategory SVM
Authors: Sun Gaoming , Wang Xiaozhou , Yan Yibo , Zhang Riquan
Published: August 2023

Support vector machine (SVM) is one of the most prevalent classification techniques due to its excellent performance. The standard binary SVM has been well‐studied. However, a large number of multicategory classification problems in the real world are equally worth attention. In this paper, focusing on the computationally efficient multicategory angle‐based SVM model, we first study the statistical properties of model coefficient estimation. Notice that the new challenges posed by the widespread presence of distributed data, this paper further develops a distributed smoothed estimation for the multicategory SVM and establishes its theoretical guarantees. Through the derived asymptotic properties, it can be seen that our distributed smoothed estimation can achieve the same statistical efficiency as the global estimation. Numerical studies are performed to demonstrate the highly competitive performance of our proposed distributed smoothed method.
The K-Band (24 GHz) Celestial Reference Frame Determined from Very Long Baseline Interferometry Sessions Conducted Over the Past 20 Years
Authors: Krásná Hana , Gordon David , Witt Aletha de , Jacobs Christopher S.
Published: August 2023

The third realization of the International Celestial Reference Frame (ICRF3) was adopted in August 2018 and includes positions of extragalactic objects at three frequencies: 8.4 GHz, 24 GHz, and 32 GHz. In this paper, we present celestial reference frames estimated from Very Long Baseline Interferometry measurements at K-band (24 GHz) including data until June 2022. The data set starts in May 2002 and currently consists of more than 120 24h observing sessions performed over the past 20 years. Since the publication of ICRF3, the additional observations of the sources during the last four years allow maintenance of the celestial reference frame and more than 200 additional radio sources ensure an expansion of the frame. A study of the presented solutions is carried out helping us to understand systematic differences between the astrometric catalogs and moving us towards a better next ICRF solution. We compare K-band solutions (VIE-K-2022b and USNO-K-2022July05) computed by two analysts with two independent software packages (VieVS and Calc/Solve) and describe the differences in the solution strategy. We assess the systematic differences using vector spherical harmonics and describe the reasons for the most prominent ones.
A Prototype Data Governance Framework for Africa
Authors: Ndemo Bitange , Thegeya Aaron
Published: August 2023

To create a vibrant market for the use of data, while still protecting the individual rights of those on the continent, Africa must lead the way in developing its data strategy and data governance framework. This data governance framework should account for the continent’s unique characteristics while addressing gaps in digitization, identity, and access to data across countries. This chapter discusses the key features of an effective governance framework within an African context; it identifies the key dimensions that merit consideration in this regard; and it describes the principles that should animate such a system for governing how data are deployed on the continent.
A Value Chain Approach to Data Production, Use, and Governance for Sound Policymaking in Africa
Authors: Chege Zachary Mwangi , Wanjohi Peter Maina
Published: August 2023

The objective of this chapter was to investigate the value chain approach to data production in Africa and how it can be improved to enable sound policymaking in the continent. The research also explored ways of increasing uptake of official statistics for informing decision-making in policy formulation as well as other aspects like social environmental issues. The need for this research stems from the fact that Africa has in general lagged other continents in developmental matters and by extension improvement of living standards for its people. The research reviewed existing literature and identified and examined gaps and challenges regarding production and use of official statistics in Africa. Data governance gaps and weaknesses in Africa were also examined. The research also conducted three case studies covering Australian Bureau of Statistics, National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda, and Statistics South Africa where their practices regarding data production, use, and governance were reviewed. Value chain analysis was conducted based on the gaps, challenges, and case studies, and recommendations were made regarding data production, use, and governance in Africa. The research has made recommendations that need to be implemented by African countries in pursuit of sound policymaking for better economies of their citizens.
Conclusion
Authors: Ndemo Bitange , Ndung’u Njuguna , Odhiambo Scholastica , Omolo Miriam , Shimeles Abebe
Published: August 2023

The book has presented the views of various authors’ findings on data governance frameworks in Africa. It is a primer in creating a platform for raising awareness on basic principles/tenets of international norms on data governance. The experiences and practices shared from across the globe and Africa in particular, will effectively promote and advocate for data governance protocols in the era of digital revolution. The assessment of the potentials of improving the digital market to enhance benefits to African consumers, governments, and businesses, is well articulated in each of the chapters. This chapter draws conclusions building from the findings of the various authors and further provides recommendations on data production, consumption, and utilization.
Introduction: National Socialist Archaeology in Europe and Its Legacies
Authors: Eickhoff Martijn , Meheux Katie , Modl Daniel
Published: August 2023

Archaeology witnessed remarkable advances during the National Socialist regime, both as a research field and as part of international academic networks. The Nazi dictatorship and World War II provided contexts in which archaeology flourished, both in Germany and in (occupied) Europe. This archaeology was embedded in prestigious German archaeological traditions but based on a shared sense of National Socialist mission. Many of its elements can be connected to wider developments within the ‘Third Reich’ and resulted from processes of competitive improvisation and radicalisation. The archaeological programme thus produced was highly impactful.

This edited volume investigates the individuals and organisations involved in the National Socialist archaeological programme, examines its origins, looks at its mobilisation, and reflects on its complex legacies. National Socialist archaeology is explored within the wider context of Europe and non-German experiences and interactions analysed. The volume also examines National Socialist attempts to denationalise the archaeologies of occupied European nations while creating unifying, transnational connections based on National Socialist ideas about race. By considering the full extent of the National Socialist archaeological programme in all its diversity and ruthlessness as a European phenomenon, its links with National Socialist atrocities, including the Holocaust, come into sharper focus.
Impact of COVID on Our Digital Lives
Authors: Pithawalla Sharon Khushroo , Chhabra Anshul
Published: August 2023

The COVID-19 global pandemic has ripped through our society like a tornado, displacing and destroying everything in its wake. This is not different from the many other pandemics that have hit throughout the history of humanity… except for one new dimension that did not exist earlier, the digital dimension. According to a Pew Research Center survey, only 7% of adults in the US say they do not use the internet, which means 93% use the internet in some manner. COVID-19 has irrevocably shifted the direction of human attitudes and technology/cybersecurity on our planet. Whether it is our wide acceptance of technologies like Zoom as a natural way to interact with each other in a variety of social, educational, and work settings, or the mindshift around the acceptance of remote work and Zoom parties, or even the boost to the upcoming virtual, augmented, and hybrid reality of a metaverse, COVID-19 marks the beginning of another epoch in the modern history of humankind. In a seemingly contradictory way, COVID-19 has further exacerbated the digital divide, while also providing a fresh new boost to further innovation and the inevitable merging of our physical and digital lives. It is at once a deeply anxious and deeply exciting time that we are all living through. Those of us who live through this pandemic will clearly remember the answer to the question— where were you during the pandemic….
Social Media in the Time of a Pandemic
Authors: Nayyar Anjali , Bose Nilanjana , Shrivastava Roli , Basu Ria , Andries Sarah
Published: August 2023

Social media has evolved from being a set of rudimentary tools to a complex instrument that has had both positive and negative consequences, often leading to widespread circulation of misinformation impacting societies and institutions. The COVID-19 pandemic, significantly, is the first health crisis, witnessed globally in the age of social media and amidst unprecedented connectivity. Throughout the pandemic, the world has witnessed a widespread use of social media. The medium has not only enabled isolated people to remain connected with their friends and families but also to communicate with medical experts. At the same time, myths about COVID-19, its treatment, and effects have circulated on the same platforms leading governments to issue guidelines in several countries including India. While social media has enabled a regular flow of information, it has also led to unverified content circulating on platforms such as Twitter and Facebook, fueling panic in people about the virus and the vaccines. This chapter explores the role social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and others) have played in enhancing and delivering evidence, connecting communities and also in circulating myths and unverified content during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through quantitative analysis, it encapsulates trends being witnessed in different geographies. It will conclude with learnings that we have gathered on leveraging this medium which can be used going forward in instances of future health crises.
The Social, Education, Health, and Economic Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Kenya’s Adolescents
Authors: Mwabe Julie , Austrian Karen
Published: August 2023

The first case of COVID-19 was detected in Kenya in March 2020. Initial government responses included several containment measures such as school closures, movement limitations, and bans on public gatherings. These measures had many follow-on effects, in particular for the country’s vulnerable adolescents. Between June 2020 and February 2021 two round of quantitative data was collected in four counties in Kenya (Kilifi, Kisumu, Nairobi, and Wajir) via phone surveys (n = 3,921). In addition, qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted in person in November 2020 with adolescents, parents, and other key stakeholders (n = 234). Results showed that the pandemic’s effects on adolescents were wide-reaching and often differed by gender. While 85% of students reported doing some form of remote learning during school closures, 98% of them reported considerable challenges with less than one-third using technology (i.e., computers, phones, television, and radio) to support their learning. Over half of the adolescents reported depressive symptoms and over three-quarters reported skipping meals in the past week due to COVID-19. Twelve percent of girls and 9% of boys reported skipping healthcare services in the past one month, with the most common reason being lack of money to access the needed service. Once school had fully re-opened, 16% of girls and 8% of boys who were enrolled at the start of the pandemic had not re-enrolled. Given the wide, multi-sectoral nature of the impacts of the pandemic, a coordinated response involving education, health, and gender actors, as well as government and non-government partners, will be needed to mitigate the long-term negative impacts for Kenya’s adolescents, in particular girls and other marginalized groups.
Addressing the Urgency and Magnitude of the COVID-19 Pandemic in India by Improving Healthcare Workforce Resilience
Authors: Sood Bulbul , Srivastava Vineet Kumar , Mohanty Nochiketa
Published: August 2023

The sudden surge in COVID-19 cases during the second wave highlighted India’s lack of preparedness for critical care requirements in terms of infrastructure and human resources. It is the need of the hour to make efforts to build resilient and responsive health systems that are well prepared to handle the current COVID-19 pandemic and similar future threats. The challenges in the healthcare system during the second wave of COVID-19 included overstressed human resources in tertiary facilities, lack of trained healthcare workers, inadequate infrastructure at secondary-level facilities, and a shortage of beds, ventilators, medicines, and other requirements for tertiary-level care. Other challenges were lack of resources/capacity for setting up intensive care units (ICUs), unutilized ICU equipment at secondary-level facilities, and lack of operational planning, coordination, and support. Through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) supported Reaching Impact, Saturation, and Epidemic Control (RISE) Program, Jhpiego is providing technical assistance in 20 states across India to respond to the urgency and magnitude of the second wave of COVID-19. It is identifying areas and modalities of implementation and aligning these to the country’s response to the surge. The project’s focus is on health system preparedness for present and future waves of COVID-19 including activities for strengthening critical care services, medical oxygen management, strengthening molecular testing laboratory, strengthening the health system to respond to future waves, and enabling effective planning and management of critical logistics. This is being done in coordination with the Government of India (GoI) and state governments and by involving both public and private sector/faith-based institutions and non-government organizations (NGOs).
Bridge Over Troubled Waters: Women-led Response to Maternal and Child Health Services in India Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kant Aastha , Hazra Avishek
Published: August 2023

Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the delivery of essential health services in general and reproductive, maternal, newborn, child health, and nutrition (RMNCHN) services in particular. The degree of disruption, however, varies disproportionately. It is more in low- and middle-income countries than in high-income countries. Focusing on India, the authors draw on various demand and supply side factors that hampered the provision of RMNCHN services and thus adversely affected many families across the country. Coupled with the gendered aspects of the social determinants of health, the pandemic intensified social vulnerabilities by impacting pregnant and lactating women and children the most. Modelling studies suggest that the progress India made over a decade on various maternal and child health and nutrition indicators may go in vain unless focused efforts are made to address the slide. Complementing government efforts to mitigate the health risks of the pandemic by strengthening health services, women-led initiatives played an important role in portraying how women’s collectives and women in leadership can be like a bridge over troubled waters in the times of a pandemic.
The one-loop unimodular graviton propagator in any dimension
Authors: Anero Jesus , Martin Carmelo P. , Velasco-Aja Eduardo
Published: August 2023

Abstract

For unimodular gravity, we work out, by using dimensional regularization, the complete one-loop correction to the graviton propagator in any space-time dimension. The computation is carried out within the framework where unimodular gravity has Weyl invariance in addition to the transverse diffeomorphism gauge symmetry. Thus, no Lagrange multiplier is introduced to enforce the unimodularity condition. The quantization of the theory is carried out by using the BRST framework and there considering a large continuous family of gauge-fixing terms. The BRST formalism is developed in such a way that the set of ghost, anti-ghost and auxiliary fields and their BRST changes do not depend on the space-time dimension, as befits dimensional regularization. As an application of our general result, and at D = 4, we obtain the renormalized one-loop graviton propagator in the dimensional regularization minimal subtraction scheme. We do so by considering two simplifying gauge-fixing choices.
Strange-quark mass effects in the Bs meson’s light-cone distribution amplitude
Authors: Feldmann Thorsten , Lüghausen Philip , Seitz Nicolas
Published: August 2023

Abstract

We investigate the differences between the light-cone distribution amplitudes (LCDAs) of Bs mesons and Bq mesons (with q = u, d) induced by a non-vanishing strange-quark mass ms ≠ 0 (compared to mq ≃ 0). To this end, we consider the so-called “radiative tail” which is related to the short-distance expansion of the relevant light-ray operators in heavy-quark effective theory. We extend the calculation of the according matching coefficients, including operators linear in ms for both the leading and sub-leading 2-particle LCDAs. Based on a generic parameterization for the leading LCDA, we discuss the effect on its shape on a quantitative level, and compare our findings with recent results on the inverse moments of the Bq and Bs LCDAs from QCD sum rules.
LSM14B controls oocyte mRNA storage and stability to ensure female fertility
Authors: Shan Li-Ying , Tian Yu , Liu Wen-Xiang , Fan Hai-Tao , Li Feng-Guo , Liu Wen-Juan , Li Ang , Shen Wei , Sun Qing-Yuan , Liu Yong-Bin , Zhou Yang , Zhang Teng
Published: August 2023

Controlled mRNA storage and stability is essential for oocyte meiosis and early embryonic development. However, how to regulate mRNA storage and stability in mammalian oogenesis remains elusive. Here we showed that LSM14B, a component of membraneless compartments including P-body-like granules and mitochondria-associated ribonucleoprotein domain (MARDO) in germ cell, is indispensable for female fertility. To reveal loss of LSM14B disrupted primordial follicle assembly and caused mRNA reduction in non-growing oocytes, which was concomitant with the impaired assembly of P-body-like granules. 10× Genomics single-cell RNA-sequencing and immunostaining were performed. Meanwhile, we conducted RNA-seq analysis of GV-stage oocytes and found that Lsm14b deficiency not only impaired the maternal mRNA accumulation but also disrupted the translation in fully grown oocytes, which was closely associated with dissolution of MARDO components. Moreover, Lsm14b-deficient oocytes reassembled a pronucleus containing decondensed chromatin after extrusion of the first polar body, through compromising the activation of maturation promoting factor, while the defects were restored via WEE1/2 inhibitor. Together, our findings reveal that Lsm14b plays a pivotal role in mammalian oogenesis by specifically controlling of oocyte mRNA storage and stability.
Low-dose radiotherapy for greater trochanteric pain syndrome—a single-centre analysis
Authors: Staruch Michal , Gomez Silvia , Rogers Susanne , Takacs Istvan , Kern Thomas , Adler Sabine , Cadosch Dieter , Riesterer Oliver
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To determine predictive factors associated with a good response (GR) to and efficacy of low-dose radiotherapy (LDRT) in patients with greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS).

Methods

Patients with GTPS were irradiated on a linear accelerator with 0.5–1.0 Gy per fraction to a total dose of 3.0–4.0 Gy per series. The endpoint was subjective good response (GR) to treatment 2 months after completion of the last LDRT series, defined as complete pain relief or marked improvement assessed using the von Pannewitz score. A positive response to steroid injection (SI) was defined as pain relief of at least 7 days. Patient and treatment-related characteristics were evaluated with respect to LDRT outcomes.

Results

Outcomes were assessed for 71 peritrochanteric spaces (PTSs; 65 patients, 48 females, with mean age of 63 [44–91] years). Prior SI had been given to 55 (77%) PTSs and 40 PTSs received two series of LDRT. Two months after completion of LDRT, GR was reported in 42 PTSs (59%). Two series of LDRT provided a significantly higher rate of GR than one series (72.5 vs. 42% PTSs, p = 0.015). Temporary pain relief after prior SI predicted GR to LDRT compared with PTSs which had not responded to SI (73 vs. 28% PTSs, p = 0.001). A regional structural abnormality, present in 34 PTSs (48%), was associated with a reduction of GR to LDRT (44 vs. 73% PTSs, p = 0.017).

Conclusion

LDRT is an effective treatment for GTPS. Administration of two LDRT series, prior response to SI, and absence of structural abnormalities may predict significantly better treatment outcomes.
Which risk factors significantly influence the outcome of traumatic brain injured patients with alcohol use disorder?
Authors: Spille Dorothee Cäcilia , Kuroczik David , Görlich Dennis , Varghese Julian , Schwake Michael , Stummer Walter , Holling Markus
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Every year, approximately 10 million people worldwide suffer a traumatic brain injury that leads to hospitalization or mortality. Chronic and acute alcohol intoxication increase the risk of developing traumatic brain injury. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) as a predictor of outcome in neurosurgical patients and the definition of risk factors have been sparsely addressed so far. This study aims to improve the understanding of the effects of alcohol use disorder in the context of neurosurgical therapy.

Methods

This study included patients admitted to Münster University Hospital with a traumatic brain injury and alcohol use disorder from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2018. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors for a poorer outcome, assessed by the Glasgow Outcome Score.

Results

Of the 197 patients included, 156 (79%) were male, and 41 (21%) were female, with a median age of 49 years (IQR 38–58 years). In multivariate analyses, age (p < 0.001), the occurrence of a new neurologic deficit (p < 0.001), the development of hydrocephalus (p = 0.005), and CT-graphic midline shift due to intracerebral hemorrhage (p = 0.008) emerged as significant predictors of a worse outcome (GOS 1–3). In addition, the level of blood alcohol concentration correlated significantly with the occurrence of seizures (p = 0.009).

Conclusions

Early identification of risk factors in patients with alcohol use disorder and traumatic brain injury is crucial to improve the outcome. In this regard, the occurrence of hydrocephalus or seizures during the inpatient stay should be considered as cause of neurological deterioration in this patient group.
Measurement of surface-checking in sliced lamellae-based engineered wood flooring using digital image correlation
Authors: Grubîi Victor , Johansson Jimmy , Dagbro Ola
Published: August 2023

The lack of quantitative methods for surface-checking measurements may hinder improving the product characteristics of engineered wood flooring products built with sliced top-layer lamellae. This study evaluated the digital image correlation method for its applicability to surface checking measurements in engineered wood flooring elements with the top-layer comprising the plain sliced lamellae of oak (Quercus spp.) species with nominal thicknesses of 1.5–4.5 mm. The method involves observing full-field surface displacements of the sliced lamellae-based wood flooring specimens subjected to an accelerated sorption/desorption cycle. Detection of surface checks relates to discontinuities in surface displacements which can be interpreted from the output strain data as strain peak regions. Additionally, a surface-checking index was defined to describe the extension of surface-checking. Exposure tests were performed on a combination of coating presence and a different number of testing cycles. The main findings provide insight into the method procedure parameters, such as exposure duration, climate conditions, analysis parameters and recommendations regarding the digital image correlation setup settings and specimen manufacturing.
Implicit reward-based motor learning
Authors: van Mastrigt Nina M. , Tsay Jonathan S. , Wang Tianhe , Avraham Guy , Abram Sabrina J. , van der Kooij Katinka , Smeets Jeroen B. J. , Ivry Richard B.
Published: August 2023

Binary feedback, providing information solely about task success or failure, can be sufficient to drive motor learning. While binary feedback can induce explicit adjustments in movement strategy, it remains unclear if this type of feedback also induces implicit learning. We examined this question in a center-out reaching task by gradually moving an invisible reward zone away from a visual target to a final rotation of 7.5° or 25° in a between-group design. Participants received binary feedback, indicating if the movement intersected the reward zone. By the end of the training, both groups modified their reach angle by about 95% of the rotation. We quantified implicit learning by measuring performance in a subsequent no-feedback aftereffect phase, in which participants were told to forgo any adopted movement strategies and reach directly to the visual target. The results showed a small, but robust (2–3°) aftereffect in both groups, highlighting that binary feedback elicits implicit learning. Notably, for both groups, reaches to two flanking generalization targets were biased in the same direction as the aftereffect. This pattern is at odds with the hypothesis that implicit learning is a form of use-dependent learning. Rather, the results suggest that binary feedback can be sufficient to recalibrate a sensorimotor map.
Immune profile of patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis selected for CRS-HIPEC therapy
Authors: Kleber Julia , Yang Zhou Jordi , Weber Florian , Bitterer Florian , Hauer Patricia , Kupke Paul , Kronenberg Katharina , Geissler Edward K. , Schlitt Hans J. , Hornung Matthias , Hutchinson James A. , Werner Jens M.
Published: August 2023

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a treatment option for peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) from colorectal cancer (CRC), which is otherwise a terminal stage of disease. Nevertheless, survival outcomes are only marginally superior to other treatments. This fact highlights the need for better strategies to control intra-abdominal disease recurrence after CRS-HIPEC, including the complementary use of immunotherapies. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the immune phenotype of T cells in patients with PC. Fifty three patients with CRC (34 patients with PC and 19 patients without PC) were enrolled in a prospective study (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04108936). Peripheral blood and omental fat were collected to isolate peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and adipose tissue mononuclear cells (ATMCs). These cells were analysed by flow cytometry using a panel focused upon T cell memory differentiation and exhaustion markers. We found a more naïve profile for CD8+T cells in peripheral blood and intra-abdominal fat of PC patients compared to comparator group (CG) patients. Furthermore, there was an over-representation of CD4+T cells expressing inhibitory receptors in adipose tissue of PC patients, but not in blood. Our description of intraperitoneal T cell subsets gives us a better understanding of how peritoneal carcinomatosis shapes local immune responses.