bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Foreign direct investments screening in EU law at the time of the crisis caused by the pandemic
Authors: Radović Mirjana
Published: November 2021

The European Union is generally open to inward foreign direct investments (FDI). However, over recent years there is a rising trend in screening of inward FDI from third countries in the Member States. As a result, the Regulation (EU) 2019/452 on screening of foreign direct investments was enacted. In this paper the author, firstly, explains the reasons for a change in treatment of inward FDI from third countries within the Member States and the EU itself. The second part of the paper contains an analysis of the legal framework for FDI in the EU, in order to determine the possibility of their restrictions through national legislations. Special attention is given to the FDI-Screening Regulation and its minimum standards for national screening mechanisms. Finally, the author examines how the COVID-19 pandemic affects the treatment of FDI in the EU and concludes that the current crisis has contributed to further expanding the scope and importance of their screening and control.
ISASI MARTÍNEZ, Carmen, MARTÍN AIZPURU, Leyre, PÉREZ ISASI, Santiago, PIE-RAZZO, Elena, & SPENCE, Paul. (2020). Edición digital de documentos antiguos: marcación XML-TEI basada en los criterios CHARTA. Universidad de Sevilla.
Authors: Rojas Castro Antonio
Published: November 2021

Reseña del libro Edición digital de documentos antiguos: marcación XML-TEI basada en los criterios CHARTA.
Un estudio empírico con Sketch Engine sobre la interfaz sintáctico-‍pragmática para la identificación de la estructura temática intraoracional en español
Authors: Del Olmo Suárez Elena , Arias Rodríguez Iván
Published: November 2021

En este artículo indagamos acerca de los marcadores morfosintácticos y léxicos necesarios para la identificación de la estructura temática oracional en español. El estudio de caso que presentamos se enmarca en un proyecto más amplio, cuyo objetivo es la verificación empírica de la propuesta de la Teoría de la Progresión Temática, el diseño de un algoritmo para su anotación automática y la aplicación de este para la formalización del sentido de los textos.
Evaluation and Strategy: Strengthening Indonesia Council of Representatives of the Regions
Authors: Melati Dwi Putri , Rosida Nikmah , Siswanto Heni
Published: November 2021

The Council of Representatives of the Regions emerged through the 1945 Constitution third amendment. The Council of Representatives of the Regions intended to represent regional interests and regional society in the central legislation making processes and products, to perform checks and balances principle on The People’s Representative Council which is a political representation that brings and struggles the aspirations and interests of political parties at the central level. The Council of Representatives of the Regions also acts as a guardian of decentralization and regional autonomy. The most fundamental problem for The Council of Representatives of the Regions is its institutional weaknesses. In legislation weaknesses terms, budgeting, and supervision have affected The Council of Representatives of the Regions in maximizing its performances. The Law regarding Indonesia Legislative Branch does not mandate legislation as The Council of Representatives of the Regions tasks. This provision can not be used as a guideline to describe the scope of duties, which are the limits of their authority in The Council of Representatives of the Regions order. On the other hand, after the Constitutional Court Decision Number 92/PUU-X/2012 and Number 79/PUU-XII/2014 issued, the relations that were later present were the three-party discussion model of The People’s Representative Council-The Council of Representatives of the Regions-President (Tripartite). Based on those facts, this article focuses on the evaluation of 15 years of The Council of Representatives of the Regions establishment and strategy to strengthen it.
Prognosis of Incidental Brain Metastases in Patients With Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Kotecha Ritesh R. , Flippot Ronan , Nortman Taylor , Guida Annalisa , Patil Sujata , Escudier Bernard , Motzer Robert J. , Albiges Laurence , Voss Martin H.
Published: November 2021

Background: Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) management guidelines recommend brain imaging if clinically indicated and the rate of occult central nervous system (CNS) metastasis is not well-defined. Early detection could have major therapeutic implications, because timely interventions may limit morbidity and mortality. Patients and Methods: A retrospective review was performed to characterize patients with mRCC incidentally diagnosed with asymptomatic brain metastases during screening for clinical trial participation at Gustave Roussy and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Descriptive statistics and time-to-event methods were used to evaluate the cohort. Results: Across 68 clinical trials conducted between 2001 and 2019 with a median 14.1-month follow-up, 72 of 1,689 patients (4.3%) with mRCC harbored occult brain metastases. The International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium (IMDC) risk status was favorable (26%), intermediate (61%), and poor (13%), and 86% of patients had ≥2 extracranial sites of disease, including lung metastases in 92% of patients. CNS involvement was multifocal in 38.5% of patients, and the largest brain metastasis was >1 cm in diameter in 40% of the cohort. Localized brain-directed therapy was pursued in 93% of patients, predominantly radiotherapy. Median overall survival was 10.3 months (range, 7.0–17.9 months), and the 1-year overall survival probability was 48% (95% CI, 37%–62%). IMDC risk and number or size of lesions did not correlate with survival (log-rank, P=.3, P=.25, and P=.067, respectively). Conclusions: This large multi-institutional mRCC cohort study identified occult brain metastasis in a notable proportion of patients (4.3%) and highlights that the risk of asymptomatic CNS involvement extends to those with favorable risk features per IMDC risk assessment. These data provide rationale for brain screening in patients with advanced RCC.
Sex- and Age-Related Differences in the Distribution of Metastases in Patients With Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Deuker Marina , Rosiello Giuseppe , Stolzenbach Lara Franziska , Martin Thomas , Collà Ruvolo Claudia , Nocera Luigi , Tian Zhe , Roos Frederik C. , Becker Andreas , Kluth Luis A. , Tilki Derya , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Saad Fred , Chun Felix K.H. , Karakiewicz Pierre I.
Published: November 2021

Background: The distribution of metastatic sites in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is not well-known. Consequently, the effects of sex and age on the location of metastases is also unknown. This study sought to investigate age- and sex-related differences in the distribution of metastases in patients with UTUC. Materials and Methods: Within the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database (2000–2015), we identified 1,340 patients with metastatic UTUC. Sites of metastasis were assessed according to age (≤63, 64–72, 73–79, and ≥80 years) and sex. Comparison was performed with trend and chi-square tests. Results: Of 1,340 patients with metastatic UTUC, 790 (59.0%) were men (median age, 71 years) and 550 (41.0%) were women (median age, 74 years). The lung was the most common site of metastases in men and women (28.2% and 26.4%, respectively), followed by bone in men (22.3% vs 18.0% of women) and liver in women (24.4% vs 20.5% of men). Increasing age was associated with decreasing rates of brain metastasis in men (from 6.5% to 2.9%; P=.03) and women (from 5.9% to 0.7%; P=.01). Moreover, increasing age in women, but not in men, was associated with decreasing rates of lung (from 33.3% to 24.3%; P=.02), lymph node (from 28.9% to 15.8%; P=.01), and bone metastases (from 22.2% to 10.5%; P=.02). Finally, rates of metastases in multiple organs did not vary with age or sex (65.2% in men vs 66.5% in women). Conclusions: Lung, bone, and liver metastases are the most common metastatic sites in both sexes. However, the distribution of metastases varies according to sex and age. These observations apply to everyday clinical practice and may be used, for example, to advocate for universal bone imaging in patients with UTUC. Moreover, our findings may also be used for design considerations of randomized trials.
NCCN Guidelines® Insights: Melanoma: Cutaneous, Version 2.2021
Authors: Swetter Susan M. , Thompson John A. , Albertini Mark R. , Barker Christopher A. , Baumgartner Joel , Boland Genevieve , Chmielowski Bartosz , DiMaio Dominick , Durham Alison , Fields Ryan C. , Fleming Martin D. , Galan Anjela , Gastman Brian , Grossmann Kenneth , Guild Samantha , Holder Ashley , Johnson Douglas , Joseph Richard W. , Karakousis Giorgos , Kendra Kari , Lange Julie R. , Lanning Ryan , Margolin Kim , Olszanski Anthony J. , Ott Patrick A. , Ross Merrick I. , Salama April K. , Sharma Rohit , Skitzki Joseph , Sosman Jeffrey , Wuthrick Evan , McMillian Nicole R. , Engh Anita M.
Published: November 2021

Over the past few years, the NCCN Guidelines for Melanoma: Cutaneous have been expanded to include pathways for treatment of microscopic satellitosis (added in v2.2020), and the following Principles sections: Molecular Testing (added in v2.2019), Systemic Therapy Considerations (added in v2.2020), and Brain Metastases Management (added in v3.2020). The v1.2021 update included additional modifications of these sections and notable revisions to Principles of: Pathology, Surgical Margins for Wide Excision of Primary Melanoma, Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy, Completion/Therapeutic Lymph Node Dissection, and Radiation Therapy. These NCCN Guidelines Insights discuss the important changes to pathology and surgery recommendations, as well as additions to systemic therapy options for patients with advanced disease.
NCCN Guidelines® Insights: Breast Cancer, Version 4.2021
Authors: Gradishar William J. , Moran Meena S. , Abraham Jame , Aft Rebecca , Agnese Doreen , Allison Kimberly H. , Blair Sarah L. , Burstein Harold J. , Dang Chau , Elias Anthony D. , Giordano Sharon H. , Goetz Matthew P. , Goldstein Lori J. , Hurvitz Sara A. , Isakoff Steven J. , Jankowitz Rachel C. , Javid Sara H. , Krishnamurthy Jairam , Leitch Marilyn , Lyons Janice , Matro Jennifer , Mayer Ingrid A. , Mortimer Joanne , O'Regan Ruth M. , Patel Sameer A. , Pierce Lori J. , Rugo Hope S. , Sitapati Amy , Smith Karen Lisa , Smith Mary Lou , Soliman Hatem , Stringer-Reasor Erica M. , Telli Melinda L. , Ward John H. , Wisinski Kari B. , Young Jessica S. , Burns Jennifer L. , Kumar Rashmi
Published: November 2021

The NCCN Guidelines for Breast Cancer include up-to-date guidelines for clinical management of patients with carcinoma in situ, invasive breast cancer, Paget disease, phyllodes tumor, inflammatory breast cancer, male breast cancer, and breast cancer during pregnancy. These guidelines are developed by a multidisciplinary panel of representatives from NCCN Member Institutions with breast cancer–focused expertise in the fields of medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, pathology, reconstructive surgery, and patient advocacy. These NCCN Guidelines Insights focus on the most recent updates to recommendations for adjuvant systemic therapy in patients with nonmetastatic, early-stage, hormone receptor–positive, HER2-negative breast cancer.
Surgery After Response to Chemotherapy for Locally Advanced Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Guide for Management
Authors: Fong Zhi Ven , Ferrone Cristina R.
Published: November 2021

Because of the biologic aggressiveness and late presentation of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), up to 80% of patients have locally advanced or metastatic disease at presentation. The success of multiagent chemotherapy regimens in the management of metastatic disease has been translated to patients with locally advanced PDAC. Both FOLFIRINOX (fluorouracil/folinic acid/irinotecan/oxaliplatin) and gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel are used to downstage locally advanced PDAC to render it eligible for resection with curative intent. This paradigm shift has significantly expanded the pool of patients who are eligible for resection with curative intent. However, the generalizability of present studies and the patient selection process are unclear. This article provides an evidence-based review of patient selection considerations and management algorithms, and details our institution’s approach to patients with locally advanced PDAC after preoperative chemotherapy.
Hideous progeny? The future of growing humans
Authors: Ball Philip
Published: November 2021

Today’s biotechnologies are not simply providing powerful new possibilities in medicine; they are transforming our view of what it can mean to be human. In particular, the discovery of the extreme plasticity of cells – the possibility of changing one tissue type for another, and of regenerating the embryonic cell state from which we all grew – forces us to confront our status as a contingent community of living cells, and challenges traditional notions of self and identity. Here I discuss some of these technologies and their broader social, ethical and philosophical implications.
Surpassing our genes: The subversive post-human message of 'Gattaca'
Authors: Klein Emily , Ceccarelli Leah
Published: November 2021

The movie Gattaca is often referenced in public debates about the societal dangers of human gene editing. In the public imaginary, its message is clear: the dystopian future it portrays stands as a warning against the societal acceptance of genetic perfectionism and genetic discrimination. This article argues that such a reading misses a deeper message of this cinematic text. Rather than offer a bioethics lesson against the use of genetics to make better human babies, in our opinion, the film actually argues that such genetic tampering is unlikely to succeed, but that the genetic engineering of a superior post-human individual is both possible and desirable.
Movistar+ y Addressable TV: una apuesta consolidada
Authors: Carvajal Sofía
Published: November 2021

En este artículo, Sofía Carvajal, responsable de Desarrollo de Capacidades y Activación DATA en Movistar+, e invitada experta de la asignatura Investigación, estrategia y planificación de medios del máster universitario de Estrategia y Creatividad en Publicidad, explica los entresijos de la apuesta de Movistar+ por el nuevo modelo publicitario Addressable TV. Con esta solución publicitaria, basada en data de calidad prémium, la plataforma puede llegar de forma personalizada a sus 10 millones de abonados.
Metaverso: antecedentes transmedia y la semántica ciberpunk
Authors: Pons Joan J.
Published: November 2021

¿Qué diría William F. Gibson (Neuromante,1984), si levantara la cabeza, sobre el metaverso de Zuckerberg? Bueno, de hecho, se lo podríamos preguntar, porque a pesar de que ya tiene setenta y tres años y de sus correrías psicodélicas en los años setenta sigue vivo (y escribiendo).
treedata.table: a wrapper for data.table that enables fast manipulation of large phylogenetic trees matched to data
Authors: Román Palacios Cristian , Wright April , Uyeda Josef
Published: November 2021

The number of terminals in phylogenetic trees has significantly increased over the last decade. This trend reflects recent advances in next-generation sequencing, accessibility of public data repositories, and the increased use of phylogenies in many fields. Despite R being central to the analysis of phylogenetic data, manipulation of phylogenetic comparative datasets remains slow, complex, and poorly reproducible. Here, we describe the first R package extending the functionality and syntax of data.table to explicitly deal with phylogenetic comparative datasets. treedata.table significantly increases speed and reproducibility during the data manipulation steps involved in the phylogenetic comparative workflow in R. The latest release of treedata.table is currently available through CRAN (https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/treedata.table/). Additional documentation can be accessed through rOpenSci (https://ropensci.github.io/treedata.table/).
LAW AND FAITH IN ANCIENT ISRAEL AND IN MODERN DEMOCRATIC STATEHOOD AS SEARCH FOR SOCIO-POLITICAL WELLBEING
Authors: Lombaard Christo
Published: November 2021

In this contribution, the argument pits two cultural reflexes against one another. In modern democracies, religion is removed from the socio-political sphere; in ancient Israel, religion was inserted into the socio-political sphere. In both cases, the intention was the same: the socio-political wellbeing of the citizenry. Such a cultural comparison puts to question the false assumption in modern democracies, that a public sphere emptied of religion constitutes greater freedom.
Probabilistic Method for Estimating the Level of Reliability of Solar Photovoltaic Systems for Households in Ghana
Authors: Abubakar Ali , Musah Anas , Owusu Frank Kofi , Addo Isaac Afari
Published: November 2021

Renewable Energy Resources have been identified among the most promising sources of harnessing power for industrial and household consumption but their power generations highly uctuate so building renewable power systems without critical reliability analysis might result in frequent blackouts in the power system. Therefore, in this paper, a robust, effective and ecient design approach is proposed to handle the reliability issues. The study involves a Mathematical modelling strategy of the PV system to estimate the total PV power produced and the Bottom-Up approach for predicting the household load demand. The reliability is defined in terms of Loss of Load Probability. The design methodology was validated with a University Household. The data used for the analysis consists of daily average global solar irradiance and load profiles. The results revealed that throughout the year, November-February is where the system seems to be more reliable. Also, the results indicated that without buck-up systems, the system would experience an average annual power loss of 17.8753% and thus, it is recommended that either solar batteries or the grid are used as backup system to achieve a complete level of reliability.
Production of Fermented Soymilk Drink Containing Probiotic Bacillus coagulans
Authors: Joyce Okey-Nwankwo Chinaza , Chinweike Ogbo Frank , Godswill Chigbo Chisom , Ifeanyi Okafor Onyedika , Vivian Iduu Nneka , Christian Soludo Obumneme
Published: November 2021

The aim of this study is to produce a fermented soymilk drink using Bacillus coagulans. This was performed in the Microbiology laboratory of Nnamdi Azikiwe, University. 20ml aliquots of soymilk containing Bacillus coagulans was fermented at 28°C, 37°C, 42°C and 50°C for period of 9 h. The pH of the soymilk and growth of Bacillus coagulans was checked during the fermentation period. The effect of sugar supplementation and adjustment of initial pH on soymilk fermentation was also checked. A 9-point hedonic scale was used by the sensory panelist for the sensory evaluation of the fermented soymilk. At 28°C, pH of soymilk did not decrease and cell count did not increase throughout the fermentation period. Fermentation at 37°C, 42°C and 50°C recorded decrease in pH and increase in cell count. Addition of 0.5% sucrose improved acid production and maintained a good cell count. Concentrations above 0.5% sucrose saw a slight decline in cell count. Glucose concentration of 0.5% to 2% improved acid production. Glucose concentration of 0.1% to 1% improved the growth of the probiotic cells. Concentration above 1% caused a drop in probiotic cell count. Adjustment of soymilks initial pH and addition of 0.5% glucose resulted in pH drop to 4.5 after 9h fermentation at 50°C. The fermented soymilk had moderate overall acceptability by the sensory panelist. Bacillus coagulans can be used as probiotic of choice to produce a fermented soymilk.
Effect of Deficit and Optimum Irrigation at Various Growth Stages on Yield Attributes, Yield and Economics of Summer Sesame
Authors: Neeshma P. , Devi K. B. Suneetha , Rathod B. Shobha , Chaitanya A. Krishna
Published: November 2021

Aims: Sesame is grown in the country since antiquity. Sesame has high nutritional benefits and is utilized in numerous cooking styles everywhere globally. Sesame is called as the queen of oilseeds for the reason of its top notch polyunsaturated stable fats that limit oxidative rancidity and contains high oil content (up to 60%). Sesame is cultivated in summer in the North Telangana in turmeric and rice fallows. Low productivity in sesame is primarily due to rainfed planting on sub-marginal and marginal lands with poor management and low investment. To solve the upcoming challenges and in view of the improving yield and acquire higher returns, precised water management strategies need to be formulated. Hence the present investigation is proposed to study the effect of deficit and optimum irrigation at various growth stages on yield and economics of sesame crop grown in summer.

Study Design: The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design.

Methodology: A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural college, Polasa, Jagtial district during summer 2021 to study the effects of water deficit and optimal irrigation at various growth stages on yield and economics of summer sesame. The study is conducted with eight deficit and optimum irrigation treatments (T1 to T8) and replicated thrice.

Results: The results of this experiment manifested that scheduling irrigation at vegetative, prebloom, flowering, capsule initiation and capsule filling stages (T8) registered highest yield attributes, yield and economic parametersviz., no of capsules plant-1 (45),capsule weight (0.32 g) and no of filled seeds capsule-1 (55), seed yield (1150 kg ha-1), stalk yield (1999 kg ha-1), gross returns (128499  ha-1), net returns (94391  ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (2.76).
Colon Cancer with Complete Pathological Response to Only 1 Cycle of Capecitabine: Treatment Modification in the Perspective of COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ali Jhatial Mussadique , Naeem Iqra , Shaikh Naila , Sheikh Rizwan Masood
Published: November 2021

Incidence of colorectal cancer has surged in the past few decades, currently it accounts for approximately 10% cancer related mortality. Upfront curative surgery is the main stay of treatment for localized disease followed by adjuvant chemotherapy for high-risk disease; however, neo adjuvant chemoradiation followed by surgery and chemotherapy is a standard treatment for rectal cancer. Here, we present a case of a young male aged 33 years with eight months’ history of per rectal bleeding, associated with fever and weight loss who was later diagnosed as sigmoid colon adenocarcinoma. The patient managed to have only one cycle of neoadjuvant capecitabine, as his definitive surgery was delayed due to the rife in pandemic situation of Covid-19. Notably, follow up laparoscopic LAR specimen showed no residual disease, nevertheless, there was an eosinophilic abscess with a giant cell reaction and Ova of Ascaris lumbricoides, which seemingly contributed in achieving pathological complete response with minimal therapy.
Effect of Foliar Spray of Boron and their Time of Application on Yield, Quality and Economics of Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.)
Authors: Bhatnagar Tanay , Ameta K. D. , Singh Mohan , Tak Jitendra Kumar , Choudhary Ramesh Chand
Published: November 2021

The present investigation was carried out at Hi-Tech Unit, Department of Horticulture, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, MPUAT, Udaipur. The twelve treatments comprising of various combinations of 4 levels of boron, i.e., B 0 - 0, B 1 - 100, B 2 - 150 and B 3 - 200 ppm and three spray application times, i.e., D 1 - 30, D 2 - 45 and D 3 - 60 DAS. The treatments for beetroot crop were evaluated with three replications under factorial randomized block design. The experimental results show that different concentrations of boron, application times and their combinations significantly affected yield and quality of beetroot. Among treatments with different concentration of boron maximum yield per plot (45.44 kg), yield of root (454.45 q/ha), dry matter (18.08 %), protein on dry weight basis (2.54 %), ascorbic acid content (3.48 mg 100g-1), total soluble solids (16.10 oBrix) and beta carotene content (1438.34 IU) were recorded with treatment B3D1 (200 ppm boron spray at 30 DAS) and alsosignificantly produced higher gross return (₹ 238340.00), maximum net return (₹ 170230.00) and benefit cost ratio of 2.50, i.e., generating highest net return of ₹ 2.50 per rupee invested.
Innovative and Robust Application of Automation for Unit Level Traceability on Dual Die configuration of Micro Electromechanical System Products
Authors: Jallorina Cheryl , Tapia Mary Grace , J. Dinglasan Jerome
Published: November 2021

Strip mapping for unit level traceability on die attach process of semiconductor companies provide quality driven impression for end users on the market. On processing of Micro electromechanical system packages, strip map generated by operators manually, certain errors and discrepancies are encountered and inevitably experienced by the production line. This causes misleading analysis on manufacturing problems and may lead to inappropriate and incorrect solutions hurting the process line. The application of modern technology and internet of things have been considered as an improvement. This is to eliminate human intervention errors caused by manual practice and promoted fool proof design of procedures. Having a user-friendly application with integration of modern technology drives significant improvement provide benefits to both supplier and customer of the manufacturing world.
Africa: Her Space-Time Convergence Status
Authors: Ochungo Elisha Akech
Published: November 2021

Today, the research interest on the state of mobility and accessibility of a place is growing everywhere. Previous studies on space-time convergence have shown that, the world has become ‘flat’ due to fastness in accessibility of places by goods, information and the people. Whereas this is true, the prevailing state of space-time convergence in Africa is still an outstanding issue of concern. This paper aims to fill this gap through story telling of the information borrowed randomly from existing literature on the subject matter. The results obtained show that, Africa is yet to fully get integrated proper into the global networked society because of her huge transport and communication infrastructure gap. The paper concludes with a recommendation that, African leaders should endeavour to fix the infrastructure gap and must at the same time, purpose to allow a faster cross border movement of goods and people to help speed up space-time convergence to match the global mobility pace.
COVID-19 and Students’ Mental Wellbeing: A Cross-Sectional Study across Selected Nigerian Universities
Authors: Olawade David B. , Z. Wada Ojima , T. Asaolu Fiyinfoluwa , Odetayo Aderonke , O. Akeju Oluwabusayomi , F. Olorunsogbon Olorunyomi
Published: November 2021

The emergence of the coronavirus pandemic has affected the global population in an unprecedented way, which has disrupted livelihoods, as well as social activities including the closure of schools. The effect of the pandemic and the associated lockdown measures amplified the mental status of tertiary institution students in Nigeria, which has not been taken into proper view. To this effect, this study was conducted to assess the extent to which the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown measures impacted the mental health of tertiary university students in Southwestern, Nigeria. A cross-sectional online survey, using the standardized Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) depression and anxiety questionnaires were used, and appropriate summary statistics were carried out. In all (122 respondents), more than a third (35.5%) of the respondents had daily uncontrolled worries, 6.7% had suicidal intent, and over a tenth (14.2%) and (13.9%) had depression and anxiety respectively. The psychological impact of the coronavirus pandemic and associated lockdown measures on Nigerian university students is quite significant. Therefore, the mental well-being of Nigerian students should be taken into awareness and prioritized.
Knowledge Regarding Risk Factors and Preventive Measures of Varicose Vein among Intensive Care Unit Staff Nurses
Authors: George Rose Mary , Rathod Angel Samson
Published: November 2021

Background: Varicose vein has disturbed humans since ancient days as a chronic disorder. According to the current statistics given by the Express health care, approximately 2.7 million people worldwide suffer with varicose veins. If   left untreated and undiagnosed, varicose veins can end up with pooling of blood in the venous system and further complications.

Aim and Objectives: Aim of the study was to assess the knowledge of staff nurses regarding risk factors and preventive measures of varicose vein. The study objectives were to assess the knowledge of staff nurses working in intensive care units regarding risk factors and preventive measures of varicose vein, to develop an evidence-based information booklet for staff nurses regarding prevention of varicose veins and to find out the association between the knowledge scores of staff nurses regarding risk factors and preventive measures of varicose vein with selected demographic variables.

Materials and methods: A quantitative research approach with a non-experimental descriptive survey research design was used to select 60 staff nurses working in the ICUs using convenience sampling method. The data was collected using a structured knowledge questionnaire developed by the researchers. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS.

Results: The study results showed that 53% of the staff nurses had adequate knowledge scores regarding the risk factors and preventive measures of varicose veins whereas 30% had moderate knowledge, and 17 % had inadequate knowledge scores. Significant association was found between demographic variables such as age, experience and education of staff nurses with their knowledge scores.

Conclusion: Approximately only half of the study participants had adequate knowledge regarding risk factors and preventive measures of varicose vein. Hence it is recommended that extensive educational sessions to be conducted for further enhancement of awareness of staff nurses related to prevention and management of varicose veins.
Study and Design of a Mobile Hydraulic Lift Table with Single Scissors
Authors: Semassou Guy Clarence , Ahouansou Roger , Vodounnou Edmond Claude , Clotilde Guidi Tognon
Published: November 2021

The “BENIN TERMINAL” machines are maintained by company technicians who encounter difficulties in the operations carried out on these machines. In fact, it is about improving the procedure for installing and removing engines and gearboxes for BENIN TERMINAL mobile vehicles through the study and design of a single scissor lift table. It has a lifting capacity of 2 tons, a width of 900 mm, a total length of 1900 mm and a maximum height of 2000 mm using a hydraulic system. It works with 12 V batteries, simple and height-adjustable workspace. The lifting table also allows certain operations requiring an average height to be carried out.This device was developed for the BENIN TERMINAL garage in order to reduce the efforts and risks encountered by technicians when installing or removing engines and gearboxes on certain machines, in particular heavy machines such as Reach Stackers and 16ton forklifts.
Design modifications affect bat box temperatures and suitability as maternity habitat
Authors: Tillman Francis E. , Bakken George S. , O'Keefe Joy M.
Published: November 2021

Artificial roosting structures (e.g. bat boxes) are widely used as conservation tools for many animals, including bats. Although it is relatively easy to monitor bat box temperatures, we know little about the effect of design on temperatures within a box.

Box microclimate affects energy budgets and physiological processes and, thus, suitability as a roost. Optimal temperature varies during the period when reproductive females aggregate to rear pups; warm roosts enhance pup development during gestation and lactation, while cool roosts facilitate energy savings by torpor, which is often important during post‐lactation.

To better understand the relation of design to internal temperature, we simultaneously compared 20 box designs (19 variations of a rocket box and one three‐chamber flat box) in an open site, May to September 2018. We measured temperatures at the top, middle and bottom of each box and tallied counts of daytime and nighttime cool (≤30°C; TCOOL), permissive (30.1–39.9°C; TPERM) and stressful (≥40°C; TSTRS) temperature observations. We also measured temperature, solar radiation and wind speed at the site. We used generalized linear models with negative binomial distributions to test the effects of design, environmental variables and their interactions.

Adding an external jacket or decreasing ventilation increased daytime and nighttime counts of TPERM. Increasing box volume (i.e. lengthening box by 50%) also positively affected daytime counts of TPERM, whereas decreasing box volume (by 50%) had the opposite effect.

Adding an external water jacket was the only modification we tested that decreased counts of TCOOL at night. Counts of TSTRS were elevated by warmer, sunnier and less windy conditions outside, but these effects were lessened by increasing roof shading or reflectivity, adding ventilation or external jackets, or decreasing box volume.

These results inform the development and implementation of novel bat box designs as conservation and management tools for maternal colonies of bats, with consideration for the effects of weather on internal temperatures.
Using electronic health data to explore effectiveness of ICU EEG and anti‐seizure treatment
Authors: Amerineni Rajesh , Sun Haoqi , Lee Hang , Hsu John , Patorno Elisabetta , Westover Michael Brandon , Zafar Sahar F.
Published: November 2021

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to examine critical care continuous electroencephalography (cEEG) utilization and downstream anti‐seizure treatment patterns, their association with outcomes, and generate hypotheses for larger comparative effectiveness studies of cEEG‐guided interventions.

Methods

Single‐center retrospective study of critically ill patients (n = 14,523, age ≥18 years). Exposure defined as ≥24 h of cEEG and subsequent anti‐seizure medication (ASM) escalation, with or without concomitant anesthetic. Exposure window was the first 7 days of admission. Primary outcome was in‐hospital mortality. Multivariable analysis was performed using penalized logistic regression.

Results

One thousand and seventy‐three patients underwent ≥24 h of cEEG within 7 days of admission. After adjusting for disease severity, ≥24 h of cEEG followed by ASM escalation in patients not on anesthetics (n = 239) was associated with lower in‐hospital mortality (OR 0.76 [0.53–1.07]), though the finding did not reach significance. ASM escalation with concomitant anesthetic use (n = 484) showed higher odds for mortality (OR 1.41 [1.03–1.94]). In the seizures/status epilepticus subgroup, post cEEG ASM escalation without anesthetics showed lower odds for mortality (OR 0.43 [0.23–0.74]). Within the same subgroup, ASM escalation with concomitant anesthetic use showed higher odds for mortality (OR 1.34 [0.92–1.91]) though not significant.

Interpretation

Based on our findings we propose the following hypotheses for larger comparative effectiveness studies investigating the direct causal effect of cEEG‐guided treatment on outcomes: (1) cEEG‐guided ASM escalation may improve outcomes in critically ill patients with seizures; (2) cEEG‐guided treatment with combination of ASMs and anesthetics may not improve outcomes in all critically ill patients.
Pharmacological perturbation reveals deficits in D2 receptor responses in Thap1 null mice
Authors: Frederick Natalie M. , Pooler Morgan M. , Shah Parth , Didonna Alessandro , Opal Puneet
Published: November 2021

The primary dystonia DYT6 is caused by mutations in the transcription factor Thanatos‐associated protein 1 (THAP1). To understand THAP1’s functions, we generated mice lacking THAP1 in the nervous system. THAP1 loss causes locomotor deficits associated with transcriptional changes. Since many of the genes misregulated involve dopaminergic signaling, we pharmacologically challenged the two striatal canonical dopamine pathways: the direct, regulated by the D1 receptor, and the indirect, regulated by the D2 receptor. We discovered that depleting THAP1 specifically interferes with the D2 receptor responses, pointing to a selective misregulation of the indirect pathway in DYT6 with implications for pathogenesis and treatment.
Epidemiology of Childhood‐Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Population‐Based Study
Authors: Valenzuela‐Almada Maria O. , Hocaoglu Mehmet , Dabit Jesse Y. , Osei‐Onomah Shirley‐Ann , Basiaga Matthew L. , Orandi Amir B. , Giblon Rachel E. , Barbour Kamil E. , Crowson Cynthia S. , Duarte‐García Alí
Published: November 2021

Objective

To characterize the incidence and prevalence of childhood‐onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and to estimate the proportion of patients who are diagnosed with SLE during childhood.

Methods

A cohort of patients with incident childhood‐onset SLE from 1976 to 2018 from an 8‐county region in the US were identified based on comprehensive medical record review. All patients met the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)/American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria for SLE or the ACR SLE classification criteria from 1997 at or before age 18 years. Incidence rates were estimated using Poisson methods. We estimated the childhood‐onset SLE point prevalence for January 1, 2015. Results were sex and age adjusted to the US 2000 population. Among all the SLE patients living in the 8‐county region on January 1, 2015, the proportion of patients diagnosed at ≤18 years was estimated.

Results

A total of 13 children were diagnosed with childhood‐onset SLE during the study period (using the EULAR/ACR definition; mean age at diagnosis 15.1 years, 85% female, 69% White). Childhood‐onset SLE overall adjusted incidence rate was 0.7 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.2–1.1) per 100,000 children. The incidence rate in girls was 1.2 (95% CI 0.5–1.9) per 100,000 children, while in boys it was 0.2 (95% CI 0.0–0.5) per 100,000. The adjusted prevalence of childhood‐onset SLE was 1.1 (95% CI 0.0–3.1) per 100,000 children. The proportion of patients with SLE diagnosed as children was 9% (95% CI 6–13%).

Conclusion

In this population‐based study, both the incidence and prevalence rates of childhood‐onset SLE were ~1 per 100,000 children. One in 10 adults with SLE was diagnosed in childhood. More studies are needed to further characterize the epidemiology of childhood‐onset SLE in minorities.
Ultrathin Gold Microelectrode Array using Polyelectrolyte Multilayers for Flexible and Transparent Electro‐Optical Neural Interfaces
Authors: Hong Woongki , Lee Jee Woong , Kim Duhee , Hwang Yujin , Lee Junhee , Kim Junil , Hong Nari , Kwon Hyuk‐Jun , Jang Jae Eun , Punga Anna Rostedt , Kang Hongki
Published: November 2021

Electro‐optical neural interface technologies provide great potential and versatility in neuroscience research. High temporal resolution of electrical neural recording and high spatial resolution of optical neural interfacing such as calcium imaging or optogenetics complimentarily benefit the way information is accessed from neuronal networks. To develop a hybrid neural interface platform, it is necessary to build transparent, soft, flexible microelectrode arrays (MEAs) capable of measuring electrical signals without light‐induced artifacts. In this work, flexible and transparent ultrathin (<10 nm) gold MEAs are developed using a biocompatible polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) metallic film nucleation‐inducing seed layer. With the polymer seed layer, the thermally evaporated ultrathin gold film shows good conductivity while providing high optical transmittance and excellent mechanical flexibility. In addition, strong electrostatic interaction via the PEM alters the electrode‐electrolyte interfaces, thereby reducing the electrode impedance and baseline noise level. With a simple modification of the fabrication process of the MEA using biocompatible materials, both excellent transmittance, and electrochemical interface characteristics are achieved, which is promising for efficient electro‐optical neural interfaces.
Double Nanowires for Hybrid Quantum Devices
Authors: Kanne Thomas , Olsteins Dags , Marnauza Mikelis , Vekris Alexandros , Estrada Saldaña Juan Carlos , Loric̀ Sara , Schlosser Rasmus D. , Ross Daniel , Csonka Szabolcs , Grove‐Rasmussen Kasper , Nygård Jesper
Published: November 2021

Parallel 1D semiconductor channels connected by a superconducting strip constitute the core platform in several recent quantum device proposals that rely, for example, on Andreev processes or topological effects. In order to realize these proposals, the actual material systems must have high crystalline purity, and the coupling between the different elements should be controllable in terms of their interfaces and geometry. A strategy for synthesizing double InAs nanowires by the vapor‐liquid‐solid mechanism using III‐V molecular beam epitaxy is presented. A superconducting layer is deposited onto nanowires without breaking the vacuum, ensuring pristine interfaces between the superconductor and the two semiconductor nanowires. The method allows for a high yield of merged as well as separate parallel nanowires with full or half‐shell superconductor coatings. Their utility in complex quantum devices by electron transport measurements is demonstrated.
CsPbI3 Nanocrystals Go with the Flow: From Formation Mechanism to Continuous Nanomanufacturing
Authors: Antami Kameel , Bateni Fazel , Ramezani Mahdi , Hauke Cory E. , Castellano Felix N. , Abolhasani Milad
Published: November 2021

Despite the groundbreaking advancements in the synthesis of inorganic lead halide perovskite (LHP) nanocrystals (NCs), stimulated from their intriguing size‐, composition‐, and morphology‐dependent optical and optoelectronic properties, their formation mechanism through the hot‐injection (HI) synthetic route is not well‐understood. In this work, for the first time, in‐flow HI synthesis of cesium lead iodide (CsPbI3) NCs is introduced and a comprehensive understanding of the interdependent competing reaction parameters controlling the NC morphology (nanocube vs nanoplatelet) and properties is provided. Utilizing the developed flow synthesis strategy, a change in the CsPbI3 NC formation mechanism at temperatures higher than 150 °C, resulting in different CsPbI3 morphologies is revealed. Through comparison of the flow‐ versus flask‐based synthesis, deficiencies of batch reactors in reproducible and scalable synthesis of CsPbI3 NCs with fast formation kinetics are demonstrated. The developed modular flow chemistry route provides a new frontier for high‐temperature studies of solution‐processed LHP NCs and enables their consistent and reliable continuous nanomanufacturing for next‐generation energy technologies.
Manipulating Charge Density in Nanofluidic Membranes for Optimal Osmotic Energy Production Density
Authors: Zhu Changjia , Xian Weipeng , Song Yanpei , Zuo Xiuhui , Wang Yeqing , Ma Shengqian , Sun Qi
Published: November 2021

Uncontrolled mixing remains the primary hurdle impeding the practical application of reverse electrodialysis (RED) to harvest Gibbs free energy in the form of salinity gradients. Improving the permselectivity of membranes is therefore essential, with ionic density being one of the most critical factors. Herein, it is systematically investigated how the charge population in nanofluidic membranes affects the ionic charge separation and consequently the accompanying power density. To establish this relationship, the effect of the ionic density is decoupled from the impact of pore structure using a multivariate strategy to construct covalent‐organic‐framework‐based membranes, in which the content of ionic sites can be precisely manipulated from 0 to 0.18 C m−2, a range that has rarely been experimentally explored. Beyond the region reported (0.002–0.06 C m−2), wherein increasing pore surface charge density of the membrane enhances permselectivity and leads to a greater osmotic voltage, a sharp volcano‐like curve is observed. The optimal membrane affords record‐high power outputs among membrane systems, one order of magnitude higher than the value set for commercialization. The study provides insights into the impact of ionic density of the membrane on osmotic energy harvesting that can guide RED stack design to advance sustainable energy generation from natural salinity gradients.
Outstanding Energy Storage Performance in High‐Hardness (Bi0.5K0.5)TiO3‐Based Lead‐Free Relaxors via Multi‐Scale Synergistic Design
Authors: Chen Liang , Long Feixiang , Qi He , Liu Hui , Deng Shiqing , Chen Jun
Published: November 2021

Lead‐free dielectric ceramics with ultrahigh energy storage performance are the best potential stocks used in next‐generation advanced pulse power capacitors. Here, an ultrahigh recoverable energy storage density Wrec of ≈7.57 J cm−3 and a large efficiency η of ≈81.4% are first realized in (Bi0.5K0.5)TiO3 (BKT)‐based relaxor ferroelectric ceramics with an ultrahigh Vickers hardness Hv ≈ 8.63 Gpa by adding BaTiO3 and NaNbO3 in order to synergistically design the domain and microstructure in multiscale, leading to the existence of ultrasmall polar nanoregions, ultrafine grain size, compact grain boundaries, dense microstructure, and large band gap Eg simultaneously. Encouragingly, an excellent energy storage temperature stability (Wrec ≈ 4.31 ± 0.25 J cm−3, η ≈ 86 ± 5%, 20–200 °C), frequency stability (Wrec ≈ 5.14 ± 0.12 J cm−3, η ≈ 81.3 ± 1.2%, 5–100 Hz), and excellent charge/discharge performance (power density PD ≈ 103.2 MW cm−3, discharge energy density WD ≈ 2.4 J cm−3, discharge rate t0.9 ≈ 130 ns) are also achieved in BKT‐based ceramics. The results demonstrate that BKT‐based ceramics can be very competitive lead‐free relaxors for energy storage capacitors in pulsed power devices.
Double‐Layer Nacre‐Inspired Polyimide‐Mica Nanocomposite Films with Excellent Mechanical Stability for LEO Environmental Conditions
Authors: Pan Xiao‐Feng , Wu Bao , Gao Huai‐Ling , Chen Si‐Ming , Zhu YinBo , Zhou LiChuan , Wu HengAn , Yu Shu‐Hong
Published: November 2021

Owing to their outstanding comprehensive performance, polyimide (PI) composite films are widely used on the external surfaces of spacecraft to protect them from the adverse conditions of low Earth orbit (LEO). However, current PI composite films have inadequate mechanical properties and atomic oxygen (AO) resistance. Herein, this work fabricates a new PI‐based nanocomposite film with greatly enhanced mechanical properties and AO resistance by integrating mica nanosheets with PI into a unique double‐layer nacre‐inspired structure with a much higher density of mica nanosheets in the top layer. In addition, the unique microstructure and the intrinsic properties of mica also impart the nanocomposite film with favorable ultraviolet and high‐temperature resistance. The comprehensive performance of this material is superior to those of pure PI, single‐layer PI‐mica, and previously reported PI‐based composite films. Thus, the double‐layer nanocomposite film displays great potential as an aerospace material for use in LEO.