bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Core competencies for first contact physiotherapists in a direct access model of care for adults with musculoskeletal disorders: A scoping review
Authors: Vervaeke Robin , Lafrance Simon , Demont Anthony
Published: August 2023

Introduction

To optimise the management of Musculoskeletal disorders (MSKDs), many countries have implemented direct access to physiotherapy; however, the core competencies required for first contact physiotherapists (PTs) have not been precisely defined. The aim of this scoping review is to identify and describe the core competencies required for first contact PTs treating adults with MSKDs.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review of the literature by searching eight databases and grey literature up to July 2023. We performed a thematic analysis of the competencies identified based on predefined themes relevant to first contact physiotherapy in direct access models in primary or emergency care settings.

Results

Sixty‐five articles were included. Seventeen core competencies were identified and grouped into 5 themes: (1) Assessment and examination; (2) Management and interventions; (3) Communication; (4) Cooperation and collaboration; and (5) Professionalism and leadership.

Conclusions

Our findings provide an international perspective on the core competencies required for first contact PTs.
Long‐term effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on children's physical activity and sedentary behavior
Authors: Moore Kristen N. , Do Bridgette , Wang Shirlene D. , McAlister Kelsey , Chapman Tiffany M. , Belcher Britni R. , Dunton Genevieve F.
Published: August 2023

Background

During the early months of the COVID‐19 pandemic, decreases in physical activity (PA) and increases in sedentary behavior (SB) were reported among children in the United States (U.S.). This follow‐up analysis examines 13‐month effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on children's PA and SB one year into the pandemic.

Methods

Parents of 5–13‐year‐old children in the U.S. (N = 71) reported on their child's PA and SB during the early COVID‐19 period (April‐May 2020) and again 12–14 months later (June‐July 2021).

Results

Paired t‐tests showed significant within‐subject reductions in SB minutes per day (Mdiff = −86.20, t = 3.26, p < 0.01) but no changes in PA minutes per day. Separate mixed‐model repeated‐measures analysis of covariance procedures found that within‐subject changes in PA and SB did not differ by child sex or age.

Conclusion

As COVID‐19 restrictions lessened, there were more opportunities for children to reduce SB, but there were still barriers to engage in PA.
Effect of surfactant type on oxygen barrier behavior of polyvinyl alcohol/α‐zirconium phosphate nanocomposites
Authors: Lei Fan , Feng Minsheng , Li Ying , Li Jiang , Sue Hung‐Jue
Published: August 2023

Surfactants used to exfoliate and disperse nanoparticles are expected to have an impact on polymer nanocomposite properties. In this work, both ionic tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBA) and amphiphilic polyoxyalkyleneamine (M1000) surfactants were used to exfoliate α‐zirconium phosphate (ZrP) in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix through simple solution blending. The oxygen barrier properties of the nanocomposites were investigated as a function of ZrP content based on the above two surfactant types. At a low ZrP loading level (≤2.4 vol%), regardless of the surfactant type, the ZrP nanoplatelets in PVA matrix do indeed create a “torturous pathway” to improve barrier properties even though the crystallinity in PVA/ZrP‐M1000 system is decreased. In addition, the PVA/ZrP‐TBA films exhibit excellent transparency as good as the neat PVA films. Furthermore, it is found that the high molecular weight amphiphilic M1000 surfactant is less effective than the low molecular weight ionic TBA surfactant in dispersion and exfoliation of ZrP in PVA. This relative incompatibility of ZrP‐M1000 compared to ZrP‐TBA in PVA leads to its dramatic drop in oxygen barrier properties. This facile aqueous solution blending technique is eco‐sustainable and expected to facilitate the preparation of effective polymer nanocomposites for barrier properties applications.
RAFT emulsion polymerization of methyl methacrylate mediated by protonated poly(2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) macromolecular chain transfer agent: A mechanism study
Authors: Wang Chen , Zhang Jie , Zhao Hanying
Published: August 2023

Surfactant‐free reversible addition‐fragmentation transfer (RAFT)‐mediated emulsion polymerization has been used in the synthesis of latex particles. Although this method has been developed for some time, some detailed mechanisms are not clear. Herein, RAFT emulsion polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) mediated by protonated poly(2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (H+‐PDMAEMA) macromolecular chain transfer agent (macro‐CTA) is studied. The effects of the molar ratios of MMA/macro‐CTA and initiator/macro‐CTA, and the macro‐CTA chain length on the emulsion polymerizations are investigated. At the nucleation stage, H+‐PDMAEMA‐CTA is chain extended with MMA dissolved in aqueous phase; and when the length of PMMA block is above a critical length, the formed amphiphilic block copolymer (BCP) chains self‐assemble into micellar particles. The nucleation time in the emulsion polymerization is strongly dependent on the chain length of H+‐PDMAEMA‐CTA, and the molar ratio of free radical initiator/macro‐CTA. The emulsion polymerization rate is in direct proportion to the molar ratio of free radical initiator/macro‐CTA. The size and the size distribution of the latex particles can be tuned through control of the macro‐CTA chain length and MMA/macro‐CTA molar ratio. Monodispersed latex particles can be synthesized under proper conditions. It is expected that well‐defined latex particles with a variety of hydrophilic polymers (or biomacromolecules) on the surfaces can be synthesized by this approach.
Recurrent thoracic air leak syndrome in patients affected by pulmonary graft‐versus‐host disease: Surgical strategies and outcome
Authors: Persano Giorgio , Crocoli Alessandro , Martucci Cristina , Pardi Valerio , Di Paolo Pier Luigi , Petreschi Francesca , Cafiero Giulia , Inserra Alessandro
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims

Thoracic air leak syndrome (TALS) is a complication related to chronic pulmonary graft‐versus‐host disease (pGvHD) that affects approximately 0.83%−3.08% patients after allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Such complication is defined as the occurrence of any form of air leak in the thorax, including spontaneous pneumomediastinum or pneumopericardium, subcutaneous emphysema, interstitial emphysema and pneumothorax and has a negative impact on post‐transplant survival. The aim of the present study is to describe a single‐center experience in the surgical management of recurrent TALS in adolescents and young adults and its outcome.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical notes of patients with previous allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplant who underwent surgical procedures for recurrent TALS from January 2016 until March 2021. We analyzed clinical data, number of episodes of thoracic air leak, surgical procedures and relative outcome.

Results

In the examined period, four patients, aged 16−25 years, underwent surgical procedures for TALS, including thoracostomy tube placement, thoracoscopic pleurodesis and thoracotomy. All the patients had been diagnosed with pGvHD before the onset of TALS, with a mean time lapse of 276 days (range 42–513). These patients experienced on average 4.5 air leak episodes (range 3–6). All the patients experienced at least two episodes before surgery. One patient underwent emergency tube thoracostomy only, three patients underwent thoracoscopic pleurodesis and two patients underwent thoracotomy. After surgery, patients were free from air leak symptoms for a mean time of 176 days (range 25–477). Pulmonary function progressively deteriorated, and all the patients eventually died because of respiratory failure after a mean time of 483 days (range 127–1045) after the first episode of air leak.

Conclusions

Surgery provides temporary relief to symptoms related to TALS but has limited effects on the underlying pathophysiologic process. The development of TALS in a sign of progressive pulmonary function worsening and is associated with high risk of respiratory failure and mortality.
Outcomes of pediatric community‐acquired pneumonia before and after national pneumococcal immunization in Taiwan
Authors: Chang I‐Fan , Lin I‐Fan , Liu Yun‐Chung , Chou Chia‐Ching , Chang Tu‐Hsuan , Yen Ting‐Yu , Lu Chun‐Yi , Chang Luan‐Yin , Lai Feipei , Huang Li‐Min
Published: August 2023

Objective

In Taiwan, the incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in children declined after the catch‐up primary vaccination programs and the full national immunization program (NIP) with PCV13. The objective of the study was to investigate the clinical outcomes of pediatric community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) before and after the NIP.

Methods

The study included patients aged 3 months to 17 years who were diagnosed with CAP and treated at the National Taiwan University Hospital between 2007 and 2019. Patients were assigned to three birth cohorts according to their birth years and vaccination eligibility: non‐NIP, catch‐up, and full NIP. We compared the rates of severe outcomes, including case fatality and pathogens.

Results

A total of 6557 patients who met the CAP criteria were enrolled during the study period. The case‐fatality rate decreased from 3.2% (94/2984) in the non‐NIP cohort to 0.3% (7/2176) in the catch‐up cohort and 0.8% (11/1397) in the full NIP cohort (p < 0.001). Furthermore, there was a significant decrease in invasive ventilation from the non‐NIP (17.9%) to both catch‐up (6.8%) and full NIP cohorts (9.1%). The rate of IPD declined from the non‐NIP cohort to the catch‐up cohort (1.8% vs. 0.6%, p < 0.001) and from the catch‐up to the full NIP cohort (0.6% vs. 0.07%, p = 0.014). In contrast, the rates of infections with other pathogens increased after NIP.

Conclusion

The introduction of PCV13 showed significant reduction in case‐fatality and IPD rates. The increasing rates of other pathogens warrant further surveillance for their clinical significance.
Natural anti‐inflammatory products for osteoarthritis: From molecular mechanism to drug delivery systems and clinical trials
Authors: Su Jianbang , Yu Minghao , Wang Haochen , Wei Yingliang
Published: August 2023

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that affects millions globally. The present nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug treatments have different side effects, leading researchers to focus on natural anti‐inflammatory products (NAIPs). To review the effectiveness and mechanisms of NAIPs in the cellular microenvironment, examining their impact on OA cell phenotype and organelles levels. Additionally, we summarize relevant research on drug delivery systems and clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs), to promote clinical studies and explore natural product delivery options. English‐language articles were searched on PubMed using the search terms “natural products,” “OA,” and so forth. We categorized search results based on PubChem and excluded “natural products” which are mix of ingredients or compounds without the structure message. Then further review was separately conducted for molecular mechanisms, drug delivery systems, and RCTs later. At present, it cannot be considered that NAIPs can thoroughly prevent or cure OA. Further high‐quality studies on the anti‐inflammatory mechanism and drug delivery systems of NAIPs are needed, to determine the appropriate drug types and regimens for clinical application, and to explore the combined effects of different NAIPs to prevent and treat OA.
Design of distributed preview tracking controller for nonlinear interconnected systems with time‐delay
Authors: Xie Hao , Liao Fucheng , Wu Jiang , Li Li
Published: August 2023

The focus of this article is to design a distributed preview tracking controller for a class of nonlinear interconnected systems with time‐delay. By constructing the error systems with the information of previewable reference signal, and defining an performance index, the original preview tracking problem is converted into the control problem of the error system. Based on the relationship between the interconnection matrices and the input matrices, a distributed controller using not only the local state vector information but also the interconnection term information is designed for the error systems. Under this controller, the closed‐loop error system is decoupled. With the help of Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional, the sufficient conditions, the asymptotic stability of the closed‐loop error system with disturbance attenuation level, are established. The distributed preview tracking controller, which is composed of state feedback, integrator, and preview feedforward, is acquired by integrating the controller of the error system. The proposed preview controller is applied to the chemical reactor recycles system and double‐parallel inverted pendulum system. The simulation verify that this controller is very effective in improving the tracking performance.
Gender‐based impacts of COVID‐19 in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Onyeaka Helen , Tamasiga Phemelo , Mazi Ifeanyi Michael , Akegbe Hope , Osiri John K.
Published: August 2023

The lasting educational and economic impacts of COVID‐19 have disproportionally disadvantaged girls on the fringes of society, extending beyond the period of imposed lockdowns. This study delves deeper into the education, socio‐economic, and gender‐specific effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic within the context of Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). The research illuminates how the pandemic has influenced economic activities and the roles of teachers, parents, and students in the educational process. Furthermore, the paper examines the efficacy of distance learning across diverse media in SSA. The findings suggest that children from rural settings might have limited resources to adapt and continue their education during school closures. Marginalized girls are substantially more likely than their male counterparts to leave school altogether due to these closures, placing girls and women at a heightened risk of experiencing the most severe outcomes of the pandemic. Female education has been notably disrupted due to the rise in child labor, violence, and pregnancies amidst the pandemic.
Synthesis, Properties, and Application of Ultrathin and Flexible Tellurium Nanorope Films: Beyond Conventional 2D Materials
Authors: Rani Adila , Ren Wanqi , Lee Ho Jin , Hong Seok Hee , Kim Tae Geun
Published: August 2023

Nanomaterials that can be easily processed into thin films are highly desirable for their wide range of applicability in electrical and optical devices. Currently, Te‐based 2D materials are of interest because of their superior electrical properties compared to transition metal dichalcogenide materials. However, the large‐scale manufacturing of these materials is challenging, impeding their commercialization. This paper reports on ultrathin, large‐scale, and highly flexible Te and Te–metal nanorope films grown via low‐power radiofrequency sputtering for a short period at 25 °C. Additionally, the feasibility of such films as transistor channels and flexible transparent conductive electrodes is discussed. A 20 nm thick Te–Ni‐nanorope‐channel‐based transistor exhibits a high mobility (≈450 cm2 V−1 s−1) and on/off ratio (105), while 7 nm thick Te–W nanorope electrodes exhibit an extremely low haze (1.7%) and sheet resistance (30 Ω sq−1), and high transmittance (86.4%), work function (≈4.9 eV), and flexibility. Blue organic light‐emitting diodes with 7 nm Te–W anodes exhibit significantly higher external quantum efficiencies (15.7%), lower turn‐on voltages (3.2 V), and higher and more uniform viewing angles than indium‐tin‐oxide‐based devices. The excellent mechanical flexibility and easy coating capability offered by Te nanoropes demonstrate their superiority over conventional nanomaterials and provide an effective outlet for multifunctional devices.
Unlocking the Potential of Tin‐Based Perovskites: Properties, Progress, and Applications in New‐Era Electronics
Authors: Yang Shuzhang , Wen Jincheng , Wu Yanqiu , Zhu Huihui , Liu Ao , Hu Yuanyuan , Noh Yong‐Young , Chu Junhao , Li Wenwu
Published: August 2023

Electronics have greatly promoted the development of modern society and the exploration of new semiconducting materials with low cost and high mobility continues to attract interest in the advance of next‐generation electronic devices. Among emerging semiconductors, the metal‐halide perovskite, especially the nontoxic tin (Sn)‐based candidates, has recently made breakthroughs in the field of diverse electronic devices due to its excellent charge transport properties and cost‐effective large‐area deposition capability at low temperatures. To enable a more comprehensive understanding of this emerging research field and promote the development of new‐generation perovskite electronics, this review aims to provide an in‐depth understanding with the discussion of unique physical properties of Sn‐based perovskites and the summarization of recent research progress of Sn‐based perovskite field‐effect transistors (FETs) and diverse electronic devices. The unique character of negligible ion migration is also discussed, which is fundamentally different from the lead‐based counterparts and provides a great prerequisite for device application. The following section highlights the potential broad applications of Sn‐perovskite FETs as a competitive and feasible technology. Finally, an outlook and remaining challenges are given to advance the progression of Sn‐based perovskite FETs, especially on the origin and solution of stability problems toward high‐performance Sn‐based perovskite electronics.
Assembly of Metal–Phenolic Networks onto Microbubbles for One‐Step Generation of Functional Microcapsules
Authors: Tan Xin , Sheng Renwang , Liu Zonghao , Li Weikun , Yuan Renqiang , Tao Yinghua , Yang Ning , Ge Liqin
Published: August 2023

The one‐step assembly of metal–phenolic networks (MPNs) onto particle templates can enable the facile, rapid, and robust construction of hollow microcapsules. However, the required template removal step may affect the refilling of functional species in the hollow interior space or the in situ encapsulation of guest molecules during the formation of the shells. Herein, a simple strategy for the one‐step generation of functional MPNs microcapsules is proposed. This method uses bovine serum albumin microbubbles (BSA MBs) as soft templates and carriers, enabling the efficient pre‐encapsulation of guest species by leveraging the coordination assembly of tannic acid (TA) and FeIII ions. The addition of TA and FeIII induces a change in the protein conformation of BSA MBs and produces semipermeable capsule shells, which allow gas to escape from the MBs without template removal. The MBs‐templated strategy can produce highly biocompatible capsules with controllable structure and size, and it is applicable to produce other MPNs systems like BSA‐TA‐CuII and BSA‐TA‐NiII. Finally, those MBs‐templated MPNs capsules can be further functionalized or modified for the loading of magnetic nanoparticles and the pre‐encapsulation of model molecules through covalence or physical adsorption, exhibiting great promise in biomedical applications.
Recent Progress in 2D Metal‐Organic Framework‐Related Materials
Authors: Xie Yun , Wu Xinyue , Shi Yuxin , Peng Yi , Zhou Huijie , Wu Xiaohui , Ma Jiao , Jin Jiangchen , Pi Yecan , Pang Huan
Published: August 2023

2D metal‐organic frameworks‐based (2D MOF‐related) materials benefit from variable topological structures, plentiful open active sites, and high specific surface areas, demonstrating promising applications in gas storage, adsorption and separation, energy conversion, and other domains. In recent years, researchers have innovatively designed multiple strategies to avoid the adverse effects of conventional methods on the synthesis of high‐quality 2D MOFs. This review focuses on the latest advances in creative synthesis techniques for 2D MOF‐related materials from both the top‐down and bottom‐up perspectives. Subsequently, the strategies are categorized and summarized for synthesizing 2D MOF‐related composites and their derivatives. Finally, the current challenges are highlighted faced by 2D MOF‐related materials and some targeted recommendations are put forward to inspire researchers to investigate more effective synthesis methods.
DDoS attack detection in smart home applications
Authors: Chandak Ashish Virendra , Ray Niranjan Kumar
Published: August 2023

In smart applications, edge nodes are deployed to perform faster computations. Due to the limited computational capability of edge nodes, collaborative computing is used in which multiple edge nodes collaborate for request processing. For faster processing, these edge nodes are used in many applications namely, smart homes, smart farming, healthcare and so forth. In this paper, we have discussed the use of edge nodes in smart home applications. The smart home application contains different types of sensors and these sensors generate various types of data. Edge nodes are used in these applications for the immediate processing of data. A data classifier is used to classify the data and to reduce delay in data processing. However, the data classifier is more susceptible to DDoS attacks. Hence, an efficient attack detection mechanism is required to detect DDoS attacks. We have used a Feature Selection SVM (FSSVM) algorithm to select optimal parameters for attack recognition. In this algorithm, the information gain ratio is used for optimal parameter selection, and SVM is used for classification. The FSSVM algorithm has been compared with KPCA‐SVM, SVM, and Naive Bayes. Simulation results show that the FSSVM algorithm provides better accuracy compared to KPCA‐SVM, SVM, and Naive Bayes algorithms.
A Comprehensive Review on Perovskite Solar Cells Integrated Photo‐supercapacitors and Perovskites‐Based Electrochemical Supercapacitors
Authors: Rahman Md. Mahbubur
Published: August 2023

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have rapidly become a prevalent photovoltaic technology owing to their simple structure, low processing cost, and remarkable increase in solar‐to‐electric power conversion efficiency (PCE). However, the intermittent nature of solar radiation induces some technical and financial challenges for its practical applications as a reliable power source. To address this issue, the integration of PSCs with supercapacitors (SCs) in the form of integrated photo‐supercapacitors (IPSs) has gathered significant attention. This integration can balance energy availability and demand, reduce energy wastage, and stabilize power output for portable and wearable electronics. Meanwhile, the excellent optoelectronic properties with mixed electronic and ionic conductivity of metal halide perovskites (MHPs) have expanded their application as electrode and electrolyte materials for SCs and photo‐supercapacitors (PSs) applications. This review provides an all‐inclusive summary of the current state‐of‐the‐art research progress of PSCs‐IPSs and MHPs‐based SCs and PSs by highlighting their basics and integration approaches. It also discusses the challenges and prospects of these materials and technologies.
Impact of the Motor Length‐to‐Diameter Ratio on the Selection of Cooling Water Channels for the Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Authors: Xiaoyuan Wang , Shuangshuang Liu , Lixin Wang , Peng Gao
Published: August 2023

Aiming at the problem of difficulties in heat dissipation for a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) with high power/torque density, the effect of motor length‐to‐diameter ratio (r0) on the selection of cooling water channels is investigated from the perspective of the geometric parameters of the PMSM in this paper. First, the 3‐D fluid–solid coupled heat transfer models of three actual motors with the length‐to‐diameter ratios of 0.27, 0.81 and 2.04 are established. Every model is calculated under spiral, axial and circumferential cooling water channels, respectively. The cooling effect, cooling energy loss and motor thermal balance are compared and analyzed. Then the optimal cooling water channel for each of three motors is confirmed. Further, the motor temperature rise and fluid differential pressure are plotted. The threshold of motor length‐to‐diameter ratios is determined at which the overall performance of the axial and circumferential cooling water channel is highly similar. The general conclusions of selection of cooling water channels for PMSMs with different geometry shape are summarized. Finally, a prototype with r0 = 0.27 is fabricated and tested, verifying the validity of the fluid–solid coupling simulation analysis. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Prospects for developing allergen‐depleted food crops
Authors: Lokya Vadthya , Parmar Sejal , Pandey Arun K. , Sudini Hari K. , Huai Dongxin , Ozias‐Akins Peggy , Foyer Christine H. , Nwosu Chogozie Victor , Karpinska Barbara , Baker Alison , Xu Pei , Liao Boshou , Mir Reyazul Rouf , Chen Xiaoping , Guo Baozhu , Nguyen Henry T. , Kumar Rakesh , Bera Sandeep K. , Singam Prashant , Kumar Anirudh , Varshney Rajeev K. , Pandey Manish K.
Published: August 2023

In addition to the challenge of meeting global demand for food production, there are increasing concerns about food safety and the need to protect consumer health from the negative effects of foodborne allergies. Certain bio‐molecules (usually proteins) present in food can act as allergens that trigger unusual immunological reactions, with potentially life‐threatening consequences. The relentless working lifestyles of the modern era often incorporate poor eating habits that include readymade prepackaged and processed foods, which contain additives such as peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, and soy‐based products, rather than traditional home cooking. Of the predominant allergenic foods (soybean, wheat, fish, peanut, shellfish, tree nuts, eggs, and milk), peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) are the best characterized source of allergens, followed by tree nuts (Juglans regia, Prunus amygdalus, Corylus avellana, Carya illinoinensis, Anacardium occidentale, Pistacia vera, Bertholletia excels), wheat (Triticum aestivum), soybeans (Glycine max), and kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris). The prevalence of food allergies has risen significantly in recent years including chance of accidental exposure to such foods. In contrast, the standards of detection, diagnosis, and cure have not kept pace and unfortunately are often suboptimal. In this review, we mainly focus on the prevalence of allergies associated with peanut, tree nuts, wheat, soybean, and kidney bean, highlighting their physiological properties and functions as well as considering research directions for tailoring allergen gene expression. In particular, we discuss how recent advances in molecular breeding, genetic engineering, and genome editing can be used to develop potential low allergen food crops that protect consumer health.
Birth of first twin calves produced by intrafollicular transfer of immature oocyte
Authors: Trevisol Eduardo , Melo Alfredo José Ferreira , Lera Diego Messias , Alvarez Rafael Herrera
Published: August 2023

In an adequate system of nutrition and management, the birth of twin calves can increase the productive efficiency in beef cattle. In this sense, genetic selection, hormonal treatment and the use of embryo transfer are strategies to produce twins in cattle. In the present report, we describe an alternative method for the production of twins based on the intrafollicular transfer of immature oocytes that resulted in the birth of the first twins reported using this technique. The expectation is to significantly improve the performance of the technique in the near future, making it another reproductive tool to be applied in the production and research sectors.
Nanoparticle shape effects on hydromagnetic flow of Cu‐water nanofluid over a nonlinear stretching sheet in a porous medium with heat source, thermal radiation, and Joule heating
Authors: Mohana C. M. , Kumar B. Rushi
Published: August 2023

In this article, the shape effects of copper‐water nanofluid on magnetohydrodynamic boundary layer flow and heat transfer over a nonlinear stretching sheet in a porous medium under the influence of radiation, a heat source, and Joule heating effects are studied. The primary objective of this study is to determine which shape of nanoparticle is most effective in terms of heat transfer rate and to analyze how nanoparticle shape affects it. The governing PDEs are transformed to ODEs through similarity variables, and the numerical solutions are computed with the help of MATLAB's built‐in bvp4c solver. Plots of the velocity and temperature profiles are shown for various key parameters. The stretching parameter decreases both velocity and temperature, whereas the magnetic parameter, porosity, Eckert number, radiation, and heat source escalate temperature profiles. The heat transfer rate of lamina‐shaped nanoparticles is higher than that of other shapes.
Das Konzept der Konsensdemokratie
Authors: Kehl Konstantin
Published: August 2023

Mit dem Konzept der Konsensdemokratie hat Arend Lijphart einen einflussreichen Analyseansatz vorgelegt, der es erlaubt, international-vergleichend zwischen Konsensdemokratien und Mehrheits- bzw. Konkurrenzdemokratien zu unterscheiden. Das Kapitel stellt Lijpharts sowie Adrian Vatters (modifiziertes) Kriterienraster vor und ordnet das politisch-institutionelle System der Schweiz ein. Wir diskutieren die zehn Kriterien und zeigen auf, dass die Schweiz fast alle Merkmale eines konsensdemokratisch angelegten Gemeinwesens erfüllt.
Sozialversicherungen und Sozialhilfe als institutionelle Grundpfeiler im Gesundheits- und Sozialwesen
Authors: Kehl Konstantin
Published: August 2023

Sozialversicherungen und Sozialhilfe sind die institutionellen Grundpfeiler der Gesundheits- und Sozialversorgung in der Schweiz. Sie werden bezüglich Finanzierung, Zugangsvoraussetzungen und Leistungen gegenübergestellt und im Zusammenhang mit dem sozialrechtlichen Leistungsdreieck diskutiert. Wir werfen einen vergleichenden Blick auf die Ziele/Aufgaben, Adressaten und relevanten Fachlichkeiten des Sozial- und Gesundheitswesens und streifen aktuelle Trends und Diskurse, die für die Zukunft von Sozialversicherungen und Sozialhilfe relevant sind.
Third Industrial Revolution: 5G Wireless Systems, Internet of Things, and Beyond
Authors: Das Anwesha , Chowdhury Aninda , Sil Riya
Published: August 2023

Commercial 5G mobile communication installations are currently ongoing. A variety of reasons, notably rising business and consumer needs as well as the advent of much more cheap equipment, are driving 5G and IoT growth. Substantial carrier investments in 5G networks, frequency, and infrastructure, as well as the adoption of international standards, are indeed assisting in driving development and increasing investor interest in IoT. Today’s modern 5G mobile cellular systems are emerging beyond current 4G technology, which will remain to fulfill diverse applications. 5G, which is expected to last a long time, may meet present needs like intelligent power applications while also forecasting future use cases like self-driving automobiles. Mobile operators would need to guarantee to ensure its added versatility simultaneously present as well as future use cases need as companies oversee the growth of technology. Cautious providers would control their expenditures to assure customer service as infrastructures migrate to 5G. The majority of 5G use case scenarios fall into three broad segments: improved mobile broadband (eMBB), enormous IoT, as well as critical communications, within each set of performance, and bandwidth, including delay needs. While 4G would remain to be utilized for so many consumers and commercial IoT scenarios, 5G offers IoT features that 4G as well as other networks do not. This would include 5G's capacity to accommodate a massive amount of fixed and portable IoT systems with variable speeds, capacity, and service level needs. As the Internet of Things develops, the adaptability of 5G would become increasingly more important for organizations wanting to satisfy the stringent needs of vital connectivity. Because of 5G's ultra-reliability as well as reduced latency, self-driving vehicles, intelligent power infrastructures, better industrial automation, and some other demanding technologies are becoming a possibility. While 5G increases Internet bandwidth, cloud services, machine intelligence, as well as cloud technologies would all assist to manage huge data quantities created by IoT. Additional 5G advancements, like low latency, and non-public networking, including the core of 5G, would eventually help realize the goals of an IoT network that is worldwide and capable of sustaining connectivity that is larger in size.
Wireless Backhaul Optimization Algorithm in 5G Communication
Authors: Sharma Astha , Soni Mukesh , Nand Abhaya , Singh Suryabhan Pratap , Kumar Sumit
Published: August 2023

A wireless backhaul optimization approach using a delay jitter is suggested to handle the wireless backhaul issue for 5G dynamic heterogeneous situations. First, the delay and delay jitter issues in 5G dynamic heterogeneous situations are carefully evaluated, optimization indicators are defined, and the fundamental backhaul model is further built. Then, considering the optimization action needs, include delay constraints to create better model 1; examine network overload, relax channel number allocation variables to construct improved model 2, and present a matching hierarchical method for a quick solution. The simulation results reveal that the suggested approach has improved delay jitter performance compared with three kinds of current wireless backhaul optimization algorithms.
Enhanced negative energy with a massless Dirac field
Authors: Swingle Brian , Van Raamsdonk Mark
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Motivated by traversable wormhole constructions that require large amounts of negative energy, we explore constraints on the amount of negative energy that can be carried by a free Dirac field in a slab-shaped region between two parallel spatial planes. Specifically, we ask what is the minimum possible uniform energy density that can exist at some time, considering all possible states and all possibilities for the physics outside the slab. The vacuum state where we identify the two sides of the slab with antiperiodic boundary conditions gives one possible state with uniform negative energy, but we argue that states with more negative energy exist above 1+1 dimensions. Technically, we reduce the problem to studying a massive Dirac field on an interval in 1+1 dimensions and numerically search for states with uniform energy density in a lattice regulated model. We succeed in finding states with enhanced negative energy (relative to the antiperiodic vacuum) which also appear to have a sensible continuum limit. Our results for the mass-dependence of the minimum uniform energy density in 1+1 dimensions suggest that for a 3+1 dimensional massless Dirac fermion, it is possible to have states with arbitrarily large uniform negative energy density in an arbitrarily wide slab.
Semiclassical quantization of the superstring and Hagedorn temperature
Authors: Bigazzi Francesco , Canneti Tommaso , Mück Wolfgang
Published: August 2023

Abstract

In a recent paper [1], the semiclassical quantization of a string, winding once around the compact Euclidean time circle, on a supergravity background dual to the deep infrared regime of a confining finite temperature gauge theory, was carried out. The string mass-shell condition and, by extrapolation, the Hagedorn temperature to leading order in the holographic limit was deduced. In this work, we improve on those results in three ways. First, we fix some missing details of the related light-cone quantization analysis. Second, we reconsider the problem under the lens of a background-covariant geometrical formalism. This allows us to put the semiclassical mass-shell condition on more solid grounds. Finally, going beyond the semiclassical regime, we compute the Hagedorn temperature at next-to-leading order in the holographic limit. The sub-leading correction turns out to arise entirely from the contribution of the zero modes of the massive worldsheet scalar fields. Our result matches that of a recent analysis in the literature based on the Horowitz-Polchinski stringy star effective model.
Linear growth of circuit complexity from Brownian dynamics
Authors: Jian Shao-Kai , Bentsen Gregory , Swingle Brian
Published: August 2023

Abstract

How rapidly can a many-body quantum system generate randomness? Using path integral methods, we demonstrate that Brownian quantum systems have circuit complexity that grows linearly with time. In particular, we study Brownian clusters of N spins or fermions with time-dependent all-to-all interactions, and calculate the Frame Potential to characterize complexity growth in these models. In both cases the problem can be mapped to an effective statistical mechanics problem which we study using path integral methods. Within this framework it is straightforward to show that the kth Frame Potential comes within ϵ of the Haar value after a time of order t ~ kN + k log k + log ϵ−1. Using a bound on the diamond norm, this implies that such circuits are capable of coming very close to a unitary k-design after a time of order t ~ kN. We also consider the same question for systems with a time-independent Hamiltonian and argue that a small amount of time-dependent randomness is sufficient to generate a k-design in linear time provided the underlying Hamiltonian is quantum chaotic. These models provide explicit examples of linear complexity growth that are analytically tractable and are directly applicable to practical applications calling for unitary k-designs.
TRPM7 transactivates the FOSL1 gene through STAT3 and enhances glioma stemness
Authors: Guo Shanchun , Ramar Vanajothi , Guo Alyssa A. , Saafir Talib , Akpobiyeri Hannah , Hudson Breanna , Li Jason , Liu Mingli
Published: August 2023

Introduction

We previously reported that TRPM7 regulates glioma cells’ stemness through STAT3. In addition, we demonstrated that FOSL1 is a response gene for TRPM7, and the FOSL1 gene serves as an oncogene to promote glioma proliferation and invasion.

Methods

In the present study, we determined the effects of FOSL1 on glioma stem cell (GSC) markers CD133 and ALDH1 by flow cytometry, and the maintenance of stem cell activity by extreme limiting dilution assays (ELDA). To further gain insight into the mechanism by which TRPM7 activates transcription of the FOSL1 gene to contribute to glioma stemness, we constructed a FOSL1 promoter and its GAS mutants followed by luciferase reporter assays and ChIP-qPCR in a glioma cell line and glioma patient-derived xenoline. We further examined GSC markers ALDH1 and TRPM7 as well as FOSL1 by immunohistochemistry staining (IHC) in brain tissue microarray (TMA) of glioma patients.

Results

We revealed that FOSL1 knockdown reduces the expression of GSC markers CD133 and ALDH1, and FOSL1 is required to maintain stem cell activity in glioma cells. The experiments also showed that mutations of − 328 to − 336 and − 378 to − 386 GAS elements markedly reduced FOSL1 promoter activity. Constitutively active STAT3 increased while dominant-negative STAT3 decreased FOSL1 promoter activity. Furthermore, overexpression of TRPM7 enhanced while silencing of TRPM7 reduced FOSL1 promoter activity. ChIP-qPCR assays revealed that STAT3, present in nuclear lysates of glioma cells stimulated by constitutively activated STAT3, can bind to two GAS elements, respectively. We demonstrated that deacetylation of FOSL1 at the Lys-116 residue located within its DNA binding domain led to an increase in FOSL1 transcriptional activity. We found that the expression of TRPM7, ALDH1, and FOSL1 protein is associated with grades of malignant glioma, and TRPM7 protein expression correlates to the expression of ALDH1 and FOSL1 in glioma patients.

Conclusions

These combined results demonstrated that TRPM7 induced FOSL1 transcriptional activation, which is mediated by the action of STAT3, a mechanism shown to be important in glioma stemness. These results indicated that FOSL1, similar to GSC markers ALDH1 and TRPM7, is a diagnostic marker and potential drug target for glioma patients.
Feynman–Kac formula for BSDEs with jumps and time delayed generators associated to path-dependent nonlinear Kolmogorov equations
Authors: Di Persio Luca , Garbelli Matteo , Zălinescu Adrian
Published: August 2023

We consider a system of forward backward stochastic differential equations (FBSDEs) with a time-delayed generator driven by Lévy-type noise. We establish a non-linear Feynman–Kac representation formula associating the solution given by the FBSDEs system to the solution of a path dependent nonlinear Kolmogorov equation with both delay and jumps. Obtained results are then applied to study a generalization of the so-called large investor problem, where the stock price evolves according to a jump-diffusion dynamic.
Bio-evaluation of the 2-nitrochalcones as potential anti-lung cancer agents, inducers of apoptosis and inhibitors of protein kinase (VEGFR-2)
Authors: Mphahlele Malose J. , More Garland K. , Maluleka Marole M. , Choong Yee Siew
Published: August 2023

A series of the 2-nitrochalcones 3a–3k was synthesized and evaluated for cytotoxicity against the human lung adenocarcinoma (A549) and human embryonic kidney (HEK293-T) cell lines using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The 3-(4-fluorophenyl) 3c and the 3-(4-(1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethoxy)phenyl derivative 3k induced early (25–29%) and late (48–60%) apoptosis of A549 cells as determined by the Annexin V-FITC/PI method. The 3-(4-fluorophenyl) 3c, 3-(4-methoxyphenyl) 3h, 3-(2,3,4-trimethoxyphenyl) 3j and the 3-(4-(1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethoxy)phenyl derivative 3k were also found to exhibit significant inhibitory activity against vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) tyrosine kinase compared to staurosporine (0.035 ± 0.002 µM) or nintedanib (IC50 = 0.021 ± 0.001 µM) with IC50 values of 31.49 ± 0.02, 39.95 ± 0.17, 36.90 ± 0.16 and 29.10 ± 0.16 µM, respectively. Molecular docking studies were also conducted on 3c and 3k as representative models to recognize the hypothetical binding motif of the title compounds within the active site of VEGFR-2.
Aseptic survival of the 1.5‐stage exchange arthroplasty for periprosthetic joint infection was acceptable when using an autoclaved femoral component and a new polyethylene insert
Authors: Song Sang Jun , Hwang Sung Hyun , Baek Hyun Jae , Park Cheol Hee
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To investigate the aseptic survival of 1.5‐stage exchange arthroplasty for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods

Eighty‐eight cases of 1.5‐stage exchange arthroplasty for PJI without reinfection were retrospectively analysed. The autoclaved femoral component and new polyethylene insert (PE) were implanted using antibiotic mixed cement. The explanted tibial component was not reinserted. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index and range of motion were clinically evaluated preoperatively and at the last follow‐up (the last time for the implant in situ). Radiographically, hip–knee–ankle angle (HKA) and component positions were measured preoperatively, postoperatively (1 month after the 1.5‐stage exchange arthroplasty), and at the last follow‐up. The survival rate was analysed using the Kaplan–Meier method, in which failure was defined as reoperation due to aseptic failure. Mean period to failure and failure site were analysed. Factors affecting survival were investigated in terms of demographics and inappropriateness of the postoperative HKA (HKA > 0 ± 3°) and component positions (α angle > 95 ± 3°, β angle > 90 ± 3°, γ angle > 3 ± 3°, and δ angle > 87 ± 3°).

Results

The spacer in‐situ time was 3.7 years (0.2–6.4). The clinical results improved hip–knee–ankle significantly at the last follow‐up. Radiographically, the average HKA was valgus 0.1° postoperatively. The average α, β, γ, and δ angles of the postoperative component positions were 95.9°, 90.4°, 3.8°, and 86.7°, respectively. The 1‐, 2‐, and 5‐year postoperative survival rates were 90.9%, 86.4%, and 80.6%, respectively. The mean period to failure was 2.0 years (0.2–5.3). There were 18 cases of aseptic loosening (20.8%), occurring on both the femur and tibial sides in 1 knee, and only on the tibial side in 17 knees. Inappropriate coronal position of the PE (β angle > 90 ± 3°) was a significant factor affecting survival (odds ratio = 5.491; p = 0.011).

Conclusion

The aseptic survival of the 1.5‐stage exchange arthroplasty was acceptable when using an autoclaved femoral component and new PE. The appropriate coronal position of the PE helps ensure favourable survival of 1.5‐stage exchange arthroplasty.

Level of evidence

IV
Adverse outcome pathway for pregnane X receptor-induced hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Itkonen Anna , Hakkola Jukka , Rysä Jaana
Published: August 2023

Pharmaceuticals and environmental contaminants contribute to hypercholesterolemia. Several chemicals known to cause hypercholesterolemia, activate pregnane X receptor (PXR). PXR is a nuclear receptor, classically identified as a sensor of chemical environment and regulator of detoxification processes. Later, PXR activation has been shown to disrupt metabolic functions such as lipid metabolism and recent findings have shown PXR activation to promote hypercholesterolemia through multiple mechanisms. Hypercholesterolemia is a major causative risk factor for atherosclerosis and greatly promotes global health burden. Metabolic disruption by PXR activating chemicals leading to hypercholesterolemia represents a novel toxicity pathway of concern and requires further attention. Therefore, we constructed an adverse outcome pathway (AOP) by collecting the available knowledge considering the molecular mechanisms for PXR-mediated hypercholesterolemia. AOPs are tools of modern toxicology for systematizing mechanistic knowledge to assist health risk assessment of chemicals. AOPs are formalized and structured linear concepts describing a link between molecular initiating event (MIE) and adverse outcome (AO). MIE and AO are connected via key events (KE) through key event relationships (KER). We present a plausible route of how PXR activation (MIE) leads to hypercholesterolemia (AO) through direct regulation of cholesterol synthesis and via activation of sterol regulatory element binding protein 2-pathway.
A tensor product approach to non-local differential complexes
Authors: Hinz Michael , Kommer Jörn
Published: August 2023

We study differential complexes of Kolmogorov–Alexander–Spanier type on metric measure spaces associated with unbounded non-local operators, such as operators of fractional Laplacian type. We define Hilbert complexes, observe invariance properties and obtain self-adjoint non-local analogues of Hodge Laplacians. For d-regular measures and operators of fractional Laplacian type we provide results on removable sets in terms of Hausdorff measures. We prove a Mayer–Vietoris principle and a Poincaré lemma and verify that in the compact Riemannian manifold case the deRham cohomology can be recovered.