bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementation of steganographic software for hiding information in mpeg video files
Authors: Romanov Artem , Safaryan Olga , Cherckesova Larisa , Revyakina Elena
Published: May 2023

This article is devoted to the implementation of a steganographic software tool for hiding infor-mation in MPEG video files. The method of least significant bits was used to hide the data, and error-correcting coding with binary cyclic codes was used to increase the stability of the embedded data. In addition to hiding data, the AES-128 cipher algorithm is applied to the initial data in the algorithm. A software tool has been developed, designed according to the described scheme, which guarantees the im-possibility of detecting and reading the transmitted data by third parties, provided that they do not have access to private data.
The effectiveness of blockchain technology in preventing financial cybercrime
Authors: Patmanathan Pvheanushaa , Arunasalam Kavitha , Suppiah Kahyahthri , Arumugam Dhamayanthi
Published: May 2023

The primary objective of this research is to study the effectiveness of blockchain technology in preventing financial cybercrime. In this research, the researcher intends to know the effectiveness of blockchain technology in preventing financial cybercrime, the white-collar crime which is growing drastically globally. The researcher uses the primary method to collect the data. In this study, four different variables that influence financial cybercrime significantly are immutability, smart contract, distributed ledger technology and consensus algorithm. The data was collected from the targeted respondents which are accountants, IT experts and human resources. Statistical Package of the Social Sciences (SPSS) is being utilized to evaluate the relationship between the four variables which able to influence financial cybercrime. A total of 70 survey questionnaires were delivered to the targeted respondents via a convenience sampling strategy. Responses from 70 participants were entered into SPSS one by one to generate descriptive and inferential statistics. Financial cybercrime is positively correlated with immutability, smart contract, distributed ledger technology and consensus algorithms. As a result, the analysis of the collected data for this research rejects the null hypothesis, while supporting the alternative hypothesis. The conclusion that can derive from this research is that users and organizations should be aware of the financial cybercrime risks that take place around them and the importance to have vital tools that are not vulnerable to malicious attacks. This research creates awareness for users and companies on the usage of blockchain to prevent financial cybercrime.
Physiological and psychological factors assessment in the process of professional self-determination
Authors: Golovko Olga , Mikhaylova Alla , Ley Vyacheslav
Published: May 2023

The article deals with physiological (adaptive potential, resistance to hypoxia and stress stimuli) and psycho physiological (level of sociability) factors that contribute to the formation of the student's personality. As part of presented study, first-year students of Sevastopol State University were diagnosed (28 people, of which: 14 girls and 14 boys) according to the following indicators: level of adaptive potential; human resistance to hypoxia; attention and speed of information processing; resistance of a person to the action of stressful stimuli; level of person’s communication skills. A comparative analysis of the components of the adaptive potential of the individual and the levels of psychological well-being among first-year students of a higher educational institution was carried out. The paper also presents the results of a study of first-year students in terms of their sociability (not sociable, average level of sociability, normal sociability, very sociable, hyperactive. Based on the results of given study, a comprehensive description was given to first-year students (the number of students who underwent diagnostics is 28 people). In conclusion the authors say that a high students’ adaptive potential ensures their successful adaptation to the group and learning activities because of appropriate neuropsychic stability, and developed communication skills.
The method of the business game in the training of specialists for the automotive industry
Authors: Yekimov Sergey , Tsyna Andriy , Tytarenko Valentina , Kulyk Evghen , Tsyna Valentina , Vazhenina Inna , Kluger Vit
Published: May 2023

The use of business games in the educational process is one of the highly effective forms used for active learning. During the business games, the professional competencies of the participants are improved by solving practical problems. The working conditions of modern transport technology engineers provide for the adoption of management decisions in a short time with minimal time to think about the situation. Therefore, their actions should be brought to the level of automatism. Within the framework of the business game, it becomes possible to consider various alternative solutions to practical professional problems. And this, in turn, creates prerequisites for the formation of various professional competencies among trainees The use of a competence-based approach in the process of training engineers for the transport industry makes it possible to prepare specialists capable of independent professional improvement and able to apply in practical professional activity the knowledge, skills and abilities acquired in the course of training. The need for psychological and social competence among engineers of the transport industry is predetermined by the great influence of the human factor in the transport industry.
Retracted Article: Public regulation effectiveness assessment of Russian regional labor markets using hierarchical clustering method
Authors: Gurieva Lira , Dzhioev Aleksandr
Published: May 2023

It has been commonly decided to retract this article on the grounds that one of the authors, Lira Gurieva, has used material without due knowledge of all parties involved in the results obtained within this research article. The author apologizes for the inadvertent misappropriation of the data.

The Authors, the Publisher and Editor approved to the retraction.
Impact of data analytics on reporting quality of forensic audit: a study focus in Malaysian auditors
Authors: Suppiah Kahyahthri , Arumugam Dhamayanthi
Published: May 2023

The primary objective of this research is to study the impact of data analytics on reporting quality of forensic audit, a study focussed on auditors in Malaysia. In this research, the researcher intends to discover the impact caused by emerging technology, in particular the data analytics, in audit profession, as audit field is the most complex field where tremendous volume of data, and research is conducted to investigate a certain situation, to report findings. The researcher uses the primary method to conduct the data. In this research, four different variables that causes impact to data analytics usage in forensic audit reporting quality, are tested. The data was collected from forensic audit and accounting service providers, operating around Malaysia. To analyse the findings, statistical tool, Statistical Package of the Social Sciences (SPSS) is used, to further analyse the responses, and to derive at a conclusion relating to impact of data analytics to reporting quality of forensic audits. The findings discovered that all the variables have significant relationship with the data analytics and its impact to the forensic audit reporting quality, among forensic auditors and practitioners in Malaysia. The conclusion has been discussed in this research which caters for and provides confidence and data privacy, for users of data analytic tools for their forensic audit work. This research creates the awareness of the use of data analytics in order to assist forensic auditors in their routine data gathering and analysis, in preparing reports, statistics and trend analysis etc, by saving their efforts and time, to focus more on performing further analysis and findings based on case or audit assignment.
Acceptance level of takaful insurance products among non-Muslims in Malaysia
Authors: Qian Yap Huai , Darman Hazlina
Published: May 2023

Non-Muslims in Malaysia have a lower participation rate in takaful insurance. The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that influence acceptance level of takaful insurance products among non-Muslims in Malaysia. In this paper, independent variables: awareness, attitude, service quality and relative advantage were examined using the Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) model to analyze the effect of dependent variable: non-Muslim acceptance level. The methodology used was a purely quantitative survey using convenience sampling with data collected from a sample of non-Muslims participants in Malaysia. The findings revealed that attitudes and relative advantage are found to be the significant factors that influence the acceptance level on takaful insurance products while awareness and service quality do not account for acceptability on takaful. It was also discovered that attitude is the most significant factor towards acceptance level on takaful insurance products among non-Muslims in Malaysia. The paper provides insight for understanding the factors that lead to consumers’ purchase intention of takaful insurance products in Malaysia. Furthermore, this study gives valuable ideas for takaful insurance companies to develop appropriate takaful insurance and build marketing strategies to enhance takaful insurance participation in Malaysia.
Application of expert systems as an element of sustainable development of educational process
Authors: Revyakina Nadezhda , Nalimova Aleksandra , Bulygin Yuriy
Published: May 2023

The authors look at the application of neural networks to sustainable business development in the construction industry. The actual work of self-learning neural networks with statistical data tables in construction is studied. The possibilities of managing construction scheduling and material supply requirements from the point of view of work execution with the participation of neural networks are shown. Appropriate statistical indicators can be used in subsequent numerical calculations. Tables above all allow for the systematisation of numerical information. The study of large number of tables by neural networks allows statistical study not only of the collective as a whole, i.e. of the totality of objects and phenomena - macro-units, but also of subdivided collectives, i.e. separate parts of the whole - micro units and complex units (united by one attribute). Therefore the subject of statistical sentence-table may be statistical population as a whole (macro units), aggregate dissected (separate observation units) - micro units and separate aggregate - complex units. This is quite understandable, because statistical judgement can refer to the object of observation at any stage of this process, i.e. as a result of the dissection of the population into micro units, combination of the latter into small populations (complex units) and generalization of micro units and complex units into units of the concept - macro units.According to the results of implementation of the automated control systems based on neural networks the high purity and quality of design solutions based on the automated data processing of production and economic activity of the construction organisation is achieved. Their actual economic efficiency is calculated.
Fully discrete Schwarz waveform relaxation analysis for the heat equation on a finite spatial domain
Authors: Haynes Ronald D. , Mohammad Khaled
Published: May 2023

Schwarz waveform relaxation methods provide space-time parallelism for the solution of time dependent partial differential equations. The algorithms are differentiated by the choice of the transmission conditions enforced at the introduced space-time boundaries. Early results considered the theoretical analysis of these algorithms in the continuous and semi-discrete (in space) settings for various families of linear partial differential equations. Later, fully discrete results were obtained under the simplifying assumption of an infinite spatial domain. In this paper, we provide a first analysis of a fully discrete classical Schwarz Waveform algorithm for the one-dimensional heat equation on an arbitrary but finite number of bounded subdomains. The θ-method is chosen as the time integrator. Convergence results are given in both the infinity norm and two norm, with an explicit contraction given in the case of a uniform partitioning. The results are compared to the numerics and to the earlier theoretical results.
Least squares solvers for ill-posed PDEs that are conditionally stable
Authors: Dahmen Wolfgang , Monsuur Harald , Stevenson Rob
Published: May 2023

This paper is concerned with the design and analysis of least squares solvers for ill-posed PDEs that are conditionally stable. The norms and the regularization term used in the least squares functional are determined by the ingredients of the conditional stability assumption. We are then able to establish a general error bound that, in view of the conditional stability assumption, is qualitatively the best possible, without assuming consistent data. The price for these advantages is to handle dual norms which reduces to verifying suitable inf-sup stability. This, in turn, is done by constructing appropriate Fortin projectors for all sample scenarios. The theoretical findings are illustrated by numerical experiments.
Contribution of Chevreul to lipid chemistry
Authors: Leray Claude
Published: May 2023

Michel Eugène Chevreul entered at 17 the laboratory of Vauquelin, at the Museum. He began his investigations on animal fats in 1811. They appear as yet the most complete and the best executed experiments found in all chemistry. For the first time, he combined fractional solution, crystallization, distillation, melting point determination, and ultimate analysis. All started with the isolation of an acid and solid substance, “margaric acid”, the first of a long list of fatty acids isolated from various fats. Studying saponification, he determined that “anhydrous glycerine” was combining with water. After studying human gallstones, he discovered “cholesterine” (cholesterol). From whale spermaceti, he described “cetin” (mainly cetyl palmitate), containing no glycerol. He isolated from sheep fat a new acid he named “stearic acid”. This component was proposed in a joint patent by Chevreul and Gay-Lussac (1825) for the fabrication of very efficient candles. He discovered several volatile fatty acids in cow and goat butter (from C4 to C10). His master work (Recherches chimiques sur les corps gras d’origine animale, 1823b) contains his experimental procedures and his theoretical conclusions on the nature of fats, it may be considered as the first treatise on lipochemistry.
Aktuelles zum adulten Still-Syndrom: Diagnose, Therapiekonzepte und Leitlinie
Authors: Vordenbäumen Stefan , Feist Eugen
Published: May 2023

Was ist neu?

Epidemiologie Das Still-Syndrom kann sich vom Kindes- bis ins höhere Erwachsenenalter manifestieren – mit jeweils leicht unterschiedlicher klinischer Ausprägung.

Pathogenese Das Still-Syndrom ist eine autoinflammatorische Erkrankung unklarer Ätiologie, bei der pathogenetisch das angeborene Immunsystem in Form einer Aktivierung von neutrophilen Granulozyten mit Freisetzung von pro-inflammatorischen Zytokinen IL1, -6, -18, und Typ-1-Interferonen eine zentrale Rolle einnehmen.

Diagnose und Differenzialdiagnose In der kürzlich erschienenen DGRh-S2e-Leitlinie zum adulten Still-Syndrom (AOSD) wird empfohlen, die Diagnose anhand der charakteristischen Symptomkonstellation aus u.a. intermittierendem Fieber, Exanthem, Arthralgien/Arthritis nach Ausschluss von Infektionen, Neoplasien und anderen rheumatologischen Erkrankungen zu stellen. Die Erfüllung der Yamaguchi-Klassifikationskriterien kann hierbei die Diagnose unterstützen.

Komplikationen Relevante Komplikationen mit Verschlechterung der Prognose sind insbesondere eine Perimyokarditis, eine vielgestaltige Lungenbeteiligung und das Makrophagenaktivierungssyndrom (MAS, auch als sekundäre hämophagozytische Lymphohistiozytose [HLH] bezeichnet). Beim MAS-HLH kommt es zum Zytokinsturm und zu einer Multiorganbeteiligung mit Zytopenien.

Therapie Nach klinischer Aktivitätseinschätzung wird eine Therapie mit Glukokortikoiden und Methotrexat oder Ciclosporin, bei höherer Aktivität auch mit dem IL1-Rezeptorantagonisten Anakinra, dem IL1β-Antikörper Canakinumab oder dem IL6-Rezeptorantikörper Tocilizumab empfohlen. Bei hoher Krankheitsaktivität kann gemäß den Leitlinien auch eine primäre Therapie mit Anakinra oder Canakinumab erfolgen. Die Zulassungssituation ist hierbei jeweils zu beachten. Therapeutisch sind in der vital bedrohlichen Situation eines MAS-HLH neben supportiven Intensivmaßnahmen der Einsatz hochdosierter Glukokortikoide, in Kombination mit den genannten Biologika, und ggf. auch Etoposid-haltige Therapieregime in Anlehnung an die Behandlungsempfehlungen anderer HLH-Erkrankungen notwendig.
Ultrafiltration bei kardiorenalem Syndrom
Authors: Schanz Moritz , Latus Jörg
Published: May 2023

Das kardiorenale Syndrom (KRS) umfasst heterogene Erkrankungen von Herz und Niere, die im Wesentlichen durch eine wechselseitige Funktionsstörung von Herz und Nieren gekennzeichnet sind. Das häufig führende Symptom ist die Überwässerung, für die therapeutisch neben der klassischen diuretischen Behandlung auch interventionelle Verfahren zur Verfügung stehen. Die konservativen Therapiemöglichkeiten geraten gerade bei eingeschränkter Nierenfunktion oftmals an ihre Grenzen – trotz neuerer Kombinationstherapien zur Steigerung der diuretischen Effektivität mit SGLT2-Inhibitoren (SGLT2: „sodium glucose linked transporter 2“) oder Carboanhydrasehemmern. Interventionelle Verfahren kommen bei therapierefraktärer Herzinsuffizienz daher entweder zur isolierten Ultrafiltration bei alleiniger Volumenüberladung oder zur Nierenersatztherapie mittels Hämo- oder Peritonealdialyse zum Einsatz. Bei letzterer ist die Peritonealdialyse als besonders vorteilhaft hervorzuheben aufgrund der kontinuierlichen Ultrafiltration mit einer höheren hämodynamischen Stabilität, positiven kardialen Effekten und einer hohen Patientenautonomie.
Direct Fluoroalkylthiolation Based on Fluoroalkanesulfite Derivatives
Authors: Yi Wenbin , Wei Jingjing , Liang Shuaishuai , Jiang Lvqi
Published: May 2023

Fluoroalkylthio groups have received substantial attention in the past decade because of their unique physicochemical characteristics, and methods for incorporating these substituents into organic molecules have been rapidly developed in recent years. This account summarizes our efforts on the development of direct fluoroalkylthiolation with fluoroalkanesulfite derivatives. Several innovative and efficient strategies for the fluoroalkylthiolation of various substrates are disclosed, leading to various valuable fluoroalkylthiolated compounds in good yields.

1 Introduction

2 Fluoroalkylthiolation with Sodium Fluoroalkanesulfinate

3 Fluoroalkylthiolation with Fluoroalkanesulfonyl Chloride

4 Fluoroalkylthiolation with Other Fluoroalkanesulfite Derivatives

5 Conclusion
Identifying the risk factors for intracranial herniation in patients with cerebral venous thrombosis
Authors: Dinç Yasemin , Ozpar Rıfat , Hakyemez Bahattin , Bakar Mustafa
Published: May 2023

Background Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is not as well understood as an ischemic stroke of arterial origin. Although the prognosis of CVST is usually good, parenchymal lesions may occur in some patients, and the development of intracranial herniation may result in death. For this reason, recognizing the risk factors for intracranial herniation and accurately determining those patients who should undergo decompressive craniectomy is important.

Objective This study aims to determine the risk factors for intracranial herniation in patients with CVST.

Methods A total of 177 patients diagnosed with CVST between 2015 and 2021 in our tertiary center were retrospectively included in this study.

Results Of the 177 patients, 124 were female and 53 were male with mean ages of 40.65 ± 13.23 and 44.13 ± 17.09, respectively. Among those, 18 patients had developed intracranial herniation. A significant statistical relationship was observed between superior sagittal sinus thrombosis, sinus rectus thrombosis, venous collateral score, nonhemorrhagic venous infarct, presence of malignancy, small juxtacortical hemorrhage, and cortical vein thrombosis. The binary logistic regression analysis results showed that the most significant variables were the venous collateral score of 0, malignancy, and small juxtacortical hemorrhages.

Conclusion This study identified small juxtacortical hemorrhages, the presence of malignancy, and a venous collateral score of 0 to be independent risk factors for intracranial herniation in CVST patients. Drawing on these results, we recommend close clinical observation of CVST patients, as they may be candidates for decompressive craniectomy.
Telehealth for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in a multidisciplinary service in a Brazilian reference center
Authors: Fidelix Emanuela Coriolano , Santana Glauciane Costa , Barros Daniele Montenegro da Silva , Dourado Junior Mário Emílio Teixeira
Published: May 2023

Background Telehealth has been used in the treatment of different diseases, and it has been shown to provide benefits for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Due to the social distancing measures put into effect during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there was an urgent need for telehealth to ensure the provision of healthcare.

Objective To evaluate the feasibility of telehealth for the provision of multidisciplinary ALS care, and to assess its acceptability among patients and caregivers.

Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study in which multidisciplinary evaluations were performed using the Teleconsulta platform. The patients included had ALS and at least one in-person clinical evaluation. The patients and the caregivers answered satisfaction questionnaires.

Results The sample was composed of 46 patients, 32 male and 14 female subjects. The average distance from their residences to the reference services was of 115 km. Respiratory adjustment was the most addressed topic.

Conclusion The strategy is viable and well accepted in terms of satisfaction. It was even more positive for patients in advanced stages of the disease or for those living far from the referral center.
Feasibility for evaluating motor aspects of Parkinson's disease through video consultations in a resource-limited setting in Southern Brazil
Authors: Teixeira-dos-Santos Daniel , Camelo Daniel Monte Freire , Strelow Matheus Zschornack , Silva Maysa Tayane Santos , Führ Paula , Marins Letícia Winer , Schumacher Schuh Artur Francisco
Published: May 2023

Background Performing motor evaluations using videoconferencing for patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) is safe and feasible. However, the feasibility of these evaluations is not adequately studied in resource-limited settings.

Objective To evaluate the feasibility of performing motor evaluations for patients with PD in a resource-limited setting.

Methods The examiners rated motor aspects of parkinsonism of 34 patients with PD from the Brazilian public healthcare system through telemedicine with the patient's own means by using the Movement Disorder Society-Sponsored Revision of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) rating scale. Quality measures of the video meeting were also obtained. The feasibility of rating the motor aspects was the primary outcome whereas the rating of individual motor aspects, video meeting quality and predictors of a complete evaluation served as secondary outcomes.

Results The least assessable parameters were freezing of gait (52.9%), gait (70.6%), leg agility, and rest tremor (both 76.5%). Complete MDS-UPDRS part III was possible in 41.2% of patients and 62 out of 374 motor aspects evaluated (16.6%) were missed. Available physical space for a video evaluation was the worst quality measure. Incomplete evaluations were directly associated with disability (p = 0.048, r = 0.34) and inversely with available physical space (p = 0.003, r = 0.55).

Conclusion A significant portion of the MDS-UPDRS part III is unable to be performed during telemedicine-based evaluations in a real-life scenario of a resource-limited setting.
Dual orexin receptor antagonists for the treatment of insomnia: systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Rocha Rebeka Bustamante , Bomtempo Fernanda Ferreira , Nager Gabriela Borges , Cenci Giulia Isadora , Telles João Paulo Mota
Published: May 2023

Background Several randomized clinical trials (RCTs) have shown that dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs) are effective in the treatment of chronic insomnia. However, the superiority of one particular DORA over the others remains unclear.

Objective To perform a network meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of different DORAs in patients with chronic insomnia.

Methods The Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central databases were searched for RCTs that compared DORA with placebo in patients ≥ 18 years of age with a diagnosis of insomnia disorder. We pooled outcomes for wake time after sleep onset (WASO), latency to persistent sleep (LPS), total sleep time (TST), and adverse events (AEs).

Results We included 10 RCTs with 7,806 patients, 4,849 of whom received DORAs as the intervention. Overall, we found that DORAs were associated with the improvement of all analyzed efficacy outcomes. Concerning TST, an apparent dose-dependent pattern was noticed, with higher doses relating to a longer TST. Lemborexant 10mg provided the largest reduction in WASO (at month 1) in minutes (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -25.40; 95% confidence interval [95%CI] = -40.02–-10.78), followed by suvorexant 20/15mg (SMD = -25.29; 95%CI = -36.42–-14.15), which also appeared to provide the largest decrease in long-term WASO (SMD = -23.70; 95%CI = -35.89–-11.51). The most frequent AEs were somnolence, nasopharyngitis, and headache, with rates of up to 14.8%.

Conclusion Our results suggest that DORAs are associated with greater efficacy when compared with placebo in the treatment of insomnia, a complex 24-hour sleep disorder. Additionally, dosing might play an important role in the management of chronic insomnia.
Doxycycline to treat levodopa-induced dyskinesias in Parkinson's disease: a preliminary study
Authors: Santos-Lobato Bruno Lopes , Brito Manuelina Mariana Capellari Macruz , Pimentel Ângela Vieira , Cavalcanti Rômulo Torres Oliveira , Del-Bel Elaine , Tumas Vitor
Published: May 2023

Background Levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID) is a common motor complication of levodopa therapy in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Doxycycline is a widely used and inexpensive tetracycline with anti-inflammatory properties.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of doxycycline in patients with PD and LID.

Methods This was an open-label, uncontrolled, single-arm, single-center, phase 2 proof-of-concept study in patients with PD with functional impact of dyskinesia, which used levodopa three times daily, in a movement disorders clinic in Brazil. Participants were treated with doxycycline 200 mg/day for 12 weeks, with evaluations at baseline, week 4, and week 12 of treatment. The primary outcome measure was the change from baseline in the Unified Dyskinesia Rating Scale (UDysRS) total score at week 12, evaluated by two blinded raters. Key secondary outcomes measures were OFF time and ON time with troublesome dyskinesia in the PD home diary.

Results Eight patients with PD were treated and evaluated. Doxycycline 200 mg/day reduced the UDysRS total score at week 12, compared with baseline (Friedman χ2 = 9.6; p = 0.008). Further, doxycycline reduced the ON time with troublesome dyskinesia (Friedman χ2 = 10.8; p = 0.004) without worsening parkinsonism. There were no severe adverse events, and dyspepsia was the commonest event.

Conclusion In this preliminary, open-label and uncontrolled trial, doxycycline was effective in reducing LID and safe after a 12-week treatment. Further well-designed placebo-controlled clinical trials with a longer duration and a larger number of participants are needed.

Clinical trial registration https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br, identifier: RBR-1047fwbf
Glasgow coma scale pupil score (GCS-P) and the hospital mortality in severe traumatic brain injury: analysis of 1,066 Brazilian patients
Authors: Bertotti Melina Moré , Martins Evandro Tostes , Areas Fernando Zanela , Vascouto Helena Dresch , Rangel Norma Beatriz , Melo Hiago Murilo , Lin Katia , Kupek Emil , Pizzol Felipe Dal , Golby Alexandra J. , Walz Roger
Published: May 2023

Background Pupil reactivity and the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score are the most clinically relevant information to predict the survival of traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients.

Objective We evaluated the accuracy of the GCS-Pupil score (GCS-P) as a prognostic index to predict hospital mortality in Brazilian patients with severe TBI and compare it with a model combining GCS and pupil response with additional clinical and radiological prognostic factors.

Methods Data from 1,066 patients with severe TBI from 5 prospective studies were analyzed. We determined the association between hospital mortality and the combination of GCS, pupil reactivity, age, glucose levels, cranial computed tomography (CT), or the GCS-P score by multivariate binary logistic regression.

Results Eighty-five percent (n = 908) of patients were men. The mean age was 35 years old, and the overall hospital mortality was 32.8%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was 0.73 (0.70–0.77) for the model using the GCS-P score and 0.80 (0.77–0.83) for the model including clinical and radiological variables. The GCS-P score showed similar accuracy in predicting the mortality reported for the patients with severe TBI derived from the International Mission for Prognosis and Clinical Trials in TBI (IMPACT) and the Corticosteroid Randomization After Significant Head Injury (CRASH) studies.

Conclusion Our results support the external validation of the GCS-P to predict hospital mortality following a severe TBI. The predictive value of the GCS-P for long-term mortality, functional, and neuropsychiatric outcomes in Brazilian patients with mild, moderate, and severe TBI deserves further investigation.
Risk Factors of Venous Thromboembolic Disease in Cancer Patients Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor
Authors: le Sève Julien Denis , Guédon Alexis F. , Bordenave Stéphanie , Agard Christian , Connault Jérôme , Pistorius Marc-Antoine , Quéreux Gaelle , Espitia Olivier
Published: May 2023

Background Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the management of cancers. The risk factors and pathophysiological mechanisms of venous thromboembolic events (VTEs) of this new therapeutic class are still to be specified.

Methods The included patients had to have cancer and should be treated with ICI. Data analyzed included demographic data, biological data, and immune-related adverse events (IRAEs). We studied the prevalence of VTEs and the factors associated with VTEs.

Results Of 374 patients on ICI, over a median follow-up period of 15.2 months, the number of VTE was 50 (13.4%). The majority of patients were treated for metastatic melanoma or nonsmall cell lung cancer. There was no difference in prevalence or survival between cancer types. Patients with combined therapy composed of nivolumab and ipilimumab had higher 1-year cumulative VTE occurrence (29.3% [95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.7; 44.6]) than patients with pembrolizumab (14.9%, [95%CI: 2.5; 25.8], p = 0.03) or nivolumab (9.1%, [95% CI: 5.0; 12.9], p < 0.01). The presence of IRAE was associated with a higher risk of VTE occurrence compared with patients without any IRAE (1-year VTE cumulative incidence: 17.42% [95% CI: 9.5; 24.65] vs. 9.46% [95% CI: 5.18; 13.55], p = 0.04). There was a higher risk of VTE in patients treated with the combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab (adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR]: 3.71 [95% CI: 1.74; 7.90], p < 0.001) and in patients with IRAE (adjusted SHR: 2.14 [95% CI: 1.22; 3.75], p < 0.01).

Conclusion The prevalence of VTE was 14.2% under ICIs. IRAE and combine treatment of nivolumab and ipilimumab were associated with VTE. The pathophysiological mechanisms are multiple and complex with a possible link to aberrant activation of the immune system.
Emerging technologies in wearable sensors
Authors: Greco Francesco , Bandodkar Amay J. , Menciassi Arianna
Published: May 2023

This Editorial highlights some current challenges and emerging solutions in wearable sensors, a maturing field where interdisciplinary crosstalk is of paramount importance. Currently, investigation efforts are aimed at expanding the application scenarios and at translating early developments from basic research to widespread adoption in personal health monitoring for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. This translation requires addressing several old and new challenges that are summarized in this editorial. The special issue “Emerging technologies in wearable sensors” includes four selected contributions from leading researchers, exploring the topic from different perspectives. The aim is to provide the APL Bioengineering readers with a solid and timely overall vision of the field and with some recent examples of wearable sensors, exploring new research avenues.
Hierarchical structure formation by crystal growth-front instabilities during ice templating
Authors: Yin Kaiyang , Ji Kaihua , Littles Louise Strutzenberg , Trivedi Rohit , Karma Alain , Wegst Ulrike G. K.
Published: May 2023

Directional solidification of aqueous solutions and slurries in a temperature gradient is widely used to produce cellular materials through a phase separation of solutes or suspended particles between growing ice lamellae. While this process has analogies to the directional solidification of metallurgical alloys, it forms very different hierarchical structures. The resulting honeycomb-like porosity of freeze-cast materials consists of regularly spaced, lamellar cell walls which frequently exhibit unilateral surface features of morphological complexity reminiscent of living forms, all of which are unknown in metallurgical structures. While the strong anisotropy of ice-crystal growth has been hypothesized to play a role in shaping those structures, the mechanism by which they form has remained elusive. By directionally freezing binary water mixtures containing small solutes obeying Fickian diffusion, and phase-field modeling of those experiments, we reveal how those structures form. We show that the flat side of lamellae forms because of slow faceted ice-crystal growth along the c-axis, while weakly anisotropic fast growth in other directions, including the basal plane, is responsible for the unilateral features. Diffusion-controlled morphological primary instabilities on the solid-liquid interface form a cellular structure on the atomically rough side of the lamellae, which template regularly spaced “ridges” while secondary instabilities of this structure are responsible for the more complex features. Collating the results, we obtain a scaling law for the lamellar spacing,  λ∼(VG)-1/2 , whereVandGare the local growth rate and temperature gradient, respectively.
An analytical model of three-hot-wire acoustic particle velocity sensors
Authors: Zhu Zhezheng , Chen Wangnan , Yang Lingmeng , Gao Chengchen , Hao Yilong , Yang Zhenchuan
Published: May 2023

A thermal-based acoustic vector sensor consisting of three heated wires can detect acoustic particle velocity instead of pressure. This paper proposes an analytical model for calculating the temperature distribution and acoustic-caused temperature perturbation of the sensor with a three-hot-wire configuration. In this model, the nonlinear effect caused by non-uniform thermal conductivity is considered. The nonlinear effects will not only affect the temperature of the three hot wires, but also the frequency response of the sensor. Based on the stationary temperature distribution calculated by the nonlinear model, we correct the heat diffusion coefficient in the acoustic perturbation model. The nonlinear stationary model and the corrected perturbation model are found to be in good agreement with the numerical results. Furthermore, we design a chip to measure the temperature distribution of the three heated wires and compare the sensitivity of the sensor with the corrected model. The experimental results can verify the proposed model. This study provides a theoretical basis for sensor performance optimization.
Enhanced polarization conversion and giant Faraday rotation in patterned terahertz graphene metamaterials with combined electrical and magnetic tuning
Authors: Zhou Zesen , Gan Zhilong , Cao Lei
Published: May 2023

Graphene metamaterials (MMs) have the potential to reconfigure and dynamically control terahertz (THz) waves. In this study, we conducted numerical investigations to explore the effects of externally applied magnetic fields up to 20 Tesla on the transmission properties of graphene patterned split ring resonator (GSRR) MMs in the THz region. We quantitatively compared the tunability of resonance amplitude and frequency in the co-polarized transmission component between the magnetic method and the traditional electrical approach. Our results demonstrate that magnetic tuning can effectively modulate the resonant properties of GSRR MMs. Furthermore, when combining electrical and magnetic tuning, we observed an enhancement in the polarization conversion ratio, as well as the achievement of a significant Faraday rotation angle of nearly 90 degrees in GSRR MMs. These findings indicate the potential of functional graphene-based THz devices, including switches, modulators, polarization converters, and sensors.
Nanotechnology and enzyme immobilization: a review
Authors: Oke M A , Ojo S A , Fasiku S A , Adebayo E A
Published: May 2023

The synergy between enzymes and nanotechnology (nano-biocatalysts) has created some of the most promising biomaterials fabricated by synergistically incorporating advanced nano-biotechnology. The incorporation of enzymes into nanotechnology is of great significance for making nanomaterials that are rarely harmful to the environment. However, the unique/specific physicochemical characteristics and supramolecular nature ascribed to functional nanostructures (nanomaterials), have made them novel, interesting, and exceptional matrices for the creation of nano-biocatalysts. These have a lot of potential for improving the enzyme stability, function, efficiency, kinetic characteristics, vulnerability to diffusional constraints, and engineering performance in bioprocessing. Hence, the nano-biocatalysts developed contain exceptional properties with many potential applications in diverse fields. This review covers a wide range of the nanotechnology and enzyme technology involved in producing nano-biocatalysts, including different mechanisms, strategies in nanomaterial enzyme immobilization, and various nanocarriers, as well as recent developments in controlling enzyme activity. The vast range of potential applications of nano-biocatalysts in various fields, including food, pharmaceuticals, biofuels, and bioremediation, has been discussed.
Na and Cl co-doping modified LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 as cathode for lithium-ion battery
Authors: Song Liubin , Zheng Youhang , Kuang Yinjie , Zhao Tingting , Xia Yubo , Xiao Minzhi , Xiang Youtao , Xiao Zhongliang , Tang Fuli
Published: May 2023

In recent years, ternary nickel-rich layered oxides have gradually replaced traditional binary cathode materials in the lithium-ion battery market due to their advantages of high energy density and environmental protection. However, their structural instability of cathode materials has seriously affected the cycle performance of the battery. In order to optimize the internal structure of LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 (NCM523), the modified LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 was prepared by in situ doping Na and Cl wet grinding solid phase method. After 80 cycles at 1 C, the capacity retention rate was 80.91%, which was higher than that of LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 by 70.00%. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the surface corrosion of LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 was effectively alleviated by Na and Cl co-doping. In addition, the band structure, state density and volume changes were obtained by simulation. The results show that the impedance, capacity and capacity retention data are very compatible with the simulation results. Therefore, Na and Cl doping can effectively optimize the internal structure of LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 and improve its electrochemical performance. The combination of simulation and experiment provides a new approach for the modification of ternary cathode materials.
Impacts of dielectric screening on the luminescence of monolayer WSe2
Authors: Costa Fábio J R , Brito Thiago G-L , Barcelos Ingrid D , Zagonel Luiz Fernando
Published: May 2023

Single layers of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), such as WSe2 have gathered increasing attention due to their intense electron–hole interactions, being considered promising candidates for developing novel optical applications. Within the few-layer regime, these systems become highly sensitive to the surrounding environment, enabling the possibility of using a proper substrate to tune desired aspects of these atomically-thin semiconductors. In this scenario, the dielectric environment provided by the substrates exerts significant influence on electronic and optical properties of these layered materials, affecting the electronic band-gap and the exciton binding energy. However, the corresponding effect on the luminescence of TMDCs is still under discussion. To elucidate these impacts, we used a broad set of materials as substrates for single-layers of WSe2, enabling the observation of these effects over a wide range of electrical permittivities. Our results demonstrate that an increasing permittivity induces a systematic red-shift of the optical band-gap of WSe2, intrinsically related to a considerable reduction of the luminescence intensity. Moreover, we annealed the samples to ensure a tight coupling between WSe2 and its substrates, reducing the effect of undesired adsorbates trapped in the interface. Ultimately, our findings reveal how critical the annealing temperature can be, indicating that above a certain threshold, the heating treatment can induce adverse impacts on the luminescence. Furthermore, our conclusions highlight the influence the dielectric properties of the substrate have on the luminescence of WSe2, showing that a low electrical permittivity favours preserving the native properties of the adjacent monolayer.
Investigations on mechanical properties and stacking sequence of Kevlar/banana fiber reinforced nano graphene oxide hybrid composites
Authors: Shubham S Kartik , Pandey Ajay , Purohit Rajesh
Published: May 2023

This paper focuses on the fabrication of a new hybrid polymer composite laminate (HPCL) using biodegradable materials to avoid dumping of waste and has all the desired characteristics as compared to the conventional matrix composites used in various applications such as aerospace, railways cabin, structures, sports equipment, medical field, etc. Utilizing the hand lay-up method and compression molding machine, six layers of Kevlar fiber, banana fiber, and an epoxy-based matrix reinforced with graphene oxide (GO) were fabricated. By altering the stacking order of fibers in which the HPCL were stacked and embedding GO of various weight percentages (0 wt%, 0.25 wt%, 0.50 wt%, 0.75 wt%, and 1 wt%). As a result, it was seen that the best mechanical characteristics were found to be 42.23 MPa interlaminar shear strength, flexural strength, 300.39 MPa tensile strength, and 85.68 hardness were obtained at set C-2 i.e. 0.5 wt% of GO embedded in KKBBKK stacking order. The 0.25 wt% of GO of HPCL of set C-1 yielded the impact strength with the greatest value of 771.6 J m−1. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray mapping and x-ray diffraction tests were also conducted for validating the homogeneity of the material. All the mechanical properties were enhanced by embedding GO and incorporating stacking order in HPCL. Therefore, HPCL can be used where lightweight material with proper mechanical strength and biodegradability is an important condition for sustainable development.
Enhanced optoelectronic activity of lead-free halide perovskites KMBr3 (M = Ge, Sn) under hydrostatic pressure
Authors: Sultana Aldina , Saiduzzaman Md , Hossain Khandaker Monower , Ahmed Tanjun , Alam Safin , Biswas Arpon , Molla Riaz , Ahmad Sohail , Mitro S K
Published: May 2023

The density functional theory was used to investigate lead-free tin- and germanium-based halide perovskites KMBr3 (M = Sn, Ge) under pressure (0 to 10 GPa). The structural, electronic, optical, and mechanical properties are inquired to determine their potentiality as future photovoltaic materials. The structure shows high accuracy in terms of lattice parameters, which goodly comply with previously reported data. The estimated band gap demonstrates the compounds’ semiconducting nature at zero pressure condition. But the increment of pressure lowers the band gap, improving their conductivity. Furthermore, charge density differences between K-Br and Sn(Ge)-Br are used to determine whether the bonds are ionic or covalent. Besides, the bond length consistently decreases, resulting in stronger bonding under pressure. In addition, the optical functions are improved by pressure, suggesting that these materials could be used in multiple optoelectronic devices operating in the visible and ultraviolet spectrums. Furthermore, the hydrostatic pressure has a prominent effect on the mechanical properties while maintaining stability. The ductile natures as well as the anisotropic behavior get more intensive under applied pressure.
Odd-parity perturbations of the wormhole-like geometries and quasi-normal modes in Einstein-Æther theory
Authors: Zhang Chao , Wang Anzhong , Zhu Tao
Published: May 2023

The Einstein-Æther theory has drawn a lot of attentions in recent years. As a
representative case of gravitational theories that break the Lorentz symmetry, it plays an
important role in testing the Lorentz-violating effects and shedding light on the attempts to
construct quantum gravity. Since the first detection to the gravitational wave, the event
GW150914, a brand new window has been opened to testing the theory of gravity with gravitational
wave observations. At the same time, the study of gravitational waves itself also provides us a
serendipity of accessing the nature of a theory. In this paper, we focus on the odd-parity
gravitational perturbations to a background that describes a wormhole-like geometry under the
Einstein-Æther theory. Taking advantage of this set of analytic background solutions, we are
able to simplify the Lagrangian and construct a set of coupled single-parameter dependent master
equations, from which we solve for the quasi-normal modes that carry the physical information of
the emitted gravitational waves. Basically, the results reflect a consistency between
Einstein-Æther theory and general relativity. More importantly, as long as the no-ghost
condition and the latest observational constraints are concerned, we notice that the resultant
quasi-normal mode solutions intimate a kind of dynamical instability. Thus, the
solutions are ruled out based on their stability against small linear perturbations.