bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GIS-Based Groundwater Information System (GWIS) of Al Waseetah area: Case study
Authors: Hamad Salah M
Published: October 2021

Since groundwater is the main water resource in Libya, groundwater information system (GWIS) is required as a decision support system (DSS) where it promises great potential for effective management and assessment of groundwater resources, and enhances the sustainability and efficient use of groundwater resources. This paper discusses the requirements and the design approach for the preparation of GWIS using geographic information system (GIS) techniques, where Al Waseetah area in Al Jabal Al Akhdar region was selected as a case study because of the availability of the hydrogeological data. The system structure and characteristics were defined and designed to store and manipulate the groundwater data, where 155 groundwater wells data were used to test and implement the GWIS system, in addition to remote sensing data as well as previous geological and hydrogeological studies. A series of maps and the hydrogeological map were produced and used to evaluate and interpret the groundwater system in Al Waseetah area.
Outcomes of Management of Necrotizing Soft Tissue- Infections in Lower Limbs of Diabetic Patients
Authors: Saad Hasan I. Fadel , Abuzalout Tawfik , Musbah Naser , Farag Ahmed
Published: October 2021

Necrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI) of the lower limb in diabetic patients (pts) is a common serious problem and is often associated with serious complications such as increased morbidity and mortality. The study aimed to assess 3 years (yrs) experience of NSTI and to review treatment and outcome in diabetic pts at Al Thoura Teaching Hospital between May 1ST 2014 –30th April 2017, over a period of 3 yrs.24 cases of NSTI of lower limbs in diabetic pts were admittedin the period of MAY 1ST 2014 –30th April 2017. Assessment and analyzing details about their presentation, clinical features, predisposing factors, treatment offered, and outcomes were performed .16 male and 8 female pts with a mean age of 56.4 yrs (range of 39- 78 yrs) were included . Majority of patients were in the age group of 50 to 70 yrs. The most important risk factors were (glycosylated HbA1c > 9.5% in 91.66%), smoking (58.33%), hypertension and hyperlipidemia (66.66% & 83.33% respectively). Neuropathy was found in 62.5% and PVD in 50%. The total involved feet are 27. The port of infection was mostly by previous unhealed feet ulcer 48.1%. The most operated surgical procedure is aggressive frequent necrectomy (51%). Multiple toes amputations and extended tarsal amputation were needed in 29.6% and 20.8% respectively. The need for grafting, flap advancement after surgical control of infection was needed in 6 cases. The failure rate of conservative surgery was 11.11%. Complete healing was in 70.37% of cases. The morbidity rate was high in all patients in this study 92.59%. The mortality rate was 3.7%. We conclude that NSTI of lower limbs is a life-threatening infective condition, common among diabetic patients, and early diagnosis with immediate and frequent surgical debridement could reduce systemic complications, morbidity, and mortality considerably.
Effect of Salinity on Wheat Genotypes during Germination Stage
Authors: Ehtaiwesh Amal
Published: October 2021

Salinity is a major abiotic stress that adversely affects wheat production in many regions of the world. Salinity stress limits wheat growth, development, and yield. Identification of salinity tolerant genotypes is critical for yield improvement. Therefore, a series of control environment experiments were carried out to evaluate the response of two spring wheat and two winter wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum L.) to different levels of salinity. The experiments were designed in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five replications. Twenty seeds of each genotype were placed on pre-moistened filter paper in Petri dishes and placed in an incubator at 20 °C. The seeds were subjected to 4 levels of salinity 0, 50, 100, and 150 mM NaCl. Seedlings were harvested after 8 days, and data on final germination percentage, rate of germination, mean daily germination, shoot and root length, and seedling fresh and dry weight were recorded. The results indicated that winter and spring wheat genotypes differed significantly for germination percentages, rate of germination, mean daily germination, shoot and root lengths, and seedling fresh and dry weight. The results showed that salinity did not affect final germination percentage until salinity level reached to 100 mM NaCl; whereas seeds subjected to 100 and 150 mM NaCl retarded germination by 1 and 2 days of spring wheat, and 2-3 days of winter wheat respectively, as compared with 0 and 50 mM NaCl treatment. The data also showed that increasing salinity level significantly decreased shoot and root length, however, the study found that salinity affected root growth more severely than shoot growth of seedlings. Significantly, root length and dry weight of root ranked genotypes in the same order as their salt-tolerance. Therefore, the study concluded that the measurements of root growth would be effective criteria for screening wheat genotypes for salt tolerance at seedling stages.
DA LIBERDADE À TUTELA: UMA ANÁLISE SEMÂNTICA DO CAMINHO JURÍDICO PERCORRIDO POR FILHOS DE EX-ESCRAVAS NO BRASIL PÓS-ABOLIÇÃO
Authors: Santos Dilma Marta
Published: October 2021

Neste trabalho, analisam-se enunciados de 6 processos de tutela da cidade de Rio de Contas- Bahia, do período pós abolição, mais precisamente entre 1888 e 1895, paralelamente a enunciados das Ordenações Filipinas, para depreender o funcionamento de sentido das palavras tutor, órfão, educação e amor paternal que,embasando argumentos jurídicos, depois da Abolição, em tentativas de prolongar-se a condição de escravizado dessas crianças, caracterizaram tutelas brasileiras de filhos de ex-escravas assistidos pela Lei do Ventre Livre. Para tal investigação, fizemos o seguinte questionamento: Como se explica do ponto de vista semântico-argumentativo, que expressões como tutor, órfão, educação e amor paternal tenham funcionado com um sentido específico para atender uma necessidade histórica, sentido esse diferente daquele materializado nas Ordenações Filipinas, fazendo com que mesmo depois da abolição da escravatura, tais expressões pudessem ser usadas como argumentos, em processos de tutela, em favor de ex-senhores que pretenderam se tornar tutores dos filhos de suas ex-escravas?. Mobilizando conceitos da Semântica Argumentativa, demonstra-se com base nos dados que o funcionamento de tutor, órfão, educação e amor paternal, nos processos brasileiros, apresentaram sentidos específicos que, não se assemelhando com o sentido das Ordenações Filipinas, criaram a figura do tutor e a figura do órfão sui generis, próprios das tutelas brasileiras do período mencionado: o tutor voluntário e o órfão de pais vivos.

Como citar:
SANTOS, Dilma Marta. Da liberdade à tutela: uma análise semântica do caminhojurídico percorrido por filhos de ex-escravas no Brasil pós- abolição. Orientador: Jorge Viana Santos. 2013. 108f. Dissertação (mestrado em Linguística) – Programa de Pós-graduação em Linguística, Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista, 2013. Disponível em: xxxxx. Acesso em: xxxxx
AQUISIÇÃO DA ESTRUTURA FRASAL NA LÍNGUA BRASILEIRA DE SINAIS
Authors: Almeida Maria Antonieta Pereira Tigre
Published: October 2021

Esta dissertação tem como objetivo apresentar uma análise da aquisição da libras por surdos que tiveram seus processos de aquisição estabelecidos em três contextos diferentes: a) aquisição natural na infância (ANI), tendo como input a libras como primeira língua (L1) desde o nascimento; b) aquisição na infância de família ouvinte (IFO), tendo como input a libras de falantes de segunda língua (L2), a partir dos 4 anos de idade; e c) aquisição tardia (AT), tendo como input a libras de falantes de segunda língua (L2) e seus colegas surdos, a partir dos 8 anos de idade. O quadro teórico que fundamenta este estudo é a Gramática Gerativa, com sua hipótese inatista de aquisição da linguagem. Para definição do signo linguístico da libras (o sinal), assumimos a hipótese da unidade MLMov de Lessa-de-Oliveira (2012). A autora identifica esta unidade como o elemento de composição articulatória do sinal. Utilizamos o sistema de escrita SEL, também desenvolvido por Lessa-de-Oliveira (de 2009 a 2012) na transcrição dos dados, optando por uma escrita direta. Esta metodologia de transcrição criou condições para uma análise de dados mais próxima da forma como estes dados foram articulados pelos informantes. Este recurso possibilitou uma análise mais detalhadas das características da língua, que demonstra uma variedade de possibilidades de predicação, ora relacionadas à condição de articulação espacial tridimensional própria de línguas de sinais ora relacionadas a aspectos de uma sequência linear, mais de acordo com o que se encontra em línguas orais. Concluímos, assim, que a estrutura argumental das libras se utiliza de quatro processo de predicação: saturação por categorias lexicais, saturação por categorias vazias, saturação por Localizadores (Locs.) e autossaturação. A comparação desses quatro tipos de predicação entre os três perfis de informantes acima demonstra que a diferença de qualidade do input não interfere na aquisição da língua como L1. Tal resultado reforça a hipótese inatista, ilustrada pelo Problema de Platão, pois verificamos que a partir de um input fragmentado, impreciso, tardio (após os 8, 10 anos de idade) é possível adquirir a língua como nativo. Mas, os dados põem em questão a hipótese de que o período crítico de aquisição da linguagem estaria circunscrito aos 6 anos de idade.
 
Como citar:
ALMEIDA, Maria Antonieta Pereira Tigre. Aquisição da estrutura frasal na língua brasileira de sinais. Orientadora: Adriana Stella Cardoso Lessa de Oliveira.  2013. 83f. Dissertação (mestrado em Linguística) – Programa de Pós-graduação em Linguística, Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista, 2013. Disponível em: xxxxx. Acesso em: xxxxx
HEROÍSMO E TIRANIA NOS DISCURSOS SOBRE A LEGITIMAÇÃO [DE CHÁVEZ] NO EXERCÍCIO DO PODER POLÍTICO
Authors: Vieira Ricardo Pereira
Published: October 2021

Neste trabalho, analisamos os discursos de ordem político-jurídica sobre Hugo Chávez, presidente da Venezuela, materializados na mídia, para verificar a circulação de um enunciado que indica Chávez como um herói [épico], mas que deve exercer o poder político dentro de determinados limites, sob pena de deslegitimar discursivamente o poder que detém: o que chamamos, metaforicamente, de tirania. A pesquisa teve os seguintes objetivos: a) estudar os aspectos históricos e teóricos sobre a tirania, para verificar em que medida os seus caracteres podem ser identificados em relação a Chávez, no nível do discurso; e b) verificar na materialidade da mídia, tomada de forma ampla, se os aspectos heróicos e de tirania encenados sobre Hugo Chávez estão relacionados a uma posição de sujeito segundo a qual, para se chegar ao poder em cargos centrais na gerência da coisa pública, é preciso ser construído discursivamente como herói e, neste lugar de exercício de poder, não querer permanecer como tirano. O corpus da pesquisa é constituído por revistas, sítios da internet, vídeos, documentários, entrevistas televisionadas, etc., que circularam entre 2000 e aproximadamente julho de 2012. Na análise foram mobilizados conceitos operacionais do campo teórico da Escola Francesa de Análise de Discurso (AD) e, especialmente, da filosofia de Michel Foucault, além de tópicos de Política, Mídia, Direito e Filosofia.
 
Como citar:
VIEIRA, Ricardo Pereira. Heroísmo e tirania nos discursos sobre a legitimação [de Chávez] no exercício do poder político. Orientadora: Edvania Gomes da Silva. Coorientadora: Maria da Conceição Fonseca-Silva. 2013. 150f. Dissertação (mestrado em Linguística) – Programa de Pós-graduação em Linguística, Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista, 2013. Disponível em: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. Acesso em: xxxxxxxx
Perancangan Aplikasi Pembelajaran Steganografi Algoritma Least Signification Bit Dengan Metode Computer Assisted Intruction
Authors: Gulo Aperius Frediks
Published: October 2021

Steganography which is an art and technique that can be used to do digital data security or the process of hiding secret messages in the form of text in other forms so that it is not easily known by others. Least Significant Bit (LSB) is one of the steganography methods that is used to insert or hide messages by replacing rows of rear bits.

From the classroom observations it was revealed that generally pay attention when the teacher explains the subject matter and gives practice questions. But communication in the classroom generally occurs in one direction which is dominated by the teacher or tutor. This theory learning often makes students bored when compared to practical activities that are directly carried out at the computer or with other technological tools. By applying the Computer Assisted Intruction (CAI) learning model, it uses strategic learning methods by providing material, training and games that greatly assist the process of delivering material by the instructor. Mobile-based Least Significant Bit (LSB) Algorithm Learning Application using adobe flash CS6, can be an alternative learning method. To overcome these problems and see the ownership of smartphones in Indonesia is almost evenly shared by students and the community. Then this application can support these learning activities
Pengujian Sistem Pendukung Keputusan Metode Simple Additive Weighting dan Weighted Product dengan Matlab
Authors: Rikki Alex
Published: October 2021

The concept of a program to assist decision-making is currently developing very rapidly. Many methods are used to assist in the decision making process. One method that can be used to solve the Multi Attribute Decision Making (MADM) problem with the SAW, Weighted Product method and others. This is because the method is simple, easy to understand, computationally efficient and has the ability to measure the relative performance of decision alternatives in a simple mathematical form. The problem is that to solve a particular MADM case it may be difficult to determine which method is most relevant to solving certain cases.

For the making of the system, it is necessary to pay attention to the interface that is easily understood by the user, but many researchers only emphasize how the method solves the problem, so that the results of the study are not optimal, because only limited to using software, such as excel and others.

In this study the authors conducted a test of several methods in the SPK using Graphic User Interface based applications with MATLAB, this is because it makes it easier in terms of making input data in the form of a matrix. The application that is built consists of a Main Menu in which there is a sub menu file consisting of Form SAW and WP Form.
Advances in Intelligent Assistive Technologies (IAT) for persons with dementia
Authors: H. Hammad Suzanne , Al-Thani Dena
Published: October 2021

Advances in technologies and innovations over the past decade have sought solutions to ease the burden on caregivers and help persons with dementia live more independently and improve their overall wellbeing. Intelligent Assistive Technologies (IAT) for persons with ADRD encompass technologies that range from simple manual devices up to complex life monitoring and safety tracking GPS systems.
Problems of development of the professional "self" of psychologists working at internal affairs agencies during their educational activities
Authors: Temnyakov Dmitrii Aleksandrovich , Khrustaleva Tat'yana Aleksandrovna
Published: October 2021

The research subject is the psychological patterns of structural organization of the professional “self” of psychologists working at internal affairs agencies. The research object is the manifestation and development of the professional “self” of psychologists working at internal affair agencies during the educational activity. The authors analyze the main problems of development of the professional “self” of students during the educational process. The authors give special attention to the results of the empirical research of the structure and patterns of the professional “self” of psychologists working at internal affairs agencies. The article contains the essential characteristics of the phenomenon of the professional “self” and the structural peculiarities of the professional “self” of psychologists working at internal affairs agencies; the authors formulate practical recommendations for the development of the professional “self” of psychologists working at internal affairs agencies during their study at an educational institution of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia. The main conclusion of the research is the authors’ research of the structure and peculiarities of the professional “self” of psychologists working at internal affairs agencies.  The authors’ contribution to the study of the topic is their practical recommendations about the development of the professional “self” of psychologists working at internal affairs agencies during their study at an institution of higher education of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia.  The scientific novelty of the research consists in the study of the essential characteristics of the phenomenon the professional “self”, consideration of the structural peculiarities of the professional “self” of psychologists working at internal affairs agencies, and the offered factors of the improvement of the quality of training the students of educational institutions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia - the future psychologists of internal affairs agencies - for the development of the professional “self” in the process of studying at the educational institution of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia.  
análise de discurso da política pública nacional de qualificação profissional em turismo
Authors: Silva Ivan Conceição Martins da , Fratucci Aguinaldo Cesar
Published: October 2021

No campo do turismo, as políticas públicas nacionais de qualificação ganharam destaque nos últimos vinte anos. No entanto, existem dualidades na própria constituição da política de qualificação promovida pelo Ministério do Turismo e uma consequência da sua organização caótica é a falta de clareza dos rumos que a política aponta. Assim, o objetivo desta pesquisa é analisar a disputa política presente nos discursos sobre turismo, trabalho e educação que permeiam a política pública nacional de qualificação profissional em turismo. O percurso teórico-metodológico desta investigação possui três parâmetros: no campo epistemológico, o paradigma da complexidade; no campo metodológico, a análise do discurso; e, no campo teórico, as obras de Krippendorf, Freire e Marx. Como resultado, foram analisadas as formações discursivas do turismo (duro e suave), do trabalho (alienado e não alienado) e da educação (bancária e libertadora) e as formações ideológicas que os regem (do empresário e do ser humano). Diante dos antagonismos e complementaridades entre as duas formações ideológicas, a do empresário se impõe porque consegue incorporar as relações dialógicas e fazer com que a do ser humano atenda ao seu propósito.
Thermal Properties of Nanocrystalline Silicon Nanobeams
Authors: Maire Jeremie , Chávez‐Ángel Emigdio , Arregui Guillermo , Colombano Martin F. , Capuj Nestor E. , Griol Amadeu , Martínez Alejandro , Navarro‐Urrios Daniel , Ahopelto Jouni , Sotomayor‐Torres Clivia M.
Published: October 2021

Controlling thermal energy transfer at the nanoscale and thermal properties has become critically important in many applications since it often limits device performance. In this study, the effects on thermal conductivity arising from the nanoscale structure of free‐standing nanocrystalline silicon films and the increasing surface‐to‐volume ratio when fabricated into suspended optomechanical nanobeams are studied. Thermal transport and elucidate the relative impact of different grain size distributions and geometrical dimensions on thermal conductivity are characterized. A micro time‐domain thermoreflectance method to study free‐standing nanocrystalline silicon films and find a drastic reduction in the thermal conductivity, down to values below 10 W m–1 K–1 is used, with a stronger decrease for smaller grains. In optomechanical nanostructures, this effect is smaller than in membranes due to the competition of surface scattering in decreasing thermal conductivity. Finally, a novel versatile contactless characterization technique that can be adapted to any structure supporting a thermally shifted optical resonance is introduced. The thermal conductivity data agrees quantitatively with the thermoreflectance measurements. This study opens the way to a more generalized thermal characterization of optomechanical cavities and to create hot‐spots with engineered shapes at the desired position in the structures as a means to study thermal transport in coupled photon‐phonon structures.
Rubik‐Cube‐Based Self‐Powered Sensors and System: An Approach toward Smart Toys
Authors: Xue Jiehui , Zheng Ning , Zhao Wenyu , Cao Xia , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: October 2021

Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is an effective approach for self‐powered systems. Here, a second‐order Rubik‐cube‐based TENG (SRC‐TENG) is designed, which can harvest the internal sliding energy of the Rubik cube. The influence of different rotation speeds, different strengths, and effective contact area on the output performance of SRC‐TENG is studied. When the SRC‐TENG rotates with a high speed, light strength, and the contact area is 8 cm2, the maximum open‐circuit voltage and short‐circuit current can reach up to 35 V and 1.45 µA, respectively, which are enough to light up dozens of light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) and charge commercial capacitors. In addition, the SRC‐TENG‐based smart toys can act as self‐powered sensors to be applied in smart home. More importantly, the movement trajectory of the Rubik cube in the process of recovery can also be tracked in different directions of X, Y, and Z. The proposed SRC‐TENG is low cost and has great potential to replace battery‐powered electronic toys, which can open a new path for the next‐generation commercial toys.
Twisting Polarization‐Tunable Subdiffraction‐Limited Magnetization through Vectorial Beam Coupling
Authors: Liu Xiaofei , Yan Weichao , Liang Yue , Nie Zhongquan , Wang Yuxiao , Jiang Zehui , Song Yinglin , Zhang Xueru
Published: October 2021

All‐optical control of magnetization vectors is considered as a powerful solution that empowers the development of multifunctional integrated optomagnetic devices. The interaction between vectorial light and magnetism has recently experienced a surge of interest due to its prominent ability to steer the magnetic polarization orientations and spatial textures within the subwavelength domain, which, however, usually requires complex wavefront coding optimizers or arduous material fabrication procedures. Herein, an optimization‐free all‐vectorial‐optical strategy for first realizing spatially twist‐controllable and successively polarization‐tunable magnetization at the subdiffraction scale through the inverse Faraday effect is conceived and demonstrated. This facile method relies on the coherent coupling of double crossed azimuthally polarized doughnut‐Gaussian vortex beams in a single optically configured geometry. It is found that both the magnetic twisting manifolds and polarization states, rotating from perpendicular (longitudinal), via hybrid (3D) to in‐plane (transverse) orientations, can be on‐demand mediated by judiciously tuning the crossing angles. It is further unraveled that the orbital angular momenta associated with topological charges of the vortex beams can be viewed as a vital knob to energetically maneuver magnetic twisting and guide magnetization switching. It is believed that the proposed route and presented findings are not only of great theoretical implication in twistronics and optomagnetic topology but also of considerable technological significance in multidimensional high‐density and low‐energy consumption optomagnetic storage and engineering of magnetic topologic materials.
High‐Transmittance and High‐Haze Composite Particle‐Free Optical Diffusers Enabled by Polymerization‐Induced Phase Separation
Authors: Liang Guanwei , Yu Shudong , Huang Zijian , Wu Kejian , Fu Ting , Tang Yong , Li Zongtao
Published: October 2021

Optical diffusers with combined high transmittance and high haze are desired for the light management of various optoelectronic devices. However, the fabrication of such optical diffusers is still a grand challenge, limiting the wide application of optical diffusers. Herein, a technique by combining polymerization‐induced phase separation (PIPS) and postpolymer encapsulation to make composite particle‐free optical diffusers is proposed, achieving combined high transmittance and high haze. By altering the composition of two porogens, the morphology of the porous structure can be well tailored, which generates different scattering modes. Furthermore, the transmittance and haze spectra can be tuned by varying the diffuser thickness. At an optimized form, a composite optical diffuser is capable of achieving superhigh haze (88%), while maintaining a high degree of transparency (88%). Finally, the optical diffusers are applied to phosphor‐converted light‐emitting diodes for color uniformity enhancement and quantum dot films for photoluminescence intensity improvement. The present technique provides a facile, low‐cost, and easily scalable route for making optical diffusers with high transmittance and haze, which may facilitate their real‐world application.
Microemulsion‐Induced Stable CsPbBr3/PbWO4 Nanocrystals for Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Ru Xue-Chen , Yao Ji-Song , Yang Jun-Nan , Ge Jing , Lan Yi-Feng , Chen Tian , Ma Zhen-Yu , Yin Yi-Chen , Wang Jing-Jing , Song Yong-Hui , Feng Li-Zhe , Song Kuang-Hui , Yao Hong-Bin
Published: October 2021

All‐inorganic cesium lead halide perovskite colloidal nanocrystals (NCs) (CsPbX3, X = Cl, Br, I) have emerged as potential candidates for next‐generation light‐emitting diodes (LEDs). However, high trap states on the surface of CsPbX3 NCs caused by ionic nature and dynamic bonding of organic ligands limit the performance of CsPbX3 NCs‐based LEDs. Herein, a microemulsion (ME)‐modified strategy to decorate CsPbBr3 NC cores with inorganic PbWO4 is developed. It is demonstrated that ME‐assisted modification plays a crucial role in bridging the WO42− anion solution and the CsPbBr3 NC suspension. Compared with pristine CsPbBr3 NCs, the obtained PbWO4‐modified NCs exhibit improved photoluminescence efficiency. The corresponding NC films also show enhanced stability at elevated temperature and also in humid atmosphere. Consequently, the PbWO4‐modified NCs‐based LED exhibits a pronounced improvement of electroluminescence with an external quantum efficiency from 0.2% to 5.7% and twofold enhancement of the operational lifetime through PbWO4 passivation in comparison with that of pristine CsPbBr3 NCs‐based LED. These results show a promising pathway by ME‐induced anionic modification for high‐performance and stable LEDs based on perovskite NCs.
Rapid Detection and Inhibition of SARS‐CoV‐2‐Spike Mutation‐Mediated Microthrombosis
Authors: Satta Sandro , Lai Angela , Cavallero Susana , Williamson Cayden , Chen Justin , Blázquez‐Medela Ana M. , Roustaei Mehrdad , Dillon Barbara J. , Ashammakhi Nureddin , Carlo Dino Di , Li Zhaoping , Sun Ren , Hsiai Tzung K.
Published: October 2021

Activation of endothelial cells following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection is thought to be the primary driver for the increasingly recognized thrombotic complications in coronavirus disease 2019 patients, potentially due to the SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike protein binding to the human angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (hACE2). Vaccination therapies use the same Spike sequence or protein to boost host immune response as a protective mechanism against SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. As a result, cases of thrombotic events are reported following vaccination. Although vaccines are generally considered safe, due to genetic heterogeneity, age, or the presence of comorbidities in the population worldwide, the prediction of severe adverse outcome in patients remains a challenge. To elucidate Spike proteins underlying patient‐specific‐vascular thrombosis, the human microcirculation environment is recapitulated using a novel microfluidic platform coated with human endothelial cells and exposed to patient specific whole blood. Here, the blood coagulation effect is tested after exposure to Spike protein in nanoparticles and Spike variant D614G in viral vectors and the results are corroborated using live SARS‐CoV‐2. Of note, two potential strategies are also examined to reduce blood clot formation, by using nanoliposome‐hACE2 and anti‐Interleukin (IL) 6 antibodies.
Descriptive and risk factor analysis of infantile cataracts: National Birth Defects Prevention Study, 2000–2011
Authors: Nalbandyan Marine , Howley Meredith M. , Cunniff Christopher M. , Leckman‐Westin Emily , Browne Marilyn L.
Published: October 2021

Using National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS) data, we sought to estimate birth prevalence, describe clinical characteristics, and examine risk factors for infantile cataracts. We calculated birth prevalence using the numbers of NBDPS‐eligible cataract cases and live births in the study area. We described case infants by the presence of associated ipsilateral eye defects (IEDs) and non‐eye‐related major birth defects. Using maternal exposure information collected via telephone interview, we conducted logistic regression analyses among the interviewed cases and controls. Birth prevalence of infantile cataracts was 1.07/10,000 live births. Unilateral cataracts were more often associated with IEDs, while infants with bilateral cataracts were more often preterm, full‐term with low birth weight, or had non‐eye‐related major birth defects. Unilateral cataracts were positively associated with maternal nulliparity (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.18, 2.20; reference: multiparity), whereas bilateral cataracts were positively associated with maternal education <12 years (aOR = 2.08, 95% CI = 1.13, 3.82; reference: education >12 years), and foreign‐born nativity (aOR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.04, 3.52; reference: U.S.‐born nativity). The current analysis can inform future epidemiological studies aimed at identifying mechanisms underlying the associations between infantile cataracts and complex maternal exposures, such as lower levels of education and foreign‐born nativity.
Fisetin, a major component derived from mulberry (Morus australis Poir.) leaves, prevents vascular abnormal contraction
Authors: Tsurudome Natsuko , Minami Yuji , Kajiya Katsuko
Published: October 2021

Mulberry (Morus australis Poir.) leaves have long been consumed in the form of tea or tincture especially in Asia, owing to their high antioxidant and blood pressure‐regulating properties. Although it is thought that vascular abnormal contraction may be involved in the blood pressure‐suppressing effect, the effect of mulberry on vascular abnormal contraction is still unknown. Therefore, we investigated mulberry leaves as a potential source of bioactive compounds that prevent vascular abnormal contraction. Mulberry leaves were divided into fresh leaves and tea leaves and further classified according to the age of the tree: more or less than 20 years old, into roasted and unroasted. Mulberry fruits were also evaluated. We assessed the preventive effect of mulberry extracts on vascular abnormal contraction. Extracts from mulberry leaves of trees more than 20 years old showed a strong preventive effect on vascular abnormal contraction of human coronary artery smooth muscle cells. Therefore, to identify the active components in mulberry leaves, we fractionated the active fractions by gel filtration chromatography and reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography. The active fraction was further analyzed by mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance; an active component of the mulberry leaf extract was fisetin. In addition, our results indicated that the hydroxyl group at the C‐3 position of fisetin is crucial for its activity. These results prove that fisetin is effective in preventing vascular abnormal contraction. Overall, mulberry leaves and fisetin are expected to be used in a wide range of fields such as functional foods, nutraceuticals, and drug targets.
Intercontinental collaboration in clinical trials for children and adolescents with cancer—A systematic review by ACCELERATE
Authors: de Rojas Teresa , Pearson Andrew J. , Scobie Nicole , Knox Leona , Wariabharaj Darshan , Kearns Pamela , Vassal Gilles , Reaman Gregory
Published: October 2021

Background

Since pediatric cancer drug development is a global enterprise, we sought to provide an overview of the landscape of intercontinental clinical trials in pediatric oncology opened over the last decade.

Methods

ClinicalTrials.gov was systematically searched to identify all clinical therapeutic trials which opened between 2010 and 2020 and recruited pediatric patients (<18 years) with cancer.

Results

Over the last 10 years, 295 (8.7%) of 3383 therapeutic pediatric cancer trials were international and 182 (5.4%) were intercontinental. Most intercontinental trials were phase‐1 or 2, with 25% late‐phase, 65% were sponsored by industry, and North America was involved in 92%. Industry‐sponsored proportionally more phase‐1 trials than academia (41% vs. 25%); conversely, academia sponsored more phase‐2 and late‐phase trials (39% and 31% vs. 36% and 21%, respectively) (p = 0.020). North America–Europe collaboration was predominantly industry sponsored as opposed to North America–Oceania and Europe–Oceania collaboration, more frequently academic (p < 0.0001). Most late‐phase trials (18/20, 90%) focusing on pediatric malignancies were conducted by academic sponsors and 10 of these were conducted by Children's Oncology Group (COG)/National Cancer Institute in the United States and Oceania. There was no significant increase over time of intercontinental trials and a trend for a reduction in academic trials.

Conclusions

Despite the relative rarity of childhood malignancies, especially within molecular subtypes, only 5.4% of pediatric cancer trials were intercontinental. The number of intercontinental trials remains small, with no significant increase over the last decade. The ACCELERATE International Collaboration Working Group aims to identify existing hurdles and propose solutions to improve intercontinental collaboration in clinical research for the benefit of children and adolescents with cancer.
SEPIC converter in discontinuous conduction mode: Small signal modeling and analysis
Authors: Agrawal Amit , Shrivastava Ashish , Singh Kulwant , Mahato Bidyut , Tiwari Shubham , Rai Amit
Published: October 2021

In this article, a new approach is applied to solve the small signal state space average (SSA) model for pulse width modulated (PWM) single ended primary inductor converter (SEPIC) under discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) of operation. Authors proposed a novel approach to get duty ratio constrains that is based on variation of current in inductor. The approach used a unique correction matrix (M) in the modeling process and obtained better results for DCM. To demonstrate the whole technique, the SEPIC‐based power supply of 75 W is designed and system loop gain is derived with the help of this new technique. The frequency response of the proposed system is captured with the help of linearization technique using MATLAB Simulink platform. The frequency plot from the proposed techniques is much closer to simulation results as compared to conventional method. This claims high predictions for dc–dc converter operating in DCM with wide range of input supply. The proposed model is analyzed with previous SSA small signal modeling for comparative results on the basis of frequency analysis and stability. The experiment results of designed power supply have shown good power quality performance at 220‐V AC mains for light‐emitting diode (LED) lighting application.
Using an alternatives assessment framework to evaluate waterborne versus solventborne basecoats used in automotive refinishing
Authors: Brown Lawrence A. , Fisk Grace , Cohen Martin A. , Crollard Allison , Whittaker Stephen G.
Published: October 2021

We evaluated two types of automotive basecoats used in automotive refinishing (i.e., in auto body shops): waterborne and solventborne. The primary tool we used for this evaluation was the Alternatives Assessment Guide (version 1.0) developed by the Interstate Chemicals Clearinghouse (IC2). The term “solventborne,” as used in this article, refers to products that contain relatively high concentrations of volatile organic compounds (referred to as “high-volatile organic compound [VOC] basecoats” in the industry). These products are distinct from the “low-VOC” solventborne products used widely in California and elsewhere. From a health and environmental hazard perspective, our evaluation found that waterborne basecoats contained fewer hazardous ingredients and at lower concentrations than their solventborne counterparts. Automotive painters who spray-painted vehicles with waterborne products experienced significantly lower exposures to several harmful solvents. Waterborne products are readily available and offer advantages with regard to social impacts. Some of these advantages include lower worker and community exposure to VOCs, reduced VOC release and smog formation, and reduced potential for generation of and exposure to hazardous waste. Based on our assessment in auto body shops, we consider waterborne basecoats to be safer alternatives from both a human health and environmental perspective. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:1101–1113. Published 2021. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

KEY POINTS

We evaluated waterborne vs. solventborne automotive basecoats using an alternatives assessment framework. Waterborne basecoats contained fewer hazardous ingredients and at lower concentrations than their solventborne counterparts and offered additional advantages with regard to several other factors. We conclude that waterborne basecoats are safer and commercially viable alternatives to solventborne products.
Inhibition of hypoxia‐induced Mucin 1 alters the proteomic composition of human osteoblast‐produced extracellular matrix, leading to reduced osteogenic and angiogenic potential
Authors: Jadaun Pavitra K. , Zhang Shuang , Koedam Marijke , Demmers Jeroen , Chatterjee Suvro , van Leeuwen Johannes P. , van der Eerden Bram C.
Published: October 2021

The bone microenvironment is one of the most hypoxic regions of the human body and in experimental models; hypoxia inhibits osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). Our previous work revealed that Mucin 1 (MUC1) was dynamically expressed during osteogenic differentiation of human MSCs and upregulated by hypoxia. Upon stimulation, its C‐terminus (MUC1‐CT) is proteolytically cleaved, translocases to the nucleus, and binds to promoters of target genes. Therefore, we assessed the MUC1‐mediated effect of hypoxia on the proteomic composition of human osteoblast‐derived extracellular matrices (ECMs) and characterized their osteogenic and angiogenic potentials in the produced ECMs. We generated ECMs from osteogenically differentiated human MSC cultured in vitro under 20% or 2% oxygen with or without GO‐201, a MUC1‐CT inhibitor. Hypoxia upregulated MUC1, vascular endothelial growth factor, and connective tissue growth factor independent of MUC1 inhibition, whereas GO‐201 stabilized hypoxia‐inducible factor 1‐alpha. Hypoxia and/or MUC1‐CT inhibition reduced osteogenic differentiation of human MSC by AMP‐activated protein kinase/mTORC1/S6K pathway and dampened their matrix mineralization. Hypoxia modulated ECMs by transforming growth factor‐beta/Smad and phosphorylation of NFκB and upregulated COL1A1, COL5A1, and COL5A3. The ECMs of hypoxic osteoblasts reduced MSC proliferation and accelerated their osteogenic differentiation, whereas MUC1‐CT‐inhibited ECMs counteracted these effects.

In addition, ECMs generated under MUC1‐CT inhibition reduced the angiogenic potential independent of oxygen concentration. We claim here that MUC1 is critical for hypoxia‐mediated changes during osteoblastogenesis, which not only alters the proteomic landscape of the ECM but thereby also modulates its osteogenic and angiogenic potentials.
Comparative long‐term outcomes of laparoscopic hepatectomy and radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma located in the anterolateral segments of the liver
Authors: Kim Sungho , Yoon Chang Jin , Cho Jai Young , Han Ho‐Seong , Yoon Yoo‐Seok , Lee Hae Won , Lee Jun Suh , Kim Moonhwan , Lee Boram , Ahn Soyeon
Published: October 2021

Background

Laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) is considered the standard surgical approach for resecting small hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) located in the anterolateral segments of the liver. However, few studies have compared LLR and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in such cases.

Methods

We retrospectively compared the short‐ and long‐term outcomes of 101 patients who underwent LLR and 264 patients who underwent RFA because of a newly diagnosed single, small (≤4 cm) HCC located in the anterolateral segments of the liver. By applying 1:1 propensity score matching, we matched 61 patients in both groups.

Results

Although the 5‐year overall survival rates were similar (83.6% vs 84.5%; P = .913), the 5‐year disease‐free survival rate was greater in the LLR group (56.4% vs 41.8%; P = .009). In patients with an α‐fetoprotein level of ≥100 ng/mL, the 5‐year overall (100% vs 80.0%; P = .022) and disease‐free survival (76.6% vs 45.5%; P = .006) rates were greater in the LCC group.

Conclusions

For patients with a single, small HCC located in the anterolateral segments of the liver, LLR was associated with similar complication and overall survival rates, but better disease‐free survival compared with RFA. LLR may be recommended for patients with higher α‐fetoprotein levels.
Liver stiffness‐based score at sustained virologic response predicts liver‐related complications after eradication of hepatitis C virus
Authors: Kuo Yuan‐Hung , Kee Kwong‐Ming , Hung Chao‐Hung , Lu Sheng‐Nan , Hu Tsung‐Hui , Chen Chien‐Hung , Wang Jing‐Houng
Published: October 2021

To determine whether liver stiffness (LS) and fibrosis‐4 (Fib‐4) index were useful in assessing the occurrence of liver‐related complications (LRC) in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients after direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) had been administered. This retrospective study enrolled CHC patients achieving sustained virological response (SVR) after DAA. A total of 697 (male/female: 294/403, mean age: 63.8 year) patients with measured LS and complete lab data at SVR were enrolled, followed, and analyzed. In a median follow‐up of 21.4 months after SVR, 39 patients developed LRC including 28 with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with the 30‐month cumulative incidence of LRC and HCC being 7.7% and 5.1%, respectively. Predictions of occurrence of LRC and HCC were 0.820 and 0.774 for LS, and 0.775 and 0.737 for Fib‐4, with optimal cutoffs of LS and Fib‐4 being 14.5 kPa and 2.9 for LRC prediction. In multivariate analysis, LS was associated with the occurrence of LRC (hazard ratio: 3.97, 95% confidence interval [1.866, 8.446], p < 0.001) after adjustment for Fib‐4 and diabetes. A risk‐score system combining LS, Fib‐4, and diabetes was developed for LRC risk assessment. Patients were stratified into low‐ (score 0–1), intermediate‐ (score 2–3), and high‐risk (score 4) groups with LRC cumulative incidences of 1.7%, 14.9%, and 36.4%, respectively (p < 0.001). For patients with CHC after DAA, the risk scoring system based on LS, Fib‐4, and diabetes was useful to assess the risk of LRC development during follow‐up; accordingly, it would be advantageous for clinicians to set up more personalized and cost‐effective strategies of surveillance.
Effectiveness of a nursing innovation workshop at enhancing nurses’ innovation abilities: A quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Gao Limei , Lu Qiaocong , Hou Xiangchuan , Ou Jiefen , Wang Mingzhu
Published: October 2021

Aim

To investigate the effectiveness of nursing innovation workshop in enhancing clinical nurses’ innovation ability and research ability in a tertiary hospital.

Design

A quasi‐experimental study design.

Methods

Thirty‐seven recruited nurses participated in a nursing innovation workshop for half a year in a tertiary hospital in Guangdong between June 2019 and March 2020. Questionnaire data on the nurses’ self‐rated innovation and research abilities were collected before the training and 3 months after completing the training. Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to analyse differences within the group before and after the intervention. The level for statistical significance was set at p ≤ .05 (two‐tailed).

Results

Nurses’ self‐rated innovation ability (p < .001, 95% confidence interval 12.79 to 15.05) and research ability (p < .001, 95% confidence interval 14.39 to 19.09) improved significantly after the training. Since the whole design lacked a control group, the study needs to be further verified in more hospitals and among more nurses.
Computational insights into themulti‐Diels–Alderreactions of neutralC60and its Li+encapsulated analogue: A density functional theory study
Authors: Ash Tamalika , Banerjee Soumadip , Debnath Tanay , Das Abhijit K.
Published: October 2021

The exohedral functionalization of encapsulated fullerenes (such as Diels–Alder reaction) gives rise to wide‐ranging derivatives that are useful for potential applications. Though the oligo‐adducts have significant uses in material and biological sciences, they are hardly investigated due to experimental limitations. To shed light on that unexplored area, we have computationally investigated the sequential Diels–Alder reactions, that is, multi‐Diels–Alder (MDA) reaction of neutral C60and its Li+‐encapsulated derivative with 1,3‐butadiene in the present venture employing density functional theory. The computational reports available to date illustrate that the reactivity of neutral C60can be significantly stimulated by the encapsulation of alkali/alkaline earth metal atoms/ions within the fullerene cage. However, the effect of encapsulation has been examined for the Diels–Alder reaction of fullerene derivatives up to bis‐functionalization. Therefore, in the present study, we aim to investigate the kinetic and thermodynamic feasibility of multiple butadiene attachments (beyond two) to the neutral C60surface and also the impact of Li+encapsulation on the reaction mentioned above. We have shown that the MDA reaction initiates with the formation of an encounter complex between the mono‐functionalized fullerene product and the second butadiene molecule. In this context, two different approaches, namely “direct” and “alternative” have been considered depending on the second butadiene attachment to check whether the first functionalization makes the rest of the double bonds in‐equivalent toward the second butadiene addition or not. Each of the reaction steps following these two approaches eventually forms the same tetra‐functionalized final product with a high degree of exothermicity value, thus making the overall reaction thermodynamically facile. The positive impact of Li+encapsulation is well‐understood from the diminished activation barrier and more negative exothermicity value compared to neutral C60in each step of the MDA procedure. Moreover, just like the mono‐ and bis‐functionalization reported earlier, the regio‐selectivity is also retained in the MDA procedure. Overall, the present study will foresee an extensive idea about the detailed mechanism of the MDA reactions on neutral C60and its Li+encapsulated analogue, which will be helpful for further progress in the field of fullerene chemistry.