bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Les enjeux éthiques de la formation clinique en ergothérapie
Authors: Drolet Marie-Josée , Sauvageau Anick , Baril Nancy , Gaudet Rébecca 
Published: June 2019

Les stages occupent une place centrale dans la formation des futures ergothérapeutes, mais les enjeux éthiques de la formation clinique en ergothérapie sont peu documentés. Une étude auprès de 23 ergothérapeutes ayant de l’expérience comme superviseur de stage1 a été menée afin d’accroître les données sur cet aspect de la profession. Il ressort des entretiens qualitatifs individuels semi-dirigés réalisés avec les participantes que ceux-ci vivent tous des enjeux éthiques comme formateurs cliniques. L’analyse des verbatims fait émerger des enjeux correspondant à six thèmes, soit : 1) les conflits de loyautés multiples; 2) les étudiantes en difficulté ou en situation d’échec; 3) les tensions entre quatre postures éthiques; 4) l’enseignement de l’idéal, du possible ou de rien du tout; 5) les difficultés à soutenir les compétences éthiques et culturelles; 6) les iniquités reliées à la formation clinique. L’étude révèle notamment des enjeux inédits et préoccupants. Puisque certains d’entre eux peuvent occasionner de la souffrance chez la superviseure et la stagiaire, une réflexion critique sur ce rôle de gardienne de la profession s’impose.
Gender and other potential biases in peer review: Analysis of 38,250 external peer review reports
Authors: Severin Anna , Martins Joao , Delavy François , Jorstad Anne , Egger Matthias , Heyard Rachel 
Published: June 2019

Background The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) supports fundamental and use-inspired research in all disciplines. Peer reviewers assess the proposals submitted to the SNSF. We examined whether the gender of applicants and reviewers and other factors influenced the summary scores awarded.
Methods We analysed 38,250 reports on 12,294 grant applications across all disciplines 2006 to 2016. Proposals were rated on a scale from 1 (=worst) to 6 (=best) by 26,836 reviewers. We used linear mixed effects regression models adjusted for research topic, applicant's age, nationality, affiliation and calendar period to examine associations, and interactions between gender of the applicant and other variables.
Results In univariable analysis, male applicants received more favourable evaluation scores than female applicants (+0.19 points; 95% CI 0.14-0.23), and male reviewers awarded higher scores than female reviewers (+0.12; 95% CI 0.08-0.15). Applicant-nominated reviewers awarded higher scores than reviewers nominated by the SNSF (+0.53; 95% CI 0.50-0.56), and reviewers affiliated with research institutions outside of Switzerland more favourable scores than reviewers affiliated with Swiss institutions (+0.53; 95% CI 0.49-0.56). In multivariable analysis, differences between male and female applicants were attenuated (to +0.08; 95% CI 0.04-0.13) whereas results changed little for source of nomination and affiliation of reviewers. There was an interaction between gender of applicant and reviewer, and between gender of applicant and calendar period. Male reviewers gave higher scores than female reviewers, with a greater difference for male than for female applicants (P=0.037 from test of interaction). The gender difference increased after September 2011, when new evaluation forms were introduced (P=0.033 from test of interaction).
Conclusions Our study showed that peer review of grant applications at SNSF might be prone to biases stemming from different applicant and reviewer characteristics. The SNSF abandoned the nomination of peer reviewers by applicants, and made members of panels aware of the other systematic differences in scores. The new form introduced in 2011 may inadvertently have given more emphasis to the applicant’s track record, and a revision is now under discussion. We encourage other funders to conduct similar studies, in order to improve the evidence base for rational and fair research funding.
Common features associated with spinal-anesthesia-induced hypotension: A retrospective study
Authors: Conlon Justin W. , Messana Anthony S. , Swetech Stephen M. 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
A retrospective study investigated features common to 85 documented cases of spinal-anesthesia-induced hypotension. Low preoperative systolic blood pressure and anemia were the most predictive features. Physical status was less important, with the exception of emergency surgeries. An association was found between preoperative medication--especially narcotics-and hypotension. Other variables found to have a high frequency among hypotensive patients were known preexisting pathologic conditions, increasing concentrations of anesthetic used at the time of surgery, and increasing levels of anesthesia achieved. The study is weighted toward obstetric/gynecologic cases.
How glyphosate and its associated acidity affect early development in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Schweizer Mona , Brilisauer Klaus , Triebskorn Rita , Forchhammer Karl , Köhler Heinz-R. 
Published: June 2019

BackgroundGlyphosate is among the most extensively used pesticides worldwide. Following the ongoing highly controversial debate on this compound, its potential impact on non-target organisms is a fundamental scientific issue. In its pure compound form, glyphosate is known for its acidic properties.MethodsWe exposed zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos to concentrations between 10 μM and 10 mM glyphosate in an unbuffered aqueous medium, as well as at pH 7, for 96 hours post fertilization (hpf). Furthermore, we investigated the effects of aqueous media in the range of pH 3 to 8, in comparison with 1 mM glyphosate treatment at the respective pH levels. Additionally, we exposed zebrafish to 7-deoxy-sedoheptulose (7dSh), another substance that interferes with the shikimate pathway by a mechanism analogous to that of glyphosate, at a concentration of one mM. The observed endpoints included mortality, the hatching rate, developmental delays at 24 hpf, the heart rate at 48 hpf and the malformation rate at 96 hpf. LC10/50, EC10and, if reasonable, EC50values were determined for unbuffered glyphosate.ResultsThe results revealed high mortalities in all treatments associated with low pH, including high concentrations of unbuffered glyphosate (>500 μM), low pH controls and glyphosate treatments with pH < 3.4. Sublethal endpoints like developmental delays and malformations occurred mainly at higher concentrations of unbuffered glyphosate. In contrast, effects on the hatching rate became particularly prominent in treatments at pH 7, showing that glyphosate significantly accelerates hatching compared with the control and 7dSh, even at the lowest tested concentration. Glyphosate also affected the heart rate, resulting in alterations both at pH 7 and, even more pronounced, in the unbuffered system. In higher concentrations, glyphosate tended to accelerate the heart rate in zebrafish embryos, again, when not masked by the decelerating influence of its low pH. At pH > 4, no mortality occurred, neither in the control nor in glyphosate treatments. At 1 mM, 7dSh did not induce any mortality, developmental delays or malformations; only slightly accelerated hatching and a decelerated heart rate were observed. Our results demonstrate that lethal impacts in zebrafish embryos can be attributed mainly to low pH, but we could also show a pH-independent effect of glyphosate on the development of zebrafish embryos on a sublethal level.
Assessment of Anions and Heavy Metals in Sediments from River Sio, Busia County, Kenya
Authors: Ondoo K. O. , Kiptoo J. K. , Onditi A. O. , Shivaji S. M. , Ogilo J. K. 
Published: June 2019

Agricultural activities, discharge of raw sewage into farms and the rise in urbanization have greatly contributed to soil pollution. During the rainy season, surface runoff from farms find their way into water bodies and deposits these contaminants into Rivers and Lakes which poses a threat to both aquatic and terrestrial organisms that depend on that water source. The objective of this research was to determine the level of anions and heavy metals from sediments in River Sio, Busia County, Kenya. Five sediment samples were taken from five sampling points and the levels of anions and heavy metals in them determined. Anions were determined using Shimadzu 1800 UV/visible spectrophotometer while heavy metals were determined using Shimadzu 6200 flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Copper, lead and nickel were above the allowed WHO limits while cadmium was below detection limit. The levels of nitrates, phosphates and chlorides were higher during the wet season due to surface runoff that carried these nutrients from the farms and deposited them on the bottom of the River. The levels of heavy metals were high during the dry season due to evaporation of water from the River, leading to an increase in the analyte concentration during the dry season. High levels of copper and nickel in the sediments points to the use of herbicides and pesticides in farming and washing of vehicles and motorcycles on the banks of the River. According to Igeo nickel showed moderate pollution during the dry season. The contamination factor for lead was very high during the dry season, while pollution load index confirmed pollution due to anthropogenic activities in sampling sites 1 – 4 during the dry season and no pollution due to anthropogenic activities during the wet season. The study recommends reduced use of inorganic fertilizers in order to save the River from the danger of eutrophication. Excessive use of agrochemicals such as herbicides and pesticides should be discouraged. In addition, pesticide leaching and the level of microbes in soil and sediments should be considered for further research
The Impact of Human Genetic Factors (G6pd and Type of Hemoglobin) on the Course of Uncomplicated Malaria Infection in Children Aged from 2 to 10 Years Living in the Banfora Health District in Burkina Faso
Authors: Sombié Salif , Badoum Emilie S. , Sermé Samuel Sindié , Diawara Aïssatou , Diarra Amidou , Coulibaly Sam Aboubacar , Henry/Béré Noelie , Dieng Mame Massar , Barry Aissata , Kargougou Désiré , Traoré Alfred Sababeni , Tiono Alfred B. , Sirima Bienvenu Sodiomon , Idaghdour Youssef , Soulama Issiaka 
Published: June 2019

Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of hemoglobin polymorphisms and G6PD deficiency on the course of uncomplicated malaria infection in children aged from 2 to 10 years in Burkina Faso.
Study Design: The study was conducted as a longitudinal study in Banfora health district. A total of 150 children aged from 2 to 10 years was enrolled and followed up between May 2015 and February 2016. Blood samples were collected at four different time points: before infection (Visit 1), during asymptomatic parasitemia (Visit 2), during symptomatic parasitemia (Visit 3) and three weeks after treatment (Visit 4). Clinical examination, hematology parameters and malaria diagnosis using microscopy were performed. Hemoglobin and G6PD typing were done using PCR-RFLP. Hemoglobin AA genotypes were defined as normal hemoglobin while Hemoglobin AC, AS and SS were defined as abnormal hemoglobin (hb non-AA).
Results: The prevalence of hemoglobin (hb) genotypes was 81.21% for AA while hb non-AA genotypes were estimated at 18.79% (12.08% for hbAC, 6.04% for hbAS and 0.67% for HbSC). The prevalence of G6PD genotypes was 89.26% and 10.74% for normal G6PDn and G6PD deficiency respectively. The prevalence of asymptomatic carriers of P. falciparum was not affected neither by the genotypes of Hemoglobin, nor by the G6PD deficiency. Conversely, the risks of developing uncomplicated malaria in G6PD deficiency (G202A) group, was significantly lower (p = 0.04).
The results showed a significant difference (p˂0.0001) in the means of P. falciparum parasite densities between asymptomatic and symptomatic phase in Hemoglobin AA genotypes carriers while the means of parasite density was comparable in non-Hemoglobin AA carriers.
Conclusion: Our study showed that G6PD deficiency protects against clinical malaria while P. falciparum parasite density increasing was correlated with carrying hemoglobin genotypes AA.
Analysis and Modeling of Tuberculosis Transmission Dynamics
Authors: Jerubet Rodah , Kimathi George , Wanaina Mary 
Published: June 2019

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the causative agent of Tuberculosis in humans [1,2]. A mathematical model that explains the transmission of Tuberculosis is developed. The model consists of four compartments; the susceptible humans, the infectious humans, the latently infected humans, and the recovered humans. We conducted an analysis of the disease-free equilibrium and endemic equilibrium points. We also computed the basic reproduction number using the next generation matrix approach. The disease-free equilibrium was found to be asymptotically stable if the reproduction number was less than one. The most sensitive parameter to the basic reproduction number was also determined using sensitivity analysis. Recruitment and contact rate are the most sensitive parameter that contributes to the basic reproduction number. Ordinary Differential Equations is used in the for­mulation of the model equations. The Tuberculosis model is analyzed in order to give a proper account of the impact of its transmission dynamics and the effect of the latent stage in TB transmission. The steady state's solution of the model is investigated. The findings showed that as more people come into contact with infectious individuals, the spread of TB would increase. The latent rate of infection below a critical value makes TB infection to persist. However, the recovery rate of infectious individuals is an indication that the spread of the disease will reduce with time which could help curb TB transmission.
Epitaxial TiOx Surface in Ferroelectric BaTiO3: Native Structure and Dynamic Patterning at the Atomic Scale
Authors: Barzilay Maya , Qiu Tian , Rappe Andrew M. , Ivry Yachin 
Published: June 2019

AbstractSurfaces and interfaces of ferroelectric oxides exhibit enhanced functionality, and therefore serve as a platform for novel nano and quantum technologies. Experimental and theoretical challenges associated with examining the subtle electro‐chemo‐mechanical balance at metal‐oxide surfaces have hindered the understanding and control of their structure and behavior. Here, combined are advanced electron‐microscopy and first‐principles thermodynamics methods to reveal the atomic‐scale chemical and crystallographic structure of the surface of the seminal ferroelectric BaTiO3. It is shown that the surface is composed of a native <2 nm thick TiOx rock‐salt layer in epitaxial registry with the BaTiO3. Using electron‐beam irradiation, artificial TiOx sites with sub‐nanometer resolution are successfully patterned, by inducing Ba escape. Therefore, this work offers electro‐chemo‐mechanical insights into ferroelectric surface behavior in addition to a method for scalable high‐resolution beam‐induced chemical lithography for selectively driving surface phase transitions, and thereby functionalizing metal‐oxide surfaces.
Introducing a Nonvolatile N‐Type Dopant Drastically Improves Electron Transport in Polymer and Small‐Molecule Organic Transistors
Authors: Panidi Julianna , Kainth Jaspreet , Paterson Alexandra F. , Wang Simeng , Tsetseris Leonidas , Emwas Abdul‐Hamid , McLachlan Martyn A. , Heeney Martin , Anthopoulos Thomas D. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractMolecular doping is a powerful yet challenging technique for enhancing charge transport in organic semiconductors (OSCs). While there is a wealth of research on p‐type dopants, work on their n‐type counterparts is comparatively limited. Here, reported is the previously unexplored n‐dopant (12a,18a)‐5,6,12,12a,13,18,18a,19‐octahydro‐5,6‐dimethyl‐ 13,18[1′,2′]‐benzenobisbenzimidazo [1,2‐b:2′,1′‐d]benzo[i][2.5]benzodiazo‐cine potassium triflate adduct (DMBI‐BDZC) and its application in organic thin‐film transistors (OTFTs). Two different high electron mobility OSCs, namely, the polymer poly[[N,N′‐bis(2‐octyldodecyl)‐naphthalene‐1,4,5,8‐ bis(dicarboximide)‐2,6‐diyl]‐alt‐5,5′‐(2′‐bithiophene)] and a small‐molecule naphthalene diimides fused with 2‐(1,3‐dithiol‐2‐ylidene)malononitrile groups (NDI‐DTYM2) are used to study the effectiveness of DMBI‐BDZC as a n‐dopant. N‐doping of both semiconductors results in OTFTs with improved electron mobility (up to 1.1 cm2 V−1 s−1), reduced threshold voltage and lower contact resistance. The impact of DMBI‐BDZC incorporation is particularly evident in the temperature dependence of the electron transport, where a significant reduction in the activation energy due to trap deactivation is observed. Electron paramagnetic resonance measurements support the n‐doping activity of DMBI‐BDZC in both semiconductors. This finding is corroborated by density functional theory calculations, which highlights ground‐state electron transfer as the main doping mechanism. The work highlights DMBI‐BDZC as a promising n‐type molecular dopant for OSCs and its application in OTFTs, solar cells, photodetectors, and thermoelectrics.
Zn(Cu)Si2+xP3 Solid Solution Anodes for High‐Performance Li‐Ion Batteries with Tunable Working Potentials
Authors: Li Wenwu , Liao Jun , Li Xinwei , Zhang Lei , Zhao Bote , Chen Yu , Zhou Yucun , Guo Zaiping , Liu Meilin 
Published: June 2019

AbstractSi‐based anodes with a stiff diamond structure usually suffer from sluggish lithiation/delithiation reaction due to low Li‐ion and electronic conductivity. Here, a novel ternary compound ZnSi2P3 with a cation‐disordered sphalerite structure, prepared by a facile mechanochemical method, is reported, demonstrating faster Li‐ion and electron transport and greater tolerance to volume change during cycling than the existing Si‐based anodes. A composite electrode consisting of ZnSi2P3 and carbon achieves a high initial Coulombic efficiency (92%) and excellent rate capability (950 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1) while maintaining superior cycling stability (1955 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 300 mA g−1), surpassing the performance of most Si‐ and P‐based anodes ever reported. The remarkable electrochemical performance is attributed to the sphalerite structure that allows fast ion and electron transport and the reversible Li‐storage mechanism involving intercalation and conversion reactions. Moreover, the cation‐disordered sphalerite structure is flexible to ionic substitutions, allowing extension to a family of Zn(Cu)Si2+xP3 solid solution anodes (x = 0, 2, 5, 10) with large capacity, high initial Coulombic efficiency, and tunable working potentials, representing attractive anode candidates for next‐generation, high‐performance, and low‐cost Li‐ion batteries.
Artificial Muscles Powered by Glucose
Authors: Mashayekhi Mazar Fariba , Martinez Jose G. , Tyagi Manav , Alijanianzadeh Mahdi , Turner Anthony P. F. , Jager Edwin W. H. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractUntethered actuation is important for robotic devices to achieve autonomous motion, which is typically enabled by using batteries. Using enzymes to provide the required electrical charge is particularly interesting as it will enable direct harvesting of fuel components from a surrounding fluid. Here, a soft artificial muscle is presented, which uses the biofuel glucose in the presence of oxygen. Glucose oxidase and laccase enzymes integrated in the actuator catalytically convert glucose and oxygen into electrical power that in turn is converted into movement by the electroactive polymer polypyrrole causing the actuator to bend. The integrated bioelectrode pair shows a maximum open‐circuit voltage of 0.70 ± 0.04 V at room temperature and a maximum power density of 0.27 µW cm−2 at 0.50 V, sufficient to drive an external polypyrrole‐based trilayer artificial muscle. Next, the enzymes are fully integrated into the artificial muscle, resulting in an autonomously powered actuator that can bend reversibly in both directions driven by glucose and O2 only. This autonomously powered artificial muscle can be of great interest for soft (micro‐)robotics and implantable or ingestible medical devices manoeuvring throughout the body, for devices in regenerative medicine, wearables, and environmental monitoring devices operating autonomously in aqueous environments.
Programmable Mechanical Properties of Two‐Photon Polymerized Materials: From Nanowires to Bulk
Authors: Bauer Jens , Guell Izard Anna , Zhang Yunfei , Baldacchini Tommaso , Valdevit Lorenzo 
Published: June 2019

AbstractTwo‐photon polymerization direct laser writing (TPP‐DLW) is the most promising technology for additive manufacturing of geometrically complex parts with nanoscale features, and could dramatically accelerate the development of a wide range of engineering micro/nanosystems. However, a major obstacle to TPP‐DLW's widespread industrial adoption is the lack of systematic data on material properties and limited knowledge on their correlation with processing parameters. These correlations for the acrylate‐based resin IP‐Dip are experimentally established over a large range of process parameters and length scales ranging from nanometers to centimeters. Universal characteristic relations between mechanical properties and process parameters are identified, which enable the tailoring of the material strength and stiffness over half an order of magnitude from rubbery soft to hard and strong. With a threshold‐based optics model presented herein, the mechanical properties of the two‐photon polymerized material can be accurately captured as a function of the applied process parameters, laying the foundation for a universal quantitative predictability of two‐photon polymerization with programmable mechanical properties. This knowledge enables fabrication of microscale components with tailored local gradients in their mechanical properties, with significant implications for the development of novel mechanical, photonic, and photonic metamaterials.
Wavelength‐Tunable Micro/Nanolasers
Authors: Zhuge Ming‐Hua , Pan Caofeng , Zheng Yazhi , Tang Jianbin , Ullah Salman , Ma Yaoguang , Yang Qing 
Published: June 2019

AbstractMicro/nanolasers (MNLs) emit coherent light on the micro/nanoscale. Research on the application of MNLs has progressed rapidly in the past two decades because of their great potential for optoelectronics with compact sizes, low cost, and low energy consumption. Wavelength‐tunable MNLs are essential for a variety of fields including optical communications, solid‐state lighting, and on‐chip wavelength‐division multiplexing. Thus far, tremendous progress is achieved toward the development of wavelength‐tunable MNLs based on bandgap tuning and cavity design. Lasing wavelength is substantially defined by material bandgap, tuned by changing the geometry of the cavity structures, and can also, to some extent, be influenced by operational environment. This review is focused on the intrinsic merits of wavelength‐tunable MNLs, and the recent progress is examined. Bandgap engineering, materials synthesis, cavity structure design, wavelength‐tuning principles, and lasing performance are explored and systematically discussed. Finally, the current research status and perspectives on possible future applications are summarized.