bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Food Safety Practices, Associated Factors and Microbial Contamination of Fried Nile Perch in Mwanza City Markets: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Bikuba Anastazia Niyonkulu , Nyamete Frida Albinus , Ngungulu Alex Wenaty 
Published: February 2025

Unsatisfactory hygienic practices can lead to food-borne pathogen contamination in fish and fishery products, posing serious health concerns for consumers.
This study assessed the food safety practices, their associated factors, and microbial contamination levels of fried Nile Perch in Mwanza City across three markets: Kirumba, Butimba, and Nyakato. A cross-sectional study using a structured questionnaire examined the food safety practices of traders and processors, and their associated factors, including experience, income, and training. Standard methods for microbial analysis were conducted to determine the levels of coliforms, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. SPSS version 27 was used to compute the frequency and percentages. The factors and behaviours of fried Nile perch processors and traders were assessed using a 95% chi-square test. R software was employed to perform the Aligned Rank Transformation on market microbiological mean contamination. Tukey's Honest Significant Difference was employed for post hoc group comparisons. The results show that the transportation of raw fish at ambient temperature conditions showed a significant association across markets (X²=6.153, p=0.046), risking high levels of microbial contamination. Furthermore, tap water served as the predominant water source in the Butimba (88.9%), Kirumba (90%), and Nyakato (100%) marketplaces, despite the insufficient hand-washing facilities in the markets.
Low income significantly affected the clear separation between storage and processing areas (X²=16.201, p=0.013), while insufficient training was related to inadequate temperature control (X²=6.032,p=0.014). Fried fish from all markets exceeded the safe limits of assessed microorganisms, with Nyakato having the highest levels of total plate count (9.53 log CFU/g), coliforms (8.74 log CFU/g), and S. aureus (5.51 log CFU/g), posing significant risks of food-borne illnesses upon consumption. Contamination levels differed significantly between markets (p<0.05), despite similar activities across locations. Consumers should reheat fried Nile perch before consumption to avoid foodborne illnesses, and the government should offer formal training in food safety and environmental cleanliness to food safety operators to facilitate compliance with safety regulations.
A Learning Assessment to Increase Diversity in Academic Health Sciences
Authors: Alegría Margarita , Thurston Idia Binitie , Cheng Michelle , Herrera Christian , Markle Sheri Lapatin , O’Malley Isabel Shaheen , Porter Danielle , Estrada Rodolfo , Giraldo-Santiago Natalia 
Published: February 2024

ImportanceStrategies and innovations to advance racial and ethnic equity in recruitment, promotion, and retention at academic health science institutions are needed.ObjectiveThis learning assessment aims to isolate evidence-based strategies to advance racial equity in the academic health sciences, which have implications for policy and institution-level interventions.Evidence ReviewThis learning assessment used a mixed-methods approach, including a quantitative survey, qualitative in-depth interviews, and a scoping literature review. Survey respondents were recruited from outreach lists that included researchers working with racial and ethnic minoritized populations. In-depth interviews were conducted among 60 university administrators, faculty/staff, scholars, students, and individuals affiliated with governmental, nongovernmental, and identity-based professional associations. A search of the literature in PsycINFO, MEDLINE, ERIC, Education Source, Academic Search Ultimate, and CINAHL was conducted for the scoping review. The scoping review included 366 primary articles of studies evaluating strategies to advance racial and ethnic equity at academic health science institutions.FindingsThe survey yielded analyzable results from 328 individuals, including faculty, students, administrators, or staff, and individuals not currently employed at or enrolled full time at a university or college. The interviews included 60 participants with a mean (SD) age of 49.3 (16.5) years, and 39 (65%) were female. The scoping review included 366 primary research articles that met inclusion criteria for analysis. Data were analyzed individually across the survey, interviews, and scoping review, and findings were triangulated. While each of the 3 assessments yielded unique findings, 13 common themes emerged across all project components. Results revealed strategies implemented and evaluated successfully, as well as challenges and barriers to advancing equity in the academic health sciences.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this study, 13 meaningful strategies emerged across the survey, in-depth interviews, and scoping review. Through triangulation of findings, recommendations of actionable steps were made.
A distributed randomized method for the identification of switched ARX systems
Authors: Yu Miao , Bianchi Federico , Piroddi Luigi 
Published: February 2024

SummaryThe identification of switched systems amounts to a mixed integer nonlinear optimization problem, where the continuous variables are associated to the model parameterizations of the different modes, and the discrete ones are related to the switching signal (each data sample is assigned to a mode, and switching occurs when the mode assignment changes over time). In the batch form of the identification problem, the combinatorial complexity increases exponentially with the size of the training set, which makes the precise identification of the switching signal the most challenging task in the identification problem. To tackle this complexity we propose a distributed optimization approach, based on the solution of multiple instances of a much simpler problem, where switching can occur only at specific time instants (different for each subproblem), and an information sharing mechanism that preserves likely switching times to improve the local solutions. We employ an adapted version of a previously developed randomized algorithm to solve the individual subproblems. Another important feature of the proposed method is an a posteriori heuristic correction method, that is applied to further refine the switching locations based on the estimated local models before the information sharing phase. The performance of the proposed algorithm is analyzed and compared with other methods on synthetic datasets.
Adaptive fast finite‐time control for nonlinear systems subject to output hysteresis by fuzzy approach
Authors: Li Zheng , Li Xueyi , Wang Fang 
Published: February 2024

SummaryThis article investigates an adaptive fast finite‐time tracking control problem for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems with output hysteresis. The idea of output hysteresis compensation is skillfully extended to adaptive design by employing a hysteresis inverse transformation and barrier Lyapunov function. The backstepping technique is adopted to establish the fast finite‐time control strategy, which can realize finite‐time convergence of the closed‐loop system. A rigorous theoretical analysis is performed to illustrate that the signals in the closed‐loop systems are bounded in finite time, and the tracking error can converge into a compact set with sufficient accuracy. Finally, a numerical simulation is given to confirm the effectiveness of the presented strategy.
Chiral Light in Twisted Fabry–Pérot Cavities
Authors: Dyakov Sergey A. , Salakhova Natalia S. , Ignatov Alexey V. , Fradkin Ilia M. , Panov Vitaly P. , Song Jang‐Kun , Gippius Nikolay A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractFundamental studies of the interaction of chiral light with chiral matter are important for the development of techniques that allow handedness‐selective optical detection of chiral organic molecules. One approach to achieve this goal is the creation of a Fabry–Pérot cavity that supports eigenmodes with a desired electromagnetic handedness. This paper theoretically studies chiral Fabry–Pérot cavities with mirrors comprising 1D photonic crystal slabs made of van der Waals As2S3, a material with one of the highest known in‐plane anisotropies. By utilizing the anisotropy provided by As2S3, Fabry–Pérot cavities with constitutional and configurational chiralities are designed. It is demonstrated that in cavities with constitutional chirality, electromagnetic modes of left or right handedness exist due to the chirality of both mirrors, often referred to as handedness preserving mirrors in the literature. At the same time, cavities with configurational chirality support modes of both handednesses due to the chiral morphology of the entire structure, set by the twist angle between the optical axes of the upper and lower non‐chiral anisotropic mirrors. The developed chiral Fabry–Pérot cavities can be tuned to any distance between the mirrors by properly twisting them, making such systems a prospective platform for the coupling of chiral light with chiral matter.
Stabilizing Single‐Source Evaporated Perovskites with Organic Interlayers for Amplified Spontaneous Emission
Authors: Chin Sang‐Hyun , Cortecchia Daniele , Forzatti Michele , Wu Chun‐Sheng , Alvarado‐Leaños Ada Lili , Folpini Giulia , Treglia Antonella , Kalluvila Justin Isabella Antony , Paliwal Abhyuday , Cho Changsoon , Roldán‐Carmona Cristina , Sessolo Michele , Petrozza Annamaria , Bolink Henk J. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMetal halide perovskites are promising semiconductors with promising applications in optoelectronic and photonic technologies. When coherent emission applications are targeted, materials with lower lasing thresholds and increased stabilities must be developed to increase the performance under continuous wave optical pumping condition and finally allow the realization of the long sought‐after electrically pumped lasers. Perovskite multiple‐quantum‐wells (MQWs) can potentially ease the population inversion by confining photoexcitation within the heterostructure's wells, but their fabrication process and structural design still require a delicate optimization to make them valuable photonic platforms. Here, perovskite MQWs are fabricated based on organic semiconductors and CsPbBr3, using a facile and easily scalable sequential single‐source vacuum evaporation method. Perovskite with the organic interlayer shows radically enhanced phase stability, passivated defects, and improved radiative recombination properties. In this way, upon proper design of the heterostructure wells and barriers thicknesses, optically pumped amplified spontaneous emission can be achieved. This work reports an effective fabrication approach for perovskite MQWs, while providing a deeper understanding of their photophysical properties to foster their application as coherent light emitters.
Plasma and Gas‐based Semiconductor Technologies for 2D Materials with Computational Simulation & Electronic Applications
Authors: Kim Changmin , Kim Muyoung , Kim Seongho , Kang Minji , Choi Min Sup , Kim Hyeong‐U 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe technique of plasma processing is beneficial for wafer cleaning and precision etching of integrated circuits and essential in manufacture of advanced semiconductor devices with unmatched perfection. Research on two‐dimensional (2D) materials, such as transition metal dichalcogenides(TMDs), offers a promising solution to the challenges in semiconductor miniaturization. TMDs, with their atomic layer thicknesses and silicon‐like bandgaps, can be integrated using existing plasma systems. Different 2D crystal structures, such as 1T and 2H configurations, exhibit distinctive properties. Computational approaches are also developed to provide guidelines for controlled synthesis and etching of large‐scale and high‐quality 2D materials. Plasma/gas‐surface interactions during the synthesis, etching, and phase transformation of 2D materials are explored using atomistic simulations such as density functional theory and molecular dynamics. The reaction energetics, chemical species, and associated kinetics are discovered in the simulation study. These results decipher various mechanisms of 2D materials processing at the microscopic scale and predict certain optimal process parameters. Plasma/gas‐based semiconductor technologies are crucial in electronics because they enable production of advanced semiconductors. Plasma/gas etching allows precise and selective removal of material and plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition enhances chemical reactions for efficient film deposition; therefore, these processes are majorly important for harnessing 2D materials in electronic applications.
A multi‐center, prospective, clinical study to evaluate the anti‐reflux efficacy of laparoscopic double‐flap technique (lD‐FLAP Study)
Authors: Kuroda Shinji , Ishida Michihiro , Choda Yasuhiro , Muraoka Atsushi , Hato Shinji , Kagawa Tetsuya , Tanaka Norimitsu , Mitsuhashi Toshiharu , Kakiuchi Yoshihiko , Kikuchi Satoru , Nishizaki Masahiko , Kagawa Shunsuke , Fujiwara Toshiyoshi 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundDouble‐flap technique (DFT) is a reconstruction procedure after proximal gastrectomy (PG). We previously reported a multi‐center, retrospective study in which the incidence of reflux esophagitis (RE) (Los Angeles Classification ≥Grade B [LA‐B]) 1 year after surgery was 6.0%. There have been many reports, but all of them were retrospective. Thus, a multi‐center, prospective study was conducted.MethodsLaparoscopic PG + DFT was performed for cT1N0 upper gastric cancer patients. The primary endpoint was the incidence of RE (≥LA‐B) 1 year after surgery. The planned sample size was 40, based on an estimated incidence of 6.0% and an upper threshold of 20%.ResultsForty patients were recruited, and 39, excluding one with conversion to total gastrectomy, received protocol treatment. Anastomotic leakage (Clavien–Dindo ≥Grade III) was observed in one patient (2.6%). In 38 patients, excluding one case of postoperative mortality, RE (≥LA‐B) was observed in two patients (5.3%) 1 year after surgery, and the upper limit of the 95% confidence interval was 17.3%, lower than the 20% threshold. Anastomotic stricture requiring dilatation was observed in two patients (5.3%). One year after surgery, body weight change was 88.9 ± 7.0%, and PNI <40 and CONUT ≥5, indicating malnutrition, were observed in only one patient (2.6%) each. In the quality of life survey using the PGSAS‐45 questionnaire, the esophageal reflux subscale score was 1.4 ± 0.6, significantly better than the public data (2.0 ± 1.0; p = 0.001).ConclusionLaparoscopic DFT showed anti‐reflux efficacy. Taken together with the acceptable incidence of anastomotic stricture, DFT can be an option for reconstruction procedure after PG.
Deciphering the Chemical Language of the Immunomodulatory Properties of Veillonella parvula Lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Pither Molly Dorothy , Andretta Emanuela , Rocca Giuseppe , Balzarini Fabio , Matamoros‐Recio Alejandra , Colicchio Roberta , Salvatore Paola , van Kooyk Yvette , Silipo Alba , Granucci Francesca , Martin‐Santamaria Sonsoles , Chiodo Fabrizio , Molinaro Antonio , Di Lorenzo Flaviana 
Published: February 2024

AbstractVeillonella parvula, prototypical member of the oral and gut microbiota, is at times commensal yet also potentially pathogenic. The definition of the molecular basis tailoring this contrasting behavior is key for broadening our understanding of the microbiota‐driven pathogenic and/or tolerogenic mechanisms that take place within our body. In this study, we focused on the chemistry of the main constituent of the outer membrane of V. parvula, the lipopolysaccharide (LPS). LPS molecules indeed elicit pro‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory responses depending on their chemical structures. Herein we report the structural elucidation of the LPS from two strains of V. parvula and show important and unprecedented differences in both the lipid and carbohydrate moieties, including the identification of a novel galactofuranose and mannitol‐containing O‐antigen repeating unit for one of the two strains. Furthermore, by harnessing computational studies, in vitro human cell models, as well as lectin binding solid‐phase assays, we discovered that the two chemically diverse LPS immunologically behave differently and have attempted to identify the molecular determinant(s) governing this phenomenon. Whereas pro‐inflammatory potential has been evidenced for the lipid A moiety, by contrast a plausible “immune modulating” action has been proposed for the peculiar O‐antigen portion.
Low stress creep response of PTFE sealants applied to PEM fuel cells
Authors: Kumar Vikas , Koorata Poornesh Kumar 
Published: February 2024

AbstractViscoelastic properties of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) play a crucial role in forecasting its long‐term behavior in engineering applications. An attempt is made to explore the viscoelastic properties of PTFE sealants that are utilized in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). It is to be noted that PTFE sealants are vulnerable to creep under constant loading at elevated temperatures. Moreover, the creep of sealants will lead to leakage of reactants from the cell, which affects the performance of PEMFC. PTFE is an excellent choice as a sealant material in low‐temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (LT‐PEMFC), which operates in the temperature range of 60–80°C. PTFE can be prominently used as sealants in high‐temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (HT‐PEMFC), as it possesses no significant change in its physical properties within the temperature range of −150 to 300°C along with the working conditions of HT‐PEMFC. In LT‐PEMFC, the sealants will typically be subjected to low stresses in the range of 1–5 MPa. In this article, the creep response of PTFE sealant material is extensively studied at various temperatures of 25 (room temperature), 35, 45, 55, and 65°C and at three stress levels of 2, 3, and 4 MPa. The time–temperature superposition principle is utilized to develop master curve at a reference temperature of 25°C, to forecast long‐term creep characteristics of PTFE sealants. Moreover, the master curve for creep compliance is developed for 4.5 h.
Symbiont effector‐guided mapping of proteins in plant networks to improve crop climate stress resilience
Authors: Rehneke Laura , Schäfer Patrick 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThere is an urgent need for novel protection strategies to sustainably secure crop production under changing climates. Studying microbial effectors, defined as microbe‐derived proteins that alter signalling inside plant cells, has advanced our understanding of plant immunity and microbial plant colonisation strategies. Our understanding of effectors in the establishment and beneficial outcome of plant symbioses is less well known. Combining functional and comparative interaction assays uncovered specific symbiont effector targets in highly interconnected plant signalling networks and revealed the potential of effectors in beneficially modulating plant traits. The diverse functionality of symbiont effectors differs from the paradigmatic immuno‐suppressive function of pathogen effectors. These effectors provide solutions for improving crop resilience against climate stress by their evolution‐driven specification in host protein targeting and modulation. Symbiont effectors represent stringent tools not only to identify genetic targets for crop breeding, but to serve as applicable agents in crop management strategies under changing environments.
Reinforcement‐schedule thinning practices during functional communication training: A survey of behavior analysts
Authors: Mitteer Daniel R. , Boyle Megan A. , Craig Andrew R. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractResearchers have investigated several schedule‐thinning approaches during functional communication training (FCT), including FCT with delay schedules (Delay FCT), FCT with discriminative stimuli (Signaled FCT), and FCT with delay‐and‐denial tolerance training (DDTT). Despite many publications on these approaches, it is unclear how regularly, how often, and under what conditions behavior analysts use these FCT thinning strategies. We analyzed survey data from 129 board‐certified behavior analysts® to determine (a) how often they use the three thinning approaches during FCT, (b) their most preferred thinning method, and (c) the variables (e.g., years of experience, treatment setting) associated with their most used and preferred approaches. DDTT was the most commonly implemented and preferred FCT thinning strategy. Relative to DDTT, Signaled FCT was more frequently used and preferred by doctoral‐level behavior analysts and those working in clinical settings. However, regardless of approach, behavior analysts reported several challenges that hold implications for practice and research.
Platform development for high‐throughput optimization of perfusion processes: Part I: Implementation of cell bleeds in microwell plates
Authors: Dorn Marie , Klottrup‐Rees Kerensa , Lee Ken , Micheletti Martina 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe promise of continuous processing to increase yields and improve product quality of biopharmaceuticals while decreasing the manufacturing footprint is transformative. Developing and optimizing perfusion operations requires screening various parameters, which is expensive and time‐consuming when using benchtop bioreactors. Scale‐down models (SDMs) are the most feasible option for high‐throughput data generation and condition screening. However, new SDMs mimicking perfusion are required, enabling experiments to be run in parallel. In this study, a method using microwell plates (MWP) operating in semi‐perfusion mode with an implemented cell bleed step is presented. A CHO cell line was cultivated in a 24‐well MWP (Vw = 1.2 mL) and grown at four high cell density (HCD) setpoints. Quasi steady‐state condition was obtained by manually performing cell bleeds followed by a total medium exchange after centrifugation. Further, two HCD setpoints were scaled up (VW = 30 mL), comparing a squared six‐well deepwell plate (DWP) to shake flasks (SF). This evaluation showed comparable results between systems (DWP vs. SF) and scales (MWP vs. DWP + SF). The results show that the well‐plate‐based methods are suitable to perform HCD and quasi steady‐state cultivations providing a robust solution to industrially relevant challenges such as cell clone and media selection.
Analytical determination of ethylenediamine impurity in tripelennamine hydrochloride by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry using phthalaldehyde as the derivatizing agent
Authors: Kousrali Sayyad , Kowtharapu Leela Prasad , Mondal Tanmoy 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn the pharmaceutical industry, effective risk management and control strategies for potential genotoxic impurities are of paramount importance. The current study utilized GC–MS to evaluate a precise, linear, and accurate analytical method for quantifying ethylenediamine present in tripelennamine hydrochloride using phthalaldehyde as a derivatizing agent. When phthalaldehyde is sonicated for 10 min at room temperature, it reacts with ethylenediamine to form (1z,5z)‐3,4‐dihydrobenzo[f][1,4]diazocine. This approach minimizes matrix interference issues and resolves sample preparation difficulties encountered during ethylenediamine identification in GC–MS. In this method, helium serves as the carrier gas, while methanol acts as the diluent. The stationary phase consists of a DB‐5MS column (30 m × 0.25 mm × 0.25 μm) with a flow rate of 1.5 mL/min. The retention time of (1z,5z)‐3,4‐dihydrobenzo[f][1,4]diazocine was determined to be 6.215 min. The method validation demonstrated limits of detection and quantification for (1z,5z)‐3,4‐dihydrobenzo[f][1,4]diazocine at 0.4 and 1.0 ppm, respectively, with a linearity range spanning from 1 to 30 ppm concentration with respect to the specification level. System suitability, precision, linearity, and accuracy of the current method were assessed in accordance with guidelines, yielding results deemed suitable for the intended use.