Complementary Components Research Articles

Evaluating a Virtual Reality Game to Enhance Teen Distracted Driving Education: Mixed Methods Pilot Study.

Inexperienced adolescent drivers are particularly susceptible to engaging in distracted driving behaviors (DDBs) such as texting while driving (TWD). Traditional driver education approaches have shown limited success in reducing motor vehicle crashes among young drivers. We tested an innovative approach to help address the critical issue of DDB among teenagers. We investigated the effectiveness of using a novel virtual reality (VR) game "Distracted Navigator" to educate novice teenage drivers about DDB. The game consisted of maneuvering a spaceship around asteroids while engaging in simulated DDB (eg, inputting numbers into a keypad). A physician-facilitated discussion, based on the theory of planned behavior, linked gameplay to real-life driving. Teenagers were recruited for the in-person study and randomly assigned at the block level to intervention (VR gameplay or discussion) and control groups (discussion only), approximating a 2:1 ratio. Unblinded, bivariate statistical analyses (all 2-tailed t tests or chi-square tests) and regression analyses measured programming impact on TWD-related beliefs and intentions. Content analysis of focus group interviews identified thematic feedback on the programming. Of the 24 participants, 15 (63%) were male; their ages ranged from 14 to 17 (mean 15.8, SD 0.92) years, and all owned cell phones. Compared to the control group (n=7, 29%), the intervention group (n=17, 71%) was more likely to report that the programming had positively changed how they felt about texting and driving (?218=-8.3; P=.02). However, specific TWD attitudes and intentions were not different by treatment status. Irrespective of treatment, pre- and postintervention scores indicated reduced confidence in safely TWD (ie, perceived behavioral control; β=-.78; t46=-2.66; P=.01). Thematic analysis revealed the following: (1) the VR gameplay adeptly portrayed real-world consequences of texting and driving, (2) participants highly valued the interactive nature of the VR game and discussion, (3) both the VR game and facilitated discussion were deemed as integral and complementary components, and (4) feedback for improving the VR game and discussion. Our findings show that the novel use of immersive VR experiences with interactive discussions can raise awareness of DDB consequences and is a promising method to enhance driving safety education. The widespread accessibility of VR technology allows for scalable integration into driver training programs, warranting a larger, prospective, randomized study.

Giant tunnel electroresistance through a Van der Waals junction by external ferroelectric polarization

The burgeoning interest in two-dimensional semiconductors stems from their potential as ultrathin platforms for next-generation transistors. Nonetheless, there persist formidable challenges in fully obtaining high-performance complementary logic components and the underlying mechanisms for the polarity modulation of transistors are not yet fully understood. Here, we exploit both ferroelectric domain-based nonvolatile modulation of Fermi level in transitional metal dichalcogenides (MoS2) and quantum tunneling through nanoscale hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN). Our prototype devices, termed as vertical tunneling ferroelectric field-effect transistor, utilizes a Van der Waals MoS2/h-BN/metal tunnel junction as the channel. The Fermi level of MoS2 is bipolarly tuned by ferroelectric domains and sensitively detected by the direct quantum tunneling strength across the junction, demonstrating an impressive electroresistance ratio of up to 109 in the vertical tunneling ferroelectric field-effect transistor. It consumes only 0.16 fJ of energy to open a ratio window exceeding 104. This work not only validates the effectiveness of tailored tunnel barriers in manipulating electronic flow but also highlights a new avenue for the design flexibility and functional versatility of advanced ferroelectric memory technology.

Characterisation of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic relationship of milvexian in total knee replacement patients

Abstract Background Milvexian, an oral factor XIa inhibitor, is currently being evaluated in patients at risk for thrombotic events due to atrial fibrillation, ischaemic stroke, or acute coronary syndrome. The exposure-response relationship between clinical efficacy and safety endpoints and milvexian pharmacokinetic (PK) metrics was recently submitted as a separate publication. Characterisation of the relationship between the coagulation pharmacodynamic (PD) markers versus milvexian PK metrics at the patient level has yet to be reported. Purpose This analysis characterised the relationship between the coagulation biomarkers, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and prothrombin time (PT), and milvexian systemic exposure in patients undergoing total knee replacement (TKR) evaluated in the AXIOMATIC-TKR study. Methods A population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) model was previously developed and characterised the PK of milvexian in TKR patients well. The PK/PD relationships between observed aPTT and PT versus PopPK model estimated time-matched milvexian plasma concentrations via nonlinear mixed effects modeling. The relationship between key clinical safety endpoints (e.g., any bleeding or clinically relevant non-major bleeding) and individual PD marker change (e.g., aPTT ratio to baseline) was also explored. Results The aPTT increased with increasing plasma concentration of milvexian over the range of doses evaluated in the study (25mg QD to 200mg BID). An Emax type of model reasonably characterised the PK/PD relationship between the aPTT and model predicted time-matched milvexian plasma concentration, which is consistent with previously observed relationships in healthy volunteers. No change was observed in PT with increased milvexian exposure. No obvious relationship was identified between any (including clinically relevant non-major) bleeding and aPTT ratio to baseline. Conclusions Increased milvexian exposure is directly correlated with aPTT prolongation over the range of doses evaluated in the TKR study. There was no obvious relationship between any (including clinically relevant non-major) bleeding and aPTT ratio. The PK/PD relationship of aPTT without a parallel relationship in PT distinguishes milvexian, a FXIa inhibitor, from previously studied FXa inhibitors. These analyses were a complementary component in dose selection for the milvexian Phase 3 program. Figure 1. PK/PD relationship between aPTT (left) and PT (right) and estimated time-matched plasma concentration (AXIOMATIC-TKR study)

Back to the Future: Revisiting Barometric Levelling

Abstract. Barometric levelling, traditionally employed in aviation, parachute jumping, and mountain climbing, has undergone a transformative shift with the technological advancement of state-of-the-art atmospheric pressure sensors. This evolution has rendered these sensors more accurate and affordable, broadening their applications within the realm of Intelligent Systems. The integration of barometric altimeter modules into electronic devices, coupled with GNSS and mapping systems, has significantly enhanced their versatility, making them complementary components in various consumer electronics like smartphones, watches, sports bands, bicycle computers, and motor vehicle tracking devices. Moreover, they play a pivotal role in emerging technologies such as drone mapping projects and modelling. This because of their capabilities of measuring elevations in GNSS denied areas such as caves, canyons, and tunnels. The significance of barometric levelling lies in its capacity to determine relative elevation between two points through the measurement of atmospheric pressure. This technique leverages the fact that atmospheric pressure decreases with increasing altitude, enabling the calculation of elevation differences by comparing pressure readings at different locations.In this study, 25 elevations within a 3 km radius were independently measured using barometric levelling, highlighting its practical usage. These elevations ranged from 2 m to 140 m. Readings of time of measurements, temperature, air pressure, and humidity were taken at each of these stations and were synchronized with the readings obtained from a fixed reference station of known elevation. The measurements at this reference station were carried out with an instrument with data logging capabilities, able to record relevant weather data at pre-established intervals of time without human intervention. The results of these measurements were compared to fixed reference stations of known elevation, and the subsequent differences were analysed. The study employed a portable weather monitoring instrumentation with data logging capabilities, emphasizing the importance of automated data collection practices. The comparison of the 25 elevation readings with true elevations, determined by conventional surveying methods, revealed an RMSE of +/- 0.49 meters, affirming the accuracy of barometric levelling.Additionally, a distance-dependent test demonstrated a predictable decrease in positional accuracy as the distance from a reference base station increased, providing valuable insights into the system's limitations. The barometric levelling tests presented here offer results that can inform future applications. The conclusions and recommendations derived from this study provide guidance for optimizing the use of barometric levelling within the broader landscape of Intelligent Systems.

Methodological and Practical Basis for the Formation of a Matrix of Attractiveness of Tourist Sites and Its Role in the Process of Implementing Educational Tourism in the Education System of Higher Education Students

The article develops a methodological and practical basis for assessing the attractiveness of regional tourist sites from the point of view of educational tourism. An assessment methodology was created, including groups of criteria and sub-criteria (6 and 53, respectively), selected based on expert evaluation; a matrix was formed, allowing us to calculate integral indicators step by step, which was tested on the example of 50 objects of five regions of Kazakhstan (Central, Northern, Southern, Western and Eastern). In addition, the article implements hierarchical cluster analysis on three blocks of parameters: the first—indicators characterizing the level of education development in the context of 17 regions and 3 cities of republican significance; the second—indicators reflecting the cultural development of the country’s regions; the third—parameters showing the level of development of tourism activities in the regions of Kazakhstan, which allowed us to obtain three clusters that can be used to develop recommendations for the development of education in the regions of Kazakhstan. As a conceptual complementary component of the system of implementation of educational tourism, an audio guide “Tourist sites of Karaganda” was developed and uploaded on the izi.Travel platform.

User Experience and the Role of Personalization in Critiquing-Based Conversational Recommendation

Critiquing—where users propose directional preferences to attribute values—has historically been a highly popular method for conversational recommendation. However, with the growing size of catalogs and item attributes, it becomes increasingly difficult and time-consuming to express all of one’s constraints and preferences in the form of critiquing. It is found to be even more confusing in case of critiquing failures: when the system returns no matching items in response to user critiques. To this end, it would seem important to combine a critiquing-based conversational system with a personalized recommendation component to capture implicit user preferences and thus reduce the user’s burden of providing explicit critiques. To examine the impact of such personalization on critiquing, this article reports on a user study with 228 participants to understand user critiquing behavior for two different recommendation algorithms: (i) non-personalized , that recommends any item consistent with the user critiques; and (ii) personalized , which leverages a user’s past preferences on top of user critiques. In the study, we ask users to find a restaurant that they think is the most suitable to a given scenario by critiquing the recommended restaurants at each round of the conversation on the dimensions of price, cuisine, category, and distance. We observe that the non-personalized recommender leads to more critiquing interactions, more severe critiquing failures, overall more time for users to express their preferences, and longer dialogs to find their item of interest. We also observe that non-personalized users were less satisfied with the system’s performance. They find its recommendations less relevant, more unexpected, and somewhat equally diverse and surprising than those of personalized ones. The results of our user study highlight an imperative for further research on the integration of the two complementary components of personalization and critiquing to achieve the best overall user experience in future critiquing-based conversational recommender systems.

Surgical Technique and Implementation of Total Minimally Invasive (Laparo-Thoracoscopic) Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy for Cancer.

Esophagectomy represents a major oncological operation due to the surgical involvement of both the abdominal and thoracic cavities. The minimally invasive technique has been developed to minimize the operative impact on patients undergoing esophageal resections, often presenting with nutritional deterioration and poor functional reserves. The present article provides an illustrative description of the total minimally invasive (laparo-thoracoscopic) Ivor Lewis esophagectomy for cancer integrated with complementary components of perioperative clinical management. This standardized surgical technique of two-field esophagectomy (i.e., laparoscopy and thoracoscopy) was depicted based on the experience of a tertiary center for esophageal cancer care with more than 1500 cases operated on, and in accordance with the SUPER reporting guidelines. The accomplishment of the following descriptive and illustrative content allowed the development of remarks on the strengths and possible flaws of this specific procedure, providing a measurable opportunity to absorb technical details of the most widespread surgical resection for esophageal cancer worldwide.

Brazilian Cerrado and Conservation Units

Objective: The present study aims to demonstrate the importance of the Brazilian cerrado, and its preservation through Conservation Units (UC’S). Theoretical Framework: The cerrado is home to one of the main components of Brazilian fauna and flora and is considered one of the twenty-five global hotspots. Even though it is not a cataloged biome, it covers around two million square kilometers, second in size only to the Amazon forests among South American biomes (COLLI et al. 2020). It is filled with several Conservation Units, divided into two groups: Integral Protection Units and Sustainable Use Units, which are complementary components of the cerrado, important for protecting biodiversity. Despite its importance as a natural environmental instrument, the cerrado has already lost approximately 56% of its coverage (KLINK; MACHADO, 2005). Method: The methodology adopted for this research comprises a comprehensive analysis, instrumented by a deductive approach and bibliographic and documentary procedures. Results and discussion: The results demonstrate that UC'S, especially those with full protection, are important strategies for preserving biodiversity and ecosystems, in addition to stopping the expansion of activities that degrade the environment, such as agricultural expansion, mining, urbanization and construction of hydroelectric plants. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing insights into how cerrado areas still seek recognition, appreciation, protection and conservation. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature and draws attention, especially from the academic community, to the need to create new Conservation Units and effectively maintain those already created.

Active Learning Pipeline to Identify Candidate Terms for a CDSS Ontology.

Ontology is essential for achieving health information and information technology application interoperability in the biomedical fields and beyond. Traditionally, ontology construction is carried out manually by human domain experts (HDE). Here, we explore an active learning approach to automatically identify candidate terms from publications, with manual verification later as a part of a deep learning model training and learning process. We introduce the overall architecture of the active learning pipeline and present some preliminary results. This work is a critical and complementary component in addition to manually building the ontology, especially during the long-term maintenance stage.

Data collection for microscopic modelling of urban parcel transport to and from establishments – empirical insights into city logistics in the region of Karlsruhe, Germany

City logistics plays a central role in supplying and disposing goods for establishments and residents in urban areas. However, the steadily rising demand for transporting goods puts cities under pressure. Hence, municipalities strive for alternative solutions for urban freight transport, especially parcel shipments on the first and last mile. Freight demand models are suitable to evaluate the transport-related effects of such solutions. However, developing those models requires a sufficient amount of data, which, to date, especially for establishments, cannot be covered in its necessary scope and accuracy by publicly available sources. Although parcel shipments to and from establishments make up to 40 % of the overall courier, express, and parcel market, these are often neglected in existing modelling approaches. Hence, in this study, we present a data collection concept for generating highly relevant data for the microscopic modelling of urban freight, i.e., parcel transport focusing on establishments. To reflect transport demand (i.e., establishments that need to have goods shipped) and transport supply (i.e., carriers that provide a transport service), a mixed-method approach is developed comprising complementary components. On the one hand, an online establishment survey is designed aiming to reveal disaggregated transport demand data for the subsequent modelling process. The survey focuses on the delivery and shipment characteristics of goods, such as temporal and spatial demand patterns. On the other hand, expert interviews are conceptualized to identify relevant patterns of transport supply carriers such as courier, express, and parcel service providers and shall further work as secondary data for the modelling process. The approach is applied in the region of Karlsruhe, Germany. It can be shown that the survey is generally suitable for generating freight transport data on a disaggregated level and that the mixed-method approach is capable of mutually validating the data obtained. However, our approach also emphasizes the necessity to conduct an establishment survey as a personal rather than a self-reporting interview, even if the costs are higher.

Mode Multiplication of Cylindrical Vector Beam Using Raytracing Control

Abstract Cylindrical vector beams (CVBs) hold significant promise in mode division multiplexing communication owing to their inherent vector mode orthogonality. However, existing studies for facilitating CVB channel processing are confined to mode shift conversions due to their reliance on spin-dependent helical modulations, overlooking the pursuit of mode multiplication conversion. This challenge lies in the multiplicative operation upon inhomogeneous vector mode manipulation, which is expected to advance versatile CVB channel switching and routing. In this study, we tackle this gap by introducing a raytracing control strategy that conformally maps the light rays of CVB from the whole annulus distribution to an annular sector counterpart. Incorporated with the multifold conformal annulus-sector mappings and polarization-insensitive phase modulations, this approach facilitates the parallel transformation of input CVB into multiple complementary components, enabling the mode multiplication conversion with protected vector structure. Serving as a demonstration, we experimentally implemented the multiplicative operation of four CVB modes with the multiplier factors of N = +2 and N = −3, achieving the converted mode purities over 94.24% and 88.37%. Subsequently, 200 Gbit/s quadrature phase shift keying signals were successfully transmitted upon multiplicative switching of four CVB channels, with the bit-error-rate approaching 1×10-6. These results underscore our strategy’s efficacy in CVB mode multiplication, which may open promising prospects for its advanced applications.

INHIBITION OF METHICILLIN-RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS (MRSA) BIOFILM: THE ESSENTIAL ROLE AND POTENTIAL USAGE OF BACTERIOCINS

Background: The potential of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) to develop biofilms and its resistance to antibiotics become major worldwide issue. Complementary anti-microbial strategies have been used recently, in particular for the treatment of MRSA biofilm-associated resistance. Purpose: To review the potential, essential role, and mechanism of bacteriocin that can inhibit MRSA biofilms. The review was conducted by searching and analyzing published articles from Elsevier, ProQuest and PubMed database. Review: Globally, the incidence of MRSA in 85 countries based on WHO surveillance reaches more than 20%. Biofilm, as one of the virulence factors of MRSA, can result in the failure of antibiotic therapy. According to reports, bacteriocins, such as peptides synthesized by Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, have antimicrobial activity that has the potential to inhibit antibiotic-resistant pathogens and biofilms formed by MRSA. Result: The bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity of bacteriocins against MRSA has been shown through research across several countries on the usage of bacteriocins, which was isolated from different types of bacteria against MRSA biofilms. Bacteriocins contribute to the inhibition of MRSA biofilms by inhibiting the synthesis of cell walls, leading to pores in the cytoplasmic membranes of bacterial cells, interrupting the synthesis of extracellular membranes, disrupting cell membranes, and reducing the number of planktonic cells within MRSA biofilms. Conclusion: Bacteriocins have an effective mechanism for treating MRSA biofilms with low toxicity and risk of resistance, hence they are safe to be developed as complementary components to antibiotics in an effort to treat MRSA biofilms.

The development of a disease-specific patient-reported outcome measure (CARD-SARC) to assess the impact of cardiac sarcoidosis on health-related quality of life

Abstract Introduction Sarcoidosis is a rare inflammatory condition caused by the formation of lumps (granulomas) of abnormal tissue in any organ, and can affect physical, functional, mental, social and economic aspects of life. People living with cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) are likely to have worse clinical outcomes and greater impairment on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) than other sarcoidosis manifestations. HRQoL is the main concern for people living with sarcoidosis. However, measuring HRQoL in people with CS is difficult as existing tools focus on other forms of sarcoidosis (for example, lung, eye or skin involvement) or for specific cardiac symptoms (for example, atrial fibrillation, angina or heart failure), but not specifically for CS. Purpose To develop a disease-specific patient-reported outcome measure (CARD-SARC) to assess the impact of CS on HRQoL. Methods A sequential exploratory mixed-method, multicentre observational cohort study using a clinimetric approach was conducted. The McMaster Framework for evaluative instruments was combined with the consensus-based standards for the selection of health measurement instruments (COSMIN) recommendations, involving three steps: item selection, item scaling and item reduction. The item-generation process used simultaneous triangulation (QUAN+qual) method, connecting quantitative data (theory, research findings and systematic review) with complementary qualitative components (interviews, clinical observations and experts’ opinion). The formatting of items was guided by patient and public involvement (PPI). The item reduction strategy was led by PPI and an international multidisciplinary clinical CS-experts. Results 740 potential items were generated by converging all the different sources and techniques. After removal of duplicates and simultaneous triangulation, a preliminary list with 111 items was reviewed by the CS-expert panel (including 11 pulmonologists, 7 cardiologists, 5 CS-patients and 3 specialist-nurses). After a consensus meeting, the CARD-SARC included 61 relevant items in six sections for pilot-testing: "functioning", "social, leisure and occupation", "emotional", psychological", "physical" and "healthcare/self-care". Conclusions This study used a robust methodology and active PPI involvement to develop the first disease-specific HRQoL tool for CS. The engagement and contributions of the PPI group in each step of the framework enhanced the content validity of the CARD-SARC. The CARD-SARC has the potential to influence clinical management and treatment options, future research and health-economic stakeholders’ decisions for CS.

Regulation of d‐Band Center of Ruthenium Sites via Electronic Complementary Effect of C60 Fullerene Molecules and Manganese Atoms for Efficient Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution

AbstractDeveloping advanced electrocatalysts is crucial for alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). A balance in adsorption energy for each reaction intermediate on the catalyst determines the overall catalytic rate. This balance is closely linked to the d‐band center, which is, in turn, controlled by the electronic structure of the active sites. Herein, C60 molecules with electron‐withdrawing properties and manganese (Mn) atoms with electron‐donating properties to drive charge redistribution on Ru active sites are strategically utilized. The synergistic and complementary effects of C60 and Mn regulate the d‐band centers of Ru sites to an optimal position, optimizing both the water adsorption and hydrogen desorption of the synthesized Ru catalysts. The constructed MnRu/C60‐3 catalyst exhibits a low overpotential of 8 mV at 10 mA cm−2, a large TOF value of 15.5 s−1, and a high mass activity of 2.39 A mg−1Ru at an overpotential of 100 mV in 1.0 m KOH. The anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer, assembled with MnRu/C60‐3 as the cathode, demonstrates excellent water electrolysis performance and high stability under industrial operational conditions. This work offers a fresh perspective on catalyst design principles by manipulating the d‐band centers of active sites using two complementary components.

MENEROKA PENGETAHUAN KAUNSELOR DI SEKOLAH BERKAITAN KAUNSELING ISLAM

This study aims to explore the knowledge of Muslim school counselors regarding Islamic counseling. A qualitative research design based on a multiple case study method was employed, with a sample of 19 Muslim counselors selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The findings reveal that counselors possess clear knowledge about Islamic counseling, encompassing two main themes: "The counseling process based on human nature and oriented towards the hereafter" and "Modification of Western counseling." Within the first theme, counselors emphasize the importance of understanding human nature and the concepts of al-Nafs, al-Qalb, al-Aql, and al-Ruh. They adhere to the goal of guiding individuals back to their innate nature (fitrah) and utilizing the Quran and Sunnah as the primary sources of guidance. Moreover, counselors perceive their role as preachers who guide clients in maintaining religious practices and noble character. The second theme illustrates counselors' integration of Islamic elements into Western counseling processes, where Western theories serve as the framework while Islamic elements such as Quranic verses, hadith, and moral values are incorporated as complementary components. This study provides an overview of counselors' awareness of the importance of applying Islamic values in counseling sessions and their efforts to infuse Islamic elements into the counseling process to align with clients' needs. However, counselors must continually enhance their knowledge and skills in Islamic counseling through ongoing training and education, as well as the development of more comprehensive Islamic counseling models and modules to further strengthen their roles.

Multi-isotope and geochemical approach to the magma source and tectonic setting of Proterozoic anorthosite massifs and Anorthosite-Mangerite-Charnockite-Granite (AMCG) suites

The occurrence of massif-type anorthosite intrusions is a widespread Proterozoic phenomenon. They are usually associated with gabbroic, charnockitic, and granitic rocks, comprising the so-called anorthosite-mangerite-charnockite-granite (AMCG) suite. Although these rocks have been extensively studied worldwide, several aspects concerning their formation remain unsettled. Among them, the magma source and the tectonic setting are the most important. To evaluate these issues, we first compiled geochemical and isotopic data of Proterozoic anorthosite massifs and AMCG suites worldwide and stored it in a database named datAMCG. This plethora of data allows us to make some important interpretations. We argue that the wide-ranging multi-isotopic composition of this group of rocks reflects varying proportions of juvenile mantle-derived melts and crustal components. We interpret that the precursor magmas of most massive anorthosite bodies and associated mafic rocks have a mantle-dominated origin. However, we highlight that a crustal component is indispensable to generate these lithologies. Adding variable amounts of this material during succeeding multi-stage assimilation-fractional crystallization (AFC) processes gives these intrusions their typical mantle-crustal hybrid isotopic traits. In contrast, a crustal-dominant origin with a complementary mantle component is interpreted for most MCG rocks. In summary, the isotopic information in datAMCG indicates that both sources are necessary to generate AMCG rocks. Therefore, we suggest that hybridized magmas with different mantle-crust proportions originate these rocks. This interpretation might offer a more nuanced and accurate depiction of this phenomenon in future work instead of choosing a single-sourced model as in the past decades. Finally, tectonomagmatic diagrams suggest that the rocks under study were likely generated in a tectonic environment that transitioned between collision and post-collisional extension, sometimes involving subduction-modified mantle sources. This interpretation is supported by geological and geochronological information from most complexes, thus challenging the Andean-type margins as an ideal tectonic setting.

Leveraging ChatGPT to optimize depression intervention through explainable deep learning.

Mental health issues bring a heavy burden to individuals and societies around the world. Recently, the large language model ChatGPT has demonstrated potential in depression intervention. The primary objective of this study was to ascertain the viability of ChatGPT as a tool for aiding counselors in their interactions with patients while concurrently evaluating its comparability to human-generated content (HGC). We propose a novel framework that integrates state-of-the-art AI technologies, including ChatGPT, BERT, and SHAP, to enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of mental health interventions. ChatGPT generates responses to user inquiries, which are then classified using BERT to ensure the reliability of the content. SHAP is subsequently employed to provide insights into the underlying semantic constructs of the AI-generated recommendations, enhancing the interpretability of the intervention. Remarkably, our proposed methodology consistently achieved an impressive accuracy rate of 93.76%. We discerned that ChatGPT always employs a polite and considerate tone in its responses. It refrains from using intricate or unconventional vocabulary and maintains an impersonal demeanor. These findings underscore the potential significance of AIGC as an invaluable complementary component in enhancing conventional intervention strategies. This study illuminates the considerable promise offered by the utilization of large language models in the realm of healthcare. It represents a pivotal step toward advancing the development of sophisticated healthcare systems capable of augmenting patient care and counseling practices.

KepSalinst: Using Peripheral Points to Delineate Salient Instances.

Salient instance segmentation (SIS) is an emerging field that evolves from salient object detection (SOD), aiming at identifying individual salient instances using segmentation maps. Inspired by the success of dynamic convolutions in segmentation tasks, this article introduces a keypoints-based SIS network (KepSalinst). It employs multiple keypoints, that is, the center and several peripheral points of an instance, as effective geometrical guidance for dynamic convolutions. The features at peripheral points can help roughly delineate the spatial extent of the instance and complement the information inside the central features. To fully exploit the complementary components within these features, we design a differentiated patterns fusion (DPF) module. This ensures that the resulting dynamic convolutional filters formed by these features are sufficiently comprehensive for precise segmentation. Furthermore, we introduce a high-level semantic guided saliency (HSGS) module. This module enhances the perception of saliency by predicting a map for the input image to estimate a saliency score for each segmented instance. On four SIS datasets (ILSO, SOC, SIS10K, and COME15K), our KepSalinst outperforms all previous models qualitatively and quantitatively.

A rationally designed miniature of soluble methane monooxygenase enables rapid and high-yield methanol production in Escherichia coli

Soluble methane monooxygenase (sMMO) oxidizes a wide range of carbon feedstocks (C1 to C8) directly using intracellular NADH and is a useful means in developing green routes for industrial manufacturing of chemicals. However, the high-throughput biosynthesis of active recombinant sMMO and the ensuing catalytic oxidation have so far been unsuccessful due to the structural and functional complexity of sMMO, comprised of three functionally complementary components, which remains a major challenge for its industrial applications. Here we develop a catalytically active miniature of sMMO (mini-sMMO), with a turnover frequency of 0.32 s−1, through an optimal reassembly of minimal and modified components of sMMO on catalytically inert and stable apoferritin scaffold. We characterise the molecular characteristics in detail through in silico and experimental analyses and verifications. Notably, in-situ methanol production in a high-cell-density culture of mini-sMMO-expressing recombinant Escherichia coli resulted in higher yield and productivity (~ 3.0 g/L and 0.11 g/L/h, respectively) compared to traditional methanotrophic production.

Solvation structure design for stabilizing MXene in transition metal ion solutions

AbstractAlthough MXene has attracted great interest in diverse fields, it is susceptible to oxidation in water (H2O) with transition metal ions such as Co2+, Fe2+, and Cu2+, which is pronounced at high temperatures. This impedes the preparation of MXene‐based composites and their functional applications. Here, this study revealed that Co2+ increases the maximum and average atomic charge of H in H2O to improve the reactivity of H2O, which leads to the fact that Co2+ catalyzes the oxidation of Ti3C2Tx MXene. Furthermore, the addition of N,N‐dimethyl formamide (DMF) reduces the H2O activity and improves the oxidation stability of Ti3C2Tx in the presence of Co2+ via preferentially forming coordination bonds with Co2+. This strategy is also effective in enhancing the oxidation tolerance of Ti3C2Tx to Fe2+ in H2O. Moreover, it is feasible to enhance the oxidation stability of Ti2CTx MXene in H2O with the existence of Co2+. By virtue of these, the CoO/Ti3C2Tx composite was successfully prepared without obvious Ti3C2Tx oxidation, which is desirable to harness the advantages of Ti3C2Tx as the complementary component for lithium‐ion batteries. This work provides a straightforward paradigm to enhance the oxidation resistance of MXene in H2O in the presence of transition metal ions and at high temperatures, which opens a new vista to use MXene for target applications.