Current Focusing Research Articles

Research Progress on Structure and Bioactivity of Longan Polysaccharide

Longan originates from southern China and has high nutritional and health value. Recent phytochemistry and pharmacology studies have shown that polysaccharides are a main bioactive component of longan. Longan polysaccharides possess antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-tumor, immunomodulatory, and other bioactivities. Hot-water extraction, ethanol precipitation, and ultrasonic extraction are generally used to extract water-soluble longan polysaccharides. However, the relationship between the structure and bioactivity of longan polysaccharides remains unclear, requiring further investigation. The aim of this review is to evaluate the current literature focusing on the extraction, purification, structural characterization, and biological activity of longan polysaccharides. We believe that this review would provide a useful bibliography for further innovation and a basis for using longan polysaccharides in functional food.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for general thoracic surgery: case series and narrative review.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has historically been utilized as a temporary life support option for patients with severe cardiac and pulmonary dysfunction. Recent advancements have enabled the safe application of ECMO in a wider variety of patients; we present a review of its use in patients undergoing general thoracic procedures supported by a case series at our institution. We review current literature focusing on ECMO applications in thoracic surgery outside of the traditional use. Additionally, we offer three cases of ECMO utilization to illustrate success stories and key lessons learned regarding the use of ECMO in general thoracic surgery. Technologic advancements and enhanced safety profiles have enabled the safe application of ECMO in a wide array of patients far beyond the historic indications of cardiogenic shock and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). It is now feasible to consider ECMO for management of acute thoracic emergencies, as well as to better facilitate operative safety in complex general thoracic surgical procedures. Both venovenous and venoarterial ECMO can be utilized in carefully selected patients to provide cardiopulmonary support while enabling improved visualization and increased mobilization without concern for respiratory and/or cardiac compromise. Enthusiasm for the use of ECMO has increased in recent years. What was once considered a salvage therapy in cases of life-threatening cardiopulmonary decompensation now plays an increasingly important role in the safe conduct of complex thoracic surgery procedures, provides much needed time for organ recovery, and offers acute resuscitation options. This shift broadens our ability to deliver life-saving care to patients that previously would have otherwise had limited treatment options.

The Neglected Sibling: NLRP2 Inflammasome in the Nervous System.

While classical NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing protein 1 (NLRP1) and NLRP3 inflammasomal proteins have been extensively investigated, the contribution of NLRP2 is still ill-defined in the nervous system. Given the putative significance of NLRP2 in orchestrating neuroinflammation, further inquiry is needed to gain a better understanding of its connectome, hence its specific targeting may hold a promising therapeutic implication. Therefore, bioinformatical approach for extracting information, specifically in the context of neuropathologies, is also undoubtedly preferred. To the best of our knowledge, there is no review study selectively targeting only NLRP2. Increasing, but still fragmentary evidence should encourage researchers to thoroughly investigate this inflammasome in various animal- and human models. Taken together, herein we aimed to review the current literature focusing on the role of NLRP2 inflammasome in the nervous system and more importantly, we provide an algorithm-based protein network of human NLRP2 for elucidating potentially valuable molecular partnerships that can be the beginning of a new discourse and future therapeutic considerations.

Comparing Fixed and Individualized Channel Interaction Coefficients for Speech Perception With Dynamic Focusing Cochlear Implant Strategies.

Dynamic focusing cochlear implant strategies aim to emulate normal cochlear excitation patterns by varying the degree of current focusing as a function of input level. Results on the speech perception benefits of these strategies have been mixed. In previous studies, channel interaction coefficients (K), which mediate the relationship between current level and degree of focusing, were fixed across channels and participants. Fixing K without accounting for channel interaction and the current required to accurately stimulate target neurons may elicit suboptimal loudness growth and speech perception. This study tested whether individualizing K improved speech perception relative to fixed-K and monopolar strategies. Fourteen ears of implanted adults were programmed with 14-channel strategies matched on pulse duration, pulse rate, filtering, and loudness. Sentence recognition and vowel identification was measured at 60 dB SPL equivalent in quiet and four-talker babble. On the group level, speech recognition in quiet and noise was similar between strategies. On the individual level, there were participants who benefitted with dynamic focusing strategies for speech perception in noise. Patterns of benefit were generally unclear, beyond associations between focused thresholds, duration of hearing loss, and individual-K benefit. Participants rated dynamic focusing like monopolar in clarity and ease of listening. Almost all participants expressed their willingness to use the strategies in a take-home trial. These results suggest that while individualizing K does not benefit all, there are individuals who benefit, for which the electrode-neuron interface may play a role. Future studies will evaluate acclimatization of dynamic focusing strategies using take-home trials.

Charting the Development of O-S-R-O-R Communication Mediation Model: A Systematic Literature Review of Media Effects Trends in New Media Research

The concept of communication as mediation has now become a crucial metric for analysing various behavioural patterns, particularly in relation to new media. Several psychological and structural factors interpreting the relationship between engagement and the consumption of information and cognitive processes have been emphasised through the use of O-S-O-R and O-S-R-O-R communication mediation models. However, there remains a variety of viewpoints concerning theoretical perspectives and thematic patterns, leading to difficulties in obtaining a structured overview and so advance the development of communication mediation research. This study consists of a systematic literature review of 739 articles, published between 2015 and 2020, across three databases, Scopus, Google Scholar and EBSCOhost, resulting in thirty-four being identified as usable for providing a synthesis of current knowledge focusing on new media. This highlights a considerable variation in existing constructions and trends, along with communication effects and O-S-R-O-R measures. This review undertakes a thematic classification of prior studies in order to: firstly, identify key gaps in the literature, secondly, identify potential areas for additional research, and thirdly, offer recommendations for future studies. By offering an in-depth analysis, this review will enhance information and assist scholars to expand the existing literature. In addition, this study examines the implications for the investigation of potential pre-emptive factors for O-S-O-R and O-S-R-O-R. Keywords: Communication effect model, systematic literature review, O-S-O-R, O-S-R-O-R, new media.

Miniature Deformable MEMS Mirrors for Ultrafast Optical Focusing.

Here, we introduce ultrafast tunable MEMS mirrors consisting of a miniature circular mirrored membrane, which can be electrostatically actuated to change the mirror curvature at unprecedented speeds. The central deflection zone is a close approximation to a parabolic mirror. The device is fabricated with a minimal membrane diameter, but at least double the size of a focused optical spot. The theory and simulations are used to predict maximum relative focal shifts as a function of membrane size and deflection, beam waist, and incident focal position. These devices are demonstrated to enable fast tuning of the focal wavefront of laser beams at ≈MHz tuning rates, two to three orders of magnitude faster than current optical focusing technologies. The fabricated devices have a silicon membrane with a 30-100 μm radius and a 350 nm gap spacing between the top and bottom electrodes. These devices can change the focal position of a tightly focused beam by ≈1 mm at rates up to 4.9 MHz and with response times smaller than 5 μs.

Relationship between electrode position and temporal modulation sensitivity in cochlear implant users: Are close electrodes always better?

Temporal modulation sensitivity has been studied extensively for cochlear implant (CI) users due to its strong correlation to speech recognition outcomes. Previous studies reported that temporal modulation detection thresholds (MDTs) vary across the tonotopic axis and attributed this variation to patchy neural survival. However, correlates of neural health identified in animal models depend on electrode position in humans. Nonetheless, the relationship between MDT and electrode location has not been explored. We tested 13 ears for the effect of distance on modulation sensitivity, specifically targeting the question of whether electrodes closer to the modiolus are universally beneficial. Participants in this study were postlingually deafened and users of Cochlear Nucleus CIs. The distance of each electrode from the medial wall (MW) of the cochlea and mid-modiolar axis (MMA) was measured from scans obtained using computerized tomography (CT) imaging. The distance measures were correlated with slopes of spatial tuning curves measured on selected electrodes to investigate if electrode position accounts, at least in part, for the width of neural excitation. In accordance with previous findings, electrode position explained 24% of the variance in slopes of the spatial tuning curves. All functioning electrodes were also measured for MDTs. Five ears showed a positive correlation between MDTs and at least one distance measure across the array; 6 ears showed negative correlations and the remaining two ears showed no relationship. The ears showing positive MDT-distance correlations, thus benefiting from electrodes being close to the neural elements, were those who performed better on the two speech recognition measures, i.e., speech reception thresholds (SRTs) and recognition of the AzBio sentences. These results could suggest that ears able to take advantage of the proximal placement of electrodes are likely to have better speech recognition outcomes. Previous histological studies of humans demonstrated that speech recognition is correlated with spiral ganglion cell counts. Alternatively, ears with good speech recognition outcomes may have good overall neural health, which is a precondition for close electrodes to produce spatially confined neural excitation patterns that facilitate modulation sensitivity. These findings suggest that the methods to reduce channel interaction, e.g., perimodiolar electrode array or current focusing, may only be beneficial for a subgroup of CI users. Additionally, it suggests that estimating neural survival preoperatively is important for choosing the most appropriate electrode array type (perimodiolar vs. lateral wall) for optimal implant function.

Design/Engineering For Production (DEFP) and Shipyard: A Review on the Malaysian Technological Aspects and Practices

Design/Engineering for Production (DEFP) DEFP is viewed as a function and strategic resource of the shipyard. More importantly, the ability to strengthen DEFP would enable the shipbuilding industry to gain competitive advantage. This paper examines the role of Design/Engineering for Production (DEFP) as strategic decision in the shipbuilding industry. Incorporating evidence from reviews of relevant literature, this study demonstrates that there were abundant opportunities for DEFP, thus, proves that the role of DEFP was important. Moreover, the current approach focusing on transformation programs which emphasized on enhancement and effectiveness of planning and DEFP functions were justified. The company’s investment in this area of concerned eventually would bring up the competitiveness of the company. Indirectly, the effort would also be contributing to the continual growth of the local shipbuilding and ship repair industry.

DIFFERENCES IN BEHÇET’S DISEASE PHENOTYPE ACCORDING TO SEX: HYPOTHESES AND RESEARCH PERSPECTIVES

Behçet's disease (BD) is a multisystem vasculitis affecting both arteries and veins. Although the disease affects both sexes equally, males and females may express different phenotypes. The exact association between sex-related factors and BD phenotype is not clear, while many factors, such as genetic factors, hormones, and environmental and epigenetic factors may be the underlying factors of sex-related differences. This article summarizes the current literature focusing on the underlying factors determining differences in BD phenotype according to sex.

The times they are a-changin':Teaching and learning beyond COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced teachers to incorporate many changes to support student learning. In this paper, we present current research focusing on the impact of the changes brought by the pandemic on teachers. Specifically, we discuss the current state of teachers after working the frontline of the pandemic and changes that school leaders and policymakers should consider moving forward. These changes include virtual instruction options for specific groups of students, professional development and support for teachers implementing changes, and being cognizant of the workloads put on teachers. We believe these changes are critical to support student learning, but to also limit teacher attrition.

Finite element method for the quasiclassical theory of superconductivity

The Eilenberger-Larkin-Ovchinnikov-Eliashberg quasiclassical theory of superconductivity is a powerful method enabling studies of a wide range of equilibrium and non-equilibrium phenomena in conventional and unconventional superconductors. We introduce here a finite element method, based on a discontinuous Galerkin approach, to self-consistently solve the underlying transport equations for general device geometries, arbitrary mean free path and symmetry of the superconducting order parameter. We present exemplary results on i) the influence of scalar impurity scattering on phase crystals in $d$-wave superconducting grains at low temperatures and ii) the current flow and focusing in $d$-wave superconducting weak links, modeling recent experimental realizations of grooved high-temperature superconducting Dayem bridges. The high adaptability of this finite element method for quasiclassical theory paves the way for future investigations of superconducting devices and new physical phenomena in unconventional superconductors.

The importance of a realistic leakage evaluation to support public awareness and acceptance for carbon capture and storage

Carbon Capture and Storage is not only highly recommended by the IPCC as a mechanism to significantly lower carbon emissions to the atmosphere, it is now also gaining traction in terms of large-scale implementation. Its importance is increasing in many parts of the world to directly decrease emissions from industrial sources, but also to lower the carbon footprint of blue hydrogen production.With most CCS projects being planned for offshore locations, public acceptance is less of a determining factor than it used to be 10-20 years ago, where discussions were rather for onshore locations. CO2 leakage has always been a risk highlighted in the public debate, while no or minimal leakage has been reported for current CCS projects worldwide. However, as scientific community, we need to realistically highlight the risk of leakage across sealing units for CO2 stored to inform various stakeholders like regulators, the public and of course also operating companies.Caprock leakage needs to be studied across various length and time scales, considering the undisturbed matrix as well as fracture networks and faults; we need to consider advective and diffusive flow and transport and incorporate mineral alterations, potentially leading to changes in hydraulic or mechanical properties.This talk will highlight the current state of research, advancements and future research required for a realistic evaluation of caprock leakage. It will be based on past research related to matrix transport as well as current research focusing on single and multiphase flow along faults and fractures.

Solid-State Electrolyte Fracture in Lithium Metal Batteries

Next generation batteries utilizing solid-state electrolytes to enable use of lithium metal electrodes are of significant interest due to increased energy density and the potential safety enhancements. Despite their high yield strength, high room temperature ionic conductivity, and lack of reactivity with metallic lithium, these ceramic solid electrolytes are still prone to dendrite formation and subsequent cell failure above critical current densities. One experimentally observed dendrite formation and propagation mechanism requires mechanical failure of the electrolyte via fracture. Ceramic solid electrolyte’s do not undergo ductile deformation, leaving fracture as the primary means of stress relaxation. The electrolyte’s propensity to fracture is dependent on its material properties (i.e. fracture toughness), electrode mechanical properties, and the cell operating conditions (e.g. applied current density, stack pressure, temperature). This talk will focus on electrochemical-mechanical coupling (including thermodynamic and kinetic couplings of mechanical forces with electrochemical behavior) and the relationship between the current distribution, developed stresses, and solid-electrolyte fracture initiation at Li protrusions. The effect of current focusing on stress-driven fracture, plastic deformation of lithium, and the influence of mechanical boundary conditions will be described.

Microstructure-Coupled Kinetic-Transport Interactions in the Solid-State Cathode

Solid-state batteries (SSBs) are a promising choice for next-generation energy storage systems due to their high intrinsic energy and power densities, while simultaneously enhancing safety. The electrochemical performance of SSBs is a strong function of the physicochemical interactions occurring inside composite cathode microstructure. The composition and spatial arrangement of constituent phases (e.g., active material, binder, conductive diluent, solid electrolyte) dictate the ionic/electronic percolation pathways and internal resistive signatures. Moreover, the underlying heterogeneity in cathode microstructure can result in non-uniform kinetic and transport processes leading to current focusing and thermal hot spots. Thus, understanding the influence of cathode microstructural heterogeneity on spatiotemporal dynamics of SSBs becomes important. In this work, the mesoscale underpinnings of microstructural heterogeneity in composite cathode and its mechanistic implications on the electrochemical response of SSBs will be examined.

Muslim Minorities and Application of Islamic Law in Europe

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the findings in current research focusing on the implementation of Islamic law in Europe. It explores the concept of fiqh al-aqalliyyāt (minority jurisprudence) or context-specific jurisprudence and how it is debated and contested in Europe. While shedding light on a normative application of Islamic law, the paper focuses on the role and work of European Council for Fatwa and Research (ECFR) and how it has made an important contribution to addressing issues related to Muslim communities by issuing fatwas based on the methodology of fiqh al-aqalliyyāt. Since a wide range of actors both in Europe and the Islamic world currently voice calls in favour of integration of Muslims in Europe as opposed to assimilation and segregation, the paper attempts to understand the specific grammar of this integration talk and how it translates into fiqh discourse produced by the European Council for Fatwa and Research (ECFR).

CML-187 Association of Molecular Remission With Eutos and ELTS Risk Scores Among CML Patients in the Armenian Cohort

Current research focusing on chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) includes a prediction of treatment outcomes with risk scores and the possibility of treatment-free remission (TFR) with regular molecular monitoring. In Armenia, a low-income country, regular molecular monitoring and monitoring-based treatment has been underway since January 2021. Yet, since 2003, frontline Imatinib therapy was performed among all CML patients. Ponatinib and Nilotinib have been available since 2018. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the association of molecular response with EUTOS and ELTS risk status. The data was taken from Hematology Center after prof. R. Yeolyan (Molecular Biology Department, Blood Disease Registry and Armenian CML Database). The study includes 234 newly-diagnosed CML patients during 2010-2020. Frontline therapy was performed with Imatinib in all patients, of whom 23 switched it to other TKI based on qRT-PCR results. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS 22. The scores were measured only on the basis of CML Database, which is still being completed. EUTOS was evaluated in 114 patients: 4 (3.5%) high and 110 (96.5%) low risk. ELTS was measured in 110 patients: 16 (14.5%) high, 34 (30.9%) intermediate, and 60 (54.5%) low risk. Of the 4 high-risk patients with EUTOS, 1 achieved MR4, 1 had MR5, 1 had MR4.5, and one reached no MR. Of the 110 low-risk Eutos patients, 28 had MMR, 9 had MR4, 13 had MR5, 24 had MR4.5, and 36 reached no MR. Among 16 high-risk patients with ELTS, MMR was obtained in 3 patients, MR4 in 1, MR5 in 3, MR4.5 in 2, and 7 patients did not reach MR. Among 34 intermediate-risk patients with ELTS, MMR was achieved in 9 patients, MR4 in 4, MR5 in 5, MR4.5 in 8, and 8 achieved no MR. Of the 60 patients at low risk for ELTS, 16 patients achieved MMR, 4 patients MR4, 4 patients MR5, 15 patients MR4.5, and 21 patients did not reached MR. Overall, in the Armenian cohort, CML patients achieved MR regardless of their risk status with EUTOS and ELTS. However, based on the small number of high-risk patients, further analysis is needed for a definitive conclusion.

Cultivating sustainable and healthy cities: A systematic literature review of the outcomes of urban and peri-urban agriculture

• UPA's contribution to urban sustainability is gaining research attention post-2015. • A clear regional bias is visible with current research focusing on the Global North. • While the Global North reported positive environmental outcomes, research in the Global South emphasizes social sustainability. • Issues of land, labour and livelihoods are largely discussed in the context of the Global South. • Urban planning and policy must recognize UPA as a nature-based solution with sustainability and wellbeing co-benefits. Despite considerable interest in urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) in recent decades, its contributions to urban sustainability and human wellbeing remain contested. This systematic literature review examines the geographical landscape of the peer-reviewed literature on UPA and assesses its reported outcomes on sustainability and wellbeing. Following systematic review protocols, we undertook a two-step literature screening and quality assessment process. From a total of 4029 articles, based inclusion-exclusion criteria, we filtered 320 articles for quantitative and 86 for qualitative assessment. Quantitative analysis confirmed an exponential increase in literature on UPA since 2015 and a regional bias towards the Global North. The qualitative analysis identified six thematic outcomes of UPA under three sustainability pillars - environmental sustainability; material well-being; labour and livelihoods; land tenure and urban planning; and food and nutritional security as part of economic sustainability; and subjective and relational wellbeing as well as gender and social differentiation as elements of social sustainability. Environmental sustainability was most discussed, followed by subjective wellbeing and food and nutritional security. Gender and social differentiation issues were least represented in the papers. There remain knowledge gaps around how urban policy and planning can recognise, leverage, and scale up the sustainability and wellbeing co-benefits of UPA.

Human genetic basis of severe or critical illness in COVID-19.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide. The clinical manifestation of COVID-19 ranges from asymptomatic or mild infection to severe or critical illness, such as respiratory failure, multi-organ dysfunction or even death. Large-scale genetic association studies have indicated that genetic variations affecting SARS-CoV-2 receptors (angiotensin-converting enzymes, transmembrane serine protease-2) and immune components (Interferons, Interleukins, Toll-like receptors and Human leukocyte antigen) are critical host determinants related to the severity of COVID-19. Genetic background, such as 3p21.31 and 9q34.2 loci were also identified to influence outcomes of COVID-19. In this review, we aimed to summarize the current literature focusing on human genetic factors that may contribute to the observed diversified severity of COVID-19. Enhanced understanding of host genetic factors and viral interactions of SARS-CoV-2 could provide scientific bases for personalized preventive measures and precision medicine strategies.

2008's mistrust vs 2020's panic: can ESG hold your institutional investors?

PurposeThe authors compare two market collapse incidents, focusing on their role as turning points for ESG considerations among investors that do not fall under the SRI class. The authors draw from the signaling theory to posit that ESG performance acts as a buffer to retain institutional shareholders under stress conditions.Design/methodology/approachThe authors collect extensive data on institutional shareholdings and corporate performance during the pandemic and the 2008 financial crisis to examine the potential of ESG to act as a downward risk hedging mechanism. The authors test whether superior ESG scores function as insurance and resilience signals that lock investors in through times of high probability of divestments.FindingsFindings indicate that ESG weighs in investment decisions during economic downturn and poor returns. The nature of this positive relationship is not static but dynamic contingent on overall risk materiality considerations.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors update regulators, firms, investors and academics on ESG, risk and crisis management. The shifting materiality and the altering impact of ESG practices is our core implication, as well as limitation, in terms of metrics, temporal evolution and interaction with institutional factors, along with portfolio alpha and safe haven potential in ESG asset classes.Originality/valueThe authors extend current literature focusing on portfolio returns and firm valuations to highlight the role of ESG in shareholder retention during poor return periods. The authors further add to existing studies by examining the shifting materiality of ESG pillars during different crisis settings.

Therapist + Social Media = Mental health influencer? Considering the research focusing upon key ethical issues around the use of social media by therapists

AbstractCurrent ethical guidelines for therapists who make use of social media are very limited. As a consequence, they leave much open to interpretation by professionals, an openness that may place the public and professionals at risk. This is particularly of note as therapists are increasingly making use of social media and many professionals are taking on roles as mental health influencers, both purposefully and without realising. Such developments raise many important ethical issues including considerations around influencer competency, integrity, the maintenance of confidentiality and risk management. These issues are briefly discussed in this paper alongside related current research focusing upon them. It is concluded that, despite the existence of ethical guidelines focusing upon social media use by therapists, current research suggests that therapists are not consistently following these guidelines. Moreover, it is argued that researchers and professional bodies, and their associated good practice guidelines, need to keep abreast of new developments to account for changes in social media usage.