Low-cost Strategy Research Articles

Effects of customer inoculation on artificial intelligence service failure

Purpose This paper aims to explore the effectiveness of customer inoculation strategies in the context of AI service failures in the hospitality and tourism industries. Furthermore, it examines how these strategies can enhance customer complaint behavior and satisfaction with service recovery, thereby improving the overall service experience. Design/methodology/approach Four distinct studies were conducted: Study 1 investigated the influence of customer inoculation on complaint behavior post-AI service failure. Study 2 assessed the impact of service remedies on customer satisfaction. Study 3 explored the implications of initial purchase and usage intentions. Finally, Study 4 validated the findings using a large-scale online survey. Findings The results indicated that customer inoculation significantly increases customer complaint behavior and satisfaction with service remedies following AI service failures. They also showed that this relationship is mediated by psychological distance. Furthermore, customer inoculation positively affects initial purchase and usage intentions, demonstrating effectiveness at various customer engagement stages. Practical implications This study enriches the literature on AI hospitality service failure and recovery by introducing the novel concept of customer inoculation. Additionally, it significantly contributes to the inoculation theory literature, which covers diverse fields. Practically, this study proposes an efficient and low-cost strategy for marketers. Originality/value This study introduces the concept of customer inoculation in the context of AI service failures, a novel approach in the hospitality and tourism literature. It provides empirical evidence of the efficacy of the strategy, bridging a crucial gap in understanding customer behavior in the face of technological disruptions.

Degree of Crystal Structure Distortion-Induced Tunable LiGaO2 Long Persistent Luminescence for Optical Information Encryption.

Tunable long persistent luminescence (LPL) phosphor materials have great potential for optoelectronic cryptographic applications. However, the mainstream techniques of modulating LPL generally have the characteristics of complex preparation processes, demanding crystal field environments, or expensive dopant ions, which restrict large-scale commercial application. Herein, we develop a simple, high-efficiency, and low-cost strategy to optimize the LPL of LiGaO2(LGO):Cu2+ by changing the sintering time to regulate the degree of crystal structure distortion. The Cu2+ as charge compensation will substantially enhance the emission intensity of LGO by a factor of 11.02 originating from the appropriate ionic size and coordination mode. Besides, the LPL time of LGO:Cu2+ can be extended effectively to 2 h by adjusting the sintering temperature and time (900 °C@24 h). The extension mechanism is that Li and Ga can be substituted for each other more easily and induce crystal structure distortion due to the special crystal structure of LGO, resulting in an optimal trap concentration in LGO:Cu2+. Thus, our findings provide a simple way to modulate long persistent luminescence and further consider their potential impact on optical information encryption.

Strategy for Simple Control of High Performance PQ/PMMA Holographic Media.

Holographic data storage technology is a cost-effective solution for long-term archival data storage. However, the development of suitable holographic recording materials remains a challenge. Among these materials, phenanthraquinone-doped poly(methyl methacrylate) (PQ/PMMA) stands out due to its low cost and controllable thickness. Nevertheless, its limited photosensitivity and diffraction efficiency hinder its widespread application. In order to solve these problems, we put forward a kind of convenient and simple, low cost strategy, by adding plasticizer N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) for preparation of DMF-PQ/PMMA photopolymer, avoid the use of complex compounds. The addition of DMF not only influences the thermal polymerization stage but also forms weak interactions with PQ during the photoreaction process, thereby enhancing the holographic performance of DMF-PQ/PMMA. Consequently, we achieved a remarkable 9.1-fold increase in photosensitivity (from ∼0.35 to 3.18 cm J-1), improved diffraction efficiency by 20% (from 65% to 80%), and reduced volume shrinkage by a factor of 8 (from 0.4% to 0.05%). Furthermore, utilizing a collinear holographic storage system with multiplexing shift at a scale of 5 μm resulted in an impressively low minimum bit error rate (BER) of only 0.36% (with an average BER of 1.4%), highlighting the fast processing capability and potential for low BER applications in holographic information storage using DMF-PQ/PMMA.

Topiramate added to metformin for obesity control in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized clinical trial.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is often linked with obesity, and weight management can improve endocrine and cardiometabolic features. To evaluate the effects of adding topiramate (TPM) to metformin (MTF) on weight control, hormonal and metabolic outcomes in women with PCOS. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, participants with PCOS and body mass index ≥30 kg/m² or ≥27 kg/m² associated with hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia followed a 20 kcal/kg diet in addition to 850 mg of MTF or a previous MTF regimen. They were randomized to receive either TPM or placebo (P) alongside MTF. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, modified Ferriman-Gallwey score (mFGS), and adverse events were assessed every 4 weeks for 6 months. The primary endpoint was the percent change in body weight from baseline in both groups. Secondary endpoints included changes in clinical, cardiometabolic, and hormonal parameters and psychosocial features. Thirty-one participants were in the MTF+P group and 30 in the MTF+TPM group. The MTF+TPM group showed greater mean weight loss at 3 months (-3.4% vs. -1.6%, p=0.03) and 6 months (-4.5% vs. -1.4%, p=0.03). Both groups improved androgens, lipids, and psychosocial scores. Participants with ≥3% weight loss at 6 months improved mFGS (8.4 to 6.5, p=0.026). Paresthesia was more common in the MTF+TPM group (23.3% vs. 3.2%, p=0.026). Combining TPM with MTF and a low-calorie diet may be an effective, low-cost, easy-to-use, and safe strategy for weight management in women with PCOS, with mild adverse effects.

Feasibility of managing and organizing the problem of informal settlements a field study on informal areas in Najaf Governorate

The research aims to study the problem of informal housing in Najaf Governorate, present strategic scenarios to solve the problem, as well as choosing the low-cost construction strategy as an approved strategy in the research. The study included (9) areas in which informal housing units spread, namely (Al-Radhwiya, Al-Rahma neighborhood, Al-Najaf Sea depression, Al-Shawafi area, behind Al-Quds neighborhood, Al-Jadidah II slums, Al-Jadidah III slums, Tabuk neighborhood, Al-Barakiyah), affiliated to the Najaf Governorate Municipality Directorate. The researchers used the descriptive analysis method based on structured personal interviews in informal areas to identify the problem, in addition to using financial tools by calculating costs (fixed capital, working capital) and revenues to solve the problem by submitting a proposal to establish a low-cost residential complex. The study reached several conclusions, the most important of which is that efforts and procedures can be organized to reach a radical solution by choosing the optimal and fastest scenario, which is building low-cost housing units, and benefiting from the areas on which slums were built. The study recommended a set of recommendations, the most important of which is forming a government working group from the departments concerned with urban planning, the municipality, the Investment Authority, and departments related to infrastructure, to prepare a technical study and an action plan to establish a package of projects distributed across the governorate's areas. These projects are granted to the best investors in establishing low-cost housing units, and forming a subcommittee to evaluate the lands and re-use them in an optimal manner. In a way that achieves benefit for the city, whether by converting them into green spaces, parks, or investment projects that enhance commercial activity in the city.

The effects of teaching assistants on letter knowledge of foundation phase students in South Africa: Findings from an exploratory trial

There is increasing evidence that letter knowledge is a significant predictor of early grade reading achievements and that interventions designed to improve learning of this constrained skill can be effective. However, little is known about ways to enhance the teaching of letter knowledge in African languages and the degree to which teaching assistants can facilitate this process. This paper reports findings from an exploratory study designed to establish if teaching assistants can improve letter knowledge in African languages. A pre-post-trial with 249 pre-Grade R and Grade 1 students was conducted in two South African provinces with two distinctive African languages, isiXhosa and Sepedi. Our analysis shows significant positive correlations for both languages between students’ exposure to teaching assistants and their improvements in the number of attempted letters as well as correct letters in a standardised test. Therefore, our findings suggest that teaching assistants, who are instructed to play letter games with foundation phase students to complement the teaching of letter knowledge, could be an effective, low-cost strategy to facilitate future improvements in reading.

Carbon Doping Regulates Charge Transfer Paths via a Type-II to S-Scheme Transformation to Improve Photocatalytic Performance.

Designing S-scheme heterojunctions with enhanced interfacial interaction is an effective strategy for promoting the separation of photocarriers while maintaining strong photoredox capabilities. However, precisely tailoring the interfacial charge transport pathways between two contacted semiconductors remains a significant challenge due to the similar band alignment in type-II and S-scheme heterostructures. Herein, we report a facile and low-cost carbon doping strategy to smartly tune the charge transfer pathway via a type-II to S-scheme transformation for efficient photocatalytic H2 evolution and H2O2 synthesis. Density functional theory calculations combined with in situ XPS studies demonstrate that the Fermi level of MoO2 shifts from being higher than that of C3N4 to being lower after carbon doping, which drives the inversion of the internal electric field (IEF) direction between MoO2 and C3N4, thus enabling a transition from type-II MoO2/C3N4 heterojunctions to S-scheme C-MoO2/C3N4 heterojunctions. As a result, the optimal S-scheme C-MoO2/C3N4 heterojunctions exhibit a high H2 evolution rate of 16.2 mmol g-1 h-1 and a H2O2 production rate of 877 μmol g-1 h-1, notably surpassing those of the original C3N4 and type-II MoO2/C3N4 heterojunctions. This work provides valuable insights into the fabrication of C3N4 heterostructures and the control of electron migration pathways, thereby creating new possibilities for photocatalysis and optoelectronics applications.

Promoting Preferential Zn (002) Deposition with a Low-Concentration Electrolyte Additive for Highly Reversible Zn-Ion Batteries.

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries have promising potential as energy storage devices due to their low cost and environmental friendliness. However, their development has been hindered by zinc dendrite formation and parasitic side reactions. Herein, we introduce a low-concentration sodium benzoate (NaBZ) electrolyte additive to stabilize the electrode-electrolyte interface and promote deposition on the Zn (002) crystal plane. From experimental characterization and computational analyses, NaBZ was found to adsorb on the Zn surface and inhibit side reactions while guiding homogeneous Zn deposition on the (002) plane. Consequently, Zn|Zn symmetric cells with the NaBZ additive cycled stably for over 1000 h at a current density of 0.5 mA cm-2 and an areal capacity of 0.5 mAh cm-2, while Zn|Cu cells showed excellent reversibility with a Coulombic efficiency of 99.05%. Moreover, Zn|Na0.33V2O5 full cells achieve a high specific capacity of 124 mAh g-1 while cycling for 600 h at 2 A g-1. These findings present a low-cost electrolyte modification strategy for reversible zinc-ion batteries.

Molten salt-confined construction of biocarbon 2D based on Megathyrsus Maximus biomass for high-performance symmetric supercapacitor

Exploring infinite resources, green strategy, and inexpensive for producing 2D biocarbon nanosheets is an essential method in renewable energy. This study aims to develop a eutectic salt-induced activation process for the production of porous carbon nanosheets with well-controlled microstructure using varying ZnCl2 molarity levels. The results showed that biocarbon featuring thin nanosheets with 2D structure and a high specific surface area of 1294 m2g−1 could be obtained in eutectic salt ZnCl2 at 0.5 molarity with a specific capacitance reaching 495 Fg−1. In addition, the capacitive properties of the cells decreased when the molarity was increased to 0.7 M, leading to a decline in specific capacitance to 171 Fg−1. Based on these results, the new and low-cost strategy of eutectic salt media provided an effective method of converting guinea grass into highly valuable biocarbon in the field of electrochemical energy storage.

CRISPR/Cas12a cleavage triggered nanoflower for fluorescence-free and target amplification-free biosensing of ctDNA in the terahertz frequencies.

The detection of tumor biomarkers in liquid biopsies requires high sensitivity and low-cost biosensing strategies. However, few traditional techniques can satisfy the requirements of target amplification-free and fluorescence-free at the same time. In this study, we have proposed a novel strategy for ctDNA detection with the combination of terahertz spectroscopy and the CRISPR/Cas12 system. The CRISPR/Cas12a system is activated by the target ctDNA, resulting in a series of reactions leading to the formation of an Au-Fe complex. This complex is easily extracted with magnets and when dropped onto the terahertz metamaterial sensor, it can enhance the frequency shift, providing sensitive and selective sensing of the target ctDNA. Results show that the proposed terahertz biosensor exhibits a relatively low detection limit of 0.8 fM and a good selectivity over interference species. This detection limit is improved by three orders of magnitude compared with traditional biosensing methods using terahertz waves. Furthermore, a ctDNA concentration of 100 fM has been successfully detected in bovine serum (corresponding to 50 fM in the final reaction system) without amplification.

A flexible strategy to fabricate trumpet-shaped porous PDMS membranes for organ-on-chip application.

Porous polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane is a crucial element in organs-on-chips fabrication, supplying a unique substrate that can be used for the generation of tissue-tissue interfaces, separate co-culture, biomimetic stretch application, etc. However, the existing methods of through-hole PDMS membrane production are largely limited by labor-consuming processes and/or expensive equipment. Here, we propose an accessible and low-cost strategy to fabricate through-hole PDMS membranes with good controllability, which is performed via combining wet-etching and spin-coating processes. The porous membrane is obtained by spin-coating OS-20 diluted PDMS on an etched glass template with a columnar array structure. The pore size and thickness of the PDMS membrane can be adjusted flexibly via optimizing the template structure and spinning speed. In particular, compared to the traditional vertical through-hole structure of porous membranes, the membranes prepared by this method feature a trumpet-shaped structure, which allows for the generation of some unique bionic structures on organs-on-chips. When the trumpet-shape faces upward, the endothelium spreads at the bottom of the porous membrane, and intestinal cells form a villous structure, achieving the same effect as traditional methods. Conversely, when the trumpet-shape faces downward, intestinal cells spontaneously form a crypt-like structure, which is challenging to achieve with other methods. The proposed approach is simple, flexible with good reproducibility, and low-cost, which provides a new way to facilitate the building of multifunctional organ-on-chip systems and accelerate their translational applications.

Knowledge Of Timing And Compliance With Routine Immunization Schedule Among Mothers Of Under Five Attending Immunization Clinic In A Tertiary Hospital, Sokoto State, Nigeria

Background: Immunization is the most efficacious and low-cost strategy to save the lives of children and prevent dangerous communicable diseases. In order to develop the highest level of protection against diseases, children should be fully vaccinated as per the schedule and at the right age. Complete vaccination to children is a successful way of reducing the infant mortality rate, and to make zero dropouts and achieve 100% vaccination, vaccines should be administered as per scheduled time. Aim: The aim of this study is assess the knowledge of timing and compliance with routine immunization schedule among mothers of under five children attending immunization clinic in a tertiary hospital in Sokoto state, Nigeria Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive study conducted among 280 mothers of under five children attending immunization clinic in a tertiary hospital in Sokoto state in May and June, 2022. The respondents were selected by multistage sampling technique. A set of pretested, semi-structured interviewer- administered questionnaire was usedtocollect data on the research variables. Data were analyzed using IBM® SPSS version 25 statistical package. Results: The ages of the respondents ranged from 18 to 45 years with a mean age of 29.18 ± 8.16 years. Majority of the respondents 167 (59.5%) were aged 21-30 years. Most of the respondents were married 277 (99.0%) and larger proportion (58.1%) had tertiary education. The proportions of respondents with good knowledge of routineimmunization timing as the per schedule was (90.7%) and majority 235(83.9%) complied with timing according totheschedule. About two-third 175 (62.5%) of the respondents were fully vaccinated, some of the reasons mentioned by therespondents for not complying with timing were; waiting time, attitude of the health workers, husband disapproval andsickness of the child among others. Conclusion and Recommendations: Most of the respondents demonstrated good knowledge of routine immunization timing and majority compliedwith the timing according to the scheduled. About two-third of them were fully immunized, some of the reasons fornot complying with timing as per the schedule among the respondents were waiting time, attitude of the healthworkers, husband disapproval and sickness of the child among others. Improving the knowledge of parents about immunization was recommended by providing health education session consistently at every clinic day before the immunization session

The Potential of Positive Affirmations to Addressing Body Image Concerns among Individuals with Diabetes Mellitus

Body image disturbances are a common psychological challenge among patients with Diabetes Mellitus (DM), influenced by the physical and emotional toll of the disease. Body dissatisfaction can negatively impact self-esteem, adherence to diabetes management, and overall quality of life. Positive affirmations, rooted in self-affirmation theory, have improved body image in various populations. However, there is limited research on the application of positive affirmations as an intervention for body image in DM patients. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a structured, positive affirmation intervention in improving body image among patients with Diabetes Mellitus using a quasi-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design. The study involved 40 adult DM patients participating in a 4-week positive affirmation program. Body image outcomes were measured pre-and post-intervention using the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire – Appearance Scale (MBSRQ-AS). The primary outcomes were changes in appearance evaluation, appearance orientation, body area satisfaction, and self-classified weight. Paired sample t-tests were used to analyze pre- and post-intervention differences, with effect sizes calculated using Cohen's d. Significant improvements were observed in appearance evaluation (p < 0.001, d = 0.91), body area satisfaction (p < 0.001, d = 0.80), and self-classified weight (p < 0.01, d = 0.76). Appearance orientation decreased significantly (p < 0.01, d = 0.66), indicating a reduced focus on external appearance. The intervention showed firm effect sizes across all body image dimensions. Positive affirmations effectively improved body image among DM patients, with significant improvements across multiple dimensions. This intervention offers a practical, low-cost strategy for addressing body image disturbances, potentially enhancing the psychological and physical wellbeing of DM patients. Future studies should explore long-term effects and compare the intervention with other psychosocial approaches in diverse populations.

Copper-bridged fluorescent turn-on molecular system for high-performance identification and bioimaging of carbon monoxide

Novel high-performance fluorescent strategies have always been in great demand for carbon monoxide (CO) detection and cell-imaging at room temperature, which have two sides of a coin: its high toxicity even at low concentrations and crucial role in physiological and pathophysiological processes. Herein, we constructed a copper-bridged fluorescent turn-on molecular system, Nap-BC-Cu2+, in monitoring and cell-imaging of vaporous CO at room temperature. The absence of expensive palladium salts and the capability to detect both CORM-3 and CO are two major advantages of this strategy compared to previous reports. The sensing performance of the system is exceptional, demonstrated by less than 1 s response time and high sensitivity with remarkable fluorescence enhancement. The detection limit is calculated to be as low as approximately 82 nM and ∼ 14 ppb for CORM-3 and CO vapor, respectively. Besides, the presence of potential interferences had minimal impact on the detection. Moreover, the quantitative detection of CO vapor was also realized by naked-eye observation via paper tests, which provide a low-cost portable strategy for the real-time CO detection. Furthermore, the fluorescent turn-on molecular system exhibited low cell toxicity and high cellular uptake, and was effectively utilized for imaging CO in living Hela cells.

Analyzing the Impact of Annealed Steel Sludge Doses on the Physicochemical Properties of Biochar Obtained from Waste Date Palm Frond

Large quantities of date palm frond waste generated from the pruning process are accumulated or burned in burn barrels, harming the environment and having very little economic value. However, because of the lack of data revealing the characteristic magnetic properties of biochar derived from date palm fronds, further research on low-cost and sustainable strategies could offer a new composite material and serve to extend the way for novel applications. In this study, we prepared biochar derived from palm fronds via pyrolysis under a limited-oxygen atmosphere at a lower temperature of 300 °C for 2 h. We introduced a facile strategy for the production of magnetic biochar with various doses of annealed steel sludge material via ball milling. Various amounts of annealed steel sludge material (5%, 15%, and 25% w) were added to date palm frond biochar, and the obtained product was fabricated by ball milling. The physicochemical characteristics of the magnetic biochar composite were subsequently analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy, and UV-vis spectroscopy. Our findings showed that the ball milling method is a successful step for producing date palm fronds with magnetic biochar material possessing rough and packed pores, as shown by SEM. XRD patterns assumed the existence of magnetic phases of iron oxide (magnetite (Fe3O4), hematite (α-Fe2O3), and maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) at different generated peaks. FTIR outputs exhibited the abundant presence of various oxygen-containing functional groups (- COOH and -OH) on the surface of magnetic biochar material, which help to create chemically reactive sites to adsorb potential surrounding species. The UV spectra showed a noticeable enhancement of the optical properties of the magnetic biochar with an increase in the sludge dose for light absorption in the visible region from wavelengths of 400 – 700 nm . This result signifies the synthetic optimization and potential application of magnetic biochar materials for composites that could be employed in targeted uses including soil amendment, water remediation and energy applications.

One-step visible laser writing of Cu-doped graphene hybrid structure for in-plane supercapacitor assembly

High-quality copper-graphene holds great potential for applications in electronics, but fabricating these hybrid structures in a cost-effective route remains challenging. Herein, we propose a one-step writing process for manufacturing copper-doped graphene hybrid structure using low-cost visible laser. The ionic precursor coated on the surface of polymeric substrate not only acts as a copper source for doping, but also can promote near-surface graphenization of the polymer as proved in this study. The interaction between copper and graphene during this in-situ laser processing has been in-deep discussed to reveal the formation mechanism of the hybrid structure. The obtained hybrid structure shows excellent performance that can assemble high-performance devices, such as the in-plane supercapacitor we demonstrated. This study presents a low-cost, rapid, and efficient strategy for structuring the composites to meet the demands for high-performance structures in booming electronics.

Antimicrobial multi-crosslinking tamarind xyloglucan/protein-chitosan coating packaging films with self-recovery and biocompatible properties

Natural and high-quality biomass-based coating films are considered promising packaging to consumers. However, the poor mechanical properties and weak antimicrobial activity of biomass materials have limited their practical application. A cleaner and low-cost strategy is used to prepare antimicrobial, self-recovery, and biocompatible coating films using tamarind kernel powder (TKP) and chitosan (CS). The TKP protein and chitosan chains were covalently cross-linked with tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride (THPC) to form a three-dimensional network based on THPC-amine dynamic bonds, and act as a sacrificial bond. Then, the hydrogen bond forms an interpenetrating network to build a strong multi-network film. Thus, the THPC multi-crosslinking TKP based films showed enhanced stretchable property (increased from 3.23 % to 77.54 %), and self-recovery after 30 min of recovery. Additionally, the film has been found to exhibit low water vapor permeability, low oxygen transmittance rate, and excellent antimicrobial efficiency (maximum inhibition zones: 24.39 mm). Moreover, the prepared films were demonstrated to be biocompatible and non-hemolytic based on cell viability and hemolytic activity assays. The method described herein could broaden the scope of biomass-based materials in the realm of antimicrobial coating films.

The Use of Breast-specific Gamma Imaging as a Low-Cost Problem-Solving Strategy for Avoiding Biopsies in Patients With Inconclusive Imaging Findings on Mammography and Ultrasonography.

To evaluate the clinical performance and financial costs of breast-specific gamma imaging (BSGI) as a biopsy-reducing problem-solving strategy in patients with inconclusive diagnostic imaging findings. A retrospective analysis of all patients for whom BSGI was utilized for inconclusive imaging findings following complete diagnostic mammographic and sonographic evaluation between January 2013 and December 2018 was performed. Positive BSGI findings were correlated and biopsied with either US or stereotactic technique with confirmation by clip location and pathology. After a negative BSGI result, patients were followed for a minimum of 24 months or considered lost to follow-up and excluded (22 patients). Results of further imaging studies, biopsies, and pathology results were analyzed. Net savings of avoided biopsies were calculated based on average Medicare charges. Four hundred and forty female patients from 30 to 95 years (mean 55 years) of age were included in our study. BSGI demonstrated a negative predictive value (NPV) of 98.4% (314/319) and a positive predictive value for biopsy of 35.5% (43/121). The overall sensitivity was 89.6% (43/48), and the specificity was 80.1% (314/392). In total, 78 false positive but only 5 false negative BSGI findings were identified. Six hundred and twenty-one inconclusive imaging findings were analyzed with BSGI and a total of 309 biopsies were avoided. Estimated net financial savings from avoided biopsies were $646 897. In the management of patients with inconclusive imaging findings on mammography or ultrasonography, BSGI is a problem-solving imaging modality with high NPV that helps avoid costs of image-guided biopsies.

Coronary artery calcification burden, atherogenic index of plasma, and risk of adverse cardiovascular events in the general population: evidence from a mediation analysis

BackgroundDyslipidemia and abnormal cholesterol metabolism are closely related to coronary artery calcification (CAC) and are also critical factors in cardiovascular disease death. In recent years, the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) has been widely used to evaluate vascular sclerosis. This study aimed to investigate the potential association of AIP between CAC and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs).MethodsThis study included 1,121 participants whose CACs were measured by multislice spiral CT. Participants’ CAC Agatston score, CAC mass, CAC volume, and number of vessels with CACs were assessed. AIP is defined as the base 10 logarithm of the ratio of triglyceride (TG) concentration to high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration. We investigated the multivariate-adjusted associations between AIP, CAC, and MACEs. The mediating role of the AIP in CAC and MACEs was subsequently discussed.ResultsDuring a median follow-up of 31 months, 74 MACEs were identified. For each additional unit of log-converted CAC, the MACE risk increased by 48% (HR 1.48 [95% CI 1.32–1.65]). For each additional unit of the AIP (multiplied by 10), the MACEs risk increased by 19%. Causal mediation analysis revealed that the AIP played a partial mediating role between CAC (CAC Agatston score, CAC mass) and MACEs, and the mediating proportions were 8.16% and 16.5%, respectively. However, the mediating effect of CAC volume tended to be nonsignificant (P = 0.137).ConclusionsAn increased AIP can be a risk factor for CAC and MACEs. Biomarkers based on lipid ratios are a readily available and low-cost strategy for identifying MACEs and mediating the association between CAC and MACEs. These findings provide a new perspective on CAC treatment, early diagnosis, and prevention of MACEs.

A highly efficient oxygen tolerant visible-light mediated RAFT polymerization

Recently, oxygen-tolerant reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization has attracted increasing attention in polymer chemistry. Inspired by the monomers containing glycol ethers group have high polymerization rates and even achieved a desirable oxygen tolerance. Herein, we proposed a simple, effective, low-cost, and eco-friendly strategy to accomplish the oxygen-tolerant visible-light activated RAFT polymerization of acrylates and acrylamides in a mixed solution of glycol ether and water at ambient temperature. This photo-mediated RAFT polymerization does not require additives, prior deoxygenation, or inert gas protection. The acrylates and acrylamides with high conversion under irradiation for 2 h, and the resulting polymers were narrow unimodal and narrow molecular weight distributions (PDI<1.3). In addition, the “living” and well-controlled behaviors of this oxygen-tolerant photo-mediated RAFT polymerization were demonstrated through water content in solvents, headspace, initial concentration of monomers, various monomers, chain lengths, light ON/OFF experiment, and high-end group fidelity of block copolymers. This RAFT polymerization also opens up a wide avenue for the industrial production of functional polymeric materials via an in situ chain extension strategy. These results indicate that the mixed solution of glycol ethers and water are effective green media for promoting photo-mediated RAFT polymerization without additives or tedious degassing processes.