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Rhythmic tasks that biological beings perform such as breathing, walking, and swimming, use specialized neural networks called central pattern generators (CPG). This paper aims to take this concept further by designing and implementing a tunable bursting central pattern generator to control quadruped robots for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. Bursting CPGs allow for more granular control over the motion and speed of operation while retaining the low memory usage and latency capabilities of spiking CPGs. A bio-mimetic neuron model is chosen for this implementation which is highly optimized to run real-time on standard (Arduino microcontroller) and specialized (Intel Loihi) hardware. The Petoi bittle is chosen as the model hardware setup to showcase the efficiency of the proposed CPGs even in serial processing architectures. The CPG network is also realized in a completely asynchronous Loihi architecture to illustrate its versatility. The fully connected network running on CPG takes around 10 kilo bytes of memory (33% of Arduino capacity) to execute different modes of locomotion - walk, jump, trot, gallop, and crawl. Benchmarking results show that the bio-mimetic neurons take around 600 bytes (around 2%) more memory than Izhikevich neurons while being 0.02ms (around 14%) faster in isolated neuron testing.

The International Society of Nephrology Global Kidney Health Atlas charts the availability and capacity of kidney care globally. In the North America and the Caribbean region, the Atlas can identify opportunities for kidney care improvement, particularly in Caribbean countries where structures for systematic data collection are lacking. In this third iteration, respondents from 12 of 18 countries from the region reported a 2-fold higher than global median prevalence of dialysis and transplantation, and a 3-fold higher than global median prevalence of dialysis centers. The peritoneal dialysis prevalence was lower than the global median, and transplantation data were missing from 6 of the 10 Caribbean countries. Government-funded payments predominated for dialysis modalities, with greater heterogeneity in transplantation payor mix. Services for chronic kidney disease, such as monitoring of anemia and blood pressure, and diagnostic capability relying on serum creatinine and urinalyses were universally available. Notable exceptions in Caribbean countries included non-calcium-based phosphate binders and kidney biopsy services. Personnel shortages were reported across the region. Kidney failure was identified as a governmental priority more commonly than was chronic kidney disease or acute kidney injury. In this generally affluent region, patients have better access to kidney replacement therapy and chronic kidney disease-related services than in much of the world. Yet clear heterogeneity exists, especially among the Caribbean countries struggling with dialysis and personnel capacity. Important steps to improve kidney care in the region include increased emphasis on preventive care, a focus on home-based modalities and transplantation, and solutions to train and retain specialized allied health professionals.

The South Asia region is facing a high burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) with limited health resources and low expenditure on health care. In addition to the burden of CKD and kidney failure from traditional risk factors, CKD of unknown etiologies from India and Sri Lanka compounds the challenges of optimal management of CKD in the region. From the third edition of the International Society of Nephrology Global Kidney Health Atlas (ISN-GKHA), we present the status of CKD burden, infrastructure, funding, resources, and health care personnel using the World Health Organizations building blocks for health systems in the ISN South Asia region. The poor status of the public health care system and low health care expenditure resulted in high out-of-pocket expenditures for people with kidney disease, which further compounded the situation. There is insufficient country capacity across the region to provide kidney replacement therapies to cover the burden. The infrastructure was also not uniformly distributed among the countries in the region. There were no chronic hemodialysis centers in Afghanistan, and peritoneal dialysis services were only available in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Kidney transplantation was not available in Afghanistan, Bhutan, and Maldives. Conservative kidney management was reported as available in 63% (n = 5) of the countries, yet no country reported availability of the core CKM care components. There was a high hospitalization rate and early mortality because of inadequate kidney care. The lack of national registries and actual disease burden estimates reported in the region prevent policymakers attention to CKD as an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Data from the 2023 ISN-GKHA, although with some limitations, may be used for advocacy and improving CKD care in the region.

We study the constraints on the primordial magnetic fields in light of Dark Ages global 21-cm signal. An early absorption signal in the redshift of $200 \leq z \leq 30$ is predicted in the $\Lambda\rm CDM$ model of cosmology. During the Dark Ages, there were no stars, therefore, measuring the global 21-cm signal can provide pristine cosmological information. However, measuring the Dark Ages global 21-cm signal from ground-based telescopes is challenging. To overcome this difficulty, recently lunar and space-based experiments have been proposed, such as FARSIDE, DAPPER, FarView, etc. Primordial magnetic fields can heat the intergalactic medium gas via magnetohydrodynamic effects. We study the effects of magnetic fields on the Dark Ages global 21-cm signal and constrain the present-day strength of primordial magnetic fields and the spectral index. We find that measuring the Dark Ages signal can provide stronger bounds compared to the existing constraints from Planck 2016. Additionally, we also explore the dark-ages consistency ratio which can identify the magnetic heating of IGM by measuring the 21-cm signal at only three different redshifts in future experiments., Comment: 24 pages, 7 figures

Primary break-up of liquid jets is often encountered in industrial processes and is scientifically challenging due to its complexity. An accurate description of the break-up length and droplet sizes is critical for controlling the jet dynamics and hence the process performance. Despite the extensive research performed on jet break-up, the existing correlations are not universally applicable to all encountered flow conditions. In this article, we perform Direct Numerical Simulation of a cylindrical liquid jet using the Local Front Reconstruction Method (LFRM) to track the liquid-gas interface. Experiments are also carried out to validate the simulation results in the same range of Reynolds and Weber numbers. The LFRM method is able to accurately reproduce the experimental break-up lengths and droplet diameters. The surface waves propagating along the jet are compared with the dominant wavelengths reported in literature. It can be concluded that LFRM can accurately describe the dynamics of laminar jets.

Background In the COVID-STEROID 2 trial there was suggestion of heterogeneity of treatment effects (HTE) between patients enrolled from Europe vs. India on the primary outcome. Whether there was HTE for the remaining patient-centred outcomes is unclear. Methods In this post hoc analysis of the COVID-STEROID 2 trial, which compared 12 mg vs. 6 mg dexamethasone in adults with COVID-19 and severe hypoxemia, we evaluated HTE by geographical region (Europe vs. India) for secondary outcomes with analyses adjusted for stratification variables. Results are presented as risk differences (RDs) or mean differences (MDs) with 99% confidence intervals (CIs) and P-values from interaction tests. Findings There were differences in mortality at day 28 (RD for Europe −8.3% (99% CI: −17.7 to 1.0) vs. India 0.1% (99% CI: −10.0 to 10.0)), mortality at day 90 (RD for Europe −7.4% (99% CI: −17.1 to 2.0) vs. India −1.4% (99% CI: −12.8 to 9.8)), mortality at day 180 (RD for Europe −6.7% (99% CI: −16.4 to 2.9) vs. India −1.0% (99% CI: −12.3 to 10.3)), and number of days alive without life support at day 90 (MD for Europe 6.1 days (99% CI: −1.3 to 13.4) vs. India 1.7 days (99% CI: −8.4 to 11.8)). For serious adverse reactions, the direction was reversed (RD for Europe −1.0% (99% CI: −7.1 to 5.2) vs. India −5.3% (99% CI: −16.2 to 5.0). Interpretation Our analysis suggests higher dose dexamethasone may have less beneficial effects for patients in India as compared with those in Europe; however, the evidence is weak, and this could represent a chance finding., Background: In the COVID-STEROID 2 trial there was suggestion of heterogeneity of treatment effects (HTE) between patients enrolled from Europe vs. India on the primary outcome. Whether there was HTE for the remaining patient-centred outcomes is unclear. Methods: In this post hoc analysis of the COVID-STEROID 2 trial, which compared 12 mg vs. 6 mg dexamethasone in adults with COVID-19 and severe hypoxemia, we evaluated HTE by geographical region (Europe vs. India) for secondary outcomes with analyses adjusted for stratification variables. Results are presented as risk differences (RDs) or mean differences (MDs) with 99% confidence intervals (CIs) and P-values from interaction tests. Findings: There were differences in mortality at day 28 (RD for Europe −8.3% (99% CI: −17.7 to 1.0) vs. India 0.1% (99% CI: −10.0 to 10.0)), mortality at day 90 (RD for Europe −7.4% (99% CI: −17.1 to 2.0) vs. India −1.4% (99% CI: −12.8 to 9.8)), mortality at day 180 (RD for Europe −6.7% (99% CI: −16.4 to 2.9) vs. India −1.0% (99% CI: −12.3 to 10.3)), and number of days alive without life support at day 90 (MD for Europe 6.1 days (99% CI: −1.3 to 13.4) vs. India 1.7 days (99% CI: −8.4 to 11.8)). For serious adverse reactions, the direction was reversed (RD for Europe −1.0% (99% CI: −7.1 to 5.2) vs. India −5.3% (99% CI: −16.2 to 5.0). Interpretation: Our analysis suggests higher dose dexamethasone may have less beneficial effects for patients in India as compared with those in Europe; however, the evidence is weak, and this could represent a chance finding. Funding: None for this analysis. The COVID STEROID 2 trial was funded by The Novo Nordisk Foundation and supported by Rigshospitalet's Research Council.

Background In the COVID-STEROID 2 trial there was suggestion of heterogeneity of treatment effects (HTE) between patients enrolled from Europe vs. India on the primary outcome. Whether there was HTE for the remaining patient-centred outcomes is unclear. Methods In this post hoc analysis of the COVID-STEROID 2 trial, which compared 12 mg vs. 6 mg dexamethasone in adults with COVID-19 and severe hypoxemia, we evaluated HTE by geographical region (Europe vs. India) for secondary outcomes with analyses adjusted for stratification variables. Results are presented as risk differences (RDs) or mean differences (MDs) with 99% confidence intervals (CIs) and P-values from interaction tests. Findings There were differences in mortality at day 28 (RD for Europe −8.3% (99% CI: −17.7 to 1.0) vs. India 0.1% (99% CI: −10.0 to 10.0)), mortality at day 90 (RD for Europe −7.4% (99% CI: −17.1 to 2.0) vs. India −1.4% (99% CI: −12.8 to 9.8)), mortality at day 180 (RD for Europe −6.7% (99% CI: −16.4 to 2.9) vs. India −1.0% (99% CI: −12.3 to 10.3)), and number of days alive without life support at day 90 (MD for Europe 6.1 days (99% CI: −1.3 to 13.4) vs. India 1.7 days (99% CI: −8.4 to 11.8)). For serious adverse reactions, the direction was reversed (RD for Europe −1.0% (99% CI: −7.1 to 5.2) vs. India −5.3% (99% CI: −16.2 to 5.0). Interpretation Our analysis suggests higher dose dexamethasone may have less beneficial effects for patients in India as compared with those in Europe; however, the evidence is weak, and this could represent a chance finding., Background: In the COVID-STEROID 2 trial there was suggestion of heterogeneity of treatment effects (HTE) between patients enrolled from Europe vs. India on the primary outcome. Whether there was HTE for the remaining patient-centred outcomes is unclear. Methods: In this post hoc analysis of the COVID-STEROID 2 trial, which compared 12 mg vs. 6 mg dexamethasone in adults with COVID-19 and severe hypoxemia, we evaluated HTE by geographical region (Europe vs. India) for secondary outcomes with analyses adjusted for stratification variables. Results are presented as risk differences (RDs) or mean differences (MDs) with 99% confidence intervals (CIs) and P-values from interaction tests. Findings: There were differences in mortality at day 28 (RD for Europe −8.3% (99% CI: −17.7 to 1.0) vs. India 0.1% (99% CI: −10.0 to 10.0)), mortality at day 90 (RD for Europe −7.4% (99% CI: −17.1 to 2.0) vs. India −1.4% (99% CI: −12.8 to 9.8)), mortality at day 180 (RD for Europe −6.7% (99% CI: −16.4 to 2.9) vs. India −1.0% (99% CI: −12.3 to 10.3)), and number of days alive without life support at day 90 (MD for Europe 6.1 days (99% CI: −1.3 to 13.4) vs. India 1.7 days (99% CI: −8.4 to 11.8)). For serious adverse reactions, the direction was reversed (RD for Europe −1.0% (99% CI: −7.1 to 5.2) vs. India −5.3% (99% CI: −16.2 to 5.0). Interpretation: Our analysis suggests higher dose dexamethasone may have less beneficial effects for patients in India as compared with those in Europe; however, the evidence is weak, and this could represent a chance finding. Funding: None for this analysis. The COVID STEROID 2 trial was funded by The Novo Nordisk Foundation and supported by Rigshospitalet's Research Council.

Introduction: Music generation is a complex task that has received significant attention in recent years, and deep learning techniques have shown promising results in this field. Objectives: While extensive work has been carried out on generating Piano and other Western music, there is limited research on generating classical Indian music due to the scarcity of Indian music in machine-encoded formats. In this technical paper, methods for generating classical Indian music, specifically tabla music, is proposed. Initially, this paper explores piano music generation using deep learning architectures. Then the fundamentals are extended to generating tabla music. Methods: Tabla music in waveform (.wav) files are pre-processed using the librosa library in Python. A novel Bi-LSTM with an Attention approach and a transformer model are trained on the extracted features and labels. Results: The models are then used to predict the next sequences of tabla music. A loss of 4.042 and MAE of 1.0814 are achieved with the Bi-LSTM model. With the transformer model, a loss of 55.9278 and MAE of 3.5173 are obtained for tabla music generation. Conclusion: The resulting music embodies a harmonious fusion of novelty and familiarity, pushing the limits of music composition to new horizons.

Introduction: Automated Lung X-Ray Abnormality Detection System is the application which distinguish the normal x-ray images from infected x-ray images and highlight area considered for prediction, with the recent pandemic a need to have a non-conventional method and faster detecting diseases, for which X ray serves the purpose. Obectives: As of current situation any viral disease that is infectious is potential pandemic, so there is need for cheap and early detection system. Methods: This research will help to eases the work of expert to do further analysis. Accuracy of three different preexisting models such as DenseNet, MobileNet and VGG16 were high but models over-fitted primarily due to black and white images. Results: This led to building up new method such as as V-BreathNet which gave more than 96% percent accuracy. Conclusion: Thus, it can be stated that not all state-of art CNN models can be used on B/W images. In conclusion not all state-of-art CNN models can be used on B/W images.

We introduce a new, general-purpose, range-separated hybrid van der Waals density functional termed vdW-DF2-ahbr within the nonempirical vdW-DF method [Hyldgaard, et al. J. Phys. Condens. Matter 32, 393001 (2020)JCOMEL0953-898410.1088/1361-648X/ab8250]. It combines a correlation from vdW-DF2 with a screened Fock exchange that is fixed by a new model of exchange effects in the density-explicit vdW-DF-b86r or rev-vdW-DF2 functional [Hamada, Phys. Rev. B 89, 121103(R) (2014)PRBMDO1098-012110.1103/PhysRevB.89.121103]. The new vdW-DF2-ahbr prevents spurious exchange binding and has a small-density-gradient form set from many-body perturbation analysis. It is accurate for bulk as well as layered materials, and it systematically and significantly improves the performance of the present vdW-DFs for molecular problems. Importantly, vdW-DF2-ahbr also outperforms present-standard (dispersion-corrected) range-separated hybrids on a broad collection of noncovalent-interaction benchmark sets, while at the same time successfully mitigating the density-driven errors that often affect the description of molecular transition states and isomerization calculations. vdW-DF2-ahbr furthermore improves on state-of-the-art density-functional-theory approaches by succeeding at challenging problems. For example, it (1) correctly predicts both the substrate structure and the site preference for CO adsorption on Pt(111), (2) it outperforms existing nonempirical vdW-DFs for the description of CO2 adsorption in both a functionalized and in a simple metal-organic framework, and (3) it is highly accurate for the set of base-pair interactions in a model of DNA assembly.

IMPORTANCE: Chronic kidney disease (low estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] or albuminuria) affects approximately 14% of adults in the US. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate associations of lower eGFR based on creatinine alone, lower eGFR based on creatinine combined with cystatin C, and more severe albuminuria with adverse kidney outcomes, cardiovascular outcomes, and other health outcomes. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Individual-participant data meta-analysis of 27 503 140 individuals from 114 global cohorts (eGFR based on creatinine alone) and 720 736 individuals from 20 cohorts (eGFR based on creatinine and cystatin C) and 9 067 753 individuals from 114 cohorts (albuminuria) from 1980 to 2021. EXPOSURES: The Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration 2021 equations for eGFR based on creatinine alone and eGFR based on creatinine and cystatin C; and albuminuria estimated as urine albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The risk of kidney failure requiring replacement therapy, all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, acute kidney injury, any hospitalization, coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and peripheral artery disease. The analyses were performed within each cohort and summarized with random-effects meta-analyses. RESULTS: Within the population using eGFR based on creatinine alone (mean age, 54 years [SD, 17 years]; 51% were women; mean follow-up time, 4.8 years [SD, 3.3 years]), the mean eGFR was 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 (SD, 22 mL/min/1.73 m2) and the median UACR was 11 mg/g (IQR, 8-16 mg/g). Within the population using eGFR based on creatinine and cystatin C (mean age, 59 years [SD, 12 years]; 53% were women; mean follow-up time, 10.8 years [SD, 4.1 years]), the mean eGFR was 88 mL/min/1.73 m2 (SD, 22 mL/min/1.73 m2) and the median UACR was 9 mg/g (IQR, 6-18 mg/g). Lower eGFR (whether based on creatinine alone or based on creatinine and cystatin C) and higher UACR were each significantly associ

An approach based on wastewater epidemiology can be used to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic by assessing the gene copy number of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater. In the present study, we statistically analyzed such data from six inlets of three wastewater treatment plants, covering six regions of Stockholm, Sweden, collected over an approximate year period (week 16 of 2020 to week 22 of 2021). SARS-CoV-2 gene copy number and population-based biomarker PMMoV, as well as clinical data, such as the number of positive cases, intensive care unit numbers, and deaths, were analyzed statistically using correlations and principal component analysis (PCA). Despite the population differences, the PCA for the Stockholm dataset showed that the case numbers are well grouped across wastewater treatment plants. Furthermore, when considering the data from the whole of Stockholm, the wastewater characteristics (flow rate m3/day, PMMoV Ct value, and SARS-CoV gene copy number) were significantly correlated with the public health agency’s report of SARS-CoV-2 infection rates (0.419 to 0.95, p-value < 0.01). However, while the PCA results showed that the case numbers for each wastewater treatment plant were well grouped concerning PC1 (37.3%) and PC2 (19.67%), the results from the correlation analysis for the individual wastewater treatment plants showed varied trends. SARS-CoV-2 fluctuations can be accurately predicted through statistical analyses of wastewater-based epidemiology, as demonstrated in this study., QC 20230707

India’s decision to pull out from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) was a surprise to analysts as RCEP is currently the most significant Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This paper examines the rationality of India’s decision. We used gravity set-up and Poisson Pseudo Maximum Likelihood (PPML) estimator to analyse India’s export and import data for nine sectors with 45 trading partners for the period 2001-2021. The results show that India’s export is inelastic to tariff while import to India is elastic to tariff. Export remains positive despite tariff on Indian export while import declines with tariff imposed by India. This rationalizes India’s decision to pull out from RCEP. At the sectoral level, tariff elimination reduces India’s export of vegetables, food, minerals and chemicals, plastics and plastics goods. However, tariff elimination increases India’s export of animal and animal food, leather, wood and wood products, textiles and foot ware. Tariff elimination increases import of vegetable, food stuffs, chemicals, plastic and leather to India. The sectoral results show that India has reason to doubt its gain from joining RCEP as the sectoral results are mixed and the overall gain might not be in favour of India.

National strategies for addressing chronic kidney disease (CKD) are crucial to improving kidney health. We sought to describe country-level variations in non-communicable disease (NCD) strategies and CKD-specific policies across different regions and income levels worldwide. The International Society of Nephrology Global Kidney Health Atlas (GKHA) was a multinational cross-sectional survey conducted between July and October 2018. Responses from key opinion leaders in each country regarding national NCD strategies, the presence and scope of CKD-specific policies, and government recognition of CKD as a health priority were described overall and according to region and income level. 160 countries participated in the GKHA survey, comprising 97.8% of the worlds population. Seventy-four (47%) countries had an established national NCD strategy, and 53 (34%) countries reported the existence of CKD-specific policies, with substantial variation across regions and income levels. Where CKD-specific policies existed, non-dialysis CKD care was variably addressed. 79 (51%) countries identified government recognition of CKD as a health priority. Low- and low-middle income countries were less likely to have strategies and policies for addressing CKD and have governments which recognise it as a health priority. The existence of CKD-specific policies, and a national NCD strategy more broadly, varied substantially across different regions around the world but was overall suboptimal, with major discrepancies between the burden of CKD in many countries and governmental recognition of CKD as a health priority. Greater recognition of CKD within national health policy is critical to improving kidney healthcare globally.

Atomization is a physical phenomenon that is widely encountered in many engineering and industrial applications, such as in combustion engines, spray coating, spray dryers and many more. Spray characterization involves the determination of the droplet size and velocity distributions (both probability density function and spatial). To determine these parameters experimentally, traditionally, microscopic shadowgraphy and Phase Doppler Anemometry (PDA) are used, because of their relative ease of use and high accuracy. However, the application of these techniques is limited to relatively less dense sprays. In highly dense sprays, the strong multiple scattering effects cause significant errors in the determination of relevant parameters. Therefore, the Structured Laser Illumination Planar Imaging (SLIPI) technique is adopted. In this work, comparative measurements are reported to assess the capabilities of these techniques for drop-size measurements in a highly dense spray originating from a pressure swirl nozzle.

Understanding the astrophysical nature of the first stars still remains an unsolved problem in cosmology. The redshifted global 21-cm signal $(\text{T}_{21})$ acts as a treasure trove to probe the Cosmic Dawn era -- when the intergalactic medium was mostly neutral. Many experiments, like SARAS 3, EDGES, and DARE have been proposed to probe the cosmic dawn era. However, extracting the faint cosmological signal buried inside a brighter foreground $\mathcal{O}(10^4)$ remains challenging. Thus we use two artificial neural networks, one for extraction of foreground, via parameter estimation with R-square $(R^2)$ score $(0.8034 - 0.9984)$, from the total sky-averaged spectrum. The other is for extraction of a global 21-cm signal in the presence of noise with $R^2$ score $(0.6960 - 0.9978)$. Considering an excess radio background scenario, we constructed all possible $\text{T}_{21}$ signals in the EDGES limit, along with the foreground signal, to train the neural networks. Here, we also explore the variation in parameter estimation due to the presence of heating of intergalactic medium by background radio radiation mediated via Ly$\alpha$ photons from first stars, and we found that the presence and absence of this effect can change the global 21-cm signal estimation by $\sim 33$ mK in the EDGES limit $(\sim -0.5\text{ K})$, Comment: 13 pages, 47 figures, 1 table

The high energy emission of rotation powered pulsars is supposed to be produced in "gaps" in the pulsar magnetosphere where charges are accelerated and currents are produced. The rest of the magnetosphere is supposed to be mostly a "force-free" plasma without any currents. Two important currents are the main current that flows away from the pulsar, that produces the observed radiation, and the current that returns to the pulsar to maintain charge neutrality. This work attempts to study the return current in the Crab pulsar using the soft X-ray data from the {\it{NICER}} observatory. It is assumed that the two currents vary as a function of time. This would modulate the electric fields in the "gaps", which would affect the observed X-ray flux. These flux variations will show up only in the on-pulse phases, while those caused by the Crab Nebula, instrumental effects, etc. will be present in the off-pulse phases also. This work obtains the correlation coefficient of the flux variations in the two peaks of the Crab pulsar, after removing the off-pulse flux variations. No correlation was observed; its error of $0.000012$ sets an upper limit of $0.036\%$ on the rms variation of correlated X-ray flux in the Crab pulsar. Reasons exist for the return current variations to be correlated, while the main current variations are probably uncorrelated. So the above number is considered an upper limit on correlated return current variations, which may be an important constraint for pulsar magnetospheric structure.

Background: Corticosteroids improve outcomes in patients with severe COVID-19. In the COVID STEROID 2 randomised clinical trial, we found high probabilities of benefit with dexamethasone 12 versus 6 mg daily. While no statistically significant heterogeneity in treatment effects (HTE) was found in the conventional, dichotomous subgroup analyses, these analyses have limitations, and HTE could still exist. Methods: We assessed whether HTE was present for days alive without life support and mortality at Day 90 in the trial according to baseline age, weight, number of comorbidities, category of respiratory failure (type of respiratory support system and oxygen requirements) and predicted risk of mortality using an internal prediction model. We used flexible models for continuous variables and logistic regressions for categorical variables without dichotomisation of the baseline variables of interest. HTE was assessed both visually and with p and S values from likelihood ratio tests. Results: There was no strong evidence for substantial HTE on either outcome according to any of the baseline variables assessed with all p values >.37 (and all S values <1.43) in the planned analyses and no convincingly strong visual indications of HTE. Conclusions: We found no strong evidence for HTE with 12 versus 6 mg dexamethasone daily on days alive without life support or mortality at Day 90 in patients with COVID-19 and severe hypoxaemia, although these results cannot rule out HTE either.

Background: Corticosteroids improve outcomes in patients with severe COVID-19. In the COVID STEROID 2 randomised clinical trial, we found high probabilities of benefit with dexamethasone 12 versus 6 mg daily. While no statistically significant heterogeneity in treatment effects (HTE) was found in the conventional, dichotomous subgroup analyses, these analyses have limitations, and HTE could still exist. Methods: We assessed whether HTE was present for days alive without life support and mortality at Day 90 in the trial according to baseline age, weight, number of comorbidities, category of respiratory failure (type of respiratory support system and oxygen requirements) and predicted risk of mortality using an internal prediction model. We used flexible models for continuous variables and logistic regressions for categorical variables without dichotomisation of the baseline variables of interest. HTE was assessed both visually and with p and S values from likelihood ratio tests. Results: There was no strong evidence for substantial HTE on either outcome according to any of the baseline variables assessed with all p values >.37 (and all S values <1.43) in the planned analyses and no convincingly strong visual indications of HTE. Conclusions: We found no strong evidence for HTE with 12 versus 6 mg dexamethasone daily on days alive without life support or mortality at Day 90 in patients with COVID-19 and severe hypoxaemia, although these results cannot rule out HTE either.

Consumer complaints are a crucial source of information for companies, policymakers, and consumers alike. They provide insight into the problems faced by consumers and help identify areas for improvement in products, services, and regulatory frameworks. This paper aims to analyze Consumer Complaints Dataset provided by Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and provide insights into the nature and patterns of consumer complaints in the USA. We begin by describing the dataset and its features, including the types of complaints, companies involved, and geographic distribution. We then conduct exploratory data analysis to identify trends and patterns in the data, such as the most common types of complaints, the companies with the highest number of complaints, and the states with the most complaints. We have also performed descriptive and inferential statistics to test hypotheses and draw conclusions about the data. We have investigated whether there are significant differences in the types of complaints or companies involved based on geographic location. Overall, our analysis provides valuable insights into the nature of consumer complaints in the USA and helps stakeholders make informed decisions to improve the consumer experience., Comment: 4 pages, 7 figures, 2 Ttables

We consider a version of the classical group testing problem motivated by PCR testing for COVID-19. In the so-called tropical group testing model, the outcome of a test is the lowest cycle threshold (Ct) level of the individuals pooled within it, rather than a simple binary indicator variable. We introduce the tropical counterparts of three classical non-adaptive algorithms (COMP, DD and SCOMP), and analyse their behaviour through both simulations and bounds on error probabilities. By comparing the results of the tropical and classical algorithms, we gain insight into the extra information provided by learning the outcomes (Ct levels) of the tests. We show that in a limiting regime the tropical COMP algorithm requires as many tests as its classical counterpart, but that for sufficiently dense problems tropical DD can recover more information with fewer tests, and can be viewed as essentially optimal in certain regimes.

Temporal spike recognition plays a crucial role in various domains, including anomaly detection, keyword spotting and neuroscience. This paper presents a novel algorithm for efficient temporal spike pattern recognition on sparse event series data. The algorithm leverages a combination of reward-modulatory behavior, Hebbian and anti-Hebbian based learning methods to identify patterns in dynamic datasets with short intervals of training. The algorithm begins with a preprocessing step, where the input data is rationalized and translated to a feature-rich yet sparse spike time series data. Next, a linear feed forward spiking neural network processes this data to identify a trained pattern. Finally, the next layer performs a weighted check to ensure the correct pattern has been detected.To evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm, it was trained on a complex dataset containing spoken digits with spike information and its output compared to state-of-the-art.

Age prediction is an important part of medical assessments and research. It can aid in detecting diseases as well as abnormal ageing by highlighting the discrepancy between chronological and biological age. To gain a comprehensive understanding of age-related changes observed in various body parts, we investigate them on a larger scale by using whole-body 3D images. We utilise the Grad-CAM interpretability method to determine the body areas most predictive of a person's age. We expand our analysis beyond individual subjects by employing registration techniques to generate population-wide interpretability maps. Our findings reveal three primary areas of interest: the spine, the autochthonous back muscles, and the cardiac region, which exhibits the highest importance.

We present the idea and illustrate potential benefits of having a tool chain of closely related regular, unscreened and screened hybrid exchange–correlation (XC) functionals, all within the consistent formulation of the van der Waals density functional (vdW-DF) method (Hyldgaard et al (2020 J. Phys.: Condens. Matter 32 393001)). Use of this chain of nonempirical XC functionals allows us to map when the inclusion of truly nonlocal exchange and of truly nonlocal correlation is important. Here we begin the mapping by addressing hard and soft material challenges: magnetic elements, perovskites, and biomolecular problems. We also predict the structure and polarization for a ferroelectric polymer. To facilitate this work and future broader explorations, we present a stress formulation for spin vdW-DF and illustrate the use of a simple stability-modeling scheme. The modeling supplements density functional theory (DFT) (with a specific XC functional) by asserting whether the finding of a soft mode (an imaginary-frequency vibrational mode, ubiquitous in perovskites and soft matter) implies an actual DFT-based prediction of a low-temperature transformation.

We present the idea and illustrate potential benefits of having a tool chain of closely related regular, unscreened and screened hybrid exchange-correlation (XC) functionals, all within the consistent formulation of the van der Waals density functional (vdW-DF) method (Hyldgaard et al (2020 1. Phys.: Condens. Matter 32 393001)). Use of this chain of nonempirical XC functionals allows us to map when the inclusion of truly nonlocal exchange and of truly nonlocal correlation is important. Here we begin the mapping by addressing hard and soft material challenges: magnetic elements, perovskites, and biomolecular problems. We also predict the structure and polarization for a ferroelectric polymer. To facilitate this work and future broader explorations, we present a stress formulation for spin vdW-DF and illustrate the use of a simple stability-modeling scheme. The modeling supplements density functional theory (DFT) (with a specific XC functional) by asserting whether the finding of a soft mode (an imaginary-frequency vibrational mode, ubiquitous in perovskites and soft matter) implies an actual DFT-based prediction of a low-temperature transformation., QC 20220420

We present the idea and illustrate potential benefits of having a tool chain of closely related regular, unscreened and screened hybrid exchange–correlation (XC) functionals, all within the consistent formulation of the van der Waals density functional (vdW-DF) method (Hyldgaard et al (2020 J. Phys.: Condens. Matter 32 393001)). Use of this chain of nonempirical XC functionals allows us to map when the inclusion of truly nonlocal exchange and of truly nonlocal correlation is important. Here we begin the mapping by addressing hard and soft material challenges: magnetic elements, perovskites, and biomolecular problems. We also predict the structure and polarization for a ferroelectric polymer. To facilitate this work and future broader explorations, we present a stress formulation for spin vdW-DF and illustrate the use of a simple stability-modeling scheme. The modeling supplements density functional theory (DFT) (with a specific XC functional) by asserting whether the finding of a soft mode (an imaginary-frequency vibrational mode, ubiquitous in perovskites and soft matter) implies an actual DFT-based prediction of a low-temperature transformation.

We explore the possibility and potential benefit of rolling a Si2BN sheet into single-walled nanotubes (NTs). Using density functional theory (DFT), we consider both structural stability and the impact on the nature of chemical bonding and conduction. The structure is similar to carbon NTs and hexagonal boron-nitride (hBN) NTs and we consider both armchair and zigzag Si2BN configurations with varying diameters. The stability of these Si2BN NTs is confirmed by first-principles molecular dynamics calculations, by exothermal formation, an absence of imaginary modes in the phonon spectra. Also, we find the nature of conduction varies from semiconducting over semimetallic to metallic, reflecting differences in armchair/zigzag-type structures, curvature effects, and the effect of quantum confinement. We present a detailed characterization of how these properties lead to differences in both the bonding nature and electronic structures.

We explore the possibility and potential benefit of rolling a Si2BN sheet into single-walled nanotubes (NTs). Using density functional theory (DFT), we consider both structural stability and the impact on the nature of chemical bonding and conduction. The structure is similar to carbon NTs and hexagonal boron-nitride (hBN) NTs and we consider both armchair and zigzag Si2BN configurations with varying diameters. The stability of these Si2BN NTs is confirmed by first-principles molecular dynamics calculations, by exothermal formation, an absence of imaginary modes in the phonon spectra. Also, we find the nature of conduction varies from semiconducting over semimetallic to metallic, reflecting differences in armchair/zigzag-type structures, curvature effects, and the effect of quantum confinement. We present a detailed characterization of how these properties lead to differences in both the bonding nature and electronic structures.

We explore the possibility and potential benefit of rolling a Si2BN sheet into single-walled nanotubes (NTs). Using density functional theory (DFT), we consider both structural stability and the impact on the nature of chemical bonding and conduction. The structure is similar to carbon NTs and hexagonal boron-nitride (hBN) NTs and we consider both armchair and zigzag Si2BN configurations with varying diameters. The stability of these Si2BN NTs is confirmed by first-principles molecular dynamics calculations, by exothermal formation, an absence of imaginary modes in the phonon spectra. Also, we find the nature of conduction varies from semiconducting over semimetallic to metallic, reflecting differences in armchair/zigzag-type structures, curvature effects, and the effect of quantum confinement. We present a detailed characterization of how these properties lead to differences in both the bonding nature and electronic structures.

We explore the possibility and potential benefit of rolling a Si2BN sheet into single-walled nanotubes (NTs). Using density functional theory (DFT), we consider both structural stability and the impact on the nature of chemical bonding and conduction. The structure is similar to carbon NTs and hexagonal boron-nitride (hBN) NTs and we consider both armchair and zigzag Si2BN configurations with varying diameters. The stability of these Si2BN NTs is confirmed by first-principles molecular dynamics calculations, by exothermal formation, an absence of imaginary modes in the phonon spectra. Also, we find the nature of conduction varies from semiconducting over semimetallic to metallic, reflecting differences in armchair/zigzag-type structures, curvature effects, and the effect of quantum confinement. We present a detailed characterization of how these properties lead to differences in both the bonding nature and electronic structures.

Kalpana M Angadi,1 Vivekanand B Jadhav,2 Savita V Jadhav1 1Symbiosis Medical College for Women (SMCW) & Symbiosis University Hospital and Research Centre (SUHRC), Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, India; 2Dr. Naidu Infectious Diseases Hospital, Pune Municipal Corporation Pune Maharashtra, Pune, IndiaCorrespondence: Savita V Jadhav, Email savita.jadhav@smcw.siu.edu.in View the original paper by Mr Alelign and colleagues

Savita Jadhav,1 Vivekanand Jadhav,2 Kalpana Angadi1 1Symbiosis Medical College for Women (SMCW) & Symbiosis University Hospital and Research Centre (SUHRC), Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Lavale, Pune, India; 2Dr. Naidu Infectious Diseases Hospital, Pune Municipal Corporation, Pune Maharashtra, IndiaCorrespondence: Kalpana Angadi, Email Kalpana.angadi@smcw.siu.edu.in View the original paper by Mr Xia and colleaguesA Response to Letter has been published for this article.

We explore the possibility and potential benefit of rolling a Si2BN sheet into single-walled nanotubes (NTs). Using density functional theory (DFT), we consider both structural stability and the impact on the nature of chemical bonding and conduction. The structure is similar to carbon NTs and hexagonal boron-nitride (hBN) NTs and we consider both armchair and zigzag Si2BN configurations with varying diameters. The stability of these Si2BN NTs is confirmed by first-principles molecular dynamics calculations, by exothermal formation, an absence of imaginary modes in the phonon spectra. Also, we find the nature of conduction varies from semiconducting over semimetallic to metallic, reflecting differences in armchair/zigzag-type structures, curvature effects, and the effect of quantum confinement. We present a detailed characterization of how these properties lead to differences in both the bonding nature and electronic structures.

The Rotation powered pulsars Crab, Vela and Geminga have double peaked folded light curves (FLC) at $\gamma$-ray energies, that have an approximate reflection symmetry. Here this aspect is studied at soft X-ray energy by analyzing a high resolution FLC of the Crab pulsar obtained at $1 - 10$ keV using the {\it{NICER}} observatory. The rising edge of the first peak of the FLC and the reflected version of the falling edge of the second peak are compared in several ways, and phase ranges are identified where the two curves are statistically similar. The best matching occurs when the two peaks are aligned, but only in a small phase range of $\approx 0.0244$ just below their peaks; their mean difference is $-0.78 \pm 1.8$ photons/sec with a reduced $\chi^2$ of $0.93$. If the first curve is convolved by a Laplace function, the corresponding numbers are phase range of $\approx 0.0274$, mean difference of $-1.23 \pm 1.30$ and $\chi^2$ of $0.76$. These phase ranges are much smaller than those over which the reflection symmetry has been perceived. Therefore the only way the two edges can have a mirror relation over a substantial phase range is if one invokes a broad and faint emission component of amplitude $\approx 100$ photons/sec and width $\approx 0.1$ in phase, centered at phase $\approx 0.1$ beyond the second peak., Comment: Accepted for publication in MNRAS

Purpose We assessed long-term outcomes of dexamethasone 12 mg versus 6 mg given daily for up to 10 days in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and severe hypoxaemia. Methods We assessed 180-day mortality and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) using EuroQoL (EQ)-5D-5L index values and EQ visual analogue scale (VAS) in the international, stratified, blinded COVID STEROID 2 trial, which randomised 1000 adults with confirmed COVID-19 receiving at least 10 L/min of oxygen or mechanical ventilation in 26 hospitals in Europe and India. In the HRQoL analyses, higher values indicated better outcomes, and deceased patients were given a score of zero. Results We obtained vital status at 180 days for 963 of 982 patients (98.1%) in the intention-to-treat population, EQ-5D-5L index value data for 922 (93.9%) and EQ VAS data for 924 (94.1%). At 180 days, 164 of 486 patients (33.7%) had died in the 12 mg group versus 184 of 477 (38.6%) in the 6 mg group [adjusted risk difference - 4.3%; 99% confidence interval (CI) - 11.7-3.0; relative risk 0.89; 0.72-1.09; P = 0.13]. The adjusted mean differences between the 12 mg and the 6 mg groups in EQ-5D-5L index values were 0.06 (99% CI - 0.01 to 0.12; P = 0.10) and in EQ VAS scores 4 (- 3 to 10; P = 0.22). Conclusion Among patients with COVID-19 and severe hypoxaemia, dexamethasone 12 mg compared with 6 mg did not result in statistically significant improvements in mortality or HRQoL at 180 days, but the results were most compatible with benefit from the higher dose.

We present the idea and illustrate potential benefits of having a tool chain of closely related regular, unscreened and screened hybrid exchange–correlation (XC) functionals, all within the consistent formulation of the van der Waals density functional (vdW-DF) method (Hyldgaard et al (2020 J. Phys.: Condens. Matter 32 393001)). Use of this chain of nonempirical XC functionals allows us to map when the inclusion of truly nonlocal exchange and of truly nonlocal correlation is important. Here we begin the mapping by addressing hard and soft material challenges: magnetic elements, perovskites, and biomolecular problems. We also predict the structure and polarization for a ferroelectric polymer. To facilitate this work and future broader explorations, we present a stress formulation for spin vdW-DF and illustrate the use of a simple stability-modeling scheme. The modeling supplements density functional theory (DFT) (with a specific XC functional) by asserting whether the finding of a soft mode (an imaginary-frequency vibrational mode, ubiquitous in perovskites and soft matter) implies an actual DFT-based prediction of a low-temperature transformation.

Purpose We assessed long-term outcomes of dexamethasone 12 mg versus 6 mg given daily for up to 10 days in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and severe hypoxaemia. Methods We assessed 180-day mortality and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) using EuroQoL (EQ)-5D-5L index values and EQ visual analogue scale (VAS) in the international, stratified, blinded COVID STEROID 2 trial, which randomised 1000 adults with confirmed COVID-19 receiving at least 10 L/min of oxygen or mechanical ventilation in 26 hospitals in Europe and India. In the HRQoL analyses, higher values indicated better outcomes, and deceased patients were given a score of zero. Results We obtained vital status at 180 days for 963 of 982 patients (98.1%) in the intention-to-treat population, EQ-5D-5L index value data for 922 (93.9%) and EQ VAS data for 924 (94.1%). At 180 days, 164 of 486 patients (33.7%) had died in the 12 mg group versus 184 of 477 (38.6%) in the 6 mg group [adjusted risk difference - 4.3%; 99% confidence interval (CI) - 11.7-3.0; relative risk 0.89; 0.72-1.09; P = 0.13]. The adjusted mean differences between the 12 mg and the 6 mg groups in EQ-5D-5L index values were 0.06 (99% CI - 0.01 to 0.12; P = 0.10) and in EQ VAS scores 4 (- 3 to 10; P = 0.22). Conclusion Among patients with COVID-19 and severe hypoxaemia, dexamethasone 12 mg compared with 6 mg did not result in statistically significant improvements in mortality or HRQoL at 180 days, but the results were most compatible with benefit from the higher dose., Funding Agencies|Novo Nordisk FoundationNovo Nordisk FoundationNovocure Limited; Research Council of Rigshospitalet [0062998, E-22703-06]

Purpose We compared dexamethasone 12 versus 6 mg daily for up to 10 days in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and severe hypoxaemia in the international, randomised, blinded COVID STEROID 2 trial. In the primary, conventional analyses, the predefined statistical significance thresholds were not reached. We conducted a pre-planned Bayesian analysis to facilitate probabilistic interpretation. Methods We analysed outcome data within 90 days in the intention-to-treat population (data available in 967 to 982 patients) using Bayesian models with various sensitivity analyses. Results are presented as median posterior probabilities with 95% credible intervals (CrIs) and probabilities of different effect sizes with 12 mg dexamethasone. Results The adjusted mean difference on days alive without life support at day 28 (primary outcome) was 1.3 days (95% CrI -0.3 to 2.9; 94.2% probability of benefit). Adjusted relative risks and probabilities of benefit on serious adverse reactions was 0.85 (0.63 to 1.16; 84.1%) and on mortality 0.87 (0.73 to 1.03; 94.8%) at day 28 and 0.88 (0.75 to 1.02; 95.1%) at day 90. Probabilities of benefit on days alive without life support and days alive out of hospital at day 90 were 85 and 95.7%, respectively. Results were largely consistent across sensitivity analyses, with relatively low probabilities of clinically important harm with 12 mg on all outcomes in all analyses. Conclusion We found high probabilities of benefit and low probabilities of clinically important harm with dexamethasone 12 mg versus 6 mg daily in patients with COVID-19 and severe hypoxaemia on all outcomes up to 90 days., Funding Agencies|Novo Nordisk FoundationNovo Nordisk FoundationNovocure Limited [0062998]; Rigshospitalets Research Council [E-22703-06]

INTRODUCTION It is unknown how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the care of vulnerable chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients across regions, particularly in low and lower-middle income countries (LLMICs). We aimed to identify global inequities in HD care delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS The ISN and the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS) conducted a global online survey of HD units between March and November, 2020, to ascertain practice patterns and access to resources relevant to HD care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Responses were categorized according to World Bank income classification for comparisons. RESULTS Surveys were returned from 412 facilities in 78 countries: 15 (4%) in low-income countries (LICs), 111 (27%) in lower-middle income countries (LMICs), 145 (35%) in upper-middle income countries (UMICs), and 141 (34%) in high-income countries (HICs). Respondents reported that diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 were unavailable or of limited availability in LICs (72%) and LMICs (68%) as compared with UMICs (33%) and HICs (20%). The number of patients who missed HD treatments was reported to have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic in LICs (64%) and LMICs (67%) as compared with UMICs (31%) and HICs (6%). Limited access to HD, intensive care unit (ICU) care, and mechanical ventilation among hospitalized patients on chronic dialysis with COVID-19 were also reportedly higher in LICs and LMICs as compared with UMICs and HICs. Staff in LLMICs reported less routine testing for SARS-CoV-2 when asymptomatic as compared with UMICs and HICs-14% in LICs and 11% in LMICs, compared with 26% and 28% in UMICs and HICs, respectively. Severe shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) were reported by the respondents from LICs and LMICs compared with UMICs and HICs, especially with respect to the use of the N95 particulate-air respirator masks. CONCLUSION Striking global inequities were identified in the care of chronic HD patients during t

INTRODUCTION Home dialysis may minimize SARS-CoV2 exposure risks compared to center-based dialysis. We explored how the pandemic may have introduced challenges related to peritoneal dialysis (PD) supply availability, routine patient care, and how facility practices changed during this time. METHODS The PD/Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (PDOPPS/DOPPS) and International Society of Nephrology (ISN) administered a web-based survey from November 2020 to March 2021. Medical director responses were compared across 10 ISN regions. RESULTS One hundered sixy-five PD facilities in 51 countries returned surveys. During the initial COVID-19 wave, the reported frequency of in-person patient visits decreased in 9 of 10 ISN regions. Before the pandemic, most facilities required a mask during PD exchanges which continued over the course of the pandemic. Although most facilities in different regions did not report PD supply disruptions, sites in Africa and South Asia reported major disruptions. Reductions in laparoscopic surgical procedures for PD catheters were reported by facilities in 9 of 10 regions whereas nonsurgical percutaneous procedures increased in facilities in 6 regions. Training of new PD patients declined in facilities in each region. Increased use of remote technology by patients to communicate with clinics was observed in all regions compared to prepandemic levels. CONCLUSION Marked within-region and across-region variability was noted in PD facility burden, clinical practice, and adaptation to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study highlights opportunities to improve routine PD care, adapt to the ongoing pandemic, and increase preparedness for potential future interruptions in PD care.

Introduction To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic impact on haemodialysis centres, The Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study and International Society of Nephrology (ISN) collaborated on a web-survey of centres. Methods A combined approach of random sampling and open invitation was used between March 2020 and March 2021. Responses were obtained from 412 centres in 78 countries and all 10 ISN regions. Results In 8 regions, rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection were <20% in most centres, but in North East Asia and Newly Independent States and Russia rates were ≥20% and ≥30%, respectively. Mortality was ≥10% in most centres in 8 regions, though lower in North America and Caribbean and North East Asia. Diagnostic testing was not available in 33%, 37%, and 61% of centres in Latin America, Africa, and East and Central Europe, respectively. Surgical masks were widely available, but severe shortages of particulate-air filter masks were reported in Latin America (18%) and Africa (30%). Rates of infection in staff ranged from 0% in 90% of centres in North East Asia to ≥50% in 63% of centres in the Middle East and 68% of centres in Newly Independent States and Russia. In most centres <10% of staff died, but in Africa and South Asia 2% and 6% of centres reported ≥50% mortality, respectively. Conclusion There has been wide global variation in SARS-CoV-2 infection rates amongst haemodialysis patients and staff, PPE availability, and testing, and the ways in which services have been redesigned in response to the pandemic.

Electron transport in bilayer phosphorene is studied using the first-principles and nonequilibrium Green's function formalism. We have explored the interlayer properties of a vertically stacked bilayer structure with paired substitutional doping. The electron transport properties are calculated in bilayer phosphorene and compared with substitutional doping, which shows the tunable anisotropic nature of doped phosphorene in the I-V characteristics. Further, to understand the role played by dopants, the quantum transport properties of monolayer-bilayer monolayer (ML-BL-ML) nanojunction are studied with and without dopants. The interlayer direction-dependent current characteristics are discussed in different setups. This suggests that the dopants play a crucial role in the interlayer current and further provided rectifying behavior in the zigzag direction. Fano resonance is also observed as an effect that arises from the hydrogen-terminated edges interacting with the second layer. Our study demonstrates significant tuning of the electronic transport properties of the bilayer phosphorene implying its potential application in electronic devices.

In recent years, two-dimensional MXenes have been emerged as potential electrode materials for rechargeable batteries due to their unique properties such as exceptional safety, significant interlayer spacing, environmental flexibility, large surface area, high electrical conductivity, and excellent thermal stability. This review examined all of the recent advances in the field of MXenes and their composites (hybrid structures), which are found to be useful for the electrochemical applications of advanced rechargeable batteries. The main focus of this review is on metal-ion batteries and lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. It is intended to show that the combination of recent improvements in the synthesis and characterization, greater control of the interlayer distance, and new MXene composites, together serve as an emerging and potential way for energy storage applications.

In recent years, two-dimensional MXenes have been emerged as potential electrode materials for rechargeable batteries due to their unique properties such as exceptional safety, significant interlayer spacing, environmental flexibility, large surface area, high electrical conductivity, and excellent thermal stability. This review examined all of the recent advances in the field of MXenes and their composites (hybrid structures), which are found to be useful for the electrochemical applications of advanced rechargeable batteries. The main focus of this review is on metal-ion batteries and lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. It is intended to show that the combination of recent improvements in the synthesis and characterization, greater control of the interlayer distance, and new MXene composites, together serve as an emerging and potential way for energy storage applications., QC 20210111

In recent years, two-dimensional MXenes have been emerged as potential electrode materials for rechargeable batteries due to their unique properties such as exceptional safety, significant interlayer spacing, environmental flexibility, large surface area, high electrical conductivity, and excellent thermal stability. This review examined all of the recent advances in the field of MXenes and their composites (hybrid structures), which are found to be useful for the electrochemical applications of advanced rechargeable batteries. The main focus of this review is on metal-ion batteries and lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. It is intended to show that the combination of recent improvements in the synthesis and characterization, greater control of the interlayer distance, and new MXene composites, together serve as an emerging and potential way for energy storage applications.

ObjectivesThe Global Kidney Health Atlas (GKHA) is a multinational, cross-sectional survey designed to assess the current capacity for kidney care across all world regions. The 2017 GKHA involved 125 countries and identified significant gaps in oversight, funding and infrastructure to support care for patients with kidney disease, especially in lower-middle-income countries. Here, we report results from the survey for the second iteration of the GKHA conducted in 2018, which included specific questions about health financing and oversight of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) care worldwide.SettingA cross-sectional global survey.ParticipantsKey stakeholders from 182 countries were invited to participate. Of those, stakeholders from 160 countries participated and were included.Primary outcomesPrimary outcomes included cost of kidney replacement therapy (KRT), funding for dialysis and transplantation, funding for conservative kidney management, extent of universal health coverage, out-of-pocket costs for KRT, within-country variability in ESKD care delivery and oversight systems for ESKD care. Outcomes were determined from a combination of desk research and input from key stakeholders in participating countries.Results160 countries (covering 98% of the world's population) responded to the survey. Economic factors were identified as the top barrier to optimal ESKD care in 99 countries (64%). Full public funding for KRT was more common than for conservative kidney management (43% vs 28%). Among countries that provided at least some public coverage for KRT, 75% covered all citizens. Within-country variation in ESKD care delivery was reported in 40% of countries. Oversight of ESKD care was present in all high-income countries but was absent in 13% of low-income, 3% of lower-middle-income, and 10% of upper-middle-income countries.ConclusionSignificant gaps and variability exist in the public funding and oversight of ESKD care in many countries, particularly for those in low-i