bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accession to the EU: Advantages and potential risks
Authors: Barjaktarević Dragana
Published: July 2021

By signing the Stabilization and Association Agreement with the European Union on April 29, 2008, Serbia committed itself to harmonize its legislation with the aquis communautaire of the European Union. Perception of the basic characteristics of the European Union legal system and its understanding is important in the context of harmonization, i.e. in the context of the measures for the establishment of a common and internal market, as well as of a pre-accession strategy of a third country for the accession to this organization. Therefore, a candidate country is expected to create a favourable legal environment for the operation of local economic entities in the internal market. In order to succeed in that, it needs to harmonize its legislation with the acquis communautaire gradually, and first of all, it is necessary to be well familiar and have full understanding of the EU regulations which are expected to be transposed by a candidate country.
O(s) cartaz(es) da Campanha da Fraternidade Ecumênica 2021: uma leitura das suas narrativas visuais e textuais
Authors: Renders Helmut
Published: July 2021

Partindo de comentários iniciais a respeito das origens do cartaz moderno como gênero de comunicação criado aos meados do século XIX e de apontamentos referentes às polêmicas que essa nova mídia gerou, o artigo apresenta a narrativas visuais e textuais do cartaz da Campanha da Fraternidade Ecumênica 2021, documenta as expressões visuais da polêmica gerada ao redor dela e discute tudo na base de materiais de apoio à campanha, inspirado na metodologia iconográfica de Erwin Panofsky. Destacam-se a originalidade da escolha do tema, seu maior cristo e eclesiocentrismo, e seu caráter proléptico e ao mesmo tempo, utópico.
Utilization of Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) as Fish Feed Ingredient
Authors: Pratiwi Dian Yuni , Andhikawati Aulia
Published: July 2021

A freshwater plant, water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is commonly found in public waters in Indonesia. Water hyacinth often experiences blooming which causes negative impacts such as lowering oxygen levels, reducing the number of fish, increasing evapotranspiration, disrupting transportation, becoming habitat for disease vectors, and others. However, water hyacinth can be used as an alternative raw material because it still contains nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Water hyacinth also has potential as an antibacterial agent because it contains secondary metabolites (alkaloids, saponins, steroid compounds, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, glycosides, and cardiac glycosides). The utilization of water hyacinth as fish feed ingredient has been shown to give positive effect on the growth of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), goldfish (Cyprinus carpio), and Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) seeds. The use of water hyacinth as an alternative fish feed ingredient can be a solution to reduce production costs and reduce the impact of water hyacinth blooms.
Is HO-YAG Laser in Perianal Warts Safe in Children? A Report of 3 Cases
Authors: Gulburun Merve Altin , Oral Hayrunnisa , Eryilmaz Sibel , Kaya Cem , Karabulut Ramazan , Turkyilmaz Zafer , Sonmez Kaan
Published: July 2021

Verruca Vulgaris or wart is a common skin disease caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Warts are usually located on fingers, hands, elbows and feet. Anogenital region is an uncommon location for warts.  Three children with large perianal warts were treated by holmium: Yttrium Aliminum Garnet (Ho-YAG) laser. No recurrences or significant complications were seen in 2 years of  follow up period.  Ho-YAG Laser was successfully applied in the treatment of pediatric perianal warts. It is a safe and effective method.
Evaluation of pfmdr-1 Polymorphisms and Parasites’ Population Diversity in Children with Acute Uncomplicated Malaria 5 Years Post-Adoption of Artemisinin-Based Combination Therapies
Authors: Segun Olundu Peter , Obafemi Awotidebe-Moshood , Abdul-Rahman Abdul-Azeez
Published: July 2021

Mutatons on pfmdr1 gene have been implicated in drug resistance to chloroquine and the partner drugs in artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), hence the need to evaluate the impact of ACTs five years after its adoption in Nigeria on pfmdr1 polymorphisms and parasite diversity. Parasite genomic DNA was isolated from children below 5 years in Ibadan in 2010. Nested PCR followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) detected pfmdr1 Y86, F184 and Y1246 mutant alleles were present in 27%, 56% and 48% of the isolates respectively, while nested PCR evaluated polymorphic regions of MSP-1, MSP-2 and GLURP genes and monoclonal infections were observed in 81.6%, 51.6% and 5.6% with multiplicity of infection being 1.8, 2.0 and 2.4 respectively. This study showed a relative decline in the prevalence of Y86, F184 and Y1246 mutant alleles, but no significant change in the parasite population diversity of P.falciparum in children in Ibadan, Nigeria.
The Paradox of Happy Hypoxia in COVID 19
Authors: Bansode Madhu , Bansode Pankaj
Published: July 2021

Ever since the human race has been exposed to the novel COVID 19 illness, newer and newer intriguing features of the COVID viral plethora are seen with each passing day. Many manifestations of the COVID 19 illness have been baffling and unexplainable to researchers currently. One such unusual presentation seen is ‘happy hypoxia’ or silent hypoxemia in a third of patients' total number. This review article is intending to put some light on the puzzling condition of happy hypoxia. We authors refer you through various theories postulated for happy hypoxia. It has definite clinical implications in the sense that it can be lifesaving if detected early and promptly in a COVID patient. We conclude that happy hypoxia or silent hypoxemia is a new entity and should be diagnosed with a high index of suspicion in COVID suspect patients in both young patients with no co morbidities and the elderly and diabetics. Diagnostic modalities like pulse oximeter should be widely used at hospitals and clinics and for self-monitoring by the patients at homes. Also, chest X-rays or HRCT imaging of the lungs is essential in the early stages to identify the early infective changes with compromised lung function and rule out this happy hypoxia. Also, further research is essential to find the exact ethologic of this subclinical though ominous prognostic entity.
The Pharma Therapeutic Fruits: An Overview
Authors: Tewari Souvik , Agarwal Ravindra Kumar , Kumar Rumila Sitaram , Nakhale Swati
Published: July 2021

The term ‘Pharma Fruits’ means the fruits containing pharmacological properties and the term ‘Therapeutic Fruits’ means the fruits containing therapeutic properties.  For the production of fruits, India is the 2nd largest country after China in all over the world.  Many researchers are continuously trying to find out the therapeutic value of different types of fruits. The present review article provides some information about pharma-therapeutic fruits and their pharmacological and therapeutic properties. This review article concludes that the fruits that have pharmacological and therapeutic properties help to maintain good health by providing good nutrients.
Banking and Economic Growth: Comparison between Islamic and Conventional Banking in Malaysia
Authors: Ismail Nor Asmat , Kamarulzaman Muhammad Faiz
Published: July 2021

This study investigates the contribution of conventional banking and Islamic banking to economic growth in Malaysia. Return on assets, return on equity representing the profitability, total deposit, representing bank development, and several indicators such as total government expenditure, trade openness, and gross fixed capital formation were independent variables. In contrast, the dependent variable was GDP per capita. The study utilised secondary data collected from the Fitch Connect database and Datastream database. This study used a sample of 10 Islamic banking and 10 Conventional banking. The study found that the Islamic banking system variable can influence Malaysia's economic growth.  ROA and Ltdep are found significant and have positive effect to economic growth, but ROE  has adverse effects. On the other hand, the results show that ROA in Conventional bank does not have a relationship with economic growth. However, other banking indicators such as ROE and total deposit are significant to economic growth. Based on the ROE results, ROE Islamic bank contributes more to economic growth than Conventional bank because the percentage that contributes to the decreases of economic growth for Islamic banks is lesser than Conventional bank. The results also showed that Islamic banking provides an efficient channel for productive resources and monitors the use of the funds by the participation of business ventures, leading to bank profitability and then economic growth. This study also stressed on total deposit indicator as a proxy to bank development. This study found that total deposit for the both banking system is significant to economic growth. However, the contribution of banking development in conventional banking is much better than by Islamic banking. However, the gap of differences is too small, which shows that Islamic deposits can cope with conventional deposits.
Using spatial distance sampling models to optimize survey effort and address violations of the design assumption
Authors: Schmidt Joshua H. , Deacy William W.
Published: July 2021

Conventional distance sampling approaches rely on the design assumption (i.e. uniform distribution of individuals in relation to transects) to ensure unbiased inference to the population of interest. However, randomized design recommendations are not always followed or may be impractical to implement for some survey types, particularly in cases where transects must be placed perpendicular to the habitat gradient. Full‐likelihood spatial distance sampling models provide a potential solution to violations of the design assumption by jointly modelling the detection and occurrence processes using spatially indexed habitat covariates.

Through simulation and an applied example based on a survey for Dall's sheep in Alaska, USA, we used a full‐likelihood distance sampling approach to investigate the potential for bias in cases where transects placed perpendicular to the habitat gradient (e.g. elevational contours) are non‐randomly sampled. We also assessed the utility of spatial approaches in cases where transects are placed along linear features, such as roads or ridgelines, where habitat may be unrepresentative of the overall study area.

Our results showed that the full‐likelihood approach was generally unbiased, even in extreme scenarios where habitat was inversely related to distance from the transect. For the Dall's sheep example, our results showed that more efficient designs with reduced sampling effort in low‐quality habitats are a practical solution for reducing logistical costs when the data are analysed in a spatial modelling framework.

Together, our findings confirm and extend existing work suggesting that spatial distance sampling can be a useful solution when non‐random designs are employed. Given the high cost of survey implementation in many cases, the development of valid alternatives to design‐based inference will aid in the amount of information available for a variety of species. The results of our work will be useful for practitioners in assessing alternative designs relative to particular survey applications.
Technical note: On the impact of the kV imaging configuration on doses from planar images during motion‐synchronized treatments on Radixact®
Authors: Ferris William S. , DeWerd Larry A. , Bayouth John E. , Culberson Wesley S.
Published: July 2021

Kilovoltage radiographs are acquired during motion‐synchronized treatments on Radixact to localize the tumor during the treatment. Several previous publications have provided estimates of patient dose from these planar radiographs. However, a recent hardware update changed several aspects of the kV imaging system, including a new X‐ray tube, an extended source‐to‐axis distance (SAD), and a larger field size. This is denoted the extended configuration. The purpose of this work was to assess the impact of the configuration change on patient dose from these procedures. Point doses in water were measured using the TG‐61 protocol for tube potentials between 100 and 140 kVp for both the standard and extended configurations under the same water tank setup. Comparisons were made for equal mAs since the same protocols (kVp, mAs) will be used for both configurations. In comparison to the standard configuration, doses per mAs from the extended configuration were found to be ~66% less and falloff less steep due to the increased SAD. However, a larger volume of tissue is irradiated due to the larger field size. Beam quality for a given tube potential was the same as determined by half‐value layer measurements. Both kV configurations are available from the vendor, therefore, the values in this work can be used to compare values previously published in the literature for the standard configuration or to intercompare doses from these two system configurations.
Improving the Efficiency of Clinical Trial Recruitment Using an Ensemble Machine Learning to Assist With Eligibility Screening
Authors: Cai Tianrun , Cai Fiona , Dahal Kumar P. , Cremone Gabrielle , Lam Ethan , Golnik Charlotte , Seyok Thany , Hong Chuan , Cai Tianxi , Liao Katherine P.
Published: July 2021

Objective

Efficiently identifying eligible patients is a crucial first step for a successful clinical trial. The objective of this study was to test whether an approach using electronic health record (EHR) data and an ensemble machine learning algorithm incorporating billing codes and data from clinical notes processed by natural language processing (NLP) can improve the efficiency of eligibility screening.

Methods

We studied patients screened for a clinical trial of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with one or more International Classification of Diseases (ICD) code for RA and age greater than 35 years, from a tertiary care center and a community hospital. The following three groups of EHR features were considered for the algorithm: 1) structured features, 2) the counts of NLP concepts from notes, 3) health care utilization. All features were linked to dates. We applied random forest and logistic regression with least absolute shrinkage and selection operator penalty against the following two standard approaches: 1) one or more RA ICD code and no ICD codes related to exclusion criteria (ScreenRAICD1+EX) and 2) two or more RA ICD codes (ScreenRAICD2). To test the portability, we trained the algorithm at one institution and tested it at the other.

Results

In total, 3359 patients at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) and 642 patients at Faulkner Hospital (FH) were studied, with 461 (13.7%) eligible patients at BWH and 84 (13.4%) at FH. The application of the algorithm reduced ineligible patients from chart review by 40.5% at the tertiary care center and by 57.0% at the community hospital. In contrast, ScreenRAICD2 reduced patients for chart review by 2.7% to 11.3%; ScreenRAICD1+EX reduced patients for chart review by 63% to 65% but excluded 22% to 27% of eligible patients.

Conclusion

The ensemble machine learning algorithm incorporating billing codes and NLP data increased the efficiency of eligibility screening by reducing the number of patients requiring chart review while not excluding eligible patients. Moreover, this approach can be trained at one institution and applied at another for multicenter clinical trials.
Enhancing harm reduction as part of OD prevention: ONDCP
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: July 2021

At a Senate hearing July 20, the federal government mapped out its plans for harm‐reduction organizations as coordinators with treatment on behalf of drug users, mainly through peers. Regina M. LaBelle, acting director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), before the Caucus on International Narcotics Control, praised “engagement between harm‐reduction staff and people who use drugs” as building trust. Her statement included footnotes showing that the policy is based on evidence (see below for the list).
Strategic Approach for Enhancing Sensitivity of Ammonia Gas Detection: Molecular Design Rule and Morphology Optimization for Stable Radical Anion Formation of Rylene Diimide Semiconductors
Authors: Oh Byeong M. , Park Sung‐Ha , Lee Jeong Hyeon , Kim Jin Chul , Lee Jong Bum , Eun Hyeong Ju , Lee Yun‐Sang , Seo Bo Eun , Yoon Woojin , Kwon Ji Eon , Yun Hoseop , Kwak Sang Kyu , Kwon O‐Pil , Kim Jong H.
Published: July 2021

Herein, a strategic approach to enhance the sensitivity of ammonia gas detection using organic semiconductors by boosting the efficiency of ammonia gas‐induced stable radical anion formation (SRAF) is reported. This is achieved through rational molecular design and engineering of field‐effect transistors (FETs). New rylene diimide derivatives are designed and used to prepare molecular templates for efficient SRAF in thin films, and they are applied as gas‐adsorbing active layers in FETs. Substituting linear‐shaped perfluoroalkyl (PF) groups to π‐electron‐deficient naphthalene diimide (NDI) backbone enhances the ammonia gas detection limit to 200 ppb, attributed to the strong electron‐withdrawing capability and low steric hindrance of PF groups. Replacing the core backbone (NDI) with perylene diimide (PDI) while retaining the PF group further enhances gas‐responsivity up to 18.17 (1700% increase in current) due to the enlarged π‐conjugated bridge area. Computational characterization further supports that high electron affinity of the PDI‐PF molecules and a larger gas‐adsorption area in the PDI core result in the exceptional ammonia gas sensitivity. In addition, beneficial molecular orientation and nanopore formation of PDI‐PF facilitate gas adsorption, resulting in remarkably enhanced gas‐responsivity. The results indicate that molecular engineering for high‐efficiency SRAF suggests a new strategy for developing high‐sensitivity ammonia sensing platforms.
Injection‐Free Delivery of MSC‐Derived Extracellular Vesicles for Myocardial Infarction Therapeutics
Authors: Tang Junnan , Cui Xiaolin , Zhang Zenglei , Xu Yanyan , Guo Jiacheng , Soliman Bram G , Lu Yongzheng , Qin Zhen , Wang Qiguang , Zhang Hu , Lim Khoon S , Woodfield Tim B F , Zhang Jinying
Published: July 2021

As emerging therapeutic factors, extracellular vesicles (EVs) offer significant potential for myocardial infarction (MI) treatment. Current delivery approaches for EVs involve either intra‐myocardial or intravenous injection, where both have inherent limitations for downstream clinical applications such as secondary tissue injury and low delivery efficiency. Herein, an injection‐free approach for delivering EVs onto the heart surface to treat MI is proposed. By spraying a mixture of EVs, gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) precursors, and photoinitiators followed by visible light irradiation for 30 s, EVs are physically entrapped within the GelMA hydrogel network covering the surface of the heart, resulting in an enhanced retention rate. Moreover, EVs are gradually released from the hydrogel network through a combination of diffusion and/or enzymatic degradation of the hydrogel, and they are effectively taken up by the sprayed tissue area. More importantly, the released EVs further migrate deep into myocardium tissue, which exerts an improved therapeutic effect. In an MI‐induced mice model, the group treated with EVs‐laden GelMA hydrogels shows significant recovery in cardiac function after 4 weeks. The work demonstrates a new strategy for delivering EVs into cardiac tissues for MI treatment in a localized manner with high retention.
Hydrogel Loaded with VEGF/TFEB‐Engineered Extracellular Vesicles for Rescuing Critical Limb Ischemia by a Dual‐Pathway Activation Strategy
Authors: Xing Zheng , Zhao Chen , Wu Siwen , Yang Depeng , Zhang Chunchen , Wei Xinbo , Wei Xinran , Su Haoran , Liu Haifeng , Fan Yubo
Published: July 2021

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is the most severe clinical manifestation of peripheral arterial disease, which causes many amputations and deaths. Conventional treatment strategies for CLI (e.g., stent implantation and vascular surgery) bring surgical risk, which are not suitable for each patient. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) can be a potential solution for CLI. Herein, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF; i.e., a crucial molecule related to angiogenesis) and transcription factor EB (TFEB; i.e., a pivotal regulator of autophagy) are chosen as the target gene to improve the bioactivity of EVs derived from endothelial cells. The VEGF/TFEB‐engineered EVs (Engineered‐EVs) are fabricated by genetically engineering the parent cells, and their versatile functions are confirmed using three cell models (human umbilical vein endothelial cells, myoblast, and monocytes). Injectable thermal‐responsive hydrogel are then combined with Engineered‐EVs to combat CLI. These results reveal that the hydrogel can enhance the stability of Engineered‐EVs in vivo and release EVs at different temperatures. Moreover, the results of animal studies indicate that Engineered‐EV/Hydrogel can significantly improve neovascularization, attenuate muscle injury, and recover limb function after CLI. Finally, mechanistic studies shed light on the therapeutic effect of Engineered‐EV/Hydrogel due to the activated VEGF/VEGFR pathway and autophagy‐lysosomal pathway.
Mussel‐Inspired Design of a Self‐Adhesive Agent for Durable Moisture Management and Bacterial Inhibition on PET Fabric
Authors: Wang Yuanfeng , Xia Gang , Yu Hui , Qian Baitai , Cheung Yuk Ha , Wong Lan Heung , Xin John H.
Published: July 2021

Functional textiles with advanced moisture management can enhance human comfort and physiological health. However, conventional wet finishing processes used for textiles are usually highly polluting and exhibit poor fastness. Inspired by the strong underwater adhesion properties of mussels based on cation–π interaction, a novel superhydrophilic polymeric molecule with strong cohesion and adhesion property is designed on a poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fabric. The cation–π hydrophilic agent (CPHA) can efficiently transform the hydrophobic PET fabric to a superhydrophilic one, and its superhydrophilicity can withstand 150 home laundry cycles. In addition, the cationic moieties in the CPHA self‐adhere to the PET fabric without any finishing auxiliary that would cause pollution. Due to its strong adhesion, CPHA can be applied to one side of the PET fabric via spray coating and curing to form a Janus hydrophobic/superhydrophilic fabric capable of diode‐like one‐way sweat transportation (with forward transportation capability of 1115% and backward transportation capability of −1509%). Moreover, the Janus fabric inhibits bacterial growth and invasion, while simultaneously preserving the inner ecological healthy balance of the skin's microflora. This work opens up a pathway to develop adhesives in textile wet processing for more diverse, smarter applications, e.g., quick‐dry sportswear, protective suits, or air‐conditioning fabrics.
Side Area‐Assisted 3D Evaporator with Antibiofouling Function for Ultra‐Efficient Solar Steam Generation
Authors: Li Haoxuan , Zhu Wei , Li Meng , Li Ying , Kwok Ryan T. K. , Lam Jacky W. Y. , Wang Lei , Wang Dong , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: July 2021

Solar‐driven interfacial steam generation (SISG) has been recognized as a promising strategy to solve water shortages in an eco‐friendly and low‐cost way. However, the practical application of SISG is vitally restricted by some inherent limits, especially for finite evaporation rate and insufficient working life of evaporator. Herein, a novel SISG system involving an all‐fiber porous cylinder‐like foam 3D evaporator, side area‐assisted evaporation protocol, and aggregation‐induced‐emission‐active solar absorber with “one stone two birds” function is explored. The solar absorber exhibits efficient photothermal conversion, endowing the side area‐assisted evaporator with as high as 3.6 kg m−2 h−1 of solar evaporation rate, which is highly desirable for SISG under 1 sun of irradiation. Moreover, the solar absorber is capable of powerfully producing reactive oxygen species upon sunlight irradiation, which results in extraordinary photodynamic killing of bacteria nearby the fiber to prevent biofouling, consequently improving the working life of evaporator.
TiN Bridged All‐Solid Z‐Scheme CNNS/TiN/TiO2−x Heterojunction by a Facile In Situ Reduction Strategy for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Yuan Dashui , Jiao Yiwei , Li Zongyuan , Chen Xueru , Ding Jing , Dai Wei‐Lin , Wan Hui , Guan Guofeng
Published: July 2021

Proper interfacial electron mediators greatly influence the charge transfer efficiency of Z‐scheme photocatalytic system. TiN bridged all‐solid Z‐scheme CNNS/TiN/TiO2−x heterojunction composites are prepared by a facile in situ reduction strategy for highly promoted photocatalytic hydrogen evolution driven by visible light. The reduction process not only creates oxygen vacancies in TiO2 but also reduces partial TiO2 to TiN. Oxygen defected TiO2−x permits TiO2 visible light absorption capacity. Fermi level equilibrium forms internal electric fields at the interfaces to drive the charge transfer. Meanwhile, TiN electrons mediator connects the conduction band of TiO2−x and the valance band of CNNS, which is advantageous for the transfer of photoelectrons from the conduction band of TiO2−x to the valance band of CNNS. Compared with pure carbon nitride (CN), TiO2, and even composites CN/TiO2 without TiN, CNNS/TiN/TiO2−x shows a remarkably enhanced visible light catalytic hydrogen evolution performance of 1230 μmol g−1 h−1, about 95 times than that of pure CN. The dramatically boosted photocatalytic activity is attributed to the extra visible light absorption capacity of TiO2−x and convenient electron transfer between CNNS and TiO2−x through TiN electrons mediator.
Trilayer MXene Fabric for Integrated Ultrasensitive Pressure Sensor and Wearable Heater
Authors: Deng Chenghao , Zhao Siqi , Su Erming , Li Yeti , Wu Fengming
Published: July 2021

The rise of Internet of Things and wearable healthcare electronics has prompted the rapid development of wearable pressure sensors. A novel developing trend focuses on a pressure sensor with high sensitivity over a wide pressure range, multifunction, breathability, and excellent wearing comfort, which remains a challenge. To address these issues, an all‐fabric device is designed by loading Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets onto woven fabrics through a simple dip‐coating method and sewing three fabric layers with different coating concentrations. The large resistance difference between the high‐resistance middle layer and the low‐resistance outer layer dominates the pressure sensing performance, whereas the two outer layers act as an extraction electrode and flexible Joule heater. The change in internal contact resistance of the trilayer fabric under pressure produces an ultrasensitive (2882–36328 kPa−1) pressure sensor over a wide pressure range (0–140 kPa), whereas sensitivity and detection limit can be regulated by controlling the coating concentration of the middle layer. In addition, the all‐fabric structure endows the sensor with excellent wearing comfort. Multilevel and multiscale applications such as pulse contour, high load motion, tactile interface array, and large‐area wearable heater demonstrate the broad application prospects in wearable healthcare electronics of the trilayer fabric.
Analysis of the Impact of Park Scale on Urban Park Equity Based on 21 Incremental Scenarios in the Urban Core Area of Chongqing, China
Authors: Diao Yuying , Hu Wen , He Bao‐Jie
Published: July 2021

Whilst many cities have implemented strategies for urban park supply, the expected outcome may be productively poor, aggravating the inequality. However, little evidence of reducing urban park inequality through regulating urban park scale has been presented. The indicators of accessibility per capita park area, Gini coefficient, and accessible park share are adopted to assess the urban park inequality in Chongqing and examine park scale impacts, through 21 incremental scenarios. Whilst the overall urban park equity is relatively reasonable in Chongqing's core area, the park accessibility is markedly unequal in distribution. There is no significant difference between the age‐ and income‐vulnerable groups and all residents in urban park equity. However, a highly unequal distribution of comprehensive parks, neighborhood parks, and small pleasance for all residents and vulnerable groups is observed. Moreover, urban park equity can be affected by park scale, where urban park number has a positive impact on accessible per capita park area and a negative effect on Gini coefficient, among all residents and vulnerable groups. There is no significant relationship between park number and the proportion of accessible park share of vulnerable groups. Overall, the impact of park scale is revealed on park‐related equity and policy makers and planners are suggested for public health, environmental equity in urban communities.
AIE‐Active Difluoroboron Complexes with N,O‐Bidentate Ligands: Rapid Construction by Copper‐Catalyzed C−H Activation
Authors: Tan Guangying , Maisuls Iván , Strieth‐Kalthoff Felix , Zhang Xiaolong , Daniliuc Constantin , Strassert Cristian A. , Glorius Frank
Published: July 2021

The development of organic materials with high solid‐state luminescence efficiency is highly desirable because of their fundamental importance and applicability in optoelectronics. Herein, a rapid construction of novel BF2 complexes with N,O‐bidentate ligands by using Cu(BF4)2•6H2O as a catalyst and BF2 source is disclosed, which avoids the need for pre‐composing the N,O‐bidentate ligands and features a broad substrate scope and a high tolerance level for sensitive functional groups. Moreover, molecular oxygen is employed as the terminal oxidant in this transformation. A library of 36 compounds as a new class of BF2 complexes with remarkable photophysical properties is delivered in good to excellent yields, showing a substituent‐dependency on the photophysical properties, derived from the π–π* character of the photoexcited state. In addition, aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) is observed and quantified for the brightest exemplars. The excited state properties are fully investigated in solids and in THF/H2O mixtures. Hence, a new series of photofunctional materials with variable photophysical properties is reported, with potential applications for sensing, bioimaging, and optoelectronics.
Charge Transport in 2D Layered Mixed Sn–Pb Perovskite Thin Films for Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Qin Cuiqing , Zhang Fan , Qin Liang , Liu Xin , Ji Hongyu , Li Longtao , Hu Yufeng , Lou Zhidong , Hou Yanbing , Teng Feng
Published: July 2021

The optoelectronic characteristics of organic–inorganic perovskites can be tailored by mixing different metal cations with various ratios. 2D layered organic–inorganic perovskites with charge transport anisotropy are considered as promising channel materials for field‐effect transistors. However, there are few reports about 2D Pb‐based perovskite thin film transistors although their Sn counterparts have been extensively investigated for use in this field. Herein, the synthesis and tuning of the physical properties of 2D layered Sn–Pb perovskite solid solutions based on phenylethylammonium tin and lead iodide perovskites ((PEA)2SnxPb1−xI4 (x = 0, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1)) are reported. A thermally activated semiconducting behavior is confirmed in this series of perovskite thin films. The electronic band structure, conductivity, and in‐plane ion migration are found to be largely affected by the Sn–Pb ratio, which is important for transistor performance. Furthermore, the 2D layered mixed Sn–Pb perovskite field‐effect transistors constructed on cheap and commercially available polymer dielectrics and a signature of field‐effect characteristics in the (PEA)2PbI4 film are demonstrated for the first time. The (PEA)2Sn0.7Pb0.3I4 transistor operating at room temperature in air exhibits a hole mobility of 0.02 cm2 V−1 s−1. This work can improve the understanding of the influence mechanisms of ion migration in 2D layered perovskite field‐effect transistors.
Recycling of Nanowire Percolation Network for Sustainable Soft Electronics
Authors: Liu Yuxuan , Wang Hongyu , Zhu Yong
Published: July 2021

There is an increasing demand for eco‐friendly and sustainable electronics, where recycling of functional materials is the key. Soft electronics have received much attention recently, however, their recycling has been challenging. Here a strategy is reported to recycle silver nanowire (AgNW) percolation network to achieve sustainable soft electronics. The effect of working solvent and ultrasonication time on the morphology and electrical properties of the recycled AgNW network is investigated. Using the selected working solvent with low surface tension (isopropanol) and optimal ultrasonication time (20 s), the AgNW network film can be recycled multiple times (four times in this work) without significant morphology changes and performance degradation. A transient epidermal sensor patch using AgNW as electrodes and a water‐soluble polymer substrate is fabricated and fully recycled. On‐body test of the epidermal sensor patch fabricated by recycled AgNWs demonstrates a working example for the recycling concept of AgNWs. The recycling concept can be extended to other nanomaterials in the form of percolation network.
Rotational no‐till and tillage‐based organic corn produce management tradeoffs in the Northeast
Authors: Champagne Rebecca J. , Wallace John M. , Curran William S. , Barbercheck Mary E.
Published: July 2021

Reducing the intensity and frequency of tillage in organic grain production systems is likely to produce several agronomic, economic, and environmental tradeoffs. We evaluated four organic corn (Zea mays L.) sequences in a 3‐yr, full‐entry organic cropping systems experiment. Two sequences included a hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth)/triticale (Triticale hexaploide Lart.) mixture sown after spelt harvest that differed in tillage practices (no‐till [NT], conventional) before corn and corn harvest management (silage, grain). Two sequences included a red clover (Trifolium pretense L.)/timothy (Phleum pretense L.) mixture frost‐seeded into spelt in late winter followed by conventional tillage preceding corn and either silage or grain harvest. Our results showed that late‐season weed biomass did not differ across alternative sequences, although both tillage and NT corn production resulted in high in‐row weed pressure in different years. Cover crop management prior to tillage‐based corn production did not affect grain yields, but NT silage production resulted in lower yields compared with the tilled sequence. Corn silage yields were positively correlated with corn populations in both tilled and NT systems. The NT sequence lowered tillage frequency and intensity by 39 and 52%, respectively, compared with tillage‐based corn production as measured using established metrics, including the soil disturbance rating, but did not significantly influence labile carbon pools. Sequences using underseeded red clover resulted in higher net returns compared with hairy vetch sequences due to additional income from fall forage harvests.
Litter mass and nitrogen disappearance in year‐round nitrogen‐fertilized grass and legume–grass forage systems
Authors: Severino da Silva Liliane , Sollenberger Lynn E. , Moura Kohmann Marta , Dubeux José C. , Aryal Parmeshwor , Silveira Maria Lucia , Vendramini Joao M. B.
Published: July 2021

Plant litter is an important nutrient pool in grasslands. Most estimates of N return from litter are based on incubation of attached plant material (live or senescent) instead of dead, detached material on the soil surface. Our objective was to quantify mass, chemical composition, and N disappearance from soil‐surface litter for year‐round forage systems based on N‐fertilized grasses (GN) (290 kg N ha–1 yr–1) or legume–grass mixtures (LG) (30 kg N ha–1 yr–1) when grazed or harvested for hay. Litter mass and composition were measured in winter and summer over 2 yr, and litter was incubated for 180 d to quantify N disappearance. Summer litter mass was greater for GN than LG under grazing (2,840 vs. 1,730 kg ha–1) and hay management (2,780 vs. 1,240 kg ha–1). Cool‐season litter mass for GN was also greater than LG (1,990 vs. 1,200 kg ha–1). Initial litter N concentrations for GN and LG were 26 vs. 23 and 21 vs. 20 g N kg–1 organic matter in summer and winter, respectively. Litter lignin concentration and C/N and lignin/N ratios remained relatively constant. At the end of incubation, remaining litter biomass ranged from 63 to 85%. Nitrogen disappearance was greater for GN than LG, averaging 43 vs. 19 kg ha–1 yr–1, respectively, due to greater herbage accumulation and litter mass for GN. We conclude that year‐round forage systems including legumes contribute important quantities of N via aboveground litter decomposition, but amounts are likely less than for grass systems receiving relatively large N fertilizer inputs.
Suppression of the Stimulated Brillouin and Raman Scattering in Actively Q‐switched Fiber Lasers through Temporal Pulse Shaping
Authors: Jafari Sina , Fathi Davood , Taleb Hussein , Abbott Derek
Published: July 2021

Despite the wide range of applications and versatility, actively Q‐switched fiber lasers (AQS‐FLs) suffer from the multi‐peak phenomenon or stepwise pulse generation under certain conditions. As such, the advantage of the stepwise tendency in AQS‐FL to modify the pulse shape and create a temporal profile that minimizes the power of stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) and stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) Stokes components is taken. Accordingly a multi‐objective genetic algorithm (GA) and a Monte‐Carlo method is developed to solve the improved model for SBS. Additionally, the suppression of SRS is predicted and examined successfully. The proposed method is deployed for the simulation of the 5 and 10 kW peak and 10 ns wide pulses on a 4 m long, single‐mode, ytterbium‐doped double clad fiber under the narrow linewidth of 0.05 nm with promising suppression of SBS and SRS effects. To the best of the authors' knowledge this is the first time that such a pulse‐shaping strategy is demonstrated for the SBS or SRS suppression. Furthermore reaching a 10 kW peak on single mode fibers was previously only possible via custom made fibers. Our novel method offers the possibility of optimizing and improving the utilization of different fiber types in AQS‐FL systems.
Combination of Pseudo‐Natural Product Design and Formal Natural Product Ring Distortion Yields Stereochemically and Biologically Diverse Pseudo‐Sesquiterpenoid Alkaloids
Authors: Liu Jie , Flegel Jana , Otte Felix , Pahl Axel , Sievers Sonja , Strohmann Carsten , Waldmann Herbert
Published: July 2021

We describe the synthesis and biological evaluation of a new natural product‐inspired compound class obtained by combining the conceptually complementary pseudo‐natural product (pseudo‐NP) design strategy and a formal adaptation of the complexity‐to‐diversity ring distortion approach. Fragment‐sized α‐methylene‐sesquiterpene lactones, whose scaffolds can formally be viewed as related to each other or are obtained by ring distortion, were combined with alkaloid‐derived pyrrolidine fragments by means of highly selective stereocomplementary 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reactions. The resulting pseudo‐sesquiterpenoid alkaloids were found to be both chemically and biologically diverse, and their biological performance distinctly depends on both the structure of the sesquiterpene lactone‐derived scaffolds and the stereochemistry of the pyrrolidine fragment. Biological investigation of the compound collection led to the discovery of a novel chemotype inhibiting Hedgehog‐dependent osteoblast differentiation
High‐Voltage‐Tolerant Covalent Organic Framework Electrolyte with Holistically Oriented Channels for Solid‐State Lithium Metal Batteries with Nickel‐Rich Cathodes
Authors: Niu Chaoqun , Luo Wenjia , Dai Chenmin , Yu Chengbing , Xu Yuxi
Published: July 2021

By introducing lithiophilic groups and electrochemically stable quinolyl aromatic ring linkages, we prepared covalent organic frameworks (COFs) exhibiting a large band gap with an ultralow HOMO value (−6.2 eV under vacuum) and oxidative stability up to 5.6 V (versus Li+/Li) as solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs). The obtained flexible COF SSE thin films showed a holistically oriented arrangement along the (001) facet with remarkable ionic conductivity up to 1.5×10−4 S cm−1 at 60 °C and excellent mechanical strength with a high Young's modulus of 10.5 GPa. Molecular dynamic simulations showed that lithium ions are transmitted in this COF SSE by directional hopping paths with fast drift velocity. The COF SSE film was used to assemble all‐solid‐state lithium metal batteries with nickel‐rich cathodes (NMC811). The batteries demonstrated stable cycling performance over 400 cycles, high coulombic efficiency (>99 %), and could also withstand abuse tests, such as folding.
Development of novel biocomposites based on the clean production of microbial cellulose from dairy waste (sour whey)
Authors: Nguyen Hau Trung , Ngwabebhoh Fahanwi Asabuwa , Saha Nabanita , Zandraa Oyunchimeg , Saha Tomas , Saha Petr
Published: July 2021

This work explores the production of kombucha‐derived bacterial cellulose (KBC) from sour whey via the fermentation method using Komagatacibacter xylinus. The biosynthesis process was optimized by design of experiments and the results displayed highest KBC yield at 1000 ml/L sour whey waste, 87.39 g/L cane sugar, 6 g/L black tea, and 78.91 ml/L bacteria volume under 21 days culture period at 30°C. Optimum fermentation batch efficiency was achieved in large scale with cultured medium depths of 0.5 cm and low‐residual bacteria suspension volume of 72.31 ± 8.74 ml. The obtained KBC membranes were analyzed by SEM, FTIR, XRD, and TGA. The obtained results show no significant differences for all prepared KBC samples when compared to pristine bacterial cellulose from standard Hestrin and Schramm (HS) medium. In addition, the optimized KBC was investigated as a suitable bio‐filler in the preparation of biocomposite materials. The prepared biocomposites as leather alternative were further characterized and their mechanical tensile strength and elongation at break determined in the range of 135.61 ± 9.15 to 154.89 ± 9.09 N/mm2 and 31.06 ± 0.32 to 92.33 ± 6.91%, respectively. This model obtained depicts high‐yield production of KBC and its potential in the preparation of biocomposites.
Microfibrillated cellulose reinforced poly(vinyl imidazole) cryogels for continuous removal of heavy metals
Authors: Zhang Jinmeng , Zhong Tianyi , Xiang Yun , Zhang Xufeng , Feng Xiyun
Published: July 2021

Interconnected macro‐porous cryogels with robust mechanical structure and high adsorption capacity are desirable for the wastewater clean‐up. However, some functional alkenyl‐based monomer such as vinyl imidazole (VIM) could not be individually polymerized to form the cryogel with a robust structure for applications. Herein, a strategy has been developed to fabricate the poly(VIM) cryogel using microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) as reinforcing agent. Structural characterizations indicated that the poly(VIM)/MFC showed interconnected macropores of 12 ± 10 μm and high VIM contents. Underwater compression experiments displayed that the hysteresis loops changed slightly and the energy loss coefficients were less than 23% during loading‐unloading 200 cycles, highlighting the excellent shape recovery and fatigue resistance. Batch adsorption indicated that the adsorption capacities of the poly(VIM)/MFC cryogel to Cu(II), Pb(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), Ni(II), and Co(II) were 87.4, 53.9, 48.6, 44.3, 23.8, and 20.1 mg/g, respectively. The pseudo second‐order kinetic and Langmuir model can fit the adsorption process well, confirming the single‐layer homogeneous chemisorption. Dynamic adsorption displayed that the loaded Cu(II) ions could be rapidly adsorbed and hardly flow through the poly(VIM)/MFC cryogel, indicating the extremely fast adsorption at the flow mode. This study shows a novel strategy to fabricate the robust cryogel for environmental remediation.
Molecular characterization of a catalase gene from the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae)
Authors: Li Mao‐Ye , Wang Yun , Lei Xiao , Xu Chuan‐Tao , Wang Dong‐Dong , Liu Su , Li Shi‐Guang
Published: July 2021

The green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer), is a serious agricultural pest with a worldwide distribution. Catalase (CAT), which is encoded by the catalase (Cat) gene, is an extremely important antioxidant enzyme that plays a pivotal role in protecting cells against the toxic effects of hydrogen peroxide. The Cat gene has not been characterized in M. persicae; therefore, this study describes the identification of the Cat (MpCat) gene from M. persicae. MpCat contains an open reading frame of 1515 bp and encodes a MpCAT protein consisting of 504 amino‐acid residues. MpCAT possesses features typical of other insect catalases, including 7 conserved amino acids involved in binding heme and 15 involved in binding nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate. Phylogenetic analysis showed that MpCAT was closely related to orthologs from other aphid species. MpCat consisted of nine exons and eight introns, and the number and insertion sites of introns are consistent with those of Cat genes from Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) and Aphis gossypii Glover. The mRNA transcripts of MpCat were detected at all tested developmental stages, with the highest mRNA level in alate adults. The expression of MpCat was significantly upregulated when M. persicae was exposed to low and high temperatures, ultraviolet radiation, Beauveria bassiana, and permethrin. The transcription of MpCat and the activity of catalase were suppressed by RNA interference, and knockdown of MpCat significantly reduced the survival rate in M. persicae under heat stress. The results provide valuable information for further study on the physiological functions of MpCat.
Global feedback stabilization of discrete‐time bilinear systems
Authors: Alami Louati Driss , Ouzahra Mohamed
Published: July 2021

This paper studies the stabilization of the discrete‐time bilinear system
, where A and B are bounded linear operators on a pre‐Hilbert space H, by means of a new nonlinear state feedback control which is uniformly bounded. First, sufficient conditions for uniform exponential stabilization are given, and the decay rate of the state is estimated. Then global weak stabilization is investigated under less stringent assumptions. In the case of the finite dimension, easily verified conditions for uniform stabilization are given. Moreover, a decomposition method allows additional stabilization results. Finally, illustrative examples are provided.
Multidisciplinary management of congenitally missing lateral incisors: A minimally invasive approach
Authors: Ben Gassem Afnan , Hashem Danya
Published: July 2021

The following case report demonstrates how a multidisciplinary team approach can be utilized successfully for the minimally invasive esthetic treatment of congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisors through space closure and canine re‐anatomization.