bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fiberwise linear differential operators
Authors: Pugliese Fabrizio , Sparano Giovanni , Vitagliano Luca
Published: September 2021

We define a new notion of fiberwise linear differential operator on the total space of a vector bundle E. Our main result is that fiberwise linear differential operators on E are equivalent to (polynomial) derivations of an appropriate line bundle over

E
∗

{E^{\ast}}

. We believe this might represent a first step towards a definition of multiplicative (resp. infinitesimally multiplicative) differential operators on a Lie groupoid (resp. a Lie algebroid). We also discuss the linearization of a differential operator around a submanifold.
Social, Moral and Legal Rules, Biopolitics and the Covid-19 Crisis
Authors: Garbarino Carlo
Published: September 2021

The article relies on the social and legal perspective not only to better understand how norms are created and change through interactions among agents, but also to shed light on how norms are internalized in social practice. The article is organized as follows. Initially the article explores the basic assumption that deontic operators acquire their meaning via social conventions generating “personal rules” having a “mental content” which belongs to a wider “normative mind”, a mind that obviously encompasses all sorts of choices. The article then describes the different types of personal rules, distinguishing social, moral, and legal rules across the normative mind, focusing on social rules within institutions, conceived as sets of rules in equilibrium. The core of this study puts to the test the taxonomy of personal (social, moral, and legal) rules within the normative mind by exploring a situation of “dense normativity” addressed by a 2021 Lancet paper concerning findings about “tight–loose cultures” during the Covid-19 crisis, and, for the sake of explanation, focuses on one of the main normative constraints that epitomizes the challenge of the Covid-19 crisis to “tight–loose” cultures: the “wear-mask rule”. These observations can be extended to other normative constraints of that crisis, but in essence they parse the interplay between the different types of personal rules, which not only are social, but also moral and legal, drawing conclusions that complement the findings of the Lancet paper with some critical observations. The article critically concludes with remarks about the co-existence of different normative systems of personal rules in a context of biopolitics and suggests that individual morality appears to be the core of normativity to address collective threats such as those caused by the Covid-19 crisis.
Literary “higher dimensions” quantified: a stylometric study of nine stories
Authors: Místecký Michal , Melka Tomi S.
Published: September 2021

The study will focus on the quantitative assessment of nine stories, considered important contributions in the supernatural and in the early and modern science-fiction prose. Besides the two treatments of the topic of imaginaryFlatland – penned by E. A. Abbott and C. H. Hinton –, the corpus includes writings by H. G. Wells, A. Blackwood, M. Leinster, G. Waldeyer, R. A. Heinlein, L. Padgett, and A. C. Clarke. Texts are researched on the bases of four analyses (moving-average type-token ratio, average tokens length, Busemann’s coefficient, and collocation associativity), with the results tested for statistical significance; next, the textual comparisons will provide a springboard for sketches of literary criticism interpretations. The analyzed corpus has revealed the distinctive and colorful take writers have in their stories. By the nature of their subject, the texts are expected to sharehigher dimensionsandtime warps, a thread implying a meeting point in terms of vocabulary richness, plot development, and possibly of narrative structure. Yet, in most cases, the findings suggest basic and nuanced differences, hinting at clear stylistic physiognomies in the authorship. The outcome affects not only the assessment of the weight individual samples have, but also the interface between a common (sub)genreandpersonal style.
A non-cooperative game based energy management considering distributed energy resources in price-based and incentive-based demand response program
Authors: Gaba Monika , Chanana Saurabh
Published: September 2021

Demand response (DR), an integral part of the smart grid, has great potential in handling the challenges of the existing power grid. The potential of different DR programs in the energy management of residential consumers (RCs) and the integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) is an important research topic. A novel distributed approach for energy management of RCs considering the competitive interactions among them is presented in this paper. The impact of participation of RC’s in price-based (PB) and incentive-based (IB) DR programs is investigated using game theory. For this, an energy management optimization problem (EMOP) is formulated to minimize electricity cost. The utility company employs electricity price as a linear function of aggregated load in the PB DR program and an incentive rate in the IBDR program. RCs are categorized into active and passive users. Active users are further distinguished based on the ownership of energy storage devices (SD) and dispatchable generation units (DGU). EMOP is modeled using a non-cooperative game, and the distributed proximal decomposition method is used to obtain the Nash equilibrium of the game. The results of the proposed approach are analyzed using different case studies. The performance of the proposed approach is evaluated in terms of aggregated cost and system load profile. It has been observed that participation in PB and IBDR program benefits both the utility and the consumers.
Evaluation of physico-chemical properties of tomato powder produced by an optimized freeze drying process
Authors: Wu Zeyu , Wang Haiyan , Zhang Li , Xian Zhaojun , Li Honghong , He Yiwen , Hui Ailing , Zhou An , Guo Li , Zhang Wencheng
Published: September 2021

In this study, the physico-chemical properties of tomato powder produced by an optimized freeze drying process (FDP) were evaluated. With the lycopene content as the dependent variable, the optimum FDP conditions (i.e., thermal cracking time of 62 s, ascorbic acid addition amount [0.13%], and particle size [Dv90] of 163 μm) were obtained through response surface methodology (RSM). The results showed that the content of lycopene in the prepared tomato powder was higher than that in two commercial products. Aldehydes were the main components among 25 kinds of aromatic substances detected in tomato powder. The values of a
* and a
*/b
*, the hydration properties including water holding capacity (WHC) and oil binding capacity (OBC), and the content of total acid, ascorbic acid, and soluble solids were improved compared to commercial spray dried and freeze dried samples. All the above results suggested that FDP was an adequate procedure for the production of high-quality tomato powder.
N-gram use in EFL learners’ retelling and monologic tasks
Authors: Zhang Xiaopeng , Zhao Baoshan , Li Wenwen
Published: September 2021

This study examinedn-gram use in oral production by Chinese college-level English as a foreign language (EFL) learners at four distinct proficiency levels. Thirty indices regarding range, frequency, and association strength of bi- and tri-grams obtained from retelling and monologic samples were analyzed. Results suggest that, i) the four proficiency levels differed in measures for frequency and association strength of bi- and tri-grams, ii) academic bi- and tri-gram proportions and association strength (captured by MI- andt-scores) were predictive of EFL speaking proficiency for both the retelling and monologic samples but the effects were small, and iii) EFL learners used more well-attested bi- and tri-grams in monologues than in retelling, demonstrating that higher rated samples tended to contain more strongly-associated bi- and tri-grams, a greater proportion of frequent attested academic tri-grams, and that EFLn-gram use was task-sensitive. These findings help enrich our understanding on EFL development of multi-word sequences and have potentially useful implications for EFL pedagogy.
Certain classes of analytic functions defined by Hurwitz–Lerch zeta function
Authors: Venkateswarlu Bolineni , Thirupathi Reddy Pinninti , Swapna Galla , Madhuri Shilpa Rompilli
Published: September 2021

In this work, we introduce and investigate a new class

k
-

U
⁢
S

~

s

⁢

(
b
,
μ
,
γ
,
t
)

{k-\widetilde{US}_{s}(b,\mu,\gamma,t)}

of analytic functions in the open unit disk U with negative coefficients. The object of the present paper is
to determine coefficient estimates, neighborhoods and partial sums for functions f belonging
to this class.
A new factor theorem on absolute matrix summability method
Authors: Yıldız Şebnem
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we have a new matrix generalization with absolute matrix summability factor of an infinite series by using quasi-β-power increasing sequences. That theorem also includes some new and known results dealing with some basic summability methods
Weak solutions to the time-fractional g-Navier–Stokes equations and optimal control
Authors: Ben Aadi Sultana , Akhlil Khalid , Aayadi Khadija
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we introduce the g-Navier–Stokes equations with time-fractional derivative of order

α
∈

(
0
,
1
)

{\alpha\in(0,1)}

in domains of

ℝ
2

{\mathbb{R}^{2}}

. We then study the existence and uniqueness of weak solutions by means of the Galerkin approximation. Finally, an optimal control problem is considered and solved.
First successful concomitant therapy of immune tolerance induction therapy and desensitization in a CRIM-negative infantile Pompe patient
Authors: Emecen Sanli Merve , Ertoy Karagol Hacer Ilbilge , Kilic Ayse , Aktasoglu Ekin , Inci Asli , Okur Ilyas , Ezgu Fatih , Tumer Leyla
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with alglucosidase alfa (rhGAA) has changed the fatal course of infantile Pompe disease, however, development of anti rhGAA antibodies and infusion-associated reactions (IAR) restrict the tolerability and effectiveness of the treatment.

Case presentation

We describe a successful concomitant immune tolerance induction (ITI) and desensitization protocols in a cross-reactive immunologic material (CRIM) negative 7-month-old male patient. At the age of 5 months and eighth dose of the ERT, the patient developed IAR and his rhGAA specific IgE was negative however, his rhGAA specific IgG titer was as high as 12,800. ITI therapy to suppress antibody formation and a desensitization protocol was devised to be given concomitantly. At the end of 5-week therapy, his fatigue and weakness improved profoundly and a control antidrug antibody level decreased at 800. At the time of the patient’s follow up, he was still on ERT with desensitization at the age of 15 months without any reactions.

Conclusions

This is the first report in the literature applying concomitant ITI and desensitization protocols in a CRIM negative infantile-onset Pompe disease patient successfully, hence the importance of the case.
Evaluating a standardized protocol for the management of diabetes insipidus in pediatric neurosurgical patients
Authors: Mak Daniel , Schaller Alexandra L. , Storgion Stephanie A. , Lahoti Amit
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Central diabetes insipidus (DI) is a known complication following surgical resection of a suprasellar mass. There are limited data analyzing the outcomes of a standardized protocol for the management of postoperative DI in the pediatric population. We sought to fill this gap and hypothesized that utilizing a standardized protocol for fluid management (3-bag system) would reduce serum sodium fluctuations in the postoperative period after suprasellar surgery.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed. Patients were identified with the following criteria: age ≤ 18 years, undergoing a surgical procedure for suprasellar mass that also had postoperative DI. The primary outcome was the variability in serum sodium during the first 48 h and between 48 and 120 h postoperatively.

Results

There were 21 encounters pre-protocol and 22 encounters post-protocol for neurosurgical procedures. Use of the standardized protocol was associated with a lower range of sodium within 48 h postoperatively (p=0.065) and 83% lower odds of hypernatremia (Na>150 mmol/L) within 48 h postoperatively (CI 0.039–0.714) after controlling for age, gender, and prior DI diagnosis. History of DI conferred a lower risk of hypernatremia as well as less sodium fluctuation within 48 h postoperatively. Younger patients, those <9.7 years of age were associated with increased risk of hyponatremia and greater sodium fluctuations during the postoperative period.

Conclusions

In patients with postoperative DI after suprasellar surgery, using a standardized protocol for fluid management (3-bag system) appears to reduce serum sodium variability in the first 48 h after surgery.
Subcutaneous regular insulin use for the management of diabetic ketoacidosis in resource limited setting
Authors: Yismaw Bereket F. , Leulseged Tigist W.
Published: September 2021

Objectives

The standard recommendation of insulin therapy for patients with DKA is the administration of slow continuous intravenous (IV) regular insulin. Currently subcutaneous insulin is being recommended as an alternative treatment of DKA in mild and moderate cases in resource-limited settings. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of six-hourly subcutaneous regular insulin use for the treatment of DKA among children with type one diabetes mellitus.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 224 DKA episodes which occurred in 161 children who were treated at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from November 2015 to November 2020.

Results

Majority (68.8%) of the episodes occurred in newly diagnosed cases. The median time for urinary ketones clearance was 24 h. DKA severity was found to be the only significant predictor of time to DKA resolution. Only 13 (5.8%) were treated at the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), and 27 (12.1%) developed complications during management. No death or neurological complications observed.

Conclusions

The six-hourly subcutaneous regular insulin use was found to be safe and effective alternative to slow IV insulin infusion for the treatment of DKA in a non PICU setting. As it resulted in minimum morbidity and no mortality, we recommend its use in the treatment of DKA irrespective of its severity. It can also decrease the health care cost and patients’ inconvenience.
circ_0000467 promotes the proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis in colorectal cancer cells through regulating KLF12 expression by sponging miR-4766-5p
Authors: Chen Hui , Wu Chen , Luo Liang , Wang Yuan , Peng Fangxing
Published: September 2021

Background

Circular RNAs have been identified as crucial players in the initiation and progression of cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). The Has_circ_0000467 (circ_0000467) expression has been found to be upregulated in CRC, but its function and mechanism remain unclear.

Methods

The expression levels of circ_0000467, microRNA-4766-5p (miR-4766-5p), and Krueppel-like factor 12 (KLF12) were examined using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Cell proliferation was analyzed by cell counting kit-8 assay and colony formation assay. The apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry. Transwell migration and invasion assays were applied to evaluate cell metastatic ability. Angiogenesis was detected using tube formation assay. All protein expressions were quantified by western blot assay. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to analyze intergenic binding. Xenograft models were constructed for the experiment of circ_0000467 in vivo.

Results

The expression of circ_0000467 was upregulated in CRC tissues and cells. Knockdown of circ_0000467 repressed cell proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis, but it induced apoptosis in CRC cells. circ_0000467 targeted miR-4766-5p and inhibited the expression of miR-4766-5p. Silencing of circ_0000467 inhibited CRC progression by upregulating miR-4766-5p. miR-4766-5p suppressed the expression of target gene KLF12 and KLF12 overexpression reversed the effects of miR-4766-5p on CRC cell behaviors. circ_0000467 positively regulated the expression of KLF12 by targeting miR-4766-5p. circ_0000467 downregulation in vivo reduced CRC tumorigenesis by regulating miR-4766-5p and KLF12.

Conclusion

circ_0000467 acted as an oncogene in CRC through regulating KLF12 expression by sponging miR-4766-5p. Therefore, circ_0000467 can be used as an effective target in CRC diagnosis and therapy.
Super-regular femtosecond laser nanolithography based on dual-interface plasmons coupling
Authors: Xie Hongbo , Zhao Bo , Cheng Jinluo , Chamoli Sandeep Kumar , Zou Tingting , Xin Wei , Yang Jianjun
Published: September 2021

Advances in femtosecond laser-material interaction facilitate the extension of maskless optical processing to the high efficiency and deep-subwavelength scale. Here, a hybrid plasmon lithography technique has been demonstrated by irradiating near-infrared femtosecond laser pulses onto the Si material coated with thin Cr films in a vacuum chamber, and superior nanograting structures are found to deeply penetrate through the thin Cr film into the underlying Si substrate. In stark contrast to the common ripple structures formed on the Si surface, the Cr-layer mediated Si nanograting structures not only exhibit the spatially super-regular arrangements with a deep-subwavelength period of 355 nm but also present the nonsinusoidal sharp-edged groove geometry with a large depth-to-width aspect ratio of 2.1. Theoretical analyses and calculations reveal that the anomalous structure characterizations are physically ascribed to the excitation of dual-interface coupled plasmons in the thin metal layer, which possess the squeezed spatial wavelength and the periodic columnar intensity distributions. Moreover, the further deepening of periodic nanostructures into the Si substrate is also elucidated by the simulation of electric field enhancements at the bottom of shallow grooves under irradiation of subsequent laser pulses. In combination with a wet etching process, the Si nanograting structures can be modified into the smooth and narrow-mouthed V-profiles, whose optical measurements show a near omnidirectional antireflection especially in the visible range of 565–750 nm, which is expected for the design of advanced photonic devices.
Inverse designed extended depth of focus meta-optics for broadband imaging in the visible
Authors: Bayati Elyas , Pestourie Raphaël , Colburn Shane , Lin Zin , Johnson Steven G. , Majumdar Arka
Published: September 2021

We report an inverse-designed, high numerical aperture (∼0.44), extended depth of focus (EDOF) meta-optic, which exhibits a lens-like point spread function (PSF). The EDOF meta-optic maintains a focusing efficiency comparable to that of a hyperboloid metalens throughout its depth of focus. Exploiting the extended depth of focus and computational post processing, we demonstrate broadband imaging across the full visible spectrum using a 1 mm, f/1 meta-optic. Unlike other canonical EDOF meta-optics, characterized by phase masks such as a log-asphere or cubic function, our design exhibits a highly invariant PSF across ∼290 nm optical bandwidth, which leads to significantly improved image quality, as quantified by structural similarity metrics.
Gyrotactic microorganism and bio-convection during flow of Prandtl-Eyring nanomaterial
Authors: Hayat Tasawar , Ullah Inayat , Muhammad Khursheed , Alsaedi Ahmed
Published: September 2021

Our main intension behind this work is to investigate Prandtl-Eyring nanomaterial in presence of gyrotactic microorganisms. Flow is generated via stretching sheet and is subject to melting heat effect. Radiation and dissipation are addressed. Entropy rate is also reported. Nanofluid effects are explored through Buongiorno model for nanofluid by considering Brownian motion and thermophoresis impacts. Problem related modelling is done by obtaining PDEs and these PDEs are then transmitted into ODEs by using appropriate similarity variables. Homotopic technique has been employed to obtain a convergent series solution of the considered problem. Graphical results have been presented to investigate the impact of different prominent variables over fluid velocity, temperature distribution, nanofluid concentration and on microorganism concentration. Entropy analysis has been discussed and the physical quantities such as surface drag force, Nusselt number, local Sherwood number and microorganism density number for the current problem is obtained. Velocity boost against higher melting and fluid parameters. Temperature of the fluid reduces with an increment in melting and radiation parameters while it intensifies through Prandtl and Eckert number, Brownian motion and thermophoresis parameters. Decay in concentration is noticed against higher values of melting and thermophoresis parameters while it increases for higher Schmidt number and Brownian motion parameter. Microorganism field boosts with higher values of Peclet number and microorganism concentration difference parameter. Moreover entropy generation rate intensifies against higher radiation parameter and Brickman number.
Vibration characteristics analysis of composite floating rafts for marine structure based on modal superposition theory
Authors: Huang Jisi , Tang Yang , Li Haichao , Pang Fuzhen , Qin Yuxuan
Published: September 2021

Composite materials have become a research hotspot in the field of vibration and noise reduction for their high strength, high damping, and other outstanding mechanical properties in recent years. In this paper, the effect of laminated materials on the dynamic performance of floating rafts is investigated based on modal superposition theory using the finite element method. The detailed derivation of the modal superposition theory was made, and taking T700 fiber-reinforced composite material as an example the damping effect of the floating raft structure in three cases was discussed: whether the composite material is laid or not, different layup angles, and different layup positions. The research shows that laying composite materials can improve damping effect of the floating raft and the changes in both the laying angle and the laying position will affect its dynamic performance. Moreover, the damping performance of the structure is inversely correlated with its stiffness within a certain range.
Exercise therapy for whiplash-associated disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chrcanovic Bruno , Larsson Johan , Malmström Eva-Maj , Westergren Hans , Häggman-Henrikson Birgitta
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Acute as well as chronic pain syndromes are common after whiplash trauma and exercise therapy is proposed as one possible intervention strategy. The aim of the present systematic review was to evaluate the effect of exercise therapy in patients with Whiplash-Associated Disorders for the improvement of neck pain and neck disability, compared with other therapeutic interventions, placebo interventions, no treatment, or waiting list.

Content

The review was registered in Prospero (CRD42017060356) and conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A literature search in PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane from inception until January 13, 2020 was combined with a hand search to identify eligible randomized controlled studies. Abstract screening, full text assessment and risk of bias assessment (Cochrane RoB 2.0) were conducted by two independent reviewers.

The search identified 4,103 articles. After removal of duplicates, screening of 2,921 abstracts and full text assessment of 100 articles, 27 articles that reported data for 2,127 patients were included. The included articles evaluated the effect of exercise therapy on neck pain, neck disability or other outcome measures and indicated some positive effects from exercise, but many studies lacked control groups not receiving active treatment. Studies on exercise that could be included in the random-effect meta-analysis showed significant short-term effects on neck pain and medium-term effects on neck disability.

Outlook

Despite a large number of articles published in the area of exercise therapy and Whiplash-Associated Disorders, the current evidence base is weak. The results from the present review with meta-analysis suggests that exercise therapy may provide additional effect for improvement of neck pain and disability in patients with Whiplash-Associated Disorders.
The A

α
-spectral radius of complements of bicyclic and tricyclic graphs with n vertices
Authors: Chen Chaohui , Peng Jiarong , Chen Tianyuan
Published: September 2021

Recently, the extremal problem of the spectral radius in the class of complements of trees, unicyclic graphs, bicyclic graphs and tricyclic graphs had been studied widely. In this paper, we extend the largest ordering of A

α
-spectral radius among all complements of bicyclic and tricyclic graphs with n vertices, respectively.
On the elicitability of range value at risk
Authors: Fissler Tobias , Ziegel Johanna F.
Published: September 2021

The debate of which quantitative risk measure to choose in practice has mainly focused on the dichotomy between value at risk (VaR) and expected shortfall (ES). Range value at risk (RVaR) is a natural interpolation between VaR and ES, constituting a tradeoff between the sensitivity of ES and the robustness of VaR, turning it into a practically relevant risk measure on its own.
Hence, there is a need to statistically assess, compare and rank the predictive performance of different RVaR models, tasks subsumed under the term “comparative backtesting” in finance.
This is best done in terms of
strictly consistent loss or scoring functions, i.e., functions which are minimized in expectation by the correct risk measure forecast.
Much like ES, RVaR does not admit strictly consistent scoring functions, i.e., it is not elicitable.
Mitigating this negative result, we show that a triplet of RVaR with two VaR-components is elicitable. We characterize all strictly consistent scoring functions for this triplet. Additional properties of these scoring functions are examined, including the diagnostic tool of Murphy diagrams. The results are illustrated with a simulation study, and we put our approach in perspective with respect to the classical approach of trimmed least squares regression.
Activity of Polyphenoloxidase in red Fuji Apples Promoted with Cationic Surfactant – Role of Surfactant Structure
Authors: Tian Maozhang , Zhang Fan , Wang Lu , Dong Xing , Zhang Lifei , Guo Xia
Published: September 2021

In this study, we observed the activity of polyphenoloxidase (PPO) in red Fuji apples in the presence of single-chained surfactants (including cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), and dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (DTAB)) and gemini surfactants (pentamethylene-α,ω-bis(dodecyl dimethyl ammonium bromide), octamethylene-α,ω-bis(dodecyl dimethyl ammonium bromide, dodecamethylene-α,ω-bis(dodecyl dimethyl ammonium bromide), pentamethylene-α,ω-bis(cetyl dimethyl ammonium bromide), and octamethylene-α,ω-bis(cetyl dimethyl ammonium bromide)). It was found that all these surfactants enhanced the activity of PPO in a wide range of temperature at low content. When PPO was denatured by incubating at high temperature, the surfactants caused reactivation of PPO. Compared to the single-chained surfactants, the gemini surfactants increased PPO activity at a much lower concentration. Moreover, the single-chained surfactant and the gemini surfactant acted together to further increase PPO activity, and the synergistic effect reduced the amount of surfactant used. In addition, the Michaelis-Menten constant for PPO did not change in the presence of the surfactants, suggesting the active site should remain well with the surfactants.
Performance Evaluation of the Percarbonate and Perborate Bleach Activators Synthesized by a Low-Cost, Two-Step Method from Phenol
Authors: Shojaei Omid
Published: September 2021

Bleach activators decrease the energy consumption and fabrics damage in the process of laundry and industrial cotton bleaching. Herein, we demonstrate a low-cost, two-step method for the synthesis of sodium nonanoyloxybenzene sulfonate and sodium lauroyloxybenzene sulfonate from phenol as a simple precursor material for efficient bleach activators. Initially, phenol was sulfonated to sodium p-phenolsulfonate. In the second step, it was acylated with nonanoyl chloride and dodecanoyl chloride to synthesize sodium nonanoyloxybenzene sulfonate and sodium lauroyloxybenzene sulfonate, respectively. Sodium p-phenolsulfonate and the obtained bleach activators were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, IR-, and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The investigation of their detergency efficiency on different stains and substrates revealed that the as-synthesized bleach activators outperform the commercial tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED) at room temperature (25°C). The detergency efficiency of sodium lauroyloxybenzene sulfonate for hydrophobic stains at a rather low temperature of 40°C remarkably rises to about 90%.
Effect of Oxyethylene Groups of Fatty Alcohol Polyoxyethylene Ether Sodium Sulfates on Equilibrium and Dynamic Surface Tension in Relation to Wetting Properties
Authors: Ren Xiaodan , Li Ping , Li Jianbo , Yang Xiaoyi , Guo Chaohua , Li Quanhong
Published: September 2021

The effect of hydrophilic chain of surfactants fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether sodium sulphates (AEnS, n = 2, 3, 7) on surface properties and wetting properties was investigated by the measurement of equilibrium surface tension, dynamic surface tension and dynamic contact angle. The fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether sodium sulphates with different head group sizes were used. From the results of equilibrium surface tension measurements, we could obtain the critical micellisation concentration, adsorption efficiency, maximum surface excess concentration and Langmuir equilibrium adsorption constant at air/liquid interface. The dynamic surface tension results showed that the adsorption of aqueous solutions at the air/liquid interface follows a mixed-diffusion kinetic adsorption mechanism. In conclusion, for both studied surfactant, the longer the oxyethylene chains, the higher the maximum rate of surface tension reduction, the higher the diffusivity and wetting properties in terms of contact angle.
Evaluation of the Quality of Bath Cosmetics in Powder Form Depending on the Selection of Fillers
Authors: Podkowa-Zawadzka Ilona , Wasilewski Tomasz , Zięba Małgorzata
Published: September 2021

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of hydrophilic microcrystalline cellulose, hydrophobic talc and mixtures of cellulose and talc when used as fillers in powdered bath cosmetics. A number of model formulations were developed that contained fillers in different compositions. Prototypical formulations were prepared and evaluated for their functional properties and skin-drying effect. An increase in the concentration of talc was found to reduce the ability of the formulations to emulsify fatty soils and, consequently, decrease the skin-drying effect after washing. Another result of the study is that a high content of talc does not significantly impair the foaming ability, and the presence of talc improves the stability of generated foam.
Hygiene in Commercial Dishwashing – A Review about the State of Knowledge in Research, Standardization, Regulation and Market Information
Authors: Struchtrup Sarah Schulze , Esmarch-Rummler Britta von , Stamminger Rainer
Published: September 2021

The current state of knowledge about hygiene (efficacy testing) in commercial dishwashers will be collated in this review. Therefore, studies about hygiene in commercial dishwashing are summarised and existing standards, guidelines and the legislative basis described. Finally, examples of information available from the market, for example, detergents are presented. The use of bioindicators contaminated with bovine albumin, mucin, corn starch and Enterococcus faecium is widely established in studies, which was the basis for the introduction of standards. Standards prescribe minimum temperatures for cleaning and rinsing, and most of them provide microbiological testing methods. A worldwide standardized test method for hygiene in commercial dishwashers would guarantee the comparability of country-specific standards but procedures currently available would need great efforts to be unified. A definition of a specified hygiene target level on cleaned dish items would also be meaningful because a harmless level of microorganisms can be achieved with it regardless of the initial microbial count or the process used.
Synthesis, characterization and optoelectronic properties of 2D hybrid RPbX4 semiconductors based on an isomer mixture of hexanediamine-based dications
Authors: Ioannou Anna , Vareli Ioanna , Kaltzoglou Andreas , Koutselas Ioannis
Published: September 2021

Three new hybrid two-dimensional (2D) organic–inorganic semiconductors are presented, which contain lead halides and a mixture of hexanediamine-based isomers in the stoichiometry [2,2,4(2,4,4)-trimethyl-1,6-hexanediamine]PbX4 (X = I, Br, Cl). These hexanediamine derivatives, with attached methyl groups at the carbon backbone of both isomers, determine the packing of the organic layers between the inorganic 2D sheets, while the optical absorption and photoluminescence spectra reveal excitonic peaks at T = 77 K and room temperature. The as-synthesized semiconductors were stored for three years in the dark and under low humidity and were examined again and the results were compared to those of the fresh materials. The chloride analogue, after the three year storage, displays white-like luminescence. The use of non-equivalent isomer and racemic mixtures in the organic component to form hybrid organic–inorganic semiconductors is an efficient method to alter the properties of 2D perovskites by tuning the isomers’ chemical functionalities. Finally, a comparison of the observed excitonic absorption and photoluminescence signals to that of analogous 2D compounds is discussed.
Controlled exposure of CuO thin films through corrosion-protecting, ALD-deposited TiO2 overlayers
Authors: Mehrabi Hamed , Eddy Caroline G. , Hollis Thomas I. , Vance Jalyn N. , Coridan Robert H.
Published: September 2021

Ultra-thin film coatings are used to protect semiconductor photoelectrodes from the harsh chemical environments common to photoelectrochemical energy conversion. These layers add contact transfer resistance to the interface that can result in a reduction of photoelectrochemical energy conversion efficiency of the photoelectrode. Here, we describe the concept of a partial protection layer, which allows for direct chemical access to a small fraction of the semiconductor underlayer for further functionalization by an electrocatalyst. The rest of the interface remains protected by a stable, inert protection layer. CuO is used as a model system for this scheme. Atomic layer deposition (ALD)-prepared TiO2 layers on CuO thin films prepared from electrodeposited Cu2O allow for the control of interfacial morphology to intentionally expose the CuO underlayer. The ALD-TiO2 overlayer shrinks during crystallization, while Cu2O in the underlayer expands during oxidation. As a result, the TiO2 protection layer cracks to expose the oxidized underlying CuO layer, which can be controlled by preceding thermal oxidation. This work demonstrates a potentially promising strategy for the parallel optimization of photoelectrochemical interfaces for chemical stability and high performance.
Experimental and computational investigations of TiIrB: a new ternary boride with Ti1+x
Rh2−x+y
Ir3−y
B3-type structure
Authors: Scheifers Jan P. , Gibson Kate A. , Fokwa Boniface P. T.
Published: September 2021

A new ternary phase, TiIrB, was synthesized by arc-melting of the elements and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction. The compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic Ti1+x
Rh2−x+y
Ir3−y
B3 structure type, space group Pbam (no. 55) with the lattice parameters a = 8.655(2), b = 15.020(2), and c = 3.2271(4) Å. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations were carried out to understand the electronic structure, including a Bader charge analysis. The charge distribution of TiIrB in the Ti1+x
Rh2−x+y
Ir3−y
B3-type phase has been evaluated for the first time, and the results indicate that more electron density is transferred to the boron atoms in the zigzag B4 units than to isolated boron atoms.
Potential of Sodium Alginate in Sargassum sp. in Lotion Preparation to Treat Incision Wound in Mice
Authors: Angelina Amelia Cahya , Yudiati Ervia , Pringgenies Delianis
Published: September 2021

Sargassum sp. is a known genus of brown seaweed whose dominant component is alginic acid or alginate. Various studies found that alginate having proinflammatory activity, so it may have potential to improve the wound healing process. This study aimed to obtain sodium alginate extract and to know the potency of the sodium alginate extract in incision wound treatment in mice abdomen. Lotion application was performed once a day in a span of five consecutive days. Observation on the wound was carried out to obtain data on blood coagulation, tissue reparation, and fibroblast development rate on the wound using histology. The results showed that the average yield from the Sargassum sp. extraction process was 31.3%. Quality control of the prepared lotion included organoleptic test; light brown coloration, lotion specific odor, semi- solid texture. The acidity of the lotion was measured as 6.61 with 6.731 cp of viscosity. The lotion adhesiveness test showed 0.21 seconds and the lotion was shown to be oil-in-water. Application of the lotion on incision wounds made in the abdomen of rats showed blood coagulation on the first day and onset of wound reparation process on the second day. Wound observation by the third day showed that the inflicted area had undergone a near-complete reparation. The study also showed that on the fifth day of reparation Sargassum sp. extract lotion treatment group showed fibroblast formation, as opposed to the non-extract lotion treatment group. Previous study use alginates as wound dressing material, but in this study alginate used as active ingredient in wound healing treatment. Therefore, this study concludes that sodium alginate in Sargassum sp. seaweed has a potential application in the field of medicine.
Diversity and Distribution of Bracket Fungi in Mt. Kilakiron, Bukidnon, Philippines
Authors: Cababan Mc Arthur Lequin , Jaranilla Aprille Kake Ora , Bastatas Mariane Catayas , Salvane Chazzel Feel Comonong , Toldo Uzziel Campuso
Published: September 2021

Fungi have a lot of important function in the bionetwork resembling to decomposition and even nutrient cycling with respect to its symbiotic relationships with trees and other plants. This study aimed to assess the diversity and distribution of bracket fungi in Mt. Kilakiron, Portulin, Pangantucan, Bukidnon. Thus, floristic survey was conducted in one of the mountain of Mindanao to provide information as to what and how many species of bracket fungi are present in Mt. Kilakioron, Bukidnon, Philippines. Â 40 total species belonging to 17 genera and 5 family was collected and assessed. 12 individuals of Trametes versicolor were observe which favors dwellings with low temperature and high altitude are. Additionally, study revealed that most types of bracket fungi initiate in the site are decomposers and saprophytic in nature which contributes a lot in the process of putrefaction. The species of bracket fungi in Mt. Kilakiron clearly shows abundant and provides a large contribution to the ecosystem having high Shannon diversity index. The significance of each environmental factor is discussed in relationship to the ecology of the species. Bracket fungi are reliant on the climatic and conservational settings which makes them as excellent natural pointers of ecosystem in the forests of Mindanao Island, Philippines.
The Cytogenetic Effects on Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes in Cancer Patients After Radiation Therapy: Chromosome Aberrations and Micronuclei
Authors: Lusiyanti Yanti , Surniyantoro Harry Nugroho Eko , Rahajeng Nastiti , Suvifan Viria Agesti , Purnami Sofiati , Choridah Lina
Published: September 2021

Individual responses to radiotherapy are often observed whether or not regimes with identical treatments were applied. Patient-related factors, the therapeutic process, and therefore the intrinsic factors of individual radiosensitivity are considered to be causing the variability of side effects. A preliminary evaluation was done on cytogenetic biomarkers found in cancer patients. The purpose of this present study was to assess the individual response of patients with cancers after radiation therapy. The sample obtained from 11 patients with different types of cancer as a case group and 12 people as a control group from a healthy volunteer. Blood samples were stimulated by an in vitro culture using phytohemagglutinin, and the cultures were assessed by using the Dicentric and Cytokinesis- Block Micronucleus (CBMN-) assay. These two methods were compared. The results showed that the overall dicentric chromosome and micronuclei in binucleate cells (MN/BNC) have a significantly higher frequency in the breast, head, and neck compared to extremity cancer. A high frequency of micronuclei in lymphocyte patients was seen after radiotherapy treatment but relatively not much higher compared to the range of micronuclei backgrounds in healthy people The CBMN is the most effective assay for evaluation of the cytogenetic studies in cancer patients because it is more radiosensitive to study individual responses. By evaluating the effects of radiotherapy based on DNA damage, the severity of radiation exposure can be studied. This study can be useful for researchers and related stakeholders in the application of radiotherapy.
Biodecolorization of Anthraquinone and Azo Dyes by Newly Isolated Indonesian White-Rot Fungi
Authors: Ramadhan Kharisma Panji , Anita Sita Heris , Oktaviani Maulida , Sari Fahriya Puspita , Budi Laksana Raden Permana , Nurhayat Oktan Dwi , Yuli Yanto Dede Heri
Published: September 2021

Water pollution by dyes represents from dyestuff industry becomes an environmental concern. Finding new isolates capable of decolorizing these dyes is important. The study aimed to assess the new isolates of white-rot fungi (WRF) as decolorizing agent of anthraquinone and azo dyes. Decolorization assay were conducted in Agar plates and liquid medium. During the decolorization, laccase activities produced by the fungal strains were analyzed. Identification of the fungal strains were investigated using molecular DNA analysis. The results showed that isolates M3, H18, and GP1 were able to decolorize anthraquinone and azo dyes in Agar and liquid medium. Based on DNA analysis, isolates M3, H18, and GP1 have the similarity to Trametes sanguinea, Trametes polyzona, and Neofomitella guangxiensis, respectively. Among the fungi, T. polyzona H18 exhibited high decolorization ability (70â€“90%) to the dyes (100 mg/L) after 96-hours incubation. Laccase activity was fluctuated during the reactions with tendency to increase at the beginning until its peak, then decreased at the end of incubation. This study demonstrated the potential of the new isolates from Indonesia to decolorize anthraquinone and azo dyes. The results of the study can provide an alteranative for bioremediation agents of contaminated water by synthetic dyes.
Utilisation of 2,2DCP by Staphyloccocus aureus ZT and In Silico Analysis of Putative Dehalogenase
Authors: Zaidi Zatty Zawani , Huyop Fahrul
Published: September 2021

Halogenated compound such as 2,2-dichloropropionic acid is known for its toxicity and polluted many areas especially with agricultural activities. This study focused on the isolation and characterization of the bacterium that can utilise 2,2-dichloropropionic acid from palm oil plantation in Lenga, Johor and in silico analysis of putative dehalogenase obtained from NCBI database of the same genus and species. The bacterium was isolated using an enrichment culture media supplemented with 20 mM 2,2-dicholoropropionic acid as a carbon source.Â  The cells were grown at 30ËšC with cells doubling time of 2.00Â±0.005 hours with the maximum growth at A680nm of 1.047 overnight. The partial biochemical tests and morphological examination concluded that the bacterium belongs to the genus Staphylococcus sp.. This is the first reported studies of Â Staphylococcus sp. with the ability to grow on 2,2-dichloropropionic acid. The genomic DNA from NCBI database of the same species was analysed assuming the same genus and has identical genomic sequence.Â  The full genome of Staphylococcus sp. was screened for dehalogenase gene and Â haloacid dehalogenase gene was detected in the mobile genetic element of the species revealed that the dehalogenase sequence has little identities to the previously reported dehalogenases.The main outcome of the studies suggesting an in situ bioremediation can be regarded as a natural process to detoxify the contaminated sites provided that the microorganisms contained a specialised gene sequence within its genome that served the nature for many long years. Whether microorganisms will be successful in destroying man-made contaminants entirely rely on what types of organisms play a role in in situ bioremediation and which contaminants are most susceptible to bioremediation.Â
Productivity of Arrowroots and Taro Grown Under Superior Teak Clones with Several Levels of Stand Density
Authors: Prehaten Daryono , Hardiwinoto Suryo , Naâ€™iem Mohammad , Supriyo Haryono , Widiyatno Widiyatno , Rodiana Dian
Published: September 2021

Perum Perhutani has an important role in providing food and wood for people. Diversity and diversification of food will reduce the need for one type of food, namely rice as a staple food. Some tuber and rhizome are source of alternative foodstuffs, such as taro and arrowroot. This study aimed to determine the suitability and productivity of arrowroot and taro planted under old superior teak clones with several levels of stand density. Arrowroot and taro were planted under 14-year-old teak stands with 4 levels of density. Both plants were planted in the form of an array, measuring of 3m x 15m, with a spacing of 75cm x 75cm between plants. They were arranged in Randomized Completely with Block Design (RCBD) placed in 4 blocks of observation as replications.Â  The results showed that under superior teak clone had the potential to be planted with arrowroot and taro. Teak stand density influenced significantly some characteristics of arrowroot (leaves number, leaves area, stem height, stem diameter, root length) and taro (stem diameter, tuber diameter). Arrowroot productivity per hectare increased with low density of teak stands, accounted for 55, 59, 80, and 88 kg respectively. Meanwhile, taro productivity from very high to low teak density were 365, 301, 523, and 426 kg/ha. The novelty of this study is that there is no record of intercropping studies on old superior teak clones, so this is among the first studies. The benefit of from this research result, it could be employed by Perhutani to support the Indonesian government in the national food security program