bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review on post-COVID-19 impacts and opportunities of agri-food supply chain in Malaysia
Authors: Tan Say Peng , Ng Lee Chuen , Lyndon Novel , Aman Zaki , Kannan Parthiban , Hashim Khairuman , Teo Han Meng , Che Ibrahim Muhamad Syazlie
Published: May 2023

Background

Malaysia is strongly supported by the agriculture sector as the backbone to drive the economy. However, COVID-19 has significantly affected agriculture across the production, supply, and marketing chains. It also disturbs the balance of food supply and demand in Malaysia. COVID-19 was an unexpected pandemic that resulted in shock and panic and caused a huge global impact. However, the impacts of this pandemic on the agriculture sector in Malaysia, particularly in the production and supply chains, are still unclear and scarce. This review offers insights into the challenges, particularly in sustaining agri-food production and supply chains. It also highlights the opportunity and relevant measures towards sustainability in agriculture to avoid agri-food disasters in the future.

Methods

This study was carried out through a desk review of the secondary source of information covering the impact of COVID-19 in Malaysia particularly in the agri-food aspect, and a wide range of strategies and initiatives as the effective measures to overcome the crisis of this pandemic. Online desk research of the government published data and customer desk research were utilized to complete this study. Search engines such as Google Scholar and the statistical data from the official websites including the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) and the Food and Fertilizer Technology Center for the Asian and Pacific Region (FFTC-AP), were utilized. Keywords such as impact of COVID-19, pandemic, and agri-food supply chain were used to conduct the searches. The articles identified to be related to the study’s objective were then downloaded and included in the study. Descriptive methods were used as the primary analysis technique following the descriptive analysis and visual data analysis in performing the sources obtained.

Results

This devastating impact damages the lives by causing 4.3 million confirmed infections and more than 290,000 deaths. This disease presents an unprecedented challenge to the public health. The lockdown restriction under the movement control order (MCO), for more than of the world’s population in the year 2020 to control the virus from spreading, has disrupted most of the economic sectors. The agriculture industry was seen as one of the essential industries and allowed to operate under strict standard operating procedures (SOP). Working under strict regulations came with a huge price paid for almost all industries.

Conclusion

This pandemic has affected the national agri-food availability and accessibility in Malaysia. This outbreak created a reflection of opportunity for sharing a more flexible approaches in handling emergencies on agricultural food production and supply chains. Therefore, the government should be ready with the roadmap and enforce the measures to control the pandemic without disrupting the agri-food supply chain in the near future.
Indoor air quality in a training centre used for sports practice
Authors: Mazoteras-Pardo Victoria , Losa-Iglesias Marta Elena , Casado-Hernández Israel , Calvo-Lobo César , Morales-Ponce Ángel , Medrano-Soriano Alfredo , Coco-Villanueva Sergio , Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo Ricardo
Published: May 2023

Background

One of the measures for controlling the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was the mass closure of gyms. This measure leads us to determine the differences between indoor and outdoor air quality. That is why the objective of this study was to analyse the indoor air quality of a sports centre catering to small groups and rehabilitation.

Methods

The study was conducted in a single training centre, where 26 measurements were taken in two spaces (indoors and outdoors). The air quality index, temperature, relative humidity, total volatile compounds, carbon monoxide, ozone, formaldehyde, carbon dioxide, and particulate matter were measured indoors and outdoors using the same protocol and equipment. These measurements were taken twice, once in the morning and once in the afternoon, with all measurements made at the same time, 10 am and 6 pm, respectively. Additionally, four determinations of each variable were collected during each shift, and the number of people who had trained in the room and the number of trainers were counted.

Results

In the different variables analysed, the results show that CO2 and RH levels are higher indoors than outdoors in both measurement shifts. Temperatures are higher outside than inside and, in the evening, than in the morning. TVOC, AQI and PM show less variation, although they are higher outdoors in the morning. CO is highest indoors. HCHO levels are almost negligible and do not vary significantly, except for a slight increase in the afternoon outside. Ozone levels are not significant. All the variables showed practically perfect reliability in all the measurements, except for ozone measured outside in the morning. On the other hand, the variables exhibit variations between indoors and outdoors during the morning and afternoon, except for the three types of PM. Also, the data show that all the main variables measured inside the sports training centre are similar between morning and afternoon. However, outside, temperature, relative humidity and HCHO levels show significant differences between morning and afternoon while no differences are observed for the other variables.

Conclusion

The indoor air quality of the training centre assessed was good and met current regulations; some of its components even exhibited better levels than fresh air. This article is the first to measure indoor air quality in a sports training centre catering to rehabilitation and small groups.
Protocol Built by Chaotic Map and Elliptic Curve Cryptography for Key Exchange
Authors: Ibrahim Dr. Abdul-Wahab Sami , Sameer Majed Ismael
Published: May 2023

The elliptical curve system has received great interest in the science of security systems, and this has a great number of advantages. When linked with chaotic systems, it gave a broad comprehensiveness in the science of finding common keys between the two parties or in a system as a server that distributes the common keys among the participants in the distress. The proposed algorithm reduces processor load, reduces power consumption, increases processing speed, enhances storage efficiency , requires smaller certificates, and is good at saving bandwidth. Where ECC gives high-level arithmetic operations ECC is an algebraic structure in wide areas for a large number of points and any point in the Cartesian coordinates, as well as for a number of prime numbers generated from the chaotic three-dimensional system using the multiplication and addition algorithm of the elliptical curved system. This paper suggested a new event in the implementation method: the inputs to the elements of the controlling parameters and the initial conditions of the symmetric chaotic functions produce an ECC by a secret shared key between two parties or a number of parties participating in the group, and all these points of the share keys lie on the points of the curve. and this key technology is available for authentication, confidentiality, and non-repudiation.
The discovery of the remains of the last Tasmanian tiger (Thylacinus cynocephalus)
Authors: Paddle Robert N. , Medlock Kathryn M.
Published: May 2023

When the last known Tasmanian tiger or thylacine (Thylacinus cynocephalus) died in Hobart Zoo, during the night of 7th September 1936, its body was reportedly forwarded to the Tasmanian Museum. The apparent failure of the museum to preserve the body has always been disquieting to thylacine researchers. A detailed examination of the unpublished zoo and museum archival records has resolved this anomaly. The apparent preservation failure being occasioned by searching for the wrong specimen: the much photographed and filmed penultimate thylacine on display. This research has resulted in the discovery and identification of a later thylacine arrival at the zoo, the endling of the species: an aged, adult female, whose body was indeed forwarded to the museum upon her death, and preserved therein; and we explain why no contemporary details of this arrival were recorded in the zoological collection registers. Now, for the first time, eighty-six years after the event, we present photographs identifying the skin and skeleton of the last-known living thylacine.
Security Concerns and Solutions for Enterprise Cloud Computing Applications
Authors: Kunduru Arjun Reddy
Published: May 2023

Computing in the cloud is now one of the most interesting developments in technology owing to the fact that it is both flexible and cost-effective. Despite the enormous stakes, the implementation of cloud computing into an existing business model creates significant safety risks. Enterprises need to foresee and account for possible risks, threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigation strategies before using cloud computing. The concept of cloud computing may be simplified by dividing it into three separate models: "Infrastructure as a Service," "Software as a Service," and "Platform as a Service." It also talks about the current crop of cloud-based security tools. Before using this technology, we think businesses should assess their security risks, threats, and existing defences. We’ve also discussed the advantages and drawbacks of cloud computing as well as places where it might be used for information risk management.Enterprise cloud computing
Impact of Different Levels of Sulphur and Foliar Application of Boron on Zaid Sunflower
Authors: Gupta Himali , Dawson Joy
Published: May 2023

The study was conducted during the Zaid season of 2022 on Sunflower crop at the crop research farm (CRF) in the Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P.) India, which is located at 25024' 42" N latitude, 810 50' 56" E longitude and 98 m altitude above the mean sea level, for evaluating the impact of different levels of Sulphur and foliar application of boron on sunflower crop. The experimental design consisted of 10 treatments, including a control, with 3 levels of Sulphur (40, 45, and 50 kg/ha) and 3 levels of Boron (200 ppm at 30 and 45 days and 100 ppm at 30 and 45 DAS). The experiment was arranged in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with ten treatments and three replications. The results revealed that application of Sulphur 50 kg/ha in combination with Boron 100 ppm at 30 and 45 DAS showed the highest stem girth (2.96 cm), plant dry weight (50.67g/plant) and the yield attributes namely number of seeds per capitulum (367.86), Test weight (40.84 g), Seed yield (1.48t/ha) and  Stover yield (3.87t/ha) and the highest benefit cost ratio (1.70).
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Risk of Parkinson Disease in Korea
Authors: Kang Jihun , Eun Yeonghee , Jang Wooyoung , Cho Mi Hee , Han Kyungdo , Jung Jinhyoung , Kim Yunkyung , Kim Gun-tae , Shin Dong Wook , Kim Hyungjin
Published: May 2023

Importance

Although it has been postulated that chronic inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis (RA) contributes to the development of Parkinson disease (PD), the association between these 2 conditions has yet to be determined.

Objective

To evaluate the association between RA and subsequent PD risk.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study used the Korean National Health Insurance Service database to collect population-based, nationally representative data on patients with RA enrolled from 2010 to 2017 and followed up until 2019 (median follow-up, 4.3 [IQR, 2.6-6.4] years after a 1-year lag). A total of 119 788 patients who were first diagnosed with RA (83 064 with seropositive RA [SPRA], 36 724 with seronegative RA [SNRA]) were identified during the study period and included those who underwent a national health checkup within 2 years before the RA diagnosis date (64 457 patients). After applying exclusion criteria (eg, age <40 years, other rheumatic diseases, previous PD), 54 680 patients (39 010 with SPRA, 15 670 with SNRA) were included. A 1:5 age- and sex-matched control group of patients without RA was also included for a total control population of 273 400.

Exposures

Rheumatoid arthritis as defined using International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes M05 for SPRA and M06 (except M06.1 and M06.4) for SNRA; prescription of any disease-modifying antirheumatic drug; and enrollment in the Korean Rare and Intractable Diseases program.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcome was newly diagnosed PD. Data were analyzed from May 10 through August 1, 2022, using Cox proportional hazards regression analyses.

Results

From the 328 080 individuals analyzed (mean [SD] age, 58.6 [10.1] years; 74.9% female and 25.1% male), 1093 developed PD (803 controls and 290 with RA). Participants with RA had a 1.74-fold higher risk of PD vs controls (95% CI, 1.52-1.99). An increased risk of PD was found in patients with SPRA (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.95; 95% CI, 1.68-2.26) but not in patients with SNRA (aHR, 1.20; 95% CI, 0.91-1.57). Compared with the SNRA group, those with SPRA had a higher risk of PD (aHR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.20-2.16). There was no significant interaction between covariates on risk of PD.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, RA was associated with an increased risk of PD, and seropositivity of RA conferred an augmented risk of PD. The findings suggest that physicians should be aware of the elevated risk of PD in patients with RA and promptly refer patients to a neurologist at onset of early motor symptoms of PD without synovitis.
Cost-effectiveness and Return on Investment of a Nationwide Case-Finding Program for Familial Hypercholesterolemia in Children in the Netherlands
Authors: Ademi Zanfina , Norman Richard , Pang Jing , Sijbrands Eric , Watts Gerald F. , Hutten Barbara A. , Wiegman Albert
Published: May 2023

Importance

The Netherlands is one of the few countries that has a long-term history of active screening for familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), enabling health-economic analyses.

Objective

To investigate cost-effectiveness and the return on investment (ROI) of a nationwide cascade case-finding and preventive treatment program starting with identification of FH in children and treatment, from both a societal and health care perspective.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Cascade case-finding and early preventive treatment were modeled to simulate the progression of disease and costs of 10-year-olds suspected of having heterozygous FH over a lifetime. The model consisted of 3 health states: alive without coronary heart disease (CHD), alive with CHD, and deceased. Mendelian randomization analysis was used to quantify the risk of a first CHD event as a function of age and total lifetime exposure to low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Cost-effectiveness was defined as €20 000 ($21 800) per QALYs (quality-adjusted life-years) gained, using incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). All future benefits and costs were discounted annually by 1.5% and 4%, respectively.

Interventions

The study compared 2 strategies: (1) cascade screening and initiation of treatment with statins in children (mean age, 10 years) and (2) no screening, later detection, and treatment.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Outcome of interest included cost, detection, and successful treatment of FH in terms of life-years gained and QALYs. The clinical and cost outputs for each model in the 2 scenarios (early detection and treatment and later detection and treatment) were totaled to determine the overall cost-effectiveness and ROI attributed to implementation of the Dutch FH program.

Results

In this model constructed to simulate the progression of FH in 1000 hypothetical 10-year-olds, from a health care perspective, the program would gain 2.53 QALYs per person, at an additional cost of €23 365 ($25 468) (both discounted). These equated to an ICER of €9220 ($10 050) per QALY gained. From the societal perspective, the detection and treatment program were cost saving over a lifetime compared with no cascade screening for FH. The ROI for the detection and treatment program for FH in children was €8.37 ($9.12).

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this study suggest that the early detection and treatment program for FH in children may offer a good value for investment, being both health and cost saving. The findings and interpretations are conditional on assumptions inherent in the health economic model.
Changes in Depression and Anxiety Among Children and Adolescents From Before to During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Madigan Sheri , Racine Nicole , Vaillancourt Tracy , Korczak Daphne J. , Hewitt Jackson M. A. , Pador Paolo , Park Joanne L. , McArthur Brae Anne , Holy Celeste , Neville Ross D.
Published: May 2023

Importance

There is a growing body of high-quality cohort-based research that has examined changes in child and adolescent mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic vs before the pandemic. Some studies have found that child and adolescent depression and anxiety symptoms have increased, while others have found these symptoms to have remained stable or decreased.

Objective

To synthesize the available longitudinal cohort-based research evidence to estimate the direction and magnitude of changes in depression and anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents assessed before and during the pandemic.

Data Sources

Medline, Embase, and PsycInfo were searched for studies published between January 1, 2020, and May 17, 2022.

Study Selection

Included studies reported on depression and/or anxiety symptoms, had cohort data comparing prepandemic to pandemic estimates, included a sample of children and/or adolescents younger than 19 years, and were published in English in a peer-reviewed journal.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

In total, 53 longitudinal cohort studies from 12 countries with 87 study estimates representing 40 807 children and adolescents were included.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Standardized mean changes (SMC) in depression and anxiety symptoms from before to during the pandemic.

Results

The analysis included 40 807 children and adolescents represented in pre–COVID-19 studies and 33 682 represented in during–COVID-19 studies. There was good evidence of an increase in depression symptoms (SMC, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.19 to 0.33). Changes in depression symptoms were most conclusive for study estimates among female individuals (SMC, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.21 to 0.42), study estimates with mid to high income (SMC, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.07 to 0.63), and study estimates sourced from North America (SMC, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.15 to 0.36) and Europe (SMC, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.17 to 0.53). There was strong evidence that anxiety symptoms increased slightly during the pandemic (SMC, 0.10; 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.16), and there was some evidence of an increase in study estimates with mid to high income.

Conclusions

This systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies including children and adolescents found an increase in depression symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among female individuals and those from relatively higher-income backgrounds.
Unbuilding and the Recovery of Craft in Architecture: Cranbrook Department of Architecture 1986–1996
Authors: Hoffman Dan
Published: May 2023

Dan Hoffman was Architect‐in‐ Residence/Head of Department at the Cranbrook Academy of Art from 1986 to 1996. His tenure was concerned with the plight of contemporary Detroit during that time. He urged students to take to the city and make architectural responses/ interventions in its fabric – attempting to deal with real‐world issues and to create a new Detroit centred on critical regionalism.
Synthesis of Secondary Trifluoromethyl Boronic Esters through Visible Light Induced Decarboxylative Alkylation Reactions
Authors: Li Weipiao , Gao Jiajun , Mao Ting , Li Xuefei , Wang An‐Jun , Wang Pan , Wang Hao‐Yang , He Chun‐Yang
Published: May 2023

We demonstrated a practical and general methodology for the synthesis of secondary trifluoromethyl boronic esters through visible light induced decarboxylative alkylation reaction. This reaction was driven by the photochemical activity of electron donor‐acceptor (EDA) complex. Except for wide group tolerance, moderate to high yields and simple reaction conditions, the practicality of this protocol was further demonstrated by direct modification of bioactive molecules and further derivations.

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Visible‐Light‐Induced Aerobic Intramolecular Cyclization of (2‐Aminophenyl)(1H‐indol‐1‐yl)methanones: Direct Access to Bioactive Tryptanthrin and its Derivatives
Authors: Arockiaraj Mariyaraj , Singh Gargi , Sree Marupalli Sasi , Rajeshkumar Venkatachalam
Published: May 2023

Visible‐light‐induced mild, transition metal, base, and photocatalyst‐free green protocol has been developed for the synthesis of tryptanthrin and its derivatives. The present reaction is compatible with a wide range of substrates with good to high yields. Further, a novel synthetic transformation of tryptanthrin derivatives has been achieved by the decarboxylative addition of cyanoacetic acid for the first time. This reaction proceeds by visible‐light‐induced single electron transfer between the substrate and oxygen, followed by intramolecular cyclization without the use of an external photocatalyst.

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High thermal conductivity and excellent mechanical properties of liquid crystal co‐polyester based on hydron bond
Authors: Wu Yifei , Wu Kun , Xiao Fei , Jiao Enxiang , Shi Jun , Lu Mangeng
Published: May 2023

High thermal conductivity liquid crystal polymer has become a hot topic in electronic device research. Herein, we introduce a series of thermotropic liquid crystals synthesized by diphenyl diol, m‐phthalic acid, and 5‐hydroxyisophthalic acid. The intermolecular forces are tuned by adjusting the ratio (0, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 100%) of monomers containing hydrogen bond donors in copolymers. The formation and dissociation of hydrogen bonds are analyzed from the red shift and blue shift of infrared spectra at variable temperatures. The thermal conductivity is increased to 0.31 Wm−1 k−1. Meanwhile, its mechanical properties and thermal stability have improved significantly. A sharp increment of 2120% in tensile strength was observed, the maximum tensile strength is 17.39 MPa. While Young's modulus increased from 0.26 to 1.224 GPa. The increase in intermolecular forces is the main reason for this result. Moreover,X‐raysingle‐crystal diffraction, polarizing microscope, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were also analyzed to further explore the thermal conduction mechanism. The formation of hydrogen bonds makes the linear polymer chain segments undergo reversible cross‐linking, which affects their crystallization behavior and provides more thermal conduction pathways. By controlling the number of hydrogen bond donors to control the cross‐linking density, the thermal conductivity and mechanical properties can be greatly improved.
Design and synthesis of isosorbide‐based copolycarbonates with high transparency and low hygroscopicity for optical applications
Authors: Song Zhiqiang , Xu Fei , Wang Heng , Zhang Zhencai , Feng Mi , Zhang Yiwen , Yang Zhao , Xie Jingxue , Su Dan , Li Tao
Published: May 2023

Poly(isosorbide carbonate) (PIC) is an example of the shift from fossil to bio‐based feedstocks in polymeric materials. However, the naturally high hygroscopicity of isosorbide may lead to the bad dimensional stability of its polymers, limiting its application. This work aims to develop a series of isosorbide‐based copolycarbonates by introducing hydrophobic groups, such as alkane chains and aromatic rings, into the polymer backbone via one‐pot melt polycondensation. As expected, the molecular structure and steric hindrance of the comonomer have a remarkable effect on the water absorption of the copolycarbonates. Among the comonomers, tricyclo[5.2.1.0(2,6)]decanedimethanol with an alkane skeleton bridge effectively reduces the saturation water absorption by 61% compared to PIC. The water absorption mechanism and kinetics of the copolycarbonates are investigated. Moreover, the incorporation of comonomers in PIC not only exhibits stronger hydrophobicity, but also significantly improves its optical properties. Copolycarbonates obtained have a light transmittance of 92% and a refractive index of 1.5394, which are higher than those of PIC, along with better thermal stability, flexibility, and lower glass transition temperature. This work provides a new strategy for the design of isosorbide‐based polycarbonates for use in optics.
Synthesis, characterization, photophysical and surface properties of poly(amino naphthalene) and its poly(azomethine) compound
Authors: Kaya İsmet , Akyüz Burçin , Özel Şahin
Published: May 2023

In this study, 8‐((4‐hydroxybenzylidene)amino)naphthalene‐2‐ol (ANAPSB) compound was synthesized from condensation reaction of 8‐amino‐2‐naphthol (ANAP) with 4‐hydroxybenzaldehyde and then ANAPSB and 8‐amino‐2‐naphthol were polymerized via oxidative polycondensation alkaline medium by H2O2 (35% aqueous solution) as oxidant at 70°C 14 h. The structures of compounds were confirmed by UV–Vis, 1H‐13C‐NMR and FT‐IR measurements. The surface morphologies of PANAP and PANAPSB were examined with SEM analyses. The electrochemical properties of 8‐amino‐2‐naphthol, poly(8‐amino‐2‐naphthol) (PANAP), ANAPSB and poly(8‐((4‐hydroxybenzylidene)amino)naphthalene‐2‐ol) (PANAPSB) were determined by cyclic voltammetry technique. The thermal properties of compounds were found by TG‐DTA analysis. The glass transition temperatures (Tg) of PANAP and PANAPSB were determined from DSC measurements. The Tg values of PANAP and PANAPSB were found to be 159 and 150°C, respectively. The Mn, Mw, Mp, Mz and PDI values of the PANAP and PANAPSB were calculated from gel permeation chromatography measurements. The optical and fluorescence properties of the compounds were determined by UV–Vis and fluorescence measurements, respectively. The optical band gap values of ANAP, PANAP, ANAPSB and PANAPSB were calculated as 3.12, 1.61, 2.79 and 1.57 eV, respectively.
Functionalization of graphene oxide with an ionic liquid (1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate): Preparation of epoxy‐based coating on carbon steel for anticorrosive applications
Authors: Dhongde Nikhil Rahul , Baranwal Prince Kumar , Rajaraman Prasanna Venkatesh
Published: May 2023

An anticorrosive organic coating of epoxy on carbon steel (CS) was modified with uniformly dispersed graphene oxide (GO) after functionalization with ionic liquid (FGO). The ionic liquid (IL) used was 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate which possess higher solubility and the graphene oxide was prepared by improved Hummer's method. The successful grafting of IL on the GO was confirmed by various techniques including Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman, XPS, x‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, BET, field emission scanning electron microscope, and fidle emission transmission electron microscope. The surface characterization studies revealed that uniform dispersion of FGO is achieved in the epoxy matrix. Further, electrochemical studies such as potentiodynamic polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed higher corrosion protection efficiency (~99%) against corrosive fluid (3.5 wt% NaCl solution). This approach may offer an easy, ecologically benign way to create a new candidate coating for the protection of CS.
A composite of biomass porous carbon supported g‐C3N4 by 2,4,6‐triaminopyrimidine modification for enhancing oxytetracycline removal
Authors: Ding Hekun , Zhang Qiongyue , Yang Xingjin , Feng Qingge , Wang Dongbo , Liu Zheng
Published: May 2023

Since the traditional g‐C3N4 photocatalyst was severely affected by low charge transfer rates and light absorption capacity, which inevitably limited its application in environmental pollution treatment. Herein, mixing the 2,4,6‐triaminopyrimidine (TAP) doped melamine and biomass porous carbon (BPC), the TAP‐BPC/CN composite with desirable conductivity was synthesized by one step thermal condensation. That is, the carbon atom of TAP was used to partially replace the nitrogen atom of tri‐s‐triazine structure of g‐C3N4, and decreased the interlayer distance of graphite lamellar structure, then improved the electrical conductivity of the materials and suppressed the recombination of photogenerated carriers. At the same time, the incorporation of BPC also contributed to increase the active sites of the material and enhance the separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers. Furthermore, the formation of p‐n homojunction in TAP‐BPC/CN built the construction of an internal electric field at the interface, which induced the band bending and improved charge separation and transfer effectively. As a result, the sample of TAP‐BPC/CN exhibited an excellent adsorption and photocatalytic activities in the degradation of oxytetracycline (OTC). This research provides a new strategy for efficient photocatalysts with high absorption and photocatalysis in the antibiotic wastewater treatment.
Non‐maturing deposits modelling in a Ornstein‐Uhlenbeck framework
Authors: Marena Marina , Romeo Andrea , Semeraro Patrizia
Published: May 2023

This paper builds a multivariate Lévy‐driven Ornstein‐Uhlenbeck process for the management of non‐maturing deposits, that are a major source of funding for banks. The contribution of the paper is both theoretical and operational. On the theoretical side, the novelty of this model is to include three independent sources of randomness in a Lévy framework: market interest rates, deposit rates and deposit volumes. The choice of a Lévy background driving process allows us to model rare but severe events. On the operational side, we propose a procedure to include severe volume outflows with positive probability in future scenarios simulation, explaining its implementation with an illustrative example using Italian banking sector data.
Effect of chlorpyrifos and its metabolites on skeletal system development of chick embryo
Authors: Chandra Sekaran Swathi Priyadarshini , Thotakura Balaji , Jyothi Ashok Kumar , Manickam Subramanian , Chanemougavally Jayaprakash , Prabhu Kaliaperumal , Gopalan Dhandapani Hari
Published: May 2023

Research focus

Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate insecticide used primarily to control pests on a variety of food and feed crops. Humans are directly or indirectly exposed to this pesticide through food, air, and occupation. The ill effects of chlorpyrifos on various organ systems of human has been widely documented, but less is known about its influence on human bones.

Aim

To analyze the effect of chlorpyrifos and its metabolites 3,5,6‐trichloro‐2‐pyridinol (TCPy) on the skeletal system of the chick embryo.

Materials and Methods

Fertilized chick eggs were exposed to different concentrations of chlorpyrifos and its metabolite 3,5,6‐TCPy on 1.5 days of incubation. The proximal phalanx of 18‐day‐old embryos was analyzed for defects in growth and ossification through histopathology, immunohistochemistry, angiogenesis assay, and gene expression study.

Results

Dose‐dependent variations in developing bone of chick embryo were observed. Histochemical and histomorphometry studies of proximal phalanx showed increased in the growth plate length (F(9, 59) = 228.9509, p = .00001) with a reduction in the total length of the phalanx (F(9, 59) = 109.9905, p = .00001), decreased mineralization (F(9, 59) = 224.6872, p = .00001), decreased blood islands in the bone marrow (F(9, 59) = 7.7083, p = .0001) of chlorpyrifos, and 3,5,6‐TCPy‐exposed group. Significant downregulations in the expression patterns of the transcription factors, such as SOX9, RUNX2, and ALP, were also observed.

Conclusion

Chlorpyrifos and its metabolite 3,5,6‐TCPy exposure alters the chondrogenesis in the growth plate cartilage of long bone in chick embryo. The pesticide and its metabolite also interfere in ossification.
Uncovering the brain‐wide pattern of synaptic input to vasopressin‐expressing neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus
Authors: Woodson Jonathan , Bergan Joseph F.
Published: May 2023

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) is a neuropeptide critical for the mammalian stress response and social behavior. AVP produced in the hypothalamus regulates water osmolality and vasoconstriction in the body, and in the brain, it regulates social behavior, aggression, and anxiety. However, the circuit mechanisms that link AVP to social behavior, homeostatic function, and disease are not well understood. This study investigates the circuit configurations of AVP‐expressing neurons in the rodent hypothalamus and characterizes synaptic input from the entire brain. We targeted the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) using retrograde viral tracing techniques to identify direct afferent synaptic connections made onto AVP‐expressing neurons. AVP neurons in the PVN display region‐specific anatomical configurations that reflect their unique contributions to homeostatic function, motor behaviors, feeding, and affiliative behavior. The afferent connections identified were similar in both sexes and subsequent molecular investigation of these inputs shows that those local hypothalamic inputs are overwhelmingly nonpeptidergic cells indicating a potential interneuron nexus between hormone cell activation and broader cortical connection. This proposed work reveals new insights into the organization of social behavior circuits in the brain, and how neuropeptides act centrally to modulate social behaviors.
Diversity within olfactory sensory derivatives revealed by the contribution of Dbx1 lineages
Authors: Causeret Frédéric , Fayon Maxime , Moreau Matthieu X. , Ne Enrico , Oleari Roberto , Parras Carlos , Cariboni Anna , Pierani Alessandra
Published: May 2023

In vertebrates, the embryonic olfactory epithelium contains progenitors that will give rise to distinct classes of neurons, including olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs; involved in odor detection), vomeronasal sensory neurons (VSNs; responsible for pheromone sensing), and gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons that control the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. Currently, these three neuronal lineages are usually believed to emerge from uniform pools of progenitors. Here, we found that the homeodomain transcription factor Dbx1 is expressed by neurogenic progenitors in the developing and adult mouse olfactory epithelium. We demonstrate that Dbx1 itself is dispensable for neuronal fate specification and global organization of the olfactory sensory system. Using lineage tracing, we characterize the contribution of Dbx1 lineages to OSN, VSN, and GnRH neuron populations and reveal an unexpected degree of diversity. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Dbx1‐expressing progenitors remain neurogenic in the absence of the proneural gene Ascl1. Our work therefore points to the existence of distinct neurogenic programs in Dbx1‐derived and other olfactory lineages.
Comparison of Two Manufacturing Processes of Daprodustat for Bioequivalence and Dissolution in Healthy Volunteers: A Randomized Crossover Study
Authors: Shaddinger Bonnie , Mahar Kelly M. , Sprys Mike , Andrews Susan M. , Chattoraj Sayantan , Israni Rubeen , Cobitz Alex
Published: May 2023

Daprodustat, an orally bioavailable hypoxia‐inducible factor–prolyl hydroxylase enzyme inhibitor, has recently completed phase 3 clinical development for treating anemia of chronic kidney disease. Part A of this 2‐part, randomized, double‐blind, single‐dose, cross‐over study (NCT04640311) compared pharmacokinetic properties of a single oral dose of daprodustat 4 mg tablets manufactured via twin‐screw wet granulation (process 1) to 2 sets of 4 mg tablets manufactured via high‐shear wet granulation (process 2), to assess the impact of different dissolution profiles on pharmacokinetics. Part B assessed the bioequivalence of daprodustat tablets manufactured via process 1 with tablets manufactured via process 2 at 5 different dose strengths (1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 mg). In part A, mean plasma concentrations of daprodustat were comparable over a 24‐hour period despite differences in manufacturing processes and dissolution profiles. In part B, the 90% confidence intervals of the ratios of the least squared means for area under the concentration‐time curve and maximum observed plasma concentration fell within the 0.8–1.25 bioequivalence range for all doses, except for maximum observed plasma concentration at 8 mg. A prespecified sensitivity analysis jointly assessing all doses showed bioequivalence for all doses tested. No new safety concerns for daprodustat were identified.
Multivariate genomic selection models improve prediction accuracy of agronomic traits in soft red winter wheat
Authors: Winn Zachary J. , Larkin Dylan L. , Lozada Dennis N. , DeWitt Noah , Brown‐Guedira Gina , Mason Richard Esten
Published: May 2023

Univariate genomic selection (UVGS) is an important tool for increasing genetic gain and multivariate GS (MVGS), where correlated traits are included in genomic selection, which can improve genomic prediction accuracy. The objectives for this study were to evaluate MVGS approaches to improve prediction accuracy for four agronomic traits using a training population of 351 soft red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes, evaluated over six site‐years in Arkansas from 2014 to 2017. Genotypes were phenotyped for grain yield, heading date, plant height, and test weight in both the training and test populations. In cross‐validations, various combinations of traits in MVGS models significantly improved prediction accuracy for test weight in comparison to a UVGS model. Marginal increases in predictive accuracy were also observed for grain yield, plant height, and heading date. Multivariate models which were identified as superior to the univariate case in cross‐validations were forward validated by predicting the advanced breeding nurseries of 2018 and 2020. In forward validation, consistent increases in accuracy were observed for test weight, plant height, and heading date using MVGS instead of UVGS. Overall, MVGS models improved prediction accuracies when correlated traits were included with the predicted response. The methods outlined in this study may be used to achieve higher prediction accuracies in unbalanced datasets over multiple environments.
What do firms say in reporting on impacts of climate change? An approach to monitoring ESG actions and environmental policy
Authors: Chou Christine , Clark Robin , Kimbrough Steven O.
Published: May 2023

This article focuses on two research questions arising from the 2010 U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Advisory on climate change reporting: (1) How does the discussion of climate change in SEC filings change after the Advisory? and (2) What are firms talking about when they talk about climate change? Findings were obtained from the 218,000 10‐K filings to the SEC during the 2000–2019 period. The study develops and applies text mining methodology based on extracting information from the “semantic associates” in the “neighborhoods” of indicative terms. On (1) it finds that climate change‐related reporting does increase substantially after the SEC guidance. On (2) a nuanced picture emerges. Firms with comparatively larger transition risks tend to discuss climate change comparatively more, focusing on regulation‐related topics. Firms exposed to the physical risks of climate change tend to discuss climate change somewhat less, focusing on meteorological topics. The results enrich our understanding regarding environmental policies and firms' behaviors regarding climate change. Theoretical and practical implications are provided.
Sensory impairment and beta‐amyloid deposition in the Baltimore longitudinal study of aging
Authors: Yesantharao Lekha , Cai Yurun , Schrack Jennifer A. , Gross Alden L. , Wang Hang , Bilgel Murat , Dougherty Ryan , Simonsick Eleanor M. , Ferrucci Luigi , Resnick Susan M. , Agrawal Yuri
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Beta‐amyloid (Aβ) plaque deposition is a biomarker of preclinical Alzheimer's disease (AD). Impairments in sensory function are associated with cognitive decline. We sought to investigate the relationship between PET‐indicated Aβ deposition and sensory impairment.

Methods

Using data from 174 participants ≥55 years in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, we analyzed associations between sensory impairments and Aβ deposition measured by PET and Pittsburgh Compound B (PiB) mean cortical distribution volume ratio (cDVR).

Results

The combinations of hearing and proprioceptive impairment and hearing, vision, and proprioceptive impairment, were positively correlated with cDVR (β = 0.087 and p = 0.036, β = 0.110 and p = 0.018, respectively). In stratified analyses of PiB+ participants, combinations of two, three, and four sensory impairments (all involving proprioception) were associated with higher cDVR.

Discussion

Our findings suggest a relationship between multi‐sensory impairment (notably proprioceptive impairment) and Aβ deposition, which could reflect sensory impairment as an indicator or potentially a risk factor for Aβ deposition.
Earthworms increase forest litter mass loss irrespective of deposited compounds – A field manipulation experiment in subtropical forests
Authors: Yang Junbo , Tian Kai , Lu Jingzhong , Kong Xiangshi , Li Qiang , Ye Rumeng , Zeng Xiaoyi , Cao Tingting , Hu Haijing , Ji Yanli , Tian Xingjun , Scheu Stefan
Published: May 2023

Earthworms modulate carbon and nitrogen cycling in terrestrial ecosystems, but their effect may be compromised by the deposition of pollutants from industrial emissions. However, studies investigating how deposited compounds affect the role of earthworms in carbon cycling such as litter decomposition are lacking, although the interactions of earthworms and deposited compounds are important for understanding the impact of pollutants on ecosystems and the potential of earthworms in bioremediation. We performed a 365‐day in situ litterbag decomposition experiment in a deciduous (Quercus variabilis) and coniferous (Pinus massoniana) forest in southeast China. We manipulated nitrogen (N), sodium (Na), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as model compounds during litter decomposition with and without earthworms (Eisenia fetida). After one year, N, Na, and PAH all slowed down litter mass loss, with the effects of Na being the strongest. By contrast,E. fetidagenerally increased litter mass loss, and the positive effects were uniformly maintained irrespective of the type of compounds added. However, the pathways to how earthworms increased litter mass loss varied among the compounds added and the two forests studied. As indicated by structural equation modeling, earthworms mitigated the negative effects of deposited compounds by directly increasing litter mass loss and indirectly increasing soil pH and microbial biomass. Overall, the results indicate that the acceleration of litter mass loss by earthworms is little affected by deposited compounds, and that earthworms have the potential to mitigate negative impacts of pollutants on litter decomposition and ecosystem processes.
Ternary hierarchical structure based solar‐driven evaporator for long‐lasting concentrated brine treatment
Authors: He Wen , Zhou Lei , Wang Yilan , Yu Lejian , Hou Yaqi , Bi Shaoyang , Wang Miao , Hou Xu
Published: May 2023

Solar‐driven evaporation has been a promising desalination method for treating concentrated seawater, since it is cost‐effectiveness, simplicity, and environmentally friendly. However, this method faces an unavoidable long‐term problem that the salt generated in the evaporation processes would affect and hinder its evaporation efficiency. Because the salt inevitably crystallizes on the surface of photothermal evaporation materials, and this crystallization process increases with time to impair the material area of the sunlight absorption and evaporation. Here, we show a ternary hierarchical structure based solar‐driven evaporator that reduces the evaporation material surface coverage of the salt to get long‐lasting concentrated brine treatment capacity. This evaporator is constructed by plugging vertically arranged hollow tube arrays across a porous plate. The top, middle, and bottom of the evaporator respectively serve as the salt crystallization site, the evaporation site, and the light absorption site. Meanwhile, the self‐cleaning of the evaporator can be achieved by back diffusion of the crystallized salts. As a result, this efficient and durable evaporator exhibits freshwater production of 10.21 kg/(m2·day) in outdoor experiment in the treatment of the concentrated natural seawater (21.3 wt%).

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LncRNA FEZF1‐AS1 accelerates multiple myeloma progression by regulating IGF2BP1/BZW2 signaling
Authors: Long Xingxing , Wen Feng , Li Junjun , Huang Xiaoqing
Published: May 2023

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second largest hematological tumor with clonal proliferation of malignant plasma cells. Growing reports have revealed that the dysregulation of long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) is involved in the MM progression. Nevertheless, lncRNA FEZF1 antisense RNA 1 (FEZF1‐AS1) remain not deeply explored. The RNA transcripts and protein level of MM‐associated molecule were measured by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction or western blot assays, respectively. The clinical correlation was analyzed by Pearson analysis. Molecular interactions among lncRNA FEZF1‐AS1, basic leucine zipper and W2 domain 2 (BZW2) and insulin‐like growth factor 2 mRNA‐binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1) were verified by RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA pull‐down assays. The survival of MM cells was detected by cell counting kit‐8 and flow cytometry assays. Xenograft tumor in vivo was performed to assess tumor growth. The RNA transcripts of lncRNA FEZF1‐AS1, BZW2 and IGF2BP1 were upregulated in MM samples compared to those in healthy donors. Knockdown of lncRNA FEZF1‐AS1 could inhibit the proliferation and induce cell apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Besides, lncRNA FEZF1‐AS1 could maintain the stability of BZW2 mRNA by interacting IGF2BP1. Moreover, BZW2 silence also downregulated the proliferation but enhanced apoptosis of MM cells, while BZW2 overexpression had an opposite role, which dramatically reversed the regulatory roles of lncRNA FEZF1‐AS1. Altogether, lncRNA FEZF1‐AS1 facilitated MM development by regulating IGF2BP1/BZW2 signaling, suggesting that lncRNA FEZF1‐AS1 might be a candidate for MM treatment.
A case of eosinophilic cystitis coexisting of superficial bladder cancer, mimicking muscle‐invasive cancer
Authors: Suhara Yushi , Urabe Fumihiko , Hashimoto Masaki , Nakazono Minoru , Iwatani Kosuke , Tsuzuki Shunsuke , Sato Shun , Takahashi Hiroyuki , Kimura Takahiro
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Here, we present a rare case of eosinophilic cystitis coexisting with bladder cancer, which appeared to be an invasive carcinoma on imaging.

Case presentation

A 46‐year‐old man presented with urinary urgency. Computed tomography revealed an irregular and thickly enhanced bladder wall, which seemed to be invasive bladder cancer. Cystoscopy revealed a raspberry‐like mass lesion on the entire bladder circumference. Pathological diagnosis after transurethral resection was pathological T1 urothelial carcinoma. After a thorough discussion of treatment options, the patient elected to receive intravesical Bacillus Calmette‐Guérin. Three months after Bacillus Calmette‐Guérin administration, no residual disease was confirmed by transurethral biopsy, and no recurrence was observed over 2 years. As peripheral eosinophilia and submucosa eosinophil infiltration were identified, the patient was diagnosed with coexisting eosinophilic cystitis and urothelial carcinoma.

Conclusion

Clinicians should consider the possibility of eosinophilic cystitis with superficial bladder cancer coexistence in patients who present with an irregular and thick bladder wall.