bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Enabling Environment for Official Development Assistance and FDI Inflows: An Empirical Evidence from Djibouti
Authors: Dirir Sadik Aden
Published: December 2022

By leveraging the best of its strategic and economic advantage and investing in transportation and port facilities, Djibouti has seen amazing progress over the past ten years. However, there are reservations regarding the inclusivity and stability of this expansion in the future. The current research investigates the enabling environment for official development assistance and FDI inflows in Djibouti from the period 1997 until 2020. To examine the impact of key socioeconomic and governance indicators on ODA and FDI inflows, the study used simple ordinary least squares and quantile regression. The results showed that, in the case of official development assistance, variables like GDP and multilateral debt maximize foreign aid to Djibouti. Contrarily, the country's regulatory environment and government effectiveness do not support international assistance. However, the results of FDI showed that Djibouti is more attractive to FDI inflows when there is a greater level of transparency in the rule of law and spending in the health sector. Additionally, the country's regulatory quality, voice accountability, and low population growth rate all contribute to a decline in FDI inflows. Last but not least, the GDP and domestic credit to the private sector indicate a negligible influence in creating a desirable climate for FDI inflows, which is somewhat accurate given the weak economic position of the nation. According to the conclusions, Djibouti should modify its governance structure and implement suitable structural transformations that preserve and appeal to multinational collaboration rather than concentrating primarily on domestic businesses. Finally, the government must liberalize the market, enabling international businesses to freely operate there, while also offering them the support they require, such as fair taxation and stability.
Diazotrophic Bacterial Response to Herbicide Toxicity: In vitro Analysis
Authors: Ubogu Monday , Akponah Ejiro
Published: December 2022

Diazotrophic bacteria play critical role in biological nitrogen fixation (BNF), and the application of herbiced significantly affect growth and activities of these bacteria. To investigate this, 1.0 ml of broth stock culture containing 2.9 x 105 cfu/ml and 2.6 x 106 cfu/ml of Azotobacter and Bradyrhizobium, respectively were inoculated into 10.0 ml of their respective growth medium [ TDC broth, and Yeast extract mannitol broth (YEMB)] containing 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 % v/v of the respective herbicides, atrazine, glyphosate, paraquat and 2,4-D. Thereafter, plate counts of the diazotrophs for each concentration was made at 24, 48, 72 and 120 h intervals using spread plate method on TDC agar and YEMA after incubation at room temperature (30 ± 2 ℃) for 72 h. The LC50 of the respective herbicides for Azotobacter and Bradyrhizobium was determined at 120 h using Probit analysis. Results showed that all tested concentrations except control, retarded diazotrophic bacterial population growth. Growth reduction increased progressively with increased concentrations of herbicides (P < 0.05). In general, herbicides were found to suppress the growth of diazotrophs by 29.7 – 100 %. The LC50 indicated symbiotic Bradyrhizobium displayed greater sensitivity to tested herbicides than free-living Azotobacter (P < 0.05). Conclusively, herbicides suppressed diazotrophic bacterial growth.
Estimation of Genetic Parameters in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Germplasm Lines for Yield and Its Contributing Traits
Authors: Umarani E. , Saritha A. , Ramanjaneyulu A. V.
Published: December 2022

Availability of appropriate genetic resources is a key to any crop improvement programme. The understanding and knowledge of genetic variation and genetic similarities present within individuals or populations are useful for the efficient use of genetic resources in breeding programme. Therefore, the present investigation was carried out to assess the variability, heritability and genetic advance in thirty-two sunflower germplasm lines for morphological characters. The analysis of variance revealed the presence of significant variability among the landraces of rice under study. Variability studies indicated that the estimates of phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were slightly higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the traits, indicating less influence of environment. Among all the characters under study, single plant yield exhibited highest PCV (38.64) and GCV (37.72), whereas lowest PCV (3.91) and GCV (3.49) were recorded for days to maturity. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean estimates were recorded for plant height, 100-seed weight and single plant yield, which indicated the preponderance of additive gene action in controlling these traits. Hence direct selection of these characters would be effective in improving the seed yield. Emphasis should be given on these characters, while selection is made to improve yield potential.
Determination of Total Mercury (THg) and Methylmercury (MeHg) in Samples of Crabs (Callinecte amnicola)
Authors: Dangui Diabagate , Sébastien Ouffoue Koffi , Jacques Akpa Sagne , Mamadou Traore , Vianey Mel Hayo , Lassiné Ouattara
Published: December 2022

This work was initiated with the aim of evaluating the mercury content in crabs Callinectes amnicola at three sites in the Ebrié lagoon. The crabs were taken from the landing sites in the different areas. A total of ninety (90) crabs were graded to obtain a representative sample of all landings. The analyzes focused on the levels of total mercury and methyl mercury in the  Callinectes amnicola crabs. The analysis of variance showed that the site with the highest mercury content is the most urban site, namely the Boulay Island site in Abobodoumé. The results obtained showed that the total mercury content varies according to the mass and size of the crab. Furthermore, mercury, at all the sites of our study presents concentrations well below the threshold values ​​set by the WHO and the EU. The determination of mercury levels in crabs from different landing sites in the Ebrié lagoon makes it possible to assess the risks of contamination of the food chain, incurred by the top predator at the end of the chain, which is human beings, the main consumer of seafood products.
Study on Insect Pest Infestation of Guinea Corn (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) Stored in Food Ware-Houses, Sokoto Metropolis, Sokoto State, Nigeria
Authors: Lema S. Y. , Ibrahim J. , Suleiman J.
Published: December 2022

Insect pest infestation is still considered a major agricultural problem affecting millions of farmers in developing countries causing a huge loss and damage tons of agricultural products.  A study was conducted to assess the rate of insect pest infestation of Guinea corn Stored in Food Ware-houses in Sokoto Metropolis Sokoto State-Nigeria. A total of three hundred and sixty (360) grain samples were examined for the infestation using compound light microscope and the result was analyzed using chi-square statistical test. The result of this study showed that 222/360 (61.67%) were positive for the infestation. There were significance difference between the infestation and nature of the food ware-house (P<0.05). The result of infestation in relation to the location were the samples are collected from the food ware-houses shows that, top location 106/120 (83.33%) has the highest rate of the Infestation, followed by the middle location 72/120 (60.00%) and the least Infestation was recorded in the bottom location of the food ware-houses 50/120 (41.67%). There is also a significance difference between the infestation and locations were the samples are collected from the food ware-house (P<0.05). Of the two species identified, Tribolium confusum is found in all the three food ware-houses with the frequency of 0.7, 0.6 and 0.4 respectively while Tribolium casteneum was found only in Kuffa/Old kara food ware-house with the frequency of 0.2. This may be related to the nature of food ware-houses. Improving sanitation, proper maintenance and fumigation of the food ware-house in and out during storage and while receiving new produce will help to reduce the rate of insect pest infestation in the study area, Sokoto State and Nigeria at large.
Bronchial Foreign Bodies: Telescopic Approach in Port Harcourt
Authors: Nwogbo A. C. , Lilly–Tariah O. B. Da
Published: December 2022

Removal of foreign bodies from the airway, especially in children require special skill and proper instrumentation. In telescopic bronchoscopy airway accessibility is made easy and hence removal becomes less challenging, compared to other methods. Aim of this study is to showcase the telescope in the process of tracheobronchial foreign body removal.

Methods: The Telescopic Bronchoscope forms the major armament for this study. This is in contrast to other types of bronchoscope used in accessing the tracheobronchial tree for foreign body extraction. The German Richard Wolf Telescopic Bronchoscope was used. Other components of this instrument include, the light source and light cable for excellent illumination. The fibre optic and rigid bronchoscopes were not used in this study.

Results: 24 children under this study presented in University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, either referred from other centres or presented on their own. Fourteen (14) male and (10) ten female with male/female ratio of 2:1. Foreign bodies retrieval were groundnut (38%), fish bone (21%), others were plastic toy pieces, screw nuts. The right main bronchus, (61%) recorded the highest lodgement.

Conclusion: Foreign body in the airway especially in children is life threatening. The use of telescope offers excellent armament, preventing mortality.
Effectiveness of Facial Masks in the Prevention of COVID-19 Infections
Authors: Asraf Nisreen Omar , Alturkey Mohammed Abbas , Shiahk Abdualrhman Naser Al , Talaq Mohammed Mahdi Al , Yateem Hussain Ali Al , Sheef Mahdi Radhi Al , Alsaeedi Ali Majed , Aljanabi Hassan Ali , Jasim Mujtaba Fawzi Al , Alzawad Hussein Mahfoud , Alshanakhnakh Moayed Saeed , Alismael Hussain Saeed , Abualrahy Haidar Alawi
Published: December 2022

The COVID-19 virus, SARS-CoV-2, is thought to transmit mostly by respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing when people are in close proximity. It is advised to wear a face mask or respirator (N95/KN95) to prevent the spread of COVID-19-causing SARS-CoV-2. Although few studies have examined their real-world efficacy in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection, well-fitting face masks and respirators efficiently filter virus-sized particles in laboratory settings. Mathematical modelling demonstrates that wearing masks significantly slows the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and lowers the chance of infection, particularly when paired with other non-medical interventions (such as maintaining a safe social distance). In many studies, it has been discovered that both N95 masks and ordinary masks are effective. This study is aimed at evaluation effectiveness of wearing facial masks at preventing Covid-19 infections.
Surface Cleaning and Protection Engineering via Functionalization to Awaken the Intrinsic Catalytic Activity of Co3O4
Authors: Chu Bingxian , Liu Shaoqing , Qin Qiuju , Zhao Runqi , Chen Kean , Hou Xueyan , Li Rongyao , Li Chen , Chen Jianhua , Dong Lihui , Li Bin
Published: December 2022

The inherent catalytic activity of transition metal oxide catalysts is constrained by the presence of surface hydroxyl groups, which are typical destructive poisons that are difficult to be completely removed. So, previous studies generally focused on reducing the accumulation of hydroxyl groups on the surface by introducing additional elements. In this study, a simple reflux treatment in methanol considerably increases the CO oxidation activity, water resistance, and stability of Co3O4. According to the density functional theory calculations, the cleaning of hydroxyl groups by methanol is spontaneous, and the assembled methanol has little effect on the surface chemical properties. In addition, the molecular dynamics simulations indicate that methanol molecules have formed hydrophobic entrances in the pores of Co3O4, which further protect the internal surface from erosion by water. Furthermore, methanol functionalization maintains the original CO oxidation mechanism on the clean Co3O4 surface. As a result, the inherent catalytic activity of Co3O4 is awakened while the water resistance and stability are improved. Collectively, this study establishes an atomic‐level description for the surface cleaning and protection mechanism on Co3O4 surface through functionalization by small organic molecules, which provides a new theoretical guidance for the modification strategies of transition metal oxide catalysts.
Multifunctional 3D‐Printed Pollen Grain‐Inspired Hydrogel Microrobots for On‐Demand Anchoring and Cargo Delivery
Authors: Lee Yun‐Woo , Kim Jae‐Kang , Bozuyuk Ugur , Dogan Nihal Olcay , Khan Muhammad Turab Ali , Shiva Anitha , Wild Anna‐Maria , Sitti Metin
Published: December 2022

While a majority of wireless microrobots have shown multi‐responsiveness to implement complex biomedical functions, their functional executions are strongly dependent on the range of stimulus inputs, which curtails their functional diversity. Furthermore, their responsive functions are coupled to each other, which results in the overlap of the task operations. Here, a 3D‐printed multifunctional microrobot inspired by pollen grains with three hydrogel components is demonstrated: iron platinum (FePt) nanoparticle‐embedded pentaerythritol triacrylate (PETA), poly N‐isopropylacrylamide (pNIPAM), and poly N‐isopropylacrylamide acrylic acid (pNIPAM‐AAc) structures. Each of these structures exhibits their respective targeted functions: responding to magnetic fields for torque‐driven surface rolling and steering, exhibiting temperature responsiveness for on‐demand surface attachment (anchoring), and pH‐responsive cargo release. The versatile multifunctional pollen grain‐inspired robots conceptualized here pave the way for various future medical microrobots to improve their projected performance and functional diversity.
Influence of composition on the internal diffusion mechanism of pectin–starch gel beads
Authors: Silveira Mariana Pereira , Almeida Francisco Lucas Chaves , Andreola Kaciane , Alvim Izabela Dutra , Prata Ana Silvia
Published: December 2022

Pectin is a hydrocolloid commonly used as a wall material for encapsulation, meantime using a filler such as starch can improve the retention in the matrix and control the release in specific places. Formulations of pectin and starch were evaluated for bead production by ionic gelation technique using dripping and jet cutter methods. In addition, beads were dried in a fluidized bed and rotating drum at 50°C. The mean diameter, mechanical strength, yield, moisture content, the morphology of wet and dry beads, and rehydration behavior were evaluated. Furthermore, the pomegranate extract (PE) encapsulation efficiency and release in water were measured. The beads with 2.85% solids content of which 70% are pectin and 30%, waxy corn starch proved to be technologically viable and were satisfactorily dried in a fluidized bed, while on a rotating drum, drying was not efficient. Compared with pure pectin, the pectin–starch beads showed a spherical shape, smoother and more homogeneous with greater mechanical strength and greater water absorption capacity after drying in a fluidized bed. The conventional encapsulation of PE added to biopolymer solutions showed low efficiency (4.7%–43.7%) and the release velocity was higher for drip beads (~70%).
Square wave voltammetric detection of cholesterol with biosensor based on poly(styrene‐‐ε‐caprolactone)/MWCNTs composite
Authors: Kavacık Mehmet , Kilic Muhammet Samet
Published: December 2022

A novel poly(styrene‐‐ε‐caprolactone)/multiwalled carbon nanotubes/cholesterol oxidase film‐coated glassy carbon electrode was designed for cholesterol detection by square wave voltammetry (SWV). The biosensor responded to cholesterol with a measurement concentration range between 1 and 130 μM, a relative standard deviation of only 0.095% and accuracy of 100.42% ±2.85 with the SWV technique in the potential range from −0.6 to +0.6 V. The limit of detection was calculated to be 0.63 μM. The biosensor was preserved 91 and 84% of its initial response at the end of the 9st and 25st days, respectively. Human serum from human male AB plasma was analyzed without pretreatment except for dilution to investigate the performance of the biosensor in a complex medium.
Lacunes may worsen cognition but not motor function in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Chen Keke , Jin Zhaohui , Fang Jinping , Qi Lin , Liu Cui , Wang Ruidan , Su Yuan , Yan Hongjiao , Liu Aixian , Xi Jianing , Fang Boyan
Published: December 2022

Background

As one of the imaging markers of cerebral small vessel disease, lacunes has received little attention. The objective of this study was to investigate the associations of lacunes, cognition and motor function in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and whether these associations are independent of other imaging markers.

Methods

Patients were consecutively included from April 2019 to July 2022 in Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital. All patients underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging scans, clinical scale evaluations, and neuropsychological tests, as well as quantitative evaluation of postural control. To eliminate the possible factors contributing to cognition and motor dysfunction in patients with PD, in particular white matter hyperintensities and enlarged perivascular space in the basal ganglia, multivariate linear regression models were constructed to sort out the effect of lacunes.

Results

Ninety‐four patients were included in this study, 56 without lacunes and 38 with lacunes. Patients with lacunes showed shorter disease duration, slower gait speed and spent more time on Trail‐Making Test part A (TMT‐A) than those without lacunes. The number of lacunes were positively correlated with the time to complete the TMT‐A and negatively related to gait speed. Multivariate linear regression models showed that the presence of lacunes was associated with longer TMT‐A time after adjusting for potential confounders.

Conclusions

Lacunes were independently associated with worse visual scanning, attention, and processing speed in patients with PD. In addition, lacunes may accelerate the course of PD. Early treatment of vascular disease provides an alternate way to mitigate some motor and cognitive dysfunction in patients with PD.
How expectations and therapeutic style influence counselling outcome
Authors: Schamong Isabel , D'Astolfo Lisa , Bollmann Simon , Brakemeier Eva‐Lotta , Kube Tobias
Published: December 2022

Objective

With a lack of experimental designs in psychotherapy/counselling process research, evidence is limited regarding which therapeutic style is helpful for which patient and the role of expectations. Therefore, the aim of this experimental study was to manipulate the therapeutic style and clients' expectations towards psychological counselling and investigate their effects on counselling outcome.

Method

Eighty healthy participants (74% female, Mage = 31.2 years, SDage = 12.21) received a single counselling session focussing on interpersonal conflicts. We defined two therapeutic styles (relationship‐focussed vs. problem‐focussed) based on the interpersonal circumplex, and participants were led to believe they would receive one of the two styles. In the actual counselling session, they received either the expected or the contrary, resulting in a 2 x 2 design. Primary outcome rated by participants was subjective impairment caused by the conflict 2 weeks after the session; secondary outcomes were satisfaction with the session and perceived working alliance.

Results

The successful implementation of the proposed therapeutic styles was confirmed by adherence ratings (U = 25.50, p < 0.001) and ratings of counsellors’ behaviour in the circumplex model (p < 0.001) for the friendly and hostile dimensions. Impairment was significantly reduced 2 weeks after the counselling session, but this effect was dependent on neither the therapeutic style, clients' expectations, nor their interaction.

Discussion

The study provides the first evidence that a single counselling session appears to be effective in alleviating impairment caused by an interpersonal conflict, independent of the counselling style and client expectations. The novel experimental design provides a basis for further process research in psychological counselling and psychotherapy.
Relationship Conflict, Low Goodwill Trust, Innovation Propensity—and Help? How to Encourage Helping Behaviours Even in Conflict‐laden Work Settings
Authors: De Clercq Dirk , Pereira Renato
Published: December 2022

To unpack the link between employees' relationship conflict and helping behaviours, this study postulates a mediating role of the extent to which employees exhibit low goodwill trust in co‐workers and a moderating role of their innovation propensity. As the findings confirm, emotion‐laden conflict compromises employees' propensities to assist co‐workers because they believe that they cannot count on co‐workers’ goodwill, which, as we theorize, is informed by their desire to protect their self‐esteem. The extent to which employees derive joy from generating novel ideas subdues this process. This study points to a notable mechanism (low goodwill trust) by which emotion‐based tensions translate into low voluntarism and how this process is disrupted by an intrinsic motivation for innovation.
Recent Advances in Boron‐Containing Acenes: Synthesis, Properties, and Optoelectronic Applications†
Authors: Guo Yongkang , Chen Cheng , Wang Xiao‐Ye
Published: December 2022

Comprehensive Summary

Acenes with linearly fused benzene rings have attracted much attention due to their intriguing optical and electronic properties. Nevertheless, the poor ambient stability of longer acenes has hampered the investigation of their physicochemical properties and potential applications. The incorporation of main group elements into the acene backbones provides a viable strategy to enhance the stability, and meanwhile, generates a new family of heteroatom‐doped acenes (namely heteroacenes) with modified properties and functions. In particular, boron‐containing acenes represent an attractive class of heteroacenes owing to the existence of vacant p orbital of boron, which endows the π‐conjugated systems with appealing features, such as Lewis acidity, electron‐accepting capability, stimuli‐responsivity, and adjustable photophysical properties. During the past decade, significant progress has been achieved in the synthesis and applications of boron‐containing acenes, but a focused review on this topic has been elusive. Here, we summarize the recent advances in the studies on boron‐containing acenes, covering their synthesis, intriguing properties, and various applications in electroluminescence and electronic devices, as well as in biosensors, etc. We hope that this timely review will stimulate new research interest in this unique family of materials and promote their optoelectronic applications.
Primary spinal extranodal NK/T‐cell lymphoma diagnosed by fine‐needle aspiration and core biopsy
Authors: Tefft Jeffrey , Sheikh‐Fayyaz Silvat , Khattar Pallavi , Zhang Xinmin
Published: December 2022

We report an extremely rare case of primary spinal extranodal NK/T‐cell lymphoma (PSENKTL). A 54‐year‐old man presented with fever of unknown etiology for 2 months, with clinical evidence of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Imaging studies revealed multiple spinal lesions without evidence of disease in other body sites. Fine‐needle aspiration and core biopsy (FNACB) of a paraspinal mass showed a monotonous population of intermediate lymphocytes with abundant cytoplasm with fine granules, round to slightly irregular nuclei, and inconspicuous nucleoli. Core biopsy revealed diffuse infiltration by cells with a NK cell phenotype, positive Epstein–Barr virus‐encoded small RNA, and negative T‐cell receptor gene rearrangement. Bone marrow biopsy showed the presence of hemophagocytosis without evidence of lymphoma. The disease disseminated to the small bowel late in the clinical course and the patient died shortly after admission. This unusual case was diagnosed by FNACB and raised awareness of ENKTL as a differential diagnosis in spinal lesions.
Four challenges to CAR T cells breaking the glass ceiling
Authors: Bailey Stefanie R. , Berger Trisha R. , Graham Charlotte , Larson Rebecca C. , Maus Marcela V.
Published: December 2022

Cell‐based therapies using chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR T) have had dramatic efficacy in the clinic and can even mediate curative responses in patients with hematologic malignancies. As living drugs, engineered cells can still be detected in some patients even years after the original infusion. The excitement around the cell therapy field continues to expand as recent reports have shown that CAR T cells can induce remission in patients with autoimmune disease. While these promising advances in the field garner hope for wide‐spread utility of CAR T therapies across diseases, several roadblocks exist that currently limit the access and efficacy of this therapy in the clinic. Herein, we will discuss four major obstacles that the CAR T field faces, including toxicity, identifying tumor‐specific antigens, improving function in solid tumors, and reducing manufacturing complexity and cost. CAR T cells have potential for a multitude of diseases, but these glass ceilings will need to be broken in order to improve clinical responses and make this potentially life‐saving therapy accessible to a larger patient population.
Human assumed central sensitization in people with acute non‐specific low back pain: A cross‐sectional study of the association with brain‐derived neurotrophic factor, clinical, psychological and demographic factors
Authors: Chang Wei‐Ju , Jenkins Luke C. , Humburg Peter , Schabrun Siobhan M.
Published: December 2022

Background

Early evidence suggests human assumed central sensitization (HACS) is present in some people with acute low back pain (LBP). Factors influencing individual variation in HACS during acute LBP have not been fully explored. We aimed to examine the evidence for HACS in acute LBP and the contribution of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), clinical, psychological and demographic factors to HACS.

Methods

Participants with acute LBP (<6 weeks after pain onset, N = 118) and pain‐free controls (N = 57) from a longitudinal trial were included. Quantitative sensory testing including pressure and heat pain thresholds and conditioned pain modulation, BDNF serum concentration and genotype and questionnaires were assessed.

Results

There were no signs of HACS during acute LBP at group level when compared with controls. Sensory measures did not differ when compared between controls and LBP participants with different BDNF genotypes. Two LBP subgroups with distinct sensory profiles were identified. Although one subgroup (N = 60) demonstrated features of HACS including pressure/heat pain hypersensitivity at a remote site and deficient conditioned pain modulation, pain severity and disability did not differ between the two subgroups. Variation in sensory measures (~33%) was partially explained by BDNF genotype, sex, age and psychological factors.

Conclusions

This study confirms that HACS is present in some people with acute LBP, but this was not associated with pain or disability. Further, no relationship was observed between BDNF and HACS in acute LBP. More research is needed to understand factors contributing to individual variation in sensory measures in LBP.

Significance

Human assumed central sensitization (HACS) is present in acute low back pain (LBP) but factors contributing to individual variation are not fully explored. This study investigated the relationship between factors such as brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and HACS in acute LBP. Our findings indicate that HACS was present in specific LBP subgroups but BDNF was unrelated to HACS. Combinations of BDNF genotype, demographic and psychological factors explained a small proportion of the variation in sensory measures during acute LBP.
Practical macro‐element for vertical and batter pile groups
Authors: Cemalovic Miran , Castro José Miguel , Kaynia Amir M.
Published: December 2022

This paper presents a novel macro‐element for vertical and batter pile groups. The numerical scheme is based on de‐coupled, single pile response. Each pile consists of two separate load‐displacement formulations (axial and transverse) that take a displacement increment as input and return a diagonal tangent stiffness value. The effect of rotation is implicitly incorporated in the transverse load‐displacement formulation. The presented macro‐element does not require pre‐defined failure surfaces or other parameters, and is therefore not restricted to a specific foundation configuration, soil profile or soil type. The macro‐element may be calibrated using any type of non‐linear pile‐soil model. The developed macro‐element is validated using rigorous numerical models for a variety of configurations.
Decreased antibody response to influenza vaccine with an enhanced antibody response to subsequent SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: He Taiyu , Ling Ning , Zhang Gaoli , Xiang Dejuan , Hu Peng , Peng Mingli , Cai Dachuan , Zhang Dazhi , Chen Min , Ren Hong
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Influenza or SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination is especially recommended for people with underlying diseases. For the large number of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection (CHB), studies on their immune responses to these vaccines are still lacking.

Methods

A total of 57 CHB patients and 19 healthy controls (HCs) receiving inactivated influenza vaccination were prospectively followed up. Influenza‐specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies (anti‐H1N1, anti‐H3N2, and anti‐B IgG), antibody‐secreting cells (ASCs), and circulating T follicular helper cells were assessed simultaneously. Eight CHB patients subsequently got inactivated SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination during 1‐year follow‐up, and levels of serum antibodies against SARS‐CoV‐2 were further analyzed.

Results

On day 28 after influenza vaccination, three influenza antibodies levels appeared to be lower in CHB patients than in HCs. And anti‐H1N1 IgG level was significantly decreased in cirrhotic patients (p < .05). Anti‐H1N1 IgG levels (day 28) were positively correlated with ASC frequencies (day 7) (p < .05), and negatively correlated with cirrhosis and hepatitis B surface antigen levels (p < .05). Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies were higher in patients with influenza vaccination history than in patients without the history (p < .05). Moreover, positive correlations existed between influenza vaccination history and anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody levels (p < .01).

Conclusions

CHB patients, especially those with cirrhosis, appeared to have a decreased antibody response to inactivated influenza vaccine. A history of inactivated influenza vaccination within 1 year before inactivated SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination might induce stronger anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody response.
Smart money or chasing stars: Evidence from northbound trading in China
Authors: Liao Cunfei , Tang Guohao , Xu Xiaoying
Published: December 2022

To explore what kinds of roles foreign investors take in a gradually opening financial market, we propose the abnormal holding value ratio (AHVR) of northbound investors among stocks through China's Stock Connect Mechanism. We find that AHVR positively predicts the expected stock returns and significantly relates to firms' quality‐related fundamental information, especially profitability. Foreign investors learn the firm fundamentals before they invest in the Chinese market, which is different from the trading behaviour of domestic individual investors. The AHVR premium is larger among firms with higher attention of analysts who focus on effective information and with lower attention of individual investors who have behavioural bias. In all, the northbound inflows are smart money, which will increase the efficiency of the Chinese market instead of simply chasing stars that only grab investors' attention.
How does the stock market affect the interest rate corridor system in China?
Authors: Wan Jing , Zhang Shen , Feng Xu
Published: December 2022

Exogenous shocks from the stock market may contribute to fluctuations in market‐based interest rates in China. The interaction between the two markets may go beyond an aggregate level to distributional aspects. By using the cross‐quantilogram method, we characterise how China's stock market affects its retail credit market in distribution. Our results show clearly which quantile ranges in the stock market influence tail events in the retail credit market. We also offer practical advice on potential upper and lower bounds of the interest rate corridor. Furthermore, the main results still hold even with the foreign exchange market or the benchmark interest rate being controlled. Based on this, we provide pertinent policy suggestions for China's ongoing transition to the interest rate corridor system.
The role of receptor‐mediated activities of 4‐ and 5‐ring unsubstituted and methylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in developmental toxicity
Authors: Fang Jing , Wang Danlei , Kramer Nynke I. , Rietjens Ivonne M. C. M. , Boogaard Peter J. , Kamelia Lenny
Published: December 2022

The present study evaluated the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), estrogen receptor‐α (ER‐α), and retinoic acid receptor (RAR) mediated activities of nine 4‐ and 5‐ring unsubstituted and monomethylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) using a series of Chemical‐Activated LUciferase gene eXpression (CALUX) assays. The potential role of these aforementioned receptors in relation to the developmental toxicity of these PAHs was further assessed in the zebrafish embryotoxicity test (ZET). The results show that all nine tested PAHs were AhR agonists, benz[a]anthracene (BaA) and 8‐methyl‐benz[a]anthracene (8‐MeBaA) were ER‐α agonists, and none of the tested PAHs induced ER‐α antagonistic or RAR (ant)agonistic activities. In the AhR CALUX assay, all the methylated PAHs showed higher potency (lower EC50) in activating the AhR than their respective unsubstituted PAHs, implying that the addition of a methyl substituent on the aromatic ring of PAHs could enhance their AhR‐mediated activities. Co‐exposure of zebrafish embryos with each individual PAH and an AhR antagonist (CH223191) counteracted the observed developmental retardations and embryo lethality to a certain extent, except for 8‐methyl‐benzo[a]pyrene (8‐MeBaP). Co‐exposure of zebrafish embryos with either of the two estrogenic PAHs (i.e., BaA and 8‐MeBaA) and an ER‐α antagonist (fulvestrant) neutralized embryo lethality induced by 50 μM BaA and the developmental retardations induced by 15 μM 8‐MeBaA. Altogether, our findings suggest that the observed developmental retardations in zebrafish embryos by the PAH tested may partially be AhR‐ and/or ER‐α‐mediated, whereas the RAR seems not to be relevant for the PAH‐induced developmental toxicity in the ZET.
Current status of interprofessional competency among healthcare professions in Japan: A cross‐sectional web‐based survey
Authors: Goto Ryohei , Haruta Junji
Published: December 2022

Background

Self‐assessment of professionals' interprofessional competency is meaningful for benchmarking oneself and helping to identify training needs. We aimed to clarify differences in self‐assessment of interprofessional competency in Japan by profession and type of facility.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study using a web survey among primary healthcare providers in Japan, especially members of the Japan Primary Care Association, between June and October 2020. After sampling using the e‐mail list, we used an exponential nondiscriminative snowball method as purposive sampling through key professional informants between November 2020 and February 2021. The questionnaire covered items including participant demographics (age, gender, years of experience as professionals, years of experience working at the current institution, attendance type (regular or part‐time work), administrative experience, profession, and facility type) and included the Japanese version of the Self‐assessment Scale of Interprofessional Competency (JASSIC). Differences between healthcare professions (physician, nurse, pharmacist, rehabilitation therapist, and social worker) and between types of facility (university hospital, medium‐sized hospital, small hospital, and clinics) were compared using the Kruskal–Wallis test.

Results

A total of 593 people responded to the survey. Their mean age was 41.2 ± 11.3 years, and 312 (52.6%) were female. JASSIC scores of physicians and social workers were significantly higher than those of rehabilitation therapists (p < 0.01). Concerning facilities, professionals working in clinics rated themselves higher than those in medium‐sized hospitals (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

We revealed that self‐assessment of interprofessional competency in Japan varied by profession and type of facility.
Yeast or water: producing wine with lower alcohol levels in a warming climate: a review
Authors: Xynas Billy , Barnes Chris
Published: December 2022

Climate change effects over the last century have seen grape wine growers being faced with earlier budburst and shorter seasons. One effect is higher sugar levels in the grape berries, resulting in wines with higher than typical alcohol concentrations. Winemakers, both in Australia and globally, need to reassess their wine making approaches to address the challenges associated with warmer drier conditions. This review focuses on two pre‐fermentation approaches that address ethanol production during fermentation, so that wine makers can produce a wine with lower final alcohol levels at the same time as addressing any negative impacts on wine quality. First, microbiological yeast approaches are reviewed. This approach can reduce final alcohol levels in a treated wine between 0.2% v/v‐3.7% v/v; however, diverse wine quality impacts can result, dependant on the microbiological yeast approach taken. Second, the pre‐fermentation approach of water addition/substitution into a high sugar grape must is reviewed. To date, recent studies indicate that this ‘water treatment’ of musts approach is effective with respect to reducing final alcohol levels from between 0.6% v/v‐5.9% v/v in the resultant wines, with less variation effects on final wine quality. It is noted that further studies for the ‘water treatment’ of high sugar musts approach are required to provide additional foundational data sets with respect to impacts on chemical, phenolic and sensory attributes of the final wine products, both within and across vintages. This is especially important as winemakers adapt their winemaking approaches in a changing climate. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Current Status and Perspectives on the Green Synthesis of Succinic Polyesters for Value‐Added Applications
Authors: Gucker Fernando Elias , Sayer Claudia , de Oliveira Débora , Hermes de Araújo Pedro H. , Oechsler Bruno Francisco
Published: December 2022

Polybutylene succinate (PBS) and other succinic (co)polyesters are biodegradable polymers with favorable mechanical and thermal properties that find use in many applications. Due to environmental concerns, polymers based on succinic acid (SA) have been gaining attention, as SA can be produced through biotechnological processes. Thus, this review aims to highlight the synthesis and characteristics of PBS and other succinic copolyesters, with emphasis in the works employing metallic catalysts and enzymes. In addition, the modification of the macromolecular structure by copolymerization or postpolymerization is also discussed. Currently, metallic catalysts are normally used in the synthesis of these materials, under conditions of high temperatures, which can favor the occurrence of thermal degradation, increasing the dispersion of chain length distributions. Moreover, the incrustation of metallic catalysts in polymeric materials makes their application in biomedical products difficult, due to toxicity requirements. In this context, enzymatic catalysis is gaining ground, offering milder synthesis temperatures, high selectivity, and uniformity of synthesized products. This biotechnological route can substitute oligomerization processes with metallic catalysis in future industrial processes, producing materials free from metallic contamination. In addition to production by catalytic routes, trends for future applications of succinic (co)polyesters are presented, with emphasis on the value‐added materials sectors.
Enhancing the adsorption affinity of cellulose acetate film toward cationic dye by incorporating Cloisite 30B grafted with polyacrylic acid
Authors: Kandil Heba , Moghazy Reda M. , Amin Amal
Published: December 2022

Cellulose acetate (CA) is known for its low adsorption affinity toward dyes, hence this study aims to improve its adsorption affinity toward cationic dyes by introducing Cloisite 30B grafted with polyacrylic acid (C30B‐g‐PAA). C30B‐g‐PAA was synthesized by grafting polyacrylic acid (PAA) onto Cloisite 30B (C30B) using in‐situ reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Different weight ratios of unmodified (raw) and modified (C30B‐g‐PAA) C30B (0, 25, and 50 wt%) were incorporated into CA matrices to prepare a series of CA nanocomposite films. The results showed that the adsorption affinity of the prepared nanocomposite films increased toward cationic methylene blue (MB) dye with incorporating either unmodified or modified C30B, but a significant improvement was observed with the incorporating C30B‐g‐PAA with a maximum adsorption capacity of 53 mg/g for a load of 50 wt%. This indicates that the surface modification of C30B with PAA was effective in enhancing the adsorption efficacy of CA. The kinetic and isotherm studies showed that the adsorption behavior of CA nanocomposite film with 50 wt% of C30B‐g‐PAA followed pseudo‐second‐order and Langmuir isothermal model. Regeneration study showed good reusability of CA nanocomposite film with 50 wt% of C30B‐g‐PAA. These results demonstrate that the nanocomposite film with 50 wt% of C30B‐g‐PAA can be used as a highly efficient, easy to separate, and reusable adsorbent material to remove MB dye from wastewater.
Selective somatostatin receptor 5 inhibition improves hepatic insulin sensitivity
Authors: Tamura Yumiko Okano , Sugama Jun , Abe Shin‐ichi , Shimizu Yuji , Hirose Hideki , Watanabe Masanori
Published: December 2022

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder with an increasing global prevalence. Somatostatin (SST), a peptide hormone, regulates hormone secretion via five SST receptor (SSTR) subtypes (SSTR1–5) in a tissue‐specific manner. As SSTR5 is expressed in pancreatic β‐cells and intestinal L‐cells, studies have suggested that SSTR5 regulates glucose tolerance through insulin and incretin secretion, thereby having a prominent role in diabetes. Moreover, SSTR5 knockout (KO) mice display enhanced insulin sensitivity; however, the underlying mechanism has not been clarified. Therefore, in this study, we investigate the effect of SSTR5 blockade on insulin resistance and the target organ using SSTR5 KO mice and a selective SSTR5 antagonist (compound‐1). High‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed SSTR5 KO mice exhibited significantly lower homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) than HFD‐fed wild‐type mice. Two‐week oral administration of compound‐1 dose‐dependently and significantly reduced changes in the levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (GHb), plasma glucose, plasma insulin, and HOMA‐IR in male KK‐Ay/Ta Jcl mice (KK‐Ay mice), a model of obese type 2 diabetes with severe insulin resistance. Additionally, compound‐1 significantly increased the glucose infusion rate while decreasing hepatic glucose production in male KK‐Ay mice, as evidenced by hyperinsulinemic‐euglycemic clamp analyses. In addition, compound‐1 ameliorated the insulin‐induced Akt phosphorylation suppression by octreotide in the liver of male C57BL/6J mice. Collectively, our results demonstrate that selective SSTR5 inhibition can improve insulin sensitivity by enhancing liver insulin action; thus, selective SSTR5 antagonists represent potentially novel therapeutic agents for type 2 diabetes.
Characterization and Visible Light‐Driven Photocatalytic Activity of BiVO4/BiOCl/Bi2S3 Nanocomposites Prepared by Sonochemical Process
Authors: Kansaard Thanaphon , Ishihara Keiichi N. , Pecharapa Wisanu
Published: December 2022

Photodecomposition performance enhancement of BiVO4 is carried out by combining it with compatible semiconductors, such as bismuth oxyhalides and sulfide‐based photocatalyst materials. In this article, the synthesis of BiVO4/BiOCl/Bi2S3 is carried out by a one‐step sonochemical process at room temperature with various S:Bi mole ratios (1:9, 2:8, and 3:7). The crystallinity and morphological features of the synthesized powders display a BiVO4 monoclinic phase accompanied by BiOCl tetragonal and Bi2S3 orthorhombic phases. Field‐emission electron microscopy micrographs show an irregular shape with various particle sizes and layering with the characteristic shape of BiOCl. The optical bandgap of the composites has various values in the range of 1.3–3.3 eV. The best photocatalytic performance is observed for the 2–8 composite sample, which produced complete degradation of RhB, with k = 0.17 min−1, after 20 min of visible light exposure.
Partial analysis increments as diagnostic for LETKF data assimilation systems
Authors: Diefenbach Theresa , Craig George , Keil Christian , Scheck Leonhard , Weissmann Martin
Published: December 2022

Local ensemble transform Kalman filters (LETKFs) allow explicit calculation of the Kalman gain, and by this the contribution of individual observations to the analysis field. Though this is a known feature, the information on the analysis contribution of individual observations (partial analysis increment) has not been used as systematic diagnostic up to now despite providing valuable information. In this study, we demonstrate three potential applications based on partial analysis increments in the regional modelling system of Deutscher Wetterdienst and propose their use for optimising LETKF data assimilation systems, in particular with respect to satellite data assimilation and localisation. While exact calculation of partial analysis increments would require saving the large, five‐dimensional ensemble weight matrix in the analysis step, it is possible to compute an approximation from standard LETKF output. We calculate the Kalman gain based on ensemble analysis perturbations, which is an approximation in the case of localisation. However, this only introduces minor errors, as the localisation function changes very gradually among nearby grid points. On the other hand, the influence of observations always depends on the presence of other observations and settings for the observation error and for localisation. However, the influence of observations behaves approximately linearly, meaning that the assimilation of other observations primarily decreases the magnitude of the influence, but it does not change the overall structure of the partial analysis increments. This means that the calculation of partial analysis increments can be used as an efficient diagnostic to investigate the three‐dimensional influence of observations in the assimilation system. Furthermore, the diagnostic can be used to detect whether the influence of additional experimental observations is in accordance with other observations without conducting computationally expensive single‐observation experiments. Last but not least, the calculation can be used to approximate the influence an observation would have when applying different assimilation settings.