bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A management case study of a Grey-headed Flying-fox Pteropus poliocephalus camp on residential land
Authors: Mo Matthew , Oliver Lorraine , Coutts-McClelland Kylie , Jones Nathaly , Gregory Joshua
Published: March 2022

The management of a Grey-headed Flying-fox Pteropus poliocephalus camp in Berry, New South Wales, is a case study of the challenges faced by local councils and state environment agencies trying to address flying-fox impacts on residential communities. This camp is located wholly within residential lots and was first reported to Shoalhaven City Council in June 2019. Council and the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) collaborated on engagement with residents to encourage community involvement and cohesion in the development of a management approach. This included sharing information on effectiveness of management actions at other camps, including dispersal attempts, to encourage residents to think more broadly about management options that would meet their needs. Conflicts between residents occurred due to different perspectives on the impact of the flying-foxes and when some residents repeatedly used noise to disturb flying-foxes, causing knock-on effects for other residents. Council and DPIE responded both indirectly through conversations and directly through issuing directives to cease harassment of flying-foxes. Council implemented a subsidy program to assist residents with options including high-pressure water cleaners and swimming pool covers. A vegetation management action plan was developed in collaboration with residents and implemented, with contractors selectively removing and lopping vegetation to increase distance between roosting flying-foxes and dwellings. Overall, resident surveys returned mostly positive satisfaction ratings of the management response. This case study highlights the unique challenges of managing flying-fox camps occurring wholly within residential properties, including defining responsibilities between stakeholders and establishing a cohesive management approach between affected residents. An additional challenge was presented during extreme heat events, which resulted in flying-fox carcasses amassing in backyards. Nevertheless, the case study demonstrated how important it is to engage the community in the development of management options, leveraging stakeholder support for decisions and establishing a shared understanding that all stakeholders are responsible for management outcomes.
Frequency of Water Change on Growth Performance, Nutrient Utilization and Liver Histology of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Dauda Akeem Babatunde , Ajadi Abdulateeef , Bashir Zainab , Ikpe Joseph
Published: March 2022

The study was conducted to investigate the frequency of water change on the growth performance, nutrient utilization and body indices of Oreochromis niloticus juveniles. O. niloticus of average body weight of 15 g were stocked and fed with 42% crude protein diet twice daily. The experiment had three treatments with 50% changing of water, every 2days, every 4days and every 7days. The water quality parameters were not significantly different among the treatments except for pH. Weight gain, percentage weight gain and specific growth rate were slightly higher in the 4days interval of changing water with values; 57.65±8.95 g, 33.93±5.16 % and 0.52±0.07 % day-1 respectively. Higher but not significant yield in relation to the volume of water used was obtained in 7days interval (0.46±0.09 Kg m-3). Slightly higher values of condition factor, viscerosomatic index and hepatosomatic index were recorded in the 4days water changing interval. Higher glycogen content was observed in water changes every 4days. All the livers were healthy with the mildest vacuolations in the treatment with water changes once in a week. The results showed that O. niloticus juveniles can be reared with water changes every 7days with no negative consequences. Water changes every 4days tended towards the best.
Modelling and Optimization of Portfolio in a DC Scheme with Return of Contributions and Tax using Weibull Force Function
Authors: K. N. C. Njoku, , E. E. Akpanibah,
Published: March 2022

One of the major challenges faced by most pension fund managers in the defined pension (DC) scheme is how best member’s contributions can be invested to yield maximum returns. To achieve this, there is need to model and developed a robust investment plan which takes into consideration the volatility of the stock market price, tax on investment on risky assets and the mortality risk of its members. Based on this, the optimal portfolio distribution of a DC pension scheme with return of premium clause is studied where the mortality force function is characterized by the Weibull model and the investment in risky asset is subject to a certain proportion of tax. A portfolio with a risk-free asset and a risky asset modeled by the geometric Brownian motion such that the remaining accumulations are equally distributed between the remaining members is considered. Furthermore, the game theoretic approach is used to establish an optimization problem from the extended Hamilton Jacobi Bellman (HJB) equation which is a non-linear partial differential equation (PDE). Using variable separation method, closed form solutions of the optimal portfolio distribution and the efficient frontier are obtained. Lastly, some numerical simulations are used to study the impact of some the parameters on the optimal portfolio distribution with observations that the optimal portfolio distribution developed by the fund manager is inversely proportional to the tax imposed on the risky asset, risk averse coefficient, initial fund size, and risk free interest rate but directly proportional to time.
Statistical Forecasting of Crime Rate in Southern Region of India
Authors: Venkateswaran M. , Kumar M. Hemanth , Kumar Lalit
Published: March 2022

This paper deals with the study on crime rate in southern region (Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and Puducherry) of India. The data has collected from the well-defined source. A statistical approach has considered in analyzing the data for forecasting the behavior of the pattern of the data. The autocorrelation and partial autocorrelation has verified and presented as graphs. A detailed interpretation has presented for each state along with the concluding remarks.
Renewable Energy Consumption and Economic Growth in Uganda
Authors: S. Mutumba Geoffrey , Mubiinzi Geoffrey , Milly Kaddu , Otim Jacob
Published: March 2022

This paper concerns itself with the relationship of renewable energy consumption on economic growth in Uganda using data of 1988-2018. Uganda is gifted with renewable energy resources and should be exploring the possibility of meeting the Sustainable Development Goal 7. This paper uses vector error correction model, the augmented Dickey Fuller test for stationarity while for cointegration the Johansen test were used. The Granger test was used to test for causality between the variables of interest. The findings indicate a negative relationship between renewable energy and economic growth. While a positive relationship exist between Gross Domestic Product and gross capita formation, electricity trade, carbon dioxide emissions and Trade Openness that are taken as controls of this model. In conclusion therefore, Uganda need to pursue clean energy policies, while expanding its electricity trade in the East African community in order to absorb the excess electricity supply over peak domestic consumption. This paper will also increase the understanding on the need to integrate energy markets with in the region for greater benefits.
Effect of Boehmite Nanoparticles Surface Adsorbed with Vanadium on the Microstructure and Hardness of the Melted Zone in the Submerged Arc Welding Process
Authors: Naderian Pooria , Aghakhani Masood , Heydarian Kourosh , Khoshboo Soheil
Published: March 2022

One of the most important weld quality characteristics related to the strength of the weld is the hardness of melted zone (HMZ) that is affected by different input parameters in the submerged arc welding process. In recent years, expensive nanomaterials have been effectively used in improving the quality of products in various fields. Keeping this in mind, it was therefore, decided to use a cost-effective approach to extract expensive and poisonous vanadium, from the hazardous wastewater collected from the Bistoon thermal power plant in Kermanshah province in Iran, and then introduce it into the weld pool via the cheap boehmite nanoparticles to investigate its impact on the HMZ. A five-level five-factor rotatable central composite design was then employed for collecting data in modeling of the HMZ as a function of arc voltage (V), welding current (I), stick-out (N), welding speed (S), and thickness of boehmite nanoparticles surface adsorbed with vanadium (F) coated on low-carbon steel plates (St37) prior to actual welding. The results showed that the addition of boehmite nanoparticles surface adsorbed with vanadium increased the HMZ by 13 % approximately.
Prevalence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profiles of Salmonella Species in Poultry Farm Environments in Ghana
Authors: Abilla Rahman , Adelani Adetunde Lawrence , Boahen Kennedy Gyau , Ofori Linda Aurelia
Published: March 2022

Background: Poultry is one of most consumed meat products in Ghana. Outbreaks of Salmonella spp infections due to consumption of contaminated undercooked poultry products are of high risk to human health. This study determined the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance patterns of Salmonella spp in the poultry environment in the Kwabre East municipality.

Method: A total of 114 samples consisting of 38 faecal, 38 dust and 38 feed were taken from a total of 38 farms that consented to the study. Sterile nurse’s caps were worn over the boot to collect faecal and worn over the palm to collect dust samples whilst a sterile spatula was used to collect feed samples. Salmonella was isolated using standard culture and biochemical methods. The antimicrobial susceptibility and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) profile was determined using the disk diffusion method under the guidelines and interpretations published by (CLSI, 2018).

Results: In all, five (5/38; 13.2 %) of the farms were positive for Salmonella with a sample level prevalence of 5.3 % (n=6). Layers were predominantly reared (92.1 %) and all the samples positive for Salmonella (n=6; 17.1 %) were from the layers. Salmonella strains were prevalent in the dust (n=3; 50 %) followed by faecal matter and then feed. Antimicrobial agents were widely used by farmers for treatment purposes. Salmonella strains were resistant to tetracycline (100 %), trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (66.7 %), ampicillin (50 %), chloramphenicol (50 %) and ciprofloxacin (16.7 %). Multi-drug resistance (MDR) was observed among four (n=4; 66.7 %) Salmonella strains.

Conclusion: The presence of Salmonella in poultry environment and the emergence of multiple drug resistant is a major risk for poultry product contamination. Finding from this study will guide decontamination policies in targeting Salmonella in the poultry industry. It will be needful to also investigate the molecular mechanism of antimicrobial resistance and characterize the strains using molecular methods.
Excavation of a Bronze Age wicker container, Gearraidh na h'Aibhne, Isle of Lewis
Authors: Duffy Paul R J , Burgess Christopher , Holmes Mark , Miller Jennifer , Ramsay Susan
Published: March 2022

An archaeological excavation was carried out at Gearraidh na h'Aibhne near Calanais on the Isle of Lewis (NGR: NB 2333 3068) by Northamptonshire Archaeology, working for Glasgow University Archaeological Research Division (GUARD) as part of the Historic Scotland Human Remains Call Off Contract. The site, initially interpreted as a cist potentially containing a bog body, was identified during annual peat cutting. Excavation demonstrated that the feature was in fact an oval pit containing a quantity of hazel branches, capped with a number of flat slabs of Lewisian Gneiss. Several similar stones had been placed in the base of the feature, overlying more hazel branches.
Cramond Roman fort
Authors: Masser Paul , Evans Jeremy , Hastie Mhairi , Hunter Fraser
Published: March 2022

Excavation on the site of an extension to Cramond Kirk Hall (NGR: NT 1907 7685) has provided new evidence for the layout of the defences of the Roman fort, the route of the road immediately beyond it and for the phases of Roman military occupation at Cramond postulated by previous excavators. The features encountered included a broad right-angled ditch, possibly part of the outer defences, turning at this point to run parallel with the road into the fort. Three much slighter parallel ditches or gullies at the south end of the site are tentatively identified as drainage features beside the Roman road which, on this interpretation, would lie just beyond the limit of excavation. At a later date, the ditch had been allowed to silt up and features including pits and a stone box-drain were cut on a different alignment, through the fill of the earlier ditch; a well was also cut across two of the roadside ditches. These later features appear to represent encroachment of extramural settlement on the defences during the Severan occupation, at a time when a large defended annexe had been constructed to the east of the fort.
Kombinat: The Unseen and Their Architectural Oddkins
Authors: Pllumbi Dorina
Published: March 2022

Architectural researcher Dorina Pllumbi explores the appropriation of an ex‐industrial area of Albania for dwelling purposes. She points out the need for the architectural discipline to learn from the unconventional process of transformation of these realities by their new inhabitants.
Ultrafast, Light, Soft Martensitic Materials
Authors: Ahmed Ejaz , Karothu Durga Prasad , Slimani Ahmed , Mahmoud Halabi Jad , Tahir Ibrahim , Canales Kevin Quirós , Naumov Panče
Published: March 2022

Martensitic transformations are well documented in metals and alloys where the atoms connected via metallic bonds rearrange concertedly and rapidly; however, due to the metal atoms, these materials are inherently very dense and add significant weight and bulkiness to actuating devices. Here, remarkably rapid lattice switching of molecular martensitic materials is reported where the rate of structural transformation exceeds other phase transitions several orders of magnitude. With a determined speed in the range of 0.3–0.6 m s−1, the new phase advances throughout the crystal about ten thousand times faster relative to spin‐crossover transitions, and about hundred to hundred thousand times faster than other common structural phase transitions. Macroscopic crystals of these materials respond by rapid expansion or contraction of about 0.02 m s−1 for unrestrained crystals and 0.02–0.03 m s−1 for clamped crystals. Monte–Carlo simulation of the spatiotemporal profile of the transition and of the local distribution of elastic and kinetic energies induced by domain growth reveals the critical role of the dynamic phase boundary and the lattice edges in the structure switching. Within a broader context, this study indicates that the martensitic organic crystals are prospective lightweight substitutes of metals for ultrafast and clean energy transduction.
Anion Immobilization Enabled by Cation‐Selective Separators for Dendrite‐Free Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Zhao Qing , Zhou Rongkun , Wang Chengjie , Kang Jianxin , Zhang Qianqian , Liu Jingbing , Jin Yuhong , Wang Hao , Zheng Zilong , Guo Lin
Published: March 2022

The lithium dendrite issue is a major bottleneck that limits the utilization of lithium metal anodes in high‐energy rechargeable batteries. From the perspective of the dendrite nucleation mechanism, this work develops a new type of cation‐selective (CS) separator with anion immobilization behavior to boost the lithium metal anode. By taking advantage of the poly(vinylidene fluoride) matrix, a strong binding force with anions contributes to an excellent CS property of the separator, which is further confirmed by molecular dynamics simulations. The CS separator developed in this work presents a high lithium‐ion transference number up to 0.81. Considering such a dramatically reduced transference number of anions, it can prolong the nucleation time of lithium dendrite and thus achieve a high‐stable Li plating/stripping cycling for 1000 h at a high applied current density of 3 mA cm−2. The Li metal stabilization function of the CS separator is further studied in detail through both in‐situ and ex‐situ observations of dendrites growth. When integrating into lithium metal batteries (LMBs), the CS separators also contribute to enhanced electrochemical performances including discharge capacity, rate capability, and cycling durability. This work is anticipated to provide considerable insight for the creative design of CS separators toward dendrite‐free LMBs.
Host–Guest Intercalation Chemistry for the Synthesis and Modification of Two‐Dimensional Transition Metal Dichalcogenides
Authors: Wu Jiajing , Peng Jing , Sun Haofeng , Guo Yuqiao , Liu Hongfei , Wu Changzheng , Xie Yi
Published: March 2022

Intercalation chemistry is of great importance in solid‐state physics and chemistry for the ability to modulate electronic structures for constructing new materials with exotic properties. This ancient and versatile discipline has recently become prevailing in the synthesis and regulation of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) with atomic thickness due to diverse host–guest configurations and their impact on layered frameworks, which bring in extensive applications in electronics, optoelectronics, and other energy‐based devices. In order to prepare 2D TMD materials with desired structure and properties, it is essential to gain in‐depth understanding of the key role the intercalation chemistry plays in the preparation process. A focused review on recent advances regarding 2D TMD materials through intercalation exfoliation from the view of host, guest, and solvent interactions is provided. The effect of intercalation chemistry on TMD nanosheets synthesis and modification is comprehensively reviewed. The interactions between host and guest from the aspects of lattice strain, interlayer distance, and carrier density are considered. Finally, a prospectus of the future research opportunities for the intercalation chemistry of 2D materials is provided.
Integrated Afterglow and Self‐Trapped Exciton Emissions in Hybrid Metal Halides for Anti‐Counterfeiting Applications
Authors: Luo Zhishan , Liu Yejing , Liu Yulian , Li Chen , Li Yawen , Li Qian , Wei Yi , Zhang Liming , Xu Bin , Chang Xiaoyong , Quan Zewei
Published: March 2022

0D hybrid metal halides (0D HMHs) are considered to be promising luminescent emitters. 0D HMHs commonly exhibit self‐trapped exciton (STE) emissions originating from the inorganic metal halide anion units. Exploring and utilizing the emission features of the organic cation units in 0D HMHs is highly desired to enrich their optical properties as multifunctional luminescent materials. Here, tunable emissions from organic and inorganic units are successfully achieved in triphenylsulfonium (Ph3S+)‐based 0D HMHs. Notably, integrated afterglow and STE emissions with adjustable intensities are obtained in (Ph3S)2Sn1−xTexCl6 (x = 0–1) via the delicate combination of [SnCl6]2− and [TeCl6]2−. Moreover, such a strategy can be readily extended to develop other HMH materials with intriguing optical properties. As a demonstration, 0D (Ph3S)2Zn1−xMnxCl4 (x = 0–1) are constructed to achieve integrated afterglow and Mn2+ d–d emissions with high efficiency. Consequently, these novel 0D HMHs with colorful afterglow and STE emissions are applied in multiple anti‐counterfeiting applications.
Recent Advances and Strategies toward Polysulfides Shuttle Inhibition for High‐Performance Li–S Batteries
Authors: Huang Youzhang , Lin Liang , Zhang Chengkun , Liu Lie , Li Yikai , Qiao Zhensong , Lin Jie , Wei Qiulong , Wang Laisen , Xie Qingshui , Peng Dong‐Liang
Published: March 2022

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries are regarded as the most promising next‐generation energy storage systems due to their high energy density and cost‐effectiveness. However, their practical applications are seriously hindered by several inevitable drawbacks, especially the shuttle effects of soluble lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) which lead to rapid capacity decay and short cycling lifespan. This review specifically concentrates on the shuttle path of LiPSs and their interaction with the corresponding cell components along the moving way, systematically retrospect the recent advances and strategies toward polysulfides diffusion suppression. Overall, the strategies for the shuttle effect inhibition can be classified into four parts, including capturing the LiPSs in the sulfur cathode, reducing the dissolution in electrolytes, blocking the shuttle channels by functional separators, and preventing the chemical reaction between LiPSs and Li metal anode. Herein, the fundamental aspect of Li–S batteries is introduced first to give an in‐deep understanding of the generation and shuttle effect of LiPSs. Then, the corresponding strategies toward LiPSs shuttle inhibition along the diffusion path are discussed step by step. Finally, general conclusions and perspectives for future research on shuttle issues and practical application of Li–S batteries are proposed.
Switchable Adhesion: On‐Demand Bonding and Debonding
Authors: Liu Ziyang , Yan Feng
Published: March 2022

Adhesives have a long and illustrious history throughout human history. The development of synthetic polymers has highly improved adhesions in terms of their strength and environmental tolerance. As soft robotics, flexible electronics, and intelligent gadgets become more prevalent, adhesives with changeable adhesion capabilities will become more necessary. These adhesives should be programmable and switchable, with the ability to respond to light, electromagnetic fields, thermal, and other stimuli. These requirements necessitate novel concepts in adhesion engineering and material science. Considerable studies have been carried out to develop a wide range of adhesives. This review focuses on stimuli‐responsive material‐based adhesives, outlining current research on switchable and controlled adhesives, including design and manufacturing techniques. Finally, the potential for smart adhesives in applications, and the development of future adhesive forms are critically suggested.
Spin‐Glass State above Room Temperature in a Layered Nickelate Lan+1NinO3n+1
Authors: Song Chuangye , Li Xuanyi , Meng Fanqi , Zhang Qinghua , Ma Ji , Guo Tengyu , Zhang Yuelin , Zhou Song , Gu Lin , Meng Sheng , Wu Kehui
Published: March 2022

Oxide interfaces provide a fertile ground for new forms of magnetic textures that arise from different symmetry constraints, proximity effects, and charge transfer. Here, a room‐temperature spin glass state stabilized in heterostructures of the ferromagnetic metallic oxide La2/3Sr1/3MnO3 (LSMO) and the layered Lan+1NinO3n+1 (L‐LNO) is reported. Electron energy loss spectra and depth‐profile X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveal the interfacial electron transfer from Mn3+ to localized Ni3+ states. Density functional theory calculations indicate that charge transfer drives the enhancement of ferromagnetic exchange interaction in the nickelate, leading to the formation of local magnetic order. The room temperature spin‐glass state in this artificially engineered LSMO/L‐LNO bilayer structure affords opportunities for designing emergent topological spin textures and spintronic devices.
Southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) population demographics at major calving ground Head of Bight, South Australia, 1991–2016
Authors: Charlton Claire , McCauley Robert D. , Brownell Robert L. , Ward Rhianne , Bannister John L. , Salgado Kent Chandra , Burnell Stephen
Published: March 2022

Demographic parameters were estimated for southern right whales (SRWs), Eubalaena australis, using photo‐identification (photo‐ID) and count data collected during annual cliff‐based surveys at the Head of the Great Australian Bight (HoB), South Australia between 1991 and 2016. Photo‐ID and count data were contributed from the annual aerial surveys of the south‐western population in Australia (1993–2016).

The HoB photo‐ID database included 1,186 non‐calf individuals, with 459 reproductive females. HoB is an open population and represents a relative proportion (0.48–0.21) of the overall south‐western population, which is decreasing with population growth.

No change was detected in the growth rate at HoB over time (1992–2016) and there was no significant difference when compared to the overall south‐western population. The estimated mean rate of increase for all SRW was 3.2% (± 1.3) per annum and for females with a calf was 4.6% (± 1.7) per annum at HoB, compared to 5.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 3.78, 7.36) and 6.01% (95% CI, 3.78, 7.36), respectively for the south‐western population during the same period.

The apparent mean calving interval was 3.3 years (SD = 0.78, ± 0.14, 95% CI; 1996–2016), and a significant increase to 4 years was observed since 2015. The apparent mean age at first parturition was 9.0 years. The minimum estimated age of the oldest whale was 50 and oldest lactating female 41 years old.

The SRW demographic data provides information for monitoring recovery, population status, species conservation management and global comparative studies. There is a need to understand fluctuations in calving intervals, threats to the population and implications for species recovery.
How can a new UN ocean treaty change the course of capacity building?
Authors: Harden‐Davies Harriet , Amon Diva J. , Chung Tyler‐Rae , Gobin Judith , Hanich Quentin , Hassanali Kahlil , Jaspars Marcel , Pouponneau Angelique , Soapi Katy , Talma Sheena , Vierros Marjo
Published: March 2022

Few States are able to undertake scientific research in the half of the planet that lies in marine areas beyond national jurisdiction. Capacity building is therefore a key part of the development of a new international legally binding instrument for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction, under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (BBNJ Agreement).

The final negotiations for the BBNJ Agreement are scheduled for early 2022, after almost two decades of development. There is an urgent need to address remaining questions relating to capacity building to secure an effective and equitable outcome from this process and safeguard the global ocean commons.

Persisting gaps in scientific capacity cast doubt on the adequacy of past and current approaches to implement long‐standing international commitments. There is a need to build equitable partnerships for long‐term outcomes.

As an international legally binding instrument, the BBNJ Agreement is a critical opportunity to change the course of capacity building by strengthening the international legal framework, including funding, information‐sharing, monitoring and decision‐making.

This rapidly closing window to develop international legal obligations, collaboration frameworks and funding mechanisms is relevant not only to the conservation of the global ocean commons, but also for ocean sustainability more generally as the UN Ocean Decade begins.
Electroacupuncture alleviates multifidus muscle injury by modulating mitochondrial function and Ca2+ uptake
Authors: Li Xia , Zhao Jun , Lv Qiaoqiao , Tian Yuan , Zhang Li , Liu Tong
Published: March 2022

Multifidus muscles maintain the stability of the lumbar spine and play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of nonspecific lower back pain. Previous studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) can relieve the symptoms of low back pain and reduce injury to the lumbar multifidus muscles. In this study, a rat model of lumbar multifidus muscle injury was established by 0.05% bupivacaine injection and subsequently treated with EA at bilateral “Weizhong” (BL40) acupoints. Disruption of the function and structure of multifidus muscles, increased cytosolic Ca2+ in multifidus myocytes, and reduced mitochondrial fission and ATP production were observed in the model group. Additionally, increased expression of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) promoted mitochondrial reuptake of Ca2+, reversing the excessive increase in cytoplasmic Ca2+. However, the excessive increase in MCU not only aggravated the increased cytoplasmic Ca2+ but also decreased the expression of the mitochondrial division proteins dynamin‐related protein 1 (Drp1) and mitochondrial fission factor (MFF). EA inhibited the overexpression of MCU, promoted mitochondrial reuptake of Ca2+, and reversed cytosolic Ca2+ overload. Furthermore, EA regulated the expression of the mitochondrial fission proteins Drp1 and MFF and promoted the production of ATP, helping the recovery of mitochondrial function after multifidus injury. Therefore, EA can protect against bupivacaine‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction, possibly by attenuating MCU overexpression in the inner mitochondrial membrane and reducing Ca2+ overloading in muscle cells, thereby protecting mitochondrial function and maintaining the normal energy demand of muscle cells.
Black Phosphorus‐Based Lithium‐Ion Capacitor
Authors: Ju O Min , Hui Jeong Jun , Hyeok Park Jong , Ahn Hyo‐Jun , Chul Roh Kwang
Published: March 2022

Black phosphorus (BP) with high theoretical capacity has received attention in lithium‐ion capacitors (LICs). Nevertheless, it is difficult to introduce BP to LICs due to poor rate capability and cycling stability. In this study, we implement BP‐based LIC by introducing BP/C composite with improved above mentions problems. The composite exhibits capacities of 2156 and 1088 mAh g−1 at 0.1 and 5.0 A g−1, respectively, and good cycling stability over 1000 cycles. It is the results of improved electrical conductivity and mitigated volume expansion by embedded structure with BP in amorphous carbon and covalent bonding at interface. The LIC delivers maximum energy and power density of 178 Wh kg−1 at 30 W kg−1 and 3.0 kW kg−1 at 65 Wh kg−1, respectively, and capacitance retention of 85 % after 5000 cycles. The BP has been successfully introduced into LIC and has the ample potential for application in electric vehicles.
Photodissociation of acetone revisited: Femtosecond transient absorption of S1 state and highly excited Rydberg state in the gas phase
Authors: Jin Seung Min , Yang Ilseung , Kim Hyung Min
Published: March 2022

Photodissociation dynamics of acetone in gas phase were, for the first time, investigated using the pump‐probe technique of femtosecond transient absorption. To obtain a genuine time profile of nR state, we employed 200‐nm and 400‐nm pulses for two‐photon excitation and three‐photon excitation, respectively. In gas phase of acetone, the extraordinarily stable nR state originated from nR states in the Franck–Condon region, whose decay time constant was 350 ± 10 fs, was observed after excitation by three‐photon absorption of 400‐nm pulses. In the low‐power case of 267 nm, the photodissociation dynamics in the S1 state by one‐photon absorption showed that acetone was completely dissociated into two methyl radicals and C=O via an acetyl radical intermediate with a lifetime of 200 ± 10 fs. In the high‐power case of 267‐nm light, we interpreted the transient, although this is a subject of ongoing debate, as caused by both the photodissociation dynamics of the S1 state for a fast component and the dynamics of nR states for long‐lived species.
Synthesis, Herbicidal Activity and Toxicity Evaluation of Secondary Ammonium Salts from Turpentine Oil for Sustainable Weed Control
Authors: Dong Huanhuan , Zhang Hongmei , Xu Shichao , Wang Jing , Dai Songlin , Chen Yuxiang , Bi Liangwu , Zhao Zhendong
Published: March 2022

Three series of secondary ammonium chloride from turpentine were synthesized and evaluated as botanical herbicides. The preemergence herbicidal activities against ryegrass (Loliun multiflorum) and barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus‐galli) were investigated using water as the only solvent. Their toxicity was evaluated by cytotoxicity assays. Preliminary results demonstrated that the herbicidal performance of the prepared salts was similar or much higher than that of corresponding secondary amines and even commercial herbicide glyphosate. Promisingly, compound 14e containing a cyclohexyl‐substituted p‐menthene skeleton with an IC50 value of 0.0014 mM against root growth of ryegrass showed 39‐fold higher herbicidal activity than glyphosate. Besides, this compound was found to be nontoxic to human and animal cells, indicating the potential application as a water‐soluble herbicide for ryegrass control.
Facilitating future access to the coronary arteries in patients who need transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A significant step in the right direction
Authors: Postalian Alexander , Krajcer Zvonimir
Published: March 2022

Key Points

Ensuring ease of future access to the coronary arteries in patients who need transcatheter aortic valves is of growing importance.

The self‐expanding Evolut valve has commissures that, if not adequately aligned, can make future coronary access particularly difficult.

The authors provide convincing evidence that inserting the delivery system with the flush port at the 3 o'clock position, while orienting the “hat” marker toward the aortic outer curve or center front position, results in higher rates of favorable commissural alignment.

It is our hope that upcoming iterations of the device will be designed to facilitate future percutaneous coronary intervention in patients who require it.
Clinical risk overlaps both bare metal and drug‐eluting stents
Authors: Tehrani David M. , Seto Arnold H.
Published: March 2022

Key Points

Similar to the era of bare‐metal stents, there is increased risk of myocardial infraction and target vessel revascularization in the presence of stent overlap when using drug‐eluting stents (DES).

This increased risk of events was present regardless of DES generation or polymer delivery system type.

These findings highlight the importance of pre‐intervention planning with imaging‐guided percutaneous coronary intervention.
Enhanced attribute based encryption technique for secured access in cloud storage for personal health records
Authors: N Saravanan , A Umamakeswari
Published: March 2022

Recent development of medical information technology uses personal health record (PHR) system, which allows the patients to create, store and share their own health information with doctors, nurses, health insurance providers, and family members. However, it has the security and privacy issues. The secret key generation is the major task by performing different algorithms on attribute based encryption (ABE) technique. This method helps to identify the trusted authority using secret key verification on the decryption process. The revocation scheme is performed to reduce the attributes for improving the performance. The drawback of existing method is overcome by the proposed system in which the PHR file is securely accessed by performing enhanced encryption and decryption of ABE technique. Here the matrix based lattice algorithm is proposed with bit plane transformation of decomposition matrices. Attribute reduction and secret key encryption is performed to improve the result of reliability, security, and scalability. The plain text is created to cipher text as key and it holds the encrypted PHR file on the cloud storage, which is retrieved only by the trusted authority. The proposed method is analyzed and compared with the existing work and achieves greater results than most of the recent related literature.
Manipulating the Self‐Assembly of Multicomponent Low Molecular Weight Gelators (LMWGs) through Molecular Design
Authors: Loos Jeanette N. , D'Acierno Francesco , Vijay Mody Urmi , MacLachlan Mark J.
Published: March 2022

Multicomponent low molecular weight gelators (LMWGs) may self‐assemble by co‐assembly (CA), social self‐sorting (SSS), or narcissistic self‐sorting (NSS). Understanding the nuances of the self‐assembly processes is important to predict the behavior of multicomponent organogels. Here, we investigate the effect of molecular structure on self‐assembly in a series of amino‐acid based bicomponent LMWGs that differ in headgroup and alkyl chain length. Packing preference of the organogels was determined using differential scanning calorimetry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and small angle X‐ray scattering. From 66 bicomponent samples we found 50 CA, 14 SSS and 2 NSS. Furthermore, we performed statistical analysis to investigate the role of hydrophobicity and chain length on the overall pathway of self‐assembly for these systems. We found the hydrophobicity of the headgroup strongly affected the assembly preference of the organogel, but alkyl chain length only played a small role.
Effects of a lifestyle intervention on body composition in prostate cancer patients on androgen deprivation therapy
Authors: Chaplow Zachary L. , Focht Brian C. , Lucas Alexander R. , Grainger Elizabeth , Simpson Christina , Buell Jackie , Fairman Ciaran M. , Thomas‐Ahner Jennifer M. , Bowman Jessica , DeScenza Victoria R. , Monk J. Paul , Mortazavi Amir , Clinton Steven K.
Published: March 2022

Background

Exercise and dietary (EX+D) interventions could represent an optimal treatment for attenuating or reversing adverse effects of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in prostate cancer (PCa) patients. The Individualized Diet and Exercise Adherence‐Pilot (IDEA‐P) trial compared the effects of an EX+D intervention relative to standard‐of‐care (SC) treatment among PCa patients undergoing ADT. The present study evaluated the effects of the EX+D intervention on body composition (BC) obtained via dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) in a subsample of IDEA‐P patients. A secondary objective was to explore the association of adiposity and lean mass with mobility performance and strength.

Methods

Complete DXA data were acquired from a subsample of 22 PCa patients (EX+D: n = 13; SC: n = 9) at baseline and 3 month follow‐up. Intention‐to‐treat analysis included data from 30 participants (M age = 66.28; SD = 7.79) with baseline DXA assessments.

Results

Intention‐to‐treat analysis revealed EX+D resulted in significant improvements in fat mass (P = 0.022), per cent fat mass (P = 0.028), trunk fat mass (P = 0.017), fat mass/lean mass (P = 0.040), and per cent lean mass (P = 0.026) vs. SC. EX+D also resulted in more favourable changes in appendicular lean mass/body mass (d = 0.59). Select BC outcomes were also significantly correlated with mobility performance and strength (P < 0.05) at 3 month follow‐up.

Conclusions

Findings suggest the EX+D intervention resulted in superior preservation of lean tissue and improvement in adiposity relative to SC treatment. Results underscore the utility of implementing EX+D interventions for preserving muscle mass and reducing adiposity in PCa patients undergoing ADT.
Frailty in long‐term Dutch adult survivors of childhood acute myeloid leukaemia, neuroblastoma, and Wilms' tumour
Authors: Verwaaijen Emma J. , Corbijn Daniëlle M. , van Hulst Annelienke M. , Neggers Sebastian J.C.M.M. , Boot Annemieke M. , van den Heuvel‐Eibrink Marry M. , Hartman Annelies , Pluijm Saskia M.F.
Published: March 2022

Background

Several simultaneous impairments in physical ability may be an indication of frailty in adult survivors of childhood cancer (CCS). The aim of our study was to assess the occurrence of frailty and to explore potential determinants in a selected Dutch cohort of long‐term adult CCS.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, we used data of 70 very long‐term CCS [median age 28.8 years (interquartile range: 23.9–34.6)] of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) (n = 17), neuroblastoma (NBL) (n = 25), and Wilms' tumour (WT) (n = 28). Prefrailty and frailty were defined as having, respectively, 2 and ≥3 of the five following components: low relative lean body mass (by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry less than −1.5 standard deviation, SD), self‐reported exhaustion (fatigue, exhaustion, or exertion related complaints), low energy expenditure (men: <383 kcal/week, and women: <270 kcal/week), slow walking speed (less than −2.0 SD on the 6‐min walk test), and weakness (hand grip strength less than −2.0 SD). Potential determinants of prefrailty and frailty (≥2 components), including treatment components, sociodemographic, and lifestyle factors, were evaluated using logistic regression analysis.

Results

Respectively, 6.3% and 28.1% women and 5.3% and 26.3% men were classified as frail and prefrail. Six per cent of the AML, 8% of the NBL, and 3.6% of the WT CCS were frail. Forty‐one per cent of the AML, 28% of the NBL, and 17.9% of the WT CCS were prefrail. No significant associations were found between any of the investigated determinants and frailty or prefrailty.

Conclusion

Our results confirm previous reports that CCS, in particular intensively treated, have a potential risk of (pre)frailty.
Long‐chain fatty acids in sarcopenia patients with cardiovascular diseases: importance of n‐9 monounsaturated fatty acids
Authors: Katoh Atsushi , Ikeda Hisao , Matsushima Yoshihisa , Sasaki Motoki , Okina Norihito , Niiyama Hiroshi , Harada Haruhito , Nishiyama Yasuhiro , Kai Hisashi
Published: March 2022

Background

Long‐chain fatty acids are essential components of the cellular energy supply, cellular membranes, and autacoid synthesis. It has been suggested that long‐chain fatty acids might be involved in the pathophysiology underlying sarcopenia. We investigated the association between sarcopenia and serum long‐chain fatty acid profile in patients with cardiovascular diseases.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated 308 cardiovascular patients [age: 72 ± 12 (mean ± SD), 174 male patients] admitted to our hospital. All patients were evaluated by sarcopenia diagnostic tests and serum free fatty acid analyses.

Results

Seventy‐seven patients (25%) were diagnosed with sarcopenia. Serum fatty acid weight percentages of nervonic acid and erucic acid were elevated in patients with sarcopenia compared with those without. Nervonic acid, which was an independent factor for sarcopenia in binary logistics regression analysis (B = 2.559, p < 0.001), correlated negatively with skeletal muscle index (r = −0.331, p < 0.001), gait speed (r = −0.387, p < 0.001), and handgrip strength (r = −0.372, p < 0.001). These significant relationships were confirmed in subgroup analyses stratified by age and gender. In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the cut‐off of nervonic acid weight percentage for diagnosis of sarcopenia was 1.37% with a sensitivity and specificity of 76.6% and 65.1%, respectively.

Conclusions

Nervonic acid, an n‐9 monounsaturated fatty acid, might serve as a new marker for sarcopenia in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Further studies with larger patient numbers will be needed to determine the roles of long‐chain fatty acids in sarcopenia.
Analysis of thyroid hormones and sarcopenia: association of creatine kinase and thyroid hormones (thyroid‐stimulating hormone, triiodothyronine, and free thyroxine): a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Hong Ki‐Hong , Linton John A. , Kim Sue , Song Yu‐Hyeon , Shin Hye‐Jung
Published: March 2022

Background

Korea is an ‘aged’ society on its way to becoming a ‘super aged’ society. As the population ages, new medical diseases become more prevalent. One such problem is sarcopenia. Sarcopenia, by definition, is skeletal muscle loss. Furthermore, additional studies have also pointed out smooth muscle loss. In this study, we focused on the correlation between thyroid hormones and sarcopenia with a biochemical viewpoint through creatine kinase.

Methods

This study was undertaken using the Shinchon Severance Hospital clinical data repository system. Data were collected from 1 November 2005 to 17 May 2019. These data were from both male and female patients aged 20 years or more, who visited the emergency department, outpatient clinic, or were admitted. Our review consisted of laboratory data, image data, and the physical status of the patients described in words.

Results

Higher levels of creatine kinase were observed in groups with low triiodothyronine (T3), low free thyroxine (fT4), high thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH), and presence of dyslipidaemia. Correlation between creatine kinase and T3, fT4, and TSH was consistent after dyslipidaemia confounding factor was removed or adjusted for.

Conclusion

There was a consistent negative correlation between creatine kinase and fT4 and T3, both within the normal and abnormal range of thyroid hormone levels. Thyroid hormone replacement therapy with synthetic fT4 has its limitations. More studies are warranted for use of T3 or T3 receptor agonists.
Operational definitions of sarcopenia should consider depressive symptoms
Authors: Pasco Julie A. , Sui Sophia X. , West Emma C. , Holloway‐Kew Kara L. , Hyde Natalie K. , Stuart Amanda L. , Gaston James , Williams Lana J.
Published: March 2022

Background

Originally, sarcopenia meant ‘poverty of flesh’, but recent operational definitions have brought poor muscle function to the fore. None has considered psychological well‐being. We compared muscle function components of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People Version 2 (EWGSOP2), the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH), and the Sarcopenia Definitions and Outcomes Consortium (SDOC) algorithms for individuals with and without depressive and anxiety symptoms.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study involved 348 women and 343 men (ages 60–96 years) from the Geelong Osteoporosis Study. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scores for depression and anxiety ≥8 indicated depressive and anxiety symptoms. Measures included handgrip strength (HGS) and Timed Up and Go (TUG). Chi‐squared test identified inter‐group differences, and multivariable logistic regression identified poor muscle function in association with depressive or anxiety symptoms.

Results

Twenty‐nine (8.3%) women and 28 (8.2%) men had depressive symptoms, and 83 (23.9%) women and 41 (12.0%) men had anxiety symptoms. For women, proportions with low HGS were greater for those with vs. without depressive symptoms according to EWGSOP2 and FNIH (37.9% vs. 10.7%) and SDOC (51.7% vs. 26.7%); low HGS/body mass index (44.8% vs. 15.7%); and slow TUG (12.5% vs. 1.4%) (all P ≤ 0.011). In age‐adjusted models, women with depressive symptoms were two‐fold to five‐fold more likely to have low HGS by EWGSOP2 and FNIH {odds ratio [OR] 4.77 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.83–12.45]} and SDOC [OR 2.59 (95% CI 1.10–6.07)], low HGS/body mass index [OR 3.92 (95% CI 1.69–9.07)], and 11‐fold more likely to have a slow TUG [OR 10.99 (95% CI 2.03–59.7)]. For men, a difference for low HGS for those with depressive symptoms was detected only for SDOC (64.3% vs. 40.0%, P = 0.013), but this was explained by age [OR 1.99 (95% CI 0.84–4.71)]. No differences were detected for anxiety symptoms.

Conclusions

Operational definitions should consider depressive symptoms, at least in women, at the time of muscle function evaluation.