bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Length of Hospital Stay in Patients with COVID-19: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Khatal Sujata Jayant , Sule Shilpa Shaunak , Ajinkya Jayaji Pandhare Ajinkya Jayaji Pandhare , Girwalkar Yashodeep Ashokrao
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Known independent predictors of extended Length Of Stay (LOS) in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) included older age, chronic kidney disease, elevated maximum temperature, and low minimum oxygen saturation. Additional known predictors of prolonged hospitalisation included male sex, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, and diabetes. Elevated levels of C-Reactive Protein (CRP), creatinine, and ferritin are proven determinants of hospitalisation and LOS. Determining predictors of LOS will aid in triaging and management of COVID-19 patients. Aim: To assess the clinical, biochemical and radiological profile of admitted COVID-19 patients and determine the predictors of prolonged length of stay at hospital. Materials and Methods: It was a retrospective, cross-sectional observational, record-based study included hospital records of 544 confirmed COVID-19 patients, above age of 18 years admitted at Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical College and Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India, during February 2021 to June 2021. Possible determinants of LOS were studied including their demographic, epidemiological, clinical and radiological characteristics. The patients were divided into two groups as per median LOS i.e, group I with LOS <10 days (n=277) and group II with LOS ≥10 days (n=267). Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square test, proportion test, Z test, MannWhitney U test, regression analysis by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 23.0. Results: Mean age in group I and II was 47.83±16.34 years and 53.21±15.63 years (p-value <0.0001), respectively. The fatigue was significantly more in group II than group I (p-value=0.018). Diabetes mellitus was more (p-value=0.026) and severity of illness (p-value<0.0001) was significantly higher in group II than group I. In univariate analysis, mean Neutrophil/Lymphocyte ratio (p-value<0.0001), serum LDH (p-value<0.018), blood urea level (p-value<0.0001), random blood sugar (p-value=0.003), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) (p-value=0.072) and serum creatinine (p-value=0.41) were significantly more in group II. Median CRP (p-value<0.0001), D-dimer (p-value<0.0001), serum ferritin (p-value<0.0001), procalcitonin (p-value<0.0001), Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase (SGOT) (p-value=0.002) was significantly higher in group II. Lung involvement {chest radiograph or High-Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) chest} was significantly (p-value<0.0001) more in group II. Conclusion: Fatigue, older age, diabetes mellitus, severity of illness, mean neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, CRP, D-dimer, serum ferritin, serum Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), procalcitonin, blood urea, SGOT were associated with prolonged LOS among hospitalised COVID-19 patients.
A Study of Awareness and Implementation of the Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act 2009 in Karimnagar District, Telangana State, India
Authors: Rao M. Prasanth , Dubey N. K.
Published: December 2022

Training, essentially expressed, is the most common way of acquiring information, learning types of legitimate direct and securing specialized capability in a particular field. It includes developing the psyche and imparting values that empower a person to recognize the right and some unacceptable. It incorporates creating abilities relating to a particular field and furthermore targets accomplishing by and large turn of events. Formal training is partitioned into stages beginning from grade school, going on through advanced education followed by instruction in a particular field (specialization). The key reason for training is to help an individual to peruse and compose that is to make him educated. Abilities to peruse that are obtained in school, go far in empowering a person to understand to an ever increasing extent. What's more, every piece read, is another illustration educated.
Genotype by Environment Interaction Effects on the Crop of Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) Using Multivariate Analysis
Authors: Bayomi K. E. M. , El-Hashash Essam F. , Ghura Nabawya S. A. , El-Absy Karima M.
Published: December 2022

Evaluation of genotypes under Egyptian desert conditions comes in the first order for the Plant Breeding and Conservation Program of the Desert Research Center (DRC). The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of the genotype by environment interaction of sugar beet across various locations using multivariate models. Data for studied traits of sugar beet were obtained from experiments at three regions: Saint Catherine, South Sinai Governorate (E1); Baloza station, North Sinai Governorate (E2); and East El- Qantra station, El-Ismailia Governorate (E3) in Egypt. All examined traits were significantly impacted (p <0.05 or 0.01) by environment (E), genotypes (G), and their interaction (GEI) using the AMMI model, with the exception of root length/plant by the environments as well as leaves weight/plant and total soluble solids percentage % traits by the genotypes. GEI was partitioned into two principal components (PCs), which were significant for all studied traits (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). The highest variability from the total variance was recorded by environmental influences for leaves weight/plant and total soluble solids percentage % traits, as well as by genotype effects for the other studied traits. The environmental index showed that some environments were favorable and some environments were unfavorable for the two traits. The highest root weight/plant and most studied traits were noticed in the E2 environment. Based on the GGE model for root weight/plant, the test environments E1 and E2 are more representative and have the greatest ability to discriminate genotypes, thus favoring the selection of superior genotypes. The genotypes G2, G5, and G6 perform best in the E1 and E2 environments as well as are the most productive and stable compared with the other genotypes. According to PCA and cluster analysis, the genotypes G5 and G6 showed the best performance in response to environments and positive association with root weight/plant and most studied traits. Based on the results of statistical methods used in this study, G5 and G6 genotypes should be used in future sugar beet breeding in an effort to improve productivity and sustainable production of sugar beet in Egypt.
Response of Spodoptera frugiperda Larval Instars to Commonly Used Insecticides in Tanzania
Authors: Kiva F. Mbemba , Tryphone G. M. , Rwegasira G. M.
Published: December 2022

Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a polyphagous migratory pest reported in Tanzania in 2017. Limited choices of officially registered insecticides for the control of the pest when it first occurred led to many farmers opting for the few available ones including those that were not registered for the pests. The current study drew from a survey conducted in 2018 that listed the insecticides commonly used by farmers against the pest. The study assessed the effectiveness of the insecticides against the different S. frugiperda larval instars under field conditions in the 2019 and 2020 growing seasons. Ten commonly used insecticides were applied to S. frugiperda damaged maize crops. Obtained results suggested a varied effectiveness of the tested insecticides with some inflicting significant (p < 0.001) mortality of S. frugiperda larvae while some proved ineffective. Ninja plus 5EC, Profecron 720 EC, Multi alpha plus 150 EC and Duduba 450 EC, caused highest mortality of S. frugiperda in all experimental plots accompanied with reduced incidences and damage severities on maize crops while Thunder 145 OD and Attakan 350 SC were the least effective. Yields obtained from the experiments suggested a significant impact of applied insecticides whereby plots treated with Duduba 450 EC produced the highest yield (4 tons/ha) compared to non-treated plots (2.2 tons/ha).  The findings from this study prove that some insecticides were effective against the pest while some were not. As such farmers’ complaints on the ineffectiveness of traded insecticides could be real.
Monitoring of Pesticide Contamnation of Selected Legume Crops Imported in UAE
Authors: El-Mageed Nasra M. Abd , Abu-Abdoun Ideisan I. , Kayaf Kaltham A. H. , Janaan Abdulla S. A.
Published: December 2022

Food contamination with pesticide residues is a serious concern. In United Arab Emirates, ministry of climate change and environment (MOCCAE) carries out incidence/level monitoring in order to acquire data on the presence and amounts of pesticide residues in particular commodity/chemical combinations. This monitoring aimed to provide the necessary information on quantitative and qualitative pesticide multiresidues in imported legume crops.

Sampling plan of 2375 selected legume imported into the UAE has been examined as part of an official surveillance program, these samples include beans, peas, peanuts, lupine and lentils, they were collected from across United Arab Emirates (UAE) ports of entry during 2020 and 2021 by certified staff. These samples were analyzed by modified QuEChERS method for pesticide residue screening based on multi-reaction monitoring (MRM) mode with gas and/or liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry for monitoring more than 400 pesticides residues in these legume crops. The method used in this study was validated following the European Commission guidelines achieving good recovery values in the range 70–120% with relative standard deviation values lower than 20% and providing limits of quantification of the method in the low mg/kg range, in accordance with the maximum residue limits set by European policies and CODEX.

The results showed that the majority (98.8%) of legume crops samples analyzed had compliance with the legislation in force in UAE and 29 samples (1.2%) contained residues above MRLs established by the Codex Committee on pesticide residues as well as by the European Union. This monitoring is a part of a surveillance study for pesticide control in food samples.

Based on the results current monitoring program provide a valuable source of information for estimating dietary exposure of UAE consumers to pesticide residues, and to check compliance with the national maximum residue levels in legume samples.
Assessing Fresh Concrete Performance and Water Absorption Characteristics of Concrete with Partially Replaced Broken Tiles
Authors: Biney Evans , Akortia Vincent K. , Kankam Charles K. , Junior John K. Quarm , Adzakey Peter
Published: December 2022

A number of research seeking alternative materials to augment normal coarse aggregate to reduce overreliance on granite while saving the environment is on the rise.  This study assessed the workability, water absorption and density of concrete with waste ceramic tiles as partial replacement for crushed granite coarse aggregate. Crushed waste ceramic tiles from ceramic manufacturing industries and construction sites were blended with crushed granite for concrete production. A mix ratio 1: 1.11: 2.72 (cement: sand: coarse) for nominal C30 concrete was produced with (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 100) percent volume ceramic waste replacement for crushed granite at constant water-cement ratio of 0.5 to produce concrete cubes and cured for 7 and 28 days. Tests conducted revealed concrete workability and density decreased with increasing ceramic waste while water absorption increased with increasing ceramic waste but not above acceptable limits. However, use of waste ceramic tiles as partial replacement for crushed granite in concrete is encouraged, but not exceeding 20% maximum for structural concrete. This mode of recycling ceramic waste could positively promote green construction for sustained environment; hence, it should be encouraged with conditional limitation and further research of its use.
The Relationship of Gestational Age on the Incidence of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis
Authors: Suryanegara Wiradi , Udjung Gorga I. V. W.
Published: December 2022

Pregnancy is a risk factor for vulvovaginitis. Vulvovaginitis is an infection of the vaginal and vulvar mucosa, most often caused by bacterial vaginosis (BV), vulvovaginal candidiasis (CVV), and trichomoniasis (TR), even in some cases, a mixed infection. CVV is the second most common infection after BV that causes vulvovaginitis. Colonization of Candida sp. in the vagina is at least 20% in non-pregnant women but increases to 30% in pregnant women and increases in the third trimester to 40%, so the increasing gestational age, the higher the risk of CVV. This study aims to determine the relationship between gestational age and the incidence of CVV. This research method is a cross-sectional analytic design, using primary data from anamnesis and vaginal swab examinations on 50 samples of pregnant women at the Jatibening Health Center UPTD, 34 samples (68%) tested positive, and 16 samples (32%) tested negative for vulvovaginitis. CVV was found most often in the third trimester of pregnancy by 50%. The Chi-Square regression test was performed where the p-value = 0.042 (significant). Gestational age affects the incidence of CVV.
Systemic Sclerosis: A Case Report and Review of Current Advances in Treatment
Authors: Shankar Aishwarya , Thomas Jayakar
Published: December 2022

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic multisystem disease characterized by excess deposition of connective tissue in skin and internal organs, associated with microvasculature changes and immunologic abnormalities.

We hereby report a case of scleroderma in a 52 year old female with classical clinical and histopathological findings. The latter part of this article discusses and reviews existing and novel emerging therapies for the treatment of SSc, with an emphasis on recent trials targeting the cutaneous and pulmonary manifestations of this disease.
Corpus Tools for Writing Teachers
Authors: Cortes Viviana
Published: December 2022

In the past twenty years, there have been important advances in the analysis of written registers brought along by the use of corpora and computer software designed for the study of language. The use of corpora (large text collections), corpus‐based research findings, and corpus tools (computer applications used to explore language corpora) has made an invaluable contribution to the teaching of writing at different educational levels. Teachers who can get acquainted with these technological advances will surely acquire important skills that can be directly applied to writing classes. Some of these computer applications require special software and specialized knowledge. Other applications and corpora can be accessed online and may be more user friendly. These days, many writing teachers are familiar with the advantages of exploring corpora and using corpus tools for materials design and to complement different aspects of the language curriculum.
An Identity Approach to Teacher Education
Authors: Yazan Bedrettin , Lindahl Kristen
Published: December 2022

An identity approach to teacher education offers a shift in the conceptualization and design of teacher education practices that are grounded in major theoretical and research considerations in the language teacher identity (LTI) literature in TESOL. After framing an identity approach within the relevant scholarship, this entry proposes five tenets for the identity‐oriented approach to teacher education (TE). These tenets demonstrate the interrelated nature of identity work–as language learners, teachers, and teacher educators–in the activities of language teacher education. The practical applications provide short‐ and long‐term examples of how teacher educators can implement this approach in an individual course component, an outside‐course activity, or a redesign of an entire course. Such practices open up new spaces in teacher education for teacher educators to conceptualize teacher growth as a process of identity formation and for teacher candidates to claim ownership of their learning and further development as part of their ongoing identity work.
Close‐Ended Vocabulary Assessments
Authors: Nall Matthew , Huhta Ari , Mansouri Behzad
Published: December 2022

Acquiring extensive vocabulary knowledge in a new language is one of the cornerstones of the language‐learning process. Because of this, vocabulary assessments have been an integral part of language‐learning programs both historically and globally. Vocabulary assessments commonly take on one of two forms: open‐ended and close‐ended assessments. Because of their ubiquity in educational contexts, this entry provides an overview of the historical and philosophical facets of close‐ended vocabulary assessments, followed by an exploration of the different kinds of close‐ended vocabulary assessments. Finally, the entry engages in a discussion about the advantages and disadvantages of such assessments. The knowledge presented here can inform the reader to more appropriately guide future language learning, pedagogy, practice, and assessment.
Negative Pragmatic Transfer
Authors: Case Rod E. , Nall Matthew
Published: December 2022

The research on negative transfer with respect to L2 proficiency and the instruction of pragmatics is reviewed. While overall evidence demonstrates that negative transfer decreases with gains in L2 proficiency, more detailed findings suggest negative transfer also varies according to status, individual strategies, and content. For instance, the negative transfer of language use related to status is more frequent among beginning learners and thus consistent with prevailing research. In contrast, research also shows that advanced learners capable of expressing target‐like individual strategies transfer L1 cultural norms. The negative transfer of content increases with L2 proficiency and varies between collectivist and non‐collectivist cultures. Research into the instruction of pragmatics is dominated by learners at the intermediate levels with relatively little to say about the instruction of beginning or advanced learners. Implications for instruction of students at all levels are given as well as what can be expected in terms of negative transfer.
Social‐Emotional Learning (SEL) in the English Language Classroom
Authors: Ariza Eileen N. Whelan , Brown Elizabeth E.
Published: December 2022

Educators attend to achievement and academic success in the English learning classroom, but students also need to be able to develop skills within the realm of social‐emotional learning (SEL). Appropriate behavior in the new host community may be complicated by cultural miscues and is often confusing to negotiate for the newcomer. SEL strategies can be incorporated in the classroom so learners can effectively learn to apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. The five core competencies of SEL are self‐awareness, self‐management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making. This entry shares how educators can integrate these concepts daily in the classroom so that they can be used to help English learners navigate and function appropriately with others in the new host country.
Kerdir/Kartir
Authors: Skjærvø Prods Oktor
Published: December 2022

Kerdir/Kartir is the name of a cleric known from the inscriptions of the Sasanian kings Shapur I and Narseh, but mainly from several inscriptions by himself in various places in Fars province in southeastern Iran.
Year in review 2022: Big changes proposed for field
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: December 2022

The end of 2022 saw a culmination of many reforms addiction treatment providers have long fought for, mainly, proposals by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to reform methadone treatment by keeping opioid treatment programs (OTPs) in control but making it easier for patients to get take‐homes; and a vast spending bill signed into law by President Biden at the very end of the year that allows buprenorphine to be prescribed without a waiver, and much more (see page 3).
Progress on Electrospun Composite Fibers Incorporating Bioactive Glass: An Overview
Authors: Ghorbani Farnaz , Reiter Theresa , Liverani Liliana , Schubert Dirk W. , Boccaccini Aldo R. , Roether Judith A.
Published: December 2022

Electrospinning is a promising approach for the development of fibrous tissue engineering (TE) scaffolds suitable for hard and soft tissues. Apart from physicomechanical properties, electrospun fibers are required to incorporate bioactive cues to control cellular functions, including facilitating biomineralization and osteogenic differentiation in case of bone TE, as well as vascularization, to support successful tissue regeneration. In recent years, bioactive glass (BG) addition to electrospun biopolymer fibers has shown promising results in enhancing the properties of fibers, including the improvement of biological performance. In this article, a comprehensive overview of BG‐containing electrospun polymer composite fibers is presented, identifying the parameters that affect the mechanical properties as well as the biological response in vivo and in vitro. Subsequently, the effects of BG addition on the properties of the scaffolds are discussed. Recent developments in the fields of bone regeneration, wound healing, and drug delivery using BG‐containing electrospun fibrous scaffolds are described in detail. Essential aspects related to BG‐polymer composite fibers for translational research in TE are highlighted for future research in this field.
Revealing Precipitate Development During Hot Rolling and Cooling of a Ti–Nb Micro‐Alloyed High Strength Low‐Alloy Steel through X‐Ray Scattering
Authors: Blankenburg Malte , Bäcke Linda , Claesson Erik , Moberg Robert , Jaladurgam Nitesh Raj , Lindberg Fredrik , Gladh Magnus , Edwards Mårten , Lind Martin , Hall Stephen A.
Published: December 2022

High‐energy synchrotron X‐ray small‐angle scattering (SAXS) is used to study the precipitate development during hot rolling and cooling of a commercial Ti–Nb micro‐alloyed, high‐strength, low‐alloy (HSLA) steel. To study precipitation during hot rolling conditions, Gleeble and dilatometer trials are made. Samples are then studied at room temperature using SAXS in conjunction with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TEM is used to determine the morphology and composition of the precipitates, whilst both TEM and SAXS are used to study the particle sizes. One major advantage with high‐energy SAXS is the ability to make measurements after a minimum of sample preparation and in transmission geometry, as opposed to just at prepared surfaces, plus the possibility to determine volume fractions of the precipitates. The measurements show that after deformation at high temperature, particle coarsening occurs and the volume fraction of precipitates increases after holding for 20 s at 900 °C which confirms strain‐induced precipitation at finishing rolling conditions. The measurements show that holding at 600 or 650 °C for one hour gives a larger volume fraction of nanosized particles. Coiling simulations with slow cooling from 600 to 470 °C show coarsening of particles and an increase in the volume fraction of the smaller particles compared to holding at a constant temperature.
Effect of Friction Stir Processing on the Fatigue Performance of AZ31 Magnesium Alloy
Authors: Yapici Guney Guven , Sajadifar Seyed Vahid , Hosseinzadeh Ali , Wegener Thomas , Sobrero Cesar , Engelhardt Anna , Niendorf Thomas
Published: December 2022

Herein, the cyclic mechanical behavior of AZ31 magnesium alloy after multipass friction stir processing (FSP) is investigated up to the very high‐cycle fatigue (VHCF) regime. The grain refinement and texture evolution after processing are evaluated to enhance the understanding of the fatigue response. Although ultimate tensile strength and ductility of the friction stir processed AZ31 increase up to about 320 MPa and 25%, respectively, the fatigue performance deteriorates in comparison with that of the as‐received condition due to the low yield strength and texture evolution after processing. Furthermore, analysis of fracture surfaces of the samples after cyclic loading reveals that the as‐received AZ31 is more prone to brittle fracture with multiple‐origin fatigue failure even at low stress amplitudes. On the contrary, the dominant failure mechanisms of the friction stir processed samples are initiation and propagation of cracks originating from the surface, porosities, and grain size inhomogeneity. Nevertheless, the capability of FSP for providing superior crack initiation resistance in the VHCF regime is demonstrated as a significant contribution. Based on a detailed study of prevalent microstructural features, processing–property–damage relationships are established indicating the major effect of FSP on the final performance of the AZ31 magnesium alloy.
A Reversible Adhesive Hydrogel Tape
Authors: Yang Zhaoxiang , He Yonglin , Ma Yingchao , Li Li , Wang Yapei
Published: December 2022

Due to the existence of hydration layer at interfaces, the weak affinity between hydrogels and most hydrophobic materials routinely generates weak and brittle bonding, which has been a disadvantage of hydrogels when serving as coatings on solid substrates. Herein, a finding of substantial affinity is presented between polyacrylamide‐based hydrogels and cellulose acetate (CA) without particular chemical and physical pretreatments. Besides understanding the mechanism behind it, this unusual finding motivates to make reversible adhesive hydrogel tapes. Learning from the commercial Scotch Magic Tape which typically paints a glue layer on polymer films to achieve appropriate adhesion on solid surfaces, the CA backlayer can be easily glued and firmly bonded to arbitrary solid surfaces without affecting the properties of hydrogel layer on the other side. This particular kind of hydrogel tape can be readily scaled up from laboratory synthesis to a roll‐to‐roll continuous production. Several applications of hydrogel tapes are succeeded in alarming hyperthermia, thermal dissipation, and serving as ultrasonic couplant. In terms of the advantages of low cost, green fabrication, convenient operation, sticky performance and ignorable residues, the hydrogel tape would be one of the desirable choices to be used as one‐off healthcare material.
Amniotic band syndrome and limb body wall complex in Europe 1980–2019
Authors: Bergman Jorieke E. H. , Barišić Ingeborg , Addor Marie‐Claude , Braz Paula , Cavero‐Carbonell Clara , Draper Elizabeth S. , Echevarría‐González‐de‐Garibay Luis J. , Gatt Miriam , Haeusler Martin , Khoshnood Babak , Klungsøyr Kari , Kurinczuk Jennifer J. , Latos‐Bielenska Anna , Luyt Karen , Martin Danielle , Mullaney Carmel , Nelen Vera , Neville Amanda J. , O'Mahony Mary T. , Perthus Isabelle , Pierini Anna , Randrianaivo Hanitra , Rankin Judith , Rissmann Anke , Rouget Florence , Sayers Gerardine , Schaub Bruno , Stevens Sarah , Tucker David , Verellen‐Dumoulin Christine , Wiesel Awi , Gerkes Erica H. , Perraud Annie , Loane Maria A. , Wellesley Diana , de Walle Hermien E. K.
Published: December 2022

Amniotic band syndrome (ABS) and limb body wall complex (LBWC) have an overlapping phenotype of multiple congenital anomalies and their etiology is unknown. We aimed to determine the prevalence of ABS and LBWC in Europe from 1980 to 2019 and to describe the spectrum of congenital anomalies. In addition, we investigated maternal age and multiple birth as possible risk factors for the occurrence of ABS and LBWC. We used data from the European surveillance of congenital anomalies (EUROCAT) network including data from 30 registries over 1980–2019. We included all pregnancy outcomes, including live births, stillbirths, and terminations of pregnancy for fetal anomalies. ABS and LBWC cases were extracted from the central EUROCAT database using coding information responses from the registries. In total, 866 ABS cases and 451 LBWC cases were included in this study. The mean prevalence was 0.53/10,000 births for ABS and 0.34/10,000 births for LBWC during the 40 years. Prevalence of both ABS and LBWC was lower in the 1980s and higher in the United Kingdom. Limb anomalies and neural tube defects were commonly seen in ABS, whereas in LBWC abdominal and thoracic wall defects and limb anomalies were most prevalent. Twinning was confirmed as a risk factor for both ABS and LBWC. This study includes the largest cohort of ABS and LBWC cases ever reported over a large time period using standardized EUROCAT data. Prevalence, clinical characteristics, and the phenotypic spectrum are described, and twinning is confirmed as a risk factor.
Electrochemical Oxidative Cross‐Coupling of Pyrazolones and Diselenides to Construct C‐Se Bonds
Authors: Lu Fangling , Hu Ling , Zhang Jingyi , Feng Yulin
Published: December 2022

Organoselenium compounds are important molecules owing to their value in medicinal chemistry, material chemistry and biochemistry. The selenation of pharmaceutical molecules is a promising way to find new drugs. Herein, we introduced an electrochemical oxidative cross‐coupling of pyrazolones and diselenides without transition‐metal catalyst and external oxidant. Various pyrazolones and diselenides were compatible, generating the desired products in up to 86% yield. Preliminary mechanistic investigation suggested that a radical/radical cross‐coupling process might be involved in this transformation. This method provides a green and convenient route for directly installing a selenium moiety into bioactive pyrazolone derivatives, which possesses great application potential.
Pubertal timing as an indicator of early life stress in Roman Italy and Roman Gaul
Authors: Avery L. Creighton , Prowse Tracy L. , Findlay Sheri , de Seréville‐Niel Cécile Chapelain , Brickley Megan B.
Published: December 2022

Objectives

Puberty is a period of rapid growth and development, and the age of onset and duration of puberty may serve as an indicator of developmental stress during childhood. In this study, we compare pubertal timing and tempo in individuals from two Roman Imperial cemetery sites, integrating biological and social factors to better understand pubertal timing differences and their possible connection to Early Life Stress (ELS) and peri‐pubertal stress.

Materials and Methods

Osteological methods to estimate pubertal timing were applied to 264 individuals from Lisieux‐Michelet (4th–5th centuries CE; France) and Isola Sacra (1st–4th centuries CE; Italy). Peptide analysis of tooth enamel was used to assess sex in a sub‐sample of pre‐pubertal remains.

Results

Individuals experienced puberty between 9 and 20 years of age, with females experiencing the acceleration stage earlier than males (p < 0.05, g > 1.2). Between the two sites, no significant differences were noted for age‐at‐death during acceleration, peak height velocity, and deceleration (i.e., the active stages of puberty). Menarche occurred around 15 years of age.

Discussion

The inter‐site comparisons demonstrate similar patterns of pubertal timing and tempo. For males, the pubertal timing aligns with ancient literary descriptions of key puberty milestones. Females entered puberty earlier than literary sources suggest and experienced puberty for an extended period, pointing to possible gendered exposure to ELS and peri‐pubertal stress, influenced by their social status in the Roman Empire. These results demonstrate how pubertal timing and tempo can be used to infer developmental stress in past populations.
The Biosynthetic Gene Cluster of Mushroom‐Derived Antrocin Encodes Two Dual‐Functional Haloacid Dehalogenase‐like Terpene Cyclases
Authors: Chen Tzu‐Ho , Chen Chien‐Ting , Lee Chi‐Fang , Huang Rou‐Jie , Chen Kuan‐Lin , Lu Yuan‐Chun , Liang Suh‐Yuen , Pham Mai‐Truc , Rao Yerra Koteswara , Wu Shih‐Hsiung , Chein Rong‐Jie , Lin Hsiao‐Ching
Published: December 2022

(−)‐Antrocin (1), produced by the medicinal mushroom Antrodia cinnamomea, is a potent antiproliferative compound. The biosynthetic gene cluster of 1 was identified, and the pathway was characterized by heterologous expression. We characterized a haloacid dehalogenase‐like terpene cyclase AncC that biosynthesizes the drimane‐type sesquiterpene (+)‐albicanol (2) from farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP). Biochemical characterization of AncC, including kinetic studies and mutagenesis, demonstrated the functions of two domains: a terpene cyclase (TC) and a pyrophosphatase (PPase). The TC domain first cyclizes FPP to albicanyl pyrophosphate, and the PPase domain then removes the pyrophosphate to form 2. Intriguingly, AncA (94 % sequence identity to AncC), in the same gene cluster, converts FPP into (R)‐trans‐γ‐monocyclofarnesol instead of 2. Notably, Y283/F375 in the TC domain of AncA serve as a gatekeeper in controlling the formation of a cyclofarnesoid rather than a drimane‐type scaffold.
Effect of temperature on compressive mechanical properties and strength design index of reconstituted bamboo
Authors: Zhao Kunpeng , Wei Yang , Chen Si , Zhao Kang , Ding Mingmin
Published: December 2022

The effect of temperature on the compressive properties of recombinant bamboo was analyzed. At different temperatures (10 ~ 70°C), the failure mode, basic mechanical properties, stress–strain model, and design value of the compressive strength of hot‐pressed reconstituted bamboo were investigated through axial unidirectional compression tests. The results indicate that with a rise in temperature, the reconstituted bamboo material changes from brittle to ductile, showing three failure modes: splitting failure, shear failure, and buckling cracking failure. The ultimate compressive strength of reconstituted bamboo decreased from 79.96 to 40.81 MPa, a decrease of 48.96%, and the compressive strain of reconstituted bamboo increased from 0.0069 to 0.0120, an increase of 72.16%. Based on the Richard‐Abbott model, the function relation between the elastic modulus reduction factor (λE1,T) and the post‐yield modulus reduction factor (λE2,T) of bamboo compression specimens and the temperature were obtained. A model of the design value of the compression strength considering temperature was established, and the design value of the compression strength was evaluated.
Carbon nanodots with a controlled N structure by a solvothermal method for generation of reactive oxygen species under visible light
Authors: Saita Satoshi , Kawasaki Hideya
Published: December 2022

Carbon nanodots can function as photosensitizers that have the ability to generate reactive oxygen species such as singlet oxygen, hydroxy (OH) radicals, and superoxide ions. However, most of these can only be generated upon ultraviolet light excitation. Additionally, the mechanism of reactive oxygen species generation by carbon nanodots remains unclear. The development of carbon nanodots that can photosensitize under visible light irradiation is desirable for applications such as photodynamic therapy and pollutant decomposition under visible light. Here, we report novel carbon nanodot‐based photosensitizers that generate reactive oxygen species under visible light; they were synthesized using a solvothermal method with two solvents (formamide and water) and amidol as the carbon source. Carbon nanodots from the solvothermal synthesis in formamide showed blue fluorescence, while those obtained in water showed green fluorescence. The photo‐excited blue‐fluorescent carbon nanodots produced OH radicals, superoxide ions, and singlet oxygen, and therefore could function as both type I and type II photosensitizers. In addition, photo‐excited green‐fluorescent carbon nanodots generated only singlet oxygen, therefore functioning as type II photosensitizers. It is proposed that the two photosensitizers have different origins of reactive oxygen species generation: the enrichment of graphitic N for blue‐fluorescent carbon nanodots and molecular fluorophores for green‐fluorescent carbon nanodots.
Scholarly rumors: Citation analysis of vast misinformation regarding parental alienation theory
Authors: Bernet William , Xu Shenmeng
Published: December 2022

Misinformation is widespread in political discourse, mental health literature, and hard science. This article describes recurrent publication of the same misinformation regarding parental alienation (PA), that is, variations of the statement: “PA theory assumes that the favored parent has caused PA in the child simply because the child refuses to have a relationship with the rejected parent, without identifying or proving alienating behaviors by the favored parent.” Ninety‐four examples of the same misinformation were identified and subjected to citation analysis using Gephi software, which displays the links between citing material and cited material. The recurrent misinformation reported here is not trivial; these statements are significant misrepresentations of PA theory. Plausible explanations for this trail of misinformation are the psychological mindset of the authors (i.e., confirmation bias) and the authors' writing skills (e.g., sloppy research practices such as persistent use of secondary sources for their information). The authors of this article recommend that publications containing significant misinformation should be corrected or retracted.
Augmented reality strategy as a didactic alternative in rural public schools in Colombia
Authors: Sánchez‐Obando Jhon W. , Duque‐Méndez Néstor D.
Published: December 2022

There are access restrictions to the technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution for rural schools in Colombia. These schools, with few students and teachers geographically dispersed, do not benefit from the possibilities of these technologies in the classroom. These educational institutions are governed by the “Escuela Nueva” model that defines several specific methodological moments. The objective of this study was to design a strategy based on augmented reality (AR) for didactic intervention in the classroom, which allows students to interact with educational resources and break down barriers both related to access to technology and related to the role in learning processes. Educational activities were defined, and a mobile application based on AR was developed for schools in Samaná‐Colombia, integrated with the pedagogical moments of the educational model and at the same time strengthening AMID skills (information literacy and digital media) in the teaching work. Instruments were applied seeking to know the benefits in the classroom and the perception of students and teachers. The results show, preliminarily, that the use of AR in learning activities in this rural school makes it possible to bring students and teachers closer to these technologies, generating motivation and improving the effectiveness of the process, additionally is well accepted in the academic community. Experiments show that if they are included harmoniously in the pedagogical model, it does not interfere, nor is it a distraction for other academic activities. The Contribution paper to empirically validate AR in education generate learning in students of armed conflict zones.
Cold Bent Laminated Glass Application – Numerical Research
Authors: Muja Erjon , Hänig Julian , Rooprai Malvinder , Stelzer Ingo , Weller Bernhard
Published: December 2022

In curvilinear and free‐form glass facade constructions, more and more cold bent laminated glass is applied. The high optical quality of cold bent glass allows for continuously smooth curved and high transparent facades. Moreover, a high performance and economical design is achieved using spatial load‐bearing behaviour. The bending in such curved glass facades is obtained by mechanical fixings upon a curved substructure at the installation on site or by lamination bending with stiff interlayers. These techniques shape the glazing but induce permanent bending stresses as well as shear stresses in the laminated glass, which significantly depend on the interlayer's material behaviour as a function of time and temperature. For the application of cold bent laminated glass in facades numerous factors must be considered ‐ achievable bending radii, glazing dimensions and geometry, load‐bearing capacities, bending forces as well as required supports. These aspects are significantly influenced by the material stiffness of the interlayer type and the glass structure. For this reason, the curved bending process with mechanical line fixings was numerically investigated. The focus lays on the influence of the stiffness of the polymer interlayer and the corresponding suitability for uniaxial cold bent laminated glass applications in different geometries. In the present paper, technical design information is introduced based on numerical simulations to assist designers in understanding the principles of uniaxial cold bent laminated glass with different glazing parameters. In conclusion, constructive recommendations for application in curvilinear glass facades are given.
Forced carbonation – A new method to determine the degree of recarbonation of calcium silicate units
Authors: Walther Hartmut B.
Published: December 2022

Rebound effects in building materials reduce the CO2 content of the atmosphere. This reabsorption of CO2 during service life and recycling is called recarbonation. In contrast to concrete, detailed knowledge about the CO2 cycles of autoclaved aerated concrete and calcium silicate units is missing. Moreover, standards concerning adequate sampling methods as well as suitable calculation methods do not exist yet.

Autoclaved aerated concrete is a highly porous material and recarbonizes evenly. Hence, samples for examination can be drilled out. In contrast, calcium silicate displays lower porosity and decreased CO2 permeability. Therefore, its recarbonation starts on the surface and penetrates inwards. The units are inhomogeneously recarbonized. Consequently, bulk samples – not drill samples – must be taken.

In addition, calcium silicate contains considerable amounts of CaO bound in silicates. For this reason, the degree of recarbonation must not be calculated on the basis of the total CaO and CO2 content. The newly developed calculations are based on the maximum CO2 uptake determined using forced carbonation. It is carried out under defined temperature, humidity and CO2 conditions in a climate chamber. Thanks to this method, the degree of recarbonation of calcium silicate can be determined more precisely.
Sustainable development of green buildings in China and evaluation framework of decarbonization technology of AAC production
Authors: Chen Chadwick
Published: December 2022

This paper discusses the path to achieve carbon neutrality in the construction field, which is divided into five parts: (1) China's carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals and consensus on the development of the construction industry; (2) The sustainable green building development trend and relevant policies in China; (3) The green building evaluation system and common software in China; (4) Building carbon emission evaluation model and the decarbonizing tools for the whole life cycle of construction projects; (5) Carbon emission reduction technology evaluation framework of autoclaved aerated concrete production in China. Through the discussion of this paper, we will jointly provide intellectual and technical support for the exploration and implementation of building carbon neutralization path.
Synthesis of Thioesters from Aldehydes via N‐Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC) Catalyzed Radical Relay
Authors: Man Yunquan , Zeng Xiaojun , Xu Bo
Published: December 2022

We have developed an efficient N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC)‐catalyzed thioesterification of aldehydes using N‐thiosuccinimides as the thiolation reagent. This organocatalyzed transition involves the generation of sulfur radicals by single electron transfer of the Breslow enolate (generated from aldehyde and NHC catalyst) with N‐thiosuccinimides. This method offers facile access to various highly functionalized thioesters and exhibits good chemical yields and functional group tolerance.
Microporous Metal‐Phosphonates with a Novel Orthogonalized Linker and Complementary Guests: Insights for Trivalent Metal Complexes from Divalent Metal Complexes
Authors: Glavinović Martin , Perras Justin H. , Gelfand Benjamin S. , Lin Jian‐Bin , Spasyuk Denis M. , Zhou Wen , Shimizu George K. H.
Published: December 2022

The reliable self‐assembly of microporous metal‐phosphonate materials remains a longstanding challenge. This stems from, generally, more coordination modes for the functional group allowing more dense structures, and stronger bonding driving less crystalline products. Here, a novel orthogonalized aryl‐phosphonate linker, 1,3,5‐tris(4’‐phosphono‐2’,6’‐dimethylphenyl) benzene (H6L3) has been used to direct formation of open frameworks. The peripheral aryl rings of H6L3 are orthogonalized relative to the central aromatic ring giving a tri‐cleft conformation of the linker in which small aromatic molecules can readily associate. When coordinated to magnesium ions, a series of porous crystalline metal‐organic, and hydrogen‐bonded metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs, HMOFs) are formed (CALF‐41 (Mg), HCALF‐42 (Mg), ‐43 (Mg)). While most metal‐organic frameworks are tailored based on choice of metal and linker, here, the network structures are highly dependent on the inclusion and structure of the guest aromatic compounds. Larger guests, and a higher stoichiometry of metal, result in increased solvation of the metal ion, resulting in networks with connectivities increasingly involving hydrogen‐bonds rather than direct phosphonate coordination. Upon thermal activation and aromatic template removal, the materials exhibit surface areas ranging from 400–600 m2/g. Self‐assembly in the absence of aromatic guests yields mixtures of phases, frequently co‐producing a dense 3‐fold interpenetrated structure (1). Interestingly, a series of both more porous (530–900 m2/g), and more robust solids is formed by complexing with trivalent metal ions (Al, Ga, In) with aromatic guest; however, these are only attainable as microcrystalline powders. The polyprotic nature of phosphonate linkers enables structural analogy to the divalent analogues and these are identified as CALF‐41 analogues. Finally, insights to the structural transformations during metal ion desolvation in this family are gained by considering a pair of structurally related Co materials, whose hydrogen‐bonded (HCALF‐44 (Co)) and desolvated (CALF‐44 (Co)) coordination bonded networks were fully structurally characterized.
Sustainable Production of Molybdenum Carbide (MXene) from Fruit Wastes for Improved Solar Evaporation
Authors: Aizudin Marliyana , Sudha Murali Krishna , Goei Ronn , Lua Shun Kuang , Pottammel Rafeeque Poolamuri , Tok Alfred Iing Yoong , Ang Edison Huixiang
Published: December 2022

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Edison Huixiang Ang at the National Institute of Education, an institute of Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. The image depicts the sustainable fabrication of two‐dimensional MXene sheets from the upcycling of fruit waste for solar desalination. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202203184.