bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MODEL OF ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT IN SKI SCHOOLS
Authors: Savić Zvezdan , Stojanović Nikola , Stojanović Toplica , Savić Đorđe , Stijepović Vlado
Published: December 2024

Alpine skiing is classified as a poly-structured sport on snowy and icy terrains yearly. It mainly atracts skiers during winter, including beginners of various ages and genders. This paper addresses Ski Schools' organization and management model, aiming to guide instructing beginners in skiing considering their gender, age, needs, and interests. Ski schools are envisioned as open and innovative organizations with well-defined goals, tasks, and work programs. The primary objective of ski schools is to impart rational skiing techniques (descent down slopes) while considering the quality of equipment, slope conditions, and the competence of sports instructors and teachers working within ski schools. This study delves into the specific problem of theoretical representation of organization and management in ski schools, which operate as intricate systems within our ski resorts. The paper presents original research outcomes, offering a fresh perspective on previously explored questions and issues related to organization (manifestations) and management in ski schools. A clear and content-rich presentation of the problems, organization, and management in ski schools characterizes the paper's structure. Rather than concluding, the practical focus should be on well-organized and managed ski schools led by competent management and staff to ensure appropriately trained and safe skiers on the slopes.
DIFFERENCE IN BALANCE AND SUCCESS IN PERFORMING BASIC GYMNASTICS ELEMENTS BETWEEN 7-8 YEARS OLD BOYS AND GIRLS
Authors: Jovanović Saša , Ilić Aleksandra , Zec Marko , Tanasa Raluca A. , Purenović-Ivanović Tijana
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to determine the status of motor skill of balance and possible differences between girls and boys, of younger school age, in predicting the performance of selected gymnastic elements on the floor (shoulder stand, headstand, handstand). Eighty-four young participants were divided into two groups participating in the study (Group Males: n=42; Group Females: n=42). The participants had to perform four tests to evaluate motor ability of balance that have the necessary metric characteristics: standing on one leg with eyes open transversely on a balance bench - MBAP, standing on two legs longitudinally on a balance bench with eyes closed - MBAU2Z, standing on two legs longitudinally on balance benches with eyes open - MBAU2O and Flamingo test - FLAM. The success of the execution of the selected gymnastics elements was evaluated by the commission, which consisted of five licensed judges of the Gymnastics Federation of the Republic of Srpska, with marks from 0 to 10. Minor differences were found in the motor ability of balance and the results of predictable values for these gymnastic elements (p=0.05). Girls had lower results in the motor tests but beter scores in the performance of the gymnastic elements, but it is no significant differences. The average results of all respondents in this research are lower than in previous research. The relatively low scores of the motor ability test results indicate the need to introduce additional pre-exercises to improve results in performing essential gymnastic elements.
DIFFERENCES IN THE MAXIMUM SHOT SPEED OF HANDBALL PLAYERS IN RELATION TO THE RESIN USED
Authors: Ilić Igor , Durlević Slavka , Stojanović Toplica
Published: December 2024

A player's ability to execute powerful and accurate shots is crucial for success in handball. The role of adhesives has received less scientific scrutiny in regard to its influence on shot speed. This research investigates the influence of adhesive choice on maximum shot speed in handball, focusing on two prominent resin products: Trimona Classic and Select Profcare. Employing a comprehensive analysis of four distinct shot techniques made both from the standing and running start positions, the research goal was to determine whether different resin types significantly contribute to handball players' shot speed. Contrary to initial expectations, the results revealed no statistically significant differences in shot speed between the two tested resin types. Possible explanations include the limited variability in resin compositions between Trimona and Select, the overriding influence of individual player morphological characteristics and skill levels, as well as the potential of handball players to adapt to different resin types. However, certain limitations, such as the narrow focus on two specific resin types and the small subject sample which consisted of only male players warrant caution when making conclusions. This study creates the foundation for future research with the goal of exploring the influence of different adhesive types in regard to playing position, sex, age category and morphological characteristics.
How old are Elite Olympic swimmers?
Authors: Šiljeg Klara , Pessôa Filho Dalton M. , Dopsaj Milivoj
Published: December 2024

The primary aim of this research is to determine the age of best Olympic swimmers. Secondary aim is to determine the qualitative and quantitative data’s considering the current age in relation to the criteria of winners, medalists, and non-medal finalists at the last three Olympics (London 2012, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2021) considering gender, distance and stroke. In summary, the average age of all finalists in men was 24.1 ± 3.6 years, with the level of the range from 20.5 to 27.6 years, while in women it was 23.0 ± 3.7, with a range of 19.3 to 26.7 years, and the age of elite Olympic male and female swimmers is statistically significantly different. Also, it was found that sprinters are statistically significantly older, regardless of gender, while no difference was found between middle- and long-distance swimmers. Among the medalists, sprinters are the oldest, regardless of gender, which is mostly observed for the distance of 50m freestyle (men 27.9±2.8, women 26.1±1.6 years). In relation to different techniques, among male swimmers, breaststroke swimmers are the oldest (25.0 years), while freestyle swimmers are the oldest among female swimmers (23.2 years). The results of the regression equations showed that the average age of swimmers at the next Olympic Games in Paris in 2024 will be 24.3 years, but that the average age of female swimmers will be 24.2 years (almost equal to male swimmers). In general, it could be concluded that there is a slight tendency for top female Olympic swimmers to get older, while this tendency has not been established for male swimmers.
Static Characteristics of the Anaerobic Digestion of Organic Wastes with Production of Hydrogen and Methane, Including Substrate Inhibition Influence
Authors:   Department of Biotechnology, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 26, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria, Chorukova Elena , Kabaivanova Lyudmila ,   Department of Biotechnology, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 26, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
Published: December 2024

In this paper, static characteristics of a simple mathematical model of a two-stage anaerobic digestion (AD) process for sequential production of hydrogen (Н2) and methane (СН4) are derived. The influence of substrate inhibition in the first and second bioreactors is considered. Different process variables are described in the considered mathematical model. The concentration of the influent organic matter is assumed to be the main external disturbance reflected in the model. The obtained input-output static characteristics for the energy carriers (H2 and CH4) could be used to control and optimize the subjected process.
Neuro-dynamic Programming to Optimal Control of a Biotechnological Process
Authors:   Faculty of Engineering, South-West University “Neofit Rilski”, 66 Ivan Mihaylov Str., 2700 Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria, Ilkova Tatiana , Petrov Mitko ,   Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Science, Sofia, Bulgaria
Published: December 2024

Dynamic programming (DP) is an elegant way to solve problems related to optimization and optimal control of processes. DP, however, has one major drawback, namely the “curse of dimensionality”. To overcome this shortcoming, an approach called neuro-dynamic programming (NDP) has been developed. This approach solves the “curse of dimensionality” problem of DP. For this purpose, a neural network is used in NDP, which ignores the poor results of the utility criterion. In this way, the time for solving the specific task is significantly shortened. In this work, an NDP algorithm is presented for the optimal control of a fed-batch biotechnological process for the production of L-lysine by the strain Brevibacterium flavum 22LD. Application of the NDP algorithm ensures maximum productivity of the L-lysine.
SAM transmethylation pathway and adenosine recycling to ATP are essential for systemic regulation and immune response
Authors: Nedbalova Pavla , Kaislerova Nikola , Chodakova Lenka , Moos Martin , Dolezal Tomas
Published: December 2024

During parasitoid wasp infection, activated immune cells of
Drosophila melanogaster
larvae release adenosine to conserve nutrients for immune response. S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) is a methyl group donor for most methylations in the cell and is synthesized from methionine and ATP. After methylation, SAM is converted to S-adenosylhomocysteine, which is further metabolized to adenosine and homocysteine. Here, we show that the SAM transmethylation pathway is up-regulated during immune cell activation and that the adenosine produced by this pathway in immune cells acts as a systemic signal to delay
Drosophila
larval development and ensure sufficient nutrient supply to the immune system. We further show that the up-regulation of the SAM transmethylation pathway and the efficiency of the immune response also depend on the recycling of adenosine back to ATP by adenosine kinase and adenylate kinase. We therefore hypothesize that adenosine may act as a sensitive sensor of the balance between cell activity, represented by the sum of methylation events in the cell, and nutrient supply. If the supply of nutrients is insufficient for a given activity, adenosine may not be effectively recycled back into ATP and may be pushed out of the cell to serve as a signal to demand more nutrients.
Rituales de muerte como patrimonio ; salvaguarda de los cementerios simbólicos de la bahía del Bio Bio
Authors:   , Alexandre Moya Marcela Pilar
Published: December 2024

Este proyecto de investigación trata sobre el patrimonio, sus estrategias de salvaguarda y de las comunidades gestoras de los cementerios simbólicos de la bahía del Bio Bio. Desde el punto de vista cultural, la temática de la muerte y sus rituales fúnebres se asumieron como parte fundamental de la concepción social del ser humano. Debido a esto, se presentó la necesidad de comprender las prácticas sociales que le dan vida a estos espacios, contribuyendo a disminuir el riesgo de ser olvidados por la falta de conocimiento de las acciones de preservación desarrollada por cada comunidad en particular. Como método de investigación se utilizó la perspectiva cualitativa fenomenológica, con técnicas de entrevistas semiestructuradas a informantes claves de la comunidad, además de observación participante en los cementerios simbólicos y análisis semiótico de los elementos significativos visuales propias de la investigación. Se espera encontrar, a partir de las dinámicas sociales y cotidianas de la comunidad, las estrategias adecuadas para la protección y proyección a futuro de este fenómeno particular de la zona del Bio Bio.
Evaluation of Sustainable Management Options for the Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Maize Production in Burkina Faso
Authors: Yaméogo Innocent S. , Ouedraogo Awa , Ouattara Delphine , Dabiré Rémy A. , Gnankiné Olivier , Nacro Souleymane
Published: December 2024

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, attacks important cereals, such as corn, millet and sorghum, causing economic damage. It is has been a new biotic constraint to African agriculture since it invaded the African continent in 2016. Reported in Burkina Faso in 2017, it is present in all regions of the country, causing significant damage to cereal crops. Faced with this threat, farmers have opposed several control methods, including mainly synthetic chemical pesticides with all the consequences that this entails. With this in mind, an evaluation of several sustainable management options for this insect pest was initiated in Bama in western Burkina Faso during the consecutive dry and wet seasons of 2023. For this purpose, a completely randomized block design was set up. It consisted of four treatments, T0 = absolute control; T1=combination Push-pull technology-Jatropha curcas oil; T2 = combination Push-pull technology-Azadirachta indica oil; T3=combination Push-pull technology-Emamectin benzoate. Four replicates were used. Data were collected by random sampling on twenty maize plants in each elementary plot. Results showed that the different S. frugiperda management options reduced significantly pest damage rates: T3 (28% dry season, 34.50% wet season), T1 (41.88% dry season, 47.64% wet season) and T2 (37.88% dry season, 45.38% wet season) compared with the control (66.38% dry season, 59.75% wet season). The best yields were also recorded with management options T1 (3.52t/ha), T2 (3.73t/ha), and T3 (3.57t/ha) for the dry season and T1 (2.91t/ha), T2 (3.26t/ha) and T3 (3.34t/ha) for the wet season and were not significantly different.
The Push-Pull-Emamectin option is recommended to Burkina Faso farmers for the control of the Fall Armyworm.
Evaluation of the Effect of Vascular Photobiomodulation in Sleep Bruxism of Children and Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Viarengo Natalia Osorio , Sobral Ana Paula Taboada , Gonçalves Marcela Leticia Leal , Bruno Laura Hermida , Fossati Ana Laura , Sertaje María Roxana Ferreira , Santos Elaine Marcilio , Prado Ivana Meyer , Mesquita-Ferrarib Raquel Agnelli , Fernandes Kristianne Porta Santos , Horliana Anna Carolina Ratto Tempestini , Motta Lara Jansiski , Bussadori Sandra Kalil
Published: December 2024

Objective: To assess the effect of the vascular photobiomodulation, also known as intravascular laser irradiation of blood (ILIB), combined with myofunctional exercises for the treatment of sleep bruxism in children and adolescents through a randomized controlled clinical trial.
Materials and methods: Forty-six individuals with a diagnosis of bruxism between three and seventeen years of age were included. The participants were assessed before and after treatment with the aid of questionnaires addressing sleep bruxism and sleep quality as well as the measure of nocturnal oxygen saturation. The participants were divided into two groups: G1 (ILIB) and G2 (control). G1 received active ILIB combined with an orofacial myofunctional exercise protocol. G2 received sham ILIB and the exercise protocol. Ten-minute active/sham laser sessions were held at a frequency of once a week for four weeks. After each active/sham laser session, myofunctional therapy was performed and the participants were instructed to continue the exercises for five minutes twice a day.
Results: Improvements were found in swallowing, breathing, and chewing among all patients in both groups, with no significant difference between groups. The reduction in bruxism was significantly greater (p < 0.05) in G1 (ILIB) compared to G2 (control). A weak to nil linear relationship between bruxism and oxygen saturation was found in both groups.
Conclusion: ILIB favored a reduction in bruxism but was not decisive in improving orofacial functions, such as breathing, swallowing, and chewing. However, orofacial myofunctional therapy was effective at reducing conditions related to this sleep disorder.
Detection of juvenile hormone agonists by a new reporter gene assay using yeast expressing Drosophila methoprene‐tolerant
Authors: Ito‐Harashima Sayoko , Matsuura Mai , Takada Eiji , Kawanishi Masanobu , Nakagawa Yoshiaki , Yagi Takashi
Published: August 2021

Juvenile hormones (JHs) are sesquiterpenoids that play important roles in the regulation of growth, metamorphosis, and reproduction in insects. Synthetic JH agonists (JHAs) have been used as insecticides and are categorized as a class of insect growth regulators (IGRs). Natural JHs and synthetic JHAs bind to the JH receptor methoprene‐tolerant (Met), which forms a functional JH‐receptor complex with steroid receptor coactivators, such as Drosophila melanogaster Taiman (Tai). The ligand‐bound Met–Tai complex induces the transcription of JH response genes by binding to specific DNA elements referred to as JH response elements (JHREs). In the present study, we established a reporter gene assay (RGA) for detecting natural JHs and synthetic JHAs in a yeast strain expressing D. melanogaster Met and Tai. The yeast RGA system detected various juvenoid ligands in a dose‐dependent manner. The rank order of the ligand potencies of the juvenoids examined in the yeast RGA linearly correlated with those of RGAs for Met–Tai established in mammalian and insect cells. Our new yeast RGA is rapid, easy to handle, cost‐effective, and valuable for screening novel JHAs.
Gut microbiome is associated with multiple sclerosis activity in children
Authors: Horton Mary K. , McCauley Kathryn , Fadrosh Douglas , Fujimura Kei , Graves Jennifer , Ness Jayne , Wheeler Yolanda , Gorman Mark P. , Benson Leslie A. , Weinstock‐Guttman Bianca , Waldman Amy , Rodriguez Moses , Tillema Jan‐Mendelt , Krupp Lauren , Belman Anita , Mar Soe , Rensel Mary , Chitnis Tanuja , Casper Theron Charles , Rose John , Hart Janace , Shao Xiaorong , Tremlett Helen , Lynch Susan V. , Barcellos Lisa F. , Waubant Emmanuelle ,   the U.S. Network of Pediatric MS Centers
Published: August 2021

Objective

To identify features of the gut microbiome associated with multiple sclerosis activity over time.

Methods

We used 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing from stool of 55 recently diagnosed pediatric‐onset multiple sclerosis patients. Microbiome features included the abundance of individual microbes and networks identified from weighted genetic correlation network analyses. Prentice‐Williams‐Peterson Cox proportional hazards models estimated the associations between features and three disease activity outcomes: clinical relapses and both new/enlarging T2 lesions and new gadolinium‐enhancing lesions on brain MRI. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, and disease‐modifying therapies.

Results

Participants were followed, on average, 2.1 years. Five microbes were nominally associated with all three disease activity outcomes after multiple testing correction. These included butyrate producersOdoribacter(relapse hazard ratio = 0.46, 95% confidence interval: 0.24, 0.88) andButyricicoccus(relapse hazard ratio = 0.49, 95% confidence interval: 0.28, 0.88). Two networks of co‐occurring gut microbes were significantly associated with a higher hazard of both MRI outcomes (gadolinium‐enhancing lesion hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for Modules 32 and 33 were 1.29 (1.08, 1.54) and 1.42 (1.18, 1.71), respectively; T2 lesion hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for Modules 32 and 33 were 1.34 (1.15, 1.56) and 1.41 (1.21, 1.64), respectively). Metagenomic predictions of these networks demonstrated enrichment for amino acid biosynthesis pathways.

Interpretation

Both individual and networks of gut microbes were associated with longitudinal multiple sclerosis activity. Known functions and metagenomic predictions of these microbes suggest the important role of butyrate and amino acid biosynthesis pathways. This provides strong support for future development of personalized microbiome interventions to modify multiple sclerosis disease activity.
Impulsive adaptive pinning synchronization of Lur'e networks with cluster‐tree topology via parameters variation protocols
Authors: Xuan Deli , Tang Ze , Park Ju H. , Feng Jianwen
Published: August 2021

This article is devoted to studying the problem of globally and exponentially adaptive cluster synchronization for a class of Lur'e dynamical networks with multiple time‐varying delays and hybrid couplings. A novel impulsive adaptive pinning feedback control protocol is proposed with fully considering the cluster‐tree topology structures of the networks and only imposed on the Lur'e systems in current cluster which exist directed paths with those Lur'e systems in the other clusters. In view of the concept of average impulsive interval, the comparison principle, the extended parameter variation methods, and the reductio ad absurdum, sufficient conditions are acquired for achieving the cluster synchronization of the derivative coupled Lur'e networks with considering different functions of the impulsive effects, respectively. Furthermore, according to the designed adaptive updating law, suitable feedback control strengths are obtained, which largely save the control costs. Finally, the effectiveness of the control schemes and the theoretical results have been proved by executing two numerical simulation examples.
A Comparative Study on the Influence of SAC305 Lead‐Free Solder Sandwiched by Sn on the Micromechanical and Electrical Properties of the Joints
Authors: Char Monalisa , Chakraborty Amit K. , Bhattacharyya Arnab S. , Kar Abhijit
Published: August 2021

Herein, the favorable influence of sandwich‐stacked Sn/SAC305/Sn multilayers on the micromechanical and electrical properties of the Cu‐Sn/SAC305/Sn‐Cu solder joints over Cu‐SAC305‐Cu joints is reported. Solder joint interface is characterized through X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), and nanoindentation studies. The use of Sn multilayers facilitates the formation of more homogeneously distributed intermetallic compounds (IMCs) with smaller crystallite sizes and higher dislocation densities at the joint interface. Nanoindentation test results manifest that the hardness, modulus, and resistance to plastic deformation of the joint interface for the samples prepared with Sn multilayer are 3.26 GPa, 123.3 GPa, and 1.5 × 109, respectively, much higher and improved than 0.32 GPa, 41.82 GPa, and 5.28 × 105 in turn, found for samples prepared without using Sn multilayers. STM results confirm a much better electron transfer capacity of the solder joint interface that consists of Sn multilayers compared with solder joints produced without incorporation of Sn multilayer. Wherein, Sn multilayer containing solder joint found less prone to be affected by the humid atmosphere compared with nonlayered solder joint, in which, the former is found to be 48% less sensitive toward humidity (85% Rh) than later.
Systematic Comparison of Biomaterials‐Based Strategies for Osteochondral and Chondral Repair in Large Animal Models
Authors: González Vázquez Arlyng G. , Blokpoel Ferreras Lia A. , Bennett Kathleen E. , Casey Sarah M. , Brama Pieter AJ , O'Brien Fergal J.
Published: August 2021

Joint repair remains a major challenge in orthopaedics. Recent progress in biomaterial design has led to the fabrication of a plethora of promising devices. Pre‐clinical testing of any joint repair strategy typically requires the use of large animal models (e.g., sheep, goat, pig or horse). Despite the key role of such models in clinical translation, there is still a lack of consensus regarding optimal experimental design, making it difficult to draw conclusions on their efficacy. In this context, the authors performed a systematic literature review and a risk of bias assessment on large animal models published between 2010 and 2020, to identify key experimental parameters that significantly affect the biomaterial therapeutic outcome and clinical translation potential (including defect localization, animal age/maturity, selection of controls, cell‐free versus cell‐laden). They determined that mechanically strong biomaterials perform better at the femoral condyles; while highlighted the importance of including native tissue controls to better evaluate the quality of the newly formed tissue. Finally, in cell‐laded biomaterials, the pre‐culture conditions played a more important role in defect repair than the cell type. In summary, here they present a systematic evaluation on how the experimental design of preclinical models influences biomaterial‐based therapeutic outcomes in joint repair.
Cell Migration Regulated by Spatially Controlled Stiffness inside Composition‐Tunable Three‐Dimensional Dextran Hydrogels
Authors: Yin Xi , Zhu Xiaolu , Wang Zheng
Published: August 2021

Stiffness of the extracellular matrix plays an important role in regulating cell migration. In this paper, two types of 3D dextran hydrogel, with the stiffness distributed homogeneously and heterogeneously in subcellular scales, have been designed and fabricated to serve as macromolecule scaffolds in which C2C12 cells, an immortalized mouse myoblast cell line, can migrate in a rationally controllable manner. The experimental results indicate that heterogeneous gels can support higher migration velocities, and effective supporting time‐stage for enhancing migration depended on the bulk stiffness that can be rationally and elaborately tuned. Moreover, migration velocity for both types of gels, in most cases, tends to decrease first and then increase from day 0 to day 6. These results show advantages for regulation of cell migration using this easy‐to‐implement heterogeneous cross‐linking approach. Further, associated principles regarding the relationship among cell migration, gel stiffness distribution, and expression of F‐actin and myosin II are also discussed. These studies support rational control of cell migration velocity in heterogeneously cross‐linked hydrogels that are widely applicable in biomaterial field.
Universal Electroluminescence at Voltages below the Energy Gap in Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Li Yungui , Sachnik Oskar , van der Zee Bas , Thakur Kalyani , Ramanan Charusheela , Wetzelaer Gert‐Jan A. H. , Blom Paul W. M.
Published: August 2021

In organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs), it is typically assumed that a voltage equal to or higher than the energy gap of the emitters is required to observe electroluminescence (EL). However, EL at subgap voltages is observed and proposed to originate from up‐conversion processes, such as fusion of low‐energy triplet excitons. Here, it is demonstrated that EL at subgap voltages in OLEDs is universally present. By using emitters with negligible energy splitting between the singlet and triplet state, the need for incorporating low‐energy triplet excitons is ruled out. The origin of EL at voltages below the energy gap is the recombination of diffused and thermally generated charge carriers, universally present in light‐emitting diodes at nonzero temperatures, theoretically permitting electrical‐to‐optical power‐conversion efficiencies exceeding unity.
Herbage accumulation and nutritive value of cultivar Mulato II, Congo grass, and Guinea grass cultivar C1 in a subhumid zone of West Africa
Authors: Zampaligré Nouhoun , Traoré Tidiane Cheick , Sawadogo Epiphanie T. B. P. , Ayantunde Augustine , Prasad K. V. S. V. , Blummel Michael , Balehegn Mulubrhan , Rios Esteban , Dubeux José C. , Boote Ken J. , Adesogan Adegbola T.
Published: August 2021

Despite a long history promoting improved forages, their adoption in sub‐Saharan Africa remains limited. Identifying cultivars and developing the right agronomic practices suited to specific forage systems can help reduce the feed gap in this region. This 2‐yr study was performed under rainfed conditions at the Institute of Environment and Agricultural Research research station in Farakoba, Burkina Faso. Treatments included two planting methods (continuous rows 40‐cm apart vs. open pits spaced 40 × 40 cm) and three perennial grasses:Urochloaspp. cultivar Mulato II, Congo grass [U. ruziziensis(R. Germ. and C.M. Evrard) Crins] and Guinea grass [Megathyrsus maximus(Jacq.) B.K. Simon & S.W.L. Jacobs] cultivar C1. The experimental design was a randomized complete block under a split plot treatment arrangement, and planting method was the main plot (3 × 7 m) and the grass varieties the subplots (3 × 3 m). Plots were established in August 2018, and herbage accumulation (HA) and nutritive value (NV) were measured in 2018 and 2019. Regardless of planting method, Mulato II had greater total herbage mass (26 Mg ha–1) after 2 yr than did Congo grass (15 Mg ha–1) and cultivar C1 (12 Mg ha–1) (p≤ .05). Mulato II had the greatest crude protein (170 g kg–1), in vitro digestible organic matter (635 g kg–1), and metabolizable energy (89 MJ kg–1), and least neutral detergent fiber (537 g kg–1) concentrations, as compared to other cultivars (p≤ .05). Both HA and NV were greater (p≤ .001) for open pits spaced 40‐cm apart than the continuous rows for all cultivars, indicating that this planting method seems more appropriate to establish forage grasses. Mulato II showed potential to increase forage productivity and NV in Burkina Faso.
Arsinoquinolines as a Novel Class of Luminophores
Authors: Iwasaki Suzuka , Kihara Hyota , Imoto Hiroaki , Naka Kensuke
Published: August 2021

Arsinoquinolines, being heavier pnictogen‐substituted aminoquinoline analogues, have been used as bidentate ligands. However, they have never been studied as luminophore, though luminescent aminoquinolines are well known. In this work, seven kinds of arsinoquinolines, in which a diphenylarsino group are substituted at all the possible substitution positions of quinoline, were synthesized by using a non‐volatile arsenic precursor. The obtained arsinoquinolines showed phosphorescence at 77 K, and the emission properties in the solid states were dependent on the substitution position of the diphenylarsino group.
Lasting legacies: Meeting the housing needs of Forgotten Australians from mid‐life to older age
Authors: Coram Veronica , Tually Selina , Cornell Victoria , Zufferey Carole , Lovell Fran
Published: August 2021

“Forgotten Australians” are the estimated half a million children who were placed in institutional care in Australia from the 1920s to the 1980s. Increasing numbers are entering older age but many are poorly positioned to age well and with the supports they need. This is often because the lasting effects of childhood institutional care have contributed to poor housing outcomes, including housing insecurity, reliance on social housing, prevalence of rental stress and experiences of homelessness. This paper presents a review of the evidence on the housing experiences and outcomes of people who spent time in childhood institutional care. The evidence review was complemented by qualitative interviews with community service practitioners and representatives of advocacy groups. Based on the prior evidence and fieldwork, we identify data and service gaps that are likely to undermine the capacity of the housing and aged care sectors to improve the care and supports available for Forgotten Australians. We suggest potential improvements to service delivery for people who experienced institutional care as children and directions for further research. This paper contributes to a stronger evidence base around the housing and care needs of Forgotten Australians in mid‐ and later life.
Lithium Ion Repulsion‐Enrichment Synergism Induced by Core–Shell Ionic Complexes to Enable High‐Loading Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Meng Junwei , Lei Meng , Lai Chuanzhong , Wu Qingping , Liu Yangyang , Li Chilin
Published: August 2021

A core–shell additive with anionic Keggin‐type polyoxometalate (POM) cluster as core and N‐containing cation of ionic liquid (IL) as shell is proposed to stabilize Li‐metal batteries (LMBs). The suspended POM derived complex in ether‐based electrolyte is absorbed around the protuberances of anode and triggers a lithiophobic repulsion mechanism for the homogenization of Li+ redistribution. The gradually released POM cores with negative charge then enrich Li+ and co‐assemble with Li. The Li+ repulsion‐enrichment synergism can compact Li deposition and reinforce solid electrolyte interphase. This sustained‐release additive enables Li∥Li symmetric cells with a long lifetime over 500 h and 300 h at high current densities of 3 and 5 mA cm−2 respectively. The complex additive is also compatible with high‐voltage Li∥LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 (NCA) cells. Even with a NCA loading as high as ca. 20 mg cm−2, the additive contained Li∥NCA cell can still cycle for over 100 cycles at 2.6 mA cm−2.
Deep Learning for Voltammetric Sensing in a Living Animal Brain
Authors: Xue Yifei , Ji Wenliang , Jiang Ying , Yu Ping , Mao Lanqun
Published: August 2021

Numerous neurochemicals have been implicated in the modulation of brain function, making them appealing analytes for sensors and diagnostics. However, it is a grand challenge to selectively measure multiple neurochemicals simultaneously in vivo because of their great variations in concentrations, dynamic nature, and composition. Herein, we present a deep learning‐based voltammetric sensing platform for the highly selective and simultaneous analysis of three neurochemicals in a living animal brain. The system features a carbon fiber electrode capable of capturing the mixed dynamics of a neurotransmitter, neuromodulator, and ions. Then a powerful deep neural network is employed to resolve individual chemical and spatial‐temporal information. With this, a single electrochemical measurement reveals an interplaying concentration changes of dopamine, ascorbate, and ions in living rat brain, which is unobtainable with existing analytical methodologies. Our strategy provides a powerful means to expedite research in neuroscience and empower sensing‐aided diagnostic applications.
Flow Chemistry‐Enabled Divergent and Enantioselective Total Syntheses of Massarinolin A, Purpurolides B, D, E, 2,3‐Deoxypurpurolide C, and Structural Revision of Massarinolin A
Authors: Wang Ye‐Cheng , Cui Chengsen , Dai Mingji
Published: August 2021

Massarinolin A and purpurolides are bioactive bergamotane sesquiterpenes condensed with a variety of synthetically challenging ring systems: a bicyclo[3.1.1]heptane, an oxaspiro[3.4]octane, and a dioxaspiro[4.4]nonane (oxaspirolactone). Herein, we report the first enantioselective total syntheses of massarinolin A, purpurolides B, D, E, and 2,3‐deoxypurpurolide C. Our synthesis and computational analysis also led to a structural revision of massarinolin A. The divergent approach features an enantioselective organocatalyzed Diels–Alder reaction to install the first stereogenic center in high ee, a scalable flow photochemical Wolff rearrangement to build the key bicyclo[3.1.1]heptane, a furan oxidative cyclization to form the oxaspirolactone, a late‐stage allylic C−H oxidation, and a Myers’ NBSH‐promoted sigmatropic elimination to install the exo methylene group of massarinolin A.
Molecular interaction of poly (acrylamide‐co‐2‐acrylamido‐dodecyl sulfonate) with dual responsiveness and application in oily emulsion wastewater
Authors: Cai Shuwei , Wang Yan , He Xianru
Published: August 2021

Stimuli‐sensitive polymers are a class of macromolecular system with “intelligent” behavior. Herein, a copolymer of poly (acrylamide‐co‐2‐acrylamido‐dodecyl sulfonate), which has salt‐sensitive and thermosensitive properties, is synthesized via precipitation polymerization. Its aqueous solution exhibits a clear sol state, while a gel is obtained via salt‐induction by addition a certain amount of NaCl. More interestingly, the gel can transform into clear sol again upon heating, which exhibits a phase transition of upper critical solution temperature in NaCl solution. The dual responsive behaviors of copolymer solutions are studied via rheological measurements. Then fluorescence spectrum, zeta potential test, and dynamic light scattering are employed to investigate molecular interaction in aqueous solution under varying conditions. It is found that dual responsive behaviors are caused by electrostatic interaction and hydrophobic association. At last, oily emulsion wastewater treatment indicates that this polymer shows characteristics of “smart flocculant” and has potential application prospect.
Status of the hammerhead shark (Carcharhiniformes: Sphyrnidae) fishery in Indian waters with observations on the biology of scalloped hammerheadSphyrna lewini(Griffith & Smith, 1834)
Authors: Thomas Sujitha , Muktha M. , Sen Swatipriyanka , Kizhakudan Shoba Joe , Akhilesh K. V. , Purushottama G. B. , Mahesh V. , Rahangdale Shikha , Zacharia P. U. , Najmudeen T. M. , Manojkumar P. P. , Remya L. , Wilson Livi , Roul Subal Kumar , Pradhan Rajesh , Seetha P. K. , Yousuf K. S. S. M. , Nataraja G. D.
Published: August 2021

Hammerhead sharks are represented by four species in India's marine fishery –Sphyrna lewini,Sphyrna mokarran,Sphyrna zygaenaandEusphyra blochii. This paper describes the hammerhead shark fishery in India during 2007–2018 and summarizes observations on the biology ofS. lewiniexploited along the Indian coast.

Hammerhead sharks are caught by trawl nets, gillnets, seines and line gear, mostly as bycatch. Annual average landing of hammerhead sharks during 2007–18 was 639 t, with a low of 290 t in 2018, of whichS, lewiniwas the dominant species, comprising 95% of landings. Hammerhead sharks formed nearly 1.31% of the total elasmobranch landings. About 54% of hammerhead sharks were landed by trawlers.

Length range ofS. lewiniin regular landings was 36–300 cm total length (TL). The dominant size class was 30–100 cm TL; 79.5% of males and 83.2% of females measured between 40 and 100 cm TL. Length–weight relationship was derived as W = 0.0218*(L)2.634and W = 0.0131*(L)2.769for males and females, respectively.

Overall sex ratio (F: M) was 1.3:1; below 100 cm TL, the sex ratio was skewed in favour of females. The length at first maturity of males was estimated as 168 cm. The length at first maturity of females was estimated at 239.6 cm. Fecundity ranged from 12–40, size at birth was 36–45 cm TL. Bony fishes were the preferred prey, followed by cephalopods.

TheS. lewinilandings in India are dominated by juveniles and threatens sustainability of the stock. Capture of juvenile sharks can be excluded to a considerable extent through strict implementation of minimum legal size of capture, and a conservative minimum legal size of 220 cm is suggested for this species in Indian waters. Identification of recurring juvenile aggregation grounds, their spatio‐temporal closures, gear restrictions and greater stakeholder awareness could lead to conservation of the resource and a sustainable fishery.
Crowned Macrocycles Containing Two Pyrrolo[1,2‐a] Indoles Created By Intramolecular Fusion
Authors: Ojha Belarani , Laxman Kandala , Ravikanth Mangalampalli
Published: August 2021

Heterocyclic fused‐ring systems are of utmost importance because of their presence in many natural products with biological activity. Pyrroloindoles are tricyclic heterocycles that are present in various bioactive and medicinally valuable compounds. Herein, we report the synthesis of phenylene‐bridged bis‐pyrrolo[1,2‐a]indole crowned macrocycles 1–3 in which the pyrrolo[1,2‐a]indole moieties were formed via intramolecular fusion. The macrocycles were thoroughly characterized by 1D and 2D NMR, HRMS and X‐ray crystallographic studies. The X‐ray structure revealed that the two pyrrolo[1,2‐a]indole moieties were parallel to each other, and one pyrrolo[1,2‐a]indole unit was deviated by an angle of 9.54° while the other pyrrolo[1,2‐a]indole unit was deviated by an angle of 12.0° from the mean plane defined by 28 core atoms. The macrocycles 1–3 absorb in the visible region and readily undergo oxidations because of their electron rich nature. The macrocycles 1–3 upon treatment with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) generates the corresponding cation radicals 1–3.+ which were stable in the open air for a week. The cation radicals 1–3.+ absorb strongly in the NIR region and the experimental observations on crowned macrocycles 1–3 were corroborated by DFT and TD‐DFT studies.
Bauwerksuntersuchungen an Stahlbrücken im Bestand
Authors: Würfel Till , Maier Dietmar H. , Rudolf Martin
Published: August 2021

Bauwerksuntersuchungen an Brücken sind im Regelwerk verankert und ein wichtiges Element im Sicherheitskonzept. Im Rahmen von Nachrechnungen und Neubewertungen von Brücken sowie anschließender dem Erhalt dienender Maßnahmen kann es erforderlich sein, detailliertere Untersuchungen durchzuführen. Am Beispiel einiger Instandsetzungs‐ bzw. Ertüchtigungsmaßnahmen werden Vorgehensweisen bei Bauwerksuntersuchungen und Bauwerksdiagnostik an bestehenden Stahlbrücken aufgezeigt. Von der Werkstoffuntersuchung an Materialproben über detaillierte geometrische Aufnahmen mittels Laserscan, Seilmessungen an Schrägseilbrücken und geometrischen Einstufungen von Kerbfällen hin zu Dehnungsmessungen an einer orthotropen Fahrbahn werden die durchgeführten Untersuchungen und die daraus abgeleiteten Erkenntnisse beschrieben.
Sodium carbonate versus borate buffer for lactase quenching, laboratory work
Authors: Ramos‐de‐la‐Peña Ana Mayela , Mercado‐Valenzo Oscar Mario , Clorio‐Carrillo Jorge Abraham , López‐Incio Jazmin Dessiret , Monroy‐Borrego Andrea Gabriela , Marrero‐Bretado Mariana Monserrat , González‐Valdez José , Aguilar Oscar
Published: August 2021

A laboratory exercise for undergraduate advanced students of enzymology and biocatalysis is presented. Since enzyme assays can be quenched or continuous, this experiment compares the performance of two quenching agents for lactase, in a continuous setup. Enzymatic activity of β‐galactosidase (Aspergillus oryzae) was determined based on the release of 4‐nitrophenol from 4‐nitrophenyl β‐D‐galactopyranoside using a microplate reader. Sodium carbonate and borate buffer were tested as quenching agents, and experimental control was the unstopped assay. Based on released 4‐nitrophenol, enzyme activity, and rate constant k, the students could assess the performance of each termination agent. The experiment promotes disciplinary and transversal competencies, including research‐based learning, critical thinking, and introduce the students to high‐throughput techniques that are common in the research and development environment.
COVID‐19‐related fears and information frequency predict sleep behavior in bipolar disorder
Authors: Fellendorf Frederike T. , Reininghaus Eva Z. , Ratzenhofer Michaela , Lenger Melanie , Maget Alexander , Platzer Martina , Bengesser Susanne A. , Birner Armin , Queissner Robert , Hamm Carlo , Pilz Rene , Dalkner Nina
Published: August 2021

Introduction

The coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic and consequent restrictions including social distancing had a great impact on everyday life. To date, little is known about how the restrictions affected sleep, which is commonly disturbed in bipolar disorder (BD). The aim of this study was to elucidate sleep patterns during the pandemic in Austrian BD individuals.

Methods

An online survey assessed sleep with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and COVID‐19‐associated attitudes, fears, and emotional distress of 20 BD individuals and 19 controls (HC) during the pandemic. The survey was conducted in April 2020, when very strict regulations were declared, and repeated in May, when they were loosened.

Results

Individuals with BD reported overall poor sleep according to PSQI sum at both time points. Subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, daytime sleepiness, and PSQI sum were worse in individuals with BD than in HC. Individuals with BD informed themselves more frequently about pandemic‐related topics. Higher information frequency and more COVID‐19 fears (about the virus, own infection, contracting others) correlated with worse PSQI values. Regression models found in BD group that higher information frequency as well as higher COVID‐19 fears in April predicted worse sleep characteristics in May, in particular subjective sleep quality, sleep duration, sleep efficiency, and daytime sleepiness.

Conclusion

As sufficient sleep duration and quality are essential for well‐being and particularly important for vulnerable BD individuals, it is important that information about the pandemic is gathered to a reasonable extent and mental health professionals include COVID‐19‐related fears when currently treating BD.
Contribution of concept recall to brand loyalty: An empirical analysis of design and performance
Authors: Kato Takumi
Published: August 2021

With industries becoming technologically advanced, the source of competitiveness has shifted from a functional value, such as performance and durability, to an emotional value, such as design and comfort. To create an emotional value, the concept of a brand should be consistently embodied in a product or service to enhance its appeal. In the brand management of products and services, although performance and design are surveyed as factors of the repurchase or recommendation intention, the concept remains unused. This study hypothesized that “considering reasons behind the repurchase intention of products/services, consumers who recall the concept of the product are more likely to repurchase than consumers who recall the specific characteristics, such as design and performance.” The target products included Apple MacBook Pro, Dyson Canister Vacuum Cleaner, and Nintendo Switch, and services included Facebook, Starbucks, and Disney. The multiple regression results show that concept contributed more than design, comfort, performance, price, and word of mouth. Therefore, the proposed hypothesis was supported. As a practical implication, a new index known as concept recall can be adopted as a factor of brand loyalty in brand management. Although the index is simple, few studies have claimed the effectiveness of the indicator based on scientific grounds. Empathy, along with the concept, is paramount in acquiring consumer brand loyalty; design/UX is merely a means to embody the concept. The proposed index should be the basis of decision‐making and should not turn into “a means to an end.”
Chemical Composition of Miscanthus sinensis var. purpurascens Flower Absolute and Its Beneficial Effects on Skin Wound Healing and Melanogenesis‐Related Cell Activities
Authors: Kang Hye Min , Won Kyung Jong , Kim Do Yoon , Lee Su Yeon , Kim Mi Jung , Won Yu Rim , Kim Bokyung , Lee Hwan Myung
Published: August 2021

Miscanthus sinensis var. purpurascens (MSP, flame grass) is found in Korea, Japan, and China, and its biological activities include anti‐cancer, detoxifying, vasodilatory, antipyretic, and diuretic effects. However, no study has investigated the effects of MSP on skin‐related biological activities. In this study, we explored the effects of the absolute extracted from the MSP flowers (MSPFAb) on skin wound healing‐ and whitening‐related responses in keratinocytes or melanocytes. MSPFAb contained 6 components and induced the proliferation, migration, and syntheses of type I and IV collagens in keratinocytes. MSPFAb also increased the phosphorylations of serine/threonine‐specific protein kinase, p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase, and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase1/2 in keratinocytes. In addition, treatment with MSPFAb decreased serum‐induced melanoma cell proliferation and inhibited tyrosinase activity and melanin contents in α‐MSH‐stimulated melanoma cells. Taken together, this study indicates MSPFAb may promote wound healing‐ and whitening‐associated activities in dermal cells, and suggests that it has potential use as a wound healing and skin whitening agent.