bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Higher Education Growth in Enhancing Economic Growth, Innovation Advancement and Technological Progress in Uganda (1970–2014)
Authors:   Makerere University, ALANI Jimmy , YAWE BRUNO ,   Makerere University, MUTENYO JOHN ,   Makerere University
Published: January 2023

We examine the role of growth in higher education in enhancing economic growth, innovation advancement and technological progress in Uganda during the 1970 to 2014 period. Higher education is measured by the higher (tertiary) education gross enrolment ratio (GER). The major hypothesis of the study is that “Higher education growth enhances economic growth, innovation advancement and technical progress”. The study is important because Uganda still has low levels of higher education GER, innovation and technology. Data set employed in the empirical analyses was obtained from the United Nations statistics database and analyzed using the generalised least squares (GLS) technique. First, we find that a 1% increase in higher education GER growth had the potential of causing economic growth, innovation advancement, technological progress and total factor (TF) to increase by 0.82, 0.10, 0.27 and 0.56%, respectively, during the given period. Second, empirical evidence shows that a 1% increase in economic growth, innovation advancement, technological progress and TF the potential of causing higher education GER growth to increase by 1.08, 5.02, 1.36 and 1.42%, respectively, during the given period. Third, over the given period, a 1% growth in innovation, technical progress and TF productivity had the potential of causing economic growth to increase by 4.63, 1.33 and 1.14 %, respectively. Fourth, a 1% growth in higher education GER had the potential of causing a rise in labour generation and capital accumulation growth by 0.53 and 1.56%, respectively.
A New Hallmark of Cancer: Stemness
Authors: Tzenios Nikolaos
Published: January 2023

cer’ often describes malignant tumors. The issue of cancerous stem cells is not a novelty but has existed for centuries. Different civilizations have handled the stem cell subject depending on the knowledge at hand. A hallmark is a distinguishing factor that separates cancers from other conditions. Hence, there have been arguments about the exclusion or inclusion criteria for the six original hallmarks. This review will introduce stemness as a new hallmark for cancer and argue why it should get included. Thus, future studies will focus on how the tumor microenvironment can get used to fight cancer. Methodology. A methodology of literature search using "stemness" as the keyword gets used in the review to avoid biasedness. Results. Stem cells can undergo physiological changes to form malignant cells. Cancer cells are in a variety of cells in the body. The microenvironment of the tumor cells promotes their progression by nourishing them. Conclusions. The results imply that stemness is the behavior of stem cells to self-renew and differentiate to form cells in all organisms. Stem cells are present in all types of hematological and solid cancers. It means that a problem in the self-renewal or differentiation process can lead to the formation of tumors or tumorigenic.
Obtaining Diatomite Reinforced Epoxy Composite and Determination of Its Thermophysical Properties
Authors: DAĞ Mustafa
Published: January 2023

In this research, a composite material was produced by adding diatomite soil to epoxy resin. The particle size of the diatomite used is in the range of 297 to 149 microns. It was dried at 378 K before being used as a filling material. By adding 0 kg, 0.001 kg, 0.002 kg, 0.004 kg, and 0.006 kg of diatomite to the epoxy matrix, the composite was produced under atmospheric conditions. To obtain a homogeneous structure, certain amounts of Epoxy A component and diatomite were mixed first. A selected amount of epoxy component B was then added to the mixture. After one day of curing in the laboratory, necessary tests and analyses were carried out. The surface morphology of the produced composite was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). As a result of the analyses and tests, it was seen that the increase in the amount of diatomite increased the porosity in the composite. In addition, it was observed that the density decreased, and the thermal conductivity coefficient varied between 0.110 W /m.K and 0.095 W /m.K It was observed that the hardness was linearly in the range of 77-80 shore D. It has been determined that the addition of diatomite tends to increase the activation energy by modeling the thermal degradation experiments performed in the PID controlled system in nitrogen environment between 300 K and 900 K. Activation energy values are calculated according to the one-dimensional diffusion function with the highest correlation coefficient (R2) according to Coats-Redfern method when the temperature rise is 10 K/min, and the conversion rate (α) is between 0.15 and 0.85.
Om termen ”affektlära” och det svenska ordet ”affekt” i diskussioner om 1600-talets och det tidiga 1700- talets musik
Authors: Bania Maria
Published: January 2023

Intresset för affekt och dess betydelse för mänskligt agerande har under det senaste halvseklet vuxit sig allt starkare inom en rad forskningsområden. Vad gäller musikforskning är detta dock långt från nytt. Relationen mellan musik och affekt har varit föremål för omfattande diskussioner sedan antiken. För 1600- och 1700-talens europeiska teoretiker och musiker var musikens förmåga att uttrycka och uppväcka affekter central. 1700-talets affektbegrepp hade dock inte samma innebörd som termen ”affekt” har i nutida affektteori, utan refererade till definierbara och medvetna emotionella tillstånd som var möjliga att verbalisera, som exempelvis sorg, glädje och rädsla. Termers innebörder förskjuts eller förändras ibland över tid, det är något som all historiografi måste ta hänsyn till. De ord och begrepp som vi använder färgar vår förståelse, och dessa betydelseskiftningar kan ge upphov till missförstånd. Termen affektlära (ty. Affektenlehre, eng. doctrine of the affections eller theory of the affections) har sedan tidigt 1900-tal använts i litteratur i musikestetik och musikhistoria. Begreppet etablerades av tyska musikforskare1 men är välbekant även från svensk musikhistorieundervisning.2 Affektlära kan i diskussioner om europeisk 1600- och 1700-talsmusik referera till periodens estetiska åskådning att musikens roll var att uppväcka specifika affekter hos åhörarna.3 Ofta inkluderar termen även uppfattningar om hur tonsättaren kunde uttrycka eller representera olika affekter i musik.4 Ibland förmedlar litteraturen intrycket att 1700-talets musiker och teoretiker använde termen affektlära i betydelsen av en mer eller mindre allmän, detaljerad, statisk, närmast schematisk och mekanistisk lära om hur musikaliska parametrar som intervall, melodiska figurer, rytmer och tonarter skulle användas för att objektivt kunna representera specifika affekter.5 Detta har dock under senare tid ifrågasatts av bland andra Buelow (1983, s. 397–400). Denna artikel undersöker vilka eventuella missuppfattningar som en användning av termen affektlära i diskussioner om 1600- och 1700-talens musik kan förorsaka. Vidare undersöks vilka eventuella missförstånd som kan uppkomma då ordet det svenska ordet affekt används i musikforskning som motsvarighet till 1700-talstyskans Affect.6
‘Not Folk Metal, but...’
Authors: Fredriksson Daniel
Published: January 2023

In the Facebook group The Folk Metal Grove, its members manifest, explore and celebrate the musical genre called Folk Metal. The ‘Grovers’ come together in a playful performance and celebration of an idealized past, emically labelled folkyness. In this article, a ‘netnographic’ approach is used to explore how Folk Metal is constructed, negotiated and made meaningful through musicking in this community with the aim to discuss aspects of Folk Metal, ideology, genre and online culture. The group can be understood as a living space involving not only the circulation of music but also the development of meaning, collective memory and norms as well as real-life, often intercultural, connections. Earlier research has shown how Folk Metal in some ways can be seen as accentuating central aspects of heavy metal, but some ways in which Folk Metal is made meaningful within the Grove seem rather to connect to a will to transgress the sonic and cultural boundaries of metal. For the group members the music seems to serve as a space to go beyond metal when it comes to which instruments to play, which languages to sing in, which stories to tell and which emotions to feel.
Competitiveness of Slovak power plants in connection with global changes in the development of electric energy prices
Authors: Štofová Lenka , Szaryszová Petra , Vajdová Jana
Published: January 2023

A cost framework we applied to provide an overview of bioenergy issues related to the process with renewable fuels and focuses on several possible profitability scenarios and the future development of Slovak power plants in a competitive electricity market. The aim of the paper is to propose alternative scenarios and forecast the development of Slovak power plants. The economic benefits of transitioning to alternative biofuel were analysed within the research in cooperation with the Vojany Black Coal Power Plant (EVO). To confirm the most economically efficient types of fuels used in the combustion process was used Data Envelopment analysis (DEA). Within the methodology used were also identified the factors influencing the price of electric energy (EE) on the market and subsequently the profitability of power plants. Scenarios for the future development of EE prices were identified using the statistical method FORECAST.FUNCTION. Despite the predicted increase in the market price of EE we conclude that the use of co-combustion fuels is socially beneficial compared to the use of biofuels under a wide range of assumptions regarding technical, economic and environmental characteristics. The relationship and extent of influence between coal, emission allowance and oil prices, determining EE prices were quantified by regression analysis and Analysis of Variances (ANOVA). The paper contains current data from available databases and market forecasts and the absence of analyses for economic development, sustainability, and competitiveness of Slovak power plants in the unfavourable period of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and war conflict Russia-Ukraine.
Impact of autonomous vehicles on the performance of a signalized intersection under different mixed traffic conditions: A simulation-based investigation
Authors: Al-Turki Mohammed , Ratrout Nedal , Al-Sghan Ibrahim
Published: January 2023

Autonomous driving can overcome the limitations of stochastic human driving behavior. Therefore, implementing autonomous vehicles (AVs) could improve the efficiency of road networks. This study investigates the impacts of AV implementation on the performance of a signalized intersection considering a mixed traffic environment comprising regular vehicles (RVs) and AVs through microscopic traffic simulations. Accordingly, 24 scenarios with different AV implementation rates, AV driving models, and traffic volume conditions, were developed and evaluated using the Vissim simulation software. The results indicated that even partial AV implementation could improve the operational efficiency of a signalized intersection compared to full RV traffic. AV implementation reduced the vehicle delay, stopped delay, and queue length. The expected improvements are primarily based on the implementation rate, and are higher at higher rates (≥50%). The improvements are highest at moderate traffic volumes. Compared to the moderate level, partially replacing RVs with AVs at free-flow conditions does not significantly impact the performance of the intersection. Under congested conditions, the expected improvements from AV implementation are mitigated by the high traffic volumes. Considering the different AV models employed herein, the connected autonomous vehicle (CAV) model exhibited the best performance.
Directional lane change prediction using machine learning methods
Authors: Ardakani Mostafa , Bonds Timothy
Published: January 2023

This research employs a series of machine learning methods to predict the direction of lane change. The response is a binary variable indicating changing the lane to the left or to the right. The employed methods include Decision Tree, Discriminant Analysis, Naïve Bayes, Support Vector Machine, k-Nearest Neighbor and Ensemble. The results are compared to the conventional logistic regression method. Both performance criteria and computational times are reported for comparison purposes. A design of experiments is run to test 25 classification methods at ratios of 25%, 50%, and 75% right to left lane change data. Moreover, samples are validated by cross and holdback validation methods. RUS Boosted trees, an ensemble method, shows improvement over logistic regression. This research provides valuable insights on lane change behaviour, including trajectories and driving styles, which falls into the field of microscopic lane change study.
Association between ischemic stroke and pyogenic spondylitis in Korea: Nationwide longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Lee Soo Hyun , Kim Hakyung , Han In-bo , Sheen Seung Hun , Hong Je Beom , Sohn Seil
Published: January 2023

Objective: The purpose of this nationwide age- and sex- matched longitudinal study was to determine the pyogenic spondylitis (PS) increases the incidence of ischemic stroke (IS) in Korea.Methods: From the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS), we collected the patient data for the period from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2015. PS was classified according to the International Classification of Disease codes M46.2-M46.8, M49.2, and M49.3. By using a 1:5 age- and sex- stratified matching, a total of 628 patients and 3140 control subjects were included in the study. The IS incidence rates in PS and control group was calculated by using the Kaplan-Meier method. The outcome of hazard ratio of IS was estimated by Cox proportional hazards regression analyses. This study did not exclude PS as a result of postoperative complications.Results: According to the study, 51 patients (8.12%) in the PS group and 201 patients (6.4%) in the control group experienced IS. The adjusted hazard ratio of IS in the PS group was 3.419 (95% CI: 2.473-4.729) after adjusting individual medical condition and demographics. Following the results of subgroup analysis, the risk ratio of IS was greater in most of the subgroup categories (male, female, age <65, age >65, non-diabetic, hypertensive, non-hypertensive, dyslipidemic and non-dyslipidemic subgroup). However, the risk of IS did not differ significantly in diabetic subgroup (95% CI: 0.953-4.360).Conclusions: The risk rate of IS increased in patient with pyogenic spondylitis.
CAGE13-1 Cruise Report: Ocean acidification in the Barents Sea cruise: West Barents Sea slope, Barents Sea, north Norway
Authors: Rasmussen Tine L. , Zamelczyk Katarzyna
Published: January 2023

From the morning of May 26th to the morning of June 1st 2013, the Department of Geology of the University of Tromsø, Norway, arranged a scientific cruise aimed at investigating the western Barents Sea margin and the western Barents Sea on R/V “Helmer Hanssen”. Investigated areas were (in order of visiting sites on the cruise): the western Barents Sea slope to northwest of Bjørnøya, and the western Barents and north Norway. The scientific sampling was done within the framework of the ongoing project at the Department of Geology, University of Tromsø: “OAFS-Ocean Acidification Fram Strait”.

A total of 3 gravity cores, 1 box-core, 5 multi-cores (with a total of 15 sub-cores  retrieved), 13 plankton net casts and 13 CTD (conductivity-temperature-depth) casts were performed at the western Barents Sea slope, and the Barents Sea.

>17 chirp profiles and multibeam echo sounder lines were acquired during transits and during surveys of potential core sites.

The cruise may be known as: CAGE13_OA
Hard-bottom habitats support commercially important fish species: a systematic review for the North Atlantic Ocean and Baltic Sea
Authors: Flávio Hugo , Seitz Rochelle , Eggleston David , Svendsen Jon C. , Støttrup Josianne
Published: January 2023

Hard-bottom habitats span a range of natural substrates (e.g., boulders, cobble) and artificial habitats (e.g., the base of wind turbines, oil platforms). These hard-bottom habitats can provide a variety of ecosystem services, ranging from the enhancement of fish biomass and production to providing erosion control. Management decisions regarding the construction or fate of hard-bottom habitats require information on the ecological functions of these habitats, particularly for species targeted in ecosystem-based fisheries management. This study provides a systematic review of the relationships of various hard-bottom habitats to individual commercially harvested species that are managed jointly across the Atlantic by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES). We systemically reviewed peer-reviewed publications on hard-bottom habitats including both natural and artificial reefs, after applying various exclusion criteria. Most studies were conducted on near-shore hard-bottom habitats, and habitat importance varied according to fish species and region. We quantified the frequency with which studies demonstrate that natural and artificial hard-bottom habitats function as spawning grounds, settlement and nursery areas, and foraging grounds, as well as provide stepping-stones during migration, or new home ranges. Hard-bottom habitats generally support higher fish densities than surrounding habitat types, although not all fish species benefit from hard-bottom habitats. Of the commercially important species, cod (Gadus morhua) was the most frequently studied species, with enhanced biomass, density, feeding, and spawning on hard-bottom habitats compared to unstructured habitats. Moreover, hard-bottom habitats appear to be of particular importance for spawning of herring (Clupea harengus). Collectively, data indicate that loss of hard-bottom habitats may translate into less-favourable conditions for spawning and biomass of diverse commercial species, including cod and herring.
The root enrichment of bacteria is consistent across different stress-resistant plant species
Authors: Huang Feng , Zhu Congyi , Huang Minli , Song Xiaobing , Peng Aitian
Published: January 2023

Bacteria, inhabiting around and in plant roots, confer many beneficial traits to promote plant growth and health. The secretion of root exudates modulates the nutritional state of the rhizosphere and root area, further selecting specific bacteria taxa and shaping the bacteria communities. Many studies of the rhizosphere effects have demonstrated that selection by the plant rhizosphere consistently enriches a set of bacteria taxa, and this is conserved across different plant species. Root selection effects are considered to be stronger than the rhizosphere selection effects, yet studies are limited. Here, we focus on the root selection effects across a group of 11 stress-resistant plant species. We found that the root selection consistently reduced the alpha diversity (represented by total number of observed species, Shannon’s diversity, and phylogenetic diversity) and altered the structure and composition of bacteria communities. Furthermore, root selection tended to enrich for clusters of bacteria genera including Pantoea, Akkermansia, Blautia, Acinetobacter, Burkholderia-Paraburkholderia, Novosphingobium, Massilia, Pseudomonas, Chryseobacterium, and Stenotrophomonas. Our study offers some basic knowledge for understanding the microbial ecology of the plant root, and suggests that several bacteria genera are of interest for future studies.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Customer Loyalty: The Mediating Role of Co-creation and Customer Trust
Authors: Gu Shengyu
Published: January 2023

In this era of competition, the service sector is highly concerned about retaining customers and focusing on factors that can enhance customer loyalty. Therefore, this research aimed to investigate the influence of corporate social responsibility on customer loyalty. Moreover, it examined the mediating role of co-creation and customer trust in the relationship between corporate social responsibility and customer loyalty. The explanatory and cross-sectional research design was utilized in this study while primary data were gathered from customers of Chinese commercial banks and 235 responses were gathered. To achieve the research objectives a model of six hypotheses was developed and tested via structural equation modelling by using AMOS 24. It was found that corporate social responsibility significantly and positively affects client loyalty. Moreover, it has an indirect impact on client loyalty via co-creation and client trust. The indirect effect is stronger than the direct effect which suggests that implementing co-creation activities and increasing client trust can make it simple for socially responsible organizations to improve client loyalty. Furthermore, the results revealed that there is a positive and significant direct impact of co-creation on customer trust. The study is limited to the service sector and has ignored product brands that require more investigation. Therefore, in the future, the study model can be replicated to compare product and service brands.
Photodegradation of Methylene Blue with Aid of Green Synthesis of CuO/TiO2 Nanoparticles from Extract of Citrus Aurantium Juice
Authors: Bassim Shahnaz , Mageed Alyaa K. , AbdulRazak Adnan A. , Al-Sheikh Farooq
Published: January 2023

Green synthesis methods using plants have many advantages such as time-saving, chemical-free, and negative effects on the environment. So, extracted Citrus aurantium juice was used to synthesize green CuO/TiO2 and(G- CuO/TiO2) nanocatalyst which was characterized by XRD, SEM, EDX, FTIR, BET, and ZP and utilized in the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under UV lamps and dark environments. The ANOVA program was used to maximize the photodegradation efficiency (%) of (G-CuO/TiO2) on the MB dye. The four independent variables: Initial dye concentration (10-50 mg/L), pH (3-9), adsorbent dose (200-1000 mg/L), and contact time (30-90 min) served to the model of the photodegradation efficiency (%). The ANOVA results confirmed the high significance of the regression model while the predicted values of the photodegradation efficiency (%) of MB were in good agreement with the corresponding experimental ones. Optimized conditions for the maximum photodegradation efficiency (98.6%) by (G- CuO/TiO2) NPs were the initial dye concentration (10.93 mg/L), pH (8.87), adsorbent mass (986.43 mg/L), and contact time (89.08 min). The validity of the quadratic model was examined, and found in good agreement with the experimental values. Results demonstrated that (G-CuO/TiO2) could be a promising photocatalyst in the degradation of MB dye. Copyright © 2023 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
A CIDADANIA GOVERNAMENTALIZADA: um estudo de caso das Unidades Paraná Seguro em Curitiba
Authors: Corrêa Murilo Duarte Costa , Coelho de Andrade e Souza Karoline
Published: January 2023

Este trabalho objetiva elucidar o perfil da cidadania circunscrita pela política híbrida desenvolvida no programa Unidades Paraná Seguro. O programa funcionou entre 2012 e 2015, instalando bases da Polícia Militar em territórios metropolitanos periféricos com altos índices de criminalidade, a fim de reduzi-los e desenvolver a cidadania de  populações vulneráveis. A pesquisa documental e bibliográfica sobre a implantação do programa foi realizada à luz de referenciais pós-estruturalistas e pós-operaístas, por meio do método indutivo, a fim de avaliar a hipótese de que o policiamento foi convertido em governo bioeconômico, transformando o conceito de cidadania. Os resultados convergem para a descrição de uma cidadania governamentalizada, que não amplia a participação democrática, mas estabelece controles, regulações e técnicas de subjetivação neoliberais. Incentiva a busca ativa pelo trabalho por meio da profissionalização e do subemprego, ou do fomento à iniciativa autoempresarial precarizada, própria dos empresários de si mesmos.
PLATAFORMAS, HEGEMONIA DAS NORMAS NEOLIBERAIS E RECONFIGURAÇÃO DAS LUTAS PELA REAPROPRIAÇÃO SOCIAL
Authors: Cingolani Patrick
Published: January 2023

O objetivo do artigo é mostrar como o dispositivo denominado “plataforma” é um momento do projeto construtivista do capitalismo contemporâneo. Ao mesmo tempo, relembra a inserção das plataformas na história do trabalho precário e da flexibilização da mão de obra, abordando principalmente dois aspectos do funcionamento destas: a forma como as plataformas dão continuidade ao processo de sujeição do trabalhador à demanda; a forma como ampliam esse projeto de subsunção por meio da colonização comercial de esferas vernaculares ou esferas constituídas, até então, com base na reciprocidade. Ao final desse percurso, o artigo questiona as lutas pela reapropriação de dados ou de suporte e por formas de socialização produtiva ou criativa alternativas ao modelo construtivista neoliberal.
TEMPOS DE SUSPENSÃO… graves e agudos da pandemia no espaço público
Authors: Alencar F. Barreira Irlys
Published: January 2023

A vida urbana durante a pandemia ampliou os antigos dilemas da sociabilidade nos espaços públicos. Em tais circunstâncias, as restrições impostas ao deslocamento da população nas ruas vieram à tona, reapresentando matérias importantes para pensar. O artigo inventaria desafios observados através dos seguintes temas: vulnerabilidades e espoliação urbana, espaço público, sentimentos, comportamentos e interpelações à sociologia urbana em escala macro e microssocial. Baseia-se em trabalhos teóricos voltados à análise da vida citadina no plano do convívio coletivo, pesquisas empíricas e observações feitas principalmente em Fortaleza.
CONDIÇÕES DE VIDA, MORADIA E TRABALHO NO ESPAÇO URBANO
Authors: Guimarães Iracema Brandão
Published: January 2023

Este artigo examina uma parte da produção inicial da sociologia urbana brasileira com o objetivo de apresentar uma breve revisão do tratamento teórico e metodológico atribuído aos problemas das condições de vida. Pondo em destaque uma das suas mais reconhecidas vertentes, pela ênfase atribuída à temática, constatamos a sua descontinuidade a partir da década de 1990, e retomamos alguns critérios encontrados, como alimentação, moradia, transporte e consumo coletivo, para sugerir o interesse de sua continuidade a partir de uma abordagem aproximativa sobre as condições de vida na atualidade. Prosseguimos com base nas estatísticas descritivas dos orçamentos familiares disponíveis na série de pesquisas oficiais sobre o tema realizadas em diferentes períodos, e comparamos com estudos anteriores baseados nas mesmas fontes de dados. Assim, as possibilidades analíticas encontradas no início da sociologia urbana nacional são destacadas com vistas a refletir sobre estes importantes temas nos novos rumos e na renovação de agendas de pesquisa nesta área de conhecimento.
Potentially reduced fusogenicity of syncytin‐2 in New World monkeys
Authors: Shoji Hiyori , Kitao Koichi , Miyazawa Takayuki , Nakagawa So
Published: January 2023

Syncytin‐2 is a membrane fusion protein involved in placenta development that is derived from the endogenous retrovirus envelope gene acquired in the common ancestral lineage of New World and Old World monkeys (OWMs). It is known that syncytin‐2 is conserved between apes and OWMs, suggesting its functional importance; however, syncytin‐2 of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) exhibits lower fusogenic activity than those of humans and OWMs in human cell lines. To obtain insight into the functional diversity of syncytin‐2 genes in primates, we examined the syncytin‐2 gene in New World monkeys (NWMs). We experimentally evaluated the cell fusion ability of syncytin‐2 in humans, C. jacchus, and tufted capuchins (Sapajus apella). We found that the cell fusion ability of S. apella was lower than that of human syncytin‐2. Chimeric syncytin‐2 constructs revealed that the amino acid differences in the surface unit of S. apella syncytin‐2 were responsible for the weak cell fusion activity. In addition, genomic sequence analyses of syncytin‐2 revealed that the open reading frames (ORFs) of syncytin‐2 were highly conserved in seven apes and 22 OWMs; however, the syncytin‐2 ORFs of three of 12 NWM species were truncated. Our results suggest that syncytin‐2 in several NWMs may be of less importance than in OWMs and apes, and other syncytin‐like genes may be required for placental development in various NWM species.
High‐Performance All‐Solid‐State Batteries Enabled by Intimate Interfacial Contact Between the Cathode and Sulfide‐Based Solid Electrolytes
Authors: Kim Jeongheon , Kim Min Ji , Kim Jaeik , Lee Jin Woong , Park Joonhyeok , Wang Sung Eun , Lee Seungwoo , Kang Yun Chan , Paik Ungyu , Jung Dae Soo , Song Taeseup
Published: January 2023

All‐solid‐state batteries (ASSBs) are considered the ultimate next‐generation rechargeable batteries due to their high safety and energy density. However, poor Li‐ion kinetics caused by the inhomogeneous distribution of the solid electrolytes (SEs) and complex chemo‐mechanical behaviors lead to poor electrochemical properties. In this study, LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM) (core) – Li6PS5Cl (LPSCl) SEs (shell) particles (NCM@LPSCl) are prepared by a facile mechano‐fusion method to improve the electrochemical properties and increase the energy density of ASSBs. The conformally coated thin SEs layer on the surface of NCM enables homogeneous distribution of SEs in overall electrode and intimate physical contact with cathode material even under volume change of cathode material during cycling, which leads to the improvement in Li‐ion kinetics without the increase in solid electrolyte content. As a result, an ASSBs employing NCM@LPSCl with 4 mAh cm−1 specific areal capacity exhibits robust electrochemical properties, including the improved reversible capacity (163.1 mAh g−1), cycle performance (90.0% after 100 cycles), and rate capability (discharge capacity of 152.69, 133.80, and 100.97 mAh g−1 at 0.1, 0.2, and 0.5 C). Notably, ASSBs employing NCM@LPSCl composite show reliable electrochemical properties with a high weight fraction of NCM (87.3 wt%) in the cathode.
TiOx/Pd interfacial catalysts with controllable geometrical/electronic effects for industrial H2O2 production
Authors: Zhang Fengyu , Miao Chenglin , Wang Qian , Gao Mingyu , Li Dianqing , Feng Junting
Published: January 2023

Aiming at controllable modulating metal−support interactions to achieve an optimal trade‐off of geometric/electronic effect in supported catalysts, we developed a reliable approach based on the typical 2D material layered double hydroxide (LDHs). A series of TiOx/Pd/MgTiAl‐MMO‐X catalysts with adjustable interfacial effect were acquired by loading PdCl42− precursor and further preciously adjusting the topological reduction temperature, based on the regulatory effect of Mg–O–Ti–O–Al–O structure in the support on the reducibility and mobility of Ti4+. The catalysts with semi‐continuous and accessible TiOx/Pd interface, confirmed by AC‐HAADF‐STEM, CO chemisorption, XPS, exhibit much higher H2O2 yield than the catalyst with over‐encapsulation structure. The TiOx/Pd/MgTiAl‐MMO‐450 catalysts possessed optimal geometric and electronic structure exhibited the highest activity with TOF of 9.75 s−1, excellent H2O2 yield of 11.4 g/L, as well as good stability.
Insight of polypropylene synthesis with high performance multidentate internal donor catalyst system
Authors: Trivedi Parthiv M. , Gocher Chandra Prakash , Balachandran Vijai , Gupta Virendra Kumar
Published: January 2023

Propylene polymerization using magnesium dichloride (MgCl2) supported Ziegler–Natta (Z–N) system is a robust and preferred catalytic process for producing polypropylene (PP) grades. Herein, synthesis of polypropylene products is reported using MgCl2supported multidentate (3,3,3′,3′‐tetramethyl‐2,2′,3,3′‐tetrahydro‐1,1′‐spirobiindane‐5,5′,6,6′‐tetracarbonate) Z–N pre‐catalyst. The catalyst performance evaluation over propylene polymerization found that multidentate Z–N pre‐catalyst has better hydrogen response with controlled isotacticity of PP products as compared to conventional bidentate Z–N pre‐catalysts. Melt rheology analysis showed higher loss modulus and storage modulus for ultra‐high molecular weight isotactic polypropylene (UHMWiPP) as compared to PP resins with medium molecular weight. Further, GPC analysis reveal medium to broad unimodal molecular weight distribution (MWD) of PP products produced with multidentate Z–N pre‐catalyst system.
Secondary subcutaneous abscess due to mixed infections by Peptoniphilus olsenii and Gleimia europaea after COVID‐19
Authors: Yamamoto Yuji , Shiroyama Takayuki , Hirata Haruhiko , Matsumoto Kinnosuke , Kuge Tomoki , Yoneda Midori , Yamamoto Makoto , Uchiyama Akinori , Takeda Yoshito , Kumanogoh Atsushi
Published: January 2023

This report described a rare case of subcutaneous anaerobic bacterial abscess due to Peptoniphilus olsenii and Gleimia europaea after COVID‐19. The patient received incision and drainage of the abscess and antibiotics, thereby achieving recovery. Immunodeficiency related to COVID‐19 and its treatment might contribute to secondary skin and subcutaneous bacterial infections.
Exposing blindspots and the hidden curriculum within counselor supervision models
Authors: Washington Ahmad R. , Williams Joseph M. , Byrd Janice A.
Published: January 2023

Anti‐racist and anti‐oppressive supervision remains a burgeoning area of scholarship and research within the counselor education nomenclature. In this paper, we explore how matters of race and racism are conspicuously underemphasized in counselor training, specifically, the supervision process. We explore the hidden curriculum in counselor education supervision models. Next, we consider how a supervision model grounded in critical race theory provides a more robust framework for addressing gaps in existing supervision models through anti‐racist practices.
Multi‐Functional Membrane for Air‐Proof and High Temperature‐Stable Li Metal Batteries
Authors: Li Jianming , Meng Yan , Xiao Dan
Published: January 2023

Lithium metal is considered as the most potential anode for next generational high energy density lithium‐ion battery. But due to high activity, the whole manufacturing process of LMA must be protected by inert gas and placed in dry environment, which will increase the significant production cost. The security risk is also increased once unexpected overheating happens. Therefore, prior to the practical application of LMA, these critical issues should be solved. A flame retardant, triphenyl phosphate (TPP), is introduced in this paper. When used as a protective layer on the surface of LMA, it can improve air tolerance of LMA even in a RH 70 % environment. In addition, PVDF‐HFP/TPP complex separator can be constructed via blade casting process, which plays an efficient role in increasing heat stability and flame retardancy. And more meaningfully, the composite separator is expected to form a coating layer by hot‐rolling with LMA, enabling LMA remain stable while in regular production environment. Such a strategy has the function of cutting costs and high temperature protection.
Characterization of the P450 Monooxygenase LobP1 as C‐32 Hydroxylase in Lobophorin Biosynthesis
Authors: Tan Bin , Zhang Qingbo , Xiao Ji , Yuan Chengshan , Chen Yuchan , Chen Siqiang , Zhang Weimin , Zhu Yiguang , Zhang Changsheng
Published: January 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Lobophorins (LOBs) belong to a large family of spirotetronate antibiotics with antibacterial and antitumor activities. In this study, we demonstrated the function of LobP1, a P450 monooxygenase encoded in the LOB biosynthetic gene cluster, by in vivo deletion and in vitro biochemical assays. The disruption of lobP1 led to the isolation of three new LOBs derivatives (3—5) and three known ones (6—8) without the hydroxyl group at C‐32. LobP1 was shown to have relatively broad substrate scope. Determining the kinetic parameters of LobP1 towards different substrates revealed that LobP1 preferred substrate with a nitrosugar. The new LOBs 3—5 displayed significant antibacterial activities against Bacillus subtilis and Micrococcus luteus with MIC values of 0.125 to 1 μg·mL–1, and the major product LOB E (6) from the ∆lobP1 mutant showed moderate cytotoxic activities against several cancer cell lines.
Pyromellitic‐Diimide‐Based Liquid Material Forming an Exciplex with Naphthalene
Authors: Tanabe Yuya , Tsutsui Hiroki , Matsuda Shinya , Shikita So , Yasuda Takuma , Isoda Kyosuke
Published: January 2023

We report a liquid material based on a pyromellitic diimide (PMDI) framework with branched alkyl chains for the first time. An electron‐accepting PMDI‐based liquid can dissolve electron‐donating solid naphthalene. This liquid demonstrates green photoluminescence (PL) originating from exciplex formation, the properties of which are different from those of the PMDI‐based liquid and naphthalene. The photophysical behavior was investigated by measuring PL spectra and undertaking excited‐state decay measurements.
Comparative analysis of chloroplast genomes of endangered heterostylous species Primula wilsonii and its closely related species
Authors: Xie YanPing , Yang GangGang , Zhang Chan , Zhang XingWang , Jiang XianFeng
Published: January 2023

Primula, well known for its heterostyly, is the largest genus in the family Primulaceae with more than 500 species. The considerable species number has introduced a huge challenge for taxonomy. The phylogenetic relationships among Primula still maintain unresolved due to frequent hybridization and introgression between closely related species. In this study, we sequenced and assembled the complete chloroplast genomes of Primula wilsonii Dunn, which is a PSESP (plant species with extremely small populations), using Illumina sequencing and compared its genomic sequences with those of four related Primula species. The chloroplast genomes of Primula species were similar in the basic structure, gene order, and GC content. The detected 38 SSRs (simple sequence repeats) loci and 17 hypervariable regions had many similarities in P. wilsonii, P. anisodora, P. miyabeana, and P. poissonii, but showed a significant difference compared with those in P. secundiflora. Slight variations were observed among Primula chloroplast genomes, in consideration of the relatively stable patterns of IR (inverted repeats) contraction and expansion. Phylogenetic analysis based on chloroplast genomes and protein‐coding genes confirmed three major clades in Chinese Primula, but the infrageneric sections were not in accordance with morphological traits. The P. poissonii complex was confirmed here and P. anisodora was the most closely related species to P. wilsonii. Overall, the chloroplast genome sequences provided useful genetic and evolutionary information for phylogeny and population genetics on Chinese Primula species.
Increased In Vitro Binding of Fresh and Frozen–Thawed Human Sperm Exposed to a Synthetic Peptide
Authors: AMANN RUPERT P. , SHABANOWTTZ ROBERT B. , HUSZAR GABOR , BRODER STEPHAN J.
Published: January 2023

ABSTRACT: Prosaposin is a well‐characterized, approximately 68‐kDa protein found in many tissues and as a normal component of human semen. A fragment of prosaposin apparently is involved in primary sperm‐egg binding. We hypothesized that binding of sperm from some men to egg investments would be increased by in vitro exposure of their sperm to a synthetic fragment of human prosaposin (FertPlus® peptide). Hence, we evaluated samples of washed fresh or frozen‐thawed human sperm after a 10‐minute exposure to synthetic FertPlus® peptide at 0 (control), 80,160,320,640, or 1280 pM, followed by 1:50 dilution for evaluation of binding. The criterion of response was mean percentage of sperm bound to a substrate prepared from chicken egg membranes after sperm were incubated for 60 minutes at 37°C in substrate‐coated wells of a sperm‐binding assay plate. For each seminal sample, data were normalized against the percentage of sperm bound for control aliquots, providing values for relative binding. With fresh sperm, relative binding was increased (P < 0.01) by exposure of sperm to peptide, and the effect was especially obvious at 1280 pM. Higher doses were not tested. Collectively at three study sites, exposure of fresh sperm to 1280 pM peptide substantially increased (above 99% confidence interval; on the basis of duplicate control samples) percentage of sperm bound for 25 of 74 (34%) samples. For frozen‐thawed sperm, exposure to 1280 pM peptide increased binding for 29 of 65 (45%) samples. We concluded that for >30% of men, exposure of their sperm to this synthetic fragment of prosaposin at 1280 pM increased binding of sperm to an egg membrane substrate similar to that offered by the zona pellucida.
Effects of plasticizer diisobutyl adipate on the Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) endocrine system
Authors: Horie Yoshifumi , Ramaswamy Babu Rajendran , Ríos Juan Manuel , Yap Chee Kong , Okamura Hideo
Published: January 2023

Plasticizer pollution of the water environment is one of the world's most serious environmental issues. Phthalate plasticizers can disrupt endocrine function in vertebrates. Therefore, this study analyzed thyroid‐related, reproduction‐related, and estrogen‐responsive genes in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) to determine whether non‐phthalate diisobutyl adipate (DIBA) plasticizer could affect endocrine hormone activity or not. Developmental toxicity during fish embryogenesis was also evaluated. At a concentration of 11.57 mg/l, embryonic exposure to DIBA increased the mortality rate. Although abnormal development, including body curvature, edema, and lack of swim bladder inflation, was observed at 3.54 and 11.57 mg/l DIBA, growth inhibition and reduced swimming performance were also observed. In addition, DIBA exposure increased the levels of thyroid‐stimulating hormone beta‐subunit (tshβ) and deiodinase 1 (dio1) but decreased the levels of thyroid hormone receptor alpha (trα) and beta (trβ). These results suggest that DIBA has thyroid hormone‐disrupting activities in fish. However, kisspeptin (kiss1 and kiss2), gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (gnrh1), follicle‐stimulating hormone beta (fshβ), luteinizing hormone beta (lhβ), choriogenin H (chgH), and vitellogenin (vtg1) expression did not change dose‐dependently in response to DIBA exposure, whereas gnrh2 and vtg2 expression was elevated. These results indicate that DIBA has low estrogenic activity and does not disrupt the endocrine reproduction system in fish. Overall, this is the first report indicating that non‐phthalate DIBA plasticizer is embryotoxic and disrupt thyroid hormone activity in fish.
Multidimensional identification of single and regional meteorological drought considering flash‐season synthesis employed daily standardized effective precipitation and drought index in Guangxi, China
Authors: Yun‐chuan Yang , Jia‐zhen Yang , Yi Tian , Li‐ping Liao , Ru‐min Gan , Wei‐quan Wang , Ting‐yan Wang , Chong‐xun Mo , Xun‐gui Li , Gui‐kai Sun
Published: January 2023

The frequent occurrence of extreme drought events in Guangxi has caused huge losses to human beings and economy in the region for many years. Therefore, this study adopted run theory and the objective identification method of regional extreme events (OITREE) and then carried out the comprehensive feature identification of multidimensional elements such as intensity, duration and area of meteorological drought events based on the daily standardized effective precipitation and drought index (SWAP) sequence of Guangxi from 1979 to 2018a. By comparing the evolutionary characteristics of drought elements identified by grid SWAP statistical analysis and OITREE, an integrated optimization scheme combining the accuracy of grid analysis and area identification is formed in this study. It was confirmed that the above two analysis methods had good correlation and consistency in revealing the evolution process of multidimensional elements of drought events. In terms of the frequency of drought events over a long period of time and the comprehensive characteristics of each element, the identification results of the OITREE method can better reveal the comprehensive characteristics of drought in Guangxi. Furthermore, the study found that flash droughts and seasonal droughts occurred alternately and were superimposed concurrently in Guangxi, and there were significant differences in the multidimensional spatial and temporal characteristics of these two types of droughts. Specifically, the frequency of flash drought was 1.60–4.00 times·(a)−1, the duration varied from 20 to 60 days·(a)−1 and the concentration point of drought had a region‐wide dispersion; while the frequency of seasonal drought was 0.82–1.65 times·(a)−1, the duration varied from 40–105 days·(a)−1 and the concentration point of drought had a local concentration. The research results can provide effective scientific support for operational drought refined forecast and early warning, and smart regulation of drought disaster risk.
Efficacy assessment of oxygen flow assisted administration of topical methotrexate (OFA‐MTX5%) for superficial basal cell carcinoma assessed by optical coherence tomography
Authors: Absil Gilles , Lebas Eve , Nikkels Arjen F.
Published: January 2023

Background

Oxygen‐flow‐assisted topical administration of 5% methotrexate (OFAMTX5%) was recently described as a painless therapeutic option with good cosmetic results for superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC).

Objectives

To assess the efficacy and cosmetic outcome of OFAMTX5% for small (<2 cm) and large (>2 cm) sBCCs of the trunk.

Methods

Patients with a least two sBCCs, as diagnosed by clinical, dermatoscopic and optical coherence tomography (OCT) examination, were included. One target lesion was treated 2×/week for 2 weeks. Complete (CR), partial (PR) and no (NR) responses, respectively defined as a total absence, improvement or a similar OCT aspect compared to baseline, were evaluated by OCT at 3 and 12 months postprocedure. Cosmetic outcome was evaluated at 1 year.

Results

At 3 months in a cohort of 32 patients (mean age: 54 years, min: 44 years, max: 89 years), the small sBCC lesion group presented a 94.4% (17/18) CR and a 5.5% PR (1/18), whereas the large lesion group revealed a CR of 64.3% (9/14) and PR of 35.7% (5/14). At 12 months, 3/14 large lesions presented recurrent sBCC at the border of the target lesion, but none in the small lesion group (0/18). No treatment‐related cutaneous nor systemic adverse events were observed. No OCT changes were noted at 3 and 12 months in control sBCC lesions. Cosmetic results were scored as good and excellent in 19.4% and 80.1%, respectively.

Conclusions

OFAMTX5% represents an interesting therapeutic alternative for sBCC on the trunk, without pain sensations and treatment‐related adverse effects. The place of OFAMTX5% in the therapeutic armamentarium against sBCC remains to be determined in larger series.