bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emotion regulation questionnaire-adapted and individual differences in emotion regulation
Authors: Seixas Rita , Pignault Anne , Houssemand Claude
Published: February 2021

Emotion regulation is a human adaptation process with important implications for daily life. Two specific emotion regulation strategies were the principle areas of study: reappraisal (cognitive change in which individuals adapt their state of mind about a given situation) and expressive suppression (response modulation in which individuals change their emotional response after its initiation). The Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), that captures individual tendencies to reappraise and to suppress the expression of emotions, was also developed. Response modulation strategy was analyzed by considering two distinct processes: expressive suppression (down-regulation) and expressive enhancement (up-regulation). This latter modulation process has been less frequently studied by researchers. The present study investigates the psychometrical properties, individual differences and correlates of a French adapted version of the ERQ, which comprises reappraisal and the two response modulation tendencies – expressive suppression and expressive enhancement. Based on the initial ERQ, new items were created and added to the scale. The three-factor structure of the ERQ adapted was confirmed. As expected, emotion regulation is linked to individual differences: the tendency to reappraise has a positive low correlation with age; and men are significantly more disposed to suppress and to enhance than women. Finally, the tendency to suppress the expression of emotions is negatively correlated with extraversion, and the disposition to enhance the expression of emotions is negatively correlated with conscientiousness.
The effects of acute exercise on short- and long-term memory: Considerations for the timing of exercise and phases of memory
Authors: Loprinzi Paul D. , Day Sierra , Hendry Rebecca , Hoffman Sara , Love Alexis , Marable Sarah , McKee Elizabeth , Stec Sydney , Watson Hanna , Gilliland Brittney
Published: February 2021

The specific questions addressed from this research include: (1) Does high-intensity acute exercise improve memory?, (2) If so, do the mechanisms occur via encoding, consolidation, or retrieval? and (3) If acute exercise occurs in multiple phases of memory (e.g., before encoding and during consolidation), does this have an additive effect on memory? Three experimental, within-subject, counterbalanced studies were conducted among young adults. High-intensity exercise involved a 20-minutes bout of exercise at 75% of heart rate reserve. Memory was evaluated from a word-list task, including multiple evaluations out to 24-hours post-encoding. The timing of the exercise and memory assessments were carefully positioned to evaluate whether any improvements in memory were driven by mechanisms related to encoding, consolidation, and/or retrieval. We demonstrated that high-intensity acute exercise enhanced memory. This effect was robust (repeatable) and occurred through encoding, consolidation and retrieval-based mechanisms. Further, incorporating acute exercise into multiple phases of memory additively enhanced memory function.
Titler, typografi og andre tilpasninger
Authors: Appel Charlotte
Published: February 2021

Charlotte Appel: Titles, typography and other adjustments. A study of Morten Hallager as a media-savvy publisher of Danish books for children during the last decades of the eighteenth century

This article investigates the involvement of Morten Hallager (1740–1803) in the book business, and how he contributed to shaping a new commodity in Denmark: books for children. Until recently, Hallager has not attracted much scholarly attention due to a traditional focus on authors who made original contributions to Danish literature. However, Hallager’s combined experience as a printer (1771–84), a schoolteacher (from 1785) and an expert in German and French gave him a unique background to act as a transnational agent, introducing European Enlightenment literature for children (by J. H. Campe, C. K. J. Dassel, K. T. Thieme, A. Berquin etc.) to Danish readers.

After an outline of Hallager’s life and career, the article presents a survey of his publications. He was particularly active as an author, translator, compiler and publisher of books for children c.1791–1804 (his last books were published posthumously), and during this period he published 38 individual titles – and 57 editions in all (including 19 second or later editions) – corresponding to c.11 per cent of all Danish titles for a young readership. Four main types of intervention that characterise Hallager’s books for children are analysed. First, he took great care over titles and the contents of title pages. Most of them would include an explicit reference to ‘child’, ‘children’ or ‘youth’, and Hallager would present himself as a schoolteacher and thus an expert in the field. Next, when it came to the physical appearance of the books, Hallager made use of his professional know-how. His initial success, a small reader in sextodecimo from 1791 (reprinted ten times), for example, demonstrated how he made choices concerning format, typeface etc. Third, Hallager made a number of pedagogical adjustments to the translated texts, reflecting his ambition to be as specific and concrete as possible and also to include variety, so that his young readers were never bored. Fourth, the article maps his impressive range of strategies with regard to translating, transforming and ‘localising’ foreign texts, so that they would become more digestible and relevant for a Danish audience.

Finally, the conclusion argues that Hallager’s experience in every role and every position within Robert Darnton’s famous communication circuit (1982) was a key to his success – and may explain his wish to explicate his publishing strategies in great detail. For this reason, a study of Hallager’s publications provides us with new insights not only into his own book business but also into the emerging market for children’s books in general.
Percepção dos tutores sobre o comportamento de cães e gatos frente ao isolamento social devido à pandemia da COVID-19
Authors: Silva Welligton Conceição da , Dantas Gabriel Da Silva , Silva Jamile Andréa Rodrigues da , Barbosa Antônio Vinicius Correa
Published: February 2021

O mundo está vivendo uma situação difícil, de isolamento social, para conter a pandemia do Sars-Cov-2 (Novo Coronavírus). A vida das famílias está sendo afetada de várias formas, pois a rotina diária mudou muito, inclusive a dos animais de estimação. Assim, o objetivo neste estudo foi verificar os impactos do isolamento devido a pandemia por COVID-19 sobre o comportamento de cães e gatos, em Santarém, Pará, Brasil. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida por meio da aplicação de questionário padrão de caráter fechado. Foram consultadas 168 pessoas, de diferentes bairros do município. A maioria dos entrevistados afirmaram que os animais tiveram mudanças em sua rotina (67,29%), bem como ficaram mais carentes (61,9%) com seus tutores. Porém, grande parte (59,53%) dos tutores, os animais não apresentaram mudanças no comportamento após início do isolamento social em decorrência do COVID-19, o que pode ter relação com a boa interação dos animais com os seus tutores, o que pode ter diminuído a carga de estresse dos animais isolados. Conclui-se que apesar do isolamento social dos tutores de Santarém, Pará, que ficaram mais tempo em casa, os cães e gatos, encontram-se com bom grau de bem-estar.
Apresentação
Authors: Vieira Alboni Marisa Dudeque Pianovski , Alves Araújo Osmar Hélio , Fortunato Ivan , Frankson Moura Castro Francisco Mirtiel , Mato Daniel
Published: February 2021

v. 21, n. 68, 2021
DUCT reveals architectural mechanisms contributing to bile duct recovery in a mouse model for Alagille syndrome
Authors: Hankeova Simona , Salplachta Jakub , Zikmund Tomas , Kavkova Michaela , Van Hul Noémi , Brinek Adam , Smekalova Veronika , Laznovsky Jakub , Dawit Feven , Jaros Josef , Bryja Vítězslav , Lendahl Urban , Ellis Ewa , Nemeth Antal , Fischler Björn , Hannezo Edouard , Kaiser Jozef , Andersson Emma Rachel
Published: February 2021

Organ function depends on tissues adopting the correct architecture. However, insights into organ architecture are currently hampered by an absence of standardized quantitative 3D analysis. We aimed to develop a robust technology to visualize, digitalize, and segment the architecture of two tubular systems in 3D: double resin casting micro computed tomography (DUCT). As proof of principle, we applied DUCT to a mouse model for Alagille syndrome (Jag1Ndr/Ndr mice), characterized by intrahepatic bile duct paucity, that can spontaneously generate a biliary system in adulthood. DUCT identified increased central biliary branching and peripheral bile duct tortuosity as two compensatory processes occurring in distinct regions of Jag1Ndr/Ndr liver, leading to full reconstitution of wild-type biliary volume and phenotypic recovery. DUCT is thus a powerful new technology for 3D analysis, which can reveal novel phenotypes and provide a standardized method of defining liver architecture in mouse models.
Expected Competencies from University Graduates for Employment in Serbia
Authors: Anđelković Labrović Jelena , Milinković Ivana , Petrović Nikola , Kovačević Ivana
Published: February 2021

Research Question: This paper investigates into which competencies and competency areas are essential for graduates to be employable in Serbia. Motivation: The research was conducted with the aim to recommend to the Faculty of Organizational Sciences to adjust their curriculum, so that graduates could acquire competencies necessary for employment at junior positions. Combining qualitative and quantitative approaches, the paper includes required competencies according to popular reports, analysis of vacancies for junior positions in the field of Management and IT, focus groups and surveys conducted in companies in Serbia. Idea: The main idea of the research was to empirically evaluate the need and importance of general competencies for performing a job at junior positions. Participants in the research were experts from human resource management departments and domain experts from different fields who participate in the selection process. Data: During the research, 52 competencies from world reports, 60 competencies from open job vacancies, and 69 competencies during the focus group were analyzed. The questionnaire was created based on 29 competencies that were results from the qualitative research and filled out by 118 representatives from companies from different business domains. Tools: Content analysis of reports and vacancy ads, focus group report and statistical analysis of survey data (t test, Principal component analysis) were used to draw conclusions about required competencies for junior positions in the Serbian market and to categorize them. Findings: Competencies that are expected from future employees are to be socially skilled leaders capable of solving problems and intrinsically motivated to create and to be productive. Above all, they should be able to learn continuously. Specifically, when comparing managerial junior positions to junior IT professionals, it seems more important to be competitive, have strong presentation skills and to be conscientious. Contribution: Competencies important for graduates’ employability in Serbia are identified and grouped in different competency areas based on what universities’ curricula could be adapted.
Acquisitions, Organizational Culture and Performance: Empirical Evidence from Acquired Company in Serbia
Authors: Savović Slađana , Nikolić Jelena , Zlatanović Dejana
Published: February 2021

Research question: The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to examine the effects of acquisitions on organizational culture in terms of the degree of change in certain organizational culture dimensions, and second, to examine effects of organizational culture differences on the acquired company’s performance. Motivation: Although many studies have examined the relationships among acquisitions, organizational culture and performance, especially the relationship between organizational culture differences and company performance in developed economies (Chatterjee et al., 1992; Weber & Camerer, 2003; Krishnan et al., 1997), little attention has been paid to the research into these relationships in the emerging economies. Understanding the cultural issues in the context of acquisition in the emerging economy will contribute to the literature and enable comparison of research results with results obtained in developed economies. Idea: The core idea of this paper was to empirically evaluate the relationship among acquisitions, organizational culture and performance on the example of an acquired company in the Republic of Serbia, as the emerging economy. The paper focuses on exploring the employees' perceptions of organizational culture change in the period after the acquisition, as well as managers’ perceptions of the acquired company’s performance. Data: The survey was conducted in the company operating in the Republic of Serbia which was the subject of cross-border acquisition. The sample consists of 344 respondents (managers and employees) from the acquired company. Tools: Descriptive statistical analysis, Mann-Whitney U-test and regression analysis were applied in the study. Findings: The results of the research demonstrate that innovation as a dimension of organizational culture has changed to a greatest extent. Further, the results show that there are no statistically significant differences in the ways of how managers and employees perceive changes in organizational culture. Additionally, the results of the research show that organizational cultural differences have a positive influence on performance of the acquired company. Contribution: This paper contributes to a better understanding of the significance of organizational culture changes in an acquired company in the emerging economy and formulates practical suggestions for the managers in future acquisitions.
Composition and distribution of fish environmental DNA in an Adirondack watershed
Authors: Cornman Robert S. , McKenna, Jr. James E. , Fike Jennifer A.
Published: February 2021

Background

Environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys are appealing options for monitoring aquatic biodiversity. While factors affecting eDNA persistence, capture and amplification have been heavily studied, watershed-scale surveys of fish communities and our confidence in such need further exploration.

Methods

We characterized fish eDNA compositions using rapid, low-volume filtering with replicate and control samples scaled for a single Illumina MiSeq flow cell, using the mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA locus for taxonomic profiling. Our goals were to determine: (1) spatiotemporal variation in eDNA abundance, (2) the filtrate needed to achieve strong sequencing libraries, (3) the taxonomic resolution of 12S ribosomal sequences in the study environment, (4) the portion of the expected fish community detectable by 12S sequencing, (5) biases in species recovery, (6) correlations between eDNA compositions and catch per unit effort (CPUE) and (7) the extent that eDNA profiles reflect major watershed features. Our bioinformatic approach included (1) estimation of sequencing error from unambiguous mappings and simulation of taxonomic assignment error under various mapping criteria; (2) binning of species based on inferred assignment error rather than by taxonomic rank; and (3) visualization of mismatch distributions to facilitate discovery of distinct haplotypes attributed to the same reference. Our approach was implemented within the St. Regis River, NY, USA, which supports tribal and recreational fisheries and has been a target of restoration activities. We used a large record of St. Regis-specific observations to validate our assignments.

Results

We found that 300 mL drawn through 25-mm cellulose nitrate filters yielded greater than 5 ng/µL DNA at most sites in summer, which was an approximate threshold for generating strong sequencing libraries in our hands. Using inferred sequence error rates, we binned 12S references for 110 species on a state checklist into 85 single-species bins and seven multispecies bins. Of 48 bins observed by capture survey in the St. Regis, we detected eDNA consistent with 40, with an additional four detections flagged as potential contaminants. Sixteen unobserved species detected by eDNA ranged from plausible to implausible based on distributional data, whereas six observed species had no 12S reference sequence. Summed log-ratio compositions of eDNA-detected taxa correlated with log(CPUE) (Pearson’s R = 0.655, P < 0.001). Shifts in eDNA composition of several taxa and a genotypic shift in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) coincided with the Hogansburg Dam, NY, USA. In summary, a simple filtering apparatus operated by field crews without prior expertise gave useful summaries of eDNA composition with minimal evidence of field contamination. 12S sequencing achieved useful taxonomic resolution despite the short marker length, and data exploration with standard bioinformatic tools clarified taxonomic uncertainty and sources of error.
Phytochemicals and Nutritional Constituent Evaluation of Bael (Aegle marmelos) Fruit Pulp at Different Development Stage
Authors: Sarkar A. , Rashid M. , Musarrat M. , Billah M.
Published: February 2021

Aegle marmelos Correa commonly known as “Bael,” has been recognized as a component of traditional medication for the treatment of various human ailments. The present study was focused on phytochemical screening, nutritional constituent of A. marmelos at different development stages. Highest amount of alkaloid was in premature bael (8.09±0.09 mg/g), phenols in premature bael (9.65±0.06 mg/g) pulp and saponins in mature bael(5.57±0.08) pulp. Highest amount of thiamin (B1) (1.83±0.03 mg/100 g) and ascorbic acid (48.62±0.04 mg/100 g) in premature bael pulp. Sugar content significantly highest in matured bael(6.94±0.04 mg/100 g) pulp. Most abundant mineral potassium content was maximum in (139.61±0.04 mg/100 g) premature bael fruit pulp. The nutritional constituents and phytochemicals change depending on maturation stage. Nutritional constituent changes on the effects of development of bael (Aegle marmelos) fruit. It has been found in the present study that there were a numbers of phytochemical changes occurred during different fruit development stages.
Studying the Impact of Total Quality Management on Entrepreneurial Organizations' Performance (Case Study: Insurance Companies in Iran)
Authors: Parsamand Afsaneh
Published: February 2021

Purpose: Iran's situation in its competitive market and developing economy has encouraged entrepreneurial industrial organizations to improve the quality of their products and services so that they can enter the world's competitive market. To do so, they need to incorporate some effective means, one of which is total quality management. Total quality management is both a culture and a series of strategic principles to ensure consistent progress in entrepreneurial organizations.

Methods: This is a descriptive correlational study. The statistical population is 321 insurance employees in Tehran, Iran; 140 of these employees were randomly selected as a sample group by the use of the Morgan table. The Research tool is the Total Quality Management questionnaire that consists of the Organizational Performance Questionnaire by Kaplan and Norton (2001) and the Total Quality Management questionnaire by Wang et al (2012). Cranach's alpha method was applied to measure reliability, and the results were confirmed. To analyze the research data, inferential statistics were used including Kolmogorov–Smirnov test (K-S) for the normality of the data and the Regression method to test hypotheses. SPSS software was also used to analyze and process the research data.

Conclusion: results indicate that Total Quality Management has a significant influence on organizations' performance including the performance of financial sections, organizations' customers, the internal process, and organizations' learning and progress.
Impact of ICT Integrated Pedagogy on Children’s Comprehension and Learning Outcomes in Science at Upper Primary Level
Authors: Deepshikha . , Mohalik Ramakant , Mohapatra Animesh Kumar
Published: February 2021

This study investigated the impact of ICT integrated pedagogy on learning outcomes in science of upper primary students. A quasi-experimental (Pre-tests and post-tests with control group) research design was adopted to conduct the study. One hundred and twenty five class VIII children were the participants. The experimental group was taught with the help of ICT integrated pedagogy whereas the control group was taught by traditional chalk and talk pedagogy. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results indicated a statistically significant difference in comprehension and learning outcomes of a science topic i.e. Cell: Structure and Function of experimental group and control groups. Children of the experimental group had better learning outcomes in science than control groups. This trend was also reflected in personal interviews.Therefore, it is suggested that ICT integrated pedagogy ought to be employed in the teaching of science at the upper primary level to enhance conceptual understanding and learning outcomes in the subject.
AMMI Biplot Analysis for Genotype X Environment Interaction and Stability for Yield in Hybrid Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Under Different Production Seasons
Authors: Devi K. Rukmini , Venkanna V. , Lingaiah N. , Prasad K. Rajendra , Chandra B. Satish , Hari Y. , Rao P. Jagan Mohan
Published: February 2021

The aim of the study was to determine the genotype x environment interaction and stability performance of fifteen rice hybrids in three different production seasons during 2016, 2017 at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Warangal, Telangana.  Data was subjected to the additive mean effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) analysis, results indicated that significant genotype x environmental interaction (GEI) influenced the relative ranking of the hybrids across the seasons. It was evident from AMMI analysis that first two principal components accounted for 94.09%, which is enough to explain the variability among the hybrids. The hybrids, G9 (WGRH 18), G8 (WGRH-17) and G12 (WGRH-22) and G3 (WGRH-10), exhibited high grain yield. The AMMI 2 biplot revealed that the rice genotype, G15 (WGL-14), close to the origin indicated non sensitive nature of this genotype with the seasons and highly stable genotype across the environments with low yield potential when compared to hybrids. Whereas the rice hybrids, G9 (WGRH-18), G8 (WGRH-17), G3 (WGRH-10) and G5 (WGRH-14), were also close proximity to origin and have limited interaction with the seasons. The rice hybrid, G9 (WGRH-18), has high mean yield with stable performance over three environments being the overall best can be considered for the release after through conformation.
Isolation and Characterization of Two New Polyphenols from the Anti-Diabetic Fraction of Pod Extract of Caesalpinia pulcherrima Swartz
Authors: Faloye Kolade Olatubosun , Famuyiwa Samson Oluwaseyi , Ayoola Marcus Durojaye , Ndinteh Derek Tahton
Published: February 2021

This study was planned and executed to validate the anti-diabetic ethno-medicinal claim of Caesalpinia pulcherrima (Fabaceae) pods and the isolation of potential chemical compounds responsible for the activity.The anti-diabetic activity of the extract was assayed using oral glucose tolerance test and streptozotocin induced hyperglycaemic rats. The partition fractions of the extract were evaluated for their anti-hyperglycaemic activity using oral glucose tolerance test. The most active fraction was subjected to chromatographic separations that led to the isolation and characterisation of two new polyphenolic compounds. The structures of these compounds were elucidated and characterized using IR, 1D- and 2D-NMR and MS techniques.The extract gave comparable (p>0.05) activity to glibenclamide (5 mg/kg) at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg at 4 h in oral glucose tolerance test and streptozotocin induced diabetic model on day 21. The most active ethyl acetate fraction (200 mg/kg) elicited comparable activity to the positive control at 0.5-4 h with blood glucose reduction of 52.9 % as compared with glibenclamide (5 mg/kg) of 38.9 % at 4 h. The isolated compounds were identified to be 5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-hydroxy-2-methoxyphenol and 3-(4-methanetriol-2,6-dihydroxyphenyl)-3',4',5',5,7-pentahydroxyflavanonol.The significant anti-diabetic property shown by the pods of C. pulcherrima justified its anti-diabetic ethno-medicinal use and the two new polyphenolic compounds isolated from its most active fraction could have contributed to the observed activity.
Prescribing Practices of Medications in the Outpatient Dermatology Department of a Public Hospital
Authors: Ahmed Nehad J.
Published: February 2021

Aim: This study aims to describe the prescribing pattern of medications by dermatology outpatient department in a public hospital in Alkharj.

Methodology: This is a retrospective study that included collecting data from outpatient electronic prescriptions in a public hospital in Alkharj. All of the outpatients who received prescriptions written by the dermatology department between 1st of January till 30th of June 2018 were included in the study. The data were collected and analyzed using Microsoft Excel.

Results: A total of 328 patients received outpatient prescriptions written by dermatology department. Most of them were females (62.80%) and aged less than 40 years (67.38%). The most prescribed drug in the present study was Hydrocortisone (14.33%) followed by White Soft Paraffin (8.84), Fusidic acid (8.54%) and Cetirizine (8.23%). Most of the medications were prescribed as ointment (28.66%) followed by creams (28.04%).

Conclusion: Females were found to be more predominant with dermatological diseases when compared to males. The most commonly prescribed drugs were hydrocortisone, white soft paraffin, fusidic acid and cetirizine. It is important to evaluate prescribing pattern of the drugs periodically to improve the quality of prescriptions.
Scopoletin Ameliorates Lipopolysaccharide Induced Neuroinflammation, Oxidative Stress and Cognitive Dysfunction in Mice: A Mechanistic Study
Authors: Gursahani Malvika , Gawali Nitin , Pai Sarayu , Mestry Snehal , Juvekar Archana
Published: February 2021

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a progressive neuropsychiatric disorder, is characterized by neuroinflammation, β-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. It has been demonstrated that systemic inflammation and neuroinflammation caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injections in rodents leads to elevation in Aβ levels and neuronal cell death, finally resulting in cognitive impairment.

Methods: Animals received the experimental compound – Scopoletin (2.5, 5 or 10 mg/kg, i.p) for 31 days. Initially for 14 days, they received only the experimental drug; thereafter for the next 7 days they received LPS (0.25 mg/kg i.p) along with the experimental molecules.

Treatment with the experimental molecules was continued for the next 10 days and behavioural tests were performed. Animals were sacrificed on day 32 and biochemical tests were performed on brain tissue homogenate.

Results: Scopoletin administration improved memory and cognition as indicated by reduction of escape latency in Morris water maze test and increased number of entries in Y maze test. Malondialdehyde was significantly increased after LPS administration and reduced glutathione, catalyse and superoxide dismutase were significantly reduced in mice brains. Treatment with scopoletin significantly reduced oxidative stress. Inflammatory markers. β-secretase and apoptotic markers were also markedly reduced.

Conclusion: At medium and high dose, Scopoletin showed promise response as a prophylactic entity in the LPS induced neuroinflamation and cognitive dysfunction model in mice.
High Carrying Rate of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) Producing Enterobacteriaceae by Slaughterhouse Workers in Lomé, Togo in 2019
Authors: Godonou Amivi Mawussi , Gbeasor-Komlanvi Fifonsi Adjidossi , Tsogbale Novissi , Lack Fiali , Dossim Sika , Batawui Komla Batassé , Ameyapoh Yaovi Agbekponou , Ekouevi Koumavi , Dagnra Anoumou Yaotsè , Salou Mounerou
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL) represent a real public health concern because of their spread. The role of agri-food chains in transmitting of digestive ESBL-producing bacterial strains in the community, was demonstrated but little work was done in our settings (Togo, west Africa). The aim of this study was to estimate the rate of digestive carrying ESBL producing enterobacteriacae in slaughterhouse workers in Lomé, Togo.

Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out in three slaughterhouses in Lomé. Fresh stools of 60 slaughterhouse workers and socio-demographic data were collected during the period of September to October 2019 after obtaining the consent of each participant.

The bacterial strains of interest were isolated on the selective medium Purple Bromocresol + Ceftazidime at 6µg/l. UriselectÒ and API 20E media were used for identification. Antibiotic susceptibility test was performed in Mueller-Hinton agar plate diffusion method (Kirby Bauer technic) and according to CASFM-EUCAST recommendations.

Results: The digestive carriage rate of ESBL producing enterobacteriacae among professionals of three slaughterhouses of Lomé was 80% (n=48/60). Escherichia coli was the main bacteria 78.2% (n = 43/55) followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae 16.4% (n = 9/55) and Enterobacter cloacae 5.4% (n = 3/55). The antibiotic profile of ESBL producing enterobacteriacae showed resistance to Amoxycillin + Clavulanic Acid (26%), Ticarcillin + Clavulanic Acid (86%), Piperacillin + Tazobactam (14%), Cefoxitin (7%) Ciprofloxacin (63%), Levofloxacin (49%), Nalidixic Acid (42%), Chloramphenicol (33%), Gentamicin (21%), Sulfamethoxazole-Trimetoprim (93%). These bacteria were 100% sensitive to Imipenem, Ertapenem, Amikacin and Fosfomycin.

Conclusion: This study revealed a very high carriage rate of ESBL producing Enterobacteriacae among Slaughterhouse Workers in Lomé. It confirmed the major potential role of the agri-food chains in the spread of ESBL producing bacteria in the Community.
Low‐Overpotential LiF Splitting in Lithiated Fluoride Conversion Cathode Catalyzed by Spinel Oxide
Authors: Wei Kaiyuan , Zhao Yu , Chen Keyi , Sun Ke , Wu Tao , Dong Zhaohui , Cui Yanhua , Zeng Chao , Li Chilin
Published: February 2021

Conversion chemistry involving LiF splitting is an appealing route toward high capacity cathodes for Li‐ion batteries. In general, cathodes based on LiF splitting need a redox host to provide the driving force for LiF decomposition from the surface. However, most of the systems are still far from practical owing to their limitations, especially the high charge voltage (4.5–5.0 V) needed to fully utilize the capacity and the subsequent low energy efficiency (<80%). The redox host is apparently the key to further reduce the required charge voltage and improve the energy efficiency. Here, a new LiF–NiFe2O4 conversion cathode chemistry is designed and demonstrated with a crystalline spinel oxide redox host. It is demonstrated that the new host effectively improves the surface redox and LiF splitting kinetics, which enable the new cathode to work at much lower charge cutoff voltage (4.2 V) without compromising the delivered capacity and voltage. The LiF–NiFe2O4 composite thin film is able to be discharged with large capacity of 237 mA h g−1 with high energy efficiency (88%), substantial pseudocapacitance contribution (>90%), and satisfactory capacity retention. This result indicates LiF splitting chemistry can become practical by carefully tailoring the redox host chemistry and optimizing the composition.
Nido‐Hydroborate‐Based Electrolytes for All‐Solid‐State Lithium Batteries
Authors: Payandeh SeyedHosein , Rentsch Daniel , Łodziana Zbigniew , Asakura Ryo , Bigler Laurent , Černý Radovan , Battaglia Corsin , Remhof Arndt
Published: February 2021

Hydroborate‐based solid electrolytes have recently been successfully employed in high voltage, room temperature all‐solid‐state sodium batteries. The transfer to analogous lithium systems has failed up to now due to the lower conductivity of the corresponding lithium compounds and their high cost. Here LiB11H14 nido‐hydroborate as a cost‐effective building block and its high‐purity synthesis is introduced. The crystal structures of anhydrous LiB11H14 as well as of LiB11H14‐based mixed‐anion solid electrolytes are solved and high ionic conductivities of 1.1 × 10−4 S cm−1 for Li2(B11H14)(CB11H12) and 1.1 × 10−3 S cm−1 for Li3(B11H14)(CB9H10)2 are obtained, respectively. LiB11H14 exhibits an oxidative stability limit of 2.6 V versus Li+/Li and the proposed decomposition products are discussed based on density functional theory calculations. Strategies are discussed to improve the stability of these compounds by modifying the chemical structure of the nido‐hydroborate cage. Galvanostatic cycling in symmetric cells with two lithium metal electrodes shows a small overpotential increase from 22.5 to 30 mV after 620 h (up to 0.5 mAh cm−2), demonstrating that the electrolyte is compatible with metallic anodes. Finally, the Li2(B11H14)(CB11H12)  electrolyte is employed in a proof‐of‐concept half cell with a TiS2 cathode with a capacity retention of 82% after 150 cycles at C/5.
Surface‐Triggered In Situ Gelation for Tunable Conformal Hydrogel Coating of Therapeutic Cells and Biomedical Devices
Authors: Pham Tung Thanh , Tran Phuong Le , Phung Cao Dai , Nguyen Hanh Thuy , Nguyen Canh Hung , Yong Chul Soon , Kim Jong Oh , Yook Simmyung , Jeong Jee‐Heon
Published: February 2021

Hydrogel coatings have been proposed as a promising strategy to improve the biocompatibility of therapeutic cells and biomedical devices. However, developed coating methods are only applicable for simple geometries, typical sizes, and limited substrates. In addition, its applications in therapeutic cell encapsulation are hampered by inadequate construction of the hydrogel capsules such as off‐center encapsulation, immense volume, and lack of control over the thickness of capsules. Here, a method called surface‐triggered in situ gelation (STIG) for universal hydrogel coating of multiscale objects ranging from single cells to mini‐organs to biomedical devices with arbitrary shapes and heterogeneous components is reported. By covering cells or devices with calcium carbonate particles, progressive propagation of alginate hydrogel from their surface under the stimulation of GDL is achieved. The thickness of the hydrogel layers can be easily controlled from several micrometers to hundreds of micrometers by adjusting the gelation time and the release rate of calcium ions. Importantly, STIG facilitates accurate, complete, and individual cell encapsulation, which potentially overcomes the pitfalls of conventional strategies. It is further proven that the low‐cost and facile method can potentially lead to advances in different fields by rendering precisely controlled microscale alginate layers on a wide variety of biomedical substrates.
A Polymer Multicellular Nanoengager for Synergistic NIR‐II Photothermal Immunotherapy
Authors: Xu Cheng , Jiang Yuyan , Han Yahong , Pu Kanyi , Zhang Ruiping
Published: February 2021

Cell‐membrane‐coated nanoparticles (CCNPs) that integrate the biophysiological advantages of cell membranes with the multifunctionalities of synthetic materials hold great promise in cancer immunotherapy. However, strategies have yet to be revealed to further improve their immunotherapeutic efficacy. Herein, a polymer multicellular nanoengager (SPNE) for synergistic second‐near‐infrared‐window (NIR‐II) photothermal immunotherapy is reported. The nanoengager consists of an NIR‐II absorbing polymer as the photothermal core, which is camouflaged with fused membranes derived from immunologically engineered tumor cells and dendritic cells (DCs) as the cancer vaccine shell. In association with the high accumulation in lymph nodes and tumors, the multicellular engagement ability of the SPNE enables effective cross‐interactions among tumor cells, DCs, and T cells, leading to augmented T cell activation relative to bare or tumor‐cell‐coated nanoparticles. Upon deep‐tissue penetrating NIR‐II photoirradiation, SPNE eradicates the tumor and induces immunogenic cell death, further eliciting anti‐tumor T cell immunity. Such a synergistic photothermal immunotherapeutic effect eventually inhibits tumor growth, prevents metastasis and procures immunological memory. Thus, this study presents a general cell‐membrane‐coating approach to develop photo‐immunotherapeutic agents for cancer therapy.
Europium Addition Reduces Local Structural Disorder and Enhances Photoluminescent Yield in Perovskite CsPbBr3
Authors: Quinn Xueying L. , Kumar Rishi E. , Kodur Moses , Cakan Deniz N. , Cai Zhonghou , Zhou Tao , Holt Martin V. , Fenning David P.
Published: February 2021

Correlative X‐ray microscopy, including synchrotron X‐ray diffraction and fluorescence, is leveraged to understand the local role of europium as a B‐site additive in CsPbBr3 perovskite crystals. Europium addition reduces microstrain in the perovskite, despite the fact that the degree of europium incorporation into the perovskite varies locally, with a maximum loading over twice the nominal stoichiometry. The presence of europium improves photoluminescence yield and bandwidth, while shifting the emission to bluer wavelengths. Finally, europium‐containing crystals have greatly improved X‐ray hardness. The findings show promise for europium as an additive in perovskite optoelectronic devices.
Socioeconomic inequalities in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Portuguese preschool‐aged children: Changes from 2009 to 2016
Authors: Rodrigues Daniela , Costa Diogo , Gama Augusta , Machado‐Rodrigues Aristides M. , Nogueira Helena , Silva Maria‐Raquel G. , Rosado‐Marques Vítor , Padez Cristina
Published: February 2021

Objectives

We evaluated, for the first time in Portugal, the prevalence of overweight and obesity according to parental education in a population of preschool‐aged Portuguese children in 2009/2010 and 2016/2017.

Methods

Anthropometric data were collected in public and private preschools (n = 1996 in 2009/2010; n = 2077 in 2016/2017). Body mass index was calculated and weight status categories were based on the International Obesity Task Force cutoff points. Parental education level was self‐reported.

Results

Prevalence of overweight (17.1%–14.1%; p < 0.001) and obesity (6.6%–3.9%, p < 0.001) was lower in 2016/2017 than in 2009/2010, with higher rates being found in the north of the country. Parental education was significantly associated with childhood overweight and obesity and inequalities between low‐ and high‐education increased between the two periods.

Conclusions

While a decrease in childhood overweight and obesity were positive findings, the prevalence is still high and shows pronounced socioeconomic differences. Policies for obesity prevention need to be inclusive and tackle inequalities, with interventions tailored to suit local contexts.
Cu(OAc)2‐porphyrins as an efficient catalytic system for base‐free, nature mimicking Chan–Lam coupling in water
Authors: Venkateswarlu Katta , Rao Kanusu Umamaheswara
Published: February 2021

The use of porphyrins as ligands in organic synthesis reveals the natural process, because these are the constituent motifs of catalysts in many bio‐organic reactions. This article presents the synthesis of two N‐pincer tetradentate porphyrins; tetrasodium meso‐tetra(p‐sulfonatophenyl)phorphyrin (H2TSTpSPP) and meso‐tetra(m‐carboxyphenyl)porphyrin (H2TmCPP), and study on their aptness for Cu‐catalyzed C–N coupling reactions of arylboronic acids and amines (Chan–Lam coupling reaction) in water under external base free conditions. The porphyrins and Chan–Lam coupling products were well characterized by their spectral analysis. The high product yields, application of nature‐inspired conditions, large extent of substrates, ease of making and handling the ligands, avoidance of base, and use of water as reaction media are the attractive attributes of this finding.
Evaluating PE/PLA interfacial tension using ternary immiscible polymer blends
Authors: Gu Liangliang , Macosko Christopher W.
Published: February 2021

Blending with ethylene‐based flexible polymers such as polyethylene (PE) is one of the strategies to toughen poly(lactic acid) (PLA), an inherently brittle biodegradable plastic enjoying growing demands worldwide. Interfacial tension plays a crucial role in blend formulation. Yet several literature reports on the PE/PLA interfacial tension contradict each other, giving ~5 mN/m and ~11 mN/m. In this work, we demonstrate that the PE/PLA interfacial tension is at least 9 mN/m. We use a cocontinuous PE/polystyrene (PS)/PLA ternary blend. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed complete wetting morphology with PS phase separating PE and PLA phases in the ternary blend. In addition, the complete wetting behavior was maintained at a PS volume fraction as low as 3%. This morphology together with the Harkins equation, indicate that the PE/PLA interfacial tension is higher than 10.5 ± 1.4 mN/m at 180°C.
Butyltriphenylphosphine‐based chelate borates influenced on flame retardancy of polystyrene composite containing self‐expanded intumescent flame retardants
Authors: Guo Yongliang , Zheng Yanping , Zhang Haojun , Cui Jinfeng , Guo Junhong , Yang Baoping
Published: February 2021

The polystyrene (PS) composite containing self‐expanded intumescent flame retardant (polyphosphate ammonium and expandable graphite) was blended with three butyltriphenylphosphine‐based chelate borates, respectively, to evaluate their effect on flame retardancy. The chemical structure of as‐prepared three chelate borates was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FTIR). The flame retardancy of various PS composites was evaluated by vertical burning test (UL‐94), limited oxygen index (LOI), and cone calorimeter (CC). Flammability and combustion results suggested that one of chelate borates, named [BTP][BMB], made PS composite (PS4) obtain V‐0 rating, 27.0 ± 0.3% LOI value, and reduction on heat release and smoke production with 17 wt% total flame retardants loading. The combustion residue was analyzed by scanning electron microscope and FTIR, and the pyrolysis gaseous products were investigated by TG‐FTIR technique. Besides, complex viscosity of PS composites composed of various chelate borates from a rheology instrument indicated that the improvements of flame retardancy of PS composites depended on the temperature of construction of crosslinked network by expandable graphite, which the chelate borates showed distinctive influence. Accordingly, the flame‐retarding mechanism about fast response to flame has been proposed.
Utilizing palm oil mill effluent (POME) for the immobilization of Aspergillus oryzae whole‐cell lipase strains for biodiesel synthesis
Authors: Rachmadona Nova , Quayson Emmanuel , Amoah Jerome , Alfaro‐Sayes Daniel A , Hama Shinji , Aznury Martha , Kondo Akihiko , Ogino Chiaki
Published: February 2021

Palm oil mill effluent (POME) is a palm industrial waste by‐product that is readily available and possesses high quantities of the organic compounds that are necessary for microbial growth. This study investigated the potential of immobilized Aspergillus oryzae whole cells expressing Candida antartica lipase B (r‐CALB) when using a POME‐based medium as a low‐cost carbon source within biomass support particles. The dry cell weight, hydrolytic activity, and remaining protein were measured for a variety of POME (0–2% w/v) and carbon source concentrations (0–2% w/v) with an incubation time of 96 h. Using POME in the culture medium as a carbon source instead of glucose doubled the retention of cell weight from 1.16 ± 0.03 to 2.36 ± 0.02 g within the biomass support particles and improved the hydrolytic activity from 1.61 ± 0.02 to 2.23 ± 0.02 U mg−1 in whole‐cell lipase. This immobilized r‐CALB was used as a catalyst to esterify POME into biodiesel. This synthesis produced an ester content of 97.52 ± 0.21% w/w after 96 h. Immobilized r‐CALB was reusable for more than ten batches, and resulted in an ethyl ester content of more than 90% w/w even after 10 cycles. The present study demonstrated that POME could serve as a sustainable carbon source for industrial microbial culture with the additional incentive of being a treatment that is inexpensive and sustainable. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Aporphine Alkaloids from Ocotea puberula with Anti‐Trypanosoma Cruzi Potential – Activity of Dicentrine‐β‐N‐Oxide in the Plasma Membrane Electric Potentials
Authors: Barbosa Henrique , Costa‐Silva Thais A. , Alves Conserva Geanne A. , Araujo Adelson J. , Lordello Ana Luísa L. , Antar Guilherme M. , Amaral Maiara , Soares Marisi G. , Tempone Andre G. , Lago João Henrique G.
Published: February 2021

One new aporphine, dicentrine‐β‐N‐oxide (1), together with five related known alkaloids dehydrodicentrine (2), predicentrine (3), N‐methyllaurotetanine (4), cassythicine (5), and dicentrine (6) were isolated from the leaves of Ocotea puberula (Lauraceae). Antiprotozoal activity of the isolated compounds was evaluated in vitro against trypomastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi. Among the tested compounds, alkaloid 1 exhibited higher potential with EC50 value of 18.2 μM and reduced toxicity against NCTC cells (CC50>200 μM – SI>11.0), similar to positive control benznidazole (EC50 of 17.7 μM and SI=10.7). Considering the promising results of dicentrine‐β‐N‐oxide (1) against trypomastigotes, the mechanism of parasite death caused by this alkaloid was investigated. As observed, this compound reached the plasma membrane electric potential directly after 2 h of incubation and triggered mitochondrial depolarization, which probably leads to trypomastigote death. Therefore, dicentrine‐β‐N‐oxide (1), reported for the first time in this work, can contribute to future works for the development of new trypanocidal agents.
Biodiversity, Bioactivity, and Metabolites of High Desert Derived Oregonian Soil Bacteria
Authors: Zhu Chenxi , Lew Cassandra I. , Neuhaus George F. , Adpressa Donovon A. , Zakharov Lev N. , Kaweesa Elizabeth N. , Plitzko Birte , Loesgen Sandra
Published: February 2021

From arid, high desert soil samples collected near Bend, Oregon, 19 unique bacteria were isolated. Each strain was identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and their organic extracts were tested for antibacterial and antiproliferative activities. Noteworthy, six extracts (30 %) exhibited strong inhibition resulting in less than 50 % cell proliferation in more than one cancer cell model, tested at 10 μg/mL. Principal component analysis (PCA) of LC/MS data revealed drastic differences in the metabolic profiles found in the organic extracts of these soil bacteria. In total, fourteen potent antibacterial and/or cytotoxic metabolites were isolated via bioactivity‐guided fractionation, including two new natural products: a pyrazinone containing tetrapeptide and 7‐methoxy‐2,3‐dimethyl‐4H‐chromen‐4‐one, as well as twelve known compounds: furanonaphthoquinone I, bafilomycin C1 and D, FD‐594, oligomycin A, chloramphenicol, MY12‐62A, rac‐sclerone, isosclerone, tunicamycin VII, tunicamycin VIII, and (6S,16S)‐anthrabenzoxocinone 1.264‐C.