bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The validity of decision-making as a fundamental principle of the Prosecutor's Office
Authors: Kovalev Artem Aleksandrovich
Published: August 2022

The subject of the study is materials of prosecutorial, law enforcement and judicial practice, norms of procedural legislation and legislation on the prosecutor's office regulating these public relations, as well as positions formed on the essence of the principle of validity and its implementation in the activities of the prosecutor's office and other law enforcement agencies. The object of the research in the article is the social relations arising from the implementation of the principle of reasonableness of decision-making in the implementation of prosecutorial and other law enforcement activities. The author examines in detail such aspects of the topic as the correlation of validity and objective truth, the main characteristics of the principle and the problem of the correlation of the normative regulation of justification and the empirical task of its establishment. The principle of reasonableness of decision-making is one of the key principles of the activities of the prosecutor's office, other law enforcement agencies, as well as regulatory bodies; the need for reasonableness of decisions taken by law enforcement officials is stated in many regulations. At the same time, legal acts do not contain regulation of this fundamental principle; there is practically no scientific elaboration of it, there are only studies of its individual aspects, without highlighting the key provisions, the study of which in the activities of law enforcement agencies and in more detail the prosecutor's office is devoted to the article, what is the novelty of the study. In the course of the research, the views of scientists on the content of the principle of validity, the procedure for its legal regulation were studied, as a result of which the main characteristics of this principle were identified, which should be the basis for the legal regulation of the principle in relation to the activities of the prosecutor's office and the court. The conclusion is formulated about the need to consolidate this principle in the Law on the Prosecutor's Office, which will prevent the adoption of unreasonable decisions possible if this principle is not observed, and abuse of authority, which in turn can lead to a violation of the principle of legality, which is a special contribution of the author to the study of this topic.
Legal regulation of the distribution of cases in courts: content, implementation, problems and areas of improvement
Authors: Titova Irina Anatol'evna
Published: August 2022

The subject of the research of this article is the legal norms regulating the features of the use of automated systems for the distribution of cases in courts, as well as law enforcement practice for the organization of such activities. The object of the research is procedural relations arising during the use of this system in the judicial proceedings of the Russian Federation. The author reveals the contradictions that arise between theoretically fixed normative provisions and their practical implementation. The features and problems of the activity of courts in the application of the mechanism of automated distribution of court cases are identified. The author substantiates that it is necessary to improve legislative acts aimed at court using an electronically automated system for the distribution of court cases. Author talks about the problems of legalizing organizational rules that fix the automated procedure for the distribution of cases in courts and the distribution of the judicial burden. Considers it necessary to create a full–fledged procedural and legal mechanism for the automated distribution of cases in courts to supplement the norms of the current legislation in the relevant part with cases of impossibility of using automated equipment, as well as rules of a different order of distribution of cases. The result of the work is the original author's suggestions and recommendations that form the novelty of the work. In particular, the adoption of the Federal Law "On Judicial Workload" has been proposed, proposals have been developed in the form of draft articles on amendments and additions to the procedural codes of the Russian Federation regarding the establishment of promising directions for the formation of the composition of the court using an electronically automated system for the distribution of court cases having a "flexible" nature. Modeling which the author used the formal legal method, analytical, logical and other methods of scientific cognition.
Accelerating super-resolution ultrasound localization microscopy using generative adversarial net
Authors: Sui Yi-Hui , Guo Xing-Yi , Yu Jun-Jin , Alexander A. Solovev , Ta De-An , Xu Kai-Liang ,   Academy for Engineering and Technology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China,   Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Information Science and Technology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China,   Department of Materials Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
Published: August 2022

Ultrafast ultrasound localization microscopy (uULM) has broken through the fundamental acoustic diffraction limit by accumulating thousands of sub-wavelength microbubble localisation points and improved the spatial resolution by more than one order of magnitude, which is conducive to clinical diagnosis. By localizing individually injected microbubbles and tracking their movement with a subwavelength resolution, the vasculature microscopy can be achieved with micrometer scale. However, the reconstruction of a uULM image often requires tens or even hundreds of seconds of continuous long-range image acquisition, which limits its clinical application. In order to solve this problem, a generative adversarial network (GAN) based deep learning method is proposed to reconstruct the super-resolution ultrasound localization microscopy. In vivo uULM ultrasound datasets are used to train the network to reconstruct dense vascular networks via localized microbubbles. This approach is validated by using another in-vivo dataset obtained in a rat brain. Results show that GAN based ultrafast ultrasound localization microscopy (GAN-uULM) can resolve micro vessels smaller than 10 μm. Besides, GAN-uULM is able to distinguish small vessels that cannot be continuously reconstructed by using a standard uULM reconstruction method. Saturation parameter based on counting the number of explored pixels is used to evaluate the reconstruction quality. The proposed reconstruction approach reduces the data requirement by half and thus significantly accelerates the uULM imaging. It is illustrasted that for a dataset of 292 s ultrafast acquisition, the saturation of standard uULM image is 33%, while that of GAN-uULM can reach 46%. Fourier ring correlation (FRC) method is utilized to measure the spatial resolution in uULM. Resolutions of the images obtained by standard uULM and GAN-ULM are 7.8 μm and 8.9 μm, respectively.

In conclusion, the developed deep learning model is able to connect trajectories with less computational complexity and avoids manual tuning and trajectory screening, providing an effective solution for accelerating ultrasound localization microscopy.
Skin effect in disordered non-Hermitian Su-Schrieffer-Heeger
Authors: Liu Jia-Lin , Pang Ting-Fang , Yang Xiao-Sen , Wang Zheng-Ling ,   Department of Physics, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
Published: August 2022

In recent years, a large number of novel phenomena such as the breakdown of conventional bulk-boundary correspondence and non-Hermitian skin effect, have emerged in non-Hermitian systems. In this work, we investigate the localization of the eigenstates and the non-Hermitian skin effect of the disordered non-Hermitian Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) model by inverse participation rate (IPR) and average inverse participation rate (MIPR). We also investigate the bulk-boundary correspondence ratio of the system. Based on the above, we further investigate the effect of disorder on the non-Hermitian skin effect and the topological properties of the NH system. We find that the disorder does not destroy the localization of the topological edge state due to the protection from the topology of the system. But the eigenstates of bulk are greatly affected by the disorder. In the presence of disorder, the eigenstates of the bulk will rapidly extend into the bulk. Thus, the non-Hermitian skin effect is vulnerable to the disorder. When the disorder is enhanced, the non-Hermitian skin effect will be greatly suppressed. We also show that the disorder will reduce the energy gap and imaginary energy of the system. Our study contributes to the further understanding of the non-Hermitian skin effect.
Some aspects of interchanging difference equation orders
Authors:   Warrane College, University of New South Wales, Shannon Anthony G. , Özkan Engin ,   Department of Mathematics, Erzincan Binali Yildirim University
Published: August 2022

This paper builds on Roettger and Williams’ extensions of the primordial Lucas sequence to consider some relations among difference equations of different orders. This paper utilises some of their second and third order recurrence relations to provide an excursion through basic second order sequences and related third order recurrence relations with a variety of numerical illustrations which demonstrate that mathematical notation is a tool of thought.
Care-Centered Politics
Authors: Gottlieb Robert
Published: August 2022

Why a care economy and care-centered politics can influence and reorient such issues as health, the environment, climate, race, inequality, gender, and immigration.

This agenda-setting book presents a framework for creating a more just and equitable care-centered world. Climate change, pandemic events, systemic racism, and deep inequalities have all underscored the centrality of care in our lives. Yet care work is, for the most part, undervalued and exploited. In this book, Robert Gottlieb examines how a care economy and care politics can influence and remake health, climate, and environmental policy, as well as the institutions and practices of daily life. He shows how, through this care-centered politics, we can build an ethics of care and a society of cooperation, sharing, and solidarity.

Arguing that care is a form of labor, Gottlieb expands the ways we think about home care, child care, elder care, and other care relationships. He links them to the Green New Deal, Medicare for All, immigration, and the militarization of daily life. He also provides perspective on the events of 2020 and 2021 (including the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and movements calling attention to racism and inequality) as they relate to a care politics. Care, says Gottlieb, must be universal—whether healthcare for all, care for the earth, care at work, or care for the household, shared equally by men and women. Care-centered politics is about strategic and structural reforms that imply radical and revolutionary change. Gottlieb offers a practical, mindful, yet also utopian, politics of daily life.
Model Systems in Biology
Authors: Striedter Georg
Published: August 2022

How biomedical research using various animal species and in vitro cellular systems has resulted in both major successes and translational failure.

In Model Systems in Biology, comparative neurobiologist Georg Striedter examines how biomedical researchers have used animal species and in vitro cellular systems to understand and develop treatments for human diseases ranging from cancer and polio to Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. Although there have been some major successes, much of this “translational” research on model systems has failed to generalize to humans. Striedter explores the history of such research, focusing on the models used and considering the question of model selection from a variety of perspectives—the philosophical, the historical, and that of practicing biologists.

Striedter reviews some philosophical concepts and ethical issues, including concerns over animal suffering and the compromises that result. He traces the history of the most widely used animal and in vitro models, describing how they compete with one another in a changing ecosystem of models. He examines how therapies for bacterial and viral infections, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders have been developed using animal and cell culture models—and how research into these diseases has both taken advantage of and been hindered by model system differences. Finally, Striedter argues for a “big tent” biology, in which a diverse set of models and research strategies can coexist productively.
Distinct impact of IgG subclass on autoantibody pathogenicity in different IgG4-mediated diseases
Authors: Bi Yanxia , Su Jian , Zhou Shengru , Zhao Yingjie , Zhang Yan , Zhang Huihui , Liu Mingdong , Zhou Aiwu , Xu Jianrong , Pan Meng , Zhao Yiming , Li Fubin
Published: August 2022

IgG4 is the least potent human IgG subclass for the FcγR-mediated antibody effector function. Paradoxically, IgG4 is also the dominant IgG subclass of pathogenic autoantibodies in IgG4-mediated diseases. Here, we show that the IgG subclass and Fc-FcγR interaction have a distinct impact on the pathogenic function of autoantibodies in different IgG4-mediated diseases in mouse models. While IgG4 and its weak Fc-FcγR interaction have an ameliorative role in the pathogenicity of anti-ADAMTS13 autoantibodies isolated from thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) patients, they have an unexpected exacerbating effect on anti-Dsg1 autoantibody pathogenicity in pemphigus foliaceus (PF) models. Strikingly, a non-pathogenic anti-Dsg1 antibody variant optimized for FcγR-mediated effector function can attenuate the skin lesions induced by pathogenic anti-Dsg1 antibodies by promoting the clearance of dead keratinocytes. These studies suggest that IgG effector function contributes to the clearance of autoantibody-Ag complexes, which is harmful in TTP, but beneficial in PF and may provide new therapeutic opportunity.
Tension-driven multi-scale self-organisation in human iPSC-derived muscle fibers
Authors: Mao Qiyan , Acharya Achyuth , Rodríguez-delaRosa Alejandra , Marchiano Fabio , Dehapiot Benoit , Al Tanoury Ziad , Rao Jyoti , Díaz-Cuadros Margarete , Mansur Arian , Wagner Erica , Chardes Claire , Gupta Vandana , Lenne Pierre-François , Habermann Bianca H , Theodoly Olivier , Pourquié Olivier , Schnorrer Frank
Published: August 2022

Human muscle is a hierarchically organised tissue with its contractile cells called myofibers packed into large myofiber bundles. Each myofiber contains periodic myofibrils built by hundreds of contractile sarcomeres that generate large mechanical forces. To better understand the mechanisms that coordinate human muscle morphogenesis from tissue to molecular scales, we adopted a simple in vitro system using induced pluripotent stem cell-derived human myogenic precursors. When grown on an unrestricted two-dimensional substrate, developing myofibers spontaneously align and self-organise into higher-order myofiber bundles, which grow and consolidate to stable sizes. Following a transcriptional boost of sarcomeric components, myofibrils assemble into chains of periodic sarcomeres that emerge across the entire myofiber. More efficient myofiber bundling accelerates the speed of sarcomerogenesis suggesting that tension generated by bundling promotes sarcomerogenesis. We tested this hypothesis by directly probing tension and found that tension build-up precedes sarcomere assembly and increases within each assembling myofibril. Furthermore, we found that myofiber ends stably attach to other myofibers using integrin-based attachments and thus myofiber bundling coincides with stable myofiber bundle attachment in vitro. A failure in stable myofiber attachment results in a collapse of the myofibrils. Overall, our results strongly suggest that mechanical tension across sarcomeric components as well as between differentiating myofibers is key to coordinate the multi-scale self-organisation of muscle morphogenesis.
Maternal H3K36 and H3K27 HMTs protect germline development via regulation of the transcription factor LIN-15B
Authors: Cockrum Chad Steven , Strome Susan
Published: August 2022

Maternally synthesized products play critical roles in the development of offspring. A premier example is the Caenorhabditis elegans H3K36 methyltransferase MES-4, which is essential for germline survival and development in offspring. How maternal MES-4 protects the germline is not well understood, but its role in H3K36 methylation hinted that it may regulate gene expression in primordial germ cells (PGCs). We tested this hypothesis by profiling transcripts from nascent germlines (PGCs and their descendants) dissected from wild-type and mes-4 mutant (lacking maternal and zygotic MES-4) larvae. mes-4 nascent germlines displayed downregulation of some germline genes, upregulation of some somatic genes, and dramatic upregulation of hundreds of genes on the X chromosome. We demonstrated that upregulation of one or more genes on the X is the cause of germline death by generating and analyzing mes-4 mutants that inherited different endowments of X chromosome(s). Intriguingly, removal of the THAP transcription factor LIN-15B from mes-4 mutants reduced X misexpression and prevented germline death. lin-15B is X-linked and misexpressed in mes-4 PGCs, identifying it as a critical target for MES-4 repression. The above findings extend to the H3K27 methyltransferase MES-2/3/6, the C. elegans version of polycomb repressive complex 2. We propose that maternal MES-4 and PRC2 cooperate to protect germline survival by preventing synthesis of germline-toxic products encoded by genes on the X chromosome, including the key transcription factor LIN-15B.
Robust and Efficient Assessment of Potency (REAP) as a quantitative tool for dose-response curve estimation
Authors: Zhou Shouhao , Liu Xinyi , Fang Xinying , Chinchilli Vernon M , Wang Michael , Wang Hong-Gang , Dokholyan Nikolay V , Shen Chan , Lee J Jack
Published: August 2022

The median-effect equation has been widely used to describe the dose-response relationship and identify compounds that activate or inhibit specific disease targets in contemporary drug discovery. However, the experimental data often contain extreme responses, which may significantly impair the estimation accuracy and impede valid quantitative assessment in the standard estimation procedure. To improve the quantitative estimation of the dose-response relationship, we introduce a novel approach based on robust beta regression. Substantive simulation studies under various scenarios demonstrate solid evidence that the proposed approach consistently provides robust estimation for the median-effect equation, particularly when there are extreme outcome observations. Moreover, simulation studies illustrate that the proposed approach also provides a narrower confidence interval, suggesting a higher power in statistical testing. Finally, to efficiently and conveniently perform common lab data analyses, we develop a freely accessible web-based analytic tool to facilitate the quantitative implementation of the proposed approach for the scientific community.
The Romani in the Russian Empire, the Soviet Union, and the Russian Federation
Authors:   Institute for Linguistic Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia, Rusakov Aleksandr , Kharlamova Anastasia ,   Institute for Linguistic Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia, Novik Aleksandr ,   Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography (Kunstkamera), Russian Academy of Sciences,   St Petersburg State University, Russia
Published: August 2022

The aim of this essay is to present a comprehensive review of the collective monograph Tsygane (The Romani), published in 2018 in the series Narody i kul’tury (Peoples and Cultures). The authors give an overview of the modern developments in Romani studies to acquaint the reader with the background of the reviewed monograph. Every chapter of the monograph is analyzed in detail, taking into account the most recently gathered ethnographic and folklore materials, such as the data recorded by Aleksandr Rusakov and Aleksandr Novik in Leningrad region and in the Balkans (Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Serbia, Turkey) in the late 1980s and early 2000s–2010s, and the newest publications on the subject, such as a monograph by Evangelia Adamou and Yaron Matras on language contacts, published in 2021.
Barrett's Esophagus
Authors: Lee Yong Kang
Published: August 2022

Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is caused by metaplasia of squamous epithelium into columnar epithelium, mainly in the lower esophagus. Updates have been made in the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of BE since its first report as an ulcerative lesion in the lower esophagus. Columnar metaplasia of the lower esophagus has been reported as a result of gastroesophageal reflux, rather than genetic factors. When specialized intestinal metaplasia (SIM) is confirmed on biopsy, it is diagnosed as BE; otherwise, it is described as columnar line esophagus (CLE). Recent recommendations state that the following two conditions must be satisfied to diagnose BE: CLE with a length ≥1 cm proximal to the gastroesophageal junction, or SIM, with goblet cells confirmed on biopsy. BE is a key risk factor for esophageal adenocarcinoma. Early detection and treatment of BE, dysplasia, and early esophageal adenocarcinoma arising from BE has become a critical issue in the USA and Europe. The prevalence of BE in Korea is likely to increase because of the increasing prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux diseases. However, there are few reports on the diagnosis and treatment of BE in Korea. In this narrative review, important historical discoveries related to BE, the anatomical structures and endoscopic findings around the gastroesophageal junction required for diagnosing CLE and BE, and a brief review of the guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of BE are summarized.
Radiographic assessment of endodontic mishaps in an undergraduate student clinic: a 2-year retrospective study
Authors: Matoug-Elwerfelli Manal , Abdou Ahmed , Almutairi Wejdan , Alhuthayli Malak , Aloyaynaa Shaikhah , Almohareb Rahaf
Published: August 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare the occurrence of instrumentation and obturation related endodontic procedural mishaps following the use of either, stainless steel hand or engine-driven rotary instrumentation techniques.

Methods

From a computerized hospital database, a total of 730 dental patient records who had received endodontic treatment by undergraduate dental students between August 2018 to September 2020 were retrieved. The inclusion criteria were primary (non-surgical) endodontic treatment on permanent teeth with complete radiographic records. Following record screening, a final sample of n = 475 dental records were included. Radiographic records were evaluated for both instrumentation and obturation related mishaps. The data was analysed using multiple logistic regression analysis (α = 0.05).

Results

Engine-driven rotary instrumentation resulted in a significant decrease in the overall occurrence of instrumentation related endodontic mishaps by 40% compared to hand instrumentation (Odds Ratio = 0.59 [0.36–0.97], p = 0.04). In particular, rotary instrumentation decreased ledge formation, perforation and obturation related mishaps, with minimal effect on the limitation of zipping.

Conclusion

The use of rotary instrumentation techniques may reduce the incidence of instrumentation and obturation endodontic mishaps in the undergraduate dental clinic.
Characterization of the Drilling Mud Adapted to the Geological Formations of the Agadem Oil Field, Termit basin (Southeastern Niger): Case of the Dibella Well
Authors: Sanda Chékaraou Mahamane Moustapha , Konaté Moussa
Published: August 2022

The objective of this study is to characterize the drilling mud adapted to the geological formations of the Agadem oil field (Niger). During the drilling process, the mud is monitored and adjusted regularly according to the instantaneous logging data. Thus, the typologies of drilling mud and their physicochemical and rheological properties at the level of each phase of drilling were determined in the laboratory of the site during the realization of the Dibella well. Two (2) types of mud (Pre-hydrated bentonite (PHB) and polymer) were used during the drilling of the Dibella well. The PHB mud, used from 0 to 800m depth, is characterized by a variable density depending on the lithology, a MARSH viscosity of 60 to 75 seconds and a pH between 8 and 9. The polymer mud, used between 800 and 2680 m, is characterized by an equally variable density, a MARSH viscosity of 55 to 60 seconds, a plastic viscosity of 10 to 20 mPa.S, a yield point between 2 and 10 Pa, an apparent viscosity of 3 to 5 mPa.S, a Gel strenght (G10’’/G10’) of 1 to 4/2 to 10 Pa and a pH, always between 8 and 9. These parameters, which allowed the Dibella drilling to be carried out in an optimal way, can be used as a guide for the realization of new wells in the study area.
A Harrowing Experience of Pinna Lacerations
Authors: Navin RB Namasivaya , Prabakaran S , Rajasekaran S , Vaishali PN Aswin , Karthika R
Published: August 2022

Otological injuries are not rare presentations to the Emergency Department but they may sometimes be harrowing. These injuries can sometimes lead to haematoma and perichondritis which may lead to cosmetic disfigurement. Hence, opportune and prudent intervention is required to prevent the complications. The present study was conducted to examine the wide range of pinna lacerations, various methods of repair to obtain best cosmetic results and outcome, prevention of development of complications. This case series is about 27 patients with pinna laceration and its management in patients who attended the Emergency Department at a tertiary care hospital. All lacerations of pinna due to any cause were included in the study except chemical and thermal burns. Detailed history was recorded. These patients were managed with wound debridement, suturing and were followed-up regularly to monitor the development of complications. Out of 27 patients, 21 patients had a complete wound healing without any complications. Two patients developed wound gapping and underwent resuturing under local anaesthesia. Perichondritis of pinna has occurred in three patients. Timely intervention is very important for healing and prevention of complications. Normal anatomical contour and good cosmetic results is achieved by adequate wound debridement, maximum tissue restoration, meticulous suturing and wide antibiotic coverage.
Evaluation of Bulk Fill Composite Roughness Polished with Spiral Rubber Discs: An In-vitro Study
Authors: Silva Glaucia Danielle Ferreira da , Dias Marlon Ferreira , Lins Cláudio Eufrásio Medeiros , Siqueira Eric Roberto Soares Xavier de , Cahu Amina Kadja Martins , Oliveira Natália Gomesde , . Ren
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Restorations with high surface roughness directly influences restorative procedure longevity. When used correctly, polishing systems optimizes the quality, aesthetics and longevity of composite resins. Aim: To evaluate the influence of three two-step polishing systems of spiral rubber discs on surface roughness of three different bulks fill composite resins. Materials and Methods: This in-vitro study was conducted from May, 2021 to January 2022, at the Universidade Estadual de Pernambuco, School of Dentistry, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. Total 20 specimens of each resin {three Bulk Fill resins: Filtek One Bulk Fill (3M-ESPE), Aura Ultra Universal Restorative Bulk Fill (SDI) and Opus Bulk Fill (FGM)} were randomly divided into four groups (n=5 each). The three groups include test polishing systems {Sof-Lex Diamond Polishing System (3M/ ESPE, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA), Decamp Plus Twist Spiral EVE (Odon omega, Ribera Prato, SP, Brazil), Spiral Swivel (Jota, Ruth, Kanton St. Gallen, Switzerland)} and one control group include no polishing system. To assess surface roughness, before and after polishing, specimens were evaluated on a digital rugosimeter. Data was subjected to the Shapiro-Wilk test to assess normality, followed by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to compare the mean between the different types of resins and types of polishers. Results: For the composite resins studied, significant differences were observed only when polished with Soflex Spiral (p-value=0.013). All polishing system caused a significant improvement in the roughness of composite resins compared to the control group. The mean roughness reduction comparison test between the types of polisher was significant (p-value <0.001), there was a significantly greater reduction in the roughness of EVE Decamp Plus Twist Spiral and Swivel Spiral polish system, compared to polish system from Sof-Lex Diamond Polishing System and control group. No statistically significant differences were found between EVE Diacomp Plus Spiral and Spiral Swivel polishing system. Conclusion: The spiral rubber polishers evaluated were effective in reducing the roughness of bulk fill composites. However, EVE Decamp Plus Spiral and Spiral Swivel polishers showed better results than Sof-Lex Spiral.
A Study on Usage Pattern and Issues Faced by Consumers using Online Grocery Shopping
Authors: Purushothaman B. , Hemalatha S. , Divya K. , Selvi R. Pangayar
Published: August 2022

The fastest-growing segment of the Indian retail market is e-retailing. E-commerce has been a benefit for customers throughout the pandemic. This study assists in identifying the problems that consumers encounter when shopping for groceries online at hypermarkets. It also analyses the consumer's usage patterns when it comes to online grocery shopping. The consumers using the online grocery shopping were contacted for the study. The purposive sampling method was used to identify 120 consumers. Primary data was collected from individual respondents by using a well-structured interview schedule. Simple percentage analysis, Garrett ranking techniques were used to analyses this study objective. The result findings from this study are, Trust on online retailors was the major issue faced by consumer while using online grocery shopping with Garrett score of (70.57). Nearly 39 per cent of consumers frequency of shopping using online grocery shopping was slightly frequently. And 38.3 per cent of consumer spending 5 to 10 hours for using online grocery shopping per month.
Physico-chemical and Microbiological Qualities of Abattoir Wastewater in Egbu, Imo State, Nigeria
Authors: Chinakwe E. C. , U. Nwogwugwu N. , Ihejirika C. E. , Ngumah J. C. , Mike-Anosike E. E. , C. Ajugwo G. , C. Iwuji J.
Published: August 2022

Abbattoir waste water is of a complex composition. When discharged without being treated, poses a threat to human health and the environment. This is the practice common in Nigeria, and is worrisome.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the physico-chemical and microbiological qualities of waste water from Egbu abattoir discharged into ‘Otamiri’ river in Owerri North local government area, Imo State, Nigeria.

Methods: The microbial quality of abattoir wastewater was studied. The duration of the study was three months, from June to September, 2019. Sample collection was done in the morning (8-10am) and in the evening (4-6pm). A total of thirty samples (30) were collected from two sampling points, at the place of generation of the wastewater (Effluent source) and at the point of discharge into the river (POE). Standard methods were employed to assess the microbiological and physiochemical quality of the effluent. The microorganisms isolated from the samples included Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus, Aspergillus, Mucor, Listeria, Micrococcus and Candida species. The Total Heterotrophic Count (THC) of effluent samples, at source and POE were 8.51log10 cfu/ml and 6.15log10cfu/ml respectively, Total Coliform Count (TCC) for same samples were 6.77log10 cfu/ml and 4.56log10 cfu/ml respectively. The Total Fungal Count (TFC) of the effluent samples at source and at POE was 5.19log10 cfu/ml and 4.18log10 cfu/ml respectively. Results further revealed that the pH of the effluent at source was 6.58 while that at Point of Entry into the river was 7.30. The temperature of both samples was 25oC. The Total Dissolved Solid values of the effluent collected at source was higher, having a value of 1400mg/L against 1000mg/L at Point of Entry. Also the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) values of the effluent at source were 5.10mg/L and 8.58mg/L respectively, while the BOD and COD of the water at the POE were 4.3mg/L and 7.9mg/L respectively.

Conclusion: Abattoir wastes are becoming a major environmental health challenge and being discharged into the Otamiri River indiscriminately is of public health concern. The potential public health implications associated with discharging untreated abattoir wastewater into the environment and thus, the need for adequate treatment to ensure decontamination as well as providing wastewater treatment facility is imperative.
Kidney–Urinary Tract Involvement in Intermediate Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa
Authors: Trefzer Laura , Schwieger-Briel Agnes , Nyström Alexander , Conradt Gregor , Pohl Martin , Miernik Arkadiusz , Has Cristina
Published: August 2022

Importance

Kidney–urinary tract (KUT) manifestations cause substantial morbidity in patients with junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB), but the spectrum of disease severity and the clinical course have been poorly characterized.

Objective

To examine in a large cohort of patients with intermediate JEB the KUT manifestations, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, genotype-phenotype correlations, and outcomes as a basis for recommendations, prognosis, and management.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this retrospective, longitudinal case series study, 99 patients with a diagnosis of JEB based on clinical and genetic findings who were treated in a single dermatology department in Freiburg, Germany, were assessed during an 18-year period (January 1, 2003, to December 31, 2021). Clinical, laboratory, and molecular genetic parameters were extracted from patients’ medical records.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Clinical characteristics, natural history, management of KUT manifestations, and genotype-phenotype correlations of intermediate JEB.

Results

Of the 183 patients with JEB, 99 (54%) had intermediate JEB and were included in this cohort. The cohort included 49 female patients and 50 male patients. None of 49 female patients and 15 of 50 male patients had KUT involvement affecting different levels of the urinary tract, resulting in a prevalence of 30% for males; thus, the overall prevalence was 15%. The mean age at onset of KUT manifestations was 6.9 years (range, first weeks of life to 20 years; age was not available for 1 patient). Median follow-up after diagnosis of KUT involvement was 13 years (range, 3 months to 54 years). Patients with laminin 332 or integrin β4 deficiency had at least 1 missense or splice site genetic variant, leading to residual expression of laminin 332 or integrin α6β4, respectively. Severity of KUT complications did not correlate with the extent of skin involvement but with the affected protein.

Conclusions and Relevance

Physicians and patients with JEB should be aware of the risk for KUT involvement in intermediate JEB, and physicians should apply interdisciplinary and individualized diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for management of these complications. Because this disorder is so rare, multicenter studies are required to make general recommendations.
Patient‐Reported Outcomes Among Patients Ages Two to Seventeen Years With Polyarticular‐Course Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Treated With Subcutaneous Abatacept: Two‐Year Results From an International Phase III Study
Authors: Ruperto Nicolino , Lovell Daniel J. , Berman Alberto , Ávila‐Zapata Francisco , Horneff Gerd , Alessio Maria , Becker Mara L. , Belot Alexandre , Burgos‐Vargas Ruben , Gamir Maria L. , Goldenstein‐Schainberg Claudia , Scheibel Iloite M. , Terreri Maria T. , Zemel Lawrence , Zhuo Joe , Askelson Margarita , Wong Robert , Martini Alberto , Brunner Hermine I. ,   for the Pediatric Rheumatology Collaborative Study Group and the Paediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organisation
Published: August 2022

Objective

To describe longitudinal changes in patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) in children with polyarticular‐course juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA) treated with subcutaneous abatacept.

Methods

Secondary analysis of a single‐arm, open‐label 24‐month study of patients ages 6–17 years and 2–5 years. PROs included Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire‐Disability Index (CHAQ‐DI), parent global assessment of child well‐being (PaGA), pain assessment, and Activity Limitation Questionnaire (ALQ). Clinical outcomes included 50% or greater improvement in JIA American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria, clinically inactive disease, and Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score.

Results

For the 6‐ to 17‐year‐old (n = 173) and 2‐ to 5‐year‐old (n = 46) cohorts, respectively, median (Q1, Q3) changes from baseline in CHAQ‐DI at months 4 and 24 were −0.3 (−0.8, 0.0) and −0.5 (−1.0, −0.1), and −0.4 (−0.8, 0.0) and −0.5 (−1.0–−0.1). Median pain scores were below cutoff threshold for clinically relevant pain (<35 mm) by month 1 (6 to 17 years, 32.3 mm; 2 to 5 years, 25.7 mm), reaching a nadir at month 24 (6 to 17 years, 6.0 mm; 2 to 5 years, 2.0 mm). For the 6‐ to 17‐year‐old and 2‐ to 5‐year‐old cohorts, respectively, median PaGA scores were 47.8 (n = 172) and 42.1 (n = 46) at baseline and 6.3 (n = 107) and 2.0 (n = 37) at month 24. In both cohorts, ALQ components improved from baseline to month 4 and were largely maintained to month 24. Clinical outcomes improved through to month 24.

Conclusion

Early and sustained PRO improvements were reported in this phase III, open‐label trial of subcutaneous abatacept in patients with pJIA.
Visible‐Light‐Degradable 3D Microstructures in Aqueous Environments
Authors: Gernhardt Marvin , Truong Vinh X. , Barner‐Kowollik Christopher
Published: August 2022

The additive manufacturing technique direct laser writing (DLW), also known as two‐photon laser lithography, is becoming increasingly established as a technique capable of fabricating functional 3D microstructures. Recently, there has been an increasing effort to impart microstructures fabricated using DLW with advanced functionalities by introducing responsive chemical entities into the underpinning photoresists. Herein, a novel photoresist based on the photochemistry of the bimane group is introduced that can be degraded upon exposure to very mild conditions, requiring only water and visible light (λmax = 415–435 nm) irradiation. The degradation of the microstructures is tracked and quantified using AFM measurements of their height. The influence of the writing parameters as well as the degradation conditions is investigated, unambiguously evidencing effective visible light degradation in aqueous environments. Finally, the utility of the photodegradable resist system is demonstrated by incorporating it into multimaterial 3D microstructures, serving as a model for future applications.
Energy Interplay in Materials: Unlocking Next‐Generation Synchronous Multisource Energy Conversion with Layered 2D Crystals
Authors: Corletto Alexander , Ellis Amanda V. , Shepelin Nick A. , Fronzi Marco , Winkler David A. , Shapter Joseph G. , Sherrell Peter C.
Published: August 2022

Layered 2D crystals have unique properties and rich chemical and electronic diversity, with over 6000 2D crystals known and, in principle, millions of different stacked hybrid 2D crystals accessible. This diversity provides unique combinations of properties that can profoundly affect the future of energy conversion and harvesting devices. Notably, this includes catalysts, photovoltaics, superconductors, solar‐fuel generators, and piezoelectric devices that will receive broad commercial uptake in the near future. However, the unique properties of layered 2D crystals are not limited to individual applications and they can achieve exceptional performance in multiple energy conversion applications synchronously. This synchronous multisource energy conversion (SMEC) has yet to be fully realized but offers a real game‐changer in how devices will be produced and utilized in the future. This perspective highlights the energy interplay in materials and its impact on energy conversion, how SMEC devices can be realized, particularly through layered 2D crystals, and provides a vision of the future of effective environmental energy harvesting devices with layered 2D crystals.
Stability of Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes: Existing Issues and Mitigation Strategies Related to Both Material and Device Aspects
Authors: Kong Lingmei , Zhang Xiaoyu , Zhang Chengxi , Wang Lin , Wang Sheng , Cao Fan , Zhao Dewei , Rogach Andrey L. , Yang Xuyong
Published: August 2022

Metal halide perovskites combine excellent electronic and optical properties, such as defect tolerance and high photoluminescence efficiency, with the benefits of low‐cost, large‐area, solution‐based processing. Composition‐ and dimension‐tunable properties of perovskites have already been utilized in bright and efficient light‐emitting diodes (LEDs). At the same time, there are still great challenges ahead to achieving operational and spectral stability of these devices. In this review, the origins of instability of perovskite materials, and reasons for their degradation in LEDs are considered. Then, strategies for improving the stability of perovskite materials are reviewed, such as compositional engineering, dimensionality control, defect passivation, suitable encapsulation matrices, and fabrication of core/shell perovskite nanocrystals. For improvement of the operational stability of perovskite LEDs, the use of inorganic charge‐transport layers, optimization of charge balance, and proper thermal management are considered. The review is concluded with a detailed account of the current challenges and a perspective on the key approaches and opportunities on how to reach the goal of stable, bright, and efficient perovskite LEDs.
Transparent Thiol‐ene/Acrylate‐Based MicroECoG Devices Used for Concurrent Recording of Fluorescent Calcium Signals and Electrophysiology in Awake Animals
Authors: Szabó Ágnes , Madarász Miklós , Lantos Zsófia , Zátonyi Anita , Danda Vindhya , Spurgin Lisa , Manz Connie , Rózsa Balázs , Fekete Zoltán
Published: August 2022

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are suitable substrate materials for soft neural interfaces due to their tunable elastic characteristics. The stability and biocompatibility of intracortical SMP probes are demonstrated. In this work, a SMP‐based cortical implant capable of recording high‐density micro‐electrocorticography is utilized in a multimodal neuroimaging scheme. The transparent nature of thiol‐ene/acrylate substrate is exploited, and the feasibility of measuring intracranial electroencephalogram and fluorescent GCaMP6 signals with two‐photon imaging through the device is presented in mice. The potential influence of the optical properties of the microdevice is investigated using fluorescent microbeads, hippocampal brain slices, and awake animals. It is found that neurites and cell soma can be efficiently detected with sufficient resolution to follow changes in the calcium signal. These chronically implanted devices do not suppress the quality of optical signals exceeding 22 weeks after implantation. These results indicate that thiol‐ene/acrylate ECoG is an appropriate tool to combine electrophysiology with two‐photon imaging while leveraging the inherent tissue‐friendly properties of SMPs.
Cell Membrane Mimetic Coating for Excellent Antifouling, Antibacterial Corrosion, and Self‐Cleaning Separation of Massive Oil–Water Mixtures
Authors: Meng Fan‐Ning , Li Rong , Yao Yao , Qiao Xin‐Yu , Gong Yong‐Kuan
Published: August 2022

Massive oil–water mixtures produced from both industries and frequent oil spill incidents have threatened water ecosystems. A highly efficient separation membrane with ultrahigh filtration flux and excellent antifouling performance is created to deal with oil–water mixtures. The filtration membrane is fabricated by anchoring a phosphorylcholine copolymer (PMEN) on polydopamine (PDA)‐precoated stainless steel mesh (SSM) surfaces, forming a durable cell outer membrane mimetic coating. The as‐prepared SSM/PDA/PMEN membranes exhibit superhydrophilicity and high separation efficiency (≥99.98%) for different oil–water mixtures. Furthermore, the water flux of separating 30 v/v% crude oil–water mixture can reach as high as 70 000 L m–2 h–1 and remains higher than 30 000 L m–2 h–1 without any additional washing during 100 cycles of successive separations in a dead‐end filtration device. More importantly, substantial corrosion of stainless steel surfaces by bacteria is prevented on the cell membrane mimetic coating by its excellent antibacterial adhesion performance. These unprecedented underwater anticrude oil‐fouling and antibacterial‐corrosion properties, as well as the ultrahigh flux and high separation efficiency of SSM/PDA/PMEN membranes, are highly promising in the cleanup of massive oily water and oil spills in the near future.
Base‐Catalyzed Domino Reaction Between Aldoxime and N‐Chlorosuccinimide in Alcohol: One‐Pot Synthesis of Alkyl 3‐(3‐Aryl‐1,2,4‐oxadiazol‐5‐yl)propanoates
Authors: Chilaka Sai Krishna , Chellu Ramesh Kumar , Soda Anil Kumar , Kurva Srinivas , Nanubolu Jagadeesh Babu , Madabhushi Sridhar
Published: August 2022

A method for preparation of alkyl 3‐aryl‐(1,2,4‐oxadiazol‐5‐yl)propanoates by base‐catalyzed domino reaction of an aryl aldoxime with N‐chlorosuccinimide in alcohol is described. In this reaction, initially aldoxime and N‐chlorosuccinimide react to produce hydroximidoyl chloride and succinimide. The hydroximidoyl chloride and base produces nitrile oxide which undergoes [3+2] annulation with succinimide followed by ring opening reaction with the assistance of alcohol to give alkyl 3‐aryl‐(1,2,4‐oxadiazol‐5‐yl)propanoates in 65–95% yield.

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Iron‐Catalyzed Reductive Cyclization of Alkenyl Vinylogous Carbonates for Stereoselective Synthesis of Substituted Tetrahydrofurans, Tetrahydropyrans, and Chromans
Authors: Gharpure Santosh J. , Chavan Rupali S. , Ardhapure Ajaykumar V.
Published: August 2022

A method for the stereoselective synthesis of substituted tetrahydrofurans (THFs), tetrahydropyrans (THPs), as well as chromans using intermolecular hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) followed by intramolecular radical cyclization of alkenyl vinylogous carbonates is described. This Fe(acac)3‐catalyzed reaction uses PhSiH3 as H‐source and works under ambient conditions in HFIP/ethylene glycol (5:1 mixture) as solvent. The methodology developed has broad substrate scope and is amenable to gram‐scale synthesis. The method gives ready access to even hexa‐substituted cyclic ethers containing two quaternary carbons. This strategy is used in the construction of oxaspirocyclic systems. Diastereoselective synthesis of fused bicyclic as well as tricyclic motifs could be achieved. The stereochemistry of the products was assigned using NOE experiments and was further confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies on two derivatives.

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