bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Major Symptoms and Outcome of Covid-19 Positive Patients: A Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Md. Zillur , Nahar Nazmun , Akhtar Rawshan , Alam Md. Mahbubul , Swapon Shamsul Alom , Rashid Rubaiyat , Mollah Abdul Hamid
Published: March 2023

Background: An outbreak of Covid-19 caused by the SARS-Cov-2 initially emerged in China in December 2019 and the first Covid-19 patient was detected on 8 March 2020 in Bangladesh. The preconception about the major symptoms and outcomes of Covid-19-positive patients may be helpful for healthcare professionals in the management of Covid-19 patients. This study aimed to evaluate the major symptoms and outcomes of covid-19 positive patients.

Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Medicine, Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, Rajshahi, Bangladesh from January 2021 to December 2021. In total 67 confirmed Covid-19 cases by RT-PCR tests who attended the mentioned hospital were enrolled in this study as the study population. For data collection, a pre-designed questionnaire was used. Along with demographic and clinical features data regarding in-hospital mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, use of invasive mechanical ventilation, total hospital length of stay, complications, and treatment patterns were recorded. Collected data were processed, analyzed and disseminated by using the MS Excel program.

Results: The highest number of patients were with a cough which was found among 49% of cases. Besides this, shortness of breath, hypoxemia/oxygen use, lower limb swelling and bleeding were found among 39%, 27%, 12% and the rest 7% of patients respectively. The highest number of patients were with hypertension (HTN) as comorbidity which was found in 15% of cases. Besides this, diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic kidney diseases (CKD), chronic respiratory diseases (CRD), cancer/immunodeficiency and cardiac diseases were found among 12, 10%, 7%, 4% and the rest 1% of patients, respectively. As the outcomes, the cure rate was found up to 97% and death occurred in only 3% (n=2) cases. We observed that 10% of patients did not stay at the hospital even for a single day. For only 7% of patients, ventilation facilities were in needed and the average ventilation time was 13.5 days.

Conclusion: Cough and shortness of breath are two major symptoms for Covid-19 patients. Proper ventilation and ICU facilities can decrease the suffering, mortality as well as morbidity of Covid-19 patients.
Calibration Approach Ratio Estimators of Population Median in Stratified Random Sampling Design
Authors: Agbebia C. S. , Enang E. I.
Published: March 2023

Median as a measure of location gives a more robust estimate than the mean when dealing with heavy tailed or skewed distributions. It can also be used in cases of qualitative variables and open end intervals. Calibration, an approach that adjusts the original design weight by incorporating auxiliary information is employed using the chi square distance measure on a ratio median estimator under stratified random sampling to propose some estimators of population median. These proposed estimators are: the regression and ratio-type calibrated estimators with one constraint and the regression and ratio-type calibrated estimators with two constraints. The estimators of variance of these proposed estimators are also obtained. Empirical investigations on the performance of these estimators are carried out using R software simulated data set under underlying distributional assumptions of Cauchy and Lognormal, for sample sizes of 10%, 20% and 25%. The results showed that the proposed regression and ratio-type calibrated estimators with one constraint and the regression-type calibrated estimator with two constraints were more efficient than the existing ratio estimator and the proposed ratio-type calibrated estimator under two constraints for both Cauchy and the lognormal distributions.
Evaluation of Selected Vitamins and Antioxidant Potential of Methanol Seed Extract of Persea americana
Authors: Omorovbiye Omorevbarhia, , Chidozie Umerie, Sunday , Louis Aniefuna, Ejike , Enoch Oguazu Chinenye
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Persea americana seeds have been used in ethnomedicine as a potent remedy for putative health conditions such as muscular and menstrual pains, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, anaemia, insomnia, hyperlipidaemia, diarrhoea, dysentery, gastric and peptic ulcers.

Aim: This study investigated the antioxidant scavenging activities of the methanol extract of Persea americana seed.

Methods: The seed samples were collected, dried, ground into powder and extracted in methanol by cold maceration. The antioxidant activity was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl, lipid peroxidation and reducing power assays. Antioxidant vitamins (A, E and C) and enzymes (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase) were assayed using absorption spectroscopic methods.

Results: There was a significant increase (p≤0.05) in the DPPH scavenging effect and inhibition of lipid peroxidation activity with increasing extract concentration. There is an increase in spectroscopic absorbance value as the concentration of the sample extract, in the reaction mixture, increases indicating its reducing power ability. The EC50 values for DPPH, lipid peroxidation and reducing power assays were 610 µg/ml, 640.51 µg/ml and 580 µg/ml respectively. Vitamin E (267.73 ±             0.07 mg/ 100 g) content was the highest among the antioxidant vitamins investigated (Vitamin A (7.60 ± 0.01 mg/100 g) and C (3.88 ± 0.03 mg/100 g).

Conclusion: The chemical compositions of the investigated samples might be responsible for their medicinal values in phytomedicine. This study shows that Persea americana seeds are adequate in maintaining healthy nutrition for preventing the accumulation of destructive free radicals. The radical scavenging abilities exhibited by the seed extract may be attributed to the high polyphenolic content and antioxidant enzymes present.
Potential of Pterocarpus erinaceus Aqueous Stem Bark Extract to Prevent Oxidative Kidney Damage in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Nzute O. P. , Ijeomah A. U. , Ajiboso S. O. , Muhammad B. Y. , Haruna I. Y.
Published: March 2023

Diabetes is a chronic, metabolic disease characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose, which over time leads to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and nerves. This present study investigated the potential of Pterocarpus erinaceus aqueous stem bark extract to prevent oxidative kidney damage in diabetic rats. Thirty six (36) male wistar rats of 100 to 200g were used. The rats were divided into six groups (A-F). Diabetes mellitus was induced in groups B-F by injecting alloxan at the dose of 150 mg/kg body weight. After 72hours, diabetes was confirmed. Vitamin C 25 mg/kg b.wt was used as standard treatment for group C and aqueous extract of Pterocarpus erinaceus stem bark at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg b.wt were administered to groups  D, E and F respectively. All treatments were given orally, daily for 14 days. Phytochemical screening of the extract, Blood glucose level and oral glucose tolerance test were determined. At the end of the experiment, the serum, kidney tissue and kidney homogenate were obtained for the determination of kidney function parameters, histology, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant and inflammation markers. Phytochemical results shows the presence of phenols, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, glycosides, cardiac glycosides and flavonoides. Diabetic rats administered with Pterocarpus erinaceus aqueous stem bark extract showed significant (P<0.05) decrease in, blood glucose, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), potassium, MDA, TNF-alpha, IL-6 and TGF-β when compared with diabetic control rats. Also a non significant (P>0.05) decrease in uric acid, albumin, and an increase in sodium, GSH when compared with the diabetic control group. A significant (P<0.05) increase was observed in SOD, CAT, GPx, and GST when compared with diabetic control rats. The kidney histology shows well protected kidney. These results obtained shows that aqueous extract of Pterocarpus erinaceus stem bark exhibited significant antihyperglycemic, improvement in kidney function, antioxidant and anti inflammatory markers and prevented kidney tissue damage in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. This might be useful in the management diabetes mellitus patients.
Microorganisms Associated with Barbers Clippers in Rivers State University and Its Environs, Nigeria
Authors: Agi V. N. , Ollor O. A. , Azike C. A. , Maduforo C. G.
Published: March 2023

This study was carried out to isolate and identify microorganisms that are associated with barbers’ clippers in some barbers’ shops in Rivers State University and its environment. A total of thirty (30) samples were collected from the various barbing salons both within and around Rivers State University. Sterile swab sticks were used to obtain samples from the surface of the barbers’ clippers and were immediately sealed to prevent contamination. Identification of the microorganisms after culturing was done using Gram staining technique and biochemical tests. Antibiotic susceptibility test was also carried out on the isolated bacteria using disc diffusion method. The result revealed that bacteria were present on the barbers’ clippers. The bacteria isolated were Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermis, and Klebsiella pneumonia. Staphylococcus aureus was the most prevalent bacteria isolate while Klebsiella pneumonia and Staphylococcus epidermis were the least prevalent bacteria isolates, but there were no fungi isolates after fourteen days incubation. The antibiotic susceptibility test showed that Staphylococcus aureus was susceptible to ciproflox, erythromycin, levofloxacin, gentamycin and streptomycin; Staphylococcus epidermis was susceptible to most of the antibiotics but resistant to amoxil and norfloxacin; Klebsiella pneumonia was susceptible to gentamycin, streptomycin and nalidixic acid; while Escherichia coli was resistant to all antibiotics. This study has shown that barbers’ clippers harbor bacterial organisms which can be potential pathogens and may promote the spread of infection to human. It is therefore recommended that barbers must properly sterilize their clippers before use on customers, to reduce the spread of infection.
Credit Management Practices and Loan Default in Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) in Osun State, Nigeria
Authors: Adegbola A. S. , Ajayi-Owoeye A. O. , Alalade Yimka S. A.
Published: March 2023

Background: Loan default has been shown in existing literature to have a negative impact on banks as it reduces the performance of banks and may lead to total collapse of these institutions. The high rate of default associated with loans in Nigerian banks is indicative of existing poor credit management practices by the banks.

Aim: As such, this study examined the effect of credit management practices on loan default in deposit money banks in Osun State.

Methods: The study employed the survey research design, using a well-structured questionnaire to collect responses of one hundred and twenty (120) officers and managers from two hundred and fifty two (252) officers and managers of sixty (60) bank branches in Osun State. Using descriptive and multiple linear regressions, the collated data was presented using tables, while the research hypothesis was tested at the 5% level of significance.

Findings: The study found that credit management has no significant effect on loan default, with both credit appraisal and credit monitoring exhibiting negative but non-significant effects on loan default, and credit collection policy exhibiting positive and significant effect on loan.

Conclusion: The study concluded that credit management practices have no significant effect on loan default. In other words, loan default experienced in the banks were not influenced by the loan management practices put in place. While the processes were in existence in the banks under investigation, they have not been able to affect the incidences of loan default.
PELATIHAN KEWIRAUSAHAAN BAGI WANITA KAMPUNG PERIKANAN RUMPUT LAUT SIDOARJO MELALUI PERSPEKTIF SWOT
Authors: Sari Juwita , Mildawati Titik , Yahya Dian Ratnasari , Syahrenny Nenny
Published: March 2023

Di Jawa Timur, terdapat sentra produksi rumput laut yang berpotensi ekspor yaitu di Kecamatan Tanjungsari, Kabupaten Sidoarjo. Mayoritas penduduk disana merupakan pembudiyaya rumput laut, dengan jenis laut Gracilia sp. yang merupakan bahan utama pembuatan agar-agar. Para petani memanen dan mengeringkan rumput laut dan dijual di Koperasi SidoMulyo 5758. Koperasi ini bertindak sebagai pengepul yang selanjutnya meneruskan pada perusahaan pembuat agar-agar ataupun di ekspor. Sebagian besar kaum perempuan di Dusun Tanjungsari-Sidoarjo tidak mempunyai pekerjaan tetap selain mengurus rumah tangga. Setiap harinya mengerjakan pekerjaan rumah dan selebihnya digunakan untuk berkumpul dengan ibu lainnya sambil menunggu suami pulang. Dari permasalahan tersebut, perempuan desa tanjungsari memerlukan pembinaan dan pendampingan untuk dapat memaksimalkan produk unggulan yaitu rumput laut. Produk olahan rumput laut yang dihasilkan nantinya memiliki nilai tambah (value added) yang mampu meningkatkan per­ekonomian keluarga. Adapun metode yang kami lakukan terbagi menjadi tiga tahapan: pertama yaitu analisis situasi/survei pendahuluan dengan kegiatan FGD (focus group discussion) dengan perwakilan kelompok perempuan petani rumput laut dan perwakilan dari Dinas Perikanan dan Kelautan di Sidoarjo. Dari FGD tersebut didapatkan output berupa matrik SWOT dan perancangan kegiatan yang disarankan. SWOT yang sudah dirumuskan digunakan sebagai acuhan kegiatan selanjutnya yaitu tahapan kedua, pelaksanaan pelatihan. Pelatihan yang dilaksanakan bertema kewirausahaan. Dimana materi yang disampaikan berupa pengelolaan rumput laut yang bernilai ekonomis. Kegiatan ketiga yaitu pendampingan. Hasil dari kegiatan ini adalah peserta sangat antusias dalam mengikuti pelatihan dan implementasi matriks SWOT sangat perlu untuk dilakukan keberlanjutan.
PENDIDIKAN DIGITAL PARENTING BAGI GURU DAN ORANG TUA SISWA PAUD DI KOTA MATARAM
Authors: Qadafi Muammar , Sosani Yuga Anggana
Published: March 2023

Literasi digital sudah menjadi bagian yang tidak dapat dipisahkan dari kehidupan guru dan orang tua saat ini karena anak-anak sebagian besar sudah sangat akrab dengan dunia digital. Apabila orang tua tidak mampu mengimbangi anak dalam mengelola perangkat digital, maka selamanya orang tua tidak akan mampu mengontrol apa yang dilakukan oleh anak di dunia maya dan permasalahan-permasalahan cepat atau lambat pasti akan menimpa anak tersebut seperti banyak kasus yang kita temukan saat ini. Oleh sebab itu, tujuan dari pengabdian ini adalah untuk mengedukasi orang tua dan guru terkait dengan pengasuhan yang seharusnya dilakukan di era digital ditinjau dari segi ilmu pengasuhan, psikologi, dan teknologi. Pengabdian ini menggunaka pendekatan Participatory Action Research (PAR) dengan konsep pelatihan selama empat sesi yang diisi oleh para ahli dalam bidang pengasuhan, psikologi, dan teknologi. Hasil survei kepuasan peserta terhadap kegiatan pengabdian ini menunjukkan hasil yang sangat positif. Para peserta merasa kegiatan ini sangat sesuai dengan kebutuhan pengasuhan saat ini dan para narasumber merupakan para pakar yang sangat berkompeten di bidangnya masing-masing. Oleh sebab itu, para peserta merasa sangat beruntung bisa mendapatkan materi yang sangat bagus ini, kemudian mereka berkomitmen untuk melanjutkan informasi yang didapatkan melalui pelaksanaan kegiatan parenting di sekolah masing-masing agar orang tua dan guru-guru yang lain juga mendapatkan informasi yang sama.
TINJAUAN MASTERPLAN SESAR OPAK BUKIT MENGGER BERBASIS PELESTARIAN OBJEK WARISAN GEOLOGI
Authors: Vitasurya Vincentia Reni , Pudianti Anna , Rudwiarti Lucia Asdra
Published: March 2023

Tinjauan masterplan kawasan wisata Sesar Opak Bukit Mengger (SOBM) merupakan kegiatan pengabdian yang dilakukan tim dosen DAFT UAJY bersama dengan BAPPEDA Kab. Bantul DIY. Kegiatan ini merupakan kelanjutan dari proses penetapan Kawasan SOBM sebagai bagian dari pengembangan kawasan Geopark Heritage provinsi DIY. Proses tinjauan masterplan dilakukan melalui 4 tahap yang dimulai dari tinjauan dokumen, verifikasi, perancangan kembali dan penyusunan laporan. Tahapan penyusunan review melibatkan ahli geologi, masyarakat dan pemangku kepentingan guna menghasilkan rancangan pengembangan berbasis pelestarian lingkungan khususnya warisan geologi dan tanggap bencana. Sejalan dengan nilai budaya lokal, penerapan filosofi hamemayu hayuning bawana dan hamemasuh malaning bumi melandasi penerapan rancangan dengan mengedepankan penggunaan material yang ringan, ramah lingkungan dan berciri khas lokal. Pertimbangan teknis mitigasi bencana menjadi hal penting untuk diterapkan, diantaranya dengan merancang jalur evakuasi dan zonasi untuk pembatasan aktivitas. Jalur evakuasi diterapkan dengan memanfaatkan lahan terbuka dan jalur pejalan kaki alami yang sudah terbentuk, sedangkan pembatasan aktivitas diterapkan sebagai upaya mengurangi beban lingkungan kawasan. Kegiatan ini juga melibatkan tenaga ahli dalam bidang geologi untuk memberikan masukan teknis terkait perencanaan kawasan ini. Tinjauan perancangan ini merupakan pedoman pengembangan Kawasan untuk masa yang akan datang. Bagi DAFT UAJY, kegiatan ini menjadi wadah penerapan ilmu dan berkolaborasi bersama dengan berbagai pihak untuk menyusun kajian berbasis pelestarian khususnya untuk objek warisan geologi.
All 3 Major Insulin Manufacturers Are Cutting Their Prices—Here’s What the News Means for Patients With Diabetes
Authors: Suran Melissa
Published: March 2023

This Medical News article discusses recent announcements of price caps on some insulins.
Changes in Medicare Accountable Care Organization Spending, Utilization, and Quality Performance 2 Years Into the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Yan Brandon W. , Shashoua Maya , Figueroa Jose F.
Published: March 2023

This cohort study uses data from the Medicare Shared Savings Program to assess changes in spending, utilization, and quality performance from before the COVID-19 pandemic (2019) to year 2 of the pandemic (2021).
Association Between Acute Alcohol Use and Firearm-Involved Suicide in the United States
Authors: Lange Shannon , Jiang Huan , Kaplan Mark S. , Kim Kawon Victoria , Rehm Jürgen
Published: March 2023

Importance

Firearms are the method of suicide used most often in the US. Acute alcohol use is associated with an increased risk of suicide by firearm. However, the dose-response association between acute alcohol use and the probability of using a firearm as the method of suicide is unknown.

Objective

To evaluate the association between the amount of alcohol consumed and the probability of using a firearm as the method of suicide.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study used mortality data from the US National Violent Death Reporting System on suicide decedents aged 18 years or older with a positive blood alcohol concentration (BAC; ie, ≥0.01 g/dL). Statistical analysis was performed from January 2003 to December 2020.

Exposure

Acute alcohol use, ascertained via postmortem toxicologic examination.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Probability of using a firearm as the method of suicide compared with all other methods of suicide.

Results

The study included 45 959 male suicide decedents (mean [SD] age, 42.6 [14.8] years) and 12 136 female suicide decedents (mean [SD] age, 44.2 [13.8] years) with a positive BAC; of those, 24 720 male decedents (53.8%) and 3599 female decedents (29.7%) used a firearm as the method of suicide. The probability of using a firearm as the method of suicide when alcohol is consumed was higher for male decedents, with the probability starting at just below 0.50 and increasing to approximately 0.75. In contrast, for female decedents, the probability began at just above 0.30 and increased to approximately 0.55. For both male and female decedents, the dose-response curves were an inverted U shape; as BAC increased, the probability of firearm-involved suicide initially increased and then decreased at very high BACs (approximately 0.40 g/dL for male decedents and approximately 0.30 g/dL for female decedents; these BACs were present among only a small percentage of alcohol-involved suicides: male decedents, 589 [1.3%]; female decedents, 754 [6.2%]).

Conclusions and Relevance

This cross-sectional study of suicide decedents who had consumed alcohol prior to their death suggests that, as alcohol consumption increased, the probability of a firearm-involved suicide increased until a certain BAC, at which point the probability started to decrease.
Catalyst Droplet‐Based Puncturable Nanostructures with Mechano‐Bactericidal Properties Against Bioaerosols
Authors: Lee Inae , Kim Jieun , Kwak Rhokyun , Lee Joonseok
Published: March 2023

Bioaerosol contamination problems have led to the need for new technologies that effectively collect and inactivate airborne microorganisms. Typical nanomaterial‐based filter membranes are usually sterilized using photocatalysts, electrical stimulation, and thermal treatment, which are expensive and require additional devices and cumbersome manufacturing. In this study, a membrane with nanotopographical features is manufactured via a catalyst droplet‐based procedure to mechanically damage airborne bacteria. The catalyst droplets are used as templates for in situ novel puncturable nanopillar growth on the membrane surface. Numerical simulations and microscopic observations show that puncturable nanopillars with a thin and rough nano‐edge are advantageous for rupturing the bacterial cell compared to flat nanopillars without a thin edge. A puncturable nanostructured air filter (PNAF) is compared to a bare air filter and exhibits higher bioaerosol collection efficiencies (>98% and 89.3–95.7%, respectively). PNAF is tested under breathing conditions as part of a face mask, where it effectively captures and deactivates E. coli aerosols through a mechano‐bactericidal effect, resulting in the inhibition of bacterial proliferation and finally death. Thus, PNAF can be applied as an air purifier or face mask filter for bioaerosol collection presenting antibacterial effects without external stimulation.
Self‐Polarized Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Ferroelectric Cathode Coatings Assisted High Performance All‐Solid‐State Lithium Battery
Authors: Li Wenru , Zhang Shu , Zheng Weijie , Ma Jun , Li Lin , Zheng Yue , Sun Deye , Wen Zheng , Liu Zhen , Wang Yaojin , Zhang Guangzu , Cui Guanglei
Published: March 2023

Ferroelectrics can significantly boost electrochemical performances of all‐solid‐state batteries by constructing built‐in electric field to reduce the space charge layer at cathode/solid‐state electrolyte interface. However, the construction mechanism of ferroelectric built‐in electric field is poorly understood. Herein, the guanidinium perchlorate (GClO4) ferroelectrics as the cathode coatings in the LiCoO2‐based all‐solid‐state lithium battery are reported, which has state‐of‐the‐art specific capacity of 210.6 mAh g−1 (91.6% of the liquid battery). Systematic studies reveal that the flexoelectric effect originating from the lattice mismatch between GClO4 and LiCoO2 gives GClO4 coatings the single‐domain state and upward self‐polarization. Consequently, a vertically downward built‐in electric field is generated relative to the cathode, which transports the lithium ions inside the electrolyte to the three‐phase interface to alleviate the space charge layer. These findings highlight that the microstructural characteristics of ferroelectric and electrode materials are the primary concern for building an effective built‐in electric field.
Ir–Ru Electrocatalysts Embedded in N‐Doped Carbon Matrix for Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis
Authors: Huynh T. B. Ngoc , Song Jihyeok , Bae Hyo Eun , Kim Youngkwang , Dickey Michael D. , Sung Yung‐Eun , Kim Myung Jun , Kwon Oh Joong
Published: March 2023

More active electrocatalysts for H2 and O2 evolution reactions, efficient membranes, and robust porous transport layers (PTL) are required for designing advanced proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) systems. An N‐doped carbon matrix is introduced in this study to surpass the existing Ti PTLs. One‐step pyrolysis results in the carbonization of polyaniline films to the N‐doped carbon matrix, simultaneous formation of desiccation cracks and IrxRuy nanoparticles, and partial impregnation of the synthesized particles into the carbon matrix. The embedded IrxRuy nanoparticles are firmly bound to the surface of the carbon matrix, inhibiting the dissolution and detachment of the nanoparticles during the O2 evolution reaction (OER). The cracks in the carbon matrix allow the steady transport of the produced O2, comparable to conventional PTLs. After optimizing the Ir and Ru contents of the nanoparticles based on the electrocatalytic performance, Ir88Ru12 embedded in the N‐doped carbon matrix is found to be the most suitable catalyst for enhancing the OER performance of the PEMWE system with negligible degradation. These findings can potentially contribute to the industrial application of PEMWE. Relevant electrochemical systems with membrane electrode assemblies, such as fuel cells and CO2 reduction systems, can be modified using the suggested structure.
Realization of 1.54‐µm Light‐Emitting Diodes Based on Er3+/Yb3+Co‐Doped CsPbCl3 Films
Authors: Li Hongfei , Liu Xiaoqi , Zhou Donglei , Dong Biao , Xu Lin , Bai Xue , Song Hongwei
Published: March 2023

Erbium ions (Er3+, 1.54 µm) electric pumped light sources with excellent optical properties and a simple fabrication process are urgently desired to satisfy the development of silicon‐based integration photonics. The previous Er‐based electroluminescence devices are mainly based on Er‐complexes or Er‐doped oxide compounds, which usually suffer from low external quantum efficiency(EQE)or high applied voltage etc. In this work, a novel type of Er3+/Yb3+ co‐doped lead‐halide perovskite films (Er3+/Yb3+:CsPbCl3) with the maximum photoluminescence quantum yield of 30.12% are prepared by a simple two‐step solution‐coating method and the corresponding light emitting diodes (Er‐PeLEDs) are fabricated, which demonstrate an almost pure 1.54‐µm emission and a peak EQE up to 0.366% at a low applied voltage of 1.4 V. Strong negative thermal quenching effect may help Er‐PeLEDs suppress Joule heating quenching. These excellent LED properties benefit mainly from the outstanding regulatory performance of acetate to perovskite films, the excellent semiconductor behavior and strong ionic property of the perovskite, and the involvement of Yb3+ ions, which can directly and efficiently transfer the exciton energy to Er3+ through a quantum cutting process. Overall, the realization of 1.54‐µm Er‐PeLEDs offers new opportunities for silicon‐based integrated light sources.
Investigation of the Few‐Layer Black Phosphorus Degradation by the Photonic Measurements
Authors: Szczerska Małgorzata , Kosowska Monika , Gierowski Jakub , Cieślik Mateusz , Sawczak Mirosław , Jakóbczyk Paweł
Published: March 2023

Few‐layer black phosphorus (FLBP) is a 2D material that gains worldwide interest for its possible applications, mainly in electronics and optoelectronics. However, as FLBP is prone to a degradation process under environmental conditions, there is a need for a monitoring method allowing investigation of its surface quality. Among many techniques, optoelectronic ones have unique advantages of fast response, non‐contact, and non‐invasive operation. In this paper, a photonic method is presented for this purpose with a focus on the earliest stages of the degradation process. Measurements are performed using a fiber‐optic interferometer working at the wavelength of 1310 nm. Series of material characterization measurements, including scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy investigations are performed to examine the FLBP using a well‐established methodology. Two samples—with liquid exfoliated FLBP and with layers of supernatant—prepared in two different production processes are investigated over 3 h. A detailed presentation of the degradation process is provided. The results prove that the surface monitoring of FLBP is possible by registering optical signal changes correlated with the changes in optical parameters caused by the proceeding degradation process.
Increasing the Ionization Energy Offset to Increase the Quantum Efficiency in Non‐Fullerene Acceptor‐Based Organic Solar Cells: How Far Can We Go?
Authors: Gorenflot Julien , Alsufyani Wejdan , Alqurashi Maryam , Paleti Sri Harish Kumar , Baran Derya , Laquai Frédéric
Published: March 2023

Molecular engineering of organic semiconductors provides a virtually unlimited number of possible structures, yet only a handful of combinations lead to state‐of‐the‐art efficiencies in photovoltaic applications. Thus, design rules that guide material development are needed. One such design principle is that in a bulk heterojunction consisting of an electron donor and lower bandgap acceptor an offset (ΔIE) of at least 0.45 eV is required between both materials ionization energies to overcome energy level bending at the donor–acceptor interface, in turn maximizing the charge separation yield and the cell's internal quantum efficiency. The present work studies energy losses associated with ΔIE and, based on 24 blends, finds that losses are minimal up to a ΔIE of 0.6 eV. Electroluminescence spectroscopy shows that low energy losses are achieved when the charge transfer state energy (ECT) is similar to the acceptor's optical bandgap (EgA). Further ΔIE increase lowers ECT with respect to EgA, thus decreasing VOC. Within that 0.45–0.6 eV ΔIE sweet range, the fill factor FF, hence the power conversion efficiency, increases only marginally as the FF is often already close to maximal for ΔIE = 0.45 eV. The results are extended to 76 binary and ternary blends.
Controlling the Binding Efficiency of Surface Confined Antibodies through the Design of Mixed Self‐Assembled Monolayers
Authors: Sarcina Lucia , Delre Pietro , Graziano Giovanni , Stefanachi Angela , Blasi Davide , Picca Rosaria A. , Di Franco Cinzia , Leonetti Francesco , Scamarcio Gaetano , Bollella Paolo , Mangiatordi Giuseppe F. , Macchia Eleonora , Torsi Luisa
Published: March 2023

A plethora of different electronic and optoelectronic devices have been developed lately, for biosensing applications (e.g., label‐free, fast, and easier to operate) based on a detecting interface accommodating the biorecognition elements, anchored by thiolate self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) on a gold surface. Here, a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) characterization of anti‐p24 anchored on different SAMs is performed to investigate the effect of the SAM structure on the antibodies’ packing efficiency and the sensors’ analytical figures of merit. Notably, the mixed SAM deposited from a solution 10:1 of 3‐mercaptopropionic acid and 11‐mercaptoundecanoic acid (11MUA) is compared to that resulting from a solution 10:1 of ad hoc synthesized N‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐3‐mercaptopropanamide (NMPA)/11MUA. Despite the improvement in the anti‐p24 surface coverage registered using the 11MUA/NMPA SAM, the latter produces a significant decrease in the antibodies’ binding efficiency against human immunodeficiency virus p24 protein. To provide a molecular rationale behind the SPR data, density functional theory calculations are also undertaken. A comprehensive physical view of the main competing phenomena affecting the biorecognition events at a biofunctionalized gold detecting interface is represented here.
Tumor‐Targeted Poly(ArgGlyAsp) Nanocapsules for Personalized Cancer Therapy – In Vivo Study
Authors: Itzhaki Ella , Chausky‐Barzakh Eva , Atkins Ayelet , Bareket‐Samish Avital , Stemmer Salomon M. , Margel Shlomo , Moskovits Neta
Published: March 2023

The arginine‐glycine‐glutamic acid (RGD) sequence, an αvβ3 integrin recognition site, is overexpressed in malignancies and neovasculature, making it a potential therapeutic target. Herein, efficacy/safety of tumor‐targeted RGD‐based proteinoid nanocapsules (NCs) entrapping a synergistic combination of two drugs—palbociclib (Pal), a CDK4/6 inhibitor, and alpelisib (Alp), a P13K inhibitor, as a cancer treatment, is assessed. P(RGD) proteinoid polymers are produced by thermal step‐growth polymerization of R, G, and D under an inert atmosphere. P(RGD) NCs, hollow and encapsulating 25 w% each of Pal and Alp, are formed by self‐assembly of the proteinoid polymer. The encapsulation yields of Pal and Alp are 72% and 95%, respectively. Long‐term stability, controlled release, cellular uptake,synergistic cytotoxicity, and induced cell death are evident from in vitro experiments. Findings from in vivo breast, colon and gastric patient‐derived xenograft (PDX) mice experiments are consistent with the in vitro studies showing that the response to treatment with drug‐loaded NCs is similar to that elicited by free drugs, with reduced side effects. The study demonstrates the potential clinical utility of P(RGD) NCs for cancer treatment.
The role of geography, ecology, and hybridization in the evolutionary history of Canary Island Descurainia
Authors: Jackson Amy C. , White Oliver W. , Carine Mark , Chapman Mark A.
Published: March 2023

Premise

Oceanic islands offer the opportunity to understand evolutionary processes underlying rapid diversification. Along with geographic isolation and ecological shifts, a growing body of genomic evidence has suggested that hybridization can play an important role in island evolution. Here we use genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) to understand the roles of hybridization, ecology, and geographic isolation in the radiation of Canary Island Descurainia (Brassicaceae).

Methods

We carried out GBS for multiple individuals of all Canary Island species and two outgroups. Phylogenetic analyses of the GBS data were performed using both supermatrix and gene tree approaches and hybridization events were examined using D‐statistics and Approximate Bayesian Computation. Climatic data were analyzed to examine the relationship between ecology and diversification.

Results

Analysis of the supermatrix data set resulted in a fully resolved phylogeny. Species networks suggest a hybridization event has occurred for D. gilva, with these results being supported by Approximate Bayesian Computation analysis. Strong phylogenetic signals for temperature and precipitation indicate one major ecological shift within Canary Island Descurainia.

Conclusions

Inter‐island dispersal played a significant role in the diversification of Descurainia, with evidence of only one major shift in climate preferences. Despite weak reproductive barriers and the occurrence of hybrids, hybridization appears to have played only a limited role in the diversification of the group with a single instance detected. The results highlight the need to use phylogenetic network approaches that can simultaneously accommodate incomplete lineage sorting and gene flow when studying groups prone to hybridization; patterns that might otherwise be obscured in species trees.
[n]Cycloparaphenylene‐Pillar[5]arene Bismacrocycles: Their Circularly Polarized Luminescence and Multiple Guest Recognition Properties
Authors: Xu Youzhi , Steudel Fabian , Leung Ming‐Yi , Xia Biao , von Delius Max , Yam Vivian Wing‐Wah
Published: March 2023

Both pillar[n]arenes (P[n]As) and [n]cycloparaphenylenes ([n]CPPs) play an important role in supramolecular chemistry. Herein, we report the precise synthesis of two multifunctional bismacrocycles [n]CPP‐P[5]A by integrating P[5]A into the [n]CPP backbone. The photoluminescence quantum yield (ΦF) of the bismacrocycles was found to show a dramatic increase relative to the corresponding [n]CPPs. The chiral enantiomers (pR)/(pS)‐[8]CPP‐P[5]A were successfully isolated by chiral HPLC, and showed promising properties of circularly polarized luminescence (glum≈0.02). In addition, [n]CPP‐P[5]A bismacrocycles are capable of binding pyridinium salts and fullerene derivatives with high affinity and specificity within the two distinct cavities. Transient absorption studies showed that photo‐induced electron transfer occurs in [10]CPP‐P[5]A⊃C60 complex. Our results suggest that [n]CPP‐P[5]A are potentially useful in CPL‐active materials, multiple guest recognition and supramolecular polymer preparation.
Size effects in the elastic properties of polycrystalline silicon
Authors: Aßmus Marcus , von Zabiensky Max , Weber Martin , Altenbach Holm
Published: March 2023

Polycrystalline silicon has a wide range of applications in the semiconductor industry. Instead of components whose dimensions are of the same order of magnitude in all three spatial directions, thin slices are primarily used there. Deviating mechanical properties have been noticed among such thin configurations. In this work, we systematically investigate the size‐dependent effective elastic properties of polycrystalline silicon. This is realized by gradually reducing the thickness of such components, starting from a structure usually referred to as representative volume element. Based on the framework of continuum mechanics, we specify unit cell problems for aggregates whose microstructures are build artificially based on first‐order properties through tessellations. The effective responses of virtual material tests are determined by the aid of the finite element method. Based on a larger number of computational simulations with different but equivalent microstructures, the effective elastic properties of silicon polycrystals are evaluated statistically. The findings are examined with regard to geometrically‐induced symmetries by several methods. For the unconstrained configurations examined here, results show an increase in the scattering of the results where the average stiffness decreases with decreasing structural thickness. These outcomes are also compared to analytical estimates for silicon bulk configurations. This comparison indicates that the average stiffness varies in between a reasonable mean and the isotropic first‐order lower bound of the silicon bulk. Compared to experimental findings, admissible bounds of the stiffnesses are clearly outlined.
Pectinases as promising green biocatalysts having broad‐spectrum applications: Recent trends, scope, and relevance
Authors: Kaur Damanjeet , Sharma Varruchi , Joshi Amit , Batra Navneet , Ramniwas Seema , Sharma Anil K
Published: March 2023

Pectinases are a collection of multiple enzymes that have a common substrate, that is, pectin. They can act on different parts of pectin due to the structural heterogeneity of pectin. Therefore, they have been placed in different groups, such as protopectinases, polygalacturonases, polymethylesterases, pectin lyases, and pectate lyases. They are naturally present both in multicellular organisms such as higher plants and in unicellular organisms such as microbes. In past decade, it has been witnessed that chemical and mechanical methods employed in industrial processes have led to environmental hazards and serious health disorders, thus increasing the search for eco‐friendly approaches with minimal health risks. Hence, microbial enzymes have been extensively used as safer alternative for these environmentally unsafe methods. Among these microbial enzymes, pectinases hold great significance and is one of the principal enzymes that have been used commercially. It is predominantly used as a green biocatalyst for fruit, fiber, oil, textile, beverage, pulp, and paper industry. Thus, this review focuses on the structure of pectin, microbial sources of pectin, and principle industrial applications of pectinases.
Micelle encapsulation zinc‐doped copper oxide nanocomposites reverse Olaparib resistance in ovarian cancer by disrupting homologous recombination repair
Authors: Yi Jingyan , Luo Xin , Xing Jinshan , Gedanken Aharon , Lin Xiukun , Zhang Chunxiang , Qiao Gan
Published: March 2023

Micelle Encapsulation Zinc‐doped copper oxide nanocomposites (MEnZn‐CuO NPs) is a novel doped metal nanomaterial prepared by our group based on Zinc doped copper oxide nanocomposites (Zn‐CuO NPs) using non‐micellar beam. Compared with Zn‐CuO NPs, MEnZn‐CuO NPs have uniform nanoproperties and high stability. In this study, we explored the anticancer effects of MEnZn‐CuO NPs on human ovarian cancer cells. In addition to affecting cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis and autophagy, MEnZn‐CuO NPs have a greater potential for clinical application by inducing HR repair defects in ovarian cancer cells in combination with poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase inhibitors for lethal effects.
Directed Evolution to Reverse Epoxide Hydrolase Enantioselectivity for meso‐3,4‐Epoxytetrahydrofuran
Authors: Hiraga Kaori , Itoh Tetsuji , Verma Deeptak , Wang Wei , Huang Chen , Ardolino Michael , Zhong Yong‐Li , Murphy Grant
Published: March 2023

Chiral vicinal diols are important intermediates in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals. Epoxide hydrolases catalyze hydrolytic ring opening of epoxides to produce the corresponding vicinal diols, providing an attractive way to access these building blocks under mild conditions in a stereoselective and atom‐efficient manner. In this study, an epoxide hydrolase is identified and engineered to form (3S,4S)‐tetrahydrofurandiol in high optical purity via the desymmetrization of meso‐3,4‐epoxytetrahydrofuran. In nine rounds of directed evolution, the enzyme's native (3R,4R)‐stereopreference was reversed and its activity was dramatically improved to achieve quantitative yield under remarkably high 500 g/L substrate concentration and low enzyme loading. Computational modelling provides insights on the changes in enzyme‐substrate interaction that result in divergent enantioselectivities afforded by evolved variants.
Recent Advances in Catalytic Chemical Recycling of Polyolefins
Authors: Faust Kirill , Denifl Peter , Hapke Marko
Published: March 2023

Polyolefins and especially polyethylenes (LLDPE, LDPE and HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) contribute a great deal to the growing amounts of plastic waste with a combined production share of almost 50 % by mass. While being almost universally applicable, they are mainly used for short‐lived packaging materials that constitute over 60 % of annual post‐consumer plastic waste. Thus, disproportionately high amounts of polyolefins end up as post‐consumer waste (PCW) and waste management strategies for these particularly inert plastics are needed. This necessity has promoted a great research effort dealing with valorization of these discarded but, nevertheless, valuable materials. This review aims to highlight the scientific advances made in chemical polyolefin recycling in recent years, focusing, though not exclusively, on catalytic processes to recycle polyolefin waste by various means at more moderate temperatures compared to pyrolysis such as deconstructing the polymer with the objective of upcycling in mind or by catalytic transformation to give access to functional chemicals.
2‐Carboranylquinazoline: The Path to an ABCG2 Inhibitor
Authors: Stockmann Philipp , Kuhnert Lydia , Zörner Lisa , Honscha Walther , Hey‐Hawkins Evamarie
Published: March 2023

The role of ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporter‐mediated multidrug resistance (MDR) in anti‐cancer therapy is often challenging, frequently leading to inefficiency of treatments. Cancer cells exploit efflux transporters, like the breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP, ABCG2), to secrete chemotherapeutic substances. In this study, an N‐phenyl‐2‐carboranylquinazolin‐4‐amine (8) was designed as inorganic‐organic hybrid BCRP inhibitor. In particular, the ABCG2‐transporter inhibitor‐prominent scaffold N‐phenylquinazolin‐4‐amine was combined with a boron−carbon cluster (carborane) moiety. Introducing a carborane at 2‐position of the quinazoline scaffold resulted in an increased inhibitory activity towards human ABCG2 (hABCG2) compared to its recently published regioisomer N‐carboranyl‐2‐phenyl‐quinazolin‐4‐amine. The carboranylquinazoline 8 further showed the ability to reverse hABCG2‐mediated drug resistance in MDCKII‐hABCG2 cells by lowering the IC50 value of the BCRP‐substrate mitoxantrone, similar to the standard reference and strong inhibitor Ko143, without exhibiting intrinsic toxicity in the lower micromolar ranges. These results make compound 8 a promising scaffold for the design of further BCRP inhibitors.
Analytical evaluation of the Dnestrovskii functions occurring in weakly relativistic, magnetized, and thermal plasmas
Authors: Mamedov Bahtiyar A.
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we established an effective formula for Dnestrovskii functions based on the binomial expansion theorem which frequently appears in a weakly relativistic loss cone distribution, relativistic, magnetized, and thermal plasmas. The obtained formulas are expressed in terms of binomial coefficients and incomplete Gamma functions. Therefore, the proposed approach is a fully useful method to evaluate Dnestrovskii functions and related physical properties of plasmas. Calculation results of the Dnestrovskii functions are compared with other numerical and theoretical models and indicated acceptable agreement. The results of the calculations demonstrate that the derived formula is valid for a wide range of parameters.
Plasma insulin is required for the increase in plasma angiopoietin‐like protein 8 in response to nutrient ingestion
Authors: Abu‐Farha Mohamed , Alatrach Mariam , Abubaker Jehad , Al‐Khairi Irina , Cherian Preethi , Agyin Krisitn , Abdelgani Siham , Norton Luke , Adams John , Al‐Saeed Dalal , Al‐Ozairi Ebaa , DeFronzo Ralph A. , Al‐Mulla Fahd , Abdul‐Ghani Muhammad
Published: March 2023

Background

Plasma levels of angiopoietin‐like protein 8 (ANGPTL8) are regulated by feeding and they increase following glucose ingestion. Because both plasma glucose and insulin increase following food ingestion, we aimed to determine whether the increase in plasma insulin and glucose or both are responsible for the increase in ANGPTL8 levels.

Methods

ANGPTL8 levels were measured in 30 subjects, 14 with impaired fasting glucose (IFG), and 16 with normal fasting glucose (NFG); the subjects received 75g glucose oral Glucose tolerance test (OGTT), multistep euglycaemic hyperinsulinemic clamp and hyperglycaemic clamp with pancreatic clamp.

Results

Subjects with IFG had significantly higher ANGPTL8 than NGT subjects during the fasting state (p < 0.05). During the OGTT, plasma ANGPTL8 concentration increased by 62% above the fasting level (p < 0.0001), and the increase above fasting in ANGPTL8 levels was similar in NFG and IFG individuals. During the multistep insulin clamp, there was a dose‐dependent increase in plasma ANGPTL8 concentration. During the 2‐step hyperglycaemic clamp, the rise in plasma glucose concentration failed to cause any change in the plasma ANGPTL8 concentration from baseline.

Conclusions

In response to nutrient ingestion, ANGPTL8 level increased due to increased plasma insulin concentration, not to the rise in plasma glucose. The incremental increase above baseline in plasma ANGLPTL8 during OGTT was comparable between people with normal glucose tolerance and IFG.