bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Timing and outcomes after coronary angiography following out of hospital cardiac arrest without sings of ST segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Alraies Amr Abdulwarth , Ghanaim Mahmood Mohammed
Published: July 2023

Less than 10% of individuals who experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survive to be discharged from the hospital, making it 1 of leading causes of mortality globally. Less than 40% of individuals with returned of spontaneous circulation who are hospitalised survive. One of the pillars of care for postcardiac arrests is determining & treatment of underlying reason for arrest. this can entail delay in cause-directed treatment if the cause is not always immediately evident. Adults most frequently develop OHCA due to cardiac disease, among which abrupt coronary   occlusion   is prevalent    in    aetiology.    Early   coronary angiography & revascularization are related to increased survival in this cohort because significant fraction of studied cases with ST-segment elevation on initial electrocardiogram after ROSC have acute coronary blockage. Numerous recommendations urge immediate angiography following OHCA with ST elevation following ROSC. incidence of acute coronary occlusion has been significantly lower in individuals without ST elevation after ROSC, & advantages of early angiography have been less certain in these studied cases. percentage of people who experience OHCA without ST elevation is substantially higher & includes people who experience cardiac arrest due to non-cardiac reasons such pulmonary embolism, hypoxia, & drunkenness.
Paleolithic cultures and ancient human migrations in Mongolia
Authors: Altanbayar Zoljargal , Dashzeveg Bazargur
Published: July 2023

As part of their ongoing evolutionary process, human ancestors made numerous migrations from the lands where they first appeared. This process depended directly on human population growth, and natural and climatic factors. Early human settlement in Central and Northeast Asia dates to the Lower Paleolithic, therefore, additional migrations in this region occurred during the Middle and Upper Paleolithic periods. This was, perhaps, due to favorable circumstances for early human settlement in Mongolia during the Pleistocene epoch. The migrations of human ancestors in Mongolia are also apparent in other areas of Asia; here we focus on the archaeological signature of ancient populations in Mongolia.

Монгол нутаг дахь палеолитын соёл ба эртний хүний шилжилт хөдөлгөөн

Товчлол: Эртний хүн түүхэн хөгжлийн явцдаа анх үүсэн бий болсон нутгаас хэд хэдэн удаагийн томоохон нүүдлийг хийсэн байдаг. Энэ нь хүний өсч үржих үйл явц болон байгаль, цаг уурын хүчин шалтгаанаас шууд хамааралтай байсаар ирсэн. Төв болон Зүүн хойд Азийн бүс нутаг эртний хүн суурьшсан цаг хугацаа доод палеолитын үеэс эхлэлтэй. Харин үүнээс хойш энэ бүс нутагт дахин нүүдлэн ирсэн цаг хугацаа дунд, дээд палеолитын үед ажиглагддаг. Монгол оронд плейстоцены үед эртний хүн суурьшихад хамгийн таатай нөхцөлийг бүрдүүлсэн газруудын нэг байсантай холбоотой хэмээн үзсэн болох юм. Монгол нутагт байсан эртний хүмүүсийн их нүүдэл Ази тивийн бусад газар нутагт ч нүүдлэн суурьшсан нүүдлийн зам ажиглагдаж байна. Бидний өгүүлэн буй сэдэв нь Монгол оронд эртний хүний үлдээсэн дурсгалууд дээр тулгуурлан тархалт суурьшлын талаар өгүүлэн бичлээ.

Түлхүүр үг: Палеолит, Шилжилт хөдөлгөөн, Чулуун зэвсгийн хэв шинж, Леваллуагийн арга, Мусьтен зэвсэг
FULLFILLMENT OF TAX COMPLIANCE THROUGH AUDIT POLICY IN FISCAL SAFEGUARD MEASURES
Authors: Yoshida Debbie
Published: July 2023

This study focuses on administrative aspects, specifically audit policies as part of tax law enforcement in order to fulfill tax compliance that taxpayers must carry out. With increased tax compliance, it is expected that state revenues will rise as well, making the fiscal condition more secure. The study examines the audit process and the purpose of the audit, which, although it has been stated in the Law No. 6 of 1983 concerning General Provisions and Procedures for Taxation, as amended by Law No. 16 of 2009, the expected increase in compliance for almost three decades, has not yet yielded the tangible results that we all hope for. The study was conducted using a normative juridical method based on primary legal materials. The study’s findings indicate that fiscal safeguards are highly dependent on audit policies carried out in accordance with a set of legal norms issued by the Government cq. The Directorate General of Taxes should conduct a review by taking into account the legal objectives (Laws) which are based on the nature and enforceability of laws that apply on three perspectives, namely sociological applicability, philosophical applicability, and juridical applicability. In this way, the hope of increasing compliance and fulfilling the sufficiency of state revenue funds as fiscal safeguards can be realized.
What My Grandmother Taught Me About Communication: Perspectives from African Cultural Values
Authors: Alfred E. Opubor
Published: July 2023

In this essay, the author examines the roots of African patrimony and its relevance in developing and implementing an Afrocentric theory of communication, culture and social change.
Communication and the Culture of Peace in Africa
Authors: Chukuemeka Chikelu
Published: July 2023

This paper examines the nature and consequences of armed conflicts in Africa, and the responsibility of communication scholars and practitioners in building the culture and infrastructure of peace in the continent. It argues that they havetaken sides on matters concerning ethnic and religious differences, reporting “episodes rather than the entire process of a conflict,” and seriously eroding professional ethics with their “new concept of embedded journalism and instant reporting of warfare.” The paper calls on media practitioners to concentrate on investigating trends, processes, and fundamental factors connected with conflict situations and focus on how to resolve them.
The Media Struggles in Zambia: The Need for a Unified Policy on Press Freedom
Authors: Kenny Makungu
Published: July 2023

This paper traces the evolution of the struggles for press freedom in Zambia since the country’s independence. While progress has been made in various fronts, the paper notes that sustaining the gains of the struggles requires continuing pressure on the government from the citizenry and on the political will of government.
Madagascar : les forces armées garantes de la stabilité politique et démocratique ?
Authors: Juvence F. Ramasy
Published: July 2023

No study of African politics can overlook the issue of the militarization of the state, as in many African countries armies played a key role in the aftermath of independence. Madagascar, for example, was ruled for over twenty years by the army. The army generally appears as a neutral entity which, as such, can guarantee the country’s political stability. However, there is no such thing as absolute neutrality, neither in Africa nor in western democracies. But the best hope for the army to become and remain as politically neutral as possible, is to demilitarize political power. Only the withdrawal of the military from politics and their subordination to civilian decisions do not suffice to ensure the army’s political neutrality. Such a withdrawal was carried out through the third wave of democratization. Yet these transitions followed the army’s directions. Democratization processes, then, cannot go without efforts towards neutralizing the military, and thus, towards demilitarizing the political society and depoliticizing the army. Post-transition regimes striving for democracy should bring about and preserve a formal separation of power between the political and the civilian spheres. For these regimes to establish a solid mandate, the army and the security apparatus need to be placed under democratic control. In Africa, the disengagement of the military from the public sphere came about with the political transitions of the 1990s. But with the current regime changes, this process seems to be challenged, as testifies the return of pretorianism in countries such as Mauritania, Guinea, Niger and Madagascar. Hence, demilitarizing politics, on the one hand, and depoliticizing and re‑professionalizing the army, on the other, remain essential issues to be addressed.
Ethopharmacological Approach, in vivo Antidiarrhoeic Properties of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Mallotus oppositifolium (Euphorbiaceae) and Isolation of Antidiarrheal Compound
Authors: Zintchem Roger , Fankem Gaëtan Olivier , Mukam Joseph Ngakou , Sanda Antoine Kada , Fokunang Estella Tembe , Njinkio Borgia , Noubissi Paul Aimé , Sonna Pascal , Fokunang Charles , Kamgang René
Published: July 2023

Mallotus oppositifolium. Müll. Arg (Euphorbiaceae) is commonly used in the Center Region of Cameroon against diarrheal syndromes and joint pains. In order to provide a scientific basis for its use in the traditional treatment of diarrhea, we proposed to evaluate the effects of aqueous extracts of the leaves of this plant on the characteristic patterns of diarrhea. The ethnopharmacological approach was carried out in Gouifé village in Bafia (Cameroon) by observing traditional therapeutic practices and by the interview of 5 traditional therapists and 11 of their patients about the traditional treatment of diarrheal syndromes. The leaf extracts of M. oppositifolium was extracted by decoction and the product at the doses of 31.25, 62.50 and 125 mg/kg body weight was tested in vivo on castor oil-induced secretory and motor diarrhea in rats, using standard antidirrhea techniques. The diarrhea was induced in the rats using standard inducing procedure. The decoction leave extract were found to act against castor oil-induced secretory diarrhoea in rats as it increased significantly the time to onset of diarrhoeal stools in a dose-dependent manner at all the doses investigated (p < 0.01) compared to animals who received distilled water. The mass and volume of intestinal contents, compared with Loperamide (36.80%) and distilled water 52.50% (p < 0.05), decreased significantly by 9.70% and 32. 60% at 32.25 mg/kg, 38.80% (p < 0.01) and 49.80% (0.05) at 62.5 mg/kg and 28.90% (p < 0.05) and 37.30% at 125 mg/kg, respectively. The decoction extract was also active against motile diarrhea as it increased significantly the time to onset of charcoal-stained diarrheal stools.  Compared to distilled water (70 min), 80 min (p < 0.05), 118 min (p < 0.01) and 207 min (p < 0.01) for the extract doses of 32.25, 62.50 and 125 mg/kg animal weight respectively. The mass and the frequency of the stool output were reduced significantly by all the doses of the extract used in this study. This extract slowed fecal progression by 81.80%, 76% (p < 0.05) and 72% (p < 0.01) at 32.25, 62.5 and 125 mg/kg respectively.  A chemical fractionation by separation and purification using various chromatographic methods (column chromatography, thin layer chromatography, "flash" Chromatography on silica gel G60…) of M. oppositifolium leaves extract with dichloro methane/ methanol revealed the presence of metabolites such as sterols, quercetin, diosmetin, quercitrin. Some of these components have known antidiarrheal properties that would justify the traditional use of the plant in the treatment of diarrhea.
Transforming properties of MET receptor exon 14 skipping can be recapitulated by loss of the CBL ubiquitin ligase binding site
Authors: Fernandes Marie , Paget Sonia , Kherrouche Zoulika , Truong Marie‐José , Vinchent Audrey , Meneboo Jean‐Pascal , Sebda Shéhérazade , Werkmeister Elisabeth , Descarpentries Clotilde , Figeac Martin , Cortot Alexis B. , Tulasne David
Published: July 2023

MET is a receptor tyrosine kinase that is activated in many cancers through various mechanisms. MET exon 14 (Ex14) skipping occurs in 3% of nonsmall cell lung tumors. However, the contribution of the regulatory sites lost upon this skipping, which include a phosphorylated serine (S985) and a binding site for the E3 ubiquitin ligase CBL (Y1003), remains elusive. Sequencing of 2808 lung tumors revealed 71 mutations leading to MET exon 14 skipping and three mutations affecting Y1003 or S985. In addition, MET exon 14 skipping and MET Y1003F induced similar transcriptional programs, increased the activation of downstream signaling pathways, and increased cell mobility. Therefore, the MET Y1003F mutation is able to fully recapitulate responses induced by MET exon 14 skipping, suggesting that loss of the CBL binding site is the main contributor of cell transformation induced by MET Ex14 mutations.
Rational Design of N‐Doped Carbon‐Coated Cobalt Nanoparticles for Highly Efficient and Durable Photothermal CO2 Conversion
Authors: Ma Jun , Yu Jing , Chen Guangyu , Bai Yu , Liu Shengkun , Hu Yangguang , Al‐Mamun Mohammad , Wang Yu , Gong Wanbing , Liu Dong , Li Yafei , Long Ran , Zhao Huijun , Xiong Yujie
Published: July 2023

Photothermal CO2 hydrogenation to high‐value‐added chemicals and fuels is an appealing approach to alleviate energy and environmental concerns. However, it still relies on the development of earth‐abundant, efficient, and durable catalysts. Here, the design of N‐doped carbon‐coated Co nanoparticles (NPs), as a photothermal catalyst, synthesized through a two‐step pyrolysis of Co‐based ZIF‐67 precursor, is reported. Consequently, the catalyst exhibits remarkable activity and stability for photothermal CO2 hydrogenation to CO with a 0.75 mol gcat−1 h−1 CO production rate under the full spectrum of light illumination. The high activity and durability of these Co NPs are mainly attributed to the synergy of the attuned size of Co NPs, the thickness of carbon layers, and the N doping species. Impressively, the experimental characterizations and theoretical simulations show that such a simple N‐doped carbon coating strategy can effectively facilitate the desorption of generated CO and activation of reactants due to the strong photothermal effect. This work provides a simple and efficient route for the preparation of highly active and durable nonprecious metal catalysts for promising photothermal catalytic reactions.
Versatile Protein and Its Subunit Biomolecules for Advanced Rechargeable Batteries
Authors: Wu Yulun , Li Huangxu , Liu Tiancheng , Xu Ming
Published: July 2023

Rechargeable batteries are of great significance for alleviating the growing energy crisis by providing efficient and sustainable energy storage solutions. However, the multiple issues associated with the diverse components in a battery system as well as the interphase problems greatly hinder their applications. Proteins and their subunits, peptides, and amino acids, are versatile biomolecules. Functional groups in different amino acids endow these biomolecules with unique properties including self‐assembly, ion‐conducting, antioxidation, great affinity to exterior species, etc. Besides, protein and its subunit materials can not only work in solid forms but also in liquid forms when dissolved in solutions, making them more versatile to realize materials engineering via diverse approaches. In this review, it is aimed to offer a comprehensive understanding of the properties of proteins and their subunits, and research progress of using these versatile biomolecules to address the engineering issues of various rechargeable batteries, including alkali‐ion batteries, lithium–sulfur batteries, metal–air batteries, and flow batteries. The state‐of‐the‐art advances in electrode, electrolyte, separator, binder, catalyst, interphase modification, as well as recycling of rechargeable batteries are involved, and the impacts of biomolecules on electrochemical properties are particularly emphasized. Finally, perspectives on this interesting field are also provided.
The Effect of Halide Composition on the Luminescent Properties of Ternary Cesium–Copper Halide Pseudo‐Perovskite Films
Authors: Samu Gergely Ferenc , Zsigmond Tamás Sándor , Hajdu Cintia , Hunyadi Mátyás , Csige Lóránt , Csík Attila , Kopniczky Judit , Hopp Béla , Janáky Csaba
Published: July 2023

Ternary copper halide pseudo‐perovskites are in the forefront of research as potential active materials in light emission applications. The optoelectronic properties of these compounds can be fine‐tuned by the preparation of mixed‐halide compositions. After irradiation, self‐trapped excitonic states are formed in these materials. However, the emission from these self‐trapped states is not yet fully understood. In this work, mixed‐halide Cs3Cu2X5 films (where X: I and/or Br) are prepared by a simple spray‐coating method. Using ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy, the changes in optoelectronic properties are linked to the electronic structure of these materials. It is revealed that the incorporation of bromide into the lattice makes the emission process of these materials more vulnerable to trap states. By combining the different spectroscopic characterization techniques, the exact band structure of these compounds is determined, and the different processes are translated to the absolute energy scale. As an alternative excitation mechanism of self‐trapped states, α‐particles are used to induce radioluminescence response. The Cs3Cu2X5 films exhibit composite decay patterns, most likely attributed to a multitude of different trap state‐mediated recombination processes.
Assessing the impact of sanitization methods for regenerated cellulose ultrafiltration/diafiltration membrane on membrane integrity and protein quality
Authors: Cong Xiaoji , Chen Wei , Wang Li , Wan Yan
Published: July 2023

Ultrafiltration/diafiltration (UF/DF) is typically the final step in downstream processing of recombinant monoclonal antibody (mAb) products, which serves for protein concentration and buffer exchange. For UF/DF membranes composed of regenerated cellulose (RC), sanitization with 0.1 M sodium hydroxide is generally recommended by the supplier, but it may not be sufficient for reducing bioburden during large scale manufacturing. Therefore, more stringent sanitization methods for RC membranes are required. However, chemicals used in such sanitization step may disrupt membrane integrity, while the corresponding residuals may reduce product quality. Previous work has shown that high concentration of sodium hydroxide or addition of peracetic acid (PAA) can effectively reduce bioburden, but their effects on the RC membranes remain unknown. In this work, we assessed the impact of two sanitization methods, 0.5 M sodium hydroxide and 30 mM PAA in combination with 0.5 M sodium hydroxide, on membrane integrity and protein quality of Millipore and pall corporation (PALL) membranes. Both methods showed a similar impact as the control after performing 15 cycles. However, the addition of PAA may cause residual chemical concerns, therefore, 0.5 M sodium hydroxide was recommended as an effective and safe sanitization method for RC UF/DF membranes.
Synthesis and Characterization of Novel 1,3‐Diaryltriazene‐Substituted Sulfaguanidine Derivatives as Selective Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors: Biological Evaluation, in Silico ADME/T and Molecular Docking Study
Authors: Akocak Suleyman , Lolak Nebih , Duran Hatice Esra , Işık Mesut , Türkeş Cüneyt , Durgun Mustafa , Beydemir Şükrü
Published: July 2023

Sulfonamide compounds known as human carbonic anhydrase (hCA) inhibitors are used in the treatment of many diseases such as epilepsy, antibacterial, glaucoma, various diseases. 1,3‐diaryl‐substituted triazenes and sulfaguanidine are used for therapeutic purposes in many drug structures. Based on these two groups, the synthesis of new compounds is important. In the present study, the novel 1,3‐diaryltriazene‐substituted sulfaguanidine derivatives (SG1‐13) were synthesized and fully characterized by spectroscopic and analytic methods. Inhibitory effect of these compounds on the hCA I and hCA II was screened as in vitro. All the series of synthesized compounds have been identified as potential hCA isoenzymes inhibitory with KI values in the range of 6.44±0.74‐86.85±7.01 nM for hCA I and with KI values in the range of 8.16±0.40‐77.29±9.56 nM for hCA II. Moreover, the new series of compounds showed a more effective inhibition effect than the acetazolamide used as a reference. The possible binding positions of the compounds with a binding affinity to the hCA I and hCA II was demonstrated by in silico studies. In conclusion, compounds with varying degrees of affinity for hCA isoenzymes have been designed and as selective hCA inhibitors. These compounds may be potential alternative agents that can be used to treat or prevent diseases associated with glaucoma and hCA inhibition.
Chemical Composition, Antimicrobial, Nitric Oxide Inhibition and Cytotoxic Activity of Essential Oils from Zanthoxylum acanthopodium DC. Leaves and Stems from Vietnam
Authors: Diep Trinh Thi , Dung Luong Van , Trung Phung Van , Hoai Nguyen Thi , Thao Do Thi , Uyen Nguyen Thi To , Linh Tran Thi Hoai , Ha Trang Hanh Nhat , Truc Huynh Thanh
Published: July 2023

This study was aimed to investigate the chemical composition and biological activities of leaf and stem essential oils of Zanthoxylum acanthopodium DC. from Vietnam. Their chemical composition was analyzed by GC/MS. Antimicrobial activities were evaluated by microdilution broth assay. Anti‐inflammatory activity was evaluated by the ability to inhibit nitric oxide production in macrophage cells. Cytotoxic activity was evaluated using the sulforhodamine B assay on three human cancer cell lines. Forty‐four compounds were identified in the leaf oil, among which dehydroaromadendrane (23.4 %), (E)‐carpacin (17.6 %), 2‐tridecanone (12.2 %), and 9‐methyl‐2‐decanone (11.8 %) were the most abundant. The stem oil contained fifty‐five identified constituents, mainly γ‐gurjunene (51.1 %) and butyl acetate (11.8 %). Both oils exhibited inhibitory effects on three bacterial strains, namely S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa and a fungal strain C. albican, while showed insignificant effects on B. subtilis, L. fermentum, and S. enterica. Both oils showed weak NO production inhibition in LPS‐induced RAW264.7 cells, but exhibited potent cytotoxic activity against all three tested cell lines SK‐LU‐1, MCF‐7, and HepG2 with the IC50 values ranging from 16.03±0.77 to 35.60±1.62 μg/mL. This is the first report on the antimicrobial, anti‐inflammatory and cytotoxic activities of essential oils from the leaves and stems of Z. acanthopodium.
Loss of TSC1 in secondary angiosarcoma of the breast
Authors: Rose Lucy , Owusu‐Brackett Nicci , Moore Stephen , Oppong Bridget
Published: July 2023

Key Clinical Message

Post‐radiation angiosarcoma of the breast is a rare complication associated with a poor prognosis. This case reports the first loss of function mutation in TSC1 in breast radiation‐induced angiosarcoma and illustrates the utility of evaluating these markers to identify potential therapeutic targets.

Post‐radiation angiosarcoma of the breast is rare and associated with a poor prognosis. This case presents the first loss of function mutation in TSC1 in breast radiation‐induced angiosarcoma. Evaluation of these markers can aid in identifying potential therapeutic targets.
Highly Efficient Luminescence from a Red Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitter with Flexible Conformation of Ancillary Groups
Authors: Jin Yu‐Xin , Chen Zi‐Qi , Zhang Kai , Yang Chen‐Zong , Pan Ze‐Hui , Ding Lei , Sun Yan‐Qiu , Wang Chuan‐Kui , Fung Man‐Keung , Fan Jian
Published: July 2023

Robust scaffolds were typically applied in thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) molecules to suppress the non‐radiative decay, trigger the fast spin‐flipping, and enhance the light out‐coupling efficiency. Herein, we disclosed for the first time the positive effect of flexible conformation of ancillary groups on the photophysical properties of TADF emitter. The red TADF emitter Ph‐TPA with flexible conformation demonstrated small excited‐state structural distortion and low reorganization energy compared to the counterpart Mc‐TPA with a rigid macrocycle. Consequently, Ph‐TPA showed an excellent photoluminescent quantum yield (PLQY) of 92 % and a state‐of‐the‐art external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 30.6 % at 630 nm. This work could deepen our understanding of structure‐property relationships of organic luminophores and help us to rationalize the design of efficient TADF materials.
Changing consumer attitudes to make the Corporate Social Responsibility investment in sustainable fish production, a worthwhile investment to corporates
Authors: Hlophe Simphiwe Lincon , Ellis Debbie
Published: July 2023

The need for environmental protection, especially of depleting natural resources such as fish stocks, remains a global challenge. Global population growth increases food consumption. Some socially responsible corporate entities in the fish sector are producing and selling sustainable fish products, but beyond meeting their altruistic motives, they need consumers to respond favorably to these CSR initiatives to make the investments worthwhile and to encourage more organizations to invest in CSR for sustainable development. This paper reports the findings of research on the factors which influence consumers in the emerging market of South Africa, to respond favorably to sustainable fish product CSR initiatives. A causal research design and quantitative method was employed with a sample of consumers who were part of the South African LinkedIn community and who eat fish, whether concerned or not about sustainability. An online questionnaire was developed using an extension of the Theory of Planned Behavior. Univariate, regression and mediation analyses were carried out. Attitude towards sustainable fish products was found to be the only significant predictor of intention to purchase sustainable fish but it was also found to mediate the impact of health consciousness and environment concern. This paper thus focuses specifically on the role of attitudes in sustainable fish consumption in South Africa. Recommendations are provided for improving these consumer responses so as to make these CSR investments worthwhile to corporates and thus also positively impact fish sustainability.
Creating Conjugated C−C Bonds between Commercial Carbon Electrode and Molecular Catalyst for Oxygen Reduction to Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Biemolt Jasper , Meeus Eva J. , de Zwart Felix J. , de Graaf Jeen , Laan Petrus C. M. , de Bruin Bas , Burdyny Thomas , Rothenberg Gadi , Yan Ning
Published: July 2023

Immobilizing molecular catalysts on electrodes is vital for electrochemical applications. However, creating robust electrode‐catalyst interactions while maintaining good catalytic performance and rapid electron transfer is challenging. Here, without introducing any foreign elements, we show a bottom‐up synthetic approach of constructing the conjugated C−C bond between the commercial Vulcan carbon electrode and an organometallic catalyst. Characterization results from FTIR, XPS, aberration‐corrected TEM and EPR confirmed the successful and uniform heterogenization of the complex. The synthesized Vulcan‐LN4−Co catalyst is highly active and selective in the oxygen reduction reaction in neutral media, showing an 80 % hydrogen peroxide selectivity and a 0.72 V (vs. RHE) onset potential which significantly outperformed the homogenous counterpart. Based on single‐crystal XRD and NMR data, we built a model for density functional theory calculations which showed a nearly optimal binding energy for the *OOH intermediate. Our results show that the direct conjugated C−C bonding is an effective approach for heterogenizing molecular catalysts on carbon, opening new opportunities for employing molecular catalysts in electrochemical applications.
Governmental responses mitigating the impact of COVID‐19 on small and medium‐sized enterprises and the case for insolvency law reforms in Hong Kong
Authors: Wan Wai Yee
Published: July 2023

The COVID‐19 crisis has triggered unprecedented governmental responses around the world to mitigate the effects of the pandemic, with particular attention being given to small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). Governments around the world have implemented economic measures in the form of direct subsidies or government‐guaranteed loans, and legislated to provide mandatory relief from contractual obligations. In addition, increasing recognition of the limitations of insolvency regime in addressing the crisis for SMEs prompted many jurisdictions to change their laws. However, consistent with its free market principles, Hong Kong has only adopted economic measures and has provided limited contractual relief in favour of SME tenants. There is no SME‐specific insolvency law nor is the Hong Kong government currently considering any such law reform. This article reviews the need for a temporary insolvency regime to cater to distressed but economically viable SMEs restructure their debts. Drawing on a set of interviews with Hong Kong SME owners, this author finds that they are often unaware of how insolvency law operates, their unsecured creditors are apathetic, and bankruptcy stigmatism is high. Based on a review of the frameworks in the other advanced common law jurisdictions such as the United States, Australia and Singapore, a recommendation for a simplified restructuring and liquidation framework is developed. The process is designed to be simplified and expedited and it incentivises early negotiations with creditors.
A contrast of the popularity and the interpretation of non‐GAAP earning disclosures in different industries
Authors: Cheng Kang , Tavakolifar Mohammad , Ullah Barkat
Published: July 2023

This study examines non‐GAAP disclosures in two selected industries, the consumer nondurable goods industry and the business services industry, to address the question of whether non‐GAAP measures are applied and interpreted uniformly across industries, and more importantly, if the market reacts to non‐GAAP disclosures similarly across different industries. Industry membership potentially has an impact on the usage and interpretation of non‐GAAP disclosures; some industries issue their own policy trying to standardize the use of non‐GAAP measures in their industry. However, industry effects on non‐GAAP disclosures have not been thoroughly studied. This study fills in the gap. Using hand‐collected non‐GAAP measures disclosed in the 8‐K reports from 308 firms in the selected two industries, this study finds that: (1) the use of non‐GAAP measures is more popular than reported in previous studies, and non‐GAAP measures are not limited to performance measures; (2) there is weak evidence of industry preference as to which non‐GAAP measures are more popular in that industry; and (3) the market reacts differently to non‐GAAP disclosures in different industries. Combining the empirical findings, this study documents industry effects and market reactions in the interpretation of non‐GAAP disclosures. Considering that these effects have not been formally academically documented in previous studies, this study carries practical implications for investors and financial analysts.
Enhancing the Iodine Adsorption Capacity of Pyrene‐Based Covalent Organic Frameworks by Regulating the Pore Environment
Authors: Gao Chao , Guan Xuhui , Zhang Menghui , Hu Haoran , Chen Lei , Sun Chengguo , Zhang Chong , Du Yang , Hu Bingcheng
Published: July 2023

Regulating of pore environment is an efficient way to improve the performance of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) for specific application requirements. Herein, the design and synthesis of two pyrene‐based 2D COFs with ‐H or ‐Me substituents, TFFPy‐PPD‐COF and TFFPy‐TMPD‐COF are reported. Both of them show long order structure and high porosity, in which TFFPy‐PPD‐COF displays a larger pore volume and bigger BET surface area (2587 m2 g−1, 1.17 cm3 g−1). Interestingly, TFPPy‐TMPD‐COF exhibits a much higher vapor iodine capacity (4.8 g g−1) than TFPPy‐PPD‐COF (2.9 g g−1), in contrast to their pore volume size. By using multiple techniques, the better performance of TFPPy‐TMPD‐COF in iodine capture is ascribed to the altered pore environment by introducing methyl groups, which contributes to the formation of polyiodide anions and enhances the interactions between the frameworks and iodine. These results will be helpful for understanding the effect of pore environment in COFs for iodine uptake and constructing novel structure with high iodine capture performance.
TRAF6 regulates autophagy and apoptosis of melanoma cells through c‐Jun/ATG16L2 signaling pathway
Authors: Guo Yeye , Zhang Xu , Li Jie , Zhou Zhe , Zhu Susi , Liu Waner , Su Juan , Chen Xiang , Peng Cong
Published: July 2023

Autophagy and apoptosis are essential processes that participate in cell death and maintain cellular homeostasis. Dysregulation of these biological processes results in the development of diseases, including cancers. Therefore, targeting the interaction between apoptosis and autophagy offers a potential strategy for cancer therapy. Melanoma is the most lethal skin cancer. We previously found that tumor necrosis factor receptor‐associated factor 6 (TRAF6) is overexpressed in melanoma and benefits the malignant phenotype of melanoma cells. Additionally, TRAF6 promotes the activation of cancer‐associated fibroblasts in melanoma. However, the role of TRAF6 in autophagy and apoptosis remains unclear. In this study, we found that knockdown of TRAF6 induced both apoptosis and autophagy in melanoma cells. Transcriptomic data and real‐time PCR analysis demonstrated reduced expression of autophagy related 16 like 2 (ATG16L2) in TRAF6‐deficient melanoma cells. ATG16L2 knockdown resulted in increased autophagy and apoptosis. Mechanism studies confirmed that TRAF6 regulated ATG16L2 expression through c‐Jun. Importantly, targeting TRAF6 with cinchonine, a TRAF6 inhibitor, effectively suppressed the growth of melanoma cells by inducing autophagy and apoptosis through the TRAF6/c‐Jun/ATG16L2 signaling pathway. These findings highlight the pivotal role of TRAF6 in regulating autophagy and apoptosis in melanoma, emphasizing its significance as a novel therapeutic target for melanoma treatment.
Snowed in? An analysis of social and transportation networks in the 2015 Boston Snowmageddon
Authors: Page‐Tan Courtney , Aldrich Daniel P.
Published: July 2023

Continuous subzero temperatures and an unrelenting Polar vortex turned the 2014–2015 Boston winter into a compound disaster, causing deaths and roof collapses, shutting down businesses, and paralyzing transportation networks. Little is known about the circumstances, which enhanced community resilience and reduced impacts during this extended disaster. Using original surveys of more than 140 affected community members alongside demographic data from census and ESRI sources and GIS data on bus and rail networks, we investigate the factors that allowed vulnerable communities to overcome the crisis. Through mixed‐methods approaches, including GIS spatial analysis, multiple regression, average treatment effects, and propensity score matching, we illuminate the factors that helped urban residents mitigate the impact of the Boston snowstorms. Controlling for a number of potential confounding variables, including demographic and economic factors and transportation access, we find that bonding social ties served as a significant mitigating force during the crisis. These findings bring with them important public policy findings for residents, NGOs, and decision‐makers alike as we struggle to adapt to extreme weather events amidst increasing urbanization.
Armored probiotics for oral delivery
Authors: Yang Xinyuan , Wang Chong , Wang Qiao , Zhang Zhuohao , Nie Weimin , Shang Luoran
Published: July 2023

As a kind of intestinal flora regulator, probiotics show great potential in the treatment of many diseases. However, orally delivered probiotics are often vulnerable to unfriendly gastrointestinal environments, resulting in a low survival rate and decreased therapeutic efficacy. Decorating or encapsulating probiotics with functional biomaterials has become a facile yet useful strategy, and probiotics can be given different functions by wearing different armors. This review systematically discusses the challenges faced by oral probiotics and the research progress of armored probiotics delivery systems. We focus on how various functional armors help probiotics overcome different obstacles and achieve efficient delivery. We also introduce the applications of armor probiotics in disease treatment and analyze the future trends of developing advanced probiotics‐based therapies.
The $$ L^1 $$-Liouville Property on Graphs
Authors: Adriani Andrea , Setti Alberto G.
Published: July 2023

In this paper we investigate the $$ L^1 $$

L
1

-Liouville property, underlining its connection with stochastic completeness and other structural features of the graph. We give a characterization of the $$ L^1 $$

L
1

-Liouville property in terms of the Green function of the graph and use it to prove its equivalence with stochastic completeness on model graphs. Moreover, we show that there exist stochastically incomplete graphs which satisfy the $$ L^1 $$

L
1

-Liouville property and prove some comparison theorems for general graphs based on inner–outer curvatures. We also introduce the Dirichlet $$L^1$$

L
1

-Liouville property of subgraphs and prove that if a graph has a Dirichlet $$L^1$$

L
1

-Liouville subgraph, then it is $$L^1$$

L
1

-Liouville itself. As a consequence, we obtain that the $$ L^1$$

L
1

-Liouville property is not affected by a finite perturbation of the graph and, just as in the continuous setting, a graph is $$ L^1$$

L
1

-Liouville provided that at least one of its ends is Dirichlet $$ L^1$$

L
1

-Liouville.
Molecular dissection of heterosis in cereal roots and their rhizosphere
Authors: Baldauf Jutta A. , Hochholdinger Frank
Published: July 2023

Key message

Heterosis is already manifested early in root development. Consistent with the dominance model of heterosis, gene expression complementation is a general mechanism that contributes to phenotypic heterosis in maize hybrids.

Highly heterozygous F1-hybrids outperform their parental inbred lines, a phenomenon known as heterosis. Utilization of heterosis is of paramount agricultural importance and has been widely applied to increase yield in many crop cultivars. Plant roots display heterosis for many traits and are an important target for further crop improvement. To explain the molecular basis of heterosis, several genetic hypotheses have been proposed. In recent years, high-throughput gene expression profiling techniques have been applied to investigate hybrid vigor. Consistent with the classical genetic dominance model, gene expression complementation has been demonstrated to be a general mechanism to contribute to phenotypic heterosis in diverse maize hybrids. Functional classification of these genes supported the notion that gene expression complementation can dynamically promote hybrid vigor under fluctuating environmental conditions. Hybrids tend to respond differently to available nutrients in the soil. It was hypothesized that hybrid vigor is promoted through a higher nutrient use efficiency which is linked to an improved root system performance of hybrids in comparison to their inbred parents. Recently, the interaction between soil microbes and their plant host was added as further dimension to disentangle heterosis in the belowground part of plants. Soil microbes influenced the performance of maize hybrids as illustrated in comparisons of sterile soil and soil inhabited by beneficial microorganisms.
Resistance spot welding of dissimilar material joints with a cold-gas-sprayed inlayer
Authors: Hagen Christian , Klinkenberg Franz-Josef , Ossenbrink Ralf , Michailov Vesselin
Published: July 2023

In this publication, cold gas spraying (CGS) is investigated as an enabler for aluminum-steel joints. Using a powder-based coating process to adhere a steel layer to an aluminum substrate allows a steel component to be welded to the deposited layer by resistance spot welding. This method permits the metallurgical connection between similar materials to be separated, while mechanical bonding ensures the connection at the dissimilar aluminum-to-inlayer interface. A modification of the porous CGS layer, as well as the creation of the remelted zone in the aluminum, can be observed during the resistance spot welding process. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analyses show that the severely prestressed particles in the CGS coating recrystallize, which coincides with a decrease in defect density and hardness in the heat-affected zone. Microscopy of the aluminum substrate shows the creation of metallurgical pores as well as the expansion of pores attributed to the casting process. The rise in remelted aluminum hardness and decrease in the heat-affected zone of the CGS layer indicate the formation of a metallurgical notch.
Nonlinear active control of thermally induced pyro-coupled vibrations in porous-agglomerated CNT core sandwich plate with magneto-piezo-elastic facings
Authors: Mahesh Vinyas , Mahesh Vishwas , Ponnusami Sathiskumar Anusuya
Published: July 2023

In this article, the damped nonlinear transient response of a smart sandwich plate (SSP) comprising of agglomerated CNT-reinforced porous nanocomposite core with multifunctional magneto-piezo-elastic (MPE) facesheets, subjected to the thermal environment, is numerically investigated. The synergistic influence of agglomeration, porosity and pyro-coupling on vibration control is studied for the first time under the finite element framework. The attenuation of the vibrations is caused by active constrained layer damping (ACLD) treatment. The kinematics of the plate is based on the layer-wise shear deformation theory and von-Karman’s nonlinearity. The viscoelastic properties of the ACLD patch and CNT agglomeration of the core are mathematically modelled using Golla–Hughes–McTavish and Eshelby–Mori–Tanaka methods, respectively. A comprehensive examination of the inter-related effects of different agglomeration states, porosity distributions and thermal loading profiles has been performed. The new insights on controlling pyro-coupled induced vibrations of smart sandwich plates by supplying control voltage directly to the MPE facesheets without ACLD treatment have been discussed thoroughly. The numerical analysis confirms the significant effects of pyro-coupling associated with active vibration control response of SSP.
Serum amino acid profiles in patients with myasthenia gravis
Authors: Kośliński Piotr , Rzepiński Łukasz , Daghir-Wojtkowiak Emilia , Koba Marcin , Maciejek Zdzisław
Published: July 2023

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease characterized by weakness and rapid fatigue. Diagnostic methods used for myasthenia gravis are not conclusive and satisfactory, therefore it is necessary to develop reliable tools to help diagnose myasthenia gravis as early as possible. The aim of the study was to use HPLC–MS in conjunction with multivariate statistical analyses to investigate changes in the amino acid metabolic profiles between myasthenia gravis patients compared and controls. In addition, the effect of treatment regimens and myasthenia gravis type, on the observed changes in amino acid metabolic profiles were assessed. Serum levels of 29 amino acids were determined in 2 groups of individuals—28 patients with myasthenia gravis and 53 control subjects (CS). The results of our study indicate that serum levels of several amino acids in patients with myasthenia gravis changed significantly compared to the control group. Statistical analysis revealed differences between amino acids concentration in patients with different therapeutic scheme. In conclusion, amino acids may be involved in mechanisms underlying myasthenia gravis pathogenesis as well as may be potential biomarkers in MG patients diagnosis. However, considering the multifactorial, heterogenous and complex nature of this disease, validation on a larger study sample in further research is required before application into diagnostic practice.
Exploring the interplay of stress, recovery, and physical activity among teachers, nursing staff, and ICT workers: a comparative study
Authors: Tuominen Pipsa P. A.
Published: July 2023

Aim

The interaction between stress and recovery in work and leisure time is a complicated combination of occupational demands, personal physical activity (PA), and recovery needs. This study aimed to explore the interaction of stress and recovery with PA and sedentary time among teachers, nursing staff, and information and communication (ICT) workers.

Methods

The study included a diverse sample of participants (n = 211) from the occupational groups who participated in the Sustainable Brain Health project in Finland. Statistical analyses involved Fisher–Freeman–Halton’s exact test, one-way ANOVA, and Spearman’s Rho for analyzing differences between groups and associations between variables.

Results

Results indicated that teachers felt more burdened than nursing staff or ICT workers. Teachers also engaged in more measured moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA), although their highest training effect from a single exercise was lower than among other occupations. Measured sedentary time was highest among ICT workers and lowest among nursing staff, despite the latter reporting more sitting during leisure time. Notably, ICT workers reported the highest levels of sitting during working hours. Furthermore, measured stress and relaxation proportions showed a strong negative association, while self-perceived recovery breaks were negatively associated with self-perceived stress. Finally, self-perceived exercise intensity was linked to self-perceived exercise enough for health, and measured MVPA proportion correlated with the training effect.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the differential experiences and challenges faced by these occupational groups. The results emphasize the importance of considering gender-dominated occupations when designing interventions to address stress and promote PA.