bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Human Resource Management (HRM) Practices on Teachers Performance in Golaghat District, Assam, India
Authors: Borah Amar Jyoti , Bhowal Amalesh
Published: August 2023

This study examines the impact of Human Resource Management (HRM) practices on the performance of teachers in colleges under Golaghat District, Assam. The research adopts a descriptive research design with analytical and descriptive approaches. Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources, including interviews and questionnaires. The study population comprised 215 teaching faculty and 24 administrative staff from four colleges in the region. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 74 respondents. The study assessed four HRM practices: Training & Development, Performance Appraisal, Compensation Practices, and Employees Participation. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the data and determine the mean values of each HRM practice. Results indicate that teachers were satisfied with Training & Development practices and Compensation Practices offered by the colleges. However, their perception of Performance Appraisal was neutral, while they positively acknowledged Employees Participation policies. Regression analysis was conducted to assess the significance of the relationship between HRM practices and teachers' performance. The results revealed that the variation in teachers' performance was not adequately explained by the variation in HRM practices, with an adjusted R2 value of 0.141. The study concludes that HRM practices alone may not be sufficient to explain the variation in teachers' performance. Additional factors not considered in the model may play a more significant role in influencing teachers' effectiveness. The study also highlights the need for further research to identify other variables that could impact teachers' performance. The findings suggest that educational institutions should continuously improve and implement effective HRM practices to enhance teachers' performance and contribute to the overall success of the organization. The study contributes valuable insights to the existing literature on HRM practices and employee performance in the context of academic institutions in Golaghat District, Assam.
Analysis of Banking Health before and During Covid-19 Using the RGEC Method
Authors: Astuti Suci Wiji , Lindrianasari  , Septiyanti Ratna , Prasetyo Tri Joko , Syaipudin Usep
Published: August 2023

Aims: This study aims to investigate the health condition of the banking sector before and during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Study Design: This study uses a quantitative descriptive approach to evaluate the condition of the banking sector by analyzing the annual reports published on each bank's website.

Place and Duration of Study: The author uses data from banking financial reports in Indonesia for the Bank Group Based on Core Capital (KBMI), which consists of one to four banks in the 2018-2021 period.

Methodology: The RGEC model (Risk Profile, Good Corporate Governance, Earning, Capital) was utilized to analyze the data, assessing various aspects including risk profile, corporate governance, profitability, and capital adequacy.

Results: The study's findings indicated that among KBMI 1, 3, and 4 banks, there were significant differences in banking Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) before and during Covid-19, while no significant differences were observed in Good Corporate Governance (GCG), Return on Assets (ROA), and Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR). In the case of KBMI 2 bank, there were no significant differences observed in NPLs, GCG, ROA, and CAR before and during Covid-19. The NPL ratio, which measures credit risk or financing provided to third parties, showed no significant difference between the average NPL ratio before and during Covid-19.

Conclusion: The advent of the Covid-19 era has resulted in a decline in the stability of banks, suggesting a reduced ability to maintain stability, efficiency, and the quality of credit ratios. However, overall, the banking sector during Covid-19 still remained in the "good" category based on the standards set by Bank Indonesia.
Econometrics Modelling Approach to Examine the Effect of STEM Policy Changes on Asian Student’s Enrollment Decision in USA
Authors: Muzumdar Prathamesh , Kurian George , Basyal Ganga Prasad , Muley Apoorva
Published: August 2023

Academic research has shown significant interest in international student mobility, with previous literature primarily focusing on the migration industry from a political and public policy perspective. For many countries, international student mobility plays a crucial role in bolstering their economies through financial gains and attracting skilled immigrants. While previous studies have explored the determinants of mobility and country economic policies, only a few have examined the impact of policy changes on mobility trends. In this study, the researchers investigate the influence of immigration policy changes, particularly the optional practical training (OPT) extension on STEM programs, on Asian students' preference for enrolling in STEM majors at universities. The study utilizes observational data and employs a quasi-experimental design, analysing the information using the difference-in-difference technique. The findings of the research indicate that the implementation of the STEM extension policy in 2008 has a significant effect on Asian students' decisions to enroll in a STEM major. Additionally, the study highlights the noteworthy role of individual factors such as the specific STEM major, terminal degree pursued, and gender in influencing Asian students' enrollment decisions.
Growth Performance and Muscle Composition of Carps (Labeo rohita, Catla catla, Cirrhinus cirrhosus and Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) at Different Protein Diets under Polyculture Farming
Authors: Rahman Md. Hashibur , Alam Mohammad Ashraful , Flura  , Moniruzzaman Md. , Sultana Sharmin , Das Bimal Chandra
Published: August 2023

This study investigated the effects of three supplemental diets varying in protein percentage (T1- 28%, T2- 30%, and T3- 32%) on the fillet composition of Rohu (Labeo rohita), Catla (Catla catla), Mrigal (Cirrhinus cirrhosus), and Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) reared in ponds with supplemental diets. The control treatment with no supplemental feeding was also included to conduct the experiment. Fish from control ponds had substantially lower mean muscle protein concentrations than fish from ponds that received supplemental feeding, with 28% and 30% protein diets producing the most muscle protein. Compared to other treatments, fish fed a diet containing 32% protein had significantly (p<0.05) higher muscle lipid concentrations (2.22%). The muscle carbohydrates were greater in fish from ponds fed 28% protein diets. The Rohu (L. rohita) had the highest percent of muscle protein among the three sampled fish species, while Silver carp (H. molitrix) had the lowest, with all other species having intermediate values. The Mrigal (C. cirrhosus) and Silver Carp (H. molitrix) had the highest carbohydrate in their muscles, while Rohu (L. rohita) had the least carbohydrate content. During polyculture of cyprinids in ponds, the supplemental feeding of diets with protein ranging from 28 to 30% protein can be recommended as an optimal protein diet to attain the higher growth performance of carps avoiding the wastage of feed at the farmer’s level in semi-intensive polyculture farming.
Response of Different Fish Species to Highly Saline Water under Desert Climate Condition - Finding Options for Local Food Security
Authors: Gul Nazar , Salam Hafiz Abdul , Ashraf Muhammad , Iqbal Naveed
Published: August 2023

Fresh water shortage is indeed a global issue that affects many areas of the world, including desert regions like the Thar Desert of Pakistan. Recurring droughts have badly affected the marginal communities of these areas. The desert has wide spread lenses of saline groundwater. There is a pressing need for exploring ways to use saline groundwater and identifying alternative sources of livelihood under the prevailing conditions. Therefore, a research study on saline aquaculture was conducted. Twenty fish fingerlings (40-50 g) of the varieties namely rahu labeo (locally kurh’rho), silver carp, mrigal carp (morakhi) and grass carp were stocked into the earthen fish pond. Saline groundwater having electrical conductivity (EC) between 8.5 - 9.0 dS/m was used to fill the pond. The overall yield of silver carp was the highest (1275 g/fish) followed by grass (1093 g/fish), mrigal carp (965 g/fish) and rahu labeo (610 g/fish). However, meal yield of grass variety was the highest followed by mrigal carp, silver and lowest of rahu labeo. Silver carp varieties had 330 g/fish of egg in their bodies. Hence, for the massive fingerling development, silver carp is recommended for saline aquaculture. However, for meal production and high economic return, grass carp should be selected for saline aqua-culturing.
An Empirical Comparison of Power of Two Independent Population Tests under Different Underlined Distributions
Authors: Medugu P. M. , Pwalakino Chajire Buba , Mutah Yaska , Gandada Dampah
Published: August 2023

Determining whether sample differences in central tendency represent real differences in parent populations is a typical issue in applied research. If the conditions of normality, homogeneity of variance, and independence of errors are met, the t-test can be used for a two sample instance (two groups). However, the nonparametric equivalent is taken into account when these presumptions are violated. In order to determine which test is most effective and resilient to a certain distribution and sample size when samples are obtained from separate populations, the study compares the effectiveness and sensitivity of power of four test statistics. These tests were examined under normal and some skew distributions at sample size of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 45, and 50 using simulation. The most effective test for a given distribution and sample size was chosen using the power of each test computed. The study found that when data are taken from a normal distribution and tested at small and large sample sizes, respectively, the t-test and Welch test have the highest power, while the Median is the most resistant to uniform and gamma, and the Man-Whitney test is the most reliable for exponential distributions.
Fuzzy Fixed Point Theorems in Normal Cone Metric Space
Authors: Kumar P. Senthil , Thiruveni P.
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we proved a few fuzzy fixed point theorems in whole regular cone metric spaces, which can be the generalization of a few current consequences within side the literature.
Determination of the Concentrations of Heavy Metals in Borehole Water near Refuse Dump Sites around the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) Calabar, Nigeria
Authors: Sam-Uket Nwuyi Okori , Ayim Elvis Monfung , Ameh Samuel Monday , Isah Muhammed Haruna
Published: August 2023

The contamination of groundwater from the infiltration of leachates into aquifers and health risks on residents drinking from boreholes around dumpsites informed this study on the levels of heavy metals in the boreholes around the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) dumpsite. Borehole water samples were aseptically collected from 3 boreholes at 50, 80, and 200 meters respectively from the dumpsite into a one-liter sampling bottle and preserved in an ice chest. The samples were then analyzed for heavy metals using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The values obtained were compared with WHO permissible standards for drinking water. The mean concentrations of Pb (0.614 ± 0.008), Cd (0.399 ± 0.053), As (0.023 ± 0.002), and Co (0.002 ± 0.001 mg/l) in the borehole water were significantly higher than WHO permissible limits, while the concentrations of Cr (0.002 ± 0.001) and Ni (0.056 ± 0.004) were significantly lower than the WHO permissible limits. The increasing trend of heavy metals in the borehole water was Cr = Co < As < Ni < Cd <Pb. Due to the health risks associated with drinking water contaminated with heavy metals, we recommend that Government should relocate the dumpsite far away from its current location.
Standardized Precipitation Index Based Drought Assessment over the North Western Zone of Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Santhoshkumar B. , Sathyamoorthy N. K. , Geethalakshmi V. , Dheebakaran Ga. , Boomiraj K. , Manikandan N.
Published: August 2023

Drought is a natural disaster that tremendously affect the agriculture production and livelihood. Though the Tamil Nadu state is located at peninsular region of India and contributed from both the monsoons, the frequency of drought is high due to vagaries of monsoonal pattern. A study was conducted at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University to assess the drought characteristics across the north western Agro Climatic Zone (ACZ) of Tamil Nadu using Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) during the past 30 years (1991-2020). The study clearly indicated that the Salem district had high vulnerability to drought followed by Dharmapuri and Namakkal districts during the South West Monsoon (SWM), whereas the Namakkal had high vulnerability followed by Salem and Dharmapuri during North East Monsoon (NEM).
Mapping Rice Area in the Cauvery Delta Zone of Tamil Nadu Using Sentinel 1A Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Data
Authors: Prakash M. Ajay , Pazhanivelan S. , Muthumanickam D. , Ragunath K. P. , Sivamurugan A. P.
Published: August 2023

Since remote sensing based crop inventory provides accurate and timely information as compared to the conventional survey methods of estimating area, Multi-temporal Sentinel 1A Synthetic Aperture Radar data was used for the estimation of rice area during Samba season 2022 in the Cauvery delta zone comprising Thanjavur, Thiruvaru, Mayiladuthurai, and Nagapatnam districts of Tamil Nadu. SAR data was preferred over optical satellite data due to excess cloud cover during cropping the major season in Tamil Nadu. Temporal back-scatter (dB) signature of rice crop was generated from the multi-temporal processed SAR data utilizing the modules of a fully automated MAPscape software aiding the discriminating of the crop from others. The signatures revealed that the dB levels to be the lowest during agronomic floods, reached the highest during maximum tillering stage and started declining thereafter. Multi-temporal feature extraction module of Mapscape was used to estimate rice area and validated for accuracy using ground truth data collected during survey. A total of 3.05 lakh ha of rice area was estimated with an overall accuracy of 90.8 % and 0.82 kappa coefficient. Largest area of 1.12 lakh ha was recorded in Thanjavur followed by Thiruvarur and Mayiladuthurai with 0.95 and 0.51 lakh ha respectively.
Growth and Yield of Cabbage as Influenced by Micronutrient Mixture in a Sandy Clay Loam Soil
Authors: Jacob Merin , Selvi D. , Chitdeshwari T. , Thiyageshwari S. , Anandham R. , Saraswathi T.
Published: August 2023

The objective of the present study is to study the effect of various micronutrient mixtures on the growth and yield parameters of cabbage. Randomized Block Design (RBD) was used in the present study with twelve treatments and three replications. The field experiment was carried out in the farmer’s field at Boluvampatti, Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) during March to June 2023. A field experiment was conducted where three different ratios of micronutrient mixtures were applied at four different levels (15 kg ha-1,20 kg ha-1, 25 kg ha -1 30 kg ha-1). The influence of the micronutrient mixture on the growth and yield parameters were investigated. The results revealed a positive and significant effect of the micronutrient mixture on the cabbage. The maximum plant height (34.1cm), Plant spread (63.9cm), no of loose leaves (22), whole plant weight (1.37kg), stem length (9.5cm), stem diameter ( 7.5 cm), root weight (28.36 g), root length (26.4) , loose leaves weight (420g), head weight (900g), yield (54 t ha -1) and Dry matter content ( 5.42 t ha -1 ) were observed in treatment t4 where ratio 1 of micronutrient was applied @ 30 kg ha-1). The results revealed positive effect of micronutrient mixture on cabbage. The yield increase over control for Ratio 1 of micronutrient mixture @ 30 kg ha-1 was 164.70% over the control followed by Ratio 3 of micronutrient mixture @ 30 kg ha-1 (147.05%).
A Review of the Roles of Non- Coding RNAs Associated with Drought Stress Response in Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz)
Authors: Orek Charles , Mulupi Ken , Koima Irene
Published: August 2023

Cassava is a tuberous root crop that offers food and nutrition security for vulnerable populations, especially in the developing world. The crop is climate-resilient, widely adaptable to varied environments, and tolerant to most abiotic stresses such as drought. It is easy to propagate and can produce significant yield under low input levels compared to other major crops. Cassava’s inherent tolerance to drought stress has been linked with various morpho-physiological and molecular mechanisms. Although major molecular pathways and genes activated under drought stress have been described, cassava drought stress tolerance mediated by non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have not been exhaustively elucidated. This review, therefore, consolidates recent progress that has been made towards the discovery and characterization of miRNAs and lncRNAs in cassava response to drought stress. The review details the omics approaches used in various studies to discover miRNAs and lncRNAs and their over-arching functions in several physiological and molecular mechanisms in cassava under drought.
Autophagy as a caretaker of nuclear integrity
Authors: Boyle Emily , Wilfling Florian
Published: August 2023

Due to their essential functions, dysregulation of nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) is strongly associated with numerous human diseases, including neurodegeneration and cancer. On a cellular level, longevity of scaffold nucleoporins in postmitotic cells of both C. elegans and mammals renders them vulnerable to age‐related damage, which is associated with an increase in pore leakiness and accumulation of intranuclear aggregates in rat brain cells. Thus, understanding the mechanisms which underpin the homeostasis of this complex, as well as other nuclear proteins, is essential. In this review, autophagy‐mediated degradation pathways governing nuclear components in yeast will be discussed, with a particular focus on NPCs. Furthermore, the various nuclear degradation mechanisms identified thus far in diverse eukaryotes will also be highlighted.
Short‐term exposure to ethanol induces transcriptional changes in nontumorigenic breast cells
Authors: Miller Georgiana M. , Brant Tyler S. , Goodrich James A. , Kugel Jennifer F.
Published: August 2023

Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer‐related deaths in women. Many genetic and behavioral risk factors can contribute to the initiation and progression of breast cancer, one being alcohol consumption. Numerous epidemiological studies have established a positive correlation between alcohol consumption and breast cancer; however, the molecular basis for this link remains ill defined. Elucidating ethanol‐induced changes to global transcriptional programming in breast cells is important to ultimately understand how alcohol and breast cancer are connected mechanistically. We investigated induced transcriptional changes in response to a short cellular exposure to moderate levels of alcohol. We treated the nontumorigenic breast cell line MCF10A and the tumorigenic breast cell lines MDA‐MB‐231 and MCF7, with ethanol for 6 h, and then captured the changes to ongoing transcription using 4‐thiouridine metabolic labeling followed by deep sequencing. Only the MCF10A cell line exhibited statistically significant changes in newly transcribed RNA in response to ethanol treatment. Further experiments revealed that some ethanol‐upregulated genes are sensitive to the dose of alcohol treatment, while others are not. Gene Ontology and biochemical pathway analyses revealed that ethanol‐upregulated genes in MCF10A cells are enriched in biological functions that could contribute to cancer development.
A planning strategy may reduce the risk of heart diseases and radiation pneumonia: Avoiding the specific heart substructures
Authors: Feng AiHui , Duan YanHua , Yang ZhangRu , Shao Yan , Wang Hao , Chen Hua , Gu HengLe , Huang Ying , Shen ZhenJiong , Wang Xufei , Xu ZhiYong
Published: August 2023

Background

Dose to heart substructures is a better predictor for major adverse cardiac events (MACE) than mean heart dose (MHD). We propose an avoidance planning strategy for important cardiac substructures.

Material and methods

Two plans, clinical and cardiac substructure‐avoidance plan, were generated for twenty patients. Five dose‐sensitive substructures, including left ventricle, pulmonary artery, left anterior descending branch, left circumflex branch and the coronary artery were chosen. The avoidance plan aims to meet the target criteria and organ‐at‐risk (OARs) constraints while minimizing the dose parameters of the above five substructures. The dosimetric assessments included the mean dose and the maximum dose of cardiac substructures and several volume parameters. In addition, we also evaluated the relative risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), chronic heart failure (CHF), and radiation pneumonia (RP).

Results

Pearson correlation coefficient and R2 value of linear regression fitting demonstrated that MHD had poor prediction ability for the mean dose of the cardiac substructures. Compared to clinical plans, an avoidance plan is able to statistically significantly decrease the dose to key substructures. Meanwhile, the dose to OARs and the coverage of the target are comparable in the two plans. In addition, it can be observed that the avoidance plan statistically decreases the relative risks of CAD, CHF, and RP.

Conclusions

The substructure‐avoidance planning strategy that incorporates the cardiac substructures into optimization process, can protect the important heart substructures, such as left ventricle, left anterior descending branch and pulmonary artery, achieving the substantive sparing of dose‐sensitive cardiac structures, and have the potential to decrease the relative risks of CAD, CHF, and RP.
Lineup size influences voice identification accuracy
Authors: Harvey Madison B. , Giroux Megan , Price Heather L.
Published: August 2023

We investigated the effects of lineup size, target presence, and target sex on voice identification accuracy. In Study 1, participants identified a female target from 1‐, 6‐, or 10‐voice target present or target absent lineups. Results demonstrated increasing accuracy with smaller target absent lineups. One‐voice lineups led to higher rates of innocent suspect identifications than 10‐voice lineups. In Study 2, participants identified a male or female target from 1‐, 6‐, or 10‐voice target present or target absent lineups. Results revealed increased correct identifications in 1‐ and 6‐voice and increased innocent suspect identifications in 1‐voice lineups, compared to 10‐voice lineups. Female lineups resulted in higher accuracy in target present lineups yet increased rates of innocent suspect identifications. Our findings indicate 1‐voice lineups result in both increased accuracy and increased innocent suspect identifications, a trade‐off which may not be advisable. Future research should further explore the impact of multi‐voice lineups on accuracy.
Leaders say residential care can and must remain integral to continuum
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: August 2023

Despite a number of industry trends that would seem to diminish the future role of residential substance use treatment, several leaders in the treatment and research communities still foresee residential care remaining an integral component of the continuum of care.
Strain‐Valley Coupling in 2D Antiferromagnetic Lattice
Authors: Liu Yibo , Feng Yangyang , Zhang Ting , He Zhonglin , Dai Ying , Huang Baibiao , Ma Yandong
Published: August 2023

In recent years, 2D valley physics has attracted tremendous attention in both fundamental research and device applications. The search for a coupling valley with exotic physical properties can enable the exploration of novel quantum devices and is therefore of significant interest. Here, using model analysis, a novel mechanism is proposed that realizes strong coupling between strain and valley physics in a 2D antiferromagnetic honeycomb lattice in a controllable fashion. This idea is to modulate the exchange interactions through strain, thereby mediating the inversion and time‐reversal symmetries. As valley physics are connected with the symmetries, this enables a strong strain‐valley coupling. On the basis of first‐principles calculations, the validity of this mechanism is further demonstrated in a series of single‐layer systems, i.e., AuCl3, CrI3, and VPTe3, which are predicted to host valley polarization and anomalous valley Hall effect. The change in bonding angle is found to play a crucial role in mediating the exchange interaction and thus the strain‐valley coupling process. The microscopic origin is also discussed. These explored phenomena and insights greatly enrich the valley physics and 2D materials research.
Hapten/Myristoyl Functionalized Poly(propyleneimine) Dendrimers as Potent Cell Surface Recruiters of Antibodies for Mediating Innate Immune Killing
Authors: Uvyn Annemiek , Vleugels Marle Elisabeth Jacqueline , de Waal Bas , Hamouda Ahmed Emad Ibrahim , Dhiman Shikha , Louage Benoit , Albertazzi Lorenzo , Laoui Damya , Meijer E. W. , De Geest Bruno G.
Published: August 2023

Recruiting endogenous antibodies to the surface of cancer cells using antibody‐recruiting molecules has the potential to unleash innate immune effector killing mechanisms against antibody‐bound cancer cells. The affinity of endogenous antibodies is relatively low, and many currently explored antibody‐recruiting strategies rely on targeting over‐expressed receptors, which have not yet been identified in most solid tumors. Here, both challenges are addressed by functionalizing poly(propyleneimine) (PPI) dendrimers with both multiple dinitrophenyl (DNP) motifs, as anti‐hapten antibody‐recruiting motifs, and myristoyl motifs, as universal phospholipid cell membrane anchoring motifs, to recruit anti‐hapten antibodies to cell surfaces. By exploiting the multivalency of the ligand exposure on the dendrimer scaffold, it is demonstrated that dendrimers featuring ten myristoyl and six DNP motifs exhibit the highest antibody‐recruiting capacity in vitro. Furthermore, it is shown that treating cancer cells with these dendrimers in vitro marks them for phagocytosis by macrophages in the presence of anti‐hapten antibodies. As a proof‐of‐concept, it is shown that intratumoral injection of these dendrimers in vivo in tumor‐bearing mice results in the recruitment of anti‐DNP antibodies to the cell surface in the tumor microenvironment. These findings highlight the potential of dendrimers as a promising class of novel antibody‐recruiting molecules for use in cancer immunotherapy.
Genetically Encoded Oligomerization for Protein‐Based Lighting Devices
Authors: Patrian Marta , Nieddu Mattia , Banda‐Vázquez Jesús A. , Gutierrez‐Armayor David , González‐Gaitano Gustavo , Fuenzalida‐Werner Juan Pablo , Costa Rubén D.
Published: August 2023

Implementing proteins in optoelectronics represents a fresh idea toward a sustainable new class of materials with bio‐functions that can replace environmentally unfriendly and/or toxic components without losing device performance. However, their native activity (fluorescence, catalysis, and so on) is easily lost under device fabrication/operation as non‐native environments (organic solvents, organic/inorganic interfaces, and so on) and severe stress (temperature, irradiation, and so on) are involved. Herein, a gift bow genetically‐encoded macro‐oligomerization strategy is showcased to promote protein–protein solid interaction enabling i) high versatility with arbitrary proteins, ii) straightforward electrostatic driven control of the macro‐oligomer size by ionic strength, and iii) stabilities over months in pure organic solvents and stress scenarios, allowing to integrate them into classical water‐free polymer‐based materials/components for optoelectronics. Indeed, rainbow‐/white‐emitting protein‐based light‐emitting diodes are fabricated, attesting a first‐class performance compared to those with their respective native proteins: significantly enhanced device stabilities from a few minutes up to 100 h keeping device efficiency at high power driving conditions. Thus, the oligomerization concept is a solid bridge between biological systems and materials/components to meet expectations in bio‐optoelectronics, in general, and lighting schemes, in particular.
Unmasking Chemokine‐Inducing Specificity in Oligosaccharide Biomaterial to Promote Hair Growth
Authors: Yin Xiaoyu , Wang Lintao , Niu Yiming , Xie Daping , Zhang Qingwen , Xiao Jian , Dong Lei , Wang Chunming
Published: August 2023

Hair loss affects over 50 million people worldwide with limited therapeutic options. Despite evidence highlighting the vital role of local immune cells in regulating the life cycle of hair follicles (HFs), accurate regulation of immunocytes to directly promote hair growth remains unachieved. Here, inspired by the physiological feedback in the skin immunity to suppress microbe‐triggered inflammation, an oligosaccharide biomaterial with “unmasked” specific activity is developed to recruit regulatory T (Treg) cells around HFs, leading to accelerated hair growth in mice. By processing the glucomannan polysaccharide via controllable enzymatic cleavage, a series of oligosaccharide fractions with more specific chemokine‐inducing functions is obtained. Notably, a hexasaccharide‐based fraction (OG6) stimulates macrophages to selectively express Treg‐chemoattractant C‐C Motif Chemokine Ligand 5 (CCL5) through a mannose receptor‐mediated endocytosis and NOD1/2‐dependent signaling, as evidenced by molecular docking, inhibition assays, and a Foxp3‐reporter mouse model. Intradermal delivery of OG6 to the depilated mouse skin promotes Treg mobilization around HFs and stimulates de novo regeneration of robust hairs. This study demonstrates that unmasking precise immunomodulatory functions in oligosaccharides from their parental polysaccharide can potentially solve the long‐lasting dilemma with polysaccharide biomaterials that are widely renowned for versatile activities yet high heterogeneity, opening new avenues to designing glycan‐based therapeutic tools with improved specificity and safety.
Synchronous and Fully Steerable Active Particle Systems for Enhanced Mimicking of Collective Motion in Nature
Authors: Chen Zhihan , Ding Hongru , Kollipara Pavana Siddhartha , Li Jingang , Zheng Yuebing
Published: August 2023

The collective motion observed in living active matter, such as fish schools and bird flocks, is characterized by its dynamic and complex nature, involving various moving states and transitions. By tailoring physical interactions or incorporating information exchange capabilities, inanimate active particles can exhibit similar behavior. However, the lack of synchronous and arbitrary control over individual particles hinders their use as a test system for the study of more intricate collective motions in living species. Herein, a novel optical feedback control system that enables the mimicry of collective motion observed in living objects using active particles is proposed. This system allows for the experimental investigation of the velocity alignment, a seminal model of collective motion (known as the Vicsek model), in a microscale perturbed environment with controllable and realistic conditions. The spontaneous formation of different moving states and dynamic transitions between these states is observed. Additionally, the high robustness of the active‐particle group at the critical density under the influence of different perturbations is quantitatively validated. These findings support the effectiveness of velocity alignment in real perturbed environments, thereby providing a versatile platform for fundamental studies on collective motion and the development of innovative swarm microrobotics.
The Electrical Behaviors of Grain Boundaries in Polycrystalline Optoelectronic Materials
Authors: Gao Zheng , Leng Chongqian , Zhao Hongquan , Wei Xingzhan , Shi Haofei , Xiao Zeyun
Published: August 2023

Polycrystalline optoelectronic materials are widely used for photoelectric signal conversion and energy harvesting and play an irreplaceable role in the semiconductor field. As an important factor in determining the optoelectronic properties of polycrystalline materials, grain boundaries (GBs) are the focus of research. Particular emphases are placed on the generation and height of GB barriers, how carriers move at GBs, whether GBs act as carrier transport channels or recombination sites, and how to change the device performance by altering the electrical behaviors of GBs. This review introduces the evolution of GB theory and experimental observation history, classifies GB electrical behaviors from the perspective of carrier dynamics, and summarizes carrier transport state under external conditions such as bias and illumination and the related band bending. Then the carrier scattering at GBs and the electrical differences between GBs and twin boundaries are discussed. Last, the review describes how the electrical behaviors of GBs can be influenced and modified by treatments such as passivation or by consciously adjusting the distribution of grain boundary elements. By studying the carrier dynamics and the relevant electrical behaviors of GBs in polycrystalline materials, researchers can develop optoelectronics with higher performance.
Spin–Orbit Torques and Spin Hall Magnetoresistance Generated by Twin‐Free and Amorphous Bi0.9Sb0.1 Topological Insulator Films
Authors: Binda Federico , Fedel Stefano , Alvarado Santos Francisco , Noël Paul , Gambardella Pietro
Published: August 2023

Topological insulators have attracted great interest as generators of spin–orbit torques (SOTs) in spintronic devices. Bi1−xSbx is a prominent topological insulator that has a high charge‐to‐spin conversion efficiency. However, the origin and magnitude of the SOTs induced by current‐injection in Bi1−xSbx remain controversial. Here, the investigation of the SOTs and spin Hall magnetoresistance resulting from charge‐to‐spin conversion in twin‐free epitaxial layers of Bi0.9Sb0.1(0001) coupled to FeCo are investigated, and compared with those of amorphous Bi0.9Sb0.1. A large charge‐to‐spin conversion efficiency of 1 in the first case and less than 0.1 in the second is found, confirming crystalline Bi0.9Sb0.1 as a strong spin‐injector material. The SOTs and spin Hall magnetoresistance are independent of the direction of the electric current, indicating that charge‐to‐spin conversion in single‐crystal Bi0.9Sb0.1(0001) is isotropic despite the strong anisotropy of the topological surface states. Further, it is found that the damping‐like SOT has a non‐monotonic temperature dependence with a minimum at 20 K. By correlating the SOT with resistivity and weak antilocalization measurements, charge–spin conversion is concluded to occur via thermally excited holes from the bulk states above 20 K, and conduction through the isotropic surface states with increasing spin polarization due to decreasing electron–electron scattering below 20 K.
Tailoring the Weight of Surface and Intralayer Edge States to Control LUMO Energies
Authors: Finkelmeyer Sarah Jasmin , Askins Erik J. , Eichhorn Jonas , Ghosh Soumik , Siegmund Carmen , Täuscher Eric , Dellith Andrea , Hupfer Maximilian L. , Dellith Jan , Ritter Uwe , Strzalka Joseph , Glusac Ksenija , Schacher Felix H. , Presselt Martin
Published: August 2023

The energies of the frontier molecular orbitals determine the optoelectronic properties in organic films, which are crucial for their application, and strongly depend on the morphology and supramolecular structure. The impact of the latter two properties on the electronic energy levels relies primarily on nearest‐neighbor interactions, which are difficult to study due to their nanoscale nature and heterogeneity. Here, an automated method is presented for fabricating thin films with a tailored ratio of surface to bulk sites and a controlled extension of domain edges, both of which are used to control nearest‐neighbor interactions. This method uses a Langmuir–Schaefer‐type rolling transfer of Langmuir layers (rtLL) to minimize flow during the deposition of rigid Langmuir layers composed of π‐conjugated molecules. Using UV–vis absorption spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, it is shown that the rtLL method advances the deposition of multi‐Langmuir layers and enables the production of films with defined morphology. The variation in nearest‐neighbor interactions is thus achieved and the resulting systematically tuned lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energies (determined via square‐wave voltammetry) enable the establishment of a model that functionally relates the LUMO energies to a morphological descriptor, allowing for the prediction of the range of accessible LUMO energies.
Design of Symmetric TiO2/LiI/TiO2 Electrochromic Devices for Gradient Shaded Smart Windows with Enhanced Switching and Cycling Properties
Authors: Liu Tingting , Tang Xiao , Zeng Yue , Li Yanhong , Jing Chuan , Ling Faling , Yang Hongmei , Zhou Xianju
Published: August 2023

Li+ insertion and extraction inherently impact the switching dynamics and cycling stability of inorganic electrochromic (EC) electrodes. Herein, the extraction of Li+ out of the TiO2 lattice to release the electron is replaced by the charge recombination of the electron with I3− at the TiO2‐electrolyte interface, which avoids the mechanical breakdown of the electrodes and renders self‐bleaching with no applied voltages. A device design of the same two TiO2 nanocrystal (NC) electrodes combined with the redox lithium salt (LiI) electrolyte confers symmetric electrochromism. By applying a forward or reverse bias, the two TiO2 electrodes alternately serve as the electrochromic electrode and exhibit voltage‐controlled gradient coloration, a maximum optical modulation of 90% at 700 nm, and a doubled cycling performance. The microstructure of the TiO2 NC film is characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller methods. The electrochemical and electrochromic properties of the device are investigated using cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and Mott–Schottky method.
Achieving TADF and RTP with Stimulus‐Responsiveness and Tunability from Phenothiazine‐Based Donor−Acceptor Molecules
Authors: Song Tianhang , Liu Huilong , Ren Jun , Wang Zhongwen
Published: August 2023

Research of thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) and room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials is attractive owing to their extensive applications in various fields. However, achieving organic TADF and RTP materials, particularly those with stimulus‐responsiveness and tunability, is highly desirable but challenging and rarely reported. Herein, two easily synthesized organic molecules are reported with abnormal stimulus‐responsive switchable TADF and RTP effects, in which phenothiazine (PTZ) and benzo[b]phenothiazine (BPTZ) based donor−acceptor molecules PTZ‐DBQ and BPTZ‐DBQ show mechanical‐induced TADF in crystalline phase and photo‐responsive RTP in doping poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) films. This is the first time tetracyclic BPTZ has been used as a donor in achieving TADF and RTP materials, and it is found that BPTZ‐DBQ exhibits remarkably better photophysical properties than PTZ‐DBQ. Systematic studies of experimental results and theoretical calculations indicate that the conformational heterogeneity plays an essential role in achieving mechanical‐induced TADF with mechanochromic luminescence (MCL) property. Embedding the organic phosphors into rigid polymer matrices effectively suppresses the molecular motion, thus turning on the RTP emission channel. The conversion of 3O2 to 1O2 under UV irradiation is mainly responsible for the photo‐induced process. These multifunctional luminescent materials have great potential applications in chemical sensors, information encryption, and anti‐counterfeiting.
pH Clock Guided Dynamic Broad Spectrum Multi‐Color Fluorescence Modulation in Size‐Oscillatory Vesicles
Authors: Das Saurav , Das Tanushree , Debnath Shreya , Scherman Oren A. , Das Debapratim
Published: August 2023

Acid–base equilibria of aqueous cellular fluids play a vital role in constituting various signaling and feedback mechanisms in biological systems. To mimic the complex pH‐directed signaling mechanism in laboratory settings, a pH‐responsive vesicular assembly is presented that shows dynamic multicolor fluorescence and size alterations under the influence of a chemically driven pH cycle. The vesicular architecture is a versatile platform for establishing Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) interactions between multiple donors and acceptor fluorophores. Spontaneously fluctuating interfacial charge of the vesicles during the pH cycle alters the donor fluorophore's emission intensity, affecting the efficiency of FRET interactions among the donor–acceptor pairs. This enables multicolor as well as transient pure white light fluorescence of the vesicles during the pH cycle. The vesicles also display significant size changes in response to varying pH conditions. Furthermore, the vesicles demonstrate excellent adaptability in terms of the lifespan of the oscillatory cycles and the tunability of the fluorescence color transitions.
First‐Principles Active‐Site Model Design for High‐Entropy‐Alloy Catalyst Screening: The Impact of Host Element Selection on Catalytic Properties
Authors: Rittiruam Meena , Khamloet Pisit , Tantitumrongwut Potipak , Saelee Tinnakorn , Khajondetchairit Patcharaporn , Noppakhun Jakapob , Ektarawong Annop , Alling Björn , Praserthdam Supareak , Praserthdam Piyasan
Published: August 2023

Active‐site models comprise miniature active sites on the host element, providing one of effective descriptors for screening high‐entropy‐alloy (HEA) catalysts using machine learning. This study investigates the impact of host elements on the electronic properties of active sites via density functional theory (DFT), where the active‐site model is used in the HEA electrocatalysts. Also, the appropriate host element selection significantly affects the system's surface structures, electronic, and catalytic properties that adsorbate adsorption energy, d‐band center, Bader charge, Zero‐point energy, and entropy are used as accuracy verification parameters compared to the original surface. Ultimately, the novel guideline for active‐site model construction is proposed using the simple example of PtPdFeCoNi high‐entropy alloys. This investigation demonstrates that the host element selection is a crucial parameter to the active‐site models, influencing the electronic structure and electrocatalytic properties.
Systematic literature review identifying bacterial constituents in the core intestinal microbiome of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Hines Ian S. , Marshall Maggie A. , Smith Stephen A. , Kuhn David D. , Stevens Ann M.
Published: August 2023

Fish aquaculture has become the fastest growing sector in global food production. Thus, ensuring the sustainability of aquaculture practices is of the utmost importance. Studies in higher vertebrates (i.e. mammals) have demonstrated the role of the host microbiome in physiological processes from nutrient acquisition to pathogen protection. Therefore, analysis of fish microbiomes is an important factor to consider with regard to overall animal health and welfare. Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) are an economically valued fish cultured worldwide. Several studies have identified microbial constituents inhabiting the intestinal tract of rainbow trout. To better elucidate some of the core constituents of the rainbow trout intestinal microbiome, this systematic literature review analysed the relative abundance results from 25 articles published on the rainbow trout intestinal microbiome from 2017 to 2021. Bacteria classified within the phyla Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were observed in every study. At the family level, Lactobacillaceae was consistently observed. Additionally, bacteria in the Actinobacteria, Bacteroides, and Tenericutes phyla were identified in at least 50% of the studies. Interestingly, Mycoplasma spp. were occasionally the most dominant organisms present in the microbiome. Overall, the results here identify bacteria that are commonly found members of the rainbow trout intestinal microbiome.
A novel pathogenic variant c.262delA in PBX1 causing oligomeganephronia identified using whole‐exome sequencing and a literature review
Authors: Hu Jiaxin , Yang Huihui , Wang Xiaowen , Ding Juanjuan , Liao Panli , Zhu Gaohong , Qi Chang
Published: August 2023

Oligomeganephronia (OMN) is a rare congenital renal hypoplasia reported more often in children than in adults. The diagnosis of OMN relies on renal biopsy and exhibits a significant reduction in the number of glomeruli and pronounced glomerular hypertrophy. Here, we report the case of an 8‐year‐old boy with recurrent proteinuria and abnormal external ears. A renal biopsy revealed large and rare glomeruli. The histological findings confirmed the diagnosis of OMN. Whole‐exome sequencing of the patient revealed a new pathogenic variant in PBX1 (hg19, NM_002585, c.262delA, p.Thr88Glnfs*3). The PBX1 gene encodes a transcription factor whose pathogenic variants can result in congenital renal and urinary system anomalies, with or without hearing loss, abnormal ears, and developmental retardation (CAKUTED). This is the first report to detect PBX1 pathogenic variants in children with OMN, a novel phenotype of human PBX1 pathogenic variants. We performed functional prediction analyses of deletions in the corresponding structural domains. We summarized 27 cases of PBX1 single pathogenic variants reported between 2003 and 2023 in terms of truncating and missense pathogenic variants, which can deepen our understanding of the PBX1 structural domain and expand our knowledge of the PBX1 genotype and phenotype.
Erweiterung des Reaktionsspektrums: Nachweis des 5‐Deazaflavin‐Radikals durch photochemisch induzierte dynamische Kernpolarisation
Authors: Wörner Jakob , Panter Sabrina , Illarionov Boris , Bacher Adelbert , Fischer Markus , Weber Stefan
Published: August 2023

Deazaflavine sind wichtige Analoga der natürlich vorkommenden Flavine, Riboflavin, Flavinmononukleotid (FMN) und Flavin‐Adenin‐Dinukleotid (FAD). Durch Austausch des natürlichen Kofaktors mit dem entsprechenden 5‐Deazaflavin konnten in einer Reihe von Flavoproteinen wichtige Erkenntnisse zum Reaktionsmechanismus gewonnen sowie deren Reaktivität beeinflusst werden. Es wurde häufig beobachtet, dass Ein‐Elektronentransfer‐Reaktionen in Flavoproteinen mit 5‐Deazaflavin als Kofaktor eingeschränkt sind. Hieraus wurde gefolgert, dass der im Vergleich mit dem entsprechenden Flavinsemichinon geringeren Stabilität des 5‐Deazaflavin‐Radikals rasch ablaufende Reoxidations‐ und Disproportionierungsreaktionen zugrunde liegen. Das vermeintliche Paradigma, wonach 5‐Deazaflavin lediglich als Zwei‐Elektronen‐ bzw. Hydrid‐Akzeptor/Donor fungiert, sozusagen ein “nicotinamide in flavin clothing” darstellt, muss nun durch die unter biologisch relevanten Reaktionsbedingungen erfolgte indirekte Beobachtung einer einfach reduzierten (paramagnetischen) Spezies mit Hilfe der 1H‐photo‐CIDNP‐NMR (photo‐CIDNP: photo‐chemisch induzierte dynamische Kernpolarisation) neu bewertet werden.