bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantifying the Effects of Climate Change on Simineh River Discharge in Lake Urmia Basin
Authors: ABGHARİ Hirad , ERFANİAN Mahdi
Published: October 2023

The Simineh River is heavily reliant on water resources for agricultural aims in the Lake Urmia. However, the hydrological system of the Simineh basin is highly susceptible to the impacts of climate change scenarios, primarily due to the presence of diverse topographical features, limited availability of data, and the complex nature of the local climate. This study aimed to simulate the monthly discharge of the Simineh River using the SWAT and assess the effects of climate change on the monthly discharge. Future climate scenarios for the years 2011-2030 were generated using the HadCM3 weather models under the A2, B1, and A1B scenarios. After evaluating the performance of the LARS-WG model in producing precipitation, minimum and maximum temperatures for the Simineh River watershed, the output of the HadCM3 under the A1B, B1, and A2 scenarios reduced, and the desired meteorological parameters predicted. These predicted values used as inputs for the SWAT model. In this study, assuming no change in land use, the focus was solely on the impact of climate change scenarios. However, appropriate measures can be taken to save the Simineh River's water consumption by optimizing irrigation efficiency through innovative methods. This is crucial because the results indicate that a total reduction of up to 25% in discharge in the Lake Urmia basin under climate change leads to a significant decrease in the annual average inflow to the lake from 570 million cubic meters to 394, 398, and 440 million cubic meters under the A2, B1, and A1B scenarios, respectively. The Simineh River supplies 11% of the water in Lake Urmia, and taking necessary measures to conserve its water resources is essential.
Kebijakan Pemerintah Daerah Kabupaten Malang dalam Pengembangan Industri Pariwisata
Authors: Setyanto Tri Joko , Andin Rusmini
Published: October 2023

Malang Regency is one of the largest regencies in East Java that has unique and diverse tourism potential. Although the tourism potential is large, tourist visits are still not optimal. This is due to the lack of knowledge and understanding of tourists about Malang's tourism potential. The purpose of the research is to find out the strategies and policies of the Malang Regency Government in developing the tourism industry. The research method used is normative legal research with a statutory approach and conceptual approach. The results show that the Malang Regency Government has implemented a number of policies to develop the tourism industry. These policies include the establishment of the Tourism and Culture Office, branding "Malang Regency: The Heart of East Java," promotion through several events, the formation of Sub-district Tourism Partners, and the preparation of the regency tourism development master plan.
Comprehensive study of serine/arginine-rich (SR) gene family in rice: characterization, evolution and expression analysis
Authors: Gao Rui , Lu Yingying , Wu Nan , Liu Hui , Jin Xiaoli
Published: October 2023

As important regulators of alternative splicing (AS) events, serine/arginine (SR)-rich proteins play indispensable roles in the growth and development of organisms. Until now, the study of SR genes has been lacking in plants. In the current study, we performed genome-wide analysis on the SR gene family in rice. A total of 24 OsSR genes were phylogenetically classified into seven groups, corresponding to seven subfamilies. The OsSR genes’ structures, distribution of conserved domains, and protein tertiary structure of OsSR were conserved within each subfamily. The synteny analysis revealed that segmental duplication events were critical for the expansion of OsSR gene family. Moreover, interspecific synteny revealed the distribution of orthologous SR gene pairs between rice and Arabidopsis, sorghum, wheat, and maize. Among all OsSR genes, 14 genes exhibited NAGNAG acceptors, and only four OsSR genes had AS events on the NAGNAG acceptors. Furthermore, the distinct tissue-specific expression patterns of OsSR genes showed that these genes may function in different developmental stages in rice. The AS patterns on the same OsSR gene were variable among the root, stem, leaf, and grains at different filling stages, and some isoforms could only be detected in one or a few of tested tissues. Meanwhile, our results showed that the expression of some OsSR genes changed dramatically under ABA, GA, salt, drought, cold or heat treatment, which were related to the wide distribution of corresponding cis-elements in their promoter regions, suggesting their specific roles in stress and hormone response. This research facilitates our understanding of SR gene family in rice and provides clues for further exploration of the function of OsSR genes.
Effect of vascular endothelial growth factor 165 on dopamine level in the retinas of guinea pigs with form-deprivation myopia
Authors: Sun Ruiting , Peng Qingsheng , Zhang Fengyi , Gao Honglian , Li Tong , Wang Lei , Zhang Lei
Published: October 2023

Background

Myopia is the most common refractive error because excessive increase in the axial length of a myopic eye leads to the thinning of the posterior scleral pole and can cause serious complications resulting in blindness. Thus, myopia has become a great concern worldwide. Dopamine (DA) plays a role in the development of myopia. Moreover, in Parkinson’s disease, it has been proved that vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF165) can promote the survival and recovery of DA neurons, resulting in increased DA secretion in the striatum, thereby treating neuropathy. Therefore, we speculate that VEGF165 can also promote the release of DA in the retina to inhibit the occurrence and development of myopia. We aimed to investigate the effect of VEGF165 on DA levels in the retinas of guinea pigs with form-deprivation myopia (FDM) and the effects of DA on myopia prevention and control.

Methods

Healthy 3-week-old pigmented guinea pigs were randomly divided into blank, FDM, phosphate buffer saline (PBS), 1, 5, and 10 ng groups. The FDM model was established by covering the right eye continuously with a translucent latex balloon pullover for 14 days. The pigs in the PBS, 1, 5, and 10 ng groups were injected with PBS buffer and 1, 5, and 10 ng of VEGF165 recombinant human protein, respectively, in the vitreous of the right eye before masking. The refractive error and axial length were measured before and after modeling. All retinas were used for biomolecular analyses after 14 days.

Results

We found that the intravitreal injection of VEGF165 elevated DA levels in the retina and was effective in slowing the progression of myopia, and 1 ng of VEGF165 was the most effective. Moreover, the number of vascular endothelial cell nuclei in the 1 ng group was lower than that in the other VEGF165 groups.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that VEGF165 has a promoting effect on DA in the retinas of guinea pigs with FDM, potentially controlling the development of myopia.
Role of Pulp Volume Method in Assessment of Age and Gender: An Observational Study from Lucknow, India
Authors: Khandelwal Sanad , Tripathi Anurag , Khanna Vikram , Patil Ranjitkumar , Singh Vandana
Published: October 2023

Introduction: In forensics, age and gender determination are required for victim identification. Secondary dentine deposition occurs throughout life, resulting in decreased pulp volume and size. Evaluation of pulp volume using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is a non invasive method used to evaluate age and gender. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of the pulp volume method in determining age and gender. Materials and Methods: An observational study was conducted in the Oral Medicine and Radiology Department of King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India from July 2019 to August 2020. Pulp volume measurements were obtained from CBCT data of randomly selected individuals (n=90) aged 18-70 years, focusing on maxillary Central Incisors (CI) and maxillary Canine (C). Statistical analyses, including Chisquare test, Pearson’s correlation, linear regression, and logistic regression, were performed on the data. Results: The CBCT data from 90 individuals, aged 18-70 years, were evaluated for pulp volume of maxillary CI and C. The Pearson correlation coefficient indicated a decrease in pulp volume with age. The validation of the equations for sex determination revealed higher prediction accuracy for CI (56.70%) compared to C (53.30%). Conclusion: Pulp volume obtained from CBCT can serve as a reliable indicator for age estimation and gender prediction.
A Case of Impacted Foreign Body in Zygomatic Region- A Missed Diagnosis
Authors: Kumar K Santhosh , Ramachandran Vishal , Babu Jawahar
Published: October 2023

Foreign body impaction in the soft tissues is not uncommon following maxillofacial trauma. Traumatic injuries in this region often cause penetrative injury of the soft tissues. Immediate closure of the soft tissue wound becomes the primary management strategy for control of haemorrhage. Foreign bodies may sometimes remain unnoticed in these wounds. Here, the authors present a case of retained metallic foreign body in the left zygomatic region in a 21-year-old male patient with history of simple slip and fall from staircase at home. Clinical evaluation and primary management of the facial wounds were done in a nearby healthcare centre by a general physician where the facial wounds were closed primarily using cyanoacrylate tissue glue to control the bleeding. Further, on clinical and radiographic examination by an oral maxillofacial surgeon, a 2×1 cm metallic foreign body was noted in the left zygomatic region. Immediate surgical removal under local anaesthesia was planned and performed. The purpose of reporting this case is to highlight the importance of thorough clinical and radiographic assessment as well as the need for an oral maxillofacial surgeon for prompt assessment, diagnosis, and management of these facial injuries.
Negative Influence of Johnson Grass (Sorghum halepense L) on Yield of Crops Along with the Strategies to Suppress its Growth with Chemical and Other Management Approaches – A Review
Authors: Khan Nasir Mehmood , Mujtaba Ghulam , Anwar Adeel , Khan Muhammad Aashir Bilal
Published: October 2023

Johnson grass is on the most deleterious, tenacious, threatening and pervasive weed and is found almost in complete globe except Antarctica. It is ranked in top ten worst weeds of all time. The main regions of its growth and spread are USA and Europe. The average height of Johnson grass lies between 3ft-10ft which is enough for survival and causing destruction to plants of main crop. It is narrow leafed weed belonging to family of sorghum which belong to Poaceae family. It has deep rooted system containing thick and fleshy rhizomes which are the main reason for its spread. These rhizomes have the ability to extend up to 80m. In this present review, information is gathered about the ecology and biology of Johnson grass along with its economic impact on crops and its control measures through different chemicals and management practices. The main focus of review was on growth mechanism and most importantly on its control of Johnson grass. From this whole discussion we have concluded that use of chemical herbicides is most effective in controlling its spread. Application of glyphosate and asulam as chemicals proved to be best in performance and in management practices or non-chemical methods black plastic sheet and soil solarization are well adopted conducts to suppress its growth to large extent. Along with that combination of chemicals and non-chemical practices would be recommended as they not only diminishes the growth of Johnson grass but also enhances the crop productivity.
Effects of Institutional Governance on Financial Performance of Commercial Banks in Kenya
Authors: Gachau Getrude Nyambura , Ngali Richard , Matanda Joshua
Published: October 2023

Although the banking industry is a very important vehicle for spurring economic development and especially in least developed economies, the Kenyan commercial banks are facing financial performance constraints, leading to collapse and liquidation of numerous commercial banks. Accordingly, borrowers, depositors and shareholders are suffering enormous financial losses; which have dramatic implications for the economy of the country. The crisis in this very crucial industry has associated with poor institutional governance. Although various studies have been undertaken on institutional governance and financial performance, majority of the studies have yielded inconsistent result while others have contextual, conceptual and methodological gaps. So, this study analysed the effect of institutional governance on financial performance of Kenyan commercial banks. It adopted descriptive and diagnostic research designs to outline the characteristics of existing phenomenon.  The target population was the 43 commercial banks licensed and operating in Kenya. Since the sample size was easily accessible and manageable the study used census. Data was collected using primary sources using a questionnaire, Data was analysed using quantitative analysis approach to produce descriptive statistics and thereafter multiple regressions to estimate a model. The study found that at 5% significance, level board size, ownership concentration, audit structure and, board composition, positively and significantly affects financial performance of licensed Kenyan Commercial Banks. The study recommends that Kenyan Commercial Banks should review their board size policies, largely focus on having audit committee, and strengthen their board composition guidelines to ensure board diversity comprises.
Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Soil as Affected by Organic Amendments in Coloured Capsicum under Greenhouse Conditions
Authors: Mufti Shahnaz , Yousuf Danishta , Anayat Rakshanda , Malik Ajaz , Mushtaq Faheema , Afroza Baseerat , Rasool Rehana , Masoodi Ummayiah , Manzoor Nida , Sultan Ambreena , Gulzar Marifa
Published: October 2023

Organic manures and bio-fertilizers are one of the alternative renewable sources of nutrient supply. Bio-fertilizers combined with organic manure influences the plant growth by enhancing root biomass; total root surface facilitates higher absorption of nutrients and increase in yield by reducing consumption of natural sources of energy. In this experiment, various types of organic sources of nutrients (FYM, Poultry manure, Vermicompost and Sheep manure) and biofertilizers (Azotobacter, PSB and KSB) were evaluated in coloured capsicum under greenhouse conditions and their impact was studied on various physico-chemical properties of soil. Observations were recorded on various physical parameters like pH, soil EC, soil OC, soil bulk density, chemical parameters like available N, P, K and uptake of nutrient N, P and K. Data on various soil parameters revealed that T5 (75% vermicompost+ Azotobacter+ PSB+ KSB) significantly enhanced available soil nutrients and resulted in maximizing the nutrient status of the soil after the crop harvest. Highest available N (220.13kg/ ha), P (30.24kg/ ha), K (222.16kg/ ha) was recorded in treatment T5 and was found maximum as compared to all other treatments under study. However, the uptake of nutrients was observed maximum in treatment T9 (RFD). Treatment T5 (75% vermicompost + azotobacter +PSB +KSB) also contributed in improving the physical parameters of soil like electrical conductivity (0.114 dsm-1) and soil organic carbon content (1.37%) than initial status of soil, recording EC of 0.102 dsm-1 and organic carbon content of 1.19%. Additionally, the organic manures also brought the pH of soil to a desired level and pH was declined from 7.02(initial status) to 6.81 by treatment T5 (75% vermicompost + azotobacter +PSB +KSB). But treatment T2 (100% Poultry manure) improved the bulk density of soil and was reduced to 1.22 g/cm3 as compared to initial soil status recording bulk density of 1.38 g/cm3.
Farmers Knowledge on Pesticide Usage in Paddy and Cabbage Crops
Authors: Gudadur Krishna , Dolli S. S.
Published: October 2023

The study was conducted to investigate the knowledge of the farmers on pesticide use in selected crops during 2019-22. Two crops namely paddy and cabbage were selected and tow districts that have higher area namely Koppal and Belagavi were selected. In each district, two taluks and eighty farmers were selected for each crop by simple random procedure to form a total sample of 160 farmers. Overall knowledge index of pesticides by farmers was higher in case of paddy (73.57%) and cabbage (64.76%) farmers. Among the various dimensions, knowledge index was highest with respect to concentration and application practice (96.72% & 82.97%), types of sprayers and maintenance (91.25% & 87.50%), IPM practices (73.75% & 70.00) among paddy, and cabbage. Further, knowledge with respect to pest identification (69.06% & 57.66%), toxicity of pesticide and labels signs (68.59% & 61.09%) and disposal of pesticides and personal hygiene (67.86% & 61.09%) was around sixty percent among cabbage and paddy growers respectively. Further, low index was observed with respect to pesticide selection (26.88% & 38.54%) in case of paddy and cabbage growers respectively. Regarding overall knowledge of the pesticide use the findings revealed that Majority (72.50%) of the growers belongs to medium knowledge of pesticide category in case of paddy, low knowledge category in cabbage crop (38.75%) there is need for orientation to the farmers on different insect pests and pathogens through training and digital media. The short video on pests in different crops may be prepared and made access to upload on smart phones of farmers.
Impact of Weather Parameters on Population Dynamics of Fruit Flies (Bactrocera sp.) on Phalsa (Grewia asiatica Linn.)
Authors: Raina Shallu , Sharma Devinder , Singh Monika
Published: October 2023

Field experiments were meticulously conducted for two consecutive years (2018 and 2019) at a phalsa orchard situated in the Regional Horticulture Research Station (RHRS), Raya, District-Samba. The primary aim of these experiments was to comprehensively examine the population dynamics of fruit flies and their susceptibility to variations in weather parameters. To this end, green valley fruit fly traps were strategically deployed throughout the orchard to monitor fruit fly populations. The outcomes of the study revealed that fruit fly activity commenced during the 15th standard week and reached its zenith during the 24th standard week in both years. Correlation analysis underscored a notably strong and positive correlation with maximum (0.575**) and minimum (0.696**) temperatures. Furthermore, a significant negative correlation (–0.422*) was observed between morning relative humidity and fruit fly catches. However, the study did not find any statistically significant correlation between evening relative humidity, rainfall, and fruit fly captures. The weather conditions accounted for an impressive 59.70% of the observed variations in adult fruit fly trap catches of B. dorsalis and B. zonata on phalsa which highlighted the intricate interplay between environmental factors and the population dynamics of these fruit fly species in the phalsa crop ecosystem.
Performance of Various Chemicals Weed Management in Chickpea an Irrigated Environment
Authors: Dubey Santosh Kumar , Prakash Ved
Published: October 2023

Chickpea is additional sensitive to weed competition than other crops. During early stages of crop growth competition is more severe because of slow growth rate and leaf area development. Weeds have been blamed for losses in India that range from 40 to 90 percent. Thus, adopting an effective weed management strategy is the only way to significantly increase chickpea yield. The experiment was conducted during Rabi season of 2011-12 at Agronomy Research Farm of NDUA&T, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with fourteen weed management treatments and replicated in thrice. According to the findings, weed management methods significantly affect the number of nodules, nutrient (N, P, K) uptake, yields, and economics of chickpea over weedy check at growth stage.  Maximum yield (1.72 t ha-1) and nutrient uptake (N- 63.60, P- 9.09 and K- 74.39 kg ha -1) by chickpea were recorded in weed free treatment but maximum nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (23.22, 2.68 and 50.42 kg ha -1) uptake by weed were obtained in weedy check treatment and lowest in weed free treatment.
Exploration of the Mechanical Engineering Graduate Training Program: A Synergistic Approach Incorporating Three-in-one and Four-Dimensional Linkage Training Mechanism
Authors: Lijun Wang , Wenjie Wang , Xiaona Song , Shuman Guo
Published: October 2023

In the context of the new engineering disciplines, the talent requirements for mechanical engineering have evolved, and there is an urgent need for improvement in the training path for high-level professional master's degree students with a focus on future practical applications. In current training programs, many universities have already recognized the importance of incorporating industry practices and interdisciplinary approaches. However, there are diverse ways in which different universities approach industry practices and implement interdisciplinary paths. Therefore, it is crucial to develop training programs that meet the requirements of talent in the new era. By analyzing the policies of outstanding universities and combining them with the characteristics of our own institution, we propose a "trinity" and "four-dimensional" approach to the training of graduate students in mechanical engineering. This framework aims to provide reference and guidance for the instructional design and practical implementation of related disciplines.
Liberating methadone Part 2: The state of research
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: October 2023

Last month's conference held at New York University on “liberating methadone” included a session on research; below are highlights (ADAW was not there, but we listened and watched online).
Toward Silicon‐Matched Singlet Fission: Energy‐Level Modifications Through Steric Twisting of Organic Semiconductors
Authors: Lee Calvin J. , Sharma Ashish , Panjwani Naitik A. , Etchells Isaac M. , Gholizadeh Elham M. , White Jonathan M. , Shaw Paul E. , Burn Paul. L. , Behrends Jan , Rao Akshay , Jones David
Published: October 2023

Singlet fission (SF) is a potential avenue for augmenting the performance of silicon photovoltaics, but the scarcity of SF materials energy‐matched to silicon represents a barrier to the commercial realization of this technology. In this work, a molecular engineering approach is described to increase the energy of the S1 and T1 energy levels of diketopyrrolopyrrole derivatives such that the energy‐level requirements for exothermic SF and energy‐transfer to silicon are met. Time‐resolved photoluminescence studies show that the silicon‐matched materials are SF active in the solid state, forming a correlated triplet pair 1(TT) – a crucial intermediate in the SF process – as observed through Herzberg‐Teller emission from 1(TT) at both 77 K and room temperature. Transient electron paramagnetic resonance studies show that the correlated triplet pair does not readily separate into the unbound triplets, which is a requirement for energy harvesting by silicon. The fact that the triplet pair do not separate into free triplets is attributed to the intermolecular crystal packing within the thin films. Nevertheless, these results demonstrate a promising route for energy‐tuning silicon‐matched SF materials.
Oxygen Vacancies Modified Bi4O5I2 for Sensitive and Stable Photoelectrochemical‐Type Photodetection
Authors: Zhao Guoxiao , Sun Zaichun , Mei Bingchu
Published: October 2023

Bismuth oxyiodides, like BiOI, Bi4O5I2 and Bi5O7I, are widely recognized as a kind of famous photocatalyst. However, there are only a few studies on the photoelectrochemical (PEC) applications of bismuth oxyiodides, due to the poor photoresponse and stability in aqueous medium. In this study, enhancing the PEC performance of Bi4O5I2 by introducing oxygen vacancies is attempted through a simple photo‐assisted method. Enhancement of the PEC performance of Bi4O5I2 is investigated from the perspective of transport of photogenerated carriers. Benefiting from the promising PEC performance, the as‐constructed photodetector exhibits high sensitivity and stability. This work presents a simple route to enhance the PEC performance of bismuth‐mixed anion compounds, which can be beneficial for the design of high‐performance PEC‐type devices toward energy conversion and photodetection.
Risk assessment of obesity‐related noncommunicable diseases through body mass index trajectories in adulthood: NHANES 2007–2018
Authors: dos Santos Pereira Débora Borges , dos Santos Iolanda Karla Santana , Vieira Pastorello Cláudia Cristina , da Silva Mazzeti Camila Medeiros , Queiroz Pereira Marlus Henrique , Amorim Sena Pereira Maria Luíza , de Oliveira Mariane Helen , Lisboa Conde Wolney
Published: October 2023

Aim

To assess the impact of adult body mass index (BMI) trajectories on the risk of obesity‐related noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in the U.S. adults after adjustment for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors.

Methods

Data were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted from 2007 to 2018, including male and female participants aged 29–59 years. Rao‐Scott adjusted chi‐square was employed to detect associations between categorical variables in descriptive analyses. Cox proportional hazards models estimated hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for NCDs and BMI trajectories, adjusted for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. Kaplan–Meier curves illustrated the cumulative incidence over time.

Results

Analyses were carried out on 15 721 participants and revealing significant differences among BMI trajectories in terms of demographic, lifestyle, and health characteristics. The overall prevalence of NCDs was 28.0% (95%CI:26.6–28.9). The cumulative incidence over time was higher in the high increase, moderate increase, and mixed trajectory groups, with a correspondingly higher cumulative risk (p < 0.001). Non‐overweight trajectory was considered reference category in Cox models. The BMI trajectories were independently associated with an increased risk of NCDs, even after adjusting for potential confounders (HR: 1.7; 95%CI: 1.4–1.9 for moderate increase; HR: 3.6; 95%CI: 3.2–4.1 for high increase; and HR: 2.4; 95%CI: 2.1–2.7, for mixed). Furthermore, differences between males and females were also observed.

Conclusion

The transition to and persistence of obesity into adulthood increases the risk of NCDs. The implementation of targeted interventions with long‐term monitoring of BMI may be beneficial in the prevention of future obesity‐related NCDs.
No accelerated 20‐year hearing decline after occupational noise exposure has ceased: The HUNT study
Authors: Aarhus Lisa , Molaug Ina , Engdahl Bo
Published: October 2023

Objectives

It has been suggested that noise exposure can accelerate hearing decline after the noise exposure has ceased. We aimed to assess long‐term hearing decline in persons with and without prior occupational noise exposure.

Methods

We conducted a population‐based longitudinal study in Norway using the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT) from 1996 to 1998 (baseline) and from 2017 to 2019 (follow‐up). The sample included 1648 participants with baseline age ≥55 years (42% men, mean age 60 years) and <5 years occupational noise exposure after baseline. We analyzed the association between occupational noise exposure before baseline and mean hearing decline between 1998 and 2018 (20‐year decline) at each frequency, adjusted for age, sex, education, and impulse noise exposure before baseline.

Results

Occupational noise exposure before baseline (N = 603) was associated with baseline hearing loss, but not with later accelerated 20‐year decline, at any frequency. Noise‐exposed persons had less subsequent 20‐year decline at 3 kHz than did nonexposed. Restricting the noise‐exposed group to persons who also had a baseline Coles notch (hearing thresholds at 3, 4, or 6 kHz of 10 dB or more compared with thresholds at 1 or 2 kHz and 6 or 8 kHz; N = 211), the exposed group showed less 20‐year decline at both 3 and 4 kHz, as well as less accelerated 20‐year decline at 8 kHz, compared with the nonexposed.

Conclusion

Our large long‐term longitudinal study shows no increased risk of continuing hearing decline after occupational noise exposure has ceased. The finding supports a conclusion that ear damage stops when the noise exposure is ended.
4‐OH‐TEMPO radical grafted onto a novel polyaromatic ether sulfone containing carboxyl side chains as solid catalyst for alcohol oxidation
Authors: Zhang Wenyu , Zhang Yu , Cai Weijie , Wang Dazhi , Zhang Shaoyin
Published: October 2023

2,2,6,6‐Tetramethylpiperidinium‐nitroxide (TEMPO) is a mild and efficient catalyst, which is important in the industrial production of selective oxidation of alcohols to the corresponding aldehyde or ketone compounds. However, it is a challenge to recover the expensive TEMPO catalyst in homogeneous catalytic systems. In this study, a novel polymer‐supported catalyst was prepared using 4‐hydroxy‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidin‐1‐oxy (4‐OH‐TEMPO) and polyaromatic ether sulfone (PAES). The successful grafting of 4‐OH‐TEMPO in PAES‐C was demonstrated by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), load capacity can be calculated by elemental analysis (EA). BET and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to depict the structure‐performance relationship. Herein, SEM images revealed the existence of porous structure. This structure can effectively adsorb NO molecules to form a PAES‐TEMPO/NOx catalytic system to selectively oxidize benzyl alcohol. The experimental results indicated the high activity, the subsequent benzyl alcohol oxidation cycle can reach more than 93% conversion without showing a large loss of selectivity. More importantly, the as‐prepared catalyst exhibited the attractive recyclability (recovery rate is 98%). After 10 consecutive runs, no significant loss of conversion and selectivity was observed (the conversion rate of benzyl alcohol was more than 93% and the selectivity was more than 95%). This study might provide some recommendation on the development of highly efficient catalysts for alcohol oxidation.
Evaluation of in vitro SARS‐CoV‐2 inactivation by a new quaternary ammonium compound: Bromiphen bromide
Authors: Strizzi Sergio , Cappelletti G. , Biasin M. , Artasensi Angelica , Fumagalli Laura , Casiraghi Antonella
Published: October 2023

The pneumonia (COVID‐19) outbreak caused by the novel coronavirus named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), which unpredictably exploded in late December of 2019 has stressed the importance of being able to control potential pathogens with the aim of limiting their spread. Although vaccines are well known as a powerful tool for ensuring public health and controlling the pandemic, disinfection and hygiene habits remain crucial to prevent infection from spreading and maintain the barrier, especially when the microorganism can persist and survive on textiles, surfaces, and medical devices. During the coronavirus disease pandemic, around half of the disinfectants authorized by the US Environmental Protection Agency contained quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs); their effectiveness had not been proven. Herein, the in vitro SARS‐CoV‐2 inactivation by p‐bromodomiphen bromide, namely bromiphen (BRO), a new, potent, and fast‐acting QAC is reported. This study demonstrates that BRO, with a dose as low as 0.02%, can completely inhibit SARS‐CoV‐2 replication in just 30 s. Its virucidal activity was 10‐ and 100‐fold more robust compared to other commercially available QACs, namely domiphen bromide and benzalkonium chloride. The critical micellar concentration and the molecular lipophilicity potential surface area support the relevance of the lipophilic nature of these molecules for their activity.
Edge‐centric functional network reveals new spatiotemporal biomarkers of early mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Wang Weiping , Du Ruiying , Wang Zhen , Luo Xiong , Zhao Haiyan , Luan Ping , Ouyang Jipeng , Liu Song
Published: October 2023

Most neuroimaging studies of the pathogenesis of early mild cognitive impairment (EMCI) rely on a node‐centric network model, which only calculates correlations between brain regions. Considering the interaction of low‐order correlations between pairs of brain regions, we use an edge‐centric network model to study high‐order functional network correlations. Here, we compute edge time series (eTS) to obtain overlapping communities and study the relationship between subnetworks and communities in space. Then, based on the overlapping communities, we calculate the normalized entropy to measure the diversity of each node. Next, we compute the high‐amplitude co‐fluctuation of the eTS to explore the pattern of brain activity with temporal precision. Our results show that the normal control and EMCI patients differ in brain regions, subnetworks, and the whole brain. In particular, entropy values show a gradual decrease, and brain network co‐fluctuation increases with disease progression. Our study is the first to investigate the pathogenesis of EMCI from the perspective of spatiotemporal flexibility and cognitive diversity based on high‐order edge connectivity, further characterizing brain dynamics and providing new insights into the search for biomarkers of EMCI.
Differentiation and identification of enantiomers by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy with support of quantum mechanical computations
Authors: Brzezicki Artur , Garbacz Piotr
Published: October 2023

We report nuclear magnetic resonance studies of two chiral building blocks of solifenacin, phenyltetrahydroisoquinoline and quinuclidinol, in which chiral solvating agents, Mosher's acid, and Pirkle's alcohol were used for spectral discrimination between enantiomers of solifenacin constituents. Based on the constraints following from measurements of the nuclear Overhauser effect, structures of phenyltetrahydroisoquinoline and Pirkle's alcohol solvates were found. Next, shifts of nuclear magnetic resonance signals of phenyltetrahydroisoquinoline due to the application of Pirkle's alcohol were computed using density functional theory methods. The computed carbon‐13 shifts reproduce those determined experimentally, allowing us to attribute the absolute configuration to phenyltetrahydroisoquinoline enantiomers without the need for the use of empirical rules.
Addressing racial disparities in cancer care: A collaborative grant initiative
Authors: Marlow Emily C. , Wysocki Karla L. , Wehling Kristen A.
Published: October 2023

A competitive grants program developed by the American Cancer Society and Pfizer Global Medical Grants funded 10 quality improvement projects aimed at reducing systemic barriers and addressing cancer disparities for Black men and women. This introduction details the purpose and scope of this program and addresses the potential for similar projects addressing disparities along the cancer care continuum.
Systemic therapies at the end of life vary by patient and practice
Authors: Nierengarten Mary Beth
Published: October 2023

This news section offers Cancer readers timely information on events, public policy analysis, topical issues, and personalities. In this issue, whether or not patients with cancer at the end of life received systemic therapies depended partly on race, insurance type, and the practice where they were treated, but experts debate whether decisions based on these factors are in patients’ best interests. In addition, staging laparoscopy for patients with pancreatic cancer to help to determine the best treatment option is a valuable practice, and pirtobrutinib is effective in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma for whom prior treatments with BTK inhibition and venetoclax failed.
Recovery housing guideline: A safe place to live
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: October 2023

Many providers — and parents — are relieved when their patients and children who have drug or alcohol problems have “recovery housing.” This kind of residence is alcohol‐ and drug‐free and can help young people stay sober. However, scams are out there. So regulators try to step in and make sure that recovery housing operators are bona fide.
Esketamine has no effect on cognition compared to midazolam
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: October 2023

Little is known about the effect of ketamine, which has a rapid and robust effect on depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation, on cognition in adolescents. Researchers in China conducted a randomized controlled trial on 51 participants 13–18 years old with major depression disorder (MDD) and suicidal ideation. The participants received esketamine or midazolam in three intravenous infusions. Processing speed, working memory, verbal learning, and visual learning were assessed at days 0, 6, and 12. The researchers found that cognition was not harmed by the esketamine, and in fact esketamine improved processing speed. [Lan, X., Wang, C., Zhang, F., et al. (2023, Sep 14). Short‐term cognitive effects of repeated‐dose esketamine in adolescents with major depressive disorder and suicidal ideation: A randomized controlled trial. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health, 17(1), 108. http://doi.org/10.1186/s13034‐023‐00647‐2.]
Leveraging business failure to drive eco‐innovation adoption: An integrated conceptual framework
Authors: Amankwah‐Amoah Joseph
Published: October 2023

Despite a growing body of research on business failure and eco‐innovation, these two streams of research have developed in isolation, thus lacking an organizing framework to account for how businesses can utilize peer companies' failures as a source of eco‐innovation. This study addresses this gap in the current literature by advancing an integrated conceptual framework that illuminates failure as a catalyst for learning and the mechanisms through which organizations can enhance their environmental innovation efforts and competitiveness. The study proposes a multidimensional 2 × 2 typology encompassing dimensions of process and product eco‐innovation, alongside two underlying factors of business failure. These factors further elucidate the mechanisms through which organizations can learn from others' failures, ultimately becoming more resilient and adaptable in the face of new challenges. The implications of this analysis for future research and practice will be further examined, shedding light on promising domains for learning from failure and fostering innovation.
Comparison of the nutrient composition of eggs produced in the Guatemalan highlands during the wet and dry seasons
Authors: Wallace Taylor C. , Montenegro‐Bethancourt Gabriela , Rohloff Peter , Jimenez Elizabeth Yakes , Proaño Gabriela V. , McCabe George P. , Steiber Alison , Ruosch Andrew , Laessig Ian , Ladwig Edward , You Hong
Published: October 2023

The potential of chicken eggs as a nutritionally complete protein and source of key micronutrients during the first 1000 days post‐conception has been progressively recognized across the globe, particularly in resource‐poor settings. Fluctuation of egg nutrient content by season is relatively unknown, which may influence international food composition databases and outcomes in intervention studies using egg supplementation. To better interpret the findings of The Saqmolo' Project, we conducted comprehensive nutrient analyses on eggs produced during the wet and dry seasons in the highlands of central Guatemala. We randomly collected 36 shell eggs from a local farm during both seasons, hard‐boiled, and prepared them for transport to the United States, where they were pooled and assessed for their nutrient composition. Methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists, the American Oil Chemists Society, and the American Association of Cereal Chemists were utilized to determine total energy, moisture, ash, total protein, total fat, fatty acids, total carbohydrates, 12 vitamins, 11 minerals, and carotenoids, by season, in some instances with modifications. Differences in nutrient composition between de‐shelled hard‐boiled eggs collected between seasons were assessed using an analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's family error rate comparison test. Most nutrients in eggs produced in the highlands of central Guatemala differed negligibly (but statistically significantly) based on seasonality. Only vitamins A and E, folate, choline, and calcium fluctuated at clinically significant levels relative to the AI/RDA for infants 7–12 months. Total energy, protein, trans fatty acids, moisture, and vitamin D3 levels did not differ between seasons (p > .05). Further multi‐year sampling is needed to examine how seasonal variation affects the nutrient composition of eggs. These data may be used to supplement existing national and regional food composition databases.
The effect of older population on public health spending: Evidence from Spain
Authors: Navarro‐García Carlos , Sarria‐Santamera Antonio
Published: October 2023

Background

The gradual ageing of the population, and its effect on public spending, constitutes an urgent challenge for advanced economies. Through this study, we analyse the effect of older people, and their health and individual characteristics, on public health spending.

Methods

Using logistic regression methods, we have analysed the use of different health services and health technologies by older people in Spain, controlled for several health, socioeconomic, and other individual factors.

Results

The main factors that explain the consumption of both health services and health technology, above age, are related to the so‐called need factors: self‐reported health status, presence of chronic diseases, and disability.

Conclusion

Knowing the main factors that imply greater public health spending is a topic of special interest for designing efficient health policies, in a context of growth in public health spending. In this way, preventive attention on the so‐called need factors may be an important driver to improve the effectiveness of spending.
MetaSVs: A pipeline combining long and short reads for analysis and visualization of structural variants in metagenomes
Authors: Li Yuejuan , Cao Jiabao , Wang Jun
Published: October 2023

Structural variants (SVs, including large‐scale insertions, deletions, inversions, and translocations) significantly impact the functions of genes in the microbial genome, and SVs in the microbiome are associated with diverse biological processes and human diseases. With the advancements in sequencing and bioinformatics technologies, increasingly, sequencing data and analysis tools are already being extensively utilized for microbiome SV analyses, leading to a higher demand for more dedicated SV analysis workflows. Moreover, due to the unique detection biases of various sequencing technologies, including short‐read sequencing (such as Illumina platforms) and long‐read sequencing (e.g., Oxford Nanopore and PacBio), SV discovery based on multiple platforms is necessary to comprehensively identify the wide variety of SVs. Here, we establish an integrated pipeline MetaSVs combining Nanopore long reads and Illumina short reads to analyze SVs in the microbial genomes from gut microbiome and further identify differential SVs that can be reflective of metabolic differences. Our pipeline provides researchers easy access to SVs and relevant metabolites in the microbial genomes without the requirement of specific technical expertise, which is particularly useful to researchers interested in metagenomic SVs but lacking sophisticated bioinformatic knowledge.
Weak‐type Fefferman–Stein inequality and commutators on weak Orlicz–Morrey spaces
Authors: Kawasumi Ryota
Published: October 2023

We consider the Fefferman–Stein inequality for weak Orlicz–Morrey spaces and the commutators and on weak Orlicz–Morrey spaces, where T is a Calderón–Zygmund operator, is a generalized fractional integral operator and b is a function in generalized Campanato spaces. We give a necessary and sufficient condition for the boundedness from of and from a weak Orlicz Morrey space to another weak Orlicz–Morrey space. We use the Fefferman–Stein inequality to prove the boundedness of the commutators. Since weak Orlicz–Morrey spaces contain the weak Lebesgue, weak Orlicz and weak Morrey spaces as special cases, our results contain the bounedness on these function spaces which are also new results.
Self‐adjointness for the MIT bag model on an unbounded cone
Authors: Cassano Biagio , Lotoreichik Vladimir
Published: October 2023

We consider the massless Dirac operator with the MIT bag boundary conditions on an unbounded three‐dimensional circular cone. For convex cones, we prove that this operator is self‐adjoint defined on four‐component ‐functions satisfying the MIT bag boundary conditions. The proof of this result relies on separation of variables and spectral estimates for one‐dimensional fiber Dirac‐type operators. Furthermore, we provide a numerical evidence for the self‐adjointness on the same domain also for non‐convex cones. Moreover, we prove a Hardy‐type inequality for such a Dirac operator on convex cones, which, in particular, yields stability of self‐adjointness under perturbations by a class of unbounded potentials. Further extensions of our results to Dirac operators with quantum dot boundary conditions are also discussed.
New national center will support growth of school‐based mental health staff
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: October 2023

A new technical assistance center has been formed to support the many ongoing efforts nationally to strengthen the school‐based mental health workforce, amid consistently escalating student need.
Are your clients' ACEs high?
Authors: Greaney Thomas M.
Published: October 2023

In the card game Rummy 500, an ace can be played as a high card or low card as part of a run. For our clients, the higher the number of “ACEs” (Adverse Childhood Experiences), the more challenges they may face in navigating their lives. This is due in part to reexperiencing trauma, related mental health symptoms and the propensity to have life‐limiting and life‐threatening illness.