bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Odstępstwa dotyczące instrumentów płatniczych przeznaczonych do dokonywania płatności niskokwotowych Glosa do wyroku TS z 11 listopada 2020 r. w sprawie C-287/19 DenizBank AG przeciwko Verein für Konsumenteninformation
Authors:   DLK Legal Korus sp.k., Wyżykowski Bartosz
Published: November 2024

Przedmiotem glosy jest wyrok Trybunału Sprawiedliwości Unii Europejskiej (pierwsza izba) z 11 listopada 2020 r. w sprawie C‑287/19 DenizBank AG przeciwko Verein für Konsumenteninformation, ECLI:EU:C:2020:897. Sąd ten wypowiedział się w przedmiocie zagadnień prawnych, które pojawiły się na gruncie przepisów PSD1 i PSD2 regulujących odstępstwa dla instrumentów płatniczych przeznaczonych do dokonywania płatności niskokwotowych. Po pierwsze, sąd przesądził, że funkcja NFC (near field communication) służąca inicjowaniu transakcji opiewających na niskie kwoty może być kwalifikowana jako odrębny instrument płatniczy, mimo że inkorporowana jest w ramach zindywidualizowanej karty płatniczej przypisanej do konkretnego użytkownika. Po drugie, sąd orzekł, że można w takim wypadku mówić o instrumencie używanym anonimowo. Przesądzenie, czy w danym wypadku mamy do czynienia z instrumentem przeznaczonym do dokonywania płatności niskokwotowych, czy jest on używany anonimowo, a także czy nie jest możliwe jego zablokowanie ani uniemożliwienie jego dalszego używania, jest kluczowe dla ustalenia, czy i ewentualnie w jakim zakresie dostawca może korzystać z poszczególnych odstępstw przewidzianych w PSD2. Wreszcie, sąd wyjaśnił, że postanowienia ogólnych warunków umownych, regulujących milczącą zgodę użytkownika będącego konsumentem, na zmiany w umowie ramowej proponowane przez dostawcę, mogą podlegać testowi abuzywności. Wyrok ma niemałe znaczenie dla sektora bankowego i płatniczego, wszak dotychczas TSUE rzadko wypowiadał się w przedmiocie wykładni przepisów PSD2.
Le Club Appalaches. Plus de cent ans d’histoire !
Authors: Genest Bernard
Published: November 2024

Le Club Appalaches est un club privé de chasse et de pêche incorporé en 1910 mais dont les origines remontent à la fin du xixe siècle. Situé dans la Mrc des Basques sur le territoire de l’ancienne Seigneurie Rioux de Trois-Pistoles, il a été fondé par des sportifs en majorité issus de la bourgeoisie francophone de Sherbrooke et des environs. En cela, il se distingue des clubs de la première vague formés par des magnats anglophones de Montréal et des États-Unis. Ayant survécu au grand déclubage de 1977 il a, à travers les dédales de longues procédures judiciaires, conservé ses droits exclusifs de chasse et de pêche. En cela également, il se distingue des anciens clubs privés transformés en Zecs (zones d’exploitation contrôlée). Véritable marqueur d’une culture, le Club Appalaches constitue un phénomène qui a valeur de symbole sur le plan ethnohistorique. L’étude repose principalement sur un fonds privé constitué de registres, de notes, de cartes et de photographies d’époque, de même que sur le témoignage d’informateurs.
Jean-Noël Guertin (1889-1977) : architecte autodidacte
Authors: Perreault Robert B.
Published: November 2024

Lorsque le curé Jean-Noël Guertin du village de Saint-Casimir baptise son petit- neveu, lui donnant son propre nom, il dit aux parents du bébé : « Je souhaite qu’il me remplace. » Toutefois, le jeune Jean-Noël aura d’autres idées. Au lieu de devenir chef spirituel de l’église du village, il ira ailleurs pour créer des plans architecturaux d’églises. Élevé dans un environnement où règne l’industrie du bois, il travaillera pour son père, ouvrier et propriétaire d’un moulin à scie. Convaincu que cet emploi ne lui offre aucun avenir, il suivra la vague d’émigration québécoise vers la Nouvelle- Angleterre où, à part son métier d’ouvrier en construction et de menuisier, il entreprendra une carrière d’architecte sans scolarité formelle.
Egzistenciniai-eschatologiniai klausimai apie amžinybę, pragarą ir paskutinį teismą
Authors: Gudaitytė Bronė
Published: November 2024

Šiame straipsnyje analizuojami trys pamatiniai kasdienio žmogaus egzistenciniai-eschatologiniai klausimai apie amžinybę, pragarą ir paskutinį teismą. Amžinybė nusakoma mąstomo laiko ir antlaikiškumo kontekste. Amžinybė laike ryškiausiai išreiškiama tada, kai dvasinė esybė laisvai apsisprendžia ir prisiima už tai atsakomybę. Svarbu, kad mūsų amžinasis gyvenimas, pripildytas paties Dievo, taptų laisvai pasirinktos gyvenimo veiklos baigtimi. Tekste atskleidžiama teologinė pragaro, kaip žmogaus laisvai pasirinktos galimybės galutinai prarasti Dievą, samprata. Žmogus, būdamas dvasinė būtybė, laisvai apsisprendžia ir tampa tuo, kuo nori būti. Pragaro esmė yra „ne“, pasakytas Dievui kaip galutinis žmogaus sprendimas. Žmogus turi absoliučią galimybę prarasti Dievą, nors Jis yra žmogaus gyvenimo tikslas ir jo esmės išsipildymas. Tekste aptariamas tikėjimo išpažinimo teiginys: „ateis gyvųjų ir mirusiųjų teisti“ kaip atėjimo į Tiesą procesas. Straipsnio tikslas – išryškinti išlaisvinančią krikščioniškojo teismo pažinimo dimensiją ir paaiškinti teismą kaip procesą, per kurį žmogus Dievo akivaizdoje ateina į pačią Tiesą apie save ir kitus. Juk visi turėsime stoti prieš Kristaus teismo krasę, kad kiekvienas iš mūsų atsiimtų tai, ką padarė gyvendamas kūne – gera ar bloga (2 Kor 5, 10). Krikščioniškoji paskutinio teismo samprata persmelkta viltimi, kad nuosprendis bus ne pasmerkimo, o tiesos ir teisingumo pergalės aktas. Juk teisėjas yra ne kas kitas, kaip pats Jėzus Kristus, prisikėlęs Nukryžiuotasis, paaukojęs savo gyvybę ir miręs už visus.
Сообщение курата Иустина Бонавентуры Пранайтиса о состоянии Туркестанского прихода на ноябрь 1915 года
Authors: Panto Dmitriy , Bilotas Viktor
Published: November 2024

Čia paskelbto kunigo J. B. Pranaičio laiško vyskupui Janui Ciepliakui originalas saugomas J. B. Pranaičio asmens byloje, Rusijos valstybiniame istorijos archyve (RGIA), fonde Nr. 826. Šis pranešimas iš kitų bylos dokumentų išsiskiria tuo, kad jame pateikiama informacija ne apie vieną reikalą (persikraustymą, paskyrimą, skundą, statybas ir pan.), bet apžvelgiama 1915 metų lapkričio mėnesio padėtis visoje didžiulėje Turkestano parapijoje. Laiške pranešama, kad 1915 m. į Turkestaną dėl karinių operacijų imperijos vakaruose atvyko daug imigrantų, rašoma apie didelį jų mirtingumą ir kapelionų trūkumą, apie kunigus-karo belaisvius parapijoje, apie komitetų nukentėjusiems nuo karo šelpti veiklą, apie bažnyčios statybą ir apie Sibiro vyskupijos steigimo planus.
Fisetin-induced cell death, apoptosis, and antimigratory effects in cholangiocarcinoma cells
Authors: Buranrat Benjaporn , Senggunprai Laddawan , Kukongviriyapan Veerapol , Kukongviriyapan Auemduan Prawan, Veerapol
Published: November 2024

Fisetin is a plant flavonol that can be discovered in vegetables and fruits and it has been related to certain anticancer properties. It may prevent metastasis, reduce tumor cell proliferation, and stimulate apoptosis. Fisetin may inhibit cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) cell migration and proliferation; however, its exact actions are still less information. The aim of the current study was to examine the actions of fisetin on two types of CCA cells, KKU-100, and KKU-M452, in terms of their ability to proliferate, undergo apoptosis, and migrate. The fisetin effect on cell growth was determined using sulforhodamine B, colony-forming ability, and distribution of cell cycle method. The apoptotic induction was explored by acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining assay. Migratory suppression was determined by Transwell migration and Wound healing assay. The mechanism of cell death and apoptosis was measured by reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Fisetin was significant in suppressing CCA cell viability and colony formation during the course of this experiment. Moreover, fisetin significantly potentiated the cisplatin-induced CCA cells death by determination with a combination index (CI). Additionally, it reduced the CCA cells growth through stimulating apoptosis, as seen by a reduction in the viable cell numbers and an increase in apoptotic cells. Fisetin also reduced the migration of cancer cells and demonstrated more pronounced effects on KKU-M452 cells, which are characterized by rapid migration, compared to KKU-100 cells which are characterized by slow migration. Moreover, fisetin prompted cell death and apoptosis in CCA cells by stimulating the generation of ROS in KKU-100 cells at a dosage of 50 μM. According to these results, fisetin efficiently restricts the growth of both CCA cell types by preventing cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis, and stopping migration which are accomplished by producing ROS. Therefore, fisetin could be considered as a promising therapeutic approach for targeting CCA cells.
Enhancing Content Validity Assessment With Item Response Theory Modeling
Authors: Schames Kreitchmann Rodrigo , Nájera Pablo , Sanz Susana , Sorrel Miguel Ángel
Published: November 2024

Background::
Ensuring the validity of assessments requires a thorough examination of the test content. Subject matter experts (SMEs) are commonly employed to evaluate the relevance, representativeness, and appropriateness of the items. This article proposes incorporating item response theory (IRT) into model assessments conducted by SMEs. Using IRT allows for the estimation of discrimination and threshold parameters for each SME, providing evidence of their performance in differentiating relevant from irrelevant items, thus facilitating the detection of suboptimal SME performance while improving item relevance scores.

Method: :
Use of IRT was compared to traditional validity indices (content validity index and Aiken's V) in the evaluation of items. The aim was to assess the SMEs’ accuracy in identifying whether items were designed to measure conscientiousness or not, and predicting their factor loadings.

Results::
The IRT-based scores effectively identified conscientiousness items (
= 0.57) and accurately predicted their factor loadings (
= 0.45). These scores demonstrated incremental validity, explaining 11% more variance than Aiken's V and up to 17% more than the content validity index.

Conclusions::
Modeling SME assessments with IRT improves item alignment and provides better predictions of factor loadings, enabling improvement of the content validity of measurement instruments.
Evidence of Validity and Reliability for the Spanish Version of the Self-Identified Stage of Recovery
Authors: Sampietro Hernán María , Barrios Maite , Berrío Ángela I. , Rojo J. Emilio , Guilera Georgina , Gómez-Benito Juana
Published: November 2024

Background::
The Self-Identified Stage of Recovery (SISR) () is a scale used to assess both the stage of recovery (SISR-A) and the components of the process of personal recovery (SISR-B). This study aimed to develop the Spanish version of the SISR and obtain evidence of validity and reliability in a sample of 230 users of community mental health services.

Method::
The Spanish version of the SISR was developed following the translation-back translation procedure, with the support of a committee of experienced experts. The SISR was examined in terms of dimensional structure, internal consistency, relationships with other variables (i.e., the Maryland Recovery Assessment Scale [MARS-12] and the Dispositional Hope Scale [DHS]), and temporal stability ( = 66). Differential item functioning (DIF) by gender was analysed.

Results::
The study confirmed the unidimensionality of the SISR-B and suitable internal consistency of its scores (ω = .83, α = .83). Scores from both SISR-A and SISR-B showed good temporal stability and the SISR-B displayed strong correlations with the MARS-12 (
= .78) and the DHS (
= .67). No DIF was found.

Conclusions::
This study supports the validity and reliability of the scores of the Spanish version of the SISR.
Bullying Victimization Trajectories: Associations With Changes in Social Status Dimensions Within the Classroom Group
Authors: Bravo Ana , Ortega-Ruiz Rosario , Romera Eva M.
Published: November 2024

Background: :
Previous studies have identified the association between classroom social status and bullying victimization, but it remains unclear how different victimization trajectories relate separately to social status dimensions: preference (acceptance and rejection) and popularity (popular and unpopular), and whether there are differences between victimization trajectory groups. This study assumed a longitudinal approach to explore these research questions.

Method: :
A total of 3.182 (50% girls; = 12.55 years at wave 1) students participated in the study.

Results: :
Four bullying victimization trajectory groups were found: high, decreasing, increasing and low in victimization. Multigroup analyses showed that high in victimization group had the worst acceptance, rejection, and unpopularity indexes. The decreasing victimization group increased in acceptance and popularity, whereas the increasing victimization group increased in rejection and popularity.

Conclusions: :
These results underline the importance of considering the different dimensions of social status and their association with victimization trajectories when anti-bullying programs are proposed.
A simplified approach for efficiency analysis of machine learning algorithms
Authors: Sivakumar Muthuramalingam , Parthasarathy Sudhaman , Padmapriya Thiyagarajan
Published: November 2024

The efficiency of machine learning (ML) algorithms plays a critical role in their deployment across various applications, particularly those with resource constraints or real-time requirements. This article presents a comprehensive framework for evaluating ML algorithm efficiency by incorporating metrics, such as training time, prediction time, memory usage, and computational resource utilization. The proposed methodology involves a multistep process: collecting raw metrics, normalizing them, applying the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to determine weights, and computing a composite efficiency score. We applied this framework to two distinct datasets: medical image data and agricultural crop prediction data. The results demonstrate that our approach effectively differentiates algorithm performance based on the specific demands of each application. For medical image analysis, the framework highlights strengths in robustness and adaptability, whereas for agricultural crop prediction, it emphasizes scalability and resource management. This study provides valuable insights into optimizing ML algorithms, and offers a versatile tool for practitioners to assess and enhance algorithmic efficiency across diverse domains.
Infrared and visible image fusion algorithm based on gradient attention residuals dense block
Authors: Luo Yongyu , Luo Zhongqiang
Published: November 2024

The purpose of infrared and visible image fusion is to obtain an image that includes both infrared target and visible information. However, among the existing infrared and visible image fusion methods, some of them give priority to the fusion effect, often with complex design, ignoring the influence of attention mechanisms on deep features, resulting in the lack of visible light texture information in the fusion image. To solve these problems, an infrared and visible image fusion method based on dense gradient attention residuals is proposed in this article. Firstly, squeeze-and-excitation networks are integrated into the gradient convolutional dense block, and a new gradient attention residual dense block is designed to enhance the ability of the network to extract important information. In order to retain more original image information, the feature gradient attention module is introduced to enhance the ability of detail information retention. In the fusion layer, an adaptive weighted energy attention network based on an energy fusion strategy is used to further preserve the infrared and visible details. Through the experimental comparison on the TNO dataset, our method has excellent performance on several evaluation indicators. Specifically, in the indexes of average gradient (AG), information entropy (EN), spatial frequency (SF), mutual information (MI) and standard deviation (SD), our method reached 6.90, 7.46, 17.30, 2.62 and 54.99, respectively, which increased by 37.31%, 6.55%, 32.01%, 8.16%, and 10.01% compared with the other five commonly used methods. These results demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of our method.
Analysing the spatial variation of soil respiration during the early growing season of different grasslands in China
Authors: Liu Jie , Huang Ni , Wang Li , Lin Xiaoyu , Zhu Luying , Niu Zheng , Zhang Yuelin , Duan Wensheng
Published: November 2024

Background

As one of the most essential vegetation types, grasslands play a vital role in the global carbon cycle. However, current researches on the spatial variation (SV) of soil respiration (Rs) in grasslands faces great uncertainties.

Methods

The SV of Rs was analysed by obtaining Rs during the early growing season of three types of grasslands (i.e., alpine meadow, desert steppe, and typical steppe) and related impact factors at 19 sites.

Results

The results demonstrated that during the early growing season, the Rs of the alpine meadow was the highest, followed by the typical steppe and desert steppe. Moreover, soil temperature was the primary factor affecting the SV of Rs in desert steppe. In contrast, soil water content influenced the SV of Rs in typical steppe. This study increases our understanding of the SV of Rs during the early growing season of different grasslands. It provides an important reference for accurately estimating the SV of Rs in grasslands at various time scales.
Prevalence, patterns, and determinants of drug-resistant tuberculosis in Gulf Cooperation Council countries: an updated systematic review
Authors: Alibrahim Alaa , Alqahtani Homoud , Thirunavukkarasu Ashokkumar , Qazi Ibtisam
Published: November 2024

Drug resistance (DR) to antituberculosis drugs is a growing global problem that threatens the successful control of tuberculosis (TB) globally and within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). In the GCC, TB remains a major public health issue. Understanding the prevalence and patterns of drug resistance to antituberculosis drugs is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. Hence, the present systematic review is aimed at assessing the prevalence, pattern, and risk factors of drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) in GCC countries. We conducted this systematic review adhering to the guidelines outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) 2020 Statement. Using the relevant keywords in the major databases, we included peer-reviewed articles that were published from 01 January 2014 and onwards in English language journals. The prevalence and patterns of DR-TB levels in different countries were different. Isoniazid monoresistance was the most commonly found type of resistance, with varying degrees of prevalence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). Risk factors for DR-TB included diabetes mellitus, past TB treatment, younger age, female gender, and renal failure. There was a positive correlation between expatriate status and DR-TB. Collaborative actions by relevant stakeholders are essential to implement evidence-based interventions that reduce the DR-TB burden and improve overall community health. Ongoing research and surveillance activities are necessary for monitoring patterns, identifying new risk factors, and providing focused interventions to lessen the threat of DR-TB on public health in GCC countries.
Off-Farm Activities and Food Security Status: A Study of Smallholder Farmers in Kilifi South Sub-County, Kenya
Authors: Chege J. M. , Wamukota A. W.
Published: November 2024

Food security is critical to the economic, social, religious, political and cultural development worldwide. This study goes deeper to investigate the role of off-farm as a livelihood strategy on food security in Kilifi South Sub-county. This Sub-county is one of the areas where food insecurity incidences are prevalent as a result of unpredictable rainfall patterns, sandy soils and high evaporation rate which as a result leads to numerous undesirable effects, such as frequent crop failure, high food commodity prices and famine. The study adopted survey design. The aim was to identify and analyze the role of off-farm activities on food security status among the smallholder farming community members in Kilifi South Sub-county. The objective of this study is to determine the influence of off-farm activities as a livelihood strategy on household food security status among the smallholder farming community in Kilifi South Sub-county. The study administered a standard questionnaire to a sample of 384. Sampling was done by use of systematic sampling procedure. Data was collected on food security status and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. From the information gathered through personal interviews, to determine the influence of participation in off-farm activities the results indicates that kiosks and green grocers were practiced by 32% food secure, while those selling fish were 25% food secure, those operating commercial motorcycling were 15% food insecure and lastly those selling charcoal were 28% food secure. It was therefore concluded that households involved in off-farm activities were food secure. This shows that although off-farm activities are not promising, they are important component of livelihood strategies. To further enhance food security and improve food security status in Kilifi South Sub-county, engagement in off-farm activities should be encouraged. The findings of this study would be beneficial to leaders, stakeholders and policy makers in decision making process pertaining suitable interventions in attainment of food security in Kilifi South Sub-county.
Audience Preferences and Engagement with FM Radio in Tanzania: A Study of TBC FM and Wasafi FM in Kinondoni, Dar es Salaam
Authors: Jumbe Mambwana S. , Ng’atigwa Francis
Published: November 2024

This study examines the audience listenership preferences of TBC FM and Wasafi FM radio stations in Tanzania, focusing on three key objectives: the types of programs preferred by listeners, the motivations behind their listenership, and the gratification obtained. Grounded in the Uses and Gratifications Theory, the study used a survey design to collect data from radio listeners in Kinondoni Municipality, Dar es Salaam, as this method effectively gathers large amounts of information from many respondents. The findings revealed a predominant preference for entertainment programs, specifically those featuring popular music genres like Bongo Flava, Taarab, and Singeli, as well as sports content. Motivations for listenership included entertainment, relaxation, companionship, and the opportunity to participate via call-ins. Recommendations emphasize the need for FM radio stations to cater more to listeners' preferences for popular music to retain and expand their audience.
Correlation and Path Analysis Studies in Local Germplasm of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)
Authors: Ghule Shubham K. , Bhavsar V. V. , Patil Varad V. , Shaniware Yogesh A. , Ghume Omkar G. , Girase V. S.
Published: November 2024

Sesame is the oilseed crop known as the ‘Poor Man’s Ghee’ due to its higher nutritive value. In present investigation thirty-six local germplasm of sesame were evaluated for ten quantitative characters. The field trial was carried out at Botany Section Farm, College of Agriculture, Dhule during 2023, summer using RBD design with two replications. Ten characters were recorded viz., days to 50 per cent flowering, days to maturity, plant height at maturity, number of primary branches, number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule, 1000 seed weight, oil content, protein content and seed yield per plant. At both genotypic and phenotypic level 1000 seed weight, number of capsules per plant, number of branches per plant, plant height at maturity and number of seeds per capsule showed positive significant correlation with seed yield per plant. While protein content exhibited negative non-significant correlation with seed yield at both genotypic and phenotypic level. In path analysis number of capsules per plant, 1000 seed weight, number of seeds per capsule showed high positive direct effect on seed yield. Indirect effect of number of capsules on seed yield via, number of primary branches and 1000 seed weight is high and positive.
Assessments of Nutritional Profile and Shelflife of Cuisines Sold in Selected Restaurants for Family Consumption in Urban-Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: A. O Oloyede , A. C Olagunju , B. D Olaniyan , A. A Lameed , T. I. Akinremi , R.O Olarinde
Published: November 2024

Family sustainability necessitates adequate consumption of nutritious foods; however, in recent times, most families are preoccupied with various activities as a result of westernization, which introduced the work-family system, leaving them with insufficient time to cook at home, prompting them to visit Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) for their meals. As a result, this study assessed the nutritional composition of some QSR cuisines consumed by families in Ibadan. Five out of teneateries in located in Challenge and Awololowo Avenue area both located in urban-Ibadan Oyo State were selected. The sample foods for the study were collected in take-away            packs as consumed in the eateries, including Amala with ewedu, Chicken and offals were subjected to proximate analysis [Crude fibre (CF) and protein] and evaluation of the microbial load [Total Bacterial Count (TBC)] to determine their nutritional composition (NC) and shelf life respectively as described by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (2010). Offals had the least content of CF at 0.30%, while chicken (10.0%) had the highest. Meats (51.25 and 41.5%, chicken and offal, respectively) had the highest percentage of protein, while Amala (10.0%) had the least. There was no trace of TBC on the zero-day except Amala with <1 unit, but it continued growing and multiplying till day3 with more than 4units.This study sheds light on the nutritional value of popular Nigerian cuisines, thereby promoting balanced and diverse dietary options for families in Ibadan, Nigeria. The findings emphasize the importance of considering both NC and shelflife for a holistic understanding of the nutritional value of cuisines from QSR. The findings also highlight the need for public health efforts to promote safe and balanced use of QSR meals in family diets.
Navigating the Complexities of Climate Justice: The Loss and Damage Fund in Focus
Authors: Waggy Mohmad Maqbool , Sharma Mukesh Kumar
Published: November 2024

Climate change has intensified the propensity of frequent and severe weather events and disasters, causing loss and damage to the lives and livelihoods of millions across the globe. However, least responsible for climate change, developing states are more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The Loss and Damage Fund established in the Conference of Parties by the member states of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change marks a notable achievement for developing states because it provides support to developing states that require assistance in adjusting to the impacts of climate change and enhancing their ability to withstand challenges. This paper seeks to examine the Loss and Damage Fund within the broader framework of climate justice to explore its prospects and challenges in its appropriation to the needs of vulnerable states. This paper will employ a qualitative research approach to evaluate the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund and its intricacies in financial and governance mechanisms. This paper examines the governance and financial challenges of the Loss and Damage Fund, focusing on accountability, fund allocation criteria, and equitable access for vulnerable states.
Identification of Compounds in the Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Hyptis suaveolens Leaves by HPLC-ESI- Q-TOF -MS/ MS Analysis
Authors: Kalo Mabintou , N’Tamon Amon Diane Marina , Soumahoro Brahima , Sanou Ali , Atché Philatryho , Soro Yaya , Attioua Barthélémy
Published: November 2024

Hyptis suaveolens is a plant of Ivory Coast flora.  Preliminary studies have shown that the plant's leaves possess multiple medicinal properties, certainly due to the presence of terpenic and phenolic compounds. Yet, the plant's leaves compounds structures have been fewest elucidated. This study aim to determine the structures of a number of known compounds present in the ethyl acetate fraction obtained from the hydroethanol extract of Hyptis suaveolens leaves. Thus, fifteen known compounds structures were identified in ethyl acetate fraction of the plant's leaves by dereplication method. Nine of these compounds, are phenolic compounds and the others are terpenoids. Five of these compounds had not yet been elucidated in the leaves of Hyptis suaveolens. All these bioactive molecules in Hyptis suaveolens leaves makes this plant an alternative for combating many diseases caused by oxidative stress.
Barriers and Opportunities in Harnessing Geothermal Energy: A Case Study of East Africa
Authors: Mutumba Geoffrey Ssebabi , Twinamasiko Emmanuel , Kifanta Sanday , Lule Simon , Erugu Elijah
Published: November 2024

This paper examines geothermal energy applications and development in East Africa. With a large geothermal power potential of 30,000MW, about 5% of this potential has been developed in the region. This study uses secondary data to review source documents, empirical literature and archival information, which was triangulated to obtain greater truths. The findings are that geothermal energy is mainly used for power generation and other direct uses. The outstanding barriers are mainly political, economic, socio-cultural, technological environmental and legal regulatory that should be overcome to achieve robust industrialisation among member countries. The prospects include Reliable Power generation, Diversified clean energy source, employment and direct uses. The concluding remarks include suggesting a policy shift to geothermal power as a clean energy option that is a credible source for sustainable industrialisation. There should be a renewable effort to train human resource, set up geothermal policy to fast truck power development options. This study investigates and brings forth the developments in the geothermal power development. It also highlights the drivers and barriers to geothermal development. It also brings possible policy measures to the social and economic planners in expanding the renewable energy sector.
Challenges, Approaches & Applications of Orotransmucosal Drug Delivery System
Authors: Mahmud Hasan , Himi Afnan Sayeid , Rana Md. Sohel , Kamrunnahar  , Rifat Md. Muhtamim Hussain , Islam Swarnali
Published: November 2024

Orotransmucosal drug delivery is an alternative method used for a systemic drug delivery system. It is used as a favored route for non-parenteral administration of emergency drugs and agents. It can be used both for lipid-soluble and water-soluble drugs. It increases drug solubility and reduces in permeability of the lipid bilayer membrane. Mucosal surfaces are often rich in blood supply, allowing for rapid drug transport into the systemic circulation and in most cases avoiding degradation by first-pass hepatic metabolism. These systems contact with absorbent surfaces improves absorption at the application site and increases dwell time. It involves several physiological features of the oral cavity. Technical difficulties and biological impediments can be used as broad categories to group oral administration issues. Orotransmucosal drug delivery system uses an absorption rate four times that of the skin. It is easily accessible and heals rapidly from trauma and injury. It has a smaller surface area than the skin and can only be exposed for brief periods of time. Thus, this delivery method is the best for medications with high therapeutic potency. Efficient orotransmucosal drug delivery can be achieved in the oral cavity's buccal, sublingual, palatal and gingival regions. Mastication or chewing food can improve or impair medication absorption in the oral cavity. Mucoadhesive drug delivery systems can be lost or damaged when used to fill chewing gum with drugs that are released when the chewing gum is chewed. This report also provides input for future orotransmucosal drug developments to treat oral mucosa diseases.
Ultrahigh EQE (15%) Solar‐Blind UV Photovoltaic Detector with Organic–Inorganic Heterojunction via Dual Built‐In Fields Enhanced Photogenerated Carrier Separation Efficiency Mechanism
Authors: Zhang Dan , Zheng Wei , Lin Richeng , Li Yuqiang , Huang Feng
Published: April 2019

A new strategy of constructing an additional heterojunction on the surface of epitaxially grown Ga2O3 film with a distorted lattice is proposed to solve the problem of low external quantum efficiency (EQE) in traditional Ga2O3 heterojunction photovoltaic devices. Experimentally, an organic–inorganic hybrid poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate/Ga2O3/p‐type Si solar‐blind ultraviolet (SBUV) photovoltaic detector is constructed to achieve an ultrahigh EQE of ≈15% at 0 V bias, which is 1–2 orders of magnitude higher than that of the Ga2O3 photovoltaic devices reported previously. Here, an enhanced mechanism of photogenerated carrier separation efficiency induced by dual built‐in fields is proposed to explain the high EQE of Ga2O3 SBUV photovoltaic devices. In addition, the organic–inorganic hybrid detector displays a high SBUV–visible rejection ratio (R255 nm/R405 nm of ≈450) and fast response speed (rise time of 60 ms and decay time of 88 ms). All these results indicate that the strategy proposed could provide reference for the fabrication of high‐performance Ga2O3 SBUV photovoltaic detectors.
Superplastic Air‐Dryable Graphene Hydrogels for Wet‐Press Assembly of Ultrastrong Superelastic Aerogels with Infinite Macroscale
Authors: Yang Hongsheng , Li Zengling , Sun Guoqiang , Jin Xuting , Lu Bing , Zhang Panpan , Lin Tengyu , Qu Liangti
Published: April 2019

Highly compressible graphene‐based monoliths with excellent mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties hold great potential as multifunctional structural materials to realize the targets of energy‐efficiency, comfort, and safety for buildings, vehicles, aircrafts, etc. Unfortunately, the ultralow mechanical strength and limited macroscale have hampered their practical applications. Herein, ultrastrong superelastic graphene aerogel with infinite macroscale is obtained by a facile wet‐press assembly strategy based on the novel superplastic air‐dryable graphene hydrogel (SAGH). The SAGH with isotropic, open‐cell, and highly porous microstructure is carefully designed by a dual‐template sol–gel method. Countless SAGH “bricks” can be assembled together orderly by press to form the strongly combined wet‐press assembled graphene aerogel (WAGA) “wall” after air‐drying. The WAGA with highly oriented, dense, multiple‐arch microstructure possesses arbitrary macroscale, outstanding compressive strength (47 MPa, over 10 times higher than the best ever reported), super elasticity (>97% strain), and high conductivity (378 S m−1). The strong adhesion is attributed to the tightly face‐to‐face contacted graphene interfaces caused by wet‐press and air‐drying. The WAGAs prove to be excellent multifunctional structural materials in the fields of high pressure/strain sensor, tunable mechanical energy absorber, high‐performance fire‐resistance, and thermal insulation. This facile strategy is easily extended to fabricate other similar metamaterials.
Gravure Printed Ultrathin Dielectric for Low Voltage Flexible Organic Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Vaklev Nikolay L. , Steinke Joachim H. G. , Campbell Alasdair J.
Published: April 2019

Organic electronics requires dielectrics which can be processed over large areas at low temperature in ambient using simple solution based techniques. Here a crosslinkable acrylate‐based organic dielectric is reported, which is gravure printable on plastic substrates, patternable by conventional photolithography, and can form electrically functional films at thicknesses below 100 nm. Capacitors are successfully fabricated with film thicknesses of 50 and 70 nm, and organic field effect transistors with thicknesses of 70 nm, transistors with gold contacts patterned by lift‐off on top of the dielectric followed by spin‐cast 6,13‐bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl)‐pentacene showing near ideal behavior at operating voltages as low as −1 V. Importantly saturation, a requirement for digital logic, in transistors is achieved with gate lengths of 2.7 µm, at the limit of conventional photolithography. This demonstrates that such materials have potential in flexible organic electronic devices requiring digital signal processing and low voltages.
Microfluidic‐Release Insertion Shuttle Designed for Implanting Flexible Biomedical Electronic Devices into Live Bodies
Authors: Kwon Minjeong , Song Kwangsun , Jung Dongwuk , Lee Jongho
Published: April 2019

Implantable biomedical devices in flexible forms are attractive as they are more mechanically compatible with soft live tissues than rigid implants. The flexible implants can bend comfortably instead of delivering stress or strain to the surrounding live tissues when they are exposed to external stresses. However, because of the nature of the mechanical properties, the flexible biomedical implants have one important drawback, difficulty in handling the floppy implants without bending or wrinkling when inserting through small incision of live tissues. Here, the microfluidic‐release insertion shuttle is presented, which delivers flexible implants through the live tissues with added stiffness and releases the implants by dissolving a temporary adhesive layer with controlled infusing releasing solution through the structures such as post array and microfluidic channel. Experimental studies with variations in design parameters such as radii and pitches of the post array provide design guidance of the insertion shuttle. The results include in vivo experiments with functional flexible electronic implants into a live pig animal model to demonstrate feasibility of the concept.
Co‐Modified MoS2 Hybrids as Superior Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Water Splitting Reactions: Integrating Multiple Active Components in One
Authors: Zhao Zhong‐Yin , Li Fei‐Long , Shao Qi , Huang Xiaoqing , Lang Jian‐Ping
Published: April 2019

The development of highly active, stable, low‐cost, and earth‐abundant electrocatalysts for both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) remains a great challenge. Herein, the cobalt (Co)‐modified MoS2 hybrid catalysts grown on nickel foam (NF) are successfully synthesized by a facile solvothermal method. The optimized catalyst (denoted as Co‐Mo‐S‐2/NF) shows excellent HER activity with low overpotentials of 77 and 96 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2, as well as excellent stability with negligible loss of the cathodic current after 3000 cycles in 1.0 M KOH and 1.0 M phosphate‐buffered saline (pH = 7), respectively. Significantly, when used as OER catalyst, the Co‐Mo‐S‐2/NF hybrid also displays outstanding OER activity with a low overpotential of 294 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and good long‐term stability for 120 h at 10 mA cm−2 without observable fading under alkaline condition. The excellent electrocatalytic activity of the generated catalyst is mainly due to abundant active site, large active area, improved conductivity, and synergistic effect within MoS2, Co9S8, and CoMoS3.13. This work provides a unique strategy to design the high‐performance and stable electrocatalysts for HER and OER.
Fluorescent Fluid in 3D‐Printed Microreactors for the Acceleration of Photocatalytic Reactions
Authors: Zhang Lijing , Zhu Zhigang , Liu Bofan , Li Chong , Yu Yongxian , Tao Shengyang , Li Tingju
Published: April 2019

The photochemical microreactor has been a burgeoning field with important application in promoting photocatalytic reactions. The integration of light‐converting media and microflow chemistry renders new opportunity for efficient utilization of light and high conversion rate. However, the flexibility of emission light wavelength regulation and the universality of the microreactor remain significant problems to be solved. Here, a photochemical microreactor filled with fluorescent fluid is fabricated by a 3D printing technique. The light‐converting medium in the fluorescent fluid is used to collect and convert light, and then delivers light energy to the embedded continuous‐flow reaction channels to promote the chemical reaction process. With the merits of flowability, different light‐converting media can be replaced, making it a general tool for photocatalytic reactions in rapid screening, parameters optimization, and kinetic mechanism research.
Cutting‐edge strategies for borderline resectable pancreatic cancer
Authors: Shinde Rajesh S. , Bhandare Manish , Chaudhari Vikram , Shrikhande Shailesh V.
Published: April 2019

Worldwide, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) accounts for more than 400 000 deaths every year, being the 12th most common cancer and the seventh most frequent cause of death from cancer. Regardless of the advances in diagnosis and treatment, PDAC continues to have dismal outcomes and fewer than 25% of patients survive for 1 year. In the absence of metastatic disease, radical surgery remains the most important factor for improving survival and possibly offer cure. However, approximately 80% of patients cannot be offered surgery owing to locally advanced or metastatic disease at presentation. At presentation, only 10%–20% patients are eligible for resection, 30%–40% are unresectable/locally advanced and 50%–60% are metastatic. One promising development in recent years has been the inclusion of a new subgroup within the locally advanced tumors of borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC) comprising approximately 5%–10% of the total patient population. Although its exact definition has been refined over the past few years depending on the vascular involvement around the tumor, the term was initially proposed for tumors that are at a high risk of having margin positivity after resection. Various treatment approaches are still evolving for this entity. Herein, we reviewed the current status of different treatment modalities for BRPC.
A virtual assessment of the proposed suprainiac fossa on the early modern European calvaria from Cioclovina, Romania
Authors: Bosman Abel Marinus , Harvati Katerina
Published: April 2019

Objectives

The calvaria from Cioclovina (Romania) has been argued to possess some traits commonly ascribed to individuals belonging to the Neanderthal lineage, including a suprainiac fossa. However, its supranuchal morphology has only been evaluated with a qualitative analysis of the ectocranial surface. We evaluate whether the morphology of the supranuchal area of this specimen is homologous to the Neanderthal condition.

Materials and Methods

We described in detail the external morphology, and, using computed tomography, investigated the internal morphology of the Cioclovina supranuchal area. We took measurements of the internal structures and calculated their relative contributions to total cranial vault thickness, which were compared to published data and evaluated with a principal component analysis (PCA).

Results

The Cioclovina supranuchal region is characterized by superficial resorption present on the outer layer of the external table. Neither the diploic layer nor the external table decrease in relative thickness in the area above inion. In the PCA, Cioclovina falls within the convex hulls of recent modern Homo sapiens.

Discussion

Our results show that the morphology of the Cioclovina supranuchal region does not correspond to the external and internal morphology of the typical Neanderthal suprainiac fossa. It cannot be characterized as a depression but rather as an area presenting superficial bone turnover. Together with earlier results, there is little phenotypic evidence that Cioclovina has high levels of Neanderthal ancestry. Our study demonstrates the usefulness of this quantitative method in assessing proposed Neanderthal‐like suprainiac depressions in Upper Paleolithic and other fossil specimens.
Ab Initio Simulation of Ta2O5: A High Symmetry Ground State Phase with Application to Interface Calculation
Authors: Yuan Jun‐Hui , Xue Kan‐Hao , Chen Qi , Fonseca Leonardo R. C. , Miao Xiang‐Shui
Published: April 2019

It is reported that the recently predicted triclinic γ‐phase ground state Ta2O5 by Yang and Kawazoe can be assigned a much more symmetric I41/amd space group, and is isomorphic to P‐Nb2O5. Interestingly, the well‐known high temperature α‐phase Ta2O5 also has the I41/amd symmetry, but is unstable at zero temperature according to our phonon dispersion calculation. A thorough energy comparison of the βAL, δ, λ, Β, LSR, βR, Pm, Cmmm, γ, and α phases of Ta2O5 is carried out using density functional theory under the generalized gradient approximation (GGA). The GGA‐1/2 method is applied in calculating the electronic structure of various phases, where the tetragonal γ‐phase demonstrates a 4.24 eV indirect band gap, close to experimental value. The high symmetry tetragonal phase together with computationally efficient GGA‐1/2 method greatly facilitates the ab initio simulation of Ta2O5‐based devices. As an example, the Ohmic contact nature between metal Ta and Ta2O5 by calculating an interface model of b.c.c. Ta and tetragonal γ‐Ta2O5, using GGA‐1/2 has been explicitly shown.
An All‐Inorganic Colloidal Nanocrystal Flexible Polarizer
Authors: Zhang Simin , Shi Wenxiong , Siegler Timothy D. , Gao Xiaoqing , Ge Feng , Korgel Brian A. , He Yan , Li Shuzhou , Wang Xun
Published: April 2019

Inorganic single crystals with anisotropic structures usually suffer from high brittleness and stiffness. Flexible polymers are used to replace inorganic crystals, but the hot‐stretching‐induced orientation process is tedious, and oriented molecular chains tend to revert to random coils during aging. To overcome these obstacles and using the similarities between sub‐1 nm nanowires (NWs) and linear polymers, we successfully fabricated anisotropic, transparent, flexible, and stable (ATFS) NW films with great potential for optical applications through a wet‐spinning method. The NW films show birefringence, and their birefractive index is higher than that of many polymers. They also showed polarized absorption of UV light and anisotropic scattering of visible light. The integrated films composed of NWs and quantum dots showed good fluorescence polarization. The tedious synthesis of quantum rods and fabrication of oriented polymer films can thus be avoided.
Quantum dots‐based chemiluminescence probes: an overview
Authors: Song Hongjie , Su Yingying , Zhang Lichun , Lv Yi
Published: April 2019

This mini‐review describes the recent developments in quantum dots‐based nanoprobes in liquid‐phase chemiluminescence (CL) analysis. In the referenced reports, multiple quantum dots (QDs) were adopted as final emission species either after direct oxidation reactions (direct CL) or after chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer (indirect CL). This review does not include papers in which QDs have been used as enhancers, catalysts, carriers or quenchers in chemiluminescence systems. A brief overview on the CL mechanisms of various QDs‐based nanoprobes and their analytical applications over the last decade is given, followed by comments on the future challenges and prospects in this field.