bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polyurethane‐layered double hydroxide nanocomposite foam: in situ synthesis by reaction injection molding and characterization
Authors: Mukherjee Moumita , Mandal Sujata , Gnanasundaram Saraswathy , Das Bhabendra Nath
Published: January 2022

In the present work, a series of polyurethane ayered double hydroxide (PU‐LDH) nanocomposite molded foams were developed using Mg/Al LDH as the chemical blowing agent. Morphological, physicochemical, thermal and mechanical characterizations were performed to elucidate the mechanistic insight of the chemical blowing effect of the LDH and subsequently its enhanced blowing (foam formation) property. The characterization of standard urethane peaks by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy attenuated total reflectance (FTIR‐ATR) studies confirmed PU foam formation. The DSC thermogram of all the PU‐LDH nanocomposite foams shows a low temperature glass transition for the soft segment (Tg) and a high temperature peak related to the hard segment. The TGA and DSC studies also reveal an improved phase separation behavior of the nanocomposite foam with increase in LDH content. The volume of the foam generated is increased with increase in LDH. The developed PU‐LDH nanocomposite foams are flexible and light weight. The results demonstrate that LDH can be an alternative cost effective and environmentally friendly blowing agent, whilst supporting other thermal, mechanical and chemical properties through synergistic optimization for the intended/specific application. © 2022 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Test use and assessment practices of school psychology training programs: Findings from a 2020 survey of US faculty
Authors: Lockwood Adam B. , Benson Nicholas , Farmer Ryan L. , Klatka Kelsey
Published: January 2022

The last comprehensive study to examine the assessment practices promoted by school psychology programs was published 25 years ago (i.e., Wilson & Reschly, 1996). Since then, significant changes to assessment theory and practice have occurred. Data from a 2020 survey of directors of school psychology programs were collected to gain an understanding of current graduate training in test use and assessment. Results were compared to a current survey of practitioners as well as past surveys of trainers. Results indicate that the assessment instruments used most frequently by practitioners tend to be those that are strongly emphasized in training programs. There were significant changes over time, most notably a large increase in the extent to which programs emphasize rating scales. Programs continue to strongly emphasize standardized, norm‐referenced tests, particularly tests of cognitive abilities and academic achievement. Programs also continue to emphasize behavioral observation methods. In contrast to our expectations, results also reveal a persistent emphasis on low‐value instruments such as projective tests. The implications of these findings for training and practice are discussed.
Insights into end‐capped modifications effect on the photovoltaic and optoelectronic properties of S‐shaped fullerene‐free acceptor molecules: A density functional theory computational study for organic solar cells
Authors: Haroon Muhammad , Al‐Saadi Abdulaziz A. , Janjua Muhammad Ramzan Saeed Ashraf
Published: January 2022

Non‐fused ring electron acceptors with different end‐capped substituents were designed to construct efficient organic solar cells (OSCs). End‐capped modification of acceptor materials is an efficient approach for developing high performance OSCs. In this report, five new S‐shaped fullerene‐free acceptor molecules (3P1 to 3P5) have been designed and examined through density function and time‐dependent density functional theories (TD‐DFTs). Designed molecules have twisted backbone with different out‐of‐plane rings that cause high solubility in dilute solvent. Different optoelectronic and photovoltaic properties of newly designed S‐shape molecules have been examined and explored through DFT tools. Orientation of frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs), light absorption range, exciton binding energy (Eb), oscillating strength (f), open circuit voltage (Voc), and transition density matrix (TDM) analysis have been performed for 3P1 to 3P5 molecules. Further, electron and hole reorganization energies are also estimated with excitation energy. Results of different computed parameters have recommended that these designed molecules are effective contributors for possible applications in the field of OSCs.
Factors associated with successful extubation following the first course of systemic dexamethasone in ventilator‐dependent preterm infants with or at risk of developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: O'Connor Kristin , Hurst Cameron , Llewellyn Stacey , Davies Mark
Published: January 2022

Objectives

We aimed to identify factors present at the start of an initial course of systemic dexamethasone that would be associated with successful extubation in mechanically ventilated neonates <30 weeks gestational age (GA) with or at risk of developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).

Methods

We studied a retrospective cohort of neonates (23+0−29+6 weeks GA), with or at risk of developing BPD, prescribed their first course of systemic dexamethasone to aid in extubation from mechanical ventilation. The data collected only pertained to the first course of dexamethasone. Neonates given dexamethasone for airway edema were not included. The primary outcome of interest was successful extubation (i.e., extubated within 14 days of starting dexamethasone and remaining extubated for at least 7 days). Binary logistic regression was employed.

Results

A total of 287 neonates were included. Each additional week of GA at birth led to a 1.53 increase in the odds of successful extubation (95% CI: 1.122–2.096, p < 0.01). Higher average fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) requirements in the preceding 24 h resulted in a 0.94 decrease in the odds of successful extubation (p < 0.05) and higher mean airway pressure (MAP) resulted in 0.76 decrease in odds of successful extubation (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Mechanically ventilated neonates with or at risk of developing BPD, born at <30 week GA and initiated on dexamethasone to facilitate extubation, had a lower likelihood of successful extubation by Day 14 if they had younger GA at birth, and at the time of commencing steroids had higher MAPs and had higher oxygen requirements.
A rare case of common variable immunodeficiency and hepatopulmonary syndrome
Authors: Lawton Emily , Holmes‐Liew Chien‐Li
Published: January 2022

Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is the triad of liver disease, hypoxia and intrapulmonary shunt. In this case report, we describe an immunocompromised female with a background of common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) who presented with haemoptysis and dyspnoea. Investigations demonstrated significant hypoxaemia and intrapulmonary right‐to‐left shunting. Further evidence revealed advanced liver cirrhosis, and a diagnosis of HPS was made. This extremely rare association of CVID and HPS is one of the few cases reported in the literature.
Embedded control of cell growth using tunable genetic systems
Authors: Fusco Virginia , Salzano Davide , Fiore Davide , di Bernardo Mario
Published: January 2022

We present an embedded feedback control strategy to regulate the density of a microbial population, that is, the number of cells into a given environment, allowing cells to self‐regulate their growth rate so as to reach a desired density at steady state. We consider a static culture condition, where cells are provided with a limited amount of space and nutrients. The control strategy is built using a tunable expression system (TES), which controls the production of a growth inhibitor protein, complemented with a quorum sensing mechanism for the sensing of the population density. We show via a simplified population‐level model that the TES endows the control system with additional flexibility by allowing the set‐point to be changed online. Finally, we validate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy by means of realistic in silico experiments conducted in BSim, an agent‐based simulator explicitly designed to simulate bacterial populations, and we test the robustness of our design to disturbances and parameters' variations due, for instance, to cell‐to‐cell variability.
Distributive hydraulic engineering, cross‐scale landscape planning, and climate change resilience: On the water‐adaptive strategy in the Huai'an–Yangzhou Section of China's Grand Canal
Authors: Xu Liyan , Peng Xiao , Jiang Hezhishi , An Xingrui , Xi Xuesong
Published: January 2022

Water system plays a key role in the coupled human‐nature system, and ancient people's experiences to build a water‐adaptative way of life still shed light on human's pursuit for climate resilience today with their innate traditional ecological wisdom. In this paper, taking the Huai'an‐Yangzhou Section of China's Grand Canal, and particularly its hydraulic engineering system as an example, we show the system's success in addressing the multi‐dimensional challenges in a historical geographical context, as well as its landscape‐shaping power across the entire lower Yellow‐Huai River Basin up until today. Therefore, we argue that the system is not merely a hydraulic engineering project, but a cross‐scale adaptive strategy that has deeply impacted generations of people's way of livelihood with its intrinsic resilient nature. We attribute the success to the advantages brought about by the “distributive hydraulic engineering” approach, which is reflected in the ancient Grand Canal‐management, over the “master‐structure dependent” approach which appears to be the common practice in modern hydraulic engineering. For testing the hypothesis, we build complex system models representing the two approaches with the Qingkou Hydraulic Nexus as an example, and by running long‐term simulation, we evaluate the performance of the two approaches with respect to long‐term resilience. We show from a complex network perspective that the former has significant flexibility advantages, and outperforms the former in multi‐goal fulfillment capacities and long‐term resilience especially under a low‐tech, tight resource constraints condition. We conclude the paper with discussions on the implications of the findings, and argue that though with limitations, the traditional ecological wisdom as reflected in the Grand Canal case, with its holistic approach and flexibility design, still sheds lights on today's large‐scale hydraulic engineering projects that pursue a resilient solution for long‐term adaptive survival for the mankind.
Calculations of electron inelastic mean free paths. XIII. Data for 14 organic compounds and water over the 50 eV to 200 keV range with the relativistic full Penn algorithm
Authors: Shinotsuka Hiroshi , Tanuma Shigeo , Powell Cedric J.
Published: January 2022

We have calculated inelastic mean free paths (IMFPs) for 14 organic compounds (26‐n‐paraffin, adenine, β‐carotene, diphenyl‐hexatriene, guanine, Kapton, polyacetylene, poly (butene‐1‐sulfone), polyethylene, polymethylmethacrylate, polystyrene, poly(2‐vinylpyridine), thymine, and uracil) and liquid water for electron energies from 50 eV to 200 keV with the relativistic full Penn algorithm including the correction of the bandgap effect in insulators. These calculations were made with energy‐loss functions (ELFs) obtained from measured optical constants and from calculated atomic scattering factors for X‐ray energies. Our calculated IMFPs could be fitted to a modified form of the relativistic Bethe equation for inelastic scattering of electrons in matter from 50 eV to 200 keV. The average root‐mean‐square (RMS) deviation in these fits was 0.17%. The IMFPs were also compared with a relativistic version of our predictive Tanuma–Powell–Penn (TPP‐2M) equation. The average RMS deviation in these comparisons was 7.2% for energies between 50 eV and 200 keV. This average RMS deviation is smaller than that found in a similar comparison for our group of 41 elemental solids (11.9%) and for our group of 42 inorganic compounds (10.7%) for the same energy range. We found generally satisfactory agreement between our calculated IMFPs and values from other calculations for energies between 200 eV and 10 keV. We also found reasonable agreement between our IMFPs for organic compounds and measured IMFPs for energies between 50 eV and 200 keV. Substantial progress for IMFP measurements for liquid water has been made in recent years through the invention of liquid water microjet photoelectron spectroscopy and droplet photoelectron imaging. We found that the IMFPs from these experiments and the associated analyses were larger than our IMFPs by factors between two and four for energies between about 30 eV and 1000 eV. The energy dependences of the measured IMFPs are, however, similar to that of our IMFPs in the same energy range. Since IMFPs calculated from the same algorithm for a number of inorganic compounds agree reasonably well with measured IMFPs for energies between 100 eV and 200 keV, the large differences between IMFPs for water from recent experiments and our results are surprising and need to be resolved with additional experiments.
Investigation of Active Compounds of Brucea Javanica In Treating Hypertension Using A Network Pharmacology‐Based Analysis Combined with Homology Modeling, Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Arwansyah Arwansyah , Arif Abdur Rahman , Ramli Irwan , Hasrianti Hasrianti , Kurniawan Isman , Ambarsari Laksmi , Sumaryada Tony Ibnu , Taiyeb Mushawwir
Published: January 2022

Hypertension is a disease that can increase the risk of stroke, cardiovascular, and heart failure. In this letter, we investigated the potency of active compounds of Brucea javanica (BJ) in treating hypertension by using network pharmacology combined with several in silico approaches, including molecular docking, homology modeling and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Twenty protein targets at the intersection of BJ and hypertension were identified by using network pharmacology. We found that peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARG) was the first‐degree rank that might strongly connect with the disease. Therefore, the tertiary structure of PPARG, generated using homology modeling, was assigned as a receptor. In docking analysis, two ligands, i. e., Javanicin and Yadanziolide A, could be potential inhibitors for PPARG due to the higher binding energy score than the control (Hydrochlorothiazide). To confirm the stability of the ligand‐receptor complex in water solvent, MD simulation was performed. We found that complexes 1 and 2 reached stable structures during the simulation indicated by no significant fluctuation in the validation parameters. Furthermore, based on the binding energies calculated by Molecular Mechanics‐Generalized Born Surface Area (MM‐GBSA), we confirm that the ligands of these complexes strongly bind to the catalytic site of the receptor. This points out the potency of these complexes as promising drugs against hypertension targeting PPARG.
An Overview of the Synthesis of Biologically Active Cyclodepsipeptides
Authors: Farah Harra Ismi , Supratman Unang , Hidayat Ace Tatang , Maharani Rani
Published: January 2022

Cyclodepsipeptide are a class of natural cyclic peptides that have a wide range of biological activities, hence the potential to be developed as new drug candidates. Cyclodpesipeptides comprise a backbone of amide bonds and at least one ester moiety, thus are complex and challenging to synthesis. Generally, cyclodepsipeptides are synthesised via solid‐phase peptide synthesis, solution‐phase or a combination of solid and solution‐phase. Currently, solid‐phase peptide synthesis is more in demand, but it also has several challenges in its application especially for the cyclodepsipeptide that contains N‐methylated residues, as well as solution‐phase peptide synthesis tends to have a longer reaction step. Therefore, the combination of solid and solution‐phase peptide synthesis is a better alternative. This review discusses the synthetic strategies for cyclodepsipeptides including the preparation of precursor and macrocyclization.
Synthesis of a Two‐Dimensional MXene Modified by Chloroacetic Acid and Its Adsorption of Uranium
Authors: Xie Lan , Yan Jia , Liu Zhen , Wen Huixiang , Liu Pengfei , Liu Huijun
Published: January 2022

As nuclear energy industry develops, uranium plays an important role as the main raw material of nuclear reactor, but it inevitably produces more and more nuclear waste. MXenes are a promising material for the treatment of nuclear waste, but it remains a challenge to address the stacking and oxidability of materials for the treatment of nuclear waste. In this study, carboxyl groups were connected to the surface of Ti3C2Tx, which improved the interlayer distance and adsorption capacity for uranium of the material. Characterization methods including XRD, FT‐IR, BET, SEM and TG were used to analyze the material, which confirmed the successful synthesis of the materials. Under the conditions of pH 5.0, C0=80 mg L−1, T=308 K, the maximum adsorption quantity of C‐TC material for uranium reached 165.43 mg g−1. The adsorption reaction of uranium conformed to the quasi‐second‐order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm model, belonged to chemical monolayer adsorption. This research provided an effective strategy for the modification of MXene nanosheets and a new option for the treatment of nuclear waste.
Quest for Zinc Methoxyisoporphyrin Molecules: Experimental and Theoretical Studies
Authors: Borah Karishma Devi , Yamang Hano , Singh N. Ghanashyam , Bhuyan Jagannath
Published: January 2022

This study describes the synthesis, characterization and theoretical studies of two new zinc isoporphyrin compounds, [5‐(methoxy)‐5,10,15,20‐tetrakis(4‐hydroxy)‐5,15H‐porphinato]zinc(II) 1 b, and [5‐(methoxy)‐5,10,15,20‐tetrakis(4‐methyl)‐5,15H‐porphinato]zinc(II) 2 b. Meso‐tetra(4‐hydroxyphenyl)zinc porphyrin, [ZnT(4‐OH)PP], 1 a and, meso‐tetra(4‐methylphenyl)zinc porphyrin, [ZnT(4‐CH3)PP] 2 a were used as a parent porphyrins to synthesize the respective isoporphyrin complexes in the presence of ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) in methanol medium. The synthesized isoporphyrin compounds are characterized using all standard spectroscopic techniques like UV‐Visible, IR, 1HNMR, and ESI‐Mass spectrometric method. Theoretical calculations at the DFT level was performed to understand the properties and reactivity of the isoporphyrins. To get some insight into the mechanism of isoporphyrin formation via zinc porphyrin dication, the geometry of zinc porphyrin dication [ZnT(4‐OH)PP]++ was optimized and the distribution of Mulliken charge in the dication ring was calculated. The higher positive charge at the meso C‐atoms of the zinc porphyrin dication with respect to other ring carbon atoms supports the proposed nucleophilic attack at the meso carbon of the dication. The DFT calculations studied here is suitable to understand the mechanism of formation of isoporphyrins in the presence of nucleophiles, unique electronic spectra, and redox properties of isoporphyrins.
Stereoselective Formal Synthesis of Platencin
Authors: Hsu Day‐Shin , Hwang Tai‐Yun
Published: January 2022

A stereoselective formal synthesis of platencin was accomplished from bromophenol 8 in eleven synthetic steps with 6 % overall yield. The intramolecular Diels‐Alder reaction of masked o‐benzoquinone, intramolecular aldol condensation, and stereoselective hydrogenation were the key steps in the construction of the tricyclic core of platencin.
Ultrastable Anion Catechol Frameworks (ACFs) of Pentiptycene‐based Quad(catechol) Through Decavalent Hydrogen Bond
Authors: Yang Pan , He Lin , Wang Youfu
Published: January 2022

Anion coordination are silimar with metal coordination to direct the formation of ordered structures from samll building blocks through hydrogen bonds. However, the diversity and stablity of the reported anion coordinaion frameworks (ACFs) are limited. Herein, we designed and synthesized a new shape‐persistent catechol ligand, azazcene‐bridged pentiptycene with four catechol moieties, compound 1. The compound 1 with four catechol moieties as hydrogen bond donors and four nitrogen atoms as hydrogen bond acceptors will form more hydrogen bonds with anion ions or compound 1 itself to boost the development of anion catechol frameworks (ACFs). The obtained crystalline ACF possesses staggered hexagonal pores through decavalent hydrogen bond and exhibits excellent thermal and water stability in harsh conditions.
Building Homogenous Li2TiO3 Coating Layer on Primary Particles to Stabilize Li‐Rich Mn‐Based Cathode Materials
Authors: Liu Jiuding , Wu Zhonghan , Yu Meng , Hu Honglu , Zhang Yudong , Zhang Kai , Du Zexue , Cheng Fangyi , Chen Jun
Published: January 2022

Li‐rich Mn‐based oxides (LRMOs) are promising cathode materials for next‐generation lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) with high specific energy (≈900 Wh kg−1) because of anionic redox contribution. However, LRMOs suffer from issues such as irreversible release of lattice oxygen, transition metal (TM) dissolution, and parasitic cathode–electrolyte reactions. Herein, a facile, scalable route to build homogenous and ultrathin Li2TiO3 (LTO) coating layer on the primary particles of LRMO through molten salt (LiCl) assisted solid–liquid reaction between TiO2 and Li1.08Mn0.54Co0.13Ni0.13O2 is reported. The prepared LTO‐coated Li1.08Mn0.54Co0.13Ni0.13O2 (LTO@LRMO) exhibits 99.7% capacity retention and 95.3% voltage retention over 125 cycles at 0.2 C, significantly outperforming uncoated LRMO. Combined characterizations of differential electrochemical mass spectrometry, in situ X‐ray diffraction, and ex situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy evidence significantly suppressed oxygen release, phase transition, and interfacial reactions. Further analysis of cycled electrodes reveals that the LTO coating layer inhibits TM dissolution and prevents the lithium anode from TM crossover effect. This study expands the primary particle coating strategy to upgrade LRMO cathode materials for advanced LIBs.
In Situ Atomic‐Scale Observation of Monolayer MoS2 Devices under High‐Voltage Biasing via Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: Tseng Yi‐Tang , Lu Li‐Syuan , Shen Fang‐Chun , Wang Che‐Hung , Sung Hsin‐Ya , Chang Wen‐Hao , Wu Wen‐Wei
Published: January 2022

2D materials have great potential for not only device scaling but also various applications. To prompt the development of 2D electronics and optoelectronics, a better understanding of the limitation of materials is essential. Material failure caused by bias can lead to variations in device behavior and even electrical breakdown. In this study, the structural evolution of monolayer MoS2 with high bias is revealed via in situ transmission electron microscopy at the atomic scale. The biasing process is recorded and studied with the aid of aberration‐corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy. The effects of electron beam irradiation and biasing are also discussed through the combination of experiments and theory. It is found that the Mo nanoclusters result from disintegration of MoS2 and sulfur depletion, which are induced by Joule heating. The thermal stress can also damage the MoS2 layer and form long cracks in both in situ and ex situ biasing cases. Investigation of the results obtained with different applied voltages helps to further verify the mechanism of evolution and provide a comprehensive study of the function of biasing.
Silencing Gene‐Engineered Injectable Hydrogel Microsphere for Regulation of Extracellular Matrix Metabolism Balance
Authors: Chang Hongze , Cai Feng , Zhang Yan , Jiang Mingwei , Yang Xiaolong , Qi Jin , Wang Lei , Deng Lianfu , Cui Wenguo , Liu Xiaodong
Published: January 2022

Extracellular matrix (ECM) metabolism balance is essential for maintaining tissue structure and function. However, the complex crosstalk between the ECM, resident cellular, and tissue microenvironment makes long‐term maintenance of ECM metabolism balance in an abnormal microenvironment difficult to achieve. Herein, an injectable circRNA silencing‐hydrogel microsphere (psh‐circSTC2‐lipo@MS) is constructed by grafting circSTC2 silencing genes‐loaded 1,2‐dioleoyl‐3‐trimethylammonium‐propane/cholesterol/1,2‐dioleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphoethanolamine (DOTAP/Chol/DOPE) cationic liposomes on methacrylated hyaluronic acid (HAMA) microspheres via amide bonds, which could silence pathological genes in nucleus pulposus (NP) cells to regulate ECM metabolism balance in the nutrient‐restricted microenvironment, thereby inhibiting intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. HAMA microspheres prepared by microfluidics displayed good degradability, swellability, and injectability. And lipoplexes can be efficiently loaded and released for 27 d through chemical grafting. Cocultured under nutrient‐restricted conditions for 72 h, psh‐circSTC2‐lipo@MS significantly promotes the synthesis of ECM‐related proteins and inhibits the secretion of ECM catabolism‐related proteases in NP cells. In the rat IVD nutrient‐restricted model, local injection of psh‐circSTC2‐lipo@MS promotes ECM synthesis and restored NP tissue after 8 weeks. In summary, this study confirms that psh‐circSTC2‐lipo@MS as a safe and controllable targeted gene delivery system has great potential in regulating the ECM metabolism balance under an abnormal microenvironment.
Biomineralized Mesocrystal KCl Microreactor for Solid‐State Synthesis of Non‐Oxide Nanomaterials
Authors: Du Yongxu , Liu Wei , Fan Hongguang , Dong Tiantian , Jin Yongcheng , Liu Shuang , Li Mingzhu , Hu Maofeng , Duan Zhipeng
Published: January 2022

Inspired by natural biomineralization, a biomineralized microreactor with a mesocrystal KCl shell (BM‐KCl‐MMs) is made by a facile freezing dry process, exhibiting a good availability for high‐temperature solid‐state synthesis of nanomaterials. Benefiting from the good thermal stability, stiffness, and mechanical strength of KCl mesocrystal shells, the employment of BM‐KCl‐MMs in the transition metal (TM)–S–Se system not only realizes for the first time, the production of TMSxSe2−x/C nanocomposites in air atmosphere, but also reaches a high reagent‐utilization and high yield, as well as minimum wastes. More importantly, based on the soaking effect of the KCl shells, the resultant stable reaction microenvironment inside endows the microreactors with a well‐controlled synthesis of nanomaterials with very even size, uniform dispersion, and novel functionalities. As one example, the as‐prepared MoSxSe2−x/C composites as the electrodes of K‐ion batteries and K‐ion hybrid supercapacitors deliver the state of the art cycling capability of 248 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1 after 5000 cycles and an 87.1% capacity retention at 5.0 A g−1 after 20 000 cycles, respectively, demonstrating a significant potential of BM‐KCl‐MMs on design and synthesis of novel functional nanomaterials.
DNA Origami Calibrators for Counting Fluorophores on Single Particles by Flow Cytometry
Authors: Selnihhin Denis , Mortensen Kim I. , Larsen Jannik B. , Simonsen Jens B. , Pedersen Finn Skou
Published: January 2022

Flow cytometry (FCM) is a high‐throughput fluorescence‐based technique for multiparameter analysis of individual particles, including cells and nanoparticles. Currently, however, FCM does in many cases not permit proper counting of fluorophore‐tagged markers on individual particles, due to a lack of tools for translating FCM output intensities into accurate numbers of fluorophores. This lack hinders derivation of detailed biologic information and comparison of data between experiments with FCM. To address this technological void, the authors here use DNA nanotechnology to design and construct barrel‐shaped DNA‐origami nanobeads for fluorescence/antigen quantification in FCM. Each bead contains a specific number of calibrator fluorophores and a fluorescent trigger domain with an alternative fluorophore for proper detection in FCM. Using electron microscopy, single‐particle fluorescence microscopy, and FCM, the design of each particle is verified. To validate that the DNA bead‐based FCM calibration enabled the authors to determine the number of antigens on a biological particle, the uniform and well‐characterized murine leukemia virus (MLV) is studied. 48 ± 11 envelope surface protein (Env) trimers per MLV is obtained, which is consistent with reported numbers that relied on low‐throughput imaging. Thus, the authors’ DNA‐beads should accelerate quantitative studies of the biology of individual particles with FCM.
Phylogenomics and a revised tribal classification of subfamily Dipterocarpoideae (Dipterocarpaceae)
Authors: Cvetković Tijana , Hinsinger Damien D. , Thomas Daniel C. , Wieringa Jan J. , Velautham Elango , Strijk Joeri S.
Published: January 2022

Dipterocarpoideae, the largest subfamily in the Meranti family (Dipterocarpaceae) are an ecologically dominant group of trees throughout much of wet tropical Asia. Increasing anthropogenic pressures on this economically important tree family make it essential to resolve their complex evolutionary relationships and understand the distribution of genetic diversity throughout the family and distribution range. Dipterocarpaceae have been the focal group in a wide range of studies, owing to their economic value, importance in historical biogeography and key role in the evolution of the Asian tropical forest biome. Despite this, persistent taxonomic and evolutionary questions remain, ranging from questions on the geographic origin, sequence of dispersal and the identification of diagnostic characters to circumscribe proper evolutionary groups. Here we present a comprehensive phylogenomic hypothesis for Dipterocarpoideae, based on the analyses of plastome and nuclear cistron (NRC) data, and provide an in‐depth review on the validity of morphological characters underlying the new tribal classification proposed here for the subfamily. Phylogenomic relationships were inferred using maximum likelihood and Bayesian approaches. Estimates of origin and onset of diversification in major clades and lineages were reconstructed using plastome, nuclear and combined datasets. Results of the separate and combined genomic datasets partly corroborate elements of previous classification systems (with improved support at all levels for major clades) but provide strong support for revising the tribal classification of the subfamily into four main clades: Dipterocarpeae (Dipterocarpus), Dryobalanopseae (Dryobalanops), Shoreeae (Hopea,Neobalanocarpus,Parashorea, and all parts of a polyphyleticShorea) and Vaterieae (including all other presently accepted Dipterocarpoideae genera). Multi‐fossil‐dated divergence time estimation suggests Vaterieae first originated in the Late Cretaceous, followed by Dipterocarpeae, with subsequent rise of the Dryobalanopseae and Shoreeae in the Eocene. Diversification of all tribes commenced before the Early Miocene. Our results provide strong support for the position ofNeobalanocarpus heimii,Parashoreaand (sub‐)sections of the generaAnisoptera,Hopea,ShoreaandVatica. Hypotheses on the origin ofNeobalanocarpus heimiiby intergeneric hybridisation betweenAnthoshorea(maternally inherited) andHopea(paternally inherited) species were corroborated. Finally, our study provides support for future revisionary changes: (1) the elevation to generic rank of sections inShorea; and (2) revising the infrageneric classification ofHopeaas all (sub‐)sections were recovered as not monophyletic.
Traditional Chinese medicine formula T33 inhibits the proliferation of human colorectal cancer cells by inducing autophagy
Authors: Liu Yu‐Te , Tzang Bor‐Show , Yow JiaLe , Chiang Yi‐Hsuan , Huang Chih‐Yang , Hsu Tsai‐Ching
Published: January 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer‐related death globally. Although surgery is still the major method for CRC therapy, the adoption of alternative treatments, such as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), for CRC treatment is increasing. Our previous study has indicated the anti‐breast cancer activity of T33 (a TCM formula). Interestingly, a major ingredient in T33, Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), was reported to have antiproliferative effects on CRC cells. Therefore, this study further validated the influences of T33 on HT‐29 and Caco2 cells both in vitro and in vivo. Viability and migration assays were performed to analyze the influences of T33 on proliferation and migratory activity of HT‐29 and Caco2 cells. Immunofluorescence (IF) staining and immunoblotting were performed to confirm T33‐induced autophagy in HT‐29 and Caco2 cells. Xenograft HT‐29 tumors were generated to test the effects of T33 in vivo. Significantly reduced survival and migratory activity were observed in both HT‐29 and Caco2 cells treated with T33 along with apparently increased LC3‐II protein. Significantly decreased p62/SQSTM1 protein, increased LC3‐II/LC3‐I ratio, and elevated amounts of Atg7, Atg5, and Beclin‐1 proteins were detected in both HT‐29 and Caco2 cells treated with T33. Moreover, the volume of xenograft HT‐29 tumors was significantly lower in mice receiving 200 or 600 mg/kg T33 than in control‐treated mice. These findings indicate that T33 exerts anti‐CRC activity by inducing autophagy and suggest the potential of T33 for CRC treatment.
Video Game Experiential Marketing in Tourism: Designing for Experiences
Authors: Rainoldi Mattia , Van den Winckel Arne , Yu Joanne , Neuhofer Barbara
Published: January 2022

While film and television have a long tradition in tourism marketing, the potential of video games is overlooked. This study unlocks a novel era of marketing by investigating the interplay between experiential factors and in-game experiences, and how they may contribute to one’s intention to visit in-game destinations. By taking Assassin’s Creed Odyssey as the study context, game world dynamics, level of immersion, level of freedom, connection to characters, and sense of realism are identified as the five pillars that shape gaming experiences. Drawing upon experience design, this study lays the groundwork for emerging marketing opportunities using video games for tourism and contributes to the broader field of media-induced tourism literature.
Analysis of Instagram Users’ Movement Pattern by Cluster Analysis and Association Rule Mining
Authors: Wang Zehui , Koroll Luca , Höpken Wolfram , Fuchs Matthias
Published: January 2022

Understanding the characteristics of tourists’ movements is essential for tourism destination management. With advances in information and communication technology, more and more people are willing to upload photos and videos to various social media platforms while traveling. These openly available media data is gaining increasing attention in the field of movement pattern mining as a new data source. In this study, uploaded images and their geographic information within Lake Constance region, Germany were collected and through clustering analysis, a state-of-the-art k-means with noise removal algorithm was compared with the commonly used DBCSCAN on Instagram dataset. Finally, association rules between popular attractions at region-level and city-level were mined respectively. Results show that social media data like Instagram constitute a valuable input to analyse tourists’ movement patterns as input to decision support and destination management.
The Usage of Emoji in Tourism-Related Instagram Posts: Suggestions from a Marketing Perspective
Authors: Distel Viktoria , Egger Roman , Petrovic Ugljesa , Phan Viet Linh , Wiesinger Simon
Published: January 2022

The relevance of emoji in social media marketing has attracted tremendous interest from academics and marketing professionals alike ever since emoji became a fixed component in user-to-user and business-to-user communication on online platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. Using a quantitative research approach in the form of a self-administered online survey in an experimental setting, the purpose of this study is to investigate what type of emoji positively impacts consumer behaviour, purchase intention, and user interaction in tourism-related Instagram posts. This research is novel in that it bridges the usage of emoji in the context of social media and tourism. The findings support tourism managers in the practical use of emoji for social media marketing campaigns on Instagram and show that (positive) face emoji evoke more positive emotions than non-face emoji.
Multisensory VR Experiences in Destination Management
Authors: Prodinger Barbara , Neuhofer Barbara
Published: January 2022

The rapid development of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and the high level of consumer acceptance have made it increasingly complex to retain loyal customers. Virtual Reality (VR) has become a solution that allows tourism providers to design technology-enhanced experiences along the entire customer journey. While most VR offers focus on pre-travel experiences, the potential of VR in the post-travel phase is still little explored. Considering that multisensory tourism experiences contribute to memory formation, the multisensory extension of VR (4D VR) in post-travel experiences is of interest. Thus, through a quantitative field experiment, this study aims to detect what effect the stimulation of different senses during the use of VR has on the overall experience and how this influences the brand relationship quality. The results revealed elevated levels of technology acceptance, which consequently enhances the traveler’s overall VR experience. The multisensory component positively affects one realm of an experience in the area of escapism and thus correlates with the overall experience. However, there is no significant difference between 3D and 4D regarding the level of brand relationship quality. The study expands the literature on 4D VR experiences and supports tourism practitioners in the implementation to strengthen the relationship between a destination and its guests.
An Exploratory Study of Consumers’ Travel-Related Concerns About COVID-19
Authors: Wei Wenqi , Önder Irem
Published: January 2022

This study explores consumers’ travel-related concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic via YouTube comments. Drawing on the risk perception theory and adopting a Markov Chain approach, this study demonstrates the topics that consumers discussed and empirically illustrates perceived risk in the tourism and hospitality industry via sentiment analysis across four sectors: recreation and entertainment, accommodation, transportation, and food and beverages. Results indicate discussion regarding travel-related videos is not only limited to travel-related topics but also includes a broad perspective of social, political, and historical topics. For instance, hotels have a new function as quarantine facilities with effective disease control procedures and social responsibility for public health. Additionally, health, performance, financial, social, and psychological risks are identified. Whereas the presence of travelers is typically regarded as positive, travelers during the crisis are regarded as “irresponsible” and “selfish” individuals who spread the virus and endanger public health. This shift of perception calls for both the industry and academia at large to educate people about the importance of disease control and rebuild travelers’ image and reputation. Recommendations to reduce the perceived risk in each sector are also provided.
Towards a Strengths-Based Personal Informatics Framework for Transformative Tourism Experiences: A Phenomenological Study on Serious Leisure Practitioners
Authors: Bruce Wan C. K. , de Bont Cees J. P. M. , Hekkert Paul , Chow Kenny K. N.
Published: January 2022

Personal technology plays an integral role in shaping people’s quality of life which includes leisure and tourism experiences. A number of personal informatics tools can support people in performing their activities by collecting biometric and environmental data; however, little is known regarding the use of psychological data to enrich leisure and tourism experiences. To address this research gap, this study aims to propose a conceptual framework that fosters memorable and meaningful leisure experiences (MMEs) based on theories from serious leisure and positive psychology. In particular, this study probes into the MMEs of serious leisure practitioners who put their efforts and resources into pursuing intrinsically rewarding leisure activities. Excelling at these activities, which may draw upon participants’ character strengths, yields sustained fulfillment which fosters personal transformation. The idiosyncratic nature of MMEs demands a phenomenological inquiry that involves in-depth interviews concerning the character strengths used and their development trajectories. Using theory triangulation from both positive psychology and serious leisure allows researchers to gain a holistic view of participants’ well-being. Character strengths were found to be the integral factors that contribute to MMEs at different stages of leisure activities. The result identified three aspects of strengths used: strengths well spent, reflection and introspection, and anticipation of the future self, which informs the development of a strengths-based personal informatics framework for leisure and tourism.
Destination Image of DMO and UGC on Instagram: A Machine-Learning Approach
Authors: Egger Roman , Gumus Oguzcan , Kaiumova Elza , Mükisch Richard , Surkic Veronika
Published: January 2022

Social media plays a key role in shaping the image of a destination. Although recent research has investigated factors influencing online users’ perception towards destination image, limited studies encompass and compare social media content shared by tourists and destination management organisations (DMOs) at the same time. This paper aims to determine whether the projected image of DMOs corresponds with the destination image perceived by tourists. By taking the Austrian Alpine resort Saalbach-Hinterglemm as a case, a netnographic approach was applied to analyse the visual and textual posts of DMO and user-generated content (UGC) on Instagram using machine learning. The findings reveal themes that are not covered in the posts published by marketers but do appear in UGC. This study adds to the existing literature by providing a deeper insight into destination image formation and uses a qualitative approach to assess destination brand image. It further highlights practical implications for the industry regarding DMOs’ social media marketing strategy.
Topic Modelling of Tourist Dining Experiences Based on the GLOBE Model
Authors: Egger Roman , Pagiri Angela , Prodinger Barbara , Liu Ruihong , Wettinger Fabian
Published: January 2022

The needs of travellers vary across cultures. When it comes to culinary aspects, there is a strong connection between gastronomy and culture. To optimise service offerings, investigation of the essential aspects of dining experiences in relation to cultural backgrounds is of great importance. In the age of digitalisation, tourists share their dining experiences throughout their multiphasic travel journey via online platforms. By considering nine distinct cultural backgrounds, this research aims to investigate tourist experiences based on TripAdvisor restaurant reviews through topic modelling, using the city of Salzburg as its study context. Depending on one’s cultural circumstances, the findings demonstrate that the most important aspects include staff, food-menu items, value for money, restaurant physical appearance, food authenticity, overall service, menu offers, food quality, atmosphere, and recommendations. This study advances the state-of-the-art knowledge of societal culture as a variable in the target market analysis of restaurant customers. Findings allow restaurant owners, other tourism service providers, and destination management organisations to analyse and adapt their service offerings and strategies accordingly.
Using the Behaviour Change Wheel to Design an App to Change Tourist Behaviour and Increase Dispersal into Regional Areas
Authors: Wells Martha , de Salas Kristy , Hardy Anne
Published: January 2022

Currently, many tourism destinations are experiencing greatly reduced tourism due to COVID-19. In order to ensure that regions that wish to engage in tourism can share the benefits of it more equally, and to prevent the predicted future problem of overuse of popular areas once pre-COVID visitor numbers resume, an app to encourage tourists and leisure-seekers to change their behaviour and disperse into regional areas has been developed. The Behaviour Change Wheel was used to define the problem, find suitable intervention functions and design methods of delivery that could increase tourists’ capability, opportunity and motivation to disperse farther into regions. The Huon Valley of Tasmania, Australia, was used as a research area. Our application of the Behaviour Change Wheel methodology determined that active engagement in logistic, value-based, and social information has the greatest chance of changing behaviour in this region and a list of Behaviour Change Techniques has been developed and considered in the design of a gamified travel app.
Exploring the Impact of Travel Vlogs on Prospect Tourists: A SOR Based Theoretical Framework
Authors: Li Wenliang , Kim Yoo Ri , Scarles Caroline , Liu Anyu
Published: January 2022

In recent years, travel vlogs are prevalent on social media, they are projected as an important marketing tool to attract tourists to destinations in the post-COVID-19 era. However, the underlying mechanism of how travel vlogs affect prospective tourists’ behaviours remains unclear. To address this gap, this paper discusses the applicability of the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) model to travel vlog research and proposes a SOR based theoretical framework. Moreover, this paper highlights the increasing trend of the SOR model in both e-tourism and wider tourism and hospitality research.
Strong Law of Large Numbers for Iterates of Some Random-Valued Functions
Authors: Baron Karol , Kapica Rafał
Published: January 2022

Assume $$ (\Omega , {\mathscr {A}}, P) $$

(
Ω
,
A
,
P
)

is a probability space, X is a compact metric space with the $$ \sigma $$
σ
-algebra $$ {\mathscr {B}} $$
B
of all its Borel subsets and $$ f: X \times \Omega \rightarrow X $$

f
:
X
×
Ω
→
X

is $$ {\mathscr {B}} \otimes {\mathscr {A}} $$

B
⊗
A

-measurable and contractive in mean. We consider the sequence of iterates of f defined on $$ X \times \Omega ^{{\mathbb {N}}}$$

X
×

Ω
N

by $$f^0(x, \omega ) = x$$

f
0

(
x
,
ω
)

=
x

and $$ f^n(x, \omega ) = f\big (f^{n-1}(x, \omega ), \omega _n\big )$$

f
n

(
x
,
ω
)

=
f

(

f

n
-
1

(
x
,
ω
)

,

ω
n

)

for $$n \in {\mathbb {N}}$$

n
∈
N

, and its weak limit $$\pi $$
π
. We show that if $$\psi :X \rightarrow {\mathbb {R}}$$

ψ
:
X
→
R

is continuous, then for every $$ x \in X $$

x
∈
X

the sequence $$\left( \frac{1}{n}\sum _{k=1}^n \psi \big (f^k(x,\cdot )\big )\right) _{n \in {\mathbb {N}}}$$

1
n

∑

k
=
1

n

ψ

(

f
k

(
x
,
·
)

)

n
∈
N

converges almost surely to $$\int _X\psi d\pi $$

∫
X

ψ
d
π

. In fact, we are focusing on the case where the metric space is complete and separable.