bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IMPLEMENTING THE HIERARCHY-ANALYTIC PROCESS WITHIN FOREST FRUITS FROM MUREȘ COUNTY, ROMANIA
Authors: TUDOR Ciprian , CONSTANDACHE Cristinel , DINCĂ Lucian
Published: November 2021

Romanian forest ecosystems prove their true value through the complex diversity they offer. Varied relief forms, site conditions, temperate climate and the stand composition and structure elements sustain the apparition of vegetation layers and their population with diverse forest species that accentuate biodiversity. The economy from Romania’s forest area is improved by the increased potential of harvesting a limited number of wood or non-wood products in order to ensure the population’s needs and wellbeing. The activity of trading forest goods is encouraged by the maintenance of a good collaboration with international companies. The purpose of the present research is to analyse the most appreciated forest fruits from Mureș County, România. A total number of eight forest fruits were selected from the non-wood products category and were distributed in the following classes: achene (acorn, hazelnut), false fruits (rosehip), pluri-drupes (raspberry, wild strawberry), pseudo-beny (pulp cones from Juniperus L Genus.), drupes (Prunus Genus) and benyform drupes (black elder). The analytic hierarchy process was used in the evaluation of the qualitative and quantitative criteria. Based on it, eight alternatives were attributed to each analysed fruit using 19 evaluation criteria. The Expert Choice Desktop software was used in order to emphasize the performance efficiency. As such, the most valuable forest fruits from this area proved to be Rosa canina, Rubus idaeus and Fragaria vesca. In regard for the harvesting of non-wood products, managers from the forest sector must take into account analyses that can evaluate the offered economic potential, especially in particular cases.
COMMERCIAL BANKS AND THEIR EFFECT ON SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES FINANCING IN RWANDA: A CASE STUDY OF KIGALI CITY AND SOUTHERN PROVINCE
Authors: EULARIE Mutamuliza , AURORE Giramata
Published: November 2021

Commercial Banks worldwide are identified to be one of the key players in the financial industry that have positively affected individuals involved in business, and the economy at large, through the functions they perform in the economy. However, inadequate financing in the activities of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) is still the major constraint faced by people involved in business activities. Even though the Government of Rwanda has made effort to improve the accessibility to credit, entrepreneurs still have some challenges to access financial services in order to improve their businesses. The purpose of this research was to assess the contribution of commercial banks in financing SMEs in Rwanda. A sample of 60 SMEs was selected in Kigali and Southern Province of Rwanda. Data was collected from the respondents through a structured questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentage distributions. A Pearson Chi-Square Test was used to analyze the relationship between commercial banks and SMEs in Rwanda. The results indicated that the main purposes of loan application were start-up capital, working capital and expansion of businesses. The results also revealed that there was positive relationship between commercial banks and SMEs in Rwanda. The results revealed as well, that commercial banks in Rwanda played a crucial role in contribution to SME’s economic development and small and medium entrepreneurs who got credit from commercial banks expanded their businesses and increased their income.
Life strategies (plans) of the population of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug (Nadym)
Authors: Kibenko Valerii Aleksandrovich , Ryabkova Olga Viktorovna
Published: November 2021

The subject of this research is the life strategies (plans) of the population of Nadym (Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug). The empirical basis is comprised of the qualitative sociological survey data (historical sources and primary sociological data obtained from in-depth interviews) carried out in two stages: historical research (oral history) for studying the subjective experience of historical events associated with the development of the deposit Medvezhiye and construction of the city of Nadym; case study for examination of the sociocultural characeristics of the city dwellers and urban environment of the modern Nadym, including in the context of the impact on migration plans, embeddedness. The article provides the results of sociological research that comprehensively explores the urban environment of Nadym, Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, sociocultural portrait and life strategies (plans) of the residents in the context of formation of the approaches towards further choice of the paths of economic, social, and cultural development of the city. Population of Nadym is represented mostly by the public sector workers and the employees of oil and gas sector.  Life strategies (plans) of Nadym residents are typical for the population of northern territories of the Russian Federation. Life in Nadym is primarily work-related and is often temporary (for the period of employment).
The personality and the creative work of A. Pasculli in the context of the West European music art of the 19th century
Authors: Norbu Liliya Orlanovna , Kholodova Mariya Vladimirovna
Published: November 2021

The authors of the research focus on Antonio Pasculli, a famous Italian virtuoso oboe player and composer of the late 19th - the early 20th century, whose name had long and undeservingly been in the wilderness. In the last two-three decades, his legacy has been getting a new lease on life. Pasculli’s compositions are on the concert list of oboe players all over the world. Despite the performance popularity, the personality and creative work of the outstanding Italian musician are still on the periphery of the research focus of Russian musicologists. All valuable information is contained in rare foreign researches. Therefore, the purpose of the article is to reconstruct the artistic portrait of Antonio Pasculli in the context of time. This research is the first in Russian musicology to introduce into Russian scientific discourse the data from foreign sources revealing the peculiarities of Pasculli’s creative life. Based on the analysis of the collected data, the authors conclude about the necessity to revise the role of Pasculli’s work and legacy in the context of European music culture of the 19th century. It is believed that familiarization with the information about the Italian musician, unknown to the Russian audience, will help to not only dive deeper into the specificity of Pasculli’s compositions, but also to reinterpret his place and role in the evolution of playing woodwind instruments.
Methodology for assessing the competitive positions of a higher education institution on the national market of educational services
Authors: Shabanova Lyudmila Borisovna , Morozova Irina Gennadievna , Timiryasova Inna Aleksandrovna
Published: November 2021

The fact that many Russian universities offer a wide, but often similar, range of educational services substantiates stiff competition between them, which aggravated in the conditions of protracted global COVID-19 pandemic due to the need for rapid implementation of the tools and methods of distance learning. The educational institutions compete for not only students, by their admission to each specific discipline. The goal is set to analyze the competitive positions and opportunities of the university on the market of educational services in the Russian Federation. The subject of this research is Kazan Innovative University named after V. G. Timiryasov. The research methodology leans on the general theoretical methods, as well as 7P and SWOT analysis. As a result, the author determines the merits and flaws of the university, market opportunities and threats; as well as offers the vectors for improving on the market of educational services. The acquired conclusions on the need to expand the material base, increase the academic degree holders rate, involvement in the grant mechanism, and integration into the real sector of economy are relevant for a great many universities in the Russian Federation.
Bibliometric Analysis of Scientific Studies on Covid-19 With Visual Mapping Technique
Authors: SEYHAN Fırat , ÖZTÜRK Zekai
Published: November 2021

Bu çalışmanın temel amacı, günümüz pandemi döneminin en önemli konusu olan Covid-19 başlıklı çalışmaların görsel haritalama teknikleri kullanılarak, bibliyometrik analiz tekniği ile incelenmesidir. Çalışmada bibliyometrik analiz için
çok uygun olan ve çok prestijli yayınları içerisinde barındıran Web of Science veri tabanı kullanılmıştır. Belirli bir arama stratejisi kullanılarak bu veri tabanında “Covid-19” kelimesi “title” (başlıklarda) olarak aratılmıştır.
Çalışmada, Covid-19 başlıklı makaleler 2019 ve 2020 yıllarını kapsamakta olup, toplamda 52305 yayına ulaşılmıştır. Bu yayında görsel haritalama için, VOSviewer yazılımı kullanılarak; kelime madenciliği, atıf ve bibliyometrik eşleştirme
analizleri yapılmıştır. Covid-19 alanında en fazla yayın yapan ülkeler Amerika Birleşik Devletleri(n=14558) ve Çin(n=5959) olup; Türkiye 1253 yayın sayısı ile 13. sırada yer almaktadır. Tüm yayınların %95,2’si İngilizce dilinde
yazılmış olup (n=49827); Türkçe dilinde ise 70 yayın yapılmıştır. En çok yayın İç Hastalıkları (n=8298) alanında yapılmış; en fazla yayın yapan yazar Wang Y; en fazla atıf alan yazar ise Zhou ve arkadaşlarıdır. Covid-19 alanında
en çok makale yayınlayan dergi BMJ British Medical Journal; en çok yayın yapan üniversite ise 1630 yayın ile Harvard Üniversitesidir. Covid-19 Pandemisi döneminde sağlık çalışanları en ön safta hayatlarını ortaya koyarak mücadele
ederken, yine birçoğu sağlık çalışanı olan akademisyenler ise ürettikleri bilimsel yayınlar ile bilgi ve birikimlerini bilim dünyası ile paylaşmışlardır. Zamanla yarışılan bu dönemde, bilimsel yayınların bibliyometrik analizinin
yapılarak, araştırmacılara bir yol haritası sunabilmek ise çok önemlidir. Bu bağlamda hazırlanan bu çalışmada Covid-19 konusu ile ilgili olarak yapılan araştırmalara holistik bir bakış açısı sunularak; politika yapıcı, akademisyen,
öğrenci ve tüm paydaşlar için istifade edebilecekleri bir kaynak metin oluşturulmaya çalışılmıştır.
Examination of Gökçeada Destination Image In Terms of Socio-demographic Variables
Authors: KAFA Neşe , KORKMAZ Halil , ATEŞ Ayşe BOZDAĞ
Published: November 2021

Günümüzde destinasyonlar arasında rekabetçiliğin hızla artması, destinasyon pazarlamacılarının yeni bilgi arayışına girmelerine neden olmaktadır. Özellikle ziyaretçilerin destinasyon hakkındaki düşüncelerinin bilinmesi destinasyonun
nasıl algılandığı konusunda pazarlamacılara yardımcı olmaktadır. Ziyaretçilerin destinasyonla ilgili olumlu ya da olumsuz olan algılarının davranışlarını etkilediği düşünüldüğünde bu bilgiler, hedef pazarla ilgili derinlemesine
bilginin edinilmesi olanağı sağlamaktadır. Ziyaretçilerin destinasyonla ilgili davranışları ise destinasyona tekrar gelmek ve(ya) tavsiye etmek şeklinde oluşmaktadır. Aynı zamanda ziyaretçilerin destinasyon imajı algıları sosyo-demografik
özelliklerine göre değişiklik gösterebilmektedir. Destinasyon imajı, özellikle turist davranışlarını etkileyerek turistlerin memnuniyetini şekillendirmektedir. Turistlerin destinasyon imajı algılarının belirlenmesi ise, destinasyon
pazarlamacılarının bu konuda bilgi edinmelerine yardımcı olmaktadır. Bu nedenle, destinasyon imajı konusu literatürdeki çok fazla çalışmada ilgi görmektedir. Yapılan çalışmada Gökçeada destinasyon imajı ile sosyo-demografik değişkenler
arasındaki ilişkinin incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Buna göre çalışmada, ziyaretçilerin sosyo-demografik özelliklerinden hangilerinin destinasyon imajı algısını etkilediğinin belirlenmesine çalışılmıştır. Yapılan çalışmada verilerin
elde edilmesinde anket tekniği kullanılmış ve 2019 yılı yaz sezonunda (Haziran-Ağustos) Gökçeada’yı ziyaret eden toplam 257 kişiye ulaşılmıştır. Elde edilen veriler SPSS 19 ile ölçülmüş, t-testi ve anova ile analiz edilmiştir.
Araştırma neticesinde destinasyon imajının ziyaretçilerin cinsiyet ve medeni durumuna göre bir farklılık yaratmadığı, yaşlarına göre ise kısmen farklılık yarattığı belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca ziyaretçilerin mesleklerine göre destinasyon
imajı boyutlarından eğlence, değer ve altyapı boyutlarının farklılaştığı bulunmuştur.
Cementation of Cd Ions on Zinc Using a Rotating Fixed Bed Impeller Basket Reactor
Authors: Farid Yousra Hamdy
Published: November 2021

Cementation or metal displacement reaction is one of the most effective techniques for removing toxic metals from industrial waste solutions.

Aims: The main purpose of this work is to study the rate of cementation of cadmium by using a rotating bed of Zn Raschig rings packed in a perforated impeller basket for the investigation of the removal of Cd 2+ from waste solution.

Study Design: The reactor was tested for Cd2+ concentration removed, the diameter of Zinc Raschig rings, and the rotational speed of the basket.

Methodology: The results indicate that there are two rates of cementation for Cd-Zn system, a high rate at the beginning, followed by a lower rate after the initial period. The results also show that percentage removal of Cd2+ ions from solution increases by increasing the speed of basket rotation, and as the diameter of Zn Raschig ring packed in the basket reactor, increases the removal of Cd2+ decreases. The cadmium deposits on zinc as powder.

Results: The removal of Cd2+ is optimum for ring diameter of 0.5 cm, initial concentration of 100 ppm, and basket rotation speed of 500 rpm. The experimental data fit the following equation: Sh=0.041 Sc0.33Re0.40.

This equation can be used for the design scale-up and operation of reactors used to remove Cd2+ from wastewater by cementation.

Conclusion: Rates of cementation were expressed in terms of the rate of mass transfer, the mass transfer coefficient increases as the rotational speed of the basket increases.
Development of Government Health System in Sri Lanka during Last Three Decades
Authors: Karunarathna K. A. N. K. , Sriranganesan J.
Published: November 2021

Aims: Several aspects are associated with the health system. Development in each aspect in health sector is required parallel to the growth of the population of patients. This study was carried out with the intention of investigating the development in physical resources, human resources, and funds allocation for government health system in Sri Lanka.

Methodology: This study considered the development within the period from 1987 to 2019. Necessary data were collected from the annual reports of central bank of Sri Lanka. Data for physical resources, human resources, patients, and expenditures were gathered. Parallel developments of these aspects were analyzed by using descriptive and confirmatory techniques: Pearson’ correlation and canonical correlation. Apart from that some graphical techniques and summary measures were also used in the analysis.

Results: Number of both in-patients and out-patients has rapidly increased during this period, while expenditure on the health system also has exponentially grown. However, percentage of GDP allocated for health system has remained almost same. There can be seen a reasonable development in both human resources and physical resources.

Conclusion: Even though, health system has been developed to a greater extent, developments in some aspects are not parallel to the development in other aspects. However, further development is needed to meet the growing demand for health services due to increasing population of patients.
Amelioration of Chemical Induced Hepatic Injury by Vitex agnus castus ExtractAmelioration of Chemical Induced Hepatic Injury by Vitex agnus castus Extract
Authors: Ajani Rotimi Sunday , Akpovwovwo Nyerhovwo Abijah , A. Jarikre Theophilus , O. Emikpe Benjamin
Published: November 2021

Objective: The liver is the major organ of detoxification of ingested materials such as food, beverages and drugs, thus it is prone to toxicity with attendant pathologies. We studied the ability of Vitex agnus castus plant extract to ameliorate the biochemical and structural alterations in Wistar rats with carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury.

Methods: Forty adult male Wistar rats were allotted into eight equal groups. Group1 was normal control (NC); Group 2 Liver injury without extract (LI). The remaining six groups were paired composite group of varying dosage of the plant extract (200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg). Only one member of each pair had induced liver injury. Consequently, the groups were Low extract without liver injury (LE), Low extract with liver injury (LEL); Medium extract without liver injury(ME)

 Medium extract with liver injury (MEL) and High extract without liver injury (HE),High extract with liver injury (HEL).The biochemical parameters evaluated were the liver function test {Total protein plus globulin and albumen fractions; liver enzymes- alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase}. Oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring the activities of antioxidants namely; Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase, Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx).Histology of the harvested liver specimens was used to assess the structural alterations.

Results: The mean liver weight was highest in the HEL group and significantly different from that of its control (HE) and NC.The mean serum total protein of all the groups were significantly higher than that of the NC.The mean aspartate amino transferase levels of the LEL, ME and MEL groups were significantly lower than that of the control while that of the HEL was significantly higher than those of the LEL and MEL. The results of alanine amino transferase were similar to those of aspartate amino transferase. The alkaline phosphatase levels in all the experimental groups were significantly depressed when compared with the control. Amongst the experimental groups, the serum alkaline phosphatase level was significantly raised than those of the LEL, and MEL groups.

The glutathione (GSH) activities of LE, HE and HEL were significantly lower. While the glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity of the control was significantly lower to those of groups LEL, ME, MEL and HEL.Histopathology of the liver showed preservation of the liver architecture with normal hepatocytes in all the groups.

Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of Vitex agnus castus was able to reduce the severity of carbon tetrachloride induced liver injury in wistar rats.
Comparison Statistical Rice Yield Prediction with Multiple Weather Parameters
Authors: Thurkkaivel T. , Dheebakaran G. A. , Geethalakshmi V. , Patil S. G. , Bhuvaneshwari K.
Published: November 2021

Advance knowledge of harvestable products, especially essential food crops such as rice, wheat, maize, and pulses, would allow policymakers and traders to plan procurement, processing, pricing, marketing, and related infrastructure and procedures. There are many statistical models are being used for the yield prediction with different weather parameter combinations. The performance of these models are dependent on the location’s weather input and its accuracy. In this context, a study was conducted at Agro Climate Research Centre, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore during Kharif (2020) season to compare the performance of four multivariate weather-based models viz., SMLR, LASSO, ENET and Bayesian models for the rice yield prediction at Tanjore district of Tamil Nadu State with Tmax, Tmin, Mean RH, WS, SSH, EVP and RF.  The results indicated that the R2, RMSE, and nRMSE values of the above models were ranged between 0.54 to 0.79 per cent, 149 to 398 kg/ha, 4.0 to 10.6 per cent, respectively. The study concluded that the Bayesian model was found to be more reliable followed by LASSO and ENET. In addition, it was found that the Bayesian model could perform better even with limited weather parameters and detention of wind speed, sunshine hours and evaporation data would not affect the model performance. It is concluded that Bayesian model may be a better option for rice yield forecasting in Thanjavur districts of Tamil Nadu.
Sero-Prevalence of Dengue Fever Virus Antibodies in Red Sea State, Sudan- A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Abbas Israa , Shalabi Manar G. , Abbas Anass M. , Mohamed Hatem , Babker Asaad M. A. , Omer Al Fadhil A.
Published: November 2021

Background: Dengue fever (DF) is caused by dengue virus (DENV), a positive-sense single stranded RNA virus of the genus Flavivirus in the family Flaviviridae. The DF has been reported as one of the most important arboviral diseases in many parts of the world including Sudan. DENV is a widely spreading disease that has resulted in an emerging infectious disease world-wide.

Aim: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of dengue virus in Red sea state, Sudan.

Materials and Methods: This study is a cross sectional study, carried out in Eastern part of Sudan with an impartial method to determine the DENV antibodies status in Red Sea state, Sudan, Dengue Virus (DENV) antibody test was done for each sample. Blood samples were collected from each patient in a plain container, and then serum was separated and tested for (DENV) IgM by using ELISA.

Results: Of the total 380 dengue cases tested 106 (27.9%) were identified as anti-dengue IgM positive. 57.1% (n=217) were females and 42.9% (n=163) were males, the highest numbers of cases; 152 (40%) from the age group between 40 years and above and least numbers of cases; 47(12.4%) from the age group of 10-19 years. 55 (14.5%) cases among age groups of less than 10 years, 73 (19.2%) from the age group 20-29 years and six 53 (13.9%) from the age group between 30-39 years of age.

Conclusion: We can conclude that serotypes (IgM) of dengue virus prevalence is 27.9% in Red Sea State, Sudan and this finding indicate that the residents of the Red State are at risk of developing the disease. Also, there was significant variation between age and the occurrence of the disease. The Ministry of health should initiate dengue surveillance and commence an integrated vector control programme.
Corticosteroid Resistant Pulmonary Fibrosis: Pathophysiology and Management
Authors: Alghamdi Doha O. , Kawy Hala S. Abdel , Damanhouri Zoheir A.
Published: November 2021

Pulmonary fibrosis is a disease of the lower respiratory system. It might be as Idiopathic fibrosis which is obscure reason for disease or might be as an optional impact from different causes, for example, the environmental causes, for example, toxins and smoking, some connective tissue illnesses., infection diseases, for example, tuberculosis (TB) and corona virus, a few medications, for example, bleomycin, methotrexate, and radiation treatment. Glucocorticoid are used for treating inflammatory and immune diseases, like asthma, but interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at some stage, may become resistant to corticosteroid treatment. Glucocorticoids inhibit inflammation by many mechanisms. The oxidative stress leads to significantly decrease in activity and expression of Histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC-2) which causes resistant to the action of glucocorticoid. However, the dissociated glucocorticoids have been developed to decrease side effects, the dissociated glucocorticoid receptor agonists (DIGRAs) are a class of experimental drugs designed to share many of the desirable anti-inflammatory,  immunosuppressive, or  anticancer  properties of classical glucocorticoid drugs with fewer side effects, but it is so difficult to dissociate anti-inflammatory effects from adverse effects. Patients with glucocorticoid resistance must use alternative anti-inflammatory treatments as well as drugs that may reverse the molecular mechanism of glucocorticoid resistant. Objective: This paper is to review the corticosteroid resistant pulmonary fibrosis and how overcome this resistance.

The data was collected from December 2020 to September 2021.
Roman Domination of Some Chemical Graphs
Authors: Sangolli Pallavi , Gudgeri Manjula C. , Varsha . , Shirkol Shailaja S.
Published: November 2021

The concept of Domination in graphs has application to the study of DNA structures. For investigating the chemical and physical properties, several topological indices used are Wiener index, Randic index, Zagreb index, Kier & Hall index that depends on vertex degree and distance sum, and have been used extensively for QSAR and QSPR studies.

A Roman Dominating Function of G is function f: V→ {0, 1, 2} such that every vertex v for which f (v) = 0 has a neighbor u with f(u) = 2. The weight of a Roman dominating function f is w (f) =   . The Roman domination number of a graph G is denoted by (G) and is the minimum weight of all possible Roman dominating functions. In this paper, we find Roman domination number of some chemicals graphs such as saturated hydrocarbons and unsaturated hydrocarbons, hexagonal chain, pyrene, Hexabenzocoronene, H-Phenylenic nanotube and N-Napthelenic nanotube.
The moderating role of pessimism in the association between retrospective relational peer victimization, interpersonal risk factors, and suicide ideation
Authors: La Rosa Nikki L. , Brown Sarah L. , Mitchell Sean M. , Seegan Paige L. , Cukrowicz Kelly C.
Published: November 2021

Peer victimization (PV) is a serious concern for youth and is associated with subsequent suicide ideation in young adulthood. The interpersonal theory of suicide may provide a framework for understanding suicide ideation in this population. Specifically, thwarted belongingness (TB) and perceived burdensomeness (PB) have been significantly associated with suicide ideation among young adults with a history of peer victimization. Additionally, the personality trait of pessimism is associated with elevated suicide ideation. Thus, this study tested the association between self‐reported frequency of retrospective relational (i.e., verbal and indirect) PV in primary and secondary school, thwarted interpersonal needs (TB and PB), and current suicide ideation, as well as how these relations may vary based on current pessimism. Participants were 330 undergraduate students. Nonparametric bootstrap moderated mediation procedures were used to test hypotheses. Results indicated significant indirect effects of frequency of retrospective relational PV and suicide ideation through PB and TB. Contrary to predictions, results did not indicate significant moderated mediation; however, the association between PB and suicide ideation was stronger at lower pessimism levels. We also provide supplemental analysis with optimism as the moderator. These findings suggest that clinicians may consider targeting TB, PB, as well as pessimism and optimism among those with a history of relational PV when assessing and intervening on current suicide ideation. Implications, limitations, and future directions are further discussed.
Polymer‐Mediated Electron Tunneling Towards Solar Water Oxidation
Authors: Wei Zhi‐Quan , Hou Shuo , Zhu Shi‐Cheng , Xiao Yang , Wu Gao , Xiao Fang‐Xing
Published: November 2021

Exploiting emerging artificial photosystems with regulated vectorial charge transfer pathways is retarded by the difficulties in precise interface modulation at the nanoscale level, deficiency of suitable assembly methodologies, and ultra‐short charge lifetime. Herein, it is first conceptually demonstrated the general design of transition metal chalcogenides quantum dots (TMCs QDs)‐insulating polymer‐metal oxides (MOs) electron‐tunneling photosystems, wherein TMCs QDs are controllably layer‐by‐layer self‐assembled on the MOs substrates assisted by an ultrathin insulating polymer interim layer. It is ascertained that electrons photoexcited over TMCs QDs in spatially highly ordered MOs/(TMCs QDs/polymer)n multilayered heterostructures can be unidirectionally extracted and tunneled to the MOs substrates across the intermediate insulating polymer layer by engendering the tandem charge transfer to accelerate the interfacial charge migration kinetics, thereby triggering the significantly boosted net efficiency of solar‐driven photoelectrochemical water oxidation. This study would spark new inspirations for designing novel electron‐tunneling photosystems for fine carrier modulation towards solar energy harvesting and conversion.
Formation, Detection, and Function of Oxygen Vacancy in Metal Oxides for Solar Energy Conversion
Authors: Wang Zhiliang , Lin Rijia , Huo Yuning , Li Hexing , Wang Lianzhou
Published: November 2021

Oxygen vacancy (VO) is one of the most common defects in metal oxides (MOs), which endow the MOs with many unique physiochemical properties. Even though VO engineering has been applied in photo(electro)catalysis, there are still significant challenges in the understanding of the formation, structure, and property of VO. The VO can be produced by treating MOs under low oxygen atmosphere or in vacuum ruled by the equilibrium of VO formation, while other types of defects can also be generated simultaneously. Identifying and distinguishing the formation and function of Vo remain highly challenging, thus the scrutiny of defect formation energy and structure of VO is significant in VO research. This review critically revisits the electronic property and structure changes of MOs upon the generation of Vo. It not only provides clues to detect VO, but also specifies the role of VO in a particular material system considering its drastic influence on light harvesting, conductivity, energy level, surface adsorption, and others. The review also presents a perspective on the future research directions toward rational control of the key aspects of Vo in MOs, namely its formation, characterization, and function, for solar energy conversion.
Tuning the Optical Properties of Au Nanoclusters by Designed Proteins
Authors: Lopez‐Martinez Elena , Gianolio Diego , Garcia‐Orrit Saül , Vega‐Mayoral Victor , Cabanillas‐Gonzalez Juan , Sanchez‐Cano Carlos , Cortajarena Aitziber L.
Published: November 2021

Gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) are nanomaterials with interesting photoluminescent properties that can be endowed with biomolecular recognition and biocompatibility when stabilized with proteins. The interplay between the optical features of AuNCs and the function added by the protein makes them perfect candidates for generating hybrid protein‐inorganic nanomaterials. Focusing on protein stabilized‐AuNCs, hitherto most of the work has covered the use of natural proteins for in situ growth of AuNCs. However, the exploitation of design proteins for such endeavors enables fine‐tuning of the photoluminescent assets of AuNCs. In this work, rational protein engineering of modular protein scaffolds is applied for capping of non‐emissive, non‐passivated naked AuNCs, resulting in a fast and easy method for the synthesis of customizable and emissive protein‐AuNC nanomaterials. Tuning of the photoluminescent properties of the final hybrid module is obtained by appropriate choice of the coordination residues grafted on the same protein scaffold. The effects of ligands and coordination bonds are studied using time‐resolved photoluminescence and X‐ray absorbance spectroscopies, shedding light on the mechanisms behind the emerging properties of these hybrid materials. Moreover, the described versatile strategy opens new avenues for the synthesis of on‐demand photoluminescent hybrids for a wide spectrum of optical applications.
Real‐Time Thermal Imaging based on the Simultaneous Rise and Decay Luminescence Lifetime Thermometry
Authors: Avram Daniel , Porosnicu Ioana , Patrascu Andrei , Tiseanu Carmen
Published: November 2021

The most reliable technique of remote temperature sensing considers either the rise or the decay transient of a luminescent temperature probe. Here, real‐time visible (Vis) and near‐infrared (NIR) thermal imagings based on the simultaneous measurement of the emission rise and decay of transition or lanthanide metal activator are described. A single pulse time‐gated detection method that allows the real‐time mode of the temperature measurement, the emission detection at its highest temporal intensity, and the tunability of the emission detection in terms of time delay and gate width is proposed. Cr‐ZnGaGeO4/ZnGa2O4; Er, Ho, Yb–Y2O3 and Er, Ho, Yb–β‐NaYF4 nanoparticles that display luminescence in the Vis to NIR range (450–1200 nm) with timescales varying from 10 to 100 ms are selected. Maximum relative temperature sensitivity in Vis to Vis and NIR to NIR imaging which exceeds up to a factor of two the values obtained by the standard average lifetime method is achieved. This method applies to any lifetime‐based luminescent thermometer, opening a new avenue in designing accurate and straightforward lifetime thermal imaging systems operating in the Vis to NIR range.
Molybdenum Diphosphide Nanorods with Laser‐Potentiated Peroxidase Catalytic/Mild‐Photothermal Therapy of Oral Cancer
Authors: Qian Min , Cheng Ziqiang , Luo Guanghong , Galluzzi Massimiliano , Shen Yuehong , Li Zhibin , Yang Hongyu , Yu Xue‐Feng
Published: November 2021

Chemodynamic therapy (CDT) is an emerging treatment that usually employs chemical agents to decompose hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into hydroxyl radical (•OH) via Fenton or Fenton‐like reactions, inducing cell apoptosis or necrosis by damaging biomacromolecules such as, lipids, proteins, and DNA. Generally, CDT shows high tumor‐specificity and minimal‐invasiveness in patients, thus it has attracted extensive research interests. However, the catalytic reaction efficiency of CDT is largely limited by the relatively high pH at the tumor sites. Herein, a 808 nm laser‐potentiated peroxidase catalytic/mild‐photothermal therapy of molybdenum diphosphide nanorods (MoP2 NRs) is developed to improve CDT performance, and simultaneously achieve effective tumor eradication and anti‐infection. In this system, MoP2 NRs exhibit a favorable cytocompatibility due to their inherent excellent elemental biocompatibility. Upon irradiation with an 808 nm laser, MoP2 NRs act as photosensitizers to efficiently capture the photo‐excited band electrons and valance band holes, exhibiting enhanced peroxidase‐like catalytic activity to sustainedly decompose tumor endogenous H2O2 to •OH, which subsequently destroy the cellular biomacromolecules both in tumor cells and bacteria. As demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo, this system exhibits a superior therapeutic efficiency with inappreciable toxicity. Hence, the work may provide a promising therapeutic technique for further clinical applications.
Dendrimer‐Like Supramolecular Assembly of Proteins with a Tunable Size and Valency Through Stepwise Iterative Growth
Authors: Bae Jin‐Ho , Kim Hong‐Sik , Kim Gijeong , Song Ji‐Joon , Kim Hak‐Sung
Published: November 2021

The assembly of proteins in a programmable manner provides insight into the creation of novel functional nanomaterials for practical applications. Despite many advances, however, a rational protein assembly with an easy scalability in terms of size and valency remains a challenge. Here, a simple bottom‐up approach to the supramolecular protein assembly with a tunable size and valency in a programmable manner is presented. The dendrimer‐like protein assembly, simply called a “protein dendrimer,” is constructed through a stepwise and alternate addition of a building block protein. Starting from zeroth‐generation protein dendrimer (pG0) of 27 kDa, the protein dendrimer is sequentially grown to pG1, pG2, pG3, to pG4 with a molecular mass of 94, 216, 483, and 959 kDa, respectively. The valency of the protein dendrimers at the periphery increases by a factor of two after each generation, allowing a tunable valency and easy functionalization. The protein dendrimers functionalizes with a targeting moiety and a cytotoxic protein cargo shows a typical feature of multi‐valency in the avidity and a highly enhanced cellular cytotoxicity, exemplifying their utility as a protein delivery platform. The present approach can be effectively used in the creation of protein architectures with new functions for biotechnological and medical applications.
Developing Graphene‐Based Moiré Heterostructures for Twistronics
Authors: Liu Mengya , Wang Liping , Yu Gui
Published: November 2021

Graphene‐based moiré heterostructures are strongly correlated materials, and they are considered to be an effective platform to investigate the challenges of condensed matter physics. This is due to the distinct electronic properties that are unique to moiré superlattices and peculiar band structures. The increasing research on strongly correlated physics via graphene‐based moiré heterostructures, especially unconventional superconductors, greatly promotes the development of condensed matter physics. Herein, the preparation methods of graphene‐based moiré heterostructures on both in situ growth and assembling monolayer 2D materials are discussed. Methods to improve the quality of graphene and optimize the transfer process are presented to mitigate the limitations of low‐quality graphene and damage caused by the transfer process during the fabrication of graphene‐based moiré heterostructures. Then, the topological properties in various graphene‐based moiré heterostructures are reviewed. Furthermore, recent advances regarding the factors that influence physical performances via a changing twist angle, the exertion of strain, and regulation of the dielectric environment are presented. Moreover, various unique physical properties in graphene‐based moiré heterostructures are demonstrated. Finally, the challenges faced during the preparation and characterization of graphene‐based moiré heterostructures are discussed. An outlook for the further development of moiré heterostructures is also presented.
High‐Efficiency and Durable Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells with Thermally‐Induced Phase‐Change Electron Extraction Layer
Authors: Li Xin , Meng Yun , Liu Ruizhe , Yang Zhiyao , Zeng Yan , Yi Yuanping , Sha Wei E. I. , Long Yi , Yang Junyou
Published: November 2021

Reducing carrier recombination and facilitating charge extraction at the interface is of great significance to improve the device performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) towards commercial use. However, there has been little work done concerning transportation and recombination mechanism at the interface of the metal electrode and the electron transport layer in inverted PSCs. Herein, a new strategy of interface modification is reported that leverages the unique metal‐to‐insulator transition (MIT) characteristics of vanadium dioxide which is inserted as the electron extraction layer (EEL) in p‐i‐n planar PSCs. Benefiting from the suitable intermediate energy level of VO2, the optimized device shows a power conversion efficiency (PCE) up to 22.11% with negligible hysteresis, as compared to the 20.96% benchmark at room temperature. Interestingly, the PCE of VO2‐based PSC increases to over 23% at 85 °C, which can be attributed to the dramatic change in the electrical properties and better electron extraction caused by the MIT of VO2 beyond its critical phase‐change temperature. In addition, the encapsulated VO2‐PSC shows superior thermal stability for 1000 h at 85 °C under 1 Sun illumination, maintaining over 90% of initial PCE. This work initiates the state‐of‐art concept of inserting thermally‐induced phase‐transition material as an EEL to achieve efficient and durable perovskite photovoltaics.
Introducing rGO@Fe3O4@Ni as an efficient magnetic nanocatalyst for the synthesis of tetrahydrobenzopyranes via multicomponent coupling reactions of dimedone, malononitrile, and aromatic aldehydes
Authors: Esmati Mozhgan , Zeynizadeh Behzad
Published: November 2021

In this study, the synthesis and characterization of the modified GO and rGO@Fe3O4@Ni composite systems were investigated. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), x‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP‐OES) were employed to characterize the prepared nanomaterials. Also, catalytic activities of GO, rGO@Fe3O4, rGO@Ni, and rGO@Fe3O4@Ni were compared, and rGO@Fe3O4@Ni as the efficient magnetic nanocatalyst was applied to expedite the multicomponent coupling reactions (MCRs) of dimedone, malononitrile, and structurally diverse aromatic aldehydes to prepare tetrahydrobenzopyranes. All reactions were fulfilled efficiently in deionized water under reflux conditions. In addition, sustainability of the nanocatalyst was examined for five consecutive reaction cycles without the significant loss of its catalytic activity.
What parliamentarians think about Australia's post‐COVID‐19 aid program: The emerging ‘cautious consensus’ in Australian aid
Authors: Day Benjamin , Wells Tamas
Published: November 2021

Since the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic, the Australian Government has been ambiguous in the way it has communicated the aid budget. On some occasions, it has sought to downplay increases in aid spending, while at other times it has sought to downplay cuts to aid spending. We draw on interviews with federal parliamentarians and key informants to understand these dynamics, in the context of obtaining their views on changes to Australia's post‐COVID‐19 aid policy. We find evidence that a new political consensus is forming around Australian aid. While this ‘cautious consensus’ countenances aid spending increases, motivated in part by humanitarian concerns but especially by anxiety about increasing Chinese influence in the region, these priorities are tempered by considerable concern about public backlash at a time of significant economic challenges for Australian citizens. Based on this evidence, we define the contours of an emerging ‘cautious consensus’ by showing how it will differ from the earlier ‘golden consensus’ era of Australian aid.
A clinically applicable strategy to estimate the in vivo distribution of mechanical material properties of the right ventricular wall
Authors: Xu Jing , Wong Timothy C. , Simon Marc A. , Brigham John C.
Published: November 2021

A clinically applicable approach to estimate the in vivo mechanical material properties of the heart wall is presented. This optimization‐based inverse estimation approach applies a shape‐based objective functional combined with rigid body registration and incremental parameterization of heterogeneity to use standard clinical imaging data along with simplified representations of cardiac function to provide consistent and physically meaningful solution estimates. The capability of the inverse estimation algorithm is evaluated through application to two clinically obtained human datasets to estimate the passive elastic mechanical properties of the heart wall, with an emphasis on the right ventricle. One dataset corresponded to a subject with normal heart function, while the other corresponded to a subject with severe pulmonary hypertension, and therefore expected to have a substantially stiffer right ventricle. Patient‐specific pressure‐driven bi‐ventricle finite element analysis was used as the forward model and the endocardial surface of the right ventricle was used as the target data for the inverse problem. By using the right ventricle alone as the target of the inverse problem the relative sensitivity of the objective function to the right ventricle properties is increased. The method was able to identify material properties to accurately match the corresponding shape of the simplified forward model to the clinically obtained target data, and the properties obtained for the example cases are consistent with the clinical expectation for the right ventricle. Additionally, the material property estimates indicate significant heterogeneity in the heart wall for both subjects, and more so for the subject with pulmonary hypertension.
OMIP ‐ 081: A new 21‐monoclonal antibody 10‐color panel for diagnostic polychromatic immunophenotyping
Authors: Huys Erik H. L. P. G. , Hobo Willemijn , Preijers Frank W. M. B.
Published: November 2021

The 10‐color panel consisting of 21 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) is developed as a one‐tube panel to detect leukemia and lymphoma cells in all hematopoietic cell lineages. In particular, this tube is mentioned for a fast screening to identify aberrant cells in samples suspected for malignant cell localization and to enable comprehensive immunophenotyping of samples with low cell counts. The panel contains mAbs for selection of the populations and mAbs against target antigens on the various hematopoietic maturation stages. Due to the limited number of PMTs in most used flow cytometers for clinical purposes, stacking of conjugates in one color is needed to include all relevant markers for simultaneous analysis of the aberrant cells. The 21‐mAb panel is tested on peripheral blood (PB), and bone marrow (BM) samples and enables an efficient and correct identification of hematological malignancies. This panel improves the diagnostic potential.
Clinical commentary: Atypia in lung and mediastinal lymph node fine‐needle aspiration
Authors: Voong Khinh Ranh
Published: November 2021

In patients with known or suspected lung cancer, pathologic reports of cytologic “atypia” in the mediastinal nodal fine‐needle aspirate samples pose a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. For the patents with non‐operable disease, should the radiation oncologist empirically include lymph nodes with atypical findings in the radiation field, or should they exclude these mediastinal lymph nodes from the treatment field? Inclusion of an atypical finding in the management decision or radiation target would mean that the treating physicians are interpreting a pathologic report of “atypia” as probably “positive” rather than probably “negative” disease. Empirically treating lymph nodes without cancer involvement in thoracic radiotherapy for non‐small cell lung cancer, also known as elective nodal irradiation, is generally avoided given increased treatment‐related toxicities including esophagitis, pneumonitis, and cardiotoxicity without a demonstrated survival benefit. However, in the case of potentially curative chemoradiation, the discretion is left to the treating radiation oncologist to estimate the likelihood of oncologic involvement based on available and often clinically indeterminate radiologic findings and known routes of cancer spread. Alternatively, physicians may consider repeat or invasive diagnostic measures. The risks and benefits of additional procedures must be taken into careful consideration in our older patient population who present with co‐morbid cardiopulmonary disease and pulmonary symptoms from their cancer. If atypia is reported, written and verbal communication to relay pathologist's concern for oncologic involvement is critical as it may affect oncologic treatment recommendations and cancer outcomes.