bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Musculoskeletal modeling and humanoid control of robots based on human gait data
Authors: Yu Jun , Zhang Shuaishuai , Wang Aihui , Li Wei , Song Lulu
Published: August 2021

The emergence of exoskeleton rehabilitation training has brought good news to patients with limb dysfunction. Rehabilitation robots are used to assist patients with limb rehabilitation training and play an essential role in promoting the patient’s sports function with limb disease restoring to daily life. In order to improve the rehabilitation treatment, various studies based on human dynamics and motion mechanisms are still being conducted to create more effective rehabilitation training. In this paper, considering the human biological musculoskeletal dynamics model, a humanoid control of robots based on human gait data collected from normal human gait movements with OpenSim is investigated. First, the establishment of the musculoskeletal model in OpenSim, inverse kinematics, and inverse dynamics are introduced. Second, accurate human-like motion analysis on the three-dimensional motion data obtained in these processes is discussed. Finally, a classic PD control method combined with the characteristics of the human motion mechanism is proposed. The method takes the angle values calculated by the inverse kinematics of the musculoskeletal model as a benchmark, then uses MATLAB to verify the simulation of the lower extremity exoskeleton robot. The simulation results show that the flexibility and followability of the method improves the safety and effectiveness of the lower limb rehabilitation exoskeleton robot for rehabilitation training. The value of this paper is also to provide theoretical and data support for the anthropomorphic control of the rehabilitation exoskeleton robot in the future.
Gerenciando o conflito trabalho-família no empreendedorismo feminino: evidências de um estudo com microempreendedoras individuais
Authors: Barbosa Hávila Maria Abreu , Neto Manoel Pereira da Rocha , Júnior Sueldo Lopes Câmara , Da Silva Pablo Marlon Medeiros
Published: August 2021

O presente artigo teve como objetivo compreender como o conflito trabalho-família impacta o empreendedorismo feminino e as estratégias adotadas para o seu equilíbrio. O estudo apresentou natureza descritiva, com abordagem qualitativa, com metodologia baseada na fenomenologia, e com recurso à realização de 10 entrevistas aprofundadas com mulheres microempreendedoras do ramo de confeitaria da cidade de Natal/RN. Os resultados mostraram haver conflito nos diferentes domínios para todas as entrevistadas. Constatou-se que houve, na maioria dos casos, o apoio familiar e do cônjuge para a continuidade dos negócios, mas ainda perduram sentimentos de indiferença, incompreensibilidade e não aceitação ao empreendimento. Percebeu-se também que a maior parte dos deveres domésticos é da mulher, fator que gera uma maior sobrecarga em seus diferentes papéis, especialmente para aqueles que possuem filhos. Fatores como tempo e o exercício das atividades profissionais dentro da própria casa foram evidenciados como sendo elementos potencias para acentuar os conflitos. Dentre as principais estratégias mencionadas para minimizar os conflitos estão o compartilhamento de papéis, seja para familiares ou para terceiros. O estudo traz importantes contribuições para um campo ainda pouco investigado quando se trata de trabalho e família.
Terceirização de tecnologia da informação e gestão de contratos no setor público: um estudo na SEFAZ/SE
Authors: Sacramento Adriane Almeida do , Luft Maria Conceição Melo Silva , Silva Marcio Roque dos Santos da , Matos Júnior José Ednilson
Published: August 2021

Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar o processo de terceirização de Tecnologia da Informação (TI) e a gestão dos contratos na Secretaria de Estado da Fazenda de Sergipe (SEFAZ/SE). Metodologicamente, realizou-se uma pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa, adotando a estratégia de estudo de caso único. Para a produção dos dados, aplicou-se um roteiro de entrevista semiestruturado junto a servidores ligados à área de TI. Constatou-se que, diferentemente das organizações privadas, o órgão público não apresenta a redução de custos e aspectos econômicos como principais motivadores para a terceirização. Apesar das desvantagens, considera-se o processo vantajoso e eficiente. Revela-se ainda que a SEFAZ/SE utiliza um arranjo de terceirização total, divergindo das recomendações da literatura; e identificou-se como principal fator de risco a dependência do fornecedor. Este estudo pode auxiliar no fornecimento de informações para governo, sociedade e gestores públicos sobre o processo de terceirização de TI e seus impactos no setor público.
Airborne Fungi in Prison Indoor Environments of Nsukka and Enugu Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Lilian N. Chukwuma , Ifeoma B. Enweani , Chidozie V. Udeogu , Somadinna Okwelogu Izunna , Chukwuemeka O. Arua , Vivian C. Ukandu , George C. Asogwa
Published: August 2021

Air borne fungi are transmitted through the air which can cause respiratory infections in human leading to allergies, asthma and diseases of the respiratory tract. The study is to determine the prevalence of fungi isolates in Enugu and Nsukka indoor prison environments and the possible effects on the respiratory tracts of the prison inmates. Institutions that accommodate large number of people such as Prisons, schools and hospitals are prone to airborne diseases due to overcrowded and unhygienic environment. The study was carried out using convenience sampling method and health based questionnaires. One hundred and forty (140)samples were analyzed consisting prison offices(48),inmates cells (28),lavatory (16),furniture(8),nasal swabs(20) and hostels(20). AC single impactor with high vacuum pump was used for indoor air sample collection; thermometer was used in measuring the temperature of the room and hygrometer for measuring the humidity. Sterile swab was used in collection of nasal samples, walls, furniture, toilets and bathrooms. Sabouraund dextrose agar (0.05µg Chloramphenicol and 1µg of Streptomycin), Malt extract agar, Chromagar, Brain heart infusion agar, and Nutrient agar were used for culture media for isolation of fungi respectively. The data generated from this research was analyzed using SPSS statistical software version 23.The result obtained showed that the percentage distribution of fungi isolates in prison offices were 60.9%, 57.4% in Nsukka and Enugu respectively while the percentage distribution percentage distribution of fungi isolates in prison cells were 42.6% and 39.1% in Enugu and Nsukka respectively. There was a significant difference in the distribution of fungal isolates at P=0.042.The indoor temperature and humidity of Enugu and Nsukka were the same at P using ANOVA, when compared with the hostels that served as control. Considering the public health effects of these airborne fungi, appropriate measures should be put in place in prison indoor environment to prevent the growth of moulds and yeast and its dissemination.
Measurement of Sub-Lethal Toxicity and Effect of Kerosene Pollutant on Hematological Profile of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus)
Authors: Ivon E. A. , Sanusi-Jadesola F. O. , Edu N. E. , Anyanwu C. O. , Ubi G. M. , Odum Edodi Iyam
Published: August 2021

Background and Objectives: The study measured the impact of crude oil fractions and its derivatives like kerosene on the early life and sub-adults growth of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus in terms of mild, acute and chronic toxicity effect. It also examines the effect of indiscriminate spillage of crude oil derivatives on aquatic organisms. 

Materials and Methods: Blood profiles such as Red Blood Cell count (RBC), White Blood Cell count (WBC), Blood Differentials, Hemoglobin, (HB), and Packed Cell Volume (PCV) of the treated fishes and control were estimated after exposure of the fish to the kerosene pollutant. Behavioral changes in fish exposed to8.0ml/l, 16.0ml/l, 25.0ml/l and 50.0ml/l of kerosene pollutant varied from erratic swimming, moribund movement, jumping and lack of balance.

Results: At concentration 8.0ml/L, mean total mortality was observed within 72hours of exposure. The lethal concentration (LC50) was 8.0ml/L and highest mean mortality observed with 80% kerosene pollutant. PCV of the exposed fish was 26% when compared to the control 27%, HB was 8.9 gdl as against 9.0 gdl in the control. Total WBC was 640 x 109/L as against 1280 x 109/L in control. RBC reading was 2.1 compared to 5.3 mm3 of the control.  Lymphocyte was 80%, Neutrophil was 4% and monocyte 16% compared to 62%, 8% and 30% in control respectively. There was decrease in white blood cells counts for 8.0, 16.0, 25.0 and 50.0ml/L groups (p<0.05) compared to the control.

Conclusion: The study concludes that it is necessary to ensure the safety of aquatic life forms especially fishes, by minimizing aquatic pollution with kerosene to sustain fish food quality, availability and security.
The Prevalence of Substance use among in-School and out-of-School Adolescents: A Comparative Analysis in Anambra State, Nigeria
Authors: Aniemena C. R. , Ilika F. N. , Nwosu P. O. , Adogu P. O. , Azuike E. C. , Ohamaeme M. C.
Published: August 2021

Aim: The use of various substances is very common among the populace. These agents are readily abused by adolescents and youths who are introduced to these substances at an early age in life. This thus leads to abuse and misuse that eventually has a catastrophic outcome to the society at large.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of substance use among in-school and out-of-school adolescents; a comparative analysis in Anambra State, Nigeria.

Study Design: This was a cross-sectional comparative study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in schools, parks and markets of Onitsha municipal area of Anambra State, Nigeria, from September 2019-April 2020.

Methodology: A total of 250 in-school and 250 out-of-school adolescents aged 10-19 years, within Onitsha municipal area was sampled through the use of a semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire, that was adapted from a WHO designed instrument on drug use among non-student youths. Frequency distributions were developed, while associations between variables were tested using t-test, fisher’s test, and chi-square.

Results: The results showed that most participants were males with mean ages of both sexes being 16.7 among the in-school and 16.1 in the out-of-school. There was statistically significant difference in alcohol consumption between in-school compared to out-of-school, p=0.001; and cigarette smoking, p=0.001. However, inhalants use was more among in-school compared to out-of-school, though not statistically significant. The overall prevalence of substance use was 58.4%, with 80.4% among the out-of-school compared to 36.4% with the in-school participants. Conclusion: Substance use is common among in-school and out-of-school adolescents. The prevalence of substance use was significantly higher among out-of-school compared to in-school adolescents. Parents should teach their children the dangers of substance abuse while Schools and governments should ensure inclusion of such in the curriculum.
Maternal Lipid Profile in Preeclampsia: Case-Control Study
Authors: Agbara J. O. , Rabiu K. A. , Gbadegesin A. , Okoh N. W.
Published: August 2021

Background: Preeclampsia has continued to be a challenge especially in the areas of understanding the pathogenesis and prevention or treatment of the disease. Previous reports on the relationship between maternal lipids and preeclampsia have varied as its role in the aetiopathogenesis of pre-eclampsia is not clearly defined. This study aimed at comparing the lipid profile in preeclampsia with that in normotensive pregnancy. It also examined for any relationship between an abnormal profile and severe disease.

Methods: This was a prospective case-control study. It was conducted among pregnant women who presented for routine antenatal care and those seen in the emergency room of the obstetrics unit of a tertiary institution in Lagos, Nigeria.  The duration of the study was 6 months as it took place between May 2015 to October 2015. Pregnant women in their second half of pregnancy, diagnosed to have pre-eclampsia and, who gave consent were consecutively recruited as cases and pregnant women with similar age and gestational age, who had normal blood pressure were also selected as controls within the study period. The Maternal lipid profile was assayed using an enzyme-based assay kit and analysed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. All participants were followed up till delivery.

Results: One hundred and seventy pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy participated in this study. They were within 18 – 45 years of age. More of the participants were nulliparous. Eighty-five of them had pre-eclampsia and constituted the study group while 85 were normotensive in the control group. The mean age was similar in both groups (control=29.59 ± 4.50 years versus pre-eclampsia=29.73 ± 5.10 years). The gestational ages at blood sampling of the patients in this study ranged between 27 – 40 weeks.  The analysis of data revealed that the level of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein and very-low-density lipoprotein was higher in the cases compared with the control. This difference was statistically significant because the calculated P-value was <0.05. The level of high-density lipoprotein was lower in those with pre-eclampsia. Serum cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein were significantly higher (P-value= 0.04) in those with severe disease. A significant positive relationship was observed between mean arterial blood pressure and abnormal levels of lipids.

Conclusion: An abnormal pattern of lipid profile was observed in women with preeclampsia and this was more marked in those with severe disease. A larger multi-centre study will be required to substantiate this finding.
Availability of Renewable Energy Sources in Mauritania: Potential, Current Status and Mitigation Potential
Authors: Kane Cheikh Sidi Ethmane , Ba Labouda , Tapsoba Gildas , Record Marie-Christine , Haidara Fanta
Published: August 2021

For decades, Mauritania's economy has been fueled by thermal power.  As a developing economy, Mauritania's electricity demand has long been relatively low, though it has increased recently due to economic growth, urbanization, and industrial activities. The rapid growth in demand is making the country more dependent on oil and gas-based generation power plants, which a resultant drain on the national economy. However, Mauritania has abundant renewable energy potential. the deployment of renewable energy can be an alternative solution to reduce the dependence on fossil resources. In this paper, we have reviewed the situation of the power generation sector, the potential of renewable energy, the integration of renewable energy in Mauritania's energy mix and the mitigation potential. The installed capacity in 2018 is 415.5 MW. The percentage of thermal power plants is 59.8% and 40.2% of the integrated capacity is provided by renewable energy. In 2018, the total electric power generation was 1958.5 GWh, the contribution of renewable energy was 979.75 GWh. The IPCC 2006 methodology was used to estimate GHG emissions. The results showed that the integration of renewable energy into the country's energy mix reduced emissions by approximately 212.58 Gg CO2eq.
Self Awareness as a Predictor of Adolescent Behavior among Nursing Students: A School Based Study
Authors: Tendolkar Vaishali D. , Suraj Shaini , Pande Pravin , Meshram Komal , Muley Parikshit
Published: August 2021

Adolescence is “a period of great strain and stress, storm and strife’. Every individual wants to live a healthy and peaceful life. Each one must be aware of one’s strength, weakness, feelings, perceptions, thoughts, behaviours, initiation, motivations and actions particularly at specific life events. Self-awareness directs to perform any work in effective manner. Adolescents are expected to have highest level of self-awareness as it is the most important turning point in one’s life Objectives: 1) To assess the level of self-awareness among the adolescents. 2) To evaluate the social behaviour of the adolescents. 3) To find out the relationship between self-awareness on the social behaviour of the adolescents.

Research Design: Correlation study.

Population: Adolescents in the age group of 13-17 years both males and females Sample Size: 909.

MaterialS: Modified self-awareness Scale and Researcher developed Adolescent social behavior scale.

Results: Self-awareness has positive non-significant (r=0.004, p=0.91) relationship with the social behavior among adolescents.

Conclusion: The study findings reveal that as the self awareness improves there are chances of improving the social behavior of adolescents. There are many factors contributing to social behavior such as education, socio-economic status, parental education and their occupation, friends and facilities provided for growth, motivation of adolescents and the surrounding environment and most importantly the provisions for facilitating the interactions between these factors.
Dental Considerations in Pregnancy – A Systematic Review
Authors: Bashir Sana , Menon Ipseeta , Gupta Ritu , Sharma Anubhav , Arora Vikram , Varshney Shivangi
Published: August 2021

Background: Good oral health during pregnancy can not only improve the health of the pregnant mother, but also potentially the health of her child. There is inconclusive and contrasting nature of evidence regarding the effect of pregnancy on oral health. So the purpose of this study was to systematically review the dental considerations during Pregnancy for further investigation.

Methods: For the identification of the studies included in this review, we devised the search strategy for each database. The search strategy used a union of controlled vocabulary and free text terms. The main electronic database used to access the studies were PubMed, PubMed Central, Cochrane Review, Embase and Google Scholar.

Results: A total of 28 articles fulfilled the criteria and were selected for the review. Some prenatal oral health conditions have adverse effects on the child. Periodontitis is associated with preterm birth, low birth weight infants and high level of cariogenic bacteria in pregnant mother can lead to increased risk of dental caries in the infant. Oral lesions such as gingivitis and pregnancy tumours are benign in nature and require only reassurance and monitoring.

Conclusion: It has been suggested that some oral conditions may have adverse consequences on their children awareness related to oral health during pregnancy. Oral health care services should be routinely integrated with prenatal care services for all the pregnant women and specific preventive oral health care program should be made an integral part of antenatal care.
Okra-derived dietary Carotenoid lutein against Breast Cancer, with an Approach towards Developing a Nutraceutical Product: A Meta-analysis Study
Authors: Elkhalifa Abd Elmoneim O. , Al-Shammari Eyad , Alam Mohammad Jahoor , Alcantara Jerold C. , Khan Mushtaq Ahmad , Eltoum Nagat Elzein , Ashraf Syed Amir
Published: August 2021

Objective: Cancer chemoprevention with phytochemicals such as “lutein” derived from the vegetable okra could prove beneficial. Therefore, the objective of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of “lutein” against the breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7) and to establish the possible development of lutein based nutraceuticals.

Methodology: A literature survey was performed using online data bases such as PubMed, Google scholar, and EMBASE, from 2000 to 2020 by using keywords such as “Lutein”, “Anticancer activity”, “Breast cancer cell lines”, and “MCF-7”. Studies reported lutein anticancer potentials against MCF-7 were included in the study.

Results: Out of 28 studies, 7 research articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis data indicated that, a lutein concentration at ≥1 µM was able to reduce the MCF-7 cell viability of 59.837 with a 95% confidence interval (CI): 48.331 to 71.343. Additionally, a forest plot of the cumulative studies also indicated that impact of lutein concentration to reduce the MCF-7 cell viability was around 60%. Moreover, the I2 value of lutein was 74%, which is a considerable heterogeneity.

Conclusion: Therefore, based upon the meta-analysis data, the conclusion is that dietary lutein supplementation and fortification of food with clinical data could be an approach to develop a nutraceutical product for preventive, as well as for adjunct therapeutic purposes in various breast cancer subtypes.
Correlation of Hamstring Flexibility with Sitting Hours and Physical Activity among Physiotherapy Students
Authors: Shukla Maitri , Patel Purvi
Published: August 2021

Background: The hamstring group is an example of muscles which is commonly found to be shortened. Hamstring tightness is caused by extended or prolonged sitting at work places and educational institutions, inadequate physical activity, genetic predisposition, previous injury to hamstring.

Objectives: To assess the hamstring flexibility in college students along with their sitting hours and physical activity.

Material & Methods: 150 students of college of physiotherapy were included via convenient sampling in the study. Popliteal angle was measured using active knee extension test (AKE). All students’ sitting hours and physical activity were noted.

Results: In this study, mean values of popliteal Angle was higher than 20 degree. There was a significant difference correlation between popliteal angle and sitting hours as well as physical activity (p value <0.05).

Conclusion: This study showed tightness of hamstring in college students. There is a significant increase in tightness with more sitting and less physical activity.
Hierarchical Cross‐Linked Carbon Aerogels with Transition Metal‐Nitrogen Sites for Highly Efficient Industrial‐Level CO2 Electroreduction
Authors: Zhang Yikai , Wang Xinyue , Zheng Sixing , Yang Bin , Li Zhongjian , Lu Jianguo , Zhang Qinghua , Adli Nadia Mohd. , Lei Lecheng , Wu Gang , Hou Yang
Published: August 2021

Developing highly efficient carbon aerogels (CA) electrocatalysts based on transition metal‐nitrogen sites is critical for the CO2 electroreduction reaction (CO2RR). However, simultaneously achieving a high current density and high Faradaic efficiency (FE) still remains a big challenge. Herein, a series of unique 3D hierarchical cross‐linked nanostructured CA with metal‐nitrogen sites (MN, M = Ni, Fe, Co, Mn, Cu) is developed for efficient CO2RR. An optimal CA/N‐Ni aerogel, featured with unique hierarchical porous structure and highly exposed M‐N sites, exhibits an unusual CO2RR activity with a CO FE of 98% at −0.8 V. Notably, an industrial current density of 300 mA cm−2 with a high FE of 91% is achieved on CA/N‐Ni aerogel in a flow‐cell reactor, which outperforms almost all previously reported M‐N/carbon based catalysts. The CO2RR activity of different CA/N‐M aerogels can be arranged as Ni, Fe, Co, Mn, and Cu from high to low. In situ spectroelectrochemistry analyses validate that the rate‐determining step in the CO2RR is the formation of *COOH intermediate. A ZnCO2 battery is further assembled with CA/N‐Ni as the cathode, which shows a maximum power density of 0.5 mW cm−2 and a superior rechargeable stability.
Bifunctional Hydrated Gel Electrolyte for Long‐Cycling Zn‐Ion Battery with NASICON‐Type Cathode
Authors: Lin Xidong , Zhou Guodong , Liu Jiapeng , Robson Matthew J. , Yu Jing , Wang Yuhao , Zhang Zhiqi , Kwok Stephen C. T. , Ciucci Francesco
Published: August 2021

Aqueous Zn‐ion batteries are promising and safe energy storage technologies. However, current aqueous electrolyte Zn‐ion battery technology is hindered by undesirable reactions between the electrolyte and electrodes, which can lead to Zn dendrite growth, gas evolution, and cathode degradation. In this study, a hydrated gel electrolyte (HGE) that combines adiponitrile (ADN) and Zn(ClO4)2·6H2O in a polymeric framework is created. ADN is found to stabilize the interface between the electrolyte and anode/cathode, enabling smooth Zn stripping/plating and reducing parasitic reactions. The HGE is simple to fabricate, inexpensive, safe, and flexible. Zn/HGE/Zn symmetrical cells can cycle more than 1000 h at 0.5 mA cm−2 and 2000 h at 0.2 mA cm−2 without short‐circuiting, indicating effective suppression of Zn dendrites. Moreover, with a NASICON‐type Sr‐doped Na3V2(PO4)3 (SNVP) cathode, a Zn/HGE/SNVP full cell can be cycled over 8000 times at 10 C while retaining a high capacity of 90 mAh g−1.
Daratumumab Immunopolymersome‐Enabled Safe and CD38‐Targeted Chemotherapy and Depletion of Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Yu Na , Zhang Yifan , Li Jiaying , Gu Wenxing , Yue Shujing , Li Bin , Meng Fenghua , Sun Huanli , Haag Rainer , Yuan Jiandong , Zhong Zhiyuan
Published: August 2021

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a second ranking hematological malignancy. Despite the fast advancement of new treatments such as bortezormib and daratumumab, MM patients remain incurable and tend to eventually become relapsed and drug‐resistant. Development of novel therapies capable of depleting MM cells is strongly needed. Here, daratumumab immunopolymersomes carrying vincristine sulfate (Dar‐IPs‐VCR) are reported for safe and high‐efficacy CD38‐targeted chemotherapy and depletion of orthotopic MM in vivo. Dar‐IPs‐VCR made by postmodification via strain‐promoted click reaction holds tailored antibody density (2.2, 4.4 to 8.7 Dar per IPs), superb stability, small size (43–49 nm), efficacious VCR loading, and glutathione‐responsive VCR release. Dar4.4‐IPs‐VCR induces exceptional anti‐MM activity with an IC50 of 76 × 10−12 m to CD38‐positive LP‐1 MM cells, 12‐ and 20‐fold enhancement over nontargeted Ps‐VCR and free VCR controls, respectively. Intriguingly, mice bearing orthotopic LP‐1‐Luc MM following four cycles of i.v. administration of Dar4.4‐IPs‐VCR at 0.25 mg VCR equiv. kg−1 reveal complete depletion of LP‐1‐Luc cells, superior survival rate to all controls, and no body weight loss. The bone and histological analyses indicate bare bone and organ damage. Dar‐IPs‐VCR appears as a safe and targeted treatment for CD38‐overexpressed hematological malignancies.
Synaptic Plasticity Powering Long‐Afterglow Organic Light‐Emitting Transistors
Authors: Chen Yusheng , Wang Hanlin , Yao Yifan , Wang Ye , Ma Chun , Samorì Paolo
Published: August 2021

Long‐lasting luminescence in optoelectronic devices is highly sought after for applications in optical data storage and display technology. While in light‐emitting diodes this is achieved by exploiting long‐afterglow organic materials as active components, such a strategy has never been pursued in light‐emitting transistors, which are still rather unexplored and whose technological potential is yet to be demonstrated. Herein, the fabrication of long‐afterglow organic light‐emitting transistors (LAOLETs) is reported whose operation relies on an unprecedented strategy based on a photoinduced synaptic effect in an inorganic indium‐gallium‐zinc‐oxide (IGZO) semiconducting channel layer, to power a persistent electroluminescence in organic light‐emitting materials. Oxygen vacancies in the IGZO layer, produced by irradiation at λ = 312 nm, free electrons in excess yielding to a channel conductance increase. Due to the slow recombination kinetics of photogenerated electrons to oxygen vacancies in the channel layer, the organic material can be fueled by postsynaptic current and displays a long‐lived light‐emission (hundreds of seconds) after ceasing UV irradiation. As a proof‐of‐concept, the LAOLETs are integrated in active‐matrix light‐emitting arrays operating as visual UV sensors capable of long‐lifetime green‐light emission in the irradiated regions.
Direct Electrochemical Storage of Solar Energy in C‐Rich Polymeric Carbon Nitride Cell
Authors: He Lirong , Tang Xiao , Li Yanhong , Zhang Ling , Cao Guozhong
Published: August 2021

Covalent carbon nitrides (CNs) have been widely used in photocatalysis and energy storage for their graphitic 2D structure and semiconducting properties. However, carbon nitrides, normally with a bandgap of 2.7 eV, can absorb only the ultraviolet and blue fraction of solar spectrum (λ < 450 nm), limiting their performance in photovoltaic applications. Herein, a carbon‐rich polymeric carbon nitride (CPCN) with an optical bandgap of 1.74 eV and significant absorption to the visible light (550–700 nm) is reported. The dark blue CPCN serving as the photoelectrode in a monolithic photoelectrochemical solar cell successfully demonstrates direct solar‐to‐electric energy conversion and storage in one single material. Under the irradiation of simulated AM1.5 solar light, the cell generates a short‐circuit photocurrent density (Jsc) of 1.3 mA cm−2 and open‐circuit photovoltage (Voc) of 500 mV. The increase in the charge capacity of the cell has a linear dependence with the power of the incident light and the maximum specific charge capacity of 4.77 C g−1 is obtained. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) as well as photoelectrochemical measurements reveal the underlying mechanism of the observed light‐induced charge storage of the CPCN.
A human craniofacial life‐course: Cross‐sectional morphological covariations during postnatal growth, adolescence, and aging
Authors: Jeffery Nathan S. , Humphreys Craig , Manson Amy
Published: August 2021

Covariations between anatomical structures are fundamental to craniofacial ontogeny, maturation, and aging and yet are rarely studied in such a cognate fashion. Here, we offer a comprehensive investigation of the human craniofacial complex using freely available software and MRI datasets representing 575 individuals from 0 to 79 years old. We employ both standard craniometrics methods as well as Procrustes‐based analyses to capture and document cross‐sectional trends. Findings suggest that anatomical structures behave primarily as modules, and manifest integrated patterns of shape change as they compete for space, particularly with relative expansions of the brain during early postnatal life and of the face during puberty. Sexual dimorphism was detected in infancy and intensified during adolescence with gender differences in the magnitude and pattern of morphological covariation as well as of aging. These findings partly support the spatial‐packing hypothesis and reveal important insights into phenotypic adjustments to deep‐rooted, and presumably genetically defined, trajectories of morphological size and shape change that characterize the normal human craniofacial life‐course.
Morphofunctional examination of the carpal bones of pygmy hippopotamus from Ayia Napa, Cyprus
Authors: Georgitsis Michail K. , Liakopoulou Dionysia Ε. , Theodorou Georgios E.
Published: August 2021

This study provides a complete morphological description and functional analysis of the carpal bones of the endemic pygmy hippopotamus Phanourios minor, derived from the Upper Pleistocene site of Ayia Napa. From this deposit, numerous skeletal remains of this fossil hippo have been collected, making the locality one of the richest in Cyprus. The carpal bones were compared with those of extant hippopotamuses, to determine the changes that occurred in the fossil hippo. Examination of the elements showed that Phanourios presented some important features that were common among the endemic fossil ungulates of the Mediterranean islands. The carpal bones display a proximal–distal compression due to shortening of the distal part of the leg, due to the new ecological island conditions. However, they are robust with rough areas for strong muscular and ligament insertions, providing stability to the carpal joints, and low speed movement to the animal. The great flexor capabilities, and the limitation in ulnar deviation of the carpus, indicate that P. minor had increased agility in the sagittal plane and restricted transverse movements, while the suggestion of a more unguligrade stance for the species is ambiguous. Thus, the endemic Cypriot hippos developed specialized locomotion, suitable for walking on the rugged terrain of Cyprus, which seems to be different from that of its extant counterparts.
Association of Sputum Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Subsets With IgA Anti–Citrullinated Protein Antibodies in Subjects at Risk for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Okamoto Yuko , Devoe Stephanie , Seto Nickie , Minarchick Valerie , Wilson Timothy , Rothfuss Heather M. , Mohning Michael P. , Arbet Jaron , Kroehl Miranda , Visser Ashley , August Justin , Thomas Stacey M. , Charry Laura Lenis , Fleischer Chelsie , Feser Marie L. , Frazer‐Abel Ashley A. , Norris Jill M. , Cherrington Brian D. , Janssen William J. , Kaplan Mariana J. , Deane Kevin D. , Holers V. Michael , Demoruelle M. Kristen
Published: August 2021

Objective

Mechanisms leading to anti–citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) generation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are hypothesized to originate in the lung. We undertook this study to understand associations between neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation in the lung and local ACPA generation in subjects at risk of developing RA.

Methods

Induced sputum was collected from 49 subjects at risk of developing RA, 12 patients with RA, and 18 controls. Sputum neutrophils were tested for ex vivo NET formation, and sputum‐induced NET formation of control neutrophils was measured using immunofluorescence imaging. Sputum macrophages were tested for ex vivo endocytosis of apoptotic and opsonized cells. Levels of ACPA, NET remnants, and inflammatory proteins were quantified in sputum supernatant.

Results

Spontaneous citrullinated histone H3 (Cit‐H3)–expressing NET formation was higher in sputum neutrophils from at‐risk subjects and RA patients compared to controls (median 12%, 22%, and 0%, respectively; P < 0.01). In at‐risk subjects, sputum IgA ACPA correlated with the percentage of neutrophils that underwent Cit‐H3+ NET formation (r = 0.49, P = 0.002) and levels of Cit‐H3+ NET remnants (r = 0.70, P < 0.001). Reduced endocytic capacity of sputum macrophages was found in at‐risk subjects and RA patients compared to controls. Using a mediation model, we found that sputum inflammatory proteins were associated with sputum IgA ACPA through a pathway mediated by Cit‐H3+ NET remnants. Sputum‐induced Cit‐H3+ NET formation also correlated with sputum levels of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor in at‐risk subjects, suggesting a causal relationship.

Conclusion

These data support a potential mechanism for mucosal ACPA generation in subjects at risk of developing RA, whereby inflammation leads to increased citrullinated protein–expressing NETs that promote local ACPA generation.
Bismuth ferrite Fenton‐like pretreatment improves lactic acid production from corn stover without detoxification by Bacillus coagulans
Authors: Li Hong , Ke Xuejia , Li Ming , Zhang Yuting , Peng Nan , Xiao Naidong , Zhou Wenbing , Hu Jinlong
Published: August 2021

Agricultural stover is attractive as a raw material for lactic acid (LA) and polylactic acid (PLA) production because it does not compete with other food sources. The demand for PLA is extremely high. Pretreatment is an important step for LA production from agricultural stover. It improves the degradability of cellulose but always generates fermentation inhibitors. In this study, corn stover was pretreated with ammonia combined with a bismuth ferrite Fenton‐like process and then used for LA production through simultaneous enzymic saccharification and fermentation without detoxification treatment. The LA titer and yield were 92.35 ± 2.25 g L−1 and 0.62 g/g in fed batch fermentation under nonsterile conditions. Traces of formic acid were detected at the beginning of all experiments and disappeared during fermentation. Specific surface area and scanning electron microscopy observations of lignocellulose showed that there were many pore holes in pretreated corn stover fiber, which obviously improved the enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency. These results indicated that the bismuth ferrite Fenton‐like process is an economical and efficient pretreatment method that can improve the degradability of fiber, reduce inhibitors, and then achieve high LA production without detoxification and sterilization. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Acute kidney injury in cardiogenic shock: The powerful distortions of survivor bias
Authors: Tehrani David M. , Seto Arnold H.
Published: August 2021

Key Points

The SCAI Shock Classification formalized definitions of cardiogenic shock and is prognostic for mortality.

This retrospective analysis found that AKI was prognostic for mortality in patients at risk of or in early shock, but was paradoxically associated with lower mortality in SCAI Shock D or E.

Survival bias explains this result and the risks in other mental shortcuts made in science and society.
Efficient Hydrogen Evolution under Visible Light by Bimetallic Phosphide NiCoP Combined with g‐C3N4/CdS S‐Scheme Heterojunction
Authors: Ma Wangyang , Zheng Dewen , Xian Yuxi , Hu Xianhai , Zhang Qian , Wang Shanyu , Cheng Congliang , Liu Jin , Wang Ping
Published: August 2021

Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution is a promising method to convert solar energy. Here, the heterojunction structure of g‐C3N4/CdS was modified by NiCoP prepared by one‐step method for the first time, and the photocatalyst NiCoP‐g‐C3N4/CdS was successfully designed and prepared, which can effectively separate and transfer photogenerated electrons and efficient hydrogen evolution under visible light. Moreover, NiCoP‐g‐C3N4/CdS photocatalyst has abundant surface‐active sites, and its photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance has been greatly improved. When NiCoP content was 5 % in NiCoP‐g‐C3N4/CdS, the catalytic activity was the highest, and the hydrogen production rate reached an astonishing 55.63 mmol h−1 g−1, which was 23.35 times that of CdS (2.38 mmol h−1 g−1) and 11.51 times that of g‐C3N4/CdS (4.84 mmol h−1 g−1). In addition, NiCoP‐g‐C3N4/CdS photocatalyst has excellent stability for hydrogen production. The materials were characterized and analyzed by XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, UV‐Vis DRS, FTIR, UPS, N2 adsorption‐desorption process and electrochemical test etc. At the same time, the possible mechanism of NiCoP‐g‐C3N4/CdS photocatalytic hydrogen production reaction is proposed. This study provides a new idea for the rational design of heterojunction photocatalyst and transition metal phosphide cocatalyst.
Low‐Temperature CO Oxidation over the Pt−TiN Interfacial Dual Sites
Authors: Yang Yifei , Zhou Linsen , Chen Jun , Qiu Ruizhi , Yao Yunxi
Published: August 2021

The metal‐support interfacial synergistic catalysis allows the competitive reaction steps to occur in close proximity at different sites, thus decreasing the activation barrier and improving the catalytic efficiency. Combining the structural characterization, reactivity assessments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, it is found that highly dispersed Pt clusters on TiN substrates favor the formation of Pt−TiN interfacial dual sites, which are highly reactive for the low‐temperature CO oxidation with an apparent activation energy as low as 38.7 kJ mol−1, much less than that on the traditional Pt/TiO2 or Pt/SiO2 catalysts. At low temperature, the surface sites of Pt are saturated with CO adsorption due to its high adsorption energy and the molecular O2 dissociatively adsorbs on the Ti sites to form the titanium oxynitride (TiNxOy) skin with a low barrier of 0.1 eV. The O atoms binding on Ti sites readily react with the adjacent CO molecules adsorbed on the perimeter of Pt clusters to attain a catalytic cycle with a reaction barrier of 0.5 eV. The interfacial synergistic effect between Pt and TiN is the origin of the low temperature CO oxidation activity on the metal‐nitride catalysts.
Long‐term effects of low N rates on St. Augustinegrass cultivars
Authors: Schiavon Marco , Shaddox Travis Wayne , Williams Karen E. , Kenworthy Kevin E. , Unruh Joseph Bryan
Published: August 2021

Current recommended nitrogen fertilization rates for St. Augustinegrass [Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walter) Kuntze] in South Florida range from 4 to 6 lb N per 1,000 ft2 per yr, applied throughout the year. Nevertheless, strict fertilizer ordinances are being passed by multiple counties in Florida, setting limits to the amount of N that can be applied to turfgrass areas, and establishing summer blackout periods for fertilizer applications; hence, there is a need to identify the minimum N rates to sustain St. Augustinegrass quality. A 4‐yr study was conducted at the University of Florida's Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center to assess the turfgrass quality of four St. Augustinegrass cultivars (‘CitraBlue’, ‘Floratam’, ‘Palmetto’, and ‘Raleigh’) grown on a Hallandale fine sand (siliceous, isohyperthermic Lithic Psammaquents) and fertilized at either 2.5 or 5 lb per 1,000 ft2 per yr. Plots were evaluated monthly for visual turfgrass quality, and yearly for genetic color, leaf texture, spring green‐up, and summer density. CitraBlue had the highest turfgrass quality, color, and density. Differences were rarely detected among the other three cultivars. Nitrogen rates had an effect only on summer density, suggesting that St. Augustinegrass grown on Hallandale fine sand with 3.4% organic matter in South Florida could be managed with less N than is currently recommended without detrimental effects.
Photoswitchable Composite Polymer Electrolytes Using Spiropyran‐Immobilized Nanoporous Templates
Authors: Lin Yu‐Liang , Tseng Yu‐Hsuan , Ho Jhih‐Hao , Chen Yi‐Fan , Chen Jiun‐Tai
Published: August 2021

Composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs) with smart, stimuli‐responsive characteristics have gained considerable attention owing to their noninvasive manipulation and applications in future technologies. To address this potential, in this work, we demonstrate photoresponsive composite polymer electrolytes, consisting of gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) and spiropyran‐immobilized nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide (SP‐AAO) templates. Under UV irradiation, the close SP form isomerizes to the open merocyanine (MC) form, creating extremely polarized AAO surfaces; whereas, under visible light irradiation, the MC form reverts to the SP form, creating neutral surface conditions. The electrostatic interactions between ions and AAO surfaces are investigated by attenuated total reflection Fourier‐transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy. Moreover, the behavior of ionic conductivity of the GPE@SP‐AAO is found to be consistent with the kinetics of isomerization tracked by UV‐Vis spectroscopy. This work provides a promising platform for developing next‐generation photoelectronic smart devices.
A novel user trend‐based priority assigner and URL scheduler for dynamic incremental crawling
Authors: Gupta Ashlesha , Dixit Ashutosh
Published: August 2021

An efficient search engine needs to be designed in such a way that is able to provide relevant and accurate information in accordance with user needs and interests. The quality of downloaded records can be guaranteed only when website pages of high pertinence are downloaded by the crawlers in accordance with the current topics or user trends. Earlier Focused Crawlers were used to download topic specific pages but these crawlers were not able to adapt to the changing interest of the users. Therefore, there is a need to design crawlers that are able to naturally track the present pattern points and download site pages that meet client's present need. In this paper, a priority assigner and scheduler method for organizing Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) is being proposed that helps the crawler in tracking user's interest and prioritize downloading documents that are relevant to the user's choice in addition to current trends. The experimental results conforms that the proposed priority assigner and URL scheduler‐based crawling outshines conventional crawling strategies based on Change‐history or Site‐Map‐based methods in terms of quality of downloaded web pages and reducing network traffic over the Internet.
An anomalous co‐operative trust & PG‐DRL based vampire attack detection & routing
Authors: Juneja Vikas , Dinkar Shail Kumar , Gupta Dharam Vir
Published: August 2021

Sensor nodes in WSN play a vital role in communication, IoTs and many other emergencies too. However, the energy consumption of nodes is a major setback to these, which incites various malicious nodes/attacks. This article studies and presents the solution to Vampire attack‐ one of those kinds of attacks. It depletes the energy by route elongation of data transmission. This article has suggested a novel two‐fold mechanism to detect the attack by integrating co‐operation trust mechanism and the mitigation of the attack by selecting the secure route by policy gradient‐deep reinforcement learning. The designed protocol also ensures the selection of a secure hop even in the presence of the vampire attack. The results are compared with various other existing state‐of‐the‐art schemes and have improved the detection ratio by 20% compared to the forecasting methods applied for detecting the vampire node's behavior. The network lifetime has also improved by 3% than the benchmark dynamic source routing.
New Extensibility and Scripting Tools in the ImageJ Ecosystem
Authors: Gahm Niklas A. , Rueden Curtis T. , Evans Edward L. , Selzer Gabriel , Hiner Mark C. , Chacko Jenu V. , Gao Dasong , Sherer Nathan M. , Eliceiri Kevin W.
Published: August 2021

ImageJ provides a framework for image processing across scientific domains while being fully open source. Over the years ImageJ has been substantially extended to support novel applications in scientific imaging as they emerge, particularly in the area of biological microscopy, with functionality made more accessible via the Fiji distribution of ImageJ. Within this software ecosystem, work has been done to extend the accessibility of ImageJ to utilize scripting, macros, and plugins in a variety of programming scenarios, e.g., from Groovy and Python and in Jupyter notebooks and cloud computing. We provide five protocols that demonstrate the extensibility of ImageJ for various workflows in image processing. We focus first on Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) data, since this requires significant processing to provide quantitative insights into the microenvironments of cells. Second, we show how ImageJ can now be utilized for common image processing techniques, specifically image deconvolution and inversion, while highlighting the new, built‐in features of ImageJ—particularly its capacity to run completely headless and the Ops matching feature that selects the optimal algorithm for a given function and data input, thereby enabling processing speedup. Collectively, these protocols can be used as a basis for automating biological image processing workflows. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Using PyImageJ for FLIM data processing

Alternate Protocol: Groovy FLIMJ in Jupyter Notebooks

Basic Protocol 2: Using ImageJ Ops for image deconvolution

Support Protocol 1: Using ImageJ Ops matching feature for image inversion

Support Protocol 2: Headless ImageJ deconvolution