bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Internationalization Via Instagram: An Exploratory Study of Small and Medium Enterprises
Authors: Sukunesan Suku , Selvarajah Christopher , Mellstrom Zelda
Published: August 2020

This study used content analyzed ten Australian Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sites for their brand awareness, communication, information, integration and cultural awareness to examine how best they use Instagram to internationalize. In this study, the internationalization process was provided through engaging a 3-stage internationalization process model (no plans to export, potential exporter, exporters) and, training outcomes were identified. Findings showed that owing to reduced barriers of engaging with overseas market, SMEs with the higher brand and cultural awareness, and acceptable online communication practices were primed for internationalization while SMEs who had poor business integration were negatively viewed for internationalization. These findings have implications for theory and practice.
Social Media Presence and Organizational Performance: An Empirical Study on Companies’ Presence on Twitter
Authors: Ravaonorohanta Nivo , Sayumwe Michel
Published: August 2020

Social media has garnered increased attention amongst individuals and organizations. At organizational levels, social media gives companies a way to connect with the market in a real-time manner. It becomes an essential component of marketing and business. However, the economic advantage of the presence of companies on social media platforms remains hardly studied. In this research, we focus on the economic relevance of being on social media, and more specifically on Twitter, at firm levels. With a sample of 227 Canadian companies listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), we analyze the relationship between corporate performance and the company’s presence on Twitter. Our results suggest that companies can realize a competitive advantage in having social media presence. Indeed, companies that are active on Twitter stand out for their performance; either we measure corporate performance by stock market performance or by return on assets (ROA). Our results highlight the beneﬁts of being active on social media.
Constraints Faced by Dairy Farmers in Adoption of Animal Welfare Practices in Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Gupta Jagdeep , Subash S. , Mandi Kalyan
Published: August 2020

Animal welfare assumes much significance in the era of dairy commercialization both for health of the animals as well as to improve the farm productivity. Although animal welfare scores, scales and modules have been developed and implemented at developed countries, the outreach of animal welfare and awareness about the same has not been given due importance in developing countries including India. In this context, the present research study was designed to make an attempt to find out the extent of adoption of animal welfare practices by the dairy farmers at field level. The study was undertaken in the Central plain zone of Uttar Pradesh State. Four districts (Hardoi, Auraiya, Allahabad and Kaushambi) were selected purposively based on highest and lowest bovine population and milk production. One block from each district and from each block two villages and from each village 15 farmer-respondents were selected randomly. A total of 120 respondents were finally approached for the primary data collection. The salient findings revealed that, lack of complete know-how about GDMPs/AWPs, lack of incentives, policy and programme support besides non-availability of timely veterinary services were the major constraints expressed by respondents. The present study concludes that, there is strong need to sensitize and train the extension personnel’s/veterinarians about the animal welfare practices and strengthen the dairy extension services among various stakeholders involved in dairying.
Study the Seed and Oil Yield Stability of Sunflower Hybrids across Environments
Authors: Ahmed M. A. , Morad Kh. A. , Attia M. A. , Ghareeb Zeinab E.
Published: August 2020

Aims: This study was conducted to investigate the nature of genotypes-environments interaction (GEI) and identify the most stable sunflower hybrids that can give high seed yield with high oil yield under a wide range of environmental conditions in Egypt.

Place and Duration of Study: Fifteen hybrids were evaluated across three years (2017 to 2019) and three locations (Giza, Ettay El-Barod and Shandaweel).

Study Design: The experiments were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications.

Methodology: Analysis of variance, some stability methods as additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) and genotype main effects and genotype-by-environment interaction effects (GGE-biplot) were conducted. Results of stability indices were ranked as AMMI Stability Value (ASV), yield stability (YSI) and rank-sum (RSI) and heritability was estimated.

Results: Combined analysis revealed that GEI was highly significant, indicating the possibility of selection for stable ones. AMMI analysis confirmed that the seed yield performance of sunflower hybrids was largely influenced by the environment. On the contrary, environments recorded less impact on oil yield as compared to the effect of hybrids (genetics). Then, heritability estimate of oil yield trait (93.86%) was higher than the seed yield one (31.10%). Indices of YSI and RSI presented that hybrids (H15, H7 and H11) and (H7, H8 and H15) were the best stable promising ones in seed and oil yield, respectively. GGE-biplot analysis indicated that hybrids (H15, H7, H4 and H11) and (H7, H15, H8 and H15) were considered as the most ideal for seed and oil yield, respectively whereas Shandweel was the ideal environment for both.

Conclusion: Therefore, all analyses agreed on hybrids H15, H7 and H11 were considered as the most desirable and stable ones. These hybrids can be recommended for wider cultivation due to better seed and oil yield with stable performance across the test environments.
Production of Peanut Milk and Its Functional, Physiochemical, Nutritional and Sensory Characteristics
Authors: Siddeeg Azhari , Salih Zakaria A. , Ammar Al-Farga , Saeed Nahid Salah Mohammed , Howladar Saad M. , Alzahrani Fatima Omari
Published: August 2020

This study was aimed to investigate the functional properties of peanut seeds, and physicochemical, nutritional and sensory analysis of processed peanut milk. Standard methods were used in this research to determine the functional properties and proximate composition, while minerals were determined by a flame photometer and colorimeter. Firstly, the functional proprieties of the whole and defatted kernel of peanut seeds were studied, and the best results were found in the defatted sample. Peanut milk samples were divided into four samples depends on the percentage of powder milk addition (3, 6, 9 and 12%) as well as the control sample without addition. The pH, total soluble solids, viscosity, and density of samples were (6.2-6.5, 6-16%, 3-8 mPa/s, and 1.01-1.05 g/cm3, respectively), increased with the increasing of milk powder. About the proximate analysis, the highest values of ash, protein, fat, total carbohydrates (0.8, 6.3, 6.3, and 7.5%, respectively) were found in the sample of 12% powder milk. Sodium, potassium, and calcium in the samples (3, 6, 9 and 12%) were found in the range 38-58, 55-89, and 10-18 mg/100 g, respectively. Sensory evaluation results revealed great acceptance for peanut milk made with 3% powder milk addition, while we're not found a significant difference in the color and taste of all samples and control. This study proved the possibility of using Sudanese peanut as a milk substitute which was found to be a good source of nutrients. This study suggested using peanut milk as a milk substitute, and in yogurt manufacture, future work should aim at studying optimum storage conditions and stable packaging requirements.
Decomposition Analysis of Mango Production by Adopting Good Agricultural Practices in Tamil Nadu
Authors: Kavitha B. , Gowri M. Uma
Published: August 2020

Adoption of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) aids in endorsing optimum utilization of resources with eco-friendly agriculture to ensure safety supply of food. This study was carried out to apply decomposition analysis for segmenting productivity changes due to adoption of good agricultural practices in mango cultivation. The output decomposition model was used for investigating the contribution of various constituent sources to the productivity difference between the GAP farming and the conventional methods of mango cultivation. The difference in technology contribution for total productivity variation alone was higher with 75.59 per cent and 93.17 per cent which could reveal that the farmers have obtained 75.59 per cent and 93.17 per cent more output per hectare by adopting good agricultural practices when compared to conventional borrowers and conventional non borrowers respectively. The contribution of differences in input use level to the productivity difference was meager at 11.40 per cent and 0.69 per cent for conventional borrowers and conventional non borrowers respectively. The mango farmers practicing good agricultural practices obtained higher output by spending slightly more on the inputs compared to those practicing conventional method. Therefore, concentrated efforts needs to be made to encourage the farmers to adopt Good Agricultural Practices to get real eco-friendly benefits.
Conventional Lathe Remanufacturing into CNC Machine Tool: Uncertainty Modeling Approach
Authors: Abdullah Ziyad Tariq
Published: August 2020

Aims: Uncertainty modeling to study possibility of proposing several remanufacturing alternatives of conventional lathe into CNC machine tool.

Study Design: Conventional lathe into CNC machine remanufacturing-upgrading experience is used to project the suitable literature comparatively to construct uncertainty modeling. Faults modes of conventional lathe are studied to propose different remanufacturing solution based on faults literature viewpoints in field of lathe remanufacturing-upgrading, which are reviewed and modified to accommodate new changes that can accompany the current case study.

Place and Duration of Study: Middle Technical University, Institute of Technology-Baghdad, Mechanical Techniques Department, between January 2020 and July 2020.

Methodology: Decision making for selection of remanufactured alternatives and remanufacturing portfolio alternatives in field of lathe remanufacturing are reviewed. Experience in field of lathe remanufacturing is exploited to remodeling of existence models to optimize a remanufactured lathe into CNC machine as a case study. Methodology can be concluded into:-

Literature survey to find two paths of:

Faults and their statutes study.

Remanufacturing portfolio study.

Literature re-presentation and modeling.

Literature results graphical modeling.

Mathematical modeling of remanufacturability.

Restoration alternative modeling

Modeling of uncertainty.

Results: Emerged technology aided conventional lathe into CNC lathe remanufacturing alternative exhibits good behavior of criteria toward optimization. While Advanced technology aided conventional lathe into CNC lathe remanufacturing alternative exhibits behavior to be of interesting ability to be a reservoir of developing potentials. Conventional technology aided conventional lathe remanufacturing alternative is of lower potentials to be developed into optimum solution.

Conclusion: Remanufacturing-upgrading of conventional lathe into CNC machine in its mechanical part, it is merely traditional remanufacturing process of conventional lathe. Developing potentials can include that gearbox can be eliminated due to use of motorized axis, feed rod and lead screws, in both forward and transvers directions, can be replaced with motorized ball screws. Also tool post can be replaced with automatic tool changer while dovetail guide ways and saddles can be reused. Comparative literature based analysis and experience based analysis for uncertainty reduction can substitute the leak of relevant data acquisition for decision-making in field of remanufacturing. Uncertainty reduction modeling can enable simplify certain difficulties, the calculation of some criteria and adopting of simplified analysis methods so that theoretic and practical gap can be directed towards certain actual conditions to reach the optimum solution.
Optimization of Real-time Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction for Detection of Dengue Virus
Authors: Azizi Kaunara A. , Ndaro Arnold J. , Maro Athanasia , Saro Adonira , Kavishe Reginald A.
Published: August 2020

Aims: This study was set to optimize conditions for real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for detection of dengue virus by using rapid and simple nucleic acid extraction method.

Methodology: One step and two step real time RT-PCR were evaluated in different PCR thermocyclers. Extraction of viral RNA was done by using a simple boom method.

Results: The real time RT-PCR technique was successfully optimized using simple and rapid method for purification of nucleic acid, ‘boom method’. The technique works better when performed in a two-step procedure and can works well with all range of real time PCR machines. The optimized real time RT-PCR used in the present study is a valuable and reliable technique for routine diagnosis of dengue. Further investigation on the cost effectiveness in adopting this technique for routine screening and monitoring of the dengue infection should be done.
Output Growth of Uganda’s Agriculture Sector: Does Public Expenditure on Education Matter?
Authors: Owuor Charles , Bett Eric K. , Mwenjeri Gabriel W.
Published: August 2020

We examine the multiple dimensions of the effect of public investment in education on agriculture sector output in a multivariate econometric framework. The study is underpinned by the growing interest in empirical investigations on the effects of public education expenditure on economic growth in developing countries to inform the education sector policy environment. The research employed a longitudinal study approach to examine the extent of public investment in education and effects on agriculture sector output in Uganda. The study relied on data from national statistics for the period 1982- 2017. Overall, public expenditure on education has a net positive effect on agriculture sector output. The impact of education on agriculture output has been proven to promote agriculture output through supporting farmer adoption of new productivity-enhancing technologies.
Information to the relatives of children admitted to emergency care units
Authors: Santos Keila Cristina Oliveira dos , Oliveira Isabel Cristina dos Santos , Martinez Elena Araújo , Azevedo Monique de Sales Norte , Carmo Sandra Alves do , Dias Rosângela Aparecida Bastos
Published: August 2020

Objetivo: Analisar a atuação da enfermagem na transmissão das informações às famílias das crianças na emergência. Métodos: Pesquisa qualitativa. Os participantes foram 16 membros da equipe de enfermagem do setor de emergência de um hospital pediátrico público do Rio de Janeiro. O procedimento para a coleta dados foi à entrevista não diretiva em grupo, e os depoimentos foram submetidos à analise temática, à luz da Política Nacional de Humanização. Resultados: As informações transmitidas ao familiar/acompanhante foram relacionadas ao ambiente, normas e rotinas hospitalares, higiene corporal, procedimentos invasivos, e medicamentos. Três momentos distintos para a transmissão de informações foram identificados: admissão da criança, permanência na unidade e alta. Conclusão: A equipe de enfermagem reconhece o direito à informação das famílias das crianças e atua em todos os momentos da assistência à criança no setor de emergência. Acredita-se que a capacitação dos enfermeiros é fundamental para promover transformações na atuação da enfermagem.
Nursing care systematization and nursing process: the nursing undergraduates’ understanding
Authors: Caveião Cristiano , Oliveira Alessandra Soares de , Schnitzler Regiane dos Santos , Waldrigues Maria Caroline , Silva Juliana Ollé Mendes da
Published: August 2020

Objetivo: analisar o conhecimento de estudantes de enfermagem sobre a sistematização da assistência de enfermagem e processo de enfermagem. Métodos: estudo transversal, descritivo, exploratório, com abordagem quantitativa, realizada com 109 estudantes de enfermagem, por meio de um instrumento estruturado e avaliado por especialistas. Os dados foram analisados utilizando a estatística descritiva simples. Resultados: 61,5% dos participantes possuem dificuldades com as etapas do processo de enfermagem, 78,8% não possuíam conhecimento sobre a sistematização da assistência de enfermagem antes de cursar a disciplina, dentre as dificuldades para elaborar o processo de enfermagem 70,6% citam sobrecarga de trabalho, falta de profissionais e número elevado de pacientes. Conclusão: durante a graduação os conteúdos devem ser ministrados relacionados ao processo de enfermagem de forma a propiciar a conexão da teoria à prática diária do enfermeiro, levando o estudante à reflexão acerca de sua atuação profissional, instigando-o na busca constante pela melhora na qualidade da assistência.
Cardiorespiratory arrest: intervention of nursing professionals
Authors: Santiago Bruno Melo Genê , Oliveira Juliana da Silva , Morais Roberta Laíse Gomes Leite , Santos Charles Souza , Santos Isleide Santana Cardoso , Cunha Danielle Oliveira
Published: August 2020

Objetivo: Este estudo objetivou avaliar se os conhecimentos dos profissionais de enfermagem frente a parada cardiorrespiratória (PCR) estão de acordo com o protocolo da American Heart Association – AHA. Método: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, qualitativo. Para coleta de dados utilizou-se a entrevista semiestruturada com 12 profissionais de enfermagem de um hospital do interior da Bahia, entre maio a junho de 2015. Os dados foram analisados conforme a técnica de análise de conteúdo, modalidade temática. Resultados: Surgiram como categorias: Dificuldade na identificação da parada cardiorrespiratória; e Intervenções de enfermagem: e agora o que fazer diante da PCR? Conclusão: Os resultados mostram que os profissionais que atuam na emergência ainda não estão devidamente qualificados para atender as vítimas em PCR, fazendo-se necessário o aprimoramento das condutas e a qualificação destes profissionais, visando o aumento da taxa de sobrevida dos pacientes acometidos com tal situação clínica.
Opioid-induced constipation in palliative care: state of the art
Authors: Freitas Erlania do Carmo , Silva Geslaney Reis da , Silva Rudval Souza da , Boery Rita Narriman Silva de Oliveira , Milagres Maria Patricia
Published: August 2020

OBJECTIVE: The study’s purpose has been to address the state of the art in investigations such as clinical trials, systematic reviews with meta-analysis and case studies, which report how to minimize opioid-induced constipation in patients undergoing palliative care. METHODS: This is an exploratory study through an integrative review of four databases addressing published articles from 2013 to 2017. RESULTS: A total of 117 publications were presented, which 17 presented the inclusion criteria. The studies describe the prevalence of constipation rates induced by the use of opioids. CONCLUSION: Although these drugs alleviate pain, the adverse reactions may generate discomfort and loss of the patient’s life quality. There are limited data on the treatment of constipation. It was observed that few authors mentioned diet as a helper on this situation, emphasizing the use of medications. Further studies should be encouraged aiming to find the balance between analgesia and reduction of adverse effects.
Analysis of the coefficients of cytological examination performed and altered in paraná
Authors: Herget Amanda Rotava , Bueno Ana Carolina Rak , Santos Aliny de Lima
Published: August 2020

Objetivo: analisar o comportamento dos coeficientes de exames citopatológicos realizados e alterados em mulheres Paranaenses no período de 2006 a 2014. Método: estudo transversal do tipo ecológico, utilizou dados do Sistema de Informação do Câncer do Colo do Útero, segundo faixa etária de 15 a 59 anos. Foi calculada a razão entre o número de casos de câncer de colo uterino, segundo a faixa etária, e mulheres paranaenses da mesma faixa etária, divididos por 100.000. Resultados: apresentaram-se segundo estatística descritiva, utilizando gráficos e tabelas. Mostraram um aumento de exames realizados nas faixas etárias 15-19 e 50-59 anos, e quedas nas centrais, 20-49 anos. Os exames alterados aumentaram no período estudado nas faixas de 15-19 e 30-49 anos, e caíram nas demais. Conclusão: o estudo evidencia uma mudança no perfil daquelas que procuram o exame citopatológico, com aumento da busca pelas jovens, assim como de exames alterados nas mesmas.
HHS OIG doubles down on constraints against contingency management
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: August 2020

Stimulant use disorders are on the rise resulting in exacerbation of the opioid epidemic, with stimulants often present in opioid overdoses.. Subcontractors are lining up to implement the new stimulant use disorder treatment provisions of the $1 billion annual State Opioid Response (SOR) federal grant program. And contingency management (CM), in which patients are given monetary rewards for not using drugs, is the best — by far — treatment for stimulant use disorder.
Characterization of the Microstructure after Composite Peening of Aluminum
Authors: Seitz Michael , Dürrschnabel Michael , Kauffmann Alexander , Kurpiers Chantal , Greiner Christian , Weidenmann Kay André
Published: August 2020

Composite peening is a novel process to introduce ceramic blasting particles into the surface of substrates. Depending on the process parameters, the penetration depth of the blasting particles can be several micrometers. In previous investigations by some of the authors, it has been found that the ceramic particles incorporated during composite peening are significantly smaller compared to 10 μm in size before peening. Herein, the microstructure after composite peening is highlighted. To investigate this microstructure, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are performed. The subsequent X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis provides further evidence of a severely deformed, nanocrystalline ceramic layer consisting of fragmented blasting particles.
Assessment on the Use of High Capacity “Sn4P3”/NHC Composite Electrodes for Sodium‐Ion Batteries with Ether and Carbonate Electrolytes
Authors: Palaniselvam Thangavelu , Mukundan Charan , Hasa Ivana , Santhosha Aggunda L. , Goktas Mustafa , Moon Hyein , Ruttert Mirco , Schmuch Richard , Pollok Kilian , Langenhorst Falko , Winter Martin , Passerini Stefano , Adelhelm Philipp
Published: August 2020

This work reports the facile synthesis of a Sn–P composite combined with nitrogen doped hard carbon (NHC) obtained by ball‐milling and its use as electrode material for sodium ion batteries (SIBs). The “Sn4P3”/NHC electrode (with nominal composition “Sn4P3”:NHC = 75:25 wt%) when coupled with a diglyme‐based electrolyte rather than the most commonly employed carbonate‐based systems, exhibits a reversible capacity of 550 mAh gelectrode−1 at 50 mA g−1 and 440 mAh gelectrode−1 over 500 cycles (83% capacity retention). Morphology and solid electrolyte interphase formation of cycled “Sn4P3”/NHC electrodes is studied via electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The expansion of the electrode upon sodiation (300 mAh gelectrode−1) is only about 12–14% as determined by in situ electrochemical dilatometry, giving a reasonable explanation for the excellent cycle life despite the conversion‐type storage mechanism. In situ X‐ray diffraction shows that the discharge product is Na15Sn4. The formation of mostly amorphous Na3P is derived from the overall (electro)chemical reactions. Upon charge the formation of Sn is observed while amorphous P is derived, which are reversibly alloying with Na in the subsequent cycles. However, the formation of Sn4P3 can be certainly excluded.
Irradiation‐Induced Extremes Create Hierarchical Face‐/Body‐Centered‐Cubic Phases in Nanostructured High Entropy Alloys
Authors: Jiang Li , Hu Yong‐Jie , Sun Kai , Xiu Pengyuan , Song Miao , Zhang Yanwen , Boldman Walker L. , Crespillo Miguel L. , Rack Philip D. , Qi Liang , Weber William J. , Wang Lumin
Published: August 2020

A nanoscale hierarchical dual‐phase structure is reported to form in a nanocrystalline NiFeCoCrCu high‐entropy‐alloy (HEA) film via ion irradiation. Under the extreme energy deposition and consequent thermal energy dissipation induced by energetic particles, a fundamentally new phenomenon is revealed, in which the original single‐phase face‐centered‐cubic (FCC) structure partially transforms into alternating nanometer layers of a body‐centered‐cubic (BCC) structure. The orientation relationship follows the Nishiyama–Wasser‐man relationship, that is, (011)BCC || ( 1¯1¯1)FCC and [100]BCC || [ 11¯0]FCC. Simulation results indicate that Cr, as a BCC stabilizing element, exhibits a tendency to segregate to the stacking faults (SFs). Furthermore, the high densities of SFs and twin boundaries in each nanocrystalline grain serve to accelerate the nucleation and growth of the BCC phase during irradiation. By adjusting the irradiation parameters, desired thicknesses of the FCC and BCC phases in the laminates can be achieved. This work demonstrates the controlled formation of an attractive dual‐phase nanolaminate structure under ion irradiation and provides a strategy for designing new derivate structures of HEAs.
Boosting Reaction Homogeneity in High‐Energy Lithium‐Ion Battery Cathode Materials
Authors: Cha Hyungyeon , Kim Junhyeok , Lee Hyomyung , Kim Namhyung , Hwang Jaeseong , Sung Jaekyung , Yoon Moonsu , Kim Kyungho , Cho Jaephil
Published: August 2020

Conventional nickel‐rich cathode materials suffer from reaction heterogeneity during electrochemical cycling particularly at high temperature, because of their polycrystalline properties and secondary particle morphology. Despite intensive research on the morphological evolution of polycrystalline nickel‐rich materials, its practical investigation at the electrode and cell levels is still rarely discussed. Herein, an intrinsic limitation of polycrystalline nickel‐rich cathode materials in high‐energy full‐cells is discovered under industrial electrode‐fabrication conditions. Owing to their highly unstable chemo‐mechanical properties, even after the first cycle, nickel‐rich materials are degraded in the longitudinal direction of the high‐energy electrode. This inhomogeneous degradation behavior of nickel‐rich materials at the electrode level originates from the overutilization of active materials on the surface side, causing a severe non‐uniform potential distribution during long‐term cycling. In addition, this phenomenon continuously lowers the reversibility of lithium ions. Consequently, considering the degradation of polycrystalline nickel‐rich materials, this study suggests the adoption of a robust single‐crystalline LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 as a feasible alternative, to effectively suppress the localized overutilization of active materials. Such an adoption can stabilize the electrochemical performance of high‐energy lithium‐ion cells, in which superior capacity retention above ≈80% after 1000 cycles at 45 °C is demonstrated.
Controlled Lengthwise Assembly of Helical Peptide Nanofibers to Modulate CD8+ T‐Cell Responses
Authors: Fries Chelsea N. , Wu Yaoying , Kelly Sean H. , Wolf Michelle , Votaw Nicole L. , Zauscher Stefan , Collier Joel H.
Published: August 2020

Peptide nanofibers are useful for many biological applications, including immunotherapy, tissue engineering, and drug delivery. The robust lengthwise assembly of these peptides into nanofibers is typically difficult to control, resulting in polydisperse fiber lengths and an incomplete understanding of how nanofiber length affects biological responses. Here, rationally designed capping peptides control the length of helical peptide nanofibers with unique precision. These designed peptides bind the tips of elongated nanofibers to shorten and narrow their length distributions. Demonstrating their use as immunotherapies, capped nanofibers are preferentially cross‐presented by dendritic cells compared to uncapped nanofibers. Due to increased cross‐presentation, these capped nanofibers trigger stronger CD8+ T‐cell responses in mice than uncapped nanofibers. This strategy illustrates a means for controlling the length of supramolecular peptide nanofibers to modulate their immunogenicity in the context of immunotherapies.
Morphological variants of silent bared‐teeth displays have different social interaction outcomes in crested macaques (Macaca nigra)
Authors: Clark Peter R. , Waller Bridget M. , Burrows Anne M. , Julle‐Danière Eglantine , Agil Muhammad , Engelhardt Antje , Micheletta Jérôme
Published: August 2020

Objectives

While it has been demonstrated that even subtle variation in human facial expressions can lead to significant changes in the meaning and function of expressions, relatively few studies have examined primate facial expressions using similarly objective and rigorous analysis. Construction of primate facial expression repertoires may, therefore, be oversimplified, with expressions often arbitrarily pooled and/or split into subjective pigeonholes. Our objective is to assess whether subtle variation in primate facial expressions is linked to variation in function, and hence to inform future attempts to quantify complexity of facial communication.

Materials and Methods

We used Macaque Facial Action Coding System, an anatomically based and hence more objective tool, to quantify “silent bared‐teeth” (SBT) expressions produced by wild crested macaques engaging in spontaneous behavior, and utilized discriminant analysis and bootstrapping analysis to look for morphological differences between SBT produced in four different contexts, defined by the outcome of interactions: Affiliation, Copulation, Play, and Submission.

Results

We found that SBT produced in these contexts could be distinguished at significantly above‐chance rates, indicating that the expressions produced in these four contexts differ morphologically. We identified the specific facial movements that were typically used in each context, and found that the variability and intensity of facial movements also varied between contexts.

Discussion

These results indicate that nonhuman primate facial expressions share the human characteristic of exhibiting meaningful subtle differences. Complexity of facial communication may not be accurately represented simply by building repertoires of distinct expressions, so further work should attempt to take this subtle variability into account.
A Universal Graphene Quantum Dot Tethering Design Strategy to Synthesize Single‐Atom Catalysts
Authors: Jin Song , Ni Youxuan , Hao Zhimeng , Zhang Kai , Lu Yong , Yan Zhenhua , Wei Yajuan , Lu Ying‐Rui , Chan Ting‐Shan , Chen Jun
Published: August 2020

A general graphene quantum dot‐tethering design strategy to synthesize single‐atom catalysts (SACs) is presented. The strategy is applicable to different metals (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn) and supports (0D carbon nanosphere, 1D carbon nanotube, 2D graphene nanosheet, and 3D graphite foam) with the metal loading of 3.0–4.5 wt %. The direct transmission electron microscopy imaging and X‐ray absorption spectra analyses confirm the atomic dispersed metal in carbon supports. Our study reveals that the abundant oxygenated groups for complexing metal ions and the rich defective sites for incorporating nitrogen are essential to realize the synthesis of SACs. Furthermore, the carbon nanotube supported Ni SACs exhibits high electrocatalytic activity for CO2 reduction with nearly 100 % CO selectivity. This universal strategy is expected to open up new research avenues to produce SACs for diverse electrocatalytic applications.
A Pure‐Red Doublet Emission with 90 % Quantum Yield: Stable, Colorless, Iodinated Triphenylmethane Solid
Authors: Liu Cheng‐Hao , Hamzehpoor Ehsan , Sakai‐Otsuka Yoko , Jadhav Thaksen , Perepichka Dmitrii F.
Published: August 2020

Red luminescence is found in off‐white tris(iodoperchlorophenyl)methane (3I‐PTMH) crystals which is characterized by a high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY 91 %) and color purity (CIE coordinates 0.66, 0.34). The emission originates from the doublet excited state of the neutral radical 3I‐PTMR, which is spontaneously formed and becomes embedded in the 3I‐PTMH matrix. The radical defect can also be deliberately introduced into 3I‐PTMH crystals which maintain a high PLQY with up to 4 % radical concentration. The immobilized iodinated radical demonstrates excellent photostability (estimated half‐life >1 year under continuous irradiation) and intriguing luminescent lifetime (69 ns). TD‐DFT calculations demonstrate that electron‐donating iodine atoms accelerate the radiative transition while the rigid halogen‐bonded matrix suppresses the nonradiative decay.
Kooperative Zusammenarbeit von N‐heterocyclischen Carbenen auf einer Goldoberfläche
Authors: Amirjalayer Saeed , Bakker Anne , Freitag Matthias , Glorius Frank , Fuchs Harald
Published: August 2020

Die atomar präzise Gestaltung von Grenzflächenstrukturen ist für die Entwicklung funktioneller Materialien von entscheidender Bedeutung. Wir demonstrieren ein molekulares Werkzeug auf der Basis von N‐heterocyclischen Carbenen (NHCs), welches die Struktur einer Goldoberfläche mit atomarer Genauigkeit durch die Bildung von Gold‐Nanostrukturen modifiziert. Nach der Adsorption auf der Goldoberfläche werden einzelne Oberflächenatome durch die NHCs herausgezogen, wodurch neben Einzelatom‐Defekten auf der Oberfläche mobile NHC‐Au‐Spezies entstehen. Berechnungen zeigen, dass diese molekularen “Ballbots” als Werkzeuge dienen können, um einzelne Oberflächenatome zu versetzen. Diese vorhergesagte Funktionalität wird durch Rastertunnelmikroskopie bestätigt. Die kooperative Zusammenarbeit der NHC‐Au‐Spezies induziert eine schrittweise Bildung von Gold‐Nanostäbchen. Infolgedessen wird die Oberfläche durch einen reißverschlussartigen Mechanismus neu strukturiert. Die Arbeit bildet somit eine Grundlage für den Einsatz Molekül‐basierter Nanowerkzeuge zur gezielten Entwicklung von Oberflächenstrukturen dar.
MWCNTs reinforced conductive, self‐healing polyvinyl alcohol/carboxymethyl chitosan/oxidized sodium alginate hydrogel as the strain sensor
Authors: Wu Lu , Li Longwei , Pan Lujun , Wang Hai , Bin Yuezhen
Published: August 2020

The preparation and application of hydrogel has been a hot research field in recent years. Here in, a composite hydrogel based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS), oxidized sodium alginate (OSA), and oxidized multiwall carbon nanotubes (OMWCNTs) was successfully prepared. Hydrogen and imine bonds of the hydrogel endowed the composite hydrogel with self‐healing property and pH sensitivity. The fracture strength of the hydrogel was enhanced to about 0.8 MPa with the help of OMWCNTs, which was about 2.5 times compared with the one without OMWCNTs. Meanwhile, a new conductive network inside the hydrogel was constructed by OMWCNTs, which improved the conductivity of the hydrogel from 1.75 × 10−4 to 7.02 × 10−4 S/cm. The sensing test of the hydrogel showed that it could produce profound feedback signals for the deformation caused by external force and response to human body movements, such as finger bending, swallowing, and speaking.
Improved chemical stability and proton selectivity of semi‐interpenetrating polymer network amphoteric membrane for vanadium redox flow battery application
Authors: Yu Hailin , Xia Yifan , Zhang Hanwen , Gong Xinjian , Geng Pengfei , Gao Zhenwei , Wang Yinghan
Published: August 2020

In this work, semiinterpenetrating polymer network (semi‐IPN), consisting of sulfonated poly (arylene ether sulfone) (SPAES) and crosslinked vinyl imidazole grafted polysulfone (VMPSU), is prepared and characterized. FTIR, EDS, and solubility test indicate the successful preparation of amphoteric membranes. The semi‐IPN amphoteric membranes exhibit better stability than pure SPAES membrane, as demonstrated by thermogravimetric analysis and ex situ immersion testing results. More importantly, it is shown that the amphoteric membrane can effectively hinder vanadium ion crossover through the membrane, which is attributed to the semi‐IPN structure and Donnan exclusion. As expected, the amphoteric membrane containing 20% VMPSU exhibits the highest proton selectivity (6.86 × 104 S min cm−3), comparing to pristine SPAES (1.90 × 104 S min cm−3) as well as Nafion117 (1.31 × 104 S min cm−3).
Chiral Transient Directing Group Strategies in Asymmetric Synthesis
Authors: Bag Debojyoti , Verma Praveen Kumar , Sawant Sanghapal D.
Published: August 2020

The development of novel methodologies for catalytic enantioselective functionalization reactions enabled by chiral transient directing groups is accompanying in a paradigm shift in the field of asymmetric synthesis. In particular, these highly atom‐ and step‐economic enantioinduction processes commonly proceed either via enantioselective C−H functionalization, or via enantioselective hydroarylation of the pro‐chiral substrates generating point, axial or planar chirality. The use of the transient directing group strategy in C−H functionalizations precludes the stoichiometric installations and removal of directing groups and enables efficient, more compatible and economical chemical routes. This minireview highlights asymmetric transition‐metal‐catalyzed methodologies involving chiral transient directing groups together with the scope, utility and future perspective of the field.
Sensitive identification of prostate‐specific antigen by iron oxide nanoparticle antibody conjugates on the gap‐finger electrode surface
Authors: Zhang Wei , Li Kai , Guo Jingyang , Ma Tao , Wang Dongqing , Shi Sumei , Gopinath Subash C. B. , Gu Deqiang
Published: August 2020

Researches have proved that increasing level of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) is an indicator for the progression of prostate cancer. The present study was focused to determine the PSA level by using anti‐PSA antibody conjugated iron oxide nanoparticles, as the probe immobilized on the gap‐fingered electrode sensing surface. The detection limit and sensitivity were found at the level of 1.9 pg/mL on the linear regression curve (y = 1.6939x − 0.5671; R² = 0.9878). A dose‐dependent liner range was found from 1.9 until 60 pg/mL. Further, PSA was spiked in human serum and did not affect the interaction of PSA and its antibody. This method of detection quantifies the level of PSA, which helps to diagnose prostate cancer at its earlier stage.
Enhanced Safety Performance of Automotive Lithium‐Ion Batteries with Al2O3‐Coated Non‐Woven Separator
Authors: Meng Fanhui , Gao Jinhui , Zhang Mengdi , Li Dongwei , Liu Xizheng
Published: August 2020

Thermal runaway (TR) is the fatal safety defects that hinder the wide application of automotive batteries. The short circuit caused by shrinkage of separators under high temperatures leads to TR. In this paper, we demonstrate the robust thermal stability of an Al2O3 coated non‐woven polyethylene terephthalate (PET) separator. The shrinkage ratio of the Al2O3 coated separator has been compared with the non‐coated polyethylene (PE) separator by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TG ) and heat nail tests. Automotive lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) with large capacities have been used to conduct the simulations of nail penetration. TR is found to be triggered by Joule heat generation during the shrinkage of the separators. The separator with lower shrinkage retains highly stable dimension against wide range temperature changes. This feature enables the Al2O3 coated separator to prevent inner short circuits. The improved safety performance indicates a promising prospect of Al2O3 coated non‐woven separators in LIBs.
Evolution of Sex Determination in Amniotes: Did Stress and Sequential Hermaphroditism Produce Environmental Determination?
Authors: Straková Barbora , Rovatsos Michail , Kubička Lukáš , Kratochvíl Lukáš
Published: August 2020

Frequent independent origins of environmental sex determination (ESD) are assumed within amniotes. However, the phylogenetic distribution of sex‐determining modes suggests that ESD is likely very ancient and may be homologous across ESD groups. Sex chromosomes are demonstrated to be old and stable in endothermic (mammals and birds) and many ectothermic (non‐avian reptiles) lineages, but they are mostly non‐homologous between individual amniote lineages. The phylogenetic pattern may be explained by ancestral ESD with multiple transitions to later evolutionary stable genotypic sex determination. It is pointed out here that amniote ESD shares several key aspects with sequential hermaphroditism of fishes such as a lack of sex differences in genomes, biased population sex ratios, and potentially also molecular mechanism related to general stress responses. Here, it is speculated that ESD evolves via a heterochronic shift of the sensitive period of sex change from the adult to the embryonic stage in a hermaphroditic amniote ancestor. Also see the video abstract here https://youtu.be/q2mjtlCefu4.
Targeting lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) exerts antileukemic effects on T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Yu Haizhi , Yin Yafei , Yi Yifang , Cheng Zhao , Kuang Wenyong , Li Ruijuan , Zhong Haiying , Cui Yajuan , Yuan Lingli , Gong Fanjie , Wang Zhihua , Li Heng , Peng Hongling , Zhang Guangsen
Published: August 2020

Background

T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T‐ALL) is an uncommon and aggressive subtype of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). In the serum of T‐ALL patients, the activity of lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) is increased. We proposed that targeting LDHA may be a potential strategy to improve T‐ALL outcomes. The current study was conducted to investigate the antileukemic effect of LDHA gene‐targeting treatment on T‐ALL and the underlying molecular mechanism.

Methods

Primary T‐ALL cell lines Jurkat and DU528 were treated with the LDH inhibitor oxamate. MTT, colony formation, apoptosis, and cell cycle assays were performed to investigate the effects of oxamate on T‐ALL cells. Quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) and Western blotting analyses were applied to determine the related signaling pathways. A mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay was performed to evaluate ROS production after T‐ALL cells were treated with oxamate. A T‐ALL transgenic zebrafish model with LDHA gene knockdown was established using CRISPR/Cas9 gene‐editing technology, and then TUNEL, Western blotting, and T‐ALL tumor progression analyses were conducted to investigate the effects of LDHA gene knockdown on T‐ALL transgenic zebrafish.

Results

Oxamate significantly inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of Jurkat and DU528 cells. It also arrested Jurkat and DU528 cells in G0/G1 phase and stimulated ROS production (all P < 0.001). Blocking LDHA significantly decreased the gene and protein expression of c‐Myc, as well as the levels of phosphorylated serine/threonine kinase (AKT) and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK‐3β) in the phosphatidylinositol 3′‐kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway. LDHA gene knockdown delayed disease progression and down‐regulated c‐Myc mRNA and protein expression in T‐ALL transgenic zebrafish.

Conclusion

Targeting LDHA exerted an antileukemic effect on T‐ALL, representing a potential strategy for T‐ALL treatment.
Streptococcus sanguisbrain abscess as an initial manifestation of pulmonary arteriovenous malformation
Authors: Chang Chee Yik , Chai Cindy Syn Ying , Ong Edmund L. C.
Published: August 2020

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation is a vascular anomaly that predisposes to complications of paradoxical embolization including stroke and brain abscess. Here, we present a case of brain abscess associated with pulmonary arteriovenous malformation.
Systematic Catalyst Screening of Zeolites with Various Frameworks and Si/Al Ratios to Identify Optimum Acid Strength in OME Synthesis
Authors: Fink Anja , Gierlich Christian Henning , Delidovich Irina , Palkovits Regina
Published: August 2020

Oxymethylene dimethyl ethers (OMEx oligomers with the chain length x) present a promising emission reducing diesel additive, which can potentially be produced based on renewable resources. In this work, the OMEx synthesis catalysed by zeolites was investigated starting from paraformaldehyde and methanol. The catalytic performance of zeolites with different framework types (BEA, FAU, MFI, MOR) and various Si/Al ratios was comparatively studied. The zeolites were characterised by means of NH3‐TPD, ICP‐OES, XRD and N2 physisorption. A relationship between catalytic activity and Si/Al ratio was established demonstrating the highest turnover frequency for zeolites with high Si/Al ratios. HZSM‐5 114 with a TOF of 3375 molOME3–5 molAcidSites−1 h−1 was determined as the best‐performing zeolite which indicates that the OMEx synthesis requires a moderately strong acid strength.
A flexible bis‐Co(III) porphyrin cage as a bimetallic catalyst for the conversion of CO2 and epoxides into cyclic carbonates
Authors: Schoepff Laetitia , Monnereau Laure , Durot Stéphanie , Jenni Sébastien , Gourlaouen Christophe , Heitz Valérie
Published: August 2020

A molecular cage consisting of two free‐base porphyrins connected by four flexible linkers was metalated with Co(III) to afford in good yield a bimetallic catalyst. The catalytic activity of the bis‐Co(III) porphyrin molecular cage (CoCl)2‐1 was studied for the formation of cyclic carbonates from CO2 and propylene oxide (PO) or styrene oxide (SO) with pyridine as cocatalyst. Various reaction parameters such as the molar ratio of the catalyst and the co‐catalyst, the time of reaction, the temperature and CO2 pressure were investigated. The molecular cage was shown to be a catalyst of high selectivity for the studied reactions and much more efficient to convert the epoxides to the corresponding cyclic carbonates than the monomeric Co(III)Cl meso‐tetraphenylporphyrin (CoCl‐TPP) model. When quantitative conversion of PO into propylene carbonate (PC) was reached (0.1 mol% catalyst, 1.2 mol% pyridine, 120 °C, 30 bar of CO2) only 23 % of PC was obtained with CoCl‐TPP (0.2 mol%). This enhanced catalytic activity is attributed to the synergistic effect of the two metal sites incorporated in the framework of the molecular cage.
Principles and Applications of Miniaturized Near‐Infrared (NIR) Spectrometers
Authors: Beć Krzysztof B. , Grabska Justyna , Huck Christian W.
Published: August 2020

This review article focuses on the principles and applications of miniaturized near‐infrared (NIR) spectrometers. This technology and its applicability has advanced considerably over the last few years and revolutionized several fields of application. What is particularly remarkable is that the applications have a distinctly diverse nature, ranging from agriculture and the food sector, through to materials science, industry and environmental studies. Unlike a rather uniform design of a mature benchtop FTNIR spectrometer, miniaturized instruments employ diverse technological solutions, which have an impact on their operational characteristics. Continuous progress leads to new instruments appearing on the market. The current focus in analytical NIR spectroscopy is on the evaluation of the devices and associated methods, and to systematic characterization of their performance profiles.
Natural Products Originated from the Oxidative Coupling of Tyrosine and Tryptophan: Biosynthesis and Bioinspired Synthesis
Authors: Tang Shanyu , Vincent Guillaume
Published: August 2020

The oxidative coupling of tyrosine and tryptophan units is a pivotal step in the total synthesis of some peptide‐derived marine and terrestrial natural products, such as the diazonamides, azonazine and tryptorubin A. This Minireview details the biosynthesis and bioinspired synthesis of natural products with such structures. A special focus is put on the challenges of the synthesis of these natural products and the innovative solutions adopted by synthetic chemists.