bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management process of the communal police of the City of Zajecar
Authors: Manić Aleksandar , Manić Saška , Fokianos Nikolaos
Published: July 2022

Communal systems, as organizational units within local self-governments, are important factors in the organizational and executive structure of modern administration. Management has an important role with its supporting structures (finance and human resources) in every economy and business of the organization. Managing communal police is a difficult and demanding job, which requires a lot of knowledge, skills, understanding and experience in working with people. In practice as well as scientific research on work, it has been shown that joint work is always more efficient and effective than individual work. Numerous management theories have contributed, each in its own way, to improving the understanding of the factors that affect the efficiency of the organization as well as the motivation and satisfaction of employees on whom business efficiency directly depends. Since the work of communal police officers is work in pairs or in groups, the important role of the manager is to organize communal police officers and focus on solving the set tasks. As far as the authors know, there is no research regarding management process of the communal police in Serbia, therefore, the main goal of the paper is to present the management process of the communal police of the City of Zaječar.
Cultural diplomacy of non-aligned Yugoslavia: Reflections of a forgotten heritage
Authors: Radonjić Nemanja
Published: July 2022

Cultural diplomacy of Yugoslavia 1945-1991 is often represented through its socialist, European or westernization aspects. However, one specific characteristic of this multinational federation is often overlooked. Non-alignment was the main axis of the Yugoslav foriegn policy from c. 1956 to 1989. This foreign policy doctrine made possible a wide array of networks to be formed with the newly liberated post-colonial states of Africa, Asia and Latin America. This paper presents a short history of these networks. The given examples present Yugoslav-African cooperation in the fields of museology, literature, artistic and intellectual exchange, exhibitions and institutions created based on this cooperation - such as the Museum of African Art in Belgrade. Yugoslavia was very present on the African continent and signed official cultural cooperation treaties with over 30 of its nation states. Belgrade and the rest of the Yugoslav federation was extremly receptive of initiatives from the non-aligned and, to the limits of their infrastructural and financial possibilities, supported them. The specificities of socialist Yugoslavia, however, made possible for a decentralization of cultural cooperation. The paper also examines the most recent interpretations of Non-Aligned heritage and history in lieu of events following the 60th anniversary of the Belgrade Conference and the Jubilee Conference of the Non-Aligned (Belgrade, October 2021). A special emphasis is placed upon the analysis of two exhibitions - The Non-Aligned World in the Museum of African Art, and the Prometheans of the New Century in the Museum of Yugoslavia. The last part of the text elaborates on the renewal of these old trends of cooperation and gives some thought to the reach and possiblities of cultural diplomacy in the post-colonial space of Africa, Asia and Latin America, highlighting recent examples from the Republic of Serbia and its neighbours. In a globalised world and with Serbia rapidly forming partners on all continents, these links should be re-examined and renewed.
The problem of interrelations between cultural diplomacy and national cultural policies in the field of music: Experiences from the socialist Yugoslavia as a possible yardstick
Authors: Vesić Ivana
Published: July 2022

This paper will examine in detail the discepancy between the phenomenon of decline of popularity of the choral amateurism that started in the mid-1950s and its rising prestige in the cultural diplomacy of the socialist Yugoslavia. Taking into consideration, on the one hand, the different phases of development of this practice after WW2 followed with various measures of the creators of Yugoslav cultural policies meant at its revitalization and expansion, and, on the other hand, strenghtening of its role and standing in the bilateral cultural exchanges in this period, we will try to point out the following: 1) how important the congruence between cultural diplomacy and national cultural policies (and politics) is, and 2) whether the focus on the different parts of the field of music is also fruitful for the cultural diplomacy.
Fuel consumption of the BelAz dump trucks on an example of the open pit "Turija" of the brown coal mine Banovići
Authors: Jamaković Jasmin , Mašić Sunčica
Published: July 2022

This work sets out the methodology and presents the calculation results of fuel consumption of the BelAz dump trucks at the Open Pit "Turija" of the Brown Coal Mine Banovići itd. based on monitoring data. Properly determined fuel consumption allows the preventive measures and selection of strategy to reduce it. Data collection took six months, the data were analyzed, and thus the results by month of all dump trucks were presented.
Different types of adsorbents for selenium (Se) removal from water: A review
Authors: Marjanović Vesna , Marković Radmila , Krstić Vesna
Published: July 2022

Development of adsorption materials based on metal oxides, silicon dioxide, carbon, biosorbents and adsorbents, obtained from natural waste, can be used to remove selenium from water. Research on some of these materials is at the laboratory level, while the others were tested in the pilot plants, and a few have found a commercial application. The high adsorption capacities show a possibility of their application for selenium removal from water. This paper presents a literature review of different types of adsorbents for the removal of selenium (Se) from water.
Scientific progress of fiscal transparency research at national governments level
Authors: Silva Diniz Leroy Rodrigo , Saez-Martín Alejandro , Caba-Pérez María del Carmen , Cabral de Ávila Lucimar Antônio
Published: July 2022

This paper analyzes the scientific progress of research on fiscal transparency of national governments over the past 20 years. We explored the inherent and content characteristics of the papers, through a scientometric analysis, and investigated the role of externalities in the general progress and impact of the research. The number of impactful papers published on this topic can be considered low and we noted the predominance quantitative studies using external database, predominantly written by American and Spanish authors. About the role of language on the topic, English-speaking authors published earlier and have the most impactful papers. Also, the increase of papers is correlated with the regulations of Freedom of Information worldwide, although a low number of papers have specifically analyzed these acts. Finally, the rise of Open Budget Index data increased the number of papers published, though with less scientific impact. Considering the relevance of the topic, we propose future research niches to the literature on fiscal transparency, with different research types and alternative approaches, such as using primary data collection, qualitative and critical methodologies, in-depth case studies on the internal situation of unexplored countries, and studies focused on developing countries, mainly from Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Este documento analiza el progreso científico de la investigación sobre la transparencia fiscal de los gobiernos nacionales en los últimos 20 años. Exploramos las características inherentes y de contenido de los artículos, a través de un análisis cienciométrico, e investigamos el papel de las externalidades en el progreso general y el impacto de la investigación. El número de artículos con impacto publicados sobre este tema puede considerarse bajo y notamos el predominio de los estudios cuantitativos que utilizan bases de datos externas, principalmente escritos por autores estadounidenses y españoles. Sobre el papel del lenguaje en el tema, los autores de habla inglesa son los pioneros y con los artículos más impactantes. Además, el aumento de documentos está correlacionado con las regulaciones de acceso a la información en todo el mundo, aunque un número bajo de documentos ha analizado específicamente su impacto. Finalmente, el aumento de los datos del Open Budget Index aumentó el número de artículos publicados, aunque con menos impacto científico. Teniendo en cuenta la relevancia del tema, proponemos futuros nichos de investigación para la literatura sobre transparencia fiscal, con diferentes tipos de investigación y enfoques alternativos, como el uso de la recopilación de datos primarios, metodologías cualitativas y críticas, estudios de casos en profundidad sobre la situación interna de países inexplorados y estudios centrados en países en desarrollo, principalmente de África, Asia y América Latina.
Does audit committee financial expertise actually improves information readability?
Authors: Alcaide-Ruiz María Dolores , Bravo-Urquiza Francisco
Published: July 2022

This paper investigates the relationship between audit committee financial expertise, particularly considering specific accounting financial expertise, and the readability of management reports. Additionally, this study also examines whether the effect of financial experts is moderated by the intensity of the audit committee’s activity. The dataset for directors’ characteristics is hand-collected as are the management reports. The sample is composed of Spanish listed firms for the period 2013-2015. The results show a negative association between financial expertise, especially accounting financial expertise, and the readability of management reports. In addition, this association is accentuated with higher number of audit committees’ meetings. This evidence stimulates the debate on the advantages of having members with financial expertise in the audit committee. Otherwise, the use of contextual approaches in further studies regarding the role of directors is recommended. In addition, this could help regulators and professionals to guide their requirements and recommendations about directors’ qualifications.

Este trabajo investiga la relación entre la experiencia financiera de los miembros de la comisión de auditoría, particularmente considerando la experiencia financiera contable, y la legibilidad de los informes de gestión. Además, este estudio también examina si el efecto de los expertos financieros está moderado por la intensidad de la actividad de la comisión de auditoría. Los datos referentes las características de los directores se han recopilado a mano, al igual que los informes de gestión. La muestra está compuesta por las empresas cotizadas españolas para el período 2013-2015. Los resultados muestran una asociación negativa entre la experiencia financiera, especialmente la experiencia financiera contable, y la legibilidad de los informes de gestión. Además, esta asociación se acentúa al incrementar el número de reuniones de la comisión de auditoría. Estos hallazgos contribuyen al debate académico sobre los beneficios de tener expertos financieros en la comisión de auditoría. Por otra parte, se recomienda el uso de enfoques contextuales en futuros estudios sobre el papel de los directores. Además, nuestros resultados podrían ayudar a los reguladores y profesionales a guiar sus requisitos y recomendaciones sobre las cualificaciones de los directores.
Determinants of sustainability information disclosure of local governments in Latin America
Authors: León-Silva Jeimi Maribel , Dasí-González Rosa María , Montesinos Julve Vicente
Published: July 2022

This paper analyses the socioeconomic factors that influence the disclosure of sustainability information on 99 local government websites in 2018 in countries that make up the Pacific Alliance (PA) in Latin America, associated with internal and external demands that public entities have for accountability in social and environmental issues. We use as methodology a content analysis of the sustainability information disclosed by local entities on their websites and a regression of Ordinary Least Squares (OLS). This article shows empirical evidence that the size, budget capacity and the economic level of the municipality are factors associated with the sustainability disclosure on websites, due to internal and external factors impacting the decisions and actions taken by the entities related to the sustainability and its disclosure. These results are important for academic and technical discussions in a region with specific characteristics, different from most of the countries studied in previous literature on the subject.

Este trabajo analiza los factores socioeconómicos que influyen en la divulgación de información sobre sostenibilidad en 99 sitios web de gobiernos locales en 2018 en países que conforman la Alianza del Pacífico (AP) en América Latina, y que están asociados con demandas internas y externas que tienen las entidades públicas para la rendición de cuentas en materia social y medioambiental. Se realizó un análisis de contenido de la información de sostenibilidad divulgada por las entidades locales en sus sitios web y una regresión de Mínimos Cuadrados Ordinarios (MCO). Este artículo muestra evidencia empírica de que el tamaño, la capacidad presupuestaria y el nivel económico del municipio son factores asociados con la divulgación de sostenibilidad en los sitios web, por factores internos y externos que inciden en las decisiones y acciones que toman las entidades asociadas con la sostenibilidad y su divulgación. Estos resultados son importantes para las discusiones académicas y técnicas en una región con características específicas, diferentes de la mayoría de los países estudiados en la literatura previa sobre el tema.
Low Fat Premixed Mayonnaise Block Used OSA-Corn Starch as Egg Yolk Replacer Plus Corn Starch Binding Agent
Authors: Prayitno Citra Pratiwi , Wijaya Agus , Pratama Filli , Yanuriati Anny
Published: July 2022

Mayonnaise contains a substantial amount of fat and water. Therefore, it is easily degraded during storage. Reducing fat and moisture content in mayonnaise could extend its shelf life. It can be done by replacing the egg yolk to octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA)-corn starch and then forming it as a premixed block using a binding agent. The research objective was to obtain technology for low-fat mayonnaise making by OSA-cornstarch and corn starch addition but still acceptable by consumers based on its physicochemical and sensory characteristics. The low fat premixed mayonnaise was made by mixing the egg yolks and/or OSA-corn starch, corn starch, mustard, sugar, salt, and xanthan gum. A completely randomized research design was used with three levels of OSA-corn starch (0, 25, and 50%) to replace egg yolk and its combination with corn starch as a binder agent at 43 and 50%. The parameters analyzed on the premixed mayonnaise blocks included moisture and fat content, water absorption index, and water solubility. In contrast, parameters for constituted mayonnaise were moisture content, viscosity, and hedonic sensory analysis by 25 semi-trained panelists. The constituting step of the mayonnaise was the further addition of water, oil, and lime juice before serving. The data were analyzed with ANOVA. The results showed that OSA-corn starch and corn starch addition could reduce the fat content of premixed mayonnaise by 41.7%  which was obtained from 50% OSA-corn starch and addition of 43% corn starch. The resulted mayonnaise was slightly liked by the semi-trained panelists (scored 3).
Karakterisasi Aktivitas Fungsional Senyawa Bioaktif dari Whey Hasil Samping Produksi Tahu
Authors: Aretzy Alfia , Syamsir Elvira , Sitanggang Azis Boing
Published: July 2022

Tofu whey is a by-product obtained during tofu production that contains proteins and peptides, soluble carbohydrates, soy isoflavone, and minerals. This research aimed to characterize the functional properties of whey protein from tofu through separation using membranes with different pore sizes. The permeate resulted from Whatman No. 3 filtration was subjected to acidity (pH) and protein content measurement, while its protein profile was characterized by SDS-PAGE. electrophoresis. Additionally, this permeate was further sieved using ultrafiltration membranes with 30, 10, and 5 kDa cut-off. The corresponding filtrates were analyzed for antioxidant activity, isoflavone content, and ACE inhibitor activity. The tofu whey had a pH of 3.14, crude protein of 2 g/100 g sample, and soluble protein content of 1.47mg/mL. The separation of protein bands using SDS-PAGE showed that the dominant protein or peptides in tofu whey had molecular weights below 18 kDa. The use of ultrafiltration membranes could increase the bioactivity of permeates. The filtrate resulting from the smallest membrane cut-off (i.e., 5 kDa) had a higher antioxidant activity, isoflavone content, and ACE inhibitory activity.
THE CASE OF DISPOSAL OF NUCLEAR WASTE IN TRGOVSKA GORA IN THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA: ECONOMIC AND LEGAL CONSEQUENCES FOR BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
Authors: Popović Vitomir , Jović Njegoslav
Published: July 2022

The storage of nuclear waste planned by the Republic of Croatia in Trgovska gora, located on the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina in its northern part, causes controversy and has far-reaching consequences for the population, flora and fauna, and the environment itself. In parallel with these consequences, it will affect the economic development of 13 municipalities in the Una basin. Croatia has already carried out part of the research, examined the terrain and moved on to geological research. In addition, an environmental impact study is planned and should be completed by 2023. Bosnia and Herzegovina has committed itself to find a solution through diplomatic channels with the Republic of Croatia and the application of international legal standards in this area, as well as legal options available to BiH to protect its interests and mechanisms to deter Croatia from disposing nuclear waste at the site. In the event that Croatia implements this project and builds a nuclear waste dump in Trgovska gora, in addition to environmental consequences, it will affect the economy of municipalities in the Republic of Srpska in terms of a fall in real estate prices, jeopardize agricultural land and create a significant outflow of population.
Long-term transverse imaging of the hippocampus with glass microperiscopes
Authors: Redman William T , Wolcott Nora S , Montelisciani Luca , Luna Gabriel , Marks Tyler D , Sit Kevin K , Yu Che-Hang , Smith Spencer , Goard Michael J
Published: July 2022

The hippocampus consists of a stereotyped neuronal circuit repeated along the septal-temporal axis. This transverse circuit contains distinct subfields with stereotyped connectivity that support crucial cognitive processes, including episodic and spatial memory. However, comprehensive measurements across the transverse hippocampal circuit in vivo are intractable with existing techniques. Here, we developed an approach for two-photon imaging of the transverse hippocampal plane in awake mice via implanted glass microperiscopes, allowing optical access to the major hippocampal subfields and to the dendritic arbor of pyramidal neurons. Using this approach, we tracked dendritic morphological dynamics on CA1 apical dendrites and characterized spine turnover. We then used calcium imaging to quantify the prevalence of place and speed cells across subfields. Finally, we measured the anatomical distribution of spatial information, finding a non-uniform distribution of spatial selectivity along the DG-to-CA1 axis. This approach extends the existing toolbox for structural and functional measurements of hippocampal circuitry.
Genetic dissection of the RNA polymerase II transcription cycle
Authors: Chou Shao-Pei , Alexander Adriana K , Rice Edward J , Choate Lauren A , Danko Charles G
Published: July 2022

How DNA sequence affects the dynamics and position of RNA Polymerase II (Pol II) during transcription remains poorly understood. Here, we used naturally occurring genetic variation in F1 hybrid mice to explore how DNA sequence differences affect the genome-wide distribution of Pol II. We measured the position and orientation of Pol II in eight organs collected from heterozygous F1 hybrid mice using ChRO-seq. Our data revealed a strong genetic basis for the precise coordinates of transcription initiation and promoter proximal pause, allowing us to redefine molecular models of core transcriptional processes. Our results implicate DNA sequence, including both known and novel DNA sequence motifs, as key determinants of the position of Pol II initiation and pause. We report evidence that initiation site selection follows a stochastic process similar to Brownian motion along the DNA template. We found widespread differences in the position of transcription termination, which impact the primary structure and stability of mature mRNA. Finally, we report evidence that allelic changes in transcription often affect mRNA and ncRNA expression across broad genomic domains. Collectively, we reveal how DNA sequences shape core transcriptional processes at single nucleotide resolution in mammals.
University students’ Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) experiences in the light of a well-being theory
Authors: Chan Ko Wai , Uusiautti Satu
Published: July 2022

Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is an atypical and multisensory phenomenon in which specific audio-visual stimuli elicit a pleasurable, head-oriented tingling sensation and feelings of relaxation. The purpose of this research was to analyze the ASMR experiences of university students in the light of well-being theory. Two-phased, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with three Finnish university students who identified themselves as ASMR experiencers. Data were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Coding was guided by the domains of well-being in the PERMA model: positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment. The objective was to explore effect of students’ ASMR experiences on their well-being. The findings show that ASMR videos enhanced the well-being of the participants through mindfulness-like experience. The potential of ASMR videos to promote psychosocial wellbeing is intriguing, and this research provide new understanding about ASMR experiences and their meaning.
Learning analytics and flipped learning in online teaching for supporting preservice teachers’ learning of quantitative research methods
Authors: Sointu Erkko , Valtonen Teemu , Hallberg Susanne , Kankaanpää Jenni , Väisänen Sanna , Heikkinen Lasse , Saqr Mohammed , Tuominen Ville , Hirsto Laura
Published: July 2022

Research methods, including those of a quantitative nature, are an important part of preservice teacher training in Finland. However, quantitative research methods are considered challenging, often feared, and even hated among preservice teachers. This may be due to previous negative experiences and emotions associated with their use, which also influence other aspects of learning such as self-regulation, self-efficacy, and orientations. Given such circumstances, new ways to teach and support the learning of quantitative methods are needed. Here, we investigate the self-regulation, self-efficacy, orientations, and emotions of preservice teachers (N = 38) enrolled in a quantitative methods online course incorporating learning analytics and a flipped learning approach. Dispositional learning analytics data from five measurement points were used, and data were analyzed via descriptive statistics, internal consistency (Cronbach alpha), bootstrapped paired sample t-test (between first and final measurement point), and profiles based on mean. The results demonstrate that in this teaching context, preservice teachers’ time management skills can be improved, and task avoidance, anxiety, and boredom towards quantitative methods decreased. The meaning of these results from the teaching context perspective are also examined, as are the limitations and implications of this study.
A Study on Farmers’ Perception on Soil Health Card in Rangareddy District of Telangana State
Authors: Rani Akula Latha , Ganesamoorthi S. , Gowda N. S. Shivalinge , Sathish A. , Kumar T. L. Mohan
Published: July 2022

Agriculture is the backbone of Indian economy and primary source of income of larger part of Indian population. In view of this, Global soil partnership was conducted by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization at its headquarters in Rome, Italy, from 7 to 9 September 2011. With this, Government of India had launched the Soil Health Card Scheme in 2015. The scheme main objective is to distribute soil health cards (SHCs) to each farmer in the country with advanced technologies such as GPS-enabled tablets and mass testing, along with better fertilizer subsidy policies. The soil samples were tested in laboratories across the India. Government conducted soil testing and issued soil health cards that carry crop specific recommendations of fertilizers required to enable more judicious use of fertilizers to improve productivity and decline cost of cultivation. The present study was conducted in two blocks namely Shabad and Kothur of Rangareddy district of Telangana State during the year 2019-2020 to analyse farmers’ perception on soil health card. Data was collected using a standardised and pre-tested interview schedule. It was observed that majority of the SHC holders were having moderate perception (71.66%), followed by good (15.00%) and poor perception (13.33%). All profile characteristics of farmers except mass media exposure and innovativeness had significant to highly significant association with regard to perception. The results also revealed that there is a significant association between perception and attitude (chi-square value 44.01) and between attitude and use efficiency (chi-square value 29.66).
Production and Utilization of Tiger Nuts using Various Processing Techniques
Authors: Regina Kwusi Nkechi , Nwamaka Nwaka Elsie , Charles Anyanwuocha Nnaemeka
Published: July 2022

The feeding potential of tiger nut tubers (Cyperus esculentus L.) was evaluated. The general structure of 100g of raw and treated tiger nuts is that the water content of tiger nuts is 4.1951.93%, crude protein 2.61% 10.12%, waste 0.70% 1.77%, unrefined fiber 7.4813 .97%, unrefined. It was shown to be 10.79% 32.06% fat. And sugar 22.7356.85%. The energy value was taken from 232.31487.15Kcal. For tiger nuts, Mg (95.32–140.96 mg), K (106.44427.92 mg), P (121.78–195.95 mg), Fe (1.60–4.03 mg), Cu (0.08–0.99 mg), Zn (0.32–2.46) Contains the critical mass. mg), lascorbic acid (30.90–84.66 mg), vitamin E (2.22–5.26 mg), moderate Ca (24.42–62.29 mg) and low Na content (15.77–18.27 mg). When dealing with tiger nuts, sugar usually swells, but magnesium and sodium levels decrease. Malting altogether expanded calcium content (85 %) and drying and simmering expanded Zn and Cu by 100 %. Physicosynthetic and useful properties showed that tiger nuts and its items are acidic while consistency of the items per 100 ml was between 88 90 cP, explicit gravity 1.01 1.07, diminishing sugar 0.30 0.44 g , frothing limit 18 %. Frothing steadiness 5.35 %, emulsion limit 21.88 %, and emulsion strength 49.38 %. Liquor content of tiger nut wine was between 3.17 7.13 %. New tiger nuts were used in the improvement of tiger nut items (milk, espresso and wine) utilizing family techniques like drenching, drying, cooking, malting, aging and freezing. An assessment of the sensuality and value of the prepared tiger nut items showed that there was no significant difference between the tiger nut items and their controls at most of the tested limits (P> 0.05). All the articles at that time were very orderly. Evaluation of tiger nut products (milk concentrate and wine) per 100 ml is ascorbic acid (6.18-7.8 mg), thiamine (0.80-1.25 mg), riboflavin (0.35-0.59 mg), vitamin E (0.22- 0.75 mg) And cyanocobalamin (0.03-0.05 μg). ) Content The sequelae of bacterial counts of tiger nuts (milk and wine) showed values ​​of 3.0 x 102-8.0 x 102 CFU / ml, with shelf life of 6 hours to 10 months.
Ichthyofaunal Diversity of Downstream Dikhu River and its Tributaries in Mon District of Nagaland, India
Authors: Konyak Shanglow Ln , Limatemjen .
Published: July 2022

This study has been undertaken to investigate the Ichthyofaunal diversity, their present IUCN conservation status and economic value within the downstream Dikhu river and its tributaries in Mon district of Nagaland between 2019 to 2020. During the survey a total number of 22 fish species belonging to 4 orders, 8 families, 6 sub-families 17 genera were recorded. The catch lists composition showed the predominance of cyprinidae with 50%, Balitoridae 14%, Bagridae and Sisoridae 9%,Amblycipitidae and Channidae 5% whereas Psilorhynchynchidae and Belonidae represented by 4% each.The most significant of the investigation was the finding of endangered (EN) species Tor putitora, near threatened (NT) Nimacheilus manipurenis and four species Nemacheilus sikmaeinsis, Barilius barana, Garra lissorhynchus and Bagarius yarrelli as a vulnerable (VU) species of IUCN Red list.
Nutritional and metabolic signalling through GPCRs
Authors: Pardella Elisa , Ippolito Luigi , Giannoni Elisa , Chiarugi Paola
Published: July 2022

Deregulated metabolism is a well‐known feature of several challenging diseases, including diabetes, obesity and cancer. Besides their important role as intracellular bioenergetic molecules, dietary nutrients and metabolic intermediates are released in the extracellular environment. As such, they may achieve unconventional roles as hormone‐like molecules by activating cell surface G‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) that regulate several pathophysiological processes. In this review, we provide an insight into the role of lactate, succinate, fatty acids, amino acids as well as ketogenesis‐derived and β‐oxidation‐derived intermediates as extracellular signalling molecules. Moreover, the mechanisms by which their cognate metabolite‐sensing GPCRs integrate nutritional and metabolic signals with specific intracellular pathways will be described. A better comprehension of these aspects is of fundamental importance to identify GPCRs as novel druggable targets.
Long‐term cannabis use may cause cognitive deficits in midlife
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: July 2022

Subtle cognitive deficits and structural brain differences are seen in cannabis users, but a study published in the May issue of The American Journal of Psychiatry has found that long‐term cannabis use is associated with permanent brain deficits.
Highly‐Packed Proximity‐Coupled DC‐Josephson Junction Arrays by a Direct‐Write Approach
Authors: Porrati Fabrizio , Jungwirth Felix , Barth Sven , Gazzadi Gian Carlo , Frabboni Stefano , Dobrovolskiy Oleksandr V. , Huth Michael
Published: July 2022

Focused ion beam induced deposition (FIBID) is a direct‐write technique enabling the growth of individual nanostructures of any shape and dimension with high lateral resolution. Moreover, the fast and reliable writing of periodically arranged nanostructures can be used to fabricate devices for the investigation of collective phenomena and to design novel functional metamaterials. Here, FIBID is employed to prepare dc‐Josephson junction arrays (dc‐JJA) consisting of superconducting NbC dots coupled through the proximity effect via a granular metal layer. The fabrication is straightforward and allows the preparation of dc‐JJA within a few seconds. Microstructure and composition of the arrays are investigated by transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The superconductor‐to‐metal transition of the prepared dc‐JJA is studied in a direct way, by tuning the Josephson junction resistance in 70 nm‐spaced superconducting NbC dots. The observed magnetoresistance oscillations with a period determined by the flux quantum give evidence for the coherent charge transport by paired electrons. Moreover, the measured resistance minima correspond to two fundamental matching configurations of fluxons in the dc‐JJA, caused by magnetic frustration. The robust properties of the prepared dc‐JJA demonstrate the opportunities for a fast preparation of complex device configurations using direct‐write approaches.
Interfacial Cladding Engineering Suppresses Atomic Thermal Migration to Fabricate Well‐Defined Dual‐Atom Electrocatalysts
Authors: Leng Kunyue , Zhang Jianting , Wang Yi , Li Dingding , Bai Lei , Shi Jingbo , Li Xiaolin , Zheng Lirong , Bai Jinbo , Qu Yunteng
Published: July 2022

As an emerging frontier, dual‐atom catalysts (DACs) have sparked broad interest in energy catalysis, however the undesired thermal atomic migration during synthesis process pose significant challenge in enabling further applications. Herein, an interfacial cladding strategy is reported to construct monodispersed dual‐atom metal sites (metal = Fe, Cu, or Ir), derived from metal dimer molecule functionalized metal‐organic frameworks. First, metal dimer molecule is immobilized at the surface of cubic ZIF‐8 by the interfacial cladding of polydopamine, thus preventing the potentially thermal migration of metal atoms during pyrolysis. Then, the paired metal atoms are anchored onto a hollow carbon nanocage and achieve nitrogen coordinated dual‐atom metal sites after annealing at 900 °C. Representatively, the resultant dual Fe catalysts exhibit remarkable activity for electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction with half‐wave potential of 0.951 and 0.816 V in alkaline and acidic media, respectively. The findings open up an avenue for the rational design of dual‐atom catalysts.
Photoinitiator‐Free Two‐Photon Polymerization of Biocompatible Materials for 3D Micro/Nanofabrication
Authors: Nakayama Atsushi , Kumamoto Yasuaki , Minoshima Masafumi , Kikuchi Kazuya , Taguchi Atsushi , Fujita Katsumasa
Published: July 2022

Two‐photon polymerization is expected to realize the fabrication of biological tissues for regenerative medicine and drug development because of its capability of 3D fabrication with submicrometer spatial resolution. However, photopolymerization initiators generally added to resins have low biocompatibility and water solubility, which pose a challenge for the biological application of micro‐ and nanostructures fabricated by photopolymerization. In this study, two‐photon polymerization is performed using biocompatible materials without photoinitiators and the preservation of the material properties of the fabricated 3D structures is evaluated. Poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGda) and collagen are successfully fabricated using a femtosecond pulsed laser at a wavelength of 400 nm with a feature size of 100 nm without photoinitiator. The excitation intensities required for the polymerization of PEGda and collagen are about 450 and 150 kW cm−2, respectively, which are smaller than those reported with using photoinitiators. Raman spectroscopy is used to confirm that the water‐swelling polymer network of PEGda and the enzymatic degradation of collagen, which are important factors in the application with live cells, are maintained in the fabricated structures.
Organic Hollow Microstructures with Room Temperature Phosphorescence
Authors: Wang Jiamin , Shen Jing , Zhang Shasha , Gao Yanhua , Song Zhicheng , Yin Chengzhu , Lu Song , Ye Wenpeng , Liu Kun , Ma Huili , Yao Wei , Shi Huifang , An Zhongfu , Huang Wei
Published: July 2022

Molecular self‐assembly into hollow microstructures has great potential in catalysis, drug delivery, sensors, and nanoreactors. In contrast to well‐studied fluorescent hollow microstructures, the assembly of phosphorescent hollow microstructures has not yet been fully demonstrated. Here, two types of hollow microstructures based on organic room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials are prepared through a convenient vapor‐phase growth method. The observation of the assembly process and the calculations of surface energy reveal that thermodynamically driven Ostwald ripening process plays an essential role in the formation of tunable hollow structures. The universality of this growth technique for hollow microstructures is further demonstrated in various materials and even composites. Compared with non‐hollow structures, the phosphorescent hollow microstructures exhibit high sensitivity to oxygen, indicating the potential of organic hollow microstructure with RTP.
Design of a Split Ring Resonator Integrated with On‐Chip Terahertz Waveguides for Colon Cancer Detection
Authors: Park Sae June , Tucker Robyn , Pickwell‐MacPherson Emma , Cunningham John E.
Published: July 2022

Finite element method (FEM) simulations (employing ANSYS High Frequency Structure Simulator, HFSS) are used to investigate the response of terahertz (THz) frequency range split‐ring resonators (SRRs) integrated with on‐chip THz waveguides to cancerous tissues. Two‐port S‐parameter simulations are performed to obtain the transmission spectra (S21) of a planar Goubau line (PGL) integrated with an SRR. Permittivity and loss tangent of the colonic tissues are both taken into account in the numerical simulation. The transmission spectra of the SRR integrated PGL are obtained for cancerous and healthy tissues in close proximity to the SRR, and it is found that they can be distinguished by the resonant frequency shift of the SRR induced by dielectric loading. The electric field distribution and magnitude near the SRR for various capacitive gap widths of SRR are investigated to understand how the gap width affects the maximum electric field magnitude and the vertical extent of the electric field in the gap area. The simulated imaging of colonic tissue consisting of healthy and cancerous tissues using the SRR integrated PGL device with a protective layer on it is performed, showing how the technique could in principle be used to distinguish tumor margins with realistic THz dielectric parameters.
Effect of surface curvature and wettability on nucleation of methane hydrate
Authors: Li Mengyang , Fan Shuanshi , Wang Yanhong , Lang Xuemei , Li Gang , Wang Shenglong , Yu Chi
Published: July 2022

Natural gas hydrate nucleation is a complex physical and chemical process that is not well understood presently. In this article, an improved thermodynamic model is proposed to analyze the effects of surface curvature and wettability on methane hydrate nucleation for the first time. The results indicate that methane hydrate nucleation is more difficult on hydrophilic curvature surfaces under the same conditions, with a larger critical nucleation radius and required energy barrier than on hydrophobic surfaces. Furthermore, a convex surface is more favorable for forming methane hydrate under the same conditions than a concave surface. The model's results are critical in elucidating the microscopic mechanism of methane hydrate nucleation and providing a theoretical foundation for developing technologies for strengthening and inhibiting hydrate formation.
Functional validation of novel variants in B4GALNT1 associated with early‐onset complex hereditary spastic paraplegia with impaired ganglioside synthesis
Authors: Alecu Julian Emanuel , Ohmi Yuhsuke , Bhuiyan Robiul H. , Inamori Kei‐ichiro , Nitta Takahiro , Saffari Afshin , Jumo Hellen , Ziegler Marvin , de Gusmao Claudio Melo , Sharma Nutan , Ohno Shiho , Manabe Noriyoshi , Yamaguchi Yoshiki , Kambe Mariko , Furukawa Keiko , Sahin Mustafa , Inokuchi Jin‐ichi , Furakawa Koichi , Ebrahimi‐Fakhari Darius
Published: July 2022

Childhood‐onset forms of hereditary spastic paraplegia are ultra‐rare diseases and often present with complex features. Next‐generation‐sequencing allows for an accurate diagnosis in many cases but the interpretation of novel variants remains challenging, particularly for missense mutations. Where sufficient knowledge of the protein function and/or downstream pathways exists, functional studies in patient‐derived cells can aid the interpretation of molecular findings. We here illustrate the case of a 13‐year‐old female who presented with global developmental delay and later mild intellectual disability, progressive spastic diplegia, spastic‐ataxic gait, dysarthria, urinary urgency, and loss of deep tendon reflexes of the lower extremities. Exome sequencing showed a novel splice‐site variant in trans with a novel missense variant in B4GALNT1 [NM_001478.5: c.532‐1G>C/c.1556G>C (p.Arg519Pro)]. Functional studies in patient‐derived fibroblasts and cell models of GM2 synthase deficiency confirmed a loss of B4GALNT1 function with no synthesis of GM2 and other downstream gangliosides. Collectively these results established the diagnosis of B4GALNT1‐associated HSP (SPG26). Our approach illustrates the importance of careful phenotyping and functional characterization of novel gene variants, particularly in the setting of ultra‐rare diseases, and expands the clinical and molecular spectrum of SPG26, a disorder of complex ganglioside biosynthesis.
Lowering the curing shrinkage of epoxy acrylate‐based photosensitive resins through nano‐TiO2 particle with surface grafted by thiol‐terminated hyperbranched polymer
Authors: Li Jingjing , Cui Yihua , Wu Kangle , Sun Chuangchuang
Published: July 2022

UV curing three‐dimensional printing (3DP) technology has been developing rapidly due to its high molding accuracy and low cost. However, the curing shrinkage rate of the existing UV curing 3DP materials is still high. The use of inorganic particles to reduce the curing shrinkage of 3D printing materials has received more and more attention in recent years, but the poor dispersibility of inorganic particles in the photosensitive resins has not been effectively solved. In this paper, nano‐TiO2 particles were treated by KH570 in advance and the surface of which were grafted by thiol‐terminated hyperbranched polymer (THBP), hereby THBP@TiO2 was obtained. The results showed that by incorporating of 5 wt% THBP@TiO2, the volume shrinkage rate of epoxy acrylate (EA)‐based photosensitive resins decreased from 8.95% to 4.18%. The THBP@TiO2 combined the anti‐shrinkage mechanism of thiol‐based hyperbranched polyester with that of and inorganic nanoparticles. Otherwise, surface grafting of THBP may effectively improve the dispersibility of nano‐TiO2 particles in EA‐based photosensitive resin by reducing the nano‐TiO2 particles surface energy, and increase the load transfer capacity. The impact strength of 5 wt% THBP@TiO2 modified photosensitive resin increased from 11.2 to 18.1 kJ/m2.
Development of conductive polymeric nanofiber patches for cardiac tissue engineering application
Authors: Mousa Hamouda M. , Ali Mustafa Ghazali , Rezk Abdelrahman I. , Nasr Emad Abouel , Hussein Kamal Hany
Published: July 2022

Electrically conductive patches using biocompatible polymeric nanofibers have a beneficial effect on electroresponsive tissues such as the brain, heart, and nervous system. Recently, conductive nanofiber patches with electromechanical properties gained more attention as a promising and a well‐effective technology in tissue engineering due to their conductive and flexible nature. In the present study, proposed conductive nanofibrous patches were developed using the electrospinning technique to mimic native myocardial extracellular matrix (ECM) biological and mechanical properties. Different patches of polyurethane (PU) and polylactic acid (PLA) biopolymer were developed by blending and dual syringe electrospinning followed by coating with interfacial polymerization of polyaniline (PANI). The developed nanofibrous patches were evaluated in terms of morphology, physicochemical properties, mechanical flexibility, and in vitro biocompatibility using human EA. hy926 endothelial cells. Results indicated an appropriate surface wettability and mechanical stability of the developed patches compared to reported human myocardium tissue properties. In addition, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) test showed that patches coated with PANI as conductive films can enhance conductivity compared to the non‐conductive (i.e pure polymers) and resulted in better cell proliferation and attachment. Interestingly, the electrical stimulation (ES) during in vitro test can be electrically stimulated and promote cell proliferation as well as mimic the myocardium bioelectricity. Our findings showed that the developed conductive patches can provide a robust conductive system for electroresponsive tissue indicated by cell proliferation shown in FESEM images of attached cells.
Enantiomeric composition of natural pericosine A derived from Periconia byssoides and α‐glycosidase inhibitory activity of (−)‐enantiomer
Authors: Usami Yoshihide , Nakamura Kimika , Mizobuchi Yoshino , Mizuki Koji , Harusawa Shinya , Yoneyama Hiroki , Yamada Takeshi
Published: July 2022

Chiral high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of natural pericosine A, which appeared in literature first in 1977, from Periconia byssoides was conducted using a column CHIRALPAK® AD‐H to determine the enantiomeric composition of the original mixture which was found to be 68: 32 mixtures of (+)‐ and (−)‐enantiomer, respectively. Furthermore, two independently isolated samples of pericosine A from the same fungus were also analyzed to show the two peaks in the HPLC charts at approximate 1:1 ratio. These results concluded that pericosine A derived from Periconia byssoides was indeed an enantiomeric mixture. Synthesized enantiomers were subjected to evaluation of antitumor activity against three kinds of tumor cells (p388, L1210, HL‐60), indicating moderate cytotoxicity against all three kinds of tumor cell lines, but significant difference in potency between the enantiomers was not observed. In contrast, when both the enantiomers of pericosine A were evaluated against five kinds of glycosidases‐inhibitory activities (α‐ and β‐glucosidases, α‐ and β‐galactosidases, and α‐mannosidase), an apparent difference on anti‐glycosidase assay was found between the enantiomers: (−)‐pericosine A inhibited α‐glucosidase at IC50: 2.25 mM, and β‐galactosidase at IC50: 5.38 mM, albeit the (+)‐enantiomer showed inactivity against these five enzymes.
Object detection and estimation: A hybrid image segmentation technique using convolutional neural network model
Authors: Sundaram Aarthi , Sakthivel Chitrakala
Published: July 2022

Object detection from image is more challenging and integral part in the inter‐discipline area of computer vision. The computer vision is highly attractive in many applications like human pose estimation, instance segmentation, recognizing action, disease predictions object prediction and many more applications. The traditional method of detecting objects from the images is done using bounding boxes with labels. It suffers from the overlapping of the boxes with various smaller objects, which leads to accuracy issues in detection problems. Hence, machine learning techniques are used to detect the relevant objects from the image using center point to avoid the nonmaximal suppression in bounding box. To accurately identify images, an U‐Net architecture based object detection method is proposed. In this model, it effectively uses semantic level segmentation and instance segmentation. This system effectively identifies all the objects present in the given image using the efficient hybrid segmentation models and Gromov Hausdroff distance measure. For experimentation, two data sets are used for evaluation of the model to identify all categories of objects from the image. The proposed model achieves an accuracy of 91.8% and reliable when compared to existing effective object detection algorithms like fully convolution network (FCN), YOLO (you only look once) and mask region based‐convolutional neural network (mask R‐CNN) model.