bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Existence of solution of some p,q${p,q}$‐Laplacian system under local superlinear conditions
Authors: Cerda Patricio , Souto Marco , Ubilla Pedro
Published: January 2022

We study existence of positive radial solutions for the following class of quasi‐linear elliptic systems
where the nonlinearities satisfy some local superlinear property at . Here B is the unity ball in and . Some difficulties here are that this system, in general, is non‐variational and that might occur. Thus, our strategy to obtain a positive solution is through a priori bound methods. One of the important results in this article is that we obtain these estimates, assuming superlinearity hypotheses on the variables u and v at infinity just in some subset of the ball, allowing us assuming, for example, supercritical growths on outside of that subset. We also note that we can consider nonlinearities which are not necessary asymptotic to a power at and so it is not possible to use the classic Liouville type nonexistence results.
Multiple criteria decision‐making in healthcare and pharmaceutical supply chain management: A state‐of‐the‐art review and implications for future research
Authors: Laganà Iside Rita , Colapinto Cinzia
Published: January 2022

Decisions in supply chain management (SCM) are subject to numerous conflicting criteria and multiple objectives. For such decisions, multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) methods are definitely appropriate. The implementation of the healthcare supply chain (HSC) is more complex to manage than any other supply chains, as it involves human life, causing conflicts of interest and hindering the final decision. Previous researchers suggested different SC models for healthcare products such as drugs, vaccines, and other medical equipment. This article provides an overview of published articles in the application of MCDM methods in HSCM at the strategic, tactical, and operational levels. We studied and categorized 139 articles published in 2006–2021, providing academic researchers, practitioners, and governments with insights into the application of different MCDM methods. The review allows us to establish guidelines for the selection of appropriate methods for HSC management and provide support to the management of issues in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector.
Which networking strategy improves ICT startup companies' technical efficiency?
Authors: Park Inyoung , Lee Jieon , Nam Jungwoo , Jo Yuri , Lee Daeho
Published: January 2022

Information and communications technology (ICT) startups, which are relatively smaller than large companies, need to choose efficiency‐oriented networking strategies to efficiently utilize resources. However, the effects of networking strategies on ICT startups' efficiency have been relatively neglected. This study explores which networking strategies are effective for ICT startups. We compare the efficiencies of ICT startups with different interfirm networking strategies: formal networking, informal networking, and noncooperative networking. Technical efficiencies of each strategic group were measured using stochastic frontier analysis, and efficiencies among groups were compared using meta‐frontier analysis. Our results reveal that the noncooperative group has the highest technology gap ratio, followed by the informal and formal cooperative networking groups. This study presents the optimal networking strategy for ICT startups and highlights that interfirm networking is not essential for enhancing the overall competitiveness to ICT startups.
Ownership concentration and board structure: Alignment and entrenchment effects in an emerging market
Authors: Lizares Regina M.
Published: January 2022

This paper explores if controlling shareholders' influence on the board structure allows entrenchment or alignment effects to prevail. Informed primarily by the principal–principal theory and supported by the stewardship and resource dependence theories, this study samples 235 publicly listed Philippine firms from 2015 to 2019 and employs instrumental variable fixed effect panel and probit regression analyses. Results show ownership concentration is positively associated with the proportion of nonindependent, nonexecutive directors on the board and the likelihood of CEO duality, indicating that boards are not completely independent and are likely to generate entrenchment effects.
Cardiovascular therapeutics: A new potential for anxiety treatment?
Authors: Repova Kristina , Aziriova Silvia , Krajcirovicova Kristina , Simko Fedor
Published: January 2022

Besides the well‐recognized risk factors, novel conditions increasing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality are emerging. Undesirable emotions and behavior such as anxiety and depression, appear to participate in worsening cardiovascular pathologies. On the other hand, deteriorating conditions of the heart and vasculature result in disturbed mental and emotional health. The pathophysiological background of this bidirectional interplay could reside in an inappropriate activation of vegetative neurohormonal and other humoral systems in both cardiovascular and psychological disturbances. This results in circulus vitiosus potentiating mental and circulatory disorders. Thus, it appears to be of utmost importance to examine the alteration of emotions, cognition, and behavior in cardiovascular patients. In terms of this consideration, recognizing the potential of principal cardiovascular drugs to interact with the mental state in patients with heart or vasculature disturbances is unavoidable, to optimize their therapeutic benefit. In general, beta‐blockers, central sympatholytics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, aldosterone receptor blockers, sacubitril/valsartan, and fibrates are considered to exert anxiolytic effect in animal experiments and clinical settings. Statins and some beta‐blockers appear to have an equivocal impact on mood and anxiety and ivabradine expressed neutral psychological impact. It seems reasonable to suppose that the knowledge of a patient's mood, cognition, and behavior, along with applying careful consideration of the choice of the particular cardiovascular drug and respecting its potential psychological benefit or harm might improve the individualized approach to the treatment of cardiovascular disorders.
988 system a ‘linchpin’ for transformed BH crisis system
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: January 2022

The creation of 988 is a once‐in‐a‐lifetime opportunity to strengthen and expand the Lifeline and transform America's behavioral health crisis care system to one that saves lives by serving anyone, at any time, from anywhere across the nation, says the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in its 988 Appropriations Report, released last month.
Evaluation of effects of continued corticosteroid treatment on cardiac and pulmonary function in non‐ambulatory males with Duchenne muscular dystrophy from MD STARnet
Authors: Butterfield Russell J. , Kirkov Sergey , Conway Kristin M. , Johnson Nicholas , Matthews Dennis , Phan Han , Cai Bo , Paramsothy Pangaja , Thomas Shiny , Feldkamp Marcia L.
Published: January 2022

Introduction/Aims

Corticosteroids have been shown to improve muscle strength and delay loss of ambulation (LOA) in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and are considered standard of care despite significant side‐effects. The objective of this study is to evaluate whether corticosteroid treatment after LOA is beneficial for cardiac or pulmonary functions among boys with DMD.

Methods

We used the Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance, Tracking, and Research Network (MD STARnet) to characterize associations between corticosteroid use and onset of abnormal left ventricular (LV) function or abnormal percent predicted forced vital capacity (ppFVC) among 398 non‐ambulatory boys with DMD. Kaplan–Meier curve estimation was used to compare time to onset by corticosteroid use groups; Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals.

Results

We found no differences in time to onset of abnormal LV function by corticosteroid use groups. We observed a longer time from LOA to first abnormal ppFVC in boys that were treated with corticosteroid ≥1 y beyond LOA compared with those with no corticosteroid use or those who stopped corticosteroid use within 1 y of LOA.

Discussion

Our findings show no association of corticosteroid use beyond LOA with the onset of abnormal LV function, but a significant association with a delay in onset of abnormal ppFVC. Prospective studies of corticosteroid use in boys with DMD who have lost ambulation may identify benefits and can better elucidate risks, allowing for more effective counseling of patients on continuing treatment after LOA.
Effect of malnutrition on outcomes in patients with heart failure: A large retrospective propensity score–matched cohort study
Authors: Qian Yunzhi , Qian Xinxuan , Shen Max , Vu Alexander , Seres David S.
Published: January 2022

Background

Heart failure (HF) is highly prevalent, whereas malnutrition is generally associated with poorer hospital outcomes, and it is not uncommon in patients with HF. Prior studies of the effect of malnutrition on HF outcomes are limited in size and quality. This study aims to elucidate the association between malnutrition and hospital length of stay (LOS), mortality, and discharge destination in patients with HF.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of medical records for inpatients admitted with a primary diagnosis of HF in 2018. Patients with HF and severe protein‐calorie malnutrition were compared with those without malnutrition. A two‐sided t‐test was conducted between patients who have HF with and without malnutrition on hospital outcomes. Multivariate logistic regression was developed to identify potential predictors of malnutrition. A propensity score was calculated for each patient and matched cases (malnutrition with nonmalnutrition) to balance covariates and reduce bias.

Results

For N = 7079, the median age was 75 years, with 15.79% having severe malnutrition. Overall mortality was 5.57% (394 deceased) . There were significant associations between malnutrition and both mortality (relative risk, 2.22; P < 0.001) and LOS (10 vs 5 days, P < 0.001) in patients with HF. Significantly fewer patients with malnutrition were discharged home (odds ratio, 0.41; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Patients with HF and malnutrition have higher risk for mortality, increased LOS in the hospital, and decreased chance of being discharged home. Continued study of this population is required to better predict which patients with malnutrition will respond to nutrition interventions.
SARC‐F and SARC‐CalF are associated with sarcopenia traits in hemodialysis patients
Authors: P. Duarte Marvery , Ribeiro Heitor S. , Almeida Lucas S. , Baião Victor M. , Inda‐Filho Antônio , Avesani Carla Maria , Ferreira Aparecido P. , Lima Ricardo M.
Published: January 2022

Background

The SARC‐F questionnaire assesses sarcopenia risk. The addition of a calf circumference measurement, known as SARC‐CalF, has been recently proposed. We investigated possible associations of SARC‐F and SARC‐CalF with sarcopenia traits in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Methods

Thirty patients (17 men; 57 ± 15 years) were enrolled. Sarcopenia risk was assessed by SARC‐F (≥4) and SARC‐CalF (≥11). Probable (low muscle strength or low skeletal muscle mass [SMM]) and confirmed (both) sarcopenia were diagnosed as recommended by the revised European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People. Muscle strength was assessed by handgrip strength (HGS) and five‐time sit‐to‐stand test (STS‐5), and physical performance was evaluated by gait speed. SMM was assessed by bioelectrical impedance.

Results

Sarcopenia risk by the SARC‐F and SARC‐CalF were found in 23% (n = 7) and 40% (n = 12) patients, respectively. The SARC‐F and SARC‐CalF were both associated with physical function, but not with SMM. Probable sarcopenia by HGS was associated with SARC‐F and SARC‐CalF. Moreover, both showed moderate Kappa agreement with slowness and probable sarcopenia by HGS and/or STS‐5, but only SARC‐CalF with probable sarcopenia by HGS. A larger sensitivity was found for SARC‐CalF than SARC‐F in detecting probable sarcopenia by HGS (70% vs 30%) and by HGS and/or STS‐5 (63% vs 44%).

Conclusion

SARC‐F and SARC‐CalF are associated with sarcopenia traits in patients undergoing hemodialysis. SARC‐CalF seems to be more strongly associated with sarcopenia traits and present a higher sensitivity for probable sarcopenia than SARC‐F, as it adds a direct measurement.
Association of anticholinergic burden with undernutrition in older adults: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Naharci Mehmet Ilkin , Katipoglu Bilal , Tasci Ilker
Published: January 2022

Background

Limited data are available concerning the contribution of drugs with anticholinergic properties (DAPs) to undernutrition among older adults. This study aimed to determine the potential association of anticholinergic burden (ACB) to nutrition status in older people.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled participants aged over 65 who underwent a comprehensive geriatric assessment between January 2017 and June 2020. Nutrition status was assessed by the Mini Nutritional Assessment–Short Form (MNA‐SF). The ACB was assessed using the ACB scale.

Results

A total of 615 participants were included in the analysis (mean age ± SD, 78.5 ± 6.6 years; male, 55.3%). The prevalence of undernutrition (MNA‐SF score <12) was 22.6% (n = 139). Participants with undernutrition were predominantly older (P < 0.001), had lower mean body mass index scores (undernutrition, 27.3 ± 5.4 vs healthy, 29.5 ± 8.0; P = 0.007), had a lower educational level (P = 0.016), had higher cardiovascular disease morbidity (P < 0.001), and had a higher ACB (P < 0.001) when compared with those with normal nutrition status. In adjusted analysis, the odds of having undernutrition were higher among participants with an ACB score >1 (odds ratio, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.01–1.43; P = 0.044). The weighted multivariate linear regression analysis showed a significant inverse association between the total ACB score and MNA‐SF score controlling for multiple confounders.

Conclusion

ACB appears to be inversely correlated with nutrition status among older adults. Undernutrition may be considered an additional reason to consider deprescribing DAPs in this population.
The reformulated Koiter–Newton method for thermal–mechanical buckling and postbuckling analysis of thin‐walled structures
Authors: Liang Ke , Li Zheng
Published: January 2022

The reduced‐order modeling method, termed as the Koiter–Newton method, is reformulated to be applicable for geometrically nonlinear thermal–mechanical analysis of thin‐walled structures. The thermal load is treated as the independently unchanged load corresponding to the initial temperature field. The internal force space is expanded using the mechanical load, the thermal load, and the predefined perturbation loads. The thermal–mechanical reduced‐order model is constructed using the first to fourth‐order derivatives of strain energy with thermal effects in terms of the degrees of freedom (DOFs). An additional DOF related to the thermal load appears in the construction of reduced‐order model based on the novel Koiter theory. The path‐following scheme is proposed to make the method able to trace the entire geometrically nonlinear thermoelastic response. A much larger step size can be achieved benefiting from the favorable prediction of the reduced‐order model, compared to the classical Newton‐like methods. Both the temperature‐independent and temperature‐dependent material properties are considered. The thermal–mechanical buckling and postbuckling behaviors obtained by the proposed method are validated and discussed using various numerical examples.
Consider outcomes‐based funding, special assistance during COVID‐19
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: January 2022

In 2017, the Colorado Commission on Higher Education laid out an ambitious goal for the state: increasing the percentage of adults, aged 25 to 34, who hold a postsecondary credential from 49% to 66% by 2025. “The reality today is that increasing the number of Coloradans with postsecondary education is crucial to our state's future economic vitality. “The majority of jobs in Colorado already require some sort of postsecondary education…economists estimate that the demand for college‐educated adults in Colorado is the fifth highest among all states in the nation,” authors of the CCHE master plan wrote, underlining the importance of driving increases in college completions and credentials for the state's economic future.
Orient international students for success
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: January 2022

When international students arrive on campus, they encounter an educational system that might be very different from what they are used to. And some struggle to navigate cultural differences in the United States. Just because they have made the decision to study abroad doesn't mean they have a strong skill set to do that, said Karen Tarnoff, Associate Dean of Assessment and International Programs in the College of Business and Technology at East Tennessee State University. Tarnoff explained the International Student Seminar her college created at a session at the Assessment Institute. If you're looking for ways to support your institution's international students, read on for tips on how to plan and host a successful seminar.
Adopt an abundance mindset to boost your leadership potential
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: January 2022

When Laura Freebairn‐Smith was conducting research for her doctorate, she worked with John Pepper, who served as Chief Executive Officer of Proctor & Gamble. While thinking through other questions about leadership, the one she kept coming back to was “Why is he so great to work for?”
The impact of corporate social responsibility on the reputation of universities within developing countries: Evidence from Jordan
Authors: Taamneh Mohammad. M , Albdareen Rokaya. Q , Aladwan Shaker A. , Taamneh Abdallah. M
Published: January 2022

This paper aims to investigate the impact of corporate social responsibility on organizational reputation in Jordanian universities. Quantitative approach was adopted; electronic survey was employed wherein there was distribution of questionnaires to a sample of employees selected through a simple random approach. The sample was made up of a total of 340 employees based within both private and public universities in Jordan. This current study was founded upon the assumption that the commitment of organizations to social responsibility leads to increases in their abilities to achieve an organizational reputation that is good. The findings showed that all social responsibility practices (ethical, philanthropic and legal) have a significant and positive impact upon improving organizational reputation. In addition, the findings found that the legal responsibility is considered most practiced in Jordanian universities followed by ethical responsibility. Finally, there no significant impact for economic responsibility on organizational reputation. This paper can provide theoretical and practical contribution to social corporate responsibility and organizational reputation knowledge through explored the role of social responsibility in organizational reputation in new context in general and universities in particular.
O‧‧‧C═O interaction, its occurrence and implications for protein structure and folding
Authors: Dhar Jesmita , Chakrabarti Pinak
Published: January 2022

Various noncovalent interactions, long and short range, stabilize the native protein structure. We had observed a short‐range interaction between two adjacent peptide groups in a nearly perpendicular orientation through the involvement of an NH‧‧‧N hydrogen bond. Here we show that the other half of the peptide group, namely the carbonyl moiety, can also be involved through the O‧‧‧C═O interaction. Considering the interacting residues, the second residue of the pair has distinct backbone conformational angles, occurring in four clusters, each engendering well‐defined structural motifs. One of the motifs is the γ‐turn, another being polyproline II helix. The interacting pair is found mostly in the irregular region in protein structures, and the propensities of residues and the identification of the nearest secondary structure show interesting patterns. The most conspicuous β‐turn conformation is built from two consecutive γ‐turns, with embedded O‧‧‧C═O and NH‧‧‧N interactions, and there is considerable match of the residue usage at the central positions of the β‐turn and the γ‐turn components. This clearly exemplifies the hierarchical growth of the protein secondary structures, which would be important in our understanding of protein folding. While the occurrence of the O‧‧‧C═O interaction in α‐helices has been well documented, we find it to be equally important in making capping interactions at helix termini.
Yield to the data: some perspective on crop productivity and pesticides
Authors: Washuck Nicole , Hanson Mark , Prosser Ryan
Published: January 2022

The scientific consensus is that pesticide use maximizes crop yields in the face of pest and disease pressures. Often, the debate then becomes a “so what” question (e.g., a percent or two increase in yield is inconsequential, so why use pesticides at all?). We set out to help give technical and lay audiences an objective and quantitative sense of what it means for pesticides to protect crop yields from two perspectives: (i) the number of additional hectares required to produce the same amount of food without the use of pesticides; and (ii) increased calorie production and people fed. Using available seeding and yield data for Canada and United States from 2015 to 2019 for common field crops, a user‐friendly interface was developed that allows for the coarse calculation of land preserved and caloric increases for specific scenarios (e.g., jurisdiction, crop, percent yield increase). We found that land preserved would range from 145 883 to 11 590 255 ha and the number of adults fed would range from 1 333 814 to 100 016 319 depending on the crop and the country. Our hope is that this simple tool will provide a fuller sense of what changes in crop yields mean, and their implications for environmental protection and food security. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Miticidal activity of fenazaquin and fenpyroximate againstVarroa destructor, an ectoparasite ofApis mellifera
Authors: Bahreini Rassol , Nasr Medhat , Docherty Cassandra , Muirhead Samantha , de Herdt Olivia , Feindel David
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

TheVarroamite (Varroa destructor) is an ectoparasite that can affect the health of honey bees (Apis mellifera) and contributes to the loss of colony productivity. The limited availability of Varroacides with different modes of action in Canada has resulted in the development of chemical resistance in mite populations. Therefore, an urgent need to evaluate new potential miticides that are safe for bees and exhibit high efficacy againstVarroaexists. In this study, the acute contact toxicity of 26 active ingredients (19 chemical classes), already available on the market, was evaluated onV. destructorandA. melliferaunder laboratory conditions using an apiarium bioassay. In this assay, groups ofVarroa‐infested worker bees were exposed to different dilutions of candidate compounds. In semi‐field trials,Varroa‐infested honey bees were randomly treated with four vetted candidate compounds from the apiarium assay in mini‐colonies.

RESULTS

Among tested compounds, fenazaquin (quinazoline class) and fenpyroximate (pyrazole class) had higher mite mortality and lower bee mortality over a 24 h exposure period in apiariums. These two compounds, plus spirotetramat and spirodiclofen, were selected for semi‐field evaluation based on the findings of the apiarium bioassay trials and previous laboratory studies. Consistent with the apiarium bioassay, semi‐field results showed fenazaquin and fenpyroximate had high efficacy (>80%), reducingVarroaabundance by 80% and 68%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that fenazaquin would be an effective Varroacide, along with fenpyroximate, which was previously registered for in‐hive use as Hivastan. Both compounds have the potential to provide beekeepers with an alternative option for managingVarroamites in honey bee colonies. © 2022 The Authors.Pest Management Sciencepublished by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Does the dose make the poison? Neurotoxic insecticides impair predator orientation and reproduction even at low concentrations
Authors: Passos Luis C , Ricupero Michele , Gugliuzzo Antonio , Soares Marianne A , Desneux Nicolas , Carvalho Geraldo A , Zappalà Lucia , Biondi Antonio
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Pesticides can be noxious to non‐target beneficial arthropods and their negative effects have been recently recognized even at low doses. The predator Nesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter) (Hemiptera: Miridae) plays an important role in controlling insect pests in solanaceous crops, but its concurrent herbivory often poses relevant concerns for tomato production. Although insecticide side effects on N. tenuis have been previously studied, little is known on the potential implications of neurotoxic chemicals at low concentrations. We assessed the baseline toxicity of three neurotoxic insecticides (lambda‐cyhalothrin, spinosad and chlorpyrifos) on N. tenuis by topical contact exposure. The behavioral and reproduction capacity of the predator was then investigated upon exposure to three estimated low‐lethal concentrations (LC1, LC10 and LC30).

RESULTS

Predator survival varied among insecticides and concentrations, with LC30/label rate ratios ranging from 8.45% to 65.40% for spinosad and lambda‐cyhalothrin, respectively. All insecticides reduced the fertility of N. tenuis females at all estimated low‐lethal concentrations. Chlorpyrifos seriously compromised predator orientation towards a host plant even at LC1, while the same effect was observed for lambda‐cyhalothrin and spinosad solely at LC30. Lambda‐cyhalothrin (at all concentrations) and chlorpyrifos (at LC10 and LC30) also affected the time taken by N. tenuis females to make a choice.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that all three insecticides can be detrimental to N. tenuis and should be avoided when presence of the predator is desirable. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Downwash characteristics and analysis from a six‐rotor unmanned aerial vehicle configured for plant protection
Authors: Yang Shenghui , Xu Pingfan , Jiang Shijie , Zheng Yongjun
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

One theoretical advantage of using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to spray pesticides for maturing corn is that the strong downwash penetrates canopies. However, only few studies have been conducted to examine in‐canopy downwash characteristics. This paper investigated the downwash by a six‐rotor UAV in mature cornfields. 3D wind speeds in corn canopies and an open area were measured, and comparisons conducted.

RESULTS

The downwash by the UAV resulted in in‐canopy maximum wind speeds. Z‐dimensional downwash was sensitive to all factors, whereas the X‐ and Y‐dimensional downwashes were related to layers and crop positions. Meanwhile, when comparing with the downwash between a 2 m hovering position and the optimal flight parameters, the X‐dimensional and Y‐dimensional motion time of top‐layer downwash generally advanced by 3.8 s and 1.6 s, whereas both motion time and the strength of the Z‐dimensional downwash were impeded by ≈2.2‐s hysteresis at middle layers and ≈4.5‐s time reduction, respectively. Thus, combined with distributions, the corn on the left or right might not be sprayed sufficiently. Furthermore, under the convergence requirement error of 0.01, the overall correlation of the model was ≈0.846 in terms of the Z‐dimensional downwash and ≈0.55 and 0.61 for the X‐ and Y‐dimensions, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The selection of operation parameters should mainly consider the Z‐dimensional downwash. The optimal operation parameters were a height of 2 m with a speed of 4 m s−1. Meanwhile, the canopy effect could influence the uniformity, motion and strength of downwash. Predictions could be achieved before operation. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory activities of the neuropeptide antagonist SPA
Authors: Zhu Zhongwen , Yao Yufan , Huang Sujie , Ma Ling , Song Jingjing , Zhang Wei
Published: January 2022

Antimicrobial peptides have received increased attention due to the increasing prevalence of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria. However, the development of antimicrobial peptides for clinical applications remains a huge challenge. SPA ([D‐rg1, D‐Trp5,7,9, Leu11]SP), an analog of substance P, is a broad‐spectrum neuropeptide antagonist. In this study, we found that SPA could efficiently kill Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria by membrane disruption, similar to antimicrobial peptides. In addition, SPA showed high killing activity toward bacteria rather than mammalian cells. Our results also demonstrated that SPA could significantly decrease the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and rescue mice from lethal septic shock induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The impressive therapeutic potential of SPA, as indicated in this study, makes it a good template for developing effective antibiotics. Meanwhile, our study provides a new idea for developing multifunctional therapeutic agents to combat bacterial infections.
Effect of measurement errors on triple sampling X¯${{\bar{\bm X}}}$ chart
Authors: Umar Adamu A. , Khoo Michael B. C. , Saha Sajal , Haq Abdul
Published: January 2022

The performance of the triple sampling (TS) chart is investigated by using a linear covariate error model that considers the presence of measurement errors (ME), called the TS‐ME chart. The sensitivity of the TS‐ME chart is evaluated by means of the average run length (ARL) and standard deviation of the run length (SDRL) performance measures. Additionally, the false alarm rate (FAR) metric is also considered in analyzing the TS‐ME chart's performance. The findings reveal that, as expected, ME significantly affect the TS‐ME chart's performance but taking multiple measurements for each item may compensate for this setback. An example based on real‐life data is given to illustrate the application of the TS‐ME chart.
Bayesian information fusion method for reliability analysis with failure‐time data and degradation data
Authors: Guo Junyu , Li Yan‐Feng , Peng Weiwen , Huang Hong‐Zhong
Published: January 2022

Degradation data and failure‐time data are two types of data commonly used in reliability analysis. Both types of data are collected from different sources for reliability analysis of complex products. For highly reliable products, however, it is often difficult to collect sufficient useful data for reliability analysis with high accuracy, which poses the challenge for small sample size problems, that is, single‐type data with few samples. In this paper, three novel Bayesian information fusion models are first proposed to characterize the inherent relationship between the failure‐time data and the degradation data, and further to integrate the heterogeneous data to obtain accurate reliability analysis results under small sample size. Then, a model selection method is developed to choose appropriate model from the Wiener process, gamma process, and IG process models. Finally, the reliability analysis is completed based on the parameter estimation of the Bayesian information fusion model with the aid of the MCMC method. An industrial example is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed Bayesian information fusion method.
Toward socially just science teaching through professional development: The science teacher identity development and agency of two elementary Teachers of Color
Authors: Chen Jessica L. , Moore Mensah Felicia
Published: January 2022

This comparative case study explored the ways two elementary Teachers of Color's science teacher identities and agency to teach science developed as they participated in a year‐long science professional development that was situated within the high‐stakes testing context of their school. The science professional development model used a dialogical approach that centered and built on the cultural backgrounds and personal experiences of the two teachers who were also coteachers in the same elementary classroom. Constructivist grounded theory and case study methods were used to analyze the three semistructured teacher interviews and four reflective teacher questionnaires collected from each teacher, as well as researcher fieldnotes. The findings showed that the Teachers of Color had different past experiences with science, and these experiences influenced the ways their social justice orientations, science teacher identities, and conceptions of science and science teaching were challenged, deepened, and broadened as they taught science and participated in the science professional development. The design of the science professional development also enabled them to enact their agency to teach science within and against school structures that marginalized science and to reposition science as a priority for themselves and their Students of Color. Implications of this study emphasize the importance of including Teachers of Color in science through professional development in ways that recognize and validate their backgrounds, knowledge, and contributions while also challenging and broadening traditional dominant discourses and school norms of science teaching, learning, and professional development.
Graphene oxide modifications induced by excimer laser irradiations
Authors: Torrisi Alfio , Velardi Luciano , Serra Antonio , Manno Daniela , Torrisi Lorenzo , Calcagnile Lucio
Published: January 2022

The properties of graphene oxide foils were modified by excimer laser irradiation at different fluences and times. The irradiations were performed in air and in vacuum using a pulsed UV laser operating at 248‐nm wavelength and 23‐ns pulse duration. Measurements of ablation yield, microscope surface morphology and Raman spectroscopy were performed. The residual surface shows a significant oxygen reduction due to the removing of functional oxygen groups, a thickness reduction due to the removal of graphene layers depending on the used laser shots and a presence of defects in the graphene sheets as evident by the Raman spectroscopy investigation.
Selective Photocatalytic Conversion of Benzyl Alcohol to Benzaldehyde by Antimony(V) Porphyrin Metal‐Organic Frameworks under Visible‐Light Irradiation
Authors: Xie Dale , Li Shihao , Yang Wenqing , Fan Shilu , Feng Yi‐Si
Published: January 2022

Porphyrin‐based MOFs have great structural tunability and prominent catalyst activity. In this work, a series of antimony porphyrin MOFs (PCN‐224(Sb)‐L) were synthesized to efficiently selective oxidate benzyl alcohol under visible light. To investigate the effects of the Sb‐axial ligands on photocatalytic activity, the oxidation of benzyl alcohol to corresponding benzaldehyde was utilized as a model reaction. Within these three analogues of PCN‐224(Sb)‐L, PCN‐224(Sb)‐OH exhibit a remarkable 96 % conversation and 100 % selectivity of the benzaldehyde with an extremely high turnover number (TON) of 9300.
Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and In Silico Studies of Some 2‐Substituted Benzoxazole Derivatives as Potential Anticancer Agents to Breast Cancer
Authors: Kuzu Burak , Hepokur Ceylan , Alagoz Mehmet Abdullah , Burmaoglu Serdar , Algul Oztekin
Published: January 2022

In an attempt to develop potent and selective anticancer agents, some 5‐ or 6‐ and N‐substituted benzoxazol‐2‐carboxamide derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their cyclooxygenase inhibitory, antioxidant, and anti‐proliferative activity against MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231 cell lines. Among them 5‐OMe, N‐piperidine substituted (compound 30), 5‐OMe, N‐4‐methylpiperidine substituted (compound 31) and 5‐Cl, N‐piperidine substituted (compound 34) benzoxazole 2‐carboxamide compounds have a moderate inhibitory effect in COX‐1 and COX‐2 enzymes. Anti‐proliferative studies show that compound 30 (IC50=5.35 μM) and compound 31 (IC50=5.82 μM) have similar activity to reference drug 5‐FU (IC50=3.95 μM) on MCF‐7 cell but they have lower toxic effect for healthy WI‐38 cell line. For the MCF‐7 cell line, compounds 30 and 31 show approximately 1.5 times higher selectivity compared to the 5‐FU control. Among the synthesized compounds 30, 31, and 34 had the best anti‐proliferative effect and were used to perform flow cytometry and cell cycle analysis on MCF‐7 cell line. To predict the binding modes and pharmacokinetic parameters of all compounds, in silico studies were carried out. These compounds may shed light on cancer treatment and cancer research.
Synthesis and Characterization of Plant Derived Copper Oxide Nanoparticles and Their Application towards Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Prakash Jai , Shekhar Himanshu , Yadav Shyam R. , Sonkar Piyush K. , Kumar Narvadeshwar
Published: January 2022

In this work copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) are prepared from precursor CuSO4.5H2O using plant leaves extract (PEE) of Eranthemum pulchellum(E. pulchellum).The synthesized CuONPs are characterized by ultraviolet visible (UV‐vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). CuONPs are distorted spherical in shape, with the sizes ranging from 5 to 17 nm. PEE and CuONPs are coated on glassy carbon (GC) electrode and abbreviated as GC/PEE and GC/CuONPs, respectively. The modified electrodes GC/PEE and GC/CuONPs are characterized with cyclic voltammetry (CV) techniques. The modified electrode GC/CuONPs exhibits good electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). GC/CuONPs also shows excellent operational stability up to 1000 CV cycles.
Development of Ca2+, Cr3+ Co‐Doped and Pr3+, Ca2+, Cr3+ Tri‐Doped β‐Ga2O3 Persistent Luminescence Nanoparticles with Enhanced Luminescence
Authors: Sun Xue‐Feng , Abdurahman Renagul , Chu Gang‐Hui , Yang Qian‐Ting , Yang Tong‐Sheng
Published: January 2022

The introduction of co‐dopants is one of the effective ways to improve the luminescence properties of the persistent luminescence nanoparticles (PLNPs). Herein, Cr3+, Ca2+ co‐doped and Cr3+, Ca2+, Pr3+ tri‐doped β‐Ga2O3 PLNPs with enhanced persistent luminescence were developed via the hydrothermal synthesis and subsequent calcinations, which improved the persistent luminescence of the β‐Ga2O3 PLNPs. The results showed that the prepared PLNPs had a long afterglow time of more than 8 days with a signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of 272 and the Quantum yield (QY) up to 74.8 %, which was renewable by LED lamps and stored information under a high‐temperature environment. The synthesized β‐Ga2O3:Cr3+, Ca2+, Pr3+ PLNPs with long afterglow time showed great potentials in optical storage.
Supramolecular Assemblies of Sulfonatomethylated Calix[4]resorcinarenes with Aquated Sodium(I), Cesium(I), and Aluminum(III) Ions
Authors: Liu Jing L. , Zhang Pei Z. , Jia Ai Q. , Shi Hua T. , Zhang Qian F.
Published: January 2022

Interactions of C‐iso‐butyl‐calix[4]resorcinarene (1) with sodium sulfite and formaldehyde solution gave a new water‐soluble sulfonatomethylated calix[4]resorcinarene (C4RS) 2 in a quantitative yield. Treatment of 2 with NaOH in a mixture of water, acetonitrile, and methanol afforded complex [Na4(C4RS‐4H)(CH3CN)(H2O)6]2⋅CH3OH (3). Reaction of 2 with NaOH aqueous solution, followed by addition of cesium chloride, led to isolation of complex Cs4Na[(C4RS)2‐5H)](H2O)2 (4). Cation exchange of aluminum nitrate hydrate with complex 3 afforded complex {Al3(H2O)5[(C4RS)2‐9H)]}2⋅(C2H5OH)2⋅(H2O)4 (5). The three new coordination complexes 3–5 were characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. Complexes 3 and 4 display a two‐dimensional bilayer structure through bridging of the sulfonate groups by sodium/cesium cations. The aluminum sulfonatomethylated calix[4]resorcinarene sheets in complex 5 are associated in a one‐dimensional bilayer arrangement and further connected by hydrogen bonds to form a two‐dimensional network.
Enantioselective Organocatalytic Michael Addition Reactions Catalyzed by Proline/Prolinol/Supported Proline based Organocatalysts: An Overview
Authors: Pasuparthy Sai Deepak , Maiti Barnali
Published: January 2022

Ever since the discovery of enantioselective organocatalytic Michael addition reactions, it has emerged as a significant path for synthesizing a variety of stereochemical products under mild conditions, also a prominent C−X (X=C, O, N, S) bond formation reaction in organic chemistry. Over time, substantial progress has been accomplished in diversity‐ and target‐ oriented asymmetric Michael addition reactions. This review provides a brief overview of the results, scope, and limitations of several influential strategies involving enantio‐selective Michael addition reactions promoted by mono‐functional proline/prolinol/supported‐proline‐based chiral organocatalysts. Furthermore, we also sincerely believe that the various synthetic strategies documented in this review will pave a pathway to improve the status of Michael addition reactions for synthesizing various drug molecules involving complex intermediates.
Construction of Laterally Asymmetric Heterojunctions with Sub‐Micrometer Resolution by Hierarchical Self‐Assembly of Polythiophene Nanofibers
Authors: Zheng Hongxian , Li Wenbin , Chen Yurong , Jiang Baichuan , Che Yu , Ou Cailing , Li Jun , Han Xiao , Liu Chuanhui , Zhang Lei
Published: January 2022

Polymeric semiconductors are crucial candidates for the construction of next‐generation flexible and printable electronic devices. By virtue of the successful preparation of monodispersed colloidal solution in orthogonal solvent, poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) nanofibers are developed into versatile building blocks for nanoelectronics and their compatibilities are verified with photolithographic lift‐off technology. Then, the joint efforts from both the bottom‐up hierarchical self‐assembly and top‐down self‐alignment technology have led to the realization of lateral asymmetric heterojunctions with resolution better than 1 µm. As a result, planar photovoltaic devices incorporating N,Nʹ‐dioctyl‐3,4,9,10‐perylenedicarboximide and P3HT supramolecular nanowires as active components are constructed with the cathode‐to‐anode distance being tuned from ≈0.1 to 1–2 µm. Based on such a novel device configuration, an interesting phenomenon of channel‐length‐dependent photovoltaic efficiency is observed for the first time, strongly suggesting the impact of near‐field light intensity on the performance of nanophotonic devices.
Novel FeNi‐Based Nanowires Network Catalyst Involving Hydrophilic Channel for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Qiao Xianshu , Kang Hongjun , Li Yang , Cui Kai , Jia Xin , Wu Xiaohong , Qin Wei
Published: January 2022

Developing novel, efficient, and low‐cost 3D FeNi‐based oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts with the special hydrophilic channel is still a challenge for improving hydrogen production efficiency. Herein, a novel 3D ethoxy substituted FeNi oxalate (ENWs‐FeNi‐C2O4) nanowires network catalyst with hydrophilic channels is reported firstly, which shows an outstanding OER activity with a low overpotential (215 mV at 10 mA cm−2) and small Tafel slope (54.5 mV dec−1). OER catalytic mechanism indicates that the OH adsorption step and O2 bubble diffusion step of OER reaction process can be significantly improved due to the special hydrophilic channels, and the ethoxy as an interlayer ligand not only expands the interlayer distance of layered FeNi (oxy) hydroxide true active species but modulates its electronic structure, promoting the *OOH formation step, and thus exhibiting the outstanding OER performance. This work provides a novel idea for the preparation of novel and efficient OER electro‐catalysts with special 3D structures.
Metal Centers and Organic Ligands Determine Electrochemistry of Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Li Caoling , Shen Jian , Wu Kangbing , Yang Nianjun
Published: January 2022

The properties and applications of metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) can be tuned by their metal centers and organic ligands. To reveal experimentally and theoretically the influence of metal centers and ligands on electrochemical performance of MOFs, three MOFs with copper or zinc centers and organic ligands of 2‐methylimidazole (2MI) or 1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxylic acid (H3BTC) are synthesized and characterized in this study. 2D and porous Cu‐2MI exhibits a larger active area, faster electron transfer capability, and stronger adsorption capacity than bulk Cu‐BTC and dodecahedron Zn‐2MI. Density functional theory calculations of adsorption ability of three MOFs toward xanthine (XA), hypoxanthine (HXA), and malachite green (MG) prove that 2D Cu‐2MI has the strongest adsorption energies to three targets. Rotating disk electrode measurements reveal that 2D Cu‐2MI features the biggest intrinsic heterogeneous rate constant toward three analytes. On 2D Cu‐2MI sensitive and selective monitoring of XA, HXA, and MG is then achieved using differential pulse voltammetry. Their monitoring in real samples on 2D Cu‐2MI is accurate and comparable with that using high‐performance liquid chromatography. In summary, regulation of electrochemical sensing features of MOFs is realized through defining selected metal centers and organic ligands.
The Impact of Patient Characteristics on Diagnostic Test Performance
Authors: Kozlowski Hannah N. , Sindhwani Shrey , Chan Warren C. W.
Published: January 2022

Diagnostic tests can detect diseases, monitor responses, and inform treatments. They are vital to the effective management of disease. There have been significant advances in the engineering of new diagnostic technologies. These technologies may forgo sample extraction, simplify readout, or automate processing. Many researchers design these diagnostics based on test performance in a limited sample subset. This approach ignores the intertwined relationship between patient characteristics and diagnostic test results. Yet, it is important to understand the clinical decision‐making workflow and how the disease manifests in order to optimally design diagnostic tests. This review article explores the three aspects of incorporating patient characteristics to maximize diagnostic performance. 1) Characterize patient populations using patient demographics, disease prevalence, and other unique features. 2) Use the characteristics of the patient population to establish design requirements. 3) Determine the best use case since each case has different performance and target requirements. In this framework the clinical, technological, and unmet needs of a patient population shape the diagnostics design requirements. Following these steps will lead to maximal diagnostic performance and poise new diagnostics for real world use.