bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uma análise do desempenho do curso de Ciências Contábeis no ENADE a partir do Processo de Raciocínio da Teoria das Restrições
Authors: Cruz Cláudia Ferreira , Silva Roberval Rubens , Marques Alessandra Lima , Dos Santos Ruthberg
Published: December 2021

Esse trabalho teve como objetivo principal apresentar uma aplicação das ferramentas do Processo de Raciocínio da Teoria das Restrições, desenvolvida por Eliyahu Goldratt, à avaliação dos resultados do Curso de Ciências Contábeis no ENADE, com vistas a identificar as possíveis causas dos resultados obtidos e propor caminhos para a busca de uma melhor avaliação. Trata-se de uma pesquisa aplicada, feita principalmente a partir de dados qualitativos. O Processo de Raciocínio é um conjunto de ferramentas lógicas, baseadas na relação de causa e efeito, desenvolvido para auxiliar na resolução de problemas organizacionais/sistêmicos. A análise possibilitou diagnosticar de forma lógica que o curso de Ciências Contábeis apresenta baixa atratividade acadêmica, que se reflete também em reduzidos Programas de Pós-Graduação Stricto Sensu em Ciências Contábeis no Brasil, baixa titulação dos docentes e reduzida prática de pesquisa e extensão no curso. Considera-se que a implementação de políticas de expansão de Programas de Pós-Graduação Stricto Sensu em Ciências Contábeis e de valorização dos profissionais na carreira acadêmica, de forma sistêmica e integrada, pode contribuir para que o curso tenha uma melhor concepção e melhores desempenhos em avaliações futuras.
ANÁLISE DA ABORDAGEM DA CONTROLADORIA NAS DISSERTAÇÕES E TESES DOS PROGRAMAS ACADÊMICOS DE MESTRADO E DOUTORADO EM CIÊNCIAS CONTÁBEIS NO BRASIL
Authors: Laudelino Julien Ariani de Souza , Navarro Roberto Marcos , Beuren Ilse Maria
Published: December 2021

O objetivo do artigo é analisar a abordagem da controladoria nas dissertações e teses dos Programas acadêmicos de mestrado e doutorado em Ciências Contábeis do Brasil, defendidas no período de 2001 a 2004, em cursos recomendados pela Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES), que é uma Fundação do Ministério da Educação. Trata-se de pesquisa descritiva, do tipo levantamento, com análise quantitativa e qualitativa. A população de 13 Instituições de Ensino Superior (IES) deste estudo foi identificada no sítio da CAPES entre os programas recomendados, extraindo-se uma amostra por acessibilidade de quatro instituições para compor este estudo. Os resultados da pesquisa evidenciam que entre os 201 trabalhos aprovados nas instituições da amostra, 9,45% abordaram temas de controladoria, como Balanced Scorecard, indicadores de avaliação de desempenho, planejamento estratégico e controladoria plena. Conclui-se que os trabalhos desenvolvidos com o tema específico controladoria e seus instrumentos, localizados por meio da metodologia selecionada, totalizaram um número reduzido comparativamente às linhas de pesquisa ou áreas de concentração dos Programas.
Os Observatórios de Educação e Pesquisa Contábil como Espaços Privilegiados para a Construção e Fortalecimento de Redes de Pesquisadores
Authors: Guimaraes Isac Pimentel , Slomski Vilma Geni , Gomes Sonia Maria da Silva , Silva Antonio Carlos Ribeiro da
Published: December 2021

O presente estudo caracteriza-se como um ensaio teórico e tem como objetivo relatar a experiência de criação de observatórios virtuais como espaços privilegiados para o avanço e a socializalização do saber na área da Educação e Pesquisa Contábil. Tais observatórios visam promover a troca de experiências e o intercâmbio entre docentes, pesquisadores, discentes e demais atores envolvidos e interessados, de modo a construir e fortalecer redes de cooperação acadêmica e, assim, a constituição de um espaço do saber, capaz de integrar pesquisas e pesquisadores dando mais visibilidade às produções científicas e tecnológicas das comunidades envolvidas. Contatou-se que os observatórios estão se instituindo como redes virtuais guiadas por pesquisadores e professores que buscam romper as barreiras geográficas e culturais em prol da socialização do saber e da construção de uma nova ordem de cidadania. Esta construção pauta-se pela interatividade, tanto das tecnologias digitais de informação e comunicação quanto da participação da comunidade, no processo de construção de interfaces de organização e comunicação da informação cultural local e universal. Conclui-se que os observatórios como redes virtuais de comunicação da informação conduzirão à emergência de um espaço do saber, da inteligência coletiva, na área da Educação e da Pesquisa Contábil.
Alocação Escalonar ou Seqüencial x Alocação Recíproca ou Matricial: Uma Análise Comparativa
Authors: Souza Paulo Cesar , Medeiros Leandro da Silva , Scatena João Henrique Gurtler , De Souza Robson Silva
Published: December 2021

Uma das questões que é motivo de debates no que se refere à apuração dos custos se refere ao rateio dos custos indiretos. Para minimizar as distorções e as arbitrariedades surgiu o custeio por departamentos ou centros de custos. Ainda assim, permanece uma questão: qual metodologia usar para distribuir os custos dos centros administrativos e intermediários aos finais e externos? Existem basicamente três metodologias que são aplicáveis a vários ramos de atividades, em especial aos hospitais: alocação direta, alocação escalonar ou sequencial e alocação recíproca ou matricial. Este trabalho é oriundo de um estudo de caso realizado num hospital de médio porte do interior do Estado de Mato Grosso e objetiva comparar os valores obtidos através da aplicação das três metodologias, com destaque para as duas últimas. O resultado demonstrou que no hospital em estudo, a diferença dos valores apurados pela alocação recíproca em relação à escalonar ou sequencial não foi tão expressiva, no entanto, ratificou a afirmação dos autores de que a alocação recíproca proporciona valores mais precisos. Ficou demostrado também que a diferença nos valores das duas metodologias poderia ser maior, caso houvesse uma maior reciprocidade na prestação de serviços entre os centros administrativos e intermediários.
Análise de Sustentabilidade Ambiental: Estudo de Caso em uma Clínica Odontológica Municipal
Authors: Saldano Samanta Martins , Pfitscher Elisete Dahmer , Uhlmann Vivian Osmari
Published: December 2021

O objetivo deste estudo consiste em analisar os aspectos e impactos ambientais de uma clínica odontológica municipal, com relação à sustentabilidade ambiental. A metodologia de avaliação utilizada foi o método Sistema Contábil Gerencial Ambiental - SICOGEA. Os resultados alcançados mostraram um índice de sustentabilidade global de 68,33%, que, de acordo com a tabela de avaliação da sustentabilidade e desempenho ambiental sugerida pelo SICOGEA, representa uma sustentabilidade regular, demonstrando um desempenho ambiental médio. A preocupação maior da clínica é atender à legislação, mostrando pouco interesse pela questão dos impactos ambientais negativos. Em relação aos critérios e subcritérios com maior prioridade para a clínica pesquisada, tem-se como único deficitário o subcritério “Atividade Odontológica”, com um porcentual de 38,88%. Como regulares, os critérios “Fornecedores” e “Recursos Humanos”, com um resultado de 62,50% para ambos, e os “Indicadores Gerenciais” com 70,59%; como adequado, o subcritério “Autoclavagem de Resíduos”, com 81,82%, e “Tratamento com Pacientes”, com 75%. Como sugestão de melhoria, estruturou-se o 5W2H, que apresenta medidas de gestão ambiental direcionadas à atividade da clínica odontológica, dentre elas a de aprimorar o processo de tratamento dos resíduos e separação do lixo hospitalar gerado pela organização.
A Questão Social e Ambiental na Revista Brasileira de Contabilidade: Uma Análise dos Artigos Publicados no Final do Século XX.
Authors: Siqueira José Ricardo Maia de
Published: December 2021

Nos últimos séculos, o crescimento industrial, impelido pelo capitalismo, tem consumido recursos com voracidade e a produção de bens e serviços tem gerado externalidades negativas crescentes, pressionando a capacidade de recuperação do planeta ao limite. O final do século XX assistiu a uma pressão crescente por meios de produção menos agressivos e mais inclusivos. Tendo em vista este pano de fundo, esse trabalho tem como objetivo analisar a produção intelectual publicada na Revista Brasileira de Contabilidade (RBC) no período de 1971 a 2000. Este interstício de tempo foi escolhido pois representa um período de mudança nas demandas que emanam da sociedade, o que pode se refletir nos artigos publicados. A RBC foi selecionada por se tratar de um dos periódicos com maior impacto na classe contábil, não se restringindo à área acadêmica. Foram analisados os artigos que continham as palavras-chave relativas a aspectos socioambientais nos exemplares pertencentes à Biblioteca Ivo Malhães de Oliveira. Se constatou um aumento no número de artigos com temática socioambiental no período de 1990 a 2000 em relação ao período de 1971 a 1989. Além disso se detectou uma contribuição bastante diversificada no período em questão.
A NORMATIZAÇÃO DA DESTINAÇÃO DOS LUCROS
Authors: Laffin Marcos , Guesser Tiago André
Published: December 2021

A destinação dos lucros é uma das mais importantes discussões na gestão das empresas por envolver dois aspectos: continuidade das operações e satisfação dos acionistas. De certa forma, a legislação societária considera esses importantes fatores ao prever a possibilidade de formação de reservas e a garantia de um mínimo a ser destinado aos sócios. Nesse contexto, esta pesquisa - de natureza exploratória - realizada por meio das Demonstrações Contábeis de 17 empresas do segmento de Construção Civil da BM&FBOVESPA, busca identificar o cumprimento dos dispositivos legais de destinação dos resultados referente aos exercícios de 2009, 2010 e 2011. Os resultados evidenciam que a maiorias das empresas respeita o limite estabelecido na legislação para a constituição de reservas e destinação de dividendos em pelo menos dois exercícios; e que a quase totalidade das companhias cumpre os dispositivos legais de acumulação de saldo nas contas. Verifica-se ainda, que apenas uma das empresas não respeitou a norma que impede a manutenção de saldo credor na conta de Lucros Acumulados.
CURRÍCULO E TRABALHO DOCENTE NO CURSO DE CIÊNCIAS CONTÁBEIS
Authors: Laffin Marcos
Published: December 2021

Este estudo teve como objetivo compreender os fundamentos epistemológicos da organização do trabalho do professor de contabilidade no ensino superior. Para tanto, caracterizo a sua trajetória de formação e inserção no trabalho docente, assim como identifico as concepções epistemológicas e categorias metodológicas do trabalho no ensino superior de Ciências Contábeis. A questão central da tese buscou caracterizar quais são os componentes epistemológicos do processo de ensino que organizam o trabalho do professor de contabilidade no ensino superior. Para responder a essa questão decidi pela abordagem qualitativa, mediante a qual tomo como referência os princípios explicativos de Homem e Trabalho. Por meio desse eixo teórico enfatizo a constituição do sujeito e a sua condição humana através de suas relações sociais, históricas e culturais, declarando assim sua possibilidade omnilateral. Ao concluir esse estudo, afirmo que ensinar exige responsabilidade porque, para além do domínio de conteúdos específicos e de saberes de formação humana, assim como de métodos adequados a promover essas apropriações no contexto no qual está inserido, é preciso insistir na solidariedade humana, na preservação do mundo humano. Essa sensibilidade coletiva será visível nas atividades do professor de contabilidade quando, em seu trabalho, configurar-se um entendimento crítico e emancipatório da categoria trabalho.
Interorgan crosstalk mechanisms in disease: the case of acute kidney injury‐induced remote lung injury
Authors: Herrlich Andreas
Published: December 2021

Homoeostasis and health of multicellular organisms with multiple organs depends on interorgan communication. Tissue injury in one organ disturbs this homoeostasis and can lead to disease in multiple organs, or multiorgan failure. Many routes of interorgan crosstalk during homoeostasis are relatively well known, but interorgan crosstalk in disease still lacks understanding. In particular, how tissue injury in one organ can drive injury at remote sites and trigger multiorgan failure with high mortality is poorly understood. As examples, acute kidney injury can trigger acute lung injury and cardiovascular dysfunction; pneumonia, sepsis or liver failure conversely can cause kidney failure; lung transplantation very frequently triggers acute kidney injury. Mechanistically, interorgan crosstalk after tissue injury could involve soluble mediators and their target receptors, cellular mediators, in particular immune cells, as well as newly identified neuro‐immune connections. In this review, I will focus the discussion of deleterious interorgan crosstalk and its mechanistic concepts on one example, acute kidney injury‐induced remote lung injury.
Urban Anthropology: Melanesia
Authors: Goddard Michael
Published: December 2021

This entry discusses the nature and development of Melanesian urbanity, which has been represented through anthropological research since the late colonial period. As foreigners established towns in Melanesia for colonial purposes, Melanesians were regarded as “villagers” and were assumed to lack urban sensibilities. On the basis of Western‐derived criteria of urbanity, questions were raised as to the ability of Melanesians to adjust to town life, since long‐standing representations of Melanesian sociality had emphasized its rural‐oriented and “relational” characteristics, which were apparently retained by migrants from villages to towns. This ahistorical perspective has been obviated since the end of the colonial period by the mutable postcolonial urban sociality of Melanesians themselves. Contemporary anthropologists are exploring the increasing influence of the globalized capitalist economy and its ideations on Melanesian urban sociality.
Urban Anthropology: The MENA Region (Middle East and North Africa)
Authors: Battesti Vincent , Puig Nicolas
Published: December 2021

With massive urbanization across the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region over recent decades, research in urban anthropology has intensified. During the 1970s intense population growth (demographic transition) and rural‐to‐urban migration attracted the attention of many anthropologists who studied the ruralization of the city and its capacity to integrate newcomers. Anthropologists (and geographers) addressed this concern by focusing on urban practices, especially those taking place on the margins of the city. Today, urban anthropology has become one of the most important empirical and analytical prisms for observing MENA societies. The main achievements and paradigms of urban anthropology in the MENA region are structured along three axes: urbanity and urban practices, public spaces, and urban culture.
All‐Solution‐Processed Van der Waals Heterostructures for Wafer‐Scale Electronics
Authors: Kim Jihyun , Rhee Dongjoon , Song Okin , Kim Miju , Kwon Yong Hyun , Lim Dong Un , Kim In Soo , Mazánek Vlastimil , Valdman Lukas , Sofer Zdeněk , Cho Jeong Ho , Kang Joohoon
Published: December 2021

2D van der Waals (vdW) materials have been considered as potential building blocks for use in fundamental elements of electronic and optoelectronic devices, such as electrodes, channels, and dielectrics, because of their diverse and remarkable electrical properties. Furthermore, two or more building blocks of different electronic types can be stacked vertically to generate vdW heterostructures with desired electrical behaviors. However, such fundamental approaches cannot directly be applied practically because of issues such as precise alignment/positioning and large‐quantity material production. Here, these limitations are overcome and wafer‐scale vdW heterostructures are demonstrated by exploiting the lateral and vertical assembly of solution‐processed 2D vdW materials. The high exfoliation yield of the molecular intercalation‐assisted approach enables the production of micrometer‐sized nanosheets in large quantities and its lateral assembly in a wafer‐scale via vdW interactions. Subsequently, the laterally assembled vdW thin‐films are vertically assembled to demonstrate various electronic device applications, such as transistors and photodetectors. Furthermore, multidimensional vdW heterostructures are demonstrated by integrating 1D carbon nanotubes as a p‐type semiconductor to fabricate p–n diodes and complementary logic gates. Finally, electronic devices are fabricated via inkjet printing as a lithography‐free manner based on the stable nanomaterial dispersions.
Flexible and Lightweight Ni/MXene Decorated Polyurethane Sponge Composite with Sensitive Strain Sensing Performance for Ultrahigh Terahertz Absorption
Authors: Bai Yu , Qin Feng , Lu Yinxiang
Published: December 2021

Flexible and lightweight terahertz (THz) absorbers with high absorption performance are urgently indispensable in the application of foreign substance examination, molecular identification and 6G communication. Herein, cost‐effective approaches of autocatalytic plating and dip‐coating with a series of surface grafting are proposed to construct nickel/Ti3C2Tx (Ni/MXene) decorated polyurethane sponge (PUS) composite. The resultant PUS‐Ni/MXene sample exhibits average THz absorption shielding effectiveness (SEA) and absorption proportion of 42.7 dB and 99.9% from 0.1 to 2.2 THz at a thickness of only 1 mm. The THz SEA can achieve 69.8 dB for PUS‐Ni/MXene sample with 8 mm thickness while the specific SE is over 65.8 (dB cm3 g−1), surpassing most absorbers. To better understand the propagation characteristics of THz waves, the electromagnetic interference SEs and electric field distributions are calculated through finite difference time domain simulation, and verified by experiments. Moreover, the foldable and electrical properties endow the PUS‐Ni/MXene composite with smart pressure sensitivity that is promising for strain monitoring. The optimized PUS‐Ni/MXene sensor exhibits high sensitivity under a relatively small strain. And the outstanding long‐term stability and durability are also proved by 1200 stretching–releasing cycles. The as‐prepared THz absorber with excellent pressure sensing performance demonstrates enormous potential in future military and civilian applications.
Critical assessment of initiatives in community college international education
Authors: Raby Rosalind Latiner
Published: December 2021

In the 1947 Truman Commission, Zook noted a validation of international education for US community colleges and specified two recommendations for the internationalization of US community colleges. The first recommendation was to embrace internationalization in the curriculum, and the second was to create an educational context in which students could gain an international understanding. This article critically assesses the extent to which US community colleges have met Zook's (1947) recommendations. The findings show that internationalization practices are supported by US community college leadership over time, are found in American Association of Community Colleges policies, are the subject of graduate student dissertations, and are the subject of research since the 1960s. The article concludes with a comprehensive set of recommendations for community colleges to support future actionable international agendas intended to serve the next generation of community colleges and their students.
A Core‐Shell Cascade of Chloroperoxidase and Gold Nanoclusters for Asymmetric Hydroxylation of Ethylbenzene
Authors: Xia Meng , Wang Zheyu , Du Linhan , Fu Zhongwang , Jiang Guoqiang , Lu Diannan , Wu Jianzhong , Liu Zheng
Published: December 2021

Direct functionalization of C−H bonds catalyzed by chloroperoxidase (CPO) is featured by using H2O2 as both oxygen and electron donor. The catalytic process circumvents expensive electron transporters such as NAD(P)H, making it advantageous for green production of fine chemicals with complex structures. In situ generation and collaborative supplement of H2O2 is strongly desired for an improved productivity and enzyme stability. The present study describes a novel CPO cascade for asymmetric hydroxylation of ethylbenzene yielding (R)‐1‐phenylethanol, in which H2O2 is generated by oxidation of monosaccharides catalyzed by gold nanoclusters (AuNCs). A core‐shell structure of CPO−AuNCs cascade was prepared by using hollow mesoporous silica microspheres (HMSMs) as the support. AuNCs were immobilized on the external surface of HMSMs while CPOs were encapsulated inside the microspheres. Different monosaccharides were examined for H2O2 production as a function of the particle size. It was found that galactose exhibits the highest productivity. The high compatibility of CPO and AuNCs against temperature and pH is advantageous in catalyzing a wide spectrum of reactions for C−H functionalization.
Reactivity of Phosphino‐naphtholate Nickel Complexes and Their Catalysis of Copolymerization with Polar Monomers
Authors: Wang Xu‐ling , Zhang Yan‐Ping , Pan Li , Wang Fei , Luo Shui‐yuan , Li Yue‐sheng
Published: December 2021

Coordination‐insertion copolymerization of ethylene with polar monomers can directly provide value‐added functionalized polyolefins. Studies on the reactivity of catalysts toward polar monomers can help understand the copolymerization process and then tune the polymerization strategically. In this contribution, the reactivity picture of 2‐diphenylphosphonyl‐8‐phenylnaphthol nickel complex toward fundamental polar monomers was explored by stoichiometric reactions. The insertion rates are in the order of methyl acrylate (MA)>n‐butyl acrylate (BA)>N, N‐dimethylacrylamide (DMAA)>methyl methacrylate (MMA)>vinyl triethoxysilane (VTEoS)>N‐vinyl‐pyrrolidinone (NVP). Acrylic derivatives of MA, BA and DMAA with electron‐withdrawing group favor 2,1‐fashion while non‐acrylic NVP with electron‐donating group prefers 1,2‐fashion. Notably, the 1,1‐disubstituted MMA and bulky VTEoS perform a preferential 1,2‐insertion accompanying by 2,1‐insertion in the percentage of 82 : 18 and 62 : 38, respectively, because of the stronger steric effect. These insights correlate to the copolymerization of polar monomers with ethylene. Linear functional polyethylene with in‐chain and terminal incorporation of BA, DMAA or VTEoS is afforded at a high activity.
Continuous monitoring of EDTA extractable iron from mineral slurries using a microfluidic chip
Authors: Yang Daisy , Shallan Aliaa I. , Breadmore Michael C. , Greet Christopher , Priest Craig
Published: December 2021

In mineral processing, iron oxidation species formed on the mineral surface play a dominant role in depressing mineral flotation and must be monitored. Current analytical methods rely on off‐line sample preparation followed by conventional analytical techniques, which are labour intensive and time delayed. This paper reports the successful application of an open microfluidic chip for real‐time continuous monitoring of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) extractable iron (derived from iron oxidation species) in mineral slurries. A detailed mineralogical study of the mineral ore before and after leaching by EDTA has been undertaken to understand the leaching behaviour of the EDTA‐slurry extraction system, showing good agreement with solution analysis.
Combined adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system and genetic algorithm for e‐learning resilience assessment during COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Shokouhifar Mohammad , Pilevari Nazanin
Published: December 2021

Given the growing use of e‐learning and expansion of internet‐based infrastructure during COVID‐19 epidemic, the need for a resilient approach to e‐learning systems is deeply felt. This article introduces a combined technique utilizing adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and genetic algorithm (GA), named ANFIS‐GA, to evaluate e‐learning resilience. In the proposed ANFIS model, 22 features from five main factors including individual, technology, content, agility, and assessment/support factors are used as fuzzy inputs, while the e‐learning resilience is considered as a single output of the model. To select the most significant features for the evaluation of the e‐learning resilience, an evolutionary feature selection based on GA is used. The proposed ANFIS‐GA model has been successfully developed for evaluation of e‐learning resilience in virtual Iranian university. According to the obtained results, agility is the most important factor, and then, technology and assessment/support factors have the next priorities to evaluate e‐learning resilience in virtual Iranian university. Statistical analysis demonstrated that there is no significant difference between the experts' opinion and the resilience obtained via the proposed model. The proposed ANFIS‐GA model can be used in any educational institution to evaluate the improvement of resilience in e‐learning.
Sustainable Sorbitol Dehydration to Isosorbide using Solid Acid Catalysts: Transition from Batch Reactor to Continuous‐Flow System
Authors: Brandi Francesco , Al‐Naji Majd
Published: December 2021

Isosorbide is one of the most interesting cellulosic‐derived molecules with great potential to be implemented in wide range of products that shaping our daily life. This Review describes the recent developments in the production of isosorbide from sorbitol in batch and continuous‐flow systems under hydrothermal conditions using solid acid catalysts. Moreover, the current hurdles and challenges regarding the synthesis of isosorbide from cellulosic biomass in continuous‐flow process using solid acid catalysts are summarized, as well as the scaling‐up of this process into pilot level, which will lead to an established industrial process with high sustainability metrics.
Galactose Oxidase Enables Modular Assembly of Conjugates from Native Antibodies with High Drug‐to‐Antibody Ratios**
Authors: Angelastro Antonio , Barkhanskiy Alexey , Mattey Ashley P. , Pallister Edward G. , Spiess Reynard , Goundry William , Barran Perdita , Flitsch Sabine L.
Published: December 2021

The potential of antibody conjugates with high drug loading in anticancer therapy has recently been highlighted by the approval of Trastuzumab deruxtecan and Sacituzumab govitecan. These biopharmaceutical approaches have spurred interest in bioconjugation strategies with high and defined degrees of drug‐to‐antibody ratio (DAR), in particular on native antibodies. Here, a glycoengineering methodology was developed to generate antibody drug conjugates with DAR of up to eight, by combining highly selective enzymatic galactosylation and oxidation with biorthogonal tandem Knoevenagel–Michael addition chemistry. This four‐step approach offers a selective route to conjugates from native antibodies with high drug loading, and thus illustrates how biocatalysis can be used for the generation of biopharmaceuticals using mild reaction conditions.
YAP maintains the production of intermediate progenitor cells and upper‐layer projection neurons in the mouse cerebral cortex
Authors: Su Yi‐Ching , Hung Tzu‐Heng , Wang Tzu‐Fang , Lee Ying‐Hsuan , Wang Tsu‐Wei , Yu Jenn‐Yah
Published: December 2021

Background

The Hippo pathway is conserved through evolution and plays critical roles in development, tissue homeostasis and tumorigenesis. Yes‐associated protein (YAP) is a transcriptional coactivator downstream of the Hippo pathway. Previous studies have demonstrated that activation of YAP promotes proliferation in the developing brain. Whether YAP is required for the production of neural progenitor cells or neurons in vivo remains unclear.

Results

We demonstrated that SATB homeobox 2 (SATB2)‐positive projection neurons (PNs) in upper layers, but not T‐box brain transcription factor 1‐positive and Coup‐TF interacting protein 2‐positive PNs in deep layers, were decreased in the neonatal cerebral cortex of Yap conditional knockout (cKO) mice driven by Nestin‐Cre. Cell proliferation was reduced in the developing cerebral cortex of Yap‐cKO. SATB2‐positive PNs are largely generated from intermediate progenitor cells (IPCs), which are derived from radial glial cells (RGCs) during cortical development. Among these progenitor cells, IPCs but not RGCs were decreased in Yap‐cKO. We further demonstrated that cell cycle re‐entry was reduced in progenitor cells of Yap‐cKO, suggesting that fewer IPCs were generated in Yap‐cKO.

Conclusion

YAP is required for the production of IPCs and upper‐layer SATB2‐positive PNs during development of the cerebral cortex in mice.
Interfacial defect passivation by novel phosphonium salts yields 22% efficiency perovskite solar cells: Experimental and theoretical evidence
Authors: He Dongmei , Zhou Tingwei , Liu Baibai , Bai Le , Wang Wenqi , Yuan Hongkuan , Xu Cunyun , Song Qunliang , Lee Donghwa , Zang Zhigang , Ding Liming , Chen Jiangzhao
Published: December 2021

We modified perovskite/Spiro‐OMeTAD interface by using two novel phosphonium salts containing PF6− counter anion (i.e., ClTPPPF6 and BrTPPPF6). The cation and anion in phosphonium salts possess not only ionic bonds but also coordination bonds with perovskites. The anion and cation vacancies at the surface and GBs of perovskite films can be filled by phosphonium cations and PF6− anions, respectively, resulting in reduced defect density and prolonged carrier lifetimes. The stronger chemical interaction and accordingly better defect passivation were certified for BrTPPPF6 than ClTPPPF6. As a result, the devices modified by ClTPPPF6 and BrTPPPF6 deliver a PCE of 21.73% and 22.15%, respectively, which far exceed 20.6% of the control device. The unsealed BrTPPPF6 modified device maintains 98.2% of its initial efficiency value after thermal aging of 1320 h whereas merely 84.7% for the control device. 96.4% of its original efficiency was retained for BrTPPPF6‐modified device after ambient exposure of 2016 h.

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Frequency dependence and the predictability of evolution in a changing environment
Authors: Chevin Luis-Miguel , Gompert Zachariah , Nosil Patrik
Published: December 2021

Frequency-dependent (FD) selection, whereby fitness and selection depend on the genetic or phenotypic composition of the population, arises in numerous ecological contexts (competition, mate choice, crypsis, mimicry, etc.) and can strongly impact evolutionary dynamics. In particular, negative frequency-dependent selection (NFDS) is well known for its ability to potentially maintain stable polymorphisms, but it has also been invoked as a source of persistent, predictable frequency fluctuations. However, the conditions under which such fluctuations persist are not entirely clear. In particular, previous work rarely considered that FD is unlikely to be the sole driver of evolutionary dynamics when it occurs, because most environments are not static but instead change dynamically over time. Here, we investigate how FD interacts with a temporally fluctuating environment to shape the dynamics of population genetic change. We show that a simple metric introduced by Lewontin, the slope of frequency change against frequency near equilibrium, works as a key criterion for distinguishing microevolutionary outcomes, even in a changing environment. When this slope D is between 0 and –2 (consistent with the empirical examples we review), substantial fluctuations would not persist on their own in a large population occupying a constant environment, but they can still be maintained indefinitely as quasi-cycles fueled by environmental noise or genetic drift. However, such moderate NFDS buffers and temporally shifts evolutionary responses to periodic environments (e.g., seasonality). Stronger FD, with slope D < –2, can produce self-sustained cycles that may overwhelm responses to a changing environment, or even chaos that fundamentally limits predictability. This diversity of expected outcomes, together with the empirical evidence for both FD and environment-dependent selection, suggests that the interplay of internal dynamics with external forcing should be investigated more systematically to reach a better understanding and prediction of evolution.
Quality assessment of surface water and groundwater giving emphasis on water quality index and irrigational indicators in the southeastern part of Manipur Valley, north‐east India
Authors: Thokchom Laxmi , Kshetrimayum Krishnakanta Singh
Published: December 2021

Water quality index (WQI) and irrigational indices for surface water and groundwater in the southeastern part of Manipur Valley in north‐east India has been examined. The water samples were collected during the pre‐monsoon season in the year 2016. Geologically, the Manipur Valley occurs as an intermontane piedmont‐alluvial plain filled with Quaternary alluvium of fluvio‐lacustrine origin. The basic chemical parameters of pH, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, total hardness, Cl−, HCO3−, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe, Mn, and Zn were considered for computing water quality index for drinking water. Irrigational indices such as sodium absorption ratio, sodium percentage, Kelly's index, magnesium hazard, and residual sodium carbonate were calculated for determining the suitability for irrigational use. WQI, SAR, %Na+, KI, MH, RSC suggest that majority of the water samples are suitable for drinking and irrigational uses. They exhibit positive relations among them suggesting that these parameters are dependent over one another. About 20% of the piedmont zone groundwater are unsuitable for both drinking and agricultural purposes. The encrustation of gypsum, halite, and evaporite into the Disang shales enhances the dissolution process of ions such as Cl−, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+ in the piedmont water leading to quality deterioration. Gibb's plots suggest that the chemical origin of water dominates with rock‐weathering process, while hydrochemical facies evolved from the initial stage to intermediate stage. Therefore, proper integrated management and development of water resources is necessary for the effective utilization water resources particularly around the piedmont zone.
Scaling laws for natural convection boundary layer of a Pr > 1 fluid on a vertical solid surface subject to a sinusoidal heating flux in a linearly stratified ambient
Authors: Lin Wenxian , Armfield S. W. , Khatamifar Mehdi
Published: December 2021

The understanding of the transient behavior of the natural convection boundary layer on a heated vertical solid surface is crucial for numerous applications. In this study, scaling analysis is performed to derive the scaling laws for the major parameters that characterize the transient behavior of natural convection boundary layer of a Prandtl number larger than 1 fluid on a vertical solid surface subject to a sinusoidal heating flux in a linearly stratified ambient. It is found that the developed scaling laws are in good agreement with the direct numerical simulation results over wide ranges of Prandtl number, stratification parameter, and frequency of the sinusoidal heat flux.
Update on neurological symptoms in patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2
Authors: Xiao Mei‐Fang , You Zhi‐Jian , Zeng Chang , Huang Ze‐Bing , Dong Liang
Published: December 2021

Novel coronavirus 19 (COVID‐19) is the latest and most intense epidemic, which is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). In addition to causing respiratory symptoms, SARS‐CoV‐2 can have severe effects on the nervous system. Clinically, COVID‐19 patients have been reported ranging from mild hypogeusia and hyposmia to severe neurological disorders, such as encephalopathy, encephalitis, strokes, and seizures syndrome. However, the pathological mechanisms of this SARS‐CoV‐2 neuro aggressiveness remain unclear, so it is of great significance to explore the neurological effects of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. To facilitate clinicians to timely recognize the manifestations of COVID‐19 patients with neurological injury and timely treatment, the author hereby reviews the latest research progress in the possible pathways, clinical manifestations, and pathogenesis of COVID‐19 patients with nerve injury.
Clinical efficacy of fecal microbial transplantation treatment in adults with moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis
Authors: Mashiah Jacob , Karady Tal , Fliss‐Isakov Naomi , Sprecher Eli , Slodownik Dan , Artzi Ofir , Samuelov Liat , Ellenbogen Eran , Godneva Anastasia , Segal Eran , Maharshak Nitsan
Published: December 2021

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a remitting relapsing chronic eczematous pruritic disease. Several studies suggest that gut microbiota may influence AD by immune system regulation.

Methods

We performed the first in‐human efficacy and safety assessment of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for AD adult patients. All patients received 2 placebo transplantations followed by 4 FMTs each 2 weeks apart. AD severity and fecal microbiome profile were evaluated by the Scoring Atopic Dermatitis Score (SCORAD), the weekly frequency of topical corticosteroids usage, and gut microbiota metagenomic analysis, at the study beginning, before every FMT, and 1–8 months after the last FMT.

Results

Nine patients completed the study protocol. There was no significant change in the SCORAD score following the two placebo transplants. The average SCORAD score significantly decreased from baseline at Weeks 4–12 (before and 2 weeks after 4 times of FMT) (59.2 ± 34.9%, Wilcoxon p = .011), 50% and 75% decrease was achieved by 7 (77%) and 4 (44%) patients, respectively. At Week 18 (8 weeks after the last FMT) the average SCORAD score decreased from baseline at Week 4 (85.5 ± 8.4%, Wilcoxon p = .018), 50% and 75% decrease was achieved by 7 (77%) and 6 (66.7%) patients respectively. Weekly topical corticosteroids usage was diminished during the study and follow‐up period as well. Two patients had a quick relapse and were switched to a different treatment. Two patients developed exacerbations alleviated after an additional fifth FMT.

Metagenomic analysis of the fecal microbiota of patients and donors showed bacterial strains transmission from donors to patients. No adverse events were recorded during the study and follow‐up period.

Conclusions

FMT may be a safe and effective therapeutic intervention for AD patients, associated with transfer of specific microbial species from the donors to the patients. Further studies are required to reconfirm these results.
Efficient feature subset selection and classification using levy flight‐based cuckoo search optimization with parallel support vector machine for the breast cancer data
Authors: Sashi Rekha Krishnamoorthy , Miruna Joe Amali Suthanthira Amalraj
Published: December 2021

The complexity of breast cancer classification is a drastic concern for a long time. Therefore, different algorithms for data mining have been developed and used to effectively classify the dataset of breast cancer. But, due to inefficient subset choice of this operation, these algorithms have problems in accuracy of classification. In this article, levy flight–based cuckoo search optimization (LFCSO) with parallel support vector machine (PSVM) is proposed for enhancing the classification accuracy of breast cancer. The proposed LFCSO‐PSVM technique includes three key steps: (i) preprocessing, (ii) feature selecting subset, and (iii) classification. Preprocessing is carried out using k‐means clustering that is required to eliminate the values. To acquire maximum detailed feature, these attributes are transmitted to the process the feature selecting subset, which is executed by LFCSO algorithm, and the aspiration function is used to determine the essential feature on the basis of proper fitness values. Then, the PSVM algorithm is implemented to classify the model for training and testing. This is used to increase the accuracy of the classification for the breast cancer dataset. The experimental outcomes demonstrate that the proposed LFCSO‐PSVM algorithm provides higher efficiency of classification than the existing algorithms in terms of precision, recall, f‐measurement, and reliability.
An alternative approach for determining the cholesterol level: Iris analysis
Authors: Ozbilgin Ferdi , Kurnaz Cetin
Published: December 2021

In this study, the relationship between individuals' cholesterol levels and the width of the sodium ring was investigated. Firstly, iris images were taken of 100 individuals with total cholesterol levels of 200 mg/dL and above. The average grey scale value (AGSV) for each iris image with a sodium ring was calculated. Secondly, the relationship between the AGSV and cholesterol levels was investigated. Finally, a new mathematical model was proposed that described the relationship between AGSV and total cholesterol with ~89% accuracy. The relationship between AGSV and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglyceride levels was calculated with an accuracy of 80.5%, 85.1%, and 79.9%, respectively. In addition, AGSV was determined with 90% accuracy using total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides using multiple linear regression. Although multiple linear regression gives better AGSV, the results have shown that multilayer perceptron (MLP) mapping method gives better accuracy up to 6.62%.
Seed mixtures of red fescue and colonial, creeping, or velvet bentgrass for pesticide‐free management of Nordic golf greens
Authors: Hesselsøe Karin Juul , Heltoft Pia , Espevig Tatsiana , Aamlid Trygve
Published: December 2021

This research aimed to determine if creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) can be used as an alternative to colonial bentgrass (Agrostis capillaris L.) in a mixture with red fescue [equal rates of Chewings fescue (Festuca rubra ssp. commutata Gaud.) and slender creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra ssp. littoralis [G. Mey.] Auquier)] on Nordic golf greens managed without pesticides. The two mixtures were compared in two experiments: Experiment 1 under the creeping bentgrass management regime (mowing height, 3 mm; fertilization, 15 g N m−2 yr−1) and Experiment 2 under the red fescue management regime (5 mm and 10 g N m−2 yr−1) at three sites during 2015–2018. A seed mixture of red fescue and velvet bentgrass (Agrostis canina L.) was included in Experiment 2 only. The results showed that red fescue plus creeping bentgrass produced greens of equal turfgrass quality and with less Microdochium patch than red fescue plus colonial bentgrass under both regimes. In Experiment 2, red fescue plus velvet bentgrass resulted in higher turfgrass quality than the other mixtures but was more susceptible to Microdochium patch than red fescue plus creeping bentgrass. Tiller counts in the mixed plots at Landvik showed that red fescue was not outcompeted by bentgrass in any of the mixtures and that it was easier to manipulate the balance between red fescue and bentgrass in the mixture with creeping bentgrass than that with colonial bentgrass. More research should be put into optimal management, especially irrigation and thatch control, of mixed red fescue–bentgrass greens.
Design, synthesis, and characterization of oxadiazolopyrazine analogs with application as anticancer agents
Authors: Chen Wei‐Chia , Chen Chia‐Ling , Chang Tzu‐Ting , Hsieh Feng‐Chun , Chen Wei‐Sheng , Li Wen‐Shan
Published: December 2021

Here, we describe the synthesis and evaluation of a class of cell‐permeable indeno‐oxadiazolopyrazine analogs as the anticancer agents. A new and facile approach to the synthesis of substituted analogs of indeno‐oxadiazolopyrazine is illustrated. We find that the designed indeno‐oxadiazolopyrazines, 3, 4, 10, 11, 15, and 16, act as potent anticancer agents compared to camptothecin, topoisomerase I inhibitor. These observations suggest that the electron‐donating group (methoxy) at the C‐5, C‐6, and C‐8 positions or electron‐withdrawing group (fluoro) at the C‐6 and C‐7 positions on the A ring of indeno‐oxadiazolopyrazines is required for antiproliferative activities against MDA‐MB‐231, BT549, and MCF7 cell lines.
Peptide‐Induced Synthesis of Graphene‐Supported Au/Pt Bimetallic Nanoparticles for Electrochemical Biosensor Application
Authors: Liu Bin , He Peng , Kong Hao , Zhu Danzhu , Wei Gang
Published: December 2021

Understanding the self‐assembly behavior of peptides is crucial for the design and synthesis of functional peptide‐based nanomaterials for various applications. In this study, a bifunctional peptide molecule with a sequence of KIIIIKYWYAF is designed, which reveals multiple functions for self‐assembling formation of peptide nanofibers (PNFs), noncovalent graphene oxide (GO) binding, and biomimetic metallization of nanoparticles (NPs). Well‐defined PNFs are obtained through the optimization of experimental conditions, which are further utilized to bind with GO to form GO/PNF nanohybrids via noncovalent interactions. Ascribed to the biomimetic function of peptide molecules, bimetallic gold‐platinum NPs (Au‐Pt NPs) are created along the PNFs by metallic ion adsorption and subsequent chemical reduction. The synthesized GO/PNF/Au‐Pt nanohybrids reveal improved electrochemical activity compared to Au, Pt, and Au‐Pt NPs, indicating potential contributions of both GO and PNFs to the final electrochemical sensing performance of the GO/PNF/Au‐Pt‐based electrodes. The fabricated electrochemical non‐enzymatic biosensors exhibit a detection limit of 0.379 µm and linear detection ranges of 1 µm–1 mm and 1–20 mm. The current study provides a facile strategy for the creation of peptide‐based superstructures with multiple functions and will inspire the design and synthesis of graphene‐peptide based nanomaterials for biomedicine, tissue engineering, and bioanalysis applications.
Integration of an RF coil and commercial field camera for ultrahigh‐field MRI
Authors: Gilbert Kyle M. , Dubovan Paul I. , Gati Joseph S. , Menon Ravi S. , Baron Corey A.
Published: December 2021

Purpose

To develop an RF coil with an integrated commercial field camera for ultrahigh field (7T) neuroimaging. The RF coil would operate within a head‐only gradient coil and be subject to the corresponding design constraints. The RF coil can thereafter be used for subject‐specific correction of k‐space trajectories—notably in gradient‐sensitive sequences such as single‐shot spiral imaging.

Methods

The transmit and receive performance was evaluated before and after the integration of field probes, whereas field probes were evaluated when in an optimal configuration external to the coil and after their integration. Diffusion‐weighted EPI and single‐shot spiral acquisitions were employed to evaluate the efficacy of correcting higher order field perturbations and the consequent effect on image quality.

Results

Field probes had a negligible effect on RF‐coil performance, including the transmit efficiency, transmit uniformity, and mean SNR over the brain. Modest reductions in field‐probe signal lifetimes were observed, caused primarily by nonidealities in the gradient and shim fields of the head‐only gradient coil at the probe positions. The field‐monitoring system could correct up to second‐order field perturbations in single‐shot spiral imaging.

Conclusion

The integrated RF coil and field camera was capable of concurrent‐field monitoring within a 7T head‐only scanner and facilitated the subsequent correction of k‐space trajectories during spiral imaging.