bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphoric acid surface modified Moringa oleifera leaves biochar for the sequestration of methyl orange from aqueous solution: Characterizations, isotherm, and kinetics analysis
Authors: Islam Md. Shahinoor , Roy Hridoy , Afrose Sadiya
Published: September 2022

Biochar is a promising engineering material to sequestrate organic pollutants from wastewater. In the current study, several surface‐modified Moringa (M.) oleifera leaf biochars were prepared and utilized for the sorption of methyl orange (MO) dye from an aqueous solution. Raw biochar was produced by the carbonization of M. oleifera leaves at 350°C in a muffle furnace for 2 h. The surface‐modified M. oleifera biochars were prepared at 400°C, 500°C, and 600°C using phosphoric acid (H3PO4) at different combinations to improve the biochar pore structure, surface functional groups, and biochar stability. The highest surface area (267.15 ± 42.40 m2/g) of the modified biochar was achieved at 500°C with H3PO4 to raw biochar ratio of 1.5. Surface morphological results revealed the formation of pores, troughs, and channels with the increasing activation temperature. The carbon (C) content (wt%) was maximum (79.61%) for activated biochar at 500°C. The presence of enhanced functional groups, e.g., hydroxyl, aliphatic carbon‐hydrogen, carbonyl, ester, and phenol structures in surface‐modified biochars was observed from FT‐IR results. The Langmuir isotherm model was fitted to better describe the adsorption phenomenon for both surface‐modified biochars and raw biochar compared to the Freundlich isotherm model. The highest adsorption capacity was 175 mg MO dye/g of activated biochar prepared at 500°C with an H3PO4 impregnation ratio of 1.5. Pseudo‐1st order model fitted the best for raw biochars whereas pseudo‐2nd order and intraparticle diffusion models better describe the sorption of MO onto activated biochar. The results anticipated M. oleifera leaf‐activated biochar as an efficient tool for the treatment of MO contaminated wastewater.
Preparation of Epoxy Resin Emulsifiers with Different Structures and a Comparative Study of their Properties
Authors: Zhang Yancheng , Huang He
Published: September 2022

The structure of epoxy resin emulsifier has important influence on the stability of epoxy resin emulsion/dispersion. However, there is no systematic comparative study so far about the effect of the structure of the epoxy resin emulsifier on their physiochemical properties and performance. In this work, two types of linear (AB and ABA types) and one type of branched epoxy resin emulsifiers were prepared by using bisphenol A epoxy resin E‐44 as the hydrophobic chain segment A and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as the hydrophilic chain segment B, and their physicochemical properties were compared. It has been found that the branched epoxy resin emulsifier is more hydrophilic than the two kinds of linear epoxy resin emulsifiers as a result of higher content of hydrophilic PEG chains. More importantly, the solubilization ability of the branched epoxy resin emulsifier to toluene is much higher than that of the two linear epoxy resin emulsifiers and exhibits an unique behavior, i. e., it increases monotonically with increasing hydrophilic PEG chain length. This work shed a light on the structural importance of epoxy resin emulsifier on its physicochemical properties and may provide a better choice of emulsifiers for the preparation of stable epoxy resin emulsions/dispersions.
Preparation and Properties of α‐Cyanoacryloyloxyethoxypropyl‐functionalized MQ Silicone Resin
Authors: Liu Qingyue , Dong Hong , Zhang Yipin , Wang Erlei , Qu Zhirong , Feng Qinbang , Wu Chuan
Published: September 2022

α‐Cyanoacryloyloxyethoxypropyl‐functionalized MQ resins were synthesized using commercially available hydrogen‐containing MQ silicone resin and 2‐(allyloxy)ethoxytrimethylsilane through a series of hydrosilylation, condensation and retro‐Diels‐Alder reactions. Under the conditions of room temperature and relative humidity of 60 %, the prepared silicone resins could be completely cured within 10 h without adding any promoters. When a small amount ofN,N‐dimethyl‐p‐toluidinewas added as an accelerator, the curing time could be shortened to 3–5 s. Although graftedα‐cyanoacryloyloxyethoxypropyl groups on MQ resins reduced their thermal stabilities, the introduction ofα‐cyanoacryloyloxyethoxypropyl groups destroyed the order of polysiloxane segments and eliminated the crystallization behavior of polysiloxane, which is beneficial to maintain structural stability of the functionalized polysiloxanes over a wide temperature range. The water contact angle of the cured product decreased from 102° to approximately75° whenα‐cyanoacryloyloxyethoxypropyl groups were grafted to the polysiloxaneand thus changed the hydrophobicity of the polydimethylsiloxane materials to hydrophilicity. The novelα‐cyanoacryloyloxyethoxypropyl‐functionalized MQ resins not only maintain the inherent flexibility of polysiloxanes but also endow the silicone materials with the characteristics of fast cross‐linking.
Preparation of Silver Nanoparticles Supported on Cellulose‐Immobilized Tannin Resin and Its Catalytic Activity
Authors: Huang Yingchun , Li Jialing , Zeng Shuling , Li Jiaming , Peng Zhiyuan
Published: September 2022

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was loaded on spherical cellulose‐immobilized tannin resin (CC‐TA) with AgNO3 solution as the silver source, where CC‐TA was prepared by the cross‐linking polymerization of tannin‐based pre‐polymer and cellulose. The tannin introduced onto the cellulose backbone was used as a reduction reagent for silver ions and a stabilizing agent for AgNPs. The AgNPs are uniform, and the average size is about 6.44±3.19 nm. The catalytic activity of AgNPs supported on cellulose‐immobilized tannin resin(CC‐TA@AgNPs)was detected by the reaction of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) to 4‐aminophenol (4‐AP). This reaction could be accomplished within 1.5 min with an apparent rate constant of 2.32 min−1. The CC‐TA@AgNPs has good cycle catalytic performance, and the conversion rate of 4‐NP to 4‐AP in the presence of CC‐TA@AgNPs is about 100 % after five consecutive cycles. Therefore, the CC‐TA@AgNPs is expected to be a promising catalytic material.
Well‐dispersed FeOCl Nanosheets as High‐performance Chloride Ion Battery Cathode Material
Authors: Yu Tingting , Xing Aowei , Wang Shufen , Zhao Difang , Liang Sheng , Li Jiajia
Published: September 2022

Thermal decomposition method has been widely used to synthesize FeOCl materials with simple process and low requirements for devices. However, the FeOCl particles show nonuniform size and are easy to grow up together with the rapid reaction. The formed aggregates contribute to the poor cyclic stability for chloride ion battery. Herein, NaCl template was developed to fabricate FeOCl nanosheets with uniform size of thermal decomposition method. When the Fe: Na molar ratio reached 1 : 10, the FeOCl nanosheets showed good dispersity and high chlorine content. The FeOCl‐1‐10‐NaCl cathode delivered a maximum discharge capacity of 145 mAh g−1 and an excellent capacity retention (80 %) over 50 cycles, due to the high particle dispersion in electrode slurry. With the amount of NaCl template increasing, the FeOCl‐1‐40‐NaCl cathode delivered a high initial discharge capacity of 173 mAh g−1, as a result of the low contact resistance and charge transfer resistance.
Phonon Scattering Mechanism for Size‐Dependent Thermoelectric Properties of Bi2Te3 Nanoparticles
Authors: Kumar Choudhary Kamal , Rathore Vinod , Chandra Dixit Ramesh , Kaurav Netram
Published: September 2022

The effect of nanoparticle size on thermoelectric properties of Bi2Te3 nanoparticles is theoretically analysed using a phonon scattering mechanism. The size‐dependent thermoelectric properties in Bi2Te3 nanoparticles give an opportunity to tune the nanoparticles′ size, which helps to optimize the figure of merit (ZT=S2σT/κ). The thermoelectric effect in Bi2Te3 nanoparticles is investigated using the phonon scattering effect. Reduction in nanoparticle size increases interface volume ratio, which increases the scattering of phonons with grain boundaries. An increase in phonon‐grain boundary scatterings decreases the thermal conductivity (κ) due to the shortening of the phonon mean free path. The Seebeck coefficient (S) and simultaneously ZT increase significantly because of a decrease in lattice thermal conductivity. The highest value of ZT=0.45 is obtained at temperature T=400 K for 150 nm Bi2Te3 nanoparticles, which has been enhanced up to ZT=0.92 by reducing the nanoparticles size up to 30 nm at the same temperatures. The results obtained from the present model are in good agreement with the experimental data and reflect that the thermoelectric properties are dominated by the phonon scattering mechanism and depend on the density of interfaces in the material. Numerical analysis of thermoelectric properties from the present investigation will help in designing efficient thermoelectric materials.
Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs): A Necessary Choice For Drug Delivery
Authors: Guo Hao , Liu Yinsheng , Wu Ning , Sun Lei , Yang Wu
Published: September 2022

Some drug molecules with strong chemical activity are unstable in the biological environment and difficult to reach the target, so no matter how good the drug is, it cannot completely prove its efficacy. And drugs need good vectors to help them deliver to their target, where they work best. In recent years, covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have been developed for drug delivery applications due to their regular pore structure, good biocompatibility, topological controllability, and modifiability. In the process of drug delivery, COFs have many advantages such as high drug adsorption capacity, good stability in the biological environment, strong targeting of lesions, and weak cytotoxicity. At present, a lot of work using COFs as drug molecular carriers has been reported, and this minireview summarizes the mechanism of COFs drug delivery and related applications in recent years (drug adsorption and release), by which we expect to achieve more ideas for the future design of drug delivery related COFs and push forward the development of COFs in drug delivery.
UHPLC‐Q‐Orbitrap HRMS Combined with Network Pharmacology to Explore the Mechanism of Chuanhuang Qingre Capsule in the Treatment of Acute Pharyngitis
Authors: Qin Xiaoyan , Zhou Hailun , Wang Xi , Tian Maoying , Dong Zhaowei , Wang Chao , Geng Funeng , Huang Qinwan
Published: September 2022

Chuanhuang Qingre capsule (CHQR) is composed of Andrographis paniculata and solidago virgaurea, mainly used for treating acute respiratory infection, acute tonsillitis and acute pharyngitis. However, the mechanism of CHQR in treating pharyngitis is still unclear. In this study, UHPLC‐Q‐Orbitrap HRMS technology was used to identify the chemical constituents in CHQR. Network pharmacology combined with a molecular docking approach was used to screen for possible mechanisms to predict CHQR for treating acute pharyngitis. Finally, a rat model of acute pharyngitis was used to confirm the mechanism of CHQR in treating acute pharyngitis.The results showed that UHPLC‐Q‐Orbitrap HRMS identified 68 compounds. Network analysis showed that TP53, AKT1, TNF, IL6 and EGFR were the key targets. The results of molecular docking showed reasonable binding force. The experimental results showed that CHQR could reduce inflammatory cell infiltration and improve pharyngitis symptoms in rats with acute pharyngitis. Elisa results showed that the levels of PGE2, IL‐1β, TNF‐α and IL‐6 in serum decreased. It is suggested that CHQR can prevent and treat acute pharyngitis, mainly by inhibiting the TNF pathway and reducing of inflammatory cytokines levels, which can provide scientific references for clinical research.
A One‐Pot Three‐Step Strategy Enables Robust and Efficient Synthesis of 2‐Aryl Benzoxazoles from Amides
Authors: Huang Bomao , Zhang Xinlan , Guo Yue , Tie Shaolong , Yang Dingqiao , Li Yue
Published: September 2022

A one‐pot three‐step tandem approach has been developed and enabled direct transformation of amides into 2‐aryl benzoxazoles. This approach demonstrated high tolerance to various of halogen atoms, heterocyclic and aryl substituents. Moreover, after three steps reactions, this method allowed synthesis of 2‐aryl benzoxazoles in excellent yield, indicating the high conversion of each step. It showed the feasibility of transition‐metal free amide activation and transformation approach in 2‐aryl benzoxazoles synthesis.
Stressors and uplifts of confinement due to covid‐19: A longitudinal study on mental health in a sample of academic and administrative university staff in Spain
Authors: González Gutiérrez José Luis , Écija Gallardo Mari Carmen , Matías Pompa Borja , Alonso Fernández Miriam , Pacho Hernández Juan Carlos , López López Almudena
Published: September 2022

The rapid spread of COVID‐19 caused many countries to decide to enter full lockdown, a circumstance that impacted all aspects of life, including mental health. The present longitudinal study aimed to analyse how stressors and uplifts of confinement were linked to psychological symptoms at three different time points: during the full lockdown (wave 1), after the gradual lifting of restrictions (wave 2) and after confinement (wave 3). The sample was made up by one hundred and twenty academic and administrative staff from a big University in Spain, they all completed an online survey. Results showed that psychological status did not change over time, but a significant interindividual variability was found throughout. Some stressors were only linked to symptoms at wave 1, but others maintained their associations during waves 2 and 3. Uplifts were, for the most part, inversely (and exclusively) linked to symptoms at wave 1. However, some of them, although enjoyable, were paradoxically linked to worse mental health at wave 1, and even at waves 2 and 3. These findings highlight the importance of providing preventive psychological strategies for mental distress before, during and after confinement.
Ultra‐Confined Catalytic Growth Integration of Sub‐10 nm 3D Stacked Silicon Nanowires Via a Self‐Delimited Droplet Formation Strategy
Authors: Hu Ruijin , Liang Yifei , Qian Wentao , Gan Xin , Liang Lei , Wang Junzhuan , Liu Zongguang , Shi Yi , Xu Jun , Chen Kunji , Yu Linwei
Published: September 2022

Fabricating ultrathin silicon (Si) channels down to critical dimension (CD) <10 nm, a key capability to implementing cutting‐edge microelectronics and quantum charge‐qubits, has never been accomplished via an extremely low‐cost catalytic growth. In this work, 3D stacked ultrathin Si nanowires (SiNWs) are demonstrated, with width and height ofWnw = 9.9 ± 1.2 nm (down to 8 nm) andHnw = 18.8 ± 1.8 nm, that can be reliably grown into the ultrafine sidewall grooves, approaching to the CD of 10 nm technology node, thanks to a new self‐delimited droplet control strategy. Interestingly, the cross‐sections of the as‐grown SiNW channels can also be easily tailored from fin‐like to sheet‐like geometries by tuning the groove profile, while a sharply folding guided growth indicates a unique capability to produce closely‐packed multiple rows of stacked SiNWs, out of a single run growth, with the minimal use of catalyst metal. Prototype field effect transistors are also successfully fabricated, achievingIon/offratio and sub‐threshold swing of >106and 125 mV dec−1, respectively. These results highlight the unexplored potential of versatile catalytic growth to compete with, or complement, the advanced top‐down etching technology in the exploitation of monolithic 3D integration of logic‐in‐memory, neuromorphic and charge‐qubit applications.
Repeatable Actuations of Organic Single Crystal Fibers Driven by Thermosalient‐Phase‐Transition‐Induced Buckling
Authors: Takazawa Ken , Inoue Jun‐ichi , Matsushita Yoshitaka
Published: September 2022

Thermosalient crystals are molecular solids that exhibit explosive motions, such as sudden breaks and jumps, due to temperature‐induced structural phase transitions between two polymorphs. Therefore, the development of molecular actuators with superior speed and power by deriving mechanical work from explosive motion is a fascinating concept. However, thermosalient transitions often cause crystal disintegration, which hampers repeatable phase transitions between the polymorphs. Here, it is reported that single crystal nano/microfibers of 1, 2, 4, 5‐tetrabromobenzene (TBB), whose bulk crystals exhibit thermosalient behavior at ≈40 °C, can repeatedly transform between the low and high temperature polymorphs without disintegration. The structural tolerance against phase transition is attributed to the high flexibility of the nano/microfibers. It is observed that a structure consisting of a TBB fiber with both ends pinned to the substrate repeatedly buckles and straightens when the temperature is varied between 30 and 40 °C. It is demonstrated that buckling can lead to large displacement actuation as compared to a simple length change of the fiber. Moreover, the force generated by the buckling fiber is estimated and it is found that it can generate a force large enough to flick an object ≈104 times heavier than the fiber itself into the air against gravity.
An adaptive use of Soft Systems Methodology with Strategic Assumption Surfacing and Testing, Critical Systems Heuristics and Interactive Planning in a women's prison
Authors: Torun Yasemin , Torlak Nuri Gökhan
Published: September 2022

This study uses the two strands model of Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) with other change methodologies within a single intervention to elicit new insights into a multi‐methodology and address problems detected in a women's prison in Turkey. Evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of SSM, the study proposes to use SSM, as a core approach, with Strategic Assumption Surfacing and Testing (SAST), Critical Systems Heuristics (CSH) and Interactive Planning (IP), as subordinate methodologies. The multi‐methodology integrates group formation of SAST into the cultural and logic‐based streams of analysis of SSM. Also, it adapts assumption surfacing, dialectical debate and synthesis of SAST, boundary questions of CSH and resource planning of IP to a logic‐driven stream of inquiry of SSM. The study reports the methodological effects of this approach and examples of psychosocial services and a performance appraisal system to assist human well‐being and promote public safety in a women's prison.
SROP matrix: A systematic analysis tool for complex decision‐making
Authors: Tian Shuo , Li Xin , Zhu Boyang , Li Chunhao
Published: September 2022

On the basis of analysing the internal relationship between TOP and WSR, an analysis matrix composed of organizational perspective, personal perspective and two different dimensions of shili and renli is constructed, namely, SROP (shili‐[S], renli‐[R], organizational perspective‐[O], personal perspective‐[P]) analysis matrix. And then, this paper gives the four elements of the formula of SROP matrix consisting of shili, renli analysis based on personal perspective (S‐P, R‐P) and shili, renli analysis based on organizational perspective (S‐O, R‐O). The matrix and formula provide a systematic and integrated analysis tool for complex management decision‐making. Finally, the effectiveness of the tool is demonstrated by using the SROP matrix in emergency decision‐making.
Study on Properties of Cold‐Bonded Briquettes Prepared from Return Fines of Sinter
Authors: Li Ying , Xiong Yuandong , Zang Yonggang , Chen Huiting , Yan Lixiang , Yu Yaowei
Published: September 2022

Return fines of sinter (return fines) are used to prepare cold‐bonded briquettes (CBBs). The reduction disintegration index (RDI) of RDI+3.15 and compressive strength after RDI experiment of CBB are higher than that of the sinter. For microscopic morphologies after RDI experiment, cracks initiate in the area of the return fines but do not propagate through the whole matrix of CBB. The reduction index (RI) of CBB is lower than that of the sinter; conversely, the compressive strength of CBB after RI experiment is higher than that of the sinter. For phase composition after RI experiment, there are phases of metallic iron, wüstite, and silicate in the periphery part, whereas there are calcium ferrite, wüstite, and silicate in the core part. The reduction behavior of CBB can be improved by decreasing the volume of CBB and adding coke in the CBB. The return fines are bonded by the compound binder in two ways: forming a mutually interlaced reticular structure and a dense and acicular solid connecting bridge. For the phase change of the compound binder with temperature, the total content of bredigite is above 63% at 300 to 1100 °C; moreover, the phases of melilite, Ca2(Al, Fe)2O5, and Ca(Al, Fe)2O4 appear respectively at different temperatures as new bonding phases.
Mold Slags for the Continuous Casting of Ultralow‐Carbon Steels with Improved Surface Tension and Heat Transfer
Authors: Yan Xiaopo , Zeng Linchao , Zhang Xubin , Wang Qiangqiang , Wang Qian
Published: September 2022

To reduce the defect ratio of cold‐rolled sheets of ultralow‐carbon steel caused by entrapped large inclusions and mold slags in a solidified shell, the applications of slag with higher viscosity and surface tension and slag with a higher break temperature are proposed herein, with the aim of enhancing the antishearing ability and decreasing the heat transfer. Laboratory results indicate that the reduction of Na2O and F− contents can effectively increase the viscosity and the surface tension of liquid slag. The increase in the break temperature can be realized by increasing the basicity of the mold slag, and the Al2O3 content is intended to decrease at the same time, considering the balance between the controlling heat transfer and the lubricating strand surface. Several runs of trials obtained inspiring effects as both approaches are able to reduce the defect ratios of cold‐rolled sheets.
Co‐culturing or conditioned medium of Sertoli cells: Which one supports in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes and developmental competency of resulting embryos?
Authors: Nazifi Sina , Nazari Hassan , Hassanpour Hossein , Ahmadi Ebrahim , Afzali Azita
Published: September 2022

Background

Sertoli cells (SCs) as supportive cells in the seminiferous tubule play an essential role in the nutrition and development of adjacent cells by secreting several beneficial growth factors, stimulators and cytokines which can be conceived to improve the developmental competency of oocyte or embryo in the co‐culture system.

Objectives

This study aimed to improve the maturation of bovine oocytes and consequently the development of resulting embryos in co‐culture with SCs and their conditioned medium (CM).

Methods

The retrieved cumulus‐oocyte complexes (COCs) from the abattoir‐derived ovaries were matured in maturation medium alone (control group), in co‐culture with ovine SCs (co‐culture group), and in presence of 10% CM prepared in 33°C and 39°C (CM33 and CM39 groups). The nuclear maturation competency and subsequent embryo development rate of cultured COCs in all groups were evaluated.

Results

The results of this study showed that SCs and CM increased meiosis resumption from GV to the MII compared to the control group, significantly (p < 0.05). Besides, the degenerated oocytes in the co‐culture group were significantly higher than those in the control, CM33 and CM39 groups (p < 0.05), and the lowest cleavage rate belonged to the co‐culture group (p < 0.05). The blastocyst rate was also lower in the co‐culture group than other groups and there was a significant difference between the control and two CM groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The Sertoli cells can be suitable for co‐culturing with oocytes during IVM but detrimental for subsequent embryo development. In turn, Sertoli cell‐derived conditioned medium (SC‐CM) can provide sufficient bioactive materials for COCs to enhancing oocyte competence and embryo development.
Focal cutaneous telangiectasia in a young dog of probable congenital origin
Authors: Ueyama Akira , Hoshino Tomoya , Asakawa Midori Goto , Shimada Toshio , Nagata Masahiko
Published: September 2022

Background

Idiopathic cutaneous telangiectasia has been rarely described in the dog.

Objectives

We present the first case of idiopathic focal cutaneous telangiectasia in a young dog of probable congenital origin.

Methods

An 18‐month‐old spayed female Maltese dog presented with demarcated erythema of the skin on the right thorax. The lesion consisted of scattered, florid, ramified macules with mild dermatrophia and desquamation. The lesion was examined with histopathology and immunohistochemistry using antibodies for alfa‐SMA.

Results

Diascopy revealed a blanchable lesion. Tortuous capillary expansion was observed by dermoscopy. The histopathological examination revealed dilated but otherwise unremarkable capillaries in the superficial dermis compatible with cutaneous telangiectasia. The lesion was followed up over a 3‐year period and had essentially remained stable. Other vascular anomalies displaying similarities with telangiectasia are discussed.

Conclusions

In human vascular anomalies, this case would be presumably classified as ‘telangiectasia’ by the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies. We propose that primary cutaneous telangiectasia should be included in the list of differential diagnoses for this type of lesions in dogs. We also suggest that dermoscopy would be a valuable tool for the identification of vascular anomalies in dogs.
Residual flavor symmetry breaking in the landscape of modular flavor models
Authors: Ishiguro Keiya , Okada Hiroshi , Otsuka Hajime
Published: September 2022

Abstract

We study a symmetry breaking of residual flavor symmetries realized at fixed points of the moduli space. In the supersymmetric modular invariant theories, a small departure of the modulus from fixed points is required to realize fermion mass hierarchies and sizable CP-breaking effects. We investigate whether one can dynamically fix the moduli values in the vicinity of the fixed points in the context of Type IIB string theory. It is found that the string landscape prefers |δτ| ≃ 10−5 for the deviation of the complex structure modulus from all fixed points and the CP-breaking vacuum is statistically favored. To illustrate phenomenological implications of distributions of moduli values around fixed points, we analyze the lepton sector on a concrete A4 modular flavor model.
Dualties of adjoint QCD3 from branes
Authors: Armoni Adi
Published: September 2022

Abstract

We consider an ‘electric’ U(N) level k QCD3 theory with one adjoint Majorana fermion. Inspired by brane dynamics, we suggest that for k ≥ N/2 the massive m < 0 theory, in the vicinity of the supersymmetric point, admits a $$ \mathrm{U}{\left(k-\frac{N}{2}\right)}_{-\left(\frac{1}{2}k+\frac{3}{4}N\right),-\left(k+\frac{N}{2}\right)} $$
U

k
−

N
2

−

1
2

k
+

3
4

N

,
−

k
+

N
2

‘magnetic’ dual with one adjoint Majorana fermion. The magnetic theory flows in the IR to a topological $$ \mathrm{U}{\left(k-\frac{N}{2}\right)}_{-N,-\left(k+\frac{N}{2}\right)} $$
U

k
−

N
2

−
N
,
−

k
+

N
2

pure Chern-Simons theory in agreement with the dynamics of the electric theory. When k < N/2 the magnetic dual is $$ \mathrm{U}{\left(\frac{N}{2}-k\right)}_{\frac{1}{2}k+\frac{3}{4}N,N} $$
U

N
2

−
k

1
2

k
+

3
4

N
,
N

with one adjoint Majorana fermion. Depending on the sign of the fermion mass, the magnetic theory flows to either $$ \mathrm{U}{\left(\frac{N}{2}-k\right)}_{N,N} $$
U

N
2

−
k

N
,
N

or $$ \mathrm{U}{\left(\frac{N}{2}-k\right)}_{\frac{1}{2}N+k,N} $$
U

N
2

−
k

1
2

N
+
k
,
N

TQFT. A second magnetic theory, $$ \mathrm{U}{\left(N/2+k\right)}_{\frac{1}{2}k-\frac{3}{4}N,N} $$
U

N
/
2
+
k

1
2

k
−

3
4

N
,
N

, flows to either $$ \mathrm{U}{\left(\frac{N}{2}+k\right)}_{-N,-N} $$
U

N
2

+
k

−
N
,
−
N

or $$ \mathrm{U}{\left(\frac{N}{2}+k\right)}_{-\left(\frac{1}{2}N-k\right),-N} $$
U

N
2

+
k

−

1
2

N
−
k

,
−
N

TQFT. Dualities for SO and USp theories with one adjoint fermion are also discussed.
Random Linear Operators Arising from Piecewise Linear Interpolation on the Unit Interval
Authors: Adell José A. , Cárdenas-Morales Daniel
Published: September 2022

We introduce a sequence of random linear operators arising from piecewise linear interpolation at a set of random nodes on the unit interval. We show that such operators uniformly converge in probability to the target function, providing at the same time rates of convergence. Analogous results are shown for their deterministic counterparts, derived by taking expectations of the aforementioned random operators. Special attention is paid to the case in which the random nodes are the uniform order statistics, where an explicit form for their associated deterministic operators is provided. This allows us to compare the speed of convergence of the aforementioned operators with that of the random and deterministic Bernstein polynomials.
Body mass index and complications after obstetric anal sphincter injury, 8 weeks postpartum
Authors: Hjertberg Linda , Pihl Sofia , Blomberg Marie , Uustal Eva
Published: September 2022

Introduction and hypothesis

The impact of body mass index (BMI) on pelvic floor recovery after an obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hypothesis that urinary incontinence (UI) and anal incontinence (AI) are more common in overweight and obese women than in normal-weight women 8 weeks postpartum in women with OASI.

Methods

A population-based cohort study including 6,595 primiparous women, with an OASI, delivered between 2014 and 2019. Exposure and questionnaire data were retrieved from the Swedish Perineal Laceration Registry.

Uni- and multivariate analyses were used to compare normal-weight (BMI ≤24.9, reference), overweight (25.0–29.9), and obese (≥ 30) women with regard to UI and AI at 8 weeks post-partum.

Results

Multivariate analyses showed an increased risk for urinary incontinence (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.27–1.87) among overweight women as well as among obese women (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.32–2.24). In contrast to our hypothesis, both overweight women (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.56–0.83) and obese women (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.49–0.87) were at a decreased risk for any gas and/or faecal incontinence after adjustment to possible confounding factors.

The absolute rate of AI was 40.1% among normal-weight women, 34.2% among overweight women, and 29.1% in the obese group.

Conclusions

Urinary incontinence is more common, whereas AI is less common among overweight and obese women than in primiparous women with a BMI <24.9, 8 weeks after an OASI. The new finding, that overweight women report less AI than normal-weight women, merits further study.
Detection of Leishmania sp. kDNA in questing Ixodes ricinus (Acari, Ixodidae) from the Emilia-Romagna Region in northeastern Italy
Authors: Magri Alice , Caffara Monica , Fioravanti Marialetizia , Galuppi Roberta
Published: September 2022

To date, sand flies (Phlebotominae) are the only recognized biological vectors of Leishmania infantum, the causative agent of human visceral leishmaniasis, which is endemic in the Mediterranean basin and also widespread in Central and South America, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Dogs are the main domestic reservoir of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis, and the role of secondary vectors such as ticks and fleas and particularly Rhipicephalus sanguineus (the brown dog tick) in transmitting L. infantum has been investigated. In the present paper, the presence of Leishmania DNA was investigated in questing Ixodes ricinus ticks collected from 4 rural areas included in three parks of the Emilia-Romagna Region (north-eastern Italy), where active foci of human visceral leishmaniasis have been identified. The analyses were performed on 236 DNA extracts from 7 females, 6 males, 72 nymph pools, and 151 larvae pools. Four samples (1.7%) (i.e., one larva pool, 2 nymph pools, and one adult male) tested positive for Leishmania kDNA. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the presence of Leishmania kDNA in questing I. ricinus ticks collected from a rural environment. This finding in unfed larvae, nymphs, and adult male ticks supports the hypothesis that L. infantum can have both transstadial and transovarial passage in I. ricinus ticks. The potential role of I. ricinus ticks in the sylvatic cycle of leishmaniasis should be further investigated.
Nonsense mutation in the novel PERCC1 gene as a genetic cause of congenital diarrhea and enteropathy
Authors: Marek-Yagel Dina , Stenke Emily , Pode-Shakked Ben , Dunne Cara , Crushell Ellen , Bryce-Smith Anthea , McDermott Michael , O’Sullivan Maureen J. , Veber Alvit , Krishnamurthy Mansa , Wells James M. , Anikster Yair , Bourke Billy
Published: September 2022

Congenital diarrheas and enteropathies (CODEs) constitute a heterogeneous group of individually rare disorders manifesting with infantile-onset chronic diarrhea. Genomic deletions in chromosome 16, encompassing a sequence termed the ‘intestine-critical region (ICR)’, were recently identified as the cause of an autosomal recessive congenital enteropathy. The regulatory sequence within the ICR is flanked by an unannotated open reading frame termed PERCC1, which plays a role in enteroendocrine cell (EEC) function. We investigated two unrelated children with idiopathic congenital diarrhea requiring home parenteral nutrition attending the Irish Intestinal Failure Program. Currently 12 and 19-years old, these Irish male patients presented with watery diarrhea and hypernatremic dehydration in infancy. Probands were phenotyped by comprehensive clinical investigations, including endoscopic biopsies and serum gastrin level measurements. Following negative exome sequencing, PCR and Sanger sequencing of the entire coding region and intron boundaries of PERCC1 were performed for each proband and their parents. In both patients, serum gastrin levels were low and failed to increase following a meal challenge. While no deletions involving the ICR were detected, targeted sequencing of the PERCC1 gene revealed a shared homozygous c.390C > G stop gain variant. We report clinical and molecular findings in two unrelated patients harboring a shared homozygous variant in PERCC1, comprising the first description of a point mutation in this gene in association with CODE. That both parenteral nutrition dependent children with unexplained diarrhea at our institution harbored a PERCC1 mutation underscores the importance of its inclusion in exome sequencing interpretation.
Calculation of the number of ship collision candidates using mesh-based estimation method for ship traffic data
Authors: Kawashima Sonoko , Itoh Hiroko , Kawamura Yasumi
Published: September 2022

Predicting and assessing the ship–ship collision possibility in waters are important for discussions on ship traffic safety. The geometric number of collision candidates is one of the most commonly used indexes for representing the frequency of multi-ship encounters that have potential collisions. It has often been estimated for ship traffic in a delimited area based on existing concepts. However, to discuss ship traffic safety in wide-congested waters where ships navigate along various courses and various ship encounters occur, a comprehensive understanding of potential collisions corresponding to all encounter characteristics, such as the encounter angle and location, is necessary. This paper proposes a method, called a “mesh-based estimation method,” to calculate the geometric number of collision candidates. It can deal with various encounter angles by introducing a computational mesh to comprehensively assess potential collisions in wide-congested waters. The validation of the method is conducted by applying it to simple ship traffic and comparing the calculated result with a result calculated based on a conventional approach. In addition, the method is applied to traffic data of AIS-equipped ships navigating in Tokyo Bay in Japan to show locations that have potential collisions based on the encounter angles.
Optimal vaccination strategies using a distributed model applied to COVID-19
Authors: Angelov Georgi , Kovacevic Raimund , Stilianakis Nikolaos I. , Veliov Vladimir M.
Published: September 2022

Optimal distribution of vaccines to achieve high population immunity levels is a desirable aim in infectious disease epidemiology. A distributed optimal control epidemiological model that accounts for vaccination was developed and applied to the case of the COVID-19 pandemic. The model proposed here is nonstandard and takes into account the heterogeneity of the infected sub-population with respect to the time since infection, which is essential in the case of COVID-19. Based on the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 we analyze several vaccination scenarios and an optimal vaccination policy. In particular we consider random vaccination over the whole population and the prioritization of age groups such as the elderly and compare the effects with the optimal solution. Numerical results of the model show that random vaccination is efficient in reducing the overall number of infected individuals. Prioritization of the elderly leads to lower mortality though. The optimal strategy in terms of total deaths is early prioritization of those groups having the highest contact rates.
On a class of Cheeger inequalities
Authors: Briani Luca , Buttazzo Giuseppe , Prinari Francesca
Published: September 2022

We study a general version of the Cheeger inequality by considering the shape functional $$\mathcal {F}_{p,q}(\Omega )=\lambda _p^{1/p}(\Omega )/\lambda _q^{1/q}(\Omega )$$

F

p
,
q

(
Ω
)

=

λ
p

1
/
p

(
Ω
)

/

λ
q

1
/
q

(
Ω
)

. The infimum and the supremum of $$\mathcal {F}_{p,q}$$

F

p
,
q

are studied in the class of all domains $$\Omega $$
Ω
of $$\mathbb {R}^d$$

R

d

and in the subclass of convex domains. In the latter case the issue concerning the existence of an optimal domain for $$\mathcal {F}_{p,q}$$

F

p
,
q

is discussed.
A Non-aqueous Capillary Electrophoresis for Determination of Eugenol in Cloves and Dental Preparations
Authors: Grodner Błażej
Published: September 2022

A total non-aqueous capillary electrophoresis method was developed and applied for the first time for the quantification of eugenol in cloves and dental preparations. The optimized conditions included a buffer consisting of 150 mM sodium acetate and 300 μL 1 M acetic acid methanol solution (30 mM), an applied voltage of 25 kV, and a temperature of 25 °C and an applied wavelength of 214 nm. The developed method of determining the eugenol was characterized by the following parameters: a detection time within 1.97 min, good linearity (R2 = 0.9989–0.9999), detection limit at the level from 0.19 to 0.35 µg mL−1, very good extraction yield of 99.6–100.6% from both methanol standard solutions, clove buds’ matrix, and dental preparations. Limit of quantitation at the level from 0.81 to 0.98 µg mL−1. The method is based on the developed one-step extraction procedure. Moreover, the developed method does not require the use of any eugenol solubility enhancers such as SDS.
Predation stress experienced as immature mites extends their lifespan
Authors: Wei Xiaoying , Liu Jianfeng , Zhang Zhi-Qiang
Published: September 2022

The early-life experience is important in modulating the late-life performance of individuals. It has been predicted that there were trade-offs between early-life fitness and late-life success. Most of the studies on senescence have focused on the trade-offs between the reproduction and lifespan, and the influences of diet, mating, and other factors. Because the negative, non-consumptive effects of predators could also modulate the behaviour and underlying mechanisms of the prey, this study aimed to examine the different effects of predator-induced stress experienced in the early life compared with later life of the prey. The prey (Tyrophagus putrescentiae) was exposed to predation stress from the predator (Neoseiulus cucumeris) during different periods of its life (immature, oviposition period, and post-oviposition period). The results showed that the predation stress experienced during immature stages delayed development by 7.3% and prolonged lifespan by 9.7%, while predation stress experienced in the adult stage (both oviposition and post-oviposition periods) decreased lifespans of T. putrescentiae (by 24.8% and 28.7%, respectively). Predation stress experienced during immature stages also reduced female fecundity by 7.3%, whereas that experienced during the oviposition period reduced fecundity of the prey by 50.7%. This study demonstrated for the first time lifespan extension by exposure to predation stress when young and highlighted the importance of early-life experience to aging and lifespan.
Human Oral Mucosa Stem Cells Increase Survival of Neurons Affected by In Vitro Anoxia and Improve Recovery of Mice Affected by Stroke Through Time-limited Secretion of miR-514A-3p
Authors: Stančin Paula , Song Min Suk , Alajbeg Ivan , Mitrečić Dinko
Published: September 2022

The success rate of regenerative medicine largely depends on the type of stem cells applied in such procedures. Consequently, to achieve the needed level for clinical standardization, we need to investigate the viability of accessible sources with sufficient quantity of cells. Since the oral region partly originates from the neural crest, which naturally develops in niche with decreased levels of oxygen, the main goal of this work was to test if human oral mucosa stem cells (hOMSC) might be used to treat neurons damaged by anoxia. Here we show that hOMSC are more resistant to anoxia than human induced pluripotent stem cells and that they secrete BDNF, GDNF, VEGF and NGF. When hOMSC were added to human neurons damaged by anoxia, they significantly improved their survival. This regenerative capability was at least partly achieved through miR-514A-3p and SHP-2 and it decreased in hOMSC exposed to neural cells for 14 or 28 days. In addition, the beneficial effect of hOMSC were also confirmed in mice affected by stroke. Hence, in this work we have confirmed that hOMSC, in a time-limited manner, improve the survival of anoxia-damaged neurons and significantly contribute to the recovery of experimental animals following stroke.
Tebufenozide has limited direct effects on simulated aquatic communities
Authors: Edge Christopher , Baker Leanne , Smenderovac Emily , Heartz Shane , Emilson Erik
Published: September 2022

The use of insecticides to control undesirable pest species in forestry has undergone a shift from broad spectrum to narrow spectrum insecticides to reduce the risk of effects on non-target species. However, there is still risk of direct effects on non-target species as some insecticides function as hormone mimics, or through indirect pathways as the insecticide is broken down in the environment. Tebufenozide, an ecdysone hormone mimic, is the active ingredient in insecticides used in a variety of large scale pest control programs. An oft cited reason for the safety of Tebufenozide is that it is rapidly broken down in the environment by microbes. We investigated the potential non-target effects of two Tebufenozide formulations used in Canada, Mimic 240LV and Limit 240, on aquatic communities using an outdoor mesocosm experiment. We focus on direct effects on amphibian larvae (wood frog, Rana sylvaticus), zooplankton communities, and effects on biofilm and phytoplanktonic microbial communities that could arise from either direct toxicity, or from breaking down the insecticide as a nutrient and/or carbon source. There was limited evidence for direct effects on amphibian larvae or zooplankton communities. There were small but non-significant shifts in biofilm microbial communities responsible for nutrient cycling. Beta diversity in the plankton community was slightly higher among tanks treated with insecticide indicating a community dispersion/disbiosis effect. Overall, we found limited evidence of negative effects, however, subtle changes to microbial communities did occur and could indicate changes to ecosystem function.
Integrating scientific and local knowledge to address environmental conflicts: the role of academia
Authors: Avilés Irahola Dennis , Mora-Motta Alejandro , Barbosa Pereira Aline , Bharati Luna , Biber-Freudenberger Lisa , Petersheim Christian , Quispe-Zuniga Melissa R. , Schmitt Christine B. , Youkhana Eva
Published: September 2022

The world is witnessing an increase in environmental conflicts (ECs) caused by the overexploitation and pollution of natural resources. We argue that addressing the unsustainable and vicious cycle of most contemporary human-nature interactions fuelling these conflicts requires a shift towards inter- and transdisciplinary research. Through critical reflection upon six case studies, we conclude that transdisciplinary approaches often require academic researchers to not only integrate local and scientific forms of knowledge but also to open the research process to changes of epistemological assumptions and initial research designs in conjunction with local populations. We suggest that addressing ECs from a transdisciplinary viewpoint requires academia to review its role from ontological and epistemological perspectives through theoretical and procedural standards, to the reward and funding systems.
Organisational Policies and Practices for the Inclusion of Vulnerable Workers: A Scoping Review of the Employer’s Perspective
Authors: Kersten A. , van Woerkom M. , Geuskens G. A. , Blonk R. W. B.
Published: September 2022

Purpose Current models of inclusive workplaces are primarily based on the perceptions of vulnerable workers, whereas attention for employer’s perceptions is lacking. This scoping review addresses this issue by mapping the literature that covers employer’s perceptions on the application and importance of organisational policies and practices aimed at the inclusion of vulnerable workers. Methods A literature search for qualitative and quantitative research articles was conducted in MEDLINE, Scopus, ProQuest, PsychInfo, Google Scholar and Web of Science. Studies were included when (a) they reported on practices aimed at the inclusion, participation, or rehabilitation of (b) workers with disabilities, a low education or migration background, or who were long-term unemployed, and (c) were based on samples of employers or their representatives. Results The search resulted in 3,134 articles. In total, 38 articles met the inclusion criteria of this study. We identified seven types of inclusive practices to stimulate the inclusion of vulnerable workers that employers applied and/or perceived as valuable: senior management commitment, recruitment and selection, performance management and development practices, job accommodations and redesign of work, supportive culture, external collaborations with other employers, and monitoring. Conclusions Our review identified seven categories of inclusive practices that pertain to all stages of the employee journey of vulnerable workers. These categories move beyond those reported in studies based on employee samples, for instance by highlighting the importance of monitoring and collaborations with other employers. Hence, our findings stress that insight into employers’ perceptions about effective measures is crucial to increase labour market participation of vulnerable groups.