bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Campus Network and Systems Security Assessment Using Penetration Testing: The Case of the University of Education Winneba, Kumasi
Authors: Adu-Boahene Christian , Nikoi Solomon Nii , Nsiah-Konadu Alberta
Published: September 2021

Network intruders are becoming more sophisticated in their approach, resulting in many difficulties in preventing them. They exploit both well-configured systems and vulnerable systems.

Aims: To examines the performance of a campus network against attacks on the network systems.

Place and Duration of Study: University of Education, Winneba- Kumasi campus.

Methodology: Penetration testing was adopted to investigate the vulnerabilities that may occur in a university network.

This helps to test for vulnerabilities on the network system that may expose the system to exploits.

Results: The test revealed that system-based attacks might be propelled by malignant pariahs on the Internet and noxious insiders straightforwardly associated with inward systems. The perpetrators can exploit vulnerabilities in network foundations and frameworks, for example, servers (web servers, software servers, file and mail servers, etc.), routers, and firewalls. 

Conclusion: This work presents a way to deal with evaluating the security stance of a college utilizing penetration testing that meddles negligibly with the flow of traffic and activities on the network infrastructure. attack Insurance against network-based attacks is mind-boggling and, in the offer, to relieving one framework normally gives a stage that can be utilized to dispatch more attacks.
The Hypocrisy of Dutch Actions in Indonesia
Authors: Keil Julie A.
Published: September 2021

At the end of World War 2 the Netherlands, through its own military tribunals, tried and convicted several members of the Japanese and German militaries for their participation in the war crime of extra judicial executions in Indonesia and the Netherlands.  Several of the convicted men were executed by the Netherlands while others sentenced to lengthy prison terms.  From 1946-1949 the Netherlands, primarily through commando Raymond Westerling, engaged in the same actions they accused the Japanese of having committed.  While no specific order was ever revealed showing that Westerling’s actions were ordered by the military, the Netherlands tacitly approved his actions by failing to control him and his men and by their unwillingness to take responsibility for his actions before or after the Netherlands withdrew its forces from Indonesia in 1949.  This research paper explores the extrajudicial executions conducted by Westerling, his men, other Dutch military and the Dutch government in order to provide a better and more thorough understanding of these events and the lack of national or international action against war crimes committed after World War 2.  It concludes that the Netherlands has failed to try or even accuse Westerling and others of war crimes or take actions to discipline them, and in fact has covered up his actions and failed to make public those war crimes.  Further that the reason for this continued hypocritical refusal is a concern for the reputation of the Netherlands in the world and a belief that high levels of government would be found complicit.
Knowledge Management System in Pharmaceutical Healthcare Sector: A Conceptual Research
Authors: Volodymyrovych Tsekhmister Yaroslav , Petrivna Goncharuk Nataliya , Olehivna Datsiuk Nataliia , Yaroslavovych Tsekhmister Bogdan , Yuriyivna Lysenko Oleksandra
Published: September 2021

Aim: Pharmaceutical healthcare is a process comprising knowledge-intensive tasks. Therefore the tools used in the management of knowledge are gaining more attention. This paper aims to investigate knowledge management systems, their implementation, tools used for decision making.

Method: We have used three databases to research the knowledge management system in the pharmaceutical healthcare sector. PubMed, Google Scholar and journal websites were used for the search of the required key terms.

Result: After analyzing the data, it was found that the effective utilization of knowledge management systems in the pharmaceutical health care sector has increased the quality of care. There are many opportunities; some create new advances in health care, and some even create barriers. All these help in clinical decision support.

Conclusion: Right decision at the right time is made by evidence-based decisions in the healthcare sector. A knowledge management system is paramount in the pharmaceutical healthcare sector. Implementation of appropriate tools will significantly enhance the quality of care.
Assessment of Probiotic Potential of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Bottle Gourds (Calabash) of Milk Fermentation of Mbéré, Cameroon
Authors: Noël Tchamba Mbiada Mervie , Mohammadou Bouba Adji , Steve Nodem Shanang Francky , Tatsadjieu Léopold Ngoune , Arsene Mbarga Manga Joseph , Manar Rehailia , Khelifi Ibrahim , Parfait Kezimana
Published: September 2021

Background and Aim: Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) became a field of interest by scientists in recent years due to their technological and probiotic properties. The aim of this work was to study the technological and probiotic properties of LAB isolated from the bottle gourds (calabashes)of milk fermentation, in Mbéré, Cameroun.

Methods: Five different bottle gourds from milk fermentation were collected and used for LAB isolation. These LABs were characterized using conventional cultural method, the technological (such as proteolytic, lipolytic activities) and probiotic properties (including acid and bile salt tolerance, cholesterol assimilation and antioxidant activities) were assessed.

Results: From these samples, 30 LABs were isolated and among them, 21 exhibited great lipolytic and proteolytic activities with the maximum values of 18 and 29 mm respectively. In addition, 10 LAB isolates showed interesting antimicrobial activity against pathogens germs tested and good tolerance ability under acid and bile salt stress after 24h of incubation. Cholesterol assimilation and antioxidant tests revealed that isolated BC4 and BC3 have the greatest activity (35 and 39 mm respectively) while, BC4 and BL4 have the greatest antioxidant activity (IC50 = 0,15 and 0,13 respectively).

Conclusion: LAB isolated from the bottle gourds (calabashes) of milk fermentation, in Mbéré, Cameroon can be used to develop dairy industry and manage the cardiovascular diseases.
Assessment of Quality of Life in Adults with Hearing Impairment
Authors: Noureen Lubna , Ghayas Khan Muhammad Sikardar , Ikram Atif , Hussain Rashid , Ehsaan Fazaila , Akram Fazeelat
Published: September 2021

Background: Hearing loss (HL) in adults is loss of ability to perceive surrounding environmental sounds. There may be environmental or genetic cause of this disability. Presently expectancy of old adult age is going to increase as in the same way hearing problems and its negative impact on health wellbeing standard of living also increased, the beneficial of current study is to be addressed, or give awareness about health consequences to adult population with hearing impairment.

Aim: To determine the quality of life in adults with hearing impairment.

Place and Duration of Study: Riphah international University, Lahore campus between December 2018 to May 2019.

Methodology: A cross sectional survey was conducted on 67 adults with hearing impairment (sample size was calculated on the base of prevalence of hearing loss in the Express Tribute, (March 4, 2014) which was a Pakistani  study on hearing impaired  population  the president of famous organization the  developmental diseases and community of auditory handicap  MR Afzal  estimated the   occurrence of auditory deficits  in Pakistan region was in between  7 to 8 percent on per 10,000 living birth ,this prevalence was used to calculate sample size by using online calculator).(1), their age range were 18 to 55 (elder adults) and 56 to 97(older adults). Data collection tool which was used in this research was 15D Quality of life questionnaire to find out the influence of hearing loss (HL) on daily living activities in adult’s life. Sampling technique used in this research was convenient sampling. For this purpose, descriptive analysis was done for demographics and chi square was used for inferential analysis by using SPSS20. Endnote was used for references.

Results: There are four domains of quality of life (speech, usual activities, mental functioning, and vitality status of participants) which have highly significant relationship value(<0.001) with hearing impairment, in other domains of quality of life p value is less then (<0.05) this means that other domains of quality of life have also significant relationship with hearing impairment except visual or sexual activity of the participants which have no significant association p- value(>0.05)with hearing impairment.

Conclusion:  Research concluded that domains of quality of life are significantly associated with hearing loss which have negative impact on the QOL(quality of life) except visual or sexual activity, but these two domains may also indirectly have associated or may affect the quality of life individually in adults with hearing impairment.
Bacteriological Assessment of the Indoor Air of a Private University in Nigeria
Authors: Ozougwu J. C. , Nwachukwu I. , Imakwu C. A. , Nwafia A. E. , Uzochukwu C. U. , Ihevueme C. P.
Published: September 2021

The bacteriological assessment of indoor air of the male hostel at Rhema University Nigeria was undertaken in this study. Bacteriological analyses of Air samples from male hostels was carried out weekly for 4 weeks using standard microbiological methods in June, 2021 to determine their bacteriological content. Data obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented in tables. The result showed that the concentration of bacteria isolates increased as the duration of exposure of the media increased. The highest bacteria concentration was seen at room 205 at 40 minutes (29.8 x 102CFU/M3) and the least at room 204 at 20 minutes (0.9 x 101 CFU/M3). The concentration of bacteria at other rooms were room 305 at 40 minutes (17.7 x 102 CFU/M3), room 304 at 20 minutes had 1.3 x 101 CFU/M3, room 405 at 40 minutes had 17.8 x 102 CFU/M3, room 404 at 20 minutes had 3.6 x 101 CFU/M3, room 504 at 40 minutes had 17.6 x 102 CFU/M3 and room 503 at 20 minutes had 11.9 x 102 CFU/M3. A total of eleven (11) different bacteria species were isolated and identified as Staphylococcus aureus (100%), Escherichia coli (75%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (75%), Klebsiella spp (75%), Bacillus subtilis (75%), Streptococcus pyogenes (50%), Bacillus megaterium (50%), Bacillus cereus (50%) and Serratia marcescens (25%). Staphylococcus aureus is the most occurring bacteria specie (100%) while Serratia marcescens is the least occurring bacteria specie (25%). Potential pathogenicity testing of isolates revealed Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Streptococcus pyogenes as potential pathogenic species found in the hostel rooms. Bearing in mind that some of the bacteria species isolated showed potential pathogenic abilities, it means that the air quality of the male hostel rooms may have health implications. There is therefore need for periodic air quality evaluation in the male hostel to discover and manage those environmental variables which favours the multiplication of bacteria. Students are advised to implement good sanitation and hygiene practices to improve indoor air quality in the hostels and prevent possible infection or disease.
Fabrication of Lightweight Polyphenylene Oxide/High‐Impact Polystyrene Composite Bead Foam Parts via In‐Mold Foaming and Molding Technology
Authors: Jiang Junjie , Tian Fangwei , Zhou Mengnan , Li Mengya , Xiong Zujiang , Gao Ning , Liu Huawen , Zhai Wentao
Published: September 2021

Bead foam is one kind of important polymeric foam product, which has the advantages of complex product shape, a wide range of parts density, and a wide variety of available materials. Steam‐chest molding is usually used to prepare bead foams. However, it is challenging to prepare polymers with high melting point (T
m) or glass transition temperature (T
g). Herein, in‐mold foaming and molding technology (IMFM) is proposed to prepare bead foams from polyphenylene oxide/high‐impact polystyrene composite (PHC). PHC bead foam parts (PHCPs) with densities from 0.11 to 0.25 g cm−3 are successfully prepared by controlling the process parameters. Due to good interbead bonding, the bead foams have superior mechanical properties. The tensile and compression strength for PHCPs with a density of 0.25 g cm−3 are 2.84 and 2.93 MPa, respectively. The PHCPs also show high dimensional stability at 120 °C and good flame‐retardant properties, characterized by a high limiting oxygen index (LOI) value and HBF rating. In addition, the fabrication mechanism behind IMFM is proposed. This technology provides a new way to produce polymer bead foams, especially for engineering materials.
3D Visible‐Light‐Driven Plasmonic Oxide Frameworks Deviated from Liquid Metal Nanodroplets
Authors: Alsaif Manal M. Y. A. , Haque Farjana , Alkathiri Turki , Krishnamurthi Vaishnavi , Walia Sumeet , Hu Yihong , Jannat Azmira , Mohiuddin Md , Xu Kai , Khan Muhammad Waqas , Ma Qijie , Wang Yichao , Pillai Naresh , Murdoch Billy J. , Dickey Michael D. , Zhang Bao Yue , Ou Jian Zhen
Published: September 2021

Eutectic gallium‐indium (EGaIn) liquid metal droplets have been considered as a suitable platform for producing customized 3D composites with functional nanomaterials owing to their soft and highly reductive surface. Herein, the synthesis of a 3D plasmonic oxide framework (POF) is reported by incorporating the ultra‐thin angstrom‐scale‐porous hexagonal molybdenum oxide (h‐MoO3) onto the spherical EGaIn nanodroplets through ultrasonication. Simultaneously, a large number of oxygen vacancies form in h‐MoO3, boosting its free charge carrier concentration and therefore generating a broad surface plasmon resonance across the whole visible light spectrum. The plasmonic chemical sensing properties of the POF is investigated by the surface‐enhanced Raman scattering detection of rhodamine 6G (R6G) at 532 nm, in which the minimum detectable concentration is 10−8 m and the enhancement factor reached up to 6.14 × 106. The extended optical absorption of the POF also allowed the efficient degradation of the R6G dye under the excitation of ultraviolet‐filtered simulated solar light. Furthermore, the POF exhibits remarkable photocurrent responses towards the entire visible light region with the maximum response of ≈1588 A W−1 at 455 nm. This work demonstrates the great potential of the liquid metal‐based POFs for high‐performance sensing, catalytic, and optoelectronic devices.
Bioinspired Redwood‐Like Scaffolds Coordinated by In Situ‐Generated Silica‐Containing Hybrid Nanocoatings Promote Angiogenesis and Osteogenesis both In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Wu Minhao , Chen Feixiang , Wu Ping , Yang Zhiqiang , Zhang Sheng , Xiao Lingfei , Deng Zhouming , Zhang Chong , Chen Yun , Cai Lin
Published: September 2021

Inspired by natural redwood and bone, a biomimetic strategy is presented to develop a highly bioactive redwood‐like nanocomposite via radial freeze casting of biocompatible hydrogels followed by the in situ coprecipitation of a Si‐containing CaP hybrid nanocoating (SCPN). The engineered material displays radially aligned macrochannels and a porous network structure similar to those of natural redwood. In addition to acting as a mechanical reinforcement, introducing SCPNs into the weak redwood‐like scaffold yields not only a nanoroughened surface topography, a low swelling ratio, retarded enzymatic degradation, and enhanced protein absorption abilities but also the sustained sequential release of Si and Ca ions, thereby providing essential biophysical and biochemical cues for effective bone regeneration. Benefiting from the redwood‐like structures and bioactive SCPNs, the biomimetic materials create a favorable microenvironment for promoting the initial adhesion, spreading, proliferation, and migration of bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Furthermore, the in vitro and in vivo data showed that the biocompatible redwood‐like scaffold with precipitated SCPN can synergistically promote osteogenesis and angiogenesis in their aligned direction. Collectively, this work presents a novel bioinspired redwood‐like material with multifunctional properties that provides new insight into bone defect repair.
A Conductive Network and Dipole Field for Harnessing Photogenerated Charge Kinetics
Authors: Liu Zhaoli , Zhang Cui , Liu Lizhi , Zhang Tianshu , Wang Jing , Wang Rong , Du Ting , Yang Chengyuan , Zhang Liang , Xie Linxuan , Zhu Wenxin , Yue Tianli , Wang Jianlong
Published: September 2021

Photogenerated charge separation and directional transfer to active sites are pivotal steps in photocatalysis, which limit the efficiency of redox reactions. Here, a conductive network and dipole field are employed to harness photogenerated charge kinetics by using a Ti3C2/TiO2 network (TTN). The TTN exhibits a prolonged charge‐carrier lifetime (1.026 ns) and an 11.76‐fold increase in hexavalent chromium photoreduction reaction kinetics compared to TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs). This super photocatalytic performance is derived from the efficient photogenerated charge kinetics, which is steered by the conductive network and dipole field. The conductivity enhancement of the TiO2 network is achieved by continuous chemical bonds, which promotes electron–hole (e–h) separation. In addition, at the interface of Ti3C2 and TiO2, band bending induced by the dipole field promotes photogenerated electron spatially directed transfer to the catalytic sites on Ti3C2. This study demonstrates that a conductive network and dipole field offer a new concept to harness charge kinetics for photocatalysis.
Electrical Generation and Deletion of Magnetic Skyrmion‐Bubbles via Vertical Current Injection
Authors: Yang Seungmo , Moon Kyoung‐Woong , Ju Tae‐Seong , Kim Changsoo , Kim Hyun‐Joong , Kim Juran , Tran Bao Xuan , Hong Jung‐Il , Hwang Chanyong
Published: September 2021

The magnetic skyrmion is a topologically protected spin texture that has attracted much attention as a promising information carrier because of its distinct features of suitability for high‐density storage, low power consumption, and stability. One of the skyrmion devices proposed so far is the skyrmion racetrack memory, which is the skyrmion version of the domain‐wall racetrack memory. For application in devices, skyrmion racetrack memory requires electrical generation, deletion, and displacement of isolated skyrmions. Despite the progress in experimental demonstrations of skyrmion generation, deletion, and displacement, these three operations have yet to be realized in one device. Here, a route for generating and deleting isolated skyrmion‐bubbles through vertical current injection with an explanation of its microscopic origin is presented. By combining the proposed skyrmion‐bubble generation/deletion method with the spin–orbit‐torque‐driven skyrmion shift, a proof‐of‐concept experimental demonstration of the skyrmion racetrack memory operation in a three‐terminal device structure is provided.
Highly Efficient White‐Light Emission Triggered by Sb3+ Dopant in Indium‐Based Double Perovskites
Authors: Zhou Bo , Liu Zexiang , Li Henan , Fang Shaofan , Fang Feier , Wang Ye , Chen Fuming , Shi Yumeng
Published: September 2021

Inorganic indium‐based halide double perovskites (DPs) are environmentally friendly alternatives to lead‐based halide perovskites in light‐emitting diodes, but commonly suffer from low quantum efficiency and harsh synthesis conditions. Herein, a large‐scale green method using water as solvent is developed for the synthesis of 3D Cs2NaInCl6 and 0D Cs2InCl5·H2O with/without Sb3+ dopant at room temperature. The transformation between Cs2InCl5·H2O and Cs2NaInCl6 products is controlled by the concentration of eco‐friendly NaCl, where excess Cl− and Na+ ions play important roles in inhibiting In3+ hydrolysis and promoting Cs2NaInCl6 crystallization, respectively. The obtained Cs2NaInCl6:Sb and Cs2InCl5·H2O:Sb exhibit highly luminescent self‐trapped exciton‐related blue (450 nm; photoluminescence quantum yield [PLQY] ≈85%) and yellow (610 nm; PLQY ≈88%) emissions, which are comparable to those obtained by previous methods. Tunable cold/warm white light with a PLQY of up to ≈73% is achieved by the rational assembly of two components with highly overlapped excitation wavelength ranges. Each component demonstrates remarkable stability against humidity and heat. This composite shows great potential in solid‐state lighting for general illumination.
Visible‐Light Induced C(sp2)−H Amidation with an Aryl–Alkyl σ‐Bond Relocation via Redox‐Neutral Radical–Polar Crossover
Authors: Keum Hyeyun , Jung Hoimin , Jeong Jiwoo , Kim Dongwook , Chang Sukbok
Published: September 2021

We report an approach for the intramolecular C(sp2)−H amidation of N‐acyloxyamides under photoredox conditions to produce δ‐benzolactams with an aryl‐alkyl σ‐bond relocation. Computational studies on the designed reductive single electron transfer strategy led us to identify N‐[3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl] group as the most effective amidyl radical precursor. Upon the formation of an azaspirocyclic radical intermediate by the selective ipso‐addition with outcompeting an ortho‐attack, radical–polar crossover was then rationalized to lead to the rearomative ring‐expansion with preferential C−C bond migration.
Core–Shell Fluorescent Polymeric Particles with Tunable White Light Emission Based on Aggregation Microenvironment Manipulation
Authors: Wang Guan , Yu Hao , Yang Liming , He Zhentao , Zhou Liangyu , Sun Jiangman , Gu Xinggui , Yang Wantai , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: September 2021

White‐light emitting polymers (WLEPs) based on aggregation microenvironment‐sensitive aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) and Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) have aroused great interest in lighting and optoelectronic devices. Herein, we developed a novel strategy to construct WLEP particles via a stepwise self‐stabilized precipitation polymerization of two emission‐complementary AIEgens under core–shell engineering, where the AIE characteristics and FRET process of core–shell fluorescent polymeric particles (CS‐FPPs) could be modulated by altering aggregation microenvironment under swelling and shrinking of polymers, facilitating the tunable white light emission of CS‐FPPs. Furthermore, such tuning could be fast realized in the solid state, thus demonstrating the potential in anti‐counterfeiting. This work proved the significance of aggregation microenvironment on emission of luminogens, guiding the development of high‐efficiency emission‐tunable materials.
Probing Water State during Lipidic Mesophases Phase Transitions
Authors: Yao Yang , Catalini Sara , Kutus Bence , Hunger Johannes , Foggi Paolo , Mezzenga Raffaele
Published: September 2021

We investigate the static and dynamic states of water network during the phase transitions from double gyroid (
) to double diamond (
) bicontinuous cubic phases and from the latter to the reverse hexagonal (HII) phase in monolinolein based lipidic mesophases by combining FTIR and broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS). In both cubic(s) and HII phase, two dynamically different fractions of water are detected and attributed to bound and interstitial free water. The dynamics of the two water fractions are all slower than bulk water due to the hydrogen‐bonds between water molecules and the lipid's polar headgroups and to nanoconfinement. Both FTIR and BDS results suggest that a larger fraction of water is hydrogen‐bonded to the headgroup of lipids in the HII phase at higher temperature than in the cubic phase at lower temperature via H‐bonds, which is different from the common expectation that the number of H‐bonds should decrease with increase of temperature. These findings are rationalized by considering the topological ratio of interface/volume of the two mesophases.
Reactions of a Dilithiomethane with CO and N2O: An Avenue to an Anionic Ketene and a Hexafunctionalized Benzene
Authors: Xu Maotong , Wang Tongtong , Qu Zheng‐Wang , Grimme Stefan , Stephan Douglas W.
Published: September 2021

Synthesis of value‐added products from simple C1 feedstocks is an attractive alternative avenue to traditional fossil fuels. Hexa‐substituted benzene derivatives are highly useful molecules but are often challenging to prepare. Herein, we report that the lithium complex [(Ph2P(S))2CLi2(THF)]2 1 reacts with CO lead to C−C bond formation and migration of a Ph2P(S)‐fragment affording 2. Subsequent reaction with N2O results in oxidative cleavage of a P−C bond affording [Ph2P(S)OLi(THF)2]2 4 and the anionic ketene‐derivative Ph2P(S)CCOLi(THF)2 5. Heating 5 prompts cyclotrimerization giving the hexa‐substituted benzene derivative [Ph2P(S)CCOLi(THF)2]3 6 regioselectively. This transition metal‐free protocol to a hexa‐substituted benzene is viable on a gram scale and permits the incorporation of 13C labels. The mechanisms of these reactions are detailed via extensive DFT computations.
Direct Synthesis of Functional Thermoplastic Elastomer with Excellent Mechanical Properties by Scandium‐Catalyzed Copolymerization of Ethylene and Fluorostyrenes
Authors: Wang Tiantian , Wu Chunji , Ji Xiangling , Cui Dongmei
Published: September 2021

Herein, we report copolymerizations of ethylene (E) and ortho‐/meta‐/para‐fluorostyrenes (SF=oFS/mFS/pFS) by using quinolyl methylene fluorenyl scandium complex (Flu‐CH2‐Qu)Sc(CH2SiMe3)2. The copolymerizations proceed in a controlled fashion to afford copolymers composed of “soft” ethylene‐fluorostyurene (E–SF) random segments (Tg=−22.2–5.1 °C) and “hard” crystalline ethylene–ethylene (E–E) segments (Tm=42.3–130.2 °C). The copolymers behave like thermoplastic elastomers at room temperature by showing high stress values up to 39.5 MPa under elongation‐at‐break above 774 % with elastic recovery over 75 %. The excellent mechanical properties are mainly attributed to the microphase separation of the nanoscale crystalline E–E domain from the amorphous E–SF copolymer matrix proved by AFM, WAXD and SAXS. The mechanism investigation by the density functional theory (DFT) simulation reveals that the steric bulky and electron‐withdrawing ligand of the catalytic precursor prefers E propagation to generate long E–E segments, while the incorporation of SF is thermodynamic control.
Nonlinear optical behavior of non‐centrosymmetric biferrocenyl Schiff‐base derivatives and their DNA binding potential supported by DFT and electrochemical investigations
Authors: Liaqat Faroha , Sani Asma , Akhter Zareen , Kiran Aliya , Asghar Muhammad Adeel , Gul Asghari , Rasheed Ammarah
Published: September 2021

Two new non‐centrosymmetric biferrocenyl Schiff bases, that is, N‐(ferrocenylmethylene)‐4‐(4‐(ferrocenylmethyleneamino)phenoxy)benzenamine (FeL1) and 4,4′‐([1,1′‐biferrocenyl]‐4,4′‐diylbis(methylene)bis(N‐benzylideneaniline) (FeL2), have been synthesized and studied by density functional theory (DFT) to understand their nonlinear optical (NLO) behavior. The synthesized compounds were characterized by FTIR, NMR, and UV–visible spectroscopic techniques. DFT studies were performed to obtain the polarizability and first‐order hyperpolarizability 
parameters useful in determining the NLO response. Results indicate that the substituted biferrocenyl Schiff bases show a substantial increase in first‐order hyperpolarizability (44 times greater than the reference urea) compared with unsubstituted ferrocene. The enhanced NLO behavior follows the trend FeL2 > FeL1 > urea. Bader's atoms in molecules (AIM) theory has been employed to obtain topological parameters and critical points to evaluate the nature and strength of different types of intramolecular interactions. Charge delocalization in the complexes was investigated through natural bond order (NBO) analysis. It was observed that intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) is responsible for the optical nonlinearity of the biferrocenyl Schiff bases, with hydrogen bonding playing a prominent role in the bonding networks leading to increased hyperpolarizability. Furthermore, molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) surfaces of the molecular systems have also been analyzed. From an application viewpoint, the interaction of the biferrocenyl derivatives with fish‐sperm DNA was studied through spectrophotometric and electrochemical measurements. Results indicate major groove binding with DNA, which is also predicted by molecular docking studies.
A trinuclear copper (II) complex of naproxen‐appended salicylhydrazide: Synthesis, crystal structure, DNA binding and molecular docking study
Authors: Bhattacherjee Prama , Roy Mousam , Naskar Avigyan , Tsai Hsieh‐Chih , Ghosh Abhrajyoti , Patra Niladri , John Rohith P.
Published: September 2021

A trinuclear copper complex [Cu3(napxshz)2(phen)2] has been synthesised using a tribasic naproxen‐appended ligand [H3napxshz = 2‐hydroxy‐N′‐(2‐[6‐methoxynaphthalen‐2‐yl] propanoyl) benzohydrazide] and 1,10‐phenanthroline. The complex was characterised by different spectroscopic methods such as Fouriertransform infrared (FT‐IR), ultraviolet‐visible (UV–Vis) and electrospray ionisation (ESI)‐mass spectroscopy. The solid‐state structure of the ligand and complex 1 was established by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. The interaction of the complex and the ligand with DNA was investigated by UV–visible spectroscopy and fluorometric titrations. The calculated binding constants (Kb) of the complex and the ligand with ct‐DNA show that the complex has a higher binding affinity than the ligand H3napxshz. Quantum chemical calculations were performed to understand the structural aspects of the complex and its interactions with DNA. The molecular docking study reveals the interaction between DNA, and the complex is in intercalative mode.
Drivers of spatial behaviour of the endangered undulate skate, Raja undulata
Authors: Leeb Katharina , Villegas‐Ríos David , Mucientes Gonzalo , Garci Manuel , Gilcoto Miguel , Alonso‐Fernández Alexandre
Published: September 2021

Knowledge of the spatial behaviour of aquatic living resources is essential to assess their vulnerability to environmental and anthropogenic stressors and inform efficient management strategies.

Elasmobranchs are particularly vulnerable to exploitation. Within this group of fish, the implementation of species‐specific conservation actions has been challenging due to insufficient information on their biology and ecology.

In this study, acoustic telemetry was used to investigate the seasonal variation, diel patterns, and biological and sea temperature effects on the spatial behaviour of the endangered undulate skate, Raja undulata, within a marine protected area in north‐west Spain.

Movement and behaviour were mainly driven by diel and seasonal patterns. The presence of the tagged skates in the study area peaked during summer. Space use was highest in late spring and activity was lowest during summer. Skates used more space and were more active during night‐time as compared to daytime, when they stayed in sandy bottoms. Sea temperature had a negligible positive effect on activity.

Our work represents an important contribution to the understanding of the ecology of this endangered, yet commercially important skate in Europe, and provides important insights for the implementation of spatial and temporal restrictions aimed at reducing mortality and bycatch of this species.
Knockdown of Helicoverpa armigera protease genes affects its growth and mortality via RNA interference
Authors: Vatanparast Mohammad , Kazzazi Majid , Sajjadian Seyedeh Minoo , Park Youngjin
Published: September 2021

Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), the cotton bollworm, is a destructive pest which is famous for its resistance to a variety of insecticides. RNA interference is a posttranscriptional gene silencing mechanism that has become a popular tool to control insect pests, triggered by double‐stranded RNAs (dsRNAs). The effect of ingestion and injection delivery methods of dsRNA related to some protease genes including Trypsin (Ha‐TRY39 and Ha‐TRY96), Chymotrypsin (Ha‐CHY), and Cathepsin L (Ha‐CAT) on growth and development of H. armigera was investigated in this study. All protease genes encoded full ORFs and were expressed in all H. armigera larvae stages and tissues. In both injection and feeding bioassays, Ha‐RNAi CHY's performance outperformed that of other protease genes. CHY enzyme activity in the midgut of larvae was significantly reduced after treatment with ds‐HaCHY. Oral administration of ds‐CHY also resulted in significant mortality of H. armigera larvae. However, because of the high RNase activity in the midgut lumen of lepidoptera, a large amount of dsRNA was needed to effectively kill instars of H. armigera. To reduce dsRNA degradation, bacterial expression and dsRNA formulation were used. After oral administration, it was toxic to H. armigera larvae. Before oral administration, bacterial cells were sonicated to increase dsRNA release. The RNA interference efficiency of sonicated bacteria was significantly increased, resulting in higher larval mortality when administered orally. All of these findings point to Ha‐CHY as a new candidate for developing an effective dsRNA‐based pesticide for H. armigera control.
Tracing the local volume galaxy halo‐to‐stellar mass ratio with satellite kinematics
Authors: Karachentsev Igor , Kashibadze Olga
Published: September 2021

Rapid advance has been made recently in accurate distance measurements for nearby ( Mpc) galaxies based on the magnitude of the tip of red giant branch stars resolved with the Hubble Space Telescope. We use observational properties of galaxies presented in the last version of Updated Nearby Galaxy Catalog to derive a halo mass of luminous galaxies via orbital motion of their companions. Our sample contains 298 assumed satellites with known radial velocities around 25 Milky Way‐like massive galaxies and 65 assumed satellites around 47 fainter dominant galaxies. The average total mass‐to‐K‐band luminosity ratio is for the luminous galaxies, increasing up to toward dwarfs. The bulge‐dominated luminous galaxies are characterized with , while the disk‐dominated spirals have . We draw attention to a particular subsample of luminous spiral galaxies with signs of declining rotation curve, which have a radial velocity dispersion of satellites less than 55 km s−1 and a poor dark matter halo with . We note that a fraction of quenched (dSph, dE) companions around Milky Way‐like galaxies decreases with their linear projected separation as .
Untersuchungen zum Out‐of‐Plane‐Verhalten von nichttragenden Mauerwerkswänden in deutschen Erdbebengebieten
Authors: Helm Lukas , Lönhoff Moritz , Sadegh‐Azar Hamid
Published: September 2021

Infolge von Erdbeben müssen nichttragende Trennwände aus Mauerwerk horizontalen Lasten standhalten und dabei spielen auch die Einwirkungen rechtwinklig zur Ebene (Out of Plane) eine bedeutende Rolle. Das Out‐of‐Plane‐Verhalten von Mauerwerkswänden ist aufgrund der stark ausgeprägten nichtlinearen Mechanismen sehr komplex. In aktuellen Bemessungsverfahren werden maßgebende Einflussfaktoren nicht berücksichtigt und es fehlen detaillierte Untersuchungen zu in Deutschland typischen nichttragenden Mauerwerksarten. Es wurden im Rahmen eines Forschungsprojekts umfangreiche analytische, numerische und experimentelle Untersuchungen für tragende Mauerwerkswände durchgeführt und ein Ingenieurmodell zur Bestimmung der Out‐of‐Plane‐Tragfähigkeit unter Berücksichtigung der maßgebenden Parameter entwickelt. Die Ergebnisse dieser Untersuchungen wurden ansatzweise und vereinfacht auf nichttragende Wände übertragen. Hiermit konnten die bisherigen Ansätze in den Erdbebennormen DIN EN 1998‐1/NA (2020) und DIN 4149 (2005) überprüft und dem aktuellen Kenntnisstand angepasst werden. Auf Grundlage der aktualisierten Erdbebengefährdung wurden zudem vereinfachte Nachweismethoden hergeleitet und in Form von Tabellen zusammengefasst. Das Ingenieurmodell und die Grundlagen der Herleitung der vereinfachten Regeln werden anhand eines Anwendungsbeispiels in diesem Beitrag vorgestellt und diskutiert.
Comparative analysis of chemical constituents by HPLC–ESI–MSn and antioxidant activities of Dendrobium huoshanense and Dendrobium officinale
Authors: Wan Jingqiong , Gong Xiaohui , Wang Feixuan , Wen Chongwei , Wei Yuan , Han Bangxing , Ouyang Zhen
Published: September 2021

Dendrobium huoshanense is a Chinese medicinal herb that has high quality and excellent efficacy. However, the chemical basis of its activity is still unclear. Of note, Dendrobium officinale is the most widely utilized among the Dendrobium species. Therefore, the current study systematically investigated the chemical constituents of methanolic extracts and different polar fractions of aqueous extracts from the two herbs by HPLC–ESI–MSn, and then compared in vitro antioxidant activities of their five different polar extracts. Consequently, 61 and 49 compounds were identified from D. huoshanense and D. officinale, respectively, of which 43 compounds were common to both species. In addition, 17 out of 22 different compounds were identified only in D. huoshanense. Moreover, the peak areas of some shared identical compounds of D. huoshanense were significantly larger than that of D. officinale. In vitro antioxidant evaluation results showed that the n‐BuOH‐soluble fraction of the two herbs exhibited remarkable antioxidant activities. Furthermore, the antioxidant activities of different fractions of D. huoshanense were separately superior to that of D. officinale, which may be attributed to its variable and high contents of flavonoids, bibenzyls and phenanthrenes. These results provide the evidence for the high quality and efficacy of D. huoshanense.
Breast cancer characteristics and surgery among women with Li‐Fraumeni syndrome in Germany—A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Rippinger Nathalie , Fischer Christine , Sinn Hans‐Peter , Dikow Nicola , Sutter Christian , Rhiem Kerstin , Grill Sabine , Cremer Friedrich W. , Nguyen Huu P. , Ditsch Nina , Kast Karin , Hettmer Simone , Kratz Christian P. , Schott Sarah
Published: September 2021

Background

Women with Li‐Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) have elevated breast cancer (BC) risk. Optimal BC treatment strategies in this population are yet unknown.

Methods

BC subtypes and treatment were retrospectively investigated between December 2016 and January 2019 in a multicentre study. BC risks were evaluated according to the type of surgery.

Results

Thirty‐five women of our study population (35/44; 79.5%) had developed 36 breast lesions at first diagnosis at a mean age of 34 years. Those breast lesions comprised 32 invasive BCs (89%), three ductal carcinoma in situ alone (8%) and one malignant phyllodes tumour (3%). BCs were mainly high‐grade (18/32), of no special type (NST; 31/32), HER2‐enriched (11/32) or luminal‐B‐(like)‐type (10/32). Affected women (n = 35) received breast‐conserving surgery (BCS, n = 17) or a mastectomy (ME, n = 18) including seven women with simultaneous contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) at first diagnosis. Nineteen women suffered 20 breast or locoregional axillary lesions at second diagnosis with mean age of 36. Median time between first and second diagnosis was 57 months; median time to contra‐ and ipsilateral recurrence depended on surgical strategies (BCS: 46 vs. unilateral ME: 93 vs. bilateral ME > 140 months). Women with a primary treatment of solitaire therapeutic ME suffered from contralateral BC earlier compared to those with therapeutic ME and CPM (median: 93 vs. >140 months).

Conclusion

Aggressive BC subtypes occur among women with LFS. Surgical treatment, i.e. ME and CPM, may prolong time to a second BC diagnosis. Conclusion on long‐term survival benefit is pending. Individual competing tumour risks and long‐term outcomes need to be taken into consideration.
Physician treatment quality, visit outcomes and physician age: What predicts older patients' willingness to cooperate?
Authors: McKee Stephanie E. , Smith Heather J. , Di Battista Silvia
Published: September 2021

Successful health outcomes require a positive alliance between health provider and patient, especially for older patients often managing chronic medical conditions. We predicted that age differences between physician and patient could serve as a social category cue that impacts older patients' cooperation. Older adults evaluated a hypothetical physician visit (Study 1, N = 308), a hypothetical physician's web page (Study 2, N = 339) or described their most recent visit to a physician (Study 3, N = 448). Physician treatment (e.g., respect) and visit outcomes (e.g., the physician's ability to recognize and address their symptoms) shaped patients' trust, compliance and willingness to disclose medically relevant information. However, when the physician was much younger than the participant, visit outcomes more strongly predicted their perceptions of physician trustworthiness (Study 1), their willingness to disclose information (Study 3) and their willingness to comply (Studies 1 and 2). When the physician was close to the participants' age, physician treatment shaped participants' willingness to disclose information more strongly (Study 3). Large age differences can prime intergroup differences that make establishing a bond between healthcare provider and patient more challenging. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.
Trends in utilization, outcomes, and readmissions after transcatheter mitral valve replacement
Authors: Elbadawi Ayman , Mahta Dhruv , Elgendy Islam Y. , Dang Alexander T. , Mahmoud Mona , Iskandar Mina , Kaple Ryan , Al‐Azizi Karim , Szerlip Molly , Kayani Waleed , Barker Colin M. , Jneid Hani
Published: September 2021

Background

There is a paucity of real‐world data regarding the temporal trends and outcomes of trans‐septal transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TS‐TMVR) in the United States (US).

Methods

We queried the Nationwide Readmissions Database (October 2015 to December 2018) for patients undergoing TS‐TMVR procedures. We reported the temporal trends in the utilization, in‐hospital outcomes and 30‐day readmissions after TS‐TMVR. The main study outcome was in‐hospital mortality.

Results

There was an increase in the number of TS‐TMVR procedures over time (48 in 2015 vs. 978 in 2018, Ptrend < 0.001), with a notable increase in the proportion of women (Ptrend = 0.04) and the prevalence of diabetes (Ptrend = 0.03). There was an increase in the number of centers performing TS‐TMVR (21 in 2015 vs. 164 in 2018, Ptrend < 0.001). The overall in‐hospital mortality was 7.2% with no change over time (6.3% in 2015 vs. to 5.2% in 2018, Ptrend = 0.67). There was no change in the frequency of in‐hospital complications after TS‐TMVR; however, the median length of stay has decreased over time. The overall 30‐day readmission rate was 17.8%, with no change during the study years. The most frequent cause for 30‐day readmission after TS‐TMVR was acute heart failure followed by bleeding and infection‐related complications. Prior coagulopathy and small‐sized hospitals were independently associated with higher in‐hospital mortality and 30‐day readmissions.

Conclusion

This nationwide observational analysis of real‐world data showed an increase in the number of TS‐TMVR procedures over time, which is now performed at a greater number of centers. There was no change in the rate of in‐hospital mortality, complications or 30‐day readmissions; but a significant reduction in the length of hospital stay over time was noted. As the number of TS‐TMVR continue to expand, these data provide a perspective on the early experience with this procedure.
Impact of Promoter Addition on the Regeneration of Ni/Al2O3 Dry Reforming Catalysts
Authors: Franz Robert , Pinto Donato , Uslamin Evgeny A. , Urakawa Atsushi , Pidko Evgeny A.
Published: September 2021

Industrial‐scale reforming of methane is typically carried out with an excess of oxidant to suppress coking of the catalyst. On the other hand, many academic studies on dry reforming employ a CO2/CH4 ratio of unity to quickly observe coking which can be reduced by adding a catalyst promoter. In this work, Ni/Al2O3 catalysts were tested for dry reforming of methane (CO2/CH4=1) with additional regeneration steps to test the resistance against an oxidation treatment. Thereby, we wanted to evaluate catalyst stability for industrial relevance. The effects of three promoters, Cr, Mn and Fe, that differ in their degree of CO2 interaction, are compared. A higher iron loading on Ni/Al2O3 leads to higher stability in dry reforming with lower coke formation. However, the higher the concentration of a promoter with high CO2 affinity, the quicker the catalyst is oxidized during regeneration with CO2. Subsequent reduction of a catalyst oxidized with CO2 leads to considerable sintering in all cases. This sintering induces formation of more coke during dry reforming. On such sintered samples only highly effective promoters in large concentrations still have a noticeable effect compared to unpromoted Ni/Al2O3.
Application of Different Vegetable Fibers as Natural Sorbents and Their Use in Water Decontamination from Crude Oil
Authors: Pires Marina Rates , Lorenço Mário Sérgio , Dias Matheus Cordazzo , da Silva Lucas Rodrigues , Júnior Irineu Petri , Mori Fábio Akira
Published: September 2021

The petroleum sorption capacities of plant fibers from Eucalyptus sp., Bambusa tuldoides, and sugarcane bagasse fibers were investigated as innovative and low‐cost alternatives from renewable sources. Characterization of the fibers was performed according to their morphological aspects and physicochemical characteristics. The oil used was classified according to its American Petroleum Institute (API) gravity, viscosity, and density. Sorption tests performed with crude oil mixed with deionized water in a static or agitated system revealed maximum sorption capacities of the fibers in the range of 5.08–5.87 g g−1. The biosorbent based on eucalyptus fibers is a promising material for the cleaning of oil spills in water bodies as it is the most hydrophobic material. Sugarcane bagasse and bamboo gave good results for oil sorption applications in the absence of water, validating their use as well.
Low‐Temperature Electrolyte Design for Lithium‐Ion Batteries: Prospect and Challenges
Authors: Li Qian , Liu Gang , Cheng Haoran , Sun Qujiang , Zhang Junli , Ming Jun
Published: September 2021

Lithium‐ion batteries have dominated the energy market from portable electronic devices to electric vehicles. However, the LIBs applications are limited seriously when they were operated in the cold regions and seasons if there is no thermal protection. This is because the Li+ transportation capability within the electrode and particularly in the electrolyte dropped significantly due to the decreased electrolyte liquidity, leading to a sudden decline in performance and short cycle‐life. Thus, design a low‐temperature electrolyte becomes ever more important to enable the further applications of LIBs. Herein, we summarize the low‐temperature electrolyte development from the aspects of solvent, salt, additives, electrolyte analysis, and performance in the different battery systems. Then, we also introduce the recent new insight about the cation solvation structure, which is significant to understand the interfacial behaviors at the low temperature, aiming to guide the design of a low‐temperature electrolyte more effectively.