bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate Sustainability Performance and Firm Value: Examining Listed Nigerian Petroleum Companies from Stakeholder and Agency Theories’ Perspectives
Authors:   Graduate School of Business, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Mahmud Bashiru  , Fathyah Hashim  ,   Graduate School of Business, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Yuvaraj Ganesan  ,   Graduate School of Business, Universiti Sains Malaysia
Published: April 2022

There is an increasing global concern about corporate sustainability performance. Many companies are criticized for the negative societal and environmental impact of their activities. For long-term sustainability, companies are faced with the challenge of how to manage relationship with the stakeholders. Corporate sustainability performance (CSP) requires companies to integrate economic performance with social and environmental performance. The main purpose of this study is to examine the effect of corporate sustainability performance on firm value of listed Nigerian Petroleum Companies and the moderating role of CEO power on such relationship. The research model is drawn from stakeholder and agency theories. The influence of CSP on firm value is established from stakeholder theory while the moderating role of CEO power is explained from the agency theory approach. Disclosure index via content analysis will be used in measuring CSP of the listed companies while Tobin’s q will be used in measuring firm value. The findings from this research will extend the application of stakeholder theory in utilizing CSP to manage relationship with stakeholders and the CEO’s role in reducing agency cost of CSP initiatives. The result will also give prospective shareholders an insight into the role of CSP on firm value.
Supercritical Fluid Extraction of Herbal Plants for Safe and Halal Enriched Extracts
Authors:   Chemical Engineering Programme, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia,43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia., Masturah, M.  , Masniza, M.  ,   Chemical Engineering Programme, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia,43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.
Published: April 2022

In compliance with the halal requirement, herbal processing to produce health beneficial products requires safe and food grade extraction protocols. Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) technique has been known to produce quality extracts from plants while minimizing the use of organic solvents. In this study, the quality of herbal extracts in terms of component contents and toxicity effects were determined. Three different herbal plants (Orthosiphon stamineus, Phyllantus niruri and Labisia pumila) were investigated using supercritical CO2 with food- grade cosolvents. The bioactive compounds in the extracts were analyzed and quantified using high performance liquid chromatography. The component contents (g/ g extract) were found to be: O. stamineus (4.69% RA, 0.09% TMF, 0.41% SEN, 0.97% EUP), P. niruri (0.37% GA, 2.95% CO, 5.10% EA) and L. pumila (0.20% GA, 0.22% MG, 1.05% CA). These results showed comparable or better quality extracts than the previously reported findings. The toxicity test on the zebrafish embryos also showed no toxicity effects by the extracts. Thus, the extraction technique has been proven to be safe for the halal production of enriched extracts from herbal plants.
PROPOSTA DE PROTOCOLO DE INTERVENÇÃO FISIOTERAPÊUTICA DOMICILIAR PÓS COVID-19
Authors: Palma Fabiana , Silva Santana Guilherme , Souza Soares João Inácio , Lima dos Santos Lícia , Vasconcelos Santos Marcelly Anne
Published: April 2022

INTRODUÇÃO: A COVID-19 é uma síndrome clínica multissistêmica complexa com impacto diferente entre os indivíduos contaminados. A longo prazo, os aspectos multifacetados decorrentes da inflamação sistêmica e período longo de internação podem persistir por muitos meses ou anos após a alta hospitalar e podem se manifestar como uma menor capacidade de fazer exercício, menor independência nas atividades da vida diária e menor qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde. É consenso que uma parcela importante dos pacientes sobreviventes necessitarão de reabilitação cardiopulmonar para melhorar a capacidade funcional, qualidade de vida e prognóstico. OBJETIVO: Esse trabalho tem como enfoque principal, propor um modelo de Intervenção Fisioterapêutico a ser realizado no domicílio para pacientes portadores de sequelas respiratórias, cardiovasculares e musculares da COVID-19 subsidiando o Fisioterapeuta a promover melhor assistência com maior segurança e eficácia. METODOLOGIA: Trata-se de um estudo de revisão de literatura, acessados nas bases de dados SciELO, Pubmed, Medline, e Bvs, com a utilização de descritores: fisioterapia, SARS-CoV 2, COVID-19, estes encontrados nos Descritores em Ciências da Saúde (Decs). A elaboração dessa pesquisa foi realizada em três etapas, onde na primeira foram escolhidos os artigos pertinentes, em seguida foi construída uma tabela informativa contendo métodos de reabilitação pós COVID-19, e por fim, foi efetuada uma análise desses artigos compostos na tabela e proposto um protocolo de avaliação e intervenção no âmbito domiciliar. CONCLUSÃO: Este trabalho contribui com a Fisioterapia, uma vez que busca, de maneira mais completa possível, critérios para a reabilitação funcional eficiente, de fácil aplicabilidade e reprodutividade, norteando a atuação fisioterapêutica domiciliar baseada em evidência. Propõe-se um Protocolo de tratamento para reabilitação no âmbito domiciliar baseado em treinamento muscular inspiratório (TMI), treinamento aeróbico e treinamento de fortalecimento muscular e utilizando ferramentas avaliativas validadas.

 

Palavras-chave: Fisioterapia, SARS-CoV 2, COVID-19.
REABILITAÇÃO FISIOTERAPÊUTICA NO PÓS-COVID: UMA REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA
Authors: Pamponet Prazeres Bomfim Kaliane , Ciriaco Carneiro Maryelle , Da Silva Santos Mônica , Matos Rebouças Mota Layse
Published: April 2022

A pandemia da Covid-19 levou a um cenário sanitário mundial crítico, declarado uma emergência de saúde global pela Organização mundial de saúde. Na reabilitação destes pacientes, vale destacar o papel do Fisioterapeuta, através da intervenção precoce e com o propósito de minimizar sequelas. O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar as evidências científicas sobre os protocolos de reabilitação fisioterapêutica aplicados em pacientes pós Covid-19. Trata-se de uma revisão de literatura integrativa, utilizando as bases de dados: Biblioteca da Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), MEDLINE, Secretaria Estadual de Saúde de São Paulo e Índice Bibliográfico Espñol em Ciencias de la Salud (IBECS), através da Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS); PubMed; Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) e Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO). Foram analisados os protocolos de reabilitação, assim como os principais resultados obtidos e considerações finais em cada estudo a respeito da reabilitação fisioterapêutica pós Covid-19. Como resultados deste estudo, não foram encontrados uma uniformidade nas condutas realizadas, no entanto pôde ser observado que o tratamento fisioterapêutico apresentou resultados positivos em pacientes pós Covid-19. Pode-se concluir que ainda há poucas evidências sobre o assunto, carecendo assim de mais estudos com intervenções bem detalhadas, a fim de que se estabeleça um protocolo para esse perfil de pacientes.
New and Old Parameterizations of the Cassinian Ovals and Some Applications
Authors:   Marin Drinov Academic Publishing House, Mladenov Ivaïlo M.
Published: April 2022

A plethora of new explicit formulas that parameterize all three types of the Cassinian ovals via elliptic and circular functions are derived from the first principles. These formulas allow a detailed study of the geometry of the Cassinian curves which is persuaded to some extent here. Conversion formulas relating various sets of the geometrical parameters are presented. On the way some interesting relationships satisfied by the Jacobian elliptic functions were found. Besides, a few general identities between the complete elliptic integrals of the first and second kind were also established. An explicit universal formula for the total area within the Cassinians which is valid for all types of them is derived. Detailed derivation of the formulas for the volumes of the bodies obtained as a result of rotations of the Cassinian ovals is presented.
Cryo-EM structure of the human somatostatin receptor 2 complex with its agonist somatostatin delineates the ligand-binding specificity
Authors: Heo Yunseok , Yoon Eojin , Jeon Ye-Eun , Yun Ji-Hye , Ishimoto Naito , Woo Hyeonuk , Park Sam-Yong , Song Ji-Joon , Lee Weontae
Published: April 2022

Somatostatin is a peptide hormone that regulates endocrine systems by binding to G-protein-coupled somatostatin receptors. Somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2) is a human somatostatin receptor and is highly implicated in hormone disorders, cancers, and neurological diseases. Here, we report the high-resolution cryo-EM structure of full-length human SSTR2 bound to the agonist somatostatin (SST-14) in complex with inhibitory G (Gi) proteins. Our structural and mutagenesis analyses show that seven transmembrane helices form a deep pocket for ligand binding and that SSTR2 recognizes the highly conserved Trp-Lys motif of SST-14 at the bottom of the pocket. Furthermore, our sequence analysis combined with AlphaFold modeled structures of other SSTR isoforms provide a structural basis for the mechanism by which SSTR family proteins specifically interact with their cognate ligands. This work provides the first glimpse into the molecular recognition mechanism of somatostatin receptors and a crucial resource to develop therapeutics targeting somatostatin receptors.
Changes in primary metabolites and volatile organic compounds in cotton seedling leaves exposed to silver ions and silver nanoparticles revealed by metabolomic analysis
Authors: Yang Yong , Du PengMeng , Lai Wenjie , Yin Liyan , Ding Yuanhao , Li Zhonghua , Hu Haiyan
Published: April 2022

In the area of climate change, nanotechnology provides handy tools for improving crop production and assuring sustainability in global agricultural system. Due to excellent physiological and biochemical properties, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been widely studied for potential use in agriculture. However, there are concerns about the mechanism of the toxic effects of the accumulation of AgNPs on crop growth and development. In this study, the impacts of AgNPs on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) seedlings were evaluated by integrating physiological and comprehensive metabolomic analyses. Potting-soil-grown, two-week-old cotton seedlings were foliar-exposed to 5 mg/plant AgNP or 0.02 mg/plant Ag+ (equivalent to the free Ag+ released from AgNPs). Primary metabolites and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and solid-phase microextraction (SPME) GC-MS, respectively. AgNPs inhibited the photosynthetic capacity of the cotton leaves. The metabolic spectrum analysis identified and quantified 73 primary metabolites and 45 VOCs in cotton leaves. Both treatments significantly changed the metabolite profiles of plant leaves. Among the primary metabolites, AgNPs induced marked changes in amino acids, sugars and sugar alcohols. Among the VOCs, 13 volatiles, mainly aldehydes, alkanes and terpenoids, were specifically altered only in response to AgNPs. In summary, our study showed that the comprehensive influence of AgNPs on primary metabolites and VOCs was not merely attributed to the released Ag+ but was caused by AgNP-specific effects on cotton leaves. These results provide important knowledge about the physiological and chemical changes in cotton leaves upon exposure to AgNPs and offer a new insight for supporting the sustainable use of AgNPs in agriculture.
Research on the Instructional Design Ability of Pre-service Mathematics Teachers in China: A Review
Authors: Yin Liyan , Yang Zezhong
Published: April 2022

The pre-service mathematics teachers will work in middle school or primary school in the future. The level of their instructional design ability will directly affect the quality of teaching, the learning efficiency of students in the classroom, and teaching progress. Recently, many scholars have researched the instructional design ability of pre-service mathematics teachers in China. But there is no literature summarizing this aspect. Therefore, We reviewed relevant literature by using the literature research method in this paper and drew the following conclusions: (1) Current research on the instructional design ability of pre-service mathematics teachers in China focuses on the composition of the instructional design ability, the status quo of instructional design of pre-service mathematics teachers, the level of instructional design ability, the influencing factors of instructional design ability, and suggestions to improve the instructional design ability of pre-service mathematics teachers; (2) There are many kinds of research on the composition of instructional design ability of pre-service mathematics teachers and the status quo of instructional design. There are few studies on the influencing factors of instructional design ability of pre-service mathematics teachers. (3) The influencing factors are incomplete, and the deep research is the gaps in current that the relationship of influencing factors, the influencing path, and the main influencing factors. Additionally, the suggestions to improve the instructional design ability of pre-service mathematics teachers are so broad. In general, those conclusions revealed the research situation and found the deficiencies and gaps in the research on the teaching design ability of pre-service mathematics teachers in China. More importantly, which provides the next research directions to improve the teaching design ability of pre-service mathematics teachers in China for scholars and experts.
Introducing of Thermodynamic Van’t Hoff Equation in Process of Dissociation of Benzoic Acid at Ordinary Temperature Range
Authors: Mishra Shiv Prakash
Published: April 2022

In article, we have reported the thermodynamic Van’t Hoff equation in study of dissociation process of solute benzoic acid into water solvent at ordinary temperature in between of 288 K to 318 K. At this temperature range, the value of dissociation constant (Kc) of that acid is being to found as -4.169, -4.045, -3.993, -3.885, -3.848 and -3.788, for given concentrations of NaCl (sodium chloride) volume as its six ionic strength of 0.00, 0.05, 0.10, 0.30, 0.40 and 0.50 M, respectively, which are titrimetrically analyzed with 0.05 M basic NaOH (sodium hydroxide) solution. The pH value of each solution is measured by using of digital pH-meter as well. Here, observation reported that the pH value of benzoic acid into water at that range of temperature is being inversely related to concentrations of NaCl. In graph, a value of benzoic acid with there ionic strength (I) is plotted versus equilibrium dissociation constant (Kc) at specific 298 K, have shown the dissociation of acid into water is increases as increase the ionic strength. But, comparatively, the graph for increasing temperature range to thermodynamic dissociation constant (Ka) have shown that the dissociation is not always increases as if increases temperature.
Unilateral Giant Bullous Emphysema; Vanishing Lung Syndrome
Authors: Onur Bayrakçi , Gülay Akinci
Published: April 2022

Bullous lung disease is an illness characterized by nonfunctional air-filled spaces caused by deterioration of alveolar tissue. Lung diseases such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and bronchiolitis are associated with smoking. We aimed to present a case of giant bullous emphysema without any known comorbidity and who was admitted to the clinic with progressive dyspnea in a short time. A 52-years-old male patient was admitted to the clinic with the complaint of increasing dyspnea in the last 3 months. Smoking was 26 pack years, and no chronic disease. Giant bullae with a size of 13x15x20 cm, starting from the right apical and extending posteriorly to the lower lobe fissure, and diffuse emphysematous pathologies were seen in the thorax CT. The patient was operated on for a giant bullous lesion that subtotally contains the upper lobe of the right lung and causes respiratory dysfunction with the compression effect on the middle lobe and lower lobe (resection of the giant bulla was operated by the right thoracotomy). Except for the operation-related pain complaint, no respiratory symptoms were seen. The patient  said with an effort, respiratory distress decreased significantly. No complications were observed, and the patient was discharged on the 6th day of the operation. Vanishing Lung Syndrome is a complication of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, and it is defined as idiopathic giant bullous emphysema. This illness defined as giant bulla occupying one-third of the hemithorax, it compresses the mediastinum and lung parenchyma. Differentiating bullous lesions of the lung from pneumothorax is important in the treatment. Surgical treatment is a successful option in symptomatic giant bullae or with compression of lung parenchyma. Bullectomy improves the patient's symptoms, pulmonary function, quality of life, and expansion of the lung parenchyma.
Conservation Agriculture- Based Planting Techniques and Weed Management Practices Influence on Nutrient Content and Their Uptake in Dry Direct-Seeded Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Chaudhary Brijesh Kumar , Singh J. P. , Verma S. K. , Nayak Harsita , Yadav Shiv Poojan
Published: April 2022

Conventionally established rice leads to major challenges in crop production like soil health degradation, water table declination and labour scarcity which ultimately increases the cost of production. To address these issues of transplanted rice, different conservation agriculture (CA) based crop establishment practices in combination with suitable weed management options were incorporated to sustain rice productivity. The field trial was conducted for two years during kharif season of 2018 and 2019 at Research Farm, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh (India). The experiment was laid out in split plot design having four planting techniques in main plots viz., farmer’s practice (Conventional Transplanting), zero-till direct seeded rice (ZT-DSR), reduced-till direct seeded rice (RT-DSR) (Rotavator single pass) and conventional-till direct seeded rice (CT-DSR) and five weed management practices viz., pendimethalin 1 kg ha-1 pre-emergence (PE) followed by (fb) chlorimuron + metsulfuron (4g + 4g ha-1) at 20 days after sowing (DAS), pendimethalin 1 kg ha-1 PE fb pyrazosulfuron (30 g ha-1) at 20 DAS, bispyribac-sodium + chlorimuron + metsulfuron (25g + 4g  + 4g ha-1) at 20 DAS, hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS and Weedy check in sub-plots and replicated thrice. The results showed that Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) content in grain and straw were not significantly influenced by planting techniques and weed management practices. However, among various crop establishment methods CT-DSR recorded significantly higher N, P and K uptake by both grain and straw over rest of the treatments except ZT-DSR during both the years.  Similarly, two hands weeding (at 20 DAS and 40 DAS) recorded the highest N, P and K uptake by the crop. With respect to herbicidal treatments, higher N, P and K uptake by crop was found with the application of pendimethalin 1 kg ha-1 (pre-em) fb  chlorimuron + metsulfuron (4g + 4g ha-1) at 20 DAS compared to others during both the years of experimentation. Based on the results, it is concluded that application of pendimethalin 1 kg ha-1 PE fb chlorimuron + metsulfuron (4g + 4g ha-1) at 20 DAS to CT-DSR was registered maximum N, P and K uptake by both grain and straw of rice.
Effect of Phosphorus and Zinc on Yield and Economics of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)
Authors: Reddy Vangala Siva Nagi , Singh Rajesh , Indu Thakur
Published: April 2022

Phosphorus and zinc effects on pearl millet variety 'ABV-04' during the rainy season (Kharif) of 2021 were studied in field experiments with nine treatments, i.e., P at 30, 40, 50 kg/ha and Zn at 5, 15 and 25 kg/ha respectively, at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, SHUATS, Prayagraj, India (U.P). The treatments comprised T1 – 30 kg P/ha + 5 kg Zn/ha, T2 – 30 kg P/ha + 15 kg Zn/ha, T3 – 30 kg P/ha + 25 kg Zn/ha, T4 – 40 kg P/ha + 5 kg Zn/ha, T5 – 40 kg P/ha + 15 kg Zn/ha, T6 – 40 kg P/ha + 25 kg Zn/ha, T7 – 50 kg P/ha + 5 kg Zn/ha, T8- 50 kg P/ha + 15 kg Zn/ha, T9 – 50 kg P/ha + 25 kg Zn/ha. Results revealed that the application of 50 kg P + 25 kg Zn recorded highest ear head length (18.90 cm), maximum grain production (2.66 t/ha), maximum stover yield (3.90 t/ha), highest gross and net returns of (1,33,667.00₹) and (92,861.00₹), respectively. b.c ratio (2.26) was also found.
Effect of Spacing and Mulching on Growth and Yield of Black Gram in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Pradhan Akankhya , Singh Rajesh , Indu Thakur
Published: April 2022

The study was carried out at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P), India during Zaid 2021. The soil in the experimental area had a sandy loam texture, was virtually neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.1), was low in organic carbon (0.36 percent), had accessible N (171.2 kg ha -1), available P (15.2 kg ha -1), and available K (15.2 kg ha -1). (232.5 kg ha -1). The experiment consisted of two spacing (30 x 15cm & 45 x 10cm) and 9 treatments and arranged in factorial combination was laid out in Randomized complete Block Design with three replications. The treatments were T1: 30 x 15 cm + No mulch, T2: 30 x 15 cm + Mustard Straw, T3: 30 x 15 cm + Saw dust/ Dry leaves, T4: 30 x 15 cm + Newspaper/ Brown paper, T5: 45 x 10 cm + No mulch, T6: 45 x 10 cm + Mustard Straw, T7: 45 x 10 cm + Saw dust/ Dry leaves, T8: 45 x 10 cm + Newspaper/ Brown paper, T9: Control plot (no mulching done). The findings of this study showed that significantly heigher plant height (43.91 cm), nodules per plant(13.27), Branches per plant( 6.53), Plant dry weight (6.39g per plant), Pods per plant(65.09), Seed per pod(7.66),Test weight (37.18 g), werw recorded with 45 x 10 cm + Mustard Straw. However, higher seed yield (669.33 kg ha -1), gross returns (Rs. 73626.3 ha -1), net return (Rs. 50741.65 ha -1) and benefit cost ratio (2.21) were obtained with 30 x 15 cm + Mustard Straw as compared to other treatments.
Evaluation of Newly Released Cultivars of Indian Mustard on Weeds in Siwaliks Region of Jammu
Authors: Bharat Rajeev , Gupta Meenakshi , Bazaya B. R. , Gupta Rahul
Published: April 2022

Aims: To study the competitive ability of new varieties of Indian mustard with weeds during rabi season at Jammu

Study Design: Factorial RBD Design.

Place and Duration of Study: Oilseed Experimental Area, Research Farm, SKUAST-Jammu, Chatha, Jammu & Kashmir (UT).

Methodology: A field experiment was conducted at the Research farm, Chatha, Jammu during the rabi season of 2010-11 and 2011-12 to study the effect of various cultivars of Indian Mustard on weed density and dry weight in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) under weedy check and weed free conditions. The two factors comprised of 6 Indian mustard cultivars under weed free and weedy check conditions

Results: The varieties NRCDR 2 and NRCDR 601 were found to be the most competitive cultivars of Indian mustard crop in suppressing the weeds at different crop growth stage at 60 days after sowing (DAS) and other subsequent crop growth stages and exhibited lowest weed Index during both the years of experimentation respectively.

Conclusion: Based on two years of experimentation, it may be concluded that  maximum benefit:cost ratio (B:C ratio) was observed with cultivar NRCDR 2  (1.51 and 1.03) during both years of experimentation and was found to be the most competitive cultivar of Indian mustard in suppression of weeds during the early stages  of crop growth.
A Survey of the Bio-activity of the Fruit Rind of Kiwano (Cucumis metuliferus)
Authors: Nnenna Ani Onuabuchi , Izuchukwu Ujah Innocent , Kenechukwu Onyishi Chukwuebuka
Published: April 2022

Background: Kiwano, commonly called horned melon is a common fruit consumed in the tropics for its nutritional and therapeutic value. This study evaluated the composition of some bioactive compounds in the rind of the fruit as well as its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects using in vitro methods.

Methods: The rind of the fruits of kiwano were peeled out, pulverized and extracted with 80% ethanol. The bioactive compounds evaluated were phenol, flavonoid, beta carotene, lycopene and ascorbic acid. The antioxidant properties were evaluated using DPPH, iron reducing power and inhibition of lipid peroxidation assays. Ascorbic acid served as the standard. The anti-inflammatory property was measured in-vitro using anti-proteinase activity, inhibition of albumin denaturation and membrane stabilization assay systems. Aspirin and diclofenac served as reference drugs

Results: Phenol and flavonoids were the bioactive compounds found in higher concentration than the rest with concentrations of 261.73±13.54 and 130.86±9.66 mgGAE/ml of the dry matter respectively. In the antioxidant assay, the highest activity of more than 50% was recorded in DPPH assay. The maximum percentage radical scavenging activity of the extract was 76.74% at 800 µg/ml with a drop in activity at 1000 µg/ml (75.02%) and EC50 value of 230 µg/ml. Ascorbic acid exhibited 96.35% scavenging activity of radicals at 1000 µg/ml and EC50 value of 260 µg/ml. For the anti-inflammatory assay, the extract exhibited 16.43% anti-proteinase activity, 25.64% inhibition of heat-induced haemolysis activity and 47.14% inhibition of albumin denaturation activity at 1000 µg/ml. More than 50% activity was recorded for the reference drugs.

Conclusion: We therefore conclude that the rind of the fruit of kiwano is rich in biologically active compounds and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The rind is a potential source of therapeutic compounds.
Sensitivity and Resistance Patterns of Gram-Negative Uropathogens Isolated from the Urine of Patients with Upper/Lower Urinary Obstruction in Nigeria
Authors: Raphael John E. , Abhulimen Victor
Published: April 2022

Background: Urinary tract infection is a cause of significant morbidity and potential mortality in patients. Urine microscopy culture and sensitivity enable the isolation of the incriminating microbes. The sensitivity and resistance of the various microorganisms are invaluable in the effective management of UTIs and the associated adverse consequences. Gram-negative organisms are the usual pathogens responsible for most UTIs. The abuse of antibiotics can increase the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance. This leads to an increased cost of treatment, as more expensive higher-end antibiotics may become indicated. There is also the risk of spreading multidrug-resistant infections to the community.

Aims: To evaluate the sensitivity and resistance patterns of commonly available antibiotics to uropathogens in the positive urine culture of patients who presented with upper and lower urinary obstruction.

Methods: This retrospective study was carried out on urine samples of patients with upper/lower urinary obstructive from two specialist urology referral hospitals with a positive culture and sensitivity tests between January 2011 and December 2020. The patients’ case notes were retrieved, and their urine culture, sensitivity results and mode of treatment were analyzed. These data were collated using Microsoft Excel, and they were analysed using SPSS version 20.

Results: 314 urine samples had positive culture and sensitivity tests. All were Gram-negatives: Klebsiella, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas, Proteus and Citrobacter spp. in decreasing frequency. Among the quinolones, levofloxacin {56.7% (178)} had the highest moderate-high (M-H) sensitivity to the Gram-negative uropathogens; followed by Ciprofloxacin {46.2 % (145)} and Ofloxacin {19.1% (60)}.

The gram-negatives were most sensitive to streptomycin {75.5% (237)} and gentamicin 62.4% (196)} and also least resistant to them. (Streptomycin 11.1%; gentamicin 21.0%) The highest resistance was to Nalidixic acid {90.1%, (225)}, peflacine {76.1% (239)}, Augmentin {73.6% (231)} and Ampicillin{72%(226)}.

Conclusion: Among the commonly available antibiotics in our study, the gram-negative uropathogens are the most sensitive and least resistant to streptomycin, gentamycin and levofloxacin. Levofloxacin had the best sensitivity and lowest quinolones resistance compared to ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin. There is very low sensitivity and high resistance to nalidixic acid, ampicillin, Augmentin, Septrin and Peflacine.
Hypoglycemic and Antihyperlipidemic Effects of Ethanolic Fruit Peel Extract of Carica papaya (pawpaw) in an Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Haruna M. , Abdulmumin Y. , Abdulmumin T. M. , Murtala M. , Dalhatu M. M.
Published: April 2022

Background:  Diabetes mellitus is a severe health concern that is usually linked to a person's lifestyle and genetic variables. Its frequency of occurrence is alarming. Anti- diabetics drugs are costly and come with adverse effects. This study aims to evaluate the phytochemical, toxicity profile, antidiabetic and antihyperlipedemic effects of ethanolic fruit peel extract of Carica papaya in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Methods: The qualitative phytochemicals and acute toxicity (LD50, oral, rats) were evaluated. Diabetes was induced in rats by intraperitoneal administration of alloxan monohydrate (120 mg/kg) while fasting. The rats were divided into 6 groups of 6 albino rats. Group 1 as normal control, group 2 as test control, and group 3 as standard (administrated with 0.1 mg/kg/day of glibenclamide). The ethanolic fruit peel extract of Carica papaya was administered to groups 4-6 at doses of 100, 200, and 500 mg/kg. 2-6 were induced with diabetes. Blood glucose levels were measured at 0, 3, 6, and 9 hrs, 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days, and the serum lipid profile was evaluated at the last 28 days.

Results: The ethanolic fruit peel extract of Carica papaya shows the presence of tannins, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, terpenoids, and anthraquinones. The acute toxicity indicated that the fruit peel of Carica papaya is practically non-toxic to the experimental rats and its LD50 was found to be greater than 5000 mg/kg. There was a significant reduction in body weight from day 3 to day 28. The decreases in body weight were found in group 5 .The extract of Carica papaya showed a significant (p<0.05) reduction of blood glucose levels from day 3 to 28. Similarly, oral administration of fruit peel extract of Carica papaya  at 100, 200, and 500 mg/kg showed significant decreases in serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and low density lipoprotein (LDL-C) with increases in serum high density lipoprotein (HDL-C).

Conclusion:The ethanolic fruit peel extract of Carica papaya exhibited potent hypoglycemic and antihyperlipidemic potential in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.
Anxiety, Depression, Psychological Reaction and Impact of COVID 19 on Human Fertility
Authors: Younus Mehwish , Hira Aruna Kumari , Naz Urooj , Shahmir Sana , Naz Uroosa , Mazhar Rabia
Published: April 2022

Objective: The current study aim to understand the anxiety, depression, psychological reaction and impact of COVID-19 on human fertility in Karachi, Pakistan.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on all married 243 patients at Out Patients Department (OPD) of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Civil Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. The data were collected through a standardized questionnaire and this was done between from July 2020 to December 2021. Regarding the inclusion criteria, only patients who consulted a gynecologist were invited to participate in the study voluntarily. The principles of research ethics regarding the confidentiality of the data collected and ensure the anonymity of the participants. The data were analyzed by way of descriptive statistics and cross tabulation, with a P value of 5 per cent used to determine level of significance.

Results: Mostly patients were observed above 30 years 42.38% with mean age was 36.12± 3.2 years (range 18-50 years) and majority of patient’s relatively good health status 153(62.96%). Mostly couple 161 (66.25%) avoid the pregnancy in covid-19 period. Patients preferring to avoid the pregnancy due to higher COVID-19 contagion anxiety 121(75.15%) were observed. The main reason for avoid the pregnancy was fear of delivering a baby in the current situation 110(68.32%) cases. Followed by infected 55(34.16%), financial concerns 63(39.13%) and risks for the pregnancy 88 (54.65%) cases. There are significant number of patients, who report moderate anxiety 73(30.04%), severe anxiety 55(22.63%), findings of PHQ9 shows moderate depression 67(27.57%), moderately severe depression 71 (29.21%), and severe depression 25(10.28%). 

Conclusion: In Covid-19 period were observed high rate of anxiety, depression, and psychological reaction in female patients who wants to conceive. Anxiety, depression, and psychological reaction might be leading to changes in sexual behavior can all predict the quality of a couple’s relationship.
Understanding the Effect of the Valence State of Perovskite B‐Site Ions on Its Oxygen Electrocatalytic Performance
Authors: Hao Zhanzhong , Xu Lincheng , Yan Yong , Li Fan
Published: April 2022

The relationship between the interactions of valence, electronic structure and orbitals generated by rare‐earth doped perovskites and the electrocatalytic mechanism is important research work. Herein, the experimental and theoretical studies prepared through La1–xSmxMnO3 show that the doping of Sm triggers the B‐site active center, which will promote the ORR and OER kinetics at the catalyst interface, and ultimately give La0.7Sm0.3MnO3 (LSM0.3) which has the most positive half‐wave potential of 0.70 V versus RHE and the smallest overpotential of 0.48 V. Meanwhile, the specific electron configuration of Sm reduces the grain boundary energy and suppresses Oswald maturation, which causes the smallest reduction for ORR current density during long‐term operation. Finally, zinc‐air cell assembled with LSM0.3 as a cathode catalyst can be cycled stably for 330 h at 1 mA cm−2. This work provides new insight into the improved electrocatalytic performance of oxygen by rare‐earth doped perovskites.
Photocatalytic Conversion of Plastic Waste: From Photodegradation to Photosynthesis
Authors: Chu Sheng , Zhang Bowen , Zhao Xin , Soo Han Sen , Wang Feng , Xiao Rui , Zhang Huiyan
Published: April 2022

Plastic waste remains a global challenge due to the massive amounts being produced without satisfactory treatment technologies for recycling and upcycling. Photocatalytic processes are emerging as green and promising approaches to upcycle plastics into value‐added products under mild conditions using sunlight as the energy source. In this review, the recent advances in plastic conversion through photocatalysis have been comprehensively summarized. Special emphasis is placed on the photocatalytic mechanism and the selective CC and CH bond transformations of plastics to access fuels, chemicals, and materials. Finally, the challenges and the perspectives on establishing a new paradigm toward a sustainable and circular plastic economy are also put forward.
Photocatalytic Chemical Crosslinking for Profiling RNA–Protein Interactions in Living Cells
Authors: Luo Huixin , Tang Wei , Liu Hongyu , Zeng Xiangmei , Ngai William Shu Ching , Gao Rui , Li Heyun , Li Ran , Zheng Huangtao , Guo Jianting , Qin Fangfei , Wang Gang , Li Kexin , Fan Xinyuan , Zou Peng , Chen Peng R.
Published: April 2022

The dynamic interactions between RNAs and proteins play crucial roles in regulating diverse cellular processes. Proteome‐wide characterization of these interactions in their native cellular context remains desirable but challenging. Herein, we developed a photocatalytic crosslinking (PhotoCAX) strategy coupled with mass spectrometry (PhotoCAX‐MS) and RNA sequencing (PhotoCAX‐seq) for the study of the composition and dynamics of protein‐RNA interactions. By integrating the blue light‐triggered photocatalyst with a dual‐functional RNA–protein crosslinker (RP‐linker) and the phase separation‐based enrichment strategy, PhotoCAX‐MS revealed a total of 2044 RBPs in human HEK293 cells. We further employed PhotoCAX to investigate the dynamic change of RBPome in macrophage cells upon LPS‐stimulation, as well as the identification of RBPs interacting directly with the 5′ untranslated regions of SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA.
“Rim‐Differentiated” Pillar[6]arenes
Authors: Chao Yang , Thikekar Tushar Ulhas , Fang Wangjian , Chang Rong , Xu Jiong , Ouyang Nianfeng , Xu Jun , Gao Yan , Guo Minjie , Zuilhof Han , Sue Andrew C.‐H.
Published: April 2022

A “rim‐differentiated” pillar[6]arene (RD‐P[6]) was obtained successfully, with the assistance of a dimeric silver trifluoroacetate template, among eight different constitutional isomers in a direct and regioselective manner. The solid‐state conformation of this macrocycle could switch from the 1,3,5‐alternate to a truly rim‐differentiated one upon guest inclusion. This highly symmetric RD‐P[6] not only hosts metal‐containing molecules inside its cavity, but also can form a pillar[6]arene‐C60 adduct through co‐crystallization on account of donor‐acceptor interactions. The development of synthetic strategies to desymmetrize pillararenes offers new opportunities for engineering complex molecular architectures and organic electronic materials.
On‐Surface Synthesis of a Nitrogen‐Doped Graphene Nanoribbon with Multiple Substitutional Sites
Authors: Zhang Yong , Lu Jianchen , Li Yang , Li Baijin , Ruan Zilin , Zhang Hui , Hao Zhenliang , Sun Shijie , Xiong Wei , Gao Lei , Chen Long , Cai Jinming
Published: April 2022

Doped graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) with heteroatoms are a principal strategy to fine‐tune the electronic structures of GNRs for future device applications. Here, we successfully synthesized the N=9 nitrogen‐doped armchair GNR on the Au(111) surface. Due to the flexibility of precursor molecules, three different covalent bonds (C−C, C−N, N−N) are formed in the GNR backbone. Scanning tunneling spectroscopy analysis together with band structure calculations reveals that the band gap of the N‐9‐AGNRs (C−C) will be enlarged compared to pristine 9‐AGNRs, and the C−N bond and N−N bond at the isolated site of N‐9‐AGNR (C−C) will introduce new defect states near the Fermi level. DFT calculations reveal that the electronic structure of N‐9‐AGNR (C−C) shows semiconductor character, while N‐9‐AGNR (C−N) and N‐9‐AGNR (N−N) display metallic character. Our results provide a promising route for creating more complex molecular heterostructures with tunable band gaps, which may be useful for future molecular electronics and memory device applications.
Conway–Maxwell Poisson regression‐based control charts under iterative Liu estimator for monitoring count data
Authors: Mammadova Ulduz , Özkale M. Revan
Published: April 2022

During the evaluation and monitoring of a process, shifts are inherit parts of any statistical process control. In statistical process control, identifying the sources of such shifts is essential. Although there are many tools to identify the sources of such shifts, the control charts are most commonly used to identify these shifts. In this article, Shewhart, CUSUM, and EWMA control charts are proposed based on Liu deviance residuals for count data when there is a multicollinearity problem in Conway–Maxwell Poisson profiles to identify shifts. The comparisons of the proposed control charts are made with the deviance and ridge deviance‐based Shewhart, CUSUM, and EWMA control charts. Thus, a numerical illustration through bike‐sharing dataset and Monte Carlo simulation are considered. The simulation study is performed for the Poisson and COM‐Poisson distributions to see the effects of over‐ and underdispersion, the number of predictors as well as the shift size.
Combinatorial InVitroFlow‐assisted mutagenesis (CombIMut) yields a 41‐fold improved CelA2 cellulase
Authors: Körfer Georgette , Besirlioglu Volkan , Davari Mehdi D. , Martinez Ronny , Vojcic Ljubica , Schwaneberg Ulrich
Published: April 2022

The combination of diversity generation methods and ultrahigh‐throughput screening (uHTS) technologies is key to efficiently explore nature's sequence space and elucidate structure–function relationships of enzymes. Beneficial substitutions often cluster in a few regions and simultaneous amino acid substitutions at multiple positions (e.g., by OmniChange) will likely lead to further improved enzyme variants. An extensive screening effort is required to identify such variants, as the simultaneous randomization of four codons can easily yield over 105 potential enzyme variants. The combination of flow cytometer‐based uHTS with cell‐free compartmentalization technology using (w/o/w) double emulsions (InVitroFlow), provides analysis capabilities of up to 107 events per hour, thus enabling efficient screening. InVitroFlow is an elegant solution since diversity loss through a transformation of host cells is omitted and emulsion compartments provide a genotype‐phenotype linkage through a fluorescence readout. In this study, a multisite saturation mutagenesis and an OmniChange library with four simultaneously saturated positions in the active site of CelA2 cellulase were screened using InVitroFlow. Screening of over 36 million events, yielded a significantly improved cellulase variant CelA2‐M3 (H288F/H524Q) with an 8‐fold increase in specific activity compared to the parent CelA2‐H288F (83.9 U/mg) and a 41‐fold increased specific activity (674.5 U/mg) compared to wildtype CelA2 (16.6 U/mg) for the substrate 4‐MUC (4‐methylumbelliferyl‐β
d‐cellobioside).
A Light(er) Approach for the Selective Hydrogenation of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5‐Bis(hydroxymethyl)furan without External H2
Authors: Jaryal Arpna , Venugopala Rao Battula , Kailasam Kamalakannan
Published: April 2022

The selective conversion of 5‐hydroxymethyfurfural (HMF), a biomass‐derived platform molecule, to value added chemicals can ease the burden on petroleum‐based fine chemical synthesis. The active contribution of renewable energy sources along with low cost, environmental friendliness, and a simple reaction system must be adopted for better sustainability. In this context, photocatalytic selective hydrogenation of HMF to 2,5‐bis(hydroxymethyl)furan (BHMF) was achieved over P25 titania nanoparticles without chemical squander. Simultaneously the photo‐oxidation of p‐methoxybenzyl alcohol (MeOBA) to p‐methoxybenzaldehyde (MeOBaL), similar to biomass‐derived vanillin, was carried out, abolishing the need of additional redox reagents. This system put forward the competent employment of photogenerated excitons for the valorization of lignocellulosic biomass to fine chemicals, which is an urgent requirement for sustainable chemical synthesis.
Copper Indium Sulfide Enables Li‐CO2 Batteries with Boosted Reaction Kinetics and Cycling Stability
Authors: Chen Lin , Zhou Jingwen , Zhang Junxiang , Qi Guicai , Wang Bin , Cheng Jianli
Published: April 2022

High energy density Li‐CO2 batteries have attracted much attention owing to the “two birds with one stone” feature in fixing greenhouse gas CO2 and providing renewable energy. However, poor reversibility of the discharge product Li2CO3 is one of the main problems that limit its application, resulting in poor cycling stability and severe polarization. Herein, copper indium sulfide (CIS), a semiconducting non‐precious metal sulfide, is fabricated as cathode catalysts for high‐performance Li‐CO2 batteries. Combined with the synergistic effect of bimetallic valence bonding and coordinated electron transfer, Li‐CO2 batteries using CIS cathodes exhibit high full specific discharge capacity, excellent rate capability and cycle stability, namely it delivers a high specific full discharge capacity of 8878 μAh cm−2, runs steadily from 10 to 100 μA cm−2, and performs a stable long‐term cycling behavior (>1050 h) under a high energy efficiency of 84% and a low charge voltage of approximately 3.4 V at 20 μA cm−2 within 100 μAh cm−2. In addition, a flexible Li‐CO2 pouch cell is constructed to reveal the potential of employing CIS to fabricate flexible high energy storage devices in practical applications. This work shows a promising development pathway toward next‐generation sustainable energy storage devices.
Combined Power of Organo‐ and Transition Metal Catalysis in Organic Synthesis
Authors: Chakraborty Nikita , Das Bubul , Rajbongshi Kamal K. , Patel Bhisma K.
Published: April 2022

The combination of organocatalysis with transition metal catalysis is an emerging research area for the scientific community. Various unprecedented transformations that are otherwise inaccessible by individual catalytic systems can be achieved with good efficiency and stereocontrolled manner by this dual‐catalytic strategy. This Review presents a detailed discussion on the recent advances in dual catalytic systems combining organocatalysis and transition metal catalysis, covering the literature of the last five years. A wide variety of combinations of transition metals with organocatalysts including aminocatalysts, such as secondary amines and more recent primary amines, Brønsted acid catalysts, especially phosphoric acids based on the chiral BINOL scaffold and N‐heterocyclic carbene catalysts, are discussed. Considering the great contribution of this domain to organic synthesis, the present and future potential of this new and exciting research field is highlighted.
Mechanistic Studies on the Epoxidation of Alkenes by Macrocyclic Manganese Porphyrin Catalysts
Authors: Chen Xiaofei , Duez Quentin , Tripodi Guilherme L. , Gilissen Pieter J. , Piperoudis Dimitrios , Tinnemans Paul , Elemans Johannes A. A. W. , Roithová Jana , Nolte Roeland J. M.
Published: April 2022

Macrocyclic metal porphyrin complexes can act as shape‐selective catalysts mimicking the action of enzymes. To achieve enzyme‐like reactivity, a mechanistic understanding of the reaction at the molecular level is needed. We report a mechanistic study of alkene epoxidation by the oxidant iodosylbenzene, mediated by an achiral and a chiral manganese(V)oxo porphyrin cage complex. Both complexes convert a great variety of alkenes into epoxides in yields varying between 20–88 %. We monitored the process of the formation of the manganese(V)oxo complexes by oxygen transfer from iodosylbenzene to manganese(III) complexes and their reactivity by ion mobility mass spectrometry. The results show that in the case of the achiral cage complex the initial iodosylbenzene adduct is formed on the inside of the cage and in the case of the chiral one on the outside of the cage. Its decomposition leads to a manganese complex with the oxo ligand on either the inside or outside of the cage. These experimental results are confirmed by DFT calculations. The oxo ligand on the outside of the cage reacts faster with a substrate molecule than the oxo ligand on the inside. The results indicate how the catalytic activity of the macrocyclic porphyrin complex can be tuned and explain why the chiral porphyrin complex does not catalyze the enantioselective epoxidation of alkenes.