bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acalypha indica L. - an Important Medicinal Plant: A Brief Review of Its Pharmacological Properties and Restorative Potential
Authors: Chekuri Sudhakar , Lingfa Lali , Panjala Shivaprasad , Bindu K. C. Sai , Anupalli Roja Rani
Published: August 2020

Medicinal plants are moving from border to mainstream use with a more number of people seeking treatment and health approaches free from side effects caused by synthetic chemicals. India officially recognizes over 3500 plants for their medicinal value. It is generally estimated that over 6000 plants in India are in use in folk, traditional and herbal medicine. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive review on the phytochemical and various pharmacological aspects of Acalypha indica. This plant widely used in traditional medicinal system of India and many other countries has been reported to possess anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, antifungal hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and also used to check anti-ulcers and wounds healing. It is known as a rich source of glycosides, flavanoids and tannins. The medicinal properties and therapeutic uses of Acalypha indica and its secondary metabolites investigations prove its importance as a valuable medicinal plant.
Malaria Prevalence in Rice Farm Settlements South East Nigeria
Authors: Nnamonu Emmanuel Ikechukwu , Ani Ogonna Christiana , Ugwu Felix Joel , Egba Simeon Ikechukwu , Aguzie Ifeanyi Oscar , Okeke Obiageli Panthe , Dialoke Christian Enyi , Asogwa Lilian Obinna , Odo Solomon Ikechukwu
Published: August 2020

Aim: Agrarian settlements in Nigeria possess a lot of factors that predisposes the populace to malaria. The present study focused on the evaluation of three-year prevalence of malaria in rice farm settlements, South-East Nigeria.

Study Design: The study was a retrospective descriptive survey designed to evaluate the prevalence of malaria infection between January 2015 and December 2017. A total of 29, 458 records were examined, 21, 559 and 7, 899 from Ebonyi and Enugu States respectively for three years (2015 – 2017). Male comprises 11, 453 of the records while the female was 18, 005.

Place and Duration: Southeastern Nigeria \ three years

Methodology: Preparation of thick films blood smears for microscopy following standard methods.

Results: Overall, 12, 746 (43.3%) were positive for malaria parasites, 7, 651 (35.4%) and 5, 115 (64.8%) from Ebonyi and Enugu respectively.  Prevalence of the infection was similar between male and female in Ebonyi State (35.5% vs. 35.3%, χ2 = 0.044, df = 1, p = 0.834); but significantly higher in female compared to male in Enugu State (69.7% vs. 55.7%, χ2 = 154.808, df = 1, p = 0.0001).

Conclusion: There was high prevalence of malaria infection in rice farm settlements, south-east Nigeria.
Estimation of Cardiovascular Risk Factors & Their Relative Impact in Diabetic Mellitus-2 Adult Patients’ in Mnazi Mmoja Hospital - Zanzibar
Authors: Juma Mohammed S. , Okafor Chukwuma J. , Dida F. A. , Yusuf Said Ali , Salum Salum S.
Published: August 2020

Diabetes is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and disturbances of carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism. We aimed to estimate the cardiovascular risk factors and their correlation with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Zanzibar (Mnazi MMoja Hospital) hypothesizing that early detection and treatment of lipid abnormalities can minimize the risk for atherogenic cardiovascular disorders and cerebrovascular accident in patients with T2DM.

Methods: The study populations were those patients who presented themselves at Mnazi Mmoja hospital with T2DM, and who are within the age bracket of 18 to 45 years. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglyceride (TG) levels were evaluated. Pearson’s correlation studies were performed between the variables of blood glucose and serum lipid profiles and also within the lipid profile parameters.

Results: TC, TG, LDL-C mean levels were significantly higher in diabetics compared with the control subjects p< 0.05. The HDL-C was however lower in diabetics compared with the controls. Also, the mean FBG, TC, TG, and LDL-C were significantly higher in female diabetic subjects compared to the male counterparts p< 0.05. A positive correlation was observed between FBG and TC, TG and LDL-C (r=0.643 p=0.0021; r=0.679, p=0.0001; r=0.534, p=0.0091 respectively) while HDL-C showed a negative correlation (r= -0.799, p= 0.0021). TC also showed a positive correlation with TG and LDL-C (r=0.590, p=0.0021; r= 0.628, p=0.0001) and negative correlation with HDL-C ( r=-0.670, p=0.0041).

Conclusion: There is an influence of gender on cardiovascular disease risk factors with more of the females seriously at risk. Measurement of serum lipid profile should be introduced to the management plan of diabetes mellitus. There is an urgent need for the establishment of regional and national training courses for diabetic educators and also the creation of new evidence-based management plan for diabetics in Zanzibar for a better healthcare.
The Effect of Soil Slope and Organic Materials on Changes of Land Physical Properties and Napier Grass (Pennisetum purpureum) Production
Authors: . Erita , Sastrawan Sandri , Futra Salmandi , . Hairunnas
Published: August 2020

The movement of water and organic material in the hill slope area influenced by the difference of soil slope and it play an important role to contribute the spatial differences of soil properties. Therefore, this study aims to examine changes in parameters of soil physical properties on various slopes due to the provision of types of organic matter (manure, coffee skins and Gliricidia leaves). This study also analys the influence of slope soil to the Napier grass production (Pennisetum purpureum). The study was obtained in the hilly areas of Paya Tumpi Village by using a split plot organic design. In deep analysis of change in parameters on the slope of the type of organic material on soil physics will be performed. The results showed that organic various types of slope and administration of various types of organic materials significantly affected the physical properties of the soil, namely permeability, porosity, aggregate stability index, fast drainage pore, slow drainage pore, available water pore, growth and yield of Napier grass. Gliricidia leaves compost is the best for growing Napier grass.
Influence of Soil Coverage on Evapotranspiration and Dual Crop Coefficients on Soybean
Authors: Barbieri João Danilo , Freitas Paulo Sérgio Lourenço de , Dallacort Rivanildo , Rezende Roberto , Silva André Luiz Biscaia Ribeiro da , Fenner William , Carvalho Marco Antônio Camillo de
Published: August 2020

Crop coefficient (Kc) study is the main tool used to determine the plant water consumption enabling irrigation management. The dual Kc is related to the evaporation coefficient of water from the soil (Ke), therefore, the objective of the work was to evaluate the influence of the soil coverage, in the variability of the crop evapotranspiration (ETc) of soybean and the dual Kc. The Kc values were determined by the ratio between ETc and ETo (reference evapotranspiration). ETo was estimated using the methodology proposed by Penman-Monteith FAO-56. The ETc values were obtained by the water input and output ratio of the weighing lysimeters system for the culture development phases established as initial; development; intermediate and final. The culture presented a cycle of 118 days for both treatments; the volume of the water precipitated and supplied by irrigation was 786.4 and 89 mm, respectively. The water consumption determined by ETc during the crop cycle was 699.10; 672.57; 649.06; 724.02; 643.46 and 638.12 mm, respectively for levels 0; 2; 4; 6; 8 and 10 t ha-1 of the dry mass of Brachiaria. The average dual Kc obtained was 1.60; 1.48; 1.40; 1.53; 1.42 and 1.47, respectively for coverings and a reduction in Kc was observed for treatments with soil coverage. Yield and development of the root system, were increase on soil coverage of 2 and 4 t  ha-1.
Empirical Analyses of Tax Base Erosion and Economic Growth: Evidence in China, 1990-2018
Authors: Wang Yu-Kun , Zhang Li , Ho We-Me , Liu Fang-Jun
Published: August 2020

Dixon [1] defines subterranean economy(SE) as a mixture of nonmarket economic activities, including home production, prohibited production and distribution of proscribed substances and legal market activities that are concealed for reasons such as tax-evasion.  Whilst the existence of SE in most countries. Up to now there are lack of consensus on the appropriate methodology for estimating its turning point. This paper seeks to shorten this gap by using Kuznets approach to analyze this results. We take China as a study case and incorporate some relevant parameters such as GDP, money supply, tax burden ratio to capture all potential dependent variable responses to relevant independent variables change, and further explore whether there exists inverse-U shaped or Kuznets curve (KC) relation between GDP and total tax revenue.
Anti-proliferative Properties of New Variety Organic Rice MRQ74 Extracts against Colon Cancer Cells: In-vitro Study
Authors: Rohin Mohd Adzim Khalili , Hadi Norhayati Abd , Ridzwan Norhaslinda
Published: August 2020

Aims: To examine the anti-proliferative properties of different extracts of new variety an organic rice MRQ74 towards colon cancer cells: in-vitro study.

Study Design: Experimental study.

Place and Duration of Study: Central Laboratory, Tissue Culture Laboratory, University of Sultan Zainal Abidin, Terengganu from November 2019 until February 2020.

Methodology: The organic rice MRQ74 extracts had been led to tetrazolium salt reduction (MTT) assay and an inhibition concentration of 50 (IC50) value for their cytotoxic potential against colon cancer cells. Meanwhile, cells morphology observation and fluorescence double staining of treatment cells were determined using a light inverted microscope and acridine orange/propidium iodide staining.

Results: Results showed that 50% aqueous ethanol of rice grains gave the lowest IC50 values towards HCT-116 and CT-26 cell lines, while an aqueous solution of rice grains gave the lowest IC50 values towards HT-29 cells (p<0.05). Thoroughly, the treated colon cancer cells had shown morphological alterations after treated with different solvent extracts of an organic rice MRQ74.

Conclusion: The outcomes had observed preliminary results on cancer study for better health by inspiring the consumption of an organic rice MRQ74 and future product developments.
Identification of Metronidazole – Drug Interactions at the Outpatient Setting in Alkharj
Authors: Ahmad Nehad J.
Published: August 2020

Introduction: Metronidazole  is an antibacterial, antiprotozoal and amebicidal agent. It has a good activity against pathogenic anaerobic bacteria, low cost, minor adverse effects and a favorable pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties but still it interacts with many drugs.

Objective: This study aims to assess the interactions of metronidazole with other drugs at the outpatient setting in Alkharj.

Methodology: This is a retrospective study include revision of the electronic records in the outpatient setting in a public hospital in Alkharj in order to determine the incidence of interactions between metronidazole and other drugs in 2017.

Results: In the present study, the concurrent use of metronidazole with azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, domperidone, formoterol and olanzapine may result in increased risk of QT-interval prolongation and arrhythmias. The use of metronidazole with warfarin may result in increased risk of bleeding.

Conclusion: To dispense and prescribe it appropriately antimicrobial stewardship program should be implemented and checking practice should be implemented to avoid the occurrence of Drug - drug interactions.
Autophagy, the innate immune response and cancer
Authors: Gerada Chelsea , Ryan Kevin M.
Published: August 2020

Autophagy is a cellular degradation and recycling system, which can interact with components of innate immune signalling pathways to enhance pathogen clearance, in both immune and nonimmune cells. Whilst this interaction is often beneficial for pathogen clearance, it can have varying outcomes in regard to tumorigenesis. Autophagy and the innate immune response can have both pro‐ and antitumorigenic effects at different stages of tumorigenesis due to the plastic nature of the tumour microenvironment (TME). Although both of these components have been studied in isolation as potential therapeutic targets, there has been less research concerning the interaction between autophagy and the innate immune response within the TME. As the innate immune response is critical for the formation of an effective antitumour adaptive immune response, targeting autophagy pathways in both tumour cells and innate immune cells could enhance tumour clearance. Within tumour cells, autophagy pathways are intertwined with pattern recognition receptor (PRR), inflammatory and cell death pathways, and therefore can alter the immunogenicity of the TME and development of the antitumour immune response. In innate immune cells, autophagy components can have autophagy‐independent roles in functional pathways, and therefore could be valuable targets for enhancing immune cell function in the TME and immunotherapy. This review highlights the individual importance of autophagy and the innate immune response to tumorigenesis, and also explains the complex interactions between these pathways in the TME.
Robust sensorless low‐speed trajectory tracking for a permanent magnet synchronous motor: An extended state observer based backstepping control approach
Authors: Linares‐Flores Jesús , Hernández‐Méndez Arturo , Javier Vásquez‐Sanjuan Jacob , Guerrero‐Castellanos José Fermi , Curiel‐Olivares Gonzalo
Published: August 2020

This article deals with the low‐speed sensorless trajectory tracking control of a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM). The rotor position and angular speed are obtained through back electromotive forces (back‐EMF), using extended state observers (ESOs) in the alpha‐beta coordinates. Additionally, the estimation of the back‐EMF is used by an algebraic module to reconstruct online the position and speed using an off‐line estimation of the back‐EMF parameter . The control law is derived using a robust recursive controller design methodology, namely; the backstepping design approach in the d‐q coordinates. Estimation schemes allow the adaptation of the angular position, angular speed, and the load torque parameters in the control law. With this adaptation, the controller achieves the necessary robustness to reduce the effects of endogenous and exogenous perturbations present in the PMSM system. The trajectory tracking task is achieved at low angular speed, with the presence of a load torque applied to the motor shaft. Experimental results at low‐speed and rated load/no‐load conditions are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed scheme.
Delivering Proangiogenic Factors from 3D‐Printed Polycaprolactone Scaffolds for Vascularized Bone Regeneration
Authors: Liu Haoming , Du Yingying , Yang Gaojie , Hu Xixi , Wang Lin , Liu Bin , Wang Jianglin , Zhang Shengmin
Published: August 2020

Natural bone is a highly vascularized tissue that relies on the vasculature for blood and nutrients supply to maintain skeletal integrity. Inadequacy of neovascularization may compromise the tissue ingrowth to the implanted scaffolds, and eventually results in failure for the repair. To tackle this issue and enhance self‐vascularized bone regeneration, herein a 3D biomimetic selective lasersintering (SLS) derived scaffold, with an angiogenic growth factor immobilized on its surface, that can be released in a controlled manner is proposed. To this end, a porous polycaprolactone/hydroxyapatite (PCL/HA) scaffold is prepared via the SLS technique, which is further modified with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by coprecipitation with apatite. The resultant scaffold (PCL/HA/VEGF) has an excellent cytocompatibility, and subcutaneous implantation experiment shows that the VEGF‐loaded scaffold significantly enhances the blood vessel formation compared with the VEGF‐free control. It is further demonstrated that the PCL/HA/VEGF scaffold is able to enhance the in vivo bone regeneration in a rat cranial defect model. Taken together, the current study provides not only a feasible and promising scaffold candidate to enhance the vascularized bone regeneration, but also a general strategy to overcome the inadequate vascularization issue for the repair of other tissue and organs.
Spin‐Orbit Torque Magnetization Switching in MoTe2/Permalloy Heterostructures
Authors: Liang Shiheng , Shi Shuyuan , Hsu Chuang‐Han , Cai Kaiming , Wang Yi , He Pan , Wu Yang , Pereira Vitor M. , Yang Hyunsoo
Published: August 2020

The ability to switch magnetic elements by spin‐orbit‐induced torques has recently attracted much attention for a path toward high‐performance, nonvolatile memories with low power consumption. Realizing efficient spin‐orbit‐based switching requires the harnessing of both new materials and novel physics to obtain high charge‐to‐spin conversion efficiencies, thus making the choice of spin source crucial. Here, the observation of spin‐orbit torque switching in bilayers consisting of a semimetallic film of 1T′‐MoTe2 adjacent to permalloy is reported. Deterministic switching is achieved without external magnetic fields at room temperature, and the switching occurs with currents one order of magnitude smaller than those typical in devices using the best‐performing heavy metals. The thickness‐dependence can be understood if the interfacial spin‐orbit contribution is considered in addition to the bulk spin Hall effect. Further threefold reduction in the switching current is demonstrated with resort to dumbbell‐shaped magnetic elements. These findings foretell exciting prospects of using MoTe2 for low‐power semimetal‐material‐based spin devices.
Hyaluronic Acid Conjugates of Vorinostat and Bexarotene for Treatment of Cutaneous Malignancies
Authors: Sallam Marwa A. , Prakash Supriya , Krishnan Vinu , Todorova Kristina , Mandinova Anna , Mitragotri Samir
Published: August 2020

Skin cancer is the most common class of malignancies in humans with increasing incidence worldwide. Although surgery remains the most common treatment approach, relapses after surgery necessitate other treatment options. There is an increasing clinical demand for topical treatments for skin cancer that can improve the drug's cutaneous localization while limiting systemic absorption. In this study, hyaluronic acid (HA) conjugates are successfully synthesized by attaching a third‐generation retinoid (bexarotene) and a histone deacetylase inhibitor (vorinostat) to HA via ester bonds. The conjugates are characterized to ensure identity and quantify total drug loading. HA‐BEX and HA‐VOR exhibit a synergistic anticancer effect against human squamous cell carcinoma (A431) and human cutaneous T cell lymphoma cell lines (HUT 78) at specific ratios with minimal adverse effect on primary human keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Confocal microscopy demonstrates localization of the conjugates inside the cancer cells. Ex vivo skin permeation studies on human skin explants confirm their ability to penetrate the stratum corneum and reach the deep dermis. Biodistribution studies in the skin reveal the presence of both drugs in the epidermis and dermis in amounts sufficient to exert inhibitory effect on cancer cells. HA‐bexarotene‐vorinostat conjugates offer an excellent therapeutic option to treat skin cancers.
Switchable Wettability and Adhesion of Micro/Nanostructured Elastomer Surface via Electric Field for Dynamic Liquid Droplet Manipulation
Authors: Li Yan , Li Jinrong , Liu Liwu , Yan Yufeng , Zhang Qiuya , Zhang Na , He Linlin , Liu Yanju , Zhang Xiaofang , Tian Dongliang , Leng Jinsong , Jiang Lei
Published: August 2020

Dynamic control of liquid wetting behavior on smart surfaces has attracted considerable concern owing to their important applications in directional motion, confined wetting and selective separation. Despite much progress in this regard, there still remains challenges in dynamic liquid droplet manipulation with fast response, no loss and anti‐contamination. Herein, a strategy to achieve dynamic droplet manipulation and transportation on the electric field adaptive superhydrophobic elastomer surface is demonstrated. The superhydrophobic elastomer surface is fabricated by combining the micro/nanostructured clusters of hydrophobic TiO2 nanoparticles with the elastomer film, on which the micro/nanostructure can be dynamically and reversibly tuned by electric field due to the electric field adaptive deformation of elastomer film. Accordingly, fast and reversible transition of wetting state between Cassie state and Wenzel state and tunable adhesion on the surface via electric field induced morphology transformation can be obtained. Moreover, the motion states of the surface droplets can be controlled dynamically and precisely, such as jumping and pinning, catching and releasing, and controllable liquid transfer without loss and contamination. Thus this work would open the avenue for dynamic liquid manipulation and transportation, and gear up the broad application prospects in liquid transfer, selective separation, anti‐fog, anti‐ice, microfluidics devices, etc.
Lead Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals: Room Temperature Syntheses toward Commercial Viability
Authors: Brown Alasdair A. M. , Damodaran Bahulayan , Jiang Liudi , Tey Ju Nie , Pu Suan Hui , Mathews Nripan , Mhaisalkar Subodh G.
Published: August 2020

In this progress report, recent improvements to the room temperaturesyntheses of lead halide perovskite nanocrystals (APbX3, X = Cl, Br, I) are assessed, focusing on various aspects which influence the commercial viability of the technology. Perovskite nanocrystals can be prepared easily from low‐cost precursors under ambient conditions, yet they have displayed near‐unity photoluminescence quantum yield with narrow, highly tunable emission peaks. In addition to their impressive ambipolar charge carrier mobilities, these properties make lead halide perovskite nanocrystals very attractive for light‐emitting diode (LED) applications. However, there are still many practical hurdles preventing commercialization. Recent developments in room temperature synthesis and purification protocols are reviewed, closely evaluating the suitability of particular techniques for industry. This is followed by an assessment of the wide range of ligands deployed on perovskite nanocrystal surfaces, analyzing their impact on colloidal stability, as well as LED efficiency. Based on these observations, a perspective on important future research directions that can expedite the industrial adoption of perovskite nanocrystals is provided.
Synergistic development of maize stalk as a strategy to reduce lodging risk
Authors: Xue Jun , Gao Shang , Li Lulu , Xu Honggen , Ming Bo , Wang Keru , Hou Peng , Xie Ruizhi , Li Shaokun
Published: August 2020

The reason for different maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids exhibiting differences in stalk lodging risk between the 12‐leaf (V12) and flowering stages is unclear. This study tracked internode development included morphology, carbohydrate accumulation, and mechanical strength of basal internodes in four widely‐planted maize hybrids in China for two consecutive growing seasons. And then used logistic model to estimate the time of initiation and termination of rapid thickening, lengthening, accumulation of dry weight per unit length (DWUL), cellulose, lignin, and increase in rind penetration strength (RPS) of internodes. Planting density was 7.5 × 104 plants ha−1. The results shows that basal internodes development in maize begins with a period of rapid thickening and lengthening, followed by DWUL accumulation, and finally an increase in RPS. The period of DWUL accumulation was the longest of these developmental periods and occurred throughout internode development. For hybrid with a low risk of stalk lodging, RPS development began in later part of the rapid elongation period. In contrast, rapid RPS development in hybrid with a high risk of stalk lodging began after the rapid elongation period. Rapid DWUL accumulation and RPS development can reduce the adverse effects caused by rapid elongation of basal internodes. The shorter the interval between rapid elongation, DWUL accumulation, and RPS development of the basal internodes, the greater a plant's resistance to stalk lodging. Therefore, lodging risk can be reduced through selection and breeding strategies that achieve synergistic development of morphology, dry matter accumulation, and mechanical strength in maize stalks.
An Approach to Economic Evaluation in Undergraduate Anatomy Education
Authors: Chumbley Samuel D. , Devaraj Vikram S. , Mattick Karen
Published: August 2020

Medical education research is becoming increasingly concerned with the value (defined as “educational outcomes per dollar spent”) of different teaching approaches. However, the financial costs of various approaches to teaching anatomy are under‐researched, making evidence‐based comparisons of the value of different teaching approaches impossible. Therefore, the aims of this study were to report the cost of six popular anatomy teaching methods through a specific, yet generalizable approach, and to demonstrate a process in which these results can be used in conjunction with existing effectiveness data to undertake an economic evaluation. A cost analysis was conducted to report the direct and indirect costs of six anatomy teaching methods, using an established approach to cost‐reporting. The financial information was then combined with previously published information about the effectiveness of these six teaching methods in increasing anatomy knowledge, thereby demonstrating how estimations of value can be made. Dissection was reported as the most expensive teaching approach and computer aided instruction/learning (CAI/L) was the least, based on an estimation of total cost per student per year and assuming a student cohort size of just over 1,000 (the United Kingdom average). The demonstrated approach to economic evaluation suggested computer aided instruction/learning as the approach that provided the most value, in terms of education outcomes per dollar spent. The study concludes by suggesting that future medical education research should incorporate substantially greater consideration of cost, in order to draw important conclusions about value for learners.
Student, Educator, and Parent Perspectives of Self‐Determination in High School Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Tomaszewski Brianne , Kraemer Bonnie , Steinbrenner Jessica R. , Smith DaWalt Leann , Hall Laura J. , Hume Kara , Odom Samuel
Published: August 2020

Self‐determination refers to an individual being a causal agent in their daily activities, including the ability to express their own needs, interests, and wants, make choices, and set goals. Self‐determination is critical during adolescence and has been linked to positive educational outcomes in individuals with disabilities. Few studies have characterized the measurement of self‐determination in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The purpose of the current study was to (a) examine the agreement across the American Institutes for Research Self‐Determination Scale (Wolman et al., AIR Self‐determination scale and user guide. Palo Alto, CA: American Institute for Research, 1994) student, educator, and parent forms for high school students with ASD, and (b) examine student and family predictors of self‐determination. Participants included adolescents with ASD (N = 547, mean chronological age = 16.1 years, SD = 1.4 years), their parents, and educators. Student reports did not correspond to parent or educator reports, and parent and educator reports were in moderate agreement. Adaptive behavior was a significant predictor of self‐determination across reporters, highlighting the significance of adaptive behavior skills during high school. In addition to promoting adaptive behavior, supporting family empowerment, and reducing family burden may help to increase self‐determination in high school students with ASD.

Lay Summary

Self‐determination refers to the abilities and opportunities for students to make choices, plans, and set goals. The current study examined self‐determination from multiple perspectives in a large, diverse sample of high school students with ASD. Students, parents, and their teachers each completed a questionnaire on self‐determination and had little to some agreement across reporters. Providing support to families and help for students to increase independent skills may promote self‐determination.
Controlled Lithium Deposition on Alq3 Coated Substrate**
Authors: Zhong Haoxiang , Zhao Yangzhi , Zhang Ting , Liu Gao
Published: August 2020

High theoretical charge capacity (3,860 mAh g−1) and low redox potential (−3.04 V vs. standard hydrogen electrode) make lithium metal a promising anode for next‐generation high energy density battery. However, the practical implementation of Li‐metal anode is still elusive due to poor coulombic efficiency and cycling performance as well as safety concerns caused by lithium dendrite formation and poor compatibility of liquid electrolyte with lithium. In this work, we developed a strategy to control lithium deposition and growth by using surface modified electrodes coated by a conductive chelate compound tris‐(8‐hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (Alq3) onto copper current collector. As a result, Alq3 exhibits good conductivity and electrochemical stability verified by cyclic voltammetry test. The Alq3 can modulate lithium metal growth on Cu surface, in addition, it demonstrates morphology control of deposited lithium by tuning variables such as current density and coating thickness. Optimal cycling stability and stable coulombic efficiency over 300 cycles are observed on the Li||Alq3/Cu cell at 50 nm coating thickness – an evidence shows controlled lithium deposition by this simple but effective surface modified electrode.
Controlling at Elevated Temperature the Sodium Intercalation Capacity and Rate Capability of P3‐Na2/3Ni1/2Mn1/2O2 through the Selective Substitution of Nickel with Magnesium
Authors: Kalapsazova Mariya , Markov Pavel , Kostov Krassimir , Zhecheva Ekaterina , Nihtianova Diana , Stoyanova Radostina
Published: August 2020

The integration of sodium‐ion batteries into large‐scale energy storage systems will become feasible in the case when their performance becomes less sensitive towards ambient temperature. Herein, we demonstrate the elaboration of the oxide‐based electrode material with an optimized layered structure and composition that is designed to work at elevated temperatures. Through selective substitution of Mg2+ ions for Ni2+ in the three‐layered oxide, P3‐Na2/3Ni1/2Mn1/2O2, the oxidation state of Ni ions, the cationic distribution in the layers, the sodium intercalation capacity, and the rate capability is manipulated. The electrochemical behavior of P3‐Na2/3Ni1/3Mg1/6Mn1/2O2 is discussed on the basis of ex situ diffraction as well as microscopic and spectroscopic methods in terms of redox activity of the lattice oxygen, the reversible transfer of Mg2+ and Ni2+ ions between layers during Na+ intercalation, thermal stability of cycled electrodes, and surface reactivity of the layered oxide towards the ionic liquid (IL) electrolyte. At 40 °C, the rate capability of the oxide is improved upon using an IL electrolyte rather than the carbonate‐based electrolyte.
Organizational transition management of circular business model innovations
Authors: Hofmann Florian , Jaeger‐Erben Melanie
Published: August 2020

Scholars and practitioners across fields increasingly recognize that business models for the circular economy may be an effective lever for solving ecological persistent problems such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and growing natural resource scarcity. Despite a growing interest in the potential of circular business models, interconnections between the organizational dimensions of firms and their business model innovation processes remain underexplored. Based on problem‐centered expert interviews with business consultants experienced in circular business development, this study creates a conceptual model that offers structured knowledge about why firms steadily reproduce linear BMs and how incumbents manifest themselves as a constant linear‐oriented value creation system. The model also demonstrates organizational conditions and management strategies that frustrate the reproduction of linear BMs and, thus, enable initial moves towards CBM innovation. Building on this, the article provides a set of propositions on how an organizational transition management may be configured and what incumbents require to successfully navigate circular business model innovation. The findings provide a foundation for a contemporary understanding of circular business model transition management, which simultaneously serve as impulses for future research investigations.
Current diagnostic tools for coronaviruses–From laboratory diagnosis to POC diagnosis for COVID‐19
Authors: Wang Yung‐Chih , Lee Yi‐Tzu , Yang Ting , Sun Jun‐Ren , Shen Ching‐Fen , Cheng Chao‐Min
Published: August 2020

The Coronavirus‐2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has put tremendous strain on healthcare systems worldwide. It is challenging for clinicians to differentiate COVID‐19 from other acute respiratory tract infections via clinical symptoms because those who are infected display a wide range of symptoms. An effective, point‐of‐care (POC) diagnostic tool could mitigate healthcare system strain, protect healthcare professionals, and support quarantine efforts. We believe that a POC tool can be developed that would be rapid, easy to use, and inexpensive. It could be used in the home, in resource‐limited areas, and even in clinical settings. In this article, we summarize the current state of COVID‐19 diagnostic methods and make a case for an all‐in‐one, highly sensitive POC assay that integrates antibody detection, protein detection, and serum cytokine detection to diagnose COVID‐19 infection. We believe this article will provide insights into the current state of diagnostics for COVID‐19, and promote additional research and tool development that could be exceptionally impactful.
Does digital content marketing affect tourism consumer behavior? An extension oftechnology acceptance model
Authors: Mathew Viju , Soliman Mohammad
Published: August 2020

With the rapidly dramatic environmental change and intensive competition, tourism organisations are required to adopt advanced marketing strategies and techniques. Recently, digital content marketing (DCM) has become one of the most prominent marketing tools that has substantial benefits and influences in different settings and domains. To this end, it is crucial to understand the effect of DCM on consumer behavior within the tourism context. Therefore, this research empirically examines an extendedtechnology acceptance model (TAM) model to investigate and compare the influence of DCM on travel and tourism consumer behavior in two distinct countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. A quantitative approach was adopted by collecting surveys from a convenience sample of 285 and 122 participants in Egypt and Oman, respectively. The findings of PLS‐structural equation modelling revealed that the TAM major constructs were good elucidating the attitude and behavior toward using of DCM for tourism purposes. It is also found that perceived enjoyment and perceived convenience are antecedents of customers' attitudes, which in turn, influence their intention and behavior of using DCM to buy or select a certain tourism product/service. The current study contributes to knowledge of DCM literature in the tourism field in general and within the MENA region in particular. It also adds to studies on TAM and digital technologies by extending two critical constructs related to tourism consumer behavior. The practical implications will greatly support tourism marketers and authorities to develop their tourism strategies and marketing activities. Future research can be expanded to study different target groups comprehending region differences.
Theoretical Investigation on Regioselectivities of Diels‐Alder Reactions by Conjugated Effect
Authors: Xu Zhen‐Zhen , Zhao Jian , Zhao Dong‐Xia , Yang Zhong‐Zhi
Published: August 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusion

The regioselectivities of 76 Diels‐Alder reactions between unsymmetrical dienes and dienophiles were investigated by local softness and generalized local softness at atomic and chemical bond view, respectively, where the reactivity descriptors were calculated by finite difference approximation and ABEEMσπ model. Based on local HSAB principle and matching criterion of local softness, reasonable explanation and prediction on regioselectivities of all reactions through ABEEMσπ model have been obtained, which are in agreement with the experimental results. Especially, at π‐bond level, while the 1‐substituents of dienes were NH2, NMe2, and NEt2, because of the p‐π conjugated effect between the lone pairs of N atom and the conjugated π‐bond of the four double‐bonded carbon atoms in diene, it made the dienophile not easy to approach diene by Manner A, hence, Manner B can forecast the ortho regioisomer as main product well, and Manner A cannot. As to the other reactions, both Manner A and Manner B can predict their regioselectivities. It can be seen that the ABEEMσπ model can take the effect of the chemical environment on the reaction reactivity into account richly, especially the system includes π‐bond and lone pairs. However, the results through the finite difference approximation are not reasonable.
Porpholactone Chemistry: Shining New Light on an Old Cofactor
Authors: Jin Guo‐Qing , Xue Hao‐Zong , Zhang Jun‐Long
Published: August 2020

The emergence of porpholactone chemistry, discovered over 30 years ago, has significantly stimulated the development of biomimetic tetrapyrrole chemistry. It offers an opportunity, through modifications of non‐pyrrolic building blocks, to clarify the relationship between chemical structure and excited‐state properties, deciphering the structural code for the biological functions of life pigments. With intriguing photophysical properties in the red to near‐infrared (NIR) regions, facile modulation of their electronic nature by fine‐tuning chemical structures, and coordination ability with diverse metal ions, these novel porphyrinoids have favorable prospects in the fields of optical materials, bioimaging and therapy, and catalysis. In this Minireview, we summarize the brief history of porpholactone chemistry, and focus on the studies carried out in our group, particularly on the regioisomeric effect, NIR lanthanide luminescence, and metal catalysis. We outline the perspectives of these compounds in the construction of porpholactone‐related biomedical applications and optical and energy materials, in order to inspire more interest and further advance bioinspired inorganic chemistry and lanthanide chemical biology.
A Mixed‐Metal Porphyrinic Framework Promoting Gas‐Phase CO2 Photoreduction without Organic Sacrificial Agents
Authors: Gao Wen‐Yang , Ngo Huong T. , Niu Zheng , Zhang Weijie , Pan Yanxiong , Yang Zhongyu , Bhethanabotla Venkat R. , Joseph Babu , Aguila Briana , Ma Shengqian
Published: August 2020

A photoactive porphyrinic metal−organic framework (MOF) has been prepared by exchanging Ti into a Zr‐based MOF precursor. The resultant mixed‐metal Ti/Zr porphyrinic MOF demonstrates much‐improved efficiency for gas‐phase CO2 photoreduction into CH4 and CO under visible‐light irradiation using water vapor compared to the parent Zr‐MOF. Insightful studies have been conducted to probe the photocatalysis processes. This work provides the first example of gas‐phase CO2 photoreduction into methane without organic sacrificial agents on a MOF platform, thereby paving an avenue for developing MOF‐based photocatalysts for application in CO2 photoreduction and other types of photoreactions.
A novel holistic approach for performance evaluation in Internet of Things
Authors: Martinez‐Caro Jose‐Manuel , Cano Maria‐Dolores
Published: August 2020

The deployment of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions in smart cities or industrial environments (Industrial IoT, IIoT) demands careful consideration in terms of user‐centric or system‐centric target metrics. A better monitoring system able to transform performance outputs into decision‐making and intelligent actions requires less restrictive performance evaluation methods. Classic approaches to performance evaluation in telecommunication networks rely on Quality of Service (QoS) and/or Quality of user Experience (QoE) assessment models. However, the new IoT paradigm establishes a completely different scenario, where, for instance, consumers might no longer be users but machines. In this paper, we propose the evaluation of the performance of IoT services and applications comprising the combination of four quality measures, namely, Quality of Data (QoD), Quality of Information (QoI), Quality of user Experience (QoE), and Quality Cost (QC). The proposal is analyzed using computing simulations. Specifically, we improve the simulation tool FLoRa (Framework for LoRa) incorporating additional LoRa Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) features. LoRaWAN is a Low‐Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) technology that operates on the LoRa modulation scheme. Long coverage ranges, low power consumption, and support for a massive number of IoT devices using a limited infrastructure are the main assets of LoRaWAN, establishing it as one of the top IoT technologies. Results show that it is easier and more efficient to disassociate metrics into different dimensions in order to provide a clear vision of the performance of IoT services. This performance evaluation method can be customized and applied to different IoT markets.
An efficient authentication and key agreement scheme for secure smart grid communication services
Authors: Hammami Hamza , Obaidat Mohammad S. , Ben Yahia Sadok
Published: August 2020

The smart grid is a new and promising technology integrating new information and communication technologies to improve the distribution and consumption of electricity between energy suppliers and their end customers. However, this advanced solution is facing a serious security problem as regards the interception and falsification of power consumption data, hence generating falsified electricity consumption bills. This issue of security needs to be promptly and efficiently handled. Clearly, it is of paramount importance to have a security mechanism to avoid such losses. Our work focuses on this issue. It particularly concerns the development of a security mechanism to ensure a completely secure communication between energy suppliers and their consumers while preserving the privacy of end customers in terms of protection of their personal information including their identities. The experimental results underscore that our solution outperforms those of the literature in terms of computation cost and robustness against various types of attacks.
Evaluation of ion mobility in capillary electrophoresis coupled to mass spectrometry for the identification in metabolomics
Authors: Drouin Nicolas , Mielcarek Andreas , Wenz Christian , Rudaz Serge
Published: August 2020

Currently, feature annotation remains one of the main challenges in untargeted metabolomics. In this context, the information provided by high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) in addition to accurate mass can improve the quality of metabolite annotation, and MS/MS fragmentation patterns are widely used. Accurate mass and a separation index, such as retention time or effective mobility (μeff), in chromatographic and electrophoretic approaches, respectively, must be used for unequivocal metabolite identification. The possibility of measuring collision cross‐section (CCS) values by using ion mobility (IM) is becoming increasingly popular in metabolomic studies thanks to the new generation of IM mass spectrometers. Based on their similar separation mechanisms involving electric field and the size of the compounds, the complementarity of DTCCSN2 and μeff needs to be evaluated. In this study, a comparison of DTCCSN2 and μeff was achieved in the context of feature identification ability in untargeted metabolomics by capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) coupled with HRMS. This study confirms the high correlation of DTCCSN2 with the mass of the studied metabolites as well as the orthogonality between accurate mass and μeff, making this combination particularly interesting for the identification of several endogenous metabolites. The use of IM‐MS remains of great interest for facilitating the annotation of neutral metabolites present in the electroosmotic flow (EOF) that are poorly or not separated by CZE.
Application of Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction Followed by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry Analysis to Determine Tetrabromobisphenol A in Complex Matrices
Authors: Macêdo Williane Vieira , Bernegossi Aline Christine , Sabatini Carolina Aparecida , Corbi Juliano José , Zaiat Marcelo
Published: August 2020

An accurate and sensitive ultrasound-dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction technique followed by high-performance liquid chromatography separation coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry detection method to determine the presence of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) in complex environmental matrices is proposed. The miniaturized procedure was used to extract and quantify the analyte in domestic sewage, anaerobic sludge, and the aquatic test organism species Daphnia magna and Chironomus sancticaroli, which are standardized organisms for ecotoxicity bioassays. Limits of detection of 2 ng L−1 (domestic sewage), 2 ng g−1 (anaerobic sludge), 0.25 ng g−1 (D. magna), and 5 ng g−1 (C. tentans) were obtained. The presence of TBBPA was determined in domestic sewage and anaerobic sludge from an anaerobic batch bioreactor at a concentration of 0.2 ± 0.03 μg L−1 and 507 ± 79 ng g−1, respectively. In D. magna and C. sancticaroli exposed to TBBPA in an acute toxicity bioassay, the micropollutant accumulated at 3.74 and 8.87 μg g−1, respectively. The proposed method is a simple and cost-effective tool to determine TBBPA environmental occurrence and biomagnification potential compared with conventional extraction methods. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first liquid–liquid miniaturized extraction method to be applied to D. magna and C. sancticaroli.  Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:2147–2157. © 2020 SETAC

Abstract

TBBPA quantification in complex matrices. DLLME-HPLC-ESI-MS/MS = dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction-high-performance liquid chromatography-ionization–tandem mass spectrometry.