bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Los derechos sindicales en las cooperativas: un estudio de su regulación en la negociación colectiva
Authors: Canalda Criado Sergio
Published: July 2022

Las cooperativas representan un escenario idóneo para la expresión de los valores democráticos. Con relación a ello, las organizaciones sindicales están llamadas a desempeñar un papel fundamental en nuestro ordenamiento jurídico a través de la articulación de la defensa de los intereses de los trabajadores, dentro y fuera de las empresas. La confluencia de la acción sindical y los principios democráticos que rigen las cooperativas es el objeto de esta investigación. Concretamente, en este trabajo se analiza la negociación colectiva desarrollada en las sociedades cooperativas como ejemplo de esa confluencia. El análisis toma en consideración, por un lado, las características de los convenios colectivos y los sujetos representantes de los trabajadores que los han negociado y, por otro lado, el contenido de los convenios que regula derechos sindicales.El análisis de la muestra de convenios colectivos permite mostrar un mapa completo de la negociación colectiva que se produce en las cooperativas atendiendo al ámbito funcional, territorial y personal, así como el tipo de sujeto representante de los trabajadores y las organizaciones sindicales participantes. Además, el trabajo permite detectar que los convenios colectivos que regulan derechos sindicales no sólo mejoran las competencias y las garantías protegidas legalmente, sino que también garantizan un efectivo ejercicio del derecho de libertad sindical más allá de los representantes sindicales.
Organizing Workers in the Informal Economy in Selected African and Latin American Countries: The Potential of Trade Union and Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) partnerships
Authors: Pérez Colombia , Hunt Abigail , Binat Sarwar Moizza
Published: July 2022

The article gives an account of the result of the research developed in response to the call made by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Open Society Foundations (OSF) in 2021 to carry out a project that would identify the potential of the link between unions and cooperatives to organize workers in the informal economy in African and Latin American countries. Researchers from ODI, London, with the collaboration of researchers and practitioners from Brazil, Colombia, Ghana, Kenya and Uganda, identified and documented partnership examples through which to shed light development processes, identify learning on successes and challenges, and inform recommendations for future support. A country case study of Colombia is provided to illustrate the variety, complexity and possibilities of the topic studied. Three nascent partnership experiences, linked in different ways to the social and solidarity economy, demonstrate the potential of this approach to promote fair trade, responsible consumption and local markets, boost entrepreneurship and create decent working conditions for workers who traditionally face informality.
Colaboración (y conflicto) en la relación entre Sindicatos y Tercer Sector de Acción Social
Authors: García Calavia Miguel Ángel , Rigby Mike
Published: July 2022

En este artículo, se explora algunas de las colaboraciones entre Sindicatos y Organizaciones Comunitarias de Acción Social (OCAS) que han tenido lugar en el País Valenciano a través de las campañas que han promovido, concretamente, las condiciones bajo las que se ha constituido y ha funcionado las coaliciones y los resultados que se han obtenido en las campañas. Asimismo, las reservas o discrepancias que han podido surgir en esas campañas o en otras con los mismos actores sociales.Para ello, se utiliza la información procedente de entrevistas en profundidad a responsables de Sindicatos y OCAS que han protagonizado esas colaboraciones; también, la documentación que han aportado. Se trata de una exploración eminentemente descriptiva. Los principales resultados de sus acciones han sido la visibilización de los problemas abordados, la aprobación de medidas por algunos gobiernos para atajarlos, la mejora del clima político; y el reforzamiento organizativo de las coaliciones. También, ha habido recelos entre sindicatos y OCAS cuando en su interacción se ha visto afectada la función representativa de los sindicatos.
A Study on Financial Feasibility of Cloud Kitchen Firms in Hyderabad Region in Telangana, India
Authors: Deepak B. , Radhika P. , Baba Md. Ali , Chary Srinivasa
Published: July 2022

Cloud kitchens are commercial kitchens that prepare food only for delivery purpose and do not provide dine-in facility for customers. In the cloud kitchen model, a brand owns or rents a space where its chefs work and uses its own or third-party order and delivery systems. It may also provide a takeaway service where customers can wait to collect their food. The cost incurred to establish a cloud kitchen is much lesser than conventional restaurant and can be situated within a small area and it has less operational costs due to which cloud kitchens are more profitable than normal restaurants. In this perspective, the study is conducted to analyze the financial viability of cloud kitchen firms. Hyderabad city was preferred as the study area. For the analysis, data was collected through personal interviews from the selected cloud kitchen firms with the help of structured questionnaire. Data regarding the establishment and operational costs of cloud kitchen firms are taken from cloud kitchen. The analytical tools NPV and B: C ratios are used to know the financial feasibility of the cloud kitchen firms.
Analysis of the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Income of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Fishers in Darmaraja District, Sumedang Regency
Authors: Maghfira Riezka , Rizal Achmad , Grandiosa Roffi , Suryana Asep Agus Handaka
Published: July 2022

This study aims to determine fishers’ income, and health application protocols among tilapia fishers (Oreochromis niloticus) in Jatigede Reservoir, specifically, in Darmaraja District, Sumedang Regency, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purposive sampling technique was used, where data collection is done using a questionnaire technique. Primary data was obtained using a questionnaire to determine knowledge about the COVID-19 pandemic, and its health protocols. Secondary data were obtained from various sources such as literature, journals, theses, books, and the Sumedang District Fisheries Service. The amount of profit obtained from the revenue price minus production costs, which are divided into fixed costs (ship maintenance costs, machinery, and fishing gear depreciation), and variable costs (consumption costs and fuel costs). The results showed that the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on fishers understanding and the application of health protocols. This resulted into decrease in the number of fishing trips and a decrease in fish prices affecting supply and demand instability leading to reduction of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fishers profits in Darmaraja District, Sumedang Regency.
Isolation, Identification and Pathogenicity Assay of Fungal Species on Horse Purslane (Trianthema portulacastrum L.,)
Authors: Sreeja Eddem , Arthanari P. Murali , Sendhilvel V. , Somasundaram E.
Published: July 2022

A field survey was carried out in Tamil Nadu agricultural university, Coimbatore, to locate Horse purslane (Trianthema portulacastrum) infected with fungal pathogens. Heavily infested areas were recognized and symptomatic leaves were collected. Fungal species account for leaf spot disease of Horse purslane were Isolated from infected leaves on PDA medium. Based on morphological characteristics two foliar pathogens of Horse purslane were identified as Gibbago trianthemae Simmons and Curvularia tuberculata Sivan. Pathogenicity of two isolates was tested by applying spore treatment to Horse purslane (test plants). Leaves of test plants showed naturally occurring symptoms after inoculation with pathogens. Among the two isolates, Gibbago trianthemae was shown to be more effective against Horse purslane than Curvularia tuberculata.
Development of a vendor neutral MRI distortion quality assurance workflow
Authors: Walker Amy , Chlap Phillip , Causer Trent , Mahmood Faisal , Buckley Jarryd , Holloway Lois
Published: July 2022

With the utilization of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in radiotherapy increasing, routine quality assurance (QA) of these systems is necessary. The assessment of geometric distortion in images used for radiotherapy treatment planning needs to be quantified and monitored over time. This work presents an adaptable methodology for performing routine QA for systematic MRI geometric distortion. A software tool and compatible protocol (designed to work with any CT and MR compatible phantom on any scanner) were developed to quantify geometric distortion via deformable image registration. The MR image is deformed to the CT, generating a deformation field, which is sampled, quantifying geometric distortion as a function of distance from scanner isocenter. Configurability of the QA tool was tested, and results compared to those provided from commercial solutions. Registration accuracy was investigated by repeating the deformable registration step on the initial deformed MR image to define regions with residual distortions. The geometric distortion of four clinical systems was quantified using the customisable QA method presented. Maximum measured distortions varied from 2.2 to 19.4 mm (image parameter and sampling volume dependent). The workflow was successfully customized for different phantom configurations and volunteer imaging studies. Comparison to a vendor supplied solution showed good agreement in regions where the two procedures were sampling the same imaging volume. On a large field of view phantom across various scanners, the QA tool accurately quantified geometric distortions within 17–22 cm from scanner isocenter. Beyond these regions, the geometric integrity of images in clinical applications should be considered with a higher degree of uncertainty due to increased gradient nonlinearity and B0 inhomogeneity. This tool has been successfully integrated into routine QA of the MRI scanner utilized for radiotherapy within our department. It enables any low susceptibility MR‐CT compatible phantom to quantify the geometric distortion on any MRI scanner with a configurable, user friendly interface for ease of use and consistency in data collection and analysis.
PI4K2A deficiency causes innate error in intracellular trafficking with developmental and epileptic‐dyskinetic encephalopathy
Authors: Dafsari Hormos Salimi , Pemberton Joshua G. , Ferrer Elizabeth A. , Yammine Tony , Farra Chantal , Mohammadi Mohammad Hasan , Ghayoor Karimiani Ehsan , Hashemi Narges , Souaid Mirna , Sabbagh Sandra , Najarzadeh Torbati Paria , Khan Suliman , Roze Emmanuel , Moreno‐De‐Luca Andres , Bertoli‐Avella Aida M. , Houlden Henry , Balla Tamas , Maroofian Reza
Published: July 2022

Objective

Intracellular signaling networks rely on proper membrane organization to control an array of cellular processes such as metabolism, proliferation, apoptosis, and macroautophagy in eukaryotic cells and organisms. Phosphatidylinositol 4‐phosphate (PI4P) emerged as an essential regulatory lipid within organelle membranes that defines their lipid composition and signaling properties. PI4P is generated by four distinct phosphatidylinositol 4‐kinases (PI4K) in mammalian cells: PI4KA, PI4KB, PI4K2A, PI4K2B. Animal models and human genetic studies suggest vital roles of PI4K enzymes in development and function of various organs, including the nervous system. Bi‐allelic variants in PI4KA were recently associated with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD), brain malformations, leukodystrophy, primary immunodeficiency, and inflammatory bowel disease. Here, we describe patients from two unrelated consanguineous families with PI4K2A deficiency and functionally explored the pathogenic mechanism.

Methods

Two patients with PI4K2A deficiency were identified by exome sequencing, presenting with developmental and epileptic‐dyskinetic encephalopathy. Neuroimaging showed corpus callosum dysgenesis, diffuse white matter volume loss, and hypoplastic vermis. In addition to NDD, we observed recurrent infections and death at toddler age. We further explored identified variants with cellular assays.

Results

This clinical presentation overlaps with what was previously reported in two affected siblings with homozygous nonsense PI4K2A variant. Cellular studies analyzing these human variants confirmed their deleterious effect on PI4K2A activity and, together with the central role of PI4K2A in Rab7‐associated vesicular trafficking, establish a link between late endosome‐lysosome defects and NDD.

Interpretation

Our study establishes the genotype–phenotype spectrum of PI4K‐associated NDD and highlights several commonalities with other innate errors of intracellular trafficking.
Microstructural Evolution, Mechanical Properties, and Corrosion Behavior of an Al7.5Co20.5Fe24Ni24Cr24 High‐Entropy Alloy
Authors: Chen Weiping , Chu Chenliang , Chen Ling , Chen Yang , Hu Zhi , Chen Qiang , Fu Zhiqiang
Published: July 2022

The relationship among microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion behavior of an Al7.5Co20.5Fe24Ni24Cr24 high‐entropy alloy (HEA) is systematically studied. The as‐cast HEA consisted of a single face‐centered cubic (FCC) phase with negligible chemical inhomogeneities of Al and Ni elements, whereas the homogenized HEA displayed a single FCC supersaturated solid‐solution phase with uniform distribution of constituent elements. Homogenization followed by aging at 900 and 700 °C leads to the formation of different precipitates in the FCC matrix. As the variety and volume fraction of precipitates increased, the HEA samples accordingly show enhanced strengths accompanied by slight losses in ductility. However, the formation of L12, B2, and σ precipitates is detrimental to the electrochemical properties of the HEAs. Improving the homogeneity of elemental distribution leads to a higher content of Cr oxides and Co(Fe,Cr)2O4 complex oxides in the passivation film, rendering an enhancement of corrosion resistance of the HEA in sulfuric acid. This work reveals the influence of chemical inhomogeneities and precipitates on the mechanical and electrochemical properties of the FCC‐structured Al7.5Co20.5Fe24Ni24Cr24 HEA via tuning phase composition, providing an interesting insight into how to balance the structural (strength and ductility) and functional (anti‐corrosion) properties of HEAs.
Combining Cooling Enhancement and Trehalose Dehydration to Enable Scalable Volume Cryopreservation of Red Blood Cells with Low Concentration of Glycerol
Authors: Shen Lingxiao , Qin Xianhui , Wang Menghan , Gao Dayong , Ouyang Xilin , Zhao Gang
Published: July 2022

Enhancing the cooling rate is often an alternative to increasing concentrations of cryoprotectants to inhibit harmful ice growth during freezing. Processing cell suspensions as dispersed droplets can improve the cooling rate but carries the risk of difficult collection and contamination. As the most readily available cells, human red blood cells (RBCs) are used to test the feasibility of advanced cryopreservation techniques. Herein, a feasible and straightforward method for scalable cryopreservation of RBCs is presented. This method can be easily realized by selecting 5 × 6 mm polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tubes with better cooling capacity and applying the trehalose dehydration technique. Finally, the highest freeze‐thaw recovery rate in the available literature with trehalose alone (93.87% with 0.4 m Tre) and freezing the volume of RBCs from 2 to 20 mL with a higher freeze‐thaw recovery of 95–96% after adding 5% glycerol (0.4 m Tre + 5% Gly) are achieved. A two‐step washing method is also evaluated to remove the cryoprotectants, allowing the process could be completed within 20 min after thawing. Furthermore, the functional expression of postwash RBCs after cryopreservation is examined and all results show that this scalable volume cryopreservation method can be extended to current clinical RBC cryopreservation.
Microfluidized Dextran Microgels Loaded with Cisplatin/SPION Lipid Nanotherapeutics for Local Colon Cancer Treatment via Oral Administration
Authors: Lu I.‐Lin , Yu Ting‐Wei , Liu Te‐I , Chen Hsin‐Hung , Yang Ying‐Chieh , Lo Chun‐Liang , Wang Chi‐Ya , Chiu Hsin‐Cheng
Published: July 2022

Multifunctional sequential targeted delivery system is developed as an efficient therapeutic strategy against malignant tumors with selective accumulation and minimal systemic drug absorption. The therapeutic system is comprised of microfluidized dextran microgels encapsulating cisplatin/superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs)‐loaded trilaurin‐based lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). The microgel system is imparted hierarchically dual targeting via dextran and folic acid (FA) residues, leading to increases both in retention of the microgels in colon and in cellular uptake of the therapeutic LNPs by colon cancer cells while being used for oral therapeutic delivery. Encapsulation of the therapeutic LNPs into dextran microgels attained by microfluidized crosslinking reaction reduces gastrointestinal adhesion and prevents the FA‐modified LNPs from cellular transport by proton‐coupled FA transporters in small intestine during their oral delivery to colon. Upon enzymatic degradation of the dextran microgels by dextranase present exclusively in colon, LNPs thus released become more recognizable and readily internalized by FA receptor‐overexpressing colon cancer cells. The combined chemo/magnetothermal therapeutic effect of dual targeted lipid nanoparticle‐loaded microgels from entrapped lipidized cisplatin and alternating magnetic field‐treated SPIONs significantly inhibits tumor growth and suppresses metastatic peritoneal carcinomatosis in orthotopic colon cancer‐bearing mice.
Ultra‐Sensitive and Quick‐Responsive Hybrid‐Supercapacitive Iontronic Pressure Sensor for Intuitive Electronics and Artificial Tactile Applications
Authors: Yoon Hyosang , Ko Seokgyu , Chhetry Ashok , Park Chani , Sharma Sudeep , Yoon Sanghyuk , Kim Dongkyun , Zhang Shipeng , Kim Dae Heum , Park Jae Yeong
Published: July 2022

Recent advances in supercapacitive pressure sensors based on iontronic film have a significant capacitive response and a low detection limit due to their large capacitance change resulting from electrical double layer (EDL) and these pressure sensors are used to detect a wide range of pressure with high resolution for various applications such as prosthesis, wearable devices, and robotics. Thus, the enhancements to the EDL capacitive response are significantly important challenges for advanced applications with outstanding performances. Herein, an ultra‐sensitive and quick‐responsive hybrid‐supercapacitive iontronic pressure sensor using a novel sensing mechanism and facile fabrication technique is reported to overcome the limitations of the existing iontronic pressure sensors. As a sensing material, conductive polymer and carbon nanotube are incorporated into the iontronic film, as pseudo‐ and EDL‐capacitive material, respectively. Moreover, vinyl silica nanoparticle (VSNP) is used to decrease the recovery time by making the iontronic film quick‐response. The developed hybrid‐supercapacitive pressure sensor exhibited an ultra‐high sensitivity of 301.5 kPa−1over a wide pressure range of up to 63.3 kPa along with a fast recovery time of ≈32 ms. It is believed that the proposed hybrid‐supercapacitive mechanism in iontronic film will significantly enhance the performance of conventional iontronic pressure sensors.
Grating‐Structured Freestanding Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Self‐Powered Acceleration Sensing in Real Time
Authors: Liu Yufeng , Li Ding , Hou Yu , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: July 2022

Acceleration sensors have wide applications in earthquake warning, human motion recognition, vehicle restraint system, etc. However, the existing commercial acceleration sensors have some limitations on needing an external power supply, high fabrication cost, and small signal when self‐powered. Here a grating‐structured freestanding triboelectric nanogenerator (GF‐TENG) capable of sensing displacements, velocities, and accelerations in real‐time is presented with self‐powered, low cost, and sufficiently large signal. The slider with grating‐structured electrodes of GF‐TENG sliding over the stator with another grating‐structured electrode generates the periodic open‐circuit voltage due to electrostatic induction. By recognizing the shape of open‐circuit voltage, it could sense the acceleration in real time even at scales down to hundred microns through systematic optimization of simulations and experiments. Furthermore, the acceleration sensing range could be expanded to the desired ranges, such as 5.0 to 45.0 m s–2, by assembling springs and GF‐TENG into a grating‐structured TENG‐based acceleration sensor (GTAS). Moreover, GTAS is demonstrated to sense the vehicle motion and be a part of the vehicle restraint system on a model car. This work reports a new self‐powered acceleration sensor with sufficiently large outputs for real‐time motion sensing and collision detection, which could be further applicated for robotics and human motion recognition.
Price expectations, risk aversion, and choice of sales methods for large‐scale farmers under incomplete market conditions
Authors: Peng Peng , Xu Zhigang
Published: July 2022

Large‐scale farmers' sales methods and prices are crucial for them to realize their production value. In this study, we consider conditions that involve incomplete insurance, futures, and product markets to construct a sales decision‐making analysis framework for large‐scale farmers and to reveal the influence mechanism of different sales methods. We empirically examine data from field surveys and subjective preference experiments involving 373 large‐scale grain farmers in four provinces in China. The results reveal that large‐scale farmers' ability to anticipate prices and their degree of risk aversion are important for their choices of sales methods because of the incomplete insurance, futures, and product markets in developing countries. Price expectations reflect farmers' judgments of future price trends. Therefore, large‐scale farmers who anticipate an increase in grain prices will choose to postpone grain sales to potentially maximize profits. The degree of risk aversion determines whether farmers will sell several times to avoid normalized price volatilities. Risk‐averse large‐scale farmers will choose a multiperiod sales method, while risk‐loving ones will choose a single‐period delayed sales method.
A prospective randomized controlled study on the role of restoring liver diaphragm surface tension and pain control at port sites in optimizing pain management following laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Abuelzein Mohamed Lotfy Ali , Baghdadi Mohamed Ali , Abbdelhady Waleed Ahmed , Khairy Mostafa Mohamed
Published: July 2022

Introduction

After laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), pain is still a significant concern leading to extended hospital stays or readmissions. A standardized strategy is needed to offer effective pain relief postoperatively. The pain in the early postoperative period is mainly due to elimination of intraperitoneal surface tension. The aim of this study is to evaluate the restoration of intraabdominal surface tension and the use of bupivacaine‐soaked tachosil to control parietal abdominal pain at the port sites to optimize postoperative pain management.

Patients and methods

Between March 2020 to December 2021, 816 patients undergoing LC were randomized into two groups after exclusion of 12 patients: Group A—interventional contained 402 patients; Group B—control contained 402 patients. Data to be compared were made in terms of operative time, shoulder pain, upper abdominal pain, and number of analgesic doses and hospital stay. Pain intensity was assessed by using the visual analog scale.

Results

There was no significant variation in the demographic data between the two groups. There was significant statistical difference between Groups (A) and (B) regarding severity of shoulder pain and port site pain and number of analgesic doses and hospital stay in favor of Group (A). The results were evaluated within 95% confidence intervals and significance was determined as P < .05.

Conclusion

The restoration of intraabdominal surface tension by absorbing as much CO2 as possible at the end of laparoscopic cholecystectomy via the epigastric port route, as well as the use of bupivacaine‐soaked tachosil to control parietal abdominal pain at the port sites; both steps significantly improved postoperative pain management, reduced the number of analgesic doses, and decreased the length of hospital stay.
Organocatalytic Asymmetric 3‐Allenylation of Indoles via Remote Stereocontrolled 1,10‐Additions of Alkynyl Indole Imine Methides
Authors: Wang Ziyang , Cheng Yuyu , Yue Zhibin , Chen Xuling , Li Pengfei , Li Wenjun
Published: July 2022

A chiral phosphoric acids catalyzed regio‐ and enantioselective 1,10‐conjugate addition of 2‐arylindoles to alkynyl indole imine methides formed in situ from α‐(6‐indolyl)propargylic alcohols has been developed. With the established system, organocatalytic asymmetric 3‐allenylation of indoles was realized, affording a broad scope of axially chiral tetrasubstituted allenes bearing two indole motifs in high yields with stereoselectivities. Importantly, the organocatalytic remote stereocontrolled strategy disclosed the asymmetric 3‐allenylation of indoles via 1,10‐conjugate addition for the first time.
Sp‐Hybridized Nitrogen as New Anchoring Sites of Iron Single Atoms to Boost the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Li Meiping , Lv Qing , Si Wenyan , Hou Zhufeng , Huang Changshui
Published: July 2022

Carbon supported single‐atom catalysts with metal‐Nxconfiguration are considered as one of the most efficient catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). However, most of the metal‐Nxactive sites are composed by pyridinic N at the defect locations of graphene‐like supports. Here, we employ graphdiyne (GDY) as a new carbon substrate to synthesize an iron (Fe) single atom catalyst (Fe−N−GDY), showing excellent catalytic performance. Benefitting from the abundant acetylenic bonds in GDY, sp‐N anchored metal atoms are created without forming defects. The sp‐N and OH ligands regulate the electronic structure of Fe atoms and optimize the adsorption energy of ORR intermediates on the active sites by reducing the electron local density of Fe atoms, which accelerates the reaction kinetics and promotes the ORR activity of Fe−N−GDY. Furthermore, the practical application of Fe−N−GDY is corroborated by its high power density and long‐term performance via assembling a zinc–air battery.
A review on self‐healing polymers for applications in spacecraft and construction of roads
Authors: Goyal Megha , Agarwal Satya Narayan , Bhatnagar Nitu
Published: July 2022

Self‐healing polymers (SHP) are the polymers that have the capability to recover the material from any physical damage by responding to the damages or cracks in the material and heal the same. This self‐healing technology gives the polymers ability to recover from the cracks at an early stage by preventing them from any catastrophic failures, which increases the scope of applications of these materials. This review article highlights the key points on extrinsic self‐healing polymer and intrinsic self‐healing polymer by comparing their healing efficiency, advantages, disadvantages, and challenges in the prospect of their future development as well as their possible applications in space industry and construction of roads.
Preparation of p‐fluoroaniline modified graphene oxide composite and its application in polyurethane weatherproof coating
Authors: Wu Jianhua , Li Meng , Cao Ying , He Jianmin , Xue Mingjin , Zhu Aoqi , Huang Yongyi , Xu Yiting , Zeng Birong , Dai Lizong
Published: July 2022

Polyurethane is a promising topcoat in anticorrosive coating system. As a topcoat, the study on improving its weathering resistance is significative. In this work, we present an anticorrosive filler, named GOFA based on p‐fluoroaniline chemical modified graphene oxide, and explored the potential of GOFA to improve the weatherability and corrosion resistance of polyurethane coatings. The results of the comprehensive experimental studies showed that the addition of 0.5 wt.% GOFA leaded to an improvement in the hydrophobicity of the polyurethane coating and the composite coating exhibits an excellent shielding effect against corrosive media. At the same time, the ultraviolet aging resistance the GOFA modified polyurethane composite coating also showed satisfactory results. It is inspired that adding a small amount of GOFA can make the composite polyurethane coating have excellent anti‐corrosion performance and weather resistance.
Oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotube reinforced rheological examination on Gum ghatti‐cl‐poly(acrylic acid) hydrogels
Authors: Kamaliya Bhagvan , Dave Pragnesh N. , Macwan Pradip M.
Published: July 2022

The intention of the present study was to synthesize Gum ghatti‐cl‐poly(acrylic acid)/‐o‐MWCNT hydrogel by free radical copolymerization method where the role of various ingredients are as: Gum ghatti as biopolymer (GG), acrylic acid (AA) as a probe for synthetic monomer, ammonium persulfate as initiator and methylene bis‐acrylamide (MBA) as a crosslinker. The oxidized multiwalled nanocarbon tubes (‐o‐MWCNT) with variable amounts (0–50 mg) were used as fillers. The as‐prepared hydrogels were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The rheological investigation of hydrogels revealed that the storage modulus (G′) was always higher than the loss modulus (G″) in the linear viscoelastic region over the entire frequency range. The persistent covalence crosslinking is responsible for the solid‐like behavior and elastic nature (G′ > G″). Hydrogels containing Gum ghatti‐cl‐poly(acrylic acid)/‐o‐MWCNT increased with strain. The nonlinear oscillatory shear increases by the addition ‐o‐MWCNT. The features shown highlight the potential of Gum ghatti‐cl‐poly(acrylic acid)/‐o‐MWCNT hydrogels for agricultural, medicinal, and pharmaceutical applications.
Design of proton conducting solid biopolymer blend electrolytes based on chitosan‐potato starch biopolymers: Deep approaches to structural and ion relaxation dynamics of H+ ion
Authors: Abdulwahid Rebar T. , B. Aziz Shujahadeen , Kadir Mohd F. Z.
Published: July 2022

The need for flexible energy storage devices for advanced technologies has encouraged researchers to focus on environmental‐friendly biopolymers. In this work, chitosan (CS) and potato starch (PS) biopolymers are blended to prepare proton conducting solid electrolytes. Based on the X‐ray diffraction (XRD) inspection, the most amorphous blended film with the lowest crystallinity degree was selected to prepare polymer electrolytes. The variation in Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) bands were used to investigate the occurrence of interactions among the ammonium thiocyanate (NH4SCN) salt and CS:PS polymer blends. The experimental results of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were simulated with electrical equivalent circuit (EEC) modeling to determine the circuit elements. The highest value of S cm−1 was recorded for the sample included 40 wt.% of dopant salt. The dielectric analyses were helpful in separating the regions ascribed to electrode and molecular polarizations. The combination of circuit elements achieved from the EEC modeling and Koops phenomenological interpretation is used to understand the behavior of the loss tangent (tanδ) pattern. The AC conductivity pattern followed Jonscher's power law. The relaxation dynamics interrelated with ions is explained using electric modulus approaches. The peaks hidden in the dielectric loss () spectra, were manifested in the imaginary part of electric modulus () pattern. The ‐ patterns were used to shed light on the coupling between ionic motion and polymer chain dynamics.
Smart carboxymethyl cellulose/polythiophene hydrogel for electrically driven soft actuators: Physical and thermal properties and electroactive performances
Authors: Danmatam Nanticha , Nakburee Wanwipa , Pearce John , Pattavarakorn Datchanee
Published: July 2022

Novel electroactive hydrogels were fabricated from carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) biopolymer incorporated with conductive polythiophene (PTh). The PTh particles dispersed uniformly in the CMC matrix providing higher mechanical properties and thermal stability. The formulation CMC/PTh6 (6%wt PTh) gave the highest tensile strength and elongation at break (0.9456 ± 0.0017 MPa and 123.0398 ± 7.0606%, respectively). The bending response of the hydrogels under an applied electric field was studied in terms of bending angle and bending sensitivity. Under an electric field strength of 100 V mm−1, CMC/PTh10 (10%wt PTh) showed the highest bending angle (52.245 ± 6.054°) while neat CMC gave the lowest bending angle (33.753 ± 8.116°). The bending behavior upon the application of an electric field of the CMC/PTh hydrogels occurs from the polarization of Na+and H+in the CMC matrix and S+in PTh.
Integration of shallow geophysics, archaeology and archival photographs to reveal the past buried at Ingleside Plantation, Piedmont North Carolina (USA)
Authors: Cowan Ellen A. , Seramur Keith C. , Costa January W. , Bradley‐Lewis Neeshell , Marshall Scott T.
Published: July 2022

Ground penetrating radar supported by electrical resistivity tomography and gradiometer surveys were used to map buildings and infrastructure documenting sequential property use by three generations of the Jacob Forney family who began as farmers in the backcountry of North Carolina and rose to prominence in government and industry within the Southeastern United States. At Ingleside, the antebellum plantation house has been preserved, and the adjacent property remains relatively undisturbed. Context for the geophysical surveys was provided by archival photographs, written accounts including monographs and newspaper articles, and an archaeological excavation of the stone hearth within the plantation's summer kitchen. The location of an early log home with a stone‐lined cellar with ties to the Piedmont Campaign of the American Revolution (in 1781) was newly discovered. In addition, a historic road, kitchen garden, and the postholes from an early post‐in‐the‐ground building were imaged within the subsurface. The external summer kitchen and privy are associated with the plantation house constructed in 1817. Several cesspool vaults of potential privies are ingrown with trees. The results of the geophysical surveys document the evolving land use within one family in the American South and can be connected to a specific event in history, a goal of historical archaeology.
Sex differences in rTMS treatment response: A deep learning‐based EEG investigation
Authors: Adamson M. , Hadipour A. L. , Uyulan C. , Erguzel T. , Cerezci O. , Kazemi R. , Phillips A. , Seenivasan S. , Shah S. , Tarhan N.
Published: July 2022

Introduction

The present study aimed to investigate sex differences in response to repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) patients. Identifying the factors that mediate treatment response to rTMS in MDD patients can guide clinicians to administer more appropriate, reliable, and personalized interventions.

Methods

In this paper, we developed a novel pipeline based on convolutional LSTM‐based deep learning (DL) to classify 25 female and 25 male patients based on their rTMS treatment response.

Results

Five different classification models were generated, namely pre‐/post‐rTMS female (model 1), pre‐/post‐rTMS male (model 2), pre‐rTMS female responder versus pre‐rTMS female nonresponders (model 3), pre‐rTMS male responder vs. pre‐rTMS male nonresponder (model 4), and pre‐rTMS responder versus nonresponder of both sexes (model 5), achieving 93.3%, 98%, 95.2%, 99.2%, and 96.6% overall test accuracy, respectively.

Conclusion

These results indicate the potential of our approach to be used as a response predictor especially regarding sex‐specific antidepressant effects of rTMS in MDD patients.
Is Alzheimer's disease an infectious neurological disease? A review of the literature
Authors: Uwishema Olivier , Mahmoud Ashraf , Sun Jeffrey , Correia Inês F. Silva , Bejjani Niovi , Alwan Maria , Nicholas Aderinto , Oluyemisi Adekunbi , Dost Burhan
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a leading cause of dementia around the globe. Its pathogenesis is characterized primarily by the extracellular deposition of amyloid β peptides and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles. Despite the significant investments in neurological research, the exact molecular mechanism of AD pathogenesis is still not fully elucidated. Several studies converge on a hypothesis that pathogenic microbes might play a role in AD progression. Although this hypothesis has been considered relatively weak for decades, it has recently received considerable attention due to increasing evidence on the association between microorganisms and AD. There is a lack of experimental and scientific arguments conveying that these microorganisms engender cognitive and neuropathological deficits and modifications specific to AD, challenging the theory that it could be an infectious neurological disease. This review focuses on recent advances in the infection hypothesis and provides an overview of new findings portraying the significance of pathogenic microbes in AD and the challenges confronting the validity of the hypothesis.

Methodology

Data were collected from medical journals published on PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, and Embase bibliographical databases with a predefined search strategy. All articles considering neurological disorders, especially AD associated with infectious diseases, were included.

Results

This work focused on providing an overview of new findings around the relationship between microorganisms and AD, challenges facing the validity of the theory, and recommendations on how the scientific community can best develop alternative approaches to address the pathophysiology of AD.

Conclusion

While many studies reinforce the suspicion of an infectious etiology of AD, it is important to note that it is yet not validated how microorganisms’ presence in the brain can develop AD due to the limited available evidence. Certainly, ground‐breaking work is mandatory in this field of research, and these reports so far warrant a thorough investigation into how a chronic infection may remain silent while progressing its neuroinflammation. Amid this uncertainty arises the hope that many researchers will take on this challenge and join this endeavor to benefit AD patients worldwide.
Nanoalbumin–prodrug conjugates prepared via a thiolation‐and‐conjugation method improve cancer chemotherapy and immune checkpoint blockade therapy by promoting CD8+ T‐cell infiltration
Authors: Chen Long , Xu Nuo , Wang Pan , Zhu Haichuan , Zhang Zijian , Yang Zhanqun , Zhang Wenyuan , Guo Hongyan , Lin Jian
Published: July 2022

Protein–drug conjugates are emerging tools to combat cancers. Here, we adopted an indirect thiolation‐and‐conjugation method as a general strategy to prepare protein–drug conjugates. We found for the first time that this method led to the formation of nanometric conjugates, probably due to the formation of intermolecular disulfide bonds, which facilitated enhanced uptake by cancer cells. As a proof‐of‐concept application in cancer therapy, a nanometric albumin–doxorubicin prodrug conjugate (NanoAlb‐proDOX) was prepared. The nanometric size promoted its uptake by cancer cells, and the prodrug characteristic defined its selective cytotoxicity toward cancer cells in vitro and reduced side effects in vivo. In multiple tumor xenograft models, nanometric NanoAlb‐proDOX showed superior antitumor activity and synergy with immune checkpoint blockade, probably due to the synergistically enhanced tumor CD8+ T‐cell infiltration and activation. Hence, the thiolation‐and‐conjugation strategy may serve as a generally applicable method for preparing drug conjugates, and the proof‐of‐concept nanometric albumin–doxorubicin conjugate may be a good choice for antitumor therapy with the ability to co‐stimulate the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade.
Thirty years of Thiel embalming—A systematic review on its utility in medical research
Authors: Hammer Niels
Published: July 2022

In 1992, Walter Thiel described and embalming method that rendered “lifelike” tissues. Over the last 30 years, the Thiel method has been introduced worldwide for medical training and scientific purposes. This review examines research which can be linked to the use of Thiel embalming. A systematic review was performed to identify articles published in the following categories: research content, disciplines involved, sources and quantities of tissues deployed, and changes in research scope related to changes in the chemical composition of Thiel embalming. Four‐hundred twenty‐four publications were included. A number of adaptations to the original Thiel protocol were found, aiming to provide suitable tissue‐substitutes in the development of emerging medical technologies or procedures. Musculoskeletal surgery, anesthesia and intensive care were the most common disciplines that used Thiel embalmed tissues for research. Anatomy and biomechanics played a lesser role. An increase over time was observed in research outputs related to the Thiel method, while the number of specimens used per study decreased. The main centers using Thiel embalming were in Graz, Dundee, Sapporo, Bern, Zurich and Ghent, which jointly accounted for more than 54% of all research conducted using this method. Following three decades of use, the Thiel method has evolved into being a well‐established embalming technique for research purposes. Its future is challenged by the demanding requirements on both technical facilities and personnel, limitations of certain chemicals for use as fixatives, costs, and questions as to how “lifelike” the embalmed‐tissues are from an objective standpoint, all of which warrants future investigations.
WWP2 overexpression inhibits the antitumor effects of doxorubicin in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Qin Yong , Wang Chao‐Jun , Ye Hai‐Lin , Ye Guan‐Xiong , Wang Shi , Pan De‐Biao , Wang Jun , Shen He‐Juan , Xu Sheng‐Qian
Published: July 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common liver cancer that accounts for 90% of cases. Doxorubicin exhibits a broad spectrum of antitumor activity and is one of the most active agents in HCC. WW domain‐containing protein 2 (WWP2) is highly expressed in HCC tissues and activates protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway to enhance tumor metastasis. However, the role of WWP2 in the glycolysis and antitumor effects of doxorubicin and the epigenetic alterations of WWP2 in HCC remain to be elucidated. The levels of WWP2 and N6‐methyladenosine methyltransferase‐like 3 (METTL3) in clinical samples and cells were investigated. WWP2 were silenced or overexpressed to study the role of WWP2 in regulating cell proliferation, colony formation, and glycolysis. RNA immunoprecipitation was performed to test m6A levels. Quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and Western blot were used to measure mRNA and protein, respectively. WWP2 silencing inhibits cell proliferation, colony formation, and glycolysis, while WWP2 overexpression has the inverse effects via the AKT signaling pathway. Silencing WWP2 enhances doxorubicin's antitumor effect, while WWP2 overexpression suppresses doxorubicin's antitumor effect. Data also support that METTL3 mediates WWP2 m6A modification, and m6A reader, IGF2BP2, binds to the methylated WWP2 to promote the stability of WWP2, leading to upregulation of WWP2. METTL3 mediates WWP2 m6A modification, which can be recognized and bound by IGF2BP2 to increase the stability of WWP2, leading to WWP2 overexpression which inhibits the antitumor effects of doxorubicin through METTL3/WWP2/AKT/glycolysis axis.
Facilitation techniques to cross the interatrial septum with intracardiac echocardiography during left atrial appendage closure
Authors: Vanhaverbeke Maarten , Nuyens Philippe , Bieliauskas Gintautas , Sondergaard Lars , Vejlstrup Niels , De Backer Ole
Published: July 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the rate of difficult interatrial septum (IAS) crossing with the intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) probe during percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) closure and to identify techniques that facilitate IAS crossing with the ICE probe.

Background

Percutaneous LAA closure is increasingly performed by ICE guidance. Although such an approach omits the need for general anesthesia, crossing of the IAS with the ICE probe may sometimes be challenging.

Methods

All consecutive patients that underwent ICE‐guided percutaneous LAA closure with an Amplatzer Amulet (Abbott) or WatchmanFLX (Boston Scientific) at our center in the period 2018–2021 were included. Cases in which IAS crossing with ICE was difficult were identified and techniques used to facilitate IAS crossing were identified and listed.

Results

In 17 (5%) out of 354 cases, IAS crossing with the ICE probe was difficult and required use of additional techniques. Ultimately, IAS crossing was also successful in these 17 cases by using one of three possible facilitation techniques: the probing technique (12 cases), the double‐wire technique (3 cases), and the snaring technique (2 cases). In one case, the double‐wire technique was converted to the snaring technique, as crossing of the ICE probe remained challenging despite the use of two stiff guidewires.

Conclusion

Crossing of the IAS with the ICE probe can be challenging in 5% of ICE‐guided percutaneous LAA closure procedures. Operators should be aware of possible facilitation techniques in challenging cases, as these show to be safe and effective.
Treatment of cardiac device‐related infective endocarditis utilizing the new T20 curve catheter and flow saver with the Inari mechanical aspiration system
Authors: Whitbeck Matthew G. , Chambers Jeffrey W.
Published: July 2022

Emerging innovations have led to the development of tools and techniques to perform mechanical aspiration of right‐sided endocarditis vegetations. However, blood loss during aspiration, the need for veno–veno bypass, and nonsteerable catheters have limited expansion of these treatment options to more patients. We present a case of pacemaker lead endocarditis treated with the Inari mechanical aspiration system utilizing the new T20 curved catheter (Inari Medical).
Scabies surrepticius: An uncommon presentation of a common dermatosis
Authors: Kouki Chaima , Korbi Mouna , Manaa Linda , Njim Laila , Mohamed Mariem , Belhadjali Hichem , Zili Jameleddine
Published: July 2022

We report an atypical presentation of a common disease to highlight the importance of making a correct diagnosis of scabies surrepticius in front of any itchy dermatosis especially in elderly patients. The misdiagnosis of this disease results in extensive infestation, especially with the use of corticosteroids.
Atrial septal defect device closure and concurrent atrio‐fascicular Mahaim ablation in adult patient with Ebstein's anomaly
Authors: Khajali Zahra , Firouzi Atta , Kabir Masoud Farzad , Harirforoosh Iman , Aliramezany Maryam
Published: July 2022

Ebstein's anomaly is an uncommon congenital malformation which might be associated with atrial septal defect and atrio‐fascicular Mahaim. Here, we report a known case of Ebstein's anomaly with atrial septal defect and concomitant atrio‐fascicular Mahaim pathway who underwent atrial septal defect device closure and concurrent ablation of accessory pathway.