bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SUSTAINABLE SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT - IDEA – IMPLEMENTATION
Authors: SIKORA JAN , KACZOCHA WŁODZIMIERZ
Published: November 2022

The aim of the article is to present the concept of sustainable development identical with the development of civilization. This concept is recognized in politics and in the consciousness of Europeans as a social value. It also pointed to philosophical Kantian views that are an inspiration for the emergence of the idea of sustainable development. It also presents the implementation of the assumptions of this idea on the example of air purity in Poland. The main conclusion arising from the considerations is the statement that the implementation of the concept of sustainable development in practice differs from its assumptions and is not consistent with the ethical standards contained in it. This conclusion was confirmed by the example of air purity in Poland. The analysis of the topic shows that there is a need to shape public awareness and promote ethical standards that reinforce the implementation of the idea of sustainable development in practice.
TESTING BELBIN'S MODEL FOR TEAM ROLE PREFERENCE
Authors: WILCZYŃSKI ARTUR
Published: November 2022

Belbin’s model can help to identify group roles and behaviours accompanying in adoption of a specific group role. The research was carried out on a group of students who received to complete a BTRSPI questionnaire. Results were obtained for the group of students and the speciality (three groups). The analysis covers the hierarchies of the most accepted group roles and the chosen constructive role - placed by the students in the first place in terms of choice during teamwork. The results demonstrated the suitability of the Belbin’s model to determine the assumed group role. Analysis of the results shows it was possible to point out the deficit of behaviours that determine the success of the group tasks. In addition, it was shown that in the speciality groups, some roles were not indicated as a constructive role.
STOCHASTIC METHODS FOR FORECASTING SALES OF FAST-MOVING CONSUMER GOODS
Authors: GRZESZCZYK TADEUSZ , RYBKO EWELINA
Published: November 2022

The problem of formulating accurate sales forecasts of Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) is related to the issues of planning of goods distribution, supply chain management and is important from the point of view of the development of theory within the discipline of management sciences and quality, as well as practical applications. Solving this problem requires developing research on methods of forecasting due to the growing requirements of the businessmen, who can be satisfied using in this field methods known from various fields and scientific disciplines. The objective of this article is to present one of the directions of development of forecasting methods resulting from the use of selected stochastic methods with particular emphasis on Markov chains. The considerations are presented on the example of short-term forecasting, characteristic for products with high inventory turnover rates. After presenting preliminary comments on the issues of forecasting and planning in supporting decision-making in enterprises, the currently used methods of sales prediction are briefly characterized. Next, attention is focused on the stochastic methods of forecasting FMCG products, among which the most attention was devoted to methods based on Markov chains. The article ends with remarks regarding the possibility of further developing this kind of study.
THE PROBLEM OF UNEMPLOYMENT AND WAYS OF COMBATING IT IN WARMIAN-MASURIAN VOIVODESHIP
Authors: WÓJTÓW JUSTYNA , KUC MICHAŁ
Published: November 2022

The article presents the issue of unemployment in the province Warmia and Mazury, including the ways of counteracting this problem. The article was based on literature of the subject analysis and a survey conducted among registered unemployed people. The purpose of the article is to characterize the labor market in the province Warmia and Mazury and evaluation of the effectiveness of measures undertaken to prevent unemployment. As a result of the topic analysis, the essence of the unemployment concept was defined as well as its root causes, effects and the major/fundamental ways of counteracting this problem. The results of the conducted research constitute a valuable source of information for units dealing with labour market policy, indicating the possible directions for resources allocation remaining at their disposal.
COST PRODUCTION OF ONE LITRE OF MILK IN FARMS IN OSTROŁĘKA POVIAT
Authors: Żuchowski Ireneusz , BÓRAWSKI PIOTR , CWALINA KRZYSZTOF , KALIŚCIAK KAROLINA
Published: November 2022

The article presents selected results regarding production costs of milk on farms located in the Ostrołęka poviat. The research was carried out in 150 intentionally selected milk products. The selection of units for research was deliberate. The research shows that the main factor determining the profitability of milk production is the price that farmers receive. The price exceeded the cost of producing one liter of milk, which meant that milk production in the researched farms was profitable. It terms of milk production costs, farmers have limited possibilities of their reduction. The only possibility is to increase the usage of won fodders and the decrease usage of fodders from purchase.
OECD GUIDELINES FOR BUILDING RESPONSIBLE FORMATIONS OF MULTINATIONAL ENTERPRISES
Authors: WNOROWSKI HENRYK , WIERZBICKA ANNA
Published: November 2022

International business has undergone far-reaching structural changes and multinational enterprises are a significant and lasting element of the modern world economy. Strong competition in the market has shown that businesses operating in this area have to cope with a whole range of legal, social and regulatory rules, etc. Many examples of multinational enterprises have shown that respecting high standards of business conduct can increase the pace of growth. This demonstrates the need for discussion of the guidelines addressed to this group of actors, responding to the multitude of problems encountered by international market participants.
"I WILL HIRE HIS MAJESTY'S DRIVER". A STORY ABOUT THE SEARCH FOR AN EMPLOYEE, I.E. NARRATOLOGY IN PRACTICE
Authors: GERAGA MAGDALENA
Published: November 2022

Job advertisements are a very important element of the recruitment process. Among other things, it depends on them whether the company will appear as an attractive place for specialists.  Atypical job advertisements, based on narratology, i.e. the art of telling stories, have three goals: interest, building a brand and finding suitable candidates. The article is an attempt to analyze several job advertisements in the context of narratology and to answer the question about their value.
AGREEMENT FOR PERFORMANCE ORIMPLEMENTATION OF INNOVATION - EFFECTIVE METHOD OF INNOVATION TRANSFER
Authors: SZYMURA MONIKA
Published: November 2022

Contracts for implementation of innovations is one of the most frequently used instruments for commercialisation of scientific research results. Due to the divergent views of the doctrine, as well as the imprecise Polish legal regulations, the issue of concluding agreements on the implementation orimplementation of innovation still raises many doubts. The article is an attempt to discuss the principles of constructing these agreements and the basic differences between them on the basis of a review of literature and case law.
The assessment of the legal character of the discussed agreements depends on the specific factual and legal situation. In some situations, it is assumed that the regulations relating to a contract for specific work (result contract) apply to such contracts, in others - provisions of the contract of mandate (contract of due diligence). Proper qualification is particularly important in the light of the different rules of liability of the parties in the case of due diligence and result agreements. The recognition of a specific relationship as a contract for specific work imposes a much broader scope of liability on the contractor towards the ordering party.
R & D ACTIVITY IN POLAND AND SUPPORTING PROGRAMS
Authors: MALINOWSKA MAGDALENA
Published: November 2022

The aim of the article was to present the amount of expenditures on R & D activity in Poland in 2008-2015. The article begins with the presentation of concepts related to research and development. The next part presents data on gross expenditure on R & D in 2007-2017 in Poland, Germany, Sweden, Malta, Japan and the United States. Then, data on internal inputs for R & D in 2008-2015 were presented. Moreover, the article presents programs that have an impact on R & D. The last part of the article contains a summary and conclusions. Analysis of data as well as programs supporting R & D showed that in Poland this sphere is developing at a slow pace in contrast to Western neighbors.
SUPPLEMENTARY CLAIMS CONCERNING THE PROTECTION OF INHERITANCE IN GERMAN LAW
Authors: KLEDYŃSKA ANNA
Published: November 2022

The inherited estate or  individual items comprising the estate may, for various reasons, come into possession of unauthorised persons. In such circumstances, the true heir could claim the return of inheritance items via singular claims, or  make a claim under the protection of inheritance to surrender the estate or  its individual items. However, as a rule, the restitution of assets does not compensate for the entire damage suffered by the heir.
The scope of and conditions for such mutual settlements are regulated specifically in different legal orders. In German law, the issue of the protection of inheritance and the related mutual settlements is subject to extensive regulations, which make both the scope and type of mutual obligations dependent on the good or  bad faith of the possessor of the estate, and even on the manner in which they have come into possession of inheritance items. This paper presents normative solutions related to the protection of inheritance and related supplementary claims in German law.
Git going with LEGO
Authors: Brooks-Kieffer Jamene , Albin Tami
Published: November 2022

Git, an open source version control software, is difficult to both teach and learn because it conceals its work in a hidden directory and is often deployed using a command line interface. Yet, version control is an essential tool of reproducible research. Two librarians formed a playful partnership to experiment with teaching Git using LEGO, an approach inspired by our Carpentries Instructor certifications and one’s LEGO Serious Play certification. Our method combines novice-centric Carpentries pedagogy with theories of play, constructionism, constructivism, conceptual metaphor, and the hand-mind connection that are foundational to LEGO Serious Play. We share details of developing, testing, and assessing this Git-LEGO combination. Our preliminary study indicates that our LEGO activity may increase learners' short-term retention of Git commands. We discuss future directions for our research and our experiences as academic librarians in a playful partnership.
Fast Diagnostics of Urinary Tract Infections in Children using Dipsticks
Authors: Tomasik Jan , Tomasik Przemysław
Published: November 2022

This article presents a practical approach to the preliminary diagnosis of urinary tract infection in suspected children using a dipstick test for urine analysis. The urine dipstick test is considered a point of care testing, as well, in several countries, as a self-testing device or waived test. In the event that positive results are obtained, a subsequent laboratory evaluation is required. If properly performed and read, the dipstick test can become a valuable diagnostic and management tool in a primary care physician’s office. It allows the introduction of treatment and further clinical diagnosis. The test remains simple, quick, and inexpensive and should be widely used.
Dietary Pattern of School-Going Children during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Singh Brij Pal , Sharma Mahak
Published: November 2022

Background: School age is the foundation of human life. A healthy and balanced diet plays a major role in the proper growth development of the body as well as the mind. Only a balanced diet can provide all the macro and micronutrients. Covid 19 has impacted each and every human being in some or another manner. School-going children had to cope with new encounters involving online teaching-learning methodology and social distancing. As a result, these children have undergone mental and psychological trauma. This led them to follow faulty dietary habits, which would have long time impact on their health.

Aim and Objectives: In the present survey, an attempt has been made to compile a report on the dietary intake of school-going children in the Roopnagar district of Punjab, India.

Methodology: For the purpose sample of 100 students (7 to 12 years) was selected from four development blocks of district Roopnagar, and the cluster sampling method was adopted for data collection. A detailed pretested questionnaire on the dietary habits of children was used.

Results: 59% of children were vegetarian, 32% were non-vegetarian, and 9% were eggetarian. Study findings showed that children preferred some of the items such as wheat, rice, sugar, rajma, black gram, green gram, potato, tomato, onion, apple, banana, and grapes over other food items in the same food group.

Conclusion: Results showed that children do not consume a variety of food items, and some selected food items only resulting low dietary diversity and food variety.
Botanikkens koloniale rødder
Authors: Nielsen Vibe
Published: November 2022

Storbritanniens botaniske havers involvering i det Britiske Imperiums koloniale ekspansion er et velbelyst emne.1 Alligevel bærer formidlingen af denne del af havernes og planternes historie ikke præg af den samme kritiske stillingtagen, som den, mange etnografiske museer de seneste år er begyndt at præsentere for deres besøgende. I denne artikel, der er baseret på antropologisk feltarbejde i og omkring den botaniske have i Oxford og the Royal Botanic Gardens i Kew, viser jeg, hvordan den koloniale videnskabelige praksis fortsat udføres igennem navngivning af planter, samt hvordan plantesamlingernes koloniale ophav kun overfladisk præsenteres for havernes besøgende.
OPTIMISATION OF PROMOTIONS IN THE RETAIL INDUSTRY
Authors: Horden Hendri , Bisset Chanel
Published: November 2022

Promotions are a powerful tool at retailers’ disposal, but they are often underutilised. This happens when retailers select a suboptimal mix and pricing of vendor items to place on promotion. In this study, a mathematical optimisation model is developed that specifies the optimal mix and pricing of vendor items to put on promotion. First, a solution approach is formed by reviewing existing solutions in the literature, followed by the formulation of a mixed-integer nonlinear programming model. This model is expressed as an integer linear programming model to simplify its solving capabilities. Second, the model is verified by applying it to a retail dataset to confirm that the model is correctly formulated and coded. Last, the model is validated to test its scalability and computational abilities. The results show that the model is highly scalable. This implies that retailers can implement the model practically and effectively to increase the profit obtained from promotion events. Keywords retail promotion optimisation; retail demand modelling; linear programming
USING ACTION RESEARCH TO DETERMINE THE SYSTEMATIC APPLICATION OF INTERNATIONAL BEST PRACTICE METHODS AND STANDARDS IN MANAGING RISK IN EVENT MANAGEMENT
Authors: Jones Gregory , Naidoo Sugandren
Published: November 2022

All business involves assuming and managing risk, and this is particularly true of businesses involved in the staging and management of events, which are inherently risky endeavours. Event management is thus intrinsically concerned with managing various forms of risk. This study aims to identify the factors that influence best practices in managing risk during event management, and to determine the extent to which the factors contribute towards effectively managing risk in event management. More than ever before, a variety of stakeholders are expecting that event organisers will actively engage in managing risks and will do so to the extent of what can be considered reasonably practicable. A qualitative approach was undertaken for this study, consisting of ten online (virtual) semi-structured interviews with selected experienced professionals to ascertain their perspectives on managing risk in events management, and why best practice standards are often not employed. The study concluded that risk management must be an integral part of the event management process, encompassing all phases of events. Keywords risk; stakeholders; standards; events management; qualitative approach
DEPLOYMENT OF THE ANALYTIC HIERARCHICAL PROCESS FOR COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGIES IN THE MANUFACTURE OF INJECTION MOULDS
Authors: Pancha Uttam , Dewa Mendon
Published: November 2022

he current environment of changing market trends drives the manufacturing industry to strive for efficient manufacturing technologies. A mould manufacturer was using traditional manufacturing approaches to fabricate injection moulds. The traditional approach compromised the competitiveness of the organisation, resulting in a lower production rate and high operational costs owing to lengthy changeover times. Given several alternatives, the aim of this study was to determine the best suitable additive manufacturing technology for the manufacture of moulds. The analytic hierarchical process was deployed as the method to compare and select the best 3D printing technology from among recent additive manufacturing (AM) technologies that would meet surface finish, dimensional accuracy, cost, and manufacturing lead time requirements. Four AM options were multilevel concurrent printing, MELD technology, a Metal Jet 3D printer, and VELO3D. The final results indicated that the VELO3D was better than the other additive manufacturing technologies for the manufacture of moulds. Keywords Analytic hierarchical process; Additive manufacturing; Injection moulding
EFFECTS OF SLIP RATIO ON WEAR PERFORMANCE OF CLASS B WHEEL STEELS AGAINST SOFTER R260 RAIL STEELS USING THE TWIN DISC SETUP
Authors: Phinah Leso Tshenolo , Siyasia Charles , Mostert Roelf , Moema Joseph
Published: November 2022

A train experiences different slip ratios at the wheel/rail contact point as it moves along the rail track, which influences the rolling contact fatigue (RCF) and wear properties of wheel and rail materials. This variation in slip ratios is caused by a change in contact area between the wheel and rail head at curves, as the slip ratio increases compared with when a train is moving on a straight track. When the train is moving on a straight track, the wheel is found to be in contact with the rail head; but that changes when moving around curves, as the wheel flange will now be in contact with the gauge corner of the rail, affecting the severity of wear. Therefore, more research needs to be done to understand the role that slip ratio plays in the wear performance of wheel and rail materials in order to be able to develop models or systems that could be used to predict preventive maintenance. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of the slip ratio on the wear performance of class B wheels against softer R260 rail steels under rolling and sliding conditions, using a twin-disc setup developed at the University of Pretoria. The results showed that the severity of wear was heavily dependent on the slip ratio – i.e., it increased with the slip ratio, with class B wheels performing better than the softer R260 rail.
A Scalable Aggregation System Designed to Process 50,000 RSS Feeds
Authors: Kiryanov Denis Aleksandrovich
Published: November 2022

The subject of the study is the architecture of the RSS feed aggregation system. The author considers in detail such aspects of the topic as choosing the right data aggregation strategy, an approach to scaling a distributed system, designing and implementing the main modules of the system, such as an aggregation strategy definition module, a content aggregation module, a data processing module, a search module. Particular attention in this study is given to a detailed description of the libraries and frameworks chosen for the implementation of the system under consideration, as well as databases. The main part of the system under consideration is implemented in the C# programming language (.Net Core) and is cross-platform. The study describes the interaction with the main data stores used in the development of the aggregation system, which are PostgreSQL and Elasticsearch. The main conclusion of the study is that before developing an aggregation system, it is necessary to analyze the publication activity of data sources, on the basis of which it is possible to form an acceptable strategy for updating the search index, saving a significant amount of resources. computing power. Content aggregation systems, such as the one considered in this study, should be distributed, built on the basis of event-driven and microservice architectures. This approach will make the system resistant to high loads and failures, as well as easily expandable. The author's special contribution to the study of the topic is a detailed description of the high-level architecture of the RSS aggregator, designed to process 50,000 channels.
Biochar application on commercial field crops using farm-scale equipmen
Authors:   Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9 Canada, Ejack Leanne , Whalen Joann ,   Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9 Canada, Major Julie ,   Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9 Canada, Husk Barry ,   BlueLeaf Inc., Drummondville, QC J2B 5E9 Canada
Published: November 2022

Commercial growers who wish to apply biochar to their field crops will need to use conventional agricultural machinery to amend large field areas. Biochar produced by fast pyrolysis of hardwood was applied at a target rate of 5.6 t ha-1 to a single swath (10 m x 100 m) in an agricultural field in Quebec, Canada, using a commercial lime spreader. Windborne losses of up to 30% biochar occurred during handling, transportation, and application. We recommend covering and moistening the biochar before spreading, avoiding surface application on windy days, or mixing it with other materials (e.g., compost, manure) to reduce biochar loss. The biochar-amended swath and an adjacent equally sized swath that received no biochar were harrowed. The entire field was seeded with soybean in the first season, followed by an oat-forage mixture in the second season, and forage in the third season. Soybean and oat yields increased by up to 20% with biochar. In the third season, forage in the biochar-amended swath had greater nutrient concentration and higher projected milk production when used as feed for dairy cattle, based on near-infrared spectroscopy analysis. The variable cost of applying biochar was an estimated CA$2,285 ha-1, indicating the need for a complete cost-benefit analysis of farm-scale biochar applications.
Crosshair, semi-automated targeting for electron microscopy with a motorised ultramicrotome
Authors: Meechan Kimberly , Guan Wei , Riedinger Alfons , Stankova Vera , Yoshimura Azumi , Pipitone Rosa , Milberger Arthur , Schaar Helmuth , Romero-Brey Inés , Templin Rachel , Peddie Christopher J , Schieber Nicole L , Jones Martin L , Collinson Lucy , Schwab Yannick
Published: November 2022

Volume electron microscopy (EM) is a time-consuming process – often requiring weeks or months of continuous acquisition for large samples. In order to compare the ultrastructure of a number of individuals or conditions, acquisition times must therefore be reduced. For resin-embedded samples, one solution is to selectively target smaller regions of interest by trimming with an ultramicrotome. This is a difficult and labour-intensive process, requiring manual positioning of the diamond knife and sample, and much time and training to master. Here, we have developed a semi-automated workflow for targeting with a modified ultramicrotome. We adapted two recent commercial systems to add motors for each rotational axis (and also each translational axis for one system), allowing precise and automated movement. We also developed a user-friendly software to convert X-ray images of resin-embedded samples into angles and cutting depths for the ultramicrotome. This is provided as an open-source Fiji plugin called Crosshair. This workflow is demonstrated by targeting regions of interest in a series of Platynereis dumerilii samples.
Responses of germination strategy of Agriophyllum squarrosum to rainfall pattern in the Tengger desert
Authors: Liu Meiling , Zhu Ruiqing , Xie Huichun
Published: November 2022

Agriophyllum squarrosum (L.) Moq. (Chenopodiaceae) is an annual pioneer psammophyte that is strictly distributed along desert margins. However, little is known about how this species adapts to shifting dunes. In this study, seeds bank was selected and germination behaviors of A. squarrosum were tested in laboratory. In addition, the effects of rainfall patterns on population dynamics were observed in field at the southeastern edge of the Tengger Desert. Soil seed bank density was significantly different in different depth of sand dunes. Under adequate water in Petri dishes, seeds began to germinate in less than 3 h and the germination peak was reached in seven days after watering. It showed that there is no innate dormancy of A. squarrosum. The buried experiments showed that the germination percentage decreased with increasing buried depth, and deeply buried seeds (10 cm) remained ungerminated. Population dynamics in different rainfall pattern of three years in field showed that germination, survival and deaths of A. squarrosum were extremely sensitive to rainfall variation. Our results suggest that precipitation is the key factor in determining population of A. squarrosum. The germination strategy of A. squarrosum ensures the efficiency use of unpredicted and scarce precipitation. The high disturbance of moving sand endowed persistence seed bank of A. squarrosum, which is essential for population continuation, avoiding population extinction under unpredicted precipitation.
Effect of Maternal Age and Anaemia on Auditory Brainstem Response of Preterm Infants in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Kolkata, West Bengal: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: (Das) Sonali Majumdar , Bhattacharya Hiya , Dasgupta Malay Kumar
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Adolescent pregnancy and maternal anaemia have a detrimental effect on infant growth and development. They are associated with greater risk of premature births and Low Birth Weight (LBW). Wave Interpeak Latencies (IPLs) of infant Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) indicate the degree of maturation of brainstem auditory pathways among preterm infants. Previous studies indicated that preterm infants show prolonged wave Interpeak Latencies (IPLs). Whether maternal parameters like age and haemoglobin level contributes to the changes in infant ABR is debated. Aim: To study the effect of maternal age and anaemic status on Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA) changes among preterm infants. Materials and Methods: An observational, descriptive study of cross-sectional design was undertaken in the Neurophysiology laboratory of Department of Physiology, RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata from December 2019 to December 2022. Total of 119 mother-preterm infant dyads were included. Click BERA was performed on the babies aged between 3 months to 1 year. Absolute and IPLs of wave I,III and V were obtained. Mothers were assigned anaemic status {Haempglobin (Hb) level<9gm/dL} based on the information in their antenatal card. Student’s t test, Fisher’s exact test, one way ANOVA test were used for data analysis. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Out of 76 adolescent mothers (age between 10 to <18 years), 43 (56.6%) were anaemic. Out of 43 adult mothers (with age ≥18 years), 33 (76.7%) were anaemic. Mothers were divided into four groups, namely adolescent anaemic (n=43) and adolescent non anaemic (n=33), adult anaemic (n=33) and adult non anaemic (n=10). Distribution of data with respect to education years, social class and occupation among four mothers’ group was comparable [p-value>0.05]. Preterm infants born to both anaemic adult [Hedges g=2.51] and anaemic adolescent mothers [Hedges g=1.06] showed dyssynchronous shortening of wave latencies compared to non anaemic counterparts (p-value<0.05). Magnitude of difference with respect to infant ABR for non anaemic adolescent mothers vs non anaemic adult counterparts was large [Hedge s g=1.05] with p-value<0.05. While maternal anaemia showed either shortening or prolongation of IPLs, adolescent maternal age was related with prolongation of the wave I-V. Effect size of maternal anaemia on infant ABR was more than for adolescent maternal age. Conclusion: Maternal anaemia may exaggerate abnormal maturation of the brain stem pathways in preterm infants irrespective of maternal age.
An Enzyme-based Spectrophotometric Method for the Determination of Phenolic Compound (2- Methoxyphenol) Using Peroxidase from Ipomea batata
Authors: Magomya A. M. , Yebpella G. G. , Okpaegbe U. C. , Ataitiya H.
Published: November 2022

Phenolic compounds and their derivatives are considered priority pollutants because they are harmful to living organisms even at low concentrations. Due to their toxicity and persistence in the environment, many efforts are been made to develop simple and effective methods for their determination. This study describes a peroxidase-based method for the quantitative determination of a named phenolic compound. The method is based on the oxido-reductase activity of peroxidase in a H2O2/2-Methoxyphenol system. Calibration curve of peroxidase activity (absorbance) against the phenol concentration forms the basis for its quantitative estimation. Factors influencing the reaction were evaluated and optimized; Optimum pH and temperature were 6 and 40°C respectively while optimum reaction time was 6 minutes.  The calibration curve for the analyte was linear (R2 =0.998) within the concentration range of 0.01–5 mM.  Repeatability of analysis was 3.8% RSD for 7 replicate measurements. Recovery tests for the analyte in water samples gave values between 85.33 – 112%.
Non Bio-degradable Plastic Eating Bacteria: A Review
Authors: Chakraborty Sudipta , Ash Dipanjana , Pal Arna , Sen Sohini , Bala Nipendranath
Published: November 2022

In the 21st century, synthetic plastics are a fundamental part of the global economy and the utilization of non-bio-degradable petrochemical plastics such as polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyethylene terephthalate has increased (80%) worldwide in the last five decades since invention. Conventional petro-chemical plastics either splinter via abiotic factors or segregate and absorb biotic factors during the bio-degradation process however, non-biodegradable petrochemical plastics are resistant to degradation via carrying poisonous excipients. Therefore, the degradation process of non-bio-degradable plastics relies on micro-organisms such as Ideonella sakaiensis 201-F6, Phormidium, Lewinella, Bacillus megaterium, Rhodococcusruber, Serratiamarcescens, Enterobacterasburiae YT1, and Bacillus sp. YP1 as advanced recycling operations only covers approximately 10% of petro-chemical plastic waste. The purpose of this review is to emphasize the source, and mechanism of different micro-organisms capable to decompose petrochemical plastics.
Physiological Traits as the Primary Tool for Screening Salt Tolerance in Rice
Authors: Vanitha K. , Shanthi P. , Subrahmaniyan K.
Published: November 2022

Salt stress is a common abiotic stress that significantly restricts crop development and productivity. Physiological alterations in response to salt stress were assessed for fourteen rice varieties during the panicle initiation stage at 120mM NaCl. Statistical analysis program (SPSS 15.0) was used to carry out the study. Under salt stress, all the rice varieties were assessed manifested a reduction in chlorophyll accumulation, stable chlorophylls, membranes and hydration status. On the other hand, all the varieties showed an increase in proline, hydrogen peroxide, and superoxide dismutase activity. It is noteworthy that the rice varieties surakuruvai, kaivarasamba, mallam punchai, and mappillai samba had better levels of salt tolerance than the salt-sensitive ones due to increased SOD activity, proline accumulation, relative water content, chlorophyll, and membrane stability index. The ability to tolerate salt during the reproductive stage under field conditions will be further investigated using these varieties.
Screening for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Jin Jill
Published: November 2022

This JAMA Patient Page summarizes the US Preventive Services Task Force’s recommendations on screening for, and treatment of, obstructive sleep apnea in adults.
Screening for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults
Authors:   US Preventive Services Task Force, Mangione Carol M. , Barry Michael J. , Nicholson Wanda K. , Cabana Michael , Chelmow David , Rucker Coker Tumaini , Davidson Karina W. , Davis Esa M. , Donahue Katrina E. , Jaén Carlos Roberto , Kubik Martha , Li Li , Ogedegbe Gbenga , Pbert Lori , Ruiz John M. , Stevermer James , Wong John B.
Published: November 2022

Importance

Current prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in the US is not well established; however, based on cohort and survey data, in 2007-2010 the estimated prevalence of at least mild OSA (defined as an apnea-hypoxia index [AHI] ≥5) plus symptoms of daytime sleepiness among adults aged 30 to 70 years was 14% for men and 5% for women, and the estimated prevalence of moderate to severe OSA (defined as AHI ≥15) was 13% for men and 6% for women. Severe OSA is associated with increased all-cause mortality. Other adverse health outcomes associated with untreated OSA include cardiovascular disease and cerebrovascular events, type 2 diabetes, cognitive impairment, decreased quality of life, and motor vehicle crashes.

Objective

To update its 2017 recommendation, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) commissioned a systematic review to evaluate the benefits and harms of screening for OSA in adults.

Population

Asymptomatic adults (18 years or older) and adults with unrecognized symptoms of OSA.

Evidence Assessment

The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for OSA in the general adult population.

Recommendation

The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for OSA in the general adult population. (I statement)
Comparison of Visit Rates Before vs After Telehealth Expansion Among Patients With Mental Health Diagnoses Treated at Federally Qualified Health Centers
Authors: Cole Megan B. , Lee Eun Kyung , Davoust Melissa , Carey Kathleen , Kim June-Ho
Published: November 2022

This cohort study assesses visit rates before and after telehealth expansion to assess whether telehealth availability at federally qualified health centers is associated with visit rates for patients with mental health diagnoses.
Prevalence of Contraindications to Nirmatrelvir-Ritonavir Among Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19 at Risk for Progression to Severe Disease
Authors: Hoertel Nicolas , Boulware David R. , Sánchez-Rico Marina , Burgun Anita , Limosin Frédéric
Published: November 2022

This cohort study examines the prevalence of contraindications to nirmatrelvir-ritonavir in patients hospitalized with COVID-19.
Understanding Hospital-Level Patterns of Nonoperative Management for Low-risk Thyroid and Kidney Cancer
Authors: Koelker Mara , Krimphove Marieke , Alkhatib Khalid , Nabi Junaid , Kuo Lindsay E. , Lipsitz Stuart R. , Choueiri Toni K. , Chang Steven Lee , Doherty Gerard M. , Kibel Adam S. , Trinh Quoc-Dien , Cole Alexander P.
Published: November 2022

Importance

There is a growing trend toward conservative management for certain low-risk cancers. Hospital and health-system factors may play a role in determining how these patients are managed.

Objective

To explore the contribution of hospitals on patients’ odds of nonoperative management for low-risk cancer.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this cross-sectional study, individuals with low-risk papillary thyroid cancer and solitary kidney masses were identified, and those receiving nonoperative management vs surgery were compared. Patients with low-risk thyroid cancer and kidney cancer from 2015 to 2017 eligible for nonoperative management according to National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines within the National Cancer Database were included. Data were analyzed from October 2021 to March 2022.

Main Outcomes and Measures

For each facility, the proportion of these patients who received operative and nonoperative management was calculated. A mixed-effects logistic regression model with a hospital-level random effects term was used to calculate factors associated with nonoperative management. Between-hospital variability was assessed using ranked caterpillar plots.

Results

There were 19 570 individuals with low-risk thyroid cancer (15 344 women [78.4%]; mean [SD] age, 51.74 [95% CI, 51.39-52.08] years) and 41 403 with kidney cancer (25 253 men [61.0%]; mean [SD] age, 61.93 [95% CI, 61.70-62.17] years). In the group with low-risk thyroid cancer, 2.1% (419 patients) received nonoperative management, and in the group with kidney cancer, 9.5% (3928 patients) received nonoperative management. This varied between hospitals from 1.1% (95% CI, 1.0%-1.1%) in the bottom decile to 10.3% (95% CI, 8.0%-12.4%) in the top decile for low-risk thyroid cancer, and from 4.3% (95% CI, 4.1%-4.4%) in the bottom decile to 24.6% (95% CI, 22.7%-26.5%) in the top decile for small kidney masses. For both cancers, age was associated with increased odds of nonoperative treatment. The hospital-level odds of nonoperative management of thyroid and kidney cancer using unadjusted probabilities (observed proportions) were minimally correlated (Spearman ρ = .33; P < .001).

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this study suggest that although health systems factors may be associated with the tendency to pursue nonoperative management, hospital-level factors may differ when comparing unrelated cancers.
An Integrated Metal‐Free Modification Method to Construct Efficient and Durable Bulk Heterojunction Photocathode for Solar Hydrogen Production
Authors: Shi Wenwen , Li Dongfeng , Tu Dandan , Li Deng , Yu Wei , Shi Jingying , Li Can
Published: November 2022

Polymer semiconductor with bulk heterojunction (BHJ) structure has attracted increasing attention to fabricate highly efficient photoelectrode for converting solar energy and water into hydrogen, thanks to its high photocurrent output and positive onset potential beyond 0.6 V. However, BHJ‐based photoelectrodes demonstrate poor anticorrosion against irradiation in aqueous environment, thus the photoelectrochemical (PEC) stability is a very intractable problem to solve. Herein, an inside and outside integrated modification method is developed to help BHJ‐based photocathode withstand PEC erosion during hydrogen production in acidic solution. The obtained BHJ (PBDB‐T:ITIC:PC71BM)‐based photocathode with surface carbon protective layer allows sustained and fast PEC hydrogen evolution (an average photocurrent density up to 13.5 mA cm−2) for a duration up to 15 h, which is among the best results of BHJ‐based photocathodes. The internal modification with fullerene derivative of PC71BM boosts the photogenerated electron transfer to balance against relative fast hole transfer, which largely alleviates electron accumulation and improves PEC intrinsic stability as a result. The surface carbon layer effectively resists the permeation of aqueous electrolyte without hindering interfacial charge transfer. This metal‐free protective method is very promising toward construction of highly robust BHJ‐based photoelectrodes for sustainable water splitting.
Quantum Dot‐in‐Mechanoluminescent Matrix for Full‐Color Implementation
Authors: Jeong Hong In , Yang Jonghee , Jeong Woo Hyeon , Oh Jae Taek , Song Hochan , Lim Seul Gi , Ha Su Ryong , Lee Bo Ram , Seo Hyo Jin , Choi Hyosung
Published: November 2022

Mechanoluminescence (ML), a novel process that converts mechanical momentum to light emission, has shown potential for sustainable future technologies. However, the lights emitted from classical ML materials have shown broad emission spectra and a limitation in the choice of colors so far, constraining the full‐color implementation of ML. Herein, a quantum dot (QD)‐in‐mechanoluminescent matrix (QMM) architecture is introduced by simply incorporating QDs with the classical ML‐active matrices, designed to utilize the sharp emission spectra of the QDs. The QMMs demonstrate distinctive green and red lights identical to the emissions from the QDs through mechanical stimuli, achieving the purest ML reported to date. Furthermore, the deployments of the QDs allow the full‐color implementation of ML covering a wide color gamut, as well as the demonstration of the purest white reported to date. Systematic investigations reveal that the ML operation in the QMM is governed according to the ML‐stimulated photoluminescence (PL) mechanism, preventing energy or charge transfer processes. Moreover, the QMMs exhibit excellent stabilities upon environmental stresses and the patterned system is readily prepared, guaranteeing both robustness and easy processability of the system. This simple QMM strategy suggests practical insights for the development of powerless ML display and lighting systems.
Police, courts, and corrections: Experiences of procedural injustice among Black adults
Authors: Martinez Andrew , Swaner Rachel , Ramdath Cassandra , Kusiak Carey Katherine
Published: November 2022

Racial disparities and a corresponding lack of trust have been documented within the criminal legal system. In response, criminal legal system actors have sought to strengthen the legitimacy of their agencies. However, legitimizing these agencies can be problematic. Some argue that the current criminal legal system continues the legacy of slavery and Jim Crow as Blacks are disproportionately policed and incarcerated. As a framework, procedural injustice can offer a unique backdrop and interrogate ways in which the criminal legal system engages in delegitimizing actions that provoke noncompliance and enable social control. Using a procedural injustice lens, this study examines how justice‐involved Black adults experience mistreatment by justice system actors. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 84 Black adults in Newark and Cleveland. Study findings offer a comprehensive account of how participants experience procedural injustice as arrestees, defendants, and incarcerated persons. More specifically, participant narratives describe deliberately antagonistic, abusive, and dehumanizing treatment by justice‐system agents—often depicted as racially motivated. Participant accounts also describe this mistreatment as occurring in a context of coercion and powerlessness and as being institutionally sanctioned. Implications for the preservation of racial hierarchies, research, practice, and community psychology are discussed.
Taming Chiral Quaternary Stereocenters via Remote H‐Bonding Stereoinduction in Palladium‐Catalyzed (3+2) Cycloadditions
Authors: Xiao Yu‐Qing , Li Miao‐Miao , Zhou Zheng‐Xin , Li Yu‐Jie , Cao Meng‐Yue , Liu Xiao‐Peng , Lu Hai‐Hua , Rao Li , Lu Liang‐Qiu , Beauchemin André M. , Xiao Wen‐Jing
Published: November 2022

Ring‐opening transformations of donor‐acceptor (D‐A) cyclopropanes enable the rapid assembly of complex molecules. However, the enantioselective formation of chiral quaternary stereocenters using substrates bearing two different acceptors remains a challenge. Herein, we describe the first palladium‐catalyzed highly diastereo‐ and enantioselective (3+2) cycloaddition of vinyl cyclopropanes bearing two different electron‐withdrawing groups, a subset of D‐A cyclopropanes. The key to the success of this reaction is the remote stereoinduction through hydrogen bond from chiral ligands, which thereby addressed the aforementioned challenge. A variety of chiral five‐membered heterocycles were produced in good yields and with high stereoselectivity (up to 99 % yields, 99 : 1 er and >19 : 1 dr). In‐depth mechanistic investigations, including control experiments and theoretical calculations, revealed the origin of the stereoselectivity and the importance of H‐bonding in stereocontrol.
Tuning Phonon Energies in Lanthanide‐doped Potassium Lead Halide Nanocrystals for Enhanced Nonlinearity and Upconversion
Authors: Zhang Zhuolei , Skripka Artiom , Dahl Jakob C. , Dun Chaochao , Urban Jeffrey J. , Jaque Daniel , Schuck P. James , Cohen Bruce E. , Chan Emory M.
Published: November 2022

Optical applications of lanthanide‐doped nanoparticles require materials with low phonon energies to minimize nonradiative relaxation and promote nonlinear processes like upconversion. Heavy halide hosts offer low phonon energies but are challenging to synthesize as nanocrystals. Here, we demonstrate the size‐controlled synthesis of low‐phonon‐energy KPb2X5 (X=Cl, Br) nanoparticles and the ability to tune nanocrystal phonon energies as low as 128 cm−1. KPb2Cl5 nanoparticles are moisture resistant and can be efficiently doped with lighter lanthanides. The low phonon energies of KPb2X5 nanoparticles promote upconversion luminescence from higher lanthanide excited states and enable highly nonlinear, avalanche‐like emission from KPb2Cl5 : Nd3+ nanoparticles. The realization of nanoparticles with tunable, ultra‐low phonon energies facilitates the discovery of nanomaterials with phonon‐dependent properties, precisely engineered for applications in nanoscale imaging, sensing, luminescence thermometry and energy conversion.
Highly Luminescent One‐Dimensional Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Double‐Perovskite‐Inspired Materials for Single‐Component Warm White‐Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Bai Tianxin , Wang Xiaochen , Wang Zhongyi , Ji Sujun , Meng Xuan , Wang Qiujie , Zhang Ruiling , Han Peigeng , Han Ke‐li , Chen Junsheng , Liu Feng , Yang Bin
Published: November 2022

Double perovskites (DPs) are one of the most promising candidates for developing white light‐emitting diodes (WLEDs) owing to their intrinsic broadband emission from self‐trapped excitons (STEs). Translation of three‐dimensional (3D) DPs to one‐dimensional (1D) analogues, which could break the octahedral tolerance factor limit, is so far remaining unexplored. Herein, by employing a fluorinated organic cation, we report a series of highly luminescent 1D DP‐inspired materials, (DFPD)2MIInBr6 (DFPD=4,4‐difluoropiperidinium, MI=K+ and Rb+). Highly efficient warm‐white photoluminescence quantum yield of 92 % is achieved by doping 0.3 % Sb3+ in (DFPD)2KInBr6. Furthermore, single‐component warm‐WLEDs fabricated with (DFPD)2KInBr6:Sb yield a luminance of 300 cd/m2, which is one of the best‐performing lead‐free metal‐halides WLEDs reported so far. Our study expands the scope of In‐based metal‐halides from 3D to 1D, which exhibit superior optical performances and broad application prospects.