bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of Mycotic Otitis Externa: A Clinicomycological Study
Authors: Buche Aniket R , Garud Sachin H , Krishna AL Athul
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Fungi are eukaryotic heterotropic organisms. In otolaryngology, mycotic otitis externa is one of the most common infection affecting external ear canal. The predisposing causes for otomycosis are mostly preventable or adequately controlled by medical treatment. It is important to evaluate the predisposing factors elaborately and economical mode of treating the disease adequately. Aim: To evaluate the predisposing factors, clinical features and management of mycotic otitis externa. Materials and Methods: The present longitudinal study was conducted in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Shri Vasantrao Naik Government Medical College, Yavatmal, Maharashtra, India, from December 2019 to December 2021. A sample size of 150 patients was taken for study. The predisposing factors, clinical features with which the patients presented were studied clinically. Otoscopic examination was done and type of fungal colony identified. The ear swab from affected ear or ears are taken and sent for fungal culture. Thorough aural toileting done and maximum debri was removed. The fungal reports were collected and the patients response to treatment was evaluated at the end of four weeks. All the data collected was entered into a master chart in Microsoft Excel 2019 and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 23.0 was used for analysis of study. The p-value obtained is less than 0.05 and the study was hence proved significant. Results: Most (59.9%) of the patient’s age were from 16 to 45 years age group and there were 82 (54.67%) males and 68 (45.33%) females. The most common predisposing factor was unsterile methods of ear cleaning (86.6%) followed by administration of unsterile ear drops (72%). Aspergillus niger was the most common fungal isolate (62%) and clinically most (96.6%) of the cases responded to clotrimazole. Conclusion: Mycotic otitis externa being the most common fungal infection of external ear canal, which can be treated adequately and effectively. The region wise fungal population diversity identification will help in effective treatment. Aural toileting along with topical antifungal agents is found to be effective in majority of the cases.
Treatment Reconciliation in Parkinson’s Disease Patients with Particular Reference to Wearing-off and Motor fluctuations: A Registry-based, Prospective, Observational Study
Authors: Sahoo Satyabrata , Pal Asutosh , Naser Syed Mohammad , Bagchi Chiranjib , Munshi Santanu , Tripathi Santanu Kumar , Acharya Mrinal , Samajdar Shambo Samrat
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is the second most frequent neurodegenerative disease and dopaminergic agents are frequently used as a treatment while ‘end of dose deterioration’ or ‘Wearing-Off (WO)’ phenomenon is common with these agents. Treatment reconciliation may be helpful in this situation and there is dearth of studies especially in India. Aim: To study the WO effects in patients of PD, their pharmacotherapy and outcome. Materials and Methods: This registry-based, prospective, observational, outcomes-based study was conducted in the Department of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology, School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, in collaboration with Department of Neuromedicine of Kolkata Medical College and private clinics of a Neurologist from January 2020 to December 2021. An attempt was also undertaken to make a registry of Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease (IPD) patients. WO Questionnaire 19-items (WOQ19), Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS Scale), The 39-items Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39 questionnaire), The 8-items Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS scale), suspected Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) Reporting Form of Indian Pharmacoepia commission (version 1.3), World Health Organisation- Uppsala Monitoring Centre (WHO-UMC) Scale, Naranjo causality assessment scale, Hartwig and Seigel’s Severity Assessment Scale were used in the present study. The study was commenced after obtaining approval from institutional ethics committee. The data was then analysed with parametric or non parametric tests using (mean±Standard Deviation (SD), median, Fisher’s-exact test, Friedman’s Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test, Wilcoxon matched pair signedrank test). Data collected and then statistically analysed by using WPS Excel version 2021 and GraphPad Prism version 9 software. Results: Total IPD patients were found to be 111 in the present study with a mean age of IPD patients as 61.85±7.20 years. Incidence of WO in the present study was found to be 40.5% among IPD patients. Most common characteristic of WO was found to be tremor in 104 (28.8%) patients followed by slowness of movement in 63 (17.5%) patients. WHO-UMC scale and Naranjo causality assesment scale both revealed 36.4% ADRs were probable category and 63.6% were possible category. MDS-UPDRS Score, PDQ-39 Score, MMAS-8 score significantly (p-value<0.05) improved during the course of treatment. Conclusion: Dose adjustment of syndopa was mostly used in the management of WO phenomenon and significant improvement in the quality of life of the patients was seen.
A Pilot Study on Presence of Parkinson’s Disease Risk Gene PARK7 in Population of West Bengal, India: A Preliminary Observation
Authors: Chatterjee Debasmita , Paira Krishnendu , Singh Banhishikha , Das Satadal
Published: June 2023

Introduction: The neurodegenerative Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is associated with different risk genes along with some environmental factors. Till date, there are few identified genes which play a pivotal role in the early onset of PD among the general population. Aim: To screen the presence of different risk genes of Parkinson’s disease along with associated environmental factors among randomly selected 62 urban participants. Materials and Methods: The present randomised control trial single blind pilot study was conducted in the Department of Biotechnology, Heritage Institute of Technology, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, from March 2021 to June 2021. The study participants were informed about the study and blood was collected from them. The genomic Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) extraction was carried out following phenol chloroform extraction protocol and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was done with specific primers of the risk genes namely, Parkinson Disease 1 (PARK1) Alpha-synuclein (α-synuclein), Parkinson Disease 2 (PARK2) (Parkin), Parkinson Disease Protein 7 (PARK7) or DJ -1 and PINK 1. Protein Deglycase-1 (DJ-1) and PTEN Induced Kinase 1 (PINK1). The statistical analysis of the findings was done using Statistical package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 21.0. Results: Out of 62 particpants, 47 were males and 15 were females and the age distribution of the participants was in between 21 years to >60 years. After obtaining specific band in agarose gel electrophoresis, 35 positive cases of PARK7 gene and 1 positive case of PARK2 gene were identified. Conclusion: There was a statistically significant association of different bacterial and viral infections with the PARK7 gene positive cases. PARK7 gene responsible for early onset of PD is significantly prevalent in the general population of West Bengal.
Content Validation of Questionnaire for Survey on Practice Preferences of Indian Anaesthesiologists in Difficult Intubation and “Cannot Intubate, Cannot Ventilate” Situations (CICV)
Authors: Tukaram Govardhane Balasaheb , Varsha Vyas , Sanya Arora , Srinivasan Vanchula
Published: June 2023

Introduction: American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) and Difficult Airway Society (DAS) have provided guidelines on management of difficult intubation and Cannot Intubate, Cannot Ventilate (CICV) situations. There have been many advances in equipment available to anaesthesiologist in difficult airway like Supraglottic Airway Devices (SGA), VideoLaryngoscope (VL) and optical stylet. The knowledge and practice of these guidelines are important for patient safety in difficult airway scenario. Aim: To validate the questionnaire to assess practice preferences in difficult intubation and CICV in Indian anaesthesiologist. Materials and Methods: This questionnaire-based observational survey was carried out between April 2021 to June 2021 at Department of Anaesthesia, DY Patil School of Medicine, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Nineteen questions were framed based on the literature related to difficult intubation and CICV practices. This questionnaire sent to 20 experts to grade each question on relevance, clarity, simplicity and ambiguity on a likert scale of 4 as provided in information sheet. Sixteen out of 20 experts responded. Nineteen questions were framed based on the literature related to difficult intubation and CICV practices. The questionnaire was expanded to 22 questions after pilot testing with 10 senior expert anaesthesiologists suggestion of including the question on apneic oxygenation. The collected responses were used to calculate Item-wise Content Validity Index (I-CVI), Scale-wise Content Validity Index (S-CVI) and Modified Kappa Statistics (MKS) in Microsoft excel sheet. Results: S-CVI for relevance, simplicity, clarity and ambiguity was 0.77, 0.77, 0.77 and 0.73, respectively. S-CVI/average or Average Congruency Percentage (ACP) was 0.95, 0.95, 0.95 and 0.94 for relevance, simplicity, clarity and ambiguity, respectively. Question 4, 14, 20, 22 received I-CVI of 0.75 in terms of relevance, clarity, simplicity and ambiguity and modified as per experts instructions. Conclusion: The survey questionnaire developed to assess practice preferences in difficult intubation and CICV fulfilled the content validity criteria both by qualitative and quantitative analyses.
Quality of Life and Cost of Illness in Patients with Hand Dermatitis: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Chowdary Yerragangu Deepthi , Rajashekar TS , Kumar Suresh , Hanumanthayya K , Kiran C Madhu , Meghana RE
Published: June 2023

Introduction: The high incidence, severity, and chronicity of hand dermatitis can lead to a massive impact on the Quality of Life (QoL). Despite its medical and socioeconomic importance, there is a paucity of data that addresses the cost-of-illness, economic factors, and its effect on the QoL in patients with hand dermatitis. Aim: To estimate the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and cost-of-illness in patients with hand dermatitis. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Outpatient Department (OPD) of Dermatology at RL Jalappa Hospital and Research Centre, Kolar, Karnataka, India. The duration of the study was four months, from September 2022 to December 2022. A total of 82 subjects with the skin condition of hand dermatitis. The QoL (DLQI questionnaire) and cost-of-illness were estimated. The economic burden of hand dermatitis was measured by its direct and indirect costs. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 and the comparison was done using t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 39.76±13.30 years. Eczema was the most common hand dermatitis, seen in 47 (57.3%) patients followed by psoriasis. A total of 82 patients (34 males and 48 females). The average total cost of the illness was Indian Rupee (INR) 5725.29 per individual among all patients, with indirect costs catering to 63.75% of total costs. The average total cost of the illness was INR 6105.03 and INR 5456.31 per individual among male and female patients, with indirect costs (INR 3976.76) catering to 65.14% in males and (INR 3418.75) catering to 62.66% of total costs among females. DLQI revealed social embarrassment had a very much impact seen in 36 participants (43%) followed by disturbances in social and leisure activities seen in 23 participants (28%). Conclusion: Hand dermatitis is distressing to the patient, which can lead to poor QoL. Cost of illness studies shed light on elements, that contribute to high expenses associated with this frequently devastating condition, aiding in its treatment or prevention.
DYNAMIC CAPABILITIES AND INNOVATION IN SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES (SMES): A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW OF PRIOR STUDIES
Authors: DEYASSA Kassaye
Published: June 2023

Based on previous studies, this study presents the role of dynamic capabilities and innovation in maintaining a competitive advantage for SMEs. This article is based on a literature review. Forty articles from JSTOR databases were selected for the study. The study period is between 2011 and 2020, and the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) method was used. The results show that despite the contribution of Asian countries, almost 70% of studies on dynamic capabilities and innovation in SMEs in the Global North are conducted in Europe. Less attention has been paid to the Global South, which depends more on SMEs than large companies to enrich the economy. This study provides a clearer picture of the ideas through an empirical application that complements current vague notions. The author argues that more research needs to be done on dynamic capabilities and innovation in SMEs in the Global South.
ГЕОДИНАМИЧЕСКАЯ АКТИВНОСТЬ ЧЕРНОМОРСКОГО ПОБЕРЕЖЬЯ ПО ДАННЫМ GPS-НАБЛЮДЕНИЙ В ПЕРИОД АВАРИИ НА ТРУБОПРОВОДЕ КАСПИЙСКОГО ТРУБОПРОВОДНОГО КОНСОРЦИУМА 07.08.2021 г. И ВОЗМОЖНЫЕ ЕЕ ПРИЧИНЫ, "Наука юга России"
Authors: Бабешко О.М. , Быхалова О.Н. , Шестопалов В.Л. , Шереметьев В.М.
Published: June 2023

Выполнено исследование геодинамической активности Черноморского побережья Краснодарского края в период аварии на трубопроводе Каспийского трубопроводного консорциума 07.08.2021 г. Целью исследования было выяснение причины происшедшей аварии или обстоятельств, вызвавших нарушение целостности трубопровода. Инструментом исследования являлась сеть спутниковых геодинамических пунктов GPS Анапа и Геленджик. Анализ графиков движений пунктов GPS показывает накопление напряжений за несколько месяцев до аварии. За 1,5 месяца до этого события начала проявляться геодинамическая аномалия вертикального движения в виде бухтообразного проседания земной поверхности. Анализ сейсмогеодинамической обстановки не дает основания связать геодинамическую аномалию движения ближайших GPS-пунктов Анапа и Геленджик с выходом из строя оборудования на причальном устройстве Каспийского трубопроводного консорциума, не имеющем жесткой связи с земной поверхностью. Можно предположить возможное воздействие геодинамических движений на подводный участок трубопровода с жестким креплением на морском дне. Основанием для этого являются последние исследования по изучению резонансных свойств колеблющихся литосферных плит. Установлено, что могут возникать резонансы, способные спровоцировать интенсивные перемещения водных масс в зоне трубопровода.
МОНИТОРИНГ ГИДРОХИМИЧЕСКИХ ПРЕОБРАЗОВАНИЙ НА ВЗМОРЬЕ ДОНА В РЕАЛЬНОМ ВРЕМЕНИ, "Наука юга России"
Authors: Матишов Г.Г. , Григоренко К.С. , Чеха М.М. , Алешина Е.Г.
Published: June 2023

Выполнена задача исследования динамики типов химической композиции вод в условиях частых чередований высокого и низкого уровней воды. Построена классификация характерного химического состава при разных гидрологических режимах (ветровых сгонах и нагонах). Работа основана на данных мониторинга гидрометеорологической обстановки Нижнего Дона. В сеть постов Южного научного центра Российской академии наук входят восемь автоматических гидрометеорологических комплексов, расположенных на разных участках устьевой области Дона. В работе представлены новые результаты исследования изменений гидрохимического режима дельты Дона в условиях аридизации климата. Раскрыта динамика изменений характерных типов минерализации при быстрых перепадах уровня воды. Выделены основные типы, отличающиеся анионами: грунтовый тип минерализации (SO более 70 %, общее содержание солей 5–7 г/л), морской (Cl 70–80 %, общее содержание солей до 8 г/л) и донской (30–40 % НCO-ионов, пониженная до 1–1,5 г/л минерализация). При чередовании серий верховок – низовок формируются смешанные воды: с повышенными долями хлоридов при доминировании грунтовой воды и верховках после нагонов, а также гидрокарбонатов в условиях распреснения грунтовых вод при подъеме уровня воды после экстремальных сгонов. Аномальное маловодье Дона приводит к формированию ранее неизвестных геохимических зависимостей на разных участках бассейна. Необходима более обширная сеть мониторинга в дельте, так как неизвестно, как осолонение бассейна проявляется в районах забора воды для городского водоснабжения. Восстановление утраченной сети гидропостов позволит приспособиться к дефициту водных ресурсов, а также получить обоснованные рекомендации для природопользования в современных условиях.
45 ЛЕТ НАУЧНО-ИССЛЕДОВАТЕЛЬСКОМУ СУДНУ «ДАЛЬНИЕ ЗЕЛЕНЦЫ», "Наука юга России"
Authors: Макаревич П.Р. , Моисеев Д.В.
Published: June 2023

В 2023 г. исполняется 45 лет научно-исследовательскому судну Мурманского морского биологического института РАН «Дальние Зеленцы». За четыре с половиной десятилетия ученые ММБИ РАН и других мореведческих организаций прошли на «Дальних Зеленцах» более 700 тысяч морских миль. Количество проведенных в экспедициях измерений и отобранных проб исчисляется сотнями тысяч. С борта судна проведены десятки тысяч часов наблюдений за морскими млекопитающими и птицами. Произведены многочисленные высадки на необорудованные арктические побережья и заходы в российские и зарубежные порты. В настоящее время судно продолжает активную экспедиционную деятельность в Арктике.
Socio-psychological Constructs and Perceived Economic Variables on Entrepreneurial Behavior among Farmer Producer Organization Members in Kerala: A Comprehensive Analysis
Authors: Jose Asha Elizabeth , Jayalekshmi G. , Lade Ashish Homraj , Karde Rohit
Published: June 2023

In the realm of the Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), there is a compelling need for comprehensive scholarly investigation to assess the quantitative relationship between profile characteristics and entrepreneurial behavior of members within Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to address the existing knowledge gap and contribute to a deeper understanding of the dynamics that enhance livelihood security. Therefore, the present study focused on examining the relationship between the entrepreneurial behaviour of FPO members and their socio-psychological constructs and perceived economic variables. The study was conducted in Kerala. Districts from Northern, Central, and Southern Kerala having the maximum number of FPOs were selected for the study. Thus, Wayanad from Northern Kerala, Idukki from Central Kerala, and Trivandrum from Southern Kerala were selected for the study. A purposive sampling technique was used for the selection of the FPOs. Two functioning FPOs were purposively selected from the three districts based on discussion with National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC), and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK). From each selected FPO, 20 farmer members were randomly selected. A total of 40 farmers were surveyed from each district. Thus, a total of 120 farmer members were selected from six Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) located in three districts, resulting in a sample size of 120 respondents. A random sampling technique was used for the selection of the farmer members from each FPOs. Karl Pearson Correlation Coefficient was used in the study to understand the strength and direction of the relationship between the variables. The socio-psychological constructs and perceived economic variables were age, education, annual income, scientific orientation, number of training attended, social participation, group cohesion and credit orientation. The findings demonstrated that there were positive and significant relationships between education, annual income, training, scientific orientation, group cohesion, and creativity with entrepreneurial behavior. The variables age and credit orientation exhibited non-significant correlation coefficients, suggesting no significant relationship with entrepreneurial behavior.
Exploring Bhutanese Geography Teachers’ Perception on the Use of Information and Communications Technology in Teaching before, during and Beyond Pandemic
Authors: Bharati Benita
Published: June 2023

The study was conducted to explore the perception of geography teachers on the use of ICT in teaching before, during and beyond the pandemic. The study was carried out for the secondary geography teachers in the western region of Bhutan. The researcher employed pragmatism paradigm and sequential explanatory design in this study. The quantitative data were collected through survey questionnaire from 84 secondary geography teachers and focus group discussions with 12 teachers. The quantitative data were analysed using Descriptive statistics, SPSS 22 and the qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The collation of quantitative and qualitative results indicated the positive perception of teachers in using ICT in teaching and learning. The study revealed that the use of ICT enhances teaching and learning geography. Further, the study revealed the challenges of using ICT in teaching and learning. The study communicated that teachers use of ICT in teaching Geography was minimal before the Pandemic, however due to online teaching and learning the use of ICT expedited during Pandemic. The use of ICT in teaching enhanced teachers knowledge and skills as it was more of exploratory and experiential learning.
Detection of Face Recognition of Interviewee Using Transform Technique and Machinle Learning Algorithm
Authors: Bhutada Sunil , Shrishrimal Dipika , Praneetha K. , Rao G. Sanjana , Reddy P. Ashwitha
Published: June 2023

A crucial task in any firm is the hiring of new personnel. Virtual interviews have replaced face-to-face interviews as the norm since the Pandemic. Knowing the sincerity of the interviewee while applying to the company becomes a significant task in such a situation. The practice of manually comparing a candidate's face from many interview rounds to the actual candidate joining the organization is being used by interviewers. I want to automate this human process, using machine learning techniques to aid the interviewee's sincerity be established. Machine learning techniques will be used in this procedure to find and identify faces in pictures taken during the first round of interviews. Then compare it later to the real face that was photographed at the time of joining. If all of the visuals line up, it establishes the interviewee's sincerity. And if they don't match, management can take the necessary steps offline. This project will be conceived up and explored from the standpoint of how and whether Python may be used to implement.
Impact of Various Nitrogen Rates on the Performance of Winter Potato (Var. Kufri Sindhuri) in Valley Areas of Manipur, India
Authors: Gogoi Meghna , Lhungdim Jamkhogin , Abonmai Tabuiliu , Luikham Edwin , Devi K. Nandini , Singh Sumarjit
Published: June 2023

The research was aimed at analyzing the performance of winter potato under different nitrogen rates at the experimental fields of College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University, Imphal. The variety Kufri Sindhuri was cultivated during the winter seasons of 2017-18 and 2018-19 under three different nitrogen rates- 120 kgha-1 (N1), 100 kgha-1 (N2) and 80 kgha-1 (N3) using drip irrigation. The results indicated that plants fertilized with 120 kgha-1 nitrogen recorded maximum germination percentage (86.17%), plant height (40.47cm), number of shoots plant-1 (4.50), stem girth (0.56cm), crop growth rate (17.96gm-2day-1), relative growth rate (2.75gg-1day-1), weight of tubers per plant (1.04kg) and tuber yield (19.96t/ha) amongst other treatments. Thus, concluding that healthy plants and good yield of potato was obtained when fertilized with 120 kgha-1 of Nitrogen in Imphal.
Study on the Impact of Season and Location on the Native Pastures’ Quality in West Timor, Indonesia
Authors: Jelantik I. Gusti N. , Malelak Gemini E. M.
Published: June 2023

Aims: The objective of this experiment was to investigate the monthly changes of crude protein and NDF content of forages and the in vitro organic matter digestibility of forages obtained from native pastures in West Timor.

Place and Duration of Study: Native pastures were located in three districts of West Timor, Indonesia. The collected forage samples were determined for crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) in the laboratory of feed chemistry, the Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Marine and Fishery. The in vitro study was also conducted in the same laboratory. The study was conducted from December 2021 to October 2022.

Methodology: Pasture samples were taken from six native pastures in three districts, i.e. districts of Kupang, Timor Tengah Selatan and Timor Tengah Utara. In each pasture, as many as five 40x40 cm quadrants of forages were clipped bimonthly throughout the year at 5 cm from the soil. Forage was then dried and composited for each district and thereafter sub-sampled for chemical analyses. Forage samples were determined for crude protein and NDF content as well as in vitro organic matter digestibility.

Results: Results showed forage quality fluctuated with months. The CP content and IVOMD were highest (P<.05) during the beginning of the rainy season and the lowest during the late dry season.  In contrast, forage NDF content increased (P<.05) from 64% during the early wet season to 71-77% during the late wet season and dry season. There was no significant difference (P>.05) in the nutritive quality of native pasture among different districts in Timor.

Conclusion: Pasture quality fluctuates with months and its pattern is comparable among districts.
A Review of the Impact of Homelessness on Mental Health
Authors: Anombem Odiaka Mark , Arisoyin Abimbola , Okereke Obiamaka Pamela , Okobi Okelue Edwards , Mamman Aisha , Salawu Mujeeb Adedeji , Oaikhena Ijeoma Omosede
Published: June 2023

Background: Homelessness has become a complex issue with profound impacts on society. Social determinants like housing significantly impacts human well-being in numerous ways, ranging from physical safety to appropriate access to necessities such as healthy food options and medical care. This research seeks to delve deeper into understanding how being homeless can affect mental health outcomes.

Methodology: A literature review conducted following a systematic method was integral to our research process. We searched PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus, utilizing a combination of keywords related to homelessness, mental health, and their impact.

Results: The reviewed studies consistently highlighted the prevalence of mental health disorders among homeless individuals, ranging from depression, suicide, alcoholism, substance abuse, and Schizophrenia. The evidence highlights the complex relationship between homeless status and psychological well-being, noting that lack of secure housing can trigger and exacerbate mental illness.

Conclusion: This review emphasizes the significance of providing homeless individuals with essential mental health aid and secure housing accommodations cannot be underscored enough. By recognizing the relationship between homelessness and mental health, society can work towards implementing effective strategies that promote recovery and social inclusion for this vulnerable population.
Bioremediation of Wastewater Enriched with Cd, Cr and Pb Using Floating Macrophytes
Authors: Hernández-Vasquez L. A. , Prieto-García F. , Prieto M. J. , Alvarado-Lassman A. , Aquino-Torres E. , Ramírez-Rivera E. D. , Barrón-Zambrano J. A. , Lope-Navarrete M. C.
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to explore the effectiveness potential of Eichhornia crassipes, Pistia stratiotes and Salvinia molesta for the reduction of potentially toxic metals from effluents enriched with Cd, Cr and Pb. Based on a 21-day laboratory-scale experiment, a total of three concentrations at 1, 5 and 10 mg/L were selected to culture each of the macrophytes. In addition, kinetics and prediction models were used to analyze the metal reduction data to understand the behavior and removal rate of each species and with the Taguchi methodology to see what the right conditions for greater efficiency are. The results suggested that the three macrophytes was able to reduce metals Eichhornia crassipes manages to reduce 90.8-99.99% Cd, 90.8-99.9% Cr and 89.6-99.9% Pb, for Pistia stratiotes 74.6-99.9% Cd, 74.6-99.9% Cr and 91.2-99.9% Pb and Salvinia molesta 83.2-99.9% Cd, 62.2-99.9% Cr and 89.2-99% Pb. The first-order model it is adjusted appropriately to the removal of toxic metals for the three plants, having an adjustment of R2 greater than 0.80. Taguchi analysis shows that optimal conditions for metal phytoremediation occur with 1 mg/L of toxic metals and after 21 days.
The Framework Analysis of Small and Medium Fishery Industries in West Papua Province, Indonesia
Authors: Yarangga George , Bawole Roni , Tebay Selvi , Monim Hanike , Allo Albertus Girik
Published: June 2023

West Papua's fishery resources are in fishery management areas 715 and 717 with a potential of 1,242,526 tonnes/ha and 1,054,695 tonnes/ha respectively. On average, most fishery products are marketed fresh and only 1.20% are in the form of further processing. Therefore, the analysis of small and medium fisheries industries’ (SMFI) development framework is needed to encourage small and medium fisheries enterprises to grow and be sustainable. The analytical framework is realized by considering the initial data consisting of household capacity of fishermen, product superiority, and maximum sustainable yield; data management and processing; support from legal policy; community-based institutions; and co-management arrangements.
Purification and characterization of a thermophilic NAD+‐dependent lactate dehydrogenase from Moorella thermoacetica
Authors: Rosenbaum Florian P. , Müller Volker
Published: January 2025

Oxidation of lactate under anaerobic dark fermentative conditions poses an energetic problem. The redox potential of the lactate/pyruvate couple is too electropositive to reduce the physiological electron carriers NAD(P)+ or ferredoxin. However, the thermophilic, anaerobic, and acetogenic model organism Moorella thermoacetica can grow on lactate but was suggested to have a NAD+‐dependent lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), based on enzyme assays in cell‐free extract. LDHs of thermophilic and anaerobic bacteria are barely characterized but have a huge biotechnological potential. Here, we have purified the LDH from M. thermoacetica by classical chromatography. Lactate‐dependent NAD+ reduction was observed with high rates. Electron bifurcation was not observed. At pH 8 and 65 °C, the LDH had a specific activity of 60 U·mg−1 for lactate oxidation, but NADH‐driven pyruvate reduction was around four times faster with an activity of 237 U·mg−1. Since lactate formation is preferred by the enzyme, further modifications of the LDH can be suggested to improve the kinetics of this enzyme making it a promising candidate for biotechnological applications.
Combining Structured Data with Domain Knowledge in Battery Materials Research: The Case of Conductive Networks
Authors: Beran Lisa , Knapp Tobias Valentin , Nexha Albenc , Lay Makara , Niebuur Bart‐Jan , Kraus Tobias
Published: January 2025

Batteries contain combinations of materials that undergo electrochemical reactions to convert chemical into electrical energy. Battery research relies on experience and know‐how. Important materials and processing data can get overlooked, remain undocumented, or even lost. To bridge the gap between fundamental materials research and battery process engineering, it is essential to generate, analyze, and, most importantly, link intermediate knowledge for future use. Here, it is shown how to combine domain knowledge and a data‐driven approach to understanding material–property relationships in the case of conductivity networks of carbon black. The Battery Production and Characterisation Ontology (BPCO) is employed to identify hypotheses that connect battery processing to material domain knowledge. The material's interactions between carbon black, polyvinylidene flouride, and solvents in the BPCO are characterized. These materials combine to form the classical microstructure in battery electrodes for the electrical conductivity. It is demonstrated how new links to the BPCO, verified via materials‐processing relationships, and the interim results are identified as intermediate data.
Energy Dissipation during Crack Growth in Rubbers with Mullins Softening
Authors: Alzughaibi Saleh , Caillard Julien , Colombo Davide , Long Rong
Published: January 2025

The modulus and toughness of rubbers can be improved by incorporating fillers into the rubber matrix. Filled rubbers exhibit a strain‐induced softening phenomenon known as the Mullins effect. Upon deformation, filled rubbers can dissipate strain energy, which results in enhanced resistance to crack growth. An in‐depth understanding of the energy dissipation accompanying crack growth is important for the predictive modeling of rubber fracture. Herein, an experimental study on the fracture toughness of filled and unfilled rubbers with a focus on characterizing the energy dissipation caused by the Mullins effect during crack growth is presented. A particle tracking method is used to measure the nonlinear deformation fields in notched rubber specimens when subjected to monotonic tensile loading. Using the measured deformation fields and an independently calibrated constitutive model, the evolution of stress fields during crack growth is quantitatively evaluated, based on which the energy dissipation and intrinsic toughness are determined with the assumption of steady‐state crack growth. It is found that the filled rubber exhibits more energy dissipation during crack growth than the unfilled rubber. More importantly, the intrinsic toughness of the filled rubber (5000–8000 J m−2) is also much higher than that of the unfilled rubber (150–300 J m−2).
High‐Density, Crosstalk‐Free, Flexible Electrolyte‐Gated Synaptic Transistors Array via All‐Photolithography for Multimodal Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Yuan Li , Zhao Tingting , Dai Junshuai , Xue Longwei , Zhang Xudong , Peng Cong , Wen Pan , Liu Hai , Hu Hong , Chen Longlong , Xin Hanshen , Li Jun , Li Xifeng , Zhang Jianhua
Published: January 2025

High‐density bio‐electrolyte‐gated synaptic transistors (BEGTs) array are promising for constructing neuromorphic computing architectures. Due to the bulk ion conductivity and the crack sensitivity of the electrolyte film, patterning the electrolyte is an indispensable route to prevent spatial crosstalk and improve the flexibility of the device array. However, the susceptibility of bio‐electrolyte to organic solvents poses challenges in developing reliable all‐photolithography techniques for fabricating scalable, patterned, and high‐density BEGTs array. This study introduces an all‐photolithography method that adopts a photo‐crosslinker‐enabled electrolyte to create a high‐density (11846 devices per cm2) multimodal BEGTs array. This array demonstrates essential neuromorphic behaviors without inter‐device crosstalk and maintains its flexibility, enduring 200 bending cycles at a 6 mm radius without significant performance degradation. Meanwhile, the BEGTs array exhibits multimodal synaptic behavior, not only successfully mimicking the biological visual memory system for sensing and processing images but also proving highly accurate in classifying handwritten digits, making it suitable for constructing neuromorphic computing systems. This work offers a dependable strategy for the scalable and stable fabrication of BEGTs array, providing valuable insights for advancing artificial neuromorphic systems.
Boosting Amino Acid Synthesis with WOx Sub‐Nanoclusters
Authors: Wu Guanzheng , Ma Zengying , Heil Tobias , Zhang Leting , Hu Wangcheng , Wu Guoqing , He Wenhui , Dai Lei , Huang Yucheng , Qin Qing
Published: January 2025

The conversion of nitrate‐rich wastewater and biomass‐derived blocks into high‐value products using renewably generated electricity is a promising approach to modulate the artificial carbon and nitrogen cycle. Here, a new synthetic strategy of WOx sub‐nanoclusters is reported and supported on carbon materials as novel efficient electrocatalysts for nitrate reduction and its coupling with α‐keto acids. In acidic solutions, the NH3‐NH2OH selectivity can also optimized by adjusting the potential, with the total FE exceeding 80% over a wide potential range. After introducing α‐keto acids, the WOx/D‐CB electrode achieves remarkable activity and selectivity toward C2‐C6 amino acids. For glycine and alanine, impressive FEs of 49.34% and 38.22% based on transitional metal oxides can be obtained, surpassing those of WOx nanoclusters with larger size. In situ analysis and mechanistic studies reveal the critical role of WOx sub‐nanoclusters in reducing the energy barriers of key steps in alanine synthesis. This work opens up new insights into the rational design of cluster catalysts to promote electrochemical amino acid synthesis.
Passivated Zn Powders as Metal Anode
Authors: Sun Yiming , Jin Yanting , Huang Jiaxing
Published: January 2025

Impacted by heavy corrosion and poor connections, zinc (Zn) powders have rarely been considered as the raw materials of Zn‐ion aqueous batteries (ZABs). Nonetheless, the ease of controlling loadings of Zn powders entitles ZABs to better capacity match between negative and positive electrodes. Here, a simple and rapid chemical solution passivation method is reported, which leads to a thin, dense, and conformal passivation layer on Zn powder surface. The passivation layer suppresses parasitic reactions of Zn powder anode, mitigates corrosions, and extends the calendar life. Mixing with well‐dispersed carbon nanotubes, the passivated Zn powder anode is able to cycle 100 h under 3 mA cm−2 and 3 mAh cm−2 at depth of discharge of 41.3%. Besides, the anode with negative/positive electrode capacity ratio of 5.95 improves the energy density of the Zn powder||MnO2 full cell to 70 Wh Kg−1. Such a simple “one‐step” passivation method is believed to be a “drop‐in” technique applied in the scalable manufacture of ZABs.
Permanent Plasma Surface Functionalization of Internal Surface Areas
Authors: Hegemann Dirk , Janůšová Martina , Navascués Paula , Zajíčková Lenka , Guex Anne Géraldine
Published: January 2025

Surface functionalization technologies of fibrous or porous materials are often considered relatively unstable with a shelf life of several weeks or months at most, evoked by heterogeneous treatment of their internal surface areas. Here, it is demonstrating that the fine balance of plasma etching, deposition, and oxidation involving different reactive species, strongly enhances penetration depth within complex structures. On this basis, capillary wicking is maintained over >10 years after plasma functionalization of a scaffold material used for biomedical engineering. Electrospun membranes of poly(ε‐caprolactone) are coated with an oxygen‐functional hydrocarbon layer, deposited in a competitive ablation and plasma polymerization process with CO2 and C2H4 as reactive gases. Chemical analysis immediately after coating, 9 months later, and after storing at ambient conditions for over 10 years, indicate a stable surface coating. Using defined geometries such as a cavity and an undercut, the underlying plasma interaction mechanisms are revealed, showing different synergies of energetic particles, depositing species with different surface reactivities, and oxidizing species. A concerted action of such species during plasma functionalization is key to enabling long‐term wetting properties. This has a major implication for the surface functionalization of scaffolds, textiles, membranes, or foams used in diverse fields.
Ultrafast Diamond Photodiodes for Vacuum Ultraviolet Imaging in Space‐Based Applications
Authors: Jia Lemin , Zhu Siqi , Zhang Naiji , Lin Zhuogeng , Cai Wei , Cheng Lu , Lu Xiaoqiang , Zheng Wei
Published: January 2025

Monitoring the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation from the Sun by spaceborne photodetectors is an indispensable and crucial approach in solar physics research and atmospheric photochemistry investigations. Diamond‐based photodetectors are emerging as ideal candidates to replace traditional silicon‐based detectors for high‐selectivity and radiation hardness. Here, a vertical Schottky photodiode based on p‐type high‐quality single‐crystal diamond is presented. By modulating the diamond surface band structure and band alignment, an ultra‐short response time of only 15 ns, and a photo‐to‐dark current ratio greater than 105 under the reverse bias are achieved. It is the first time to study the spectral response of the diamond photodiode in the range of 260 nm to as low as 120 nm under vacuum conditions, exhibiting an ideal selective responsivity and excellent imaging capability in the VUV range. This device holds promising prospects for coupling with optomechanical systems to enable a multidimensional detection of solar VUV radiation, including imaging and spectrum.
Biomimetic Gas‐Trapping Electrode Toward N2 Electrofixation
Authors: Li Di , Guo Haiyi , Wang Cui , Cao Guoliang , Jiang Lili , Guo Haocheng , Duan Jingjing , Chen Sheng
Published: January 2025

This work has been inspired by water striders’ hair structures, developing a class of gas self‐storage electrodes for trapping N2 for electrofixation. The electrode is comprised of nickel phosphides encapsulated by phosphorus‐doped carbon shells, showing simultaneous “superaerophilic” and “superhydrophobic” domains on the surfaces with an underwater N2 contact angle of 13.4° and water contact angle of 140.7°. Through mechanism studies combining molecular dynamics (MD) and density functional theory (DFT) simulations, it shows the superaerophilic domains that contribute to enriching N2 at the electrode/electrolyte interfaces for favorable gas feedstock supply, while superhydrophobic domains suppressing competitive hydrogen evolution. Benefit from the directly trapping N2 molecules, the electrode drives right shift of the reaction equilibrium with substantially increased Faradic efficiency up to 42.4%, rating it among the most efficient nitrogen electrofixation catalysts in aqueous electrolytes. The present finding is expected to provide an additional dimension to biomimetic mechanisms that manipulate systems beyond traditional constraint.
Therapeutic Effect of a Near‐Infrared Responsive MTX‐Mn3O4@PDA Nano‐Delivery System on Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Zhang Xinwei , Wang Ziping , Bai Yu , Hu Yulun , Chen Qing , Liu Yueping , Chang Mingming
Published: January 2025

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease associated with chronic inflammatory processes. RA, which is typically associated with the accumulation of hyperactive immune cells (HICs), particularly M1 proinflammatory macrophages, is accompanied by elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased pH in the synovial membranes of the joints. In this work, a nano‐delivery system (MTX‐Mn3O4@PDA) is designed that can deliver photothermal materials, ROS scavengers, and synovial fibroblast inhibitors at the joint site for the treatment of RA. After injecting MTX‐Mn3O4@PDA into the inflamed site of RA, photothermal therapy is initiated by near‐infrared (NIR) laser irradiation, which resulted in the death of activated inflammatory cells at the lesion site. While polydopamine (PDA) slowly dissociates under stimulation by a low pH microenvironment. Subsequently, excess ROS interacts with the Mn3O4 nanozyme and the undissociated PDA nanozyme, promoting ROS clearance, while Methotrexate (MTX) inhibits the proliferation of synovial fibroblasts. Intra‐articular injection of MTX‐Mn3O4@PDA (7 mg kg−1) into collagen‐induced arthritis mice demonstrated efficacy in reducing toe swelling and significantly alleviating synovial inflammation, bone erosion, and cartilage degeneration. This nano‐delivery system has potential clinical applications for treating RA.
Automated and Efficient Sampling of Chemical Reaction Space
Authors: Lee Minhyeok , Ucak Umit V. , Jeong Jinyoung , Ashyrmamatov Islambek , Lee Juyong , Sim Eunji
Published: January 2025

Machine learning interatomic potentials (MLIPs) promise quantum‐level accuracy at classical force field speeds, but their performance hinges on the quality and diversity of training data. An efficient and fully automated approach to sample chemical reaction space without relying on human intuition, addressing a critical gap in MLIP development is presented. The method combines the speed of tight‐binding calculations with selective high‐level refinement, generating diverse datasets that capture both equilibrium and reactive regions of potential energy surfaces. By employing single‐ended growing string and nudged elastic band methods, reaction pathways previously underrepresented in MLIP training sets, particularly near transition states are systematically explored. This approach yields datasets with rich structural and chemical diversity, essential for robust MLIP development. Open‐source code is provided for the entire workflow, facilitating the integration of the approach into existing MLIP development pipelines.
MMFuncPhos: A Multi‐Modal Learning Framework for Identifying Functional Phosphorylation Sites and Their Regulatory Types
Authors: Xie Juan , Dong Ruihan , Zhu Jintao , Lin Haoyu , Wang Shiwei , Lai Luhua
Published: January 2025

Protein phosphorylation plays a crucial role in regulating a wide range of biological processes, and its dysregulation is strongly linked to various diseases. While many phosphorylation sites have been identified so far, their functionality and regulatory effects are largely unknown. Here, a deep learning model MMFuncPhos, based on a multi‐modal deep learning framework, is developed to predict functional phosphorylation sites. MMFuncPhos outperforms existing functional phosphorylation site prediction approaches. EFuncType is further developed based on transfer learning to predict whether phosphorylation of a residue upregulates or downregulates enzyme activity for the first time. The functional phosphorylation sites predicted by MMFuncPhos and the regulatory types predicted by EFuncType align with experimental findings from several newly reported protein phosphorylation studies. The study contributes to the understanding of the functional regulatory mechanism of phosphorylation and provides valuable tools for precision medicine, enzyme engineering, and drug discovery. For user convenience, these two prediction models are integrated into a web server which can be accessed at http://pkumdl.cn:8000/mmfuncphos.