bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Elemental and Volatile Compounds of Three Selected Plants of Genus Hibiscus
Authors: Deliza Hidangmayum , Maibam Damayanti
Published: March 2022

Aims: The present study aims to evaluate the minerals, bioactive compounds of 3 selected Hibiscus Genus i,e. Hibiscus sabdariffa L., Hibiscus cannabinus L., and Hibiscus acetosella Welw.

Place and Duration of Study: The selected plants were collected during May to October 2018 from Imphal (24°37’N and 93°39’E) Manipur North Eastern State of India, which lies 2590 feet above sea level, and study were carried out in Genetics Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, Manipur University.

Methodology: The minerals composition and bioactive compounds were evaluated by using Graphite Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (GF-AAS) method and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GCMS), respectively.

Results: The elemental analysis shows the presence of Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Zinc, Copper, Sodium, Potassium, Selenium, Chromium, Cobalt. By using the GC-MS method, the compounds are identified with Retention time (RT) and area percentage. The two compounds are identified for methanol extract and four compounds for chloroform extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. For Hibiscus cannabinus L., three compounds are identified for methanol extract and four compounds for chloroform extract and for Hibiscus acetosella Welw. eleven compounds for methanol extract and three compounds for chloroform extract.

Conclusion: The selected plants are good source of Sodium, Potassium, Selenium, Chromium, Cobalt, Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Zinc, Copper and bioactive compounds which had antibacterial, anticancer, antioxidant properties and renal related disorders protection effects. However, it is needed to study the pharmacological activity for further evaluation.
Growth Performance of Early Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) Influenced by Seed Priming
Authors: Krishna R. Sarath , Phookan Deepa B. , Kachari Manisha , Sarma Ira
Published: March 2022

Seed priming is a pre sowing seed treatment technique that improves growth performance in the field and hence boost subsequent germination, growth and yield of the crop. This study was conducted at Experimental Farm, Department of Horticulture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat during February to May, 2019 to determine the effect of seed priming and priming duration on growth performance of early okra. The experiment was conducted following Randomised Block Design with three replications.  Seed priming of okra seeds was done by soaking the seeds for 12 or 24 hrs in distilled water, KCl, PEG 6000 and GA3.Whereas unprimed dry seeds represented the control. Results indicated that all the characters, such as plant stand per plot, plant height at harvest, branches per plant, days to 50% flowering, days to first fruiting, days to 50 % fruiting showed improved results in seed priming treatment Osmopriming with 5 % PEG-6000 for 24 hrs followed by halopriming with 1% KCl for 12 hrs over unprimed dry seed. The results obtained clearly showed positive correlation of seed priming with plant growth, flowering, fruiting and root morphological traits.
Examination of Biological and Economic Characteristics of Introduced Walnut Cultivars and Recommendations for Spreading
Authors: Salkić Besim , Salkić Ahmed , Imširović Emir , Salkić Ensar , Huseinović Samira
Published: March 2022

Plantation cultivation of grafted walnuts in Bosnia and Herzegovina did not exist until 6 years ago. Walnut seedlings (Juglans regia L) were mainly planted, which showed all the shortcomings related to the trees obtained from the seeds. In the last 5 years, there has been interest in planting grafted walnuts, so in this regard there was a need for controlled introduction of varieties suitable for this area.

Research was conducted during 2020 - 2021 at four walnut tree cultivars, Chandler, Franquette, Fernor i Fernette.

The aim of the research is to determine how certain varieties behave in agroecological conditions of the Majevica region and on that basis to give a proposal of the best variety for further spread in the area of this region. The research was conducted within the project number 02 / 9-712-1-5-3 / 21. The research was carried out at the Skakava Gornja site at an altitude of 192 m with a southwestern exposure (plot I) and a northeastern exposure at 172 m above sea level (plot II), with a terrain slope of 8%.

The research related to vegetative growth included counting and measuring the average, then the minimum and maximum growth during two years. Yield monitoring included counting and measuring fruit number, average fruit size and calculating average yield.

Generally the Chandler and Franquette varieties planted on the I plot had a stronger growth.

Taking into account the vegetative growth, the number and size of fruits as well as the yield in the observed period, the Chandler and Franquette varieties are recommended for further expansion.
Reflection and Reflective Practice in General Practice: A Systematic Review Exploring and Evaluating Key Variables Influencing Reflective Practice
Authors: Taiwo Akhigbe, , Esther Monday,
Published: March 2022

Background: Reflective practice is an essential part of general practice involving the trainee and the practitioners and the mechanism to promote this is the creation of portfolios to monitor evidence of reflective practices needed as part of licensing and revalidation in the United Kingdom

Aim: Evaluate the existing evidence about reflection and reflective practice models, utility, quality, significance, and implication for practice in General practice.

Methodology: Systematic databases search include Medline/PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, ERIC, and google scholar, limited to the last twenty years from January 2000 to January 2020.

Results: There were eight observational studies with 236 patients with over 90 percent of evidence that reflective practice is a tool for learning and development with poor evidence on the scale of measurement of reflective practice. No evidence for the effect of reflection on patient care. All evidence is level 2- with a grade C recommendation.

Conclusion: This systematic review of findings from eight studies of reflective practice in general practice. Relevant literature supports refection as a learning tool and process for mandatory assessment of performance and appraisal. In contrast, there is an overwhelming distaste for the current structure of e-portfolio for written reflection. There is no evidence for the effect of reflection on patient care and currently no standard scale of measurement to assess the quality of reflection in general practice.
Proximate, Microbial and Sensory Properties of Moi-Moi Produced with Crayfish and Grasshopper
Authors: Victor-Aduloju A. T. , Okonkwo H. C. , Osuji J. C. , Ukachi N. J. , Okonkwo I. W. , Okafor P. I. , Uchegbu T. M. , Ezegbe C. C. , Olopade A. J.
Published: March 2022

The research assessed the proximate, microbial and sensory properties of moi-moi produced with crayfish and grasshopper (Zonocerus variegatus).  Cowpea seed, crayfish and grasshoppers were processed into flours using standard procedures. Cowpea-crayfish flour and cowpea-grasshopper flour were formulated with the ratios: 90:10, 85:15, 80:20 and 75:25 respectively. Proximate properties showed the range of values for Protein: 5.50-12.80, Fat: 5.27-8.07%, Carbohydrate: 28.30-38.87%, Moisture: 40.00-52.67%, Ash: 1.32-4.27% and Fiber: 1.63 -8.50%. Microbial analysis indicated bacteria count range of 4.1 × 105 - 8.5 × 105 CFU/g; fungal 2.1 × 105 - 4.2× 105 CFU/g and coliform 1.6 × 105 -3.8 × 105 CFU/g. Sensory attributes of the moi-moi samples were evaluated and the result ranged from 6.27-7.60 for colour, 6.33-7.13 for texture, 5.60-7.73, 6.13-7.00 for flavour and 6.20-7.60 for overall acceptability. The study established that moi-moi produced with crayfish and grasshopper contains high amount of nutritive value when compared with moi-moi produced only with cowpea flour. The result of the sensory evaluation showed no significant difference (p>0.05) between the samples indicating that moi-moi produced with grasshopper is acceptable.
Mesolithic and later sites around the Inner Sound, Scotland
Authors: Hardy Karen , Wickham-Jones Caroline , Ashmore Patrick , Austin Phil , Barrett James , Campbell Stuart , Clarke Ann , Cressey Michael , Dawson Alastair , Dawson Susan , Edwards Kevin , Finlay Nyree , Green Fraser , Heald Andrew , Hunter Fraser , Isbister Arlene , MacSween Ann , McAllan Lorna , Milner Nicky , Newton Anthony , Parks Rachel , Schulting Rick , Shiel Robert
Published: March 2022

Scotland's First Settlers comprised a survey project to locate and examine sites relating to the earliest, Mesolithic, settlement of the Inner Sound, along the coastlands between Skye and the west coast of Scotland. Particular foci of interest included the existence and nature of midden sites, the use of rockshelters and caves, and the different types of lithic raw material in use. In addition, information relating to the human use of the area up to the present day was recorded. Fieldwork took place over five years between 1999 and 2004: the entire coastline of the Inner Sound together with its islands was walked; 129 new archaeological sites were recorded; 36 sites were shovel pitted; 44 test pitted; and one major excavation took place. Excavation at Sand has been particularly exciting as it has resulted in the analysis of a shell midden dating to the early-mid-7th millennium BC, the early Mesolithic of Scotland. This report comprises the results of survey and excavation work as well as detailed artefact reports, full information on ecofacts such as shell, and bone, and information on the development of the landscape and environment, including sea level change. Finally, the broad-scale coverage of the project has led to a number of discussion points that have much to offer further work, both within the area and further afield.
Digital material associated with this project is available through Archaeology Data Service archive http://dx.doi.org/10.5284/1000285
social history of 19th-century farm workers and their families, at Jack's Houses, Kirkliston, Midlothian
Authors: Mitchell Stuart , Oliver Fay , Neighbour Tim , Anderson Sue , Cressey Mike , Haggarty George , Murdoch Robin
Published: March 2022

The remains of two 19th-century row cottages and associated structures and deposits were discovered at Jack's Houses, near Kirkliston (NGR: NT 1235 7540). Nearby agricultural remains included a field system with boundary walls, drains and a draw well. A large rubbish dump containing pottery and ceramics has been interpreted as urban waste imported to the site to be added to the land in order to break up the clay soil for cultivation. A historical study undertaken in combination with the archaeological work afforded a view into the lives of the transient agricultural labourers and their families who occupied the houses over a century. The combined disciplines have provided us with a rare insight into a part of rural social history from the early mid-19th to the early 20th centuries.
Social representation of the violence of men and women using the family health strategy / Representação social da violência de homens e mulheres usuários da estratégia saúde da família
Authors: Rocha Gutmann Victoria Leslyê , Cabral Camila Nunes , Dos Santos Julia Severo , Vallejos Carolina Coutinho Costa , Amarijo Cristiane Lopes , Silva Camila Daiane
Published: March 2022

Objetivo: identificar a representação social da violência de homens e mulheres usuários da Estratégia Saúde da Família. Método: pesquisa qualitativa e descritiva, fundamentada na Teoria das Representações Sociais, realizada com 32 pessoas usuárias da Estratégia Saúde da Família, 16 homens e 16 mulheres, por meio de entrevista semiestruturada, analisadas com o auxílio do software IRAMUTEQ. Resultados: os homens retrataram a violência urbana, enquanto as mulheres a doméstica. De modo geral, os participantes demonstraram dificuldade na intervenção da violência, citando os motivos para manutenção de um relacionamento violento e as possíveis formas de prevenção dessas situações. Conclusão: a pesquisa contribuiu ao dar voz e evidenciar a representação social de homens e mulheres usuários da Estratégia Saúde da Família acerca da violência e, assim, possibilita a criação de ações e estratégias mais direcionadas em relação ao enfrentamento e prevenção da violência.
Risk of mediastinitis in the postoperative period of myocardial revascularization surgery /
Authors: Morelato Rafaela Dias Coloni , Canini Silvia Rita Marin da Silva , Rodrigues Helen Francine , Bolela Fabiana , Maier Suellen Rodrigues de Oliveira , Dessotte Carina Aparecida Marosti
Published: March 2022

Objetivo: classificar os pacientes segundo o risco de desenvolvimento de mediastinite no pós-operatório de cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio. Método: estudo observacional, transversal, realizado na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Pós-Operatória de um hospital universitário no interior paulista. Amostra consecutiva e não probabilística foi constituída por pacientes adultos, submetidos à revascularização do miocárdio. A coleta de dados foi realizada na alta da Terapia Intensiva, utilizando o Escore de Risco Multivariável para Mediastinite. Para a obtenção do escore foram realizadas análises estatística descritivas. Resultados: Participaram do estudo 50 pacientes, 68% do sexo masculino, com média de idade de 62,7 anos. Nenhum paciente foi reoperado ou apresentava doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica; 26,0% eram obesos; 12,0% apresentaram angina instável e 4,0% foram politransfundidos no pós-operatório. Segundo o escore, 58,0% apresentaram baixo e 42,0% médio risco de desenvolvimento de mediastinite. Conclusão: A maior parte dos pacientes apresentava baixo risco de desenvolvimento de mediastinite.
Emerging Market: Southern Corporation
Authors: Carmody Pádraig , Brennan Louis
Published: March 2022

Traditionally, foreign direct investment has primarily flowed between developed country markets and also from them to the countries of the Global South. However, with rapid economic growth and structural transformation, in some southern countries it is now increasingly flowing south–south and south–north. The logic of these flows is sometimes different from the more traditional one as they are often brand and knowledge seeking, and the fact that many of the largest corporations originating from China are state‐owned gives them a different strategic impetus.
Activism
Authors: Halvorsen Sam
Published: March 2022

Activism is a broad category used to refer to ideas and practices of social change that typically involve bottom‐up, grassroots mobilization. Activism is a political strategy that takes on diverse and often hybrid forms, while being an activist can be a core element of a person's identity. Geography is a central component of activism as it shapes and informs activist demands, identities, and tactics. It is also crucial for the reproduction of activism, which in turn reveals the hidden spaces of emotional labor needed to sustain it. Relational and decolonial insights into the geographies of activism highlight not only the politics of identifying as an activist, but also the epistemological and ontological assumptions structuring how and why differently positioned activists pursue social and political transformation.
Place Meaning and Place Attachment
Authors: Jones Roy , Cox Shaphan , Jones Tod
Published: March 2022

Locations, at any scale, become places in people's minds when they ascribe meanings to them as, for example, their neighborhood or their country. When these meanings are positive, people develop attachments to places, such as to their homes or to favored holiday locations. People ascribe meanings to places both through experiencing them physically and through learning about them. They can therefore become attached to distant places through cultural or trade links. When most people remained close to their place of birth, they developed intense and localized place attachments. However, these attachments are now being disrupted and diluted by the dynamism and increased interconnection of the contemporary world. Economic and cultural globalization can lead to a loss of local distinctiveness, which can engender senses of placelessness and rootlessness. Conflicts can therefore arise when people ascribe different meanings and possess different forms of attachment to the same place.
Resource Dependence and Regional Development
Authors: Atienza Miguel
Published: March 2022

How natural resource dependence affects regional development is a long‐lived controversy in human, political, and economic geography. While initial contributions to this topic had an explicit regional perspective, the controversy about whether the resource dependence is a curse or a blessing has been dominated by methodological nationalism since the 1980s. The creation of a broad and nondeterministic framework capable of explaining development opportunities in natural resource‐rich regions from a multiscalar perspective is still a challenge for human, political, and economic geographers that implies adopting an interdisciplinary approach where economic, institutional, political, environmental, gender, and cultural dimensions need to be included.
Unilateral pallidothalamic tractotomy at Forel's field H1 for cervical dystonia
Authors: Horisawa Shiro , Kohara Kotaro , Nonaka Taku , Fukui Atsushi , Mochizuki Tatsuki , Iijima Mutsumi , Kawamata Takakazu , Taira Takaomi
Published: March 2022

Background

Neurosurgical ablation of Forel's field H1 for cervical dystonia, which is currently abandoned, was formerly used in the 1960s–1970s. Regardless of the lack of neuroimaging modalities and objective evaluation scales, the reported efficacy was significant. Although recent studies have reappraised the ablation of the pallidothalamic tract at Forel's field H1 for Parkinson's disease, the efficacy for cervical dystonia has not been investigated well.

Methods

Data of 35 patients with cervical dystonia who underwent unilateral pallidothalamic tractotomy at Forel's field H1 were retrospectively analyzed. The Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS) scores, the neck score of the Burke–Fahn–Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale (BFMDRS), and adverse events were evaluated preoperatively and at the last available follow‐up period.

Results

The mean clinical follow‐up period was 13.9 ± 6.5 months. The mean TWSTRS total scores were 34.3 ± 14.0 preoperatively and 18.4 ± 16.5 at the last available follow‐up period (46.4% improvement, p < 0.0001). The BFMDRS neck score also improved significantly from 6.2 ± 2.9 preoperatively to 2.8 ± 2.8 at the last available follow‐up period (55.0% improvement on the neck score, p < 0.0001). Reduced hand dexterity in seven patients, hypophonia in five patients, dysarthria in four patients, and executive dysfunction in one patient were confirmed as adverse events at the last available follow‐up evaluation. One patient had postoperative hemorrhage.

Conclusion

The current study confirmed significant improvement in TWSTRS total scores and BFMDRS neck scores at the 13.9‐month follow‐up after unilateral pallidothalamic tractotomy. The pallidothalamic tract in Forel's field H1 is expected to be an alternative treatment target for cervical dystonia.
When Less Gold is More: Selective Attomolar Biosensing at the Nanoscale
Authors: Dastidar Monalisha Ghosh , Murugappan Krishnan , Damry Adam M. , Nisbet David R. , Nolan Christopher J. , Tricoli Antonio
Published: March 2022

The development of biosensors has become increasingly important to tackle the spread of potentially pandemic pathogens and for the decentralization of healthcare services. Despite progress, achieving selective detection of ultralow concentrations of biomarkers in complex fluids with point‐of‐care devices is a standing challenge. Here, an efficient material platform for the sensing of biomarkers down to attomolar concentrations with excellent selectivity and a tuneable linear response range is reported. It is demonstrated that by decreasing the Au nanoislands on an elsewhere passivated surface, it is possible to more than double their electrochemical response to low biomarker concentrations via a gate‐type mechanism. As an exemplary application, the first sensing of glycated albumin, a key biomarker for diabetes management, in clinically relevant levels by conjugation of a selective DNA aptamer to the Au nanoisland surface is showcased. With a limit of detection of 0.55 × 10−18 m, the excellent selectivity of this platform against nonspecific biomolecules is validated. This platform shows exceptional sensitivity and selectivity in mouse serum, further highlighting its potential for clinical utility. The versatility of this platform to detect other biomarkers, like miRNAs, is also showcased. These findings provide a flexible material platform for the scalable and low‐cost engineering of future point‐of‐care biosensors.
Microphase Separation‐Driven Sequential Self‐Folding of Nanocomposite Hydrogel/Elastomer Actuators
Authors: Zhao Jiayu , Bae Jinhye
Published: March 2022

Untethered stimuli‐responsive soft materials with programmed sequential self‐folding are of great interest due to their ability to achieve task‐specific shape transformation with complex final configuration. Here, reversible and sequential self‐folding soft actuators are demonstrated by utilizing a temperature‐responsive nanocomposite hydrogel with different folding speeds but the same chemical composition. By varying the UV light intensity during the photo‐crosslinking of the nanocomposite hydrogel, different types of microstructures can be realized via phase separation mechanisms, which allow to control the folding speeds. The self‐folding structures are fabricated by integrating two dissimilar materials (i.e., a nanocomposite hydrogel and an elastomer) into hinge‐based bilayer structures via extrusion‐based 3D printing. It has been demonstrated that the folding kinetics can be accelerated by more than one order of magnitude due to the phase‐separated microstructure formed by the relatively weaker UV intensity (≈10 mW cm‐2) compared to the one formed by stronger UV intensity (≈100 mW cm‐2). 3D structures with sequential self‐folding capabilities are realized by prescribing actuation speeds and folding angles to specific hinges of the nanocomposite hydrogel. Sequential folding box and self‐locking latch structures are fabricated to demonstrate the ability to capture and hold objects underwater.
Large Magnetic Gap in a Designer Ferromagnet–Topological Insulator–Ferromagnet Heterostructure
Authors: Li Qile , Trang Chi Xuan , Wu Weikang , Hwang Jinwoong , Cortie David , Medhekar Nikhil , Mo Sung‐Kwan , Yang Shengyuan A. , Edmonds Mark T.
Published: March 2022

Combining magnetism and nontrivial band topology gives rise to quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) insulators and exotic quantum phases such as the QAH effect where current flows without dissipation along quantized edge states. Inducing magnetic order in topological insulators via proximity to a magnetic material offers a promising pathway toward achieving the QAH effect at a high temperature for lossless transport applications. One promising architecture involves a sandwich structure comprising two single‐septuple layers (1SL) of MnBi2Te4 (a 2D ferromagnetic insulator) with ultrathin few quintuple layer (QL) Bi2Te3 in the middle, and it is predicted to yield a robust QAH insulator phase with a large bandgap greater than 50 meV. Here, the growth of a 1SL MnBi2Te4/4QL Bi2Te3/1SL MnBi2Te4 heterostructure via molecular beam epitaxy is demonstrated and the electronic structure probed using angle‐resolved photoelectron spectroscopy. Strong hexagonally warped massive Dirac fermions and a bandgap of 75 ± 15 meV are observed. The magnetic origin of the gap is confirmed by the observation of the exchange‐Rashba effect, as well as the vanishing bandgap above the Curie temperature, in agreement with density functional theory calculations. These findings provide insights into magnetic proximity effects in topological insulators and reveal a promising platform for realizing the QAH effect at elevated temperatures.
Mesoporous Single‐Crystal Lithium Titanate Enabling Fast‐Charging Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Jin Xu , Han Yehu , Zhang Zhengfeng , Chen Yawei , Li Jianming , Yang Tingting , Wang Xiaoqi , Li Wanxia , Han Xiao , Wang Zelin , Liu Xiaodan , Jiao Hang , Ke Xiaoxing , Sui Manling , Cao Ruiguo , Zhang Genqiang , Tang Yongfu , Yan Pengfei , Jiao Shuhong
Published: March 2022

There remain significant challenges in developing fast‐charging materials for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) due to sluggish ion diffusion kinetics and unfavorable electrolyte mass transportation in battery electrodes. In this work, a mesoporous single‐crystalline lithium titanate (MSC‐LTO) microrod that can realize exceptional fast charge/discharge performance and excellent long‐term stability in LIBs is reported. The MSC‐LTO microrods are featured with a single‐crystalline structure and interconnected pores inside the entire single‐crystalline body. These features not only shorten the lithium‐ion diffusion distance but also allow for the penetration of electrolytes into the single‐crystalline interior during battery cycling. Hence, the MSC‐LTO microrods exhibit unprecedentedly high rate capability, achieving a specific discharge capacity of ≈174 mAh g−1 at 10 C, which is very close to its theoretical capacity, and ≈169 mAh g−1 at 50 C. More importantly, the porous single‐crystalline microrods greatly mitigate the structure degradation during a long‐term cycling test, offering ≈92% of the initial capacity after 10 000 cycles at 20 C. This work presents a novel strategy to engineer porous single‐crystalline materials and paves a new venue for developing fast‐charging materials for LIBs.
Bioinspired Colloidal Photonic Composites: Fabrications and Emerging Applications
Authors: Li Miaomiao , Lyu Quanqian , Peng Bolun , Chen Xiaodong , Zhang Lianbin , Zhu Jintao
Published: March 2022

Organisms in nature have evolved unique structural colors and stimuli‐responsive functions for camouflage, warning, and communication over millions of years, which are essential to their survival in harsh conditions. Inspired by these characteristics, colloidal photonic composites (CPCs) composed of colloidal photonic crystals embedded in the polymeric matrix are artificially prepared and show great promise in applications. This review focuses on the summary of building blocks, i.e., colloidal particles and polymeric matrices, and constructive strategies from the perspective of designing CPCs with robust performance and specific functionality. Furthermore, their state‐of‐the‐art applications are also discussed, including colorful coatings, anti‐counterfeiting, and regulation of photoluminescence, especially in the field of visualized sensing. Finally, current challenges and potential for future developments in this field are discussed. The purpose of this review is not only to clarify the design principle for artificial CPCs but also to serve as a roadmap for the exploration of next‐generation photonic materials.
Recent Structural Engineering of Polymer Semiconductors Incorporating Hydrogen Bonds
Authors: Zhang Qi , Huang Jianyao , Wang Kai , Huang Wei
Published: March 2022

Highly planar, extended π‐electron organic conjugated polymers have been increasingly attractive for achieving high‐mobility organic semiconductors. In addition to the conventional strategy to construct rigid backbone by covalent bonds, hydrogen bond has been employed extensively to increase the planarity and rigidity of polymer via intramolecular noncovalent interactions. This review provides a general summary of high‐mobility semiconducting polymers incorporating hydrogen bonds in field‐effect transistors over recent years. The structural engineering of the hydrogen bond‐containing building blocks and the discussion of theoretical simulation, microstructural characterization, and device performance are covered. Additionally, the effects of the introduction of hydrogen bond on self‐healing, stretchability, chemical sensitivity, and mechanical properties are also discussed. The review aims to help and inspire design of new high‐mobility conjugated polymers with superiority of mechanical flexibility by incorporation of hydrogen bond for the application in flexible electronics.
Cross‐Wavelength Hierarchical Metamaterials Enabled for Trans‐Scale Molecules Detection Simultaneously
Authors: Wang Yingli , Dai Benhui , Ma Chan , Zhang Qi , Huang Kang , Luo Xuan , Liu Xiangjiang , Ying Yibin , Xie Lijuan
Published: March 2022

Metamaterials have attracted increasing attention in sensing applications. However, the critical feature sizes of meta‐atom span several orders of magnitude in length scale, almost all the metamaterials are designed to operate at limited bands. It is challenging for a single type of meta‐atom with ultra‐broadband adaptability. Inspired by the natural hierarchical architectures, herein, the authors introduce a new constructing scheme of cross‐wavelength hierarchical metamaterials with a single type of meta‐atom that can realize enhancement of terahertz (THz) resonance and surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) at the same time. By combining multiple subwavelength structures at different hierarchical levels into a single meta‐atom, the obtained metamaterial can operate in two frequencies and realize multiple functionalities. Armed with this hierarchical metamaterial, detecting analytes as small as sub‐nanoscale chemical molecules or as big as microscale biomolecules simultaneously can be realized in one single metamaterial for the first time. As a proof‐of‐concept example, a smart sensory packaging is developed, which allowed them to real‐time monitor the kinetic growth of pathogenic bacteria and their metabolites in food without opening the packaging. They believe that their work will provide a valuable example that satisfies the unmet need for multiscale functional meta‐devices.
Payments from agricultural conservation programs and cover crop adoption
Authors: Park Byungyul , Rejesus Roderick M. , Aglasan Serkan , Che Yuyuan , Hagen Stephen C. , Salas William
Published: March 2022

This study explores how aggregate payments received from two different U.S. agricultural conservation programs—the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)—influence county‐level cover crop adoption rates in the Corn Belt. We utilize 2006–2015 county‐level panel data with information on cover crop adoption rates and per acre conservation program payments to achieve the study objective. Cover crop adoption information is collected from a unique satellite‐based data set of soil health practices. Linear fixed effect models, fractional regression models, and a moment‐based instrumental variables model are used in the empirical analysis. Our estimation results suggest that EQIP payments have a statistically significant positive effect on cover crop adoption at the county level. In contrast, we find statistical evidence that CSP payments reduce the county‐level proportion of acres planted to cover crops. These opposing effects indicate that it is possible for conservation payment programs to have differing aggregate effects on adoption rates of specific conservation practices (e.g., cover crops in this case). Moreover, these results imply that not all conservation programs “are created equal” and differences in policy designs and focus areas may induce diverging effects in the uptake of particular conservation practices.
Rational Design of Metal–Organic Framework‐Based Materials for Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Zhan Wenwen , Gao Hao , Yang Yang , Li Xiaofang , Zhu Qi‐Long
Published: March 2022

Photocatalytic carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction can utilize solar light to convert CO2 to high value‐added products, which thus are recognized as an intriguing strategy to solve excessive CO2 emissions. Metal–organic framework (MOF)‐based photocatalysts have shown high potential in the field of CO2 reduction due to their high porosity and tunable structure. In this review, the recent progress achieved in the rational design of MOF‐based photocatalysts, including the pure MOF materials, MOF‐based composites, and the derivatives of MOFs, for the reduction of CO2, are summarized and the developed modification strategies to enhance the photocatalytic performance of MOF‐based photocatalysts are highlighted. The current pending issues and the outlook for the future development are also discussed.
CFD–DEM simulations of wet particles fluidization with a new evolution model for liquid bridge
Authors: Hua Leina , Ocone Raffaella , Yang Ning
Published: March 2022

A new model for liquid‐bridge evolution with consideration of particle dynamics, is proposed to improve Computational Fluid Dynamics‐Discrete Element Method (CFD–DEM) simulations of wet particles fluidization under high liquid loading and viscosity. A liquid bridge is allowed to form and remains stable only when the normal relative velocity of two particles is lower than a critical value vnc. A large vnc leads to an increase of liquid‐bridge or cohesive force. The model can be reduced to the conventional liquid‐bridge model in literature when vnc = 0 or ∞. With the new model, the prediction of bubble properties including bubble center, aspect ratio, and volume agrees well with the experimental data in literature. In particular, under high liquid loading, bubble disintegration due to particle agglomerating is reasonably captured. The simulations demonstrate the advantage of the new model that can extend the liquid‐bridge models and CFD–DEM for high liquid loading and viscosity.
What about the buccal surfaces? Dental microwear texture analysis of buccal and occlusal surfaces refines paleodietary reconstructions
Authors: Hernando Raquel , Willman John C , Souron Antoine , Cebrià Artur , Oms F. Xavier , Morales Juan I. , Lozano Marina
Published: March 2022

Objectives

This study analyzes and compares dental microwear textures on occlusal and buccal surfaces from the same tooth to determine if using these surfaces in tandem can provide complementary data for dietary reconstructions.

Materials and methods

Cova de la Guineu is a Late Neolithic‐Chalcolithic burial cave located in Font‐Rubí (Barcelona, Spain). The study sample consisted of 69 individuals represented by the lower left second molar. However, only 27 individuals had well‐preserved surfaces. Dental Microwear Texture Analysis was performed on both surfaces using a Sensofar® S Neox white‐light confocal profilometer following standard procedures. Toothfrax® software was used to quantify surface complexity and anisotropy.

Results

The bootstrap resampling analysis shows significant differences in complexity and anisotropy between surfaces. There is no correlation between surfaces for complexity or anisotropy. The occlusal surfaces exhibit high complexities and low anisotropies, which are similar to values observed in Late Neolithic farming groups from Belgium.

Discussion

The combination of occlusal and buccal microwear signatures provided important inferences regarding the studied sample. First, occlusal complexity and anisotropy values indicate an abrasive dietary regime. Second, we propose that the higher anisotropy values found on buccal surfaces, compared to those on the occlusal ones, are attributed to the specific mechanisms of microwear formation for each surface. Finally, combining both surfaces may increase the number of samples suitable for analysis. Further studies, with greater intergroup sampling, will help to understand how buccal microwear reflects or complements DMTA signatures on the occlusal surfaces.
A Janus Separator for Inhibiting Shuttle Effect and Lithium Dendrite in Lithium−Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Xiao Ru , Yang Shan , Yu Tong , Hu Tianzhao , Zhang Xiaoyin , Xu Ruogu , Wang Yaozu , Guo Xiaodong , Sun Zhenhua , Li Feng
Published: March 2022

Invited for this month's cover picture is the group of Feng Li and Zhenhua Sun. The cover picture shows a conceptualized lithium−sulfur battery assembled with a Janus separator based on La2Zr2O7−x nanotubes with surface oxygen vacancies, in which the shuttle behavior of polysulfide is blocked by adsorption and catalysis effects, and uniform lithium (Li) deposition is achieved by fast free Li+ transfer. Learn more about the story behind the research featured on the front cover in this issue's Cover Profile. Read the full text of the Research Article at 10.1002/batt.202100389.
Efficient production of acidic sophorolipid from rapeseed oil by Candida bombicola
Authors: Liu Haojie , He Aiyong , Li Shun , Xu Lijie , Xu Ning , Liu Shixun , Zhou Jie , Qian Xiujuan , Dong Weiliang , Jiang Min
Published: March 2022

Owing to the high surface activity and good biological activity, sophorolipid (SL) has been considered as one of the most promising biosurfactants in recent years. Among all of the structures of SL, acid‐type SL has gained increasing attention and application in the areas of bioremediation and daily chemical industry owing to its excellent foamability and water solubility. However, few studies focused on acid‐type SL biological production have been reported. In this study, acid‐type SL production by the yeast Candida bombicola ATCC 22214 was comprehensively evaluated and optimized. Under the optimal medium composition and fermentation conditions, the yield of SL in the shake flask reached 68.8 g L−1, in which acid‐type SL accounted for 70%. With subsequent scale‐up to a 5 L bioreactor, the yield of SL using fed‐batch fermentation strategy reached 131.2 g L−1, and the acid‐type SL accounted for 84.7%. To the best of our knowledge, the yield of acid‐type SL in this study is the highest reported currently. In addition, the SL mixture (containing 84% acid‐type SL) produced by C. bombicola ATCC 22214 had better surface activity, emulsification properties and environmental stability than current commercial SL products. This study provided a promising microbial chassis and fermentation strategy for commercial production of acid‐type SL. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Hydra and the hair follicle – An unconventional comparative biology approach to exploring the human holobiont
Authors: Lousada Marta B. , Lachnit Tim , Edelkamp Janin , Paus Ralf , Bosch Thomas C. G.
Published: March 2022

The microbiome of human hair follicles (HFs) has emerged as an important player in different HF and skin pathologies, yet awaits in‐depth exploration. This raises questions regarding the tightly linked interactions between host environment, nutrient dependency of host‐associated microbes, microbial metabolism, microbe‐microbe interactions and host immunity. The use of simple model systems facilitates addressing generally important questions and testing overarching, therapeutically relevant principles that likely transcend obvious interspecies differences. Here, we evaluate the potential of the freshwater polyp Hydra, to dissect fundamental principles of microbiome regulation by the host, that is the human HF. In particular, we focus on therapeutically targetable host‐microbiome interactions, such as nutrient dependency, microbial interactions and host defence. Offering a new lens into the study of HF – microbiota interactions, we argue that general principles of how Hydra manages its microbiota can inform the development of novel, microbiome‐targeting therapeutic interventions in human skin disease.
An integrated approach to redesign inventory management strategies for achieving sustainable development of small and medium‐sized enterprises: Insights from an empirical study in India
Authors: Narkhede Ganesh , Rajhans Neela
Published: March 2022

Efforts to incorporate inventory management (IM) strategies in small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) are very limited due to the lack of cost‐effective and easy‐to‐use techniques. This research article suggests an effective and proven IM strategy that can improve the productivity and competitiveness of SMEs. The purpose of this research article is twofold: first, to develop an integrated IM strategy for SMEs to reduce inventory carrying costs; second, to design individual replenishment policies for each product. This article discusses an integrated approach considering rank order clustering (ROC) technique, a forward version of the Wagner–Whitin (W–W) lot‐sizing algorithm, and quantity discounts. First ROC is used to form clusters of different assemblies consisting of common components for aggregating the demand. The W–W algorithm is tested next over 1 year of time horizon followed by quantity discounts. Insights derived from a case study proved that the proposed integrated IM approach could save a substantial amount of total cost compared to the existing purchase policy. In addition, this approach can be a promising approach to determine appropriate replenishment quantities for each planning period. In addition, stock‐out situations can be minimized. The novelty of this study is that it proposes a practical, simple‐to‐implement, and proven IM technique for increasing productivity and achieving sustainable development of SMEs, which are working in growing economies like India.
Off‐campus injuries, on‐campus third‐party conduct might present potential liability under Title IX
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: March 2022

Higher education law has long been concerned with whether colleges and universities should be held liable for student injuries that happen off campus. The law has repeatedly examined whether these institutions should be held liable when nonstudent guests inflict injuries to students on campus. These questions have often found life in tort/negligence law, where the focus is whether there is a special (legal) relationship between institutions of higher education and their students.
Prepare for Clery Act compliance review, audit
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: March 2022

A Clery Act violation can place your institution in a costly, risky position. To help you anticipate and navigate a Clery compliance audit for your institution, you'll want to review the suggestions offered by Leslie M. Gomez, Esq., Vice Chair, Institutional Response Group at Cozen O'Connor, and Steven J. Healy, Chief Executive Officer of Margolis Healy, in a session of the Legal Issues in Higher Education Conference hosted by the University of Vermont.
COVID‐19 outcomes in patients with cancer: Findings from the University of California health system database
Authors: Kwon Daniel H. , Cadena Jose , Nguyen Sam , Chan Kwan Ho Ryan , Soper Braden , Gryshuk Amy L. , Hong Julian C. , Ray Priyadip , Huang Franklin W.
Published: March 2022

Background

The interaction between cancer diagnoses and COVID‐19 infection and outcomes is unclear. We leveraged a state‐wide, multi‐institutional database to assess cancer‐related risk factors for poor COVID‐19 outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the University of California Health COVID Research Dataset, which includes electronic health data of patients tested for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) at 17 California medical centers. We identified adults tested for SARS‐CoV‐2 from 2/1/2020–12/31/2020 and selected a cohort of patients with cancer. We obtained demographic, clinical, cancer type, and antineoplastic therapy data. The primary outcome was hospitalization within 30d after the first positive SARS‐CoV‐2 test. Secondary outcomes were SARS‐CoV‐2 positivity and severe COVID‐19 (intensive care, mechanical ventilation, or death within 30d after the first positive test). We used multivariable logistic regression to identify cancer‐related factors associated with outcomes.

Results

We identified 409,462 patients undergoing SARS‐CoV‐2 testing. Of 49,918 patients with cancer, 1781 (3.6%) tested positive. Patients with cancer were less likely to test positive (RR 0.70, 95% CI: 0.67–0.74, p < 0.001). Among the 1781 SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive patients with cancer, BCR/ABL‐negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (RR 2.15, 95% CI: 1.25–3.41, p = 0.007), venetoclax (RR 2.96, 95% CI: 1.14–5.66, p = 0.028), and methotrexate (RR 2.72, 95% CI: 1.10–5.19, p = 0.032) were associated with greater hospitalization risk. Cancer and therapy types were not associated with severe COVID‐19.

Conclusions

In this large, diverse cohort, cancer was associated with a decreased risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 positivity. Patients with BCR/ABL‐negative myeloproliferative neoplasm or receiving methotrexate or venetoclax may be at increased risk of hospitalization following SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Mechanistic and comparative studies are needed to validate findings.
Detailed Chemical Characterization and Biological Propensities of Malabaila lasiocarpa Extracts: An Endemic Plant to Turkey
Authors: Zengin Gokhan , Zheleva‐Dimitrova Dimitrina , Babacan Ebru Yüce , Polat Rıdvan , Çakılcıoğlu Uğur , Sadeer Nabeelah Bibi , Costa Emmanoel V. , Mahomoodally Mohamad Fawzi , Naviglio Daniele , Gallo Monica , Montesano Domenico , Lorenzo José M. , Gevrenova Reneta
Published: March 2022

This study focused on the biological evaluation and chemical characterization of Malabaila lasiocarpa Boiss. (M. lasiocarpa) (Family: Apiaceae). The phytochemical profile, antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory of the methanolic, aqueous, dichloromethane, hexane extracts were investigated. Based on UHPLC‐HRMS analyses, a total of 101 peaks were annotated or identified for the first time in M. lasiocarpa extracts. They include hydroxybenzoic, hydroxycinnamic, acylquinic acids and their glycosides, C‐ and O‐glycosyl and O‐diglycosyl flavonoids. In addition, 10 simple mono‐ and disubstituted coumarins together with 10 furanocoumarins were tentatively annotated. The methanolic extract possessing the highest phenolic (24.36±0.60 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract) and flavonoid (69.15±0.37 mg rutin equivalent/g extract) content also exhibited the strongest radical scavenging potential against 2,2‐diphenyl‐1 picrylhydrazyl (21.73±0.42 mg Trolox equivalent/g extract, respectively), and highest reducing capacity (57.81±0.97 and 28.00±0.40 mg Trolox equivalent/g extract, for cupric reducing antioxidant capacity and ferric reducing antioxidant power, respectively). The dichloromethane extract substantially depressed the tyrosinase (73.92±5.37 mg kojic acid equivalent/g extract), α‐amylase (0.63±0.01 mmol acarbose equivalent/g extract) and α‐glucosidase (0.69±0.02 mmol acarbose equivalent/g extract) enzymes. This study has produced critical scientific data on M. lasiocarpa which are potential contenders for the development of novel phyto‐pharmaceuticals.
Structure‐Guided Modulation of the Catalytic Properties of [2Fe−2S]‐Dependent Dehydratases
Authors: Melse Okke , Sutiono Samuel , Haslbeck Magdalena , Schenk Gerhard , Antes Iris , Sieber Volker
Published: March 2022

The FeS cluster‐dependent dihydroxyacid dehydratases (DHADs) and sugar acid‐specific dehydratases (DHTs) from the ilvD/EDD superfamily are key enzymes in the bioproduction of a wide variety of chemicals. We analyzed [2Fe−2S]‐dependent dehydratases in silico and in vitro, deduced functionally relevant sequence, structure, and activity relationships within the ilvD/EDD superfamily, and we propose a new classification based on their evolutionary relationships and substrate profiles. In silico simulations and analyses identified several key positions for specificity, which were experimentally investigated with site‐directed and saturation mutagenesis. We thus increased the promiscuity of DHAD from Fontimonas thermophila (FtDHAD), showing >10‐fold improved activity toward D‐gluconate, and shifted the substrate preference of DHT from Paralcaligenes ureilyticus (PuDHT) toward shorter sugar acids (recording a six‐fold improved activity toward the non‐natural substrate D‐glycerate). The successful elucidation of the role of important active site residues of the ilvD/EDD superfamily will further guide developments of this important biocatalyst for industrial applications.