bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacteriological Quality of Raw Cow’s Milk Sold in Minna Central Market, Niger State, Nigeria
Authors: Friday Attah, , Enemadukwu Abalaka, Moses , Apameio Jesse, Innocent , Edisha Garba, Daniel , Abimbola Emmanuel,
Published: January 2021

Milk is a non-transparent, yellowish-white substance secreted by the mammary glands of all mammals. It contains proteins, minerals, carbohydrates, fat, and vitamins that meet the dietary requirements of the body than any food in a single diet. As a result of their highly nutritious nature, milk supports the rapid growth of many microorganisms, including bacterial pathogens. The aim of this study was to determine the bacteriological quality of raw cow's milk sold by different vendors in Minna central market, Niger state, Nigeria by pour plate method. The highest bacterial count was 7.5 107 CFU/mL and the lowest bacterial count was 2.5 107 CFU/mL. Bacteria isolated from five different cow's milk samples were identified through their cultural and biochemical properties to be Bacillus badius, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus subtilis and Salmonella typhi.  The frequency occurrence of the bacterial isolates were Bacillus spp. (61.9%), Staphylococcus spp. (19.0%), E. coli (14.3%)and Salmonella spp. (5%). The presence of these bacterial isolates and the colony forming unity count observed in these samples indicated poor hygiene and sanitation during milking and post milking processes. Therefore, efforts should be intensified to pasteurize the milk before consumption in order to guarantee the safety of the consumers.
Obesity and Perceived Body Shape among Adults Attending Primary Health Care Centers in Jeddah
Authors: Al-Raddadi Rajaa Mohammad , Alholaibi Saad Abdullah , Albakistani Ammar Abdulwadood , Alrabghi Sultan Sameer , Hafiz Reem Masoud , Al-humaidi Nasser Abdullah , Alowais Samaher Ali , Hakim Fanar Fareed , Shabouni Omaima Ibrahim
Published: January 2021

Background: Body image can be defined as how an individual believes, realizes and gets along with their physical appearance. The relationship between obesity and body image is complex as studies argue that the image of the body might be influenced by obesity over psychological problems, which affects the quality of an adult's life.

Aim:  To identify the association between perceived body image and obesity.

Study Design: An analytical cross-sectional.

Place and Duration: the study was conducted in two primary health care centers in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia during 2020.

Methodology: Target sample was 425 cases of Saudi adults of 20 years of age and above. Data was collected using questionnaire includes demographic characteristics, body image questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements include waist, Hip and neck circumference, and waist, height and weight were measured.

Results: men constitute 250 (58.8%) and 175 women (41.1%). Regarding marital status majority of participants were married (71.8%). The prevalence of obesity according to Body mass index was 37.6% among men and 42.9% among women, by high Waist circumference it was 68.8% among men and 84.6% women, using waist hip ratio, the prevalence among men was 64.8% and 53.7% among women. Neck circumference 57.2% among men and 53% for women. The prevalence of high Waist Hight Ratio was 89.2% among men and 86.9% for women.

Women showed higher Waist circumference underestimation compared to men. Using Body mass index men exhibited higher underestimation for obesity and women for overweight.

However, the significant associations between Perceived body image, waist height ratio and neck circumference were showed only among men. In general, obese participants are more likely to underestimate their actual body image by all obesity measurements.

Conclusion: A discrepancy was found in the PBI compared to different anthropometric measurements. Obese women are more likely to underestimate their obesity than men.
Determination of Rifampicin Resistance Tuberculosis on Gene Xpert among Patients Attending Federal Medical Centre Yenagoa, Bayelsa State Niger Delta Region of Nigeria
Authors: Olorode Oluwayemisi A. , Ogba Ofonime M. , Tarilade Joshua J.
Published: January 2021

Aim: Department of Medical Laboratory Science (Medical Microbiology Section), Niger Delta University. Tuberculosis, being an oldest known human disease, is a major cause of mortality. Does gender determine Rifampicin Resistance Mycobacterium tuberculosis among the patients with tuberculosis in Bayelsa State? This work was carried out between February, 2019 and September 2019 to determine the prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and its resistance to Rifampicin anti-mycobacterium therapy among patients attending Federal Medical Centre, Yenogoa, Bayelsa State.

Methodology: A total of 250 sputum samples were collected from both HIV and non-HIV patients attending Federal Medical Centre, Mycobacteriology Laboratory (a referral laboratory in Bayelsa state); (age range 21-71 years) and immediately taken to the laboratory for analysis using GeneXpert machine, an automated cartridge based nucleic acid amplification diagnosis and traditional Ziehl-Neelsen test for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Rifampicin resistance gene.

Results: Findings showed that 50(100%) sputum samples (of which 24(48%) were from males and 26(52%) from females) out of the 250 samples examined were positive to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Based on the GeneXpert analysis, the total of 8(16%); {4(8%) females and 4(8%) males}, samples were resistant to Rifampicin. Out of 50(100%) positive samples, the highest percentage prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was recorded within the age range of 21 and 30 years (52%); followed by 31-40 years (44%) and the least was 71 years (04%). The percentage prevalence of Rifampicin resistance Mycobacterium tuberculosis (RMB) was 16.0% while non-resistance was 84.0%; resistance was higher among the study subjects within the age range of between 21 and 30 years (6%) followed by 31-40 years (4%); 51-60 years (4.0%) and the least was 10-20 years and 70 years above(2%). There is no significant difference between the tuberculosis infected male and female resistance to rifampicin at P value= .88, t=14, df=4. However, out of 50 (100%) positive samples, 24 (48%) patients had HIV co-infection with tuberculosis while 26(52%) had tuberculosis only. There was no statistical significant difference between these two groups at P=.29, t=1.2 and df=4.

Conclusion: There is a progressive increase in the frequency of Rifampicin resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (RrMTB) in this research compared to the percentage prevalence (4%) reported by World Health Organization (WHO) in 2018. There is therefore a need to establish more medical diagnostic laboratories for rapid detection of tuberculosis infection in all the eight (8) Local Government Areas of Bayelsa state.
High-performance Block Cipher Using Flexible Architecture
Authors: Arulkarthick Dr.V.J.
Published: January 2021

Light weight cryptography has been a prominent sector in exploring the cryptanalytics in contemporary world. In this paper, an elevated production capable structure and pliant implementations of hardware by SPECK, which is a lightly weighted block cipher is presented. This lightly weighted SPECK can be accustomed to diminish the retardation of critical path, a tree structure for the realization of Sklansky adder which is an efficient parallel prefix adder operation is used.
Adelomelon beckii
, The Giant Predator Snail: Reproduction and Development
Authors: Arrighetti Florencia
Published: January 2021

Gametic emission in males continued throughout the year while females showed 2 spawning periods: one during spring and another during autumn. The spawn consists of a single egg capsule attached to hard substrate and the hatching snails crawl away from the egg capsule as juvenile.
Tapeworm
Grillotia erinaceus
(van Beneden, 1858) (Cestoda: Trypanorhyncha) Ultrastructural Organization of the Surface Tegument and Rhyncheal System: Integument
Authors: Biserova Natalia
Published: January 2021

The polymorphism of microtriches is revealed in scolex and strobila tegument specialized to the attachment or trophic function. Opposite the early descriptions, four types of the polymicrotriches occur on the bothria distal surface and margins that are involved in the scolex attachment. The ultrastructure of polymicrotriches and the hypothesis of their polymeric nature were demonstrated. Acicular filitriches, capilliform filitriches, and microvilli in the frontal part of the scolex are described as trophic microtriches. The process of vertical division and forming of doublets, triplets, or quartets under a common cytoplasmic membrane has been described. Ciliated and unciliated sensory organs are found on the scolex.
Gobionellus oceanicus:
Integument
Authors: da Mota Araujo Helena Rachel , Aguilar Leticia , da Cruz André Luis
Published: January 2021

This article describes the morphology of the respiratory surface gills and integument of the palate of the goby
Gobionellus oceanicus
(Pallas, 1770). We highlight the role of the palate integument's surface for air breathing in estuarine environments under probable hypoxia conditions. Such conditions can result from decreases in dissolved oxygen related to fluctuations in water level between tides, chemical composition, and increase in water temperature. Thus, a surface with respiratory characteristics can guarantee this fish's survival in environments that suffer constant variations.
Identification of Acute Giant Cell Arteritis in Real‐World Data Using Administrative Claims‐Based Algorithms
Authors: Lee Hemin , Tedeschi Sara K. , Chen Sarah K. , Monach Paul A. , Kim Erin , Liu Jun , Pethoe‐Schramm Attila , Yau Vincent , Kim Seoyoung C.
Published: January 2021

Objective

The objective of this study was to validate claims‐based algorithms for identifying acute giant cell arteritis (GCA) that will help generate real‐world evidence on comparative effectiveness research and epidemiologic studies. Among patients identified by the GCA algorithm, we further investigated whether GCA flares could be detected by using claims data.

Methods

We developed five claims‐based algorithms based on a combination of International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD‐9) diagnosis codes, specialist visits, and dispensed medications using Medicare Parts A, B, and D linked to electronic medical records (2006‐2014). Acute cases of GCA were determined by chart review using the treating physician’s diagnosis of GCA as the gold standard. Among the patients identified with acute GCA, we assessed if a GCA flare occurred during the year after initial diagnosis.

Results

The number of patients identified by each algorithm ranged from 220 to 896. Positive predictive values (PPVs) of the algorithms ranged from 60.7% to 84.8%. Requirement for disease‐specific workups, multiple diagnosis codes, or specialist visits improved the PPVs. The highest PPV (84.8%) was noted in an algorithm that required two or more diagnosis codes of GCA from inpatient, emergency department, or outpatient rheumatology visits plus a prednisone‐equivalent dose greater than or equal to 40 mg/day occurring 14 days before or after the second ICD‐9 diagnosis date, with the cumulative days’ supply greater than or equal to 14 days. Among patients identified as having GCA, 18.2% of patients had definite evidence of a flare and 25% had a potential flare.

Conclusion

A claims‐based algorithm requiring two or more ICD‐9 diagnosis codes from inpatient, emergency department, or outpatient rheumatology visits and high‐dose glucocorticoid dispensing can be a useful tool to identify acute GCA cases in large administrative claims databases.
Combination of Highly Efficient Electrocatalytic Water Oxidation with Selective Oxygenation of Organic Substrates using Manganese Borophosphates
Authors: Menezes Prashanth W. , Walter Carsten , Chakraborty Biswarup , Hausmann Jan Niklas , Zaharieva Ivelina , Frick Achidi , von Hauff Elizabeth , Dau Holger , Driess Matthias
Published: January 2021

One of the key catalytic reactions for life on earth, the oxidation of water to molecular oxygen, occurs in the oxygen‐evolving complex of the photosystem II (PSII) mediated by a manganese‐containing cluster. Considerable efforts in this research area embrace the development of efficient artificial manganese‐based catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Using artificial OER catalysts for selective oxygenation of organic substrates to produce value‐added chemicals is a worthwhile objective. However, unsatisfying catalytic performance and poor stability have been a fundamental bottleneck in the field of artificial PSII analogs. Herein, for the first time, a manganese‐based anode material is developed and paired up for combining electrocatalytic water oxidation and selective oxygenations of organics delivering the highest efficiency reported to date. This can be achieved by employing helical manganese borophosphates, representing a new class of materials. The uniquely high catalytic activity and durability (over 5 months) of the latter precursors in alkaline media are attributed to its unexpected surface transformation into an amorphous MnOx phase with a birnessite‐like short‐range order and surface‐stabilized MnIII sites under extended electrical bias, as unequivocally demonstrated by a combination of in situ Raman and quasi in situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopy as well as ex situ methods.
Hierarchical SAPO‐34 Preparation Based on the Crystal Metastability in Mother Liquor Solution
Authors: Han Ji , Yang Guoju , Zou Yongcun , Chen Xiaoxin , Valtchev Valentin
Published: January 2021

Fabrication of hierarchical porosity in microporous zeolites is a key to overcoming the inherent mass‐transfer limitation and to improving the molecular accessibility to the active sites. The present study reports a facile and cost‐effective etching strategy based on crystal metastability to construct a hierarchical SAPO‐34 (CHA‐type) zeolite. The hierarchical SAPO‐34 with high crystallinity is obtained conveniently via an extended hydrothermal treatment without using any additional chemicals. The crystal etching is triggered by the metastability of SAPO‐34 in the mother liquor. The hierarchical characteristics of etched SAPO‐34 are found dependent on the crystallization‐dissolution process controlled by the synthesis temperature and time. The products are systematically investigated by complementary characterization methods providing information on the textural properties and chemical environments of framework atoms. The resultant hierarchical zeolites exhibit improved diffusion and accessibility to the active sites in the micropores. Consequentially, the hierarchical SAPO‐34 zeolite shows remarkably enhanced catalytic performance in the methanol‐to‐olefin (MTO) reaction, compared with its microporous counterpart. The present approach to hierarchical zeolites can be extended to tailor the properties of other zeo‐types.
Direct Carboxylation with Carbon Dioxide via Cooperative Photoredox and Transition‐Metal Dual Catalysis
Authors: Zhang Guodong , Cheng Yihan , Beller Matthias , Chen Feng
Published: January 2021

The utilization of carbon dioxide as a building block in organic synthesis has become a highly sought‐after research area. In this minireview, an overview of recent advances on carboxylations using carbon dioxide via visible light photoredox and transition‐metal dual catalysis is given. The merging of these methods provides new avenues to construct carboxylates.

magnified image
Individual SWCNT Transistor with Photosensitive Planar Junction Induced by Two‐Photon Oxidation
Authors: Emelianov Aleksei V. , Nekrasov Nikita P. , Moskotin Maksim V. , Fedorov Georgy E. , Otero Nerea , Romero Pablo M. , Nevolin Vladimir K. , Afinogenov Boris I. , Nasibulin Albert G. , Bobrinetskiy Ivan I.
Published: January 2021

The fabrication of planar junctions in carbon nanomaterials is a promising way to increase the optical sensitivity of optoelectronic nanometer‐scale devices in photonic connections, sensors, and photovoltaics. Utilizing a unique lithography approach based on direct femtosecond laser processing, a fast and easy technique for modification of single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) optoelectronic properties through localized two‐photon oxidation is developed. It results in a novel approach of quasimetallic to semiconducting nanotube conversion so that metal/semiconductor planar junction is formed via local laser patterning. The fabricated planar junction in the field‐effect transistors based on individual SWCNT drastically increases the photoresponse of such devices. The broadband photoresponsivity of the two‐photon oxidized structures reaches the value of 2 × 107 A W−1 per single SWCNT at 1 V bias voltage. The SWCNT‐based transistors with induced metal/semiconductor planar junction can be applied to detect extremely small light intensities with high spatial resolution in photovoltaics, integrated circuits, and telecommunication applications.
High‐Performance Ultrapure Green CdSe/CdS Core/Crown Nanoplatelet Light‐Emitting Diodes by Suppressing Nonradiative Energy Transfer
Authors: Wen Zuoliang , Liu Pai , Ma Jingrui , Jia Siqi , Xiao Xiangtian , Ding Shihao , Tang Haodong , Yang Hongcheng , Zhang Chaojian , Qu Xiangwei , Xu Bing , Wang Kai , Teo Kie Leong , Sun Xiao Wei
Published: January 2021

Colloidal nanoplatelets (NPLs) are an emerging semiconductor nanocrystal in the display community due to their ultranarrow emission linewidth. Herein, an ultrapure green emitting nanocrystal light‐emitting diode (LED) based on four‐monolayer CdSe/CdS core/crown NPLs is developed. By applying the nonstacked nanoplates, the nonradiative energy transfer in the NPLs film is successfully suppressed. The nonstacked NPL‐LEDs with pure green emission of 521.5 nm exhibit a low turn‐on voltage of 2.1 V, a maximum luminance of 22 400 cd m−2, a peak external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 2.16%, which is a sixfold enhancement comparing to the stacked NPL‐LED (EQE = 0.34%). This work demonstrates the potential of core/crown NPLs for ultrawide color gamut displays.
Irreversible Multi‐Band Effects and Lifshitz Transitions at the LaAlO3/SrTiO3 Interface Under Field Effect
Authors: Pallecchi Ilaria , Lorenzini Nicolò , Safeen Mian Akif , Can Musa Mutlu , Di Gennaro Emiliano , Granozio Fabio Miletto , Marré Daniele
Published: January 2021

In this work, the irreversible effects of an applied electric field on the magnetotransport properties of LaAlO3/SrTiO3 conducting interfaces are investigated, with focus on their multiband character. Samples of different types, namely with either crystalline or amorphous LaAlO3 overlayer, are studied. The two‐band analysis highlights the similarity of the electronic properties of crystalline and amorphous interfaces, regardless much different carrier densities and mobilities. Furthermore, filling and depletion of the two bands follow very similar patterns, at least in qualitative terms, in the two types of samples. In agreement with previous works on crystalline interfaces, it is observed that an irreversible charge depletion takes place after application of a first positive back gate voltage step. Such charge depletion affects much more, in relative terms, the higher and three‐dimensional dyz, dzx bands than the lower and bidimensional dxy, driving the system through the Lifshitz transition from two‐band to single band behavior. The quantitative analysis of experimental data evidences the roles of disorder, apparent in the depletion regime, and temperature. Noteworthy, filling and depletion of the two bands follow very similar patterns in crystalline and amorphous samples, at least in qualitative terms, regardless much different carrier densities and mobilities.
Self‐Powered High‐Detectivity Lateral MoS2 Schottky Photodetectors for Near‐Infrared Operation
Authors: Mao Yichen , Xu Pengpeng , Wu Qiang , Xiong Jun , Peng Renmiao , Huang Wei , Chen Songyan , Wu Zhengyun , Li Cheng
Published: January 2021

2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have been widely investigated for possible application in field‐effect transistors and optoelectronic devices. However, due to the wide band gap of most TMDs, photoresponse to infrared wavelength is still a big challenge. Here, a lateral molybdenum disulfide (MoS2)‐on‐metal Schottky photodetector operating in internal photoemission mode for near‐infrared wavelength with high responsivity is reported. With moderate Schottky barrier height, a low dark current of 0.12 nA at −0.5 V and a remarkable rectification ratio of 103 at ±0.8 V are realized in the MoS2‐on‐Au Schottky photodetector. The maximum responsivity of 1.9 A W−1 at −1 V is achieved at 1310 nm due to the photoemission from the underlayering Au electrode, which absorbs most of the incident light through the transparent MoS2 layers, and the generated photocurrent gain in MoS2 layers. Furthermore, the MoS2 Schottky photodetectors are self‐powered. The high responsivity of 0.68 A W−1 and the excellent specific detectivity of 1.89 × 1012 Jones at 1310 nm are obtained under 0 V. The excellent performance demonstrates that internal photoemission mechanism can be well applied in 2D material Schottky photodetectors for infrared wavelengths.
Healable Cellulose Iontronic Hydrogel Stickers for Sustainable Electronics on Paper
Authors: Cunha Inês , Martins Jorge , Gaspar Diana , Bahubalindruni Pydi Ganga , Fortunato Elvira , Martins Rodrigo , Pereira Luís
Published: January 2021

Novel nature‐based engineered functional materials combined with sustainable and economically efficient processes are among the great challenges for the future of mankind. In this context, this work presents a new generation of versatile flexible and highly conformable regenerated cellulose hydrogel electrolytes with high ionic conductivity and self‐healing ability, capable of being (re)used in electrical and electrochemical devices. They can be provided in the form of stickers and easily applied as gate dielectric onto flexible indium–gallium–zinc oxide transistors, decreasing the manufacturing complexity. Flexible and low‐voltage (<2.5 V) circuits can be handwritten on‐demand on paper transistors for patterning of conductive/resistive lines. This user‐friendly and simplified manufacturing approach holds potential for fast production of low‐cost, portable, disposable/recyclable, and low‐power ion‐controlled electronics on paper, making it attractive for application in sensors and concepts such as the “Internet‐on‐Things.”
Organic carbon is mostly stored in deep soil and only affected by land use in its superficial layers: A case study
Authors: Rolando Jose L. , Dubeux José C. B. , Souza Toni C. de , Mackowiak Cheryl , Wright David , George Sheeja , Pires Tatiana , Santos Erick
Published: January 2021

Soils are the largest terrestrial C pool on Earth. However, most studies only investigated soil organic carbon (SOC) storage on surface soils layers. This has resulted in lack of knowledge on SOC dynamics in deep soil layers despite the fact that they contain a significant portion of the stored organic C. This study assessed how contrasting land uses and agronomic practices affect SOC stocks up to a 5‐m depth, and investigated superficial SOC concentration, and particle and density fractionation in a case study in the U.S. Southeastern Plains. On average, deep (90–500 cm) SOC accounted for 80% of total organic C across the investigated land‐use systems. A close relation between SOC concentration and Mehlich‐3 extractable Al and Fe concentration in deep soil samples suggested that non‐crystalline metals play a key role stabilizing deep SOC in this system. Land use had a significant effect only on superficial SOC concentration, and light, heavy, and mineral associated organic C within micro and macroaggregates. Soils from native vegetation, and non‐irrigated sod‐based rotation plots showed greater concentrations of SOC in almost all assessed micro and macroaggregates fractions, whereas those from the conventional crop rotation and irrigated sod‐based rotation plots showed lower SOC concentration in all assessed fractions.
Promoting farmers market via information nudges and coupons: A randomized control trial
Authors: Didero Nicole , Costanigro Marco , Jablonski Becca B. R.
Published: January 2021

Farmers markets, an important direct‐to‐consumer market, have shown signs of declining sales since 2007. This trend has raised concern about their future viability, inciting stakeholders to consider new marketing and development approaches. Unfortunately, the literature on these approaches is largely qualitative, with little empirical or experimental evidence assessing impact or effectiveness. We present results from a randomized control trial measuring the efficacy of an informational nudge—a mailed coupon—in attracting new customers to a winter farmers market in Northern Colorado. Previous research identified perceived lack of product assortment at farmers markets as a major barrier to consumer attendance; accordingly, half of the coupons in our experiment emphasized the wide range of products sold at the market, while the control coupons presented general market information. We mailed 6000 physical coupons redeemable for $10 to randomly selected households in Fort Collins, Colorado, during the 2017–2018 market season. One hundred and eleven coupons were redeemed (1.85%), of which 58 were treatment and 53 control. While the coupon was somewhat effective at attracting new customers (36% had never attended the winter farmers market), there were no statistically significant differences in redemption rates between treatment and control. We thus find that the information nudge was not enough to influence the decision to attend the winter farmers market. EconLit citations: Q13, Q18.
Recent Advances in Self‐Healable Intelligent Materials Enabled by Supramolecular Crosslinking Design
Authors: Liu Jize , Li Xinkai , Yang Xin , Zhang Xinxing
Published: January 2021

High‐performance intelligent materials with unique stimulus‐responsive properties are highly desired in the future as the rapid development of intelligent systems for Internet‐of‐Things applications. During their long service life, the irregularity in external stimuli and repetitive motions always result in unavoidable permanent damages, where the self‐healing ability inspired by skin is indispensable and highly attractive. However, the introduction of supramolecular networks to achieve self‐healing ability based on reversible dynamic noncovalent bonds usually leads to relatively low strength, while the conflict between high mechanical properties and high self‐healing efficiency is still a great challenge. Moreover, the lack of efficient interfacial interaction between functional layer and self‐healable polymer matrix leads to a permanent function loss during the healing of matrix. Herein, a brief overview of self‐healable sensors and actuators based on recent strategies including multiple noncovalent interactions, covalent–noncovalent interactions, and interfacial supramolecular crosslinking is presented. The advantages and applications of high‐performance self‐healable sensors and actuators enabled by interfacial supramolecular crosslinking are discussed emphatically, and the conclusions and outlooks of self‐healable intelligent materials are presented.
COVID‐19 as an occupational disease
Authors: Carlsten Christopher , Gulati Mridu , Hines Stella , Rose Cecile , Scott Kenneth , Tarlo Susan M. , Torén Kjell , Sood Akshay , de la Hoz Rafael E.
Published: January 2021

The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 permeates all aspects of society worldwide. Initial medical reports and media coverage have increased awareness of the risk imposed on healthcare workers in particular, during this pandemic. However, the health implications of COVID‐19 for the global workforce are multifaceted and complex, warranting careful reflection and consideration to mitigate the adverse effects on workers worldwide. Accordingly, our review offers a framework for considering this topic, highlighting key issues, with the aim to prompt and inform action, including research, to minimize the occupational hazards imposed by this ongoing challenge. We address respiratory disease as a primary concern, while recognizing the multisystem spectrum of COVID‐19‐related disease and how clinical aspects are interwoven with broader socioeconomic forces.
Caffeine poisoning successfully treated by venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and emergency hemodialysis
Authors: Yasuda Shinichi , Hisamura Masaki , Hirano Takahisa , Kukihara Yuriko , Kodama Keita , Konishi Kazuki , Nakamura Motohiro , Hiramatsu Gentaro , Koshimizu Kenji
Published: January 2021

Background

Caffeine overdose can cause life‐threatening circulatory failure, neurological abnormalities, and ventricular fibrillation. We report the case of a patient with caffeine poisoning who was successfully treated with early hemodialysis and venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Case Presentation

A 43‐year‐old man who had ingested pills containing 20 g caffeine was transported to the hospital 100 min after ingestion. Hemodynamic collapse and refractory arrhythmia were most likely the potential complications. The patient developed ventricular fibrillation when placed in the left lateral decubitus position. Return of spontaneous circulation with defibrillation and introduction of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were followed by emergency dialysis, which led to rapid improvement in the clinical findings.

Conclusion

Acute caffeine poisoning in a patient who developed an arrhythmia was successfully treated using an indwelling arterial and venous sheath followed by venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
Blatter‐Radical‐Grafted Mesoporous Silica as Prospective Nanoplatform for Spin Manipulation at Ambient Conditions
Authors: Poryvaev Artem S. , Gjuzi Eva , Polyukhov Daniil M. , Hoffmann Frank , Fröba Michael , Fedin Matvey V.
Published: January 2021

Quantum computing and quantum information processing (QC/QIP) crucially depend on the availability of suitable quantum bits (qubits) and methods of their manipulation. Most qubit candidates known to date are not applicable at ambient conditions. Herein, we propose radical‐grafted mesoporous silica as a versatile and prospective nanoplatform for spin‐based QC/QIP. Extremely stable Blatter‐type organic radicals are used, whose electron spin decoherence time is profoundly long even at room temperature (up to Tm≈2.3 μs), thus allowing efficient spin manipulation by microwave pulses. The mesoporous structure of such composites is nuclear‐spin free and provides additional opportunities of embedding guest molecules into the channels. Robustness and tunability of these materials promotes them as highly promising nanoplatforms for future QC/QIP developments.
Silber‐katalysierte Hydroarylierung von hochsubstituierten Styrolen
Authors: Dalton Toryn , Greßies Steffen , Das Mowpriya , Niehues Maximilian , Schrader Malte L. , Gutheil Christian , Ravoo Bart Jan , Glorius Frank
Published: January 2021

Die Hydroarylierung ist eine effektive Strategie, um die Komplexität von organischen Strukturen schnell zu erhöhen, indem flache Alkeneinheiten in dreidimensionale Gerüste umgewandelt werden. Viele Strategien wurden bereits entwickelt, um die Hydroarylierung von Styrolen zu ermöglichen. Die meisten dieser Arbeiten untersuchen jedoch die Hydroarylierung von unpolaren, β‐mono‐ oder β‐unsubstituierten Styrolen und verwenden dabei hauptsächlich elektronenreiche Benzol‐Nukleophile. Hier berichten wir über ein mildes und allgemeines katalytisches System für die selektive Hydroheteroarylierung von mehrfach substituierten Styrolen und heteroaromatischen Styrolen. Die mechanistische Analyse der Reaktion führte zur Entdeckung des kommerziell erhältlichen 2,2′:5′,2′′‐Terthiophens als Schlüsselreagenz.
Chemical Conversion and Locking of the Imine Linkage: Enhancing the Functionality of Covalent Organic Frameworks
Authors: Cusin Luca , Peng Haijun , Ciesielski Artur , Samorì Paolo
Published: January 2021

Imine‐based covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are a widely studied class of functional, crystalline, and porous nanostructures which combine a relatively facile crystallization with tuneable compositions and porosities. However, the imine linkage constitutes an intrinsic limitation due to its reduced stability in harsh chemical conditions and its unsuitability for in‐plane π‐conjugation in COFs. Urgent solutions are therefore required in order to exploit the full potential of these materials, thereby enabling their technological application in electronics, sensing, and energy storage devices. In this context, the advent of a new generation of linkages derived from the chemical conversion and locking of the imine bond represents a cornerstone for the synthesis of new COFs. A marked increase in the framework robustness is in fact often combined with the incorporation of novel functionalities including, for some of these reactions, an extension of the in‐plane π‐conjugation. This Minireview describes the most enlightening examples of one‐pot reactions and post‐synthetic modifications towards the chemical locking of the imine bond in COFs.
A Palette of Minimally Tagged Sucrose Analogues for Real‐Time Raman Imaging of Intracellular Plant Metabolism
Authors: de Moliner Fabio , Knox Kirsten , Gordon Doireann , Lee Martin , Tipping William J. , Geddis Ailsa , Reinders Anke , Ward John M. , Oparka Karl , Vendrell Marc
Published: January 2021

Sucrose is the main saccharide used for long‐distance transport in plants and plays an essential role in energy metabolism; however, there are no analogues for real‐time imaging in live cells. We have optimised a synthetic approach to prepare sucrose analogues including very small (≈50 Da or less) Raman tags in the fructose moiety. Spectroscopic analysis identified the alkyne‐tagged compound 6 as a sucrose analogue recognised by endogenous transporters in live cells and with higher Raman intensity than other sucrose derivatives. Herein, we demonstrate the application of compound 6 as the first optical probe to visualise real‐time uptake and intracellular localisation of sucrose in live plant cells using Raman microscopy.
Probing the Intracellular Dynamics of Nitric Oxide and Hydrogen Sulfide Using an Activatable NIR II Fluorescence Reporter
Authors: Zhu Tianli , Ren Ning , Liu Xia , Dong Yan , Wang Rongchen , Gao Jinzhu , Sun Jie , Zhu Ying , Wang Lihua , Fan Chunhai , Tian He , Li Jiang , Zhao Chunchang
Published: January 2021

Understanding the complex interplay among gasotransmitters is of great significance but remains technically challenging. In this study, we present the design and synthesis of a dually responsive BOD‐NH‐SC reporter for probing the dynamic and alternating existence of NO and H2S in living cells. This designed reporter can repeatedly cycle S‐nitrosation and transnitrosation reactions when successively treated with NO and H2S, thus affording the interchange of NIR fluorescence at 645 nm (NO) and NIR II fluorescence at 936 nm (H2S). In light of this unique fluorescence alternation between two colors, we synthesized water‐soluble BOD‐NH‐SC dots to visualize the intracellular dynamics of NO and H2S. These molecular probes thus provide a toolbox to elucidate the interplaying roles of NO and H2S in the complex interaction networks of various signal transduction pathways.
Quantifying the Likelihood of Structural Models through a Dynamically Enhanced Powder X‐Ray Diffraction Protocol
Authors: Borgmans Sander , Rogge Sven M. J. , De Vos Juul S. , Stevens Christian V. , Van Der Voort Pascal , Van Speybroeck Veronique
Published: January 2021

Structurally characterizing new materials is tremendously challenging, especially when single crystal structures are hardly available which is often the case for covalent organic frameworks. Yet, knowledge of the atomic structure is key to establish structure‐function relations and enable functional material design. Herein, a new protocol is proposed to unambiguously predict the structure of poorly crystalline materials through a likelihood ordering based on the X‐ray diffraction (XRD) pattern. Key of the procedure is the broad set of structures generated from a limited number of building blocks and topologies, which is submitted to operando structural characterization. The dynamic averaging in the latter accounts for the operando conditions and inherent temporal character of experimental measurements, yielding unparalleled agreement with experimental powder XRD patterns. The proposed concept can hence unquestionably identify the structure of experimentally synthesized materials, a crucial step to design next generation functional materials.
Effects of thermoplastic poly(ether‐ester) elastomer and bentonite nanoclay on properties of poly(lactic acid)
Authors: Chaiwutthinan Phasawat , Phutfak Naruedee , Larpkasemsuk Amnouy
Published: January 2021

This work presented the influence of thermoplastic poly(ether‐ester) elastomer (TPEE) and bentonite (BTN) on improving the mechanical and thermal properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA). PLA was initially melt mixed with TPEE at six different loadings (5–30 wt%) on a twin screw extruder and then injection molded. The mechanical tests revealed an increasing impact strength and elongation at break with increasing TPEE loading, but a diminishing Young's modulus and tensile strength with respect to pure PLA. The blend at 30 wt% TPEE provided the optimum improvement in toughness, exhibiting an increase in the impact strength and elongation at break by 3.21‐ and 10.62‐fold over those of the pure PLA, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy analysis illustrated a ductile fractured surface of the blends with the small dispersed TPEE domains in PLA matrix, indicating their immiscibility. The 70/30 (wt/wt) PLA/TPEE blend was subsequently filled with three loadings of BTN (1, 3, and 5 parts by weight per hundred of blend resin [phr]), where the impact strength, Young's modulus, tensile strength and thermal stability of all the blends were improved, while the elongation at break was deteriorated. Among the three nanocomposites, that with 1 phr BTN formed exfoliated structure and so exhibited the highest impact strength, elongation at break, and tensile strength compared to the other intercalated nanocomposites. Moreover, the addition of BTN was found to increase the thermal stability of the neat PLA/TPEE blend due to the barrier properties and high thermal stability of BTN.
Finite‐time event‐triggeredH∞filtering of the continuous‐time switched time‐varying delay linear systems
Authors: He Ziyi , Wu Baowei , Wang Yue‐E , He Mingfei
Published: January 2021

The finite‐time event‐triggeredH∞filtering of the continuous‐time switched time‐varying delay linear (CSTDL) systems is addressed in the paper. Firstly, by the merging switching signal technique, the CSTDL system and its filtering switched system are established as a filtering error system (FES) with augmented switching signal. And asynchronous switching of switched system modes and filter modes occurs since a mode‐dependent event‐triggered transmission scheme (METS) which determines the system output and switching signal is addressed. Secondly, the sufficient conditions are given to make certain that the FES is finite‐time bounded (FTB) and has a specifiedH∞performance by using the average dwell time (ADT) and multi‐Lyapunov functional method. Furthermore, a finite‐timeH∞filter is composed based on the inequalities of the parameters of the METS. Ultimately, a numerical example is inspired to manifest the availability of the effects in the study.
Sustainable development and profit? A sensemaking perspective on hybrid organisations and their founders
Authors: Reynolds Noelia‐Sarah , Holt Diane
Published: January 2021

This article explores the sensemaking process of the individual entrepreneurs behind hybrid organisations that seek to both initiate environmental/social change and also generate profit. The work sheds light on how founders of six such organisations set‐up initially in between 1978 and 1991 make sense of themselves and their firm and how this impacts on their business strategies. We examine the life‐stories of these individuals to illuminate their perspectives on their experiences, motives and values. We suggest that both ambition and altruism motivate individuals to become involved in these firms, echoing the paradox of firms seeking both social change and value creation. The work enhances our understanding of both sensemaking theory and success factors for hybrid organisations and strategizing more broadly.
Effect of Methionine Sulfoxide on the Synthesis and Purification of Aggregation‐Prone Peptides
Authors: Reusche Vanessa , Thomas Franziska
Published: January 2021

A two‐step synthesis for methionine‐containing hydrophobic and/or aggregation‐prone peptides is presented that takes advantage of the reversibility of methionine oxidation. The use of polar methionine sulfoxide as a building block in solid‐phase peptide synthesis improves the synthesis quality and yields the crude peptide, with significantly improved solubility compared to the reduced species. This facilitates the otherwise often laborious peptide purification by high‐performance liquid chromatography. The subsequent reduction proceeds quantitatively. This approach has been optimised with the methionine‐rich Tar‐DNA‐binding protein 43 (307–347), but is also more generally applicable, as demonstrated by the syntheses of human calcitonin and two aggregation‐prone peptides from the human prion protein.
Carbon Foam Fibers with a Concentric Tube‐Core/Three‐Dimensional Nanosheet‐Sheath Structure for High‐Performance Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Li Gang , Xu Shiwei , Li Bin , Xia Tong , Yu Jian , Shao Feng , Li Hong , Yang Zhi , Su Yanjie , Zhang Yafei , Ma Jie , Hu Nantao
Published: January 2021

Owing to their superior electrical conductivity and large specific surface areas, carbon nanomaterials are widely applied as hosts for lithium‐sulfur (Li−S) batteries. However, it is challenging to design and prepare hierarchical porous carbon nanomaterials with unique structures that have excellent performances for Li−S batteries. Herein, hierarchical carbon foam fibers (HPCFs) with a concentric tube‐core/three‐dimensional nanosheet‐sheath structure have been rationally designed and fabricated through solution‐combustion and etching methods, and are suitable for Li−S batteries. The as‐prepared HPCFs, with a sulfur loading of 72 wt.%, possess a high initial discharge capacity of 1097.3 mAh g−1 and 68.7 % retention after 500 cycles at 0.2 C. The as‐designed structure can efficiently improve conductivity, suppress the dissolution of polysulfides, and provide quick electron‐/ion‐transfer channels, which are beneficial for designing advanced sulfur cathodes for high‐performance Li−S batteries.
Classification of urban soils for forensic purposes using supervised self‐organizing maps
Authors: Idrizi Hirijete , Najdoski Metodija , Kuzmanovski Igor
Published: January 2021

Due to its transferability, soil has been commonly used as evidence in criminal investigations. In this work, urban soil samples taken from five parks are subject of analysis. Infrared spectroscopy was used as experimental technique. Using this technique, a total number of 80 samples of urban soils were examined. The infrared spectra were properly pre‐processed and were further used for development of classification models based on supervised self‐organizing maps. In order to perform the variable selection and the optimization of the supervised self‐organizing maps in automated manner, genetic algorithms were employed. Using this approach, for three locations with our models, we are able to successfully predict all samples used for external validation, while for the remaining two locations, 96% of the samples, used for external validation, were successfully classified by the developed models. In addition to this, the developed models were used for examination of influence of the weather and the seasonal changes on the composition of the soil. For this purpose, 3 years after the initial soil samples were collected, additional 12 samples were analyzed. All these samples were correctly classified by the previously developed model.
High‐Temperature Proton Conduction in LaSbO4
Authors: Winiarz Piotr , Dzierzgowski Kacper , Mielewczyk‐Gryń Aleksandra , Gazda Maria , Wachowski Sebastian
Published: January 2021

Lanthanum orthoantimonate was synthesized using a solid‐state synthesis method. To enhance the possible protonic conductivity, samples with the addition of 1 mol % Ca in La‐site were also prepared. The structure was studied by the means of X‐ray diffraction, which showed that both specimens were single phase. The materials crystallized in the space group P21/n. Dilatometry revealed that the material expanded non‐linearly with the temperature. The nature of this deviation is unknown; however, the calculated linear fraction thermal expansion coefficient was 9.56×10−6 K−1. Electrical properties studies showed that the material is a proton conductor in oxidizing conditions, which was confirmed both by temperature studies in wet in dry air, but also by the H/D isotope exchange experiment. The conductivity was rather modest, peaking at the order of 10−6 S cm−1 at 800 °C, but this could be further improved by microstructure and doping optimization. This is the first time protonic conductivity in lanthanum orthoantimonates is reported.
Helically and Linearly Fused Rylenediimide‐Hexabenzocoronenes
Authors: Dusold Carolin , Haines Philipp , Platzer Benedikt , Guldi Dirk M. , Hirsch Andreas
Published: January 2021

Perylene‐ as well as naphthalenediimides were fused to hexabenzocoronenes (HBCs) at their imide position to realize highly π‐extended donor–acceptor (D–A)‐hybrids. Successful isomer separation in the first step was decisive to guarantee a straightforward synthetic sequence. Hexaphenylbenzenes as precursors were accessed via Diels–Alder reactions and reacted in a Scholl oxidation to yield the respective HBC derivatives. The fully conjugated benzimidazole linker, which separates the electron donating HBC from the electron accepting rylenediimide, enabled the formation of either a linear or a helical configuration. Largely different chemical, physical, and optoelectrical characteristics were noted for the two configurations. What stood out was their aggregation and their excited state deactivation depending on the solvent polarity. Results from global analysis of the femtosecond transient absorption data corroborated the formation of a charge‐transfer (CT) state that is stabilized in the helically fused configuration relative to the linear analogue. However, a comparison with spectroelectrochemical experiments failed to disclose evidence for a charge‐separated (CS) state.
Towards a Better Understanding of Delamination of Multilayer Flexible Packaging Films by Carboxylic Acids
Authors: Ügdüler Sibel , De Somer Tobias , Van Geem Kevin M. , Roosen Martijn , Kulawig Andreas , Leineweber Ralf , De Meester Steven
Published: January 2021

Recycling multilayer plastic packaging is challenging due to its intrinsic compositional heterogeneity. A promising route to increase recycling rates for these materials is delamination, which allows recycling the polymers separately. Yet, this process is not well understood on a fundamental level. This study aimed to obtain first principles‐based insights of the delamination mechanism of multilayer flexible packaging film (MFPF) with carboxylic acids. Delamination of MFPFs was described through a model based on Fick's first law of diffusion and first‐order dissolution kinetics of polyurethane adhesives. The model was experimentally tested on 5 different MFPFs at different temperatures (50–75 °C), formic acid concentrations (50–100 vol %), and solid/liquid (S/L) ratios (0.005, 0.025, and 0.12 g mL−1). Under the studied conditions the model proved to successfully estimate the delamination time of MFPF with the average Theil's Inequality Coefficient (TIC) value of 0.14. Essential for scaling‐up delamination processes is the possibility to use high S/L ratios as the solubility of the adhesive is rarely limiting.