bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Echolocating bats prefer a high risk-high gain foraging strategy to increase prey profitability
Authors: Stidsholt Laura , Hubancheva Antoniya , Greif Stefan , Goerlitz Holger R , Johnson Mark , Yovel Yossi , Madsen Peter T
Published: April 2023

Predators that target multiple prey types are predicted to switch foraging modes according to prey profitability to increase energy returns in dynamic environments. Here, we use bat-borne tags and DNA metabarcoding of feces to test the hypothesis that greater mouse-eared bats make immediate foraging decisions based on prey profitability and changes in the environment. We show that these bats use two foraging strategies with similar average nightly captures of 25 small, aerial insects and 29 large, ground-dwelling insects per bat, but with much higher capture success in the air (76%) vs ground (30%). However, owing to the 3–20 times larger ground prey, 85% of the nightly food acquisition comes from ground prey despite the 2.5 times higher failure rates. We find that most bats use the same foraging strategy on a given night suggesting that bats adapt their hunting behavior to weather and ground conditions. We conclude that these bats use high risk-high gain gleaning of ground prey as a primary foraging tactic, but switch to aerial hunting when environmental changes reduce the profitability of ground prey, showing that prey switching matched to environmental dynamics plays a key role in covering the energy intake even in specialized predators.
Structural and regulatory insights into the glideosome-associated connector from Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Kumar Amit , Vadas Oscar , Dos Santos Pacheco Nicolas , Zhang Xu , Chao Kin , Darvill Nicolas , Rasmussen Helena Ø , Xu Yingqi , Lin Gloria Meng-Hsuan , Stylianou Fisentzos A , Pedersen Jan Skov , Rouse Sarah L , Morgan Marc L , Soldati-Favre Dominique , Matthews Stephen
Published: April 2023

The phylum of Apicomplexa groups intracellular parasites that employ substrate-dependent gliding motility to invade host cells, egress from the infected cells, and cross biological barriers. The glideosome-associated connector (GAC) is a conserved protein essential to this process. GAC facilitates the association of actin filaments with surface transmembrane adhesins and the efficient transmission of the force generated by myosin translocation of actin to the cell surface substrate. Here, we present the crystal structure of Toxoplasma gondii GAC and reveal a unique, supercoiled armadillo repeat region that adopts a closed ring conformation. Characterisation of the solution properties together with membrane and F-actin binding interfaces suggests that GAC adopts several conformations from closed to open and extended. A multi-conformational model for assembly and regulation of GAC within the glideosome is proposed.
Pulmonary Candidiasis in an Immunocompetent Patient
Authors: Kakde Yogesh , Shah Divit , Acharya Sourya , Shukla Samarth , Kumar Sunil
Published: April 2023

Clinically, fungi infections of the respiratory system are uncommon. The pathogen culture and the clinical characteristics are frequently used in the clinical diagnosis of fungi. Two different patterns of invasive pulmonary candidiasis have been described: primary candida bronchopneumonia and secondary pulmonary disease arising from haematogenous dissemination or rarely primary bronchopneumonia. Primary candida bronchopneumonia is limited largely to immunocompromised patients and is thought to occur by aspiration of candida into the upper respiratory tract. This is a case of a 55-year-old male who presented with the chief complaint of dyspnoea on exertion, intermittent fever, and cough associated with expectoration of 1-month duration. The fever was moderate grade and intermittent without chills, rigours, or night sweats. Respiratory system examination revealed bilateral scattered course crackles in both lung fields. Chest X-ray revealed heterogeneous opacities in bilateral upper lobes and hyperinflation of the lung. Biopsy specimens from para hilar (centrilobular nodules) were obtained and stained with haematoxylin/eosin, periodic acid Schiff, and Gram stain. Clusters of pseudohyphae and budding yeasts were detected in the nodules, indicating candida infection. Sputum microscopy confirmed pulmonary candidiasis. The patient’s bronchoscopy was done and bronchoalveolar lavage was sent for investigations and the growth of candidiasis came positive.
REMOTE WORK IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS OF THE MAZOWIECKIE VOIVODESHIP: EXPERIENCES FROM THE FIRST WAVE OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: GIERSZEWSKA Grażyna , HURAS Paweł
Published: April 2023

This article describes the results of studies on remote work introduced due to the COVID-19 pandemic in public administration institutions in local government offices. We have synthesized the available literature on remote work, with a focus on identifying factors enabling remote work, and the benefits and risks of implementing such a system. The empirical section diagnoses the transition in public administration to a remote working model and identifies the impediments associated with this process. We have also attempted to formulate specific recommendations to improve the operations of Polish local government offices. Therefore, local authorities can adopt the results of this study to develop operational programs aiming to digitize administrative institutions.
ARE ANALYSTS REALLY OVERLY OPTIMISTIC WHEN PREPARING RECOMMENDATIONS?
Authors: RADKE Michał
Published: April 2023

The main aim of this research was to estimate the level and distribution of optimism among analysts preparing stock market recommendations. A secondary goal was to analyze the relationship between optimism and socio-demographic variables such as age, education, and professional experience. The author used the Received Life Orientation Test (LOT-R) to test optimism. At the same time, the paper attempted to compare the results of optimism research using the psychological tests carried out by the author with previous research that perceived optimism as the difference between forecast and reality. According to the survey, individual investors in Poland are characterized by an average level of optimism of 14.38 points according to the LOT-R test, where the average level of optimism ranges from 14 to 18 points. The research did not find that the level of optimism was influenced by such socio-demographic characteristics as age, experience, or education.
Knowledge, Attitude and Male Involvement in Family Planning as Predictors to Contraceptive use in Kalabari Communities in Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Peter-Kio Opirite Boma,
Published: April 2023

This study focused on Knowledge, Attitude and Male involvement in family planning as predictors to contraceptive use in Kalabari communities of Rivers State. The descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted for the study. A 2-staged sampling technique was used to select four hundred and forty participants. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.70. Analysis was done using simple percentage, mean and standard deviation, and binary logistic regression. The finding of this study showed that overall 48.6% are knowledgeable about contraceptives while more than half (51.1%) were not knowledgeable; majority (92.7%) had positive attitude towards contraceptive use while 7.3% had negative attitude towards contraceptive use; and 2.2% were highly involved in family planning while 97.8% had low involvement. The finding of this study on contraceptive utilization showed that 68.6% have ever used contraceptive while 61.2% currently use contraceptives and methods currently used include daily pills (35.2%), condom (22.5%), withdrawal (16.5%), postinor (13.1%), diaphragm (4.7%), implants (4.5%) and injectable (3.2%). The tested hypotheses showed a significant relationship between knowledge of family planning and the use of contraceptives and respondents who had knowledge were 2.63 times less likely to use contraceptive compared to those who were not knowledgeable (OR=0.38, 95%CI: 0.24-0.61). A significant relationship was also found between male involvement in family planning and the use of contraceptives and those who were involved in family planning were 1.98 times less likely to use contraceptive compared to those who were not involved (OR=0.505, 95%CI: 0.000). However, attitude towards family planning was not found to be significantly related to contraceptive use ( = 3.11, df = 1, p-value = 0.076). It was concluded that knowledge of contraceptives was not universal, male involvement in family planning is very low and the attitude individuals have in most cases does not translate to practice. There is therefore the need for public health practitioners and other Non-governmental Organizations to sustain efforts to raise awareness and motivation for proper contraceptive use.
Dijital Bağımlılıklar, Sosyal Bağlılık ve Yaşam Memnuniyeti ile Akademik Yılmazlık Arasındaki İlişkilerin İncelenmesi
Authors: ÖZCAN Nilgün , AÇAR Erhan , KÖSE Mehmet Fatih
Published: April 2023

Araştırmanın temel amacı dijital bağımlılıklar, sosyal bağlılık ve yaşam memnuniyetinin akademiklik yılmazlık üzerindeki etkisinin, lise öğrencileri açısından incelenmesidir. İlişkisel tarama modelinde tasarlanan araştırma, Türkiye genelinde 553 lise öğrencisinin katılımı ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırmada; Dijital Bağımlılık (İnternet Bağımlılığı, Sosyal Medya Kullanım Bozukluğu, Dijital Oyun Bağımlılığı, Akıllı Telefon Kullanımı), Sosyal Bağlılık, Yaşam Memnuniyeti ve Akademik Yılmazlık ölçekleri kullanılmıştır. Veri analizinde betimsel istatistiklerin yanı sıra, korelasyon analizi ve yol analizi kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın temel bulgusu dijital bağımlılıkların sosyal bağlılık, yaşam memnuniyeti ve akademik yılmazlık üzerinde negatif yönlü ve istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir etkisinin bulunduğu yönündedir. Sosyal bağlılığın yaşam memnuniyeti ve akademik yılmazlık üzerinde pozitif ve anlamlı etkisi, yaşam memnuniyetinin de akademik yılmazlık üzerinde pozitif ve anlamlı etkisi araştırma sonucunda ulaşılan diğer bulgulardır.
Disclosure of Possible Trial Termination to Participants of Interventional Clinical Trials
Authors: Hutchinson Nora , Gelinas Luke , Zarin Deborah , Bierer Barbara E.
Published: April 2023

This study evaluates a cross-section of interventional clinical trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with publicly available informed consent forms along with the proportion of trials that disclosed the possibility of trial termination.
Elastic coupled local buckling strength of I‐shaped steel member in uniform bending
Authors: Mitsui Kazuya , Kuwada Ryohei
Published: April 2023

This research aims to theoretically derive a closed‐form evaluation formula for the coupled local buckling strength of I‐shaped steel members under uniform bending. Power trigonometric functions are used to devise a particular displacement function. Because the function is fast‐converging compared to the Fourier function, it is possible for the buckling deflection to be described using only two terms of the trigonometric function. Subsequently, a closed‐form evaluation equation is proposed based on the displacement function. An eigenvalue analysis based on the finite element method is then conducted to verify the reliability and effectiveness of the proposed equation.
Hydrophobized Hydrogels: Construction Strategies, Properties, and Biomedical Applications
Authors: Gosecka Monika , Gosecki Mateusz , Jaworska‐Krych Daria
Published: April 2023

Hydrogels, as 3D networks containing huge amount of water, display similarity to soft tissues, and thus they are of wide interest in tissue engineering. Hydrogels, due to biocompatibility and porous structure, are valuable therapeutic platforms for hydrophilic drugs. Over the last decade, there has been a strong emphasis on the development of hydrogel platforms with the ability to increase the solubility of hydrophobic drugs. However, the pronounced discrepancy between the hydrophilic character of hydrogels and the hydrophobic nature of numerous pharmacologically active compounds is problematic. In recent years, different strategies are applied using special polymer constructs or composite materials exploiting the advanced scientific knowledge in the area of polymer and lipid‐based nano‐ and microcarriers hydrophobization of the hydrogel turns out to be not only valuable in terms of achieving the ability to dissolve poorly soluble drugs in water, but also proves to be crucial in obtaining bioadhesion in wet conditions, but also, unexpected abnormal water swelling behavior, as well as in mechanical properties such as the dissipation mechanism and self‐healable hydrogel properties. This review is mainly focused on recent advances in the usage of hydrophobized hydrogels in biomedical applications.
Enabling Future Closed‐Loop Recycling of Spent Lithium‐Ion Batteries: Direct Cathode Regeneration
Authors: Yang Tingzhou , Luo Dan , Yu Aiping , Chen Zhongwei
Published: April 2023

The rapid proliferation of electric vehicles equipped with lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) presents serious waste management challenges and environmental hazards for recyclers after scrap. Closed‐loop recycling contributes to the sustainable development of batteries and plays an important role in mitigating raw material shortages and supply chain risks. Herein, current direct cathode regeneration methods for industrialized recycling are outlined and evaluated. Different regeneration methods for spent cathode materials are summarized, which provide a new perspective for realizing closed‐loop recycling of LIBs. A reference recycling route for retrofitting existing cathode production lines is proposed and minimizes the costs. In addition to promoting the industrialization of direct cathode recycling, the environmental, economic, and political benefits of battery recycling are also highlighted.
2D Covalent Organic Framework Membranes for Liquid‐Phase Molecular Separations: State of the Field, Common Pitfalls, and Future Opportunities
Authors: Burke David W. , Jiang Zhiwei , Livingston Andrew G. , Dichtel William R.
Published: April 2023

2D covalent organic frameworks (2D COFs) are attractive candidates for next‐generation membranes due to their robust linkages and uniform, tunable pores. Many publications have claimed to achieve selective molecular transport through COF pores, but reported performance metrics for similar networks vary dramatically, and in several cases the reported experiments are inadequate to support such conclusions. These issues require a reevaluation of the literature. Published examples of 2D COF membranes for liquid‐phase separations can be broadly divided into two categories, each with common performance characteristics: polycrystalline COF films (most >1 µm thick) and weakly crystalline or amorphous films (most <500 nm thick). Neither category has demonstrated consistent relationships between the designed COF pore structure and separation performance, suggesting that these imperfect materials do not sieve molecules through uniform pores. In this perspective, rigorous practices for evaluating COF membrane structures and separation performance are described, which will facilitate their development toward molecularly precise membranes capable of performing previously unrealized chemical separations. In the absence of this more rigorous standard of proof, reports of COF‐based membranes should be treated with skepticism. As methods to control 2D polymerization improve, precise 2D polymer membranes may exhibit exquisite and energy efficient performance relevant for contemporary separation challenges.
High‐Contrast Bidirectional Optoelectronic Synapses based on 2D Molecular Crystal Heterojunctions for Motion Detection
Authors: Zhu Xiaoting , Gao Changsong , Ren Yiwen , Zhang Xianghong , Li Enlong , Wang Congyong , Yang Fangxu , Wu Jishan , Hu Wenping , Chen Huipeng
Published: April 2023

Light‐stimulated optoelectronic synaptic devices are fundamental compositions of the neuromorphic vision system. However, there are still huge challenges to achieving both bidirectional synaptic behaviors under light stimuli and high performance. Herein, a bilayer 2D molecular crystal (2DMC) p‐n heterojunction is developed to achieve high‐performance bidirectional synaptic behaviors. The 2DMC heterojunction‐based field effect transistor (FET) devices exhibit typical ambipolar properties and remarkable responsivity (R) of 3.58×104 A W−1 under weak light as low as 0.008 mW cm−2. Excitatory and inhibitory synaptic behaviors are successfully realized by the same light stimuli under different gate voltages. Moreover, a superior contrast ratio (CR) of 1.53×103 is demonstrated by the ultrathin and high‐quality 2DMC heterojunction, which transcends previous optoelectronic synapses and enables application for the motion detection of the pendulum. Furthermore, a motion detection network based on the device is developed to detect and recognize classic motion vehicles in road traffic with an accuracy exceeding 90%. This work provides an effective strategy for developing high‐contrast bidirectional optoelectronic synapses and shows great potential in the intelligent bionic device and future artificial vision.
Halide‐Initiated Structural Regulation in Amidino‐Based Low‐Dimensional Perovskite/Perovskitoid and Their Application for Crystal X‐Ray Detectors
Authors: Ma Chuang , Wang Shumei , Gao Lili , Xu Zhuo , Song Xin , Yang Tinghuan , Li Haojin , Liu Xinmei , Liu Shengzhong (Frank) , Zhao Kui
Published: April 2023

Low‐dimensional perovskites (LDPs) have attracted significant attention due to their high stability, great chemical flexibility, and fertile “playground” for structural modulation, which are expected to herald the next‐generation multifunctional devices. While there is a high diversity of LDPs in the literature, the organic cations in most of the literature are still limited to amines. Here, the preparation of centimeter‐sized LDP single crystals with amidino‐based spacers is described, which enables systematic investigations on how halides initiate different structural stacking and on their physical properties. The 4‐amidinopyridine (4AP) cation in (4AP)PbX4 (X = Br, I) is vertically distributed between the inorganic layers to form a two‐dimensional perovskite. While the Cl‐based exhibits one‐dimensional perovskitoid packing. The change of halogens from Cl to Br and I leads to a lower hydrogen bonding, hardness and activation energy of the crystal. Finally, the potential of these crystals for X‐ray detectors is demonstrated. The (4AP)PbBr4 device achieves the highest sensitivity among three devices (373.1 µC Gyair−1 cm−2, 10 V), benefiting from the balanced charge transport and ionic migration. It is anticipated that this work will lead to further studies on the exploration and physics of novel LDP with properties suitable for radiation detection.
All‐Glass Metasurfaces for Ultra‐Broadband and Large Acceptance Angle Antireflectivity: from Ultraviolet to Mid‐Infrared
Authors: Ray Nathan J. , Yoo Jae‐Hyuck , Nguyen Hoang T. , Feigenbaum Eyal
Published: April 2023

For many optics technologies, such as display screens, solar cells, laser systems, and eyeglasses, antireflective (AR) coatings are well integrated; these applications frequently benefit from the ability to function as broadband AR. Here, all‐glass metasurfaces are reported on, exhibiting a measured reflectance of 0.18% ± 0.23% per interface, averaged across wavelengths spanning from 350 nm (ultraviolet) to 2350 nm (mid‐infrared); to the best of knowledge, this is the first‐ever demonstration of an AR layer capable of this. Furthermore, acceptance angles up to 100° (angle of incidence = ±50°) results in %R < 0.6% per interface over the band 350–1300 nm for P‐polarization and S‐polarization, with wavelength averaged reflectance values 0.04% ± 0.05% and 0.11% ± 0.15%, respectively – another technological first. The process advancements presented here allow for reflectance suppression over a broad range of wavelengths, angles, and polarizations.
Core–Shell Structured Fluorescent Protein Nanoparticles: New Paradigm Toward Zero‐Thermal‐Quenching in High‐Power Biohybrid Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Nieddu Mattia , Patrian Marta , Ferrara Sara , Fuenzalida Werner Juan Pablo , Kohler Fabian , Anaya‐Plaza Eduardo , Kostiainen Mauri A. , Dietz Hendrik , Berenguer Jesús Rubén , Costa Rubén D.
Published: April 2023

Stable and efficient high‐power biohybrid light‐emitting diodes (Bio‐HLEDs) using fluorescent proteins (FPs) in photon downconverting filters have not been achieved yet, reaching best efficiencies of 130 lm W−1 stable for >5 h. This is related to the rise of the device temperature (70–80 °C) caused by FP‐motion and quick heat‐transmission in water‐based filters, they lead to a strong thermal emission quenching followed by the quick chromophore deactivation via photoinduced H‐transfer. To tackle both issues at once, this work shows an elegant concept of a new FP‐based nanoparticle, in which the FP core is shielded by a SiO2‐shell (FP@SiO2) with no loss of the photoluminescence figures‐of‐merit over years in foreign environments: dry powder at 25 °C (ambient) or constant 50 °C, as well as suspensions in organic solvents. This enables the preparation of water‐free photon downconverting coatings with FP@SiO2, realizing on‐chip high‐power Bio‐HLEDs with 100 lm W−1 stable for >120 h. Both thermal emission quenching and H‐transfer deactivation are suppressed, since the device temperature holds <40 °C and remote high‐power Bio‐HLEDs exhibit final stabilities of 130 days compared to reference devices with water‐based FP@SiO2 (83 days) and FP‐polymer coatings (>100 h). Hence, FP@SiO2 is a new paradigm toward water‐free zero‐thermal‐quenching biophosphors for first‐class high‐power Bio‐HLEDs.
C60‐Stabilized Cu+ Sites Boost Electrocatalytic Reduction of CO2 to C2+ Products
Authors: Zhao Bohang , Chen Fanpeng , Cheng Chuanqi , Li Li , Liu Cuibo , Zhang Bin
Published: April 2023

Constructing Cu0–Cu+ double‐active sites is significant for C–C coupling to produce multicarbon products during the CO2 electrocatalytic reduction process. However, Cu‐based precursors (including Cu+) are easily reduced to Cu0, especially at large current densities. Thus, developing a facile Cu+ stabilization method to form Cu0–Cu+ double‐active sites is highly desirable but challenging. Herein, fullerene (C60) is used as an electronic buffer to stabilize the Cu+ site. Then, a composite of copper oxide and C60 precursor is designed to obtain a catalyst consisting of in situ formed Cu0–Cu+ double‐active sites. The catalyst not only delivers up to 61% multicarbon (C2+) products Faraday efficiency at a partial current density of 366 mA cm−2 but also exhibits a good 12 h durability of the Cu+ site at −1.4 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode. Moreover, the Cu0–Cu+ double‐active sites are revealed to induce the preferential coupling of *CO and *CHO over *CO dimerization, accounting for the enhanced C2+ selectivity.
Classical and ultrasonic preparation of new dendrimer–Copper nanocomposites: Application in the catalytic reduction, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities
Authors: Zaoui Farouk , Elhadj Daouadji Bouchra , Beldjilali Mohammed , Hachemaoui Mohammed , Sebba Fatima Zohra , Mokhtar Adel , Boukoussa Bouhadjar
Published: April 2023

A new dendrimer based on citric acid and sebacoyl chloride was synthesized by Steglich esterification. The obtained dendrimer was used as a matrix for the dispersion of copper nanoparticles using classical and ultrasound methods. All materials were characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR, thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray photoelectron spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, and energ‐y‐dispersive ‐X‐ray spectroscopy. The obtained nanocomposites were tested against two Gram‐positive pathogenic bacteria (Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus), two Gram negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), the organic dye methylene blue, and in the 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazile radical scavenging assay. A comparative study between both methods in structural, morphological, and thermal properties as well as in the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and catalytic reduction activities was provided. All nanocomposites showed an excellent activity for all applications. The comparison between both synthesis methods shows the superiority of the sonication methods, especially via the catalytic reduction and the antioxidant activities, the classic method allows better thermal stability and a higher metal content with some cationic oxidation state in the obtained nanocomposites, but ultrasound allows a better dispersion with a fully reduced metal.
Efficient solar fuel production enabled by an iodide oxidation reaction on atomic layer deposited MoS2
Authors: Park Young Sun , Jang Gyumin , Sohn Inkyu , Lee Hyungsoo , Tan Jeiwan , Yun Juwon , Ma Sunihl , Lee Jeongyoub , Lee Chan Uk , Moon Subin , Im Hayoung , Chung Seung‐Min , Yu Seungho , Kim Hyungjun , Moon Jooho
Published: April 2023

Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) as a half‐anodic reaction of water splitting hinders the overall reaction efficiency owing to its thermodynamic and kinetic limitations. Iodide oxidation reaction (IOR) with low thermodynamic barrier and rapid reaction kinetics is a promising alternative to the OER. Herein, we present a molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) electrocatalyst for a high‐efficiency and remarkably durable anode enabling IOR. MoS2 nanosheets deposited on a porous carbon paper via atomic layer deposition show an IOR current density of 10 mA cm–2 at an anodic potential of 0.63 V with respect to the reversible hydrogen electrode owing to the porous substrate as well as the intrinsic iodide oxidation capability of MoS2 as confirmed by theoretical calculations. The lower positive potential applied to the MoS2‐based heterostructure during IOR electrocatalysis prevents deterioration of the active sites on MoS2, resulting in exceptional durability of 200 h. Subsequently, we fabricate a two‐electrode system comprising a MoS2 anode for IOR combined with a commercial Pt@C catalyst cathode for hydrogen evolution reaction. Moreover, the photovoltaic–electrochemical hydrogen production device comprising this electrolyzer and a single perovskite photovoltaic cell shows a record‐high current density of 21 mA cm–2 at 1 sun under unbiased conditions.
Bifunctional PdPt bimetallenes for formate oxidation‐boosted water electrolysis
Authors: Liu Xi‐Lai , Jiang Yu‐Chuan , Huang Jiang‐Tao , Zhong Wei , He Bin , Jin Pu‐Jun , Chen Yu
Published: April 2023

Small‐molecule electrooxidation‐boosted water electrolysis (WE) is an energy‐saving method for hydrogen (H2) production. Herein, PdPt bimetallenes (PdPt BMLs) are obtained through the simple galvanic replacement reaction. PdPt BMLs reveal 2.93‐fold enhancement in intrinsic electroactivity and 4.53‐fold enhancement in mass electroactivity for the formate oxidation reaction (FOR) with respect to Pd metallenes (Pd MLs) at 0.50 V potential due to the synergistic effect. Meanwhile, the introduction of Pt atoms also considerably increases the electroactivity of PdPt BMLs for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with respect to Pd MLs in an alkaline medium, which even exceeds that with the use of commercial Pt nanocrystals. Inspired by the outstanding FOR and HER electroactivity of bifunctional PdPt BMLs, a two‐electrode FOR‐boosted WE system (FOR‐WE) is constructed by using PdPt BMLs as the cathode and the anode. The FOR‐WE system only requires an operational voltage of 0.31 V to achieve H2 production, which is 1.48 V lower than that (ca. 1.79 V) with the use of the traditional WE system.
A Phosphate‐based Organic Polymer Nanocontainer Efficiently Hosts Ag/Ru Nanoparticles for Heterogeneous Catalytic Reduction of Nitroaromatics and Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohols
Authors: Bera Sudharanjan , Banerjee Flora , Samanta Suman Kalyan
Published: April 2023

Organic polymer networks (OPNs) are an interesting class of materials showing immense potential for supporting various metal nanoparticles for their heterogeneous catalytic applications. Herein, we delineate a protocol for generating metal‐based nanoparticles including silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and ruthenium nanoparticles (RuNPs) within a phosphate‐based OPN (OPN‐4) prepared by the copolymerization of phosphoryl chloride and 1,3,5‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)benzene in order to generate the heterogeneous catalysts, M@OPN‐4 (M=Ag/Ru). OPN‐4 emerged as an excellent host for the loading of these nanoparticles. These nanoparticles loaded OPN‐4 were characterized by several techniques including scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM, TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), and FTIR studies. M@OPN‐4 acted as the heterogeneous catalysts towards various organic reactions including reduction of nitroaromatics (Ag@OPN‐4) and oxidation of benzyl alcohols (Ru@OPN‐4) furnishing desired products from moderate to excellent yield with high selectivity over a broad range of substrates. They also exhibited easy recovery via filtration and reuse for up to five cycles without losing their catalytic activity significantly. Above all, the as synthesized catalysts were found to possess air and moisture endurance, high cost‐effectiveness and robust behavior. Thus, the OPN‐4 nanocontainer could establish itself as a versatile host towards different metal nanoparticles attributed to electron donating phosphate moiety.
The inequalities reduction through healthcare decentralisation in low‐middle income countries: The case of Tunisia
Authors: Giusti Martina , Romolini Alberto , Persiani Niccolò
Published: April 2023

Healthcare decentralisation is a model of public service management founds on the wider distribution of the decisional power about healthcare. The decision power is split by central government also with the local health authorities. Since the 1980s, at worldwide level this reform has being applied for guaranteeing equity, efficiency, quality and financial sustainability in the healthcare services provision. In the last years, healthcare decentralisation is happening especially in low‐middle income countries. With regard to the analysis of the effectiveness of decentralisation in healthcare, the obtained results are mixed. This study aims to investigate the contribution of management in the first steps of decentralisation's implementation for reducing health inequalities in Tunisia. To have the management's point of view, a survey was sent to all directors of the Tunisian regional hospitals. Health management was able to offer operative and timely solutions to the homogenisation and the improvement of healthcare services supply in Tunisia. For healthcare managers the guarantee of an equal and effective Tunisian healthcare system is into the application of a differentiated decentralisation. The differentiated decentralisation of healthcare system allows to resolve regional issues in Tunisia. These interventions permit to obtain consistent positive results about the satisfaction of Tunisian population health needs. The differentiated decentralisation of healthcare system could also be useful for similar countries, for example, of MENA are of low‐middle income countries.
Clinical outcomes of fetuses with chromosome 16 short arm copy number variants
Authors: Kang Jessica , Lee Chien‐Nan , Su Yi‐Ning , Tai Yi‐Yun , Chen Chih‐Ling , Chen Han‐Ying , Lin Shin‐Yu
Published: April 2023

Background

The short arm of chromosome 16 consists of several copy number variants (CNVs) that are crucial in neurodevelopmental disorders; however, incomplete penetrance and diverse phenotypes after birth aggravate the difficulty of prenatal genetic counseling.

Methods

We screened 15,051 pregnant women who underwent prenatal chromosomal microarray analysis between July 2012 and December 2017. Patients with positive array results were divided into four subgroups based on the type of mutation identified on screening (16p13.3, 16p13.11, 16p12.2, and 16p11.2), and the maternal characteristics, prenatal examinations, and postnatal outcomes of different cases were reviewed.

Results

Chromosome 16 CNVs were identified in 34 fetuses, including four with 16p13.3 CNVs, 22 with 16p13.11 CNVs, two with 16p12.2 microdeletions, and six with 16p11.2 CNVs. Of the 34 fetuses, 17 delivered without early childhood neurodevelopmental disorders, three developed neurodevelopmental disorders during childhood, and 10 were terminated.

Conclusion

Incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity make prenatal counseling challenging. Most cases with inherited 16p13.11 microduplication were reported to have normal development in early childhood, and we also report a few cases of de novo 16p CNVs without further neurodevelopmental disorders.
Hotspots and trends in frozen soils research in 2010–2019
Authors: Liu Wenhao , Li Ren , Shi Xiaoqian , Wu Tonghua , Wu Xiao Dong
Published: April 2023

In the context of climate change, research on frozen soils has attracted much attention in recent years, and numerous research papers have been published on these topics in the last decade. However, the present status and developmental trends in frozen soils research have not been reported systematically. Herein, a bibliometric analysis was conducted using 7,108 research papers on frozen soils published between 2010 and 2019. The results indicate that: (a) although the number of articles published increased from 432 in 2010 to 1,066 in 2019, the average number of citations per paper reached a maximum of 5.40 in 2014, and subsequently decreased to 2.99 in 2019; (b) China, the USA, and Canada ranked first to third in terms of total papers; (c) the most popular author keywords were boreal, tundra, Landsat, lakes, decomposition, dissolved organic carbon, permafrost thaw, and carbon cycle; and (d) the five most popular research topics in 2010–2019 were the characteristics and factors influencing frozen soils, the Arctic carbon cycle under the background of its complex environment, permafrost changes on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau in the context of climate change, ancient frozen soils in various historical periods, and frozen soils in the Arctic.
Mulberry leaf water extract alleviates type 2 diabetes in mice via modulating gut microbiota‐host co‐metabolism of branched‐chain amino acid
Authors: Zheng Xiao‐xiao , Li Ding‐xiang , Li Ya‐ting , Chen Yu‐lang , Zhao Yan‐lin , Ji Shuai , Guo Meng‐zhe , Du Yan , Tang Dao‐Quan
Published: April 2023

Elevations in circling branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs) levels associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Morus alba L. water extracts (MLE) show hypoglycemic function, but the precise mechanism remains obscure. This study is designed to investigate the association of the antidiabetes effect of MLE with the BCAAs co‐metabolism modulated by host and gut microbiota. Tissue‐specific expressions of BCAA‐catabolizing enzymes were detected by RT‐PCR and western blot, respectively. The components of the intestinal microflora were analyzed by high‐throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The results showed that MLE administration improved blood glucose and insulin level, decreased inflammatory cytokines expression, and lowered serum and feces BCAAs levels. Furthermore, MLE reversed the abundance changes of the bacterial genera correlated with serum and feces BCAAs, such as Anaerovorax, Bilophila, Blautia, Colidextribacter, Dubosiella, Intestinimonas, Lachnoclostridium, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136, Oscillibacter, and Roseburia. Functionality prediction indicated that MLE potentially inhibited bacterial BCAAs biosynthesis, and promoted the tissue‐specific expression of BCAAs catabolic enzyme. More importantly, MLE had obvious impacts on BCAA catabolism in germ‐free‐mimic T2DM mice. Those results indicated that MLE improving T2DM‐related biochemical abnormalities is associated with not only gut microbiota modification but also the tissue‐specific expression of BCAAs catabolic enzyme.
The Plastic treaty: What is in it for Africa?
Authors: Shomuyiwa Deborah Oluwaseun , Onukansi Francisca Ogochukwu , Ivanova Maria , Lucero‐Prisno Don Eliseo
Published: April 2023

The new plastic treaty, slated for 2024, represents a shift in the global fight to address environmental pollution and degradation. The international agreement, unlike previous resolutions, covers the lifecycle of plastics and represents a legally binding instrument for ending plastic pollution across all ecosystems. Plastic waste contamination poses significant challenges to African nations. It challenges food security, ecological variation and economic development. The African region has been identified with a high level of enactment of waste management policies but a deficiency of sustainable measures to adopt and implement these policies. The new treaty could provide an instrument for collaboration and innovation and set the stage for Africa to transition to a sustainable plastics environment that promotes zero‐waste.
A copula‐based reliability model for phased mission systems with dependent components
Authors: Li Xiangyu , Zhan Kai , Xiong Xiaoyan , Vu Tuong Quyen
Published: April 2023

Recently, researches on the reliability analysis of phased mission systems (PMSs) are very popular. And most of the existing research on PMSs assumed that all the components are statistically independent on each other, which is not meet the engineering reality. The system structure changes from phase to phase in the PMSs, so the dependency among components may also change in different phases. Meanwhile, the well‐known phase dependency is also existing in the system reliability modeling. To model the varying dependency among components and phase dependency at the same time, a copula‐based method is proposed for the reliability analysis of PMS with correlated components. Firstly, the system reliability of multi‐state PMS with dependent components is evaluated by different copula functions. Then, multiple indicators are used to select the optimal copula functions for different phases. And an engineering case is illustrated to show the proposed copula‐based method.
Achieving corporate sustainable development through social responsibility, green activities, and stakeholders management: A multidirectional cause analysis
Authors: Liu Yiying , Niu Juanjuan , Zhou Yongbin , Huang Ruoqi
Published: April 2023

The study aims to explore insights into stakeholder engagement that how it amplifies consumers' engagement toward organizations. This study attempts to meet the literature gap by investigating the nexus among corporate social responsibility, green purchase behavior, stakeholder knowledge, and stakeholder trust by considering the Chinese Z‐generation drawing on stakeholder theory. Structure equation modeling was majorly equipped to obtain the connections among adopted variables to compute the proposed relationships using the sample size of 611 (n = 611). First, a positive relationship was found between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and green purchase behavior. Second, the study uncovered the significant connection between CSR and consumer knowledge. Finally, the study confirmed the positive relationship between CSR and consumer trust toward the organizations. This study endows with numerous interesting and fruitful implications for managers, practitioners, and policymakers. The current study additionally endeavors to highlight the notion of CSR in terms of stakeholders' engagement and how a firm can strengthen relationships with its stakeholders such as consumers. Besides, this study bears some shortcomings and several potentials for future scholars to consider similar themes to validate the outcomes within the Chinese market and across the world.
Ultrasound‐Assisted Zinc‐Catalyzed One‐pot Synthesis of Enaminoketoesters
Authors: Itage Shivanand V. , Bhosle Siddhanath D. , Jadhav Krishna A. , Bhosale Rajesh S. , Yadav J. S.
Published: April 2023

Herein we report an ultrasound‐assisted zinc‐catalyzed solvent‐free process for the synthesis of enaminoketoesters from 1,3 dicarbonyl compounds, N, N‐Dimethylformamide dimethyl acetal (DMFDMA) and various amines with good to excellent yields. This methodology is very much applicable for primary aliphatic, aromatic and secondary alicyclic amines bearing different functional groups. The present work offers the following merits such as inexpensive reagents, one‐pot reaction, eco‐friendly and tolerance to different functional groups with short reaction time.
Experimental and DFT investigations of SERS Profile of a Bioactive Hydroxybenzamide Derivative
Authors: Al‐Otaibi Jamelah S. , Mary Yohannan Sheena , Mary Y. Shyma , Krátký Martin , Vinsova Jarmila , Gamberini Maria Cristina
Published: April 2023

Surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) experiments were used to evaluate the adsorption and orientation of 5‐bromo‐N‐[4‐bromo‐3‐(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]‐2‐hydroxybenzamide (BTB) adsorbed on silver colloid and the results were compared to normal Raman spectra of BTB. Density functional theory (DFT) analysis was used to theoretically validate the observed spectra of BTB. BTB and BTB‐Ag6 molecular structures were optimized at first. The BTB molecule is adsorbed with the Ag6 with energy of −10.67 eV through atoms, O9, F22 and Br17 atoms. The charge transfer interaction between Ag6 clusters and BTB, which lead to BTB adsorption on Ag6 metal clusters, is confirmed by the Frontier Molecular Orbitals (FMOs) study. The BTB chemisorbed on silver with a tilted orientation, as confirmed by SERS spectral analysis and the accompanying results were theoretically justified.
Asymmetric Synthesis of Contact Pheromone Component of Xylotrechus colonus and Its Analogues
Authors: Yuan Chaonan , Wu Jianwei , Yu Shihang , Bian Qinghua , Wang Min , Liu Dan , Zhong Jiangchun
Published: April 2023

Xylotrechus colonus is an abundant wood‐boring pest of woody plants. 3‐Methylpentacosane was identified as the component of its contact pheromone. A novel and efficient asymmetric synthesis of (S)‐3‐methylpentacosane and its analogues was developed using (S)‐2‐methylbutan‐1‐ol as chiral source. The key of this approach included Wittig coupling of chiral phosphonium salt with aldehyde, Pd‐catalyzed hydrogenation and Appel reaction. Our synthesis would be helpful for the control and detect of this pest.
Visible‐Light‐Promoted Fluoroalkylative Cyclization of N‐Allyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐3H‐1‐benzazepin‐2‐amines: Effective Synthesis of Fluoroalkylated Imidazobenzazepines
Authors: Danyliuk Ivanna Yu. , Tolmachova Valentyna S. , Shishkina Svitlana V. , Vovk Mykhailo V.
Published: April 2023

A new preparatively convenient approach to the synthesis of biopromising 1‐fluoroalkyl‐substituted 2,4,5,6‐tetrahydro‐1H‐imidazo[1,2‐a][1]benzazepines has been developed, based on the chemoselective photoreduction‐catalyzed fluoroalkylation cyclization of N‐allyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐3H‐1‐benzazepin‐2‐amines in the presence of fluorescein as an organocatalyst. The use of comparatively inexpensive perfluoroalkyl iodides (RfI), mild reaction conditions and a wide range of substituents introduced make this method very attractive for the preparation of imidazobenzazepines with a variety of fluorinated moieties.
Heavy Metals Removal Using Nano‐Hydroxyapatite Extracted from Cattle Bones
Authors: Aissa Abdallah , Othmani Masseoud
Published: April 2023

Local cattle (lamb and camel) bones were used as a starting material to obtain pure nano‐hydroxyapatite n‐HAp. Extraction of nano‐HAp is done at 700 °C and 900 °C calcination temperatures, followed by some characterization technics such as FTIR spectroscopy, UV‐visible spectroscopy, XRD diffraction pattern, SEM and EDX analyzes. All the technics used have confirmed that calcination at these temperatures leads to a material in which pure hydroxyapatite is the only crystallographic phase. The heavy metals removal capacity of n‐HAp applied to Cu2+ and Co2+ from aqueous solutions was exanimated and compared. The obtained results were interpreted and compared based on; (i) the calcination temperature, (ii) the nature of the adsorbed cation on the nano‐hydroxyapatite surface and (iii) the nature of the adsorbent.
Ce Site in Amorphous Iron Oxyhydroxide Nanosheet toward Enhanced Electrochemical Water Oxidation
Authors: Dajan Fekadu Tsegaye , Sendeku Marshet Getaye , Wu Binglan , Gao Ning , Anley Eyaya Fekadie , Tai Jing , Zhan Xueying , Wang Zhenxing , Wang Fengmei , He Jun
Published: April 2023

Iron oxyhydroxide has been considered an auspicious electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline water electrolysis due to its suitable electronic structure and abundant reserves. However, Fe‐based materials seriously suffer from the tradeoff between activity and stability at a high current density above 100 mA cm−2. In this work, the Ce atom is introduced into the amorphous iron oxyhydroxide (i.e., CeFeOxHy) nanosheet to simultaneously improve the intrinsic electrocatalytic activity and stability for OER through regulating the redox property of iron oxyhydroxide. In particular, the Ce substitution leads to the distorted octahedral crystal structure of CeFeOxHy, along with a regulated coordination site. The CeFeOxHy electrode exhibits a low overpotential of 250 mV at 100 mA cm−2 with a small Tafel slope of 35.1 mVdec−1. Moreover, the CeFeOxHy electrode can continuously work for 300 h at 100 mA cm−2. When applying the CeFeOxHy nanosheet electrode as the anode and coupling it with the platinum mesh cathode, the cell voltage for overall water splitting can be lowered to 1.47 V at 10 mA cm−2. This work offers a design strategy for highly active, low‐cost, and durable material through interfacing high valent metals with earth‐abundant oxides/hydroxides.
Improved simplified constitutive tensile model for fiber‐reinforced concrete
Authors: Vandevyvere Brecht , Vandewalle Lucie , Li Jiabin
Published: April 2023

Due to the low strain capacity and the weak crack resistance of concrete, fibers are commonly added to concrete to increase its tensile resistance. The most recent standardized constitutive tensile model is given in the fib Model code 2010, which is based on a simplified stress profile at serviceability limit state (SLS) and ultimate limit state (ULS). However, in current research, an improved stress profile at ULS is proposed. Consequently, three new constitutive tensile models, which are valued for a specific FRC class, are developed. Those models are constructed with the test data of fiber‐reinforced concrete with natural aggregates (FR‐NAC) and three types of recycled aggregates (FR‐RAC). In addition, macro glass fibers and macro polypropylene fibers are used. The test data indicate that the lower concrete Young's modulus of FR‐RAC, as well as the crack growth resistance due to plastic work of the recycled concrete mixtures, result in an increased residual tensile strength at SLS and ULS. The residual tensile strength at 2.5 mm CMOD () of the normal recycled aggregate concrete (nRAC) mixture with 0.75 V% glass fibers is 0.95 MPa, while the FR‐NAC mixture with the same fiber content only indicates a ‐value of 0.43 MPa. Consequently, higher linear postcracking stresses are observed for the FR‐RAC mixtures, especially for the FR‐RAC mixtures with 0.75 V% glass fibers and the lower quality of recycled aggregates.