bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
General theory of functional systems as a theoretical-methodological framework of the pedagogical system of quality assurance
Authors: Kuznetsov Yurii Nikolaevich
Published: April 2021

The subject of this research is the pedagogical system of quality assurance. The goal consists in searching for innovative ways of the development of theoretical-methodological foundations for creating the pedagogical system of quality assurance in the higher education institution. The author examines such aspects as the development pf complex pedagogical systems in accordance with the hierarchical principle of compiling its fundamental pedagogical units (pedagogical subsystems), which allow creating branched architecture of the complex pedagogical system is created, depending on the goal and tasks of solution of pedagogical problem (in this case, the problem of quality assurance). Research methodology is based on the productive theoretical-methodological coupling of the concept of the general theory of functional systems (P. K. Anokhin) and the theory of pedagogical systems (N. V. Kuzmina). Comparative analysis is conducted on the analogies of the pedagogical system of quality assurance (according to the author’s version) and the classical functional system of behavioral act of a living organism. As a result, the author develop generalized architecture of the pedagogical system of quality assurance of the university. The novelty of this work consists in introduction of the concept of “pedagogical system of quality assurance” into the general classification of pedagogical systems of vocational education as an example of functional systems. The obtained results can be applied in creation of situational service for predicting and correcting the useful adaptive outcome of the activity of pedagogical system for improving the quality of higher education.
Evaluation of professional competence of future chemistry teachers in the current context
Authors: Arzhakova Mariia , Egorova Kseniya Egorovna
Published: April 2021

The implementation in the higher school of such new normative documents as Federal State Educational Standard, unit standard and others, set the goal for realization of competence approach in education. At the same time, such competence as the expected results serve as the evidentiary base for guaranteeing the quality of graduates training. There is currently no unified standard for assessing the quality of education overall. The subject of this research is the formation and assessment of formedness of professional competences of students on the discipline 44.03.01 Pedagogical Education with major in Chemistry and 44.03.05 Pedagogical Education with major in Biology and Chemistry.  The goal of this research consists in formation of professional competence of students in the conditions of a classical university through creation of the system of occupational assignments. For the development of theoretical platform of research, special attention is given to the theoretical questions of formation of professional competence of students majoring in pedagogy. The author describes the requirements to evaluation tools and the structure of evaluation tools. The article employs the general theoretical methods of summarization, systematization, analysis, and comparison. The scientific novelty consists in outlining approaches towards solution of the problem of formation of professional competence of the students majoring in pedagogy in the conditions of a classical university; determination of criteria and indicators of professional training of future chemistry teachers in the context of implementation of the new educational policy. The conclusion is made that the practice-oriented educational institutions are one of the means of formation and evaluation of the formedness of professional competences of the students majoring in pedagogy.
Expert assessment of the important professional competencies of aerospace engineers
Authors: Lastovenko Daria , Muzalevskaya Alena Aleksandrovna
Published: April 2021

This article is dedicated to examination of the important professional competencies of aerospace engineers and specificity of their professional activity. The study represents an expert assessment of the activity and important professional competencies of aerospace engineers. The research program consisted of several stages. The first stage includes the formation of the relevant expert group and assessment of the characteristics of activity and important professional competencies based on the methodology of expert assessment of I. L. Solomin. The second stage implies the expert ranking of the important psychological characteristics in the activity of aerospace, and determination of psychological factors that affect the solution of professional tasks. Based on the acquired results, the author reveals the socioeconomic, industrial-technical, and psychological characteristics of the activity of aerospace engineers. The most important professional competencies of aerospace engineers include: attention span, ability to predict, psychic stability, memory, imagination, and distress tolerance. The effective solution of professional tasks by aerospace engineers requires psychological resilience to external influences, ability to maintain attention control, etc. The acquired data can be valuable in assessment of the important professional competencies of young specialists, as well as carrying out a set of measures aimed at developing attention span, ability to predict, and psychic stability.
The category of modality in rhetoric
Authors: Ezhkova Viсtoria Andreevna
Published: April 2021

This article examines the category of modality and its role within the structure of a persuasive text based on the research materials of the experts in the theory of argumentation (S. Toulmin, C. Perelman, L. Olbrechts-Tyteca) and scholars of rhetoric (Y. V. Rozhdestvensky, A. A. Volkov). The theory of argumentation observes two concepts of modality: according to one, modality is an integral part of the argument, according to the other – a way to express thoughts emphasizing the point of statement. The author draws parallel between the views of other researchers and the own definition of modality, which indicates the status of a sentence in relation to reality/unreality (semantic modality) or express an illocutionary function of the statement (pragmatic modality). The article provides a representation of modality not only within the framework of the theory of argumentation, but also rhetoric as a whole. The points of intersection are traced between the views of the experts in theory of argumentation and the scholars of rhetoric. The hypothesis is advances that in oratorical prose, modality alongside other modus categories, contributes to the expression of two rhetorical goals: to convince the addressee of their views (evaluation) and to convince the addressee to act by necessity (prescription). It is concluded that rhetoric broadens the understanding of modality in science and provides instruments for analyzing the role and place of modality in a persuasive text.
Formation of the English-language neologisms as a result of lexical and semantic nominations
Authors: Kameneva Nataliia Alexandrovna
Published: April 2021

This article is dedicated to the formation of English-language neologisms as a result of lexical and semantic nomination. The object of this research is the changes in the lexical system of modern English language based on the analysis of media and online publications. The subject of this research is the methods of formation of neologisms in the late XX and early XXI centuries. The author determines the most common methods of the formation neologisms in digital periodicals, online news websites, forums and blogs. Analysis is conducted on such methods of word formation as affixation, conversion, formation of complex words, shortening and hybridization, abbreviation, etc. It is noted that the majority of neologisms result from lexical nomination. The goal of this article lies in analysis of the formation of neologisms used in the English lexicon for a long period of time, and thus have acquired a certain official standing. Such lexical innovations have been included or are in the process of being included into the official English language. An attempt is made to reveal the key features of methods of formation of neologisms, which are of primary importance for the communicative and social activity in their broadest sense. Majority of neologisms in the language, which is over 70%, result from the lexical methods of word formation; while the share of neologisms formed via semantic derivation is only a few percent of the total number of lexical innovations.
Intermediarios y migraciones en América Latina
Authors: Nolan Rachel , Muñoz Arbeláez Santiago
Published: April 2021

Objective/Context: The text positions the studies of mediators and places of transit in the historiography of migrations in Latin America, from the sixteenth to the twentieth century. Methodology: The articles in the dossier are placed in the broader context of literature on migratory flows in Latin America. Originality: We highlight the need to explore the role played by mediators in migratory processes, as well as the importance of studying migration using an intermediate scale of analysis, which is close to both individual experiences and broader processes. Conclusions: The studies evidence that mediators played a central role in the interaction of migrants with the institutions and social networks of the places they arrived at.
A new kind of beat
Authors: Wan Kirsty Y
Published: April 2021

New mathematical model reveals how the flagella of some single-celled algae generate a lasso-like beat pattern that propels the cell through water.
Ordinal losses for classification of cervical cancer risk
Authors: Albuquerque Tomé , Cruz Ricardo , Cardoso Jaime S.
Published: April 2021

Cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women, especially in low to middle-income countries. Despite the outburst of recent scientific advances, there is no totally effective treatment, especially when diagnosed in an advanced stage. Screening tests, such as cytology or colposcopy, have been responsible for a substantial decrease in cervical cancer deaths. Cervical cancer automatic screening via Pap smear is a highly valuable cell imaging-based detection tool, where cells must be classified as being within one of a multitude of ordinal classes, ranging from abnormal to normal. Current approaches to ordinal inference for neural networks are found to not sufficiently take advantage of the ordinal problem or to be too uncompromising. A non-parametric ordinal loss for neuronal networks is proposed that promotes the output probabilities to follow a unimodal distribution. This is done by imposing a set of different constraints over all pairs of consecutive labels which allows for a more flexible decision boundary relative to approaches from the literature. Our proposed loss is contrasted against other methods from the literature by using a plethora of deep architectures. A first conclusion is the benefit of using non-parametric ordinal losses against parametric losses in cervical cancer risk prediction. Additionally, the proposed loss is found to be the top-performer in several cases. The best performing model scores an accuracy of 75.6% for seven classes and 81.3% for four classes.
NFIB promotes the migration and progression of kidney renal clear cell carcinoma by regulating PINK1 transcription
Authors: Wang Ninghua , Yuan Jing , Liu Fei , Wei Jun , Liu Yu , Xue Mei , Dong Rui
Published: April 2021

Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) is the most common and aggressive type of renal cell carcinoma. Due to high mortality rate, high metastasis rate and chemical resistance, the prognosis of KIRC patients is poor. Therefore, it is necessary to study the mechanisms of KIRC development and to develop more effective prognostic molecular biomarkers to help clinical patients. In our study, we used The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases to investigate that the expression of nuclear factor I B (NFIB) is significantly higher in KIRC than in adjacent tissues. Moreover, NFIB expression levels are associated with multiple clinical pathological parameters of KIRC, and KIRC patients with high NFIB expression have poor prognosis, suggesting that NFIB may play vital roles in the malignant development of KIRC. Further studies demonstrated that NFIB could promote the progression and metastasis of KIRC and participate in the regulation of PTEN induced kinase 1 (PINK1). Furthermore, we used chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) experiments to confirm that NFIB binds to the PINK1 promoter and regulates its expression at the transcriptional level. Further experiments also confirmed the important roles of PINK1 in promoting the development of tumors by NFIB. Hence, our data provide a new NFIB-mediated regulatory mechanism for the tumor progression of KIRC and suggest that NFIB can be applied as a new predictor and therapeutic target for KIRC.
Subterranean movement inferred by temporary emigration in Barton Springs salamanders (Eurycea sosorum)
Authors: Bendik Nathan F. , Chamberlain Dee Ann , Devitt Thomas J. , Donelson Sarah E. , Nissen Bradley , Owen Jacob D. , Robinson Donelle , Sissel Blake N. , Sparks Kenneth
Published: April 2021

Movement behavior is an important aspect of animal ecology but is challenging to study in species that are unobservable for some portion of their lives, such as those inhabiting subterranean environments. Using four years of robust-design capture-recapture data, we examined the probability of movement into subterranean habitat by a population of endangered Barton Springs salamanders (Eurycea sosorum), a species that inhabits both surface and subterranean groundwater habitats. We tested the effects of environmental variables and body size on survival and temporary emigration, using the latter as a measure of subterranean habitat use. Based on 2,046 observations of 1,578 individuals, we found that temporary emigration was higher for larger salamanders, 79% of which temporarily emigrated into subterranean habitat between primary sampling intervals, on average. Body size was a better predictor of temporary emigration and survival compared to environmental covariates, although coefficients from lower ranked models suggested turbidity and dissolved oxygen may influence salamander movement between the surface and subsurface. Surface population dynamics are partly driven by movement below ground and therefore surface abundance estimates represent a fraction of the superpopulation. As such, while surface habitat management remains an important conservation strategy for this species, periodic declines in apparent surface abundance do not necessarily indicate declines of the superpopulation associated with the spring habitat.
Physicochemical Properties, Sensory Acceptance and Storage Stability of Yogurt Flavored with Refractance Window Dried Passion Fruit Powder
Authors: Asiimwe Amos , Kigozi Julia B. , Muyonga John
Published: April 2021

Aims: The study evaluated the use of refractance window dried passion fruit powder as a flavoring for yogurt.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, Makerere University, Kampala-Uganda between October 2020 and January 2021.

Methodology: Passion fruit pulp was mixed in carboxymethyl cellulose and dried using a laboratory refractance window drier.

Plain yogurt was flavored with 2% passion fruit powder. Passion fruit flavored, plain and commercial yogurt were analyzed for physico-chemical and sensory properties. Statistical analyses were performed using XLSTAT and all results were considered to be significant at P<0.05.

Results: pH values and titratable acidity for all yogurts ranged from 4.67 to 3.77 and 1.21% to 2.89%, respectively throughout the 14 day storage period. The apparent viscosity of all yogurts increased significantly during storage and ranged from 413.76 cP to 525.20 cP, the syneresis of yogurts ranged from 25.6% to 32.2%, vitamin C content of the yogurts ranged from 0.69 mg/100 g to 1.91 mg/100 g, the carotenoid content of yogurts ranged from 0.55 µgRAE to 1.07 µgRAE, phenolic content of the yogurts ranged from 0.50 mg/100 g GAE to 8.01 mg/100 g GAE, whereas total antioxidant activity of the yogurts ranged from 0.21mg/100g VCE to 9.96mg/100g VCE. For all yogurt types, there was no significant change (p<0.05) in any of the sensory parameters (flavor, color, mouth feel, consistency, taste and overall acceptability) over the storage period of 14 days.

Conclusion: Addition of passion fruit powder to yogurt resulted in increased levels of vitamin C, beta carotenoid, total phenolic content and total antioxidant activity, in comparison to plain yoghurt and commercial vanilla flavored yogurt. This will provide consumers with more nutritious options thereby improving nutrition of consumers.
Optimization of Split-Plot Design in the Context of Mixture Process Variable Settings
Authors: Wanyonyi Samson W. , Okango Ayubu A. , Koech Julius K. , Korir Betty C.
Published: April 2021

In the presence of process variables, a mixture design has become well-known in statistical modeling due to its utility in modeling the blending surface, which empirically predicts any mixture's response and serves as the foundation for optimizing the expected response blends of different components.  In the most common practical situation involving a mixture-process variable, restricted randomization occurs frequently. This problem is solved when the split-plot layout arrangement is used within the constraints. This study's primary goal was to find the best split-plot design (SPD) for the settings mixture-process variables. The SPD was made up of a simplex centroid design (SCD) of four mixture blends and a factorial design with a central composite design (CCD) of the process variable and compared six different context split-plot structure arrangement.  We used JMP software version 15 to create D-optimal split-plot designs. The study compared the constructed designs' relative efficiency using A-, D-, I-, and G- optimality criteria. Furthermore, a graphical technique (fraction of design space plot) was used to display, explain, and evaluate experimental designs' performance in terms of precision of the six designs' variance prediction properties. We discovered that arranging subplots with more SCD points than pure mixture design points within SPD with two high process variables is more helpful and provides more precise parameter estimates. We recommend using SPDs in experiments involving mixture process settings developments to measure the mixture components' interaction effects and the processing conditions. Also, the investigation should be set up at each of the points of a factorial design.
A Survey of Optical Fiber Communications: Challenges and Processing Time Influences
Authors: Kareem Fairoz Q. , Zeebaree Subhi R. M. , Dino Hivi Ismat , M.Sadeeq Mohammed A. , Rashid Zryan Najat , Hasan Dathar Abas , Sharif Karzan Hussein
Published: April 2021

Optical fibers are utilized widely for data transmission systems because of their capacity to carry extensive information and dielectric nature. Network architectures utilizing multiple wavelengths per optical fiber are used in central, metropolitan, or broad‐area applications to link thousands of users with a vast range of transmission speeds and capacities. A powerful feature of an optical communication link is sending several wavelengths through the 1300‐to‐1600‐ nm range of a fibre simultaneously. The technology of integrating several wavelengths onto a similar fiber is called wavelength division multiplexing (WDM). The principle of WDM utilized in concurrence with optical amplifiers has an outcome in communication links that permit rapid communications among users in the world's countries. This paper presents an overview of the challenges of fibre optic communication. This paper offers an outline of the areas to be the most relevant for the future advancement of optical communications. The invention of integrated optics and modern optical fibers takes place in the field of optical equipment and components.
Nutrient use Efficiency in Calcareous Soil Amended by the Silicate, Humate and Compost
Authors: Sary Dalal H. , Rashad Rama T.
Published: April 2021

Aims: A study was carried out in the field aims to study the response of a calcareous soil cultivated by soybean to the application of K-silicate (K-Si), K-humate (K-H), and compost at application rates 50% and 100% of the recommended dose.

Study Design: Complete randomized block design with three replicates.

Place and Duration of Study: At El-Nubaryia Agricultural Research Station (latitude of 30° 30°N longitude of 30° 20°E) Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Nubaryia, Egypt (Summer seasons of 2018 and 2019).

Methodology: Compost was mixed with surface soil a week before cultivation at application rates 3.75 and 7.5 kg plot-1 (3.91 and 7.81 t ha-1, respectively). Powder K-H was spread on soil at application rates 7.5 and 15 g plot-1 while aqueous solutions of K-Si; 8 and 16 mL L-1 for plot was sprayed on soil 30, 60, and 90 days after cultivation.

Results: Results showed that soil moisture(SM, %) was increased by the 100% application rate in the order compost (20.6%) > K-Si (19.3%) > K-H (19.1%). A significant increase was found in the seed yield (kg ha-1) by 129.5%, 84.8% and 70.6% by compost, K-H and K-Si, respectively. Compost at 100% application rate showed the most significant increase in the available nitrogen N (mg kg-1) in soil by 104.4% followed by K-H (by 81.8%) then K-Si by 23.4%. Compost also showed the most significant increase in the N uptake from soil (kg ha-1 soil) by seeds and straw followed by K-H then K-Si. The nutrient use efficiency (NUE, %) and agronomic efficiency (AE) values decreased in the order K-H > K-Si > compost at 50% and 100% application rates.

Conclusion: The quite smaller dose and ease of field application by spraying may make the K-H more agronomically efficient than K-Si and compost.
Quality Assessment and Food Potentials of Flour Obtained From Sprouted and Non-Sprouted Watermelon Seeds (Citrulus lanatus) and Its Akara Making Potentials
Authors: Olatidoye Olawale Paul , Sobowale Sunday Samuel , Olayemi Wasiu Ajani , Shittu Abdulrazak
Published: April 2021

This study formulated different flours from sprouted water melon seed and evaluated the proximate and sensory properties akara-analogue potential in Nigeria. The results showed that proximate composition: moisture (7.06-8.46%), protein (19.14%-37.24%), fibre (0.23-0.36%), fat (22.77-26.58%), ash (2.44-3.47%) and carbohydrate (30.58-41.91%) were significantly different at p<0.05. The bulk density ranged from 0.51-0.53g/ml, solubility index (40.30-40.01%), water absorption capacity (1.21-1.25%), swelling capacity (5.32-6.67%), pH (6.13-6.14); for sprouted and non-sprouted samples. Tannins, saponin, sterols, oxalate and phytate were detected in sprouted and unsprouted flour. Sprouting enhanced the amino acid content of composite flour. Mineral contents of Ca, P, K, Mg, Na, Cu, Zn and Mn were increased due to sprouting. The sensory analysis showed that the control samples have the highest taste score (7.35) and aroma (7.60) and were significantly different at p<0.05. Enhanced amino acid composition of watermelon may enhance the use of this flour as protein supplement for the development of new food product.
Microbiological Quality and Safety of Fruits and Vegetables from Open Market and Shopping Complex in Port Harcourt Metropolis
Authors: Obinna-Echem Patience C.
Published: April 2021

Aims: Physicochemical and microbiological quality of fruits and vegetables from open market and shopping mall in Port Harcourt metropolis were determined to ascertain the effect of the sales environment.

Methodology: pH and titratable acidity (TTA) of bananas (Musa sapientum), tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill), lettuce (Lactuca sativa L) and cabbage (Brassica oleracae var. capitata L) were determined using standard analytical methods. Conventional microbiological method was used for the microbial analysis.

Results: pH (4.30 - 6.00) and TTA (0.05 - 0.28% lactic acid) of samples from the two locations did not differ significantly (P>0.05). Aerobic colony count (ACC), Coliform, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, ranged from 4.49 – 5.96, 3.70 – 4.59, 3.69 - 4.39 and 3.68 – 4.17 Log10 CFU/g respectively for the shopping mall samples, and 6.14 - 6.19, 3.66 – 5.23, 4.60 – 5.66, and 3.69 – 5.15 Log10 CFU/g respectively for the open market samples. Salmonella was detected at a level of 3.74, 4.30 and 4.65 Log10 CFU/g respectively in banana from the shopping mall; and lettuce and cabbage from the open market. Mould growth for the open market samples ranged from 4.01 - 4.40 Log10 CFU/g. Shopping mall samples had no mould and yeast growth except for mould count of 4.29 Log10 CFU/g in banana and yeast count of 4.30 and 3.69 Log10 CFU/g in tomatoes and lettuce. Banana and lettuce from the open market had no yeast count, but tomatoes and cabbage had counts of 4.30 and 4.46 Log10 CFU/g respectively.

Conclusion: Fruits and vegetables from the shopping mall generally had lower microbial count indicating the influence of the chilled storage environment. The detection of pathogens in the fruits and vegetables is unsatisfactory and can pose a health risk to consumers as well as the contamination of other produce.
In-vivo Hepatoprotective and Antioxidant Activities of Sphaeranthus amaranthoides Burm.f. Against Anti-Tubercular Drugs Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats
Authors: Vinayakamurthi M. R. , Sunilson J. Anbu Jeba , Kumari A. V. Anita Gnana , Aathilakshmi U.
Published: April 2021

Aim: To evaluate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of Sphaeranthus amaranthoides Burm.f. against isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF) induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Study Design: Experimental study.

Place and Duration: Research lab, Department of Siddha Medicine, Tamil University, Thanjavur, India, between March 2018 and November 2019.

Methodology: Liver toxicity was induced by antitubercular drugs (Isoniazid; INH+Rifampicin; RIF) at a dose level of 50+100 mg/kg each, p.o for 15 days. Petroleum ether, Chloroform, Methanol, Aqueous extracts of Sphaeranthus amaranthoides Burm.f. (S. amaranthoides) (200 and 400 mg/kg bt.wt.) were administered orally once daily for 15 days. The hepatoprotective activity was assessed using various biochemical parameters SGOT, SGPT, ALP, bilirubin, total protein, albumin, total cholesterol, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and LDH. The antioxidant activities such as the enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT), and the level of lipidperoxidation as thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBA-RS) were measured in liver homogenates and histological examinations were carried out to assess hepatoprotective activity. For Statistical analysis, the values were subjected to one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey multiple compare test. Results were considered statistically significant when P<0.05.

Results: The treatment with methanolic extract (400 mg/kg bt.wt.) of S. amaranthoides significantly prevented drug-induced increase in serum levels of liver enzymes (P<0.001). The antioxidant activity of a dose of 400 mg/kg of S. amaranthoides significantly prevented the decreases in the activity of enzymatic antioxidants (CAT & SOD) (P<0.01 and P<0.001) and inhibited the elevation of lipid peroxidation (TBA-RS) in the liver homogenate. Histopathology of liver tissue showed that S. amaranthoides attenuated the hepatocellular necrosis, regeneration and repair of cells toward normal.

Conclusion: The methanolic extract of S. amaranthoides showed significant hepatoprotectivity and antioxidant activity against INH + RIF Anti TB drugs.
Urinary Isolates and Antifungal Susceptibility Pattern of Candida species Isolated from Patients in Tertiary Care
Authors: Samyuktha A. Arasi , Illamani V. , Saikumar Chitralekha
Published: April 2021

Community-acquired urinary tract infections (UTIs) are fastidious growing infections caused by Candida fungal overgrowth that frequently occur in immunosuppressed hospital patients. Although many factors account for the increases in these fungal infections, the leading causes include the rise in medical device usage, immunosuppressant drugs, and interventional procedures. The emergence of drug resistant in Candidal species, which is largely attributed to use of prolonged and inappropriate empirical therapy, has further complicated patient management. The regularity of urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to Candida species is growing and these infections are most common clinical outcome, particularly in hospitalized patients. The microbiological invasions in any tissue of the urinary tract extend from the renal cortex to the urethral meatus. Candida UTI or candiduria is a common finding in hospitalized patients. To find out the ratio of Candida albicans to non- albicans Candida species to correlate the risk factors to the Candida species associated and to analyze the speciation of Candida isolates using the Chrom agar is a differential culture media, with sugar assimilation test. Constant surveillance of candiduria is important as C. tropicalis is more invasive, can lead to fatal candidemia. Identification of Candida up to species level is essential, as it can give an idea to the clinicians about appropriate antifungal therapy. Our study showed a predominance of non-albicans Candida spp. of about 86%. C. tropicalis (62%) was the most common isolate obtained followed by C. albicans (14%), C. glabrata (10%), C. krusei (9%) and C. parapsilosis (5%). Indwelling urinary catheter was an important associated risk factor for non-albicans candiduria.
Muscle Relaxation Strategies on Dysmenorrhea: An Interventional Study
Authors: Ramaiah Pushpamala , Albokhary Afnan A.
Published: April 2021

Background: The chief complaints of menstruating females can impact their life with several physical and psycho-social wellbeing. Menstrual pain could be due to primary or secondary dysmenorrhea. There has been a lack of ongoing studies to demonstrate the association of crucial variables with day-to-day activities during the cycle.

Aim: Study adopted to explore the effectiveness of pelvic rocking exercises and home workouts among adolescents.

Methods: A case-control randomized design was adopted among the adolescents' community where the pre-post test was carried out, and the selected variables have been statistically analyzed.

Results: In total, 180 adolescents participated in our study. Overweight has been well documented as one of the variables to experience pain, and the intensity of the pain minimized after performing a couple of interventions.

Moreover, few findings appeared that exercises and home workouts reduce the pain level (scores) (p<0.05) and documented fewer dysmenorrhea symptoms in the following cycle.

Conclusion: The study reports muscle relaxation strategies to help in the relief of menstrual pain. The authors recommend performing ongoing research with a larger sample size to interpret the findings with cautions to associate cause-effect relationships.
Highly Efficient 1D/3D Ferroelectric Perovskite Solar Cell
Authors: Zhang Haijuan , Shi Zejiao , Hu Laigui , Tang Yuan‐Yuan , Qin Zhengyuan , Liao Wei‐Qiang , Wang Zi Shuai , Qin Jiajun , Li Xiaoguo , Wang Haoliang , Gusain Meenakshi , Liu Fengcai , Pan Yiyi , Xu Mingsheng , Wang Jiao , Liu Ran , Zhang Chunfeng , Xiong Ren‐Gen , Sha Wei E. I. , Zhan Yiqiang
Published: April 2021

With the capability to manipulate the built‐in field in solar cells, ferroelectricity is found to be a promising attribute for harvesting solar energy in solar cell devices by influencing associated device parameters. Researchers have devoted themselves to the exploration of ferroelectric materials that simultaneously possess strong light absorption and good electric transport properties for a long time. Here, it is presented a novel and facile approach of combining state‐of‐art light absorption and electric transport properties with ferroelectricity by the incorporation of room temperature 1D ferroelectric perovskite with 3D organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite (OIHP). The 1D/3D mixed OIHP films are found to exhibit evident ferroelectric properties. It is notable that the poling of the 1D/3D mixed ferroelectric OIHP solar cell can increase the average Voc can be increased from 1.13 to 1.16 V, the average PCE from 20.7% to 21.5%. A maximum power conversion efficiency of 22.7%, along with an enhanced fill factor of over 80% and open‐circuit voltage of 1.19 V, can be achieved in the champion device. The enhancement is by virtue of reduced surface recombination by ferroelectricity‐induced modification of the built‐in field. The maximum power point tracking measurement substantiates the retention of ferroelectric‐polarization during the continued operation.
Besides the Capacitive and Diffusion Control: Inner‐Surface Controlled Bismuth Based Electrode Facilitating Potassium‐Ion Energy Storage
Authors: Liu Miao , Xing Yuqi , Wang Jianwen , Wang Dong , Huang Lu , Wu Xiaoman , Liu Zhixiao , Wu Yingpeng
Published: April 2021

One of the major challenges of potassium‐ion hybrid capacitors (PIHCs) is to explore favorable anode materials with fast reaction kinetics to match the cathodes. Here, an “inner‐surface” controlled electrochemistry mechanism based on bismuth electrode is proposed and in‐depth studied, which is different from the capacitive or diffusion controlled electrode. Such inner‐surface controlled electrochemistry performance gives a high K ion diffusion ability under not only room temperature (RT) but also low temperature (LT). In this study, a kind of conjunct‐like bismuth nanoparticle (CBN) is fabricated to model such an advantage. The CBN anode for PIBs displays ultra‐long cycling stability and excellent rate capability, especially with a reversible capacity of 212.9 mAh g−1 at 30 A g−1 after 5000 cycles under RT. At −20 °C, the CBN anode achieves a capacity of 191.9 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1 after 10 000 cycles. Coupling with activate carbon cathode, the as‐assembled PIHCs deliver high energy/power densities (111.8 Wh kg−1/412.8 W kg−1 and 29 Wh kg−1/14 312.6 W kg−1), which outperforms those of previously reported PIHCs and other hybrid capacitors. The study provides a new understanding of the energy storage mechanism for bismuth‐based electrodes and accelerates the development of advancing potassium ion storage devices, especially at LT.
Multiplexed Neurotransmission Emulated by a p–n Cross Nanowire Synaptic Transistor for Satiety, Depression, and Drug Withdrawal
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Guo Kexin , Han Hong , Yu Haiyang , Wei Huanhuan , Gong Jiangdong , Xu Wentao
Published: April 2021

This paper presents the first synaptic transistor (ST) that combines crossed p‐type and n‐type semiconductor nanowires (NWs) to form a bipolar conductive channels. The bipolar channel with both electron and hole transport paths enables the emulation of multiplexed neurotransmission of different neurotransmitters in a brain to realize complex neural functions using nanowires. Except for basic synaptic functions, the device demonstrates the potential to distinguish reward‐processing and aversive responses. The opposite polarities of NWs enable emulation of a series of complex neural activities using a single electronic device, such as satiety, depression, and drug withdrawal. The device is applicable to deep convolutional neural networks for electrocardiograms. The new strategy of versatile use of electro‐hydrodynamically printed NWs (e‐NWs) is expected to facilitate emulation of complex neural behaviors, and the realization of future neuromorphic electronics that are capable of these behaviors.
Random Telegraph Noise in Metal‐Oxide Memristors for True Random Number Generators: A Materials Study
Authors: Li Xuehua , Zanotti Tommaso , Wang Tao , Zhu Kaichen , Puglisi Francesco Maria , Lanza Mario
Published: April 2021

Some memristors with metal/insulator/metal (MIM) structure have exhibited random telegraph noise (RTN) current signals, which makes them ideal to build true random number generators (TRNG) for advanced data encryption. However, there is still no clear guide on how essential manufacturing parameters like materials selection, thicknesses, deposition methods, and device lateral size can influence the quality of the RTN signal. In this paper, an exhaustive statistical analysis on the quality of the RTN signals produced by different MIM‐like memristors is reported, and straightforward guidelines for the fabrication of memristors with enhanced RTN performance are presented, which are: i) Ni and Ti electrodes show better RTN than Au electrodes, ii) the 50 μm × 50 μm devices show better RTN than the 5 μm × 5 μm ones, iii) TiO2 shows better RTN than HfO2 and Al2O3, iv) sputtered‐oxides show better RTN than ALD‐oxides, and v) 10 nm thick oxides show better RTN than 5 nm thick oxides. The RTN signals recorded have been used as entropy sources in high‐throughput TRNG circuits, which have passed the randomness tests of the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The work can serve as a useful guide for materials scientists and electronic engineers when fabricating MIM‐like memristors for RTN applications.
Microswimmer Combing: Controlling Interfacial Dynamics for Open‐Surface Multifunctional Screening of Small Animals
Authors: Sun Gongchen , Manning Cassidy‐Arielle , Lee Ga Hyun , Majeed Maryam , Lu Hang
Published: April 2021

Image‐based screening of multicellular model organisms is critical for both investigating fundamental biology and drug development. Current microfluidic techniques for high‐throughput manipulation of small model organisms, although useful, are generally complicated to operate, which impedes their widespread adoption by biology laboratories. To address this challenge, this paper presents an ultrasimple and yet effective approach, “microswimmer combing,” to rapidly isolate live small animals on an open‐surface array. This approach exploits a dynamic contact line‐combing mechanism designed to handle highly active microswimmers. The isolation method is robust, and the device operation is simple for users without a priori experience. The versatile open‐surface device enables multiple screening applications, including high‐resolution imaging of multicellular organisms, on‐demand mutant selection, and multiplexed chemical screening. The simplicity and versatility of this method provide broad access to high‐throughput experimentation for biologists and open up new opportunities to study active microswimmers by different scientific communities.
Bioactive Decellularized Extracellular Matrix Derived from 3D Stem Cell Spheroids under Macromolecular Crowding Serves as a Scaffold for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Chiang Cheng‐En , Fang Yi‐Qiao , Ho Chao‐Ting , Assunção Marisa , Lin Sheng‐Ju , Wang Yu‐Chieh , Blocki Anna , Huang Chieh‐Cheng
Published: April 2021

Scaffolds for tissue engineering aim to mimic the native extracellular matrix (ECM) that provides physical support and biochemical signals to modulate multiple cell behaviors. However, the majority of currently used biomaterials are oversimplified and therefore fail to provide a niche required for the stimulation of tissue regeneration. In the present study, 3D decellularized ECM (dECM) scaffolds derived from mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) spheroids and with intricate matrix composition are developed. Specifically, application of macromolecular crowding (MMC) to MSC spheroid cultures facilitate ECM assembly in a 3D configuration, resulting in the accumulation of ECM and associated bioactive components. Decellularized 3D dECM constructs produced under MMC are able to adequately preserve the microarchitecture of structural ECM components and are characterized by higher retention of growth factors. This results in a stronger proangiogenic bioactivity as compared to constructs produced under uncrowded conditions. These dECM scaffolds can be homogenously populated by endothelial cells, which direct the macroassembly of the structures into larger cell‐carrying constructs. Application of empty scaffolds enhances intrinsic revascularization in vivo, indicating that the 3D dECM scaffolds represent optimal proangiogenic bioactive blocks for the construction of larger engineered tissue constructs.
Antioxidant Activity and Toxicity Study of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Stabilized with Innovative Functional Copolymers
Authors: Goujon Geoffroy , Baldim Victor , Roques Caroline , Bia Nicolas , Seguin Johanne , Palmier Bruno , Graillot Alain , Loubat Cédric , Mignet Nathalie , Margaill Isabelle , Berret Jean‐François , Beray‐Berthat Virginie
Published: April 2021

Oxidative stress, which is one of the main harmful mechanisms of pathologies including ischemic stroke, contributes to both neurons and endothelial cell damages, leading to vascular lesions. Although many antioxidants are tested in preclinical studies, no treatment is currently available for stroke patients. Since cerium oxide nanoparticles (CNPs) exhibit remarkable antioxidant capacities, the objective is to develop an innovative coating to enhance CNPs biocompatibility without disrupting their antioxidant capacities or enhance their toxicity. This study reports the synthesis and characterization of functional polymers and their impact on the enzyme‐like catalytic activity of CNPs. To study the toxicity and the antioxidant properties of CNPs for stroke and particularly endothelial damages, in vitro studies are conducted on a cerebral endothelial cell line (bEnd.3). Despite their internalization in bEnd.3 cells, coated CNPs are devoid of cytotoxicity. Microscopy studies report an intracellular localization of CNPs, more precisely in endosomes. All CNPs reduces glutamate‐induced intracellular production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in endothelial cells but one CNP significantly reduces both the production of mitochondrial superoxide anion and DNA oxidation. In vivo studies report a lack of toxicity in mice. This study therefore describes and identifies biocompatible CNPs with interesting antioxidant properties for ischemic stroke and related pathologies.
A Decade of Advances in Single‐Cell Nanocoating for Mammalian Cells
Authors: Lee Hojae , Kim Nayoung , Rheem Hyeong Bin , Kim Beom Jin , Park Ji Hun , Choi Insung S.
Published: April 2021

Strategic advances in the single‐cell nanocoating of mammalian cells have noticeably been made during the last decade, and many potential applications have been demonstrated. Various cell‐coating strategies have been proposed via adaptation of reported methods in the surface sciences and/or materials identification that ensure the sustainability of labile mammalian cells during chemical manipulation. Here an overview of the methodological development and potential applications to the healthcare sector in the nanocoating of mammalian cells made during the last decade is provided. The materials used for the nanocoating are categorized into polymers, hydrogels, polyphenolic compounds, nanoparticles, and minerals, and the corresponding strategies are described under the given set of materials. It also suggests, as a future direction, the creation of the cytospace system that is hierarchically composed of the physically separated but mutually interacting cellular hybrids.
Observation of Yu–Shiba–Rusinov States in Superconducting Graphene
Authors: Cortés‐del Río Eva , Lado Jose Luis , Cherkez Vladimir , Mallet Pierre , Veuillen Jean‐Yves , Cuevas Juan Carlos , Gómez‐Rodríguez José María , Fernández‐Rossier Joaquín , Brihuega Iván
Published: April 2021

When magnetic atoms are inserted inside a superconductor, the superconducting order is locally depleted as a result of the antagonistic nature of magnetism and superconductivity. Thereby, distinctive spectral features, known as Yu–Shiba–Rusinov states, appear inside the superconducting gap. The search for Yu–Shiba–Rusinov states in different materials is intense, as they can be used as building blocks to promote Majorana modes suitable for topological quantum computing. Here, the first observation of Yu–Shiba–Rusinov states in graphene, a non‐superconducting 2D material, and without the participation of magnetic atoms, is reported. Superconductivity in graphene is induced by proximity effect brought by adsorbing nanometer‐scale superconducting Pb islands. Using scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy the superconducting proximity gap is measured in graphene, and Yu–Shiba–Rusinov states are visualized in graphene grain boundaries. The results reveal the very special nature of those Yu–Shiba–Rusinov states, which extends more than 20 nm away from the grain boundaries. These observations provide the long‐sought experimental confirmation that graphene grain boundaries host local magnetic moments and constitute the first observation of Yu–Shiba–Rusinov states in a chemically pure system.
A Non‐Encapsulated Polymorphous U‐Shaped Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Multiform Hydropower Harvesting
Authors: Zhang Xuemei , Hu Jie , Zeng Qixuan , Yang Huake , He Wencong , Li Qianying , Li Xiaochuan , Yang Hongmei , Hu Chenguo , Xi Yi
Published: April 2021

Various structures for triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have been designed to generate clean, low‐frequency hydropower, and provide solutions for next‐generation sustainable power supplies, including the solid–liquid contact electrification mode and full‐packaged solid–solid contact electrification mode. However, most of them can only adapt to a single form of hydropower. Moreover, electrostatic shielding in water and corrosion of the triboelectric material in the solid–liquid mode are inevitable. In addition, the devices in the fully enclosed mode have the disadvantages of complexity, low cost‐effectiveness, and complex disassembly, which hinder its development and practicality. Herein, a non‐encapsulated polymorphous U‐shaped TENG for multiform hydropower harvesting with effective robustness is designed, which contains two joinable parts: one U‐shaped multilayered TENG unit, and three trigger ends chosen according to actual requirements. The joinable design can directly reduce the waterproof treatment of U‐shaped multilayer section, performance degradation caused by humidity, and effectively avoids electrostatic shielding caused by water and corrosion of triboelectric materials. Furthermore, different forms of hydropower collection, such as the energy of surface water wave, underwater wave/flow, and water droplet can be achieved using the corresponding trigger end. This study provides a feasible scheme for efficient and economical multiform hydropower collection based on triboelectric technology.
Haze‐Suppressed Transparent Electrodes Using IZO/Ag/IZO Nanomesh for Highly Flexible and Efficient Blue Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Lee Ho Jin , Kim Bo‐Hyun , Takaloo Ashkan Vakilipour , Son Kyung Rock , Dongale Tukaram D. , Lim Kyoung Moon , Kim Tae Geun
Published: April 2021

Nano‐mesh (NM) structures have been employed as flexible and stretchable electrodes for organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). However, high optical haze induced by NM structures should be diminished while enhancing the transparency and lowering the sheet resistance simultaneously for their practical use. Herein, a highly flexible transparent electrode is demonstrated using indium zinc oxide (IZO)/Ag/IZO NM structure to satisfy all these requirements without complex designs in NM structures. The proposed NM electrode shows remarkably low haze (<10%), high optical transparency (>90%), and low sheet resistance (≈9.4 Ω sq–1), together with superior flexibility. Moreover, the smart NM‐based blue OLED shows characteristics of a Lambertian light source, with high external quantum efficiency (≈18.8%) and unprecedentedly outstanding bending properties. The experimental and theoretical analyses ascribe these improvements to the enhanced charge injection via conductive IZO with high work function as well as reduced surface reflection and diffraction of emitted light via anti‐reflective NM structure.