bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Courtesy stigma of parents of children with Down syndrome: Adaptation process and transcendent stage
Authors: Watanabe Motoko , Kibe Chieko , Sugawara Masumi , Miyake Hidehiko
Published: December 2021

Courtesy stigma, which arises from close connections to people with stigmatized characteristics, negatively affects interpersonal relations. This study aimed to evaluate courtesy stigma and the adaptation process of parents of children with Down syndrome based on semi‐structured interviews with 23 Japanese parents. The interview themes were (a) negatively perceived interpersonal experiences and coping strategies; (b) information disclosure and others’ responses; and (c) positively perceived interpersonal experiences. The interview data were transcribed and analyzed based on a grounded theory approach. The results suggested that parents perceived and experienced multidimensional courtesy stigma, and they used various coping strategies categorized in combinations of passive–active and internal–external. All parents disclosed information about their child's diagnosis to others, and reverse disclosure (i.e., revealing own relations with people with disabilities) was characteristically observed thereafter. Through active interaction and reflection, the parents cultivated social relationships, compassion, world views, and community involvement, which led to the transcendent stage. However, internal conflict as a mediator between people with and without Down syndrome re‐emerged even after achieving the transcendent stage. These findings could help to develop interventions in genetic counseling for parents to deal with interpersonal relationship difficulties.
Gonad morphology of Rhyacichthys aspro (Valenciennes, 1837), and the diagnostic reproductive morphology of gobioid fishes
Authors: Cole Kathleen S. , Parenti Lynne R.
Published: December 2021

Rhyacichthys aspro is a “basal” taxon in the Suborder Gobioidei of the teleost order Gobiiformes. We provide detailed descriptions of the reproductive morphology of adult males and females to assess the diagnostic reproductive morphological characters of this speciose clade of bony fishes. Female R. aspro are asynchronous spawners: they are able to spawn more than once in a breeding season. Oocytes are inferred to have short attachment filaments. A conspicuous feature of the external anatomy of the reproductive system (RSy) of female R. aspro is an ornate fimbriate pad upon which the urogenital papilla rests. The male reproductive system is characterized by an intralobar collection system in both the testicular and secretory lobes, termed the “sperm‐collecting canal” and “milt‐collecting canal,” respectively. These may provide additional storage for sperm and milt. The spermatogenic lobe, or testis, is that portion of the male gobioid RSy comprising seminiferous lobules and separate from other RSy components. The secretory lobe is that portion of the male gobioid reproductive system that consists of secretory lobules and is separated from other components of the male RSy. The secretory lobe has also been called, in English, the sperm‐duct gland, accessory gonadal structure, or seminal vesicle, and is endorsed as a synapomorphy of gobioid fishes.
Time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry imaging in cultural heritage: A focus on old paintings
Authors: Bouvier Caroline , Van Nuffel Sebastiaan , Walter Philippe , Brunelle Alain
Published: December 2021

Time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF‐SIMS) imaging is a surface analysis technique that identifies and spatially resolves the chemical composition of a sample with a lateral resolution of less than 1 μm. Depth analyses can also be performed over thicknesses of several microns. In the case of a painting cross section, for example, TOF‐SIMS can identify the organic composition, by detecting molecular ions and fragments of binders, as well as the mineral composition of most of the pigments. Importantly, the technique is almost not destructive and is therefore increasingly used in cultural heritage research such as the analysis of painting samples, especially old paintings. In this review, state of the art of TOF‐SIMS analysis methods will be described with a particular focus on tuning the instruments for the analysis of painting cross sections and with several examples from the literature showing the added value of this technique when studying cultural heritage samples.
Combining the HBcrAg decline and HBV mutations predicts spontaneous HBeAg seroconversion in chronic hepatitis B patients during the immune clearance phase
Authors: Xie Yandi , Ma Hui , Feng Bo , Song Guangjun
Published: December 2021

To assess predictive ability of hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers and genome mutations for spontaneous hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion. A total of 113 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients were followed up for 76 weeks without antiviral treatment. Baseline basal core promoter (BCP) and precore mutations were detected and serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), HBeAg, hepatitis B core‐related antigen (HBcrAg), and HBV DNA levels were serially quantified. Eighteen patients experienced spontaneous HBeAg seroconversion (Group A), and the remaining 95 patients did not experience spontaneous HBeAg seroconversion (Group B). At Week 28, HBsAg (p = 0.03) and HBcrAg (p = 0.01) levels were significantly different between Groups A and B. Reduced HBsAg (p = 0.02) and HBcrAg (p < 0.01) levels from baseline to Week 28 were significantly different between two groups. Multivariate logistic regression showed that lower HBcrAg (odds ratio [OR] = 1.02, p =  0.03) levels at Week 28, and HBcrAg levels with sharp decrease at Week 28 (OR =  0.19, p = 0.02) were related with spontaneous HBeAg seroconversion. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) showed that reduction in HBcrAg levels from baseline to Week 28 (0.93, p = 0.001, 95% CI: 0.74–1.08) have excellent prediction value. The mutation frequencies of A1574T (51.11% vs. 18.18%, p = 0.001), G1862A (30.00% vs. 13.03%, p = 0.001), G1896A (27.22% vs. 5.45%, p =  0.001), and C1913G (32.78% vs. 12.73%, p = 0.001) in Group A were significantly higher than Group B. Baseline A1574T, G1862A, G1896A, and C1913G mutations and HBcrAg levels with a sharp decrease at Week 28 were associated with spontaneous HBeAg seroconversion.
Repurposing of Mycobacterium indicus pranii for the severe form of COVID‐19 patients in India: A cohort study
Authors: Shah Naveed Nazir , Dar Khurshid Ahmad , Quibtiya Syed , Azad Aaliya Mohi Ud Din , Mushtaq Mehvish , Bashir Showkeen Muzamil , Rather Muzafar Ahmad , Ali Sofi Imtiyaz , Sheikh Wajid Mohammad , Nabi Showkat Ul
Published: December 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) induces the production of proinflammatory cytokines, which results in a cytokine storm, and immune‐modulators like Mycobacterium indicus pranii (MIP) might ameliorate coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID‐19) related cytokine storm. Therefore, the present study evaluates whether MIP offers an advantage in the treatment of severe COVID‐19 patients infected with SARS‐CoV‐2. A prospective MIP cohort study was conducted in chest disease hospitals in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India. In the present prospective, randomized clinical study, critically severe COVID‐19 patients were divided into two groups, the MIP group (n = 105) and the best standard treatment (BST) group (n = 210). Procalcitonin, ferritin, high‐sensitive C‐reactive protein, D‐dimer levels, and interleukin levels on 5th‐day posttreatment were significantly reduced in the MIP group compared to the BST group. Compared to the BST group, 105 consecutive patients with severe COVID‐19 in the MIP group reported early weaning off ventilation, resolution of chest architecture (computed tomography [CT] scan), a significant increase in SpO2 levels, and decreased mortality with a hazard ratio: 0.234 (95% confidence interval: 0.264–2.31) (p = 0.001). MIP restored SpO2, immune/inflammatory response, normalized lung abnormalities (chest CT scan), and reduced mortality without any serious complications. However, there is a need for placebo‐controlled double‐blind and controlled clinical trials to confirm the efficacy.
The prevalence of early‐ and late‐onset bacterial, viral, and fungal respiratory superinfections in invasively ventilated COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Paparoupa Maria , Aldemyati Razaz , Roggenkamp Hannes , Berinson Benjamin , Nörz Dominik , Olearo Flaminia , Kluge Stefan , Roedl Kevin , de Heer Geraldine , Wichmann Dominic
Published: December 2021

The role of respiratory superinfections in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pneumonia remains unclear. We investigated the prevalence of early‐ and late‐onset superinfections in invasively ventilated patients with COVID‐19 pneumonia admitted to our department of intensive care medicine between March 2020 and November 2020. Of the 102 cases, 74 (72.5%) received invasive ventilation and were tested for viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens on Days 0–7, 8–14, and 15–21 after the initiation of mechanical ventilation. Approximately 45% developed one or more respiratory superinfections. There was a clear correlation between the duration of invasive ventilation and the prevalence of coinfecting pathogens. Male patients with obesity and those suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and/or diabetes mellitus had a significantly higher probability to develop a respiratory superinfection. The prevalence of viral coinfections was high, with a predominance of the herpes simplex virus (HSV), followed by cytomegalovirus. No respiratory viruses or intracellular bacteria were detected in our cohort. We observed a high coincidence between Aspergillus fumigatus and HSV infection. Gram‐negative bacteria were the most frequent pathogen group. Klebsiella aerogenes was detected early after intubation, while Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were related to a prolonged respiratory weaning.
The Southeast Asian monsoon and El Niño–Southern Oscillation impact on the summer atmospheric circulation of East Mediterranean during 20th century based on ERA‐20C and CMIP5 simulations
Authors: Logothetis Ioannis , Dafka Stella , Tourpali Kleareti , Misios Stergios , Zanis Prodromos , Xoplaki Elena , Luterbacher Jürg , Papagianoulis Eleftherios
Published: December 2021

El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Indian summer monsoon (ISM) are the dominant modes of climate variability affecting the tropical and subtropical regions. In this study, we investigate the impact of ENSO episodes, through the modulation of the ISM configuration, on the Eastern Mediterranean (EMed) summer atmospheric circulation over the whole 20th century using state of the art model simulations from the 5th phase of the Climate Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5). Results are validated against the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts Re‐Analysis, ERA‐20C. Our findings indicate that the variability of ENSO has a significant impact on the low and middle tropospheric circulation of EMed. La Niña (El Niño) events are related to stronger (weaker) ISM activity, which leads to a deepening (weakening) of the Persian low that affects the EMed tropospheric circulation with stronger (weaker) northerly surface winds over the area. Further, La Niña (El Niño) events are related with stronger (weaker) 500 hPa subsidence over the EMed and an intensification (weakening) of the Subtropical Jet Stream between 35°N to 50°N. This work improves our understanding of the teleconnections between ENSO variability and the EMed summer tropospheric circulation via the modulation of the ISM activity and stresses the importance of ENSO on the EMed climate in summer.
Effect of dietary fiber on gut barrier function, gut microbiota, short‐chain fatty acids, inflammation, and clinical outcomes in critically ill patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Ting , Wang Can , Wang Yu‐yu , Wang Li‐li , Ojo Omorogieva , Feng Qian‐qian , Jiang Xiao‐song , Wang Xiao‐Hua
Published: December 2021

Background

Although some studies have explored the relationships between dietary fiber (DF) supplement and gut barrier function, changes of gut microbiota, and clinical outcomes in critically ill patients, the results were not consistent.

Objective

The purpose was to explore the effect of DF on gut barrier function, gut microbiota, short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs), inflammation, and clinical outcomes in critically ill patients.

Methods

A search was performed through five databases from inception to July 12, 2021. Data were expressed as mean difference (MD) or odds ratio (OR) with CI.

Results

Twenty‐one studies involving 2084 critically ill patients were included. There was a significant reduction in intestinal permeability, demonstrated by lactulose/rhamnose ratio (MD, −0.04; 95% CI, −0.08 to −0.00; P = 0.03) on day 8, C‐reactive protein on day 14 (MD, −36.66; 95% CI, −44.40 to −28.93; P < 0.001) and duration of hospital stay (MD, −3.16; 95% CI, −5.82 to −0.49; P < 0.05) after DF supplement. There were no significant differences in SCFA levels, duration of mechanical ventilation, and mortality between two groups. However, subgroup analysis results indicated significant decreases in duration of hospital stay and risk of mortality were seen in the subgroups with a supplementary fiber dose ≥20 g/day (MD, −5.62 [95% CI, −8.04 to −3.21; P < 0.0001]; OR, 0.18 [95% CI, 0.06–0.57; P = 0.004]), as well as in the medical intensive care unit (MD, −4.77 [95% CI, −7.48 to −2.07; P < 0.01]; OR, 0.13 [95% CI, 0.03–0.65; P < 0.05]).

Conclusions

DF may improve gut barrier function, modulate intestinal microbiota, decrease systemic inflammatory response, and advance clinical outcomes in critically ill patients.
Cave paleozoology in the Judean Desert: assembling records of Holocene wild mammal communities
Authors: Lazagabaster Ignacio A. , Égüez Natalia , Ullman Micka , Porat Roi , Wachtel Ido , Davidovich Uri , Marom Nimrod
Published: December 2021

Long temporal records of Holocene wild mammal communities are essential to examine the role of human impacts and climatic fluctuations in the configuration of modern ecosystems. We show that such records can be assembled through extensive radiocarbon dating of faunal remains obtained from biogenic cave deposits. We dated 110 mammalian remains from 19 different cave sites in the Judean Desert. We use the dates in combination with archaeological survey data and bone collagen/apatite δ13C values to study faunal succession in the context of Holocene climate change and human settlement history in the region. Our results suggest a change in the late Holocene, expressed in fewer observations of Arabian leopard (Panthera pardus nimr) and gazelle (Gazellaspp.), and an increase of Syrian striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena syriaca), fox (Vulpesspp.), Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana) and rock hyrax (Procavia capensis); suids (Sus scrofa) appear for the first time. According to the data distribution, however, the probability of finding a bone diminishes exponentially with time, which implies that the Judean Desert cave paleozoological record is temporally biased. The weight of evidence ultimately favors an explanation of the observed patterns as the consequence of a combined anthropogenic and climatic impact on local food webs.
Gully erosion on alluvial fans can be mitigated by altering the hydrological connectivity between an alluvial fan and the contributing catchment: a study in the Lhasa River basin
Authors: Li Jianjun , Zhao Chunjing , Chen Tongde , Jiao Juying , Wang Haolin , Lin Hong , Wang Nan , Chen Yixian , Cao Xue , Xu Qian
Published: December 2021

In the Lower Lhasa River basin of the Tibetan Plateau, gully erosion poses a threat to alluvial fans (AF), which are the main available land resource for agriculture. Runoff from the whole contributing catchment is concentrated in AF, which makes influencing factors of AF gully erosion more complex than it is for hillslopes. There is a lack of quantitative research about the influencing factors and mechanisms of AF gully erosion. The main objectives of this study were to: (1) quantify gully erosion on AF; and (2) identify the controlling factors of gully erosion on AF. The gullies of 12 AF were investigated by unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). To help understand better the gully erosion on AF, nine morphological parameters were measured, four gully quantitative characteristics were calculated, and 16 factors affecting the gully erosion on AF were analyzed. The gully width–depth ratio of over 20 on the studied AF is larger than that usually seen in other regions. The mean value of gully amount density (GAD), gully density (GD), the degree of gully dissection (GDD), and gully volume modulus (GVM) were 26.51 km−2, 4.93 km·km−2, 7.16%, and 1.28 × 10−4 km3·km−2, respectively. Linear correlations showed a significant (p < 0.05) relationship between the gully quantitative characteristics of AF and the catchment gully density. So, catchment gully density may indirectly affect gully erosion on AF by influencing hydrological connectivity and then changing generation and confluence processes of runoff in catchment. Therefore, gully erosion on AF can be mitigated by shifting hydrology pathway on AF and reducing hydrological connectivity in contributing catchment.
Form and substance: Visual content in CSR reports and investors’ perceptions
Authors: Invernizzi Anna C. , Bellucci Marco , Acuti Diletta , Manetti Giacomo
Published: December 2021

Although the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting is well recognized, the influence of the visual characteristics of CSR reports on stakeholders’ evaluations of companies is largely overlooked. Drawing on theories of the processing of fluency and legitimacy, this study deploys a content analysis and a realistic laboratory experiment to assess how the use of visuals in CSR reports affects investors’ perceptions. With an international sample of large companies, the content analysis explores how reports use visuals and convey messages to readers. The subsequent experiment measures the optimal number of images in reports related to social responsibility. Specifically, we investigate whether a larger number of images increases the processing fluency of investors. Based on the theoretical background and the content analysis findings, we expect that an increase in processing fluency reduces perceived hypocrisy and, in turn, increases perceived organizational legitimacy. The results show that a moderate number of images (vs. zero images or a high number of images) increases investors’ processing fluency and decreases their perception of hypocrisy, leading to higher levels of organizational legitimacy. This study concludes by providing actionable implications for how companies can improve their legitimacy through nonfinancial disclosure.
Continuous manufacturing technologies in upstream pharmaceutical supply chains: Combining engineering and managerial criteria
Authors: Aulakh Parminder Kaur , Settanni Ettore , Srai Jagjit Singh
Published: December 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in upstream pharmaceutical supply chains (PSC). One is that the global supply of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) is overly dependent on few locations and large‐scale batch manufacturing. Regulators hope to enable more dependable location decisions and improved processing quality with the adoption of advanced technologies such as process intensification through continuous manufacturing (CM). Conceptual work suggests that the benefits of shifting from batch to CM accrue end‐to‐end across the PSC. Yet detailed quantitative information about CM is limited at an early stage of evaluation, and too specialised to inform managerial decisions about PSC reconfiguration. Supply chain and engineering criteria are rarely combined in the early‐stage evaluation of alternative CM technologies. Extant CM research typically overlooks implications for supply chain managers. To address the current gap, this article evaluates, at an early stage of adoption, alternative CM reactor technologies for the synthesis of APIs in selected therapeutic areas. With evidence from secondary data, relevant technologies and criteria are identified, and their relative importance is evaluated in a semi‐quantitative fashion following analytical hierarchy process (AHP) principles, ensuring that findings are intelligible to both engineers and managers. The proposed empirical work enriches previous conceptual frameworks predicated on volume‐variety considerations. Specifically, findings suggest that, all things considered, microreactor technologies outperform alternatives. However, PSC managerial considerations introduce nuances in specific therapeutic areas, for example, antivirals where a tension between complex chemistry and the need for flexibility in unit operations may favour batch manufacturing. For analgesics the need to exploit the existing manufacturing base whilst addressing inventory reduction favours technologies that incorporate elements of batch and CM. The proposed analysis is in line with real‐world decisions that global medicines manufacturers are increasingly facing, as governments seek to develop local health countermeasures to the COVID‐19 pandemic in the absence of detailed information.
Founder genetic variants of ABCC4 and ABCC11 in the Japanese population are not associated with the development of subacute myelo‐optico‐neuropathy (SMON)
Authors: Matsumoto Hideki , Sasai Hideo , Kawamoto Norio , Katsuyama Masato , Minamiyama Makoto , Kuru Satoshi , Fukao Toshiyuki , Ohnishi Hidenori ,   SMON research group members
Published: December 2021

Background

Subacute myelo‐optico‐neuropathy (SMON) is a severe neurological disorder associated with clioquinol administration, which frequently occurred in Japan during the 1950s and 1960s. The unique genetic background of the Japanese population is considered to be strongly involved in the development of this neurological disease. Recently, genetic variants of ABCC4 (OMIM: 605250) and ABCC11 (OMIM: 607040), which are particularly common in the Japanese population, were suggested as possible genetic susceptibility factors for the development of SMON.

Methods

We analyzed 125 Japanese SMON patients who provided consent for this study. Patient DNA was collected from peripheral blood, and genetic analysis was performed for ABCC4 rs3765534 (c.2268G>A, p.Glu857Lys) and ABCC11 rs17822931 (c.538G>A, p.Gly180Arg) polymorphisms using the Sanger sequencing method and/or TaqMan PCR method. The frequency distribution of each polymorphism was compared with that in healthy Japanese people recorded in two genomic databases (Human Genomic Variation Database and Integrative Japanese Genome Variation Database), and each genotype was compared with the clinical features of patients.

Results

The frequencies of ABCC4 rs3765334 and ABCC11 rs17822931 polymorphisms in SMON patients and healthy Japanese people were not significantly different in the multifaceted analysis.

Conclusion

We conclude that the ABCC4 rs3765334 and ABCC11 rs17822931 polymorphisms are not associated with the development of SMON.
When deliberation is not possible: Moral dilemmas in fundraising
Authors: Burgess Jessica , Hudson Jane , White John
Published: December 2021

Extant literature highlights the importance of ethical fundraising, exacerbated by recent increased public attention and media criticism. Arguably this increased attention calls for a deeper examination and understanding of the types of moral scenarios and dilemmas fundraisers encounter. Furthermore, fundraisers are often under intense time pressure to solve the dilemma and thus require quick, on‐the‐spot decisions formulated from intuition. Currently there are limited resources and training to help fundraisers implement ethical fundraising in their work; additionally, there is negligible education or skills training to help guide them in scenarios requiring intuition. Moreover, current literature fails to examine what these situations entail and how fundraisers might use intuition to help solve ethical fundraising dilemmas. Fundraising dilemmas requiring the use of moral intuition are currently unexplored in the academic literature. Therefore this research identifies the kinds of moral dilemmas that require intuitive responses from fundraisers and examines how they are solved. Furthermore, we identify how the dilemmas align with moral foundations theory, and determine if they require intuitive responses. Semi‐structured interviews of fundraising experts were used to obtain detailed descriptions of a variety of moral dilemma situations that required intuitive responses. Using thematic analysis the moral dilemma scenarios were categorised into theoretical and practical themes. Theoretical themed results revealed dilemmas most often were the result of having to choose a response that aligned with two conflicting moral foundations: ingroup/loyalty and harm/care. The findings suggest that when fundraisers must make quick, intuitive decisions, they are often choosing between caring for an individual and demonstrating loyalty to their organisation. Furthermore, the results related to practical themes identified that dilemmas can also be categorised as involving certain types of fundraising activity and management decisions; such as major gifts, direct mail, and corporate fundraising, for example. The findings were used to create the first academic and practitioner moral dilemma measure that uses practical, applicable moral dilemmas to measure moral intuition amongst fundraisers. Our moral dilemma measure aligns responses with relevant categories of the moral foundations theory and can be used in further research. This research is original in that it is the first study to explore moral dilemmas requiring moral intuition within the population of fundraisers. Through obtaining tangible, realistic moral dilemma scenarios fundraisers encounter in the workplace, research can begin to look more closely at how fundraisers can be helped to solve dilemmas as part of their professional duties.
Constraint reformulations for set point optimization problems using fuzzy cognitive map models
Authors: Garzón Casado Alvaro , Cano Marchal Pablo , Wagner Christian , Gómez Ortega Juan , Gámez García Javier
Published: December 2021

The selection of optimal set points is an important problem in modern process control. Fuzzy cognitive maps (FCMs) allow to construct models of complex processes using expert knowledge, which is particularly useful in situations where measuring the variables of interest online is problematic. These models can be used as constraints in optimization problems with the objective of determining optimal set points for those processes. This article presents a reformulation of the constraints imposed by the FCM models that reduces the complexity of the resulting optimization problem and enables the application of heuristic methods for its solution. Computational results show that the use of separable programming on the reformulated problem constitutes a very good alternative, both in terms of solution time and reliability in finding the optimum, enabling the application of FCM modeling to larger systems and easing the practical implementation of the approach.
Political hibernation in‐between elections? Exploring the online communication and mobilisation capacities of Nigeria's political parties
Authors: Odeyemi Temitayo Isaac , Igwebueze Gideon Uchechukwu , Abati Omomayowa Olawale , Ogundotun Adeola Opeyemi
Published: December 2021

A noteworthy limitation among existing studies on the use of online technologies by political parties is the focus on elections. This study extends the frontiers by examining the extent to which Nigeria's political parties use their websites, as well as Facebook and Twitter platforms to communicate and mobilise citizens during and beyond elections. Using web assessment survey, data collected from the online platforms of registered political parties in February 2015 and February 2017 were analysed—to see trends in online activities during (2015 elections) and outside of elections (2017). The study reveals that the parties are caught in the web of the contradictory possibilities of digital engagement. On the one hand, is an online quiescence in the period between elections, which is premised on poor party institutionalisation. On the other hand, the parties are largely unable to reverse elements of institutionalisation challenges by leveraging digital tools to develop roots in the society and boost their public image. This quandary helps to demonstrate where the Nigerian party system fits in the equalisation versus normalisation debate on the utility of digital tools.
Comparison of electrochemical behavior of composites based on graphene oxide, poly‐o‐phenylenediamine, and heteropolyacids
Authors: Pisarevskaya Elena Yu. , L. Klyuev Alexey , N. Efimov Oleg
Published: December 2021

The electrochemical behavior of electroactive composites based on reduced graphene oxide (RGO), poly‐o‐phenylenediamine (PPD) and heteropolyacids (HPA) (silicotungstic [SiW] and phosphotungstic [PW]) was comparatively studied by means of cyclic voltammetry (CVA), charge–discharge galvanostatic curves, and electrochemical impedance. The composites were applied to planar screen‐printed carbon electrodes as the first step to creating various devices, in particular, sensors based on novel composites. Like RGO‐PPD‐SiW composites, RGO‐PPD‐PW composites also exhibit several redox transitions. With respect to the method of synthesis (order of applying components), RGO‐PPD‐PW can exhibit the properties of a mediator catalyst as was demonstrated for example of the redox transition in the quinone‐hydroquinone couple, where reversibility is significantly enhanced by conducting the reaction on a RGO‐PPD‐PW‐modified electrode.
Obtainment of bacterial cellulose with added propolis extract for cosmetic applications
Authors: Amorim Júlia D. P. , Nascimento Helenise A. , Silva Junior Cláudio José G. , Medeiros Alexandre D. M. , Silva Ivo Diego L. , Costa Andréa Fernanda S. , Vinhas Glória Maria , Sarubbo Leonie A.
Published: December 2021

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a versatile material produced by microorganisms in the form of a hydrogel film with high water retention capacity, porosity, and mechanical strength. BC can incorporate and release substances, making it an interesting polymer for use in the cosmetic and biomedical industries. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the use of a bacterium for the production of cellulose films in which propolis extract was added in situ and ex situ (during and after membrane production, respectively) with promising use as a skincare product. The bacteriumGluconacetobacter hanseniiwas grown in standard Hestrin–Schramm (HS) medium as well as HS medium with propolis extract for 7 days. A radiolytic process with60Co was investigated as a safe sterilization method. The average yield was 120.55 ± 2.40 g of cellulose/L. The polymeric system exhibited antioxidant activity (15.16% inhibition of oxidant activity) and high water‐retention capacity (98.01 ± 0.17%). In conclusion, natural additives can provide the antioxidant characteristics of BC. Moreover, gamma irradiation proved to be an effective sterilization method, while maintaining the properties of the material.
Current advances in polyurethane biodegradation
Authors: Jin Xuerui , Dong Jixin , Guo Xufan , Ding Mingzhu , Bao Rui , Luo Yunzi
Published: December 2021

While plastics bring convenience to industrial production and daily life, serious environmental problems are always accompanied. Polyurethane is an important polymeric material with versatile applications, but it also accounts for severe plastic contamination worldwide. Since it is difficult for polyurethanes to be completely degraded under natural conditions, the discovery of polyurethane‐degrading microorganisms and correlative ‘polyurethanase’ enzymes brings hope to polyurethane biodegradation. Polyurethane materials can be divided into two major types: polyester‐polyurethane and polyether‐polyurethane. In this review, we summarize the biodegradation mechanisms of these two types of polyurethane and recent research progress on the biodegradation of polyurethane via both microorganisms and enzymes. Furthermore, solutions that could be taken into consideration for the biodegradation of polyurethane in the future are also discussed. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
The study of plasma effects on quinine solutions
Authors: Procházková Michaela , Pawlat Joanna , Krčma František , Kozáková Zdenka
Published: December 2021

This study compares the effects of nonthermal plasma treatment on quinine water solutions for two configurations—the corona‐like discharge and the gliding arc discharge (GAD). Different electrolytes were added to the quinine solutions to modify the initial pH and enhance electrical conductivity for plasma discharge ignition directly in the liquid. A slightly higher quinine decomposition rate of 2.9 μg W−1 after 5 min of the treatment was achieved by GAD. From measured spectra, it was found that the absorption maximum at 332 nm was split into two separated peaks in the acidic and basic solution. The study of the time stability of quinine solutions has revealed quinine instability and that postpreparation time has influenced the plasma treatment effect.
Comparison of in vitro and in vivo binding site competition of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1 proteins in two important maize pests
Authors: Hernández‐Martínez Patricia , Bretsnyder Eric C , Baum James A , Haas Jeff A , Head Graham P , Jerga Agoston , Ferré Juan
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

Binding site models, derived from in vitro competition binding studies, have been widely used for predicting potential cross‐resistance among insecticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis. However, because discrepancies have been found between binding data and observed cross‐resistance patterns in some insect species, new tools are required to study the functional relevance of the shared binding sites.

RESULTS

Here, an in vivo approach has been applied to the competition studies to establish the functional relevance of shared binding sites as determined by in vitro competition assays. Using Cry disabled proteins as competitors in mixed protein overlay assays, we assessed the preference of Cry1Ab, Cry1Fa, and Cry1A.105 proteins for shared binding sites in vivo in two important corn pests, Ostrinia nubilalis and Spodoptera frugiperda.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that in vivo and in vitro binding site competition assays can provide useful information to better ascertain whether different Cry proteins share binding sites and, consequently, whether cross‐resistance due to binding site alteration can occur. © 2021 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Quercetin attenuates the cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin–cyclophosphamide regimen and potentiates its chemotherapeutic effect against triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Puwei , Zhang Jianing , Zhao Lin , Li Shizheng , Li Kun
Published: December 2021

Doxorubicin combined with cyclophosphamide (AC) is the most commonly used regimen for triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) chemotherapy; however, its clinical application is severely limited by its serious adverse effect on cardiomyocytes. The cardiotoxicity of AC is mainly the result of oxidative stress caused by the imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants, and it also involves multiple signaling pathways. Quercetin (Que) has been proven to possess strong antioxidant activity, and therefore we investigated whether it had potential protective effect against AC‐induced cardiotoxicity. Meanwhile, we also evaluated its effect on the antitumor activity of AC. Our in vitro studies showed that Que could attenuate AC‐induced cardiotoxicity by inhibiting ROS accumulation and activating ERK1/2 pathway in cardiomyocytes, but interestingly, Que could enhance the antitumor activity of AC by inhibiting ROS accumulation and ERK1/2 pathway in TNBC cells. In addition, our in vivo studies further confirmed that Que could enhance the chemotherapeutic effect of AC against TNBC while it reduced the injury of cardiotoxicity induced by AC. Therefore, Que could be used as a novel agent for the treatment of cardiotoxicity induced by AC regimen in TNBC chemotherapy.
Linear and second‐order nonlinear optical properties of non‐fullerene acceptor derivatives with A–D–A structure
Authors: Gong Lijing , Xu Jing , Li Chunping , Zhang Xiangyu , Jiang Zhi
Published: December 2021

In this paper, in order to study the relationship between structure and performance, four new non‐fullerene acceptor (NFA) derivatives were designed based on the two reported NFA molecules BO‐4Cl and BTP‐S2 by replacing the benzothiadiazole unit with a less‐electron deficient benzotriazole unit and inserting another ethylene double bond between the central core and the terminal groups. Density functional theory (DFT) and Time‐dependent DFT were applied to investigate linear and nonlinear optical (NLO) properties, such as electronic structure, electronic absorption, reorganization energy, and the second‐order NLO properties. The investigation demonstrates that they are all narrow bandgap derivatives, the absorption spectrum extends to the near‐infrared region and using two ethylene double bond is the most effective way to reduce the energy gap, redshift the maximum absorption peak and the middle absorption band, and enhance second‐order NLO response. Considering the smaller electron and hole reorganization energy and the larger static first hyperpolarizability value, the studied NFA derivatives have great potential to become ambipolar charge transport materials and large second‐order NLO materials.
Event‐triggered model‐free adaptive control for nonlinear cyber‐physical systems with false data injection attacks
Authors: Ma Yong‐Sheng , Che Wei‐Wei , Deng Chao
Published: December 2021

This article studies the event‐triggered model‐free adaptive control (ET‐MFAC) problem for a class of nonlinear cyber‐physical systems (CPSs) in the case of false data injection (FDI) attacks. The nonlinear CPSs are transformed into an equivalent linear data model, in which the nonlinear characteristics of the system are compressed into a pseudo partial derivative parameter. Then, a novel ET‐MFAC framework under FDI attacks is established and the event‐triggered mechanism is designed to save the communication resources. Based on the designed ET‐MFAC framework with FDI attacks, a new ET‐MFAC algorithm is developed to track the reference trajectory under FDI attacks. The developed control algorithm only depends on the input and output data of the system and has nothing to do with the structure of the system, which makes the result with good robustness. Finally, a simulation is given to illustrate the validity of the developed ET‐MFAC algorithm.
Quantum software testing: State of the art
Authors: García de la Barrera Antonio , García‐Rodríguez de Guzmán Ignacio , Polo Macario , Piattini Mario
Published: December 2021

Quantum computing is expected to exponentially outperform classic computing on a broad set of problems, including encryption, machine learning, and simulations. It has an impact yet to explore on all software lifecycle's processes and techniques. Testing quantum software raises a significant number of challenges due to the unique properties of quantum physics—such as superposition and entanglementand the stochastic behavior of quantum systems. It is, therefore, an open research issue. In this work, we offer a systematic mapping study of quantum software testing engineering, presenting a comprehensive view of the current state of the art. The main identified trends in testing techniques are (1) the statistic approaches based on repeated measurements and (2) the use of Hoare‐like logics to reason about software correctness. Another relevant line of research is reversible circuit testing, which is partially applicable to quantum software unitary testing. Finally, we have observed a flourishing of secondary studies and frameworks supporting testing processes from 2018 onwards.
Proton Transfer‐Driven Modification of 3D Hybrid Perovskites to Form Oriented 2D Ruddlesden–Popper Phases
Authors: Duan Zonghui , Na Guangren , Wang Shixun , Ning Jiajia , Xing Bangyu , Huang Fei , Portniagin Arsenii S. , Kershaw Stephen V. , Zhang Lijun , Rogach Andrey L.
Published: December 2021

Herein, it is shown how a proton transfer process between the organic moiety in 3D methylammonium lead halide perovskite and the introduced aliphatic alkylamines provides the basis for a fabrication route toward hybrid 3D/2D perovskites and finally purely 2D Ruddlesden–Popper (RP) perovskite phases, predominantly the n = 1 phase. Five alkylamines with varying aliphatic chain lengths, such as butylamine, octylamine, dodecylamine, hexadecylamine, and octadecylamine as antisolvents in toluene, are used, which quickly protonate during the spin‐coating deposition of thin perovskite films. Formation of hydrogen bonds between protonated alkylamines and lead halide slabs leads to mixed 3D/2D hybrid perovskites, where the ratio between the 3D and 2D phases can be adjusted by the concentration of the alkylamine containing antisolvents. Longer‐chain aliphatic alkylamines (12 carbon atoms or greater) are most prone to slice 3D perovskite into layered perovskites with efficient green emission reaching up to 38% for their photoluminescence quantum yield in films. Above a certain concentration threshold, 3D perovskite can be completely modified into 2D RP perovskite phases with crystalline orientation parallel to the substrate. The introduced facile perovskite phase modification approach provides a convenient way toward different kinds of 2D RP metal halide perovskite films with attractive optical properties.
Oxide Scale Sublimation Chemical Vapor Deposition for Controllable Growth of Monolayer MoS2 Crystals
Authors: Yang Xu , Li Shisheng , Ikeda Naoki , Sakuma Yoshiki
Published: December 2021

A newly developed oxide scale sublimation chemical vapor deposition (OSSCVD) technique for 2D MoS2 growth is reported. Gaseous MoO3, which is supplied separately from H2S, can be generated in situ by flowing O2 over Mo metal with oxidation and sublimation processes. In this method, particularly, controllably and abruptly modulating the supply of MoO3 is achievable by precisely tuning O2 flow. Having appropriate conditions, where the generation rate of MoO3 on the Mo metal surface is not larger than its sublimation rate, is critical to enable stable growth. Otherwise, MoS2 deposition can be caused by accumulated MoO3 on the metal surface, regardless of oxygen supply. Proof‐of‐concept experiments with varied process parameters are conducted, confirming OSSCVD enables MoS2 growth with significantly improved flexibility, controllability, and reproducibility relative to conventional powder‐source CVD. By utilizing alkali‐aluminosilicate glass, Dragontrail, as catalytic substrate, single‐crystalline MoS2 triangular domains as large as 25 µm are obtained, followed by a fully covered monolayer on Dragontrail in 25 min. Substrate pretreatment by H2S yields enlarged domain size and reduced domain density, owning to the extracted alkali metals from Dragontrail into the growth zone. The study opens new avenues for the controllable growth of high‐quality MoS2 and other transition metal dichalcogenides.
Dual Functions of Performance Improvement and Lead Leakage Mitigation of Perovskite Solar Cells Enabled by Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
Authors: Hu Yanqiang , He Zhengyan , Jia Xiangrui , Zhang Shufang , Tang Yanfeng , Wang Jin , Wang Minmin , Sun Guangping , Yuan Guoliang , Han Liyuan
Published: December 2021

With the continuous improvement of performance of lead‐based perovskite solar cells (PSCs), the potential harm of water‐soluble lead ion (Pb2+) to environment and public health is emerging as a major obstacle to their commercialization. Herein, an amphoteric phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid (PBSA) that is almost insoluble in water is added to the perovskite precursor to simultaneously regulate crystallization growth, passivate defects, and mitigate lead leakage of high‐performance PSCs. Through systematic research, it is found that PBSA can not only regulate the crystallization of perovskite grains to form the film, but also passivate the defects of annealed films mainly due to the strong interaction between the functional groups in PBSA and Pb2+, which greatly improves the crystallinity and stability of perovskite films. Consequently, the highest power conversion efficiency of 23.27% is achieved in 0.09 cm2 devices and 15.31% is obtained for large‐area modules with an aperture area of 19.32 cm2, along with negligible hysteresis and improved stability. Moreover, the leakage of lead ions from unpackaged devices is effectively prevented owing to the strong coupling between PBSA molecules and water‐soluble Pb2+ to form insoluble complexes in water, which is of great significance to promote the application of optoelectronic devices based on lead‐based perovskite materials.
QuantumPath: A quantum software development platform
Authors: Hevia Jose Luis , Peterssen Guido , Piattini Mario
Published: December 2021

Quantum computing has experienced a breakthrough. Several companies are taking up the challenge of designing and manufacturing quantum computers, and the supply of tools for quantum software development is growing all the time. This article addresses quantum software development toolkits and introduces the ‘QuantumPath’ platform. In developing QuantumPath, our aim is to fulfil certain principles such as: agnosticism, extensibility, integration, independency, optimisation, scalability, security, usability and software engineering support. This article presents both the architecture itself as well as the main tools that compose QuantumPath, in order to illustrate the support which platform provides to the development and execution of quantum software.
Toward a novel engine for compiler optimization space exploration of big data workloads
Authors: Ahmed Hameeza , Ismail Muhammad Ali
Published: December 2021

Recently, big data specific technologies have been emerging, includingdomain‐specific languages,software frameworks,databases,third‐party libraries, and so forth. These techniques are successful in concealing the low‐level details by producing high‐level code, which is passed through the conventional compilation cycle for generating hardware operable code. Several optimization opportunities exist in the compiler which can assist in meeting the processing deadlines of big data workloads, through optimized machine code. However, the existing iterative compilation techniques are not enough for the exploration of big data applications. In this regard, anovel enginehas been presented for exploiting the compiler optimization space of big data workloads. The engine is comprised oftrainingandtestingphases. During the training stage, the big data application is optimized withMitigates the Compiler Phase‐ordering (MiCOMP)andgenetic algorithm (GA)optimization sequences, which are executed with train datasets. In the testing stage, the test datasets are executed only for the best 300 optimization sequences discovered at the training stage. The proposed engine has been tested withgraph mining,machine learning, andtext searchcategories of big data applications using a wide range of real‐world and synthetic datasets. Overall, the engine is,, andfaster than Iterative Optimization for the Data Center (IODC), MiCOMP, and GA respectively in exploiting the compiler search space for big data workloads. Further, the integration ofbest‐10andbest‐3techniques with the engine brings a speedup ofand. The compiler level exploitation of general‐purpose machines incurs no extra overhead, no heavy computing, and no personnel cost. Also, the overall performance of big data specialized software solutions can be enhanced by compiling their high‐level code with suitable compiler optimizations.
Supervision, leadership, and management: Distinct, yet complementary
Authors: Holmes Aja C. , Acker Lorraine D. , Boettcher Michelle L.
Published: December 2021

This article offers contextual information for a definition of supervision and articulates the nuanced, yet interconnected, ways supervision is different from administrative functions of leadership and management.