bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reimbursement of funeral costs in Roman law
Authors: Stanojlović Vukašin
Published: January 2023

The sacred and moral duty of family members, primarily heirs, was to bury the deceased. The funeral ceremony and the size of the funeral monument reflected the social status of the decedent; nonetheless the funeral itself had a dual role - to ensure a peaceful transition of the soul into eternity and to provide peace for the descendants. Reading the legal texts, it could easily be seen that the issue of funeral costs was at the high level of importance for the offspring. In addition, we can assert that the Roman legislators, lawyers and priests were particular aware of its importance. In this regard, the praetor issued the Edictum de sumptibus funerum, establishing the actio funeraria, in order to determine who and under what conditions acquires the right of reimbursement of funeral costs, but also to ensure that no one is buried at someone else's expense. The aim of this paper is to answer the questions who had the liability and responsibility to organize the funeral and bear it costs, when and under what conditions could organizer sue for the incurred expense and what was considered as the funeral cost. Results indicate the following. The grandeur of the funeral and the amount of funeral expenses depended on the social status and wealth of the deceased. The costs of the funeral were divided into necessary, which cover expenses in the name of activities without funeral could not take place and convenient, which depend on the reputation of the defunctus. Although there have been attempts to expand Ulpian's classification into necessary and convenient expenses, this does not seem to have been the case at the outset. Funeral expenses were mostly - with a few exceptions, covered from the inheritance, and the obligation to reimburse the costs incurred was most often borne by the persons burying the deceased. From Cicero's and Ulpian's texts, we learn which persons were obliged to bury the deceased, i.e. cover funeral expenses. It is important to note that research shows that from the moment of death until the costs are paid, the inheritance is in the regime of hereditas iacens, and that it is administered by the praetor to ensure that no one is buried at someone else's expense. The paper uses linguistic, historical and systematic interpretation of passages D.11.7.12.4-6, D.11.7.13, D.11.7.14.3,4,6 and 10, D.11.7.21, Cic.Leg.2.48-49, as well as historical method.
The need to develop objective criteria for suitability as a surrogate mother: Reflections on Ex Parte KAF
Authors:   School of Law, Howard College, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, and associate member, KwaZulu-Natal Bar, South Africa, Thaldar D
Published: January 2023

This article points out a problematic lacuna in our law on surrogate motherhood, namely the lack of objective criteria for evaluating the suitability of a surrogate mother. The recent case of Ex Parte KAF – a case in which a surrogate motherhood agreement confirmation application was dismissed by the Johannesburg High Court – demonstrated how this lacuna can cause conceptual disjunction between the court and the clinical psychologist who evaluates the candidate surrogate mother. The solution suggested in this article is that clinical psychologists who evaluate candidate surrogate mothers should give urgent and careful thought to identifying such objective criteria, and start explicitly articulating these criteria in the reports that they file in surrogate motherhood agreement confirmation applications. This practice will give the court the opportunity to engage with such criteria and to develop precedents in this regard.
Udzielanie pouczeń nieprofesjonalnym uczestnikom rozprawy sądowej. Problem komunikatywności
Authors: Gmerek Karolina
Published: January 2023

The goal of this article is to discuss the problem of communicativeness of the instructions given by judges to non-professional participants of court trials. The background of the considerations are the results of empirical research on communication in the courtroom, which, among other things, show that judges are significantly active in giving instructions. Drawing on research conducted within the “plain language” movement, the author points out those elements of instructions that increase their communicativeness and those that decrease it. As a result, some hints were formulated as an answer on question – how to increase the communicativeness of instructions given at the court trial?
Uśmiech sędziowski – pomocne i niebezpieczne narzędzie
Authors: Stępień Mateusz
Published: January 2023

Article aims to invigorate the study of judicial smiles in Polish legal science. Judicial smiles are treated as an element of psycho-social processes in the courtroom, in particular the judge’s non-verbal communication. Such an opening will be made by identifying and discussing a few real cases of judges’ smiles in Poland, and more precisely in the courtrooms of Krakow’s lower courts (civil and criminal divisions). The empirical material was obtained through passive observation of the hearings, supported by a standardized observational questionnaire. According to the results, (i) there are more smiles of judges in courtrooms than one might think, (ii) a judge’s smiles during questioning the witnesses (as a rule) is generally less controversial than that smiles expressed in relation to parties or participants, (iii) five types of judicial smiles were distinguished, (iv) two of them seem to violate important procedural rules, while the role of others is positive, (v) it is possible to reflect on the development of the judges’ ability to use a smile in a situational manner, of course in a narrow scope and under many conditions.
Hacia un arte postlocativo
Authors: Morilla Santiago
Published: January 2023

En la nueva ontología espacial híbrida los procesos de producción simbólica y cultural cuestionan la validez del marco teórico del arte locativo, asociado en un principio a la psicogeografía situacionista y al contexto informacional ofrecido por los metadatos del GPS. Sin embargo, el arte postlocativo supera el marco anterior asumiendo críticamente el importante papel que juegan las multiplicidades no humanas, tanto en la representación pública como en la delegación de la producción geosemántica a la IA. Las estrategias artísticas que despliega parecen estar abocadas al despertar crítico, activo y contingente en la toma de posiciones de un humano descentrado dentro del complejo tejido de heterogéneos ensamblajes y múltiples significados que conforman su entorno onlife.
A comprehensive review of security threats and solutions for the online social networks industry
Authors: Nawaz Naeem A. , Ishaq Kashif , Farooq Uzma , Khalil Amna , Rasheed Saim , Abid Adnan , Rosdi Fadhilah
Published: January 2023

The term “cyber threats” refers to the new category of hazards that have emerged with the rapid development and widespread use of computing technologies, as well as our growing reliance on them. This article presents an in-depth study of a variety of security and privacy threats directed at different types of users of social media sites. Furthermore, it focuses on different risks while sharing multimedia content across social networking platforms, and discusses relevant prevention measures and techniques. It also shares methods, tools, and mechanisms for safer usage of online social media platforms, which have been categorized based on their providers including commercial, open source, and academic solutions.
Genetic characterization of hepatitis B virus genotypes among patients with chronic infection in Sulaimaniyah city, Iraq
Authors: Abdulqadir Mardin Othman , Rashid Peshnyar Muhammad Atta , Hussain Ali Hattem , Rahman Heshu Sulaiman , Ezzaddin Shahow Abdulrehman
Published: January 2023

Background

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes are distributed unevenly throughout the world’s regions. The researchers’ goal in this study was to find out which HBV genotypes are now prevalent in the blood of chronic HBV patients in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region’s Sulaimaniyah governorate.

Methods

Genotyping was carried out utilizing Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) type-specified primers. Thirty-three chronic HBV patients were included in the HBV genotyping assay. Phylogenic trees of Pre-S1/Pre S2/S genes’ nucleotide sequences were constructed using 36 HBV isolates.

Results

All the patients had HBV genotype D. Additionally, two samples were further analyzed by sequencing and deposited in GenBank as HBV/Sul-1/2021 accession numbersMZ077051and HBV/Sul-2/2021 accession numbersMZ077052. Phylogenic analysis indicated that the HBV isolates belong to sub-genotype D1/serotype ayw2. The HBV/Sul-2/2021 had two sequence deletion mutations from G61del-T87del, which accounted for 27 amino acid deletions, and ten other mutations were identified in the carboxylic terminus of the pre-S1 from Q104del-R113del. Accordingly, 37 amino acids were deleted in the S promoter region. Several other substitution mutations were recorded in both HBV isolates.

Conclusion

Patients with chronic HBV were found to have the HBV sub-genotype D1/subtype ayw2 with no mixed genotypes. HBV/Sul-1/2022, a new strain with a 37-amino acid mutation, was found to be distinct from any previously known HBV isolates.
Ecos committee from Pernambuco – Brazil: a study on the sustainability actions of participating institutions
Authors: Batista Agleilson Souto , Albuquerque José de Lima , Filho Rodolfo Araújo de Moraes , Gaspar Ana Dulce da Silveira , Correia-Neto Jorge da Silva , Diniz Juliana Regueira Basto , Ventura Antônio Aritan de Oliveira , Cabral Romilson Marques
Published: January 2023

This article seeks to analyze the importance of socio-environmental actions as tools for structuring sustainability management in the public sphere, with a view to fulfilling corporate responsibility, based on the Ecos Committee from Pernambuco-Brazil. To carry out this study, a bibliographical and documental research was carried out, where scientific articles, resolutions and other bases of formal documents were raised for a wider understanding of the theme in focus. Then,we conducted a survey of the actions put into practice by the Ecos Committee between 2015 and 2017. Confronting their planning with this survey, it was possible to analyze its strategic alignment, confronting theory and practice. The main results point to the existence of feasible public initiatives that endorse sustainability ramifications denoting potential for replication in other organizations, since the Ecos Committee from Pernambuco appears to fulfill its role.Further research initiatives are also presented.
Impact and Perception of Virtual Team-based Learning in Comparison to Online Lectures in Pharmacology- A Randomised Crossover Interventional Study
Authors: Prabha M Lakshmi , Rani A Geetha
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Competency-based Medical Education (CBME) emphasizes small group teaching; henceforth, more innovative educational strategies are needed to stimulate student learning. Team-based Learning (TBL) is structured small-group teaching featuring student preparation out of class to acquire critical concepts. In the current study, TBL was carried out on a virtual platform using commonly available web applications. Aim: To evaluate the impact and perception of virtual TBL compared to online lectures in Pharmacology. Materials and Methods: The randomised crossover study was conducted from September 2021 to January 2022, in the Pharmacology department of Tirunelveli Medical College, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India. The students were assigned into two groups in the ratio of 1:1 by simple random sampling. Students in group A attended TBL sessions, whereas group B attended lectures on the same topic via Google classroom for the first session. A crossover of groups was done for the second session. At the end of both sessions, a questionnaire with Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) to assess knowledge recall and Short Answer Questions (SAQs) to assess critical analysis was sent to both groups in Google forms, and responses were collected and evaluated. A validated 33 item TBL Student Assessment Instrument (TBL-SAI) was used to determine the student perceptions. An unpaired t-test was used to compare the scores of both groups to assess performance. MannWhitney U test was used to compare the student accountability, preference, and satisfaction scales of TBL-SAI. Results: Out of 130 students, 125 were taken up for analysis as five failed to attend the sessions or complete the questionnaire. TBL group scored significantly better than the lecture group in MCQs {(15.8±2.2 vs 12±2.6) and (12.7±3.5 vs 6.4±2.2)} and SAQs {(5.4±2.1 vs 2.3±1.4) and (6.1±2.0 vs 3.3±1.9)} in sessions 1 and 2, respectively. TBL-SAI subscale and total scores were higher than neutral scores in both groups, indicating a positive attitude toward virtual TBL. Conclusion: Implementation of virtual TBL in synchronous setting in Pharmacology course established proof of high student accountability and satisfaction. Students preferred online TBL to online lectures. Virtual TBL sessions were more effective than online lectures.
Evaluation of Expulsion and Continuation Rate of Immediate Postpartum Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices: A Prospective Hospital-based Study
Authors: Yadav Monika , Bharti Archana , Kour Gagandeep
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Family planning can avert nearly one-third of maternal deaths and 10% of child mortality when couples space their pregnancies more than two years apart. With increased institutional deliveries, Postpartum Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices (PPIUCD) can play an important role in addressing the unmet needs of spacing methods in India. Moreover, in this digital age, generalised awareness of the female population about contraception has increased considerably, so the acceptance and continuation rate might be high. Aim: To evaluate expulsion and continuation rate of immediate PPIUCDs at a tertiary care hospital in Haryana, India. Materials and Methods: The prospective, hospital-based study was conducted from October 2020 to September 2021 in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College, Karnal, Haryana, India. Ninety women who underwent IUCD insertion within 10 minutes of delivery of the placenta were enrolled, irrespective of the mode of delivery. Patients were followed-up at six weeks, three months, and six months. The expulsion and continuation rate of immediate PPIUCD and reasons for removal were studied. Descriptive variables were expressed in percentages. The Chi-square test was used to determine the continuation rate and expulsion/ removal rates in vaginal versus cesarean deliveries and a p-value less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: A continuation rate of 84.4% was observed at six months. A statistically significant difference was observed in the continuation rate of participants of vaginal delivery versus caesarean section (82.67% vs 93.33%, p-value <0.01). Overall, the expulsion rate was 6.66%. Conclusion: Immediate PPIUCD insertion has high continuation rates and can play an important role in family planning.
Activated Leucocyte Cell Adhesion Molecule (CD166): A Biomarker in Diagnosis and Prognosis of Breast Cancer
Authors: Hemalatha Vemareddy , Dev Bhawna , Rani N Vanitha , Rajanandh MG
Published: January 2023

The global incidence of breast cancer and associated mortality is rising annually despite advanced diagnostic aids and treatment methods. This is due to the failure and difficulty in detecting the disease at an early stage. Due to an increase in the breast cancer mortality rate, biomarkers associated with early and prompt detection are being extensively studied, owing to their sensitivity, specificity, cost-effectiveness, and minimally invasive or non invasive analysis. Among those carbohydrate antigens, carcinoembryonic antigens, and circulating tumour cells are the most commonly observed serum biomarkers in the detection of cancer. In recent years, extensive research is carried out on cell adhesion molecules and their role in the process of cell adhesion which is essential for the development and homeostasis in multicellular organisms. These cell adhesion molecules accelerate appropriate cell response and intercellular communication. Activated Leucocyte Cell Adhesion Molecule (ALCAM) or Cluster of Differentiation 166 (CD166) is a transmembrane glycoprotein and emerging as a promising biomarker for primary detection of tumour cells with metastatic potential and is also upregulated in breast tumours. This review ascertains the usefulness of the ALCAM as a potential diagnostic and prognostic marker for early detection, classification, and prognosis of breast cancer and also elucidates the role of the various other biomarkers.
In vitro Regeneration of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Using Sprout Explant
Authors: Hossain Md. Sabbir , Hasanuzzaman M. , Arifuzzaman Md. , Rahman Md. Hassanur
Published: January 2023

In vitro regeneration ability of four varieties of potato (Solanum tuberosum) was evaluated for plantlet production applying four hormonal concentrations and combinations. Shoot and root characteristics were observed at 15 days after inoculation of sprout explants. There was significant variation found among the four treatments in four studied traits. The genotype Chollisha exhibited superior performance in plantlet production among four genotypes. Out of four hormonal teatments, T3 {MS+ 2, 4- D (2 mg/l) + BAP (2 mg/l)} hormonal combination showed high effectiveness for in vitro plantlet regeneration. Therefore, this protocol might be used in future micropropagation of potato for large scale potato plantlet production.
Effect of Tillage Methods, Farmyard Manure and Potassium Rates on Some Soil Chemical Properties and Nutrient Contents in Cassava in Kagera, Tanzania
Authors: Merumba Mgeta Steven , Semoka Johnson Mashambo , Semu Ernest , Msanya Balthazar Michael , Kibura Jojianas Kokulamka
Published: January 2023

A study was conducted in Bukoba, Missenyi and Biharamulo districts, Tanzania for the objective of determining the effect of tillage methods, farmyard manure (FYM) and potassium rates on soil pH and the concentrations of N, P and K in the soils and cassava leaves. The treatments were arranged in the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) using the split-plot design with three replications. Tillage methods (flat tillage, open ridging and tied ridging), were the main plots, and the fertilizer rates [farmyard manure (FYM) alone at 4 MT ha-1 alone or FYM alone at 8 MT ha-1, nitrogen (40 kg N ha-1) + phosphorus (30 kg P ha-1) + potassium at 40, 80 or 120 kg K ha-1 and the combination of FYM alone at 4 MT ha-1 or FYM alone 8 MT ha-1 + potassium at 40, 80 or 120 kg K ha-1] and the control, were the sub-plots. The inherent and post-harvest composite soil samples for determining soil pH and the concentration of N, P and K in each site were collected, processed and analysed. Post-harvest soil samples and cassava leaf samples were collected from the control plots and plots that received the combination of FYM at 8 MT ha-1 and potassium at 40 or 120 kg K ha-1 during the second cropping season. The leaf samples were oven dried at 70oC, grounded to pass through 0.5 mm sieve and analyzed. The results indicate that there was no a significant (P = .05) difference in the soil pH and the concentrations of N, P and K in the soils and cassava leaves among the tillage methods. There was a significant (P < .001) difference in the soil pH and the concentrations of N, P and K in the soils and cassava leaves between the control and the combined use of FYM and potassium rates. However, there was no a significant (P =.05) difference in the concentrations of  N, P and K in the soils among the combined use of FYM and potassium rates, but there was a significant (P < .001) difference in the concentrations of N and K in cassava leaves among the combined use of FYM and potassium rates. The combined use of FYM at 8 MT ha-1 and potassium at 40 kg K ha-1, and the combined use of  FYM at 8 MT ha-1 and potassium at 120 kg K ha-1 significantly (P < .01) increased the soil pH and the concentration of N and K in the soil. However, the combined use of farmyard manure at 8 MT ha-1 and potassium at 120 kg K ha-1 gave significantly (P < .001) higher concentrations of N and K in cassava leaves than the combined use of farmyard manure at 8 MT ha-1 and potassium at 40 kg K ha-1. Therefore, combined use of farmyard manure at 8 MT ha-1 and potassium at 120 kg K ha-1 is desirable for increasing the concentration of N and K in the soil and in cassava leaves. However, for the resource-poor farmers who cannot afford the high rate of K, the combined use of farmyard manure at 8 MT ha-1 and potassium at 40 kg K ha-1 could be used.
Design and Development of Hybrid Solar-Wind Energy Storage System for Storage Capacity
Authors: Abdulrahim Mahabuba , Bourezg Abdrabbi , Jamal Badr , Ahmed Abdulaziz
Published: January 2023

This research paper introduces a hybrid energy storage system using both wind energy and solar energy so that it can remarkably increase the energy storage capacity and the output power of the system. The proposed system is mainly used for storage purposes and the renewable energy sources are used instead of non-renewable energy source. Hybrid systems are considered an efficient research area in energy storage systems owning to their excellent output efficiency and better and excellent charge generation in case of any environmental conditions. It uses the conventional charging controller to charge the battery when wind and extreme solar irradiation conditions occur. The proposed project has started with MATLAB software simulation of the wind storage system and the solar energy storage system. After the Matlab Simulation, the prototype working model has been designed in an efficient manner with all the necessary components in both initial level prototype model and the final level prototype model. Then the working model is developed with the final model design. The results of the generated power from this hybrid energy storage system has been tested and verified by connecting the necessary details.
Tax Overbooking Of Msme Individuals On The Impact Of The Harmonization Of Tax Regulation Socialization
Authors: Triyono Dedy , Kusumawardhani Adhityawati
Published: January 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic situation made the Government enact Law No. 7 of 2021 about Harmonization of Tax Regulations (Law 7/2021) which aimed to improve the budget and increase taxes. The purpose of this study was to identify the tax overbooking practices of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) owned by individuals in light of the Law 7/2021 socialization. The methodology used is qualitative. Respondents are East Java-based individuals who own MSMEs. The imposition of income tax rates in Law 7/2021 is that individual taxpayers and individual taxpayers who owned MSMEs whose income is approximately Rp. 500 million a year, are exempt from paying final income tax of 0.5% in accordance with the rates in government regulation No. 23 of 2018. In reality, individual taxpayers who owned MSMEs and had already paid taxes in accordance with the rates specified in government regulation no. 23 of 2018 in January and February 2022 may make a tax overbook of the tax already paid if the annual turnover exceeds Rp 500 million in the month in which the calculated turnover exceeds Rp 500 million. This is because the Directorate General of Taxes' socialization efforts during the Covid 19 pandemic received little attention from taxpayers who owned MSMEs.
The CRISPR Patent Ruling and Implications for Medicine
Authors: Paradise Jordan
Published: January 2023

This Viewpoint discusses the CRISPR patent ruling, an ongoing patent dispute, and the implications for research and medical innovation.
Optimal threshold of a control parameter for tomotherapy respiratory tracking: A phantom study
Authors: Sano Keisuke , Fujiwara Masayuki , Okada Wataru , Tanooka Masao , Takaki Haruyuki , Shibata Mayuri , Nakamura Kenji , Sakai Yusuke , Suzuki Hitomi , Takahashi Kanae , Tanaka Masahiro , Yamakado Koichiro
Published: January 2023

Background

Radixact Synchrony®, a real‐time motion tracking and compensating modality, is used for helical tomotherapy. Control parameters are used for the accurate application of irradiation. Radixact Synchrony® uses the potential difference, which is an index of the accuracy of the prediction model of target motion and is represented by a statistical prediction of the 3D distance error. Although there are several reports on Radixact Synchrony®, few have reported the appropriate settings of the potential difference threshold.

Purpose

This study aims to determine the optimal threshold of the potential difference of Radixact Synchrony® during respiratory tumor‐motion‐tracking irradiation.

Methods

The relationship among the dosimetric accuracy, motion tracking accuracy, and control parameter was evaluated using a moving platform, a phantom with a basic respiratory model (the fourth power of a sinusoidal wave), and several irregular respiratory model waveforms. The dosimetric accuracy was evaluated by gamma analysis (3%, 1 mm, 10% dose threshold). The tracking accuracy was measured by the distance error of the difference between the tracked and driven positions of the phantom. The largest potential difference for 95% of treatment time was evaluated, and its correlation with the gamma‐pass ratio and distance error was investigated. The optimal threshold of the potential difference was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results

A linear correlation was identified between the potential difference and the gamma‐pass ratio (R = –0.704). A linear correlation was also identified between the potential difference and distance error (R = 0.827). However, as the potential difference increased, it tended to underestimate the distance error. The ROC analysis revealed that the appropriate cutoff value of the potential difference was 3.05 mm.

Conclusion

The irradiation accuracy with motion tracking by Radixact Synchrony® could be predicted from the potential difference, and the threshold of the potential difference should be set to ∼3 mm.
Isophorone‐Based Quaternary Compound Modified Graphene for Machine Washable Nonwoven Piezoresistive Sensors
Authors: Ahmed Md Raju , Mirihanage Wajira , Potluri Prasad , Fernando Anura
Published: January 2023

An isophorone‐based quaternary compound with two positively charged polymer chains has been synthesized to modify charge‐neutral graphene without affecting its unique intrinsic properties. A highly scalable dip and dry coating method is employed to coat the textile‐based substrates without subsequent post‐treatment. The resultant electronic textiles exhibit remarkably low sheet resistance ≈140 Ω sq−1) after 10 washing cycles, which is considerably better compared to any reported graphene‐based e‐textiles without post‐treatment. Graphene‐based nonwoven piezoresistive sensors developed for wearable e‐textiles use this approach to exhibit an impressive piezoresistive sensitivity in the low‐pressure range of 0 to 40 Pa and display good repeatability after washing cycles. Hence this novel modification strategy is envisaged to have strong potential for multifunctional applications in next‐generation graphene‐based wearable e‐textiles.
Stereoselective Three‐Component Construction of Conjugated 1,3‐Dienes via Palladium‐Catalyzed Alkene/Allene/Carbenoid Insertion Cascade
Authors: Zhao Haixia , Jiang Yuchen , Weng Tongqing , Shang Yongjia , Wang Jian
Published: January 2023

A three component construction of conjugated 1,3‐dienes bearing oxindoles or isoquinolinediones from alkenylated aryl iodides, allenes and diazo compounds via a palladium catalyzed sequential alkene/allene/carbenoid insertion reaction was developed. Three C−C bonds were formed in high order, offering access to multi‐substituted dienes in high yields and up to >20:1 E/Z selectivities. The reaction features excellent functional groups tolerance under mild conditions.

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A Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Cyclization/Semipinacol Rearrangement Cascade of 1,6‐Enynes to Access Spiro[4.5]decanes and 7‐Azaspiro[4.5]decanes
Authors: Jin Da‐Ping , Cao Shi‐Qi , Cheng Fu , Xue Ze‐Sen , Li Run‐Ze , Pu Yan‐Lin , Zhu Dao‐Yong , Bao Wen , Xu Xue‐Tao , Wang Shao‐Hua
Published: January 2023

An Au(I)‐catalyzed cyclization/semipinacol rearrangement cascade of 1,6‐enynes has been developed for the construction of spiro[4.5]decanes and 7‐azaspiro[4.5]decanes. The use of JohnPhosAuCl/NaBARF as a catalyst afforded functionalizable spirocyclic products with good diastereoselectivities of 6.7:1 to >20:1 dr. A plausible reaction mechanism has also been proposed on the basis of previous literature and our experimental results.

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Thiolated Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles as an Immunoadjuvant to Enhance Efficacy of Intravesical Chemotherapy for Bladder Cancer
Authors: Chen Cheng‐Che , Fa Yu‐Chen , Kuo Yen‐Yu , Liu Yi‐Chun , Lin Chih‐Yu , Wang Xin‐Hui , Lu Yu‐Huan , Chiang Yu‐Han , Yang Chia‐Min , Wu Li‐Chen , Ho Ja‐an Annie
Published: January 2023

The characteristics of global prevalence and high recurrence of bladder cancer has led numerous efforts to develop new treatments. The spontaneous voiding and degradation of the chemodrug hamper the efficacy and effectiveness of intravesical chemotherapy following tumor resection. Herein, the externally thiolated hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN‐SH(E)) is fabricated to serve as a platform for improved bladder intravesical therapy. Enhanced mucoadhesive effect of the thiolated nanovector is confirmed with porcine bladder. The permeation‐enhancing effect is also verified, and a fragmented distribution pattern of a tight junction protein, claudin‐4, indicates the opening of tight junction. Moreover, MSN‐SH(E)‐associated reprogramming of M2 macrophages to M1‐like phenotype is observed in vitro. The antitumor activity of the mitomycin C (MMC)‐loaded nanovector (MMC@MSN‐SH(E)) is more effective than that of MMC alone in both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, IHC staining is used to analyze IFN‐γ, TGF‐β1, and TNF‐α. These observations substantiated the significance of MMC@MSN‐SH(E) in promoting anticancer activity, holding the great potential for being used in intravesical therapy for non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) due to its mucoadhesivity, enhanced permeation, immunomodulation, and prolonged and very efficient drug exposure.
Flexibly Enhanced Photonic Spin Hall Effect via Selective Brewster Angle
Authors: Hong Jiahao , Chen Zhihao , Lin Shuai , Chen Yu , Zhou Xinxing
Published: January 2023

The manipulating of photonic spin Hall effect (SHE) plays a crucial role for development of spin‐dependent nanodevices and systems. Since the photonic SHE is generally enhanced near the Brewster angle, the choice of incident angle usually has low flexibility with natural materials due to their dielectric constants. Herein, an efficient method to flexibly enhance the photonic SHE by utilizing selective Brewster angle in an anisotropic metamaterial is proposed. Through adjusting the thickness ratio of two media in metamaterial, the Brewster angle can be flexibly adjusted in a broad range (nearly 0–90°). With the selective Brewster angle, the spin‐dependent transverse shift can be enhanced at nearly arbitrary incident angles. Furthermore, based on this structure, a binary encoding system is demonstrated, realizing information conversion around incident angles. This research work provides more possibilities for applications in manipulating photonic SHE.
Safer Polyurethane Foams with Cyclic Carbonates
Authors: Easley Alexandra D. , Mangano Alison , Fors Brett P.
Published: January 2023

Polyurethanes (PUs) are a class of materials usually synthesized from isocyanates, diols, and water. Water is essential for producing carbon dioxide (CO2) which is used for the self‐blowing of the foams. Due to safety concerns with the production of isocyanates, alternative chemistries have been evaluated and cyclic carbonate systems have shown great promise. In a recent advancement by Bourguignon, Grignard, and Detrembleur, a cyclic carbonate and diamine system is capable of generating CO2 for self‐blowing through hydrolysis of the carbonate‐based monomer. The authors demonstrate that with a simple variation of the diamine monomer a wide range of physical and thermo‐mechanical properties were achievable. This work represents a significant step towards safer and more environmentally friendly PUs.
Safer Polyurethane Foams with Cyclic Carbonates
Authors: Easley Alexandra D. , Mangano Alison , Fors Brett P.
Published: January 2023

Polyurethanes (PUs) are a class of materials usually synthesized from isocyanates, diols, and water. Water is essential for producing carbon dioxide (CO2) which is used for the self‐blowing of the foams. Due to safety concerns with the production of isocyanates, alternative chemistries have been evaluated and cyclic carbonate systems have shown great promise. In a recent advancement by Bourguignon, Grignard, and Detrembleur, a cyclic carbonate and diamine system is capable of generating CO2for self‐blowing through hydrolysis of the carbonate‐based monomer. The authors demonstrate that with a simple variation of the diamine monomer a wide range of physical and thermo‐mechanical properties were achievable. This work represents a significant step towards safer and more environmentally friendly PUs.
Properties and morphology of polylactic acid composites reinforced by orientation aligned calcium carbonate whisker
Authors: Guo Haitao , Zou Xiaoxuan , Dai Wenli , Zhang Peng , Xiao Bingrong
Published: January 2023

In this work, the polylactic acid (PLA)/calcium carbonate whisker (CCW) fibers was prepared by a simple solution spinning method. The PLA/CCW fiber was arranged in different stacking sequences into the laminated structure, and then was hot pressed to obtain the PLA/CCW composite plate with orientation aligned CCW. The presence of orientation aligned CCW significantly improved the flexural performance of composites. The flexural modulus of the unidirectional stacking PLA/CCW composite containing 20 wt% CCW was 7049 MPa, which was nearly twice of pure PLA. After the CCW were treated by silane coupling agent, the toughness of PLA/CCW composite can be enhanced due to the improvement of interfacial interaction between CCW and PLA. The effect of stacking sequence on the mechanical properties of composites was investigated. The 45° angel cross stacking PLA/CCW composite has higher tensile performance and moderate flexural performance compare with other composites. The PLA/CCW composites prepared in this work has good potential applications in the biomedical field due to its good mechanical and biodegradable properties.
Record‐breaking rainfall accumulations in eastern China produced by Typhoon In‐fa (2021)
Authors: Huang Xin , Chan Johnny C. L. , Zhan Ruifen , Yu Zifeng , Wan Rijin
Published: January 2023

Persistent heavy rainfall produced by western North Pacific (WNP) tropical cyclones (TCs) can lead to widespread flooding and landslides in Asian countries. On July 2021, unprecedent rainfall amount occurred when Typhoon In‐fa passed through the highly populated eastern China. While the associated synoptic features have been analyzed, the extreme characteristics and return periods of rainfall induced by In‐fa remain unexplored. Analyses of rainfall data from a WNP TC database of the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) show that Typhoon In‐fa not only produces record‐breaking rainfall accumulations at individual surface stations, but generates unprecedent rainfall amounts for the whole area of eastern China. Quantitatively, 2, 4, 11, 24 and 55 stations are exposed to once in 200‐, 100‐, 50‐, 20‐ and 10‐year extreme TC rainfall accumulations, respectively, and total rainfall at 75 stations reaches a record high since 1980. Overall, the return period is up to ~481 years for the total rainfall amount accumulated in eastern China during the 1980–2019 baseline. The extremely long rainfall duration is identified as key to the torrential rains in the Yangtze River Delta before In‐fa changes its direction of movement from northwestward to northeastward, while the extreme rain rate plays a dominant role in the northern areas afterwards. Probabilities of occurrence of such an unprecedented TC rainfall event have increased in most (~75%) of the eastern China during the period of 2000–2019 compared with those during 1980–1999. Our study highlights the likely increase in risk of extreme TC‐induced rainfall accumulations which should be considered in disaster risk mitigation.
Untersuchungen zur Frostbeanspruchung geneigter Oberflächen aus hochfestem Spritzbeton
Authors: Stelzmann Mario , Lägel Emanuel , Kahnt Alexander , Holschemacher Klaus
Published: January 2023

Im Experimentalgebäude CUBE – einem Leuchtturmprojekt des Carbonbetonbaus – sind zwei doppeltgekrümmte Bauteile aus Spritzbeton sichtbar ausgeführt worden, woraus sich erhöhte Anforderungen an dessen Optik und besonders an die Sichtbetonqualität der Gebäudehülle ergeben. Eine Besonderheit besteht in der Herstellungstechnologie der Schalentragwerke aus Spritzbeton. Aufgrund der besonderen Formgebung der Bauteile ergeben sich erhöhte Feuchtebeanspruchungen und daraus resultierende Schadenspotenziale durch Frost. In rechnerischen Untersuchungen zeigen sich deutlich erhöhte Frostbeanspruchungen von geneigten Sichtbetonflächen gegenüber Wandflächen. Die allgemein höheren Wassergehalte geneigter Betonflächen führen dazu, dass das in den Porenräumen enthaltene Wasser bereits bei Temperaturen knapp unter 0 °C gefriert. Bei Wandflächen wird das enthaltene Wasser häufiger in sehr feinen Poren gespeichert. Der hier vorherrschende Kapillardruck führt dazu, dass Eis erst bei Temperaturen unter –20 °C entsteht.
Chiral NHC‐Catalyzed [4+2] Cycloadditions: Highly Diastereo/Enantioselective Access to Spiro[cyclohex‐4‐ene‐1,3′‐indoles] and DFT Calculations
Authors: Chen Xiaoyu , Xia Siqi , Hu Xiaoru , Zhong Guofu , Yang Limin
Published: January 2023

A highly efficient NHC‐catalyzed cycloaddition of (E)‐alkenylisatins and γ‐chloroenals with a broad substrate scope has been developed to provide spiro[cyclohex‐4‐ene‐1,3′‐indole] in good yields (up to 99 % yield) with excellent diastereo‐ and enantioselectivities (up to >20 : 1 d.r., >99 % ee) under mild conditions without the use of metal and additives. Based on computational investigations, the role of the NHC on the diastereo‐ and enantioselectivity is discussed.
First proficiency testing for NGS‐based and combined NGS‐ and FISH‐based detection of FGFR2 fusions in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Neumann Olaf , Lehmann Ulrich , Bartels Stephan , Pfarr Nicole , Albrecht Thomas , Ilm Katharina , Christmann Jens , Volckmar Anna‐Lena , Goldschmid Hannah , Kirchner Martina , Allgäuer Michael , Walker Maria , Kreipe Hans , Tannapfel Andrea , Weichert Wilko , Schirmacher Peter , Kazdal Daniel , Stenzinger Albrecht
Published: January 2023

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma harbours druggable genetic lesions including FGFR2 gene fusions. Reliable and accurate detection of these fusions is becoming a critical component of the molecular work‐up, but real‐world data on the performance of fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) and targeted RNA‐based next‐generation sequencing (NGS) are very limited. Bridging this gap, we report results of the first round robin test for FGFR2 fusions in cholangiocarcinoma and contextualise test data with genomic architecture. A cohort of 10 cholangiocarcinoma (4 fusion positive and 6 fusion negative) was tested by the Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany. Data were validated by four academic pathology departments in Germany. Fusion‐positive cases comprised FGFR2::BICC1, FGFR2::DBP, FGFR2::TRIM8, and FGFR2::ATE1 fusions. In a second step, a round robin test involving 21 academic and non‐academic centres testing with RNA‐based NGS approaches was carried out; five participants performed FISH testing in addition. Thirteen of 16 (81%) centres successfully passed the NGS only and 3 of 5 (60%) centres passed the combined NGS + FISH round robin test. Identified obstacles were bioinformatic pipelines not optimised for the detection of FGFR2 fusions and assays not capable of detecting unknown fusion partners. This study shows the benefit of targeted RNA‐NGS for the detection of FGFR2 gene fusions. Due to the marked heterogeneity of the genomic architecture of these fusions, fusion partner agnostic (i.e. open) methodological approaches that are capable of identifying yet unknown fusion partners are superior. Furthermore, we highlight pitfalls in subsequent bioinformatic analysis and limitations of FISH‐based tests.
Populations of a tropical epiphytic orchid are destabilized in its peripheral range by hurricane and an exotic herbivore
Authors: Borrero Haydee , Oviedo‐Prieto Ramona , Alvarez Julio C. , Ticktin Tamara , Cisneros Mario , Liu Hong
Published: January 2023

In a time of global change, having an understanding of the nature of biotic and abiotic factors that drive a species' range may be the sharpest tool in the toolbox of conservation and management of threatened species. However, such information are lacking for most tropical and epiphytic species due to the complexity of life history, the roles of stochastic events, and the diversity of habitat across the span of a distribution. In this study, we conducted repeated census across the core and peripheral range of Trichocentrum undulatum, a threatened orchid that is found throughout the island of Cuba (species core range) and southern Florida (the northern peripheral range). We used demographic matrix modeling and stochastic simulations to investigate the impacts of herbivory, hurricanes, and logging (in Cuba) on projected population growth rates (λ and λs) among sites. Our study indicates that the Florida population is under high extinction risk and most populations in the core range show less interannual variability, but, with the exception of one population, are also in decline. The peripheral population experienced higher herbivory damage than did the core populations, by a native inflorescence‐crippling fly, Melanagromyza miamensis, and an invasive, mortality‐triggered scale, Diaspis boisduvalii. The latter was found in the Florida population only. Hurricanes increased levels of mortality and had a negative effect on λ. However, λ increased following hurricane events due to increased recruitment and decreased herbivory. Life table response experiments suggest that higher adult survival was the largest contributor to the higher λ observed in the growing Cuba populations, as compared with the population in Florida. Logging simulations in Cuba indicate that populations can maintain stability only if selective logging of host trees occurs at low frequency. Reintroduction of the species in its northern peripheral habitat is needed to ameliorate the threats from sea‐level rise and invasive herbivorous insects to secure the current species' northern, continental range margin. Our study exhibits how vital rates and ecological interactions vary across a species distribution and respond under differing stochastic events.
Responses of nematode abundances to increased and reduced rainfall under field conditions: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Bristol Dylan , Hassan Kamrul , Blankinship Joseph C. , Nielsen Uffe N.
Published: January 2023

Ecosystems are projected to experience altered precipitation patterns associated with climate change, with some areas becoming wetter and others drier. Both above‐ and belowground communities will be impacted by such rainfall changes, yet research has predominantly focused on the flora and fauna aboveground. Still, there is a growing body of literature for the effects of altered precipitation on soil fauna. Nematodes are diverse and abundant in most soils, represent multiple trophic levels, and influence essential soil processes, making this group a good proxy for broader impacts on soil food webs. Hence, we assessed the effects of increased and reduced rainfall amount on total and trophic‐level abundances of nematodes using a meta‐analytical approach based on 46 independent observations from 37 field studies and tested whether effects differed among ecosystem types and with treatment duration (<1 year, short term; >1 year, long term). Overall, total and trophic group's abundances, except fungal feeders, were negatively impacted by reduced rainfall irrespectively of treatment duration. Increased rainfall had a positive effect on total abundances and plant parasitic nematodes, but only in longer term studies (>1 year). The impacts of altered rainfall were consistent across the ecosystems studied; however, most studies focus on grasslands and deserts, making it difficult to draw broad generalizations. Reductions in rainfall are therefore likely to decrease soil nematode abundance, with less pronounced effects on fungal feeders. Increased rainfall, on the other hand, may favor plant parasites, likely due to increased plant productivity. Hence, projections of reduced rainfall will have significant negative impacts on nematode abundances, at least in grasslands and deserts, with cascading effects on soil processes.
Changing intra‐ and interspecific interactions across sedimentary and environmental stress gradients
Authors: Douglas Emily J. , Hewitt Judi , Lohrer Andrew M. , Stephenson Fabrice
Published: January 2023

Intensifying land use and accelerated erosion has resulted in increased delivery and deposition of fine terrestrially derived sediment to coastal ecosystems, increasing sediment mud content in estuarine ecosystems. This change in the sedimentary environment is known to have negative consequences for ecosystem functioning. Yet indirect and cyclical relationships between species and the environment are rarely investigated, despite being crucial for understanding ecosystem resilience. We investigate changes in intra‐ and inter‐specific interactions between two key intertidal species (Austrovenus stutchburyi and Macomona liliana) with different but overlapping environmental preferences. We use a large dataset spanning 29 estuaries and 0%–87% mud content to predict the effects of increases in mud. We observed important changes in feedback loops between Austrovenus recent recruits, older individuals, and sediment shell content, and between Macomona and chlorophyll with increasing stress (mud). These loops show different characteristics in the high and low mud content ecosystems and are not apparent in moderate mud. Increases in the number of paths and weaker/more variable relationships between low and moderate mud also occurred. Thus, our moderate (12%–25%) mud content model may be encompassing a transition point in ecosystem dynamics where interaction networks break down and shift to an alternate state.
Families of complex‐valued covariance models through integration
Authors: De Iaco Sandra
Published: January 2023

In geostatistics, the theory of complex‐valued random fields is often used to provide an appropriate characterization of vector data with two components. In this context, constructing new classes of complex covariance models to be used in structural analysis and, then for stochastic interpolation or simulation, represents a focus of particular interest in the scientific community and in many areas of applied sciences, such as in electrical engineering, oceanography, or meteorology. In this article, after a review of the theoretical background of a random field in a complex domain, the construction of new classes of complex‐valued covariance models is proposed. In particular, the complex‐valued covariance models obtained by the convolution of the real component are generalized and wide new classes of models are generated through integration. These families include even non‐integrable real and imaginary components of the resulting complex covariance models. It is also illustrated how to fit the real and imaginary components of the complex models together with the density function used in the integration. The procedure is clarified through a case study with oceanographic data.