bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
BlockChain (BC) Upending Customer Experience: Promoting a New Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Structure Using Blockchain Technology (BCT)
Authors: Ghazaleh Mohamad Abu , Zabadi Abdelrahim M. 
Published: May 2021

This study aims to explore the role of BC and its impact on CRM by suggesting an extended CRM on the basis of BC capabilities thru developing an analytic hierarchy planning-based framework to establish criteria weights developing a new self-assessment model to determine the most critical factors impacting the BC investment in CRM to enhance customer experience and to enable parties to work together in a trusted technology environment.
An analytical hierarchical process (AHP) approach was utilized to prioritize and weigh the factors affecting the BC investment in modern CRM in the service industry based on the extant literature and its interpretation. This approach resulted in a ranking of 19 sub-factors based on experienced customer service professionals and technologists&rsquo; evaluations. Findings revealed a significant insight into proposing a new generation of CRM based on BCT, focusing on using the powerful BC platform considering all factors influencing the BC investment in modern CRM from a business perspective. Understanding the new combination of BC and CRM can solve the challenges and dilemmas linked to the untrusted environment of handling CRM data in the information systems field. This study provides valuable information and critical analysis of BC regarding CRM integration. Directions for future research are also included.
Glycemic Parameters in Relation to Pulse Pressure in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Akin Seydahmet , Aydin Zeki , Acikgoz Ozlem Cakir , Eren Necmi , Simsek Engin Ersin 
Published: May 2021

Aims: Pulse pressure (PP) is determined by the complex relationship between stroke volume of the heart, aortic elasticity and peripheral vascular resistance. PP has been considered an independent risk factor for cardiovascular mortality of normotensive and hypertensive individuals. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hypertension (HT) in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and to evaluate the relationship between glycemic parameters and PP.
Methodology: A total of 422 patients with type 2 DM, mean age 58.0±13.2 years, were included in the study. Data on patient demographics, blood pressure and PP readings ​​were recorded in each patient as were the glycemic parameters including fasting blood glucose (FBG), postprandial blood glucose (PPBG) and HbA1c. Glycemic parameters were also evaluated with respect to PP groups. The patients were divided into 4 groups according to the PP readings including group 1 (PP ≤45 mmHg), group 2 (PP:46-54 mmHg), group 3 (PP:55-64 mmHg) and group 4 (PP ≥65 mmHg).
Results: Hypertension was evident in 79.6% of patients. Mean PP was 55.3±12.5mmHg. While group 1 and 2 were similar in terms of glycemic parameters, FBG (p=0.026), PPBG (p=0.019) and HbA1c (%) (p=0.004) were significantly lower than group 3 and group 4 (p< .05).
Conclusions: Our findings revealed HT at a high frequency of 79.6% in patients with Type 2 DM. Significant highest values were found for FBG, PPBG and HbA1c in high PP patients. These results may be associated with increased cardiovascular risk in patients with poor glycemic control with Type 2 DM and high PP. In order to reduce the pulse pressure in diabetic patients, it will be appropriate to keep blood pressure at target values besides strict blood glycemic control.
Folding Behaviour and Antibacterial Activity of Ionic Complementary Peptide EAK-16
Authors: Majid Abdul , Naz Farah , Jamro Hatim Ali , Lal Sham , Soomro Inayatullah , Abbasi Sanaullah , Ujjan Safdar Ali 
Published: May 2021

Aim: A major challenge in the development of new antibiotics is the biocompatibility within biological environment. Ionic complementary peptide (EAK-16) from amyloid protein, have the ability to adopt secondary structure conformation at membrane interfaces. This study aimed to investigate the effect of membrane on EAK-16 peptide folding and their antibacterial applications.
Methodology: We studied secondary structural conformation of EAK-16 using circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy in an aqueous environment and at membrane bilayers interfaces. Initially, the antibacterial efficacy was investigated against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Membrane mimicking models were synthesised with dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) and dimyristoylphosphatidylserine (DMPS) lipid vesicles using calcein leakage assay.
Results: EAK-16 showed transition in secondary structural conformation. In aqueous environment, it was predominantly β-sheets and at membrane interfaces, it was mainly α-helical. EAK-16 peptide was highly active against bacteria (at minimum concentration applied) and membrane leakage was found to be > 60%. This effect was confirmed with both anionic lipids (DMPS) and neutral lipids (DMPC). The helical transition of EAK-16 could be a major factor to disrupt the membrane and bacterial death
Conclusion: The secondary structural conformation and calcein leakage data suggest that EAK-16 has potential to kill bacteria by adopting helical tilted conformation and membrane perturbation via lysis. This study revealed structure-function relationship of peptide and lipid bilayers to further investigate the mode of pore formation and mode of action of EAK-16 in membrane perturbation and antibacterial efficacy.
Conformational Epitope Prediction of Birch Betv 1 and Hazel Cor A1 Towards B-Cells
Authors: Boddakayala Namratha , Bodiga Sreedhar , Bodiga Vijaya Lakshmi , Tummala Pavan Kumar , Vemuru Srikanth , Setti Rajeswari , Manne Anupama Ammulu , Veeravilli Suryanarayana , Vemuri Praveen Kumar 
Published: May 2021

Background: White birch and hazel allergens, namely Bet v1 and Cor a1 are known allergens, but their allergen specificity is not yet characterized.
Objective: To map the antigenic determinants responsible for IgE binding utilizing in silico modelling and docking of the peptides against IgE antibody.
Methods: The antigen sequences were cut into peptides are docked against the IgE antibody and those with the highest docking scores are further studied for the bond interactions. The overlapping sequences of the high score peptides are observed in the whole antigen model to predict their position. The residues at bond interactions also been reported for these overlapping peptide sequences.
Results: The validation is done by antigen-antibody docking studies to confirm the predicted epitope. 25% of the world population suffers from allergic rhinitis and 15% of them develop asthma. Conclusion: Negative binding energies of the studied pollen allergens with IgE confirm their allergenicity. Based on the results of overlapping peptides PF 3,4 and PF 16,17 to play a key role in the allergenic response of white birch and Common hazel.
Flexible Wearable Sensors for Cardiovascular Health Monitoring
Authors: Chen Shuwen , Qi Jiaming , Fan Shicheng , Qiao Zheng , Yeo Joo Chuan , Lim Chwee Teck 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCardiovascular diseases account for the highest mortality globally, but recent advances in wearable technologies may potentially change how these illnesses are diagnosed and managed. In particular, continuous monitoring of cardiovascular vital signs for early intervention is highly desired. To this end, flexible wearable sensors that can be comfortably worn over long durations are gaining significant attention. In this review, advanced flexible wearable sensors for monitoring cardiovascular vital signals are outlined and discussed. Specifically, the functional materials, configurations, mechanisms, and recent advances of these flexible sensors for heart
rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation, and blood glucose monitoring are highlighted. Different mechanisms in bioelectric, mechano‐electric, optoelectric, and ultrasonic wearable sensors are presented to monitor cardiovascular vital signs from different body locations. Present challenges, possible strategies, and future directions of these wearable sensors are also discussed. With rapid development, these flexible wearable sensors will potentially be applicable for both medical diagnosis and daily healthcare use in tackling cardiovascular diseases.
Biodegradability of Micro/Nanomotors: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Wang Shuanghu , Xu Jia , Zhou Quan , Geng Peiwu , Wang Bo , Zhou Yunfang , Liu Kun , Peng Fei , Tu Yingfeng 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMicro/nanomotors (MNMs) are miniature machines that can convert chemical or external energy into their own mechanical motions. In previous decades, significant efforts have been made to improve the performance of MNMs. For practical applications, the biodegradability of MNMs is an important aspect that must be considered, particularly in the biomedical field. In this review, recent progress in the biodegradability of MNMs and their potential applications are summarized. Different biodegradable materials, including metals and polymers, or other strategies for the fabrication of MNMs, are presented. Current challenges and future perspectives are also discussed.
Optimizing Comprehensive Performance of Aggregation‐Induced Emission Nanoparticles through Molecular Packing Modulation for Multimodal Image‐Guided Synergistic Phototherapy
Authors: Wang Xian , Liu Luqi , Wang Li‐Juan , Guo Lianqin , Li Yanbin , Bai Bing , Fu Fan , Lu Hongguang , Zhao Xiaowei 
Published: May 2021

AbstractFluorescent nanoparticles (NPs) with aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) characteristics hold remarkable potential for image‐guided phototherapy. The molecular packing is the key point for optimizing the performance of AIE luminogens (AIEgens) in the aggregated or solid state. However, so far, the packing mode of AIEgens in NPs is still vague, causing some challenges for understanding the relationship between the photophysical property and packing mode, as well as further optimizing the performance of NPs for biomedical applications. In this contribution, by simply controlling the length of alkoxy chains in the donor–acceptor conjugated OPTPA, a packing balance between the twisted molecular structure and effective π‐conjugation is actualized. Subsequently, the possibility of amorphous‐crystalline transition of AIEgens in the polymer‐encapsulated NPs is presented for the first time, and the comprehensive performance of NPs is further optimized. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments indicate that crystalline AIEgen‐based NPs are remarkably effective in trimodal imaging‐guided synergistic phototherapy.
Integrated Infrared Signature Management with Multispectral Selective Absorber via Single‐Port Grating Resonance
Authors: Park Changhoon , Kim Jagyeong , Hahn Jae W. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractEngineering reflective or thermal signatures is essential in stealth technology for enhancing survivability. For military weapons, infrared (IR) image fusion with reflective and thermal signatures or a laser guidance system has been adopted for detecting enemies. However, the control of reflective and thermal signatures over the entire mid‐IR (MIR) range requires a complex structure. Herein, integrated IR signature (IIRS) management with a multispectral selective absorber (MSA) against IR fusion cameras and a guidance laser is presented. For multispectral engineering with a periodic metal–insulator–metal structure, the physical concept of single‐port grating resonance (SPGR) is proposed. SPGR exhibits an absorption range 6.4 times broader than that of localized surface plasmon resonance. Covering the entire MIR spectrum, the MSA designed with SPGR reduces the reflective signature by 92.2% at 1.06 µm (wavelength of guidance laser), and 64.6% by short‐wave IR (SWIR) camera, and it reduces the thermal signature by 98.0%. The IIRS management with the MSA reduces the lock‐on range by 70% and 26% for the mid‐wave IR and SWIR cameras, respectively, and provides perfect camouflage performance against the laser guidance, in contrast to stainless steel. The IIRS management with the MSA based on SPGR can be applied to multispectral camouflage.
Structural Coloration by Internal Reflection and Interference in Hydrogel Microbubbles and Their Precursors
Authors: Chen Hong , Zhu Hong , Wang Yunqi , Liu Jinrun , Wang Yang , Hu Xinhua , Solovev Alexander A. , Huang Gaoshan , Mei Yongfeng 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCompound microbubbles with engineered shells, fabricated by microfluidic techniques, have drawn considerable interest for interdisciplinary research, including ultrasound imaging agents, chemical micromotors, and optical microcavities. Meanwhile, though vastly investigated, dynamic shell thickness variations of microbubbles can be hardly calculated via conventional techniques. Here the fabrication of colorful microbubbles encapsulated in hydrogel precursor using glass‐capillary microfluidic methods is demonstrated. The proposed optical geometrical model elucidating the structural coloration is used for thickness assessment. Thin‐film interference occurring upon illumination of the microbubble shell is found to be responsible for the coloration. The interfered lights travel along with the shell interfaces through total internal reflection in microbubbles with buoyancy‐induced asymmetric shell. A concise thickness evaluation methodology provided by the established model predicts the thickness evolution of microbubbles. These results demonstrate tunable optical properties of shin‐shell compound microbubbles for potential applications in displays, sensing, and anti‐counterfeiting materials.
Sensitive Photodetector Arrays Based on Patterned CH3NH3PbBr3 Single Crystal Microplate for Image Sensing Application
Authors: Li Chen , Li Jia‐Xiang , Li Chun‐Yan , Wang Jiang , Tong Xiao‐Wei , Zhang Zhi‐Xiang , Yin Zhi‐Ping , Wu Di , Luo Lin‐Bao 
Published: May 2021

AbstractHybrid perovskite has attracted intensive attention for its diverse optoelectronic applications, and integrated perovskite devices are broadly required in various functional optoelectronics. In this study, an integrated photodetector (PD) array is developed based on perovskite microplate arrays for trajectory track and image sensing application. The perovskite microplate array is fabricated by a modified photolithography method, which can confine the growth of perovskite single‐crystal microplate arrays with controlled dimension. Optoelectronic measurement of the microplate array device reveals that the as‐fabricated PD devices exhibit not only obvious photoresponse characteristics at zero bias, with a high on–off ratio of up to 1.5 × 104, a responsivity of 0.38 AW−1, and specific detectivity of 1.7 × 1012 Jones, respectively, but also relatively good uniformity, with neglectable pixel‐to‐pixel variation. In addition, the as‐integrated PD arrays can capture real‐time light traces and record simple character with satisfactory resolution, which indicates that the current integrated perovskite device has potential application in light trajectory tracking and image sensing.
A Near‐Infrared Miniature Quantum Dot Spectrometer
Authors: Li Huiyu , Bian Liheng , Gu Kai , Fu Hao , Yang Gaoling , Zhong Haizheng , Zhang Jun 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe acquisition of near‐infrared (NIR) spectral information is most notably accessed in the scientific analysis and industrial technology. With the development of artificial intelligence technology, miniature NIR spectrometers are usually required to realize compact equipment. Quantum dot spectrometer is demonstrated to be a promising reconstructive spectrometer; however, the spectral range is limited in the visible range due to the lack of high‐resolution NIR detectors and quantum dot filters. In this work, a NIR quantum dot spectrometer is constructed by integrating 195 finely spectra‐tunable PbS and PbSe based NIR quantum dots as filters and a NIR complementary metal‐oxide semiconductor as detector. The spectra‐tunable PbS and PbSe quantum dots are achieved by controlling the key parameters of colloidal synthesis, ligand exchange, and cation exchange. Combined with the compressive‐sensing based total‐variation algorithm, the NIR quantum dot spectrometer reaches an average spectral resolution of 6 nm in the wide spectral range of 900–1700 nm, showing the bright prospect in developing compact NIR spectrometer for artificial intelligence technology.
Thermally Driven Amorphous‐Crystalline Phase Transition of Carbonized Polymer Dots for Multicolor Room‐Temperature Phosphorescence
Authors: Wang Zifei , Shen Jian , Xu Bin , Jiang Qinglin , Ming Shouli , Yan Liting , Gao Zhenhua , Wang Xue , Zhu Chaofeng , Meng Xiangeng 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMulticolor carbon dot (CD)‐based nanomaterials offer a variety of opportunities for potential applications in bioimaging, optoelectronic devices, and information security. However, it still remains a challenge to modulate the conjugated π‐structure of CDs to achieve multicolor room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP). Herein, the authors present a strategy based on thermally driven amorphous−crystalline phase transition to achieve multicolor carbonized polymer dots (CPDs) with the emission color tunable from green to orange‐red. This is the first report on multicolor RTP emission from CDs by means of thermal stimulus. Further investigations reveal that the formation of self‐protective covalently crosslinked frameworks and codoping of multiple heteroatoms play a crucial role in the production of RTP. RTP color tunability can be attributed to different crystalline contents of the conjugated π‐domain within CPDs. Potential application of the developed CPDs as printable and writable security inks for advanced multilevel anti‐counterfeiting and encryption is demonstrated. This work paves a path for the development of multicolor RTP materials and suggests great potential of CDs in exploiting novel optical materials toward intriguing applications.
Synthesis of C‐ and N‐Substituted 1,5,2,6‐Dithiadiazocanes –Electrophilic‐Nucleophilic Thioamination (ENTA) Reagents
Authors: Javorskis Tomas , Jurys Arminas , Bagdžiūnas Gintautas , Orentas Edvinas 
Published: May 2021

AbstractA synthetic method is presented for S−N bond formation starting from cheap and affordable materials. We show that (un)substituted N‐protected cyclic eight‐membered C2‐symmetric sulfenamides have been prepared in a few steps using this procedure. The synthetic utility of these ambipolar derivatives was demonstrated in a variety of synthetic transformations affording different S,N‐heterocyles of pharmaceutical relevance in one or two steps from simple starting materials.magnified image
Uptake and Adoption of Sustainable Energy Technologies: Prioritizing Strategies to Overcome Barriers in the Construction Industry by Using an Integrated AHP‐TOPSIS Approach
Authors: Iqbal Muzaffar , Ma Junhai , Ahmad Naveed , Ullah Zia , Ahmed Rahil Irfan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractEnergy conservation through sustainable energy technologies (SETs) in the construction industry is capturing considerable attention worldwide. However, the presence of challenges makes SETs implementation difficult, and hence to increase the effective adoption of SETs, potential strategies are essential to overcome challenges. The objective of this study is to identify and rank major strategies of SETs adoption in the construction sector to overcome its barriers. This study proposes an integrated framework based on two methodologies, fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) and fuzzy technique for order performance by similarity to an ideal solution (F‐TOPSIS), to prioritize major strategies to overcome SETs adoption barriers. Initially, obstacles and strategies are identified from a comprehensive literature review. Later, FAHP is utilized to obtain weights of various SETs barriers through pairwise comparison, and strategies are ranked by using F‐TOPSIS. The proposed methodology is empirically applied to the construction sector of developing countries. The integrated framework provides a detailed and effective decision‐making tool for uptake and adoption of SETs. Lastly, the robustness of the methodology is evaluated with the support of sensitivity analysis. Results indicate that government and economic barriers are the most critical barriers which can be overcome through cooperation of relevant authorities, financial assistance, and developing appropriate policies.
Direct Preparation of Nanocelluloses of Tunable Lengths from Native Wood Via Alkaline Periodate Oxidation
Authors: Yang Ting , Liu Peiwen , Xu Dan , Wang Jiaxiu , Zhang Kai 
Published: May 2021

AbstractHerein, cellulose nanofibers (PO‐CNFs) and cellulose nanocrystals (PO‐CNCs) are prepared directly from native softwood spruce and hardwood beech via the same alkaline periodate oxidation under equal conditions. PO‐CNFs and PO‐CNCs are obtained by simply regulating the reaction time between 2 and 7 d. Of particular note, the preparation of CNFs is achieved using the alkaline periodate oxidation. PO‐CNFs obtained from spruce and beech have average diameters of 7.2 ± 3.1 and 6.8 ± 3.0 nm as well as average lengths of 487.1 ± 69.0 and 452.1 ± 80.0 nm, respectively. The PO‐CNCs obtained from spruce and beech are 4.6 ± 2.0 and 4.8 ± 2.5 nm in diameter as well as 181.6 ± 49.4 and 168.4 ± 59.0 nm in length, respectively. These nanocelluloses contain carboxy groups that enable good colloidal stability of nanocelluloses in water. The nanocellulose content isolated from spruce and beech increase with the reaction time and reach 1.35 ± 0.20 and 1.24 ± 0.10 mmol g–1 after oxidation for 7 d, respectively. Both PO‐CNFs and PO‐CNCs can be used for the formation of highly transparent films with good mechanical properties.
A Deep‐Learning Approach to the Dynamics of Landau–Zenner Transitions
Authors: Gao Linliang , Sun Kewei , Zheng Huiru , Zhao Yang 
Published: May 2021

AbstractTraditional approaches to the dynamics of the open quantum systems with high precision are often resource intensive. How to improve computation accuracy and efficiency for target systems is an extremely difficult challenge. In this work, combining unsupervised and supervised learning algorithms, a deep‐learning approach is introduced to simulate and predict Landau–Zenner dynamics. Data obtained from multiple Davydov Ansatz with a low multiplicity of four are used for training, while the data from the trial state with a high multiplicity of ten are adopted as target data to assess the accuracy of prediction. After proper training, our method can successfully predict and simulate Landau–Zenner dynamics using only random noise and two adjustable model parameters. Compared to the high‐precision dynamics data from multiple Davydov Ansatz with a multiplicity of ten, the error rate falls below 0.6%.