bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thickness‐Dependent Bandgap and Atomic Structure in Elemental Tellurium Films
Authors: Sun Yuting , Gotoh Tamihiro , Li Bowen , Li Huanglong , Zhu Min 
Published: February 2024

Elemental tellurium electrical switch, relying on a transient crystal–liquid–crystal phase transition, has recently been proposed as a promising selector candidate for the next‐generation 3D high‐density memory, bridging performance gap in today's computer. Further miniaturization of the switch cell to increase memory density strongly depends on the scalability of the tellurium film, which, however, has not been experimentally studied. Herein, the tellurium films are prepared with the thickness downscaled from 400 to 2 nm and a significant increase is found in the bandgap from 0.29 to 0.91 eV, as predicted by ab initio molecular dynamics. Interestingly, the as‐deposited tellurium films with a thickness above 3 nm are in the crystalline trigonal phase, whereas 2 nm thick film suddenly becomes amorphous, observed by both Raman and transmission electron microscopies. In this finding, since the leakage current of the elemental tellurium switch is determined by both the Schottky barrier between tellurium/electrode interface and the bandgap of the tellurium film, a reduction in leakage current is predicted with further miniaturization.
Therapeutic potential of tocotrienols as chemosensitizers in cancer therapy
Authors: Sailo Bethsebie Lalduhsaki , Chauhan Suravi , Hegde Mangala , Girisa Sosmitha , Alqahtani Mohammed S. , Abbas Mohamed , Goel Arul , Sethi Gautam , Kunnumakkara Ajaikumar B. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractChemoresistance is the adaptation of cancer cells against therapeutic agents. When exhibited by cancer cells, chemoresistance helps them to avoid apoptosis, cause relapse, and metastasize, making it challenging for chemotherapeutic agents to treat cancer. Various strategies like dosage modification of drugs, nanoparticle‐based delivery of chemotherapeutics, antibody‐drug conjugates, and so on are being used to target and reverse chemoresistance, one among such is combination therapy. It uses the combination of two or more therapeutic agents to reverse multidrug resistance and improve the effects of chemotherapy. Phytochemicals are known to exhibit chemosensitizing properties and are found to be effective against various cancers. Tocotrienols (T3) and tocopherols (T) are natural bioactive analogs of vitamin E, which exhibit important medicinal value and potential curative properties apart from serving as an antioxidant and nutrient supplement. Notably, T3 exhibits a variety of pharmacological activities like anticancer, anti‐inflammatory, antiproliferative, and so on. The chemosensitizing property of tocotrienol is exhibited by modulating several signaling pathways and molecular targets involved in cancer cell survival, proliferation, invasion, migration, and metastasis like NF‐κB, STATs, Akt/mTOR, Bax/Bcl‐2, Wnt/β‐catenin, and many more. T3 sensitizes cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs including cisplatin, doxorubicin, and paclitaxel increasing drug concentration and cytotoxicity. Discussed herewith are the chemosensitizing properties of tocotrienols on various cancer cell types when combined with various drugs and biological molecules.
Extrapulmonary tuberculosis in Africa: Molecular analysis of clinical specimens of suspected cases in Northern Ghana
Authors: Addai Yaa Nyarko , Acquah Samuel E. K. , Ganu Honesty Mensah , Vicar Ezekiel Kofi , Zeyeh David , Karim Abass Abdul , Williams Walana , Attipoe Israel Mensah , Quaye Lawrence 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundExtrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) is a major component of the total tuberculosis cases reported by the World Health Organization. This is a study conducted to compare microscopy and molecular techniques to determine the prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) in EPTB patients.MethodsSmear microscopy and genotype MTBDRplus line probe assay (LiPA) were applied to concentrated extrapulmonary clinical specimens from different anatomic sites to determine the presence of M. tuberculosis and their susceptibility to isoniazid (INH) and/or rifampin (RIF).ResultsA total of 251 specimens comprising 108 (43%) ascitic fluid, 54 (21.5%) pleural aspirate, 24 (9.6%) gastric lavage, 15 (6.0%) pus, 9 (3.6%) synovial fluid, 5 (2%) cerebrospinal fluid, 2 (0.8%) breast aspirate and 34 (13.5%) aspirates from unindicated sites obtained from patients with suspected EPTB attending the Tamale Teaching Hospital were analysed. Microscopically, acid fast bacilli (AFB) were detected in one ascitic fluid and a pus specimen. Using the LiPA, MTBC was observed in four (2.6%) samples; three (3) ascitic fluid and one aspirate.ConclusionM. tuberculosis complex was confirmed in four (2.6%) patients. The most common specimens suspected of EPTB were ascitic fluid, pleural aspirate and gastric lavage. However, MTBC was predominantly detected in ascitic fluid. This result indicates that the LiPA can improve the detection of EPTB in the region and similar settings globally.
A risk‐based fuzzy arithmetic model to determine safety integrity levels considering individual and societal risks
Authors: Cheraghi Morteza , Reniers Genserik , Eslami Baladeh Aliakbar , Khakzad Nima , Taghipour Sharareh 
Published: February 2024

AbstractRisk‐based techniques such as risk graph and Layer of Protection Analysis (LOPA) are used to determine the Safety Integrity Level (SIL) of safety instrumented functions to ensure that risk is reduced to a tolerable level. However, these techniques have some drawbacks. For instance, they need absolute and precise numbers to evaluate SIL parameters, which are rarely available or are highly uncertain. In addition, they are incapable of considering individual and societal risks simultaneously. Moreover, risk tolerance criteria are likely to be used incorrectly in the LOPA technique, and risk graph is difficult to calibrate. In the current paper, a novel comprehensive fuzzy arithmetic model has been developed to determine the required SILs in process industries. The fuzzy required Risk Reduction Factor (RRF) is calculated for both individual and societal risks. Fuzzy numbers are developed from crisp intervals, based on the expected interval of the fuzzy numbers. Expert fuzzy‐scaled elicitation has been applied to obtain the SIL parameters. In the proposed model, the overall risk tolerance criterion and apportionment factor are defined as SIL parameters for both individual and societal risks to ensure that the applied risk criteria are compliant with the requirements of the system. In addition, an approach is introduced for determining the required SIL based on the fuzzy required RRF. The proposed methodology was demonstrated to alleviate the limitations, and thus, can be considered as a more precise alternative to the conventional methods.
Method validation and characterization of stress degradation products of azelastine hydrochloride using LC‐UV/PDA and LC‐Q/TOF‐MS studies
Authors: Shekhar Sudhanshu , Bali Alka 
Published: February 2024

RationaleAzelastine HCl is a second‐generation H1‐receptor antagonist approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) for treating seasonal allergic rhinitis and non‐allergic vasomotor rhinitis. This study encompasses the validation of a liquid chromatography‐ultra violet photo diode array (LC‐UV/PDA) method for the drug and its extension to liquid chromatography/quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (LC‐Q/TOF‐MS) studies for identification and characterization of various stress degradation products of the drug.MethodsStress degradation of azelastine HCl was undertaken under the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) prescribed conditions of hydrolytic, photolytic, oxidative, and thermal stress. The degraded drug solutions were analyzed using Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) employing a C18 (100 × 4.6 mm; 2.6 μ, Kinetex) column by isocratic elution. Detection wavelength was 241 nm. The degradation products were identified and characterized using UPLC‐MS/TOF studies, and an attempt was made to isolate one of the degradation products by solvent extraction.ResultsThe drug was found to significantly degrade under acidic/alkaline/neutral photolytic, oxidative, and alkaline hydrolytic conditions. Six degradation products (I–VI) were identified through LC‐Q/TOF‐MS studies that were adequately resolved from the drug with the developed UPLC method. All degradation products (I–VI) were ionized in the total ion chromatogram (TIC) in the LC‐MS studies, and these were identified and characterized, and the degradation pathway of the drug was postulated. One of the oxidation products isolated from the degraded drug solution was characterized through differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectral data.ConclusionsSix degradation products generated from stress degradation studies on azelastine HCl were adequately resolved through LC‐UV/PDA studies followed by method validation. These were successfully identified and characterized through LC‐Q/TOF‐MS studies, and the degradation pathways for the generation of these products from the drug have been postulated.
Fixed‐time adaptive fault‐tolerant tracking control for uncertain strict‐feedback nonlinear systems via command filtered backstepping
Authors: Qi Wen‐Nian , Wu Ai‐Guo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this article, the fault‐tolerant tracking control is addressed for uncertain strict‐feedback nonlinear systems with actuator faults. Neural networks are utilized to identify unknown dynamics in strict‐feedback nonlinear systems, and the adaptive technique is employed to estimate the parameter of actuator effectiveness. More importantly, a command filtered backstepping control method is improved by introducing a fixed‐time command filter and modifying virtual control laws with compensation mechanisms. By incorporating the adaptive neural networks into the command filtered backstepping design framework, a novel adaptive fault‐tolerant control law is constructed. Under the presented control law, the negative influence of the actuator fault and unknown dynamics is effectively compensated simultaneously. Besides, the “explosion of complexity” and “singularity” problems of backstepping is avoided. Moreover, the practical fixed‐time stability is guaranteed for the resulted closed‐loop system.
Impact of employment support programs on the quality of youth employment: Evidence from Senegal's internship program
Authors: Tsambou André D. , Diallo Thierno Malick , Kamga Benjamin Fomba , Asongu Simplice A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractYouth unemployment is major policy concern in Senegal. The country has in recent years, implemented several programs to combat unemployment and the precariousness of youth employment in the labor market. However, the results of these programs are to date hardly perceptible. The objective of this work is to assess the impact of employment support programs on the quality of youth employment. We provide empirical evidence of the effect of the apprenticeship program implemented by the National State‐Employer Convention in facilitating youth access to quality employment. Job quality is determined using an index that captures multiple wage and non‐wage dimensions of job quality. Using survey data on the improvement of employment policies from 2746 individuals, we use the endogenous switching regression method and the propensity score matching method to assess and compare the impact of the apprenticeship program on the quality of jobs held by young men and women. The results show that the apprenticeship program has a positive and significant impact on job quality. Indeed, we find that the quality of employment is better for young men and women who benefited from the internship program than for those who did not. We find, however, that there is a difference in job quality between males and females who received the program. The differences in job quality are explained more by differences in job characteristics but are not directly related to gender or age.
Silver Nanoparticles Embedded ZnO Foam and its Surface Photoinduced Charge Transfer Behaviors
Authors: Yu Ping , Shao Yanqiu , He Dongqing 
Published: February 2024

AbstractZinc oxide (ZnO) has been widely acknowledged as a highly effective photocatalyst for the degradation of organic pollutants. In this study, we presented silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) embedded ZnO foam photocatalyst (Ag−ZnO) on glass substrates by the chemical bath in‐situ co‐deposition method. Our findings demonstrat that at low Ag‐loading content, metallic Ag0 NPs are embedded within the ZnO foam, while at high Ag‐loading content, they accumulates increasingly from inside to the surface of the foam. With the increase of AgNPs loading from 0.1 mM to 1.5 mM, the absorption of Ag−ZnO foams in the visible light region gradually enhances. The photocatalytic degradation efficiency of rhodamine B (RhB) is the highest in Ag−ZnO foams when the Ag loading concentration reaches 0.8 mM, suggesting an optimal content of Ag for enhanced performance. This trend is attributed to the photo‐induced charge transfer behavior of Ag−ZnO samples. The AgNPs embedded inside the ZnO foam enhance the separation of photo‐induced charges and prevent their recombination. As a result, Ag−ZnO(0.8 mM) foam with more photo‐induced holes participate in the photocatalytic reaction, leading to a remarkably high photocatalytic activity.
Preparation of a Type II CeO2/Bi2O2CO3 Heterojunction Photocatalyst and its Efficient Degradation of Antibiotic
Authors: Zhang Rui , Liu Yujie , Chen Ziyin , Xu Maoqin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this paper, a type II CeO2/Bi2O2CO3 heterojunction composite photocatalytic material with different proportions was synthesized. The structure, morphology, and photocatalytic properties of CeO2/Bi2O2CO3 were analyzed by XRD, SEM, and XPS. SEM showed that CeO2 and Bi2O2CO3 are closely combined, which is conducive to carrier migration and separation and improves the stability of the material. The light absorption properties of CeO2/Bi2O2CO3 composites were tested by UV‐vis DRS. The photocatalytic performance of the CeO2/Bi2O2CO3 composite system was studied with chlortetracycline hydrochloride as the target material. The results showed that under the conditions of 12.5 % CeO2, 0.5 g/L catalyst, and 20 mg/L chlortetracycline hydrochloride, the photocatalytic performance of the composite system was the highest, reaching 95.2 %. Moreover, the electrochemical properties of CeO2 and Bi2O2CO3 were tested and their potential, conduction band, and valence band values were obtained. At the same time, we propose the mechanism of type II electron transfer in CeO2/Bi2O2CO3 composites.
A Complete Study of Synthesis of Glycoluril and Its Derivative by Using Different Greener Acids
Authors: Mehta Viral , Bhise Rupali , Jachak Mahesh , Shankarling Ganapati 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe synthesis of glycoluril and its derivatives is carried out using the greener acids. We have screened four different greener acids for this synthesis, namely, (1) ethan‐1,2‐diyl bis(hydrogen sulfate) (EDSA), (2) NMP‐HSO4 ionic liquids (NHIL), (3) choline chloride: p‐TSA( ChCl:p‐TSA) DES and (4) choline chloride: oxalic acid (ChCl:OA) DES. These acids are easy to make, safe to handle, environmentally benign and recyclable. Along with the glycoluril, different glycoluril derivatives are also prepared. We have also developed a novel glycoluril derivative in which we have introduced 4‐bromophenyl moieties at 2nd and 6th position of the glycoluril. Our developed method is a one‐step reaction with shorter reaction time and high product yield. All the acids are recyclable up to four cycles without considerable loss of the yield. A comparative study of the yield obtained with the four acids is also carried out.
Phytochemical Investigation of Tecoma capensis Flower Aqueous Extract and In Vitro Biological Studies: Anti‐Bacterial and Anti‐Proliferative Activities of its Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Lamba Bhavita , Ahmad Mir Mudasir , Raja Vaseem , Prabha Negi Neelam , Hussain Bhat Aashaq , Ataya Farid S. , Paul Nishtha , El‐Saber Batiha Gaber 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this study, we report the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Tecoma capensis flower aqueous extract (TcAqFE). The impact of AgNPs on microstructural, optical, antibacterial and antiproliferative properties have been investigated through UV‐visible spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), fourier infra‐red spectroscopy (FTIR), agar well diffusion technique assay and MTT. The particles size estimated from TEM and XRD is in the range of 1–10 nm. The XRD pattern reveals that the Tecoma capensis silver nanoparticles (TcAgNPs) have a cubic crystal structure. FTIR spectra showed band positions at 1071, 1358, 1620, 1962, 2150, 2920 and 3361 cm−1. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) in AgNPs became evident with an absorption peak at 407 nm. GC‐MS analysis of ethanolic flower extract revealed the presence of major phytochemical constituents, including Butanal (57.14 %), Propanol (20.23 %), Ethanone (4.88 %), Mesitylene (3.70 %), Hexanal (3.33 %), 4‐Cyclopentene‐1,3‐diol, trans (3.16 %), Furan (2.94 %), 5‐Hepten‐2‐one (2.58 %), and Acetic acid (1.68 %). The antibacterial assay results clearly indicate that the TcAgNPs exhibited the maximum activity against Salmonella typhi, with inhibition zone (IZ) values of (40±1.4 mm), followed by Bacillus subtilis (35.66±2.0 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (32.6±0.64 mm), Escherichia. coli (29.66±2.05 mm), Listeria monocytogenes (27±1.63 mm), and Klebsiella pneumoniae exhibiting the least IZ values (23±1.6 mm). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranged from 0.20 to 2.81 mg/mL. The highest MIC value 2.81 mg/mL was observed in case of Salmonella typhi, while Staphylococcus aureus (0.20 mg/mL), displayed the lowest MIC values. The MIC of Gentamycin also ranged from 0.012 to 0.024 mg/mL. MTT assay demonstrated that the aqueous extract was potent against the cancer cell line A549, with a GI50 of 71.79 μg/mL. These results suggest that TcAgNPs have therapeutic potential and can serve as antibacterial and antiproliferative agents to protect against several ailments.
Copper–Catalyzed Construction of the Indole Core: Recent Advancements
Authors: Das Suven , Dutta Arpita 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIndoles are one of the most important heterocycles because of their widespread occurrence in bioactive natural products, synthetic drugs and organic materials. Therefore, development of efficient strategies for synthesizing functionalized indoles has been of great importance in organic synthesis. Copper, being a transition metal, meet the goal due to its low toxicity, high catalytic activity and cost‐effectiveness. In this review, we focus on last five year (2019–2023) advancement in copper‐catalyzed annulations for the construction of indole core involving various N‐containing substrates, which include anilines, o‐alkynylanilines, o‐aminophenylpropynols, o‐alkynylnitroarenes, o‐nitrochalcones, azidoalkynes, isonitriles, nitriles, enamines, imines, etc. Mechanistic aspects of the reactions have also been highlighted for better understanding of the reaction pathways.
Synergistic Modulating Interlayer Space and Electron‐Transfer of Covalent Organic Frameworks for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Lin Chao , Yang Xiubei , Zhai Lipeng , An Shuhao , Ma Huayun , Fu Yubin , Han Diandian , Xu Qing , Huang Ning 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCovalent organic frameworks (COFs) are an ideal template to construct high‐efficiency catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) due to their predictable properties. However, the closely parallel‐stacking manner and lacking intramolecular electron transfer ability of COFs limit atomic utilization efficiency and intrinsic activity. Herein, COFs are constructed with large interlayer distances and enhanced electronic transfer ability by side‐chain functionalization. Long chains with electron‐donating features not only enlarge interlayer distance, but also narrow the bandgap. The resulting DPPS‐COF displays higher electrochemical surface areas to provide more exposed active sites, despite <1/10 surface areas. DPPS‐COF exhibits excellent electrocatalytic ORR activity with half‐wave potential of 0.85 V, which is 30 and 60 mV positive than those of Pt/C and DPP‐COF, and is the record among the reported COFs. DPPS‐COF is employed as cathode electrocatalyst for zinc‐air battery with a maximum power density of 185.2 mW cm−2, which is superior to Pt/C. Theoretical calculation further reveals that longer electronic‐donating chains not only facilitate the formation of intermediate OOH* from O2, but also promote intermediates desorption , and thus leading to higher activity.
Surficial Host‐Guest Responsive CsPbBr3 Perovskite Nanocrystals for Programmable Multi‐Level Information Encryption
Authors: Deng Bo‐Yi , Zhou Zi‐Rong , Xu Hai‐Long , Liao Zi‐Hao , Tung Chen‐Ho , Wu Li‐Zhu , Wang Feng 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe design of smart stimuli‐responsive photoluminescent materials capable of multi‐level encryption and complex information storage is highly sought after in the current information era. Here, a novel adamantyl‐capped CsPbBr3 (AD‐CsPbBr3) perovskite NCs, along with its supramolecular host‐guest assembly partner a modified β‐CD (mCD), mCD@AD‐CsPbBr3, are designed and prepared. By dispersing these two materials in different solvents, namely, AD‐CsPbBr3 in toluene, mCD@AD‐CsPbBr3 in toluene, and mCD@AD‐CsPbBr3 in methanol, the three solutions exhibit diverse photoluminescence (PL) turn‐on/off or PL discoloration response upon supramolecular stimulus. Based on these responses, a proof‐of‐principle programmable Multi‐Level Photoluminescence Encoding System (MPLES) is established. Three types of four‐level and three types of three‐level information encoding are achieved by the system. A layer‐by‐layer four‐level information encryption and decryption as well as a two‐level encrypted 3D code are successfully achieved.
Four‐Terminal Tandem Based on a PM6:L8‐BO Transparent Solar Cell and a 7 nm Ag Layer Intermediate Electrode
Authors: Bernal‐Texca Francisco , Martorell Jordi 
Published: February 2024

To overcome transmission and thermalization losses from single‐junction solar cells, the two‐terminal tandem cell configuration is one of the most widely followed approaches. Unfortunately, the need to match the current from both cells, in addition to the fabrication of an interlayer with excellent optical and electronic performances, makes such two‐terminal configurations a challenging approach. Herein, the fabrication of a four‐terminal tandem incorporating a front transparent cell made using a 7 nm Ag back electrode and a PM6:L8‐BO blend which exhibits a bandgap close to the optimal according to the detailed balance theory is reported. For the opaque back cell in such tandem, a PTB7‐Th:O6T‐4F blend is used. A 16.94% power conversion efficiency is achieved when such two cells are configured in a four‐terminal device separated by a WO3/LiF/WO3 multilayer providing an optimal light absorption distribution among the two cells.