bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Digital Financial Transactions and Business Performance: The Role of Mobile Money in Ghana’s SME Sector: Evidence from the Sunyani Municipality
Authors: Awuah Emmanuel 
Published: January 2025

This study examines the role of mobile money (MM) transactions in enhancing the performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Sunyani Municipality, Ghana. While previous studies have explored the impact of mobile money on various aspects of economic development, limited research has specifically examined its direct impact on SME performance in the Ghanaian context. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select 120 SMEs from various sectors, including retail, electronics, and services. Data collected through structured questionnaires were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 and STATA version 13, focusing on key variables such as sales revenue, frequency of mobile money transactions, and business characteristics. The results reveal a significant positive relationship between the frequency of MM transactions and sales revenue (r = 0.45). Specifically, for each additional MM transaction, sales revenue increased by GHC 500, and for every additional GHC transacted, sales revenue increased by GHC 1.50. The amount transacted via MM showed a stronger correlation with sales revenue (r = 0.60), emphasizing that higher transaction volumes drive business growth. While business age and workforce size positively impacted revenue, their influence was weaker compared to MM usage. The regression analysis further confirmed the critical role of mobile money, with MM transaction frequency and amount being the most significant predictors of sales revenue. The findings suggest that wider adoption of mobile money services could enhance operational efficiency, expand market reach, and improve financial performance, positioning MM as a key driver of SME growth in emerging markets. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on digital financial inclusion and business development, offering practical insights for policymakers and SME owners. The study covers only SMEs in Sunyani Municipality, and thus results may be limited to the generalization to other regions with different socio-economic characteristics. Based on the findings, the study recommends that promotion of the use of mobile money by SMEs be stepped up through targeted financial literacy and awareness creation directed at explaining the utility and profitability of the instrument.
Response of Wheat Cultivars to Water Deficit in North Nile Delta
Authors: Abdel-Fattah Ibrahim M. , El-Hag Walaa A.A. , Hag Dalia A. A. El 
Published: January 2025

A field experiment was carried out during at two wheat growing seasons of 2020/21 and 2021/22 on Sakha Agricultural Research farm, middle north of Nile Delta to find out the impact of water deficit on five bread wheat cultivars; Misr 2, Sakha 95, Misr 3, Giza 171 and Shandaweel 1, with three treatments irrigation were; A-irrigating with 60% water needs (WN), B-irrigating with 80%of WN and C-irrigating with 100% of WN. The obtained results showed that irrigating with 100% of WN recorded the highest values of heading, and maturity days, biological, grain and straw yield and yield components. Sakha 95 has the highest grain yield, Sakha 95 and Giza 171 had the highest values of 1000 grain weight and number of grains/spike, while Misr 2 and Giza 171 has the highest values of biological yield. Irrigating wheat with 80% of WN has so many advantages; high yield as the full irrigation and saving water. Crop-water function of PIW and WP increased with water deficit.
Pharmacology Students' Perception of the Use of Animals Prior to Laboratory Practice
Authors: García Luis Angel Gómez , Garrido-Acosta Osvaldo , Vázquez Ramón Soto , Ortega María Teresa Corona 
Published: January 2025

Aims: Technological development in computing and biochemistry has allowed the development of teaching tools that are useful in the teaching-learning process. In this descriptive-inferential work, the perception of Pharmaceutical Biological Chemistry (QFB) degree regarding the use of animals in their laboratory practices was evaluated, taking as a reference the practice of testing drugs with hypoglycemic effect.
Study Design: The design of the study was descriptive inferential.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was realized in FES Zaragoza, UNAM, with Biology Pharmaceutical Chemist student careers between february to may in 2024.
Methodology: In this work, an evaluation instrument was designed and developed and that was validated by expert criteria and that was applied to 132 students prior to carrying out the practice in the laboratory. The applied evaluation instrument contained 3 questions aimed at knowing this perception of the students.
Results: The results present a binomial distribution probability greater than 0.99 in favor of reducing or replacing research animals with computer simulators.
Conclusion: The students consider that is possible to replacement or to reduce the animal research in teaching laboratory.
Screening for Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy
Authors:   US Preventive Services Task Force, Barry Michael J. , Nicholson Wanda K. , Silverstein Michael , Cabana Michael D. , Chelmow David , Coker Tumaini Rucker , Davis Esa M. , Donahue Katrina E. , Jaén Carlos Roberto , Li Li , Ogedegbe Gbenga , Rao Goutham , Ruiz John M. , Stevermer James , Tsevat Joel , Underwood Sandra Millon , Wong John B. 
Published: September 2023

ImportanceHypertensive disorders of pregnancy are among the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality in the US. The rate of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy has been increasing from approximately 500 cases per 10 000 deliveries in 1993 to 1021 cases per 10 000 deliveries in 2016 to 2017.ObjectiveThe US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) commissioned a systematic review to evaluate the benefits and harms of screening for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.PopulationPregnant persons without a known diagnosis of a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy or chronic hypertension.Evidence AssessmentThe USPSTF concludes with moderate certainty that screening for hypertensive disorders in pregnancy with blood pressure measurements has substantial net benefit.RecommendationThe USPSTF recommends screening for hypertensive disorders in pregnant persons with blood pressure measurements throughout pregnancy. (B recommendation)
Moisture Induced Secondary Crystal Growth Boosting the Efficiency of Hole Transport Layer‐Free Carbon‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells beyond 19.5%
Authors: Li Lingcong , Rao Huashang , Wu Zhujie , Hong Jin , Zhang Jianxin , Pan Zhenxiao , Zhong Xinhua 
Published: September 2023

AbstractHole transport layer (HTL)‐free carbon‐based perovskite solar cells (C‐PSCs) show promising commercial application potential due to their attractive advantages of low cost and high stability. However, the power conversion efficiency of C‐PSCs is relatively low, mainly due to the poor crystalline quality of the C‐PSC applicable perovskite films and the energy level mismatch between the perovskite and carbon electrode. Herein, a moisture‐induced secondary crystal growth strategy to simultaneously improve the crystalline quality and optimize the energy level of perovskite film is proposed. The presence of moisture renders the surface of perovskite grains reactive by forming metastable intermediates. It is demonstrated that the commonly considered harmful intermediates can trigger secondary crystal growth. This secondary growth strategy results in improved crystallinity, larger grain size, and better morphology of the perovskite films, which reduce the density of defect states and also benefit the interface contact between the perovskite film and carbon electrode. Furthermore, the secondary growth modulates the surface composition of the film to achieve an optimized energy level alignment. As a result, this secondary growth strategy reduces the charge recombination loss and accelerates the charge transport process in C‐PSCs. Consequently, a new record efficiency of 19.52% is achieved for HTL‐free C‐PSCs.
Antibacterial Fusobacterium nucleatum‐Mimicking Nanomedicine to Selectively Eliminate Tumor‐Colonized Bacteria and Enhance Immunotherapy Against Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Chen Linfu , Zhao Rui , Shen Jingjing , Liu Nanhui , Zheng Zixuan , Miao Yu , Zhu Jiafei , Zhang Lin , Wang Yingyao , Fang Huapan , Zhou Jun , Li Maoyi , Yang Yang , Liu Zhuang , Chen Qian 
Published: September 2023

AbstractClinical evidence indicates that tumor‐colonizing bacteria can be closely related to the tumor development and therapeutic responses. Selectively eliminating bacteria within tumors may be an attractive approach to enhance cancer treatment without additional side effects. Herein, it is found that, owing to the high affinity between the membrane protein Fap‐2 on Fusobacterium nucleatum and d‐galactose‐β (1‐3)‐N‐acetyl‐d‐galactosamine (Gal‐GalNAc) overexpressed on colorectal tumor cells, F. nucleatum can colonize in colorectal tumors, as evidenced by both clinical samples and animal tumor models. Notably, F. nucleatum colonized in colorectal tumors can lead to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, greatly reducing their responses to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. Inspired by this finding, an F. nucleatum‐mimetic nanomedicine is designed by fusing F. nucleatum cytoplasmic membrane (FM) with Colistin‐loaded liposomes to achieve selective killing of tumor‐colonizing F. nucleatum without affecting gut microbes. As a result, the therapeutic responses of F. nucleatum‐colonized tumors to ICB therapies can be successfully restored, as demonstrated in an F. nucleatum‐infected subcutaneous CT‐26 tumor model, chemically induced spontaneous colorectal cancer models, and MC‐38 tumor model. In summary, this work presents an F. nucleatum‐mimicking nanomedicine that can selectively eliminate tumor‐colonized bacteria, which is promising for enhancing the responses of cancer immunotherapy against F. nucleatum‐colonized colorectal cancer.
3D Printing Assisted‐Fabrication of Low‐Temperature Strain Sensors with Large Working Range and Outstanding Stability
Authors: Niu Shicong , He Shiyu , Chen Yu , Zhu Zhihao , Chang Xueting , Yang Chuanxiao , Li Junfeng , Jiang Yingchang , Wang Dongsheng , Zhu Yanqiu , Sun Shibin 
Published: September 2023

Recently, low‐temperature wearable strain sensors, referring to those working at sub‐zero temperatures, are attracting increasing attentions. However, the fabrication of low‐temperature strain sensors with large working ranges, high sensitivity, and good stability remains a major challenge. In this study, a novel low‐temperature wearable strain sensor is fabricated by depositing the silver nanoplates (Ag NPs)/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) composite onto a cured silicone (DS) substrate that is constructed by using a 3D printing technology. The synergistic effect of the Ag NPs with positive temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) and the CNTs with negative TCR enable the Ag NPs/CNTs/DS strain sensor's TCR value (−1.16 × 10−5 K−1) to approach zero. The Ag NPs/CNTs/DS strain sensor demonstrates a high gauge factor over a large working range (0–100%) and fast response and recovery rates. Simultaneously, the Ag NPs/CNTs/DS strain sensor displays outstanding reproducibility and long‐term stability at −40 °C as well as excellent temperature cycling resistance under cyclic temperature of −40 to 60 °C. The Ag NPs/CNTs/DS strain sensor is further validated by incorporating into a wireless sensing system for remotely monitoring various human activities at −40 °C. This work provides wearable strain sensors for monitoring human‐machine interaction under low‐temperature condition.
Bone marrow fibrosis is associated with non‐response to CD19 CAR T‐cell therapy in B‐acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Anil Joshua , Alnemri Ahab , Lytle Andrew , Lockhart Brian , Anil Ashley E. , Baumgartner Michael , Gebre Kirubel , McFerran Jared , Grupp Stephan A. , Rheingold Susan R. , Pillai Vinodh 
Published: September 2023

AbstractCD19 directed CAR T‐cell therapy is used to treat relapsed/refractory B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The role of the pre‐CAR bone marrow (BM) stromal microenvironment in determining response to CAR T‐cell therapy has been understudied. We performed whole transcriptome analysis, reticulin fibrosis assessment and CD3 T‐cell infiltration on BM core biopsies from pre‐ and post‐CAR timepoints for 61 patients, as well as on a cohort of 54 primary B‐ALL samples. Pathways of fibrosis, extracellular matrix development, and associated transcription factors AP1 and TGF‐β3, were enriched and upregulated in nonresponders (NR) even prior to CAR T cell therapy. NR showed significantly higher levels of BM fibrosis compared to complete responders by both clinical reticulin assessment and AI‐assisted digital image scoring. CD3+ T cells showed a trend toward lower infiltration in NR. NR had significantly higher levels of pre‐CAR fibrosis compared to primary B‐ALL. High levels of fibrosis were associated with lower overall survival after CAR T‐cell therapy. In conclusion, BM fibrosis is a novel mechanism mediating nonresponse to CD19‐directed CAR T‐cell therapy in B‐ALL. A widely used clinically assay for quantitating myelofibrosis can be repurposed to determine patients at high risk of non‐response. Genes and pathways associated with BM fibrosis are a potential target to improve response.
Optical Non‐Reciprocity in Coupled Resonators by Detailed Balance
Authors: Yao Yi‐Xuan , Ai Qing 
Published: September 2023

AbstractInspired by the photosynthetic energy transfer process, a method to realize non‐reciprocal optical transmission in an array of coupled resonators is theoretically proposed. The optical non‐reciprocity of the coupled resonators arises from the frequency gradient between adjacent cavities and the interaction with the environment, which is similar to photosynthetic energy transfer. An increase in the frequency gradient or the number of the cavities can lead to better non‐reciprocity. However, although a higher environment temperature will increase the total photon number in the coupled cavities, non‐reciprocity will be weakened. All these findings can be well described by the detailed balance. The similarity between the noise‐induced optical non‐reciprocity and exciton energy transfer in natural photosynthesis is revealed by the discovery.
Speakable and Unspeakable in Quantum Measurements
Authors: Sokolovski Dmitri , Alonso Ramirez Daniel , Brouard Martin Santiago 
Published: September 2023

AbstractQuantum mechanics, in its orthodox version, imposes severe limits on what can be known, or even said, about the condition of a quantum system between two observations. A relatively new approach, based on so‐called “weak measurements”, suggests that such forbidden knowledge can be gained by studying the system's response to an inaccurate weakly perturbing measuring device. It goes further to propose revising the whole concept of physics variables, and offers various examples of counterintuitive quantum behavior. Both views go to the very heart of quantum theory, and yet are rarely compared directly. A new technique must either transcend the orthodox limits, or just prove that these limits are indeed necessary. Both possibilities are studied and orthodoxy is vindicated.
Enantio‐ and Diastereoselective NiH‐Catalyzed Hydroalkylation of Enamides or Enecarbamates with Racemic α‐Bromoamides**
Authors: Chen Jian , Wu Lifu , Zhao Yue , Zhu Shaolin 
Published: September 2023

AbstractCatalytic methods which control multiple stereogenic centers simultaneously are highly desirable in modern organic synthesis and chemical manufacturing. Herein, we report a regio‐, enantio‐, and diastereoselective NiH‐catalyzed hydroalkylation process which proceeds with simultaneous control of vicinal stereocenters originating from two readily accessible partners, prochiral internal alkenes (enamides or enecarbamates) and racemic alkyl electrophiles (α‐bromoamides or Katritzky salts). This reaction produces high‐value β‐aminoamides and their derivatives under mild conditions and with precise selectivity. Preliminary studies of the mechanism indicate that the reaction involves an enantioselective syn‐hydronickelation to generate an enantiomerically enriched alkylnickel(II) species. Subsequent enantioconvergent alkylation with a racemic alkyl electrophile generates the desired product as a single stereoisomer.
Tumor‐pH‐value responsive non‐peripheral substituted phthalocyanines: Synthesis, investigation of photophysical and photochemical properties
Authors: Genc Bilgicli Hayriye , Bilgiçli Ahmet T. , Alagöz Tenzile , Günsel Armağan , Zengin Mustafa , Yarasir M. Nilüfer 
Published: September 2023

Cancer is one of the diseases with the highest mortality rate worldwide. Although PDT has recently produced encouraging outcomes, there are still many areas that need to be improved. The first of these is the negative consequences faced by patients treated with the PDT method when exposed to sunlight. For this reason, a new PDT method has been developed in recent years, and it is aimed at using photosensitizer molecules that can be active in acidic conditions. Since the pH values of tumor tissues are more acidic than normal tissues, preparing molecules that act effectively in acidic conditions will allow for more effective results in treating cancer with PDT. In this context, within the scope of this study, 3‐(4‐propionylphenoxy)phthalonitrile (1) and its non‐peripheral tetra‐substituted phthalocyanine derivatives [(2), (3), and (4)] were prepared. With these phthalocyanine derivatives, the novel compounds (5), (6), and (7) were synthesized for the first time. The aggregation tendencies of newly synthesized phthalocyanines (5–7) were investigated in solvent media. The effects of pH changes upon UV–Vis and fluorescence spectra were performed. The electronic and emission spectra of synthesized phthalocyanine derivatives are highly sensitive to pH changes. Formation constant (LogK) values of mono‐ and di‐protonated phthalocyanine forms were calculated by the Henderson–Hasselback equation. The mono‐ and di‐protonated species' equilibrium constants (logK1 and logK2) were calculated as ~5.0. This value may be promising for pH‐sensitizing photosensitizers. Also, the photophysical and photochemical properties of synthesized metallophthalocyanine derivatives (2) and (5) were studied at different pH values. The singlet oxygen quantum yield of (2) and (5) was calculated to be 0.78 and 0.81 in DMSO, respectively. When pH = 6.4, that is, tumor‐pH‐values, this value for (5) has increased to 0.92. The newly synthesized phthalocyanines are suitable photosensitizers for PDT applications, especially with high singlet oxygen quantum yield at pH 6.4.
Defining the physical properties of blends of acetyl‐triacylglycerols derived from transgenic oil seeds
Authors: Neumann Nicholas , Fei Tao , Wang Tong , Durrett Timothy P. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAcetyl‐TAG are unusually structured triacylglycerols (TAG) that possess an acetate group at their sn‐3 position. Acetyl‐TAG have different physical properties compared to regular TAG, including lower viscosity and improved cold temperature properties, making acetyl‐TAG useful for different applications, including as a diesel replacement. These unusual TAG molecules can be synthesized in the seeds of transgenic plants through the expression of diacylglycerol acetyltransferase (DAcT) enzymes isolated from different Euonymus species. In this study, the kinematic viscosity as well as the crystallization and melting behavior of blends of acetyl‐TAG and regular TAG were examined to define goals for acetyl‐TAG synthesis in transgenic plants. Even small amounts of regular TAG when blended with acetyl‐TAG had a disproportionate effect on the viscosity of mixture. This effect of regular TAG in increasing kinematic viscosity was more pronounced at lower temperatures. Under slow cooling conditions, the two different TAGs and their blends possessed two main crystallization events with different degree of separation of the thermal transition, and the lower crystallization temperature decreased with increasing amounts of acetyl‐TAG in the blend. At higher cooling rates, one broad and tailed crystallization peak was observed. Heating thermograms indicate similar polymorphic behavior of the blends and a general peak shift to lower transition range with increasing acetyl‐TAG compared to the two pure lipids. This information about the viscosity and thermal properties of blends of TAG and acetyl‐TAG will provide useful targets for engineering higher levels of acetyl‐TAG in transgenic seeds.
A maceration technique for soft plant tissue without hazardous chemicals
Authors: Klahs Phillip C. , McMurchie Elizabeth K. , Nikkel Jordan J. , Clark Lynn G. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPremiseCurrent methods for maceration of plant tissue use hazardous chemicals. The new method described here improves the safety of dissection and maceration of soft plant tissues for microscopic imaging by using the harmless enzyme pectinase.Methods and ResultsLeaf material from a variety of land plants was obtained from living plants and dried herbarium specimens. Concentrations of aqueous pectinase and soaking schedules were optimized, and tissues were manually dissected while submerged in fresh solution following a soaking period. Most leaves required 2–4 h of soaking; however, delicate leaves could be macerated after 30 min while tougher leaves required 12 h to 3 days of soaking. Staining techniques can also be used with this method, and permanent or semi‐permanent slides can be prepared. The epidermis, vascular tissue, and individual cells were imaged at magnifications of 10× to 400×. Only basic safety precautions were needed.ConclusionsThis pectinase method is a cost‐effective and safe way to obtain images of epidermal peels, separated tissues, or isolated cells from a wide range of plant taxa.
Covalent Capture and Selection of DNA‐Encoded Chemical Libraries via Photo‐Activated Lysine‐Selective Crosslinkers
Authors: Wei Haimei , Zhang Tianyang , Li Yangfeng , Zhang Gong , Li Yizhou 
Published: September 2023

AbstractCovalent crosslinking probes have arisen as efficient toolkits to capture and elucidate biomolecular interaction networks. Exploiting the potential of crosslinking in DNA‐encoded chemical library (DEL) selection methods significantly boosted bioactive ligand discovery in complex physiological contexts. Herein, we incorporated o‐nitrobenzyl alcohol (o‐NBA) as a photo‐activated lysine‐selective crosslinker into divergent DEL formats and achieved covalent capture of ligand‐target interactions featuring improved crosslinking efficiency and site‐specificity. In addition, covalent DEL selection was realized with the modularly designed o‐NBA‐functionalized mock libraries.