bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of Competitive Intelligence on the Performance of Indigenous Banks in Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Maina Kevin Mugo , Nyaribo Wycliffe Misuko 
Published: July 2023

Indigenous banks in Kenya are facing intense competition in the Kenyan market. To survive there is a need for competitive intelligence which is both a process and a product. This will play a crucial role in their operation to guide decision-making and strategy formulation. The banks endeavor to address threats to the triple bottom line and in the same breath required to overpower the uncertainty presented by the host business atmosphere, technological advancement, and economic changes as well as pandemics such as Covid-19 for their own survival. The indigenous banks are alive to the fact that local stakeholders’ desires may affect their functioning adversely and therefore, they are required to examine their functions by adopting competitive intelligence activities in order to respond to their needs faster. The study, therefore, purposed to establish the influence that competitive intelligence subsets have on the performance of indigenous banks in Nairobi, Kenya. The research was conducted through the survey approach by use of questionnaires using the drop-and-pick method. The sample size of the study was 90 respondents of which only 81 of them were retrieved. Primary data collected were analyzed using the statistical package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Figures and tables were used to summarize the data collected for additional analysis and comparison. Multiple regression was utilized with the intention of evaluating the aggregate effect and relationship between the independent and dependent variables. The findings of the study revealed that there is a positive relationship between technological, product, organizational, and marketing intelligence with the indigenous bank’s performance.
Prevalence and Antibiogram of Bacteria Associated with Mouthpiece of Shisha Equipment in Port Harcourt Metropolis
Authors: Ogbonna S. I. , Barika P. N. , Ugboma C. J. , Jephtah A. O. , Amadi E. 
Published: July 2023

Shisha smoke is becoming more prominent among adolescent which is known to be carcinogenic posing a serious threat to public health as well as the risk of pathogenic bacteria associated with the mouthpiece. This research is carried out to determine the prevalence and antibiogram of bacteria associated with mouthpiece of shisha equipment in Port Harcourt metropolis. A total of twenty (20) mouthpiece of shisha equipment were swabbed using sterile swab sticks and samples subjected to standard microbiological technique as well as standard plate count, culturing, identification and antibiotic susceptibility pattern using Kirby Bauer Disk diffusion method. The total heterotrophic bacteria count ranged between 2.0±1.5 ×103 to 6.5±5.3 ×103 CFU/ml) Borokiri township and Ogunabali respectively. The total Staphylococcal count ranged from 1.6±0.5 ×102 CFU/ml to 3.3±0.3 ×102 CFU/ml in Ogunabali township and Borokiri sandfield respectively. A total of fourteen (14) bacteria isolates were identified belonging to the following genera; Staphylococcus spp, Klebsiella spp, Bacillus spp, Pseudomonas spp, Micrococcus spp and Lactobacillus spp. The prevalence of the bacteria indicated that Staphylococcus had the highest occurrence (28.57%), followed by Pseudomonas spp (7.07%), having the least prevalence across the locations. The Antimicrobial sensitivity testing results shows that Staphylococcus spp Bacillus spp and Micrococcus spp was more susceptible to Erythromycin, Gentamicin and Ofloxacin (100%) and resistant to Augmentin, Cefuroxime, Cloxacillin, Cefuroxime and Ceftazidime (100%). Lactobacillus spp, Pseudomonas spp and Klebsiella spp were more susceptible to Ciprofloxacin and Ofloxacin (100%) and resistant to Gentamicin, Nitrofurantoin, Ceftazidime, Cefuroxime, Augmentin and Cefixime (100%). These bacteria isolated are mostly pathogenic and may result in an increase in health issues as a result of non-hygienic protocol used during using mouth to mouth smoking with the shisha equipment. Medical personnel should enlighten the public especially the adolescent about the risks involved in smoking Shisha.
Disaster Rehabilitation and Restoration Program towards Oil Spill Impacted Communities in Selected States in Niger Delta Region, Nigeria
Authors: Olawuyi I. B. , Obafemi A. A. , Eludoyin O. S. 
Published: July 2023

The study examined the disaster rehabilitation and restoration program towards oil spill impacted communities in selected states in Niger Delta Region, Nigeria. The study was carried out from six (6) LGAs from three (3) states, that is, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Delta while questionnaire was administered among 400 respondents with return rate of 94% amounting to 375 valid questionnaires. The returned questionnaires were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA for the study hypotheses. The outcome of the study indicated that repair of damaged community infrastructure (31.7%) and community arrest of the vandals (27.5%) are the most adopted disaster rehabilitation practices while application of fertilizer to improve the soil quality (35.2%) as the major restoration practices. Statistically, there was no significant difference in various rehabilitation programs among selected communities (where p > 0.05, p= 0.336); however, restoration programs showed a significant different among the selected community (where p > 0.05, p= 0.003). Deployment of capable hands for post disaster activities and stricter monitoring of activities during and after remediation, to ensure that the activities they have implemented are in accordance with regulatory standards was recommended.
Evaluation of a planar diode matrix for SRS patient‐specific QA in comparison with GAFchromic films
Authors: Infusino Erminia , Ianiro Anna , Luppino Stefano , Nocentini Sandro , Pugliatti Cristina , Soriani Antonella 
Published: July 2023

AbstractPurposeWe validate the routine use of a two‐dimensional (2D) diode matrix for patient specific pre‐treatment verification for Cyberknife (CK) stereotactic radiosurgery and to compare it with film dosimetry.Materials and methodA total of 46 patients were selected according to the most frequent diseases treated at our institution with the CK system, that is, brain metastases, meningiomas, spine metastases, and prostate tumors. All cases were evaluated with GAFChromic EBT‐3 films and SRS MapCHECK for Fixed cone, IRIS, and MLC collimators of the CK.ResultsThe highest mean passing rate was observed for the SRS MapCHECK system compared to films. In order to assess if the two techniques provide statistically different results, a Wilcoxon Signed‐Rank non‐parametric test was performed (p < 0.05) and we found gamma values significantly lower for EBT‐3 films with respect to the SRS MapCHECK. We noticed a moderately significant association between the two techniques using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (rs > 0.4). We also performed the Bland–Altman statistical method: less than 5% of the differences resulted outside the range (mean ± 1.96 × SD), so the two methods can be considered interchangeable within the combined inaccuracy.ConclusionsThe use of SRS MapCHECK for CK patient specific quality assurance (QA) is feasible for a variety of clinical districts and could be reliably used as a replacement for radiochromic films.
Well‐being during COVID‐19‐related first lockdown: Relationship with autobiographical memory and experiential diversity
Authors: Folville Adrien , Willems Sylvie , Cheriet Nawël , Geurten Marie , Guillemin Camille , Muto Vincenzo , Requier Florence , Reyt Mathilde , Collette Fabienne , Schmidt Christina , Bastin Christine 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn March 2020, the Belgian government ordered a complete lockdown as an attempt to decrease the progression of the COVID‐19. The aim of the present study was to examine lockdown‐related changes in psycho‐affective states as well as their relations with experiential diversity and autobiographical memory. A total of 186 Belgian citizens completed an online survey assessing lockdown‐related changes in various dimensions: work, leisure activities, affective state, sleep quality, fatigue, and autobiographical memory. Results revealed that well‐being during the lockdown was related to changes in experiential diversity and to the richness of participants' memories. Moreover, the content and the phenomenology of memories were more negative when memories pertained to the lockdown situation. These findings provide new evidence that mental well‐being of Belgian citizens during the first lockdown was related to how pandemic‐related sanitary constraints affected the diversity of activities that they could undertake.
A pH‐Cascaded DNA Hydrogel Mediated by Reconfigurable A‐motif Duplex, i‐Motif Quadruplex, and T·A‐T Triplex Structures
Authors: Hu Yuwei , Ke Yujie , Willner Itamar 
Published: July 2023

AbstractGoverned by pH‐configurable A‐motif, i‐motif and T·A‐T triplex configurations, a cascaded DNA hydrogel subjecting to diverse pH values is presented. Under highly acidic conditions (pH 1.1), N1 protonation of adenine (pKa 3.5) in A‐strands generates AH+‐H+A units, resulting in a parallel A‐motif duplex crosslinked hydrogel. Under mild acid conditions (pH 5.2), the dissociation of A‐motif duplex into single A‐strands occurs due to the deprotonation of adenine, while N3 protonation of cytosine (pKa 6.5) in C‐strands creates hemi‐protonated C:C+ units, resulting in i‐motif bridged hydrogel. At neutral pH (pH 7.2), deprotonation of cytosine separates i‐motif crosslinkers. Simultaneously, the addition of auxiliary T‐strands results in the N3 protonation of thymine (pKa 10), generating T·A‐T triplex stabilized hydrogel. Under mildly alkaline conditions (pH 10.2), T·A‐T triplex separates into single T‐stands and A‐T duplex, resulting in the disassembly of DNA hydrogel. Therefore, a stepwise pH‐cascaded DNA hydrogel dictates the formation of structures following the pH steps 1.1 → 5.2 → 7.2 → 10.2 where pH‐triggered DNA secondary structures, including A‐motif, i‐motif and T·A‐T triplex, stabilize the hydrogel. The study advances DNA hydrogels from single pH‐responsiveness to multiple cascaded pH values, which opens up new possibilities for the development of smart hydrogels capable of adapting to various environmental conditions.
Universal Source‐Template Route to Metal Selenides Implanting on 3D Carbon Nanoarchitecture: Cu2−xSe@3D‐CN with SeC Bonding for Advanced Na Storage
Authors: Yuan Jun , Yu Biao , Pan Duo , Hu Xiang , Chen Junxiang , Aminua Mujtaba , Liu Yangjie , Sheng LiangMei , Chen Yuhua , Wu Yongmin , Zhan Hongbing , Wen Zhenhai 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe development of high‐performance sodium ion batteries (SIBs) is heavily relied on the exploration of the appropriate electrode material for Na+ storage, which ought to feature merits of high capacity, easy‐to‐handle synthesis, high conductivity, expedite mass transportation, and stable structure upon charging–discharging cycle. Herein, a universal source‐template method is reported to synthesize a variety of transition metal (e.g., V, Sb, W, Zn, Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu) selenides implanting on N doped 3D carbon nanoarchitecture hybrids (MmSen@3D‐CN) with powerful SeC bonding rivet. Benefiting from the superior architecture and potent SeC bonding between Cu2−xSe and N‐doped 3D carbon (3D‐CN), the Cu2−xSe@3D‐CN nanohybrids, as anode of SIBs, show high capacity, high‐rate capability, and long‐cycle durability, which can deliver a reversible capacity of as high as 386 mAh g−1, retain 219 mAh g−1 even at 10 A g−1, and run durably over thousands of charging–discharging cycles. The Cu2−xSe@3D‐CN as anode is also evaluated by developing a full SIB by coupling with the Na3V2(PO4)3 cathode, which can deliver high energy density and show excellent stability, shedding light on its potential in practical application.
Near‐Infrared Light‐Enhanced Generation of Hydroxyl Radical for Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Zhang Qianqian , Li Yang , Jiang Chunhuan , Sun Wenbo , Tao Jingwei , Lu Lehui 
Published: July 2023

AbstractHydroxyl radical (•OH) as a highly oxidizing reactive oxygen species can induce immunogenic cell death (ICD) in cancer treatment. However, high‐efficiency cancer immunotherapy is still a huge challenge due to the low •OH generation efficiency in the tumor microenvironment, resulting in insufficient immunogenicity and the poor immune response. Here, a near‐infrared (NIR) light‐enhanced •OH generation strategy is developed for cancer immunotherapy by using a copper‐based metal‐organic framework (Cu‐DBC) nanoplatform. With this strategy, the generation efficiency of •OH under NIR irradiation is increased 7.34 times than that without NIR irradiation, which induces robust ICD and immune response, thus leading to primary tumor elimination and the inhibition of distant tumor growth and tumor lung metastasis. Experimental results show that Cu‐DBC can induce •OH boosting through photothermal (PT)‐enhanced Cu‐catalytic Fenton‐like reaction and photocatalytic electron transfer under NIR light irradiation to amplify tumor ICD for immunotherapy.
Engineering Sub‐Nanometer Hafnia‐Based Ferroelectrics to Break the Scaling Relation for High‐Efficiency Piezocatalytic Water Splitting
Authors: Su Ran , Zhang Jiahui , Wong Vienna , Zhang Dawei , Yang Yong , Luo Zheng‐Dong , Wang Xiaojing , Wen Hui , Liu Yang , Seidel Jan , Yang Xiaolong , Pan Ying , Li Fa‐tang 
Published: July 2023

AbstractReversible control of ferroelectric polarization is essential to overcome the heterocatalytic kinetic limitation. This can be achieved by creating a surface with switchable electron density; however, owing to the rigidity of traditional ferroelectric oxides, achieving polarization reversal in piezocatalytic processes remains challenging. Herein, sub‐nanometer‐sized Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 (HZO) nanowires with a polymer‐like flexibility are synthesized. Oxygen K‐edge X‐ray absorption spectroscopy and negative spherical aberration‐corrected transmission electron microscopy reveal an orthorhombic (Pca21) ferroelectric phase of the HZO sub‐nanometer wires (SNWs). The ferroelectric polarization of the flexible HZO SNWs can be easily switched by slight external vibration, resulting in dynamic modulation of the binding energy of adsorbates and thus breaking the “scaling relationship” during piezocatalysis. Consequently, the as‐synthesized ultrathin HZO nanowires display superb water‐splitting activity, with H2 production rate of 25687 µmol g−1 h−1 under 40 kHz ultrasonic vibration, which is 235 and 41 times higher than those of non‐ferroelectric hafnium oxides and rigid BaTiO3 nanoparticles, respectively. More strikingly, the hydrogen production rates can reach 5.2 µmol g−1 h−1 by addition of stirring exclusively.
Advances in Catalytic Asymmetric Construction of Quaternary Stereogenic Centers by Conjugate Addition to β,β‐Disubstituted Nitroalkenes
Authors: Paladhi Sushovan , Hyun Park Jin , Jana Barnali , Yong Bae Han , Eui Song Choong 
Published: July 2023

AbstractQuaternary stereogenic centers are of great importance because of their prevalence in a series of bioactive natural products and pharmaceuticals. Although the catalytic asymmetric construction of these highly congested centers poses a formidable challenge, this field has been extensively explored in the past few decades, and several elegant strategies, such as the asymmetric conjugate addition to β,β‐disubstituted nitroalkenes, have been developed. The resultant β‐nitro quaternary stereocenters can be conveniently transformed into the corresponding β‐amino quaternary stereocenters commonly found in bioactive compounds. This review summarizes the recent advances in the construction of all‐carbon quaternary or hetero‐carbon quaternary stereocenters via metal‐catalyzed and organocatalyzed asymmetric conjugate addition to β,β‐disubstituted nitroalkenes, focusing on the scope, applications, and mechanisms of these reactions.
Reconfigurable Magnetic Liquid Building Blocks for Constructing Artificial Spinal Column Tissues
Authors: Luo Chao , Liu Xubo , Zhang Yifan , Dai Haoyu , Ci Hai , Mou Shan , Zhou Muran , Chen Lifeng , Wang Zhenxing , Russell Thomas P. , Sun Jiaming 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAll‐liquid molding can be used to transform a liquid into free‐form solid constructs, while maintaining internal fluidity. Traditional biological scaffolds, such as cured pre‐gels, are normally processed in solid state, sacrificing flowability and permeability. However, it is essential to maintain the fluidity of the scaffold to truly mimic the complexity and heterogeneity of natural human tissues. Here, this work molds an aqueous biomaterial ink into liquid building blocks with rigid shapes while preserving internal fluidity. The molded ink blocks for bone‐like vertebrae and cartilaginous‐intervertebral‐disc shapes, are magnetically manipulated to assemble into hierarchical structures as a scaffold for subsequent spinal column tissue growth. It is also possible to join separate ink blocks by interfacial coalescence, different from bridging solid blocks by interfacial fixation. Generally, aqueous biomaterial inks are molded into shapes with high fidelity by the interfacial jamming of alginate surfactants. The molded liquid blocks can be reconfigured using induced magnetic dipoles, that dictated the magnetic assembly behavior of liquid blocks. The implanted spinal column tissue exhibits a biocompatibility based on in vitro seeding and in vivo cultivating results, showing potential physiological function such as bending of the spinal column.
CpxA/R‐Controlled Nitroreductase Expression as Target for Combinatorial Therapy against Uropathogens by Promoting Reactive Oxygen Species Generation
Authors: Ren Hao , Zhong Zixing , Zhou Shuang , Wei Yiyang , Liang Yujiao , He Huiling , Zheng Zijian , Li Mengyuan , He Qian , Long Tengfei , Lian Xinlei , Liao Xiaoping , Liu Yahong , Sun Jian 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe antibiotic resistances emerged in uropathogens lead to accumulative treatment failure and recurrent episodes of urinary tract infection (UTI), necessitating more innovative therapeutics to curb UTI before systematic infection. In the current study, the combination of amikacin and nitrofurantoin is found to synergistically eradicate Gram‐negative uropathogens in vitro and in vivo. The mechanistic analysis demonstrates that the amikacin, as an aminoglycoside, induced bacterial envelope stress by introducing mistranslated proteins, thereby constitutively activating the cpxA/R two‐component system (Cpx signaling). The activation of Cpx signaling stimulates the expression of bacterial major nitroreductases (nfsA/nfsB) through soxS/marA regulons. As a result, the CpxA/R‐dependent nitroreductases overexpression generates considerable quantity of lethal reactive intermediates via nitroreduction and promotes the prodrug activation of nitrofurantoin. As such, these actions together disrupt the bacterial cellular redox balance with excessively‐produced reactive oxygen species (ROS) as “Domino effect”, accelerating the clearance of uropathogens. Although aminoglycosides are used as proof‐of‐principle to elucidate the mechanism, the synergy between nitrofurantoin is generally applicable to other Cpx stimuli. To summarize, this study highlights the potential of aminoglycoside‐nitrofurantoin combination to replenish the arsenal against recurrent Gram‐negative uropathogens and shed light on the Cpx signaling‐controlled nitroreductase as a potential target to manipulate the antibiotic susceptibility.
Carbon Vacancies Steer the Activity in Dual Ni Carbon Nitride Photocatalysis
Authors: Marchi Miriam , Raciti Edoardo , Gali Sai Manoj , Piccirilli Federica , Vondracek Hendrik , Actis Arianna , Salvadori Enrico , Rosso Cristian , Criado Alejandro , D'Agostino Carmine , Forster Luke , Lee Daniel , Foucher Alexandre C. , Rai Rajeev Kumar , Beljonne David , Stach Eric A. , Chiesa Mario , Lazzaroni Roberto , Filippini Giacomo , Prato Maurizio , Melchionna Michele , Fornasiero Paolo 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe manipulation of carbon nitride (CN) structures is one main avenue to enhance the activity of CN‐based photocatalysts. Increasing the efficiency of photocatalytic heterogeneous materials is a critical step toward the realistic implementation of sustainable schemes for organic synthesis. However, limited knowledge of the structure/activity relationship in relation to subtle structural variations prevents a fully rational design of new photocatalytic materials, limiting practical applications. Here, the CN structure is engineered by means of a microwave treatment, and the structure of the material is shaped around its suitable functionality for Ni dual photocatalysis, with a resulting boosting of the reaction efficiency toward many CX (X = N, S, O) couplings. The combination of advanced characterization techniques and first‐principle simulations reveals that this enhanced reactivity is due to the formation of carbon vacancies that evolve into triazole and imine N species able to suitably bind Ni complexes and harness highly efficient dual catalysis. The cost‐effective microwave treatment proposed here appears as a versatile and sustainable approach to the design of CN‐based photocatalysts for a wide range of industrially relevant organic synthetic reactions.
18.1% Ternary All‐Polymer Solar Cells Sequentially Processed from Hydrocarbon Solvent with Enhanced Stability
Authors: Zhao Chaoyue , Ma Ruijie , Hou Yiwen , Zhu Liangxiang , Zou Xinhui , Xiong Wenzhao , Hu Huawei , Wang Lihong , Yu Han , Wang Yajie , Zhang Guoping , Yi Jicheng , Chen Lu , Wu Dan , Yang Tao , Li Gang , Qiu Mingxia , Yan He , Li Shunpu , Zhang Guangye 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAll‐polymer solar cells (all‐PSCs) have promising potential for industrial production due to their superior stability. Recently, the widespread application of the polymerized small molecule acceptor (PSMA) has led to a surge in the efficiency of all‐PSCs. However, the high efficiencies of these devices generally rely on the use of the highly volatile solvent, chloroform (CF). Furthermore, the molecular weights of PSMA are lower than polymer donors, yet their crystallinity is weaker than typical small molecules, making most PSMA‐based all‐PSCs suffer from low electron mobility. To improve device performance and facilitate large scale production of all‐PSCs, it is necessary to enhance electron mobility and avoid the use of CF. This paper investigates the use of sequential processing (SqP) for active layer preparation using toluene as the solvent to address these issues. This work reports 18.1% efficient all‐PSC devices, which is the highest efficiency of all‐PSCs prepared using non‐halogen solvents. This work systematically compares the conventional blend‐casting method with the SqP method using PM6 as the donor and PY‐V‐γ and PJ1‐γ as the acceptors, and compares the performance of binary and ternary blends in both methods. Finally, this work measures the device stability and finds that SqP can significantly improve the photostability of the device.