bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Information and Communication Technology on the Business Performance of the Incubated Small Business Enterprises in Tanzania
Authors: Pasape Liliane 
Published: May 2022

This study analyzed the influence of information and communication technology (ICT) on the business performance of incubated small business enterprises (SBEs) in Tanzania. Purposive sampling and structured questionnaires were used on fifty SBEs incubated at the Tanzania Engineering and Manufacturing Development Organization (TEMDO) incubation center from a population of incubated SBEs in various government institutions, including the Small Industries Development Organization (SIDO) Centre of Agricultural Mechanization and Rural Technologies (CARMMATEC), the Tanzania Industrial Research and Development Organization (TIRDO), and the Tanzania Engineering and Manufacturing Development Organization (TEMDO). Statistical Package for Social Science and R Programming Language were used for data analysis The study established that ICT increases SBE’s market access through information accessibility (70%), market share (80%), promotion strategies (88%) and financial conveniences (74%). Furthermore, SBEs can boost their operational outputs by creating a favorable business environment (64%), lowering business barriers (78%), increasing speed to market (72%), and improving business efficiency (50%). Moreover, SBEs with the aid of ICT have a high chance of increasing business profit through increased sales volume (76%), income level (82%), profit margin (60%) and liquidity level (52%). However, the observed low rating on business efficiency and liquidity due to factors related to the availability and affordability of ICT infrastructure must be addressed to the substantial influence of ICT on SBEs’ business performance.
Copy number variations across the blood–brain barrier in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Bedri Sahl Khalid , Evertsson Björn , Khademi Mohsen , Al Nimer Faiez , Olsson Tomas , Hillert Jan , Glaser Anna 
Published: May 2022

AbstractObjectiveMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a neuroinflammatory disease where immune cells cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) into the central nervous system (CNS). What predisposes these immune cells to cross the BBB is still unknown. Here, we examine the possibility that genomic rearrangements could predisposespecific immune cells in the peripheral blood to cross the BBB and form sub‐populations of cells involved in the inflammatory process in the CNS.MethodsWe compared copy number variations in paired peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cells from MS patients. Thereafter, using next generation sequencing, we studied the T‐cell receptor beta (TRB) locus rearrangements and profiled the αβ T cell repertoire in peripheral CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and in the CSF.ResultsWe identified deletions in the T‐cell receptor alpha/delta (TRA/D), gamma (TRG), and TRB loci in CSF cells compared to PBMCs. Further characterization revealed diversity of the TRB locus which was used to describe the character and clonal expansion of T cells in the CNS. T‐cell repertoire profiling from either side of the BBB concluded that the most frequent clones in the CSF samples are unique to an individual. Furthermore, we observed a difference in the proportion of expanded T‐cell clones when comparing samples from MS patients in relapse and remission with opposite trends in CSF and peripheral blood.InterpretationThis study provides a characterization of the T cells in the CSF and might indicate a role of expanded clones in MS pathogenicity.
The Rise of Graphene Photonic Crystal Fibers
Authors: Zhou Xu , Deng Qingyan , Yu Wentao , Liu Kaihui , Liu Zhongfan 
Published: May 2022

Abstract2D graphene with tremendous novel properties is an ideal material for optical and optoelectronic applications. Meanwhile, photonic crystal fibers (PCFs) have been recognized as next‐generation optical fibers that possess a designable porous structure, rich functions, and different working mechanisms. Recently, the integration of graphene with a PCF has formed a new hybrid fiber, a graphene photonic crystal fiber (Gr‐PCF), which exhibits an extremely strong and tunable light–matter interaction across a broadband spectrum range and opens up a new interdisciplinary research direction. In this review, recent studies on, and achievements in graphene‐traditional fibers and Gr‐PCFs have been summarized from the aspects of the development process, preparation method, and device application. First, the graphene properties and the development and characteristics of PCFs are introduced. The discussion is continued with the existing fabrication technologies for hybrid graphene‐traditional fibers. Next, the chemical vapor deposition method for Gr‐PCFs is elaborated. Then, fiber devices based on graphene‐traditional fibers, Gr‐PCFs, and other 2D material fibers are presented. To conclude, challenges and perspectives are presented to encourage advanced Gr‐PCF study.
Stabilizing the Anionic Redox in 4.6 V LiCoO2 Cathode through Adjusting Oxygen Magnetic Moment
Authors: Kong Weijin , Wong Deniz , An Ke , Zhang Jicheng , Chen Zhenhua , Schulz Christian , Xu Zijian , Liu Xiangfeng 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe irreversible oxygen redox and the resulting structure degradation of LiCoO2 at a high voltage cause very poor cycling performance. Herein, the anionic redox chemistry in 4.6 V LiCoO2 cathode material through manipulating the oxygen magnetic moment (OMM) with oxygen vacancy and V doping is proposed to stabilize, and the relationship between OMM and the oxidation degree of oxygen is revealed. Oxygen vacancy induces the generation of OMM, and the synergy of oxygen vacancy and V doping reduces the change of OMM during charge/discharge processes. This mitigates the oxidation degree of oxygen and improves the reversibility of oxygen redox, which greatly inhibits the irreversible oxygen escape. The oxygen vacancies can further reduce the overlap of the electron clouds and lower the O 2p band center thus decreasing the oxygen redox activity. Moreover, the introduced V also increases the energy barrier of the phase transition and suppresses the irreversible phase transition and Co migration. The irreversible O2 release is significantly inhibited and the cycling stability at 4.6 V is largely enhanced. This study presents the relationship between OMM and the oxidation degree of oxygen and provides some insights into improving the anion redox reversibility through adjusting the oxygen magnetic moment.
Fragile‐to‐Strong Transition in Phase‐Change Material Ge3Sb6Te5
Authors: Pries Julian , Weber Hans , Benke‐Jacob Julia , Kaban Ivan , Wei Shuai , Wuttig Matthias , Lucas Pierre 
Published: May 2022

AbstractChalcogenide phase‐change materials combine a remarkable set of properties that makes them promising candidates for future non‐volatile memory applications. Binary data storage exploits the high contrast in electrical and optical properties between the covalent amorphous and metavalent crystalline phase. Here the authors perform an analysis of the liquid phase kinetics of the phase‐change material Ge3Sb6Te5, which is the key to ultrafast switching speeds. By employing four experimental techniques, the viscosity is measured over sixteen orders of magnitude despite its propensity for fast crystallization. These measurements reveal that the liquid undergoes a transition in viscosity–temperature dependence associated with a liquid–liquid phase transition. The system exhibits a shallow viscosity change with temperature near the glass transition which stabilizes the memory cells in the amorphous state and which limits the severity of relaxation processes. Meanwhile, when heated during the writing process, the fragility increases to more than double, causing the viscosity to drop rapidly enabling a nanosecond crystallization speed. This change in viscosity–temperature dependence is highly unusual among glass forming liquids and is reminiscent of the behavior of water. This viscosity transition is also key to the technological success of phase‐change materials for computer memory applications.
Structurally Resemblant Dopants Enhance Organic Room‐Temperature Phosphorescence
Authors: Chong Kok Chan , Chen Chengjian , Zhou Cheng , Chen Xiaojie , Ma Dongyu , Bazan Guillermo C. , Chi Zhenguo , Liu Bin 
Published: May 2022

AbstractDoping has shown very promising potential in endowing room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) properties of organic phosphors with minimal effort. Here, a new isomer design and doping strategy is reported that is applicable to dibenzothiophene (DBT) and its derivatives. Three isomers are synthesized to study the dopant effect on enhancing RTP of DBT derivatives. It is found that isomer dopants bearing close resemblance to the host with matched highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels and small energy difference between singlet‐ and triplet‐excited states can yield efficient RTP for the doped system. Meanwhile, phosphorescence color from yellow to red is achieved by varying isomer dopants used for doping the DBT derivatives. This work represents an RTP enhancement strategy based on isomer design and doping to construct luminescent organic phosphors.
Nanowires in Flexible Sensors: Structure is Becoming a Key in Controlling the Sensing Performance
Authors: Zhang Junqiu , Sun Tao , Chen Yu , Liu Linpeng , Zhao Houqi , Zhang Changchao , Meng Xiancun , Wang Dakai , Hu Zhenyu , Zhang Hua , Li Bo , Niu Shichao , Han Zhiwu , Ren Luquan , Lin Qiao 
Published: May 2022

AbstractFlexible sensors, as a kind of indispensable branch of flexible electronics, are garnering substantial in medical and industrial applications. Ever‐evolving advances in nanowires in their myriad forms have fueled many of the developments in this field. However, recent researches have extensively focused on the intrinsic properties of these nanomaterials, rationally designed structures, which are pivotal in sensing performance, to a large extent, are undervalued. Hereon, the latest advances in the structure design, together with controlled fabrication of nanowires for better sensing performance are highlighted. In specific, nanowires are classified according to morphologies and hybrid forms and their corresponding fabrication methodologies and influence on sensing properties are briefly discussed. Then, construction strategies for nanowire‐based sensors, including materials assembly and macroscopical design are systematically summarized. Subsequently, the characteristics and advantages of flexible sensors induced by various nanowires, including physical/physiological/multifunctional parameters sensing are reflected in the application examples. Finally, conclusions and challenges are presented for the development of nanowire‐based flexible sensors, as well as frontier strategies especially bionic design. This review is aimed at providing a valuable and systematic understanding of nanowires in sensing system and then serves as inspiration for intelligent designs in flexible future electronics.
Phosphorylation‐assisted synthesis and characterization of poly(3,4'‐oxydiphenylene furanamide) as a wholly aromatic polyamide using biomass‐derived 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid
Authors: Lee So‐Jeong , Choi Eun‐Ji , Jeong Young Gyu 
Published: May 2022

AbstractWe report the phosphorylation‐assisted polymerization and characterization of 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA)‐based wholly aromatic polyamide. For this purpose, poly(3,4′‐oxydiphenylene furanamide) (PODFA) was synthesized via solution polymerization of FDCA with 3,4′‐oxydiphenylamine (ODPA) in the presence of triphenyl phosphite and pyridine. The spectroscopic analyses and solution viscosity measurement revealed the successful synthesis of a relatively high molecular weight PODFA with good solubility in a variety of polar aprotic solvents without inorganic salts. PODFA could be thus processed into purely amorphous films with high flexibility in bending and folding deformation. The 39 μm thick PODFA film exhibited optical transparency, and the 65–100 μm thick films showed a transparent yellow or light brown color. The amorphous PODFA films were characterized to have excellent thermal and static mechanical properties in terms of a glass transition temperature of ~260°C, a thermal decomposition peak temperature of ~450°C, a residue of ~50% at 800°C under nitrogen gas condition, an initial modulus of 12.98 ± 1.84 GPa, a tensile strength of 84.6 ± 17.3 MPa, and a strain at break of 2.3 ± 1.5% at room temperature.
Evaluation of p21 expression and related autism‐like behavior in Bisphenol‐A exposed offspring of Wistar albino rats
Authors: Singha Syna Pervaiz , Memon Samreen , Bano Umbreen , Isaac Amir Derick , Shahani Muhammad Yaqoob 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundBisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor, may be involved in the etiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASD); however, the mechanism of neuronal and astrocytic damage remains ambiguous. A possible role of altered expression of p21 in autistic‐like behavior in rat offspring was examined with prenatal and postnatal BPA exposure.MethodsWistar albino dams were exposed to BPA (5 mg/kg) intraperitoneally throughout pregnancy and until the third postnatal day (PND). Pups were examined on 21st PND for behavioral test. Blood samples were collected for serum lactate levels and pups were sacrificed. Right frontal cortices were dissected out and processed for H&E, immunohistochemical analysis, and gene expression.ResultsAnxiety like behavior and thigmotaxis along with reduction in serum lactate concentrations were observed in pups exposed to BPA. Decline in neuronal number and decreased astrocytic population with reduced dendritic spines were revealed by H&E and immunohistochemical analysis, respectively, in right frontal cortices. Over expression of p21 was also detected in BPA‐exposed offspring.ConclusionsOver expression of p21 may be associated with autistic behavior. Further studies are recommended to explore the structural alterations in other white matter pathways in frontal cortices.
Planungsprozesse für erfolgreiche WU‐Betonkonstruktionen – Empfehlungen aus der Praxis
Authors: Krause Hans‐Jürgen , Horstmann Michael , Hohmann Rainer , Zitzelsberger Thomas , Freimann Thomas , Heinlein Ulli , Frisch Jan 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBei wasserundurchlässigen Betonbauwerken (Weiße Wannen) übernimmt die erdberührte Stahlbetonkonstruktion in Verbindung mit planmäßigen Fugenabdichtungen und ggf. nachträglichen Rissabdichtungen die Abdichtungsfunktion. Dabei unterscheiden sich die Nutzungsanforderungen der Konstruktionen heute oft kaum noch von denen oberirdischer Geschosse. Um diese hochwertigen Nutzungen sicherzustellen, bieten WU‐Richtlinie und zugehörige Begleitliteratur wesentliche inhaltliche Anforderungen und Vorgaben an Planung und Ausführung. Dennoch sind in der Baupraxis zum Teil mangelhafte und schadensträchtige Konstruktionen anzutreffen, die unter anderem auf unzureichende Fachkenntnisse sowie mangelnde Prozesssicherheit bei WU‐Planungen zurückzuführen sind. Insbesondere bei zeitlichen Abläufen, technischen Abhängigkeiten, Schnittstellenkoordination und Verantwortlichkeiten herrschen oft Unsicherheiten. Der vorliegende Beitrag beschreibt zunächst häufige Probleme in der Praxis und diskutiert begriffliche Festlegungen beginnend mit WU‐Planung, WU‐Fachplanung, WU‐Koordination und WU‐Konzept bis hin zur WU‐Objektüberwachung. In Prozessdiagrammen werden erforderliche Schritte und Schnittstellen für eine erfolgreiche WU‐Planung in chronologischer Reihenfolge mit ihren technischen Abhängigkeiten dargestellt und den Leistungsphasen zugeordnet. Hierbei werden Planungskonstellationen mit internen und externen WU‐Fachplanern unterschieden. Ziel ist es, sowohl für einfache als auch komplexe WU‐Bauwerke eine eindeutige Beschreibung der Verantwortlichkeiten, Leistungsumfänge sowie praxistaugliche Abläufe und Abhängigkeiten aller erforderlichen technischen Planungsschritte aufzuzeigen. Planern werden damit weiterführende Arbeitshilfen für eine alltägliche Problemstellung bereitgestellt.
Multispectroscopic studies on the molecular interactions between bovine γ‐globulin and borohydride‐capped silver nanoparticles
Authors: Sharma Anchal , Sarmah Sharat , Roy Atanu Singha , Ghosh Kalyan Sundar 
Published: May 2022

AbstractInteractions between bovine γ‐globulin (BGG) and borohydride‐capped silver nanoparticles (BAgNPs) were studied using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and spectroscopic techniques such as UV–vis spectroscopy, fluorescence, and circular dichroism. The results were compared with earlier reported interactions between γ‐globulin and citrate‐coated AgNPs (CAgNPs). BAgNPs were synthesized and characterized. Irrespective of the coating on AgNPs, nanoparticles had formed ground‐state complexes with the protein. CAgNPs, as well as BAgNPs had caused static quenching of tryptophan (Trp) fluorescence of the protein. The change in the capping agent from citrate to borohydride weakened the binding of nanoparticles with the protein. But the same change in capping agent had increased the fluorescence quenching efficiency of AgNPs. Hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interactions were involved in BGG–BAgNPs complex similar to the CAgNPs complex with γ‐globulin. Polarity of the Trp microenvironment in BGG was not altered using BAgNPs as opposed to CAgNPs, as supported using synchronous and three‐dimensional fluorescence. Resonance light scattering experiments also suggested nano‐bio conjugation. Far‐UV and near‐UV circular dichroism (CD) spectra respectively pointed towards changes in the secondary and tertiary structure of BGG by BAgNPs, which was not observed for CAgNPs.
Selective inhibition of phosphodiesterase 4D increases tau phosphorylation at Ser214 residue
Authors: Villa Viviana , Montalto Giulia , Caudano Francesca , Fedele Ernesto , Ricciarelli Roberta 
Published: May 2022

AbstractTau is a protein that normally participates in the assembly and stability of microtubules. However, it can form intraneuronal hyperphosphorylated aggregates that are hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders known as tauopathies. Tau can be phosphorylated by multiple kinases at several sites. Among such kinases, the cAMP‐dependent protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylates tau at Ser214 (pTAU‐S214), an event that was shown to reduce the pathological assembly of the protein. Given that the neuronal cAMP/PKA‐activated cascade is involved in synaptic plasticity and memory, and that cAMP‐enhancing strategies demonstrated promising therapeutic potential for the treatment of cognitive deficits, we investigated the impact of cAMP on pTAU‐S214 in N2a cells and rat hippocampal slices. Our results confirm that the activation of adenylyl cyclase increases pTAU‐S214 in both model systems and, more interestingly, this effect is mimicked by GEBR‐7b, a phosphodiesterase 4D inhibitor with proven pro‐cognitive efficacy in rodents.
Making sense of circular economy: Understanding the progression from idea to action
Authors: Blomsma Fenna , Tennant Mike , Ozaki Ritsuko 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThis study examines how management and organisation sciences can contribute to and accelerate circular economy (CE) practices by providing insight into how circular oriented innovation (COI) processes unfold. Emergent theory and recent empirical evidence shows that research into CE needs to acknowledge both salientcommonalitiesbetween circular solutions, but—crucially—also theirdifferences. A range of well‐known circular strategy frameworks exist that offer suggestions for understanding circular strategies in relation to each other. However, at present such frameworks tend to be normative and conceptual. Our objective is therefore twofold: (1) to develop an analytical framework for CE that is grounded in both theory and practice, as well as (2) to demonstrate the application of such a framework to a wide range of different circular solutions and how this can lead to new insights and new directions for research. We deploy a longitudinal qualitative multi‐case case study design, where we focus on business‐led COI projects, covering innovation projects of 23 product(s) (groups) for 19 focal companies. We identify circular pivots, minimal viable circular configuration, continuous improvement of circular configurations and interactions between circular strategies as particularly important phenomena and the importance of taking a longer time horizon to understand circular phenomena in business. Moreover, we identify a lack of application of structured approaches in practice—to complexity, to circular strategies and to value network development—which, if left unaddressed, pose a risk that CE will not achieve a positive systemic impact.
Light‐controlled scaffold‐ and serum‐free hard palatal‐derived mesenchymal stem cell aggregates for bone regeneration
Authors: Jiang Zhiwei , Li Na , Shao Qin , Zhu Danji , Feng Yuting , Wang Yang , Yu Mengjia , Ren Lingfei , Chen Qianming , Yang Guoli 
Published: May 2022

AbstractCell aggregates that mimic in vivo cell–cell interactions are promising and powerful tools for tissue engineering. This study isolated a new, easily obtained, population of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from rat hard palates named hard palatal‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (PMSCs). The PMSCs were positive for CD90, CD44, and CD29 and negative for CD34, CD45, and CD146. They exhibited clonogenicity, self‐renewal, migration, and multipotent differentiation capacities. Furthermore, this study fabricated scaffold‐free 3D aggregates using light‐controlled cell sheet technology and a serum‐free method. PMSC aggregates were successfully constructed with good viability. Transplantation of the PMSC aggregates and the PMSC aggregate‐implant complexes significantly enhanced bone formation and implant osseointegration in vivo, respectively. This new cell resource is easy to obtain and provides an alternative strategy for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Cyclic Octapeptides Composed of Two Glutathione Units Outperform the Monomer in Lead Detoxification
Authors: Sauser Luca , Kalvoda Tadeáš , Kavas Ayça , Rulíšek Lubomír , Shoshan Michal S. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractA rationally‐designed scaffold of cyclic octapeptides composed of two units of the natural tripeptide glutathione (GSH) was optimized to strongly and selectively capture toxic lead ions (Pb(II)). Using state‐of‐the‐art computational tools, a list of eleven plausible peptides was shortened to five analogs based on their calculated affinity to Pb(II) ions. We then synthesized and investigated them for their abilities to recover Pb‐poisoned human cells. A clear pattern was observed from the in vitro detoxification results, indicating the importance of cavity size and polar moieties to enhance metal capturing. These, together with the apparent benefit of cyclizing the peptides, improved the detoxification of the two lead peptides by approximately two folds compared to GSH and the benchmark chelating agents against Pb poisoning. Moreover, the two peptides did not show any toxicity and, therefore, were thoroughly investigated to determine their potential as next‐generation remedies for Pb poisoning.