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The main purpose of this study is to investigate the best predictor of firm performance among different proxies. A sample of 287 Czech firms was taken from automobile, construction, and manufacturing sectors. Panel data of the firms was acquired from the Albertina database for the time period from 2016 to 2020. Three different proxies of firm performance, return of assets (RoA), return of equity (RoE), and return of capital employed (RoCE) were used as dependent variables. Including three proxies of firm’s performance, 16 financial ratios were measured based on the previous literature. A machine learning-based decision tree algorithm, Chi-squared Automatic Interaction Detector (CHAID), was deployed to gauge each proxy’s efficacy and examine the best proxy of the firm performance. A partitioning rule of 70:30 was maintained, which implied that 70% of the dataset was used for training and the remaining 30% for testing. The results revealed that return on assets (RoA) was detected to be a robust proxy to predict financial performance among the targeted indicators. The results and the methodology will be useful for policy-makers, stakeholders, academics and managers to take strategic business decisions and forecast financial performance.

The study revisits the predictors of consumers’ intentions to use peer-to-peer accommodation (P2PA) services and accents the impact of positive emotional responses from COVID-19 crisis response communication efforts adopted by P2PA service providers. An online scenario-based survey was carried out among 265 consumers from the Philippines. The results of the analysis reveal that peer-to-peer accommodation usage intentions remain driven by perceived economic benefits, environmental benefits, and trust while dismissing the desire for social interaction. Emotions elicited from crisis response communication affect consumer psychology and behavior; hence, service providers should aptly communicate crisis response efforts along the route to crisis recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal–organic frameworks and coordination polymers (MOFs/CPs) have emerged as a rare category of multidimensional materials with applications in many fields, particularly as photocatalysts for aromatic dyes and for the luminescent sensing of volatile organic solvents (VOCs), anions, cations, etc. Herein, a luminescent zinc(II) coordination polymer (ZnCP) was prepared using 3,5-diamino triazole (DAT) and 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid (BTC) under solvothermal conditions and was fully characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, and single X-ray crystallography. Moreover, the photocatalytic performance of the ZnCP in decomposing an aqueous solution of methyl green (MG) was examined. Photocatalysis results indicated a 99.61% efficiency in the presence of the ZnCP under visible light. Furthermore, an active species trapping experiment helped deduce a possible photocatalysis mechanism of MG degradation. Interestingly, the ZnCP also acted as a potential luminescent sensor for the detection of cations Fe3+ and Cu2 and anions Cr2O72− and MnO4−, with outstanding limit of detection (LOD) values of 2.44 nM for Fe3+, 3.50 nM for Cu2+, 3.14 nM for Cr2O72−, and 2.54 nM for MnO4−. Thus, the designed luminescent zinc(II) coordination polymer holds the potential to act as a photocatalyst as well as a luminescent sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant and enduring effect on the tourism industry, specifically impacting travel agencies. To respond effectively, it is essential to comprehend the financial repercussions and challenges that these agencies confront. This study seeks to address existing gaps in knowledge by conducting a comprehensive examination of the tourism industry's financial performance in the post-COVID-19 era. Our methodology utilizes a Difference-In-Difference (D-I-D) approach, considering multiple investigations to establish a causal connection between the pandemic and the financial stability of tourism service providers. We analyse changes in the overall financial health of the tourism industry relative to other sectors both before and after the COVID-19 outbreak using Altman Z scores. Furthermore, we assess accounting harmonization across diverse jurisdictions and financial frameworks (IFRS, US GAAP, Czech GAAP, German HGB). Data is sourced from 11 multinational corporations in the tourism sector, supplemented with financial data from sectors such as Automotive, Manufacturing, Food and beverage, and Real Estate. Our empirical findings indicate that non-tourism entities experienced a 19% lower likelihood of bankruptcy post-COVID-19. This finding underscores the uniqueness of the tourism industry's challenges during the pandemic. In addition to these findings, we provide practical recommendations designed to assist companies in the tourism industry as they navigate the recovery phase following the pandemic. These insights are pivotal in enabling the industry to build resilient strategies and ensure its sustainability in a post-pandemic landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new cobalt(II) coordination polymer 'Cp-Co' has been designed and synthesized. The construction includes cobalt(II) as the central metal core along with 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid and the spacer 3,5-diamino-1,2,4-triazole obtained by a solvothermal method. The architecture of 'Cp-Co' was established using single X-ray crystallography and the topology of the coordination polymer. The 'Cp-Co' exhibited a periodic 3D framework. Furthermore, infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis further supported the structure of 'Cp-Co'. The prepared material was explored as a catalyst for the photocatalytic degradation of methyl green (MG) dye and displayed outstanding degradation efficiency under visible light radiation. The experimental design was explored towards optimization of the reaction variables, such as catalyst dose, MG dye concentration, etc. It was found that 10 mg of Cp-Co with 150 mg L−1 MG resulted in 99.77% photocatalytic efficiency within 60 min of visible light irradiation. The kinetic data was simulated using the Langmuir–Hinshelwood kinetic model and the value of the apparent rate constant (Kapp) was found to be 0.020 min−1, 0.024 min−1 and 0.029 min−1 for 50, 100 and 150 mg L−1 MG concentrations. The trapping experiments suggested the involvement of a superoxide anion radical (O2−˙) in the degradation of MG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of halogenated podands (P1–P8) have been synthesized from 1,3,5-tris(bromomethyl)mesitylene and halogen-substituted phenols to study the structure-directing roles of C–H hydrogen bonds and halogen bonds in the formation of self-assembled supramolecular frameworks. The ethereal podands are suitable for the study of C–H hydrogen bonds in the crystalline state due to the presence of three different types of C–H donors, such as methyl, methylene, and aromatic –CH groups, and three different types of acceptors such as ethereal oxygen, halogens, and aromatic rings. Single crystal X-ray structures of three halophenyl-functionalized podands (P2, P3 and P4) and a cyanophenyl-functionalized podand (P9) were determined at room temperature (298 K), and detailed Hirshfeld surface analysis of the crystal structures was performed to quantify the close contact contributions (in %) from different types of non-covalent interactions involved in the self-assembly of podands. The crystal structures of the halophenyl-functionalized podands (P2, P3, and P4) showed self-assembly primarily via intermolecular C–H⋯O, C–H⋯π, and halogen bonding interactions. Hirshfeld surface analysis of the crystal structures revealed significantly higher contributions from H⋯C and H⋯X (X = halogen) close contacts in comparison to H⋯O and X⋯C close contacts in 2D-fingerprint plots. The self-assembly of the cyanophenyl-functionalized podand (P9) was largely governed by intermolecular C–H⋯O and C–H⋯N interactions. The podand crystals showed relatively high thermal stability in thermogravimetry analysis (250–290 °C), which can be attributed to the hydrogen and halogen bond assisted formation of 3D supramolecular frameworks. 19F-NMR spectra of tetraethylammonium fluoride in the presence of an equivalent amount of tris(2-halophenoxymethyl)mesitylene podand (P5 or P6) showed a downfield shift of the fluoride signal (Δδ 3.2 ppm) indicating C–X⋯F− halogen bonding in solution. Further, 19F-NMR spectra of hydrogen bifluoride (HF2−) in the presence of P5 or P6 showed a large upfield shift of ≈21–22 ppm suggesting C–X⋯F−⋯H–F halogen bonding in solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study responds to the paucity of understanding of tourists' attitudes toward peer-to-peer (P2P) accommodation services in less-developed economies. By gaining insights into the extant literature, the study proposes and tests a research model that accents the impact of perceived economic benefits, social incentives, and trust on consumers’ attitudes towards P2P accommodation. Notably, it also explores the potential attitudinal effect of the new materialist lifestyle. Data were collected through a web-based survey involving 112 consumers aware of P2P accommodation with prior domestic tourism experience in the Philippines. Partial least squares structural equation modelling technique was employed for data analysis. The findings reveal that only economic benefits and trust perceptions can predict consumers’ attitudes towards P2P accommodation services. Considering this, accommodation providers should continue to emphasize the economic value of their services to expand the customer base. Additionally, platform and accommodation providers can also enhance trust-building initiatives to reduce consumers' risk perceptions potentially aggravated by the ongoing pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last few years, more and more people have been using YouTube videos to experience virtual reality travel. Many individuals utilize comments to voice their ideas or criticize a subject on YouTube. The number of replies to 360-degree and unidirectional videos is enormous and might differ between the two kinds of videos. This presents the problem of efficiently evaluating user opinions with respect to which type of video will be more appealing to viewers, positive comments, or interest. This paper aims to study SentiStrength-SE and SenticNet7 techniques for sentiment analysis. The findings demonstrate that the sentiment analysis obtained from SenticNet7 outperforms that from SentiStrength-SE. It is revealed through the sentiment analysis that sentiment disparity among the viewers of 360-degree and unidirectional videos is low and insignificant. Furthermore, the study shows that unidirectional videos garnered the most traffic during COVID-19 induced global travel bans. The study elaborates on the capacity of unidirectional videos on travel and the implications for industry and academia. The second aim of this paper also employs a Convolutional Neural Network and Random Forest for sentiment analysis of YouTube viewers' comments, where the sentiment analysis output by SenticNet7 is used as actual values. Cross-validation with 10-folds is employed in the proposed models. The findings demonstrate that the max-voting technique outperforms compared with an individual fold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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A second-generation hydrogen bond donor (HBD) anion receptor with an inner amide cavity and an outer urea cavity can selectively and efficiently extract arsenate (AsO43−) from water in the presence of competitive oxoanions and halides. The X-ray structure showed encapsulation of AsO43− in a π-stacked dimeric capsular assembly of the receptor, the first crystallography-based example of pentavalent AsO43− trianion recognition by a HBD receptor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Job security for most working population is crucial in ensuring living standards. The main goal of this article is to find out, based on the analysis of employment, unemployment, vacancies, and wages in various job categories in the Czech Republic between 2015 and 2022, which job groups are most prone to job insecurity and job loss. Data from the Information System on Average Earnings (ISPV) and MLSA portal were used to analyse the structure of job seekers and job vacancies and to establish employment and wages. Data were processed using descriptive statistical methods. An evaluation of the variance was performed among the selected variables. A t-test was used to measure differences in job security between the observed employment categories. The results show that higher-skilled worker requirements characterize the best job classes regarding job security and wages. On the other hand, the unstable job categories with high unemployment rates and low wage rates were support and unqualified jobs and service and sales jobs. A final important finding is that firms are creating jobs with low educational requirements, which may indicate stagnation in future job innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crystal structures of two new podand molecules (1 and 2) synthesized from 1,3,5-tris(bromomethyl)mesitylene and two bromide salts of tris(4-amino-N-ethylbenzamide)amine (3) were elucidated to witness the structure directing roles of weak noncovalent interactions (C–H and π–π interactions) and/or charge-assisted hydrogen bonds in the organized self-assembly of the solvated podands. Podand 1 crystallizes from acetone as [1·(CH3)2CO], and shows self-assembly via C–H⋯O hydrogen bonds and π–π interactions to generate a well-organized three-dimensional framework. Podand 2 crystallizes from methanol–water as [2·H2O], and shows the formation of a hydrogen bonded dimeric capsular assembly where the encapsulated water molecules interact with aromatic C–H protons and amine N–H protons of the tripodal scaffold, and also with bromide counter-anions which are located outside the tripodal cavity. Unlike [2·H2O], no lattice water is encapsulated within the molecular cavity of protonated podand 3 in its dibromide salt [(3H2)2+·(Br−)2·(4H2O)] and tetrabromide salt [(3H4)4+·(Br−)4·(H2O·CH3OH)] due to intramolecular hydrogen bonding and π–π interactions between the pendent arms. The crystal structures of both dibromide and tetrabromide salts showed self-assembly primarily via charge-assisted N–H⋯O and N–H⋯Br− hydrogen bonds, as the number of N–H hydrogen bonds far exceeds the number of C–H hydrogen bonds in both cases. The 1H-NMR spectra of the dibromide and tetrabromide salts showed variable shifts of the aromatic –CH proton signals in both DMSO-d6 and D2O, indicating the different degrees of protonation in podand 3. The relative contributions of different types of interactions (in percentage) observed in the crystal structures of the podands were obtained from Hirshfeld surface analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasmodium sporozoites are extracellular forms introduced during mosquito bite that selectively invade mammalian hepatocytes. Sporozoites are delimited by a cell membrane that is linked to the underlying acto‐myosin molecular motor. While membrane proteins with roles in motility and invasion have been well studied, very little is known about proteins that maintain the sporozoite shape. We demonstrate that in Plasmodium berghei (Pb) a conserved hypothetical gene, PBANKA_1422900 specifies sporozoite structural integrity maintenance protein (SIMP) required for maintaining the sporozoite shape and motility. Sporozoites lacking SIMP exhibited loss of regular shape, extensive membrane blebbing at multiple foci, and membrane detachment. The mutant sporozoites failed to infect hepatocytes, though the altered shape did not affect the organization of cytoskeleton or inner membrane complex (IMC). Interestingly, the components of IMC failed to extend under the membrane blebs likely suggesting that SIMP may assist in anchoring the membrane to IMC. Endogenous C‐terminal HA tagging localized SIMP to membrane and revealed the C‐terminus of the protein to be extracellular. Since SIMP is highly conserved among Plasmodium species, these findings have important implications for utilizing it as a novel sporozoite‐specific vaccine candidate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this study is to capture key pro-environmental behaviours that are triggered when individuals are subjected to a virtual environment simulation of a pristine tourism destination. The study made use of virtual reality headsets to gauge potential predictors of pro-environmental behaviour. Pre and post intervention response differentials were recorded through a structured questionnaire on 100 individuals. The study was divided into two stages. The first stage comprised of the PLS-SEM algorithm which empirically tested postulations anchored on the Pro-Environmental Behaviour framework. The second phase of the study deployed the PLS-MGA algorithm to observe changes in propensities. Findings reveal that, virtual reality interventions partially effect how individuals perceive pro-environmental behaviour. The study advices policy makers and practitioners to cultivate industry 4.0 technologies like virtual reality to raise awareness about climate action among tourists. For academicians, the study expands the utility sprectrum of the Pro-Environmental Behaviour (PEB) framework and it is suggested that future studies inculcate virtual/augmented/extended reality competencies in experiment based investigations. The study maybe repeated in the context of other developing economies where sustainable tourism development remain a challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Czech Republic has experienced momentous tourism expansion in recent years. Nevertheless, there is a lack of empirical investigation about this development. Innovations are an essential factor for the sustainable development of the tourism industry in the Czech Republic. The paper expounds on the effect of technical and process innovations among the tour and travel companies in the Czech Republic. The study surveyed 96 travel and tour operators aged 18-40 working in the various small, medium, and large travel agencies to determine their perceptions towards innovation in their respective travel businesses. A two-phased statistical process that combined PLS-SEM and GLM examined the responses of the individuals. It revealed that technical innovation had a robust and positive relationship with corporate profitability. Process innovation remains a grey area for Czech travel businesses. The study builds upon the Process Innovations in Colombia's Tourist Enterprises or PICTE framework to induct critical insights for travel agencies and tour operators to provide these businesses a way forward and make them more competitive and sustainable. It has been observed that tourism businesses that were not early adopters of disruptive technologies became vulnerable to market mechanisms. Therefore, the relevance of this study is further accentuated. COVID-19 has accelerated the climate of VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity) among Czech tour and travel operators, many of whom winded up or downsized operations. Many of these firms were in the medium and small segments. In light of the present situation, it becomes imperative that travel service providers invest in modern technologies and ensure the same diffusion among the staff. The paper gave the strategies towards human resource mapping and digital transformations for the best interest of the tourism industry. Future studies are recommended to focus on longitudinal measures towards understanding innovation propensities among small and medium-sized businesses. Mixed method studies are encouraged to comprehend the corporate dynamics of change management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, India, located at the height of 150 meters above the surrounding sandy plains, is one of the city's most prominent monuments built over the Jodhpur group-Malani-Igneous Suite. The old city, which boasts numerous blue-painted houses, lies adjacent to the Mehrangarh Fort. The residents of the old city play a significant role in keeping the geoheritage and cultural heritage intact. The study investigates the moderating role of residents' Perception towards support for Geoheritage Tourism and Conservation in and around Mehrangarh Fort. A combination of Weber's theory of substantive and formal rationality (WTSFR) and Social Exchange Theory (SET) is used to investigate and infer the interposing and moderating role of residents' perception on the relationship between influencing factors and support for geo-heritage conservation. A PLS evaluation of the SEM reveals a substantial capacity of the residents' perception to predict support for conservation and tourism development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selective encapsulation of an anion by a hydrogen bond donor scaffold demands design and synthesis of suitable receptors which could discriminate between anions of identical size and shape or basicity. Here, we report the anion coordination chemistry of two second generation tripodal receptors (AUL and AAL) based on 1H-NMR and crystallization experiments. The tripodal urea-based receptor AUL can selectively encapsulate a hydrogenphosphate (HPO42−) dianion by six strong hydrogen bonds donated from the three urea groups. Theoretical calculations showed that AUL has the highest binding affinity for hydrogenphosphate when compared to other competitive anions (F−, CN−, CH3COO− and HSO4−). Because of its HPO42− selectivity, AUL has been successfully employed in the extraction of HPO42− from water in the presence of competitive anions (F−/OH−/CH3COO−) by anion exchange between two immiscible phases. On the other hand, the tripodal amide-based receptor AAL when crystallized in the presence of F−, CN−, CH3COO−, H2PO4− and HSO4− did not yield any hydrogen-bonded receptor–anion complex and instead crystalline AAL was precipitated in each case. 1H-NMR experiments showed significant broadening and/or downfield shift of –NH signals in AUL and AAL upon additions of F−, Cl−, CN−, CH3COO− and H2PO4− (supplied as tetraalkylammonium salts), indicative of strong hydrogen bonding interactions between –NH donors and anions in the solution-state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depression is a debilitating psychiatric disorder with a high rate of relapse and a low rate of response to antidepressant treatment. There is a dearth of new antidepressants due to an incomplete understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in its etiopathology. Chronic stress appears to be one of the foremost underlying causes of depression. Studies in animal models in the past decade have implicated epigenetic mechanisms in mediating the negative effects of chronic stressful events on the progression/manifestation of depression and other co-morbid neuropsychiatric disorders. However, non-coding RNAs, another layer of epigenetic regulation is relatively less studied in depression. Here, using the chronic social defeat stress (CSDS)-induced depression model, we hypothesized dysregulation in miRNA-mRNA networks in the neurogenic dentate gyrus (DG) region of male C57BL/6 mice. Among several dysregulated miRNAs identified via miRNA arrays, the most striking finding was the downregulation of miRNAs of the miR-30 family in stressed/defeated mice. To investigate miRNAs in the DG-resident neural stem/progenitor cells (NSCs/NPCs), we used the in vitro neurosphere culture, where proliferating NSCs/NPCs were subjected to differentiation. Among several differentially expressed miRNAs, we observed an upregulation of miR-30 family miRNAs upon differentiation. To search for the gene targets of these miRNAs, we performed gene arrays followed by bioinformatics analysis, miRNA manipulations and luciferase assays. Our results suggest that miR-30 family miRNAs mediate chronic stress-induced depression-like phenotype by altering hippocampal neurogenesis and neuroplasticity via controlling the epigenetic and transcription regulators such as Mll3 and Runx1 ; and cell signaling regulators like Socs3, Ppp3r1, Gpr125 , and Nrp1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The interplay between ATP generating and utilizing pathways in a cell is responsible for maintaining cellular ATP/energy homeostasis that is reflected by Adenylate Energy Charge (AEC) ratio. Adenylate kinase (AK), that catalyzes inter‐conversion of ADP, ATP and AMP, plays a major role in maintaining AEC and is regulated by cellular AMP levels. Hence, the enzymes AMP deaminase (AMPD) and nucleotidases, which catabolize AMP, indirectly regulate AK activity and in‐turn affect AEC. Here, we present the first report on AMPD from Plasmodium, the causative agent of malaria. The recombinant enzyme expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae was studied using functional complementation assay and residues vital for enzyme activity have been identified. Similarities and differences between Plasmodium falciparum AMPD (PfAMPD) and its homologs from yeast, Arabidopsis and humans are also discussed. The AMPD gene was deleted in the murine malaria parasite P. berghei and was found to be dispensable during all stages of the parasite life cycle. However, when episomal expression was attempted, viable parasites were not obtained, suggesting that perturbing AMP homeostasis by over‐expressing AMPD might be lethal. As AMPD is known to be allosterically modulated by ATP, GTP and phosphate, allosteric activators of PfAMPD could be developed as anti‐parasitic agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tris(2‐aminoethyl)amine based tripodal benzoylthiourea receptor (L) showed colorimetric response for fluoride and acetate in aprotic solvents within a range of competitive anions studied. The strong intramolecular –NH⋅⋅⋅O=C hydrogen bonding in the C3 symmetric receptor was not disrupted upon addition of any other anions except for fluoride and acetate as confirmed by 1H‐NMR experiments in DMSO‐d6. The cavity of the tripodal receptor is locked due to the inward orientation of the intramolecular hydrogen bonded donor‐acceptor groups as confirmed by single crystal X‐ray crystallography. Fluoride and acetate could selectively disrupt the intramolecular –NH⋅⋅⋅O=C hydrogen bonds to establish intermolecular hydrogen bonds with both the –NH protons from each receptor side arm and showed visual colour change from colourless to yellow. However, hydrogen bonding observed in the solution state does not provide sufficient stabilization to the receptor fluoride/acetate complexes to be crystallized in the solid state and the receptor crystallised as solvates both from DMSO and THF in the presence of excess fluoride/acetate. From UV‐vis and 1H‐NMR experiments, it was confirmed that the colorimetric sensing by the nonchromogenic benzoylthiourea receptor is due to strong hydrogen bonding between thiourea –NH groups and fluoride/acetate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This Review article provides a comprehensive analysis of recent examples reported in the field of quinoxaline‐based chromogenic and fluorogenic chemosensors for inorganic anions such as fluoride, cyanide, acetate, and phosphate, as well as their utility in biomolecular science. It commences with a discussion of the various structural motifs such as quinoxaline‐based oligopyrroles, polymers, sulfonamides, cationic receptors, and miscellaneous receptors bearing mixed recognition sites in the same receptor. Advances are discussed in depth, where the focus of this review is to tackle mainly solution state anion sensing utilizing quinoxaline‐based receptors using different spectroscopic techniques with reference to anion selectivity by colorimetric and fluorescence response. The various examples discussed in this Review illustrate how the integration of anion binding elements with the quinoxaline chromophore could result in anion responsive chemosensors. Over the years, it has been observed that structural modification of the quinoxaline moiety with different sets of signaling unit and recognition sites has resulted in a few anion specific chemosensors. Sensing specifics: This Review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent examples of quinoxaline‐based chromogenic and fluorogenic chemosensors for ions and their utility in biomolecular science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first polyurethane material which is microporous (BET surface area of 312 m2 g−1) is prepared by solvothermal synthesis and acts as highly efficient and recyclable heterogeneous catalyst in the Knoevenagel condensation showing size selectivity, and in the Henry reaction showing substrate selectivity under mild reaction conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early identification of problematic patterns in very large scale integration (VLSI) designs is of great value as the lithographic simulation tools face significant timing challenges. To reduce the processing time, such a tool selects only a fraction of possible patterns which have a probable area of failure, with the risk of missing some problematic patterns. We introduce a fast method to automatically extract patterns based on their structure and context, using the Voronoi diagram of line-segments as derived from the edges of VLSI design shapes. Designers put line segments around the problematic locations in patterns called "gauges," along which the critical distance is measured. The gauge center is the midpoint of a gauge. We first use the Voronoi diagram of VLSI shapes to identify possible problematic locations, represented as gauge centers. Then we use the derived locations to extract windows containing the problematic patterns from the design layout. The problematic locations are prioritized by the shape and proximity information of the design polygons. We perform experiments for pattern selection in a portion of a 22-nm random logic design layout. The design layout had 38,584 design polygons (consisting of 199,946 line segments) on layer Mx, and 7079 markers generated by an optical rule checker (ORC) tool. The optical rules specify requirements for printing circuits with minimum dimension. Markers are the locations of some optical rule violations in the layout. We verify our approach by comparing the coverage of our extracted patterns to the ORC-generated markers. We further derive a similarity measure between patterns and between layouts. The similarity measure helps to identify a set of representative gauges that reduces the number of patterns for analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An N-bridged tripodal urea receptor (L1) in combination with 18-crown-6-ether (LC) has been structurally authenticated to self-assemble into an integrated 1D coordination polymer in the presence of potassium carbonate (K2CO3). The tripodal receptor (L1) encapsulates a carbonate anion within a dimeric capsular assembly. A carbonyl group and a nitro group from each tripodal unit of the dimeric assembly are coordinated to each crown ether bound potassium ion, generating a 1D coordination polymer. Thus, an anion-pair induced 1D integrated polymeric assembly is formed based on two hosts in combination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The farthest line-segment Voronoi diagram illustrates properties surprisingly different from its counterpart for points: Voronoi regions may be disconnected and they are not characterized by convex-hull properties. In this paper we introduce the farthest hull and its Gaussian map as a closed polygonal curve that characterizes the regions of the farthest line-segment Voronoi diagram, and derive tighter bounds on the (linear) size of this diagram. With the purpose of unifying construction algorithms for farthest-point and farthest line-segment Voronoi diagrams, we adapt standard techniques to construct a convex hull and compute the farthest hull in O(n n) or output sensitive O(n h) time, where n is the number of line-segments and h is the number of faces in the corresponding farthest Voronoi diagram. As a result, the farthest line-segment Voronoi diagram can be constructed in output sensitive O(n h) time. Our algorithms are given in the Euclidean plane but they hold also in the general Lp metric, 1 ≤ p ≤ ∞. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A set of three positional isomers of nitro-phenyl functionalizedtris(urea) scaffold has been extensively studied as the anion coordinatinghost. The para-isomer, L1, has been structurally authenticated to self-assemble intoa dimeric (pseudo)molecular capsule in the presence of oxoanions ofvaried dimensionality (carbonate and terephthalate anions). Whereasthe meta-isomer, L2, has been found to self-assemble into a dimeric molecularcapsule in presence of inorganic oxoanions such as hydrogen phosphateand adopts a flat trigonal planar like geometry in the presence ofthe terephthalate anion where each receptor side arm is in interactionwith a carboxylate group of the anion. However, successful crystallizationof the ortho-isomer, L3, in the presence of different oxoanions was not fruitful presumablydue to the steric effect provided by the nitro group at the ortho-position, which hinders the facile inclusion and coordinationof an anion due to electrostatic factor, as confirmed by 2D NOESYNMR analysis of the free receptor. Qualitative and quantitative 1H NMR experimental results showed that the ortho-isomer binds with oxoanions rather feebly as reflected from theapparent binding constant values of HCO3–and H2PO42–as comparedto the meta- and para-isomers whichcan coordinate to these anions very strongly via encapsulation, asconfirmed by 2D NOESY NMR analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tris[4-(nitrophenyloxy)ethyl]amine (L), a simple tripodal podand, may be reproducibly crystallized in either of three polymorphic forms. An understanding of the structural features associated with polymorphism in L has been made in terms of morphology, single-crystal structure, powder X-ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetric measurements. Polymorphs I, II, and III crystallize in three different crystal systemstriclinic (P1̅), monoclinic (P21/n), and orthorhombic (Pna2(1)), respectivelyand single-crystal X-ray analysis revealed conformational differences in the arrangement of the flexible arms when crystallized from solutions under different growth conditions. The conformational difference results principally from the bridge-head amino torsion τamino (C−N1amino−C−C) relative to the p-nitrophenol fragment. The different polymorphs display a range of different 3D hydrogen bonding arrangements, constructed from an intermolecular C−H···O hydrogen bonding array. The supramolecular self-assembly features in the three forms are guided by the control methylene C−H···Namino dimeric interaction in form I, the π···π interaction in form II, and a weak C−H··· π interaction in form III that differentiate the overall packing in the three forms. Three conformational polymorphs of a tripodal podand are obtained by solvent mediated crystallization. Conformational differences arise due to the differences in the torsion in three arms in all three polymorphs. Polymorph I has a C−H···Namino dimeric interaction, polymorph II has π···π and nitro−nitro interactions, and polymorph III involves a C−H··· π interaction, which differentiate the overall packing in the three forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research focuses on the impact of the tourist experience on the relationship among destination image, tourist motivation, and tourist satisfaction on destination loyalty by examining the theoretical and empirical evidence on the causal relationship between constructs. A research model was proposed, in which nine hypotheses were developed, and the empirical data were collected from Hue city, which is a major tourist destination in Vietnam. A total of 204 questionnaires were returned, and the data were analyzed using PLS-SEM. The moderating effect of the tourist experience on the impact of the destination image, tourist motivation, and tourist satisfaction on destination loyalty is analyzed in this article. The proposed conceptual model was tested, and the results reveal a significant relationship between the two constructs to destination loyalty (destination image and tourist satisfaction). Furthermore, the findings support the proposed destination loyalty model: destination image, tourist satisfaction directly influenced destination loyalty, and tourist experience play an important role as a moderator in the relationship between tourist motivation and tourist loyalty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dinitrophenyl functionalized tris-(amide) receptor behaves as a selective chemosensor for fluoride by encapsulation within the tripodal pseudocavity in polar aprotic solvents exhibiting solvatochromism and solvatomorphism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cover Feature shows the various quinoxaline derivatives that can be used as molecular sensors for ionic species, with respective coordination sites on the molecules. More information can be found in the Review by S. V. Bhosale and co‐workers on page 934 in Issue 12, 2018 (DOI: 10.1002/open.201800163). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• PbS10 and PbS23/SSP3 are sporozoite specific genes. • PbS10 gene disruption leads to an early arrest in the liver stage development. • PbS23/SSP3 gene deletion leads to an arrest in the late liver stage development. Plasmodium sporozoites are infective forms of the parasite to mammalian hepatocytes. Sporozoite surface or secreted proteins likely play an important role in recognition, invasion and successful establishment of hepatocyte infection. By approaches of reverse genetics, we report the functional analysis of two Plasmodium berghei (Pb) sporozoite specific genes- PbS10 and PbS23/SSP3 that encode for proteins with a putative signal peptide. The expression of both genes was high in oocyst and salivary gland sporozoite stages as compared to other life cycle stages and PbS23/SSP3 protein was detected in salivary gland sporozoites. Both mutants were indistinguishable to wild-type parasites with regard to asexual growth in RBC, ability to complete sexual reproduction and form sporozoites in vector host. While the sporozoite stage of both mutants were able to glide and invade hepatocytes normally in vitro and in vivo, PbS10 mutants suffered growth attenuation at an early stage while PbS23/SSP3 mutants manifested defect during late exo-erythrocytic form maturation. Interestingly, both mutants gave rare breakthrough infections, suggesting that while both were critical for liver stage development, their depletion did not completely abrogate blood stage infection. These findings have important implications for weakening sporozoites by multiple gene attenuation towards the generation of a safe whole organism vaccine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myo-inositol hexakisphosphates (IHPs) or phytates are the most abundant organic phosphates having the potential to serve as a phosphorus reserve in soil. Understanding the fate of IHP interaction with soil minerals tends to be crucial for its efficient storage and utilization as a slow-release organic phosphate fertilizer. We have systematically compared the effective intercalation strategy of a phytate onto Zn-Fe layered double hydroxide (LDH) acting as storage/carrier material through coprecipitation and anion exchange. Powder X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, FTIR spectra, and molecular modeling demonstrated the formation of phytate-intercalated Zn-Fe LDH through coprecipitation with a maximum loading of 41.34% (w/w) in the pH range of ∼9-10 in a vertical alignment through monolayer formation. No intercalation product was obtained from the anion exchange method, which was concluded based on the absence of shifting in the XRD (003) peak. A change in the zeta potential values from positive to negative and subsequent increase in solution pH, with decreasing phytate concentration, are suggestive of adsorption of IHP onto the LDH surface. The batch adsorption data were best fitted with Langmuir isotherm equation and followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 45.87 mg g -1 at a temperature of 25 ± 0.5 °C and pH 5.63., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (© 2023 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.)

The human malaria parasite undergoes a noncanonical cell division, namely, endoreduplication, where several rounds of nuclear, mitochondrial, and apicoplast replication occur without cytoplasmic division. Despite its importance in Plasmodium biology, the topoisomerases essential for decatenation of replicated chromosome during endoreduplication remain elusive. We hypothesize that the topoisomerase VI complex, containing Plasmodium falciparum topiosomerase VIB (PfTopoVIB) and catalytic P. falciparum Spo11 (PfSpo11), might be involved in the segregation of the Plasmodium mitochondrial genome. Here, we demonstrate that the putative PfSpo11 is the functional ortholog of yeast Spo11 that can complement the sporulation defects of the yeast Δ spo11 strain, and the catalytic mutant Pfspo11Y65F cannot complement such defects. PfTopoVIB and PfSpo11 display a distinct expression pattern compared to the other type II topoisomerases of Plasmodium and are induced specifically at the late schizont stage of the parasite, when the mitochondrial genome segregation occurs. Furthermore, PfTopoVIB and PfSpo11 are physically associated with each other at the late schizont stage, and both subunits are localized in the mitochondria. Using PfTopoVIB- and PfSpo11-specific antibodies, we immunoprecipitated the chromatin of tightly synchronous early, mid-, and late schizont stage-specific parasites and found that both the subunits are associated with the mitochondrial genome during the late schizont stage of the parasite. Furthermore, PfTopoVIB inhibitor radicicol and atovaquone show synergistic interaction. Accordingly, atovaquone-mediated disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential reduces the import and recruitment of both subunits of PfTopoVI to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in a dose-dependent manner. The structural differences between PfTopoVIB and human TopoVIB-like protein could be exploited for development of a novel antimalarial agent. IMPORTANCE This study demonstrates a likely role of topoisomerase VI in the mitochondrial genome segregation of Plasmodium falciparum during endoreduplication. We show that PfTopoVIB and PfSpo11 remain associated and form the functional holoenzyme within the parasite. The spatiotemporal expression of both subunits of PfTopoVI correlates well with their recruitment to the mitochondrial DNA at the late schizont stage of the parasite. Additionally, the synergistic interaction between PfTopoVI inhibitor and the disruptor of mitochondrial membrane potential, atovaquone, supports that topoisomerase VI is the mitochondrial topoisomerase of the malaria parasite. We propose that topoisomerase VI may act as a novel target against malaria., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.