Search

Perovskite, a star material with extraordinary opto‐electronic properties has shown promising results in both perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs). Taking advantage of the similar configuration of PSCs and PeLEDs, next generation devices with dual functionality of light‐harvesting and light‐emission can be realized. Such devices hold enormous application prospects. However, the necessary tradeoff resulted from the opposite working principles required for each mode of operation and challenges such as non‐radiative recombination loss resulted from bulk and surface defects in perovskite films and mismatched energy levels have hindered mass production. To provide a roadmap for rationally designing efficient light emitting perovskite solar cells (LEPSCs), a comprehensive review focusing on operating principle, device architecture, recent developments and limitations is required. We begin with a brief overview of the basic principles underlying the working mechanism of LEPSCs such as photon to electricity conversion and viceversa. The focus of this review then shift towards deligently combining and overviewing the important breakthroughs reported in this newly developed field such as morphology optimization, defect passivation, interface engineering, energy level alignment and dimensional control. Finally, this work concludes with discussing future challenges and providing a roadmap for rational design of efficient and stable LEPSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has reached an impressive value of 26.1%. While several initiatives such as structural modification and fabrication techniques helped steadily increase the PCE and stability of PSCs in recent years, the incorporation of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) in PSCs stands out among other innovations and has emerged as a promising path forward to make this technology the front‐runner for realizing next‐generation low‐cost photovoltaic technologies. Owing to their unique physiochemical properties and extraordinary advantages such as large specific surface area and tunable pore structures, incorporating them as/in different functional layers of PSCs endows the devices with extraordinary optoelectronic properties. This article reviews the latest research practices adapted in integrating MOFs and derivative materials into the constituent blocks of PSCs such as photoactive perovskite absorber, electron‐transport layer, hole‐transport layer, and interfacial layer. Notably, a special emphasis is placed on the aspect of stability improvement in PSCs by incorporating MOFs and derivative materials. Also, the potential of MOFs as lead absorbents in PSCs is highlighted. Finally, an outlook on the critical challenges faced and future perspectives for employing MOFs in PSCs in light of the commercialization of PSCs is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of network cost and revenue efficiency and changes related to performance measures in uncertain environments is an important area of research in decision‐making analysis. A generalized inverse data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach is advanced in this examination for addressing the complexities associated with imprecise inputs and outputs within two‐stage networks. Additionally, the second stage of the network is evaluated for the existence of unwanted outputs. The proposed methodology focuses on estimating fuzzy performance measures in two‐stage processes while maintaining consistent fuzzy technical efficiency and cost efficiency (revenue efficiency). To demonstrate the practical application of this approach, data from various branches of a bank in Iran, which are characterized by inaccurate data and undesirable outputs, is analyzed, yielding logical and insightful results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the synthesis of N5‐(4‐(1H‐benzo[d]imidazol‐2‐yl)phenyl)‐N2‐phenylpyridine‐2,5‐diamine derivatives from Orthophenylenediamine (1) and 4‐aminobenzoic acid (2) and all the synthesized chemical moieties screened against a panel of cancer cell lines resulted in the identification compound 6 a with good anti‐cancer potential and a GI50 of 2.95 μM, 3.35 μM, 2.27 μM, 8.46 nM and 1.56 μM against MDAMB‐231, MCF‐7, A‐549, NCI‐H23 and A‐498 respectively. As the second greatest cause of death globally, cancer continues to pose a serious threat to public health. An essential enzyme called aromatase catalyses the last, rate‐limiting step in the production of oestrogens. As a well‐researched endocrine therapeutic strategy, aromatase inhibitors (AIs) efficiently block the production of oestrogen, which is necessary for aromatase activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N‐methyl‐N‐nitrosopyridin‐4‐amine (4‐MNPA) was one of the nitrosamine impurities observed in the vonoprazan fumarate (VF) during the production of the VF‐active pharmaceutical ingredient. Therefore, a sensitive and efficient multiple reaction monitoring method has been developed for the quantitative estimation of 4‐MNPA impurity in VF. Good separation of 4‐MNPA and VF was achieved using a Zorbax SB‐phenyl (250 × 4.6 mm2, 5 µm) column under gradient eluent conditions. The mobile phases included 0.005 M ammonium formate and methanol as mobile phases A and B, respectively. The column flow rate was 0.8 mL min−1, and a mixture of methanol and water (50:50, v/v) was used in the present study. The 4‐MNPA method was validated with the limit of detection and limit of quantification concentrations of 0.5 and 1.5 µg mL−1, respectively. The linearity range was covered from 1.5 to 6.0 µg mL−1. The % coefficient of variation for repeatability and intermediate precision results was found to be 2.0% and 2.4%, respectively. The % recovery results were within the range of 70%–130%. In conclusion, the developed method using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry represents a suitable, linear, precise, and an accurate method for determining the 4‐MNPA impurity in VF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hazardous materials in compost leachate pose a threat to the environment, and its treatment has become a concern in recent years. The adsorption process is a highly effective method that is used for treating these contaminants. This research pioneered the application of cyclodextrin‐epichlorohydrin (ECP) copolymer for chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal in compost leachate treatment. It offers a practical and effective approach to addressing environmental concerns associated with COD, with an extremely high adsorption capacity of 11,246 mg/g. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), x‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive x‐ray (EDX) analyses were performed to identify the synthesized ECP. The effects of different parameters on the adsorption process were systematically investigated. Organic compounds removal was also evaluated using response surface methodology (RSM) in relation to process parameters. The maximum removal of COD was achieved in acidic solutions with an agitation speed of 160 rpm and adsorbent dosage of 3 g/L at 60 min. The corresponding maximum removal percentage achieved under the optimum conditions was about 70%. The adsorption process followed pseudo−second order kinetics and Freundlich isotherms models. The adsorption behaviour of ECP was investigated in ionic environment and it was efficiently regenerated for three adsorption–desorption cycles. The ECP showed high adsorption capacity and was found to be cost‐effective for COD removal. It was found to be a sustainable waste management strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the development of a reliable and linear analytical method for precisely determining dimethylamine impurity in N,N‐dimethylformamide solvent utilizing a benzoyl chloride derivatization reagent and a gas chromatography mass spectrometer. Benzoyl chloride was used to derivatize dimethylamine. At normal temperature, benzoyl chloride combined with dimethylamine, producing N,N‐dimethylbenzamide. This method separated N,N‐dimethylbenzamide using Rtx‐5 amine (30 m × 0.32 mm × 1.50 μm) as the stationary phase, helium as the carrier gas, argon as the collision gas, and methanol as the diluent. The column flow rate was 2 mL/min. The retention time of N,N‐dimethylbenzamide was determined to be 8.5 min. Precision, linearity, and accuracy were tested using ICH Q2 (R2) and USP<1225> guidelines. The percentage coefficient of variation (CV) for N,N‐dimethylbenzamide in the system suitability parameter was 1.1%. The correlation coefficient of N,N‐dimethylbenzamide was found to be >0.99. In the method precision parameter, the % CV for N,N‐dimethylbenzamide was found to be 1.9%, whereas the % CV for N,N‐dimethylbenzamide was 1.2% in intermediate precision. The percentage recovery of N,N‐dimethylbenzamide was determined to be between 80% and 98%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the pharmaceutical industry, effective risk management and control strategies for potential genotoxic impurities are of paramount importance. The current study utilized GC–MS to evaluate a precise, linear, and accurate analytical method for quantifying ethylenediamine present in tripelennamine hydrochloride using phthalaldehyde as a derivatizing agent. When phthalaldehyde is sonicated for 10 min at room temperature, it reacts with ethylenediamine to form (1z,5z)‐3,4‐dihydrobenzo[f][1,4]diazocine. This approach minimizes matrix interference issues and resolves sample preparation difficulties encountered during ethylenediamine identification in GC–MS. In this method, helium serves as the carrier gas, while methanol acts as the diluent. The stationary phase consists of a DB‐5MS column (30 m × 0.25 mm × 0.25 μm) with a flow rate of 1.5 mL/min. The retention time of (1z,5z)‐3,4‐dihydrobenzo[f][1,4]diazocine was determined to be 6.215 min. The method validation demonstrated limits of detection and quantification for (1z,5z)‐3,4‐dihydrobenzo[f][1,4]diazocine at 0.4 and 1.0 ppm, respectively, with a linearity range spanning from 1 to 30 ppm concentration with respect to the specification level. System suitability, precision, linearity, and accuracy of the current method were assessed in accordance with guidelines, yielding results deemed suitable for the intended use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) may be used for treating trauma to the maxillofacial region. The effects of PBMT on maxillofacial injuries were discussed in this review article. The electronic databases Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science were thoroughly searched. This review included in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies describing how PBMT can be used in maxillofacial tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Some studies suggest that PBMT may offer a promising therapy for traumatic maxillofacial injuries because it can stimulate the differentiation and proliferation of various cells, including dental pulp cells and mesenchymal stem cells, enhancing bone regeneration and osseointegration. PBMT reduces pain and swelling after oral surgery and tooth extraction in human and animal models of maxillofacial injuries. Patients with temporomandibular disorders also benefit from PBMT in terms of reduced inflammation and symptoms. PBMT still has some limitations, such as the need for standardizing parameters. PBMT must also be evaluated further in randomized controlled trials in various maxillofacial injuries. As a result, PBMT offers a safe and noninvasive treatment option for patients suffering from traumatic maxillofacial injuries. PBMT still requires further research to establish its efficacy in clinical practice and determine the optimal parameters. Significance statement: Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) emerges as a promising avenue for addressing traumatic maxillofacial injuries. This comprehensive review illuminates the current landscape of PBMT applications, revealing its potential to stimulate cellular differentiation and proliferation crucial for tissue regeneration. From dental pulp cells to mesenchymal stem cells, PBMT showcases notable effects, fostering bone regeneration and reducing pain and swelling postsurgery. The therapy benefits temporomandibular disorders, demonstrating reduced inflammation and symptoms. Despite its evident advantages, challenges persist, necessitating further standardization and rigorous evaluation through randomized controlled trials. Nevertheless, PBMT stands out as a safe, noninvasive therapeutic option, poised to revolutionize traumatic maxillofacial injury treatment pending continued research and parameter optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several resistance mechanisms are involved in dental caries, including oral biofilms. An accumulation of bacteria on the surface of teeth is called plaque. Periodontitis and gingivitis are caused by dental plaque. In this review article, we aimed to review the studies associated with the application of photodynamic therapy (PDT) to prevent and treat various microbial biofilm‐caused oral diseases in recent decades. There are several studies published in PubMed that have described antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (APDT) effects on microorganisms. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the potential of APDT for treating endodontic, periodontal, and mucosal infections caused by bacteria as biofilms. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are activated in the presence of oxygen by integrating a nontoxic photosensitizer (PS) with appropriate wavelength visible light. By causing irreversible damage to microorganisms, ROS induces some biological and photochemical events. Testing several wavelengths has been conducted to identify potential PS for APDT. A standard protocol is not yet available, and the current review summarizes findings from dental studies on APDT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Several countries, including Bahrain, used wastewater surveillance for disease activity monitoring. This study aimed to determine the presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 in untreated wastewater and to correlate it with the disease spread. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted for all wastewater samples tested for SARS‐CoV‐2 in public health laboratories from November 2020 to October 2022. Samples were collected weekly between February and October 2022 from different areas across Bahrain. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction was used to test for the presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 in wastewater, and the results were correlated with the number of COVID‐19 cases in the same area. Results: Of 387 wastewater samples, 103 (26.6%) samples tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2. In late 2020, of 42 samples collected initially, four (9.5%) samples tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 in the four locations that hosted COVID‐19 isolation facilities. Between February and October 2022, 345 specimens of wastewater were tested, and 99 (28.7%) were positive. The highest detection rate was in February, June, and July (60%, 45%, and 43%, respectively), which corresponded to COVID‐19 peaks during 2022, and the lowest detection rate was in August and September (11% and 0%, respectively), corresponding to the low number of COVID‐19 cases. Conclusion: The detection rate of SARS‐CoV‐2 in wastewater samples from Bahrain was high and was significantly correlated with the number of reported COVID‐19 cases. Wastewater surveillance can aid the existing surveillance system in monitoring SARS‐CoV‐2 spread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel approach of instant decompression‐induced swell drying also known as instant controlled pressure drop‐hot air dried (ICPD‐HAD) process was applied for the process performance and quality enhancement of dried banana slices. Using a hybrid approach of particle swarm embedded methodology, the process parameters treatment pressure (TP), treatment time (TT), and duration of decompressed State (DDS) were optimized for various responses including drying time (DT), browning index (BI), rehydration ratio (RR), and total antioxidant activity (TAA). The optimized process conditions were found to be 0.1 MPa of TP, 25 s of TT, and 12 s of DDS for a minimum DT of 225 min and, maximum BI, RR, and TAA, of 6.20%, 3.40%, and 98.78% respectively. The results also demonstrated that the dried banana samples produced by the ICPD‐HAD method exhibited superior quality in terms of minimal DT and BI and maximum TAA and RR compared to those produced by the vacuum and hot air drying techniques. Microstructural investigation demonstrating the superiority of ICPD‐induced samples provided additional evidence for the minimum DT requirement. Furthermore, the use of an artificial neural network was employed to investigate the drying kinetics of the novel instant decompression‐induced swell drying process. With R2 greater than 0.99 and a minimum mean square error (MSE) of 0.000131, the 2‐4‐1 artificial neural network (ANN) architecture performed admirably as a means of optimal simulation and robust control of the drying process. Practical applications: Instant decompression‐induced swell drying also known as ICPD‐HAD process is a novel approach for the drying of banana sample with enhanced process performance and quality attires. It is common for banana drying to cause loss of total antioxidant activity and other important functional properties like color and texture. This issue can be solved and process performance can be enhanced with less energy use by employing an innovative swell drying technique triggered by instant decompression. Therefore, the dried banana samples made using this cutting‐edge technique will be advantageous from a health point of view. This method can be used by the food manufacturing sector to produce dried bananas of a higher quality and greater consumer acceptance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2D Janus transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have attracted attention due to their emergent properties arising from broken mirror symmetry and self‐driven polarization fields. While it has been proposed that their vdW superlattices hold the key to achieving superior properties in piezoelectricity and photovoltaic, available synthesis has ultimately limited their realization. Here, the first packed vdW nanoscrolls made from Janus TMDs through a simple one‐drop solution technique are reported. The results, including ab initio simulations, show that the Bohr radius difference between the top sulfur and the bottom selenium atoms within Janus MSeS${\rm{M}}_{{\rm{Se}}}^{\rm{S}}$ (M = Mo, W) results in a permanent compressive surface strain that acts as a nanoscroll formation catalyst after small liquid interaction. Unlike classical 2D layers, the surface strain in Janus TMDs can be engineered from compressive to tensile by placing larger Bohr radius atoms on top (MSSe)${\rm{M}}_{\rm{S}}^{{\rm{Se}}})\ $to yield inverted C scrolls. Detailed microscopy studies offer the first insights into their morphology and readily formed Moiré lattices. In contrast, spectroscopy and FETs studies establish their excitonic and device properties and highlight significant differences compared to 2D flat Janus TMDs. These results introduce the first polar Janus TMD nanoscrolls and introduce inherent strain‐driven scrolling dynamics as a catalyst to create superlattices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Janus transition metal dichalcogenides are an emerging class of atomically thin materials with engineered broken mirror symmetry that gives rise to long‐lived dipolar excitons, Rashba splitting, and topologically protected solitons. They hold great promise as a versatile nonlinear optical platform due to their broadband harmonic generation tunability, ease of integration on photonic structures, and nonlinearities beyond the basal crystal plane. Here, second and third harmonic generation in MoSSe and WSSe Janus monolayers is studied. Polarization‐resolved spectroscopy is used to map the full second‐order susceptibility tensor of MoSSe, including its out‐of‐plane components. In addition, the effective third‐order susceptibility and the second‐order nonlinear dispersion close to exciton resonances for both MoSSe and WSSe are measured at room and cryogenic temperatures. This work sets a bedrock for understanding the nonlinear optical properties of Janus transition metal dichalcogenides and probing their use in the next‐generation on‐chip multifaceted photonic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In Georgia, maternal mortality is relatively high, and Black women are three times as likely to die from pregnancy‐related causes as white women. Doulas can improve perinatal health and reduce disparities, but doula accessibility in Georgia is unclear. Methods: This community‐engaged mixed methods study surveyed and interviewed 17 doulas in Georgia. Surveys included structured questions on demographics, businesses, clientele, training, and challenges; we analyzed them using descriptive statistics. In‐depth interviews included open‐ended questions on doula care benefits, building their businesses, and improving access to doula care. We analyzed the content of transcripts using coding and memoing. Results: Our diverse doula participants described providing life‐saving services including education, referral to care, and patient advocacy. Yet they described numerous challenges to providing care and building their businesses. Almost all participants reported having fewer than their ideal number of clients and all reported being insufficiently paid for their services. Although training, mentoring, and networking help build their businesses, many doulas want to serve Black women, transgender men, gender non‐binary individuals, and families living on lower incomes. Participants suggested Medicaid reimbursement and community health worker models as potential interventions for increasing equitable doula care access. Discussion: Doulas can improve perinatal health outcomes and are urgently needed. Yet they face challenges in building businesses and finding clientele, especially from communities and groups at highest risk of negative outcomes during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Identifying avenues for supporting publicly‐funded reimbursement, expanding equity‐focused doula training, and fostering stronger doula networks with mentorship appears warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optineurin/OPTN polymorphism, M98K is associated with normal tension glaucoma in certain populations, and genetic evidence shows its interaction with tumour necrosis factor–alpha (TNFα) polymorphism in causing glaucoma. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is also associated with glaucoma. We hypothesized that M98K‐OPTN may sensitize retinal ganglion cells to various types of stress. To test this hypothesis, stable clones of a retinal cell line, 661W, expressing either wild‐type (WT)‐OPTN or M98K‐OPTN were generated and examined for their survival under various stress conditions. Compared with WT‐OPTN expressing cells, M98K‐OPTN expressing cells showed significantly lower cell survival and higher activation of caspase‐3 and caspase‐8 upon treatment with tunicamycin (an inducer of ER stress) or TNFα. Levels of ER stress sensors IRE1α, PERK and ATF6 were significantly higher in M98K‐OPTN expressing cells. Tunicamycin treatment resulted in significantly higher induction of ER stress marker CHOP and several other ER stress response genes regulated by IRE1α‐XBP1, PERK‐ATF4 and ATF6 pathways, in M98K‐OPTN expressing cells. Splicing of XBP1 and ATF6 activation was higher in tunicamycin‐treated M98K‐OPTN expressing cells. Increased levels of PERK and IRE1α proteins in M98K‐OPTN expressing cells were dependent on autophagy. Overall, our results show that M98K‐OPTN sensitizes retinal cells to TNFα and ER stress‐induced cell death. We also show that M98K‐OPTN alters ER stress response signalling, which possibly enhances the sensitivity of retinal cells to ER stress. Our results provide support to the hypothesis that M98K‐OPTN may cooperate with other genetic or environmental factors to cause retinal ganglion cell death associated with glaucoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have established Van der Waals (vdW) layered and 2D rare‐earth tritellurides (RTe3) as superconductors and near room‐temperature charge density wave (CDW) materials. Their environmental stability raises natural concern owing to aging/stability effects observed in other tellurium‐based layered crystals. Here, the results establish the stability and environmental aging characteristics of these RTe3 systems involving a variety of metals such as La, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, and Ho. The atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results show that all the RTe3 sheets oxidize to form thin TeOx layers that are primarily confined to the surface, edges, and grain boundaries. Time‐resolved in situ Raman spectroscopy measurements are used to understand the kinetics of the oxidization process for different lanthanide metal cations and establish their relative stability/resilience to oxidization. Overall results indicate that the vdW layers show higher air stability as the 4f electron number decreases going from Ho to La, resulting in the most stable LaTe3 compared to the least stable HoTe3. Comprehensive quantum mechanical simulations reveal that environmental degradation originates from a strong oxidizing reaction with O2 molecules, while humidity (H2O) plays a negligible role unless Te vacancies are present. Moreover, the simulations explain the effects of 4f electrons on the work function and Te vacancies formation, which directly impact the aging characteristics of RTe3 layers. Interestingly, optical and electrical measurements show that the CDW response is still observed in aged RTe3 layers owing to the presence of underlying pristine/nonoxidized RTe3 layers, except CDW transition temperatures increase due to the thickness effect. Overall results offer the first in‐depth environmental aging studies on these materials, which can be applied to engineer and design their chemical stability, surface properties, and overall CDW characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Severe acute respiratory tract infection (SARI) is a major global health threat. This study aimed to examine risk factors associated with poor outcomes in patients with SARI. Methods: All patients who met World Health Organization's (WHO) SARI case definition and were admitted to Salmaniya Medical Complex from January 2018 to December 2021 were included. Epidemiological and virological data were obtained and analyzed. Results: Of 1159 patients with SARI included, 731 (63.1%) patients were below 50 years, and 357 (30.8%) tested positive for viral pathogens. The most prevalent virus was Flu‐A (n = 134, 37.5%), SARS‐CoV2 (n = 118, 33%), RSV (n = 51, 14.3%), Flu B (n = 49,13.7%), other viruses (n = 3, 0.8%), and combined infection (n = 2, 0.6%). Six hundred fifty‐eight (56.8%) patients had comorbidities, mainly diabetes (n = 284, 43%) and heart disease (n = 217, 33%). 183 (16%) patients were admitted to ICU, 110 (9%) needed mechanical ventilation, and 80 (7%) patients died. The odds of ICU admission were higher for patients with hematological (OR 5.9, 95% CI 3.1–11.1) and lung diseases (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.6–4.6). The odds of mechanical ventilation were higher among patients with lung disease (OR 3.1, 95% 1.7–5.5). The mortality odds were higher among patients above 50 (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.4–4.1) and chronic kidney disease (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1–5.2). Conclusions: Being 50 years or above or having kidney, lung, or heart diseases was associated with worse SARI outcomes. Efforts and actions in developing better strategies to vaccinate individuals at high risk and early diagnosis and treatment should help in reducing the burden of SARI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dextromethorphan (DM) and its metabolite dextrorphan (DX) continue to draw the attention of researchers owing to their diverse pharmacodynamics. Thus, there are possibilities for repurposing DM. Most of the pharmacodynamics of DM needs further validation in different preclinical models. Also, it is necessary to correlate the pharmacodynamics with relevant pharmacokinetics data. Multiple bioanalytical techniques developed for this purpose primarily use a high sample processing volume. Since sample volume is a limiting factor for many preclinical models, an effort was taken to develop an alternative method suitable for handling low sample processing volumes. An efficient solid‐phase extraction technique, robust liquid chromatographic (LC) separation and highly sensitive tandem mass spectrometric detection (MS/MS) showed suitability for use of a 30 μl sample processing volume. This led to the development of a highly specific, selective, accurate and precise‐bio‐analytical method for simultaneous quantification of DM and DX in rat plasma. The validated method was linear in the range of 0.196–403.356 ng/ml for DM and 0.102–209.017 ng/ml for DX. The application of the method was demonstrated through the estimation of pharmacokinetic parameters that showed good congruence with earlier studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The complex wound healing process involves activating and synchronizing intracellular, intercellular, and extracellular components. Adipose tissue is attracting attention to promote wound healing. Within subcutaneous adipose tissue, stromal vascular cells and their subsets release growth factors and cytokines critical for neovascularization and wound repair. Objectives: This study evaluated human placental collagen/adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) hydrogel for wound healing in rats. Methods: In this study, ADSCs were harvested, cultured, and mixed with placental collagen. Twelve rats were used, and their backs were excised three times each. Group one received collagen/ADSCs, group two collagen, and group three non‐filled (control) excisions. The healing processes were assessed by histological analysis, taking photographs, and calculating the percentage of wound contraction in mentioned times. Results: Histopathological analysis revealed that the content of fibroblasts, follicles of the hair, and angiogenesis in group one was significantly more than in other groups. Group one had a significant result compared with the collagen and control groups. In group one, significant wound healing and wound contraction were observed with 52% and 80% wound contraction at 7 and 14 days, respectively. Conclusion: Collagen/ADSCs can be considered a suitable candidate hydrogel in wound healing with a high potential for enhancing wound repairing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vibration, especially basic vibration, may cause loose contacts, open circuits, or other contact problems, which account for a large proportion of system failure causes. Due to the complexity of the chassis structure used in the biomedical motors, the vibration analysis of a single component cannot solve the vibration problems encountered in the work of the system. Therefore, it is necessary to use system simulation and experiments to monitor and enhance the health of the structure. Finite element method is used to carry out the dynamic analysis from the component to the system, and calculate the natural frequency, modal shape and harmonic response. Then, the effectiveness and accuracy of the analysis results are verified by experiments through simulation and experiments. The results show that the measures taken have effectively reduced the vibration of the chassis equipment and improved its safety for better health safety of patients. There is just a 2% variation between the natural frequencies acquired from the experiment and the simulation computation. In terms of natural frequency, the first 6‐order natural frequencies all have errors of less than 10%, and the natural frequency error is comparable to that of fireproof board. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of Internet technology, the network information data is exploding, and society has entered the era of cloud data. Cloud data provides a lot of data support for people's life and work, but because of its large number, multifarious types and huge value, there are some problems such as private data leakage and abuse of sensitive information. Stocking of biomedical material at one place only, can cause delay in sending important lifesaving material to needy patients. On the one hand, it is an important content of engineering scheduling theory and method; On the other hand, in medical field, a lot of materials are usually consumed to protect the life of patients. Biomedical informatics and computer vision techniques have been combined in a variety of inter‐multidisciplinary disciplines during the past few decades. We are all aware that inadequate or insufficient cloud access management and controls can expose a corporation to a range of issues. The work that follows offers intelligent supply chain, an upgraded service management control telephone network architecture. If we can acquire according to the patient demands and retain the ideal inventory such that the patient requirement and interest can be safe, the overall cost will be lowered greatly. The experimental results show that R1 orders 31 times, and the total cost is 1,259,520 CNY. R2 ordered 24 times, with a total cost of 982,034 CNY; R3 orders 22 times, and the total cost is 990,146 CNY. Finally, the optimal solution of the total cost after schedule optimization is 3,231,700 CNY. It is proved that the optimal cost finally obtained by forecasting supply chain inventory information based on cloud data environment is also more practical for engineering practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two‐dimensional gas–solid tapered fluidized bed at laboratory‐scale in a homogenous fluidization regime is simulated using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software COMSOL 5.4. The Eulerian–Eulerian (EE) hydrodynamic model is used to predict the minimum fluidization velocity, minimum bubbling velocity, bed height, and solid volume fraction of alumina particles (in Geldart Group A) in the bed with different tapered angles. The effects of static bed heights on the minimum fluidization velocity of tapered beds are investigated. The highest minimum fluidization velocity is 6 mm/s with a static height of 11 mm and a tapered angle of 12°. The bed height is increased with increasing superficial air velocity. At a given air velocity, the minimum bed height is obtained at a 12° tapered angle. A decrease in solid volume fraction is also observed upon an increase in the superficial air velocity. The CFD results show an almost uniform solid concentration over the bed height. The homogenous or non‐bubbling regime appears in a wider range of critical velocity at a 12° tapered angle. In the case of a 0° tapered angle, the results of this study and the discrete element method computational fluid dynamics (DEM‐CFD) simulation exhibit a good match. In the case of 6° and 12° tapered angles, the proposed model leads to good predictions based on the theory of homogenous fluidization of Geldart Group A. This research introduces a rapid and cost‐effective approach for the better design and operation of a tapered fluidized bed in large scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The natural gases produced from underground reserves may contain sour gases such as H2S and CO2. If the amount of these gases is greater than the standard level, it will be harmful to humans and the environment. Hence, it appears important to accurately determine the concentration of H2S and CO2 in various equipment/units of a natural gas sweetening plant. In this study, a new connectionist approach is introduced to obtain the concentration of outlet acid gases of the sweetening tower of the South Pars gas refinery (in Iran), by utilizing a conventional connectionist tool optimized by an imperialist competitive algorithm (ICA). This ICA strategy is applied to optimize the weights, biases, and number of neurons of the artificial neural network (ANN) model. The input parameters in this modelling strategy include time, the amount of H2S in the output amine, the flow rate of input sour gas, the temperature of sea water for cooling, the mass flow rate of low‐pressure steam to the amine–amine heat exchanger, and the flow rate of input amine. The performance of the hybrid deterministic tool, ANN‐ICA, is compared with the ANN‐back propagation (BP) method. The coefficient of determination and mean squared error to forecast the concentration of output H2S are 0.8931 and 0.0125 for the ANN‐BP algorithm and 0.9057 and 0.0104 for the ANN‐ICA algorithm, respectively. These statistical values are 0.8428 and 0.0001 for the ANN‐BP model and 0.9307 and 0.000 05 for the ANN‐ICA model, respectively, while predicting output CO2 concentration. The results confirm that the ANN‐ICA is a more reliable approach, compared to ANN‐BP, to forecast the concentration of acidic gases leaving the absorption tower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A general and flexible approach toward the development of α‐l‐rhamnosidase (α‐l‐Rha‐ase) inhibitors is described. Five enantiopure poly‐substituted pyrrolidine‐based scaffolds bearing the C1‐aminomethyl moiety were designed and synthesized from five‐membered cyclic nitrones. Each structurally diversified amide library of these scaffolds was rapidly generated via combinatorial parallel synthesis and applied for in‐situ inhibition study against α‐l‐Rha‐ase, allowing us to efficiently identify new inhibition hits. Surprisingly, all promising inhibitors are derived from the same scaffold 3. Among them, the most potent and selective inhibitor is pyrrolidine 19 with Ki=0.24 μM, approximately 24‐fold more potent than the reference compound DAA (Ki=5.7 μM). It is the first study to comprehensively prepare pyrrolidine‐based scaffolds and libraries for inhibition study against α‐l‐Rha‐ase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All‐inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are most promising in yielding stabilized power conversion efficiencies (PCE) as compared to their hybrid organic–inorganic counterparts. However, all‐inorganic PSCs have suffered from low efficiency due to significant charge carrier recombination within perovskite active layer (PAL) bulk and at the carrier selective interfaces (CSI). Boosting the PCE through the remedy to both issues seems to be the only Achilles‐Heal on their way to commercialization. Here, a synergistic approach of liquid‐exfoliated molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) at the PAL (CsPbIBr2)/hole transport layer (NiO) interface to enhance the perovskite grain growth and stabilize the hole transport layer (HTL)/PAL interface against the carrier recombination within the PAL bulk and at the interface is reported. The in‐plane coupling between MoS2 crystal lattice and CsPbIBr2 is strongly revealed through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results, which favored the van der Waals epitaxial growth of CsPbIBr2 PAL toward the larger crystalline grain sizes, preferential growth along (110), i.e., normal to MoS2, and low trap‐density. Therefore, the PCE of organic‐free CsPbIBr2 PSC is increased to as high as 10.98% under 1‐sun illumination, which is 48% higher than the pristine device (7.38%), which concludes that this strategy can be integrated to other analogous perovskite compositions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim. Wound healing is a complicated physiological process to preserve skin integrity after injuries and includes the proliferative phase, hemostasis/inflammatory phase, and remodeling through extracellular, intercellular, and intracellular components synchronization. The study aimed to examine human placental collagen/ibuprofen's effect on wound healing in an animal model. Materials and Methods. The cell viability test was performed by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay. In this animal study, three circular excisions were made in the back of each of the 12 rats and injected with the following groups: collagen/ibuprofen, group 1; collagen, group 2; and unfilled as the control group, group 3 for two times. The healing procedures were explored via calculating wound contraction percentage after taking photographs on days 7 and 14. Also, histopathological assessments were conducted on days 7 and 14. Results. The MTT results showed no significant cytotoxicity, and macroscopic results demonstrated that the percentage of wound contraction was 85%, 79%, and 41% in the collagen/ibuprofen, collagen, and control groups on 14th day, respectively. Histopathological assessments showed that hair follicles number, fibroblasts content, and angiogenesis in the collagen/ibuprofen were remarkably more significant than collagen and control groups. Conclusion. The collagen/ibuprofen group had significant outcomes compared with collagen and the control groups in wound healing and wound contraction. Collagen/ibuprofen hydrogel can be a potential hydrogel in accelerating wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. Guided tissue reconstruction can be performed to restore the supporting structure of a previously lost tooth, which, in addition to maintaining beauty, preserves the function of the tooth in the patient. Materials and Methods. In this review, Scopus, PubMed, and MEDLINE databases were searched using the keywords "biocompatible materials," "membrane," "bone regeneration," "tissue reconstruction," and "dental biomaterials." Overall, 150 articles were reviewed, and finally, 107 articles published during 2000–2021 were included in the final paper. Results. Studies have been conducted on a variety of membranes in both clinical and experimental settings. The first half of this article explores the different kinds of membranes and diverse classes of biomaterials used in these procedures. Secondly, biomaterials are examined for their therapeutic uses such as growth factors, stem cells, and gene delivery vehicles. Conclusion. If a tooth has been extracted or if the gums have been infected with periodontal disease, guided bone regeneration procedures may be used to restore the lost bone. Recent years have seen a variety of approaches to regenerating these tissues. To prevent nonossifying cells from entering, membranes are heavily employed during guided rebuilding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Purpose. The biocompatibility and cytotoxicity of formaldehyde and monomer are essential in resin-based denture's byproducts. This present study was performed to compare the release of formaldehyde and monomer and biocompatibility of three brands of heat-curing acrylic resins, including Ivoclar, Bayer, and Acropars, with different mixing properties and the same processing methods. Materials and Methods. In this experimental in vitro study, 18 samples were fabricated from Ivoclar, Bayer, and Acropars heat-curing acrylic resins (each group consisting of 6 samples). The released formaldehyde and monomer level were measured and registered for 1, 7, and 30 days. Also, methyl methacrylate release from samples was used to test cell cytotoxicity using L-929 murine fibroblast. The data were analyzed with repeated measures, one-way ANOVA, and Kruskal–Wallis tests. Results. For formaldehyde release of 1 day, Ivoclar acrylic resin showed the lowest level, followed by Bayer and Acropars acrylic resins (P < 0.05). On 7 and 30 days, Bayer acrylic resin released the lowest formaldehyde, followed by Ivoclar and Acropars acrylic resins (P < 0.05). Acropars showed the weakest and most significant results regarding biocompatibility and monomer release in all three points of time, respectively (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Acropars acrylic resin showed the most significant formaldehyde and monomer release and least biocompatibility compared to Bayer and Ivoclar for 1, 7, and 30 days; however, after 30 days, all three resins displayed the same amount of formaldehyde release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cinnamon verum was used as a low‐cost precursor to produce microporous‐activated carbons with a high surface area (894 m2/g) and large total pore volume (0.49 cm3/g). Thermogravimetric analysis scanning electron microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area, and pore size analyzer techniques were used to characterize the new sorbent. The new porous carbon's ability to remove chlorpyrifos (CPS), an organo‐phosphorus surrogate of ware gases and the active component in most insecticides and pesticides, has been assessed by a batch adsorption procedure. Different sorption factors such as initial CPS concentrations, contact time, pH, solution temperature, and sorbent dosage have been studied. The results show that the new sorbent could remove 100% of CPS at low concentrations of 20 ppm within 20 min of contact time under a favorable sorption process. CPS adsorption was found to be exothermic, and the adsorption capacity decreases with increasing temperature. Equilibrium results were modeled using three isotherm models: Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin. The Langmuir isotherm model was found to be the best model to represent the CPS adsorption data. The kinetic results were fitted to pseudo–first‐order, pseudo–second‐order, and intraparticle diffusion models and thoroughly followed the pseudo–second‐order kinetic model. Thermodynamic factors such as enthalpy (ΔHo), entropy (ΔSo), and free energy (ΔGo) were assessed. The negative values of ΔHo and ΔGo indicate the exothermic and spontaneous nature of the adsorption process. The sorbent from waste cinnamon bark was economically practical and eliminates organophosphorus compounds from aqueous solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diabetic wound is the most challenging one to manage, which is associated with microvascular and macrovascular dysfunction, and novel strategies such as using hydrogels demonstrate their promising prospect in treatment and management approaches of the diabetic wound. This study aimed to investigate the effect of collagen/nanoclay/tadalafil hydrogel on wound healing in diabetic rats under HIIT exercise. Hydrogel was synthesized, and then biocompatibility and antibacterial tests were performed. The therapeutic effect of collagen/nanoclay/tadalafil hydrogel was assessed after induction of diabetes in the rat model, and wound healing was evaluated with macroscopic and microscopic tests. The result of the MTT test showed no significant cytotoxicity of collagen/nanoclay/tadalafil hydrogel. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of hydrogel was detected on E. coli and S. aureus. The macroscopic results demonstrated that the wound contraction was considerable in the hydrogel/HIIT exercise and hydrogel groups compared with the HIIT exercise and control groups during 21 days. The microscopic results showed that the presence of fibroblasts, the amount of collagen, the epidermis density, and the formation of hair follicles were increased in the hydrogel/HIIT exercise group compared with other groups in the diabetic rate model. It can be concluded that collagen/nanoclay/tadalafil hydrogel with HIIT exercise could accelerate diabetic wound healing and can be an appropriate candidate for skin regeneration in medical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic bone void fillers based on calcium ceramics are used to fill cavities in the bone and promote bone regeneration. More recently, silk fibroin (SF), a protein polymer obtained from Bombyx mori silkworm, has emerged as a promising material in bone void filling. In this work, we have compared the safety and efficacy of two types of silk fibroin‐based bone void fillers with currently used and commercially available ceramic bone void fillers (based on calcium sulphate, beta tricalcium phosphate, and beta tricalcium phosphate with hydroxyapatite). Further, we have also evaluated these two types of SF scaffolds, which have strikingly different structural attributes. The biocompatibility of these scaffolds was comparable as assessed by cytotoxicity assay, cellular adhesion assay, and immunogenic assay. Ability of the scaffolds to support differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) into an osteoblastic lineage was also evaluated in an in vitro differentiation experiment using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis. These results revealed that cells cultured on SF scaffolds exhibit higher expression of early to late markers such as Runx2, BMPs, collagen, osterix, osteopontin, and osteocalcin as compared with ceramic‐based scaffolds. This observation was further validated by studying the expression of alkaline phosphatase and calcium deposition. We also show that scaffolds made from same material of SF, but characterized by very different pore architectures, have diverse outcome in stem cell differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutations in OPTN are associated with glaucoma, an eye disease, and also with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a motor neuron disease. A 2‐bp insertion in OPTN (691_692insAG or 2bpIns‐OPTN) is associated with both glaucoma and ALS. This mutation results in frame shift after 127 amino acids, giving rise to a protein with C‐terminal aberrant sequence. We have explored the mechanism of induction of cell death by this mutant in a motor neuron cell line, NSC‐34, and also in a retinal cell line, 661W. Compared to wild‐type OPTN, this mutant induced more cell death in NSC‐34 and 661W cells. This mutant localizes predominantly in the nucleus whereas normal OPTN localizes in the cytoplasm. Deletion analysis of 2bpIns‐OPTN showed that the aberrant sequence was not essential for cell death induction. This mutant interacts with TANK‐binding kinase 1 (Tbk1) but not with OPTN and activates Tbk1. This mutant induced ER stress in NSC‐34 cells as seen by induction of C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) and some other genes. Induction of CHOP, autophagosomal protein LC3‐II and cell death by this mutant were abrogated by Tbk1 knockdown and also by 4‐phenylbutyric acid, that inhibits ER stress. Induction of CHOP and cell death by 2bpIns‐OPTN was autophagy dependent as shown by the effect of Atg5 knockdown. This mutant caused increased formation of LC3‐positive aggregates. Treatment of cells with autophagy inducer rapamycin reduced LC3‐positive aggregates, CHOP and cell death induced by 2bpIns‐OPTN. These results suggest that constitutive activation of Tbk1 by 2bpIns‐OPTN leads to impaired autophagy that results in ER stress and cell death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The first true multitechnology communication system is 5G, which is expected to have a large impact on society and industry. The European Commission funded H2020 5G‐PPP Phase 2 project SaT5G addressed the plug‐and‐play integration of satellite communication into 5G. One of the SaT5G use cases corresponds to the delivery of 5G connectivity services to moving platforms such as aircraft via GEO/MEO satellite backhauling. With focus on this use case, this paper elaborates on the practical implementation and measurement results obtained within the 5G Aero testbed developed as part of the SaT5G project. The 5G Aero testbed activities focus on the next generation of connectivity and content distribution services to airplanes through satellite and terrestrial integration in 5G at the user, control and management planes. Software‐defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualisation (NFV) are key enablers to develop a powerful end‐to‐end testbed that can accelerate the adoption of multi‐access edge computing (MEC) for the next‐generation in‐flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) services, which use geostationary (GEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellite backhauling technologies. Hence, measurement results obtained from both over‐the‐air demonstration over the O3b MEO satellite constellation and in‐lab validation over an emulated GEO satellite link are presented, towards the next‐generation 5G‐enabled IFEC services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As the pandemic continues to unfold, effective, technology‐based solutions are needed to help patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) maintain their health and well‐being during the outbreak of COVID‐19. Methods: This single‐center, pilot study investigated the effects of a 4‐week (eight sessions) virtual AF self‐management program. Questionnaires were completed at baseline and 1 week after the intervention, and assessed AF knowledge, adherence to self‐management behaviors, mental health, physical function, and disease‐specific quality of life in patients with AF. Secondary outcomes included knowledge of COVID‐19, intervention, acceptability, and satisfaction. Results: Of 68 patients who completed baseline questionnaires, 57 participated in the intervention and were included in the analysis (mean age of 73.4 ± 10.0 years, 60% male). Adherence to AF self‐monitoring behaviors, including monitoring their heart rate (p <.001), heart rhythm (p =.003), and blood pressure (p =.013) were significantly improved at the end of the intervention compared with baseline. Symptom identification (p =.007) and management (p <.001) also improved. Reductions in sleep disturbance (p <.001), anxiety (p =.014), and depression (p =.046) were also observed. Misinformation and inaccurate beliefs about COVID‐19 were significantly reduced at the end of the intervention compared with baseline. Conclusions: This pilot study suggests that a virtual patient education program could have beneficial effects on adherence to guideline‐recommend self‐care of AF, emotional wellbeing, physical function, and knowledge of COVID‐19 in patients with AF. Future randomized studies in larger samples are needed to determine the clinical benefits of the intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Successful non‐surgical orthograde retreatment of a tooth with external root resorption in apical third of root and overfilling material beyond the apical barrier which was diagnosed with the help of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), was reported. Biodentine was used as the treatment of choice for obturation of resorption area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of muramyl dipeptide (MDP) analogues with structural modifications at the C4 position of MurNAc and on the d‐iso‐glutamine (isoGln) residue of the peptide part were synthesized. The C4‐diversification of MurNAc was conveniently achieved by using CuAAC click strategy to conjugate an azido muramyl dipeptide precursor with structurally diverse alkynes. d‐Glutamic acid (Glu), replaced with isoGln, was applied for the structural diversity through esterification or amidation of the carboxylic acid. In total, 26 MDP analogues were synthesized and bio‐evaluated for the study of human NOD2 stimulation activity in the innate immune response. Interestingly, MDP derivatives with an ester moiety are found to be more potent than reference compound MDP itself or MDP analogues containing an amide moiety. Among the varied lengths of the alkyl chain in ester derivatives, the MDP analogue bearing the d‐glutamate dodecyl (C12) ester moiety showed the best NOD2 stimulation potency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proteases BACE1 (β-secretases) enzymes have been recognized as a promising target associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study was carried out on the principles of molecular docking, chemical synthesis, and enzymatic inhibition of BACE1 enzymes via biaryl guanidine-based ligands. Based on virtual screening, thirteen different compounds were synthesized and subsequently evaluated via in vitro and in vivo studies. Among them, 1,3-bis(5,6-difluoropyridin-3-yl)guanidine (compound (9)) was found the most potent (I C 50 = 97 ± 0.91 nM) and active to arrest (99%) β-secretase enzymes (FRET assay). Furthermore, it was found to improve the novel object recognition test and Morris water maze test significantly (p < 0.05). Improved pharmacokinetic parameters, viz., Log P o / w (1.76), Log S (-2.73), and better penetration to the brain (BBB permeation) with zero Lipinski violation, made it possible to hit the BACE1 as a potential therapeutic source for AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case report describes the oral rehabilitation of a patient with cleidocranial dysplasia who received a removable partial denture along with silicone-based permanent soft liner to improve esthetic and masticatory function. This patient was the candidate of neither implant nor orthodontic treatment due to medical conditions, history of mandible fracture, age, and risk of fracture after mandibular teeth extractions. Cone-beam computed tomography has made it possible to obtain comprehensive information regarding the morphology and positional relationship of impacted supernumerary teeth. Also, proper collaboration between surgeon and prosthodontist helped to achieve significant improvements in patient's self-esteem, masticatory function, and esthetic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fifth generation (5G) envisages a "hyperconnected society" with an enormous number of interconnected devices, anywhere and at any time. Edge computing plays a pivotal role in this vision, enabling low latency, large traffic volumes, and improved quality of experience. The advent of 5G and edge computing encourages vertical industries to develop innovative services, which can meet the challenging demands coming from consumers. However, economic feasibility is the ultimate factor that determines the viability of a new service. Hence, effective techniques for the economic assessment of such services are needed. This paper analyzes the provision of immersive media services in crowded events, through a cloud‐enabled small cell network owned by a neutral host, and offered in multitenancy to different mobile network operators. We initially develop a planning model to predict the required compute, storage, and radio resources. Taking into account dynamic factors such as service penetration and price evolution, we then provide a number of economic indices, such as net present value, internal rate of return, and expected payback period to assess the viability of a potential investment in a 5G infrastructure for immersive media services. The presented analysis will guide small cell network operators in the provision of 5G innovative media services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, multicomponent reaction of amine, carbon disulfide and fluoronitrobenzene is reported for the synthesis of nitrophenyl methylcarbamodithioate derivatives. The method is based on the nucleophilic attack of the activated methylcarbamodithioate salt to fluoronitrobenzene. Several starting materials are tested and successfully produced the corresponding nitrophenyl methylcarbamodithioate. A possible mechanism for the reaction is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A divergent and concise route to synthesize bicyclic iminosugars, especially polyhydroxylated pyrrolizidine and indolizidine‐based molecules, was described. Six natural product‐like bicyclic alkaloids including (−‐Swainsonine were conveniently prepared through this straightforward method. The key steps are diastereoselective allylation, ring size manipulation through hydroboration‐oxidation strategy and systematic installation of the amino functionality at the C8 position using nitrone chemistry. These Swainsonine analogues were applied for inhibition study against both α‐hLM and α‐hGMII. Interestingly, the C8 hydroxyl group with proper orientation plays a crucial role for inhibitory activities. The compounds possessing the C8 amino group drastically decrease their inhibitory activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hybrid stochastic‐robust optimisation framework for compressed air energy storage (CAES) independent owners is proposed to provide optimal bids and offers in both day‐ahead (DA) and real‐time (RT) energy arbitrage markets. The RT energy market has an excellent opportunity for energy arbitrage, but there are few works which consider this trading. To deal with uncertain characteristics of market prices in the presented study, for DA market stochastic programming (SP) is proposed; however, for RT stage the uncertainty and volatility of electricity price are managed by robust optimisation approach (ROA), and the CAES owner will be safe against undesired price fluctuations. At first, the optimal scheduling of CAES is investigated in the DA market considering price scenarios. After the DA market realisation, additional bids and offers at RT stage will be determined. The proposed optimisation is modelled mathematically as mixed integer linear programming (MIP) and handled by GAMS optimisation software. Using ROA, participation in the RT market can increase the profit of the CAES units. The gained profit in RT market is directly related to robustness level and is selected by decision maker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]