bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Previsão de Preços de Ações Utilizando Inteligência Artificial
Authors: Nascimento Oberis S. , Santos Felipe G. , Ferreira Karl Hansimuller A.
Published: July 2022

O uso da Inteligência artificial pode por meio de análise de dados de séries temporais conseguir prever a tendência dos preços das ações possibilitando ajudar na tomada de decisões. O presente artigo teve como objetivo analisar e aplicar técnicas de análise de dados utilizando inteligência artificial para prever tendências dos preços das ações e auxiliar os investidores sobre qual decisão tomar na hora de comprar ou vender. Utilizou-se três algoritmos de aprendizagem de máquina ARIMA, PROPHET e LSTM, onde todos os testes foram realizados no Google Colab e posteriormente após definir o melhor modelo foi elaborado uma aplicação web denominada The Seer com uso do framework Django o que possibilitou a realização das previsões com mais facilidade. A validação dos modelos foi realizada com base nos valores fechamento diário de duas ações e uma ETF negociadas na BM&F Bovespa. Ambos os modelos conseguiram melhor resultado para o período de até 60 dias, sendo que os modelos ARIMA e PROPHET conseguiram melhor precisão para um período de até 30 dias. O modelo LSTM obteve melhor métrica RMSE e MAPE para os 90 dias observado. Por fim pode concluir que o trabalho conseguiu atingir o objetivo proposto.
Um Estudo Inicial para Avaliação de Competências Digitais de Docentes de Programação e Modelagem com o DigCompEdu
Authors: Melo Domingos Sávio Ferreira de , Coutinho Emanuel Ferreira
Published: July 2022

Competência digital é um conjunto de conhecimentos, habilidades e atitudes para garantir o uso crítico e criativo das TIC e das mídias digitais. O DigCompEdu descreve um conjunto de competências digitais para docentes, visando estruturar percepções e evidências existentes em um modelo abrangente, aplicável a todos os contextos educacionais. O ensino de programação e modelagem de sistemas é comum a diversos cursos de graduação relacionados à computação, sendo necessário aos alunos a prática, atualização e uso de tecnologias digitais. O objetivo desta pesquisa é estudar o DigCompEdu e analisar as competências digitais de docentes de computação com foco em programação e modelagem de sistemas. Como resultados preliminares, uma consulta a docentes de computação foi conduzida e percebeu-se que há interesse na avaliação das competências digitais.
Um algoritmo eficiente para um problema multiobjetivo de roteamento em rede de VANTs
Authors: Marques Jr. Elias L. , Coelho Vitor N. , Coelho Igor M. , Coelho Bruno N. , Ochi Luiz Satoru
Published: July 2022

Este artigo trata do roteamento de Veículos Aéreos Não Tripulados (VANT) em cenários dinâmicos de rede com autonomia de bateria limitada e múltiplas estações de carregamento. O problema é inspirado em restrições do mundo real, especialmente projetado para superar os desafios de um alcance limitado de condução de veículos. Considera-se uma variante multiobjetivo do Variable Neighborhood Search (VNS) para encontrar um conjunto de soluções não dominadas, respeitando a navegação em áreas proibidas e também a capacidade da bateria. Foi desenvolvido um caso de estudo onde um VANT deve atender clientes espalhados por uma rede representando um mapa.
Review on Common Techniques for Urban Environment Video Analytics
Authors: Velesaca Henry O. , Suárez Patricia L. , Sappa Angel D. , Carpio Dario , Rivadeneira Rafael E. , Sanchez Angel
Published: July 2022

This work compiles the different computer vision-based approaches from the state-of-the-art intended for video analytics in urban environments. The manuscript groups the different approaches according to the typical modules present in video analysis, including image preprocessing, object detection, classification, and tracking. This proposed pipeline serves as a basic guide to representing these most representative approaches in this topic of video analysis that will be addressed in this work. Furthermore, the manuscript is not intended to be an exhaustive review of the most advanced approaches, but only a list of common techniques proposed to address recurring problems in this field.
Impacts of Palm Oil-based Biofuel Utilization Promotion Policy in the Thai Transport Sector
Authors: Wattana Supannika , Purathanung Thanit , Wattana Buncha
Published: July 2022

This paper aims to provide an analysis of the impacts of the promotion policy of palm oil-based biofuel utilization in the Thai transport sector for the period 2020–2037. For this purpose, three scenarios are developed to represent different proportions of palm oil-based biofuel blending implemented in Thailand and their impacts are analyzed through the application of the Low Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP) model. The analysis reveals that an increase in the proportion of palm oil-based biofuel in a diesel mix would provide several noticeable benefits, for example, help reducing diesel consumption, decreasing crude oil requirement, and mitigating emissions of CO2 and PM2.5 – a major source of current environmental health problems. In addition, increased proportion of palm oil-based biofuel in the diesel mix would contribute to a growing demand for oil palm production and a plantation area to meet an increase in palm oil-based biofuel production. A high demand for oil palm production and plantation land requirement could, however, be emerging challenges. In order to address these challenges, the effective strategies could include a plan for agricultural crop zoning, crop breeding, the efficiency enhancement of biofuel conversion technology, the reduction of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and the support from the government for research and development of second-generation biofuels. The analysis will be useful for Thai planners and policy makers to design policies to overcome the issues of energy and food security as well as climate change problems.
Assessing Bedul Mangrove Ecotourism Using Green and Fair Strategy Empowerment to Fulfill SDGs 2030 Agenda for Tourism
Authors: Sumarmi Sumarmi , Bachri Syamsul , Purwanto Purwanto , Zubaidah Siti , Shrestha Rajendra Prasad , Sholiha Adellia Wardatus
Published: July 2022

Mangrove management is completely crucial for environmental sustainability. This study aimed (1) to examine the green and fair strategy in developing mangrove ecotourism in Bedul, Banyuwangi Regency, and (2) to examine the economic, social, and cultural improvement of the local community around the mangrove ecotourism area. The research method was qualitative descriptive using Internal Factor Analysis System (IFAS) and External Factor Analysis System (EFAS) matrix analysis from the SWOT approach. Data included primary and secondary data collected in 2020. Primary data were collected through observations and in-depth interviews with key informants and stakeholders around the study site. Secondary data came from literature reviews, documentation of the government institutions, and the local community. Based on IFAS and EFAS analysis, Bedul Mangrove Ecotourism belonged to Quadrant II with a diversification strategy. The diversification strategy in Quadrant II is located between concentric and conglomerate diversification that signifies a strong organization with strong threats. The analysis showed the need to diversify strategies or make modifications by integrating indicators for sustainable tourism in the mangrove ecotourism area of Bedul, Banyuwangi Regency, East Java. According to the identification results of tourism sustainability goals in accordance with the SDGs 2030 agenda, Mangrove Bedul Ecotourism requires the addition or modification of green and fair policies to address the limited aspect of economic development and the lack of guarantees for community welfare and stakeholders.
O Sistema de Inovação Tecnológica da Hidroponia no Brasil: uma revisão de literatura
Authors: Zen Humberto Davi , Brandão Janaína Balk , Breitenbach Raquel
Published: July 2022

Esta pesquisa exploratória teve como objetivo avaliar o contexto da hidroponia no Brasil a partir da noção do Sistema de Inovação Tecnológica (e SIT). Especificamente, buscou-se caracterizar a estrutura, avaliar a dinâmica funcional e discutir o cenário atual do desenvolvimento do SIT da hidroponia no Brasil. A metodologia adotada é a pesquisa bibliográfica, e a base de dados compreende os anais das quatro edições do Simpósio Brasileiro de Hidroponia e a primeira e única edição do Anuário Brasil Hidroponia em 2018. Para análise dos dados utilizou-se o software NVivo®12 Plus. Constatou-se um sistema de composição estrutural com elevado número de atores, predominantemente organizados em redes informais que têm como orientação tratativas sobre aspectos produtivos. No lado institucional, não há regulamentações ou legislações específicas para o SIT da hidroponia. As funções mais relevantes no SIT da hidroponia são a atividade empreendedora e a geração e difusão de conhecimento, enquanto as mais desafiadoras são a consolidação da legitimação enquanto atividade especializada e mobilização de recursos. Considerando as fases do ciclo de vida da inovação, o desenvolvimento do SIT da hidroponia O SIT da hidroponia seno Brasil se encontra predominantemente na fase de crescimento.
Triple quadrupole vs ion trap sensitivity in a multiresidue pesticides analysis in selected fruit and vegetables
Authors: Anđelković Darko , Branković Milica
Published: July 2022

Mass spectrometry stands for highly selective and sensitive instrumental technique ; therefore, it has many applications in various scientific fields. Sensitivity is usually defined as the change in measured signal per unit change in analyte concentration. Several factors such as the effective sample preparation, mobile phase composition, chromatographic column parameters and mass spectrometer features can affect this parameter. By keeping rest of the parameters the same, the effect of mass spectrometer features on the sensitivity of multi-residue pesticides analysis was investigated. Linear ion trap and triple quadrupole, as the two most exploited mass analyzers, were compared. The comparison of sensitivity for solvent-based and QuEChERS treated fruit-and vegetable-based pesticides standards demonstrated triple quadrupole as a highly sensitive instrument. The analysis of solvent-based standards on the triple quadrupole was from 4 to 71 times more sensitive than the analysis on the linear ion trap. Sensitivity enhancement for lemon-based standards ranged from 15 to 138 times, and for vegetable-based standards (tomato, lettuce, cucumber) it ranged from about 5 to about 70 times, when shifting from linear ion trap to triple quadrupole. Sensitivity comparison for solvent-and sample-based standards majorly evidenced the presence of a strong matrix effect, thus reflecting the need to perform analytes quantification against sample-based standards in an actual sample analysis.
Graphene composites with hydrogel
Authors: Eraković Zorica
Published: July 2022

Composites are multiphase materials consisting of two or more different materials with different properties that are firmly bound to each other on the surface. As new nanomaterials, graphene and graphene oxide are particularly interesting due to their ability to form composites and nanocomposites with hydrogels. Graphene has attracted a lot of attention. Hydrogels are materials that have a three-dimensional structure, capable of absorbing a large amount of surrounding fluid without dissolving. Stimuli-sensitive hydrogels can change a physical property in response to external stimuli. Hydrogels based on monomers such as N, N-diethylacrylamide, and N-(2-hydroxyethyl) acrylamide exhibit great scientific and technological importance. They have found application in the paint and varnish industry, the pharmaceutical , cosmetic, food industry, agro-industry, and textile industries. Previous research has proven that graphene significantly boosts the electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties of hydrogels. Hydrogelcomposites with graphene have a porous structure. The paper represents a literature overview of methods for the synthesis and characterization of synthesized hydrogels and hydrogel composites with graphene and graphene oxide.
Challenges Confronting Postgraduate Supervision at the National University of Lesotho:
Authors: Tlali Tebello , Chere-Masopha Julia , Sebatane Edith , Khalanyane Tankie
Published: July 2022

Postgraduate supervision can be a challenging form of teaching, with the challenges further compounded by context or institutional-specific factors.The Faculty of Education at the National University of Lesotho has faced numerous challenges in offering postgraduate degrees, with a few qualified supervisors for the large number of students who enroll in these programmes. This study explored the nature of the challenges confronting postgraduate supervision in this context. It was underpinned by the interpretivist paradigm and employed a qualitative approach. Fifteen supervisors participated, of whom nine (three associate professors and six senior lecturers) were individually interviewed. Six junior lecturers took part in a focus group discussion. Guidelines on postgraduate supervision were also subjected to document review. The findings revealed that while some supervisors had positive experiences, others are frustrated. This is due to a lack of training, and lack of clarity on supervisory procedures, as well as the low academic literacy and lack of commitment exhibited by some students. It is recommended that supervisors should be capacitated through training. Furthermore, supervisory guidelines should be reviewed and benchmarked against best practices in the field.

Key words: Postgraduate supervision, constructivism, reflective practice, supervisory guidelines, challenges in supervisory practice
Low-level nutrient enrichment during thermal stress delays bleaching and ameliorates calcification in three Hawaiian reef coral species
Authors: Han Ji Hoon J. , Stefanak Matthew P. , Rodgers Ku‘ulei S.
Published: July 2022

Terrestrial-based nutrient pollution has emerged as one of the most detrimental factors to coral health in many reef habitats. Recent studies have shown that excessive dissolved inorganic nutrients can reduce coral thermal tolerance thresholds and even exacerbate bleaching during thermal stress, yet the effects of minor nutrient enrichment under heat stress have not been extensively studied. In this study,Lobactis scutaria,Montipora capitata, andPocillopora acutacolonies under heated conditions (~30.5 °C) were exposed to low and balanced nitrogen and phosphorous concentrations over a 31-day heating period. Coral colonies were collected from Kāne‘ohe Bay, O‘ahu, which has a unique history of nutrient pollution, and held in mesocosms that allowed for environmental manipulation yet are also influenced by local field conditions. Principal findings included delays in the bleaching of nutrient-enriched heated colonies as compared to heated-only colonies, in addition to relatively greater calcification rates and lower proportions of early-stage paling. Species-specific outcomes were prevalent, withL. scutariademonstrating no difference in calcification with enrichment under heat stress. By the end of the heating stage, however, many heated colonies were at least partially impacted by bleaching or mortality. Despite this, our findings suggest that low levels of balanced nutrient enrichment may serve as a mitigative force during thermal events. Further field-based studies will be required to assess these results in different reef habitats.
Spectrophotometric determination of Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride, Moxifloxacin Hydrochloride and Roxithromycin Hydrochloride in Pure Form
Authors: Mohammed M. S. , El-Feky H. H. , Mohammed T. Y. , Shama S. A.
Published: July 2022

A straightforward, sensitive, and quick spectrophotometric approach was created and validated for the detection of Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, Moxifloxacin hydrochloride, and Roxithromycin hydrochloride in pure form. These techniques were based upon the fact that these antibiotics produced dark yellow ion pairs when combined with bromophenol blue. The binary complex in universal buffer solution of the optimum pH values was demonstrated at absorption maxima at 633 nm, 632 nm, and 633 nm for the three drugs, respectively, with bromophenol blue. Various parameters, such as the effect of time and the effect of reagent concentration, were optimized. Beer’s law plots were obeyed in the concentration ranges 2– 8 µg ml-1, 1– 4 µg ml-1, and 1– 6 µg ml-1, for the three drugs, respectively, with bromophenol blue. The detection limits were found to be 1.65, 0.83 and 0.79 μg mL-1, respectively, for Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, Moxifloxacin hydrochloride, and Roxithromycin hydrochloride with bromophenol blue. The correlation coefficient value suggests that all three systems are linearly consistent.
Projective Identification and Countertransference
Authors: Campbell Helen
Published: July 2022

A lot of stories has started off with "a long time ago" and when I came to write this paper, I thought again how the start of my interest in this topic is probably deep within the shadow of my own psyche. As I am a twin in the middle of a family of six children, I could imagine there would be, at an unconscious level, as well as the conscious, many times in my life when I have wanted to pull someone into my reality and/or be pulled into theirs.
Some Thoughts on the Process of Immigration
Authors: Anttila Olli
Published: July 2022

An Indian man sits quietly in the Heathrow airport terminal. He seems to look at something inside himself and his eyes are empty, inward looking. After a couple of days the terminal staff starts to notice him and ask what is he doing, why does he not go out and leave the terminal like all the other passengers? He answers that he has flown from Bombay to London and is now waiting for his soul to arrive.
I suspect this is true for all immigrants. For some the soul never arrives. In many cases it takes three generations to become a full member of the new society, to be fully born into it. Throughout history human beings have moved from place to place. Very few people in modern times are ab-originals, people who have been there from the beginning. Numerous studies have approached immigration from the viewpoint of politics, culture, religion, sociology, and economics. It has been only recently that the subject of immigration has become the focus of health professionals and psychotherapists. So far surprisingly few psychoanalytical articles have been published about immigration and it's hidden unconscious meanings.
Psychosomatic Medicine and Contemporary Psychoanalysis: Graeme J Taylor, IUP Press
Authors: Robb Betty
Published: July 2022

Dr Graeme Taylor is a New Zealander who, subsequent to his MBChB from Otago, trained in psychiatry and psychosomatic medicine at the University of Toronto and State University of New York Medical Centre. Presently he is Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Toronto and consultant to Mount Sinai Hospital, and in this important and scholarly book Psychosomatic Medicine and Contemporary Psychoanalysis has bought together psychobiological research and psychoanalytic theory with child development observations in a much-needed synthesis from which he proposes a new model for understanding psychosomatic process based on pre-neurotic pathology as a consequence of faulty object relationships in early life.
A Hitchhiker's guide through the bio‐image analysis software universe
Authors: Haase Robert , Fazeli Elnaz , Legland David , Doube Michael , Culley Siân , Belevich Ilya , Jokitalo Eija , Schorb Martin , Klemm Anna , Tischer Christian
Published: July 2022

Modern research in the life sciences is unthinkable without computational methods for extracting, quantifying and visualising information derived from microscopy imaging data of biological samples. In the past decade, we observed a dramatic increase in available software packages for these purposes. As it is increasingly difficult to keep track of the number of available image analysis platforms, tool collections, components and emerging technologies, we provide a conservative overview of software that we use in daily routine and give insights into emerging new tools. We give guidance on which aspects to consider when choosing the platform that best suits the user's needs, including aspects such as image data type, skills of the team, infrastructure and community at the institute and availability of time and budget.
DNA repair as a shared hallmark in cancer and ageing
Authors: Clarke Thomas L. , Mostoslavsky Raul
Published: July 2022

Increasing evidence demonstrates that DNA damage and genome instability play a crucial role in ageing. Mammalian cells have developed a wide range of complex and well‐orchestrated DNA repair pathways to respond to and resolve many different types of DNA lesions that occur from exogenous and endogenous sources. Defects in these repair pathways lead to accelerated or premature ageing syndromes and increase the likelihood of cancer development. Understanding the fundamental mechanisms of DNA repair will help develop novel strategies to treat ageing‐related diseases. Here, we revisit the processes involved in DNA damage repair and how these can contribute to diseases, including ageing and cancer. We also review recent mechanistic insights into DNA repair and discuss how these insights are being used to develop novel therapeutic strategies for treating human disease. We discuss the use of PARP inhibitors in the clinic for the treatment of breast and ovarian cancer and the challenges associated with acquired drug resistance. Finally, we discuss how DNA repair pathway‐targeted therapeutics are moving beyond PARP inhibition in the search for ever more innovative and efficacious cancer therapies.
Experimental evaluation of absolute quantification in 99mTc‐TRODAT‐1 SPECT/CT brain dopamine transporter (DAT) studies
Authors: Zainudin Norasma Amira , Zulkifli Nadiah , Hamid Khadijah , Hashim Hazlin , Mansor Syahir
Published: July 2022

Objective

To evaluate the quantitative accuracy of clinical brain dopamine transporters (DAT) investigations utilizing 99mTc‐TRODAT‐1 single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/computed tomography (CT) in experimental and clinical settings.

Materials and methods

The study used an experimental phantom evaluation and a clinical dataset. Three‐dimensional‐ordered subsets expectation–maximization reconstructed the original and resampled datasets using attenuation correction, scatter correction, and resolution recovery. The reconstructed data were analyzed and reported as percentage difference, standardized uptake value reference (SUVr), and a coefficient of variation (CoV). The Taguchi method tested the impact of the three different parameters on signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and SUVr, including number iteration, Poisson resampling, and phantom setup, with and without the plaster of Paris (POP). Six 99mTc‐TRODAT‐1 SPECT/CT scans were acquired in healthy subjects for verification purposes.

Results

The percentage activity difference between the phantom with and without POP is 20% and 5%, respectively. The SUVr reveals a 10% underestimate for both with and without POP. When it comes to the influence of Poisson resampling, the SUVr value for 75% Poisson resampling indicates 10% underestimation on both sides of the caudate and putamen area, with and without POP. When 25% of Poisson resampling is applied, the SUVr value is overestimated (±35%). In the Taguchi analysis, iteration numbers were the most dominant factor with the F‐value of 9.41 and the contribution rate of 52.66% (p < 0.05) for SNR. In comparison, F‐value of 9.1 for Poisson resampled with contribution rate of 58.91% (p < 0.05) for SUVr. Reducing counts by 25% from the original dataset resulted in a minimal bias in SUVr, compared to 50% and 75%.

Conclusion

The optimal absolute SPECT/CT quantification of brain DAT studies using 99mTc‐TRODAT‐1 appears achievable with at least 4i10s and SUVr as the surrogate parameter. In clinical investigations, it is possible to reduce the recommended administered dose by up to 25% while maintaining accurate measurement.
Composition‐Dependent Morphology, Structure, and Catalytical Performance of Nickel–Iron Layered Double Hydroxide as Highly‐Efficient and Stable Anode Catalyst in Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis
Authors: Jiang Wulyu , Faid Alaa Y. , Gomes Bruna Ferreira , Galkina Irina , Xia Lu , Lobo Carlos Manuel Silva , Desmau Morgane , Borowski Patrick , Hartmann Heinrich , Maljusch Artjom , Besmehn Astrid , Roth Christina , Sunde Svein , Lehnert Werner , Shviro Meital
Published: July 2022

Water splitting is an environmentally friendly strategy to produce hydrogen but is limited by the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop highly efficient electrocatalysts. Here, NiFe layered double hydroxides (NiFe LDH) with tunable Ni/Fe composition exhibit corresponding dependent morphology, layered structure, and chemical states, leading to higher activity and better stability than that of conventional NiFe LDH‐based catalysts. The characterization data show that the low overpotentials (249 mV at 10 mA cm–2), ultrasmall Tafel slopes (24 mV dec–1), and high current densities of Ni3Fe LDH result from the larger fraction of trivalent Fe3+ and the optimized local chemical environment with more oxygen coordination and ordered atomic structure for the metal site. Owing to the active intermediate species, Ni(Fe)OOH, under OER conditions and a reversible dynamic phase transition during the cycling process, the Ni3Fe LDH achieves a high current density of over 2 A cm–2 at 2.0 V, and durability of 400 h at 1 A cm–2 in a single cell test. This work provides insights into the relationship between the composition, electronic structure of the layer, and electrocatalytic performance, and offers a scalable and efficient strategy for developing promising catalysts to support the development of the future hydrogen economy.
Parallelism to Conquer: Binary Supramolecular Peptide Amphiphiles Launch Synergistic Stromal Reprogramming to Remove the Baffle in Pancreatic Cancer Therapy
Authors: Zhang Weiqi , Zhan Jie , Zhao Ruizhi , Xu Yangping , Zeng Yinghua , Xiao Qiuqun , Ye Wenyu , Wu Yuanyuan , Cai Yanbin , Fang Chihua
Published: July 2022

In pancreatic cancer, the activation of quiescent pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) is a critical event that leads to a characteristic dense desmoplastic stroma. The fibrotic network resulting from the bidirectional cross talk between pancreatic cancer cells (PCCs) and PSCs creates a complex tumor microenvironment that considerably hinders drug delivery and penetration. To improve pancreatic cancer treatment, a promising parallelization strategy with cross‐action property is urgently required that can simultaneously act on PCCs and PSCs to normalize activated PSCs (aPSCs), that is reverse them back to quiescent phenotype. Herein, a novel parallelization delivery system (CoA‐A&B‐γPGA) with dual‐pathway PSC quiescence restoration functions is designed. Metformin downregulates the secretion of transforming growth factor‐beta in PCCs, and all‐trans‐retinoic acid re‐educates aPSCs. CoA‐A&B‐γPGA thus induces aPSC quiescence and homeostatic restoration of desmoplastic stroma in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, CoA‐A&B‐γPGA exhibits deep penetration, improved accumulation and long‐term retention, and enhanced combination chemotherapy effects in multicellular spheroid and xenograft models. Furthermore, this dual‐targeting and co‐delivery system shows high specificity and sensitivity for detecting pancreatic cancer in patient samples. The innovative but simple peptide amphiphile co‐assembly strategy provides a new paradigm to design desired nanomedicines for stroma‐enriched pancreatic cancer therapy.
Highly Efficient and Stable Saline Water Electrolysis Enabled by Self‐Supported Nickel‐Iron Phosphosulfide Nanotubes With Heterointerfaces and Under‐Coordinated Metal Active Sites
Authors: Yu Zhipeng , Li Yifan , Martin‐Diaconescu Vlad , Simonelli Laura , Ruiz Esquius Jonathan , Amorim Isilda , Araujo Ana , Meng Lijian , Faria Joaquim Luis , Liu Lifeng
Published: July 2022

Direct seawater electrolysis is proposed as a potential low‐cost approach to green hydrogen production, taking advantage of the vastly available seawater and large‐scale offshore renewable energy being deployed. However, developing efficient, earth‐abundant electrocatalysts that can survive under harsh corrosive conditions for a long time is still a significant technical challenge. Herein, the fabrication of a self‐supported nickel‐iron phosphosulfide (NiFeSP) nanotube array electrode through a two‐step sulfurization/phosphorization approach is reported. The as‐obtained NiFeSP nanotubes comprise abundant NiFeS/NiFeP heterointerfaces and under‐coordinated metal sites, exhibiting outstanding activity and durability for the hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions (HER and OER) in simulated alkaline‐seawater solution (KOH + NaCl), with an overpotential of 380 (HER) and 260 mV (OER) at 500 mA cm‐2 and outstanding durability of 1000 h. Theoretical calculations support the observed outstanding performance, showing that the heterointerface and under‐coordinated metal sites synergistically lower the energy barrier of the rate‐determining step reactions. The NiFeSP electrode also shows good catalytic performance for the urea oxidation reaction (UOR). By coupling UOR with HER, the bifunctional NiFeSP electrode pair can efficiently catalyze the overall urea‐mediated alkaline‐saline water electrolysis at 500 mA cm‐2 under 1.938 V for 1000 h without notable performance degradation.
Targeted Recruitment and Degradation of Estrogen Receptor α by Photothermal Polydopamine Nanoparticles for Breast Tumor Ablation
Authors: Zhang Yu , Ding Xin , Xie Fei , Gao Mingjie , Qiu Julu , Wang Ziwei , Qing Luolong , Yan Jiaqi , Peng Na , Li Yuanyuan , Xu Juan , Cai Qi , Jin YuHua , Jiao Yuanhong , Liu Yi , He Huan , Zhang Silong
Published: July 2022

The major challenges of photothermal therapy (PTT) toward clinical application are the severe skin injury and inflammation response associated with high power laser irradiation. Herein, polydopamine nanoparticles (PDA‐EST and PDA‐RAL) targeted to estrogen receptor α (ERα) for efficient ablation of breast tumor under a low irradiation density of 0.1 W cm–2 are reported. These nanoparticles are capable of recruiting ERα on their surface and induce a complete ERα degradation via localized heat. Owing to the ERα targetability, PDA‐EST and PDA‐RAL strongly suppress the proliferation of breast cancer cells without causing significant inflammation. This work provides a generalized method for enhancing PTT efficacy under low irradiation density.
Interactive Hemocompatible Nanocoating to Prevent Surface‐Induced Coagulation in Medical Devices
Authors: Quandt Jonas , Garay‐Sarmiento Manuela , Witzdam Lena , Englert Jenny , Rutsch Yannik , Stöcker Cornelia , Obstals Fabian , Grottke Oliver , Rodriguez‐Emmenegger Cesar
Published: July 2022

Interfacing blood with any artificial surface instantly triggers the activation of coagulation at the interface, posing a risk of adverse thromboembolic complications. Immediately upon contact, blood proteins adsorb to the surface turning it into an active prothrombogenic and proinflammatory interface promoting the activation of platelets and the coagulation cascade. Here, an interactive hemocompatible nanocoating is designed that synergistically combines antifouling polymer brushes with the activity of an anti‐FXIIa antibody to tackle the two main causes of surface‐induced coagulation. The brushes provide a passive layer rendering the surface stealth and non‐thrombogenic against blood activation. Furthermore, as soon as traces of FXIIa arise, the coating immediately and specifically scavenges it, thus actively switching‐off contact activation right at the beginning. Moreover, a means is developed to translate this coating to a broad range of polymeric surfaces commonly used in medical devices. The coated surfaces prevent protein adsorption and provide a barrier to bacterial colonization while being capable of capturing biologically relevant concentrations of FXIIa. Notably, the coating completely prevents the formation of clots on the surface when exposed to blood. Thus, the interactive anti‐FXIIa nanocoating provides a new avenue to improve the hemocompatibility of medical devices in a safe and efficient manner.
Randomly Textured Absorber for Omnidirectional Light Absorption
Authors: Wu Zuoxu , Xue Wenhua , Liu Yijie , Hou Shuaihang , Mao Jun , Wang Yumei , Liu Xingjun , Zhang Qian , Ren Zhifeng , Cao Feng
Published: July 2022

Realizing light manipulation with respect to both frequency and angular selectivity is of great significance for sunlight‐to‐heat conversion, but developing a facile and scalable method to enhance light absorption at oblique incidence remains a major challenge. Here a randomly textured absorber is theoretically designed and experimentally achieved by depositing a Ti‐SiO2 cermet‐based quasi‐optical cavity structure absorber onto a structured stainless‐steel substrate to realize omnidirectional absorption‐enhanced light absorption over a wide incidence‐angle range up to 75°. A strategy is employed of combined chemical etching and sputtering that is suitable for large‐scale production to prepare the randomly textured absorber, which exhibits a near‐complete absorption of 98% at near‐normal incidence. It also shows a remarkable angular absorption of higher than 85% at an oblique incidence angle of 75°, surpassing previously reported absorbers. The absorber's superior angular absorption is ascribed to multiscale scattering on its randomly textured surface and resonance absorption in its quasi‐optical cavity structure. In addition, the randomly textured absorber demonstrates good hydrophobicity, which is beneficial for practical photothermal applications. This appealing strategy highlights a new route for fabricating other omnidirectional absorbers.
A New Biphotochromic Fluorescent Switch Based on Dithienylethene and Triphenylethylene: Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Optical Waveguide
Authors: Luo Miao , Zhao Juan , Liu Yanyan , Jiang Long , Wang Sheng , Chi Zhenguo
Published: July 2022

A novel biphotochromic fluorescent switch molecule N‐2F derived from dithienylethene (DTE) and triphenylethylene (TPE) is reported. Interestingly, different photochromic and fluorescence phenomena of N‐2F are observed in tetrahydrofuran/water mixtures. When fw ≤ 50%, N‐2F shows effective photochromic and fluorescent switch under alternating with 254 and 500 nm light irradiation due to the DTE unit undergoing reversible cyclization and cycloreversion reactions between its open and closed forms. However, when fw ≥ 60%, the strong blue‐green fluorescence of the original solution is almost quenched under 254 nm light irradiation, but becomes red fluorescent emission under 500 nm light irradiation. When further irradiated with 254 nm, the red fluorescent emission disappears, but it reappears upon 500 nm light illumination. The results reveal that DTE and TPE take cyclization and cycloreversion reactions upon alternating with 254 and 500 nm light irradiations, and TPE will take dehydrogenation reaction with further 254 nm irradiation. Moreover, N‐2F can easily obtain long length (about 2 cm) rod single crystal with high fluorescence quantum yield of 68.97%. Impressively, N‐2F shows excellent optical waveguide with very low loss coefficient of 0.171 dB mm−1. Therefore, N‐2F exhibits potential applications in anti‐counterfeiting, multi‐color display, and functional photonic devices.
A 3D Printer in the Lab: Not Only a Toy
Authors: Saggiomo Vittorio
Published: July 2022

Although 3D printers are becoming more common in households, they are still under‐represented in many laboratories worldwide and regarded as toys rather than as laboratory equipment. This short review wants to change this conservative point of view. This mini‐review focuses on fused deposition modeling printers and what happens after acquiring your first 3D printer. In short, these printers melt plastic filament and deposit it layer by layer to create the final object. They are getting cheaper and easier to use, and nowadays it is not difficult to find good 3D printers for less than €500. At such a price, a 3D printer is one, if not the most, versatile piece of equipment you can have in a laboratory.
Antitrust policy for the 2020s: Some sensible ways forward
Authors: White Lawrence J.
Published: July 2022

Antitrust policy in the United States has recently gained an unusual amount of political and media attention—including with regard to the application of antitrust to the agricultural sector. There are critics who have argued that a major overhaul of antitrust policy is needed. This paper argues that instead there are some important but more modest changes that could go a long way toward significantly strengthening the role that antitrust can play in keeping the US economy competitive, vibrant, and innovative.
Additively manufactured cryogenic microchannel distillation device for air separation
Authors: Bottenus Danny R. , Humble Paul H. , Burnett Russell , Harper Warren , Veldman Tim , Powell Michael R. , Barclay John A. , Ely James
Published: July 2022

The efficiency of air separation is tested using three different small‐scale cryogenic distillation columns. The performance of a random packed column is compared to the performance of two microchannel distillation (MCD) columns that use thin wicking structures and gas flow channels to achieve process intensification. The MCD columns tested include a plate‐type layered column and an additively manufactured porous honeycomb (AMPH) column. For columns with 25.4 cm of active height and run under similar conditions, the packed, plate‐type layering, and AMPH columns achieved approximate height equivalent of a theoretical plate (HETP) values of 5.5, 3.7, and 3.2 cm for nitrogen, and 5.9, 4.9, and 3.3 cm for argon. The AMPH column can produce up to 0.4 SLM of more than 90% purity oxygen with 12 W of cooling lift. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using additive manufacturing to construct MCD devices and pave a way for constructing novel MCD designs.
Synthesis, spectroscopic, DFT calculations, antimicrobial, cytotoxicity, and DNA binding studies of novel Cu (II), Ni (II), Zn (II), and VO (II) Schiff base complexes based on ibuprofen
Authors: Abdel‐Rahman Laila H. , Abdel‐Mawgoud Abdel‐Mawgoud M. , Mohamed Shaaban K. , Shehata Mohamed R. , Abdel‐Hameed Mohamed , Ali El‐Remaily Mahmoud Abd El Aleem Ali
Published: July 2022

The ibuprofen Schiff base ligand (HL) [HL=2‐(4‐Isobutyl‐phenyl)‐propionic acid (3‐hydroxy‐naphthalen‐2‐ylmethylene)‐hydrazide] and its Cu (II), Ni (II), Zn (II), and VO (II) chelates were synthesized and characterized. The spectral data revealed that the Schiff base ligand HL coordinated to Cu (II), Ni (II), Zn (II), and VO (II) via azomethine nitrogen and phenolic oxygen. NiL and CuL have square planar geometry, ZnL has octahedral geometry, and VOL has square pyramidal geometry. Density functional calculations (DFT) were performed to examine the molecular geometry. The results of continuous variation and molar ratio methods supported the ratio of (M:L) to be (1:1). The antimicrobial activity of the new Ibuprofen Schiff base ligand and its metal complexes was tested in vitro against bacterial pathogens and fungi. The results revealed that the antimicrobial efficacy follows the order: CuL is the highly inhibitor complex compared with ketoconazole and gentamicin as reference drugs. The in vitro cytotoxic activity of the new ligand and its complexes was also investigated against Hep‐G2, MCF‐7, and HCT‐116 cell lines. The results showed again that CuL is the highest active agent compared with Vinblastine drug. The CT‐DNA binding ability of the studied complexes was evaluated by absorption spectroscopic titrations and gel electrophoresis. The results showed that the complexes have good binding propensity, and their binding constant values were from 3.1 × 105 to 6.1 × 105 M−1.
Mechanistic insights and implications of FOXO‐SNAI interplay
Authors: Guo Xiaowei , Wu Chenxi , Pan Yu , Zhu Xiaojie , Peng Kai , Ma Xianjue , Xue Lei
Published: July 2022

Autophagy promotes both health and disease, depending on tissue types and genetic contexts, yet the regulatory mechanism remain incompletely understood. Our recent publication has uncovered a coherent FOXO‐SNAI feed‐forward loop in autophagy, which is evolutionarily conserved from Drosophila to human. In addition, it's revealed that DNA binding plays a critical role in intracellular localization of nucleocytoplasmic shuttling proteins. Based on these findings, herein we further integrate mechanistic insights of FOXO‐SNAI regulatory interplay in autophagy and unravel the potential link of FOXO‐induced autophagy with SNAI in diseases. Besides, the generality of DNA‐retention mechanism on transcription factor nuclear localization is illustrated with wide‐ranging discussion, and more functions potentially regulated by FOXO‐SNAI feedforward loop are provided. Elucidation of these unsolved paradigms will expand the understanding of FOXO‐SNAI interplay and facilitate the development of new therapeutics targeting FOXO‐SNAI axis in diseases.
What Wilhelm Ostwald meant by “Autokatalyse” and its significance to origins‐of‐life research
Authors: Peng Zhen , Paschek Klaus , Xavier Joana C.
Published: July 2022

A closer look at Wilhelm Ostwald's articles that originally proposed the concept of autocatalysis reveals that he accepted reactants, not just products, as potential autocatalysts. Therefore, that a process is catalyzed by some of its products, which is the common definition of autocatalysis, is only a proper subset of what Ostwald meant by “Autokatalyse.” As a result, it is necessary to reconsider the definition of autocatalysis, which is especially important for origins‐of‐life research because autocatalysis provides an abiotic mechanism that yields reproduction‐like dynamics. Here, we translate and briefly review the two key publications on autocatalysis by Ostwald to revive his understanding of autocatalysis, and we introduce the concepts of recessive and expansive autocatalysis. Then we discuss the twofold significance of such a revival: first, facilitating the search for candidate processes underlying the origins of life, and second, updating our view of autocatalysis in complex reaction networks and metabolism.
Interactional, functional, and biological properties of lactone sophorolipid (LSL) and collagen oligopeptides (COP) in aqueous solution
Authors: Chen Yanrong , Hao Shengyu , Xuan Hong Zhuan , Li Mingyuan , Kong Jing , Zhang Qian , Liu Jie
Published: July 2022

For the mixed aqueous solution of LSL and COP, the interaction mode and mechanism have been comprehensively studied using multispectral methods including fluorescence spectrum, ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis )adsorption spectra, and circular dichroism (CD) spectra. The surface activity, particle size, foaming, emulsifying, viscosity, and antibacterial properties were evaluated in detail using a surface tension measurement (ST), dynamic light scattering (DLS), oscillometric method, spectrophotometer, Ubbelohde viscometer, and zone of inhibition separately. Compared with the single LSL or COP aqueous solution, the mixed system shows different performance optimizations in different aspects. The surface activity and foaming properties are mainly attributed to LSL, and the viscosity is attributed to COP. Fluorescence spectroscopy results show using LSL addition that the fluorescence distribution of COP has significant changes and a static quenching mechanism was proved. The results of UV–vis and CD spectra also show the changing conformation of COP using LSL addition. Data on thermodynamic parameters demonstrated that the combination of LSL and COP gives a spontaneous exothermic process and is an enthalpy‐driven process. The interaction mechanism between LSL and COP is very helpful for the application and development of the mixed mild biosurfactant–protein system used in the cosmetic and food industries.
Structural hybridization for inhibitors of the interaction between NRF2 and Keap1
Authors: Lee Dong Heun , Seo Seon Hee , Gotina Lizaveta , Pae Ae Nim , Lim Sang Min
Published: July 2022

NRF2 is considered as a master regulator of cellular defense system under stressed conditions such as oxidative stress. In physiological conditions, NRF2 forms a complex with Keap1‐Cul3 in the cytoplasm and undergoes ubiquitination and subsequent degradation. Under stressed conditions, the interaction between NRF2 and Keap1 is perturbed leading to NRF2 stabilization and migration to the nucleus where NRF2 activates genes accounting for antioxidative activities. Thus, small molecules that can disturb the interaction between NRF2 and Keap1 has been considered as promising for a variety of diseases. Herein, we report development of new, potent inhibitors of the interaction between NRF2 and Keap1 by deconvoluting previous inhibitors followed by structural hybridization. The most potent inhibitor identified by our FP assay showed IC50 of 0.6 μM. We believe that our compounds will help to expand structural diversity of NRF2–Keap1 interaction inhibitors contributing to further development of promising candidates for various diseases.
Application progress of immobilized biomembrane in the discovery of active compounds of natural products
Authors: Liu Sha , Sang Zhenqi , Qin Lupin , Gong Wan , Zhao Luying , Zhang Qiaoyan , Zhao Qiming
Published: July 2022

Natural products (NP) are an important source of bioactive compounds. Considering their complex matrix effects, the development of suitable methodologies for the quick identification and analysis of active substances in NPs played a significant role in controlling their quality and discovering new drugs. In recent years, the technology of immobilized biomembrane has attracted increasing attention, due to its advantages such as multitarget efficiency, accuracy, and/or time‐saving compared with traditional activity‐guided separation and ligand fishing methods. This article provides a systematic review of the latest advances in screening technologies based on biomembrane in the field of NPs. It includes detailed discussions on these technologies, including cell membrane chromatography, artificial membrane chromatography, cell membrane fishing, living cell fishing methods, and their applications in screening various active molecules from NPs. Their limitations and future development prospects are further discussed.