bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Foliar Application of Nutrients Solution (Macro and Micro) on Local Chilli (Capsicum sp.) Gremplasms
Authors: Chowdhury Md. Shah Newaz , Sani Md. Nasir Hossain , Nizam Rezowana , Sultana Tania , Sarkar Shahnaz , Uddin A. F. M. Jamal
Published: March 2020

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the morph physiological attributes, growth, quality and yield performance of five local chilli germplasm viz., Akashi (V1), Kajoli (V2), Deshi kacha morich (V3), Bogra morich (V4), Dongfou (V5) with liquid (macro & micro) nutrient solution viz. S0 (Control), S1 (Solution-1), S2 (Solution-2) were exploited on the experiment. Major characters of growth and yield such as plant height, days to first flower bud initiation, number of flowers/plant, number of fruits/plant, individual fruit weight, fruit length, fruit diameter, yield/plant, protein, and vitamin C content were influenced by amalgamation of germplasm with foliar nutrient solution. However, In amalgamation, maximum number of fruit per plant (327.0) from V2S1 and 1000 seed weight (3.8 g), yield (803.9 g/pant), fresh yield (19.6 t ha-1) obtained from V1S1 whereas lowest number of fruit from V5S0 (72.3/ pant) and 1000 seed weight (2.6 g), yield (116.2 g/ pant), fresh yield (10.4 t ha-1) obtained from V4S0.
Effect of Different Planting Orientation of Onion Bulbs on Growth Parameters Relevant to Development of Raised Bed Onion Bulb Planter
Authors: Devojee B. , Rathinakumari A. Carolin , Dave A. K. , Gowda R. Veere , Kumaran G. Senthil
Published: March 2020

Multiplier onion is among the four groups of onions classified by horticulturists which is propagated through bulbs. Presently onion bulb planting is done manually by planting the root portion oriented downwards as pressed into an irrigated field. Generally about 80-100 man days are required to plant one hectare of onion at a spacing of 15 cm by 10 cm. The manual planting is labour intensive, highly drudgery involved and time consuming. There is need to develop an onion bulb planter possibly with four orientations. Therefore, an experiment was carried at ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru to study the effect of different planting orientations of onion bulb on growth parameter. Onion bulbs were planted on raised bed 45 m long and 0.9 m width at 15 cm row spacing and 10 cm in-row spacing. The four treatments used were viz., T1) root portion up, T2) root portion down, T3) horizontal and T4) inclined. Experiment was laid as a randomized block design with 5 replications. The growth parameters namely i) germination percentage at 7th and 15th days after planting, (DAP), ii) Plant height 15th and 30th DAP and yield. The results showed that the growth parameters were on par in all the three treatments (root portion down, horizontal and inclined) except in treatment root portion up.
Comparison of Elisa and Rapid Immunochromatographic Tests in Diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Authors: Onosakponome E. O. , Wokem G. N. , Abah A. E.
Published: March 2020

Toxoplasmosis is a neglected tropical disease with a global distribution that is estimated to infect one third of the world’s human population. This study was a comparison of ELISA and rapid Immunochromatographic tests (ICT) in diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in Port Harcourt Nigeria. Eight hundred patients grouped in four categories from three Health Care Centres were randomly sampled after due ethical approval was obtained. Samples were analysed using Toxo IgG-IgM rapid test (ICT) and Enzyme linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique. Socio Demo graphic Data were obtained using well-structured questionnaires. The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis based on ICT was 28.1% while that of ELISA was 34.5% both significant (P < 0.05) with a relative risk of 0.815. The diagnostic parameters of ICT versus ELISA IgG were sensitively 46.7% specificity 81.7% positive predictive value (PPV) 57.3%, Negative predictive value (NPV) 74.4 with a diagnostic efficiency of 69.6% Cohen Kappas indicate good to moderate agreement between the two tests for detecting IgG. Although ELISA is the gold standard for diagnosing toxoplasmosis, ICT being less expensive, faster with high specificity and good diagnostic efficiency in detecting IgG is recommended as a preliminary screening tool for diagnosing toxoplasmosis in remote areas and facilities because ELISA is laborious, expensive and not readily available.
Microbiological and Physicochemical Evaluation of Oil-polluted Soil from Major Auto Mechanic Shops in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Williams Janet Olufunmilayo , Akemi Prekebi Peter
Published: March 2020

The capability of microorganisms to utilize spent oil in polluted soil from some major auto mechanic workshops in Port Harcourt metropolis as the sole source of carbon and energy was studied. Soil samples were collected from three (3) Auto mechanic workshops (Mile 3 Mechanic Village (N 4º48' 34.07'', E 6º59' 10.17''), Ikoku Mechanic Workshop (N 4º47' 54.28'', E 6º59' 36.42'') and Elekahia Zone H Mechanic Workshop (N4º49' 11.62'', E 7º1' 16.58'') in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria from depths of 0–30 cm, 30–60 cm and 60–90 cm at the same spot from each station. Soil samples were analysed microbiologically and physicochemically using standard methods. The control sample was obtained behind the Biology Building of Rivers State University, Port Harcourt. The results of the total heterotrophic bacterial and fungal counts showed that the microbial load was high at a depth of 0 to 30 cm for all the samples analysed including the control. With 60-90 cm depth, low microbial counts were obtained. The total heterotrophic bacterial counts from the three mechanic workshops ranged from 6.8 X 108 to 2.3 X 109cfu/g while the total heterotrophic fungal counts ranged from 1.3 X 106 to 8.0X 106 cfu/g. The spent oil-utilizing microbial populations ranged from1.0 X 105 to 3.0 X 106cfu/g and1.0 X 105 to 8.0 X 105 cfu/g for the bacterial and fungal counts respectively. Five spent oil utilizing bacterial isolates of the genera, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, Bacillus, Micrococcus and Proteus and five fungal isolates of the genera, Penicillium, Candida, Rhizopus, Fusarium and Aspergillus were obtained from spent oil-polluted soil in this study. The pollution index of the different physicochemical parameters obtained from the different sample stations was as follows: Electrical Conductivity (EC): Mile 3 had the highest with the mean of 12.50 ±0.0-13.20±0.0µs/cm, while Ikoku had the lowest with mean of 10.99 ± 0.0-11.50 ± 0.0 µs/cm. Ikoku had the highest pH level with mean of 7.0 ± 0.0- 8.5 ± 0.0 while Mile 3 had the lowest pH level with mean of 6.5 ± 0.0-7.59 ± 0.0. Ikoku had the highest Total Organic Carbon (TOC) with mean of 17.55 ± 0.0-20.60 ± 0.0 mg/kg while Elekahia had the lowest with the mean of 16.99 ± 0.0-18.0 ± 0.0 mg/kg. Ikoku had the highest Total Hydrocarbon Content (THC) with mean of 38,862 ± 0.0-40,500 ± 0.0 mg/kg while Mile 3 had the lowest with the mean of 20,550 ± 0.0-30,000 ± 0.0 mg/kg. From the Pollution Index Analysis, Ikoku Auto Mechanic Workshop is more contaminated with Spent oil than Mile 3 and Elekahia.
Die Attach Process Analysis of Enhanced Stand-off Stopper on Tapeless Leadframe
Authors: Jr. E. Graycochea , Gomez F. , Rodriguez R. , Bacquian B.
Published: March 2020

Improvement on the process and design is often a reliable way to resolve a problem especially in semiconductor industry. This paper presents a leadframe or semiconductor carrier merged with a stand-off design structure that will maintain a consistent bond line thickness (BLT) criteria for quad-flat no-leads (QFN) packages. Through package and process conceptualization, the stand-off design located on the leadframe underneath the silicon die corners would result to a steady and consistent BLT during die attach process. With the improved design, die tilt occurrence in die attach process would be mitigated.
Diabetics’ Views Concerning the Safety and Efficacy of Herbal Medicines: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Alsanad Saud M.
Published: March 2020

Introduction: Diabetics have been known as potential to consume herbal and dietary supplements (HDS) to control their diabetes. HDS are taken widely despite limited scientific evidence of their safety and efficacy.

Methods: This qualitative study aimed to shed light on diabetic patients’ experiences and perceptions of HDS to identify any perceived benefit or harm.

Results: The findings provided two main themes concerning patients’ experiences of HDS use: Perceived beneficial experiences and perceived harm experiences. Most patients indicated experiencing benefits from HDS use.

Conclusion: It is essential to understand patients’ perceptions and appreciate their experiences in order to support them when choosing appropriate CAM treatments and avoid any harm resulting from their lack of knowledge or erroneous notions about such treatments. Many more pre-clinical and clinical studies are needed to examine the efficacy and safety of popular HDS.
Creative Class Culture
Authors: Gerhard Ulrike
Published: March 2020

Creative class culture refers to the set of understandings, beliefs, and values of a distinctive group of urban dwellers, the so‐called creative class, that are expressed by the ethos of a modern urban lifestyle. It is most prevalent in gentrified inner‐city neighborhoods that attract people of higher socioeconomic status with specific consumption patterns and high cultural capital. Creative class culture also covers the social and societal impacts of recent urban redevelopment trends in the transforming knowledge society: the global competition among cities for investments, employment, and affluent and well‐educated inhabitants. Besides being a very useful concept for including social theory in urban geography, the notion of a creative class culture fosters uneven urban development by favoring a formally institutionalized social class as the most powerful group for urban growth.
Autobiography
Authors: Butz David
Published: March 2020

Autobiography is an epistemological orientation to the production and reception of communicative acts, in which knowledge claims are based on close correspondence between agents and objects of signification. Autobiography has a long history in geography, beginning with empiricist and humanist traditions, and taking new forms in response to feminist, poststructural, post‐phenomenological, and nonrepresentational theoretical and methodological innovations. Autobiographical communication is valued for its ability to convey everyday subjective experience, articulate emotion and affect, facilitate critical reflexivity, nurture relations of solidarity, and express the perspectives of groups whose voices are seldom heard. As a source of insight, autobiography shares many characteristics with other forms of qualitative methodology and qualitative data, including interviews, oral testimony, life history, ethnography, and autoethnography.
Regional Inequalities
Authors: Dunford Michael
Published: March 2020

Analyses of regional inequalities involve the examination of differences in shared, abstract characteristics of regional economies. Most attention is paid to relative income and wealth and to the way in which they change: if inequalities get smaller, convergence or catch‐up occurs, and if they get wider, divergence is said to occur. This entry outlines the steps involved in examining regional inequalities and their evolution, starting with the definition of suitable territorial entities, the identification of indicators of wealth and income, and the definition of ways of measuring inequality. These methods are used to outline the degree of regional inequality in the world, in the European Union, and in Italy and China. The empirical evidence indicates that regional economies can diverge or converge depending on the relative weight of equalizing and unequalizing forces.
Water Conservation
Authors: Chang Heejun
Published: March 2020

Water conservation is becoming an important issue across scales as water demand increases, but water supply is likely to diminish owing to population growth and climate change. Water conservation in the urban residential sector is highly related to land use and development density, as well as other socioeconomic and behavioral characteristics of residents. Water conservation in the industrial sector has been the most successful, partially because of financial incentives to reduce wastewater. Water conservation in the agricultural sector has been slow and there is much room for improvement to save water through educational, economic, and policy incentives. Water conservation at one scale may not necessarily save water at another scale.
Regional Planning: The Resilience of an Imperative
Authors: Nunes Richard J.
Published: March 2020

This entry offers a historical perspective and is therefore principally rooted in a Western geopolitical context. It probes into what it means to practice regional planning, before proceeding with a reflection on its evolution as a form of planning practice. It points to key texts that have charted this transition, beginning with early writings by authors who helped initiate the process of internationalizing regional planning. It stresses, above all, theresilienceof this “regional imperative” against paradigmatic shifts in regional planning doctrine, from its early advancement through to its subsequent fall and rise and recent calls for its reconfiguration or transformation.
Urban Financialization
Authors: Aalbers Manuel B.
Published: March 2020

Urban financialization refers to a range of financialization processes in and of the city, including the financialization of housing and other forms of real estate, the financialization of urban governance and local governments, and the financialization of large urban projects, including megaprojects. The absorption of capital by real estate is one of the defining characteristics of the current financialized, real estate‐driven mode of accumulation. The debt‐led accumulation regime, which underpins the financialization of real estate, producing tradable financial assets, feeding financial markets on the one hand and supporting private consumption on the other, is clearly not a formula for stability. The state is far from absent in the process of creating variegated patterns of urban financialization and brings the architecture of financial markets inside the organization. The government is transformed through finance, but also uses finance to extend state power.
Training fast and frugal heuristics in military decision making
Authors: Banks Adrian P. , Gamblin David M. , Hutchinson Heather
Published: March 2020

Fast and frugal heuristics have been used to model decision making in applied domains very effectively, suggesting that they could be used to improve applied decision making. We developed a fast and frugal heuristic for infantry decisions using experts from the British Army. This was able to predict around 80% of their decisions using three cues. Next, we examined the benefits of learning to use the fast and frugal heuristic by training junior officers in the British Army to apply the heuristic and assessing their accuracy and mental workload when making decisions. Their performance was compared to a control condition of junior officers who applied standard military decision methods. Participants using the fast and frugal heuristic made decisions as accurately as participants in the control condition, but with reduced mental demand. This demonstrates that fast and frugal heuristics can be learnt and are as effective as analytic decision methods.
Processing of 17Cr7Mn6Ni TRIP Steel Powder by Extrusion at Room Temperature and Pressureless Sintering
Authors: Baumgart Christine , Weigelt Christian , Lißner Andreas , Martin Stefan , Aneziris Christos G. , Krüger Lutz
Published: March 2020

Transformation‐induced plasticity (TRIP) steels are known for their outstanding strength and their excellent deformation properties, which are necessary for the improvement of occupant safety elements in air, rail and motor vehicles. One precondition for the realization of the TRIP effect is the creation of a metastable austenitic microstructure through the addition of a number of alloying elements. The great affinity of some alloying elements for oxygen implies the formation of highly stable oxides during thermal processing. In the current study, an extrusion process (derived from the processing of ceramics) with subsequent debinding and pressureless sintering is used to manufacture compact strands from prealloyed and gas‐atomized 17Cr7Mn6Ni TRIP steel powder. The influence of both the debinding temperature and sintering atmosphere on the oxide particle content in the final bulk product are investigated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and quantitative metallography. Furthermore, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis in association with temperature‐programmed reduction (TPR) experiments, thermogravimetric (TG) measurements and mass/infrared spectroscopy (MS/IRS) serve to monitor the changes in the steel powder surface composition and the effectiveness of hydrogen as a reducing agent.
Microstructure‐Property Relations in the Tensile Behavior of Bimodal Nanostructured Metals
Authors: Guo Xiang , Liu Yang , Weng George J. , Zhu Linli , Lu Jian , Chen Gang
Published: March 2020

Bimodal nanostructured (NS) metals realize the superior strength due to the strengthening of nanograined (NG) matrix, whereas their high ductility arises from the toughening of coarse‐grained (CG) inclusions. Their overall strength and ductility can be influenced by 1) the fracture properties of CG and NG phases, 2) the distribution of CG inclusions, and 3) interfaces. Herein, a 3D cohesive finite element framework is built up and three classes of cohesive elements are developed: 1) cohesive elements embedded into the CG phase, 2) those embedded at the CG–NG interfaces, and 3) those embedded into the NG phase, to examine the tensile fracture of the bimodal NS Cu. The results indicate that the cohesive strength of NG phase is decisive to the overall performances and it also affects the roles of both the cohesive strength of CG phase and the distribution of CG inclusions. When the CG inclusions are array‐arranged in the interior of the entire microstructure, the best overall strength and ductility can be obtained. In addition to these, both the strength and ductility of the bimodal NS Cu get stabilized when the cohesive strength and the fracture energy of interfaces are larger than those of CG phase.
Influence of Microstructure in Near‐Surface Areas of Feedstocks on the Bond Strength of Roll Bonded Aluminum Clads
Authors: Grydin Olexandr , Matzelt Manuel , Andreiev Anatolii , Frolov Yaroslav , Schaper Mirko
Published: March 2020

This work determines the impact of the different grain sizes and oxide layers in near‐surface areas of aluminum semi‐finished products on the bond strength after warm roll bonding. To adjust the grain microstructures in the initially twin‐roll cast feedstocks, they are differently treated to generate different grain sizes in the near‐surface areas. Semi‐finished products of the same near‐surface microstructure are then joined by warm roll‐bonding. In industrial applications, it is common to influence the bond strength of clads by applying a post heat treatment. Therefore, a part of the samples was annealed after warm roll bonding. Post‐treated samples with coarser grain size exhibit up to two times higher peel strength than untreated samples. Higher peel strengths of the post‐treated samples can be explained both by improved diffusion bonding due to heat exposure, and by recrystallization and grain coarsening of microstructure in the interface of sheets. Increase in peel strength of the composites made of feedstocks with coarser grains can be the result of stronger grain rotation, which damages oxide layer on the interface. To summarize, twin‐roll cast and soaked material with the coarsest grains in the near‐surface areas is the best feedstock for roll‐bonding, if an additional heat treatment is applied.
Copper Iron Sulfide Nanocrystal‐Bulk Silicon Heterojunctions for Broadband Photodetection
Authors: Sugathan Anumol , Saigal Nihit , Rajasekar Guru Pratheep , Pandey Anshu
Published: March 2020

This study describes the optoelectronic characteristics of CuFeS2/Si nanocrystal/bulk heterojunctions. These heterojunctions show a strong photocurrent response under ambient conditions upon excitation from a wide optical spectrum, from 460 to 2200 nm. The devices comprise of a heterojunction formed between heavily doped n‐type silicon (1–100 Ω cm) and copper iron sulfide (CuFeS2) nanocrystal films. Over the spectral range 460–2200 nm the device shows a fast response (20 µs at NIR wavelengths), along with responsivity and detectivity of 4.68 mA W−1 and 5.29 × 109 Jones at 1900 nm wavelength. The photocurrent is further observed to be a nonlinear function of power. These properties of the devices are discussed in terms of a defect filling mechanism. Besides their regular photoresponse described above, the devices also exhibit a slower photothermal response, allowing these to also sense hot objects (450 K; excess 6 mW incident onto the device) within the focal plane, thereby extending the useful sensing range of the devices deeper into the infrared.
Critical Review on Biochar‐Supported Catalysts for Pollutant Degradation and Sustainable Biorefinery
Authors: Kumar Manish , Xiong Xinni , Sun Yuqing , Yu Iris K. M. , Tsang Daniel C. W. , Hou Deyi , Gupta Juhi , Bhaskar Thallada , Pandey Ashok
Published: March 2020

Biochar (BC) is a material synthesized from biomass by thermochemical conversion. Physicochemical and functional properties of BCs can be enhanced by several methods of activation or functionalization. The activated and functionalized BCs with a large surface area and abundant surface functional groups can serve as effective catalysts or catalyst supports for various chemical transformations as well as for adsorption/sorption/enrichment of low‐concentration pollutant streams. Among them, remediation of environmental contaminants and production of a range of bioproducts in biorefineries have attracted much attention in the context of achieving green and sustainable development. Although the applications of BC as adsorbents in removal of pollutants have been discussed extensively, there is a lot of untapped potential with new applications of BCs as catalysts or catalyst supports for advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) and sustainable biorefineries. In this review, the production and activation/functionalization of BCs are scrutinized. The mechanisms of activated and functionalized BC and BC‐supported catalysts in degradation of organic contaminants via AOPs assisted with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), peroxydisulfate (PDS), and peroxymonosulfate (PMS) are reviewed. Emerging applications of BC as catalyst for production of biodiesel and high‐value chemicals, tar removal, bio‐syngas reforming, and energy storage and conversion devices are discussed in detail.
Intertwined Nickel and Magnesium Oxide Rival Precious Metals for Catalytic Reforming of Greenhouse Gases
Authors: Nishiguchi Hikari , Najib Abdillah Sani Bin Mohd , Peng Xiaobo , Cho Yohei , Hashimoto Ayako , Ueda Shigenori , Fujita Takeshi , Miyauchi Masahiro , Abe Hideki
Published: March 2020

A nanoporous catalyst consisting of intertwined, fibrous networks of nickel and magnesium oxide, i.e., n‐Ni#MgO, is fabricated from a Ni‐Mg alloy via atmospheric treatments followed by acid leaching. The n‐Ni#MgO efficiently catalyzes reforming of the two major greenhouse gases, methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2), in a low‐temperature range (<600 °C). Moreover, it exhibits higher coking tolerance than conventional nickel‐based catalysts and can rival commercial precious metal catalysts in terms of both the reaction activity and coking tolerance. The characterization results demonstrate that the excellent catalytic performance of n‐Ni#MgO is attributed to the basic MgO support and intertwined nanoporous network structure, which significantly enhances the CO2 utilization and topologically stabilize the interface of Ni and MgO. This work also offers a crucial design for topologically tailoring metal‐oxide catalysts, to achieve a highly active yet long‐term stable metal‐oxide interface.
Effect of biochar application on quality of flooded sandy soils and corn growth under greenhouse conditions
Authors: Basiri Jahromi Nastaran , Lee Jaehoon , Fulcher Amy , Walker Forbes , Jagadamma Sindhu , Arelli Prakash
Published: March 2020

Seasonal flooding following heavy rain deposits large amounts of sediments on productive lands in the lower parts of fields in western Tennessee. The deposited sediments have high proportion of sand particles that negatively affect soil physiochemical properties, which make the soil uneconomic for farming. Soil amendments such as biochar, a by‐product of renewable energy production from organic waste materials, have the potential to remediate sandy soil left after flood events and improve crop yields by increasing water holding capacity and soil nutrient content. The objective of this project was to evaluate the effect of biochar produced from two types of hardwood feedstocks on water retention and corn (Zea mays L.) growth in sandy soil. A greenhouse experiment quantifying the growth of corn was conducted in a randomized complete block design with five replications. Sandy soil was amended with three biochar rates (0, 10, and 20% by volume) under two irrigation levels. The irrigation levels were control and a dry treatment based on the past 10 yr of rainfall data. Biochar application greatly improved water retention in the flooded sandy soil. Biochar increased soil K and P concentration. However, at the end of the study, corn growth was not different in biochar amended and non‐amended sandy soil. This research demonstrated that biochar as a soil amendment has the potential to improve quality attributes of poor soil, such as the soil water and nutrient concentration in a previously flooded sandy soils.
Humic substances reduce the oxygen mass transfer in the air–water interface
Authors: de Souza Lopes Silva Pedro , Mateus Marcos Vinícius , Ferreira Deusmaque Carneiro , da Luz Mário Sérgio , Araújo Naves Emiliane Andrade , Martins Mário Machado , Goulart Luiz Ricardo , Cunha Luís Carlos Scalon , de Souza Inácio Gonçalves Julio Cesar
Published: March 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of humic substances (HS) on volumetric oxygen‐transfer coefficient (KLa) under different turbulence intensities at the air–water interface. The experiments were carried out in an oscillating grid tank which provided three levels of turbulence intensities (Reynolds numbers of 5,116, 10,316, and 15,433). For each turbulence level, 15 different HS concentrations were tested and theKLawas estimated. The results showed that, regardless of the turbulence level in the tank, HS reducesKLa. The maximum reduction was 17%. The barrier effect, produced by the occupation of HS molecules at the interface, was the main phenomenon responsible for the reduction in the oxygen transfer. A relationship between the oxygen transfer velocity and turbulent kinetic energy showed that in the presence of HS, the air–water interface behaves like an immobile surface, reducing the oxygen diffusion and surface renewal.
Untersuchung von Schwingungen in Bezug auf Spin‐Phonon‐Kopplung in Einzelmolekülmagneten mittels nuklearer inelastischer Streuung am 161Dy‐Kern
Authors: Scherthan Lena , Pfleger Rouven F. , Auerbach Hendrik , Hochdörffer Tim , Wolny Juliusz A. , Bi Wenli , Zhao Jiyong , Hu Michael Y. , Alp E. Ercan , Anson Christopher E. , Diller Rolf , Powell Annie K. , Schünemann Volker
Published: March 2020

Erstmalig wurde Synchrotron‐basierte nukleare inelastische Streuung (NIS) unter Nutzung des Mößbauer‐Isotops 161Dy für die Untersuchung der vibronischen Eigenschaften eines DyIII‐basierten Einzelmolekülmagneten, [Dy(Cy3PO)2(H2O)5]Br3⋅2 (Cy3PO)⋅2 H2O⋅2 EtOH, eingesetzt. Die experimentelle partielle Phononen‐Zustandsdichte, die alle Schwingungen mit einer Auslenkung des DyIII‐Ions enthält, wurde mit Hilfe von auf Dichtefunktionaltheorie (DFT) basierenden Simulationen reproduziert, was die Zuordnung aller intramolekularen Schwingungsmoden des Moleküls ermöglicht. Diese Studie zeigt, dass 161Dy‐NIS als eine experimentelle Methode ein hohes Potential besitzt, um zur Klärung der Rolle von Phononen in Einzelmolekülmagneten beizutragen.
A Hydrogen Farm Strategy for Scalable Solar Hydrogen Production with Particulate Photocatalysts
Authors: Zhao Yue , Ding Chunmei , Zhu Jian , Qin Wei , Tao Xiaoping , Fan Fengtao , Li Rengui , Li Can
Published: March 2020

Scalable solar hydrogen production by water splitting using particulate photocatalysts is promising for renewable energy utilization. However, photocatalytic overall water splitting is challenging owing to slow water oxidation kinetics, severe reverse reaction, and H2/O2 gas separation. Herein, mimicking nature photosynthesis, a practically feasible approach named Hydrogen Farm Project (HFP) is presented, which is composed of solar energy capturing and hydrogen production subsystems integrated by a shuttle ion loop, Fe3+/Fe2+. Well‐defined BiVO4 crystals with precisely tuned {110}/{010} facets are ideal photocatalysts to realize the HFP, giving up to 71 % quantum efficiency for photocatalytic water oxidation and full forward reaction with nearly no reverse reaction. An overall solar‐to‐chemical efficiency over 1.9 % and a solar‐to‐hydrogen efficiency exceeding 1.8 % could be achieved. Furthermore, a scalable HFP panel for solar energy storage was demonstrated under sunlight outdoors.
Desymmetrization of Dicationic Diboranes by Isomerization Catalyzed by a Nucleophile
Authors: Schön Florian , Greb Lutz , Kaifer Elisabeth , Himmel Hans‐Jörg
Published: March 2020

Cationic monoboranes exhibit a rich chemistry. By constrast, only a few cationic diboranes are known, that all are symmetrically substituted. In this work, the first unsymmetrically substituted dicationic diboranes, featuring sp2–sp2‐hybridized boron atoms, are reported. The compounds are formed by intramolecular rearrangement from preceding isomeric symmetrically substituted dicationic diboranes, a process that is catalyzed by nucleophiles. From the temperature‐dependence of the isomerization rate, activation parameters for this unprecedented rearrangement are derived. The difference in fluoride ion affinity between the two boron atoms and the bonding situation in these unique unsymmetrical dicationic diboranes are evaluated.
In Situ Controlled Construction of a Hierarchical Supramolecular Chiral Liquid‐Crystalline Polymer Assembly
Authors: Cheng Xiaoxiao , Miao Tengfei , Yin Lu , Ji Yujin , Li Youyong , Zhang Zhengbiao , Zhang Wei , Zhu Xiulin
Published: March 2020

Hierarchical supramolecular chiral liquid‐crystalline (LC) polymer assemblies are challenging to construct in situ in a controlled manner. Now, polymerization‐induced chiral self‐assembly (PICSA) is reported. Hierarchical supramolecular chiral azobenzene‐containing block copolymer (Azo‐BCP) assemblies were constructed with π–π stacking interactions occurring in the layered structure of Azo smectic phases. The evolution of chirality from terminal alkyl chain to Azo mesogen building blocks and further induction of supramolecular chirality in LC BCP assemblies during PICSA is achieved. Morphologies such as spheres, worms, helical fibers, lamellae, and vesicles were observed. The morphological transition had a crucial effect on the chiral expression of Azo‐BCP assemblies. The supramolecular chirality of Azo‐BCP assemblies destroyed by 365 nm UV irradiation can be recovered by heating–cooling treatment; this dynamic reversible achiral–chiral switching can be repeated at least five times.
Exploring the Vibrational Side of Spin‐Phonon Coupling in Single‐Molecule Magnets via 161Dy Nuclear Resonance Vibrational Spectroscopy
Authors: Scherthan Lena , Pfleger Rouven F. , Auerbach Hendrik , Hochdörffer Tim , Wolny Juliusz A. , Bi Wenli , Zhao Jiyong , Hu Michael Y. , Alp E. Ercan , Anson Christopher E. , Diller Rolf , Powell Annie K. , Schünemann Volker
Published: March 2020

Synchrotron‐based nuclear resonance vibrational spectroscopy (NRVS) using the Mössbauer isotope 161Dy has been employed for the first time to study the vibrational properties of a single‐molecule magnet (SMM) incorporating DyIII, namely [Dy(Cy3PO)2(H2O)5]Br3⋅2 (Cy3PO)⋅2 H2O ⋅2 EtOH. The experimental partial phonon density of states (pDOS), which includes all vibrational modes involving a displacement of the DyIII ion, was reproduced by means of simulations using density functional theory (DFT), enabling the assignment of all intramolecular vibrational modes. This study proves that 161Dy NRVS is a powerful experimental tool with significant potential to help to clarify the role of phonons in SMMs.
The “Green” Electrochemical Synthesis of Periodate
Authors: Arndt Sebastian , Weis Dominik , Donsbach Kai , Waldvogel Siegfried R.
Published: March 2020

High‐grade periodate is relatively expensive, but is required for many sensitive applications such as the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients. These high costs originate from using lead dioxide anodes in contemporary electrochemical methods and from expensive starting materials. A direct and cost‐efficient electrochemical synthesis of periodate from iodide, which is less costly and relies on a readily available starting material, is reported. The oxidation is conducted at boron‐doped diamond anodes, which are durable, metal‐free, and nontoxic. The avoidance of lead dioxide ultimately lowers the cost of purification and quality assurance. The electrolytic process was optimized by statistical methods and was scaled up in an electrolysis flow cell that enhanced the space–time yields by a cyclization protocol. An LC‐PDA analytical protocol was established enabling simple quantification of iodide, iodate, and periodate simultaneously with remarkable precision.
Does a Thermoneutral Electrocatalyst Correspond to the Apex of a Volcano Plot for a Simple Two‐Electron Process?
Authors: Exner Kai S.
Published: March 2020

Volcano analyses have been established as a standard tool in the field of electrocatalysis for assessing the performance of electrodes in a class of materials. The apex of the volcano curve, where the most active electrocatalysts are situated, is commonly defined by a hypothetical ideal material that binds its reaction intermediates thermoneutrally at zero overpotential, in accordance with Sabatier's principle. However, recent studies report a right shift of the apex in a volcano curve, in which the most active electrocatalysts bind their reaction intermediates endergonically rather than thermoneutrally at zero overpotential. Focusing on two‐electron process, this Viewpoint addresses the question of how the definition of an optimum catalyst needs to be modified with respect to the requirements of Sabatier's principle when kinetic effects and the applied overpotential are included in the analysis.
‘Kids’ Skills’ and ‘Mission Possible’ Innovations: Solution‐Focused Brief Therapy Models for Working with Children and Adolescents Revised and Expanded
Authors: Zatloukal Leoš , Žákovský Daniel , Tkadlčíková Lenka
Published: March 2020

This article explores the ‘Kids’ Skills’ and ‘Mission Possible’ models of solution‐focused brief therapy (SFBT) with children and adolescents. Both models are presented, compared, revised, and expanded with further ideas and therapeutic tools in three crucial areas: 1. Future direction, 2. Resources, and 3. Initiation of change (action). Future direction is expanded by preferred future, skill(s), and goal(s). Resources is expanded by ‘small talk,’ progress and confidence scales, exceptions, metaphors, and engagement of supporters. Initiation of change (action) goes beyond practicing the skill to experiments or steps towards the goal. This gives more flexibility to therapists using SFBT with their clients. All this is illustrated with case examples.
Structure, surface tension, and rheological behaviors of hydrophobically associative polyacrylamides by self‐emulsified microemulsion polymerization
Authors: Li Yin‐tao , Zhang Shi‐feng , Wang Shan‐qiang , He Zhi‐yu , Zhou Yuan‐lin , Ren Hui
Published: March 2020

Hydrophobically associating copolymers using acrylamide (AM), acrylic acid (AA), and Styrene (St) as comonomers were successfully prepared by self‐emulsified microemulsion polymerization, in which low‐molecular‐weight AM/AA/St copolymers as surfactant and AM as cosurfactant. The structure and chemical composition of AM/AA/St copolymers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared, nuclear magnetic (NMR), and differential scanning calorimeter. The content of PSt in the copolymers is determined by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectra, suggesting that the self‐made polymer surfactant can disperse uniformly the St monomers to improve the copolymerization efficiency. Furthermore, the polymerization mechanism of the self‐emulsified microemulsion method is explored preliminarily. During the synthesis of the copolymers, the purified copolymer solution is obtained in one step without using a small molecular emulsifier such as sodium dodecyl sulfate, in order to avoid the complicated post‐treatment process of the small molecular emulsifier. The copolymers revealed good hydrophobic association properties and low surface tension.
A new large‐scale and cost‐effective restoration method for cold‐water coral gardens
Authors: Montseny Maria , Linares Cristina , Viladrich Núria , Capdevila Pol , Ambroso Stefano , Díaz David , Gili Josep‐Maria , Gori Andrea
Published: March 2020

Gorgonians dwelling on the Mediterranean continental shelf are among the most frequent fishing bycatch taxa. These species display several traits, such as long lifespans and slow growth, which make them very vulnerable to the impacts caused by fishing activities with far‐reaching and long‐lasting effects.

Hence, restoration and mitigation actions are crucial to enhance and speed up the natural recovery of damaged cold‐water coral gardens. Given the growing concern to develop effective and affordable restoration actions, the present study aims to propose and technically validate a new large‐scale and cost‐effective restoration method.

This technique, named ‘badminton method', consists of attaching bycatch Eunicella cavolini colonies to cobble supports and returning them to the continental shelf by gently throwing the gorgonian transplants directly from a boat.

Two consecutive field experiments were conducted in order to find the best cobble type support and gorgonian size to be used: first, to evaluate the landing efficiency of gorgonian transplants at different depths (from 5 to 30 m) and second, to evaluate their capability to maintain a correct position over time.

Natural cobbles with large gorgonians attached were the best option. Field results and modelling approaches suggest that the transplants would correctly land on the continental shelf seabed in a predicted area of around 60 m2. Moreover, they would successfully maintain an upright position ensuring gorgonian survival over time.

The success of this method highlights the feasibility of large‐scale and low‐cost restoration actions with promising results for the conservation and recovery of cold‐water coral gardens.
Synthesis and leishmanicidal evaluation of sulfanyl‐ and sulfonyl‐tethered functionalized benzoate derivatives featuring a nitroimidazole moiety
Authors: Rodríguez Miguel , Gutiérrez Joyce , Domínguez José , Peixoto Philippe A. , Fernández Alexis , Rodríguez Noris , Deffieux Denis , Rojas Luis , Quideau Stéphane , Pouységu Laurent , Charris Jaime
Published: March 2020

A series of new nitroimidazole‐containing derivatives was synthesized by coupling of 2‐[2‐(2‐methyl‐5‐nitro‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)ethylthio]ethanol with diversely substituted benzoic acids. Upon treatment with m‐CPBA, 12 of these sulfanyl compounds were further oxidized to their sulfonyl analogs. All the 26 synthetic compounds were examined for in vitro activity against Leishmania (V.) braziliensis and Leishmania (L.) mexicana, and some of them displayed an efficient antileishmanial activity. Among the compounds tested, the catecholic derivative 2‐{[2‐(2‐methyl‐5‐nitro‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)ethyl]sulfanyl}ethyl 3,4‐dihydroxybenzoate (9a, LC50 = 13 and 11 µM) and the pyrogallolic derivative 2‐{[2‐(2‐methyl‐5‐nitro‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)ethyl]sulfanyl}ethyl 3,4,5‐trihydroxybenzoate (9b, LC50 = 4 and 1 µM) were the most active ones against the two Leishmania strains.
Simultaneous detection of fungal (1,3)‐β‐d‐glucan and procalcitonin using a dual‐label time‐resolved fluorescence immunoassay
Authors: Li Huitao , Huang Zhifeng , Lin Binchun , Chen Xueyu , Xiong Xiaoyun , Cao Aifen , Yang Chuanzhong
Published: March 2020

Neonatal infectious diseases are a serious threat to the health of newborns. The aim was to establish a new detection method for the simultaneous measurement of (1,3)‐β‐d‐glucan and procalcitonin in serum for the early screening and efficacy testing of neonatal infectious diseases. We established a sandwich dual‐label time‐resolved fluorescence immunoassay (TRFIA): anti‐(1,3)‐β‐d‐glucan/procalcitonin antibodies immobilized on 96‐well plates captured (1,3)‐β‐d‐glucan/procalcitonin antigens and then banded together with the detection antibodies labeled with europium(III) (Eu3+)/samarium(III) (Sm3+) chelates. Finally, time‐resolved fluorometry was used to measure the fluorescence intensity. The linear correlation coefficient (R2) of the (1,3)‐β‐d‐glucan standard curve was 0.9913, and the R2 of the procalcitonin standard curve was 0.9911. The detection sensitivity for (1,3)‐β‐d‐glucan was 0.4 pg/mL (dynamic range: 0.6–90 pg/mL), and the average recovery was 101.55%. The detection sensitivity for procalcitonin was 0.02 ng/mL (dynamic range: 0.05–95 ng/mL), and the average recovery was 104.61%. There was a high R2 between the present TRFIA method and a commercially available assay (R2 = 0.9829 for (1,3)‐β‐d‐glucan and R2 = 0.9704 for procalcitonin). Additionally, the cutoff values for (1,3)‐β‐d‐glucan and procalcitonin were 23.95 pg/mL and 0.055 ng/mL, respectively. The present TRFIA method has high sensitivity, accuracy, and specificity and is an effective method for early screening and efficient testing of neonatal invasive fungal infection.
Biotransformation of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5‐Furandicarboxylic Acid by a Syntrophic Consortium of Engineered Synechococcus elongatus and Pseudomonas putida
Authors: Lin Tzu‐Yu , Wen Rex C. , Shen Claire R. , Tsai Shen‐Long
Published: March 2020

2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) is one of the top platform chemicals that can be produced from biomass feedstock. To make the cost of industrial FDCA production compatible with plastics made from fossils, the price of substrates and process complexity should be reduced. The aim of this research is to create a CO2‐driven syntrophic consortium for the catalytic conversion of renewable biomass‐derived 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to FDCA. Sucrose produced from carbon fixation by the engineered Synechococcus elongatus serves as the sole carbon source for the engineered Pseudomonas putida to catalyze the reaction of HMF to FDCA. The yield of FDCA by the consortium reaches around 70% while the conversion of HMF is close to 100%. With further surface engineering to clump the two strains, the FDCA yield is elevated to almost 100% via the specific association between an Src homology 3 (SH3) domain and its ligand. The syntrophic consortium successfully demonstrates its green and cost‐effective characteristics for the conversion of CO2 and biomass into platform chemicals.
Effect of structured use of preoperative portal vein embolization on outcomes after liver resection of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Franken L C , Rassam F , van Lienden K P , Bennink R J , Besselink M G , Busch O R , Erdmann J I , Gulik T M , Olthof P B
Published: March 2020

Background

Portal vein embolization (PVE) is performed to reduce the risk of liver failure and subsequent mortality after major liver resection. Although a cut-off value of 2·7 per cent per min per m2 has been used with hepatobiliary scintigraphy (HBS) for future remnant liver function (FRLF), patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC) potentially benefit from an additional cut-off of 8·5 per cent/min (not corrected for body surface area). Since January 2016 a more liberal approach to PVE has been adopted, including this additional cut-off for HBS of 8·5 per cent/min. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of this approach on liver failure and mortality.

Methods

This was a single-centre retrospective study in which consecutive patients undergoing liver resection under suspicion of PHC in 2000–2015 were compared with patients treated in 2016–2019, after implementation of the more liberal approach. Primary outcomes were postoperative liver failure (International Study Group of Liver Surgery grade B/C) and 90-day mortality.

Results

Some 191 patients with PHC underwent liver resection. PVE was performed in 6·4 per cent (9 of 141) of the patients treated in 2000–2015 and in 32 per cent (16 of 50) of those treated in 2016–2019. The 90-day mortality rate decreased from 16·3 per cent (23 of 141) to 2 per cent (1 of 50) (P = 0·009), together with a decrease in the rate of liver failure from 19·9 per cent (28 of 141) to 4 per cent (2 of 50) (P = 0·008). In 2016–2019, 24 patients had a FRLF greater than 8·5 per cent/min and no liver failure or death occurred, suggesting that 8·5 per cent/min is a reliable cut-off for patients with suspected PHC.

Conclusion

The major decrease in liver failure and mortality rates in recent years and the simultaneous increased use of PVE suggests an important role for PVE in reducing adverse outcomes after surgery for PHC.
Effect of an Alkoxyliertes Beta Naphthol on Cu Electrodeposition for Application to Low‐Resistivity Cu Interconnects
Authors: Suh Hoyoung , Heo Mina , Lee Ji‐Hyun , Kim Jin‐Gyu , Hong Kimin
Published: March 2020

Cu thin films were electrodeposited using electrolytes containing alkoxyliertes beta naphthol (ABN) as an organic additive, which shows a strong suppressing effect similar to PEG10000. The surface roughness of Cu thin film decreased, while the grain size remained unchanged with increasing ABN concentration. Consequently, the resistivity of Cu thin film was reduced by 41% compared to Cu thin film electrodeposited using pure electrolyte. In addition, the void free interconnect wire was fabricated by filling of 70‐nm wide trench using only ABN, without the help of any accelerator or leveler.