bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Specific Antidermatophytic Activity of Trifluoromethylthiolated Cinnamate Derivatives: A New Approach to the Therapy of Superficial Fungal Infections of the Skin
Authors: Bazana Luana Candice Genz , Dalla Lana Daiane Flores , da Silva Rodrigo Foss , Garcia Solange Cristina , Arbo Marcelo Dutra , Teixeira Mario Lettieri , Reginatto Paula , Fuentefria Alexandre Meneghello , Cahard Dominique
Published: September 2024

Dermatomycoses are the most widespread fungal skin infections worldwide and directly affect patients’ quality of life. They are challenging to manage because of the need for prolonged treatment and the development of resistance to antifungal agents. This article studies the antifungal activity of trifluoromethylthiolated cinnamate derivatives on Candida species and dermatophytes as well as possible mechanisms of action, irritability, and cytotoxicity tests. These molecules show activity against dermatophyte fungi with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) as low as 0.39 μg mL−1. In particular, chloroaromatic derivatives demonstrated the best inhibition profile (1.56–6.25 μg mL−1). Importantly, our series of molecules were not active against Candida spp., being selective for dermatophytes. A study of the mechanism of action suggests that our SCF3 cinnamates do not bind directly to ergosterol or the cell wall. The physicochemical parameters and the absence of irritability resulting from the HET‐CAM test demonstrate that compound 8 can be considered a future candidate for the therapy of dermatophytosis.
Effect of Hydrophilic Function Groups on the Properties of Short‐Chain Fluorocarbon Surfactants
Authors: Zhu Xinhua , Huang He , Zhang Yuqiang , Wang Hao , Li Tianhao , Jia Xuhong
Published: September 2024

Short‐chain fluorocarbon surfactants grafted with alcohol, carboxyl and ester functional groups were prepared by quaternization with short‐chain perfluorobutyl sulfonyl fluoride as raw material. The structures of surfactants were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrum. The surface activity, micelle formation process and micelle aggregation behavior of surfactants were studied by surface tensiometer, dynamic light scattering particle size analyzer and fluorescent spectrophotometer. The results show that the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of surfactants are 19.3, 7.8 and 2.2 mmol L−1, and the surface tension of the surfactant solution at CMC are as low as 17.3, 19.2 and 18.5 mN m−1, respectively. The standard Gibbs free energy (
) values of surfactants are negative, and the absolute values of
are less than the standard Gibbs adsorption energy (
), illustrating that the adsorption process is easier than the micelle formation process. In addition, the size distribution of the aggregates is much larger than that of spherical micelles, showing that the surfactant self‐assembled into larger aggregates in solution. The grafted hydrophilic functional groups show a significant effect on the performance of surfactants. The ester‐based surfactant has a lower CMC value, which has the advantages of small dosage, good economy and excellent application value.
Recent Progress in Metal‐Free Hydroacylation Reactions of Alkenes and Alkynes
Authors: Uppal Deepa , Sharma Abhilekha , Singh Surendra
Published: September 2024

The present review discusses the development of new metal‐free conditions for the hydroacylation of alkenes and alkynes under both thermal and photochemical conditions from 2018, and their application to the synthesis of various bioactive molecules over the past few years. The key point highlights the remarkable progress made by metal‐free catalytic systems in comparison to the conventional metal catalysts in the hydroacylation of alkenes, alkynes, and arenes. Both inter‐ and intramolecular hydroacylation reactions and their mechanistic pathways were discussed. The most current developments in the synthesis of several natural, pharmaceutical, and heterocyclic compounds using hydroacylation reactions have also been introduced.
Azole‐Substituted Triazole Formation through Organocatalytic Cycloaddition of β‐keto Azoles and Aryl Azides
Authors: Pratap Kemant , Rawat Manish , Yadav Ravi Prakash , Kumar Atul
Published: September 2024

A highly efficient metal free regioselective approach for the synthesis of a novel azole substituted triazoles via organocatalytic [3+2] cycloaddition between β‐keto azoles and aryl azides at room temperature is reported. The proposed methodology is well tolerated with range of substituents in the β‐keto azoles and aryl azides with good to excellent yield (81–94 %) without column chromatography as purification technique under ambient reaction conditions.
Recent Developments in Metal‐Organic Frameworks for Water Purification: A Mini Review
Authors: Rana Smriti , Kumar Yogesh , Kaushik Rahul , Kumar Lalita S.
Published: September 2024

Heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, microplastics, dyes, and radionuclides in wastewater increasingly threaten environmental sustainability. Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) are versatile materials for mitigating these contaminants through efficient detection, capture, adsorption, and degradation. These crystalline structures, formed by combining metal ions with organic ligands, offer high surface area, tailored porosity, reproducibility, and robust chemical stability. This review compiles recent advancements in MOFs for pollutant removal, highlighting innovations in selective adsorption mechanisms for heavy metals, functionalized MOFs for pharmaceutical and microplastic removal, and enhanced photocatalytic degradation for dyes. Unique to this review is the integration of recent innovations such as ion exchange capabilities and photocatalytic degradation under visible light, addressing advanced applications that significantly enhance pollutant removal efficiency that other reviews have not covered comprehensively. The review also cites our group's recent work on a curcumin‐immobilized zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (Cmim@ZIF‐8) nanoprobe, demonstrating high selectivity for Fe2+ ions in water (detection limit: 7.64 μM) and its applicability in live‐cell imaging of HepG2 cells. Advanced techniques like density functional theory (DFT) simulations are employed to elucidate adsorption and degradation mechanisms, bridging theoretical insights with experimental findings. By critically evaluating these developments, the review identifies promising avenues for optimizing MOF design and advancing effective water treatment solutions.
Nanoporous Aramid Nanofiber Separators with High Modulus and Thermal Stability for Safe Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Liu Shaopeng , Cheng Sha , Huang Cheng , Han Jin , Xie Jingjing , Zhang Pengchao , You Ya , Chen Wen , Fu Zhengyi
Published: September 2024

Developing high‐safety separators is a promising strategy to prevent thermal runaway in lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), which stems from the low melting temperatures and inadequate modulus of commercial polyolefin separators. However, achieving high modulus and thermal stability, along with uniform nanopores in these separators, poses significant challenges. Herein, the study presents ultrathin nanoporous aramid nanofiber (ANF) separators with high modulus and excellent thermal stability, enhancing the safety of LIBs. These separators are produced using a microfluidic‐based continuous printing strategy, where the flow thickness can be meticulously controlled at the micrometer scale. This method allows for the continuous fabrication of nanoporous ANF separators with thicknesses ranging from 1.6 ± 0.1 µm to 2.7 ± 0.1 µm. Thanks to the double‐side solvent diffusion, the separators exhibit controllably uniform pore sizes with a narrow distribution, spanning from 40 ± 5 nm to 105 ± 9 nm, and a high modulus of 3.3 ± 0.5 GPa. These nanoporous ANF separators effectively inhibit lithium dendrite formation, resulting in a high‐capacity retention rate for the LIBs (80% after 240 cycles). Most notably, their robust structural and mechanical stability at elevated temperatures significantly enhances LIB safety under transient thermal abuse conditions, thus addressing critical safety concerns associated with LIBs.
Amino Group‐Aided Efficient Regeneration Targeting Structural Defects and Inactive FePO4 Phase for Degraded LiFePO4 Cathodes
Authors: Liu Yuanyuan , Tu Wenqian , Bai Jin , Wang Peiyao , Mao Yunjie , Xiao Ke , Wang Siya , Qiu Shiyu , Zhu Xuebin , Lu Wenjian , Zhao Bangchuan , Sun Yuping
Published: September 2024

It is urgent to develop efficient recycling methods for spent LiFePO4 cathodes to cope with the upcoming peak of power battery retirement. Compared with the traditional metallurgical recovery methods that lack satisfactory economic and environmental benefits, the direct regeneration seems to be a promising option at present. However, a simple direct lithium replenishment cannot effectively repair and regenerate the cathodes due to the serious structural damage of the spent LiFePO4. Herein, the spent LiFePO4 cathodes are directly regenerated by a thiourea‐assisted solid‐phase sintering process. The density functional theory calculation indicates that thiourea has a targeted repair effect on the antisite defects and inactive FePO4 phase in the spent cathode due to the associative priority of amino group (─NH2) in thiourea with Fe ions: Fe3+─N > Fe2+─N. Meanwhile, the pyrolysis products of thiourea can also create an optimal reducing atmosphere and inhibit the agglomeration of particles in the high temperature restoration process. The regenerated LiFePO4 exhibits an excellent electrochemical performance, which is comparable to that of commercial LiFePO4. This targeted restoration has improved the efficiency of direct regeneration, which is expected to achieve large‐scale recycling of spent LiFePO4.
Simulation‐Directed Construction of Bamboo‐Forest‐Like Heat Conduction Networks to Enhance Silicon Rubber Composites’ Heat Conduction Properties
Authors: Ding Dongliang , Wang Xu , Huang Ruoyu , Wang Zhenyu , Jiang Gaoxiao , Yu Linfeng , Nie Haitao , Zeng Xiaoliang , Tang Biao , Qin Guangzhao , Zhang Xue‐Ao , Zhang Qiuyu , Xu Jianbin , Chen Yanhui
Published: September 2024

Highly vertically thermally conductive silicon rubber (SiR) composites are widely used as thermal interface materials (TIMs) for chip cooling. Herein, inspired by water transport and transpiration of Moso bamboo‐forests extensively existing in south China, and guided by filler self‐assembly simulation, bamboo‐forest‐like heat conduction networks, with bamboo‐stems‐like vertically aligned polydopamine‐coated carbon fibers (VA‐PCFs), and bamboo‐leaves‐like horizontally layered Al2O3(HL‐Al2O3), are rationally designed and constructed. VA‐PCF/HL‐Al2O3/SiR composites demonstrated enhanced heat conduction properties, and their through‐plane thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity reached 6.47 W (mK)−1 and 3.98 mm2 s−1 at 12 vol% PCF and 4 vol% Al2O3 loadings, which are 32% and 38% higher than those of VA‐PCF (12 vol%) /SiR composites, respectively. The heat conduction enhancement mechanisms of VA‐PCF/HL‐Al2O3 networks on their SiR composites are revealed by multiscale simulation: HL‐Al2O3 bridges the separate VA‐PCF heat flow channels, and transfers more heat to the matrix, thereby increasing the vertical heat flux in composites. Along with high volume resistivity, low compression modulus, and coefficient of thermal expansion, VA‐PCF/HL‐Al2O3/SiR composites demonstrate great application potential as TIMs, which is proven using multiphysics simulation. This work not only makes a meaningful attempt at simulation‐driven biomimetic material structure design but also provides inspiration for the preparation of TIMs.
Space‐Confined Growth of Ultrathin 2D β‐Ga2O3 Nanoflakes for Artificial Neuromorphic Application
Authors: Liu Mingli , Liu Shuai , Yao Jian , Teng Yu , Geng Lin , Li Alei , Wang Lin , Li Yunfei , Guo Qing , Shen Zongjie , Kang Lixing , Long Mingsheng
Published: September 2024

In recent years, wide‐bandgap semiconductor β‐Ga2O3 material has been widely studied because of its excellent properties. Simultaneously, 2D metal oxides (2DMOs) have also become a focus of research owing to their superior stability and unique physical properties arising from quantum confinement effects. Therefore, the exploration of 2D β‐Ga2O3 is expected to reveal its novel electrical properties in electronic applications. However, the synthesis of high‐quality 2D β‐Ga2O3 remains a formidable challenge. Herein, a confined space is constructed to synthesize high‐quality 2D β‐Ga2O3 nanoflakes by enhancing the control of the kinetics of chemical vapor deposition process. In the device results, it is shown that the grown nanoflakes have excellent switching properties and potential artificial synaptic response characteristics. Based on this premise, an artificial recognition system for handwritten numerals is developed, achieving a peak recognition accuracy of approximately 96%. This system holds significant potential for application within an emerging neuromorphic recognition framework tailored for advanced driver‐assistance systems. In this work, a new feasible pathway is provided for the synthesis of 2D non‐layered oxides and the potential of 2D oxides in the field of neuroanalog electronics and recognition is shown, thereby advancing the fields of 2D β‐Ga2O3 electronics and 2DMOs electronics.
System thinking skills and their effect upon supply chain resilience: A practitioner perspective
Authors: Wilden Daniell , Hopkins John , Sadler Ian
Published: September 2024

This paper offers novel research investigating systems thinking skills and their effect on supply chain resilience challenges. Drawing upon positions from the systems sciences and the supply chain management literature, a survey on supply chain resilience and systems thinking skills was constructed, with the perspectives of 180 supply chain practitioners obtained. A positive correlation was identified between the variables, indicating that the presence of systems thinking skills can positively benefit practitioners when tackling the supply chain resilience challenge. The data show that resilience returned a more substantial position than systems thinking skills, with practitioners upstream being more resilient and having a greater system thinking awareness than downstream compatriots. A conceptual framework that positions systems thinking skills as an enablement for practitioners when devising supply chain resilience strategies is presented, with the new knowledge providing a more expansive array of insights that can complement extant approaches employed. Limitations of this paper relate to the skills questions being informed by a single methodology, systems dynamics, with future research being called for that represents a broader array of systems knowledge to investigate this unexplored phenomenon.
Analysis of Rolling Force and Friction in Hot Steel Rolling with Water‐Based Nanolubrication
Authors: Wu Hui , Yuan Shengnan , Lin Fei , Ren Mengyuan , Yan Jingru , Zhou Muyuan , Xing Zhao , Jiao Sihai , Jiang Zhengyi
Published: September 2024

Water‐based nanolubricants are playing increasingly important roles in hot steel rolling over the past decade regarding environmental protection, energy saving, and product quality improvement. The contact friction between the work roll and the workpiece under water‐based nanolubrication, however, has been scarcely investigated. In this study, water‐based lubricants containing 0–4.0 wt% TiO2 nanoparticles are employed in hot rolling of a mild steel under different rolling conditions. The Taguchi method is used for the orthogonal design of the hot‐rolling tests to sequence the key factors that affect the rolling force in terms of importance. The as‐synthesized water‐based nanolubricants indicate excellent dispersion stability after standing for 24 h, which can be readily restored to the original state via manual shaking. The coefficient of friction (COF) during the steady‐state hot steel rolling is inversely calculated using a flow stress model developed from hot compression testing. A novel COF model for hot rolling of the steel is thus proposed through multiple linear regression. It is found that the result of linear regression agreed well with that of inverse calculation, indicating that the proposed COF model is applicable. Finally, the lubrication mechanism is examined through a boundary lubrication regime determined from a modified lubricant film thickness model.
Investigation on Applicability of Lime as Desulfurization Agent for Molten Cast Iron
Authors: Adhiwiguna Ida B. G. S. , Karagülmez Gökhan , Keskin Onur , Deike Rüdiger
Published: September 2024

In this study, the prospective application of lime as a desulfurization agent for the cast‐iron industry is technically examined. This investigation encompasses a series of laboratory experiments conducted under atmospheric conditions, mirroring industrial settings by exploring two distinct methods for introducing lime powder onto and into molten cast iron using surface addition and gas injection techniques. Deoxidation agents (FeSi, SiC, and Al) are also incorporated to enhance the lime‐based desulfurization results. Based on the findings of this study, it is indicated that lime can be a reliable cast‐iron desulfurization agent by reaching an end‐sulfur concentration of <0.015 wt%, thus providing an opportunity for a sustainable alternative for the foundry industry. In this study, it is also revealed that adding a small quantity of Al is more effective at enhancing desulfurization results than Si due to its role in increasing the proportion of liquid slag during desulfurization. However, caution is advised regarding the limit of aluminum concentration in cast iron (0.1 wt%), and treatment temperatures should be kept above 1400 °C to prevent counterproductive effects and undesirable defects in the product.
Mechanical behavior of prestressed UHPC wind turbine tower columns under combined axial compression and bending
Authors: Zhou Zheng , Zhou Xuhong
Published: September 2024

Developing offshore wind power can effectively reduce carbon emissions, and adopting large‐capacity wind turbines is an important way to achieve cost reduction and efficiency increase. With increasing power capacity, the hub height and rotor‐nacelle assemblies (RNA) load will increase significantly. Ultra‐high performance concrete (UHPC) possesses ultra‐high compressive performance, good tensile, fatigue, and corrosion resistance, and thus is an effective way to further improve the mechanical performance and economic efficiency of tall offshore wind turbine (OWT) towers. Evaluation of ultimate strength is an essential aspect of design for OWT towers, and the tower structure is mainly under the combined action of axial compression from the self‐weight and RNA loads and bending from the eccentricities of RNA and aerodynamic loads from the rotor on the tower top. In this work, the mechanical behavior of prestressed UHPC wind turbine tower columns under combined axial compression and bending was numerically investigated. The finite element (FE) analyses were carried out using ABAQUS, and the material and geometric nonlinearity were considered in the model, as well as the tensile strain hardening properties of UHPC. The FE models were firstly verified by the typical experimental results of UHPC hollow columns, reinforced UHPC beams, prestressed UHPC beams, and prestressed concrete‐steel hybrid wind turbine tower model. Then the parametric study was carried out, and the parameters included the control stress and number of prestressing tendons, rib number, diameter‐to‐thickness ratio of the UHPC column, steel ratio of longitudinal reinforcement, axial load ratio, and UHPC strength. The calculation methods for flexural capacity of prestressed UHPC wind turbine tower columns were finally proposed, and were found to agree well with the modeling results.
Wave scattering in a cracked exponentially graded magnetoelectroelastic half‐plane
Authors: Rangelov Tsviatko V. , Stoynov Yonko D. , Dineva Petia S.
Published: September 2024

An exponentially graded with respect to depth magnetoelectroelastic (MEE) half‐plane containing two line or curvilinear cracks under time‐harmonic SH wave is studied. The defined mechanical problem is described by boundary integral equations (BIEs) along the cracks boundaries. The computational tool based on the non‐hypersingular traction boundary integral equation method (BIEM) is developed, verified and inserted in numerical simulations. It is based on the analytically derived Green's function and free‐field wave motion solution for exponentially graded MEE half‐plane. The dependence of the generalized stress intensity factors (SIFs) on the material gradient parameters, on the dynamic load characteristics, on the cracks position and their shape, on the dynamic interaction between cracks and between them and half‐plane boundary is numerically analyzed.
Compositional Verification of Cryptographic Circuits Against Fault Injection Attacks
Authors: Tan Huiyu , Yang Xi , Song Fu , Chen Taolue , Wu Zhilin
Published: September 2024

Fault injection attack is a class of active, physical attacks against cryptographic circuits. The design and implementation of countermeasures against such attacks are intricate, error-prone and laborious, necessitating formal verification to guarantee their correctness. In this paper, we propose the first compositional verification approach for round-based hardware implementations of cryptographic algorithms. Our approach decomposes a circuit into a set of single-round sub-circuits which are verified individually by either SAT/SMT- or BDD-based tools. Our approach is implemented as an open-source tool , which is evaluated extensively on realistic cryptographic circuit benchmarks. The experimental results show that our approach is significantly more effective and efficient than the state-of-the-art.
Pflegekammern – ethisches Mandat auf der politischen Ebene
Authors: Kuhn Andrea
Published: September 2024

Der dritte Argumentationsstrang nimmt die politische Ebene des ethischen Mandats in den Blick. Zwei Hauptargumente begründen die Errichtung einer Pflegekammer: Für die Berufsgruppe steht die professionelle Selbstverwaltung in Abkehr von der Fremdbestimmtheit im Mittelpunkt; die Länder versprechen sich eine Erhöhung der pflegerischen Versorgungssicherheit der Bevölkerung. Gegründet zur Erfüllung staatlich normierter Aufgaben und situiert im Staatsgefüge agieren Kammern politisch. Die Organisation der gesamten Berufsgruppe in einer Institution ermöglicht das effektive Einfordern, Vorantreiben, Aus- und Mitgestalten von Gesetzen und Normen. Der Professionsbaustein Ethik sichert den gesellschaftlichen Zentralwert Gesundheitsversorgung. Die professionelle Ethik ruht auf historisch gewachsenen Wertegerüsten der Pflege. Sie kontextualisieren berufsspezifische Entwicklungen und beeinflussen nach wie vor politische Initiativen. Die Versorgungssicherheit als Kernkonzept der Daseinsberechtigung von Pflegekammern verdeutlicht die Gemeinwohlorientierung des Heilberufs Pflege. Neue politische und gesetzgeberische Entwicklungen treiben die Professionalisierung voran, hierzu gehören insbesondere die dem Heilberuf Pflege vorbehaltenen Tätigkeiten und die Freiheit vor Fremdkontrolle als originäres Kammerelement. Diesem Auftrag und Anspruch gegenüber steht die psychisch, physisch und moralisch belastende Realität im Berufsalltag. Das dritte prospektive Pipeline Logic Model konturiert das ethische Mandat von Pflegekammern auf politischer Ebene. Es präzisiert die interagierende Verantwortung für die Gesundheit von Pflegefachpersonen und für den gesellschaftlichen Zentralwert der pflegerischen Versorgungssicherheit. Beide Anforderungen muss die Programmtheorie des ethischen Mandates der Pflegekammer aufnehmen.
Ethik in Pflegekammern – Programmtheorie des ethischen Mandats
Authors: Kuhn Andrea
Published: September 2024

Die Situationsanalyse synthetisierte die komplexen Anforderungen, der sich eine Programmtheorie des ethischen Mandates von Pflegekammern stellen muss. Die zentralen Herausforderungen sind Unklarheiten zur Umsetzung des ethischen Mandats in den neu errichteten Pflegekammern, die Marginalisierung von pflegeethischen Bedarfen und die bisher im deutschen Gesundheitssystem kaum angenommene professionelle Verantwortung des Heilberufs Pflege. Miteinander verwoben sind fachliche und ethische sowie politische und rechtliche Dimensionen des professionellen Pflegehandelns und der beeinflussenden Faktoren. Die Antworten auf die Frage nach der passenden Programmtheorie führt ein Variablenmodell zusammen. Die daraus entwickelte Programmtheorie des ethischen Mandats in Pflegekammern setzt sich zusammen aus einer partizipativ ausgerichteten Theory of Change und einer gesundheitssystemisch ausgerichteten Theory of Action zur Unterstützung der psychischen, physischen und moralischen Gesundheit der Profession Pflege zum Wohle der Bevölkerung. Um beide Ebenen für die Profession Pflege gut fassen zu können, wurde eine orthogonale careethische Metatheorie integriert, die die Dimensionen von Pflege und Politik zusammenbringt und pflegeethisch fundiert. So können die Herausforderungen des ethischen Mandates von Pflegekammern angenommen und in zielgerichtete, nachhaltige Interventionen überführt werden.
Structural, optical and mechanical properties of Cr doped β-Ga2O3 single crystals
Authors: Vijayakumar P. , Ganesan K. , Sarguna R. M. , Amaladass Edward Prabu , Suganya M. , Ramaseshan R. , Sen Sujoy , Ganesamoorthy S. , Ramasamy P.
Published: September 2024

Undoped and Cr doped β-Ga2O3 (100) single crystals are grown by optical floating zone method. The full width at half maximum of rocking curve is found to be 106 arc.sec for undoped ﻿β-Ga2O3 crystals whereas the 100 and 200 ppm of Cr doped ﻿β-Ga2O3 crystals display multiple rocking curves with large peak widths indicating the presence of structural defects. Raman measurements reveal broadening in the vibrational mode of ~ 350 cm− 1 with a shoulder peak indicating the Cr3+ dopants preferentially substitute for Ga3+ at the octahedral sites. Further, the Cr doped ﻿β-Ga2O3 crystals display strong optical absorption bands about 420 and 597 nm in the UV-Vis spectroscopy. Moreover, the observation of sharp characteristic photoluminescence emission lines at 690 and 697 nm also confirms the Cr substitution in the doped crystals. The indentation hardness increases nearly linear from 13.0 ± 0.6 to 17.9 ± 0.4 GPa whilst the indentation modulus decreases from 224.9 ± 21.4 to 202.4 ± 11.9 GPa upon Cr doping of 200 ppm in β-Ga2O3. The structural defects caused by the Cr doping interrupt the movement of indentation induced dislocations that results in the increase of hardness of the Cr doped β-Ga2O3 (100) single crystals.
A Barndorff-Nielsen and Shephard model with leverage in Hilbert space for commodity forward markets
Authors: Benth Fred Espen , Sgarra Carlo
Published: September 2024

We propose an extension of the model introduced by Barndorff-Nielsen and Shephard, based on stochastic processes of Ornstein–Uhlenbeck type taking values in Hilbert spaces and including the leverage effect. We compute explicitly the characteristic function of the log-return and the volatility processes. By introducing a measure change of Esscher type, we provide a relation between the dynamics described with respect to the historical and the risk-neutral measures. We discuss in detail the application of the proposed model to describe the commodity forward curve dynamics in a Heath–Jarrow–Morton framework, including the modelling of forwards with delivery period occurring in energy markets and the pricing of options. For the latter, we show that a Fourier approach can be applied in this infinite-dimensional setting, relying on the attractive property of conditional Gaussianity of our stochastic volatility model. In our analysis, we study both arithmetic and geometric models of forward prices and provide appropriate martingale conditions in order to ensure arbitrage-free dynamics.
Freeze drying microencapsulation using whey protein, maltodextrin and corn powder improved survivability of probiotics during storage
Authors: Poopan Benjamaporn , Kasorn Anongnard , Puttarat Narathip , Kasemwong Kittiwut , Pachekrepapol Ulisa , Taweechotipatr Malai
Published: September 2024

Various studies demonstrated that probiotics play important roles in maintaining the balance of microorganisms in the body. Some strains produce bile salt hydrolase enzyme (BSH), which is an indirect mechanism for lowering cholesterol. BSH-producing probiotics as a supplement might be an alternative way to help reducing cholesterol in the body. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different microcapsule formulations with selected vegetable powders on growth characteristics of 3 Thai probiotic strains, Lactobacillus gasseri TM1, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus TM7, and L. rhamnosus TM14. Probiotics were cultured in MRS broth supplemented with 5 vegetable powders. Corn powder significantly increased growth rate of probiotics from 109 to 1012 CFU/ml. Therefore, different microcapsule formulations by Maillard reaction of whey protein isolate and maltodextrin mixed with and without corn powder were studied. The results showed that probiotic microcapsules formulated with corn powder significantly effectively sustained probiotic viability under gastrointestinal and storage conditions.
High Speed Particle Image Velocimetry in a Large Engine Prechamber
Authors: Ramachandran Aravind , Soni Rajat , Roßmann Markus , Klawitter Marc , Gößnitzer Clemens , Woisetschläger Jakob , Tilz Anton , Pirker Gerhard , Wimmer Andreas
Published: September 2024

Planar velocity measurements using the particle image velocimetry technique have been performed at a repetition rate of 10 kHz in the prechamber of a large bore gas engine mounted on a rapid compression machine (RCM), to visualize the velocity fields in the non-reacting gas flow during a compression stroke. The prechamber investigated in this work is a prototype with modifications made to facilitate optical access, and it is mounted axially on the RCM combustion chamber. The parameters of the compression stroke in the RCM are set to achieve a compression ratio of 10. After removing outlying data based on pressure and piston displacement curves, PIV data from compression strokes were analyzed. The time-resolved velocity fields capture the formation and motion of a tumble vortex in the imaged plane. Mean flow fields obtained by phase averaging across the datasets are presented, showing the development of the flow field in the prechamber throughout the compression stroke. The data obtained will be used to validate CFD simulations.
Experimental and numerical evaluation of a U-shaped thin lightly reinforced concrete wall tested under cyclic loading
Authors: Blandón Carlos A. , Arteta Carlos , Bonett Ricardo , Carrillo Julian , Beyer Katrin , Almeida Joao
Published: September 2024

Reinforced concrete walls provide effective bracing against seismic lateral loading for buildings worldwide. In Latin America, seismic design provisions commonly adhere to the ACI 318 building code, which is predominantly based on United States construction practices. However, in some Latin American countries, the construction methods and geometrical configurations of structural walls significantly differ from those in the U.S.; hence, the available information about the actual behavior of such walls under seismic loads is limited. This study focuses on a thin and lightly reinforced concrete wall (TLRCW) building system, which is characterized by walls thinner than 150 mm and primarily reinforced with a single layer of electrowelded wire steel mesh, with no boundary elements but with additional reinforcing bars at the edges. Past experiments on rectangular and T-shaped walls of the TLRCW building system, which were tested under unidirectional cyclic loading, exhibited limited rotational capacities. This article extends these findings by presenting results from a multidirectional loading test on a U-shaped thin wall and assessing its failure modes, strength and displacement capacity, deformation components, and stiffness degradation. A numerical model based on a nonlinear beam-truss approach was implemented to evaluate the accuracy of the estimates of key performance variables of the wall. The experimental results show limited displacement capacity below 1.15% drift, with a failure mode controlled by concrete crushing at the flange toes. The numerical model was able to capture some of the key global response parameters for all the load directions and at the local level, but with less accuracy.
A new circular fertiliser framework for greenhouse hydroponic systems using phosphorus as a case study
Authors: van Tuyll Alexander , Lanting Marc , de Lange Erik , Boedijn Alexander , van Medevoort Jolanda , Koops Andries , Hemming Silke , Voogt Wim , Stanghellini Cecilia , van Ittersum Martin K.
Published: September 2024

Recirculating hydroponic fertigation as used in high-tech greenhouses is over 95% nutrient-efficient, but relies on nutrients from finite mineral reserves. Moving away from conventional ‘linear’ fertilisers to ‘circular’ alternatives brings various questions. Whilst this has been investigated for open-field agriculture, in recirculating soilless greenhouse horticulture, many of these questions remain open.

We propose a framework specific to recirculating hydroponic systems, focusing on (1) side-streams as a source of nutrients, (2) the applicability of recovered fertilisers and (3) the risk of contaminants. The framework is applied to phosphorus (P), using parameters from Dutch tomato greenhouses. P side-streams available in the Netherlands are compared. Many possibilities exist, and recovered P may be more economically feasible for greenhouses since products are over twice as costly as those used in arable farming. We then investigate whether insoluble compounds (e.g. struvite) can be applied if dissolved in acid on-site, using simulated chemistry analysis. This shows an H+ to P ratio ranging between 0.1 and 2, depending on the product. The difference with a conventional nutrient recipe becomes at most 1 mmol l−1. Lastly, we propose an approach to quantify the risk of contaminants. With it, we calculate limits for inorganic contaminants for soilless P fertilisers, finding them to be stricter than current legislation, in many cases by several orders of magnitude.

By quantifying the unique requirements of soilless systems in a way that can be directly linked to the fertiliser products themselves, the presented framework can help include soilless systems worldwide in a closed nutrient loop.
Fabricating Citations: The Policies of New Jersey Public Institutions of Higher Education
Authors: Williams Allison S.
Published: September 2024

Higher education academic integrity policies are varied, and similarly, the language regarding the act of fabricating citations can be diverse and subjective. With recent calls to align academic integrity policies with practice, the aim of this paper is to gain a better understanding of how the act of fabricating citations is presented in higher education academic integrity policies by conducting a two-phase content analysis of the web-based, academic conduct policies for undergraduate students at public institutions of higher education in the State of New Jersey. The first phase consisted of a conceptual analysis for language regarding the act of fabricating citations. The second phase consisted of a thematic analysis of the policies that included language regarding the fabrication of citations. This study finds several potential issues. Policies that lack language regarding the fabrication of citations fail to communicate it as a prohibited act, and some policies that include language regarding the fabrication of citations use ambiguous terminology that is subjective, exclusive examples that fail to include all acts of citation fabrication, or phrasing that fails to align with the following commonly used writing styles: American Psychological Association (APA), Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS), and Modern Language Association (MLA).
Desmopressin dose requirements in patients with permanent arginine vasopressin deficiency: a tertiary center experience
Authors: Varaldo Emanuele , Sibilla Michela , Prencipe Nunzia , Berton Alessandro Maria , Cuboni Daniela , Aversa Luigi Simone , Mocellini Francesca , Bioletto Fabio , Ghigo Ezio , Gasco Valentina , Grottoli Silvia
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The desmopressin daily dose requirement is highly variable among patients with arginine vasopressin (AVP) deficiency (i.e. central diabetes insipidus) and few studies to date have evaluated this topic, with often inconclusive results. The aim of our study was to identify clinical and biochemical predictors of such dose requirements in a cohort of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of permanent AVP deficiency who have good and stable control under substitutive treatment.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data of all patients with permanent AVP deficiency undergoing regular follow-up at our Division. Inclusion criteria were the presence of stable disease under therapy for at least 12 months and in good biochemical and clinical control. Patients with AVP deficiency who lacked intact thirst or had a disease duration of less than 12 months were excluded from the analysis.

Results

Out of the 132 patients initially screened, 96 patients (M/F 44/52; age 51 [37–63] years) met the inclusion criteria. Patients on nasal spray therapy (n = 8) had a significantly longer disease duration (p = 0.002) than patients treated with oral lyophilizate (n = 88). In the bivariate analysis, considering only patients treated with the sublingual formulation, the drug dose was correlated positively with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and weight (r = 0.410, p < 0.001; r = 0.224, p = 0.036, respectively) and negatively with age (r = – 0.433, p < 0.001). In the multivariate regression analysis taking into account age, weight, and eGFR, only age emerged as a significant predictor of the required sublingual desmopressin dose (β = – 1.426, p = 0.044).

Conclusion

Our data suggest that patient age appears to be the primary factor associated with the daily sublingual desmopressin dose required to achieve adequate clinical and biochemical control in patients with permanent AVP deficiency.
Microplastic Concentrations in Sediments and Waters Do Not Decrease in Two Rivers Flowing Through the Kruger National Park, South Africa
Authors: Shikwambana Purvance , Foxcroft Llewellyn C. , Taylor Jonathan C. , Bouwman Hindrik
Published: September 2024

Plastics are manufactured for various purposes but result in microplastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems. Riverine microplastic occurrence, spatial distribution, and impact have been globally documented but not well understood in Africa. We quantified 36 984 microplastics in riverbed sediment and river water along the Olifants and Sabie rivers, Kruger National Park (KNP), South Africa. These rivers have independent catchments. The microplastic profiles (size, polymer, morphotype, and colour) differed significantly between rivers. Riverbed sediment microplastic (mostly beads) concentrations ranged between 2022 to 9971 n/kg dm, and 2237 to 27 259 n/kg dm, for the Olifants and Sabie rivers respectively. Microplastic (mostly fragments) concentrations in river water ranged between 11 to 50 n/L in the Olifants River, and 4.0 n/L to 41 n/L in the Sabie River. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was prevalent in sediment (39%) and water (32%). Concentrations varied along both river stretches but the expected concentration decrease downstream was not observed. This raises transboundary concerns, as all the KNP rivers cross into Mozambique and from there into the Indian Ocean. Given the pervasive plastic pollution already present, there is a need for significant upstream and in-park interventions to reduce the concentration of microplastic in rivers flowing through conservation areas.
Exploring uncharted wilderness: a new conceptualization of transformative leadership education
Authors: Hoppe Magnus , Namdar Kamran
Published: September 2024

In this explorative essay, we ask how to integrate current development in entrepreneurship education with an education for societal transformation towards sustainability, more explicitly phrased as what and how educators should teach to make students develop transformative capabilities and build action competence for leading societal transformation. We conclude that entrepreneurship education has much to offer and that educators and students ought to transgress institutional borders and explore wilderness together to learn how to create transformative leadership education. Current knowledge indicates that a purposeful education for this end should address seven complementary competencies where students learn to take action, collaborate, engage with society, manage own growth, ground themselves, scout the future, and reframe the system. Due to its inherent qualities, entrepreneurship education, built on engagement in real-world transformative problems, can be considered the most potent foundation for such aspirations. However, as current educational institutions are formed by the malfunctioning and unsustainable system they serve, today’s institutions might not be the best forerunners of change in any pedagogical practice. This is why we also conclude that progressive educators need to leave their ivory towers, classrooms, and lecture halls behind and engage in real transformative problems head-on with their students by their sides.
Recombinant and Synthetic Affibodies Function Comparably for Modulating Protein Release
Authors: Dorogin Jonathan , Benz Morrhyssey A. , Moore Cameron J. , Benoit Danielle S. W. , Hettiaratchi Marian H.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Affibodies are a class of versatile affinity proteins with a wide variety of therapeutic applications, ranging from contrast agents for imaging to cell-targeting therapeutics. We have identified several affibodies specific to bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) with a range of binding affinities and demonstrated the ability to tune release rate of BMP-2 from affibody-conjugated poly(ethylene glycol) maleimide (PEG-mal) hydrogels based on affibody affinity strength. In this work, we compare the purity, structure, and activity of recombinant, bacterially-expressed BMP-2-specific affibodies with affibodies synthesized via solid-phase peptide synthesis.

Methods

High- and low-affinity BMP-2-specific affibodies were recombinantly expressed using BL21(DE3) E. coli and chemically synthesized using microwave-assisted solid-phase peptide synthesis with Fmoc-Gly-Wang resin. The secondary structures of the affibodies and dissociation constants of affibody-BMP-2 binding were characterized by circular dichroism and biolayer interferometry, respectively. Endotoxin levels were measured using chromogenic limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) assays. Affibody-conjugated PEG-mal hydrogels were fabricated and loaded with BMP-2 to evaluate hydrogel capacity for controlled release, quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA).

Results

Synthetic and recombinant affibodies were determined to be α-helical by circular dichroism. The synthetic high- and low-affinity BMP-2-specific affibodies demonstrated comparable BMP-2 binding dissociation constants to their recombinant counterparts. Recombinant affibodies retained some endotoxins after purification, while endotoxins were not detected in the synthetic affibodies above FDA permissible limits. High-affinity affibody-conjugated hydrogels reduced cumulative BMP-2 release compared to the low-affinity affibody-conjugated hydrogels and hydrogels without affibodies.

Conclusions

Synthetic affibodies demonstrate comparable structure and function to recombinant affibodies while reducing endotoxin contamination and increasing product yield, indicating that solid-phase peptide synthesis is a viable method of producing affibodies for controlled protein release and other applications.
A Case Study on The Evaluation of Maturity Class in Potato Breeding Trials Using UAV Imagery
Authors: Samborski Stanisław Marek , Torres Ubaldo , Bech Aleksandra , Leszczyńska Renata , Bagavathiannan Muthukumar V.
Published: September 2024

In potato breeding, maturity class (MC) is a crucial selection criterion because this is a critical aspect of commercial potato production. Currently, the classification of potato genotypes into MCs is done visually, which is time- and labor-consuming. The objective of this research was to use vegetation indices (VIs) derived from unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery to remotely assign MCs to potato plants grown in trials, representing three different early stages within a multi-year breeding program. The relationships between VIs (GOSAVI – Green Optimized Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index, MCARI2 – Modified Chlorophyll Absorption Index-Improved, NDRE – Normalized Difference Red Edge, NDVI – Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, and OSAVI – Optimized Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index and WDVI – Weighted Difference Vegetation Index) and visual potato canopy status were determined. Further, this study aimed to identify factors that could improve the accuracy (decrease Mean Absolute Error – MAE) of potato MC estimation remotely. Results show that VIs derived from UAV imagery can be effectively used to remotely assign MCs to potato breeding lines, with higher accuracy for the potato B-clones (20 plants per plot) than the A-clones (6 plants per plot). Among the tested VIs, the NDRE allowed for potato MC evaluation with the lowest MAE. Applying NDRE for remote MC estimation using a validation dataset of potato B-clones (100 plants per plot), resulted in an MC estimate with a 0.81 MAE. However, the accuracy of potato MC estimation using UAV image-based methods should be improved by reducing the potato canopy’s variability (increasing uniformity) within the plot. This could be achieved by minimizing 1) potato vines bending over the neighboring row, causing vine overlap between plots, and 2) plants damaged by tractor wheels during field operations.
Dwarf Seahorse (Hippocampus zosterae) Density, Distribution, and Habitat Use in Texas
Authors: Doyal Story Lesher , Oakley Jenny W. , Guillen George
Published: September 2024

Seagrass beds are composed of foundation species, providing essential nursery grounds, feeding areas, and refuge for various marine life. Several species of fish and invertebrates utilize seagrasses as essential habitat. The Dwarf Seahorse (Hippocampus zosterae) is an understudied species in Texas, and little is known about its density, distribution, and habitat associations in this area of their range. Physicochemical water parameters, nekton community data, habitat data, and Dwarf Seahorse catch data were collected at 80 sites in Texas. The highest catch per unit effort (CPUE) of the target species was in Aransas Bay (0.038/m2). There was a positive relationship between the presence and percent cover of turtle grass (Thalassia testudinum) and the presence and CPUE of Dwarf Seahorses. Dwarf Seahorses were detected more often and at a higher CPUE in locations with a higher seagrass community diversity and richness. The nekton community at sites where Dwarf Seahorses were detected was also more abundant, diverse, and species rich. This is the first comprehensive study of the distribution of the Dwarf Seahorse along the Texas coast. Dwarf Seahorses were generally found in higher abundances in association with mature, stable, and diverse seagrass beds. Recommended conservation strategy to protect Dwarf Seahorses should prioritize the protection of established and mature seagrass beds. Continued directed monitoring of this species is recommended to better understand their distribution and population status.