bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of crack formation in corn during microwave drying process
Authors: Sun Tongsheng , Cao Ran , Liu Jiahao , Wang Kai
Published: January 2024

Background and Objectives

During microwave drying process of corn, temperature and moisture content are the main reasons for crack formation, which reduces the drying quality. Therefore, it is necessary to study the effects of temperature and moisture content on crack generation.

Findings

Under the set drying conditions, as the temperature increases, cracks gradually increase, deformation gradually increases, and the crack index increases exponentially. As the moisture content decreases, deformation first increases and then decreases, single cracks first increase and then decrease and then increase, double cracks gradually decrease, multiple cracks continue to increase, and the crack index increases linearly. The deformation reaches its maximum value at a moisture content of 31%.

Conclusions

The results indicate that the generation of cracks is mainly influenced by water content. The maximum errors between the simulated and experimental values of temperature and moisture content are 4.73% and 7.76%, respectively, indicating that the model can be used to study the distribution patterns of temperature, moisture content, and deformation during corn drying.

Significance and Novelty

This study established a mathematical model for electromagnetic, mass, energy, and deformation of corn, coupled the model for the solution, and conducted experimental verification. The relationship between the generation of cracks during microwave drying of corn kernels and temperature and moisture content was revealed.
Air‐Stable Manganese NNS Pincer Complexes Enable Ketone Reduction at Room Temperature
Authors: Both Niklas F. , Fessler Johannes , Vicenzi Andrea , Andres Katja , Spannenberg Anke , Junge Kathrin , Beller Matthias
Published: January 2024

A series of air‐stable Mn complexes bearing NNS pincer ligands have been synthesized and fully characterized. The activity of the complexes as (transfer) hydrogenation catalysts was investigated in detail, and a variety of ketones (>20 examples) were converted to the corresponding secondary alcohols at room temperature. The synthetic applicability of this class of catalysts is demonstrated by the tolerance of several functional groups including halides, primary amines, nitriles, esters, and nitro‐groups. Moreover, the optimal catalytic system 5c displayed a high chemoselectivity in the presence of other reducible groups such as nitriles, esters, and alkynes. Competitive catalytic experiments with the analogous bidentate NN complex 8 indicated decoordination of the hemilabile thioether‐moiety during formation of the catalytically active hydrido species.
Probing the Electrochemical Processes of Niobium Pentoxides (Nb2O5) for High‐Rate Lithium‐ion Batteries: A Review
Authors: Lin Jie , Zhao Siyu , Jervis Rhodri , Shearing Paul
Published: January 2024

The rising demand to electrify power‐intensive energy devices and systems, as well as fast charging, has imposed a great challenge in current chemistries for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), whose rate capabilities are predominantly restricted by the conventional graphite anode. Niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5) is a promising high‐rate anode material for LIBs with extraordinary rate performance beyond 5 C and good theoretical capacity (~202 mAh ⋅ g−1). With many possible crystal structures, Nb2O5 has a complicated family of different polymorphs, each of which can possess distinct electrochemical properties, specific capacity, cycling stability, and rate capability. This special feature of Nb2O5 makes it a challenging material to understand and requires a comprehensive investigation of every one of its polymorphs. In this paper, we summarize the state‐of‐the‐art research on Nb2O5 polymorphs for LIBs, with an emphasis on the advanced characterisation techniques that have been used to probe the electrochemical processes of Nb2O5. Key findings related to Nb2O5 that have emerged from the previous studies are highlighted, and new scientific questions that are important for its scale‐up and commercialization are proposed for future research.
New Insights into Fundamental Processes and Physical Degradation Mechanisms in Rechargeable Lithium‐Oxygen Batteries Providing Suitably High Energy Densities
Authors: Matsuda Shoichi
Published: January 2024

Lithium‐oxygen batteries (LOBs) can exhibit high energy densities and so have attracted much attention as next‐generation energy storage devices. Although 500 Wh/kg LOBs have recently been demonstrated, the performance of these batteries could still be greatly improved. This Concept article highlights the importance of exploring new technologies, such as gas‐diffusion layers and lightweight protective membranes for lithium metal electrodes, as an approach to realizing LOBs having energy densities sufficient for practical applications. In addition, the physical degradation phenomenon specific to LOBs designed with high energy density is also introduced, such as the volume change of the positive electrode and the movement of the electrolyte associated with the progress of repeated discharge/charge cycles. We believe that the topics presented in this article will promote new research directions in the future development of high energy density and long cycle life LOB.
Investigation of the properties of ZrC nanopowder synthesized by the carbothermal reduction method using phenolic resin
Authors: Rad Farhad Farhang , Mashhadi Mehri , Arateh Kianoosh Akbari
Published: January 2024

Owing to economic reasons and the morphology of the surface of particles, carbothermal reduction is a suitable method for the synthesis of the desired materials. In this research, ZrC nanopowder was synthesized using phenolic resin as the carbon source and ZrO2 powder as the source of zinc by the carbothermal method. ZrO2 powder was milled for 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7 h followed by combining with phenolic resin and ethanol with stoichiometric and nonstoichiometric ratios, and then the samples were pyrolyzed for 60 min at 800°C. Then, the samples were heat treated in an argon atmosphere in two stages at 1,600°C for 60 and 90 min. XRD and FE‐SEM were used to investigate the microstructure of the samples. By increasing the molar ratio and increasing the heat treatment time, the ZrC phase content in the samples increased so that the highest amount of ZrC phase was observed in the samples with the carbon to zirconium ratios of 1:6 and 1:9 and the holding time of 90 min. By increasing the heat treatment time, the average size of ZrC particles increased from 130 to 180 nm and the size of crystallites increased from 36 to 46 nm.
Recent progress on mechanisms, principles, and strategies for high‐activity and high‐stability non‐PGM fuel cell catalyst design
Authors: Yuan Yuping , Zheng Yun , Luo Dan , Qiu Weibin , Wang Jiantao , Wang Xin , Chen Zhongwei
Published: January 2024

The commercialization of a polymer membrane H2–O2 fuel cell and its widespread use call for the development of cost‐effective oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) nonplatinum group metal (NPGM) catalysts. Nevertheless, to meet the requests for the real‐world fuel cell application and replacing platinum catalysts, it still needs to address some challenges for NPGM catalysts regarding the sluggish ORR kinetics in the cathode and their poor durability in acidic environment. In response to these issues, numerous efforts have been made to study NPGM catalysts both theoretically and experimentally, developed these into the atomically dispersed coordinated metal–nitrogen–carbon (M–N–C) form over the past decades. In this review, we present a comprehensive summary of recent advancements on NPGM catalysts with high activity and durability. Catalyst design strategies in terms of optimizing active‐site density and enhancing catalyst stability against demetalization and carbon corrosion are highlighted. It is also emphasized the importance of understanding the mechanisms and principles behind those strategies through a combination of theoretical modeling and experimental work. Especially, further understanding the mechanisms related to the active‐site structure and the formation process of the single‐atom active site under pyrolysis conditions is critical for active‐site engineering. Optimizing the active‐site distance is the basic principle for improving catalyst activity through increasing the catalyst active‐site density. Theoretical studies for the catalyst deactivation mechanism and modeling stable active‐site structures provide both mechanisms and principles to improve the NPGM catalyst durability. Finally, currently remained challenges and perspectives in the future on designing high‐performance atomically dispersed NPGM catalysts toward fuel cell application are discussed.
Micelle‐Promoted Reductive Amination of DNA‐Conjugated Amines for DNA‐Encoded Library Synthesis
Authors: Anderson Matthew J. , Carton Thomas P. , Salvini Catherine L. A. , Crawford James J. , Pairaudeau Garry , Waring Michael J.
Published: January 2024

DNA‐encoded libraries (DELs) have become a leading technology for hit identification in drug discovery projects as large, diverse libraries can be generated. DELs are commonly synthesised via split‐and‐pool methodology; thus, chemical transformations utilised must be highly efficient, proceeding with high conversions. Reactions performed in DEL synthesis also require a broad substrate scope to produce diverse, drug‐like libraries. Many pharmaceutical compounds incorporate multiple C−N bonds, over a quarter of which are synthesised via reductive aminations. However, few on‐DNA reductive amination procedures have been developed. Herein is reported the application of the micelle‐forming surfactant, TPGS‐750‐M, to the on‐DNA reductive amination of DNA‐conjugated amines, yielding highly efficient conversions with a broad range of aldehydes, including medicinally relevant heterocyclic and aliphatic substrates. The procedure is compatible with DNA amplification and sequencing, demonstrating its applicability to DEL synthesis.
Understanding the Chemical Bond in Semiconductor/MXene Composites: TiO2 Clusters Anchored on the Ti2C MXene Surface
Authors: García‐Romeral Néstor , Keyhanian Masoomeh , Morales‐García Ángel , Viñes Francesc , Illas Francesc
Published: January 2024

First‐principles calculations on titania clusters (TiO2)n (n=5 and 10) supported on the pristine Ti2C (0001) surface were carried out to understand the properties of semiconductor/MXene composites with implications in (photo)‐catalysis. The reported results reveal a high exothermic interaction accompanied by a substantial charge transfer with a concomitant, notorious, deformation of the titania nanoclusters. The analysis of the density of states analysis of the composite systems evidences a metallic character with titania related states crossing the Fermi level. The picture of the chemical bonds is completed by the analysis of X‐Ray Photoelectron Spectra (XPS) features, evidencing clear shifts of the C(1s) and O(1s) related peaks relative to the isolated systems that have a quite complex origin. This detailed analysis provides insights to experimentalists interested in the design and synthesis of these systems with possible applications in catalysis.
First person profile: Patrick J. Loehrer, MD
Authors: Nierengarten Mary Beth
Published: January 2024

This news section offers Cancer readers timely information on events, public policy analysis, topical issues, and personalities. In this issue, Patrick J. Loehrer, MD, has had a lifelong passion for bringing high‐quality oncology care to underresourced local and global communities. In addition, good oral health is linked to better overall survival for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and researchers have found a novel biomarker that has improved diagnostic accuracy for nasopharyngeal cancer.
Method of computational design for additive manufacturing of hip endoprosthesis based on basic‐cell concept
Authors: Bolshakov Pavel , Kuchumov Alex G. , Kharin Nikita , Akifyev Kirill , Statsenko Evgeny , Silberschmidt Vadim V.
Published: January 2024

Endoprosthetic hip replacement is the conventional way to treat osteoarthritis or a fracture of a dysfunctional joint. Different manufacturing methods are employed to create reliable patient‐specific devices with long‐term performance and biocompatibility. Recently, additive manufacturing has become a promising technique for the fabrication of medical devices, because it allows to produce complex samples with various structures of pores. Moreover, the limitations of traditional fabrication methods can be avoided. It is known that a well‐designed porous structure provides a better proliferation of cells, leading to improved bone remodeling. Additionally, porosity can be used to adjust the mechanical properties of designed structures. This makes the design and choice of the structure's basic cell a crucial task. This study focuses on a novel computational method, based on the basic‐cell concept to design a hip endoprosthesis with an unregularly complex structure. A cube with spheroid pores was utilized as a basic cell, with each cell having its own porosity and mechanical properties. A novelty of the suggested method is in its combination of the topology optimization method and the structural design algorithm. Bending and compression cases were analyzed for a cylinder structure and two hip implants. The ability of basic‐cell geometry to influence the structure's stress–strain state was shown. The relative change in the volume of the original structure and the designed cylinder structure was 6.8%. Computational assessments of a stress–strain state using the proposed method and direct modeling were carried out. The volumes of the two types of implants decreased by 9% and 11%, respectively. The maximum von Mises stress was 600 MPa in the initial design. After the algorithm application, it increased to 630 MPa for the first type of implant, while it is not changing in the second type of implant. At the same time, the load‐bearing capacity of the hip endoprostheses was retained. The internal structure of the optimized implants was significantly different from the traditional designs, but better structural integrity is likely to be achieved with less material. Additionally, this method leads to time reduction both for the initial design and its variations. Moreover, it enables to produce medical implants with specific functional structures with an additive manufacturing method avoiding the constraints of traditional technologies.
A novel approach for constructing privacy‐aware architecture utilizing Shannon's entropy
Authors: Dwivedi Pankaj Prasad , Sharma Dilip Kumar
Published: January 2024

The right to privacy refers to an individual's decision about how personal information can be gathered, utilized, and disseminated. Individual consent and openness are the most important foundations for gaining consumers' confidence, and this pushes businesses to use privacy‐enhancing techniques while developing systems. The purpose of a privacy‐aware design is to safeguard data in such a manner that it does not expand an adversary's current understanding of an individual beyond what would be permitted. When these data pieces are coupled with the plethora of source data accessible outside the system to identify a user, this becomes crucial. Individual privacy is protected by privacy rules all around the globe, but they are often complicated and ambiguous, making their translation into practical and technologically privacy‐friendly structures difficult. The main contribution of this article is that we use Shannon's entropy (SE) to construct an objective measure that may guide our major technical design choices. And for privacy‐aware architecture, simplifying the state‐of‐the‐art security approaches given in the literature.
5‐Aryl Substituted 2‐(2‐Methoxyphenyl)benzoxazoles with Large Stokes Shifts: Synthesis, Crystal Structures and Optical Properties
Authors: López‐Márquez Isaí , López‐Ruiz Heraclio , Merino Gabriel , Vázquez‐García Rosa A. , Corona‐Díaz Alejandro , Pérez‐Estrada Salvador , Rojas‐Lima Susana
Published: January 2024

2‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)benzoxazole (MBO) displays similar photophysical properties to 2‐(2‐hydroxyphenyl)benzoxazole (HBO), but it lacks the large Stokes shifts necessary for fluorescence microscopy applications. In this paper, we report the 5‐substitution of MBO with aryl groups to produce 2‐(4‐methoxy‐[1,1’‐biphenyl]‐3‐yl)benzoxazoles (MBBOs) with large Stokes shifts. The synthesis of MBBOs 6–15 was accomplished in moderate to good yields by microwave‐assisted Sonogashira cross couplings. Crystal structures for compounds 6–9 and 15 are provided. MBBOs 6–10, 12, and 14 displayed considerably blue‐shifted absorption maxima and slight bathochromic shifts of their fluorescence maxima relative to the unsubstituted MBO.
Sustainable development during economic uncertainty: What drives large construction firms to perform corporate social responsibility?
Authors: Van Nguyen Minh , Ha Khanh Duy , Phan Chien Thanh
Published: January 2024

While the world is grappling with economic uncertainty, corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been extensively studied with a focus on favorable economic conditions. This study aims to investigate and prioritize the drivers for CSR in large‐sized construction organizations during economic uncertainty. Based on the literature review and discussions with experienced professionals, 13 critical drivers for CSR were identified and categorized into four clusters. Using the combination of fuzzy Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory and fuzzy Analytic Network Process (DANP), drivers for CSR performance during economic uncertainty were ranked regarding their interrelationships. Among 13 drivers, the results illustrated that enhancing company reputation was the most critical driver for CSR, followed by long‐term economic benefit, employee commitment and loyalty, and credibility gain. This study expands the current understanding of CSR practices in the construction industry, shedding light on its unique characteristics during economic uncertainty.
Trophic positions of soil microarthropods in forests increase with elevation, but energy channels remain unchanged
Authors: Lux Johannes , Xie Zhijing , Sun Xin , Wu Donghui , Pollierer Melanie M. , Scheu Stefan
Published: January 2024

Mountain forests are at risk as the consequences of climate change will likely lead to altered tree species boundaries. Characterizing food webs along elevation gradients in primary forests may help to predict the potential consequences of such changes, for example with regard to the decomposition of dead organic matter. Here, for the first time, we studied trophic variations in two species‐rich microarthropod taxa, Collembola and Oribatida, along an elevation gradient of primary forest at Changbai Mountain, China. Samples were taken at seven elevations of 150‐m elevational difference between 800 and 1700 m. At each elevation, Collembola and Oribatida were extracted from litter samples of eight subplots. We applied three state‐of‐the‐art methods to elucidate trophic positions and basal resource use at community level: Bulk stable isotope analysis of nitrogen (Δ15Nbulk) and carbon (Δ13Cbulk), compound‐specific stable isotope analysis of amino acids (CSIA‐AA), and dietary routing of neutral lipid fatty acids (NLFAs). Trophic positions calculated using Δ15Nbulk and CSIA‐AA (TPCSIA) in both taxa increased similarly with elevation by about half and one third of a trophic position, respectively. Stable isotope mixing models and linear discriminant analysis bootstrapping using δ13C of essential amino acids indicated fungi as the most important resource at all elevations for both taxa. Also, proportions of marker NLFAs changed little across elevations in both taxa; overall high proportions of linoleic acid indicated high fungal contributions, but in Collembola the contribution of bacterial markers was generally higher than in Oribatida. Δ13Cbulk did not respond linearly to the elevation gradient; however, changes in elevation differed between Collembola and Oribatida. A strong linear relationship between δ15N of phenylalanine and δ15N of litter indicated litter as the basis of energy channels in both taxa. Overall, food web functioning likely changes with changing forest types along elevation gradients, with microarthropods switching from feeding closer to the base of the food web at lower elevations to feeding at higher trophic levels at higher elevations, potentially compromising their role in litter decomposition and nutrient cycling.
Atomic‐resolution Interfacial Microstructure and Thermo‐electro‐magnetic Energy Conversion Performance of Gd/Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 Composites
Authors: Liu Chengshan , Xu Wenjie , Wei Ping , Ke Shaoqiu , Cui Wenjun , Li Longzhou , Liang Dong , Ye Xianfeng , Chen Tiantian , Nie Xiaolei , Zhu Wanting , Zhao Wenyu , Zhang Qingjie
Published: January 2024

Thermo‐electro‐magnetic materials with simultaneously large magnetocaloric (MC) and thermoelectric (TE) effects are the core part for designing TE/MC all‐solid‐state cooling devices. Compositing MC phase with TE material is an effective approach. However, the elemental diffusion and chemical reaction occurring at the two‐phase interfaces could significantly impair the cooling performance. Herein, Gd/Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 (Gd/BST) composites were prepared by a low‐temperature high‐pressure spark plasma sintering method with an aim to control the extent of interfacial reaction. The reaction of Gd with the diffusive Te and the formation of GdTe nanocrystals were identified at the Gd/BST interfaces by the atomic‐resolution microscope. The formed antisite defects and enhanced {000 l} preferential orientation in BST are responsible for the increased carrier concentration and mobility, which leads to optimized electrical properties. The heterogeneous interface phases, along with antisite defects, favor the phonon scattering enhancement and lattice thermal conductivity suppression. The optimized composite sintered at 693 K exhibited a maximum ZT of 1.27 at 300 K. Furthermore, the well‐controlled interfacial reaction has a slight impact on the magnetic properties of Gd and a high magnetic entropy change is retained in the composites. This work provides a universal approach to fabricating thermo‐electro‐magnetic materials with excellent MC and TE properties.
Development and validation of the self‐volume management behaviour questionnaire for patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Luo Zhenlan , Ruan Tiantian , Xu Mengqi , Ding Yuan , Zhu Lingyan
Published: January 2024

Aims

We aim to develop and validate a questionnaire on the behaviour of self‐volume management of patients with chronic heart failure.

Methods and results

Based on the specific situation theory of heart failure self‐care, the items of this questionnaire were formed through literature review and expert consultation. Content validity is judged by expert consultation. Item analysis was used for further filter entries. Cronbach's alpha and retest were used for reliability. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used to test the structural validity. The questionnaire finally contained 3 subscales and 22 items. The Cronbach's α was between 0.732 and 0.797. The reliability of the retest was between 0.983 and 0.998. In expert consultation, the I‐CVI of each item was 0.92–1, and the S‐CVI of each subscale was 0.99, 1.00, and 0.99. In exploratory factor analysis, each subscale has two factors. In confirmatory factor analysis, the model fits of the three subscales were good: χ2/df < 3, RMSEA < 0.08, CFI > 0.9, TLI > 0.9, and SRMR < 0.05.

Conclusions

The study has shown that the questionnaire on the behaviour of self‐volume management of patients with chronic heart failure has good reliability and validity. It can be used as an evaluation tool for evaluating the self‐volume management behaviour of patients with chronic heart failure.
Assessment of the efficiency of DNA isolation and profiling applying a temperature‐driven method in human remains
Authors: C. Zapico Sara , Matos Shayla , Conte Jillian
Published: January 2024

The identification of human remains is of utmost importance in a variety of scenarios. One of the primary identification methods is DNA. DNA extraction from human remains could be difficult, particularly in situations where the remains have been exposed to environmental conditions and other insults. Several studies tried to improve extraction by applying different approaches. ForensicGEM Universal (MicroGem) is a single‐tube approach to DNA extraction and a temperature‐driven method that could have some advantages with respect to previous techniques, among them, reducing the risk of contamination, not requiring specialized equipment, or several steps to perform. The aim of this study was to assess, for the first time, the efficiency of DNA extraction and quality of STR profiles applying the MicroGem protocol and modifications of this protocol from tooth samples in comparison with automatic extraction (AE). Our results indicated that AE and MicroGem performed similar, though with variability depending on the MicroGem modifications, increasing the DNA yield and STR profile quality when DNA is concentrated with Microcon. These findings demonstrated the efficiency of this methodology for DNA extraction from human remains while also providing a simple and quick technique suitable to apply in a variety of forensic scenarios.
Prevalence and characterization of Staphylococcus aureus from different processing points in beef processing plants in Shandong, China
Authors: Zhang Tianning , Liu Yunge , Yang Xiaoyin , Gong Benzhi , Liang Rongrong , Mao Yanwei , Zhang Yimin , Dong Pengcheng , Zhu Lixian
Published: January 2024

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a common zoonotic foodborne pathogen that poses a serious threat to the microbial control of meat processing, especially the multidrug resistant (MDR) strain. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility, virulence genes, biofilm formation ability (BFA), and molecular types of S. aureus isolated from two beef‐processing plants in China. The results revealed that the prevalence of S. aureus was 17.1% (60/350), including one methicillin‐resistant strain. The chilled carcass showed the highest detection rate among the seven sampling points. The isolates exhibited high resistance to penicillin (88.3%) and lincomycin (80.0%), and 75.0% of the isolates showed multidrug resistance (MDR). All isolates carried hla and clfa and critical toxin genes (seb, pvl, and tst) were also detected. Additionally, 96.7% of isolates exhibited strong and moderate BFA. The isolates were typed by Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) and Staphylococcus Protein A (spa) typing methods, resulting in nine different types for each method. The predominant type was ST7‐t091, accounting for 68.3% of the isolates. Our research suggests that there may be a critical control point in the chilling room, and the high MDR rate and strong BFA increase the difficulty of control and the risk of transmission.
Changes in eating habits and lifestyle during the first year of the COVID‐19 pandemic across metropolitan regions in Brazil and Germany: A survey‐based cross‐sectional study
Authors: Paris Juliana M. G. , Lima Emília M. F. , Finger Jéssica de A. F. F. , Isidorio William R. , Heinzel Christine , Falkenberg Timo , Borgemeister Christian , Pinto Uelinton M. , Nöthlings Ute
Published: January 2024

COVID‐19 caused profound societal changes to cope rapidly with the new circumstances. The food market changed its quantity, quality, form, and frequency dynamics. Consequently, food‐eating habits and lifestyles like physical exercise likely experienced changes. An online‐based survey was conducted between June 2020 and January 2021 in the metropolitan regions of Rhine Ruhr Metropolis (RRM), Greater São Paulo (GSP), other metropolitan regions in São Paulo state (oMRSP), other Brazilian metropolitan regions (oBRMR), and the remaining urban areas in both countries (oUA), representing different contexts of Brazil and Germany. We assessed self‐reported changes in physical activity level, diet quality, self‐reported eating habits, and buying groceries during the first year of the pandemic. In Germany, indoor and outdoor activities increased for 34% of the respondents, while in Brazil, there was a decrease in physical activity for 50% of the participants. The Healthy Eating Index (HEI) scored higher among Brazilians (16.8) than Germans (15.2) on a 0–29 HEI scale. Increased awareness of healthy and sustainable eating habits was observed in GSP (0.7), oMRSP (0.63), oBRMR (0.7), and oUA (0.68) on a scale from no change (0) to change (1). In RRM, an increase in convenience foods was noticed (0.86). Participants reported discomfort with food purchasing due to hygiene measures and avoided going to the supermarket (0.7 on average in Brazil and 0.58 for females using the same 0–1 scale). Also, food supply at the grocery shops was reported to be often unavailable and in lower quantities. A real‐time assessment of self‐reported changes in eating habits and lifestyle during the lockdown in 2020 in different contexts is insightful for rethinking strategies to improve conditions in the post‐COVID‐19 era and prepare for future pandemics.
Efficacy and tolerability of Profhilo® Structura intended to restore lateral cheek fat compartment: An observational pilot study
Authors: Sparavigna Adele , Grimolizzi Franco , Cigni Clara , Lualdi Roberto , Bellia Gilberto
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims

Hyaluronic acid (HA)‐based injections are used worldwide to improve skin defects associated with aging and ultraviolet light/environmental exposure. HA formulations developed according to molecular weight or with additional components, for example, cross‐linking reagents, are limited by their low biological activity and concentration limit. NAHYCO™ technology has enabled the production of hybrid cooperative complexes (HCCs) of low and high molecular weight HA. Developed for injection into the fat compartments of the face and previously demonstrating potential benefits for adipose tissue restoration, Profhilo Structura® is a new 2 mL HCC formulation comprising low molecular weight HA (45 mg/mL) and high molecular weight HA (45 mg/mL). To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of Profhilo Structura® to restore adipose tissue compartments in the lateral cheek fat compartment.

Methods

Fifty healthy enrolled subjects received two injections, 1 month apart, and were evaluated 3 months posttreatment. Investigators performed clinical evaluations (Facial Volume Loss Scale [FVLS] and Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale [WSRS]) at different time points. Subjects also completed self‐evaluation assessments following treatment.

Results

A significant improvement in FVLS and WSRS clinical scores after the first treatment was observed; treatment benefit was maintained 3 months after treatment completion and confirmed by subject self‐assessment. Most participants reported an improvement, particularly a marked reduction of wrinkles and increased skin firmness. No serious adverse events were reported, confirming the excellent safety profile of HCC injectable devices.

Conclusions

Overall, the study highlighted the efficacy and tolerability of the studied medical device proving its effect on adipose tissue.
Analysing the impacts of unscheduled news events on stock market contagion during the epidemic
Authors: Zhang Yi , Zhou Long , Wu Baoxiu , Liu Fang
Published: January 2024

This paper investigates the impact of unscheduled news announcements on market contagion during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Using coexceedance of stock returns as a metric for market contagion effect, we assess the contribution of news releases from the United States and China on the financial contagion of a representative group of global equity markets through a quantile analysis framework. The empirical results are mixed: news events originating in the United States have a greater impact on market contagion compared with those originating in China, especially at lower quantiles. Stock markets respond asymmetrically to good news versus bad news, and the latter lead to a sharper common fall among the markets than the boost to the market caused by good news. We also find evidence that conditional variance and investor sentiment play some role in the spread of financial market crises, despite differences in extent and direction.
Does supplemental irrigation enhance smallholder monsoon season rice yield? Evidence from Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Mahbubur , Connor Jeffery D.
Published: January 2024

Irrigation is one pillar of the Green Revolution that drove dramatic agricultural productivity gains across Asia. In Bangladesh, irrigation uptake has been so significant that 97% of dry‐season rice is now irrigated. While most Bangladesh monsoon rice is completely rainfed, supplementary irrigation is sometimes employed where late monsoon onset is potentially yield‐limiting. Station‐controlled experiments provide a narrative of positive yield benefits from supplementary irrigation. In contrast, statistical evaluations of actual farm experience mostly show no yield benefit and lower profitability for supplementary irrigation adopters. To add evidence on this controversial practice, we evaluated data from 2012 and 2015 Bangladesh farm household surveys with causality econometric approaches that control for differences between supplementary irrigation adopter and non‐adopter groups. After controlling for self‐selection and endogeneity, we found no statistically significant yield benefit for supplementary irrigation. Our results support scepticism about the profitability of supplementary irrigation. As such, we recommend careful consideration of the mixed evidence on effectiveness in future supplementary irrigation project benefit cost analyses. Further evidence over a longer time and accounting for a broader range of crops is also important moving forward.
A peek into the room where it happens: Quantifying ABA's influence on public policy discussions
Authors: Critchfield Thomas S.
Published: January 2024

To maximize its influence, applied behavior analysis must both create solutions and shape public policy to implement those solutions at scale. From the perspective of data‐driven decision making, it is illogical to talk about seeking public policy influence without consulting evidence showing when influence has been achieved. One relevant form of evidence is the attention that behavioral solutions receive in published discussions about policy issues, and here I show how much of this attention has been earned by articles published in Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis. I also propose using the same kind of data to support finer grained analyses focusing on specific behavior problems, specific types of interventions, and the research programs of individual investigators. Although this is far from a complete account of the influence of applied behavior analysis on policy, it is better to have data than none if the goal is to transform the quest for influence on policy from a matter of speculation and casual discussion into an evidence‐based practice.
Tanshinone IIA regulates CCl4 induced liver fibrosis in C57BL/6J mice via the PI3K/Akt and Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathways
Authors: Li Qingqing , Huang Dongrui , Liao Wenjing , Su Xinyue , Li Jin , Zhang Jinwei , Fang Meng , Liu Yuwei
Published: January 2024

Chronic liver diseases caused by various factors may develop into liver fibrosis (LF). Early stage of LF could be reversible. Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA), an extract from Salvia miltiorrhiza, has been reported to be hepatoprotective. However, the potential targets and mechanism of Tan IIA in the treatment of LF are still unclear. Our study aims at the anti‐LF mechanism of Tan IIA through network pharmacological analysis combined with LF‐related experiments. Serum biochemical indicators and histopathological examination showed that Tan IIA could ameliorate the process of LF in the CCl4‐induced mouse model. Western blot and immunohistochemical assays showed that Tan IIA decreased the expression of Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS), phosphatidylinositide 3‐kinases/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), and nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor/heme oxygenase‐1 (Nrf2/HO‐1). Compared with the model group, the Tan IIA groups increased the decreased superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione content, while decreasing the increased malondialdehyde content. These results indicate that Tan IIA may play an antioxidant role by inhibiting the expression of KRAS, PI3K/Akt, and Nrf2/HO‐1 to ameliorate the progression of LF, which to some extent explains the pharmacological mechanism of Tan IIA in LF. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that Tan IIA could regulate LF via PI3K/Akt and Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathways. It may be an effective therapeutic compound for the treatment of LF.
The role of HLA genetic variants in COVID‐19 susceptibility, severity, and mortality: A global review
Authors: Hoseinnezhad Taraneh , Soltani Nasrin , Ziarati Sarina , Behboudi Emad , Mousavi Mohammad Javad
Published: January 2024

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has had a profound global impact, with variations in susceptibility, severity, and mortality rates across different regions. While many factors can contribute to the spread and impact of the disease, specifically human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genetic variants have emerged as potential contributors to COVID‐19 outcomes.

Methods

In this comprehensive narrative review, we conducted a thorough literature search to identify relevant studies investigating the association between HLA genetic variants and COVID‐19 outcomes. Additionally, we analyzed allelic frequency data from diverse populations to assess differences in COVID‐19 incidence and severity.

Results

Our review provides insights into the immunological mechanisms involving HLA‐mediated responses to COVID‐19 and highlights potential research directions and therapeutic interventions. We found evidence suggesting that certain HLA alleles, such as HLA‐A02, may confer a lower risk of COVID‐19, while others, like HLA‐C04, may increase the risk of severe symptoms and mortality. Furthermore, our analysis of allele frequency distributions revealed significant variations among different populations.

Conclusion

Considering host genetic variations, particularly HLA genetic variants, is crucial for understanding COVID‐19 susceptibility and severity. These findings have implications for personalized treatment and interventions based on an individual's genetic profile. However, further research is needed to unravel the precise mechanisms underlying the observed associations and explore the potential for targeted therapies or preventive measures based on HLA genetic variants.
Low content of Ni‐Pt nanoparticles decorated carbon nanofibers as efficient electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Sakthivel P , Ramachandran K , Balraj C , Senthil TS , Manivel P
Published: January 2024

Background

Among various technologies, electrochemical water splitting is one of the most effective and promising techniques for obtaining hydrogen fuel. The low content of nickel–platinum (Ni‐Pt) nanoparticles (NPs) decorated on carbon nanofibers (CNFs) have been developed by the electrospinning technique and subsequent carbonization process for use in an effective hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in both acidic and alkaline mediums.

Results

The Ni‐Pt ions are reduced to Ni‐Pt NPs during the carbonization process, while polyacrylonitrile nanofibers are simultaneously changed into carbon nanofibers. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) with energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of the prepared Ni‐Pt/CNFs shows that the low content of Ni and Pt NPs is evenly dispersed on the carbon nanofibers. This implies that for close contacts, there is an effective charge transfer between the NPs and the CNFs system. The obtained Ni‐Pt/CNFs exhibit enhanced HER performance along with onset potential (η1/23 mV in ~0 pH and η1/33 mV in ~14 pH) and overpotential (η10/128 mV in pH ~0 and η10/152 mV in pH ~14) versus RHE. Furthermore, stability for a long time was attained without considerable decay by 24 h. The turnover frequency (TOF) value was 3.431 s−1 in acidic and 1.174 s−1 in alkaline electrolytes.

Conclusion

The enhanced HER performance could be ascribed to the synergetic effects between the carbon fibers and the Ni‐Pt NPs. This work demonstrates an easy technique for producing highly effective electrocatalysts for water splitting and has significant implications for renewable energy. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Snow cover‐related camouflage mismatch increases detection by predators
Authors: Otte Pieter J. , Cromsigt Joris P. G. M. , Smit Christian , Hofmeester Tim R.
Published: January 2024

Camouflage expressed by animals is an adaptation to local environments that certain animals express to maximize survival and fitness. Animals at higher latitudes change their coat color according to a seasonally changing environment, expressing a white coat in winter and a darker coat in summer. The timing of molting is tightly linked to the appearance and disappearance of snow and is mainly regulated by photoperiod. However, due to climate change, an increasing mismatch is observed between the coat color of these species and their environment. Here, we conducted an experiment in northern Sweden, with white and brown decoys to study how camouflage (mis)‐match influenced (1) predator attraction to decoys, and (2) predation events. Using camera trap data, we showed that mismatching decoys attracted more predators and experienced a higher likelihood of predation events in comparison to matching decoys, suggesting that camouflage mismatched animals experience increased detection by predators. These results provide insight into the function of a seasonal color coat and the need for this adaptation to maximize fitness in an environment that is exposed to high seasonality. Thus, our results suggest that, with increasing climate change and reduced snow cover, animals expressing a seasonal color coat will experience a decrease in survival.
Seroma formation after mastectomy: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis of different flap fixation techniques
Authors: Spiekerman van Weezelenburg Merel A. , Daemen Jean H. T. , van Kuijk Sander M. J. , van Haaren Elisabeth R. M. , Janssen Alfred , Vissers Yvonne L. J. , Beets Geerard L. , van Bastelaar James
Published: January 2024

Flap fixation is the most promising solution to prevent seroma formation after mastectomy. In this systematic review with network meta‐analysis (NMA), three different techniques were compared. The NMA included 25 articles, comprising 3423 patients, and revealed that sutures are superior to tissue glue in preventing clinically significant seroma. In addition, running sutures seemed to be superior to interrupted sutures. An RCT comparing these suture techniques seems necessary, given the quality and nature of existing literature.
Copepod egg production estimates are biased by female mortality
Authors: Kimmerer Wim J. , Slaughter Anne M. , Ignoffo Toni R.
Published: January 2024

Egg production rate (EPR, eggs ♀−1d−1) is a key measure of the nutritional state of metazoans such as copepods. Chlorophyll concentration is most often used to index responses of copepod vital rates to ambient food, but the fits to EPR are often poor. A known but unexplored bias in EPR estimates is the interaction between lifetime reproductive schedules of adult females and their mortality. We examined this interaction for Pseudodiaptomus forbesi, an abundant sac‐spawning calanoid copepod, in the San Francisco Estuary (SFE), USA. The reproductive schedule of P. forbesi comprises a latent period followed by a generally steady rate of clutch production. We used a Bayesian approach to analyze data from two studies which included 141 individual estimates of proportion ovigerous, eggs per clutch, and mortality from 28 sampling events. Proportion ovigerous contributed 95% of the variation in EPR. Mortality was 0.01–0.73 d−1 by one method and ~ 20% higher by another. When mortality was high, most females were young, few were past the latent stage, and ~ 25% were ovigerous. Proportion ovigerous up to 75% occurred only with mortality > ~0.1 d−1. Adjusting for mortality increased estimates of proportion ovigerous by 3%–88% (median 36%) and allowed for a relationship with chlorophyll, which could not be fitted to the raw data. However, the adjustments increased uncertainty. Given the large effort required, we recommend that others investigate this phenomenon for other species and environments before this adjustment should be recommended for estimating copepod egg production.
Depredation rates and spatial overlap between Great Hammerheads and Tarpon in a recreational fishing hot spot
Authors: Casselberry Grace A. , Skomal Gregory B. , Griffin Lucas P. , Brownscombe Jacob W. , Filous Alex , Holder Peter E. , Dello Russo Joseph , Morgan Campbell , Kneebone Jeff , Adams Aaron J. , Cooke Steven J. , Danylchuk Andy J.
Published: January 2024

Objective

Shark depredation, the full or partial consumption of a hooked fish by a shark before it is landed, is an increasing source of human–wildlife conflict in recreational fisheries. Reports of shark depredation in the catch-and-release Tarpon (also known as Atlantic Tarpon) Megalops atlanticus fishery in the Florida Keys are increasing, specifically in Bahia Honda, a recreational fishing hot spot and a putative Tarpon prespawning aggregation site.

Methods

Using visual surveys of fishing in Bahia Honda, we quantified depredation rates and drivers of depredation. With acoustic telemetry, we simultaneously tracked 51 Tarpon and 14 Great Hammerheads (also known as Great Hammerhead Sharks) Sphyrna mokarran, the most common shark to depredate Tarpon, to quantify residency and spatial overlap in Bahia Honda.

Result

During the visual survey, 394 Tarpon were hooked. The combined observed shark depredation and immediate postrelease predation rate was 15.3% for Tarpon that were fought longer than 5 min. Survival analysis and decision trees showed that depredation risk was highest in the first 5–12 min of the fight and on the outgoing current. During the spawning season, Great Hammerheads shifted their space use in Bahia Honda to overlap with Tarpon core use areas. Great Hammerheads restricted their space use on the outgoing current when compared to the incoming current, which could drive increased shark–angler interactions.

Conclusion

Bahia Honda has clear ecological importance for both Tarpon and Great Hammerheads as a prespawning aggregation and feeding ground. The observed depredation mortality and postrelease predation mortality raise conservation concerns for the fishery. Efforts to educate anglers to improve best practices, including reducing fight times and ending a fight prematurely when sharks are present, will be essential to increase Tarpon survival and reduce shark–angler conflict.