bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green Synthesis of TiO2 NPs Using Agave americana Leaves: Antioxidant, Cytotoxicity, and Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Younas Muhammad Usama , Usman Adil , Kashif Ali Raza , Zahoor Ashaan , Haider Farasat
Published: November 2024

Nanotechnology involves the synthesis and application of nanoparticles across various fields, including medicine, agriculture, environmental remediation, and electronics. The green synthesis of nanoparticles using plant extracts is increasingly being explored to produce eco‐friendly nanoparticles and mitigate potential adverse effects in biomedical applications. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has garnered attention due to its low cost, availability, chemical stability, and biocompatibility. This study used an eco‐friendly and simple green synthesis approach to fabricate and characterize titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) using Agave americana leaf extract. The UV–vis spectra revealed a strong peak at 385 nm. X‐ray diffraction analysis confirmed the tetragonal crystalline structure of TiO2 (rutile), with a particle size of 14.56 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated characteristic stretching vibrations of TiO2 at 471 cm−1. TiO2 NPs exhibited a significant cytotoxic effect against cancer cells while demonstrating lower toxicity to normal cells, highlighting their selective anticancer properties. Additionally, TiO2 NPs demonstrated a strong photocatalytic activity of 93% under UV light exposure over 180 min. These findings strongly support the utilization of Agave americana leaves as a valuable source of antioxidants and highlight the efficacy of biosynthesized TiO2 NPs in environmental and biological applications.
A Novel MOF Based on a Viologen Ligand: Photochromism, Ammonia Sensing, and Cr2O72− Detection
Authors: Ma Xinyue , Gao Ying , Shi Shoujia , Zheng Yimeng , Li Yuanyuan , Zhao Mengnan , Gao Zeyuan , Zhu Baili , Cui Shuxin , Zuo Minghui
Published: November 2024

A novel metal‐organic frameworks (MOF) material, namely {Zn3(bpybc)(imdc)2·H2O)}n (1), (bpybc2− = 1,1′‐bis(4‐carboxyphenyl)‐4,4′ ‐bipyridinium cation, imdc3− = 4,5‐imidazole‐dicarboxylic acid anion) has been successfully synthesized under solvothermal conditions. The synthesis utilized H2bpybc·2Cl, 4,5‐imidazole‐dicarboxylic acid and Zn(NO3)2·6H2O as the raw materials. Complex 1 not only exhibits reversible photochromic behavior but also features photocontrolled luminescence properties. Notably, complex 1 shows the sensing ability of Cr2O72−. It has the capability to selectively detect ammonia vapor, undergoing a color change from orange to tan in response to ammonia vapors, thereby exhibiting certain sensing properties for ammonia vapor.
A Radical Mediator Layer on Composite Solid Polymer Electrolyte for Uniform Lithium Deposition
Authors: Zhang Chaoyan , Jiang Zhen , Zhang Yang , Zhang Andong , Guo Peng , Song Jianjun , Zhang Peng , Shi Chuan
Published: November 2024

Uneven diffusion and gradual accumulation of lithium under electric fields lead to the formation of lithium dendrite, which impedes the practical applications of all‐solid‐state lithium metal batteries. To achieve even deposition of Li+, a free radical polymer (PTMA), poly (2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidinyloxy meth‐acrylate), serving as Li+ transport and deposition mediator layer in Polyethylene oxide‐Li7La3Zr2O12 (PEO‐LLZO) composite solid polymer electrolytes is employed. During the transporting process, Li+ is anchored by the O· site of PTMA, hopping along PTMA chains until deposited onto the Li metal anode. This Li+ transport route is confirmed by the displacement of PTMA‐6Li with PTMA‐7Li and 6Li‐tracing NMR. The DFT calculation confirms Li+ is more energetically preferred to coordinate with PTMA than directly deposited onto the lithium electrode, the atomic Li deposition furtherly occurs since the lower adsorption energy of Li on the Li (001) slab than Li+. Therefore, the deposition of Li+ avoids the influence of the electric field with the assistance of the PTMA mediator layer, and a molecular scale Li+ deposition is achieved since each unit of PTMA acts as an active site of lithium transition and deposition. Consequently, lithium symmetrical battery shows stable cycles 4000 h at 0.1 mA cm−2 and 60 °C. The LiFePO4/Li batteries show excellent cyclic and rate performance.
Achieving Excess Hydrogen Output via Concurrent Electrochemical and Chemical Redox Reactions on P‐Doped Co‐Based Catalysts with Electron Manipulation and Kinetic Regulation
Authors: Yao Yue , Qi Menghui , Chen Liang , Hu Enlai , Cai Haotian , Gu Defa , Wang Zhiyu , Cui Yuanjing , Qian Guodong
Published: November 2024

Electrolytic hydrogen production is of great significance in energy conversion and sustainable development. Traditional electrolytic water splitting confronts high anode voltage with oxygen generation and the amount of hydrogen produced at cathode depends entirely on the quantity of electric charge input. Herein, excess hydrogen output can be achieved by constructing a spontaneous hydrazine oxidation reaction (HzOR) coupled hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) system. For the hydrazine oxidation‐assisted electrolyzer in this work, both the external input electrons and the electrons produced by spontaneous chemical redox reaction can reduce water, producing more hydrogen than traditional electrolytic water splitting system. The ultrafast kinetics of bifunctional P‐doped Co‐based catalysts plays a key role in the spontaneous feature of HzOR/HER redox reaction and low working voltage of hydrazine oxidation‐assisted electrolyzer (12 mV@100 mA cm−2). Theoretical calculation results and ex situ/in situ spectra demonstrate that doped P could optimize electronic structure, regulate adsorption energy of intermediates, and thus endows catalysts with ultrafast kinetics. This work provides a new pathway for the development of spontaneous oxidation‐assisted hydrogen production, to achieve excess hydrogen output via concurrent electrochemical and chemical redox reactions.
Multifunctional Scaffold Comprising Metal–Organic Framework, Hydrogel, and Demineralized Bone Matrix for the Treatment of Steroid‐Induced Femoral Head Necrosis
Authors: Bai Liangjie , Zhang Xiaolei , Shen Wei , Wang Peng , Yin Xin , Liu Jianing , Xu Hailun , Liu Bing , Man Zhentao , Li Wei
Published: November 2024

Overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) results in oxidative stress, a critical factor in the pathogenesis of steroid‐induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SONFH). Excess ROS not only hinders the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) but also impairs mitochondrial structure and function, resulting in irreversible cellular damage. Herein, a biomimetic multifunctional scaffold comprising Zn‐modified metal–organic framework 818 (Zn‐MOF‐818) loaded with deferoxamine (DFO), gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel, and demineralized bone matrix (DBM) is shown to scavenge excess ROS, promote angiogenesis, and regulate immunity. Introduced Zn significantly enhances the superoxide dismutase‐ and catalase‐like activities of MOF‐818, which increases ROS‐scavenging efficiency. Zn‐MOF‐818 disrupts the vicious intracellular cycle of mitochondrial dysfunction and ROS accumulation by enhancing mitophagy, stabilizing mitochondrial function, and upregulating antioxidant genes. Additionally, Zn‐MOF‐818 facilitates the polarization of macrophages toward the M2 phenotype and alleviates inflammation, creating an advantageous immune microenvironment for osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. The release of DFO, an activator of the HIF‐1α pathway, and Zn2+ from Zn‐MOF‐818, along with the secretion of various cytokines from DBM (such as bone morphogenetic proteins and vascular endothelial growth factors), enhances angiogenesis and osteogenesis. This scaffold targets multiple factors concurrently, offering a promising new approach for treating SONFH.
Heterogeneous Carbon Designed with Disorder‐in‐Ordered Nanostructure toward High‐Rate and Ultra‐stable Sodium Ion Storage
Authors: Zhang Tianyun , Zhang Tian , Wang Fujuan , Zhang Lirong , Kong Hanhan , Li Yu , Ran Fen
Published: November 2024

The rate performance of biomass‐based hard carbon has always been one of the obstacles to its large‐scale use. There are various challenges in improving the rapid conduction of sodium ions at the interface and realizing the efficient utilization of inactive carbon in large current. In this study, a disorder‐in‐ordered nanostructure carbon front‐face coated with hard carbon which forms a heterogeneous carbon is prepared by coulomb adsorption of methylene blue and alkalized kapok fiber. A study on heterogeneous hard carbon material formation is proposed by incorporating heteroatoms at different carbonization temperatures. When the current density increases to 10 A g−1, the obtained carbon material shows stable cycling for 5000 cycles with only a decay rate of 0.056 ‰, which is significantly better than conventional biomass‐based hard carbon materials. This work provides insights of synergistic effect into the achievement of superior rate capability, that is the internal heteroatoms facilitates the activation of deep sodium energy storage, while the external well‐ordered interface enhances the transport of sodium ions. The evolution of heterogeneous structure is analyzed, offering a novel perspective on the utilization of alkalized kapok for wastewater recovery and energy storage applications.
Structural and Electronic Modulations of Se‐Vacancy‐Rich MoSe2 Triggered by Cr Doping toward Robust Nitrogen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Wu Zhuangzhi , Lv Shuaiting , Liu Ruoqi , Guo Ting , Wang Dezhi , Fei Hao
Published: November 2024

The electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) is proposed as an alternative to the Haber–Bosch process, but the development of efficient NRR electrocatalysts remains a challenging task. MoSe2 has superior conductivity compared to MoS2, making it promising in the NRR field. Unfortunately, the scarcity of active sites and competitive hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) hinder its broader applications. Here, Se‐vacancy‐rich MoSe2 is designed through Cr doping, allowing for targeted regulations of architectural and electronic structure by leveraging the dual effects of doping and VSe. Further mechanistic studies innovatively find that the Cr‐induced multi‐vacancy (18.75% concentration) exerts inverse contributions to NRR on 2H‐ and 1T‐MoSe2, reflecting boosted and depressed effects, respectively. Consequently, suitable doping effectively facilitates NRR and eases the competition from HER, realizing excellent NH3 yield (51.53 ± 2.45 µg h−1 mg−1cat) and Faradaic efficiency (63.37%) in MSC‐1. This work paves the opportunity for MoSe2‐based electrocatalysts toward boosted NRR.
Biomimetic Materials for Antibacterial Applications
Authors: Zhang Junjie , Dong Heng , Liu Bing , Yang Dongliang
Published: November 2024

The rise of antibiotic resistance poses a critical threat to global health, necessitating the development of novel antibacterial strategies to mitigate this growing challenge. Biomimetic materials, inspired by natural biological systems, have emerged as a promising solution in this context. These materials, by mimicking biological entities such as plants, animals, cells, viruses, and enzymes, offer innovative approaches to combat bacterial infections effectively. This review delves into the integration of biomimicry with materials science to develop antibacterial agents that are not only effective but also biocompatible and less likely to induce resistance. The study explores the design and function of various biomimetic antibacterial materials, highlighting their therapeutic potential in anti‐infection applications. Further, the study provides a comprehensive summary of recent advancements in this field, illustrating how these materials have been engineered to enhance their efficacy and safety. The review also discusses the critical challenges facing the transition of these biomimetic strategies from the laboratory to clinical settings, such as scalability, cost‐effectiveness, and long‐term stability. Lastly, the study discusses the vast opportunities that biomimetic materials hold for the future of antibacterial therapy, suggesting that continued research and multidisciplinary collaboration will be essential to realize their full potential.
Sabatier Principle‐Driven Single‐Atom Coordination Engineering for Enhanced Fenton‐Like Catalysis
Authors: Fan Yafei , Kong Dezhi , Wang Feifei , Sun Zhaoli , Yao Jianfei , Chu Menghui , Zhou Yanan , Tung Chen‐Ho , Wang Yifeng
Published: November 2024

Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) are widely employed in Fenton‐like catalysis, yet guidelines for their high‐performance design remain elusive. The Sabatier principle provides guidance for the ideal catalyst with the highest activity. Herein, the study meticulously engineered a series of SACs featuring a broad distribution of d‐band center through single‐atom coordination engineering, facilitating a comprehensive exploration of the Sabatier relationship in Fenton‐like catalysis. A volcanic correlation between d‐band centers and catalytic activity is identified. Theoretical and experimental results show that moderate d‐band center and peroxymonosulfate adsorption energy can lead to the lowest reaction barriers in the rate‐determining step for generating singlet oxygen, thus enhancing catalytic efficiency toward the Sabatier optimum. As proof of concept, the Fe‐N2O2/C catalyst demonstrates a degradation rate constant of 1.89 min−1, surpassing Fe‐N4/C by 3.2 times and Fe‐O4/C by 272 times. Moreover, Fe‐N2O2/C shows exceptional tolerance to various environmental challenges, providing opportunities for achieving nearly eco‐friendly pollutant degradation. The findings reveal how to use the Sabatier principle to guide the design of advanced SACs for efficient pollutant removal.
Predicting Issue Resolution Time of OSS Using Multiple Features
Authors: Qiao Yu , Lu Xiangfei , Wang Chong , Wang Jian , Tang Wei , Li Bing
Published: November 2024

Developers utilize issue tracking systems to track ideas, feedback, tasks, and bugs for projects in the open‐source software ecosystem of GitHub. In this context, extensive bug reports and feature requests are raised as issues that need to be resolved. This makes issue resolution prediction become more and more important in project management. To address this problem, this paper constructed a multiple feature set from the perspectives of project, issue, and developer, by combining static and dynamic features of issues. Then, we refine a feature set based on the feature's importance. Furthermore, we proposed a method to explore what features and how these features affect the prediction of issue resolution time. Experiments are conducted on a dataset of 46,735 resolved issues from 18 popular GitHub projects to validate the effectiveness of the refined feature set. The results show that our prediction method outperforms the baseline methods.
Dual‐Passivation Strategy of Bulk and Surface Enables Highly Efficient and Stable Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wu Rongfei , Yin Ran , Wang Kexiang , Miao Wenjing , Sun Weiwei , Huo Xiaonan , Sun Yansheng , You Tingting , Yin Penggang
Published: November 2024

Inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have captured significant interest due to their outstanding stability, cost‐effective fabrication process, and good compatibility with flexible and tandem devices. The presence of bulk and surface defects is key factor in PSCs that cause non‐radiative recombination and degradation. To improve the efficiency and stability of inverted PSCs, a bulk‐to‐surface dual‐passivation strategy is employed by utilizing Oleylamine Iodide (OAmI) as additives and 4‐Fluorobenzylamine Hydroiodide (4‐F‐PMAI) as surface passivating agents. Utilizing OAmI as bulk passivation can enhance the crystallinity of perovskite films and reduce lattice defects. Meanwhile, 4‐F‐PMAI further suppresses non‐radiative recombination and reduces open‐circuit voltage (VOC) loss through bidentate anchoring. Consequently, the dual‐passivation strategy significantly enhances device performance, boosting the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PSCs to 24.26%, with a VOC of 1.15V. Moreover, the unencapsulated PSCs show excellent long‐term stability maintaining over 85% and 90% of the initial efficiency under 85 °C thermal annealing in N2 for 1000 hours and after storage in ambient conditions (RH: 30 ± 5%) for 1000 hours.
Platelet Activation‐Induced In Situ Trapping Metastatic Tumor Cells Strategy for Post‐Surgery Tumor Recurrence Immunochemotherapy
Authors: Zhang Tiantian , Xie Qi , Chen Wei , Liu Xiong , Zhang Jiao , Tian Tianyi , Gao Yuan , Fu Chuansheng , Batur Semira , Xu Hongbo , Zhao Siyu , Yang Conglian , Kong Li , Zhang Zhiping
Published: November 2024

The reasons for the high recurrence and metastasis after triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) surgery are the potential presence of micrometastases and disseminated tumor cells in the circulation, as well as the immunosuppressive microenvironment caused by the surgery. To address these issues, this work proposed a platelets (PLTs) based hydrogel delivery system for immuno‐chemotherapy, (IL‐12+NPD‐PLT)@dAlg. To utilize the targeting ability of PLTs toward tumor cells and maintain the activity of PLTs, doxorubicin‐loaded nanoparticles (NPD) were attached on the surface of PTLs (NPD‐PLT). Under the conditions of the post‐surgical tumor microenvironment (TME), these PTLs responsively released small‐sized drug‐loaded vesicles (NPD‐PMP) trapping metastatic tumor cells, inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD) of tumor cells. Additionally, immunomodulatory drugs, IL‐12, was combined in the hydrogel to synergistically activate CD8+ T cells within the body and induce the polarization of tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) toward M1 cells, thereby improving the immunosuppressive microenvironment post‐surgery. In a 4T1 tumor recurrence and metastasis mouse model, (IL‐12+NPD‐PLT)@dAlg has shown effective inhibition of tumor recurrence and metastasis, reversing the tumor immune environment, and prolonging survival.
The transverse disc‐like diaphragm in the basal Cambrian medusozoan Olivooides: its nature, possible functions and evolutionary implications
Authors: Yong Yuanyuan , Wang Xing , Van Iten Heyo , Bruthansová Jana , Wang Deng , Yang Xiaoguang , Guo Junfeng , Hao Wenjing , Sun Jie , Song Xikun , Han Jian
Published: November 2024

The basal Cambrian Kuanchuanpu Formation (southern Shaanxi, China) yields well‐preserved specimens of the medusozoan genus Olivooides, a thecate polyp with pentaradial symmetry. Described herein is a rare internal thecal (peridermal) structure, termed the ‘transverse disc‐shaped diaphragm’ (TDD), which consists of a thin, adapically convex transverse wall spanning the peridermal cavity in certain specimens of O. mirabilis and O. multisulcatus. The TDD may be a diagnostic feature distinguishing Olivooides from other genera in the family Olivooidae, but it may also have been adventitious and thus similar in origin to the schott (apical wall) of conulariids, Sphenothallus and coronate scyphopolyps. If primary in nature, the TDD may have served to increase the stability and/or feeding efficiency of the polyp within the periderm, and it may have provided additional compressional strength to the periderm. The TDD is the earliest known transverse exoskeletal element in cnidarians, although similar transverse structures in tabulate corals, conulariids, Sphenothallus, coronate scyphopolyps and Archotuba conoidalis may have arisen independently in these lineages.
Analyzing geospatial and geopolitical influences on airline competition: A Finnair case study
Authors: Ambrose Scott C. , Abdelghany Ahmed F.
Published: November 2024

For many years Helsinki has served as a key air transport hub connecting Asia and Europe primarily through Finland's national carrier, Finnair. Yet, in February of 2022 the closure of Russian airspace ended the Siberian corridor, at least in the near term that had long served as the most efficient air transport pathway between Asia and Europe. This study examines Helsinki's historical role as a key transport hub within the theoretical context of geographic centrality and intermediacy. The optimum geospatial location of Helsinki relative to key Asian cities is explored through both marketing and operational advantages that Finnair once leveraged. The networked route structure of Finnair before and during the twin shocks of the global pandemic and subsequent Russian–Ukrainian conflict is juxtaposed against a comparison set of hub‐and‐spoke airlines yielding key insights about the evolving competitive dynamics in the region. Moreover, a key component of Finnair's Asian strategy, dubbed the 24‐h single aircraft roundtrip rotation, is elucidated with respect to its benefits for aircraft utilization and crew scheduling efficiency. This unique characteristic allows for a special expression of intermediacy that can serve as an accelerant in air transport hub development. Finally, the current challenges facing Finnair due to the geopolitical turmoil are placed within a managerial context and avenues for future research are offered.
Understanding recent advances in non‐amyloid/non‐tau (NANT) biomarkers and therapeutic targets in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Van Eldik Linda J. , Siemers Eric R. , Collins Emily C. , Gold Michael , Henley David , Johannsen Peter , Möbius Hans J. , Shulman Melanie , Zhou Jin , Carrillo Maria , Weber Christopher
Published: November 2024

The Alzheimer's disease (AD) research community continues to make great strides in expanding approaches for early detection and treatment of the disease, including recent advances in our understanding of fundamental AD pathophysiology beyond the classical targets: beta‐amyloid and tau. Recent clinical trial readouts implicate a variety of non‐amyloid/non‐tau (NANT) approaches that show promise in slowing cognitive decline for people with AD. The Alzheimer's Association Research Roundtable (AARR) meeting held on December 13–14, 2022, reviewed the current state of NANT targets on underlying AD pathophysiology and their contribution to cognitive decline, the current data on a diverse range of NANT biomarkers and therapeutic targets, and the integration of NANT concepts in clinical trial designs. Participants also discussed the current definition of therapies that target underlying AD pathophysiology, what endpoints best define what is considered a meaningful change beyond the current approved definition for clinical efficacy, and how the recent NANT findings should inform the development of future guidelines for AD classification and personalized treatment strategies.

Highlights

The Alzheimer's Association Research Roundtable (AARR) convened leaders from industry, academia, and government to review the current state of non‐beta amyloid and non‐tau (NANT) targets on underlying Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology.

The totality of scientific and clinical evidence supports the hypothesis that emerging NANT targets play a role in cognitive decline and neurodegeneration in AD.

New biomarkers based on NANT targets must be globally developed and implemented with specific consideration of fluid biomarkers as a cost‐effective clinical option, to ensure better, more equitable treatment options for AD.
Burden of Common Respiratory Pathogens Among Cats in China
Authors: Umar Sajid , Muhammad Shaban , mouzahim Marwa , Pleva Shelley Marie , Zhongqi Qiu , Weidong Yu , Gao Di
Published: November 2024

Background

Feline respiratory disease complex (FRDC) is a set of illnesses which are primarily associated with different types of viruses and bacteria. There is scarcity of data on pathogens associated with FRDC in China.

Objectives

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and dynamics of FRDC pathogens in China.

Methods

A total of 458 samples were retrieved from veterinary clinics during 2021–2024 from cats suffering from respiratory infections. Four viruses and three bacteria associated with FRDC were targeted for molecular detection with real time qPCR/RT‐qPCR assays.

Results

At least 1 targeted respiratory pathogen was detected in 423 samples (92.3%), whereas no pathogens were detected in 7.7% of samples. Bacteria were detected in 32.1% of samples, and viruses were detected in 60.2% of samples. The prevalence of viruses detected were feline calicivirus (31.2%), feline herpesvirus‐1 (24.6%), influenza A virus (2.8%) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (1.5%), whereas the detection rate for bacteria was Mycoplasma felis (15.5%), Chlamydia felis (10.2%) and Bordetella bronchiseptica (6.3%). Significantly higher cases were reported from kittens (57.4%). Pathogen detection was more common during the cold season. Mono‐infections involving one bacteria or virus were detected in 44.7% of samples, whereas coinfections were detected in 47.5% of samples. No quadruple coinfections were recorded in this study.

Conclusions

The frequency of detection of feline respiratory pathogens alone or in combinations among diseased cats was high, indicating a heavy burden of respiratory infections among cats in Kunshan, China. Continued surveillance is desired, and newly emerged respiratory pathogens should also be monitored in routine diagnostic testing.
Hydroalcoholic Extract of Saffron Petals, Yeast Cell Wall and Bentonite Reduce Contamination Effects With Aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin A in Exposed Broilers
Authors: Vakili Reza , Zanghaneh Ali , Qharari Faezeh , Mortzavi Fathmeh
Published: November 2024

Background

Contamination is not surprising in light of the ubiquitous nature of the fungi that produce aflatoxin and ochratoxin A. The presence of these toxins in the broiler diet leads to increased losses, an increased feed conversion ratio, and decreased productivity.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the effects of the use of hydroalcoholic extracts of saffron petals, yeast cell walls and bentonite in the diets of broiler chickens contaminated with aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A.

Methods

In a completely randomised design, 350 one‐day‐old Ross 308 broilers were allocated into seven treatment groups and five replications: a negative control diet (without toxins or additives), a positive control diet (2.5 mg/kg aflatoxin + 2 mg/kg ochratoxin A (mg/kg) and diets containing toxins with a commercial toxin binder or yeast cell wall, processed bentonite or saffron petal extract alone or together.

Results

Compared with those in the positive control treatment, the relative weights of the carcasses, breasts and drumsticks improved with the addition of toxic adsorbent compounds (p < 0.05). Compared with the control treatment, the inclusion of a toxin binder had a significant effect on the concentration of glucose (p < 0.05). The concentrations of alanine aminotransferase and gamma‐glutamyltransferase enzymes in the yeast cell wall + processed bentonite + saffron petal extract treatment were lower than those in the other treatments (p < 0.05). Toxin adsorbent compounds significantly improved the morphology of the small intestine in chickens fed contaminated diets (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The inclusion of toxic adsorbent compounds can reduce the negative effects caused by the presence of Aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin A. Saffron petal extract can potentially be used to modulate diets contaminated with Aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin A, which is best achieved with 750 mg/kg saffron petal extract along with 0.1% yeast cell wall extract and 1% processed bentonite.
Feasibility of 18F‐Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography for the Assessment of Canine Granulosa Cell Tumours in Two Dogs
Authors: Kim Seungwook , Choi Jinyoung , Kim Yujin , Chae Yeon , Kim Hakhyun , Kang Byeong‐Teck , Jang Min , Lee Sungin
Published: November 2024

Two spayed female mongrels were presented for an abdominal mass and metastasis examination. To investigate suspected ovarian tumours and metastasis, 18F‐2‐deoxy‐2‐fluoro‐D‐glucose (18F‐FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) was performed. 18F‐FDG PET revealed mildly increased glucose uptake (maximum standardised uptake values, 2.03 and 1.32) without hypermetabolic invasion to adjacent tissue or lymphadenopathy. Histopathological examination confirmed that the excised ovarian tumours were granulosa cell tumours without angiolymphatic invasion. This is the first case report describing the feasibility of using 18F‐FDG PET/CT to detect canine granulosa cell tumours, highlighting their characteristics and identifying metastasis to regional lymph nodes or visceral organs.
A Tailored Co-creation Approach to Contextualising the Student Voice in Higher Education
Authors: Polkinghorne Martyn , McIntyre-Bhatty Tim , Roushan Gelareh
Published: November 2024

This chapter reports on a series of self-reflective surveys used to explore and understand the effectiveness of teaching delivery by taking a co-creation approach. Drawing on data from student perceptions, the research considers the dynamic nature of student learning, acknowledging the diverse starting points within each cohort. Six pilot studies are considered, spanning various teaching modes and modules, and each employing a learning gain (educational gain) model to stimulate dialogue with students. The studies reveal valuable insights into teaching effectiveness, learning variations, impact of interventions, and ultimately contributed to the continuous improvement of our educational delivery. The findings underscore the importance of a student-centric, co-creative approach to education, enhancing the student experience and ensuring the relevance of learning outcomes. The model’s applicability to diverse modules and levels demonstrates its potential for widespread adoption.
Doing Critical Psychology! The Challenges and Unexpected Rewards of Co-creating Module Structure, Content, and Resources
Authors: Torn Alison , Whitaker Candice
Published: November 2024

This chapter offers a reflective account of the co-construction of a Level 6 (Undergraduate Year 3) Critical Psychology module with student partners. Designed around the three areas of the SPaM teaching and learning model — subject content, modality, and pedagogical design — student co-creators worked alongside staff to design a study to collect data and inform module development. Data was analysed collaboratively alongside Student Research Associates to create and pilot learning resources and activities for focus group discussion and modification. The challenges and benefits of involving large cohorts in meaningful co-creation of a module are discussed, along with key lingering questions we have as a result of the co-creation process and outcomes of the project. The chapter adds to the student co-creation field by offering student perspectives on effective pedagogical design and discussion of the practicalities of embedding these within module development.
The Realities of Racism Through Student Narratives: Learning from a Higher Education Co-creation Project
Authors: Shakir Syra , Siddiquee Asiya
Published: November 2024

Racism is prevalent within higher education, be it the attainment/degree awarding gap, lack of staff progression or the hostile environment which excludes Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) students and staff. This article focuses on a student-led co-creation project which developed a video resource and interactive talking workshop to raise a call to action against racism in higher education. Undergraduate and alumni students from a range of disciplinary backgrounds contributed by sharing personal experiences and re-enacting stories of other students and staff. The resource was used as a student-led teaching tool as a way of empowering them to become anti-racist and challenge racism. This article outlines this co-created project and the empirical evaluation for the scheme. The authors conclude that higher education institutions need to recognise the importance of safe, co-created spaces to facilitate student voices and to encourage ways in which shared stories can facilitate a call to action in anti-racist work.
Software Implementation
Authors: Herbst Gernot , Madonski Rafal
Published: November 2024

The “cooking recipes” in this book shall provide guidance and encouragement for custom ADRC implementations. To demonstrate that the transition from principles to practice is immediately possible based on the results from previous chapters, we will implement discrete-time variants in software form in this chapter; both using a model-based environment and using manual C language coding.
Discrete-Time Linear ADRC
Authors: Herbst Gernot , Madonski Rafal
Published: November 2024

We have now reached an important milestone in the book, and with this chapter we are moving from the theoretical foundations of ADRC to its applications. Putting ADRC in practice will almost always be in the form of a software-based implementation, be it in embedded systems or on PLC. Given the inherent discrete-time nature of the underlying target processor systems, it is obvious that the continuous-time variants of ADRC discussed so far are not yet the answer when asking for an actual implementation. To cross the line between “theory” and “practice” that has been established in the subtitle of this book, we will therefore present several discrete-time variants of linear ADRC with different feature sets in this chapter. All of them are ready for use in industrial practice and range from state-space to transfer function forms optimized for a low computational footprint.
Berufsbezogene Mobilität zwischen Virtualisierung und Beschleunigung
Authors: Will-Zocholl Mascha
Published: November 2024

Im Kontext der Corona-Pandemie ist die berufsbezogene Mobilität vermehrt zum Gegenstand der öffentlichen Debatte geworden. Zentral ist die Ersetzung physischer durch digitale Mobilität, um Zeit, Emissionen und Ressourcen einzusparen. Basis dafür ist die zunehmende Verfügbarkeit von Arbeitsgegenständen in digitaler Form und die Möglichkeit virtueller Zusammenarbeit. Der Beitrag behandelt entlang aktueller Studienergebnisse, welche Konsequenzen die Herausbildung eines „Informationsraums“ für die räumliche Rekonfiguration von Arbeit birgt und geht Hinweisen nach, inwiefern physisch-räumliche Mobilität durch digitale Technologien ersetzt werden kann.
Musings on SVD and pseudo entanglement entropies
Authors: Caputa Paweł , Purkayastha Souradeep , Saha Abhigyan , Sułkowski Piotr
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Pseudo-entropy and SVD entropy are generalizations of the entanglement entropy that involve post-selection. In this work we analyze their properties as measures on the spaces of quantum states and argue that their excess provides useful characterization of a difference between two (i.e. pre-selected and post-selected) states, which shares certain features and in certain cases can be identified as a metric. In particular, when applied to link complement states that are associated to topological links via Chern-Simons theory, these generalized entropies and their excess provide a novel quantification of a difference between corresponding links. We discuss the dependence of such entropy measures on the level of Chern-Simons theory and determine their asymptotic values for certain link states. We find that imaginary part of the pseudo-entropy is sensitive to, and can diagnose chirality of knots. We also consider properties of entropy measures for simpler quantum mechanical systems, such as generalized SU(2) and SU(1,1) coherent states, and tripartite GHZ and W states.
Conformal bootstrap and mirror symmetry of states in Gepner models
Authors: Parkhomenko Sergej
Published: November 2024

Abstract

We consider two explicit constructions of states in the orbifolds of a product of Minimal N = (2, 2) models which are based on twisting by spectral flow, mutual locality and operator algebra requirement. It is shown that these two constructions lead to the Berglund-Hubsh-Krawitz dual orbifold groups which define mirror pairs of isomorphic models. Then we generalize our construction for the orbifolds of Gepner models of superstring compactification and explicitly build IIA/IIB mirror map of the space of states of the superstrings using light-cone gauge.
Non-trivial area operators require non-local magic
Authors: Cao ChunJun
Published: November 2024

Abstract

We show that no stabilizer codes over any local dimension can support a non-trivial area operator for any bipartition of the physical degrees of freedom even if certain code subalgebras contain non-trivial centers. This conclusion also extends to more general quantum codes whose logical operators satisfy certain factorization properties, including any complementary code that encodes qubits and supports transversal logical gates that form a nice unitary basis. These results support the observation that some desirable conditions for fault tolerance are in tension with emergent gravity and suggest that non-local “magic” would play an important role in reproducing features of gravitational back-reaction and the quantum extremal surface formula. We comment on conditions needed to circumvent the no-go result and examine some simple instances of non-stabilizer codes that do have non-trivial area operators.
The dual Ginzburg-Landau theory for a holographic superconductor: finite coupling corrections
Authors: Natsuume Makoto
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The holographic superconductor is the holographic dual of superconductors. We recently identified the dual Ginzburg-Landau (GL) theory for a class of bulk 5-dimensional holographic superconductors (arXiv:2207.07182 [hep-th]). However, the result is the strong coupling limit or the large-Nc limit. A natural question is how the dual GL theory changes at finite coupling. We identify the dual GL theory for a minimal holographic superconductor at finite coupling (Gauss-Bonnet holographic superconductor), where numerical coefficients are obtained exactly. The GL parameter κ increases at finite coupling, namely the system approaches a more Type-II superconductor like material. We also point out two potential problems in previous works: (1) the “naive” AdS/CFT dictionary, and (2) the condensate determined only from the GL potential terms. As a result, the condensate increases at finite coupling unlike common folklore.
Compactifications of Type II supergravities in superspace
Authors: Chandia Osvaldo , Vallilo Brenno Carlini
Published: November 2024

Abstract

We propose a way to describe compactifications of Type II supergravities with fluxes directly from superspace. The on-shell supergravity constraints used are the ones that arise naturally from the pure spinor superstring. We show how previous results of flux compactifications can be obtained from our method.
Non-invertible flavor symmetries in magnetized extra dimensions
Authors: Kobayashi Tatsuo , Otsuka Hajime
Published: November 2024

Abstract

We discuss non-invertible symmetries in toroidal compactifications of higher dimensional Yang-Mills theory with magnetic fluxes, which can be regarded as an effective action of type IIB string theory with magnetized D-branes. Specifically, we derive fusion rules of discrete isometry operators, which are invariant under the ℤN orbifold twist. It turns out that degenerate chiral zero-modes non-trivially transform under the non-invertible symmetries in the context of quantum mechanics. Hence, non-invertible symmetries correspond to flavor symmetries of chiral zero modes and determine their flavor structure. We explicitly show the representations and selection rules of chiral zero modes on their wave functions. These zero modes may correspond to generations of quarks and leptons in four-dimensional low-energy effective field theory.
Optimization of culturing conditions for leafcutter ant associated, antimicrobial producing Pseudonocardia by adding ants´ cuticular hydrocarbons
Authors: Fladerer-Grollitsch Johannes-Paul , Fitzek Juliana , Sefc Kristina M. , Bucar Franz
Published: November 2024

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the influence of cultivation parameters on the growth of leafcutter ant associated actinomycete Pseudonocardia sp. These bacteria live in a very specialized symbiosis with the leafcutter ant Acromyrmex octospinosus and fungi of the genus Leucoagaricus. Pseudonocardia are known to produce antibiotics but are very hard to grow as a result of the complexity of their symbiosis. The bacteria were grown on yeast-malt-extract agar and the influence of pH, temperature conditions and the addition of chitin and a cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) solution specific to leafcutter ants on the growth of Pseudonocardia and other bacteria inhabiting the leafcutter ants´ surface was tested. The best growth rate of Pseudonocardia was achieved by cultivation at 28 °C in a medium with pH 7 supplemented with chitin and CHC solution. Additionally, these conditions inhibited the growth of other competitive bacteria. This is the first report on the optimization of growth media for leafcutter ant associated Pseudonocardia adjusted to the conditions found on the ants´ cuticle.
An eight-founder wheat MAGIC population allows fine-mapping of flowering time loci and provides novel insights into the genetic control of flowering time
Authors: Fourquet Laure , Barber Tobias , Campos-Mantello Camila , Howell Phil , Orman-Ligeza Beata , Percival-Alwyn Lawrence , Rose Gemma A. , Sheehan Hester , Wright Tally I. C. , Longin Friedrich , Würschum Tobias , Novoselovic Dario , Greenland Andy J. , Mackay Ian J. , Cockram James , Bentley Alison R.
Published: November 2024

Flowering time synchronizes reproductive development with favorable environmental conditions to optimize yield. Improved understanding of the genetic control of flowering will help optimize varietal adaptation to future agricultural systems under climate change. Here, we investigate the genetic basis of flowering time in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) using an eight-founder multi-parent advanced generation intercross (MAGIC) population. Flowering time data was collected from field trials across six growing seasons in the United Kingdom, followed by genetic analysis using a combination of linear modelling, simple interval mapping and composite interval mapping, using either single markers or founder haplotype probabilities. We detected 57 quantitative trait loci (QTL) across three growth stages linked to flowering time, of which 17 QTL were identified only when the major photoperiod response locus Ppd-D1 was included as a covariate. Of the 57 loci, ten were identified using all genetic mapping approaches and classified as ‘major’ QTL, including homoeologous loci on chromosomes 1B and 1D, and 4A and 4B. Additional Earliness per se flowering time QTL were identified, along with growth stage- and year-specific effects. Furthermore, six of the main-effect QTL were found to interact epistatically with Ppd-D1. Finally, we exploited residual heterozygosity in the MAGIC recombinant inbred lines to Mendelize the Earliness per se QTL QFt.niab-5A.03, which was confirmed to modulate flowering time by at least four days. This work provides detailed understanding of the genetic control of phenological variation within varieties relevant to the north-western European wheat genepool, aiding informed manipulation of flowering time in wheat breeding.
Deep learning for unambiguous pose estimation of a non-cooperative fixed-wing UAV
Authors: Herrera Leonardo , Kim Jae Jun , Agrawal Brij N.
Published: November 2024

Image-based unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) pose estimation is carried out by deep learning (DL) to automate the UAV aim-point selection for a laser beam control research testbed (LBCRT). DL models are proposed to estimate the UAV pose from available UAV target images and serve as a new sensor within the testbed. Such models are designed to address the problem of pose ambiguity, which arises from different 3D UAV poses looking similar in a 2D image plane. The models are trained under three datasets: synthetic data, synthetic data combined with real-world data, and real-world data. Afterward, the models are compared based on their ability to infer a real-world UAV trajectory in order to analyze the impact of using synthetic data during training. Quantitative results show that the proposed DL models solve the pose ambiguity problem when trained with appropriate data. In average, the models trained on real-world data had the lowest mean angle error, followed by those trained on combined data, and those trained solely on synthetic data. This shows that synthetic data should be carefully selected to bridge the gap when real-world data is unavailable or scarce. Customized real-world and synthetic data were created for the research. Real-world data are short wave infra-red (SWIR) images of a 3D printed UAV model with varying poses and associated pose labels. In addition, synthetic data are UAV images with varying poses and associated labels created by simulation. For this research, 77,077 real-world and 100,000 synthetic data were created.
Multiple unnatural attributes of AI undermine common anthropomorphically biased takeover speculations
Authors: Estep Preston W.
Published: November 2024

Accelerating advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have increased concerns about serious risks, including potentially catastrophic risks to humanity. Prevailing trends of AI R&D are leading to increasing humanization of AI, to the emergence of concerning behaviors, and toward possible recursive self-improvement. There has been increasing speculation that these factors increase the risk of an AI takeover of human affairs, and possibly even human extinction. The most extreme of such speculations result at least partly from anthropomorphism, but since AIs are being humanized, it is challenging to disentangle valid from invalid anthropomorphic concerns. This publication identifies eight fundamentally unnatural attributes of digital AI, each of which should differentiate AI behaviors from those of biological organisms, including humans. All have the potential to accelerate AI evolution, which might increase takeover concerns; but surprisingly, most also have the potential to defuse the hypothetical conflicts that dominate takeover speculations. Certain attributes should give future AI long-term foresight and realism that are essentially impossible for humans. I conclude that claims of highly probable hostile takeover and human extinction suffer from excessive anthropomorphism and a lack of skepticism and scientific rigor. Given the evidence presented here, I propose a more plausible but still speculative future scenario: extensively humanized AIs will become vastly more capable than humans of making decisions that benefit humans, and rational people will want AI to assume progressively greater influence over human affairs.
Uniqueness of Regular Tangent Cones for Immersed Stable Hypersurfaces
Authors: Edelen Nick , Minter Paul
Published: November 2024

We establish uniqueness and regularity results for tangent cones (at a point or at infinity), with isolated singularities arising from a given immersed stable minimal hypersurface with suitably small (non-immersed) singular set. In particular, our results allow the tangent cone to occur with any integer multiplicity.