bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cavity formation in silica‐filled rubber compounds observed during deformation by ultra small‐angle x‐ray scattering
Authors: Yakovlev Ilya , Sztucki Michael , Fleck Frank , Karimi‐Varzaneh Hossein Ali , Lacayo‐Pineda Jorge , Vatterott Christoph , Giese Ulrich
Published: October 2024

When silica‐filled rubber compounds are deformed, structural modifications in the material's bulk lead to irreversible damage, the most significant of which is cavitation appearing within the interfaces of interconnected polymer and filler networks. This work introduces a new method to analyze cavitation in industrial‐grade rubbers based on ultra small‐angle x‐ray scattering. This method employs a specially designed multi‐sample stretching device for high‐throughput measurements with statistical relevance. The proposed data reduction approach allows for early detection and quantification of cavitation while providing at the same time information on the hierarchical filler structures at length scales ranging from the primary particle size to large silica agglomerates over four orders of magnitude. To validate the method, the scattering of SSBR rubber compounds filled with highly dispersible silica at different ratios was measured under quasi‐static strain. The strain was applied in incremental steps up to a maximum achievable elongation or breakage of the sample. From the measurements performed in multiple repetitions, it was found that the minimum strain necessary for cavity formation and the size evolution of the cavities with increasing strain are comparable between these samples. The sample with the highest polymer content showed the lowest rate of cavity formation and higher durability of silica structures. The structural stability of the compounds was determined by the evolution of the filler hierarchical structures, obtained by fitting data across the available strain range.
DNA Metabarcoding Reveals the Dietary Composition for Smooth‐Coated Otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) and Asian Small‐Clawed Otter (Aonyx cinereus) in Malaysia
Authors: Othman Nursyuhada , Munian Kaviarasu , Haris Hidayah , Sariyati Nur Hartini , Abdullah‐Fauzi Nurfatiha Akmal Fawwazah , Ilham‐Norhakim Mohd Lokman , Mohd‐Ridwan Abd Rahman , Aifat Nor Rahman , Abdul‐Patah Pazil , Sasaki Hiroshi , Waku Daisuke , Shukor Md Nor , Md‐Zain Badrul Munir , Abdul‐Latiff Muhammad Abu Bakar
Published: October 2024

The declining population of otter species in Malaysia, including the Asian small‐clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus), smooth‐coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) and hairy‐nosed otter (Lutra sumatrana), is primarily attributed to habitat changes. Understanding the ecological aspects of otters, including their diets, is crucial for formulating effective conservation management strategies. To address this knowledge gap, we employed Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) as an alternative approach to enhance our understanding of the species' food chain. Specifically, this study investigated the diets of Asian small‐clawed otters and smooth‐coated otters by analysing an ~130 bp segment of the Cytochrome b (Cytb) gene using Illumina Miniseq platform. The analysis successfully generated 572,311 reads, identifying four families, nine genera and 11 food species consumed by both otter species. Smooth‐coated otters primarily consumed fish (96%) and frogs (4%), whereas Asian small‐clawed otters exclusively fed on fish (100%), with the genus Esomus being the predominant fish genus found in the spraints. The diversity analysis of their diets revealed significant differences between two species (p < 0.05). As a result, DNA metabarcoding provides a reliable method for verifying otter dietary information and can serve as a valuable tool in assessing fish diversity, thus contributing significantly to the management and conservation of otter populations, particularly in Malaysia.
Effect of dwell time on consensus in multiagent systems with time‐varying topologies
Authors: Chen Zhiyi , Yu Xinghuo , Liu Zhaohui , Jalili Mahdi
Published: October 2024

This paper studies the effect of dwell time on consensus of high‐order multiagent systems with time‐varying topologies. In contrast to existing literature that only focuses on the convergence of consensus, the proposed work focuses on the sensitivity of consensus on the dwell time and studies its relationship with consensus behaviors. In particular, it is shown that dwell time determines the duration of agent interactions, resulting in different state dynamics, consensus values, and convergence speeds under different switching topologies. Such effects can impact the dynamical performance of the multiagent systems. To quantitatively analyze the effect, a procedure is proposed to estimate the consensus values with respect to the dwell time and switching topologies, and a condition is obtained to find the topologies that can speed up the convergence. The proposed study is applied to the regulation of microgrids, which proves to be effective in improving the performance and efficiency of controllers.
Robot‐assisted laparoscopic continent cutaneous urinary diversion in adults: A single‐centre study
Authors: Loubersac Thomas , Lavallée Etienne , Reiss Benédicte , Lefort Marc , Kieny Pierre , Leclair Marc‐David , Rigaud Jérome , Le Normand Loic , Perrouin‐Verbe Brigitte , Lefevre Chloé , Perrouin‐Verbe Marie‐Aimée
Published: October 2024

Objectives

To show that robot‐assisted laparoscopic cutaneous continent urinary diversion (RALCCUD) is feasible and safe; however, data on clinical outcomes in adults are lacking.

Materials and methods

We conducted a retrospective study of all adults who underwent RALCCUD between 2017 and 2022 at a single tertiary reference centre.

Patient characteristics, clinical information and perioperative outcomes were recorded. All patients underwent pre‐ and postoperative urodynamic evaluations.

Functional outcomes were evaluated at 3 months, then yearly. Continence was defined as no stomal or urethral leakage.

Results

Twelve patients, mostly women (n = 11), median (IQR) age 47.4 (19–57) years underwent RALCCUD (four Mitrofanoff, four Yang‐Monti and four Casale). The main indication for surgery was inability to perform intermittent self‐catheterization through the native urethra.

Eleven patients (92%) had neurogenic lower urinary tract disease caused by spinal cord injury or spinal dysraphism.

Median (IQR) operative time was 313 (285–367) min. Four patients (33%) underwent concomitant procedures: three supratrigonal cystectomy (SC) with augmentation cystoplasty (AC) and one artificial urinary sphincter (AUS). No conversions to an open approach were required. Median (IQR) follow‐up was 51 (40–61) months. One early postoperative complication occurred (Clavien grade III). The late postoperative complication rate was 17%, with three complications occurring in three patients.

At the last follow‐up, all patients could self‐catheterize through the tube, and the stomal and urethral continence rate was 100%.

Conclusion

RALCCUD is feasible and safe in adults, with a high rate of stomal and urethral continence and a low complication rate.
Can ESG ratings drive digital innovation in enterprises? Exploring Porter's hypothesis in the digital era
Authors: Wang Zhen
Published: October 2024

The holistic reshaping and advancement of the global economy inherently demand the creation of synergies between digitization and environmentally sustainable development practices. This study pioneers an evaluation of the impact of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) ratings on corporate digital technology innovation, contrasting with existing literature. Using data from A‐share listed firms for 2011–2020, our research reveals that implementing ESG ratings stimulates corporate digital technology innovation across various dimensions, thereby confirming the presence of the Porter hypothesis in the digital era. Furthermore, these findings are substantiated through the utilization of various methodologies, such as synthetic difference‐in‐differences (SDID), multi‐period DID, event studies, and staggered DID. In addition, mechanism tests delve into the underlying channels through which ESG ratings stimulate corporate digital technology innovation, elucidating their ability to promote innovation through motivation stimulus and resource supply effects. Moreover, the heterogeneity analysis carried out in this study uncovers diverse effects on digital technology innovation stemming from factors such as firm characteristics, industry competitiveness, industry nature, regional intellectual property protection (IPP), and factor market development. Nevertheless, companies should refrain from blindly pursuing high ESG ratings to avoid overcorrecting because there is an inverse U‐shape relationship between ESG ratings and corporate digital technology innovation. These findings provide the theoretical basis and empirical evidence for the widescale utilization of ESG ratings. Thus, they offer useful guidance for executives and other policymakers aiming to foster a win–win scenario of digitization and green development.
Beyond Conventional Drug Design: Exploring the Broad‐Spectrum Efficacy of Antimicrobial Peptides
Authors: Odunitan Tope T. , Apanisile Boluwatife T. , Afolabi Justinah A. , Adeniwura Praise O. , Akinboade Modinat W. , Ibrahim Najahtulahi O. , Alare Kehinde P. , Saibu Oluwatosin A. , Adeosun Oyindamola A. , Opeyemi Hammed S. , Ayiti Kolawole S.
Published: October 2024

In the fight against pathogenic infections, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) constitute a novel and promising class of compounds that defies accepted drug development conventions like Lipinski's rule. AMPs are remarkably effective against a variety of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi. Their effectiveness, despite differing from traditional drug‐like properties defies accepted standards. This review investigates the complex world of AMPs with an emphasis on their structural and physicochemical properties, which include size, sequence, structure, charge, and half‐life. These distinguishing characteristics set AMPs apart from conventional therapeutics that adhere to Lipinski's rules and greatly contribute to their selective targeting, reduction of resistance, multifunctionality, and broad‐spectrum efficacy. In contrast to traditional drugs that follow Lipinski's guidelines, AMPs have special qualities that play a big role in their ability to target specific targets, lower resistance, and work across a wide range of conditions. Our work is unique because of this nuanced investigation, which offers a new viewpoint on the potential of AMPs in tackling the worldwide problem of antibiotic resistance.

In the face of the escalating global challenge of antibiotic resistance, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are innovative antimicrobial agents with unique mechanisms of action that challenge traditional Lipinski's Rule. They can withstand various microbial threats through membrane disruption, intracellular targeting, and immunomodulation. AMP versatility sets them apart from other antibiotics and their potential to address microbial infections and antibiotic resistance is growing. To fully unlock their potential, traditional drug development approaches need to be reconsidered. AMPs have revolutionary potential, paving the way for innovative solutions to health issues and transforming the antimicrobial therapy landscape.
Contrasting the role of historic factors in phylogeograpic patterns in the native Johnny darter (Etheostoma nigrum) and invasive round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) in lower michigan
Authors: Wicks A. J. , Bowman M. , Dowling T. E.
Published: October 2024

Round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) is an invasive fish present in all five Great Lakes and is becoming increasingly common in their tributaries. Johnny darter (Etheostoma nigrum) is a native species that often coexists with N. melanostomus. In this work, historic factors are addressed as a source of genomic variation in study populations of these species. To do this, patterns of variation in the mitochondrial gene NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) were characterized for both species throughout Lower Michigan. Populations of N. melanostomus and E. nigrum were sampled from 17 localities representing both eastern and western basins of Lower Michigan to test the hypothesis that populations differ between the eastern and western basins of the Great Lakes. Neogobius melanostomus populations were largely homogenous with no significant differences detected among populations or between the eastern and western basins. Additionally, N. melanostomus exhibited no evidence of overarching historical genetic structure, consistent with the recent invasion and rapid expansion of this species. Etheostoma nigrum exhibited significant differentiation among local populations; however, similarity among mtDNA haplotypes indicated that differences among populations are recent, suggesting that local forces are a more important factor in shaping patterns of variation than historical factors. Contrary to predictions, there were no significant differences detected between the eastern and western basins of the Great Lakes; however, construction of a neighbor‐joining tree with FST estimates revealed clustering of populations by basin with some anomalies. These anomalies may be the result of recent stream capture events facilitating gene flow between the two basins.
Organocatalytic Atroposelective C−H Amination of Arenes with Indolines
Authors: Wang Tiantian , An Shaoran , Sun Jiangtao
Published: October 2024

An atroposelective synthesis of axially chiral N‐arylindolines has been established by organocatalytic nucleophilic amination of arenes with 7‐substituted indolines, providing a straightforward way to achieve the expected C−N atropisomers in good yields (up to 95 %) with good to excellent enantioselectivities (up to 97 % ee) from readily available starting materials. Furthermore, axially chiral N‐arylindole derivatives could be prepared upon oxidative aromatization of the corresponding N‐arylindolines.
PTAA‐infiltrated thin‐walled carbon nanotube electrode with hidden encapsulation for perovskite solar cells
Authors: Chae Eun Chong , Seo You‐Hyun , Kang Bong Joo , Oh Jin Ho , Jung Yeonsu , Jang Jinho , Kim Taehoon , Jo Yong‐Ryun , Kim Dong Jun , Kim Taek‐Soo , Im Sang Hyuk , Sung Sae Jin , Shin Seong Sik , Hong Soonil , Jeon Nam Joong
Published: October 2024

In perovskite solar cells (PSCs), expensive gold or silver metal has traditionally been utilized as the rear electrode for highly efficient performance. In this context, carbon nanotube (CNT) electrodes have been considered promising rear electrodes because of their excellent electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and chemical stability in PSCs. Despite these favorable characteristics, concerns have been raised about the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability of PSCs based on CNTs due to the porosity of CNT electrodes. In this study, we employed both poly(triarylamine) (PTAA) infiltration and rear electrode hidden encapsulation approaches to address issues related to the porosity of thin‐walled carbon nanotube (TWCNT) electrodes to achieve high efficiency and stability. The infiltration of low‐molecular‐weight PTAA into the TWCNT electrode reduced electrode porosity while simultaneously improving the interfacial contact of the TWCNT layer with the perovskite layer. Furthermore, a novel encapsulation design was employed to prevent air and water exposure of the TWCNT electrode, which significantly enhanced device stability. PSCs with TWCNT rear electrodes developed on the basis of these strategies have the best PCE of 19.5% and show long‐term stability, retaining 96% and 74% of the initial PCE after 225 h at maximum power point tracking under AM 1.5G illumination and 916 h at 85°C/85% relative humidity, respectively.

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Design and performance analysis of portable solar powered cooler for vaccine storage
Authors: Marwa Vicent , Kivevele Thomas , Kichonge Baraka , Selemani Juma
Published: October 2024

The efficacy of vaccine storage is significantly impacted by temperature fluctuations within the cooler, often exacerbated by using phase change materials in existing cooler designs for remote areas. These materials can undergo uneven melting and phase separation, leading to temperature instability and vaccine potency loss. In response to this challenge, the present study introduces a novel design of a portable, locally‐made solar‐powered cooler optimized for longer storage periods. The cooler's performance in terms of temperature distribution, airflow dynamics, and the coefficient of performance (COP) is meticulously examined through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The simulated results were validated using experimental data from the open literature, ensuring accuracy and reliability. The findings indicate that the developed cooler achieves significant improvements over traditional models. For instance, the current model reaches a temperature of +12°C in just 84 min, compared to 208 min, as reported in the literature results. Moreover, the current model reaches a temperature of −12°C in 195 min and it has energy efficient with a COP of 4.5. Statistical analysis further confirms the reliability of the simulation results, with root mean square and mean absolute percentage errors of 6.587 and 24.2%, respectively. Additionally, a comparative study of five insulative materials highlights polyurethane (Po) as the top performer, with a heat transfer performance of 14.3%, followed by feather fiber (Fe) (18.7%), fly ash (Fl) (19.8%), fiberglass (Fi) (21.9%), and coconut fiber (Co) (25.9%). Notably, net present value (NPV) of $689.336 and $448.01 was obtained for economic analysis of the current model over the existing model, showing the feasibility of the study. Hence, the cooler's effectiveness in storing vaccines in isolated regions exceeds that of conventional models, providing a hopeful solution to tackle vital challenges in vaccine distribution and preservation.
Unveil the molecular recognition mechanisms of triazine haptens and monoclonal antibodies: Establishing ic‐ELISA methods for triazine herbicide analysis in tea
Authors: Xu Lingyuan , Abd El‐Aty A. M. , Li Peipei , Li Jia , Zhao Jing , Lei Xingmei , Gao Song , Zhao Yun , She Yongxin , Jin Fen , Wang Jing , Hammock Bruce D. , Jin Maojun
Published: October 2024

This study introduced two triazine haptens (with 0 or 1 carbon connecting arms at nonisopropyl positions) and developed two heterologous indirect competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ic‐ELISA) methods. The IC50 values for the 17 triazine pesticides ranged from 0.84 ng/mL to 225.63 ng/mL, and the established method was applied to determine their concentrations in tea samples. This study aimed to address the current debate on the recognition mechanism of triazine haptens with shorter connecting arms. This study produced two new findings by investigating the recognition mechanism of triazine haptens and antibodies. On the one hand, the specific amino acid isoleucine (ILE‐219) is crucial for isopropyl recognition. On the other hand, the selection of the connecting site of the triazine hapten has a significant effect on the specificity of the antibody, with the influence of the length of the carbon connecting arm being secondary. Our newly designed haptens show promise for diverse triazine pesticide immunoassay applications. This discovery established a foundational framework for constructing a tailored antibody library for pollutants.
Mushroom and Kefir Functional Characterizations: Hypolipidemia and Gut Microbiota Modulations in Rat Models
Authors: Aljumayi Huda , Alrasheedi Amani A. , Aljutaily Thamer , Mohamed Ahmed Isam A. , Khalil Nazeha A.
Published: October 2024

Hyperlipidemia is a malnutrition disease associated with different lifestyle factors mainly high fat/cholesterol foods consumption and less physical activity. Consumption of high fiber foods (prebiotic sources) additionally to gut microbiota (GM; probiotics species) could overcome hyperlipidemia and its associated risks. Prebiotics and probiotics are known by protective effects in different diseases like diabetes, inflammatory bowel diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. Mushroom and kefir milk (KM) are known for their high pre/probiotic nutritional values depending on many factors, for example, eating levels and/or conditions. Therefore, this study aimed to measure the potential health benefits of dried powdered mushrooms (DPM) supplemented with KM between hyperlipidemia rats in association with lipid profile, atherogenic index (AI), and GM profile. Rats were randomly divided into main negative control healthy group (G1; −ve), positive control hyperlipidemia (G2; +ve) and three hyperlipidemia groups (G3:G5) fed DPM at 2.5%, 5%, and 10% of rats' diet additionally to 5% KM (DPM + 5% KM) each, respectively. The collected blood samples used for glucose, lipid profile (cholesterol, triglycerides, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol), and AI in addition to fecal sample for GM and short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Collected data illustrated that body weight, blood glucose, lipid profile, GM (Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus vs. Clostridium histolyticum), AI, and SCFAs were improved between hyperlipidemia fed 5% both PDM + KM (p ≤ 0.05) at the best levels. In conclusion, same DPM/KM levels have broad development as functional active foods that could lower hyperlipidemia incidence and promotes intestinal health; however, much more human studies are needed.
Finite element analysis of two‐level discontinuous cervical hybrid revision surgery strategy to reduce biomechanical responses of adjacent segments
Authors: Liang Weishi , Sun Duan , Han Bo , Yang Yihan , Yin Peng , Hai Yong
Published: October 2024

Background

Hybrid surgery (HS) combined cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is emerging, but its biomechanical effects as a revision surgery (RS) on adjacent segments were unclear.

Objectives

This finite element (FE) study aimed to investigate the biomechanical characteristics of HS to treat two‐level discontinuous ASD in ACDF RS.

Methods

A C2‐T1 intact FE model was established and modified to a primary C5/6 ACDF model and five RS models. These RS models' segments C4/5 and C6/7 were revised using cage plus plate (C), zero‐profile devices (P), and Bryan disc (D), respectively, generating C‐C‐C, P‐C‐P, D‐C‐P, P‐C‐D, and D‐C‐D models. In the intact and C5/6 ACDF models, a 1.0 Nm moment was used to produce the range of motion (ROM). A displacement load was applied to all RS models, to achieve a total ROM match that of the primary C5/6 ACDF model.

Results

In the P‐C‐P model, biomechanical responses including ROM, Intradiscal pressure (IDP), Facet joint force (FJF), and Maximum von Mises stresses of discs at segments C3/4 and C7/T1 were slightly lower than the C‐C‐C model. The biomechanical response parameters at segments C3/4 and C7/T1 of P‐C‐D, D‐C‐P, and D‐C‐D were smaller than those in C‐C‐C and P‐C‐P models. D‐C‐D had the most significant effect on reducing all biomechanical responses among all RS models in segments C3/4 and C7/T1. Moreover, the disc stress cloud maps showed that the maximum von Mises stress of the C3/4 disc was higher than that of C7/T1.

Conclusions

D‐C‐D, P‐C‐D, and D‐C‐P are good RS choices for reducing the biomechanical responses, and D‐C‐D was the best choice. P‐C‐P can be the best recommendation when it does not meet the CDA indications. This study provided a biomechanical reference for hybrid surgical decision‐making in the ACDF RS for preventing ASD recurrence.
Safety of Small‐Diameter Endotracheal Tubes in Microlaryngeal Surgery
Authors: Strober William A. , Enin Kwasi , Kallogjeri Dorina , Piccirillo Jay F. , Komen Helga , Rohlfing Matthew L.
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Microlaryngeal surgeries require unique considerations for airway management to facilitate patient safety and adequate surgical exposure. Small‐diameter endotracheal tubes (ETTs) are widely used but have raised concerns regarding patient safety, including questions about the potential for barotrauma, effective ventilation, and adequate oxygenation. We hypothesize that small ETTs will prove to be safe in a variety of cases.

Methods

We conducted a case series analyzing the safety of 5.0 ETTs in microlaryngeal surgeries at Washington University School of Medicine from November 2020 to November 2023. Outcome measures included intraoperative desaturations (SpO2 < 90% for >2 min), high peak inspiratory pressures (PIPs) (>40 cm H2O), and prolonged extubation times (>15 min). Univariate regression models were used to analyze associations of sociodemographic and clinical variables with these outcome measures.

Results

This study included 76 small‐ETT microlaryngeal surgeries. There were 5 instances of desaturations, no reported incidents of barotrauma, and no cases in which intraoperative tube exchange was required due to issues with oxygenation or ventilation. Median PIP was 38 cm H2O, with a range of 17–78 cm H2O. 46% of patients had a PIP above 40 cm H2O. There were prolonged extubation times in 14% of procedures. No association was shown between sociodemographic and clinical variables with risk of desaturations, high PIPs, or prolonged extubation times.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that 5.0 ETTs are safe for microlaryngeal surgery in a variety of patients. Otolaryngologists and anesthesiologists should consider this information when choosing between the multiple available options for airway management during microlaryngeal surgery.

Level of Evidence

Level 4 Laryngoscope, 2024
Machine learning‐based estimation of respiratory fluctuations in a healthy adult population using resting state BOLD fMRI and head motion parameters
Authors: Addeh Abdoljalil , Vega Fernando , Morshedi Amin , Williams Rebecca J. , Pike G. Bruce , MacDonald M. Ethan
Published: October 2024

Purpose

External physiological monitoring is the primary approach to measure and remove effects of low‐frequency respiratory variation from BOLD‐fMRI signals. However, the acquisition of clean external respiratory data during fMRI is not always possible, so recent research has proposed using machine learning to directly estimate respiratory variation (RV), potentially obviating the need for external monitoring. In this study, we propose an extended method for reconstructing RV waveforms directly from resting state BOLD‐fMRI data in healthy adult participants with the inclusion of both BOLD signals and derived head motion parameters.

Methods

In the proposed method, 1D convolutional neural networks (1D‐CNNs) used BOLD signals and head motion parameters to reconstruct the RV waveform for the whole fMRI scan time. Resting‐state fMRI data and associated respiratory records from the Human Connectome Project in Young Adults (HCP‐YA) dataset are used to train and test the proposed method.

Results

Compared to using only BOLD‐fMRI data for a CNN input, this approach yielded improvements of 14% in mean absolute error, 24% in mean square error, 14% in correlation, and 12% in dynamic time warping. When tested on independent datasets, the method demonstrated generalizability, even in data with different TRs and physiological conditions.

Conclusion

This study shows that the respiratory variations could be reconstructed from BOLD‐fMRI data in the young adult population, and its accuracy could be improved using supportive data such as head motion parameters. The method also performed well on independent datasets with different experimental conditions.
Es fließt im Mittelstand
Authors: Mesmoudi Youri , Piechot Alexander , Kuwertz Rafael , Piepenbrock Marc‐Oliver , Kretzschmar Thomas
Published: October 2024

Drei Unternehmen erleichtern zusammen mittelständisch geprägten Firmen, in Flowchemie einzusteigen und diese betriebswirtschaftlich sinnvoll zu nutzen. So lassen sich beispielsweise Aromastoffe schneller als bisher produzieren, und die Anlagen benötigen weniger Platz.
Antifungal activity mechanisms of venturicidin A against Botrytis cinerea contributes to the control of gray mould
Authors: Hu Lifang , Dong Xiaomin , Jia Ruimin , Chen Jing , Cao Shang , Tian Lin , Sun Yan , Wang Yang
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

Gray mould caused by Botrytis cinerea, an airborne phytopathogenic pathogen, infects many economically important fruits and vegetables. Secondary metabolic products of microorganisms are potential resources for developing fungicide alternatives. Venturicidin A (VentA) is produced by a biocontrol strain Streptomyces pratensis S10. Although a broad spectrum of antifungal activity has been reported for VentA, little is known about its antifungal mechanisms against B. cinerea.

RESULTS

Venturicidin A exhibited a strong hyphal inhibition of B. cinerea with an EC50 (effective concentration causing 50% growth inhibition) value of 1.08 μg mL−1 on PDA medium. Different concentrations of VentA inhibited spore germination with an inhibition rate of 49–86%. Venturicidin A also displayed protective and curative activity against the development of B. cinerea infection on tomato fruit, reducing disease incidence by ≈28–78%. Additionally, VentA effectively reduced the disease index and lesion length of gray mould on tomato plant. Meanwhile, VentA downregulated the expression levels of six genes related to pathogenicity in B. cinerea. As observed by scanning electron microscopy, B. cinerea spores and hyphae are abnormal after treatment with VentA. Propidium iodide staining revealed that VentA destroyed cell membrane integrity, causing cytoplasmic leakage. Furthermore, VentA induced accumulation of reactive oxygen species and upregulated the genes encoding subunits for NADPH oxidase in B. cinerea.

CONCLUSION

This study indicated that VentA displayed strong inhibitory activity against B. cinerea and effectively reduced gray mould disease. Thus, VentA has the potential to manage gray mould caused by B. cinerea. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Mechanochemical Synthesis of Carbazole Isomer Phosphors
Authors: Xu Xinyue , Guo Xinlei , Chen Zijian , Ding Dong , Liu Kunkun , Su Shijian , Yu Liangmin , Sun Mingliang
Published: October 2024

The 1H‐benzo[f]indole (Bd[f]), a carbazole (Cz) isomer is first reported as the source of Cz‐based phosphors in 2020. In this work, the novel carbazole isomers, 1H‐benzo[g]indole (Bd[g]) based derivatives, are synthesized by a one‐step solvent‐free mechanical ball milling reaction, establishing a facile, efficient, and environmentally friendly method for the synthesis of new Cz isomer phosphorescent derivatives with high yields compared to previously reported multi‐step solvent‐based thermochemical synthesis routes of Bd[f] derivatives with low yields. Six Bd[g] derivatives with different substituents, namely OCH3–Bd, In–Bd, Bn–Bd, F–Bd, Cl–Bd, and Br–Bd, are synthesized, which exhibit distinctly different single‐crystal structures and phosphorescent properties. After irradiation with 365 nm UV light, Bd[g] derivatives‐doped poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) films exhibit photoactivated green room‐temperature phosphorescence with ultra‐long lifetimes up to 1.65 s. Interestingly, the phosphorescence is stable in seawater along with good bactericidal properties, which also provide new candidates for indole‐based marine antifoulants. This study demonstrates that mechanical ball milling is an efficient method for the synthesis of benzoindole heterocycles. Bd[g], as new members of the benzoindole family, are new building units to construct carbazole isomer phosphorescent molecules besides Bd[f].
Customized Cyan Phosphors for Efficient Full‐Spectrum Illumination and Fingerprint Detection
Authors: Lu Zheng , Peng Guan , Sun Dashuai , Lyu Zeyu , Zhang Xiaowei , Luo Pengcheng , Zhou Luhui , Chen Chunchun , Xu Qingxian , Cheng Fuxiang , You Hongpeng
Published: October 2024

Traditional lighting methods have environmental and efficiency drawbacks. These methods are gradually being overshadowed by light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) because of their superior color rendering and energy efficiency. In this study, color‐tunable NaBa2(Ba/Sr/Ca)Si2O7F:Eu2+ phosphors are successfully designed by modulating the local crystal field environment through homodominant‐group cation substitution, thereby allowing for a spectral shift from blue to bright cyan. Detailed structural analysis of the samples demonstrated the synthesis of high‐quality solid‐solution materials. A comprehensive examination of the phosphor crystal structure, photoluminescence properties, and fluorescence lifetime reveal that the cyan phosphor possesses a remarkable internal quantum efficiency (IQE = 93%) and low thermal quenching characteristics (I423 K/I303 K = 84%). The results illustrate the critical role of Eu2+‐activated cyan phosphors in reducing the spectral gap to attain a natural white‐light spectrum, which is indispensable for achieving high color fidelity. The practical application of cyan phosphors in the fabrication of high‐performance white LED (WLED) (Ra = 96.8) and fingerprint detection is validated, demonstrating their extensive utility in enhancing visual accuracy and identification.
Active Site Customizing of Metal–Organic Materials for Highly Efficient Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Sun Na , Si Xiuwen , Wei Xiaoqi , Zhou Xue , Yu Han , Ding Fu , Kong Xiangru , Sun Yaguang
Published: October 2024

Elucidating the correlation of active sites and catalytic activity in multi‐component metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) is key to understanding the mechanism of oxygen evolution reaction (OER), yet it remains nebulous. Herein, a direct pathway combining theoretical prediction with anchoring high‐valence metals is proposed on MOFs to reveal the mechanism of the OER reaction. Density functional theory (DFT) predicts that the co‐modulation by Mo and Co atoms can enhance the conductance of CoMOF and optimize the adsorption‐free energies of the OER intermediates. Guided by the theoretical prediction, the Co‐based MOFs grown on Ni foams are doped with high valence Mo, which is used as model catalysts for the quantitative study of the composition‐dependent OER performance. With Co/Mo in the ratio of 5:1 for the highest OER activity (impressively overpotential of 324 mV at 100 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 96.07 mV dec−1) and excellent stability (maintains for 200 h at 100 mA cm−2), the catalysts in this work is superior to commercial benchmarks electrocatalysts (RuO2/NF, 420 mV, 199.12 mV dec−1). This work sheds light on the tailoring of the active sites of MOFs, which is highly correlated with the activity of the OER.
Novel Gel method MXene‐Supported Dual‐Site PtNi‐NiO for Electrocatalytic Water Reduction and Urea Oxidation
Authors: Shi Xintong , Zhou Dingyanyan , Chen Guilin , An Pengfei , Zhang Jing , Li Youyong , Liu Shengzhong (F.) , Yan Junqing
Published: October 2024

Compared to the traditional oxygen evolution reaction (OER), the urea oxidation reaction (UOR) generally exhibits a lower overpotential during the electrolytic process, which is conducive to the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at the cathode. The superior structure and abundant sites play a crucial role in promoting the adsorption and cleavage of urea molecules. Therefore, this paper introduces a simple metal cation‐induced gelation method to prepare an electrocatalyst with PtNi alloy‐NiO dual sites supported on Ti3C2Tx, which simultaneously exhibits excellent UOR and HER performance. PtNi‐NiOx/Ti3C2Tx demonstrates good catalytic activity for the urea oxidation reaction, requiring only 1.364 V (overpotential of 0.994 V) to achieve a current density of 100 mA cm−2 in UOR, and also exhibits remarkable catalytic activity in the hydrogen evolution reaction, with PtNi‐NiOx/Ti3C2Tx achieving a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in HER with only 24 mV of overpotential. In the UOR//HER two‐electrode electrolysis cell, it requires only 1.361 and 1.538 V to reach current densities of 10 and 100 mA cm−2, respectively. According to density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the dual active sites can intelligently adsorb the electron‐donating/electron‐withdrawing groups in urea molecules, activate chemical bonds, and thereby initiate urea decomposition.
Integration of Metal‐Organic Frameworks into Hydrogels: Optimizing Their Properties and Applications
Authors: Zhou Wenjie , Tian Mengfei , Wang Haoran , Qi Zihan , Yuan Huizheng , Zhong Linlin , Sun Xiyan
Published: October 2024

In recent years, MOFs hydrogels have attracted extensive attention due to their unique structure and excellent performance. MOF‐based hydrogels combine the highly ordered pore structure and tunability of MOF with the biocompatibility and flexibility of hydrogels, and are widely used in environmental governance, sensors, and biomedicine. In this review, we mainly summarize the synthesis methods, structural characteristics and mechanical properties of MOF‐based hydrogels, and the specific applications of MOF‐based hydrogels in different fields including adsorption of heavy metal ions and pollutant gases stress strain sensor and drug delivery. Finally, we analyze the existing problems, and provide suggestions for the development direction of MOF‐based hydrogels in the future. This paper aims to help readers quickly understand the current development of MOF‐based hydrogels.
The Past as Insufficient Prologue: Sovereign Debt Restructurings in Latin America Since the 1980s
Authors: Datz Giselle
Published: October 2024

In the absence of a global bankruptcy court for sovereign debt, crises leading to debt restructurings have evolved within an imperfect architecture mired in creditor coordination problems. These challenges are now part of a permacrisis of interconnected global dysfunction that defies existing institutions and their approaches to tackling recurrent problems. The chapter reviews the ways in which debt restructurings have taken place since the 1980s: from the securitization of commercial bank loans to financial fragility and new defaults on sovereign bonds. The costs of default have been compounded by the risks of litigation in foreign courts brought about by a minority of creditors. In the shadow of failed attempts to institute a statutory mechanism for resolving sovereign debt disputes, “market-based” contractual changes have become the norm. However inventive and incremental, these do not preclude some creditors from trying to leverage contract provisions to disrupt restructurings and extract larger repayments from debtors. Without fundamental change brought about by global cooperation, ad hoc ingenuity has had to make do. The past is thus condemned to remain an insufficient prologue to a future where sovereign debt restructurings are a predictable part of an ever-confounding permacrisis.
Reversible Buildings and Products. Transformable Buildings
Authors: Tsikaloudaki Katerina
Published: October 2024

Nowadays design for reversibility and transformability are gaining interest in the field of architecture and sustainable design and are directly connected with the circular economy framework. This chapter will attempt to map and analyse the current knowledge on the concepts of reversible and transformable buildings, by presenting the basic background and terminology, their application on the material, component and whole building level, the challenges and barriers, as well as the benefits and enablers for implementing reversibility and transformability in structures. Paradigms of reversible and transformable buildings are synoptically presented at the end of the chapter, in order to highlight how these concepts can be actually applied to real life constructions.
Modularity and Prefabrication
Authors: Tavares Vanessa , Calheiros Cristina Sousa Coutinho , Martins Inês Burmester , Maia Joana , Tsikaloudaki Katerina , Fonseca Mariana , Marchesi Marianna , Laban Mirjana , Soares Nelson , Santos Paulo , Pineda-Martos Rocío , Rajčić Vlatka , Ungureanu Viorel
Published: October 2024

The concepts of “modularity” and “prefabrication” require a deeper understanding being crucial to investigate their relation with the circular economy. Prefabrication involves pre-manufacturing building elements off-site and their transport to the construction site and assembly. Prefabrication can be divided into different categories: Component, Non-volumetric, Volumetric, Modular construction, Hybrid structures, or Whole building prefabrication; and can be based on linear (e.g., columns or pillars), bidimensional (e.g., walls or floor panels), or tri-dimensional elements (e.g., modules or whole prefabricated houses). The most commonly used materials are steel, wood, and concrete, although plastic, composite, and nature-based materials are increasingly being explored. While comparing the prefabricated materials, steel has high embodied impacts but recycle and reuse potential, timber has biogenic content and high reuse potential, and concrete poses transport and assembly challenges. The refurbishment of prefabricated buildings and the use of prefabricated elements in refurbishment are also discussed. The main benefits of adopting prefabrication are impact, cost, material, waste, and time reduction, with quality increase; and the challenges are cultural, technical, and market aspects with some investment required. A bibliometric analysis explores the relationship between modularity, prefabrication, and circular construction and concludes that the link between the three concepts seems fragile and unclear.
Setting China–Africa Collaboration to Address Climate Change and Other Environmental Issues
Authors: Inyang Hilary I. , Simelane Thokozani , Hongoro Charles
Published: October 2024

Environmental analyses and management systems are increasingly becoming the central themes in socio-economic development frameworks and plans of basically all countries, including China and African countries. These systems are tied to the efficacy of natural sustainable development targets as well as livelihood support and human health protection schemes of countries. Largescale, transboundary environmental issues are now commonly associated with energy, transportation and agricultural sectors of national economies. Several factors that determine the environment sustainability of any country frequently lie outside the geography and jurisdictional boundaries of the country. Pollution and associated risk drivers may have their origins in one country but some of their effects could precipitate in/on other countries. In this interconnected world, greenhouse gas emissions in China can imperil human health directly and indirectly in some African countries. Conversely, bush burning in Sub-Saharan Africa can affect ecological systems in China through some cascading environmental effects. This chapter analyses how China-Africa collaboration can help address climate change and other environmental issues.
China–South Africa Collaboration in Astronomy
Authors: Ma Y.-Z. , Buckley D. A. H. , Chen X. , Cui C. , Dong S. , Hao J.-X. , Liang Y.-C. , Liu J. , Peng B. , Shen Z. , Taylor A. R. , Vaisanen P.
Published: October 2024

South Africa and China, two members of BRICS consortium, share common aspirations for scientific and technological development and for the growth of human capacity resources. They wish to develop the research in astronomy and astrophysics and formulate a strong bilateral relation in this area. Under this motivation, astronomers, and astrophysicists from the two countries started their scientific collaboration in 2016 and shared a lot of resources in astronomy research, co-educated students and postdocs and fostering future generations of scientific talents and strengthened the scientific and technological collaboration. This review presents the background of this collaboration, the frontiers of scientific research, the actual collaborations from the two sides and discusses the future projects.
Science, Technology and Innovation (STI): Synergic Cooperative and Collaborative Relations Between China and Africa
Authors: Kamba Manir Abdullahi
Published: October 2024

This chapter focuses on the lessons to be learned by African countries and the benefits Africa will enjoy by cooperating and collaborating with China’s STI initiatives. It briefly highlights the STI challenges in African countries and reflects on the mandate of China’s Science, Technology, and Innovation and how this can fit within the efforts to advance the use of knowledge for the sustainable development of Africa. The chapter then looks at the role of the China STI initiatives in catalysing action within the African continent. It also briefly reviews some key African STI initiatives and assesses how the China STI initiatives can contribute to and promote already existing structures and programs within Africa. The chapter maps out the coherence and expected synergies between the China STI objectives and the ongoing African initiatives. Finally, it concludes that the China STI initiatives can fit well to enhance the utilization of knowledge for the development of African countries and that it holds the promise to spur and support the African initiatives directed at advancing STI in the continent through synergistic cooperation and collaboration with China.
Overview of China–Africa Collaborations: Opportunities and Criticisms
Authors: Chihwai Peter
Published: October 2024

This chapter provides an overview of China–Africa collaborations. China is a growing developing Asian country that established trade organisations with Africa in both specific bilateral and multilateral relations under the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), AFRODAD, Partnership for Growth and Development (PGD), Economic & Trade Cooperation Forum, and Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETC). This chapter aims to provide an overview of the China–Africa economic collaborations, explore the debate surrounding China–Africa relations, establish China’s contributions to Africa, and highlight Africa’s contributions to China. The methodology employed was exploring critical document review and multiple case studies. The findings of the study are that China has built massive infrastructures like roads, buildings, and railways for African countries including providing loans, and skills transfer. Furthermore, China has diverse interests in developing Africa. This study largely views Africa–China relations as progressive and mutually beneficial. Africa–China collaboration must continue in a mutually beneficial sustainable manner. The political variable should be included in the new international economic models showing how politics will affect the number of products to be traded in bilateral trade and how politics plays a role in ascertaining which products should be traded and providing reasons for such decisions, especially considering Africa–China relations. Africa should take advantage of the appetite to expand trade relations with Africa by China and the United States of America for development.
Evolution and Prospects of China–Africa Cooperation in Science, Technology and Innovation
Authors: Wang Yebo , Pan Xu , Wang Siqian , Pang Yu
Published: October 2024

Cooperation in science and technology offers an important way in which countries can establish mutually beneficial, win–win partnerships. Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) has been a consistent and important component of China–Africa cooperation, and is playing an increasingly prominent role in South-South cooperation and the development of China–Africa relations. As China–Africa relations continue to develop, China–Africa STI cooperation has flourishing and borne fruit, providing strong impetus to both sides’ economic and social development, and there will be even more space for improvement in the future. This study is a systematic review of the progress, mechanisms and effectiveness of China–Africa STI cooperation, which summarizes its evolution into four stages and will help to improve the understanding of China–Africa STI cooperation and promote to more aspects and fields.