bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lotus Leaf Derived NiS/Carbon Nanofibers/Porous Carbon Heterogeneous Structures for Strong and Broadband Microwave Absorption
Authors: Jiang Haotian , Wang Chengjuan , Cui Bowen , Xu Xiaodan , Li Mengfan , Xu Zhenhao , Tan Hongxue , Wang Chengguo , Wang Yanxiang
Published: August 2023

Developing composite materials with the synergistic effects of heterogeneous structures and multiple components is considered as a promising strategy to achieve high‐performance electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbers. To further satisfy the demand of broadband and strong microwave absorption, a novel NiS/carbon nanofibers (CNFs)/porous carbon composite is successfully synthesized by hydrothermal and chemical vapor deposition using lotus leaves as a biomass carbon source. A few carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and uniformly dispersed Ni nanocrystals have also been found in the hybrid. Benefiting from the porous structure derived from lotus leaves, the combination of dielectric NiS, conductive carbon nanomaterials, and magnetic Ni nanoparticles, together with the three‐dimensional conductive network of CNFs and CNTs, the remarkable EMW absorption properties with a minimum reflection loss up to −67.65 dB have been achieved at merely 2.32 mm. Besides, the widest effective absorption band can reach 5.9 GHz with a thin thickness of 2.07 mm, covering almost the entire Ku band. In addition, under the incident angle of 31°, the radar cross‐section reduction value of LNSF‐600 can reach 42.88 dBm2. Therefore, this work provides an efficient and facile method for manufacturing outstanding biomass‐derived EMW absorbers.
Calix[4]arene‐Derived 2D Covalent Organic Framework with an Electron Donor–Acceptor Structure: A Visible‐Light–Driven Photocatalyst
Authors: Xu Jialin , Liu Wei , Jiang Lisha , Jing Xiaofei , Liu Lei‐Lei , Li Zhongyue
Published: August 2023

The calixarenes are ideal building blocks for constructing photocatalytic covalent organic frameworks (COFs), owing to their electron‐rich and bowl‐shaped π cavities that endow them with electron‐donating and adsorption properties. However, the synthesis and structural confirmation of COFs based on calixarenes are still challenging due to their structural flexibility and conformational diversity. In this study, a calix[4]arene‐derived 2D COF is synthesized using 5,11,17,23‐tetrakis(p‐formyl)‐25,26,27,28‐tetrahydroxycalix[4]arene (CHO‐C4A) as the electron donor and 4,7‐bis(4‐aminophenyl)‐2,1,3‐benzothiadiazole (BTD) as the acceptor. The powder X‐ray diffraction data and theoretical simulation of crystal structure indicate that COF‐C4A‐BTD exhibits high crystallinity and features a non‐interpenetrating undulating 2D layered structure with AA‐stacking. The density functional theory theoretical calculation, transient‐state photocurrent tests, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy confirm the intramolecular charge transfer behavior of COF‐C4A‐BTD with a donor–acceptor structure, leading to its superior visible‐light–driven photocatalytic activity. COF‐C4A‐BTD exhibits a narrow band gap of 1.99 eV and a conduction band energy of −0.37 V versus normal hydrogen electrode. The appropriate energy band structure can facilitate the participation of ·O2− and h+. COF‐C4A‐BTD demonstrates high efficacy in removing organic pollutants, such as bisphenol A, rhodamine B, and methylene blue, with removal rates of 66%, 85%, and 99% respectively.
Intermittent Exothermic and Self‐Healing Hydrated Salt Gels for Advanced Thermal Management of Underfloor Radiant Heating System
Authors: Liu Yifan , Zhou Jiazuo , Li Yudong , Wang Ziyao , Sun Xiaohan , Yang Haiyue , Wang Chengyu
Published: August 2023

Phase change materials (PCMs) have great prospects in thermal management applications because they can store and release latent heat. However, they are not suitable for on‐demand heating as they can only release heat once. Herein, this work reports the intermittent exothermic of PCMs based on a supersaturated salt solution, exhibiting fully controlled long‐term storage of energy, releasing and suspending heat on demand. Due to the high energy barrier, it is difficult for the supersaturated salt solution to nucleate; thus, it can store energy for a long time. Contact with seeds or other foreign objects can destroy the metastable state of the supersaturated salt solution and promote the formation of crystal nuclei, enabling crystallization and heat release on demand. The release of crystallization heat can be interrupted using scissors dip in water. Additionally, self‐healing behavior allows it to be recycled and last longer, due to the presence of Fe3+, inducing strong dynamic reversible non‐covalent crosslinking through metal coordination bonds. Furthermore, the hydrated salts gels are applied for thermal management of underfloor radiant heating system, demonstrating four types of intermittent exotherms sequences amazingly. Further, the intermittent exothermic hydrated salts gels provide a more user‐friendly thermal management of underfloor radiant heating systems.
Tailoring Eco‐Friendly Colloidal Quantum Dots for Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Generation
Authors: Li Zhuojian , Channa Ali Imran , Wang Zhiming M. , Tong Xin
Published: August 2023

A photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell is able to realize effective solar‐to‐hydrogen energy conversion from water by using the semiconductor photoelectrode. Semiconducting colloidal quantum dots (QDs) with captivating features of size‐tunable optoelectronic properties and broad light absorption are regarded as promising photosensitizers in solar‐driven PEC systems. Up to now, different types of QDs have been developed to achieve high‐efficiency PEC H2 generation, while the majority of state‐of‐the‐art QDs‐PEC systems are still fabricated from QDs consisting of heavy metals (e.g., Cd and Pb), which are extremely harmful to the human health and natural environment. In this context, substantial efforts have been made to mitigate the usage of highly toxic heavy metals and concurrently promote the development of alternative environment‐friendly QDs with comparable features. This review presents recent advances of solar‐driven PEC devices based on several typical environment‐friendly QDs (e.g., carbon QDs, I‐III‐VI QDs and III‐V QDs). A variety of techniques (e.g., shell thickness tuning, alloying/doping, and ligands exchange, etc.) to engineer these QD's optoelectronic properties and achieve high‐efficiency PEC H2 production are thoroughly discussed. Furthermore, the critical challenges and future perspectives of advanced eco‐friendly QDs‐PEC systems in terms of QDs’ synthesis, photo‐induced charge kinetics, and operation stability/efficiency are briefly proposed.
The Next Generation COVID‐19 Antiviral; Niclosamide‐Based Inorganic Nanohybrid System Kills SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Choi Goeun , Rejinold N. Sanoj , Piao Huiyan , Ryu Young Bae , Kwon Hyung‐Jun , Lee In Chul , Seo Jeong In , Yoo Hye Hyun , Jin Geun‐woo , Choy Jin‐Ho
Published: August 2023

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic is a serious global threat with surging new variants of concern. Although global vaccinations have slowed the pandemic, their longevity is still unknown. Therefore, new orally administrable antiviral agents are highly demanded. Among various repurposed drugs, niclosamide (NIC) is the most potential one for various viral diseases such as COVID‐19, SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome), MERS (middle east respiratory syndrome), influenza, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), etc. Since NIC cannot be effectively absorbed, a required plasma concentration for antiviral potency is hard to maintain, thereby restricting its entry into the infected cells. Such a 60‐year‐old bioavailability challenging issue has been overcome by engineering with MgO and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), forming hydrophilic NIC–MgO–HPMC, with improved intestinal permeability without altering NIC metabolism as confirmed by parallel artificial membrane permeability assay. The inhibitory effect on SARS‐CoV‐2  replication is confirmed in the Syrian hamster model to reduce lung injury. Clinical studies reveal that the bioavailability of NIC hybrid drug can go 4 times higher than the intact NIC. The phase II clinical trial shows a dose‐dependent bioavailability of NIC from hybrid drug  suggesting its potential applicability as a game changer in achieving the much‐anticipated endemic phase.
Hexagonal‐Close‐Packed Colloidal Crystals in Glenea celestis Beetles
Authors: Parisotto Alessandro , Saranathan Vinodkumar , Steiner Ullrich , Wilts Bodo D.
Published: August 2023

Colloidal crystals reflecting interference‐based structural colors have been reported in many organisms, but many are yet to be accurately described. Herein, the bright, iridescent scales of green and blue Glenea celestis beetles are investigated using optical and ultrastructural techniques. The ultrastructural studies based on focused ion‐beam scanning electron microscopy and synchrotron small‐angle X‐ray scattering data reveal the origin of the colors to stem from previously undocumented hexagonal‐close‐packed colloidal crystals within their scales. The optical properties of various colloidal structures are investigated using full‐wave optical simulations. The results highlight the need for further research regarding the development of structural color in beetles.
Minimizing Buried Interface Nonradiative Recombination Losses by Multifunctional Chemical‐Bridging Molecules Enables Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Ma Xinru , Shai Xuxia , Li Xiaorui , Sun Jiale , Chen Weitao , Zhou Qian , He Dongmei , Yang Hua , Chen Jiangzhao
Published: August 2023

Minimizing the buried interface carrier nonradiative recombination loss has been a great challenge in the field of perovskite solar cells. Herein, a multifunctional chemical‐bridging strategy is reported where the α‐cyano‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA) molecule with multiple functional groups including −COOH, −OH, and −C ≡ N is adopted to manipulate buried interface. Due to simultaneous interaction of multiple groups in CHCA with SnO2 and perovskite layers, interfacial contact is ameliorated. The double‐sided chemical anchoring by CHCA enables interfacial defect passivation, residual tensile strain mitigation, reduced interfacial energy barrier, and improved perovskite crystallization. Through this ingenious chemical‐linking strategy, the power conversion efficiency is much increased from 21.26% to 23.02%, which is owing to much suppressed buried interface nonradiative recombination. The unsealed modified devices demonstrate enhanced moisture stability, degrading by less than 6% after 1500 h of aging under the relative humidity range of 15–20%. In this work, a way for minimizing buried interfacial nonradiative recombination losses through the rational design of versatile chemical‐bridging molecules with the synergy of multiple functional groups is provided.
Python shared atomic data types
Authors: Ren Xiquan
Published: August 2023

Although atomicity plays a key role in data operations of shared variables in parallel computation, researchers haven't treated atomicity in Python in much detail. This study provides a novel approach to integrate the CPU‐based atomic C APIs into Python shared variables by C Foreign Function Interface for Python (CFFI) on all major platforms and utilises Cython to optimise calculation in CPython. Evidence shows that the resulting product, Shared Atomic Enterprise (SAE), could accelerate data operations on shared data types to a large extent. These findings provide a solid evidence base for the massive utilisation of Python atomic operations in parallel computation and concurrent programming.
Chayote Root Starch Modified with Acyl and Acetyl Groups: Synthesis, Characterization, and Preparation of Edible Films
Authors: Morales‐Santiago Consuelo Iveeth , García‐Barradas Oscar , Mendoza‐López María Remedios , Jiménez‐Fernández Maribel
Published: August 2023

Chemical modification of starch from the chayote root (Sechium edule Jacq) is carried out with lauric acid and acetic anhydride. The modified starch is characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and used to formulate edible films. The developed edible films are characterized based on their physicochemical and mechanical properties. The physicochemical and functional properties of starch are affected by the incorporation of the acyl and acetyl group. Both starches exhibit a significant decrease in solubility. Starch modified by the incorporation of the acyl group (lauroyl) has higher thermal stability than starch modified by the incorporation of the acetyl group. The first shows an increase in emulsifying and foaming capacity, as well as water‐ and oil‐retention capacity, while the second exhibits adequate edible film‐forming properties. The edible films develop with modified starch with acetyl group has a homogeneous surface and exhibit a higher percentage of elongation at break when they are stored at a water activity of 0.561. In accordance with the above, it is concluded that the chayote root starch modified has physicochemical and functional properties that indicate their potential utility in the food industry.
Effects of Wheat Flour Substitution with High‐Amylose Corn Flour on the Quality of Dough and Chinese Steamed Bread
Authors: Gu Yuchen , Cheng Li , Li Caiming , Li Zhaofeng , Gu Zhengbiao , Hong Yan
Published: August 2023

In order to increase the nutritional value of Chinese steamed bread (CSB), high‐amylose corn flour (HACF) is used to partially replace wheat flour (WF) in the preparation of CSB. In CSB prepared with 0–50% HACF, the study examines the thermomechanical characteristics of the dough, starch–gluten network, quality, and in vitro digestibility. According to Mixolab data, the addition of HACF reduces dough stability and increases the thermal stability of pasting. In doughs with HACF concentrations >30%, scanning electron microscopy observations reveal that the starch–gluten connections are weaker and the network structure is discontinuous. The addition of HACF reduces the specific volume and increases the hardness, gumminess, and chewiness of the CSB. Compared with the WF‐CSB, the content of resistant starch increases from 12.01% to 28.49% in the HACF‐CSB, whereas there is a reduction in the glycemic index from 94.39 to 57.55. In summary, the addition of 30% HACF can increase the resistance of CSB and enhance its nutritional value without unduly reducing the desirable organoleptic qualities.
Developing a benchmark study for bridge monitoring
Authors: Jaelani Yogi , Klemm Alina , Wimmer Johannes , Seitz Fabian , Köhncke Martin , Marsili Francesca , Mendler Alexander , von Danwitz Max , Henke Sascha , Gündel Max , Braml Thomas , Spannaus Max , Popp Alexander , Keßler Sylvia
Published: August 2023

Structural health monitoring is the process of implementing a continuous damage detection strategy to optimize the inspection and maintenance schedules of bridges, and extend their lifespans. One of the main challenges of automated damage detection is the lack of data on damaged states, which makes it difficult to validate new approaches in the research and development stage. To alleviate this problem, a monitoring campaign on a two‐span test bridge with defined defects is conducted and documented in this article. The bridge is a steel‐concrete composite structure with a length of 30 m, with two primary steel girders and a segmented concrete deck. The recorded data capture the long‐term ambient data from 18 test days and changing environmental conditions, as well as the short‐term ambient data and dynamic load tests from four damage scenarios with well‐defined damage extents. A mobile measurement system with numerous sensors is used for data acquisition. A shaker is placed on the bridge to excite white noise. The main goal of this article is to document the experimental procedure and perform preliminary plausibility checks on the measured data. First results demonstrate that system response data and environmental conditions are recorded reliably and that environmental effects significantly affect the long‐term measurements. Therefore, a suitable data set is provided as open‐source data for future studies on data normalization and automated damage detection.
Effect of gamma irradiation on the waste polyethylene/bagasse composites reinforced with flax and sisal fibers for use in wood applications
Authors: Raslan Heba A. , Elnaggar Mona Y. , Fathy E. S.
Published: August 2023

Due to their many benefits, including their environmentally benign nature, low cost, biodegradability, and generally good mechanical behavior, natural fibers represent one of the most attractive reinforcing materials. This paper describes the fabrication of green composites based on waste polyethylene (WPE)/bagasse reinforced with flax and sisal fibers. The composites were prepared using the hot‐mixing method in an internal mixer and molded in a hot press with a suitable thickness. This thickness is about 6 mm to ready for measurements belonging to the wood as impact strength, flexural strength, hardness, water absorption, density, and porosity measurements. The prepared specimens will be subjected to gamma irradiation to evaluate the effect of ionizing radiation on the fabricated samples. Furthermore, the thermal behaviors of the fabricated specimens were examined using TGA and DSC techniques. As a result of their superior mechanical performance, sisal, and flax fibers reinforced WPE/bagasse were able to create composites that were suitable for use in wood applications. The mechanical results revealed that composites with flax fiber are superior to composites with sisal fiber. With 30 phr fiber loading, WPE/bagasse thermal stability improved, with composites made of sisal being the best. With increasing fiber loading, the porosity of the composite rises due to the increase in density. Porosity decreases in composites with irradiation due to crosslinking and enhancement of the compatibility between fiber and matrix. Flax composites that have been irradiated exhibit significantly higher thermal stability than those that have not.

Highlights

Different advantages of natural fibers as their low cost, biodegradability, and generally good mechanical behavior are considered one of the most attractive reinforcing materials.

Sisal and flax fibers reinforced WPE/bagasse were able to create composites that were suitable for use in wood applications.

Green composites were prepared by the hot‐mixing method in an internal mixer and molded in a hot press with a suitable thickness of about 6 mm to ready for measurements belonging to the wood.

Various studied properties were improved via ionizing irradiation due to crosslinking induced in the polymer matrix.
Beyond engagement: Enhancing equity in collaborative water governance
Authors: Koebele Elizabeth A. , Méndez‐Barrientos Linda E. , Nadeau Nikki , Gerlak Andrea K.
Published: August 2023

Collaborative governance has emerged as a promising approach for addressing complex water sustainability issues, with purported benefits from enhanced democracy to improved environmental outcomes. Collaborative processes are often assumed to be inherently more equitable than traditional governance approaches due to their goal of engaging diverse actors in the development of policy and management solutions. However, when collaborative water governance processes ignore issues of politics and power in their design, they risk creating or even exacerbating existing inequities. How, then, can collaborative water governance processes be designed to enhance, rather than undermine, equity? To answer this question, we first conduct an extensive review of the collaborative governance literature to identify common design features of collaborative processes, which each present potential benefits and challenges for actualizing equitable collaborative water governance. After critically discussing these design features, we explore how they are executed through two case studies of collaborative water governance in western North America: groundwater governance reform in California and transnational Colorado River Delta governance. In reflecting on these cases, we chart an agenda for future collaborative water governance research and practice that moves beyond engaging diverse actors to promoting equity among them.

This article is categorized under:

Human Water > Water Governance

Science of Water > Water and Environmental Change

Engineering Water > Planning Water
NIR light‐facilitated bone tissue engineering
Authors: Feng Qian , Zhou Xiaojun , He Chuanglong
Published: August 2023

In the last decades, near‐infrared (NIR) light has attracted considerable attention due to its unique properties and numerous potential applications in bioimaging and disease treatment. Bone tissue engineering for bone regeneration with the help of biomaterials is currently an effective means of treating bone defects. As a controlled light source with deeper tissue penetration, NIR light can provide real‐time feedback of key information on bone regeneration in vivo utilizing fluorescence imaging and be used for bone disease treatment. This review provides a comprehensive overview of NIR light‐facilitated bone tissue engineering, from the introduction of NIR probes as well as NIR light‐responsive materials, and the visualization of bone regeneration to the treatment of bone‐related diseases. Furthermore, the existing challenges and future development directions of NIR light‐based bone tissue engineering are also discussed.

This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging

Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanotechnology in Tissue Repair and Replacement
Insights in piRNA targeting rules
Authors: van Wolfswinkel Josien C.
Published: August 2023

PIWI‐interacting RNAs (piRNAs) play an important role in the defense against transposons in the germline and stem cells of animals. To what extent other transcripts are also regulated by piRNAs is an ongoing topic of debate. The amount of sequence complementarity between piRNA and target that is required for effective downregulation of the targeted transcript is guiding in this discussion. Over the years, various methods have been applied to infer targeting requirements from the collections of piRNAs and potential target transcripts, and recent structural studies of the PIWI proteins have provided an additional perspective. In this review, I summarize the findings from these studies and propose a set of requirements that can be used to predict targets to the best of our current abilities.

This article is categorized under:

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein‐RNA Interactions: Functional Implications

RNA‐Based Catalysis > RNA‐Mediated Cleavage
Reflecting on Place and the Local
Authors: Durrer Victoria , Gilmore Abigail , Jancovich Leila , Stevenson David
Published: August 2023

Engaging with both place and ‘the local’ has become an important part of cultural policy rhetoric in many countries, from the resurgence of city-regional governance models to calls for new forms of ‘localism’ involving participatory governance approaches intended to engender more active citizenship and to help people feel more empowered regarding the decisions that affect them. Depending on their approach, national interventions can exacerbate existing socio-economic inequities between places and risk investing in infrastructure without due consideration to sustainability within locations or the movement of cultural workers and audiences across locations. This introduction makes the case that views of the ‘local’ have been limited in the fields of cultural policymaking and study. It summarises some of the ways both place and ‘the local’ have been conceptualised. It argues how conceptions of ‘the local’ in policy can vary significantly requiring an examination of the process of situating ‘the local’ as it occurs in policymaking as well as what happens in ‘the local’ as a result or even despite that positioning.
From Streets to Silos: Urban Art Forms in Local Rural Government and the Challenge of Regional Development
Authors: Potter Emily , Johanson Katya
Published: August 2023

This chapter discusses the Wimmera-Mallee Silo Art Trail in Victoria, Australia, as a case study that highlights the advantages and pitfalls of creative placemaking in a local government-driven rural development through cultural programmes. The Silo Art Trail showcases the benefits to communities of collaboration between a rural local council with higher levels of government and private corporations, when it is led by locally-generated needs and insights. At the same time, despite the achievements of the Silo Art Trail, a lack of explicit cultural policy and the different priorities of differing policy agencies created tensions between competing interests. Reflecting on this case offers opportunities to consider the ongoing significance of local government to cultural and economic development and strategies to strengthen its capacity to achieve positive impact, especially in rural contexts.
The Goals of American Cultural Plans
Authors: Redaelli Eleonora
Published: August 2023

Even though several American cities have released cultural plans and invested funding and energy in this process, very little empirical research has investigated the goals of actual plans and the literature remains quite normative. In this chapter, I examine five cultural plans published between 2011 and 2018 by cities across the country and I highlight the main themes emerging from these documents. Common goals are: (1) creating a healthy art ecosystem, (2) integrating the arts with the city, and (3) promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. This analysis emphasizes that cities in different parts of the country are developing dynamic cultural policies, bringing to the forefront the need for cultural policy studies to focus on local governments to better understand cultural policy in the United States. Future research could add to these findings, by examining the community engagement strategies applied and by studying how these cultural plans connect with the overall planning process of their cities.
Reclaiming Place: Cultural Initiatives in Cretan Villages as Enablers of Citizen Involvement, Local Development and Repopulation
Authors: Kolokytha Olga
Published: August 2023

This chapter is based on Giortes Rokkas (Rokkas festivities), a cultural event organised by all the inhabitants of two small villages in Crete every summer since 2013. It highlights the meaning and importance of the rural in cultural policy topography discussing a model that 1. uses cultural policy and practice as means to reclaim and redefine association with place and encourage mobility towards depopulated, rural areas; 2. uses non-innate/exogenous culture to activate community mobilisation, reinforce inhabitants’ sense of place and create a distinctive local identity; and 3. showcases how cultural initiatives can emerge by non-experts and thrive despite a lack of systematic policy support.
The Public Administration of ‘place’: Labels and Meaning in Local Government Arts Development in the Irish Urban-Fringe
Authors: Durrer Victoria
Published: August 2023

This chapter explores how multiple interpretations of local places are administratively constructed in cultural policymaking. It does so by examining how top down characterisations of place are operationalised and negotiated, through the practice of local arts administration—and to what end. The chapter draws on research in cultural policy, public administration and interpretations of place from Irish literature, and cultural and human geography to examine a place-specific local arts development programme, entitled Exit 15. The programme, which took place from 2016–2019, was targeted at a residential area, Ballyogan, a so-called ‘hard to reach’ locality 12 km outside the city centre of Dublin, Ireland in Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County. Ethnographic study of the design and delivery of Exit 15 by that County Council arts office reveals that different classifications and categorisations of localities for the administration of public services facilitate senses of place that are employed, negotiated and re-imagined by arts officers. The single case study indicates that while systems change for a more place-sensitive strategy in cultural policymaking may be limited by public administration bureaucracy, meaning-making can be a critically reflexive practice where a change in the system may occur.
Circularity Assessment: Developing a Comprehensive Yardstick
Authors: Patil Rashmi Anoop , van Langen Sven Kevin , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: August 2023

The beginning of this millennium witnessed the emergence of the CE concept with an aim of sustainable development. It gradually gained traction from governments, non-governmental organizations, businesses, and researchers, and the implementation of various strategies towards a CE began. Currently, our economic system is in a transition phase from a linear to a circular one. In this phase, monitoring the progress towards circularity using an assessment framework is of paramount importance, given the critical impact such a transition in the economy may have on the environmental, economic, and social aspects of the society in the coming decades. This work provides an overview of circularity assessment and the four systemic levels of its implementation. The introductory chapter begins with a brief description of how a CE is essential in achieving a sustainable future and provides a glimpse of the current status of our economic system. Further, circularity assessment and the various phases involved in the process are introduced and elaborated. As a highlight of the chapter, we present for the first time, the key features of the upcoming standard from the ISO—the ISO 59020, that aims to establish a generic but optimum process for circularity assessments. Lastly, the chapter concludes with a brief note on the need for understanding the state-of-the-art circularity assessment approaches (as discussed in the following chapters).
Insights from ESG Evaluation for Circularity Assessment
Authors: van Langen Sven Kevin , Patil Rashmi Anoop , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: August 2023

Sustainability and circularity co-exist and both encompass environmental, social, and economic aspects. In the past few years, we have witnessed ESG reporting gaining traction and with it, a fast rise in the market for sustainable finance and development. Developed countries are coming up with regulations governing the ESG reporting standards and performance, which has been a voluntary action so far. Several ESG reporting standards have been developed across the globe, typically containing many metrics related to circularity in both environmental and social aspects. In this chapter, several such global standards are discussed and one national implementation by the Athens stock exchange is detailed. Later in this chapter, current and upcoming regulations regarding ESG reporting in developed countries are provided. The European Union is the most advanced body of regulation on this topic and is covered in more detail. Trends in the sustainable finance and bonds markets are also presented at the end of this chapter, a market that will finance projects and developments towards circularity and sustainability. The chapter concludes with a call to incorporate a clear circularity assessment within ESG reports. Standard definitions of practices considered circular and how to best measure them need to be further developed.
Circularity at Macro Level: The Urban and National Perspectives
Authors: Ghisellini Patrizia , van Langen Sven Kevin , Patil Rashmi Anoop , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: August 2023

The CE is mainly conceived as a response to multiple global environmental and social challenges, including climate change and resource scarcity. This chapter first presents an overview of what entails the adoption of CE in cities. Later, CE in other macro-level systems (such as nations and wider areas) and the necessity for circularity assessment during the transition towards CE are discussed. From a global perspective, cities play a crucial role in contributing to tackle the climate challenges given the high consumption of energy and materials. The discussion elaborates on assessment frameworks and indicators for monitoring and evaluating the progress towards the CE at the city and regional/national/supra-national (e.g. The EU)/global levels. Case studies of Rotterdam and Paris are provided to show how cities have designed their circular plans by analyzing their strategies, tools, and performance indicators. The monitoring framework implemented by the EU, to monitor the transition to CE in its member states is also analyzed. The chapter concludes by pointing out the importance of promoting preventive measures to enhance the circularity and broader assessment framework that captures the social dimension of the CE.
Circularity at Meso Level: A Sector Perspective
Authors: Ghisellini Patrizia , Patil Rashmi Anoop , van Langen Sven Kevin , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: August 2023

This chapter provides an overview of the application of CE at the meso level. The authors focus on EIPs, as the most representative cases at this level. The EIPs are unique examples showing how companies can cooperate in sharing resources such as water, energy, material, by-products, and services. Case studies of EIPs (IZ NÖ-Süd in Austria and Ulsan Mipo and Onsan Industrial Park) are presented, with their environmental, economic, and social performances tracked through existing evaluation frameworks. To provide a deeper perspective on the topic, the origins, evolution, and current performances of Kalundborg Symbiosis EIP in Denmark, the well-known longstanding case of EIP are briefly summarized. Moreover, the current monitoring framework developed by the Chinese government complements the analysis. So far, China has developed the largest EIP program worldwide. Overall, the EIPs case studies show that, besides the economic benefits, EIPs provide environmental and social benefits depending on their implementation and management. In such a way, the cases show how EIPs can contribute to diversifying the industrial context in a more sustainable way and more in harmony with the natural environment and the surrounding social community.
Circularity at Nano Level: A Product/Service Perspective
Authors: Patil Rashmi Anoop , van Langen Sven Kevin , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: August 2023

Implementation of the CE principles at the grass-root level requires closing the loop of products’ life cycles, one that warrants extensive rework at every stage of the life cycle from design to end-of-life. Therefore, the circularity assessment of products/services for their entire life cycle becomes critical. In this work, we present the circularity assessment of products/services (considered as the nano level in the economic hierarchy) unlike the prior art and provide a comprehensive metric required for this assessment. The chapter begins with a brief explanation of the need for such an evaluation. Then, continues with a discussion on the state-of-the-art assessment of a product along with a list of various indicators that have been implemented in the circularity measurements at the nano level. This theoretical background is complemented with real-world case studies of Levi’s jeans and surgical face masks for a better understanding of the concept. Then, the concept of materials utilization efficiency, a key factor in conceiving and designing circular products/services, is presented as a logical conclusion to the chapter.
Consumer-Centric Circularity: Conscious Changes in Lifestyle Towards a New Normal
Authors: van Langen Sven Kevin , Ghisellini Patrizia , Patil Rashmi Anoop , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: August 2023

In the final chapter, we take a closer look at the role that consumers play in the transition to the CE. Ultimately, consumers must be willing to buy sustainable circular products over those products that have a single lifecycle. The CE can receive great impulses even from a single person or a small group of people as we have shown in the repair café and iFixit case studies. This can cause a ripple effect that can quickly reach millions of people all over the world. It is up to governments to spread awareness amongst their citizens, so they become responsible consumers, and play a role as one of the largest consumers in their own economy as well. We look at the city of Rotterdam for a collection of cases, specifically looking at several consumer initiatives and how the city has been improving its own consumption since governments are big consumers themselves. We end the chapter, and the book, by looking at the circularity gap and revisiting what has been discussed in this book regarding closing this gap.
Heavy neutral leptons — Advancing into the PeV domain
Authors: Urquía-Calderón Kevin A. , Timiryasov Inar , Ruchayskiy Oleg
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Heavy neutral leptons (HNLs) are hypothetical particles able to explain neutrino oscillations and provide a mechanism for generating the baryon asymmetry of the Universe. Quantum corrections due to such particles give rise to flavor violating processes in the charged lepton sector. Based on the fact that these corrections grow with HNL masses, we improve existing constraints by orders of magnitude in mass and mixing angle. This allows us to probe part of the parameter space of leptogenesis with multi-TeV HNLs. We also show that one will be able to infer HNL parameters in a significant portion of the parameter space for TeV-PeV masses if charged lepton flavor violating signals are detected.
Lattice calculation of the intrinsic soft function and the Collins-Soper kernel
Authors:   The Lattice Parton Collaboration (LPC), Chu Min-Huan , He Jin-Chen , Hua Jun , Liang Jian , Ji Xiangdong , Schäfer Andreas , Shu Hai-Tao , Su Yushan , Walter Lisa , Wang Wei , Wang Ji-Hao , Yang Yi-Bo , Zeng Jun , Zhang Qi-An
Published: August 2023

Abstract

We calculate the soft function using lattice QCD in the framework of large momentum effective theory incorporating the one-loop perturbative contributions. The soft function is a crucial ingredient in the lattice determination of light cone objects using transverse-momentum-dependent (TMD) factorization. It consists of a rapidity-independent part called intrinsic soft function and a rapidity-dependent part called Collins-Soper kernel. We have adopted appropriate normalization when constructing the pseudoscalar meson form factor that is needed in the determination of the intrinsic part and applied Fierz rearrangement to suppress the higher-twist effects. In the calculation of CS kernel we consider a CLS ensemble other than the MILC ensemble used in a previous study. We have also compared the applicability of determining the CS kernel using quasi TMDWFs and quasi TMDPDFs. As an example, the determined soft function is used to obtain the physical TMD wave functions (WFs) of pion and unpolarized iso-vector TMD parton distribution functions (PDFs) of proton.
On the rate of convergence in homogenization of time-fractional Hamilton–Jacobi equations
Authors: Mitake Hiroyoshi , Sato Shoichi
Published: August 2023

Here, we consider periodic homogenization for time-fractional Hamilton–Jacobi equations. By using the perturbed test function method, we establish the convergence, and give estimates on a rate of convergence. A main difficulty is the incompatibility between the function used in the doubling variable method, and the non-locality of the Caputo derivative. Our approach is to provide a lemma to prove the rate of convergence without the doubling variable method with respect to the time variable, which is a key ingredient.
Rapid DNA extraction and colorimetric amplicon visualisation speed up LAMP-based detection of soybean allergen in foods
Authors: Schäfer Laura , Allgöwer Stefanie , Holzhauser Thomas
Published: August 2023

Detection of allergens in foods, including soybean, is relevant for food labelling requirements. Moreover, allergen-specific methods may allow standardisation of allergens in food matrices for use in food challenges as allergy diagnostic approaches. Rapid methods are preferred for screening and along the manufacturing line. Previously, we demonstrated sensitive and specific detection of soybean DNA by combining loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and lateral flow device (LFD)-like visualisation. However, lengthy DNA extraction and potential contamination of subsequent by previous LAMP reactions from unclosed LFD may impact its use as a rapid and robust method. Here, we developed a rapid protocol for DNA extraction. Moreover, we identified phenol red for distinct visualisation of positive reactions in permanently closed reaction tubes. The optimised method was validated using complex foods (boiled sausage, instant soup, and chocolate) with known amounts of soybean. Further, its applicability was shown in 12 processed retail foods. Results were verified by orthogonal qPCR. The enhanced LAMP method allowed detection at or below 10 mg soybean per kg processed food. The method provides rapid and easy-to-use screening without the need for detection equipment. Hence, it may serve to verify the presence of soybean ingredients and support a risk-based precautionary labelling of non-ingredient soybean in compound foods. Also, as determination of clinical reaction thresholds before and after allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is both inclusion and exclusion criterion for clinical trials and success parameter of AIT, the method may allow verification of calculable soybean content in provocation meals and thus a standardised administration for threshold determination before and after AIT.
Ocular microtremor: a structured review
Authors: Graham Lisa , Das Julia , Vitorio Rodrigo , McDonald Claire , Walker Richard , Godfrey Alan , Morris Rosie , Stuart Samuel
Published: August 2023

Ocular microtremor (OMT) is the smallest of three involuntary fixational micro eye movements, which has led to it being under researched in comparison. The link between OMT and brain function generates a strong rationale for further study as there is potential for its use as a biomarker in populations with neurological injury and disease. This structured review focused on populations previously studied, instrumentation used for measurement, commonly reported OMT outcomes, and recommendations concerning protocol design and future studies. Current methods of quantifying OMT will be reviewed to analyze their efficacy and efficiency and guide potential development and understanding of novel techniques. Electronic databases were systematically searched and compared with predetermined inclusion criteria. 216 articles were identified in the search and screened by two reviewers. 16 articles were included for review. Findings showed that piezoelectric probe is the most common method of measuring OMT, with fewer studies involving non-invasive approaches, such as contact lenses and laser imaging. OMT frequency was seen to be reduced during general anesthesia at loss of consciousness and in neurologically impaired participants when compared to healthy adults. We identified the need for a non-invasive technique for measuring OMT and highlight its potential in clinical applications as an objective biomarker for neurological assessments. We highlight the need for further research on the clinical validation of OMT to establish its potential to identify or predict a meaningful clinical or functional state, specifically, regarding accuracy, precision, and reliability of OMT.
Fractional rheology-informed neural networks for data-driven identification of viscoelastic constitutive models
Authors: Dabiri Donya , Saadat Milad , Mangal Deepak , Jamali Safa
Published: August 2023

Developing constitutive models that can describe a complex fluid’s response to an applied stimulus has been one of the critical pursuits of rheologists. The complexity of the models typically goes hand-in-hand with that of the observed behaviors and can quickly become prohibitive depending on the choice of materials and/or flow protocols. Therefore, reducing the number of fitting parameters by seeking compact representations of those constitutive models can obviate extra experimentation to confine the parameter space. To this end, fractional derivatives in which the differential response of matter accepts non-integer orders have shown promise. Here, we develop neural networks that are informed by a series of different fractional constitutive models. These fractional rheology-informed neural networks (RhINNs) are then used to recover the relevant parameters (fractional derivative orders) of three fractional viscoelastic constitutive models, i.e., fractional Maxwell, Kelvin-Voigt, and Zener models. We find that for all three studied models, RhINNs recover the observed behavior accurately, although in some cases, the fractional derivative order is recovered with significant deviations from what is known as ground truth. This suggests that extra fractional elements are redundant when the material response is relatively simple. Therefore, choosing a fractional constitutive model for a given material response is contingent upon the response complexity, as fractional elements embody a wide range of transient material behaviors.
The relationship between neurogenic dysphagia, stroke-associated pneumonia and functional outcome in a cohort of ischemic stroke patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy
Authors: Schumann-Werner Beate , Becker Johanna , Nikoubashman Omid , Wiesmann Martin , Schulz Jörg B. , Reich Arno , Pinho João , Werner Cornelius J.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is an established treatment approach in acute ischemic stroke patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO). Recent studies suggest that the prevalence of dysphagia and pneumonia risk is increased in this patient population. The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the prevalence, predictors, and influence of neurogenic dysphagia for 3-month outcome in a large population of patients receiving MT and to elucidate the relationship between dysphagia, stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) and medium-term functional outcome.

Materials and methods

Data of a prospective collected registry of patients with LVO and MT between 2016 and 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. Binary logistic regression was carried out to determine predictors for dysphagia and 3-month outcome as measured by the modified Rankin Scale, respectively. A mediation analysis was performed to investigate the mediating influence of intercurrent SAP.

Results

A total of 567 patients were included in the study. Mean age was 73.4 years, 47.8% of the patients were female, and median NIHSS was 15.0. The prevalence of dysphagia was 75.1% and 23.3% of all patients developed SAP. In the regression analysis, dysphagia was one of the main independent predictors for poor functional outcome at 3 months. The mediator analysis revealed that the effect of dysphagia on the functional outcome at 3 months was not mediated by the occurrence of SAP.

Discussion

The prevalence of dysphagia is high and exerts both negative short- and medium-term effects on patients with large vessel occlusion who undergo MT.