bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the determinants of anti-COVID restriction and anti-vaccine movements: the case of IoApro in Italy
Authors: Alfano Vincenzo , Capasso Salvatore , Limosani Michele
Published: October 2023

Following restrictions to control the spread of COVID-19, and subsequent vaccination campaigns, sentiments against such policies were quick to arise. While individual-level determinants that led to such attitudes have drawn much attention, there are also reasons to believe that the macro context in which these movements arose may contribute to their evolution. In this study, exploiting data on business activities which supported a major Italian anti-restriction and anti-vaccine movement, IoApro, using quantitative analysis that employs both a fractional response probit and logit model and a beta regression model, we investigate the relationship between socio-economic characteristics, institutional quality, and the flourishing of this movement. Our results suggest a U-shaped relationship between income and the proliferation of the movement, meaning that support for these movements increases the greater the degree of economic decline. Our results further indicate that the share of the population between 40 and 60 years old is positively related to support for such movements, as is institutional corruption.
Synthesis of novel antibacterial and biocompatible polymer nanocomposite based on polysaccharide gum hydrogels
Authors: Abdullaev Sherzod Shukhratovich , Althomali Raed H. , Abdu Musad Saleh Ebraheem , Robertovich Magizov Rustem , Sapaev I. B. , Romero-Parra Rosario Mireya , Alsaab Hashem O. , Gatea M. Abdulfadhil , Fenjan Mohammed N.
Published: October 2023

According to recent studies on the benefits of natural polymer-based hydrogels in biomedical applications, gellan gum (GG)/acacia gum (AG) hydrogel was prepared in this study. In order to regulate the mechanical behavior of the hydrogel, graphite carbon nitride (g-C3N4) was included in the hydrogel matrix. In addition, metal oxide nanoparticles ZnCuFe2O4 were added to the composite for antibacterial activity. The prepared GG–AG hydrogel/g-C3N4/ZnCuFe2O4 nanobiocomposite was characterized by using FE-SEM, FTIR, EDX, XRD and TGA. The nanobiocomposite exhibited spherical morphology, which was related to the incorporation of the metal oxide nanoparticles. GG–AG hydrogel/g-C3N4/ZnCuFe2O4 nanobiocomposite showed 95.11%, 92.73% and 88.97% biocompatibility toward HEK293T cell lines within 24 h, 48 h and 72 h incubation, respectively, which indicates that this nanobiocomposite is completely biocompatible with healthy cells. Also, the nanobiocomposite was able to inhibit Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm growth on its surface up to 87%. Rheological studies showed that the nanobiocomposite has a viscoelastic structure and has a water uptake ratio of 93.2%. In comparison with other similar studies, this nanobiocomposite has exhibited superior antibacterial activity complete biocompatibility and proper mechanical properties, high swelling and water absorption capability. These results indicate that GG–AG hydrogel/g-C3N4/ZnCuFe2O4 nanocomposite can be considered as a potential candidate for biomedical applications such as tissue engineering and wound healing.
Room temperature bio-engineered multifunctional carbonates for CO2 sequestration and valorization
Authors: Mohamed H. , Hkiri K. , Botha N. , Cloete K. , Azizi Sh. , Ahmed A. A. Q. , Morad R. , Motlamane Th. , Krief A. , Gibaud A. , Henini M. , Chaker M. , Ahmad I. , Maaza M.
Published: October 2023

This contribution reports, for the first time, on an entirely green bio-engineering approach for the biosynthesis of single phase crystalline 1-D nano-scaled calcite CaCO3. This was validated using H2O as the universal solvent and natural extract of Hyphaene thebaica fruit as an effective chelating agent. In this room temperature green process, CaCl2 and CO2 are used as the unique source of Ca and CO3 respectively in view of forming nano-scaled CaCO3 with a significant shape anisotropy and an elevated surface to volume ratio. In terms of novelty, and relatively to the reported scientific and patented literature in relation to the fabrication of CaCO3 by green nano-chemistry, the current cost effective room temperature green process can be singled out as per the following specificities: only water as universal solvent is used, No additional base or acid chemicals for pH control, No additional catalyst, No critical or supercritical CO2 usage conditions, Only natural extract of thebaica as a green effective chelating agent through its phytochemicals and proper enzematic compounds, room Temperature processing, atmospheric pressure processing, Nanoscaled size particles, and Nanoparticles with a significant shape anisotropy (1-D like nanoparticles). Beyond and in addition to the validation of the 1-D synthesis aspect, the bio-engineered CaCO3 exhibited a wide-ranging functionalities in terms of highly reflecting pigment, an effective nanofertilizer as well as a potential binder in cement industry.
Bi-HPDO3A as a novel contrast agent for X-ray computed tomography
Authors: Rizzo Rebecca , Capozza Martina , Carrera Carla , Terreno Enzo
Published: October 2023

A new bismuth-based CT agent was synthesized through a facile synthesis strategy. The in vitro stability, toxicity and CT performance were evaluated. The in vivo imaging performance was investigated using three different doses (0.5, 1.2 and 5 mmol/kg) and the result obtained at 1.2 mmol/kg was compared with the clinically approved CT agent iopamidol at the same dosage.
Predicting cognitive decline in a low-dimensional representation of brain morphology
Authors: Lamontagne-Caron Rémi , Desrosiers Patrick , Potvin Olivier , Doyon Nicolas , Duchesne Simon
Published: October 2023

Identifying early signs of neurodegeneration due to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a necessary first step towards preventing cognitive decline. Individual cortical thickness measures, available after processing anatomical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are sensitive markers of neurodegeneration. However, normal aging cortical decline and high inter-individual variability complicate the comparison and statistical determination of the impact of AD-related neurodegeneration on trajectories. In this paper, we computed trajectories in a 2D representation of a 62-dimensional manifold of individual cortical thickness measures. To compute this representation, we used a novel, nonlinear dimension reduction algorithm called Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP). We trained two embeddings, one on cortical thickness measurements of 6237 cognitively healthy participants aged 18–100 years old and the other on 233 mild cognitively impaired (MCI) and AD participants from the longitudinal database, the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative database (ADNI). Each participant had multiple visits ($$n \ge 2$$

n
≥
2

), one year apart. The first embedding’s principal axis was shown to be positively associated ($$r = 0.65$$

r
=
0.65

) with participants’ age. Data from ADNI is projected into these 2D spaces. After clustering the data, average trajectories between clusters were shown to be significantly different between MCI and AD subjects. Moreover, some clusters and trajectories between clusters were more prone to host AD subjects. This study was able to differentiate AD and MCI subjects based on their trajectory in a 2D space with an AUC of 0.80 with 10-fold cross-validation.
The anti-inflammatory effect of dimethyl trisulfide in experimental acute pancreatitis
Authors: Orján Erik Márk , Kormányos Eszter Sára , Fűr Gabriella Mihalekné , Dombi Ágnes , Bálint Emese Réka , Balla Zsolt , Balog Beáta Adél , Dágó Ágnes , Totonji Ahmad , Bátai Zoárd István , Jurányi Eszter Petra , Ditrói Tamás , Al-Omari Ammar , Pozsgai Gábor , Kormos Viktória , Nagy Péter , Pintér Erika , Rakonczay Zoltán , Kiss Lóránd
Published: October 2023

Various organosulfur compounds, such as dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS), display anti-inflammatory properties. We aimed to examine the effects of DMTS on acute pancreatitis (AP) and its mechanism of action in both in vivo and in vitro studies. AP was induced in FVB/n mice or Wistar rats by caerulein, ethanol-palmitoleic acid, or L-ornithine-HCl. DMTS treatments were administered subcutaneously. AP severity was assessed by pancreatic histological scoring, pancreatic water content, and myeloperoxidase activity measurements. The behaviour of animals was followed. Pancreatic heat shock protein 72 (HSP72) expression, sulfide, and protein persulfidation were measured. In vitro acinar viability, intracellular Ca2+ concentration, and reactive oxygen species production were determined. DMTS dose-dependently decreased the severity of AP. It declined the pancreatic infiltration of leukocytes and cellular damage in mice. DMTS upregulated the HSP72 expression during AP and elevated serum sulfide and low molecular weight persulfide levels. DMTS exhibited cytoprotection against hydrogen peroxide and AP-inducing agents. It has antioxidant properties and modulates physiological but not pathophysiological Ca2+ signalling. Generally, DMTS ameliorated AP severity and protected pancreatic acinar cells. Our findings indicate that DMTS is a sulfur donor with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and organosulfur compounds require further investigation into this potentially lethal disease.
SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein peptides displayed in the Pyrococcus furiosus RAD system preserve epitopes antigenicity, immunogenicity, and virus-neutralizing activity of antibodies
Authors: Cioffi Victor Bolsanelli , de Castro-Amarante Maria Fernanda , Lulla Aleksei , Andreata-Santos Robert , Cruz Mario Costa , Moreno Ana Carolina Ramos , de Oliveira Silva Mariângela , de Miranda Peres Bianca , de Freitas Junior Lucio Holanda Gondim , Moraes Carolina Borsoi , Durigon Edison Luiz , Gordon Nicola Coker , Hyvönen Marko , de Souza Ferreira Luís Carlos , Balan Andrea
Published: October 2023

Amongst the potential contribution of protein or peptide-display systems to study epitopes with relevant immunological features, the RAD display system stands out as a highly stable scaffold protein that allows the presentation of constrained target peptides. Here, we employed the RAD display system to present peptides derived from the SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) protein as a tool to detect specific serum antibodies and to generate polyclonal antibodies capable of inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 infectivity in vitro. 44 linear S-derived peptides were genetically fused with the RAD scaffold (RAD-SCoV-epitopes) and screened for antigenicity with sera collected from COVID-19-infected patients. In a second step, selected RAD-SCoV-epitopes were used to immunize mice and generate antibodies. Phenotypic screening showed that some of these antibodies were able to recognize replicating viral particles in VERO CCL-81 and most notably seven of the RAD-SCoV-epitopes were able to induce antibodies that inhibited viral infection. Our findings highlight the RAD display system as an useful platform for the immunological characterization of peptides and a potentially valuable strategy for the design of antigens for peptide-based vaccines, for epitope-specific antibody mapping, and for the development of antibodies for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
A new flexible model for maintenance and feeding expenses that improves description of individual growth in insects
Authors: Mauritsson Karl , Jonsson Tomas
Published: October 2023

Metabolic theories in ecology interpret ecological patterns at different levels through the lens of metabolism, typically applying allometric scaling to describe energy use. This requires a sound theory for individual metabolism. Common mechanistic growth models, such as ‘von Bertalanffy’, ‘dynamic energy budgets’ and the ‘ontogenetic growth model’ lack some potentially important aspects, especially regarding regulation of somatic maintenance. We develop a model for ontogenetic growth of animals, applicable to ad libitum and food limited conditions, based on an energy balance that expresses growth as the net result of assimilation and metabolic costs for maintenance, feeding and food processing. The most important contribution is the division of maintenance into a ‘non-negotiable’ and a ‘negotiable’ part, potentially resulting in hyperallometric scaling of maintenance and downregulated maintenance under food restriction. The model can also account for effects of body composition and type of growth at the cellular level. Common mechanistic growth models often fail to fully capture growth of insects. However, our model was able to capture empirical growth patterns observed in house crickets.
The type of forest edge shapes snail assemblages at forest–pasture transitions
Authors: Schmera Dénes , Boschi Cristina , Baur Bruno
Published: October 2023

Semi-natural, nutrient-poor calcareous grasslands are local biodiversity hotspots that are increasingly threatened by land use intensification, abandonment, or indirect effects from adjacent habitats. The habitat quality of these grasslands is often influenced by neighbouring forests or intensively managed agricultural land. For example, shrubs encroaching on grassland reduce the sensitive habitat, but at the same time represent a new habitat type (transition zone at gradual forest edge). We investigated the effects of gradual and abrupt forest edges on the species richness, abundance, species composition, functional diversity and number of species of conservation importance (red-listed species) of land snail assemblages at forest–pasture transitions in the Jura Mountains, Switzerland. Forest edge type influenced the snail assemblages in different ways. Transition zones at abrupt forest edges had a higher species richness and more snail individuals than transition zones at gradual forest edges. Transition zones also differed in land snail species composition. At gradual forest edges, the transition zones contained some openland snail species, while those at abrupt forest edges had a similar species composition to the forest interior. Functional diversity was significantly higher for snails in the forests and transition zones at both abrupt and gradual edges than in pastures. In contrast, pastures and transition zones at both abrupt and gradual edges had a significantly higher number of red-listed snail species. Based on our findings, we recommend the creation of gradual forest edges through regular forest management practices, rather than through shrub encroachment into pasture, which could reduce the size of the threatened habitat.
Anapole state revealed by cloaking metallic cylinders with split ring resonators
Authors: Sarin Valiyaveettil Pushpakaran , Labate Giuseppe , Vinesh Puthiyapurayil Viswanathan , Mani Manoj , Mohanan Pezholil , Kesavath Vasudevan
Published: October 2023

This paper proposes the experimental demonstration of an anapole-based cylindrical electromagnetic cloaking scheme. An anapole state is excited by arranging around a cylindrical metallic target vertical split-ring resonators, forming an equivalent surface admittance boundary condition able to suppress the scattering. Using Mie formalism and multipole scattering theory, we identify the actual reason behind the cloaking operation, characterizing the anapole condition by the scattering contributions from toroidal and electric dipole moments. Numerical results are verified using full-wave simulation softwares and subsequently validated with back-scattering measurements inside an anechoic chamber.
Drawing a materials map with an autoencoder for lithium ionic conductors
Authors: Yamaguchi Yudai , Atsumi Taruto , Kanamori Kenta , Tanibata Naoto , Takeda Hayami , Nakayama Masanobu , Karasuyama Masayuki , Takeuchi Ichiro
Published: October 2023

Efforts to optimize known materials and enhance their performance are ongoing, driven by the advancements resulting from the discovery of novel functional materials. Traditionally, the search for and optimization of functional materials has relied on the experience and intuition of specialized researchers. However, materials informatics (MI), which integrates materials data and machine learning, has frequently been used to realize systematic and efficient materials exploration without depending on manual tasks. Nonetheless, the discovery of new materials using MI remains challenging. In this study, we propose a method for the discovery of materials outside the scope of existing databases by combining MI with the experience and intuition of researchers. Specifically, we designed a two-dimensional map that plots known materials data based on their composition and structure, facilitating researchers’ intuitive search for new materials. The materials map was implemented using an autoencoder-based neural network. We focused on the conductivity of 708 lithium oxide materials and considered the correlation with migration energy (ME), an index of lithium-ion conductivity. The distribution of existing data reflected in the materials map can contribute to the development of new lithium-ion conductive materials by enhancing the experience and intuition of material researchers.
A Benford’s law-based framework to determine the threshold of occurrence sites for species distribution modelling from ecological monitoring databases
Authors: Shim Taeyong , Kim Zhonghyun , Jung Jinho
Published: October 2023

The use of data-based species distribution models (SDMs) has increased significantly in recent years. However, studies of determining the minimum requirements of occurrence sites from ecological monitoring datasets used in species distribution modelling remain insufficient. Therefore, this study proposed a framework to determine the threshold of minimum occurrence sites for SDMs by assessing compliance with Benford’s law. The compliance test verified that the national-scale freshwater fish monitoring dataset was natural and reliable. Results derived from true skill statistics (TSS) determined the minimum number of occurrence sites for reliable species distribution modelling was 20 with a TSS value of 0.793 and an overall accuracy of 0.804. The Benford compliance test has shown to be a useful tool for swift and efficient evaluation of the reliability of species occurrence datasets, or the determination of the threshold of occurrence sites before species distribution modelling. Further studies regarding the evaluation of this method’s transferability to other species and validation using SDM performance are required. Overall, the framework proposed in this study demonstrates that Benford compliance test applied to species monitoring datasets can be used to derive a universal and model-independent minimum occurrence threshold for SDMs.
Litter decomposition and nutrient release are faster under secondary forests than under Chinese fir plantations with forest development
Authors: Li Shuaijun , Xu Zijun , Yu Zaipeng , Fu Yanrong , Su Xiangping , Zou Bingzhang , Wang Sirong , Huang Zhiqun , Wan Xiaohua
Published: October 2023

In terrestrial ecosystems, leaf litter is the main source of nutrients returning to the soil. Understanding how litter decomposition responds to stand age is critical for improving predictions of the effects of forest age structure on nutrient availability and cycling in ecosystems. However, the changes in this critical process with stand age remain poorly understood due to the complexity and diversity of litter decomposition patterns and drivers among different stand ages. In this study, we examined the effects of stand age on litter decomposition with two well-replicated age sequences of naturally occurring secondary forests and Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) plantations in southern China. Our results showed that the litter decomposition rates in the secondary forests were significantly higher than those in the Chinese fir plantations of the same age, except for 40-year-old forests. The litter decomposition rate of the Chinese fir initially increased and then decreased with stand age, while that of secondary forests gradually decreased. The results of a structural equation model indicated that stand age, litter quality and microbial community were the primary factors driving nutrient litter loss. Overall, these findings are helpful for understanding the effects of stand age on the litter decomposition process and nutrient cycling in plantation and secondary forest ecosystems.
Functional reorganization of intranetwork and internetwork connectivity in patients with Ménière’s disease
Authors: Li Jing , Leng Yangming , Ma Hui , Yang Fan , Liu Bo , Fan Wenliang
Published: October 2023

Ménière’s disease (MD) is associated with functional reorganization not only in the auditory or sensory cortex but also in other control and cognitive areas. In this study, we examined intranetwork and internetwork connectivity differences between 55 MD patients and 70 healthy controls (HC) in 9 well-defined resting-state networks. Functional connectivity degree was lower in MD compared to HC in 19 brain areas involved in the somatomotor, auditory, ventral attention, default mode, limbic, and deep gray matter networks. In addition, we observed lower intranetwork connectivity in the auditory, ventral attention, and limbic networks, as well as lower internetwork connectivity between the somatomotor and limbic networks, and between the auditory and somatomotor, deep gray matter, and ventral attention networks, and between the deep gray matter and default mode network. Furthermore, we identified 81 pairs of brain areas with significant differences in functional connectivity between MD patients and HC at the edge level. Notably, the left amygdala’s functional connectivity degree was positively correlated with MD’s disease stage, and the ventral attention network’s intranetwork connectivity was positively correlated with the healthy side vestibular ratio. Our findings suggest that these functional network reorganization alterations may serve as potential biomarkers for predicting clinical progression, evaluating disease severity, and gaining a better understanding of MD’s pathophysiology. Large-scale network studies using neuroimaging techniques can provide additional insights into the underlying mechanisms of MD.
Associations among the workplace violence, burnout, depressive symptoms, suicidality, and turnover intention in training physicians: a network analysis of nationwide survey
Authors: Yun Je-Yeon , Myung Sun Jung , Kim Kyung Sik
Published: October 2023

Depression and anxiety are the most common mental disorders among physicians, who have a greater risk of suicide than those in other professional occupations. Relationships among a demanding workload, workplace violence, burnout, and intention to turnover have also been reported. The current study examined the principal components and propagating patterns of mental health and working environment interactions in training physicians. A total of 1981 training physicians completed online self-report questionnaires during September–October (midpoint of the training year) 2020. Regularized partial correlations in a mixed graphical model (MGM) and joint probability distributions (directed acyclic graph; DAG) were estimated for four subtypes of workplace violence (verbal abuse/physical violence perpetrated by clients/hospital staff), three burnout subdomains (Maslach Burnout Inventory), thoughts about quitting, and nine depressive symptoms, including suicidality, comprising the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder (assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9). Thoughts of death/self-harm showed directional dependencies on the joint probability distributions of psychomotor agitation/retardation, concentration difficulty, self-reproach, and sadness in the DAG. In the MGM, a partial correlation with psychomotor agitation/retardation (r = 0.196) accounted for 56.5% of the variance in thoughts of death/self-harm. Partial correlations with concentration difficulties (r = 0.294), self-reproach (r = 0.257), changes in appetite (r = 0.184), and worker-on-worker physical violence (r = 0.240) in the MGM accounted for 54.4% of the variance in psychomotor agitation/retardation. Thoughts about quitting were partially correlated with and dependent upon the joint probability distributions of emotional exhaustion (r = 0.222), fatigue (r = 0.142), anhedonia (r = 0.178), and sadness (r = 0.237). In contrast, worker-on-worker (r = 0.417) and client-on-physician (r = 0.167) verbal abuse had regularized partial correlations with directional dependencies on thoughts about quitting. Organization-level interventions aiming to reduce the worker-on-worker violence and individual-level approaches of clinical screening program and psychiatric counseling clinic are required. Follow-up studies to verify the effectiveness of these interventions for training physicians are needed.
An HIV-1 broadly neutralizing antibody overcomes structural and dynamic variation through highly focused epitope targeting
Authors: Hodge Edgar A. , Chatterjee Ananya , Chen Chengbo , Naika Gajendra S. , Laohajaratsang Mint , Mangala Prasad Vidya , Lee Kelly K.
Published: October 2023

The existence of broadly cross-reactive antibodies that can neutralize diverse HIV-1 isolates (bnAbs) has been appreciated for more than a decade. Many high-resolution structures of bnAbs, typically with one or two well-characterized HIV-1 Env glycoprotein trimers, have been reported. However, an understanding of how such antibodies grapple with variability in their antigenic targets across diverse viral isolates has remained elusive. To achieve such an understanding requires first characterizing the extent of structural and antigenic variation embodied in Env, and then identifying how a bnAb overcomes that variation at a structural level. Here, using hydrogen/deuterium-exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) and quantitative measurements of antibody binding kinetics, we show that variation in structural ordering in the V1/V2 apex of Env across a globally representative panel of HIV-1 isolates has a marked effect on antibody association rates and affinities. We also report cryo-EM reconstructions of the apex-targeting PGT145 bnAb bound to two divergent Env that exhibit different degrees of structural dynamics throughout the trimer structures. Parallel HDX-MS experiments demonstrate that PGT145 bnAb has an exquisitely focused footprint at the trimer apex where binding did not yield allosteric changes throughout the rest of the structure. These results demonstrate that structural dynamics are a cryptic determinant of antigenicity, and mature antibodies that have achieved breadth and potency in some cases are able to achieve their broad cross-reactivity by “threading the needle” and binding in a highly focused fashion, thus evading and overcoming the variable properties found in Env from divergent isolates.
Environmentally friendly nanoflower Al2O3@carbon spheres as adsorbent for dispersive solid-phase microextraction of copper and lead in food and water samples
Authors: Tokalıoğlu Şerife , Demirişler Melike Selenay , Şahan Halil , Patat Şaban
Published: October 2023

A fast and simple dispersive solid-phase microextraction method (d-SPμE) was described for the determination of copper and lead in food, water, and sediments using FAAS.
Chlorogenic acid releasing microspheres enhanced electrospun conduits to promote peripheral nerve regeneration
Authors: Fang Jiaqi , Jin Xuehan , Xu Bo , Nan Liping , Liu Shuhao , Wang Jianguang , Niu Na , Wu Zhong , Chen Feng , Liu Junjian
Published: October 2023

Schematic illustration of the preparation process of CGA-containing GelMA microspheres (CGMs) and complex CGM/PCL nerve guide conduits (NGCs).
Ion specific tuning of nanoparticle dispersion in an ionic liquid: a structural, thermoelectric and thermo-diffusive investigation
Authors: Fiuza T. , Sarkar M. , Riedl J. C. , Beaughon M. , Torres Bautista B. E. , Bhattacharya K. , Cousin F. , Barruet E. , Demouchy G. , Depeyrot J. , Dubois E. , Gélébart F. , Geertsen V. , Mériguet G. , Michot L. , Nakamae S. , Perzynski R. , Peyre V.
Published: October 2023

Alkaline counterions at the nanoparticle/ethylammonium nitrate ionic liquid interface impact the macroscopic dispersion’s properties, by tuning interparticle and particle/solvent interactions.
Radiation effects on materials for electrochemical energy storage systems
Authors: Olsen Tristan , Koroni Cyrus , Liu Yuzi , Russell Joshua A. , Wharry Janelle P. , Xiong Hui
Published: October 2023

Batteries and electrochemical capacitors (ECs) are of critical importance for applications such as electric vehicles, electric grids, and mobile devices.
Solar driven CO2 hydrogenation to HCOOH on (TiO2)n (n = 1–6) atomic clusters
Authors: Tian Jiaqi , Hou Lei , Xia Weizhi , Wang Zi , Tu Yusong , Pei Wei , Zhou Si , Zhao Jijun
Published: October 2023

Artificial photosynthesis is a crucial reaction that addresses energy and environmental challenges by converting CO2 into fuels and value-added chemicals.
Pyroelectric catalytic performance of Sm3+-modified Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–PbTiO3 for organic dyes: degradation efficiency, kinetics and pyroelectric catalytic mechanism
Authors: Lin Xinyi , Ding Jina , Li Xiaohua , Tang Zhuo , Chen Hongbing , Dong Huan , Wu Anhua , Jiang Linwen
Published: October 2023

The degradation mechanism of Rh 6G by PMN-0.30PT: 1 mol% Sm3+ with H2O2: heat energy is converted into electric energy under the temperature fluctuation, and is further converted into chemical energy for catalytic degradation.
Pectic oligosaccharides ameliorate high-fat diet-induced obesity and hepatic steatosis in association with modulating gut microbiota in mice
Authors: Yu Shengnan , Wang Haoyu , Cui Luwen , Wang Jingyi , Zhang Zixuan , Wu Zhinan , Lin Xiaoqian , He Ningning , Zou Yuanqiang , Li Shangyong
Published: October 2023

Enzymatically degraded POS were significantly effective in mitigating the deleterious effects of obesity on weight gain, glucose and lipid metabolism, hepatic steatosis, intestinal barrier function, dysbiosis of intestinal microbiota, systemic inflammation, and local inflammation.
Facile sol–gel fabrication of Cu/N–P-doped C nanocatalysts for peroxymonosulfate activation towards advanced oxidation of 4-nitrophenol
Authors: Wang Yadan , Zhang Cancan , Shen Yanchao , Wang Han , Ma Yujie , Li Pingyun
Published: October 2023

For the oxidative removal of 4-NP, Cu/N–P–C-700 showed excellent catalytic activity for effective activation of PMS compared to Cu/N–P–C-600.
How far the chemistry of self-assembled monolayers on gold surfaces affects their work function?
Authors: Bossard-Giannesini Léo , Cardenas Luis , Cruguel Hervé , Demessence Aude , Loffreda David , Pluchery Olivier
Published: October 2023

Combined KPFM measurements and DFT calculations for understanding how SAMs modify the work function of gold.
Fabrication of a P–Si/ZnO heterojunction based on galvanic cell driven and the complete degradation of RhB via fast charge transfer
Authors: Yang Xiaoyu , Wu Lin , Zhang Baoguo , Li Jingwang , Shen Yifan , Liu Ying , Hu Ya
Published: October 2023

Semiconductor heterojunctions can significantly enhance photocatalytic degradation efficiency by facilitating rapid interfacial charge transfer.
Harnessing the power of a photoinitiated thiol–ene “click” reaction for the efficient synthesis of S-lipidated collagen model peptide amphiphiles
Authors: Aguilar Clouie Justin , Sarwar Makhdoom , Prabakar Sujay , Zhang Wenkai , Harris Paul W. R. , Brimble Margaret A. , Kavianinia Iman
Published: October 2023

Thiolation by 2-iminothiolane followed by photoinitiated thiol–ene "click" reaction enabled the formation of S-lipidated collagen peptide amphiphiles. This methodology holds significant potential for the generation of functional peptide amphiphiles.
Polyacrylonitrile-containing amphiphilic block copolymers: self-assembly and porous membrane formation
Authors: Gemmer Lea , Niebuur Bart-Jan , Dietz Christian , Rauber Daniel , Plank Martina , Frieß Florian V. , Presser Volker , Stark Robert W. , Kraus Tobias , Gallei Markus
Published: October 2023

Porous nanostructures were derived after self-assembly of amphiphilic poly(acrylonitrile)-containing block copolymers. The introduction of acrylonitrile moieties within the membrane matrix was shown to improve the membranes’ mechanical properties.
Mild and scalable synthesis of phosphonorhodamines
Authors: Turnbull Joshua L. , Golden Ryan P. , Benlian Brittany R. , Henn Katharine M. , Lipman Soren M. , Miller Evan W.
Published: October 2023

First reported in the 1800s, rhodamines have become indispensable fluorophores for biological imaging. We report a new, high-yielding synthesis of water soluble-rhodamines with a phosphonic acid instead of the traditional carboxylate.
Conformational control enables boroxine-to-boronate cage metamorphosis
Authors: Rondelli Manuel , Delgado-Hernández Samuel , Daranas Antonio H. , Martín Tomás
Published: October 2023

The conformational control of boronic acid building blocks allows efficient self-assembly into a tetrahedral boroxine cage. The nano-sized cage displays molecular metamorphosis, converting from a boroxine tetrapod to a boronate bipyramid.
Metal organic layers enabled cell surface engineering coupling biomembrane fusion for dynamic membrane proteome profiling
Authors: Jiang Qianqian , Wang He , Qiao Zichun , Hou Yutong , Sui Zhigang , Zhao Baofeng , Liang Zhen , Jiang Bo , Zhang Yukui , Zhang Lihua
Published: October 2023

A novel method termed cell surface engineering coupling biomembrane fusion based on metal organic layers was developed for dynamic membrane proteome profiling.
Highly electron-deficient 3,6-diaza-9-borafluorene scaffolds for the construction of luminescent chelate complexes
Authors: Adamek Jan , Marek-Urban Paulina H. , Woźniak Krzysztof , Durka Krzysztof , Luliński Sergiusz
Published: October 2023

Oxonium acids based on strongly electron-deficient fluorinated diazaborafluorene cores were used as precursors of fluorescent spiro-type complexes featuring delayed emission, white light emission and photocatalytic performance.
Portable and Customizable Solar Panel Cleaner Design
Authors: Saepul Uyun Aep , Ivan Setiawan Muhammad , Novianto Bangun , Fitriani Fitriani , Firmandha Ibrahim Riki , Tirta Andy , Syukri Nur Muhammad , Sugiyanto Didik , Hendroko Setyobudi Roy , Burlakovs Juris
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this research is to design a solar panel cleaning tool that is easy to operate and can adjust the size of the installed solar panels. There are several factors that can affect the performance of solar panels, namely the placement of solar panels that cause accumulation of dust, bird droppings and water (salt) stains. The traditional cleaning system is still done manually. Manual cleaning has several disadvantages such as panel damage, risk of worker accidents, movement difficulties, poor maintenance, and others. Therefore, a solar panel cleaning tool is needed on the market that can help optimize solar panel performance and is easy to operate. The method used in this research is to design a prototype solar panel cleaner that can be operated easily and can be adjusted according to the size of the installed solar panel. The result of this research is a prototype of a solar panel cleaning tool with a total mass of 6 kg and easy to operate with a microcontroller system. Effectively this equipment shows the function of the cleaning tool to do its job, namely cleaning dust. Furthermore, this research needs to analyze the techno-economics of addition batteries to facilitate operation.
Differences in Vegetative and Generative Characters of M2 Generation of Mutant Rice Compared to Wild Types and Commercial Cultivars
Authors: Zainudin Agus , Rasyid Harun , Wulandari Tri , Jan Asad
Published: October 2023

This study aims to obtain information on the differences in vegetative and generative characters of M2 generation rice mutants compared to wild types (MSP13 line) and commercial cultivars (IR64 and Ciherang). Gamma ray radiation treatment at 200 Gy was carried out on MSP13 line rice seeds in the M0 generation. The observation variables included plant height, number of productive tillers, age at harvest, weight of well-laden grains, and weight of 100 grains. The data obtained were analyzed by t test and cluster analysis. The results of t test showed that there are three M2 generation of mutant rice plants that have shorter plant sizes (dwarf), potential number of productive tillers, early harvest period and yield, compared to the wild type (MSP13 line), Ciherang and IR64 cultivars. Cluster analysis based on vegetative, generative and yield characters, obtained groups consisting of 9 and 66 rice mutant individuals with 21.87 % and 21.11 % similarity respectively compared to other rice mutant groups as well as wild type, Ciherang and IR64 varieties.
Comparative Analysis of Energy Efficiency Programs in Large ASEAN Industries with Sustainable Energy Indicators
Authors: Pasinrangi Herman , Suryana Fajar , Ramadhan Gilang , Hendrianto Chandra , Yandri Erkata , Ariati Ratna , Hendroko Setyobudi Roy , Suherman Suherman , Lomi Abraham , Zeeker Ivar , Fauzi Ahmad , Ali Shah Luqman
Published: October 2023

Reducing energy demand through energy efficiency (EE) policies is a key strategy in dealing with climate change and the energy needs of Southeast Asian countries (ASEAN). The industrial sector is the largest energy user sector and has significant energy-saving potential through good and sustainable energy management. This research is intended to analyze the progress of energy-saving programs in several ASEAN countries through policies that have been made with a focus on large industries. Five steps will be carried out, namely: searching for data on total population, GDP and total final energy consumption; conducting analysis with indicators of energy intensity, per capita energy consumption and GDP productivity; comparing the EE programs of ASEAN countries; designing savings strategies; and determine sustainable energy indicators. As a result, the energy consumption of ASEAN countries during the 2016 to 2020 time period has mostly increased. The policies that have been taken have similarities such as the implementation of energy audit and management, the application of minimum equipment performance standards, and the funding of the EE program. ASEAN countries need cooperation and coordination to ensure readiness in welcoming the energy transition.
Bibliometric Analysis on Contaminant Microplastics in Compost (2018 to 2022) Through VOSviewer
Authors: Iswahyudi Iswahyudi , Widodo Wahyu , Warkoyo Warkoyo , Hendroko Setyobudi Roy , Sutanto Adi , Vincēviča-Gaile Zane , Wedyan Mohammed , Anwar Shazma , Yuniati Sri , Basir Adil , Said Azwin , Putra Garfansa Marcel , Arista Cipta Ekalaturrahmah Yenni , Yunita Emi , Sustiyana Sustiyana , Mukamilah Sitti , Shoimus Sholeh Mohammad , Taufiq Shidqi Muhammad , Fauzi Ahmad , Fawaid Akh , Kurniawati Ari , Baihaqi Baihaqi , Agung Prahardika Bayu , Haris Mustaqim Muhammad
Published: October 2023

Compost is considered not only to improve soil nutrients but also as a carrier of microplastic (MPs) pollution on agricultural land. Bibliometric analysis is a quantitative review approach that employs statistics, data mining, and mathematics to identify new academic trends. It is increasingly more prevalent and is utilized in several academic disciplines. To evaluate the evolution and extension of this body of knowledge and to forecast its future path, the present study analyzed Scopus-indexed research publications on compost from 2018 to 2022. To perform the bibliometric analysis, the VOSviewer software and Scopus Analytics were used. A total of 111 journal articles (n = 77) and conference papers (n = 3) were extracted. The number of research documents published by 111 authors was steadily increasing annually. China is the leading country in the number of publications and research collaborations. The current results offset global scientific efforts on MPs contamination in compost and inform that there is potential for compost to be a carrier of MPs contaminants in plants.
Experimental Jet Flame Bioethanol Sago Pulp Fuel as an Energy Source for Isolated Areas in Papua Province, Indonesia
Authors: Johni Jonatan Numberi , Uniplaita Tiper , Ekayuliana Arifia , Gamawati Adinurani Praptiningsih , Illayan Massadeh Muhannad , Rizka Farzana Afrida
Published: October 2023

Papua Island is at the eastern end of Indonesia, with massive potential of natural resources. However, the human resource growth of this province is low. In 2020, the Human Development Index reached 60.62 and the poverty rate was 27.38 %. The lack of energy at isolated areas is the reason for these facts. So, there is a need of research to utilize the local potential, such as sago waste as bioethanol alternative fuel. This research consist of pre-experimental and experimental process. The pre-experimental purpose is to analyze sago pulp material using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), where the Carbon Value (CK) is 76 %, proximate 82.4 % carbohydrate content is very feasible in the process as a bioethanol fuel. The experimental process shows bioethanol sago pulp 70 % is very viable as a fuel, in research applications laminar jet flame bioethanol atmospheric at a fuel mass flow rate of 60 mL min-1, with a temperature of at least 327 °C up to a maximum temperature of 729 °C. The results of bioethanol diffusion laminar jet flame temperature testing are very feasible to use in household furnace combustion applications in isolated areas in the Papua region.
Evaluation of Crude Palm Oil Pre-treatment Process as Fuel on Diesel Engine Power Plant
Authors: Cahyo Nur , Sitanggang Ruly , Triani Meiri , Rasgianti Rasgianti , Supriyanto Eko , Paryanto Paryanto , Adi Santoso Khristian , Burlakovs Juris
Published: October 2023

Experimental studies of the CPO (Crude Palm Oil) fuel pre-treatment system for diesel power plants with a capacity of 2 544 kW were carried out to determine the fuel heating temperature requirements and to evaluate the reliability of the pre-treatment system. The fuel pre-treatment consists of the heating process, mechanical separation process and filtering process. The CPO at the booster module was heated from 64 °C to 81 °C by set the thermal oil temperature. The result shows that a minimum CPO heating of 78 °C is required in the booster module to produced kinematic viscosity CPO less than 13 cSt at the engine inlet. When there is a disturbance in the thermal boiler system, CPO deposits are found in the booster module strainer, which clogs the fuel supply to the engine, causing hunting loads. Redundancy equipment is needed to increase the reliability of the pre-treatment system. In addition, it is also necessary to add a heating process through the CPO fuel line starting from the storage tank to the engine inlet so that the thermal loss that occurs can be minimized and the work of the thermal boiler is reduced.
Antimicrobial Activity and Cytoxicity of Several Sumbawa Traditional Oils (Minyak Sumbawa) in Sumbawa Regency, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
Authors: Rimbun Anggih Chaidir Riri , Manguntungi Baso , Zaenal Mustopa Apon , Islam Izzul , Hussain Zahid , Iqrar Irum
Published: October 2023

Sumbawa oil or Minyak Sumbawa, is one of Indonesia’s original traditional oils used for more than just external applications and is believed to treat various diseases, from body aches and stomach infections to post-surgery treatment. However, there still needs to be more research that scientifically discusses its medicinal effects. This study evaluates the antimicrobial properties and cytotoxicity of several locally made Minyak Sumbawa in Sumbawa Regency, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Minyak Sumbawa from Batu Lanteh (BTL) showed the highest antimicrobial properties against Salmonella thypi, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus compared to those from Lunyuk (LNK), Pernek (PRN), Taliwang (TLW), Utan (UTN) and from Sumbawa Besar (SBW). In contrast, Minyak Sumbawa from Labuan Badas (BDS) has the highest activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis. Using the BSLT method, all samples showed low toxicity. The result showed that Minyak Sumbawa has various activities against gram-positive and negative bacteria and is safe for consumption overall. Since the oils were made with different recipes, therefore it will affect its chemical constituent. On the other hand, Minyak Sumbawa can be modified accordingly for specific health benefits by adjusting and standardizing the recipe to improve the quality of Indonesian traditional medicine.
Evaluation of a Topical Myocardial Cooling Device and Comparison of Technical Modalities for Maintaining Myocardial Hypothermia
Authors: Fisk R. Leighton , Bates Peter , Austin Jon , Bruner R. Dennis
Published: October 2023

A technically simple, water-filled envelope with cold fluid recirculation was compared to topical cold lavage with respect to the maintenance of myocardial hypothermia during aorto-coronary bypass operations. In order to compare the efficiency of the two methods it was necessary to derive the percentage rewarming (PR), of the myocardium toward body temperature for each. Rewarming of the interventricular septum was slower using the cooling device. There were no complications attributable to the use of the topical cooling device.
A magnetic field model of rectangular permanent magnets in a magnetic pendulum array
Authors: Song Weiye , Shuai Changgeng , Zhai Qi
Published: October 2023

The magnetic pendulum array (MPA) is a novel mechanical antenna for efficient and portable ultra-low-frequency transmission. Its natural frequency is affected by the magnetic field of its rectangular permanent magnets. In this work, the influence of the magnetization of a permanent magnet on the demagnetizing field and the magnetic field of other permanent magnets is analyzed to accurately calculate the natural frequency, and a magnetic field model of the rectangular permanent magnets in an MPA is established to improve the calculation accuracy. The consistency of the theoretical model results is verified through experiments and simulations. Finally, the effect of sizes and distances of the permanent magnets on the natural frequency of an MPA is analyzed, providing theoretical guidance for the dynamic analysis of “A Mechanically Based Antenna (AMEBA).” This research has significance and practical application value in the optimization of the magnetic field characteristics and natural frequency calculation methods for AMEBA.
Improved microstrip ring resonator for dielectric response tests and moisture evaluation of oil-impregnated pressboard
Authors: Zhang Daning , Xu Lulin , Wu Ming , Jiang Jiongting , Shao Xianjun , Mu Haibao , Zhang Guanjun
Published: October 2023

Moisture ingress is one of the major causes of aging in oil–paper insulated transformers; the measurement of the moisture content of the insulating material is thus necessary during transformer disassembly for maintenance. One critical engineering consideration is the need for rapid and nondestructive moisture content measurement of the oil–paper insulation to minimize the power-outage time. Herein, a rapid characterization method for the moisture content of oil–paper insulation based on the dielectric response obtained using a microstrip petal-like ring resonator (MPRR) is proposed. The geometric parameters of the resonator and dielectric response model were established based on simulations and theoretical analysis. The geometry of the resonant ring was optimized by modifying the originally circular ring structure of the microstrip ring resonator (MRR) into a petal-like ring structure; this increases the number of resonant peaks from five to seven in the frequency range of 0.5–6.0 GHz for the same electrode area. The effects of the coupling mode, coupling gap, and microstrip ring size on the resonance characteristics of the MPRR were simulated and analyzed. Compared with the MRR, the MPRR has the advantages of a reduced fundamental resonant frequency and a smaller resonant-ring area that improves radiation efficiency. The impact of moisture content on the dielectric response of the pressboard obtained using the MPRR was studied. A moisture-calculation equation based on the measured dielectric response for a selected type of pressboard was established by the Lasso regression. The results of verification experiments show that the error of the proposed method is sufficient for practical applications.