bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A prospective matched case-control study on the genomic epidemiology of colistin-resistant Enterobacterales from Dutch patients
Authors: Vendrik Karuna E. W. , de Haan Angela , Witteveen Sandra , Hendrickx Antoni P. A. , Landman Fabian , Notermans Daan W. , Bijkerk Paul , Schoffelen Annelot F. , de Greeff Sabine C. , Wielders Cornelia C. H. , Goeman Jelle J. , Kuijper Ed J. , Schouls Leo. M. ,   ColRE survey consortium, Heemstra Karen , Vainio Saara , Ott Alewijn , de Jager Steve , Koene Fleur , Hira Vishal , van Burgel Nathalie , Muller Anouk , Nagtegaal-Baerveldt Karolien , van der Meer Coby , van den Biggelaar Rik , Pontesilli Oscar , van Mens Suzan , van den Bijllaardt Wouter , Kolwijck Eva , Bosboom Ron , Frénay Ine , van ’t Veen Annemarie , Troelstra Annet , Kampinga Greetje , van Dijk Karin
Published: May 2022

Background

Colistin is a last-resort treatment option for infections with multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. However, colistin resistance is increasing.

Methods

A six-month prospective matched case-control study was performed in which 22 Dutch laboratories with 32 associated hospitals participated. Laboratories were invited to send a maximum of five colistin-resistant Escherichia coli or Klebsiella pneumoniae (COLR-EK) isolates and five colistin-susceptible isolates (COLS-EK) to the reference laboratory, matched for patient location, material of origin and bacterial species. Epidemiological/clinical data were collected and included in the analysis. Characteristics of COLR-EK/COLS-EK isolates were compared using logistic regression with correction for variables used for matching. Forty-six ColR-EK/ColS-EK pairs were analysed by next-generation sequencing (NGS) for whole-genome multi-locus sequence typing and identification of resistance genes, including mcr genes. To identify chromosomal mutations potentially leading to colistin resistance, NGS reads were mapped against gene sequences of pmrAB, phoPQ, mgrB and crrB.

Results

In total, 72 COLR-EK/COLS-EK pairs (75% E. coli and 25% K. pneumoniae) were included. Twenty-one percent of COLR-EK patients had received colistin, in contrast to 3% of COLS-EK patients (OR > 2.9). Of COLR-EK isolates, five contained mcr-1 and two mcr-9. One isolate lost mcr-9 after repeated sub-culturing, but retained colistin resistance. Among 46 sequenced COLR-EK isolates, genetic diversity was large and 19 (41.3%) isolates had chromosomal mutations potentially associated with colistin resistance.

Conclusions

Colistin resistance is present but uncommon in the Netherlands and caused by the mcr gene in a minority of COLR-EK isolates. There is a need for surveillance of colistin resistance using appropriate susceptibility testing methods.
Semi-continuous and continuous processes for enantiomeric separation
Authors: Ciriani Marina , Oliveira Rudi , Afonso Carlos A. M.
Published: May 2022

This review covers continuous preferential crystallization, membrane separation, chromatography, and other techniques identifying the environmental impact and highlighting what should be considered in future development.
Synthesis of asymmetric indolonaphthyridines with enhanced excited state charge-transfer character
Authors: Purdy Michael , Fallon Kealan , Congrave Daniel G , Toolan Daniel T. W. , Zeng Weixuan , Bronstein Hugo
Published: May 2022

We present the synthesis of novel asymmetric indolonaphthyridines with enhanced excited state charge-transfer character relative to symmetrical indolonaphthyridine.
Helical sulfono-γ-AApeptides with predictable functions in protein recognition
Authors: Sang Peng , Shi Yan , Wei Lulu , Cai Jianfeng
Published: May 2022

This review mainly summarizes the helical folding conformations of sulfono-γ-AApeptides and their biological applications in protein–protein interactions and assesses their potential for the mimicry of other α-helices for protein recognition.
Phthalo-carbonitride nanosheets as excellent N2 reduction reaction electrocatalysts: a first-principles study
Authors: Xu Wei , Kang Xuxin , Duan Xiangmei
Published: May 2022

Based on density functional theory computation, a series of transition metal atoms anchored on phthalo-carbonitride (pc-C3N2) nanosheets have been investigated for the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR).
Inflection point kinetics: plasmonic transition of silver and copper doped glasses
Authors: Sendova Mariana , Laughrey Corinne
Published: May 2022

Proposed is an inflection point methodology with robust uncertainty assessment, applicable for real-time UV-Vis spectroscopic data, quantifying solid state kinetics.
Enhancing the activity of Pd/Zn–Al–O catalysts for esterification of CO to dimethyl oxalate via increasing oxygen defects by tuning the Zn/Al ratio
Authors: Zhang Zi-Qun , Lin Xiao-Qi , Jiang Hui-Bo , Yang Zhi-Jian , Xu Yu-Ping , Sun Jing , Xu Zhong-Ning , Guo Guo-Cong
Published: May 2022

The enhancement of oxygen defects in the spinel support is the essential reason for the improvement of catalytic activity, which reveals the support effect of catalyst for CO direct esterification to dimethyl oxalate.
Uranium–nitride chemistry: uranium–uranium electronic communication mediated by nitride bridges
Authors: King David M. , Atkinson Benjamin E. , Chatelain Lucile , Gregson Matthew , Seed John A. , Wooles Ashley J. , Kaltsoyannis Nikolas , Liddle Stephen T.
Published: May 2022

Sequential reduction of a uranium-azide through all the nitride steps is revealed. Experimentally determined U–U coupling in the diuranium(iv)–dinitride is shown byab initiocalculations to stem from the nitride bridges, not U–U bonding.
Three-pole wheel paddle luminescent metal organic frameworks (LMOFs) based on the oxygen substituted triazine tricarboxylic acid ligand: recognition and detection of small drug molecules and aromatic amine molecules
Authors: Xiao Yao , You Zi Xin , Xing Yong Heng , Bai Feng Ying , Shi Zhan
Published: May 2022

Two LMOFs with expandable production were synthesized, both of which could sense organic drug molecules and aromatic amine molecules.
Heterometathesis of diphosphanes (R2P–PR2) with dichalcogenides (R′E–ER′, E = O, S, Se, Te)
Authors: Branfoot Callum , Pringle Paul G. , Pridmore Natalie E. , Young Tom A. , Wass Duncan F.
Published: May 2022

The reactions of R2P–PR2 with R′E–ER′ (where E = Se, S, O, Te) to give R2P–ER′ have been explored experimentally and computationally. 31P NMR evidence suggests that Mo(0) complexes of Ph2P–SePh feature P- and Se- linkage isomers.
Analysis of the differences in the chemical composition of monascus rice and highland barley monascus
Authors: Chen Jia , Zheng Qi , Zheng Zhenxing , Li Yirou , Liao Hailang , Zhao Hui , Guo Dale , Ma Yuntong
Published: May 2022

The differences in the chemical composition between monascus rice and highland barley monascus were mainly monacolins, pigments, amino acids and organic acids.
β(2→1) chicory and β(2→1)-β(2→6) agave fructans protect the human intestinal barrier function in vitro in a stressor-dependent fashion
Authors: Fernández-Lainez Cynthia , Logtenberg Madelon J. , Tang Xin , Schols Henk A. , López-Velázquez Gabriel , de Vos Paul
Published: May 2022

Dietary fibers such as fructans can protect intestinal epithelial barrier integrity, but the mechanisms underlying this protection are not completely understood.
Combining galacto-oligosaccharides and 2′-fucosyllactose alters their fermentation kinetics by infant fecal microbiota and influences AhR-receptor dependent cytokine responses in immature dendritic cells
Authors: Akkerman Renate , Logtenberg Madelon J. , Beukema Martin , de Haan Bart J. , Faas Marijke M. , Zoetendal Erwin G. , Schols Henk A. , de Vos Paul
Published: May 2022

Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and 2′-fucosyllactose (2′-FL) are non-digestible carbohydrates (NDCs) that are often added to infant formula to replace the functionalities of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs).
Therapeutic effects of ginseng and ginsenosides on colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhao Linxian , Zhang Yueming , Li Yajuan , Li Chen , Shi Kai , Zhang Kai , Liu Ning
Published: May 2022

The possible anticancer mechanisms of ginsenoside.
Rapid automated total arsenic and arsenic speciation by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Quarles C. Derrick , Sullivan Patrick , Bohlim Nick , Saetveit Nathan
Published: May 2022

Rapid automated analysis of total arsenic and arsenic species by LC-ICP-MS. One- and two-column separation methods were developed and validated for arsenic speciation in urine samples.
Chemical labeling and crosslinking of tobacco mosaic virus via multi-diazonium reagents: examples, applications, and prospects
Authors: Qiu Xinyan , Kang Xueying , Zhu Jiqin , Yi Long
Published: May 2022

Chemical labeling and crosslinking of plant viruses via multiple diazonium reagents can be used for the preparation of new biomaterials including hydrogels.
Synthesis and antioxidant activities of N-thiophenyl ebselenamines: a 77Se{1H} NMR mechanistic study
Authors: Kumar Manish , Singh Vijay P.
Published: May 2022

Synthesis of N-thiophenyl ebselenamines and selenenyl sulphides as efficient radical-trapping and hydroperoxide-decomposing antioxidants, respectively has been described.
Zinc(ii) Schiff base complexes as dual probes for the detection of NH4+ and HPO42− ions
Authors: Yan Li , Li Zhongkui , Xiong Yan , Zhong Xue , Peng Shaochun , Li Hui
Published: May 2022

Three novel Zn(ii) Schiff base complexes were obtained by solvent evaporation technique. 1 and 2 show selectively recognition of NH4+ and HPO42− accompanied with an efficient fluorescence “turn off” phenomenon.
Copper-catalyzed regioselective C2–H chlorination of indoles with para-toluenesulfonyl chloride
Authors: Li Xue-Hong , Yang Guang-Chao , Gong Jun-Fang , Song Mao-Ping
Published: May 2022

A copper-catalyzed regioselective C2–H chlorination of indoles with para-toluenesulfonyl chloride (TsCl) is developed. Control experiments suggested that intermolecular single-electron-transfer processes might be involved in the reactions.
Complete life of cobalt nanoparticles loaded into cross-linked organic polymers: a review
Authors: Arif Muhammad
Published: May 2022

The synthesis and use of Co nanoparticles loaded into cross-linked polymers for generation of hydrogen is discussed in detail. The factors affecting hydrogen production have been discussed briefly. The catalytic reduction of dyes and nitroarenes is also discussed in detail.
A lightweight thermally insulating and moisture-stable composite made of hollow silica particles
Authors: Sharma Jaswinder , Polizos Georgios , Jafta Charl J. , Bai Yaocai , Hun Diana , Lyu Xiang
Published: May 2022

A very low thermal conductivity and moisture stable composite made of hollow silica particles and cellulose fibers.
Pyridine: the scaffolds with significant clinical diversity
Authors: De Sourav , Kumar S K Ashok , Shah Suraj Kumar , Kazi Sabnaz , Sarkar Nandan , Banerjee Subhasis , Dey Sanjay
Published: May 2022

The nitrogen-bearing heterocycle pyridine in its several analogous forms occupies an important position as a precious source of clinically useful agents in the field of medicinal chemistry research.
Ion-imprinted guanidine-functionalized zeolite molecular sieves enhance the adsorption selectivity and antibacterial properties for uranium extraction
Authors: Yi Zhao , Junwen Li , Sijin Wu , Haiming Cheng
Published: May 2022

The important properties in the development of adsorbents for uranium extraction from seawater include specific selectivity to uranium ions and anti-biofouling ability in the ocean environment.
Research on the stability of luminescence of CsPbBr3 and Mn:CsPbBr3 PQDs in polar solution
Authors: Jiang Mou-Ce , Pan Chun-Yang
Published: May 2022

Mn-doped PQDs exhibit higher quantum efficiency of 83.9%. The stabilities of CsPbBr3 PQDs and Mn-doped PQDs decreased as the polarity of solution increased, but Mn-doped PQDs still maintained higher PL intensity than undoped PQDs.
Sodium alkoxide-mediated g-C3N4 immobilized on a composite nanofibrous membrane for preferable photocatalytic activity
Authors: Li Xue , Wu Qin , Hussain Mushraf , Chen Liang , Huang Qiong , Huang Wei , Tao Tao
Published: May 2022

Sodium alkoxide-mediated g-C3N4 is presented to fabricate flexible electrospun polyacrylonitrile nanofibers for the first time.
Isolable acetylene complexes of copper and silver
Authors: Noonikara-Poyil Anurag , Ridlen Shawn G. , Fernández Israel , Dias H. V. Rasika
Published: May 2022

Gaseous acetylene can be trapped on copper(i) and silver(i) sites supported by pyrazole-based scorpionates to produce isolable molecules for detailed investigations and the study of metal-acetylene bonding.
Recent advances in nanomaterials for prostate cancer detection and diagnosis
Authors: Hu Yongwei , Lv Shixian , Wan Jiaming , Zheng Chunxiong , Shao Dan , Wang Haixia , Tao Yu , Li Mingqiang , Luo Yun
Published: May 2022

This review provides an overview of nanoparticle-based sensors, probes, and contrast agents for prostate cancer detection and diagnosis as well as discusses their potential future applications and existing challenges.
Grafting resveratrol onto mesoporous silica nanoparticles towards efficient sustainable immunoregulation and insulin resistance alleviation for diabetic periodontitis therapy
Authors: Tan Yujie , Feng Jing , Xiao Yu , Bao Chongyun
Published: May 2022

A scheme of the MSN-RSV preparation process and its innate immunoregulatory mechanism.
Antibacterial ability and osteogenic activity of polyphenol-tailored calcium silicate bone cement
Authors: Wu I-Ting , Chu Ying-Hung , Huang Yun-Ru , Chen Chun-Cheng , Ding Shinn-Jyh
Published: May 2022

Polyphenols can effectively enhance the antibacterial activity of calcium silicate cement without remarkably reducing cell function.
Genetic suppressors of Δgrx3 Δgrx4, lacking redundant multidomain monothiol yeast glutaredoxins, rescue growth and iron homeostasis
Authors: Li Guichun , Nanjaraj Urs Ankanahalli N. , Dancis Andrew , Zhang Yan
Published: May 2022

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Grx3 and Grx4 are multidomain monothiol glutaredoxins that are redundant with each other. They can be efficiently complemented by heterologous expression of their mammalian ortholog, PICOT, which has been linked to tumor development and embryogenesis. PICOT is now believed to act as a chaperone distributing Fe-S clusters, although the first link to iron metabolism was observed with its yeast counterparts. Like PICOT, yeast Grx3 and Grx4 reside in the cytosol and nucleus where they form unusual Fe-S clusters coordinated by two glutaredoxins with CGFS motifs and two molecules of glutathione. Depletion or deletion of Grx3/Grx4 leads to functional impairment of virtually all cellular iron-dependent processes and loss of cell viability, thus making these genes the most upstream components of the iron utilization system. Nevertheless, the Δgrx3/4 double mutant in the BY4741 genetic background is viable and exhibits slow but stable growth under hypoxic conditions. Upon exposure to air, growth of the double deletion strain ceases, and suppressor mutants appear. Adopting a high copy-number library screen approach, we discovered novel genetic interactions: overexpression of ESL1, ESL2, SOK1, SFP1 or BDF2 partially rescues growth and iron utilization defects of Δgrx3/4. This genetic escape from the requirement for Grx3/Grx4 has not been previously described. Our study shows that even a far-upstream component of the iron regulatory machinery (Grx3/4) can be bypassed, and cellular networks involving RIM101 pH sensing, cAMP signaling, mTOR nutritional signaling, or bromodomain acetylation, may confer the bypassing activities.
Gaussian noise parameter estimation based on multiple singular value decomposition and non‐linear fitting
Authors: Qi Jinli , Sun Lei , Li Kengpeng , Wang Lingang
Published: May 2022

Noise standard deviation (STD) is an important parameter in many digital image processing applications. This paper presents a Gaussian noise parameter estimation algorithm using multiple singular value decomposition (SVD) and non‐linear fitting. The proposed algorithm adds known noise to the original noise image many times to generate a noise‐corrupted image set and then performs SVD on each image. By analyzing the singular values of the noise‐corrupted images, an overdetermined equation system with respect to the noise STD is established. The Gauss–Newton iteration method and backtracking Armijo line search are used to solve the equations, which improve the convergence speed and reduce computational cost. Compared with other methods, the mean error of the proposed algorithm on the TID2008 dataset is 0.028, which is several times lower than other methods. This shows that the performance of our estimator is significantly improved.
Carboniferous-Permian tectono-metamorphic evolution of the Pelvoux Massif (External Crystalline Massif, Western Alps), with discussion on flow kinematics of the Eastern-Variscan Shear Zone
Authors: Fréville Kévin , Trap Pierre , Vanardois Jonas , Melleton Jérémie , Faure Michel , Bruguier Olivier , Poujol Marc , Lach Philippe
Published: May 2022

Based on new structural, petrological and U-Th-Pb geochronological data, a reappraisal of the Variscan tectono-metamorphic history of the Pelvoux Massif (External Crystalline Massif, French Alps) is proposed with the aim to understand the flow pattern and kinematics of the Variscan partially molten crust and the Eastern Variscan Shear Zone. The Pelvoux Massif consists of high-grade metamorphic rocks of middle to lower crust, mostly migmatites, that record a prominent syn-metamorphic deformation event (D2) characterized by a pervasive NE-SW striking, steeply dipping, S2 foliation, and a network of anastomosed NS and NW-SE trending shear zones, the kinematics of which indicates a sinistral transpression. Relics of an early syn-metamorphic event (D1/M1) related to crustal thickening and top-to-the-east nappe stacking are also reported. Both the D1 and D2 features are interpreted as reflecting a NW-SE shortening event, firstly marked by dominant nappe stacking, and secondly overprinted by a sinistral transpression that started at peak metamorphism with the onset of crustal partial melting at ca. 650 °C during the late Visean (ca. 335–330 Ma). Ongoing sinistral D2 transpression in the partially molten middle-lower crust of the Pelvoux involved strain partitioning between C and C’ shear zones and horizontal longitudinal flow in the range 330–300 Ma. Along the anatectic front, vertical shortening and top-to-the-NW shearing (D3) is coeval with D2 and argue for southeastward motion of the partially molten crust. The contemporaneity between NW-SE directed transpressional flow and vertical shortening is supported by our radiometric data of D2 and D3 and attests for strain partitioning between the suprastructure and infrastructure during horizontal crustal flow under transpressive regime. The exhumation of deep-seated rocks during sinistral transpression followed a near isothermal (ca. 700 °C) evolution down to pressure of ca. 0.5 GPa in the period 325–306 Ma. The sinistral transpression recorded in the Pelvoux Massif might corresponds to an antithetic shear zone coeval with the dextral East-Variscan Shear Zone, proposed for this part of the Variscan orogen.
Benchmark of Circularity Indicators and Links with Life Cycle Assessment
Authors: Saidani Michael , Le Pochat Stéphane , Monteil Aude , Yannou Bernard , Garcia Jade , Osset Philippe
Published: May 2022

Deploying the right circularity indicators (c-indicators) is key to assessing and improving the performance of products, companies, and regions from a circular economy (CE) perspective. Building on the initial taxonomy of c-indicators, this project extends the identification of sets of c-indicators to more than 100. Working with a think tank of CE experts from major French industrial companies, five new features have been added to better characterize a set of c-indicators to its practical use in an industrial context. These new features are: (i) CE spheres considered, (ii) life cycle stages covered, (iii) the availability of use cases, (iv) the popularity, and (v) transparency. Statistical trends and critical analysis on these c-indicators are then given. On this basis, a set of ten complementary c-indicators is particularly proposed, covering a wider spectrum of the CE paradigm, including, e.g., material flow, energy flow, impact, design, and corporate-based indicators. In practice, to support decision-makers in the industry (e.g., managers, engineers, product leaders, designers) compute and deploy appropriately these c-indicators, a new and highly visual factsheet for c-indicators is developed. Last but not least, discussion on the articulation, positioning, and potential trade-offs between c-indicators and LCA-based indicators are made through different scenarios and illustrative examples.
User centred design and energy efficient packaging collection infrastructure supporting circular future lifestyles
Authors: Brunklaus Birgit , Ordóñez Isabel , Svahnström Kristina , Svärd Lotta
Published: May 2022

The collection and recycling of packaging and life cycle assessments have traditionally been developed from a technical perspective, not including the actors in the chain. How recycling should be done depends on who you ask, and whether you look at the issue from an energy, material, legal or user perspective. FTI, the Packaging and Newspaper Collection organization is responsible for better circularity and collecting these fractions in Sweden’s municipalities. When recyclable materials end up in the wrong place, it causes problems leading to increased energy use in the life cycle. The ongoing project Tjårven, aims to reduce energy use in connection with packaging collection, as well as potential energy gains in the second stage of the packaging life cycle, by redesigning packaging collection from a user centred perspective. To do this, design interventions are developed based on observed and self-reported user behaviour, a literature review of state-of-the-art collection infrastructure and an understanding of the system developed using actor-based LCA methodology. The latter methodology is used to show the energy use in the lifecycle, including the actions of the actors in the chain. The interventions developed will be tested through a case study that will be evaluated to see if it helps to achieve more energy efficient collection infrastructure, allowing for better circularity and therefore more sustainable future lifestyles. The present article presents the first part of the project, summarizing the results from the user centred observations, literature review and initial actor-based LCA model.
Environmental evaluation of future generations of batteries, implementation of eco-design in a R&D context
Authors: Rodríguez Buitrón Betsabé Elizabeth , Cor Emmanuelle , Monnier Elise , Perdu Fabien , Reynier Yvan , Martinet Sébastien
Published: May 2022

Rechargeable batteries play a decisive role in the deployment of low-carbon electric mobility. However, their environmental cost in terms of resource depletion, toxicity, and end-of-life recovery, among others, must not be overlooked. Because of the massive volume of batteries foreseen to be deployed worldwide and the rapid evolution of the battery industry with the emergence of new high-density energy technologies, it is necessary to analyse their technological feasibility according to a lifecycle approach, in order to identify the environmental impacts of these innovations when they are at a low level of maturity. The objective is to integrate environmental performance criteria early in the development of these new generations of batteries. This work aimed at supporting the actors involved in the technological research to incorporate the environmental dimension into their R&D activities. Thus, two technologies (advanced lithium-ion and lithium-sulphur) with different technological maturities were analysed through a multi-criteria environmental assessment approach. The method applied fulfils the support requirements of the upstream actors during the implementation of their R&D activities in the design of future generations of batteries for electric mobility.
Verification of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) – how strict should it be?
Authors: Johnsen Fredrik Moltu , Tellnes Lars G. F.
Published: May 2022

The verification of Environmental product declarations (EPDs) is often performed by an expert, who walks through pre-made standard checklists. As verification is not strictly defined by the EN 15804 standard, it can be performed in a number of different ways. This paper presents some emerging discussions from the Norwegian context on how strict EPD verification should be. Highlighted issues include how to verify computer-generated EPDs and user input to software in general, the possible scope of the responsibility of the EPD verifier, and more. Recommendations include the addition of an environmental completeness check module to the verification of EPDs, and harmonisation with EPD verification with the CE system, which allows a tiered system in which more environmentally significant products such as for instance concrete, can be assigned more scrutiny.
Preparing for the new Supply Chain Law – An introductory paper discussing the Opportunities and Boundaries of a digitalized Supply Chain
Authors: Lother Hanna , Schaefer Peter , Schmidt Lara , Rödger Jan-Markus
Published: May 2022

Sustainability aims at a sound synergy of the economic, ecological and social dimension. To promote sustainable development and guarantee a high living-standard for future generations, all three elements must be balanced. The economy impacts the other two dimensions along the value chain. Particularly critical is the impact of the supply chain as human working conditions and environmental standards must be secured for procurement of materials along complex transportation routes. To tackle this issue, France has passed a Supply Chain Law (Loi de vigilance) in 2017, Britain has passed the Modern Slavery Act which prohibits child labor in 2015 and Germany has passed a Supply Chain Act (Lieferkettengesetz) in June 2021. Furthermore, a EU-wide supply chain law on due diligence and environmental standards for supply chains is expected for 2022. A transparent digitalized version of a company´s supply chain, including its human resources and environmental impact, would facilitate the identification of several sustainability intervention points. Such transparency could lead to not only better and supply chain law-compliant regulations for fairer working conditions and improved social sustainability, but also to optimized circular economy processes. However, there is also the risk that a high level oftransparency in complex supply chains entails very high bureaucratic efforts. With this conceptual outline, we would like to contribute to the discussion of the new German legislation and present a variety of IT solutions to improve and monitor the sustainability of supply chains as well as to reduce the bureaucratic effort which comes with supply chain supervision.
Education for optimized Life Cycle Management: The Project e-CIRP and its insights into embedding circular economy aspects to product design via teaching
Authors: Graf Roberta , Sandström Niclas , Nevgi Anne , Balkenende Ruud , Danese Pamela , Grönman Kaisa , Holopainen Jani , Luukkonen Matti , Nuorttila-Jokinen Jutta , Olsen Stig I.
Published: May 2022

The integration of circular economy-based life cycle management (LCM) into product design and optimisation is essential for the transformation towards a circular economy (CE). However, companies often lack the expertise to adapt life-cycle design (LCD) thinking in their business operations and are in need of respective capacity building. To close this apparent gap is the aim of the project e-CirP (Embedding Circular Economy into Product Design and Optimization) where LUT University, Fraunhofer, Technical University of Denmark, University of Padova, Delft University of Technology, University of Helsinki and Metso Outotec have worked together to develop a program that allows Master students across Europe to learn how to integrate CE and Life Cycle Thinking principles into product design by analysing real industrial cases. In the project, modern pedagogical approaches have been applied. A modular training package covering general circular economy aspects, as well as detailed value chain perspectives, has been created. Next to the content-related aspects, a great focus was also on the support of so-called soft-skills development, e.g. through international student cooperation on case studies. The paper presents the perspective of participating students as well as the cooperating companies that supplied the industry cases to allow an overview of opportunities and challenges.
Managing the Environmental and Societal Life as Part of the Cement-Padang Manufacturing’s Contribution in West Sumatra amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Permatasari Dewi , Nasra Musytaqim , Delfa Andria , Firdaus
Published: May 2022

This paper will explore Semen Padang’s various contributions to nationwide COVID-19 impact mitigation efforts, bringing together the company’s operational aspects while still paying close attention to the conservation of its surrounding areas, as well as the empowerment of local communities devastated by the pandemic. In its environmental management aspects, the company has shifted from using non-renewable fuel to renewable ones by utilizing agro-industrial waste. In the social aspects, the company still goes ahead with its development of an ecotourism ecosystem to make sure community to sustain their welfare. From all the efforts mentioned above, the company has been able to manage COVID-19-related waste, while boosting energy efficiency, reducing its toxic and hazardous waste, utilizing filter bags containing its toxic and hazardous waste, reducing its particulate emission, boosting water use efficiency in its Indarung factory, conserving the germ plasm of the Bilih fish species, as well as the empowerment of communities living in the vicinity of ecotourism area, in the Lambung Bukit area. When the COVID-19 pandemic escalated in Indonesia, Semen Padang was at the forefront of medical waste management from pandemic-spreading activities while also maintaining cement production operations for the needs of sustainable national development.
Snapshot of photovoltaics – February 2022
Authors: Jäger-Waldau Arnulf
Published: May 2022

For the past 10 years photovoltaic electricity generation has been the fastest-growing power generation source worldwide. It took almost six decades to achieve 100 GW of solar energy capacity in 2012, but the 1 TW level is likely to be broken during 2022. Overall investments in solar energy has increased by 19% to USD 205 billion (EUR 171 billion). In 2021 more than 180 GW of new solar photovoltaic electricity generation capacity was installed. After the decline in 2020, the Chinese solar market recovered to 53 GW in 2021. This development and the continuous growth in Europe and the USA as well as in new emerging markets were the main drivers. The number of countries installing more than 1 GW annually has increased to 18 in 2021. The continuation of price reductions in the battery storage sector has again resulted in a growing market for local battery storage systems in solar farms as well as for decentralised photovoltaic electricity generation systems. It is also increasingly clear that apart from classic electricity use, renewable electricity for electric vehicles and for generation of green hydrogen will become more and more important in the future.
La prédation dans le champ de la publication scientifique : un objet de recherche révélateur des mutations de la communication scientifique ouverte
Authors: Boukacem-Zeghmouri Chérifa , Rakotoary Sarah , Bador Pascal
Published: May 2022

L’article présente un état de l’art critique du phénomène des revues prédatrices qui touche le champ de la communication scientifique et en fait une de ses actualités les plus médiatisées. Il rend compte des débats en cours, des recherches menées et de leurs méthodologies. L’article discute la définition de la revue prédatrice et propose une analyse du nouveau marché de listes de revues « légitimes » et « illégitimes ». Il identifie les principaux enjeux éthiques et scientifiques que les revues prédatrices font peser sur la publication en Libre Accès et rend compte des contextes qui conduisent des chercheurs (jeunes et seniors) à y publier. En rattachant les revues prédatrices au champ de la communication scientifique, l’article en pointe les principales problématiques et les érige en objet de recherche. L’article conclut sur des pistes de recherches contribuant à l’analyse des mutations de la communication scientifique numérique.
Optical glass: an interplay of challenges and success
Authors: Fotheringham Ulrich , Müller Matthias
Published: May 2022

For several hundred years, there has been an impressive interplay between optical design and optical glass development. Step by step, imaging by lenses in microscopes or other optical instruments has almost reached perfection. Simultaneously, optical technologies have broadened their application field by entering, e.g., the area of telecommunication and being even the driver of novel technologies like augmented reality. Remarkably, even with the latter dramatic change in optics, there has been a red thread concerning the desired material properties so far. However, with today’s nanotechnologies, also completely new approaches may contribute to the field of optical materials in future. Who knows?
Surface plasmon propagation imaging by a photon scanning tunneling microscope
Authors: de Fornel F. , Dawson P. , Salomon L. , Cluzel B.
Published: May 2022

This paper describes the first direct observation of surface plasmon propagation on a metallic thin film deposited on a glass slide, thus facilitating the first direct measurement of the propagation length. This was achieved using photon scanning tunneling microscopy (PSTM). Subsequently, near-field observations of the surface plasmon buried at the metal-glass interface, generated from a discontinuity in the metallic thin film, were reported.
Optical frequency combs for atomic clocks and continental frequency dissemination
Authors: Le Targat Rodolphe , Pottie Paul-Eric , Le Coq Yann
Published: May 2022

Nearly 25 years ago, Optical Frequency Combs (OFCs) have revolutionized practically from one day to the next the metrology of optical frequencies. Before that, only a few labs in the world could connect the optical (~1015 Hz) and the microwave (~1010 Hz) domains, at the price of the complex operation of a chain of multiple non-linear frequency conversions. In contrast, OFCs provided a tabletop instrument, compact, reliable and operable by a single scientist. Unmistakeable sign: only a few years had passed before pioneering inventors of OFCs Theodor Hänsch and John Hall were awarded the 2005 Nobel prize in Physics, together with Roy Glauber.
The contribution of data-driven poverty alleviation funds in achieving mid-21st-Century multidimensional poverty alleviation planning
Authors: Yang Di , Luan Weixin , Yang Jun , Xue Bing , Zhang Xiaoling , Wang Hui , Pian Feng
Published: May 2022

The first Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) is intended to eradicate multi-dimensional poverty globally. The same multidimensional poverty indices for India and the Middle East/Africa in 2020 indicate that 10–14 years are still required to reach the level of China’s poverty eradication. Using machine learning, spatial statistics, and a scenario analysis, we demonstrate how a Monte Carlo simulation of poverty alleviation funds-guided shared socioeconomic pathways (PAFs-SSPs) in China reveals the necessity to adopt an integrated poverty alleviation strategy. This approach employs multi-dimensional development indicators to reduce wide regional differences. We developed the data-driven model framework of a PAFs-SSPs to analyze the multifaceted and long-term planning needs of poverty alleviation policies, which can be applied to the formulation of poverty alleviation policies in different developing countries. Our findings point to the importance of implementing multidimensional development policies in China to achieve the first SDG worldwide.
A compact x-ray diffraction system for dynamic compression experiments on pulsed-power generators
Authors: Ao T. , Morgan D. V. , Stoltzfus B. S. , Austin K. N. , Usher J. , Breden E. , Pacheco L. M. , Dean S. , Brown J. L. , Duwal S. , Fan H. , Kalita P. , Knudson M. D. , Rodriguez M. A. , Lane J. M. D.
Published: May 2022

Pulsed-power generators can produce well-controlled continuous ramp compression of condensed matter for high-pressure equation-of-state studies using the magnetic loading technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD) data from dynamically compressed samples provide direct measurements of the elastic compression of the crystal lattice, onset of plastic flow, strength–strain rate dependence, structural phase transitions, and density of crystal defects, such as dislocations. Here, we present a cost-effective, compact, pulsed x-ray source for XRD measurements on pulsed-power-driven ramp-loaded samples. This combination of magnetically driven ramp compression of materials with a single, short-pulse XRD diagnostic will be a powerful capability for the dynamic materials’ community to investigate in situ dynamic phase transitions critical to equation of states. We present results using this new diagnostic to evaluate lattice compression in Zr and Al and to capture signatures of phase transitions in CdS.
Development of a pulsed vacuum ultraviolet light source with adjustable intensity
Authors: McDonald A. D. , Febbraro M. , Asaadi J. , Havener C. C.
Published: May 2022

This paper describes the development of a pulsed light source using the discharge from an electrode in a medium of various noble gases. This source can be used to aid in the characterization and testing of new vacuum-ultraviolet sensitive light detection devices. The source includes a novel spark driver circuit, a spark chamber into which different noble gases can be introduced, and an optical attenuation cell capable of being filled with different gases to allow for the attenuation of the pulsed light down to single photon levels. We describe the construction, calibration, and characterization of this device deployed at a dedicated light detection test stand at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
High precision, low excitation capacitance measurement methods from 10 mK to room temperature
Authors: Zhao Lili , Lin Wenlu , Fan Xing , Song Yuanjun , Lu Hong , Liu Yang
Published: May 2022

Capacitance measurement is a useful technique in studying quantum devices, as it directly probes the local particle charging properties, i.e., the system compressibility. Here, we report one approach that can measure capacitance from mK to room temperature with excellent accuracy. Our experiments show that such a high-precision technique is able to reveal delicate and essential properties of high-mobility two-dimensional electron systems.
Drift of elastic floating ice sheets by waves and current: Multiple sheets
Authors: Kostikov Vasily K. , Hayatdavoodi Masoud , Ertekin R. Cengiz
Published: May 2022

A nonlinear theoretical model for deformations, oscillations, and drift motions of multiple elastic ice sheets in shallow waters due to combined nonlinear waves and uniform current is presented. The model is based on the Green–Naghdi theory for the fluid motion and the thin plate theory for the deformation of the ice sheets. In principle, there are N number of the floating sheets with arbitrary lengths, drafts, and rigidities, which may be located at arbitrary distances from each other. Nonlinear waves of solitary and cnoidal types are considered, and there are no restrictions on the wave properties (wave height or wave period). The sheets, located at different positions, are shown to drift with different speeds, but surge in most of the wave conditions with equal amplitudes. It is shown systematically that wavelength and spacing between the sheets are the critical parameters determining the drift response of a set of freely floating ice sheets. When wavelength is equal to the distance between the centers of the sheets, they bend and drift in resonance, causing the largest wave reflection. The ambient current is found to affect the drift motion of the sheets nonlinearly. This work complements the part I paper of the same title, where drift motion of a single ice sheet was investigated.
Anisotropic-strain-enhanced hole mobility in GaN by lattice matching to ZnGeN2 and MgSiN2
Authors: Leveillee Joshua , Poncé Samuel , Adamski Nicholas L. , Van de Walle Chris G. , Giustino Feliciano
Published: May 2022

The key obstacle toward realizing integrated gallium nitride (GaN) electronics is its low hole mobility. Here, we explore the possibility of improving the hole mobility of GaN via epitaxial matching to II–IV nitride materials that have recently become available, namely, ZnGeN2 and MgSiN2. We perform state-of-the-art calculations of the hole mobility of GaN using the ab initio Boltzmann transport equation. We show that effective uniaxial compressive strain of GaN along the [11¯00] by lattice matching to ZnGeN2 and MgSiN2 results in the inversion of the heavy hole band and split-off hole band, thereby lowering the effective hole mass in the compression direction. We find that lattice matching to ZnGeN2 and MgSiN2 induces an increase in the room-temperature hole mobility by 50% and 260% as compared to unstrained GaN, respectively. Examining the trends as a function of strain, we find that the variation in mobility is highly nonlinear; lattice matching to a hypothetical solid solution of Zn0.75Ge0.75Mg0.25Si0.25N2 would already increase the hole mobility by 160%.
High-frequency loss analysis and related magnetic properties of Fe-based amorphous soft magnetic composites with different granularity matches
Authors: Haibo Sun , Ce Wang , Changbao Zong , Jinghui Wang
Published: May 2022

The regulation mechanism of comprehensive soft magnetic properties for the Fe-based amorphous powder cores with different granularity match schemes used in high-frequency applications was investigated in detail. Herein, the FeSiBCCr amorphous particles with three different average particle diameters of 2.20 (P1), 12.52 (P2), and 27.65 μm (P3) were employed. Based on the establishment of the loss separation model, the total core loss (Pcv, at 25–900 kHz, 0.1 T) was divided into hysteresis loss Ph, eddy current loss Pe, and residual loss Pr. The particle size matching, which can directly affect the core's density under constant parameters, has a significant impact on the magnetic properties of powder cores. With the increase in the density induced by varying granularity match scheme, the real part of complex permeability μ′ increases, while Pcv, Ph, Pr, and DC-bias property of powder core show a reducing trend. This is attributed to the decrease in air gap in the composites, which is closely related to the pinning of domain movement and coercivity. The powder core with the granularity match scheme of 30:60:10 for P1%:P2%:P3% exhibits the excellent comprehensive magnetic properties including a stable μ′ of 41.2 up to 3 MHz, high DC-property of 74.3%@100 Oe, and low Pcv of 10389.5 kW/m3 at 900 kHz, 0.1 T. This work offers insights into regulating magnetic properties for the powder core toward high-frequency applications, particularly referring to the granularity matching.
Evaluation of
Authors: Wegi Teklu , Hassen Abubeker , Bezabih Melkamu , Nurfeta Ajebu , Yigrem Sintayehu , Tolera Adugna
Published: May 2022

Context Plant species exhibit different patterns of plant cuticular wax profiles, which can potentially be used as diet composition markers in free-grazing herbivores. Aims Evaluate the suitability of the plant cuticular n-alkanes, long-chain alcohol (LCOH) profiles and carbon stable isotope enrichment (δ13C) of n-alkanes as markers in the estimation of diet composition of grazing animals. Methods Forage samples were collected from 100 representative quadrats of 0.5 m × 0.5 m at 10 m transects and sorted by species and pooled from different quadrats to obtain enough quantities of representative individual species. In total, 10 dominant forage species were identified and analysed for n-alkanes and LCOH by gas chromatography, and the isotopic ratio by using gas chromatography–combustion–isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify inter-species differences in the concentration patterns of plant wax components. Key results Odd-chain n-alkanes comprised the highest proportion of the total n-alkane concentration, ranging from 79% in Ischaemum afrum to 95% in Haplocarpha hastata. n-Alkanes C31, C29 and C33 were the most abundant with an average of 167, 80 and 61 mg/kg DM, in that order, in all species. Even-chain LCOH comprised the highest proportion of the total LCOH concentration, accounting for 92% in Brachiaria scalaris to 97% in Ischaemum afrum. The dominant even-chain LCOH were C30OH, C32OH, C28OH and C26OH, with an average concentration of 362, 348, 266 and 237 mg/kg DM respectively, across species. The δ13C of n-alkanes showed large variations among forage species, ranging from −19.7‰ in Andropogon amethystinus to −40.6‰ in Trifolium mattirolianum. The result of the PCA showed that 81% of the variance in the pattern of concentrations of n-alkanes was explained by the first two principal components compared with 69.3% and 82.9% in the case of LCOH and δ13C of n-alkanes, respectively. Conclusions Noticeable variations were observed for forage species studied in the patterns of plant wax components. Implications The differences in the patterns of concentrations of n-alkanes, LCOH and δ13C of n-alkanes could be suitable as markers for diet composition estimation of grazing animals.
MERS-CoV endoribonuclease and accessory proteins jointly evade host innate immunity during infection of lung and nasal epithelial cells
Authors: Comar Courtney E. , Otter Clayton J. , Pfannenstiel Jessica , Doerger Ethan , Renner David M. , Tan Li Hui , Perlman Stanley , Cohen Noam A. , Fehr Anthony R. , Weiss Susan R.
Published: May 2022

Significance

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) causes highly lethal respiratory disease. MERS-CoV encodes innate immune antagonists, including accessory proteins NS4a and NS4b, unique to the merbeco lineage of betacoronaviruses, and the nsp15 protein endoribonuclease (EndoU), conserved among all coronaviruses. While mutation of each antagonist protein alone has little effect on innate immunity, infections with recombinant MERS-CoVs with mutations of EndoU in combination with either NS4a or NS4b activate innate signaling pathways and are attenuated for replication. Our data indicate that EndoU and accessory proteins NS4a and NS4b together suppress innate immunity during MERS-CoV infection, to optimize viral replication. This is in contrast to SARS-CoV-2 which activates these pathways and is thus more vulnerable to host innate immune responses.
Visualization of mutagenic nucleotide processing by
Escherichia coli
MutT, a Nudix hydrolase
Authors: Nakamura Teruya , Yamagata Yuriko
Published: May 2022

Significance

Time-resolved X-ray crystallography has captured transient elements in enzymatic reactions and has advanced understanding regarding canonical mechanisms. Although Nudix hydrolases are involved in cellular metabolism via hydrolytic activities, the catalytic mechanisms remain elusive. This is because the Nudix hydrolases are defined only by a highly conserved short motif and because most mechanisms are based on the structures mimicking the reaction states. Time-resolved X-ray crystallography of MutT has followed the course of 8-oxo-dGTP hydrolysis and enabled visualization of the process of nucleophilic substitution by a water molecule that is synchronized with the sequential coordination of three metal ions. These observations are consistent with previous kinetic analysis and are indicative of a three-metal-ion mechanism.