bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing migratory bottlenecks and escapement of silver eel (Anguilla anguilla) in the highly urbanized North Sea Canal basin, the Netherlands
Authors: van Keeken Olvin Alior , Griffioen Arie Benjamin , Tien Nicola Stella Henriëtte , Winter Hendrik Volken
Published: September 2023

Habitat fragmentation and migration barriers have attributed to the decline of European eel (Anguilla anguilla). The migration of silver eels through pumping stations, ship locks, and migration facilities within the North Sea Canal basin using acoustic telemetry and overall escapement by mark–recapture was studied. A network of 61 acoustic receivers and three PIT‐tag stations was built, and 305 silver eels were tagged with acoustic transmitters and 3923 with PIT‐tags. Of all the silver eels that were detected, 55% passed barriers between the polders and the canal and 46% also passed the barrier complex at IJmuiden to sea, mainly via the ship locks. Overall, silver eel escapement to the North Sea per year averaged 81,629 silver eels and 14.3% suffered mortality in the pumping station at IJmuiden. Migration speed was lower for silver eels that initiated their migration upstream compared with silver eels further downstream, higher for silver eels passing barriers later in the migration period, and highest at sea. This study of silver eel movement and escapement in the North Sea canal basin indicated several bottlenecks. Passage success along barriers varied strongly between sites and types of barriers. While at two smaller locations, silver eels migrated through the pedal valves in the ship lock gates, a small passage facility and the pedal valves in a ship lock at complex IJmuiden did not enhance silver eel migration. The barriers and unnatural canal system caused additional delay during silver eel migrations. Mitigation measures for management could include installing fish‐friendly pumps, using pumping stations only during the day, and in addition opening ship locks and pedal valves at the beginning of the night.
Bottom‐Up Synthesis Optimization Through The Design Of Experiments Using Blue N,S‐Carbon Dots With Interesting Affinity For Potentially Toxic Elements
Authors: Silva de Araújo Arthur Luís , Costa Ferrer Nadson Humberto , Seagesser Santos Beate , Machado Santos Jandyson , Lavorante André Fernando
Published: September 2023

Water contamination by heavy metals is a global issue for environmental safety and new technologies have been developed aim to evaluate the contamination, mainly by anthropogenic action. In this work, we synthesized blue light‐emitting carbon dots (CDs) from ionic sources for sensing applications of heavy metal cations in an aqueous solution. Spectroscopic and morphologic characteristics of the CDs were performed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, fluorescence, and absorption techniques, besides transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential (ZP) measurements. Moreover, a two‐level full factorial design of experiments (DOE) was carried out to achieve the best hydrothermal parameters of synthesis, including the number of mols of precursors, temperature, and reaction time. The pH and buffer nature were evaluated for the quantification step to improve the N,S‐CDs response. We have obtained a range of 2.23–8.57 μmol L−1 (among Bi3+, Cd2+, Hg22+, Hg2+, Pb2+, and Sb3+) in terms of limit of detection (LOD). These aspects frame the material as a potential sensor for the identification of heavy metals in water.
Synthesis of Propargylamine and Indolazine Derivatives via Three‐Component Reaction Catalyzed by CuOx/CeO2 Materials
Authors: Wang Haorui , Shi Dapeng , Meng Yuhang , Hai Mengya , Shu Yan , Liu Binyuan , Duan Zhongyu
Published: September 2023

In this paper, nanorod CeO2 supports were prepared by hydrothermal method using Ce(NO3)3 ⋅ 6H2O as raw material. CuOx/CeO2‐r materials were prepared by calcination using Cu salt‐loaded CeO2‐r supports as raw materials. The three‐component coupling reaction of phenylacetylene, amine and aldehyde was successfully catalyzed by CuOx/CeO2‐r material as a non‐homogeneous catalyst, which showed good catalytic activity. Furthermore, a series of indolizine derivatives can be obtained in higher isolated yields by replacing benzaldehyde with pyridinecarbaldehyde and catalyzing the three‐component synthesis with the same CuOx/CeO2‐r material. The synthesis mechanisms of propargylamine and indolizine were discussed. It is worth noting that the CuOx/CeO2‐r material system is provided for two three‐component reactions, and has the advantages of less catalyst dosage, short reaction time, simple post‐treatment, and a wide range of substrates.
Predicting Emission in Substituted N‐Alkyl Carbazoles to Create New Mechanoluminescent Molecules
Authors: Malme Justin T. , Jabadul Shajib , Hoy Erik P.
Published: September 2023

Mechanoluminescence (ML) is the emission of light caused by mechanical stresses on solid, usually crystalline substances. Recently, it has been observed that a specific class of organic crystals, N‐alkyl carbazoles, have both low melting points and high proclivity for self‐assembly, making them easily renewable for long‐term device applications. To develop new carbazole‐based ML materials for device applications, it is necessary to be able to tune their emission to desirable wavelengths. In this study, we computationally investigated using chemical substituents with electron‐withdrawing/donating character to tune the emission wavelength of N‐alkyl carbazoles. We find that strongly electron‐withdrawing substituent groups can be used as one controlling factor for tuning emission wavelengths for N‐alkyl carbazoles. This finding provides materials scientists with a new family of derivatives for designing effective organic materials with desirable ML emission properties.
The Fabrication of Amine‐Incorporated Zinc Complex/Carbon Dot Composite Electrodes Using Gamma Irradiation for High‐Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Phetcharee Kulpriya , Jorn‐am Thanapat , Pholauyphon Wasinee , Kwamman Tanagorn , Sirisit Natee , Manyam Jedsada , Chanthad Chalathorn , Paoprasert Peerasak
Published: September 2023

Novel amine‐incorporated zinc complex/carbon dots composites were created and used as supercapacitor electrode materials in this study. By using a one‐step gamma irradiation, the amine‐incorporated zinc complex/carbon dots composites were prepared from zinc acetate dihydrate, ethylenediamine, and carbon dots. The impacts of ethylenediamine and carbon dots on the performance of the supercapacitor were examined. The highest specific capacitance obtained in this work was 179.9 F g−1 along with an excellent 91 % capacitance retention after 10,000 cycles. To clarify the mechanistic insights on the improved supercapacitor performance, an electrochemical analysis was performed, and it was found that amine incorporation improved the diffusion process of charge transfer, which led to better charge storage and higher capacitance. We have demonstrated that gamma irradiation is a simple and efficient method for creating electro‐active materials based on amine‐incorporated zinc complex/carbon dots composites for supercapacitors with improved performance and electrochemical properties.
Advances in Isocyanide‐Based Multicomponent Synthesis of Quinoxaline Scaffolds
Authors: Agarwal Monu , Verma Kanchan , Pathak Gargi , Pathak Sakshi , Mathur Jaya , Kumar Mahendra
Published: September 2023

The present review article includes recent advances in the synthesis of structurally and functionally diversified quinoxalines‐drug‐like small molecules with molecular complexity. We have extended our efforts to include the research work concerning the isocyanide‐based multicomponent reactions. The synthetic methods included in the present review article will provide an access for a diverse range of natural product mimetic scaffolds with the use of isocyanide‐.based combinatorial synthesis. These isocyanide based reactions will be significant for the synthesis of complex bioactive natural products and potential synthetic pharmaceuticals. The present review will contribute considerably to the organic syntheses and particularly drug discovery research including pharmaceutical and medicinal chemistry. Academically, the present review article will be interesting for the researchers engaged in design and development of isocyanide‐based organic transformations. Moreover, we hope that the isocyanide‐based multicomponent reactions will find major applications in industrially significant organic transformations and to develop new synthetic routes to facilitate the incorporation of heterocyclic substructures into pharmaceutically active molecules.
Mesoporous Organosilica Nanoparticles with Internal Metal‐Chelating Groups: Transition Metal Uptake and Gd3+ Relaxivity
Authors: Walton Nathan I. , Naha Pratap C. , Cormode David P. , Zharov Ilya
Published: September 2023

We prepared novel mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles with internal metal‐chelating diethylenetriametetraacetic acid groups (DTTA‐MSNPs) by co‐condensation and decorated them with fluorescent moieties. We studied the binding of transition metal ions such as copper(II), cobalt (II) and gadolinium (III) by DTTA‐MSNPs, and found high uptake of these metals. In particular, DTTA‐MSNPs uptake ~1.1×105 Gd3+ per particle and possess a high r1 relaxivity of 15.27 mM−1 s−1. Thus, DTTA‐MSNPs may find applications in metal sequestration and in MR imaging and neutron capture therapy.
Ru Nanoparticles Supported on Mesoporous Al‐SBA‐15 Catalysts for Highly Selective Hydrogenation of Furfural to Furfuryl Alcohol
Authors: Kumaravel Sakthivel , Durai Mani , Kaliyamoorthy Selvam , Kumaravel Saranraj , Chandramoorthy Chandrasatheesh , Avula Balakrishna , Hasan Imran , Kim Myoung‐Jin , Balu Krishnakumar , Ahn Young‐Ho
Published: September 2023

Furfuryl alcohol, which is the hydrogenated product of furfural, has been identified as a very promising platform chemical with high potential for applications in the manufacture of key chemicals, lubricants, fragrances, and pharmaceuticals. In this work, bare SB, and x % Ru/Al‐SB (x=1.5, 2.5, 3.5, and 4.5 wt. %) samples were fabricated by a hydrothermal method. Bare and most active catalysts were characterized by different techniques, such as BET, FE‐SEM, TEM, FT‐IR, and XRD, to understand their physical and chemical properties. An evaluation of the effects of various reaction parameters, such as catalyst loading, reaction temperature, and reaction time, on the catalytic performance, showed higher catalytic conversion of furfural and selectivity for the desired products. The most active RuS3 catalyst showed 100 % conversion of furfural and 99 % selectivity for furfuryl alcohol. It could be reused for five consecutive reaction cycles without significant loss of performance. In addition, Ru leaching and loss of conversion or selectivity were not noticed during the five‐run recycling test. The EDS elemental mapping analysis of the used catalyst established the preservation of the mesoporous structure, suggesting a strong interaction between the hexagonal porous silicate and the Ru nanoparticles.
Aqueous Extract of Musa Acuminata: An Ecofriendly Catalyst for Knoevenagel Condensation
Authors: Chugh Riya , Kaur Gurmeet
Published: September 2023

An efficient and greener approach for Knoevenagel condensation between substituted aldehydes and ketones with active methylene compound as starting substrate has been achieved using aqueous extract of Muca Acuminata as a neutral heterogeneous biocatalyst (Characterized by XRD, TEM, EDS, and ICP‐MS) at room temperature is reported. We found that this method is advantageous over the traditional methods that include refluxing, heating, use of toxic and highly expensive catalyst or solvents and also reduced the reaction time. It is ascertained that the reactions via this protocol are very clean and the isolated crude solid product is more than 95 % pure. The synthesized arylidene compounds exhibited great antioxidant potential and also acts as specific protein‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors and thus serves as an anticancer agent. The final product is separated by simple filtration and is characterized by various spectroscopic techniques like FT‐IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, 19F‐NMR and MS. The cheaper, simple and green approach suggests the possible use of this protocol for large scale preparations.
A Comprehensive Study on a Medicinal and Edible Plant Scorzonera incisa DC., Discussing the Natural Limits of Phytochemical Profiling
Authors: Şahin Hasan , Demir Serhat , Boğa Mehmet , Sarı Aynur , Makbul Serdar , Coşkunçelebi Kamil
Published: September 2023

Leaves of Scorzonera incisa DC. (Asteraceae) are eaten raw against diabetes and headache. Evaluation of medicinal, edible plants using profiling methods has become a common phenomenon. Petroleum ether (PE), ethyl acetate (EA), and n‐butanol (BU) fractions were prepared from ethanol extract of the aerial parts of the plant. Isolation by HPLC and phenolic profiling by validated LC‐MS/MS method with 53 compounds were conducted on the EA fraction. GC‐MS method was used to profile the PE fraction. In‐vitro inhibitory activities of all fractions against α‐amylase, α‐glucosidase, AChE, BChE, tyrosinase and urease enzymes were measured. Isoorientin, vitexin, cynaroside and chlorogenic acid were isolated and characterized from the EA fraction as major compounds. LC‐MS/MS analysis quantified 36 compounds in the EA fraction. 20 compounds were tentatively determined in the PE fraction. Compounds with the same molecular and fragment ions, a low percentage of identified compounds, and very close polarities were revealed to be some limits of the nature for LC‐MS/MS profiling. Particularly, the presence and amount of substances other than the standard compounds used in the profiling methods and possible misdetections should not be neglected in evaluating medicinal plants and establishing a correlation between compounds and bioactivity.
A Review on Methods for the Elimination of Imidacloprid: 2018–2022
Authors: Kathuria Deepika , Bhattu Monika , Bankar Apoorva , Puri Paridhi
Published: September 2023

Imidacloprid, a neonicotinoid insecticide is used widely in agricultural fields to control insect pests. It exhibits insecticidal property by blocking the insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). However, its excessive use over the decades has become hazardous to the living beings and environment. Thus, it is crucial to find out an efficient and effective way for the elimination of imidacloprid from the environment. To meet this requirement, scientists across the world are working on various remediation approaches such as physical (adsorption), chemical (oxidation, hydrolysis, illumination) and biological (microbial degradation). This review focuses on various approaches for the elimination of imidacloprid from the environment and also highlights the associated merits and demerits. The review will pave the way for the scientific community to develop more simple and eco‐friendly approaches for imidacloprid elimination.
Physico‐chemical Properties and Anticancer Activity of Carborane‐BODIPY Conjugates: A Review
Authors: Bhusan Jena Bibhuti , Satapathy Rashmirekha
Published: September 2023

Carboranes and BODIPYs are the well known boron containing compounds. Both are relatively easy to functionalize, and small modification in their structures allow turning of their spectroscopic properties readily suggest the importance of carborane‐BODIPY conjugates. The combination of boron rich carborane and photosensitizers activatable BODIPYs have potentials for adequate boron delivery to the cancer tissues for successful cancer therapy. This review covers the most recent development of carborane‐BODIPY conjugates in space electronic energy transfer, photoinduced electron transfer, fluorescence emission and AIE behaviors, and as promising BNCT agents. Given the high potential and flexibility of this carborane‐BODIPY conjugates, we believe that major developments are to be expected in the field of both material and medicinal science.
Robust and Multifunctional Ti3C2Tx/Modified Sawdust Composite Paper for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding and Wearable Thermal Management
Authors: Wang Pei‐Lin , Mai Tian , Zhang Wei , Qi Meng‐Yu , Chen Lei , Liu Qi , Ma Ming‐Guo
Published: September 2023

Robust, ultrathin, and environmental‐friendliness papers that synergize high‐efficiency electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, personal thermal management, and wearable heaters are essential for next‐generation smart wearable devices. Herein, MXene nanocomposite paper with a nacre‐like structure for EMI shielding and electrothermal/photothermal conversion is fabricated by vacuum filtration of Ti3C2Tx MXene and modified sawdust. The hydrogen bonding and highly oriented structure enhance the mechanical properties of the modified sawdust/MXene composite paper (SM paper). The SM paper with 50 wt% MXene content shows a strength of 23 MPa and a toughness of 13 MJ·M−3. The conductivity of the SM paper is 10 195 S·m−1, resulting in an EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) of 67.9 dB and a specific SE value (SSE/t) of 8486 dB·cm2·g−1. In addition, the SM paper exhibits excellent thermal management performance including high light/electro‐to‐thermal conversion, rapid Joule heating and photothermal response, and sufficient heating stability. Notably, the SM paper exhibits low infrared emissivity and distinguished infrared stealth performance, camouflaging a high‐temperature heater surface of 147–81 °C. The SM‐based e‐skin achieves visualization of Joule heating and realizes human motions monitoring. This work presents a new strategy for designing MXene‐based wearable devices with great EMI shielding, artificial intelligence, and thermal management applications.
Visible‐Light‐Driven NO Release from Postmodified MOFs via Photoinduced Electron Transfer for Antibacterial Application
Authors: Hao De‐Bo , Li Jia‐Li , Zhou Xian‐Chao , Li Yan Yan , Zhao Zhen‐Xin , Zhou Rui
Published: September 2023

Photoresponsive nitric oxide (NO)‐releasing materials (NORMs) enable the spatiotemporal delivery of NO to facilitate their potential applications in physiological conditions. Here two novel metal–organic frameworks (MOFs)‐based photoactive NORMs achieved by the incorporation of prefunctionalized NO donors into the photosensitive Fe‐MOFs via a postmodification strategy is reported. The modified Fe‐MOFs display superior photoactivity of NO release when exposed to visible light (up to 720 nm). Significantly, the visible‐light‐driven NO release properties are further corroborated by their efficient antibacterial performance.
Critical Advances of Aqueous Rechargeable Ammonium Ion Batteries
Authors: Pan Yinpeng , Yuan Lixuan , Liu Lili , Fang Weiwei , Hou Yuyang , Fu Lijun , Wu Yuping
Published: September 2023

Aqueous rechargeable batteries have drawn wide attention owing to the advantages of low cost, high safety, and rapid kinetic process. In recent years, the use of NH4+ ions and other nonmetallic ions as carrier batteries has come into researchers’ view. The storage of NH4+ shows fast diffusion kinetics and the ability to achieve highly reversible redox processes by forming hydrogen bonds between NH4+ and electrode materials. Designing and exploration of advanced materials for NH4+ storage are of high significance in building high‐performance aqueous battery systems. This review summarizes the latest advances of critical materials, including Prussian blue analogs, transition metal oxides, and organic compounds for NH4+ batteries. Comparison of properties among different materials is discussed in detail. Different NH4+ storage behaviors according to several kinds of materials are demonstrated. Finally, the challenges and valuable perspectives for the further development of aqueous NH4+ batteries are also provided.
Shape optimization of a corner‐recessed square tall building to reduce mean wind pressure using a multi‐objective genetic algorithm
Authors: Das Arghyadip , Paul Rajdip , Dalui Sujit Kumar
Published: September 2023

The current study aims to determine how the corner recession affects tall buildings with square plans. A series of numerical simulations have been conducted to find the parametric models' wind pressure. Visualization tools, such as contour plots and streamlines, present the wind flow near the buildings. Numerical simulations are conducted using RANS k‐ℇ turbulence models considering a length scale of 1:300. Subsequently, a shape optimization study has been carried out to propose a suitable percentage of corner recession, which should minimize the wind pressure on different faces of the building. As design factors, the amount of corner recession (S) and the wind incidence angle (Ø) are taken, along with the mean pressure coefficients (Cp) on the various building faces. Due to the eight axes symmetry of the building configuration, the random sampling technique is used for the Design of Experiment while accounting for the 0°–45° wind angle of attack. The Response Surface Approximation (RSA) is used to construct surrogate models of the objective functions. The RSA models are validated with wind tunnel test results presented in previously published articles. The optimization study is carried out using the multi‐objective genetic algorithm technique.
Leveraging digital transformation and agile slack to integrate team‐level I‐deals with strategic agility for enhancing international performance
Authors: Luu Tien Dung
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The article aims to trace how small‐ and medium‐sized export enterprises thrive in international performance by leveraging potential human resources from team‐level idiosyncratic employment arrangements (I‐deals) and organizational capability from strategic agility through digital transformation and agile slack.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS‐SEM) and fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to test the hypotheses based on evidence from 327 teams at 77 export small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises in Vietnam.

Findings

The findings provide a novel perspective on the critical role of team‐level I‐deals and strategic agility for thriving small‐ and medium‐sized exporters' international performance via the buffering and transforming firm capabilities, namely digital transformation and agile slack.

Originality/value

This study combines the resource‐based view and the dynamic capabilities to examine the impact of firm capabilities with team‐level ideals and strategic agility on international performance.
Allometric models for biomass prediction of Hevea brasilliensis
Authors: Fernando Payagalabaduge Dilhara Hansani , Subasinghe Subasinghe Mudiyanselage Chandana Upul Priyasantha , Lokupitiya Ravindra S.
Published: September 2023

Trees contribute to combating global warming by absorbing CO2, thus enhancing the quality of the environment. Sri Lanka maintains about 112,000 ha of Hevea brasiliensis (rubber) plantations, where 85.7% is in the wet zone. When rubber trees decline in latex production, after 30–33 years of planting, they are harvested to regenerate the next cycle. Rubber timber in Sri Lanka is used mainly for manufacturing interior parts of furniture, tool handles, and toys, leaving minimal chances for the emission of CO2 by combustion. Therefore, rubber is a good source of carbon sequestration, which can be used to earn additional benefits for the farmers. Estimating tree biomass helps to assess the carbon sequestration of those trees. Therefore this study aimed to build allometric models to predict the biomass using diameter at breast height (dbh) and total tree height (h). Since uprooting rubber trees is not allowed till maturity, whole‐tree, above‐ground, and stem biomass prediction models were built by uprooting ten 30‐ and 31‐year‐old trees from two rubber estates of the low country wet zone of Sri Lanka. For the rest of the ages, dbh and h prediction models were built by age using data collected from six age classes of rubber trees from the same two estates so those variables could be used as inputs to the biomass prediction models. For dbh and h models, Michaelis–Menten functions performed better than power‐law functions. Biomass was estimated for the stem and large branches by converting respective volumes to weights. Weight measurements were taken directly for biomass assessment for small branches, foliage, and roots. The quality of models was determined based on both qualitative and quantitative evaluations. The finding proved that the biomass of rubber plantations could effectively be estimated by dbh and h over time.
Structural and functional changes in macrophyte species composition in softwater lakes after 60 years of land use
Authors: Ronowski Rafał , Chmara Rafał , Szmeja Józef
Published: September 2023

We compared structural and functional changes in macrophyte species composition in softwater lakes with isoetids located along the southern shore of the Baltic Sea (NW Poland) in two time periods (1955–1959 and 2015–2020). The research aimed to determine the trend of changes in macrophyte composition influenced by fields and/or urban fabric, as land use. The land-use pressure measure referred to the volume of land occupied around the lake. In the second time period, the number of plant species in the lakes increased twofold (20 vs. 39), compared to the first period. The average values of species richness were statistically higher (p < 0.001) in the second period (15.7 vs. 8.6). The functional diversity of plants in the lakes revealed statistically significant differences in both periods compared. The FD Rao values calculated for plant life span, growth forms, and FD multi-traits were statistically higher in the second period (p < 0.001). Our findings revealed that the anthropogenic pressure on lakes over a period of 60 years caused a decrease in the share of sensitive species in macrophyte species composition (isoetids and mosses), but an increase in common plants with a completely different set of species functional traits. This is related to the environmental changes that occurred between the two periods studied. First of all, we noticed significant changes in the transparency (visibility) of the water. In the second period, the value of this trait is used in each lake, which uses the transmission of photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) light transmittance to the plant and can affect the species composition. These findings show that an increase in biodiversity can relate to a decrease in freshwater ecosystem function, mainly via lost function of evergreen isoetid species.
Exploring the efficacy of 18F-FDG PET/CT in hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis: role of Ki-67 index and tumor differentiation
Authors: Yin Yuping , Liu Jiachen , Sun Runlu , Liu Xuming , Zhou Zhangchi , Zhang Hong , Li Dan
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The sensitivity of [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) for detecting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been clarified thoroughly. Our study seeks to explore the association between the Ki-67 index and FDG-avidity in HCC tumors using 18F-FDG PET/CT.

Methods

112 HCC lesions from 109 patients detected by 18F-FDG PET/CT were included retrospectively between August 2017 and May 2022, comprising 82 lesions in the training cohort and 30 in the validation cohort to simulate prospective studies. In the training cohort, lesions were stratified by a lesion-to-liver maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) ratio cut-off of 1.59. The relationships between lesion-to-liver SUVmax ratios and several clinical factors including tumor differentiation, alpha fetoprotein (AFP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, Ki-67 index et al. were assessed. These findings were subsequently validated in the independent validation cohort.

Results

In the training cohort, group A1 lesions demonstrated a higher Ki-67 index (%, 40.00 [30.00, 57.50] vs. 10.00 [5.00, 28.75], p<0.001) than group A0, the positive correlation between FDG-avidity and Ki-67 index was revealed by multivariate analysis, OR=1.040, 95% CI of OR [1.004–1.077], p=0.030. The calculated cut-off value was 17.5% using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, with an area under curve (AUC) of 0.834 and 95% CI [0.742–0.926], p<0.001. These findings were further validated in the independent validation cohort, with similar results (AUC=0.875, 95% CI [0.750–1.000], p<0.001).

Conclusion

In comparison to tumor differentiation, Ki-67 index demonstrates a stronger association with FDG-avidity in HCC tumors, and when the Ki-67 index exceeds 17.5%, 18F-FDG PET/CT might serve as a useful indicator for HCC.

Graphical abstract
Urologist Workforce and Services in Ethiopia
Authors: Kifle Anteneh Tadesse , Biyani Chandra Shekhar , Bogdanowicz Jacques , Demilow Tilaneh Leyeh , Teferi Getaneh Tesfaye , Tsega Tizazu Abebayehu
Published: September 2023

Background

Urological conditions are a cause of diminishing quality of life, hence affecting productivity. Despite the need for urological treatment, it was excluded from receiving priority in both United Nation and Lancet commission. Most of the surgeries in sub‐Saharan Africa are open surgeries. The lack of basic endourology equipment and a shortage of experts have limited Africans from receiving the privileges of minimally invasive surgeries, especially in urology. This study describes the socio demographics of the urologists in Ethiopia, the field of services they provide and their access to endourology equipment.

Methods

This study presents data from a survey of urologists in Ethiopia who are members of Urology Society of Ethiopia (USE).

Results

Thirty‐three urologists of the 43 responded, making the response rate 76.5%. Qualification by urology residency in Ethiopia accounted for 66.7% of participants, followed by 21.2% by fellowship training abroad after general surgery training. All respondents practice open surgeries and 75.8% perform endourology. Video endoscope and cystoscopy sets were available to all those practicing endourology, with Direct Visual Internal Urethrotomy (DVIU) sets having the next highest availability and Flexible UreteroRenoScope(URS) and laser lithotripters the least accessible.

Conclusions

Urology in Ethiopia is in its infancy, where the lack of advanced medical equipment combined with a paucity of qualified urologists have created a huge challenge for the provision of these services.
Ang-2 is a potential molecular marker for lymphatic metastasis and better response to bevacizumab therapy in ovarian cancer
Authors: Volk Annabelle , Legler Karen , Hamester Fabienne , Kuerti Sascha , Eylmann Kathrin , Rossberg Maila , Schmalfeldt Barbara , Oliveira-Ferrer Leticia
Published: September 2023

Purpose

In ovarian cancer, there are two main routes of metastasis, namely intraperitoneal and retroperitoneal. Their biologic background is poorly understood. Identifying molecular markers involved might enable the development of tailored therapy regimens. Moreover, no reliable markers for response to anti-angiogenic treatment with bevacizumab are yet established. Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) is an angiogenic growth factor, involved in lymphatic activation and is associated with tumor progression. Here, we assessed the potential of Ang-2 as a molecular marker in metastasis and treatment of ovarian cancer.

Methods

In our study, quantitative and qualitative protein Ang-2 expression in tumor tissue of ovarian cancer patients was analyzed by Western blot (n = 138) and immunohistochemistry (n = 58). Further, Ang-2 levels in blood samples were quantified in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (n = 38). Expression levels of different tumor spread patterns were evaluated, and survival analyses were made.

Results

We observed that Ang-2 expression is significantly higher in tumors with retroperitoneal dissemination (pT1a–pT3b, pN1) compared to those showing intraperitoneal tumor growth (pT3c, pN0). In addition, patients with high Ang-2 expression have significantly longer overall survival compared to patients with low Ang-2 expression. Patients with high Ang-2 expression benefit significantly from therapy with bevacizumab.

Conclusion

All in all, Ang-2 may serve as a molecular marker for patients with tumors prone to spread to lymph nodes and for patients who might benefit from bevacizumab therapy.
Noble and base metal geochemistry of late- to post-orogenic mafic dykes from central Spain
Authors: Orejana David , García-Rodríguez María , de Ignacio Cristina , Ruiz-Molina Sergio
Published: September 2023

The post-tectonic and post-orogenic mafic rocks from the Spanish Central System (SCS) (Iberian Massif) include dyke swarms of shoshonitic (microgabbros) and alkaline (lamprophyres and diabases) geochemical affinity, which register the nature of the metasomatic lithospheric mantle under central Spain. Such magmas sometimes show a direct (or indirect) relationship with the formation of orogenic and intrusion-related gold deposits, which are relatively abundant in the Iberian Massif. The noble and base metal composition of these intrusions shows Primitive Mantle-normalized patterns characterized by positive Au and Co anomalies and fractionated platinum group elements (PGE): from lower Ir-group PGE (IPGE; Ir–Ru) to higher Pd-group PGE (PPGE; Rh–Pt–Pd). The low contents of PGE, together with the base metal contents of pyrite (which is the dominant sulphide phase in the alkaline dykes), is in accordance with low degrees of mantle partial melting and the early segregation of sulphides during magma differentiation. The scarcity of PGE mineral deposits in the Iberian Massif could be explained in part by the apparent lack of PGE enrichment in the Iberian lithospheric mantle. On the contrary, the positive Au anomaly of the SCS mafic dykes represents relatively high Au contents, similar to (and higher than) those of mafic rocks derived from metasomatized subcontinental lithospheric mantle underlying Au-endowed cratons. Several geochemical features point to subduction-related metasomatism of either oceanic or continental nature as the main source of Au enrichment. The Au re-fertilization of the lithospheric mantle under central Spain makes it a potential source in the formation of gold mineralizations.
From genetic correlations of Alzheimer’s disease to classification with artificial neural network models
Authors: Cava Claudia , D’Antona Salvatore , Maselli Francesca , Castiglioni Isabella , Porro Danilo
Published: September 2023

Sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex neurological disorder characterized by many risk loci with potential associations with different traits and diseases. AD, characterized by a progressive loss of neuronal functions, manifests with different symptoms such as decline in memory, movement, coordination, and speech. The mechanisms underlying the onset of AD are not always fully understood, but involve a multiplicity of factors. Early diagnosis of AD plays a central role as it can offer the possibility of early treatment, which can slow disease progression. Currently, the methods of diagnosis are cognitive testing, neuroimaging, or cerebrospinal fluid analysis that can be time-consuming, expensive, invasive, and not always accurate. In the present study, we performed a genetic correlation analysis using genome-wide association statistics from a large study of AD and UK Biobank, to examine the association of AD with other human traits and disorders. In addition, since hippocampus, a part of cerebral cortex could play a central role in several traits that are associated with AD; we analyzed the gene expression profiles of hippocampus of AD patients applying 4 different artificial neural network models. We found 65 traits correlated with AD grouped into 9 clusters: medical conditions, fluid intelligence, education, anthropometric measures, employment status, activity, diet, lifestyle, and sexuality. The comparison of different 4 neural network models along with feature selection methods on 5 Alzheimer’s gene expression datasets showed that the simple basic neural network model obtains a better performance (66% of accuracy) than other more complex methods with dropout and weight regularization of the network.
Sweat gland nerve fiber density and association with sudomotor function, symptoms, and risk factors in adolescents with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Rasmussen Vinni Faber , Schmeichel Ann , Thrysøe Mathilde , Nyengaard Jens Randel , Christensen Ann-Margrethe Rønholt , Vestergaard Esben Thyssen , Kristensen Kurt , Terkelsen Astrid Juhl , Karlsson Páll , Singer Wolfgang
Published: September 2023

Purpose

To quantify sweat gland nerve fiber density in adolescents with diabetes. Additionally, to investigate associations between sudomotor innervation, sweat responses, and possible risk factors for sudomotor neuropathy.

Methods

Cross-sectional study where 60 adolescents with type 1 diabetes (duration > 5 years) and 23 control subjects were included. Clinical data, quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test, and skin biopsies were obtained. Skin tissue was immunostained and imaged by confocal microscopy. Quantification of the sweat gland volume and three-dimensional reconstruction of the nerve fibers was performed using a design-unbiased technique.

Results

Adolescents with diabetes had a significant reduction of maximum and mean values of nerve fiber length and nerve fiber density in sweat glands compared to controls (p values < 0.05). No association between nerve fiber density and sweat responses was found (p = 0.21). In cases with reduced sweat gland nerve fiber length, nerve fiber density, and volume, the sweat response was reduced or absent. Height, systolic blood pressure, time in hypoglycemia, and total daily and basal/total insulin dose were positively correlated to sweat response, while low-density lipoprotein, and HbA1c were negatively correlated with sweat response (p values < 0.05). Other microvascular complications and high cholesterol levels increased the relative risk for reduced sweat gland nerve fiber density.

Conclusion

Our findings of reduced sweat gland innervation in a selected group of adolescents add new knowledge about the structural changes that occur in autonomic nerves due to diabetes. Evaluating both the sweat gland innervation and sweat gland volume was important for understanding the association with sweat responses. Further research is needed to understand its clinical relevance.
Renewable electricity capacity planning with uncertainty at multiple scales
Authors: Ferris Michael C. , Philpott Andy
Published: September 2023

We formulate and compare optimization models of investment in renewable generation using a suite of social planning models that compute optimal generation capacity investments for a hydro-dominated electricity system where inflow uncertainty results in a risk of energy shortage. The models optimize the expected cost of capacity expansion and operation allowing for investments in hydro, geothermal, solar, wind, and thermal plant, as well as battery storage for smoothing load profiles. A novel feature is the integration of uncertain seasonal hydroelectric energy supply and short-term variability in renewable supply in a two-stage stochastic programming framework. The models are applied to data from the New Zealand electricity system and used to estimate the costs of moving to a 100% renewable electricity system by 2035. We also explore the outcomes obtained when applying different forms of CO2 constraint that limit respectively non-renewable capacity, non-renewable generation, and CO2 emissions on average, almost surely, or in a chance-constrained setting, and show how our models can be used to investigate the merits of a proposed pumped-hydro scheme in New Zealand’s South Island.
A Halmos–von Neumann Theorem for Actions of General Groups
Authors: Hermle Patrick , Kreidler Henrik
Published: September 2023

We give a new categorical approach to the Halmos–von Neumann theorem for actions of general topological groups. As a first step, we establish that the categories of topological and measure-preserving irreducible systems with discrete spectrum are equivalent. This allows to prove the Halmos–von Neumann theorem in the framework of topological dynamics. We then use the Pontryagin and Tannaka–Krein duality theories to obtain classification results for topological and then measure-preserving systems with discrete spectrum. As a byproduct, we obtain a complete isomorphism invariant for compactifications of a fixed topological group.
Spatio-temporal joint modelling on moderate and extreme air pollution in Spain
Authors: Wang Kai , Ling Chengxiu , Chen Ying , Zhang Zhengjun
Published: September 2023

Very unhealthy air quality is consistently connected with numerous diseases. Appropriate extreme analysis and accurate predictions are in rising demand for exploring potential linked causes and for providing suggestions for the environmental agency in public policy strategy. This paper aims to model the spatial and temporal pattern of both moderate and extremely poor PM$$_{10}$$10concentrations (of daily mean) collected from 342 representative monitors distributed throughout mainland Spain from 2017 to 2021. We first propose and compare a series of Bayesian hierarchical generalized extreme models of annual maxima PM$$_{10}$$10concentrations, including both the fixed effect of altitude, temperature, precipitation, vapour pressure and population density, as well as the spatio-temporal random effect with the Stochastic Partial Differential Equation (SPDE) approach and a lag-one dynamic auto-regressive component (AR(1)). Under WAIC, DIC and other criteria, the best model is selected with good predictive ability based on the first four-year data (2017–2020) for training and the last-year data (2021) for testing. We bring the structure of the best model to establish the joint Bayesian model of annual mean and annual maxima PM$$_{10}$$10concentrations and provide evidence that certain predictors (precipitation, vapour pressure and population density) influence comparably while the other predictors (altitude and temperature) impact reversely in the different scaled PM$$_{10}$$10concentrations. The findings are applied to identify the hot-spot regions with poor air quality using excursion functions specified at the grid level. It suggests that the community of Madrid and some sites in northwestern and southern Spain are likely to be exposed to severe air pollution, simultaneously exceeding the warning risk threshold.
Income developments in the great recession: status for the Danish prime-age working population a decade following the onset of the Financial Crisis
Authors: Christensen Mads Lybech , Jonassen Anders Bruun , Fallesen Peter
Published: September 2023

To assess the impact of the Financial Crisis and the Great Recession in Denmark this paper studies developments in Danish labor market income and disposable income from 1995 through 2019. We focus on the prime age working population of 25–54-year-old Danish citizens, with emphasis on labor market performance of the younger and less educated members of this labor force. The recession had a large and long-lasting impact on labor market earnings. Young individuals and, especially, those with least education suffered the largest setbacks to earnings developments. Disposable income was not affected in a similar way. Welfare state transfers and lower taxes softened the impact on disposable income, while the unprecedentedly low lending-rates and tax reform also elevated consumption possibilities. Tracking economic activity of the youngest cohorts after the onset of the Financial Crisis we find that catching up to earnings levels of previous cohorts took on average 8 years. For young men the setback to earnings was larger and catching-up slower. A decade following the onset of the Financial Crisis around 20% of young men, pertaining to the bottom of the earnings distribution, had still not caught up to the earnings of previous cohorts.
Combustion, kinetics and thermodynamic characteristics of rice husks and rice husk-biocomposites using thermogravimetric analysis
Authors: Yiga Vianney Andrew , Katamba Moses , Lubwama Michael , Adolfsson Karin H. , Hakkarainen Minna , Kamalha Edwin
Published: September 2023

Pyrolysis of rice husk (RH), alkali-treated cellulose-rich rice husk (RHC), chemically modified RHC (RHCM) and RH-biocomposites by thermogravimetric analysis was carried out to determine combustion and kinetic parameters at three different heating rates of 20, 40 and 50 °C min−1. Combustion performance was analyzed from results of ignition temperature, burnout temperature, combustion rates, flammability index and combustion characteristic index. Increase in heating rate from 20 to 40 and further to 50 °C min−1 increased the onset of degradation, burnout and peak temperatures as observed by curve shifts to the right. Maximum combustion rates were around 0.57–0.59% min−1, 1.03% min−1 and 0.63–0.69% min−1 for RH, RHC and RHCM, respectively. For the RH-biocomposites, the maximum combustion rates were in a 0.76–0.97% min−1 range. Their average pre-exponential factors using KAS method were in the 2.24E-03–8.07E-03 range, respectively, while those for OFW method were in the 7.75E + 04–4.55E + 06 range, respectively. Average activation energies of RH-biocomposites were in the 41.0–58.2 kJ mol−1 and 48.3–67.7 kJ mol−1 ranges for KAS and OFW methods, respectively. The data were well fitting with coefficient of determination (R2) values close to 1. Average ΔG value ranges for RH-biocomposites ranged between 148.2 and 161.7 kJ mol−1. The low-energy barrier (≤ 5.4 kJ mol−1) between activation energy and enthalpy changes indicated that reaction initiation occurs easily.
Landscape features drive insectivorous bat activity in Indian rice fields
Authors: Bhalla Iqbal Singh , Razgour Orly , Rigal François , Whittaker Robert J.
Published: September 2023

Context

Insectivorous bats have been shown to control a number of agricultural insect pests. As bats exhibit species-specific responses to the surrounding landscape, tied closely to their morphology and foraging mode, the activity and distribution patterns of bats, and consequently the ecosystem services they provide, are influenced by the landscape characteristics.

Objectives

This study aims to determine which features in the landscape surrounding rice fields influence the activity levels of insectivorous bats, and at what scales they are most influential.

Methods

We collected acoustic recordings to determine activity levels of seven bat sonotypes in rice fields surrounded by a variety of land-cover types in the Nagaon district of Assam, India. Using this, we determined the most important set of features in the surrounding landscape, and the scales at which had the strongest impact, for each sonotype.

Results

Our results suggest that tree cover variables are the most important predictors of bat activity in rice fields. Distance to nearest forest, area of forest within 1 km, distance to nearest forest edge, and landscape heterogeneity influenced all five of the analysed bat sonotypes. Also important were the amount of urban land within 1 km, which exerted a negative effect on the activity of one sonotype, and moonlight activity, which negatively influenced the activity levels of one sonotype.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that when flying over rice fields, bat activity is most influenced by presence and proximity of trees. Therefore, increasing tree cover in agricultural landscapes will increase bat activity and likely the level of pest control.