bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Chemical Modification of Melicoccus Bijugatus Jacq Starch on the Fabrication of Poly(lactic acid)/Starch Films
Authors: Ortiz‐Fernández Alejandro , Huchin‐Puc Karla P. , Pérez‐Pacheco Emilio , Canto‐Pinto Jorge C. , Estrada‐León Raciel J. , Chim‐Chi Yasser A. , Moo‐Huchin Víctor M. , Ríos‐Soberanis Carlos R. , Pérez‐Padilla Yamile , Dzul‐Cervantes Mario A. A.
Published: December 2023

This study presents the characteristics resulting from the modification of the Melicococcus bijugatus jacq (huaya) with hexamethyl diisocyanate (HDI) and epoxidized avocado oil (AO) by the one‐step method within situ formation of peracetic acid (PA). HDI‐modified huaya starch and epoxidized AO present chemical characteristics that, according to the literature, improve the compatibility between polylactic acid (PLA) and starch when used to prepare biodegradable films according to the proposed reaction mechanism. The FTIR analysis confirmed that the grafting reaction of HDI onto the surfaces of the huaya starch granules and the epoxidation of the avocado oil took place. Peaks corresponding to vibrations of ‐NCO and ‐NH functional groups and vibrations of epoxy groups are present. The degradation profiles of the thermogravimetric analysis showed that more energy is required to initiate degradation after modification of the compounds. Scanning electron microscopy results showed effects on the huaya starch granules′ surface after the modification with HDI and a change in size. These results suggest compatibilization between the carbonyl groups, like those in the polylactic acid, the epoxy groups of the modified oil, and the isocyanate groups of the functionalized starch.
Molecular Self‐Assembly of Au Nanoparticles on a Porous Cellulose Membrane Template for Highly Sensitive Colorimetric Detection of Glucose
Authors: Wang Fen , Xia Jian , Tang Cheng , Xing Langman , Luo Xiaogang
Published: December 2023

A sensitive glucose colorimetric detection system (Au@QCM) based on quaternized cellulose membrane (QCM) and enzyme‐mimicking Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) was successfully developed via a simple molecular self‐assembly strategy. The positively charged QCM functioned as a template to guide the negatively charged citric acid‐reduced AuNPs uniformly distributed on the surfaces along the pore walls of its porous structure, and thus gave AuNPs an ordered interconnected three‐dimensional network. This electrostatic interaction could effectively prevent the aggregation of the AuNPs and greatly increase their exposed surface area, thus endow the Au@QCM with highly active catalytic properties towards glucose oxidation with glucose oxidase (GOx). The experimental studies showed that the color change of redox indicator 3,3′,5,5′‐tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) can be clearly observed with naked eyes and the absorbance of the oxidized TMB (at 653 nm) was directly proportional to the concentration of glucose. Au@QCM could achieve a sensitive glucose detection with a limit of detection of 0.55 μM and linear response in the range of 0.01–0.5 mM. Besides, it also had good applicability in real samples detection and excellent selectivity to glucose. This novel detection system significantly improved detection performance compared to previous work based on cellulose‐based strips loaded with GOx and horseradish peroxides.
Supported Nickel‐based Catalysts for Heterogeneous Hydrogenation of Aromatics
Authors: Wang Rong , Zhang Min , Zhang Jie , Yang Jing‐He
Published: December 2023

Aromatic hydrocarbons are carcinogenic and can induce mutations in living organisms, posing a threat to the ecological environment and human life and health. Catalytic hydrogenation of aromatics to reduce the saturation of aromatics not only reduces their toxicity, but also greatly increases their potential value. Compared with the unsupported catalysts with only active components, the supported metal catalysts have higher catalytic activity and better selectivity, the catalytic activity of the hydrogenation reaction depends on the metal active phase and catalyst support. On metal/acid catalysts, the metal active center and nearby acid sites are involved in the conversion of aromatics, the active hydrogen leaking from the metal center can hydrogenate the adsorbed aromatics at the acid site. This paper reviews the recent research progress of nickel‐based catalysts for aromatic hydrocarbon catalytic hydrogenation and discusses the development prospects and challenges faced by non‐precious metal catalysts. In addition, the sulfur tolerance and hydrogen storage properties of catalysts for aromatics are reviewed.
Determination of Available Iron Species in Soil by Differential Pulse Voltammetry
Authors: Gong Liangyu , Wang Lin , Ma Yingjun , Wang Jie , Ma Chuanli , Xuan Cuijuan , Xu Wenhao , Lü Xuerong , You Runze , Su Linghao
Published: December 2023

The available metal species are significant for the growth and development of plants. Thus, it is important to detect the content of available metal species in soil at real‐time. Available iron in soil used to be determined by atomic absorption spectrometry or inductive coupled plasma emission spectrometer (ICP) method, which is quite expensive and not easy to operate, especially for farmers. This paper reports a rapid electrochemical method only by applying an electrochemical workstation equipment. Compared to stripping voltammetry method, differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) in this work can detect the available iron species accurately just by directly using the soil extraction solution and does not need the acidic digestion procedure. The DPV strategy we adopted in this work has the advantages of convenience, rapidity and high precision, and can reach the measurement level of ICP method.
Chemistry of 3,5‐Dichloro‐4H‐1,2,6‐thiadiazine‐4‐thione
Authors: Kalogirou Andreas S. , Kourtellaris Andreas , Koutentis Panayiotis A.
Published: December 2023

Thionation of 3,5‐dichloro‐4H‐1,2,6‐thiadiazin‐4‐one with P2S5 affords 3,5‐dichloro‐4H‐1,2,6‐thiadiazine‐4‐thione (17 %) and 4,5‐dichlorothieno[2,3‐c:5,4‐c′]bis([1,2,6]thiadiazine) (13 %) that forms via an isolable but highly reactive 1,2‐dithiine intermediate. An independent synthesis of the 4,5‐dichlorothieno[2,3‐c:5,4‐c′]bis([1,2,6]thiadiazine) was attempted via (2E,5E)‐2,5‐bis[(chlorothio)imino]‐2,5‐dihydrothiophene‐3,4‐dicarbonitrile, the chemistry of which was briefly investigated. Thiadiazine‐4‐thione reacts with diazoacetate and dimethylsulfonium dicyanomethylide to form the expected ylidenes, and undergoes a Diels‐Alder reaction with 2,3‐butadiene to give a spirocyclic 3,6‐dihydro‐2H‐thiopyran. Treating the thione with Ph3P (1 equiv) affords {3,4‐dicyano‐5‐[(triphenyl‐λ5‐phosphaneylidene)amino]thien‐2‐yl}carbonimidoyl dicyanide and 2‐[(3,5‐dichloro‐4H‐1,2,6‐thiadiazin‐4‐ylidene)amino]‐5‐[(triphenyl‐λ5‐phosphaneylidene)amino]thiophene‐3,4‐dicarbonitrile, the structure of which was supported by X‐ray crystallography. The reaction mechanism as well as independent syntheses of both products were investigated.
Exploration of N‐(6‐Indazolyl) benzenesulfonamide Derivatives as Potential Antioxidants and Antimicrobial Agents: Integrating Synthesis, In Silico Docking, and Bioactivity Profiling
Authors: Yadav Mithlesh , Rao Rekha , Kumar Sunil , Kapoor Archana
Published: December 2023

A new series of N‐(1‐(2‐chloropyrimidin‐4‐yl)‐1H‐indazol‐5‐yl) benzenesulfonamide derivatives (4 a–i) and N‐(1‐(2‐chloropyrimidin‐4‐yl)‐6‐ethoxy‐1H‐indazol‐5‐yl) benzenesulfonamide derivatives (5 a–i) was synthesized via reduction of 1‐(2‐halopyrimidin‐4‐yl)‐5‐nitro‐1H‐indazole (3) with SnCl2 followed by reaction with various aryl sulphonyl chlorides in pyridine. The structures were confirmed using IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and mass spectral methods. Compounds 4 a–i and 5 a–i were evaluated for antifungal and antibacterial activities against Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria. They also exhibited antioxidant potential in DPPH (IC50=0.094‐0.467 μmol/ml) and ABTS assays (IC50=0.101–0.496 μmol/ml). Remarkably, N‐(1‐(2‐chloropyrimidin‐4‐yl)‐1H‐indazol‐5‐yl)‐2‐nitrobenzenesulfonamide displayed the highest antibacterial activity, while N‐(1‐(2‐chloropyrimidin‐4‐yl)‐1H‐indazol‐5‐yl)‐4‐methoxybenzenesulfonamide showed excellent antifungal potential. Compound N‐(1‐(2‐chloropyrimidin‐4‐yl)‐1H‐indazol‐5‐yl)‐2‐nitrobenzenesulfonamide exhibited the most significant antioxidant activity. In this study, molecular dynamics simulations were utilized to rigorously examine the stability of ligand‐protein complexes, demonstrating a consistent and robust binding of the most potent compound within the target proteins′ binding sites. Computational assessments were further employed to predict the drug‐likeness and ADMET properties of the synthesized compounds. The results unequivocally confirmed the remarkable antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of all derivatives, a finding substantiated by comprehensive molecular docking analyses that revealed intricate interactions involving hydrogen bonds, electrostatic forces, and hydrophobic contacts. These findings collectively provide invaluable insights into the complex molecular structure and receptor target site dynamics, laying a strong foundation for the development of novel active antioxidant and antimicrobial agents with promising pharmaceutical implications.
Biosynthesis of Copper Nanoparticles Using Aqueous Pisa Plant Leaf Extracts: Antimicrobial Activities and Catalytic Application for Xanthene Synthesis
Authors: Kadam Avdhut , Survase Avinash , Kamble Santosh
Published: December 2023

A simple, efficient and environmentally benign approach has been investigated for synthesis of copper nanoparticles using Actinodaphnehookeri (Pisa) plant leaf extract as a reducing agent. The synthesized copper NPs showed antimicrobial activity against pathogenic Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative microbial infections, also showed the catalytic activity (15 mol%) for synthesis of xanthenes with high TONs and TOFs. It's interesting that this catalyst quantitatively recovered from the reaction medium and recycled up to five cycles, and there was no noticeable loss of catalytic performance.
Study of the Influence of the Process Parameters in the Characteristics of Silver‐loaded Zeolite Complexes
Authors: Lopes Aline C. , Klosowski Ana B. , Ferrari Priscileila C. , Esmerino Luis A. , Olivato Juliana B.
Published: December 2023

Zeolite has a great capacity of adsorption and ion exchange. Silver ions are impregnated into the zeolite matrix by ion exchange, which results in the formation of an antimicrobial complex. By using a factorial design, this study explores the influence of pH, temperature, and silver nitrate concentration on the characteristics of ZeAg complexes. The ZeAg8 complex, produced with the factors of [AgNO3] of 4000 mg/L, pH 5 and T 45 °C showed promising results, showing antimicrobial activity, and maintained an original crystalline structure of the zeolite after the experimental conditions. Experimental design analysis showed that lower pH and temperature favored larger particle diameter and induce disruption of the crystalline structure of the zeolite. Silver ions impregnation into zeolite under specific conditions create a potential antimicrobial complex for wound dressings, promoting tissue regeneration and healing while preventing potential complications associated with silver treatment.
Resource allocation and growth strategies in a multi‐plant firm: Kanegafuchi Spinners in the early 20th century
Authors: Yamaguchi Shotaro , Braguinsky Serguey , Okazaki Tetsuji , Yuki Takenobu
Published: December 2023

Research Summary

Using detailed plant‐ and individual‐level data from a major Japanese cotton spinning company in the early 20th century, we examine the within‐firm allocation of skilled human capital in conjunction with investment in physical capital, accompanying the firm's evolving strategic priorities. We show that the firm leveraged unit‐level two‐way complementarity between managerial talent and strategically important plants when the task was achieving large‐scale output and positioning for a competitive cost advantage. The task of conducting product differentiation, however, ushered in “three‐way complementarity,” where educated engineering human capital and capable managers needed to be bundled with specialized physical capital. A deeper dive into the “nano‐economics” of resource allocation reveals that educated engineers experiencing product differentiation in pioneering plants were reallocated to other plants also pursuing product differentiation.

Managerial Summary

Effectively allocating critical resources, such as skilled human capital, across establishments in alignment with strategic priorities is a key managerial issue. Through an in‐depth case study of a major Japanese cotton spinning company in the early 20th century, we illustrate how the company shifted the resource allocation policy in response to different strategic management priorities. Initially, the company assigned managerial talent to larger plants requiring operational improvement, leveraging a competitive cost advantage for a standard product. Yet, as the company transitioned toward product differentiation via new production technologies, skilled engineers and plant managers were allocated together to a few selected plants initiating product differentiation. Engineers' experiences in product differentiation in those selected plants were diffused to other plants also pursuing product differentiation through their reallocations.
Enhancing Interfacial Ferromagnetism and Magnetic Anisotropy of CaRuO3/SrTiO3 Superlattices via Substrate Orientation
Authors: Shi Wenxiao , Zheng Jie , Li Zhe , Wang Mengqin , Zhu Zhaozhao , Zhang Jine , Zhang Hui , Chen Yunzhong , Hu Fengxia , Shen Baogen , Chen Yuansha , Sun Jirong
Published: December 2023

Artificial oxide heterostructures have provided promising platforms for the exploration of emergent quantum phases with extraordinary properties. One of the most interesting phenomena is the interfacial magnetism formed between two non‐magnetic compounds. Here, a robust ferromagnetic phase emerged at the (111)‐oriented heterointerface between paramagnetic CaRuO3 and diamagnetic SrTiO3 is reported. The Curie temperature is as high as ≈155 K and the saturation magnetization is as large as ≈1.3 µB per formula unit for the (111)‐CaRuO3/SrTiO3 superlattices, which are obviously superior to those of the (001)‐oriented counterparts and are comparable to the typical itinerant ferromagnet SrRuO3. A strong in‐plane magnetic anisotropy with six‐fold symmetry is further revealed by the anisotropic magnetoresistance measurements, presenting a large in‐plane anisotropic field of 3.0–3.6 T. More importantly, the magnetic easy axis of the (111)‐oriented superlattices can be effectively tuned from 〈1〉 to 〈〉 directions by increasing the layer thickness of SrTiO3. The findings demonstrate a feasible approach to enhance the interface coupling effect by varying the stacking orientation of oxide heterostructures. The tunable magnetic anisotropy also shows potential applications in low‐power‐consumption or exchange spring devices.
A survey and analysis of drone detection systems using a systems approach superposed on scenarios
Authors: Kashi Rajanikanth Nagaraj , Prashanth Anushka , Kashi Sumukh Rajanikanth , Prabhakara Gayathri
Published: December 2023

The proliferation of drones in civil and military applications has brought about new challenges in the context of safety and security considerations of operational aspects. The use of small‐ and medium‐sized drones in civilian airspaces even with regulatory approval may not provide guarantees of safety and security. Detection of drones is the first step towards providing a mitigating mechanism for challenges posed by mal‐intentioned drones. Sensors and their characteristics affecting the detection process are discussed. A figure of merit is proposed to compare systems employing these sensors. The key focus of the paper is the examination of the spectrum of drone detection systems (DDS) using a systems‐based approach applied to scenarios. In order to make an equitable comparison between systems, two scenarios are utilized to discuss system characteristics. Next, a survey of DDS in each of these scenarios is performed. Artifacts are analyzed, culling information using the systems model. An approach is proposed to perform evaluation of these artifacts using a scoring mechanism. Simple yet novel measures to assess the information content pertaining to DDS are presented. This approach enables researchers, system architects, system designers, solution providers, and system integrators to be aware of various challenges at the system and subsystem level. The proposed method helps to provide pointers to the literature where information about challenges and specific solutions can be obtained.
Enriching the lives of captive giraffes
Authors: Mills Georgina
Published: December 2023

Georgina Mills discusses new work from the University of Glasgow examining how sounds might keep giraffes entertained.
The Terminator and veterinary medicine: can they meet outside the world of sci‐fi?
Authors: Rai Taran
Published: December 2023

Big data, AI and machine learning aren't phrases normally associated with vet practice, but Taran Rai, applied AI lead and data scientist at the University of Surrey, reveals how his career joins the dots.
Prediction of entire thermal degradation process of polymethyl methacrylate infiltrated with kerosene by a modified artificial neural network
Authors: Wu Yueqiang , Zhao Zhiyuan , Chen Ruiyu , Liu Yitao
Published: December 2023

Predicting the entire thermal degradation process of solid combustibles infiltrated with flammable liquids is a challenge at present. In the current study, a novel artificial neural network (ANN) framework containing data preprocessing, data normalization and data transformation is proposed to predict the entire thermal degradation process of polymethyl methacrylate infiltrated with kerosene at three scenarios: (1) fixed kerosene mass fraction with various heating rates, (2) fixed heating rate with various kerosene mass fractions, and (3) various kerosene mass fractions with various heating rates. The entire thermal degradation process of scenario (1) can be accurately predicted using the ANN with 2‐4‐2‐1 topology. Using the data transformation formula exp(x1(1 + x2) to generate a new input variable based on temperature and kerosene mass fraction, a new ANN with 3‐4‐2‐1 topology can accurately predict the entire thermal degradation process of scenario (2). Two new input variables are generated using the data transformation formula 1/(1 + log((1 + x1)(1 + x2))) based on two data sets: (1) kerosene mass fraction and temperature, and (2) heating rate and temperature. The new ANN with 5‐4‐2‐1 topology can accurately predict the entire thermal degradation process at all three scenarios. The new ANN with Levenberg–Marquardt training function and Tanh activation function possesses the best prediction performance.

Highlights

Data preprocessing can significantly improve the prediction accuracy of ANN.

ANN with a suitable hidden layer structure has high prediction accuracy.

The new ANN can predict the entire pyrolysis process in various scenarios.

ANN with LM and Tanh has the highest prediction accuracy.
Where Do Plants Get Their Mass From? Using Drawings to Assess Adolescent Students’ Modelling Skills and Their Ideas About Plant Growth
Authors: Rybska Eliza , Wojtkowiak Joanna , Chyleńska Zofia , Karnaou Pantelitsa , Constantinou Costas P.
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this study was to explore the extent to which we could use student-constructed drawings to identify how students’ modelling skills evolve with age and how they relate to progress in their understanding of the mechanism of photosynthesis. Drawings are thought to complement the written text and oral discourse in revealing aspects of students’ understanding of biological processes. In addition, representing information in text and graphics has been identified as a productive strategy for the construction, refinement and evaluation of models. The study was conducted in three schools, with 75 students in grades 5, 7 and 10. The students responded to a questionnaire that consisted of two parts. In the first part, they answered questions about their individual experiences with plants, the processes involved in plant growth, and the role and value of plants in the earth’s ecosystem. In the second part, they were asked to develop a model in the form of a drawing answering the question “Where do plants get their mass from?” The students’ responses to both parts were analysed following a grounded theory approach, by following an iterative cycle of coding, code refinement and recoding. The responses were also scored for knowledge about plants and for three aspects of the modelling competence: representation of photosynthesising agents; illustration of the mechanism of photosynthesis; predictions with respect to environmental or other changes. Age/educational experience/maturation had an important influence on students’ responses and their drawings. Within each age group, we found that the more students knew about plants, the better their drawings worked as models of the process of photosynthesis. The responses also provide valuable information on the alternative conceptions held by students.
Implementing Climate Change Education: The Role of Inter-sectorial Collaborations
Authors: Naugauker Nofar , Ben-Zvi-Assaraf Orit , Goldman Daphne , Eilam Efrat
Published: December 2023

Education is essential for preparing societies to live in the era of Climate Change (CC), with increasing calamities. Accordingly, Departments of Education across the globe are currently grappling with the challenge of developing and implementing CC curricula. While there is a growing body of research examining CC curricula and their implementation, research scarcely gives a voice to policy makers and educators who are actively involved in CC curriculum development and implementation. The present study focuses on Israel as a case study and puts forward the objectives to (i) analyze the perceptions of CC education policymakers and education professionals regarding climate change education (CCE); (ii) identify existing opportunities and challenges to effective implementation; and (iii) characterize the inter-sectorial collaborations involved in CCE implementation. Data was collected from: policymakers in the Israel Ministry of Education (MoE), coordinators of middle school teachers’ professional development, and secondary school teachers who are currently active in CCE. Thematic analysis revealed wide agreement concerning the importance of implementing CCE; the importance of the science basis of CC alongside other multidisciplinary aspects; an agreement that CC needs to be taught in a cross-curriculum approach; and the important roles of values and activism. The findings also revealed challenges related to epistemological ambiguity, realizing system change and curriculum users’ experience. Finally, the role of inter-sectorial collaborations is discussed, highlighting the complexity of the relationships.
Primary Students’ Visions Regarding Environmental Factors Influencing Biodiversity in Specific Environments
Authors: Rammou Chadia , Amat Arnau , Jiménez-Bargalló Isabel , Martí Jordi
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this chapter is to study which environmental factors are considered by primary school students to explain the biodiversity of particular environments. The study is part of the Patis Biodivers project, which aims to understand and promote biodiversity in schoolyards through authentic inquiry-based science education. Data were collected through a set of focus groups conducted with 49 primary school students (8–12-year-olds) from three schools in an urban area. The results showed how vegetation was considered a key factor to enhance biodiversity and, for this reason, primary students mainly mentioned forests and jungles as the places with the greatest biodiversity. Abiotic factors – temperature and humidity in particular – were taken into account above all to explain the lack of biodiversity in deserts or polar zones. Human beings were usually described as a limiting factor causing the loss of biodiversity.
Exploring a Theory-Practice Gap: An Investigation of Pre-service Biology Teachers’ Enacted TPACK
Authors: Aumann Alexander , Weitzel Holger
Published: December 2023

Key to a qualitatively high utilization of the potential of digital technology and media (DTM) in biology teaching is Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK). However, little information is available on how pre-service biology teachers (PSBTs) transfer their TPACK acquired at university into classroom practice. This case study accompanies three PSBTs during their internship semester. The PSBTs were asked to plan, implement, and reflect on a biology lesson in which students create explainer videos regarding a biological content. Lesson plans, videotaped lesson observations, and semi-structured lesson reflection interviews were collected and evaluated using qualitative content analysis. Two types of dealing with TPACK can be identified: type one separates between content and DTM use, focusing on DTM and pushing the content into the background. Content plays a role only at the beginning of planning; content-related lesson objectives remain vague or overwhelming. The shift of focus takes place before or during the creation of the lesson plans. Type two is characterized by purposefully linking DTM use with the content, using video production as a tool for content learning.
Investigative School Research Projects in Biology: Effects on Students
Authors: Lodge Wilton G. , Reiss Michael J. , Sheldrake Richard
Published: December 2023

Science education is sometimes oriented around students learning science by doing science. Investigative research projects may be intended to reflect some aspects of science more authentically than other teaching and learning approaches. What remains under-researched is what the effects on students are of undertaking such projects. We collected data from students who were participating in biology research projects. Our research question is ‘How do secondary school students who are participating in a biology research project see both science and themselves in relation to it?’. Thirteen 12–18-year-olds who were undertaking such projects in England participated in in-depth 1:1 semi-structured interviews in 2021. There was an association between the participants’ motivation for engaging with the investigative research project and their science identities, with many of them articulating that the project provided them with an “authentic” experience of what “real scientists” do. For some of the participants, engaging in an investigative research project afforded them opportunities not only to develop their scientific inquiry skills but to gain a deeper understanding of the epistemological dimensions of science and its connection with historical, cultural and social values. This greater appreciation and insight into the nature of science increased their science-related career aspirations.
Investigating Relationships Between Epistemological Beliefs and Personal Beliefs in Biological Evolution
Authors: Baytelman Andreani , Loizou Theonitsa , Chadjiconstantinou Salomi
Published: December 2023

The present study examines the relationships between 12th grade students’ epistemological beliefs toward science and their personal beliefs in plant evolution, animal evolution and human evolution, before biological evolution instruction. Epistemological beliefs toward science, refer to students’ (and other individuals’) beliefs about the nature of knowledge and the process of knowing. Personal beliefs in biological evolution are considered to be personal truths or subjective views in biological evolution. Based on previous research, we hypothesized that there would be a relation between students’ epistemological beliefs toward science and their personal beliefs in biological evolution. Fifty-one (51) 12th grade students participated in the study. Participants’ epistemological beliefs and personal beliefs in biological evolution were assessed separately. A multiple regression analysis tested for relationships between students’ epistemological beliefs and their personal beliefs in biological evolution. Results showed that 12th grade students’ epistemological beliefs predicted their personal beliefs in plant evolution and animal evolution, but not in human evolution. In particular, students who held relatively sophisticated epistemological beliefs about the source of knowledge believed more in plant evolution and animal evolution than students with less sophisticated epistemological beliefs. Educational implications are discussed.
Deploying Energy Justice for a Meaningful Inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in Energy Decision-Making
Authors: Pouhe Mathilde Stephanie Ngo
Published: December 2023

The Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues’ assessment of the rights of indigenous peoples within the global energy mix found that First Nations peoples are negatively impacted by the energy transition value chain on a variety of levels, including their access to lands and resources, their right to participate in decision-making processes, and their ability to maintain cultural practices. According to experts, 69% of the lands used for energy transition mining projects are situated on or close to the territory of indigenous people. They live in rural and remote areas where 84% of people do not have access to electricity. Consequently, indigenous peoples are drastically subject to energy poverty, among the other injustices they face. The confluence of these facts prompts consideration of the function that the procedural justice and recognition justice framework can play in resolving, minimising, and addressing the grievances of indigenous people. From the analysis of Community-Based Renewable Energy Systems (CBRES) and co-equity mechanisms examples, the article argues the necessity to build stronger connection with minorities, especially First Nations to achieve a just and equitable transition.
Contribution of Local Energy Communities to the Realization of a Just Energy Transition in Spain
Authors: Zamora Ignacio , Garzón Alejandra
Published: December 2023

This chapter begins by stressing the importance of electricity as an essential element to modern life in society. The above is followed by an insight into the relevance of local energy communities, an emerging figure that can enable new ways of producing and consuming electricity for the benefit of the community. Such a structural shift must be guided by the principle of energy justice. However, the current Spanish regulatory context is not enabling of this. In addition, existing European directives applicable to energy communities have not yet been fully transposed. But despite these barriers, opportunities for the development of local energy communities in Spain do exist. The country possesses abundant renewable energy resources, including solar and wind power, which can be harnessed by communities to become more self-sufficient and sustainable in their consumption of energy. To conclude, the chapter proposes a series of regulatory mechanisms that may be useful for deploying energy communities in Spain in light of the above-mentioned principle of energy justice.
The Power of Consumers: On the Interplay Between Consumer-Centric Markets and Energy Justice
Authors: Michaelis Anne , Weibelzahl Martin
Published: December 2023

As electricity systems undergo a profound transformation characterized by decentralization and the emergence of millions of new electricity consumers, including electric vehicles and heat pumps, the complexity of modern electricity markets is on the rise. This development presents a unique opportunity for consumers to actively participate in electricity markets. To avoid divergent developments, it is essential to comprehensively consider the interplay between electricity market design and energy justice. This chapter identifies main barriers to consumer-centric electricity markets and outlines a modern cycle of energy justice and consumer-centric electricity markets. Consumer-centric electricity markets, which put consumers at the heart, can be a catalyst for energy justice. Conversely, energy justice and its various forms can help design and successfully implement consumer-centric electricity markets aligned with a low-carbon economy and society. Policymakers must address both policy areas cohesively to avoid the emergence of electricity markets that fail to harness justice potentials. Consumer-centric electricity markets have the potential to drive transformative change, making it imperative to empower consumers in this evolving landscape. Now is the time to give power to consumers.
Just Transitions in Extractive Territories
Authors: Righetti Tara
Published: December 2023

The energy transition will have profound impacts on extractive territories—those that currently produce fossil-based fuel minerals and those that will be transformed by production of the critical minerals and materials necessary for clean energy production. To fossil-fuel extraction regions, the energy transition may result in collapse of existing social and fiscal systems. Energy justice demands recognition of these harms, restoration of past environmental damage and underinvestment, and fair procedures to allow full participation and autonomy within a transformed and decarbonized energy and economic system. This must commence with restorative justice efforts that a mutualized with local priorities and are not conditioned on acceptance of new risks. Assuring fulfillment of the existing social contract in areas of fossil-based fuel and energy production is tantamount to a just transition and to building social license in emerging areas of resource production.
Kalman filter-based integration of GNSS and InSAR observations for local nonlinear strong deformations
Authors: Tondaś Damian , Ilieva Maya , van Leijen Freek , van der Marel Hans , Rohm Witold
Published: December 2023

The continuous monitoring of ground deformations can be provided by various methods, such as leveling, photogrammetry, laser scanning, satellite navigation systems, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), and many others. However, ensuring sufficient spatiotemporal resolution of high-accuracy measurements can be challenging using only one of the mentioned methods. The main goal of this research is to develop an integration methodology, sensitive to the capabilities and limitations of Differential Interferometry SAR (DInSAR) and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) monitoring techniques. The fusion procedure is optimized for local nonlinear strong deformations using the forward Kalman filter algorithm. Due to the impact of unexpected observations discontinuity, a backward Kalman filter was also introduced to refine estimates of the previous system’s states. The current work conducted experiments in the Upper Silesian coal mining region (southern Poland), with strong vertical deformations of up to 1 m over 2 years and relatively small and horizontally moving subsidence bowls (200 m). The overall root-mean-square (RMS) errors reached 13, 17, and 35 mm for Kalman forward and 13, 17, and 34 mm for Kalman backward in North, East, and Up directions, respectively, in combination with an external data source - GNSS campaign measurements. The Kalman filter integration outperformed standard approaches of 3-D GNSS estimation and 2-D InSAR decomposition.
Effects of testosterone enanthate on aggression, risk-taking, competition, mood, and other cognitive domains during 28 days of severe energy deprivation
Authors: Lieberman Harris R. , Caldwell John A. , Vartanian Oshin , Carmichael Owen T. , Karl J. Philip , Berryman Claire E. , Gadde Kishore M. , Niro Philip J. , Harris Melissa N. , Rood Jennifer C. , Pasiakos Stefan M.
Published: December 2023

Rationale

Behavioral effects of testosterone depend on dose, acute versus sustained formulation, duration of administration, personality, genetics, and endogenous levels of testosterone. There are also considerable differences between effects of endogenous and exogenous testosterone.

Objectives

This study was the secondary behavioral arm of a registered clinical trial designed to determine if testosterone protects against loss of lean body mass and lower-body muscle function induced by a severe energy deficit typical of sustained military operations.

Methods

Behavioral effects of repeated doses of testosterone on healthy young men whose testosterone was reduced by severe energy deficit were examined. This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, between-group study. Effects of four weekly intramuscular injections of testosterone enanthate (200 mg/week, N = 24) or matching placebo (N = 26) were evaluated. Determination of sample size was based on changes in lean body mass. Tasks assessing aggression, risk-taking, competition, social cognition, vigilance, memory, executive function, and mood were repeatedly administered.

Results

During a period of artificially induced, low testosterone levels, consistent behavioral effects of administration of exogenous testosterone were not observed.

Conclusions

Exogeneous testosterone enanthate (200 mg/week) during severe energy restriction did not reliably alter the measures of cognition. Study limitations include the relatively small sample size compared to many studies of acute testosterone administration. The findings are specific to healthy males experiencing severe energy deficit and should not be generalized to effects of other doses, formulations, or acute administration of endogenous testosterone or studies conducted with larger samples using tests of cognitive function designed to detect specific effects of testosterone.
GPD1L-A306del modifies sodium current in a family carrying the dysfunctional SCN5A-G1661R mutation associated with Brugada syndrome
Authors: Semino Francesca , Darche Fabrice F. , Bruehl Claus , Koenen Michael , Skladny Heyko , Katus Hugo A. , Frey Norbert , Draguhn Andreas , Schweizer Patrick A.
Published: December 2023

Loss-of-function variants of SCN5A, encoding the sodium channel alpha subunit Nav1.5 are associated with high phenotypic variability and multiple cardiac presentations, while underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. Here we investigated a family with individuals affected by Brugada Syndrome (BrS) of different severity and aimed to unravel the underlying genetic and electrophysiological basis.

Next-generation sequencing was used to identify the genetic variants carried by family members. The index patient, who was severely affected by arrhythmogenic BrS, carried previously uncharacterized variants of Nav1.5 (SCN5A-G1661R) and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase-1-like protein (GPD1L-A306del) in a double heterozygous conformation. Family members exclusively carrying SCN5A-G1661R showed asymptomatic Brugada ECG patterns, while another patient solely carrying GPD1L-A306del lacked any clinical phenotype.

To assess functional mechanisms, Nav1.5 channels were transiently expressed in HEK-293 cells in the presence and absence of GPD1L. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings revealed loss of sodium currents after homozygous expression of SCN5A-G1661R, and reduction of current amplitude to ~ 50% in cells transfected with equal amounts of wildtype and mutant Nav1.5. Co-expression of wildtype Nav1.5 and GPD1L showed a trend towards increased sodium current amplitudes and a hyperpolarizing shift in steady-state activation and -inactivation compared to sole SCN5A expression. Application of the GPD1L-A306del variant shifted steady-state activation to more hyperpolarized and inactivation to more depolarized potentials.

In conclusion, SCN5A-G1661R produces dysfunctional channels and associates with BrS. SCN5A mediated currents are modulated by co-expression of GDP1L and this interaction is altered by mutations in both proteins. Thus, additive genetic burden may aggravate disease severity, explaining higher arrhythmogenicity in double mutation carriers.
Towards sustainable and accessible events: an exploratory research perspective
Authors: Brescia-Zapata Marta
Published: December 2023

In recent years, there has been a noticeable drive towards promoting sustainability at events. Nevertheless, sustainable events often overlook the topic of accessibility. In an effort to fill this gap and gather data towards possible solutions, two co-creation workshops were conducted that focussed on the practical elements of organising and coordinating an accessible and sustainable event that caters to people with diverse access needs. Through the use of practical examples taken from the work carried out as part of different EU projects, workshop participants gained insights into the logistics of creating an accessible event that is user-centric, collaborative, and sustainable. The workshops’ main aim was to settle a discussion on how to prepare guidelines and recommendations to organise a sustainable and fully accessible event. All lessons learned during the workshops were then used to organise the Green Digital Accessibility conference, which took place on 2 December 2022 in a hybrid format in Barcelona. This paper begins by outlining existing guidelines on accessibility and sustainability, before moving on to present the methodology and findings from both workshops. Subsequently, we will delve into the guidelines that were developed during the workshop. The goal of this study is to integrate universal accessibility guidelines into the ISO 20121 standard with the ultimate aim of establishing a template that ensures academic and scientific events are accessible and sustainable from their inception. This work concludes by considering some possible research avenues that combine sustainability and accessibility in event planning.
The linear stability of plane Couette flow with a compliant boundary
Authors: Walton Andrew , Yu Keming
Published: December 2023

The linear stability of plane Couette flow subject to one rigid boundary and one flexible boundary is considered at both finite and asymptotically large Reynolds number. The wall flexibility is modelled using a very simple Hooke-type law involving a spring constant K and is incorporated into a boundary condition on the appropriate Orr–Sommerfeld eigenvalue problem. This problem is analyzed at large Reynolds number by the method of matched asymptotic expansions and eigenrelations are derived that demonstrate the existence of neutral modes at finite spring stiffness, propagating with speeds close to that of the rigid wall and possessing wavelengths comparable to the channel width. A large critical value of K is identified at which a new short wavelength asymptotic structure comes into play that describes the entirety of the linear neutral curve. The asymptotic theories compare well with finite Reynolds number Orr–Sommerfeld calculations and demonstrate that only the tiniest amount of wall flexibility is required to destabilize the flow, with the linear neutral curve for the instability emerging as a bifurcation from infinity.
Disrupting of IGF2BP3-stabilized HK2 mRNA by MYO16-AS1 competitively binding impairs LUAD migration and invasion
Authors: Li Peiwei , Ge Haibo , Zhao Jiangfeng , Zhou Yongjia , Zhou Jie , Li Peichao , Luo Junwen , Zhang Wenhao , Tian Zhongxian , Zhao Xiaogang
Published: December 2023

Since invasive cancer is associated with poor clinical outcomes, exploring the molecular mechanism underlying LUAD progression is crucial to improve the prognosis of patients with advanced disease. Herein, we found that MYO16-AS1 is expressed mainly in lung tissue but is notably downregulated in LUAD tissues. Overexpression of MYO16-AS1 inhibited the migration and invasion of LUAD cells. Mechanistic studies indicated that H3K27Ac modification mediated MYO16-AS1 transcription. Furthermore, we found that MYO16-AS1 competitively bound to the IGF2BP3 protein and in turn reduced IGF2BP3 protein binding to HK2 mRNA, decreasing HK2 mRNA stability and inhibiting glucose metabolism reprogramming and LUAD cell invasion in vitro and in vivo. The finding that the MYO16-AS1/IGF2BP3-mediated glucose metabolism reprogramming mechanism regulates HK2 expression provides novel insight into the process of LUAD invasion and suggests that MYO16-AS1 may be a therapeutic target for LUAD.
Low-dose exposure to malathion and radiation results in the dysregulation of multiple neuronal processes, inducing neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration in mouse
Authors: Narasimhamurthy Rekha Koravadi , Venkidesh Babu Santhi , Nayak Sangeetha , Reghunathan Dinesh , Mallya Sandeep , Sharan Krishna , Rao Bola Sadashiva Satish , Mumbrekar Kamalesh Dattaram
Published: December 2023

Neurodegenerative disorders are a debilitating and persistent threat to the global elderly population, carrying grim outcomes. Their genesis is often multifactorial, with a history of prior exposure to xenobiotics such as pesticides, heavy metals, enviornmental pollutants, ionizing radiation etc,. A holistic molecular insight into their mechanistic induction upon single or combinatorial exposure to different toxicants is still unclear. In the present study, one-month-old C57BL/6 male mice were administered orally with malathion (50 mg/kg body wt. for 14 days) and single whole-body radiation (0.5 Gy) on the 8th day. Post-treatment, behavioural assays for exploratory behaviour, memory, and learning were performed. After sacrifice, brains were collected for histology, biochemical assays, and transcriptomic analysis. Transcriptomic analysis revealed several altered processes like synaptic transmission and plasticity, neuronal survival, proliferation, and death. Signalling pathways like MAPK, PI3K-Akt, Apelin, NF-κB, cAMP, Notch etc., and pathways related to neurodegenerative diseases were altered. Increased astrogliosis was observed in the radiation and coexposure groups, with significant neuronal cell death and a reduction in the expression of NeuN. Sholl analysis, dendritic arborization and spine density studies revealed decreased total apical neuronal path length and dendritic spine density. Reduced levels of the antioxidants GST and GSH and acetylcholinesterase enzyme activity were also detected. However, no changes were seen in exploratory behaviour or learning and memory post-treatment. Thus, explicating the molecular mechanisms behind malathion and radiation can provide novel insights into external factor-driven neurotoxicity and neurodegenerative pathogenesis.
Antler working by the last European Pleistocene hunter-gatherers of Santimamiñe cave (Northern Iberian Peninsula): technological implications of osseous equipment during the Magdalenian
Authors: Erostarbe-Tome Asier
Published: December 2023

This paper assesses the exploitation of osseous raw materials, namely antler, used by hunter-gatherer populations in the Late Upper Palaeolithic of Santimamiñe cave. The different categories of products (waste products, blanks, and finished objects) are analysed from a technological perspective to identify the fabrication methods employed by Magdalenian groups. A predominant operational scheme is identified, extraction by the double grooving procedure, related to the production of highly standardised rods. This study will allow us to explore possible cultural variations in the application of this procedure. It also addresses other aspects in relation to the circulation of osseous implements, the mobility of hunter-gatherer groups, and the useful life of the weapons, as regard maintenance and discard behaviour.